The
CHARGER ACCOUNT
NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE PAID PERMIT NO. 942 SAN JOSE, CA
San Jose Unified School District Leland High School 6677 Camden Avenue, San Jose, CA 95120
Vol. S No. 2
Wednesday, December 9, 2020 Leland High School · 6677 Camden Avenue, San Jose, CA 95120
Streetwear makes its mark on youth culture
True crime entertainment draws attention
Dietary habits shift during COVID-19
on page 7
on page 8
on page 11
EVELYN LIU ART
RACHEL KIM ART
1 NEWS
4 OPINIONS
6 ENT. & LIFESTYLE
8 VIEWPOINT 10 IR 12 FEATURES 15 SPORTS 16 LAST WORD
2
DECEMBER 9, 2020
NEWS
A tribute to Judy Dal Canto
Nancy Zheng Known for her signature greeting, “Well, hello!” and amiable nature, Judy Dal Canto passed away on October 12. A front desk receptionist, bookkeeper and bank lady whose service to the school spanned decades, Dal Canto left a lasting impact on numerous students and staff. Those who were close to Dal Canto describe her as an upbeat, enthusiastic individual with an infectious laugh and a kind soul who wanted to aid and befriend everyone. Dal Canto voluntarily helped new staff adjust to the school’s environment and become familiar with school resources. Due to her long tenure at the school, she was known as the unofficial “school historian,” carrying a vast knowledge about the school’s past and retelling stories to students and staff. Karen Johnson, School Registrar and long-time friend of Dal Canto, remembers how she adored her family—she constantly conversed about her car trips with her husband and shared stories about her grandchildren. Dal
Canto also regularly attended her grandchildrens’ sporting practices and events. Prior to working at the school together, Gay Brasher, Visual and Performance Arts Department, first met Dal Canto while they both worked at Gunderson High School, where Dal Canto was part of the cafeteria staff. “When I held tournaments at Gunderson High School, Dal Canto and the other cafeteria staff would make fabulous food for the coaches and to sell to the students. At the school, when she worked at the bank, she helped me with the intake and outflow of tournament checks, deposits and funds, which was crucial for Speech and Debate,” Brasher said. Before her retirement, Dal Canto also regularly attended and supervised student activities, making sure that students made the most out of school events. Even after her retirement in 2001, Dal Canto filled in as a substitute for various positions at the school.
Investigative Report Editor
“From Dal Canto, I learned a lot about living life to the fullest, as she used to often say to ‘live day by day.’ She also taught me a lot about friendship—she was a friend who you could lean on no matter what. She was always there, just like she was always there for her children and grandchildren.” “To come back to the school for as many years as she did, Dal Canto’s love was not only for her family but also for the school. She was there if we needed her, always replying with, ‘Sure, no problem,’ when we called her early in the morning to ask for a helping hand.” —Karen Johnson, School Registrar
Courtesy of Yearbook
“I first met Dal Canto during my freshman year at the school in 1991, and she was the bookkeeper who worked at the Associated Student Body bank. My first interaction with her was when she kindly guided me on how to fill out my first check for my physical education clothes, which is a very fond memory that I have with Dal Canto.” —Principal Peter Park
QUINCY HAN AND IVAN ZHU ART
Music classes compose a new virtual learning curriculum
Bertina Fan and Ashley Lee
Staff Writer and Community News & Feature School Editor
Before the COVID-19 pandemic, music classes at the school consisted of collaborative rehearsals and performances. Therefore, when Rian Rodriguez, Visual Performing Arts Department, learned of San Jose Unified School District’s decision to enact virtual learning, he wanted to implement
Reagan Liu and Norah Shen
a new curriculum that would still maintain the communal environment that in-person learning provided. This year, Rodriguez is focusing on developing students’ composing and editing skills. During class, students record their own playing, edit music and listen to their classmates’ live and recorded compositions. Similar to previous years, the music classes still listen to and analyze professional music in class. In doing so, the students steadily improve their music producing skills and grow their knowledge of music. In addition, Rodriguez encourages students to collaborate with classmates to create their own pieces by RACHEL KIM ART utilizing online platforms like
BandLab, GarageBand and Logic. Students are even able to earn money by uploading these creations onto platforms such as YouTube, Spotify and Apple Music. As the holidays are nearing, students in orchestra are recording a performance of The Nutcracker Suite. In contrast to previous school years when members played musical pieces in synchrony, this year, they will separately record their parts before all the clips are combined together to form the final recording. “It is more difficult to record the Nutcracker virtually, especially because it creates more stress on students to continuously refine their playing for each video clip. However, I am lucky to have great student leaders that are not only amazing players but are also experienced in recording and holding virtual rehearsals,” Rodriguez said.
Once the final version of The Nutcracker Suite is recorded, the class will post their performance on their Instagram account @lelandhighschoolmusic. Recently, Seniors Charlotte MacNeal, Megan Lee and Lindsey Evon created this account to upload videos of students playing music to better connect with the school during distance learning. Especially since virtual learning can hinder students’ abilities to connect with one another, Rodriguez’s new curriculum strives to combat this by encouraging them to collaborate with each other when developing their own compositions and recordings. Despite the new virtual curriculum, student musicians aim to continue the motivation and sense of community they established in previous years through online performances and collaborative compositions.
Translating learning into competitions
At the end of the 2019-2020 school year, students taking Spanish and French competed in national exams testing their language proficiency. This marks the first year in the school’s history that all students of the Foreign Language Department took the examinations. Every year, the National Spanish Examinations are conducted by 4,000 teachers for students from grades six to 12 studying Spanish as a second language. The test comes in different degree of difficulty, based on the students’ course level at school and whether the student is bilingual. The test contains 50 questions, ranging from multiple-choice, true-false and fill-in-the-blank questions. Students were ultimately tested on their listening, reading comprehension, listening and grammar skills. “The exam was challenging, but it gave me an idea of what the vocabulary and grammar in the Advanced Placement Spanish test would look like, so I am glad I took the National Spanish Exam,” Junior Riddhi Kulkarni said.
According to Heidi Pimentel, Foreign Language Department, 146 students from all the Spanish classes took the examination this year for the first time. However, because of the sudden school closure in March, students had less time
Courtesy of Renga Rengappa
Staff Writers
hard and recognition for their diligent work is good for them to see. Additionally, the test helps students stand out from others and gives them the confidence to make new friends and understand the diverse community that we live in,” Pimentel said.
Courtesy of Ilinca Flacau
WENDY LEE PHOTO
Senior Renga Rengappa, Sophomore Ilinca Flacau and Junior Ruby Grimes with their medals.
to study than expected before the exam in early April. Despite this, students were able to practice with archived tests and material from previous years and many won gold, silver and bronze medals. “I was excited to have our Spanish students take the test as they work very
On the other hand, French students at the school have taken the National French exam, also known as Le Grand Concours, for over 15 years. Similar to the National Spanish Examinations, Le Grand Concours splits contestants by level of study, but students from grade one to 12
can sign up. To prepare, they took Grand Concours exams from previous years, both in-person and online, starting in late February. This year, there were 225 students who took Le Grand Concours in late April, with students of Mireille McNabb, Foreign Language Department, earning two platinum, 21 gold, 16 silver and 27 bronze medals. Sophomore Ilinca Flacau has taken the exam three times already, earning a perfect score last year. She says that she hopes to carry the momentum into this year’s Advanced Placement French test. “I love French and have always been a fairly competitive person, so this was a great opportunity to practice my skills in a national competition,” Flacau said. The awards come as well-deserved recognition in a year unlike any other. This school year, the Foreign Language Department aims to once again participate in the national exams. They look forward to having students gauge how much they learned and continue their success into the future.
THE CHARGER ACCOUNT
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COMMUNITY NEWS
Balancing holidays and health: Businesses keep traditions alive
Bertina Fan, Reagan Liu and Pavana Upadhyaya As the holiday season begins, major businesses in the Bay Area are working to offer seasonal in-person experiences while following COVID-19 safety guidelines. Many such businesses have been able to run as normal, albeit with a few adjustments. Almaden Valley Nursery—a family owned shop—sells a variety of plants and home decor throughout the year along with seasonal flora such as Halloween pumpkins and Christmas trees. The nursery opened its doors in May for the first time following one month of closure due to the pandemic. Upon reopening, the nursery introduced new safety guidelines: only 15 customers are permitted to enter the store at a time, and all doors except one have been closed, allowing staff members to easily monitor the customer flow. The store initially saw a decrease in sales due to the pandemic, but by significantly increasing their online presence on platforms such as Facebook and consistently updating their website, they have seen a steady increase in business during the holiday season. “Since our re-opening, our business has slowly recovered. As residents continued buying pumpkins on the days leading up to Halloween, we saw our sales improving and approaching last year’s. Although we have not completely recovered, we are hopeful that the Christmas season will bring in more customers,” Shauna Aurandt, salesperson at Almaden Valley Nursery said. Another local business called Spina Farms—a pumpkin patch in South San Jose—has also been trying to maintain a sense of normalcy. Just as in typical years, the farm has offered tours, hosted parties and provided class field trips. During the month of Halloween, the farm showcased 25 varieties of pumpkins, a corn maze, hayride and barrel train rides. Unlike many nearby farms that were forced to close this year, Spina Farms was able to keep their pumpkin patch open by maintaining COVID-19 guidelines: they mandated customers to wear masks and enforced social distancing regulations. “When I visited the pumpkin patch in October, I felt safe to an extent because everyone was wearing masks and practicing social distancing. However, the pumpkin patch was pretty crowded,” Junior Allie Francisco said. Another popular holiday attraction that is open is the Winchester Mystery House, a historical landmark in San Jose known for its architectural irregularities and paranormal activity. Before the state of the pandemic in Santa Clara County escalated to the Purple Tier again, the Winchester Mystery House offered guided tours through the mansion, but due to safety concerns, the mansion will now only offer self-guided garden tours where guests follow a one-way path throughout the Victorian garden. However, locations that attract many visitors, such as the arcade and the cafe, are still closed. Similarly, indoor malls such as the Westfield Valley Fair Mall have also adapted to the pandemic by implementing new social distancing regulations and limiting indoor operations. Customers are required to wear face coverings, and employees must receive a temperature check prior to starting their shifts. The mall is also training security to regulate the number of customers, and the management team has implemented a counting system that enables them to keep track of the number
Staff Writers
of customers entering and leaving to prevent the shopping center from overcrowding. Despite these changes, one festivity at the Westfield Valley Fair Mall remains the same: pictures with Santa Claus. In order to maintain COVID-19 guidelines and prevent people from waiting in long lines, customers are required to make reservations through the mall’s website. Additionally, customers must wear masks, and the Santa Claus actor is mandated to complete a health screening before being employed. However, other holiday traditions have undergone more drastic changes. At Christmas in the Park, their usual walk-through event at San Jose’s Plaza de Cesar Chavez changed to a drive through event at History Park. In addition, this year, the attraction experienced drastic shortfalls in revenue due to a drop in sponsorship and concessions. In October, the event had managed to secure 10,000 dollars, which is 40,000 short of the 50,000 dollars needed, according to KTVU News. As a result, even though the winter event was usually complimentary in previous years, it will now charge a fee of 20 dollars per car. Although Christmas in the Park had to implement these changes, it will continue to display Christmas trees. Furthermore, the event will continue their Holiday Brick Walk tradition: bricks decorated with a snowman, Christmas tree or snowflake are displayed on a portable wall along the drive through route. “While I understand that the organizers had to prioritize public safety since we are in the midst of a pandemic, driving through Christmas in the Park will not carry the same holiday spirit and excitement value as walking through the park. I am sad to break my personal tradition of going to the event,” Sophomore Niharika Sharma said. As these businesses rethink their services to keep end-of-the-year celebrations alive, safety is one of their top priorities. With the implementation of new countermeasures for customers’ and employee’s health alike, many people will be able to continue their holiday customs during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Quotebox: How have yo holiday plans ur affected by C been OVID-19? Compiled by Reagan Liu, Miranda Lu and Mich elle Qiao, Sta ff Writers
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IVAN ZHU ART
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“During the holidays, my family and I usually like to travel. In past years, we have gone to Disneyland and Catalina Island, but due to COVID-19, we have not made any solid plans for the holidays this year.” —Sophomore Anushka Sanjeev
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DECEMBER 9, 2020
OPINIONS
Macron pits French secularism against Islam Raymond Dai and Manasa Sriraj
The Charger Account Leland High School 6677 Camden Ave. Principal Peter Park San Jose Unified School District San Jose, CA 95120-2142 (408) 535-6290 thechargeraccount.com EDITORS IN CHIEF Kelly Cui, Minji Kim, Sophia Lu ART AND PHOTO DIRECTORS Nicole Kim, Ivan Zhu, Quynh Nguyen NEWS EDITORS Ashley Lee, Jonathan Yue OPINIONS EDITOR Hannah Moon FEATURE EDITORS Ashley Lee, Nam Nguyen VIEWPOINT EDITOR Aileen Xie ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR Ridge Coffey LIFESTYLE EDITOR Cindy Zhao INVESTIGATIVE REPORT EDITOR Nancy Zheng SPORTS EDITOR Matt Wang LAST WORD EDITOR Evelyn Liu AD MANAGER Nancy Zheng
French President Emmanuel Macron the whole faith instead of condemning a recently faced criticism for his remarks radical minority. about Muslims and freedom of expression “Secularism and freedom of religious after the murder of Samuel Paty, a middle expression are crucial rights, but they school civics teacher who was attacked should not be abused to alienate a religion. and beheaded after showing cartoons It is important not to generalize and of a naked prophet Muhammad in class. stereotype religions, realizing that when The cartoons sparked controversy, as someone makes a poor choice, their entire Islam forbids any visual representation of religion is not at fault,” Freshman Medha the prophet. In multiple statements and Nemani said. speeches, Macron publicly defended Paty Macron’s statement reflected and the caricatures, igniting backlash from dangerous stereotypes: for instance, he the international Muslim community. repeatedly addressed Muslims as “radical According to The New York Times, terrorists,” stigmatizing and disrespecting Paty aimed to instill the foundational all people of Islamic faith. Moreover, French value of laïcité, or secularism, in his refusal to apologize for the images of his students with these cartoons. As stated Muhammad may ostracize the Muslim by a student present at the lecture, Paty community in France. explained that laïcité protected all forms of Whether or not Macron truly holds religious expression, including statements prejudices against Islam, he was construed that some may find religiously insensitive. as such by protestors from many Muslim The French government defines laïcité as countries such as Turkey, Iran and a separation of religion and government Palestine, who heavily condemned and the idea that all forms of faith-based Macron. According to the Guardian, expression are accepted as long as it does Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan said not interfere with public order. Whether Macron’s words spread a culture of hatred or not the Muhammad and alienated French Muslims, while cartoons fit this QUINCY HAN ART description is highly open to debate. Macron justified the controversial cartoons, calling the teacher’s killing an act of Islamic extremism and stating that Islam is “a religion that is in crisis all over the world today.” He proceeded to announce a plan to “reform Islam” and “reduce Islamists,” angering many Muslims for his generalization of
Staff Writers Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan suggested that “Macron needs some sort of mental treatment.” Some Muslims have participated in an economic boycott: store owners in Qatar and Kuwait no longer stock French products. Macron was correct in advocating for freedom of speech, but his efforts needlessly provoked the Muslim community. Although both Paty and Macron spoke within their rights, the latter’s position as the leader of a major country renders his tactless statements inappropriate and polarizing. The principle of laïcité should defend the liberties of both Muslims and non-Muslims—to leave one group feeling targeted and excluded by the government is counterproductive to promoting secularism. “Macron’s actions are unacceptable, as he is using freedom of speech as a shield to convey misinformation about Muslims. The subsequent protests have demonstrated the importance of expressing and defending beliefs and rights, because as seen with France, this is the only way they will be acknowledged and protected from authorities who wish to limit them at their convenience,” Sophomore Karis Moon said. Paty’s ability to act at will as a civilian differs from Macron’s responsibilities; like all politicians, Macron must place the needs of his people before speaking at his own discretion. To attempt to preserve secularism and free speech at the expense of religious minorities fails to ensure the rights of all citizens.
SOCIAL MEDIA AND WEBSITE MANAGERS Cindy Zhao, Ivan Zhu
Productivity during the pandemic
ADVISOR Stacy Dawson
Finding an answer to “Are we doing enough?”
COMMUNITY CIRCULATION Parent Club and Leland Bridge
The Charger Account Editorial Staff
STAFF WRITERS Dhruv Anish Keirah Chen Raymond Dai Bertina Fan Natalie Gao Janice Lee Reagan Liu Miranda Lu
Breanna Lu Michelle Qiao Norah Shen Manasa Sriraj Pavana Upadhyaya Larry Ye
ARTISTS Quincy Han Beomhee Kim Rachel Kim Jessica Lin PHOTOGRAPHERS Junan Ke Rex Li Wendy Lee Audrey Lui Jonathan Morris Julia Nakanishi Diana Yousef-Nejad The Charger Account December 9 Vol. S, No. 2
Shakespeare’s “King Lear” and Isaac Newton’s theory of gravity—oft-repeated examples of how quarantine has spawned great innovations throughout history. While most people are not legendary authors and scientists, all these months spent at home have inevitably begged the question: are we doing enough with all the time on our hands? Most of us will not come close to the aforementioned achievements, but we have still brought a kind of “hustle culture” to the COVID-19 pandemic. Baking loaves of sourdough, adopting a new pet, working out to Chloe Ting’s abs challenge—many of quarantine’s popular trends have focused on revamping lifestyles and learning new skills. As people endlessly occupy themselves with tasks and pursue efficiency, guilt
over becoming less productive during lockdown is not uncommon. Setting new goals and attempting to recover a sense of structure to life in lockdown are certainly beneficial; however, concentrating too much on maximizing output can become a problem. With the implementation of distance learning, it is easy to focus on all the supposed extra time we have: the minutes saved logging into Canvas and clicking on Webex links instead of walking to classrooms and eating lunch at home instead of waiting in cafeteria lines seem to translate to hours that could be spent finishing more tasks. Yet, we do not necessarily account for the additional stresses that accompany virtual school and social distancing. Rather than simply feeling the need to develop a busy schedule during the middle of a pandemic, we must also reallocate this newfound “free time” to take care of ourselves and reinforce our mental health. Hyperfixation on efficiency may actually result in self-sabotage. In an interview with Forbes, lifestyle coach Rose-Ann Uwague explains that expectations can impede productivity. As emotional and social factors in our lives change, so must the demands we place on ourselves, says Uwague—setting clear
boundaries is crucial to avoiding burnout, which can lead to lack of motivation and reduced work quality as stated by the Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care. Students must acknowledge that taking breaks can help improve motivation as well as strengthen one’s ability to concentrate. According to Psychology Today, author Nir Eyal finds that exercising different parts of the brain through light activities instead of exhausting the goal-achieving prefrontal cortex can revitalize energy and attentiveness. Greater Good Magazine of the University of California, Berkeley, also explains that allowing our brains to rest can also reduce stress levels that have been heightened during the pandemic and help increase creativity. As we applaud the school musicians creating new compositions, the students learning to cook new dishes and the clubs continuing to compete virtually, we must also recognize that admiring others’ accomplishments should not equate to pressuring ourselves into doing more. Especially now more than ever, taking breaks is imperative to ensure wellbeing—whether that means binging a few episodes of a favorite show, taking an after school nap or just donning pajamas all day.
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THE CHARGER ACCOUNT
Dhruv Anish and Larry Ye
OPINIONS
Google under the gavel
Tech behemoth Google became the target of a five billion dollar antitrust lawsuit by the federal government on Oct. 25, with the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) claiming that it is monopolizing the search engine industry through the use of exclusionary practices. The case results from investigations into Google made by the government over the past two years, as stated by Fast Company, an American magazine that focuses on technology and business. The lawsuit details how Google pays companies like Apple billions of dollars annually to retain their services as the primary search engine and default web browser on electronic devices, as per the New York Times. The DOJ argues that Google has heavily advertised its services to the point of eliminating competition in the search engine market. The department wants to prevent Google from monopolizing the industry because it would harm consumers, advertisers and companies by eliminating competition entirely, letting them control the current internet economy by being the only option available. The terms of the lawsuit do not specifically entail a specific remedy, but offer possible solutions such as barring Google from exclusivity deals and fining the company or forcing a distribution of its assets to competitors, according to Fortune. However, Google maintains that consumers can always switch to other search engines such as Microsoft Bing or Yahoo Search. The reason most people stick with Google, the company claimed in testimony
to Congress, is solely based on the fact that users prefer its search engine over others. Google also asserts that deals with Apple and other companies are perfectly legal because they do not exclude competitors from a similar compact. The company states that it is unreasonable to claim that it holds a monopoly in the search market based solely on its share of the “general” search market, which exceeds 88 percent,
NICOLE KIM ART as compiled by Statista. It cites Amazon as an example, which accounts for about half of online shopping searches, as stated by the New York Times. “The fact that the government is filing a lawsuit against Google gives the case some credibility, and I do agree that the company is very dominant in the market. However, the government’s case against Google is too weak to convince me that the company is monopolizing the search market,” Sophomore Ian Arsintescu said.
Staff Writers Despite the publicity that the lawsuit has garnered, the chances of the government succeeding are slim to none. One reason is that the DOJ is focusing on the wrong targets. According to Fast Company, the government cites Title II of the Sherman Antitrust Act, which states that businesses are not allowed to restrict trade through monopolization. However, companies entered into agreements to make Google’s search engine the default on their devices willingly. Other corporations could also have potentially outbid Google to partake in such a deal, leaving the government’s case unconvincing. “The lawsuit will probably not change much since Google has a monopoly on the search engine business, and therefore won’t have too much to lose except for the money from the lawsuit, which they will probably win anyway. They can keep doing the same thing, and people will still use Google because it is pretty much the best search engine out there.” Junior Jonah Chang said. While Google’s business tactics have been a topic of much controversy as more light is being shed on the case, the litigation will likely have little long term impact on Google’s business. After the lawsuit was filed, Google’s stock actually increased by two percent according to Consumer News and Business Channel (CNBC), demonstrating that stockholders are unfazed by the DOJ’s accusations against the corporation. Google’s search engine supremacy has had a lasting impact on people’s lives, even sparking phrases such as “Google it!” in everyday conversation, and its intuitive interface has made it familiar to the public. As such, it is unlikely that the proceedings against Google will truly affect users.
Putting a price on staying connected
Ridge Coffey and Michelle Qiao
Shelter in place orders during the COVID-19 pandemic have made the internet essential for work, school and communication. Early in the pandemic, major internet service providers (ISPs) allowed customers to exceed their subscription plans and access unlimited data to help keep people connected. As access to the internet often depends on data plans, which can have a data cap, or an artificial restriction on the transfer of data through networks. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, these data cap limitations were temporarily relaxed. However, in early summer, several of these companies reinstated their data limitations. On March 13, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) put forward the Keep Americans Connected Pledge, urging companies to do their part in ensuring that all people in the United States could stay online during the pandemic. The pledge also called for providers to increase affordability for low-income communities, which had been hit especially hard by COVID-19. According to the FCC, more than 800 ISPs across the United States stepped forward to take part in the initiative, including renowned companies such as CenturyLink and Verizon. American Telephone and Telegraph (AT&T) provided all home customers with unlimited data, waiving several late fees and creating a $10 million conservation fund to support distance learning.
Entertainment Editor and Staff Writer Similarly, Comcast waived their standard $50 price for unlimited data and upgraded all customer plans for two months. However, when the FCC’s pledge terminated on July 1, AT&T, Comcast and other ISPs reinstated their data caps by the end of the month. In a statement released by Comcast, the company said its decision would promote “fairness” between customers. ISPs have additionally claimed that data caps are a necessary measure to prevent network overload. However, the past few months have shown that this may not necessarily be true. The universal availability of unlimited data has not led to additional internet congestion and dramatically increased consumer demand. Comcast released a statement that said the quality of its network remained the same despite a 32 percent increase in traffic during the pandemic. A statement released IVAN ZHU ART by AT&T announced that its network
continued to perform well. Many consumers are now questioning the necessity for data caps, pointing out that they seem to be a business tactic to boost revenue rather than a technical necessity. “Companies should extend their data benefits indefinitely, or at least during the pandemic. For people who cannot afford the internet, reinstating data caps could prevent them from communicating online and doing their job,” Sophomore Kailey Hu said. A study by the Pew Research Center found that 53 percent of adults in the United States considered the internet as an essential service during the pandemic. In addition, a previous study had found that 98 percent of people with over $75,000 in income had access to the internet, compared with only 82 percent of people with under $30,000 in income. If ISPs decide to return to charging additional costs for data usage, underprivileged families and communities would be impacted most. “Internet services should be considered an essential resource and made available to all, especially during the pandemic. Not everyone can afford to have the internet for they need online school, work or even basic communication, ” Junior Leila White said. By retracting their pandemic benefits, ISPs lower network demand while stripping customers of access to the internet. Service providers need to recognize that the current circumstances have further established the internet as an essential resource in daily life. With data caps having no benefit on network quality or congestion, ISPs should not reinstate data caps, at least for the duration of the pandemic.
Simple yet touching, “A Man Called Ove“
Aileen Xie Viewpoint Editor
Meet Ove, a cranky 59-year-old widower whose bullheadedness and short fuse make others see him as the “neighbor sent from hell.” In the novel “A Man Called Ove” by Fredrik Backman, set in contemporary Sweden, Ove finds his solitary world turned inside out when a rambunctious young family suddenly move in next door. Having lost his wife to cancer, then his job to forced retirement, Ove decides to finally join his wife in death. While planning his suicide one morning, his new neighbors back their moving trailer into Ove’s house. This one incident and the unexpected friendship that follows cause a series of “mundane happenings” that get Ove to open himself up to a community that had long excluded him as an outcast. On the surface, Ove is not very likable. A narrow-minded grumbler who refuses to adapt to modern times, he is judgmental of anyone who does not conform to his fixation on “the old days.” Through chapters alternating between past and present events, Backman reveals pivotal moments in Ove’s life—from first working a railway job alongside his father, to meeting Sonja, his wife, for the first time. With this nonlinear narrative, Backman lays down the origins of Ove’s strict, black-and-white personality. Ove’s past reveals that Sonja’s vibrant warmth brightened his gloomy pessimism, making her absence even more tragic. Nothing in his life—not the fire that burnt down his house, nor his congenital heart defect—compares to the death of his wife. However, when his new neighbors suddenly barge into his world, their persistent sociability force Ove to break out of his shell. The novel’s seemingly simple premise explores complex themes like resurfacing memories and the importance of community. As Backman shows how Ove’s history shapes his perception of the world, the reader learns that Ove is not mean for no reason; rather, he is haunted by times people have tricked and manipulated him. Additionally, the story shows that the concept of family encompasses relationships beyond blood ties. Only after allowing community members to enter his life does Ove begin to recover emotionally from his loss, convincing him that life is indeed worth living even after tragedy. Backman’s skill lies in his seamless balance of tragedy and humor; readers can still experience empathetic joy when traversing despair and helplessness. The characters are rooted in realism, with each facing personal adversities that are resolved through their faith in one another. Touching and thought-provoking, this story demonstrates that it is okay to take a breath, let go of old woes and trust in others to heal.
“A Man Called Ove” (5/5) worth the read
+ balance of sadness and humor + fresh writing style + character dynamic
DECEMBER 9, 2020
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ENTERTAINMENT Movie Review: Driveways
Sketching Saturday Night Live’s political impact
Breanna Lu and Manasa Sriraj
Dhruv Anish Staff Writer
Starring actors Hong Chau and Lucas Jaye, director Andrew Ahn’s second film “Driveways” focuses on Kathy and Cody, a mother-son duo who journey to a small town outside of New York. Upon arriving to collect April’s— Kathy’s late sister’s—belongings, they attempt to clean the mess that April left behind so they can sell the house. Although Cody is seen as antisocial, preferring to play games on his tablet and read books instead of interacting with other neighborhood kids his age, he meets April’s next door neighbor, Del, a former Korea War veteran, while cleaning. The two form an immediate bond due to their reclusive natures, forming the basis of the film. Overall, Driveways was received postively by critics with a hundred percent on Rotton Tomatoes. A largely character-driven film, “Driveways” relies on the relationships Cody forms with both his mother and Del. As Cody, 12-year-old Lucas Jaye puts on a stunningly emotional performance and displays strong chemistry with his co-stars. Typically, child actors have a tendency to either overact or deliver lines awkwardly, but Jaye capably strikes the right balance between displaying emotion and remaining composed throughout the film. Chau also plays her role as Kathy very well, portraying a single mother in a very realistic sense. In contrast, Brian Dennehy’s Del is emotionally composed for the majority of the film, only breaking his impassive exterior for the final heart-wrenching minutes of the film. As an independent film with a smaller budget, “Driveways’” intimacy in its limited settings can only be found in an indie production. For a film with a sparse 83 minute runtime, “Driveways” sometimes feels lacking emotionally, over relying on the characters to drive the narrative forward. Personally, I did not get to spend as much time with the characters as I would have liked. As a result, some of the emotional beats did not come through effectively. For example, the scene where no one shows up to Cody’s birthday party is admittedly sad, but too early in the movie to be emotionally compelling. In my opinion, the bond between Cody and Del feels underdeveloped, resulting in the film feeling as if it is lacking sentimentality. Ahn also does not spend enough time further developing his characters, which could provide the framework for an even more compelling drama if given a longer runtime to expand. Overall, “Driveways,” while feeling a little rushed, poignantly tells the stories of three characters through great displays of acting and an incredible sense of realism.
Since its inception in 1975, Saturday Night Live (SNL) has continued to rise in popularity through parodies of various aspects of everyday life, politics and products. By capturing the spirit of everchanging pop-culture, SNL appeals to audiences from various backgrounds, prompting researchers and journalists to question the impact of satirical media on popular political thought. SNL’s roots in politics reach back to its first season in 1976 with Chevy Chase’s parody of Gerald Ford. In response, the president filmed a cameo for the show. From Dana Carvey’s George H.W. Bush in 1992 to Tina Fey’s Sarah Palin in 2013, the show has consistently mocked political figureheads throughout its over four decades-long history. On Oct. 3, SNL made its return from a summer hiatus with a parody of the Sept. 29 first presidential debate between President Donald Trump and PresidentElect Joseph Biden. However, the portrayal of Trump by Alec Baldwin as a vain braggart and the interpretation of Biden by Jim Carrey as an exaggerated caricature fell short of some viewers’ expectations, writes The Atlantic. Many felt the skit inaccurately represented the personalities of each candidate and skewed audience perceptions. Several journalists worried that Carrey’s portrayal of Biden was overly dramatic and depicted Biden in an unfairly negative light when liberal Americans would have preferred otherwise, writes Vanity Fair. Opposite Carrey’s Biden, Baldwin’s Trump was boastful, petulant,
JESSICA LIN ART send a subtle yet repeated message that may sway undecided voters. Additionally, celebrity appearances increase publicity for these shows, and fans of the celebrities can easily be influenced by the opinions they express,” Junior Iris Zhou said. Although SNL claims to spoof Democrats and Republicans equally, the show’s parodies often align with the political views of the show’s comedians and creative directors. For example, Chris Rock commenced his episode by saying, “President Trump is in the hospital with COVID” and “my heart goes out to COVID.” Later, in the show’s Weekend
Thanksgiving’s National Dog Show parades pooches
Serena Atkinson and Nam Nguyen This year’s Thanksgiving once again saw the National Broadcasting Channel’s (NBC) National Dog Show take place in Oaks, Pennsylvania. Due to COVID-19, however, the show was required to adapt to various changes including the absence of vendors, sponsors and media. Despite the new challenges, 20 million viewers still watched as dogs competed for the title of “Best in Show.” Originally known as The Kennel Club of Philadelphia Dog Show, the rebranded National Dog Show was first televised on NBC in 2002. Nationally, it is one of three major dog shows along with the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, which takes place in February, and the American Kennel Club National Championship, which takes place in early December. The show judges seven different groups of dogs and 205 different
Driveways (3/5) worth a watch
+ great performances + realistic narrative - not fully developed due to time
tasteless and short-tempered, says The New York Times. Biden’s victory in the 2020 presidential election saw SNL celebrating Trump’s loss, with Carrey calling Trump a “loser” and Baldwin later declaring that he was “overjoyed to lose his job.” “Political sketches on SNL can have a lasting impact on viewers, and this is especially the case with presidential candidates. Since the skits are biased, they
Staff Writers Update segment, Michael Che said, “There is a lot funny about this—maybe not from a moral standpoint, but mathematically, if you were constructing a joke, these are all the ingredients you need.” A number of viewers found these remarks to be insensitive and prejudiced against Trump. In fact, as stated by USA Today, Alec Baldwin faced immense criticism for his self-absorbed portrayal of Trump when the president was in critical condition due to COVID-19. Baldwin responded by saying he would not have depicted Trump in such an obnoxious manner if there was proof that the president was “truly, gravely ill,” which suggests he thinks Trump is untrustworthy and follows his previous voiced disapproval of Trump’s presidency. Time Magazine states that political candidates’ positive reactions in the face of adversity contributes to an increasingly prevalent belief that an entertaining personality is a key factor to success in modern politics. For the general populace, a politician’s intolerance towards comedy makes them less relatable and therefore less appealing to the public. Viewers whose political standings are affirmed by satire on the show exhibit positive reactions toward Saturday Night Live, while those who find the messages at odds with their personal beliefs express discontent. Nevertheless, both contribute increased attention towards satirical media, which may have swayed public perceptions of candidates in this past November’s elections in either a positive or a negative light.
NICOLE KIM ART
breeds, each of which are judged based on various physical attributes, including breed, gait and composure. “The National Dog Show is quite popular among pet lovers. Personally, my favorite part of the show is when dogs are allowed to move around and display their discipline. However, the idea of a dog show based on physical traits and how humans want dogs to look is slightly unnerving,” Senior Thomas Shi said. Over the years, the National Dog Show has fallen into some controversies due to the impact it has on dog owners and culture. Mixed breed dogs for instance are not allowed to participate in the show, which has been condemned by several animal rights activists groups including People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA). They claim that due to the exclusion of mixed breed dogs, the promotion of purebred dogs can often prevent dogs in shelters from being adopted. “Although I like seeing all the cute dogs, there are many problems with dog shows. There are a lot of unhealthy breeding practices, such dogs
Staff Writer and Feature World Editor
with inset faces not being able to breathe well because they are held to unsafe standards in order to be a ‘good example’ o f their breed at dog shows. The shows also take a toll on the dogs and it is a lot of work to take care of former show dogs due to what they go through—my uncle used to own a past show dog who was debarked by past owners and always had a lot of anxiety because of it,” Senior Melissa Brock said. The 2020 event still occurred as scheduled for coverage during the fall holidays, with the inclusion of three new dog breeds: the Barbet, the Belgian Laekenois and Dogo Argentino. These new editions, fulfilling AKC requirements for new breeds like population count and breed clubs, were capable of competing for the national title. The 2020 National Dog Show ended with the Scottish Deehound winning Best in Show. Some of the runner-ups included the whippet who won best hound, and the standard poodle who won the nonsporting category.
THE CHARGER ACCOUNT
Streetwear supremacy: The business of hype
Reagan Liu and Matt Wang
Streetwear, a fashion style rooted in skater, surf and hip hop culture, has become widely popular among youth. Since its rise in demand during the 80s and 90s, a multitude of streetwear companies have gained massive followings, from American clothing brand Stüssy to Japan’s Comme des Garçons. The concept of streetwear does not lie in its history but in its prices. A Supreme hoodie that retails for $168 could sell for $650 or more on resale websites like Grailed. The value of a simple, gray sweatshirt printed with a red logo is more than a product of supply and demand; rather, streetwear labels themselves are largely responsible for the “hype” around their clothing. Well-established brands like Supreme and Comme des Garçons are acutely aware of the skyrocketing popularity for streetwear; in fact, they encourage it. Unlike other clothing companies who consistently
QUINCY HAN ART
LIFESTYLE Icing on the Cake
Staff Writer and Sports Editor
restock their digital shelves, many streetwear brands use the “drop” tactic: only releasing a limited amount of clothing at a prescribed time and restocking only for the next release. They notify their fans of the date and time the drop will take place and let social media do the rest. The internet gives brands like Supreme and Stüssy an easy and extremely fast way to reach their customers and perpetuate the cycle of exclusivity that keeps people buying. Sites like Instagram fuel a never-ending loop of “hypebeasts”— slang for streetwear zealots—trying to one-up each other by getting the next hot item. Hype around labels allow items like Kanye West’s Adidas Yeezy sneakers to sell out in mere minutes. However, the streetwear sensation is still a somewhat recent one. Especially in celebrity fashion, jeans and t-shirts were seen as loungewear, not something for the red carpet. As hip hop rose to popularity alongside streetwear in the 90s, young artists embraced a more relaxed approach to fashion. Now, street fashion and casualwear is the standard outside of celebrity galas and award ceremonies. Modern trends like basketball sneakers and slim denim have been staples for celebrities like actor Michael B. Jordan and rapper Brian “Rich Brian” Imanuel Soewarno. The prevalence of streetwear in celebrity fashion feeds into the cycle of exclusivity when social media influencers show off their newest outfits—practically providing clothing labels with free advertising. For example, the Anti Social Social
Club brand can attribute its rise to rapper Travis Scott and K-Pop group BTS: when the artists were spotted wearing Anti Social apparel, the brand’s value skyrocketed. Streetwear’s astronomical price makes it seem insurmountable for nearly anyone but celebrities to enjoy. However, hype clothing in today’s youth culture is on the rise, with many working hours at a minimum wage job to afford a single t-shirt. According to many teens, the high price is worth it; following streetwear trends and brands that attract compliments boosts their self-esteem. However, others like Junior Julia Choi explain that her streetwear fashion choices are not all about attracting attention. “I enjoy dressing deliberately. My personal style might be similar to hypebeasts’, but that is because I find my inspiration from celebrities and social media influencers; however, I do not consider myself a hypebeast,” Choi said.
U.K. glitter ban: Holiday products lose their sparkle
Miranda Lu and Michelle Qiao
This holiday season, Morrisons, Waitrose and John Lewis—three of the largest retailers in the United Kingdom— banned the use of glitter in their singleuse Christmas products to help reduce plastic pollution. An assortment of colorful and sparkly microplastics—small pieces of plastic less than five millimeters long—glitter makes its way into oceans and endangers aquatic ecosystems. Scientists have yet to understand the full implications of glitter on the planet, but compared to other non-recyclable products in the ocean, it can be especially harmful. To produce its luster, contaminating metals and additives are used. In recent years, increasing environmental awareness has sparked a campaign against glitter. In 2018, British cosmetics retailer Lush replaced the glitter in its bath bombs with synthetic mica, an environmentally-friendly alternative. Popular culture staples like British television show “Strictly Come Dancing” also forbade contestants from wearing costumes with glitter to promote consciousness towards the environment. Together, public pressure and consumer demand have prompted Morrisons, Waitrose and John Lewis to completely remove glitter from inhouse brand holiday products, including wrapping paper, wreaths, cards and present bags this holiday season. In a statement released by Morrisons, the chain said their decision would reduce around fifty tons of plastic from its products this winter.
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Hannah Moon
Opinions Editor
Located in downtown Los Gatos, Icing on the Cake offers a variety of sweet treats for special occasions, with anything ranging from birthdays to anniversaries. Whether it be the widely popular banana cakes or the vegan options, the shop offers delicate desserts anyone can enjoy. Upon arriving at Icing on the Cake’s entrance, I was greeted by a long line of customers—all eager to begin their weekend with a sweet treat. After waiting outside for around 20 minutes, I finally entered the bakery shop. Immediately, a enticing aroma of baked goods filled the air. On the left side of the bakery there was a little booth of colorful baking supplies and miniature gifts. Assorted cakes were showcased in a glass container, and other containers held rows of colorful assortments of cupcakes. Flavors varied from chocolate to lemon to carrot to special flavors of the months such as salted caramel. After scanning the array of cupcakes displayed on the counter, I asked for three: salted caramel, fresh banana and luscious lemon.
“Upon arriving at Icing on the Cake’s entrance, I was greeted by a long line of customers—all eager to begin their weekend with a sweet treat.”
Staff Writers
“Hopefully, these efforts will push retailers in the U.S. to re-examine the environmentally harmful materials used in production and packaging. Changes like the glitter ban are crucial to preventing ocean pollution and it could push other industries to be more environmentally conscious,” Sophomore Erica Song said. Amidst the growing anti-glitter movement, several brands selling substitutes for regular glitter have emerged. U.S. retailer TodayGlitter sells glitter made from eucalyptus extract that decomposes in air and water over time and U.K. company Eco Glitter Fun makes glitter from biodegradable cellulose film. But even alternatives to glitter may still have a negative effect on marine ecosystems. In a study published in the Journal of Hazardous Materials, scientists found that biodegradable alternatives were just as harmful to the environment as conventional types of plastic glitter, because cellulose glitter is still coated with aluminum and plastic for reflectivity. It is possible that the pledge to remove glitter from holiday products may only be performative rhetoric to attract environmentally conscious consumers. Although excluding plastic glitter from products can reduce plastic pollution, glitter only makes up a small fraction of the microplastics polluting the
environment. According to Robert C. Hale, a professor at the Virginia Institute of Marine Science at the College of William & Mary, glitter makes up “far less than one percent of the microplastics that pollute the environment.” In addition, outside of their holiday lines, John Lewis, Waitrose and Morrisons all are continuing to sell products that include plastic or come in plastic packaging. “Companies should place more focus on minimizing littering, cigarette usage and other activities that have a larger impact on ocean pollution,” Sophomore Tammy Newman said. In the United States, major supermarkets and department stores have not made similar attempts to remove or reduce the use of glitter in holiday products this year. However, there are still many steps shoppers can take to reduce waste. For example, going without traditional wrapping paper and bags, recycling Christmas trees or reducing the use of Christmas lights can all contribute to an environmentally conscious holiday season. Though the impact of banning glitter is minimal, the actions of these retailers could motivate more companies, brands, and organizations to transition to a more sustainable and earth-friendly approach to business. As pollution worsens, finding ways to reduce plastic consumption is becoming more and more important for the wellbeing of the planet.
NICOLE KIM ART
Much like the name of the bakery, each cupcake had ample frosting and delicate decoration. The texture was extremely soft, but was perfectly complemented by the flavors of the cupcake. With a selection of the three cupcakes, I chose to try the salted caramel first. The chocolate frosting was slightly overpowering but not too sweet. The texture of the icing was soft and balanced perfectly with the decadent cake. The cake had hints of salted caramel. Afterwards, I tried the banana cupcake, a banana cake coated with a thick mixture of cream cheese frosting. The cake was very moist and crumbled easily, but I was surprised to see how well the cream cheese frosting blended with the banana cake. I saved my personal favorite for last, which was the luscious lemon cupcake. The lemon flavored batter provided a refreshing zest of citrus flavor, with little hints of vanilla in the frosting. On the whole, the flavor of the cupcakes were definitely elevated by the rich frosting. Although Icing on the Cake is on the pricier side, the bakery’s decadent sweet treats make it the perfect place for any occasion.
Icing on the Cake (4/5) hitting the sweet spot
+ variety of cakes & cupcakes + new monthly flavors - on the pricier side
”
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DECEMBER 9, 2020
INVESTIGATIVE REPORT: Driving Teen driving culture sputters
Junior Rachael Qian sits in her Honda in the school parking lot.
Keirah Chen and Bertina Fan
Staff Writers
During the 20th century, driving became a staple among high schoolers and a milestone that many teenagers strived to reach, viewing it as a new form of independence. However, in recent decades, high schoolers have started to show less interest in driving. In fact, the Federal Highway Administration found that the percentage of 16-year-olds with a driver’s license dropped 22.2 percent from 1984 to 2018. According to The Atlantic, part of the reason teenagers have engaged in less driving is because of the rising prices of cars. Since the mid-1900s, people have been purchasing cheaper “junker” cars that could easily be repaired and restored by the drivers themselves. However, as cars have become more
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technologically advanced, the high costs of buying as well as repairing them has made owning a vehicle unaffordable for many teenagers from low-income households. Researchers from the University of Michigan found that 32 percent of teen respondents thought maintaining a vehicle was too costly. Furthermore, since 16- to 19-yearolds are at the highest risk for motor vehicle crashes, as stated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the United States has made it more difficult for those under the age of 18 to obtain a license. From restricting nighttime driving to making driver education less accessible, these policies have discouraged some teenagers from acquiring their licenses at 16 years old. However, this can also be beneficial as the Washington Post affirms that restrictions and bans on nighttime driving and cellphone usage while on the road have dropped O T O H the percentage of P IS ORR JONATHAN M teen driving risks by 30 percent. y to drive. ad re s et g While teens n a H Senior Irum once derived a sense of freedom from driving, young adults are
94 students polled
now engaging in technology and social media to fulfill that need. The ART University of Michigan’s EVELYN LIU Transportation Research Institute (UMTRI) explains PHOTO AN KE H T A N JO that social media has been replacing the role of transportation, as people can now easily own a driver’s license, communicate online without needing to while 22 percent plan on drive around in a vehicle and see each applying for one when they are 16 years old. For student other in-person. “Driving is convenient for many drivers, the school has parking people, but it is not necessary for everyone spots that they can reserve by since there are many companies that purchasing a parking pass. However, provide food delivery services and online currently, most students are driven to shopping that can be accessed through school by family members or their friends. “Personally, I have not started learning electronic devices,” Junior Brian Tran said. how to drive because I have been very In addition to the internet allowing busy with the large amount of homework people to access different businesses, I have. At the same time, I do believe that society has also become heavily immersed getting a driver’s license is a valuable in rideshare apps such as Uber, RideScout learning experience for all teenagers since and Lyft. These essentially serve as it makes us more responsible and less external sources of transportation for dependent on others,” Sophomore Avissa teenagers to reach faraway locations Abbaszadegan said. without a driver’s license. In fact, Medium Deemed as a “rite-of-passage” event reported that based on data found by the of adolescence in past decades, the UMTRI, 31 percent of teenage respondents sentiment surrounding teenage driving did not have a driver’s license because has since evolved as technological and they relied on other people for rides. societal developments continue to impact At the school, not having a driver’s the lives of teens. license is common—according to poll results, only about 6.4 percent of students
Poll: Do you plan on applying for your driver’s permit or license when you are of age?
Poll: Do you have your driver’s permit or license? Compiled by Bertina Fan
Yes
No
6.4%
Natalie Gao and Larry Ye
Staff Writer
Yes
22%
No
78%
100 students polled
93.6%
IVAN ZHU ART
Make v-room for American car culture Staff Writers
Spearheaded by Henry Ford’s 1908 Model T automobile from the Industrial Revolution, American car culture grew in popularity throughout the post-World War II era of the 1950s. The emergence of car culture has had large impacts on past and present-day society: Jeongsuk Joo, former graduate of the State University of New York at Buffalo found that the increase in car tourism created many new establishments that still exist today, including motor hotels, drive-through restaurants and drive-in movies. The entertainment industry has also been affected by car culture: automobiles became a major inspiration for many rock ‘n’ roll songs including “Rocket 88” by Jackie Brenston and Ike Turner. Television shows such as “Magnum, P.I.” featured luxury sports cars like Lamborghinis. In the 1960s, American automobiles such as the Ford Mustang and Chevrolet Corvette were developed, and according to Car Throttle, nearly every vehicle at the time had a powerful V8 engine. However, in the 1970s, the United States experienced stagflation—a combination of stagnant economic growth and high inflation rates—and these automobiles
were dominated by new fuel-efficient cars from foreign carmakers such as Toyota, Honda and Mercedes Benz. In 1973, the film “American Graffitti” was released, highlighting the sense of freedom that many teenagers at the time found in driving. By the 2010s, electric and hybrid cars began rising in popularity.
“American car culture grew in prosperity throughout the post-World War II era of the 1950s...[it] has had large impacts on past and presentday society.” “I drive a small, four-door Toyota Prius because I wanted a hybrid car to support the environment. The Prius is also very fuel-efficient, which helps me save on gas money, as I drive a lot,” Julie Montgomery, Math Department, said. Culture may be a significant indicator in car preferences, as the New York Times found that Americans prefer larger cars like Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs), while Europeans stick to smaller cars because their cities tend to be more crowded and have higher gas prices.
According to a study conducted by Sangho Choo of the Korean Transportation Institute and Patricia L. Mokhtarian of Georgia Institute of Technology, former graduate students of the University of California, Davis, the type of car that an individual owns can also correlate with various personality traits such as status seeker, adventure seeker, family-oriented. For example, mirroring their self-image, “adventure seekers” are associated with SUVs and sports cars, which are suitable for grand outdoor activities. Individuals who drive smaller cars are usually more environmentally-friendly and prefer living in more populated neighborhoods. Additionally, drivers of minivans typically do not travel long distances often and have children. Owners of luxury cars or SUVs have a greater chance of being highly educated and wealthy. Moreover, individuals with pickup trucks are more likely to work long hours. “I drive a cherry-red Volvo XC90. This was a rebound and a retro escape car that I got after many years of driving a minivan when my kids were young. My car reflects my way of life: crossover cars feel more spontaneous and exciting,” Speech and Debate coach Michaela Northrop, said.
Many people also like to decorate their cars with accessories such as bumper stickers and license plate covers that can further represent one’s personality. For instance, car owners can broadcast their political sentiments by using stickers containing slogans or visuals that support particular candidates or policies. Other decorations can reveal general information about the driver, such as their alma mater, involvement in organizations and miscellaneous interests. To express their emphasis on family, people often attach family stick figure decals onto their vehicles. Numerous individuals also place accessories on their cars to convey their beliefs to the world around them, such as the “CoExist” bumper sticker, which showcases the symbols of various religions, calls for religious tolerance and world peace. “On my car, I have two decorations that are from a spiritual point of view. Since I am a Vajrayana Buddhist, I have a double-vajra hanging from my rear-view mirror for protection from harm. I also have a Namgyalma Decal to protect everyone who sees it and to provide protection to insects and animals, especially if my car hurts them,” Montgomery said.
THE CHARGER ACCOUNT
11
INVESTIGATIVE REPORT: Student Nutrition
What’s on the plate: Student diets during the pandemic Keirah Chen, Breanna Lu, Norah Shen and Manasa Sriraj
Junior Yong Ooi cooks Korean Army Stew. As the progression of the COVID-19 pandemic has led to the majority of students’ time being spent at home rather than at school, altered diets have become a widespread phenomenon. When the pandemic hit, people started shopping for groceries differently: more customers purchased non-perishable foods than before. However, that can be harmful as these foods are often filled with additives and preservatives, which can ultimately lead to a greater intake of sugar and calories. The increase in sodium consumption can also raise blood pressure and put the consumer at greater risk for heart attacks and strokes. On the other hand, more people have opted to shop online for their food or order takeout instead. Supermarket News states that during the pandemic, 78.7 percent of Americans polled have been ordering groceries. Upserve, a restaurant management service, reported that they experienced an 840 percent increase in online sales. The influx of people using takeout services is partially due to COVID-19—people may feel that ordering food is relatively safe, as it involves brief interactions between restaurant employees and consumers.
224 students polled
Home- Takeout cooked
84.8%
15.2%
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NICOLE KIM ART
Staff Writers
For others, takeout services are preferable because they are rather convenient and offer a variety of choices, allowing customers to order food anywhere and anytime. Recognizing the growing needs of its customers, Quick-Service and Fast Casual Restaurant Magazine found through a study by Coca-Cola that 42 percent of restaurants have adopted takeout food delivery services. “Nowadays, I am ordering more meals than I did before COVID-19 because my parents do not want to spend all day cooking; it also supports restaurants during the pandemic,” Freshman Daisy Zeng said. Along with the rise of takeout, thirdoi party delivery apps gO n o Y including DoorDash, f yo s UberEats, Postmates e rt and have grown in Cou popularity. According to Restaurant Business, DoorDash’s sales rose 110 percent in five months, and DePaulia University reports in their newspaper that there was an increase of 55 percent in food orders placed through these apps during the pandemic. Moreover, nearly 63 percent of young adults have ordered through delivery apps in the past 90 days. “I have been using DoorDash more frequently—about once every two months—during the pandemic because it is a safe way for my family to order food for special occasions such as birthdays and anniversaries,” Freshman Lia Yereslove said. However, takeout meals, especially fast food, are generally unhealthier than homecooked meals. SFGate states that fast foods often have large quantities of fat, sugar and sodium while not containing enough potassium, vitamins or minerals. The growing number of takeout orders signifies a potential harm in changed eating habits during the pandemic—children and young adults may be more susceptible to health disorders including diabetes, obesity, depression and cardiological issues. Dr. Walter C. Willett from Harvard University theorizes that the pandemic’s effects on peoples’ diets may also be increasing death rates because several diet-related conditions can put people at a higher hospitalization risk for COVID-19. Even before the pandemic, rates for fast food and takeout consumption have been rising among adolescents. A study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention showed that from 2015 to 2018, teenagers obtained 13.8 percent of their daily calories from convenience foods, a 12.4 percent increase from previous years.
Norah Shen and Lawrence Ye
Courtesy of Samuel Wu
Junior Samuel Wu cooks beef wellington for his Thanksgiving meal.
pizza, and went to nearby stores like CVS and T4 after school to purchase drinks and snacks, all of which further contributed to an unhealthy diet if indulged regularly. While many students often choose to eat these unhealthy foods, the school does offer nutritional alternatives. Several fruits and vegetables are offered in the cafeteria for students to add on to their meals. “Prior to the pandemic, I would go to T4 with my friends every day after school to drink bubble tea, which was not very healthy. Over quarantine, I decided to eat healthier and I have noticed that I am more energized during the day,” Sophomore Tammy Newman said. Newman states that she has started to pay more attention to her diet and prepares healthier meals. She now spends a lot of her time in the kitchen cooking and considers it her new hobby. However, in a Forbes survey regarding food consumption during the pandemic, Courtesy of Janice Shih 32 percent of people stated that they began eating snacks more often because they had increased free time, were bored or wanted to relieve stress. During distance learning, students now have longer 15-minute breaks between classes. Thus, some students have found themselves eating more snacks during Senior school time. Janice Shih In general, many people have eats homecooked lunch. been craving and eating snacks high in carbohydrates. The Boston Globe reports and sweet foods, that scientists have linked this to the helps increase lifespan release of cortisol—the stress hormone— and decrease the risk of cancer and heart in uncertain situations, including the disease, as stated by Food Network. East pandemic. According to a study by Asian diets mostly consist of nutritious researchers at Harvard Medical School ingredients such as vegetable oils, fruit and University of North Carolina at and legumes. This has been connected to Chapel Hill, 55 percent of respondents the relative infrequency of heart disease, felt an increase in stress in May compared to January. Comfort foods that many obesity and cancer in Eastern Asia. “My family has started cooking more individuals have eaten to deal with stress meals during the pandemic, and this and anxiety during the pandemic typically has allowed us to explore new kinds of contain nostalgic or sentimental value and food. While we frequently ate Chinese have high amounts of sugar. Although food before the pandemic, we started sweets initiate the release of dopamine— eating more international cuisines like the happiness hormone—they could Mediterranean during the lockdown,” also lead to health issues like diabetes, inflammation, fatty liver and heart Junior Conner Shih said. When in-person learning was in disease, which numerous American teens session, school events and activities are already at high risk of because of their largely contributed to students’ detrimental eating habits. Dietary consultants are not eating habits. Clubs often particularly worried about those who have held fundraisers, where fast foods, such as churros, fell prey to unhealthier cravings. While s r e hamburgers, fries, bubble they applaud those who have improved rit W ff tea and doughnuts, were sold. their eating habits, they also reassure that Sta Students bought school breakfast having an abnormal lifestyle during the and lunch foods including cereal and pandemic is not an irregular occurrence.
Poll: Are you eating more takeout or home-cooked meals during the pandemic?
db y Sere na Atkin son,
National Broadcasting Company attests that the pandemic likely exacerbated the problem of unhealthy eating among students. Moreover, the often nutrientlacking meals that many are turning to during the pandemic lead to fatigue during school and daily activities, poor mental health and heightened health concerns. Despite the fact that takeout foods and delivery services are likely to remain a popular option, an Herbalife Nutrition survey found that among those who reported a dietary change during the pandemic, 54 percent ate more fruit and vegetables, while 43 percent reduced meat consumption. Additionally, Forbes found that people began cooking more often during the pandemic, which can largely benefit their health. The International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity proved that people who eat more home-cooked meals often consume greater amounts of fruits and vegetables, which have higher Vitamin C levels and help to lower blood pressure. “The lockdown has given me an opportunity to practice controlling my sugar intake, and I have started eating more fruits as snacks. These new habits have also made me feel much more energetic,” Freshman Nicole Furstenberg said. Now that students mostly stay at home, they have the time and opportunity to eat various cultural foods, which also contribute to better health. For example, the Mediterranean diet, which centers around plant-based foods and limits the consumption of red meat
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DECEMBER 9, 2020 APRIL 29, 2015
FEATURE: WORLD
Communities address internet inequality
Pope shows progressive streak, backs LGBTQ+ civil unions Raymond Dai and Natalie Gao Staff Writers
Jonathan Yue School News Editor
which may have further consequences for marriage, personhood and celibacy. Pope Francis’s comments bring about conversations that have been delayed within the Catholic Church ever since the Vatican’s official opposition towards gay marriage in 2003. As LGBTQ+ support amongst believers remains split based on worldwide regions, ethnic backgrounds and individual upbringings, according to the Pew Research Center, the Papacy and the Church will have to face the questions that have already divided various clergy. “Although the Catholic Church does not have the greatest relationship with the LGBTQ+ community, Pope Francis’ actions could be a push towards more tolerance and acceptance in the Catholic Church for believers around the world. Based on traditional Catholic precedents, the Pope’s stance is likely to face even more backlash, but this brings about necessary positive change,” Junior Vandan Patel said.
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Francis became the first Pope to travel to the United Arab Emirates. With over a hundred thousand people in attendance, he celebrated mass with migrant workers escaping anti-blasphemy laws. He also sympathized with Myanmar's Rohingya community and Lesbos refugees, contributing to an overall reputation for promoting inclusivity as Pope. “Combined with the rest of his progressive policies, the Pope’s statement on samesex unions is likely to change views around the Catholic Church as an entirely different institution,” Sophomore Nora Thomas said. Regardless of his verbal support for same-sex unions, church teachings have not changed, holding marriage as a union between a man and a woman. Many within the church hierarchy have continued to maintain Catholicism’s view of traditional marriage. Although official Catholic Church doctrine cannot be simply altered by papal decree, several members of the Church have called for a re-evaluation of what they believe to be antiquated belief systems, especially concerning
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The San Jose Unified School District has offered technical assistance to students, distributing hotspots for those who need assistance with their internet connections. This is in line with the increasing prevalence of community-based service providers instead of commercial ones. There is no doubt that the internet is vital to the modern world. The internet sector alone was responsible for 10.1 percent of U.S. gross domestic product in 2018, according to the Internet Association. The reliance on the internet only intensified due to the COVID-19 pandemic—Stanford researchers found that 42 percent of the U.S. labor force now works from home full-time. However, not all Americans have access to high-speed internet. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) estimates that at least 25 million Americans lack broadband connection. Many experts attribute this to the lack of competition large internet service providers (ISPs) such as Comcast and Charter Communications face: approximately 96 percent of the population only has access to at most two wireline providers, according to The National Broadband Plan laid out by the FCC. Without pressure from local competitors, such service providers can force customers to settle for spotty connections at steep prices, creating “internet inequality.” To work around the large companies, communities have set up their own neighborhood internet services. Many such programs utilize mesh networks: instead of paying for a monthly subscription to a corporate service provider, individual nodes such as antennas or routers serve as access points and connect to other nodes without passing through commercial ISPs. This model has the advantage that the infrastructure is community-owned, allowing local residents, instead of a corporation, to have control over how the internet is used or distributed. One such example is People’s Open, a community-based wireless network based in Oakland, California. It has over 40 nodes in the San Francisco Bay Area, sharing paid subscriptions with unconnected neighbors. Users can purchase routers, or request routers for free if they cannot afford the product. After installing routers with appropriate software, users use them to join networks. Similarly, NYC Mesh distributes wireless bandwith to provide free coverage for residents of New York City. The organization has 561 antennas on rooftops or balconies as active nodes. Both People’s Open and NYC Mesh depend on user or community donations to cover their operation and installation costs. Given increased demand for highspeed connections, engineers, local activists and government officials have convened together to create community internet services that fill the gap corporations have left behind— an effort that will hopefully extend beyond quarantine.
In a Vatican-approved documentary called "Francesco," Pope Francis made headlines after expressing approval of same-sex civil unions, even calling for modifications to civil union laws. Almost immediately, members of the Catholic Church voiced their discontent, noting that Francis' statement clashes directly with past doctrines. However, others across the globe congratulated the Pope for recognizing what they believe to be an essential human right. Soon after Pope Francis made these comments, however, the Vatican declared that they were taken out of context and did not change official Church doctrine. Conservativeleaning officials like Bishop Thomas Tobin of Rhode Island reiterated the position that opposing legal recognition of same-sex marriage is necessary to prevent the devaluation of unions between men and women. Still, many across the globe see the Pontificate’s admission as historic. Even before he became Pope, Francis expressed support for the LGBTQ+ community. As Archbishop of Buenos Aires, Argentina, Francis publicly endorsed same-sex legal arrangements. After ascending to his current position in 2013, the Pope also stated that he would not judge same-sex couples, asserting that all people, regardless of their sexual orientation, are children of God. Besides covering same-sex unions, the "Francesco" documentary also highlights the Pope’s efforts in addressing climate change, geopolitical polarization and ethnic justice, providing insight into his stances on various social issues. In 2019,
issues of sexuality. Archbishop of Washington D.C. Wilton Gregory affirms the Church’s need for reexamination and development, a possible step towards fully accepting the LGBTQ+ community,
THE CHARGER ACCOUNT
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FEATURE: WORLD Nigerian protests erupt against corrupt anti-robbery squad
Raymond Dai and Larry Ye
Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, thousands of young Nigerians have taken to the streets to protest against the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS). These protests, collectively called the #EndSARS Movement, follow decades of abuse, corruption and theft by SARS, a group that was established in 1984 to combat those very issues. However, instead of preventing crime in Nigeria, in recent years, SARS has begun to target anyone who they perceive to be excessively wealthy or seem to have caused crime by harassing and stealing from them, as reported by Vox. Coupled with a growing technology sector that has allowed a developing younger population to afford products like cars and laptops, SARS has increased its targeting on the growing middle class. Although the #EndSARS protests have mainly been peaceful, instances of violences have sprung up. On Oct. 20, Nigerian soldiers shot and killed 12 activists in Lagos after they blocked a highway to draw attention to their movement. According to The Washington Post, after toll booth operators removed all CCTV cameras from their stations, soldiers opened fire on protestors who refused to obey a curfew imposed by the Lagos state governor. A report by the InspectorGeneral of Police stated that 38 people were killed that day, bringing the total casualty count to 73 people across Nigeria. The report also revealed that at least 71 warehouses and 248 stores were damaged during protests throughout the nation. Since its creation, SARS has been at the center of controversy in the nation. There were reports of citizens being picked
off the streets and tortured to make false confessions of crimes. In the early 2000s, when cybercrime began to spread in Nigeria, SARS began to target anyone who carried a laptop or wore nice clothes. The group soon discovered that they could get away with taking valuables from people on the streets without repercussions. In 2017, the #EndSARS movement formed when people began to share their
largely ineffective because no police officer has ever been charged for violation of the new law. Thus, young Nigerians continue to protest against SARS in hopes for substantive change. “Young Nigerians are protesting to make their lives safer. However, I am also concerned for their safety. By protesting against SARS, they are putting their lives at risk because the group has been known
NICOLE KIM ART experiences with the police force on social media, bringing attention to perceived SARS corruption. As stated by Time, because of growing pressure, the Nigerian government announced reforms to its police force, with President Buhari signing the Anti-Torture Act to criminalize torture in the country. However, according to Seun Bakare, a program manager at Amnesty International Nigeria, the legislation was
to use lethal weapons against countless protesters,” Junior Owen Paterson said. On Oct. 11, President Buhari announced that he would be dismantling SARS, as reported by The New York Times. However, protesters are skeptical that the president will follow through on his promise. A Nigerian graduate student at Boston University claimed that the government had announced plans to disband SARS
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every year since the #EndSARS movement had begun but had never followed through on its promises. More than dismantling SARS, protesters also believe that the government needs to address broader issues in the nation’s police forces, such as compensation for victims of police brutality and better pay for officers to reduce the oppression of citizens. “It is important for citizens to exercise their right to protest when the government is failing them, as it seems to be doing now. The #EndSARS movement is similar to the Black Lives Matter protests in the United States, where protesters are also calling for the police to be reformed due to cases of brutality, which shows that our broader society is in need of major reform in our police forces,” Freshman Aadish Kumbhare said. The international community, as well as celebrities, have endorsed the movement to abolish SARS. For example, the actor John Boyega as well as musicians like Davido and Wizkid have publically supported #EndSARS— all in an effort to raise awareness of the situation in Nigeria. Furthermore, the United Nations and the African Union have condemned the killing of protestors. On a global level, the Nigerian government’s credibility has deteriorated. The protesters hope that the Nigerian government will bow to the pressure and accept their demands, which include releasing all arrested protestors and creating an independent body to oversee prosecution of all reports of police misconduct. Drawing inspirations from the Black Lives Matter movement in the United States, #EndSARS protesters hope for governmental reform to end decades of corruption and murder.
NASA’s asteroid samples could unlock secrets about the universe
Breanna Lu and Michelle Qiao
Since its launch on Sep. 8, 2016, the Origins, Spectral Interpretation, Resource Identification, Security, Regolith Explorer (OSIRIS-REx) spacecraft has journeyed to collect carbonaceous samples from Bennu, an ancient asteroid approximately two hundred million miles away from Earth in hopes of furthering society’s understanding of surrounding terrestrial life. After New Horizons and Juno, OSIRISREx is the third largest space exploration mission in the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)’s New Frontier Program, a collection of Solar System exploration missions. After the spacecraft’s clearance for takeoff on June 15, 2015, engineers implemented a fuel-saving technique called the Earth Gravity Assist Maneuver, which utilizes the Earth’s gravity to propel the space probe. OSIRIS-REx’s preliminary objectives were to retrieve at least 2.1 ounces of organic molecule samples from Bennu, record information about the sample-site and map out the asteroid’s landscape. Projected to return to Earth in September 2023, the OSIRIS-REx will bring back a capsule of collected material by parachute. “The resources for this mission are well spent because it is important to understand the world we live in, how ecosystems function, how life-forms sustain themselves
and how animals and humans were made— questions the findings from Bennu can help answer,” Freshman Kaitlyn Chan said. As the first U.S. spacecraft to obtain samples from an asteroid on Oct. 20, 2020, the OSIRIS-REx used a robotic arm known as the Touch-and-Go Sample Acquisition Mechanism (TAGSAM). Consisting of an 11 foot arm, a round head and bottled nitrogen gas, TAGSAM gathered samples of loose rock and dirt. When nearing Bennu, OSIRIS-REx mobilized TAGSAM and dug into the asteroid’s surface, catching debris in its shuttle head.
its proximity to Earth, which made it comparatively easier to reach than other planetoids. According to National Geographic, the mission would bring back more extraterrestrial samples than any other outer space voyage since the Apollo moon landings, providing scientists with valuable insights about the origin of life in the Solar System. Deemed a “time-capsule” by Lori Glaze, director of NASA’s planetary science division, Bennu is considered to be one of the Solar System’s primordial artifacts and therefore, highly likely to contain organic molecules from the birth of the Milky Way Galaxy. By analyzing celestial samples, scientists hope to determine how the first organisms progressed into the large variety of lifeART M I forms today, which could further K EL RACH researchers’ understanding of how life-forms adapt to their environment and reproduce. Aside from carbon-rich rubble, Bennu contains another essential mineral for life: water. If scientists are able to separate mineral water into By attaching hydrogen and oxygen, it can a Camera Suite be used to make rocket fuel, and Laser allowing for increased deepAltimeter to space travel. Bennu is also the TAGSAM, found to have an abundant the OSIRIS-REx supply of other necessary was then able to resources such as platinum, iron and capture images of the gold, which could be extracted by space sample and the terrain. mining in the possible future. NASA decided to authorize a Additionally, scientists hope that space mission to Bennu because of the OSIRIS-REx mission can further
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help with research about the asteroid’s possibly cataclysmic orbit. The spacecraft’s extensive observations will refine the previous prediction of 0.037 percent of collision in 2135 and help researchers better understand the Yarkovsky effect, which explains how absorbing light can influence an object’s trajectory. “Society is having an increased interest in space exploration because technology is evolving andCompiled advancing. by Space missions Hannah could Moon lead scientists to discover new forms life, Staffof Writer new elements or new galaxies,” Sophomore Kylie Duong said. If the return to Earth is successful, the discovery of carbon on Bennu may encourage scientists to continue studying asteroids. Future missions are already in the works: NASA is planning a visit to the metallic asteroid Psyche as well as building the new Lucy spacecraft to visit Jupiter’s Trojan asteroids. Through deepspace exploration missions such as the OSIRISREx, scientists are presented with opportunities to uncover the origins of life, development of various lifeforms and preemptively prepare for asteroid collisions. As technology advances and the curiosity of our universe grows, space missions will potentially increase in number and in frequency.
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DECEMBER 9, 2020
FEATURE: SCHOOL Gaining important insight from podcasts
Cindy Zhao Lifestyle Editor
Every morning, Anu Sarkar, Science Department, tunes in to The New York Times’s “The Daily.” Prior to the start of quarantine, she was not a big fan of podcasts, but now she often finds herself immersed in quality narration and reporting during her leisure time.
“Hidden Brain reveals the unconscious patterns that drive human behavior and underlying biases in everyday decision.”
“I started listening to podcasts because my playlists grew repetitive during long drives. The first podcast I listened to was The Way I Heard It. I got a lot of my students listening to it too,” Sarkar said. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Sarkar stayed at home for longer periods of time. She went on more walks by herself so podcasts became her company. Hosted by social science correspondent Shankar Vedantam of National Public Radio (NPR), the award-winning podcast Hidden Brain reveals the unconscious patterns that drive human behavior and underlying biases in everyday decisions. “Aside from Shankar Vedantam being a great narrator, I enjoy Hidden Brain because it is science-based and focuses on psychology and human behavior. The topics are generally well-selected and relevant to current events,” Sarkar said. One of Sarkar’s favorite episodes from Hidden Brain is the June episode
“I use the information...from podcasts to improve many of my personal habits.”
on implicit bias, which was released during the peak of the Black Lives Matter movement. It examined research about stereotypes and how they affect institutional behavior, especially in regards to faults in the nation’s criminal justice system, such as police shootings and biased judges. As a research and science instructor, Sarkar appreciates Hidden Brain because it often mentions scientific studies. She likes to take the results from the studies and apply them to the classroom. Every year, Sarkar has her Advanced Placement Biology students listen to the episode “The Creature of Habits” by NPR, which synthesizes research on creating and maintaining habits and offers guidance to anyone hoping to make changes to their lifestyle. “I use the information and advice I gain from podcasts to improve many of my personal habits. When I listen to podcasts and apply it to my life, I am challenging my students to do the same,” Sarkar said.
In-person and online: Robotics changes to a hybrid model
Norah Shen and Pavana Upadhyaya Due to distance learning, the school’s robotics teams—8404 Quixilver Robotics and 604 Quixilver Robotics—had to determine how to build robots virtually. The robotics teams are continuing to hold meetings, collaborate with teammates and attend competitions by implementing both in-person and virtual activities. Every year, both teams compete at the For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST) contests. However, the two teams have different schedules and plans. 8404 Quixilver has been competing in the FIRST Technology Challenge (FTC) since September, while 604 Quixilver will begin participating in the FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) in January of 2021. In previous years, both teams would develop game strategies to complete challenges given at competition venues. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the competitions will no longer be held in person. After completing the game at a team member’s house, the competitors self-report their scores to the competition managers. To ensure that the results are accurate and credible, some competitions require teams to livestream their trials. Senior Daniel Noronha, Treasurer of 8404 Quixilver, first joined the robotics team in seventh grade after watching the
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annual FTC demonstration at Bret Harte Middle School. He has been participating in robotics all throughout high school. “Being on 8404 Quixilver has been a great journey. Not only have I learned a lot about robotics, but I have gained valuable interpersonal skills and improved my writing skills,” Noronha said. However, Noronha explains that transitioning to online robotics has been difficult for his team. Instead of meeting after school in a classroom, the team needs to connect through video calls. As a result, team members found it challenging to teach newly recruited members and to collaborate with each other when building their robots.
“This season, we will be given the option of either designing our own game or participating in a skills challenge or an innovation challenge. A skills challenge would involve revamping last year’s robot to maximize scoring, and an innovation challenge would be to solve a problem occuring in the status quo by constructing robots,” Junior Anokhi Shah, Scouting Lead of 604 Quixilver, said. The 8404 and 604 Quixilver teams have both noticed benefits from participating in competitions during distance learning. For instance, since members do not have to be physically present during meetings, scheduling is more convenient. The teams can also compete against students from a greater variety of locations since they do not have to travel long distances for competitions now. Both Noronha and Shah have learned crucial skills through their involvement in robotics. Thus, they plan to utilize these skills in their future careers— Noronha plans on majoring Courtesy of Robotics in data science while Shah Unlike 8404 Quixilver, wants to major in computer the 604 Quixilver team has split their science in college. season into two portions: off-season, from Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, August to December, and build-season, the school’s robotics teams were forced from January to February. During the off- to develop new curriculums, organize season, the team meets for orientation and online meetings and adapt to virtual workshops, and during the build-season, competitions. Despite these changes, the the team meets every day after school to teams’ goal remains the same: to spark prepare for competitions. interest in robotics amongst students.
Senior Alex Chen and Freshman Daniel Xu meet in-person to build their robot before attending their robotics competitions.
Integrating math competitions into a virtual format Miranda Lu and Norah Shen When Sophomores Maggie Liu and Daniel Xie competed at math tournaments last year, they would travel to test centers and complete the tests in-person. Now, Liu and Xie take math tests from home as several math organizations have modified their tournaments to adapt to the COVID-19 pandemic. Some tournaments allot a specific time period for test-taking, but others require contestants to take tests altogether in a virtual meeting. For instance, the HarvardMassachusetts Institute of Technology Math Tournament and the American Scholastic Mathematics Association have been moved online, but tournaments that require inperson proctoring such as the Santa Clara University Math Tournament have been cancelled. However, despite these cancellations, Liu and Xie have been attending more contests than they did before the pandemic. Because all of the
Staff Writers
competitions are all online now, they are able to go to non-local tournaments that were previously too far to compete at. The new virtual tournaments have several advantages: students can compete against people from across the nation, and online rounds tend to be more punctual than in-person rounds. Despite these benefits, Liu and Senior Edward Hwang both prefer in-person competitions. “As much as I enjoy the convenience of attending competitions online, inperson tournaments are a lot more fun. Additionally, seeing people around me working hard on a test motivates me to stay focused,” Hwang said. In order to prepare for competitions, Hwang, Liu and Xie study by taking mock tests, watching math videos from Youtube channels such as Numberphile and 3Blue1Brown and working with other math club
students. Liu and Hwang also use test preparation books, including the Art of Problem Solving’s volumes on the central math competition subjects—algebra, geometry, counting, and number theory. Outside of tournaments, competitive math can help with school math courses as well. Many concepts covered in competitive math overlap with the school’s math curriculum, allowing students to better understand complex topics. “Competitive math helps build several essential skills. For instance, I enhanced my problem solving and critical thinking skills through competitions. Most of the time, you need to think outside of the box to solve the problems given during a competition—very rarely can questions be solved solely by memorizing a formula,” Xie said. Although they had to adjust to virtual math tournaments, Liu, Hwang and Xie are able to resume their competition season. They believe that the skills they have gained from competing will be beneficial throughout their lives.
JULIA NAKANISHI PHOTO
Senior Edward Hwang and Sophomore Daniel Xie study together for their upcoming math competitions by
reviewing math problems.
THE CHARGER ACCOUNT
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SPORTS
JESSICA LIN ART
49ers CEO criticized for “buying” city council elections Bertina Fan and Reagan Liu Staff Writers
Jed York, Chief Executive Officer person games, overriding permission for the San Francisco 49ers, recently Levi’s Stadium received from California faced backlash for attempting to “buy” Governor Gavin Newsom. Due to the Santa Clara City Council seats during county’s regulations, York claims that the November’s elections. To boost four team has lost over $2.7 million. candidates’—Anthony Becker, Harbir Since then, Anthony Becker, Suds Jain Bhatia, Suds Jain and Kevin Park—chances and Kevin Park have defeated incumbents for winning their respective races, York and won their elections. Three of the Santa donated over three million dollars to the Clara City Council’s six seats are held now Citizens for Efficient Government and Full by 49ers-backed candidates. Voting Rights, a political action committee “Jed York’s donations are problematic (PAC) founded by former Congressman because they present a strong conflict of Mike Honda. interest. With increased influence Politicians such as on the council, the 49ers are Santa Clara Mayor likely going to petition Lisa Gillmor for custody of “The municipal government believe that Levi’s Stadium. and the 49ers have fought over curfew York’s actions Although the are rooted in stadium is restrictions, custody stipulations and self-interest, currently owned rent payments for the stadium” noting York’s by the city of history of clashing Santa Clara, York’s IVAN ZHU ART with city and county victories may change that officials. Since York moved predicament in the next few years,” his team to Santa Clara’s Levi’s Stadium Sophomore Aiden Bulow said. in 2014, the municipal government and All three new councilmembers have the 49ers have repeatedly fought over deflected allegations of excessive influence curfew restrictions, custody stipulations on their future policies by York though. and rent payments for the stadium. In late Becker, in particular, explained that he October, Santa Clara County also banned was not owned by the 49ers and would be 49er fans from purchasing tickets for in- acting of his own free will. Moreover, each
of the three have made sure to clarify that Chronicle that the team’s only intention none of them received any money directly, was to support political representation reiterating that York’s funds were solely for minorities, as the majority of the channeled towards campaigning. Others, current city council is white. The elected like Sophomore Karis Moon, call for candidates he supported do seem a more holistic assessment to fit the bill. Becker, a gay surrounding the man, has a background 49ers’ actions. in film studies; “There is Jain was born “They explained that the team’s most likely a in Delhi, India only intention was to support political combination and worked representation for minorities.” of two on the Santa motives: first, Clara Planning IVAN ZHU ART to advance his Commission (a landown political views use advisor board), as and second, to increase well as on Santa Clara Charter support for his team. Boosting these Review Committee; Park, a former candidates will benefit the 49ers, but we engineer, is the only Korean American on should not assume this is the sole reason the City Council. for funding their campaigns,” Moon said. Even though the Citizens for Efficient The Citizens for Efficient Government Government and Full Voting Rights PAC and Full Voting Rights PAC—at the center and the 49ers both claim their intentions of the Jed York-Santa Clara controversy— are benign, critics have called York’s also released a statement claiming that success a dangerous precedent, possibly their only motive for supporting the four providing the CEO with a stronghold candidates was to increase diversity in in local politics. Although there is no government. When asked about York’s possibility of reversing election results, donations to the PAC, Rahul Chandhok, they urge citizens to call for fairer elections Vice President of Public Affairs and in the future to prevent powerful sports Strategic Communication for the 49ers, figures or other influential people from similarly explained to the San Francisco exerting undue influence.
Ava Stephens skates towards national recognition
Reagan Liu and Pavana Upadhyaya
Staff Writers
individually. Even though Stephens is excited to compete for her first time in 2020, she also expresses concerns about the changes. “I wonder how the tournament officials
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Before and after school, Junior Ava go to the rink, attend school and return to Stephens perfects her ice the rink afterwards. I did not have a lot of skating routines at the spare time and had to be highly focused Solar4America Rink in with my priorities,” Stephens said. downtown San Jose. As a top-ranked competitor, Stephens’ Formerly known as schedule requires her to balance athletic Sharks Ice, the rink commitments with various assignments serves as her threeat school. With eight to nine contests hour training per season, Stephens often needs to center for six miss school so she can travel. days a week— To do so, she obtained at least before special permission from quarantine. Since U.S. Figure Skating—the the pandemic’s sport’s highest governing start in March, body nationwide— Stephens has as explanation to spent less time her teachers for at the rink in absences. Also, adherence with Stephens maximizes country protocol. the little time she has Since starting by completing homework the sport at age during plane trips and six, Stephens has between performances. pursued her passion Although the COVID-19 for ice skating for pandemic negatively impacted more than ten her training schedule, online years. Two years after school has made learning more putting on her first pair convenient for Stephens. Now, of skates, she began she spends less time commuting, entering competitions. providing her with more time From then on, Stephens to attend classes and study for qualified for sectional tests. However, the pandemic has tournaments and in 2017, also disrupted typical operations entered the national behind many competitions. circuit. Garnering For one of her scheduled national recognition has contests this season, organizers required much time and reformatted the previously inpersistence on her part. person layout to a virtual layout. Every “From the start, I had skater in attendance will be required to to be very motivated and submit a video of their performance, disciplined. I would wake up, QUYNH NGUYEN PHOTO which will then be scored by judges
COUR TE S YO FA
Ava
will make sure that competition is fair for all skaters. To create unfair advantages for themselves, competitors could use camera tricks, such as using shots from different angles and advanced editing software, so not all performances will be exactly the same,” Stephens said. When entering competitions later this season, Stephens plans to perform a rountine to Giacomo Puccini’s “Nessun Dorma.” Her program includes six triple jumps and three spins, which she deems to be technically challenging but extremely satisfying when able to be perfected. Although there are few available college scholarships, Stephens has
n r wi Stephe ns ‘22 during he
already applied for one of them. She plans to continue her ice skating career for as long as possible beyond high school—perhaps even going professional—but realizes the need to prepare for a normal job after her ice skating career ends. “I definitely want to do something other than skating, but will likely keep the sport as a part of my life, maybe performing the occasional show or exhibition,” Stephens said. While the pandemic has complicated many ice-skatingrelated experiences for Stephens, from training schedules to nationwide competitions, she is clear on one thing: her love for skating and determination to succeed at an even higher level.
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Old Clothes, New Trends Modern Youth Culture
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an increase years, In recent ess has inspired awaren in environmental about the brands ntious conscie more teens to become or shopping on apps g thriftin to turn they patronize. Many than large retailers. rather p Thredu and rk such as Depop, Poshma popularity of such rising the in role large a Teenage shoppers play that 46 percent finding Sandler Piper bank ent trends, with a survey by investm hand garments second sed purcha have olds househ of teenagers from upper-income Suggesting that year. past the in others to g clothin used and 58 percent have sold their YPulse found firm h researc the habits, g shoppin teens’ on social issues have an influence products they the how about care ers consum Z tion Genera that 90 percent of millennials and buy affect the environment. l reasons. Teens may buy This shift towards sustainable consumption could also be for persona fashion trends on a budget. While secondhand to better express their personal style or to keep up with an activity that consumers of all thrifting was once exclusively seen as a lower-income necessity, it is now also led to concerns that thrift stores socioeconomic backgrounds participate in, according to Forbes. This has clothes elsewhere. have become gentrified and no longer serve people who cannot afford ng more aware of how our clothes becomi are they because ably sustain g “More young people are shoppin practices like sweatshops. However, I think are actually made, so it is a good way to try and stop harmful business step in the right direction, but people should sometimes people do so just to feel good about themselves. It is a great environment,” Senior Ayumi Bergan said. stop doing so just because it is popular but rather because it benefits the the pandemic, profits for fast fashion While the popularity of used clothing has been rising steadily during g is at an all-time low with online resale retailers have dropped. According to the Piper Sandler survey, teen spendin nally, GlobalData reported that sales of new platforms experiencing an uptick in upper-income teenage users. Additio g sales are projected to almost quintuple. clothing are expected to fall four percent by 2024, while secondhand clothin d programs selling upcycled clothes. In response to this change in shopping habits, some brands have launche Secondhand in partnership with Levi’s called For example, in October, denim company Levi’s announced a program rations can increase the accessibility of e-commerce company Trove to recycle and resell old jeans. Such collabo are readily available. environmentally conscious options for teens, for which major chain brands environmentally-friendly methods of “Fashion brands may be more motivated to switch to ethical and g will become the main way that thriftin production and distribution. Hopefully, sustainable shopping and said. Leon de Vu people purchase clothing in the future,” Sophomore Desiree-Joelle ry harm of their spending planeta the While teenagers may be well-intentioned in looking to reduce to be more ecological than purport that habits, they can be susceptible to manipulative marketing tactics Conscious collection in H&M its of launch they actually are. For example, H&M was criticized upon the harm the environment actually can which April for promoting its use of natural materials like Tencel, by contributing to deforestation. teens to educate Ethical fashion is still a growing movement, and it could encourage sing clothing. purcha of s method t differen themselves on sustainability and seek out out green try to ever than willing more Especially with the pandemic, teens are s. alternatives to big everyday retailer rs
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QUINCY HAN ART