Narwhals Shine Up North

Narwhals Shine Up North

Ukraine Jeopardized After U.S. Withdrawl

By AidAn WeinBerger

With the situation becoming more tumultuous by the day, it is important to examine the roots of the current Russian-Ukrainian War, which trace back to 2014. It started when Russia annexed Crimea after Ukraine’s pro-

“President Donald Trump has made it clear that Ukraine should abandon its aspirations to join NATO, stating that Kyiv can ‘forget about it.’”

EU uprising. The ousting of pro-Russian President Viktor Yanukovych further fueled Moscow’s anger. In response, Russia backed separatist movements in eastern Ukraine, sparking a conflict that has continued in the Donbas region for years.

Tensions escalated dramatically on Feb 24, 2022, when Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Russian President Vladimir Putin framed the invasion as a “spe-

cial military operation” to “demilitarize and de-Nazify” Ukraine—claims widely dismissed by Western nations. The real reasons behind the invasion are far more complex. Most notably, Ukraine’s growing alignment with NATO and the European Union, along with its resistance to Russian influence, posed a strategic threat to Moscow.

The U.S. and its allies responded with unprecedented sanctions on Russia, military aid to Ukraine, and diplomatic efforts to isolate Moscow. Over time, Ukraine received advanced weaponry, including HIMARS rocket systems, Patriot missile defenses, and Abrams tanks, which helped Ukrainian forces resist aggressive Russian advances. However, the war remained deadlocked, with neither side achieving a decisive victory.

At the same time, President Donald Trump has made it clear that Ukraine should abandon its aspirations to join NATO, stating that Kyiv can “forget about it.” He argues that NATO expansion was a key factor that provoked the war in the first place. Instead, Trump has signaled a preference for negotiating an end to the war through economic incentives rather than military means.

A White House meeting between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Feb. 28, 2025, was intended to finalize details of a new agreement, but it ins tead ended in a tense standoff. Re

The Housing Crisis

By oWen sAtterlund

San Diego is arguably one of the world’s prettiest places to live, at least in my opinion. With perfect weather, beautiful beaches, and interesting people, San Diego is a dream come true. However, actually managing to get and own a house here is slowly becoming harder and harder, especially for younger people and families just starting out. Housing prices have skyrocketed astronomically, and rent is out of control, with more and more residents being priced out of the city they have called home for years.

Since January 2025, the median home price in San Diego has been over $900,000, with an average rent

“San Diego, if nothing changes, will become a city that only the wealthy can afford, losing the diverse communities and vibrant culture that makes it what it is,”

of around $3,000 a month. That is far more than most people can afford, and their wages aren’t keeping up. The reason for the housing crisis is obvious: there isn’t enough housing thanks to strict zoning laws and limited space for new development. Out-of-state and corporate investors are buying up homes, often outbidding local buyers, and turning them into expensive rentals. On top of that, short-term rental platforms like Airbnb are taking long-term housing off the market.

“With U.S. support withdrawn, Ukraine faces an increasingly uncertain future. Economic partnerships could strengthen Ukraine’s longterm resilience, but without firm security commitments, the country remains vulnerable to future Russian aggression.”

ports indicate that the meeting became heated, with Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance sharply criticiz-

ing Zelenskyy. The discussion escalated to the point where U.S. officials asked Zelenskyy to leave the White House, abruptly ending negotiations without an agreement being reached. The situation took a dramatic turn on March 3, 2025, when Trump announced an immediate halt to all U.S. military and financial aid to Ukraine. The decision, which came without prior coordination with NATO allies, has sent shockwaves through both Washington and European capitals. In response, European leaders have intensified discussions on increasing aid, with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer hosting a defense summit to explore further military and economic support for Ukraine. Germany and France have also vowed to fill the gap left by the U.S., but it’s questionable whether they have the capacity to provide the level of assistance Ukraine previously received. With U.S. support withdrawn, Ukraine faces an increasingly uncertain future. Economic partnerships could strengthen Ukraine’s long-term resilience, but without firm security commitments, the country remains vulnerable to future Russian aggression. The coming months will be crucial in determining whether European nations can make up for the loss of American support or if Ukraine must concede, forcing lasting changes to Eastern Europe’s political landscape.

The difficulty of securing a home here has been devastating for many. Families who have been living in neighborhoods like Logan Heights and City Heights for their entire lives are slow

By unsplAsh imAges

-ly being priced out. Seniors on fixed incomes are struggling to keep up with rising property taxes and maintenance costs. Young entrepreneurs and professionals, who once hoped to buy their first home near their family and where they grew up, can’t and are forced to move out of state where there are more affordable housing prices and better job opportunities. For those who can’t leave, the result is harsh; San Diego’s homeless population is growing, with more people forced to live in their cars or on the streets.

I’m not smart enough to fix this problem, but even I know that the city needs to build more affordable housing, alter zoning laws to al-

low for more multi-family units, and put stronger rent control and tenant protections in place to stop landlords from jacking up prices overnight. Cracking down on corporate investors could potentially make it easier for locals to buy housing instead of having to compete with deep-pocketed investors who are looking to make a profit.

San Diego, if nothing changes, will become a city that only the wealthy can afford, losing the diverse communities and vibrant culture that makes it what it is. With the right policies and some actual effort to put our residents first, there’s still a chance to open up doors for these people, and to give them a place to thrive and call home.

“Since

January 2025, the median home price

in San Diego

has been over $900,000, with an average rent of around $3,000 a month”

Keeping Up With Controversy

By ChArlotte sills

Since the inauguration of Donald Trump on Jan. 20 of this year, a whirlwind of changes have taken place within the federal government. If you’re like me, you may be trying to keep track of these new developments but have felt overwhelmed by the sheer amount of news and rapid pace of change. Some of the most publicized and controversial actions from President Trump’s first month in office have included mass firings of federal workers, the involvement of billionaire Elon Musk in politics, and cuts to foreign aid.

“President Donald Trump has made it clear that Ukraine should abandon its aspirations to join NATO, stating that Kyiv can ‘forget about it.’”

Starting off, in an effort to lessen “wasteful spending” and reduce national debt, Trump created the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which has cut funding to

many organizations and fired hundreds of thousands of federal workers around the country. These layoffs have affected a wide variety of departments and are expected to have impacts well beyond just the individuals and families who are losing their income. For example, layoffs have taken place within the National Park Service, with upwards of 1000 employees being fired in recent weeks. Since they are common tourist spots, many national parks contribute greatly to local economies. Following DOGE’s firing streak, the parks may become understaffed and thus unprepared to safely support the number of visitors they usually are able to, which may ultimately lead to significant economic harm. National Park employees are just one group of workers in jeopardy as a result of the funding cuts; employees of the Veterans Administration, the Department of Health and Human Services, the Pentagon/Department of Defense, the Internal Revenue Service, and more are also being laid off.

Something else, or rather someone else, that has been receiving lots of attention in the news is Elon Musk and his sudden involvement in the federal government as the head of DOGE. Many people have questioned the legitimacy of his authority, as he is not an elected official and has previously had no role in the government. Trump’s administration hired him as a “special government employee” (SGE), meaning he is not paid for his involvement nor is he considered a full-time gov

ernment employee. SGE’s must work for the government for 130 days or less within a year, a role mainly created as a way to allow the government to receive “outside expertise,” as described by CBS News. Musk’s actions as an SGE

By getty imAges

so far have caused much controversy, even resulting in lawsuits against him and DOGE. Specifically, DOGE has been taken to court over their access to labor department data and taxpayer data. Many are concerned that Musk and his team having access to this type of sensitive information is a violation of privacy and overreach of power. Not only has federal spending within the US been slashed by DOGE, foreign aid has also been largely cut as a part of Trump’s “America First” agenda, leading to distress in countries that the US had previously given heavy support to. These cuts have halted aid to several foreign countries including Sudan, Yemen, and Columbia. Many of these vulnerable countries have relied on the US to fund healthcare services, including programs related to preven-

tion/treatment of malaria and AIDS, maternal health services, and food assistance. This has understandably caused -much upset in and outside of the US, with the Global Health Council arguing that Trump’s enforcement of these cuts will ultimately “cost millions of lives around the world.” Further, many fear that not only will these actions be devastating for the countries that depend on US aid, but that the abrupt suspension of foreign aid will weaken the US’s global reputation. Backing out of commitments to help these countries opens a vacuum for other big powers to fill, such as China and Russia. Critics point out that other countries will only be strengthened by this opportunity to create closer relationships and alliances with those abandoned by the US, ultimately leading to a decrease in the power of America on a global scale. Clearly, enormous changes have ensued in the short time that President Trump has been in office. His administration’s aggressive policies have been a cause of celebration among his supporters, but have also caused confusion and upset to many Americans. While views differ greatly on the early actions of the current administration, one thing most can agree on is that we are living through a period of radical and rapid change in our government.

United States Foreign Relations are Changing...

By AvA Countouriotis

The election of President Donald Trump has created political change and unease regarding foreign affairs. Under this new administration, members and values of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) are being challenged, and the United States’ relationship with Ukraine is facing tension while Russia has re-entered the political landscape after years of isolation. For these reasons, the European perception of the United States has changed.

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The ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia has caused much disagreement among political officials, both foreign and domestic. Prior to the Trump administration, the Biden administration provided Ukraine with funding, weapons, and military training to fight against the Russian invasion. This included almost $131.5 billion in military and political funding and weapons such as guns, helicopters, and tanks. The U.S. also contributed to NSATU, or NATO security assistance and training for Ukraine. This aid and cooperation, provided to Ukraine by the Biden administration, strengthened relations within NATO and with other western alliances, such as Australia or

Japan, who all agreed to punish Russia for the invasion of Ukraine. This was done by imposing strict sanctions on Russian goods, with the aim of stalling Russian economic activity, thus , stalling more Russian troops from being deployed. The Biden administration used the conflict to strengthen ties with European and Western aligned countries and further the power of NATO, all while supporting Ukraine.

The Trump administration, however, undid most of this work rather quickly. Contrary to the Biden administration, the Trump administration has started to distance the U.S. from NATO and from the Ukrainian-Russian war. Trump has posted on social media multiple times about his distaste for the ongoing war and Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s leadership, claiming Zelenskyy is a “dictator without elections,” falsely stating that Zelenskyy and the Ukrainian people started the war, and critiquing Biden’s policies and spending concerning the war and NATO. These statements, along with changes in foreign policies, point to less U.S. involvement in the war and in NATO overall. This has caused much unease among European countries.

Perhaps the most concerning event in the Trump administration was the recent meeting between Russian and U.S representatives regarding the war in Ukraine, without any Europe an, NATO, or Ukrainian representatives present. The meeting was held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, a neutral site. During the meeting, Ukraine’s

future was discussed, along with U.S.–Russian relations. The absence of Ukrainian, NATO, or other European powers is particularly worrying, as it validates the concern of many European and NATO countries: the Trump administration is pulling away from NATO and European alliances. This is concerning for NATO, and Europe overall, for many reasons. The U.S. is the strongest military presence in NATO, and is also the largest country, by land mass, in the alliance. NATO relies on American presence as a power leverage, and without them would be a terrible loss of power. NATO members, due to this meeting, are also becoming increasingly concerned about the adherence to the founding principle of the alliance: “An attack on one is an attack on all.” NATO powers are worried that the United States may not uphold this principle under the Trump administration. If Trump refuses to continue funding Ukraine, who’s to say that he wouldn’t do the same if other NATO powers were attacked?

Another consequence of the U.S.-Russia meeting is Russia’s re-entry into the Western political landscape, and Trump’s policy change regarding Russia. For the last three years, the U.S. has led a policy of Russian isolation as a punishment for the invasion of Ukraine. This all changed when American and Russian representatives had that meeting in Saudi Arabia. The move was met with much criticism, both domestically and internationally. The ending of Russian isolation was

unexpected to all, but it signals a much more concerning issue: Trump seems to be beginning to align himself with Russia, or at least seems to be building strong relations with them. The end of this isolation, and opposition, towards Russia is a major change in American policy, because the United States and

“The Trump administration has started to distance the U.S. from NATO,”

Russia, particularly under the leadership of Vladimir Putin, are opposing powers: Russia’s totalitarian government directly opposes American values of checks and balances, equal opportunity, and democracy. These relations with Russia have been met with mixed reactions, but it is unknown how this will impact the U.S. All we know is that European powers are becoming more and more wary of the U.S. and Russia. The United States’ foreign affairs policies are quickly changing, and it is impacting the international landscape heavily. Relations with Ukraine are quickly decaying, while new relations with Russia seem to be on the rise. NATO and most of Europe are concerned about the future of ageold alliances, but time will tell how this will play out on a global stage.

NIH Cuts and Their Implications

By Justin sun

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) funds nearly 50,000 research projects annually, but recent budget cuts proposed by the Trump administration could plummet that number, leaving critical medical breakthroughs in limbo. The recent NIH cuts have left undergraduate students in a panic, especially in medical research fields, which require grants from the NIH to cover indirect costs. This begs the question: What exactly are the cuts on?

To understand the cuts, we first need to know what grants are. Grants are funds given by a government program to finance both direct and indirect costs of a project or other purpose. Direct costs refer to things that directly support the research, like the salary of the researchers, materials they need to buy, etc. These costs go specifically to a single project. Indirect costs, on the other hand, go to the overall research institution. It helps pay for administrative staff, laboratories with electricity, equipment, and building maintenance. It also ensures that laboratories comply with federal regulations. The proposed NIH cuts reduce the indirect costs portion of a grant to a maximum of 15%, which is a problem for some institutions where indirect grants take 70% of the money given. For example, at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD), the indirect costs take up 59% of the grant. Since this is so high, cutting it to 15% will be a huge jump and cause problems for many state schools and smaller institutions. The motive for this policy was

to help support direct research more, as well as cut down on overall costs and make America more cost-efficient.

However, such a cut could have huge implications for universities. For example, to counterbalance this cut, universities may need to source money from other places, such as tuition, which would cause the already astronomical prices to continue to rise. The indirect costs help maintain the infrastructure necessary to do research, and without infrastructure, research becomes near impossible. These cuts also have an implication on America’s research and technology. If a lot of undergraduate students don’t have a good job market to support them, they may consider moving to some other country, such as Canada. As America’s students begin working for other countries, the nation naturally falls behind in research and may become dependent

on other countries for medicine, vaccines, and other medical advancements.

While there are several significant drawbacks, the proposed NIH cuts present some potential benefits. For example, capping indirect cost reimbursements at 15% could allow for more funds to be allocated directly to scientific research, increasing the number of projects funded. Additionally, the proposed cap aligns with private sector practices, as many private foundations limit indirect cost rates to similar levels, promoting a more cost-efficient research model. However, these cuts could also place an immense financial strain on research institutions, making it difficult to maintain the infrastructure and administrative support necessary for high-quality research. Universities like UCSD, which currently operates with a high indirect cost rate, would face funding gaps that could lead to

reduced research quality and even job losses in scientific and administrative positions. UC President Michael V. Drake stated that “the [NIH] cuts are catastrophic for countless Americans who depend on UC’s scientific advances to save lives and improve health care,” since the UC Health Care relies on medical research and breakthroughs to support patients, including those with cancer. Additionally, with the cut on the NIH grants, institutions may rely on third-party sources for funding and thus introduce bias in medical research. While the intention behind these cuts is to prioritize direct research, failing to support the necessary infrastructure could ultimately slow innovation and harm the very scientific progress the policy aims to enhance. With these disadvantages in mind, several colleges and institutions, along with 22 states, are suing the Trump Administration and challenging the NIH cuts, which were postponed by a federal judge in Massachusetts. The judge has yet to make a decision on the NIH cuts. If they go through, these NIH cuts could have major repercussions that could lead to the stagnation of America’s medical research. While we don’t know what will happen in the future, this proposal will certainly have an effect on both research and the job market moving forward.

By getty imAges

Opinion Why You Should Spring Clean This Year

By Katherine Pfeizer

Spring has finally come. The weather is warming up and animals are coming out of hibernation, bringing with them a sense of renewal that is unique to this season. This beginning is essentially a better version of New Year’s Day, since you can finally hear the birds chirping, experience the flowers blooming, and begin to think about spring cleaning. Let’s be real: our rooms, backpacks, and study spaces could use decluttering. So, why not take some time to clear things up? A little effort always sets the mood for a productive evening.

“Let’s be real: our rooms, backpacks, and study spaces could use decluttering. So, why not take some time to clear things up?”

We’ve all been there at least once: piles of clothes everywhere, random papers scattered across your desk, and that one water bottle that has been sitting there for weeks. Al-

though it might not seem like a big deal, clutter will only make it harder to focus. When your space is clean, the mind feels clearer, and studying becomes way easier. Plus, coming back home to a tidy room after an incredibly busy day feels really good. Making the bed, putting clutter away, and even vacuuming once in a while

we need, figure out where something should be instead, and classify what’s just taking up space. This sense of being orderly helps us focus and feel more in control of our workload. And honestly, there’s nothing more satisfying than recycling piles upon piles of useless papers and seeing your desk finally look usable again.

can do wonders for our mental state. Moreover, I advise you to declutter because constantly digging through old assignments, random junk, and who-knows-what else wastes time and energy that could be spent on something productive. Organizing forces us to sort through what

Furthermore, let’s talk about back packs. On the first day of school they look neat and organized, but it takes only a couple of days for them to be turned into a complete mess with crumpled worksheets, mechanical pencils with no lead, and even old food. Some

The Search for Saint Paddy

By arthi chandra

With the start of March comes the four-leaf clover and green decorations flooding the aisles of any local grocery store, or so I thought. My mind was flooded with memories from elementary school of leprechaun traps, messy classrooms, and dozens of bright green treats as I scoured the aisles of Vons, Ralphs, and Pavilions for Saint Patrick’s Day goodies. My confidence rose as I stepped through the automatic doors and was greeted with clover balloons. However, my hopes and dreams of a Saint Patrick’s Day treat review were shattered as all that lay in each store was a sad, untouched box of plastic green necklaces and paper plates in a hidden corner of the holiday aisle. Now, I sit here pondering one question: What happened to Saint Patrick’s Day?

The weird lack of festive snacks and decorations in stores isn’t just a strange theory: it’s a consistent pattern. Over the past few years, stores have shifted their focus towards major commercial holidays, leaving the smaller ones to fend for themselves. Valentine’s Day clears out overnight, only to be replaced with aisles of pastel-colored eggs and marshmallow chicks, often months ahead of time, while Saint Patrick’s Day is lucky to get a tiny shelf of leftover candy or party supplies.

Holidays like Easter also used to be about tradition and meaning, but now they feel like an excuse for stores to sell themed candy, decorations, and overpriced merchandise. Easter isn’t just about its religious roots anymore:

it’s more centered around giant chocolate bunnies, plastic egg hunts, and pastel everything. Companies know that people will buy into the holiday hype, so they flood stores with limited-edition snacks and decorations that barely connect to what the day is actually about. While the fun side of these holidays isn’t a bad thing, the

you spent the day dodging pinches from classmates. There were themed worksheets, shamrock-shaped cookies, and artificially bright-green cupcakes that would dye your teeth green by the end of the day. But in high school, the day barely gets a mention outside of someone half-heartedly reminding you not to get pinched. Holidays

Photo credit arthi chandra

immense marketing tends to bury other smaller holidays like St. Patrick’s Day. Back in elementary school, March 17th was a big deal. You’d walk into class to find tiny green footprints on desks, gold chocolate coins hidden in bookshelves, and some elaborate leprechaun trap that never actually worked. If you forgot to wear green,

in general are ignored in high school. So, where did the excitement go? Maybe Saint Patrick’s Day has become just another filler holiday stuck between the roses and chocolates of Valentine’s Day and the pastel explosion of Easter. Or maybe it’s because, as we get older, the magic of tiny mischievous leprechauns or themed hol-

of us may be familiar with the experience of coming back after a long break to find out that something has been slowly rotting in our backpacks. So, stop scrambling through notes and take a few minutes to sort everything, toss the trash, and put things in their proper place. It will make finding what we need much easier. Beyond just organizing for school, reflect on what you do and don’t need. Check over your wardrobe and donate some of the clothes that you haven’t worn for the past three months. Furthermore, cleaning up the nitty gritties, dusting overhead lights, replacing burnt light bulbs, vacuuming more often, and wiping down cabinets will make your room a better evironment. Spring cleaning isn’t just a one-time thing; it’s about building habits that make our lives easier. Keeping our spaces organized daily means less stress, more focus, and better productivity overall. Small efforts, like putting things away after using them and keeping our desks clear, can make a huge difference in how we handle school and life. Cleaning may not be the most fun activity, but a tidy space helps us think clearer, work better, and stay on top of our school work. So, let’s take the time to tidy up our rooms, sort through our backpacks, and get our lives a little more organized. Trust me, our future selves will thank us for it.

iday fun is replaced with AP exams, sports practice, and the looming reality of college applications. Even though Saint Patrick’s Day has become more about gimmicks than its original meaning, maybe a little extra luck isn’t such a bad thing, especially with finals falling on the same day. Sure, we might not have “leprechauns” leaving chocolate coins in our backpacks, but who says we can’t channel some of that lucky energy into our tests? So even if Saint Patrick’s Day isn’t as big as it used to be, maybe it can still bring us some much-needed luck because, let’s be real, we’ll take all the help we can get.

“Even if Saint Patrick’s Day isn’t as big as it used to be, maybe it can still bring us some much-needed luck because, let’s be real, we’ll take all the help we can get.”

Photo credit Katherine Pfeizer

Feature

Women’s History Month

BY Bahar MotarjeMi

Every year, Women’s History Month is nationally celebrated in March, where formidable female figures like Susan B. Anthony, Harriet Tubman, Amelia Earhart, and more are honored. Women’s History Month gives us an opportunity to dive deeper into the powerful history of women in our nation, as well as allowing us to acknowledge the challenges and triumphs of their lives. While the month is widely celebrated, the backstory of this meaningful observance is not commonly known.

As recorded by the Los Angeles Times and the National Women’s

History Museum, Women’s History Month originated as Women’s History Week in Santa Rosa, California. The realization of the necessity for a Women’s History Week dawned on high school history teacher Molly Macgregor after being asked by her student about the women’s movement. The textbooks they had been learning from had little information about female contributions in history, and Macgregor wanted to ensure that the female impact would not be overlooked. Macgregor and other Sonoma women worked to modify the curriculum to include more women leaders, create female

empowerment organizations, and more. Macgregor later met Paula Hammett and Bette Morgan in graduate school, and the three women created Women’s History Week, the first in 1977, with the Education Task Force of the Sonoma County Commission on the Status of Women. Through this, the trio met and began working with Mary Ruthsdotter. Later, they also began collaborating with musician Maria Cuevas and they dreamed up the idea of a Woman’s History week, which would be specifically scheduled to fall on the week of March 8, which is when the historic International Women’s Day takes place and its celebration garnered a lot of attention in Sonoma County in just a few years.

Upon their creation of the National Women’s History Project, the founders received a call from attorney Sarah Weddington from the White House. Weddington asked, on President Jimmy Carter’s behalf, to officially recognize a week in March as Women’s History Week. President Carter later signed this as an official presidential proclamation, with Congress soon creating a resolution that also promoted the celebration. By 1986, 14 states had gone further to declare the entire month of March as Women’s History Month, with Congress confirming Women’s History Month as a national commemoration in 1987.

The annual recognition of women’s historical progress continues to expand into all aspects of com-

munities, such as schools, libraries, work settings, parks, museums, and more. Each year, the five women who made Women’s History Month a reality, Macgregor, Hammett, Morgan, Ruthsdotter, Cuevas, are included as names in the annual presidential proclamations. As the month of March continues on, let us recognize all of the women who have and continue to be exemplary figures of our country.

“Each year, the five women who made Women’s History Month a reality, Macgregor, Hammett, Morgan, Ruthsdotter, Cuevas, are included as names in the annual presidential proclamations.”

First Dates, Deadly Disorders, and Dior Rouge

Economic predictions may not be entirely reliable, but they are factually based on patterns and sample data that commonly result in reliable statistical foresight regarding where the American economy will proceed. However, when something economically impactful is impending, it tends to be overlooked or underestimated. Perhaps there is another method, a behaviorally analytical method, that we can use to look out for economic turmoil.

A big topic of discussion within many circles is the possibility of a recession in the next 18 months. A recession is defined as a prolonged period, typically two consecutive quarters, of negative GDP growth. While there are clashing predictions on how likely a recession is in the United States, with half of SIFMA’s roundtable members claiming either a >15% chance or a range between 15-30%, economic prediction is not a simple science. This article is not to outline my opinion on where I believe our economy is heading, but to expand upon nontraditional indicators associated with the recession, and how we as consumers shift our behaviors when we face an economic downturn. Although there are many quirky behaviors linked with recession, the most personally captivating were spikes in eating disorders, the lipstick index, and the first date index.

While disordered eating is an issue that has always existed in our society, the problem seems to exponentially worsen in tandem with the economy’s decline, specifically towards young women. Financial stress can lead to a heightened sense of a

al nervousness, anorexia is a deadly disorder. We must be conscious of any unhealthy trends increasing in our communities to preserve the health, equity, and mental stability of our society.

Unsurprisingly, consumer purchasing behavior also shifts as we move

loss of control, and some individuals project this feeling into their eating habits. Many studies have shown that eating disorders, specifically anorexia, rise as the economy falls. This can easily be attributed to the increased anxiety and economic pressures typical of a recession. Whether resulting from skipping a meal to stretch a dollar, a desire for control, or just gener-

toward recession. Multiple economists have noted that lipstick sales tend to uptick quite a lot. The brand Estee Lauder discovered this in the early 2000s and it seemingly holds today. This index suggests that when people have less disposable income, they look toward ‘little luxuries’ to fulfill their consumerist desires. Lipstick is an inexpensive yet a visible and chic purchase, mak-

ing it a popular choice for indulgence. Another behavior that alters during a potential recession is the popularity of first dates. When job security and income are unsure, people are more likely to seek out a companion. For example, Match.com noted that the fourth quarter of 2008 marked its busiest time in over seven years, and it directly correlated with the bottoming out of the U.S. economy. Coincidentally, they also reported their driest periods during years of economic success. It makes sense – dating can serve as a method of escapism, providing a temporary distraction from one’s more prominent struggles in life. Additionally, large romantic gestures and events are not as feasible during recessions. Marriage, honeymoons, and homeownership are all large financial investments, and it can be much easier to put those aside and lose oneself in the fleeting and inexpensive nature of casual dating. Though all of these trends may seem unrelated and could be attributed to coincidence, they all overlap from their origin in human responses to stress, uncertainty, and an innate desire for control. Whether through unorthodox eating habits, minor luxury indulgences, or seeking romantic fulfillment, everyone finds a way to cope with economic instability, even if it isn’t through a healthy mechanism.

BY averY ruff

Photo Credit rose Wong

Photo Credit rad Pozniakov

Coffee Chats: Mr. Leal Edition

Now that we have made our rounds across all the departments, we decided to circle back to English. I would say that this is our most anticipated guest yet – “our” as in me and Sage. Mostly Sage. In never having Mr. Leal as a teacher, the aspect of meeting him piqued my interest. Over the years, I have heard a lot about him and his tendency to incorporate a lot of philosophy discussions in his classes. As a humanities student, I was excited. Out of all of the episodes we have made so far – and this may seem like a copout – I would suggest listening to this one. This little bit of transcript doesn’t give the interview its full justice in the Q&A format, as the conversation ebbs and flows from one topic to another in a single, simple question. Sometimes, not even a question needed to be asked to transition into a new subject matter. Mr. Leal even invited us to answer his questions to continue the seamless

movement of the discussion. Given that we were unable to go through many questions and other subjects were introduced midway through answers, the format of this edition of Coffee Chats will be slightly different. Art, its transcendent quality, and what it means to “flourish” were touched on. Aristotle even came up, to my surprise and delight. Creating and facilitating dialogue is what Mr. Leal does masterfully.

What’s your coffee order?

“You can’t go wrong with just straight black coffee. I used to [put in milk], but I have changed my ways.”

What do you do in your downtime? What do you do to unwind?

“So I don’t really unwind. It’s more like the circus changes. I’ll go from the circus here to the circus at home. But it’s okay because the things … I do at home aren’t quite all that different from what I do here … I read a lot. Oh, I love to read. I do play video games, though, that is like unwinding … There are times when I will just put on the headphones and go somewhere else.”

Do you have a gaming set-up?

“I’ve got a setup. I have setups … multiple setups. So, yeah … I’ll do that … I go through phases when I play a lot of video games, and then some-

An Energy Crisis

BY jadYn heCht

I, too, have fallen victim to the craze of energy drinks. Waking up after a long night of studying or walking to practice after school feels more achievable knowing that I have an ice-cold Celcius to help me through it. However, what started as a quick fix became an addiction. I knew I had a problem when I started having head

“There is a misconception that we can safely consume up to 400 milligrams of caffeine daily. While this is technically true for adults, that number is nowhere near the amount recommended for teenagers.”

aches whenever I passed on caffeine. Though seemingly harmless, the pattern of headaches taught me that caffeine is a dangerous supplement. And yet, it’s everywhere. Our society treats caffeine like an innocent part of daily life, but it really isn’t. It is impossible to open any form of social media, especially TikTok, without seeing someone crack open an energy drink can, clutching it like their most prized possession. Influencers casually sip on them as they get ready for their day or head out to the gym. This constant use has allowed energy drinks to become an aesthetic accessory and, in the process, completely normalized.

Companies know exactly what they’re doing. Tired teenagers are their target audience, and they’re fully aware that society can be easily manipulated into thinking we need something we don’t. Now, energy drinks have taken over students in schools, and we need to start recognizing that it is a problem.

There is a misleading rumor that we can safely consume up to 400 milligrams of caffeine daily. While this is technically true for adults, that number is nowhere near the amount recommended for teenagers. The advised amount of caffeine for youth ages 1218 is less than 100 mg, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Still, the reality is many of us will continue to reach for these energy drinks because, as high schoolers, we are exhausted. There is a straightforward solution to this energy crisis: sleep more. Now is the perfect time to start. Finals are finally over,

times when I won’t touch them for a long time. So … it depends [on] what … interests me like. I’m very fortunate in the fact that I have the ability to choose among multiple different interests … Even teaching is an interest for me … I want to say it’s kind of like a hobby. It’s like, my hobby is my job, which is not a lot of people could say.”

What’s a hot take that you have?

“The Beatles are terrible … I would like to hear what Mr. Pollock has to say.”

On the creative experience:

“The artistic impulse is essentially … a loving impulse because it’s leaning towards the flourishing of the viewer … Aristotle is eudaimonia. It’s the idea of you. Of the chief good. It’s the thing that organizes all of the experiences that a person [has]. It’s the final end, but it’s also the first cause. And it’s like, what is that? And for Aristotle, it’s the condition of a flourishing spirit that science can be … The humanities is definitely that. And in the humanities, everything … is geared, or was, towards, ‘What is flourishing like?’ ‘How do we define it?’”

Is money, pleasure, or prestige the end or are those tools for other types of being?

“There are a lot of people who …

get everything they want, like, money, prestige, and then they’re sort of just like, ‘Okay, now what?’ I think I would hate to be in that sort of position … I remember … [that in] one of my classes, we were talking about the idea of … the spoiled child principle… It’s the idea [that] the spoiled child is miserable… That they’re constantly upset. And why are they? Why are they upset? The more … the parents give the child, the more miserable they become. Why is that? It’s because they have the things, but they don’t, paradoxically, ascribe a value to the things … Whether they get a Tesla, it’s all the same because there was no journey to getting it, and the value that you ascribe to something has a concomitant journey or story attached to it … Everything’s a story. So if you haven’t composed the story, but then you got the result at the end of the story, paradoxically, you don’t value the story … because the story isn’t there.”

and spring break is within reach. Hopefully, you took full advantage of the late start to kickstart your new sleep schedule– free from caffeine.

I urge you to give yourself the gift of sleep and treat yourself to an extra hour or two of rest on the weekend or go to bed just a little earlier on school nights. More importantly, cut

back on your reliance on caffeine for energy. I’m not saying you have to go cold turkey immediately (I would be a hypocrite if I did), but reducing your intake and aiming for the recommended amount is a great place to start.

From my own experience, focusing on real rest instead of energy from energy drinks makes all the difference.

Check out the full podcast with Mr. Leal by scanning the QR code below!

Photo Credit kilian seiler

The greatest appeal, however, is crushing the competition.

At the stadium in Vancouver, each department settled into its niche like a well-oiled machine. Controls and Mechanical took their spots in the pits to monitor the robot directly.

“Behind the field, there’s a huge area where everyone has their own pits and where they have their robot come in and out to fix,” described Au. “One of my roles was on pit crew where, after each match, the robot would come in and then we would see if there were any problems with it.”

In the densely packed bleachers of the arena, the Strategy department was hard at work scouting the various robots throughout the 80 qualification matches.

“[We] collect data on the robots to see A) if we should choose them on our alliance during alliance selections. And B) if we’re playing with them during a qualification, how would we best incorporate that into our strategy? Or C) if we’re playing against them, how do we best beat them?” detailed Krummen.

Finally, the Business/Marketing department recorded the matches so the Narwhals could reevaluate their robot’s performance. The department also curated the team’s social media posts throughout the competition.

Before recapping the results of CanPac, it is critical to mention the long-standing superstitions that have allegedly led the team to victory in years past. Most notably, intense deliberation goes into giving the robot a name that will increase the Narwhals’ chances of winning.

“Our robot’s name always has to start with [the letter] G, so we’ve

had robots named things like Gar rison, Gorbius, Goose, G-Minor, G409, and our current one is called Gillbert,” explained Krummen. “We do statistically worse

‘“The best part about travel team is the fact that you work with these people all year round and then get to go travel,” commented Beatrice Au (10) from the Mechanical department. “It feels like such a family to me.”

if we don’t have a G name.”

Another superstition involves passing a fish-shaped block of wood around the stands and knocking on it for good luck. Regardless of whether these superstitions truly influence the fate of the competition, their existence undeniably plays a crucial role in building camaraderie on the team.

As for the CanPac tournament itself, the Narwhals’ showing

was a stellar swim. The team won nine out of ten qualification matches, earning them second pick in the draft for alliance partners. The Narwhals’ alliance then proceeded to dominate in the elimination rounds, securing a spot in the championship. Unfortunately, the Narwhals just fell short of the much-heralded gold in the best-of-three championship setup. However, they did win one of their three championship matches, which is particularly impressive considering they faced a fearsome opponent in The Hawaiian Kids, a highly competitive robotics team from Oahu, Hawaii. Despite just missing the glory of the gold, the Aluminum Narwhals should feel immensely proud of their performance.

Besides, the team didn’t leave Canada empty-handed! The Narwhals earned the Excellence in Engineering award for demonstrating “a professional approach to the design process,” per the official FIRST website. Throughout March, the Narwhals have been perfecting Gillbert to prepare for the San Diego Regional competition at UC San Diego on March 20-23. Whether the outcome is an epic victory, a close miss, or an unlucky denouement, the CCA community is eager to celebrate the excellent efforts of the Aluminum Narwhals.

PHOTO CREDIT: ALUMINUM NARWHALS

PHOTO CREDIT: AMY KRUMMEN

The Implications of AI on Modern Music

BY SYdneY ApplBAum

People have found joy in music for centuries, the earliest tune dating back 35,000 years ago. The stimulating connections we all experience when listening to music are truly unique, and the number of potential genres to jam out to is endless. From rock, pop, and even “Nintendocore” (shockingly, this is a real thing), listeners are bound to find joy in at least one of the thousands. Whether you believe AI is a useful tool

“the introduction of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a supposed game changer in the music industry.”

in pushing the boundaries of musical creativity, or a harmful anecdote that may poison music as we know it, there is no doubt that change is upon us. However, the introduction of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a supposed game changer in the music industry. AI music generators aside, artists are taking inspiration from AI, and implementing it into their music. This affects existing genres and adds whole new ones that will shake up the music industry. The

implications of Artificial Intelligence in modern music has caused heavily varied reactions, but an early form of its technology has actually been present in music for decades. It dates back to the 1900s with the song, “Iliac Suite for String Quartet,” which was the first made through the ILLIAC I computer. While this song did not significantly change the music industry, the idea behind it influenced artists for centuries. Since then, hundreds of artists have run compositions through computers, whether it’s for a background beat, or an entirely new song. Popular songs, such as “Break Free” by YACHT, used AI in the development of the chords.

“Heart on my Sleeve” by TikTok creator Ghostwriter977 likewise used AI to mimic the voices of Drake and the Weeknd in a song. Although the idea behind AI in music is fairly new, its impact has taken off significantly.

So, what’s the problem? Although AI is great for generating ideas, many individuals are troubled by the ethical concerns regarding AI in music. For example, a big one is copyright and how much of the rights are owed to an artist. The previously explained composer of “Heart on my Sleeve,” used Drake and The Weeknd’s AI-generated voice to sing the song, causing controversy among social media users. The potential misinformation regarding new music for artists is another concern, as individuals can entirely make up their own tune, place

Ramadan 2025

BY lAYlA RAShid

As the crescent moon signals the beginning of Ramadan, Muslims around the world begin preparing for a month filled with fasting, prayer, and spiritual renewal. Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, and holds a deep religious significance as a time of charity, devotion, and discipline.

“All of this aside, fasting is more than just abstaining from eating or drinking–it is a time for spirituality, increased prayer, self reflection, and donating to those in need.”

When Is Ramadan?: The exact dates of Ramadan vary year by year, depending on the lunar calendar. In 2025, Ramadan is set to begin on the evening of Feb. 28, and conclude on the evening of March 30, ending

an artist’s voice, and publish it to the public. The legal landscape regarding AI and its potential is still being configured, but big record labels have begun suing AI for such fallacies. Artificial intelligence is not new to us. Siri has been a comfort for years now, and ChatGPT works beautifully when it comes to finding out how to do Chem homework. However, when it comes to music, there are many mixed reactions to the software program. Although some artists embrace it creatively, other artists reject it entirely, and go so far as to involve legal processes. The future of AI within the music industry is unknown, but who knows? A microphone was also a new invention at some point, and who knows where we would be without it now. Whether you believe AI is a useful tool in

“Although AI is great for generating ideas, many individuals are troubled by the ethical concerns regarding AI in music.”

pushing the boundaries of musical creativity, or a harmful anecdote that may poison music as we know it, there is no doubt that change is upon us.

photo CRedit GettY imAGeS

with the celebration of Eid al-Fitr. What is Fasting, and Why: Fasting is one of the five pillars of Islam, and is done mainly by abstaining from food and drink from sunrise to sunset. Before sunrise, Muslims eat suhoor, which is a pre-fasting meal that provides nourishment for the day ahead. Then, after sunset, the daily fast is broken with a meal called iftar, which often begins with dates and water. All of this aside, fasting is more than just abstaining from eating or drinking–it is a time for spirituality, increased prayer, self reflec

tion, and donating to those in need. Fasting allows one to be appreciative for everything they have, in this case food and water, and also empathize with those who are less fortunate.

Acts of Charity and Generosity in Ramadan: Ramadan also emphasizes generosity and compassion by encouraging donations to the less fortunate. Zakat, another one of the five pillars of Islam, states that Muslims must contribute a portion of their wealth to those in need, but additional charity is also highly encouraged. All around the world, mosques

and community centers organize iftar meals for the less fortunate, allowing communities to break their fasts together, strengthening ties and kinship. And, in many Muslim coun tries, once sundown hits people stand beside the busy streets to hand out dates and other treats to the people making the commute home, allowing them to break their fast on time.

“After the final night of Ramadan, Muslims celebrate Eid al-Fitr, a holiday marked by communal prayers, acts of charity, and festive meals.”

Eid al-Fitr: Celebrating the End of Ramadan: After the final night of Ramadan, Muslims celebrate Eid al-Fitr, a holiday marked by communal prayers, acts of charity, and festive meals. The day begins with a special prayer at the mosque, and then moves onto gatherings filled with friends and family. Celebratory foods and sweets are shared, such as baklava, rice dishes, and many other celebratory meals.

photo CRedit mARiuS mASAlAR

Mardi Gras and Purim

BY AvA dAnielS

The month of March is dominated by St. Patrick’s Day. Everyone seems to associate the monthly holidays with green four-leaf clovers, pots of gold, and happy leprechauns with bright orange hair. St. Patrick’s Day is a great holiday and deserves all of the clovers it gets, but there are also other important celebrations in March that should be mentioned. Most notably, Mardi Gras and Purim are two great holidays with fun histories, amazing traditions, and incredible food.

Mardi Gras — which means Fat Tuesday in French — is widely associated with New Orleans, but it surprisingly didn’t begin there. It likely originated from two Roman festivals: Saturnalia, which involved hanging greenery, debauchery, and gifts of cerei (wax taper candles) and signillaria (terracotta figurines), and Lupercalia, a celebration that included sacrifices, feasting, and whipping women (yes, whipping women). When Christianity took over Rome, these traditions were integrated into the culture as a celebration to occur before Lent, which is a more solemn forty-day fasting period to commemorate the fasting Jesus endured before beginning his public ministry. Eventually, the traditions of Mardi Gras spread to other countries, the most notable being France, which would then spread the holiday to its

“ Both of these celebrations, with their intricate histories, colorful traditions, and mouthwatering food, are a great reminder of all the great, yet obscure holidays that March has to offer.”

colonies. This led to the first American celebration, which is under contention as some believe it first took place in Mobile, Alabama, and others argue that it was brought by two Frenchmen, Pierre Le Moyne d’Iberville and Sieur de Bienville, near New Orleans. Nevertheless, it was introduced to the region and became a fixture of the culture of New Orleans after the first public Mardi Gras parade on Feb. 24, 1857. This year, the celebration was held on March 4, 2025. Purim, on the other hand, stems from a Jewish story surrounding a woman named Esther who becomes the queen of Persia and stops her husband’s vizier from mass murdering her people. Esther is a Jewish orphan raised by her uncle Mordecai who becomes queen by hiding her Jewish identity and winning a beauty pageant held by

the king, Ahasuerus, to find a new wife (his first wife was banished for disobeying him). As queen, she discovers from her uncle — a prominent Jewish leader who once saved the king from assassination — that her husband’s bloodthirsty vizier Haman is plotting a genocide of all the Jews in the Persian Empire. In light of this information, Esther reveals her Jewish identity to King Ahasuerus and pleads with him to protect her people. He does,, Haman is executed, and the festival of Purim is born. It is estimated that the first Purim took place in Alexandria in around 124 BCE, where the Book of Esther (the origin of the story) was written, but it isn’t confirmed. In fact, this idea widely failed to gain mass acceptance until the Middle Ages. Today, however, Purim is celebrated by Jewish people around the world, and it is considered a joyous and fun holiday. This year, it was held from March 13-14, 2025.

Both Mardi Gras and Purim have their own amazing traditions that are completely in line with jovial March celebrations such as St. Patrick’s Day. Mardi Gras, for one, has many fun ways to celebrate, such as flambeaux. This is where torchbearers lead parades with dazzling performances that include the twirling and spinning of their torches. People also display colors of gold, green, and purple everywhere as a symbolism of power, faith, and justice, respectively. In addition, one of the most recognizable traditions is the throwing of the beads, where parade floats toss gold, green, and purple beaded necklaces into crowds. This ensures that everyone is colorfully dressed during the fun celebration. Speaking of colorfully dressed, mask-wearing is also very popular on Mardi Gras. These colorful and elaborate masks have become a symbol of Mardi Gras and are worn to provide confidentiality and get into the spirit of the celebration. Lastly, parades with marching bands define the day as brightly colored themed floats roam the streets with their bright music, inspiring crowds to dance and have fun.

Purim’s traditions also provide space for plenty of merrymaking. During this holiday, people tell the story of Purim’s origins and provide graggers — noise-making devices — to children to make a ruckus whenever Haman’s name is mentioned. There is drinking (for adults) and dressing up as the characters in the story, with the most popular costume obviously being Esther. Another fun tradition comes from the performance of Purim spiels (which actually may have originated from Mardi Gras!), which is a comedic dramatization of the story in the Book of Esther. During these spiels, costumed performers embellish this story by parodying popular songs from that year and poking fun at current issues in political and social spheres. Some people even partake in the mashvarta, where children leap over a fire pit (this is not endorsed by the Code of Jewish Law and should be done exclusively by people who know what they’re doing). Finally, observers of Purim give to charity (it is customary but not compulsory for it to be around a half dollar) as prescribed in the Book of Esther.

While traditions are nice, what is a holiday without amazing and memorable food? For its part, the traditional food of Mardi Gras is as sweet as it is colorful. The most popular (and in my opinion, delicious) dish to enjoy on this day is King Cake, a sweet cinnamon cake coated in a mouthwatering glaze and sprinkled with gold, purple, and green sugar. It is ridiculously good, especially if it comes from New Orleans, and even has a baby Jesus mixed in for people to find. Whoever finds the Baby Jesus becomes the “king.” People also indulge in beignets — fried donuts filled with warm custard and coated in powdered sugar. In addition, it is not uncommon to see people enjoying Shrimp Po’Boys, a New Orleans sub involving French bread, shrimp, lettuce, and remoulade. Another option is Jambalaya, a paella-like dish of rice, vegetables, sausage, and chicken, during Mardi Gras celebrations. The food of Purim is also absolutely delightful, with the most notable dish being hamantaschen. Named after the character of Haman, Hamantaschen

are triangular-shaped cookies (to represent Haman’s triangular hat) filled with traditional poppy seeds, sweet and fruity pie fillings (such as strawberry or peach), fruit jams, or even warm chocolate. These little cookies are one of the symbols of Purim, and one bite will tell you exactly why. Other traditional foods include Cheese Filled Triangles, which are made of phyllo, spinach, and feta, and Cornish Hen, which is (as the name suggests) chicken accentuated with rosemary. Challah, the unreasonably delicious Jewish bread, is also seen on tables at Purim, where it is sometimes covered in poppy seeds and made in the shape of a ring. These recipes together create a feast to look forward to on Purim. Overall, the holidays of Purim and Mardi Gras are both rooted in revels and merrymaking and provide a great time during March. Both of these celebrations, with their intricate histories, colorful traditions, and mouthwatering food, are a great reminder of all the great, yet obscure holidays that March has to offer.

ARt CRedit AnGelo ZYkov-leek

March Club Spotlight

BY Ben du

Contrary to the name, JazzUp

SD isn’t actually all about playing jazz. As a one-year-old club, they’ve taken on the ambitious task of not only performing in concerts for their communities, but also “jazzing up” student learning experiences by providing tutoring and enrichment classes free of charge. As the club has begun efforts to spread across San Diego to other high schools, they’ve performed with musicians and vocalists of all types of styles–including, but not limited to, jazz. This group of passionate and talented students have already performed concerts at the Carmel Valley Library and the various senior centers, including a holiday performance this past December. The club also performs for private events to fundraise for the San Diego Children’s Choir: they’ve made it a goal to increase fundraising in 2025. If

you’re interested in joining (or booking) them, you can email them at jazzupsd@ gmail.com or check out their website at sites.google.com/view/jazzupsd.

SAGE (Serving and Giving to Everyone) was founded this year by a group of freshmen seeking to contribute to charitable causes through volunteering and fundraising. The club is unique in its majority underclassman leadership, which gives newer CCA students the chance to coordinate community service events. Since their inception, they have participated in beach clean

ups and run bake sales–this month, they raised over $200 to aid the LA Fire Relief. If you’re interested in being a part of the beginnings of a community service club, make sure to join their google classroom using code BPVKAB3.

As part of a larger organization aimed at matching volunteers to service projects, Just Serve consistently meets once a month during lunch to impact our community and help people in need. This year, they’ve participated in card-writing drives for hospitalized

Caption Contest

children and those in third-world countries and made blankets for those in need. Unlike many other communityservice clubs, Just Serve does much of their work during lunch break on school days–club members can log service hours in between periods. For those looking for a lower commitment and convenient volunteering opportunity, this club may be right for you. Make sure to join their google classroom using code NVQ4M6N and follow them on Instagram @cca_js_club to get notified whenever they plan an event. If you’re interested in seeing your club spotlighted, email ben.du@ccaasb.com to sign up.

photo CRedit oliviA muelleR

photo CRedit Steven Chen

photo CRedit SkY GhASemi

Entertainment The Oscars 2025

By LiLah DanieLs

The Oscars, an award show held by the Academy of Arts and Sciences to celebrate the greatest movies of the year, is considered “Hollywood’s biggest night.” Movie stars are given their well-deserved (or sometimes less deserved) accolades after a long season of working and promoting their projects. The year 2024 had its fair share of memorable movies, both good and bad, that have been nominated for awards and cinephiles are tuned in to see who will take home the coveted golden statues. This year has also come with a plethora of controversy, all of which had an effect on the chances of the nominated films.

“As for the awards, “Anora” won big with five of the six awards they were nominated for, while captivating films like “Wicked,” “Conclave,” and “A Complete Unknown” were left with little.”

Leading the nominations of 2025 is one of the most divisive films of the previous year: “Emilia Perez,” which achieved the staggering feat of 13 nominations, tying the French film with illustrious films like “Oppenheimer” and “Gone with the Wind.” However, the decision to nominate this movie for so many awards has caused the Academy to accumulate a lot of backlash. “Emilia Perez” was widely despised by audiences (it has an unfortunate 16% on Rotten Tomatoes) and declared as harmful and inaccurate by the Mexican and transgender communities it is trying to represent. However, the incident that acted as the final breath for a majority of this movie’s Oscar chances (since it was still predicted that actress Zoe Saldaña will still take home Best Supporting Actress) is the resurfacing of old posts from the movie’s lead: Karla Sofía Gascón. In these old posts, Gascón criticizes numerous communities, including Muslims and the Chinese. Since the backlash, the movie has attempted to distance themselves from Gascón’s comments, and she hasn’t attended any of the shows this awards season.

“Emilia Perez” isn’t the only Oscar nominated movie that has been in controversy this year. There have also been discussions about the lack of

intimacy coordinators in the film “Anora,” which received six nominations. Many people have called out the movie for not using any, since it sets a negative precedent that could violate actors’ boundaries (though it is important to mention that the stars said they felt supported). Additionally, the film “The Brutalist,” which has ten nominations, has been controversial for its use of AI to make the Hungarian more accurate. The controversy has sparked a debate about the use of AI in the movie industry.

Oscar host Conan O’Brien kicked off the night in a way that seemed very fitting to his style of comedy — emerging out of Demi Moore’s body, referencing an actual scene from her movie “The Substance” (for which she was nominated for Best Leading Actress). O’Brien also set an amusing tone by showing early headshots of some of the actors in the crowd, jokingly replacing Timothée Chalamet’s with a sonogram. O’Brien did a fantastic job hosting, and it was common consensus that there needed to be more of him in the show. Personally, my favorite comment was around halftime when O’Brien referenced the infamous feud between Kendrick Lamar and Drake, saying “we’re halfway through the show, which means it’s time for Kendrick Lamar to come out and call Drake a pedophile.”

As for the awards, “Anora” won big with five of the six awards they were nominated for, while captivating films like “Wicked,” “Conclave,” and “A Complete Unknown” were left with little. The director of “Anora”, Sean Baker, also made history by winning four awards for one movie. This includes the award for Best Picture, which is one of the most prestigious awards of the night. The Best Acting awards were hardly a surprise. Kieran Culkin took the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor for “A Real Pain” after carrying the category all season. Culkin’s speech was amusing, and he hilariously brought up that

his wife, Jazz Charlton, promised him four children if he took home the prize. Actress Zoe Saldaña won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress (again for “Emilia Perez”), which was also unsurprising because she had been winning all award season. Saldaña’s win was controversial, however, since she was asked about the unflattering depiction of Mexican culture and practically responded with “sorry you feel that way.” The Best Leading Actor award went to Adrien Brody for “The Brutalist.” Brody’s speech was so long that it broke the world record for longest speech for Best Actor with a length of five minutes and 37 seconds. Brody also sparked conversation by throwing his gum like a baseball at his girlfriend Georgina Chapman. While Culkin, Saldaña, and Brody’s wins were predictable, the race for Best Leading Ac

tress between “Anora” actress Mikey Madison and “The Substance” Demi Moore was extremely contentious. The odds fluctuated between the two all awards season, but Madison ended up taking home the prize.

The 97th Academy Awards had its fair share of controversies, but it served its purpose of shining a spotlight on often overlooked parts of the film industry, such as costume and makeup design, set design, screenwriting, etc. While not everyone can emerge a winner, each of the nominations were incredibly deserved and the show was a fitting conclusion to this year’s award season. While your favorite movie may not have taken home many prizes, 2024 proved to be a wonderful year for filmmaking and a testament to the hard work of everyone involved in it.

Photo CreDit: LiLah DanieLs

Photo CreDit: Getty imaGes

Cultural Representation in Disney Films

By CeLia ZDanowski

Cultural representation — which we have been lucky enough to see in films as of late — is an amazing tool to make people feel accepted and appreciated. Children are able to see characters in movies that look like them, which is a great way to build confidence and self-love. Unfortunately, not everybody is pleased at this sudden increase in representation.

An example of this is in 2023, when “The Little Mermaid” starring Halle Bailey was released. The film caused an uproar on the internet, causing feeds to be flooded with negative comments from those who had criticisms. Nothing was changed about the actual story, but people were still upset. The internet felt like Disney was doing Ariel an injustice by casting an actress who didn’t look like the original character. Since the actress Halle Bailey, who is of African-American descent, used red hair extensions and matched

“Children are able to see characters in movies that look like them, which is a great way to build confidence.”

Ariel’s style perfectly it was clear that the backlash stemmed from the color of her skin. The hashtag “not my Ariel” was started on social media after the movie’s release. The racism and sexism shown towards Halle Bailey demon

used to it. Why is it normalized? Why do black women have to be okay with the hate they receive? And how can we help?

Rumors of a live action Tan gled have been circling the internet for

Photo CreDit: Getty imaGes

strates why it was so important to have a black Ariel. Society was clinging on to the idea that Ariel is a white woman with straight hair and couldn’t accept that she could also be a black woman with braids. There are hundreds of adaptations of Spider-Man, as seen in Spider-Man: Across the Spider Verse, but fans weren’t nearly as mad about that as they were about Ariel. Why could fans accept a black Spider-Man and not a black Ariel?

The answer stems from sexism and how women have to work ten times harder to be accepted in society than a man. Halle Bailey shared on social media that she isn’t surprised by the hate because, as a black woman, she is so

the past few months with fans sharing their casting ideas and opinions. The live action adaptation of this movie hasn’t even been announced by Disney, but people are still making fan castings of who they think should play each character. A popular fan cast for the main character, Rapunzel, is Avantika Vandanapu. Many fans have shared that they think Avantika would be a perfect casting choice and others are strongly against it. Racist comments have dogged the actress, with users saying that an Indian woman with dark hair shouldn’t play Rapunzel. Others have pointed out that the film adaptation hasn’t even been acknowledged by Disney, and still, people are hating.

Most of the hate surrounding the Disney casting stems from racism, not actual concern that the film won’t live up to the original story. This is why cultural representation is and always will be so important and the racist comments being made won’t change that. We should learn to judge actresses based on their merit not their skin tone and continue to move forward with creating a more equal world.

“Nothing was changed about the actual story, but people were still upset. The internet felt like Disney was doing Ariel an injustice by casting an actress who didn’t look like the original character.”

Wicked Movie Vs. Wicked on Broadway

By aLexia CioBanu

The traditional story of “Wicked” or the prologue to the renowned “Wizard of Oz” made its debut on the big screen on Nov. 22, 2024. While originally an adored Broadway play started in 2003 , it recently became a film adaptation split into two parts, with the release of part two expected to come in November of 2025.

The director of the movie, Jon M. Chu, has stated in interviews that he approached the film adaptation from a very specific perspective. He knew that the original Broadway show had touched many when it first came out, leaving an everlasting impact with the hit songs such as “What is This Feeling?” and “Defying Gravity.” These core memories left fans expecting a phenomenal movie adaptation, which is what Chu himself aspired to accomplish.

“The composer and screenplay writers of Wicked themselves admitted that they didn’t believe it would be such a big success.”

The fact that Wicked was in the spotlight for over 20 years to the point where it has become a screen adaptation, was also quite astonishing to many. The composer and screenplay writers of Wicked themselves admitted that they didn’t believe it would be such a big success. After it became famous worldwide, it made sense to keep the original Broadway play similar to the movie adaptation. The first of the two movies of Wicked has proven to be very similar to the first act of the actual Broadway play. No songs were cut and all of the tracks were completely faithful to the original Broadway recording, allowing fans to feel as if they were experiencing the actual stage show in a closer lens.

While there were definitely some similarities, there were also noticeable differences. The first act of the movie adaptation was almost as long as the entire Broadway play itself. While some may argue that this deters from the original play, it honestly felt like it was allowing the movie to expand on important moments and convey the emotions that the show was unable to in its time frame. In an interview with The Times Newspaper, Chu stated that he felt “really confident” about the decision to split the movie into two separate sections. Certain moments in the Broadway show that may have felt too quick were able to be appropriately expanded on and fully appreciated in the movie.

Another notable difference be

tween the two was an additional detail that was added to the movie after it was glossed over in the Broadway production. This detail was Elphaba’s childhood. While the Broadway play does cover some of Elphaba’s backstory in the opening scene of “No One Mourns the Wicked”, the movie actually shows how Elphaba’s mother consumed a green elixir while having an affair, which led to her daughter’s green tinted skin tone. It also demonstrates how Elphaba was neglected by her father after her mother’s death. The movie dives way deeper into this than the Broadway production did. Elphaba’s relationship with Nessarose is also furtherly explored, establishing a protective and loving dynamic between them that wasn’t really present in the Broadway play. Additionally, the common themes of the story were also approached differently. In the final climactic scene of Act One in the Broad

way play, Elphaba accepts the title of Wicked Witch with an understanding of governmental corruption that was not significantly explored in the “Defying Gravity” scene in the movie. In the film, rather, when Elphaba falls off her broom, a flashback is played on screen that goes back to a younger version of herself, which inspires her to keep going and persevere. This special addition to the movie helps give Elphaba a reason to become the Wicked Witch: not for vengeance but for herself and the betterment of society in a corrupt and unjust world.

In conclusion, while there are differences between the movie and Broadway adaptations of Wicked they both convey the same message: the power one person has to change the world. With this in mind, we can enable ourselves to accept both versions of the story, despite their differences, as an exploration of the hero’s journey through the eyes of an outcast.

Photo CreDit: Getty imaGes

MLB 2025: Spring Training Insights

By isaBel Vann

As baseball makes its pre-season comeback in Florida and Arizona, Major League Baseball’s 2025 Spring Training is officially in full swing. This year’s preseason is filled with major trades, new young talent, and rule modifications that have the potential to influence the game’s future. With Opening Day soon, teams are finalizing their rosters while fans get their first glimpse of what is set to be a thrilling season. Spring Training is the MLB’s official preseason. It’s a time for teams to prepare for the 162-game season ahead and showcase baseball’s upcoming stars. It takes place in Florida (Grapefruit League) and Arizona (Cactus League), providing a necessary window for players to regain their form, for prospects to compete for roster spots, and for teams to judge their strengths and weaknesses. Though the games are not counted in the standings,

performance during Spring Training can determine who secures an Opening Day position and set the mood for the season.

The offseason’s headline move was two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani signing an outstanding contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Even without pitching in 2024 due to elbow surgery recovery, Ohtani’s hitting alone helped lead the Dodgers to World Series glory. Los Angeles also has an excellent offensive lineup including players like Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman.The Dodgers have consistently been among the league’s most impressive teams, and Ohtani’s addition has made them even stronger. Their pitching remains solid, and their offense is arguably the best in baseball. The Dodgers’ new additions to the team, Blake Snell, Roki Sasaki, and returning players like Clayton Kershaw have put the Dodgers as the favorites to win

Come

in this upcoming season once again.

The New York Mets also made headlines by signing Juan Soto, mixing him into a roster with players like Francisco Lindor and Pete Alonso. After a disappointing 2024 season, the Mets are counting on Soto’s impact to help them achieve a successful season. They hope that his entrance will change them into an offensive powerhouse, which is likely due to his previous performances. Their pitching will be the key factor in whether they can compete with the Braves and Dodgers in the National League or not, so it will be interesting to see how the Mets’ new lineup performs.

The Boston Red Sox signed the prestigious player Alex Bregman to a three-year, $120 million contract, reshaping their infield alongside Rafael Devers. They also enlisted Walker Buehler, a former Dodgers pitcher, who could improve their starting rotation.The Chicago Cubs also signed new players and, in an unexpected move, ended up with Kyle Tucker from the Houston Astros. The Gold Glove outfielder’s combination of power and defense makes the Cubs serious contenders in the NL Central because they continue to enhance their roster.

“Major League Baseball’s 2025 Spring Training is officially in full swing.”

The Braves have been one of baseball’s most reliable teams in recent years. With Ronald Acuña Jr., Matt Olson, and Austin Riley leading the offense, and Max Fried and Spencer Strider securing the rotation. Ultimate-

“In the National League, the Dodgers and Braves remain top teams, but if the Mets’ strategies succeed, they could make a great comeback.”

ly, Atlanta remains a top team. One of the most discussed rule changes under observation this spring is the Automated Ball-Strike (ABS) challenge system. This allows batters and pitchers to challenge an umpire’s call on balls and strikes, with the call being analyzed through automated tracking. This could give players great advantages in the game, but it also comes with significant disadvantages. It could be a pitfall for players on the mound or batting because it allows teams to challenge what an umpire has called. If the call benefits the pitcher, the challenge can change the score and their confidence.. In the American League, the Astros, Yankees, and Mariners continue to be strong challengers, but the Red Sox could be the 2025 World Series champions if their new signings perform well. In the National League, the Dodgers and Braves remain top teams, but if the Mets’ strategies succeed, they could make a great comeback. Spring Training is just starting, yet one thing is very clear: the 2025 season is going to be one of the most exciting seasons in recent years.

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art Credit: isaBel Vann

Crossword Crest Academy

By Carrie Krummen

ACROSS:

1. Where one can buy coffee and get work done

5. Surgically transplanted tissue

10. File formats for documents

14. I did well on my test! = I ____ it!

15. Spirit Week has a Pep _____ on the Friday 16. European currency

17. When a chronically online individual goes to sleep

18. Mistake

19. Nimbostratus tears

20. Bride-to-be

22. Frequently pitted against pancakes or French toast

24. Atom with a net electrical charge

25. Category of artistic composition in literature or music

26. Unofficial ninth planet

29. Clingy marine crustaceans

33. Claude Debussy’s “Clair de ____”

34. Winter drink = Egg___

35. Not damaged

36. Largest organization of psychologists in the US abbr.

37. Put an end to it = ___ it in the bud

38. Sound to express surprise

39. Symbolic Japanese fish

40. Sealable plastic bag

42. Car-cooling devices

43. They’re made of organelles

44. First course of an Italian meal

46. Green pesto ingredient

47. Seize the day = _____ diem

48. Sticky tree “blood”

49. Doughnut shop in the Highlands

52. Nerves

56. Caution

57. Lois Lowry’s The _____

59. Cat says, “I meow!”; cow says, “_ ___!”

60. Eras

61. Join together

62. Prefix meaning “all”

63. Flynn Rider’s poorly-drawn facial feature

64. Striped quartz gemstone

65. A hammer’s target

DOWN:

1. Baby cow; also a leg muscle

2. Reddish-purple berry in smoothies

3. Greek brined cheese

4. Dark-greenish mineral found in Edenville

5. Color associated with nature

6. Unusual

7. Fine/okay abbr.

8. 19 ACROSS in April brings May _______s

9. Oppressive governments

10. Quintessential, like these crosswords! (I’m kidding.)

11. Consisting of two parts

12. They pair well with burgers and shakes, but remove the last letter

13. Male descendants

21. Baby sound

23. Sinatra of jazz

25. Dry-heave; practical joke gift

26. Public urban square

27. Harry Potter’s werewolf professor

28. Inappropriate

29. Music group that produces (arguably song-ruining) covers = Kidz ___

30. These five midwestern entities are Great

31. Intestinal bacteria (two words)

32. Inanimate object painting = _____ life

34. Central American nation, home to Managua

37. Prohibition-era Chicago mobster,

but spelled backward and remove the last letter

38. Prefix meaning “environment”

41. 16-year-old’s rite of passage

42. Synonym of 14 ACROSS, in slang

43. Text under an Instagram post

45. First concerto in Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons

46. Baseball/softball stick used to knock a dinger

48. Exclamation used for emphasis after yes/no

49. The Ugly Duckling’s species

50. Jafar’s sidekick

51. What a 20 ACROSS may choose to wear, but remove the last letter

52. Aircraft faster than a commercial airplane, but repeat the last letter

53. Jane Austen’s titular character

54. Last two syllables of the pasta shape for mac and cheese

55. Sand/silt/clay

58. By way of