The real losers of the first 2024 presidential debate are the American people
Biden and Trump met on the debate stage and disappointed the country yet again.
By: Senna Omar, Editor-in-Chief
n Thursday, June 27, 2024, former President Donald Trump and President Joe Biden participated in the first presidential debate of the 2024 election season. Many have argued that Biden was the loser of the debate, however, the real losers on the stage Thursday night were the American people who witnessed a convicted felon and a genocidal dementia patient talk in circles about who was a worse president. Both of these horrible choices had more to debate about their golf game than actual policy.
With the debate feeling like an episode of “South Park,” Americans are living in a real life nightmare if either of these two politicians gets elected as the next President of the United States (US). Both Biden and Trump went back and forth throwing jabs at each other, spending five minutes debating which of the two was the “worst President in history.”
Keep calm and have a Tumblr summer
Relive your Tumblr era by revisiting these trends.
By: Gabriela Galvan, Assistant Features
ight on the internet restriction and heavy on the social media presence, the early 2010s provided many of us with an introduction to the vast realm of the interweb. Honoring tradition as middle school screenagers and working against our set screen limits, our existence on the internet continues to be a daily (hourly for some) habit backed by heavy roots in reblogging, liking and subscribing to posts and web personalities. And sure, it doesn’t go without saying that what makes us who we are today is defined by our feelings and beliefs intersecting with our exposure to the closest individuals to us.
However, many would say that YouTube’s infamous cinnamon challenge has made a bigger impression on who we are today! With the likes of TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat and, dare I say, Discord being the big guys within the internet social scene, one should take time to reminisce about the beloved blogging site and app, Tumblr. With a long summer ahead of us, make use of your free time by recalling and revisiting the following Tumblr trends that defined our early teenage years.
Acting upon the demand for the center, steps have been taken to create a South Asian Student Center
Recent progress toward the creation of a South Asian center at UCR has been made in regards to funding.
By: Sanjana Thatte, News Editor
ASouth Asian Student Center has recently been made a possibility as both legislators and campus organizations began funding and creating a specialized student center for the community. Last year, the Associated Students of the University of California, Riverside (ASUCR) passed a resolution acknowledging the significant South Asian student population on campus as well as the need for a center to provide specialized care and representation for the community. The resolution detailed the various models of other Ethnic & Gender Centers at various institutions including that of the UCR and UC Davis as reference points for its creation. The resolution further
SEE Presidential Debate’ PAGE 7 SEE Tumblr ’ PAGE 11
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Acting upon the demand for the center, steps have been taken to create a South Asian Student Center
Recent progress toward the creation of a South Asian center at UCR has been made in regards to funding.
By: Sanjana Thatte, News Editor
ASouth Asian Student Center has recently been made a possibility as both legislators and campus organizations began funding and creating a specialized student center for the community. Last year, the Associated Students of the University of California, Riverside (ASUCR) passed a resolution acknowledging the significant South Asian student population on campus as well as the need for a center to provide specialized care and representation for the community. The resolution detailed the various models of other Ethnic & Gender Centers at various institutions including that of the UCR and UC Davis as reference points for its creation. The resolution further proposed that the center should be fully staffed with a Director and Program Coordinator to oversee and facilitate the space and plentiful resources to accommodate students’ needs ranging from printing services to internship opportunities.
Vice President of Finance (VPF) Cooper Kumar explained that he and others hope to use the resolution as the beginning of a much larger scale plan to kickstart the official development of the center. VPF Kumar, alongside College of Natural and Agricultural Sciences (CNAS) senators Jeevan Rao and Vinisha Lalli and former first-year fellow Sofia Ebrahim, worked voluntarily with organizations such as the South Asian Federation (SAF) to create a survey earlier this month to gather data on the need and support for a
South Asian student center that would later be presented to administration.
The South Asian Resource Center Interest Form was proliferated throughout the student body through the ASUCR newsletter as well as ASUCR External and UCR staff’s Instagram accounts. The survey will be open throughout the entirety of the summer to gather a significant amount of responses, as well as input from incoming freshmen who may have different ideas in regards to what they would like to see at the center.
VPF Kumar described how this survey would help serve three main goals of theirs: “First, our efforts are geared towards developing a comprehensive proposal with the Senate that's built upon that initial June 2023 ASUCR resolution, then we plan to engage directly with administration.”
Vice Chancellor Brian Haynes, in particular, is an official of interest as he is responsible for determining funding as well as the allocation of resources for the Costo Hall Centers. This proposal would follow the format of a “data driven report,” to demonstrate support for the center as well as what services students would like to see within the center.
Following that, another point of interest is to pass budget allocations with ASUCR “to support the initial stages of the creation of the center,” the results of which, according to Kumar, “would depend on where our current efforts with administration would be”.
The final goal is to work with local and community partners and alumni to garner additional funds to help support the center.
The main issue this team faces revolves around garnering administration approval. By the time meetings took place, finals week was approaching, so minimal progress was possible. However, Kumar explained that the bigger issue they face will be gathering administrative support, which puts more pressure on the proposal to be a thorough and strong document to present as evidence of support and need for the center.
Regarding the question of location of this center upon approval, Kumar ex-
plained that it would need to be discussed with administration. He noted that there was no intention to encroach upon the spaces of the other student centers at Costo Hall, “I do want to emphasize that in no way are we seeking to displace or make other Costo Hall spaces smaller or restricted, etcetera. Because we already know that this space itself [is] limited in a manner.”
Resources available at this center depend on student input; however, there would be an emphasis on cultural events, relevant speakers and initiatives that allow the South Asian community at UCR to thrive. This center would also cater to the needs of the diverse population within South Asia itself, potentially serving as a backing for the socio-political issues that are most relevant to the South Asian student body. In turn, the center would provide a platform for South Asian students to advocate for issues they are passionate about.
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Courtesy of UCR SAF
Rainbow fireworks and hand hearts for Thailand’s Marriage Equality Act
By: Dinara Godage, Assistant News Editor
On June 18, 2024, Thailand became the first Southeast Asian and third Asian country to legalize same-sex marriage. With a Senate vote of 130 to 152, Thailand’s King Maha Vajiralongkorn will review the Marriage Equality Act for a pro forma endorsement before being formally added as a bill. Once posted in the Government Gazette, the bill will be effective within 120 days.
This success has led to even larger changes within Thailand's legal proceedings. The legislation will amend gendered language to be more inclusive in the country’s Civil and Commercial Code. This is meant to continually serve the LGBTQ+ community in avenues apart from marriage and on a more individual level.
While some were hesitant to ac-
cept the new bill and language adjustments, such as the four senators who voted against the bill and 18 who voted to abstain, the government chose to host a celebration for this bill’s passing.
According to a CNN article covering the event, the Government House was decorated with rainbows, symbolizing the LGBTQ+ community. From the carpets to the drapery, the decorations colorfully represented a new era of Thailand's support for the queer community. Rainbow balloon hands in the shape of a heart, rainbow flags, florals and fireworks surrounded the Government House. Countless political representatives, celebrities, and diplomats participated in a parade as supporters cheered and celebrated on the front lawn of the Government House.
‘Sense of home’ for UCR business students
New school of business set to open in fall 2024.
By: Senna Omar, Editor-in-Chief
Set to open in the fall of 2024, the University of California, Riverside (UCR) School of Business is moving from the historic Anderson Hall to a new 38,5000-square-foot building located in what was formerly known as Parking Lot 8. This $87 million construction project will expand the classroom space for the school’s growing population.
Since 2015, School of Business enrollment for undergraduate and graduate programs has increased by 58%. According to Melissa Garrety, the project planner with Planning, Design and Construction, “[t]hey never had a lot of space to begin with, and then they’ve grown significantly, so now they’re really pressed for space.”
This new building will increase the 23,800 square feet of space provided by Anderson Hall and the second floor of Olmstead Hall, bringing the School of Business’s total to 63,400 square feet. One of the oldest buildings on campus, Anderson Hall, only has one 80-seat classroom, a 32seat computer lab and a 36-seat classroom, so many classes are held in off-campus locations such as the movie theater in University Village or other departments on campus to accommodate the growing class size.
Doubling the space previously provided by Anderson Hall, the new School of Business building will include two 80-seat classrooms, a 350-seat auditorium, a computer lab, a studio to record media, study areas, a student lounge, 20 faculty offices, 59 administrative offices including one for the dean, a faculty and staff lounge, an executive meeting room and group meeting rooms.
Just south of Anderson Hall, the new School of Business build-
Thailand Senate passes a bill to legalize same-sex marriage.
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin commented on the celebrations on X, as he was isolating due to COVID-19. He thanked those who helped push this bill and congratulated various couples on their wedding announcements. He also announced that he is “proud to be a Pride Friendly Destination and look[s] forward to bringing World Pride to Thailand in 2030.”
While Thailand has been inclusive through its media outlets and has an extensive entertainment industry focused on Boy Love (BL) and Girl Love (GL) television dramas, this bill took decades to come to light. Now that Thailand’s Senate has passed a same-sex marriage bill, Prime Minister Thavisin expressed in his X post that he hopes Thailand, going forward, will be a continually diverse and inclusive space.
ing hopes to accommodate the recent growth of UCR’s business programs and provide both undergraduate and graduate business students with a “sense of home” on campus.
The Platinum Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certified building aims to provide “easy engagement, a healthy academic environment, and a sense of empowerment” to UCR’s business students. For more information about the building process and sustainability of the new School of Business building, read “Unearthing UCR’s construction projects” by Senna Omar and Emyr Ortiz.
Courtesy of Senna Omar /The Highlander
COLOrS Of LOVE H
Courtesy of Holly Dawson /The Highlander
Darnell Hunt appointed UCLA interim chancellor
Newly appointed interim chancellor Darnell Hunt will oversee UCLA’s Progress until Dr. Julio Frank assumes the position.
By: Sanjana Thatte, News Editor
arnell Hunt, University of California, Los Angeles’ (UCLA) vice chair and provost, has been appointed interim chancellor until chancellor designate Dr. Julio Frank assumes the position full-time in January 2025.
Darnell Hunt has been a part of the UCLA community for over 22 years, serving as an academic figurehead and faculty leader. Before his appointment in 2022 as Executive Vice Chair and Provost, Hunt served as dean of the social sciences department for six years at UCLA and was the director of the Ralph J Bunche Center for African American Studies for 16 years. His time in these two roles lends him experience regarding aspects of the chancellor’s role, such as the campus budget, operations and academic regulations. During this time, Hunt also spearheaded the creation of UCLA’s 2023-2028 strategic plan, which was set out to guide the direction of the university for the next five years. As a sociology and African American stud-
ies professor, Hunt dedicated his research to areas of interest such as race, media and culture. His most prominent work includes research regarding “access, representation and diversity in the entertainment industry,” with him being the lead author of UCLA’s Hollywood Diversity Report for eight years. This report analyzes the employment of women and people of color in media production.
Hunt has also written several books regarding various socio-political issues, such as “Screening the Los Angeles “Riots:” Race and Seeing Resistance” and “O.J. Simpson Facts and Fictions: News Rituals in the Construction of Reality,” which reflect his knowledge and connection with Southern California and the city of Los Angeles.
Hunt has also shown involvement in the Southern Californian community through being a member of SAG-AFTRA, representing actors of color in his research and investigations, such as The African American Televisions Report, which was released by the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) in June 2000.
Hunt’s base salary will be $699,516. According to the University of California Office of the President (UCOP), UC chancellors are “among the lowestpaid university leaders when compared with their Association of American Universities (AAU) peers.”
Future housing developments in Riverside
By: Sanjana Thatte, News Editor
Riverside City Council moves forward on a development project that could potentially increase student housing.
n June 11, Riverside City Council voted to proceed with a development project that would repurpose “old bus station land” that was used as a temporary parking lot next to the Main Library into a combination of student housing, retail and office space. Riverside City Council voted unanimously to transform the old bus station land next to the new Main Library in Downtown Riverside into “39 units of mixed-use student housing, retail and office space.” The 1.7 acres of land will be sold to Pelican Communities LLC, who, as a part of the deal, are additionally set to construct 60 parking spaces for the library’s use in exchange for the $200 they bought the land for. The parking lot is estimated at $2.4 million in value, and the land’s value is about $1.83 million.
Regarding student housing, the units are exempt from the state affordable housing requirements; however, the developers have “voluntarily designat[ed] 10% of the units as affordable”. Furthermore, as the project is located in the heart of downtown Riverside, the available housing will be available for students regardless of their institution. Mayor Patricia Lock Dawson commented on the project, “[t]his project will complement our main library beautifully, injecting vitality into our downtown... The entire community benefits from new student housing, plus retail office[s], all within walking distance of parks and restaurants.”
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Courtesy of UCLA Newsroom
Courtesy of Johnson Favaro
Youth mental health crisis calls for new warning labels on social media platforms
UNITED STATES SURGEON GENERAL CALLS FOR
“WARNING LABELS” ON
SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORMS TO
ADDRESS THE “EMERGENCY” YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH CRISIS.
CECILE DIROLL Opinions Editor
In response to the growing youth mental health crisis, the United States Surgeon General Dr. Vivek H. Murthy is calling on Congress to require a “warning label” on social media platforms.
In an opinion piece published in The New York Times, Dr. Murthy points to social media as an “important contributor” to the growing mental health crisis among young people, characterizing it as an “emergency.” Social media warning labels would work similarly to health warnings on tobacco products, like cigarettes, by explicitly informing users of safety issues, raising awareness about health risks and changing behavior.
Dr. Murthy’s call for warning labels on social media is another attempt in a growing list of actions by the U.S. government to regulate technology companies and protect children from online dangers. For example, in 2023, more than 40 states sued Meta for designing products that are “deliberately addictive” and “exploit and manipulate” children. The ongoing lawsuit also cites a violation of consumer protection and child safety laws.
Despite some positive aspects of social media, such as staying in touch with friends and family, joining online communities and expressing creativity, it poses significant mental health risks for children and adolescents. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, children who spend more than three hours a day on social media are at “double the risk” of developing mental health problems, such as depression and anxiety. This data is especially concerning because adolescents spend an average of 3.5 hours a day on social media, thus increasing the likelihood of experiencing severe mental health issues.
Additionally, 46% of adolescents between the ages of 13 and 17 report that social media makes them “feel worse” about their body image. Younger children on social platforms are also vulnerable to other harmful experiences, including cyberbullying, harassment and social
comparison — further lowering their self-esteem and increasing feelings of loneliness.
The growing youth mental health crisis has spurred bipartisan action across the nation. More than a dozen states are
to impose limits or bans on smartphones in classrooms. The Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD), the secondlargest district in the nation, has voted to ban smartphone usage in school starting January 2025. However, both
“ To protect all children online, tech companies must be held accountable for perpetuating dangerous addictive features on their platforms. ”
banning smartphones during school hours to curtail social media usage. In 2019, Governor Newsom signed a law that authorized California school districts
Gov. Newsom and the LAUSD have not specified how they plan to enforce school cell phone bans.
Similarly, Gov. Ron DeSantis — Newsom’s political rival — passed a more restrictive ban on cell phone usage in classrooms that blocks media platforms through “campus wireless systems.”
Other states, such as Utah, Virginia, Vermont, Oklahoma and Indiana, are also calling on school districts and educational leaders to adopt similar measures to remove smartphones during school hours.
Bipartisan support for reducing phone usage at the local level is largely due to Congress’s inability to pass meaningful legislation on this issue — leaving state governors to take matters into their own hands. However, federal-level intervention is necessary to address the youth mental health crisis more effectively on a large scale. To protect all children online, tech companies must be held accountable for perpetuating dangerous addictive features on their platforms.
These social media features include
algorithms that log behavior and collect user data to generate content that keeps users engaged with the app longer. In addition, constant app alerts and the ability to “infinitely scroll” make disengagement nearly impossible for users — especially for children and adolescents who are more susceptible to entrapment of these design features.
Congress must require tech companies to disclose information regarding the safety and public health impacts of their platforms. By collecting annual assessments on children and adolescent users, federal policymakers can create more informed policies and safety measures to protect children’s online safety.
Educational leaders can also develop “digital and media literacy curricula” in schools to prepare students on how to use social media and protect themselves online. Media literacy lessons, for example, can teach students how to practice safe online habits and digital resistance to prevent cyberbullying and online harassment. With approximately 93% of American teenagers on social media platforms daily, educating students on how to responsibly use social media is a better approach than restrictive school phone bans.
Not everything about social media is bad. However, children need to understand what they are getting themselves into when they open their first social media account. While more must be done to protect children on social media, Dr. Murthy’s warning labels are a much-needed first step to increasing awareness of the dangerous health effects of this ubiquitous medium. Only then will young people and parents begin to temper its use.
EMILY MATA / THE HIGHLANDER
The real losers of the first 2024 presidential debate are the American people
BIDEN AND TRUMP MET ON THE DEBATE STAGE AND DISAPPOINTED THE COUNTRY YET AGAIN.
SENNA OMAR Editor-in-Chief
On Thursday, June 27, 2024, former President Donald Trump and President Joe Biden participated in the first presidential debate of the 2024 election season. Many have argued that Biden was the loser of the debate, however, the real losers on the stage Thursday night were the American people who witnessed a convicted felon and a genocidal dementia patient talk in circles about who was a worse president. Both of these horrible choices had more to debate about their golf game than actual policy.
With the debate feeling like an episode of “South Park,” Americans are living in a real life nightmare if either of these two politicians gets elected as the next President of the United States (US). Both Biden and Trump went back and forth throwing jabs at each other, spending five minutes debating which of the two was the “worst President in history.” During this presidential debate, not one meaningful and in-depth conversation about policy was coAnducted.
Biden’s stumbling over every fourth word and Trump taking
every opportunity to insult Biden or lie about something pretty much summarizes this debate. This debate was a disaster, and it is necessary for a new candidate to have the opportunity to discuss their campaign in mainstream media. Trump made a comment about
Biden during the debate, stating, “I really don’t know what he said at the end of that sentence, I don’t think he knows what he said either.”
American presidential elections have become a joke on the international stage. In a world where the wealth gap in
this country is ever-expanding, inflation is increasing and the U.S. is funding Israelis’ genocidal campaign on Palestine, America needs a president who cares about solving this country’s issues instead of arguing about who is better at golf.
During the debate, as former President Trump was making President Biden look like a blithering idiot, Biden managed to allow a coherent thought to exit his mouth, stating, “You are the sucker; You are the loser,” about Trump.
What was witnessed by the American people this past Thursday was a disgrace to democracy. No one wants either of these two morons to be President, and yet again voters are stuck with the same bad options they had to decide between during the last presidential election. The people are sick of voting for the “lesser of two evils,” because in this case there is no better option — they are both equally bad. It is time for a President who people want to elect, not a politician they have to vote for in avoidance of another candidate.
Jill Stein should be a presidential candidate in 2024, or at least let on the debate stage, so America can hear some real policy change instead of two rich, old, entitled white men arguing about their golf game.
Los Angeles County reinforces positive relationship with the LGBTQ+ community with pride flag at city hall
LA
COUNTY OFFICIALS HAVE MADE THE CITY A SAFE SPACE FOR LOCAL AND VISITING QUEER PEOPLE THIS PRIDE.
ALEX KUPISIEWICZ Contributing Writer
On June 6, Los Angeles (LA) officials held a flag raising ceremony to fly the Progress Pride Flag at city hall. After nearly 243 years, this was the first time in the city’s history that a pride flag was flown at a municipal building. The flag raising ceremony is another progressive
step forward for a city that has a strong relationship and history with the LGBTQ+ community, as the first permitted gay pride parade in the world was held on Hollywood Boulevard in 1970. However, LA’s dedication to continuing this positive relationship with the LGBTQ+ community isn’t as common as it should be in California.
The decision to host this event comes
COURTESY OF FREEPIK
during a crucial time for the LGBTQ+ community as multiple municipalities in California are stepping back from inclusivity and voting to ban pride flags for pride month celebrations. For example, Huntington Beach city officials voted last March to approve a ban on “nongovernmental flags” being flown on city property and Downey approved a new “neutral flag policy” in May. These bans are a shameless attempt to prevent pride flags from being flown on official buildings.
Additionally, the Temecula school district voted last September to approve a ban on all flags — except the U.S. and California state flags — on school campuses. The school board claimed that the ban was not put in place to single out pride flags, but the arguments made in favor of the ban targeted pride flags specifically. One student’s mother and supporter of the flag ban said she was upset that she “had to go to her child’s school and see a rainbow flag hung on a wall.” Another woman claimed that children would become curious and want to “try out” being gay, explicitly mentioning her concern about pride flags. Decisions like this result in making the community feel unwelcome and unsafe, many in their home towns and schools, because these decisions put a “target on the backs of young queer people in their
community.”
The pride flags, especially the inclusive Progress Pride Flag, are important because they show solidarity and support for people who are part of the LGBTQ+ community. Banning the flags outright clearly shows that the community does not support the LGBTQ+ community and wants to ignore the existence of queer people altogether. Most importantly, banning pride flags sends the message that the LGBTQ+ community should hide a crucial part of their identity in these spaces, making people feel unwanted and, in most scenarios, unsafe.
LA County officials worked towards the opposite this pride month by creating a safe and nurturing environment for the LGBTQ+ community to celebrate how far they have come, and bring to light how far they still need to go. By raising the flag at city hall ahead of the annual LA Pride Parade, they send the message that LA County officials stand with the LGBTQ+ community and will support and work alongside them. The ongoing effort to stop discriminatory laws and bans will continue until queer people in California communities are safe. Even with Pride Month ending soon, there is much left to do to create a space that accepts and protects the LGBTQ+ community.
A STUDENT’S HONEST
PERSPECTIVE ON WHAT MAKES UCR A GREAT UNIVERSITY.
A love letter to UCR
ALISON WHITESIDE Contributing Writer
During the final night of my senior year in high school, I jokingly asked my classmate what brought him joy in life. Sarcastically, he responded, “The fact that you’re going to the University of California, Riverside (UCR).” I was taken aback. I hadn’t expected someone to knowingly and casually strike me where I was insecure. As someone who had gone to a college preparatory school and planned to attend UCR in the fall, I couldn’t help but feel less than my classmates who had snagged spots at more selective schools.
I think most incoming or prospective Highlanders can be divided into two categories: those who applied and were pleasantly surprised about getting in and those who carry the same insecurities I originally did about the school. Frankly, the reality is that acceptance to UCR usually comes alongside multiple applications and rejections from other selective sister University of California (UC) institutions. While this situation was not ideal, I believe this is a humbling experience that creates a student body composed of some of the most adaptable and memorable people I have ever met.
Once the initial drama of not having a flashy brand-name university wears off, you will find that you are a part of the world’s leading public research university system and are receiving an excellent education. Due to our relatively small student body for a public university, classes tend to run smaller
which allows students the opportunity to connect with professors on a more personal level and engage with their classmates in lectures.
Socially, the opportunities are endless at UCR. While it is possible to spend all your time in your dorm studying and scrolling on your phone, your social life at college is what you make of it. Yes, there are plenty of opportunities for partying and meeting people here. Yes, you can get the “freshman college experience” equivalent in caliber to other large public universities. The only catch is that you must build this experience yourself. Creating meaningful relationships and connections is the pathway toward a fulfilled life here on campus and can only be accomplished if you make the effort.
Although UCR may not be as large as other universities, the campus is beautiful. Enclosed within a ring of mountains, there is a feeling of security. Greenery is everywhere from the Botanic Gardens to the orange grove trees. During their season, oranges and kumquats spring from many of the trees on campus filling the air with their sweet scent. Citrus is so central to UCR’s campus life that we even created a second mascot, Norm the Orange — one of the funniest and most original college mascots.
Wildlife visits are also a common experience at UCR as a herd of mules is always on the go, walking campus streets and trails to reach their destinations. Raccoon
sightings at UCR are a dime a dozen — there is even an Instagram account dedicated to on-campus sightings. Bonus points if you feed the raccoons.
With an active Greek life and many preprofessional and recreational organizations, you are bound to find some niche within the community that you belong to. UCR’s diversity and sizable student body means that there is a place for everyone here. Even if UCR was not your first choice of a university, it is an excellent school that has everything you need to create the perfect college experience.
Navigating my freshman year in the wake of a pandemic
SPANDANA JANAPATI Assistant Opinions Editor
I didn’t expect much from my first year at college. Virtual freshmen orientation was enough of a deterrent, removing the clichéd first day I had spent years picturing in my head. While icebreakers, in general, are painful, something about an online introduction amidst a sea of unhappy faces peering through blurry screens had me quickly begging for reprieve. It was difficult to feel excitement about starting this new chapter of my life, especially when the previous chapter felt incomplete and overwrought with memories of what my senior year of high school could have been like without the looming threat of COVID-19. While I was lucky to have a socially distanced prom and consolatory graduation, I couldn’t help feeling bereft of all
the social interactions that were supposed to prepare me for being on a college campus. It didn’t help that I lost the opportunity to tour the University of California, Riverside (UCR), making me beyond fearful of being in a place so unfamiliar.
A Forbes Health survey found that over 59% of adults had greater difficulties forming meaningful relationships and reported feelings of anxiety when it came to interacting with strangers after the pandemic. Despite social media platforms and virtual learning promoting as much socialization as possible, it’s easy to become accustomed to distant living. I wasn’t sure I could handle chatting with my peers, let alone physically being in a classroom after such a long break.
My impulsively chosen major and courses were already promising a dreadful year. Even though half of my classes were
in person — thanks to hybrid learning — I never found myself on campus. Large lecture halls were daunting, and somehow, I always managed to forget about social distancing. The plans I made to join a club died quickly in the face of my rising discomfort and stubborn adherence to isolation. Even when the campus started becoming more active in the spring, I found that I watched the events and hangouts pass, feeling no need to join.
I was sure that, in the face of my introverted tendencies, my hardest challenge in college was making friends, finding a major that resonated with me and attending all my lectures. However, these problems paled considerably in the face of living in the dorms. The thought of living with another person and constantly sharing the same
space had me crying for my room back home. One glance at the communal bathroom confirmed that I should have accepted the minute I was told to purchase shower shoes.
Before the mask mandate was lifted in California and subsequently in UCR a month later, wellness checks and COVID-19 policies were taken seriously in the dorms. Students were reprimanded for having more than two people in their rooms and walking the halls without a mask. Whether you were on the way to the shower or actively brushing your teeth, not wearing a mask was a surefire way to get written up. The dorms resembled a lockdown waiting to happen. One positive about closed quarters is that they force you to speak to people and inevitably make friends, whether
you want to or not. It was easy to bond with my flatmates about how much we hated our classes, the dining hall and the scorching Riverside heat. I learned a lot about myself
during my freshman year of college, especially the things that annoyed me. Dealing with multiple new experiences backto-back can have you reeling with barely enough time to catch your breath. I was so sure that I was falling behind my peers, whether that be in my classes or my relationships. It was easy to get caught up in my head and never take the time to explore Riverside, walk about campus freely or simply speak to my peers.
Looking back, I realize that if I had accepted the unexpected changes around me, I would have been more open to embracing the kinds of experiences that would make my freshman year worthwhile in the best of ways.
Embrace the summer vibes
A sunny continuation of your break ...
Aries
March 21 - April 19
Aries, it’s time to bask in the sunlight. You’ve been working hard, and now it’s time to enjoy the fruits of your labor. Take a moment to appreciate the warmth around you and recharge your energy by spending time outdoors.
Cancer
June 21 - July 22
Cancer, your hard work is paying off, and you’re starting to see the results. Enjoy the stability and comfort that comes with your achievements. Celebrate your success with loved ones and share the joy.
Libra
September 23 - October 22
Libra, hope and inspiration are your guiding lights this week. You’ve been through a lot, but now it’s time to look forward with optimism. Use the clear summer skies to dream big and set your sights on new horizons.
Capricorn
December 22 - January 19
A meaningful connection is blossoming for you, Capricorn. Whether it’s a partnership or a close friendship, nurture this bond and let it grow. The warmth of summer will help strengthen this relationship.
By: Natalie Dahl, Features Editor
Tarus
April 20 - May 20
You’ve been nurturing new ideas and relationships, Taurus, and now is the time to let your emotions guide you. Trust your intuition and let your heart guide you as you move forward with your plans.
Leo
July 23 - August 22
A new emotional journey is beginning, Leo. Whether it’s a new relationship or a rekindling of an old one, embrace the feelings that come with it. Let the warmth of summer guide your heart to new heights.
Scorpio
October 23 - November 21
You’ve shown great resilience Scorpio, and it’s paying off. This week, use your inner strength to overcome any challenges that come your way. The summer sun will give you the extra boost you need to keep going.
Aquarius
January 19 - February 18
Aquarius, you’re full of ideas and ready to explore new possibilities. Embrace your curiosity and let it lead you to new adventures. The summer breeze will carry you to exciting discoveries.
Gemini May 21 - June 20
Change is on the horizon, Gemini, and it’s coming fast. Be prepared for a whirlwind of activity and stay focused on your goals. Harness the energy of summer to steer yourself in the right direction.
Virgo
August 23 - September 22
Virgo, it’s time to celebrate! You’ve achieved something significant, and now is the moment to enjoy the rewards. Gather with friends and family to honor your hard work, and have a blast!
Sagittarius
November 22 - December 21
Sagittarius, your leadership qualities are shining through. Take charge of your projects and inspire those around you. Use the fiery energy of summer to drive your ambitions forward.
Pisces
February 19 - March 20
Patience and perseverance are key for you this week, Pisces. You’ve been working diligently, and while progress might seem slow, it’s steady. Keep at it, and the summer warmth will soon bring your efforts to fruition.
Heart-pounding and morale bolstering: UCR’s Pipe Band
An ensemble for all.
By: Mata Elangovan, Managing Editor
The University of California, Riverside’s (UCR) Pipe Band has been bringing the Tartan Soul since 2000 when they were formally established. You may have seen them at commencement. Maybe you’ve seen them walking down a fourth of July parade. Perhaps you just so happened to walk by Lot 44 and happened to hear them all practicing; regardless of where you encounter them, the UCR Pipe Band will be part of your college experience at some point.
“Proud, unique, honorable … We're doing this for the students. We're doing this for the alumni. We're doing this for the UCR pride, and not only that, but outside of UCR, we get gigs for the cancer luminaries, and we'll send a piper. They don't get paid for those events, but we play for the remembrance of those and so it's very honorable. And for memorials, or just ceremonies. That's the honor and it's just unique,” establishes David Huxley, one of the Pipe Majors for the band.
Dedicated to fostering an environment that welcomes and supports all, UCR’s Pipe Band features UCR students, faculty, alumni and local community members in both Scottish-style drumming and playing the Great Highland Bagpipe. Huxley himself is a student at California Baptist University and shares that “a lot of this is outside of UCR because we’re [a] nonprofit. We’re accepting of all walks of life.”
Danielle Henderson, the band manager and snare drummer for UCR Pipe Band, formally joined the band as a member in 2019. Prior to that, she had been involved due to her son’s position as a bagpiper in the band. She reminisced, “I was there all the time, bringing him into practices and bringing him to gigs, so a lot of the Pipe Band members talked me into becoming a drummer!”
The band is highly accommodating to beginner musicians, setting aside time every week to bring their members together to prepare them to play with the band. The bagpipe instructor and member of The Wicked Tinkers, Aaron Shaw, instructs a group of new pipers during practices. Prior to the main band practicing, the new pipers get together to play an instrument called a chanter, which is the part of the Highland Bagpipe that looks similar to a recorder and controls the melody. Huxley explains that the chanter teaches students comfortable hand position, little tunes and the musicality of the instrument.
“There's a lot of technique to it. But again the beginning classes teach you
hand placement, how to play tunes correctly, and it's almost like a oneon-one with an instructor and then you upgrade to class two.” The Beginner Bagpipe Class meets Wednesdays at 5:00 p.m. at UCR Lot 44.
Hajun Lee, an incoming sixth-year biology student, is one such member of the band who has just begun practicing and playing. Around three months ago, Lee reached out to the band and shared his wishes of playing with them at his friend’s graduation. “They told me if I could play the four sets for the graduation, then they’d let me! And they did. Super nice of them. So starting right now I’m actually getting the full required repertoire memorized so I can finally say I’m officially part of the band.”
A considerable amount of effort into getting the band performance ready for both local events and competitions. Just recently the UCR Pipe Band took first place both Saturday and Sunday at the Las Vegas Highland Games and second place on both days of the Costa Mesa Highland Games in the Grade Five Category. Upcoming competitions include the Pleasanton Highland Games and Seaside Highland Games. While the band may hold a competitive spirit, their main motive is to have fun. Highlighting the open and accepting community that UCR Pipe Band cultivated, Lee shares, “They are like some of the nicest people for real! I'm really shy. It takes a while for me to warm up, But all of them have just been like the most pleasant people, really encouraging. Especially the day of the graduation when I had to per-
form and I was super duper nervous.
Every single one of them had some like little nuggets of wisdom or something really nice to say. It was really welcoming. So it's been great.”
“If you can say words you have enough rhythm to join the band. You have enough rhythm to be a part of a family, you have enough to really move this thing forward and have fun!”
Huxley declares. Outside of practice, the band is “just a fun, outgoing group. We have different events like pool parties. When we go to these Highland Games, we set up hospitality tents and we do a lot of sales for tshirts or small memorabilia of UCR.”
Speaking of memorabilia, in 2001, the UCR Pipe Band designed the official UCR Tartan. According to their website, “The UCR tartan, designed by Linda Clifford, Josh Taylor, and Robert Conacher, was an instant success with the band and with the campus as a whole, where it quickly became an iconic representation of UC Riverside's Highlander spirit.” Common UCR tartan appearances include Scotty the Bear, graduation stoles and even on summer orientation leader kilts! Otherwise, it remains a steadfast part of the UCR Pipe Band’s regalia.
Huxley expands on how the regalia has changed over the years, between the efforts of Susan Rose and drum major Owen Torres’s committee of quartermaster: “The two pieced together our uniform and we’re thankful that they helped pick these colors out. The neu-
tralization of the tweed vest through the tweed sporrans (the pouch that functions as a pocket for a kilt) compliment the dark blue that every piper in general wears.” For anyone who is interested in joining the band, Lee shares, “Classes are like open to literally anyone, within UCR or outside of it. You can find [the UCR Pipe Band] website and they'll give you a lot more information. There, you can enter the beginner classes and [an] instructor will get you started and get you on track to eventually audition and join the live band.”
And for anyone who is looking forward to seeing the UCR Pipe Band in action soon, on the Fourth of July, the band will be playing at the Idyllwild Parade near San Jacinto. So drop by and get into the Highlander spirit for their performance!
H
Courtesy of Mata Elangovan /The Highlander
thehighlander1954
Keep calm and have a Tumblr summer
Relive your Tumblr era by revisiting these trends.
By: Gabriela Galvan, Assistant Features
Light on the internet restriction and heavy on the social media presence, the early 2010s provided many of us with an introduction to the vast realm of the interweb. Honoring tradition as middle school screenagers and working against our set screen limits, our existence on the internet continues to be a daily (hourly for some) habit backed by heavy roots in re-blogging, liking and subscribing to posts and web personalities. And sure, it doesn't go without saying that what makes us who we are today is defined by our feelings and beliefs intersecting with our exposure to the closest individuals to us.
However, many would say that YouTube's infamous cinnamon challenge has made a bigger impression on who we are today! With the likes of TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat and, dare I say, Discord being the big guys within the internet social scene, one should take time to reminisce about the beloved blogging site and app, Tumblr. With a long summer ahead of us, make use of your free time by recalling and revisiting the following Tumblr trends that defined our early teenage years.
Go back to 505:
In your imagination, you're waitin' lyin' on your side, listening to the Arctic Monkeys reminiscing about the year 2014. Amongst the thousands of blogs picturing mood boards and teenage girls' trendy wall art, Tumblr remains synonymous with capturing the chokehold dark indie pop and rock had on teenage girls and other active users. Popularization of albums range anywhere from the sound of Lana Del Rey's album Ultraviolence pleading for a dangerous love to The Neighborhood's album I Love You, hoping for a rush of California love. Tumblr recognized such music that paired perfectly well with the website's teenage angst aesthetic.
With the booming popularity of both Tumblr icons Lana Del Rey and Charli XCX resurging in the media and musical space, take advantage of a long road trip or even a day inside to revisit their new and old albums that once measured your taste in music and maybe even littered your walls with overpriced vinyl records from Urban Outfitters. Honorable mentions that have made their second round of virality, this time through TikTok, are Marina and the Diamonds, Melanie Martinez, Halsey and Lorde. Despite the lack of sweater weather under this California heat, peruse your neighborhood and reconnect with your 13-yearold self by recalling the adolescent angst of the early 2010s.
Revisit American Apparel:
Peak summer date outfit: black and white striped long sleeve, high-waisted black shorts, hightop Converse! Feeds plastered in "soft grunge" and "Tumblr girl" outfit ideas reinvented a new way for teenage girls and others to gain outfit inspiration. The Tumblr girl aesthetic is coined by an alien patch t-shirt, low-rise Dr. Marten loafers, American Apparel's almost legendary black tennis skirt and a token flannel for around the waist! With a long summer ahead, this is the perfect opportunity to dabble in the likes of an indie aesthetic or summon your grunge side with the perfect Nirvana t-shirt without caring whether you can list five of their songs or not!
Have a limited wardrobe? Live vicariously through a mood board picturing your perfect Sky Ferreira mock outfit that would have garnered you thousands of Tumblr notes. A pop of 2013 can be made easy by incorporating, luckily, easily accessible fishnets or studs
you can slap on just about anything you own! Rethink your outfit tonight, and consider unretiring those choker necklaces and oversized jean jackets.
Smosh that like and subscribe button:
With a summer empty of a job, internship or a friend with a yacht, embrace the idea of a rot girl summer and revisit the world's first influencers and have a day binge-watching your favorite old YouTubers you once fangirled over on Tumblr. With the popularity of short-form videos taking place as TikToks, Instagram reels and even YouTube shorts, it is no mystery that many retain a shorter-than-usual attention span (guilty), leaving longer video forms out of the question.
However, this summer, disable the habit of putting everything in 2x speed (guilty) and indulge yourself in binge-watching a YouTube rewind series or a classic Smosh parody video of your favorite anime. Given the perfect opportunity to sleep in ‘till noon, feel productive by romanticizing the morning routines of YouTube's best beauty gurus, Bethany Mota and Michelle Phan. YouTube DIY room decor featuring mason jars, melted crayon paintings and Polaroid picture walls defined the Tumblr feeds of many teenage girls wishing to be the next viral blog.
Relive ruining your parent's dining room table by creating the preppy DIYs taught by YouTube's best DIY channels: LauraDIY, MyLifeAsEva and Rclbeauty101! While YouTube and Tumblr remain separate platforms, their reign on the internet intersected through the mutual expression of fandoms, DIYs and the need for virality amongst its users.
Dig out that iPhone 5:
Put that "Instagram eats first" mentality to work this summer and make that overpriced matcha look good! Tumblr blogs were nothing shy of pictures, of course, considering that its main feature is blogging! However, a good majority of those pictures featured one particular trend: taking the most aesthetically pleasing picture ever, of whatever, wherever. A picture of an oil spill on the pavement with a cameo of one's favorite Dr. Martens would easily make it onto everyone's feed. This is a circumstance where literally anything and everything can be made pretty using an iPhone 5.
In today's age, a good matcha and bagel pic will make its rounds across many Instagram stories on a daily basis. Back then, it was a vanilla frappuccino with whipped cream! While the famous pastel Fujifilm Instax mini polaroid cameras made their impression on teenage walls and blog posts, consider participating in the digital camera trend many are investing in. Make your Instagram photo dumps interesting by adding that disposable flare once practiced by internet pioneers: Tumblr bloggers. Though we moved on from the "let me take a selfie" era and moved into the "I'm bringing my digi" phase, channel your inner blogger.
Delve back into summer reading:
It isn't always easy to make good use of one's time, especially when given the opportunity to do whatever you want with it. While ideas are plenty, many can't be executed. Classic activities to make the time move always go back to reading a good book. With the book community being at a peak with the manifestation of "Booktok" on the TikTok platform, reading is made to look better than a night out in the town. However, TikTok isn't the first to do this. Tumblr is a pioneer when it comes to making book reading look cool! Again, aesthetics and an appealing atmosphere will make anything look good; even harrowing dystopian books like The Hunger Games and Divergent look like a sweet summer read under a VSCO filter. If you're considering picking up a book this summer, revisit the books that made Tumblr users go crazy: The Fault in Our Stars, Harry Potter and Paper Towns. Anything by John Green, you're down the right track to recalling Tumblr!
Assuming the best, you have a European summer ahead of you! Assuming the greatest, you have a Tumblr summer waiting for you! Whether you're revving up your hidden dark academia obsession or unpacking your American Apparel from a donation pile, make the most of it and relive the best of your early teenage years on the web!
radar Stay out of the sun and under the covers
The perfect summer watch list.
By: Senna Omar, Editor-in-Chief
ummer is just beginning, which means there is more time to binge-watch. Instead of spending the day in the sun, cuddle up in the comfort of AC, and rot the day away with one of these summer films.
“Call Me By Your Name” (2017)
Set in 1983, Northern Italy, this coming-of-age romance movie is the perfect summer watch. Director Luca Guadagnino follows the romance of 17-year-old Elio Perlman (Timothée Chalamet) and his 24-year-old lover, Oliver (Armie Hammer). Oliver, a graduate student studying archeology with Elio’s father, stays with the Perlmans at their summer home in Italy. As the two spend more and more time together, their chemistry becomes apparent. However, their forbidden romance leads to them sneaking around, searching for seclusion to show their true feelings.
“Crazy Rich Asians” (2018)
Starring Constance Wu as Rachel Chu and Henry Golding as her boyfriend, Nick Young, this romantic comedy takes place in Singapore and centers around Rachel Chu’s attempts to garner the approval of Nick Young’s very particular mother. As the pair of lovers travel from New York to Singapore for Nick’s best friend’s wedding, Rachel is introduced to a whole new world of excess, luxury and judgment from Nick's family.
“The Parent Trap” (1998)
This 90s classic follows the love story of a divorced couple reunited by their twin daughters, Hallie Parker and Annie James, both played by Lindsay Lohan. The twins, who had each been living with a different parent their entire lives, are reunited at a summer camp. There, they hatch a plan to meet their other parents and reunite them.
“Florida Project” (2017)
“Little Miss Sunshine” (2006)
Directed by Jonathan Dayton and Valerie Faris, this summertime classic follows a dysfunctional family on a road trip to take their youngest child to compete in a beauty pageant. On their journey from Albuquerque to California, the family is tested through a series of setbacks, forcing them to rely on each other for support and comfort.
“Jaws” (1975)
Set in a New England beach town, this Steven Spielberg classic thriller follows the investigation and fear of a beach plagued by shark attacks. After a young woman went missing during a beach party, her dead body washed up on the shore of the beach. Authorities concluded she was killed during a shark attack, and after a bounty was placed on the shark, many people went searching for the beast in hopes of receiving the $10,000 award.
“Dazed and
“Sisterhood of The Traveling Pants” (2005)
This slice of life movie directed by Sean Baker follows the summertime adventures of a six-year-old little girl living in a motel with her unemployed single mother. As she struggles to make ends meet, the little girl tries her best to enjoy the world to the fullest with her friend. With their child-like wonder, the kids enjoy and explore the surrounding world, remaining blissfully ignorant to the woes of their caretakers.
Based on Ann Brashares’ 2001 novel, this movie follows four best friends sharing one pair of perfect pants on their first summer away from each other. Lena Kaligaris (Alexis Bledel), Tibby Rollins (Amber Tamblyn), Carmen Lowell (America Ferrera), and Bridget Vreeland (Blake Lively) are lifelong friends who are all living extremely different summers but remain connected through jeans that magically fit them all. Lena is spending the summer visiting her grandparents, Bridget is attending soccer camp, Carmen is spending some time with her father and Tibby is all by her lonesome at home.
“Endless Love” (1981)
Set in the summer of the early 1980s in suburban Chicago, this movie follows the love story of 15-year-old Jade Butterfield (Gabriella Wilde) and 17-year-old David Axelrod (Martin Hewitt). Through a pesky little fire, a nasty divorce, jail time and fighting, these two seem to have every obstacle in the way of their love. However, after years of fighting for their love, David and Jade are reunited in less-than-ideal circumstances to live out their endless love.
“Teen Beach Movie” (2013)
“Teen Beach Movie 2” (2015) — Make it a double feature
Following two surfers on their ‘last summer’ together, Brady (Ross Lynch) and Mack (Maia Mitchell) get transported into the world of the 1960s musical West Side Story, where surfers and bikers are feuding. Spending the duration of the first movie trying to figure out a way out of the musical and back home, the pair realize they need each other and spend the rest of their time together surfing and enjoying each other’s company…until the next movie where those characters they met end up at their home.
“High School Musical 2” (2007)
Confused” (1993)
Following multiple different teenagers in the 70s on their last day of high school, the film has no central plot but instead connects the stories of various characters. From the graduates hazing the new kids at school to the characters hanging out at the pool hall, this movie is the perfect start to
Following the wise words of Sharpay Evans (Ashly Tisdale), “I want fabulous,” the summer movie is exactly that: absolutely fabulous. Set in the summer following “High School Musical,” Sharpay and her brother Ryan Evans (Lucas Grabeel) retreat to the country club for a summer of singing and swimming. Unbeknownst to them, their entire high school was just hired to work at this country club, including Troy (Zach Efron) and Gabriella (Vanessa Hudgens). Sharpay spends the summer trying to steal Troy away from his girlfriend. By the end of summer, the whole school comes together to perform in the country club talent show and play nice with each other. H
Courtesy of Pexels
Fly high with Raveena’s newest album
Flutter through Pride month listening to queer artist Raveena’s latest release ‘Where the Butterflies Go in the Rain’.
By: Stela Noelle Abasta, Assistant Radar Editor
On June 14, Raveena released her third studio album ‘Where the Butterflies Go in the Rain.’ It captured the feelings of R&B and soul through the strong back beat combined with traditional Indian instrumentation and sound. Unsurprisingly, Raveena used butterflies as a motif present in many of the songs in this album. In a press release for the album, she explained, “Butterflies are so delicate that they have to hide in leaves and flowers until the rain passes so their wings don’t get crushed in the rain. I felt that was kind of a metaphor for where I was in my life. I needed to go back to comfort — to deep rest — and stop weathering storms.”
The first song on the tracklist, “Pluto,” introduced the album
and also supported it as a single. In an Instagram post, Raveena shared, “I wrote ‘Pluto’ after a friend told me about their friend who had passed young but kept appearing to them as a butterfly…I was so touched and could really relate and wrote ‘[P]luto’ a few days later.” This referred to the concept of reincarnation present in many religions, one of them being Sikhism, the religion she shares a heritage with. The butterfly reminded Raveena that beauty and hope exist in the world even after experiencing loss. In the middle of the song, Raveena spoke-sang the title of the album, “Some weeks before you left / You asked, ‘Where do butterflies go in the rain?’”
The track began with a beautiful series of strings before the beat kicked in, pleasantly surprising listeners. This contrasted well with some of her previous re-
leases that often kept that same floatiness throughout the entirety of the song — the upbeatness of this number was a nice change of pace from her other music styles. Additionally, the bass flowered this track alongside the echo on her voice. The speak-singing halfway through the song was heavily reminiscent of similar sweet elements present in classic R&B of the 90s and early 2000s, while at the same time, unique instruments such as the swarmandal and electric sitar hid within the instrumental. Despite being a song about loss that had such joyful sounds, this number wasn’t what one may describe as “toxically positive.” Raveena still reflected upon the difficulties of grief through her bittersweet lyrics in a way that was so beautiful and touching.
the concept of “rising” up like a butterfly against the “apathy and collective delusion and disassociation that is encouraged of us” and speaking up for the freedom of Palestine, which she wrote about in another Instagram post.
About the Israel-Palestine conflict, this number reflected on her questioning of God and her choosing to speak out about the ongoing violence as she sang, “I know I’m blessed today / Two hundred working limbs and a room to stay / So, I won’t be quiet / No, I won’t ignore.” Raveena is publicly pro-Palestine. In the music industry where so many artists refuse to speak up and bring more attention towards the genocide, Raveena inspired hope within listeners with this song.
The 10th track on the tracklist, “16 Candles,” was about being a teenager. The piano and softness of Raveena’s voice made listeners feel especially nostalgic. Although the lyrics aren’t very direct in their meaning, listeners get the feeling that the song is about the singer reflecting on memories and the beautiful mundanity of life. In the second verse, Raveena dreamily sang, “She pulls up my shirt and does things / My mother would freak out / Yeah, freak out, I don’t care anymore,” reminiscing about a lover.
“Rise” is the third track on the tracklist. It’s a soulful song with a gospel-influence. In a video of her singing the song on her Instagram, she captioned, “Rise is truly one of my favorites from the album…I have played it hundreds of times, and I still find new layers in it everyday somehow.” Her butterfly motif is continued in this track through
LISA’s ‘Rockstar’ shines in performance and production despite lyrical quality
By: Maribel Gamez-Reyes, Radar Editor
ignaling a new era for BLACKPINK’s LISA, her latest single ‘Rockstar’ arrived June 28 on streaming platforms along with a visually striking music video to complement her comeback. After a lengthy solo hiatus since 2021, LISA shared a teaser on social media announcing her return to the music realm with the ‘Rockstar’ concept in days leading up to the release. The captivating teaser clip, although just a snippet of seconds, was enough to showcase her familiar attributes of flamboyance and power, now with a new cyberpunk edge. This new aesthetic is well infused in the storytelling of visuals that quickly flash in and out to pique interest. In her newly activated TikTok account, this was effectively strategized as the teaser clip garnered millions of followers in a span of 18 minutes, setting a Guinness World Record. In terms of previewing the melody, the clip maintains an upbeat percussion with light distortion single-play synths, followed by LISA’s vocals in singing,“Baby, I’m
a rock star,” which perfectly embodies her performance range and ability.
This new concept brings other aspects of LISA’s identity to the forefront, embracing her Thai heritage, with the music video filmed in Bangkok. By setting the scenes with electrifying colors of city nightlife, LISA’s charisma shows she’s truly in her element. This is a personal feat in many ways, as the track launches her first single under the newly established partnership of her own label, LLOUD Co., with Sony’s RCA Records.
As an all-rounder, she delivers her distinctive vision well in her rapping, singing, dancing and newfound style. Her pedigree of experience is shown in her seamless transitioning and range of intense rap verse delivery to breathier angelic-like pop vocals. These qualities, paired with the production of the track, provide an unmatched flow but become undermined with the redundancy of lyricism. The intention of displaying LISA’s charisma is apparent with her boastful lyrics such as, “Make your favorite singer wanna rap, baby, la-la” and “That’s my life, life, baby, I’m a rockstar.”
The sixth track on the tracklist, “Junebug,” was another single and featured JPEGMAFIA. Listeners were reminded of the tone of YouTuber-singer Dodie Clark with this song. There was more speak-singing present in this number as well as a unique rap by JPEGMAFIA that meshed surprisingly well with the softness of the instrumental. It was a romantic track to listen to and was the type of song one can picture many listeners adding to playlists they share with their lovers.
Verdict: Raveena released “Where the Butterflies Go in the Rain” for all of the lovers and the poets out there. The symbolism of a butterfly connected beautifully to her floaty style of singing and R&B instrumentals, making this album perfect for late summer nights with the sun still lighting up the sky in a plethora of gold. H
BLACKPINK’s LISA returns with her new single after a three-year solo hiatus.
The layering of the electronic-trap production with a variation of tempo that accelerates and slows down when needed, or abruptly introduces calm instrumentals such as a sample of Tame Impala’s “New Person, Same Old Mistakes,” expertly mixes the beat to keep a sharp rhythm that suits singing and rap segments, adding excitement and edge to the underwhelming lyrics.
There’s only so much that can be combined to go with the phrase “I’m a rockstar,” and it doesn’t help that many other starting lines are recycled and repeated, creating a loop of unimpressive depth that doesn’t sustain long-term interest. This is not to say that LISA’s badassery isn’t seen in her music video or adept performance; it comes down to the limit that the technical construction of the song places with an aimless boast.
Verdict: It’s a fun track that could have more potential on stage if geared towards nailing the performance and character required to keep the audience engaged. LISA’s music video exemplifies her ability to make up for the track's auditory shortcomings, with the possibility of offering a more personalized edge. HH
Courtesy of LISA / BLACK PINK
Courtesy of Raveena
By: Mata Elangovan, Managing Editor
Together we stand proud
Queer
movie recommendations from around the world.
Kill Your Darlings (American)
While it’s far from a perfect film, “Kill Your Darlings” beautifully showcases the intricacies of the Beat Generation. Following the journey of Allen Ginsburg (Daniel Radcliffe) at Columbia University, we witness a story of a peace disrupted, tradition disregarded and the birth of a literary rebel. The chemistry between Ginsberg and Lucien Carr (Dane DeHaan) is unmatched. The provocative and influential Carr constantly challenges his friends to think outside the box and pushes against social norms, lending to the avant-garde style of the generation. His magnetic personality draws those of the main cast to him, and with Ginsburg, it goes just a bit further as they learn about who they are and challenge the world they live in.
Viva (Cuban)
Set in Havana, Cuba, the film follows Jesús (Héctor Medina), an aspiring drag performer, who starts off as a hairdresser for a troupe of performers. When his estranged father returns from prison, he is faced with the struggle of pursuing his passions while also maintaining a relationship with his father, who highly disapproves of his life choices. The sensitive and determined Jesús wrestles with the complexities of self-expression in a conservative society and finds sanctuary from the hardships of city life in the drag club. The heartfelt arguments and conversations between the father and son portray reconciling with the past and looking towards the future.
Badhaai Do (Indian)
A dramatic comedy that will have you at the edge of your seat, Badhaai Do is not your typical Bollywood film. Shardul Thakur (Rajkummar Rao) and Sumi Singh (Bhumi Pednekar) enter a lavender marriage in order to appease their families by keeping up the facade of a traditional marriage while also trying to maintain their own romantic relationships. The two live under the societal pressure to conform to cisheteronormative expectations and the struggle that arises from trying to live authentically in such an environment. Emphasizing the value of friendship and supporting surrounding peers, Shardul and Sumi overcome family pressures and personal and societal challenges together.
Fanfic (Polish)
The internet identity is something that many are familiar with, and in “Fanfic,” it is the starting point for Tosiek (Alin Szewcyzk), in finding a place where he can be himself. While the plot may seem loose at some points, the idea behind it remains clear. A touching coming-of-age film, Tosiek finds his voice and himself amidst pressures both at school and at home, finds acceptance in the most unexpected of spaces, and learns that identity is fluid. While something may have been true in the past, the same cannot be said for the present or future. Also, the bonds made at the lowest are often the ones that open up new paths in life.
And Then We Danced (Swedish)
For anyone who loves a good rivals to “well it’s complicated,” this movie is for you. Merab (Levan Gelbakhiani), a performer in a traditional Georgian dance troupe, has his world changed when Irakli (Bachi Valishvili) joins the troupe. Amidst the hyper-masculine Georgian dance world, Merab struggles with his growing feelings for his rival while also auditioning for a position in the main dance company. Not all romantic ventures last, or in some cases, even have the potential to begin, just like how not all life paths are linear. Love is lost, the future may seem bleak, but through the expression of self through dance, Merab’s choreography depicts courage and emotional depth, blending bits of traditional Georgian dance with his own style.
Rafiki (Kenyan)
“Rafiki” follows the story of two young women, Kena (Samantha Mugatsia) and Ziki (Sheila Munyiva) in Kenya. Despite coming from two completely different backgrounds – with Kena being practical and Ziki displaying more rebellious tendencies, they end up kindling a close friendship that soon blooms into a romantic one. This film is similar to many other queer films in which the main characters have to navigate a society where homosexuality is not only widely stigmatized, but it is also illegal. With the threat of legal repercussions under Kenya’s criminalizing homosexuality laws and their families’ reactions towards their relationship, both Kena and Ziki have to make an important decision: will they stay together despite the mountain of obstacles up ahead, or will they prioritize their love and keep moving forward?H
SPORTS BRYSON DECHAMBEAU
Captures His Second U.S. Open in a Thriller
By: Terry Nguyen, Assistant Sports Editor
Sunday at the 2024 United States (US) Open at Pinehurst No. 2 will be remembered for a long time, as two major champions in Rory McIlroy and Bryson DeChambeau fought for the thousandth United States Golf Association (USGA) Championship. Heading into the back-nine on Sunday, the two players created a gap with the rest of the field, and it was shaping up to be a two-man race to the clubhouse.
Through McIlroy’s first 14 holes, he appeared to be in full control of his game, notching four birdies in a five-hole stretch. However, the final three holes of his round will forever define his tournament, and those prior birdies seemed to dwindle in importance.
On the 16th hole, McIlroy faced a putt that measured two feet, six inches for par. McIlroy was 496/496 on putts inside three feet this season leading up to the tournament. He gave the putt too much pace as it flirted with the cup before lipping out on the left edge. The groans of the crowd seemed to swing the doors wide open for DeChambeau to fight back for the championship, as there were still two holes to go.
Stepping onto the 18th tee box, McIlroy and Dechambeau were tied for the lead at 6-under par. After missing his drive left into the native area and leaving his approach shot short of the green, McIlroy hit his chip to three feet, nine inches. Just a bit further than the putt he missed about 20 minutes prior on the 16th green. Chants of “Rory, Rory” echoed around the property as McIlroy made his way down the 72nd hole, still needing to hole a crucial putt.
This time, he didn’t give the ball enough pace, as it missed on the low side be-
DeChambeau’s brilliant sand save on the 72nd hole holds off McIlroy’s bid for his fifth major championship
fore lipping out once again, as he walked into the clubhouse at 5-under par.
“A shot of adrenaline got in me,” DeChambeau said after watching McIlroy bogey the final hole. Now it was his turn to step to the plate, and his drive found the native area, forcing him to layup into a 55yard bunker shot. This was one of the awkwardest and hardest bunker shots to pull off, let alone adding a U.S. Open title on the line to add to the emotions.
Bryson hit the shot of the tournament, putting his ball just below the hole at three feet, 11 inches.
McIlroy could only watch from the clubhouse as DeChambeau’s putt was center-cut, fist-pumping his way to victory, serenaded by “USA, USA” chants. “Rory is one of the best ever to play, he’ll win multiple more major championships. There’s no doubt,” DeChambeau said following his victory. After watching the putt on TV, McIlroy decided to leave the property before talking to the media. McIlroy is typically a class act, whether it’s in the joy of victory or in the hands of defeat, but this came as a surprise to many in the golfing world.
McIlroy was supposed to play in the following week’s Travelers Championship, a PGA Tour Signature Event, but posted on his X account, “I’m going to take a few weeks away from the game to process everything and build myself back up for my defense of the Genesis Scottish Open and The Open at Royal Troon.”
He also gave his flowers to DeChambeau in the statement: “I’d like to congratulate Bryson. He is a worthy champion and exactly what professional golf needs right now. I think we can all agree on that.”
Bryson DeChambeau jokingly referred to as the greatest YouTube golfer of all time, captured his second U.S. Open. DeChambeau’s scientific approach to the game previously attracted lots of criticism to his game, but fans have flocked to him in recent years with his entertaining style of play on the course. From entering long drive contests to using the most upright putter on tour to using same-length clubs, DeChambeau is the definition of unconventional. He’s been a trendsetter on tour, to say the least. DeChambeau became the latest active LIV golfer to win a major after Brooks Koepka took home the PGA Championship last year at Oak Hill Country Club.
The next and final major of the year will be held at Royal Troon Golf Club from July 1821. If McIlroy fails to win, it will officially mark ten years without a major championship.
The Highlander’s Summer Sports Guide
ays after the Boston Celtics clinched the NBA Finals, in the National Hockey League (NHL), the Florida Panthers held off Conor McDavid and the Edmonton Oilers to win their first Stanley Cup Finals in franchise history. While the NBA and NHL playoffs were exciting and filled with legendary performances and shocking upsets, the conclusion of each postseason marks the beginning of a long and boring offseason.
Coupled with the NFL offseason in full swing, sports fans are typically left counting down the days til these leagues resume. However, 2024 is different. Normally with just one or maybe no options, sports addicts will have their choice between the Copa América, Tour de France, and the 2024 Summer Olympics this summer.
Copa América
The oldest continental soccer tournament in the world, Copa América usually sees the best South American national teams duke it out every few years. However, with the tournament hosted in the United States for just the second time in history, the best North American teams will also be there. So far, we’ve seen matchups that we typically don’t get to see. During the group stage, Christian Pulisic and the United States took on Uruguay, while Alphonso Davies’s Canada faced Lionel Messi’s Argentina.
With the knockout stage on the horizon, Brazil and Argentina remain the two heavy favorites of the competition. They’ve won the last two editions of Copa América, but neither looked unstoppable during the group stage. This year’s competition is wide-open and there are plenty of surprises that are still yet to come.
Unlike most fans during summer, sports fans are spoiled this year!
Tour de France
The Tour de France is the most prestigious yet difficult bike race in the world. It features 21 different stages that consist of flat, hilly and mountain stages with a couple of time-trials mixed in. The Tour de France takes riders through hell and back. With the Alps and the Pyrenees on the schedule, it’s an accomplishment in itself to finish the tour let alone win the whole race. Yet there are plenty of riders looking to get their hands on the maillot jaune (yellow jersey) this year.
2-time winner Joonas Vingegaard is looking for his third straight maillot jaune. The Dane is known for his incredible endurance and climbing skills, making him a force on mountain stages. While fellow 2-time winner Tadej Pogacar possesses great climbing skills of his own, he’s also got great speed and will look to constantly attack the other general classification (GC) riders. The Slovenian will fancy his chances considering Vingegaard is not at 100 percent due to a crash during the Tour of the Basque Country.
Pogacar’s countryman and Vingegaard’s ex-teammate, Primoz Roglic, is looking to get on the top step for the first time in his career. Roglic has come close on many occasions. In 2020, he lost the maillot jaune to Pogacar on the final stage in heartbreaking fashion. The veteran is running out of time, but he’ll be hoping that a switch to the Borahansgrohe team will do the trick.
By: Isaac Solnick, Sports Editor
2024 Summer Olympics
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, fans were barred from attending the 2020 Tokyo Games. While this was disappointing news to athletes and fans around the world, it has only built up anticipation for the 2024 Paris Games. For two weeks, fans will be treated to nonstop action of the greatest athletes in the world.
Swimming highlights the first week of the Olympics, but if you’re a runner like me, you’re waiting for track & field to kick off the second week of the games. In the 100-meter, Team USA’s Noah Lyles and Sha’Carri Richardson will look to back up their triumphs at the 2023 World Championships with another gold medal in Paris. Amongst the distance runners, Great Britain’s Josh Kerr and Norway’s Jakob Ingebrigsten will finally settle their feud in the 1600-meter.
Apart from swimming and track & field, there are many other sports and storylines to look forward to. Gymnastics superstar Simone Biles will look to bounce back from a disappointing campaign at Tokyo as she looks to help Team USA reclaim gold in Paris. Biles will have plenty of help, but they’ll have their hands full. The Russians won’t be there. However, expect Great Britain, Brazil, and hosts France to bring very strong teams.
After years of pleading, breaking will make its highly anticipated debut at Paris. The world’s best b-boys and b-girls will finally showcase their talents and contrasting styles on the biggest stage. For two straight weeks, Californians will have to wake up early to watch their favorite athletes live. But with all the talent on display, it will be well worth it.
