“The Pulse of the Student Body” The SpectatorThe Stuyvesant High School Newspaper

Volume 111 No. 9 January 22, 2021 stuyspec.com FEATURES ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT The Vaccine Dilemma: NYC’s Journey Back to Normalcy Cyberpunk 2077: Seven Years to Come Out Unfinished

With the recent approval of the Moderna and Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines by After years of delay, the highly anticipated (and highly glitchy) “Cyberpunk the FDA, Stuyvesant students are beginning to prepare for receiving the vaccine 2077” has finally hit shelves. Read A&E editor Gavin McGinley’s thoughts on themselves. What’s more—teachers have already begun to take it! the brand new game. see page 18 see page 7

Facebook Post Ignites Conversation Staff Mental Health is a Regarding Mental Health editorial Two-Way Street By TALIA KAHAN, ERIN LEE, “hey, you’re not alone” and “this students’ mental health during the Winter recess and the con- regions of school life. These in- JENNY LIU, and MOMOCA post really just sums up everything” fall semester received a total of 269 clusion of the first semester have fractions can manifest themselves MAIRAJ as Stuyvesant students recounted responses across all four grades, allowed both the Editorial Board in various forms, such as assign- Additional Reporting by Morris and the larger Stuyvesant student ing more work than the home- Raskin and Karen Zhang body to reflect on the remote work policy allows or expecting learning experiences this past se- students to stay in class well after The Sunday before winter mester. We understand that as a the period ends. Because students break ended, January 3, 2021, a community, both teachers and are only guaranteed a lunch period students are still trying to navigate every other day, asking students to sophomore posted a message to this new virtual setting, and we ap- remain in class even a few minutes the “Dear Incoming Stuyvesant preciate teachers for their kindness after the period has ended takes Class of 2023…We Have Advice!” and consideration for us students. away valuable time that students, Facebook group. The post begins: Teachers’ determination and flex- not teachers, are entitled to. Fur- “Am I the only one who is abso- ibility have allowed Stuyvesant’s thermore, when teachers assign lutely dreading going back 2 school virtual learning to progress at more work than is allotted for tmrw?” and garnered 482 reactions an accelerated rate, efforts that their classes, students are stripped and 374 comments from the rest of shouldn’t be understated. How- of time they could be spending on the student body. “Corona has tak- ever, a minority of teachers have other tasks. With the overwhelm- en a real toll on my mental health presented their students with a ing burden of Zoom fatigue, it is but there don’t seem to be any real very real struggle throughout this especially important that students outlets in school,” the student con- remote period. With the recent find time to de-stress and enjoy tinued. “[EXPLETIVE] the fact Facebook post regarding students’ outdoor activity at the end of that all 3300 of us are just sitting declining mental health gaining the school day. But when teach- here, accepting the way things have significant traction, it is clear that ers assign several hours of online been handled, when frankly what our community must address the work, this becomes impossible our school is doing is not accept- the difficulties they were facing in with questions inquiring about the lack of enforcement of many of and, instead, students stay con- able […][EXPLETIVE] upholding remote learning, addressing top- quality of students’ mental health Stuyvesant’s academic policies to fined in their isolated workspaces the reputation of the hellhole that ics including overwhelming work- before and after the March quar- ensure a smoother, more success- for sustained periods of time. This is Stuyvesant High School instead loads, deteriorating mental health, antine began. The majority of ful second semester. of maintaining the health of its stu- and lack of enforcement of remote Lack of policy enforcement continued on page 3 dents.” learning policies. continued on page 4 is an issue that seeps into several Comments to the post included A Spectator survey regarding

NEWSBEAT StuyHacks Holds 10th Art Teacher William Senior Srinath Mahank- Biannual Hackathon ali was recognized as a Re- Wrigley Introduces New generon Science Talent Search Scholar. Virtually By ISABELLA JIA, JAMES previous years. In total, over 150 Comic Art Elective KANG, and RAVEN people signed up this year, a num- (RUIWEN) TANG ber comparable to the 160 partici- By MAHIR HOSSAIN, JUNI The elective will combine draw- PARK, and VEDAANT SHAH ing with storytelling. “[Wrigley] is Social studies teachers pants of last year’s in-person event. StuyHacks X, Stuyvesant’s This year’s hackathon schedul- Additional reporting by Alice teaching Painting right now, and Lisa Greenwald, Lori- Zhu I’m one of his students. He doesn’t and biannual hackathon, was held ing and organization were modified Ann Newman, Robert virtually for the first time from to accommodate the virtual format. really focus on the technique or Sandler were accepted to January 9 to 10. During the event, In previous years, StuyHack’s Janu- Art teacher William Wrigley skill, but he focuses more on the Master Seminars, hosted by participants had the opportunity ary 12- hour hackathon runs will teach a comic art elective start- concept behind it or the inspira- The Academy for Teachers. to attend coding workshops, co- from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 ing this spring. Wrigley, who began tion or the planning. In his comic operate in teams to create soft- p.m. on one day; ware projects, and win prizes. they also host a 24- During a hackathon, partici- hour event in June. On January 19, the pants work in teams This year’s January College to build a proj- hackathon ran over Board announced it would ect within two days from 11:00 discontinue administering a short pe- a.m. to 5:00 p.m. each SAT subject tests and the riod of time. day. The hackathon started optional essay portion of Hackathons with a team-building event, the SAT. also feature followed by workshops workshops, and award ceremonies. panels, and “Because StuyHacks other activities was held virtually over and culmi- Zoom, we decided to Stuyvesant Theater Com- nate in the have a team-building munity (STC) will present judging of activity for 30 minutes virtual performances of submitted Courtesy of Hellen Luo at the start of our first day their Fall/Winter musical projects. of hacking. This enabled “Head Over Heels” on In addi- tion participants to converse January 22 and 23. to the top three with each other and see if they had Iris Lin places and the Best enough common interests to work

Game title, other together to create a fantastic proj- Spectator / The awards includ- ed Best ect,” junior and Junior Director of Beginner’s Hack StuyHacks Carol Chen said. “To The January Regents have and Most In- novative. make our event simple for the hack- been canceled. As a result, a StuyHacks X used Zoom ers, we created one Zoom meeting modified weekly schedule to host workshops and Slack to for all the workshops and ceremo- coordinate team communica- nies. Participants were allowed to teaching at Stuyvesant this past se- class, obviously he’s going to teach was released, consisting of tion between the hackers and or- enter and go as they pleased, simi- asynchronous and synchro- mester, also teaches Art Apprecia- us how to draw, but he’s mostly go- ganizers. Though the organizers lar to how they would do so dur- tion and Painting. The new elective nous instructional time. changed StuyHacks to accommo- will be open exclusively to juniors date the online format, partici- and seniors. pant turnout was similar to that of continued on page 4 continued on page 3 Page 2 The Spectator• January 22, 2021 News

Stuyvesant Dance Organizations Host Cultural Dance Appreciation Panel By EMMA CHIO, ZUZI LIU, and about dance, but not a lot of them of Hollywood when they think of RAJHASREE PAUL know where the dance styles they the industry; they think of glitz and are involved with are from and the glamor, and they don’t understand Stuy Squad, SING!, Tap Club, background behind [them].” that there are some negative things and StuyArts hosted a cultural The event began with each of that also trail behind that.” dance appreciation discussion panel the speakers introducing themselves Overall, the panelists were glad Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons and NASA on December 17, with guest speak- and their respective dance styles. to have been able to participate in ers Eboné Vanityzo Johnson, San- Eboné Vanityzo Johnson is a teach- the event. “When it comes to top- gita Shresthova, and Jason Samuels er and choreographer with a focus ics of discussion like appropriation, WORLDBEAT Smith. The hour-and-a-half-long on hip-hop dance; Jason Samuels things can get really complicated event was organized over Zoom Smith is a tap dancer who teaches, and especially personal and difficult and promoted through Facebook directs, and choreographs unique to talk about quite easily,” Shres- President-elect Joe Biden was inaugurated as the 46th president posts, school e-mails, and teachers, tap dances; Sangita Shresthova is thova said. “I thought that the event with around 120 students and teach- a Bollywood dancer, as well as a was organized in a really friendly, of the United States on January 20. ers attending. scholar, speaker, educator, and cho- open way and that it encouraged Early in the year, the Tap Club reographer. Each speaker discussed people to explore these topics [like approached English teacher Lauren the history of their dance style appropriation] through specific Stuzin with the idea to host a panel to provide students and teachers practices without getting defensive relating to dance and reached out to greater insight into dance in general. or feeling antagonistic, but out of a A mob of Donald Trump supporters stormed the U.S. Capitol Stuy Squad leaders to collaborate. After the presentation, the panelists genuine love for dance.” in an attempt to overturn the 2020 presidential election results “As an advisor [of SING!], I got to opened up the floor for students to The discussion panel was also see a lot of the behind-the-scenes ask questions. an enriching and engaging experi- on January 6. work and love that go into SING!,” The speakers brought up issues ence for attendees. “Hands down, Stuzin said in an e-mail interview. that plague the dance community, the event was really rich in history “It was pretty spectacular to see especially within certain genres and and discussion,” sophomore Ziy- students falling in love with creat- styles. “Despite there being so many ing Jian said. “Each speaker was ing art, teaching each other, learn- cultures represented in [StuySquad] very knowledgeable on the history The National Rifle Association declared bankruptcy and ing from each other, and working shows, we often forget that there of each type of dance, and speak- together in such beautiful ways.” exists a fine line between appropria- ing for myself as well as others, we plans to reincorporate in Texas. Stuzin decided to host a panel tion and appreciation,” senior and all learned a lot from this unique on the history of dance upon ob- Stuy Squad director Katie Ng said event.” serving its absence in Stuyvesant’s in an e-mail interview. Additionally, Jian commended dance community. “I began to real- Throughout the panel, students the online aspect of the presenta- ize how disconnected our commu- were able to learn about the topic tion. “The virtual medium was an Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter banned Donald Trump’s nity’s passion for the arts and dance of appropriation in dance. “It gave advantage as speakers were able to accounts on their platforms. YouTube temporarily suspended [is],” they said. With this interest people a sense that different danc- present videos and images, enrich- in mind, they contacted Johnson, ers from different dance traditions ing the discussion,” Jian said. his account. Shresthova, and Smith and arranged come to the question of appropria- Vanityzo, Smith, and Shres- a date for the presentation. tion differently,” Shresthova said. thova encourage dancers and dance According to Stuzin, the pur- “I think it’s important to remember enthusiasts to take the time to learn pose of the panel was “to start a that, and it actually points to a larger the history and culture of dance community conversation around 1. way of how we get our questions before uptaking the practice. “I feel New York City’s property tax revenues are expected to drop how can we understand the dynam- about how we are creative. Where like if people like myself and other by in . ics at play when we dance dances does creativity come from? How educators don’t push the envelope $2.5 billion 2022 from cultures we do not know about many ways can our bodies move? on learning about the culture, that it and/or cultures that have been his- And what does it mean? What does could end up being lost and a thing torically oppressed and marginal- it mean to copy somebody versus to of the past,” Johnson said. “Learn ized, and 2. how can we as a com- make it your own?” all of the entirety, and don’t just these events. “Some ideas we have events to teach their peers about munity use this understanding to be Johnson shared her own expe- learn what you want what you want are to host a Zoom talk circle to the history and context of a hobby better people in the world? How can rience as a woman of color in the to know because there [are] so many unpack the panel discussion, create that we all love,” Ng said. “A huge we honor and support the people dance industry. “The things that you beautiful stories and so many beau- a mutual partnership with another portion of our hip-hop dancers are whose art we love?” they said. see are sometimes not telling you the tiful people that are forgotten and high school that has a dance pro- Asian American, […] but we often While Stuy Squad was not part exact truth of what goes on behind died broke because they never got gram, and invite dance profession- forget about the roots of hip-hop of the initial planning, they helped the scenes. There is a lot of racism; their dues.” als to train us in dance,” Stuzin said. […] this panel was just a baby step bring attention to the panel. “There there is a lot of separatism; there is a In the future, Stuzin aims to The panel’s organizers hope to to sharing different perspectives re- is a really big dance community at lot of colorism within the arts,” she feature more guest speakers from continue engaging Stuyvesant stu- garding culture, and hopefully, there Stuy,” junior and Stuy Squad Pres- said. “I feel proud to give my expe- other dance disciplines, as they have dents in the history of dance. “I am will be more similar events to enrich ident-in-Training Melody Lin said. riences and […] shed [light on] the gotten requests from Stuy Squad grateful that [students] have taken our own perspectives and challenge “Many students are passionate negatives because people may think Step and Latin to continue planning the initiative to host these types of what we already know.”

Administration Alters Finals Week Amid Online Classes

By JADY CHEN, KAI LI, JANNA reduce stress,” Assistant Principal overall knowledge is lower,” sopho- online using DeltaMath, the same if one were to have multiple finals WANG, and EUGENE YOO of World Language, Art, and Mu- more Nika Raiffe said in an e-mail program students used to complete that week on top of live instruction, sic Francesca McAuliffe said in an interview. “Both the teachers and their summer assignment. Unlike the stress levels must only have in- Due to the citywide closure of e-mail interview. “As a result of our the students know that there isn’t a previous years, all of the exams will creased,” junior Krista Proteasa said public high schools and the can- remote alternating class schedule, big final assessment, so most people be administered at the same time,” in an e-mail interview. “This type celation of the January Regents, most students will likely have fewer treat the curriculum more casually.” Assistant Principal of Mathematics of motivation we have to conjure the Stuyvesant administration an- assessments on any single school Though the decision to host Eric Smith said in an e-mail inter- ourselves while remote isn’t in end- nounced changes to January’s Fi- day.” classes during Regents Week—the view. “The content of the exams less supply. In fact, it’s usually used nals/Regents Week. Under normal While having fewer classes per week after Finals Week—was made isn’t different from last year.” up fairly quickly, so breaks are ab- circumstances, Stuyvesant adminis- day may help space out exams bet- by the DOE and not Stuyvesant, For many students, Regents solutely necessary to let us breathe ters both Regents exams and uni- ter than in past years, some students the administration allowed depart- Week typically serves as a period from time to time.” form final assessments during the believe departments should opt not ments to choose whether their of time to unwind and prepare Chang acknowledged the in- last week of January. Students only to host final exams within the re- classes would have synchronous for the next semester after finals creased stress levels she may face come into the school building to mote environment. “With the lack or asynchronous classes. They also exams.“Regents Week is actually the but recognized that having classes take their respective exams, as there of focus, I personally don’t think asked that no new assignments be time you use to destress and decom- during Regents week might be nec- are no classes. that finals should be administered due during the week. The English, press before the next semester, and essary. “[It] makes sense since the This semester, however, Finals/ due to the fact that you don’t know Chemistry, Physics, Technology, I think a lot of students were look- tests are canceled. I do wish we had Regents Week will be separated into what goes on in each specific house- and Mathematics departments have ing forward to that time because we an official break during that time, two weeks. During Finals Week— hold and how the learning situation decided not to host live instruc- don’t have a lot of that time now but I also don’t want us to fall be- from January 19 to January 22— of each student has been affected,” tion, while the Biology, Computer that we’re in remote learning,” se- hind,” she said. departments will conduct in-class sophomore Kyle Lee said in an e- Science, Social Studies, World Lan- nior and Student Union President Giordano, however, expressed or unit finals or host synchronous mail interview. guage, Art, Music, and Physical Ed- Julian Giordano said. “It feels like that many students are reaching class as usual. Uniform finals for Sophomore Cynthia Chang ucation/Health departments will. we’re confined to our homes, and a point of academic burnout. “I Geometry, Algebra 2, Pre-Calculus, voiced a similar concern, saying that “Contact time is something that the only thing we do in our homes think we have this emphasis on live and Technology classes will be held the remote setting would make it our educators and I agree supports is work, and it’s going to feel that instruction during Regents Week on January 25, and all instruction harder to concentrate. “Taking tests learners tremendously in these dis- way for the entirety of Regents [because] we’re losing class time, will be asynchronous. January 26 to (especially if they’re timed and even ciplines,” McAuliffe said regarding Week because we still will be in live and we need class time to make up January 29—Regents Week—will more so when we’re on Zoom) at her departments’ decision to con- classes.” for the time that we’ve missed, and be instructional days this year, as the home is definitely worse than taking tinue live classes. Some students are concerned a lot of teachers are worried about Department of Education (DOE) it in school,” she said in an e-mail While the Mathematics and that the continuation of live in- preparing students for AP exams, canceled the January Regents ad- interview. Technology departments will be struction during both Finals and Regents exams, or whatever the ministration. Some students have taken the hosting asynchronous classes, they Regents Weeks will add to an ac- case is,” he said. “That’s definitely The administration developed opposite stance, however, arguing will be administering uniform finals cumulating pile of stress. “The only a concern, but in trying to recreate a testing schedule for Finals Week that students have fallen behind this on January 25. The tests will be as- reason I’m a little disappointed that last year, teaching everything the to ensure that students are not year and that finals are important sessed using various online learning live instruction will proceed during way we did before and keeping the overwhelmed with assessments. for keeping up with the curriculum. platforms, including JupiterEd and Regents Week is because when we exact same curriculum, I think we’re “Students will still be tested in “Because most departments are not DeltaMath. “All of the final ex- took in-person finals, I could de- sort of lying to ourselves because specific disciplines each day to al- having finals and there are no Re- ams for Geometry, Algebra 2, and vote the entirety of the rest of my it’s not possible […] students do low proper time to prepare and to gents, our level of preparedness and Pre-Calculus will be administered days/week to studying, but now need a break.” The Spectator• January 22, 2021 Page 3 News

Staff editorial Mental Health is a Two-Way Street

teachers alike must understand that complaints. If students or admin- the administration. These sessions Spiral of Communication. More- continued from page 1 Stuyvesant can be a rigorous insti- istrators notice that teachers are would allow students to check in over, students who are content tution without copious amounts consistently breaking these rules, with an adult at Stuyvesant, free with how this past semester has behavior contributes to growing of homework. Mental health and conscious efforts should be made of the pressure or anxiety that may gone should be cognizant of the frustrations among students and academic rigor are not mutually to inform teachers of their policy come with confronting a teacher fact that their remote learning ex- the feeling that their time is not im- exclusive, and it is time our school breaches and to encourage them to directly. Using Zoom breakout perience may differ from that of portant—and thus, not respected. environment reflects that. both alter and monitor their meth- rooms or the waiting room would their peers. Remote learning has While these infractions are of- Of course, the stress we have ods of assigning work. For exam- allow counselors to facilitate one- affected members of the Stuyves- ten chalked up to the expectation encountered in remote learning is ple, assistant principals could man- on-one discussions rather seam- ant community to varying degrees, that Stuyvesant students should no novelty; Stuyvesant was already date all teachers to organize and lessly, too. and it is important that we remain be able to manage the pace of stressful before quarantine, and is- maintain an anonymous Google Effecting tangible change in supportive and empathetic of one an accelerated curriculum and in- sues with workload existed before Form in which students can voice the school community is a two-way another. creased workload, that justifica- remote learning. But given the toll their concerns. The Spiral of Com- street. Many students, intimidated Above all, it is important to tion does not hold up. The ability that the pandemic has taken on munication should also be amend- by the possibility of repercussions remember that students, teach- to withstand unhealthy amounts many of us regardless of school- ed to reflect this change: rather from their teachers, choose to re- ers, and administrators came to of stress and work should not be work, the state of our mental than concluding with a notification main silent and do their assigned Stuyvesant for a reason: to be a viewed as a necessary character- health has become far more press- sent to teachers that they are not work rather than speak up against part of a rigorous, fulfilling edu- istic of a “successful” Stuyvesant ing. Students have struggled with following the homework policy, clear violations. Instead, peers cation. Creating the optimal re- student. In fact, when teachers burnout, isolation, and mental in- there should be several steps that should work together to commu- mote learning environment is not play the “you should be able to stability, and we must take concrete follow up with both students and nicate their difficulties to teachers. an easy undertaking and requires handle this workload because you steps to alleviate the issues exacer- teachers ensuring that an appropri- Whether this is done by group e- the work of the entire Stuyvesant are a Stuyvesant student” card and bated by remote learning. ate response is being undertaken to mail, direct contact, or anonymous body. We, as students, will actively hold the efforts of a select group First and foremost, admin- rectify such issues. correspondence through a third strive to put our best foot forward of high-achieving students as the istrators must hold teachers ac- In addition, guidance coun- party, it is imperative that students every day, and we ask that the fac- standard level of work productiv- countable, whether by proactively selors, like teachers, should hold take initiative to end the cycle of ulty invests the same degree of ef- ity, unsustainable work habits are monitoring Google Classrooms office hours after school to more compliance that occurs all too of- fort into creating a more healthy normalized. In order to combat to assess assigned workloads or effectively allow students to con- ten when teachers do not follow learning environment for the this harmful mindset, students and responding effectively to student vey their concerns or challenges to regulations, as delineated by The school community.

Art Teacher William Wrigley Introduces New Comic Art Elective

After becoming a teacher, Wrig- dents’ work from my last school, you’re designing that story to how- daunting in a sense due to the lack continued from page 1 ley knew he wanted to incorporate talking about what I felt it could ever you want the readers to look at of art experience. When [Wrigley] comic art into his curriculum. “I’ve offer Stuyvesant.” it and how you want to present it,” first came in and started talking ing to focus on making a narrative been teaching in the public system To Wrigley’s surprise, the ad- senior Md Hoque said. “It takes in about painting with this passion, I story,” senior Kelly Guo said. for about 10 years, and for nine of ministration immediately approved personal writing, which is not really felt like I could talk to him about Wrigley’s passion for art was those years in my last school. I had his elective. “I wasn’t sure that it explored in Stuy, and it combines it architecture,” Hoque said. “For heavily influenced by his high a comic project with my students; was going to be accepted,” he said. with art, which is an astounding on students who want to do art, […] school art classes. “I was very for- I’d begin the second semester with “I certainly didn’t expect that it by itself.” we don’t really have much experi- tunate to go to a school in Con- a comic project,” he said. “We would be accepted for the next se- Students taking Wrigley’s paint- ence, and that was the case for me. necticut that was sort of a mag- would only make one page, but the mester.” ing elective this semester have I started my own club because of net school. It had an art program students learned that it was a really Though students have yet to found his class to be one of the few the lack of opportunity here. [Wrig- equivalent to the program at La- good way to do a memoir and to take Wrigley’s elective, many have places they can express themselves ley] was one of the few teachers I Guardia, and those teachers gave reflect their own lives in more than requested the class for their spring creatively and prepare to continue could rely on instead of relying on me purpose in a lot of ways when one way. It opened up a lot of stu- program. “I was pretty interested pursuing art beyond high school. myself.” I was a teenager,” he said. “When I dents to the possibility of art in a by [the] idea because ‘casual’ arts “Painting this semester has been Though students are grate- got into art classes, it just opened way that they hadn’t thought of classes aren’t particularly com- something that has impacted me a ful for the new elective, many also up a whole new world for me.” before.” mon at Stuyvesant,” junior Adnan lot, especially because I’m someone wish that Stuyvesant offered more Despite the support Wrigley Despite only teaching at Quayyum said. “I was happy to who wants to major in art in col- art-based opportunities. “When I received from his teachers, he felt Stuyvesant for less than a semes- be able to list Comic Arts on the lege, but Stuyvesant does not really was in eighth grade, I was offered that comic art in particular was of- ter, Wrigley saw an opportunity [spring elective selection form] be- offer too many opportunities to the opportunity to go to LaGuardia ten neglected in his classes. “I had to introduce a comic art elective. cause I feel like modern forms of learn about different mediums [and for fine arts, but I [was] pressured painting teachers, and silkscreening “When I interviewed here, I knew art are underrepresented at Stuy does not guide] students through by my parents to go to Stuyves- teachers, and photography teachers, that [Assistant Principal of World while more classical takes are pro- portfolio building which is needed ant instead,” Guo said. “I can’t do all these different things. The one Language, Art, and Music Franc- moted over them.” for some colleges if you want to STEM—I’m really bad at math and thing I didn’t have was anybody esca] McAuliffe was interested in Other students are excited to major in art,” Guo said. “Right off science—and art is the only place who would let me do comics as a the comics that she had seen in take the course because of how dif- the bat, [Wrigley] was really open to I find confidence and comfort. I project,” he said. “They didn’t con- my portfolio, and when I started ferent comic art is than other cur- reaching out to seniors who wanted just wished Stuyvesant would offer sider it to be art.” getting to know students here, it rently offered art electives, such as to apply to art schools […] he’s more of that.” Undeterred, Wrigley explored occurred to me that something I ceramics and painting. “A lot of art been helping me with the process Wrigley hopes his elective will comic art outside of the classroom. could offer that would expand the classes in Stuy and a lot of medi- for the past few months.” bring more art to Stuyvesant while “When I was 17, I moved to New art program would be to offer a ums focus on a singular moment. Wrigley’s painting elective also giving his students the same eye- York City for a summer to intern at comics elective,” he said. “I made Ceramics takes you into a singu- inspired students in their own cre- opening experience he had in his a comic company so that I would a slideshow explaining what comics lar moment into a pot, and paint- ative endeavors. “Up until this year, high school art classes. “I would learn things that my teachers were are aside from superheroes—that ing makes you take the singular I’ve only had roughly two classes like to be able to spend my career not teaching me,” he said. they are a medium, not a genre— moment within a scenery. Within related to art. I’m trying to major giving some of what was given to showing examples from my stu- comics, you are telling a story, and in architecture, which is kind of me to my students,” he said.

Stuyvesant Cancels Plans to Administer the PSAT

By ISABELLA JIA, RIFATH dents. “I’ll be a little sad if I can’t for the SAT which I’d be taking in between August 2020 to June 2021, to take the SAT. “[Students] should HOSSAIN, and JANNA WANG take the PSAT,” junior Raj Dhanda […] junior year. I planned to take it instead of a PSAT/NMSQT scores, seek out an SAT exam, even if it’s said. “That merit distinction will be this year before the pandemic came, to be eligible for the 2022 National in another state, if possible, to take Stuyvesant canceled its plans to missed.” but now that the pandemic is here, Merit Scholarship Program. “For- as a junior if they are interested in administer the PSAT on January 26. Because many students were I decided that I would not be taking tunately, the College Board has the National Merit Scholarship op- Though the College Board provid- uncertain in their options to qualify it,” sophomore Alind Raad said in announced that juniors may use portunity,” she said. ed three days to take the PSAT in for the National Merit Scholarship an e-mail interview. the SAT or a PSAT score for the Sophomores can still prepare October 2020 and an additional day Program, a few have turned to out- There are, however, alterna- NSMQ, so students are not at a loss for the PSAT using various online on January 26, Stuyvesant decided of-state options earlier in the year tive options to apply for the Na- for National Merit submissions by resources available. “While the not to administer the exam due to to take the PSAT. “[The] College tional Merit Scholarship Program. not having a PSAT submission,” PSAT is good practice for sopho- public high school school build- Board said that if the PSAT wasn’t According to the National Merit Director of Family Engagement mores, practice can be gained by ing closures and recent increases in being offered at my high school, Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) Dina Ingram said in an e-mail in- free timed tests offered like the weekly COVID-19 positivity rates that I should try and register to take website, “a student who does not terview. ones we arranged over the holiday across the city. it somewhere else. I called around take the PSAT/NMSQT in Octo- In order to do so, juniors must break through our partnership with The PSAT, or Preliminary SAT, to a few private high schools in the ber 2020 or January 2021 because send an official report of their SAT AppleRouth Tutoring or by finding is a standardized test administered city, but that didn’t turn out well,” of illness, an emergency, or other scores to NMSC and fill out theAl - them online,” Ingram said. by the College Board. Though junior Elizabeth Stansberry said in extenuating circumstance, but ternate Entry Form by April 1. SAT Though many are disappointed sophomores can take the exam, an e-mail interview. “I’m from Tex- meets all other requirements for scores can be submitted no later by the cancelation, some students high-scoring juniors can qualify as, and my family was already plan- NMSC program participation, may than October 15, 2021. Only stu- have accepted the change. “I don’t for the National Merit Scholarship. ning to go to Dallas in October, so I still be able to enter the 2022 Na- dents who have not taken the PSAT care about it too too much,” ju- In past years, Stuyvesant hosted a decided to register to take it there.” tional Merit Scholarship Program.” in October or January will be able nior Ajay Pal said. “All I will know PSAT day to administer the exam Additionally, some sophomores Stuyvesant not hosting the to enter the competition through is I tried hard to take the test, but for all juniors and sophomores. hoped to take the PSAT as part of exam qualifies as an extenuating this route. I couldn’t, so it isn’t that bad. You The PSAT cancelation came preparation for the SAT. “I thought circumstance, allowing juniors to To qualify through the alternate have to deal with what life gives as a disappointment to many stu- [the PSAT] would help me prepare use scores from SATs administered entry, Ingram encourages students you.” Page 4 The Spectator• January 22, 2021 News

StuyHacks Holds 10th Biannual Hackathon Virtually

Freshman and first-time hack- and was able to develop both her submitted their project through event being virtual definitely im- continued from page 1 athon participant Rebecca Bao felt teamwork and computer science Devpost and even made a You- pacted [my] experience. I would that the hackathon allowed her to skills. After applying these skills, Ma Tube video as a demonstration definitely prefer it to be in person, ing our in-person hackathons.” experiment with her interests. “I and her group were able to make on how to play the game. When it but given the circumstances, it Mentors hosted eight work- have always been super interested their project more appealing and came to award presentations how- would be impossible without be- shops, which were designed as in STEM, and I thought that this won the Best Game award. “We ever, the audience wasn’t able to ing possibly risky, dangerous, or introductory lessons to expose opportunity in the weekend could spent a long time on this game, and view the projects made by other downright irresponsible,” he said. beginners to different concepts in serve as a challenge for me to pursue we really wanted to make it look nice participants. “It would be cool, at Despite the lack of connec- computer science, such as “Mak- more of what I like to do,” Bao said visually,” she said. “So when it was all the award ceremony, a little pre- tive opportunities an online format ing Backends with Node.js,” “In- in an e-mail interview. “I wasn’t the starting to come together, the proj- sentation of the winners’ projects, presents, the virtual setting of the troduction to Terminal,” “Intro- most sure what to expect and how ect was turning out as we expected.” because we were all interested in hackathon did make it more acces- duction to Java,” and “Basics of the hackathon would be structured, Their video game, Stardust Ma- what the people did,” she said. “At sible to students. “Because Stuy- Arduino.” “When reaching out especially in this virtual competition nia, is a dungeon crawl game, in most, we just got the name and a Hacks X was now virtual, we were to mentors, we asked if they were […] though it was only two days, my which a star is controlled by a player summary, but it would’ve been able to gather attendees from differ- interested in hosting a workshop team and I accomplished a lot and to navigate a labyrinth environment nice to have them screen-shared.” ent states and countries,” Chen said. and then we picked out the coolest created an interactive website [on or dungeon. “Our team spent most Additionally, Ni noted that the Moving forward, StuyHacks or- sounding ones and added work- which] one can draw on their screen of the weekend building our proj- lack of in-person interaction may ganizers will take into consideration shops that were attendee favorites using an utensil by color detection ect, but we weren’t able to finish have made it more difficult for par- external factors, such as the status in the past,” senior and Executive through their webcam.” Bao’s team everything we planned because of ticipants to ask for help. “It’s hard of the COVID-19 pandemic, when Director of StuyHacks Madelyn was awarded second place overall. how ambitious our game idea was,” to muster up the courage or find deciding whether to continue re- Mao said in an e-mail interview. For junior Alyssa Choi, the Choi said. “Regardless, it was all a reason to message the mentors mote hackathons or host in-person Bill Ni (’19) was one of the hackathon served as a new oppor- worth it in the end when we placed privately, being that we don’t eat events. “If we still have to take CO- mentors for StuyHacks and taught tunity to explore her computer sci- the title of Best Game. In addition, meals together, and we can’t foster VID-19 into consideration, then we the Terminal and Java workshops. ence interests. “I thought it would we learned what we could’ve done a connection as friend and friend will continue to have completely re- He has been mentoring StuyHacks be a cool experience because I enjoy better, in terms of planning, organi- rather than student and teacher,” mote hackathons. If schools open, the past two years and continued creating CS projects. It was also the zation, improving code, and more.” he said. “The lack of face to face and it is safe to hold large events this year as a way of giving back to first time I participated in a hack- While winning an award at the contact dehumanizes situations that of 100 people or more, then we the community. “I was a StuyHacks athon, so I was curious [as] to how hackathon was a memorable experi- normally participants would be able would like to make our hackathons participant when I was still in high competitive programming would ence, Ma noticed that in a remote to talk us up or ask us for help.” a mix of in-person and virtual,” school, and I mentored the last two differ from real-life programming,” setting, other participants were un- Though Ni would have pre- Chen said. “This way, we will be years. I find it to be a very helpful way Choi said in an e-mail interview. able to see the projects that others ferred an in-person hackathon able to welcome and include stu- to give back to the CS community at Her teammate, junior Xiaoshen accomplished. Like other groups in setting, he acknowledged that it dents all over the world to expand Stuy,” he said in an e-mail interview. Ma, was also a first-time participant the hackathon, Ma and her group wouldn’t have been feasible. “The our support of budding hackers.”

Facebook Post Ignites Conversation Regarding Mental Health

tiple issues ranging from course [motivation], but if [I] were to com- for not adhering strictly to the help students without a consider- continued from page 1 load and intense school days to a pare it to me on March 7, 2020, [I] guidelines. “I feel like the teach- able change in teachers’ behavior. lack of socialization. “I kind of re- would say [my mental health is] sig- ers don’t have as much guidance as “From a counseling standpoint, respondents reported that their ally hate it. Like, as much as I hated nificantly higher [...] It’s a mix of to what they should be doing and we are just in a position to just give mental health has decreased since the long commute to school and me having 1+6+10 free so my day what they should not be doing,” advice and work with time manage- March 2020, confirming the strong waking up at six in the morning, flies by each time, and some good junior Ava Yap said. “I’m not com- ment and report things to Assistant response of the Facebook post. the one-hour classes now make [the teachers,” an anonymous sopho- pletely blaming them because they Principals and hope some change An overwhelming 79 percent of school day] even more unbearable more commented on the Facebook have a lot going on, too.” happens, but it’s not happening,” students reported that their mental to sit through,” sophomore Mi- post. The SU also recognizes that Pedrick said. Pedrick further ex- health had gone down, with eight chelle Hu said. “Due to everything Additionally, a minority of stu- teachers’ infractions do not come plained that guidance counselors percent saying that their mental being remote, I don’t feel like I’m dents who replied to the post feel from a place of bad intent. “When mainly provide support for stu- health had remained constant and learning anything in class. I have to the amount of work that has been it comes to a lot of policy infrac- dents and report observations to the remaining 13 percent saying spend extra time [outside of class] assigned during remote learning tions and issues that we get emailed the administration. that their mental health had im- trying to relearn [the material] in has been manageable. “I feel that from students about teachers giv- One concrete change students proved. Moreover, while 84 percent order to actually even do the home- the school has adjusted as best as ing too much homework, or giving would like to see implemented is of students reported having aver- work.” possible to the situation [...] I do tests on the wrong day, it’s often the policy revision. “I know I’ve had age or above average mental health The post cultivated a collective not think there is a crazy amount same teachers over and over again, nights where I’ve stayed up un- prior to remote learning, that num- sentiment among the students re- of homework being given even be- and something we’ve noticed about til midnight, 1:00 a.m., 2:00 a.m., ber fell to just 35 percent for stu- garding the struggles they felt dur- fore the remote learning undertak- that is it’s oftentimes not coming 3:00 a.m., even 4:00 a.m., just do- dents’ mental health in its current ing remote learning. “My immedi- en this year,” an anonymous senior from a bad place from teachers,” ju- ing work and getting through all state. ate reaction to the post was, ‘Wow, commented on the post. Similarly, nior and SU Vice President Shivali my stuff,” Yap said. “That takes a While there was not a signifi- that’s exactly how I feel.’ No one an anonymous sophomore com- Korgaonkar said. huge toll on my physical and mental cant difference between students of else had put something into words mented, “We’re getting about half More generally, the SU has been health. I just think that they need to different genders, the data indicates that way before,” Student Union the work we usually get, in my ex- responsible for mediating many of restructure what they already have that the mental health of freshmen (SU) President Julian Giordano perience [I] have a lot of free time the student-teacher interactions in order to make it more sustainable has declined the most since pre- said. “This really resonates with a after class.” and conflicts. “We’d really like to for students.” quarantine. On average, freshmen’s lot of students because we’ve been Sophomore Navid Zunaid, too, talk to teachers directly, and teach- More broadly, administrators mental health fell by 1.8 points on internalizing this a lot. We’ve been has found remote learning easier ers who may not be as aware of hope that Stuyvesant can open a one to five scale. This change was blaming this on ourselves. We’ve because of an increased amount of SLT meetings and discussions we more conversations regarding less severe for sophomores and up- been saying this year’s been really his free time. “I think remote learn- have with students and each other,” class workload through improved perclassmen, with their numbers hard because I’m doing something ing is freedom and you have, let’s Giordano said. student-teacher relationships. “We decreasing by 1.5 and 1.3 points, wrong, and that’s not the case.” say, two to three hours more free Giordano is hopeful that stu- would love students to have a rela- respectively. Notably, the larger de- While mental health issues and time, more time to do the things dents’ sentiments will inspire tionship with their teachers where cline among freshmen was due to overwhelming workloads were that you might find personally change in the administration’s han- they feel safe bringing that [work- their mental health rankings in the present at Stuyvesant even before meaningful,” he said. dling of remote learning. “We’re load issues] to them, but we also “pre-Covid” period (4.1) compared remote learning, Assistant Principal While social studies teacher Da- at this place in time where we can respect that for students, that’s not to that of other students (3.6). Cur- of Pupil Personnel Services Casey vid Wang tries to take his students’ try new things that have never often their comfort level,” Pedrick rently, all students hover around Pedrick has noted a tonal shift amid time into consideration, his work- been tried before, and if we cre- said. 2.2. The larger decline among the pandemic. “This is the start of load has increased considerably due ate change now, I think it will stick, Pedrick also noted how Stuyves- freshmen’s mental health could be my 11th year, and I’ve always, from to the constraints given in teaching and it can fundamentally change ant teachers and administrators caused by the academically strenu- day one, heard different iterations the AP curriculum within the vir- Stuyvesant culture,” he said. may need to readjust expectations ous transition for many freshmen. of ‘the workload is too much,’” she tual setting. “I don’t believe there’s Hu is less optimistic, however. for covering curricula given the cir- Students expanded on their re- said. “But this wave feels different. any limit on how much work we “When I read the post and I real- cumstances. “I know that a lot of sponses through an optional short This wave feels like a cry for help, should give,” he said. “I think that’s ized how many people were also the teachers of AP classes are very response question at the bottom of [a] waving of the white flag in sur- left up entirely to the discretion of really upset about everything, I was concerned about getting through all the form. “I live in a small one-bed- render.” the teacher. I myself try to take into like, ‘Wow, maybe something will of the material to set their students room apartment with five people, English teacher Megan Weller, consideration how much time my change,’” she said. “But in all hon- up for the best possible success,” and it’s really stressful,” one student too, has had encounters with stu- students have and the work that I esty, I really don’t think the policies she said. “I’m even wondering if we said. Others shared similar experi- dents who are struggling. “I have give might be too much, but [...] I will change due to the teachers.” can just recalibrate that. What is our ences: “I’m a Big Sib and talking to had several email, office hours, have to give a certain amount due Hu feels her complaints fall on definition of success?” my Little Sibs is so concerning right after-[class] Zoom chats with stu- to the fact that I have to cover deaf ears not just among teachers Students hope that going now. They are mostly below zero dents [about] how hard it is, par- what’s going to be on the AP.” but also among support staff and forward, the administration and on the scale for mental health be- ticularly because it is remote learn- According to the “Fall 2020 the administration. “Whenever I teachers will show a greater under- cause of a lack of socialization and ing, because we are in a pandemic,” Instructional Expectations” docu- hear from [my] guidance coun- standing of their circumstances. an awful introduction to Stuy,” “I she said. “Whether what’s hard is ment, teachers must “adhere to all selor, they usually just say the same “If they were just a little bit more don’t have any time for myself. I get being in a house, being depressed school and departmental policies things like, ‘Oh, just be organized,’ approachable to the students, and off of class, eat lunch, do hw, eat about everything that is going on … the homework policy for the or ‘Just have a schedule,’ or ‘Just if they made it a little bit easier dinner, do more hw, hygiene, maybe and therefore losing motivation to 10-period day remains in effect, so talk it out with teachers,’” she said. for students to get in contact with even more hw, and then go to sleep do work and falling behind, [those] teachers may assign up to an hour “But whenever you try to mention them or understand the students wanting this tiring cycle to end,” emotions are taking a physical toll.” of homework between live sessions that things are rough, they kind of a little bit more, what they are go- and “Wish the bar was lower. My Still, not all students feel this in non-AP classes, and up to two just throw the same things at you. ing through,” senior Bineth Abey- mental health is in the negatives.” way. Some members of the student hours of homework between live It feels like they aren’t really listen- sekera said. “Our mental health is Students’ reactions to the Face- body believe that the remote setting sessions in AP classes.” ing.” deteriorating because of the pan- book post as well as to remote has allowed their mental health to Students acknowledge that From a guidance perspec- demic so be a little bit easier on us, learning as a whole stem from mul- improve. “I have also lost so much teachers are not completely at fault tive, Pedrick is unsure of how to just a tad bit.” The Spectator• January 22, 2021 Page 5

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We sent out an anonymous form for students to share their thoughts about mental health, workload, or anything else regarding this past semester. Here is what they said*: *Certain responses have been edited for length and clarity.

Many of my teachers have been unsympathetic to students’ needs and extraordinarily hypocritical in their expecta- My experience with Stuyvesant remote learning has been an ongo- tions for students. Several of my teachers expect work to be submitted on time and emphasize that they will deduct ing rollercoaster. Some days workloads will be extremely heavy, where I points if not turned in on time, yet have graded my assignments from September in January, or have not been bothered spend my nights crying up until midnight. Whereas, other days I feel less to even look at my work. At that point, what difference does it make if I submit my work in September or December? overwhelmed and can handle it. One thing I would like to point out is that Additionally, teachers continue to blatantly ignore homework/test policies and continue to assign useless, tedious, through remote learning, it is very hard for me to grasp onto topics. As each busywork assignments. I genuinely don’t think I have learnt a fragment of new information in any of my classes because day teachers pile us with more and more assignments, it eventually becomes teachers teach a “flipped classroom” or just go over homework all period instead of teaching new, informative content. extremely draining and exhausting. And the teachers have done nothing Several of my teachers have also not updated grades, and some continue to not use an online grade-book despite mul- about it, if I’m being quite honest. Aside from synchronous and asyn- tiple requests to do so—this leaves me with no understanding of what my grade is or how I could possibly improve. Not chronous day work, I have no social life. I don’t speak to anyone that goes only must I attend classes in which I learn nothing, but on top of that I am forced to learn on my own and teach myself to Stuyvesant, if I do it’s only during the few minutes we are in breakout in order to stay afloat in all of my classes. Personally, it is extremely taxing on my mental health and honestly has taken rooms. At times it does get lonely having no one to relate to or talk to about a toll on my physical health as well. My intent in expressing my frustrations is not to place blame on teachers, but rather my experiences here. Oftentimes I do find myself contemplating if it will be to highlight the ineffectiveness of current policies and procedures. I understand wholly that teachers have multiple worth it after four years and if I want to stay here, at Stuyvesant. classes and many students, but all the student body is asking for is more sympathy and less hypocrisy. —junior female —freshman female

The situation we’re in has negatively (and positively) affected people in so many different ways; Yes, some of us It is widely understood that teachers will not be able to fulfill the curriculum have acquired new interests or ways of thinking, and I’m thankful that I’ve used this last year to develop my beliefs. requirements this year. Despite what the College Board is forcing, there’s just no But my morals have also been solidified and I can assert that the administration has done a less than poor job in way for the teachers to teach full curricula. Even though this is accepted, they accommodating us. The mental health of our entire generation has deteriorated, ED culture is rampant, and school seem to be forcing what they can down our throats. If a student needs to focus has done nothing but make all of this an excruciatingly painful transition. Enforcing a homework policy that does on their mental health, it’s discouraged. We understand that this isn’t easy for our nothing but account for classes meeting every other day, forcing students to use their cameras, treating lessons teachers, but this feeling isn’t always reciprocated. Many teachers have said to me and assigning work as you would if we were attending classes as normal—the administration might see this as an or friends that it’s imperative that we show up to every class session and complete attempt in emulating on campus classes, but all we, as students, see is adults inconsiderately pretending that our the work in a timely manner. This just isn’t possible for everyone. There needs problems don’t exist. —sophomore female to be more empathy displayed in every direction: between teachers, admin, and students. Everyone is ready to point their finger at someone else (us students are guilty of it), but we need to come to the realization that we can’t have the same As someone who would never think to have a late assignment pre-quarantine, I am now in a constant state of expectations as past years and that this needs to be a collaborative effort. —senior making up late work. —senior female male

I think it’s rather obvious from the over 300+ com- Stuyvesant’s handling of remote learning has been poor. I I undoubtedly have depression. I detest people who ridicule oth- ments on the original Facebook post regarding this topic remember when schools had just closed due to the virus, tons ers for self-diagnosing or asking others to just “toughen up.” Someone that students aren’t really pleased with the administra- of schools around the city had a week-long break to ease the knows if they have depression. They are not making this up for atten- tion’s handling of remote learning. The most egregious transition, but Stuy didn’t give us a break: from that moment tion or clout, and it is utterly atrocious for someone to insinuate that. of it all is probably the homework policy adjustments, on, I began to lose faith in the administration. I understand No, that is not possible when the immediate environment surround- making it so students can get up to four hours of home- where the administration is coming from; I’m sure they face ing you is something so unbearable. And discussing mental health work on certain days which is just incredibly unhealthy tons of pressure from parents to uphold academic rigor as their with my parents is laughable. They think it’s some type of teenage and can cause serious burnout. I’ve had to stay up till child/children are more academically successful than others. I temporary insanity. They don’t understand it. And I hate to say it, but 1:00 am doing multiple assignments assigned by my just wish that the administration was more caring. Upholding Stuy’s counseling is really bad. The “coping at home” sessions do not teachers because the homework policy allows for it. It academic rigor and caring for your students’ mental health help in the slightest. My guidance counselor has not responded to gets extremely hard having to balance all the extra work aren’t mutually exclusive. I can’t stress enough how tone- my email asking for mental resources. I do not think my parents will as well as extracurricular and classes outside of school deaf the administration has been. The administration is just want to pay for anything relating to therapy. I think it is only until the without feeling burnt out or extremely stressed out. — continuing like business as usual, but these aren’t usual times. pandemic ends and I can go back to Manhattan out of this damned Luca Adeishvili, sophomore male —sophomore male borough and house will I find peace. —sophomore

The Moment of Tooth By ARIANA DEVITO, hindrance. “I was supposed to get “Some foods are just harder to but now I just subconsciously put taken a different path. Instead ISABELLA JIA them [braces] taken off in March, eat, and […] you can’t eat [gum],” them on every day,” she said. Ad- of wearing braces, she has worn and SABRINA LI I think, and that got delayed [by] Tang said. But it doesn’t end ditionally, Ying still has scheduled Invisalign for the past year since 10 months,” she said. there; after you get your braces orthodontist appointments, which her teeth were decently aligned to The pure joy of lifting your Anonymous sophomore B taken off, you also have to wear she eventually stopped going to. begin with. Still, Invisalign can be pillow to reveal dollar bills after had a similar experience. “Be- retainers. “I have two retainers. “I went back a few times and equally a nuisance, she revealed. losing a tooth is an experience cause of the pandemic, I was not One is an invisible one, and one thought it was pretty unnecessary “It gets inconvenient at times most can reminisce about. Even able to go to my cleaning in time. is the good old-fashioned one,” after around five times because when I go out to eat and I forget if the tooth fairy actually existed, However, I’m caught up with ap- he explained. Though brac- it’s a two-hour commute my case, so I have nowhere to put there are no more baby teeth left pointments now,” they disclosed traveling there but them,” she explained. As a result, to shed for most Stuyvesant stu- in an e-mail in- only five min- she often drops her Invisalign in dents. As our adult teeth assume terview. The utes [are spent] non-sanitary locations. “I’d drop their permanent positions, few sophomore at the dentist’s them in public, in school cafete- are blessed with perfectly straight expects to office,” she re- rias, in the bathroom, on floors, teeth. The majority must undergo get braces vealed. and in sinks,” she added. While dental procedures and treatments soon to People get this description is enough to con- to refine their new sets of chomp- correct a braces for many jure feelings of disgust, there are ers. deep overbite reasons, but for some advantages to wearing In- For many students, that entails and inverted ca- one junior who visalign over braces. “[I] ended wearing braces for anywhere from nines but is not wishes to remain up choosing Invisalign because I three months to four years. What looking forward anonymous, a biking didn’t want shiny metal seen ev- was once considered a stigma to this procedure. In Joanna Mengtrip / The Spectator that went wrong re- ery time I open my mouth, and among teenagers has now become addition to the pain fac- sulted in a fresh pair of I didn’t think I’d look good with more acceptable as we witness tor, there are other sources braces and partial teeth fillings. braces,” Li elaborated. While she teens sporting theme-colored of concern. “I’m not looking On a vacation in Asia, this junior never faced insecurity about her brace bands coordinated with forward to not being able to eat embarked on a 20-mile biking trip teeth, choosing Invisalign over the calendar and holidays. The certain foods and also having to es may sound like in the countryside with friends braces has been the better option growing acceptance of braces can clean them out,” they clarified. a pain, Tang assured that all when they encountered some half- for her self-image. make students more comfortable These worries are well-justified. these troubles were worth going pipes meant for skateboarding. “I The pursuit toward the cov- wearing them. Sophomore Alika Managing braces is often tedious through for him. “I’m pretty satis- decided to go up the largest one eted perfect smile definitely Peker suggested that wearing on many levels. fied with the results,” he said. “I and see how long I could stay in comes with its strife. If only the braces helped her fit in, consid- Freshman William Tang wore had braces, and my teeth are good the air for; [that’s] when I landed tooth fairy could miraculously ering that so many of her peers braces for about one and a half to now, so you should probably get on my face, and I guess that’s how straighten our new set of teeth donned them. She was not partic- two years and noted similar cons braces too.” my teeth cracked,” they explained could we avoid all of these com- ularly excited to get them initially, that come with braces. “There are To keep up with these good in an e-mail interview. This excur- plications. Comfort comes in the but the experience proved better some things that you dislike. For results, retainers are essential. For sion, seemingly innocent at first, fact that braces and dental gear are than expected. For Peker, a ma- example, you can’t really [floss, so] sophomore Anna Ying, she even- resulted in new dental gear for the commonplace in this generation. jor drawback was not being able you have to [use] that water thing tually got used to wearing retain- student: “I’m currently wearing Hopefully, after all the trouble, the to eat certain foods that would or do it very tediously,” Tang ex- ers every night. “It seems like my braces, and I have partial fillings feeling of seeing a set of freshly potentially damage the braces. pressed. Similar to sophomore B, braces will never truly go away. I for my two front teeth since they aligned teeth will be reminiscent However, the COVID-19 pan- he echoed the problem of not still have to wear retainers every were chipped.” of getting that $5 bill under your demic proved to be the greatest being able to eat certain foods. day, and it was annoying at first, Freshman Lorainne Li has pillow after the tooth fairy’s visit. The Spectator • January 22, 2021 Page 7 Features The View from 2021: 2020 in Hindsight By SHIVANI define. Still, he couldn’t have an- antine started,” he recalled. “Go- she said. take some online classes over the MANIMARAN and ticipated the complete disruption ing into the last week of school, Remote learning was perhaps summer because of the pandemic. DEXTER WELLS of the conventions he was accus- my family did mention that they the most significant feature of The 2020 presidential elec- tomed to. “I—like everyone— were concerned about me going 2020 that students were forced tion was, in Elmosalami’s opinion, As it turns out, nobody had wasn’t expecting my whole life to school and […] that maybe to adjust to. “Teachers could as- more noteworthy than those of 2020 vision. The curse of 2020 and routine to be upended,” Gray I shouldn’t go. I remember that sign the same, if not more, work, the past. He was most impressed caught the world by surprise, said. His expectations revolved week was weird; people were start- so I found myself doing more by the voter turnout. “In past leaving us to watch as a series of around impending college appli- ing to realize this might affect us.” work and just trying to balance it years, there haven’t been that many very unfortunate events unfolded cations and a sense of dread for Similarly, freshman William out. It gets pretty stressful pretty people voting. This year, the voter around us. But, at long last, we all the work he would do over the Tang only began to realize in quick[ly]. I mean, you think you turnout was crazy,” he explained. have escaped from a year that was summer in preparation. “Those March how serious the virus might have that time at home, but you “More than half the country went chaotic, tragic, and challenging in personal expectations were prob- be. “When the city declared it a really don’t,” O’Donnell said. to the polls and voiced their opin- historic proportions. ably identical to every other ju- serious issue, I think I started to Gray found remote learning ions, which is phenomenal for de- Pandemonium ensued from nior,” he speculated. take it more seriously, like a lot of to be stressful, even without con- mocracy.” He was also surprised the get-go of 2020. “At the start Most students didn’t expect people,” he said. Although Tang sidering the anxiety surrounding by Trump’s refusal to accept the of the year, there was the killing the duration or severity of the has been lucky enough not to be the virus. “While my concerned results of the election, which was of Soleimani,” recalled sopho- pandemic and lockdown. “I knew directly affected by the virus, he teachers were assigning less work, not seen in previous elections. more Jonathan Song. “That prob- coronavirus was bad, but I didn’t definitely has a greater sense of its working remotely was tough,” he “Of course, people are rambling lem stopped, but that week of realize how bad it would get,” re- reality now. “I haven’t gotten CO- said. on about voter fraud, though evi- back and forth was kind of scary.” marked O’Donnell. “I wasn’t real- VID, and no one I know has got- For Chen, the transition to dence wasn’t shown, and a lot of As concerning as the start of ly expecting quarantine to happen. ten COVID, but some people in Stuyvesant’s homework was also trials happened because Trump the year was, the political and so- I wasn’t expecting it to become so my building have,” he explained. especially shocking over remote believed that voter fraud stole the cial upheaval did not end there. crazy.” Senior Serena Chan had ex- learning, despite warnings from election, which was a very igno- “Another major event to me was Freshman Erica Chen was pected to close out her years at upperclassmen. “It turns out, rant thing for him to do,” he said. [the Black Lives Matter move- counting on lockdown to end on Stuyvesant with a grand finale, those were not [complete] exag- Looking back from the first ment] (BLM). We had a lot of April 20, as originally planned, in but she has learned to accept and gerations, and Stuyvesant definite- few weeks of 2021, many students BLM protests. You saw some ri- order to fully experience her last work around obstacles. She was ly owns up to [its] name of having can’t find much sense of whether oting happening,” added junior year of middle school. “I was looking forward to spending more a heavy workload,” she said. there will ever be a “normal” like Saif Elmosalami. These riots were happy because I thought I would time on extracurricular activities, Chan has found it “strangely there was before, but they have incited by the killing of George at least get to go back to school and without them, she feels a bit relaxing to take classes virtually” certainly learned what they value. Floyd by a Minneapolis police of- and meet all my classmates and robbed. “I feel like I’ve missed out and considers it an unexpected “Listen to the scientists,” advised ficer on May 25, 2020. teachers in my middle school be- on what could have been a more advantage to a senior year that Tang. “They know better. If you Sophomore Keara O’Donnell fore I left for high school,” she fulfilling time,” she said. In - par has otherwise lacked the thrill she don’t, this is what happens.” remembered a list of saddening explained in an e-mail interview. ticular, she was looking forward hoped for. To Gray, the lesson was more deaths. “There was Kobe Bryant. Gray recalled hearing about to a final SING! performance in Unfettered by the numerous about enjoying what he had. “I There was Chadwick Boseman. the virus and feeling almost no person. Despite the challenge to obstacles, Elmosalami was among think we all just want to be able to There was also Ruth Bader Gins- worry: “As it entered the news bring SING! to life virtually, she those who were able to find some go back to our normal routines,” burg, RBG,” she listed. more and seemed to grow bigger, remains optimistic. “We can still advantages to remote learning. “I he said. “I never thought I’d miss Despite all the different cri- a concern grew for others, but I go down in history as the iconic didn’t like COVID because I liked waiting for the train or getting ses, it’s safe to say that for most wasn’t worried for my own safety.” first virtual SING! performance,” being at school. But I saw it as a yelled at to take my headphones people, 2020 was meant to be a The closest thing he had to com- she said. Chan also expected to positive because I started working out.” Even such seemingly dull year like any other. “I was expect- pare it with was the Ebola out- spend more time with friends after out at home,” he said. and mundane things seem to hold ing the same old, same old,” said break years ago, which had barely school and was disappointed by O’Donnell had a similar expe- a trace of pre-2020 “normal” life, Song. “[We’d] just be pushing affected the United States. Gray the lack of opportunity to social- rience with free time. “I was also which we so desire to return to. through the same stuff we did ev- didn’t feel particularly concerned ize in person. Still, she has man- able to do things I wouldn’t nor- Elmosalami awaits such a re- ery other day.” until shortly before the lockdown aged to adapt. “To make up for mally be able to do. I did a bit of turn to normalcy in 2021. “I’m Even before 2020, senior Jor- began in March. “I don’t think I it, at least we have text messages, French independently and stuff hopeful that this year will be bet- dan Gray learned to recognize started to really take the issue se- video calls, and Zoom meetings, like that,” she said. Tang noted ter for everyone,” he said. that “normal” was a tricky term to riously until a week before quar- which are things I’m grateful for,” that he had the opportunity to When Hands-on Becomes Cams On By JOSSLYN KIM, students will be much stronger for students to graduate with a teractions is particularly difficult taught in person, students were AMANDA BRUCCULERI musicians when we return to live Stuyvesant diploma and include for seniors who need Wrigley’s required to draw with tools such and RACHEL VILDMAN instruction,” she said. Shamazov ceramics, woodworking, and assistance with their college art as a T-square and a drawing board. also believes that virtual learn- painting, have not adapted with as portfolios. Now, Zoom sessions usually con- “Turn and talk,” your teacher ing has given students the advan- sist of the teacher demonstrating begins as the bell rings. tage of doing work on their own activities through a document Such an instance is one of the time, which wasn’t possible during camera. “On Zoom, we usually many interactions that have be- in-person learning. “Now, after talk about concepts we need to come foreign to students during learning to make rehearsal tracks, know about for the homework or remote learning. Breakout rooms students are able to learn and re- we start the homework with the and shared Google Docs seem to view music at their own pace,” help of our teacher,” sophomore replace in-person interactions in Shamazov stated. Ben Balodis said. many classes. Classes that have Band, too, has found new Rather than drawing with traditionally required more hands- methods of integrating online one’s hands, students use an on- on learning and collaboration be- performance into the class. Be- line browser called Onshape to tween students, such as chorus, fore the switch to online school, complete work. Onshape is a drafting, band, and other electives, members of the Stuyvesant band computer-aided design system are finding different ways to cope were able to play their instru- that allows students to work col- with the lack of interaction in vir- ments together, listening to each laboratively on design projects. tual learning. Many students who other to ensure synchronization. Robotics teacher Joseph Blay have taken these classes both in- This seemingly simple task is now Spectator Ying Chen / The uses this software with his stu- person and remotely have found nearly impossible to accomplish dents as well. “Students learned notable contrasts. over Zoom. Instead of perform- how to design in this 3D model- For junior Ian Zaman, the ing in class, band students send in ing and assembly software and change from in-person chorus to recordings of themselves playing then made original parts designed virtual chorus has been difficult. their parts of the score. These to be 3D printed,” Blay stated. “Chorus did involve a lot of in- recordings then get synched to Blay sees this adaptation as an teraction since we had to sing to- each other to create a virtual advantage, as he’s never been able gether and work with one another video performance. “The vibe of positive a response to the remote Wrigley noted the limitations to show his students Onshape be- to do so,” Zaman explained. As the class has changed because in- environment. Ceramics, for ex- of his classes as a result of vir- fore. Moreover, robotics students a result, chorus class looks com- stead of trying to synchronize our ample, requires access to specific tual learning. “Right now, I’m able are able to work on assignments pletely different when done virtu- parts in real time and in person, materials, like a kiln, and demon- to show my own hands working on their own time, as they have ac- ally. “Now we’re learning music we now have to record our parts strations. Senior Kelly Guo is dis- through a document camera, but cess to materials at home. “Every theory and doing virtual record- individually and try to upload our appointed with the virtual shift, as [I] am never able to look over a student has their own kit, so they ings, which is a lot harder because recordings,” senior Serena Chan she feels that the class’s potential student’s shoulder to see how can work on projects as much as you don’t have a chorus to back expressed. has been restricted. “We couldn’t their hand moves a brush across they like. In school, kids are lim- you up,” Zaman said. While he Many students, like senior An- truly experience the class,” Guo the paper, then offer technical ited to only be able to access their does like the addition of music gus Chen, prefer this model, as explained. The lack of materials, or intellectual support,” Wrigley parts and projects during class [or] theory, Zaman expressed that he it’s less nerve-wracking than per- student interaction, and teacher shared. Another obstacle this class if a teacher is there after school,” “feels it’s not really what chorus is forming live. “I think recording feedback have left some students faces is lack of access to materials. Blay said. about.” takes away from the interactive feeling unmotivated and lost. “A “Some students have access to a Ultimately, it is inevitable that Music Coordinator Liliya aspect of the band, but it’s a lot lot of students are behind on as- wide range of art materials, while online classrooms will never com- Shamazov, on the other hand, more relaxed when you don’t have signments because they were ei- others have only printer paper and pletely replicate the atmosphere explained that she feels that the to play live,” Chen said. ther having trouble getting ma- pencils, and the projects I have created by in-person instruction, change in curriculum is actu- Senior Sunny Bok also shared terials or just losing motivation planned have to factor that in,” especially classes that depend on ally beneficial for her students. her preference for virtual band. overall,” Guo described. Wrigley explained. student collaboration and working “We are spending time building “It’s more organized,” she ex- Guo shared similar sentiments Technical Drawing, also with materials. Still, we can choose other valuable musical skills and plained. about her painting class, which known as Drafting, has also been how we view the situation: as al- exploring topics we normally do Unlike music, 10-tech cours- is taught by art teacher William forced to deal with the absence ways, the glass can either be half not have time for. As a result, my es, which are mandatory classes Wrigley; the lack of in-person in- of the necessary materials. When full or half empty. Page 8 The Spectator • January 22, 2021 Features The Vaccine Dilemma: NYC’s Journey Back to Normalcy By EUGENE YOO, so easy to solve.” relatively conservative family, ning a very tight shift,” Pedrick a heart attack,” Sandra said. At AVA FUNG, However, the vast majority of and her father is against the use explained. Some of Pedrick’s rela- one point, she was a fence-sitter MAHIR HOSSAIN students have decided that they of vaccines. Because she herself tives contracted COVID-19. She on whether to get the vaccine, and MILLIE BELL would prefer to wait an indefi- is more liberal, the topic of vac- hoped that by getting the vaccine, but she now has little regrets nite period of time before taking cines causes some debates within she would be helping accomplish considering her health compared With the recent approval of the vaccine. Influenced by differ- her household. “Every day, I just the goal of herd immunity in to when COVID-19 peaked in the Moderna and Pfizer CO- ent family members and the lack hear ‘the vaccine is gonna kill us,’ Queens, where COVID cases are NYC around March. VID-19 vaccines by the FDA, of clinical trials on the teenage and with the whole coronavirus the third-highest of the boroughs. Looking forward, the vac- rapid distribution to millions of age group, many remain wary of pandemic, he says it just ends up For counselor Brandan San- cine is a crucial piece for life to frontline health workers, essen- its safety. “I recently heard that stripping us of our […] freedom dra, receiving the vaccine was a return to normal at schools such tial workers, and the elderly has someone who got the vaccine got of choice,” Schwarz said. sigh of relief, as she had severe as Stuyvesant and to restore edu- begun in hopes of subduing the face paralysis […] Just that factor Yet some people argue that a cation in New York’s facilities. Di- coronavirus. Among these front- of being in the unknown and un- return to normalcy is well worth rector of College Counseling Jef- line workers are teachers and sure about the drawbacks of the the risks that come with the vac- frey Makris regularly meets with counselors who run schools such vaccine is making me iffy about cine. A vaccine would mean the juniors and seniors who seek to as Stuyvesant. Eventually, the vac- getting it,” freshman Bishesh reopening of schools. A vaccine land a seat in their dream colleges cine will be available to students Shah remarked. would mean a change in students’ and universities. He explained too, but only if they agree to re- Freshman Kevin Chan had lives. Shah looks forward to the that the vaccine, although crucial ceive it. The 90-95 percent effec- similar thoughts on the vaccine, rekindling of connections, saying, for the economy, is nonetheless a tiveness rate, though a great relief saying, “Since it’s still really new, “Kids during this time are defi- puzzle piece to helping staff be- for many, doesn’t provide full re- I’m not sure if it’s completely safe nitely struggling with school […] come protected against the con- assurance to all. From freshmen to take; and especially since I I’ll start to build more connec- Casey Pedrick of Courtesy tagious coronavirus. “There [are] with four months of virtual high don’t plan on leaving the house, tions. It would be so much easier some things that we can do re- school under their belts to seniors I would rather not take it.” With- than talking on the screen.” motely [to] get by, but it doesn’t anxiously awaiting their reunion out the vaccine, both Shah and However, Schwarz is wary substitute the real experience of with fellow grads, these are anx- Chan plan on continuing to stay of the return to school. “I don’t interacting with people on a day- ious times for everyone. home, social distance, and wear know […] I’m scared as of now to-day basis. At least vaccinat- Most Stuyvesant students masks. because it’s winter and [there ing the professionals that are a hope to take the vaccine. They Zunaid, though proceeding are] new strains of COVID right bit older [who] might be a little have a strong desire to reunite warily, is assured by some aspects now. So I still feel hesitant about symptoms of COVID-19 in more vulnerable […] is one step with their family, some of whom of the vaccine. “One of the things saying, ‘Oh yeah, I’ll just go to March and tested positive for to being able to bring everybody they haven’t seen since last spring, that makes me more reassured school,’” she said. COVID-19 antibodies in May. back,” he said. Makris reported catch up with friends, and return about taking the vaccine is that For some people, getting the Sandra took the vaccine as a that he doesn’t have any side ef- to a classroom setting. Sopho- major world leaders and also the vaccine is no longer a hypotheti- shield, as she didn’t want to be- fects after taking the vaccine on more Navid Zunaid explained military are getting it first. These cal—it really happened. Assistant come re-infected by the coronavi- January 15 and believes that side why he believed that it was so im- are people the government has Principal of Pupil Personnel Ser- rus. Sandra is what many health effects will be minimal. portant for everyone to take the a marked incentive to take care vices Casey Pedrick received the experts call a “long-hauler,” who Despite the alarming num- vaccine as soon as possible. “The of. This is one thing that reas- Moderna vaccine on January 10, are people who still have rem- ber of coronavirus cases in the way I see it is, the longer we are sures me,” he said. In addition, 2021. She was delighted by how nants of the coronavirus after United States, vaccines are pro- here in this pandemic, this lock- he mentioned that there may be efficiently hospitals are carrying experiencing the majority of se- viding hope for many. Students down, [the worse it’s going to be] vaccination passports required in out the vaccine. “I felt it was run vere symptoms, which include and teachers might get to see each for the nation’s health in many the future to travel internation- very well at Queens Hospital. I difficulty breathing, extended -pe other in 3D. A prom or gradu- ways. Obesity’s going up. Men- ally and that the vaccine will be could tell that there was a partic- riods of lost taste and smell, and ation may not be a wild dream tal health issues are going up like strongly mandated, two factors ular woman who was in charge, increased heart rate while doing for seniors. Maybe people will… crazy,” he said. “I think that is one that would push him to take the and you go into the main area simple tasks such as sitting down. hug. Or high five. Or maybe of the downsides of COVID-19 vaccine as well. […] And as I was exiting, I even “I really don’t want to go back to even just talk without masks. The lockdowns because even though For other students, the most went to the woman who I could where I was in March, April, May, vaccine is a risk, but perhaps it’s […] they’re preventing COV- influencing factor has been their tell was in charge and just told the summertime, [when] every worth a shot. It is a shot. ID-19, they’re causing a host of family members. Sophomore her she was doing a great job and other week felt like I was going other issues you know that aren’t Frances Schwarz comes from a that I could tell that she was run- to the ER thinking I was having S(no)w More Snow Days By ZIFEI ZHAO, nounced that schools are required sons continued as usual that day, explained. In addition, he ex- ed. “It’s a snow day, and it’s not OLIVIA WOO, to opt into remote learning on disappointing many students pressed that remote learning was remote learning. You can’t just LIANA WU and days when a heavy snowstorm will who had hoped for a day off. “It a bit lighter than in-person school force us to go to remote learn- DALIA LEVANON normally have prevented students doesn’t feel right to deny people for him, so he wasn’t particularly ing,” Sokolov said. Taking away from coming into buildings. The their snow day; robbing one mil- bummed out that he couldn’t get snow days would be taking away There’s nothing quite like reason behind this policy is that lion kids of a free day is not an a day off. “It was only four hours something special for students to waking up to a fresh, heavy layer the start of the 2020-2021 school easy thing to do,” freshman Hen- of Zoom calls, and the Zoom calls enjoy. Student’s busy schedules of snow on the ground and check- year was delayed in September, ry Ji said. didn’t end at the same time as mean that many of them are not ing the news to see the words and turning potential snow days On the other hand, Sokolov normal school. So I still had more getting enough time for them- “SCHOOLS CLOSED” blared into days of remote learning stated that the full day of remote than enough time for myself, and selves, which snow days make on the television screen, accompa- would help prevent losing more learning on December 17 was I didn’t have to worry too much up for. “We spend so much time nied by a cute animation of falling about homework due the next just walking around and going on snowflakes. day,” he explained. transit. The reason snow days are In previous years, many stu- Under normal circumstances, special is [that] you don’t have to dents have looked forward to snow days were called the day go anywhere. For the most part, snow days and would spend the after a heavy snowfall, when it you won’t have classes, and you occasions relaxing with family or would have been too danger- kind of gain back all the time you having fun with friends. These ous for students to commute to lost on transfers,” he said. surprise days off from school also school. However, snow days are Ji also believes that snow days became breaks when students not only valued for their practi- should not be completely obliter- were able to catch up on sleep or cality. Much of the excitement ated from the school system, but schoolwork. “Instead of worrying surrounding them is due to their his approach is a bit different. about waking up at 6:00 a.m. and sudden and unexpected appear- He feels that it would be too dif- preparing to go to school, I got to ances which often leave students ficult and impractical to ensure sleep a few more hours, […] and feeling in a better place both men- students attend online classes on on some days, I did work in ad- tally and emotionally. “[A snow a day they were supposed to get vance,” sophomore Andrey Soko- day] hypes kids up and makes off of school. “Half the kids aren’t lov explained. them feel a little better about even going to log on to Zoom Freshman Iris Lin expressed themselves,” Ji said. since they’ll be like ‘Oh [EXPLE-

a similar sentiment. “I had this Vivian Teo Spectator / The However, with an easier un- TIVE], I forgot my laptop.’ Kids very big project in middle school derstanding of remote learning are [going to] leave stuff at school [which] took a lot of time and ef- platforms and a growing reli- or they might not have Internet fort. And at that time, I was a very ance on technology, snow days that day, so it would just be a big procrastinator, [… so] I set it may permanently be a thing of complete mess. There’s absolutely off to the weekend [even though the past, and not just during the no way you could guarantee a it was] due on Monday.” Howev- COVID-19 era. There is specula- perfect transition for one day,” he er, by Monday morning, Lin was tion among parents, students, and predicted. still not done with her project. teachers that even after schools re- Whether or not snow days The sudden arrival of a snow day educational time. justified, particularly because of turn to full in-person instruction, continue in the future or truly be- saved Lin and gave her additional This new mandate was first the COVID-19 situation. He felt remote learning will be imple- come a thing of the past, one thing time to complete her project. “I enacted on December 17, 2020, that teachers were trying their mented on snow days, maximiz- is certain: students will never for- was so relieved but also a little an- after a heavy snowstorm from best to figure out remote learning, ing instructional time for teach- get that burst of exhilaration that gry [be]cause I spent all night just the northeast plunged New York and the extra day off would have ers. came with the announcement of trying to finish this,” Lin recalled City into 10 inches of snow. It been a setback. “The school right Regardless of whether or not this special treat and the cathartic with a sigh. was the biggest snowstorm in the now is kind of [EXPLETIVE]… , they support the removal of snow feeling when they fell right back However, with the majority of city since 2016, so it is likely that homeworks are not due the next days while classes are all remote, into bed. As Sokolov wisely said, students attending classes virtu- schools would have been closed day, and everything is miserably many students feel that it’s unfair “Snow days are special.” ally this year, the New York State that Thursday under normal cir- disorganized, [so] snow days [just] to apply these policies after the Education Department has an- cumstances. Instead, remote les- don’t really make sense,” Sokolov coronavirus pandemic has end- The Spectator • January 23, 2020 Page 9 Photo Essay Waves By THE PHOTO DEPARTMENT Sequoia Rabinovich Spectator / The Mary Shang / The Spectator Shang / The Mary Athena Lam / The Spectator Athena Lam / The Zoe Oppenheimer / The Spectator Zoe Oppenheimer / The Julian Spectator Giordano / The Christine Yan Spectator / The Sophia Yuditsky Spectator / The Sabrina Li / The Spectator Sabrina Li / The Julia Spectator Lee / The Luca Jones Spectator / The Page 10 The Spectator• January 22, 2021 Editorials Closing Comments OUTGOING EDITORIAL BOARD This is the final issue for the seniors on the Editorial Board. Here are their departing pieces of wisdom. ARTS & Jonathan are what makes our school so special. There is no feeling The Spectator ENTERTAINMENT If I could change two things about Stuyvesant, the quite like that of running frantically between floors during The Stuyvesant High EDITORS first would be the racism against Black and Hispanic and SING! practice; sitting on the half-floor, sophomore bar, School Newspaper Suah Chung Asian American students, faculty, and staff, in all its forms. or junior atrium (rip senior bar) with your computer on “The Pulse Miranda Lepri The second would be the fact that leaving Stuyvesant is your lap while pretending to study for a test or write of the Morris Raskin not considered to be a real option by a significant part an essay but really just laughing at a joke; or, of course, Jiahe Wang of the student body, and is not generally spoken about. staying up into the wee early hours of the morning on Student The very phrase “Dropping out” connotes a failure, and the nights that we send The Spectator. I did all of these Body” PHOTOGRAPHY there is a sense that to leave Stuyvesant is to succumb to with friends. So hold those relationships tight. Second, EDITORS just that. high school will fly by. Don’t get too caught up in the EDITORS IN CHIEF Zoe Oppenheimer* Nonsense. Stuyvesant is, by design, not the right little things (think: tests, applications). Try to remember, Talia Kahan* Francesca Nemati** school for everyone. It is supposed to be a pressure and I know it’s hard, to stay after class to catch up with a Erin Lee* Sasha Socolow** cooker, and it is supposed to give a workload that would teacher or take the subway home with a friend you have be unreasonable for the vast majority of people. Within not talked to for a while. Those are the memories that NEWS EDITORS ART DIRECTORS the Spectator Editorial Board, whether Stuyvesant will stay with you (a perfect grade on a test never will). Maddy Andersen* Michael Hu should be less intense is a perennial topic of discussion. Jenny Liu** Andrea Huang My position is consistently that it should not be, because Brian Momoca Mairaj** Adrianna Peng I came here for this level of intensity; I think there ought If I were to describe Stuy in the flavors of Starburst: Karen Zhang Sophie Poget** to be a school to serve my needs, and I was told that Lemon would be for the many moments that Stuyvesant was that school. To take away the intensity seemingly make you want to drop out, but then LAYOUT EDITORS FEATURES EDITORS Allison Ho would be to take away what I signed up for and what I collectively become what’s the best flavor (you can Hayeon Ok Ezra Lee thrive in. argue all you want). Whether it’s studying three periods Zoe Oppenheimer* Amy Lin A better solution: if it’s not what you signed up for, before a test, rehearsing your oratory speech for a speech Clara Shapiro or if what you signed up for turns out not to be a good competition to a night janitor, or grabbing a quick after- Michelle Thaung fit, leave. The catch is that, as I wrote last April about school boba to soothe the fact that your phone has just OPINIONS EDITORS COPY EDITORS the present moment: “Central to my general position been confiscated for the third time, do it with a friend! Kristin Cheng Irene Hao about the workload at Stuyvesant is the element of High school is a lot easier when you choose to surround Jonathan Schneiderman* Haley Huh choice … But my general framework doesn’t apply here. yourself with all sorts of amazing, interesting, and Aaron Visser** Shreyasi Saha** Stuyvesant’s juniors chose to be Stuyvesant juniors; no caring people you love, people you’re able to celebrate Raven Tang** one chose to be living in the middle of a pandemic.” the highs and brave through the lows with. And what’s SCIENCE EDITORS Brian Zhang So normalize leaving, next year. In the meantime, this more, though Stuy has its fair share of problems, from Claire Shin school needs to sacrifice some rigor for compassion. the occasional student-administration communication Kristoff Misquitta BUSINESS MANAGERS breakdown to implicit racism against some students, Gerard Lin** Rachel Joh Caroline transform your observations into experiences that create Tina Nguyen** Shoutout to Mr. Hiller, whose flip flops made my first a more inclusive tomorrow where people aren’t afraid to SPORTS EDITORS year of Stuy feel a lot homier; Mr. Holmes, whose hot talk anything lemon. Krish Gupta** WEB EDITORS dog experiments and Tower of Hanoi demonstrations Orange, which tastes exactly like the fruit but almost Caroline Ji Cynthia Or made me think for a hot second that I could actually in an artificial way, is our commitment to finding a Sam Levine Victor Siu pursue a career in computer science; Mr. Sandler for balance between research and preserving the human Matt Melucci FACULTY ADVISER forever embedding into my brain that Zachary Taylor side of the equation. Yes, numbers are important. But Kerry Garfinkel died of raw milk and cherries; Zhou lao shi for being please don’t be that person crying about an A- on an HUMOR EDITORS the most compassionate, loving teacher I’ve ever had; English paper and certainly DON’T be that person going Chrisabella Javier Mr. Grossman for bringing together the wonderful around making fun of people for not having enough AP Olly Stewart* * Managing Board world that is my Great Books class; and Mr. Garfinkel classes. Be empathetic to others, and remember that in a Kelly Yip ** Editors-in-Training for teaching me that authentic writing is the best writing school as hard to get through as Stuy, success requires a (#m’okay4evah—iykyk). supportive, loving community, not an individual. Please address all letters to: We reserve the right to edit letters Lastly, I’d like to acknowledge everyone who put up 345 Chambers Street for clarity and length. New York, NY 10282 © 2020 The Spectator with me the last four years—I don’t know how you did it, Miranda (212) 312-4800 ext. 2601 All rights reserved by the creators. but I’m glad that you did. If you’re going to sneak iced coffee in your backpack, [email protected] make sure it’s sealed. Like, really make sure. Buy a pair of INCOMING EDITORIAL BOARD Olly $12 sneakers from Target and leave them in your gym I’ve really enjoyed a lot of my time at Stuyvesant and locker. They’ll last until senior year, and you’ll never have a lot of the people I’ve gotten to spend it with. I realize to do the “unprepared” walk of shame into the gym in ARTS & that that isn’t particularly descriptive, but I procrastinated Doc Martens. Sometimes skipping the escalators and The Spectator ENTERTAINMENT EDITORS writing this, so I don’t have time to go into more detail. taking the long way up with a friend is worth being late The Stuyvesant High In particular, I’ve loved working alongside all the writers to class. No homework or test is worth an all-nighter (I School Newspaper Suah Chung and editors of The Spectator over the last few years really mean it, not sleeping has never made my life better). Kenisha Mahajan** (except Jordan Barakat, who has been a bane on my Bring a water bottle to school and hydrate, otherwise you “The Pulse Gavin McGinley existence from day one) to keep making dumb jokes and might faint in the chemistry lab and scare your teacher of the Dexter Wells putting out this paper biweekly-ish. to death (definitely not based on personal experience). Student I always assumed that my time at Stuyvesant would When a teacher writes “see me” on a test, see them. It’s Body” PHOTOGRAPHY be a constant upward trend peaking in senior year; I scary, but worth it, because they’ll help you if you let certainly didn’t anticipate spending the last year and them. Let yourself be happy for your friends when they EDITORS a half of it attending classes from my bed. In a lot of succeed where you fail. And check out the stuff in those EDITORS IN CHIEF Francesca Nemati ways, I regret not getting to have a more normal senior little glass tiles sometimes. Some of it’s really cool. Morris Raskin Sasha Socolow year with more normal senior things, but it hasn’t been Karen Zhang as bad as it could have been. I’m immensely grateful to Irene ART DIRECTORS all the people who have made this year and the last four Here is my advice: NEWS EDITORS Afra Mahmud** bearable, and I’m sorry I can’t high five you about it. If there is a club, a class, something you want to join Jenny Liu Adrianna Peng and partake in, do it. Don’t delay it. Four years pass by in Momoca Mairaj Sophie Poget Erin a flash. Don’t chicken out on Speech tryouts last minute, Though I honestly can’t remember much about or join that dance group senior year because you tell LAYOUT EDITORS geometry proof theorems or the order of Chinese yourself you’ll go all out your last year of high school FEATURES EDITORS dynasties, my Stuyvesant experience has raised me well. and then find out that you really like that group and wish Angela Cai Ezra Lee I’ve learned the worst things about burnout, and the best you’d sign up earlier. Christina Pan Amy Lin ways to recover from burnout. I’ve learned that believing There is more to see beyond the 1/2/3 Chambers St Clara Shapiro Susie McKnight in yourself is sometimes all you really need. train station; buy some discounted Toblerones from the If I had to pass down any practical “senior” wisdom, Lot-Less store; flip through the Barnes & Noble above OPINIONS EDITORS COPY EDITORS it would be to take care of yourself more. Don’t skip the Whole Foods, or the cart outside the Mysterious Maya Nelson Nora Miller breakfast, especially when your mom wakes up early in Book Shop; admire the crepes at the Takahachi Bakery; Aaron Visser Tashfia Noor** the morning to make it for you. Sit up straight, and buy visit Poet’s House. Trust me; you’ll get lost in the shelves. Shreyasi Saha yourself a laptop stand to save your back. There will be Treat yourself if you’re in a sour mood and have Ruiwen Tang many times where you will need to put yourself before some change to spare. That, and it’s a good excuse to buy SCIENCE EDITORS Raymond Yang** others and especially before Stuyvesant, and that is a Chipotle bowl, or Shake Shack fries (regretfully, I’ve Gerard Lin perfectly okay. Take a break or a mental health day when never had Shake Shack. Criminal, I know). Sonya Sasson** you need one (see: burnout), and spend time with loved It’s the small things that resound the loudest. If BUSINESS MANAGERS ones doing activities you enjoy (see: recovering from someone looks cool in a new outfit or dyed their hair, SPORTS EDITORS Tina Nguyen burnout). drop a compliment. Purchase some chocolates or Krish Gupta And when you’re not recuperating from malnutrition carnations from Indicator and send a note their way, or Sam Levine WEB EDITORS or intense sleep deprivation, make sure to do what you plant a surprise sticky note on their locker. Walk with Matt Melucci David Chen** love, and fight for what you love. Stuyvesant is often friends to their lockers or next class. When we return to Alyssa Choi full of relentless deadlines, endless weeks of stress, and a world where six-feet apart is reduced to a customary HUMOR EDITORS back-to-back rock bottoms. But the spaces you actively 1.5-feet distance, I’ll be sure to high-five and hug all my Andrey Sokolov build for yourself, where you get to pursue your personal friends. Logan Ruzzier** passions surrounded by amazing people, are all you will Kelly Yip FACULTY ADVISER really remember once high school flies by. Kerry Garfinkel Cynthia My memory is a little blurry looking back on these Talia Please address all letters to: We reserve the right to edit letters It feels weird to be in the position of giving advice. four years. Only some things jump out: hanging out and 345 Chambers Street for clarity and length. To be honest, I still feel like a sophomore at heart. Still, New York, NY 10282 © 2018 The Spectator (212) 312-4800 ext. 2601 All rights reserved by the creators. I have picked up a few words of wisdom over my nearly continued on page 11 [email protected] four (gasp) years at Stuyvesant. First, the people at Stuy The Spectator• January 22, 2021 Page 11 Opinions Closing Comments Calculus Before Checkbooks? Haque (’02) for an article about By ANISHA SINGHAL habits in their students, future to take out a loan without my continued from page 10 a documentary featuring former generations will be a lot more parents’ support, research, and sleeping on the ninth floor, running Stuyvesant students recounting We focus so much of our prepared for economic hardships, knowledge, I will be clueless on only adrenaline when staying late their experiences on 9/11, I asked lives on scores. The SHSAT, such as global pandemics or about where to even begin. in school for chorus rehearsals, SOS him why he chose to share his story SAT, ACT, and GPA are all housing crises. Like me, many high school and SING! performances, looking in the documentary and with me. quantifiable measures of our Schools have the students are at the doorsteps of forward to taking rollerblading class He replied, “There’s no small story work and aptitude that we strive responsibility of providing the momentous financial decisions— before March 2020 hit, carrying when it comes to something like to perfect. But how many of resources and knowledge that but are educationally unprepared boxes of pizzas to the fourth floor, September 11.” us are preparing for the most will prepare students for their to make them. and staying up late debugging my Reporting for The Spectator important, ongoing score of lives after graduation. Nowadays, When schools fail to deliver convoluted code while on voice these past four years, I’ve found our lives: our credit score? After however, more emphasis is put education on essential life skills, chat with friends, for example. The there’s no small story, period. I’ve graduating, some of us may on grades than on preparation families are forced to pick up memories of running to the subway written and edited articles covering never solve a calculus problem for real-world responsibilities the burden at home. Despite this and into AP Music Theory always everything from anti-racism again. Others may never look like financial management. responsibility, a study in 2017 one minute late, however, I could initiatives at Stuyvesant to changes in under a microscope again. But High school is a launching pad found that 69 percent of parents make do if they were a little less the school administration (there have every single one of us will have for students going off on their have some level of reluctance to vivid. Don’t be too sad about having been quite a few!). to manage our finances. And own, whether it be to college or discuss money-related matters a one to tenth floor climb, just I’ve learned from each piece yet these are the skills that high to work, and it is a critical point with their children, meaning think of it as having leg day every I’ve worked on. From Haque, I schools aren’t teaching us. for them to learn the basics of many students do not get day. There are so many more little understood the ongoing emotional Financial unpreparedness is personal finance. Fundamental any financial education at all. details, but the point is, the friends toll of 9/11 through the lens of a nation-wide catastrophe that knowledge, including opening Unfortunately, the students who and acquaintances I have made these another Stuyvesant student. From is constantly chipping away at bank and investment accounts, are most negatively impacted by moments shine golden. They helped investigating the role of Facebook people’s livelihoods. A study by knowing the logistics of credit insufficient financial education me overcome some of my fears, when within Student Union elections, I the National Financial Educators and debit cards, and taking out are usually those whose families I had stood, pale faced, hesitant to became a more mindful consumer Council found that the lack of loans (including student loans), may also lack that knowledge. join a club meeting because I didn’t of social media. From my interview education on personal finances are all left out of most high People are generally more willing know anyone there, and supported with Eve Berman—one of the first costs Americans a collective $295 school curricula. The impact and confident about discussing me through some moments where 13 women to attend Stuyvesant in billion in 2018. Only 34 percent of this ignorance can result in fields in which they themselves I thought the end of the world was 1969—I was inspired to be brave of Americans can score at least crushing amounts of student have been successful. Therefore, coming (mental breakdown—is that and fight for change I believe in. a four out of five on a basic debt, jeopardized credit scores, the more affluent parents with what they were?). More than anything else, The financial literacy test. Such high insufficient savings, and poor abundant financial knowledge There’s something exhilarating Spectator has taught me the power rates of financial illiteracy have budgeting skills. are much better equipped to about seeing the people around you of actively and thoughtfully listening detrimental impacts on people’s Student loans are such a discuss financial matters with succeed, in their own ways, as you to the wonderful people all around savings and economic stability. critical concept that they are their children than parents who succeed. So keep in contact with me. My biggest piece of advice Nearly half of Americans don’t one of the frontline issues in struggle financially themselves. those you form relationships with, would be to connect with and grow have enough savings to get many political campaigns. For This educational disparity and don’t hesitate to participate in from your peers. Listen to their not- them through three months instance, President-elect Joe regarding money, a matter that whatever you’re interested in. so-small stories. There are so many of expenses, and 36 percent Biden is planning to forgive plays a critical role in everyone’s Also, I’m not sure if this is still waiting to be heard. are financially fragile (meaning $10,000 worth of student debt, life, further increases the divide free advertisement but PokeGreen, they cannot gather $2,000 a financial burden that about between the rich and the poor. albeit a little expensive, really saved Zoe within a month if faced with an 45 million Americans carry. As Even worse, students may not my growling stomach on those late High school is just as important emergency). Of course, external people graduate from college, an even know that they are nights at school. Feel free to judge. as college. Instead of worrying about factors such as low wages and overwhelming amount of debt lacking financial literacy until what’s next, make sure you enjoy high living expenses greatly weighs them down, sometimes Maddy now. influence savings and debt, but up until their fifties. Yet when I continued on page 13 After interviewing Mohammad if schools instill good financial go off to college and am looking Gamers, Rise Up By ALEX CHO development house, which Even within the sunny, friendly up to those who open their wallets examine our broken immigration recently won multiple awards state of California, there’s the for these products and use them laws. The HB-1 system should We are poised to enter the from the gaming platform Steam phenomenon of H1-B Visa in their everyday lives to insist that be replaced with something golden era of video gaming: the for its renowned Red Dead immigration bondage: foreign they be produced in a just and that simply lets engineers with size of the video game market Redemption II. Now take a look programmers are brought to work equitable way. A frustrating bug sufficient skill move freely into the surpassed those of sports and film at the employee reviews for in American tech under a special in Cyberpunk 2077 is a symptom country, fulfilling our demand for combined, and the best games Rockstar games, and you’ll notice program for skilled workers of deeper issues. While gamers tech labor without serfdom to a have achieved polish and narrative almost all four and five stars. They allowing them to stay in the might just vent on a message particular company. That change sophistication to rival highbrow frequently leave comments such country—as long as they stay at board and move on, these flaws would both reduce outsourcing art forms. as “managers seem to genuinely their host company. If they quit, are an opportunity to take a longer and eliminate the corrupting Yet expert reviews and care about your wellbeing” and they can be deported. Managers and harder look at what is going visa bondage. There should customer ratings on newest games “great environment.” Game abuse the fact that these workers on. Slaughterhouses in the early additionally be a labor bill of indicate that they fail to meet the development is a time and labor- are basically stuck in indentured 20th century had to change after rights, including an exchange-rate standards set for them in previous intensive process, and employees adjusted minimum wage and other years. Given the medium’s at Rockstar Games certainly work basic conditions any company emerging preeminence, the latest hard. The developers have to that wants to do business in the raft of gaming flops appears chase down bugs, ensuring that U.S. must adhere to, even if their mysterious. Cyberpunk 2077 has the architecture is stable across production is located abroad. become just the latest symbol of more platforms than ever and This initiative and other large-scale gaming incompetence. ensuring consistent quality. But reforms would help alleviate the CD Projekt Red, the development as the reviews suggest, Rockstar widening inequality in our leading company responsible for Games has an environment of industry, which has been minting Cyberpunk, had amassed a cult respect, and employees are well its big winners more billions following the release of the compensated. But most are not than ever during COVID. But it Witcher series. Cyberpunk 2077, so lucky. The BBC reported that requires tearing ourselves away one of the most anticipated employees at CD Projekt Red were from our screens (and consoles) releases of all time, promised forced to work 100+ hour weeks long enough to advocate for similar qualities but in a gritty sci- at rates well under market during change. Stuyvesant is full of fi universe. However, players of the sprints demanded to meet the gamers, enthusiasts of Super the early versions complained of rapid production schedule. This Smash Brothers and League of vast numbers of bugs and lack culture is not at all unusual in the Legends, and they have the ability of compatibility with common gaming industry. to demand that the companies that gaming systems. Lawsuits and The difference comes down make their games treat workers refund demands followed; CD to integrity. A reason that certain fairly. (Riot Games, maker of Projekt Red’s brand was tarnished. software companies have gotten League, has in particular been cited Why would the major game away with mistreating workers for for gender discrimination and a studios risk their reputation on a this long is the Silicon Valley myth culture of harassment.) Taking half-baked game? popularized by startups like Netflix Noah Taylor Spectator / The action could mean circulating First, these studios decided and Google, which bring to mind petitions or even boycotting to impose accelerated production jungle gyms in the office, unlimited games that are produced schedules to take advantage of vacation days, and kombucha on unethically. These may seem like the market window offered by tap. While that image is sometimes small actions in relation to the size COVID-19. What better time to connected to reality at top of the industry—but as gamers launch an immersive game than companies, there are multiple tiers are nothing if not networked when consumers have more time of labor in tech, extending from together, a strong gesture could on their hands than ever? In one the almost-royalty-like founders have the potential to reverberate year’s time, the unique opportunity and executives at leading firms servitude. journalists like Upton Sinclair through the community. Gaming could be gone. Unfortunately, down to the computer engineers For gamers and other shed light on the terrible practices isn’t a subculture where its bad by accelerating production, at development shops in Ukraine consumers of technology, it’s they were maintaining. Student behavior can be ignored anymore; they risked their reputation for working for $5 per hour and the becoming harder and harder to movements have sprung up in it’s fully gone mainstream, and it excellence, something hard to earn content moderators in Indonesia plead ignorance about how their recent years against “fast fashion.” needs to grow up and clean up its and easy to throw away. working 12-hour days for pennies favorite toys are being made. Like Similar actions now need to be act. That’s the only way gaming In contrast, take Rockstar for the unpleasant task of keeping fashion, and food before it, “fast pursued against “fast tech.” will truly reach its “golden age.” Games, a well-respected Instagram free of obscenity. tech” is due for a reckoning. It’s The new administration should Page 12 The Spectator• January 22, 2021 Opinions It’s Time to Axe Legacy Admissions By JOHN GROSSMAN Dartmouth because Jewish ap- Even though we have varying mitment to the transformative likely to send their kids to their plicants rarely had fathers who degrees of control over our power of a liberal arts and sci- alma mater. College admissions often had attended Dartmouth. This course load, grades, and ex- ences education.” A commit- That being said, legacy ad- feel unfair. Elite schools ex- practice was soon adopted tracurriculars, no amount of ment to the transformative missions also severely limit pect us to have perfect grades, across all the Ivy League col- studying can change our family power of education implies who is welcome in that com- dozens of extracurricular ac- leges, with the Princeton Board name. It is incredibly frustrat- that people are getting trans- munity. Legacy admissions put tivities, test scores in the 99th of Admissions specifically stat- ing to know that family legacy formed. It conjures up imagery working-class students, the percentile, and unique personal ing that this policy was used to could be the missing piece in of a school welcoming stu- children of immigrants, and struggles that we’ve managed resolve the school’s “Jewish a deserving student’s applica- dents from all walks of life and people of color at a significant to overcome. If a student fails problem.” The use of legacy tion, but it is even more infu- preparing them for the highest disadvantage. If elite schools to display their overwhelm- admissions in the early 20th riating when we realize who is positions in society. However, want their alumni community ing perfection and confidence century ensured that the popu- benefiting from this system. legacy admissions contradict to be insular and homogenous, without seeming unlikable or lations of elite institutions re- Legacy admissions over- that image in every possible then legacy admissions are a “too intense,” he or she rakes mained largely white, Protes- whelmingly help the wealthy. way. A Harvard education is great way to do that, but other- in mountains of rejection let- tant, and wealthy. In Harvard’s class of 2022, not quite as “transformative” wise, their focus should be on ters and ends up at their ninth- Since their creation, legacy 46.4 percent of legacy ad- if many of the students al- diversifying their alumni com- choice school. Many students, admissions have been used as mits came from families with ready start off rich. Harvard munity, not closing it off. therefore, spend their entire a way to give well-off white an annual household income and other elite universities are At the end of the day, leg- time at high school studying students a leg up in the admis- over $500,000. This statistic is essentially giving a platform to acy admissions have few true and taking on every extracur- sions process. Legacy students deeply unsurprising because those at the top of the socio- benefits and plenty of clear ricular possible in the hopes are five times more likely to get Harvard’s big selling point is economic pyramid while they disadvantages. They started as of gaining an advantage in the admitted to Harvard, and 36 how successful their alumni claim to be “educators of the a tool to keep certain students college admissions process. In percent of Harvard’s class of are: the average starting salary people.” out of top schools and are reality, however, the largest ad- 2022 are legacy students. These for a Harvard graduate hovers When confronted with now used to keep certain stu- vantage is not given to the kids students are certainly qualified, around $80,000 and 10 percent these criticisms, elite univer- dents in. They give the children with the best grades, letters of but it is unjust that between of their graduates are making sities employ two main argu- of alumni an extra pat on the recommendation, or awards, two equally qualified students, more than $250,000 by the ments in defense of legacy back for being born while pro- but to the kids whose parents the student whose parent(s) time they are 32. The fact that admissions. They claim that viding everyone else another went to that college. went to a certain college is giv- these students gain an advan- legacy admissions increase do- hoop to jump through. Legacy Legacy admissions were en an advantage. tage in the admissions process nations so they can give more admissions essentially tell the first introduced at Dartmouth People cannot control what is completely unnecessary and financial aid to low-income public that while schools like in 1919. The original policy family they are born into. Yet goes against everything Har- students. But it has been re- Harvard claim to be for ev- read, “All properly qualified elite universities judge students vard claims to stand for. peatedly proven that legacy eryone, they still reserve a few sons of Dartmouth alumni in part based on their family The first part of Harvard’s admissions have no clear effect spots for those at the top. This and Dartmouth college of- pedigrees. Under this system, mission statement reads, “The on alumni donations. More fre- unfair policy keeps plenty of ficers’ would be admitted.” many of the best students are mission of Harvard College quently, they argue that legacy qualified students out of elite This practice was put in place at an inherent disadvantage is to educate the citizens and admissions help build a strong schools, and it is about time we specifically to decrease the when put up against the chil- citizen-leaders for our society. alumni community. This claim eliminate it. number of Jewish students at dren of a university’s alumnus. We do this through our com- is true, as it makes alumni more Social Media Must End By AARON VISSER fine the terms of engagement much to blame” for the attack realize that such scrolling is a solve everything. Right now, for every outlet and individual. on the Capitol. Though Face- necessity central to their social a popular idea is to break up Every person has his or Who are Mark Zuckerberg and book, Twitter, and 4chan didn’t lives. The 40-year-old mom the big firms, as if separating her social media hot take. The Jack Dorsy? I certainly didn’t create these theories, they are has to be on Facebook, the up- Facebook and Instagram will Right complains about arbi- elect either of them and nei- entirely responsible for the and-coming journalist must be fix the problems with their trary censorship, the Left con- ther did anyone reading this spread of these ideas. The on Twitter, the college senior business models. Some people cerns itself with the spread of article. Multiple fruitless con- main emotion these platforms on Snapchat, the high school advocate for more censorship, dangerous conspiracy theories, gressional hearings and a gen- produce is outrage, mostly di- girl on TikTok, the middle others advocate for less, plead- technocrats argue for the end eral lack of state action have rected at our fellow Americans. school boy on YouTube, and ing in the court of our Internet of their monopolies, and ad- shown that only these individ- The exit ramp from our demo- the bored online learning stu- kings to dictate the speech pol- vocates such as Tristan Harris uals actually have the power to cratic implosion may not exist, dent on all of them at once. icy in our online world. Besides focus on the damage to our govern these sites. but it certainly won’t be found Everyone I know uses some telling people to learn to use attention. Yet most don’t go And boy, have they gov- online, where professionals combination of these apps for social media more responsibly all the way and recognize that erned badly! Last week saw spend all day dunking on the hours every day. Yet when I or politely asking to change its social media is wholly toxic to an insurgency at the Capitol other side. ask whether it provides them algorithms, no one has come our society and personal lives. incited by our social media Yet nowhere has social me- satisfaction, I receive a con- up with a good solution to the While media moguls of President, and driven by social dia been worse than in our per- fused look as if they don’t even social and personal problems the past controlled individual media conspiracy theories. A sonal lives. These corporations comprehend why that question these sites produce. That’s be- outlets, the unelected “kings” Vox poll found that 72 percent have developed products so is important. cause there is none. of the Internet—owners of of Republicans “don’t trust addictive that people not only Yes, social media isn’t with- Social media is fundamen- absurdly powerful social media the election results” and 49 frequently find themselves out any potential benefits. tally broken. It abuses our de- companies—collectively de- percent believe Antifa is “very scrolling for hours, but also Light entertainment is great mocracy and personal lives. in moderation and some peo- People shouldn’t have more ple have created relationships “friends” than they can actu- through the sites. Though it ally know. The only proper claims to have been so great solution is the accidentally for friendships, people spend brilliant one pushed by Presi- less time with friends than ever. dent Trump, probably the It should help people hookup, least thoughtful person ever. but sex has gone down. De- Congress must repeal Section pression, self-harm, and sui- 230 of the Communication cide rates have all shot up. For Decency Act. This is part of a younger kids, especially girls, law passed in 1996, when the the connection between self- Internet was still dial-up, that harm and social media is clear. protects social media compa- The damage these apps contin- nies from legal liability for the ue to wear upon our society’s content posted on their plat- young people is deep, yet com- forms. If social media is a fac- panies have paid no price. tory, Section 230 allows them Moreover, social media to dump their toxic waste of has begun to regulate itself liability, conspiracy theories, in a way usually characteristic and hate into the river of our of the government. In a dis- society free of consequences. play of power last weekend, Without that clause, these plat- Google, Amazon Web Ser- forms couldn’t exist in their vices, and Apple all moved to current form. No more Face- ban the conservative social book, Instagram, 4chan, You- media site Parler for its part in Tube, or Twitter. Laws would inciting violence. Whether or have to be passed to deal with not you feel the act was justi- the fallout; no one wants to fied is beside the point: it dem- see Wikipedia or other user- onstrated that the U.S. gov- produced sites go. Kumbaya ernment doesn’t define free and spiritual healing wouldn’t speech in the 21st century. In- immediately break out. But the stead, social media apps seem arrowhead must be pulled out to be the ones placing limits on before the wound can be treat- free speech. ed, and as long as social media Most people who recognize exists in its current dangerous the problematic nature of so- form, we can’t deal with so cial media advocate for some many of the most important small tweak that will magically issues in society. Christina Jiang/ The Spectator The Spectator• January 22, 2021 Page 13 Opinions The Media Is a Pedophile By ELIZABETH BLACK but constant through the years these ideals favor children. celebrities win titles like Peo- them. Social media platforms has been pedophilia’s iron grip Models most desired by agen- ple Magazine’s “Sexiest Man must install stricter regulations, Every girl has stood in front on the industries that influence cies are ones with childlike fea- Alive.” Men are allowed to have and the girls themselves should of her bedroom mirror, re- these standards. By working to tures: they are slender with nar- wrinkles and gray hair, while be careful and consider who senting the uneven skin, body remove or at least lighten this row hips and small breasts, as women are criticized as soon as may see their posts. fat, and other “imperfections” effect, we can improve our well as hairless from the nose their skin becomes imperfect. Pedophilia is even seen in brought on by puberty. In 10 world for women and girls. down. Shaving for women was To be masculine is to be a man, regular pornography, which years’ time, the cycle will re- Our society protects minors an unknown concept until the fully grown, and developed often plays a key role in the peat with a slightly different fo- more than any other in history, 1940s, when magazines began with signs of age and wear; to development of a boy’s sexual- cus: we’ll see fine lines on our but the fashion and modeling advertising it by making mod- be feminine, however, is to be ity. Popular categories of con- faces and stretch marks on our industry keeps its standards els shave. Today, the absence of a “girl,” dainty, and “cute” the tent are “teen,” “barely legal,” thighs. Though all women have as pedo philic as ever. body hair is a core standard for way a child is. “schoolgirl,” “father-daughter,” these natural features, we hate While the in- women, demonstrating the ef- Results of this disparity are and more atrocities. Pornogra- them. We’ll want nothing more dustry fect the industry has on beauty evident in today’s popular sex- phy with extremely pedophilic than to be teenagers again, re- takes ideals. Among other desirable ual preferences. A recent study undertones is popular among membering how we were at our features is perfect skin, rid of described in Christian Rudder’s men of all ages: “teen,” for in- most attractive when we were texture, stretch marks, cellu- “Dataclysm” asked people be- stance, has been a top 10 search underage. lite, wrinkles, dark spots, or any tween the ages of 20 and 49 for the past six years. This Female beauty standards other signs of adulthood. For what age they prefer in a sex- problem is unsolvable by law, have been at the core of soci- the most part, these traits occur ual partner. While almost every since the videos star adults who ety for centuries, many social- naturally only in children. woman claimed preference for only look and act like children. ly constructed and differing Though models aren’t ex- men around her own age, both While better than casting actual in every region and decade. actly prepubescent, they are 20-year-old and 49-year-old children, it should not be so- Some ideals, such as full lips often alarmingly young. Be- men preferred women in their cially acceptable to watch porn and a low waist-to-hip ratio, fore companies recently began early 20s, with their “perfect in which women wear pigtails, have evolutionary explana- setting regulations, the most age” for a woman never ex- braces, and children’s pajamas tions, as does a preference popular models were between ceeding 24. while holding stuffed animals. for younger women, because 13 and 16 years old, with older Today, mainstream me- Much of this content also fo- they are more likely to have girls, despite being teenagers as dia is becoming overtaken by cuses on virginity as female “in- a successful pregnancy and well, rejected on account of platforms such as TikTok, In- nocence” nature is considered childbirth. However, there’s looking too womanly. Many stagram, and Snapchat. Despite attractive. The adult film indus- little biological reason for a agencies have yet to change benefits that social media has try doesn’t care that those who 16-year-old girl to be more their ways and continue to brought, its allowance for the enjoy this content may begin desirable than a 26-year-old. scout underage models, and sexualization of children may consuming actual child porn Nonetheless, childlike fea- even the better firms make be worse than that of any other and develop full-blown pedo- tures have always been deemed progress at painstaking rates. form of media. Users know philic tendencies. attractive, and lack of a primal Many of today’s famous su- that a considerable portion of To begin to reverse the reason allows for the conclusion permodels began their ca- content depicts women in sex- damage it has caused, the me- that internalized pedophilia is reers before they were 18 ual or somewhat sexual con- dia needs to strongly regulate behind these disturbing stan- and will likely retire texts—there’s nothing inher- its conduct toward young girls. dards. However, men who find within the next few ently wrong with this subject, The fashion industry should such features attractive aren’t years. Most female but the majority of this con- treat aging female models the necessarily pedophiles models are consid- tent is uploaded by underage same way it treats aging male themselves: with the ex- ered too old to girls. Commonly referred to models, social media platforms ception of certain innate work once as “thirst traps,” these photos and users should control the preferences, the average they reach and videos attract both young content that underage girls man’s idea of a “perfect their mid- men and pedophiles. Content post, and pornography com- woman” changes with his Cadence Li / The Spectator 20s, an age at from social media is constantly panies need to filter videos environment. Today, the which they are uploaded to child pornography with pedophilic undertones. most common source of this into consideration features perfectly youthful and beau- websites, victimizing girls who Through showing more wom- influence is the media he con- men are attracted to for evo- tiful, because they look like were just having fun or being en who look like adults, we can sumes, telling him what to be lutionary reasons, it also fac- women and not girls. confident. Unfortunately, it’ll slowly but surely normalize attracted to before his sexuality tors in its own “taste,” which Meanwhile, male mod- never be possible to stop pe- natural occurrences of puberty, is even fully developed. Body heavily influences overall els continue their careers well dophiles from finding these and perhaps, someday, women types and facial features go in beauty standards over time— into their 40s or 50s. Year after photos and videos, so the only will be allowed to age in peace. and out of style like clothing, the problem, of course, is that year, middle-aged or older male solution is for girls not to post The Paper of the People—and Its Death By ISABEL CHING of online news sources, newspapers is estimated to have For one, they don’t require the While some view the end of printed newspapers were the dropped 62 percent from $37.8 same amount of labor as their printed newspapers as the end Since America’s birth, main source of information billion in 2008 to $14.3 billion printed counterparts, which of a cornerstone of American printed newspapers have and dominated much of the in 2018. The pandemic has only often need to be delivered and journalism, printed newspapers brought information to the public sphere, because they exacerbated the existing decline. packaged. Second, they tend to are a thing of the past, and the public. They have carried news connected previously isolated As Americans are no longer be much cheaper, since they can most we can do is respect and about wars, politics, people, and communities. However, people able to afford small luxuries due reach a larger audience without acknowledge their death. This the world. Our nation’s roots today no longer need their daily to the economic crisis caused needing to be distributed. In fact, death, however, need not be can be traced back to the power newspaper—a few clicks online by the pandemic, newspapers advertising revenue for three of synonymous with the death of of the printed paper. During the suffice instead, as most news have reached the nadir of their America’s biggest broadcasting free, accessible knowledge. If Revolutionary War, newspapers nowadays is easily accessible suffering during this past year. networks, ABC, CBS, and NBC, anything, the switch to online sparked and sustained the and available for free. The truth Six publicly traded newspaper increased over the same period media sources, like television flames of rebellion and dissent, is that printed newspapers are, companies, which collectively while newspapers’ advertising and websites, should make informed the public about and have been, on the decline own over 300 daily papers, saw revenue fell 42 percent. The knowledge more accessible wars and battles, and ultimately since the advent of the Internet. advertising revenue fall by a three media giants averaged a to the public, since printed united a divided nation. In the Despite the large, positive role median of 42 percent from the combined 30 million viewers, a newspapers are more expensive words of American Revolution that printed newspapers have second quarter of 2019 to the 39 percent jump since last year. and difficult to obtain. In fact, historian David Ramsay, played in the past, it’s time to second quarter of 2020. With Digital platforms experienced there are already efforts made “In establishing American acknowledge that their death such drastic declines, it seems growth as well. In contrast to promote this progress. independence, the pen and may simply reflect the changing unlikely that the newspaper to their printed newspaper Organizations like the American press had merit equal to that of of eras and offer the news industry will ever return to its counterparts, digital newsrooms Journalism Project, which the sword.” Newspapers were world an opportunity to move previous prominence. saw substantial increases in strives to establish a network of a powerful force in ensuring forward. However, America’s insa- employment, with numbers nonprofit, reliable news outlets, American independence and Research reflects the death tiable desire for fresh and increasing approximately 82 provide a great starting point have continued to uphold the of printed newspapers. Printed exciting news has not waned— percent from around 7,400 if we are to leave behind the values for which independence newspaper circulation fell to in fact, it is stronger than ever. to 13,500 between 2008 and era of printed newspapers and was fought. Yet over three its lowest level since 1940 in The chaotic, political climate 2018. This shift represents begin the transition to online centuries after the publication 2018 with total daily newspaper of today’s world, coupled with a transition from traditional platforms. Ultimately, the death of America’s first newspaper circulation (printed and digital) the leisure time that quarantine printed newspapers to digital of printed newspapers should in 1704, it seems that the era numbering around 28.6 million offers, has left Americans news as the latter is simply not be emblematic of an end of printed newspapers may be for weekdays and 30.8 million hungry for news—just not more convenient, cheap, and to news as we know it—rather coming to a close. for Sunday publications. printed news. Online platforms, accessible. Forsaking these it should represent the birth of Today’s printed newspapers Financial difficulties have like television and digital news benefits simply to maintain a new era of information and are dying a slow and painful arisen as a result of this decline reports, have become the new tradition would be blatantly public knowledge. death. Prior to the development too: advertising revenue for modern center for information. disrespecting progress. Calculus Before Checkbooks? continued from page 11 unprepared. education system catches up and the extensive materials available time, your GPA will fade into an Recognizing the lack of adds sufficient financial literacy online or through family and inconsequential measure of your they are thrown headfirst into financial education and the need education to the curriculum, friends, it is crucial that every past excellence; it’s actually your making for it is the first step toward students have to take on the student acquires the financial credit score that has the potential their own financial decisions creating a more financially responsibility of educating knowledge they will need to be to define your future. and find themselves completely literate America. Until our themselves. Whether it is through successful in the long run. Over Page 14 The Spectator• January 22, 2021 Opinions Life in Lockdown: Replicating the Israeli Approach to COVID-19 and Vaccination By MAYA DUNAYER restrictions, Israel also enforces allowed the tiny country to being vaccinated a day, Israel lar in place. It is also important lockdowns around every two gain access to the vaccine be- is the country with the highest to recognize that no dose of When I arrived at the Is- months whenever COVID-19 fore many other countries, due proportional rate of citizens the vaccine should be wasted raeli airport in December of rates spike. Currently in its to concerns that Israel would vaccinated, with 11.5 out of by allowing anyone to get vac- 2020, I was surprised by how third lockdown, Israel attempts not be able to gain access to the 100 citizens vaccinated. The cinated if a center has extra orderly and efficient the CO- to keep cases down through vaccine once bigger countries second highest proportional doses. Informing people of the VID-19 precautions were. The various means, such as closing made deals with the companies. rate, for reference, is Bahrain, location of their nearest vacci- airport officers asked me a se- schools and requiring citizens Israel also made the smart with 3.53 out of 100 citizens nation center will also make the ries of questions regarding my to only travel within a one-kilo- decision to repackage the vac- having received the vaccine. process more efficient. Finally, recent exposure to COVID-19, meter radius from their houses. cine doses in boxes that are Israel also makes sure no dose the United States government including where I would be If citizens are found violating around the size of a pizza, al- of the vaccine is wasted by al- must continue to purchase vac- staying for the mandatory two any of these restrictions, they lowing for distribution to more lowing citizens who have lined cine doses, even if it has to be weeks of quarantine. The Is- will also be fined 500 shekels. remote sites and in smaller up on the streets outside of the at a premium. Though it may raeli Red Cross station stood Due to these restrictions, Israe- numbers. With about 400 vac- vaccination centers to receive be expensive, these doses are with COVID-19 tests ready to li citizens are much more com- cine centers across the country, the vaccine if there are extra the most important thing that be shipped off to the lab and pliant. The difference is stark including in Arab towns, Israe- doses available. the United States needs right returned in a few days. Every- compared to the United States, lis are able to find a vaccination In stark contrast to Isra- now, and no expense should be body wore a mask, and every- where you can find crowded center near their home for easy el’s astonishing progress, the spared. These policies will as- one followed social distancing streets with multiple people access. Israel’s universal pub- United States and other world sist the United States in giving protocols. It’s an entirely dif- maskless. lic healthcare system, in which powers are lagging behind. The the vaccine to everyone who ferent world compared to the Aside from the effective every citizen is covered by a United States has vaccinated needs it as quickly as possible. United States, and the world regulations Israel has in place, healthcare maintenance organi- only one percent of its popu- The United States needs to needs to use Israel as a stan- it is also the country with the zation and then connected to a lation. Though it is true that take a page out of Israel’s book dard to model their COVID-19 best approach to the vaccine national digital network, makes these world powers have much and provide its citizens with policies after. in the world. Israel made deals the process even more effi- larger populations and have the same easy and efficient ac- Here in Israel, COVID-19 with vaccine companies such cient. If they are in the group distributed more vaccinations cess to the vaccine. Every day, restrictions are followed and as Moderna, AstraZeneca, and of citizens who are currently overall than Israel has, the pro- the U.S. drags its feet and delays enforced. If a police officer Pfizer in mid November in or- being prioritized for the vac- portional rates are incredibly the process, and more innocent catches you without a mask, der to ensure access to the vac- cine, including adults over 60, low. Israel’s public healthcare people are put at risk. Using you can be fined 500 shek- cine before larger countries did. healthcare workers, and those system is, of course, not rep- what has worked for Israel in els, which translates to about They paid a hefty premium for with medical conditions, Is- licable in many of the world’s American policies moving for- $145 USD. The Israeli police the vaccines, with one anony- raelis may either receive a text larger countries, but the system ward is the most effective way regularly checks on those who mous official from the prime message prompting them to of texting citizens when they to ensure that we can have as are in the mandated two-week minister’s cabinet claiming it make a vaccination appoint- are able to set up a vaccination many people vaccinated as quarantine, and anyone caught was “around $30 per vaccine ment, or they may call a center appointment is incredibly effec- soon as possible and put a stop violating it is fined 5000 shekels dose or around twice the price to schedule an appointment. tive, and other countries should to this pandemic before it can ($1460 USD). Aside from these abroad.” This quick approach With about 150,000 Israelis attempt to put something simi- claim more lives. What It Means to Stand Your Ground in a Changing United States By LAUREN CHIN lated to the Stand Your Ground have attempted to use these had been paralyzed in a police Ground cases throughout the law and similar doctrines in and similar laws as justifica- shooting. By the end of the United States. He found that The United States has be- April of 2020. Research gath- tion for their actions that would night, Rittenhouse had wound white people who killed Black come increasingly dangerous ered from seven separate ex- otherwise be condemned as up killing two people and se- people were far more likely to over the past year. Even with periments indicated that the law criminal. The first time the verely injuring a third. Public be found justified in their kill- the ongoing lockdown, riots may lead to more violent crime, Stand Your Ground laws came statements from his lawyer and ings than any other pairings, and attacks have become more as criminals would prepare for under intense scrutiny was in supporters claimed that he had especially in states with a Stand and more common. Many are civilians armed with guns. This 2012, when high school stu- the right to draw a gun, as he Your Ground law. Once again, prepared to defend their lives may incentivize criminals to dent Treyvon Martin was fa- was only there to keep the peace the Stand Your Ground law from those with opposing view- carry more dangerous weapons tally shot. George Zimmerman, in Kenosha and thus acted in fails to establish a concrete defi- points, no matter what it takes. or use lethal force more liber- the shooter, claimed that he self-defense. Rittenhouse was nition of “self-defense.” Yet when is it truly justified to ally in order to prevent attempts had acted in self-defense and officially charged with homicide Ultimately, the initial idea use lethal force? of self-defense. The same study was ultimately acquitted of all but pled not guilty on January 5. of the Stand Your Ground law In Ohio, the Stand Your also explains that there is no charges. This supposed claim The definition of “self-de- is not the issue. Though giv- Ground law allows civilians evidence that these laws actu- of innocence sparked outrage fense” becomes blurry in situ- ing citizens the right to protect who legally own guns to use ally prevent any gun-related throughout the nation as peo- ations like these. Often, it can themselves from danger is well- lethal force when faced with misconduct. ple wondered what threat an create a situation of one per- meaning, it is not necessarily life-threatening circumstances. practical in a place as politically Up until January 4, the legis- volatile as the United States. In lature only applied if a person order to ensure its true success, was in their home or vehicle. In a clear definition of self-defense any other instance, they were must be included in its policies. required to retreat from the This clarification would ensure situation first. Now, the law has that these laws aren’t subject to been expanded to allow lawful a different interpretation each use of lethal force in any place time they are brought up in in which the person lawfully has court, setting a coherent stan- a right to be at. dard for all cases. While this expansion may At the very least, other states seem extreme, Ohio’s decision could follow New York’s prec- is merely the most recent in edent. Here, citizens are tasked a large number of doctrines. with a duty of retreat before us- Some form of the Stand Your ing lethal force. In other words, Ground law exists in every they can only claim self-defense state in America, but in only 14 and use the Stand Your Ground states, New York being one of law if they attempt to disengage them, are citizens asked to at- from the situation. Of course, tempt retreat before using lethal Spectator Lauren Chin / The there are always exceptions; force. when a person is inside their The purpose of this law is own home or vehicle or if they clear: to provide more safety are threatened with kidnapping and freedom to those who are or assault, no duty to retreat is legally allowed to own and carry necessary. guns. After all, as citizens of the It’s important to realize that United States, we have the right laws and regulations do not al- to bear arms and act in self- ways work perfectly in the real defense according to the Sec- Furthermore, those who unarmed teenager could pose. son’s word against another’s. world. Many proponents of a ond Amendment. In a perfect carry guns aren’t always the Though his attorneys did not There is no clear boundary on policy only advocate on behalf world, the Stand Your Ground perfect protectors. It’s unrea- explicitly claim that Zimmer- when the Stand Your Ground of the hypothetical benefits law would allow citizens to suc- sonable to expect every citizen man was “standing his ground,” law should actually be used, es- without looking at its actual im- cessfully protect themselves, to behave as a trained officer many still attributed this not- pecially since there seems to be pact. The Stand Your Ground their families, and their commu- would. There is always a possi- guilty verdict as a direct result a racial disparity between those law is an unfortunate example nities from violent attacks. bility that someone will make a of the Stand Your Ground law. who are successful in using it of this situation where people Unfortunately, the reality is mistake and further escalate the More recently, in late August and those who are not. For ex- see it solely as a way to protect a bit more complicated. Despite situation. When officers arrive of 2020, a teenager named Kyle ample, soon after Zimmerman themselves without acknowl- its intentions, the Stand Your at the scene, it may be difficult Rittenhouse brought a rifle to was exonerated, a senior fellow edging the unnecessary danger Ground law may do more harm to discern who the initial attack- Kenosha, Wisconsin. There, at the Urban Institute’s Jus- that it can cause. than good. RAND Corporation er actually was. many rioters were protesting tice Policy Center conducted a compiled multiple studies re- In addition, some people on behalf of Jacob Blake, who study on successful Stand Your The Spectator ● January 22, 2021 Page 15 Science

A Rechargeable Zinc-Air Battery Could Transform Energy Use

By ANGELINA CHANG the anode. The hydroxide and recharged hundreds of times. operated for 320 cycles lar due to lower emissions com- the zinc from the anode react, They developed a battery us- in 1600 hours and had pared to those of traditional Deriving much of their producing water and zinc ox- ing a new electrolyte made greater chemical sta- gasoline-powered cars. Electric power from air, zinc-air bat- ide. In this reaction, electrons from zinc trifluoromethane- bility and energy den- cars currently use lithium ion teries have been a promising are released and travel through sulfonate salt instead of the sity than single-use batteries, which are susceptible source of energy due to their a circuit to power the connect- strong alkaline electro- zinc-air batteries. to explosions, and more ex- large energy densities, rela- ed device. However, since zinc- lytes traditionally used. A recharge- pensive to produce than zinc- tively inexpensive production air batteries rely on the outside The new electrolyte able zinc-air air batteries. As development costs, and long shelf lives. The environment for one of their is hydrophobic, battery continues, zinc-air batteries problem is that they are often reactants, excessive exposure keeping water would will become cheaper, lighter, only single-use under specific to air or humidity can cause molecules away be espe- and safer. Their recharging ca- ambient conditions and with the zinc gel to dry up or flood from the pabilities make them a strong short active lives. However, a the cell with water vapor. This surface competitor against lithium ion new development in producing reaction is also irreversible be- of the batteries. By using zinc-air bat- a rechargeable zinc-air battery cause the caustic electrolyte— cath- teries, electric cars can become could lead to its use in a wider the liquid that surrounds the ode. more affordable and environ- variety of devices. cathode and anode—can break This new mentally friendly than before. Like most batteries, zinc-air down the electrodes. design While electric vehicles are only cells produce electrical power A new design could solve improves one step closer toward cleaner from chemical reactions. They this issue, leading to longer- the revers- cially energy consumption, zinc- receive one of the reactants— lasting zinc-air batteries. Re- ibility of the use- air batteries could one day be oxygen—from the air, which searchers led by Dr. Wei Sun, reaction, allow- ful in used for long-term renewable then reacts with the cathode in- a materials scientist at the Uni- ing the battery to be powering elec- energy storage—an important side the cell. Water in the cath- versity of Muenster in Ger- recharged. After test- tric cars, which stride toward mitigating fossil ode reacts with oxygen, form- many, created a prototype of ing the battery, the team have become in- fuel emissions. ing hydroxide that migrates to a zinc-air battery that could be found that their batteries Ivy Jiang / The Spectator creasingly popu- AlphaFold: The AI That Solved a 50-Year-Old Protein Structure Problem By KAITLYN LEE crystallography, nuclear magnet- median score of about 56 GDT their own new deep learning disorders. As for environmental ic resonance, and recently, cryo- in CASP 2018 and improved to network, including information science, AlphaFold can search From your silky-smooth hair electron microscopy, can already an 87 GDT in CASP 2020. With about the physical and geo- for enzymes that decompose after taking a hot shower to the determine a protein’s structure, such excellent scores in CASP, metrical constraints of protein industrial waste, which may lead billions of antibodies circulating they require trial-and-error pro- AlphaFold was deemed a solu- folding to upgrade AlphaFold. to the development of potential your body to help fight off in- cedures that can span years in tion to the protein structure pre- In its latest version, the folded solutions for pollution, such as fections, your complex body and heavy lab work and cost millions diction challenge by Moult and protein is visualized as a spatial genetically modifying bacteria to its amazing capabilities are built in equipment. Fidelis, opening up a pathway graph, which is used to analyze synthesize these enzymes. by proteins, one of the funda- However, a major obstacle for AlphaFold as a primary tool the physical interactions within AlphaFold may even pro- mental building blocks of life. It stood in the race for protein in scientific research. proteins. Using an attention- vide future pandemic solutions is the proteins’ structural variety structure prediction technology: But how does AlphaFold based neural network system, by providing a more compre- that allows them to perform so a protein can undergo 10^300 topple over other AI in making AlphaFold can focus on a subset hensive understanding of novel many different functions in the different folds before it settles precise protein structure predic- of inputs, interpret the structure viruses by identifying their pro- human body. So, it is no sur- into its final 3D structure. In or- tions? During its initial devel- of the graph, and use methods teins. DeepMind’s group of prise that decades of research der to encour- such as evolu- researchers have already used have been dedicated to develop- age research tionarily related AlphaFold to combat the cur- ing technology capable of pre- and develop- sequences, mul- rent COVID-19 pandemic by dicting a protein’s structure, as ment to find tiple sequence predicting six proteins of the structure determines function. a solution alignment, and SARS-CoV-2 virus. AlphaFold An AI network known as Al- to this chal- a representa- demonstrated especially accu- phaFold, developed by Google’s lenge, Pro- tion of amino rate predictions for the structure AI subsidiary DeepMind, was fessor John acid pairs to re- of two SARS-CoV-2 proteins recognized in a competition Moult and fine the graph. known as ORF3a and OFR8, known as Critical Assessment Krzysztof Fi- These proce- whose respective functions are of protein Structure Prediction delis found- dures, along- promoting cell death and im- (CASP) for doing so with great ed CASP in side a database mune system bypassing. accuracy in November 2020. 1994, a bien- of about 170 AlphaFold has solved a With AlphaFold, scientists have nial contest thousand pro- 50-year-old protein structure gained the potential to not only that assesses tein structures, prediction problem, and its po- achieve a much deeper under- participants’ is what allows tential in diverse areas like drug standing of protein structure ability to pre- AlphaFold to development, industrial waste and function but also utilize the dict protein create highly reduction, and pandemic re- power of proteins to revolution- structure accurate pre- sponse not only shows how sig- ize all fields of biology, ranging accurately dictions of nificant proteins are but what AI from medicine to environmental based on protein struc- is capable of in the life sciences. science. experimental tures within a As one of the first AI networks The story of AlphaFold be- data. Accuracy is scored on a few days. developed to aid our under- gan in 1972 when Nobel Prize metric called the Global Dis- The latest version of Al- standing of how proteins work, in Chemistry laureate Christian tance Test (GDT), which is phaFold has opened numerous AlphaFold will become part of Anfinsen concluded his accep- the percentage of amino acids possibilities in various fields of the bridge that branches our tance speech with a postulate within a threshold dis- biology. With a more effi- knowledge of biology into the stating that a protein’s structure tance from their correct cient and inexpensive way new developing field of AI and could be determined solely by positions. As Profes- to identify new protein life-like machines. For Stuyves- its amino acid sequence. Pro- sor Moult stated, structures and deter- ant students, this can not only teins are made up of molecules a score of 90 mine their func- be an exciting new achievement known as amino acids, and there GDT is con- tions, scientists to follow and keep up to date are about 20 that occur natu- sidered to be can use Alpha- with but also become an inspi- rally. As a protein typically has competitive Susannah Ahn/ The Spectator Fold for faster ration for new interdisciplinary 100 amino acids in its sequence, with experimental results. Al- opment, AlphaFold applied a drug development as new dis- projects and ideas connecting an immense number of amino phaFold entered CASP in 2018 method known as deep learning, eases are being rapidly discov- these two fields to expand our acid subunit combinations allow and won first place amongst its a type of AI function consisting ered. “This is a problem that I scientific expertise. As a more for the 3D structure formation competitors, but in CASP 2020, of algorithms closely mimick- was beginning to think would accessible, cheaper means of of 200 billion known proteins AlphaFold rose to the summit ing the workings of the human not get solved in my lifetime,” scientific research, AlphaFold worldwide. With such a vast of the mountain of decades- brain and neural networks, to stated Janet Thornton, a struc- opens up endless opportunities number of proteins, technology old protein structure prediction predict the distance between tural biologist at the European for young STEM students and that could easily predict a pro- research and development, out- pairs of amino acids in a protein Bioinformatics Institute and a the global scientific community tein’s structure with just its ami- performing its 100 competitors. and the angles between chemical past CASP assessor. Thornton to continue studying proteins as no sequence could cut down the In comparison to median scores bonds connecting these amino hopes that with AlphaFold, sci- the essential units of our body time needed to understand each for best competitors in previ- acids. AlphaFold then searched entists will be able to identify and as a future solution to tackle and every protein important to ous CASP competitions, which for a model that fit the protein’s the functions of thousands of medical, environmental, and our everyday functioning. And ranged from 30 to 40 GDT, Al- properties. Later on, DeepMind proteins and gene variations of various scientific world issues. while techniques such as X-ray phaFold managed to obtain a developed and implemented these proteins that cause genetic Page 16 The Spectator ● January 22, 2021 Science

Amidst Wind and Snow

By OSCAR WANG to threaten communities around measurements of ice thickness. ocean floor to better understand mospheric water vapor, allowing the world, the Antarctic eco- These scientists also establish Earth’s interior and its interac- them to accurately measure cos- By the time you read this, it has system becomes an increasingly a network of tracking beacons, tions with the ocean. This under- mic background radiation with likely been over a year since CO- valuable area of study, as it can communicating the distance from standing helps scientists better increased precision. VID-19 entered the United States. reveal the most immediate ef- each other to a receiver to track predict earthquakes and find so- Psychological research is also Ask any Stuyvesant student, and fects of rising temperatures on the movement of the ice. With lutions to limit their damage. conducted on humans to docu- they would respond that they have the organisms most sensitive to this data, scientists can reliably Research facilities in Antarc- ment the effects of long-term become all too familiar with seclu- it. The scientists in the AnT-ERA measure the annual erosion of ice tica also gather astronomical data. isolation, which may be useful sion since then. Yet this lifestyle program recognize the threat of due to global warming. You may remember the black for future space voyages. One has been typical for researchers global warming and observe its American scientists have also hole image that shook the world study identifies a new coping in Antarctica since 1958. A ma- effects on the local wildlife in dedicated three research stations in April 2019 which originated mechanism adopted by scientists jority of the population knows Antarctica’s pristine landscape to closely monitoring the ozone from a network of telescopes, in- in isolation. Dubbed “winter- of Antarctica’s existence—per- to study biological resilience to hole over Antarctica and its effects cluding one in Antarctica. In addi- over syndrome,” this mental state haps you learned about the seven warmer temperatures. This re- on local wildlife. In the future, this tion to that, the SAMBA project, is a protective measure against continents and that scientists are search can reveal the nuances in team hopes an initiative started by a team of chronic stress in which individu- working in Antarctica while learn- both molecular and ecological to cre- Belgian and Japanese scientists als become less reactive to their ing what two plus two was. How- interactions, such as the effect of at the Princess Elisabeth Sta- senses and emotions. As a result, ever, few people are aware of the temperature on an organism’s tion, aims to uncover meteorites while this “psychological hiberna- research scientists have been peri- ability to create enzymes and that struck Antarctica’s sur- tion” allows individuals to work in odically conducting on the conti- how this change manifests in face. The team reasons that an isolated setting without losing nent’s desolate terrain. the ecosystem. Currently, the re- while 37000 tons of mete- their minds, it also exposes them At first glance, Antarctica’s searchers are working on com- orites fall to Earth each to risks they would have other- freezing winds and dry climate piling this information in data year, only a minuscule wise sensed and avoided. In the make it inhospitable for any hu- workshops and creating panel fraction of them can Antarctic setting, the scientists mans brave enough to enter the discussions centered around be readily observed, risk injury in the freezing environ- isolated expanse. Despite this, the preservation of wildlife. as many fall into the ment. But on a potential mission the Earth’s coldest continent has This scientific evidence not only oceans, while others to Mars, scientists would experi- much to offer for scientific re- helps spread awareness about cli- look deceptively like earthly ence prolonged winter-over syn- search. Upon closer inspection, mate change but also informs rocks. However, the meteor- drome, which could spell catas- these deadly conditions make it researchers studying other ites that fall into Antarctica’s trophe if not properly addressed. an ideal location for biological, ecosystems about resil- snow meet a different fate. Upon Despite being over 9,000 astronomical, oceanic, and meteo- ience toward a warmer ate more impact, these rocks are preserved miles away from Stuyvesant, Ant- rological research. In fact, thou- climate and the thresh- realistic sim- in ice and lay uncontaminated for arctica is still relevant to our lives sands of scientists spend up to old at which temperatures ulations docu- years until wind erodes the ice as students. Let Antarctic research a year gathering data for various become dangerous. Thus, menting various factors enough for the meteorites to be serve as an example of practicing research projects. Several groups this research has potential leading to ozone uncovered. By researching these resourcefulness in dire situations. of scientists have probed Antarc- applications in future tech- Rin Fukuoka/ The Spectator depletion and its meteorites, scientists gain insight As dull and draining remote learn- tica’s icy landscape, which houses nology and solutions that effects. Another into the composition of objects ing can be, there will always be a treasure trove of meteorites that could mitigate the effects of cli- team located in the McMurdo sta- in our early solar system, along ways of mitigating stress. Like the would have disintegrated upon mate change before it is too late. tion focuses on finding evidence with more information on the scientists of the South Pole un- or after impact, had they landed To meet these ends, the Bel- of glacial erosion due to global formation of the Earth. In addi- earthing meteorites from ice, you anywhere else in the world. Other gian Ice Sheet-Shelf Ice Mea- warming. As part of their investi- tion, studying previous impacts too can find joy in boredom. It all scientists in research stations scat- surements in Antarctica project gations, they use a process called helps inform scientists how to begins when you keep track of the tered throughout the continent aims to study the movement of swath bathymetry, an application better predict and prepare for erosion around you—when you constantly conduct investiga- Antarctic ice and its composition. of sonar technology to measuring future collisions. Scientists can set beacons to track the activities tions to uncover new information This effort, led by glaciologists depth, to discover evidence of also prepare for solar storms by you enjoy. Though it may feel like about Earth, its organisms, and Frank Pattyn and Jean Louis Ti- underwater glacial impacts. This observing the sun and sky above we have spent a year in Antarctica, extraterrestrial objects. son, involves drilling to acquire technology allows them to docu- Antarctica, thanks to the clar- there are still many ways to turn As global warming continues samples of ice and numerous ment the tectonic features of the ity provided by low levels of at- our current situation around.

“Beam Me Up Scotty”: The Future of Networking By SATHIRTHA MONDAL transfers have had very low accu- classical computing uses bits. Bits ting them. This allows for privacy environment prunes the signal racy. As a result, the method was can occupy one of two states, ei- breaches since the information and results in decoherence, or the If you could have any super- labeled unreliable. ther zero or one, and can be ap- can be read. Quantum networks diminishing of quantum proper- power, what would it be? Recently, a team of researchers plied to a device that can also be use quantum repeaters with en- ties as a result of interactions with There’s a good chance you achieved sustained quantum tele- in two possible states. Meanwhile, tangled particles and can thus the environment, leaving it prone picked the ability to teleport. portation when they transported qubits can be in a state of zero, amplify the signal without need- to errors. Decoherence is an irre- Believe it or not, humans have qubits a distance of 27 miles with one, or a combination of the two. ing to read it. QKD, or Quantum versible process in which the sys- achieved teleportation. But there’s 90 percent fidelity. By using ad- This is due to the phenomenon of Key Distribution, encrypts the tem reverts to a classical system by a catch: it’s teleportation in the vanced low-noise superconduct- quantum superposition, which can data in a quantum network and losing its quantumness and is the world of quantum mechanics, and ing detectors and custom-made be illustrated by Schrödinger’s cat promises absolute security by us- main hindrance to applying quan- it may not exactly be what you had optics, the researchers teleported thought experiment. The example ing entanglement. Unlike classical tum mechanics in the real world, expected. qubits a substantial distance with- states that if one places a cat in a cryptography where classical and as it is impossible to isolate the The phenomenon of telepor- out compromising accuracy. This sealed box containing a toxic ra- quantum devices can effortlessly particles from the environment. tation is a popular subject in the attainment is a significant mile- dioactive substance, the cat can be access the data, quantum cryp- Nonetheless, it poses a challenge world of science fiction. How- stone because its high data fidelity either dead or alive after a period tography makes networks virtually only because the study is relatively ever, for a long time, teleporta- and distance pave the way to cre- of time. Since the box is sealed, it unhackable, even with quantum new, and as scientists learn more, tion has only been hypothetical. ating a working quantum Internet, exists in either state at the same technology. As indicated by the new algorithms and techniques It may be decades before we can a project in the making. time. Accordingly, superposition $173 billion cybersecurity indus- will arise and these setbacks will travel thousands of miles in an in- Quantum computing is still allows the qubit to indefinitely try, protection and privacy are sac- be overcome. stant or recreate our favorite Star in its infancy, and as a result, the exist in multiple states simultane- rosanct when using the Internet, The quantum Internet is an Trek teleportation scenes. But we researchers’ endeavors to create a ously. As a result, a system using and seeing that the current net- evolving contender and may soon have achieved the next best thing: fully developed quantum network multiple qubits can increase its work is extremely flawed, nations replace the Internet network. quantum teleportation. in the near future may appear un- performance exponentially, as op- such as the U.S. have pushed for Thanks to recent achievements in Quantum teleportation is the fathomable. However, a fully real- posed to the classical bits whose the progression of the quantum quantum teleportation, scientists method by which quantum infor- ized quantum network, a system performance increases linearly. Internet. are closer than ever to securing mation is transmitted from one that can efficiently exchange data Quantum superposition allows In spite of the promising fu- the quantum Internet. Though location to another. It’s made pos- and communications, is imminent the quantum Internet to teleport ture of quantum computing, there obstacles and flaws such as fund- sible by entanglement, a phenom- with the recent breakthroughs. information faster than the speed still exist considerable drawbacks ing and decoherence still remain, enon that links two or more parti- The quantum Internet would of light. and uncertainties. Firstly, quan- the world of quantum mechanics cles to each other. Entangled pairs be a network that supports quan- In addition to its unprec- tum computers are immensely ex- is promising and may prevail over are correlated such that changes in tum devices and could potentially edented speed, the quantum In- pensive and difficult to program. these complications quicker than the quantum state of one particle render the current Internet ob- ternet would also be far more se- Nevertheless, proposals such as one might expect. Soon enough, are instantly reflected in the quan- solete. Since it would harness the cure than regular networks. This the United States’s 2021 $237 mil- you will be able to download tera- tum state or state of the system laws of quantum mechanics, a heightened security is accredited lion request have accelerated the bytes of data or perhaps your fa- using integral quantum numbers mature quantum network could to entanglement, the phenom- development of the quantum In- vorite film series in an instant and of the other particle, regardless become incredibly valuable due enon responsible for quantum ternet. The primary concerns re- use the Internet without worrying of the distance between the two to its robust security and perfor- teleportation. Since entanglement garding quantum computing are about your cybersecurity. As time particles. Therefore, any informa- mance compared to the current allows for linked particles to in- the qubits being prone to error progresses, our dependence on tion can instantaneously teleport Internet. Further, the quantum stantly change, information can be and decoherence. It has been dis- technology has only grown, and between the entangled pair even Internet would use quantum de- transmitted without vulnerability covered that the quantum states thanks to quantum mechanics, we if they are great distances apart. vices, which have a greater capac- to attack from an outside source. are vulnerable to noise and liable can rest assured knowing our reli- Scientists have achieved quan- ity to complete various tasks and Classical information, such as a to errors. Nonetheless, Peter Shor ance will be in good hands. The tum teleportation before, such as process calculations than classical message, travels in a straight line has established error-correcting world will soon experience the the successful transfer of qubits, computers. and passes through repeaters, or methods against sound, pushing unmatched performance and se- or quantum information, over Quantum computing uses qu- devices that receive, amplify, and error rates to zero. In addition, curity of the quantum network, 60 miles in 2015, but thus far, all bits, or quantum bits. Meanwhile, alter signals before retransmit- the qubits’ interaction with the the network of the future. The Spectator ● January 22, 2021 Page 17 Arts and Entertainment Fashion STUYLE CORNER: The Wonder Wardrobe By JULIA PANAS there’s no need to stick to a mini- idea is to buy fewer clothes of way to start a wonder wardrobe is scheme to quickly navigate web- malist aesthetic like with the cap- higher quality so that they will last to first look into your own closet. sites by filtering for clothes that The wonder wardrobe is a sule closet; you are free to draw longer, resulting in less waste. In Use the Marie Kondo method to fit your palette and are available fully interchangeable closet per- random inspiration from your this way, the wonder toss anything that doesn’t “spark in your size. While shopping, sonalized for a minimalist life- moodboard and experiment wardrobe is very joy,” and only keep the items you take screenshots of the items you style and is eco-friendly and as much as you’d environmental- truly love wearing. Unfortunately, like and envision how they might beneficial for your finances in like. ly-friendly, as that one sparkly top you swore work together to create cohesive the long term. Though you may you won’t be you were saving for New Year’s outfits. Finding tops and bottoms have never heard of the contributing to Eve but haven’t touched in years that all match effortlessly is hard- wonder wardrobe, you’re the 92 million will probably have to go. Donate er than it sounds, but easy once probably familiar with its tons of clothing the items you no longer need to you know what to look for. One predecessor, the capsule thrown out every a clothing drop or thrift store in- tip is to pick all of your statement closet: a small collec- year. To shift to a stead of throwing them away to garments or patterned items to tion of clothing where more sustainable be more eco-friendly. From the be either tops or bottoms. For ex- most items complement lifestyle, begin by clothes you’ve saved, pick a few ample, you can have a few flashy each other. In a sense, shopping at brands items that match together to start tops, and make all of your bot- the wonder wardrobe is like Reformation, your new wardrobe, and store toms solid-colored so that your like the capsule ward- Levi’s, and People away the rest. outfits are easier to coordinate. robe to an extreme, as in Tree. Restricting Next, work on your color The beauty of a wonder this model, every piece is yourself to buy- scheme. Choose colors based on wardrobe is that it will completely guaranteed to pair well ing less clothing the clothes you picked, but don’t simplify your getting-ready rou- with another piece. As an also ensures that be afraid to add more! A wonder tine. You can rest assured that example, a random top you’ll only wardrobe is all about experimen- every time you open your closet, will match with all of your buy com- tation and self-expression, no the perfect outfit will be there. jeans, shorts, and skirts, fortable matter the size of your closet. Not only will this save time, but and vice versa. Because pieces Then, figure out what clothes it will also increase your confi- of this organized system, that you you need based on your lifestyle. dence; you’ll be wearing outfits you’ll never have to struggle truly Think about what activities you that you truly love and allow you with putting together an outfit love, do in a typical week, whether to fully express yourself, while in the mornings. fit your style, that’s exercising, socializing, also being sustainable and reduc- What makes the wonder Ka Seng Soo / The Spectator and make you feel working, or working from home. ing your ecological footprint. By wardrobe even more unique is Wonder great wearing them. From there, make a list of gar- investing in this wardrobe, you’ll that you’re not limited to a basic wardrobes are personalized not It’s evident that a wonder ments that will suit your needs. be doing good for yourself and color palette. In a capsule model, only to an individual’s taste in wardrobe takes a lot of planning. If you only go out once a month, for the planet. you typically start with a base fashion, but also to their life- For this reason, it’s best to find there’s no need to buy half a doz- Note: This wardrobe model color (such as black or navy) and style. Someone who goes to the and purchase all of your cloth- en polyester beaded tops. But, if was pioneered by Daria Androne- “build” on that base with a vari- gym every day before work will ing at once, at the start of each going out is something you do scu. She’s built her own company ety of other neutral colors includ- have a very different closet than season. This way, you can try on frequently, look for tops that are around this concept, and if you’re ing white, grey, blue denim, or a party-loving college student, or every possible outfit combina- more versatile; for example, a silk interested in learning more, I taupe. In contrast, with the won- a writer who lives by the beach. tion and make any adjustments button-down shirt works great highly recommend checking her der wardrobe, your color theme These differences in environ- if needed. One suggestion is to for going to dinner with friends page out on YouTube. She posts has no restrictions. For example, ment and routine will be reflected start off with a basic model of and can easily be dressed up for a examples of fashionable and you can have a romantic combi- in the types of clothing included six tops, six bottoms, a couple of professional interview. timeless wardrobes for all body nation of light pink, cherry red, in their closets and the materials dresses and jackets (depending Versatility is very important types and seasons and explains dark brown, beige, and ivory. Or of these garments. on the season), two to three pairs for items in a wonder wardrobe, how to budget your clothing perhaps modern brights like lem- Finally, one of the most im- of shoes, and two bags. so keep that in mind for the next spending if you decide to convert on yellow, sky blue, lime, cobalt, portant qualities of the wonder Of course, this sounds ex- step: shopping. To make this step to this closet. black, and white. Additionally, wardrobe is its small size. The pensive—which is why the best simpler, use your list and color

“The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue”: Literature An Artistic Portrayal of Self Love

By SUAH CHUNG Though the novel starts in the realizes the difference between women as equals, while with Sam, person. Addie and Henry’s rela- present, Addie’s story begins in being independent and belong- she is attracted to her warmth. tionship serves as the backdrop “A voice rises like smoke in- 1714 Villon-sur-Sarthe, a village ing to no one and resigns herself As the cycles continue, however, to their personal growth, with side her chest. on the outskirts of Paris. It’s in to an unmoored yet isolated life. instead of experiencing a more Henry’s struggle to be accepted Never pray to the gods who these memories where the reader Belonging to nothing, Addie vibrant form of love, Addie’s re- by society and his family particu- answer after dark.” first glimpses her unbridled spir- is unable to alter her surround- lationships only grow more dis- larly striking. With moving sensi- The fragile grass parts in it, her love for her father’s vibrant ings, with any attempts at writ- tant and dull, overwhelming the tivity, Schwab describes Henry’s a halo at her feet, and her ha- storytelling on their trips to the ing and art fading away at her reader with a sense of numbness. depression as dark storms that zel strands of hair shine golden city, and the rampant growth of fingertips. And when Addie tries Addie’s first partners undoubt- emerge without warning and en- against the dying sun, the last re- her imagination, haphazard and to say her name, it gets lodged in edly had the potential to develop gulf clear skies and rays of the maining glow of dusk bleeding beautiful. Her soul is most pro- her throat, a byproduct of the into memorable characters but sun, figuratively depicting his into darkness. In the midst, she foundly expressed through her curse. So she trades names and fade into the background as the struggle to find his identity in hears the clamor of clanging pots charcoal sketches, their emotion- identities like coats, not even able novel progresses. This is further those brighter moments. and pans from her small wooden al nuance only amplified through to maintain a semblance of her demonstrated by the male pro- “The Invisible Life of Addie village, which has served as both Schwab’s lush prose. As Addie past life. She finds, however, that tagonist, Henry, a photographer LaRue” is, at its core, a love let- her home and prison for all these grows older and is increasingly she can act as a muse and lover and owner of a small bookshop. ter to the different forms of ar- years. The girl is kneeling, mur- restricted by the expectation to for painters, musicians, photog- From the start, Henry is the only tistic expression, a self-reflection muring under her breath, mov- marry, the listlessness and des- raphers, and writers, leaving evi- person to truly remember Ad- of one’s impact on the course ing lips pressed against a wooden peration she feels toward her dence of her existence by plant- die since the day she was cursed, of history and how to find your ring, and praying for an escape, a future strike a chord with the ing ideas or images into their which is the storybook prem- own identity within the mix. It miracle. As the shadows from the reader, successfully executing a minds during the temporary mo- ise for a fated romantic interest. is at times heart wrenching and hanging branches of the forest profound take on an otherwise ments they share. As these works Their encounter should’ve been a delicate, encapsulating loneliness grow lean against the moonlight, cliché premise. cannot record her face, the seven turning point of the novel, when and the desire for emotional con- an apparition appears and holds Desperate to escape the life freckles that dot her face most the two timelines of the past nection with a personal nuance. out his hand to her. of a housewife, Addie runs away commonly manifest as constella- and present intersect, and Ad- Though the course of the story At this crossroad, she takes to the forest on the day of her tions, a motif and allusion to the die finally experiences love fully. may slow at times, the novel re- his hand, and her ring disinte- wedding, unwilling to conform use of stars in Greek mythology Instead, Henry is almost a repeat mains universally resonant with grates. In that moment, she loses to expectations at the cost of sac- to immortalize and remember of the pattern, only exceptional its readers, a narrative of auton- her father’s carpentry, her prized rificing her dreams and identity. their heroes. because he can remember Addie. omy separate from gender limita- possession, her past, and her Her view is undoubtedly femi- Though this concept is in- Despite Schwab’s effort to craft tions, and the struggle to make a name, all for the chance to live nist, powerful in its resolution triguing, Addie’s cycles through a connection between the char- mark on society. After the count- out her future. but tragic in execution. In her different lovers become repeti- acters through her metaphors less paintings illuminated by This is the premise of “The distress, Addie tells the darkness tive, with only the first few stand- and lush prose, there is a lack of seven stars, blurry photographs, Invisible Life of Addie LaRue” to make her belong to no one ing out for their distinctive char- familiarity in their conversations and music that seemed to have by V. E. Schwab, reminiscent of and grant her immortality, until acters. Addie’s lovers exist for the and interactions, and it becomes composed itself, it is only fitting a Faustian tale—a bargain made she willingly gives up her soul. sole purpose of her character de- clear that shared curses and man- that Henry publishes Addie’s life with the devil in exchange for Hence, in an effort to make Ade- velopment, and through her ac- nerisms are not enough to drive story in a leather-bound cover, one’s soul. Told through a series line promptly relinquish her soul, counts of Remy, a young Parisian a romance. her first piece of work with her of flashbacks, the story integrates the darkness removes her from philosopher, and Sam, a female Perhaps in this way, “The name emblazoned on the front. Addie’s past memories into the the memories of the people from painter, the reader witnesses Ad- Invisible Life of Addie LaRue” In golden ink, the letters spell present, building on the initial air her village, preventing anyone die experience love in increments. presents an unromanticized ver- “The Invisible Life of Addie of ambiguity and loneliness that from remembering her for more With Remy, she falls in love with sion of love, secondary to find- LaRue,” the book you, the reader, permeates all aspects of her life. than a few moments. Addie soon his intelligence and regard for ing and loving who you are as a are holding in your hands. Page 18 The Spectator ● January 22, 2021 Arts and Entertainment Cyberpunk 2077: Seven Years to GAMING Come Out Unfinished By GAVIN MCGINLEY believably cool all at once. mercenary. tion makes “Cyberpunk” almost problem of the game constantly Looking at the gameplay of “Cyberpunk,” however, has work as an action game within throwing new side missions at “Cyberpunk 2077” is perhaps “Cyberpunk,” it’s important to a disappointing lack of impor- an RPG, with high octane cyber you, often during other assign- the most anticipated game of the remember that it is, first and tance placed on player choice violence and first-person shooter ments, without a comprehensive last decade. Announced by CD foremost, a role-playing game. and an absence of any real cus- mechanics clearly the focus of or navigable way of organizing Projekt Red in 2013, the game Its biggest concern is immers- tomization outside of combat. most of its encounters. One of them. had seven long years in develop- ing players in its world, and for One of the main focuses of the the reasons that “Cyberpunk” The more controversial prob- ment to build hype on a global the most part, it delivers. There’s game’s marketing is the idea that seems to have overshadowed lems with “Cyberpunk” come scale. This was only spurred on other RPGs is that, while RPGs not in its design, but in the long by the massive online discussion have a relatively limited target list of bugs that hugely detract surrounding the game, initially audience, shooters and action from player experience. Those because of CD Projekt Red’s games appeal to almost every- on PS4 or Xbox One—the ma- previous successes, but later one. So how is the action? Com- jority of the playerbase—were from the announcement of In- pared to most other games it’s bombarded from start to finish ternet darling Keanu Reeves’s perfectly fine, if not a bit generic. with distracting and often game- role in the game, as well as the Combat is varied and fun, with breaking glitches. While the months of repeated delays. Alas, the game’s wide array of cus- game can look amazing, most of “Cyberpunk 2077” was never tomization opening the door to the time it’s visibly loading in tex- going to live up to the years of a number of distinct playstyles, tures or spawning NPCs in walls. accumulated hype. Even when each one approaching encoun- Combat, with a high number of considering inflated expecta- ters in a unique way. Though enemies and particle effects, can tions, the outrage created by its shooting is downright painful at lag the game to an almost un- buggy, broken state at launch is lower levels, with experience al- playable extent, making aiming completely justified. Yet, under location into shooting skills, gun- incredibly difficult. A number of its rough exterior, “Cyberpunk play becomes much smoother as bugs make progression impos- 2077” can be a genuinely enjoy- the player progresses. Every new sible, forcing players to reload able game, delivering on an im- weapon or cybernetic enhance- entire missions, and the game mersive and engaging narrative, ment affects action in a notice- sometimes crashes unpredictably a fun and complex open world, able and exciting way, and it feels every few hours. It seems very and perfectly serviceable action. really amazing to run around the likely that the constant delays on The strongest part of “Cy- futuristic world as a lawless cy- “Cyberpunk”’s release were due berpunk” is, surprisingly, its sto- borg. to its inability to run on anything ry. CD Projekt Red’s gritty, tragic On a more sour note, some other than next-gen consoles and plot is genuinely poetic and emo- of the more subtle parts of the high-level PCs. Even on more tional in a way few games man- action seem to be crucially un- powerful computers it remains age. From the jump, players take derdeveloped. Stealth bounces plagued with technical problems. control of V, a mercenary in the between laughably easy and soul- “Cyberpunk 2077” is cer- dystopian, crime-ridden corpo- crushingly impossible, while tainly disappointing, but it is by rate hell hole that is Night City. driving, which makes up a sig- no means the disaster people One thing that “Cyberpunk” nificant portion of the game as portray it as. Though it’s not the does well is making the player you traverse Night City between genre-defying masterpiece many care about its characters, wheth- missions, is unnecessarily dif- expected, it still has a masterfully er it’s the protagonist, Johnny Annie Lam / The Spectator ficult. A much larger problem designed open world, interest- Silverhand (Keanu Reeves), or very little you can’t do, or try your actions would visibly affect is the incredibly poor balancing ing characters, and a well-written anyone else you meet in Night to do, in Night City’s intricately the open world of Night City, between playstyles. “Net Run- story. It feels like a game with a City. The mix of well-written crafted network of streets. A few but outside of the final missions ner,” a kind of super hacker, is huge amount of potential, but dialogue, impressive animations, hours in, and the massive me- and distinct endings, there are by far the most original, deep, one that needs months more in and cohesive individual arcs tropolis is completely open, with few tangible outcomes for the and fun playstyle the game has to development to be fully released. bring the characters and their all of its stores, apartment com- hundreds of decisions the player offer, involving hopping through The majority of the game’s ele- world to life. Of course, Reeves plexes, and ramen booths fully makes. The complete omission camera feeds and frying people’s ments are broken, unbalanced, is excellent. As Johnny Silver- accessible and functional. Night of any dialogue skills also con- built-in electronics, but the diffi- or unfinished, but the complete hand, cyborg rockstar, he is lit- City is vast, but every corner is tributes to the more linear feel of culty is so low that there’s no rea- pieces hint at a game that could erally implanted into your head packed with thought and detail, the game’s story, and while other son to ever invest time into this be truly excellent. CD Projekt early in the game and plays a big with some side quest or collect- RPGs allow players to talk their more complicated, slow-paced Red will likely be able to patch role as V’s imaginary friend or ible to find. V is a blank slate, way through situations, “Cyber- approach. When you can punch “Cyberpunk 2077” into a more alternate personality. There are and the game includes every- punk” insists that every problem the final boss to death in 15 sec- stable state, but as it stands even a few missions when you thing from basic stat allocation should be addressed through onds on the hardest setting, actu- now, the game’s enjoyability is play as him, and Reeves excels at to customizable genitals to fully combat. al thought put into combat starts overshadowed by its extensive being likable, obnoxious, and un- absorb the player into the cyborg This increased focus on ac- to feel pointless. There’s also the amount of embarrassing flaws. Music Taylor Swift (For)evermore By ELEANOR LEUNG and electronic production. It was the cure,” (from “champagne prob- connect her stories to create her Better” to her mom, Andrea JENNY LIU start of her reinvention journey: lems”) references King Midas signature nostalgic feel. One can Swift, and her battle with cancer gone was the nice, country girl from Greek mythology, who imagine Dorothea (a character and again through “evermore” The world thought Taylor image. “Lover,” however, was turns all he touches to gold. This from a track on “evermore”) at on “marjorie,” a tribute to Mar- Swift was done, but alas, she’s a grace period, (as the cotton is a possible allusion to Swift’s the same high school as Betty garet Finley, Swift’s late grand- taken us back into the folklor- candy skies suggest) the rainbow partner, Joe Alywn, who she is and James (from “betty” on mother. ian woods once again with “ev- after the storm. “folklore” and currently in a happy relationship “folklore”) while Abigail (“Fif- Maturity in music is not a ermore.” Though “evermore” “evermore” signaled her return with. Swift often uses gold to de- teen” from “Fearless”) sits in new concept, but the way it ap- is considered the sister album back home. scribe her boyfriend, suggesting their classes and Drew (“Tear- pears in Swift’s music is. Gone to “folklore,” there’s something The whimsical opening that their connection is pure and drops on My Guitar” from are the days when she spoke of to be said about the aptness of chords of track one, “willow,” valuable. “Taylor Swift”) walks down the fairy tales, the boy next door “evermore” in the grand scheme pick up exactly where “cardigan” The lack of sappy hooks and school hallway, waiting to break dating the cheerleader, and white of Swift’s entire discography. left off, unveiling more of the ultra-catchy refrains on “ever- someone’s heart. I suppose the horses. There’s a realization Swift has been so ahead of the woodsy fairyland air evocative more” is what differentiates it heart is rather fond of youth. that reinvention is not a forced curve that her albums have come of “folklore.” Even with sparse from “folklore.” Songs like “clo- Though these fictive char- phase, but a natural, enduring full-circle and became a sphere. instrumentation and produc- sure” and “tolerate it” can eas- acters undoubtedly bring a vi- process. It doesn’t have to be Country-infused tracks like tion, “evermore” crafts a world ily become melded in the listen- brancy to Swift’s storytelling, as sharp as transitioning from “long story short” and “no body, embellished with pixie dust and ers’ minds into shapeless, foggy her most powerful lyrics are country to pop or calling out no crime” pay homage to 2006’s gold. Fan-favorite tracks “cham- mist. This largely has to do with inspired by the experiences and celebrity feuds in high-budget “Taylor Swift” and 2008’s “Fear- pagne problems” and “willow” the absence of musical direction, memories with her family. They music videos. It’s simply real- less.” One can hear the harmoni- feature Swift’s classic guitar, as many of these tracks lack a ground her narrative and help izing that “you haven’t met the cas and banjos shine through af- while tracks “tolerate it” and buildup to a sweeping chorus her develop the emotional matu- new me yet” (“happiness” from ter being dusted off and reclaim “evermore” are backed mainly or climax. Still, as mentioned rity that is so prominent in the “evermore”). their glory. The light, airy “long by piano. The true beauty of before, Swift’s songwriting abili- album. The album wouldn’t be Long story short (pun in- story short” and “gold rush” are Swift’s songs on both “folklore” ties more than compensate for the same without the slivers of tended), “evermore” just fits. reminiscent of 2008’s “Speak and “evermore,” however, lies any pacing issues, as listeners are Swift’s personal life which dis- Swift left her early sound only Now” and 2012’s “Red.” But for in her lyricism. One can only typically too immersed into the play a sincerity absent from the to come back and reinvent it to all this to come full-circle, Swift truly appreciate the music after alternate world of magic and tabloid headlines in the media. sound more mature and insight- had to depart from her early they’ve really understood the fairies to notice. Her music acts as both an en- ful. As she writes on “marjorie,” sounds in the first place. “1989” story Swift weaves using her lyr- Not only does Swift’s intro- couragement and a memorial “What died didn’t stay dead.” I and “Reputation” mark her ics. For example, “Your Midas spective songwriting pay hom- for the people she loves. This is would argue that it came back snakeskin-shedding period, filled touch on the Chevy door / No- age to her older music/albums, exemplified through “Lover,” as even more alive. with surging synthesizers and vember flush and your flannel but it also allows her to inter- she dedicated “Soon You’ll Get The Spectator ● January 22, 2021 Page 19 Arts and Entertainment MUSIC A Tribute To the Illest Villain By LEVI SIMON Sporting a villainous metal mask, favorites such as “Hoe Cakes,” “Curls,” to the bouncy chop on on to be influential in their own a deep, husky voice, and unparal- “One Beer,” and “Beef Rap” land “Figaro,” each beat is full of per- right. There’s a good chance your Daniel Dumile was a man of leled rhymes and wordplay, MF on the project, and almost every sonality. The cartoon samples are favorite rapper wouldn’t sound many monikers. He was a secre- DOOM was established as one track is of comparable quality. It’s expertly manipulated to form an the way they do without the im- tive man, who used a plethora of the most refreshing up-and- one of the most fun rap albums entertaining subnarrative, and the pact of Dumile. of pseudonyms and his iconic comers in underground hip-hop. of the 2000s; it’s dense, creative, accompanying side effects further Despite Dumile’s influence, mask, to obscure his real life. By Throughout the next five years, and one of a kind. On the other bolster the comic book aesthetic. he remains largely unknown to concealing himself, he shifted fo- Dumile dropped a handful of hand, Dumile’s influential col- It’s a near flawless project and an the general public. His name cus to his music. With complete excellent projects under various laboration with the unparalleled essential member of the hip-hop is relegated to fan discussions, control of his image, he could be monikers. “Take Me To Your producer Madlib,“Madvillainy” canon. but within said discourse he has whatever he wanted to be. With Leader” (2003) sees Dumile’s is a return to Dumile’s darkness Naturally, with such a high amassed quite the reputation. It his newfound powers, Dumile production at its airiest and ramps and widely regarded as the great- quality discography, Dumile was isn’t infrequently that he is com- became MF DOOM, hip-hop’s up the use of colorful, cartoony est abstract hip-hop album of all bound to make an impact on fu- pared to such legends as JAY-Z, supervillain, and one of the most samples that would later populate time. His cartoony persona is in ture artists. Members of the Odd Kanye West, Tupac, Nas, and The influential rappers of all time. his most iconic work. “Vaudeville peak form, as he raps about his Future collective, such as Tyler, Notorious B.I.G.. In the wake of Dumile’s career began in Villain” (2003) is his grittiest and fictitious evil doings in the third the Creator and Earl Sweatshirt his death, it seems all the more the late ‘80s, when he formed a most straightforward project. He person. “Meat Grinder” and have called DOOM their favorite necessary to examine the mark rap group called KMD with his exchanges most of the runtime “Fancy Clown” are some of the rapper of all time, and it shows in he made. Though Dumile died brother and a few other rappers devoted to character building on best character portraits in hip- their music. Both of their voices in October 2020, it was only an- from Long Island, where he lived. his previous projects for dense hop’s history, and they’re textured and flows are reminiscent of Du- nounced just a few hours before When his brother was fatally hit flows and dark production. with some of the most capti- mile’s, and Earl’s work prior to the ball dropped in Times Square by a car on the Nassau Express- Dumile had one of the most vating production since GZA’s “Solace” (2015) has a DOOM in 2021, shocking the entire hip- way in 1993, Dumile withdrew impressive years in hip-hop his- “Liquid Swords” (1995). Madlib’s feel to the rhyme schemes. Other hop community. Rappers and from the rap scene in shock for tory in 2004. With the release of sample flips and percussive flair notable artists with a DOOM producers sent their condolences four years. Once he returned, both “Mm.. Food” and “Madvil- are near unrivaled within hip-hop, obsession include Logic, Action and shared their dismay in mass. he played gigs around the city, lainy,” he cemented himself as and Madvillain is at its peak. Each Bronson, Joey Bada$$, and sur- Rest in peace to Dumile, a legend experimenting with personas in- one of the greatest rappers of beat is its own woozy, stoned out, prisingly, Drake. In fact, early in and an inspiration to all that knew spired by his childhood obsession all time. “Mm.. Food” is a series instantly recognizable world for his career, Drake released a re- him. with comic books. On his 1999 of light-hearted, catchy, quot- DOOM to explore. From the mix of “Accordion,” titled “The debut, “Operation Doomsday,” able, food-themed tracks that has dreamy drone of “Accordion” Grind” featuring Nickelus F. “Livin’ off borrowed time, the MF DOOM was brought to life. captured the hearts of many. Fan to the slinking lounge guitars of Each of these rappers has gone clock tick faster.” —MF DOOM Television “The Mandalorian” Season 2 Thoughts By AGATHA EDWARDS istic, featuring rocky and grassy born warrior to a brave, caring, ed up loving the more isolated one of the fan-favorite episodes mountains, an underground father-like figure is illuminated storylines of this season. All of from this season was episode Almost a year after the first frozen planet, a barren desert in the emotional season finale. the stand-alone episodes were two, one of the stand-alone ad- season dropped, a second sea- civilization (Tatooine, from the The Mandalorians are bound by action-packed and kept watchers ventures, which almost worked son of “The Mandalorian” came original “Star Wars” movies), and a strict way of life that doesn’t on the edges of their seats, and as a horror movie, being both out on October 30 on Disney+, of course, outer space. The cos- allow for much freedom, and in peppered with hidden details and captivating and absolutely nerve- captivating fans all around the wracking. world once again. Set in the “Star This season of the Mandalo- Wars” universe, the show takes a rian also provided plenty of fan highly episodic format, with each service, calling on nostalgia by distinct narrative exhilaratingly bringing back existing characters full of action-packed fights and and making countless references missions involving everything to previous pieces of “Star Wars” from dark robots to giant spiders. media. “The Mandalorian” as a Though the “Star Wars” movies series takes place only a couple are well-known, the franchise’s of years after “The Return of the deeper lore is not, and “The Man- Jedi,” so there was plenty of con- dalorian” allows viewers to fur- tent for the writers to work with. ther explore this universe from Of course, one of the main allu- a different perspective, learning sions is having Din travel to Ta- about new storylines within this tooine, Luke Skywalker’s home, already beloved mythos. in the first episode, and other “The Mandalorian” mainly references include reintroducing focuses on the relationship be- Boba Fett (Temuera Morrison), tween the Mandalorian himself Ahsoka Tano (Rosario Dawson) (Pedro Pascal) and The Child, a from the animated Clone Wars cute green organism nicknamed series, a few characters from the “Baby Yoda” by fans worldwide. previous season, and one huge In the season, along with war- surprise in the final episode. The riors Cara Dune (Gina Carano) first season didn’t have any cam- and Greef Karga (Carl Weath- eos like these, so it was very ex- ers), the pair stopped evil forces citing to see some references this of the Empire, the iconic antago- time around. On the other hand, nists of the “Star Wars” movies, the show would be just as great a from stealing The Child for ex- stand-alone epic in its own world. perimental purposes. The Man- Din is without question the main dalorian, also called Din Djarin, character and central focus, and finds out that The Child pos- nostalgic “Star Wars” references sesses great power, leading him are more of a side dish, meant to to spend this season seeking out please the audience rather than other Mandalorians to help him define the show. Bringing in these bring The Child to a Jedi mas- characters does create potential ter. Together, Din and The Child for spin-offs though, including travel across galaxies searching “The Book of Boba Fett,” which for answers, meeting friends and is confirmed to come out in Oc- enemies along the way. tober 2021. Executive producers and di- All in all, “The Mandalorian” rectors Dave Filoni and Jon Fa- has enchanted “Star Wars” fans vreau are the minds behind “The old and new alike, all over the Mandalorian.” Along with other world. The characters, plot, set directors, these two were tasked / The Spectator Cindy Yang design, and costumes are all on with an immense challenge: pro- tumes and makeup are incredible, the first season, Din was very se- foreshadowing, providing insight point, and the dialogue is rivet- vide “Star Wars” fans with the ranging from the original, shiny rious about following the code into future episodes. These epi- ing, sprinkled with bits of humor same experience they got while Mandalorian suit to the colorful and respecting his religion. By sodes gave the writers more cre- and emotion throughout. Due watching “A New Hope” (1977) face painting of characters like the second season, however, he’s ative freedom to explore different to its popular reception, “The or “The Force Awakens” (2015) Cara Dune and Ahsoka Tano. realized that he has to make some plotlines and test the audience’s Mandalorian” has been renewed for the first time in theaters. The second season of “The sacrifices for The Child and his reaction. Some would argue that for a third season, expected to air There may have been fewer fight- Mandalorian” did an incred- allies. these episodes are irrelevant, but toward the end of 2021. Aside ing and flying scenes than in the ible job of pushing Din out of Though it may be a little un- most would agree that they were from “The Book of Boba Fett,” movies, but there was still plenty his comfort zone to make risky usual at first to watch a show in great ways to slowly build up to there have been several other ru- of action and suspense. but ultimately successful sacri- which some episodes aren’t nec- the climax of the series and pro- mors of spin-offs. Looks like the The sets created for the show fices and decisions. His - char essarily connected to the main vide watchers with entertaining “Star Wars” universe has no in- are stunning and extremely real- acter growth from a cold, stub- plot, most viewers actually end- and innovative content. In fact, tention of coming to a close. Page 20 The Spectator ● January 22, 2021 Arts and Entertainment MUSIC The Most Anticipated Albums of 2021 By THEO KUBOVY-WEISS potential release of her next 2016’s “Blonde,” Frank Ocean coming album will change that. personal and evocative poetry, project. Despite rumors of an has released a series of singles Last year’s release of “Dark her last album marked the be- Though 2020 was unani- impending release, given the in 2018 and this past year. His Lane Demo Tapes,” a com- ginning of a new era for Del mously considered a dumpster quality, success, and time be- uncharacteristic activity on In- pilation of unreleased tracks, Rey, one that will hopefully fire of a year, the one realm in tween releases of her past proj- stagram, Apple Music radio left fans largely unsatisfied and continue for years to come. An- which it did succeed was music ects (2011’s “21” and 2015’s show “Blonded Radio,” and his looking for more. With a teaser nounced alongside the release releases. From Fiona Apple’s “25”), fans shouldn’t get their website blonded.com have led video including many scenes of her spoken-word album Pitchfork-10-receiving “Fetch hopes up too high for a follow- fans to speculate that his next from past albums (including “Violet Bent Backwards Over the Bolt Cutters”’ to Phoebe up in the near future. album will be coming soon. Yet, fan favorites like 2011’s “Take the Grass,” “Chemtrails Over Bridgers’s poetic and heart- with such a mysterious, private Care” and 2013’s “Nothing the Country Club” promises to wrenching “Punisher” to Lil SZA and elusive figure like Frank, it’s Was the Same”), hopefully this be a profound, moving project. Uzi Vert’s transformative, inter- Following a series of suc- just as likely to drop tomorrow album will reestablish Drake in After all, being named “one of galactic “Eternal Atake,” there cessful mixtapes and her debut as it is to drop in a decade. All his prime. We’ll find out later America’s greatest living song- was something for everyone album “Ctrl” (2017) receiving we can do is hope and this month if that ends up be- writers” by Pitchfork doesn’t to enjoy. Yet, just as we hope universal acclaim, SZA fans wait. ing the case. come without high expecta- to be the case in every other and music buffs alike are highly tions. realm of culture, society, and anticipating her next move. De- epidemiology, 2021 has the po- spite allusions to the album’s KENDRICK LAMAR tential to one-up the past year. imminence throughout the past Without any formal confir- To guide you in your fulfilling year, all we got was the release LANA mation of a 2021 release, try- musical journey over the next of “Good Days” on Christmas. DEL REY: ing to predict a Kendrick drop 12 months, here are some of Whether this is a teaser track “Chemtrails is… risky. But, after a number the most anticipated albums of to her next album or a one-off Over the Coun- of planned (and later canceled) this year: drop is unclear. But, given her try Club,” Com- music festival performances ongoing conflict with her re- ing March and solid features, 2021 could ADELE cord label Top Dawg Entertain- Yaqi Zeng/ The Spectator While Lana Del Rey be the year. It’s been four years After admitting that her ment, the timing of the release DRAKE: “Certified Lover has always had an active since 2016’s Pulitzer Prize-win- album wasn’t done during an of new music is anyone’s guess. Boy,” Coming January fan base, her music received ning “DAMN,” so fans are hun- October episode of “Saturday It’s been a while since Drake scant critical acclaim until gry for more. Fingers crossed Night Live,” Adele has been FRANK OCEAN released a widely well-received 2019’s “Norman [EXPLE- he delivers. rather quiet about the state and Following the smash hit of project, but hopefully his up- TIVE] Rockwell!” With deeply Music Ludwig Göransson, and the Perfection of Sound By DEXTER WELLS fictional Wakanda would re- nal “Star Wars” trilogy (along with accordingly avant-garde Album of the Year and Best Ur- semble culturally. Göransson with “Jaws,” “Jurassic Park,” synth. It is, in a word, epic. ban Contemporary Album at the Ludwig Göransson is per- felt that he would only be able and many others), Göransson Tense arpeggiation enhances 60th Annual Grammy Awards haps the most interesting name to do Coogler’s script justice if found his own way to make the the suspense or anxiety of cer- in 2018. The single “Redbone,” in the musical world at present, he experienced West African music fit. While the soundtrack tain scenes, while softer, padded which is RIAA quintuple-plati- in large part because he spans so culture firsthand, so he traveled stays true to the original “Star synths add texture throughout num certified, was nominated much of it. Born in Linköping, to Senegal. There, he accom- Wars” music, which utilizes rec- other, less action-packed scenes. for Record of the Year and Best Sweden in 1984, Göransson was panied prominent Senegalese ognizable themes, he combines Additionally, a liberal amount R&B Song, and won the award named after the German com- musician Baaba Maal on tour rhythmic percussion, ricochet- of thud sounds are incorporat- for Best Traditional R&B Per- poser Ludwig van Beethoven. in Dakar and met many other ing wind instruments, and a ed alongside synths for dramatic formance. Göransson also pro- He attended the Stockholm griots, or storytelling musi- medley of strings to create a effect. Göransson, however, is duced the 2018 hit single “This Royal College of Music and in cians. He recorded with many unique sound, contrasting John attuned to the more emotional Is America” (triple-platinum 2007, moved to Los Angeles to of these griots in Maal’s studio, Williams’s use of typically clas- passages within the film, during RIAA certified), a critical dis- study film composition at the assembling an arsenal of unique sical instruments. Alongside which he prefers to use classi- cussion of racial injustice and University of Southern Cali- instruments. The final score his embrace of acoustic instru- cal string instruments. Ludwig gun violence. fornia (USC). Göransson has combines African instruments ments, Göransson uses synths was present on set for the film’s Ludwig Göransson is dis- worked on a multitude of shows with classical music and hip-hop to amplify climactic moments. climactic scene and used rather tinguished by his versatility and and movies, including “New percussion in a thrillingly, unex- At times he even incorporates unorthodox techniques to pro- eagerness to experiment—the Girl” (2011-2018), “Commu- pected—but fitting—balance. electric guitar, and during the duce a soundtrack he was sat- two go hand-in-hand. From re- nity” (2009-2015), “Creed” Göransson’s score earned him a introduction of the formidable isfied with. To reflect a major versing sheet music in his own (2015), “Venom” (2018), and Grammy Award for Best Score “Dark Troopers,” harsh dub- aspect of the film, “inversion,” studio to flying to West Africa, “Black Panther” (2018). Soundtrack For Visual Media step-esque electronic music. Göransson actually wrote the he has demonstrated a com- In the film world, Görans- and the Oscar for Best Origi- Remarkably, it all feels coherent sheet music for some of his mu- mitment to perfection and au- son’s work on the soundtrack of nal Score at the 91st Academy within the show’s context, as the sicians backward. thenticity of sound that is rare “Black Panther” was the result Awards in 2019. Mandalorian traverses various Though he has worked pre- among his peers. Additionally, of a college friendship. Görans- His most recent endeavors planets and encounters a range dominantly in television and he has played a role in the con- son met the film’s director, include Christopher Nolan’s of challenges. film, Göransson’s career has versation of race within the Ryan Coogler, at USC through “Tenet” (2020) and Season 2 of In contrast with “The reached the realm of hip-hop United States. Though a for- a roommate. Coogler, 21 at the Jon Favreau’s “The Mandalori- Mandalorian,” Göransson’s as well. In fact, it was on the eigner and white, he has shown time, was directing the short an” (2019-present). Göransson work on “Tenet” is highly dis- set of the NBC sitcom “Com- his dedication to assisting his film “Fig” (2010) and asked if returned to “The Mandalorian,” similar. Scored to complement munity” that Göransson met Black collaborators, like Glover Göransson would score it. The acclaimed for the final episode Christopher Nolan’s style, the Donald Glover, better known and Coogler, and amplifying duo went on to collaborate of Season 1, for which he re- soundtrack is bold and extreme. as Childish Gambino. Glover Black voices rather than speak- on all of Coogler’s short films ceived the Primetime Emmy Göransson departs from his ef- and Göransson have since col- ing for them. Göransson throws and feature films, as well as Award for Outstanding Music forts to stay culturally authentic, laborated on every Gambino himself wholeheartedly into all “Fruitvale Station” (2013) and Composition for a Series. The since “Tenet” doesn’t represent album, from “Camp” (2011) to of his work, and the music re- “Creed.” The two stayed in close flute theme he created for the a particular culture (or cultural “3.15.2020” (2020). Their most flects it. He is a modern master communication throughout the show is nothing short of iconic. struggle), as previous films critically acclaimed album to of sound, whose expertise will production of “Black Panther,” Rather than trying to imitate Göransson has scored have. date is the 2016 Funkadelic-in- only increase throughout the fu- discussing what countries the the mastery of John Williams, Göransson’s soundtrack reflects spired “Awaken, My Love!” The ture of his career. the composer of the origi- an audacious, futuristic premise album received nominations for Film “Death To 2020”: An Hour-Long Fever Dream By KENISHA MAHAJAN for the hit series “Black Mirror” political comedy. The film is alone serious contemplation. job exceptionally difficult. While (2011-present), “Death to 2020” profoundly mediocre, featuring “Death to 2020,” however, most presidents have learned to “It’s a look back over the showed promise at first. I mean, bland jokes that you’ve likely cannot be considered stale just take a joke or two, Trump re- year. We’re reliving the events of 2020 was essentially one long heard before and all-too-familiar because of its writing. Political sponds to any ridicule with full 2020.” “Black Mirror” episode. Instead characters fetched straight out of satire has been on the decline for force. By refusing to accept the “Why in the [EXPLETIVE] of the clever, sharp satire audi- Twitter. “Death to 2020” simply the last few years. This downturn very mechanism of satire, Trump would you wanna do that?” ences have come to expect of recounts the events of the year is largely attributed to “President makes ironic humor next to im- Brooker, “Death to 2020” ended and doesn’t offer the audience and experimental pig-man, Don- possible. An added obstacle for A good question indeed. Sad- up resembling CliffsNotes for more than some recycled ob- ald Trump” (their words, not satirists in developing original ly, it’s never answered in Netflix’s 2020. servational humor. A piece like mine). The purpose of satire is ideas has been the media. With new 70-minute mockumentary Unless you’ve been living “Death to 2020” is meant to to be humorous while exploring the media openly criticizing our “Death to 2020.” Produced by under a rock for the last year, offer some much-needed reflec- social and political issues. Trump Emmy-winning producer Char- “Death to 2020” will likely strike tion on such a peculiar year, but seems to be the perfect target for continued on page 21 lie Brooker who’s best known you as an uninspired, overdone it hardly warrants a head-tilt, let comedians, but he has made their The Spectator ● January 22, 2021 Page 21 Arts and Entertainment Film “Death To 2020”: An Hour-Long Fever Dream telling format with interviews utilized effectively. Instead, mentary and some archetypes coach,” and Kudrow’s nutty continued from page 20 and short skits woven in. we’re left with a collection of specific to 2020. The cast “nonofficial White House Though the structure shallow one-liners, which is most notably features Samuel spokesperson” persona. De- president unlike during previous plays to Brooker’s very unusual for Brooker. The L. Jackson, Hugh Grant, Lisa spite the film’s shortcomings administrations, political satire is stylistic strengths in last year gave writers a wealth Kudrow, and Joe Keery; how- in terms of writing, the ac- no longer about saying what ev- establish- ing an over- of material to work with, but ever, the most memorable tors’ delivery saves the script. eryone is thinking but instead arching satirical “Death to 2020” is a rather performances are Cristin Mili- The greatest issue with about offering a fresh take. nar- rative, it tame take on such an action- oti’s “regular soccer mom” “Death to 2020” is simply its Regardless, a lot of the isn’t packed year. The film is in- and Dianne Morgan’s role as lack of perspective. It’s admi- faults of “Death to 2020” stead filled with comments “one of the five most average rable that one would take on are avoidable. There are a that are just… so 2020. people in the world.” Though the task of recapping such few lame attempts at add- The highlight of the “Karen” trope is the easi- an eventful year, but perhaps ing nuance to the film b y the movie is defi- est to overdo, Milioti’s perfor- it’s too early for us to look poking fun at both nitely the star-stud- mance as a crazed “Kathy” back on the events of 2020 sides of the politi- ded cast. “Death to will get plenty of laughs out in a new light. The film im- cal spectrum, such as 2020” is meant to tell of you. The ironically hu- pressively straddles the thin referring to the right the story of “the most man-hating behavioral psy- line between “too late” and as “[EXPLICIT]- historic year in his- chologist, Dr. Maggie Gravel “too soon” and fails at both. nose extremists” tory” through multiple (Leslie Jones), is representa- “Death to 2020” may not be and the left as perspectives, including tive of cynicism during 2020 a cinematic masterpiece, but “whiney woke- historians, powerbro- and offers a breath of fresh it’s a surefire way to kill time lords,” paired kers, psychologists, roy- air between some duller sec- and laugh at a rather hellish with one too many alty, average citizens, and tions. Honorable mentions go year. If you are really wish- jokes about Biden’s anyone in between. The to Joe Keery’s performance as r ing “Death to 2020” however, age. Another issue to ta Duke Goolies, your stereotyp- c characters are a mix of then this movie is one you can e lies in the structure of p S what one would normally ical millennial influencer and go without seeing. he the film: the movie fol- T u / see in any PBS history docu- “barman/mixologist/DJ/life y L lows a chronological story- Emil

Television “The Flight Attendant” Takes Off

By ROXY PERAZZO “The Flight Attendant” puts a Cassie not only imagines herself both personal and case-perti- future for the concept. Megan unique twist on the classic mys- back in the hotel room with nent scenes makes each episode is shown several times talking HBO Max’s new mystery tery story as Cassie frequently Alex, but also remembers her captivating and the entire sea- with suspicious people over the series, “The Flight Attendant,” reflects on the night she spent childhood and goes on a mental son binge-worthy. “The Flight phone, but it isn’t made clear began its gradual release on No- with Alex Sokolov (Michiel journey to remember the reality Attendant” is also well-balanced why or what she is doing. “The vember 26, 2020. A show that Huisman), the man she woke up of how certain childhood mem- when it comes to humorous and Flight Attendant” still has a follows the typical hallmarks of next to. She even asks him for ories occurred (as her brother serious moments, and the dead- chance to resolve Megan’s plot both crime and comedy simulta- advice throughout her investi- remembers), as opposed to the pan comedy makes the show a holes in the second season, neously, it gives viewers the best gation by imagining what he flawed versions she has carried little less disturbing, providing though. of both worlds. might say as she delves deeper with her. The style of storytell- enjoyable moments of friend- Overall, if you’re looking for The series follows Cassie into the ever more mysterious ing puts viewers in the charac- ship between the characters. a generic, run-of-the-mill crime Bowden (Kaley Cuoco), a dis- world of Alex. ter’s head and allows them to see While most of the plot lines procedural, “The Flight Atten- connected flight attendant, “The Flight Attendant” her thought process. There are were well thought-out, there are dant” is not the place to find who, after working on a flight makes the mystery even more no “Why would you do that?!” two storylines involving Cassie’s it. The first season is a good to Bangkok, wakes up in a hotel appealing by candidly display- moments, no matter how stupid friends—Ani Mouradian (Zosia mix of both mystery, drama, room next to a dead man with ing the flaws and struggles of the decision might be. Mamet), a lawyer, and Megan and comedy, with none of the no memory of what happened. the characters, and of Cassie Despite each episode being Briscoe (Rosie Perez), another genres taking away from the Cassie’s immediate instinct is in particular. The toll that the jam-packed with new cracks in flight attendant—that don’t others. The introspection of the to clean up and flee the crime murder and investigation take the case, “The Flight Attendant” seem to go anywhere. Ani is protagonist is unique and results scene, eventually leading to on Cassie and her relationships manages to not feel rushed. The shown at one point smuggling in greater viewer engagement. her desperately trying to prove is not neglected, nor are Cassie’s pacing of the show leaves view- something into a prison, and Above all, “The Flight Atten- her innocence to the FBI. Her alcoholic tendencies. Through ers wanting more (good news, risks being disbarred (it’s not ex- dant” does a great job of bal- panic and grief over the inci- the show’s exploration of per- the show has been renewed for actly clear for what, but it seems ancing the disturbing, sad, and dent pushes her to conduct her sonal issues, the characters are a second season), as the urgency to be more than just smuggling). funny scenes, while maintaining own investigation and leads her given layers and depth, which of the case is delicately balanced It’s never made clear why she is the integrity of the investigative down a dark path with constant makes the story even more per- with a plot that progresses at a taking part in this illicit activity, nature of the show. twists and grave consequences. sonal. Throughout the episodes, steady pace. The overlap of and there doesn’t seem to be a Music A Silent Requiem In “Sound of Metal” By CHRISTINA PAN tar. It would almost be a beau- learns about surgical options, throughout the film besides Ru- on headphones and revel in the tiful moment, complete with a and starts racing to raise the ben’s deafness. Instead, Marder sound of an orchestra, or listen The first thing you’ll hear strange sense of organized ca- money for his expensive surgery builds tension from the anxiety to my favorite song until I could in Darius Marder’s directorial cophony, but the ringing comes so he can get back to where he of the restless. When Ruben think of nothing but the lyrics. debut “Sound of Metal” isn’t back, and the audio flips out. was before. He can play through first meets Joe, he’s warned that Marder submerges his audience heavy-metal drumming, but the It’s muffled, in and out, and it’ll it. Everything is fine; let’s play at the retreat isn’t about fixing his in pure empathy to the point sound of an orchestra tuning as only get worse. We’re hearing the next show. ears, but his mindset. Yes, he’ll where the viewer, like Ruben, the theatrical logo of Amazon’s what Ruben hears. The sound But there’s no going back. learn sign language, and he’ll be needs to escape. Prime Video Cinema unfolds design sucks us into his mind: The doctor explains this, and welcomed to the conversation Once we step away from the on screen. Each sound is shaped the feeling of drowning in deep Ruben, egged on by Lou, be- that goes on silently around the screen, however, there’s this re- with sterile minimalism—the water, suffocating panic, and grudgingly checks into a facil- idyllic space. But he has to learn alization that we’re experiencing strings are almost synth-like, a the flickering haziness of every- ity for the deaf run by a man to sit with himself first. Ruben’s precisely what Ruben is. We’ve singular note prolonged as the thing. Unease creeps in almost named Joe (Paul Raci). Most of always found comfort in activity been in quarantine for nearly an camera pans to the theater front, instantaneously. the film takes place in this ru- and noise; it’s this constant “go, entire year, and there’s an ac- its timbre crisp and defined. “Sound of Metal” follows ral retreat, with the sounds of go, go” menace that tells him cepted sense of optimism that Then comes silence. The a musician who goes deaf, but crickets buzzing, the laughter of that all the stopping, stillness, looks to the future when we can curtain is drawn, and the first act that’s not what the film is about. children at an associated school and silence means death. The all be in person again and every- has yet to start. When it does, There’s a total submersion we for the deaf, and the banging on horror of deafness isn’t just the thing will be the same as it were we hear a ringing before the find ourselves in that captures the dinner table as sign language loss of music, but the rejection before the coronavirus. And yet music. It’s a jarring noise, like a the fragility of daily existence. flashes in flurries of conversa- of change and the deception of “Sound of Metal’’ fights for the knife scraping against a bottle, Films about life-changing events tion. Ruben, however, is re- normalcy. opposite, in all its sensitive and reverberating constantly. Yet often turn to gimmicky melo- peatedly thrown into situations As I watched “Sound of silent glory. It makes me think the music comes back quickly, dramas, with cheap sentiment to where he’s isolated. He sits mis- Metal,” I couldn’t exactly pry of music at a funeral, the haunt- and we’re swept to the intoxi- tug at the heartstrings; “Sound erably mute while those around my physical reactions from ing mark of an ending, a re- cating fervor of a rock show. of Metal” is anything but. him converse in sign language. what was happening on screen. quiem of sorts. But Ruben can’t Ruben Stone (Riz Ahmed) is at Ahmed plays it subtle, a qui- He can’t communicate with It captures a musician’s jour- hear the music. He can’t bring the drums, hammering away as etness that comes with the fear the deaf or the hearing until he ney through deafness with such himself near the coda and stays Lou (Olivia Cooke), the band’s and denial of loss. It’s mere learns to adapt to his current gritty authenticity that it made hovering in a continuous cycle frontwoman, howls into a mi- minutes after we meet Ruben situation. my skin crawl. It made me want of yearning—all for a reality crophone and thrashes her gui- and Lou that he gets diagnosed, There isn’t an inciting event to run away, or perhaps throw that he can’t get back to. Page 22 The Spectator ● January 22, 2021 Humor These articles are works of fiction. All quotes are libel and slander. New Zoom Updates! (Super Fun!)

By ERICA CHEN ble. After much consideration, ever, due to the overwhelming staff at Zoom cares about the velopment, so in order to im- and OLIVER HOLLMANN we decided to take away break- byte size that all the flags take up, people who use our product, es- prove the organizer experience, out rooms completely. After all, we have opted to simply replace pecially those who rely on it for we have completely removed Hey Zoom users! Welcome the best solution to a problem is each flag design with a white education. the option to turn off cameras. to our company blog where we to remove it by its roots. Without background over which, in black To be transparent, we plan to Many of you reading this may be will be sharing comments and breakout rooms, there’s nothing text, is the name of that coun- address another concern from concerned about your privacy, thoughts on new updates. We for anyone to argue about. try. Software limitations aside, we teachers: virtual backgrounds. A but have no fear because we have wanted to let you know that hope that people will be inspired number of distressed teachers also implemented a feature that there will be a blog post before Update Blog: Feb 12, 2021 and empowered by these very have spoken out about students will remedy this problem. every major update; this way, you Greetings! Now that our plat- low-quality images with incred- using displeasing or inappro- We call this feature “Avert At- can know what to expect on this form’s troubling issues have been ibly small text. priate backgrounds. One such tention,” and you can activate it website! irrevocably solved (Ha, we aren’t As an unfortunate conse- educator, who chose to remain with a button on the bottom left falling for your tricks again. We quence of these numerous and anonymous, said that one of of the Zoom window screen any Have a jolly day. aren’t fools), we are excited to variably applicable emoticons, his students “showed an image time you don’t want to be seen. behind them that distracted and When you press this button, red Update Blog: Jan 30, 2021 derailed the class, creating a dis- flashing text will appear on every Zoom update team here! ruption that [the teacher] could other participant’s screen, read- We’re back with more news After much consideration, we not deal with in the slightest.” ing: “PLEASE IGNORE [Your about the latest Zoom updates. To solve this issue, we have Name Here]. AVERT YOUR First up, there was an abun- decided to take away breakout rooms removed the ability to create vir- ATTENTION FROM [Your dance of comments on our web- tual backgrounds and replaced it Name Here].” This will surely site asking for students to be completely. After all, the best solution with a fresh, new, and incredibly prevent all other participants able to choose breakout rooms limited selection that, while re- from looking at whatever is hap- by themselves. The users claimed to a problem is to remove it by its maining pleasing to the eye, will pening on your camera. that it would make group work not draw too much attention. much easier and that if this were roots. This selection includes “Licorice Update Blog: Apr 22, to happen, they would recom- Black,” “Brick Wall,” “Coffee 2021 mend Zoom to everyone they Brown,” and “Concrete,” as well With all of our new additions knew. So, obviously, we decided as a one-hour video of paper be- to the Zoom interface, there’s to add that function. We expect- roll out a new set of emojis! we do have to completely re- ing shredded. We anticipate peo- been an increasing amount of ed to see the number of users Many of our users have been move the ability to screen share, ple enjoying these fun, expres- criticism targeted at how chal- increase exponentially. “bored” and “confused” with as update testers found that if sive backgrounds and for many lenging it is to use the platform, Unfortunately, while the our previous choice of emoti- they used at least one of our to become familiar with the wide especially for the elderly. “My number of users did increase cons, including “Joy,” “Open array of emojis during a screen variety of colors, especially be- family wanted to do a family re- initially, it decreased soon after- Mouth,” and “Tada.” We recent- share, the platform would com- cause they are being forced to union over Zoom last week, but ward. We were shocked to find ly received a number of unhappy pletely crash. Though presenta- use them. my grandparents were unable that there were multiple com- comments about our removal of tions will no longer be possible, to operate Zoom and couldn’t plaints about how students were the “Coffee Break” emoji. We the demand for new emojis was Update Blog: Mar 28, 2021 join the meeting due to techni- using their freedom to cause didn’t know how much people too great to ignore. We hope that We’re back with a quick fix cal difficulties. If only Zoom chaos. “Students are choosing enjoyed leaving Zoom calls for a people will now be able to con- to the current platform. Since were more user-friendly for the breakout rooms arbitrarily and break! Well, have no fear because nect to each other on a deeper the last update, we have received elderly and non-tech-savvy peo- making it hard for teachers to our research team just finalized a level through Zoom. complaints from teachers that ple…” a comment complained. handle. They are literally just list of brand new emojis that are many of their students consis- After hours of staff meetings hopping everywhere,” a com- available right now! The lineup Update Blog: Mar 3, 2021 tently turn off their cameras, as and arguing about what to do to menter named Teaching@Stuy consists of “Volcano,” “Man Hi again, this is the Zoom many would rather not be seen make Zoom easier to use, we fi- claimed. “They’re purposely Playing Handball,” “Banjo,” update team! We have received with the recently introduced vir- nally decided on our master plan, choosing the same breakout “Blueberries,” “Easter Island a vast amount of feedback to tual backgrounds. “The colors which involves transforming rooms as their friends, not get- Head,” “Abacus,” and finally, our last update, in large part make me puke,” a student (going Zoom into one easily accessible ting any work done, and wasting “Biohazard.” from teachers, who have, to our by the name of SchoolAin’tLit) button! Super minimalistic and so much class time!” For those of you who want knowledge, unanimously disliked commented. “Not to mention, easy to use. Now, we’re conflicted. People to show off your national pride, the removal of presentations the color gray is incredibly un- This update will be ready wanted us to add that extension we have also introduced flag through screen sharing. We have flattering and makes me look like to download sometime by this to breakout rooms, but others emojis for all the countries and responded to many angry letters, I’m in a jail cell.” week, so be on the lookout! See thought it created too much trou- provinces of the world. How- and we want to reaffirm that the We were sad to see this de- y’all next time!

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Teachers Are Secretly Thrilled With the End of the Semester

By ERICA CHEN always filled with an immense hundreds of texts (if you plagiarism in papers! Teachers to be surprised, I didn’t think I amount of sadness, but I wish were wondering, they were all are a lot less clueless than we would hear such piping hot tea! One early morning at 3:00 them the best for their future. a huge yikes), and watching think), I found some concrete I found similar information a.m., I awoke in a cold sweat, Even now, as the end of the multiple video conferences evidence of the teachers’ true in the search history of other suddenly remembering that the semester is approaching, I feel (I taught myself how to spot feelings about saying goodbye teachers. They even took their semester would soon be over. It the same way. I want to cry to their students. concerns to Google! (Well, some felt like the world was ending! It my eyes out and use up all the Here’s an used Bing.) was another major change from tissues I had stocked up excerpt from “How to tell a convincing lie what everyone was familiar with. on during a video to children” Soon, schedules would be quarantine.” conversation “How to act emotional” switched, classmates would Dozens of between two “How to keep a straight face be swapped, and new teachers teachers were teachers: while lying” would be assigned. While some interviewed, “My classes “How dumb r students” may have bittersweet feelings and not a word are just such a nightmare! I “How easy is it to lie to high about this, others are ecstatic to different from can’t wait until the end of the school students” escape from the wrath of their any of them! This was way too semester when I can get these Just how many lies have our least favorite teacher or their suspicious. I had to figure out students off my hands,” teachers told us?! most annoying classmates. what was going on. teacher A exclaimed. I knew these feelings all too With no one to help satisfy “My thoughts *Identities are hidden for well. After all, I’m a student. my burning curiosity (there exactly! No one anonymity reasons and for the But what about teachers? wasn’t anybody around, and participates, and I safety of my average* For the next few days, I even if they were, they were just end up staring at Finding out that teachers interviewed my teachers about sure to take the side of little icons, seemingly actually despised their students their feelings and opinions of their teachers), I took it talking to myself! dealt a huge blow to my watching their students leave upon myself to find out. I’m slowly going perception of teachers. Who their classes each year, under the I pulled out insane!” teacher B knew that they were hiding pretense of writing a Features my computer and added on. so many secrets beneath their article. Little did they know, I’m promptly hacked into “I tell my innocent facade? a Humor writer, and I have the my teachers’ devices students that I'll If they could lie about this, privilege to do whatever I want. using my amazing, miss them, but what else are they hiding from Strangely enough, all the unbelievably legendary frankly, I won’t! us? teachers responded with the computer skills. After I’m shivering with I decided that from then on, same exact answer: “I’ll always pulling multiple all- excitement just I wouldn’t waste my hacking remember each and every one nighters, combing thinking about the skills and would instead use of my students, as they are through thousands day they’re all gone,” them to shed light on the rest all precious to me. They will of Google searches teacher A laughed. of the mysteries our teachers always be engraved in my heart. (teachers search up are concealing. There must be so Each time classes change and I “how to spell stuyvasint” Needless to say, I was much more that I can uncover watch my students leave, I am too!), scrolling through shocked. Though I expected and expose! Sophia Li / The Spectator Mitch McConnell’s Head Falls off During Senate Session, Terrorizes Democrats

By HELENA WILLIAMS breaking an oath to the Devil, his neck and turning a violent unexpected standoff occurred more ways to cause human suf- Senator Hawley awkwardly shade of desaturated blue. “And when Senator Bernie Sanders fering. WASHINGTON—Law- sputtered, “I… I… I’m defi- of course, I’d just like to men- suggested that maybe, just may- Luckily, help is on the way makers were horrified today nitely not attracted to that big tion that the only reason people be, true communism had never for the Democrats: two demon when the head of Kentucky man with the Viking horns, but are poorly paid is because of the been tried and the states should hunters are being sent from Senator Mitch McConnell fell he was just so forceful in how Democratic unions, which make give it a go. At this moment, Georgia to try and vanquish off in the middle of a heated he broke in!” Hawley then ran everything more expensive and Senator Graham sprang to his the satanic threat. Having suc- speech on the Senate floor. away from reporters, who not- do nothing other than ensure feet and unveiled the head of cessfully defeated two Repub- However, according to his Re- ed that he was wearing elbow- the ‘safety’ of the workers—” McConnell, which immediately licans in their runoff elections, publican colleagues, situations length gloves. This was when McConnell’s shouted, “I’m stronger than Senators Raphael Warnock such as these are normal occur- McConnell was in the head fell to the ground with the mule piss!” At this unusually and Jon Ossoff are coming to rences among the party’s rank middle of once again attempt- sound of an overripe melon. specific declaration of power, Congress. Warnock in particu- and file. ing to justify denying working The head rolled across the floor Senator Sanders was dragged lar has experience with fight- “I’m gonna be honest with class Americans money when and continued to preach hy- back to his seat by two “police ing the pathologically stupid you, Mitch’s eternal life com- the incident occurred. “First pocrisy in the general direction officers” who were unusually due to his status as a reverend. pact with the Devil has been off, Americans should be able of anyone who would listen red-skinned and appeared to be The duo is equipped with holy going pretty poorly,” Senator to pull themselves up by their until Senator Lindsey Graham hiding tails beneath their coats. Democratic spells and the one Josh Hawley told reporters. own bootstraps, just like how scooped the head up and put When Massachusetts Senator thing McConnell fears: the abil- “He’s been living on ley line I accepted help from charities it in a black bag with a bloody Elizabeth Warren attempted to ity to turn the Senate blue. With energy for the past several de- to handle my polio as a child. pentacle on the front. Senator stand up for Sanders, one of their help, it’s rumored that cades, ever since every fast food They’ll be able to do this with McConnell’s body was removed the police officers hissed at her, the Democrats are planning to worker started wearing garlic their minimum wage salaries from the Capitol in a carriage revealing his forked tongue and unveil a banner at the Capitol wreaths around their necks. You through sheer determination drawn by two goats and has long fangs. McConnell’s head reading “MINORITY LEAD- know that whole thing where and American bravery. Now, since been moved to an un- then started to float around the ER MITCH MCCONNELL,” his hands went blue? That’s on that note, could we raise my disclosed location in the RNC Senate chamber, rotating and which would hopefully exorcise commonly caused by your body salary for the fifth time? I’m building. shouting “All Lives Matter!” as the accursed head from the Sen- being so disgusted by your hy- only worth $22.5 million, which With the Republican su- the Democratic senators fled ate chamber—a welcome relief, pocrisy that it attempts to eject doesn’t go as far as it used to.” preme leader apparently dead, the room. The Republicans po- as it’s been floating above the your soul.” When asked why At this point, his head was Democrats were poised to take litely applauded McConnell’s podium and filibustering for the he would know the results of noticeably wobbling on top of control of the Senate, but an work before continuing to plot past week. A Note on Mental Health By ASA MUHAMMAD supposed to be important to us implemented through extensive on is the best way to simulate a minimum of four hours each too. We recognize how difficult student feedback. the face-to-face interaction you day to experience the wonder- A message on behalf of the the transition to remote learning We recognize the so desperately need. ment of mental expansion, en- Stuyvesant administration: has been for all of you, and we extraordinary circumstances We know that many of you suring that none of the world’s see your struggle. We see it in you are all experiencing each feel overwhelmed by everything issues concern you during that Here at Stuyvesant High your eyes which blatantly look at day, and we are truly in awe of going on in the world. We all time. For teachers who couldn’t School, we are committed to phones on camera, we see it in your perseverance. We know have different coping mecha- find homework they deemed the success of our students. your 4:00 a.m. e-mails asking for that the weight of isolation can nisms for our stress, and for “necessary” for their course, While we spend a lot of time extensions, and we see it in our be a lot to bear, and for that many of you, that means dis- we’ve supplied various online caring about your academic slipping rankings on Niche.com. reason, we encourage you to tracting yourselves with video resources that will automatically performance, extracurricular Your struggle is our struggle, keep your cameras on during games, Netflix, and other forms assign and grade menial work activities, and college so we extend to you these live instruction. We miss seeing of idle entertainment. Now, words of encouragement and a your beautiful disillusioned with our new and improved admissions, we have been continued on page 24 told that your mental health is number of new policy changes faces, and having your cameras homework policy, you will have Page 24 The Spectator ● January 22, 2021 Humor All Your Friends and Family Hate You, Admit Your Family and Friends By JORDAN BARAKAT apparent trends in their sheer about it. They also asserted that friends online instead of doing together. That is, their shared rage at your existence. For the you don’t carry your weight in anything productive, all these hatred toward you has brought In a series of anonymous most part, they agree that you the house, instead expecting friends also hate your guts. the group closer. Your extended one-on-one interviews, all are a total loser who spends everyone else to dote on you Even though they act nice to family has meetings every your family members reported all your time trying to achieve and pay attention to your every you in the group chat, the only month when they eat dinner that you are their least favorite validation on social media. Your need like you’re royalty and not a reason they do so is that they and pretend they’re eating your member of the family. Whenever family also states that you are pathetic teenager living in a small are under the false assumption dead body instead of pork. Your you are around them—usually that all your other friends friends are currently planning a during dinner, because you’re love you; to mention that they party on your birthday that they a lazy freeloader who only actually think you’re really ugly are actively not inviting you to knows how to eat, sleep, and and annoying would be social because you’ll just drag it down. use the bathroom—there is an The fact that you are even in their heresy. Your friends do indeed They’re buying a piñata with estimated 99 percent drop in talk behind your back in their your face on it. their quality of life. When you go proximity is enough to bring down DMs about everything you say When you encourage your back to your room to waste your that is considered even remotely family and friends to simply share life away on the computer like their overall happiness to life- horrific. They just don’t want their feedback with you, they the loser you are, their quality to mention it to you because respond with a straightforward of life once again returns to its threatening levels. they know you’re such a horrific “no” because you’re such an usual level. That’s not to say it’s mental trainwreck of a human egotistical scumbag that you a healthy one, mind you. The being that you can’t even sustain probably won’t take any of their fact that you are even in their the tiniest bit of criticism. comments to heart. In fact, they proximity is enough to bring somehow a nerd who spends apartment with your extended Your friends and family say, you’ll probably disregard down their overall happiness to all your time doing schoolwork, family, destined to flunk out of were forced to admit that everything said in this article life-threatening levels. and at the same time, such community college. maybe your existence wasn’t a after you read it. After you mope The reasons why your family an idiot that you thought the Sources tell The Spectator total detriment to the human around for a few minutes about members wish that you were number two wasn’t prime and that while you spend all your free condition, as they said you it, of course. Because you’re a aborted vary, but there are a few got into a 10-minute argument time talking to your supposed brought all of them closer loser.

A Note on Mental Health chinchillas given to our lower- easy assignment. Though this friends while isolated. Still, we low commitment (five hours a performing students. assignment is comprehensive would like to clarify that you week) opportunity to socialize continued from page 23 Regarding your final exams, and will count for a project are not allowed to use ARISTA with your peers and better our we’ve made the process as grade, it will not impact any tutoring services as a means of Stuyvesant community. to help you seek reprieve from straightforward as possible by of your preexisting cumulative soliciting human interaction. Though we only contact you this cruel, desolate world we call allowing teachers to continue assignments, as we know how Our tutors are busy enough as through e-mail blasts, we want to home. to teach during finals week! dedicated you are to harnessing it is, and these spurious requests assure you that your well-being While more homework may Continuing live instruction your creative spirits through in- are overwhelming our systems. is among our top priorities. We help ease the anxieties of our during finals week provides you class projects. Instead, our new student-led are doing our best to make this students, we know that you all with much-needed structure, At Stuyvesant, we recognize outreach team may be of interest transition as comfortable as all eagerly await grades too. but that’s not all. We understand the strength of our community to you. We want you to be a part possible for you all, but there’s To make this process more that there is confusion over and the collaborative spirit of this process. Rather than only so much that we can do. We personal, we’re now requiring what will be on your final of our students. We, the taking away student voices by believe in the potential of each all teachers to grade submitted exams, so we’ve collaborated administration, have received developing any ideas ourselves, and every one of our students, work using digital stickers. The with each department in a multitude of comments we’re enlisting your help to draft and it’s for that reason that we stickers will be distributed based making mandatory review regarding extracurricular and implement new activities for say all of you have the power to on student performance, with assignments to encapsulate your activities, and we are aware your fellow students all on your make the choice to be happy. smiling rainbows representing semester of learning into one that it’s difficult to make new own! This will be an exciting and exemplary work and crying

A Lost Voyager’s Guide to the Outside By KRISTA PROTEASA rest of these steps a lot 5. Befriend a large cat while name, I guess this is a plus it this far, and for that, I easier. you’re in the Amazon. for you. applaud you. Now repeat It has been one heck of a 2. Put your right shoe You look confused. Why? 7. Complete a triathlon to this sequence for three year (or more, I’m not really on your right foot and Mowgli didn’t risk his life get home. Oh, I forgot to four more rounds and sure at this point). Being inside another right shoe on your for you to not follow in his to mention that you then find a cure to every a whole lot more than before is left foot. This isn’t the footsteps. should’ve brought a bike ailment on the planet. certainly rough, but your creaky order you remember, but 6. Run the equivalent of a with you. That’s not really I’m genuinely proud of you joints should be able to get back it’s the new fashion trend 10k three times around my problem, so you better for having taken the time out of into the groove. I know you nowadays, so you need to one tree of your choosing. get inventive. your day to go off into the world miss committing various petty get used to it. By the time you’re done, 8. If you happen to see Neil and be knockoff Bear Grylls. If crimes with your friends or 3. Step outside. Use whatever you’ll forget what your Armstrong walking down you’re reading down here and looking like a fool as you trip on opening is available in your name is, so if the street in your triathlon- you haven’t completed the list, a flat sidewalk in front of your dwelling, whether it’s a you hate induced delusions on your congrats—you just made me crush (don’t worry, it happens door (pretty overrated in your way home, wave hello. It’s sad. Anyway, now’s as good a to the best of us). “But Krista, my opinion, but go off only polite. time as any to warn you about I can’t just GO outside?” Fear I guess) or a window of 9. For every dog you see, some things before you go on not, young one, for you can! sorts; as long as it gets do 15 burpees. Your your quest, though by now you This seemingly simple task I’m you outside, you’re articulations definitely should have already come back asking of you might appear good. need some lubrication, in one to three pieces. daunting, but I have taken 4. Immediately start and what better way Firstly, you’ll want to pack the liberty of doing most of locating every red-eyed to give them that than some bug spray. Not for bugs, the heavy lifting for you. For tree frog in the Amazon to start exercising in the but just to mask your own odor. your utmost convenience, I’ve rainforest. This might middle of the road? If you Degree MotionSense Dry Spray compiled a truly riveting to-do pose a challenge, as dare to tell me you saw can only last for so long. Next, list to get you grooving like it’s you need to get to the no dogs, go back outside it’d be nice if you could bring me 1972 again. Not to pat myself Amazon rainforest and find some. You’ve back some mushroom samples on the back or anything, but you first. Fortunately already located all of the (for no reason whatsoever). Oh, see this little list I made for you? enough for you, Amazon’s red-eyed tree they’re hallucinogenic and can Yeah, you can complete it all by 20 percent of it has frogs. be profited off of? Well, I’ll be.

your lonesome self if you’ve already been deforested, 10. You’ve made Spectator Semoi Khan / The I simply had no idea of such a become scared of your friends so your task of thing. Lastly, maybe take a jacket or something. Report back locating frogs with you. Who knows, maybe once you’ve had fun and felt an shouldn’t the Amazon’s got some reverse emotion because I’m not sure be that global warming, creating a gentle how long it’s been since you’ve hard. breeze. Always take a jacket. done that. That’s the end of my spiel. I 1. Wake up. This one’s going hope this guide serves you well, to make completing the fair traveler. Bon voyage! The Spectator ● January 22, 2021 Page 25 Sports Sports Editorial Aaron Rodgers: The 2020 NFL MVP? By ROXIE GOSFIELD percentage in a season, boasting including “the NFL single-season continuously stated with confi- best seasons thus far and will be and SUSIE MCKNIGHT an incredible 70.7 percent pass records for games with a 100-plus dence that Rodgers is and will be headed to the divisional round of completion. Not only is his re- passer rating,” “games with a 100- named this year’s MVP, and we the playoffs. For some, football is a side cord the best completion percent- plus passer rating and three-plus can be assured that executives will If Rodgers is in fact named hobby. For others, it is a pas- age in the league, but it reigns at touchdown passes,” “games with follow suit. MVP, this will not be the first sion that can turn into a career. least one percent higher than that three-plus touchdown passes and While Aaron Rodgers may time that Rodgers has won the But ever so often, a player comes of other serious MVP contend- zero interceptions,” and “games seem irreplaceable, he is actually title—but the third—as he won along for whom becoming the ers. High completion percentage with two-plus touchdown passes far from it. His team, the Green this award both in 2011 and 2014. best is inevitable. One of those is one of the clearest indicators and a completion percentage of Bay Packers, drafted a quarter- Winning a third time would be lucky few came along in 2005, by that distinguishes the great quar- 70-plus.” back who would potentially take a huge accomplishment, mak- the name of Aaron Rodgers. terbacks from the exceptional Due to his unmatched success his place as starting quarterback ing him only the sixth player to Rodgers has played many quarterbacks, and it is abundantly this season, it is absolutely no sur- prior to the 2020 season. In an in- do so in NFL history. Though great seasons in his illustrious clear that Rodgers is a step above prise that reporters have hailed terview with sports commentator Rodgers faced some tough com- 16-year career. He was named the rest. Rodgers as the frontrunner for Kyle Brandt, Rodgers said that petition throughout the season, in the MVP in the 2011 Super Bowl In addition, Rodgers is known MVP. According to ProFootball- while he understood this deci- the end, his personal statistics and and has since consistently been for having the best passer rating Talk, “Others in the conversation sion, he was still disappointed by overall team contributions have one of the top quarterbacks in of all time. Rodgers has contin- were Bills quarterback Josh Allen, it: “I wanted to play my entire ca- propelled him far beyond other the league. Despite his sustained ued his dominance this season, Chiefs quarterback Patrick Ma- reer in Green Bay. I love the city.” players. As an all-decade quarter- excellence, he has never been as as he has the second best single- homes, and Titans running back However, instead of shrivel- back late in his career, this MVP precise, accurate, and successful season passer rating of all time, Derrick Henry. This year, howev- ing in the face of a possible re- win and overall groundbreaking as he has been in this recent sea- sitting at an astonishingly high er, was Rodgers’s year.” In fact, 46 placement, Aaron Rodgers faced season is a testament to Rodg- son—and the statistics back him 121.5. This record is topped only of the 50 Associated Press voters this changing team dynamic ers’s unmatched talent and game- up. by his own from the 2011 season. elected Rodgers to the All-Pro head-on. Clearly, the mounting changing influence throughout For starters, Rodgers beat his Aside from his high statistics, team, a common indicator of the pressure did nothing but moti- the years. own record for best completion Rodgers has many notable feats, season MVP. News outlets have vate him, as he played one of his Sports Editorial The Downfall of Mesut Özil treatment of the Uyghur Mus- games and merchandise from the After Özil was left unregis- natively, he might terminate his continued from page 28 lims in China in December 2019, country. Since the pandemic be- tered for the current 2020-21 sea- contract in order to get back to campaign in dreadful form, with criticizing other Muslim countries gan in March 2020, Özil has failed son, many fans accepted that his playing. three wins out of 13 matches. for not speaking up on the issue. to make a single appearance for time at the club is finally over. His Both Özil and the club should The club fired Emery in hopes of Arsenal, which has a prominent Arsenal. Unlike all the other Arse- attitude problems with the man- have tried to communicate and coming back from these losses, fanbase in China, distanced them- nal players, Özil refused to take a agers, political controversy, and work out their conflicts with each and he was eventually replaced by selves from his statement, de- pay cut because of the virus, stat- loss of form are all factors in why other. Arsenal has clearly suffered former player Mikel Arteta. Many claring, “The content published ing that “people have been trying he has fallen off the soccer scene. in the last few years, falling well loyal supporters hoped that the is Özil’s personal opinion, [and] for two years to destroy me.” His Looking toward the future, Su- short of expectations, and Özil new coach would revive Özil’s Arsenal has always adhered to the refusal caused the club to freeze per Lig club Fenerbahçe S.K. and is not the same talented player dull form. However, Arteta’s ap- principle of not involving itself him out, as they hoped he would MLS clubs DC United and Inter he was at his young age. For now, pointment only worsened Özil’s in politics.” Arsenal began to suf- request a transfer or wait for his Miami CF have expressed interest with Özil’s time at Arsenal all but prospects of a glorious return. fer financial losses, with Chinese contract to expire within the next in the German. Özil’s contract is over, fans can only wonder what Özil spoke up about the cruel broadcasters removing Arsenal year. set to expire in six months; alter- is in store for his future. Sports Editorial College Women’s Basketball Stays Competitive During the Pandemic By ALICIA YU Cardinal as the season progresses. nate future seasons. the best. why they are not to be underes- The Wolfpack are led by cen- timated. This season of women’s col- University of Connecticut North Carolina State ter Elissa Cunane and forward lege basketball has been excit- Huskies Wolfpack Kayla Jones and coached by Wes Louisville Cardinals ing for fans to watch, with many You can’t have a discussion The North Carolina State Moore. Cunane has been the star The Cardinals have gone 3-0 great matchups and an impressive about women’s college basketball Wolfpack, dubbed the “NC State player of the Wolfpack, averaging in the ACC Conference and 10-0 freshman class. Here are some of without mentioning the Universi- Wolfpack,” have shown why they 16.2 points, 7.8 assists, and 1.4 overall in the NCAA to place them the top teams to look out for as ty of Connecticut Huskies, better are the top team in the ACC and blocks this year. She plays like a at number two in the NCAA. The the race to the NCAA title inten- known as the “UConn Huskies,” one of the best teams in the coun- true center—a dominant post up Cardinals have continued to be a sifies: who are currently ranked fourth try, ranked third in the NCAA. player who can gracefully catch competitive threat, as exemplified in the NCAA. The team’s skill- The team has been averaging 82.1 and shoot, as well as score from by their amazing scoring (averag- Stanford Cardinal ful playmaking has made them a ing 85.7 points per game with a Despite being down three threat in the Big East Conference, +27.2 scoring margin) and equally players due to the pandemic, as they are 6-0 in the conference, impressive defense. the top-ranked Stanford Cardi- and 7-0 overall in the NCAA. A The Cardinals are led by nal have been dominant all sea- team with many great scorers, guard Dana Evans, who leads son, going 7-0 in the PAC-12 the Huskies boast a +37.3 scor- the team with 19.7 points, 4.2 as- and 10-0 overall in the NCAA. ing margin and an average of sists, and 1.7 steals per game, and Coached by former Cardinal Tara 87.0 points per game. The team coached by Jeff Walz. Evans has VanDerveer, the Cardinal boast has many young, developing ath- great versatility on both ends of both a strong defensive and of- letes—six of the 11 players on the the court; she can do it all, from fensive game, recording a +30.7 roster are freshmen—and incred- scoring the ball and running the scoring margin, averaging 83.7 ible depth that extends beyond offense to defending the ball and points per game, and allowing the starters. catching steals from opponents. their opponents only 53.0 points Freshman guard Paige Bueck- Her aggressive style of play and per game. They have even won ers has led the team, averaging hustle make her unstoppable and games against some of their most 18.9 points, 5.1 assists, and 2.7 allow her to strengthen areas the competitive opponents, such as steals per game. Her skillful court Cardinals previously struggled to the Arizona Wildcats and the vision and IQ, combined with improve in. In addition to Evans, UCLA Bruins, in double digits. her exceptional scoring efficiency, the team has great depth as many Sophomore guard Haley have made her a huge threat to players are both accurate shooters Jones has been a huge contributor her opponents, as she can easily and strong defenders, making the to the Cardinal’s success, averag- throw a quick pass to force an Cardinals a very formidable team. ing 15.2 points, 9.4 rebounds, and easy layup and shoot from any- 1.1 blocks per game this season. where on the court. Her aware- Iris Lin / The Spectator These four teams have risen Her excellent scoring efficiency, ness of the court and feel for the points a game, featuring a +23.4 the three-point line. Jones has to the challenges of the pandemic creative shot-making ability, and game have translated well into scoring margin. In addition to go- also been a great help, as her ag- by remaining resilient and com- unique basketball IQ have al- the college scene, as she’s already ing 5-0 in the ACC conference gressive scoring inside the paint petitive. As team positions shift lowed her team to flourish on been given a chip on her shoul- and 11-0 overall in the NCAA, the has turned her into a reliable op- throughout the remainder of the both ends of the court. She has ders by coach Geno Auriemma. Wolfpack celebrated a huge win tion for Moore. The Wolfpack’s season, we will see which team shined throughout her sopho- Equipped with Bueckers’s rising against last season’s top-ranked phenomenal frontcourt players is ultimately the best, making for more season and will continue talent and its talented roster, the South Carolina Gamecocks and have asserted their dominance all a great basketball competition to be a powerful weapon for the Huskies will be poised to domi- solidified their position as one of season long, consistently proving come the postseason. Page 26 The Spectator ● January 22, 2021 Sports Sports Editorial Watch Out for These Five NBA Teams By NAKIB ABEDIN Another adjustment the Nets a record of 11-3. According to New Orleans Pelicans Doncic averaged 24.4 points, 7.6 will have to make concerns the ESPN, they boast the fifth highest The New Orleans Pelicans rebounds, and 6.4 assists across The 2019-2020 NBA season new addition of the 2017-2018 offensive efficiency in the league have had a rough start to their these five games, these numbers was undoubtedly one of the most NBA MVP, James Harden. Known at 112.6. It’s safe to say that as season, holding a 4-7 record thus were a little underwhelming com- unpredictable seasons in league for his lethal offensive arsenal, long as James and Davis remain far. Though Brandon Ingram and pared to his typical MVP-caliber history. In the midst of the CO- Harden adds even more firepower healthy, the Lakers have a high Zion Williamson have averaged stats. However, the Mavericks VID-19 pandemic, commissioner to the already loaded Nets offense. chance of becoming back-to-back 23.5 and 21.8 points per game, have bounced back from their Adam Silver decided to continue Currently, both Durant and Irving NBA champions. respectively, the Pelicans’ overall slow start to an overall 6-5 record. the season in a bubble in Orlando, are averaging over 27 points, and offense has been struggling, and Since their loss against the Florida. Without in-person fans, Harden’s addition to the team Golden State Warriors their 105.9 points per game places Bulls on January 3, the Mavericks home-court advantage, and many naturally begs the question of Oh, how the giants have fallen. them at 28th in the league. One have shown that they are one of other conventional aspects of the whether the three ball-dominant Just two seasons ago, the Golden possible reason for their stagnant the top teams in the NBA with an NBA playoffs, many doubted that players will be able to share the State Warriors were NBA cham- offense could be their adjust- impressive three-game win streak the NBA postseason would live ball, or the overloaded offense will pions. Now, they’re a team in the ment to their new coach, Stan Van during the third week of the sea- up to its usual standard. However, hurt the team. One downside of midst of rebuilding, looking to Gundy, as the players are likely still son. This streak included victories these doubts were soon proven Harden’s recent arrival is the loss develop young talents and man- getting used to his coaching style. over the Orlando Magic, Hous- wrong, as the playoffs delivered of two very promising young tal- age their assets well in order to be However, Van Gundy has always ton Rockets, and Denver Nug- some of the most epic and unfor- ents, Caris LeVert and Jarrett Al- in the best position for the future. been recognized for achieving gets. Coach Rick Carlisle made a gettable moments basketball fans len. Prior to the trade, both play- The Warriors had a terrible start offensive success, evident from few lineup adjustments in these have ever seen. ers added great value to the Nets’ to the season, getting blown out his 2008-2009 season in Orlando games that drastically increased With the start of the 2020- overall game. Allen played great by a margin of at least 25 points when he led an offense ranked the team’s success. Willie Cauley- 2021 season, it’s apparent that the on both sides of the court, aver- in three of their first five games. 11th in offensive rating (109.2) Stein and Maxi Kleber were put unpredictability on display last aging 11.6 points, 10.9 rebounds The Warriors’ offense has been with a focus on quick ball move- into the starting lineup while Tim year has carried over to this year and 1.5 blocks per game, while especially lacking in its abysmal ef- ment, looking for the best pos- Hardaway Jr. and Dwight Powell as well. With superstars such as LeVert was the team’s third lead- ficiency. The team’s 43.9 percent sible shots, and a four-out, one-in were moved to the bench. Carl- Stephen Curry and Kevin Du- ing scorer, averaging 18.5 points field goal percentage ranks them (41) zone offense. Van Gundy’s isle’s decision to play with a bigger rant returning after missing all of while also tremendously aiding the 26th in the league, and their equal- schemes have the potential to turn lineup has improved the team’s de- last season, it feels like so much team’s shooting. Their absences ly poor 35.2 percent three-point around the Pelicans’ offense. fense, earning the team the second of this year is uncertain. What will surely affect the Nets bench, field goal percentage puts them Coach Van Gundy’s direction best defensive rating in the league we do know, however, is that the which is looking dangerously lack- behind 18 other NBA teams. will not single-handedly make behind the Los Angeles Lakers. league is filled with more talent luster after the trade. If Durant, Though it looks like the War- the Pelicans’ offense more ef- Hardaway Jr. made the most of and depth than ever before. With Irving, and Harden can learn to riors might not even make the ficient, though—the entire team his new bench role, averaging 25.7 the first few games already in the play alongside each other, one can playoffs this season, there are still will need to step up as well. Two points per game and shooting 61 books, the 2020-2021 NBA sea- expect the Nets to be real title- a couple of reasons why they’ll major setbacks to the Pelicans’ percent from the three-point line son is shaping up to be one of the contenders by the time the play- be interesting to watch this year. offensive success have been the across this three-game stretch. most unforeseeable and enthrall- offs roll around. If not, at least First and foremost, Curry is likely inconsistency of their bench and Doncic also showed improve- ing years yet. the deadly trio will give Nets fans to have an MVP-type season. The their three-point shooting. As of ment by once again putting up Looking ahead, here are the some exciting basketball to watch. three-time NBA champion is aver- now, New Orleans sits near the his typical numbers: 30.3 points, teams to watch out for this year. aging around 28 points, six assists, bottom of the league in three- 12 rebounds, and 11.2 assists per Los Angeles Lakers and six rebounds while shooting point percentage (32.4 percent), game. The Mavericks look to con- Brooklyn Nets It was only three months ago 44.7 percent from the field and but this slump appears to be end- tinue this success with the return This year’s season marks a spe- when the Los Angeles Lakers were 37.6 percent from threes. Curry ing soon. Lonzo Ball started off of Kristaps Porziņģis, who scored cial new chapter in the Brooklyn crowned NBA champions in the exploded for a career-high 62 slow but has drastically improved 16 points and recorded four re- Nets’ franchise history. Since their Orlando bubble. Over the short points against the Portland Trail his three-pointers this season and bounds in 21 minutes during the last Finals appearance in 2003, 72-day offseason, they continued Blazers on January 3, finishing is shooting a field goal average of Mavericks’ victory over the Char- the Nets have consistently found to improve their roster with the 18-for-31 from the field, 8-for-16 around 40 percent. Furthermore, lotte Hornets. some degree of success in the reg- addition of the winner and run- from three-point range, and 18- J.J. Redick and Josh Hart are also With only a little more than ular season only to fall short when ner-up of last year’s Sixth Man of of-19 from the free throw line. His starting to provide more points three weeks of games played, it it matters most: the playoffs. As the Year award, Montrezl Harrell performance that night made him from the bench, an area that the might be too early to decide which desperation reached a fever pitch and Dennis Schröder, respectively, the second oldest player in history Pelicans have struggled in during teams are contenders. The begin- in the summer of 2019, the Nets as well as seasoned veterans like to score over 60 points in a game their first few games. ning of the season has been filled acquired two of the biggest super- Marc Gasol and Wesley Matthews. right behind the late Kobe Bryant. One upside for the Pelicans with many surprises, including stars in the league out of the blue: Harrell has been a great physical Another bright spot for War- this season has been their re- trades, teams surpassing expecta- Durant and Kyrie Irving. presence in the paint coming off riors fans is the team’s second bounding ability. With an average tions, and amazing performances Despite high expectations on the bench, grabbing eight boards overall pick, James Wiseman. The of 57.1 rebounds per game, the from NBA rookies. Of course, the their shoulders, the Nets started a game. Schröder has been equal- seven-footer is averaging 11.3 Pelicans maintain the third rank biggest change so far was the four- off their season on shaky legs. ly productive, starting alongside points on 48.3 percent shooting among the league in this catego- team trade that sent Harden to the They stood in the lower half of LeBron James at point guard and and leads all rookies with averages ry. Both Williamson and Steven Nets, Victor Oladipo to the Rock- the Eastern conference after los- facilitating the offense. of 6.3 rebounds and 1.6 blocks. Adams average around nine re- ets, LeVert to the Indiana Pacers, ing four of their first seven games, With the best duo in the league His numbers are especially im- bounds per game, giving the Peli- and Allen and Taurean Prince to and it took the team some time to in James and Anthony Davis man- pressive considering that the first- cans plenty of second-chance op- the Cleveland Cavaliers, which has get into a groove. After all, they’re ning the ship, the Lakers are go- year center has only three games portunities on offense. drastically altered the landscape of still adjusting to the novelty of ing to be unstoppable this season. of college basketball experience the NBA. The formation of a new Durant and Irving on the team, as And if that pairing wasn’t enough, under his belt and didn’t have an Dallas Mavericks super team in Brooklyn is excit- well as the new head coach, Steve the Lakers seem to have a hidden NBA Summer League to gain ex- The Dallas Mavericks have ing, and only time will tell whether Nash. Despite Nash’s lack of gem in second-year guard Talen perience before the start of the finally found their groove after three superstar players on a single coaching experience, his unparal- Horton-Tucker. During the NBA season, and yet was still thrown struggling during the NBA’s first team can effectively win games. As leled understanding of the game, preseason, Horton-Tucker show- into the Warriors starting lineup. two weeks of action, in which the list of postponed NBA games stemming from his Hall of Fame cased his well-rounded skill set, Given enough time, Wiseman they earned a record of 2-3. The grows due to COVID-19 and career in the NBA, will surely offering a glimpse into the bright surely has the potential to develop Dallas Mavericks’ 124-73 domina- teams continue to shock fans, the boost the Nets’ chances at a solid future for the 20-year-old stud. into the next great big man in the tion over the Los Angeles Clippers 2020-2021 NBA season is becom- playoff run this season. Currently, the Lakers stand atop league. was one of the few silver linings ing the most unpredictable season the Western Conference with during this stretch. Though Luka in recent years. Sports Editorial A Goodbye to Senior Seasons By AKI YAMAGUCHI Along with my fellow seniors, our time on The Spectator has come to an end, and has already been over for the sports teams we have come to love so much. Reflecting on my experiences, I have realized the opportunities we have lost this year and the memories that will never be made. I will always think back to playing one more game or having one more practice together. Being part of a team for any number of seasons leaves an impact on any athlete, who will never forget the camaraderie or simply the pure joy of playing. Even for me, managing basketball has been a place of connection where I could still contribute within the hard working atmosphere of a team. Calling on my comrades, here are some of the parting thoughts we leave in the absence of our sports seasons and reflections on what we will always remember.

“I felt like playing sports gave me a sense of purpose “[Though] I’m disappointed that we “Missing my senior year of high school sports is truly disappoint- outside of my academic life at Stuy; sports gave me a chance won’t get to continue our rivalry with Bea- ing because this was the last chance for many of the other seniors to to breathe and laugh [...] I’m devastated that we aren’t go- con and [that] all the progress we’ve made play competitively before going off to college. I will miss the week- ing to have a season because since freshman year, everyone won’t be properly showcased, all we can do end morning practice and the late night practice when the building waits for their senior year where they will be at the top of now is work with our younger players to is just silent.” —Nicklaus Yao, senior (badminton, basketball, vol- the game and can finally dominate in the sport they play.” make sure next year is as good as it can be.” leyball) —Isabel Leka, senior (volleyball, basketball, softball) —Luca Bielski, senior (baseball) “The biggest thing I miss is my teammates, with whom I would “I was really looking forward to meeting new team members and going to competitions with my team love to have more meals and practices [...] I really wanted to play in [...] I’ll miss the chattering voices of my teammates intermingled with the clanking of swim lockers in the the playoffs in my last year for both basketball and volleyball […] [I locker room—heck, I might miss even the gross titled floor [...] Above all of this, I’ll miss my team and also] miss the team pictures, [which are] definitely one of the big- Coach Choy […] [and] I’m glad I’ve made a lot of memories since I was on the team freshman year.” gest highlights of every season.” —Nikkie Lin, senior (basketball, —Stella Oh, senior (swimming) volleyball) The Spectator ● January 22, 2021 Page 27 Sports Sports Editorial A Pandemic Postseason: NFL Playoff Preview and Predictions By JEREMY LEE However, the Ravens proved to be ning back Kareem Hunt. That has thrown four interceptions, NFC championship. and YAQIN RAHMAN effective in shutting down the run tandem would be deadly against had his lowest passer rating, and vs. the Titans, led by elite running what’s widely regarded as the been sacked seven times, a stark Tampa Bay Buccaneers (5) @ The National Football League back Derrick Henry. The Bills still Chiefs’ Achilles heel: their below contrast to his usual performance. New Orleans Saints (2) (NFL) came into the 2020-2021 have a good run game consisting average run defense. The Browns In essence, the Chiefs look very Winner: New Orleans season with the arduous task of Saints (2) hosting a successful football sea- As of late, the Buccaneers son in light of a raging pandemic have been playing some of their that continues to affect our lives. best football of the whole season. With limited fan attendance, CO- With their offense firing on all cyl- VID-19 protocols, regular testing, inders, Tom Brady in the playoffs and masks, the NFL has defied is a force to be reckoned with, the odds and completed a full especially with weapons such as regular season of football, now wide receivers Mike Evans, Chris moving on to the postseason. But Godwin, and Antonio Brown. the COVID-19 regulations aren’t However, there is a question over the only thing different about whether the Bucs defense will this year’s postseason. This year’s be able to sustain itself against a “Super Wild Card Weekend” also dangerous New Orleans offense, changes the landscape of the NFL as they have had their struggles playoffs tremendously. Seven throughout the year. When we teams are now allowed to enter consider the previous matchups the postseason instead of six, and between these division rivals, the only the first seed team has the Saints have been dominant, and privilege of a bye week. The result their second win of the season was one of the most competitive against the Bucs was a whopping and interesting playoffs that foot- 38-3. ball fans had the pleasure of view- The advantage that the Saints ing, with three games both Satur- have at home against Tampa day and Sunday (and one televised Bay seems even more signifi- on Nickelodeon!). Here’s the re- cant when one considers that the cap of this past Super Wild Card Saints offense is still returning to Weekend and our predictions for of Devin Singletary, Zack Moss, also have a decent pass game inconsistent, unlike the Bills who full strength as they learn to play which teams will win their upcom- and Allen for QB runs, but if the with Baker Mayfield and Jarvis have consistently gotten the job with one another once again. The ing matchups. Ravens can stop Henry and the Landry. But the brightest spot on done. The Chiefs did win this deadly offensive trio consisting Titans, they can stop the Bills run the Browns offense, both carry- matchup in week six, but the Bills of Drew Brees, Alvin Kamara, AFC game as well. However, the Bills ing the run and pass offense, is have become a different team and Michael Thomas is one that Divisional Round: defense may have trouble staying the Browns’ first ranked offen- since. The Bills, being the more has only played 67 snaps togeth- Buffalo Bills (2) vs. Baltimore afloat against the most effective sive line, who managed to let in consistent team, look poised to er this season entering Sunday’s Ravens (5) run game in the league. zero sacks against the sack-heavy come out on top. game against the Chicago Bears, Winner: Buffalo Bills (2) Conclusion: Both teams are Pittsburgh defense in the Wild and they are only getting better. This Bills vs. Ravens matchup coming into this game hot, but the Card Game, even without their NFC Coupled with a strong defense will be one to remember. The Bills Bills have the upper hand on this pro bowl guard in Joel Bitonio, of- Divisional Round: that pushed the Saints to victory hadn’t won a playoff game in 25 one. The Bills’ high-octane pass- fensive line coach, and head coach Los Angeles Rams (6) @ during Super Wild Card Weekend, years until this year’s wild card ing game is lethal to any defense, Kevin Stefanski. Green Bay Packers (1) it appears as if New Orleans will round, and they look to win an- including the Ravens, and can Conclusion: For this game, Winner: Green Bay Packers (1) simply be too much for the aspir- other for their shot at the Super prove to be a game winner. The we have the Chiefs coming home Coming off of a strong win ing Tampa Bay squadron. Bowl this year. Meanwhile, La- Bills already faced a run-heavy with the win. Their pass attack is against the NFC West division ri- Conclusion: It is incredibly mar Jackson still has to prove to team in the Colts and, despite too great against the Browns pass val Seattle Seahawks, the biggest hard to beat the same team three his haters that he can win playoff barely beating them, have that ex- defense, and the Chiefs have prov- question for the LA Rams is their times in a season, but with the games, and after his first postsea- perience and momentum entering en time and time again how explo- offense. Against the Seahawks, we trend of progression we have seen son win against the Titans, he is this wild-card game. The Ravens, sive their offense can be. Even the saw a lackluster offense carried by from this New Orleans defense looking to continue his winning meanwhile, haven’t faced a team Chiefs’ rushing attack can play a rookie running back Cam Akers. throughout the season, along with streak and cement himself as the with that good of a pass offense role and turn the tide of the game. With the loss of backup quar- an offensive unit that continues Ravens’ franchise quarterback. yet. The Bills have proven them- As for their defense, the Browns’ terback John Wolford, the team to make up ground as it returns The Bills have been dominat- selves this season as one of the main strength is their run game, turned to injured starting quarter- to full strength, this matchup will ing teams all season, led by quar- most complete teams in the NFL and though the run defense is back Jared Goff, who had received likely be a very close one, in which terback Josh Allen, who went and are making a strong case to be below average, the Chiefs proved surgery on his right thumb of his the Saints go marching on to NFC from still learning the works of a Super Bowl contender. last year in the AFC Champion- throwing hand no less, just 12 days championship. the NFL to an MVP caliber passer ship against the Titans that their prior and struggled against a weak in a single season. Led by Allen, Cleveland Browns (6) vs. run defense can still hold their Seattle secondary. The defense is NFC Championship: the Bills have one of the best Kansas City Chiefs (1) own even against the likes of largely accountable for the victory New Orleans Saints (2) @ pass attacks in the league with Winner: Kansas City Chiefs (1) Henry. As for the Browns’ pass- last weekend, and as the Rams Green Bay Packers (1) newly acquired wide receiver Ste- The Chiefs have the best re- ing game, the Chiefs’ defense can enter Saturday’s game against the Winner: Green Bay Packers (1) fon Diggs cementing himself as cord in football right now at 14-2 hold their own on that front as Packers, they will no doubt turn In yet another legendary quar- a top receiver in the league and and are deserving of the first well, especially with safety Tyrann to their defense once again to pull terback battle featuring Rodgers wide receiver Cole Beasley being seed. However, Patrick Mahomes Mathieu covering the field. It’ll be them to a victory, led by superstar and Brees, this game will likely be right alongside him. While their and Kansas City are facing an un- tough for Cleveland to go score- defensive tackle Aaron Donald. as competitive as they come. Two run game isn’t the greatest, their expected team in the divisional for-score with Mahomes, so Kan- The first team All-Pro that record- great offenses, paired with strong passing ability is what has carried round, and it’s none other than sas City has the advantage here. ed 13.5 sacks this season injured defenses, are sure to make this face them all season and what they will the Cleveland Browns. his ribs against Seattle, and despite off come down to the final min- continue to rely on. The Chiefs boast a terrific AFC Championship: no broken bones, his health will utes. With comparable weapons Jackson, fresh off an MVP passing offense led by Mahomes, Buffalo Bills (2) vs. Kansas be a situation to monitor. on the offensive side of the ball, season in 2019, hasn’t seen as who is highly regarded by many City Chiefs (1) Boasting a healthy 13-3 re- this game could essentially come much hype as last year but is still as the best quarterback of this Winner: Buffalo Bills (2) cord through the regular season, down to a quarterback battle be- the best rushing quarterback in generation for his ability to pass If this matchup ends up being the Green Bay Packers had one tween two hall-of-famers in Rod- the NFL, threatening defenses the ball accurately, make decisions the AFC Championship, it would of the most explosive offenses in gers and Brees. The former has with his dual-threat ability to both on the fly, and use his athleticism be one of the most exciting games the NFL. Led by the likely league been playing out of his mind this pass and run it himself. When to extend plays that would oth- to watch of the season. The two MVP Aaron Rodgers, along with year, with MVP caliber stats that he’s not running the ball, rookie erwise be dead on the spot from teams boast one of the most high- superstar wideout Davante Ad- include 48 passing touchdowns running back J.K. Dobbins and any other quarterback. He is not octane passing games in the league ams and the always dangerous and just under 4,300 passing yards, running back Gus Edwards are alone in his greatness, as he has and would be a quarterback fren- Aaron Jones in the backfield, the with only five interceptions to his leading the way on the ground, a wide supporting cast; Travis zy between Allen and Mahomes. Packers’ offense was on a mission name. Meanwhile, Brees has come helping lead the Ravens to boast Kelce is a top tight end in the The game would most likely be a this year. Despite a talented de- back strong—considering that he one of the most deadly rushing league, while Tyreek Hill is the shootout, as neither team has an fense featuring the likes of defen- suffered 11 broken ribs and a col- attacks in the league. Both teams one of the fastest wide receivers incredibly tough defense, and the sive back Jaire Alexander and pass lapsed lung just a few months ago. have very solid defenses that dis- in the NFL. The offensive line is two teams have shown all year that rusher Za’Darius Smith, the rush However, with Green Bay playing mantle opposing offenses as well. fifth in sacks allowed, and running they can score pretty much at will. defense was a question for the at home, the conditions will likely Both the Bills and the Ravens backs Clyde Edwards-Helaire and, Conclusion: Both the Bills Pack this year, and Akers will look be favorable for the Packers, as have great passing defenses; on more recently, Le’Veon Bell, add and Chiefs have proven them- to expose this hole with a strong the Saints’ home field is indoors, the Bills, cornerback Tre’Davious to the Chiefs’ newfound run game selves to be top NFL teams this Rams O-line leading the way. which could play a major factor White and safety Micah Hyde lead to complement the high-octane season with very similar strengths Conclusion: Though the depending on mother nature. This the way, while Baltimore corner- passing attack. This powerhouse and weaknesses. However, the Rams defense will prove a valiant game could truly swing either way, back Marlon Humphrey shuts of an offense would be lethal to Bills have a slight edge over the opponent, the Packers offense but ultimately, it is likely to come down opposing wide receivers. the Browns defense, the same de- Chiefs, since the Chiefs barely has proven to be incredibly chal- down to a quarterback duel, in Both run defenses have been be- fense that let up 500 yards and 27 won their last few games. Ma- lenging to stop this season. With which the soon-to-be MVP will low average this season, and the points in the second half alone. homes had six interceptions in starting quarterback Goff ’s health emerge victorious. Bills showed that porous defense On the flip side, the Browns the regular season, yet 16 of his in question, a shaky Rams offense vs. the Colts, when Jonathan Tay- have an incredible run game, with throws could have been intercep- will not be enough on Saturday, Super Bowl: lor and Nyheim Hines combined Nick Chubb having a career sea- tions but were dropped instead. and it seems as if the Packers are Buffalo Bills (2) vs for over 150 yards on the ground. son alongside former Chief run- In the last three games, Mahomes shaping up to move on to the Green Bay Packers (1) Page 28 The Spectator ● January 22, 2021 THE SPECTATOR SPORTS Sports Editorial The Future Is Now for the Knicks By PHILLIP PHAN of the young Knicks. three-point shooting ability and Kristaps Porziņģis has wanted out the Knicks as Toppin is a high-fly- and PHILIP VON MUEFLING The Knicks roster is younger playmaking, averaging 6.7 assists of New York. Frank Ntilikina is ing power forward from Dayton than ever and it is buying into per game so far. Randle is lead- fighting for bench minutes. Kevin who won the Naismith College Being a New York Knicks fan New York City basketball, so ing this Knicks team so far, but Knox is still a work in progress, Player of the Year trophy in 2020. is tough. As a dedicated Knicks great basketball could be coming he’s not on his own. The Knicks and the Knicks’ pick, Robinson, Toppin plays with grit and hustle, fan, you’re forced to watch the to New York sooner than most picked up Austin Rivers this year has proven to be a solid starter. making highlight plays every- team tank every season. You’re think. Promising young players in free agency for the veteran Their 2019 lottery pick, Barrett, where on the floor. He will help made fun of by every other fan like Immanuel Quickley, Mitch- minimum. Rivers has shows the most promise from the Knicks build their culture, and base. You watch young players ell Robinson, and RJ Barrett this group. As a rookie, Barrett most importantly, he wants to be develop improperly. You dream bring excitement to every game. averaged 14.3 points per game a Knick and return the team to its of signing stars like Kyrie Irving, Whether it’s Barrett “wheeling in a terrible Knicks offense. former glory. Kevin Durant, and LeBron James and dealing,” Robinson “post- This year, Knicks fans The Knicks have not had a in free agency every single year, ing and toasting,” or can expect Barrett to winning season since the 2012- but the front office doesn’t take Quickley “spinning thrive and other young 2013 season, but after all this any decisive action. Every season, and winning,” all of the players such as Knox to time, true Knicks fans still proud- Knicks fans go through the same youngsters bring hustle step up. Knox has shown ly represent their team and city. process of great expectations and to the floor. Barrett has a lot of improvement That’s what makes us Knicks equally great disappointment. continuously struggled in the first few games fans. We take pride in our city and They have the worst record of with shooting, but his of the season and is team no matter what. Prior to the any team over the last 20 seasons. rebounding, defense, and now a better three-point COVID-19 pandemic, Madison Y

u However, this year, Knicks fans drives to the basket keep him m shooter. Most importantly, he Square Garden filled up every e

active. While Quickley has to I shoots with confidence. “Shoot- night regardless of the Knicks’ have a reason to be excited. g a r a After the departure of David work on shot selection, his in- s ers shoot” is one of the most record or who they were playing, h i credible knack for drawing con- / influential sayings in the game of because basketball means every- Fizdale, one of the worst coach- T he es the Knicks have had since tact makes him extremely elusive Sp basketball, and Knox absolutely thing to New York. From Rucker ect Jeff Hornaceck, fans are hope- and dangerous. ator proved shoots. Park to Madison Square Garden, ful about their new head coach. Julius Randle has also had a to be a great locker The Knicks also drafted basketball is all New Yorkers re- Coach Tom Thibodeau, former breakout year. Randle is averag- room player and a vocal leader, hometown kid Obi Toppin with ally know. There’s a reason why NBA Coach of the Year, repre- ing around 23 points and 11 re- pairing with Randle to push the the eighth pick this year. Weary the Big Apple is the basketball sents everything this city has to bounds per game, putting him in Knicks’ young talent forward. Knicks fans once again have a mecca of the world. All Knicks offer; he preaches defensive effort All-Star consideration. Though Year after year, the Knicks en- rookie to be excited about. Top- fans want is to have meaningful and diving for loose balls and has Randle still spins wildly into the ter the lottery aiming to take an- pin was projected as a top five games in the best arena in the everything to do with the success paint, leading to many of his turn- other “promising” young rookie, pick but was still available at pick world again, and it is closer to overs, he has greatly improved his but it never seems to pan out. eight, a no brainer decision for happening than ever. Sports Editorial The Downfall of Mesut Özil By SHAFIUL HAQUE career to an untimely end. that Özil’s fall from prominence Özil’s relationship with Emery mates. His fallout with the man- This season, Özil was exclud- has been years in the making. continued to worsen. His role ager led fans to once again believe Mesut Özil is widely regarded ed from Arsenal’s 25-man Pre- Özil’s struggles at Arsenal in the team changed from being that Özil would leave the club, but as one of the greatest soccer play- mier League and Europa League began in the early stages of the a leader on the pitch to simply a he continued to fight for his place ers of the 21st century. The at- squad. Arsenal manager Mikel 2018-19 Premier League season. role player. Disappointingly, Ar- in the team. At the beginning of tacking midfielder has racked up Arteta has said little to the public After being named as one of senal ended the domestic season the 2019-20 season, Özil was the many personal and team accolades on the issue. Some worry that his the club’s captains, he suffered in fifth place, failing to qualify for victim of an attempted robbery throughout his career, serving as a exclusion was due to his activism from back and knee problems, the Champions League for the and given a break before he could creative outlet to spark the attack. on the harsh treatments of Uy- which caused a dip in his form. second season in a row. Özil had play games. Instead of discussing Özil won the 2014 World Cup ghur Muslims in China. Others Additionally, then-manager Unai one of the poorest seasons of his Özil’s apparent issue, Emery con- with Germany and has ranked have speculated that the club’s fi- Emery excluded him from the career statistically, with only six tinued to consistently leave him on top in the assists charts for nancial board is angered that Özil matchday squad on several occa- goals and three assists in 35 ap- out of the match squad well after La Liga and the Premier League. refused a 12.5 percent pay cut on sions, leading many to believe that pearances. the incident. Arsenal began the However, Özil’s recent predica- his $350000 weekly salary amid Özil would depart in the January After Arsenal’s poor end to the ment at Arsenal is hindering his the COVID-19 pandemic. How- window. However, no move for season, Özil voiced his frustration game ability and could draw his ever, it’s important to recognize the German materialized, and with Emery in front of his team- continued on page 25

Sports Editorial The Battle of the GOATs By NAKIB ABEDIN who had once famously criticized club Santos resorted to cheap as “The King of Football.” He records, Pelé has harmed his own Messi, saying, “Messi doesn’t technicalities to defend Pelé’s title. should’ve accepted that all records legacy. His attempts to discredit Edson Arantes do Nascimen- score headers,” lost his cherished Pelé’s reaction to his records are meant to be broken and that Messi and Ronaldo have inflicted to (Pelé), “The King of Football,” record to a header by Messi. Add- being broken has been met with someday, someone was bound to more damage to his reputation seemed to have an untouchable ing salt to the wound, Ronaldo ridicule by many soccer fans across take his crown. Ironically, by at- than Messi and Ronaldo could legacy. The Brazillian goal-scoring scored two goals against Udinese the world. Historically, friendlies tempting to protect his cherished have if they broke his records. machine led his country to an un- in a 4-1 win to overtake Pelé in the have never been taken seriously. precedented three FIFA World all-time top scorers ranking just They have often been used to test Cup titles and was unquestion- 11 days later. Losing two records out new tactics, give young players ably considered the greatest soc- that seemed insurmountable in a chance to play, and get players cer player of all time. Over the the span of two weeks, Pelé’s leg- back in shape. Also, teams typi- SPORTSBEAT years, the likes of Johan Cryuff acy faced strong challenges from cally agree not to go for danger- and Diego Maradona came close Messi and Ronaldo. Knowing that ous tackles to try to avoid injuries, Professional figure skatersBradie Tennell and Nathan Chen won to Pelé’s legend, but none close his claim to the coveted Great- which takes away from the intensi- the 2021 U.S. Figure Skating Championships in the senior women and men’s divisions, respectively. enough to legitimately challenge est of All Time title was at risk, ty of the games. Therefore, soccer his throne. Pelé’s status as soccer’s Pelé fought back with the help of fans normally ignore the results of clear GOAT (Greatest Of All Santos FC. In a public statement, these games. When Pelé and San- Minnesota Timberwolves center Karl-Anthony Towns tested posi- Time) stood until the 2010s, with the President of Santos said, “Pelé tos counted these unofficial goals, tive for the coronavirus. The Timberwolves have since postponed the emergence of Lionel Messi scored 1,091 goals for Santos. In fans interpreted their actions as their game against the Washington Wizards. and Cristiano Ronaldo. Recently, the accounts of the specialised ridiculous; he even counted goals Messi and Ronaldo eclipsed two press, the King of Football scored in military exhibition games on his of Pelé’s most impressive goal- 643 in competitions, and the 448 goal tallies. Olympic gold medalist Klete Keller was charged with three crimes for scoring records. Pelé and his goals scored in friendly matches Pelé and Santos should not his participation in the Capitol Hill riots. former club, Santos FC, have re- and competitions were ostracised, have tried to discredit Messi and sponded aggressively to Messi and as if they had less value than the Ronaldo in the manner that they others.” Santos argued that Pelé’s Professional tennis players, including Victoria Azarenka and Sloane Ronaldo’s new feats, reigniting the did. Pelé’s legacy is not based sole- Stephens, were immediately instructed to quarantine after two people debate about the greatest soccer records are still intact because the ly on his records, but rather on his on their flight to the Australian Open tested positive for the player to ever touch the ball. goals Pelé scored in friendlies and unique style and incredible success coronavirus. The dispute began when Messi other unofficial matches were not in the World Cup. Pelé has won the scored his 644th goal for Barcelo- taken into account. Pelé support- tournament three separate times, na on December 22, 2020, break- ed this narrative by reposting this a feat that neither Ronaldo nor Former Houston Rockets guard James Harden was traded to the ing Pelé’s record for the most statement in his Instagram bio. Messi has been able to accomplish Brooklyn Nets, adding to the already dangerous duo of guard Kyrie goals scored for a single club. Pelé, This action was seen as extremely even once. Pelé didn’t need those Irving and forward Kevin Durant. distasteful because Pelé and his records to validate his legitimacy