The Samohi 02 November 16, 2020 News Samo reacts as Biden sets to be president-elect “When I found votes on Dec. 14, which Congress while, Trump has stated at several received. Biden is the president-elect. out on Saturday certifies on Jan. 6. presidential debates that he may If Trump refuses to concede, the morning, it was Months before the election, rep- not accept the results at all, should Constitution will end his term. Either actually by my resentatives from the Los Angeles he lose. As Biden pulled ahead in way, Biden is set to take office on Jan. sister because she County Elections Division gave the race for president, the Trump 20, 2021. had gotten a no- presentations over Zoom in classes campaign announced they had filed tification on her throughout Samo to persuade stu- lawsuits against battleground states phone. We basi- dents to work as poll workers. Many Michigan and Pennsylvania to halt cally just looked students took this opportunity, in- ballot counting as it demanded in- at each other and cluding junior Nicole Barikhan (’22) creased access to observe the tallying screamed and ran who, like many of her peers, was process at numerous locations. The “Sit-down with People Magazine - Wilmington, DE - Au- to turn on CNN. not eligible to vote in this election. campaign also demanded it be al- gust 14, 2020” by Biden For President is licensed with CC I actually teared Those who signed up had to attend lowed to review the ballots in Mich- BY-NC-SA 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https:// up. It was all very the mandatory five-hour training igan which were opened and counted creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/2.0/ emotional, and necessary to be assigned two 12-hour without their supervision. Further- my whole family workdays and what amounted to 15 more, Trump may demand a recount Megan Suchet was really excited too,” senior Lily hours on Election Day itself. in Wisconsin, which he is permitted Staff Writer Niven (’21) said. “I think that the volunteers deserve if the ballots fall within one percent- Though Election Day was Nov. 3, to be applauded. We all sacrificed age point. Georgia, by request, has al- On Nov. 7, hundreds celebrated in the winner was not determined until such a great deal of time but I only ready begun recounting the ballots by the streets of Los Angeles as Demo- the following Saturday, Nov. 7. All 50 did it for like three days since I’m a hand rather than a machine. crat Joe Biden was announced to be states continued counting votes after student. Others worked all 11 days The 2020 presidential election saw a Isabella Rodriguez / The Samohi the next president-elect of the United Election Day, 18 states even counted leading up to the election, and it’s not massive voter turnout. More Ameri- Samo Junior Mia Ferrara (’22) work- States, winning against Republican ballots that arrived after and 29 states easy. I guess I’m just very proud of cans voted than in any other election ing the polls at the National Typewrit- candidate Donald Trump. His victo- counted military ballots that also ar- them,” Barikhan said. for over 100 years. So far, nearly 65 er Company on Election Day. ry came after key wins in the battle- rived late. The deadline to certify state Biden has repeatedly announced percent of the voting-eligible popula- ground states of Pennsylvania, Mich- results typically ranges from Nov. 5 to that he will only accept results when tion has cast a ballot, the number ris- igan and Nevada. Dec. 8 before the Electoral College all the ballots are counted. Mean- ing as mail-in ballots continue to be [email protected] District plans for hybrid learning Nori Quist In addition, each individual school has director, Mark Kelly, spoke about specif- Staff Writer its own compliance team consisting of ic concerns regarding special education. the principal, a school nurse and an ad- Kelly said that secondary schools have In an Oct. 21 town hall webinar about ministrative assistant. to provide busing for special education the fate of secondary schools in the “What I’m doing is leading our teach- students, but not for the rest of the stu- coming months, Superintendent Ben ers along with our house principals and dents. Drati also recognized during the Drati announced that in-person class- teacher leaders. We’re gonna need to meeting that in-person learning is most es would not resume in any way until discuss what we believe hybrid should necessary for special education students at least Jan. 5. SMMUSD is looking into look like for Samo. We have a lot of dif- and students who are learning English feasible hybrid models for if and when ferent schools that we can look at their as a second language. In fact, some spe- this happens. stuff, but we have to look at, ‘how does cial education students have already re- The district is considering two differ- it work for Samohi?’” Principal Antonio turned to school through hybrid learn- ent hybrid learning options. The first Shelton said. ing. would divide the students into two dif- As is reflected in the district In addition to the town hall meeting, ferent groups, which would alternate COVID-19 compliance team’s lineup, there was a faculty meeting on Nov. 4 between going to school in person and one of the district’s main concerns is and a parent feedback meeting on Nov. staying at home, with switches between sanitation. During the webinar, a plan 10 to discuss plans for reopening once groups altering either by day or by was laid out for how many times per day Los Angeles County has been in the Red week. The second option would keep all different surfaces would be cleaned. It Tier of COVID-19 risk level for two students in online learning but would was also established that if students do weeks. approve various in-person activities decide to go to school for hybrid learn- If Samo returns to in-person school- such as clubs and sports. ing, there will be regular temperature ing in any way, shape or form during However, neither of the in-person checks and COVID-19 forms to fill out. the 2020-2021 school year, it’s going to models are allowed to be implemented If a student’s response to the form or be different than students are used to. until Los Angeles County has been in temperature check indicates that they With plans underway for a hybrid mod- the Red Tier of COVID-19 risk level for are sick, they will be asked not to go to el for all students that complies with two weeks. Los Angeles County is cur- school. That is unless they are already at COVID-19 safety codes, the town hall rently in the Purple Tier, meaning the school, in which case they will be put in webinar emphasized that school is not risk is widespread throughout the coun- a special room to wait for their parents going to be normal any time soon. ty, so classes are not allowed to return to pick them up. If it is discovered in in person. the middle of the day that someone in a Once schools are allowed to partially student’s household has COVID-19, the return to in-person learning, SMMUSD compliance team will find out which intends to be prepared. The district has classes and people that student has in- a COVID-19 compliance team, which teracted with, and send them all home. includes a few medical consultants and During the town hall webinar, the dis- nurses, as well as directors of human re- trict’s special education director, Dean- sources, facilities and special education. na Sinfield, as well as the transportation [email protected] Art By Isabella Rodriguez Malibu seperates from SMMUSD Sakura Amano Los Angeles County Office of Ed- feelings of discontentment as the is predicted based on previous the data presented at the Council Staff Writer ucation on Aug. 31, 2017. With consensus had been formed uni- data that after a five year period, meeting failed to take revenues At a City Council meeting on this, concerns regarding finan- laterally, without contacting the Malibu’s per student funding will generated by local sales taxes and Oct. 12, Malibu came to the de- cial equity between the students district in its decision. have reached $25,998 in contrast annual funding from the city into cision that they would be moving of each district have come into “We are disappointed in what to $14,264 for Santa Monica stu- consideration. forward with an approach which question. appears to be a retreat to a posi- dents. Ultimately, this means that As of now, future decisions would separate SMMUSD into “In times like this, how do you tion we thought we had all moved it is calculated for Malibu to have and predictions are still very un- two separate districts. This sit- create greater inequities...does it beyond in our discussions. We a five year growth rate of 58 per- certain. Nevertheless, the Santa uation is not unaccustomed, as make sense to create this gap?” are deeply skeptical of what we’ve cent, while Santa Monica over- Monica-Malibu Unified School Malibu has attempted to form an Samo Principal Antonio Shelton seen thus far,” Drati said in the sees a fairly minor growth rate of District delegation has stated that independent school district for said. letter. 5 percent. they are committed to finding a nearly a decade now, due to large Following this news, a letter To illustrate the disproportion- However, the accuracy of these solution and agreement with the geographical distance, cultural was sent by SMMUSD Superin- ate funding which would take statistics have since been doubt- Malibu City Council that ensures differences and feeling a lack of tendent, Dr. Ben Drati, to Mali- place between districts on a per ed by Malibu’s financial con- equity and fairness between the representation by the SMMUSD bu City Manager, Reva Feldman, pupil basis, projections shown sultant, LaTanya Kirk-Carter two possibly new, separate dis- Board of Education. The recent which has since been forwarded at the City Council meeting dis- as she claims that Santa Monica tricts. actions from Malibu are a rein- to SMMUSD parents, guardians, play Malibu starting at $16,494 students would in fact not lose stallation of the petition filed by staff and community members. compared to $13,592 for San- money as a result of district sep- the Malibu City Council with the Within the letter, Drati expressed ta Monica students. Further, it aration. Kirk-Carter claims that [email protected] The Samohi News November 16, 2020 03 SMMUSD ranked in the top 20 districts in California Auden Koetters ative of the school’s academics, di- Staff Writer versity, college prep, teachers, clubs/ activities, administration, sports, On Thursday, Oct. 15, a statwement resources/facilities, food and health/ released by SMMUSD announced safety. The district’s two comprehen- the district’s placement as seventh sive high schools, Santa Monica High overall in Los Angeles County and School and Malibu High School, were 19th overallw in California. These awarded an A+ and A respectively. rankings were included in a recent John Adams Middle School, Lincoln poll conducted by an academic rank- Middle School and SMASH Middle ing service, Niche, which reported School all received an A or A+, and the 2021 Best School Districts across all SMMUSD elementary schools the country. The Niche rankings are earned an A- or above. based on an in-depth analysis of key The report also included high En- statistics such as state test scores, col- glish and math proficiency rates that lege readiness, graduation rates, SAT are above county and state averages at and ACT scores, teacher quality and both Santa Monica High School and reviews from both students and par- Malibu High School. These averag- ents. es were accompanied by graduation Art by Niche.com “We are honoured to be recognized rates that fall above the 90-percentile for the extraordinary achievements According to Niche.com, a website that grades school districts on a variety of factors, SMMUSD placed seventh overall in range from both the highschools. The LA County and 19th overall in California. of our students and teachers. We are SMMUSD district claims that these dedicated to providing the education ple Antonio Shelton said that districts at what our offerings are, as far as and their needs. Shelton said he scores come as a result of the two and support all students need for suc- placement reflects the diverse oppor- academics are concerned, what our hopes the district continues analyzing high schools offering comprehen- cess as they embark on college and tunities provided to SMMUSD stu- offerings are, as far as music, theatre, data about its students so as to better sive college and career counselling, career, in order to lead meaningful, dents. The district has a wide variety and the arts, and see how we can understand what ideas to implement maintaining acclaimed visual and engaged lives beyond our halls,” SM- of offerings, that span from AP cours- grow those programs to support the in order to lead to the success of the performing arts programs, high stu- MUSD Superintendent Ben Drati es to music classes to athletics; Shel- needs of our students,” Shelton said. student body as a whole. dent participation in clubs and extra- said in the district press release. ton feels this range encompasses what Looking towards the future SM- curricular activities and support of a Each school was additionally given the district demonstrates as success. MUSD hopes to continue their climb diverse academic curriculum. an alphabetic score which is indic- “I think what we try to do is look to the top by focusing on students [email protected] Santa Monica High School princi- SMMUSD buys building for 21 million dollars to move out of leased office space ing this amount of money was an they currently work in, freeing up efficient and necessary decision for district money. It also would pro- the district. vide more parking spaces for Samo “What will the hotel do with the staff and district employees, free- capital it gets from the exchange? ing up money from current leases. How will this affect our commu- Board member Laurie Lieberman nity?” de la Torre said at the board fully supports the approval of the meeting on Oct.16. purchase because she believes it While the price of the building is will encourage collaboration and $21 million, renovations will cost communication between district another $5 million. These renova- departments. tions will take up to a year and the “This chance will never present soonest this office space could be itself again and it is a great oppor- available is fall of 2021. tunity for the District as a whole,” After attendees voiced their con- Lieberman said. cerns and potential pros and cons, Although Lieberman along with the Board decided to move forward other board members Jon Kean, with the proposal. For the most Craig Foster, Ralph Mechur and part, the Board of Education was Richard Tahvildaran-Jesswein attracted to the idea of achieving Art by Moore Ruble Yudell Architects & Planners backed the decision to approve the the district’s long standing goal of $21 million purchase, members moving their main office. By ap- The projected office building for SMMUSD (ABOVE) was designed by Moor Ruble Yudell Architects & Planners. of the public and Board member proving the purchase of the 1717 Genevieve Nevius The Board discussed the $21 mil- District owns this land, it does not Oscar de la Torre voiced pressing 4th street office building, the Board Staff Writer lion purchase of the 1717 4th street have ownership over the improve- concerns. Multiple public repre- has created potential opportunities sentatives called out the district for for collaboration between depart- On Oct.16, the SMMUSD Board office building next to Samo, adja- ments. The building in question not having a master plan regard- ments but, at the same time the of Education approved the pur- cent to the DoubleTree hotel. The contains 31,784 square feet of office ing the purchase of this building. public and others have expressed chase of an existing office build- new owners of DoubleTree, who space and below, a parking garage These speakers also suggested con- concerns about the budget of this ing over the objections of several also own the office building, ap- containing 106 spaces. cerns about construction expenses project. members of the public and one proached the district with this pro- This purchase would allow a for the new Discovery building at board member, Oscar de la Torre. posal in late fall of 2019. While the handful of district departments Samo. Torre questioned if spend- [email protected] Discovery Building nears its final stage Grace Gyepes classroom and parking spaces for ing replaced with a more efficient and Art building will be demol- of changes coming to Samo within Staff Writer 288 vehicles. In addition, 184 of use of the space, which now wraps ished. We can expect to see a lot the next three to five years. Since April 2019, Samo has been the parking spots will be beneath around into a far wider Centennial building the Discovery building. the building. Quad. That will enhance the expe- Although students have not been At the end of September, Chris rience of the area. Incidentally, the on campus since early March, con- Clonts, head of communications name currently being used for the struction has persisted, and the for the project discussed the con- space is ‘Freedom Walk’,” Clonts Discovery building is now 60 per- struction’s progress. said. cent complete. “The exterior finish of the build- Air conditioning units have been As of April 2, digging at the new ing is being completed and the ma- installed in the Language and His- construction site began. The con- jority of the work now has moved tory buildings. Soon, air condi- struction team is focusing on the inside, building out classrooms tioning will be installed in Barnum foundation of the building, hence and other spaces. The project is Hall and the Music, Administra- the steel and concrete skeleton. still on schedule to be occupied by tion, Business, English and Art Consisting of 38 classrooms, the the time school starts in the fall of Buildings. Discovery building will include 2021,” Clonts said. As of right now, Samo is plan- the M and O House offices, a The Science Quad has been de- ning Phase 3 of the updated cam- common area, seminar rooms, an molished, but not without a re- pus plan. This will include two new Olympic-size pool (50 meters), a placement. The new building will buildings, the Gold Gym and the full-service kitchen for the district, also contain indoor and outdoor Exploration Building, which will two multipurpose rooms (one of dining areas for students. take the places of the Drake Pool Photo by SMMUSD Construction on Twittter ( @SmmusdC) “There is a new backbone utility and the History buildings. This which can be divided into two), a The Discovery Building exterior is finishing and most of the construction work rooftop STEM (science, technolo- system. The Science Quad is not project is hoped to be completed gy, engineering and mathematics) being destroyed, but rather is be- by 2023, after that, the South Gym [email protected] The Samohi 04 November 16, 2020 Student Life Meet Samo’s 2020-2021 homecoming court Sakura Amano Staff Writer Taylor Garrett (’21) wishes to vis- Tristan Amell (’21) transferred to Samo last it Japan one day and enjoys listening year as a junior. Although starting a new high- to pop music. She also has one old- school junior year may seem difficult, Amell is er sister who has already graduated used to moving around, as this is his first time from Samo. Within Samo, Garrett living in the same place for two years in a row. is involved with the FIDM Fashion King He also recognizes that he is fortunate to have found loyal friends and a great cross country/ Club as well as digital design. Out- track team to train with at Samo. During his side of school, she has a passion for & junior year, Amell was able to represent Samo drawing and loves helping little kids. at the prestigious Millrose Games in New York Garrett finds inspiration through Queen City, as well as compete against college runners media content, specifically on plat- at Boston University. During quarantine, he has forms such as Youtube and Tik Tok. also been having fun with trading and consis- “I want my peers to know that tently beating the odds of the stock market. even though I’m in Special Educa- “I need to spend less time inside the house and Taylor Garrett / Contributor tion, it doesn’t mean I’m that differ- go out and surf, rock climb, or find some new Ciara Dalling / Contributor ent from them,” Garrett said. hiking trails. That kind of stuff really makes me Tristan Amell (’21) poses with his father, Chris feel complete,” Amell said. Amell, after being crowned king.

due to the COVID-19 outbreak. Within our school, she is heavily involved in music at Samo, as a section leader in chamber singers Royalty Court and a member of marching band as well as jazz band. Even outside of school, Knystau- Elizabeth Ahn (’21) is certainly maintaining tas continues to expand her love of music. a busy schedule this year. Ahn is involved in Although she is open to all genres of music, Samo through ASB, Mock Trial, varsity tennis she is particularly into the artist Beabadoo- and her own club, World Central Kitchen Club bee at the moment. Knystautas enjoys play- which she began this year. Outside of school, ing guitar and dancing and is motivated by Ahn likes painting and sewing bucket hats and the kindness of others. Although Knystautas also wishes to visit and explore parts of Asia. Further, she is inspired by her sister Samantha, moved to Samo before her sophomore year, who supports her in many ways and who she Maxine Knystautas / Contributor she has found a kind community of people describes as her “personal hype-man”. A few Maxine Knystautas (’21) is the mid- and expresses her gratitude for fellow Samo interesting things to note about Ahn is that her dle child of two sisters, one of wMaxine students. shoe size is 3 and her pet bird has mental prob- Knystautas (’21) is the middle child of “I want people to know that I appreciate lems. She also makes a point to note that she is two sisters, one of which is a fellow Samo how considerate and supportive the major- most definitely a “people person”. student. Being half Korean, Knystautas ity of people have been since I’ve gone to Elizabeth Ahn / Contributor “I’m always looking for more people to both- planned to fulfill her hopes of visiting Ko- Samo. I hope to get to know more of them er!” Ahn said. rea this past summer, but was unable to in my last year here,” Knystautas said.

Dhruv Madiraju (’21) describes his taste Benjamin Adler (’21) loves Avatar the Last doors, which motivate him to always live in the in music as “very scattered”, switching be- Airbender as well as the musical artist Goth moment and adapt to any situation. tween rock and folk, and artists such as Babe. Adler has an older sister in college and a “My motto is ‘If you can’t get out of it, get into Led Zeppelin, Bob Dylan and M83. He also twin sister who attends a different school. With- it’,” Adler said. hopes to travel to Singapore once again to in Samo, Adler is very involved in the music visit family that he hasn’t seen in a while. program, particularly as the flute section leader Madiraju is involved in Samo through or- of the marching band. On top of that, he is the chestra, which he has been in for all four A&E editor for The Samohi and is a member of years. He is part of two clubs : National Al- the Japanese program. Outside of school, Adler liance on Mental Health club and Books for explores his love for the outdoors and attended Kids. In addition to those, he also started a semester program at the High Mountain In- his own club, the F1 Racing club. Outside of stitute in Colorado last semester which he de- Samo, Madiraju is on a robotics team in the scribes as deeply life-changing. Adler also loves valley and is a counselor for Teen Talk, both Dhruv Madiraju / Contributor clothes and creating fashionable outfits. He is of which he claims have become a huge part desire not to fail. inspired by his life experiences in class and out- of his character. He also enjoys building and “I try not to think too far ahead, since I Benjamin Adler / The Samohi fixing things, bicycling and food. Madiraju like to take each day as it comes--to a rea- is motivated by his will to be the best pos- sonable extent. I find things easier to man- Carlotta Banfi (’21) Carlotta Banfi (’21) de- age that way,” Madiraju said. scribes herself as an overall positive, bubbly per- sible version of himself as well as his deep son who is constantly smiling and looking for new friends. Banfi enjoys supporting Samo, as for the communities’ homeless population. she attends every football and basketball game, On top of this, she enjoys taking challeng- as well as occasional soccer and softball games. ing academic courses and continues to be In fact, you can even catch her watching the proactive in her classes. Before quarantine, sports practices. Outside of school, Banfi en- Ricciardulli practiced boxing and dance, joys working out, going to the beach, getting but has since turned to surfing alongside lunch with friends and photography. Addition- ally, she has a passion for dancing and singing, her father. Recently, she has been inspired along with a secret love for fashion. Banfi feels by the many protests and activism, as we inspired by her friends and family and looks are seeing people across the world unite to Carlotta Banfi /Contributor forward to whatever her future holds. fight for basic human rights. Ricciardulli Carlotta Banfi (’21) poses with Samo principal “Will somebody please take me to the Mal- also emphasizes that she is always there for Antonio Shelton. dives so I can stop dreaming about it?” Banfi anyone seeking someone to talk to. said. Natalie Ricciardulli / Contributor “I would like my peers to know that I am Natalie Ricciardulli (’21) takes pride the type of person anyone can go to for Ryan Kashanchi (’21) will rarely say no to vast cultural diversity of Samo, and is personally in being an active member of the Samo help ; late night rants and everything in be- doing anything, including donating blood or very proud of his Persian-Jewish heritage. community. She has been in ASB for four tween. I love hearing different perspectives participating in events across LA in exchange “I would like to thank The Samohi for having years and currently holds the position of and growing a better understanding of my- for a free t-shirt (especially tie-dye). With- me in their paper and to remind everyone to Student Body Treasurer. Ricciardulli also self and others,” Ricciardulli said. in Samo, Kashanchi is involved in numerous check out Samohi Forum Club...Some amazing co-founded a club called Compassionate ways. He is the founder and president of Soup stuff is happening over there!” Kashanchi said. SAMOHI, who fundraise and volunteer Club, an organization on campus dedicated to feeding the local homeless population. Aside from Soup Club, Kashanchi is a member of the Bayard Vincent-Tang (’21) dreams of inspiration in the future and motivation in Samohi Forum Club, the Samohi Linguistics visiting Italy to see the historic Roman what has happened in the past. Club and Circle Of Friends. Kashanchi has also monuments one day. His favorite artist is “I was extremely surprised to see that been a member of the boys’ cross country and named Miracle of Sound, who makes mu- I was on the homecoming court!” Vin- track and field teams for all four of his years at sic that is primarily used in video games. cent-Tang said. Samo. Outside of school, he enjoys volunteering At Samo, Vincent-Tang is part of the Dark at the UCLA hospital and playing music for the Magic club, UCLA board games club and *Vincent-Tang did not provide a photo. patients. Kashanchi is very inspired by his peers chess club. He is also on the Samo golf and teachers at Samo, as they push him to be the team. In his free-time, Vincent-Tang loves best possible version of himself. He also notes playing computer games, watching history that he feels fortunate to be surrounded by the Ryan Kashanchi / Contributor videos and playing board games. He finds [email protected] The Samohi Student Life November 16, 2020 05 Traveling, music and linguistics with M. Gottlieb Juliet Swimmer would connect the stories to things in his life, and make life lessons always been attracted to Russia. I like the music and the various Alani Kanan out of the literature. And that kind of made me want to be a teach- aspects of Russian culture. Staff Writers er. And then as far as French, my parents were an influence but we would go on trips to Europe every few years when I was a kid. And JS: Were there any really influential teachers, or people that im- David Gottlieb is a French 3-5 teacher at Samo and has it was just cool being immersed in this other culture. For example, pacted the way you teach now? been teaching for 17 years! He likes to play musical instru- they have a different Kellogg’s cereal there that doesn’t exist over ments including piano and guitar. Besides studying French, here called “Mielpops”. They’re like honey pops. Whenever my DG: I mean, first of all there’s the teacher that I mentioned, Bary he has also studied Spanish, Italian, Japanese, Russian and students go to France I ask them to bring me back some. I tried it, Smollin who, you know, was kind of entertaining and so I wanted Portuguese. Some hobbies he has include playing basketball, I was like, ‘wow, this is amazing’. And they don’t have it over here. to be like him. Corbin, the French teacher that was there before me watching movies and reading. Juliet Swimmer and Ala- I mean that’s just like some tiny little things that are different over also. She was kind of a mentor in my early years, so I can’t point to ni Kanan talked with him through Zoom on Oct. 26. The there. And so that was kind of interesting to me. And the music, something specific, but I mean she definitely had an influence. So following is a transcript of our conversation with him during my parents would be playing music in the household every once in many teachers have, you know, influenced me in small ways. lunch last Wednesday, edited for conciseness. a while that was French because my mom’s French. French movies in my French classes that I took in junior high and high school JS: Did your mom teach you French or did you not learn it until were another big influence. I just fell in love with the culture, basi- high school? David Gottlieb: Bonjour! cally. And I was such a Francophile myself that it’s something that I’m genuinely really enthusiastic about so I think that it’s a good DG: I was born in the 70s and I think the prevailing belief at the Juliet Swimmer: Bonjour! thing to have if you’re going to teach something. time, which was later disproved, was that if kids were raised with more than one language they were at risk of falling behind in Alani Kanan: Hello. I’m Alani Kanan. JS: Have you ever lived in France? school. So, I didn’t start learning French until I was in eighth grade. I mean I’d hear it a little bit around the house and everything. And JS: Very nice to meet you, I’m Juliet. So just to get started, do you DG: Yeah. I spent my junior year in Toulouse in the southwest of when we took trips to France. I picked up a few words like “ball have any hobbies? France. I also went to UC Santa Barbara for my master’s degree and swab” and things like that. Once I started learning it, I had a lot through the master’s program there I did an exchange with Paris, more practice at home. Also, through the master’s program, I had DG: Yeah, I like to play musical instruments. I love playing piano so I spent the semester teaching English in Paris. I was only teach- friends who were native French speakers so with them I spoke and guitar. I like learning languages, I mean obviously I’m a French ing three days a week. The other five days I was basically a tourist. only French pretty much. And with my cousin when I go over to teacher but I also have studied Spanish, Italian, Japanese, Russian And I was the adult equivalent of a kid at Disneyland. There’s all France, for the most part we speak exclusively in French. So that and Portuguese. I used to play basketball with colleagues at work. these beautiful parts. All these monuments, all these museums. helped my French a lot. My knees are kind of bad now so not so much anymore. And I like And so I just love that stuff. And, I feel like the more that you know watching movies and reading so I have a lot of hobbies. about a place that you’re visiting the richer the experience it is as JS: Well I think that’s all, thank you very much for talking to us. a visitor. JS: What is your favorite language, why did you decide to learn it? AK: Thank you. JS: Did you like to travel and when you were younger? You said DG: Well, obviously French but I wouldn’t rank them. I guess you traveled to Europe as a kid, did that make you want to travel they’re all sort of interesting in their own ways. more?

JS: Why did you choose French over all the other languages you DG: Yeah, I love traveling. I’ve gone to France every other summer could have studied? since 2007, but with the pandemic that’s in jeopardy. One of the most amazing trips that I went on was to Japan in 2014. My col- DG: Well I studied French first. And I know it much better than all league, Emily Kariya, who’s the Japanese teacher, helped me plan the other languages I studied. How I got into French: first of all, my it. And it was just such a beautiful country and so different from mother is French, and my dad was a French teacher in the district anything that I’d seen before. for 47 years, which is an extremely long time to be a teacher. He taught French at Hollywood High for 45 years. AK: Did your travels influence you to want to learn more languag- es and as many languages as you know now? JS: How long have you been teaching? DG: Yeah, probably. Because my mother’s French, we would go to DG: This is my 17th year of teaching. France in the summer, well I guess every four years before I grad- uated high school. We would always go to Switzerland also. Italy is JS: You’ve only been teaching French, that whole time? also in that area so we would do Italy too. In high school, I did five years of French and two years of Spanish and then I started taking DG: Mhm, different levels of French but that’s the only subject. Italian through UCLA extension my senior year in high school. I probably picked that up easily having been to Italy and loving JS: What inspired you to become a teacher? Did you know when pizza. Anyways, I have this sort of predisposition to be interested you were younger? in Japan from childhood. And then when I became a teacher at Samo, I decided that during my prep period I would sit in on the DG: I have a couple of inspirations for that. My 12th grade AP Japanese class. And it would be a double beneficial thing; I could English teacher Barry Smollin. He was just really smart and real- learn Japanese and at the same time pick up teaching tricks. Be- ly funny. It was like having a comedian for a teacher, but he was tween the different languages that were available it seemed like David Gottlieb / Contributor also really insightful about the books that we were reading and he the most interesting. So I started doing that and then Russian. I’ve [email protected] One Swap at a Time makes a difference one video at a time Rachel Levin to advocate a waste-free lifestyle, the presenta- The videos, which will all be posted on One bubble, or a group of people who can be within Staff Writer tions have become a tradition for the club. In Swap at a Time’s YouTube channel, will in- six feet of each other because they are certain its first year, the club gave their presentations clude facts and links to resources along with they are all COVID-19 free, and are filming in One Swap at a Time’s committment to their in person. Then, in spring of last year, due to the presentation produced by McKenzie and a McKenzie’s backyard. An alternative way the mission is so intense that COVID-19 is not COVID-19, they gave their second presenta- few other club members. A topic McKenzie is club is creating content is through club mem- going to get in their way. Whereas in years tion virtually. Now, with the third, club mem- already considering diving into is how to start bers individually filming videos and sending past, club president Carys McKenzie (’22) has bers are trying to make the best of the contin- a garden and grow your own food. them to McKenzie, who edits videos togeth- made presentations to middle and elementary ued distance with new changes and ideas. Due to COVID-19, not every member of the er with FinalCut Pro and other editing tech- schools about the “zero-waste” lifestyle, this “We hope to make the videos shorter, more club is able to be a part of the production, but niques to produce professional content. year McKenzie and other club members are interesting, for kids to learn what’s going on,” McKenzie and club leaders Sofia Ramalingam The club plans to release a video every one adapting to video. Presentations will be found McKenzie said. (’22) and Alana Basmajian (’22) have formed a to two weeks, producing a series for elemen- on their YoutTube channel. tary and middle school students, respectively, One Swap at a Time’s members strive to in the SMMUSD district. Franklin Elementa- change their way of living with small change ry, Mckinley Elementary, Grant Elementary after change, until they are living as eco-friend- and Lincoln Middle School have already been ly as possible. This includes limiting single-use contacted by club members about making a plastics, growing one’s own food and com- presentation but the group plans to expand posting as much as possible. The club’s name their range. Although they have been forced to comes from McKenzie’s goal of swapping move to a virtual forum, One Swap at a Time is unsustainable products for environmentally holding out for the time when they can present friendly ones. in person again. “One Swap at a Time is my mantra. One “We definitely want to do a live presentation. swap at a time, we’ll become more sustainable That’s our goal,” McKenzie said. people,” McKenzie said. Either way, One Swap at a Time is ready to The club was founded in McKenzie’s fresh- use the resources they have to educate young- man year and has done a presentation to ele- er students on the importance of living a ze- mentary and middle school students annually. ro-waste lifestyle, and the most accessible way Although the presentation started as a submis- Carys McKenzie / Contributor to achieve that. sion to the BowSeat Advocacy Competition, a A screenshot from One Swap At A Time’s YouTube channel.. The club has already uploaded four contest that encourages students to find ways educational videos and plan on releasing even more this year! [email protected] Cooking with The Samohi A Guide to Tik Tok’s tasty Thanksgiving treats

Apple Pie Ingredients

For the dough: For the filling: 2 ½ cups of flour Slice apples in thin slices and add to the bowl. ½ tablespoon of sugar 6 apples ½ teaspoon of salt Teaspoon of cinnamon ½ pound of cold unsalted butter 8 tablespoons of unsalted butter 6 tablespoons of ice water 3 tablespoons of flour 1 egg ¼ cup of water 1 tablespoon of water 1 cup of sugar

Instructions

For the dough: For the pie: 1. Add flour, sugar and salt to bowl. 1. Sprinkle flour onto a flat surface. 2. Chop butter into small cubes and add to 2. Pull dough out of the freezer . bowl with sugar, salt and flour. 3. Take half of the dough and roll it out into 3. Mash the ingredients together into a a 12” diameter circle. chunky powder. 4. Move rolled dough onto a 9” pie plate. 4. Add water to the bowl. 5. Add the apple pie mixture to the pie 5. Mash together until dough texture forms. plate. 6. Roll second piece of dough into 11”. Art by Ella Rose For the filling: 7. Cut the rolled dough into 10 even strips. Grace Gyepes 1. Slice apples in thin slices and add to the 8. Arrange the strips atop the filling in a Staff Writer what the creator eats in a day. With Thanksgiving bowl. woven pattern. just around the corner, you are almost sure to find TikTok is a social media app that skyrocketed in 2. Sprinkle cinnamon over apples. 9. Beat the egg and water. new holiday recipes there. popularity during the summer of 2019, with most 3. Add butter, flour, water and sugar to a 10. Brush the mixture over the woven Of course, it would not be Thanksgiving with- of its users being teens and young adults. By shar- pot. dough pieces. out apple pie! Apple pie is a delicious way to top ing content that ranges from dances to politics to 4. Mix butter, flour, water and sugar over 11. Bake at 425˚F for 15 minutes. off your meal, especially when it is baked from comedy, everything can be found within the app’s medium heat for three minutes. 12. Reduce heat to 350˚F and continue scratched with a homemade crust. TikToker @ user-created videos. A significant side of the app 5. Pour the sauce over the apples and cin- baking another 45 minutes. bakingwithchristina has created a quick and easy is filled with food-related content, where you can namon until all apples are coated. 13. Leave the pie at room temperature for recipe will leave you and your family wanting find videos that help people to eat healthier, teach one hour before serving. more. I have only made it once, but it blew my people how to cook at home and demonstrate taste buds away. The recipe goes as follows:

Vegetarian Crispy kale chips victories: three eco-

Ingredients friendly recipes ½ of an avocado watery smoothies) 1 banana ½ the juice of a Genevieve Nevius ronment. Tali Chase (’23) explains 2 small handfuls of lemon Staff Writer passionately that valuable space spinach Some honey (taste for Now more than ever, people are and resources are being taken up 1 cup of apple juice desired sweetness as becoming aware of the damages by big corporations farming mil- (or more depending you blend) that our capitalistic society has lions of abused animals. She also on if you prefer more 2 cups of frozen fruit inflicted on the Earth. Though reasons that by reducing our meat many aspects of said society have intake we can limit the number of Instructions contributed to our current climate fossil fuels being released into our 1. Scoop avocado into your 3. Add your pick of frozen fruit, crisis, one of the main ones is the atmosphere. blender along with your spinach, lemon juice and honey (other unsustainable and inhumane “There are so many great al- apple juice and banana. If your optional ingredients include bee farming of livestock. Many people ternatives to meat and if people blender gets stuck, add more pollen, protein powder and so are switching to vegetarian and would just try to become vegetar- apple juice. on). vegan diets, or some variation of ian they would see how easy it is,” 2. Blend these ingredients until 4. Blend your ingredients until these, as they recognize the harm Chase said. you are only able to see small you get your desired consistency. done to the planet through meat Even though many students are pieces of spinach leaves. and animal product consump- trying out and backing the idea tion. According to a Gallup poll of plant-based diets, others are conducted in 2018 published by unwilling to change their diet, de- “The Washington Post”, five per- spite being aware of the issues our cent of U.S. adults (around 16 planet is currently facing. Hope- million people) are strictly vege- fully these healthy and easy reci- tarian, with the majority of these pes will allow others to dip their people being young adults. toes in the water of vegetarianism. Many Samo students stress how important this movement of plant-based diets really is when it comes to the future of our envi- Cooking with The Samohi Rachel Rothschild (’21): the next Gordon Ramsay

Rachel Rothschild / Contributor Rachel Rothschild / Contributor Rachel Rothschild (’21) showing off a loaf of freshly baked pumpkin bread. (LEFT TO RIGHT) Layla Shapouri (’21), Rachel Rothschild (’21), Nicole Kuri (’21), Victoria Taylor (’21), Emily Plukas (’21), Karly Brooks (’21), Diya Rao (’21) and London Wilkes (’21) displaying their cakes from a baking competition. Alani Kanan had her heart set on becoming a chef. Rothschild attended a center. Staff Writer cake decorating class at the Cake Boss headquarters in New “We got Jolly Ranchers and cake pans and the rest was up to The Co-President of Samo’s Cooking Club, Rachel Roth- York, although this was not her only interaction with those us. We used the Jolly Ranchers to make a geo in the center so it schild’s (’21) love for cooking began at a young age. When distinguished amongst the culinary world. She went to many looked like when you were cutting into the cake it was a rock,” Rothschild was a toddler, her mom always had a Food Network book signings for famous chefs who inspired her, including El- Rothschild said. on the TV, which she thinks encouraged her love for cooking. lie Krieger, Alton Brown and more, and even participated in When Rothschild started at Samo, she realized she wanted In elementary school, Rothschild turned her kitchen into a cooking summer camps led by other renowned cooks. to share her love for cooking with those outside of her friend full-function playdough restaurant, where she served different “When I was young, all my summers were spent in cooking group. During their junior year, Rothschild and her friend, Sa- entrees to her parents. In middle school, she made sure to in- camps and stuff, I would do like restaurant camps where we’d sha Yeskel (’21), decided to found the Cooking Club. Cook- clude the word “chef” in her first email address, with the intent like, go to the farmers market and then I would make your ing Club meets every other Monday, and during the time they of broadcasting her love for cooking to the world. The realm of restaurant and your menu,” Rothschild said. spend together, they try out different recipes and watch cook- cooking played a large role in her childhood and led her inter- On top of Rothschild’s love for cooking, she also said that she ing shows. ests to revolve around the culinary arts. loves to bake since she enjoys the decorating aspect. Her favor- Rothschild is now leaning towards majoring in a science field “When I was a toddler, I would cook with my playdough... ite baked good to make is a raspberry crumble bar. Essentially in college after becoming fascinated with the chemistry behind My mom would always have the Food Network channel on, it is a shortbread crust, filled with jam, topped with streusel. cooking and baking. While she no longer intends to go into the and so I’d cook along with the chefs, trying to recreate their Rothschild can often be found making this along with all other food industry, Rothschild has both of these hobbies to thank dishes,” Rothschild said. kinds of baked goods with her friends. Once Rothschild and for her newfound love of science, and will forever continue to As Rothschild got older her love for cooking and baking her friends even had a bake-off challenge, where they all at- practice them. only grew, and after a while, she came to the conclusion that tempted to recreate a three-layer cake with a geo stone in the

Veggie stir-fry Energy smoothie

Ingredients Ingredients 1 zucchini 1 large onion Sesame seed 1 bundle of kale Garlic powder 1 large carrot 2 cups of rice oil 3 tablespoons of Parmesan cheese 2 sticks of Soy sauce Garlic powder olive oil finely grated celery Rice vinegar Instructions 1 tomato Olive oil 1. Preheat the oven to 400 the mixture along the walls of Instructions degrees. the bowl. 1.Wash rice and set to cook. brown. 2. Wash and dry kale and sepa- 7. Add your washed kale leaves 2. Chop all vegetables into bite size 7. While the vegetables are rate the leaves from the stem and in the bowl and mix until all of pieces and dice the onion. cooking, combine equal parts oil, rip into bite-sized pieces. the seasoning is on the leaves. 3. Separate the vegetables into two rice vinegar and soy sauce in a jar 3. Measure out your olive oil and 8. Prepare your pan by spraying groups (onions, celery and carrots (three tablespoons each). pour it into a large bowl. cooking oil over its surface. in group one and zucchini and 8. Add a splash of sesame seed oil 4. Sprinkle a layer of garlic pow- 9. Transfer your kale leaves into tomato in group two) and preferred amount of garlic 4. In a wok pan (a large pan or a powder to the mixture (usually der and parmesan cheese over the pan. pan with tall sides would work) three sprinkles is sufficient). the top of the oil. 10. Cook for 5-10 minutes pour one tablespoon of olive oil 9. Shake the jar until the sauce is 5. Now mix! Your mixture (remember to watch your kale over medium heat. well mixed. should have a syrup like con- chips very closely, as they cook 5. Add onions, celery and carrots 10. Add your rice, then the jar of sistency. If the mixture is too fast!) and cook until the onions become sauce into the pan. watery, add more cheese. If the 11. Take out of the oven once semi-translucent. Stir regularly. 11. Mix well until the rice and veg- mixture is too thick, add more they have reached your desired 6. Add the rest of the vegetables etables have soaked up the sauce. and cook until they begin to Serve steaming hot! oil. crispiness. 6. With a rubber spatula, spread

Art by Ella Rose The Samohi 08 November 16, 2020 Opinion The electoral college is a threat to our democracy the country. In short, they explicitly democracy. rejected the popular vote because they Additionally, the Electoral College did not trust voters to make the right suffers from “faithless elector” where decision. Now, in a day and age where electors cast their ballot in opposition about 85 percent of Americans have at to the dictates of their state’s popular least a high school education, it is safe votes. In the 1796 presidential elec- to say that this mode of thinking is tion, Pennsylvania elector Samuel outdated and a checking system need Miles, though pledged to vote for not be implemented for the presiden- John Adams as Adams had won the Voter fraud has been repeated- cy any longer. state’s popular votes, cast his vote for ly called into question in the recent Controversy regarding the Elec- Thomas Jefferson. Miles was the first months as president Donald Trump toral College is not uncommon. in 157 electors in U.S. history who attempts to invalidate mail-in voting, a Throughout U.S. history there have voted contrary to their state’s chosen long-standing practice whose impor- been numerous occasions where con- winner. In 2016, seven electors de- tance rose in the wake of COVID-19. flict arose, most recently seen in the fected from the dictates of their state’s The real challenge to our democracy, presidential election in 2016. Demo- popular vote, the highest number in however, lies in the Electoral College. cratic candidate Hillary Clinton beat any modern election. The Electoral College, as currently Republican candidate Donald Trump An elector’s one vote is supposed to structured, encompasses that each in the popular votes by almost three be determined not by personal mor- state has two electoral votes regard- million votes. Even so, the latter won als and beliefs but by the state. That less of population, plus additional the Electoral College by 74 votes and practice can be difficult to uphold, -es votes to match its number of House thus, on Jan. 20, 2017, Trump was in- pecially if the state you represent does of Representative members. In theory, augurated as the 45th president of the not “vote right”. Democracy is about the candidate with the most votes in United States. Having a president who giving a voice to all rather than a se- a particular state gets all the electoral loses the popular vote completely un- lect few. When we see that the votes of votes for that state, with the exception dermines electoral legitimacy and it is a small percentage of the population of Maine and Nebraska which allocate becoming the norm. In two of the five are valued over those of the people, votes at a congressional district level. last presidential elections, the presi- we see the beginnings of the end of dent with the popular vote lost. The democracy. When establishing the Electoral Art by Isabella Rodriguez College, the founding fathers, a racist people’s president, the one that they It’s likely that we’ll continue to see and elitist group of white men who chose, the one that they are entitled higher rates of faithless electors. In the racy at the hands of the Electoral Col- only granted the right to vote with penned a number of influential gov- to under the defining principles of de- Baca v Hickenlooper Supreme Court lege, a solution presents itself: abolish the 19th amendment in 1919, as be- erning documents, had an anti-ma- mocracy, that the authority to choose decision, the federal court ruled that it. The idea of direct popular votes fore women lacked franchise. Many joritarian concern in mind as most governing legislation is in the hands states cannot penalize faithless elec- has garnered much support over the Black Americans were barred from people at that time were not well edu- of the people, was not adhered to. We tors no matter the intent of the elec- years. A poll in March conducted by voting until the Voting Rights Act of cated and thus wanted a body of wise need to abolish the Electoral College tor or the outcome of the state vote. POLITICO and Morning Consult re- 1965. Time and time again, we have men to choose the best man to lead so that Americans may eventually Basically legalizing voter fraud, this vealed 50 percent of Americans were attempted to fix the outdated aspects vote as though they live in a modern ruling completely nullifies the popu- for it, 34 percent were against and 16 of our voting system. Now we need lar vote. Electors, whose vote carries percent did not have a preference. to amend the Constitution itself to more weight than the average Amer- Two months later NBC News and abolish the Electoral College before Social pods are the solution to ican’s, can do whatever they want. At Wall Street Journal wrote that 53 per- its many shortcomings shatter con- this point, the only ones who actually cent were for and 43 percent against. fidence in American democracy all need to vote are the 538 electors in the The United States voting system together. the social itch we are all feeling college. is not the same as when first estab- In the wake of our declining democ- lished in the 1800s. Women were [email protected] Grass lawns: iconically American and environmentally disastrous frequent. So, why are we pouring in recent years, and some bee popula- billions of gallons of freshwater into tions are flourishing. We can help these lawns, when, year after year, we suf- urban bees out, as bee scholar Marla fer from droughts and consequent Spivak explained in her Ted Talk. wildfires? When we face the very real “Go online and search for flowers that prospects of not having enough direct are native to your area and plant them. drinking water in the near future? Plant them in a pot on your doorstep. There is yet another downside to Plant them in your front yard, in your lawns. When city development and lawns, in your boulevards,” Spivak said. lawns skyrocketed in the mid 20th cen- A long time ago, lawns were a way to When I first moved to Santa Monica tury, thousands of miles of previously beautify the streets, a way to differen- Art by Isabella Rodriguez from Switzerland in the fall of 2016, I untouched land was destroyed. In Cali- tiate the green, safe suburbs from the unless there is a way for people to be was mesmerized by the green, neatly fornia, the natural environment of spe- dark cities. They fed into the image of together many will still be tempted manicured lawns which hugged the cies, such as mountain lions or hawks, a manicured suburban life, the idea of to disregard all safety measures. It is sidewalk from both sides. America disappeared overnight. As lawns re- an American dream. Today, however, an extremely difficult time mentally looked exactly like what I had seen placed native flowers and bushes, bees we are at a point in time where we have and emotionally for many individu- in the movies. But as much as I had were hit especially hard. According to realized that many of our practices in- als, and pods can provide the support adored these iconic American lawns “Ohio State Insights” bee populations vented in the last century destroy the that people need. Humans require during my early days in the U.S., it soon in the U.S. are declining rapidly, with environment; we don’t know if the next social contact to remain healthy and became clear to me that lawns are not honeybee colony losses averaging 30 generation will see lush green hills or being in a bubble allows families as idyllic and innocent as they appear. percent each winter, instead of the scorched earth, blue lakes or dried out Due to the national COVID-19 and friends to be together without Traditional grass lawns need water, and natural 10 to 15 percent. The practice reservoirs. The subject of lawns may pandemic, the Centers for Disease compromising their health mentally in places like Los Angeles or Las Vegas, of keeping lawns “neat” by mowing, seem small, but all lawns in the U.S. put Control and Prevention have placed and physically. The system also can cities that sit in the middle of deserts, as well as the application of pesticides, together make up a land area the size of restrictions on most social interac- be helpful when people are involved the consumption is extreme. Moreover, prevents plant diversity and flowering Texas. They are one of the few factors tions to ensure the safety of everyone. in school and work together, to help lawns destroy the natural landscape of plants from blooming. As flower scarce each and every one of us can control Procedures such as mandated masks, simulate a more realistic environ- the region, in turn endangering species lawns contribute to the decline of bee in the effort to save the environment. social distancing of at least 6-feet and ment. By ensuring that your mental like bees and other pollinators who are populations, we are as affected as the Homeowners can plant native plant isolation have been implemented health is checked, quarantine bubbles already facing extinction. As iconic and and become the social norm these are more likely to become an effective charming lawns are, they have to go. days. We need a way to interact while long term improvement to quaran- In the 1950s, as families moved out staying safe, and social pods are the tining independently. of cities in the post-war economic solution for that. Being socially active Nevertheless, implementing these climate, they settled in newly created is a necessity as humans, especially bubbles can be risky and truly de- suburbs, which often included lawns during such a stressful time. Luckily, pends on how they are handled. If in front of the houses, mimicking up- the pods can give us that privilege. there are not clear guidelines to con- per class style gardens. The widespread Pods allow for people to have some trol the amount of communication idea of conformity of the 1950s certain- freedom to be together in a con- with others outside the bubble, then ly increased the popularity of the green, trolled environment, without making instead of possibly flattening the well-kept patches of grass that complet- the virus spread further. curve, the bubble can unintentional- ed American homes. Eventually, the Pods or bubbles are a mechanism ly become a mechanism to transmit image of owning a house with a front to keep social interaction of others to the virus further. Maintaining an ef- lawn became embedded in the Ameri- a minimum but still allow for people fective bubble requires trust within can dream, and the spread of lawns has to socialize within their small group the group so everyone feels protected not ceased since. freely. The people participating in and comfortable. Otherwise, it leaves “[The type of grass used for lawns these self-contained pods are able to the pod in an extremely vulnerable is] the most grown crop in the United be together without having to main- position. States--and it’s not one that anyone can Art by Erkki Forster tain any precautions against the vi- When they are conducted correctly, eat; its primary purpose is to make us bees themselves, for these pollinators species, thereby conserving water as rus. Everyone is tested prior to the quarantine bubbles provide a safe en- look and feel good about ourselves,” are an essential part of agriculture. those plants tend to be better adjusted initiation of the bubble and members vironment to satisfy the social itch we Anthropologist Kystal D’Costa said in “With the declining number of bees, to the region’s climate. Students can continue social distancing with oth- are all feeling. It is important to take the “Scientific American”. the costs of over 130 fruit and vegetable lobby for schools and other facilities to ers throughout its existence. Families care of ourselves and others during a These lawns are estimated by the crops that we rely on for food is going switch from traditional grass lawns to that create a bubble also have to cre- time where we are in the midst of a EPA to consume roughly a third of up in price,” beekeeper Noah Wil- better, more environmentally friendly ate an agreement of any restrictions national pandemic. Social pods can all public water in the U.S., and about son-Rich said in a 2012 Ted Talk. alternatives. As freshwater resources or rules they need, in order to make be the way we do this. As long as the fifty percent is wasted due to inefficient According to “TIME”, 700 bee spe- deplete, forests burn and global tem- the experience as effective as possible. significance of our actions are recog- irrigation. California, specifically, has cies are facing extinction, and as scary peratures rise, we must do everything In a perfect world, everyone would nized, pods are a smart way to make lost much of its water reserves in the as they may bee, I would not want to in our power to combat this environ- stay home, but that is not realistically the best of the current restrictions. last century, and the state is projected live in a world without them. Howev- mental crisis. Having a conversation sustainable. The situation we are in is to lose more as the climate crisis makes er, the negative trend can be reversed; about lawns is an easy first step. [email protected] urban beekeeping has become popular an extreme long-term restriction, and rain and snowpacked mountains less [email protected] The Samohi Opinion November 16, 2020 09 Excess screen time a day does not keep the doctor away get headaches and honestly don’t feel motivated to do much else,” Egan Waktole (’23) said. Research shows that children who are exposed to excess amounts of screen time are more sus- ceptible to mental illnesses such as depression Art by Ella Rose and anxiety. Many of us can likely relate to the feeling of being easily irritated and having slow- What is hidden behind Google’s er brain function after spending long periods of time online. Even sleep, which is extremely simple and convenient facade? important in maintaining good mental health, show various ad websites as the top search As the COVID-19 pandemic swept across the is affected, as the blue light emitted from screens results when you look something up. This nation and stay-at-home orders were issued al- suppresses melatonin in the body, a sleep pro- makes it very difficult to find unbiased re- most everywhere, dependency on technology moting hormone. sources when doing schoolwork. Students as a whole increased significantly. For most, In terms of physical health, the negative im- working on research papers often require a the largest adjustment was the switch to online pacts of screen time form an ongoing list. For counter argument, but finding that count- learning, as we went from working in class- one, studies show that spending excess amounts er argument can be very difficult when it rooms full of life to seeing turned off cameras of time in front of a screen can be directly linked is an unpopular opinion. This obviously and mics through a cold, distant screen day after to obesity, which is associated with some of the can cause a conflict for students doing re- day. Now, the robotic routine of sitting through leading causes of death in the United States: search. Zoom calls only to later do homework online heart disease and diabetes. Secondly, looking at Earlier this year, a school district in New or scroll through social media has become all a screen for extended periods of time can cause As we all know, Google is the foundation Mexico filed a lawsuit against Google too familiar for students throughout the nation. what is known as “computer vision syndrome,” for our schoolwork, especially now that we claiming it used its educational services Online learning is both detrimental and dan- with symptoms including headaches, strained are in distance learning. From teachers as- (i.e. Google Classroom and Google Docs) gerous as it exposes us to too much screen time. eyes and blurred vision. As many Samo stu- signing work on Google Classroom to stu- to spy on students and staff. This was not Growing up, we’ve inevitably all heard from dents are continuing to pursue athletics during dents creating graphs on Google Sheets, we the first lawsuit of this nature to be filed doctors or parents the importance of limiting this time, the toll overexposure to screens can use Google basically everyday. We put our against Google. There was a similar one in have on physical well-being/ability is particu- trust into these apps and expect our infor- 2018. These lawsuits further the questions larly harmful. Spending more time online can mation to be safe. But, should SMMUSD about Google’s safety. Schools would not be directly impact an athletes performance in really rely on this company with all of our making these claims if they didn’t have rea- practices and leave the student feeling groggy information? Google could easily sell our son to believe they were true. Technology or unable to concentrate. Luckily, many educa- personal and school data or use our docu- is the basis of today’s world and there are tors are understanding of this issue and Samo ments to gain information about us or the already enough concerns that come with it. teachers have been highly encouraged to limit district. Even with the privacy agreement Google should be trying to lessen people’s the amount of online work they assign. the district signed with Google, it should worries, but instead they are fueling them. “I said to the staff, ‘these students have three be concerning that one single company Now, parents have to worry that their chil- classes in a given day. If each one of you gave owns the majority of our school work and dren are being spied on by a company who another hour of work after those three classes, has control over most of our resources. can easily share their information. look how long that day is that they’re looking Many students subconsciously use Google Obviously, we cannot simply change the at something online.’ I asked them last week without a second thought. Students click entire basis of our work overnight. But, we to chill out with some of that. I told them, ‘if “accept” to the terms and conditions with- should be keeping in mind the safety of our they’re unhappy, then the students are unhap- out actually reading them. Some students work and information. Trying to find other py’,” Principal Antonio Shelton said. will use Google Docs or Gmail to commu- alternatives might be difficult for the rea- While it may not seem to be a crucial issue, nicate with their friends and Google has sons stated above. Safari and Yahoo would for many students, the consequences of this access to all those private conversations. Photo by Amy Manuel Perez(’21) be the search engines most similar to Goo- Amy Manuel Perez (’21) stares at her computer amoutn of screen exposure make it extremely Yet, there is not much of a choice, seeing gle and using them for work might be safer. difficult to stay on track, resulting in poor per- as Google does have a strong monopoly screen during a long day of distance learning. However, they are a little bit less accessible formance in school as well as other aspects of on the internet. There are other search en- and not as convenient as Google. Google screen time. In fact, according to the 24-Hour life. As our generation has already grown up gines, such as Bing and Yahoo, but they do is notable for its simplicity and that is the Movement Guidelines, the recommended surrounded by unthinkable amounts of tech- not have as much information as Google. main reason why it is used by many schools amount of screen time per day for teenagers is nology and social media, I worry that we grow In fact, Google is currently battling one of around the country. Additionally, it is very a mere two hours. However, with our current increasingly dependent on our devices and stray the biggest antitrust lawsuits with the Jus- easy to access and navigate Google, making situation, this limit is impossible to achieve; in- further away from true human connection each tice Department. They have been accused it easy to use for everyone. Maybe that sim- struction, homework and entertainment are all day. Watching our school, a place once swarm- of monopolizing the internet and paying plicity and convenience is what blindsides online while we stay indoors. This amount of ing with social interaction ultimately be shoved other companies to prioritize Google over exposure can affect not only a student’s physical into a computer screen, I wonder what else in any of their competitors. Google also has us from seeing the dangers Google poses. health, but mental health as well. our lives may soon be replaced by the metal box control of what websites appear when we “I feel drained after school everyday from the sitting at our desks. search for something. Seeing as they want hours spent looking at my computer. I start to [email protected] to profit as much as possible, Google will [email protected] Why “WAP” is the feminist anthem of our generation Women being sexual ics like toxic relationships, consent, how the media and suck your small d**k.” This cultural issue dates back to biblical times displays consent, sexual assult and harrassment, In King Gordy’s “Mr. 187”, he describes brutally surrounding the infamous Virgin Mary. The name gender identy and masturbation in a way that is try- raping a child: “Buttf*****g a five year old/Put the alone alludes to what the ideal woman was and ing to defeat the stigma about talking about these knife inside her hole then slice her throat/She’s been clearly still is: a pure virgin who represents moth- poignant issues and topics. So for Cardi B and Me- dead for days, I can still put dressings on her/Spread ering and nurturing. The Virgin Mary not only gan Thee Stallion to talk about what they want and her legs and lick whatever’s left of her.” lays out, from the very beginning, the very specific how they want it, isn’t vile. It’s sex postitive. Please tell me you get the message. Please. instructions for how women need to act but made PLEASE. clear that women being sexual is a no-no. Hypocrisy Okay, so hopefully the message is clear. These lyr- Fast forward to 2020, when a highly popular sex- Although people are reacting to WAP as if it’s the ics were all written by men and all of them were ex- We’ve all heard it, watched the dance, looked up ually driven song comes out by two women of color first sexually-charged song to reach the world of cused for their ‘mistakes’, with little controversy. The lyrics to it, loved or hated it. Whoever you are, you and is still perceived as outrageous by some. rap, male rappers have been graphic about sex for truth of it is, both men and women should be able know about this song and you feel its impact, no Ultimately, the song is about female ejaculation. decades. Let’s examine the evidence… to be graphic or sexual while not being demeaning. matter if you agree with it or not. WAP (Wet A** However, the recent outcry over this song makes the P***y) by Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion sparked double standard painfully clear. There is undoubt- a significant amount of controversy due to its graph- edly deeply rooted inequality. Were these male rap- ic language about sex and female pleasure. Despite pers told they were in need of holy water and better the controversy, it’s the kind of conversation about father figures? Nope. This is a classic ‘boys will be openness around feminism we as a culture really boys’ situation. need to be having. WAP has received massive amounts of backlash, The Threatening Power of Women and Sexuality with many deeming it vile and disgusting. DeAnna The people that find this song absurd, vile, misog- Lorriane, a conservative commentator, claimed that ynistic or unholy are undoubtedly threatened. They the song was responsible for setting the entire female see how this is creating a movement and how it’s gender back by 100 years. James P. Bradley, a Repuli- changing and will continue to change us as a gen- can who’s running for California’s house of 33rd dis- eration. They see how Gen Z teens are singing the trict, tweeted that Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion song outside abortion clinics as a way to distract are the result of the absence of a strong father figure the anti-abortionsts. They see them singing them at and god in their lives. Then Ben Shaprio chimed in Trump supporters. They see. They are threatened. saying that women singing about their body parts is misogynistic, that instead they should be ‘empow- Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion have proved ered’ enough to view themselves as whole. something pivotal. You don’t have to be pure or qui- et. You can be loud and sexual about whatever you To summarize: People are pissed. Art by Isabella Rodriguez At the surface level, it’s understandable that our want. Explore your sexuality as much as you want. society’s knee jerk reaction is to label it as vile. But, Yes, it’s a real thing. Two adult women are saying In the D12 song, “Just like you”, Bizarre suggests Don’t be thrown by those who are threatened by when broken down it becomes clear how represen- exactly what they want sexually to feel pleasure. that his son, who’s eight, sell drugs and commit your power or your sexuality--embrace it. tational this song is for feminism and women in What’s so wrong with that? Look, sexual education incest: “Sell crack to your Auntie Denise/If Auntie general. and conversation has changed. Sex Ed includes top- Denise is short 40 cent/Make her get on the ground [email protected] The Samohi 10 November 16, 2020 Sports Dodgers crowned MLB World Series champions Jeremy Platt The Dodgers came back against the The most entertaining game of Staff Writer Atlanta Braves after previously trail- the series was game four. The game The Los Angeles Dodgers have ing the series three games to one. came down to the final at bat. Com- been crowned MLB World Se- The MVP of the National League ing into the bottom of the ninth in- ries Champions. After a shortened Championship Series (NLCS) was ning, the Dodgers were up by one 60-game regular season, the MLB Dodgers’ shortstop Corey Seager. run and the Rays needed to win the followed the NBA’s lead and made Dodgers’ outfielder Cody Bellinger game, or else they would trail in the a bubble to eliminate potential hit the game winning homerun series three games to one. Closing COVID-19 breakouts for the play- against the Braves in game seven to the game for the Dodgers was pitch- offs. put the Dodgers in the World Series. er Kenley Jansen, who had struggled The playoffs began in early Oc- The Los Angeles Dodgers and the in the regular season, but is consid- tober. Both the American League Tampa Bay Rays were both number ered an all-time great. The Dodgers (AL) and the National League (NL) one seeds in their conference and needed one more strike to close the had eight teams in the playoffs, with ended up meeting in the World Se- game, but the Rays had a man on each conference having their own ries. The Rays have never won an first and second base. Hitting for the bubble. The AL isolated their teams MLB World Series, while the Dodg- Rays was right fielder Brett Phillips, ers have not won since 1988. While who had not had a hit the entire in California and the NL in Texas. were in tee-ball. With the series tied Art by Isabella Rodriguez The bubble proved to be an effective the Rays have not been to the World game. Phillips hit the ball into center Series since 2008, the Dodgers have field and Dodgers’ outfielder Chris at two [games] a piece, I was very player who was not able to celebrate strategy for the MLB, as there were uncertain as to the direction that the no COVID-19 outbreaks, except gone to the World Series in three out Taylor had an easy play to keep the was Justin Turner, as he tested posi- of the past four seasons. hit to a single. Taylor made an error next game would go. I had faith in tive for COVID-19 in the bottom of for Dodgers’ third baseman, Justin the Dodgers though, as any loyal fan Turner, who tested positive for the Despite being a rookie, Arozare- and dropped the ball which allowed the eighth inning. While that news is na broke the record for most hits the Rays to tie up the game. Taylor should,” Ricciardulli said. unfortunate, Dodgers fans like Samo virus during the last game of the The Dodgers ended up winning World Series. in a single playoff run with 27 hits. was able to get the ball to catcher varsity second baseman, Gil Nahass Dodgers’ third baseman Justin Will Smith who muffed the catch, the series after pulling off back-to- (’21) are still happy that the Dodgers For the first time in MLB history, back wins in games five and six. It Turner broke their franchise record allowing the Rays to score the game brought a trophy back to Los Ange- both of the conference championship was their first World Series win since for most homeruns in the playoffs winning run. Dodgers fans were les. series went to game seven. The Rays 1988, with Seager winning World defeated the Houston Astros, with with 12. Both teams were loaded extremely disappointed, including “It genuinely feels so great after with one star player after another, Series MVP. While the Dodgers four long years of waiting, the Dodg- the MVP of the American League Samo varsity baseball third baseman were not able to celebrate in their Championship Series (ALCS) being and the series went back and forth Joey Ricciardulli (’21). er finally brought it home,” Nahass until the Dodgers were able to come home stadium, they were able to said. Rays right fielder Randy Arozarena. “The whole team played like they pop champagne in the bubble. One out victorious in six games. [email protected] Quarantine workouts: Chloe Ting shaping our lives and abs Alani Kanan Staff Writer During quarantine, people all over the country have been deprived of access to a gym. Instead, they have been forced to improvise, and Chloe Ting has become one way to stay in shape. Chloe Ting’s youtube channel has a multitude of different workout videos equipped for anyone to try out!

“Do This Every Day To Lose “Get Abs in 2 Weeks” The most popular video from Chloe Ting is a total of 14 minutes With over 275 million views, the “Get Abs in 2 Weeks,” workout with three sets of seven different exercises. In this workout, there is a video is all about building abdominal strength. This diverse work- variety of abdominal, leg and cardio exercises, from planks to burpees out targets the lower abs, upper abs and even obliques, with different to lateral lunges, among many others. The workout succeeds at engag- forms of planks and crunches. This title is a bit misleading though ing all muscle groups but lacks intensity. Thus, in contrast to its title since everyone’s body shows results differently and not everyone has “Do this workout every day to lose weight,” you probably will not lose a low enough body mass to achieve abs this quickly. However, if this a significant amount of weight by only doing this workout. I recom- abdominal workout is done regularly, you will see results. Overall, mend this quick full-body workout to less advanced athletes. this workout is recommended for those who want to come closer to achieving their goal of peak core strength. “Leg & Booty Workout” “10 Mins Toned Arms Workout” A newer released Chloe Ting video is a 13-minute workout, contain- A well-liked arm workout by Chloe Ting is the “10 Mins Toned ing 17 different lower body exercises. In this video, there is a wide va- Arms Workout.” This fast-paced 14-exercise workout has all different riety of lunges, squats and other exercises all geared towards building kinds of upper body exercises, which are great for building muscles. more muscle. The workout did a great job incorporating all strength Another benefit of this workout is it can be done in a small space and levels. Those who are more advanced are encouraged to use a resis- without weights. All you need is yourself! If people want to intensify tance band, which will make the workout more challenging. All in all, this workout, weights can be incorporated, which is great for those this video is recommended for anyone wanting a good, challenging who are more advanced. Overall, this workout is a great one to try lower body workout. out! Photo from Chloe Ting [email protected]

London Wilkes accepts DIII offer to VassarCollege Gwendolyn Warren help me in the future with my career. I’m appeal to all athletes. However, Staff Writer excited to have that freedom,” Wilkes said. Wilkes’ goals as a soccer player Wilkes’ goals and accomplishments have always pushed her to put in Samo girls’ varsity soccer player, London in soccer were greatly influenced by her the extra work in order to be the Wilkes (’21), will be attending Vassar Col- teammates at Samo. She has made un- best player she can be. lege to join their Division III soccer team. breakable bonds with her fellow players “I love [the commitment], I Wilkes has dedicated most of her life to the due to their friendship and competitive don’t think it’s a real commit- sport in the hopes of pursuing soccer in col- relationship on the field. ment if you love what you’re lege, a dream that is finally coming true. “I think [being a part of the Samo girls’ doing. It doesn’t feel like work Vassar is a perfect match for Wilkes, and soccer team] has really impacted my life ever, when I have to run that has all the qualities she looks for in both ac- because teammates have a bond that is so extra mile before practice or get- ademics and soccer. She is particularly ex- much stronger than normal friendship. ting those extra touches in on cited to work with coach Corey Holton and I’ve made so many lifelong friends and I’m the weekend when I really don’t build strong relationships within the Vassar so excited to continue to stay in touch with want to, it’s just I know what community. them past high school,” Wilkes said. I have to do to be better and it “[Vassar] has a really strong team and the Soccer has been in Wilkes’ life since she doesn’t really bother me,” Wil- coach really cares about everyone’s well be- was 5 years old. Because of this, her abil- kes said. ing. She is pretty serious and wants the team ities as a soccer player have had years to Wilkes’ journey with soccer to succeed. They weren’t the best team but develop, and she was able to start playing will continue at Vassar college, she has transformed the program and has for a serious club team in 8th grade. Club where she believes she will make [coached] winning seasons ever since she teams can be crucial for serious athletes history with her outstanding joined, so I’m excited to make history for the like Wilkes who want to pursue their sport skills and dedication to the sport. college. It was really cool because they have London Wilkes / Contributor in college and later in life. Wilkes chases down the ball while playing with her competi- an open curriculum so I can take whatever Many sports at Samo offer additional tive club soccer team. classes that interest me, [which] will really training on the weekends, which do not [email protected] The Samohi Sports november 16, 2020 11 Samo athletics starts its return to campus Ava Bourdeau optional in-person practices. While it is im- as circumstances are constantly changing. perform a self-screening prior to coming to Staff Writer perative that athletes stay in shape, neither “Because lacrosse is a spring sport, our school for practices, which requires students Zoom nor contact-free practices are suffi- coach is very optimistic and is signing us up to monitor their temperatures, as well as With COVID-19 evolving rapidly, the fate cient substitutes for genuine training. Even for tournaments… I’m not so sure though, take note of any potential COVID-19 symp- of Samo sports remains up in the air. Nev- on-campus practices are limited to solely since other spring sports have already had toms (ie. coughing, fatigue, etc). Students ertheless, SMMUSD has a tentative plan in conditioning. Coaches have found this very their games cancelled,” lacrosse player Clare will also be screened for temperature upon place that they are constantly updating to best difficult, including water polo coach Matthew Hummer (’22) said. arrival. Anyone who fails to pass either the fit the current circumstances, and sports such Flanders. self-screening or temperature check will as water polo and cross country are starting to “Well, we can’t practice water polo. We can “CIF said we may be able be prohibited from attending practice, make their way back to in-person practices. get in better shape to play polo, but it is not and must immediately return home and On the SMMUSD website, a thorough outline the same… [however] getting a chance to to play around March… if await isolation instructions from the of the new protocol with guidelines on san- interact with each other has been very good school nurse. itation procedures, athlete requirements and for the mental health of the players,” Flanders it wasn’t for COVID-19 we COVID-19 has presented a critical more has been posted. said. would be playing right now,” problem to many athletes, especially se- All sports are limited to outdoor, con- Unfortunately for fall sports, such as bas- niors hoping to impress colleges. Those tact-free practices, with all sporting events ketball, being unable to practice in person who found a community for themselves cancelled for the time being. The district has also means that their games are cancelled. — Yohannes Mihret (’23) through sports are now faced with the adopted a cohort system, in which students This has been rather disappointing to ded- loss of integral interaction, and the fear are assigned to groups of no more than 12 icated players, such as JV basketball player CIF has released a modified of losing progress is prevalent. athletes and two coaches, and may only prac- Yohannes Mihret (’23). schedule in order to continue their champi- “It has been hard for those who are being tice within those groups. Each coach is only “CIF said we may be able to play around onships despite COVID-19 infringing upon recruited to college to play or swim. They feel allowed to work with one cohort. This system March… if it wasn’t for COVID-19 we would the typical timeline. Currently, all Section like they are falling behind,” Flanders said. is intended to limit the risk of transmission, be playing right now,” Mihret said. start dates are scheduled within the months of No matter what happens, it is undeniable as students will be exposed to fewer people Mihret remains hopeful that basketball this December and January 2021. As of now, that things will continue to change. The best than they would during a typical practice. could have somewhat of a season, as his Samo teams are limited to only socially-dis- we can do right now is keep informed, and While teams are transitioning to this meth- coach seemed very optimistic that things may tant practices until next semester. Coaches Samo athletes can hope to make the return od, coaches are getting creative, leading their be looking up for the sport. The girls’ lacrosse and athletes alike are doing their best to adapt to full contact practices on their respective athletes through modified workouts and coach, Brain Patenaude, also has a positive to this new normal. courts, fields and pools very soon. “practices” over Zoom, in combination with outlook; however, some are still pessimistic, Students and employees are required to [email protected] Should athletes travel to compete in states with fewer COVID cases? YES NO Gwendolyn Warren includes social distancing and wearing Sophie Salem The only precautions taken are a man- Staff Writer a mask when Samo athletes return to Staff Writer datory temperature check for all athletes, school. but no fever does not necessarily mean The COVID-19 pandemic has stopped The concern of there being an increased The COVID-19 pandemic has given no COVID-19. People may not even have Samo athletes from traveling, but as the risk of COVID-19 transmission by travel- athletes the option to travel outside of any symptoms at all, making it virtually rest of the country has had some time ling to and from states and participating California to play competitively in states impossible to know if they have the vi- to recover, athletes should be allowed to in group sports without following social with lower cases, which is completely un- rus without being tested. This becomes a compete in areas with less COVID-19 distancing guidelines is valid. However, safe and should not be allowed. After not massive problem when these people then cases. Santa Monica has been on lock- it is extremely critical for Californian social distancing during their time away, go and interact with their own team- down for months, athletes to have travelling athletes come back to Cali- mates and other players. It is clear that and school sports the chance to fornia, possibly infecting the rest of the more safety measures must be taken. are eager to re- play and prac- state. This is truly unfair for Californians Though the competing athletes are turn to their sea- tice their sports, who are working hard to stabilize the vi- travelling separately and staying in dif- sons. For now, as this has a rus and its consequences. ferent hotel rooms, this is a risky move many sports have huge role in de- As COVID-19 cases started to spike in for both states. It is understandable that pushed their sea- termining their California back in March, sports teams teams are extremely eager to play after sons to the winter, athletic futures. have had no choice but to wear masks having not been able to play for months, but club sports Many athletes at and resist contact as much as possible but this is not worth the possible dan- are continuing to Samo train for a while in California. Without games, ath- gers. Families will do anything it takes compete in ar- chance to com- letes have a hard time getting recruited to make sure their child can play their eas with less of a pete in college and must find alternative options. None- sport, however not all athletes can make COVID-19 out- and to pursue theless, teams have been travelling to dif- the trip. Some players live in high-risk break. As teams an athletic ca- ferent states in order to play games with- homes where they can not even take the begin to travel reer later in life. out masks and with full contact. smallest risk, forcing them to miss out to areas with less When sports Starting just a few weeks ago, various on opportunities to be scouted and im- COVID-19 cases, start traveling, it athletes have been travelling to Arizona prove their skills. Under any other cir- society begins to becomes an ad- to play games and get film for college re- cumstance, these athletes would be able rebuild and ath- vantage for ath- cruiting. Without recruitment footage, to participate, but the virus is holding letes can build letes who want players on teams in California would fall them back and forcing them to fall be- their skills within to be seen by far behind teams in other states, which hind their teammates. their respective colleges. many players find unfair. So, Arizona has However, different sports have differ- sports. Art by Ella Rose While many welcomed California with open arms, as ent regulations, meaning some involve Club and Samo swimmer Tino Mullins club sports are COVID-19 is not as big of a risk. Still, more contact than others. For exam- (’22) traveled to Arizona with Team San- training and starting to compete, most Arizona is showing an immense amount ple, soccer players are able to play with ta Monica to compete in a swim meet. Samo sports teams are on hold. With the of cases with only slightly lower numbers. a mask, while some other athletes, such Mullins expressed how having safety right amount of training in areas with According to the CDC, Arizona has over as swimmers, cannot wear a mask when precautions makes travelling acceptable. less COVID-19 cases, club athletes will 265,000 total cases, with nearly 15,000 partaking in their sport. Nonetheless, “I think clean safety, as in wearing a perform better if they practice correctly new cases reported in just the last sev- swimming is not a contact sport, which mask and getting tested prior [to a meet, and cautiously. en days. Just because the rules regarding makes it supposedly more safe. Whatever makes it] okay to travel safely. As well as The athletics department at Samo has COVID-19 in Arizona do not seem to be the guidelines, it is evidently risky to be making sure you’re socially distant [from always encouraged students to support as strict as California’s restrictions does in the same area with numerous people the other teams],” Mullins said. athletic teams at pep rallies, when they not mean travelling to compete is safe. right now at the height of the pandemic. With many club teams following the have an away-game or when they are an- Californians are coming out of a heavily Though travelling to other states to play COVID-19 safety guidelines, student nounced on the loudspeaker. infected state and bringing the virus to sports is a great opportunity for athletes, athletes are given the chance to get re- It is important for club teams and Samo Arizona. In addition, because athletes it is not fair to athletes that cannot play cruited by colleges. teams to include a new pattern of clean are not playing with masks or taking ex- and should not be allowed. Athletes are “One of the benefits [of traveling] was protection to ensure the safety of players tra precautions, they are coming back to bringing the virus back and forth which like I haven’t had a competition in eight and their families. As long as the safety California and possibly bringing more spreads COVID-19, just when we need or nine months and it was nice to race guidelines that are in place are followed, cases, just as health officials and citizens cases to decrease. Additionally, some again. Also I’m currently in contact with it is acceptable for sports to travel in ar- are trying hard to decrease them. Lauren players are held back from travelling colleges for swimming and they were eas with less COVID-19 to continue their Kozmor (’22) plays soccer for LA Break- as they have family members at risk of able to see me swim,” Mullins said. athletic dedication. ers FC, a competitive club soccer team, getting the virus. This is not a fair com- Many students in club sports are gain- and her team just recently travelled to promise to all athletes and needs to be ing recruitment opportunities due to Arizona. thought through again. the ongoing competitions during the “I don’t think it’s completely safe be- pandemic. Teams at Samo will follow cause we aren’t required to get tested be- the safety precautions guidelines, which [email protected] fore we go,” Kozmor said. [email protected] The Samohi arts and entertainment | November 16, 2020 12 Day of the Dead brought to life by Samo students tures and altars were displayed around Guadalupe conceiving her figure in spite the city of Santa Monica to set up altars Santa Monica in celebration. of certain people he saw who relinquished near the art pieces. Soltero has been involved in designing themselves from their Mexican culture to “We decorated the altars with fruit, the set of the annual Día de los Muer- seek European culture, thus her European candles, marigolds, drinks and food they tos celebration at the Hollywood Forev- dress and conspicuous smile. loved. It’s really a celebration of life,” er Cemetery and several other projects In various locations, from the entirety of Nuñez said. around the United States. Born in Nayarit, the Promenade to the pier, colorful sculp- Soltero and his art didn’t just impact the Mexico, Soltero’s art has been popularized tures caught the public’s eye. Figures of pedestrians who were able to appreciate by his intricate creations of La Calavera La Catrina in vibrant colors of red, blue, it—he was able to impact a much larger Catrina using papier-mâché, which were purple and green were standing tall—lit- community. Upon hearing that the city presented in Downtown Santa Monica, erally. The smallest of the sculptures can would highlight a Mexican artist for Día scattered around the Third Street Prome- be approximated at seven to eight feet in de los Muertos, Nuñez said she swelled nade and pier. height. However, the further to the pier with pride and excitement. Día de los Muertos, also known as Day the designs were, the taller they got—one “Having our culture being brought to the of the Dead, is a two day long Mexican La Catrina protruded from the ground at city even amidst a pandemic made me feel celebration of lives lost and is believed to 14 feet in height. proud of my culture. I love being a part be a blink in time in which the dead can The faces of the La Catrinas were ob- of the Latinx community and celebrat- visit their friends and family in the mor- viously made with careful hands; all ing these customs. This was just perfect,” tal world. Participants will often clean and equipped with red lipstick, intricately Nuñez said. Jadyn Miyahira / The Samohi decorate the gravestones of loved-ones, painted patterns and her famous smile. The art that Soltero displayed to the city One of the many vibrant Catrina sculptures on create altars and pair it with food and The dresses, too, were a masterpiece of was impressive as well as thought provok- display at the Promenade drink. their own. Some simply with solid colored ing. Beyond the point of being visually La Catrina is a popular figure that is fre- fabric, others iridescent lined with lace engaging, Soltero opened up new conver- Jadyn Miyahira quently displayed during this celebration. and painted patterns—more than enough sations about this annual celebration and Staff Writer Created by José Guadalupe in the late 19th artistry to cause passersby to stop and take highlighted Latinx culture. It is not often As Día de los Muertos was approaching, century, she is often depicted as a skele- a look. that art demonstrations like these occur; artist Ricardo Soltero and Samo’s Brown ton wearing vivid 19th century European Samo’s Brown Minds Matter club www- Soltero certainly left his mark in the fab- Minds Matter club were preparing for the dresses and Soltero managed to encap- made an appearance at Soltero’s showcase. rics of Santa Monica. festivity. From Oct. 31 to Nov. 2, sculp- sulate her figure in several statues. She Led by the club’s president, Susana Nuñez was initially seen as a political statement, (’21), they collaborated with Soltero and [email protected] “The Way I See It”: looking back on the Obama Era Ava Bordeau was awarded access to both men that very success. impact and intimate photographs make it a Staff Writer few people had, and was able to see them as Additionally, the documentary did not must-watch for anyone who is interested in Dawn Porter’s Sept. 18 documentary not just politicians, but also as husbands, shy away from the tougher moments. politics. The film is available to stream on “The Way I See it” centers around photo- fathers and friends. Souza’s important work Watching Obama meet with the parents of YouTube Red, Amazon Prime and Vudu. journalist Pete Souza, and his journey from in humanizing both presidents helped Sandy Hook victims and returned veterans being a freelance photographer to an inte- shape their respective images, enhancing from Afghanistan illustrates how difficult gral variable in shaping the public image how we view the two men to this day. being the president truly is. Despite the of former president Barack Obama. From Dawn Porter’s documentary focuses on various emotions inflicted by these scenes, basketball games to the climactic death of the eight years Souza spent working for the tone manages to remain consistent, Osama Bin Laden, the film offers a glimpse Obama. The film paints a sunlit picture transitioning smoothly from moment to into Obama’s life that not many had access of the former president as seen through moment. to during his presidency, but one that Sou- Souza’s eyes. The personal glimpses into Throughout the film, Souza invites us za witnessed every day. While the mov- Obama’s life invoke a feeling of nostalgia as to compare Obama to President Trump, ie has a tendency to meander, it evokes a viewers are invited to look back at his icon- emphasizing the stark differences in char- great deal of emotion and offers an insight- ic administration. Be prepared to become acter between the two men. As the Trump ful look into Obama as both a person and emotional as the moment Obama won the Administration stretched on, Souza found a politician. presidential election of 2008 reminds us himself growing into an unlikely politi- The film begins in 1983, when a young how important he is to so many Americans. cal figure, having been posting subtle jabs Souza was surprised to find himself being The film takes us through the highs and towards Trump through photographs of offered a job as the official photographer lows of his presidency as we relive events Obama with snarky captions. These posts for Ronald Reagan in the midst of his pres- such as the Sandy Hook shooting and the earned Souza the unofficial title of “King of idency. After six years working for Reagan, war in Afghanistan through Souza’s lens. Shade”, and inspired him to write the book Souza returned to his work as a freelance While the photographs and clips in the “Shade: a Tale of Two Presidents”. Souza’s photojournalist. However, his life and ca- film are truly intriguing, the documentary’s stories of Obama highlight how different reer changed forever when he was offered a greatest triumph is arguably its emotional he is from Trump, and beg us to consider job as Chief Whitehouse photographer for impact. Souza’s anecdotes about Obama how we got to this point. Barack Obama in 2008. Souza had the rare are truly hilarious, especially when he re- Overall, “The Way I See it” is an extraor- Photo from focusfeatures.com opportunity to see the two iconic presi- lives the moment Obama tried to coach his dinarily interesting glimpse into Obama dents in abnormally intimate moments. He daughter Sasha’s basketball game, with little as a president and a person. Its emotional [email protected] Savage Mode II by Morgan Freeman ft. 21 Savage reached number two on US Savage has a strong singing voice outside rest of the track. Although the rest of the Billboard 200 and featured of the pure rap he is known for. album alludes several times to 90’s R&B, the song “Bank Account.” In Although Savage’s performance was defi- Drake’s song does none of this. It feels out 2017, Savage was featured on nitely exceptional, the reason this album of place with the rest of the songs on the Post Malone’s “Rockstar”, and is so excellent can be directly attributed album, which are cohesively sewn togeth- more recently, his song “A to Morgan Freeman. With his debut rap er through similar lyricism and stylistic Lot” won him 2020’s Gram- album, Freeman has two tracks dedicated choices. Although Drake has enjoyed his my award for Rap Song of the to his smooth voice in “Snitches and Rats consistent streak of popularity this past Year. (interlude)” and “Intro”. Freeman’s tran- decade, with several Billboard 200 Num- “Savage Mode II” is a sequel sitions are incredible, most notably after ber 1 hits to his name, his features are to the 2016 album “Savage “Slidin” and “Glock in my Lap”. Better than consistently “meh.” With that said, his die- Mode”. While the original his transitions, are Freeman’s one liners. hard fans, and unlike Savage fans, refuse “Savage Mode” was a solid al- Of equal importance to Freeman’s musi- to acknowledge his recent downfall. bum, “Savage Mode II” is an cal debut, is Metro Boomin’s consistently It’s speculated that 21 Savage may retire Ella Rose / The Samohi “Empire Strikes Back” level of stellar beat. Interlaced with flutes, violins, after Savage Mode II’s release. What isn’t a sequel. 21 Savage and Met- and gospel groups, the production behind speculation, however, is that this was the Casey Christmas ro Boomin clearly scrutinized over every the lyrics is just as good. Metro Boomin is perfect album to end on. If nothing else, Contributor song to produce something approaching in absolute control of the flow of the al- leave here with Freeman’s ending words Between monologues from Hollywood’s perfection. bum. He creates the atmosphere like God from Savage Mode 2. most recognizable voice, Morgan Free- The album opens with Freeman nar- on the second day. “Until next time, stay in Savage Mode. man, 21 Savage raps on a beat provided rating that 21 Savage and Metro Boomin “At least a snitch is human but a rat is Because anything else would be too d*mn by Metro Boomin, creating what should are great men with great ideals who are a fu**ing rat. Period,” Freeman said in civilized. Peace,” Freeman said in “Said N be the rap album of the year. Released on becoming one. The catchy, clever lyrics Snitches & Rats (interlude). D on e .” Oct. 2 and streamable everywhere, Savage and hard flow throughout “Runnin,” “My “Mr. Right Now” features Drake, who Mode II is a near-perfect album, with only Dawg” and “Many Men” produce a classic provides by far the blandest bar in the al- one skip courtesy of Drake. 21 Savage album. “Said N Done” and “RIP bum. The track added no spice or sizzle 21 Savage began his career strong- Luv” conclude the album showing that to Savage’s excellent performance on the [email protected] ly, dropping Issa Album in 2017, which The Samohi 13 November 16, 2020 Arts & Entertainment “Borat 2” is 2 funny, a moviefilm not to skip Nori Quist during lockdown, “Borat Subsequent Mov- and Borat away from their wildly sexist be- Staff Writer iefilm” fills a niche yet unoccupied by any liefs in a genuinely sweet and understanding “Borat Subsequent Moviefilm” hit Amazon other moviefilms. It addresses COVID-19 way. These contrasting scenes, among many Prime Video on Oct. 23. In this much await- and current political unrest from a place other ethical highs and lows, perfectly bal- ed sequel to “Borat: Cultural Learnings of of humor, frequently poking fun at Repub- ance each other out, providing a sense of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation lican viewpoints. This makes it the perfect the struggle between good and evil through of Kazakhstan”, Sacha Baron Cohen returns movie for Samo students, a group of mostly characters who don’t ever meet in the film. as Kazakhstan’s number four journalist to left-leaning young people. Those who were actually acting did so su- shed light on American politics and to de- “Borat Subsequent Moviefilm’’ ties every- perbly. Bakalova often upstaged Baron Co- liver his daughter, Tutar, as a present to the thing together with its all-star cast, which hen as Tutar and she played well off other United States’ “most famous ladies’ man”, consists of brilliant newcomer Maria Baka- people too, pulling a few of her own pranks Mike Pence. lova as Tutar, hilarious character actor Sa- in classic Borat style. Baron Cohen, who also The plot itself is jumbled and illogical, cha Baron Cohen as Borat and the best and utilizes political humor as historical figure serving mostly as a vessel for a series of jokes worst of humanity as unsuspecting straight Abbie Hoffman in the new Netflix film “The and pranks, but it does have its good points. men. Two of Borat’s most memorable pran- Trial of the Chicago 7”, does so masterfully The character arcs take Tutar and Borat on a kees in this movie are the former New York in “Borat Subsequent Moviefilm”, working a journey from over-the-top sexism to grossly City mayor Rudy Giuliani and Jeanise Jones, few serious messages into what is mostly a misinterpreted feminism. It has a few heart- Tutar’s good-hearted babysitter and a main dirty comedy. warming moments of father-daughter bond- driver of character development. Those looking for a good laugh and fans of ing, but not enough to make up for various In one of the more well-known scenes of “Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for objectively disgusting scenes. “Borat Subse- the movie, Giuliani controversially sticks his Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakh- quent Moviefilm” is definitely a moviefilm hands down his pants during an interview stan” should be sure to watch “Borat: Sub- to avoid watching with parents or younger with Tutar. This morally ambiguous moment sequent Moviefilm”, but preferably not as a siblings. However, it is not necessarily one to is cut short when Borat runs in with a bar- family feature. avoid watching altogether. rage of well-timed jokes. On the opposite Photo from amazonprimevideo.com As one of the relatively few new movies, as end of the spectrum, Jones spends a good well as one of the first films to have been shot portion of the movie trying to sway Tutar [email protected] Cozy in with these fall favorites Rachel Levin be warmed by the knowledge enough to have been sung when the song is purely instrumental, they had created almost 300 years Sakura Amano that there is adventure some- anemoi were worshipped. From the few lyrics successfully cre- back. Never a dull moment, the Staff Writers where in the world, and they are “O Sleeper” to “Passerine,” Eurus ate a beautiful contrast between witches go after children who comfortably watching from a dances through themes of death nostalgia and hope for the future. are cluelessly enjoying their Hal- Santa Monica might not have the distance. This is yet another film and rebirth, fate and fortune, With the heavenly combination loween night. Now, the fate of chilliest weather, but the world is that encourages a cozy atmo- and sounds like it should be per- of acoustic guitar and choral har- all the children in Salem are in still well into fall. This year, safe- sphere while whisking one away formed at a fall festival held in a monies, “Home” perfectly cap- the hands of the teenage boy, his ty guidelines have put a damper to a sheltered autumn world. magical forest. tures the true essence of autumn, girlfriend, his younger sister and on apple picking and riding the a time of comfort, community a 300-year-old cat. The scenery haunted hayride, but there are Woodland EP Fleet Foxes, self titled and coziness. of the film is bursting with col- still ways to bring autumn vibes The “Woodland” EP was released Fleet Foxes released their first ors of Autumn, as it takes place back home. TV shows, movies in 2011 by The Paper Kites, an album, self titled, in 2008. The Apache Town - Urban Tropic in Salem, Massachusetts, which and music allow us to experience indie folk band based in Austra- band itself is known for a pleas- With just over 100 monthly lis- in addition to being infamous the foggy fall adventure vicari- lia. This EP contains five songs, ant mix of folk lyrics and acous- teners on Spotify, Urban Tropic for their 17th century witch tri- ously, so sit back with a cider and each one sounding like a sunny tic rhythms, and this album sam- can certainly be classified as an als, is historically known to be don’t endanger the health of oth- morning in the forest. Indie folk ples all of the band’s strong suits. “underground” band. Although a beautiful place during the fall. ers. Consume this media instead! in itself already has a very down Along with the muted earthy col- not their most popular song, Although there will be no trick- to earth sound, of- “Apache Town” or-treating this year, watching Over The Garden Wall ten consisting of captures “Hocus Pocus” is guaranteed to “Over the Garden Wall” is a car- acoustic draw you into the dream state of toon mini-series that was re- guitar a fun-filled Halloween night. leased on Cartoon Network in plucking 2014. Set in a magical and myste- and muf Fantastic Mr. Fox rious forest on Halloween night, fled vo Another Disney film, “Fantastic the series is as fall as it gets. From cals, Mr. Fox” (2009) directed by Wes villages of walking pumpkins to but Anderson is the true embodi- frogs clothed in Victorian attire, ment of fall. This is simply due the whimsical nature and muted to the color palette of the movie, orange-brown color palette of Wood with swirling visuals of baked yel- “Over the Garden Wall” would land mix low, worn red and burnt orange make anyone want to go out seek es this making viewers feel a comfort- adventure on a foggy night. with ing sense of warmth. Originally imag- a novel by Roald Dahl, the film Harry Potter ery of features lively, charismatic char- The “Harry Potter” series is of- adventure acters, appealing to all ages. The ten the first choice for a binge and pictures plot follows Mr. Fox as he steals under a blanket with a cup of of per food from farmers for his hun- cocoa. Hogwarts’ gothic archi- fect sum gry family, resulting in him hav- tecture and Scotland’s with its mers. ing to save his community from ever present gray skies make for What makes the farmers’ revenge. The film a film series that perfectly en- the EP fall is the embodies a sense of melancholy capsulates the fall vibes, even fact that it is a memory of sum- Art by Ella Rose the feeling of crisp wind and tiredness behind its cheery in the summer. Not to mention mer and the entrance to some- on a fall adventure. Based in front, reflecting the way beautiful the nostalgia—with every Gen Z thing new. “Featherstone” says or palette of the cover art, each Columbus, Ohio, Urban Tropic leaves begin falling from trees in kid’s memory of watching Harry’s goodbye to an idealistic moment song feels rooted in the feeling of combines folk style sound with autumn. In short, “Fantastic Mr. Halloween in the great hall, the as “Halcyon” tells us it’s ok to fall, from the transportative a ca- indie/alternative through instru- Fox” is the perfect blend of all the films fit right in as the image of a breathe now. Overall, the calm pella ballad that is “White Winter ments such as banjo and guitar. aspects of fall which make it so perfect fall. silence of a foggy day and look- Hymnal” to the story-like lyrics The song follows a more upbeat, wonderful. ing up to a sky full of clouds and of “Oliver James,” Fleet Foxes in- cheerful tune compared to other Dead Poets’ Society feeling relief rings through the vokes an image of sitting around music with a traditionally “au- Oh Klahoma - Jack Stauber “Dead Poets’ Society” is a cult Woodland EP. a bonfire sharing stories. It fits tumnal” feel, making it the per- “Oh Klahoma” is a track from classic film set at an all boys right into a fall storybook. fect song to listen to when look- American Avant-Pop musician boarding school, revolving Eurus ing to lift your spirits. Jack Stauber’s third album titled around individuality and youth. “Eurus” is the Oh Hellos’ fourth Home - Phillip Phillips “Pop Food”, released in 2017. Its dark academia aesthetic, album, released in 2018. The “Home” is one of many songs Hocus Pocus “Oh Klahoma” manages to clash which encompasses gloomy album is part of the Oh Hellos’ from American singer-songwrit- Disney’s “Hocus Pocus”, released a Halloween music feel with pop weather and the idealism of elite anemoi series, named after the er Phillip LaDon Phillips’ album in 1993 is undeniably a Hallow- culture and straying away from education, requires perpetual greek wind deities, of which titled “The World From The Side een classic, but is still loved by the holiday’s “cheesy” aspects, cloudiness and the New England there is one for each season. “Eu- Of The Moon”. After winning countless children and adults to making it a modern, trendy Hal- countryside, and a school year rus” is themed after fall. The Oh the eleventh season of American this day. The film follows the sto- loween favorite. that never makes it past winter. Hellos are traditional folk artists, Idol in 2012, “Home” went on to ry of three witches brought back As the boys sit in a cave in the which means guitar, banjo, fid- be the best-selling song in the from the dead after a teenage forest, the viewer can’t help but dle and lyrics that sound archaic show’s history. While much of boy accidentally sets off a curse [email protected] The Samohi 14 November 16, 2020 Comedy Samo’s found letter of rec Samo reminisces a lost gem Sam Kohn Genevieve Nevius (’21) was very grateful for the oppor- Co-Editor-In-Chief Staff Writer tunity to learn more about earthquake preparedness. On Oct. 14, SMMUSD made an effort to Deep in the cavernous garbage disposals of Santa Monica College, investigative journalists “Before this year I thought when an recreate an event the administration knew from The Samohi were able to uncover piles of rejected students’ applications, all labeled and as- earthquake happened we were supposed the student body would surely miss with sembled in a folder titled “F****ing losers”. After months of tedious analysis and paper recovery, to hide. Now, because of the wonderful all of their hearts, The Great Shakeout. the document below -- a letter of recommendation -- is now available as an artifact of the, uh, online instruction I learned that it’s better Teachers and students alike were biting collection of students Santa Monica has to offer. to stand on the table instead of under- their nails preparing for this crucial neath it,” Sandoval said. event. A small issue called COVID-19 To whom it may concern, While Samo is sorely missing old and has prevented Samo from returning to totally relevant traditions such as The campus which, surprisingly, is in relation I am a department chair of Science at a prestigious University. I know a lot of things and I do a lot Great Shakeout, teachers have tried their to how well the United States govern- of research. I can assure you that Johnny Smith, my valued research assistant, will be an incredible best to recreate a sense of community ment has handled the pandemic. While asset to your campus. which so many students are glad to be a school has been closed, events extremely He’s the homie. Total mad lad, if I will. I can remember this one time we were being absolute part of. Hopefully, this time next year we important to our community have been goons on his high school campus -- I was only visiting to see Johnny of course. Johnny has always will all be together again getting a nice cancelled like morning announcements, been a wild thinker, especially this one day I’m about to tell you about omg. Ms. Jones, a fellow tan sitting in the sun on the field or in the passing periods and of course the Great educator of science, was being so annoying. She wanted us to turn in packets of busy-work, which Greek. was a bunch of stupid information I don’t need to know anyways. Johnny had this amazing idea Shakeout. to get back at her for this, and to pull a prank on her by messing up the classroom. I said yes, not The Great Shakeout has always been [email protected] because Ms. Jones is a total b**** or anything, but because this would be good practice for his future a central and grounding affair at Samo research work with my University’s science stuff or whatever. and throughout the district. This magical We went to the janitor’s office after school and totally boonk-ganged his materials, then mobbed experience is usually filled with hours in the pleasant sun, eating delicious scraps up to Jones’ crib and went nuts. Totalling desks onto the ground was lightwork for Johnny, as he from the hot lunch bar and searching warmed up by punching holes into the drywalls of our school classroom. I’ve been to his house for friendly faces in a sea of unfamiliar before and his room has the same exact holes in the walls (it’s so sick trust me). We then American people. Violet Varner (’23) expressed her Vandal’ed the whiteboard with the janitor’s materials -- which was completely Johnny’s idea. It was deep regret in not being able to attend the at this point I realized Johnny was more than a creative thinker; he’s an innovator. Seeing Jones’ face sacred tradition in person this year. the day after in class was so humor. Well, actually, I wasn’t there.. Johnny had to tell me because I “The Great Shakeout is usually my was back at my science office doing University stuff. I promise. favorite part of the year so it sucked not If you accept Johnny to your school, I promise he will be a dope addition to your campus. He being able to suffer—I mean celebrate in always sends me the homework answers for our 3rd period class cuz I never do that work anyways person this year,” Varner said. lmao, and I can bet he will do the same with you guys. Remember, I am a professor of science! Or Even though an in person option for Department chair… I think they are the same thing. I am both of those! I actually own this univer- The Great Shakeout is impossible, stu- sity. You should trust me. dents got to enjoy a lovely one-minute instruction video. This video showed stu- Sincerely, dents the best way to drop, squat and roll Jorge Ontiveros / The Samohi Johnny’s Friend— i mean— Johnny’s Advisor Susana Nuñez (’21) practices Earthquake safe- [email protected] from home. These fun exercises brought some much needed light into a usually ty, attempting to relive the glorious days of the dull second period. Isabella Sandoval Great Shakeouts of years past. The totally real debate transcript Kendra Martinez BIDEN: Lincoln abolished slavery. Ask The Samohi! Staff Writer TRUMP: Yeah, well I’m friends with Kanye West. BIDEN: And I’m best friends with Barack Obama. Your Jeremy Platt Coronavirus Staff Writer point? TRUMP: You know, the estimate was to have 2.2 million TRUMP: My point is I’ve never seen two pretty best dead. We at The Samohi strive to help our community, which is why we’re friends. BIDEN: There are still 220,000 Americans dead dude. here to provide the best advice possible, in “Ask The Samohi!” Trust us BIDEN: Are you calling me ugly? TRUMP: I mean more people were supposed to die, so we when we say we’re entirely qualified to give advice! Don’t question it! TRUMP: If the shoe fits. basically did a good job. BIDEN: Donald, I have thousands of teenagers on TikTok BIDEN: But the people are still dead. “I keep running into people outside of school and I’m wondering simping over my younger self. I wouldn’t say I’m ugly. You TRUMP: But it could’ve been worse. what I should do to avoid these awkward encounters?” on the other hand have people calling you a cheeto. BIDEN: But you could’ve handled it better. -A concerned Samo student TRUMP: It’s just my self tanner! Besides, China uses Tik- TRUMP: Says the man who did nothing in 47 years. Tok to spy on us so I don’t care what comes out of that app. BIDEN: Sir, I was only Vice President for eight years. Thanks for writing concerned Samo student, my biggest piece of advice Climate Change Please get your facts right. Oh wait, you don’t know what is to stay home to avoid contracting COVID-19, but if you have to go out BIDEN: Climate change is real. those are. this is what I’d tell you... TRUMP: Don’t worry, planting four million trees will get TRUMP: Actually, Fox News gives me all the facts I need. rid of that. Let’s say you’re running in the park and see a classmate. You’re in the I know that the playbook you made probably would’ve told BIDEN: What are you? An account on Instagram trying to middle of a workout and you don’t want to be interrupted. The first thing me to shut down our economy and make us lose billions get millions of reposts? you do is make direct eye contact with that classmate. Stare into their soul of dollars. Just like your radical socalist buddies, you would TRUMP: Yes, but an account on Twitter. while remaining more than six feet apart. While staring, quickly lower have shoved free healthcare down people’s throats. BIDEN: Maybe I should make one of those and, you your mask and mouth the words, “I love you”. Then sprint away before BIDEN: Donald, you are running against Joseph Biden. I know, help promote my plan. your classmate can process what you just said. This eliminates the awk- am not a radical socialist. Stop calling me a radical socialist. TRUMP: Oh yeah? What’s this plan you speak of? Putting ward conversation entirely without being disrespectful. I’ve used this strat- People wouldn’t be settling for me if I was a radical socialist. us back into the Paris Climate Accord? egy at least five times since quarantine started, it’s never failed me. TRUMP: Well, at least I closed down the borders from BIDEN: As a matter of fact, yes. That is my plan, seeing as Let’s say you see a teacher at the grocery store. This is their time to be China. Weren’t you the one who said that was a bad idea? it is the logical thing to do. by themselves, they probably don’t want to think about their work and Care to explain? TRUMP: But they were mean to me. >:( you would just remind them of school. What you want to do is sneak up BIDEN: No<3 BIDEN: Well, they like me and they’ll be nice to me. behind the teacher, keep your mask on and whisper, “does this count as Race TRUMP: Right, because everyone loves Joe and his fantas- extra credit?” into their ear. After you do this, you need to hide. Make sure TRUMP: I’m the least racist person in the room. tic plan to put up more wind mills. they don’t see you. Avoid them at all costs. They will be confused, but the MODERATOR: You realize I’m a person of color right? BIDEN: Yes, that is correct. next day in class, make sure to be the last one to log off of Zoom. While TRUMP: Okay and? Abraham Lincoln and I are in a close TRUMP: Windmills kill birds. it’s just you and the teacher make sure to ask them, “does this count as race on whose done more for Black Americans. [email protected] extra credit?”, then log off immediately. This is the main reason why I have straight A’s. It always works. The last piece of advice that I have for you is if you see a friend in a COVID-19 free zone. Let’s say this is during your down time and you gen- uinely do not want to be interrupted. Even though this is your friend, you just want to be alone. The last thing you want to do is avoid them. An old friend did that to me back in the fifth grade. I still haven’t forgiven him. You know who you are. What I would recommend you do is a quick em- brace. Go up to them and give them two kisses on the cheek, Borat style. Before this friend starts a conversation, you need to ask them a thought provoking question. My go to question is, “if velcro came first, would zip- pers be a thing?” While that friend thinks, just put your right fist to your left palm and bow. The job has been done, you have officially avoided the awkward conversation that you have been dreading. If you have any other pieces of advice make sure to tell us. You can di- rect message The Samohi’s instagram @thesamohinews and drop a follow while you’re there! [email protected] “Trump and Biden” by uwwvmzjh8 is marked under CC PDM 1.0. To view the terms, visit https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/