C Magazine Vol. 3 Edition 4

C

TheCampanileA&EMagazine

Homeless in Palo Alto 14

Letter from the Editors

Editors-in-Chief Olivia Vort Maggie Zheng

Dear Readers, First semester has flown by in a flurry of college applications for seniors, APUSH textbook reading assignments for juniors, and Spirit Week aspirations for sophomores. And now, as we face headlong into the second semester, we dread the process of trudging through the next long five months. As we stare blankly into the flood of yet-to-be-written literature analysis papers and of punctual school attendance, we also look into the eyes (read: nose piercing) of sophomore Teddie Stewart, whose full name, Theodocia, bears no semblance to her less-than-formal personality. While a tad late, C Mag would like to warmly welcome our newest addition to the team: Teddie.

On a more serious note, we’d like to address the cover story of this edition, which centers around the topic of homelessness in Palo Alto. Living in the affluent city of Palo Alto can often lead us to be blind to pervasive issues that plague our community such as that of homelessness. Another serious topic that is also explored in this edition is the topic of religion -- specifically those religions follows by members of the Paly community.

In keeping true to C Mag’s artsy/pop-culture nature, however, this edition is also sprinkled with more light-hearted articles such as one about celebrity look-alikes, one about how to make home-made Valentine’s Day candy, and one detailing college application advice to from seniors to juniors.

We hope you enjoy this edition of C Magazine.

Business Managers & Creative Directors Carmelle Bareket-Shavit Kallee Bareket-Shavit TEXT EDITOR Frida Schaefer Bastian Maya Benatar Design Editor Clara de Martel PHOTO EDITOR Emma Low STAFF WRITERS Clara Chiu Katie Douty Maya Kandell Larkin McDermott Huda Navaid Emma Scott Katya Sigal Charlee Stefanski Teddie Stewart Alex Weinstein ADVISOR Esther Wojcicki

Maggie Zheng & Olivia Vort Editors-in-Chief

Corrections: On Page 6, in the Get Fit Fast article, a redundancy error occurred in the line where it said “[move] your torso up repeatedly up and down.” Also, a typographical error occurred when it said “Quickly iternate raising one leg” in reference of leg raises.

On Page 7, the line “eating a balanced is key to getting in shape” is erroneous due to its absence of the word “diet.”

On Page 8, there was inconsistent pronoun tenses when it shifts from “you” to “us” in the section on breakfast. Also on the same page, “inhaling product” as a method of consumption in the peppermint section such that the author said is grammatically incorrect.

On Page 22, there was improper use of ambiguity at the end of paragraph 3.

Letters

to

the

Editors

C Magazine welcomes letters to the editor. Letters must be signed and the staff reserves the right to edit submissions.

Send letters to: magazine2014@googlegroups dot com.

Get in touch with C Magazine by following us on Facebook. Simply scan the QR code below.

Culture

4-7 8-9

Religion in the Paly CommunityC Mag takes you in-depth into observing the diverse religious backgrounds evident in the Paly community.

Person of the Month: Russell Star-Lack This young man is not only academically-inclined, but demonstrates superb talents in various musical instruments, including but not limited to the guitar, the piano and trumpet.

A jack-of-all-trades, indeed.

C Magazine Table of Contents

10

College Advice to Juniors After one semester of accumulating sageness and wisdom, the seniors stroked their long beards and decided to pass down valuable knowledge as family heirloom.

Homeless Our cover story explores the homeless population of Palo Alto.

11-14

Arts & Entertainment

15 16-17

Playlist Need I say more?

Michael, one of Palo Alto’s homeless, is pictured here wearing the prescription sunglasses editor Olivia Vort bought for him.

18-19 20-21 22 23 24 25

Open Mic Teen Council Where teens live perform everything from spoken word poetry to music.

C Mag Tries Zumba Zumba is not merely a Celebrity Look-Alikes One of People magazine’s workout or sport -- it’s a lifestyle. This time, most popular type of article tailored to the crowd Katya Sigal and Alex Weinstein goes to see what it’s all about. of Paly students? Yes, please.

Caramel apples are one of the recipes Kallee Bareket-Shavit and Clara de Martel concocted for this edition’s foodie article.

Social Media Clara Chiu draws the correlation between social media and loneliness.

Bay Area Musicians If you didn’t know already, the Grateful Dead and numerous other bands are all natives of the Bay Area, just like you and I. Palo Alto Obsessions Yes, you may already know that “hella” is one of the hallmark lingoes stemming from the Bay Area, but did you know these?

What’s Your Type? A fun-loving survey of what students at Paly look for when choosing a significant other to pursue.

Food

26-27

Make Your Own CandyLearn how to make scrumptuous homemade confectionary delights for Valentine’s Day.

Culture

Religion in the Lives of Paly Teens

CC -MADSS...

CC - MORMON2013

Text and design by Maya Benatar and Larkin McDermott Photos by Emma Low

entirely their own, while for others, family members or life experiences were significant deciding factors. Religion is one of the oldest constructs of man for dealing with the many questions in life that require faith as a path towards understanding, yet it plays a very different role in the life of each individual. It is clear that the decision of how involved one is with religion, if at all, is a prevalent one that can affect one’s life for years to come.

Judaism

M

4 Culture

CC -PARASTO.TAFFAZOLI

CC -HUHLEX

Junior Itai Palmon was born in Israel and grew up practicing conservative Judaism. He feels that the time he has spent involved in religious activities throughout his life is significant, yet this has always been a personal choice and journey.

“I went to a Jewish school from kinderSome of the symbols of more common religions. garten through sixth grade, so religion was any teenagers face a moment Students at Palo Alto High School (Paly) always a really big part of my life, however, of reckoning during high from a variety of faiths encounter this signif- I never really felt that it was imposed upon me—I was never pressured to believe or folschool, and it’s not about col- icant and life-changing decision. lege or what to wear to prom.

To better understand how teens grap- low anything,” Palmon said “To me religion is basically two things: It’s something much bigger: It’s about what ple with this challenge, C-Mag interviewed it’s community and it’s morality or guidance,” role religion is going to play in their lives. nine Paly students, with various religious Palmon explained.

“Just having a commu“The teenage years are all about disnity outside of school and outside of covering questions and asking sports that will always be there—for them. As children, we all receive me that’s what Judaism is.” tools for exploring the world, and “Just having a community outside of Education is a huge part of Judaism middle school and high school school and outside of sports that will and is what many Jews find so motiare the times when we start usvating.

Palmon believes that interpreing those tools to discover what always be there—for me that’s what tation of text, like the Jewish Talmud, really matters most to us. At its Judaism is” and intellectual conversations regardheart, religion is about just that: ing those texts help lead to further unwhat matters most, and it’s during -Junior Itai Palmon derstanding of himself and the world the teenage years that we are first around him. able to put the religious teachings “What I really like about conservaand experiences of our childtive Judaism is that we can look at texts hood to the test,” said Rev. Andre w backgrounds. Some chose to put religious which say rather specific things and [can] Shamel, an Episcopal campus minister at involvement high on their list of priorities, extrapolate what we want, and we can apply Stanford University. “We get to explore what while others chose to downplay religion, eiwhat we see to our everyday lives without the religion (or lack of religion) of our child- ther because of the time commitment or bebeing pressured to see it one way or another,” hood has to say about the new experiences cause they started to question the beliefs they Palmon said. of young adulthood, to see if they are a help had accepted when they were younger. For He is vice president of his congregation’s or a hindrance, if they contradict our experi- some students, the decision of what religion youth group, USY, for the Palo Alto chapter, ences or inform them.” they chose to enter adulthood practicing was

which hosts events for Jewish high school students. “It’s pretty much to have that other community and for people to be able to go somewhere to just chill with a bunch of other Jews and have a good time.”

Palmon has found Judaism to be a source of community and friendship in his life, he hopes that the time he spends with programs like USY will help other teens find similar joy and appreciation.

Palmon believes his dedicated study of Judaism offers him close friends and a direction in life.

“It has provided me with the moral guidance I need to feel confident in the decisions I make,” Palmon said. “I feel strongly that I should try and help to give back.”

Junior Eli Friedlander, like Palmon, was born in Israel and raised Jewish.

However, his family practices reform Judaism and is therefore less involved in religious activities, yet still maintains a strong set of Jewish values.

“What I take away from my parents is more of a feeling of tradition—both my parents grew up in Israel, I was born in Israel, and people kind of assume that everyone is more religious there, but people are actually more laid back in practicing,” Friedlander said.

“As far as Jewish youth groups... my parents have asked me every once in a while if I want to participate in them, but I really haven’t felt the need to,” Friedlander said. He also has found that he hasn’t had that much time because of sports.

Friedlander finds that his level of involvement is very aligned with that of his family—perhaps a more “Israeli” than “religiously conservative” lifestyle.

“My family doesn’t keep kosher but we do Junior Itai Palmon

practice all of the high holidays and do Shabbat dinner every once in a while. We speak Hebrew at home.” (Shabbat is the beginning of the seventh day of rest in Judaism and it is tradition to have dinner at sundown and say certain prayers.)

Friedlander is satisfied with his amount of involvement because he feels that he recognizes Judaism’s impact on him yet he has time for his many other interests and time commitments, such as sports and time with his friends from school.

Mormonism “It’s helped me so much and it’s helped my parents so much; we would not be where we are today if we didn’t have this religion in our lives” -Sophomore Isabel Black Senior Paige Bara was raised Mormon, yet Mormonism’s role in her life has changed as she has grown older.

“I grew up in a Mormon family, and my mom was raised Mormon her entire life— her parents were Mormon and they went to church every weekend,” Bara said. “My dad converted over and was baptized into the church, kind of for my mom.”

Bara describes her family during her youth as being very religious.

“I grew up Mormon going to church every single Sunday, and we were very on top of it,” Bara said.

Junior Eli Friedlander

A shift took place when Bara was about 14 and her mother decided that she no longer wished to attend church. She left it up to her children to decide whether or not they would like to continue going as individuals.

Her mother said she would support any course.

Bara’s mother’s reasons for wishing not to continue with her religious participation varied, and Bara described it as a “kind of a build up of a lot of things...there are a lot of things in the Mormon culture and in its values that she agrees with and supports and loves, but there were just some things that bothered her and that she didn’t necessarily agree with.”

Bara was then left with the personal decision of whether or not to continue with her own religious practices. “I actually continued to go to church—I was the only one in my family to continue,” Bara said.

After some time, however, Bara became less consistent about attending church. She felt that she still upheld and appreciated many Mormon values but found regular participation difficult without her family.

“It just got really hard when I was the only one going and no one else was really on the same page,” she said. She attended some weekends and said, “I still try to participate in some things because I definitely do believe in a lot of things that Mormonism teaches.”

Bara found her family’s abrupt discontinuation a sudden and difficult change to deal with. “It’s what I’ve grown up with, it’s my values, it’s what I’ve learned. It was like my world, and then it just kind of ended, which was hard,” Bara explained.

Mormonism remains a very important part of Bara’s life.

Sophomores Isabel Black and Jonathan Young

Senior Paige Bara

culture 5

Senior Jannat Hashmi

Junior Dami Bolarinwa

Junior Jamie Har

Junior Andrew Cho

Sophomore Isabel Black has been Mor- will take me because I can’t play on Sundays.” a very rigorous curriculum,” Hashmi said. mon her entire life and feels that being a part Even though this has been difficult, Young “I didn’t really feel like there was much of a of the Mormon community has impacted has no doubt that he has made the right use [continuing with Sunday school]. After her greatly. choice. “I know that I made the decision a a certain point you just get sick of it. They “It’s helped me so much and it’s helped my long time ago that I wouldn’t play sports on preach the same stuff...so I left.” parents so much,” Black said. “I feel like I Sundays and that I would prioritize religion,” Throughout high school Hashmi has behave a purpose in life.”

Young said. come less involved. According to Hashmi, Black believes it would be extremely difBeing a part of the Mormon Church rougly six months ago Hashmi began idenficult for her to continue attending church if requires sacrifice, but teens like Black and tifying as agnostic, or someone who believes her family stopped going because the bond Young feel that the decisions they have made that “nothing is known or can be known of and understanding they share through Mor- because of their faith are more than worth it the existence or nature of God or of anything monism would no longer be there. when taking into account the joy and sense beyond material phenomena.”

“I would try to be as much a part of it as I of community they have gained.

“For me personally, I’ve never really concould, but it would be so hard to go knowing nected with the faith. Within the past six to you were alone,” Black said. eight months it has been really diffiSophomore Jonathan Young, also a cult for me to really find comfort in “If there’s one thing I learned ...it’s the things that I was taught,” Hashmi devout Mormon, sees things differently. “If my parents didn’t go, I wouldn’t that faith doesn’t have to be in reli- said. “I’m far more scientific...if I can’t have them to look up to, and if I see something, then I don’t want to begion, it can be in anything” couldn’t follow their example I problieve in it.” ably wouldn’t go...it would be unimagAs for the effect this decision has -Senior Jannat Hashmi inably hard,” Young said. had on her relationship with her parOne Mormon value is that those who ents, Hashmi said that “my parents practice the religion will not drink aldon’t really know the extent of how I cohol. Black believes making decisions like Islam feel in terms of me pulling myself out of the this one at a young age makes future situaSenior Jannat Hashmi was born Muslim religion that they gave me...there have been tions easier because there is no longer a need and attended Sunday school at Jordan Mid- times where there has been a lot of tension, to make difficult decisions on the spot. dle School for nine years, finishing just be- where I will refuse to do some of the things “I know that when I go to a party and fore entering high school. Her father’s side that they religiously want me to do.” people say ‘do you want a drink’ I say ‘no,’ it’s of the family is Muslim, and her mother was Despite her decision not to continue pracjust not a question, but I know that if I hadn’t born Hindu but converted to Islam when she ticing Islam as an individual, Hashmi feels made that decision beforehand that I defi- was married. that she has gained a valuable perspective nitely probably would have said yes,” Black “[Sunday school] was sort of the basis on life, and faith in general, as a result of her said. “I’m glad that I was able to make those of all of my religious involvement through- involvement. decisions beforehand and prepare myself for out my early childhood, into the end of 8th “If there’s one thing I learned out of my high school.” grade,” Hashmi said. “We were taught half Sunday school experience, it’s that faith Mormonism also requires that Sunday be about our holy book and Arabic studies and doesn’t have to be in religion, it can be in a day of God and rest. For Young, this value then the other half was historical studies.” anything,” Hashmi said. “Islam was, and I has been difficult to uphold because he plays Hashmi feels that, although she appreciat- guess still is, a big part of who I am.” basketball competitively. ed her religious education, she did not gain Balancing one religion can be difficult, but “Many of the A teams have tournaments very much from the experience. imagine balancing two. Junior Dami Bolarin Vegas or LA and spend Friday, Saturday, “If I’m being honest, it’s not like the kids inwa grew up with a Christian mother and a and Sunday there playing,” Young said. “It’s who went to school there really learned any- Muslim father. really hard because I can’t find a team that thing. It was more about competition. It was “We would go to the Mosque on Saturday

6 Culture

nights for Zikr , and then Sunday mornings I would go to church with my mom,” Bolarinwa said. “It was always just like that until middle school.” (Zikr is the devotional act in Islam in which short phrases or prayers are repeatedly recited silently or aloud) Bolarinwa split his time religiously until he reached high school, when he made the decision to focus solely on Islam.

Bolarinwa’s father was raised Muslim by his own father but attended a Christian private school for boys, from which he was eventually kicked out because he refused to participate in the school’s mandatory church services. His father was devoted to the Quran and did not identify himself as a Christian.

Bolarinwa’s parents gave their children the option to pursue either Islam or Christianity, but Bolarinwa decided to follow in his father’s footsteps. “I kind of just stuck with the Islamic way just because my Dad did, and his Dad did,” Bolarinwa said.

Throughout high school Bolarinwa has spent a significant amount of time on Islam. .

“In high school, a lot’s really changed in that I stopped going to church and I’ve gone to the mosque for Eid festivities, , and Isha prayers during Friday afternoons at times, and Zikr every Saturday night,” Bolarinwa said.

Bolarinwa is happy with the choice he has made and feels that he still has much to gain practicing this religion.

“I thought it would be something interesting to stick with—I’ve learned a little bit about it, and am still learning now,” Bolarinwa said.

Christianity

Junior Andrew Cho grew up with a devoutly religious mother in a Catholic family.

He received his First Communion, which in Catholicism is when someone receives the sacrament of the Holy Eucharist for the first time. He stopped going to church when he was about 13, just before he was supposed to take part in Confirmation. Cho’s mother urged him to continue going to church with her every Sunday.

“I just did not have the time for it,” Cho said.

Cho found that as he has grown older and more involved in sports and school, he has had less time for religion. However, he said that he is still a spiritual person and has been thinking about being confirmed, but cannot follow through because of his busy schedule.

Cho is a nationally ranked swimmer, and he recently traveled to the Olympic Training Center in Denver. In addition to his swimming schedule, which is on average 22 hours a week, Cho is in the middle of an academically rigorous junior year. Cho makes swimming and school priorities, so it can be hard to have time left over for religion. Despite the fact that he no longer attends services, he has been able to continue practicing the religion more individually in ways that relate to important aspects of his life..

“I try to find time to sit down and relax and pray a little bit. The main times I pray are right before my races for swimming. I pray before every race,” Cho said.

He still agrees with many of Catholicism’s religious principles. “I don’t follow all of them, but I agree with most of them,” Cho said.

Junior Jamie Har attends San Jose New Hope Church, a Presbyterian church, with her family every Sunday. Attending church has become a key part of who she is.

“I have been a Christian my whole life, so I guess I just kind of grew up with it, so it’s just become a part of my life,” Har said.

Har’s life has been shaped and molded by the religious principles of her church. From an early age she has accepted certain beliefs and ideas of her religion.“It affects my motivation for certain actions or how I deal with some hardships or how I interact with other people,” Har said.

Har feels strongly that religion is very personal for her and finds that going to church and participating in church activities is a decision entirely based on her own unwavering beliefs.

“One thing about that that I think is a common misconception, is that I don’t just go to church because it’s this idea that I have to go at that time, it’s like a duty. It’s more

that I’ve decided to set aside that time every week to be in that community and spend time focusing on my religion and sticking to that is important because then it’s sticking to my beliefs.”

Har is also heavily involved with her church’s youth group for middle and high schoolers. They meet every Sunday for service, and then afterwards they break into Bible study classes.

The youth pastor at Har’s church is a young man who tries to make the experience fun for everyone. With any group of teens, the presence of an adult leader whom the teens can connect with openly can be a crucial element.

The result is that Har is very close to her youth group and is grateful to be able to have such a great community surrounding her.

“Everyone in our youth group is really, really close, like family. I’ve visited some other churches where there are so many cliques and [people are] friends but not really family,” Har said.

Har has found a balance between church, school, and orchestra. She tries to get all her school work done and make church a priority on Sundays. The only exception is when an orchestra rehearsal or concert interferes with church; otherwise she makes it her priority to go, and be involved every Sunday.

Life as a teenager relies heavily on one’s ability to balance activities, and it is clear from these Paly students that religion can be one of the most difficult things to prioritize.

Family and community can be significant influences when teens come to an age when they must decide whether or not to pursue their religious studies. Some teenagers find themselves increasingly more invested in and connected with the religion they were raised practicing, while others decide to either move in a different religious direction or to simply invest their time in other aspects of life.

Though stories, background, and reasons vary greatly, it is clear that when individuals reach a certain age and become more independent, for the first time in their life, deciding on a religious path becomes their own decision. For most teenagers this is not an easy decision, and it can sometimes mean going against the beliefs of their family, but it is a decision that many have to make, and a decision that can impact their entire lives.

C

culture 7

PERSON OF THE MONTH

RUSSELL STAR-LACK

Star-Lack’s current preferred guitar pick brand

Text and design by Maya Kandell Photos by Clara de Martel and Clara Chiu Illustration by Maya Kandell

Get to know a talented musician and solo guitarist in Palo Alto High School’s (Paly) Jazzband

H

is scrawling handwriting does not suggest that his fingers possess the agility and skill to take a crowd’s breath away, but look more closely and callused fingertips reveal 10 years of dedication to his instrument: the guitar.

Five-year-old Russell Star-Lack realized it was his dream to be a guitarist when he heard “Layla” by Eric Clapton for the first time. Ten years after beginning guitar lessons, Star-Lack (‘16) has the mastery and finesse to perform the work that inspired him long ago (although he maintains that no one can do it like Clapton).

Star-Lack is the only guitarist in the Paly jazz band. On his own time, however, he only takes lessons in bluegrass genres, following the lead of Jack Tuttle, his teacher of 10 years, who specializes in bluegrass music and performs in his family band, The Tuttles with AJ Lee. Star-Lack chose his teacher partly because of the stage experience other students received under Tuttle’s lead.

“I’d seen him perform and I knew he let his students go up there, and I wanted to do that.”

He describes a “kind of telepathic communication” with Tuttle. “When I see him for my lesson we don’t even talk that much…

We know how we each think – we can musically communicate,” Star-Lack said.

It’s really cool when you’ve been playing for someone for that long.”

Star-Lack mostly plays classic rock, blues, and folk music. As a result of his hard strumming, it takes him only a month to wear down a guitar pick. His instruments are well loved.

The music Star-Lack plays closely aligns with what he listens to. He loves classic rock, indie rock (especially Bon Iver) blues (he noted Gary Clark Jr. as “one of the most up and coming bluesmen”), folk, and of course his favorite musician, Clapton.

As he talked about his musical inter-

ests, his knowledge of the history of musical genres and groups became apparent. According to Star-Lack, music and history are where his interests blend.

Star-Lack describes himself as “addicted” to his instrument. He plays constantly—it is rare for him to miss even a day.

“I have it [his guitar] in my room and I play whenever I’m bored,” Star-Lack said. “If I go on a long trip, more than a week or two weeks, I’ll either try find a guitar or I’ll get really nervous…

It’s pretty bad.”

Not only does he play guitar o n

his own and in Jazzband at Paly, he also plays trumpet in the Paly Band. “I can bang on stuff and I’m a pretty bad singer,” he added jokingly.

Star-Lack has also been writing his own songs since first grade. At first, he said, “they were pretty stupid songs.”

But now, writing songs and playing music carries greater meaning for him.

“For me music can provide an emotional cushion,” he said. “It’s a coping mechanism. It helps get me through stress. Usually when I write songs I’ll try write them about stuff like school that provides adversity in my life and helps Star-Lack plays me process guitar at an Open w h a t ’s Mic Night on Jan. 9

going on.”

Star-Lack began performing in elementary school at Ohlone, playing at events like the Spring Fling and Harvest Festival.

“I always get this rush when performing. It’s cool being in front of people,” he said.

More recently, Star-Lack performed at an Open Mic night hosted by the Teen Arts Council in January, in which he played a parody of the song “Sugar Blues” with his own lyrics. Intended for a crowd mainly consisting of Paly students, some of the favorite lines included, “I got two hours of sleep last night, I got the APUSH blues” and “If I don’t get an A in this class how will I fill my parents shoes?” His performance was enthusiastically received with cheers and snaps from the audience.

Last school year, Star-Lack and

three Paly classmates formed the band Paint, with Caleb Yang (‘16) , Arjun Vasudevan (‘16), and Sylvia Targ (‘16), who all contribute their individual musical talents. “[Mr. Wilner, the band teacher] told me I was doing this solo and it was pretty flashy and he said for me to stop painting all over the band. And I was like, no,” Star-Lack said.

Thus, the band name “Paint” was born.

Paint was active last year, performing on the quad at lunch and at other events. This year, it has been harder for them to make time to practice and perform.

“We’ve all been really busy this year, for obvious reasons,” he said. “Between all of us I’m pretty sure we’re taking every hard class at Paly twice over.”

However, Star-Lack anticipates a resurgence in Paint’s activity this coming semester or next year.

Star-Lack has always been surrounded by music. “Both my parents play instruments, I’ve had teachers that have played instruments,” he said. “Music has been everywhere in my life.”

His mother and sister play a variety of instruments, and his father is a guitarist himself.

“He was probably the first guitarist I ever saw,” Star-Lack said.

Star-Lack and his family collectively have six guitars, four of which Starlack owns personally. That does not

Sugar “Paly” Blues I can’t go to school today, I got the Chem H blues (x2) You know I gotta take this hard-ass final, and then my goddamn SAT 2 A whole lotta trouble is coming my way, ‘cause I got the 11H blues (x2) This is only supposed take a semester, but it goes on and on forever I got two hours of sleep last night, I got the APUSH blues (x2) Why did I take this class? I have no f----- clue My life sucks, I got the Analysis blues (x2) If I don’t get an A in this class how will I fill my parents shoes?

Lord have mercy, I got the Paly blues (x2) Hopefully soon I can go to college, and escape this hellish school Star-Lack’s parody of a blues song with original lyrics. include a bass guitar, effects board, and two sound amplifiers, all of which he also has. Star-Lack plans on building a third amplifier with a few friends to reduce the large cost.

Star-Lack also has perfect pitch, a gift acquired genetically instead of through effort: he can name every musical note he hears.

“It’s a good party trick mostly,” he said with a smile.

However, his ability to determine perfect notes comes with the burden of recognizing imperfect ones. To Star-Lack, an off-key note is equivalent to the sound of nails on a chalkboard. This is the root cause of a longstanding feud between him and his younger sister, who loves to sing and play the oboe, among other noise-making activities. He said that recently he has been able to listen to his sister play the oboe.

“For a while I insisted that she practice behind two sets of closed doors, and I had to have headphones on as well. It was pretty bad,” Star-Lack said.

His sister’s singing causes conflict as well.

After years of sibling disputes, the two have worked it out that Star-Lack’s sister cannot sing around him on even days of the month, but is free to sing on odd days.

When it comes to a musical future, Star-

For me music can provide an emotional cushion... It’s a coping mechanism.

– Star-Lack Lack understands the slim odds of making it as a professional musician, and especially as a jazz guitarist.

According to Star-Lack, there are lots of Jazz guitarists, but there is usually only one guitarist in every jazz band, making the field even more competitive. Instead of trying to pave his way in the professional world, he hopes to find comfort and friends in musical communities wherever life takes him.

“My hope is that I can continue being kind of an amateur, getting with other communities wherever I go, whatever college I go to, whatever city I end up in, and find some people who are like-minded and like the same music I do.” And hopefully, he added, they will “play something else other than guitar so we can jam.”

C

culture 9

Upperclassman Advice­—Passing the Torch

By Emma Low and Carmelle Bareket-Shavit

Second semester for seniors much marks the end of the college application process. Of course, there are always a few more forms to fill out and decisions to be made, but C Magazine is here to pass on the torch to Paly’s juniors. For tips, advice, and general background on post-graduation pathways, read more, and always remember there are people rooting you on.

Post-Graduation Plans

Plans after high school can seem limited.

However, there are countless possibilities for those who don’t feel ready for college, who want to take a break from academia, or who want to explore other things in life. Discuss the prospects with family, friends, and the College & Career Center.

Interviews

College interviews are really just conversations with someone involved with a school, typically an alumni, and are great ways to learn about what life would be like on that campus. The interviews can be either informal or serious. Either way, be sure to prepare questions to ask and make sure you seem truly interested in whichever college you are making contact with.

Apply to your safety schools EA

You may feel the pressure to apply to school Early Decision. ED means you are bound to attending that school if you are accepted, even if you have changed your mind.

Apply to school(s) EA so that you can show your interest in a school and be able to later decide not to attend it. Apply to your safety schools early so that you hear back early, and so you can start the process on a good note. Many schools have an application deadline for those who want a merit scholarship.

To Do: Math - Study for visor Ad - Meet with

Research different colleges

If you do decide to go to college, and if you have free time, explore different colleges that match your criteria. Talk to parents, siblings, relatives, older friends, or neighbors about how they made their college decision. Ask yourself questions like: In or out of state? Big or small school? Rural or urban surroundings?

Private or public?

Figure out a field you want to study

While a final decision on a major can (and most likely will) change, determining a field of interest makes applications easier. If you know what you want to do you can apply to a school that offers a superior program in that field. Furthermore, choosing a major makes supplemental essays focused. While most colleges do not require a declared major before applying, it is exciting to think about what you would like to get out of your higher education plans. Either way, you have four years to figure it out, so it’s okay if you do not have a major in mind just yet.

10 Culture

Letters of Recommendation

By the end of Junior year, you should ask two or more teachers to write your letters of recommendation. This letter is meant to promote you to the college of your choice, and is sent along with your application to most schools (not UCs and not CSUs). Stay in active communication with whomever you have asked this great favor in a polite yet firm demeanor. These people have great influence on your application and portray in more depth than the facts listed on the Common Application. Also remember to assign your recommenders online. At some point in the application process, you will be given the choice to either have access to the recommendation letters, or to relinquish your rights to read them. And here’s the most important tip: Don’t read them. Colleges might see it as a red flag if you have not reliquished your rights.

Cover Sheets

To Do: - College in - Finish s terview upplemen ts Supplemental Essays-Expressing Interest

Look through catalogs of your college(s) to find courses that sound intriguing.

Not only will this make the application process exciting, but it will improve your supplemental essays. Supplemental prompts range from the expected “Why do you want to attend...” to the unique “What is the greatest gift you’ve given someone?” When discussing the “why” essay, mention specific course names to demonstrate that you’ve done your research on that school. Having said that, don’t cram essays with course names– they get the point!

Make sure you turn in a cover sheet to the guidance office before the deadline. A cover sheet is where you list all of the schools you plan on applying to; you don’t commit to each of the schools on your cover sheet, so if you change your mind no repercussions will occur. If you want to add schools to your list after already turning the cover sheet in, all you have to do is list it on a separate cover sheet so Paly can send your transcript to your future school!

Triple check your applications

A school can defer you or reject your application if they find a substantial error or do not receive test scores, transcripts, essays etc. Make sure your information reflects you accurately.

cover story

Homeless in Palo Alto Text by Olivia Vort and Maggie Zheng Photos by Maggie Zheng

A

s my boyfriend and I strolled down University Avenue, I found myself lost in the moment as my feet tip-tapped against the cleanly-swept sidewalks and my eyes glazed over the blur of each store facade’s carefully polished window.

Quaint shops lined the streets and every tree, it seemed, was planted in measured increments; everything seemed so perfectly geometric and aesthetically pleasing.

That’s when I heard someone suddenly call out to us.

We quickly turned around, there

wasn’t anyone around us within hearing distance. Perhaps it was someone calling someone else?

And then we saw him: the source of the rough, weathered voice. He was lying on the cold, cement plains that characterized the landscape of downtown Palo Alto’s most bustling street in front of Union Bank. His face was ruddy, and despite the cold weather outside, he was lying on the sidewalk with nothing but a splitseamed blanket covering him.

“I’ve been seeing you two since you were kids,” he said, “I’ve watched you grow up.”

I can still vividly recall the utter shock that overwhelmed me the moment those words reached my ears.

My boyfriend, too; he tightened his grip on my hand.

“Really?” was the only word I could nervously croak out. I couldn’t believe it. This man, whom I’ve never paid attention to, had observed me everytime my boyfriend and I walked downtown. That’s when Maggie, my co-Editor-in-Chief, and I endeavored to find out more about the homeless of Palo Alto.

(To be continued on the next page)

cover 11

Zachary spreads his arms like an eagle on the corner of Bryant and University “I’m not really aware that there are students at Paly who are without a home or are between living situations. The only homeless people I have seen in Palo Alto have been in their sixties and on University Avenue.”

- Paly junior

media, and let us not forget the patriarchs and matriarchs of technology who’ve graced the covers of Forbes. With such a resourceful and wealthy population at hand, it’s no wonder that Palo Alto High School (Paly) is one of the more well-endowed schools here in the Bay Area.

“It’s not always the bearded man sitting on the curb—it can be a tech worker living in his car, it can be a family moving from place to place and not having a stable home.”

- Claire Liu When many of us hear the term “homeless,” we assume the individual is literally without a home and sleeping on the streets due to financial incapability. That is not always the case. Sometimes, parents with good jobs suddenly lose them, or suddenly have to pay huge medical bills, and the family finds itself unable to afford a home. Other times, students feel threatened with homelessness due to disagreements with their parents.

Homelessness can also come in threats and can descend on any student, no matter their socioeconomic standing or financial capability.

Palo Alto, an affluent city, boasts a diverse population of talented statesmen, ranging from college professors from across the road, to local artists specializing in various

12 cover

What people aren’t aware of, however, is the fact that even in our privileged school district, there are students who are struggling emotionally, physically, and financially. A closer look at the PAUSD population indicates that there are currently 19 students ranging from kindergarten to grade 12 who are without a home, according to Brenda Carrillo, the PAUSD Student Services Coordinator. Homelessness can come in the form of both reality and a threat that looms over their futures.

“Homelessness is not an easy thing to talk about, especially for teenagers who are already dealing with insecurities and other aspects of their life. But to also come from a socioeconomic background that is so different [and] to feel like they have so much less

in a material sense is something that is even more isolating,” Claire Liu, a Paly senior who who often volunteers at the Opportunity Center in the back of Town and Country Village, said.

In one case, an anonymous Paly student, referred to as Lynn in order to protect her identity, tells C Mag that she is under constant threat that her parents may, at any given time, stop financially supporting her. This psychological manipulation is spontaneously used against her as a threat when her family gets mad at her and her actions. “[The threat of homelessness has] happened to me and one of my friends,” Lynn said. Her parents threatened to stop supporting her financially, and to not pay for college if she did something they didn’t approve of. Many times, these threats were spontaneous and unexpected; Lynn could not predict which of her actions could potentially spark a fury.

“For us, the experience was very terrifying because we didn’t know where to go if we were potentially homeless,” Lynn said. “I feel like there should be a lot more awareness about what to do if you were in that type of situation where you might be potentially homeless or might be potentially kicked out of the house or where something might happen and you need a place to stay.”

--------“I don’t feel like there is anything I can do that will help the homeless personally because their own actions put them where they are.”

- Paly senior In an effort to understand the factors surrounding vagrancy in Palo Alto, we in

terviewed Adam Klein, Marketing and Strategic Projects Manager at InnVision Shelter Network (IVSN), the leading provider of housing and support to homeless people in the Bay Area.

IVSN provides shelter to roughly 1000 people each night at its 17 facilities in Silicon Valley and up the peninsula. According to Klein, the most common homeless person they encounter is a teenage girl, although they are rarely seen on the streets because IVSN provides shelter for families.

“Homelessness can be the most difficult for teenagers because there is sometimes a degree of shame that comes along with being homeless even though there is no blame to be placed, but it can be embarrassing for teenagers when they want to invite friends over and they don’t want to invite them to the shelter,” Klein said.

Because of this, teenagers and students

cording to Klein, it also goes beyond the services offered by standard homeless shelters.

InnVision sets up adults and minors in longterm programs, by the end of which each individual faces the goal of being able to graduate and move into permanent housing. It identifies people who are motivated to turn their lives around and pairs them with case managers. According to Klein, its “Beyond the Bed” program has served thousands of clients annually and boasts a 90% success rate in returning graduates to permanent housing and self-sufficiency.

“We’re much more than a roof over your head and a meal in your stomach,” Klein said.

InnVision also runs programs to help children and teenagers feel like “normal kids,” such as summer camps at their sites, for children who wouldn’t otherwise be able to afford it.

26,000

people became homeless in 2012-2013 across Silicon Valley and the Peninsula

Reasons for Homelessness Eviction or Rent Increase 14% Illness, Mental Health, or Substance Abuse 12% Domestic Violence 2% Misc/Other 21%

Family Breakup 13%

Unemployment 38%

Innvision Shelter Network is working to end homelessness

1,000 each night

people housed

6,203

total people received housing/shelter in the year 2012-2013 Olivia Vort gives Michael a pair of prescription sun glasses tend to hide their circumstance from their peers and the school faculty. In fact, Klein said, students may not even be aware that a classmate at school is homeless. Schools usually don’t have the resources to help students who are homeless, even if they are aware of the problem. Sometimes they may not even know enough about the problem to offer helpful suggestions.

“The school should have more resources because when I was going through the thing with counseling, I needed to know a place to go, and Innvision was never brought up,” Lynn said.

ISVN provides interim and stabilization shelter, housing for former chronically homeless individuals, outreach, re-housing and homelessness prevention services. Ac-

When people transition from the chaos of homelessness to the security of a safe home and start paying their rent and holding a job, they are on the path to being self-sufficient, tax-paying contributors in the long term.

“The biggest problem about people who are homeless is a loss of dignity—they feel like they are less than human,” Klein said. “Being homeless can have a debilitating effect. InnVision works to try to bring humanity back.”

--------“I only ever see the same people sitting downtown Palo Alto begging for money.”

- Paly sophomore If you’ve ever walked down University Avenue or ridden along El Camino Real, you may have passed by just a few of the more (To be continued on the next page)

23,196

people receivedfood, clothing, case management, and supportive services

294,927

total shelter nights provided last year

All Statistics are provided by the 2013 Homeless Census and Survey, Santa Clara County and San Mateo County

cover 13

David smiles for the picture. than 650 unhoused individuals living in the Mid-peninsula region of Palo Alto, East Palo Alto and Menlo Park, according to Stanford Night Outreach.

We decided it was time to do more than just “pass by,” so we tagged along with the Stanford Night Outreach one Friday evening at the end of last month. Stanford Night Outreach is a community of individuals at Stanford University who meet every Friday evening and walk around downtown Palo Alto to talk with the unhoused and atrisk people living there. Stanford Night Outreach’s Co-President Trey Deitch said a simple conversation can go a long way. Group walks meet on Friday evenings nights at 7:15pm at the Haas Center for Public Service where members “act out of desire to propagate social responsibility, with the willingness to both share with and learn from the people with whom [they] interact,” Deitch said. Speaking with homeless individuals can be “rejuvenating and encouraging” because “we form friendships with people we might not otherwise meet,” Deitch said.

Although Stanford Night Outreach is predominantly based on conversation, its members also distribute sandwiches and basic necessities.

14 cover

On Jan. 30, Deitch sparked a conversation with a middle-aged woman sitting on the bench in the Palo Alto Caltrain bus station next to her full shopping cart. Deitch asked her whether she preferred wet wipes or the dry ones, upon which she answered the former. Deitch then promised to bring her those the next time they meet.

In another conversation, members of Night Outreach discussed the rising housing mortgage in Palo Alto and increasing gentrification with another woman, Mickie, who we came across on a corner behind the 7-Eleven near downtown Palo Alto. Mickie was especially memorable due to her cheery and buoyant attitude as she led the conversation, talking about her sassy and daring daughter as well as her past at the University of Pennsylvania. Mickie was especially optimistic from what we could tell and she even offered me words of consolation and advice to stay positive in light of the recent suicide of a Gunn student. The group spent the next two hours walking around downtown.

Time and again, they immersed themselves in conversation—relaxed and lively, about topics ranging from politics to daily irritations, with no hints of awkwardness.

We found that homelessness was not necessarily a heavy burden that oppressed people’s emotions and livelihood. We anticipated shy people, overcome with awkwardness, but quickly realized we were the awkward ones, afraid of striking a wrong chord and sparking tear upon reflection on the past.

Deitch and his comrades’ experience was evident as they casually went about their con-

own circumstance, knew about the Opportunity Center but actively chose not to go there, and seemed almost content with his life on the street.

“I used to make $85,000 a year … I made some bad decisions in my life,” he said. “Now I have to budget $100, which may seem like a lot for a homeless man, but it’s actually not a lot of money around here” But overall, it was harder than expected to draw out the stories of the homeless people we met. Sometimes they did not want to share their backgrounds with us. Other times they talked, but we couldn’t understand. Tom, the man who resides out in front of Union Bank, spoke in circles about different colored pants and paper bags after being asked a few basic questions. He said that he would have been 53 in 2006, and that we are currently in the year 2009. His mentally disoriented state demonstrates the larger plight that many homeless may suffer.

The Paly students we interviewed were just like us, before we delved into this story. In general, they saw homelessness as something very far away and not as part of their community. Homeless individuals are almost seen as foreign people with strange problems.

Claire Liu, the Paly senior who often volunteers at the Opportunity Center and works closely with kids there, said that she did not understand the full extent of homelessness in our area until recently.

“I wasn’t aware that homelessness was an issue in Palo Alto until three or four years ago because I thought it didn’t exist except for a

“I used to make $85,000 a year … I made some bad decisions in my life.” - Michael versations, deftly maneuvering the treaded paths in downtown Palo Alto.

------“I just walk by and don’t really notice them because they all seem like they are mentally ill...I don’t know how I would talk to them.”

- Paly freshman In an effort to understand homelessness, we tried to interview people living on University Ave. or at the Opportunity Center about their personal stories. We met a man named Michael, who was fully aware of his

couple people downtown,” she said. “But it is a problem here and what is interesting is that homelessness comes in different shapes and forms. It’s not always the bearded man sitting on the curb—it can be a tech worker living in his car, it can be a family moving from place to place and not having a stable home. We need to realize they’re part of our community and treat them that way.”

We agree with Liu, which is why, through this article, we hope to accomplish the goal of raising awareness on homelessness and eliminating its alienating stigma.

C

A&E

Anti-Valentines Day Playlist:

The 6 Stages of a Breakup Text, Design and Photos by Larkin McDermott

1. Denial

2. Anger

3. Bargaining

Not Over YouGavin Degraw

Cry Me a RiverJustin Timberlake

Want U BackCher Lloyd

Don’t SpeakNo Doubt

DONE.The Band Perry

More Like HerMiranda Lambert

When it All Falls ApartTheVeronicas

F***k YouCee Lo Green

StayRihanna, Mikky Ekko

4. Sadness

5. Acceptance

6. Moving On

SadMaroon 5

I Will SurviveGloria Gaynor

GoodbyeKristinia DeBarge

When I Was Your ManBruno Mars

Wasting All These TearsCassadee Pope

Since U Been GoneKelly Clarkson

GravitySara Bareilles

These StreetsBastille

Ridin’ SoloJason Derulo

Entertainment 5

C Mag Tries:

The whole class shows off their new and improved dance moves.

Alex is hot and dangerous on and off the dancefloor.

Text and design by Katya Sigal and Alex Weinstein Photos by Mikaela Simison and Creative Commons

L

ooking for a new and exciting way to burn your excess fat? Zumba may be the answer to getting that body you have been striving for.

It was Sunday afternoon, and we decided to take a break from the mound of homework awaiting completion. We decided to do some “productive procrastination” and workout for once. As we slowly dragged ourselves out of our houses and to the Jewish Community Center (JCC), we found ourselves suddenly awakened by the loud noise of upbeat zumba music and the startling blow of a whistle calling participants to order.

Zumba is an entertaining and upbeat dance workout designed for people of all ages and physical capabilities. This unique aerobic exercise incorporates different dance styles from around the world, while also improving cardio, muscle conditioning, balance and flexibility.

16 Entertainment

The instructor, a lively upbeat woman, was stretching at the front of the dance studio, which had wooden floors and mirror-covered walls. The room was packed with excited women warming up, leaving barely any room for dancing.

As the music started, we found ourselves stumbling and looking around the room for guidance. Everyone there looked like they had been taking this class for years, making us look like total newbies.

The dance steps were not complex, but after the first 30 minutes of non-stop grooving we found ourselves gasping for air. During the few seconds we had between songs, we ran for water in order to cool down from the excessive booty shaking. However, the instructor’s enthusiastic and sometimes frightful zeal inspired us to push on.

The instructor was sassy, fierce, and not afraid to get in your face. Her saucy charm ensured that the class’s environment was

Cmag’s Katya Sigal and Alex Weinstein attempt to shake it to the music.

The instructor shows everyone how it’s done.

Katya dances very questionably throughout the class.

lively and spirited.

Her encouragement of wild behavior resulted in several people twerking on the timber-paneled walls of the studio. Although initially taken aback, we soon joined the twerk party.

At first it was difficult to keep up with the advanced instructor and foreign steps.

However, we slowly got the hang of it and eventually the dancing seemed almost effortless. The whole class was fast paced and we rarely even had time to stop between songs.

“It is not a dance class, it’s a party!” said Ricardo Marmite, a frequent Zumba attendee. “No one is judging you by your dance abilities. Just have fun and feel the music.”

For the most part, we found the music enjoyable, but at times a little heavy on the Pitbull. Zumba tunes often have a Latin vibe mixed with some hip hop and reggae inspiration. Our favorite song was “Shawty

Got Moves” by Get Cool. It stuck with us because of its catchy rhythm and the spicy dance moves it brought out from everyone.

This aerobic workout incorporated a lot of lunges and squats that helped tone our leg muscles and glutes, without us realizing it. We were surprised how fast the class went by and how much we had sweat.

Taking a Zumba class is a great way to burn calories quickly without the usual burden of focusing on the pain that comes with a normal workout.

If you are the type of person who generally does not enjoy working out, Zumba may be the perfect solution. Zumba is a different kind of workout: an entertaining workout.

One moment you’re in the dance studio and the next it feels as if you’ve moved to a poppin’ club. Wherever you live, you are likely to find somewhere that offers Zumba classes close by. So give it a try and don’t worry, you don’t have to be an expert to shake it! C

Entertainment 17

Teen Arts Council Text & Design by Frida Schaefer Bastian & Clara de Martel Photos By Clara de Martel

I Bryce Rockwell performing her orignial poetry.

Gabe Galang and Jeremy Samos playing on each others guitars.

Emma Chiu performing at Point B.

18 Entertainment

magine a dark room behind a stage.

Now imagine that room is filled with incredibly creative and talented teenagers, connected through art, music and performance. This is the scene that we walked in on as we entered Open Mic Night at The Children’s Theatre on Friday, January 9th.

The backstage room was small with a carpet lying on the ground that acted as the stage, while the rest of the floor was covered by exercise mats and bean bags crowded with enchanted teenagers. The ceilings were decked with strings of lights that added a soft, warm glow to the already comfortable setting. Off to the side was a table selling delicious It’s-Friday-Night-I’m-Going-ToTreat-Myself snacks. The room was lined with couches where people lounged comfortably while they enjoyed good food, entertainment and company.

Within our teen community in Palo Alto, these events take place at least once every month, not only giving teens the opportunity to perform their talents but also providing wonderful entertainment and an unconventional social event to meet new people, instead of the oh-so-familiar house parties.

On this particular night, the performances included singing, guitar, improv, acting, violin, poetry, and even a sing-along to “Hey Jude” and “What makes you Beautiful.” The possibilities seemed endless. At the end of the night the hosts welcomed all those who had been playing the guitar onto the stage.

For the last 10 minutes they all played together, learning from each other and testing out each other’s guitars.

Not only is Open Mic an opportunity to immerse yourself into the world of Palo Alto teen artists, it is also a way to forge new connections.

Palo Alto High School (Paly) junior Abira Berezin performed his original music for the first time at this Open Mic. There he met Rory Sidovar, a fellow musician, and since then they have been working together on songs and have even street-performed together on Castro Street in Mountain View.

Though this was Berezin’s first time performing at an Open Mic, he already recommends others who want to showcase their

talents to perform there because “no one in the crowd is judgmental; they’re very welcoming.”

Open Mic Night is put on about every month by Palo Alto’s Teen Arts Council.

“The goal of TAC (Teen Arts Council) is to provide the funds, the support and the opportunity for high schoolers to take initiative in the community and create arts-related events and projects in an environment that is outside of school,” Co-President Clara Baker said. “We provide a safe and enjoyable space to de-stress and be creative.”

There are five executives, all of whom attend Paly, on the Teen Arts Council—Ido Gal, Cara Kienitz, Andrea O’Riordan, Baker and Fabian Garduño—but everyone on the council is welcome and encouraged to organize events. For example, members Teddy Stewart and Claire Eberhart debuted the new event Point B Poetry Slam on Friday, January 17th.

TAC is overseen by Joy Fairfield, a PhD student at Stanford and a professional theatre director in San Francisco. Fairfield agrees that the purpose of the Council is to aid students in finding a place to show their art, whatever that may be, but she also believes its function goes beyond just offering an extracurricular activity.

“For many people who struggle with depression, anxiety, and other kinds of psychological stress, art-making and community is more than just ‘fun.’ It’s life-saving,” Fairfield said. “We try to create a loving, relaxing, and welcoming environment because we know life as a teen in Palo Alto can be really tough.”

To join, or to check it out, simply attend one of the weekly 6:30 p.m. Wednesday meetings at Lucie Stern Community Center.

The Teen Arts Council meetings and events count as community service.

As the guitar playing faded, we finished the night with a new creative spark in us, induced by the passion for music, art and self expression and cultivated by the compassion between people and the interactions of pure support and acceptance. We plan to continue attending Open Mic Nights, as well as other events, (and maybe even perform, who knows?) to experience true appreciation for love, art and life. C

Teddy Stewart and Claire Eberhart preforming the poem “If I Had a Daughter,� at their event Point B.

Zach Gibson reading a poem at Point B.

Abira Berezin playing his original piece.

The stage at Point B Poetry Slam.

Laura Maystead performing a Shel Silverstein Poem.

Yi Ge preforming her original poetry.

Decorations at Point B.

Paul Bleich and Joey Kellison-Linn performing a skit.

Gabe Galang playing at Open Mic.

Entertainment 19

Paly Celebrity Text by Emma Scott Photos by Emma Scott & Creative Commons Design by Emma Scott & Maggie Zheng

<Pictured on the left: Gilmore Girls star Alexis Bledel and freshmen Maddy Buecheler.

>Pictured on the right: Actress Jennifer Garner and junior Charlotte Hall.

^Pictured above: Actor Matt Damon and junior Matthew Lewis. >Pictured on the right: Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson and junior Kash Rogers.

20 Entertainment

Look-alikes <Pictured to the left: Musican Macklemore and junior Bo Field.

^Pictured above: Hunger Games star Jennifer Lawrence and junior Bryn Sullivan.

<Pictured on the left: Vampire Diaries star Jim Parrack and junior Nick Cook.

>Pictured on the right: Actor/teen heartthrob Zac Efron and senior Alex Dees.

Entertainment 21

The Illusions of social Media:

Text and design by Clara Chiu Illustration by Maggie Zheng

What We see and What We Don’t

O

kay, so we’ve all been there.

It’s a Friday night and you don’t have any plans. Your friends are busy or out of town, so it looks like you’ll be stuck by yourself watching Netflix in your bed for the night. After all, it is impossible to be doing something exciting for 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

But does it ever seem like there are people who are constantly doing exciting things like going to parties, or going on late-night adventures with friends? You go on Instagram, Snapchat, and Facebook to keep yourself entertained and start to feel a little excluded when you see what your friends are up to without you.

What you don’t realize is that it’s quite possible that on a night when you go out with your friends the same people who made you feel inferior are now the ones staying home, binge-watching their favorite shows with ice cream at their side.

We only judge what we see, and the problem with social media is, we don’t get to see very much. We are introduced to one small facet of a many-sided crystal and assume that every other facet is identical.

While social media is a great way to connect with friends and share experiences, it can also have negative impacts that people should be aware of, like the lowering of people’s self-esteem as a result of the way they perceive their peers through social media.

This problem stems from the fact that social media gives people a false sense of reality. Social media is unique because it

22 Entertainment

allows us to manipulate the aspects of our lives we wish to share with our peers. Unlike in real life, we can control what parts of ourselves people see. This allows us to create two different personas: the real us which includes our flaws and everyday mistakes, and the edited version that we show on social media which is “perfect,” intangible, and most importantly, unreal.

Social media lets people idolize what they see, whether it’s from a picture, status, or a 10-second video. After looking through someone’s profile you might think, “Wow, they really have their life together. They have no flaws. I’m nothing like him/her.”

Maybe they really do have things together, but it’s much more likely that they are not the perfect person you perceive them to be.

I’m not by any means saying everyone should publicize their failures or their lonely times to balance out their social media profiles. I’m coming forward because I’m tired of people being afraid to speak up because

they think they’re the only ones who have felt left out or not good enough. Not having plans needs to stop being seen as taboo. I want to help people realize that nobody is perfect; everyone has things they don’t want others to see.

Instead of being jealous or comparing yourself to what you see on social media, remember that social media is based on false perceptions. It’s a small snapshot of someone’s life and says nothing about a person’s life as a whole or even his or her character.

This is my advice, take it or leave it, but know that the good goes hand-in-hand with the bad. You can try to bury your failures and put up a perfect front through what you post through social media, but just realize that’s not who you truly are. Think about how the virtual world would change and consider if you would like it better if we were to embrace all aspects of ourselves and encourage others to do the same. I know I would. C

Green Day

CC- BOBBY FEIMSTER

Grateful Dead

Formed in Palo Alto Genre: Rock Biggest Hit: “Touch of Grey” from In the Dark (1987) Fun Fact: The band’s harmonicist, Ron McKernan (nicknamed “Pigpen”), attended Palo Alto High School.

Originated in Berkeley Genre: Punk Rock Biggest Hit: “Good Riddance (Time of Your Life)” from Nimrod (1996) Fun Fact: The band’s singer, Billie Joe Armstrong, released his first single “Looking For Love” at the young age of five years old.

Smash Mouth

CC-SAM SATURDAY !

Geographer

Based in San Francisco Genre: Indie Rock Biggest Hit: “Lover’s Game” the single (2012) Fun Fact: Their song “Can’t You Wait” was featured in Pixar’s anti-gay-bullying video campaign video, It Gets Better.

CC-CARMENPUNKGIRL

Formed in San Jose Genre: Alternative Rock Biggest Hit: “All Star” from Astro Lounge (1999) Fun Fact: The band named themselves after Mike Ditka’s idea of a no mercy type of football called “smash mouth football.”

CC-PHILLIP STEWART

Journey

Formed in San Francisco Genre: Rock Biggest Hit: “Don’t Stop Believin’” from Escape (1981) Fun Fact: The group’s greatest hit, “Don’t Stop Believin’, ” is an anthem for the San Francisco Giants.

CC-ZACHARY FOERST

FROM THE BAY TO THE

WORLD STAGE

10 musicians you didn’t know are from the Bay Area.

Text by Katie Douty and Charlee Stefanski Photos courtesy of Creative Commons (CC) CC-RAY KWA

Tycho Born in San Francisco Genre: Electronic Biggest Hit: “Awake” from Awake (2014) Fun Fact: While lead man Scott Hansen has the serious hobby of music, he refers to himself as a graphic designer. His artwork is displayed on his blog at http://blog. iso50.com.

CC-LESLIE K

Lil B

CC-HERON PRESTON

Mac Dre

Born in Oakland and raised in Vallejo Genre: Rap Biggest Hit: “Feelin’ Myself ” from Ronald

Dregan: Dreganomics (2004) Fun Fact: The rapper’s tombstone was stolen in 2006 from the Mountain View Cemetery in Oakland. It was believed to be taken by a crazed fan.

Born and raised in Berkeley Genre: Rap Biggest Hit: “Wonton Soup” the single (2010) Fun Fact: Lil B gifted MIT with its first shirtless lecture in November of 2014. In his speech, he addressed the random topics of positivity, photosynthesis and the unreliability of Wikipedia.

CC-DREADEDPHOTO

MC Hammer Born in East Oakland Genre: Hip Hop Biggest Hit: “U Can’t Touch This” from Please CC-PEMBERTON MUSIC FESTIVAL

G-Eazy

Born and raised in Oakland Genre: Rap Biggest Hit: “I Mean It” from These Things Happen (2014) Fun Fact: As a sophomore at Loyola University of New Orleans, G-Eazy was a member of the rap group “Bay Boyz” where he created his first singles.

Hammer Don’t Hurt ‘Em (1990) Fun Fact: Hammer went bankrupt by spending over $30 million in just a couple of years on a 40-person entourage that accompanied him everywhere.

CC-MSPDIGIPARTIES

entertainment 23

1.

2.

3.

4.

Text by Teddie Stewart Illustrations by Maggie Zheng

Lingo Baddie: a hot girl with a badass mentality; “She’s a baddie”.

Fasho: “for sure” combined; “oh fasho ma dude”.

Salty: Being angry, agitated, upset, usually because they are embarrassed; “Dude you’re hella salty today”.

4

Zero hoots: don’t care “I give zero hoots” (comes from the rapper 3pac).

Fashion Trends

9.

10.

11.

12.

5.

6.

7.

8.

Cutty: everything is good; “my parents are gone all weekend, like it’s cutty”.

Sad boys: These human specimina listen to Yung Lean because they’re emotional.

“He’s a sad boy.”

Reefin it: Smoking weed; “We out to reef during lunch”.

Squabbin out: Leaving somewhere; “I’m squabbin out”.

18

Socks with Birks: the new hippy trend.

12

13.

14.

15.

16.

Longchamp: the purse that’s everywhere.

Patagonia: The new North Face?

“Check out my Patagucci”.

White Man’s outfit: polo, colored shorts, high socks, and Sperrys.

Places Lake Lag (Stanford): Lake Lagunita, the artificial dry lake in Stanford. “Go to lake lag and have a picnic.”

Skyline: Go to watch the sunset.

Shoreline: Because everyone loves sloppy country concerts.

14

24 Entertainment

Rinky: nothing to do on a late night?

Go to rinky (a.k.a Rinconada).

17.

18.

19.

20.

Food Dutch Crunch: the best sandwich bread you’ve ever heard of.

Tea4: the new boba place in downtown P.A. that everyone’s loving.

Coupa: Hungover and need a good crepe? Hit up Coupa.

Fraiche: frozen yogurt in dowtown.

What’s Your Type?

Text and photos by Katie Douty and Emma Scott Design by Katie Douty

For generations, both men and women have wondered what people search for in a potential partner. If you have ever had this curiosity, you’ve come to the right place. Today, we will look through the eyes of different Palo Alto High School students to get a fresh sense of what is valued in a partner.

Through interviewing numerous students, we have gathered that the most important factor in a love interest, as cheesy as it sounds, is what is on the inside. While many teens do find significance in the level of attraction they have for someone, based on physical appearance, the number one thing people keep in mind is the individual’s personality. Kindness, loyalty, a sense of humor, and a meaningful hug could spark a feeling of affection.

It always helps if you share common interests with your desired

partner. For example, many people find a partner who shows interest in athletics attractive. If you are not into sports, have no fear— there are countless qualities that people look for in others.

This verbatim confirms that Paly students are fond of people who can let their guard down and be themselves. Whether it is simply hanging out or going to the movies, being comfortable with yourself will strengthen your level of attraction, being confident in your own character is key, and will help others notice your potential as well.

“The first hug is like the first kiss, except the first hug sets the tone, like what they give in that hug. Is it passion? Or is just an awkward hug...it’s got to be real.”

- James Giaccia, senior “I like someone who’s nice and funny. Who likes to hang out, I guess, go to a movie or something.”

- Nick Smallwood, sophomore

“Someone athletic, fun, friendly and loves me for who I am.”

- Noa Ben-Efraim, sophomore

“I look for a guy who can make me laugh, who doesn’t lie, is respectful and treats me right.”

- Emma Hammerson, junior

“[My] ideal personality would be [someone] really funny, nice, obviously not like a mean person— someone who’s very thoughtful, caring, kind to everyone...funny is very important though.

Ideal looks: tall, well dressed, good style… oh my gosh their shoes, they need to have good shoes.”

- Cairo Kim and Kate Bredenberg, seniors

“Obviously, she’s got to have attractive physical features… but really what matters more... is on the inside. She’s got to be kind, sweet, caring. She’s got to be funny, you can’t have a serious girl.... She’s just got to be infatuated with me.”

- Owen Dulik, junior

“She’s got to like movies and sporting events. And she’s got to be willing to go on dates that are really cheap, because I’m a freshman.

And just be yourself.”

- Peter King, freshman

“Someone who is nice and someone who doesn’t make me feel bad.”

- Umbher Kooner, freshman

entertainment 25

Food

Make Your Own Candy

By Kallee Bareket-Shavit and Clara de Martel Photos by Clara de Martel

Every February around Valentine’s Day we are surrounded by an abundance of chocolates and candies. This year don’t be lame and go to the store, impress your loved ones and make your own!

Truffles What you need: 250 grams of good quality dark chocolate (we recommend the Trader Joe’s Pound Plus chocolate bar) 100 grams of butter 2 eggs yolks A drop of vanilla extract 90 grams of powdered sugar Cacao powder and other decorations (we usedcoconut flakes and sprinkles) What to do: 1. Break up the chocolate into small pieces and put it in a heat resistant bowl, also add the butter. Boil some water in a pan and place the bowl with the chocolate over it and stir until the chocolate and butter is melted.

2. Remove the bowl from the heat and add the egg yolks, the vanilla extract and the powdered suger; mix well.

3. Put the mixture in the fridge for an hour so that it solidifies.

4. Form little balls of chocolate mixture using your hands and a small spoon.

5. Roll the litle balls of chocolate into your topping of choice and enjoy!

26 Food

Peanut Butter Cups What you need: 1/2 cup of creamy peanut butter 16 ounces of semi-sweet chocolate 2 Tbls. butter 2-4 Tbls. confectioner’s sugar, depending on personal preference What to do: 1. Fill a saucepan halfway with water and simmer.

2. Meanwhile, chop up eight ounces of the chocolate and place in a heat-proof bowl.

3. Place the bowl above the simmering water and melt the chocolate. Be careful not to let the chocolate burn.

4. Pour melted chocolate into a lined cupcake tray— each cup should hold about two Tbls. Put the tray in the fridge for 15 minutes.

5. Meanwhile, combine the peanut butter, sugar, and room temperature butter until it looks like frosting.

6. Take the tray and place a heaping tsp. of the peanut butter mixture on top of the cold chocolate. Replace the tray in the fridge for 15 minutes.

7. Take the rest of the chocolate and melt. Place once again on top of the frozen peanut butter-chocolate combo.

8. Allow the entire combination to freeze once more before eating and enjoy!

Caramel Apples

Marshmallows

What you need: Granny smith green/sour apples. The smaller they are, the better Caramel candies. These can be found at Trader Joes Orange Juice without pulp Long sticks Any decorations, such as sprinkles, melted chocolate or nuts

What you need: 3 Tbs. unflavored gelatin powder 1/2 cup cold water 1 1/2 tbs. vanilla extract 3/4 cup water 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar 1 1/4 and 1/2 cup corn syrup salt (pinch) 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar

What to do: 1. Combine roughly 2 1/2 cups of the orange juice with 10 ounces of caramel candies in a saucepan.

2. Place under medium heat on the stove and mix until the two combine into a thick sauce. Turn off the heat.

3. Prepare the apples. Wash thoroughly and place a stick halfway in each apple. Prepare upwards of 15 apples.

Place these prepared apples on baking sheets covered by parchement paper and vegetable oil in order to prevent sticking.

4. Slowly dip each apple into the caramel, covering the apples completely before trasferring them onto the baking sheets. Allow the apples to sit for two hours before eating.

5. While the apples sit, feel free to add any toppings, such as chopped nuts, chocolate sauce, or sprinkles.

What to do: 1. Pour a combination of the cold water and vanilla over gelatin in a small bowl. Mix and set aside.

2. Combine 3/4 cup water, corn syrup, salt, and granulated sugar in a saucepan. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t stir. Place the pan over medium heat until it comes to a boil.

3. If you have one, use a candy thermometer to ensure that the mixture reaches 250 degrees F. If not you can dip a spoon into the sugar mixture and into a bowl of ice cold water. If the chilled sugar mixture has a chewy consistency you can take it off the heat.

4. Slowly pour the hot sugar mixture into the gelatin combination. Once all syrup is poured, increase speed and stir until liquid thickens.

5. Transfer mixture to a baking pan, and let sit uncovered at room termperature for 6 to 24 hours.

6. Sprinkle the marshmallows with powdered sugar before cutting (we recommend cutting your marshmallows into fun shapes using cookie cutters).

7. Serve with your best hot chocolate and enjoy!

Food 27