C Magazine Vol. 1 Edition 5

C

T he CampanilE A&E Magazine

Curry Up Now page 8

COVER: Ai Weiwei

Artist of the Month

page 13

page 18

CONTENTS EDITORS’ LETTER FOOD

I WANT CANDY...

Palo Alto’s newest sweet shop, Rocket Fizz takes us down memory lane.

CURRY UP NOW

Yummy and authentic, Curry Up Now puts a spin on your taste buds.

STYLE

4 6

9

CLASS OR TRASH

10

DIY: BRAIDS

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Hipster styles may be in trend, but that does not mean its for you?

Fancy or casual, any one of these braids is a sure success!

Take a walk down memory lane at downtown’s newest old fashion candy store: Rocket Fizz Soda Pop and Candy Store.

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SHREDDIN’ IN STYLE

Learn the latest and greatest styles for snowboarders and skiiers.

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COVER STORY AI WEI WEI

China views him as one of the most dangerous men in the world. Ai Wei Wei, more like out-of-my-way.

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CULTURE

Jenson Hsiao

INTERNATIONAL FILMS

16

VIDEO GAMES

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The Campanile A&E Magazine February 19, 2013

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Palo Alto High School 50 Embarcadero Road Palo Alto High School, CA 94303

Considering watching a foreign film?

Make sure to take C Mag’s advice on the best of the best.

It’s been fifteen years since the greatest year in gaming; C mag reviews the most revolutionary year in video game history.

ARTIST OF THE MONTH Erin Riley talks about her life as an artist.

Cover photo courtesy of Leo Reynolds/Flickr Inside cover photo courtesy of Simon Dogget/Flickr 3

EDITORS’ LETTER Dear readers,

The fifth edition of C Magazine is here, thanks to the wonderful work of our staff members. With the addition of six incredible new members, our staff is growing in size and skill.

We recently launched our new website at www.cmagazine13.wix.com/cmagazine. Check it out for the most up-to-date content. Also, be sure to watch our Facebook page and Twitter feed, as well as the website, for exciting news.

Keep sending in the Instagram photos, Paly!

We’ve recieved some awesome submissions so far, but our contest is far from over. As a reminder, we have four categories: Food, People, Landscapes, and Miscellaneous. You can send in submissions by tagging @cmagazine2012 in a comment on your photo. We’ll welcome submissions up until March 1st, so you still have plenty of time to send in that winning image!

On a different note, this edition of C Magazine has some fantastic reviews of new restau-

STAFF LIST EDITORS-IN-CHIEF Perri Pond Rachel Wilson

rants and shops, like Rocket Fizz Pop & Candy store downtown, or Curry Up Now, a new Indian street food restaurant. We also have a great feature on Erin Riley, a senior at Paly who makes incredible art.

We’d like to remind everyone that we appreciate all feedback and critique. Please direct all comments to: cmtheeds@googlegroups.com.

Just think you could be published in C magazine!

Thank you for reading C Magazine, we greatly appreciate your support of our program. Have a good February!

— Perri Pond and Rachel Wilson Editors-in-Chief

CREATIVE DIRECTORS Caroline Martignetti Rose Fitzgerald

AD MANAGER Eric Wang

STAFF WRITERS

Carmelle Bareket Shavit Kallee Bareket Shavit Nikki Freyermuth Bella Graves Madison Mignola Armete Mobin Matt Morton Sophia Moss Pauline Na Samantha Newell Nolan Perla-Ward Julia Poppy Riya Varma Maggie Zheng

ADVISOR

Esther Wojcicki

channing

University

Lytton

HIgh St.

dairy store

ALMA

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

“Bada Bing”

“Philly Cheese”

“Chicken Teriyaki”

Grilled Roast Beef, Provolone Cheese, Baby Greens, Tomato, Italian Dressing and Onions on Sourdough Bread.

(Did you see my Bada Bing ad? Classic.)

Grilled Roast Beef, Onions, Bell Peppers, Jack cheese and Mayo on a French Roll.

(OK, it’s kinda like the Bada Bing but maybe you missed us on Monday!)

Grilled Roast Beef, Provolone Cheese, Baby Greens, Tomato, Italian Dressing and Onions on Sourdough Bread.

(Pineapple is good on a sandwich. We’re silly like that.)

Thursday

Friday

Peninsula Creamery

“Muelly”

“Baby Boomer”

Grilled Pastrami, Swiss cheese, Mustard, Mayo and Onion on Light Rye. (One time I heard Andrew Dice Clay say Muelly on TV, then my Daddy turned it off)

Tuna Melt with Jalapenos.

(No, don’t call me baby. My Daddy doesn’t even call me baby anymore.)

(650) 323-3175 900 High Street Palo Alto

C Magazine’s Instagram Competition

@cmagazine2012 What to submit: • Landscape • People • Miscellaneous

How to submit: • Tag our Instagram (@cmagazine2012) • Email us: cmagazine13@gmail.com

When to submit: • By March 1st 2013

For more information and updates visit our Facebook page: (www.facebook.com/thecampanilemagazine)

FOOD

Sweet Nostalgia

Jensen Hsiao

Rocket Fizz Pop & Candy Store Rachel Wilson

By Perri Pond, Matt Morton and Eric Wang Remember the good ol’ days when you could skip down to the corner dimestore to buy a bottle of pop for only a couple coins? Chances are no; you weren’t alive during the 50’s.

Though prices have definitely risen, you can now experience the joys of a nostalgic soda pop shop by taking a trip to downtown Palo Alto’s newest old fashion candy store: Rocket Fizz Pop & Candy Store.

Nestled in the middle of bustling University Avenue, Rocket Fizz is a chain

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Jensen Hsiao soda and candy store, reminiscent of a old-fashioned nickel and dime store from the ‘50s.

“All of the stores are individually owned and operated, but it is a chain,” the Director of Operations, Ophny Escalante said. “There are two that we own, one in Cambell, California and there are probably close to or a little over 30 of them [different Rocket Fizz locations.]”

With barrels of taffy on one side, vintage posters and cheap knick-knacks adorning the other, Rocket Fizz provides a blast from the past.

“People come in here and reminisce,” Escalante said. “We stock a lot of retro

250 University Avenue Palo Alto, CA 94301

candy that hasn’t been available for years.

It’s a trip down memory lane; it’s a lot of nostalgia and [it] just take[s] you back to a time in your childhood you may not have remembered for a long time.”

Hundrends of glass bottles of every soda imaginable line the shelves, from peanut butter to ginger ale, and the displays are piled high with both foreign and familiar candies.

“This is a very international community and people come in and it reminds them of being overseas, so [people want] to buy [the foreign candies] in bulk,” Escalante said. “People come in looking for very specific things.”

Rachel Wilson A wide array of cultures are represented in Rocket Fizz.

They have candies and chocloates ranging from Asia and Australia to Britain and Brazil lining the shelves.

Rocket Fizz fits perfectly into a much missed role in Palo Alto, which hasn’t had a candy and soda bar since Kiki’s Candy Bar closed almost a decade ago.

With its extensive selection of sodas and candy, one hardly needs motivation to return to Rocket Fizz, but they include incentives anyway. They reward returning customers with a punch card—for every eight drinks one buys, Rocket Fizz gives out a free soda.

Since the Palo Alto store’s opening, Rocket Fizz was ben widely received by the Palo Alto community, from all locks of ages.

“The response has been remarkable, people come in here like I said and looks around and eventually end up buying

something they have not seen in twenty years,” Escalante said. “People come in looking for very specific things, like sodas that aren’t available [nowadays,]” Escalante said. “ Even they just opened up Rocket Fizz is already showing they care want to suport the Palo Alto community.

For Valentines Day Rocket Fizz worked with the Palo Alto High School’s Associate Student Body (ASB) on the fundraiser.

Escalante was a former vice principal of a high school and one the most successful fundraisers he was a part of was Valentines Day “Crushgrams.”

“The Cush Soda is really hard to get, so it was a one time deal, but what it is [say] you want to send someone a secret message that you have a crush on,” Escalante said. “So you buy a soda and you send them a [crushgram.]”

Rocket Fizz provided the Crush Soda for Paly this year and hopes to have the

opportunity to work with Paly and other schools to do similar activities in the future.

Looking into the future, Rocket Fizz hopes to expanding and satisfying everyone’s sweet tooth.

“One thing we are looking at doing eventually, [even though] this store is a little bit small, is putting in a soda bar,” Escalante said. “So [teenagers] can come in and hang out and taste different sodas so [Rocket Fizz] can become more of a hang out [place].”

So who knows, maybe that slice of Americana youth culture will be returning to Palo Alto community sometime soon.

But for now we can just pretend to be back in the ‘50s walking with our varsity letterman jackets and poodle skirts while drinking one of those ever-so-sweet bottled Coca Cola’s—all with the help of Rocket Fizz Pop & Candy Store.

Rachel Wilson

Rachel Wilson

FOOD

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curry

UP

“Sexy Fries” is the first thing on the menu at Curry Up Now that seems strange. The letters pop off the sign, almost making customers wonder what kind of restaurant they walked into.

Where are they exactly? An amazing new Indian street food restaurant in downtown Palo Alto.

The fragrant aroma and vibrant colors tickle your senses upon entering Curry Up Now, sandwiched in between New York Pizza and a boutique, located at 321 Hamilton Avenue. One is certain to be intrigued even before walking in the door, Curry Up Now gives a sense of excitement.

With pop music playing in the background, costumers are drawn into the menu with the creative names and descriptive analysis of each dish.

Straight ahead is this decorative menu, describing such dishes as “the unburger” and “the naughty naan.” The bright orange, red, and green words jump off the wall, and keep the customer wondering what to order. As people deliberate on their order, they quickly queue up.

Looking across the big and bright menus, every item seems adventurous.

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FOOD

now

Curry Up Now started as a food truck business, being the first in the Bay Area to offer Indian street food.

These Curry Up Now trucks offered different types of street food that incorporated traditional Indian food with more modern dishes. About two months ago, Curry Up Now opened two restaurants: one in Palo Alto, and one in San Mateo.

After deciding what to get and ordering, the food is delivered. The wait is typically not long at all, but does depends on the crowd inside.

The burritos and Thali platters are said to be the most popular, and anyone who has had these dishes can understand why.

The Paneer Tikka Burrito is rich with spices and has a sweetness to it. It’s size is enough to satisfy more than one customer, so go with multiple people—sharing is caring!

The vegan Thali platter with aloo gobi—a combination of potatoes, spices and occasionally cauliflower—and tofu, has a spiciness desired in an Indian dish, accompanied by a honeyed taste. The combination of flavors and textures can be enjoyed with or without naan.

BY KALLEE BAREKET-SHAVIT PHOTOS BY RACHEL WILSON

To compare the different dishes, the gluten-free tofu burrito is a combination of rice, any topping, and gluten-free flatbread.

Another unique and silly dish that Curry Up Now is known for are their Sexy Fries. Though the name may be exotic, they are simply sweet potato fries that come with a choice of toppings. Just because of its name, Hella’ Vegan Sexy Fries seemed like the best choice.

These fries definitely live up to their name: sexy. The dish consists of crispy fries covered by a heavy curry sauce, garbanzo beans, cheese and onions. These criss-cut fries look more like an entree than delicious fries.

Each dish can be eaten separately, but that is not advised. Although not much was ordered, a few dishes provided plenty of food for four people. These dishes are better shared.

Curry Up Now offers a new, tasty, and entertaining spin on authentic Indian cuisine.

Shreddin’ in Style

STYLE

Warmth and comfort are the top priorities when skiing and snowboarding, but who says one can’t be comfortable and stylish simultaneously? For years, skiers and snowboarders have only focused on the technical aspects of the sport, however with the onset of ski and snowboard culture, flares of color and swishes of patterns now dot the slopes. Brands such as Burton, North Face and Patagonia provide essential warmth and use various patterns and color combinations that fit everyone’s desired appearance while shredding some powder.

Everyone has different ways they like to portray themselves on the mountain. Some may prefer the more sleek look, with fitted jackets and pants, while others–mostly snowboarders–choose the more laid-back style and pick loose fitting pants and larger jackets.

When school is out during the winter months, many Paly students choose to ski and snowboard at Lake Tahoe. Here is what C Magazine found out about what the hottest brands and styles are this year on the slopes.

“When I snowboard, I have my snowboard jacket which is Four-Square and Burton pants. I also have Oakley goggles with fire lens so you can’t see my eyes”

I like knitted headbands, [they] are cute. I wear a puffy North Face jacket and pants” - Hope Crockett (‘14)

- Jack Cleasby (‘14)

I usually wear my white North Face pants with [my] Burton Jacket. Sometimes I wear a bright red face mask along with my bright red goggles and a hat.”

“What I wear depends on the weather. If it’s warm, I don’t really layer up but if it’s cold, I wear thermal shirts and a snow jacket with heating pads in my gloves. I really like Burton.”

- Milena M-C (‘14)

- Emma Wolfe (‘14)

“I don’t want to be one of the colorful kids who wears Burton. [Instead] I a wear classic hardwear jacket. I like Vocal, it’s my favorite snow brand. I wear Langy race boots.”

- Oliver Tucher (‘15)

“I have blue North Face pants. I [wear] a patterned blue jacket with other colors too” - Hayley Hiss (‘14)

Class Without Cash Text by Caroline Moley

T

oday it seems as though hipster fashion has taken over.

Trending and inexpensive, hipster clothing has pulled young people into the infectious trends that translate into 21st century youth and rebellion. Yet, hipster fashion lacks the most important trait an outfit can represent: class.

Many trend-following hipsters are under the impression that clothes are only considered classy if the price tag is in the triple digits, so they shy away. At times this is true, but at the right place elegant clothes can be found for a reasonable price.

For the average teen, obtaining classy items such as a real fur coat from Neiman Marcus can be problematic due to the four digit price tag. However, the Goodwill Boutique in Menlo Park located at 711 Santa Cruz Avenue is a good compromise for those who don’t have an overflowing wallet. It may surprise people, but Goodwill has many hidden gems, including real and faux fur coats, top designer pants and shirts, and designer bags and shoes.

Another place to check out is the Bargain Box in Palo Alto at 341 South California Avenue. Similar to Goodwill, the Bargain Box sells both used and vintage clothing. However, if one is looking for a lovely accessory such as a brooch or any other piece of jewelry, the Bargain Box is the place to go. It has beautiful pieces for inexpensive price tags.

Empire Vintage Clothing in Palo Alto located on 443 Waverley Street is the best place to go for a fancy occasion or just when dressing up for fun. If looking for an inexpensive outfit from a specific time period, Empire Vintage clothing is the place to go, as their collection ranges from the 1940’s to the 1980’s.

It is important for people to remember that one does not need to spend an obscene amount of money on clothes to look classy. Remember, there is always a way to acquire a beautiful Chanel piece or a fur coat, one just needs to be smart and know where to look.

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STYLE

Photos by Bella Graves

Braids

DIY do it yourself

Text and photos by Riya Varma

Waterfall Braid The waterfall braid is a an easy braid that looks unusual yet simple. It keeps a section of hair out of your face, and is appropriate to wear anywhere from a beach day to a formal event.

STEP 1:

Start off with a regular French braid, adding a section of hair after each interval.

STEP 2:

Drop the bottom section, so it is hangs freely.

STEP 3:

Grab a section of hair from the bottom and braid it in, then drop that same section once it is braided in.

STEP 4: Repeat the steps: keep adding and dropping the bottom sections. Until it’s wrapped around your head. Finally, bobby pin it to your head.

French Rope Braid The French twist into rope braid is an extremely manageable, easy braid; the twisted look is fun and beachy.

STEP 1:

Grab a section of hair from the top of your head.

Add hair from one side of the section, and unlike a french braid, add another section of hair to the other side, then twist.

STEP 2:

STEP 3:

STEP 4:

Keep adding hair to both sides, and twist them together. However, if you prefer a French braid opposed to the twist, you can braid instead.

Once the french twist lines the back of your head, put a hairtie around the twist. Take the remainder of hair in two sections and twist them together.

The twist will loosen up, so if you want the twist tighter, twist the individual sections, then twist the two sections together.

STYLE

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COVER STORY “We have to give our opinion, we have to say something, or we are a part of it. As an artist I am forced to say something.�

Ai Weiwei

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DRIFTING ON A SMALL BOAT

By Samantha Newell

anna.xia/Flickr

I

n recent years, the Chinese government’s attempts to keep controversy and corruption quiet have become widely known. Today, the world is familiar with and in awe of China’s secrecy and attempts to conceal anything controversial about the Communist government under wraps.

Any criticism of the Chinese government or its officials from newspapers articles, T.V. newscasts or other major news sources are often taken down from the internet and quieted before the public could hear the critique.

Furthermore, despite China’s growing economy, we can see the regression of government support in China from those who wish to see the nation flourish once again.

Breaking through the barriers, Chinese activists and artists have attempted to expose what China has become, to show the world the brutal, unseen truth that hides beneath lies and secrecy. One of these righteous artists, named Ai Weiwei (pronounced I Way-Way), has already shaken Chinese society using his artistic talent.

With the help of social networking, even though usage is incredibly restricted

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COVER

in China, and his combined with attitude, artist and activist Weiwei creates art pieces that can anger and compel the viewer.

Because of his controversial work, Weiwei is attracting an audience beyond Chinese borders.

China is finally being seen for what it has become on a world wide stage.

Child in Exile

According to The Smithsonian, Weiwei is seen as China’s most dangerous man. Weiwei is all too familiar with controversy and struggles, for he was raised as a child in exile with the rest of his family.

When Weiwei was a young child, his family was forced into exile in remote corners of the country because his father, Ai Qing, wrote controversial poetry criticizing the Chinese communist government and its officials during the 1930’s.

In Qing’s allegorical poems, “The Yellow Bird” and “Dream of the Garden,” he criticizes the Maoist government’s suppression of culture.

The Nationalist government imprisoned Qing for his participation in a Marxist study group, leading to the family’s exile. His works were banned from

schools and universities across China.

In a letter to his brother 32 years ago, Weiwei wrote of difficult times when his family was shunned and shamed. The constant unforgiving attitude towards his family is the root of his deep hatred for the corrupt Chinese government. In 1975, however, Weiwei’s family returned to Beijing.

For most of his childhood, his family struggled and never experienced the true feeling of peace. Weiwei, in an interview with the Global Post, describes his childhood as “drifting on a small boat.”

“We drifted on a small boat for 20 years,” Weiwei said. “If I say the past time left me with some memorable things, it has no mystical and magnificent sky, no beautiful and moving fairy tales no endless warmth of home, no colorful flower, no graceful music.”

Liberating the Voiceless

Mainly known for his work designing the Bird’s Nest at the Beijing National Stadium for the 2008 Olympics and creating other controversial art pieces (“Sunflower Seeds,” “The Study of Perspective,” “Dropping a Han Dynasty Urn,” and others), Weiwei’s art has drawn a multitude

“The police can be very tough, but I can be tougher sometimes.” of attention because of his mockery of communism and the Chinese government.

Unfortunately, this self-inflicted controversy has landed Weiwei into some trouble. He was assaulted by police outside the Chengdu police station while attempting to file a complaint about a previous attack, resulting in his hospitalization. Furthermore, Weiwei spoke out against the government’s handling of the

Sichuan earthquake in 2008. He protested, asking for the government to discuss the 5,335 children whose deaths could have been prevented if buildings were constructed better. Because of these efforts, the Chinese government has promised to make improvements in construction safety legislation.

According to The Telegraph, Weiwei has been missing since April 3rd, when he was detained at the Beijing airport while

trying to board a plane to Hong Kong, leaving behind his son and wife, fellow artist, Lu Qing. He was arrested for unspecified “economic crimes.”

Though the reason for his absence is still unknown, Weiwei has been continually gaining support and prompting public discussion about the Chinese government.

For more information, check out Ai Weiwei’s 2012 film: “Never Sorry”

Bird’s Nest Stadium, Beijing

Francisco Diez/Flickr

“Sunflower Seeds”

Phil Hawksworth/Flickr

Located in Tate Modern’s Turbine Hall in London and covering 1,000 square meters of ground, Weiwei’s installation

“Sunflower Seeds” (2010) only appears to be a sea of grey. But each porcelain sunflower seed is actually handcrafted and delicately painted with a small brush in the rural, Chinese town of Jingdezhen.

The 100 million sunflower seeds represent the growth of materialism, globalization and mass-production in China; issues that question the creation of meaningless products for distant, demanding markets.

Not only do the seeds represent modern issues, but they are also symbols of the Cultural Revolution where Mao was

characterized as the sun and the sunflower seeds as the Chinese people.

In this installation, people are allowed to do whatever they would like to the seeds: walk, jump and touch. Walking upon the seeds embodies the fact that the Chinese people, during the Cultural Revolution, were manipulated into doing whatever Mao dictated.

Though the installation is no longer being held in Tate Modern’s Turbine Hall, it is traveling around the world, always attracting a huge audience with a compelling message that all can understand.

Phil Hawksworth/Flickr

COVER

15

16

There’s an accurate and genuine feeling about the about the world in City of God. Fernando Meirelles and Kátia Lund immerse the viewer in the favelas of Rio de Janiero.

The story is told from the standpoint of a group of young boys. The film tracks these young boys as they develop into young adults. They all follow separate paths, falling from innocence and getting more immersed in the gang life of the favelas. It’s an insight into the brutal, fast paced gang life in Rio, as well as a coming of age story. The believability of the characters and their portrayal of the favelan lifestyle may seem almost too real. Most of the cast lived in the favelas for three months prior to shooting. City of God’s genuinity comes from this, as well as the fact that many of the actors grew up in the favelas, and were recruited as amateur actors. The memorable characters and the changes they undergo make this movie worth seeing.

City of God

It’s hard to classify Amélie. Inspirational and funny, it has a certain charm which makes it memorable. Amélie, a girl with a troubled childhood, devotes her life to helping others. However, in her pursuit to help others, she forgets about herself. The film focuses on her attempt to find love while helping others. It’s filled with plenty of quirky and memorable scenes, and Audrey Tautou does an excellent job of playing Amélie. She doesn’t merely mimic the role, she becomes it, and carries the film. This film is hard to forget, it has a certain aspect that makes it different than most movies these days.

Amélie

While Hollywood blockbusters may dazzle with their wide array of special effects and upper-tier actors, film companies around the world have been able to produce some of the most influential and stellar movies to date. From Brazil to Japan, international films have made their mark on cinema. Here are some of the more notable movies from around the globe:

By Nolan Perla-Ward

Hayao Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli have been known to craft amazing stories using 2D animation techniques. The Pixar of Japan, Studio Ghibli creates films that engross their audience in a new world, while telling a compelling story.

Spirited Away is perhaps the finest example of this. The story starts with a girl who is moving to a new town, she and her parents stumble across an ancient shrine. Long story short, she loses her parents and comes across another, hidden world. Similar to Alice and Wonderland, the story revolves around her discovering this new world and ultimately trying to return to reality. It’s much like a fairy tale, but told on screen through beautiful characters and animation. Simple, yet charming, Spirited Away can be enjoyed by all ages.

Spirited Away

Ip Man is more than just your typical kung-fu movie. Transcending what a typical action movie can do, Ip Man features excellently choreographed action as well as heavy undertones of Chinese oppression. In the film, Ip Man must work to preserve the purity of kung-fu in an era where it is slowly becoming irrelevant. This only becomes more difficult as other kung-fu masters encroach upon him as well as the imperialist Japanese who threaten the sanctity of China.

Ip Man

International Films

CULTURE

A Flashback to 1998 2013 marks the 15th anniversary of what is universally considered the greatest year in the history of video gaming. Here’s a look into some of the games that made 1998 the most significant year for video games since their invention 40 years ago—and if you’re unfamiliar with these masterpieces, now’s the time to change that.

Although not widely known or played, Unreal holds great significance in the world of gaming.

The game follows Prisoner 849, whose prison ship crashes into an alien planet. As the only human left alive on the planet, the player must fight their way through hordes of aliens and escape to Earth.

Unreal’s storyline is undeniably good, but that’s not why the game shines. The graphics were years before their time, and titles like Bioshock, Borderlands, Mass Effect and Far Cry depend on the highly advanced Unreal physics engine.

Does the name Pikachu ring a bell? If you haven’t (or even if you have) played Pokemon before, it’s high time to pick up a Gameboy and join Ash in his 15th year of questing to be the very best.

In the original Pokemon Red and Blue versions, the player takes on the role of Ash and aims to catch and train Pokemon.

They must overcome the eight gym leaders and go on to challenge the Elite Four; the four best trainers in the world. They’re readily available on emulators—so go catch ‘em all!

The first 3D game in the Legend of Zelda series, Ocarina of Time is really what brought Link into the public eye and is often listed among the greatest games of all time. The player takes on the role of Link, a young hero who embarks on a quest to save Hyrule from the evil of Ganondorf, exploring an immersing world of mind-boggling puzzles and challenges.

The truth is that gamers who haven’t played Ocarina of Time (or at least one of the other great Zelda games, like Wind Waker) are on par with classical musicians who haven’t heard of Beethoven, as Zelda is truly an essential part of gaming. It is available for virtual download on Wii or free emulators on the internet, and very little else is more worth one’s time.

By Matt Morton

With over 50 (fifty!) Game Of The Year awards and more than 20 million copies sold, Half-Life was a truly revolutionary game.

Often heralded as “The Greatest Game Ever Made,” it was the first in Valve Corporation’s great legacy, soon followed by titles like Counter-Strike and Team Fortress.

The player controls Dr. Gordon Freeman, who inadvertently tears open a dimensional seam and must embark on an alienbashing odyssey to close the rift. The adventure is filled with what continues to be some of the best puzzles, scares and boss fights to date. Few games can hope to compare, (barring HalfLife 2, of course) and over 20 million players will agree.

Video games often don’t last long. Most are played for a couple of years before the next big game comes out and the playerbase trickles away. Starcraft is the most notable exception; for twelve years, its population never diminished. With over 30 million players, it is one of the longest and most widely played games ever.

As a Real Time Strategy (RTS) game, the players c o n s t r u c t buildings and an army, then compete to wipe each other off the face of the map. Although Starcraft truly revolutionized the RTS genre (and coined the common term “Zerg-ing), StarCraft II is now actually a better use of time, as Blizzard kept the balance and subtle intricacies found in the original, and the massive playerbase has moved on as well.

Fifteen years may be a long time, but gold doesn’t tarnish. Every game on this page is more worth your playtime than any new release with pretty graphics to mask the repetitive gameplay.

Further, all these games are priceless. Literally. They’re fifteen years old, you can download every one of them for free on the internet. Go get ‘em—you won’t regret it.

CULTURE

17

Artist of the Month:

Erin Riley

Twisting the strands of her streakedpurple hair between her fingers, Palo Alto High School senior Erin Riley recalls her experiments with various art mediums such as acrylic, oil paint and watercolor back when she was younger. “[I’ve] always really [been] into art,” Riley said.

Riley’s passion for art began in the second grade.

“My parents realized early on that I [had a passion for] art and they encouraged [me to contiue],” Riley said.

Then, in middle school Riley began to take art classes outside of school. Art became more than a simple hobby.

Over the years she has branched out into different painting styles, from acrylic to watercolor to oil paints, Riley is on her way to mastering the paints.

In high school, Riley took “Beginning Photography,” “Art Spectrum”, followed by “Drawing and Painting 1 and 2” with Paly art teacher Kate McKenzie.

This semester, Riley is enrolled in “Advanced Placement Art” and “Advanced Photography.” “[My teachers have given me] a lot of personal attention in the last two years [of art class], so I’ve gotten to develop a voice for my art,” Riley said. “I have a really great teacher.”

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CULTURE

McKenzie met Riley for the first time when she was a sophomore, and believes she has grown a lot as an artist over the years.

“I remember Erin [back then],” McKenzie said. “She was sweet and gentle but also really concerned about doing things beautifully in art.”

However, seeing Riley’s artistic style develop over the years, McKenzie believes her art has developed an independent style.

“She’s left behind doing everything the way the books say to do it,” McKenzie said.

In her art, Riley expresses issues that many women constantly struggle with: body image, inequality and insecurity.

“I’m really interested in a lot of social and political issues and [they] influence my art,” Riley said.

McKenzie feels one of Riley’s best pieces is her “scale piece.” The painting is black and white, depicting a mangled body of a girl laying down in front of a large body scale. (See painting in the second row on the left). The image is dark, representing the issues that many women have with body image and how insecurities can be dangerous.

“She really has a deep sense of wanting to make things better in the world or

address things that are not right in the world,” McKenzie said.

Some of Riley’s other pieces include a naked woman screaming with her hands on both sides of her head.

One painting must stands for a time in Riley’s life where she and a friend were fighting. It shows the profiles of two girls, one dark blue and the other fiery orange.

The emotions, feelings and events that Riley references in her paintings are not only inspired by different artists, but also by her friends, family and people she has met over the years.

“I find inspiration all over the place,” Riley said, “Inspiration means something that can make me think in a different light because that's what art is about.”

Since art has been such a big part of her life for so long, Riley decided to apply to few art colleges.

Though she may not exactly know where she i headed nexr year, Riley’s art will continue to emerge.

By Carmelle Bareket-Shavit, Kallee Bareket-Shavit, Madison Mignola, Armete Mobin, and Maggie Zheng