Falconer February 2021 Issue

Friday, February 26, 2021

Vol. 47, Issue 3, 22 pages

Let them play?

SPORTS & REOPENING on A2

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february 26, 2021

Pressured by lawsuit, SDUHSD delays reopening plans Katie Flint

ASSISTANT EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

San Dieguito Faculty Association (SDFA) filed a lawsuit in Superior Court against SDUHSD on Dec. 18 to reverse the decision made on Dec. 5 by the board of trustees to reopen schools at the start of the second semester.

Pressured by the lawsuit, SDUHSD entered talks with SDFA and will not move forward with the reopening.

“SDFA filed the legal action against the district because we believed that starting to bring all students back to campuses without consideration of the Public Health Order or the positive case rate for SD County was contrary to the health of our students, staff, and our community as a whole,” SDFA president Duncan Brown said in an email. “The district decided not to challenge the lawsuit after the [County Department of Public Health] Framework was released on Jan. 14, which largely confirmed our claim.”

Currently, SDUHSD is waiting for authorization from the California Department of Public Health to move ahead with the reopening, but according to Superintendent Robert Haley, “SDUHSD has set a target date for the week of March 8, 2021, for schools to start a one-day-per-week inperson learning option… [and] a twoday-per-week model starting quarter 4 on April 12, 2021.”

Haley also said teachers will be encouraged to return to campus on

March 1 and required to return by March 4 in accordance with San Diego Public Health guidelines.

On Jan. 6, students already doing distance learning on campus received an email from the administration that they would continue from designated spots on campus once a week.

Parents in support of reopening SDUHSD schools are not necessarily happy with this compromise.

“It’s a start, but it’s not something to be excited about,” a TPHS parent who moderates an 1,800-member Facebook group called SDUHSD Families for School Reopening said. “Our group won’t be excited until students are back inside classrooms with their teachers.”

The on-campus distance learning areas include parts of the learning commons, in the pavilion in the quad and in the pavilion by nutritional services.

To return to campus, all students must follow the health and safety protocols which include using the symptom-screening app Catapult, wearing face masks at all times (excluding meals), maintaining social distance and following bathroom capacity signs.

The on-campus plan that is currently in effect was a change of plan for the district board. In a closed board meeting on Dec. 15, the board of trustees actually voted 3-2 to move forward with the SDUHSD reopening plan. However, many students were

displeased with this decision, and on Dec. 17, protestors gathered to protest at Earl Warren Middle School, where a closed-door board meeting was being held. Students also wrote an open letter to the community published on the Coast News website. This gave way to a student summit on Jan. 13 and a TPHS senior summit on Jan. 29 to determine student priorities.

“The senior summit accomplished hearing from a wider group of seniors besides just the ASB senior class,” Senior Class President Danyca Solo (12) said. “Ideas shared will be taken into consideration and used for more future events connecting our class.”

TPHS student athletes, coaches and parents also gathered for a press conference at 9:30 a.m. and protests at 4 p.m. on Jan. 15 to show support for the

Let Them Play Movement. The event was hosted by county supervisor Jim Desmond, the Golden State Football Coaches Community and Let Them Play CA team members who represent over 46,000 students and parents.

Similar protests happened statewide with the hope of convincing Governor Gavin Newsom to allow a sports season.

Supporters say a sports season would give kids college opportunities, a mental and physical outlet and a safer alternative to traveling out of state for tournaments.

“If California does not allow us to play, California teams are going to continue going to Arizona and playing against other California teams, and it makes sense for us to just play here,” football and rugby player Cade Crist (11) said.

photo by jessica yu/falconer

New COVID-19 variant named B117 detected in the U.S. Dixie Wallerius

STAFF WRITER

U.K. scientists detected a mutation of the COVID-19 virus (SARS-CoV-2) on Sept. 2020 and named it B117.

Now, B117 has spread to more than 50 countries, including the U.S. B117 is not the only mutation that scientists have discovered. Variants that have been traced back to South Africa, called N501Y, and Brazil, called P.1, have also been detected in the U.S. Virus mutations are not uncommon; viruses mutate by making copies of their

photo by jessica yu/falconer

genes, and random mistakes occur when they are copied. Overall, the mistakes have little impact, yet there are cases in which mutations strengthen the virus, which is what happened with B117. The strain is thought to be up to 70% more transmissible by scientists; scientists have been making predictions about what that means for the coming months.

“Early looks suggest that we will have this strain take over as the dominant strain in the later parts of February and March,” said Cheryl Anderson, Dean of the Herbert Wertheim School

of Public Health and Human Longevity Science at University of California, San Diego.

Evidence presented by the University of Utah suggests that the new variant generates many more particles inside of a person’s nose or respiratory tract, making it more contagious. The other hypothesis for why the new strain is so contagious is that it binds to human cells more easily, allowing for more infections to occur with fewer instances of exposure to the contagious virus.

Scientists have not identified target groups for B11& yet and say as far as they know at this time, it is a threat to all groups.

“I think the new coronavirus strain is literally karma,” Paige Wilson (11) said. “Americans aren’t doing their part and it’s hitting us back harder, with a more contagious strain that people are completely dismissing.”

Symptoms remain the same as in the original strain, making it easy to detect, but the severity in the variants can differ from the originally-identified strain. The CDC says that B117 could cause milder or more severe reactions in people. Current coronavirus tests can also detect B117, and medicines being used to treat people with COVID-19 are also effective for people afflicted with the mutated variant. Although the medicine being used has positive effects on combating the virus, whether the vaccine will work on the mutation is still in question because of the early timeline.

“The clinical trials could not answer

this question [if the current vaccine would work on the new strain],” Anderson said. “However, the real-life experience so far suggests that it may protect against this strain.”

Both Pfizer and Moderna, two makers of COVID-19 vaccines, are working on reformulated “booster” shots for B117. The Brazilian variant is more worrisome, according to University of Massachusetts virus expert Jeremy Luban. It spreads explosively and carries an especially dangerous set of mutations.

Controlling the virus before new mutations emerge and become dominant is crucial for new cases to keep declining and can be done with vaccinations, social distancing and mask wearing in public.

“Right now, if only 80% of people in a community are following these guidelines, stopping this new variant you would need something like 90% or 95% of people to follow guidelines,” NPR global health correspondent Michaeleen Doucleff said.

Returning to school with more contagious variants of the coronavirus present in the country puts everybody at a higher risk.

“Reopening is what we all want, but we need to have a reopening plan that’s sustainable and that’s safe,” Audrey Adam (10) said. “In regards to the new strain that’s more contagious with younger people, and with doing our part in helping our community stay safe, I think that the reopening plan should be transparent.”

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College Board drops the SAT Essay and Subject Tests Nolan Ezzet and Micah Levy

SPORTS EDITOR AND BUSINESS MANAGER

The College Board announced on Jan. 19 that it will no longer offer SAT Subject Tests in the U.S. and are discontinuing the optional essay starting from the June 2021 test administration.

SAT Subject Tests, which are separate from the regular SAT, measure students’ proficiency in specific subjects, ranging from world languages to sciences to history.

The SAT Essay is a 50-minute optional portion of the SAT test that measures students’ reading, analysis and writing skills.

During the pandemic, the College Board made the decision to discontinue the SAT Subject Tests and essay in order to reduce and simplify the demands on high school students.

The decision to drop the subject tests was also made because the College Board believed that AP Exams are a better and more accessible alternative.

“The expanded reach of AP and its widespread availability for lowincome students and students of color means the Subject Tests are no longer necessary for students to show what they know,” the College Board said. “AP provides students rich and varied opportunities to showcase their knowledge and skills through collegelevel coursework.” The College Board also runs the AP program.

As for the optional essay, the College Board recognizes that there are better ways that students can demonstrate their mastery of essay writing.

TPHS counselor Chanelle Lary thinks the optional essay was unnecessary.

“The SAT reading and writing portion essentially shows the same information of whether you can write an essay or analyze an essay,” Lary said.

Some students can still submit Subject Test scores to colleges, but those who cannot will not be penalized.

“They will take SAT Subject Test scores if you have them,” Lary said. “But again, it’s not going to be something that is a requirement, and it’s not going to be held against a student if they don’t have them.”

Many students who support the decision argue that it is a way to level the playing field for students regardless of socioeconomic background.

“Coming from Torrey Pines, most students are able to afford some type of tutoring for the [subject tests and essay], while many lower-income kids can’t,” Jack Martinez (11) said.

However, some students believe that dropping the Subject Tests will actually harm lower-income students.

“The College Board is going to focus more on AP Exams, but poor school districts may not offer AP classes,” Dylan Wadhwa (11) said.

Colleges will continue to ensure equity when reviewing applications.

“I think it’s moving in a positive direction and provides more opportunities for a holistic review when it comes to college applications,” Lary said.

Lary thinks students should submit subject test or essay scores if they performed well because it could increase their admission chances.

“Any additional information that you provide [on your college application] is always helpful to give a little bit more context about you as a student as and as a potential contributor to their university,” Lary said.

Many universities have already made the essay and subject tests optional for the admissions process, but they were still sometimes an important factor in college admissions. As a result of the discontinuation, admissions officers are expected to place more emphasis on AP Exam scores and high school course load rigor.

In their announcement, the College Board said that they are working to make

the SAT more accessible to students.

“We are investing in a more flexible SAT ... a streamlined, digitally delivered test that meets the evolving needs of students and higher education,” the College Board said.

Many people support plans to develop an online SAT. “Amidst the pandemic, we’ve realized that utilizing online platforms is an efficient way to reach more people if they do have access to things virtually,” Lary said. “I think that their attempt to expand accessibility is a step in the right direction.”

The College Board is continuing to adapt in order to prioritize health and safety and meet student and staff needs during the pandemic.

SAT SUBJECT TEST

SAT ESSAY

Donald Trump acquitted in second impeachment trial Mirabel Hunt

FEATURE EDITOR

Former President Donald J. Trump was acquitted in his second impeachment trial on Feb. 13, following charges of inciting an insurrection.

On Jan. 6, members of Congress convened to certify the election of Democrat Joseph R. Biden on Nov. 3, 2020. Before the joint session started, a large group of insurrectionists stormed the U.S. Capitol, forcing members of Congress into lockdown. Four rioters and one police officer died during the incident, and in the following month, a Capitol police officer and a D.C. police officer committed suicide. The mob of insurrectionists stormed the Capitol shortly after attending Trump’s rally near the White House and allegedly becoming inflsmed by his speech.

“Fight like hell,” Trump said. “And if you don’t fight like hell, you’re not going to have a country anymore ... so let’s walk down Pennsylvania Avenue.”

In the months following the 2020 election, Trump made false claims about the validity of the election. He repeatedly maintained that the election results were fraudulent and should not be certified. On Jan. 2, Trump made a call to the Secretary of State of Georgia, Republican Brad Raffensperger, pressuring him and insisting that he “find” 11,000 votes to overturn Georgia’s presidential election results.

Once the Capitol was secured, Congress reconvened and certified the election results at 3:41 A.M. on Jan. 7, despite objections from various

Republican members.

On Jan. 11, the House Judiciary Committee introduced a resolution to impeach Trump on the grounds that he committed high crimes and misdemeanors when he incited the insurrection. A conviction would have allowed them to invoke the 14th Amendment and vote to disqualify him from holding public office in the future.

Two days later, the House voted 232197 to impeach Trump on charges of inciting an insurrection.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Minority Leader Mitch McConnell made a deal to push back the impeachment trial two weeks from the original date of Jan. 22, 2021, claiming that the delay would allow the Senate time to confirm cabinet members and work out a COVID-19 relief bill.

Meanwhile, Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris were inaugurated on Jan. 20. Biden has stayed out of his predecessor’s impeachment for the most part, saying that he will “let the Senate work it out.”

Trump’s impeachment trial began on Feb. 9, after the Senate voted the impeachment trial was constitutional by a 56-44 vote, despite claims from Trump’s legal team that the proceeding was unconstitutional since Trump is no longer president. Six Republican senators joined the 50 Democrat senators in voting to continue with the trial.

Trump’s defense lawyers, Bruce Castor and David Schoen, condemned the violence that took place on Jan.

6 but claimed that Trump’s words at his rally were protected by the First Amendment right to free speech and were nothing more than the usual rhetoric of our current political climate.

The defense went on to dismiss the trial as a partisan attack against Trump.

“This chamber and the chamber across the way will change one day and partisan impeachments will become commonplace,” Castor said.

The Democrat impeachment managers supported their case with video evidence depicting the rioters storming the Capitol while shouting expletives and threatening various politicians. The visuals were presented alongside Trump’s remarks at his rally down the street. Lead House impeachment manager, Representative Jamie Raskin, warned his colleagues of setting a precedent of presidential

amnesty in the late months of a president’s term, calling it a “January exception.”

The Senate voted 57-43 to convict Trump, 10 votes short of the twothirds majority required for conviction. senators voted in favor of conviction, which was ten votes short of successfully convicting Trump. Seven Republicans were among the 57 who voted to convict, including: Richard Burr of North Carolina, Bill Cassidy of Louisiana, Susan Collins of Maine, Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, Mitt Romney of Utah, Ben Sasse of Nebraska and Pat Toomey of Pennsylvania.

After McConnell voted to acquit on constitutional grounds, he delivered a statement. “The Senate’s decision today does not condone anything that happened on or before that terrible day,” McConnell said.

impeach! acquit!

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february 26, 2021

What has Biden accomplished so far?

Tackling the climate crisis

Increasing vaccine supply

21

2050

30

Number of federal agencies and departments in Biden’s new National Climate Task Force

Year that Biden hopes to achieve an economy with net zero emmissions

Percentage of land and water Biden hopes to conserve by 2030

22

21

1000+

National partners that will administer vaccines as part of Biden’s National Retail Pharmacy program

Active-duty troops deployed at vaccination sites nationwide 3 weeks after Biden took office

10.5 Vaccine supply produced weekly, in millions of doses, starting Feb. 1.

Percent vaccine Biden

increase in supply since took office

infographic by katelin flint and kelsie park/falconer

TPHS club uses 3D printing to create face shields Piper Levy

COPY EDITOR

The TPHS 3D Printing Club was founded in response to the pandemic, to provide 3D-printed face shields to health care and other frontline workers.

In the past nine months, the club has donated the shields to hospitals, longterm care facilities, hospices and senior centers across San Diego, El Centro, Los Angeles, New York City, Boston and Detroit. Most recently, the face shields have been offered to TPHS faculty and staff members, according to club president Alyssa Kuang (10).

“We hope that making and donating these face shields will help boost their morale as our clubs shows that our youth cares about their cause,” Kuang said.

Creating the face shields involves several components. Club members who have 3D printers will print the frames of the shields. Then, film and elastic bands from stores are either donated or purchased. The club has a group chat that club members use to communicate with each other about materials they have and what they need.

“Each time I get materials, I let the club know,” Qinzhe Cai (10), a student at La Jolla Country Day, said. “For example, if one student printed 20 frames, he would say his name and the number of sets of materials he needs in the chat. Then, I can prepare those materials for him to pick up.”

Once the face shields are prepared and packed, members in the club that are responsible for managing

communication will confirm the destinations.

The club recruits members by making flyers to promote their goals and purpose, as well as posting on their Instagram account (@san_diego_3d_ printing_club).

When the pandemic is over, the club plans to start printing other necessary items instead, such as door stops.

“I received positive comments about the initiative and the quality of the face shields,” world language teacher Viviana Alvarado-Gomez said. “It will be special to know that the personal protective equipment you are wearing was made with care and donated by your own students.”

Teachers and other TPHS staff members received an email with the

offer of the face shields. They needed only to fill out and return a request form. TP students have once again devised a unique way to combat the challenges presented to them using innovation and technology.

photo courtesy of alyssa kuang

TPHS hosts summit after SDUHSD board meeting Jasmine Criqui

OPINION EDITOR

SDUHSD hosted a virtual student summit on Jan. 13, with representatives from all 10 district high schools and middle schools, to address questions about the in-person learning plan and learn student priorities.

The summit was held just weeks after a clip from a Dec. 15 school board meeting went viral, in which SDUHSD board member Michael Allman appeared to dismiss the value of student voices in board decisions.

“I would propose that we have a discussion right now about the value of the ASB students’ opinions,” Allman said. “I think the value that they provided, in what we have to decide, is very near zero.”

Allman has since expressed regret

for his comments.

To remedy the lack of transparency from the school board, students suggested accessible board meeting summaries and straight answers from board members about policies.

Energized by recent racial justice protests, students pushed for the inclusion of more Black history in their curriculum and for promoting groups like the TP Black Student Union and the LCC Racial Equity Club.

During a Jan. 27 presentation during student connectedness time, TP BSU’s president Ayana Johnson (10) and vice president Lia Turner (10) outlined their hopes for the club.

“We wanted to bring awareness and educate the student body and faculty about the racial and social injustices in society,” Johnson said. “We feel this is

the best way our voices can be heard.”

Another issue at the forefront of many students’ minds was senior activities like prom and graduation. In a Feb 3. presentation during student connectedness time, ASB President Jake Noble (12) and VP Bella Grust (12) announced that possible plans for both events are in the works and that ASB is taking student opinions into account.

“We have a form on our class of 2021 Instagram where we are asking seniors to put their opinions so that we can, in ASB, evaluate those ideas,” Noble said.

But of all the concerns raised by students during the summit, mental health was at the top of the list.

Students felt that schools had not adequately publicized resources.

“Our counselors are our first and best resource for all of our students when it

comes to social and emotional issues,” TPHS principal Robert Coppo said. “We have virtual walk-in hours every day at lunch with our counselors for students.”

The TPHS administration is planning ways to make mental health resources more accessible.

photo from sduhsd.net

ART BY ISABELLA ZABARSKY

As the date for reopening TPHS and in-person learning is repeatedly pushed back, many students have been pushing to reopen a different activity: school sports. In terms of recruiting, social connection and mental and physical health, should we move foward with an in-person spring season?

Micah Levy

BUSINESS MANAGER

It’s been almost a year since high school sports teams have had any playing time, due to the state locking everything down because of the pandemic.

The California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) North Coast Commissioner of Athletics Pat Cruickshank released an update on Jan. 14, stating that high school sports could return as early as Feb. 1 depending on the school county’s reopening tier as determined by the California Department of Public Health. Although schools should remain closed until they can safely reopen, outdoor high school sports should return in person to allow select groups of students to participate in safe outdoor activities, help athletes prepare for college level sports and improve students’ social and emotional health.

On Jan. 15, supporters of reopening high school sports participated in the “Let Them Play California” grassroots movement by organizing rallies in support of reopening youth sports.

Many argue that the return of high school outdoor sports seasons is much safer than a congested classroom environment. Since the athletes will be outside in fresh air and constantly moving, it’s less likely that disease could spread between teammates, if all athletes follow social distancing (and possibly masking) directions from their coach.

According to the CDC’s website, the risk of spreading COVID-19 depends on the number of people an athlete interacts with, how physically close athletes are

to others and if equipment is being shared between multiple players. In the upcoming season, high school coaches will put safety measures into place in order to reduce the risk of spreading the virus.

Allowing student athletes to participate in outdoor high school sports will also give recruits time to prepare for their future college-level seasons. Some outdoor sports, such as football, attract college recruiters during the season to observe games. Without these essential in-person seasons, high school athletes will not have a convenient facility to train for their future athletic endeavors.

Because students spend hours at home in online school, it’s important that they are allowed time in their day to exercise and get some fresh air. Many students are struggling mentally in online school due to fatigue, boredom and stress. High school sports give students a way to take their eyes off screens and release endorphins to improve their mental health.

One of the main reasons students are having a difficult time with online school is the lack of connection with their peers.

Many students say that playing on a sports team is the aspect that they miss most from the in-person experience. The return of outdoor high school sports will provide an outlet for students to connect with some peers who have the same interest, which will improve their skills inside the classroom as well.

Although many safety measures will need to be implemented if outdoor high school sports were to reopen, such as mandatory mask-wearing and social distancing, the community should push to reopen the sports season to help athletes planning to play collegiate level sports and to provide high school students with an opportunity to safely exercise and connect with their peers.

If athletes, coaches and parents adhere to CDC guidelines, the upcoming sports seasons will be a great way to safely bring students back on campus and return to some state of normalcy.

Amy Ge

ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR

Since COVID-19 hit the U.S. last March, almost all high school sports teams have been suspended due to safety concerns.

With students being stuck at home for almost a year, there have been many calls for schools to let outdoor sports teams practice and compete again. However, because vaccines have not yet been distributed to students, TPHS should not reopen outdoor sports, as it will increase the chances of spreading COVID-19 spread without significantly benefiting athletes’ futures.

Even if social distancing protocols are enforced during practices and athletes are wearing masks, any risk of spreading COVID-19 should be avoided. Whether athletes are changing in locker rooms, carpooling to practice or having a water break, it’s hard to imagine that athletes will stay socially distanced at all times. All it takes is one positive case to send an entire sports team back into lockdown and put their families at risk. The two currently authorized vaccines are only available to those aged 16 and older, and there will still be a few months until they are distributed to students.

The bottom line is that we are in the midst of a global pandemic. Students should be staying home as much as possible to reduce the spread of COVID-19 in our community, as the negative effects of the coronavirus are being experienced by many families around us.

Some have argued that outdoor sports should be allowed to begin as the outdoor air circulation does decrease the chances of spreading COVID-19 significantly. But,

at the same time, many outdoor sports require close physical contact that would increase the risk of COVID-19 spread immensely.

The National Federation of State High School Association’s Sports Medicine Advisory Committee released guidelines that identify the potential infection risk by sports, categorizing the most common high school sports as lower, intermediate, or higher-risk. Football is considered a higher-risk sport, for example, while golf is deemed a lower-risk sport despite them both being outdoor sports.

While playing sports during the season is very important to some athletes as college recruiters will be looking for new recruits during the season, preparing athletes for college shouldn’t be the main consideration when deciding whether TPHS should reopen sports. According to Next College Student Athlete (NCSA), college coaches have shifted to digital recruiting, scouting and connecting with more athletes online.

The consequences of contracting COVID-19 are also far more detrimental to athletes’ futures than not getting scouted by colleges in this season. The long-term effects of COVID-19 are often overlooked, since generally people believe that patients either are asymptomatic or have mild symptoms and recover, or they are so sick that they must be hospitalized. There is a growing population of COVID-19 patients who survived the infection but are living with symptoms that change their everyday lives. Heart inflammation, lung damage and brain damage are just a few examples of the many confirmed long-term effects of COVID-19 that could permanently end an athlete’s career.

With all these considerations in mind, reopening sports is something we shouldn’t be prioritizing. The vaccine has not been distributed to all students, so we should not be expecting things to return to the way they were a year ago. In the midst of this global pandemic, students should be staying home as much as possible to reduce the spread of the coronavirus in our community.

A6 the falconer

opinion

february 26, 2021

Market short sellers are unpopular but necessary

Jerry Wu

STAFF WRITER

In the ancient Kingdom of Israel, there was a young shepherd named David.

One day, the Philistines came to wage war against Israel and sent a giant named Goliath to fight in one-on-one combat. Only David volunteered to confront the giant and defeated him with a meager slingshot and a few pebbles.

A classic instance of David and Goliath happened on Jan. 27 between individual investors and big-name hedge funds. Ever since the pandemic hit, GameStop, a video game retailer, has continued to struggle, with its stock prices hitting an all-time low of $2.54 last year. Hedge funds detected a chance to make a profit by short selling the stock. Despite their negative reputation, short sellers are valuable to the market to maintain its liquidity.

Typically, a short seller borrows stocks from others and sells shares on the open market. Short sellers bet the price will go down based on their research on the company, so they can buy back the shares and make profit. But, they may also lose a great amount of money if the price goes up instead.

In this case, a group of individual investors on Reddit, a social news platform,

decided to buy GameStop shares in an attempt to drive its prices up to punish short sellers, mainly hedge funds. Consequently, GameStop shares have risen more than 1700%, which has forced short sellers to borrow over 20 billion dollars to pay off their debts, according to CNBC. Looking back, a common question that has arisen is, why target short sellers? One of the main reasons is that many accuse short sellers of profiting off companies’ failures. Others also believe that short sellers were responsible for the financial crisis in 2008, causing sharp declines in the stock prices to make profits. Elon Musk, the founder of Tesla, who is strongly against short sellers, calls them “value destroyers” and says that the practice should be made illegal.

Regardless of the predominantly negative public opinion on short selling, short sellers help balance the stock market.

One popular view is that short sellers force underperforming businesses to improve by fighting against financial pressures and revitalizing their businesses. However, short selling entails immense risks, too.

If short sellers’ bets go wrong, there is no limit to how much money they could lose.

Additionally, short sellers send a message to the public that a company is in serious danger. From this perspective, short sellers provide crucial information to the market and companies by taking huge risks.

That being said, one of the major complaints about the stock market nowadays is that it is “too disconnected from the real economy,” according to Quartz. Unlike before, the valuation of companies and their potential earnings are no longer correlated. Short-sellers keep the market honest by exposing companies

ART BY AMANDA SALATINO that are at risk of failing or conducting illegal business. A good example is the Enron scandal. A short seller discovered Enron’s corporate fraud which led its shareholders to lose over $74 billion, and eventually, the company filed bankruptcy. It was also a short seller who revealed Valeant’s unstable financial situation to the market.

For years, short-sellers have helped detect frauds and clarify uncertainties circulating the market. In time, they bring company share prices to more realistic levels to reflect the companies’ true worths.

Short selling also improves the efficiency of the market by “narrowing spreads, improving the speed of price adjustments based on new information and pumping liquidity into the market,” according to the Wall Street Journal. Eventually, with more accurate prices and an increasingly honest market, the majority of investors will profit

from more realistic priced shares, thanks to short sellers.

Another common myth about short sellers is that they cause companies to fail and go bankrupt. This is not the case because a healthy company should attract enough investors to buy its stocks so the company won’t become an easy target of short-sellers.

For so many years, short-sellers have been misunderstood and underappreciated for the values they bring to the stock market. Besides the GameStop Mania, they have been blamed for stock-market busts in Malaysia and Pakistan and have faced harsh restrictions from Australia, Canada and Portugal, among other countries.

In actuality, short sellers provide many important benefits to the market and companies and are integral parts of the financial world.

Capitol riots expose “Blue Lives Matter” hypocrisy

STAFF WRITER

In addition to showcasing the fragility of our democracy and national political polarization, the Jan. 6 rampage at the Capitol also highlighted the concerning rise of white nationalism in the U.S. The death of Officer Brian Sicknick, a U.S. Capitol Police officer, and other injuries suffered by police, is unfortunate evidence of how the Blue Lives Matter Movement was never about supporting law enforcement, but rather about asserting white dominance and supremacy over those fighting for racial equality.

The Black Lives Matter (BLM) Movement arose in July 2013, following the acquittal of Hispanic-American George Zimmerman, who shot unarmed Black teenager Trayvon Martin in 2012. The movement gained renewed recognition and support after George Floyd’s death in May 2020, along with other racial injustices resurfacing from

but rather, it supports a racist message. The rioters at the Capitol, who falsely claimed to support blue lives, are instead supporting police brutality against Black people and Black Lives Matter protestors.

What makes the event at the Capitol a turning point for the argument against the Blue Lives Matter movement is that it was not a single person but rather a large group of people that turned against the police force when the police were using de-escalation tactics. All 800 people that entered the building turned against the police, whether they did so in violent or non-violent ways. Their actions reveal the racist agenda that is concealed by the Blue Lives Matter Movement.

Additionally, the extent of policing on the rioters compared to Black Lives Matter protestors shows the clear inequality of treatment between the two. A report published by ACLED claims that 93% of Black Lives Matter protests were peaceful, yet police came dressed in riot gear, equipped with rubber bullets, tear gas and shields. On the contrary, police were slow to use violent tactics on the mob after the de-escalation techniques they were trained to do failed. One officer named Lieutenant Tarik Johnson went as far as wearing a MAGA hat in the hopes of gaining sympathy and trust from the crowd. The unfair difference in treatment between the groups highlights the constant obstacles to

achieving racial justice.

This is not to say that all people who support the Blue Lives Matter movement would act the same as the Capitol rioters.

But, those who support the Blue Lives Matter movement are just using the movement to mask their racist views.

Officer Brian Sicknick’s death and other law enforcement officials’ physical and emotional injuries are clear examples of how those rioters have turned the Blue Lives Matter movement into its very own counterargument.

ART BY JASMINE CRIQUI

Dixie Wallerius

the past. While using the phrase “Black Lives Matter” was becoming a new norm in today’s society, many took to the words “Blue Lives Matter” as well. The movement’s goal, in short, is to have crimes committed against police sentenced as hate crimes.

The issue comes into play when the three words “blue lives matter” are used as a way to discredit the voices of BLM advocates.

The nation saw this harsh reality on Jan. 12 at the Capitol. The pro-Trump mob engulfed the Capitol lawn with their Blue Lives Matter signs, thin blue line flags, pro-law-enforcement merchandise and, most significantly, their active voices.

These same people who flew the Blue Lives Matter logo with pride were also the insurrectionists that inspired the violence, which ultimately caused Officer Sicknick’s death and induced physical and psychological trauma among other police. With its extensive Blue Lives Matter merchandise, the mob advocated to “back the blue,” yet did completely the opposite. The attempted efforts to thrash police around when breaking into the Capitol building reveal how they truly feel about law enforcement. So, what does the insurrectionists’ disrespectful treatment of the police truly show about the use of the phrase “blue lives matter”?

What happened at the Capitol casts a light on how Blue Lives Matter has never been about supporting law enforcement,

opinion

tphsfalconer.com

FIRST AMENDMENT “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.”

51% of U.S. adullts approve of social media companies labeling posts from elected officials as misleading, but only

the falconer

A7

“FREE SPEECH” The First Amendment . . .

Protects:

Does Not Protect:

Vulgarity Hate Speech Blasphemy Symbolic Expression (e.g. burning the flag) In general, any speech that does not pose an imminent threat

31%

of U.S. adullts say they have confidence in social media companies to determine what should be labeled as misleading

Defamation True Threats “Fighting Words” Obscenity Child Pornography Commercial Advertising Blackmail Plagiarism

NOTE: The above ONLY applies to arms of the government. The First Amendment does NOT prohibit private companies, private schools, and private employers from restricting speech.

INFORMATION FROM PEW RESEARCH CENTER

PERSONAL PERSPECTIVE

» BRANDON RAIMO Sports Editor Brandon Raimo discusses the challenges of distance learning and how to find motivation in a digital setting.

Like many students, I have a habit of procrastinating whenever I can. I’m the kind of person that does his homework as the teacher is collecting it, or that waits until the night before the final to start studying.

Before COVID-19 shut down the world, I usually got away with this, either because I finished my work just in time, or I managed to talk my way out of the situation. But after schools closed, this method of leaving everything to the last minute has proven costly and has caused me to fall behind in most of my classes.

The reason for this is simple; the factors that motivate me to succeed are not present during the lockdown. I’ve always been incentivized by how others would perceive me if I did or didn’t do a certain task, whether those people were parents, teachers or other students. But now that teachers and students are merely a square and nameplate on a Google Meet, I’ve found it nearly impossible to push myself to finish a homework assignment or study for a test, a problem that increases exponentially when I sleepwalk through an entire week

and end up having to do six assignments and two college apps in one night.

It doesn’t help that I can barely pay attention in my classes for more than five minutes at a time. When it’s so easy to open another tab on my computer or start looking at my phone, it’s not surprising that someone as impatient as me cannot listen to a 40-minute digital lecture. This only adds to the extent of my procrastination because I still have to learn the content, and it makes doing homework assignments infinitely more difficult when I have to take an hour to learn the content every time. And, all of this pressure I’m putting on myself makes it much more tempting to ignore my responsibilities and hope that my future self can handle them.

But, despite these problems, it’s not impossible to stay afloat; there are still ways to cope with the situation. During this school year, I’ve learned a lot about how to manage during these times and what helps motivate me to get things done. For example, if I do things such as taking a walk or hanging out with friends, it becomes

PHOTO COURTESY OF BRANDON RAIMO much easier to focus on schoolwork than if I had stayed inside all day. To put it simply, everything becomes easier to manage if I manage not to overwhelm myself with seemingly endless work.

As crazy as the past year has been, I

think it’s also been beneficial in that I’ve learned a lot about my own tendencies and traits, and what I can do to improve them.

Hopefully I can take what I’ve discovered from this experience and apply it to my daily life once things return to normal.

opinion

A8 the falconer

STAFF EDITORIAL

february 26, 2021

The U.S. should consider implementing term limits for members of Congress

Senator Ted Cruz reintroduced a Constitutional amendment on Jan. 21, stating, “U.S Senators would be limited to two six-year terms and members of the House of Representatives to three two yearterms.” Cruz and former Representative Ron DeSantis first proposed this amendment back in 2016. The implementation of the amendment will make the Senate and House of Representatives more effective by cycling in newer ideas, providing citizens with a motive to vote for who they want, and forcing elected officials to speed up the work they go to Congress to do.

If the amendment is adopted, there will be increased opportunities for fresher and more relevant ideas that come along with younger generations. This also includes a constant cycle of newer ideas and minds coming into Congress. There currently is a notion of government as “old white men,” and the average age in the Senate is 61.8 years old, so introducing this new amendment may stimulate people’s interest in government and result in an increase in voter participation.

Additionally, the younger generations understand newer technology and concepts, while the same senators that have been serving for a large portion of their lives are less knowledgeable about such essential issues. For example, they are not as educated or up to date in the digital aspect of our age and therefore unable to fully understand what is at stake during

congressional hearings investigating big tech companies and the erosion of privacy by those companies.

However, there should be a balance between younger and older generations in Congress, so older citizens and voters also feel that their opinions and priorities, such as social security and Medicare, are considered important by their government officials.

Additionally, older generations have experience in governance and knowledge of issues and are able to draw on that experience in elected office. The more experienced Congressional members are able to bring up issues that have plagued our country in the past and use them as a guide for addressing current issues.

But with the addition of term limits, senators will be able to focus more on actual governing, rather than raising money and campaigning for upcoming elections.

In turn, they will be able to vote more based on their beliefs rather than simply with their party to ensure their reelection.

Term limits would reduce the significance of reelection, allowing for more focus on important issues that need to be addressed.

During the second term, there would be no reasons for a politician to get popular and no reason for them to be honest. Also once reelected, the potential for lameduck (an elected official whose successor has already been elected or will be soon)

ARTWORK BY JASMINE CRIQUI/FALCONER

politicians and lobbyists would increase.

With term limits being implemented, that would introduce a time restriction on intentionally delayed actions and possibly rush plans that Senators don’t have enough time to follow through with.

However, although it may cause a rush to implement plans, it wouldn’t cause a damaging rush. Six years, or 12 if reelected, is plenty of time for well-thought out bills

student voices I think term limits should be implemented because by doing so, it would motivate Congress members to focus on doing their job instead of trying to stay in office.

to make their way through the Senate. In the House of Representatives, three twoyear terms provide enough time to make efficient judgements.

Although instating term limits has the potential to negate the value of Congressional experience, the turnover of politicians will help the United States to better respond to more modern issues.

-The Falconer Staff

Age

Senate

House

60-69

40

125

70-79

22

65

80-89

7

13

- Marissa Gaut (10) Term limits in Congress will encourage members to shift their focus toward what policies are best for the country during their limited time in office rather than on re-election.

- Martin Lee (9)

We, the Falconer staff, are dedicated to creating a monthly newspaper with the intent of encouraging independent thinking, expanding our knowledge of journalism, and providing the TPHS student body and community with a truthful, unbiased news source, in accordance with our First Amendment rights.

3710 Del Mar Heights Road San Diego, CA 92130 PHONE: (858) 755-0125 x2245 FAX: (858) 523-0794 E-MAIL: falconer.ads@gmail.com WEBSITE: www.tphsfalconer.com

The Falconer is the student newspaper of Torrey Pines High School. Its content, which is the responsibility of the Falconer staff, is not subject to administrative approval. Unsigned editorials represent the opinions of the staff, while opinion columns represent the writer’s perspective. Advertisements do not represent endorsements. The Falconer, an open forum, welcomes signed letters or guest editorials on pertinent issues from the TPHS community, which may be submitted to room 102, via email at falconer.ads@gmail.com or to Mia Smith’s mailbox in the administration building. Letters may be edited for length and clarity.

Editor-in-Chief Assistant Editor-in-Chief Buisness/Managing Editor News Editor Opinion Editor Feature Editor Entertainment Editor Sports Editor Copy Editor Staff Writers

Kevin Song Katie Flint Micah Levy Neha Pubbi Jasmine Criqui Mirabel Hunt Srishti Thapar Amy Ge Nolan Ezzet Brandon Raimo Piper Levy Helene Gao Viyang Hao Jenny Han

Matan Morris Kelsie Park Dixie Wallerius Jerry Wu David Zhang Jacob Zhang Photographer: Natalia Mochernak Jessica Yu Adviser: Mia Boardman Smith

meet Sara Jacobs

hardworking and families who have supported them through it. I expect Falcons to do this kind of thing. We have a lot of advantages in the world being at this incredible school, so I hope we make the most of it.”

While TPHS is an integral piece of Jacobs’ background, Jacobs was proactive in taking advantage of all the opportunities presented to her; in that regard, she is largely responsible for her own success.

“TPHS and the teachers here prepare you for college, but it’s up to students whether or not they’re going to utilize that or take advantage of that,” Montgomery said.

While TPHS influenced Jacobs when she was a student, Jacobs Sara Jacobs (‘07) was elected to Congress to represent California’s now influences and inspires current TPHS students.

53rd District in Nov. 2020 and was inaugurated on Jan. 3.

“I hope that maybe TPHS students might pay more attention to Jacobs’ platform represented the ideas that healthcare is a human government,” Montgomery said. “Government affects everything we right, strong labor unions are necessary and guns should be regulated. do, regardless of whether you realize it or not. I would say that she After Jacobs graduated from TPHS, she attended Columbia might influence women running for office and the possibilities of University, where she received her bachelor’s degree in political what you can do and achieve.” science in 2011 and her master’s degree in international security Jacobs, a 32-year-old Congresswoman, policy and international conflict resolution represents younger generations in politics, in 2012. She went on to work for the United giving hope to younger people who also see a Nations and UNICEF, as well as the Obama career in government in their futures. administration and Hillary Clinton’s 2016 “A lot of people think that working in presidential campaign as a policy adviser. Most government is far off,” Erin Poe (12) said. “It is recently, Jacobs started a nonprofit called San great to see someone who took the same classes Diego for Every Child: The Coalition to End as us or was on the same path is now writing Child Poverty. laws and participating in government.”

“I love San Diego. San Diego is my home.

In fact, many TPHS students interested I know that San Diego has given me and my in government already view Congresswoman family so much, which is why I’ve dedicated Jacobs as an inspiration. my life to trying to build a more equitable San “Some people who are interested in politics Diego and world,” Jacobs said in an interview and following a similar path now have a role with the San Diego Union-Tribune. model,” Kai Keranen (9) said. “Knowing TPHS teachers and staff celebrate and someone came from the same high school as admire Jacobs’ accomplishments.

Sara Jacobs me and got to that point does inspire me in my “I’m simultaneously thrilled and not U.S. REPRESENTATIVE & TPHS ALUMNA goals.” surprised,” Principal Rob Coppo said. “I mean, After winning the race for the 53rd district we’re Torrey. I expect us to be in Congress, against Georgette Gómez by nine points, Jacobs represents TPHS on I expect us to be leaders, I expect us to be out there changing the the steps of Capitol Hill. world.”

by Neha Pubbi and Kelsie Park Many TPHS teachers also fondly remember her time as a TPHS

From the TPHS quad to Capitol Hill,

I love San Diego. San Diego is my home. I know that San Diego has given me and my family so much, which is why I’ve dedicated my life to trying to build a more equitable San Diego and world.

student. For one, Jacobs’ high school AP Government teacher remembers that Jacobs was interested in government in high school.

“She was well-versed on current issues and was not afraid of talking about them,” AP Government teacher Michael Montgomery said. “She was well grounded, knowing where she came from, but also looking out for the local person.”

Jacobs’ experience at TPHS was a vital step in Jacob’s journey to Congress.

“We have an amazing staff,” Coppo said. “We are fortunate to serve an incredible community of students who were smart and caring and

PHOTO FROM SARA JACOBS FOR CONGRESS

Congresswoman Sara Jacobs of California’s 53rd district.

BSU

A10 the falconer

feature

february 26, 2021

The leaders of a new movement,

TPHS BSU founder and president Ayana Johnson (10)

Club president Ayana Johnson (10) and together vice president Lia Turner (10) created the as one,” TP Black Student Union (BSU) to provide Turner said. support and connection for students of color Using social and to advocate for the importance of Black media platforms, lives within and outside of the TP community. the club posts weekly “It’s an important club because as a result account takeovers featuring different members in of the club we may have deeper and more the club, who are able to share their perspective meaningful conversations about diversity and on the BSU and future reforms for TP culture. inclusion,” club faculty sponsor Don Collins “I have seen the BSU have a number of said. “Maybe people might start to consider how positive and important impacts on the members,” issues of race, diversity and inclusion impact the Collins said. “First and foremost a place where students, staff and families at Torrey Pines.” students of color can come and share their The BSU welcomes all to become members experiences as well as providing a platform as long as they agree to the membership for action to move the conversation forward.” statement and are engaged in club activities.

The club has a variety of goals, ranging from small, “Be open to all topics of conversation and respect personal changes staff and students can make, to each group member as an equal,” Turner said. much bigger goals in the community. Some of the The club meets during lunch smaller goals include educating every other Thursday using the staff and students about Google Meet. During their the wants, needs and priorities meetings, they discuss future of people of color at TPHS, club events, club news, and how while bigger goals include to stay true to their mission participating in BLM protests statement, which is as follows: and increasing engagement “The Black Student Union with the community.

(BSU) of Torrey Pines is “This club should most a socially diverse club definitely have been introduced to provide support sooner to ensure diversity in and connection for TP,” Johnson said. “Also to black students bring awareness to ourselves and other as young leaders who are students of the root to change for people color and to of color in this world.” advocate the Don Collins In the coming years, i m p o r t a n c e BSU SUPERVISOR the club leaders plan to of black lives incorporate more community inside and outside the Torrey service activities, interactions with allies at Pines community. Our goal is other schools and speeches by guest speakers. to provide efforts and enhance “While we have done a lot with virtual others’ awareness of students of meetings, there is nothing like going to the state color through speakers, events, or national capital and engaging in large programs community service, academics and with leadership discussions with lawmakers campus involvement. We Are TP!” and other community leaders,” Collins said.

In order to amplify their voices, However, their main hope is to continue to grow the members of the BSU are very active and strengthen the BSU in order to ensure a lasting on social media, mainly on Instagram legacy of inclusion, equality and justice at TPHS. (@tphs.bsu). Having the ability to reach out

by Piper Levy to the student body and surrounding community is very important to keeping people informed and giving the club opportunities to educate.

“Ayana and I observed the lack of education about people of color within our school, so we decided to create the BSU to bring minorities of the community

“First and foremost, [the BSU is] a place where students of color can come and share their experiences as well as provide a platform for action to move the conversation forward.”

A TPHS BSU meeting held via Google Meet.

A presentation on Black History Month hosted by the BSU during Student Connectedness.

PHOTOs COURTESY OF TPHS BSU

@tphs.bsu

tphsfalconer.com

feature

the falconer

cultural

appropriation With Instagram influencers and Tik Tok crazes garnering more attention during quarantine, social media has become a breeding ground for numerous inappropriate trends. Recently, many social media influencers have come under fire for acts of cultural appropriation by blackfishing or participating in the fox eye trend.

The term “blackfishing” parallels the definition of “catfishing,” the only difference is blackfishing involves the use of hairstyling and makeup to create or enhance certain features to make a person appear to be racially ambiguous or Black when she or he is not Black.

Historically, having Black features was not embraced in America. In the past, colleges wouldn’t accept students whose skin color was darker than that of a brown paper bag according to the curator of the Jim Crow Museum, Dr. David Pilgrim. Today, Black hair styles often get students in trouble at schools or in the workplace. This history is entirely ignored by celebrities who profit from mimicking Black features without understanding the cultural significance.

“The more your features are close to Black … the more poorly you’re treated and the less opportunity that you have. But as long as [those features] are on a white body, then they’re more beautiful,” Black educator Danielle Jones said. Jones is also a middle school coordinator for the Oregon Health & Science University’s program On Track OHSU!, which helps underrepresented students enter the health science field.

community since, in the past, Asians were often made fun of for their distinct eye shape, but that was easily forgotten once Asian ethnic features became desirable.

“People made fun of my eyes when I was eight or nine, but now they’re calling it cute or trendy,” Sophia Ai (11) said. “I still remember jokes in elementary school, pulling their eyes back and saying that dumb rhyme that went something like ‘Chinese, Japanese, dirty knees, look at these.’”

Popular YouTuber Emma Chamberlain was criticized in June for posting an Instagram photo in which she pulled her eyes back, upsetting many fans.

Chamberlain quickly apologized saying it was “never her intention to be insensitive.”

White celebrities appropriate the physical features of inority populations to be trendy symbols of beauty despite the fact that such imitation has historically been used to ridicule or oppress.

“Whatever makes you different from the other population … that has been really painful and then turning it into a trend that’s making money; that’s just really concerning,” Jones said.

If more people were educated about this subject, these harmful activities could be avoided. It is important to have conversations about what’s happening in the world.

“Raising awareness is complicated … but I found the easiest way is to talk to the people around you,” Huston said.

by Amy Ge and Dixie Wallerius

The more your features are close to Black features, the poorer you’re treated. But as long as [these features] are on a white body, then they’re more beautiful.

Danielle Jones

BLACK EDUCATOR & COORDINATOR FOR OHSU

Celebrities and influencers continue to profit off of posts, videos and photos when using Black features while many remain silent in times of injustice and discrimination.

The two sisters, Kim Kardashian and Kylie Jenner have come under fire for emulating Black features while having no Black heritage. In the Kardashian’s KKW Beauty campaign, fans couldn’t help but notice the drastic difference between the color of her dark face and her pale hands. Both Jenner and Kardashian continued to be silent in times of civil unrest, especially following the death of George Floyd and the rise in BLM protests.

“If you want to appreciate Black culture, [mimicking it] is a nonsensical way to go about it. It’s just so transparent, that [appreciation] is not the intention, because most of the time they don’t understand the cultural significance,” Jackson Huston (‘20), said. Huston is Black.

Another controversial trend — which primarily circulated on TikTok — was the fox eye trend, in which people used makeup to make their eyes appear more slanted and with their eyes pulled back in photos.

This trend quickly sparked controversy in the Asian

when is it too much?

kardashian blackfishing

fox eye trend

emma chamberlain

A11

feature

A12 the falconer

february 26, 2021

how does it work?

wasn’t it rushed?

The current leading coronavirus vaccines are mRNA vaccines. mRNA is a genetic “blueprint” that allows our cells to replicate the spike proteins that are on the coronavirus’s surface, which are harmless on their own. The body can then create T-lymphocytes and B-lymphocytes, defensive white blood cells, that act against the spike proteins. If a coronavirus with these spike proteins enters the body, the lymphocytes can then respond accordingly.

No. mRNA technology has been in development for years, well before the beginning of the pandemic. Furthermore, after the coronavirus was first discovered in China, Chinese scientists swiftly distributed the coronavirus’s genetic information so that researchers could begin creating vaccines immediately. Finally, the vaccines have been FDA approved, so the speed at which they were produced did not compromise their validity.

A GR FO IN

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No. Receiving the vaccine simply prevents you from contracting a serious case of COVID-19 from the coronavirus. However, it does not stop the virus from entering your body. Therefore, even if you do not experience symptoms, you may still be a carrier of the virus and can transmit it to other people. Even after vaccination, proper social distancing and masking procedures must be followed to limit the spread of the virus as vaccines continue rolling out.

can i go to parties now?

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CONER G/FAL SON EVIN

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No. Traditional vaccines work by injecting a weakened or inactive form of the virus and allowing the body to produce the respective antibodies. However, mRNA vaccines work differently; they instruct human cells to produce a protein that is part of the coronavirus but is harmless on its own. Then, the body can produce the appropriate antibodies that respond to the protein. The coronavirus vaccine does not contain the actual virus and will not actually infect people that receive the vaccine.

won’t i get covid-19 from it?

feature

tphsfalconer.com

the falconer

A13

So you thought 2020 was bad?

A look at the most stressful years in U.S. history Chicago, IL

4

New York, NY

2

1 Sharpsburg, MA

3

5 Los Angeles, CA

5

Cherokee Nation

Memphis, TN

1

The Battle of Antietam was fought on Sep. 17, 1867, at Antietam Creek near Sharpsburg, Maryland, and was one of the bloodiest one-day battles in American history, responsible for 4,600 dead and 23,000 wounded. A Union victory would give President Abraham Lincoln an opportunity to issue and enforce the Emancipation Proclamation. A Confederate victory would legitimize the Confederate States of America. The Union prevailed.

2

Oct. 29, 1929 is known as Black Thursday, which marked the beginning of the Wall Street crash when the Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped and 12,894,650 shares were traded. Although the U.S. stock market had already been declining prior to Black Thursday, the next four days would bankrupt investors and lead to failed banks, high levels of unemployment and the longest U.S. economic downturn, the Great Depression.

3

Although the federal government had already been forcefully removing Native Americans from their land in the southeastern states, President Andrew Jackson signed the Indian Removal Act in 1830, which officially allowed the government to give Native-owned land to white settlers. In 1838, General Winfield Scott and 7,000 soldiers marched the Cherokee over 1,200 miles into the Oklahoma territory. Faced with starvation and diseases like cholera and typhus, over 5,000 Cherokee died on the journey, called the Trail of Tears.

4

In 1918, the Spanish Flu spread worldwide. Without effective treatments or vaccines, 675,000 Americans died.

The following summer, on July 27, 1919, Eugene Williams, a Black teenager was stoned to death and drowned in Lake Michigan for breaking segregation laws. After police refused to arrest the man many eyewitnesses said was responsible, riots broke out between Black and white Chicagoans. The riots, which ended on Aug. 3, 1919 left 500 people injured, 23 Black and 15 white people dead, and 1,000 Black families homeless due to property damage.

5

Prior to 1968, the African-American community had faced segregation and prejudice, but on April 4, 1968, civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated at the Lorraine hotel by a sniper. Riots swept the nation as people mourned the death of an important figure. Two months later, Senator Robert F. Kennedy, John F. Kennedy’s brother and candidate for president, was also assassinated in Los Angeles.

INFOGRAPHIC BY KATIE FLINT/FALCONER

INFORMATION FROM DAILY MAIL

A14 the falconer

feature

february 26, 2021

teacher feature Usually the word “ceramics’’ conjures the image of a diligent potter, laboring on a wheel and bringing clay creations to life by molding them with bare hands.

While that is not the case for TPHS ceramics students this year due to distance learning, Ceramics teacher Scott Jay, who is new to TPHS, is making the best of the situation by offering fun but challenging alternatives to the usual ceramics curriculum.

Visual and performing arts teachers across the globe have had to adapt to make their interactive classes run smoothly online; learning how to use technology has been a challenge for many teachers.

Jay was one step behind, since he had never used Google Classroom, the main platform for distance learning, before, but he quickly picked it up.

“Luckily, I’m able to adapt and learn [technology] really quickly, so I didn’t find it a struggle. I just had to kind of jump in and start doing it, and I was surprised at how easy they’ve made everything,” Jay said. “You just kind of have to force yourself to do it and then you get the hang of it.”

Jay finds it helpful to use two screens to manage his classes.

“The district gives us a Chromebook, like they give to students,” Jay said. “So, I have my MacBook and my Chromebook because I like to have two screens going, where everything that I’m presenting is on one and then on the other one, I can see the grid of students and how what I’m presenting looks.”

Jay’s personal experience with technological difficulties has made him more understanding of his students’ problems.

“Students are going to be getting kicked out and coming back and forth [in the meet] and having challenges staying in, depending on the device they have,” Jay said. “I think we all — teachers and students — have an understanding that technology isn’t perfect, and when something does go wrong, we all have an acceptance of that. The world doesn’t end if class crashes.”

Additionally, Jay has incorporated online breakout rooms into his class to mimic the collaborative nature of art classes.

“I have eight groups of roughly five students in each [breakout room],” Jay said. “We did partner introductions with that, a whole slideshow at the beginning of the year where they interviewed each other and found common things and even created a Bitmoji hangout space.”

Along with peer interaction, Jay emphasizes the importance of observing other artists.

“There’s a wealth of YouTube videos of other artists doing the same project, so I try to tell students to watch me do it, but also watch other artists do it because there’s no one way to sculpt,” Jay said. “It’s an unfortunate thing that they can’t [learn from their peers] being at home, so I try to encourage them to look and find a wealth of other people.”

In the same spirit, Jay has been doing his fair share of collaboration with a ceramics teacher from Canyon Crest Academy.

“During the summer and especially when the semester first started, we bounced ideas back and forth and came up with ideas together on what to do,” Jay said.

Jay, along with the other ceramics teachers in the district, have adapted their assignments to fit the lack of certain ceramic equipment like potter’s wheels and kilns at home. Like textbook pick up, students were given multiple days to come to campus and pick up their ceramics supplies.

“The four of us in the district decided we would still work in clay, we would go and spend time before school started to prep and get toolkits and clay bags together for students to pick up,” Jay said. “While we’re at home we don’t have access to the potter’s wheel, so that part isn’t happening. We’re working entirely in hand building.”

To introduce new ceramics projects, Jay posts a Google Form with the requirements, a Google Slides presentation with samples of the project and tutorial videos of himself demonstrating certain parts.

There are some advantages to teaching online classes from home rather than on campus.

“I have this setup [with two screens] now and I have the ability to do demo videos,” Jay said. “I’ve brought clay in here that I can use if I need to show someone how to do something on the spot that’s a little bit different than what I created through video.”

So, while students may not be physically in the ceramics classroom with their hands covered in wet clay, molding the early stages of a bowl around a potter’s wheel, Scott Jay has made his class a creative journey that students can take from home.

by Srishti Thapar

Scott

Jay

MOVIE REVIEW Pixar has once again touched the hearts of millions of fans with the release of its new movie “Soul” on Dec. 25, 2020. Airing exclusively on Disney+, the 1 hour and 47-minute movie immediately received stellar reviews and popular acclaim.

The plot centers on Joe Gardner, a struggling jazz musician who accidentally finds himself heading toward the “great beyond”. Desperate to find his way back to Earth to continue his career in music, he forms an alliance with a soul named 22, who wants nothing to do with the pointless lives she believes Earth people lead.

Through a journey of self-revelation to find his way back to his body on Earth, Gardner learns lessons about selflessness, friendship and living life to the fullest. The character 22 also learns lessons about appreciating the small things in life and having the ambition to achieve her goals.

The imagery a n d animation in this film were beyond anything I have ever

seen Pixar create. With the imagination of hundreds of minds and a budget well over $150 million, how could the audience expect anything less than pure magic? From bold use of color and shapes to the creation of a “great beyond” that resonates with young and old viewers alike, “Soul” is a testament to the true genius and artistry of Pixar.

The film features Jamie Foxx as Joe Gardner and Tina Fey as 22, who both did a stellar job of bringing their characters to life. The soundtrack included works from American musicians Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross, along with original jazz pieces composed by Jon Batiste. The playful, happy soundtrack provided an authentic but original update on the art form of jazz. Also, since the main character was pursuing a career in which it is notoriously difficult to find success, I was inclined to root for him and his ambitions.

One of my favorite messages from “Soul” was that people’s initial “sparks” don’t define them or limit what they have to be. In order for a new soul to be sent down to a body on Earth, that soul needs to find its “spark.” This frustrated me at the beginning of the movie as an existential crisis formed in my head.

“What is my spark? What if I

am no longer interested in my spark?”

I asked myself. However, by the end of the movie, I was reminded that people can have multiple sparks and can find happiness, passion and talent in anything.

I was especially intrigued by the film’s presentation of how personalities were made: a little bit of kindness, a touch of aloofness, a tad bit of anger and a pinch of determination. The film finds a simple way to show the diversity and uniqueness of each individual personality, and how no single one can be the same. This sends a powerful message to children, who often struggle with being considered “different” by their peers, and may help them love and embrace their quirks.

I was also surprised by how many laughs the movie coaxed out of me.

With humorous references to past souls and witty commentary directed toward an older audience, many young adults can find a comfortable niche in this film, making it an enjoyable movie for all ages.

If you find yourself in front of the TV with your loved ones, or even if you are by yourself and want an existential revelation, open up Disney+ and allow Pixar to pull at your heartstrings yet again.

by Piper Levy

entertainment

A16 the falconer

february 26, 2021

TAYLOR SWIFT ARTIST OF THE DECADE Taylor Swift released the re-recorded version of her hit single “Love Story” on Feb. 11 and announced that she was releasing “Fearless (Taylor’s Version)” on April 9.

The updates came about three months after Swift confirmed that she was re-recording portions of her music catalog.

Since her debut in 2006, Taylor Swift has assumed many different personas: a sweet country girl, a rising pop sensation, a fallen star with a “big reputation”, a lover (literally) and now, a folk-loving forestgoer. One thing all these identities have in common is record-breaking success. Not only is she a credited songwriter on all of her songs, but Swift has also sold over 50 million albums, was named Artist of the Decade at the 2019 American Music Awards (AMAs), was the highest-paid female musician of the 2010s, became the youngest person ever to win a Grammy for Album of the Year and has achieved so much more. To put it simply, she’s done a lot, but not without her not-sofair share of obstacles.

Since the release of her debut album Taylor Swift, many critics have tried to minimize her status as a music superstar to a girl who simply writes sad songs about her numerous exboyfriends. One of Swift’s most well-known scandals is her longlasting feud with hip-hop artist Kanye West. At the 2009 Video Music Awards, a 19-year-old Swift was invited onstage to accept the award for Best Female Video for her music video, “You Belong With Me.” As the silver-studded Swift accepted her award and began addressing the crowd, West interrupted her speech, declaring that Beyoncé should have won the award instead. Fast forward to 2016, when West released his song “Famous “with the infamous lyric: “I feel like me and Taylor might still have sex/ I made that bitch famous.”

Shortly after, Swift’s spokesperson released a statement claiming that Swift had not approved of being called a bitch and warned West against putting out such a misogynistic message. West’s wife, Kim Kardashian, then came out with a video receipt attempting to prove that Taylor was simply trying to “play the victim.”

Soon, Internet trolls followed Kardashian’s lead, calling Swift a snake and posting the hashtag #TaylorSwiftIsOverParty on social media. After nearly a year of lying

low, Swift reemerged with her reptilian Reputation era declaring in her single “Look What You Made Me Do” that the “Old Taylor” was dead.

A few months prior to the release of her comeback album Reputation, Swift won a symbolic $1 in court. At a 2013 meetand-greet, Swift posed for a photo with radio DJ David Mueller, who is seen in the uncomfortable photo with his hand up Swift’s skirt. Mueller was fired from his job at Denver’s KYGO following the incident.

Later in 2015, Mueller filed a defamation suit against Swift asking for $3 million, claiming that he never groped her. Swift then filed a countersuit and won her $1 court award on Aug. 14, 2017, to “serve as an example to other women who may resist publicly reliving similar outrageous and humiliating acts.”

Swift’s crusade for justice didn’t stop there. In June 2019, Swift’s label, Big Machine Records, was acquired by Scooter Braun’s Ithaca Holdings for $30 million. In the acquisition, Braun,

accused by Swift of “incessant, manipulative bullying,” was given the rights to Swift’s first six albums: Taylor Swift, Fearless, Speak Now, Red, 1989 and Reputation. Following the acquisition, Scott Borchetta, the former CEO of Big Machine Records, and Braun refused to cooperate with Swift to find a way for her to perform her music at the 2019 AMAs and in her Netflix documentary, “Miss Americana.”

Today, the tension is still high, but as of Nov. 2020, Swift is free to re-record her hits. Even before her announcement, Swift was having a big year. In Jan. 2020, Swift released “Miss Americana,” but she didn’t stop there. She shocked fans in July 2020 with her surprise album Folklore and again in Dec. 2020 with Folklore’s sister album Evermore. In both albums, Swift displays her timeless talent for songwriting once again as she tells the stories of an imaginary love triangle between a young starlet, her hometown boyfriend and the previous owner of her Rhode Island home, Rebekah Harkness. Swift makes many references in her two new albums to the Braun feud, such as when she sings about her “stolen lullabies” in “My Tears Ricochet.” She also references Borchetta and Braun in her song “It’s Time to Go” when she sings: “15 years, 15 million tears/ Begging ‘til my knees bled/ I gave it my all, he gave me nothing at all/ He’s got my past frozen behind glass/ But I’ve got me.”

And finally, Swift offers her past self some advice in “Long Story Short” when she sings, “Past me, I wanna tell you not to get lost in these petty things/ Your nemeses/ will defeat themselves before you get the chance to swing.”

So now, many wonder: what is next for Swift? Knowing her, she likely still has many more surprises to share with her fans, including her highly awaited re-recordings. But, for now, it seems that Swift has made peace with her past and the unusualness of her present; she makes this clear in her song “Peace,” in which she sings: “‘Cause there’s robbers to the east, clowns to the west/ I’d give you my sunshine, give you my best/ but the rain is always gonna come if you’re standin’ with me.”

And as we look back on her epic career, it is clear that Swift is no longer confined to one genre; she is her own genre.

by Mirabel Hunt

entertainment

The

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GRAMMYS 2021 ALBUM of the year

Record of the year • • • • • •

Black Parade — Beyoncé Circles — Post Malone Colors — Black Pumas Don’t Start Now — Dua Lipa Everything I Wanted — Billie Eilish Savage — Megan Thee Stallion ft. Beyoncé • Say So — Doja Cat

Best pop duo/group performance • Dynamite — BTS • Exile — Taylor Swift ft. Bon Iver • Intentions — Justin Bieber ft. Quavo • Rain On Me — Lady Gaga with Ariana Grande • Un Dia (One Day) — J Balvin, Dua Lipa, Bad Bunny & Tainy

Best music video • Adore You — Harry Styles • Brown Skin Girl — Beyoncé • Goliath — Woodkid • Life is Good — Future ft. Drake • Lockdown — Anderson .Paak

INFOGRAPHIC BY KEVIN SONG/FALCONER

The 2021 Grammy Awards will be hosted by comedian Trevor Noah at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on March 14. The ceremony will honor the best artists and music released between Sep. 1, 2019 and Aug. 31, 2020, and will be streamed live on CBS and the GRAMMYS website. Here are six of the 83 award categories and the nominees.

• Black Pumas (Deluxe Edition) — Black Pumas • Chilombo — Jhené Aiko • Djesse Vol. 3 — Jacob Collier • Everyday Life — Coldplay • Folklore — Taylor Swift • Future Nostalgia — Dua Lipa • Women in Music Pt. III — HAIM

Best pop SOLO performance • Cardigan — Taylor Swift • Don’t Start Now — Dua Lipa • Everything I Wanted — Billie Eilish • Say So — Doja Cat • Watermelon Sugar — Harry Styles • Yummy — Justin Bieber

Best new artist

The Falconer Staff Pick

• • • • • • •

Chika Doja Cat D Smoke Ingrid Andress Kaytranada Megan Thee Stallion Phoebe Bridgers

WORDS BY JACOB ZHANG

entertainment

A18 the falconer

OPINION

Netflix’s removal of fan favorites is a positive Srishti Thapar

february 26, 2021

The future of watching movies the pandemic’s impact on theaters, cinema and streaming

FEATURE EDITOR

These days, with the world in limbo, there isn’t much to look forward to each day. But, there has been one thing throughout the pandemic that I know I can count on: television.

Now that the infamous and exhausting year of 2020 has come to a close, many are hoping that 2021 will be a better, more normal year full of everything that was missed in 2020.

Sadly, that hope was dampened when Netflix announced the removal of fan-favorite TV shows and movies like the “The Office (U.S.),” “SpiderMan: Into the Spider-Verse,” “Gossip Girl” and more from their platform. But like most things in 2020, we still have to look for the silver lining.

While the removal of “The Office (U.S.)” from Netflix felt like rubbing salt into the wound that was 2020, NBCUniversal’s new streaming platform, Peacock, now owns all nine seasons. Although subscriptions to Peacock cost $9.99 per month for ad-free streaming, the platform is also allowing viewers to stream the first two seasons for free with ads. It has also posted a handful of behind-the-scenes, exclusives and deleted scenes to YouTube for anyone to access. This gave fans of “The Office (U.S.)” a little treat before the new year.

It’s easy to see the removal of the show from Netflix as one more tragedy to end 2020 with, but think about it this way: without the show switching over to Peacock, neverbefore-seen footage would not have been released for fans to enjoy.

Streaming has become more popular during the pandemic, and Peacock’s entry into an already overwhelming mix of streaming services was bad news for people’s wallets. HBO Max and Disney+ are also two new additions to the streaming service club, and with each service costing a significant amount of money per month, bank accounts are surely feeling the effects. It is inconvenient to have to pay for multiple streaming services, but there are alternatives, including sharing accounts with friends and family to split the cost or watching entertainment on websites that stream movies and shows for free.

Now, there are three potential reasons why Netflix could remove third-party content: the show isn’t popular enough, it is too costly to keep or Netflix lost the rights to that content.

In the end, the removal of fan-favorite visual entertainment comes down to what licensing agreements Netflix has with various companies, and since we are viewers with essentially no say in these agreements, it is best to just let go of any resentment toward these platforms.

And, it’s not all bad. Although Netflix removed a lot of fan favorite entertainment from its platform, they made up for it by announcing their 2021 movie line-up. Their announcement made well-deserved headlines: they will be releasing new movies — yes, new — every week in 2021. The movies cover nearly every genre, from Ryan Reynold and Dwayne Johnson action movies to new installments of popular romantic comedy trilogies. I don’t know about you, but I am excited to see some new movies (especially “Don’t Look Up” starring Timothée Chalamet).

The pandemic is going to be one year old soon, and while it’s unfortunate that some comfort television has been stripped from our streaming arsenal, Netflix has given us an even greater gift: brand new entertainment.

With the vaccine being distributed and new COVID-19 cases on the decline, many businesses are slowly recovering from the pandemic’s impact. Unfortunately, movie theaters are slow to make a comeback.

Movie theaters across San Diego are open and ready for business, but COVID-19 has squashed many theaters’ chances to welcome customers and business. The inability to properly follow social distancing, masking and safety guidelines in theaters has forced moviegoers to resort to at-home streaming services.

“I was planning on going to the movie theaters, but since the coronavirus outbreak, my parents decided it would be best if I stayed home,” Morgan Mullins (10) said. “Recently, I’ve been using a lot of streaming services like Netflix and Hulu to watch the movies I would normally be seeing in theaters.”

With Hollywood entering a forced work break in March due to the outbreak, theaters were forced to close temporarily because of the lack of Hollywood features and movies being released.

It was expected that once new movies started being released again, crowds would flock to the theaters — but that has yet to happen.

Many movie release dates have been pushed back due to the pandemic. This has left theaters with very limited content to entice moviegoers out of their homes. “Wonder Woman 1984,” for example, was set to release in October but was pushed back to December. Another example is Disney’s Marvel film “Black Widow,” which was delayed to May 2021 from Nov. 2020. “[The theater industry] is not going to recover fully until consumers are confident that they won’t die if they go to the movies,” Micheal Pachter, an analyst at investment firm Wedbush, said. “That means no return to normal until there is a vaccine widely available, likely not until April to July 2021.”

There are two sides to this conversation.

Some believe that with the constant closings and lack of movies to show, cinema will be

put out of business permanently. On the other hand, some believe that movies have been an integral part of our culture and lives, and that the industry is sure to rebound eventually.

“It could put them out of business, but I think the movie theaters will come back,” Spanish teacher Greg Balden said. “It’s just a matter of time. It may be delayed with the newer choices out there.”

With many streaming services available at one’s fingertips, going to theaters is comparatively becoming more and more of a hassle. People are able to limit exposure to harmful germs in theaters by staying in the comfort of their own homes, which is more appealing than ever given the ongoing pandemic.

Yet, on the other hand, with vaccines being widely distributed and new cases declining, movie theaters could very easily return as a part of everyday life again. The consequences of the pandemic on theaters are still unknown.

Although movies have been a part of our culture for decades, the way we view them may continue changing.

“I’ve always been a huge fan of being able to stay home and watch a movie on my couch, and with COVID-19, I realized I enjoyed it much more than actually going to the movies and spending an excessive amount of money,” Evan Patrick (10) said. “Honestly, I don’t know that I’ll be going to theaters once they open up but it’s always fun getting a group of my friends and seeing a great movie.”

Whether movie theaters will continue to pull in crowds or shut down for good, the pandemic most definitely has had an impact on the billion-dollar industry. The pandemic highlighted the ease of viewing movies from the comfort of one’s own home rather than having to take a costly trip to the theaters.

Even with the rate at which the population is being vaccinated, it’s uncertain what the future of the movie theater industry looks like.

by Dixie Wallerius

Brandon Raimo

SPORTS EDITOR

Torrey Pines hosts Farmers Insurance Open

IMAGE FROM YOUR GOLF TRAVEL

Helene Gao and David Zhang STAFF WRITERS

The Farmers Insurance Open is an annual four-day tournament on the PGA Tour held at Torrey Pines Golf Course. The Farmers Insurance Open began in 1952 at the San Diego Country Club. It then moved to Torrey Pines Golf Course in 1968 where it has been held since, under various names.

The Farmers Insurance Open takes place in late January, with 18 holes played each day and a total of 72 holes for players who make the cut. The top 60 players and ties in the Farmers make the cut.

Those who do not make it are dismissed from the tournament. Both the North and South Courses are played during the Farmers.

Before the cut, every player rotates, playing on both courses once; after the cut, only the South Course is played.

Notable players in this year’s event included Rory McIlroy, Phil Mickelson, Jon Rahm, Xander Shauffle, Rickie Fowler, Bubba Watson and Brooks Koepka.

Tiger Woods was unable to make his annual Tour debut due to recovery from back surgery.

Because of COVID-19 guidelines, the usual tens of thousands of spectators were forced to watch the event at home. Players and caddies must test negative for COVID-19 in order to play the tournament while a

limited number of volunteers ball-search.

Players were allowed to lift, clean and place their balls during the first and second rounds as course conditions worsened due to sporadic rain and intense winds. Eighty-seven of the 156 players in the field broke par in the first round, with 47 breaking 70. On the second day, the tournament was delayed for an hour in the late afternoon when heavy rain and hail interrupted play. After the second round, Viktor Hovland led the Open field at nine-under after shooting a seven-under 65.

The 97 players with the highest scores were cut from the tournament.

In the third day, one of the leading participants, Patrick Reed, sparked controversy

when he picked up his allegedly embedded golf ball before notifying his playing partners or consulting an official. Reed claimed the ball was embedded on the tenth hole, but there was video evidence showing that the ball actually bounced after landing and was therefore very unlikely to be plugged. When a golf ball is embedded, the player is allowed to take a free drop of one club length, but no closer to the hole. Reed was at fault for choosing not to notify his playing partners or a rules official. However, according to the official definition of an embedded ball, he was not incorrect, so Reed was not penalized.

After the third round, Reed and Carlos Ortiz were tied at the top with a total

of 10-under-par. In the final round, Reed made his charge that separated himself from the field shooting four-underpar (68) that ultimately resulted in his win.

Reed went on to win the Farmers Insurance Open with a substantial lead of five strokes. Xander Schauffele, Ryan Palmer, Henrik Norlander, Tony Finau and Hovland were tied for second, each at a total of nine-under-par.

Reed ended up winning $1.35 million in prize money. Schauffele, Palmer, Norlander, Finau and Hovland each won $456,000.

Despite the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic, the tournament’s viewership stayed strong and continued the annual tradition at Torrey Pines Golf Course.

Patrick Reed holds trophy after winning the Farmers Insurance Open 2021 at Torrey Pines Golf Course.

IMAGE FROM PRO GOLF NOW Photo courtesy of Yahoo Sports

The future of the quarterback position is as bright as ever with many young stars. One common trait between these young QBs is their ability to run and avoid pressure when necessary. The prototypical quarterback is no longer a “pocket passer” who lacks athleticism and mobility, and the number of active quarterbacks that fit this mold is rapidly declining.

One factor that has contributed to the transformation of the position is playcalling; teams are using their quarterbacks in the running game at a historical rate. In the 2010 season, just one quarterback (Michael Vick) amassed over 400 rushing yards. 10 years later, that number has jumped to eight, the most in NFL history.

The surge in quarterbacks who can run is not only due to changes in how teams utilize them, but also how teams evaluate the position. In past years, fast quarterbacks often switched positions before declaring for the draft to increase their stock, but this trend has quickly disappeared. Players like Lamar Jackson and Jalen Hurts, who may have changed positions a decade ago, are now scorching defenses with their dual-threat capabilities.

But as these hybrid quarterbacks continue to appear, the opportunities for traditional pocket passers grow scarce. Nearly every hot quarterback prospect has at least some ability to outrun defenders, and the ones that do not are overlooked. For example, University of Alabama’s Mac Jones, a prospect in the 2021 NFL Draft, has remarkable arm talent and played at an extremely high level in college, but his lack of mobility has single-handedly dropped his draft stock to the late first round.

On the other hand, Tua Tagovailoa, Jones’s predecessor at Alabama, put up similar passing stats to Jones in college but was drafted fifth overall in the 2020 Draft because of his exceptional agility and quickness.

On the other side of the age spectrum, most older pocket passers have either retired or regressed immensely. While the ageless Tom Brady is still as good as ever, most of his peers experienced a noticeable decline this season; Philip Rivers announced his retirement following this season’s end, Drew Brees is also expected to retire during this offseason and Ben Roethlisberger showed glaring signs of regression throughout the season.

The loss of many of the league’s best pocket passers along with the influx of athleticism has turned slow quarterbacks into a dying breed. As teams ask more and more of their quarterbacks, the pocket passer type has gradually become the exception, not the rule.

A20 the falconer

sports

february 26, 2021

DAY IN THE LIFE Sebastian Barclay (12), who was named after Sebastian Coe, a professional runner and two-time Olympic gold medalist, has always been inspired by Coe’s success.

“He was the person I was named after, so he grew the little fire in me,” Barclay said.

As a varsity athlete on both the track and field and cross country teams, Barclay embraces running, especially because of the sport’s individuality.

“Since it’s an individual sport, you can do as much as you want when you want,” Barclay said. “You can improve as much as you want to improve.”

He runs the 400-meter dash and the mile, but his signature event is the 800-meter run.

“It’s a very unique race,” Barclay said. “In the way you go through it, anything can happen.”

He has a specific mindset for this event, as conquering the 800 successfully takes a combination of strategy, timing and athleticism.

“If you go out too fast, you will die out,” Barclay said. “If you go out too slow, you won’t catch up. It’s the perfect distance for me.”

Over the summer, he ran his fastest 800, and although it wasn’t in competition, it is his proudest achievement to date.

“Since our season got canceled by COVID-19, I took the matter into my own hands and ran 800 meters in one minute and 51 seconds,” Barclay said. “That’s what allowed me to make it to the next level of college.”

To gain speed and endurance, he practices twice a day, usually before and after school — one three- to five-mile morning run followed by an afternoon run consisting of either a workout or more mileage. Barclay does speed, hill and long-distance workouts for tempo practice. But, when preparing for a race, he employs a different routine.

“My [pre-race] preparation is simple,” Barclay said. “I take everything slowly, and I just relax throughout the day and hang out with friends, but I don’t do anything crazy.”

He wakes up three hours before an event, although it depends on when the race is. But, no matter the circumstances, he always eats a good breakfast.

At school, Barclay is also the captain of the varsity track and field and cross country teams. Hhe credits much of his success to those teams.

“Every aspect of TPHS has influenced my success: the coaches and the teammates,” Barclay said. “They all push you in a way.”

Although running is an individual sport, he still believes it has a very important team aspect.

“You will have your teammates that run by you, so it’s competitive,” Barclay said. “Everyone wants to go faster, so you want to be that last person not to give up.”

As a captain, Barclay is responsible for supporting his teammates as much as possible. He checks for form and workout routine while making sure the newcomers feel welcome.

“It takes a lot to be a leader, especially with COVID-19,” he said. “Everyone is different, and you do as much as can to help and be there [for them].”

For now, Barclay will continue his running career on the storied University of Oregon track team, where Olympians Steve Prefontaine and Alberto Salazar ran. He hopes to break a minute and 50 seconds in the 800 and four minutes in the mile this year.

“Hopefully I grow as an athlete and be the best I can, the best of my ability,” Barclay said.

Long-term, Barclay sees himself competing in the Olympics and the World Championships, standing on the podium, gold medal in hand, following in the footsteps of his idol, Sebastian Coe.

by Jacob Zhang

SEBASTIAN BARclay

sports

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A21

Documentary examines Woods’s career Streaker bet on himself

LI

X

hobbies and personal relationships, was swiftly cut out of his life.

It also suggests that Tiger’s attitude toward love and relationships may have been influenced by the obvious extramarital affairs that Earl and his close family friend Joe Grohman had with multiple women during his childhood.

In fact, what surprised me most about the film, and one of the things I most admired, was its even treatment of Tiger’s h i g h l y publicized affairs and the women involved in them.

“My name hasn’t lost the stigma at all; it’s always been ‘Rachel Uchitel, Tiger Woods’

TF

NE

they function to drive home the point that Woods cannot be summed up by a single moment in his career.

“Tiger” is not unbiased; several aspects of Woods’ life are analyzed extensively, and others are hardly touched upon.

For example, the film makes a point to highlight Woods’s unusual relationship with his parents, especially Earl, who expected him not only to be a golf prodigy but a racial unifier for the U.S. Anything that his parents thought interfered with these g o a l s , including o t h e r

FR OM

“Tiger,” the two-part documentary chronicling the extraordinary life and career of Tiger Woods, premiered in January on HBO and HBO Max. The film begins and ends the same way: with a quote from Woods’ late father, Earl Woods.

“Please forgive me, but sometimes I get very emotional when I talk about my son,” the elder Woods says, his voice thick with fondness. “My heart fills with so much joy when I realize that this young man is going to help so many people.”

This line encapsulates one of the major themes of the documentary: that Woods has always been held to an impossible standard.

Over the course of 192 minutes, “Tiger” features interviews with major figures from Woods’s life intercut with television coverage of his successes and struggles.

Surprisingly, considering how thoroughly detailed it is, the film does not have any direct interviews with Woods, only clips from other previous interviews. Also

absent are any people from Woods’ current social circle.

While this at first struck me as a major drawback, I grew to appreciate the way in which Woods as a character is left incomplete. Some of the interviews seem at odds with one another, but

OT O

OPINION EDITOR

PH

Jasmine Criqui

mistress,’” says Uchitel, one of the women Woods had an intimate relationship with while married to his wife at the time, Elin Nordegren.

Refreshingly, the film does not attempt to vilify Uchitel and the rest of the women with whom Tiger had extramartial affairs, or even Woods himself. Instead, it focuses on the invasive press coverage that publicized an issue meant to be dealt with personally, subjecting Nordegren to prying eyes and verbal abuse.

In this way, “Tiger” issues a strong rebuke to a culture that feels entitled to the private lives of public figures, and reiterates that those involved in the scandal are real people, not objects for entertainment.

“Tiger” doesn’t attempt to excuse Woods for his behavior, but it doesn’t condemn him for it either.

Viewers are left to decide.

Overall, I thought the documentary presented an in-depth look at circumstances surrounding the golf superstar, while keeping intact the sense of intrigue and mystery that defines his legacy.

The controversial growth of tanking Brandon Raimo & Matan Morris

SPORTS EDITOR & STAFF WRITER

In the final game of the 2020 NFL regular season, the 6-9 Washington Football Team was set to face the 4-10-1 Philadelphia Eagles. The Eagles were already eliminated from playoff contention, but Washington needed a win in order to clinch a spot in the postseason. For the first three quarters, the game was extremely competitive, with Washington holding a 17-14 lead entering the fourth quarter. Then, for no apparent reason, Eagles’ coach Doug Pederson replaced quarterback Jalen Hurts, who had scored both of the Eagles’ touchdowns, in favor of backup Nate Sudfeld.

PHOTO FROM INSIDE THE IGGLES

Unsurprisingly, Sudfeld was awful, and Washington hung on to win 20-14. This left fans across the country outraged at Pederson for seemingly throwing the game by benching Hurts at such a crucial moment.

But from the Eagles’ perspective, this was the right move. The loss means that instead of having the ninth overall pick in the upcoming draft, they now have the sixth pick. This is the basis of “tanking” in sports: losing games in order to acquire higher draft picks.

It’s a bizarre loophole that many fans abhor, but this method is used by teams across nearly every major sport in America.

The idea of tanking was merely an afterthought in prior decades; the team

that popularized this practice was Philadelphia’s basketball team, the 76ers, in the mid-2010s. In 2012, the team was only one game away from reaching the Conference Finals, but after an underwhelming 2012-13 season, they parted ways with GM Tony DiLeo and replaced him with analytics guru Sam Hinkie. Hinkie proceeded to trade away nearly every good player on the roster in return for draft picks, and the team was among the worst in the NBA for the next three seasons.

This stretch of losing yielded three consecutive top-three picks, which they used to select future All-Stars Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid.

Although Hinkie was fired in 2016, the 76ers soon transformed into a perennial playoff team, and were led by the players that Hinkie acquired during his tenure.

At the time, Hinkie was among the most hated figures in all of sports; only after his firing did people realize his contributions to the 76ers.

Soon, other NBA teams began to follow suit, and teams from other leagues adopted the practice as well.

NFL teams such as the Miami Dolphins, New York Jets

and Jacksonville Jaguars all began to adhere to the same philosophy that guided Hinkie in Philadelphia, and it’s already started to pay dividends.

With all this noise about the emerging trend of tanking, leagues have started to take action to prevent it. For instance, the NBA decided to deter teams from tanking by evening out teams’ chances to get a top pick in the draft via a lottery for the top three picks. The draft lottery has become increasingly random in recent years as to which team receives the top pick in the draft, as the NBA has shifted the odds in favor of better teams.

This was prevalent in the 2019 lottery, when the New Orleans Pelicans landed the first pick despite only having the eighth-worst record in the league.

The landscape of the sports world has already been completely altered by the ascension of tanking, and the end is nowhere in sight. No matter how polarizing this approach becomes, it’s clear that tanking has embedded itself into American sports for the foreseeable future.

Nolan Ezzet & Kelsie Park

SPORTS EDITOR & STAFF WRITER

With 5:03 remaining in Super Bowl LV (SBLV), a man later identified as Yuri Andrade wore a bra and pink leotard as he ran onto the field.

Andrade placed a $50,000 wager at +750 (7.5:1) that there would be a streaker at SBLV. Andrade and his friend Charles Schaffer Jr., who also streaked, were each charged with one count of trespassing. Both were released after posting a $500 bail, so Andrade (should have) made a profit of $374,000.

However, Andrade couldn’t keep quiet, confirming his plan was true.

This would come back to bite him, as Bovada, the sportsbook that took his wager, refused to pay him.

“We will continue to make sure that any publicity stunts or ill-intended behavior cannot adversely affect the outcome of a player’s wager,” a Bovada spokesperson said.

Bovada is conducting an investigation on all bets that there would be a streaker at SBLV and said they will pay out all legitimate bets. Bovada will also refund all wagers on there not being a streaker at SBLV. Andrade should have kept his mouth shut. He did the equivalent of an athlete fixing a game.

Meme Review Nolan Ezzet

SPORTS EDITOR

Brooklyn Nets shooting guard James Harden has always been a rather interesting NBA player, but we are currently witnessing a completely new breed.

Right before the 2020-21 NBA season began, Harden, while still on the Houston Rockets, demanded a trade. He also arrived late to training camp, attempting to become such a distraction that the Rockets would have no choice but to trade him.

At the time, the Rockets refused to trade him, so Harden then showed up to the preseason out of shape.

Harden seemingly had no interest in maintaining his weight for as long as he was playing for Houston.

As the regular season rolled around, Harden’s weight situation only got worse. During warmups, Harden appeared to put on a couple more pounds. It looked like an offensive lineman accidentally showed up at the Rockets game.

Harden violated the NBA’s COVID-19 protocols numerous times, showing that he would not give any effort. Then, the Rockets organization had enough. Harden was traded to the Brooklyn Nets, where he seems to be happier.

Harden has always been a strange individual, but he has never been as big a meme as he is now.

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POV: you’re my food in the microwave #TheWeeknd

THIS PAGE IS ENTIRELY FICTIONAL. PHOTOS FROM PEOPLE, COMIC BOOK AND BUZZFEED.

@teaninipress 3h