Back to Articles Editorial Back to Sections Implications of Capitol Hill Attack By Simar Thind Volume 1 Issue 4 January 20, 2021 No Image available at this time On January 6, 2021, Donald Trump held a rally in Washington D.C. to call on politicians to reverse the results of the election. By making claims to his supporters that action must take place to “Save the Steal” and vocally denying the outcome of the election, Trump contributed to the violent rhetoric that allowed for the attack on Capitol Hill to take place. This was planned. Extremists planned the January 6 insurrection, and the evidence is apparent on many conservative websites (Timberg). Many wonder about the lack of security preparations leading up to that day. Protesters holding Blue Lives Matter flags while fighting the police to trespass into the Capitol building truly captures the irony of that day. In the moment, we could not comprehend the full picture of the attack. However, as we slowly see footage that pieces together the events, the brutality reveals itself. Rioters shout threats against Vice President Pence and the Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi. Pipe bombs and guns were found at the scene. Members of Congress were under lockdown and hid for their lives (Reeves). Terrorists trespassed into the building as windows were broken and officers trampled, some holding zip ties to handcuff lawmakers (Timberg). Anti-Semitic symbols and Confederate flags accompanied pro-Trump signs among the crowd. Five people died during the attack; one rioter was shot, one police officer was beaten to death, and three others died after facing medical emergencies (Healy). Horrific; undemocratic; cruel; despicable; barbaric. We do not use the word “love” when describing domestic terrorists, but it seems like President Trump did not get the memo. He attempted to reverse his actions of inciting violence at his rally by tweeting a video telling rioters “We love you and you’re very special…but go home…” (Caldwell). The failure of security and threats on their lives pushed Congress to confirm Biden’s presidential win that next morning, having the opposite effect the rioters intended. Following the confirmation, Trump conceded the election, stating that a new administration would rise to power without explicitly mentioning Biden or Harris. He claims he wants a peaceful transfer of power, but later tweeted that he would not attend the inauguration; his reasons for this are not stated. The incident acts as a harbinger of bad luck for Trump’s political future. Many urged Pence and the cabinet to invoke the 25th amendment, which would declare Trump unfit for the presidency and have Pence take his place until the inauguration on January 20th. The path to removing Trump from power through this method remains unprecedented. House Democrats have pushed an alternative option. Headed by Pelosi, they formally introduced their plan to impeach Trump to hold him accountable for his role in inciting the insurrection, and the number of Republicans supporting the impeachment continued to grow (Wagner). To this date, this second impeachment has passed the House. Much remains uncertain due to the limited amount of time before the transition of power. The exposure of vulnerabilities and potential risks of national security must be discussed. Due to this event, the United States is vulnerable to attacks from foreign entities as well as domestic threats. The attack portrays the U.S. as weak to the outside world. But that is not our biggest worry. Currently, the FBI warns of potential insurrections surrounding the inauguration in all 50 state capitols (MacFarquhar). Hopefully, states heed warnings this time around as tensions continue to escalate. Many governors’ personal safety is at risk. For instance, Gov. Brad Little of Oregon and Gov. Gretchen Whitmer of Michigan both faced plots for their kidnapping. The insurrection poses many questions for the American public to consider. First, why was there more security for Black Lives Matter protests than this incident, especially when there was evidence of its planning on the internet? Further investigations will take place to evaluate the lack of security and to ensure the safety of state capitols throughout the nation. Second, is America a true democracy? It is a fact that the presidency allows certain corruptions to occur. When a man such as Donald Trump is elected President with no experience in politics and less than a majority of the popular vote, we must evaluate the system. Furthermore, we cannot allow anyone to contribute to violence that threatens national security, especially (and ironically) the President of the United States. We must remember that all government officials are public servants, and when they fail to govern a nation effectively and are a symbol of hatred and violence, the public must urge their removal from office. Many members of Congress state January 6th, 2021 a day that will live in infamy. Now we must consider how this incident will shape the country and whether the nation can grow from it, or if we will become further divided. As students, our responsibility concerns always evaluating all sides of a multi-faceted issue and behaving with empathy. Works Cited Caldwell, Travis. "Trump's 'We Love You' to Capitol Rioters is More of the Same." CNN , www.cnn.com/2021/01/07/politics/trump-history-comments-trnd/index.html. Healy, Jack. "These are the Five People Who Died in the Capitol Riot." NY Times , www.nytimes.com/2021/01/11/us/who-died-in-capitol-building-attack.html. MacFarquhar, Neil, and Mike Baker. "State Capitols on High Alert, Fearing More Violence." NY Times , www.nytimes.com/2021/01/11/us/politics/state-capitols-protests-trump.html. Reeves, Jay, et al. "Capitol Assault a More Sinister Attack than First Appeared." Associated Press , Jan. 2021, apnews.com/article/us-capitol-attack-14c73ee280c256ab4ec193ac0f49ad54. Timberg, Craig, et al. "Capitol Siege Was Planned Online. Trump Supporters Now Planning the Next One." The Washington Post , www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2021/01/09/trump-twitter-protests/. Trump, Donald J. "'Save America' Rally Speech." Rev , 6 Jan. 2021, www.rev.com/blog/transcripts/donald-trump-speech-save-america-rally-transcript-january-6. Speech. Wagner, Meg, et al. "House Pushes to Impeach Trump after Deadly Capitol Riot." CNN , www.cnn.com/politics/live-news/trump-impeachment-news-01-11-21/index.html. BACK TO TOP

Back to Artwork Black American Artists Back to Sections Coiffure By Lorna Simpson February 12, 2021 Volume 1 Issue 5 Medium: 3 Gelatin Silver Prints and 10 Engraved Plastic Plaques, Courtesy National Gallery of Art, Washington

Back to Artwork Spotlight Back to Sections Avoiding the Unknown By Elaine Ching March 28, 2022 Watercolor Volume 2 Issue 5

Back to Articles Art & Culture Back to Sections Perspective By Isabella Somma Volume 1 Issue 3 December 16, 2020 Original artwork by Isabella Somma Perspective. How you view situations, the world, people around you, and everyday life. It influences your beliefs, personality, and how they you treat the people around you. Your perspective can change as you get older, based on whom you surround yourself with, interests and hobbies, beliefs, and morals. Your perspective has an influence on your artwork and creations too. As an individual, I feel that my perspective on how I view objects, landscapes and colors changed as I began to understand the world around me and its complex aspects of depth, shape, and light. As a young artist, when I looked at a landscape or view, I only saw that the trees were green, the sky blue, the ocean blue, the sunset red, orange, and yellow. However, as I got older, I began to really look at a landscape and dissect the different elements to it. The way the shadows cast on the trees and the way the light from the sun cascades through the holes in the leaves. I noticed the movement of the wind and the water. This opened my eyes as I was able to recognize and pick apart distinct aspects of the images I was trying to recreate. Like impressionist artist Paul Cezanne, who captured the movement of the sky and changing light in landscapes, I began to understand movement of light and how it impacts the final product you see. In a previous assignment I had to complete, I investigated Paul Cezanne and studied how he manipulated paint strokes to create images that give the illusion of movement and free flowing. This inspired me to try working with this view of the world constantly in movement. It changed my perspective on the world and how we see it. Everything is more complex than we initially thought when we were children. Simple things such as trees have so many dimensions, colors, and textures many chose to ignore. Investing my time in art helped me to realize this and change my artistic perspective. BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles Entertainment & Media Back to Sections Marvel’s Shang Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings: Cultural Identity Done Right By Alain Deen Volume 2 Issue 1 October 8, 2021 Image provided by Marvel Watching Marvel’s “Shang Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings” was both a refreshing and vivid experience. It is a film that dives deep into the roots of Asian American culture, as well as Chinese culture in general. Interestingly enough, I am not a Marvel fan. I know of many Marvel characters, their abilities, and general story lines. However, I classify myself as an average viewer looking only for the occasional Marvel entertainment. This is exactly what the film provided for my friends and me. It serves as an origin story, making the film rather easy to follow. On top of that, I grew attached to the characters with ease. In my book, that is the pinnacle of a great film. A film with intricate fight scenes, themes of familial strife, and a stunning performance by Awkwafina (who played Katy), Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings offers most attributes I look for in an origin story. The film follows Shang-Chi, who also goes by Shaun (Simu Liu), who resides in what is now present-day San Francisco with his friend Katy. While living a rather normal life, Shang-Chi is later forced to face the ramifications of his past. An epic journey ensues, during which we discover more and more about the origins of Shang-Chi as a character. Additionally, we are introduced to a wide range of characters on this epic journey, such as Shang-Chi’s sister Xialing, as well as the loveable Trevor Slattery and his Dijiang pet Morris. The film also has cinematography way ahead of its time. If I were to have a tier list of the best fight sequences of all time, the bus rodeo in this film would be up there. If there was one word to describe it: herculean. Let’s talk culture. I thought this film portrayed Asian American and Chinese culture beautifully. The subtle themes of familial bonding, accompanied with language, love, and sacrifice make the film all the better. On another note, the film was the first to have an entire Asian cast, making it revolutionary in its own sense. Not only that, but it is also the first Marvel film to contain an Asian lead. Because of this, the film has a wider appeal, which allows it to be a box-office bonanza. It has made $364.3 million at the box office so far. Overall, “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings” proves to be a cinematic masterpiece. I highly recommend it. It really is a beautiful showcase of Asian culture, and I am sure that there will be more greatness to come. BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles Entertainment & Media Back to Sections Why Calming Music Can Heal Your Soul By Isabella Menjivar Volume 1 Issue 7 April 22, 2021 Original artwork by Isabella Menjivar How many times a day do you exhaustedly sigh and feel unmotivated, tired, or say “I can’t do this?” Stress is more harmful than most expect. Finding yourself consumed with stressful emotions can lead to heart disease, premature aging, weight gain, high blood pressure, and overall a weakened immune system, which is the last thing you want during a global pandemic. In the moment, we only feel the stress, but we need to keep in mind the long-term effects are yet to come. Therefore, it’s extremely important to find ways to battle the pressure of everyday life. During stressful times we need to remember, “It’s not the load that breaks you down, it’s the way you carry it.” -Lou Holtz Here are four soothing songs recommended by my classmates and family that may help boost relaxing feelings during your day. Westworld: Runaway - Kanye West [Piano Cover] - YouTube Twilight Soundtrack- Bella’s Lullaby Mia and Sebastian’s Theme- La La Land Soundtrack Yellow- Coldplay BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles Sports Back to Sections North’s Sparnettes: A Performance to Remember! By Christina Ossa Volume 3 Issue 4 May 18, 2023 Image provided by Emily Seitz On February 28th, North’s own Spartanettes Kickline Team performed at Memorial Junior High School. Along with North’s Senior High team, our Junior High team also performed. The senior and junior high performers from our district from Memorial Junior High, South High School, and Central High School performed as well. However, this performance was special in that it was the senior members of the Sparnettes’ last time performing with their team. The performance was enchanting, with a well-rounded mix of kicks, cheers, dances, and (of course) fun. The show had three components: Lyrical, Pom, and Hip-Hop dances. Each dance was clearly well-coordinated, diligently thought out, smooth, and enjoyable, as each performance from the Sparnettes generally is. This year, there are six graduating seniors on the team who deserve praise and a warm goodbye. Emily Seitz, Sophia Mura, Kayla Marshall Pierce, Sofia Barry, Carmela Krsulic, and Michele Leon will leave North for greater opportunities this June. They have worked incredibly hard to rehears and perform in each show and performance they have put forward each year they’ve been on the Spartanettes. Here is a warm goodbye from co-captain and graduating senior Emily Seitz: “The past three years on this team have been an absolute rollercoaster, and I wouldn’t trade it for the world. When I first tried out in 10th grade because I forgot to sign up in 9th grade, I convinced myself I had no chance of making the team. Then when I did make it, I cried after the first practice and considered quitting that week because I didn’t really know anyone and didn’t know how to break out of my comfort zone. I remember talking to captains and my lovely Sophia (Sophia Mura) and deciding to give it a chance, and I’m so glad I made the right choice! If you had told me then that I would be a captain the following year and somehow get my sister to join the team, I would’ve said you were completely and utterly insane. This team has brought so much joy into my life and helped me grow into the person I am today. Although it gets stressful sometimes with five-hour practices and ripples that get messed up time and time again, driving Ava Strojan and me crazy, we somehow always come back and kill it anyway. I have loved all of our practices that turned into gossip hour, holiday parties, performances with the music messed up every single time, impromptu senior practice bonding accompanied by pizza, intradistricts, and so, so much more. I could go on and on about what this team means to me, but I think you get the gist! It’s been an honor being a Spartanette. I love you guys.” Overall, the Spartanettes deserve a grand applause for their hard work each year to put on amazing shows and performances for our school and others. The team’s efforts always pay off, as seen in their performances. They deserve praise for their hard work and diligence, and it’s no doubt they will continue to shine here at North. Congratulations to an amazing performance, Spartanettes, and to the graduating seniors for an amazing experience on the team! Spartanettes perform opening number with the other VSCHSD schools to kick off the showcase From February 2023 VSCHSD Instradistrict Showcase The Spartanettes perform HipHop to Gasolina by Daddy Yankee (remix) before the senior routine BACK TO TOP

Back to Artwork Nightmare on Main Street Back to Sections Nightmare on Main Street- Elaine Ching Elaine Ching November 6, 2023 Digital Art Volume 4 Issue 1

Back to Articles Feature Back to Sections Red Ribbon Week! Jeselys Vazquez Volume 4 Issue 1 November 6, 2023 Image provided by www.redribbon.org The SADD Club proudly presented Red Ribbon Week starting March 24th, 2023 and continued the celebration till March 31st. This was one of the major events for the SADD club where we decorate, develop a theme week of activities and what we wear, and make morning announcements on statistics about alcohol, smoking, drug abuse, and violence. Monday’s theme was “Don’t Be a Statistic Day.” Tranquil Tuesday’s theme was “Meditate, Don’t Intoxicate.” Wednesday was ‘’Stomp Out Drugs’’ Day by wearing boots. “Lei” off drugs was Thursday where we supported the idea that we should not rely on drugs as a decompress to our stress or anxiety but focus on more reliance on ourselves to be active and do what is best for mind and body as a whole. Lastly, on Friday we all wore red to support the drug and violence prevention awareness campaign. Volunteer members in the SADD club dressed all black and wore a paper on the front and back of their shirt represented a person who died from a certain abuse, such as drug abuse, alcohol abuse, and smoking abuse at a young age. According to research, “An estimated 79,117 Americans died from drug overdoses between January and September 2022” (The Commonwealth Fund). According to the National Institute of Health, “Each year, approximately 5,000 young people under the age of 21 die as a result of underage drinking; this includes about 1,900 deaths from motor vehicle crashes.” The CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) states that there are “more than 480,000 deaths annually from cigarette smoking, including deaths from secondhand smoke.” Throughout the day, a volunteer could not interact with friends and had to remain silent until the end of the school day to bring awareness and getting people’s attention just by reading and seeing how many people just die each year from overdoses and abuse in consumption. Friday is when we all wore Red to finish it off and participate together in saying no to drugs, making better decisions when come across these things, and helping others not fall into the dangerous habit of being dependent on substances because they feel it is their only solution. Society now has many ways of getting information out there - whether with a good purpose or not, people become informed much more quickly and can affect someone deeply where they know how to manage and cope, so they lean on to others’ advice or suggestions. We should always lean on to what is more wise and beneficial advice and recommendations to others to go on the right path and not make those mistakes without having a friend look out for them or correct them. BACK TO TOP

Back to Artwork Lights On for Education Back to Sections Chelsea Ramdyal - Lights On for Education By Chelsea Ramdyal April 22, 2021 Marker Volume 1 Issue 7