Symphony in the Cities

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This past August, I volunteered for a city event called Symphony in the Cities. The event held at Oso Viejo Park, behind the Norman P. Murray Center, was a concert with a western theme called “Dust of Your Boots.” There were also fun booths and entertainment for children and food trucks for families to enjoy while listening to the performers. Included in the festivities were a mechanical bull, panning for gold, and a cow milking contest. The event was free to attend, attracting many local families and groups of all ages.

Norman P. Murray Community and Senior Center | Mission Viejo CA

The concert needed volunteers for a few services like greeters and people to run the activities and oversee the bounce house. My job was as a member of the waste reduction education team. I was one of the volunteers at a booth with several types of waste disposal containers. Our job was to help people organize their waste into trash, recycling, and compost. We were provided with guides for what waste should go in what bin in advance.

I volunteered with a friend and we received four hours of community service each while we educated the community about the importance of properly organizing waste. Plus, we were right by the stage and were able to listen to incredible music the entire time. All in all, I would recommend volunteering for Symphony in the Cities when the event returns to Mission Viejo.

One of My best Stress Relievers

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School can seem extremely overwhelming. Some days, I get extremely lucky, and I have little to no homework, but other days, I can have tons of upcoming tests, or assignments/projects due soon. Between school work, tests, and activities, it is extremely easy to feel stressed or burned out. When this happens, I think that doing some form of exercise really helps reset someone’s mind. For me personally, baseball and going to the gym helps my mental health a lot.

As a student, there seems like there is always pressure to keep up. Grades matter, time feels limited, and it can feel like I can never catch a break. Stress builds up faster than people realize. As a student in high school, it feels like there is so much pressure on every decision I make and how it might impact my future and my career.

Baseball helps me slow down and focus. When I am on the field or in the batter’s box, I’m not thinking about assignments or deadlines. I’m only focused on the next pitch, the next play, and being present in the moment. As a teen, playing sports clears your head and teaches you discipline and patience. Although, at times, there may be extremely frustrating moments while playing sports, it pushes one to get better and improve as a player and as a person.

Going to the gym helps in a different way. Lifting weights allows me to relieve stress physically. After a workout, I feel calmer, more confident, and more prepared to handle challenges at school. I recommend that everybody should try to consistently get in the gym. If you workout 3-5 times a week, you can notice some results pretty fast both physically and mentally. Going to the gym improves focus after studying and boosts one’s confidence.

Everyone handles stress differently. For me, baseball and the gym are perfect ways to protect my mental health while staying active. Finding something that helps you reset, whether it being sports, music, or journaling, can make a huge difference in someone’s life.

Disconnect And Recconect

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In 1990, around 96% of Americans had no cell phone, and exactly 30 years later, the number completely flipped. In 2020, it was reported that 98% of Americans had a cell phone or smartphone. With the rapid rise of technology use over the past 30 years, the way people live has changed completely. This was shown in work life, home life, and most of all, social life. Technology allowed people to connect with others from all over the world, whether it be the other side of the world or even the next-door neighbor.

While technology gave more opportunities to connect with others, for some, it completely isolated them. Studies show that in 2023, a report titled “Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation,” discovered that half of the U.S. adults experienced measurable levels of loneliness, and technology had a major impact on that. The focus on technology can induce feelings of loneliness due to the natural human need for social interaction and technology’s impact on these social interactions. Poor social connections can increase risks for major health problems, such as heart disease and stroke.

In order to prevent the decrease of social interaction and isolation, it’s important to strengthen social interactions. This can be done by going to parks, libraries, or other places that encourage social interaction with others. Hanging out with friends free from technology can also improve social interaction. There are many fun activities out there that don’t require technology in order to be fun. Some ideas can range from amusement parks to a little walk in the park, or even going swimming. Numerous community groups promote social interaction through volunteer activities, sports, or mentorship programs. Thus, since technology can hinder the social skills of many people, it’s important to interact with others and the environment without technology to improve social skills.

Getting started with Robotics

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Ever wanted to become Tony Stark? Maybe the thrill of making something yourself? If you have not, or have never heard of him (he’s Iron Man), then you’ve at least seen all these unique robots that you might not even consider. The humble Roomba, for example, is not the romanticized robot you might have been thinking about; however, it just shows how frequent and common they are in everyday life.

That being said, if you are interested in getting started with building robots, a Roomba may not scratch that “itch.” Robot arms and walking spider robots with sensors and tracking are all things achievable by a person with a few hundred bucks and some free time.

Personally, when I was getting started, I bought an Arduino electronics kit. An Arduino is essentially an electronic brain that can be programmed through their app or website, giving instructions to whatever robot you make. Typically, Arduinos are used for prototyping because of their ease of use; however, they make for great beginner to intermediate projects. Additionally, the kit provides components like sensors, wires, and other pieces that will get you started. I found videos online and even some books such as the “Arduino Projects” book by Arduino themselves.

After understanding circuitry and the Arduino, all you need is to obtain a 3D printer or any alternative option for creating physical parts (you could even use cardboard). A 3D printer will allow you to create the actual shells the robots operate with, structurally sound materials, and accurate designs. To make the designs themselves, Onshape is a free, web-based CAD software that will get you started designing.

It won’t come easy, but with motivation and research, anyone can make a robot, and it feels very rewarding. And, of course, now you don’t have to imagine becoming Tony Stark.

Frindle by Andrew Clements

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Cover of the 10th anniversary edition of 'Frindle' by Andrew Clements, featuring a group of children with various expressions, holding a pen prominently in the center.

Frindle is a short novel by Andrew Clements.  The story is about a ten-year old boy named Nick Allen who attends Lincoln Elementary School in New Hampshire.  Nick has developed a reputation for being mischievous.  He tries to get away with doing as little homework as possible.  Upon entering the fifth grade, he meets a new teacher named Mrs. Granger who is known for being very strict about using a dictionary and following the rules of the English language. 

Nick tries to challenge Mrs. Granger by inventing a new word.  In front of his teacher, Nick begins to use the word “frindle” to describe a pen.  The other classmates find this amusing, and they start using the word frindle as well.  Mrs. Granger tries to stop them, but it becomes a massive craze.  What started off as a childish prank eventually develops into a nationwide phenomenon, and even Nick can’t stop its momentum.

This book is extremely entertaining.  The characters are very realistic and the book makes it seem like this could have happened in real life.  I enjoyed the fast pace of the story and the many surprises throughout the book.  I read it very quickly because I constantly wanted to know what would happen next.  Not only is the story funny and enjoyable, but it explores interesting themes about the power of language and creativity.  It helped me think about the origin of words and about the beauty of the English language.  I would definitely recommend this book to readers of all ages.

Banh Mi Sandwich – A Crunchy Flavorful Delight

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One of the best things about traveling is enjoying local food. Out of the more than twenty-five countries that I have visited, Vietnam is one of the most interesting, with some of the best food. Arguably, one of the most popular foods in Vietnam is the Banh Mi – a Vietnamese sandwich with a French influence.

Banh Mi literally translates to “Wheat Bread” in English. The Banh Mi originated when the French colonized Vietnam. They introduced French food to the locals, such as baguettes, sliced meats, and butter.

However, when the French left, the Vietnamese people changed the French meals by using local ingredients and their own way of making food. That is when the modern Banh Mi was born.

It was created in the late 1950s by a Vietnamese couple – Mr. and Mrs. Le. Instead of eating baguettes separately as the French did, the couple came up with a filled baguette sandwich using local ingredients. Common fillings include pork, beef, egg, tofu, pickled carrots, cilantro, peppers, daikon (a long white radish), and chili sauce.

This recipe has not changed much since then. But the locals have modified it to suit their taste. For example, in northern Vietnam, the Banh Mi is lighter and has less meat. On the other hand, in southern Vietnam, the Banh Mi is bigger and has more meat.

If you’re looking for a crisp, crunchy, and savory Banh Mi locally in Orange County, you should check out “Carrot & Daikon” in Westminster. Their Banh Mi has the perfect crunchy bread, rich meat, umami carrots, and a kick of spice.

Overall, my trip to Vietnam and eating Banh Mi – literally every day – completely changed my perspective on sandwiches. And I strongly recommend everyone try it too!

Science Series – Article One: Why twins aren’t completely identical…

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When I was young, I often wished that I had a twin. Books, movies, and twins in real life always fascinated me. Similar looks, fun pranks, and having a built-in best friend were things that I often associated with twins. However, when it really comes down to it, twins aren’t completely identical; differences in personality are clear, but no two twins have ever looked exactly the same. 

Why though?

Well, this question can be answered through meiosis, which I learned about in my AP Biology class this past month. Meiosis is the process by which cells divide to create “gametes (egg and sperm cells) for…reproduction”  (Fiveable). Gametes eventually form a zygote that develops into a living, breathing baby.

Meiosis is important because it is how humans have been produced for generations upon generations. In this process, genetic information is passed down from parents to offspring. But how come we aren’t identical copies of our parents? During meiosis, new gene combinations are formed in multiple phases.

First, in Prophase I, the first stage of meiosis, homologous chromosomes (pairs of chromosomes where one chromosome is from the mom, the other is from the dad) cross over and exchange segments to create  new versions of the chromosome. The chromosome that has a new mixture of the homologous chromosomes is passed down throughout meiosis. 

Illustration of a cell with chromosomes in red and blue inside a nucleus, surrounded by cytoplasm and green structures.
Prophase I
Diagram illustrating the process of chromosome crossing over during meiosis, showing blue and red chromosomes exchanging segments.
Crossing Over

Later, in Metaphase I, genetic diversity is maintained through independent assortment. This means that when lined up in the middle of the cell, each homologous pair lines up with other pairs randomly.

Both of these processes are what make us different from each other, from our parents, and from our siblings. This is also why fraternal twins aren’t completely identical: they come from two different zygotes. Additionally, identical twins also aren’t completely identical. These types of twins come from the same egg that splits up, which is why they appear identical. However, the womb environment in which identical twins develop isn’t the same; one twin might have slightly better conditions than the other, which can lead to differences in height and weight, thus making identical twins not fully identical.

Overall, meiosis can often be another topic that is easily overlooked. However, the truth is, meiosis is the basis of humanity, and how reproduction continues. The next time you learn another science topic, don’t overlook it; instead, let it spark an interest and appreciation for life in you. 

That’s all, stay tuned for the next article!! 🙂

Sources: https://fiveable.me/ap-bio/unit-5/meiosis/study-guide/FC0aTuODYikjJuhlBO1Z

Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace Review

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As an avid movie enthusiast and Star Wars lover, I thought it was best to review the beloved series, starting off with the first prequel, Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace! For background knowledge, Star Wars is a film saga of family/sci-fi movies created and directed by the renowned George Lucas. I will be exploring the different aspects of Episode I below.

Plot & Story:

Crisis! The Trade Federation, a powerful economic organization, has blockaded the peaceful planet of Naboo to take control. Qui-Gon Jinn and Obi-Wan Kenobi, two space warriors known as Jedi, go to Naboo with the goal of negotiating the end of the blockade and protecting Padmé Amidala, the planet’s queen. Once they get the queen to safety and escape, they find a young enslaved boy named Anakin Skywalker who shows potential as a Jedi. Once they leave the planet, Qui-Gon brings Anakin along for Jedi training because he thinks he is meant to restore balance to the Force. The Force is a supernatural ability that allows users to have powers of telekinesis (the ability to move objects with your mind), sense the future and feelings among other abilities. As the battle against the Trade Federation escalates, the Jedi fight against an enemy warrior named Darth Maul. Subsequently, they arrive on Coruscant, the capital of the Galactic Republic. Queen Amidala appeals to the Senate to end the invasion of her planet, but Senator Palpatine informs her that it is unlikely the Senate will act and the Chancellor is powerless to help. Senator Palpatine advises her to push for a vote of no confidence in the Chancellor, meaning the legislative branch votes to remove and replace the executive. Ultimately, by the end of the film, this leads to the election of Chancellor Palpatine, due to a strong pity vote generated by the invasion of his planet. Next, the queen returns to Naboo to fight back with additional reinforcements. The movie ends with Darth Maul killing Qui-Gon in lightsaber combat, Obi-Wan Kenobi defeating Darth Maul, and Anakin starting his path to become a Jedi.

Music Score:

The music in Episode I was written by the iconic composer John Williams, the man responsible for the legendary Star Wars music in the original three movies. Taking inspiration from the orchestral suite The Planets by Gustav Holst, specifically “Mars, the Bringer of War”, Williams crafted an unforgettable soundtrack. My favorite piece from Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace is “Duel of the Fates.” It plays during the battle between Qui-Gon Jinn, Obi-Wan Kenobi, and Darth Maul. The song starts quietly and has the effect of making one’s heart race due to its fast-paced nature and dramatic chanting from the choir. The rhythm makes the battle feel emotional and dangerous, marking the turning point in the movie, as it determines whether the two Jedi will defeat Darth Maul. I also have a personal connection to the song because my older brother performed “Duel of the Fates” at Segerstrom Center for the Arts with his district’s honor orchestra in the front row, which explains even more my deep love for this work of art.

Ultimately, I enjoyed watching Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace and highly recommend watching the trilogy in the order of episodes I-VI. There is more to come, as I’ll be reviewing the other Star Wars episodes every month, so stay posted! I hope you enjoyed this blog and watch the movie if you haven’t before!

– Sophia B.

Recipes for Some of My Favorite Breakfast Foods

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Hello, all, today, for my first blog post ever, I’ll be sharing with you recipes for two of my favorite breakfast foods.

  1. Plain Yogurt with Fruit

For this first recipe, you’ll need plain yogurt (any brand will do, but I’ve used Karoun and Mountain High), fruit (dried or fresh), a bowl, and a spoon. The preparation of this recipe is extremely simple.

 You just need to add the desired amount of plain yogurt to your bowl and then add in the fruit. I recommend that you mix it together so that the fruit is all spread out in the yogurt. 

Speaking of the fruit, I typically use dried cranberries or raisins. I have also made this dish using apples. No matter what fruit you use, I recommend that you chop, dice, or do whatever to make it small enough to mix in the yogurt.

  1. Tomato-and-Onion Scrambled Eggs

For this second recipe, you’ll need eggs (I recommend one or two if you are making this for yourself), half a tomato, half an onion, olive oil, and salt, and a frying pan. First, you’ll need to dice your tomatoes and onions. I doubt that anyone likes huge chunks of vegetables in their food, so be careful to dice them small. 

After you finish chopping your vegetables, you need to crack your egg(s) into a bowl, whisk them together, and add a pinch of salt.  Once you have done that, you put your frying pan on the stove, turn the stove, and add a few drops of olive oil to it. 

Once the oil is hot enough, you pour the tomatoes and onions into the pan, stirring them so that they do not burn. After that, you pour the eggs into the pan and scramble them, hence the name.

Well, without further ado, the end of my first blog post. I hope you enjoyed my little batch of recipes.

  • Peace F.

Album Review: Hot Fuss By The Killers

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Album cover of 'Hot Fuss' by The Killers featuring a blue sky background and illuminated buildings.

Hot Fuss is the debut album from American rock band The Killers. The album consists of eleven tracks and fuses together different genres like indie rock and synth pop. This record was hugely influential in the return of indie rock. Fun fact, the whole record, except for “Mr. Brightside”, was scrapped after lead singer Brandon Flowers heard Is This It by The Strokes, another fantastic and important record. Here are some of the highlight tracks.

“Mr. Brightside” is the biggest hit from this album, with billions of streams on Spotify, despite the fact that it came out in 2004. This song details the narrator dealing with his jealousy and insecurity when it comes to his former relationship. The term Mr. Brightside is meant to be a metaphor for putting on a strong face and being optimistic in dreary times. All around, a very catchy song, with an iconic guitar riff.

“All These Things That I’ve Done” is my personal favorite song from the album. The production is a midtempo ballad that builds and builds into a more upbeat track. The lyrics detail the singer’s relationship to religion, his guilt, and his cry out for help. The bridge has a choir repeating the iconic refrain “I’ve got soul, but I’m not a soldier”. This is seemingly just an interesting play on words, but the vague lyric gives space for personal experience to give meaning.

Some other tracks:

“Jenny Was A Friend of Mine” has one of the best guitar riffs and is part of a made-up murder trilogy theme on the record. 

“Andy Was A Star” is an endearing song where the narrator is telling his friend not to let a girl “be his world” because he is a star “in no one’s eyes but mine”. It is a melancholic but beautiful way to view a friendship.

“Everything Will Be Alright” has an instrumental that gives a post-apocalyptic vibe. It sounds as if he is trying to convince himself in the worst of times that “everything will be alright”.
Overall incredible album that I think all ages and fans of all genres can enjoy. Hot Fuss was met with both critical and commercial acclaim upon its release, so over twenty years later, it is interesting to see just how timeless these sounds are. I hope you give this album a listen and love it as much as I do.