Scot Scoop

12/09/2024

There is a special schedule this week due to review week:

12/08/2024

Here's what you may have missed this week on Scot Scoop:

New ‘Wicked’ movie sparks discussion about film vs. musical experiences by Jasmine Zelnis
https://scotscoop.com/new-wicked-movie-sparks-discussion.../

Debating medical ethics by Skylin Lui
https://scotscoop.com/debating-medical-ethics/

Scots fall to Spartans in shutout game by Jayden Young
https://scotscoop.com/scots-fall-to-spartans-in-shutout.../

Smart technology transforms cooking with the introduction of robots in the kitchen by Olivier Kondo
https://scotscoop.com/smart-technology-transforms.../

The new “Wicked” movie, recently released on Nov. 22, has reignited conversations about films compared to live musical experiences. It is based on the renowned Broadway musical of the same name and stars actresses Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo. The film has received a large amount of positive ...

12/07/2024

Social media platforms such as Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok are increasingly influencing risky behaviors among teenagers. These platforms not only promote high-risk behaviors but also provide easy access to substances and harmful interactions.

Check out Shiori Chen's article on Scot Scoop.

Bottle after bottle. The hiss of a beer can opening. The clink of empty glasses. After a messy breakup, Jason Lee* found himself in a downward spiral. His drinking problems worsened, leading him into a deep depression. “After the first time, she dumped me saying that she couldn’t handle being wi...

12/06/2024

While medical dramas have long been popular in the U.S., they have largely overlooked the contributions of Filipino health care workers, who make up a significant portion of the workforce.

Check out Audrey Navasca's article on Scot Scoop.

America loves medical dramas. With shows like “ER,” “General Hospital,” “Scrubs,“ and “The Good Doctor,“ to name a few, their popularity never seems to flatline. However, despite their popularity and extensive series collection, Filipinos’ representation in healthcare is little to ...

12/06/2024

Happy 113th birthday, Walt Disney! Despite facing several early struggles as an artist, Disney's vision eventually transformed the entertainment industry. From his creation of Mickey Mouse to his renowned animated films, his legacy continues to inspire millions.

12/05/2024

Women are increasingly stockpiling emergency contraceptive pills like Plan B, fearing limited access in the future. The surge in demand, driven by abortion laws, has led to shortages in states such as Idaho and Texas, which are directly affected by the overturn of Roe v. Wade.

Key Facts:
• Plan B company Wisp reported a 1,000% increase in purchases in Nov. 2024
• Plan B has a shelf life of four years, making it a practical option for stockpiling
• Plan B is available over-the-counter at many drugstores; however, availability and pricing vary on location and state regulations

Information from Scot Scoop News.

12/05/2024

Physical exercise is crucial in maintaining health. However, many adults and children in the U.S. fail to meet recommended exercise guidelines. Encouraging physical activity at a young age fosters lifelong habits that combat obesity and mental health issues.

Check out Samantha Crowther's article on Scot Scoop.

Whether you’re hiking, dancing, swimming, participating in team sports, or other physical activities, there are many ways to get outside and be active. These options don’t require much time, and while there are plenty of different ways to keep occupied, exercise is a vital aspect of staying heal...

12/03/2024

The de Young Museum offers a free program, Sketching in the Galleries, where visitors can sketch artworks with provided materials every Saturday. This activity encourages engagement with art and fosters a deeper connection with the museum's collection.

Check out Michelle Chen's article on Scot Scoop.

Among de Young Museum artwork that ranges from years to centuries old, visitors today are free to interact with the pieces by sketching them. The museum’s program Sketching in the Galleries is a drop-in activity from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays, where visitors are invited to use stools, clipboa...

12/03/2024

Happy National Fritters Day! Fritters date back to ancient Greek and Roman times and are a great way to use leftover ingredients such as fruits or seafood. Today, fritters are especially popular in the southern U.S., where they are primarily made with corn.

12/03/2024

Australia has passed a controversial law banning minors under 16 from accessing social media platforms such as TikTok and Instagram, with fines of up to $32 million for companies that fail to comply.

Big Tech has criticized the law for being rushed and warned that it could push young users to less regulated parts of the internet.

Spokespeople from Meta and Snapchat questioned the evidence linking social media to mental health issues in children, while TikTok warned that the ban might have unintended consequences. Despite months of warnings, the legislation was pushed through Parliament, leaving many questions unanswered about its implementation.

Information from Reuters.

11/24/2024

Here’s what you may have missed this week on Scot Scoop:

Opinion: California needs to prioritize rehabilitation in its prisons by Kiana Chen.
https://scotscoop.com/opinion-california-needs-to-prioritize-rehabilitation-in-its-prisons/

Teen Film Festival empowers local youth to showcase their talents by Caitlin Stehr.
https://scotscoop.com/teen-film-festival-empowers-local-youth-to-showcase-their-talents/

Scots push through first scrimmage by Daniella Smit.
https://scotscoop.com/scots-push-through-first-scrimmage/ #

A guiding light: hospice care social workers provide support for dealing with the idea of death by Rei Baxter.
https://scotscoop.com/a-guiding-light-hospice-care-social-workers-provide-support-for-dealing-with-the-idea-of-death/

Death is a natural part of life, yet it is also terrifying. Being young and dying is especially difficult to accept. Regina Tong, a hospice social worker, has to deal with difficult cases. “The hardest parts for me are the young patients, like the moms with children, or younger people who are just...

11/23/2024

Here’s what you may have missed this week on Scot Scoop in cartoons:

Caffeine consumption by Skylin Lui.

11/22/2024

Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day is a nationwide celebration of 6-year-old Ruby Bridges' impact on the Civil Rights Movement as the first black student to attend an all-white school in the South.

Check out May Lin’s article on Scot Scoop.
https://scotscoop.com/a-step-into-history-students-honor-ruby-bridges-by-walking-to-school/ #

Students across the nation walk in honor of Ruby Bridges’ legacy while making strides toward a more inclusive education system. Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day (RBWTSD), which takes place on Nov. 14 of each year, is a nationwide celebration of the historic strides that Ruby Bridges made in the Civ...

11/21/2024

Happy National Gingerbread Cookie Day! With the recent cold and rainy weather, warm up by baking these delicious gingerbread cookies!

You can find the ingredients list below:

- Three cups of all-purpose flour
- Three-fourths cup of brown sugar and molasses
- Three-fourths teaspoon of baking soda
- One tablespoon of ground cinnamon and ginger
- Half a teaspoon of ground cloves and salt
- Twelve tablespoons of butter
- Two tablespoons of milk

11/21/2024

The Carlmont varsity and JV boys water polo team celebrated the end of their season with their annual water polo banquet. The banquet consisted of events such as handing out awards that recognized exceptional qualities in players, giving gifts to the coaches, sending off leaving senior players, and more. Most importantly, the banquet allowed both teams to reflect on their performance during the season and see their progress in their game.

Photo credits: Erick Cheng

11/20/2024

Ninety-two members of the Las Lomitas Education Association (LLEA) went on strike on Oct. 23 in response to disputes over health care and pay negotiations with the Las Lomitas Elementary School District (LLESD). Despite district administrators believing teachers have adequate pay and benefits, teachers feel they do not compare to the high cost of living in the district, prompting some to take on second jobs. The strike also garnered support from the community, with many residents standing alongside teachers during the strike.

“Teachers want to go back and are extremely heartbroken that the district would rather spend over $100,000 on a magician, subs, security, and an attorney rather than invest in our children’s education,” a union statement said.

Key Facts:
- LLEA requested an 8% retroactive pay increase for 2023-24 and an 8% increase for 2024-25
- Teachers also asked for health benefits worth 110% coverage of a Kaiser individual plan starting in 2025 and the removal of the $1,812 per person CalPERS fee
- In response to the strike, the district initially proposed a 7% retroactive raise and a further 3% for 2024-25 and benefits worth a Kaiser individual plan in 2025
- LLESD concluded their strike on Oct. 28 after a tentative agreement on a 16% raise over three years and full health coverage for teachers

Information from Anoushka Swaminathan's article on Scot Scoop.

Ninety-two members of the Las Lomitas Education Association (LLEA), along with numerous community members, picketed for three days in response to difficulties resolving pay negotiations with the Las Lomitas Elementary School District (LLESD). LLEA, the teachers’ union, went on strike on Oct. 23 af...

11/20/2024

The Palo Alto City Library helped the local community embrace Hindu culture through their Diwali celebration on Nov. 11. The event shared Hindu traditions through folk dance, performances, and much more!

Check out Isabella Zarzar's video on Scot Scoop.

Traditional dances, as well as crafts, henna and more activities, were shared with community members of all backgrounds through a Diwali celebration. The dances exhibited the range of Kathak dance featuring Antara Asthaayi Dance. The event, organized by the Palo Alto City Library at Mitchell Park Co...

11/20/2024

Traditional dances, as well as crafts, henna and more activities, were shared with community members of all backgrounds through a Diwali celebration. The dances exhibited the range of Kathak dance featuring Antara Asthaayi Dance. The event, organized by the Palo Alto City Library at Mitchell Park Community Center on Nov. 11, showcased these robust aspects of Hindu culture.

Video by Isabella Zarzar.