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​Off-Topic

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​Comic by ​Kat Khomiakova
Media Recs From Chief Staff
BY CHIEF STAFF
Looking to binge a new tv show? Read a book that Booktok hasn’t overhyped?  Perhaps a melody to get you through that academic slump? Check out what media The Spectrum’s chief staff dug up in 2022.
Love Doc: Valentine's Day Edition
BY ALICIA GU '23

With Valentine’s Day fast approaching, here are some tips on how to secure that bag (of chocolates)!
Dear Reader: Got a Fave Animal?
BY SAHANA PRABHU '23
You there! What’s your favorite animal? Whatever your answer may be, are you ready to receive a personality description based on your answer?
Chief Staff Resolutions
BY CHIEF STAFF
It’s that time of year again, when millions of people are sucked into the misleading whirlpool of excitement that comes with the start of a new year... 
Artsy Aesthetics & You
BY ANUSHA SENAPATI '24

Caught yourself contemplating the meaning of life upon the realization that you may never find your true aesthetic? Take a deep breath, have a seat, and allow me to make your life a tad bit easier.
B-Student Study Tips
BY EDDY ZHAO '25

Read this article to get an instant A+ in all your classes!
Signal, Turn Right to Your License
BY GEORGE JI '23

I'm on the verge of tears by the time we arrive back at the RMV parking lot, since I'm positive I won’t pass. But I do, and relief washes over me in an awesome wave.
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Comic by Phoebe Abadi

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Comic by ​Joy Wang
Cozy Up With TJ's Fall Favorites
BY ELSA LEWIS '25 & SHREE JAYAKRISHNA '25
Your #1 guide to autumnal snacking.
The Nightmare on Snail Street
BY N. RAZBAN '23
Keep your windows shut tight or It will find you, trialing behind it a slime trail worthy of your worst nightmares.
Fluff, Angst, and Spice: Ranking All The Literary Tropes
BY KÉRA MATTHEWS '24
Are you a fan of bookish angst and drama? Check out my ranking for an in-depth analysis of all your favorite tropes!
Local Spiced Chai
BY CATHERINE LITCHFIELD '23
Are you trying to reach your maximum seasonal aesthetic? Read this to find out the best local places for delicious spiced chai.
Apples vs. Pumpkins
BY BROOKE TAN '26
An ode to the superior autumn fruit.
Crispy, Crunchy, Character Flaws
​BY ELLA SHISHKOVA '26
A harsh judgment of character based on apple preference.
Benefits of Video Games
BY EDDY ZHAO '25
Need a pick-me-up after a long day of school? Need something to show your mom so she lets you stay on that Animal Crossing grind? Look no further weary traveler, you have found the article for you.
Red Delicious Romance
BY ALICIA GU ’23
It’s not October anymore, but maybe you’ll fall in love with the help of this latest edition of Love Doc.
Fantastical Fall Faves
BY LIAM NELSON '24
Take a look at your Spotify. What's that? A washed up Drake attempt of making a tropical afro-beat song? Bleh! I'm here to save you from yourself; welcome to your future music taste
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Comic by ​Kat Khomiakova
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Comic by Ella Shishkova​

Admit it You're Mid
BY EDDY ZHAO '25 & AUSTIN KIM '25
Unfortunately, summer is gone, and so is your happiness. It's important to start a new academic year with the right mindset, so this year, please remember that, respectfully, you are mid. New year, same mid you.

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Deep-Sea Cephalopod Sightings
BY N. RAZBAN '23
There are over 800 living species of cephalopods today, but 1,700 including those that went extinct. Join me on an adventure 20 thousand leagues under to bathe in the glory of cephalopods.


How to Know if You're a Bad Writer
BY GEORGE JI '23 & JULIA XIAO '24 
Think you're a good writer? Think again. Here are six signs that YOU are a bad writer.
Love Doc: A Back To School Edition
BY ALICIA GU ’23

 Welcome back, readers! The Back-to-School season has finally arrived, which means study dates, requesting seat changes to get away from your toxic ex/failed talking stage, and an overload of chemistry (and I’m not talking about the science class). So, as your fleeting-yet-passionate summer fling dies down, get ready for a spicy classmates-to-lovers arc with the following tips!
 

BTS Spotify Playlists
BY N. RAZBAN '23 

*Deep inhale* Ah, the smell of fresh notebooks and first-day-of-school jitters, my favorite combination! As a seasoned Back-to-School era enjoyer, I captured the essence of your Back-to-School smells, sounds, tastes, and feelings in these playlists. Strut through the halls, vibe as you write, and absolutely slay your way through this Back-to-School season with my bops. Enjoy, my little academics~

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Comic by Phoebe Abadi

Love Doc: A Senior's Last Hurrah
BY JULIA KUANG ’22
Ah. Aah. Aaaaaah. AHHHHHHHHHHHH. The time has come…the time has finally come for me to say goodbye to the beLOVEd, incredibly well-written Love Doctor column
Love Doc: Wild Summer Edition
BY ALICIA GU ’23
Welcome back, loyal readers! You’re probably wondering where Dr. Kuang is. Sadly, she is retiring after three years of giving you hopeless romantics some much-needed advice… which means that I’ll be your Love Doc for the next year!
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Comic by Emily Hiltunen '22
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Comic by Kat Khomiakova '25
English Curriculum Review
BY OLIVIA HU ’22

From Gatsby’s grand parties to Romeo’s kisses, AB’s English curriculum has had its hits and misses. And don’t even get me started on the poetry unit.
Fun and Fresh Summer TV Shows
BY ELSA LEWIS '25 & SHREE JAYAKRISHNA '25

Here are some TV show recs of every genre to beat the heat this summer!
A Graphic Novel Guide
BY N. RAZBAN ’23

Want to diversify your reading list? Join me on an adventure to through my favorite graphic novels and their authors!
Ranking all of the Darkest Colors
BY GEORGE JI ’23
What’s the darkest color you can think of? Blue? Think harder. Dark Blue? Now we’re getting somewhere.
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Comic by Biz Brooks '23
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Comic by Phoebe Abadi '23

Calm and Cozy Cafes to Check Out 
BY N. RAZBAN ’23

Join me on a ‘lil trip to the most aesthetically pleasing cafes  
The Death of the Snow Day
BY EDDY ZHAO '25
Could the death of the snow day be upon us? A well structured rant.
Spring Spotify Playlists
BY N. RAZBAN '23
​Some spring playlists to put a spring in your step.
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Crossword Answers
Local Library Review
BY MARIA PAUNESCU ’24

A ranking of local libraries and their vibes
A Definite Ranking of Spider-Men
BY AVNI MISHRA ’23
An honest and spoiler-free ranking of the Spider-Verses
Reviewing Everything
BY GEORGE JI ‘23

My new column.
Instrument Dating: Reed-y, Set, Go!
BY GRACE CHAI ’23 & JULIA XIAO ’24
Want to strike a chord with a special someone? Look no further than instrument speed dating :)
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Comic by Phoebe Abadi '23
The Most Superior Milk: Rating All the Non-Dairy Milks
BY SHREE JAYAKRISHNA & ELSA LEWIS ’25
​Dairy Alternatives: A Guide to Living Life Without Cows
How to Have an Absolutely Timeless, Tasteful Tea Party 
BY PHOEBE SEIDMAN & BEATRICE MAXWELL '25
​Your all-in-one guide to hosting the perfect tea party
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​Comic by Kat Khomiakova '25
Love Doc: go cray cray
BY JULIA KUANG ‘22
Your seasonal update from Dr. Kuang
 
Marie Antoinette and Joan of Arc: A (Slightly Francophobic) Dichotomy
BY ADI RAMAN ‘23
​
There’s a certain je ne sais quoi about these two icons that demands a closer look.
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Comic by Phoebe Abadi '23
Absolutely, Positively Stupendous Book-to-Film Adaptations
BY KERA MATTHEWS '24
The very best screen adaptations of your favorite reads.
Reviewing Kids Shows
BY HARSHINI MAGESH ’23
A ranking of nostalgic kids shows.

How to Destroy A Man's Reputation in One Album (Fran's Version)
BY FRAN SERVELLO '22

Ever wanted to beat J*ke G*llenhaal for his crimes?
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Source: Republic Records
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Comic by Phoebe Abadi '23
Why Green is A Good Color: the Crème de la Grène
BY PHOEBE ABADI & AVNI MISHRA '23
Green is good.
2021 Meme Review
BY ERIN TOBIN '23
A trip down memory lane through this past year’s memes
Don't Look Up Review
BY RIYA SHAH '22
An insightful take.
Hair Accessories: A Defining Personality Trait
BY ANUSHA SENAPATI '24
Tell me which hair accessories you prefer and I will tell you your personality.

Cafeteria Foods of AB
BY SAM KING '23
Some food for thought.
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​Comic by Kat Khomiakova '25
Gift-Giving Guide
​BY MEGHAN LAWSON '23
Need help finding the perfect gift? I’ve got the guide for you!
The Supreme Podcasts for Your Listening Experience 
BY MICHAELA OLSON '23
Find just what you need!
Voyage Review
BY FINN JAROS '23
A review of the new ABBA album Voyage.

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​Crossword Clues
Answers

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Comic by Phoebe Abadi '23

The Good, the Bad, and the BuzzFeed
BY ADI RAMAN '23
An informal and skeptical journey through BuzzFeed quizzes.

The History of Fangirling
BY PHOEBE SEIDMAN '25
How "crazy fan girl" culture has evolved over time.
In Defense of Crusty White Dogs
BY N. RAZBAN '23
In Crustiness We Trust.
A Guide to the Perfect Fall Day
BY ERIN TOBIN '23
A guide to a day packed with the perfect fall activities!
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Comic by Emily Hiltunen '22
Chaff's Picks: Favorite Words
BY CHIEF STAFF
Words are like jelly beans: they come in so many shapes, sizes, and colors, and we are eternally grateful that a box of Bertie Bott’s Every Flavor Beans exploded in the universe.
What Pet Should You Get? Take This Personality Quiz to Find Out!
BY TINGHAN WANG '24
​
Dr. Seuss’s new poem is out: What Pet Should You Get? Jokes aside, these past couple of years have forced us to seriously reconsider our intro/extroversion, so discover which pet best suits your personality and lifestyle now in this fun quiz.
Chaff's Picks: Favorite Quotes
BY CHIEF STAFF
Ever wondered what our favorite quotes are? We know this *essential* question has plagued your sleepless nights. Sleep tight tonight!

The Love Doctor Answers
BY JULIA KUANG '22
Time to fall in love!
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Comic by Kat Khomiakova '25
Bringing the Bollywood World to Light
BY SAHANA PRABHU '23
Expand your movie interests in another realm of the film world!
BookTalk: A Guide to TikTok's Most Popular Books
BY SUNAINA TIPIRNENI '23
Looking for your next great read? You’ve come to the right place.
Fall ~Vibes~ Playlist
BY N. RAZBAN '23

It's autumn fellas, and that means you need playlists to go along with your apple picking expeditions and car rides under changing leaves! I’ve got something for everybody here, with classical, jazz and pop playlists. I hope they elevate your ~fall vibes~ to pumpkin spice latte levels!
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Source: Online Source
 Current Food Trends Put to the Test
BY FREYA WILKINSON '23

Do you ever come across random recipes and shake your head, mystified as to who would ever dream up such concoctions? 
Chaff's Picks: Battle of the Punctuation
BY CHIEF STAFF
Here at The Spectrum, punctuation pleases us, so enjoy some of our favorites.
My Controversial Opinions About the Marvel Cinematic Universe
BY KERA MATTHEWS '24
Are you a Marvel Maniac? Check out my thoughts on your favorite movies! 
A Definitive Tier Ranking of 2021's Biggest Hits
BY HARSHINI MAGESH '23

2021 has been a crazy year for the pop-music industry, so I selected a few songs that have garnered immense popularity and ranked them using my own ~special~ system.
Shifting: A Potterhead’s Fantasy
BY
 SHREE JAYAKRISHNA '25 & ELSA LEWIS '25

Are you sick and tired of your homework-filled life? Maybe it’s time for you to try shifting!
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Comic by Phoebe Abadi '23

BookTalk: Are These Books Worth the Hype?
BY KERA MATTHEWS '24
Does popular mean good? This age-old question stands to be tested.
Local Trail Recommendations
BY ANDONI ZERVOGLOS '22

There’s no need to travel far with this spectacular guide to local trails.
​The Science of ASMR
BY N. RAZBAN '23

Want some relaxing tingles AND knowledge? Dive into the science of ASMR!
Love Doc: BTS Season
BY JULIA KUANG '22
Need love? Get your yearly physical with Dr. Kuang. 
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Source: Indigo Canada
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Classical Music for Dummies
BY GEORGE JI '23

Interested in classical music but don’t know where to start? Here is the perfect guide for you!
Underrated Music
BY SAMUEL LIU '23
Diversify your playlist with these Back-to-School bops!
Back-To-School Playlist
BY EMILY XU '23

Start off the school year with a bang(tan boys playlist)
A Comprehensive Review of Rihanna’s Album Covers
BY ADI RAMAN '23
If you don’t know who Rihanna is, “Where Have You Been?” This iconic pop star has done it all, and her album covers speak to that versatility.
How do Songs Blow up on TikTok?
BY AVNI MISHRA '24
Aspiring artists and doom-scrolling high schoolers listen up! Here’s how TikTok’s biggest tracks blow up.

Children’s Movies: Dangerous Tropes and Expectations
BY MEGHAN LAWSON '23
Because of our constantly evolving society, many children’s movies have not stood the test of time. As we become more socially aware, we have come to recognize the disgusting themes and standards placed in early children’s movies. Yet, the film industry still continues to incorporate many unrealistic tropes throughout their movies. This begs the question: how does Hollywood’s imposition of these expectations affect young children?... 
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Love Doc: Taking the Next Step
BY JULIA KUANG '22
Good morning! Or afternoon! Or evening! Or, if you’re like me and mindlessly doing absolutely everything to procrastinate studying for APs or other icky standardized tests, good luck and get back to work! Anyways… as  summer vacation is fast approaching, get ready for a hot-girl/boy/non-binary summer! As one might say, bring out the heat!!!! 🥵🔥🌞 And as my last message to all of you this year, take a break this summer. Don’t ever, ever go even near the abomination of an app that is Zoom. Get some sexy sunshine and relax...
Two Swifties Rank Taylor Swift Albums
BY EMILY XU '23, EMMA XIANG '23
For the past decade, Taylor Swift has remained at the center of the entertainment industry. Named one of Time’s Most Influential People of 2019, there’s no denying that she has shaped the music industry as well as our own lives. Her overall sound, lyricism, and personality remain timeless, and it’s always interesting to reflect on her growth as an artist. To condense her extensive repertoire into a more...
Wandavision Review
BY EDDIE WANG '21
WandaVision
is a show taking place post-Blip (more on this later) starring two romantically-linked Avengers: Wanda (human) and Vision (synthezoid). Anyway, WandaVision. Quite a clever title. On the outside it seems quite simple—a combination of Wanda and Vision (duh). However, you’ll soon realize that it holds a deeper meaning. The name Wanda means “wanderer,” while Vision stands for
...
2020 Trends: Evolution and Survival of the Fittest
BY KERA MATTHEWS '24
Throughout the past year, we’ve seen people adapt to pandemic-life in different ways. And of course, given our generation, teenagers responded with the only way that we know: trends! Whether it was reviving 90’s trends like tie-dye or bolstering new ones like going vegan, many have funneled their boredom into entertainment...
Top Petty Moments in U.S History
BY MAYENLI COMFORT '23
The United States of America is many things. We are a military superpower and an arrogant and self-centered country that *apparently* spans an entire continent. We created today’s entertainment industry and pioneered cutting-edge technology. However, despite how good we are at it, we never get enough credit for our true area of expertise: pettiness...

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COVID Conspiracies
BY MAYENLI COMFORT '23

Conspiracy theories are like gossip—we claim we don’t care, but we secretly indulge in them when no one’s looking. I personally have a soft spot for conspiracy theories. By conspiracy theories, I mean harmless ones, not the antisemetic and anti-government propaganda that circulates in the Facebook groups of thirty-year-olds. Here are some of my favorite theories: Tupac Shakur is actually alive and lives in Ghana, the color white is an optical illusion, and Harry Potter was actually written by Daniel Radcliffe (I mean, c’mon! The man basically described himself in those books)...

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The Avatar: The Last Airbender to Anime Pipeline & Five Ways to Fall Down It
BY EMILY XU '23
During back-to-school season, I was surprised—albeit pleasantly—to see an influx of anime profile pictures among my classmates. It was like ComicCon everywhere I looked, whether it was TikTok, Instagram, Twitter, or even on Zoom. For many, lockdown meant that there were more genres of television to explore. If you’ve been in the know about popular culture over the past year, you’ll know that Avatar: The Last...
Love Doc: Real Talk Babes
BY JULIA KUANG '22

Hello, my lovely readers! As I’m writing this on Valentine’s Day, I wish you all a very belated Valentine’s Day (it’s probably like March by the time you’re reading this, who knows?) and if in fact, you spent your Valentine's day alone, never fear! Ask for help, and I shall answer...
Ranking Aesthetics
BY MAY HONG '23 & KATHERINE LEE '23
The year is 2030. Tom Brady is fighting for his 19th Super Bowl ring, COVID-19 is nonexistent, and Charli D'Amelio is still renegading. However, due to an unfortunate laboratory experiment, half the population has turned into zombies! The world is thrown in chaos and only the fittest can survive. Except this time, it's not a question of suitable finch beak sizes but of human aesthetics that will determine who will make it out alive. In this article, we'll rate the strengths and weaknesses of aesthetics like those of e-boys, gamers, and weebs. Wonder if you’ll survive? Keep reading to find out...
A (Very Brief) Wrap Up of 2020
BY SAMUEL LIU '23
2020 has reshaped our idea of “normal”—no, it really smashed, trampled, and drowned our definition of normal. Though many looked towards 2021 as a fresh start, our new homeostasis continues to plague us in the new year. But what really happened during these unprecedented times (besides the overuse of the phrase “unprecedented times”)? 
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Comic by Emily Hiltunen '22
Bullet Journal
Swamped with Schoolwork? Seize Every Moment with Bullet Journaling or Notion 
BY GRACE CHAI '23

Hello? Can you hear me? Oh dear, I think your textbook has taken a liking to your forehead...What happened? And your poor backpack...when was the last time you cleaned it out? Two years ago?! Why—oh, I see, it’s exam season again, isn’t it. *Nods sagely* That explains why you were trying to absorb all 880 pages of American History: Connecting with the Past overnight. Oh, don’t look so despondent—make yourself comfortable. Here, have a cup of steaming tea; it’ll soothe your frayed nerves...

This Amazing Mineral Can Change Your Life. Click Here to Learn How!
BY SOPHIE ZHANG '22
Crystals. We’ve all taken a bag of them home from the science museum or noticed them lying around our house. By their scientific definition, crystals, also referred to as minerals, are extremely well-organized molecular structures with their atoms arranged in a regular grid pattern. Exciting! But what’s even more interesting is their healing properties. Wikipedia may...
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Indoor Plant Review
BY N. RAZBAN '23
Do you need some encourage-mint to get through these tough thymes? Become a plant parent, my friend! A plant will always root for you and provide good chives for your space. Now that I have gotten those puns out of my system, let's talk about why you should trust my plant opinions. My living room is turning into a jungle at an alarmingly rapid pace: there are TWENTY-THREE plants here, and more are being
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Ranking Spotify Ads
BY N. RAZBAN '23
​You are peacefully listening to your favorite song, “I Want to Kick Baby Yoda in the Ribs” by Billy Cobb, when suddenly... BAM! An ad plays. Sound familiar? Well, I wanted to do something about this frustration. Pay for Spotify premium? NOPE, I'M GONNA COMPLAIN. So, here it is, folks, me ranking your disruptions, from bad to badder...
2020 Meme Review
BY RIYA SHAH '22
Ever since the start of Miss Rona’s tyrannical rule, I have become completely (and embarrassingly) in touch with memes. If I’m not studying or watching Netflix, I’m probably scrolling through Instagram, hunting for good memes. And I like to think that the ones this year truly represent our mentality during this unprecedented time: complete insanity
...

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Holiday Playlist
BY JOE MAFFA '21​​
Winter 2020… Can you believe we made it? While I’m not really sure how I kept my sanity throughout the 28 years that were the spring and summer months, my Spotify Wrapped seems to indicate that music was quite the crucial factor in my daily routine...
Holiday Recipes
BY PRIYANKA CHIDAMBARAM '24
T​he holiday season is right around the corner, and you know what that means—it’s time for holiday baking! To begin, we are going to start off with a viral TikTok recipe: The Hot Chocolate Bomb. As someone who spends 90% of my time cooking and eating, believe...


​Online shopping vs. Shopping out: Which is Better?
BY KERA MATTHEWS '24​​
I’m sure we can all agree that, undoubtedly, 2020 has been a whirlwind. Not only have jobs suffered, but some forms of entertainment have too!  I’m sure that my introverts are doing just fine, but what about...

The Purple Diary (An Among Us Narrative)
BY ALICIA GU '23
January 21: 
It was still warm, still June, when the eight of us boarded that ship. We cast aside our faces, our names, and our grief for thick suits of urethane-coated nylon and the title of saviors. Find a new planet to inhabit. Overcome your fear of the unknown, and embrace the fragile hope that rests on your shoulders. Should be simple, right? Still, it has been three weeks, and I have yet to overcome my loathing for the cafeteria’s cheese pizza. I was under the impression that our ship was light years away from the death and decay of Earth, but it consumes us even now. Maintaining the ship has been grueling. We go to sleep with gas stains and grit underneath our fingernails. I envy White, who has been napping in the security room for days now, though I doubt the cameras are able to catch anything interesting; the eight of us are a simple crew. As instructed by HQ, we follow our itinerary of tasks and daydream about the magenta stars and cyan sunsets that await us on the planets we will one day discover...
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Stationery Review
BY N. RAZBAN '23
Folks, you know what makes the world go round? Love? No, you silly goose—stationery! At least for me. What's not to love about taking notes with pretty pens on perfectly creamy white paper? That being said, it's important to remember that this is all for fun! All you really need for school is a black pen or pencil and some paper. I just happen to LOVE the extra stuff. So, let's dive into the extras.
 

Pens: Ah pens, the tongue of the mind, according to the famous poet Quintus Horace Flaccus. The true stars when it comes to note-taking. Let's start off with the basics: black pens. My all-time favorite black pen is the Muji Gel-Ink Ball-point pen .5mm. It simulates the SMOOTHEST writing experience ever and doesn't run...
Pumpkin Spice and Everything Nice
BY JOE MAFFA '21
Ahh autumn… everyone’s favorite season. Look around! Hoodies, sweatpants, beanies, maybe the occasional scarf? Fiery, vibrant foliage littering streets and backyards alike. And in the air, crisp, chilly, crunchy gusts of wind? Take a whiff and—what’s that?—the icing on the cake, the scent of autumn: fresh, cozy, pumpkin...
Love Doc: Fall Edition!
BY JULIA KUANG '22
¡Hola niños! Hope you all have been having a spunky funky time in school thus far! I also hope you haven’t been socially and romantically deprived! Despite the global pandemic, FaceTiming, texting, collaborating in breakout rooms, and holding your cursor over another person’s on a Google doc is still a thing! It can still happen...
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Comic by Emily Hiltunen '22

Love Doc: Quarantine Edition🧚
BY JULIA KUANG '22
Helloooo everyone...THE LOVE DOC IS BACK!!!!! To my beloved (and probably nonexistent) readers, I hope you’re ready for the GREATEST edition of Love Doc yet! But first, let me find my eye drops and script for a Youtube-worthy apology: Guys, I am so incredibly *sniff
* sorry that I
 didn’t write in the last issue….I had a lot going on...and I’ll never do it again. I promise...
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The Perfect Study Playlist
BY MAY HONG '23 & KATHERINE LEE '23
Are you "studying" for the SAT but still on the second chapter of your prep book? Well, boy do we have the solution for you! With our dopamine-boosting, award-winning playlists, you are 100% guaranteed to stay motivated (not actually, guaranteed, please don't sue us). In this article, we proudly present the best of the mood-lifting songs we love. There are five categories...
​Freshmen (and Sophomore) Advice
​
BY PRATIK GAZULA '21
I walked through the crowded double doors, carrying a backpack bursting with books, unsure what my first day of high school would look like, let alone the next four years. As I prepare for my senior year though, I’m truly amazed at how memorable...
Guide to Extracurriculars and Clubs
​
BY JOE MAFFA '21
Extracurriculars, more than anything else, are responsible for the omnipresent sense of community at AB. Whether you’re an incoming freshman looking to get involved or an upperclassmen looking to beef up your resume, extracurriculars are a great way to spend a...
Debunking High School Myths
​BY BELLE HU '22
For me, high school seemed to be a completely different realm, one I had glimpsed from a distance but would never enter or get used to. The teachers seemed austere, and the students unapproachable. The clubs and sports seemed exclusive and unwelcoming
...
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Comic by Emily Hiltunen

Quaranmemes; Entertainment in the Digital Age
BY JOE MAFFA '21
Yes, we are all sad, lonely, and slowly losing our minds. But what is there to possibly get us through these 
unprecedented times? That’s right! An unprecedented amount of memes! COVID-19 memes—they are inescapable. A quick scroll through the Instagram explore page, or a short browse of your Reddit feed, will garner at least a dozen memes. Not to mention that the topics that range from building up your body, to building up your toilet paper stockpile, and everything in between! Whether the...
The Animal Crossing Craze
BY FRANCESCA SERVELLO '21
Do you crave a relaxing vacation on a remote island where you can make friends with a variety of talking animals without any real burdens to hold you back? As it turns out, so do millions of people across the globe! You can find all these things and more in Animal Crossing: New Horizons, the newest installment in Nintendo’s classic video game franchise. Many players find solace in the relaxing atmosphere of the game, especially in the aforementioned virtual lack of responsibility (minus the...
Zoom University
BY BELLE HU '22
The very first time I ever used Zoom, I had three mental breakdowns. Seriously. After typing in the username and password that my teacher had sent, I remained locked out of the conference call. Imagine my surprise later when I FaceTimed my friend and was told that I shouldn’t have needed a username and password in the first place. I entered the next conference call by dialing in. My teacher utterly exposed me because, of course, I was the 
only person dialing in. However, I quickly realized that my Zoom struggles would complicate my learning experience as it became the go-to platform during the COVID-19 pandemic. Companies, schools, and institutions have started to host meetings solely on Zoom. Further, the platform is also used for casual settings. Amid the increasing chaos around the world, Zoom has maintained a sense of normalcy for many people. Whether it be through college “Zoom parties,” birthday parties, or blind dates, Zoom creates stability and excitement in the lives of all age groups. Despite the...
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Comic by Emily Hiltunen

The Problem with Projects by Emily Hiltunen
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Top 10 Pop Culture Moments of the 2010’s
BY PRIYANKA CHIDAMBARAM '23
Well this has been quite a decade. From the feud between Taylor Swift and Kanye West to the end of Game of Thrones, here are the most eventful moments of our childhood.


2009-2010: The decade-long feud between Taylor Swift and Kanye West began after Kanye interrupted Taylor’s speech at the VMA’s. The start of a new decade seems to have laid the feud to rest though...
AB Overheard
BY THE SPECTRUM STAFF
As Spectrum staff members sat in their classes, walked through the high school halls, and participated in district events, they overheard bits and pieces of the community’s wildest conversations. Here are some of those quotes, all compiled for our readers’ viewing pleasure
...
The Evolution of Memes
BY AVNI MISHRA '23
From grumpy cat memes to those deep-fried pictures of Markiplier’s face photoshopped onto Lord Farquaad featured on the front of “What’s Wrong With Gen Z Humor?” articles, we all know what memes are. Whether you’re an avid Reddit user, or you occasionally double-tap a two-month-old meme on your Instagram explore page, everyone has shared a laugh over a funny image on the internet. But how have memes evolved into the hilarious and relatable images we know today? 
It started back in 2001, before a lot of you readers were born (yes, memes are older...
​Love Nest: Another One!
BY JULIA KUANG '22
Hey guys, it’s Dr. Kuang back at it again with another...dun DUN! Love Nest!! (if you get this reference ily haha) It’s been a hot minute since I’ve written one of these, and it’s honestly such a relief to be writing something that won’t be graded/make me super stressed since the last few weeks/MONTHS have been kinda like a non-stop bulldozer overloading my brain with school. So to all of you stressed out kids out there (I know there’s a lot of you lol), take a chill pill and maYbe reAD the lOve neSt or maybe…..tAlk to yOur cruSh?!?!?!?! jk…..unless? 
Q: My bf and I have been dating...
“Wrong Answers Only”​
BY HARINI GANAPATHI '22
“Wrong Answers Only”: what is it? To all of you uncultured snoozers out there, it’s a classic meme. You will somehow be presented with a question, prompting you to reply with the “perfect” answer. 
HOWEVER, there is a twist! Alas, my love, this is the twenty-first century, and the meme masters of Planet Earth have realized that the correct answer is, simply put, lame and boring. Instead, these acclaimed geniuses sought to find a way to spice up life—so they did. By now, you probably get what I’m hinting at, but I find that examples often help teaching. For example, if I were to... ​

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