Sophia Punsalan

Palisades Fire

February 13, 2025 By Sophia Punsalan

The cold and dry weather marks the return of fire season on America’s West Coast, particularly in California, where wildfires pose an annual threat. The Palisades Fire has reportedly burned over 23,000 acres of land, according to the Emergency Management Department—an area equivalent to approximately 17 football fields. This wildfire stands as the largest in the United States since the devastating Eaton and Hughes fires, which also ravaged parts of California. As firefighters battle the relentless blaze, officials urge residents to remain vigilant and prepared for potential evacuations. The fire has been documented as the fastest growing wildfire to hit California in the last 20 years, burning 825 acres of land a day, half a football field burned every minute.

Wildfires ignite when a heat source (ignition) meets dry, flammable material (fuel) in the presence of oxygen, with common causes ranging from human activities—such as unattended campfires, discarded cigarettes, sparks from machinery, downed power lines, and arson—to natural events like lightning strikes during dry thunderstorms. In the case of the Palisades Fire in Los Angeles, investigators have yet to determine a definitive cause, though early findings suggest human involvement. Law enforcement sources indicate possible origins included arson, fireworks, accidental sparks, unauthorized camping, or a rekindling of a smaller fire that was extinguished on New Year’s Day. This Jan. 1 brush fire, spotted near the ridgeline by Palisades Highlands residents, was quickly contained without reported damage, but its potential connection to the massive blaze six days later has fueled public speculation. The ATF’s National Response Team is leading a joint investigation with local authorities into the Palisades Fire, as well as the other wildfires that tore through Los Angeles County, fueled by high winds, destroying over 12,000 structures, consuming more than 40,000 acres, and killing at least 25 people. Some of these fires continue to burn as officials work to pinpoint their exact causes.

The Red Cross is actively collecting donations to aid in relief efforts for those affected by the Palisades Fire. In addition to national organizations, many local charities, businesses, and even California-based influencers have stepped up to support displaced residents. Fundraisers, supply drives, and temporary housing initiatives are being organized to assist families who have lost everything. Community centers have opened their doors to provide shelter, food, and essential supplies to those in need. Additionally, volunteers have mobilized to distribute water, clothing, and hygiene kits to evacuees, ensuring that those affected have access to basic necessities.

Social media campaigns have played a crucial role in amplifying donation efforts, with celebrities and influencers using their platforms to raise awareness and encourage contributions. In addition to the professionals who have stepped up, many influencers based in California have promoted many organizations for help, some even running drives themselves. On a recent episode of the Upstairs Neighbor’s podcast, influencers Maya Umemoto Gordon and Dom Roberts shared that they have been repeatedly waking up early in the morning to secure volunteering positions; they were taken aback when all the positions to help were filled. They recounted this story to shed positive light on the power of community within Californians. Nevertheless they persisted in creating their own drive, and uplifting the voices of affected people of color in the community.

As the battle against the Palisades Fire rages on, the resilience of Californians is evident in the tireless efforts of firefighters, volunteers, and affected residents who refuse to let devastation define their communities. The road to recovery will be long, but with continued support and awareness, those impacted will begin to rebuild their lives one step at a time. Natural disaster relief is a difficult scenario, but time and time again, these situations test humanity and its ability to aid others and lift communities up.

Score V. Soundtrack

February 13, 2025 By Sophia Punsalan

The 2025 Academy Awards are already stirring controversy, particularly in the wake of the recent Golden Globes. The 2024 film Challengers took home the award for Best Feature-Length Film Score, a win that left many surprised. Fans of Wicked were especially vocal on social media, expressing outrage over Challengers’ victory. However, their frustration quickly revealed a common misunderstanding—many were confusing a film’s score (its original instrumental composition) with its soundtrack (a collection of pre-existing or vocal songs). This debate has reignited discussions about the role of music in film and how audiences perceive its impact.

Score is an incredibly important aspect of a film’s storytelling and creation of its atmosphere. For example, in the aforementioned film Challengers, the score, composed by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross, is an electrifying and pulse-pounding blend of electronic and orchestral elements. It leans heavily into pulsating synths, distorted basslines, and hypnotic rhythms, creating a sense of tension and movement that mirrors the film’s high-stakes drama and emotional intensity. The music has a raw, almost physical energy, reinforcing the competitive nature of the film and the pure drama between each character. Without score, a film would be full of awkward silences. The addition of a score can also convey the mood or theme of a scene. A character could be shot with a blank expression on their face, but with the addition of sadder sounding music, that character can be perceived by the audience as melancholic.

Alternatively, Wicked faced high praise for its soundtrack specifically; An adaptation of the 2003 musical, based on Victor Flemming’s The Wizard of Oz. Wicked tells the story of the main antagonist of the Wizard of Oz, Elphaba, as her story twists her into the villain we see portrayed in the film. The importance of the soundtrack is much greater in a musical than other films, being the main medium of communication of the story and plot. Without the soundtrack Wicked would be an incomplete story. This isn’t to say that the soundtrack isn’t important in other films as well, particularly non-musicals. The 2017 film Baby Driver, directed by Edgar Wright, is an illustrious example of this concept, the high action packed music and the importance of music as a whole within its’ central plot allows for a creative and colorful mix of different tracks within its sound. The film follows a heist driver, named Baby, as he transports many criminals. He is very interested in music and refuses to drive without it. There are a few high stress scenes where he simply won’t drive because he can’t get his iPod working. Without the inclusion of this film’s soundtrack, the characterization would be lost and not communicated effectively.

Score and soundtrack in combination are a powerful tool in storytelling, the 2011 film Rio, is often regarded as an animated masterpiece, the soundtrack being undoubtedly one of the core reasons. Both aspects within the film’s sound utilize the sound to define the setting of Rio De Janeiro, making its score and soundtrack undeniably a pillar in setting the scene of the film!

In short, score and soundtrack couldn’t be more glaringly different, however they are best used in tandem when filmmaking as important tools in a filmmaker’s tool box to setting a story’s plot, setting, and characterization. The upcoming award season, particularly including the Grammy’s and Oscar’s, will be a hard contest between last year’s amazing scores and soundtracks!

Cybertruck or Cyberflunk?

February 13, 2025 By Sophia Punsalan

Being behind the wheel can often grow monotonous, seeing the same cars of the same shapes whizz past. The shocking nature of the Cybertruck can be attributed to this clause, causing many drivers to whip their necks back and regard the metal behemoth taking on the road. Since its public release in late 2023, the Cybertruck has remained a hot topic of debate among car enthusiasts, critics, and the general public. Marketed as a revolutionary step in the automotive industry, Tesla’s latest creation aims to redefine what a pickup truck can be. However, like many of Tesla’s ambitious projects under the leadership of its controversial CEO, Elon Musk, the Cybertruck has garnered as much criticism as it has praise. Overall, the Cybertruck is adored by many, and hated by more.

The Cybertruck was designed with the goal of radically transforming the traditional pickup truck, a vehicle style long regarded as a staple of American roads. Unlike conventional models from manufacturers such as Ford or GMC, Tesla’s take on the truck is characterized by a stainless steel exoskeleton that forgoes traditional paint, giving it an unpolished, almost dystopian appearance. While this choice aligns with Musk’s vision of durability and longevity, it has led some to label the Cybertruck’s look as “unfinished” or excessively industrial. In terms of dimensions, the truck is slightly shorter than many full-size pickups, but it compensates with a longer truck bed, enhancing its utility for cargo transport. However, many potential buyers are deterred by its angular design, which significantly reduces visibility and aerodynamics compared to other vehicles in its class.

Contrary to what its unique shape seems to suggest, the Cybertruck was designed with safety in mind, the stainless steel exterior is described as bulletproof by Tesla. “Yes, we are highly confident that Cybertruck will be much safer per mile than other trucks, both for occupants and pedestrians”, Musk shared in a post on his social media site in December of 2023. As the market and customer base of the Cybertruck grows, more and more accidents have been reported. The Cybertruck is frequently criticized for its lack of “crumple zones,” a safety feature in most vehicles designed to absorb impact during collisions and protect passengers from direct force. Instead, the Cybertruck’s rigid and durable exterior often transfers the impact to the other vehicle, which can sometimes result in fatal consequences for its occupants. Despite the safety intended, this faulty design is a source of contention for several consumers. Additionally, while Tesla advertised the Cybertruck as a top-tier off-roading vehicle, reports from owners suggest that its standard tires struggle in snow, sand, and mud, undermining its performance in rugged conditions. Further fueling consumer skepticism, Tesla was forced to recall over 4,000 Cybertrucks due to a critical issue with the accelerator pedal, which could become stuck and cause unintended acceleration—an alarming defect for a vehicle marketed as cutting-edge.

In an incident outside of President Trump’s hotel in Las Vegas, on January 2nd of this year, the Cybertruck’s stainless steel exterior proved itself helpful; protecting onlookers and pedestrians from an explosion taking place inside the vehicle caused by an inexpert bomb. Musk initially addressed the situation on X, from a humorous perspective, praising the truck for its “indestructible” exterior, and then put out a more professional statement addressing those involved and how Tesla was not affiliated with the attack. This event further cemented the Cybertruck’s reputation as an anomaly within the auto industry—both an engineering marvel and a potential liability. Moreover, Musk’s own controversial public persona has played a role in shaping opinions on the Cybertruck, as his ideological stances and unpredictable business decisions often overshadow Tesla’s technological advancements.

As the Cybertruck continues to roll onto roads worldwide its legacy remains uncertain. Is it the future of automotive design, or merely an extravagant experiment that will fade with time? While its bold aesthetics and futuristic engineering have captivated a niche audience, its practical shortcomings and safety concerns raise important questions about its long-term viability. Tesla’s commitment to innovation is undeniable, but whether these inventions are always necessary is up for question, and whether the Cybertruck will ultimately be remembered as a groundbreaking success or an unpopular failure in automobile history remains to be seen.

Brandy Melville

May 29, 2024 By Sophia Punsalan

From a marketing perspective, Brandy Melville is genius branding for a generation driven by targeted social media presence; if you’re aware of the brand, a certain image almost immediately springs to memory, e.g. a very chic Americana teenager, the kind of clothing adorned by the effortlessly cool girl, maybe she lives a luxurious life at the beach? Or maybe she’s a master of the ‘uptown girl’ aesthetic? Regardless of the specifications of your mental image, Brandy Melville has a mysterious way of getting their brand image out even if you cannot recall ever seeing a single advertisement from the company itself. The brand’s success is built on a foundation of questionable practices, from its discriminatory hiring policies to its promotion of unrealistic body standards.

Initially started by Italian business owner, Silvio Marsan, the brand didn’t entirely take flight until his son and successor to the brand’s ownership Stephan Marsan took over. Stephan had a unique idea to have the brand’s image be entirely driven by the target audience themselves, young teenage girls. Stephan strove to accumulate a workforce of entirely conventionally attractive young girls to run the storefronts and the social media presence of Brandy Melville. What is arguably already an incredibly unconventional business model becomes stranger as many teenage employees recently spoke out on TikTok and in a recent documentary titled Brandy Hellville & The Cult of Fast Fashion about bizarre and abusive requirements from Brandy Melville’s higher-ups. The girls were required to send in full body pictures when clocking in for their shifts, and Corporate Brandy would, in turn, post similar images of girls adorning almost identical outfits, and in some cases, the clothing would show up on the Brandy Melville sales floor. The questionable business practices run deeper as a frequent trend Stephen had in his hiring process was only placing applicants of color in the storage handling sections of the stores whereas their white counterparts got to man the front. These allegations were supported by the numerous accounts included in the documentary, and can be directly traced back to Marsan himself disgustingly joking “If you’re white- you’re in sight” in a company group text.

Brandy Melville’s clothing itself is popularly poked fun of as it’s all one-size, not an inclusive size, but rather a “one size fits most” model whose measurements are the same as XS-S sizing utilized in other stores. The brand is not shy about its lack of inclusivity either, Stephan outright told his employees ‘Take everything but the three smallest sizes off the floor.’ After backlash from customers, the line was changed to “one size fits most” still modeled after a size 4. The clothing is often regarded for its soft and stretchy fabric which is particularly easy to manufacture as most of it is just mass-produced and cheap polyester.

An interesting fact about the brand is that for some unknown reason, they sell Olive Oil on their website, which can be traced back to the company’s roots in Italian culture, but is often found comical by Melville critics online. Another dubious business venture from Marsan is the recent emergence of the Brandy Melville band, a group of young employees that thus far have only put out covers, including “It’s A Man’s Man’s Man’s World” by James Brown. The band has no official title or means of releasing music aside from a couple of videos posted on social media from various accounts all filmed in a Brandy Melville-owned recording studio. The only traces of where this band started are from TikTok of girls getting emails from Brandy Melville requesting them to apply for a position in these music groups.

While Brandy Melville may excel in branding and marketing, its negative impact on society and the environment cannot be ignored. As consumers, it’s crucial to hold companies accountable for their actions and demand greater transparency and ethical practices in the fashion industry.

Amy Winehouse: In Reflection and Film

May 29, 2024 By Sophia Punsalan

Amy Winehouse left an undeniable mark in music history with her extraordinary talent. Known for her unimaginable lyrics, Winehouse utilized a collage of different music styles, such as Jazz, Blues, Soul, and even traces of Ska. Despite her tragically short life, her influence resonates strongly with fans and fellow musicians such as Florence Welch, Adele, and Lady Gaga.

Born in London, England, in 1983, her adoration for music and performing arts was formed early as she attended Sylvia Young Theatre-Arts School. Her attendance at the said institution was short-lived as she was allegedly expelled for expressing her bold character via a nose piercing: a testament to her refusal to dim her sparkle that is seen carried into her musical craft. Winehouse’s debut album Frank was an almost instant success and was swiftly followed by her first broadcasted performance on MTV of her song “Stronger Than Me.” Her debut album won an Ivor Novello award for its impressive contemporary lyrical writing. Frank would not be the only Winehouse album to have almost instantaneous success; Back To Black is often regarded as her most iconic album and the one that made Winehouse a Grammy-award winner, with singles such as “Me & Mr. Jones” and “Rehab.” The latter became particularly iconic, reflecting both her struggles with addiction and jabbing at her stubbornness to quit, a significant point of contention in her life and career.

Throughout Amy Winehouse’s life, her rise in stardom and popularity brought her down a spiraling path of drug abuse and many other lapses in judgment. The media was no help to her plight as rather than getting her the help she so clearly needed, they treated it as a controversial tabloid story and constantly villainized her. Amy also struggled with a tumultuous eating disorder; towards the end of her career, she was clearly in need of help. Although she did attend rehabilitation, she sadly lost her grasp and passed away due to alcohol poisoning in 2011, leaving a hole in the hearts of her fans and the music industry. Her untimely death served as a stark reminder of the destructive power of addiction and the importance of compassion and support for those who grapple with its grip.

Amy Winehouse’s reach has even ventured into the film realm. The 2015 documentary Amy, directed by Asif Kapadia, depicted testimonial accounts and archival footage of the musician’s life and legacy. The documentary received many accolades, including an Academy Award for Best Documentary and a Grammy for Best Film Soundtrack. It made 23.7 Million dollars at the box office. A biopic of the star’s life titled Back to Black premiered this May, starring Marisa Abela as Amy. The film faces some pushback due to utilizing Abela’s vocals rather than Winehouse’s, which is a controversial choice for musical biopics.Additionally, Winehouse’s close friend Tyler James condemned the film as “too exploitative” in a recent interview with The Independent. Since trailers were released, another concern fans have had is that her imitation of Winehouse’s heavy North London accent isn’t accurate to what she truly sounded like; many have reported that it comes off as a parody of her true voice. Winehouse’s fans also argue the film will always be considered “too soon” about the artist’s untimely death, and combined with lacking her original vocals has put huge hits on expectations for this film at the box office. Regardless, the film aims to give Winehouse the appreciation and memoriam she deserves.

As we reflect on Amy Winehouse’s life and career, let us not only remember her incredible talent and artistic contributions. May her music continue to uplift and inspire, reminding us that even in our darkest moments, there is beauty to be found in the power of expression. Amy Winehouse may have left us too soon, but her spirit lives on in the timeless melodies and poignant lyrics that continue to captivate audiences worldwide.

Spring Fashion Has Sprung!

March 27, 2024 By Sophia Punsalan

Photo Contributed by Sophia Punsalan

Flowers are blooming, birds are chirping, and it’s long overdue to break out of our fashion hibernations and revamp our closets. Whether it’s timeless classics like floral prints or some modern innovations such as office wear outside of a professional setting, 2024 holds lots of promising trends as we spring into this new season of fashion!

Bows had a huge moment this past year, adorning any and every garment in the public eye, and while one can always appreciate some ribbon it’s evident that this was merely a testament to the appeal of the daintier, classical flares in fashion. It’s safe to say that the bow trend is finally tiring out and being traded for the abstract idea of subtle femininity. Soft linen dresses paired with slouchy jackets are an excellent example of this and they are perfect for the ever-changing North Carolina weather where one minute it is freezing and the next it is hot and humid. As we transition from winter to spring it’s important to note that the change in weather isn’t immediate and keeping duality within your outfits is paramount. To counteract the slow-changing weather, sometimes pairing a winter staple with a fresher spring shoe is a great call. One notable trendsetter in this specific field is fashion influencer, Enya Umanzor. With a keen eye for trends and an effortless sense of style, she popularized the pairing of looser-fitting jeans with the delicate elegance of ballet flats; this not only embraces the comfort and versatility of winter denim but also introduces a touch of femininity and lightness through the choice of footwear, seamlessly bridging the gap between seasons!

Florals will always take charge in spring, but this year they can be seen on a bigger scale than the norm; larger-than-life rosettes! Zendaya notably graced the early 2023 Screen Actors Guild Awards, wearing a dress entirely composed of these large rosettes, setting the stage for this blossoming trend. And yet, as we move into 2024, the allure of oversized florals remains as strong as ever, offering a unique opportunity to embrace opulent fashion in simpler, more wearable ways. Bold blooms serve as captivating statement pieces, injecting a dose of vibrancy and sophistication into any ensemble. Whether adorning flowy dresses, tailored blazers, or even casual tops, substantial florals offer a unique opportunity to embrace formal fashion in simpler, more wearable ways.

Speaking of integrating typically formal pieces into everyday wear, high fashion brands such as Miu Miu and Peter Do’s respective runway looks have been resurrecting early 2000s office looks with a modern twist. Blocky blazers, thin glasses, perfectly polished loafers, and even the aforementioned ballet flats have become staples in their collections, mixing corporate attire and street style. This revival of ‘library-chic’ aesthetics has been making waves in the fashion world, with retail giant H&M even dedicating a subsection of their website to this niche trend, aptly named ‘Office-core.’ As we embrace this fusion of sophistication and urbanity, we find ourselves redefining what it means to dress for success in the 21st century!

From the graceful transition of bow accents to the captivating allure of oversized florals, this season beckons us to embrace the essence of femininity in all its subtlety and grandeur. As we navigate the shifting weather and ever-evolving style landscape, we are reminded of the importance of versatility and duality within our wardrobes, finding inspiration in the seamless fusion of winter staples with fresher spring elements. Moreover, the revival of early 2000s office aesthetics, reimagined with a modern twist by esteemed fashion houses and embraced by trendsetters worldwide, signifies the redefinition of sartorial success in the 21st century. As we bid adieu to our fashion hibernations and embrace the blossoming season ahead it’s exciting to see what this spring has in store for fashion!