The Odyssey (2026), released on July 17th, has been a major success. Directed and produced by Christopher Nolan, the movie reportedly reached $1.3 billion worldwide at the box office; it is the biggest film in Nolan’s career, and the largest successful release in the history of IMAX. Further contributing to its fame is the surprising difficulty involved in finding a theater which could project it, as The Odyssey is the first feature-length film shot entirely on IMAX film. “This is a film with thrilling ambition, boldness, seriousness, generosity and flair,” said Peter Bradshaw of The Guardian.

“The movie was very good, I enjoyed watching it; especially the way new locations were introduced, which was great,” student Aren Voskanyan said.

The Odyssey is a famous Greek epic poem by Homer with the same title, composed around the 8th or 7th century B.C. It also draws inspiration from the acclaimed 2017 translation of the original novel by classicist Emily Wilson. The film follows three different perspectives at once. There is the protagonist Odysseus (played by Matt Damon) who struggles a years-long journey to return home to his kingdom after the Trojan War, as well as Telemachus, his son (played by Tom Holland), who searches for his father and, in extension, himself. Finally, there is Penelope (played by Anne Hathaway), Odysseus’s wife, who is stuck back in the Kingdom of Ithaca fending off against suitors who are competing to replace her husband and take over the kingdom.

Alongside fictional characters, The Odyssey also takes massive inspiration from Greek mythology. The Olympian gods involved in the original novel also have roles in the movie, mainly with Athena, goddess of wisdom (played by Zendeya), Circe (Samantha Morton) and Calypso (Charlize Theron). Other gods, though without a physical appearance, are often referenced and shown through nature, such as Zeus (king of the gods and god of the skies), Poseidon (Zeus’s brother and god of the seas) acting as the primary antagonist, Helios (the Sun God), and Hermes (the messenger of the gods).

Overall, The Odyssey is a highly anticipated and successful adaptation of both the original novel and Greek mythology. It has been a much larger success than the numerous other adaptations of the novel, which were filmed throughout the 20th century. 

Spider-Man: Brand New Day takes place four years after the MCU’s last Spider-Man film, Spider-Man: No Way Home. After a spell to save the universe rid Peter Parker’s loved ones of their memories of him, he has fallen into a depressive state. He distracts himself by ignoring his true identity completely, instead opting to work as Spider-Man full-time, taking his mask off for no one and living in complete isolation. When a powerful new supervillain comes onto the scene, he is forced to open himself up to the people he loves and accept himself in order to control his powers enough to face her. 

Starring Tom Holland, Sadie Sink and Zendaya, the cast is chock full of talented actors who brought genuine emotion to their performances and made the movie as a whole shine. “I really loved this Spider-Man movie not only because Zendaya is in it, but also how it showcased the different relationships between the characters, and the sort of father-son relationship between Peter and The Punisher was very heartwarming to see,” senior Anri Gevorkyan said.

In addition to having a stellar cast, the film deals with things like depression and isolation, which is increasingly common in the current day, especially considering the effects of social media usage. This struck a chord with the film’s audience, and the writing in combination with the acting (not to mention the epic action scenes) all worked together to do wonders at the box office. 

“The film did a good job portraying the negative effects of loneliness, and delivers a good message that nobody should have to carry their burdens alone, especially people so young who may feel overwhelmed or frustrated with the world” sophomore Camille Gammad said. “I’m not surprised that it’s reached a wide audience, but I am surprised at the fact it’s outperformed Endgame at the domestic box office. I’m glad more people are seeing this movie.” 

Having made $2.3 billion Spiderman: Brand-New Day has become the 4th highest grossing movie ever, a testament to its heartwarming storytelling and stellar acting, cementing itself in superhero movie history.

As the students arrived at the field at six in the morning for the 6:18 sunrise, they were greeted with donuts provided by ASB, as well as sunglasses which came with markers for them to write various messages . In addition, large cutout frames were passed around for people to take photos with their friends together. Finally, after the sky was fully bright, different groups of students were brought together to run under a rainbow parachute, similar to ones used in gym class for elementary school students, adding a nostalgic twist to an event themed around the future ahead. 

While waking up early enough in the morning to attend the event is not necessarily a pleasant experience, that’s not to say it can’t be worthwhile. “To me, senior sunrise brings back fond memories of me being with my friends at snack and lunch and hanging out at previous school events, and even if it’s early, I think it’s still worth it,”  senior Elliot Contreras-Garcia said. “I think it’s important to uphold traditions like this, since by giving us the chance to just have fun together, they help us maintain friendships over time.”

After the sun had fully risen in the sky, students took off for the IHOP on Foothill Blvd, with their sunglasses still adorning their faces as a mark of pride. 

“It’s nice to see the same group of people that started with us at the beginning of high school to all show up at the beginning of the year for the sunrise and the pancake breakfast,” senior Krista Madhu said. 

Recently, 2016 makeup trends have gone viral, with many people attempting to recreate the heavily concealed, sharply shaped eyebrows that were popularized by beauty gurus at the time. Phrases like “eyebrows on fleek” have resurfaced, while trends such as soap brows have been pushed aside. Teenagers from 2016 are now recreating their old “high school makeup” styles. 

Makeup has begun to look similar as people follow the same routines and looks. Creativity and individuality make makeup unique and encourage the bold looks that made 2016 stand out so much. While creative makeup still exists today, the influence of constantly changing trends can make originality harder to find. Even Kylie Jenner recently posted a TikTok video trying one of her nearly decade-old products from her archive called “skylie” (sky blue), bringing back memories of the Kylie Lip Kits that dominated beauty culture in 2016. 

Music was also a main element in the overall 2016 aesthetic. Many memorable albums were created during that time that were on replay not only in 2016 but throughout the years. And these songs are now getting popular again. Music Artist, Zara Larsson, has made a complete comeback (read more here!) with her nostalgic music (although from 2017), such as “Lush Life” from her Album So Good. Other notable albums from 2016 are Dangerous Woman by Ariana Grande and Views by Drake.  Also, the song Black Beatles by Rae Sremmurd was extremely popular and started the mannequin challenge that many people try to recreate today. “While making my playlist for this Summer, I used a lot of throwback songs from 2016 because I enjoy the unique beats that aren’t as popular in today’s music,” said Senior Aleh Issagholian.  

With the current state of the world–social media, political conflict, phone addiction, AI, and an overall feeling of despair and hopelessness–2016 presents as a simpler time. Today, the world seems more plagued with problems. AI is taking over people’s lives, threatening employment and creative hobbies, while bringing about profound changes in the entertainment industry. Bottom line, AI is affecting society much more than people realize. That is why 2016 seems so appealing because it was a “simpler time” by contrast to how much chaos AI has already wrought on society. Nostalgia brings comfort, and people want that comfort back, especially since AI’s influence will only grow stronger.

In sociological terms, it is safe to say that society is currently going through a “cultural lag.” This is a concept founded by an incredibly influential sociological figure in the 20th century, William F. Ogburn. A cultural lag occurs when a new development or technology evolves and integrates faster into society than humans are able to regulate, causing a disruption to people’s lives. 

A psychological concept called the “rosy retrospection,’’ created by researchers Terence Mitchell and Leigh Thompson in 1994, refers to a cognitive bias that people have when looking to past events. Seeing situations with “rose-tinted glasses,” believing that those times were better than they actually were, people remember and feel the positive emotions and memories more deeply.  

However, for most people at Clark, in 2016, they were just kids, ages 5 to 9 years old. Recalling the memories from 2016 for students is not a reflection of the year itself, but instead a reminder of their childhoods.

Instead of blueprinting teenage years from an aesthetic that already happened a decade ago. I believe it is important for teenagers to create their own trends, music, and, most importantly, memories. Teenagers have the chance to make 2026 whatever they want it to be, and differentiate their teenage self from their childhood self. The remaining seven months of 2026 give people the possibility to celebrate fun, creativity, and an overall hope to create a unique future and year. 2026 is 2026!

The film was originally set to release in theaters on October 9, 2026. However, Paramount made the decision to instead premiere it on Paramount+  to strengthen the streaming service. Both the artists and fans were extremely disappointed that they would not be able to experience the long-awaited film in theaters.

When the film leaked in April 2026, some fans made the decision to pirate the film, while others, out of respect for Avatar Studios and its artists, decided to wait until its official release. “Even though it was exciting to see some of the clips from the movie on social media, I felt like the leaking of the movie was extremely disrespectful to all artists who put years of work into making the film,” senior Sheenamarie Tanghal said.

These leaks greatly harm the film’s reputation and affect future opportunities for the artists who worked on it. Julia Schoel, an animator who worked on the film, spoke out against these leaks, calling them “disrespectful.”

While a suspect was arrested in Singapore following an internal investigation by Paramount, the damage had already been done. It’s unclear how the film will perform on the streaming service when it officially releases in October. “Revenue determines if sequels get greenlit and how a film covers its production and marketing costs. This is devastating to the team and to the studios producing the movie,” Jason Scheir, a production designer who worked on the film, said.

The leak has caused a massive financial strain on Avatar Studios, and it’s unclear if the studio will be able to work on future projects. While some may argue that pirating can help build an audience for a film or show, it can also cause significant economic damage to artists’ ability to sustain themselves. In an age where artists all over the world are struggling to make ends meet, pirating and leaking their hard work means cutting them off from their livelihood.

One of the first things people notice when they walk into N Cafe is how aesthetically pleasing it is. The cafe has outdoor seating and pretty decorations. One of the biggest features of the cafe is its intricate decor, filled with pink flowers and bears all around. On every table, there is a teddy bear, giving the cafe a warm and welcoming feeling. Outside of the cafe, there are picturesque areas with different props, like a bike with flowers, cuddly bears, and a decorated phone booth. Many people come to N cafe not just to eat, but also for the vibes and pictures. “The oversized bears on every table is my favorite part about the cafe. It makes the atmosphere more cozy,” freshman Yeva Khachatryan said. 

N Cafe is especially known for its brunch foods and drinks. Some of the most popular foods include avocado toast and the smoked salmon toast, which many people enjoy eating as a fresh and filling meal. Their breakfast sandwiches are also a customer favorite because they are simple, but delicious. For people who like sweeter foods, the pancakes and waffles are perfect choices for brunch. 

On the desert side, the cafe serves ice cream, crepes, pastries, and croffles, which are croissants pressed in a waffle iron until they become crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. N Cafe also sells a special crepe with the ever popular Dubai Chocolate flavour. They also have Croffle Pizookies, flattened croissants topped with ice cream. As for their pastries, they serve “The Star of the Show,” which is a puff pastry topped with cream and fruits, and a Pastry Flight of 3 random assortment of pastries. 

The cafe also offers a variety of popular drinks. Some include the refreshers, like the sparkling strawberry refresher and mango pineapple refresher. One drink that makes this cafe stand out from others is the Cotton Candy Milkshake. The drink comes in pink or blue, with a mini teddy bear plush to take home. N Cafe also serves Armenian coffee, giving the menu a cultural taste. “I like that they have a mix of regular drinks and fun specialty ones, like the Cotton Candy Milkshake. It’s really unique, and getting the little teddy bear makes it even better,” freshman Nelya Muradyan said. 

With its popular foods, tasty drinks, and cozy atmosphere, it is easy to see why N Cafe is a great choice at which to eat. Whether someone is going out for brunch, coffee, or visiting a place to hang out, N Cafe is definitely worth visiting.

Though the new Glendale Galleria location is smaller, it has an updated layout with new sections for clothing, accessories, beauty products, and home décor. Since opening, the store has attracted both longtime customers and new shoppers visiting the mall.

Many shoppers have noticed how both the Americana and the Glendale Galleria continue changing to match current trends and attract different audiences. While the Americana is becoming known for more luxury and trendy storefronts, the Galleria continues to remain popular for everyday shopping and larger indoor retail spaces. Because the two shopping centers are located directly across from each other, many visitors still shop at both during the same trip.

The move also opens up space at the Americana for possible new stores, restaurants, or attractions. Since the Americana is known for constantly bringing in new businesses and experiences, the empty space could give shoppers even more variety and different places to explore. Some new stores, such as CHAGEE, a Chinese national-style tea brand, have recently opened in the Americana. While other shops like Breitling, a luxury Swiss watchmaker brand, and Bhindi Jewelers are in the process of opening. 

“I used to always stop by Urban Outfitters whenever I went to the Americana with friends, so seeing it move to the Glendale Galleria was honestly surprising. Even though it’s different now, the new location feels more updated and organized, and it’ll be interesting to see what new store or business eventually takes over the old space,” sophomore Mane Khlghatyan said.

In place of the former Urban Outfitters building at the Americana, a new SKIMS store is set to open. SKIMS, a widely recognized clothing brand, is known for its comfortable, everyday basics and inclusive designs. Founded by Kim Kardashian, the brand continues to grow and is expected to be a strong addition to the shopping center. 

As more stores continue changing locations or updating their spaces, Glendale’s shopping scene keeps evolving. Urban Outfitters’ relocation marks yet another change for two of Glendale’s most popular shopping destinations, and could lead to even more new additions in the future.

Classics can be a window into the past. Despite their age, readers can still gain an understanding of themselves, their lives, and their worlds from these stories because of their  universal themes.

However, what should one do when classics are too hard to understand? To many, classics can be a tough read. It’s best to acknowledge that reading a classic is not like reading a regular book. One has to be alert and sharp with a brain that is not turned “off.” Trying to read a story like Wuthering Heights while dozing in bed is a classic mistake. Stay with the story. Don‘t read for five  minutes and then close the book–get into the rhythm and mood.

Additionally, it’s important that a reader doesn’t gloss over words they don’t understand. Quickly searching up the meaning can not only help improve vocabulary, but it can also be crucial when trying to understand a passage. When skipping over difficult words, readers often lose key details that are important for the book’s plot.

Picking a solid starting point is also important. Don’t pick the voluminous and complicated The Brothers Kamarazov or War and Peace, as those books might only lead to feeling overwhelmed. Instead, opt for the easier classics such as Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury or Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë.

The classics encompass a wide range of diverse literary works, so there are numerous options from which to choose when deciding which ones to read first. Outside the Western scope, notable classic authors include Eileen Chang, Gabriel García Márquez, Chinua Achebe, and many others. There is also a vast array of genres: horror, philosophy, romance, politics, dystopian, and so on.

Classics force readers to pause, be patient, and think critically. Engaging with these timeless works can be deeply rewarding. The only thing left to do is to decide to leap into the world of classics, and forget the dread of starting a seemingly daunting book.

It’s no wonder why people might take solace in this advice, especially if the material that the celebrity is known for is beloved to the person. This is especially so if the artist in question has been revered since childhood. J.K. Rowling, author of the Harry Potter series, has long been lauded as an inspiration, providing escape and magical whimsy for a whole generation. However, in recent years, her pristine reputation has shifted to one of infamy, considering her habits on X (Twitter) on which she has attacked the transgender community. 

When an author writes a story, it’s usually for a particular reason; they want to write about things that they deem important. In this way, the writer’s values are inscribed into the pages, whether intentional or not. While the Harry Potter series isn’t perfect by any means, it is generally an innocent, nostalgic children’s book series. No matter how famous Rowling is, she is still a person, a complex person with flaws and the capability to do both good and bad things, with conflicting views and opinions. 

It’s common for celebrities, especially children’s celebrities, to be idolized and treated as if they could do no wrong. “We obsessively decode Taylor Swift’s lyrics for relationship references, analyze every frame of a director’s work for their signature style, and track artists’ political evolution through their creative choices,”said NYU Abu Dhabi student Divya Aswani of The Gazelle. “Yet somehow, when confronted with serious misconduct, we suddenly pretend this deep connection between creator and creation does not exist.” By separating Rowling from her art, the implication is that her books exist in a world outside of her actions and wrongdoings, which simply isn’t true.

Johnny Depp is another beloved artist who gained fame over the years for his gothic, awkward aesthetic, notably for his portrayal of Jack Sparrow in Pirates of the Caribbean and Willy Wonka in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.  In 2022, he was involved in a court case where he testified against his ex-wife Amber Heard, during which he was accused of domestic abuse.

Unlike Rowling, Depp is an actor, so his values as a person are generally obscured during his performances. This is similar to how Harry Potter doesn’t include transphobic rhetoric. Depp’s movies such as Charlie and the Chocolate Factory don’t reflect his actions behind the scenes. However, it could also be argued that the way in which he portrays certain characters still reflect himself, and hints to his true self are evident in his films in that way. 

It might not be necessary to completely forsake the art created by artists whose work comes into question because of actions in their personal lives. Buying secondhand Harry Potter books or secondhand Charlie and the Chocolate Factory DVDs means that Rowling or Depp don’t  get paid, so fans of the art can still consume their content without directly supporting their creators. Furthermore, children’s content like this is designed to teach positive morals, so the consumption of this art can still have benefits. What is dangerous, though, is to ignore the creator’s actions completely and disregard the harm they’ve caused to real people.

“When you try to separate works of art from history, whether that’s the moment of creation or the moment of reception, you’re impoverishing the artwork itself to say that they don’t have a relation,” Yale English professor Amy Hungerford said. As long as people who decide to consume content from the likes of Rowling or Depp do so while acknowledging the artist’s wrongdoings. then they can still engage with their art in a meaningful way.

When did you figure out you wanted to be a teacher?
Seeing me work with students, people in my life told me that I should become a teacher – told me it was my calling – and I promised them that there was no way. During predentistry, I realized not to pursue anything that had to do with heavy memorization. Then I got really interested in working with students, and became a teacher.

What is an unforgettable moment from your career?
It’s been a lot of students telling me how much they consider me as a part of their family. 
Sometimes students call me Uncle Ghavam. What a privilege, I’m just a teacher in the classroom, 
but they look at me as more than that.

As a teacher, what are your proudest accomplishments?
When my former students go out and make a difference, especially when I realize that they do something that is not just about themselves, it’s not just about making money, it’s not just about a career. 
They have a mission to go out and make a difference.

What lesson beyond precalculus did you want to teach your students?
One very important one is humor. I make fun of myself a lot. People need to learn to lighten up. Life is serious, but don’t take it too seriously. Have fun while you’re making a difference. Otherwise, it becomes a burden, it becomes work. My work is hardly ever work. 
It’s play. It’s fun.

What will you miss most about teaching?
Seeing the light bulbs that are constantly turning on and all of the “aha” moments. I looked forward to working with my students; it’s what got me out of bed. People who know me know that I actually miss my students, even on the weekends.

What advice would you give to all your students?

Have fun. Make a difference. You haven’t failed if you switch from one thing to another. You have a choice. Have a goal, have a commitment, and live to your commitment.

Is there anything else you would like students or staff to know?
If I had a chance to do it again, I would take it. The fact that my path crossed with many different students, and despite their challenges, and my own, I’ve made it— and I’ve had many successes and failures, but none of them define me. 
I’m proud of my accomplishments, but it’s more of having the accomplishments in my students. They did all the work; I’m just proud I was part of it.