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The student news site of Carlmont High School in Belmont, California.

Scot Scoop News

The student news site of Carlmont High School in Belmont, California.

Scot Scoop News

The student news site of Carlmont High School in Belmont, California.

Scot Scoop News

All content by Zachary Khouri
High school is more about the academics, but also the social skills you learn along the way.

[Photo] Editorial: An ode to high school

Editorial Staff May 25, 2021

High school is more about the academics, but also the social skills you learn along the way.

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The Yellow Papers Ep. 5: Cool Air

Brianna Cheng and Zachary Khouri May 6, 2021

After the year we've had, what better to lighten the mood than short horror stories? Dive into some of the most well-known short horror stories, as well as a few you've never heard...

Ma'Khia Bryant smiles for a photo later posted on her mother's Facebook page.

Opinion: I want a world where children can grow up

Zachary Khouri, Managing Editor April 22, 2021

Just like most other children her age, you could find Ma’Khia Bryant posting videos of herself on TikTok. She was a friend to her classmates, a daughter to Paula Bryant, an honor roll student with bright...

The Yellow Papers Ep. 4: The Monkey’s Paw

Brianna Cheng and Zachary Khouri April 11, 2021

After the year we've had, what better to lighten the mood than short horror stories? Dive into some of the most well-known short horror stories, as well as a few you've never heard of, with seniors Zach...

The Yellow Papers Ep. 3: A Haunted House

Zachary Khouri and Brianna Cheng March 13, 2021

After the year we've had, what better to lighten the mood than short horror stories? Dive into some of the most well-known short horror stories, as well as a few you've never heard of, with seniors Zach...

The Yellow Papers Ep. 2: The Masque of Red Death

Brianna Cheng and Zachary Khouri February 13, 2021

After the year we've had, what better to lighten the mood than short horror stories? Dive into some of the most well-known short horror stories, as well as a few you've never heard of, with seniors...

The Yellow Papers Ep. 1: The Yellow Wallpaper

Zachary Khouri and Brianna Cheng January 23, 2021

After the year we've had, what better to lighten the mood than short horror stories? Dive into some of the most well-known short horror stories, as well as a few you've never heard of, with seniors Zach...

Indifference has been the cause of rising white supremacy throughout history.

[Photo] Editorial: Yes, this is the America we know

Editorial Staff January 10, 2021

Indifference has been the cause of rising white supremacy throughout history.

Taylor Swift boasts muted colors in the aesthetic for her new album, "Evermore."

Taylor Swift gifts her fans with ‘Evermore’

Allison Raisner and Zachary Khouri December 12, 2020

Singer-songwriter Taylor Swift has done it again: and by “it,” we mean release a surprise album for the second time in five months. Her ninth studio album, “Evermore,” follows July’s “Folklore,”...

Take a break from the screen and make time to relax this season.

[Photo] Editorial: Give yourselves a break

Editorial Staff December 6, 2020

Take a break from the screen and make time to relax this season.

Megan Thee Stallion performs in Lagos, Nigeria at the Flytime Music Fest.

Megan Thee Stallion shares ‘Good News’ with her debut album

Zachary Khouri, Managing Editor November 20, 2020

Having a rough year? You’re not alone — but here’s the chance to hear some good news. Megan Thee Stallion, who has captured national attention with hits such as “Hot Girl Summer” and “Savage,”...

"The Haunting of Bly Manor" requires several re-watches for the full experience.

‘The Haunting of Bly Manor’ is horror at its very best

Zachary Khouri October 15, 2020

Warning: The following review contains spoilers from "The Haunting of Bly Manor." In one of the last scenes of Netflix’s 2020 original mini-series, “The Haunting of Bly Manor,” the bride, whose...

Police brutality is a nationwide dilemma, of which the Bay Area is not exempt.

Editorial: It is our responsibility to combat injustice

Editorial Staff and Zachary Khouri August 30, 2020

When Jacob Blake was shot by police officers last week, his name resonated throughout Kenosha, WI.  Blake was unarmed and trying to break-up a fight, yet he was shot seven times. And despite all odds,...

A young Taylor Swift poses for the camera. Swift parallels her earlier works on "folklore."

Taylor Swift’s ‘folklore’ is an alternative tour-de-force

Zachary Khouri, Editor July 24, 2020

Taylor Swift’s eighth studio album, “folklore” was released on Friday, July 24, and she has the whole world talking. Rather than choosing a traditional album roll-out, Swift decided to announce the...

As Swift releases a new album, her past discography is ranked, examining the high and lows of her musical career.

A comprehensive ranking of every Taylor Swift album

Zachary Khouri, Editor July 23, 2020

Tonight, singer-songwriter Taylor Swift released her eighth studio album, “folklore.” Here is a comprehensive ranking of all of her previous albums, from her self-titled debut to 2019's "Lover." 7....

Carlmont reels from the effects of COVID-19

Ruya Yaman and Zachary Khouri May 30, 2020

As discussion rages on about the future of Carlmont, students and staff weigh-in to offer their opinions and experiences with online learning.

Is This Love? Episode 7: Our final goodbye

Is This Love? Episode 7: Our final goodbye

Our journey in finding the meaning of love has finally come to an end. Join Sam, Zach, Anna, Alena, and Kim for one last goodbye as they go over past podcasts and review what they have learned throughout...

The Friendship Playlist

The Friendship Playlist

Zachary Khouri May 20, 2020

Have you been reflecting on the memories you've made with friends over the years? Are you a senior planning on attending college without them? This is the perfect playlist for you. Follow Is This...

Is This Love? Episode 6: Self-love in self-isolation

Is This Love? Episode 6: Self-love in self-isolation

Two months into quarantine, people all around the world continue to adjust to their new life under a pandemic. In this episode of Is This Love? Zach, Kim, Alena, and Anna discuss how social distancing...

Which 'Is This Love?' team member are you most similar to?

Which ‘Is This Love?’ team member are you most similar to?

Are you most like Kimberly, Alena, Anna, Sam, or Zachary? Take this quiz to find out!

As we study for the upcoming AP tests, take some time for yourself to relax.

The Love Blog: Love in times of stress

Zachary Khouri, Staff Writer May 11, 2020

At-home AP testing is on all of our minds. AP testing week is the perfect time for us to remind you that self-love is not only treating yourself to a warm bath at the end of the day or to dessert after...

Meditation is beneficial when it comes to reducing stress while in quarantine.

The Love Blog: How to show self-love during quarantine

Zachary Khouri, Staff Writer April 29, 2020

Let's be honest. Between the endless stream of news surrounding COVID-19 and the fact that most public facilities are closed, it can be difficult to think about how we are going to take care of ourselves...

What Quarantine Pastry Should You Bake For Your Loved Ones?

What Quarantine Pastry Should You Bake For Your Loved Ones?

Zachary Khouri and Samantha Chu April 24, 2020

Have you been looking for something to bake while in quarantine? Well, we have you covered. Give us a check-in, and we'll provide you with the recipe! [interact id="5e9cc7c1000db00014f773a7" type="quiz"]

Is This Love? Episode 5: Where is the line?

Is This Love? Episode 5: Where is the line?

Samantha Chu, Alena Ruhstaller, and Zachary Khouri April 17, 2020

So far on the Is This Love? podcast, we've talked about the various types of love and how they fit into our everyday lives. However, what happens when love is taken to an extreme? Join Zach, Alena,...

Isaac Dunbar's "isaac's insects" is a fantastic EP that highlights both lyrical and vocal talent.

Isaac Dunbar’s ‘isaac’s insects’ solidifies the young talent as a star-in-the-making

Zachary Khouri, Scot Scoop Editor April 12, 2020

If I'm being honest, I discovered Isaac Dunbar earlier this weekend through a Tik Tok video about “singers who’ve never made a bad song," so naturally, I felt compelled to listen to his major-label...

The Break-Up Playlist

The Break-Up Playlist

Zachary Khouri April 8, 2020

Going through a bad break-up? Picking up the pieces can be hard, especially if we were pining our hopes that the relationship would last. If you need an outlet to cry it out and rediscover the meaning...

We'll Give You A Romance Book To Read Based On How You Spend Your Days in Quarantine

We’ll Give You A Romance Book To Read Based On How You Spend Your Days in Quarantine

Samantha Chu and Zachary Khouri March 30, 2020
Bored while in quarantine? Spending way too much time on your phone? Try picking up a book! But first, take our quiz to find out which romance novel you should read! And yes, all of these books are also movies, so if you don't feel like reading, you can always just watch the movies.
Dua Lipa performs at a concert in Los Angeles in 2018.

Dua Lipa solidifies herself as a pop princess with ‘Future Nostalgia’

Zachary Khouri, Scot Scoop Editor March 27, 2020

She did a full 180, crazy. When her chart-topping single “New Rules” gained popularity on the radio two years ago, I had pegged singer-songwriter Dua Lipa as one of the many pop singers who would...

The Self-Love Playlist

The Self-Love Playlist

We all have lots of free time now, so what better way to spend it than learning how to love yourself! Whether you're far long your self-love journey or you're just starting, this playlist will help you...

Is This Love? Episode 3: Bad ideas

Is This Love? Episode 3: Bad ideas

Anna Feng, Zachary Khouri, and Samantha Chu March 23, 2020

Disclaimer: This episode contains spoilers for "A Walk to Remember," "What's Wrong with Secretary Kim?," "500 Days of Summer," "Titanic," "The Notebook," and "You." Listener discretion is advised.   With...

The Weeknd performs to an audience at a concert in Oslo, Norway in 2015.

The Weeknd’s ‘After Hours’ is a dark work-of-art

Zachary Khouri, Staff Writer March 21, 2020

Stuck in self-quarantine, I’ve been listening to music a bit more than usual recently. Among the many releases that have dropped since I’ve said goodbye to the outside world is Abel Tesfaye's, better...

Loneliness is a natural emotional response to being self-quarantined.

Opinion: Keep an eye out on your mental health

Zachary Khouri, Staff Writer March 21, 2020

Between news that school will be temporarily closed until Monday, April 6 due to concerns over COVID-19 and the knowledge that the death rate of the disease is 14.8% for adults over the age of 80, we can’t...

Which Famous Romantic Movie Are You?

Which Famous Romantic Movie Are You?

Anna Feng, Zachary Khouri, and Samantha Chu March 17, 2020
Romantic movies tend to be some of the most famous movies ever. Take this quiz to find out which classic romantic movie you are!
The Puppy Love Playlist

The Puppy Love Playlist

Everyone has had a crush at some point in their life. All of us are familiar with the nervousness and excitement that builds up inside of you when you see your crush. So, we have made a playlist full of...

Is This Love? Episode 2: Crush culture

Is This Love? Episode 2: Crush culture

What is a crush? How do you know if you like someone and not just the idea of dating? In this episode, join hosts Kimberly Mitchell, Sam Chu, Anna Feng, and special guest Zach Khouri as they explore...

Human trafficking exists everywhere, from the U.S. to China.

Bay Area organizations fight against human trafficking

Zachary Khouri, Scot Scoop Editor February 5, 2020

Do you know who made your clothes? The International Labor Organization (ILO) estimates that there are currently 40.3 million victims of human trafficking around the globe; 24 million are used for their...

In "Miss Americana," fans get to see Taylor Swift in a new light.

Taylor Swift’s Netflix documentary, ‘Miss Americana,’ will break your heart

Zachary Khouri, Scot Scoop Editor February 2, 2020

I’ve been a fan of Taylor Swift since I could talk.  I have memorized every single lyric off of her sophomore album, "Fearless," over the course of a million car rides, and ever since then, I have...

Kesha does not hold back on her new album, "High Road."

Kesha’s ‘High Road’ rewrites her narrative

Zachary Khouri, Scot Scoop Editor February 2, 2020

“Tonight’s the best night of our lives / can you feel it? I can feel it…” So begins the fourth studio album of pop singer-songwriter Kesha Rose Serbet, better known as Kesha. “High Road”...

I have always been a fan of the murder-mystery genre, particularly the work of Agatha Christie.

‘Knives Out’ is utterly ingenious

Zachary Khouri, Scot Scoop Editor December 4, 2019

Last Friday, I had the pleasure of laying back in my chair and snacking on popcorn while I watched Rian Johnson’s “Knives Out” in theaters.  I have much to say about this film, but first let...

Queer Time S2E5: Intracommunity Issues

Maddy Ting, Zachary Khouri, and Miki Nguyen December 3, 2019

No community is perfect, and the LGBTQ community is no exception. On today's episode of Queer Time Podcast, Maddy, Zach, and Miki sit down to discuss their opinions on issues within the LGBTQ community....

FKA Twigs' new album demonstrates her strong vocals and unique sound.

FKA Twigs’ ‘MAGDALENE’ is a meditative masterpiece

Zachary Khouri November 13, 2019

You’re never going to find an artist out there that’s quite like FKA Twigs.  I stumbled upon this realization midway through listening to the song “home with you” off of her new album “MAGDALENE,”...

Firefighters with the Camp Pendleton Fire Department combat a fire in the Santa Margarita/De Luz Housing area on Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, July 6, 2018.(U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Dylan Chagnon)

When a Tower Falls

[siteorigin_widget class="SiteOrigin_Widget_Hero_Widget"][/siteorigin_widget][siteorigin_widget class="SiteOrigin_Widget_Headline_Widget"][/siteorigin_widget] If you took an image of any of the 15 fires...

Cultural appropriation is an societal issue that, although always prevalent, is highlighted during Halloween.

Halloween haunts cultural minorities

Zachary Khouri, Scot Scoop Editor November 3, 2019

Children are skipping down the street, dressed up as skeletons, witches, and ghosts. Bright smiles are disguised by their face paint; jack-o-lantern-shaped baskets are dangling in their hands.  On...

King Princess sings during a performance at Royale in Boston, Massachusetts.

King Princess’ ‘Cheap Queen’ fails to live up to expectations

Zachary Khouri November 2, 2019

I must admit, I was excited about this album. And by excited, I mean very excited. I have been following King Princess’s career since her debut single, “1950,” was released back in February 2018....

Tessa Violet establishes a distinct musical style and aesthetic with her new album "Bad Ideas."

Tessa Violet’s ‘Bad Ideas’ showcases surprising depth

Zachary Khouri October 30, 2019

The chorus to Tessa Violet’s “Crush” has been ringing in my ears since I first heard it last year. The song, with its catchy melody, upbeat tempo, and relatable lyrics, instantly garnered the attention...

Queer Time S2E4: Breaking News – Supreme Court

Maddy Ting, Zachary Khouri, and Miki Nguyen October 27, 2019

On today's episode, Maddy, Zach, and Miki cover the latest breaking news fresh off the press. If you’re confused about the Supreme Court, the presidential candidates’ plans for LGBTQ+ rights, or want...

Queer Time Podcast is run by three teenagers who report on current events in the LGBTQ community and provide their own commentary.

Queer Time S2E3: Who am I?

Maddy Ting, Zachary Khouri, and Miki Nguyen October 9, 2019

In today's episode, "Who am I?" guest star Emma Evans joins Maddy on a discussion about questioning one's sexuality. Zach finishes off the episode by talking about recent studies on conversion therapy...

In today's episode, Maddy, Zach, and Miki cover LGBT+ rights in Asia.

Queer Time S2E2: LGBTQ+ Rights in Asia and the Middle East

Maddy Ting, Zachary Khouri, and Miki Nguyen September 17, 2019

  On today's episode of Queer Time Podcast, Maddy, Zach, and Miki cover LGBT+ rights across Asia and the Middle East. They discuss the progress being made in these countries and how it fares compared...

Queer Time S2E1: Gender Identity

Maddy Ting, Miki Nguyen, and Zachary Khouri September 3, 2019

The Queer Time Podcast crew returns in Season 2 Episode 1: Gender Identity! Today, Maddy, Zach, and Miki welcome you back with an in-depth discussion on the connotations surrounding the idea of gender...

Taylor Swift in her most recent music video for the title track off of her new album "Lover."

Taylor Swift’s new album, ‘Lover,’ is what we need in pop

Zachary Khouri August 27, 2019

Taylor Swift’s seventh studio album, “Lover,” dropped Friday, Aug. 23, and there is much to discuss. The 29-year-old singer-songwriter has been in the game for 13 years since the release of her 2006...

Whether religion should be tied to state on the matter of abortion remains controversial.

Carlmont students shed light on the abortion debate

Zachary Khouri and Rachel McCrea June 1, 2019

Georgia. Alabama. Ohio. Mississippi. Kentucky. Anti-abortion legislation is continuing to spread across the United States—and it’s no different at Carlmont High School, where news of every bill...

Testing on animals can vary from mild to moderate to non-recovery.

Scientists debate the ethics of animal testing

Zachary Khouri, Staff Writer May 25, 2019

The question surrounding the ethics of animal testing has wracked the scientific and cosmetic communities for years. Hundreds of millions of animals are tested in U.S. labs annually, and many are left...

Queer Time Podcast is run by three teenagers who report on current events in the LGBTQ community and provide their own commentary.

Queer Time Episode Ten: Government and Politics

Maddy Ting, Zachary Khouri, and Miki Nguyen May 15, 2019

On the season one finale of Queer Time Podcast, Maddy and Zach discuss the LGBTQ community's relationship with government and politics. They cover the finalization of Donald Trump's military trans...

Human activity is suspected to be the main reason behind the rising climate.

The Bay Area reacts to rising fear over climate change

Zachary Khouri, Staff Writer May 9, 2019

Four hundred and eleven million people across the world would be exposed to drought. The suitability for the transmission of deadly diseases on land would rise by 27%. Coral reefs, ice in the Arctic,...

Queer Time Podcast is run by three teenagers who report on current events in the LGBTQ community and provide their own commentary.

Queer Time Episode Nine: Mainstream Media – Part Three: Movies & Television

Maddy Ting, Zachary Khouri, and Miki Nguyen May 1, 2019

  Episode Nine: Mainstream Media will be split into three parts: music, books, and television & movies. On today's episode of Queer Time Podcast comes the last part of Episode Nine:...

Queer Time Podcast is made up of three teenagers dedicated to reporting current LGBTQ news and topics.

Queer Time Episode Nine: Mainstream Media – Part Two: Books

Maddy Ting, Zachary Khouri, and Miki Nguyen April 21, 2019

Episode Nine: Mainstream Media will be split into three parts: music, books, and television & movies. On today's episode of Queer Time Podcast, 'Episode Nine: Mainstream Media - Part Two: Books,'...

We need to end gun violence and that means implementing stricter laws.

Opinion: Gun control needs to be taken to the next level

Zachary Khouri, Staff Writer April 20, 2019

The rulebook of the U.S., like it or not, is always changing. To keep up with modern times, we are forced to interpret and amend the constitution where ever needed. So why do some still cling onto the...

Queer Time Podcast is made up of three teenagers dedicated to reporting current LGBTQ news and topics.

Queer Time Episode Nine: Mainstream Multimedia – Part One: Music

Maddy Ting, Zachary Khouri, and Miki Nguyen April 17, 2019

Episode Nine: Mainstream Media will be split into three parts: music, books, and television & movies. In Part One of Episode Nine, Zach discusses controversy in the LGBTQ music community along...

The vaccine debate has been one of the most controversial subjects in recent years.

Measles outbreak promotes discussion on vaccines

Zachary Khouri, Staff Writer April 9, 2019

Three-hundred and fourteen individual cases of measles were recorded between January and March of this year in 15 states across the country. Of the 157 cases recorded in Rockland, New York, 82% had...

Queer Time Podcast is run by three teenagers who report on current events in the LGBTQ community and provide their own commentary.

Queer Time Episode Eight: Resistance

Maddy Ting, Zachary Khouri, and Miki Nguyen March 27, 2019

  On this episode of Queer Time Podcast, Maddy and Zach talk about resistance to the LGBTQ community here in America and abroad, while Miki conducts an interview about LGBTQ education in...

Queer Time Podcast is run by three teenagers who report on current events in the LGBTQ community and provide their own commentary.

Queer Time Episode Seven: Equality Act & Birmingham

Zachary Khouri, Mikayla Nguyen, and Maddy Ting March 23, 2019

  On this episode of Queer Time Podcast, Zach discusses the Equality Act and a recent controversy surrounding a school in Birmingham. Edited by Mikayla (Miki) Nguyen.

Talking about your feelings is the first step when seeking help.

A light in the darkness: How different Carlmont students cope with struggles

Zachary Khouri, Staff Writer March 16, 2019

DISCLAIMER: This article has themes involving depression, anxiety, and suicide. If these topics are likely to trigger you, it is suggested that you stop reading. “I want to die.” It rolls off...

Queer Time Podcast is run by three teenagers who report on current events in the LGBTQ community and provide their own commentary.

Queer Time Episode Six: The Methodist Church, California Bills, and Jussie Smollett

Maddy Ting, Zachary Khouri, and Mikayla Nguyen March 4, 2019

On this episode of Queer Time Podcast, Maddy and Zach discuss the Methodist Church, recent developments in the Jussie Smollett attack, and new bills drafted in California. If you have any questions...

Queer Time Podcast is run by three teenagers who report on current events in the LGBTQ community and provide their own commentary.

Queer Time Episode Five: Controversy and a New Global Campaign

Maddy Ting, Zachary Khouri, and Mikayla Nguyen February 25, 2019

Maddy and Zach discuss events surrounding controversy in the LGBTQ community and a new global campaign run by the Trump Administration regarding the decriminalization of homosexuality. Edited by Maddy...

Queer Time Podcast is run by three teenagers who report on current events in the LGBTQ community and provide their own commentary.

Queer Time Episode Four: New Jersey, Kansas, and Pakistan

Rachel McCrea, Zachary Khouri, Maddy Ting, and Mikayla Nguyen February 11, 2019

On this episode, Rachel and Zach discuss New Jersey, Kansas, Pakistan, and Ed Buck. Edited by Zachary Khouri.

Queer Time Podcast is run by three teenagers who report on current events in the LGBTQ community and provide their own commentary.

Queer Time Episode Three: Events Troubling the LGBTQ Community and Gender Dysphoria

This week, Rachel discusses the Chechnya Gay Purge, the hate crime against Jussie Smollett, the Supreme Court Ban, and gender dysphoria. Edited by Zachary Khouri.

Queer Time Podcast is run by three teenagers who report on current events in the LGBTQ community and provide their own commentary.

Queer Time Episode Two: The Oscars and LGBT Representation

On this episode of Queer Time Podcast, Miki and Zach discuss the Oscars and LGBT representation in the media. Email us at [email protected] for comments and suggestions!

Transgender student Alex Nyholm-Goncalves, who identifies as gender non-conforming, holds up the trans flag with pride.

Trans Discrimination: Then and Now

Zachary Khouri, Staff Writer January 15, 2019

Violence Against The Trans Community Thirty-five years old. That's the average life expectancy for a transgender woman of color in America.  Twenty-five known trans people were murdered in 2018 alone. Karla...

Queer Time Podcast is run by three teenagers who report on current events in the LGBTQ community and provide their own commentary.

Queer Time Episode One: Jair, Jared, and Gender ID Laws

On this episode of Queer Time, we will be discussing Jair Bolsoñaro, Jared Polis, Stephens College, and California's new self-gender ID law. Stay tuned to the end to hear our opinions on gender stereotypes. DISCLAIMER:...

Alison Teteak, supervisor of the Starbucks in Carlmont Shopping Center, says  that there is a chance Starbucks might become cashless in the future.

Cashless food services increase in number

Zachary Khouri, Staff Writer December 6, 2018

With millions of Americans paying by credit rather than cash, mobile payments are expected to reach an unprecedented high of $142 billion by 2019, according to the Federal Reserve. Cashless restaurants...

Science teacher Paul Bellar runs for the position of Assessor-Recorder in San Francisco.

Carlmont science teacher runs for office

Zachary Khouri, Staff Writer November 5, 2018

Running for the position of Assessor-Recorder in San Francisco this year is Paul Bellar, a science teacher in the Sequoia Union High School District. The office of the Assessor, or Assessor-Recorder,...

If Prop 7 is passed, the sun will set an hour earlier than usual during the summer.

Health concerns spur voters to vote for Prop. 7

Zachary Khouri, Staff Writer October 20, 2018

Midterms are coming up soon on Nov. 6, and California’s citizens will be voting on Proposition 7 — and whether or not to make daylight saving time (DST) permanent throughout the state. DST was first...

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