The Voice of the Wildcats

The Paw Print
The Voice of the Wildcats

The Paw Print
The Voice of the Wildcats

The Paw Print
Alexander Balfanz

Alexander Balfanz, Co-Editor in Chief

Alexander Balfanz is a senior and second-year journalist writing about arts and entertainment and working as an editor in chief. He’s always had a passion for news, but reading Paw Print articles about student opinions and campus events was the reason he joined the journalism class at Woodside. In addition to writing, he likes to produce music and paint.

All content by Alexander Balfanz
Increased social media coverage and a changing political landscape have led to increased support for the Palestinian cause among Americans.

Woodside Offers a Critique of Israel

Alexander Balfanz, Co-Editor in Chief
June 23, 2021
After nine years of service to Woodside High School, Principal Diane Burbank retires at the end of the 2020-2021 school year.

Principal Burbank Retires

Jack Freeman and Alexander Balfanz
June 4, 2021
On March 22, Jack Dorsey sold his first ever tweet for almost three million dollars.

What’s an NFT?

Alexander Balfanz, Co-Editor in Chief
April 5, 2021
Ex-convict Michael Thomas Cheek was set to move to Hillcrest Drive before the community's response stopped this from happening.

[Photo] Emerald Hills Residents Respond After Placement of Ex-Convict in the Area

Amelie de Leon, Claire Manuel, World News Editor, Arts and Entertainment Editor
March 12, 2021
After making waves playing live shows in 2019 and 2020, Black Country, New Road finally released their debut album in early 2021.

“For the First Time” – A Stellar Debut

Alexander Balfanz, Co-Editor in Chief
March 3, 2021
The cover art for "1000 Gecs and The Tree of Clues" features a redesign of the cover for "1000 Gecs."

Alex’s 2020 Album Recommendations

Alexander Balfanz, Co-Editor in Chief
February 9, 2021
It has now been almost a year since Woodside switched to distance learning.

Keep Schools Closed

Alexander Balfanz, Co-Editor in Chief
January 12, 2021
Announcement at Woodside High School promoting mask and social distancing.

Student Responses to Reopening Schools

Alexander Balfanz and Cedrik von Briel
January 12, 2021
“Devotion” is Tirzah’s first full-length album, released following a series of EPs from 2013 to 2015.

What to Listen To: “Devotion”

Alexander Balfanz, Co-Editor in Chief
January 7, 2021
Daniel Lopatin, who goes by the stage name Oneohtrix Point Never, released his ninth studio album on 30 October, 2020. 

Quarantine Recommendation – “Magic Oneohtrix Point Never”

Alexander Balfanz, Co-Editor in Chief
January 5, 2021
Marjorie Taylor Greene, pictured above, is the first person to be elected to Congress while supporting QAnon.

What is QAnon?

Alexander Balfanz, Co-Editor in Chief
December 11, 2020
The cover art and title for “Apple” are inspired by the ways simple concepts and designs can carry several different connotations.

A.G. Cook Finally Drops “Apple”

Alexander Balfanz, Co-Editor in Chief
October 8, 2020
The cover art for “The Ascension” was made entirely by Sufjan Stevens himself. The same is true for the album’s writing, production, and recording.

Sufjan Stevens – “The Ascension” Review

Alexander Balfanz, Co-Editor in Chief
October 2, 2020
Quiz: What Do People Like About You?

Quiz: What Do People Like About You?

Jack Freeman and Alexander Balfanz
May 19, 2020
Christopher Badger is a Woodside senior dedicated to his music.

Christopher Badger Gets Ready to Release His Next Album

Jack Freeman and Alexander Balfanz
May 18, 2020
"Half-Life: Alyx" has been one of the most anticipated games of 2020.

“Half-Life: Alyx” — A Fun Disappointment

Alexander Balfanz, Co-Editor in Chief
April 17, 2020
Like much of her artwork, Grimes designed the cover art for "Miss Anthropocene" herself.

Review: “Miss Anthropocene” by Grimes

Alexander Balfanz, Co-Editor in Chief
April 15, 2020
Charli XCX posted three interpretations of the same photograph to go with her song "Forever." This version was painted by Seth Bogart.

Review: “Forever” by Charli XCX

Alexander Balfanz, Co-Editor in Chief
April 9, 2020
Bernie Sanders (left) and Joe Biden (right)

Profiles of the Democratic Candidates

Alexander Balfanz and Zachariah Brosius
March 26, 2020
Bernie Sanders gives a speech in New Hampshire.

Bernie Sanders Profile

Alexander Balfanz, Co-Editor in Chief
March 26, 2020
With about three months left until the end of the Democratic primary, candidates are updating their campaigning strategies. Bloomberg's plan is the only one that actively threatens democracy.

Money in Politics

Alexander Balfanz, Co-Editor in Chief
March 3, 2020
“Waves,” directed by Trey Edward Shults and starring Kelvin Harrison Jr., Lucas Hedges, Taylor Russell, and Alexa Demie, premiered November 15, 2019 in select cities.

“Waves”: A Review

Alexander Balfanz, Co-Editor in Chief
February 11, 2020
A poster advertising French Club is taped to a wall near the "Quad," one of Woodside High School's most populated areas. Surrounding it are various other posters about school spirit and how to help the environment.

What I Learned from Meeting Woodside’s “Underappreciated” Clubs

Alexander Balfanz, Co-Editor in Chief
December 15, 2019
English singer-songwriter FKA Twigs performs in downtown Seattle on November 18, 2014.

Review: “Magdalene” by FKA Twigs

Alexander Balfanz, Co-Editor in Chief
November 14, 2019
The students of Woodside have diverse musical tastes, ranging from rock to pop to funk.

Music Recommendations from Woodside Students

Alexander Balfanz, Co-Editor in Chief
November 13, 2019
The U.S. Constitution serves as the guideline for most of our current political procedures.

A Brief History of U.S. Impeachment

Alexander Balfanz, Co-Editor in Chief
October 17, 2019
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi at one of her weekly press conferences.

The Impeachment Inquiry

Alexander Balfanz, Zachariah Brosius, Isabella Calcagno, and Lucas Jansen
October 17, 2019
Charli XCX performs songs from her collaboration-heavy mixtape "Pop 2" in Los Angeles, backed by Carly Rae Jepsen, Tove Lo, and more throughout the concert. In the background is experimental British producer A.G. Cook DJing at a custom-made table in the shape on an infinity sign.

Charli XCX Finds Her Voice

Alexander Balfanz, Co-Editor in Chief
October 11, 2019
Many Woodside students and faculty drive, so California's vehicle emissions policies impact their day-to-day lives.

Woodside Weighs in on California’s Ongoing Battle to Regulate Vehicle Emissions

Alexander Balfanz, Co-Editor in Chief
September 30, 2019
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