The Monarch: October 2014

InsIde: Focus on Sleep

(see Focus, Page 10-11)

Serving the Archbishop Mitty Community

Volume 24 Number 1

October 2014

Meet Our Newest Monarch

By Krista DeGuzman & Madelynne Zenk Staff Writers

every Tuesday night. By the time she completes these classes, the beautiful golden retriever-labrador mix will have mastered nearly thirty commands. alking past the Athletics Office after a long The next phase of Nessa’s training, which commences day of classes, tired students are welcomed by when she is approximately eighteen months old, involves a furry, cute bundle of energy: Nessa. Anyone her living and learning at a special facility. Mrs. on campus can attest to Nessa’s popularity.

Shaffer enthusiastically describes the facility as From the crowds of students who run to pet “a campus like Mitty’s, only filled with dogs her when she is spotted on campus to the instead of students!” popular fan-made Nessa twitter account, After that, in her role as a service dog, the Mitty community has been extremely Nessa will go on to assist individuals with diswelcoming of Nessa’s boundless enthusiasm abilities who are unable to perform certain tasks and social nature. on their own, often times providing emotional Nessa’s path to Mitty began when Mrs. support for them as well. Until then, our job Ellen Shaffer (Athletics Administrative Asis to help Nessa’s training process as much as sistant and Mr. Tim Brosnan’s sister-in-law) possible, which means stopping by for a visit applied to become a puppy raiser for Canine is always encouraged.

Companions of Independence (CCI). She So far, Nessa has demonstrated much supfollowed a process which included having port for Mitty students; she was even spotted at her house reviewed by the CCI in order to a freshman volleyball game. Additionally, she confirm that she could raise a dog in a happy played a special role in a class presentation on and healthy environment. campus focusing on the contributions of service Once she passed inspection and received dogs during 9/11. a letter of approval from Mitty to bring her If you have free time during an off period new puppy to school, Nessa was brought or lunch, Nessa can usually be found in the home. Since Mrs. Shaffer is a puppy raiser, Athletic Office, though she’s also often around she does not technically own Nessa, nor is campus. Always welcoming to visitors, she will Nessa permanently living with her. Though Photo Courtesy of Mrs. Ellen Shaffer instantly turn any frown into a smile—if you her stay is temporary, Nessa will be loved and Nessa visits a World History classroom, bringing smiles to students’ faces. can catch her while she’s awake, that is! cherished for years to come.

W

In order to become a service dog, Nessa must complete various stages of training. “Socialization is the top priority in puppy training,” said Mrs. Shaffer, “and Mitty seemed like the perfect place.”

As a part of her training, Nessa attends puppy classes

Eco-Friendly on Campus

Redefining Feminism

Fashion: Mitty Edition

Easy ways for staying environmentally friendly while at school.

NEWS, Page 2

“It is time that we all see gender as a spectrum instead of two sets of opposing ideals.”- Emma Watson OPINIONS, Page 5

Find out how to be fashionable while staying in dress code!

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT, Page 12

“ARK”S OF KINDNESS

By Conrad Toranski Staff Writer While striding down the hallway that passes between Senior Hill and the science building, students are halted by a gathering crowd in the middle of their path. Hanging on the wall is an enormous piece of white butcher paper, on which reads, “Kindness Can Become Its Own Motive; We ARK Made Kind By Being Kind.” Bright, colorful handwritten post-it notes are scattered upon the paper, each one complimenting different students, teachers, and staff on campus. The scene makes evident that the new Acts of Random Kindness Club (ARK) is a manifestation of the Mitty’s liturgical theme of kindness.

Acts of Random Kindness clubs can be found in several schools throughout the Bay Area. First founded at Independence High School in San Jose, the club rapidly grew in popularity, culminating in the establishment of over 50 chapters throughout schools in the local area, as well as in Florida, Minnesota, and New York. Connected within the Bay Area, ARK officers brainstorm creative ideas and ways to spread kindness throughout their own high schools and throughout the general area. Inter-school ARK events are held occasionally as well.

One such way to encourage kindness on campus was the huge poster that hung in the hallway adjacent to Senior Hill. Playfully and ironically named “Reverse Graffiti,” the poster invited everyone—students, teachers, and staff, alike—to compliment anyone for doing something as small as holding the door open for them.

ARK started at Mitty when juniors Natasha Kuo and Jennifer Good were inspired to contribute to the (already) positive atmosphere at Mitty. Coincidentally, Natasha and Jennifer each filled out a separate application to start an ARK club at around the same time. After discovering this, they decided to merge their interests and co-found the club— a decision that has proved instrumental not only in creating a strong relationship between

the two girls, but also in creating a sense of unity throughout the entire Mitty community.

Not surprisingly, students flocked to join ARK at the club fair. Relying simply on the pure beauty of their kindness initiative, ARK amassed over 300 student signatures. With club meetings that are Photo Courtesy of Natasha Kuo open to everyone, the Juniors Natasha Kuo and Jennifer Good stand in front of their club presents different poster of kindness.

“ARKtivities” involving fun and creative crafts that materialize the kindness students feel for others. In fact, the first meeting had 100 students attend, a true testament to Mitty’s fundamental teachings of kindness and love.

As co-president Natasha aptly states, “Similar to our school theme this year, ‘We are One,’ ARK wants to spread a love for class unity, and acceptance overall throughout the school. Mitty cares for each and every one of their students, and as MonARKs, we hope to show students and teachers that everyone is cared for and loved.”

If the active and overwhelming participation of the student body in ARK over the past two months is any indication, ARK is a club destined for massive success. By promoting unity throughout the school, ARK epitomizes the very best of human ideals, inviting all of us to relish in our roles as MonARKs.

CONTENTS:

Opinions ........................................4-6

FOCUS ........................................... 10-11

Sports.........................................16-17

News..............................................1-3

JUSTICE AWARENESS ................... 7-9

Arts & Entertainment................12-15

PHOTO .......................................... 18-20

Page 2

October 2014 • News

“We Are One”

Kindness Phenomenon Spreads Across Campus

By Emily Malig and Madeleine Fernando Staff Editors Two years ago, on December 14, 2012, twenty selves; these charitable deeds range from thanking young students were shot and killed in Sandy Hook a service worker to allowing ourselves an extra Elementary in Newtown, Connecticut. In light of hour of sleep. the shooting, a group of individuals assembled to Cards will be distributed anonymously throughestablish the Connecticut non-profit Newtown Kind- out the course of the school year in an assortment ness in honor of Charlotte Helen Bacon, a victim of this horrific tragedy.

Charlotte, a bright-eyed, free-spirited sixyear-old, serves as the face of the non-profit, a representation of the importance of kindness. By raising awareness of kindness through education, sharing, and recognition, Newtown Kindness seeks to foster goodness and compassion within Newtown as well as within communities across the nation.

In order to raise awareness about the organization’s cause, the nonprofit team decided they needed an anthem that acknowledged the power Photo Courtesy of The Newtown Bee of kindness.

The Alternate Routes perform with the Newtown kids choir.

Thus, in the wake of Newtown shooting, The Alternate Routes were commissioned to write a song of different ways. These kindness cards will allow to inspire compassion within the community. “Noth- students to take initiative in spreading kindness ing More” became the product of their collaboration throughout campus, even through small gestures.

“Doing acts of kindness for people is a way with Newtown Kindness. While it is easy to combat hatred with hatred, the real challenge lies in being for us to feel empowered,” observes Mr. Wesmiller.

Because while it may be impossible for mere indikind to one another.

Indeed, as Campus Ministry Director, Mr. Tim viduals to change the entire scope of any particular Wesmiller, notes, “It’s the greatest gift and the issue, it’s never too hard to smile at a random greatest curse that we were ever given to be able to passerby or say thank you to the people who don’t often get thanked. These small acts of love and generosity ripple outward, affecting the lives of not only individuals but also the societies to which they belong.

Life Team, the Campus Ministry leadership organization, hopes to create this effect at Mitty.

Senior Maya Ruiz says, “By using the cards to encourage each other to treat everyone around us with kindness, we hope that the sentiment (along with the cards themselves) will spread throughout the school and beyond the Mitty community.”

With so many things happening around us, Photo Courtesy of Mrs. Wesmiller it is easy to lose sight of what is truly important.

Seniors Chase Altendorf, Bobby Sapien, and Riley Through these small acts of anonymous kindJohnson cut out kindness cards. ness, Campus Ministry hopes to remind the Mitty choose to love, and that has massive implications for community that being your best self is not always about grand achievements; it is also about treating the people in our lives and for ourselves.”

In order to help remind us on campus about the one another with an open compassion.

Mr. Wesmiller recognizes this is something no necessity of being kind to others, this year Campus Ministry has implemented “kindness cards” to cir- just for students: “I need those reminders as an adult, culate throughout campus. Originally suggested by a and I know that teenagers need those reminders too.”

Because beyond being athletes, performers, student during the summer Life Corps retreat, these kindness cards serve as yet another way to promote musicians, and artists, we are all one community the liturgical theme of kindness throughout the year. of people. Just as our liturgical theme song for the Written on each card will be an act of kindness year reminds us, “We are how we treat each other that serves friends, acquaintances, and even our- and nothing more.”

Cornerstone and Micah

By Jason Xu and Ramya Balasingam Staff Writer and Staff Editor

Up until last year, Mitty had two Campus Ministry programs for underclassmen: MICAH and Cornerstone. Created seven years ago, MICAH gave Mitty students the opportunity to complete Christian service hours at various locations, while Cornerstone, established last year, enabled students to come together for fellowship and prayerful activities.

This year, Cornerstone and MICAH have merged into a one community-building organization that incorporates both the Christian service of MICAH and the retreat-based concepts of Cornerstone. Every Monday, freshmen, sophomores, and juniors come to Cornerstone to do Christian service in San Jose or attend Youth Group meetings, which consist of thoughtful prayer, group reflections, and more.

The fusion of the two clubs has proven to be beneficial for students such as junior Kendall Earnshaw, who comments,“My favorite part of the merge between MICAH and Cornerstone, is

Photo Courtesy of Mr. Tim Wesmiller

Students join arms during a Cornerstone meeting.

the mix of youth group and service.”

Being part of the adapted Cornerstone, even for one semester, will not only guarantee fulfillment of Christian Service hours for the year, but will also allow for more interaction between grade levels. Through service and reflection, members become more aware of issues such as poverty and hunger that inhibit local communities, thus fulfilling Mitty’s ideal of community involvement.

By Pei-Ling Lee and Soo Min Cho Staff Editor and Staff Writer

News • October 2014

Page 3

The Addams Family

By Maya Ruiz Staff Writer

The creepy, kooky, mysterious, spooky, altogether ooky family of frightful fiends hit that it is easily enjoyed by high school audiences—similar to Legally Blonde and Spamalot Mitty’s stage this October in the ghoulishly heartwarming musical The Addams Family. from last year. I believed the humor contained in The Addams Family would resonate with Setting the bar high for other shows to come, this first ever high school production of the all who attended—students and parents alike.” well-known story did not disappoint.

With such an excellent piece to work with, Mitty performers delivered. Cast members About this groundbreaking achievement, Direcput their own original twists on the show by incortor of the Performing Arts Department, Mr. Mason porating unique character choices. For instance, Kimont said, “We are always proud to present shows sophomore Chris Linthacum, who played Lurch, fresh off the Broadway stage, and our South Bay the nonverbal butler, practiced saying actual lines premiere of The Addams Family is no different. We during the first few weeks of rehearsal to give his want the community to know that Mitty’s Departgrunts and groans purpose during performances. ment of Performing Arts will always offer the best Chris expressed the difficulty of this challenge, sayshows as soon as they become available.” ing, “At first it was hard for me to convey emotion Mitty’s show was a hit with audiences of all without using facial expressions or actual words, ages. Old time fans of the television series loved but with Mr. Kimont’s help, I was able to overcome seeing familiar characters brought from screen to that.” stage, while younger audiences appreciated seeing After countless rehearsals and laborious seta modernized version of a cult classic. builds, the Performing Arts Department’s hours of This dark comedy was based on Charles Addedication culminated in a highly professional and dams’ cartoons, which were first published in a 1938 thoroughly entertaining production. Undoubtedly, issue of The New Yorker and have inspired several the preparation for this landmark performance has film adaptations—including the beloved 1960’s inspired all who worked towards its fruition. television show.

Mr. Kimont commented, “Our rehearsal process The Addams Family cast, crew, and orchestra decked out after dress rehearsal.

Mr. Kimont comments, “The musical differs was such fun. Working with this cast and crew was from the TV show only in terms of time frame. The musical centers around Wednesday a pleasure, and I enjoyed every second of the process.”

Addams growing up and embracing the dark side, which in this case means embracing Maddie felt herself become closer to the other theater students in a way that was new young love.” to her this year. She explained, “Me being in my senior year, I kind of found a different Senior Maddie Ballard, who played Morticia, the mother of the Addams family, elabo- place for myself in the show. I have a lot more responsibility because I feel like, since I’m rates, “I think it’s really cool that they brought back a really old work—an old TV show a senior, a lot of the newer kids in the department are looking up to me… It’s pushed my that parents know—so we can be familiar with it too and spread it through the generations.” expectations of myself to be a little bit higher.” Whether it be through forming friendships More notable than the script, however, was the music, written by Drama Desk Award or accepting leadership responsibilities, Mitty student-actors grew throughout the producwinner Andrew Lippa. For example, Morticia’s cynical and funny song “Death Is Just tion of The Addams Family.

Around the Corner” is “total jazz” says Maddie, and the number was complete with a For bringing the Addams family back to life, for successfully mixing old spice with saucy kickline dance. new flavors, for using a dark comedy to warmly include all audiences, for being driven by The combination of pure comedy, great music, a relatable plot and, of course, amaz- originality, for taking on the first high school production of this musical, and for fostering ing performers, has contributed to the show’s popularity among the Mitty community. Mr. friendship among all those involved, Mitty’s Performing Arts Department is commended Kimont explained before the show’s premiere, “One of the reasons we picked this show is for a job very well done.

Speech & Debate Mitty Hosts its First Tournament

By Emily Malig and Madeleine Fernando Staff Editors Two years ago, Mitty Speech and Debate started off as a twenty student club, but since then, it has evolved dramatically to a team of 120 students meeting several times a week in preparation for intense competition.

Mitty’s first ever Speech and Debate Tournament on Saturday, Oct. 4 was a primary demonstration of the team’s evolution. Speech and Debate coach Ms. Karen Joshi says, “This tournament demonstrates the growth of our team because it [took] a large amount of parent and student volunteers to make such a huge event possible.”

In preparation, the Speech and Debate faculty advisors were responsible for all aspects of tournament management—from making sure the tournament ran fairly and punctually, to providing competitors and judges with food.

The twelve-hour event consisted of four rounds of competition for debaters; participants who won all four of their rounds were then awarded in the concluding ceremony where both schools and students were recognized for their achievements throughout the tournament.

The event was a huge success for the entire Speech and Debate program, but for freshmen Jolie Leung and Nichole Lim, the experience was especially rewarding. After hours of preparation, the public forum debate partners performed remarkably well in their first ever high school debate tournament.

Jolie Leung, a true competitor claims, “Speech and debate lets me bring out that drive to win, and also allows me to meet so many new people at tournaments.”

On a different note, her partner Nichole Lim reflects, “Overall it was an awesome learning experience for my partner and me as well as great team bonding. I got to hang out with all my freshmen teammates and all the varsity members who were there to support us.”

Mitty students gather in the cafeteria to According to Ms. Joshi, “Everyone on the team is a leader debrief between rounds. because everyone has the responsibility to help each other grow.”

During classes, students prepare for competition by researching arguments, writing creative speeches, acting out theatrical characters, or debating with their peers. Not only do they prepare for their own individual events, but they also help coach one another on their performances.

Just like any other Mitty team, club, or class, Speech and Debate fosters a community of comradeship between students. From the high-pressure tournaments to team-bonding class sessions, students become closer than ever before. Freshman Nichole Lim reflects, “As a novice team member it was really nerve wracking at first to speak in front of people I didn’t really know, but I now feel super open with my teammates, and I think we’ve all become really good friends.”

Although Mitty will not be hosting any more tournaments on campus this year, they will likely be hosting more in the future as the team continues to expand. As any member of the team can certainly attest, Speech and Debate is a truly rewarding experience and tournaments allow students to continue their growth as public speakers, debaters, and leaders overall.

Volume 24 Number 1 Advisors Mr. Mick VanValkenburg & Mr. Craig Whitt News Ramya Balasingam, Madeleine Fernando, Pei-Ling Lee, & Emily Malig Opinion Jacob Isaacs, Sarah Nehemiah, Rachita Pandya, & Sanika Puranik Justice Awareness Riya Dange, Catherine Gong, Manasi Patwa, & Rasika Ranghavan Focus Sindhu Giri, Lina Lalwani, Veronica Marquez, & Kerri Yen Arts & Entertainment Winni Cherukuri, Kasturi Kulkarni, Siddharth Kulkarni, & Shannon Lam Sports Eric He, Justine Marlin, Pooja Patel, & Jenni Sherwood Photo Camille Daszynski, & Aditya Gunda Archbishop Mitty High School 5000 Mitty Way, San Jose, CA 95129 The Monarch is published for the students, faculty, and parents of Archbishop Mitty High School.

OPINIONS

Opposing Viewpoints:

What College Should You Choose?

Big FiSh, Small Pond Small FiSh, Big Pond

By Sanika Puranik Opinions Editor Such an environment can never be Harvard, Stanford, MIT, Yale, Princeton—you’ve probably heard of these healthy and is spurred by what’s called colleges before. The names themselves stir “relative deprivation.” In his book David respect and admiration, and they are spoken and Goliath, Malcolm Gladwell explains of in reverent tones by seniors across the that relative deprivation is caused by stucountry who hope to be factored into these dents at large, high-end schools comparing elite schools’ single digit acceptance rates. themselves to other students and feeling a Yet few stop to consider, does brand name significant, debilitating, and skewed sense have a direct correlation to better education? of their abilities because it seems as though Or might less competitive schools provide there is always someone smarter than a more nurturing and ultimately more suc- themselves.

At elite colleges, supposedly filled cessful college experience?

The argument of “Small Fish, Big with the brightest minds, peers can be intimidating to Pond” versus say the least.

“Big Fish, Being a big fish Small Pond” in a small pond as it relates to allows high college is an achieving age-old debate fought yearly in classrooms and college students to maintain a sense of self counseling offices across the country. The and partake in activities such as big fish, small pond perspective insists that Student Government or collestanding out in a less prestigious environ- giate mock trial that perhaps ment is easier and ultimately more advan- they would have been too tageous than an education at a more elite intimidated to try in a institution—a frankly more compelling and more elite environment.

These activities, in expersuasive argument.

When gauging educational environ- posing students to leadments and learning opportunities, being a big fish in a small pond (that is, going to a less competitive school) has significant merit, often providing more opportunities to the big fish and a positive sense of confidence and community.

In US News, financial planner Neal Frankle writes that his daughter received a far superior education and end result with her state-school education than she would have at an Ivy-league or similar top-tier university.

Not only was Frankle’s daughter’s starting salary equal to that of ership her Ivy League graduated peers, she had and received her diploma at significantly less real-life cost, leaving her debt-free as she entered simulations, are the workforce. Standing out in her mostly a significant average class, Frankle’s daughter was the portion of a recipient of many opportunities her equally college eduig ish talented counterparts at elite schools could cation that not partake in, and, on her resume, those small fish activities gave her an edge. In that way, in a big pond little ponds allow the big fish to truly stand might not have out and receive the perks of the university’s the opportunity to best resources by merit of being one of the participate in.

College should be a nurturing, learntop students at the school. At the end of the day, experiences and opportunities trump ing environment that fosters originality and inspiration. If elite colleges are literally sapbrand name.

Perhaps the most important benefit of ping drive and passion, students are far better being a big fish in a small pond is the posi- off in smaller ponds where they can thrive tive sense of community fostered on campus. and be privy to a wide range of opportuniLess elite schools often do not foster the ties. This shift of mentality is hard, I know. cutthroat competitiveness for resources and Wearing a Harvard sweatshirt is frankly a grades elite schools incubate. In fact, in April lot cooler than wearing one from a college of 2014, KTVU reported evidence of com- no one has ever heard of. Yet it is important petitive students sabotaging one another at that we as a society are not too swayed by big UC Berkeley by tampering with the victim’s brand names and influence, but rather look homework, projects, and other school materi- to the core of education and opportunities to determine where we will best thrive. als. Throwback to the third grade?

“College should be a nurturing, learning environment that fosters originality.”

By Annie Zhang Staff Writer Choosing to be a “big fish in a small fessional firms snatch up these elite college pond” or “small fish in a big pond” is a graduates. Sure, not all college grads want dilemma that resonates in every culture and to work at a large professional firm, but the with people from every walk of life, but evidence still stands. perhaps it has never been more relevant than Those students who subscribe to the during the college application process, when successful “small fish in a big pond” stratalmost 2.5 million seniors make perhaps egy ultimately have more opportunities to the biggest decision of their lives (so far). choose from—professional firms, freelance We all know that going to a “good col- work, and anything in between—because in lege” maximizes opportunities, resources, the larger environment, they gained more and connections. Undoubtedly, the biggest experience, resources, and significantly and most elite universities are superior greater social leverage. when it comes to offering advantages and What amplifies the benefits of attending resources—both during the college years a large, elite university is that the payoff and for many years after. So without ques- lasts much longer than just four years of tion, students should choose the elite school college. When it comes to the college exif given the opportunity. perience, the “big fish, small pond” strategy Economist Caroline Hoxby has found (choosing a less elite school so that you will stand out) provides only a temporary benefit.

Attending a smaller, less selective college may make you feel like you are always at the top, but that buoyant experience only lasts for a short four years. This inflated confidence even has a name.

Samuel Stouffer, a sociologist during World War II, coined the term “relative deprivation” to describe how we compare ourselves to the people immediately around us.

In a large elite institution, “relative deprivation” may make an outstanding student feel less confident and even intimidated. Many would argue that the same student would likely graduate at the top of his or her class at a smaller, less selective institution.

However, this smaller environment only provides a temporary sense of achievement and confidence. Yes, it’s much easier to be near the top of the class at a thatless selective university than it is at an elite gradu- school. But when college graduates join ates the workforce, “big pond” peers who chose from the more select college are more resilient large, elite institu- and adaptable due to the more competitive tions carry the environment they have been exposed to, power and while their “small pond” peers from less prestige of competitive bubbles are often less viable. their alma Choosing a college to attend is a major Mall ish m a t e r i n pivot point in anybody’s life, but in the end, almost all it is about maximizing opportunities and socioecochoices. At each pivot point, such as taking nomic situa- or refusing a job offer, choosing a college, tions. Graduates of or even picking next year’s classes, people large, elite universities self- are reorganized and exposed to different reportedly are more likely to find a desirable levels opportunities.

Each choice comes with a price and spouse. They will also earn 20 percent more a payoff, and than their peers much in the from smaller, same way that less selective taking an AP universities. class opens The social some opporperks of being tunities for able to say “I the next year, graduated from choosing to atHarvard” are clear, but what about the financial perks? tend an elite school instead of a less seThe “20 percent more” is attributed to the lective one opens opportunities for jobs, fact that the biggest and highest-paying pro- careers, and even lifestyles.

What does Mitty think?

42% B F

58% F s

“What amplifies the benefits of attending a large, elite university is that the payoff lasts much longer...“

Opinions • October 2014

Page 5

nFl: F umBling

By Laura Galang Staff Writer OJ Simpson, anyone? You know, the one who supposedly killed his wife but got away with it? The one whose DNA connected him to the crime scene but the jury shockingly found him not guilty? Yeah, that one.

Often, it seems as though this group of physically-gifted athletes are above the law.

Ray Rice, the now former Baltimore Ravens’ running back convicted of third-degree aggravated assault, was initially only suspended for two games by the league after knocking his then-fiancé unconscious and then dragging her limp body from an elevator. Athletes are sometimes suspended six games for cheating on a test for performance enhancing drugs—three times longer than Rice’s suspension for knocking a woman unconscious.

Of course, the NFL has since responded to the much expected backlash to the “leniency” of Rice’s punishment: NFL commissioner Roger Goodell has now implemented stricter, more severe penalties for domestic violence. All NFL personnel are subjected to a minimum six-game suspension without pay for their first offense of domestic abuse and a possible lifetime ban for their second offense. The rules are subject to change with varying circumstances.

All’s good now that the NFL is keeping a firm grip on domestic abuse, right? Wrong.

Domestic abuse in the NFL is a single component of a larger issue: Athletes in sports across the board being above the law. Athletes don’t seem subject to the same rules as the rest of us, with their personal supply of lawyers and union leaders. Too often they are not properly penalized for their actions. In fact, you can expect more consistency in punishments for performance enhancing drugs than for domestic abuse (which should come as no surprise given that the document for the use of drugs is thirty-two pages while the document for personal conduct is three). It makes you wonder what the NFL is truly concerned with: an honest game or an honest character.

with

FEminiSm : n ot J uSt

By Janani Rangarajan Staff Writer When I first saw the trailer for How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days, I burst out laughing. It was funny because I actually know a much faster way to make a guy feel uncomfortable enough to leave: Talk to him about feminism. Of course few things are actually less amusing than this. I mean, the minute someone mentions feminism, half the population already feels shut out. How pathetic is that?

Let’s start simple. The definition of feminism is “the advocacy of women’s rights on the grounds of political, social, and economic equality to men.” This definition clearly affects both men and women on multiple societal platforms.

So why on earth does so often only one side seem to care?

It seems that our society is held back by the history of feminism. A hundred years ago, it was generally women who fought for gender equality, because women were at a lesser position than men. Men had the upper hand and had little incentive to make room for women to have

violEnCE

A lack of consistency permeates through many sports: Quite often, we see players walk away from a domestic abuse case--or any case for that matter--with just a little more than a slap on the wrist.

In many sports leagues like the NFL, their policies lack explicit wording on domestic abuse allowing leeway for personal translation. For the NHL and MLB, it is actually up to the commissioner to decide the fate of their athletes, and let’s be blunt: justice is rarely ever served. How would sports commissioners fairly punish athletes? They’re sports commissioners. For the NBA, players are almost never suspended or fined unless convicted by the justice system—which is uncommon because, frankly, the justice system fails when it comes to prosecuting abusers because victims are too scared to testify.

By letting these abusive athletes wear their jerseys in front of thousands of people— including young children who idolize them—without consequences for the actions, of such idols what kind of message are we sending?

Like the rest of society, athletes are not above the law and should be held accountable for their actions as public figures and as human beings.

For

power; therefore, to the feminists, men were seen as the enemies. Back in the day, feminists had a very strong social stigma that has lasted until today: aggressive, “man-eating”, isolating, unattractive. In that time period, the average woman was meek, patient, and supportive of her husband or father at all times. How in the world was feminism supposed to overcome this culture of submissiveness, those kinds of women? At the time, the world needed those aggressive feminists to push the agenda. But do we need that type any more?

A “feminist” is just someone who wants to improve the rights of women in relation to men. That’s not difficult, controversial, or radical. The concept of it relates to freedom from gender stereotypes and restrictions—and is there a more American ideal than that? To self-identify as a feminist doesn’t mean that you are a specific type of person. Feminism is

womEn not about pride in being female, although it can be related to that. Feminism is a broad concept. A feminist doesn’t have to be synonymous with Beyoncé moving around a stage declaring that girls run the world. A feminist doesn’t have to be synonymous with Hillary Clinton, who is often depicted as the representation of feminism simply because she is a successful woman. A feminist can be you, it can be me, it can be anyone with a personality and a beating heart who wants equality. There is no need for a fuse to go off any time the word “feminism” is mentioned—this word should not be incendiary. The charge on this word needs to go out.

Saying that you’re a feminist should be as simple as saying you’re against global poverty, racism, and corruption.

In her recent speech at the UN, as a Goodwill Ambassador, Emma Watson said, “Men, I would like to take this opportunity to extend your formal invitation.” Don’t run away from the conversation, at least have the stomach to listen to it. Anyone can say he or she is a feminist, but what makes the difference is who changes himself or herself to be more supportive of equality.

oBama: EvEryonE’S a CritiC oF thE PrESidEnt

By Jacob Isaacs Opinions Editor It’s no secret that presidents get flak for everything. However, some are certainly demonized more than others. Take President Obama. His average approval rating now hovers at 48 percent—slightly lower than Nixon’s. Conservatives loathe Obama blindly.

Even Democratic challengers have become vocal critics, running anti-Obama ads and not appearing alongside him at rallies.

And why is Obama so despised? The reasons are superficial at best. Often, “Obamacare” is mentioned. Surely conservatives remember that the predecessor to the Affordable Care Act (ACA) was a Massachusetts law signed by Mitt Romney. Additionally, a corporate health care exchange—just like Obamacare—was first proposed by conservatives.

Revisionist conservatives conveniently forget this, exploiting it to further partisanship.

On the other hand, liberals hate the ACA for catering to the corporate for-profit healthcare industry. Regardless, Obama gets the blame.

People also express frustration with Obama because of foreign policy, scandals, and a combination of ineptitude and tyranny. The last two claims are paradoxical, yet the same critics often waffle between them, though both cannot be true at once.

FDR himself struggled with foreign policy—his concessions to the USSR began the Cold War—yet he is still ranked as one of the greatest presidents. The same goes for other greats, like Thomas Jefferson, Woodrow Wilson, and Theodore Roosevelt. The only difference is that the press protected them, while they inflame society with Obama’s “failings.”

Scandals work differently. All presidents—even the best—have faced scandals, which often tarnish their contemporary reputations, but not their efficacy. Knowing this, there must be some reason that bipartisan Obama has received so much frustration, contempt, and partisan gridlock. He has tried to walk the centrist line, but both sides rebuke him.

Only his skin color seems to set him apart.

Racism is still an enormous issue, no matter how hard we try to forget Ferguson, Trayvon Martin, and stop-and-frisk profiling. Conservatives ignore all Obama’s achievements and dismiss racism. In response, liberals pander to the center by distancing themselves from the ever-more-unpopular President. Obama has made many concessions to both sides, yet they reject him from some unconscious prejudice.

Every time you hear an offhand remark about Obama’s shortcomings, remember: discrimination has advanced the idea that a thoroughly normal president is exceptionally evil, inept, or “socialist.” Don’t believe it. Obama is a victim of sensationalist media, partisanship, and racism: a lethal combination that guarantees gridlock.

It’s always best for us to rein ourselves in before blaming him. Keep in mind that deeper societal factors affect him: factors that can only be dispelled through tolerance.

Page 6

October 2014 • Opinions

too often the curriculum has been thrust upon them without direction.

Without proper time to understand the standards and utilize methods to effectively convey the more challenging material, these teachers are essentially working in the dark.

As for the students themselves, the initial response was not positive.

According to a Huffington Post article titled “5 Reasons the Common Core is ruining Childhood,” Psychotherapist and Parenting Expert Katie Hurley explains how Common Core is increasing stress, killing creativity, lowering social activity, reducing time to decompress, and leading to poor health among children who now have to be studying longer hours.

Does more stress and less creativity really sound like the solution to our education crisis? Of course not. In order for America to advance in this crucial field, learning has to become something that a child enjoys.

Only then will they develop interest and pursue education with dedication. Common core is simply forcing the good ideas regarding conceptual learning into the misguided approach of rigid standards.

in o c t i B

Bi t e

t he

D

By Sumeet Bansal Staff Writer With Apple Pay and Google Wallet gaining more prominence in the market today, digital wallets and transactions seem to be a new, exciting prospect—except, they aren’t new.

Bitcoin came long before, the first attempt at a digital currency, and though it remains in a precarious position following waning public interest and a drastic crash in price, it can still be a viable currency in the future.

Bitcoin was created in 2009 as an experimental form of virtual currency that users could safely and anonymously exchange without having to go through banks, since its strong encryption would provide the security of a traditional central authority. A self-regulating economy, it employs groups of “miners” who earn the currency by processing transactions other users made to ensure that each transfer of money is legitimate.

In the 21st century, Bitcoin is an established digital currency that seems ideal to many.

It possesses all the traits of a traditional currency, and more. As a cryptocurrency, its security is among its defining features: theft of physical property is common, but the digital theft of a secured Bitcoin wallet is near impossible. In addition to this, all transactions made in Bitcoin are computationally verified and then stored on the blockchain, a public ledger, to furnish a measure of accountability. As a digital currency, it also possesses near infinite divisibility, providing an even more exact form of exchange than paper money. When such precision is added to the decreased speed and cost of transaction a digital venue provides, as well as its freedom from government interference, Bitcoin becomes an appealing currency for merchants and businesses, such as e-commerce giant PayPal, which has recently announced Bitcoin integration for its services.

Bitcoin continues to gain a foothold in today’s market, as its price continues to stabilize and its legitimacy is recognized by several entities such as the Federal Reserve. The first true digital currency, Bitcoin not only carries the benefits of security and ease of transaction, but also remains free of traditional limitations such as inaccuracy and centralized control.

l

t? us

At the start of 2013, the United States ranked 17th in overall educational performance. To respond to this, a team of top educators came together to create a “revolutionary” standard of education for all public schools across the nation: the Common Core.

In theory, the idea of Common Core makes sense. Students are pushed to understand the actual concepts behind why certain problems are solved in their respective ways, rather than relying on rote memorization. For instance, a student not only has to assert that 1+1 = 2, he or she also has to explain why 1+1 = 2.

The problems with Common Core boil down to its effect on teachers and students. Teachers are concerned about the implementation of Common Core because many teachers across the country do not know how to effectively teach the new material.

There is no Common Core “textbook” that provides guidelines to instruct students. For many teachers, these revamped standards take time to get used to. Unfortunately, they have been given little time, and

Wil

Rotten CoMMon CoRe

By Pranav Govindaraju Staff Writer

Valuation oR deValuation?

By Chaitanya Pedada Staff Writer September 19, 2014, marked the ing aware of the company’s true value largest IPO (initial public offering) in is vital when increasing the ownership history––the company was Alibaba. value. Another issue with valuations Alibaba, an e-commerce company of companies is the influence of mebased in China, was created by Jack dia–shows such as Shark Tank make Ma, a former Yahoo employee. inexperienced entrepreneurs believe The company’s IPO raised many valuation depends solely on revenue. concerns after Facebook’s problematic A start-up business’s value is IPO in May of 2012. A plethora of rea- also determined by concept and the sons made Facebook’s IPO a failure. passion put into it. It cannot be solely Of those, one of the most prominent determined by current revenue. Furwas the overvaluation of the company. thermore, the niche in the market that One issue regarding Facebook’s valu- the company takes up also is a factor ation–the perceived worth it had–was in its value, yet it is rarely considered. the economic value that it assigned to Although most companies are its users. Facebook has over a billion much users but the smaller monethan tary valFaceue of its book users is and unknown– Alibaba, even valuation though is still vitheir data tal if they has value. decide to issue an IPO or sell the Since business. the values of companies are so misAt that point, the market perspecleading and subjective, the measure- tive comes into play–the value of the ment of companies needs to scale to company to potential shareholders and their true value. to other companies. Most valuations usThere are two perspectives to con- ing all three approaches––asset, market, sider here: the value investors see in a and income––struggle with issues such company and the company’s market as taxes, risk, market data, discounts, value. The first is based on profit, while incorrect normalization of finances, and the second is based on assets (what miscalculated growth rates. beneficial traits and products the comWhen measuring a company’s pany has). As a business owner, using worth yourself, don’t believe misa net proceeds calculation (measuring leading numbers. Estimate its holistic profit after expenses) provides the most value, find a niche for your company, realistic value of the company because and make sure your efforts are clear–– it takes into account not only the price, the rewards will ultimately be seen in but also structure, terms, and taxes. Be- its true value.

Broken Dreams, Broken Bones

By Paris Grabeel Staff Writer In May, 2011, New York Rangers left winger Derek Boogaard was found dead in his Minneapolis apartment. The cause of death was prescription drug and alcohol overdose. Boogaard had his dream job as an “enforcer” in the NHL: a player who fights often and defends his lessprone-to-fighting teammates. After his untimely death, the Boogaard family filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the NHL, claiming the league was responsible for both the injuries Boogaard sustained during his six seasons and his addiction to prescription painkillers as a result of those injuries. Though the lawsuit has yet to be settled, it raises serious issues in professional, amateur, and

youth sports. Not only are significant injuries becoming more common across all levels of sports, but there is too often a blatant disregard for player well-being.

The NFL also faced a lawsuit in 2013, finding themselves accused of not educating players and coaches on the dangers of concussions and glorifying the “bone-jarring” hits that often caused head trauma. The lawsuit ended with a $765 million settlement. While that money may help pay for the medical bills of ex-players suffering from Alzheimer’s and dementia, it doesn’t solve the real issue.

Professional leagues are businesses, so they place profit above player safety and well-being.

They make enough money so that lawsuits hardly phase them, and they know there will be plenty of athletes to take the place of a player who retires early. What makes this situation worse is that young athletes around the world dream of making the pro-sports leagues—leagues that have shown too little interest in the health of their players so long as the money keeps rolling in.

The culture and attitude of sports needs to change. Serious injuries should not be an acceptable side-effect. While you may play at your own risk, the risk must be significantly diminished. It’s time to hold the leagues responsible for the wellbeing of their athletes.

Player safety and mental well-being must be the top priority for all sports leagues and programs.

After all, prioritizing player safety preserves the dreams of both players and fans.

Justice Awareness Young Catalyst for Change An Interview with Navya Konda

By Nikita Dandia Staff Writer

Navya Konda – senior, social activist, leader. As President of the Nourishing Minds club on campus, Navya is dedicated to community service. Last April, she and members of Nourishing Minds coordinated with six other on-campus clubs to host a successful Earth Day event at Mitty. In addition, last summer, Navya was selected for a prestigious Department of State Fellowship. I was lucky enough to find some time with Navya to ask her about her amazing work.

Nikita Dandia: How did you hear about the fellowship with the Department of State?

Navya Konda: I found out about the opportunity while doing research on something I had read about in The New York Times. I was immediately drawn to the opportunity but was very apprehensive about applying.

Mr. Korbel really encouraged me to pursue the opportunity, and I am so glad I did.

ND: What exactly did you do at the fellowship program?

NK: The program brings together 10 students from the USA and 35 students from different European countries. During the month we spent together, we learned and participated in a lot of discussions, debates, and simulations on international affairs and current events.

Being surrounded by students from a variety of countries, I was exposed to a lot of different perspectives and gained a broader worldview. We also focused on developing an international project to foster peace-building between countries. To do this, we took classes on grant-writing, media outreach, planning, and more.

The program was based in the Wake

Forest University campus but included a week-long trip to DC and Philly, where we visited the Department of State and a news station called Voice of America. We were also trained as future diplomats.

ND: What was your social entrepreneurship project?

NK: At the end of the program, each of us was required to present our projects and gain approval from the 35 embassies, Department of State officials, and the Wake Forest Faculty and Staff who were present. I was so thrilled when we received the “green light” to start.

I am currently working with the representatives from Denmark, Estonia, Malta, and Switzerland to start an organization called the Global Organization for Aspiring Leaders, or GOAL. Our mission is to empower youth to take an active role and make a difference in their societies. To do so, GOAL will pair up students from any of the 5 countries.

They will then complete a 10-week program together, learning about social entrepreneurship, drafting a project proposal, and finally receiving some seed money to begin their venture.

Our application is due to the Depart-

ment of State by December 31st and – if all goes well – we hope to launch in February.

ND: After your experience over summer, what changes do you want to bring?

ND: You touched on how Nourishing Minds and MAP helped you; could you expand on it?

NK: I think that, without this summer, I would have never fully realized the amount of impact we as students have and can make on society.

I really hope to encourage others to thus get involved and not be afraid of starting something, trying something, or being a part of something new. At Mitty, we are lucky to have so many amazing opportunities at our fingertips, and we should really make use of them. It is one person encouraging another that starts the trickle down effect and leads to a community full of contributing members.

NK: I think Mitty is a very special place where teachers really cultivate our interests in and outside of the classroom. It is also home to numerous opportunities, such as starting a club like Nourishing Minds or participating in an amazing established effort like MAP. Nourishing Minds is a club that seeks to promote healthy eating and living. With the advice and support from our awesome moderator, Mrs. Fenker, we were able to design a game-based nutrition curriculum for kids.

We recorded and published a professionallyrecorded CD with custom rhymes on the food pyramid.

We also coordinated a 7-club event last year for Earth Day, which we plan on making a tradition. Through all these ventures, I gained confidence and had the opportunity to further develop and hone my leadership and communication skills.

In terms of MAP, my ability to research, find, decipher, and understand various governmental dealings was also a skill that came in handy.

Navya Konda representing the Netherlands at the Department of State Fellowship.

Friends without Borders Amigos de las Américas

By Amy Baylis Staff Writer Amigos de las Américas is a nonprofit organization that strives to empower citizens and facilitate sustainable initiatives for communities in Central and South America. This mission is achieved through the work of high school and college students who travel abroad and live with host families for 4-8 weeks, becoming catalysts for social change.

Students may join the program by applying through their local Amigos chapter or through the international headquarters. If accepted, students may travel to a variety of destinations, from Paraguay to Panama to Nicaragua.

For example, I journeyed to Madriz, Nicaragua, last summer. Today, I can attest that Amigos de las Américas

is more than just a way to fulfill service hours or go on a “vacation.” It is truly an immersive, impactful experience.

The Amigos experience cannot truly be articulated with words. It is something that must be felt because it changes those who participate in it from the inside out, opening their eyes to a shockingly different world and encouraging active advocacy for change.

Amigos places volunteers in a world that could not be more different from their own: a world without bathrooms or running water; a world where a house is a one-room “campos” made of mud; a world where participants sleep next to three pigs, a cow, and a family of chickens; a world where food means a tortilla and rice three times a day, everyday; a world of pure simplicity. However, in the process, volunteers and host communities form an inseparable bond deeply rooted in love and trust.

Shayda Sales Summer ‘13 Destination: Paraguari, Paraguay “Amigos gave me faith in humanity. It taught me the extreme and beautiful power of human connection and how it can exist so deeply despite all odds.”

As the Amigos website details, volunteers help develop the communities they live in by focusing on one of six topic areas: public health, environmental sustainability, youth entrepreneurship, creative expression, sports and fitness, and children’s rights. Every week, we engaged in 25 to 40 hours of community service. In addition, by fully immersing ourselves in the local culture, we tremendously improved our Spanish speaking skills.

Through my experiences with the Amigos program, I grew immensely as a person and was very humbled. Now, back in the United States, I live each day with gratitude for the effervescence and unparalleled beauty of life. I have returned with a full heart, a heart overflowing with the kind smiles and warm embraces I received abroad. Every day, I strive to glow from the inside out so that I can share all that I learned with those around me.

Madison Leahy Summer ‘14 Destination: Matagalpa, Nicaragua “If I got anything out of my experience, I think it is the realization that being a caring, generous, and loving human being is so much more important than any new iPhone or even running water.”

Page 8

October 2014 • Justice Awareness

Welcome to the Twittersphere

The Newest Solution to Date Rape

By Mahak Kumari & Carmen Orellana Staff Writers Could the manicure you got last week be your knight in shining armor? A group of North Carolina State College students—Ankesh Madan, Stephen Grey, Tasso Von Windheim, and Tyler Confrey-Maloney—seem to think so. You might have heard of their new invention, Undercover Colors, a nail polish that can save women from being taken advantage of. Here’s how it works: after you get your manicure, swirl any drink with your finger. If the color of your nail polish changes, it’s likely that there is a date rape drug in your drink.

The CDC estimates that 1.3 million women are raped in the US every year. Nearly 1 in 5 women have reported experiencing rape. However, only 3% of rapists serve time in jail, leaving 97% roaming free. And why? Because of the perpetuation of rape culture and victim blaming. Because we have opened the door for rapists to get away with rape and sexual assault. Unfortunately, Undercover Colors does nothing to resolve these concerns.

This nail polish is simply a band-aid solution to a gun wound—a disappointing example of how, instead of trying to solve the problem at its root, we’re covering it up. By shifting the responsibility of preventing sexual assault from the perpetrator to the victim, we are absolving rapists of all responsibility in their crime. In a New York Times article about the rape of an eleven year old in Cleveland, Texas, James C. McKinley writes, “She dressed older than her age, wearing makeup and fashions more appropriate to a woman in her 20s.”

With the availability of date-rape drug detecting nail polish, the next article could very well contain statements like, “She chose not to wear the Undercover Colors nail polish, which could have prevented the rape.” Why should women have to wear a particular nail polish or avoid certain clothing to be safe from sexual assault or probing eyes?

While those who invented Undercover Colors should definitely be commended for their product, we should also be using that sort of time and dedication to help get rid of this problem at its root. Color-changing nail polish may help protect the victim, but it is not a permanent solution to a problem that can be fixed over time. Rape and rape culture will be just as prevalent going forward as they were before Undercover Colors nail polish was invented. The only way to permanently prevent rape is to cause a paradigm shift, to educate men to prevent them from sexually assaulting women and not letting them get away with it if they do. With effort and enough people standing behind it, a movement to end rape at its source is possible.

Support Key in Coping with Effects of Depression

By Amulya Yerrapotu Staff Writer On August 11, 2014, the world lost an incredible man. The news that Robin Williams—the renowned comedian and entertainer—had committed suicide at the age of 63 stunned everyone. Many of us have grown up watching his movies, ranging from the Oscar-winning Good Will Hunting to the delightful Aladdin. His death served as a somber reminder for all—depression is a serious condition and can affect anyone.

Depression is a wide-ranging condition, but there are some commonalities among its many different forms. All forms of depression are characterized by fatigue, hopelessness, fluctuations in appetite, insomnia, and suicidal thoughts. It may be easy to write these symptoms off as simply natural feelings. However, if they persist, the most important course of action is to seek help. Perhaps the most dangerous part of depression is that it encourages isolation from society, which is often counterproductive to solving the problem.

External support is vital to combating the symptoms of this condition.

Furthermore, many people perceive depression as a personality flaw; this could not be further from the truth. Depression is a medical condition, caused by chemical imbalances in the body. Through therapy, medication, and healthy living, it can be treated. Of course, the remedy is not as easy as “just thinking happy thoughts,” but that doesn’t mean a solution is impossible.

According to TIME Magazine, some treatments for depression are as simple as regular exercise or meditation. In addition, common knowledge holds that the most important step towards curing depression is getting help. If you know a friend who exhibits depressive behavior, encourage them to seek help. While it can be intimidating to advise a friend about such issues, the alternative—a continuation of the problem—is far worse.

Depression is scary, both for those experiencing it and for their loved ones. However, with treatment and support, the issue can be resolved. If worse comes to worst, the last thing to keep in mind is that depression is a condition—one person cannot blame another for committing suicide, just as one would not blame another for dying from a physical ailment. Sometimes, despite the best efforts of those involved, depression takes its toll, as it did with Robin Williams. That is not to say the situation is hopeless. With greater community awareness and support, depression can be fought against for the benefit of all.

Suicide Hotline: 1-800-273-8255

By Niharika Bhat Staff Writer Hashtags. We see them everywhere—they’re used in casual conversation, emblazoned across billboards, and commonly featured on Twitter. As of late, however, hashtags have become vehicles for conversations about current social injustices.

Why do hashtags matter? The answer is simple: they’re able to get a complicated issue across in a few short words.

Take, for example, the movement. Just before twenty-two year old Elliot Rodger initiated the horrific round of UC Santa Barbara shootings, he uploaded a video to Youtube entitled “Elliot Rodger’s Retribution.” Through the video, he expressed his frustration at the “rejections” that he faced from women who turned down his sexual advances. Rodger also published a 141-page manifesto, in which he stated, “Women are flawed creatures, and my mistreatment at their hands has made me realize this sad truth… Women should not have the right to choose who to mate and breed with. That decision should be made for them by rational men of intelligence.” In response to the misogynistic tirade and subsequent murder rampage that Rodger embarked upon, the women of Twitter launched a viral campaign to highlight injustices against women all across society. One Twitter user, @ EmilyHughes, tweeted, “Because every single woman I know has a story about a man feeling entitled to access her body. Every. Single. One. #YesAllWomen.” This single, three-word hashtag has sparked worldwide conversations about feminism, women’s rights, and the prevalence of rape culture in our society.

Another trending hashtag, spurred by the multiple murders of young black men

by American police, is . Angered by the negative images of the deceased youths, like Michael Brown and Jordan Davis, the African American community retaliated with contradictory photos of themselves. In one image, the subject is displayed with his or her achievements, while the other portrays him or her as a “troublemaker.” The hashtag criticizes the “thug effect” that the media imposes upon the African American community. One of the most popularly quoted captions is, “Don’t judge my entire life based off one picture in the media without knowing me as a person or what I do that’s positive. #IfTheyGunnedMeDown.”

This hashtag is a social movement that lends strength to the voices of oppressed people of color in America.

Finally, is a recent hashtag that was created by the user @EverydayAbleism and has gained a strong following on the Twittersphere.

“Ableism” is the social prejudice against individuals with mental or physical disabilities, and #HeardWhileDisabled tweets contain quotes that many disabled people hear daily. This trending hashtag provides a shocking insight into an issue that most people don’t pause to consider on a day-to-day basis. However, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, 1 out of every 5 people struggles with some form of disability.

Twitter user @JellieeBean90 tweeted, “#HeardWhileDisabled. ‘But why don’t you just try to not be so autistic/depressed/anxious?’ Wow thanks for that advice, feel loads better.” Many people are totally unaware of the daily prejudice that many disabled individuals are subjected to. #HeardWhileDisabled not only allows people to voice their frustration at the cruelty that they encounter, but also spreads awareness to those who are not directly affected by the issue.

Esperanza Equidad @hopeforequality Feminist. Man-hater. Two different words. have been told they’re the same. We want equality, not superiority.

Abd Al-Latif @servantofthegentle We’re human beings, not human shields. and really need to consider the people on the sidelines.

Larisa справедливість @citadelofjustice Sorry, Mr. Putin. Ukraine doesn’t belong to the USSR anymore. This isn’t an “incursion,” Mr. Obama; it’s an “invasion.”

Alexander Tristitia @defenderfromsadness Just lost a childhood hero. RIP Robin Williams. is a serious issue that no one should have to go through alone. If you notice symptoms – please, talk to someone.

Justice Awareness • October 2014

Page 9

Burning Through World Issues Storm Warning

Newspeak, Old Issue

A Peek into the ISIS Crisis

The Ukraine Crisis

By Claire Edelman & Giulia Travostino Staff Writers In the last few months, a new terrorist threat has taken the Middle East by storm. Also known as ISIS, the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria has become infamous for its extensive conquests and brutal beheadings.

Its roots can be traced back to 2006. In October of that year, the Islamic State of Iraq (ISI) was established by combining several radical groups – most prominently, al-Qaeda, Jund al-Sahhaba, and the Mujahedeen Shura Council. These groups shared an abhorrence of United States intervention in Iraqi politics. ISI later spread to Syria, becoming “ISIS.” In order to obtain more international attention, ISIS has been capturing and executing Western hostages. These include American journalists James Foley and Steven Sotloff, as well as British citizens David Haines and Alan Henning. Before these hostages were killed, they were forced to testify against their respective governments. Foley was coerced into saying that his real killers were the U.S. government and that “any attempt by…Obama to deny the Muslims their rights of living in safety under the Islamic caliphate will result in the bloodshed of [American] people.” (Note: in spite of such claims and its association with Islam, ISIS does not reflect the views of Muslims worldwide.)

In addition to these recent horrors, ISIS is committing many humanitarian crimes, including—as The New York Times reports—systematically raping local women and selling young girls as sexual slaves.

Recently, the United States pledged to use strategic military strikes to dismantle and disable ISIS. In line with this announcement, the United States dispatched fighters, bombers, and Tomahawk missiles to Syria on Sept. 23.

The goal of such tactics is to eliminate key ISIS leaders and bases. Such losses would decrease ISIS’s ability to communicate with its members and coordinate attacks. According to The Guardian, another aspect of the plan is to harness the power of the local populations in ISIS-conquered areas. The U.N. Security Council did not authorize the airstrikes, but President Obama justified the U.S. government’s actions by citing the importance of the American people’s safety.

However, despite the noble intentions of our government, there are many flaws in the American plan to expel ISIS from Iraq and Syria. Since the United States does not want to send in its own armed forces, the plan relies on other nations and tribes to take up arms against ISIS. Thus far, few groups have joined the the Iraqi army in the battle. The fear is that, since not enough people are fighting on the ground, ISIS will continue to have an immense advantage over the Iraqi military. Until and unless international cooperation becomes a reality, the ISIS storm may continue to expand, destroying lives and human dignity in its wake.

By Nicholas Kirst & Margarita Zvereva Staff Writers By now, the term “Ukraine” must be at least a little familiar to you. This Eastern European country is the site of a seven-month-old conflict. Since April, the death toll has reached 3,000 people, according to a Sept. 22 article

by BBC News.

Many questions still surround the conflict’s causes. What is certain is that Russian president Vladimir Putin has laid claim to Crimea, the southernmost part of Ukraine. Ukraine was formerly a part of the Soviet Union until the latter dissolved in 1991. Today, Mr. Putin claims that many Ukrainians who live in Crimea want to reunite with Russia. In March, The Wall Street Journal reported, over 96% of Crimean citizens had voted to re-join Russia. However, the Ukrainian government deemed the election illegitimate because Putin – not the Crimean people – was pulling the strings.

After the disputed election, pro-Russian rebels took up arms against the Ukrainian military. Putin claimed that these rebels were not receiving Russian support, but Western leaders remain incredulous over this statement.

In response to the invasion of Ukraine, the United States and its European allies have placed many sanctions on Russia. For example, according to The Guardian, the European Union imposed sanctions on Russian banks and businesses. In return, Russia placed export bans on fruits and vegetables.

Russia and Western nations have been trading economic blows for the past few months—but to no avail. However, if sanctions are not taken seriously by either side, there may no end to the conflict in Crimea. All the while, violence between the Russian rebels and the Ukrainian military continues to intensify.

As global tensions rise, we must remind ourselves that this conflict is not merely a political one, to assert control over a mass of land and people.

It is also a conflict of media and propaganda—as the fiercest fighting occurs not on land, but through the Internet and political dialogue. To readers of George Orwell’s 1984, Western politicians’ statements about the Ukraine crisis are reminiscent of Newspeak, a way of changing language to conceal the truth. While the Kremlin hopes to garner support for the conquest of Ukraine, America and the EU wish to tread delicately over this complex issue, especially with memories of both World Wars and the Vietnam War still fresh and potent. For example, Western leaders refuse to call the Ukraine crisis an “invasion.” President Obama, in particular, elected to label it an “incursion” instead—thereby downplaying Russia’s aggressive role in the issue.

Recently, a Belorussian individual created a unique way to confront the issue of vague language: “#RussiaInvadedUkraine.” This hashtag reminds people of the true cause for the conflict brewing in Eastern Europe—that this is an invasion by Russian forces. Though our politicians’ diplomacy may seem to protect the American people, treading carefully leaves citizens uninformed about international events. We cannot sit by and watch as innocent people lose their homes, their lives, and their dignity. We need to take a stand to obtain the complete truth, so that we can begin to help resolve crises such as the current Ukrainian conflict.

A House Divided: The Conflict in Gaza

By Rachel Dovek Staff Writer How can one sort through information and form a well-developed opinion on the conflict that continues to unfold on the Gaza strip? With a multitude of contradictions, controversies, and conflicts, crafting a precise view on the topic is a challenge.

After years of war, the Gaza Strip had an incredibly strenuous summer.

Israel, only slightly bigger than New Jersey, and the Gaza strip, about four times the size of Manhattan—two relatively small areas—have suffered with 2,131 Palestinian deaths and 72 Israeli casualties, as of late August.

The most recent round of clashes started with Hamas militants in the West Bank capturing and killing three

Israeli teenagers. In revenge, Israeli hardliners killed an innocent Palestinian youth in Jerusalem. Due to these four horrific deaths, 4,500 rockets were shot from Gaza and 20,000 tons of bombs were dropped onto Gaza.

This renewed conflict lasted 50 days, from July 8 to August 26, ultimately ending with a cease-fire.

In Gaza, 500,000 children are unable to start school and 17,200 homes are destroyed; at the same time, Israel’s economy and foreign alliances are suffering. Both in Gaza and Israel, the fear continues because no real solution has been found. Although the struggle for a Palestine homeland has gone on for sixty-six years with several stops and starts, the most recent conflicts have their

roots in the isolation of Gaza from the rest of the world. Currently, Israel blocks most goods coming in and out of Gaza because it fears that the majority of the imports will be bombs and rockets. Israel’s position in this conflict improved when they discovered and destroyed 32 tunnels under the international border, built by Gaza to attack the Israeli homeland.

Already impoverished and isolated, Gaza suffered heavy destruction to its fragile infrastructure.

As Gaza’s land is destroyed, so too is its aspiration for a peaceful coexistence with Israel. Although Gaza and Israel are currently at temporary “peace,” how long can this last with so much ingrained hatred, economic imbalance, violence, and unsettled conflict still a reality?

Focus On

Sleep

Dream

Sleeping Positions

By Katherine Rejer, Staff Writer

What does the way you sleep say about your personality? How does it affect your body? According to the students of the Stanford Sleep and Dreams course and Professor Chris Idzikowski, director of the Sleep Assessment and Advisory Service, the position in which you sleep can reveal interesting traits about your.

Continue reading to find out more!

The Fetal 1 #

This is the most common position that people sleep in. The body is curled up on its side, and the arms are curled on top or underneath the pillow, usually with one hand by the chin.

What it means: People who sleep in the fetal position are said to appear tough, but in reality they tend to be sensitive. They can be shy when they first meet new people, but warm up as time passes. Sleeping on your right side is recommended because sleeping on your left side causes strain on your liver, stomach, and lungs.

#2 The Log

The body also lies on its side with the back and legs straight, arms at the sides, cheek on the pillow.

What it means: Sleeping in this position usually means that a person is social and care-free, but can also be too trusting and gullible. Although sleeping in the log position is said to be good for digestion, it can cause strain at the base of the spine.

#3 The Yearner

The body is on its side, the head is on the side of the pillow, and the arms are outstretched.

While the back is mostly straight, the legs are slightly bent.

What it means: People who sleep like this tend to be open but can also be suspicious and cynical. Although people who sleep in the yearner position may take a while to make a decision, they are resolute once their minds are made up. The yearner position has many benefits: reduction of acid reflux and decreased levels of sleep apnea.

#4 The Starfish

The body is positioned similar to that of a starfish--arms and legs spread out and the face turned towards the ceiling.

What it means: Those who sleep in the starfish position are known to be good friends, listeners, and counselors.

However, they dislike being the center of attention. The position can lead to snoring and a restless night.

#5 The Freefall

Sleeping on the stomach with the head turned and the arms around a pillow.

What it means: Sleeping in the freefall position can mean that a person despises criticism and is easily offended.

Also, he/she can be bold and cocky. The freefall position is beneficial for digestion but can cause stress at the base of the spine.

#6 The Soldier

With the body flat on the back and the legs straight, many who sleep in this position really do resemble soldiers.

What it means: People who sleep this way are quiet, shy, peaceful, and ambitious. Like the starfish position, sleeping like this can lead to snoring, trouble breathing, and a restless night.

Refer to the second poll in The Mitty Files to see what sleeping positions are most popular!

Creature Comforts

Question: What stuffed animals do you take to bed?

#1 25

“I sleep with eight stuffed animals. I sleep with Barney, a tiger, two pigs, an angry bird, two bears, and a turtle.” –Ashank Behara (Freshman)

“I have a stuffed animal that my dad got me from Hong Kong. It’s a bear from Forever Friends Hallmark Collection. I also have five pillow pets! My favorite ones are called Chip and Eeyore. My bed is my sanctuary and having the stuffed animals around me gives me a sense of security.” –Shannon Lam (Senior)

By Ivanna Yeager, Staff Writer

Percentage of People

“I sleep with my stuffed unicorn, Sylvester, which I won at Great America with three other people. We each keep Sylvester for two weeks and then hand it off to the next person—it’s like we’re divorced parents!” –Jenica Mallari (Freshman)

20

15

10

5

0

Did You Know?

m Interpretations Dogs If you dream of dogs, you are loyal and have strong morals. These will likely lead you to success in your life.

By Rose Le, Staff Writer

• That men tend to dream more about men while women dream of men and women equally.

• If a person is blind from birth, the person will dream of

things through other senses: touch, smell, taste. If a person became blind after birth, they will dream of things they remember seeing.

• It is rare, but some people cannot dream in color, only in black and white.

Homework If you dream of homework, you are doubting your own talents and capabilities. You are also reflecting upon the lessons you learn in school.

• It is common that people forget half of their dreams

5 minutes after waking up, and 90% of their dreams after 10 minutes.

Flying Black wings show that you feel disappointed about something. Dreams of flying also mean that you used to feel that your life was restricted, but now you are free.

dy u t S Case

school? iter taff Wr o early for S , iu h nt is to ney C to rece g n

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rsity t! A Think be righ n Unive w y o a r m B ou d Edina ars from Well, y p schol onvince e c e l y S e , h h t hool researc y where k the sc c d a u t b s h a s ted results ol to pu conduc .m. The gh Scho a i 0 H 3 a : t 8 o a.m. to Minnes om 7:25 r f ive. e m i t scores ly posit l start a c i t r, SAT s a a e r y d n e e h y 56 ft have be nt up b ourse o e c w e h h t t Over ng 156 tly; ma whoppi nifican a g i y s b d p e tu dents increas hat stu bal wen t r e d v e t e l a i h p than ta indic points w re slee o cted da e l m l o d e C with ag points. ’s aver udents t A s d d e n v i ce d B’s,a h C’s. who re receive ose wit o h t h n w a h s t leep student urs of s re sleep o o h m 8 d w e l lo rag al leve tting be B’s ave g clinic ally, ge n n i o t i t t e i g d Ad ces of he chan t s e s a incre

Ask Mitty: After asking 150 Mitty students, here are the results:

How Many Hours of Sleep do you get?

#2 What Position Do You Sleep In?

Hours Slept each Night

% of % Hours Slept

3

3.5

4.5

5

5.5

6

6.5

7

7.5

8

8.5

9

Hours Slept (hr)

Katherine Rejer and Ishan Shah contributed to this article

Arts & Entertainment

Fashion Week Highlights2014 New York

Once synonymous with the style of an older, sophisticated working woman, Hugo Boss has dropped its first name and fully reinvented itself. Although Boss utilized a classic palette of black and navy, along with subdued yellows and blues, knee-length gladiator sandals took the place of towering heels, and the sheer layering raised dresses to a new, more innovative level. In an age where “more is more” is the prevalent theme among shows, Boss’ minimal beauty and styling held its own.

Meanwhile, Alexander Wang’s show sent several looks down the runway that were more than just inspired by athletic wear. More than a few looks were comprised almost entirely of knit fabric used on Nike running shoes that were morphed into futuristic looking bodycon dresses.

Despite the buildup of excitement surrounding one of the last and most anticipated shows of the week, many felt that the Marc Jacobs show fell flat. The runway was primarily made up of oversized garments made of either a satin-like fabric or one that looked like canvas. As the runway continued to churn out dozens of looks that were much too similar to the last, it seemed as though Jacobs may be beginning to rely more on his famous name and less on his creativity.

By Kendall Perata and Emily Wetzel Staff Writers

London

Once Burberry was the show everyone looked forward to during London fashion week. But in the past few seasons, it has become rather predictable and even, dare we say, insincere. All of this is evident in this season’s show, where the collection appears to be haphazardly and recklessly styled. The use of casual footwear with more formal dresses isn’t a new concept, and, frankly, Burberry is a little late to the party. This juxtaposition could be seen throughout the entire styling of the show, although it was rather sloppily done. Above all, the most confusing styling element was the choice of out-of-place hats for the menswear outfits. It felt as if the hats were included in the show as a joke; however, if it was a joke we never understood.

Known for her over the top looks, Mary Katrantzou showed off a line that was relatively tame compared to its predecessors, but still managed to wow with fabrics and prints that were inspired by the flora and fauna of earth itself. Beginning the show with looks that included loose satin pants, oversize vests, and shell tops with intricately placed cutouts, the show did a 180 from basic to elevated; it transitioned into an assortment of shimmering minidresses and lace pencil skirts paired with simple black and white camis. Katrantzou perfectly mixed a combination of straightforward, understated pieces with distinct, unique patterns to create a balanced, standout show.

Milan:

Hugo Boss, New York

Mary Katrantzou, London

Dolce and Gabbana, Milan

How to be Fashionable...

And in Dress Code

“Young” was the word Karl Lagerfeld used to describe the vibe of the Fendi show, and this was certainly seen in the garments that lined the runway. Laser cuts, miniskirts, and slouchy-styled pants and jackets were adorned in graphic prints, sheer paneling, and even touches of denim, which added to the more casual feel. Continuing from its debut in last season’s show, many of the looks featured orchid motifs in shades of blue, red, and gold.

Meanwhile, fellow Milan favorite Prada unveiled a completely different line that wowed just as much. Citing undone fabric and “dark beauty” as her inspiration, Miuccia Prada’s line featured long, structured coats with the seams on the outside and plenty of leather. But Prada was also sure not to shy away from color. The second half of the runway was full of gilded brocade patterns, splashed with bright green, yellow, and orange.

Dolce & Gabbana’s collections, which have always been inspired by the opulence of Italy, took their splendor to Spain, finding inspiration in bullfighting and royalty. The former came from slim cut pants and cropped jackets stitched with thick embroidery, while the latter came from intricate, jewel patterned dresses and even a few crown-like headpieces. As usual, the finale featured each of the models parading out in a single uniform, this time being white collared shirts and red, high-waisted embroidered shorts.

By Kristynna Otto Staff Writer

Dress Code: it can be one of the most dreaded aspects of high school. It can ruin shopping trips to the mall, where everything you actually want will result in a detention. On top of that, after the first few weeks of school, trying to look cute in dress code grows tiring and puts you in a rut of wearing hoodies for the rest of the school year. Believe it or not, there are still ways for you to be effortlessly fashionable while still in dress code.

First, let’s start with the basics. It is possible for a very simple outfit to look cute! For example, take a look at a plain v-neck, any color you want—except white, which may appear to be an undergarment and break dress code! Here are a few tips to turn this plain shirt into a put-together look: • Accessorize. Seriously, this is probably the most essential step you can take to make an outfit go from lackluster to compliment-worthy. Right before you dash out the door, simply grab a necklace, a pair of earrings, or a scarf to complete this look. You will be surprised by how well this works and what a noticeable difference this small addition makes.

• Next, consider your pants. Yeah, you could wear your basic pair of jeans that you’ve probably already worn twice this week, and it could still probably look acceptable. But remember, we are taking things to the next level. Instead, think about that skater skirt you recently bought, those patterned palazzo pants, or maybe colored denim. All of these could contribute a little more excitement to the outfit.

• Let’s move on to the most underrated part of the outfit: shoes. Shoes can have a huge effect on the look you are trying to achieve. Flats produce a classy, girly feel while dress boots create an alternative vibe. No matter what your style is, sandals make everything seem more casual. With something as simple as a v-neck, shoes can add a twist to the outfit, showing off your own personal taste and style.

• Finally, as we reach that awful time of year when it is freezing in the morning and excruciatingly hot in the afternoon, layers are something that must be considered. It’s best to grab a jacket or sweater that can be taken off later in the day.

Whether it’s a cardigan, a cargo jacket, or a kimono, all of these can enhance an outfit while also keeping you warm.

Now that we have covered the ways to make a seemingly boring outfit into something fashionable, you can apply this to your own life and make eyes turn as you walk down the hall. Even with a dress code to work around, there are still plenty of ways for you to express yourself through your clothing!

Upcoming

October

10/25: T.I. at the Oracle Arena 10/26: Pearl Jam at Shoreline Amphitheater 10/27: Fall Concert at the Kinkade Theater 10/27-10/29: Phish at Bill Graham Civic Auditorium

November 11/3: The Black Keys at Oracle Arena 11/7: Hardwell at Bill Graham Civic Auditorium 11/8: Foster the People at Fox Theater 11/12-11/13: Boyce Avenue at The Fillmore 11/14: Tegan and Sara at Fox Theater 11/17: Bastille at Bill Graham Civic Auditorium 11/19: James Vincent McMorrow at The Fillmore 11/22: Justin Timberlake at the Oracle Arena 11/24: Usher at SAP Center

Arts & Entertainment • October 2014

Page 13

A Run-Through on Wong Fu

By Alexis Rambac Staff Writer “And… Action!” Ted Fu, Philip Wang, and Wesley Chan, three guys who shared a passion for film, met at UCSD in 2003. At first, they passed around a link for people to view their videos, posted under the name “Wong Fu Productions,” but when YouTube was created, they began to post their content there, not knowing who would view their page.

Today, Wong Fu Productions has a supportive worldwide fan base, 300 million YouTube views, and an online store complete with stuffed animals. Their success has also helped them in collaborating with companies like AT&T and celebrities such as Harry Shum, Jr..

Without a doubt, the company has lived up to their motto: “If, at the end of the day, there’s someone out there who has a better day because of us, then we’ve succeeded.”

Wong Fu has shared stories through their videos such as “When It Counts,” in which a girl struggles with being in the “friend zone” and understanding the idea of “nice guys finish last.” Of course, Wong Fu doesn’t appeal only to hopeless romantics, but also to comedy lovers. “Expired!” is one of their many hilarious shorts in which two guys find out that the food in the fridge expires the next day and begin to eat it all before midnight. If all this isn’t enough for you, Wong Fu also has eight seasons of adventure-filled vlogs!

Earlier this year, Wong Fu announced the production of their first movie, which will follow the lives of two couples who live in a society where relationships must be registered and people are scored based on their past relationships. At first, the idea seemed somewhat odd to me, but Wong Fu’s material from the past assures me that they will be able to transform this idea into a captivating film for their audience. After raising over $350,000 from donations, the crew started shooting and the movie is now in its post-production phase.

Wong Fu has made me laugh, cry, and do everything else in between. Words cannot describe the stories the team depicts, so I encourage you to peruse their Youtube channel—it only takes one click to fall in love with them as I have.

An Icy Dilemma

By Shayne Jones and Lauren Chang Staff Writers

You’re casually scrolling through your Instagram newsfeed, and you come across a video of your friend dumping a bucket of frigid, ice-cold water on his or her head. Why would anyone want to do such a thing? What you saw was the ALS ice bucket challenge.

For those of you who may not know, ALS, or Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a neuro-degenerative disease that affects the nerves in the spinal cord and the brain. As the disease progresses, motor neurons begin to die, causing the brain to be unable to control muscle movement.

Those affected may become totally paralyzed during later stages of ALS. The challenge is to pour icy water on yourself and nominate friends to do the same; if they don’t do it within 24 hours, they must donate.

The ALS organization has raised over $100 million as a result of this movement, but some people aren’t so fond of it. Most of the people who participate in the challenge are young adults and teens, many of whom don’t have the financial stability to donate a large sum of money to an organization they know almost nothing about. Senior Naji Samaha is opposed to the challenge because of its inevitable effects on the environment—namely the drought. He says, “I have driven past the Lexington reservoir everyday from freshman year till now, and the water level has slowly decreased over those years until now it’s dry. Maybe if we found a different way to raise awareness other than dumping water over our heads, then I would support the challenge.”

An estimated five million gallons of water have been used for the challenge. This is just a small amount of water compared to other ways that we use water everyday. To put this into perspective, a shower can use anywhere from seventy to a hundred gallons of water a minute. Those who participated in the challenge should not be shamed for “wasting” water. If Californians really are concerned about the amount of water wasted, they must make changes at home, starting with simple tasks such as checking for leaks in pipes, taking shorter showers, and turning off the water while washing dishes.

We support the ALS bucket challenge, along with countless celebrities who have participated in it as well. Among these stars are people like Kim Kardashian, Matt Damon, and even Homer Simpson. Because of the strength of celebrity support, this challenge has truly become a renowned challenge, spreading across the globe like wildfire. Whether you support the challenge or not, we can all agree on one thing—the ALS ice bucket challenge is one of the most successful fundraisers the world has ever seen, and because of it, people who suffer from ALS are a little closer to being healthy.

The New Electronic On September 9, 2014, ODESZA dropped their highly-anticipated album, In Return. With hypnotic hits like “Say My Name” and “Sun Models,” it is not surprising that In Return opened at #1 on iTunes’ Electronic Albums.

ODESZA has been carving a place for themselves in the EDM industry since 2012 with their exotic instrumentals and addicting bass loops.

The members of the dynamic duo, Harrison Mills and Clayton Knight, first met while attending Western Washington University during their senior year at college. There was instant chemistry between the two, and they spent months sharing tracks and comparing audio ideas. It wasn’t until one night, after months of sharing, that they decided to go down to the basement to try to make music of their own. In just three hours, they had produced three songs!

Seeing how easily they clicked, the two began their journey and named themselves ODESZA, releasing their first EP, Summer’s Gone, a few months later. The lively,

upbeat guys translate their personality and perspective on life into their music. Mixing raw instrumentals with diverse features, such as folk singer Jenni Potts in “White Lies,” they have revamped the electronic age with a fresh, clean outlook. The classic bass drop is no more with ODESZA, who use fade-ins and unexpected slow drops throughout their songs to keep it interesting and engaging.

Off their first EP, such songs include “IPlayYouListen” and “Tuytus.”

By Alexis Rambac Staff Writer Some might say that ODESZA exploits the highpitched, sped-up vocals often associated with electronic music. Yet, instead of becoming obnoxious within the first thirty seconds, these vocals create a pumped vibe in contrast to the calming instrumentals found in ODESZA’s songs. Even the songs that do include epic drops are done artistically and add an extra dimension to the song, as shown in “My Friends Never Die,” where the slow progression leads the listener to believe the drop is a good ten seconds later into the song than it is. Rather than simply “dropping the beat,” they effectively make you want to get up and run (at least for me). Even their remixes are full of unique instrument combinations and unusual beat selections.

Originality is what sets ODESZA apart from most electronic artists, and makes their new album a symbol of the “new electronic” persona they exemplify. Be sure to take a few minutes and check them out!

n i a n B e o v w a l e H

By Klara Barbarossa Staff Writer Every summer has one thing that makes it memorable, engraving it forever into our beach, the dish consists of a creamy açaí berry smoothie that is topped off with granola memory. It could be anything from getting a driver’s license to going on a family vacation. and an array of fruits.

Many will remember the summer of 2014 as the one when they became addicted to the açaí Discovered thousands of years ago by indigenous tribes in Brazil, the açaí berry was bowl. Should you ask those “enlightened” people about their #1 summer addiction, they found to boost energy and help heal minor illnesses. In addition, the berry earned the name would unanimously cry out “açaí (ah-sigh-ee) bowl!” Yes, the bright and healthy snack that “Beauty Berry” because of its richness in antioxidants, amino acids, and omega fatty acids transports you back in time and makes you feel like the happy summer days are here again. that all work to slow the aging process. After eating an açaí na tigela, one feels energized, You might have seen an açaí bowl pop up on some form of social media and thought it satisfied, but never too stuffed or heavy. was just an overrated fad. Numerous consumer reviews prove otherwise. Senior Samantha Luckily for Californians, they do not need to travel all the way to Brazil to have this Abad testifies, “Açaí bowls are heavenly, and when I eat them I feel like all my dreams experience In the Bay Area, consider visiting Nekter Juice Bar or The Power Bowl. The have been fulfilled.” Regardless of the constant and somewhat annoying foodstagramming, Power Bowl now has a flexible “build-it-yourself” bowl with a variety of choices: the açaí bowls are really worth the hype. customer chooses a type of blend, then a type of granola, and finally fruits and toppings.

Açai bowls are influenced by a Brazilian dish called açaí na tigela (açaí in the bowl).

If you have not yet tried an açaí bowl, you are truly missing out. If you ever feel nosThough Brazilians are accustomed to the tropical and humid climate, even they seek chilled talgic about the stress-free days of summer, give the açaí bowl a chance to not only awaken refreshments on extra hot days, and they usually find relief in açaí na tigela. Sold by the your taste buds, but to also charge you with positive energy.

Page 14

October 2014 • Arts & Entertainment

Put Your Records On!

By Shannon Lam A&E Editor

Whenever I leave my house, there are two things I need to have with me at all times: my iPhone that contains the newest Nick Jonas singles and my earphones. These three Mitty students share a love for music that I, as well as most other people in the world, have in common. What makes them unique, however, is their passion for collecting vinyl. With sophomore Jake Spinola’s roomful of records (literally!), senior Lauren Belotti’s beloved Amy Winehouse album, and senior Chris Collin’s Breaking Bad soundtrack, these students are here to show that vinyl records are in and here to stay. Maybe one day they’ll be able to bring back VHS tapes.

Jake Spinola

When did you begin collecting records, and what sparked your interest?

I began collecting records about 4 years ago. I started collecting because my father used to have albums too, and he is the one that inspired me to start collecting. I like to collect basically everything: from classic rock to classic soul, from jazz to funk.

What do you do with your records?

I keep them stored. I plan on making a sort of music library for future generations. The most unfortunate thing in the world of music is that our generation and future generations will forget the music of the past. I really want to prevent that and preserve the music of the past.

Do you have a record that you treasure the most?

My favorite record of all time is Jimi Hendrix’s “Are You Experienced?” But I have so many favorites, it’s very difficult to choose. Like my favorite soul record is “Hold On! I’m Coming!” by Sam and Dave. My favorite jazz record is “Viva Tirado” by El Chicano. There’s just so many!

How big is your record collection?

So far, I have over 2,000 LPs, and over 700 singles. I had to convert my bedroom to a record room since there are so many.

Lauren Belotti

When did you begin collecting records, and what sparked your interest?

I began collecting records about two years ago after I purchased my first record player. As a result of my love for the sound that vinyls create, I continue to purchase more and more records. Amy Winehouse’s “Back to Black” record is my most treasured record and the first vinyl I ever purchased.

Where do you purchase your records?

My favorite record store is Amoeba record store located on Haight street in San Francisco. The walls and shelves are filled with thousands of records, which is slightly overwhelming, but in the best way.

Is there a specific type of music that you collect?

Contrary to a common presumption, old rock music is not the only genre that sounds amazing on vinyl. My collection varies from the soulful sound of Stevie Wonder to the upbeat rhythms of Foster the People all the way to the rap vocals of Kid Cudi.

Are there any records you’re planning to buy?

I do have a list of records to buy that grows quite frequently, but due to my non-abundance of cash I have barely made a dent in my list.

By Lauren Dang Staff Writer Let’s be honest—after a boring day of school, going out with friends can be a muchneeded source of relief. Thankfully, the Mitty area offers plenty of places to grab a bite to eat, all within a two mile walk, so bring your friends, some money, and an empty stomach!

If you’re looking for the basics, the Villa Shopping Center has it all. A quick ten minute walk from Mitty on “Secret Doyle” (the inner residential road along Lawrence Expressway) towards Stevens Creek Boulevard takes you there. In that area you’ll find

Chris Collins

When did you begin collecting records, and what sparked your interest?

I started getting into records probably 2 or 3 years ago when I started listening to music a lot more. The reason I started was mostly because I like older music and that’s the format that all of these songs originally were on.

Do you have any records that you treasure the most?

The first is “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band” by the Beatles. The record itself is the original 1967 issue that was bought for my mom when she was 6. I love that one so much because I know the history of it and how influential it was to music back then. The second is the soundtrack to Breaking Bad. Breaking Bad is by far my favorite show and listening to the music brings me back to when I got so excited for a new episode. It is also the only record I have ever purchased brand new, so the vinyl sounds extremely clean unlike some of my scratched used records.

Are there any records you plan to buy?

I never usually plan to buy records at all. Some days I just decide it’s time to look for music and if I find something I like then I buy it. That said, if the soundtrack to Guardians of the Galaxy ever comes out on Vinyl then I’m definitely buying it, but for now I’ll settle for the CD.

McDonalds, Starbucks, and Panda Express: some cheap food and a place to hangout on a Friday after school. Even if you just have an off the last period of the day, leaving school at 2 p.m. for a quick trip will give you enough time to get back by 3 p.m. at the latest.

Additionally, if you need to buy some fun apparel or themed party goods for the latest Pit game or team bonding event, Sports Authority and Diddams will cater to your needs.

Not in the mood for a Big Mac or a Pumpkin Spice Latte? A two mile trip on Lawrence Expressway in the opposite direction (towards Prospect High School) gets you to even more familiar eateries. The walk is forty plus minutes, so be prepared or have a parent or friend (legally, of course!) drive you instead. There you can chose from Yogurtland, Dickey’s Barbeque Pit, and Boston Market. An additional threetenths of a mile walk leads you to Taco Bell, Chipotle, and Five Guys, all in neighboring complexes; simply turn left where Lawrence Expressway and Prospect Road meet, walking along Prospect for another 5+ minutes.

For more Asian-inspired tastes, try the Mitsuwa Marketplace. After turning left at the intersection of Mitty Avenue and Moorpark Avenue at Mise Park, walk along Moorpark until you see the bright Mitsuwa sign. The 15-20 minute walk is just short of a mile and a quick workout before digging into some great Japanese cuisine. I recommend Tea Station, Paris Baguette, and Matcha Love for fun desserts and refreshing drinks. For more substantial food, Tomi Sushi and Santouka Ramen offer some of the best and most authentic flavors of Japan. Personally, Matcha Love and Tomi Sushi are the standout places to me, where Matcha Love offers unique green tea and black sesame soft serve ice cream while Tomi Sushi never fails to make a delicious, highquality sushi roll. You can find Matcha Love and Santouka inside the actual Mitsuwa supermarket and everything else in the same complex.

When planning a trip, make sure one member of your group has a smartphone with navigation for more detailed directions. Remember to be careful, plan ahead, eat well, and have fun with friends!

Arts & Entertainment • October 2014

Page 15

Monarch Critics

A-maze-ingly Average

The New It-Crowd

By Lexi Breitbart Staff Writer

By Fiona Pestana Staff Writer

The Maze Runner by James Dashner depicts the struggles of fifty teenage boys who live in a dystopian society nicknamed “the Glade.” These boys are placed in a large field that is surrounded by a mechanical maze, filled with obstacles like Grievers or gigantic robotic slugs; there is little chance of getting out. But everything begins to change in the Glade when Thomas arrives.

The novel chronicles his trials as he attempts to fit in, to form alliances with the leaders, Alby and Newt, and to withstand the Glade’s resident bully and hothead, Gally.

Aside from the fascinating plot, The Maze Runner illustrates the values of sacrifice, heroism, and bravery as Thomas slowly uncovers the entire purpose of the Glade, and what lies in the world beyond. I loved reading this suspenseful novel, which highlights the bravery and dedication of teenagers. After finishing this page-turner, I was eager to discover the fate of these teenagers in the next two novels of The Maze Runner trilogy.

The film adaptation, directed by Wes Ball, was highly anticipated after the novel’s success. Unfortunately, I noticed many discrepancies between the book and the

movie. Unlike the book, nothing changes as Thomas (Dylan O’Brien) arrives. He quickly aligns himself with all of the Gladers who welcome him with open arms, with the exception of Gally (played by Will Poulter, whose elegant eyebrows only slightly detract from his ferocity as a bully).

A semi-suspenseful tale unfolds as Thomas and the others discover the exit far too easily. Although I had no issues with watching Dylan O’Brien for 113 minutes, the film still fell short.

Overall, the book dominated over the movie. The initial half of the film was entertaining, but sloppy screenwriting and unfinished plot points were issues. The film also lacked the depth and substance in character relationships that the book provided, and it failed to accurately portray the true helplessness of their situation.

If you are solely interested in an actionpacked movie about moody teenagers with superb cinematography, definitely watch the film. However, if you love books like me and want to appreciate the full story, avoid the movie and just stick to rereading the novel.

As an avid viewer of FOX, I seem to watch and rewatch every promotion for their upcoming dramas and sitcoms during commercials. One particularly striking advertisement came from a new, teen-driven show: Red Band Society. This “dramedy,” which premiered on September 17, is based off the original Spanish version of the show, Polseres Vermelles, meaning “red bracelets.” Most of the cast is full of fresh young faces in the television industry, with the addition of some familiar faces like Octavia Spencer.

In this coming-of-age series, teenage patients in a hospital bond together while conquering their life-changing diseases.

The teens use newfound friendships and advice from the hospital staff to ease the vulnerable road to recuperation. Each of the pediatric patients wear red hospital bands, representing their love for one another and the challenges they face.

After viewing the pilot episode, I am hooked to the brink of obsession. One of the main parts of the episode that moved me the most was the in-depth character development. The writers succeed in shedding

away the perfect amount of characterization layers while still teasing the audience, leaving them hanging for more. Assisting in portraying the personalities of the characters are the incredibly talented actors. This particularly shows in the acting of Griffin Gluck, playing a child in a coma. Most of his performance comes from the tone of his voiceovers. However, even in this difficult task, Gluck impresses me with his professionalism and thee purity of his work of becoming his character.

My adoration for this series also buds from the main theme of keeping your spirit alive, even when the rest of your physical body is deteriorating. This is ] explained through relatable quotes sprinkled throughout the episode. To me, the key to a successful television drama is the ability to tell a story and make the audience reflect and think. So far, Red Band Society has triumphed in this.

As the closing credits rolled, I could only think about what events could come in future episodes. Red Band Society has captured my attention, and is sure to attract people of all ages.

In a Nutshell

By Mark Johnson Staff Writer Sophomore albums are always tough.

Expectations are usually very high after a band’s first album, and very little has moved me after the release of Alt-J’s debut album An Awesome Wave. My hopes were extremely high for this new album, which is why I am extremely pleased to say that Alt-J’s This is All Yours surpasses them with flying colors.

Somehow deeply complex yet compulsively listenable, This is All Yours features 13 of the most richly beautiful songs that I have ever heard. Atmospheric and intense, every single song and every single note seems delicately and ingeniously crafted to create one of the best albums released in recent years, in my humble opinion.

Whether you have never heard of them before or enjoy some of their songs, I could not recommend this album any more. It is a transcendental listening experience and it will probably be all that I listen to for the next few months.

By Rachel Hernandez Staff Writer Danny O’Donoghue, lead singer of The Script, describes the band’s new record, No Sound Without Silence, as “a prequel to the first album.” Although The Script’s fourth album replicates the sounds and success of their first album, it manages to consistently deliver captivating songs filled with emotion and relevant life lessons.

While the band did dabble in rather unconventional lyrics, the album still lacked a shock factor and I was expecting more.

Despite this, No Sound Without Silence is still much more sophisticated than most currently popular pop-rock albums. One song in particular, “Man on A Wire,” tells the story of a man who is overwhelmed with confusion and despair, but the lyrics enforce the persistence of hope.

No Sound Without Silence is a great album, as every song is filled with inspiration and tells of a trial to overcome. It teaches people that in times of struggle, we must believe in something to keep ourselves going.

By Lauren Belotti Staff Writer

By Erica Johnson Staff Writer

Swedish singer songwriter Tove Lo has gained immense popularity for her catchy, up-beat and compelling songs. She recently released her first full length album titled Queen of the Clouds. On this record Tove Lo takes her listeners on a journey through three chapters in a relationship: the intimacy, the love, and lastly the pain. The tracks begin with up-tempo rhythms embodying the sentiment of lust that is gradually formed into a stronger bond and unconditional love; it captures the connection that ultimately fades and the immense pain that is left. The album ends with her top of the charts single “Habits” that tunes into her addiction to the love that was lost. At times, especially during the song “Timebomb” I felt that her vocals were fighting against the background music, creating an awkward and amateur sound, but all in all I truly respect Tove Lo’s creative and honest approach to her music.

Where, oh where, have you been, Kravitz? He has been seen in numerous popular movies, such as The Hunger Games, but he has not been putting out music.

Well, wait no longer. Lenny Kravitz just released his new album titled Strut— and the title does not lie. I’m one of the many fans guilty of blasting his album in my room and doing some awesome air guitar moves. Can you blame me? His raspy voice and smooth falsettos can hypnotize anyone into thinking they’re a rock star playing the guitar in front of thousands of people. This album is filled with rock influences and hints of R&B. It’s the perfect mixture of Jackson 5 and Aerosmith. It also has some throwback melodies and tunes inspired by 80’s Prince, as well as bands like Living Color. Diehard fans have been waiting 3 years for this album, and it does not disappoint. Go get yourself a copy of Lenny Kravitz’s new LP, Strut!

Lion drawings by Bharathi Arasan

SPORTS

Football: New Leadership, Same Attitude

By Brian Consiglio and Sanjay Raman receiver Ben Granberry. On defense, the Monarchs are led by Hudson, who also plays Staff Writers as a defensive end, senior safety Trevor Lewis, and junior linebacker Matt Tofano.

Fall is here and that can only mean one thing: football on Friday nights!

“We are the strongest group of kids that have come through Mitty football,” explained The Monarchs are back in action after a great season last year when they went to the senior fullback and linebacker Luke Allen, who was named GetSportsFocus week MVP CCS Open Division championship. Though the Monarchs have lost key players Chandler after the game against Palo Alto. “We have had each others’ backs since day one and are Ramirez, Kyle Evans, and Trent Scharrenberg, the team returns with a vengeance, ready hoping that translates onto the field.” to make a deep run into the playoffs once again.

The Monarchs rebounded from a tough Patrolling the sidelines will be Head 21-13 defeat at the hands of Los Gatos the Coach Dave Brown. Brown might be new first week of season to win four of their next this year, but has plenty of experience, having five games, starting with a 55-14 victory over coached the Monarchs for 25 years before stepPalo Alto on the road. The team dominated on ping down in 2006. the ground, rushing for 402 yards and scoring Coach Brown’s favorite part about coachseven touchdowns. Allen led the attack with ing football at Mitty is the “challenge of getting 145 yards and two touchdowns while Monroe 64 teenagers to come together with one goal had 113 all-purpose yards. of becoming the best football team possible.”

“Dominating Paly was definitely a stateDespite his lengthy previous tenure as head ment game,” declared senior wide receiver coach, Brown claims his favorite moment at David De La Rocha. “We showed everyone the helm is right now. who we really are and what we can do when Alongside him is new Associate Head we play to the best of our ability.”

Coach Keith Burns, who brings a wealth of Building off the momentum from the big experience having coached at both the pro and win, the Monarchs defeated Pittsburgh 13-7 collegiate level. and Sacred Heart Cathedral 33-27 in their first “My goals are to influence as many lives as two home games of the season before falling possible on and off the field and along the way narrowly 15-14 to St. Francis on Oct. 10. help build a powerhouse program at Mitty,” And last Friday the Monarchs gutted out said Burns. “The best parts of coaching at any a tough 17-14 win against Saint Ignatius. The level are building relationships and being a part win was highlighted by two huge plays by the of helping someone improve, reach their potenMonarchs. The first was a 69-yard touchdown tial, and accomplish a goal that they have set.”

Photo courtesy of Daniel Photography pass from Foley to Granberry. The second was On the field, the Monarchs are led on ofan 80 yard touchdown run by senior Miles Junior Derek Bauerle turns upfield against the Lancers. fense by dual-threat senior quarterback Brett Brown.

Foley and senior tight end Tommy Hudson, Still on the schedule for the Monarchs who is committed to Arizona State. are tough clashes with rivals Serra (Oct. 31) and Valley Christian (Nov. 7). The signature “Our expectations for this year are high. It all started with [strength and conditioning game ahead is against Bellarmine in the annual homecoming game at Father Jack Russi coach] Brett Nichols in the weight room preparing us for a long season,” Hudson said. “I Field under the lights this week on Oct. 24. really enjoy the new coaching staff. The experience that Coach Burns brings is a dream On the wall of the team’s locker room is a quote from Derek Jeter that says, “There come true. It is an awesome environment for all of us on the field.” may be people that have more talent than you, but there’s no excuse for anyone to work “Coach Nichols has created a beast and I am looking forward to letting the beast out harder than you do.” of the cage on Friday nights,” he continued.

The Monarchs are hoping that all the hard work they have put in over the summer Also highlighting the offense are senior running backs Dakari Monroe—who has pays off in a trip to the CCS Final and hopefully, the NorCal playoffs. received multiple Division I scholarship offers—and Adam Acevedo, and senior wide Be sure to come out as the season unfolds to cheer on the Monarchs to victory!

Women’s Golf: Tee It High, Let It Fly

By Harika Veeramacheneni and Giuliano Orsi Staff Writers The new school year is well underway as we finish the first quarter, and the Archbishop Mitty Women’s Varsity Golf team is ready to go to battle on the links.

This season looks very promising for the Monarchs as they prepare to put their skills to the test.

The squad is looking competitive, with talented girls coming from all grades. Abby Doerger, a standout junior, explained the team’s goals this year, saying, “We Photo courtesy of KG Sports Photography have been in CCS for the past five years, so we would like to keep Senior Maddie Kim follows through on her swing. that tradition going.”

The girls are ready to work to ensure that they will bring the team to the postseason for a sixth year. To keep the streak, the Lady Monarchs will have to overcome other great WCAL schools.

Sophomore Clare Brady stated that the “league is strong this year, but we can perform regardless of that. Our unit is very close, and we will always keep a strong team bond.”

The team is made up of nine golfers, which allows for an extremely close team bond. This promotes a level of teamwork and unity that is hard to find in an individual sport, like golf. The girls can learn from mistakes, and build on them with help from their other teammates.

Coach Matt Garrison emphasized that the key to team success is potential. “If we reach our potential then our goals can be realized,” he said. The girls have their sights set high as they look to recognize this potential. Come out and cheer on the Women’s Golf team on their senior day, Oct. 22, against Sacred Heart.

Sky’s The Limit for Field Hockey

By Brandon Milliken and Allex Weil Staff Writers Women’s Field Hockey is off to an ambitious start, already fulfilling the Monarch field hockey reputation: determination and hard work as a team unit.

Fresh off an 18-2-2 season last year that culminated in a BVAL title, the Monarchs are showing no signs of slowing down. In their first game, the team worked dynamically on offense to score seven goals in a rout of Lynbrook on the road in their first game.

Senior Lauren Mewes attributes the team’s success to “a Photo courtesy of KG Sports Photography positive outlook and a strong deterJunior Lauren Gengarella prepares for a pass. mination for the season.”

The team is young, having lost ten seniors last season, but every player is working toward the same goal. Jamie Nordin, one of the remaining seven seniors, explains that “the returning varsity players came into the season very excited to show the new members what it means to play on varsity.”

The season opener against Lynbrook was only the beginning for Monarch Field Hockey, and was followed by seven thrilling victories, bringing down the likes of St. Ignatius and Presentation. Incredibly, the Monarchs did not allow a single goal during the opening eight-game win streak.

St. Francis ended both the win streak and the shutout streak, defeating the Monarchs 2-1. The team got right back to its winning ways with a second victory against Presenttion, this time by the score of 3-0 under the lights of Mize Park. Two goals from sophomore Morgan Peterson and one from Nordin helped lead the Monarchs.

Motivated by last year’s double overtime loss in the CCS Final, this year’s field hockey team has no limits to how far they can go.

Sports • October 2014

Page 17

Tennis: Tough Mentality Key to Winning

By Samantha Baker and Yabsera Grum Staff Writers Tennis season has officially started and the Monarchs are ready to dominate this upcoming season. After working tirelessly throughout the summer to be in tip-top shape, the ladies are ready to dominate matches to come. Tennis focuses a lot on strokes and footwork, so Head Coach Jason Scalese always has a plethora of drills to help the players improve upon and sharpen their hits. Tanaya Puranik, a senior, says, “My favorite drill deals with hitting balls across the court because it forces me to make my shots more powerful.”

It is also important that the ladies are mentally fit, in addition to being physically fit, because tennis is a lot about strategizing. Mental focus is a significant feature to the game

of tennis. To help these Lady Monarchs with their physical and mental toughness, Coach Scalese is always ready to work on serves and backhanded hits.

In the past few weeks, the Monarchs have been very successful in the matches they have played. They are strong contenders for the league title with a record of 6-1, dominating the court against Notre Dame-Belmont with a 7-0 win and defeating Sacred Heart Cathedral 6-1.

This is a promising season as the Monarchs look to win their 10th WCAL title. Already the most successful varsity women’s tennis team in the league, the Monarchs are training vigorously and the effects are clearly visible on the court.

Make sure you come out for the matches, especially against St. Francis on Oct. 23!

#MonarchVolleyHype

By Amrith Mylvara and Prahlad Anand Staff Writers The #MonarchVolleyHype is back and as strong as it has ever been. Following a stellar season last year, Mitty is looking to reclaim its titles as league, section, and state champions. The 2013 edition of the Monarchs was chock-full of some of the greatest athletes in the state and the team has lost some key players to graduation, but this year’s squad is fully aware that they have what it takes to be just as good, if not better.

Success, however, does not come without obstacles. Coach Bret Almazan-Cezar has been adamant about putting in the requisite work to improve every single day, and as senior Natasha Kosowicz elaborates, “Coach A-C loves to say that if you are not getting better, you are getting worse. In practice, he always tells us to visualize that in the exact moment you are playing in a championship so that every play requires us to work our hardest.”

Leadership is key in guiding this year’s younger team, and one of the core duties of both coach and

By Jorge Rodriguez and Alec Jo Staff Writers With a host of new players, Mitty’s Varsity Water Polo team is prepped and motivated, looking to improve after a disappointing 2013. Excited for the upcoming campaign, Senior Captain Taylor Palmaffy explains, “Our goal for the season is to make CCS. To do that we need to beat Valley, SI, or Serra. That’s what we’ve been working toward the whole time, winning at least one of those games.”

There are several new faces on the team this year, including sophomore Connor Wells and and junior Nate Chandler. To start off the season, Mitty participated in the Lynbrook Tournament and dominated Harker 15-6.

Even though the road to success is difficult—Mitty lost 15-2 against Bellarmine in the first league game—the Monarchs are optimistic about the rest of the season. Asked about the most important characteristic of a water polo player, Senior Captain Zachary Viano responded, “Determination, strength, and the ability to never give up and just keep fighting no matter how tired you are. It’s all mental toughness.”

The Monarchs are ready to put this “mental toughness” on display as they continue on with their season. So far it’s been tough sledding, as at press time the team had lost three in a row to Sacred Heart, Saint Francis, and Serra. Make sure to come out and support the Monarchs as they take on St. Ignatius (Oct. 29) on the road.

captain is to make sure that everyone understands their respective roles.

As senior libero Gabriella Carta-Samuels explains, “This team is special because we have a combination of an incredible defense and an extremely powerful offense. This is a new year, and a new team.”

Because of the leadership displayed by Kosowicz, Carta-Samuels, and others, the Monarchs are making amazing progress in their quest for a state title while also keeping their sights set high for careers in volleyball post-high school.

The Monarchs are currently 17-1 and ranked second in the nation, finishing second in the Durango Fall Classic and taking first in the Spikefest tournament. Winning state for the third year in a row is the Monarchs’ ultimate goal, but in order to get there, the team will need to take their journey step-by-step, accumulating necessary wins and accomplishing crucial goals along the way. They are off to a fast start, but still have a long way to go. No matter how the Monarchs end up faring, the Mitty community is behind them.

A Fresh Start

Photo courtesy of Taylor Palmaffy

Senior Taylor Palmaffy looks up the pool for an open teammate

Photo courtesy of KG Sports Photography

Senior Catalina Rico readies for a return shot.

Photo courtesy of KG Sports Photography

Senior Brittany Latigue hammers home the spike.

Where Are They Now: Aaron Gordon

Photo courtesy of Mike Stobe, Getty Images

Aaron Gordon with NBA Commissioner Adam Silver at the NBA Draft.

By Tonjanae Watson Staff Writer June 26, 2014, marked another historical day for one of Archbishop Mitty’s most memorable alumni athletes.

On that day, Aaron Gordon was drafted fourth overall in the NBA Draft by the Orlando Magic. This past year, Gordon played for the University of Arizona, and just recently he signed a two-year, $8.2 million guaranteed contract with the Orlando Magic (with club options totalling over $9 million in the following two years). Gordon, who is just 19 years old and finished high school at Mitty less than two years ago, will enter the league as the NBA’s youngest player.

Entering Mitty as a 6-foot 4-inch freshman, Gordon, had the pressure of filling his siblings’ shoes. Aaron is the youngest of three, following after his older brother and sister who both attended Mitty and were top flight basketball talents. Refusing to buckle under this pressure of expectation, Gordon went above and beyond during his athletic career at Mitty.

Men’s Varsity Basketball Coach Tim Kennedy remembers that during basketball practices, “Once [Gordon’s] energy changed, the whole team’s energy changed.”

Gordon was always looking to practice more and would play one-on-one with Mr. Kennedy after practices.

With so much extra drive, energy, and talent, Gordon was able to lead Mitty to two consecutive state titles in 2011 and 2012. Gordon’s versatility and leadership on the court was evident when he would at times match up against a guard, then put on a show with one of his famous dunks.

During his senior year while on his way to earning his second Mr. Basketball Player of the Year for California, Gordon had a prominent role in leading Mitty to second in the CIF Open Division, averaging 21.6 points, 15.7 rebounds, and 3.3 blocks per game.

Not only did Gordon seek extra work on the courts at school, but he also utilized the half-basketball court in his backyard every day, playing against his older siblings and even his father. His dedication, persistence, and exhaustive work ethic brought him to University of Arizona. He flourished during his freshman year, receiving over ten awards from First-Team All-PAC 12 to PAC 12 Freshman of the Year.

From Mitty to the NBA, Aaron has been making history since he was a “wee” 6-foot 4-inch tall freshman.

Our rising star NBA alumnus brings yet another reason for us to be even more proud to call ourselves Monarchs.

Page 18

October 2014 • Photography

Camille Daszynski: Monterey, CA

Lily Guttman: Venice, Italy

Through The Lens

Monarch Photography

Louis Lombardo: Niagra Falls, NY

Daniel Scott: Yosemite, CA

Photography • October 2014

Page 19

Jahnavi Singh: Anchorage, Alaska

Mem·o·ries/’mem(ə)reez/(n.) a mental impression retained; the capacity of reviving events, impressions, or previous experiences

Daniel Scott: Yosemite, CA Aditya Gunda: Ajanta Caves, India

Lily Guttman: Sounio, Greece Camille Daszynski: Gilroy, CA

Would you like to see your photos published here?

Email us your photos at photos@mitty.com.

Photography • October 2014

Page 20

Mitchell Koontz Class of 2016

1) What essence do you wish to capture with your photography?

What I try to do is capture abstract and candid feelings through different textures and visual anomalies. I take pictures that bring back memories or basically stray away from the normal style. Photography is much more than snapping pictures of pretty things. Producing meaningful photography requires you to have depth in photos--you have to have a backstory.

2) Where do you find your inspiration to photograph?

I find my inspiration in a variety of artists that I see in galleries or online, such as Sara VanDerBeek or Brenda Burton. I use their style to try to improve my subjects and perspective in photography.

3) In three words, how would you describe your style?

Clean, symmetrical, retrospective.

4) Do you plan to continue with photography in the future?

Yes, absolutely!. I think photography is important because you’re saving about 1/600th of a second in time. I’m not that great of a photographer yet, but I’m adjusting my style every day to fit what I really want at the moment. With that said, I think my style will change with the times and it’s just one of those things I will never grow tired of.

Interviewed by Camille Daszynski and Aditya Gunda Photography Editors