Hollywood High • Home of the Sheiks
The Crimson Chronicle 1521 N. HIGHLAND AVE, HOLLYWOOD, CA 90028
VOLUME IX, ISSUE I OCTOBER 2011
Chicken Deep-Fried in Controversy Daniel boror Chronicle Reporter
The much-anticipated Chickfil-A opening at the intersection of Sunset Boulevard and Highland Avenue was met with enthusiastic crowds last month, but some teachers and students say that the chicken chain’s conservative politics leaves a bad taste. “Chick-fil-A is amazing,” said senior Jeremy Reyes. “It is going to take In-N-Out out of business.” But senior Jennifer Acuña disagreed. “Chick-fil-A is OK. I rather have Carl’s Jr. there.” The restaurant chain is popular in Southern California, the one on Sunset Boulevard is the latest location out of the seven. “I love the cows outside that
Photo credit: Natalie Hernandez Chick-fil-a experienced a surge in customers during its opening week.
you can take pictures with,” said Juan Moreno, senior. According to the Chick-fil-A website, “Truett Cathy made the decision to close on Sundays in 1946 when he opened his first restaurant in Hapeville, Georgia… He believes that all franchised Chick-fil-A Operators and their Restaurant employees should have an opportunity to rest, spend time with family and friends, and worship if they choose to do so.” Cathy cited spiritual and practical reasons. According to a story in the New York Times, the company’s hiring practices require potential operators to discuss their marital status and civic and church involvement. In 2002, a Muslim restaurant manager filed a lawsuit against Chick-fil-A because they allegedly fired him... See page 4
State Requirement Leaves Students Bloody jennifer Guido Chronicle Reporter
It is a state requirement for every California student to take the t-dap booster shot by the end of the month. Failure to comply with this requirement means that the student will be dropped from his or her school, and will be unable to attend any California school until receiving the shot. What exactly is the t-dap? The t-dap shot prevents a person from getting the whooping cough, a bacterial disease
that can cause pneumonia and lead to roughly two months of coughing, otherwise known as the 100-day cough. This cough can lead a person to cough up blood that can lead to choking and/or death. The disease is highly contagious. Whooping cough bacteria can be easily transmitted by sneezing, coughing, or contact with mucous. There are 100 students yet to turn in proof of vaccination. If they do not turn in their records by the first week of October. They will not be allowed to come back to any school in
the LAUSD district or the state of California. “If you need to take it, then take it,” said junior SAS student Jessie Vasquez According to Principal Jaime Morales, should a student’s family cite personal or religious reasons, or should the student be allergic, there is a waiver that allows a student to come to school without the shot. If the student does not take it and becomes infected, the student will not be allowed back to school, waiver or no waiver.
See page 4
Where Do School Funds go? Maria alcoser managing editor UTLA Chapter Chair Michael Ulmer has asked for information about the destination of the Cars 2 money from the administration after frustrated teachers complained during a lunch meeting on Sept. 28. Hollywood High School signed a contract with Walt Disney Co. for permission to use the school field for a mini theme park to promote Disney’s Cars 2 movie during the summer. The contract paid LAUSD $173,440, 68 percent of which went to the school. In addition, Disney made a $25,000 donation directly to the school and agreed to pay $47,700 to replace the grass on
index 2-3 • Op/Ed 4-5• News 6-7 • Features 10-12 • Sports
the field, according to Tadeo Climaco. Teachers are wondering how that money is going to be spent. “There appears to be some distrust on the part of the faculty. The way to dispel that distrust is to be more transparent,” said Susan Von Manske, Special Education Teacher, after the meeting. According to Climaco, the money has not been released to the school, and is still in possession of LAUSD. “All the budgets that we have at this school have restrictions on them,” said Climaco.
8-9 • Entertainment
What is the weirdest thing you’ve seen?
The administration, however, has more liberty to use the $25,000 donation. In order to receive that donation, Climaco completed an application on Sept. 16 explaining the needs of the school and statistics on the community that the school
Man AIDS on the Walk Street see page 3
see page 4
Photo Credit: William San Nicholas
serves. Some of that money has already been used to pay the personnel that worked during the event. The money from the Cars 2 event will be used on a needs-basis according to Climaco and Principal Jaime Morales. “There is to be a paper trail for everything that we buy,” said Climaco. According to Morales, it takes approximately $7 million to run the school for a year, and he will try to reserve the Cars 2 money
Sheiks Dance
see pages 6-7
for “extreme emergencies,” because it can roll over to the next school year. “First we try to spend the money that is more restricted because it will be taken away,” said Morales. On a needs-basis means “people come to me and say ‘I need this’,” said Morales. However the “needs” must be justified because the school needs a lot of things. In other words, “The needs of the school are bigger than the funding that we have,” said Climaco. Some of money received will be used... See page 4
Superhero Movies Football see page 9
see page 12
2 October 2011
OP/ED STAFF EDITORIAL
WHAT WOULD JESUS EAT?
The opening of Chick-fil-A across the street from campus is a welcome addition to the fast food landscape, some say. People from the South, where Chick-fil-A started, feel strong sentimental attraction to it. However, we fail to see what all the fuss is about. Furthermore, we were surprised to learn about their reputation of intolerance towards gays and their closed-on-Sunday policy. If Hollywood is truly the city that never sleeps, shouldn’t we be able to eat chicken after a roaring Saturday night? We question Chickfil-A’s decision to open a restaurant in the heart of Hollywood. This is Hollyweird. Everyone is welcome. We don’t discriminate against anyone based on religion or sexual preference. In school we are taught the three Bs: be safe, be responsible, be respectful. Our motto is Achieve the Honorable. Chickfil-A would do well to honor it’s neighbors.
NEW FOOD, FEWER LINES Vanessa Garcia Chronicle Reporter
Everyone is aware of the new school lunches that Los Angeles Unified School District has recently been providing students. The improvement has added sushi rolls, pan thai, turkey burgers, Greek salads, chile lime wings, and an orange chicken bowl with vegetables and walnuts to the menu. You’d be surprised to know that chefs are the ones who prepare these meals, and they are delivered to schools twice a week on Tuesdays and Thursdays. This week, I went out and tried a variety of foods, such
as the chicken tamales. The tamales looked okay, but the filling inside looked old and it didn’t even look like chicken. I was not impressed. The way it looked was not appetizing. It looked gross and I wasn’t even sure if it was edible. On a scale from 1-10, with 1 as the lowest and 10 as the highest, the taste is a 4.5. I understand this is a school not 5 star restaurant but I expected to eat something decent. I really liked last year’s menu, but apparently the District did not and they even removed chocolate and strawberry milk and peanut butter sandwiches from the menu because it was supposedly affecting the obesity rate in younger children. This is outrageous because those were my favorite food options. I spend more money on buying snacks as opposed to getting a full meal
that is actually appetizing. Even the lunch lines are shorter. I noticed that when I was in line last year, it took forever to get my food, but now that the menu has changed, the lines in the cafeteria have decreased in size. Not many students were satisfied with the menu. I am part of the majority that was not. I wish that this year’s “improvement” was going to make things better but it did not. The goal was to reduce obesity is something to work toward, but it is just not working out. Students are buying more junk food outside of school and treats throughout the day, which add to the calories eaten all day. Overall, I give this improvement a D+. Seriously, I do appreciate the idea behind the changes they want to achieve, but it is just not working for me.
Save the Date Homecoming Dance is Oct. 29 at 7 P.M. Theme is Phantom of the Opera
Letters to the Editor
All letters to the editor need to be signed, however, names can be withheld upon request.
Dear Editor, The school “improvements” on the food are not working out for me. Rather than improving it, they actually made it worse. When I thought things couldn’t get any worse they did. I have a difficult time distinguishing the food. Sometimes, I doubt if it’s even edible. I heard people in prison get better meals then us. Unlike us, they get dessert. I liked the school food last year, yes everyone complained but it was a lot better then the new things we get now. -Jonathan Martinez, SAS Dear Editor, I would really appreciate it if you guys would include more articles on the cross country team. We are a great dedicated team that practice hard to be prepared for each race. We are a team, more like a family, and I feel we don’t get enough recognition. -Juan Reyes, TCA
Dear Editor, I’m looking foward for the new issues of the Crimson Chronicle. I hope to see a lot of new things and also to see more sports coverages, especially on softball and basketball. I would like to have the horoscopes back. -Stephanie Garcia, SAS Dear Editor, I like the stories that are featured and I really like looking around the pictures. I’d like to see more color and more stories that appeal to the students. Other then that good job and hopefully this year we get better issues. -Cecilia Flores, SAS
Crimson Chronicle Staff Editor-in-Chief: Karina Galvan &
Karla Samayoa Managing Editor: MARIA ALCOSER Opinion Editor: Karina Galvan News Editor: maria alcoser Features Editor: stephanie chavez Entertainment Editor: KARLA SAMAYOA Sports Editor: karina galvan Copy Editor: karla samayoa Photo Editor: STEPHANIE CHAVEZ Advertising Manager: William san nicolas daniel boror Tania Dominguez Vanessa garcia Blanca Gonzalez jennifer guido
nanette liberatori edgardo lizama woaria rashid alexis segundo
Adviser
Karen Cusolito THE STUDENT NEWSPAPER. THE CRIMSON CHRONICLE, OF HOLLYWOOD HIGH SCHOOL IS A PUBLIC FORUM, WITH ITS STUDENT EDITORIAL BOARD MAKING ALL DECISIONS CONCERNING ITS CONTENTS. the newspaper operates under california education code 48907 which guarantees free expression for students. LETTERS TO THE EDITOR ARE WELCOMe AND WILL BE PUBLISHED AS SPACE ALLOWS. OPINIONS IN LETTERS ARE NOT NECESSARILY THOSE OF THE STAFF, NOR SHOuLD ANY OPINION ExPRESSED IN A PUBLIC FORUM BE CONSTRUED AS THE OPINIION OR POLiCY OF THE ADMINISTRATION, UNLESS SO ATTRIBUTED.
OP/ED
OCTOBER 2011
3
Man on the Street
What’s the weirdest thing you’ve seen? “It would probably be the transy out in the corner of the street naked stopping traffic. It was still dark like 6:15 and she was just stopping traffic.”
-Mario (SPO)
“Going towards the metro I heard a commotion, I turned around and people surrounded something, I saw SpongeBob with two girls running around and I realized they were fighting till later.” -Amanda Munoz, New Media
“I saw a cat run up to a squirrel and attack it and the squirrel turned around and jumped on his face and another squirrel jumped out of a tree and they double teamed it.”
“Walking on Hollywood I saw an old man listening to music, singing and dancing along.” -Karla Galvan, New Media
-Ricardo Dado, New Media
Interviewed and Photographed by: Blanca Gonzalez (Chronicle Reporter) and Stephanie Chavez (Features Editor)
“A Mexican guy was trying to start a fight with a white guy and was telling him to get away.” -Eduardo Escobar, SAS
COLLEGES PLAY I SPY KARINA GALVAN EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Hey seniors, excited a b o u t going to college? Well you should be, because I know I am. But then again, who really likes all that tedious and hard work? One of the biggest things we must deal with is our college application! Yes, that time of year has finally come around. What exactly does it take for a good chance of getting admitted to the college of your dreams? A well-written personal state-
ment, one or two recommen- to have college admission offidations, a decent SAT score, and the clearing of any inappropriate things on your Facebook page. Yes. I’m serious; according to the Kaplan s u r v e y, about 80% of colleges are now Photo Credit: Willliam San Nicolas checking applicants Facebook page. cers check all your information, So taking that into account, but it also prevents pedophiles the first thing to do is to make from looking at your page. sure your profile has the corNow, if you know your profile rect privacy settings. Not only is not cleared of offensive comis this helpful if you don’t want ments, don’t go “liking” college
pages. Once you click “like,” you are allowing the college websites to have complete access to your profile. Don’t think that because you have all the right privacy settings you’re free of any rejections. Your profile picture is visible to everyone when they look for you on Facebook. Make sure the things you are tagged in are free of offensive material. Make sure you are free of any posts, photos, comments, or statuses that you think or know include anything that may implicate you as an unworthy candidate. Any inappropriate thing can cause a college’s admissions officer’s opinion to shift. On the bright side, if you know that your profile is clean from all “bad” things, then it’s safe and could even serve as an advantage to “like” college pages. This can be a way to stay updat-
ed about any information you may need to know. Colleges don’t just use Facebook to track down any inappropriate behavior that could make or break an application, but use it to recruit students and to increase publicity. Don’t simply consider these points because you’re a senior applying to college, but keep in mind who else may be looking at your social networking pages. One can never be too careful. Rule of thumb: don’t post anything you would not want your mother to see.
4 OCTOBER 2011
NEWS
Lunch Menus Make Room for Healthier Choices LAUSD implements new rules to eliminate greasy food stephanie chavez chronicle reporter
A new menu has been implemented by the school cafeteria recently made by LAUSD. The new school menus will replace chicken nuggets and buffalo wings with pasta and soup, Salvadoran beef stew, chicken tan door, Asian pad Thai, California sushi rolls, and teriyaki beef and broccoli with brown rice will be served and added to the menu as well. LAUSD spent several months working on the new school menus and having selected students and parents taste and give their opinion on the food. LAUSD has been trying to get rid of unhealthy food. In 2004, LAUSD banned soda from being sold at school; now chocolate and strawberry milk have been eliminated due to the excessive amounts of sugar. According to Mary McVean from the Los Angeles Times, chocolate milk contains 20 grams of sugar and strawberry milk contains 26 grams of sugar, which is just
LAUSD claims to have spent several months working on the new school menus
Students and parents were selected to taste the food and give their opinion
Cafeteria worker B. Johnson serves the new school food which included beef tamales and tacos. Flavored milk is off the menu.
as much as a can of soda. Jamie Oliver, a British chef, criticized LAUSD school food on his television show “Food Revolution.” Blogger Susan B. Depart says “Oliver was not welcomed as a helper more like a criminal. We live in Los Angeles, one of the most progressive cities in the world with medicinal pot dispensaries, but cannot ‘afford’ healthy food for our children?” Due to the commotion, McVean states that LAUSD had forbidden Oliver from entering any Los Angeles school and kitchen. As a way to express Oliver’s concern, he gave samples to a couple of top chefs. Evan Funke of Rustic Canyon had a burger, and said, “It looks super rough. Honestly, I wouldn’t feed this to my dog.” “Nasty. I didn’t notice there was new food,” says Javier Esperanza, MET. PHOTO CREDIT: MARIA ALCOSER
Sheiks Participate in AIDS Walk to Find the Cure Students will hit the pavement to raise money and awareness
edgardo lizama chronicle reporter
Every 15 seconds, one person between the ages of 15 and 24 becomes infected with HIV. Hollywood High School students can make a difference by donating to or participating in the AIDS Walk on Oct. 16. Since 1985, AIDS Walk Los
Angeles has raised more than 69 million dollars for HIV/AIDS programs and services. Ruth Cardenas is Hollywood’s health teacher and has a high goal for her students to fulfill. “Our team has a very ambitious goal of raising $1000.” By recommending that all of her health students participate in the AIDS Walk, she is offering
Scores Rise to 739
Sheiks raise API for the third year in a row
KARINA GALVAN EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Throughout the past couple of years Hollywood High School has met and been improving the Academic Performance Index (API) Report. The API measures the overall student scores of the California Standardized Test (CST) that is taken each year during the month of May. The growth in API from 2010 to 2011 is 11 points adding up to 739. “Any increase is good,” says Heather Brown, College Counselor. “We just need to
them a hands-on learning opportunity. “The walk is an opportunity for learning how this worldwide epidemic has affected our own community.” Participating in the event is free and beneficial to the AIDS programs and their members. The AIDS Walk is located at West Hollywood Park.
Chick-fil-A Continued from page 1
after he did not pray to Jesus with other employees at a training session The suit was settled, the newspaper reported. According to the New York Times article published Jan. 29, the company and the family have supported Christian groups “working to defeat same-sex marriage initiatives.” When students Jeremy, Juan, Students who do Continued from page 1 not have i n s u ra n c e were given the shot for free on Wednesday the 28th Friday the 30th . Students with insurance should go to their doctor and
T-dap
work on why the numbers have been decreasing,” she says. The next step is trying to meet the statewide performance target for all schools that is 800 or above and increasing the API score by more each year.
Cars 2
Continued from page 1
to pay for sports equipment, field trips and various other items, said Climaco. Last year, the money received from a similar contract with Disney for the movie Toy Story 3
The Walk is 10 kilometers (six miles). “If you are a student or faculty member and would like to join, make a donation, or have any questions-feel free to stop by room 203,” said Cardenas.
AIDS Walk Proceeds
2008
2009
$3.9 Million
$3.15 Million
and Jennifer heard of this, their thoughts changed. Jennifer said, “Chick-fil-A being anti-gay affects me because most of my friends are gay and I am progay.” The Hollywood Patch posted a recent press release from Chickfil-A, “We are not anti-anybody and have no agenda, policy or position against anyone as some continue to confuse with misleading reports... [The do-
request the shot. Several other vaccines are required to attend LAUSD schools, such as the polio and tuberculosis vaccines. Polio is virus that affects the nerves and muscle. Tuberculosis is an infectious disease caused by
was used for field trips, training for teachers, and sports equipment among other things, said Morales. However, budget cuts are being felt in all areas. For example, the district used to pay for referees and now the school must pay for them ac-
2010
$2.8 Million
STATISTICS CREDIT: AIDSWALK.NET
nations do not] support an antigay political agenda.” Some people question whether Chick-fil-A’s new location is well suited to Hollywood, home to many homosexual youths. On campus, many Sheiks support same-sex couples and would not be fans of Chick-fil-A. “I wish people who care about human and civil rights would not eat there,” said social studies teacher Juan Burciaga.
mycobacterium. “No school, no LAUSD or private school, will accept you if you do not have the shot,” said school nurse Noel Santiago. Everyone must comply in order to continue to attend school.
cording to Cary Cauley, English teacher and Varsity Baseball coach. The cost of umpires and referees exceeds the budget that he has been given, said Cauley. “I fully expect that the administration will use that money to help our athletic programs,” said Cauley.
OCTOBER 2011
NEWS
5
Counselor Gives College Center a Makeover
Blanca gonzalez chronicle reporter
Heather Brown, Hollywood High’s new college counselor, has remodeled the college center and is using her own approach to get students into college. Brown is constantly bringing new sources and information to make the college search process as enjoyable as possible. The college center now has working computers with internet access and printers to use
before school after school, during nutrition and lunch, as well as a college source research library, and testing information. Brown, along with student volunteers, took their time last summer to remodel the college center. Besides this easy online access to information, Brown goes a step further and makes current events visible on her specific walls, of which include the “college of the week” and the “check-itout” wall where information on a specific college and up-
coming events are described. Tables are set up with writing utensils and school supplies of necessary make the new college counseling office much more student friendly. Although it is only the beginning of the school year, Brown already feels the difference from her last position as an SAS counselor and does find it to be “a lot more work”. As application season
approaches, there will be more work. Fortunately, Brown has plans and ideas to produce the most simplified application process as she can. Among these plans are “taking my time to talk to the individual… hosting field trips to college fairs, inviting guest speakers, hosting college search workshops, financial aid workshops and money workshops.” Every Wednesday, Cal State Los Angeles representatives will be in the office to help students interested in the Cal State University system. He is available to visit during advisory.
President. Their sponsor offers students
ence. I met amazing people and gained a more informed perspective on how the government works. It also looks great on college resumes,” said Arguelles. Hard working students who show leadership skills get the chance to attend Boys State. The students who get chosen also show commitment and dedication, according to Raul Grijalva, counselor.
PHOTO CREDIT: STEPHANIE CHAVEZ Heather Brown is dedicated to facilitating the road to college. For high school seniors.
Juniors Build Own Government at Cal State Sacramento Tania dominguez chronicle reporter
Boys State delegates Hovannes Kegeyan (MET), Josh Arguelles (SAS), and Joshua Cruz (SAS) visited the nation’s capital this summer as part of their weeklong program hosted by the American Legion Auxiliary. This year, the seminar was held at California State Univer-
sity Sacramento. These delegates built their own mock government in which they voted for senators and representatives. They ran for office, learned public speaking, and created and enforced laws. “It was a great experience that changed my perception of politics,” said Hovannes. This program is designed to teach students how the government works, to help students develop leadership skills, and to show appreciation of citizens
rights. Only the top high school juniors from the state of California were chosen to experience this program, according to the America Legion website. By attending Boys State, these delegates also have the opportunity to be selected to attend Boys Nation. Boys Nation is a similar program, but instead of going to a university, they are able to visit Washington D.C. Upon arriving there, they will have the chance to visit the White House and meet the
Only the top high school juniors from the state of California were selected to attend.
who attend Boys State scholarships. “It was a wonderful experi-
New School Year Brings New Faces to Campus
Rolland-Estrada, Hollywood High’s new French teacher, is enthusiastic to begin the new school year. woaria rashid chronicle reporter
Alonso Rolland-Estrada This new school year brings new faces to Hollywood High. Because of recent budget cuts, a few positions were left open to be filled by teachers with more seniority. Alonso Rolland-Estrada is Hollywood High School’s new French teacher. Rolland-Estrada relocated to HHS from Huntington Park High School because Huntington Park’s year-round school year was coming to an end. Another reason for his relocation is the close proximity to his home. HHS students are self-motivated and are more college-bound than most students from other schools where he has taught, said Estrada. He said he enjoys leading an active lifestyle with his family by running and playing tennis. Rolland-Estrada said he felt enthusiastic to teach the French class.
Whitham helps Justin Cornejo in the school library during lunch.
Berumen teaches AP United States History.
he worked for one year. Traditional schools are more effective for student learning he said, which is why he chose to teach at Hollywood High School. Berumen is impressed with the students’ dedication and engagement to learning and their positive behavior, he said. HHS has a wide-range of diversity, which is something he did not find in the previous schools that had a prominent Latino population. Aside from being a teacher, he is also a writer and has published three books relating to his ethnic origin: Chicano/Hispanic Image in American Film, Ramon Novarro: The Life and Films of the First Latino Hollywood Superstar, and Brown Celluloid: Latino/ Latina Film Icons and Images in the Hollywood Film Industry (18941959).
Sherri Whitham
Sherri Whitham is Hollywood High School’s new Teacher Librarian. She worked at University High School as a librarian for 10 years before relocating to take the available position at HHS. Hollywood High is similar to University High because the staff is friendly and the students are nice, said Whitham, but the only difference is that HHS is more organized by the small learning communities. Whitham said she loves the HHS’s library because of its antiquities, aesthetics, proximity to her home, and most importantly, “It has air-conditioning.”
Frank Berumen Frank Berumen is PAM’s new social studies teacher. He worked at Lincoln High School for 15 years as a social studies teacher before transferring to LA Global Studies High School where
Cardenas is the team leader for this year’s AIDS Walk. She and her students hope to raise $1,000. maria alcoser managing editor
Ruth Cardenas is the new health teacher. Cardenas worked in Franklin High School before coming to Hollywood High and has been a health teacher for seven years. “I am really passionate about what I teach,” said Cardenas Cardenas received her B.S. in Health Sciences from Cal State Los Angeles and has a master’s degree in education. “I want to teach students specifically what they can do to take care of their overall health,” said Cardenas Cardenas is also the team leader for this year’s AIDS Walk. She and her students hope to raise $1,000. “I hope to inspire students to take care of their overall health so that they can make better life choices,” said Cardenas.
photo credit: woria rashid and maria Alcoser
6 OCTOBER 2011
FEATURES
Dancing with
SAS students Emerson Joma and Valeria Franco, both Juniors, twirl it up.
PAM Freshman Danielle May gets her THRILLER on with the iconic MJ hit.
Sophmore Jheron Staley and Junior Joseph Davis, both PAM students, get jiggy with the YMCA theme song.
Cha Cha Slide by Mr. C The Slide Man got the whole crowd together to “Clap, clap, clap clap your hands.”
FEATURES
OCTOBER 2011
7
h the sheiks
Sophomore Zayier Forrest and Senior Stephanie Jimenez go swingin’ it old school.
Sophomore Bernice Brulee from MET taught sheiks how to dougie. Photo Credit: Stephanie Chavez
8 October 2011
ENTERTAINMENT
Couch Potatoes Pay More for Netflix Karla Samayoa Editor-in-Chief
It is a company’s prerogative to reformat marketing techniques, raise prices, change merchandise, etc.; however, the newest changes to Netflix
has left customers complaining about higher prices and fewer services. As early as July 12, 2011, Netflix announced on its blog that unlimited online streaming and unlimited DVDs by mail would no longer cost $10 per month, but would become separate services that together would cost $16 per month. This is an increase of $72 per year per customer, without the added benefit of a broader range of content.
Two months later, Netflix’s CEO Reed Hastings has announced the split of Netflix’s DVD and online streaming services. Rather than concentrate Netflix’s content and increase convenience, a separate company named Qwikster that will offer the DVD services along with the option of a separate video game rental service. Dan Raymond, a streaming media analyst, has reported that each movie costs about $0.05 to stream, while each movie costs about $0.78 to send via mail. The licensing cost for each movie can range from pennies to dollars. According to Ben Fritz, writer for the Los Angeles Times, Net-
flix’s 2010 “[revenue] jumped 29% to $2.16 billion and net income was up 39% to $161 million.” However, following the announcement of this split of services, Netflix’s stock was reported to have gone down 24%. Over 27,000 comments have been made on the blog posting announcing the separation, with many customers unhappy about the upcoming events. According to CNN, Netflix has a total of 12 million customers who will be affected and have their service as split into these separate accounts. Qwikster’s launch date is currently not available.
Photo Credit: William San Nicholas
Networks Roll Out New Shows for Fall Alexis Segundo Chronicle Reporter
TV has become an integral part of my life. When I want to fill a political void, I watch Real Time with Bill Maher. When I’m hungry, the Food Network appeases me until dinner time. I am proud to say that I’m a slave to my 52” LG TV (enter plug here). The new fall line-up isn’t helping either. Fox’s newest show New Girl, (Tuesdays at 9 P.M.) starring the extremely charming Zooey Deschanel, has brought my attention back to network television. Deschanel plays Jess, a zany girl who was recently dumped by her boyfriend, Spencer. She posts an ad on Craigslist to find a roommate and meets Nick (Jake Johnson), Schmidt (Max Greenfield), and Coach (Damon Wayans Jr.), three potential roommates who hardly
get along with her. show is the lack of realism in it. Slayer, is back on the CW in Collectively, these three guys In no universe would three guys the show Ringer (Tuesdays at seem rather normal. 9 P.M.). Of course, However, individunow her name is ally, they have some Bridgit/Siobhan eccentricities. and she isn’t reNick also suffered ally a slayer at all, from a break up but a Wyoming and is still suffering stripper posing as from it, Schmidt is her New York soan egoist who feels cialite twin sister. the need to always As long as Gellar announce that he is is on my TV, I’m “top-dog,” Coach had okay. anger management Instead of slayPhoto Credit: The CW ©2011 issues and moved Pilot -- Sarah Michelle Geller as Siobhan Martin/Bridget ing, she’s on the out, and now Win- Kelly on Ringer on The CW. run from the mob. ston (Lamorne MorThe show consists ris), their old roommate comes bunk with a girl like Jess and of twins (both played by Gellar) back from playing basketball in not want to pursue her. She’s who have sketchy lifestyles. Latvia. insanely pretty and she makes Bridgit is an alcoholic stripper While their relationships do obscure references to Lord of turned straight after witnessing not start off on the right foot, the Rings. In other words, a Per- the murder of a fellow stripper. eventually they grow to accept fect 10. Her sister Siobhan is cold and her never-ending marathon of Comedy isn’t the only genre calculating, a contrast to Bridgwatching Dirty Dancing. I watch. Buffy Summers (Sarah it’s warmer personality. My only problem with this Michelle Gellar), the Vampire The audience does not ex-
actly know why Siobhan is cold hearted, but there are references to a mysterious loss. Following Siobhan’s sudden disappearance, Bridgit must take over her sister’s life. Ringer is good entertainment when doing homework. I always need a distraction from writing about how I can stay healthy. In other news, My Little Pony and the wonderful adventures of unicorn ponies dominate Saturday. I don’t even know if it’s still on rotation, but YouTube suffices. My Little Pony portrays these unicorn ponies as humanlike as possible. The protagonist Twilight Sparkle makes friends with six other unicorn ponies, Applejack, Rarity, Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, and Pinkie Pie, and together they are the Elements of Harmony. No one is too old to learn about the magic of friendship.
ENTERTAINMENT
October 2011
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Movies Don’t Get Comic Books William San Nicolas CHRONICLE REPORTER Sweaty palms carefully peel back the final page of a comic. A pair of eyes eagerly scan the glossy, colorful climax to a superhero’s latest endeavor. The reader leans back with a sigh of satisfaction, pleased by what transpired between the pages. Suddenly, the TV is turned on and a preview for a movie rendition of the very same comic is shamelessly beckoning any fans within reach to go and see what just might be a ticket to a good time. However, many fans leave theaters feeling flustered and foolish. Why? The sad truth is that many movies based on comics have been known to be unfaithful to their source.
This would be excusable most of the time because it is difficult to capture the essence of something that spans across hundreds of pages within two hours; however, films like Iron Man and Captain America: The First Avenger raised the bar much too high for this nonsense to continue. The very worst flaws films have are the ones that dramatically alter key plot points. It would seem that following a script that was already written by someone else would be a fairly straightforward task. Yet Dragon Ball Evolution brought us back a step as a species, and Hal Jordan became the greatest Green Lantern after quitting five minutes of training. And let us not even think about
the movie Catwoman. The comics insisted that she had a deep and complicated past full of adventure that built up the skills she possesses in major story lines. However, the movie presented a woman who was killed and then revived by a cat to bring down some evil makeup corporation. Is it not adorable how creative movie makers can be? But in all seriousness, if viewers accepted the original plot then hey, take advantage of that loyalty and get a hold of the big bucks! Why risk making something so laughable? Of course, there are plenty of movies out there that complement their paper counterparts nicely; Dark Knight and 300 stand to prove it alongside a
reasonable number of movies that do the same. What did they do right? What is it that makes the cream of the crop so frothy and delicious? The very best manage to do three things: remain true to the original story, make the characters believable, and emulate the art of the comic itself. Dark Knight got its effects and scenery dressed to the nines while its plot remained not only sophisticated, but greatly propelled by moody and convincing interpretations of the original characters. 300 was the glorious, epic war that it was meant to be, its plot raging on in a fixed direction while its special effects managed to follow suit and even demonstrate scenes that close-
ly resemble the original graphic novel. The lesson learned? To make a great movie interpretation of a comic, it is easier and more gratifying to the fans to simply bring the comic to life without too many plots or character modifications. Simply put, when the fans ask for meat, do not give them soy. Hopefully upcoming movies like The Adventures of Tintin or the third installment of the Batman series keep these concepts in hand during production or else risk adding two titles to the box office flop list. It is a basic concept, but do not let it distract you too much or you might step on that sleeping guy’s foot on your way out of the theater. GRAPHIC: Karla Samayoa
Laramie Project Explores Intolerance Alexis Segundo Chronicle Reporter
Hollywood High’s fall production of The Laramie Project holds pressing issues of modern day society. Based on the murder of Matthew Shepard, a gay Wyoming college student attacked near Laramie, Wyoming, the play depicts the lives of the locals following his brutal attack. On Oct. 7, 1998, he was beaten with a pistol and tied to a fence. He was left unconscious for 18
hours until he was found. He never regained consciousness because of his severe injuries to the head. He died in the hospital on Oct. 12, 1998 due to his injuries. Shepard was allegedly attacked because of his sexual orientation. Both of his killers, Aaron McKinney and Russell Henderson, were later tried and convicted of a hate crime. The play follows a series of interviews interpreted through monologues. Director Kate Bridges said she chose this play because it relayed “moving and emotional
Photo credit: Alexis Segundo Jade hill plays the reporter covering Shepard’s murder.
engrossing relevance.” The play and its theme promote tolerance of not only homosexuals, but for humanity as a whole. Many students tried out for roles in the play because of the play’s moving content. Jade Hill, a PAM junior, earned the role of Kerry Drake, a reporter of the Casper Star-Tribune who covered Shepard’s death. “It’s an interesting topic and I wanted to be a part of this,” Drake said. Another pertinent role is that of Officer Reggie Fluty, played by Shayanne Ortiz, a PAM senior. Fluty was the officer who found Shepard’s body. The of-
ficer’s account of the story is said to be one of the play’s most moving scenes. Both students and teachers alike are looking forward to seeing this production. However, due to the renovation of the auditorium, Hollywood High’s productions are to be held at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts. The Laramie Project’s opening night is set to be Nov. 19. Katherine Morrison, the Tech/ Stage teacher, said the auditorium would re-open around April 30.
ries. The film will have limited screenings at select theaters.
D’Artagnan (Logan Lerman) who wants to become a musketeer just like his father. He joins the musketeers to foil a plot to steal the crown of King Louis of France, and experiences love and various entanglements of the sword-fighting variety. The movie, released so far in Germany and other countries, has received mixed reviews due to the deviation from the original story and the surrealism of the plot. However, the fighting scenes are done well, and the quality of the sets and costumes are supposed to be stunning. The Three Musketeers is meant to appeal to younger audiences, and will feature exciting, fastpaced action scenes to do so.
Coming Soon to a Theater Near You Karla Samayoa Editor-in-Chief
Anonymous Not rated Release Date: Oct. 28 The latest in a chain of movies refuting the validity of William Shakespeare’s authorship of his extensive list of plays and poems, Anonymous, directed by Roland Emmerich (2012, The Day After Tomorrow), sets forth the theory that it was actually the Earl of Oxford who wrote the works. Emmerich has stated that the movie will delve into the politics of that era, especially the Essex Rebellion. The Earl of Oxford (Rhys Ifans) is supposedly Queen Elizabeth’s (Vanessa Redgrave) illegitimate son, and later lover, who is not accredited to his works because of his high station.
Instead, William Shakespeare (Rafe Spall), an actor, is given the credit as the author. The movie’s cinematographic value is as fantastic as most movies set in the Elizabethan era. The film is controversial amongst literary circles, but it is likely not the last film created that will debate this question of who truly wrote the plays and poems Paranormal Activity 3 Not Rated Release Date: Oct. 21 The third installment of the Paranormal Activity series, the movie explores the childhood of sisters Kristi (Sprague Grayden) and Katie (Katie Featherston) from the prior films. It chronicles the events leading up to the eventual haunting they experience by the demon
seen in the other films. The movie uses similar scare tactics from previous films and uses extended pauses of silence and darkness to increase the suspense in various scenes. The movie is supposedly created from footage from September of 1988 filmed by the young girls’ stepfather, who films weddings. One particular element that was popular during preview s c re e n i n g s was a camera attached to a rotating fan that would imply scenes occurring off-camera and then confirm moviegoers’ worst fears. The movie is likely to attract old fans, but because the movie is essentially a prequel, new fans can jump into the se-
The Three Musketeers Rated PG-13 Release Date: Oct. 21 The version of this generation, The Three Musketeers does not follow the same story other versions did. It is, as always, a story about love, swords, and defeating enemies, but it has a modern twist. The movie begins with a mission set out for the three musketeers, Athos (Matthew Macfadyen), Porthos (Ray Stevenson), Aramis (Luke Evans): to steal Leonardo Da Vinci’s plans for a flying machine. The woman accompanying them, Milady de Winter (Milla Jovovich), quickly betrays them, leaving the musketeers demoralized. Here enters the famous
Photo Credit: EPK.tv
10 OCTOBER 2011
SPORTS
Meet Mr. Burns Nanette Liberatori Chronicle Reporter
Coach Eric Burns is part of Hollywood High School’s staff as its new volleyball coach. Burns has high hopes this year and says that he hopes to get to know each of the girls both on and off the court, and establish personal bonds with each individual. He said he “want[s] for each member of the team to learn the game, get better as an individual, and most importantly, have fun. It doesn’t matter if they’re in the game or cheering on the other girls from the side, it’s about knowing that you’re on the team as well as being there for each other.” Burns encourages the girls that they are playing for each other as one; no one is of more importance and everyone gets the chance to go out and apply what skills they bring into the game. Burns stresses team strategy, working together, and bringing a competitive side to the game while having fun.
He was very excited to hear that Hollywood High was looking for a volleyball coach, as he was originally going to be and Attendance Lead Counselor but could not pass up the opportunity. Burns has had ten years of coaching various teams, male as well as female, and has also been playing the game for twenty plus years. He reminds the girls that they have the opportunity to represent the school, so why not be a part of something that helps show their pride for the school. Although he did not get the opportunity to help train with the girls over the summer, he said he “hope[s] to learn each player’s strong points as well as their downfalls only to help better them.” Burns looks forward to making this year another successful year for the team. “Communication, teamwork, problem-solving: all things essential for life and being successful.”
Cross Country
Oct. 10
Kennedy
Away
Oct. 20
Bernstein
Home
Oct. 13
Oct. 27
Belmont
Cortreras
Away
Home
Football Oct. 7 Belmont Home
Oct. 14
Santee
Away
Oct. 28
Contreras
Home
Nov. 10
Jefferson
Home
Nov. 4
Bernstein
Away
DECEMBER 2010
SPORTS
Girls Volleyball
Oct. 10
USC
Home
Oct. 17
Contreras
Home
Oct. 26
Belmont
Home
Oct. 12
Oct. 24
Kennedy Torres
The Girls’ volleyball team will have their next game on October 10 at Hollywood High School. Pictured Right: Noelle Hermosisima helps during the volleyball game against Torres High School. Pictured Left: The volleyball girls meet for a quick moment.
Away Away
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OCTOBER 2011
SPORTS
FOOTBALL OFF TO A SLOW START SHEIKS HOPE TO RECOVER TOMORROW AGAINST BELMONT vanessa garcia Edgardo lizama Chronicle reporter
Varsity football lost to Los Angeles High 35-12 last Friday on the opponent’s territory. Tempers flared during both the varsity game and last Wednesday’s JV game, narrowly avoiding a brawl between the Sheiks and the hefty Romans. The junior varsity was defeated 14-8, bringing their overall pre-season record to one win and two losses. As to the varsity game, Hollywood scored early, but could not sustain their momentum. “It was full of mistake after mistake,” said Jamal Teague,
starting linebacker. “After the first touchdown, we didn’t play as hard as we should. We underestimated them,” said Jamal, a senior. The loss brings their record to one win and one loss in regular league play. Tomorrow, the team faces the Belmont Sentinels. The team has tried to learn from its mistakes, Jamul said. Coaches Kevin Keller and Jim McElroy have made practices more physical and the team is focusing on “improving our execution,” he said. Injuries have plagued both the varsity and JV teams. Kenneth Ribeiro played last week despite an injury. Victor “Big
VARSITY WAS DEFEATED 35-12 AT LOS ANGELES HIGH LAST FRIDAY
Mac” Romero broke his right arm during practice and has been sidelined.
Photo Credit: Vanessa Garcia
Determined Students Run 26 Miles
vanessa garcia Chronicle reporter
The Sheiks are once again on the run with the goal to reach the finish line. The Students Run L.A season began on September 11, 2011 with Geoffrey Buck in charge. This is his 14th year as head of the program at Hollywood High. This season, the team began with 12 runners, 5 of whom are new to the program. “I am really excited for this year. I am going to put all my effort to finish that marathon,” said Giovanni Granados, SAS, 11th grade.
e ve r yo n e This year, supports a new 6 mile one anothcourse behind er in comthe back lot pleting a of Universal race. Studios has Buck says, been added to “The team one of many believes in pre-marathon one anothruns. Holer in sevlywood High eral ways School offers and would this program not let any to teenagers to of their prove to themselves that teammates they not only Photo Credit: Vanessa Garcia down. The team has have the abil- Champion’s medals. very hard ity to complete working a 26.2 mile important one would be race physically, but also students that train really Team Effort.” hard and put a lot of efmentally. The SRLA team is more fort. Jesse Valcarcel, PAM Se“This program provides nior, says, “It takes cour- than a simple running team; it has come together the students with several age, determination, and motivation. But the most as a big family, because benefits that goes beyond
a healthier lifestyle. The students make new friends and a lifetime experience.” Gaby Cordova,SAS freshman, says, “I recommend this program to every student because you would be surprised in what you can accomplish in just 7 months,” This is a very rigorous program and it takes a hard work and determination to do it. Some of the teachers do not even think they have that ability to do it. “It is really good that at such a young age, they prepare themselves for a challenge like this. Like I tell the team, the difference between a champ and a chump is you,” said Manuel Alas, Chaperone/ Biology Teacher.