HTLA
TODAY# 1
ISSUE
NOVEMBER 2013
CONTENTS // DATES... 1 8
All the upcoming events & dates, be in the know
LIMELIGHT... 2
Erwin Ordonez’s interpretation of the characters in the Christmas Carol
WRESTLING...3
Mr. McClenahan talks about his wrestling career
ECO-FRIEND... 4 BRAIN FOOD.. 5 HOROSCOPES... 6 TOP CHARTS... 8 ANEW XEROX... 9
Eco-friendly tips of the month
A review of the new video game, Battlefield 4 Beta
THE CONJURING... 10
A review of James Wan’s 2013 Horror Film, “The Conjuring”
UNIFORM FRENZY... 12 Some tips & tricks on how to make the school unform not so uniform TALK...16 Lexi and Isabelle answer your questions
NOVEMBER NOV 2 NOV 7 NOV 8 NOV 11 NOV 12 NOV 14 NOV 15 NOV 19 NOV 26 NOV 27 NOV 28 NOV 29
Light the Night Walk: hosted by Operation Donation 5:00pm @ Warner Center Park
Laser Tag Night: hosted by Team 4, Robotics 6:00pm @ Ultrazone
PUPIL FREE DAY VETERAN’S DAY, NO SCHOOL Scene Night: hosted by the Drama class 7:00pm @ Room 7
Scene Night #2: hosted by the Drama class 7:00pm @ Room 7
LAN Party: hosted by Game Club 5:30pm @ Room 8
Exhibition Night: hosted by the Class of 2017 6:00pm @ Great Room
POL’ s: hosted by HTLA POL’ s: hosted by HTLA THANKSGIVING DAY, NO SCHOOL NO SCHOOL
T O D AY- 1
limelight
“I wear the chain I forged in life! I made it link by link and yard by yard!” ~Jacob Marley
“Would you so soon put out, with worldly hands, the light I give?” ~Ghost of Christmas
“I am as light as a feather, I am as happy as an angel, I am as merry as a school-boy.” ~Scrooge
T O D AY- 2
Artist: Erwin Ordonez
YOUR VOICE Submit your art or literary pieces to HTLA Today to have them featured in the next issue!
ON THE COVER
DRAWN BY KARIN DABACH
Wrestling
by Farhad Mawazeb, Brian Calderon & Juan Villasenor
Juan: Was there ever . . . was there ever a most embarrassing moment you had in your athletic career? Mr.M: Most embarrassing moment? Well there were a couple.The second time in the statewide finals, it was on state-wide TV and I do a really stupid move, it was just a bone-headed thing, I wasn’t thinkin’ right and that was pretty embarrassing to lose that match. But the most embarrassing I can ever remember happening to me was, I was a freshman in high school and I got 5th in the state and my team got second in the state. I didn’t really realize this until a couple years ago but had I won my match in the semifinals and gotten to the finals, we might have won as a team. And I was winning that match 7 to 2, not that I remember, and I ended up losing like 11 to 7 or something, anyway against Steve Toma from Donbosco. You know, nobody, OK. Not that I remember these things, you know, thirty years later. But . . . after we got second in the state we came back and had a big rally for the team back in my high school gym. We were in this locker room beforehand and they said, “So we’re gonna . . . you guys sit here and we’re gonna bring you out and everybody’s gonna sit down and ...” and you know, I said, “I don’t wanna talk” right. There’s gonna be a crown of people there, a couple hundred people, I don’t wanna talk to anybody. I was, I was what? 14 years old and I didn’t want to talk, I was nervous. And so they’re like, “No, no don’t worry about it. This guy, he wont state and he’s gonna talk and this guy, he’s a senior, they’re gonna talk. You don’t have to say anything”. I was like, “Oh good, that’s great”. So I went out and I sat down in the chair and I’m just kinda chillin and whatever
and they said, “Alright lets hear from some of the wrestlers. First up, Mat McClenahan.” And I just . . . “what?”. And I stood up and I walked over there and – you guys do POLs so you guys can do this way better than I can – I just, I kept my head just . . . looked at the ground the whole time. I just kinda looked up and I said, “Uh . . . I . . I’m just happy I can eat . . . again”. And then I sat back down. That was it so it was . . . that was pretty harsh, right? In front of the whole . . . town. I just looked like and idiot like that. So, you know, that was pretty embarrassing.
Watch the interview on our channel @ HTLATODAY SPORTS- 3
Eco-Friendly Tips
ECO CLUB
Brought to you by
Photo by Mr. Recker
By David Spice
1. Turn off your computer: By shutting off your computer after use, you can save about $90 of electricity a month. 2. Print on BOTH sides or not at all: 27 pounds of printing paper is used per person in America. That equates to 4 million tons of paper used in total. Help the planet and don’t waste prints. 3. Stop idling your engines: Idling an engine is when the car’s engine is running, but is not moving. Many believe that starting a car’s engine wastes more gas, than when it is idled. However an idled engine wastes as much gas in 10 seconds as restarting a car. It is estimated 2.9 billion gallons of gas are used by Americans while cars are not in motion. Its better to turn off your car than leaving the engine on.
T O D AY- 4
Brain Food
Riddle by Ace O. Spades
Worry not, dearest friend. When they all escape yon, Even when all the light in your life is gone; I am with you to the very end. There’s always somewhere you can find me. Who am I?
Comic by Tristan Bernal
T O D AY- 5
Photo by himalman
How are horoscopes written?
A JOURNEY FOR THE TRUTH We will be channeling the
universal energy of the cosmos in order to truly understand what it is to be alive. We will each meditate for 10 hours, minimum, before writing each individual horoscope. We will
With our minds at peace, we will kneel down before the stars and they will tell us the future. We will then transfer this insurmountable amount of knowledge into the purest scriptures, so it may be shared with mere mortals.
journey to the top of Mt. Everest, collect ice from the summit and drink from the clearest spring to clear our minds.
T O D AY- 6 4
By Eric Ventor & Dennis Yadryshnikov
Horoscopes
Photos by astrology.com.au
Aries
(Mar 21-April 20)
Your compassion will be appreciated more than you can imagine.
Taurus
(Apr. 21-May 21)
It is your time to shine, expose yourself to the world.
Gemini
(May 22-June21)
Luck is in your favor. Take chances, dance dances.
Cancer
(June 22-July 22)
by Eric Ventor & Dennis Yadryshnikov Libra
(Sept. 24-Oct. 23)
Control your own future. This is your time.
Scorpio
(Oct 24-Nov. 22)
You may experience a time of struggle but you can conquer any obstacle.
Sagitarrius
(Nov 23-Dec 21)
Look at yourself in the mirror. You are beautiful, no matter what they say.
Capricorn
(Dec 22- Jan 20)
This may be a dark time for you, remember that there is light at the end of every tunnel.
Just remember, when you look in the sky, I’m always there with you no matter what.
Leo
Aquarius
(July 23-Aug 22)
This is a time for you to go on a journey. Which one? You decide.
Virgo
(Aug 23-Sept. 23)
Don’t let anyone keep you down, just let go.
(Jan 21-Feb 19)
A small stone casts a large shadow. You may think you’re a small stone, embrace it.
Pisces
(Feb 20-March 20)
You have great impact on the world around you.
T O D AY- 7
SCRILLEX IN CONCERT @ L.A. HISTORIC PARK November 2nd Photo by Nick Guarino
TOP CHARTS
According to Spotify
1. Royals by Lorde
2. Hold On, We’re Going Home by Drake
3. Wrecking Ball by Miley Cyrus 4. Roar by Katy Perry
8. All Me by Drake
5. Wake Me Up by Avicii
9. Radioactive by Imagine Dragons
6. Holy Grail by Jay-Z
10. Let Her Go by Passenger
7. Counting Stars by OneRepublic
E N T E R TA I N M E N T- 8
A NewXerox
by Mike Sulahian
A Review of Battle Field 4
What are my thoughts on the Bat-
tlefield 4 beta? Well, during my 9 hours of play on the same map I can safely say that it is very similar to its predecessor, Battlefield 3. You can’t tell the difference between both games unless you look closely. The new idea of “levolution” gets old and repetitive, and becomes just plain annoying. On the Siege of Shanghai map, annoying eight-yearoldsnipers camp on all the rooftops, taking aimless potshots at people actually trying to play. Vehicle mechanics have slightly improved, as now people cannot spam the enemy with more bombs and bullets than there are biscuits in a KFC. Still there is much more to see once the game come out.
Still the most popular thing to do remains putting c4 on cars and driving them into the enemy team...
Photos by PCGamer
E N T E R TA I N M E N T- 9
“The Conjuring” by Albert Dubin
horror films to date. Yes, I said it. This is, “The Conjuring.”
Our story follows a couple who specialize in ridding places and objects of those that possess them. They come across a very interesting case in the Warren household, where the mother of the family is has fallen prey to demonic possession, and the rest of the family is haunted by similar supernatural occurrences that plague their home. And...that’s it. I’m surprised that such a recent release from a seemingly renowned horror film director is so simple. James Wan, the director of the acGranted this sort of thing has been done before, Despite film’s lack claimed “Saw” series, has atand the genre of horror that is demonic possesof engaging dialogue, I tempted to give the haunted sion has recently become popular with general did actually find this film house/possession genre of horror audiences. However, it’s “The Conjuring” that a new scary. paint jobThere with hiswere latest (and takes this idea (or actually “Insidious”) and does very not to mention greatest) film yet. everything mostly well. The key word here is many moments where This director had audiences saymostly. Iing, saw great use in set “ehhh, it was okay” with his design andentitled, ambiance. previous film “Insidious.” James Wan is very good at making very effecIt dealt with a small child who fall tive horror films (for the most part). However, it’s “The Conjuring” is in no into a comatose state of sorts, and the third and final act that falls short. Throughway a perfect movie. becomes trapped in a place known out “The Conjuring” there are many subtle moIt to His mefather thatisifappar- ments that are very effective and VERY scary. asseems the further. ently the going only onetowho can save you’re make a He’s very good at making a house seem claushim. I was really happy to find that trophobic, and inescapable (even though the movie about the main I didn’t hate “Insidious”. In my ex- character probably could have left the house character becoming thefilms at any time...) However, the main problem that perience, modern day horror horror are moreaspect focused of on your torture porn than story. And it’s film,the wesituation shouldor know quite ironic that the man behind much more about her, the most beloved torture porn and connection seriesthe of films is the very besame man to direct his most impressive tween her children. You
“The Devil done got all up in her business.”
E N T E R TA I N M E N T- 1 0
arises during the film is...well...let me explain something first. In a horror movie...or at least in any GOOD horror movie you have the horror aspect of the film which can be implemented at virtually any point as long as it is done well, and the characters that interact with the situation at hand. Sometimes the characters in the story can be the cause or BE the horror aspect and we not only learn more from each character but also the horror related plot device. Long story short the characters in the movie need to bounce off of the plot in a clear, and concise way. That is how it works. And to be perfectly frank, the dialogue in “The Conjuring” is abysmal. I just. I can’t! Why in almost every single James Wan movie is the dialogue so...JUST OH MY GOD! I just can’t! It’s so hard to focus on the good aspects in his movies when I’m constantly being taken away by really bad writing! But I’m just a stupid critic. What do I know? Despite the film’s lack of engaging dialogue, I did actually find this film very scary. There were many moments where I saw great use in set design and ambiance. “The Conjuring” is in no way a perfect movie. I thought that James Wan had missed an opportunity when casting so many Warren children, but not really using that number to make an excessive body count. But I suppose that isn’t necessarily what the movie wanted to have accomplished at the end. “The Conjuring” is no body count film, like “Friday The 13th” or “Halloween” and I’m thankful for that. I encourage a deviation from trendiness from time to time, and I know that soon every genre and type of horror film will be done to death and I’ll have to find something new to waste my time with. It’s just nice to see that, for the most part, someone did something right.
E N T E R TA I N M E N T- 11
Uniform Frenzy Girls
Pants – it’s hard finding cute khaki slacks. Flare is good for curvy body types, it can even out your curves and make you less bulky on top. It should show off your figure, so buy what suits you best. Corduroy’s are coming back in style, definitely a must have. Cardigans and sweaters are a must for this season! Both long and short are in style.
Caroline Cardigan $52 ~Brandy Melville
Shirts – Not too short. No baggy shirts, you want to look like you enjoy school, not like its torture. Shirts should NOT be wrinkled, you don’t want to look like you just rolled out of bed.
Accessories
It doesn't get too cold in California, but you can always pull off a scarf! They are good accessories but on the plus side, they also keep you warm in our cold air conditioned classrooms.
You can never... EVER go wrong with jewelry! Wear as you choose but lay off the tacky jewelry.
Turquoise Rings $2-10 ~Brandy Melville Reese Scarf $23 ~Brandy Melville
LIFE- 12
by Alisa Tokarev & Angela Dzhigneyan
Guys
Pants – Slim fit, or regular but the ends of the pants must be perpendicular to the floor. Be sure to be comfortable in them but don’t look sloppy. Don’t sag.
Shirts – Same as girls ; not too baggy or wrinkled. Dark colors are in and make you look slim.
Accessories Belts are the new trend for men.
Un-polo Belt $38 ~Primitive
Snapbacks and Watches have a beanies can go well wide variety of with uniforms. Keep styles and they in mind, it’s against can definitely make dress code to wear the outfit feel more them inside the complete. building. Deadline Beanie Nixon Watch $28 $110 ~Primitive ~Primitive
LIFE- 13
Talk
by Isabelle
Dear Isabelle, I’m stressing out! High school is killing me already, I’m so overwhelmed! My friends seem so chill though so I try not to show how stressed I am with all this work, what do I do?! From, Stressed Out, 11 Dear Stressed out, Oh no! Please relax a little! Let me just start out by saying, this is High Tech High; EVERYONE is stressing, even if they’re not showing it. Try managing your time better, or talk to your teacher to see what you can do to do better in their classes! Go to tutoring before or after school; you can get a lot of work done that way! Just try your best, and if you are still having problems, try going to see the wonderful counselors we have here at High Tech, because they can help... trust me. So don’t stress too much because there are others, including your friends, that are stressing too. Good Luck!
Love, Isabelle TA L K - 1 4
Talk
by Lexi
Dear Lexi, My friends always tease me for not talking to this girl I really like, but I feel like anything I say to her is awkward and weird. What should I do? From, Awkward Crusher Dear Awkward Crusher, Well I would say just to talking to her; so what if you’re awkward? You have to be yourself, and if being yourself is awkward, then so be it. The worst thing that could happen is that she won’t be interested, but I know one day someone will like you for your awkward self, so if she is not interested don’t worry! Girls come and go, you will find the one.
Love,
Need Advice?
Lexi
Whether it’s academic or personal, Lexi & Isabelle are here to answer your questions. To ask them for advice, drop your letter off in one of our blue boxes in the Commons. Your anonymity is guaranteed.
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