The Talon | Issue 1 | October 1 2013

Los Altos High School, 201 Almond Ave., Los Altos, CA ■ October 1, 2013 ■ Volume XXIX, Issue 1

read more online at

lahstalon.org

THE TALON POLLED AND INTERVIEWED STUDENTS AND STAFF AROUND CAMPUS TO FIND OUT...

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

To every student at our school, the word ‘religion’ provokes different thoughts.

HAITI SOLIDARITY FARMS FOR FUNDS The Haiti Solidarity club is raising money by planting and selling crops on land in East Palo Alto. News, 4

Common Core Standards Changed The STAR test is being retired this school year; the Common Core tests will be implemented in 2015.

News, 3

The Cons of the CollegeOriented Mindset Read about writers’ opinions on whether or not students should partake in activities for the sake of college apps.

Opinions, 6

Syria: U.S. Should Consider Russian Plan Talon writers explain the benefits of the current Russian plan to remove Syria’s chemical weapons.

Opinions, 8

Mr. Jack Expands Uses of School Library Jack has been making efforts to add to the the number of student resources in the library. Features, 12

Featured Artist: Avicii The well known artist is taking the music industry by storm through his popular electronic music.

Entertainment, 14

Girls Volleyball Begins New Season The girls volleyball team, with an addition of younger players, looks ahead to a potential league title this season. Sports, 20

UPCOMING EVENTS Oct. 1 @ 6:00 p.m.

Private/CSU App. Night Oct. 2 @ 6:00 p.m.

UC College App. Night Oct. 2 – 3

Flexible Schedule Oct. 2 – 5

Camp Diversity Oct. 10 @ 7:30 p.m.

Orchestra Concert

Oct. 11 @ 7:30 p.m.

Band Concert

Oct. 16 @ 7:00 p.m.

Science Showcase Oct. 18

End of First Quarter INDEX News Editorial Opinions

2 5 6

Features 9, 12 In-Depth 10 Entertainment 14 Sports 18

...TO THE STUDENT BODY?

%

of students believe religion is not at all important in their everyday life

%

of students believe their family has most influenced their religious beliefs

%

of students disagree that public schools should offer religious courses

%

of students celebrate the holidays of religions they do not follow

%

of students stated that Catholicism is their religious belief system

...IN A CLASSROOM?

E

ven in a public school, the presence of religion is inescapable. Religious dress, denominational clubs and academic religious conversation make up a landscape of a respectful, albeit cautious acknowledgement of the effects of religious observance in a predominantly secular environment.

In AP English Language, for example, photocopies of Genesis, chapters one through four, littered the desks these past few weeks as juniors worked on analyzing their summer reading, John Steinbeck’s “East of Eden.”

Connections were constantly made between characters of the book and biblical characters, such as the brothers Cain and Abel, throughout socratic seminars and in-class discussions.

These discussions might seem unusual for a public school classroom, but according to English teachers at the school, open conversations about religious literature are the hallmarks of a wellbalanced curriculum.

CONTINUES ON PAGE 10

New courses on standby for UC approval ALICE DAI WILLIAM JOW Staff Writers

...TO YOU? “Religion to me shouldn’t dictate your life, it should give your life a purpose, sense of faith and happiness.”

— Sophomore Julia Khan

“The greatest challenge...is dispelling the misconceptions ...about atheism.”

— Junior Ben Gardner-Gill

“Fifty percent of our house is Christian... fifty percent is Muslim.”

— Senior Sophia Hyver

“Religion...keeps you motivated and gives you a reason to live.”

— Sophomore Eduardo Cuellar

R E A D M O R E A B O U T W H A T R E L I G I O N M E A N S T O T H E S C H O O L O N PA G E S 10-11

Over the last year, the school has applied for a number of new courses to be approved as UC honors and college preparatory courses. The school currently offers an array of UC approved honors courses, but the most recent additions of Multivariable Calculus, French V, Statistics, Chinese IV and Biotechnology to the curriculum were not approved as UC honors courses. Despite this fact, the district will weigh some of these courses with honors credit if it carries the honors designation for the high school weighted grade point average (GPA).

Starting this year, schools can only request approval for honors courses during three specific time phases in the spring, summer and fall. In previous years, the submission process was flexible because it reviewed courses throughout the majority of the year.

Some courses that were submitted during the summer have not heard back from the UC board that approves course eligibility. Assistant Principal Perla Pasallo said that the UC board has only taken messages and the replies from emails are very generic. “[It’s] very frustrating for teachers and for myself because the UC’s don’t get back on the submissions before the school year and[we’re still waiting],” Pasallo said.

CONTINUES ON PAGE 2

Water polo player inspires on and off the pool deck Despite facing obstacles, disabled water polo player Grant Beall has devoted himself to varsity athletics NOY ANISMAN SITARA SRIRAM Staff Writers

While the biggest challenge for most water polo players is waking up at 5:30 a.m. for morning practice, junior Grant Beall's biggest challenge is simply trying to stay above the water while facing opponents. Grant has an amputated leg, a disability that he has lived with since the age of five as a result of low white blood cell levels. When an infection that began to give him severe pain in his right leg resulted in an amputation, Grant’s life changed dramatically.

Grant’s earliest memories of his childhood are of the hospital where he lost his leg; he doesn’t remember life before the disability or the things that the absence of a second leg prevent him from doing. “[If I woke up one day with two legs], I’d get up, put on some pants, and just run. I’d skip school and just run because… I don’t remember [how to run],” Grant said.

PHOTOS BY IAN MACKEY AND BRANDON HONG

Junior Grant Beall (left, pictured above) makes a pass to his teammate during practice. Grant plays on the school’s varsity water polo team despite facing physical adversity.

In spite of the difficulties that come along with his disability, Grant says that it hasn’t had an extraordinarily negative effect on his life. The occasional look and others’ initial note of his disability are inevitable, but Grant says that people hardly ever give him trouble about his leg.

“The only time I ever remember someone being mean to me about my leg was in first grade,” Grant said. “I don’t know why I remember it; it wasn’t even that bad. No one’s ever bothered me about it. They’ve never really made fun of me.”

I’ve really adapted to the water.

That’s where I feel strong.

— Junior Grant Beall

Grant’s positive outlook on life has helped him focus on an activity he really loves: water polo. He began playing water polo during the summer of 2010 after a suggestion from his friend, and has since been playing the sport competitively despite his disability. Grant’s love of the water, however, dates back to when he was much younger.

“I grew up swimming,” Grant said. “It started when my brothers would be picking on me in the water… That is how I adapted to water polo pretty well, it’s because of my brothers.”

CONTINUES ON PAGE 18

The Talon October 1, 2013

Get daily LAHS updates and read the news archives at lahstalon.org/news

UC approval: a struggle for new courses CONTINUED FROM THE FRONT PAGE

The UC board only allows a certain amount of honors courses per grade in public schools. UC campuses require a specific number of a-g courses for students to be eligible in their admissions process. Although French V, Statistics, Chinese IV and Biotechnology were not initially found eligible for honors or college preparatory status, they have been resubmitted for approval. “[The restriction on honors courses exists] and keeps the playing field more even and fair because [other high schools] may not offer as many honors courses because they may not have comparable resources.”

Pasallo said.

In addition, the new UC submission process requires courses to fit their curriculum to a specific application template.

“We’ve got these brilliant teachers with brilliant curriculums, but it’s hard to fit some of our course syllabuses into the submission templates [that the UC board] provides.” Pasallo said.

Since the school has exceeded the number of honors courses allowed per grade level, more recently established courses such as French V Honors were not approved. “[The UC honors approval system] is kind of unfair, because Mountain View does have French V Honors class,” French teacher Christophe

Barquissau said. “It’s not very fair for [French V] to not be approved as an honors class. I had to redesign the whole paperwork to make it a nonhonors class, but essentially, it’s the same. We should be approved as an honors class.”

Although these courses are not approved by the UC board as honors courses, the district will still weigh some of these courses if “Honors” was in the course title. While students’ school GPA will reflect these courses as honors credit, the students’ UC weighted GPA will not. “[A lot of my students take Multivariable Calculus because] they think it’ll make their application for college look good,” math teacher Michael Richardson said. “I think the only thing they don’t have that they might want is for [the] UC’s to count it as an honors class.”

While Multivariable Calculus is currently not an honors class, it could possibly become one after resubmission.

Even though the UC board system will not be changing in the near future, teachers like Barquissau are still hopeful about getting their honors courses approved.

“I’m going to keep pressing for honors class,” Barquissau said. “[My students] are the crème of the crème of the crème. They are the best students in French, [they] just deserve to have honors class...I’m not going to give up.”

The UC Honors and A-G Requirement Approval Process Teachers come up with ideas for a new class The class is submitted to the administration for approval Administrators evaluate the proposal. They check the current budget, personnel, credentials and curriculum of the school to see if it would be feasible to add the new class and determine if there is sufficient student interest Staff submit course details to the UC board for honors or a-g requirement approval The UC board responds, either approving or denying the class for honors recognition or a-g status REBECCA DESHETLER

New MVLA union officers will represent teachers DAVID WU RILEY SOWARD Sports Editor Staff Writer

This year, the District Teachers’ Association (DTA) board will be working on a number of projects in addition to its usual job of advocating on behalf of teachers.

The DTA representative council is composed of a combined total of 14 teachers from LAHS, MVHS, and Alta Vista High School; together the council serves as a liai-

son between the district administration and staff.

While the negotiations team of Craig Seran and Todd Wangsness from Los Altos and Sarah Block and Carol Kilmer from Mountain View will remain the same, the DTA has welcomed many new representatives this year.

Newly elected DTA President Michelle Bissonnette has already set into motion plans to help realize the DTA’s goals. Bissonnette plans on improving communication between

DTA representatives and other teachers.

“One of the things that I’ve asked all of the building reps to do this year differently than they have in the past is at each site… [is to] take responsibility for talking to and building a relationship with a group of about 15-20 [teachers],” Bissonnette said. “That really helps us to be tapped into what teachers need on a regular basis as opposed to sending out a survey once a year.

I feel like that face to face interac-

NOY ANISMAN AND PARMIS TAIDY

tion gets so much more from that 10 minutes than any survey that we could possibly have.”

On top of the challenges of being an almost entirely new DTA rep council and establishing relationships and more effective communication with new teachers, the DTA faces other challenges as well.

The most notable of the DTA’s challenges for the upcoming years will be the institution of the Common Core Standards. The retirement of the California Standardized Testing and Reporting Test, or STAR Test, in the 2014-2015 school year and its replacement by computer adaptive testing presents a challenge for the school’s teachers and staff. “[The new common core] has added a lot to the plate of teachers in terms of requiring meeting time–to work together to create those assessments, [and] to talk about practice [for the new test]” Bissonnette said.

This means that the DTA, as the liaison between the district and the staff, will be sitting at the negotiations table when decisions regarding the shift to Common Core Standards are made. It will also be looking at how to best support district teachers in the alignment to the new testing standards.

“It’s huge, [the shift to Common Core Standards],” Bissonnette said. “Right now, where our biggest concern as [the DTA] is making sure that teachers have the time and the ability to begin to transition their curriculum so that it matches that assessment.”

In the shift to Common Core Standards, the DTA will not only have to address the individual con-

cerns of over 200 MVLA school district teachers, but will also have to work on mapping out the most effective way to structure teaching times in order to comply with the nationwide teaching standards.

“As excited as I am about the Common Core, it represents a lot of work for a lot of teachers,” Bissonnette said. “We’re in that process of figuring out what [is] the best way to approach this very, very complex shift in education...

It’s our job to make sure that they [MVLA district teachers] have the support that they need in order to begin to make those shifts, so [the DTA will be] looking at how we structure our professional development time, and advocating for that time to be spent in ways that really reflect what teachers need.”

Despite all of the work that has gone into planning future projects and all of the work that’s already been done, even more substantial is the amount of work that lies ahead for this year’s new rep council. In the upcoming months and even years, the DTA will focus not only its aforementioned goals, but also towards establishing itself as a cohesive team.

“We’re definitely an ongoing work in progress and we don’t have all the answers yet, but we’re getting there,” Bissonnette said. “This time next year, this conversation will probably be very different. I could probably give you a lot more specifics then about the Common Core, and what the assessment process is going to look like, what the monies are going to look like... but you have to have more than just money.

You have to have a plan, and that’s sort of what’s in the works.”

The Talon October 1, 2013

Common Core Standards: the new test ALEX BARREIRA AMELIA BAUM Staff Writers

Come autumn of 2014, the California Standardized Testing and Reporting Test (STAR) will officially be retired as the method that state and federal governments use to evaluate students. These changes come in the wake of a nationwide shift in the approach to standardized testing.

Beginning in the spring of 2015, students in grades K-12 will be evaluated using the Common Core, a set of standards already agreed upon by 45 states and scheduled for nationwide implementation by the next school year.

According to the Common Core state standards initiative website, the new guidelines are “designed to be robust and relevant to the real world, reflecting the knowledge and skills that our young people need for success in college and careers.”

Essentially, the Common Core is a new set of criteria that students in California and 44 other states nationwide will be evaluated on beginning in 2015. The goal of the transition is to shift the emphasis of state testing from rote memorization to conceptual learning and understanding.

The exam itself is a computerized, adaptive exam, which will most likely be given only to 11th graders.

The district is required to imple-

ment the official Common Core exam starting in the 2014-2015 school year, when the federal mandate for nationwide alignment of testing kicks in. However, despite the new procedures’ proximity, many specifics of their implementation have yet to be decided, and are currently being debated at the state and federal level. Meanwhile, the district administration has been left largely in the dark regarding logistics of the actual assessment.

“I can’t even tell you how many times info came down to us saying ‘okay this is our final’ and in less than 24 hours it [was] all unraveled again,” MVLA Assistant Superintendent Brigitte Sarraf said. “The landscape literally changes daily.”

As of now, the only specific the district knows for certain is that Common Core testing will begin for 11th graders in 2015. The most pressing question yet to be answered is what test students can expect to take this coming spring. “[The district] is very interested in having our teachers and our students experience the common core before it becomes a high stakes test that …

11th graders are going to have to take in 2015,” Sarraf said.

MVLA may have an opportunity to do just that. The district could potentially conduct “practice” Common Core tests this spring. These

NOY ANISMAN

tests won’t be used in the official state evaluations, but could be a valuable tool in making sure both students and teachers are prepared for the switch.

Either way, students can expect that STAR testing will be severely reduced or even eliminated completely by this coming spring. Assembly Bill 484, which has been approved by the Assembly and is currently being debated in a state Senate committee, would restrict STAR testing to federally mandated tests exclusively, such as some math and ELA assessments.

The shift to Common Core standards comes as a result of long-term debate regarding the effectiveness of the STAR test, with many educators around the country saying the factheavy assessment forces teachers to

District waits for guidelines before spending Prop 39 funds NOY ANISMAN SITARA SRIRAM Staff Writers

In November 2012, voters in California approved Proposition 39, a ballot initiative that altered the way out-of-state corporations calculate their California income tax. As a result, out-of-state corporations doing business in California will no longer be able to pick the most advantageous tax method for their company.

In June of 2013, the state decided that for the first five years, half of the estimated $1.1 billion received from Proposition 39 would go directly to

the reconstruction and energy retrofitting of California public school buildings, while the other half would go to the state. After this, all of the money will go into the state’s general fund in order to reduce the deficit.

While the bill has already been approved in California by a 61.1 percent majority, the exact details of its uses have not been shared with public school districts. “[The MVLA School District does] not know the [current] amount or what the funds can be used for at this time,” MVLA Superintendent Barry Groves said. “We are expecting word

from the state shortly. They are not ready with the details yet.”

Since Proposition 39 funds are supposed to help California focus on utilizing green energy, the MVLA district’s current plans involve projects that would help reduce the school’s carbon footprint.

“Items that we may improve include new heating/cooling systems, improved lighting [or] installing a new thermal solar system for the LAHS pool,” Groves said. “[As a result of Proposition 39, our] schools will be more energy efficient and more carbon neutral.”

Math Department Acquires New iPads with STEM grant.

Tutorial Center to Offer Essay Days for Students’ Benefit

NEWS BRIEFS Change in Construction Curriculum

For over two years, the school has offered a construction course through the Career Technical Training School. This year the course underwent significant shifts in curriculum.

Over the course of a few weeks, students learned about plumbing, weathering and electricity. Outside the classroom, students work in an open yard with informational displays and concrete examples of all of these trades.

In terms of projects, the class is currently in the process of building two small houses; students have already set up the houses’ wooden frames. Prior to constructing these projects, the class plans their projects on laptops. Once completed, the curriculum will focus on landscaping. The class has already completed a majority of the previous curriculum.

While the class has maintained a relaxed environment, students remain productive and on-task.

“Construction is [much] more productive this year than before,” senior Carlos Rodriguez said.

At the end of the last academic school year, the math department acquired a set of 30 second generation iPads. They were purchased using money from the STEM grant given by the Mountain View-Los Altos Foundation.

Although the iPads were purchased last year, they were not integrated into the classroom this year. So far, teachers that have made use of the iPads include math teachers Betty Yamasaki, Michael Richardson and Laraine Ignacio.

In the Algebra I classes, the teachers have been using the app Hands-On Equations to enhance lessons with audio, visual and tactile approaches. The app includes videos, practices and exercises for students to use as an additional platform of education.

Reception of the iPads has been positive.

“The students are more engaged [and although] it is a challenge to utilize [the iPads] all the time, the opportunity is nice,” Richardson said.

The tutorial center is hosting “essay days” for seniors who need help with college essays. Every other Tuesday, at no financial cost to the student, seniors can work one-onone with an adult peer editor. Some of the essay readers volunteers are experienced, having edited college essays privately or served on college admissions boards before.

In order to schedule an appointment, students should talk to Tutorial Center Coordinator Quyen Nguyen and communicate their schedule. While essay days are filling up quickly, there are still some slots between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.

If a student does not have a free period, they can consider asking one of their teachers if it’s acceptable to miss one class period to work on essays. After signing up for an essay day, students’ families will receive a call from Nguyen a day before the essay day as a reminder.

The next essay day is Tuesday, October 8.

—Compiled by Alex Cortinas and Salim Damerdji

teach solely for the test and forego other important concepts.

Math teacher Carol Evans echoes the opinion of many teachers and test-makers supporting a shift away from that direction. “[Learning math] is like building a house,” Evans said. “You can’t build a house with a multiple choice test.”

Evans supports the state’s decision to switch to the Common Core standards, but knows it won’t be without its challenges.

“Math is creative,” she said. “[Teaching math well] is a mean task...especially with a standardized test.”

While the STAR tests have been criticized for not evaluating critical thought, the new standards have raised concerns for being

too difficult. Last year when New York state implemented the tests, their relative test scores dropped precipitously, with only 31 percent of students qualifying as “competent” in Math and 31.1 percent in English. An alarming amount of at-risk students also fared poorly, with approximately three percent of English-learning students scoring at or above proficient, and less than 20 percent of hispanic and black students doing likewise.

Regardless of the criticism, there is hope at Los Altos that the new standards will better prepare students for real work in future colleges and careers, and live up to the fervent hype surrounding the new approach.

“I’m skeptical,” Evans said. “But I’m [also] optimistic.”

4

NEWS

The Talon October 1, 2013

Haiti Solidarity raises funds by farming ALEX BARREIRA Staff Writer

The Students for Haiti Solidarity club is cultivating produce and f lowers as part of a fundraiser to help SOPUDEP, the school’s sister school in Haiti. Club members have begun planting crops on a piece of land in East Palo Alto purchased by Cornelia Fletcher, a friend of the club’s advisor, history teacher Seth Donnelly.

During the first months of the project, the club aims to sell produce such as onions, squash and a variety of winter crops along with f lowers in the school’s parking lot. Donnelly hopes to work in conjunction with other school fundraisers, like the annual pumpkin patch run by the athletics department.

“Hopefully we can be successful and develop a tradition,” Donnelly said. “Everyone’s gotta get food, so rather than going to the grocery store or even the farmer’s market, [people could] come get food grown locally by the students and know that [their] money is going towards a good cause.”

The idea for the fundraiser originated this past summer, when Donnelly and Fletcher were inspired by a community organization in Haiti called Sakala which was responsible for the largest urban garden in the country.

The club will donate all of the profits from the project to its sister school in Haiti. In addition to benefitting the sister school, Donnelly said that the project will have positive effects in the local community.

“We think it’s not only good for our sister school in Haiti but it’s good for getting more and more

COURTESY SETH DONNELLY

Haiti Solidarity club members plant crops in their farmland in East Palo Alto. The club plans on using the proceeds from the sales to directly fund programs in Haiti. The local Bay Area community will also benefit from the sales of the eco-friendly organic produce. students involved from any club on campus and local food production,” Donnelly said. “We hope it’s a win for the environment, a win for our students and a win for our Haiti sister school.”

The Students for Haiti Solidar-

ity club has hosted two sessions so far with a fair amount of support. Though the fundraising effort hasn’t faced significant obstacles, the administration has been proceeding cautiously.

“Any time you enter the business

of selling food you have to be really careful…[but the administration] certainly supports the concept and the kids are really into it,” Donnelly said. “There seems to be a fair amount of momentum developing.”

To see more photos of the Haiti Solidarity farm, visit lahstalon.org/news

Construction in 700 wing to be finished by next semester PERLA LUNA YASHAR PARSIE Business Manager Staff Writer

The construction currently in progress in the 700 wing is anticipated to be completed by the start of second semester. The completion of the construction project will mean that the last of the school’s larger construction projects will have come to a close.

Construction in the 700 wing follows closely behind the completion of the new 900 wing, which was finished over the summer. Both construction projects were financed through Measure A bond money that was approved by voters in 2010.

The bond measure fund totaled $41.3 million, an estimated $9.2 million of which was allocated toward paying for the new classrooms in the 900 wing. The budget has not been exceeded thus far despite unpreventable minor delays throughout the construction process.

“When you’re doing a construction project like this, [there are] multiple contractors doing multiple aspects of the construction,” Assistant Principal Galen Rosenberg said.

“Think about plumbing, electrical framing, installation of new equipment [and so forth]. Some piece of [the construction] has

pushed out a little bit.”

Facilities Coordinator Mike Woodworth clarified that the delays specifically regard the installation of a new elevator in the building. The elevator will help accomodate injured and disabled students, as well as help teachers transport heavier goods.

Despite the delays in the construction of the 700 wing, enough progress has been made so far that the administrators and contractors are still confident that the project will be finished by the second semester of this school year.

“The move-in date has been pushed out but it’s still expected that we’ll occupy the classrooms

PHOTOS BY BRANDON HONG

The ongoing construction in the 700 wing will be completed by the start of the second semester. Minor delays, such as the installation of a new elevator, have not greatly impacted the move-in date. at the beginning of next semester, which was the plan originally,” Rosenberg said.

Since the construction of the building remains relatively on schedule, the administration hasn’t had to rush any of the construction. In order to address the concerns of teachers and students that continued construction noises detract from instructional time, Rosenberg said

that the administraion has tried to keep classroom interruptions to a minimum by communicating with the construction crew.

“The contractors have actually been very cooperative in either stopping or moving the work that they’re doing if it’s disruptive to [nearby] classrooms,” Rosenberg said. “We’ve tried to communicate regularly with them and they’ve been respon-

sive when a teacher [has] said ‘I’m giving a test or the kids are doing a presentation, it needs to be quieter.’ [The construction crews] generally managed to accommodate [our requests].”

Once completed, the new 700 wing classrooms will house a new Biotechnology classroom, a currently undetermined science class and an additional chemistry classroom.

The Talon October 1, 2013

Read more opinions articles at lahstalon.org/opinions

College-oriented mindset harms students

Stanford cannot know how he or she compares to the 40,000 othRILEY SOWARD er students across the country KATHERINE YEN who are competing for the 1,700 Staff Writers available spots—much less how he or she compares to his or her fellow classmates.

“We don’t know what exactly Every May, throngs of students rush to sign up for Na- that other student is doing, [so] tional Honor Society (NHS), there’s always an incentive to motivated by the thought of yet do more and more and more— another shining star on their there’s never a top, so there’s college transcripts. But does be- never something where we can ing part of an organization like say ‘yeah, that’s enough’...it’s alNHS actually help students get ways ‘more is better’, and so it lends itself to this kind of situinto a good college?

In a society where the accep- ation where students are just tance rates into most top-tier uni- cramming every minute of their day with stuff to do,” versities are less than Miyahara said.

10 percent, many This inability to high-schoolers decompare oneself to liberately pack their If you’re doing the rest of the applischedules full with these things cant pool, combined extra activities, hopand you’re not with the annually ining that every extra creasing competition, minute they spend passionate fosters the mindset being productive will about them, it that more activities give them a better can be a grind. on a résumé is always chance of getting into — Economics teacher better. High school the best possible colDerek Miyahara students feel like they lege. This competihave to sign up for as tive mindset is taking over students’ lives and is causing many clubs, AP classes, communithem to feel like they always have ty service organizations and extracurriculars as possible to give them to be busy.

“We have this idea that every the best chance at acceptance into student is...competing against ev- their dream universities.

But taking on a multitude of ery other student, [and that] every little bit that a student can do various activities doesn’t necessarmore [will give them a competitive ily improve one’s chances of being advantage] over some mythical accepted into a top university, and other student,” Economics teacher in many situations, it may even hinder one’s potential to be the Derek Miyahara said.

With the lack of transparency most competitive college applisurrounding the college admis- cant possible.

A schedule packed full of AP sion process, it’s impossible to know how competitive an appli- classes, sports, internships and cant is relative to everyone else. clubs causes students to fall beA student who attends Los Altos hind, always rushing to stay on High School and is applying to top of things. There is not enough

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time in the day for students to genuinely take on as many activities as they are involved in, so they can’t put their best effort into anything. Instead, they can only do the bare minimum to get by, and this minimalistic approach becomes the norm; students study just enough to get an 89.45 percent in all of their classes, volunteer just enough hours to get credit for their community service organizations and attend just enough club meetings to be able to include them on their transcript.

Not only does a busy schedule promote poorer performance and minimal effort across the board, but it also causes students to feel very stressed out.

Because of their busy schedules, students must constantly be focused on the future, worrying about their next test, sports game or club activity. There’s so much to do and so little time, so these students have to rush from event to event, never getting the chance to slow down and take in the moment.

Unfortunately, many students don’t even enjoy the actual activities; they sign up for everything because they want to boost their college transcripts. When they’re not genuinely interested in the subject of the class or the cause of the club, the activities feel like chores rather than hobbies.

This lifestyle isn’t ideal, but students —understandably— want to set themselves up to be accepted into the best possible universities.

What many don’t realize is that there’s a less time-consuming and stressful path that still gives students a good chance, if not a better chance, at getting into a top university: doing things they are passionate about.

Doing something an individual loves is much more engrossing and fulfilling than participating in random extracurriculars to boost

one’s college transcript. ConseJulia’s dedication to governquently, students are empowered ment inspires her to take on with a sense of purpose and do bigger challenges and set higher not feel as stressed out or pressed goals than what she would have for time, which translates into a ever done playing the piano. Her happier, healthier student, and an passion drives her to do things ultimately more competitive ap- such as organize a talk with the plicant. founder of Khan Academy, Sal “If you’re doing something Khan, for a non-profit focused you’re passionate about…it will on female empowerment, Girls make those hours actually more Innovate. She also volunteers meaningful…and productive for with President Obama’s Orgayou,” Miyahara said. “If you’re do- nize For Action, has written leging these things and you’re not islation for the government and passionate about them, it can be has started a gender equality a grind.” club this year.

For example, Julia will be a very sophomore Julia competitive applicant Khan is passionate for colleges because about civic engage- I realized that her passion motiment and youth gov- I needed to vates her to make a ernment, and she spend my time bigger impact on the currently spends a organizations and the majority of her time on things that I community that she pursuing these in- cared about beis a part of. Her acterests.

However, cause it made tions apply to all high this was not always me feel a whole schoolers: when stuthe case: in middle dents pursue somelot better. school, Julia spent thing they love, they — Sophomore Julia Khan most of her time doare motivated by their ing random activiown choice to work ties such as piano and thus they are willlessons and art classes to keep ing to put significantly more time her busy, which made middle and effort into what they do. In school unenjoyable for her. this way, students will attain sigWhen Julia entered high school, nificant and tangible results that she knew she wanted a better far surpass what they would have experience and discovered that accomplished with something that passion was the key. they did not care about.

“I realized that...I needed to “Colleges are more interested spend my time on things that I in the student’s passion, the cared about because it made me authenticity of the student’s feel a whole lot better,” Julia said. involvement and the impact In high school, Julia has gotten they’ve had in their communiinvolved in many different activi- ties, teams, or organizations,” ties that she strongly believes in, Admissions Director at Pitzer giving her a lot to look forward to College Angel B. Perez said. on a daily basis.

“Sometimes that means they’ve “[In middle school] my break only done one or two things, but from homework was piano [even they’ve been involved in a way though] I hated it. But...yesterday that has fundamentally impact[for example], my break was that I ed those organizations. That, to got to go to a two hour talk about me, is more important than bewomen’s rights and that was fan- ing involved in 20 clubs and not tastic,” Julia said. having impacted any.”

The Talon October 1, 2013

Students shouldn’t deactivate Facebook for productivity ALEX BARREIRA Staff Writer

It’s that time of year again.

Classes have started, homework has picked up and the daunting process of college applications for seniors has gone into full swing. Under the weight of rigorous courses and the added pressure of APs and extracurriculars, many students find the need to maximize every minute outside of class to be more productive.

Yet, despite the stress students face, it’s easier than ever to waste those precious minutes online on websites such as Facebook. Students arguably spend as much time online as they do in class, and pass idle moments outside of it checking smartphones for the latest Facebook updates. In response to the network’s omnipresence, a recent trend has developed among students wishing to become more efficient by de-friending Facebook entirely.

Yet Facebook is almost impossible to ignore, and the way we choose to acknowledge it has significant consequences. The most efficient students don’t need to leave Facebook forever, but use it to their advantage for its original purpose.

Facebook was founded in 2003 with the goal of making greater connections among Ivy League students. Its popularity with all ages today obscures the fact that it was originally a channel exclusively for communication among fast-paced young adults.

This rapid share of information forms the foundation of Facebook and much of the Internet.

Should students prioritize

the right information to share, Facebook can become a tool of efficiency rather than procrastination. Study groups, for instance, can work as catalysts for quick discussion and clarification of instructions.

Senior Lillian Zhou, who has founded groups for ASU, DECA and AP Biology, appreciates the way Facebook enhances group communication.

“Facebook makes it easier for intermember interaction...People use it generally for social purposes and are on it more often than email,” Lillian said. “[It’s] faster, more casual and less intimidating in a way to contribute or ask questions. Facebook also provides tools like polls, statistics and notifications that just make everything a lot easier and more interactive in a way that fits in with members’ dayto-day activities.”

Likewise, Events pages can make students aware of tests, extracurricular meetings or study sessions outside of school.

With features like these, Facebook’s popularity works in students’ favor: it’s more current and frequented than most email lists.

Even the infamous chat box has the potential for efficient use. Inquiries on homework can be answered much more quickly than through text or email, and the “Seen By” feature, for better or for worse, encourages students to answer immediately.

Taking advantage of those benefits, however, does not limit usage to those features. If students learn to delegate their time efficiently, the social aspects are still to be had in happy moderation. If anything, Facebook has simply accelerated the process in which students must confront productivity for the first time, and learn to pri-

oritize their wants. As college approaches and the AP coursework loads up, it’s better to learn sooner rather than later how to manage time effectively to leave more space for personal enjoyment.

Facebook offers plenty of opportunities for procrastination, but only because other media’s features are more limited. If students feel the need to eliminate the temptation altogether, Facebook offers temporary deactivation, which freezes accounts but keeps their information within the system so they can be easily

restored.

Additionally, extensions like Stay Focused or Chrome Nanny can block websites for designated hours, serving as a quick solution to break habitual newsfeed checking. Though it seems like the numerous features on Facebook and other internet services have no other purpose than to distract attention, a wide enough variety of tools exist to help students focus just as well.

Facebook is the place where students hang out after school.

In today’s interconnected world,

PARMIS TAIDY

it’s inefficient and impossible to abandon social networking, even idle Facebooking, completely. The power and thrill of sharing information across the globe, late-night connected jokes and quick efficiency of instant communication are all things to take advantage of and enjoy.

But like other pleasures, moderation is key to avoiding bad habits and keeping usage at a healthy, efficient level. Facebook is a tool like any other.

Students should remember to use it, and not to let it use them.

Revised school electronics policy is practical PERLA LUNA

Business Manager

At any time during school, students will be hard-pressed to find people who aren’t listening to music or using their phone.

For whatever reason we use them for, we are stuck to electronic devices like magnets. So when the use of them is forbidden, the students will protest.

The electronics policy specifically forbids the use of headphones and other electronic devices like cell phones during class time, including students in the library, tutorial center or anywhere else on campus. This applies to students with free periods as well. Though the ban on earphones comes with the clarification that usage of devices during passing periods is permitted, students have taken to complaining about the policy’s seemingly unfair nature.

“My problem with the new electronics policy is that they’re being too overbearing,” junior Rita Villanueva said. “They should allow headphones out-

side of the classrooms, at least, because if they’re outside of the classroom they’re not going to be interrupting any teacher...

It’s not like the headphones are going to be bothering other people.”

It may be common opinion for students to think using their devices and earphones won’t be distracting to those around them, but the administration doesn’t share in this perspective. The loitering that often accompanies the use of the devices outside of places supervised by teachers can be distracting to those in the classroom.

“From a kind of management standpoint it’s really important that the public spaces of the school that aren’t supervised by a teacher be quiet and not cause any disruption,” Assistant Principal Galen Rosenberg said.

“If students hang out there, regardless of what they’re doing, whether they’re listening to music or playing on their phones or whatever, it becomes disruptive.”

While students may also argue that being unable to use earphones to listen to music during their free periods prevents them from focusing more, studies

conducted by Stanford University Professor Clifford Nass have added to the pile of research that proves music is actually a distraction. Students may be reluctant to admit that more often than not the reason they want to

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listen to music or use their digital devices is to give themselves a period of relaxation.

“It’s often seen as a break, a free period to just do whatever you want,” Rosenberg said. “We don’t quite see it that same way.

PARMIS TAIDY

We would like students to be engaged in their education from 8:10 [a.m.] till 3:30 [p.m.]...What we [would] rather have people do is use that time to study in the tutorial center or the library or the college career center. That’s kind of the vision, the electronics policy is just a part of that.”

According to Rosenberg, students have been cooperating with the policy despite complaints, and the majority of students, even those with free periods, understand the reasoning behind the banning of earphones in the electronics policy.

It may seem unfair to not allow students to use earphones or other electronic devices like cell phones in the places outside of classrooms during instructional times, but it’s actually quite reasonable for the administration to want to use this as a way to increase student productivity during free periods.

Aside from restrictions during free periods, students are free to use earphones as well as cell phones before and after school, and during brunch, lunch and passing periods, liberties which are not afforded to students in other schools.

If you would like to write about your stance on an issue that’s affecting students at our school, email opinions editor Shiktij Dave at opinions.lahstalon@gmail.com with a summary of your idea.

The Talon October 1, 2013

Students shouldn’t use library to socialize CARLY COHEN In-Depth Editor

Quiet and calm. That’s how you would expect a library to feel. However, that’s not the case at Los Altos. While still a decent work environment, the library has begun to overflow with students both there to study and to socialize. “[The library] has definitely gotten louder this year,” senior Alex Kuo said. “There are so many students in there at times that there are no seats left. People are left standing around or end up sitting on the ground.”

In recent years, the school has grown at a faster rate. This year, the freshman class has reached a peak in class size, making it larger than any other class at the school.

These trends have been predicted, and the school has found ways to accommodate the bigger grades through the construction of a new building and the addition of new advisors.

One thing, however, has not expanded: the library. The library is a valued resource on campus and thus is very popular.

With the influx of new students at the school, the library has been stretched to accommodate more than in the past.

“We feel it especially [packed] during lunch and during third period. That’s when I’m noticing it the most,” librarian Gordon Jack said. “The noise level is definitely louder at lunch than it was last year.”

In the past, the noise levels did not seem to bother the majority of library users. According to a poll that Jack took last year, approximately 75 percent of students said that noise levels were not too high. However, this may not be the case this year. Due to the new influx of students, those wishing to study in the library may find it more difficult to do so.

Some attempts to accommodate these students have been made. For those who need them, a number of laptops have been made available, which allows for

separation between those that go to the library to share and collaborate versus those who go to study.

“There are times when we are checking out all of our laptops and every desktop is available,” Jack said. “I think it is easier to work with a laptop, it gives [students] a little bit more freedom to move around or take it between the bookstacks. Part of me thinks that people are using the bookstacks to get some privacy that you can’t get in the general area when it’s really crowded.”

While the library is manageable and for the moment under control, it is gradually getting out of hand. The number of kids in the library during third period alone makes it nearly impossible for additional students to come during the tutorial period on Tuesdays.

When rainy days become more common, the library will likely reach full capacity.

Recognizing the increasing demand, Jack has also considered expanding the library, although his idea is still just in the brainstorm phase, no official plans

have been made.

“We could have a really nice outdoor patio, people could use it to socialize or bring books and computers outdoors as long as they use it responsibly,” Jack said.

However, as the library is not growing in size any time soon, students should be aware of the increase in the size of our student

body and should think before going to take up a seat or a computer in the library just to scan Facebook or chat with friends.

The increasing size of our school should make students conscious of one another and should inspire a respectful atmosphere to allow the library to continue to flourish.

PARMIS TAIDY

US correct to consider Russian plan for Syria JAMES MERRILL YASHAR PARSIE Staff Writers

Many of the events that have occurred recently in the Syrian civil war are proving to be extremely inf luential in the ever-changing landscape of this conf lict, which has now claimed over 100,000 lives, according to United Nation (U.N.) estimates.

Perhaps the most notable point of discussion as of late is the Russian plan for disarming the Syrian government: its strengths and weaknesses, whether the U.S. should or should not have agreed to it, and what the U.S.’s other options were.

So what is the best course of action for the U.S. to have taken in Syria? Is the Russian plan practical, or even possible to implement?

In short, it may not be perfect, but it’s the best option the U.S. had.

But before approaching the current issues emerging from the ongoing Syrian civil war, it’s important to have a clear understanding of the situation, and the events leading up to where we are now.

The Syrian conf lict began in January of 2011 with protests against the oppressive falsedemocracy headed by President Bashar al-Assad, whose family has had an iron grip on power in Syria since the early 1970s, and has been a ruling minority. The Assad family belongs to the Alawite sect of Islam, which makes up just 12 percent of the Syrian population. Assad’s forces cracked down on the protests, using lethal force to try to immediately subdue the protesters.

But in March of 2011, a full-on civil war broke out, with many former Syrian military officers and soldiers defecting and forming the Free Syrian Army, which is currently the largest rebel group. However, there are many

splinter groups, all of which have different goals and motivations for revolution. It’s important to realize that this is not just a case of “evil dictator vs. democracy-and-freedom-loving rebels.” Though some of the rebels certainly are fighting for representation, basic human rights and natural liberties, many of the splinter groups which are currently rebelling against the Assad regime have strong ties to Al-Qaeda or other extremist organizations, and many individual fighters have allegiances to several different causes, blurring the lines between friend

cording to the U.N. report submitted on September 13.

In response, Obama asked Congress for authorization to use “limited military action” in Syria. The U.S. Senate passed a resolution authorizing the limited use of force, and the House of Representatives was preparing to debate the issue when another complication was introduced.

On September 6, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov introduced a plan designed to disarm the Syrian regime while avoiding military intervention.

The plan is to have the Syr-

use chemical weapons. They kill completely indiscriminately, causing death wherever the wind takes the gas. But chemical weapons attacks aren’t just inhumane; they can be used to wipe out the entire population of an area without destroying any infrastructure, which makes them far too powerful to be allowed to be used.

The immediate reaction when atrocities are committed is to get revenge and to try to directly punish those responsible, hence the nearly immediate outcries for military intervention from the leaders of the U.S. and its

and foe even more.

In August of last year, President Obama warned Assad and his forces that “A red line for us is we start seeing a whole bunch of chemical weapons moving around or being utilized,” a red line which, if crossed, would result in severe consequences.

Last month, Sarin gas, a chemical weapon which causes acute respiratory failure, was used in Syria, killing over 1,400 people.

While it’s impossible to say with absolute certainty that it was the Assad regime who used the weapons, they were launched from a government-held military zone, and were used on the rebel-held Ghouta region, ac-

ian government identify their chemical weapons stockpiles and relinquish them to international control, under which they will be destroyed. Assad agreed to submit to the terms of this plan, if it were to be adopted by the international community.

Since this development, the vote in the House of Representatives has been indefinitely postponed, and Obama has agreed to give the Russian plan a chance.

So with that being said, back to the original question: why is the Russian plan the best that has been proposed for the U.S. to get behind in Syria?

Nearly everyone agrees that nations cannot be allowed to

allies after reports of chemical weapons attacks started coming in.

But the Russian plan is far more likely to produce actual results when it comes to preventing another chemical attack than military intervention.

It removes the threat of chemical attacks, and is all done without violating international law or involving anyone else in the fighting.

Sure, there are downsides.

Some would point out that it doesn’t stop the war from raging on, but that isn’t the intended purpose of the Russian plan nor the kind of military intervention the U.S. has contemplated

MICHAEL ZHU

using. Either would just act as a stopgap, preventing the Syrian government from using weapons of mass destruction on its citizens while a diplomatic solution to the conf lict is developed.

Some would argue that just making the Syrian government destroy its chemical weapons stockpiles is not sufficient punishment for the atrocity that it allegedly committed. Possibly a fair point, but it’s not the U.S.’s place to decide who does and who doesn’t get punished.

Despite Obama’s remarks that “the U.S. military doesn’t do pinpricks,” that really is all that “limited military action” would have been. Bombing a few Syrian military assets would have done nothing but cause a slight setback for Assad, and create a risk of Syrian retaliation.

Russian President Vladimir Putin recently published an open letter to the American public in the New York Times, and warned the U.S. about the implications intervention would have for our image in the international community.

According to Putin, “millions around the world increasingly see America not as a model of democracy but as relying solely on brute force, cobbling coalitions together under the slogan ‘you’re either with us or against us.’”

While it’s usually difficult to side with Putin, in this case, he’s right: intervening in every conflict that crops up in the Middle East is detrimental to our own interests. If the U.S. were to intervene, it would breed severe resentment in the Middle East and the international community.

The American public can’t afford to get caught up in rhetoric. The U.S. should put the full force of its cooperation behind the plan proposed by the Russians. Even if it fails, the commitment of both nations to its success would be a victory in and of itself for international diplomacy, and would be a step in the right direction.

The Talon October 1, 2013

Please send letters to the editor to lahstalon.eic@gmail.com Los Altos High School

Proposed taco truck ban misguided

The Los Altos City Council is currently considering an ordinance that would ban the “taco truck” as we currently know it. They must not pass this ban. And students must make it clear to the council that this is not acceptable.

At its September 10 meeting, the council discussed the possibility of banning or restricting mobile food vendors near schools. This discussion was in response to a petition from residents near Los Altos High School who voiced concern regarding the taco truck in their neighborhood. Superintendent Barry Groves then sent a request to the city on behalf of the Board of Trustees expressing the district’s concerns about the truck.

At the meeting, the City Council heard arguments from residents supporting the restriction of mobile food vendors and decided to ask city staff to draft an ordinance.

There have been four major arguments against mobile food vendors: they serve unhealthy food, the district loses a significant amount of money because of them, trash is left in the neighborhood and the increased number of students on a residential street can cause safety problems.

However, these arguments are both unfounded and unwise, based on the flawed premise that a city has the duty to ban a business just because it inconveniences a small minority.

The district’s main claim is that taco truck food is unhealthy, much more so than the food that is served on campus. This is nothing more than an excuse. The food served by the district in the cafeteria is not only unappealing but also far from healthy. The district did not provide

201 Almond Ave., Los Altos, CA October 1, 2013 Volume XXIX, Issue I Editor-In-Chief Zoe Morgan Managing Editors Rebecca DeShetler (Print) Jared Eng (Print) Dhruv Madhok (Web) News Editor Tony Sun Opinions Editor Shiktij Dave In-Depth Editor Carly Cohen Entertainment Editor Zach Cohen Sports Editor David Wu Media Editor Parmis Taidy Copy/Content Editors Maya Acharya, Steven Cui, Ariel Machell, Yuki Zaninovich

Students line up outside behind the school to get food from the taco truck. The city council is currently considering an ordiance which would restrict these kind of mobile food vendors near schools. the cafeteria’s nutritional information despite repeated requests for comment. However, typical meals involve greasy pizzas and oily cookies. If the district truly cared about childhood obesity, they would look into fixing their own food before ousting another business.

More likely, the district’s reason for objecting to the taco truck is because it causes the cafeteria to lose a substantial amount of money each year; according to Groves, the figure is roughly $40,000. While this amount is significant, banning all competition is not the solution. If the district wants to increase the cafeteria’s income, it must improve the quality of the food. Students choose the taco truck for a reason: they prefer the food. It is ridiculous to ban a perfectly legitimate business solely because the school’s food is unappealing. Instead, fix the school food.

On the other hand, neighbors argue that students leave trash in their neighborhood. Arguing that businesses should be banned because there is litter is just another excuse.

Instead, a solution should be sought to deal with the trash. A better answer would be to require mobile food vendors to clean up after themselves.

Finally, neighbors argue that the number of students in the area poses a safety concern, due to an increased probability of traffic accidents. However, there have been no specific incidents cited. This argument would have been compelling, if only there was any proof.

Because the ordinance hasn’t been presented yet, it is impossible to know what evidence will be given.

However, when this ordinance is officially presented it is the community’s duty to hold the city council to a high standard, insisting that actual safety

concerns be demonstrated.

This debate has been filled with excuses. The bottom line is that it isn’t the city’s job to ban businesses because the school doesn’t like competition. This is a free society; the government shouldn’t ensure monopolies.

The only way this ordinance is going to be stopped is if the council sees that community members oppose this intrusive measure. So far, they have only been hearing from neighbors and administration. Students, teachers and community members must attend upcoming meetings and let the council know that this issue is far from one-sided.

By The Talon’s deadline, it was not known when the council would next discuss this issue. An update will be posted on lahstalon.org

Business Managers Perla Luna, Sitara Sriram Social Media Editor Emily Sims Senior Writers Robert Chin, Alex Cortinas, Cassidy Craford, Chase Eller, Sam Lisbonne, Joey Malgesini, John Naumovski, Jordan Stout Staff Writers Noy Anisman, Alex Barriera, Amelia Baum, Alice Dai, Salim Damerdji, Sofia Guo, Perla Luna, James Merrill, Yashar Parsie, Danny Rosenbaum, Johnny Scher, Riley Soward, Sitara Sriram, James Sun, William Jow, Maya Varghese, Katherine Yen, Kevin Yen Photographers Brandon Hong, Ian Mackey Graphic Artists Noy Anisman, Michael Zhu Webmaster Yuki Zaninovich Adviser Michael Moul

POLICIES

THUMBS UP to the administration for removing freshmen advisory The administration was right to remove advisory for freshmen. Advisory was cancelled due to a limited number of teachers as well as complaints from both students and teachers that tutorial is more productive. These complaints were well-founded. The administration is still holding freshman activities to help streamline freshmen’s transition into high school, and will evaluate whether or not advisory should be reinstated through freshman surveys and ASB feedback. However, unless significant issues develop with the new system, advisory should not be reinstated.

Dear Editor, LAHS has a challenge. The cafeteria is losing money, and the school understandably wants that money ($40,000) spent on programs instead of food.

One suggestion has been to eliminate the competition -- the taco truck -- to help solve the problem. I think that’s a bad idea. It targets kids who don’t have cars and leaves everyone else free to eat out. And it is a power grab, balancing the budget on the backs of a specific subset of our population.

I agree that managing the cafeteria is a challenge -- strict food guidelines from the state and a terrible physical setup are parts of the problem. But on the other hand, we have a captive audience of 150 adults and

1,700 kids, all hungry and vulnerable to culinary enticement, many with money in their pockets.

Can’t we make lemonade out of this?

A quick poll of students and staff would yield endless suggestions to make the cafeteria better, and not more expensive. Here are some: ■■ Get creative about the food: soup on cold days, more interesting salads, authentic ethnic food, fewer carbs (get the bread out) ■■ Advertise the menu on the new e-board. Minimize the mystery and get some marketing going ■■ Offer more choices out on the quad to speed things up; use parents to staff ■■ Situate student ID machines in more places so that free and reduced can share in the variety The city claims that their only interest in this issue is health and safety. We all know that the biggest threat to health and safety around here are the cars careening off campus on two wheels at lunchtime.

You all know who you are.

Kids will always want to leave campus at lunch. But many don’t want to run with the bulls every day and would welcome, say, a chinese chicken salad, or real enchiladas, or vegetable beef soup, or a smoothie, or a real sandwich that in some way resembles Italian Deli cuisine. Especially the singers and club people who are stuck with pizza every day due to time constraints.

Don’t even try to use the “food quality” argument to get rid of the taco truck. It diminishes your credibility. And, it is not the city’s business or interest.

Submarine-ing the taco truck is a polarizing strategy. Let’s work together to make everybody well fed, relaxed, and fiscally sound.

Lorraine Wagner Dear Editor, Yesterday I noticed the new flat screen display above the theater providing a slideshow of pictures. I

had to ask myself why our school would spend money on this when there are not even enough math books for everyone in my class. I assume that the screen’s funding came from taxpayers as well as donors to the school. I’m quite sure if we asked these taxpayers and donors if they intended their money to go towards a completely unnecessary screen, they would be outraged. Our education at the school, although one of the best in the state, could use improvement. This improvement does not come from an expensive flat screen displaying pictures above the theater. Instead, we could have spent this money on more textbooks for our classrooms as well as more laptops for student use. Unless the school has an overflowing surplus of money, we should be focused on using money to better our education, however intriguing technology like this flat screen may be.

Isabel Steffens

Los Altos High School’s Compositional Journalism class is solely responsible for The Talon, which is published eight times a year. The Talon also updates its website, www.lahstalon.org, with full-time coverage.

The Editorial Board sets the policies of The Talon and crafts its editorials and thumbs. Its members are Cassidy Craford, Rebecca DeShetler, Sam Lisbonne, Dhruv Madhok, Jordan Stout and Tony Sun.

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The Talon October 1, 2013

Read more features articles at lahstalon.org/features

Senior focuses on making music over summer, participates in GRAMMY Camp CASSIDY CRAFORD Senior Writer

While other students spent the summer vacationing, attending college programs and working jobs, senior and aspiring artist Zach Gospe focused on music. Zach’s summer was spent practicing his skills and focusing on networking within the music industry with help from his manager, senior Riley Soward.

Zach has been songwriting since he was 12 and released his first Extended Play (EP), “Live at Midnight”,

COURTESY ZACH GOSPE

last spring. This summer, following its release, he wrote new songs, began work on his first music video and collaborated with other young artists.

In July, Zach attended GRAMMY Camp, a highly selective 10 day long music camp funded by the GRAMMY Foundation and hosted at the University of Southern California’s (USC) Thornton School of Music.

The goals of GRAMMY Camp are to find the most musically talented high schoolers in the United States, including vocalists, sound engineers, musicians and songwriters, and bring them together to simulate a realistic industry environment.

The GRAMMY Foundation, responsible for the GRAMMY awards, draws a panel of high-profile fac-

ulty members with the incentive of teaching the next generation of artists and forming connections of their own. Zach came to the camp as a songwriter, and was mentored by various artists involved in the music industry, including the assistant dean of the USC music school, who taught the songwriting class.

Zach collaborated with other young songwriters and vocalists to produce songs that musicians and vocalists at the camp would perform.

Working for 18 hours a day, 10 days in a row, writing nearly a song each day, Zach said GRAMMY Camp simulated the reality of the music industry: an intense world.

“It’s a very stressful experience, you have to be very creative, very on-thespot, but at the same time it’s probably the most rewarding thing I’ve ever done,” Zach said. “Going from in the morning having nothing to at night having a band play a song you wrote, having a singer sing that song and connect with an audience, that’s a very beautiful feeling.”

Although Zach writes, sings and plays the guitar, he considers himself more of a songwriter than anything else. While at USC his most valuable experience came when he was asked to write a song in 45 minutes.

“Songwriting, by design, is a very open expression,” Zach said. “You’re spilling out your heart to someone.

Songs that make other people cry, for instance, have to make you cry first.

You have to go through something that hits you hard.”

Usually, when writing songs by himself, Zach admitted he puts up “a brick wall” to hide his most sensitive emotions. With time to filter song lyrics, songwriters can often get away with not sharing their own personal emotions and rather making up a story or sharing someone else’s emotions. But, with only 45 minutes,

COURTESY TIFFANY WU

Senior Zach Gospe has been working on his music and honing his skills throughout the summer. He attended the GRAMMY Camp, where he was able to work with other passionate musicians and build networks within the music industry. there was no time for hesitation.

“For everything else I have this little editor guy in me that’s going through and saying, ‘nope, you can’t say that,’[or]‘oh, that’s a little too emotional, let’s pull back on that,’” Zach said. “But this was just all throwing it out there. I learned [during those 45 minutes] to not hold back on my emotions, because though spilling them out in a song may seem like an awful idea at the time, when you look back, it’s always worth it.”

Although it was uncomfortable to spill out all of his emotions, Zach said it’s one of his favorite songs he’s written. The song that resulted is titled “I Need This Mistake,” a metaphorical meaning for Zach’s philosophy of putting yourself and your passion on the line and taking risks.

“Forty-five minutes spilling your guts out on the page without time to edit it: that’s a mistake,” Zach said. “But sometimes you need that. And sometimes it turns out a

little better than you’d expect.”

While at GRAMMY Camp, Zach collaborated with a variety of different musicians, vocalists and sound engineers. He was surrounded by a population of students of which 90 percent knew they were going directly into the music industry after high school, whether it be studying music in college or not going to college at all. Zach said that this environment was somewhat foreign to him, as there are few people who are as passionate about music as he is at LAHS. “These are people who are very committed,” Zach said. “Some of them take AP classes and have a 4.0, but in this stage [of] their life they aren’t really academic; they are more focused on music. I wouldn’t say they’re more passionate [than I am], they are just more sure of where they want to be.”

Zach, on the other hand, is hesitant to dive deep into the music industry too quickly, and said while considering his future and college, he’s keeping his academics as equal of a factor as his music. The music industry, he said, is an increasingly risky and unstable lifestyle. Once in the industry, it is often hard to switch over to a more academic profession outside the industry. For this reason, Zach is applying to schools that offer a variety of language and science programs, but that also have a strong tie to the arts, such as Vanderbilt University in Nashville.

“It’s very important to still have the opportunity to be an artist after college,” Zach said. “I don’t want to completely abandon anything. Going to school in Los Angeles, New York City or Nashville would allow me to focus academically on something other than music, while allowing me to play open mics every weekend in the music capitals of the country. That’s priceless.”

Foreign student from Holland joins school community ARIEL MACHELL

Copy/Content Editor

Senior Camille Scheffer is a new addition to the MVLA community with a unique cultural background.

She moved here in the middle of August, just in time to start the new school year.

With two tattoos and a partly shaved head, Camille is very comfortable with expressing who she is, and part of that comes from the places that she’s been to and lived in.

Having lived in Europe all her life, she has travelled to Belgium, Italy, Spain, Croatia, Germany, England and Switzerland but resided mainly in France and Holland.

As a result, she has become proficient in three languages: French, Dutch and English. Having only taken two years of English classes in Holland, Camille is remarkably fluent in the language, though she gives no credit to the actual class.

“The [English] class that I took in Holland was very basic,” Camille said. “It didn’t really teach you how to have conversations or to really speak it at all. Actually, most of the English that I know I learned by watching American television. I

watched a lot of MTV and Comedy I find myself spending my entire Central. I’m still learning though. evenings crouched over a book.

I’ve heard a lot of weird expressions Sometimes it takes three or more that I’m still trying to make sense hours. In Holland, you could expect of.” to have maybe half an If it weren’t for her hour [of homework].” slight French accent, Even though she ofmany would think There are so ten forgets names and that Camille has lived many people at has to spend hours on here all her life. But this school, it’s homework, there are despite being able to things that Camille crazy... here I speak and understand was very happy to the language, she is can’t even keep discover at school. Fostill trying to get used track of the rensics is one of them. to the differences that faces.”

“I was very surprised she sees around her. that [the school] of— Senior Camille Scheffer “I don’t know how fered a forensics class,” I am going to get Camille said. “I want used to the weather here,” Ca- to be a forensic scientist so this was mille said. “It’s so hot. In Holland the perfect class for me. I just think it’s usually rainy or foggy. And ev- it’s so amazing the way [forensic erything is so big. The roads, the scientists] connect the dots the way buildings...It’s exciting.” they do. Their way of thinking allows She is also trying to adjust to the them to solve mysteries and I want to differences between schools. learn to think that way.”

“There are so many people at Indeed, so far, Camille has said this school, it’s crazy. My school in that she has not found much to Holland was so small, I probably complain about her new “American knew everyone’s names. But here I life.” However, she has yet to find can’t even keep track of the faces,” a place where she can continue to Camille said. “There’s also a lot of practice her beloved sport: Thaihomework. I’m not used to so much. boxing. Otherwise known as Muay

Thai, the combat sport uses standup striking characterized by the combined use of the fists, elbows, knees, shins and feet.

“I always wanted to do a martial art because it’s so different from other sports. So when [a friend] recommended it to me in Holland, I thought it would be fun, and it was,” Camille said. “It’s a tough sport and there aren’t many girls who do it. I would mostly have to go up against boys two times my size, just hoping they wouldn’t crush me. It’s a lot of punching and kicking and you go home with aches [and] bruises everywhere.”

Taxing as it may be on the body, Camille feels that it’s a very valuable sport because it teaches one to defend themself.

“You think that you’ll never really run into a situation that you’ll need to know how to defend yourself, but it happens,” Camille said. “[Once], a boy came up to me at school and was going to hit me so I shoved my elbow into his face and escaped. It’s those kind of reflexes that you learn in the sport.”

Camille has been looking for a place to continue doing what she

ARIEL MACHELL

Senior Camille Scheffer transferred to the school this year from Holland. She has adjusted well and is enjoying her new life in America. loves but has not yet found a place that teaches the sport. Yet, this has not diminished her positive feelings toward the new culture she finds herself immersed in. And although she misses the friends and family she left behind, Camille is excited to continue to get to know her new home and make a place for herself in the school.

The Talon October 1, 2013

..

l i g e i r o s n e m o d e t an a h ..

W A

BY AMELIA BAUM STAFF WRITER | ALICE DAI STAFF WRITER | CASEY PAO FEATURES EDITOR | EMILY SIMS SOCIAL MEDIA EDITOR TONY SUN NEWS EDIOTR | MAYA VARGHESE STAFF WRITER

...in a classroom?

CONTINUED FROM THE FRONT PAGE

kids, ‘Hey, this is what you have to believe,’” Regoli said. “I feel strongly that religion is a personal and family choice.”

According to Regoli, “Cry the Beloved Country,” which she describes as one of her favorite books that she teaches, has the most potential to cause controversy in her classes, because Christian themes are central to an understanding of the book. However, she notes that there have never been any real issues with the novel, as students are generally able to recognize a difference between academic discussion and religious proselytizing.

English teachers are not the only ones who must handle religious discussion with care.

According to state science standards, students are required to have a proficient understanding of many aspects of the theory of evolution. At the same time, teachers are challenged with engaging all students, no matter what their beliefs are, in these lessons.

Regardless of what department they belong to, most teachers agree that religious discussion

usually does not cause problems at school and that sensitivity and thought are necessary in planning these lessons to ensure that all students feel they are being heard.

“Part of my job as a teacher is to promote that kind of environment where those kinds of conversations are okay,” Robertson said.

The administration uses the same standard to handle school affairs, including those not particularly associated with curriculum. According to Principal Wynne Satterwhite, the school’s default approach is to promote open policies, minds and conversations regarding religion in addition to basic policies outlining the district’s condemnation of religious harassment.

Because of this acceptance of students’ different religious backgrounds, the school’s religious atmosphere is largely based on student initiative. Students’ diverse religious identities have driven the creation of multiple clubs on campus, such as the Jew Crew and the Christian Club.

“I think [the impact of religion]

ebbs and flows in terms of who the students are,” Satterwhite said. “It’s the energy, the enthusiasm, the backing that students get [in clubs]... it’s always helped create a more positive atmosphere on campus.”

But that’s not to say there haven’t been issues in the past.

In 2004, Broken Box put on “The Laramie Project,” a play about the murder of a gay student in Wyoming. While the administration did support Broken Box and Broken Box Adviser Nancy Moran’s choice of the play, there was concern over potential ramifications of the decision. The minister of the church of which the play is based on was known to send members of his church to protest the performances of this play, and the school was unsure as to whether they would take action against the play.

“The concern was, at the time, [that religious organization] was going to show up and start protesting and making anti-gay slurs and have signs…[but] nothing actually happened like that,” Moran said.

Neither the school nor Moran

...to the student body?

yes

Family

Friends

Yourself

Other

Catholic

2 Agnostic

1

None

1

Wiccan

1

1

Jehovah’s Witness

3

Muslim

5.7%

18

6

37.9%

Jewish

no

62.1% 11.8%

40

(203 polled)

(227 polled) 25.7%

19

(192 polled)

Deist

Who has most influenced your religious beliefs?

Do you believe that public schools should offer academic courses on religion?

Sikh

56.8%

received any verifiable reason to stop the show and no actual action on campus was made. Moran said that the play turned out well, as the performance didn’t turn out any negative consequences, and attendance increased as students flocked to see what had caused the controversy.

“The awareness that [the] show brought out was tenfold in greatness compared to any bad stuff,” Moran said. “It was packed every night…I thought they pulled it off beautifully.”

Broken Box’s experience with “The Laramie Project” echoes the school’s open-minded approach to religion, as cultivated by teachers and administration at the school.

Throughout the years, the school has tried to maintain its commitment to integrated, universally accessible curriculum and its desire to maintain a respectful campus atmosphere where diverse cultures are welcomed and open religious acceptance is prioritized.

How do you describe your religious or spiritual beliefs or lack thereof?

Don’t Know

“We study religion to understand other cultures,” World Literature teacher Lindsey Regoli said. “And you can’t do that without understanding everyone’s belief.”

Basic knowledge of religious texts is often necessary in order to fully understand the literature studied in class.

“It poses problems [while reading East of Eden] if students are unfamiliar with the stories [in Genesis],” English Department Coordinator Keren Robertson said.

Because the use of literature associated with religious themes is common in all English classes at the school, teachers take measures to ensure that students of all backgrounds do not feel alienated or uncomfortable.

In addition to making sure all students feel included in class discussions, public school teachers are also mandated by law to refrain from declaring religious or political affiliations.

“It’s important to make the distinction between reading religious texts to understand them as part of a theme and me telling

The Talon October 1, 2013

...to you?

Answers to this question were edited for concision and clarity with the aproval of the students interviewed. More responses will be coming soon at lahstalon.org I’m atheist. Atheism is not a belief, it is the lack of a belief in any deity or divine being, including a god. Atheism is also not the hate of religion; most atheists are actually quite accepting and respectful of others’ religions. What I find is the greatest challenge whenever I discuss my lack of belief is dispelling the misconceptions that some people have about atheism. I know many people who understand what it is and have their own attitude towards it, but I also know those who don’t.

I can’t really blame them, seeing as atheism is not, in public schools, a subject as studied as any major religion. Atheism is not a big factor in my personal life, as after all it requires no prayer or spiritual thought, but whenever religion comes up as a subject, what else am I supposed to say besides what I am? I just hope that someday, in those sorts of discussions, people will come in with a truthful understanding of what atheism is and what it isn’t.

Ben Gardner-Gill JUNIOR

For me, [religion is] my whole way of life. It affects what I believe, and the way I think about basically everything, my morals and my standards. I was raised as one of the Jehovah’s Witnesses. My life has always been that way. It hasn’t changed very much. It affects the way you schedule your time, what your priorities are, the way you act. If I was not one of the Jehovah’s Witnesses, just knowing me, I probably would not be as honest. But because I am, then that’s important to me, and I always try to uphold my values like that. I put a high priority on spiritual things and devoting time to that, whereas I would probably spend more time on school work [if I was not religious]. I would probably play more sports. I would definitely use my time differently, just in general. I would have different priorities. I always plan on remaining one of of the Jehovah’s Witnesses. Because it gives me a purpose in my life, it’s something that’s really important to me and it influences me for the better.

SOPHOMORE

I’m Muslim, and my family is both Muslim and Christian, but the majority of the time I follow Muslim culture. I’ve gone to church, and I’ve gone to a mosque, so I’ve done stuff with Christianity and I’ve done way more with Islam. It’s not really my choice, I’ve followed being Muslim since I was born, because of my mom’s side, and there’s nothing that I don’t like about being Muslim. It’s never been a huge part of my life other than holidays like Ramadan, which is when you fast for a month. That’s the time we really focus on the beliefs. During [Ramadan] we go to the mosque, we care a lot about family and we take time out of our lives to focus on religion. We live with my grandparents, so it’s like 50 percent of our house is Christian, and then 50 percent is Muslim. My brother and my mom and I are Muslim, and my grandma and my grandpa and my dad are Christian. The main thing is that none of our family is extremely religious, so we follow holidays, and sometimes go to a church or a mosque. And that’s the time that I personally feel both cultures, because when it’s Christmas, I spend a ton of time with like my grandparents and all of that. And my grandparents join in on our holidays. I feel like the religions kind of intertwine.

Sophia Hyver SENIOR

I’m Catholic. Religion kind of is the grounding in my life. [Religion] is a process. For me, at least, that’s what I believe. It’s a process, there’s moments where you feel like, “Oh, I don’t even know if I believe in God.” Why, why did this happen to me, if God loves you so much, why would these bad things happen? But those are the tests, the character tests, the tests of your faith and whether or not you’re going to be strong enough to push through. Faith is never going to be 100 percent solidified for me. I think there’s just a negative vibe towards being religious, period.

So I think that makes it harder to be Catholic and to stand up and say, “I am religious” and be proud of it, because it’s looked down upon. I mean, most of my friends are atheists. FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes) was sort of a big step for me. But I think it really deepened my faith because, for me, there’s no more I’m Catholic on Sundays but then not during the week at school. I’m Catholic all the time and now it’s really evident with FCA on campus. I think I am stronger because I have to be more public about it and I have to kind of be a little more out there.

Towards other beliefs, I’m so accepting. I think some people do this thing where “I’m right, you’re wrong.” People like things in black and white, and I think religion is a gray area. Of course everyone believes that their religion is the right one, and I understand and respect that, but I’m not sure that there’s one right answer to every question.

50

SOPHOMORE

31

How would you describe the importance of religion/ faith/lack thereof in your everday life?

38% 34.6%

1

1

Is Religious

Methodist

Believes in God

Presbyterian

Mormon /LSD

Seventh-Day Adventist

Buddhist

Christian

no

32.4%

3 1

Do you observe religiously associated holidays/traditions not affiliated with your own beliefs, religious or otherwise?

no

18%

6

1

SENIOR

(204 polled)

(205 polled)

6

Meghan McDermott

My four-person family — my mom, my dad, my brother and I — is not that religious. But my grandmother lived in a temple at one time, and still visits often. And even though we are all Buddhist, our views on the religion can vary from person to person. My grandmother believes in a lot of things that I don’t. Like reincarnation...She has a lot of strict practices. But for my four-person family, we only meditate for introspection and mental health benefits. And we say prayers, not as worships, but just to express gratitude. A lot of my values come from philosophies of Buddhism. While I try to be unbiased about my opinions, it’s inevitable [that religion] will affect me, at least a bit. I think religion is a set of beliefs that can’t necessarily be legitimately proven to be true but can also contain philosophies on how you can live your life. It also seems to me that it is not necessarily the religion that defines your values, but what you take from it. As I have seen, people following the same religion can be quite different, and people following different religions can be similar as well.

Anson Nguyen

Atheist

Amy Spruill

yes

9.2%

extremely important

67.6%

important

somewhat important

not at all important

The Talon October 1, 2013

This Side of Luna

Jack keeps thinking out of the box DANIEL ROSENBAUM Staff Writer

By Perla Luna

All things all at once Let me tell you a little something about junior year: it happens all at once.

One minute you’re enjoying your new position as an upperclassman, flaunting knowledge of how to go out to lunch and make it back to school on time and the next you’re cramming during brunch for that science quiz you had forgotten about.

Not to mention all the homework, the extracurriculars, the SATs and the dormant monster that is college applications still to be done.

It’s especially difficult for someone like me who is prone to procrastination to protect my fragile, fragile feelings. I can’t buckle down and contemplate the consequences of earth’s temperature rising by one degree when I am one degree away from having a fit. I tell myself that when I do manage to finish everything that that feeling of accomplishment will be well worth it but then I remember my night is not done. Somehow I still have to memorize words like “obstreperous” that have more letters in them than meaning.

I can’t be the only who cringes when someone starts talking about anything that’s more than one month away. It’s plain scary knowing that soon enough I’ll have to decide what I’m going to do for the next four years of my life. I can’t make decisions of that caliber. I can’t even commit to a lunch spot, let alone a college. All I can really do is let out a sigh and remind myself that this was once the future and hey, I survived.

Yet all those sighs take their toll on you eventually. Some of us might not be as upfront about it as others but sometimes we do feel like if we even breathe wrong, the house of cards that we’ve painstakingly labored over will come tumbling down. All the heavy workload and the little payoff makes us sluggish and unhappy. It makes us want to give up because, well, if we’re not going to get into Stanford then why even bother right? It’s all very disheartening, especially for those of us who feel like that even at our best, we couldn’t get into a top school.

Despite the overwhelming nature of it all, I can’t help but admit that like people who find enjoyment in roller coasters, I revel in it. I’ve never been one to be idle. If I don’t have something to do, I’ll find something to do, whether it’s obsessively cleaning or attempting arts and crafts. For all the anxiety and redness it causes, I love those busy moments and the feeling of self-actualization afterward.

I just wish I didn’t feel like school was a high-stakes poker game.

Most students know him as the man behind the library desk, handing out Chromebooks and checking out books with a smile.

But very few know he was a former Talon advisor or the Freestyle coordinator or an English teacher here at the school. He is a world traveler, an advertising specialist and a man who strives to do his very best for the students here.

Gordon Jack is not just your average librarian.

He joined the school last year as a librarian, but he has done much more than organize books on shelves and silence loud students.

“I try to think about how you

directly help students who can count on Jack being there, working to support and provide whatever he can. As the newest Tireless Teacher Award winner, Jack has helped students become more aware of the resources they can use as well as giving them new resources to work with.

“A lot of my framework for teaching comes from advertising,” Jack said. “What I was trying to do as an English teacher at Los Altos… was sell [students] the book to get them excited about either reading the book or writing the paper.”

He got this advertising affinity from his first job at Grey Advertising after graduating Claremont McKenna College. Later

TALON FILE PHOTO

Librarian Gordon Jack shows how to use the green screen in the library to film professional videos for school projects. Using his experiences in advertising and Freestyle, Jack has been working hard to develop new ways to incorporate technology into the library. can make the library be more than just a space [where] people use the computers or look for a book but that it can actually offer them some other things,” Jack said. “[The library] could actually help people with schoolwork, whether that is green screen or a large printer.”

He has utilized past experiences to develop the library in ways that

he relocated to San Francisco, continuing his work participating in projects creating ads for companies such as Safeway and Bank of America.

Yet Jack was not satisfied, so he quit his advertising job and decided to travel to Spain. He chose Spain because it was hosting the 1992 Summer Olympic Games, where he figured there would

have to be a job opportunity. Although the Olympics provided no help, Jack found an international school located in Granada, Spain, where he would teach for two years. This was not Jack’s first time travelling, as he had previously studied abroad in high school and college to Mexico and Argentina, respectively.

“Spain was the most dramatic [trip] because… I went just by myself and it was the first time I had to make a life all by myself,” Jack said. “I didn’t know Spanish all that well and I didn’t know anyone in Granada and I had to figure that out by myself. [That experience] more than any other tested me and shaped me just because it was the most challenging.”

While in Spain, he was accepted by Stanford for a teaching degree and returned to Palo Alto, the town of his former high school, to enroll. Once back in the Bay Area, Jack found a job in 1994 as an English teacher at the school. Since then, he has been the teaching instructor for new teachers for the district and the advisor for The Talon.

After a brief break from teaching in the MVLA District, Jack returned in 2002 to found and direct the Freestyle program for the district with the superintendent at the time, Rich Fisher. He lead the program by creating the curriculum and finding appropriate teachers for the material.

His background in assisting new teachers assimilate helped him survey and select the most qualified candidates, and also allowed him to develop an effective use of the multimedia in the program.

However, he has taken a step back from teaching in order to spend more time with his family, particularly his young son, and now fills the librarian position. The events in his life have now enabled him to develop the library as much as possible.

TALON FILE PHOTO

Having previously worked at the school as an English teacher, librarian Gordon Jack utilizes his experiences as a teacher to fufill his current position. He also began the Freestyle program for the MVLA district.

Along with helping students make their projects more professional, he has made other resources in the library, such as the databases or the library’s website, more usable and easier to access. Jack is also capable of connecting with students in a much different way compared to when he was a teacher.

“Because this isn’t a classroom in the traditional sense you get to know students in a way that you wouldn’t in the classroom where the desks are in rows and there is an organization for that learning environment,” Jack said. “Here it is a little looser and you get to know students in a different way which is great.”

Jack hopes to continue working in the library as the position allows him to remain an active part of the education and English learning system. “[In the future], I hope the library will become a place where the relationships [between students and staff ] will become a lot closer than any classrooms,” Jack said.

James Gibbs: man behind the curtains JOEY MALGESINI JOHN NAUMOVSKI Senior Writers

Although all the credit for a theater performance tends to go to the main actors and actresses, the man behind the curtain is just as vital to the show’s success.

In the case of the Eagle Theatre, this man is James Gibbs. For the past 10 years, Gibbs has worked as theater manager, overseeing the logistics of countless shows.

“I hang and focus lights for each performance,” Gibbs said.

“I adjust the sound levels, set up and clean up for every event in the theatre, order supplies and equipment, try to accommodate each and every demand for the theatre space, sell the tickets in the box office during the events and often supervise and train the Broken Box Theatre Technicians. I problem solve a lot.”

However, this job is not Gibb’s first involvement with the school. He attended the school in the 80’s, participating both as a “techie” and an actor.

“During my junior and senior years, I was the president of the Acting Club,” Gibbs said.

“In fact, it was during my junior year that Mr. Messner and I graced the stage together and performed in ‘The Crucible.’”

Gibbs joined the Main Street

Singers during his senior year, and after graduating Chico State with a minor in Theatre Arts and Philosophy, continued to sing and act in a community theatre. He was involved in multiple performances, including an eight week production of “A Chorus Line.”

After college, Gibbs was employed in various social service agencies in Human Resource positions, and also worked for United Airlines. Once United Airlines filed bankruptcy, Gibbs returned to his hometown of Los Altos. He applied for a Human Resources position within the MVLA school district only to find that the position had already been taken. He was, however, offered a job as the Theatre Manager at the newly built Eagle theatre.

“After some convincing, I accepted the position and developed the [theatre] rental program that MVHS and LAHS follow today,” Gibbs said. “For the most part, I have enjoyed the variety of performances and

NOY ANISMAN

activities that have been held in has yet to call in sick during his enthe theatre.” tire 10 years working at the school.

Despite his love for theatre, “There is always something hapeven Gibbs occasionally strug- pening in the theatre and there is gles with the job’s demanding always a need,” Gibbs said. “One of hours. Productions the most challenging and theatre use reaspects occurs when quire him to work someone or a group mornings, days, All too often feels they are entitled nights and even Sat- though, I am to use the theatre urdays. when it has already required to “ U n f o r t u n a t e l y, been rented out.” there are only so sacrifice my He plays a large many days in the personal time part in every producyear and not every- to accomodate tion through his role one will be able to the needs of as Theatre Manager. use the theatre,” When there is not a others. That Gibbs said. “But I do production going on, my best to accom- may be the bigGibbs is sorting out modate every need gest challenge: the theatre’s rental and every request. having a life. schedule, painting All too often though, the stage, giving in— Theater manager I am required to sacformation to aspirJames Gibbs rifice my personal ing student actors or time to accommoworking with a dedate the needs of others. That partment and trying to accommomay be the biggest challenge: date its needs. having a life.”

If students wish to rent the Despite the many hours, Gibbs theatre, they must talk to Gibbs.

The Talon October 1, 2013

Introduction: new clubs of 2013-14 SOFIA GUO Staff Writer

This school year boasts one of the most diverse sets of clubs on campus. Club Day, held on September 11, had more than 50 clubs set out their passions in the quad at lunch, many of which are new.

Here are just a few new clubs waiting to be discovered.

Make a Birthday Wish President sophomore Lauren Lunsford (right) is a new student ambassador for the non-profit organization Make A Birthday Wish.

The organization throws birthday parties once a month for children in homeless shelters around the Bay Area, providing individual gifts, food and cake, with specialized party theme and decor. “[Parties are held at] the shelter... it’s usually on a Friday afternoon so that way we don’t cut into [the childrens’] weekends,” Lauren said. “Here at Los Altos, we are in charge of a [specific] month’s birthdays for one specific shelter. We are going to fundraise toys, so we’re thinking of a toy drive to get toys...we might have a donation box set up somewhere.”

The objective is to give children who may not have the resources to hold a birthday party a chance to feel just as special and loved as kids who have personal parties every year.

“I was shopping for one of the parties the other day and a little boy was like, ‘I want new shoes so I can fit in at school’...and this girl for her 16th birthday said, ‘For my sweet 16, I’d like five movie tickets so I can take my friends out to a movie,’” Lauren said.

“Here in Los Altos, [teens] get cars.”

A roster of the childrens’ names who have birthdays during the assigned month are used to help club members find a theme, pick out presents and plan party activities one or two months prior to the day of the party.

Club activities include after-school or weekend shopping trips, along with regular meetings during school every week or every other week; Lauren is setting up a system to log these hours as community service hours. Local businesses such as bakeries, restaurants and party supply stores pitch in, and families of the children come to celebrate with everyone.

“Whatever you put into it is what you get out,” Lauren said. “I’m [hoping for] a strong team to help me out [this year].”

The club meets every other Friday at lunch in room 404.

Club for Gender Equality President sophomore Julia Khan (right) founded Club for Gender Equality aimed at helping students clarify and examine the gender stereotypes existing today.

“Our main goal is to educate students about issues... that teenagers don’t really care about that much, like rape culture,” Julia said. “That’s really prevalent in high schools and especially at the college level, and we need to make sure that students know not only what it is but how to combat it.”

Julia stresses that the club is about bringing all genders, not just one, to equal light.

“We’re going to work on the

Science and Engineering Team

Photography Club

Imagine participating in science and engineering competitions since you were five.

President sophomore Paul Dennig (bottom right) has and now wants to spread his enthusiasm about the highly competitive Synopsys Silicon Valley Science and Technology Championship and the California State Science Fair to other aspiring scientists at school.

“I started my club because I am a really nerdy science fair participant, and I do it every year, and its really fun,” Paul said. “I have a great time and...[there are] a lot of quirky little science fair related things that are really fun, and I want to share them with other people.”

The Synopsys Championship has two rounds of competition, one at county level and one at state. Many Bay Area students participate and the process of judging and awarding is very selective, but Paul has beat the odds, winning repeatedly at this fair and others.

“Kindergarten through sixth grade, I did the science-o-rama at Springer [elementary school], and from sixth to [ninth grade] I did Synopsys [Championship],” Paul said.

“I’m doing Synopsys this year, and I also went to state [championships for Synopsys] from sixth through ninth [grade].”

Club members meet the first Monday of every month in room 707 at lunch, where they participate in multiple hands-on activities like 3-D printing and flying quadrocopters. Members can decide if they want to try entering the country science fairs to win recognition and cash prizes. Science fair participants must manage their own time with commitments of half an hour a day to a couple hours for one weekend, while non-science fair participants spend approximately 45 minutes or more a month for club-related activities.

“The minute you say science fair project, people are like ‘Oh my god, that’s a lot of work,’” Paul said. “But maybe through my club, they can still have some fun science related things and maybe they’ll change their mind later when they realize that [a science fair project is] actually not that much work.”

Anyone who has a background in science fairs is strongly encouraged to join, as well as those who just want to learn more about science.

The photography club created by President junior Brandon Hong (right) and Web President junior Ian Mackey is the place to go for photo enthusiasts.

“I decided to join Photo Club...because I myself am into photography and taking digital photos,” said junior Andy Kang. “Why not express [my photography] into some other outlet?”

The club hopes to share their skills and artwork in collaboration with the other student organizations on campus through events such as setting up a photobooth at school dances.

“Members will be able to put their

PHOTOS BY PARMIS TAIDY AND BRANDON HONG

stereotypes that hurt men and the stereotypes that hurt women,” Julia said. “People don’t realize that feminism is about protecting all genders... the same stereotype that encourages women to be feminine while demonizing femininity encourages men not to show emotion, which hurts everybody, and that’s what we’re trying to change.”

Major events planned include an “I Need Feminism” campaign (similar to the one held by Cam-

Freewheelers Does the smell of fresh rubber, silence of brakes and smooth glide of wheels make you happy? If so, join the Freewheelers club founded by Presidents sophomore Nick Weymss and junior Jackson Houdek (right and left respectively). “[We] promote biking and [other activities]...such as trail building and maintaining bikes for people so they can learn how to work on the bikes themselves that are both community service and directly backs our sport,” Nick said. “When we meet [at lunch in room 720], we will mostly be going over basic mechanical things like how to fix a flat tire and how to keep your bike running and also planning and talking about when we’re go-

Pink Dot Organization If you are applying for your driver’s license, consider checking the box to be a potential organ donor.

Co-presidents sophomores Allegra Maeso and Alice Dai (left and right respectively) founded the Pink Dot Organi- zation, a name inspired by the pink dot on your driver’s license placed to indicate you are a potential donor.

Their mission is to spread student aware-

bridge University), a partnership with local non-profit Girls Innovate and producing a short film with the help of some film crews, producers, English teacher Susana Herrera and librarian Gordon Jack.

The club meets every few weeks on Wednesdays in room 207 at lunch, and members should expect to spend at least 15 minutes a week on club related activities.

Anyone is welcome to join.

photos up for display on the [club’s website] and maybe even have them published by other publications, possibly the Talon or the Los Altos Town Crier,” Andy said.

Other activities include trips to art museums and exhibitions, which depend on whether the club can fundraise enough to cover expenses.

Ideas for fundraising include photographing high school events such as football games and selling the digital rights of their photos to parents who want them.

The club meets every Monday at lunch in room 714, and the website featuring members’ photos is: lahsphotoclub.smugmug.com. All students are encouraged to join; no prior experience or knowledge of photography is necessary. ing to meet for...out of school activities.”

Members should expect a few hours per month of time commitment due to activities like restoring, building and repairing bike trails in coalition with the non-profit organization Responsible Organized Mountain Pedalers. This organization takes care of trails in San Mateo and Santa Clara County communities, along with other trails ranging from those in Santa Cruz to Pacifica.

Overall, most of the work involved will be very hands-on and include much more than just trail building and bike tinkering.

“All that [Jackson and I] require students who are interested are to have an open mind and a drive to learn,” Nick said. “I will do most the mechanical teaching, including starting from scratch with students who have no background abilities. Prior knowledge is not necessary but always welcome. We encourage all students who want to learn and meet people with the same interests to join.” ness about organ donations and supporting patients who need them. “[Alice and I] just want to inform people,” Allegra said. “People...[are] like ‘Wait, you want us to donate an organ?’ It’s [actually] ‘No, we just want to spread awareness about it.’”

Plans for the club include traveling to other schools to present information about organ donation statistics and issues, learning more about the process of how organ donations are done and coordinating bake sales or other fundraisers to raise money for organ donation charities in the future.

“Anybody can join,” Allegra said. “We love looking for new members...[for] people to join.”

The club meets Wednesdays at lunch in room 703.

The Talon October 1, 2013

Catch reviews of new movies, music and more, plus read the entertainment archives at lahstalon.org/entertainment

JONATHAN SCHER Staff Writer

In today’s music industry, the competition between artists striving to receive a record label is increasing. With a growing movement towards electronic music, DJ artists are in one of the most competitive branches of the music industry.

House music is one such form of electronic music. It combines aspects of a softer dubstep with original vocals, while also incorporating snippets from other songs. With talented and popular DJ’s such as Daft Punk and Steve Aoki, house music proved to be a hit genre in the early 2000’s. For many DJ’s during this period, achieving international acclaim was very difficult.

Avicii, named after the bottom-most hell in Buddhism, (with an extra “i” because “Avici” wasn’t available on MySpace), produces house music in which he incorporates singing and words from other songs, remixes them and adds consistency so that the songs sound natural when played along with his beats. Because of this, Avicii is able to awe audiences again and again with his catchy vocals and unbelievably awesome bass drops.

Despite being only 18 years old at

the time, Avicii instantly became an international hit with songs like “Seek Bromance,” “My Feelings For You” and “Fade Into the Darkness,” which all incorporate catchy vocals and the signature steady rhythm of Avicii’s house music. These three songs kick-started his career, providing him with an EMI Publishing record label. Avicii officially became a major label artist by the time he was 20.

Avicii’s “melodic big house” type of house music is evident in his song “Levels,” where he synthesizes a cleverly distinct dubstep-like beat throughout the song. Around the midpoint of the song, he takes a vocal sample from the 1962 gospel-inspired “Something’s Got a Hold on Me” by Etta James and mixes it in to create a change in tempo.

His hit song, “Wake Me Up” from his new album “TRUE,” which was released on September 17, marked a departure from his style of pump-up, bass-heavy melodies. In this song, Avicii masterfully combines vocals from Aloe Blacc, a soul artist, with house music, incorporating dance-worthy drops at perfect moments. This song has many highs and lows regarding tempo and volume.

Avicii’s masterful assimilation of seemingly contradictory instruments distinguishes him as a masterful manipulator of the ears; he’s certainly an artist you’ll want to watch out for, because he’ll be topping charts for years to come.

SHAWN TRON

Swedish DJ Avicii smiles to the crowd after delivering an exhilarating performance.

Avicii has recently released his newest studio album, TRUE.

An ingenious blend of house music and dubstep synths comes together to create the unique and distinguished sound that defines Avicii’s iconoclastic, trail-blazing style.

Grand Theft Auto V: a masterpiece SAM LISBONNE Senior Writer

Grand Theft Auto (GTA) V

Action/Adventure

Rockstar Games Playstation 3 | Xbox 360 ESRB Rating: M (Mature)

★★★★★

The Review

The launch of Grand Theft Auto V (GTA V) has come at the end of a console generation spanning over eight years. Consequently, Rockstar’s latest title feels like an allencompassing recap of everything players have loved about the last era in gaming. From bank heists to car thefts and smuggling jobs, the game lives up to high expectations of crime, while introducing enough alternative content to last hundreds of hours. Be prepared to sink a lot of time into this one.

GTA V differs from previous titles in that there are three protagonists, though it’s hard to think of them that way. Franklin the car thief, Michael the retired con man and Trevor the full-time criminal are each despicable in their own right, and together they set a dark

tone for the game. This trio lives in Los Santos and the surrounding San Andreas area, a parody of modern day Los Angeles. The game itself is a satirical and cynical commentary on a post-recession America, and GTA V nails both the humor and realistic nature of such an environment. The city of Los Santos feels alive, from swearing pedestrians diving out of the way as cars race by, to billboards advertising fake items based on those in today’s America. Most of the time I spent in the game was merely in free roam, admiring the intricate details woven into each asset of Los Santos. Car dealerships, gun ranges, landing strips and other properties can be purchased and function as additional activities in their own right. There is even a function on the in-game cell phone to take “selfies.”

While the setting itself provides ample character and substance, the game looks gorgeous and feels vastly improved over 2008’s GTA IV. Shooting mechanics feel smoother and more natural, and driving has an incredibly tangible grip which makes even a short commute to the ammo store an

adventure (wipeout included).

The best part of GTA V, however, is the high quality and quantity of content. From side activities like yoga and golf to scuba diving and piloting military jets, GTA V constantly introduces fresh activities while letting all players reach them at their own pace. There are innumerable ways to invest time into Los Santos, not even includ-

ing the online portion of the game, which releases on October 1. The missions themselves are high-octane heists and shootouts, which take full advantage of the three playable characters to diversify the combat. Each member of the trio serves his own function, and becoming familiar with their specialities makes what would otherwise feel like overexaggerated

stunts seem conceivable and just plain awesome.

One minor issue stood out, if only because the rest of the game feels like such a complete, tight package. The tone oscillates wildly between realistic and overtly violent. One minute Franklin engages in a massive shootout with gangs, and the next he is sitting down for a haircut. The quick transitions in tone pull the player out of an otherwise incredibly realistic experience. This issue can easily be overlooked, however, because each activity is so solid in the first place. After a while, this contradiction simply fades into the background.

The Verdict

REBECCA DESHETLER

Grand Theft Auto V allows to player to assume the role of a felon at large. While the violence is grotesque at times, the game itself is all around fantastic. Grand Theft Auto V is playable on both Playstation 3 and Xbox 360.

Grand Theft Auto V offers incredible content, from massive jewel heists to triathlons and street races. Not only does Los Santos incentivise players to return time and time again, it does so with flair, humor and a substantial message about the materialism of society.

Just be prepared — violence and vulgarity are aplenty. Somehow, however, GTA V manages to make that a part of its charm.

The Talon October 1, 2013

JAMES SUN Staff Writer

The Software Showdown: Android Prevails Messages

iOS employs a conversation-type text messaging app and uses an iOS specific messaging platform: iMessage, which functions much like BBM did for Blackberry phones

Notifications

iOS aggregates notifications in “Notification Center,” which can be accessed by swiping down from any screen.

Home screen

The iOS homescreen displays applications in a cartoon-like style, allowing for fairly limited customization.

On September 18, the new iOS 7 for iPhone, iPad and iPod was released.

With more than 200 new features, the new software “[is] the most significant change that [Apple] has made to the user interface since the introduction of the very first iOS,” Apple Senior Vice President Jony Ive said.

The new iteration of iOS is mostly a visual overhaul, changing application icon design for the first time since iOS’s introduction to the market in 2007 and streamlining overall aesthetics all throughout the software. The keyboard is different, the apps themselves are different; there isn’t a corner of the new software that Apple hasn’t touched. Apple puts forward that this new design is meant to give the new user experience a more “layered” feel, making use of Apple products more cohesive and collected.

Additionally, the new software engine helps take advantage of the (arguably overbearing) horsepower of the iPhone 5 and 5S, both equipped with multi-core processors and desktop-level graphics processors. This makes the experience using these phones exponentially more fluid than using them with iOS 6 or any other antecedents of the current software, reducing lag and framing dramatically. iOS’s collection of new features, though, doesn’t outdo its primary competition: Android, by Google.

Android is a different operating system designed by Google that works on a huge range of phones. iOS may be user friendly, but only works on Apple phones. This is mainly because Android is an open-source software, which means anyone in the world can access and put the software onto their devices, so long as they credit Google. This means that any mobile phone company can stick Android on their phones. iOS is not open source, and therefore only works on Apple products.

What Apple calls “innovation,” though, may just be imitation. The new iOS shares incredible aesthetic similarities to Android, like an almost identical

lock screen.

Also, the iOS multitasking screen has an eerie likeness to the Android system. In both systems, the applications are shown through a card-style freeze screen, while their icons are displayed below the screen.

Along with having many similar features to the Android operating system, the iOS operating system also lacks in many aspects where the Android system is strong, making iOS 7 inferior to the Android system.

In iOS 7, the screen can only display a maximum of one application at a time, whereas the Android software allows the phone to split the screen between two different applications.

This added functionality allows for better multitasking when working on a phone.

Android software also allows for easier file sharing. The iOS 7 software limits the files one can send to only photos and videos directly from the email application.

Although one can use Airdrop to send files to nearby iPhones, it can only work with other iPhones and is not compatible with phones that do not run iOS 7. On the other hand, for Android phones, one can send anything from photos to Word documents using many different third party applications.

Additionally, iOS 7 software limits the applications that one can download on one’s phone. The application store is the only way that one can legally install new software on your phone, while the Android system allows third party software to install on your phone. Although jailbreaking, the process of removing the limitations on the iOS through the use of software exploits, allows you to download third party software, it is illegal in some countries and voids your warranty.

Even with all of the new features in iOS 7, it is clear that the Android system is still superior to that of Apple’s because of the fewer restrictions that the Android system imposes on the phone user. In many ways, iOS 7 takes designs from the Android system and implements them within the iPhone.

Jellybean

Messages

Like iOS, Android displays messages in a conversation fashion. Something Android offers that iOS doesn’t is the option to download 3rd party keyboards, like Swipe.

Notifications

Android offers the ability to change settings in its version of Notification Center, and also allows you to quickly search Google.

Home Screen

Android’s homescreen, like iOS, displays applications in a grid-format.

Unlike iOS, Android allows the user to customize the homscreen with widgets, like a search bar.

Asian Box serves up style, great food

extraordinarily fresh. There is a The service is very friendly and lot of variety, with five different precise. As soon as you open the choices of meat, steamed or wok door, the staff greets you by harstirred vegetables, upwards of moniously shouting, “Welcome Asian Box 13 additional toppers and a va- to the Box!” The ordering process Southeast Asian fast food riety of sauces to finish off the is very simple and the employees 142 Castro St. box. The five different kinds of are very accommodating and inMountain View, CA meats are chicken, beef, pork, formative. They refuse to take tips ★★★★ shrimp, and tofu. Each meat is and say that good service is an abLocated on Castro Street in seasoned differently and they all solute must.

Most people eating Asian Box downtown Mountain View, Asian bring exciting f lavors. The additional toppers include take it to go, but the restaurant Box provides Asian-fuF O OD jalapeno, bean sprouts, does have tables for indoor and sion food with a bright outdoor seating. and friendly atmosphere. R E V I E W chopped peanuts and fresh The service always There are multiple Asian herbs, among checks in on the Box restaurants in the Bay customer and tries Area, with the second closest to others. Along with The service is to make the experischool being located in the Town these meat choices, very friendly ence as enjoyable as & Country Village in Palo Alto. there are also specials possible.

Overall, Asian Box is a quick and such as short ribs in- and precise...

The food is somesolid addition to the surrounding stead of the usual The ordering meat choices. In ad- process is very what pricey, and food scene. at the portions are Asian Box operates much like dition to the conven- simple. a little small. Apart Chipotle. You choose your rice, tional boxes, there are from this, Asian Box meat, toppers and sauce. The also various sides to food is prepared right in front choose from, such as tofu spring is a great place to go if you need quality food in a pinch. of you and everything tastes rolls and noodle salad.

CHASE ELLER Senior Writer

PARMIS TAIDY

Asian Box, situated on Castro Street in Mountain View, offers Asian fast food with indelible service and a friendly atmosphere. Asian Box is a great place to visit for quality food when a leisurely meal is not necessarily an option.

The Talon October 1, 2013

The Toronto Film Festival One of the world’s most prolific film festivals returns with innovative debuts.

What were some of the movies and who will they appeal to? Read on to find out.

KEVIN YEN WILLIAM JOW Staff Writers

Amid the gazes of thousands of spectators, film stars from around the globe greet the entrance to one of the world’s most prestigious film festivals.

This year, the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) premiered at its

ensues. “The Fifth Estate” will appeal to techies, teens, adults and fans ofWZAWw Cumberbatch. It is set to release on October 18.

Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom

BENSON KUA

“Mandela: Long Walk Above is a sprawling view of Toronto, Canada, home to one of the most prestigious to Freedom” is a biogra- film festivals in history. Stars, directors, movie critics and connoisseurs alike gathered phy of Nelson Mandela, together in Toronto to view new movies in advance. detailing his events starting with his childhood space after their shuttle is destroyed is made evident in her film. “Abuse of in a rural village to his beyond repair by satellite debris. With- Weakness” is akin to Claire Denis’s “The rise to power as the first out communication or any means of Intruder” as it shows the body turning democratically elected outside help, Kowalsky and Stone are against itself. Written and directed by president of South Africa. forced to work together in deep dark Breillat, featuring Isabelle Huppert as Written by William Nich- space in order to survive. Directed by Schoenberg and Kool Shen as Piran. olson and directed by Jus- Alfonso Cuaron, “Gravity” stars Sandra tin Chadwick, this film Bullock as Dr. Ryan Stone and George Blind Detective Detective Johnston Chong See Tun was stars Idris Elba as Man- Clooney as Matt Kowalsky. “Gravity” is dela and Naomie Harris scheduled to be released on October 4. forced to retire from service after being blinded on duty. Making a living by solvas Mandela’s wife. As a biing cold cases, he meets hit team inspector ographical drama, anyone Rush “Rush” is an biographical sports Goldie Ho Ka Tung who is troubled because who has enjoyed Steven Spielberg’s “Lincoln” will drama that centers around the 1976 ri- a childhood friend went missing after Tung LIONSGATE likely find “Mandela: Long valry between two professional racecar refused to go out with her a decade earlier.

War-ravaged British soldiers toil under the yoke of their drivers, James Hunt and Niki Lauda. Ho notices Chong’s acute sense of hearing Japanese captors in the WWII-themed tale, “The Railway Man.” Walk to Freedom” just as Hunt is a rash British playboy, while and smell, and invites him to help her solve entertaining.

“Mandela: “The Railway Man” is set to be released in December.

Long Walk to Freedom” is Lauda, who hails from Australia, is the case of her missing friend. “Blind Decool and calculating. Although they tective” is a romantic comedy directed by Toronto headquarters on September set to release on November 29. were, at one point, room- Johnnie To, starring Andy Lau as Chong 5, highlighting 38 years of celebrating mates and friends, the two and Sammi Cheng as Ho. a mixed international array of films.

The Railway Man become main competitors During the 10 day viewing from SepIn this real-life based war with each trying to best tember 5-15, many fledgling actors and film on Eric Lomax’s autobi- This year, TIFF the other for the ultimate actresses were given the chance to be ography “The Railway Man,” premiered at Formula 1 World Champirecognized for their role in a breakEric Lomax, a lieutenant in its Toronto onship. “Rush” stars Chris through performance. the British Army, is captured Hemsworth as James Hunt However, it hasn’t always been this by the Japanese during WWII headquarters... and Daniel Bruhl as Niki way. Back in 1976, the TIFF started as and is forced to build the celebrating a Lauda. Its release date is “the best of the best,” featuring award Burma-Siam Railroad. Dur- mixed array of September 27. winning films from other festivals. The ing this time, he is tortured international TIFF has since propelled into one of by a Japanese officer after befilms.

Abuse of Weakness North America’s foremost film festivals. ing discovered with a hidden “Abuse of Weakness” With past successes for its People’s radio. When released from is the film adaptation of Choice Awards such as “Slumdog Milcaptivity, memories of the war, especially lionaire,” “The King’s Speech” and “Silof torture, still haunt him. Half a century Catherine Breillat’s autobiography of ver Linings Playbook,” the Toronto Film later, an elderly Lomax is still quite shaken the same name. It begins in 2004, when Festival is recognized by his past. When Lomax discovers that Maude Schoenberg (Breillat’s characas second only to the his tormentor is still alive, he takes the op- ter) suffered a stroke, then details her Cannes Film Festival in portunity for a face to face encounter that relationship with conman Vilko Piran The Toronto terms of influence and changes his life. Directed by Jonathan (Christophe Rocancourt’s character) a Film Festival UNIVERSAL PICTURES significance.

Teplitzky, “The Railway Man,” starring few years after. The film explores the is recognized Colin Firth as Lomax, is scheduled to be peculiarity of the self; no one knows Cars line up at the beginning of a race in the The Fifth Estate released to the public in December 2013. why Breillat kept writing checks to Ro- new fast-paced thriller, “Rush.” “Rush” was as second only Among one of the “The Railway Man” will appeal more to cancourt and neither does she, which released September 27. to the Cannes film festival’s most conhistory enthusiasts.

Film Festival troversial premieres in terms of is Bill Condon’s “The 12 Years a Slave Fifth Estate” which Another notable film debut is Steve influence. stars English actor McQueen’s “12 Years a Slave.” It is based Benedict Cumberbatch on an 1853 autobiography following the as Julian Assange, founder of notorilife of Solomon Northup. In 1841, Norous website WikiLeaks. “The Fifth thup, a free black man, was kidnapped in Estate” is a drama thriller film based Washington, D.C. and sold into slavery. on “Inside WikiLeaks: My Time with For 12 long years, he was forced to work Julian Assange and the World’s Most on a Louisiana plantation before finally Dangerous Website” by Daniel Dombeing released. This film stars Chiwetel scheit-Berg. The film focuses on AsEjiofor as Northup, Brad Pitt and Benesange’s partnership with Domscheitdict Cumberbatch. “Django Unchained” Berg which results in a platform that fans will enjoy “12 Years a Slave,” which is allows whistleblowers to anonymously scheduled for an October 18 release. publish government secrets. Naturally, WikiLeaks gains access to many highly Gravity sensitive documents. However, when “Gravity” is a science-fiction thriller WARNER BROS STUDIO Assange and Domscheit-Berg begin about an experienced astronaut, Matt Sandra Bullock tries to cling to the final remains of her tattered spaceship in the sci-fi to quarrel over a set of particularly Kowalsky and a medical engineer, Dr. thriller, “Gravity.” “Gravity” is set to be released on October 4 and advance reviews have controversial information, a fallout Ryan Stone, who become stranded in already been released.

The Talon October 1, 2013

Beats by Barreira

“It’s All Good” serves up delicious meals with a side of pretension

some meat, fish, vegetables, grains, drinks, a kid’s menu, desserts and “basic recipes” (mostly sauces). Throughout “It’s All Good” the book, the recipes are labeled Gwyneth Paltrow, April 2013 to indicate whether they are ★★★ vegan, protein-packed or part of the elimination diet. Above With the growing trend of anything else, this book focusgluten-free diets, Gwyneth Pal- es on elimination diet recipes, trow’s second cookbook “It’s meaning foods like potatoes, toAll Good” couldn’t have been matoes, bell peppers and many published at a more convenient other nightshades (a gamut of time. Whatever your reasons for fruits and vegetables) should excluding gluten from your diet, be avoided due to their high althis is the latest and greatest kaloid levels that may result in cookbook for your kitchen. nerve damage and joint pain.

Paltrow’s inspiration for this While Paltrow and Turshen inbook came after experiencing a dicate that many of the recipes debilitating migraine coupled are intended to be gluten free, with a panic atthere is still a pretty tack in the spring substantial use of of 2011, later findgluten-containing ing out she had a Questionable ingredients such as benign cyst on her “recipes” aside, soy sauce, fish sauce, ovary and a nodule the inclusion miso paste and even on her parathyroid. spelt flour.

After surgery, her of good dishes Another downdoctor instructed based on good side to the book her to start a strict ingredients makes is its sporadic use elimination diet, for a laudable of eclectic ingreavoiding dairy, soy, dients. Not to say publication. gluten, alcohol, rethat a variety of fined sugars, coffee ingredients is a and many more foods. The diet bad thing, but when they show was effective, and since recovery up in the cookbook only one to Paltrow has strived to adhere to three times, it’s not worth the this diet, of course indulging on effort. They basically expect you occasion. to keep your pantry stocked with Continuing the trend from her things like harissa and xylitol first publication, “My Father’s (which if you know what those Daughter,” Paltrow teamed up with are tell your friends; they might her friend and food writer Julia Tur- think you’re cool). shen, only this time as her co-author Additionally, many of the things rather than her assistant. written in the book explain the The book is divided into sec- origin of the recipes or why certain tions for breakfasts, salads and ingredients are unbelievably pesdressings, soups, poultry and tiferous. Whether it’s that striped

ALEX CORTINAS Senior Writer

By Alex Barreira

Spotlight: Animal Collective’s “Feels” We all occupy a special place when we are children. It’s a land of largeness and bliss, ignorance to life and death and how complex the world really is. Discovery and innocence are the driving motifs of this fleeting time. We outgrow our outbursts, and like it or not, curb our perceptions to the will of what’s real and probable. But even if we don’t fully understand it, there’s time left for beauty to be found and felt.

With its 2005 record “Feels,” Animal Collective brings us back to the messiness, exuberance and brilliant earnestness of childhood.

“Feels” begins with the sound of children’s laughter, as “Did You See the Words?” tumbles forward with bursts of instrumentation and happy yells.

Lead-singer Avey Tare sings in a yelpy, exclamatory way that feels natural and totally unaware — it’s just as possible he’s talking to the audience as he is himself, in the unguarded way we express ourselves when we think no one’s watching.

“The Purple Bottle” erupts with excitement and sunshine before a devolving two-thirds of the way through to yells and childish absurdities. It’s a pivotal moment in the album as well -- the turning point from loud energy to quiet ecstasy. The narrator realizes the child in him will someday be outgrown, that whimsy will give way to seriousness, that growing up will take away a certain part of him that, even as he contemplates it, shrinks slowly away.

The rest of the album continues in that mellowed-out fashion. From then on “Feels” is subdued and contemplative, a canvas for reflection on the terminal quality that defines our youth. “Turn Into Something” ends the album returning to the same eagerness that started it. Acceptance has been reached, and though childhood must end there is a lifetime left to get lost in.

Music has a transportive quality; it can bring you to a sensory place plucked apart from the realities of space and time.

Certain sounds grow on you and evolve, certain chords can convince better than any argument can; of what exactly it may be unclear but what matters is that it feels incredible. Fifty-two minutes of improvised, spontaneous bliss, Animal Collective has created a time machine for special late summers watching the fireflies, amidst campfires and altered states. Feels is as enjoyable on the surface as it is to reflect on, a record that demands thought and consideration, instant gratification and patience, but first and foremost, “Feels” demands to be felt.

BRANDON HONG

Gwyneth Paltrow’s cookbook ‘It’s All Good’ contains great alternatives for gluten-free diets. “It’s All Good” contains anecdotes from the famous actress in which she discusses the inspirations for her various dishes. sea bass is used heavily because “it swims in the waters close to Gwyneth’s summer home” or that “maple syrup adds another layer of autumnal yum” to an arugula salad, it just comes off as bombastic. Even more ridiculous is the inclusion of a hard boiled egg recipe that calls for one egg. Riveting. Paltrow also enjoyed spending time reminding the reader that she’s famous and therefore has famous friends like Gavin Rossdale and Cameron Diaz who can apparently make “the best hot popcorn ever.” It’s salted popcorn.

Questionable “recipes” aside, the inclusion of good dishes based

on good ingredients makes for a laudable publication.

Focusing on the positive attributes of the book, there are many people out there that can benefit from it on various levels. Nearly all of the recipes are gluten-free and even the recipes that are not say what can substituted to make them so. The book also has weekly menus for certain diets, like a detox, vegan week or just overall healthy eating weeks. Paltrow also encourages the reader to get tested for allergies and sensitivities to foods to help formulate a diet that caters to one’s own needs.

The legacy of “Breaking Bad” takes its form as a monumental production SALIM DAMERDJI Staff Writer

“Breaking Bad”

AMC: Monday @ 8:00 ★★★★★

Warning: spoilers

Ever since its debut, “Breaking Bad” has had the potential to become one of the best shows of all time. Now in the fifth and final season, the show’s final legacy is taking form.

“Breaking Bad” centers around the choices of chemistry teacher

Walter White (Bryan Cranston) who is dying from lung cancer.

Hoping to save his family from debt related to his chemotherapy treatment, Walter realizes he can cook remarkably pure meth and leave his family a small fortune.

The plan is simple: Walter cooks and his former student Jesse Pinkman (Aaron Paul) handles distribution and sales.

Walter’s other identity goes by the name of Heisenberg, a famous chemist, famous for the perhaps thematically significant uncertainty principle. It’s Heisenberg who destroys the lives of local

AMC

Jesse and Walter White, or Heisenberg, take a short break from synthesizing methamphetamines. “Breaking Bad” has recently finished its fifth and final season and it won “Outstanding Drama Series” at the Emmy Awards.

meth dealers, steals the infrastructure for national level meth distribution, and negotiate contracts to distribute meth internationally.

Heisenberg’s essence is indomitable will power. Anyone that stands in his way dies. Instead of being a world-renowned chemist, Walter gets no credit and struggles to keep his family afloat. While talking to his partner, Walter says, “Jessie you asked me if I was in the meth business or the money business. Neither. I’m in the empire business.”

Walter’s alter-ego as Heisenberg always exists oscillating between the foreground and the background given the situation.

Through the constant use of the mirror symbol, the viewer gets a barometer for where Walter is.

Very few shows on air now focus so intensely on character development and also maintain an exhilarating plot. Yet in “Breaking Bad,” nearly every character can be understood in this incredible depth and that’s what makes this show spectacular.

The fifth season explores Walter’s escape from the latter persona. He leaves the meth game, but struggles to be accepted by his family as the consequences of his meth empire haunt him and his family. In the fifth season, the

plot maintains its steam as the viewer watches lives crumble and Walter struggle to find meaning in his deeds. One interesting device is the use of a flash-forward. The viewer knows how the story ends, but even just one episode away, has no idea how the characters get there.

In the most recent episode, “Granite Slate,” Walter tries to wire his son, Walter Jr., money, but Walter Jr. refuses since he knows Walter is a criminal. It becomes clear that Walter’s two identities have starved each other of meaning. The family man is utterly rejected by his family. The businessman has left his empire behind. And the last episode seems poised to explain the recourse Walter chooses in face of this dilemma. Producer Vince Gilligan has a lot of thematic explaining to do and viewers should be excited for the series finale.

Going into the fifth and final season, “Breaking Bad” has consistently lived up to its own reputation as an action-packed story with compelling characters and ingenious plot development.

There’s a piece of insight for every gunshot. On September 29th, the series finale “Felina” aired. The hype is there and this show seems on course to surpass its high expectations. This very well could be its final mark on the history of TV.

The Talon October 1, 2013

Get daily updates on Eagle athletics and read the sports archives at lahstalon.org/sports

Transfer student Grant Beall finds success on water polo team CONTINUED FROM THE FRONT PAGE

When deciding whether or not he should pursue the sport of water polo, Grant was skeptical because of his limited athletic abilities. However, his past swim training provided him with the mindset and skills necessary to find success in the sport.

“I had to be very open-minded… to compete and adapt to scenarios where...I can’t use two legs,” Grant said. “It’s all a mental thing.”

Through experience, Grant was able to develop the mental fortitude required to thrive in water polo. This mindset helped him develop a better appreciation for water polo.

“When I play water polo, it just feels like I am in my own area,” Grant said.

“It’s the sport I feel the most comfortable with and it’s the sport I can succeed the most in.”

Grant was unsure of what to expect coming in as a new member to the school’s team. However, upon joining and meeting the other players, Grant was pleasantly surprised by the quality of the program he witnessed.

“It was really eye-opening to see the quality of the program here,” Grant said. “Coach [Johnny] Bega expects you to try 100 percent and give it your all, and that’s what people do. We always have each other’s backs, and if one person is struggling, everyone is just there to encourage them.”

Grant’s teammates have been there to support him in all of his athletic endeavors. One day at practice, the entire team was doing a particularly hard conditioning set. Grant was the

IAN MACKEY

Junior Grant Beall looks to pass the ball to a teammate during practice.

Grant lost his right leg from an infection when he was five years old. He has not only learned to live with his disability but thrived in becoming an accomplished swimmer and playing water polo at the varsity level. last player to get out of the pool and still had to do 12 push-ups in order to complete the workout.

“The entire team…just started doing the push-ups with me,” Grant said. “That motivated me a lot. That showed me what a great team you guys have here.”

Grant’s presence on the school’s water polo team thus far has been both a mental and physical asset to his teammates.

“It is quite a feat…that Grant has a physical disability and is still one of the best players on the varsity team,” junior Sean Nguyen said.

“Grant’s determination and spirit

makes everyone around him push their limits. If he can finish a hard set given by our coach, everyone on the team will do anything they can to finish the same set.”

Grant’s dedication to water polo has lead him to find great success in the sport. He cites the moment his junior varsity water polo team discovered that they had gone undefeated in their league as one of his proudest moments in the pool.

“I was one of the head guys on that team in my freshman year,…and that was great,” Grant said. “It was a big moment… I remember that very well.”

Although water polo is an impor-

tant part of Grant’s life, he main- is currently a coach of San Jose State tains that academics are his num- University’s football team. ber one priority.

“I met Neil Parry after I lost my However, Grant wasn’t always leg and that was a real motivation,” able to reach his academic potential. Grant said. “It was really inspiring Grant felt that he was “just not doing to just watch him compete against something right” when his academ- able-bodied guys in a sport like footics started to suffer at his old school, ball, which is brutal.”

Washington High School in Fremont, Like Parry, Grant does not plan on so he began to place a bigger empha- letting his disability stop him from sis on his grades. achieving his goals. In the future, “I felt like I could do Grant hopes to go to better in school… [but a four-year university after my grades] still and play water polo at weren’t where I wanted I had to be very the college level. In adthem to be…I started to open-minded to dition, one of his loftier think that, hey, maybe compete and goals includes competI’m not being provided ing at the Paralympics, adapt to scewith the right environwhich is an internationnarios where I ment,” Grant said. al athletic competition, Grant transferred can’t use two similar to the Olympics, here this year to find legs. It’s all a consisting of only disan environment in abled athletes. mental thing. which he could reach “If I keep training — Junior Grant Beall his full potential. So for solely swimming… far, the switch to the I would probably have school has proven to be successful. times to compete in the ParalymSatisfied with his new academic pics, which would be really cool,” and athletic environment, Grant Grant said. “But they don’t have has been able to continue to suc- water polo in the Paralympics… I’ve ceed in both school and sports. heard of a lot of other disabled peoWhile many of us see Grant as an ple playing water polo, so I think it inspirational student and athlete, could be possible to start that.” he too has specific role models that Whether Grant ends up being a have inspired him throughout his gold medalist at the Paralympics or a life. In particular, he derives inspira- top-tier college athlete, one thing is tion from professional football ath- for sure: swimming and water polo lete Neil Parry. Parry is a leg amputee will always be a large part of his life. who, despite his handicap, contin“I’ve really adapted to the water,” ued to play Division I football and Grant said. “That’s where I feel strong.”

Eagle football rejuvenated by early season wins STEVEN CUI KEVIN YEN

Copy/Content Editor Staff Writer

Since the weeks of summer practice just over a month ago, Eagles football has been resolved on a 2013 season that will reward their hard work. With new players and coaches already in the ranks, spirit is running high.

“The difference about this year is that we have a bond that no other team has,” junior Sami Fakalolo said. “We are a family. And because of that reason we work hard as a family and nobody gets left behind.”

Sami is one of the key players on the team, playing defensive line-

man and stopping attacks from the opposing team’s offense. The team is boasting a stronger defense this year, with a surfeit of both new and experienced players. One such experienced player is senior Dakota Kratzer, who plays a large part on both offense and defense.

“I try to help the other captains lead the team,” Dakota said. “I also help anchor the defensive line along with Phillip Almeda and Sami.”

The team’s offense has improved as well. With new additions such as seniors Duke Myers and Max Wilber, the team has grown to be a formidable force. Both Duke and Max play important roles on

IAN MACKEY

Football’s stronger offensive and defensive lines aren’t the only new aspects of the team. Teamwork and motivation are higher as well.

the team, with Max playing tight end and Duke playing a number of offensive roles.

“Our new coaches have found a way to use us to our full potential,” Max said. “They brought a sense of team chemistry and has really made our team feel like a family.”

However, with over 200 potential plays to learn, the Eagles still have plenty to work on. During a day of normal practice, skilled position players, such as receivers, start as early as the beginning of seventh period to come and warm up on the field. After seventh period ends, the entire team groups together for their daily stretches.

When general warm-up is over, players are split into offensive or defensive teams based on their positions. Near the end, players all come together in order to run certain plays against each other.

When the Eagles played Burton High School in a home game and won, their aggression proved to be the deciding factor in the victory. After the first hit, the Eagles got the ball back and scored what was to be the first of many touchdowns. From there on, they surged ahead to a crushing 61-0 win. Despite early success over Burton, Overfelt and Mountain View High School, the Eagles still occasionally struggle to concentrate.

IAN MACKEY

The football celebrates its win over Burton High School. The Eagles steamrolled Burton 61-0 and followed this up with a 17-12 win over Overfelt High School and a 32-14 shutout of Mountain View.

“There are certain days where people seem to lose focus and then we go back to our 0-10 team” senior Victor Ruiz said. “We [don’t] get as much done that day than [what] we should have.”

The mental strength of the Eagles is a key part of their game and constitutes one of many components that is necessary for a win. Although the Eagles have had a couple rough practices, they’ve grown closer, and stronger, as a team.

“We’ve got a couple low points at practices and stuff, but we competed in the games and it just made it all go away” Duke said.

With their increased confidence and aggression this year, the Ea-

gles have been 3-0 this season, having defeated Burton, Overfelt and Mountain View High School.

Their next game is away at San Lorenzo Valley High School this Saturday, October 5.

Football Season Schedule: Games Played: Score: Burton High School 61-0 (W) Overfelt High School 17-12 (W) Mountain View High School 32-14 (W) Upcoming Games: San Lorenzo Valley @SLZ Homestead @ Homestead Gunn @ Home Monta Vista @ Home

Date: Oct. 5 Oct. 11 Oct. 19 Oct. 25

The Talon October 1, 2013

Senior athletes commit to play for colleges COMPILED BY ALEX CORTINAS, SAM LISBONNE, JOHN NAUMOVSKI

Senior Writers

For many recruited athletes, the toughest challenge is not on the field or the court, but outside of their chosen sport – in the rigorous recruitment process itself. In this environment of coaches, high expectations and evaluations, athletes can be presented with the opportunity to rise to the top, but few ever reach the pinnacle in this path fraught with obstacles. Seniors Sophia Hyver, Kelsey Kawaguchi and Alex Liua are three such athletes who have overcome said obstacles and already verbally committed to colleges for sports.

Sophia Hyver

Almost a year after formally beginning her recruitment process, senior Sophia Hyver committed to play Division II soccer next year at University of California at San Diego (UCSD). Sophia spent a week of her summer at UCSD participating in a camp held by the coaches.

“I decided to commit the day I got recruited because that was my number one school,” Sophia said. “It has exactly what I want to go into which is medicine and the coach is someone who I know I’d be able to get along with for four years.”

Sophia also noted that her decision was influenced by her desire to have a less stressful senior year by deciding her school early on, as well as the knowledge that a close friend of hers, Audrey Mays ‘13, will be at the same school.

Sophia ultimately decided to focus on UCSD while competing in a college showcase tournament there. Both Assistant Coach Kristy Jones, and Head Coach Brian McManus expressed interest in her and requested that they be notified of Sophia’s future games. Towards the end of the week, Sophia played on the all-star team that consisted of 20 of the 230 girls at the camp.

“I played all but 10 minutes, which was surprising because it’s supposed to be for fun but they had specific players play a lot more than others,” Sophia said.

McManus endearingly referred to Sophia as Dr. Hyver and asked her how she was enjoying the school.

“I told him it was my number one school and then [Jones] high fived me, hugged me and then said, ‘Now I can sleep tonight,’” Sophia said. “They’re still sending papers, but I just sign them, send them back and I’m done.”

Other schools that talked to Sophia were University of California at Berkeley (UCB), University of Southern California (USC), Sonoma State University and California State University, East Bay but Sophia veered away from UCB and USC due to the intensity of playing on a Division I team.

UC SAN DIEGO

Kelsey Kawaguchi

Alex Liua

As a junior last year, Senior Alex Liu verbally committed to playing NCAA Division I soccer at Stanford University.

The process was a relatively drawn-out affair, with around six months elapsing between Alex’s initial communications with Stanford and his final commitment.

For Alex, this process began with initial interest on the part of the coaches and eventually culminated with verbal commitment mid-way through his junior year. Between these two endpoints however, was a slew of correspondence between Alex and Stanford’s coaches, as well as their evaluation of his It is important abilities as coach’s watchful eye. a player.

“The coach emailed me and asked to see a vid- to build a rela“Once eo of my swing and a list of tournaments I was tionship with they conplaying in,” Kelsey said. “She came out to watch the coaches. me at the U.S. Women’s Am Qualifier...It was en- They will usually tact you, it is imjoyable getting to have college coaches come and portant watch me at tournaments, but it was also stress- request [to] see you play until to build ful at the same time.” a relationship with the coaches,” Alex said.

The women’s golf program at UC Irvine is Di- they reach a “Then they will usually request your game vision I, which as an athlete requires an entirely consensus on schedule so they can see you play multiple different level of dedication. For Kelsey, such a your worth as a times, until they have reached a consensus commitment is second nature—currently she on your worth as a player.” travels for weekend tournaments throughout the player.

Alex began soccer early on, playing on club and year. Nonetheless, Division I sports demand an — Senior Alex Liua school teams throughout his elementary and entirely new mindset and work ethic, something middle school years. As a freshman at Los Altos, which Kelsey has already prepared for.

“College golf will require 20-30 hours of practice each week Alex secured a varsity position, but did not play during the and traveling to tournaments will take a heavy toll in terms years that followed, deciding to dedicate himself towards club of missing school,” Kelsey said. “I plan on being more struc- teams, including Santa Clara Sporting and his current team, tured and disciplined in my schoolwork and golf practice as I the San Jose Earthquakes Academy, a development team on which he plays as a forward. anticipate that [golf] will be a lot tougher to balance.”

With a spot on Stanford’s team, Alex is looking to make an Despite adding what equates to another job on top of her schoolwork, Kelsey is enthusiastic about the opportunity impression from early on and contribute towards the team’s to golf at the collegiate level, and at a school which she existing success, while continuing to develop as a player.

“The tradition at Stanford is unique and something that loves. She will visit officially in October. “[Irvine] has everything I am looking for...” Kelsey said. “My I am excited to be a part of,” Alex said. “Stanford is a team favorite part about golf is being able to meet new people and that can compete at the highest of levels. I’m fortunate to be a part of it.” just being in my own zone out on the course.”

UC IRVINE

Senior Kelsey Kawaguchi is going to represent Los Altos High School next year at UC Irvine after committing for women’s golf. Kelsey was recruited this past summer and made the decision in late August, but the process itself started more than two years prior. In addition to communication with the Irvine coach, Kelsey made an unofficial visit in early August and played in several tournaments under the

STANFORD

Senior makes US Junior National Karate Team YUKI ZANINOVICH Copy/Content Editor

Over the summer, senior Melody Bake participated in the USA Karate Team Trials in Greenville, South Carolina to compete for a spot on the US Junior National Karate Team. There she competed in the 18 to 20-year-old division for kumite, a form of karate focusing on sparring, and in the 16 to 17-year-old division for kata, another type of karate focusing on form. She ended up getting second place in both divisions. On top of making the junior national team, winning second place also qualified her for the Junior Pan American Karate Championships and the North American Cup, as well as runner-up for the semi-annual Junior World Championships in Spain this November.

At USA Team Trials, Melody competed in rounds of kumite and kata over the course of four days. In kumite, competitors are evaluated on the moves they execute on their opponent during a two-minute round. Points are assigned relative to the quality of the execution and the move’s difficulty level. In kata, competitors designate and execute a specific sequence of moves every round. Her advanced techniques allowed her to go all the way to the finals in both kata and kumite, where she lost two very close matches to get silver medals.

“Since I was competing in the 20-year-old division for kumite, I lost

COURTESY BORNA BARZIN

Senior Melody Bake recently competed in the USA Karate Team Trials and the Junior Pan American Karate Championships and is headed for Karate Junior World Championships in Spain this November. to a girl who was three years older than me,” Melody said. “But I don’t see that as a good enough excuse for my loss. This will push me to train even harder in hope to win gold at the North American Cup.” To prepare for tournaments, Melody commits huge amounts of time to polish her technique and physique.

On a typical day, Melody wakes up at 5 a.m. for a morning workout. After she gets out of school, Melody directly commutes to the dojo to train for two hours. Though most karate fight-

ers compete exclusively in either kata or kumite, Melody has chosen to specialize in both, making her training that much more rigorous. She does track and field, weightlifting and Judo lessons for cross training. She also often listens to seminars given by elite karate instructors at her dojo on the weekends to deepen her insight.

Melody was first introduced to karate when her parents signed her up when she was four. Though she soon discovered her talent in the art, it was not until the summer of 2009, when

she made in onto the national team for the first time, that she fell in love with karate. Ever since then, she has been passionate about the competitive aspect of karate.

“I was so excited once I made the team because it made me realize that I can compete at such a high level,” Melody said. “That was when I knew I wanted to improve even more and do this all throughout my life.”

However, Melody struggles to balance karate with the rest of her life at times. If she has to miss school to participate in a competition, she has to make up all of her schoolwork while still maintaining her tough training schedule. As she also teaches karate at her dojo, Melody finds it hard to catch a breath on some weeks.

But Melody finds that it is all worth it. Karate has enabled her to bond with friends and foes alike. She also believes that karate has positively influenced her morals and beliefs.

Though she did not qualify for the Junior World Championship, Melody remains optimistic as ever as she prepares for the North American Cup in March, where she hopes to win a gold medal.

“The lessons I’ve learned in karate have such an impact on me as a person,” Melody said. “My sensei has taught me to ‘win with humility and lose with dignity’ and these words have stayed with me every time I step into the competition ring. Traditional karate is all about being humble and respectful.”

SPORTS BRIEF School Remodels Tennis Courts

Over the past few years, the tennis courts have become covered with gum, holes and burn marks. After the construction of the new building destroyed one of the tennis courts, the physical education department decided to spend some of the money from district funding to give the courts a remodeling: changing the courts from their old green and white color to a new blue and silver hue for school spirit.

“Personally, I love the new courts because there isn’t any gum on them or scuff marks or burn marks,” junior Brittaney Chang said.

Starting from the week after school ended, the tennis courts were being remodeled for three months until the week before school started.

Many people in the nearby neighborhood who used the tennis courts were forced to relocate their tennis games to other parks around Los Altos such as the Rosita Park tennis courts.

The absence of gum on the new tennis courts will help players in game and during practice; gum is notorious for sticking to players’ shoes and is known to cause performance issues because it makes it harder for players to run.

—Compiled by James Sun

The Talon October 1, 2013

Early Fall Season Preview

Cross country dominates competition in early season

COMPILED BY ALEX CORTINAS, SAM LISBONNE, JOHN NAUMOVSKI

Strong team chemistry helps volleyball excel The girls volleyball team is starting the season off with a combination of a strong senior lineup and young players with enthusiastic aspirations. With the addition of new freshmen and sophomores, the team is well rounded and ready to shoot for a league title.

“Overall we have good leadership and explosive players that make up our team,” girls volleyball coach Peter Kim said. “The only weakness is that we are a young group. All of us work on playing well together and doing that in practice will translate to our matches.”

Although young, what the Eagles lack in age they make up in energy.

“We have good team chemistry and a lot of energy, which is a huge aspect of all volleyball matches,” Meghan said. “We are also all very competitive, which means we are fiercely competing with our opponents and one another in practice.”

This year, the team hopes to win a league title in the De Anza Division of SCVAL and make it past the second round of CCS. The team’s high level of skill is evident in practices, as much of their performance this season will depend on the attitude of the team.

“Our team gives off a very passionate vibe,” Katie said.

“We love the sport and it shows in our performance.”

Despite their optimism and positive attitude, players aren’t underestimating any team this season, as their league contains other high-performing teams such as Homestead, Palo Alto and Los Gatos. However, the girls are working through the “kinks” of the preseason by practicing hard together and building team communication.

In the first games of the season, notably against Harker and Westmont, the Eagles have dominated the opposing team. Prior knowledge of key players on the opposition often allows the Eagles to strategize before a game. Coupled with a strong defense at the net and the energy and skill of the new sophomore players, the Eagles have been able to dominate their opponents. The Eagles say that they hope to go far in league and CCS with this combination of strategy, seasoned players and fresh skill.

“If we continue to play like we have in practice lately, and we continue to improve even more, I don’t think there is much standing in our way to a league title,” Meghan said.

Recently, the Eagles have put emphasis on improving both team dynamics and the team’s personality by continuing their tradition of “game day lunches” and bonding off the court. Beyond working together, the players are making an effort to en-

sure that each girl is involved in every game.

“We are very focused on making sure that we play very well as a whole team this year, on and off the bench, which means every player is always actively involved in the game regardless of whether or not they are actually on the court,” Meghan said.

The skill the team currently has is substantially reinforced by the team’s effort to play cohesively and bond as a group of both teammates and friends.

“The dynamic of the team this year is definitely one of the funniest I have ever been a part of,” Meghan said. “We have quite a few comedians on the team, which makes our volleyball atmosphere much more enjoyable. Everybody brings a great energy, which if we continue to harness, will really help us...beat a lot of other talented teams.”

In shape from intense summer training in South Lake Tahoe, the cross country team blazed through its first several meets of the season, taking the Earlybird Invitational at Toro Park by storm with an overall second place co-ed score out of 50 teams on September 7.

The team matched their excellent performance at their first SCVAL meet of the season at Crystal Springs on September 10. Out of the 14 teams in the De Anza league, the boys scored second overall, and the girls scored a solid third place.

The senior boys placed an outstanding first overall with four runners in the top 15, while the sophomore boys and girls placed third and fourth, respectively. The Freshman girls grabbed second, and freshman boys placed third overall.

A strong showing at the third meet of the season, the Lowell Invitational at Golden Gate Park, “[helped] make a name for ourselves as one of the top teams in CCS for both boys and girls,” Head

Coach Daniel Oren said.

Sophomore Ben Zaeske led the boys varsity team, which secured fifth place overall, while sophomore Lauren Jacobs led the girls varsity team to fourth place overall. Junior varsity boys were not far behind with an eighth place finish, and girls frosh/ soph grabbed a solid 13th place.

Boys frosh/soph topped off the meet with a seventh place finish.

“The boys and girls teams both have a lot of depth,” Oren said.

“There are very many strong runners that will contest for varsity spots, and that competitiveness amongst team members is a good thing because it will push every on the team to be better.”

Oren believes both varsity teams have SCVAL League Championships and CCS victory in sight this season with a goal to qualify again for the State Championships. The team competes at their next meet, the Artichoke Invitational on October 5 in Half Moon Bay.

Boys water polo returns Singles players bring tennis to the top with depth, experience This year, the boys water polo team is setting its eyes on first place in the CCS finals. Although Los Altos hasn’t won the championship in recent years, the team has placed second in CCS finals two years in a row.

“Last year we played against Sacred Heart and lost to Sacred Heart,” Head Coach Johnny Bega said. “The year before [that] we played Sacred Heart, and lost to Sacred Heart.”

Right from the start, the team is working with the goal of making it to the finals.

However, there are challenges. Sacred Heart won the CCS championship the last seven years; Bega knows the team is not going to be easy to beat. Last year, Los Altos lost in the finals by 10 goals. However, senior Ryan Seltzer believes that the team has a better chance this year.

“I don’t want to jinx it,” Ryan said. “We’re not going to win easily and it’s going to be tough to even stay with them, but I think it’s safe to say that if we get there we can probably do better than we did last year.”

However, the team has lost senior talent, including Ian McColl, who was the top scorer, and Cameron Putnam and Afsheen Khosraviani, who were senior goalies last year.

Many of this year’s players only joined varsity this season.

“There’s about five seniors and then the rest are all juniors, so those

The girls tennis team has moved up to NorCal Division I from Division III. Although this is new for them, their playing at a tournament in Fresno over the weekend of September 7 showed their potential this season.

The team placed fifth in the tournament overall, winning and losing two matches. Los Altos beat Saratoga, one of the “elite” teams according to Head Coach Hung Nguyen, and Monta Vista, who won the NorCal championship last year.

The team also achieved a complete victory against Mountain

View High School on September 19, with a total score of 7-0.

Though the doubles teams have been doing well, Nguyen considers the singles players to be its strength.

“My top four singles… all play [United States Tennis Association] (USTA) and they’re pretty high in the rankings,” Nguyen said.

However, Nguyen said that his first three doubles players, including captain senior Avery Ikeda as well as seniors Haley Jones and Elizabeth Fuchs, are also doing well and made a good showing in recent games.

The beginning of the season has not been without its challenges.

One of the leading players last year was Lili Kobayashi, who would have been a sophomore this year but moved back to Japan. Though this could have been a potential problem for the team, junior Whitney Mathew, a new transfer student at Los Altos, was able to take her place as a singles player.

“We’ll see how the season turns out, but I’m hoping for a good season,” Nguyen said. “Almost as good as last year’s, probably even better.”

Girls water polo faces tough opponents

guys are all brand new,” Bega said.

Because the team lost old players and is working with many new ones, Ryan believes the team is still developing the cohesion they would like to have. The team lost narrowly to Gunn High School, 10-9 on September 19.

“Our defense is developing [but] we need to work on it more,” junior Bryan Kim said.

The team plays at Mountain View today, October 1, at 3:30 pm.

The girls varsity water polo team played in their first non-SCVAL tournament on September 1314 at Sacred Heart Preparatory in Menlo Atherton. The tournament was hosted by Saint Francis Mountain View and was held at two different locations, Saint Francis High School and Sacred Heart. The team played a total of four games, which happened to all be at Sacred Heart.

The first game was against Menlo Atherton; the Eagles were up by one goal until the last quarter when Menlo pulled ahead and won.

After that close loss, the team was matched against Palo Alto High School (PALY) and won a solid 4-2, a huge improvement from last year when PALY won all the matches against Los Altos.

The third game was against Davis, where the girls played a

Junior Romy Aboudarham

six on five play to lose 1-11; sophomore Christina Pao scored the only goal. In the final game against Saint Francis Sacramento, the Eagles sustained a 5-12 loss, just barely missing the last shot from half court.

Their first league meet was at Gunn on September 19, and the Eagles suffered a tough loss of 2-14.

“Gunn feeds from Stanford club and Palo Alto Stanford Aquatics and...everything that we don’t have they have,” varsity co-captain senior Jenna Gavenman said. “They’re a very strong team.”

Despite the setback, the team is shooting for better luck this year at CCS, as they lost the chance to qualify by one place last year. Before that, a top or second place finish at leagues against Gunn is on the horizon.

“The offense-based strategy that the girls have worked on since summer has worked out great,” Head Coach Seth Tasman said. “We still need a little more fine tuning, but we are playing great team water polo...We want to get all of our girls involved in our offense, not just rely on one or two girls to score for our team.”

The girls play at Saratoga today, October 1, at 6:45 p.m.