Laguna Blanca School - 4125 Paloma Drive - Santa Barbara - California - 93110
Volume XIX
Importance of Integrating iPads in the Classroom
Friday, January 11, 2013
www.thefourthestate.net
Club Drive Fosters the Holiday Spirit By HELENA DAVILA
By ELI BITTLESTON Surely by now, most students at Laguna are noticing the changes around campus. We have a new library for the first time in nearly sixty years, more students are being accommodated with online classes, and, most notably, there are quite a few more iPads on campus this year. “I like to see us as a progressive traditional school,” Mr. Slocombe said, “Sometimes we get stuck in our ways and don’t necessarily explore other things.” This was exactly the motivation behind the new “iPads for Learning” campaign that was established at Laguna this year. But Mr. Slocombe and Laguna wanted to go farther. The first presentation in a four-part speaker series called “Think Now” was delivered during an evening devoted to the very device that is poised to radically change the Laguna education. The keynote speaker of the night was Jim Hurley, CEO of Lesson Planet. Continued on Page 4
Issue 3
Think Now Sports Panel Addresses Collegiate Athletics By DARIA ETEZADI
PHOTO: HELENA DAVILA
GIVING BACK: Students gather in the Ruston Amphitheater and listen as Ms. Dana Martin speaks about the annual Interact Club’s Foster Care Gift Drive and introduces Mrs. Koornwinder and her daughters.
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or the fourth year, Laguna Blanca Middle School students joined together with giving spirits for their annual Holiday Gift Drive, for which they gathered gifts for children currently living in the Santa Barbara County foster care system. This year, the Laguna students increased their reach and support by joining forces with Upper School students to collect over 200 gifts for children in need. Two hundred and fifty
students gathered in the School’s Ruston Amphitheater for a special assembly lead by Ms. Trish McHale, the School’s Community Service director, and Dana Martin, Middle and Upper School Assistant, to present the gifts to representatives from Santa Barbara Social Services Department. These representatives sincerely thanked the students and faculty for donating all the gifts and for thinking of the children whose Christmases are not always so bright.
Laguna Blanca Lower School is also proud to have first grade twin girls who were adopted from the Foster Care Program. Their adopted mother, Danielle Koornwinder, who also adopted the girls’ younger brother, learned that Laguna Middle and Upper School students were involved in the Holiday Gift Drive, and she decided to bring her twin daughters to the Hope Ranch campus to pick up two wish lists so they could participate. The two girls attended today’s assembly and
were warmly welcomed to the Hope Ranch campus by students and faculty with hugs and rounds of applause. Throughout the county, the Social Services Department gathers holiday wish lists from children (infants to teens) who are living with foster families or in foster care group homes. Each participating Laguna Blanca student received a gift request from a foster youth. Continued on Page 3
Not many people can say that they came face to face with an Olympic Gold Medalist. But in the second part of the Think Now series, the administration invited Todd Rogers, a beach volleyball gold medalist in the Beijing Olympics, to speak on a sports panel in Merovick Gymnasium. Following an opening statement from Mr. Slocombe, Mr. Blake Dorfman approached the podium to introduce his former beach volleyball coach. “Todd Rogers was my first volleyball coach. I was about 4’ 2,” a seventh grader, and I had never touched a volleyball before. Since then he has become one of the greatest players at the sport and that’s not an exaggeration,” said Mr. Dorfman, who was given the opportunity to cover the Beijing Olympics on location as a sports writer. “It was kind of emotional for me to see him get on that stand.” Continued on Page 4
Freshmen Climb to New Heights in Yosemite By KAYLEE STRACHAN
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ountless layers were piled on, rain jackets and beanies were unpacked, and backpacks were strapped on as the ninth grade students ventured out into the nature of Yosemite. For the second year in a row freshmen participated in this newly instated tradition. They left on Nov. 25 and travelled to Yosemite National Park for a week long bonding trip. Ms. Laura Geier, Middle School and Upper School Music Instructor; Mrs. Delphine Anaya, Visual Arts Instructor and Yearbook Advisor; and Chris Johnson, Visual Arts Department Chair and Instructor accompanying the ninth graders on this journey. However, a few freshmen did not join their classmates on the trip. “Kids didn’t come because they were scared of getting the flu that was being passed around,”
said freshman Phillip Hicks. Students who stayed behind kept a regular schedule and attended their classes on campus. In Yosemite, the students and faculty stayed in Crane Flats. Their rooms were heated by wood burning stoves. “It was my duty to shovel the wood and I became a master fire builder by the end of the trip,” said Mrs. Anaya. They ventured on hikes and participated in bonding activities over the week. During their time at Yosemite, the weather was rainy and cold and they even experienced some hail. Hiking was a main activity on the trip. They hiked up to waterfalls and caves, specifically to the Spider Cave and up El Capitan Mountain. “I really liked going on the hikes. They were really fun and we got to talk to everyone in our
Students Prepare for Mock Trial Competition
group. The view of Yosemite was really cool at the top. I liked living with everyone in the cabins,” said Sage Pickering. They saw giant Sequoia trees and even had the opportunity to walk through one. On the hikes, everyone packed and carried a portion of the lunch. Upon reaching their destination they put all of the food together and have a picnic as a group. “The food was pretty good. My favorite part of the trip was hiking up El Capitan,” said Phillip Hicks. On one of the hikes, Mrs. Anaya fell behind and got separated from the rest of the group. She ended up having to hike down by herself in the dark in the rain. Because of this, it was really slippery and so she fell down a couple times. “It was a big miscommunication. I realized that I needed to speak up and say ‘wait for me!’”
Journalists of All Ages Collaborate
The mock trial team practices for this The Third Grade class year’s “hit and run” case. Page 2. visits the Upper School to learn about journalism from our staff.
Hiking in the Now: Catching Up with Alum Morgan Raith
Morgan’s 29-day hike through the Himalayan Mountains of India. Page 5.
Hunger Hurts Steinbeck Shares His Story
Mr. Thomas Steinbeck visits the campus to give us insights into his writings. Page 3.
The online culture of those who suffer from eating disorders. Page 6.
Resolve to Publish
The ethics of journalism in this filter free, tech laden age. Page 7.
PHOTOS: DELPHINE ANAYA & CHRIS JOHNSON
Experiencing the Outdoors: The freshman class enjoy all aspects of the outdoors as they explore the nature of Yosemite. Aside from her adventure, Mrs. Anaya enjoyed her “outside classroom experience” and “bonding with the girls in the cabin.” Along with exploring the trails and team building activities, students learned the history
of Yosemite. They were taught about how the trees were used for logging before Yosemite it became a national park and protected. “I think learning this and becoming aware was a very important
part,” said Mrs. Anaya. “I think that it is really important for classes to have a class trip because it really does make everyone closer. I feel like I got to know everyone a lot better and it was super fun!” said Phoebe Madsen.
Looking Ahead to 2013
Seniors Dance in Ballet
A student’s realistic outlook on New Year’s resolutions and a look back on 2012. Pages 8 and 9.
The Ballet dancers of our school and their perseverance. Page 14.
Family Holiday Traditions A look inside special family traditions during the holiday season. Page 10.
Skiing is a Tradition Students share their love for skiing during the winter. Page 13.
Lunch Break
Lunch alternatives to the normal sandwich. Page 15.
Bowl Season A preview of the upcoming college football bowl time. Who do you think will win? Page 16.
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The News
January 11, 2013
Students Prepare for Mock Trial Competition By KARINNA CARRILLO
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PHOTO: ANASTASIA ANTONOVA
On the Witness Stand: Senior Eli Bittleston prepares with the Mock Trial Team for their upcoming scrimmage against Newbury Park High School.
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ince mid-September, a group of 25 students along with the support of Social Science Instructor Ms. Martha Elliott have been preparing for this year’s case. The team consists of students in grades nine through twelve who meet twice a week to prepare for upcoming scrimmages and competitions. Mock trial appeals to a range of students because it gives them the “real experience of a courtroom” junior Dalton Smith said. “It is an incredible experience for students to understand what goes on in the courtroom and be able to see the process and also become really good lawyers,” said Ms. Elliott. This year is the first time that the team is also able to meet during school, which allows for students to get an even deeper understanding of the courtroom and its policies. Because the case changes each year, students get to learn to develop different techniques for handling a variety of cases.
Mock trial is challenging because you really have to be able to think on your feet and apply what you’ve been practicing and anticipate what the other team will argue. It’s been a great experience the past four years I’ve been involved.
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I wanted to be a lawyer in ninth grade. I enjoy it because it is mentally stimulating ... My second year I was able to participate as a witness and got a bit of a thrill giving testimony in court. I have stuck with mock trial for four years now.
-Olivia Berci, Mock Trial Team Co-Captain
-Justin Palmer, Mock Trial Team Co-Captain EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Daria Etezadi SENIOR EDITORS Anastasia Antonova Olivia Berci Caitlin Connor Helena Davila Jessie Dusebout Zoe Serbin PHOTO EDITOR Anastasia Antonova BUSINESS MANAGER Karinna Carrillo COPY EDITOR Kaylee Strachan ARTISTS Maya Christian Zoe Serbin WEB MASTERS Elijah Bittleston Edward Conk VIDEO EDITOR Miles Crist STAFF MacKenna Connor Alex Hawker Clara Hillis Scott Johnston Caty Lafitte Margaret Lazarovits Stephen McCaffery Jennifer Rezek Kaylee Strachan Allison Lewis Towbes Kyle Van de Kamer FACULTY ADVISOR Patricia McHale, MJE
Dear Readers, Up until mid-December, I thought I would remember this past year by the 2012 Election between Barack Obama and Mitt Romney, the Summer Olympics in London, the benefit concert in Madison Square Garden that raised $53 million for Hurricane Sandy in just one night, and perhaps even the end of the world. But when I turned on the news on December 14 and saw dozens of squad cars crowded around an elementary school that contained the bodies of the shooter, 20 innocent little angels and six of their teachers, I knew that my world would never be the same. The more I’ve looked back on the past 12 months, the more I’ve come to realize that 2012 was revolutionary. With the Connecticut shooting at the forefront of our thoughts, I cannot help but stand in awe of the response this tragedy has received from the public. Our entire country banned together as one, praying for the safety of our children. I have not felt this connected to the rest of my country since 9/11, when we turned to each other for support and comfort. While I sincerely hope that this nation will never again have to bear witness to the loss of so many innocent lives, I also hope that we will never lose sight of the bond we share as human beings. Here’s to a new year: may we continue to put aside our differences and stand together, as one nation, under God, indivisible, with
Daria Etezadi
Editor-in-Chief
Student newspaper of Laguna Blanca School • 4125 Paloma Drive • Santa Barbara, CA 93110 • www.thefourthestate.net
The Fourth Estate is a public forum for student expression. It is written and produced solely by the journalism students. It represents the voice of the students. It covers topics, issues, and opinions of relevance to the Laguna Blanca School community. The Fourth Estate welcomes guest columns and letters to the editor. Letters must be signed and be no longer than 400 words.
Editors reserve the right to edit for length, clarity, and/or taste. Anonymous letters will not be published. The Fourth Estate publishes six issues per year, and prints 400 copies of each issue which are distributed to approximately 300 Middle and Upper School students, faculty, and staff. We mail issues to subscribers and advertisers, and exchange papers with high school journal-
“This year the trial is a hit and run case” said Courtney O’Donnell, who plays Toni De Luca, a witness for the prosecution. A car with two passengers hits a biker. The discrepancy lies in who was driving the car, which is what the prosecution and defense teams are trying to prove. “It was Adrian!” said Courtney O’Donnell, whose character may in fact be the perpetrator. The team is now meeting at the Courthouse on Sundays to get ready for their scrimmage against Newbury Park High School. “We did well in our first scrimmage, and I’m excited for the upcoming competitions,” said Dalton Smith who says he was inspired to join mock trial because he is “really interested in law and the court system.” Ms. Elliott, now in her eighth year of coaching mock trial said [mock trial] “becomes something that students take with them after high school and through college.”
ism classes across the country. The Fourth Estate accepts both print and online advertising in either black and white or color. Contact Karinna Carrillo at karinna.carrillo@gmail.com for information about advertising and subscriptions. “Follow” us on Twitter and “Like” us on Facebook. Visit our online paper for daily updates: www.thefourthestate. net.
News In Brief Quiz Bowl Competition Held By KARINNA CARRILLO In an effort to add some fun to Laguna’s advisory program, Ms. McHale, along with the help of seniors, Eli Bittleston and Eddie Conk, organized the second Laguna Blanca Quiz Bowl, the “Owl version” of Family Feud mixed with the excitement of Jeopardy. Contestants competed in four color teams - red, green, blue, and yellow - each of which had four representatives from Upper School advisories. The game is intended to bring the advisories together, and brings out a lot of supportive team spirit. Once the rounds progress though, the teams usually develop a strong sense of competitiveness with the goal of winning the Quiz Bowl. Quiz Bowl directors, Eli and Eddie encouraged a friendly competitive atmosphere by implementing a “lighting round” where teams who answered the particular question in less than ten seconds were given an extra point to their total earned points. Questions ranged from math, to history, to even pop culture, and teams cleverly organized which students to send up as a representative of their team. The Quiz Bowl has gained a significant amount of popularity among the Laguna community. “I’m definitely really excited for the Quiz Bowl next year!” MacKenna Connor said.
A Moment of Silence Observed By JESSIE DUSEBOUT Tragedy is inevitable. Events happen all the time that leave everyone questioning why and how. Schools across the country are coping with the emotional affects that a school shooting can create. The shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Connecticut on Dec. 15 was no exception. Headmaster Paul Slocombe addressed the Upper School student body in Spaulding Auditorium on the Monday following the shooting. Following his address, he led students in a moment of silence to honor and pray for the victims of this unthinkable tragedy. “Everyone in our country is grieving and it was good for us in assembly to collectively send our thoughts and prayers to all the families affected by the tragedy,” said junior Clara Madsen.
Corrections:11/30 The Owls in Wonderland front page photo was taken by Paul Chiment. Page 1 Mr. James Tur teaches AP Physics and is the Academic Services Assistant. Page 2 The following sentence which appeared in the beach volleyball article is incorrect: ‘The possibility of adding a boys sand volleyball team next fall season is in the works.’ Page 12 The names for the photos of Barry Bonds and Alex Rodriguez were switched. Page 13 In the Varsity vs. JV graphic, the players do not represent real players. Page 12
The News
January 11, 2013
Thomas Steinbeck Shares His Story By KAYLEE STRACHAN “It is not every day that the mostly be their personal acson of John Steinbeck walks quaintances, whether friends through the doors of Spauld- or relatives and about Moning Auditorium. Today is that terey County. day. We can be especially apMr. Steinbeck said that preciative of this unusual fact reading in his family “was a because we have a tradition sport.” It was something that (now in its eighth year) of they did for fun and that on reading “Of Mice and Men” trips they would take turns every October in ninth-grade reading aloud. English,” said English In“We would all together exstructor Dr. Ashley Tidey as perience this book.” she introduced our assembly Steinbeck tries to read two speaker. to three books a week. Like his father, Thomas He told us how his views Steinbeck is a writer of short on his father’s writing have stories and novels. changed greatly since he has According to Dr. Tidey, grown up. “Clara Svedlund, the science He enjoys rereading books teacher at the Lower School, that he read years ago as he knows the Steinbecks and discovers new insights when Ms. Svedlund knows that we he reads them now. read “Of Mice and Men” in When asked by Dr. Tidey ninth grade, so she suggested to speak about authors Erlast year that we might be in- nest Hemingway and F. terested in having him come Scott Fitzgerald, he said that talk to the students about his Hemingway was a “misogywriting and about his father’s nist.” work— He also his charsaid that “If you want to become Hemingacters, his writ- a great writer, become a w a y ’ s ing style, b o o k great reader.” etc.” “The Old During Man and his presentation, he answered the Sea” was his favorite of questions about both himself Hemingway’s works. and his father, while discussMr. Steinbeck spoke in deing themes and topics of both tail about his father during the of their writings. assembly. “He gave us little He talked at great length verbal snapshot pictures of his about “Of Mice and Men” dad, capturing for us funny because most of the students little details about his dad that have read it. we never would have read on a He said, “It is about us, it is book jacket or in a book intronot about them,” referring to duction,” Dr. Tidey said. George and Lennie. “So, his dad, it turns out, Mr. Steinbeck believes that loved a good sharpened penevery book is an autobiogra- cil! Apparently, he began the phy, because no matter what, day by sharpening pencils and an author’s experiences, then putting them in a basket. views, and personal acquainHe used one pencil for evtances are reflected in their ery three sentences he wrote! work. He also liked to talk to things: He spoke about where he to his suits, to parking meand his dad got their ideas for ters, the couch, his pencils of characters, which happens to course, his cane, his dogs, his
PHOTO: TARA BROUCQSAULT
WORDS OF WISDOM: Author Thomas Steinbeck spoke to a captive audience in Spaulding Auditorium about his writing, his famous father, and his views on life. couch. He talked a lot about Lennie in “Of Mice and Men,” a book which almost every student in the room had read. He talked about sad endings because almost every book his dad wrote had a sad ending. He explained that he (Mr. Steinbeck Junior) thinks that sad endings are OK if a character achieves “enlightenment”-moment of insight or realization, a moment when you see the “big picture,” a moment when you figure things out.” At first, Dr. Tidey wanted her seventh grade class to join the Upper School assembly. However, because they haven’t yet read “Of Mice and Men” she didn’t want the ending spoiled for them. “He [Steinbeck] agreed to stay after the assembly so that the sevvies could come over and meet him. That was incredibly special—a bunch of
Students Share Holiday Spirit: Donate Gifts for Children in Foster Care Continued from Page 1 They then volunteered to gather gifts for their respective foster child. These wish lists include items such as clothes, toys, and sports equipment, and vast number of teenagers (up to age 19) are hoping for something as simple as iTunes gift-cards. Also included with the request are the name, age, and size of each child, so the students truly feel a connection with whom they are giving gifts. “The foster care gift drive is my favorite community service event at LBS. The final phase of wrapping the gifts that were collected throughout the county put the finishing touch on it and made the experience even more fulfilling,” Ms. Martin said. This is the fourth year that Ms. McHale has led the Interact Club in organizing the foster care gift drive. “The generosity of the Laguna
EDN! in Holiday Parade By MARGARET LAZAROVITS
PHOTO: HELENA DAVILA
STACKED HIGH: Students stack donated gifts onto a table in Ruston Theater during the Gift Drive assembly. community is astounding. I am humbled to be a part of a community that shows such a willingness to dig deep and to remember those less fortu-
nate — especially at the holidays. Thanks to everyone who participated. You’re helping to make the holidays happier for those in need.”
Lower School Presents a Holiday Play By JESSIE DUSEBOUT After rehearsing for hours, they walked on stage, dressed in velvet and plaid, ready to perform their holiday songs. On Thurs. Dec. 13 the Lower School students performed their annual holiday show. Throughout the night students sang and danced, jumped and spun, played guitars and recorders, and made their parents proud. Ms. Kasia Roca, the Lower School Music Director and the Upper School Choir Instructor, directed the students prior to the show to teach them the words, dances, and order of songs. Each grade from kindergarten to fourth grade performed a different song. Ms. Roca incorporated dif-
seventh graders sitting there with the son of one of the most famous American writers of the twentieth century! I still can’t believe that any of this actually happened.” The assembly was well received by students and faculty alike. “The high school and the seventh grade were incredible. A lot of students and faculty came up to me afterward and said that they felt it was one of the best assemblies that we’ve had. I think that there was a sense that this was a one-shot deal. It wasn’t going to happen again. Basically, the kids got to hear and see a real author talk in very real ways about writing and about his iconic father,” Dr. Tidey added. “Steinbeck shared what he believes are the best steps to take to become a good writer: “If you want to become a great writer, become a great reader.”
PHOTO: LAGUNA PHOTO FILE
CAROLING AT ITS FINEST: Lower School students play violins and recorders to a cultural holiday song in Spaulding Auditorium. ferent cultures into the show, so the music and dance were not just stereotypical holiday performances. Every song also had its own dance and musical instrument
to accompany it. “The kids were adorable. They all seemed so excited. It’s always brings back memories from when I used to do it,” said junior Kaylee Strachan.
Every year Santa Barbara citizens know when the holidays are coming because seasonal decorations go up on State Street in preparation for the annual Holiday Parade. Among the floats and marching bands of the Santa Barbara Holiday Parade, Everybody Dance Now!, led by senior Olivia Berci, danced down State Street this year. This local organization provides free, on-site hip-hop programming to young people who would otherwise not have access to such opportunities due to financial restrictions, lack of parental support, or lack of transportation. Everybody Dance Now! partners with other local programs, including Girls Inc, the Santa Barbara School District’s Title 1 elementary schools, the Twelve35 Teen Center, Santa Barbara’s Housing Authority, and Boys and Girls Clubs. Olivia, who has worked with EDN! for 4 years, took over the directorship position from Laguna alumna Jess Davis at the end of Olivia’s sophomore year. The tradition of the Santa Barbara Holiday Parade started in early 1950s with 40-foot tall Christmas trees lining the center divider of State Street. Now in its 60th year, the Holiday Parade is Santa Barbara’s only nighttime parade and is an official harbinger of the holiday spirit in Santa Barbara. The chance to march in the Holiday Parade is one opportunity for organizations to showcase their contributions to the community. “The Holiday Parade not only serves as a community outreach performance opportunity for our students, but it is also a platform for us to publicize the work we do—to families interested in involving their children, to potential donors, and to students who might be interested in pursuing a leadership role,” said Olivia.
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The News
January 11, 2013
Importance of iPads in Classes Addressed Continued from Page 1
Hurley has devoted himself to bringing education into the 21st century by creating a search engine specifically for teachers. He believes that education is one of the key areas that have lagged behind the innovation in recent years. The opening slide in his presentation depicted a 20th century rotary phone, which was followed by a photo of an iPhone. Next was an old, first-generation Macintosh computer, which was compared to a sleek iMac. Hurley proceeded to show the audience his old elementary school classroom – desks neatly lined into the far reaches of the large room, a single chalkboard up front, and children whose interest and attention seemed to fade the farther back they were seated. The following slide, however, looked nearly the same. Yes, the picture was taken much more recently, but all the elements – the desks, the board at the front, and the ever-dazed children slumped in their seats remained the same. His message was simple: education has stayed principally the same while technology and the way we use it has changed tremendously. So why has education been left behind? Hurley blames tradition. Our teachers today teach in the same way that they were taught – it is the only way that we, as a society, know how to learn. But people like Hurley are trying to change all of that. When the iPad was first released, critics questioned its purpose. It doesn’t have the power of a computer, and it’s too big to fit in your pocket: who would benefit from such a device? Hurley, and Laguna, believe that students can be beneficiaries. By allowing students to access all of their books and homework from the iPad, studies become more interactive and engaging. The most dynamic part of the evening, according to Slocombe, was the presentation by a Laguna Senior. For 10 minutes, a Laguna student showed the audience
His message was simple: education has stayed principally the same while technology and the way we use it has changed tremendously. how he has been able to weave the iPad into his studies. He uses his tablet to organize his notes, which include recordings of his classes, as well as to keep track of his homework. The iPad trend has certainly caught on at Laguna, and fortunately for its students, the administration realizes that its students require a dynamic learning environment. The Laguna administration along with the teachers are eager to have Laguna lead our society through the education paradigm shift that has been a long time coming. Mr. Slocombe understands that the traditional leaning style might not be the most beneficial style for all students. “One size doesn’t fit all, kids learn in different ways, and we as a school should support the way each individual child learns to our best ability.” Laguna has taken the first step towards shifting its image from the traditional, liberal arts school, to one that embraces progressive learning and encourages students to learn in the style that fits them best. “If the iPad enhances the way students learn and provides a far superior and better quality education and more dynamic and more interesting, then we should use it,” Mr. Slocombe said.
Journalists of All Ages Collaborate Think Now By JESSIE DUSEBOUT & KAYLEE STRACHAN
On Dec. 18, the Third Grade class made their way to the Kalfas Computer Lab on the Hope Ranch campus to meet the staff of The Fourth Estate.
Continues with Sports Panel Continued from Page 1
Hard at Work: Abbie Delwiche and Madeleine Nicks review information on their clipboards, Jillian Seiter fills in an answer, and Frances Carlson adds to her notes. They practiced their interviewing skills by asking the Fourth Estate staff questions about their jobs on the paper and about what they enjoy about journalism. They practiced listening and writing what people said as well as citing who said what. They also had the chance to play the new Fourth Estate video game.
PHOTOS: ANASTASIA ANTONOVA
Mr. Rogers was seated alongside UCSB Water Polo Coach Mr. John Abdou, former Trojan Ms. Meghan Gnekow, and UCSB Men’s Soccer Coach Mr. Tim Von Steeg, all of whom addressed a group of parents and students from the Santa Barbara community regarding their athletic careers at the collegiate level. While most of the panelists touched on the importance of time management, Mr. Abdou spoke of his newly developed appreciation for meaningful relationships. “I think I’ve been able to use sports as a vehicle [for developing meaningful relationships.] . . . I would want my kids to take away from that opportunity because I think the relationships we do build through athletics are so much deeper than the ones we build through other avenues of life.” As the athletes reminisced of the days when sports had been at the center of their lives, a few panelists also took the time to speak on the college recruitment process. “What I really want to encourage is the fact that obviously everyone here is playing on a team . . . It’s such a unique experience that you get from playing on a team, and I think it only gets better when you play with others,” said Mr. Steeg. Although they all recognized the competitiveness of the recruitment process, the panelists encouraged prospective students to find their passions and follow their dreams.
Service Learning Project Benefits Dog Adoption and Welfare Group Fifth Grade class created reusable fabric lunch bags to sell for charity. By CLARA HILLIS AND JENNIFER REZEK Nothing could be better than a project that helps both our environment and man’s best friend, the dog. The fifth graders, for community service, decided that they were going to reuse plastic while helping the organization DAWG (Dog Adoption and Welfare Group). DAWG is an organization in which dogs are never put to sleep if there is no home for them. The decision to donate the money to DAWG was agreed upon by vote. “We voted to decide where the money was going to go. I think DAWG won because everyone loves dogs,” fifth grader Sydney Hlavaty said. On December 11, the fifth graders sold the bags they made for five dollars a piece with the option of seven different patterns.
The inspiration for the reusable snack bags came from fifth grader, Ella Delwiche. One day she brought in her bags for her snack and, when asked, she told the class that in fact, she was the one that actually made them. Because the class wanted to raise money for DAWG and help the environment, it clicked instantly that by making and selling these reusable snack bags, they could contribute to DAWG as they planned. “In two days,they sold 158 bags to Laguna students, parents, and faculty raising $400 for DAWG. This money, combined with the money from previous bake sales makes the grand total $700. They demonstrated great team work and stuck with the project until the last bag was sold,” their teacher Ms. Donna Brown said.
PHOTO: ANASTASIA ANTONOVA
ENGAGING IN COMMERCE: Fifth grade students sell their handmade bags at a table they set up in the Upper School. They had multiple patterns available for sale and were responsible for collecting the money they earned.
Prospective Parents Visit Classes on Ninth Grade Visit Day By ALLISON LEWIS TOWBES
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igh school is quite a bit different than middle school in many ways and can be a learning experience for parents as well as students. In an effort to shed light on Laguna’s freshman program, on Monday, Dec. 10, a small group of incoming ninth grade parents gathered on Merritt Patio to attend the Ninth Grade Class Visitation Day. Every year, Laguna’s eighth graders are faced with a decision: to stay at Laguna for high school or to look elsewhere. In anticipation of this choice, parents of eighth grade students have the option of attending a guided tour of Laguna Blanca’s high school. For the event, they were led by Ms. Joyce Balak, Director of Admission & Financial Aid; Mr. John Abdou, Director of Recruitment/LBS Water Polo
Academy/Psychology Instructor; Dr. Karl Revells, Director of College Counseling; Mr. Tyler Hodges, Head of the Upper School; and Headmaster Paul Slocombe. After coffee and snacks, parents attended a quick meeting in Spaulding Auditorium. There, Mr. Slocombe formally welcomed the parents, telling them that the tour they were about to experience was in no way pre-planned, and that the goal of the tour was to show parents the multifariousness of Laguna’s Upper School. Mr. Hodges went on to tell parents that they would be observing classes from all four grades, so that they could get a look at “the years beyond ninth grade.” Parents broke off into two groups and proceeded to mosey around the campus, briefly
popping in and out of classes. They visited Dr. Ashley Tidey’s ninth grade English class, where the students were working on their first research based paper. The class constructed their thesis statements, agreeing, disagreeing, or qualifying Louis Menand’s article about J.D. Salinger’s “The Catcher in the Rye.” Students asked questions, expressed opinions, and demonstrated their understanding of the subject. In Literary Non-Fiction, taught by Dr. Charles Donelan, juniors and seniors used iPads to take notes and do research while the touring parents looked on. The groups also visited PreCalculus Honors and Algebra 2/Trig with Mr. Paul Chiment, Journalism with Ms. Trish McHale, French III with Ma-
dame Maillard, AP Biology with Ms. Staci Richard, Stage Band with Ms. Laura Geier, Civilization with Mr. Richard Nathan, Drawing & Painting with Ms. Delphine Anaya, and Physics Honors with Mr. James Tur. They also took a tour of the newly renovated Isham Library and Nylen Academic Research Center. Additionally, there was a question and answer session after the tour for parents to get any information about Laguna to contribute to their decisions about high school. “The parents and the students are making a really significant choice,” said Mr. Hodges. “It is important for the parents to see the school because if not, then they are making a choice based on what they’ve heard, not what they’ve seen.”
Profile
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January 11, 2013
Hiking in the Now:
Catching up with Alumna Morgan Raith By ANASTASIA ANTONOVA
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he motioned our phones lying on the table, how any second they could ring. How we would automatically be disengaged from the conversation we were having, from the now. While backpacking through a 115 mile section of the Himalayan Mountains in India, alumna Morgan Raith’s (’12) technological resources were limited to four emergency Personal Locator Beacons and each of the students’ cameras. For 29 days she and her course mates, 15 individuals of no previous relation, quickly found the value in relationships electronic gadgets. “I’ve never experienced that in any other social situation, where you are consistently giving 110 percent of yourself. It was really refreshing,” Morgan said.
A Man of Honor: Coach Sal Rodriguez By STEPHEN MCCAFFERY Head Coach of the boys basketball team, Sal Rodriguez, is entering his fifth season. Sal Rodriguez has garnered winning records with the Owls for the past two seasons. He has also taken the basketball team to the playoffs in two of his seasons. With his first playoff team, Sal led the Owls to the quarterfinals of CIF, which he states is his greatest accomplishment as the Laguna Blanca Boys Basketball Head Coach. However, Sal is not just an ordinary coach. Behind the coach is a man who has devoted his life to his country, basketball, and the Boys and Girls Clubs of Santa Barbara. Coach Rodriguez was first introduced the Boys Club of Goleta, now the Boys and Girls Club of Goleta, in 1955 as a child and honed his basketball skills at this club. In high school, Sal was the first ever four-year letterman and a four-year starter on the Varsity Basketball team at San Marcos. Sal was the team captain in 1962, leading the team in assists and steals. He left San Marcos as the career scoring leader and held the record for ‘fouling out’ of the most games. During his senior season, he was chosen to first-team All-Channel League as well as All-CIF.
PHOTO: MORGAN RAITH ADVENTURES ABROAD: Morgan sits outside a temple with the local priest after making an offering, the group wakes up to a white landscape after a hail storm the night before, children swarm Morgan wanting to take pictures and asking for candy.
At the end of the summer when her friends were excitedly making preparations for their new academic adventure, Morgan was pondering her course of action for the next six months of free time. The Outdoor Leadership School, or NOLS, became a point of interest. “I saw India on the web as one of the school’s international locations and before I knew it I was getting my visa and shopping for plane tickets.” “Arriving in Delhi before the course was an amazing and colorful experience as chaotic as it was. Spending two days at the NOLS India base in the foothills was a brief calm in the
ing several kilometers and thousands of feet of elevation gain, the group often found time to stop in small villages and practice bits of Hindi with the locals. “The views and physical feats that were involved with climbing mountains were rewarding, but sharing a cup of chai with someone from an entirely different culture than my own was fantastic.” Morgan made a traditional offering to the mountain gods in a local temple to ensure a safe journey. “India is an incredibly spiritual place.” Morgan hopes to expand her passion for the outdoors through involvement with Middlebury’s Outing Club when she arrives next February.
storm of cultural and physical shock we all endured.” The base was where the students met their instructor team and had a few lessons on Hindi and local terrain before packing 40 percent of their body weight in gear and resources. On Sept. 24 they finally set out into the backcountry. That night it hailed while the tents were still being pitched. “We learned to take care of one another. Physically, we were all drop-dead exhausted at the end of the day, but with no personal entertainment devices to escape to we found happiness and comfort in each other.” Though most days were spent cover-
Seniors Offer Insight into Applying Early By ALLISON LEWIS TOWBES
Seniors have begun to send out college applications. Some students, however, are ahead of the game. More and more seniors are applying early to the colleges of their dreams. Although Marla Bonser applied early to several schools, she applied to San Diego State University and San Jose State University specifically to pursue running. “I didn’t really have an interest in these schools until their coaches contacted me,” said Marla, who always knew that she wanted to go to a big sports school. “Since both schools are Division I, sports are very important, and because of that the student athletes are extremely valued and cared for.” With so many fantastic sports schools in the country, Marla had to decide where she wanted to apply. “A few schools offered me scholarships,” said Marla, “however I realized I had no interest in the actual school.” Marla also gives a reason as to why students would apply early: “I think one of the most stressful parts of the whole college application process is the waiting so the fact that I’ll hear back earlier makes the process a little less stressful.”
While applying early to Chapman, UC Boulder, and Oregon State, Jeté Dongieux went through the long audition process of a prospec-
tive dance major. “I wanted to get it out of the way,” said Jeté, explaining that “you have a higher chance of getting in” if you apply early. The audition itself was a difficult experience. Chapman University has always had a strong focus on the arts. Dance majors take classes in dance history, kinesiology, and other dance related courses. UC Boulder has a multifaceted dance program, while Oregon State’s dance program is grouped into its cheerleading program. Jeté, who also prepared two solo pieces for the college officials, had to participate in an observed dance lesson. “It’s like these people are all against you. It’s so intimidating.” “I’m glad I applied early,” said Jeté, “But if you don’t know if you really want to be a dancer, don’t do it unless you’re sure.”
Eli Bittleston’s application experience included a “grueling” two-part application to the Naval Academy. “It’s actually not done yet,” said Eli, who was required to fill out the application and obtain letters of recommendation from Senators, Congressmen, or the Vice President. He also had to partake in both physical and medical examinations. Eli spent six days this past summer attending the Naval Academy’s Summer Seminar, a program for rising seniors geared towards giving professional training experience to high achieving applicants. There, he had the opportunity to live on campus like a Naval Academy student. Eli gives some explanation as to why he applied early: “As the year goes on school work builds up, and by the time December comes around, you’ll be really glad that you got the application in ahead of time.” PHOTOS: ANASTASIA ANTONOVA
Teacher Bears Witness to the Underserved By JESSIE DUSEBOUT
PHOTO: ANASTASIA ANTONOVA
After college, Sal was drafted into the United States Military and served in the Vietnam War. When he returned home, Sal became the Unit Director of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Santa Barbara, which he remained for 20 years. Sal held the position of Executive Director of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Santa Barbara from 1995-2008. Sal says his biggest accomplishment as Executive Director was the “remodeling of the Goleta Club, Westside Club, and Carpinteria Club.” For his contributions, involvement, and dedication to the Boys and Girls Club and to the sporting community for the past 50 years, Sal was inducted into the Santa Barbara Athletic Round Table Hall of Fame in 2003 and the Goleta Club was renamed the Sal Rodriguez Clubhouse in August.
Everyone wants to give; it is part of who we are. But, the dedication and time that Mr. James Tur, Laguna’s Academic Service Assistant and AP Physics Instructor, gives to Doctors Without Walls – Santa Barbara Street Medicine is truly unique. DWW-SBSM was founded in 2005 by three family physicians in effort to address acute disasters like Hurricane Katrina as well as chronic issues like homelessness. The ultimate goal of all of the DWW-SBSM programs is to create “social change/social justice models for health care that can be efficiently scaled up in response to unmet community needs and replicated in all parts of the US” (www.SBSM.com). Mr. Tur became involved with the organization in June 2011 through his former professor at UCSB whom he met with to discuss his plans for medical school. Mr. Tur is out in the field – in locations like St. Mike’s Church in Isla Vista, Pershing and Alameda Park – every other Monday and every Wednesday and Thursday. Also, as the Street Team Coordinator he helps with a lot of behind the scenes work throughout the week and weekends like “scheduling all of the volunteers (doctors, nurses, students, etc.) transporting all of the supplies, and directing clinic flow. Moreover, I am the point person for all issues
that come up regarding our outdoor clinics,” Mr. Tur said. Alongside his work with DWW-SBSM, Mr. Tur is prepping for medical school by taking classes at UCSB and SBCC. “Long term, I hope to return to Santa Barbara to continue my work with Doctors Without Walls as a physician. To accomplish this goal I need to work hard to gain the skills necessary to provide the highest level of care possible. My plan is to pursue a residency program that is run in a low income area hospital that will give me access to the most challenging cases while still working with underserved populations,” Mr. Tur said. With these ambitious goals, Mr. Tur is hoping to be accepted to medical school for the fall of 2014. Mr. Tur loves what he does and plans to continue working with the organization as long as they need him. “It [working with DWW] is a constant reminder of how lucky I am to have had the opportunities and support that I did growing up. It is easy for me to see now that without this framework it is possible that I (or any of us) could have ended up living on
PHOTO: PAUL KINGSLEY
the streets.” And while Mr. Tur enjoys most aspects of the job, his favorite part of his work with DWW-SBSM is: “the people. The volunteers that we work with are among the most hard-working humanitarians and they are truly inspirational to be around. Moreover, many of the patients that we see have incredible life stories. While the stories range from tragic to triumphant it is an honor to have the opportunity to listen and bear witness to people who have experienced such extremes.”
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January 11, 2013
Opinion Hunger Hurts By ALLISON LEWIS TOWBES
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he girl in the picture is thin. Maybe a little underweight, definitely not overweight, but slender. She is wearing a striped dress and maroon socks, and her blond hair hides her face. She looks normal. Beneath the picture, however, her Tumblr profile tells a different story. “I don’t have an eating disorder, just disordered eating,” she says. She is 17. She weighs 121 pounds, but is careful to note that she’ll change the number once she gets “less fat.” She is five feet, two inches tall and she calls herself a “professional screwer-upper.” The pictures that she reblogs- posts to her page- are scary. Girls, with their shirts pulled up, skin stretched over ribs, nothing but bones and soft tissue. Their hands grasp their thighs, their fingers fitting comfortably around. Hip bones jut out past their concave stomachs, their collarbones, sharp as knives. A world of skeletons. And just like any foreign land, it has its own language. Thinspiration, or thinspo, are blogs that post pictures of people with “ideal” bodies, many of whom are muscular and fit, all of whom are thin. There is also Bonespo and Skinspo, darker blogs with a powerful message: “Hunger hurts, but starving works.” It wasn’t long before I met Ana. For many of the thinspo-Tumblr girls, Ana is the constant pressure, a voice in the back of their head that tells them that they are strong enough to purge, or not to eat entirely. Ana isn’t a person. Ana is the pet name given to the disease that reduces these girls to shadows. Anorexia nervosa is a mental illness that affects at least 8 million Americans, according to a recent study by the South Carolina Department of Mental Health. Although it is commonly considered a “woman’s disease,” nearly 12.5 percent of those influenced are male. There are two sub categories: restriction and bulimia. Anorexia and other ED’s have the highest mortality rate of any mental illness. Unlike almost any other mental disorder, anorexia is associated with a higher socioeconomic class. It is also
associated with perfectionism. an anonymous ‘buddy’ to keep The girls who develop them motivated so they can anorexia nervosa are the girls continue to starve themselves we have all come to know. and achieve perfection. They come from good families There are Tumblr posts with high expectations; they like Help Wanted ads in care about their grades, and the paper: “Hey guys. I am they’re often involved in looking for an ana buddy sports that stress fitness and a to keep me motivated and particular body type. disciplined as school rolls You don’t look at them and around again. I am 14, in think that there’s something the USA, and I plan to keep wrong. restricting myself to 350-400 In fact, you might look at calories per day so it would them and wish you were as help if you were in a similar thin as situation,” they are. Reading You don’t look at them and These their think that there’s something thoughts girls find excuses is like wrong. to avoid watching a In fact, you might look at food at car crash-them and wish you were as all cost. watching thin as they are. Their girls spin constant out of refrain control, but is, “I had a big breakfast,” or, not having a name, or a face, “I ate before I came,” or, “ to identify them. What can I’m just not that hungry right we do to help people who we now.” don’t know? They hide it so well that The truth is, we do know even their loved ones are them. Every single girl incapable of seeing what’s who writes an Ana blog going on. is someone’s daughter, Unable to talk about their someone’s sister, disease with their family someone’s friend. As the and friends, they turn to the SCDMH study showed, Internet as a place to tell their an estimated one out of stories and make connections. 100 girls has anorexia Their anonymous blogs nervosa, yet we just don’t have become a safe haven for think to look. the girls (and boys) fighting It had never occurred this all-consuming disorder. to me that anyone I There are blogs that tell knew could have the horror stories about an ED. Ignorant girls contemplating starving and unaware, I themselves because they can’t heard the stories face the mirror. There are and read the blogs that are places to wallow news articles, in the constant guilt and thinking that unhappiness that comes with my stable an eating disorder. world could They warn their readers that never be the content, the photos and touched by quotes, may trigger adverse anything as behavior. nauseatingly There are recovery blogs terrible as too: “Today I ate a pancake. an eating And I didn’t feel bad about disorder. it. :)” I was Then there are the pro-Ana incredibly sites. Pro-Ana is promotion wrong. of anorexia nervosa, and it Strong, has developed a creepy, cultdetermined, like following. They live by brave, the motto, “Quod me nutrit, beautiful girls, me destruit”: That which people that nourishes me, destroys me. I care about, The Internet has become are suffering virtual cesspool of girls or have encouraging unhealthy suffered from behavior. They ask each other this disorder. for help, but not for help to I’ve seen them get better. They are asking for restrict, turning
down food. I’ve watched them fall deeper into their illness, still convinced that they’re fat or ugly even as they fade away into emaciation. But I have never known what to do for them. In the news and at school, we have been told that the media causes eating disorders. With today’s technology, there are hundreds of places for girls to be exposed to propaganda like pro-Ana websites. Still, it is the anorexic’s version of perfection that drives him or her to starvation. No matter where the pressure comes from, eating disorders are everywhere. So how come we are still in denial? We like to pretend that eating disorders aren’t a
problem. But our silence has contributed immensely to the upswing in EDs. From now on, I’m not going to stay quiet. Like any other social problem, this needs to be discussed. Eating disorders are scary to think about, but we do more harm than good by ignoring them. If you, or someone you love, has or is developing an eating disorder, talk about it. Opening the airways for healthy conversation could help more than you know. For those living with anorexia, bulimia, or another ED, knowing that other people care about them may give them the motivation to care about themselves. Recovery is an uphill battle, but it’s a war worth fighting.
ART: ZOE SERBIN
Checked Out for the Holidays
This December Christmas lights weren’t the only thing we plugged in. Does our constant need for tech gadgets help or hinder relationships during the holiday season?
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The CONS
The PROS
Powering Down
Making Connections
By ANASTASIA ANTONOVA
By KARINNA CARRILLO
have to confess: I eat a lot of my dinners in front of the TV. I know it’s bad. I feel guilty every time I do it, and there is even a societal taboo on the activity, despite how addicted to “our shows” we are. However, as a stressed out senior trying to balance school, apps, a small social life, and everything else, the desire to see what happens in this week’s episode of “Modern Family” outweighs my guilt. But any another night when I’m eating a meal with my family, I have to be engaged. We might be sitting next to the parents of triplets on their Gameboys or the couple both playing Angry Birds on their iPads, but I cannot stand to be one of those silent tables. If my brothers start texting their girlfriends under the table, I’ll be sure to try to (try to) take their phones away.
Technology has ruined our ability to stay connect, to be in the now. This couldn’t be more prevalent now that the holidays have arrived. For some, holiday dinners may mean three different kinds of potatoes, a slow-cooked ham, and multiple slices of pie for dessert, but to me they mean squabbling and bickering with my family over that meal. We cannot let technology take over our tables. Every time we check our buzzing phone or send a few emails in between dinner and dessert, we disconnect with our family, the people who matter. The Internet, along with all of our gadgets, has given us a way to stay connected with people thousands of miles away, but now we need to learn a new lesson: how to stay connected with the people five feet away. And you don’t need a smart phone to do that.
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wo years ago, when both my grandparents moved out of town, I knew things were going to change. I wouldn’t be able to visit them after school or spend my weekends with them. A few months after they moved away, I began to realize something that I hadn’t realized at first, my grandparents would be gone for the holidays: Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s. All of it. My grandma and I wouldn’t be able to cook the turkey together and my grandpa and I wouldn’t be able to watch our favorite holiday movies together. Knowing my grandparents weren’t exactly the most technologically savvy people, I started sending them letters, but that eventually stopped because of the delay between sending and receiving letters. Ultimately, I realized that I
had to get a modern gadget to help us to communicate. To start, I taught my grandma to use the cellphone. With this new-found knowledge, my grandma was able to send me pictures of the turkey she just put into the oven or text me “¡Feliz Navidad!” at midnight. The next step for my grandparents would be to take a leap of faith and purchase an iPad. An iPad would allow me to video chat with my grandpa during his tri-weekly dialysis treatments throughout the holiday season, and would allow my grandparents and me to see each other and hear each other’s voices as much as we did when they lived in Santa Barbara. Technology is slowly making its way into my grandparents’ house, its significance has increased dramatically.
Opinion
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January 11, 2013
STAFF EDITORIAL: resolve to publish
wenty two seconds to react. In the 22 seconds after Ki Suk Han was pushed onto subway tracks to his death, subwaygoers suddenly became a part of a story. While many of the witnesses stood stunned, R. Umar Abbasi, a New York Post freelance photographer, used his camera to capture the final moments before Ki Suk Han was struck and killed by a downtown Q train. The photo was later published on the front cover of the New York Post with huge text which read, “Pushed on the subway track, this man is about to die DOOMED.” The photo (and tabloid caption) sparked controversy about the ethics of documenting and distributing the photo. Abbasi claims he did all that he could by firing off his camera’s flash to try alert the conductor. He claims that there was
no way he could have helped rescue Ki Suk Han. Important news can sometimes happen quickly, the lines can be blurred between which situations are ethical to report on, and which are ethical to act on. The photo of Ki Suk Han was taken on Dec. 4, the discussion surrounding the controversial Abbasi photo echoes the controversy brought when Kim Phuc, the famous “girl in the photo” taken by Pulitzer Prizewinning photographer Nick Ut in 1972 during the Vietnam War, came to speak at the Lobero Theatre. Members of the staff attended the event. Kim Phuc spoke about how she came to accept the photo. However, she also said that when she first saw it, she hated the photo. Should the documentation of an event, no matter how atrocious, be distributed to the world without the
subject’s consent? It has to be. Whether holding a professional camera, an iPhone, or a pencil, we are all witnesses to history and able to record events. Abbasi’s photo may have been painful to look at, but the photo shows what happened on that subway platform in New York City. The ‘girl in the photo’ tells the story of one nine-year-old girl to the world. It may have helped to stop a war. As this issue is our first in 2013, we are setting our New Year’s resolutions, newspaper style. We resolve not only as journalists of The Fourth Estate, but also as journalists of the world to tell the stories that need to be told and to take photos that need to be taken. We resolve to use all forms of media to share these stories because they need to be told. When Nick Ut covered
the Vietnam War in photos, journalistic documentation happened mainly through print or photography. Today, we are all capable of capturing the story in photos, print, in videos, or in tweets and of sharing them in real time.
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As journalists instant access to information and the ability to share information in real time comes with a responsibility to be unafraid to publish what matters and what makes a difference.
GRAPHIC: ZOE SERBIN
Tweeting from the Gaza Strip By OLIVIA BERCI When I joined the staff of The Fourth Estate, I made a promise to print honest, balanced information—to explain both sides of conflict, and to voice my opinions only after thorough research. I have an obligation to practice good journalism. I have an obligation to comb through information with a fine-toothed comb—most importantly as it applies to making a distinction between what is right and wrong. The action and inaction of international media has, throughout history, dictated what is ignored and what is paid attention to, but even more so in this era of new media. The press has the power to grant prominence to world issues more powerfully than ever before, and global news media is dominated by U.S. corporations. Mainstream media coverage of the Israel-Palestine conflict has for years been criticized as being biased by both sides. It has arguably lead to the proliferation of more media watchdog groups on both sides of the conflict than any other news topic. People with strong bias toward an issue undeniably perceive reporting as biased against their own opinions, regardless of how substantiated the information may be. It’s referred to as the “hostile media effect,” and it has plausibly generated more accusation of partisan reporting on the IsraelPalestine conflict than on any other story. But the media bears the privilege and burden of being able to shape public opinion, and, therefore, has a responsibility to participate in a fight for some resolution of this age-old conflict. The Glasgow Media Group documented differences in the language used by journalists for Israelis and Palestinians in BBC television news coverage. The study found that “atrocity,” “brutal murder,” “mass murder,” and “savage cold blooded killing” were used to describe the death of Israelis, but not for the death of Palestinians. The word “terrorist” was repeatedly used to describe Palestinians. “Vigilantes” or “extremists” were used to describe members of an Israeli group, but not the word “terrorists.” Language is emotive—it can be inflammatory. “Disputed territories” evokes an entirely different human reaction than “occupied territories.” The terms are often used interchangeably, but they reflect drastically
different positions on the legal status of the West Bank and the Gaza Strip. “Security fence” versus “apartheid wall,” or “neighborhood” versus “settlement.” “Militant” versus “freedom fighter” versus “terrorist.” Or using the term “died” versus “killed” versus “murdered.” Emotion grabs people’s attention. It draws them to read or listen about an important story, but emotive language is also vulnerable and needs to be handled with care. In this conflict, loaded terms such as “retaliation” are used over and over again. American networks CBS, ABC, and NBC used “retaliate” and its variants to describe attacks in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict 150 times from Sept. 2000 to Mar. 2002. 79% were in reference to Israel “retaliating” and 9% were in reference to Palestinians “retaliating.” Perhaps 79% of the attacks covered between Sept. 2000 and Mar. 2002 were truly Israeli responses, but did all three media moguls agree on which side was victimized every time—every 150? The position, I am sure, was not explicitly stated, but the language, context
I have an obligation to practice good journalism. given, and political figures interviewed drastically influenced the public’s perception of who was guilty. Information is all too often decontextualized—not only in words, but in photographs. Information is unethically omitted. An article that includes information about both a Palestinian suicide bombing in Israel and an Israeli offensive in the West Bank holds weight that an article only mentioning the Palestinian bombing or an article only mentioning the Israeli offensive do. An article explaining the West Bank Barrier that does not mention the suicide bombings of the Second Intifada omits information that is essential to an honest understanding. An article that discusses the 2006 Hamas Election victory but does not mention the corruption of Fatah is unbalanced. Israel advocate Bret Stevens said, “Moral clarity is a term that doesn’t get much traction these days.” This year we resolved to publish the stories that matter—not only to publish those stories in this paper and on thefourthestate.net, but to publish on our Facebook walls and Twitter feeds. The influence we have as contributors to a global media cannot be overemphasized. We must publish factually, equitably, and truthfully. We must publish without censorship, but, as Stevens said, good journalism is more than being objective and balanced. Maybe my stories won’t conclude in who was right, who was wrong, who was guilty, or who acted in “retaliation,” but I resolve to make a conscious effort to research thoroughly. I promise to be honest in my uncertainty and to be clear in the language I use. Here’s to a 2013 that fearlessly tackles our globe’s most difficult conflicts.
THE CONFLICT The IsraeliPalestinian conflict refers to the ongoing struggle between Israelis and Palestinians that dates back to the early 20th century. However, the term is also used in reference to the earlier phases of the same conflict between the Zionist yishuv and the Arab population living in Palestine under Ottoman and then British rule. THE REMAINING KEY ISSUES: • • • • • • • •
mutual recognition borders security water rights control of Jerusalem Israeli settlements Palestinian freedom of movement finding a resolution to the refugee question THE OBSTACLE:
The primary obstacle to resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is a deep-set distrust between its participants. The hard-line, unilateral strategies of political factions and the violence by civilians against one another have created a mutual hostility. The problem is that there is a growing loss of faith in the peace process. The rift is further complicated by incongruity on both sides of the conflict between moderate and extremist bodies.
THE KEY PLAYERS Yasser Arafat
GRAPHICS: ZOE SERBIN
President of the Palestinian National Authority (PNA), founder of the Fatah political party and former paramilitary group, Spent much of his life fighting in the name of Palestinian self-determination.
Ehud Barak
Mahmoud Abbas
Israeli politician who served as Prime Minister from 1999 to 2001, leader of the Labor Party until January 2011[1], holds the posts of Minister of Defense and Deputy Prime Minister in Benjamin Netanyahu’s government.
Chairman of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) since 11 November 2004, President of the Palestinian National Authority on 15 January 2005 on the Fatah ticket.
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What’s Your Resolution for the New Year?
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e’ve all done it. Every year, as we watch the ball drop in honor of the New Year, we write up a list, which usually consists of the same things: lose 10 pounds, exercise more often, eat healthier, spend less, work more, and basically become a different person. And every year, by the time we hit February, most of us—particularly those of us who began the year with the most energy and eagerness— return to our old habits and relinquish our resolutions. Personally, I’ve found that I end up spending more time and energy creating a list of goals for the New Year than I do actually trying to execute my plan to become a different and better person. However, there’s a consistent trend that explains why New Year’s resolutions never work. For one, our deadlines stink. Frankly, because we never set any. We always get so worked up over how we
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January 11, 2013
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Looking ahead to 2013 LAYOUT: ANASTASIA ANTONOVA & ZOE SERBIN PHOTO: ANASTASIA ANTONOVA
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I for one never know what I’m working towards. Rather than find my motivation by looking forward to an ultimate, concrete deadline, I find myself drawing energy from the excitement in the air on January 1. Once the adrenaline fades away, so do my so-called resolutions. Secondly, there’s no incentive to follow through. The only person checking up on my progress is… me. Otherwise, I am not held accountable for any of my choices. So if I decide to “take a break” or “try again later,” I can, and thus, another year flies byresolutions incomplete. I, like many, have the best intentions. Who doesn’t want to jump at the opportunity to begin again with a clean slate? But it’s easier said than done, and history can attest to that. We can only resolve to change our lifestyle if we commit to changing our ways and that starts with more than just a new year.
Reflecting on 2012 By HELENA DAVILA
One year, 12 months, 365 days. When everyone is so busy looking forward, making New Year’s resolutions, and making plans for the year, it can be easy to forget to look back, to take a moment to glance over your shoulder before the year ends for good. It’s been an eventful year full of elections, celebrations, loss, and technological breakthroughs. The crazy whirlwind of events — both happy and sad — is overwhelming. We’ve narrowed down the pool to just a few. Here are our top events of 2012: The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee:
February 6 marked the sixtieth anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II’s ascension to the throne since 1952. Britain celebrated with four days full of gun salutes, horse derbies, and parades. Today, she remains the queen regnant of 16 sovereign states.
Whitney Houston Passed Away:
February 11, the world suffered the loss of a great pop icon whose influence transcended generations. Forty-eightyear-old Whitney Houston made the 2009 Guinness World Record as the most awarded female of all time. In her lifetime, Houston sold over 170 million albums, singles, and videos worldwide.
Facebook Goes Public:
May 18, Facebook co-founder Mark Zuckerberg made the jump, and declared the media giant’s first day trading as a public company. Valued at more than $100 billion, it is set to be the largest tech IPO in US history, $16 billion.
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“Hike Mount Everest.” – Daniel Moghtader
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“I want to learn Italian.” – Rebecca Brooks
London Olympics:
July 27-August 12, London hosted the Olympic games for the third time. Among the more unusual sports in the games included: fencing, judo, archery and trampoline.
Conflict between Gaza and Israel Reignited:
In November, the long-standing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian group Hamas reignited after Israel launched air strikes against what it referred to as terrorist targets in Gaza. Since the initial air strikes, the conflict has only deepened, and there seems to be no end in sight between these two groups.
Presidential Election:
November 6, President Barack Obama was re-elected over Republican Senator Mitt Romney. The Democratic candidate came out on top with 332 electoral votes and 2.5 million more votes than Mitt Romney.
“Learn how to ride a Vespa.” – Kimmy Crickette “I want to go skydiving!” – Ms. Bergstrom
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Feature Family Holiday Traditions January 11, 2013
By CATY LAFITTE
During the holiday season, each family celebrates its own set of traditions.
Mitsi Gamble “Japan’s Christmas and New Year’s Day are the opposite of America’s. For the Christmas season, most Japanese people don’t really do the traditional ‘wake up and get a lot of presents on Christmas morning’ thing. Most people probably get two presents and just put decorations up. Instead, on New Year’s Day we get presents, and relatives give us money. Japanese people eat a special selection of dishes during the New Year called ‘osechi-ryori.’ These dishes supposedly carry good luck. My mom makes this soup called ‘ozoni’ which is traditional for all Japanese people to eat on New Year’s Day. My family has a traditional Christmas and New Year’s Day even though my mom didn’t grow up celebrating Christmas to the extent we do. I basically celebrate or incorporate little things here and there from my mom’s traditions and dad’s traditions. But since Christianity is becoming more prominent in Japan, I’m sure a decent amount of people really celebrate Christmas like we do. Also, in Japan instead of sending out ‘Happy Holiday’ cards or ‘Merry Christmas’ cards, they send out ‘Happy New Year’ cards.
Also, there is Children’s Day, which is a Japanese national holiday on May 5. It celebrates children and their happiness and individuality. You eat special foods and put out decorations in your house for Children’s Day.” Maddie Sokolove “My family and I celebrate Hanukkah. Every night for eight nights when the sun goes down, we light the Hanukkah that has eight candles, and symbolizes how long the oil lasted when the temple was destroyed. We use the same Hanukkah every year with different animals on it. While lighting the candles, we chant our blessing over the Hanukkah. Usually, on the first night, my whole family gets together and my mom makes a huge Jewish meal with noodle pudding, latkes, brisket, and other great food. At the end of each night, I get a little present. With all the food and presents, it is by far my favorite holiday.” Annabelle Sorensen “We love to all cook together, especially Baklava! Both of my parents are
Scandinavian and Baklava is a Danish dish. On Christmas morning, we love to line up from youngest to oldest and oldest to youngest, rotating each year. We do this because there are so many of us and it’s fun to video everyone coming in one by one and seeing their expressions.” Phoebe Madsen “Every Christmas, we go as a family to Whistler, Canada, and we really just ski all break long including Christmas. Sometimes we see the rest of our family over winter break. But my grandparents and my cousins aren’t as big of skiers so we usually just see them over the Thanksgiving break. My parents love to ski and I’ve been skiing since I could walk, when I was one or two. My parents just put me on skis and kind of held me down the hill! I’ve been doing it for so long that I just love it. We have a little hotel and we get a little three-foot tree and we decorate it. It’s really small but at least it’s a tree! We just go to one of the restaurants that’s on a lake for Christmas Eve dinner. We don’t really get anything special to eat. Just whatever looks good!
T
Broadening Horizons: YouTube comedians make the jump to Comedy Central By ZOE SERBIN PHOTO: ERIC MICHAEL PEARSON
We usually come back for New Year’s Eve so we just stay there for half the break. For New Year’s Day we just kind of hang out with our friends.” Hunter Cong “We celebrate the Spring Festival, which is the same as Chinese New Year, very formally. We throw a party every year and a lot of people come over to my house and we have a good time. There will be a lot of yummy traditional Chinese foods. Sometimes we have fish, or meatballs, it’s different every year. But they’re all really yummy. We always have fish because it symbolizes wealth. During the Spring Festival, most Chinese families will do fireworks. If you look in the air you can see different fireworks everywhere. I will go back to China for Christmas, and I can’t wait to see my parents in China. For my family, I’m not sure if every family does the same as we do in China, but for my family every Christmas, we have a big dinner. We don’t usually get a Christmas tree. I only remember having one Christmas tree when I was age six or seven. But we aren’t doing that because it’s not really that important to us. We just gather with our family, and sometimes open a few presents from my parents.” ART: MAYA CHRISTIAN
he New York-based imfriendly disagreement over lunch. provisation group Upright It’s familiar, it’s fresh, it’s just Citizen’s Brigade (UCB) has bred plain funny. many a comedy superstar. Jacobson and Glazer know just From the ranks of their alumni when to let a beat rest in that have emerged Matt Besser, Amy perfect pocket of uncomfortable Poehler, Tina Fey, Robin Wilsilence. liams, Will Ferrell, Alec Baldwin, The show is easily one of the Jack Black, and the list goes on most relatable, real, and hilarious and on and on. Female comedy web series on the internet right duo Abbi Jacobson and Ilana now. Glazer are soon to be added to Not only is it funny for women, that prestigious list. who sympathize with the duo’s Since 2010, Abbi Jacobson and relationship problems, wardrobe Ilana Glazer have been running a malfunctions, body issues, and a YouTube web series called Broad plethora of other everyday dilemCity. From their connections mas that pop up – but it’s also with the UCB, they were able to funny for men. get comedy Jacobson legend Amy and Glazer’s “Jacobson and Glazer choice of Poehler to help them comedic mateknow just when to Executive rial may not be let a beat rest in Produce exactly what their show men gravitate that perfect pocket on Comedy towards, but of uncomfortable Central. The their comepilot episode dic timing, silence.” finished delivery, and production intelligence is on the 21st of November. An air entertaining from any angle. In date for the pilot has not yet been an interview earlier in November announced. with NU-MODE magazine, Glazer Broad City follows New Yorkers described it as a “fresh, young, Abbi Jacobson and Ilana Glazer urban, gritty” show. It certainly is. – who both play exaggerated Funny is funny, and there is no versions of their younger selves – way to deny the incredible talent in their everyday lives in the Big that bursts forth from everything Apple. Jacobson and Glazer do – whether And despite its relatively simple it’s their monthly comedy show premise, the show is phenomenal. at the UCB theatre, their wicked Jacobson and Glazer’s comedic humor, or the graphic design that timing is spot on. they do for their own publicity. Their banter is synonymous Keep your eyes peeled for these with any best friend duo having a two. They’re going to be big.
Feature
Tech Corner
Film Festival Commentary
By ALEX HAWKER
By KYLE VAN DE KAMER
SBIFF Announces Award Recipients As the award season approaches, film lovers in Santa Barbara are eager to attend the Santa Barbara International Film Festival. Founded in 1985, the event has developed into an internationally recognized event that recognizes people such as Martin Scorsese, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Al Gore for their achievements. The festival will take place from Jan. 24 to Feb. 3 during which actors including Ben Affleck, Robert DeNiro, Amy Adams, Daniel Day-Lewis and Jennifer Lawrence will be awarded. This year’s Celebrity Tributes include: Ben Affleck, the Modern Master Award, Amy Adams, the Cinema Vanguard Award, Daniel Day-Lewis, the Montecito Award, and Jennifer Lawrence for the Outstanding Performer of the Year Award. Now nearing his tenth year as executive director, Roger Durling, has a knack for predicting Academy Award winning films and actors. Over the two weeks of the festival, SBIFF takes over downtown Santa Barbara from the Opening Night Film, to Celebrity Tributes, and Panel Discussions. As far as pricing goes, SBIFF offers an array of ticket options.
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January 11, 2013
Go Green and Save Money
Basic ticket packs are available in either a 10-Film Mini Pac or a 4-Film Mini Pac. Ticket Packages include a Tribute Package, a Film Geek Package, and an Intro Package. For the serious cinema lovers, passes are available which range from the sold-out Private Access Pass for $5,000 which entitles the pass holder to reserved priority seating, a personal VIP liaison, exclusive private parties, VIP backstage access and photo opportunities to the State Street Pass for $325. Attending a screening during the SBIFF is a unique experience. State Street is lined with people rushing to get into films and discussing movies while waiting in line. It is the only time of the year when Santa Barbarans can see rarely shown international movies. Many of the films shown are from other countries and are thus in subtitles. However, the majority of the films shown are either from America or Europe. The Santa Barbara International Film Festival is a once a year opportunity to see an array of films and to attend panel discussion from producers to writer and creative leaders within the film industry.
Instead, a much more energy efLight bulbs are everywhere in ficient option is the fluorescent bulb, today’s world, and, as a result, they have a major impact on both the envi- or CFL. While slightly more expensive initially, they are a better investment ronment and one’s power bill. However, with the evolution of technology, in the long run. CFLs last approximately 10 times more varieties of light bulbs are being longer than produced, incandesgiving us cent lightmore oping, and are tions than three times ever. as energy The most efficient. common However, light bulbs the lights are incantake a while descent light to reach full bulbs. While brightness, these are and the really cheap at only a (From left to right) A typical incandescent, compact majority of them contain few dollars fluorescent, and LED light bulb. toxic merper bulb, cury. they have In the last few years, a promising very poor energy efficiency and a third option has surfaced: LED light short lifetime – they usually only last bulbs. While they are much more exabout one to two years. Both of these pensive, costing $16, they make up for factors not only make incandescent the cost with the best energy efficiency light bulbs bad for the environment, and the best lifetime - approximately but also bad for one’s wallet. While seven times that of incandescent energy-saving variants of incandeslights. Plus, as a bonus feature, some cent light bulbs, halogen light bulbs LED light bulbs can even change exist, they do not improve the energy color. efficiency by much.
An Epic Game Swoops into The Fourth Estate also includes power-ups, unlockable extras, and leader boards that let you compare your score with others all over the world. High-scores eluding you? Always getting trapped by the Metal Mafia? Can’t get enough newspapers? Get to the next level with tips from the developer and top players: “My personal strategy is to go around the outside of the level in a circle, going fast enough to escape the Metal Mafia, but not so fast that they circle back and trap me. I always make sure to look out for, and avoid, dead ends. I don’t risk going for a power-up or newspaper if the Metal Mafia are too close - it’s better to be safe than sorry,” said game developer senior Alex Hawker.
By ALEX HAWKER The Fourth Estate Web Team which includes seniors Alex Hawker, Eli Bittleston, and Eddie Conk are proud to present the Official Game of the Fourth Estate Online Newspaper, featuring LBS mascot Swoop, the owl with the scoop. When the Fourth Estate newspapers are scattered in a maze, you, Swoop, must put your investigative journalism skills to the test to recover the newspapers while simultaneously escaping the Metal Mafia. Featuring amazing graphics and “epic” game play that keeps one coming back for more, the game
Online coeditor-senior Eli Bittleston said, “When I get up to the higher levels, as I’m drifting down to the next maze, I look over the upcoming map and look for traps and routes and see what path I should take. I also avoid the red power-up at all costs.” Online coeditor-senior Eddie Conk said, “I usually try to beat each level as fast as possible, because otherwise I
usually get cornered.” Play the game for free today at: http://www.thefourthestate.net.
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Sports
January 11, 2013
Alum Honored as AllAmerican By SCOTT JOHNSTON
During this past 2012 collegiate volleyball season, one of Laguna’s very own, Jackie Harvey, was honored as a division III All-American first team player. Only 14 women’s volleyball players in division III are chosen for this elite squad. Jackie graduated from Laguna in 2010 and attends the University of Puget Sound, where she is majoring in Business Administration and minoring in Economics “I chose to attend the University of Puget Sound because I was really interested in it’s Business and Leadership Programs… as well as being able to play volleyball.” Jackie led the University of Puget Sound through a terrific season where she plays the position of outside hitter, just as she did for the Owls. The team won the Western Regional tournament and went on to play in the National Elite 8 where they ultimately lost to the number one seed; nevertheless they finished the season tied for fifth place nationally. The collegiate volleyball season starts in early August and usually ends around Thanksgiving, but Jackie and her teammates train throughout the offseason. Jackie said that managing academic and volleyball obligations is not as difficult as it seems: “As long as you prioritize your life and keep on schedule. Our coach makes sure that we all know that school comes first. “My time is greatly monopolized by school and volleyball and I have very little time for anything else. However, despite always being busy, I actually do better in school while we are in season than during our off-season. This is mainly because I know that I have to get everything done.” Jackie is the fifth athlete from her university to be selected to an All-America first team, and she is only the second to do so in the sport of volleyball. In her sophomore year, Jackie received an honorable mention for an All-American team. After receiving this honor, Jackie’s coach asked, “What [All-American] team are you looking to get on next year, 3rd or 2nd?” Jackie said, “I jokingly replied that I was going all the way for the first team with no real expectations that I could actually make it. When I found out, I was kind of shocked.” Jackie said that her time at Laguna, “prepared [her] leadership qualities for these last few years in college sports. Laguna gives athletes the opportunity to lead, and even if you do not plan on playing sports in college, it is also very helpful in school.” Jackie has received offers to play in Europe on a USA college team, but she does not plan to pursue volleyball after she graduates from Puget Sound. “Although I love volleyball, I do not want to make it my life. After college, I plan on attending law school and then hopefully moving back to southern California at some point. “Honestly this past season I put a lot of thought into why I am still playing volleyball. I know that I do not want to pursue it after school and that it takes up a lot of my time that I could be studying. “However, after thinking about it this past season and contemplating quitting, I realized that I love being apart of a team. I thought about not being on a team anymore and it made me realize that despite the long hours and the injuries that I still love it because of the people I play with.” In addition, Jackie decided to keep on playing because of her competitive nature, which has carried over from Laguna.
ART: MAYA CHRISTIAN
What Constitutes a Sport? A Sports Commentary By CAITLIN CONNOR
Gymnastics, skiing, 500m butterfly, boxing, rowing, hockey, and volleyball, are all undoubtedly sports. But what makes table tennis, badminton, or shooting qualify as Olympic sports while other activities are left out? According to the International Olympic Federation, when “a sport first [is] recognized: it must be administered by an International Federation which ensures that the sport’s activities follow the Olympic Charter.” Cheerleading is not a recognized sport in the Olympics, but any participant would tell you without a doubt that it is. It is a team activity, which is competitive and undoubtedly tests one’s physical abilities. “To me, sports are defined as an activity involving physi-
cal exertion and skill in which an individual or team competes against another or others. If there is no competing involved at all, then it is not a sport. It is true that dance and yoga do include physical exertion but unless they are competitive they are not sports,” said freshman Darwin Miguel. Darwin, like many others, thinks a sport must be competitive; therefore, under those pretenses, cheerleading would be a sport, yet ballet, for example, wouldn’t be. However, ballet shares many aspects of a sport. Dancers practice, like football players. They spend hours getting better, like soccer players. They push themselves to physical limits, like gymnasts. All for one perfor-
mance, like ice-skating. According to sophomore Annabelle Sorensen, a sport is constituted by “something you do everyday in order to build muscles that requires physical exertion. For example, I would consider ballet or dance a sport, but probably not yoga.” According to her criteria as to what defines a sport, both ballet and cheerleading would be included in the Olympics. According to the Merriam Webster dictionary, a sport is a “physical activity engaged in for pleasure.” This definition leaves this term completely open for interpretation. Thus, we see different opinions across the spectrum of what constitutes an activity being considered a “sport”.
The definition of a sport does not come from a dictionary. It comes from the general school of thought of the criteria for a sport. Sophomore Mia Chavez takes a more liberal stand, “I feel like anything that involves physical work and has some element of competition to it is a sport. Dancers, gymnasts and cheerleaders put in just as much work, if not more, than any other athletes. These sports not only require a level of fitness, but they also require a level of skill that, let’s say football, doesn’t.” Sports are not defined by a dictionary or by a committee. Sports are defined by individual beliefs. Every individual has a different view on what a sport is, but it is the general public that the makes criteria.
Featured Athletes: Winter Sports Girls Soccer
Boys Soccer
By STEPHEN MCCAFFERY
By SCOTT JOHNSTON As the 2012-2013 boys soccer season rolls on, it is apparent that the team is dedicated and hardworking, yet some players stand out among the rest. One such player is sophomore Connor Curran. Connor plays the left wing position and is consistently an energizing player for the Owls. As a freshman, Connor was a key player and the second leading scorer on the team. He also added a very healthy amount of assists to go along with his goals. Connor’s on field success comes from his hard work at practice and his capability to always give 100 percent mentally and physically. Sophomore Jack Espy has played with Connor for the past two years and said, “He is a very hard worker on the field
PHOTO: MILES CRIST and off. He is always willing to help other players who are struggling and is just a good all around teammate and player.” Even when most can not help but become discouraged, Connor never gives up and inspires his teammates to do the same. Along with his accomplishments on the field, Connor is successfully maintaining a high GPA in academics despite his very demanding schedule.
PHOTO: MILES CRIST commended by Coach Shertzer, which greatly helped the Owls shutout Villanova Prep en route to a 2-0 win. Nadia has also earned great respect of her teammates for her exceptional efforts. Fellow teammate Clara Madsen said, “Nadia is a great defensive player; she’s so fast and so strong no one can get by her! She’s also a great leader and helps our new players with positioning and what to do in certain situations.”
Boys Varsity Basketball
Boys JV Basketball
By CAITLIN CONNOR
By SCOTT JOHNSTON Sophomore captain Ethan Katnic is leading this year’s junior varsity boys basketball team. Ethan started off the season by leading the team with 10 points in the Owls’ season opener against Santa Ynez. Due to the team’s very limited size, players have to step up and maximize their play and physicality. Ethan has provided exceptional play with his fastpaced, aggressive style of play. He has a knack for driving into the paint and getting close shots. Ethan is routinely the loudest player on the court, directing his teammates and making sure everybody is in the correct position, including himself.
Whether racing on the track or defending on the field, Nadia Belton makes her presence known. During the fall Cross Country season, Nadia posted finishes of sixteenth, respectively, at both the Midland and Thacher meets. Currently, Nadia is starting at sweeper for the second consecutive season for the Lady Owls soccer team. She was also chosen as a captain for this year’s team. “[Nadia] is a natural leader. She naturally directs other people,” says Head Coach Kevin Shertzer. “[Nadia] has all of the qualities that you would want in a captain in terms of a motivational and organizational sense.” In the first game of the season, Nadia had an exceptional defensive effort at sweeper,
PHOTO: MILES CRIST Ethan’s teammate Chris Benwitt said, “Ethan is a treasure to our team due to his upbeat attitude and self-motivation. He is up for any challenge and is always directing our players when they need help.” Along with being a valued member of the team, Ethan mirrors his on court success with his academic achievements. Ethan works just as hard as a student as he does as a player, and this effort is clearly demonstrated through his accomplishments.
Senior captain JT Aubrey is setting the pace for the boys varsity basketball team. Despite the first game being a loss to the Santa Ynez Pirates, the boys earned a win in their second game, tying their record 1-1 and starting league play at 1-0. The second game of the season proved to be difficult. At half time, the Owls trailed by eight points against the Providence Hall Lions in their Condor League opener. The early deficit, however, did not prove to be a problem for the boys. The Owls came back to win 50-48 in the closing minute. JT was one of the main
PHOTO: MILES CRIST reasons for this turn around, leading the team with 20 points. “Since JT’s been on the team all four years he has become a great leader. Even when he’s not making his own shots he still encourages everyone else and helps them be their best,” says fellow senior Eli Bittleston of JT’s leadership skills. As he has demonstrated, JT is a player who will continue to help carry the team.
Sports
January 11, 2013
Skiing is a Tradition
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By CAITLIN CONNOR AND STEPHEN MCCAFFERY ART: ZOE SERBIN
Many families from the Laguna community flock to the snow-covered mountains over winter break where students meet up on the slopes, and it is not uncommon to run into one another. My family and I love to have a white Christmas so we usually go to Mammoth. ~Grace Woolf
Boarding is my favorite activity to do outside of school; there isn’t a better feeling than hitting fresh powder on my winter break. We try to go up to Mammoth and China Peak once every winter break and Mammoth during President’s Day Weekend. ~Andrew Vignolo
Skiing has always been a really great activity for my family to do together. It has become a tradition that we all really enjoy doing together. ~ Olivia Berci
Ever since I was little, my family and I have gone up to Beaver Creak, Colorado for winter break. Now that we are getting older it’s a way for us to bond. ~Jessie Dusebout We cruise up to Idaho every year to shred the pow. It’s usually pretty nice. It’s really awesome to get some snow time and have fun up there. I’ve been skiing since I was four. ~Parker Rusack Skiing is the best feeling in the world, which is why I always look forward to it throughout the year. ~Clarissa Coburn
PACK IT UP
What to Bring When Headed to the Snow By CAITLIN CONNOR
POC Frontal Helmet: The Swedish-based company POC produces stylish bullet-proof helmets for those who want the extra protection. Hot Chiles: Long underwear, such as fleece, come in many colors and are always an essential layer. Hot Hands: If you get cold easily, these chemical warmers can be put inside of gloves, boots, or even jacket pockets Patagonia Thermal Layers: By wearing fleece or similar water resistent jackets, it is easier to stay warm and dry. Burton Jacket: This is a must have! Keeping warm is made easy in this down jacket. PHOTO: ANASTASIA ANTONOVA
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January 11, 2013
A&E
Seniors Bring Nutcracker to Life
TOP MUSIC 2012
By CAITLIN CONNOR
By MARGARET LAZAROVITS
Gathering information from an advisory poll of 150 students and Billboard.com, we’ve compared Laguna’s students’ choices with the Best of 2012 Billboard.com
Since she was two years old, senior at the Arlington with a full symphony Jeté Dongieux has been a ballerina, orchestra. and every year thereafter, she has Over the years, this very company been a dancer in the Nutcracker Balhas become like a family to Jeté. let, based on the story “The Nutcrack“I love performing and rehearsing er and the King of with all my dance Mice” written by “I remember always sisters on the weekE.T.A. Hoffman. end. Even though looking up to the Such a long comthe commitment older girls and mitment clearly does get in the way demonstrates why admiring their skill. of my social life, it Jeté loves this good to work It is weird to think feels show: “I think so out in the morning that now I am one of doing something many companies perform it because you love.” them.” it’s a classic. It is Fellow senior - Bryana Schantz seasonal and fun Bryana Schantz has for families to get also been in love into the holiday with the Nutcrackspirit by seeing the Nutcracker.” er since her first year as a four-yearJeté is starring as a Dew Drop in old in ballet classes. the Dance of the Snow. Just as it While her company has been perhas for the past 37 years, the Santa forming with the State Street Ballet Barbara Festival Ballet will perform for the past five years, she fondly remembers her early years as “a baby angel.” “I remember always looking up to the older girls and admiring their skill. It is weird to think that now I am one of them,” said Bryana. Although she started her dancing career as a party girl, Bryana now stars in the dances of the Princesses and the Waltz of the Flowers. Dancing sixteen hours a week, rehearsing for nine of those hours, and continuing to persevere is what has brought her to the top. Many of these hours are spent working with the professional dance company, which she says has given her a glimpse into the professional world of dance, while at the same time she is privy to their expertise. For the first time the companies will be working with a live full symphony orchestra which, while invigorating, also presents new challenges. The dancers now have to constantly adapt to the challenge of having a conductor rather than having a set, routine score. But Bryana doesn’t mind: “No matPHOTO: CYNTHIA SCHANTZ ter how many times I hear the songs, EN POINTE: Senior Bryana Schantz I never get tired of it. It reminds me practices backstage as she prepares to of my favorite time of year and evokes many special memories.” perform in the Waltz of the Flowers.
Billboard.com 2012 MVP: Madonna Best Newcomer: Lana del Rey Favorite No. 1 Hot 100 Song: “Set Fire to the Rain” by Adele Best Music Video: “Gangam Style” by PSY Best Comeback: No Doubt Most Anticipated Album of 2013: Lady Gaga
Laguna Students 2012 MVP: Mumford and Sons Best Newcomer: Fun. Favorite No. 1 Hot 100 Song: “Set Fire to the Rain” by Adele Best Music Video: “Gangnam Style” by PSY Best Comeback: Beach Boys Most Anticipated Album of 2013: 50 Cent
ART: ZOE SERBIN
Student Art Brings Holiday Cheer to Laguna Homes
By MACKENNA CONNOR unior Chloë Brown’s watercolor featuring a cardinal perched on a holly branch was selected as this year’s holiday card. Chloë has been taking art classes at Laguna since her freshman year. Although these are the only art classes she has ever taken, Chloë has liked art for as long as she can remember. “I’ve been a pretty artistic person basically my whole life,” Chloë said. Her winning holiday art piece was originally completed as a separate assignment for art class, which called for a watercolor painting. Her piece is of a cardinal on a holly branch. “One day in art class Ms. Anaya came up to me and said she had entered my piece to be considered for the Laguna holiday card because it had a subject matter that fit the theme of winter and holidays.” This year was the first year that Laguna Blanca held such a contest for the holiday card art. The contest was open to students in the entire school, from kindergarten to high school. The rules for the contest specified that the subject matter had to be seasonal but not religious. “Chloë, in the process of creating the card, took two references; she took a cardinal that she liked – she chose a red cardinal because it symbolizes the holidays – and then she liked the holly that she chose as another reference,” said Art Instructor Ms. Delphine Anaya. “There were a lot of good pieces that were entered, but because of the quality and skill of Chloë’s creation, I think that’s why it won,” said Ms. Anaya.
J
ART: CHLOË BROWN
There and Back Again: Peter Jackson Takes Fans on a Journey Back to Middle Earth N
ine years later after the original trilogy was completed, the movie based on J.R.R. Tolkein’s Hobbit hit the theaters Dec. 14. Based on Tolkein’s prequel to the acclaimed and beloved “Lord of the Rings” series, “The Hobbit” follows Bilbo Baggins on his first real adventure from his cozy hobbit-hole under the hill into the great unknown. Fans will be greeted again by some of the same characters they fell in love with from the original trilogy, including Gandalf (Ian McKellen), Gollum (Andy Serkis), Bilbo (Elijah Wood), Saruman (Christopher Lee), Galadriel (Cate Blanchett) and Elrond (Hugo Weaving). Director Peter Jackson brings his audience back to Tolkein’s world of Middle Earth as Bilbo and a gang of 13 rough-and-tumble dwarves begin a trek to the Lonely Mountain in order to reclaim their stash of treasure from the dragon Smaug. In what seems to be the typical fashion these days, “The Hobbit” has been split into three parts, despite it being one book. And in typical “Lord of the Rings” fashion, the film is almost three hours long. The film has received mixed views from critics, but it’s sure to satisfy from a fan’s perspective. If you fall asleep for the first half hour, you’ll be jolted awake by the non-stop action that follows for the remainder of
By ZOE SERBIN
the movie – that is, until the famous riddle scene between Gollum and Bilbo, which was very well done. Part 2 “The Desolation of Smaug” is currently in production and will be released in 2013. Part 3 “There and Back Again” is scheduled for release 2014. And this is not the only saga that is continuing. After facing loads of scrutiny from its world-wide fanbase, Disney bought Lucasfilms and has begun production on a seventh Star Wars film, to be written by Michael Arndt (“Little Miss Sunshine,” “Toy Story 3”) and released in 2015.
Episode IV will be the first of three new films to come in the saga. No information has been revealed about the content or timeline in which the new films will take place, with respect to the first six episodes, but as
long as there aren’t any Gungans, they can’t be worse than Episode II: “Attack of the Clones.” The Star Trek series is continuing production, with “Star Trek Into Darkness” scheduled for release in 2013.
ART: ZOE SERBIN
Lifestyle
January 11, 2013
15
These two sandwiches offer a little more than just turkey lunch meat or PB&J. By HELENA DAVILA
IngredientsWhite Bread 1 Sliced Tomato Pesto Hummus Balsamic Glaze This veggie sandwich is super quick to assemble and tastes gourmet! I like to buy fresh pesto in bulk and throw it in the freezer, it stays fresher longer, and it’s cheaper. Instead of storing your tomatoes in the fridge, keep them on the counter until you need them. Without refrigeration, the sugars are allowed to develop more fully and more naturally, giving you that delicious summer tomato taste year round.
Ingredients-
1 Hamburger Patti 1 Sliced Tomato Lettuce 2 Slices Sharp Cheddar Mayo Ketchup Sourdough Bread
Mix up your everyday cheeseburger and turn it into a sandwich by swapping out your sesame bun for toasted sourdough bread. Spice up your cheeseburger sandwich with crumbled blue cheese, bacon bits or fried onion strings. These also work great as sliders when cut into quarters and skewered with toothpicks.
PHOTOS: HELENA DAVILA
Tap Thai This little Thai place packs a big punch with great decor, communal seating, and Thai food so good you’ll certainly be back for more. Senior Arts and Entertainment editor Anastasia Antonova stopped in to check out what all the buzz is about. By ANASTASIA ANTONOVA
Jack Espy Style Profile:
By KAYLEE STRACHAN
How much time do you spend getting ready on a daily basis? About 20 minutes. What are your favorite stores? Probably J. Crew, Clark’s, and, I gotta go with, Nordstrom. How do you decide what you are going to wear and/or buy? I think of it the night before or I just buy it online. What is your favorite thing to wear? Shoes. What is your favorite season to dress for? Winter, by far. Why? Yougettowearyourawesomejacketsandawesome pants. PHOTO: HELENA DAVILA
It’s truly got that hole-inthe-wall feeling. Driving down De La Vina, you probably wouldn’t even notice it amongst the doctor’s offices and Jedlicka’s Saddlery. But once you step inside, you know you’ve found something different. Black and white murals, picnic tables, and a funky logo, TAP is the hipster Thai place of Santa Barbara. All types of Santa Barbarians come here, from the rowdy group of friends sharing two or three (or five or six) dishes, to the couple drinking Thai iced tea from a mason jar, TAP is a space for everyone. Practically a requirement for any good Thai place, all the curries are delicious, including the Green Curry which is served with steaming Roti, and Thai crepes. The extensive menu is nearly overwhelming, and everything looks good. From the Pad Thai to the Drunken Noodles, each special dish comes not too spicy for teary eyes yet not so bland that it’s tasteless. The three owners, Top, Aon, and Preaw—who’s initials spell out the restaurant’s name—met in architecture school in Bangkok. The restaurant design is clever and original, and creates an environment that feels hip and laid back all at once. The picnic tables give the joint a little different ambiance then the average run-of-
PHOTOS: ANASTASIA ANTONOVA Branch Out: TAP is a super cute and funky hole-in-the-wall restaurant perfect for date night or lunch out with friends.
the-mill Thai restaurant. TAP is small, quiet, and slow-paced enough to actually be able to have a conversation with friends. The atmosphere encourages customers to sit down, chat with their neighbors and spend an evening with great food, conversation, and friends. The food might take a while to prepare, but sometimes that’s just what a fast food-obsessed nation needs, to sit at a picnic table with a single light bulb barely glowing above. People don’t come here to dine and dash, they come to
chat about their day over jasmine rice, yellow curry, and generous servings of tea. And if you do ever get impatient, the black and white murals of forks and mushrooms on the wall offer beautiful distractions. It’s also the perfect place to take that one gluten-free/ vegan/allergic to everything on the food pyramid friend because they have tons of options and do substitutions, and not to worry, because whether you get it with chicken or with tofu, your Pad Thai is sure to be good.
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Page Design: SCOTT JOHNSTON & STEPHEN McCAFFERY
January 11, 2013
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Valero Alamo Bowl Texas 46% Oregon State 54%
Holiday Bowl UCLA 67% Baylor 33% Allstate Sugar Bowl Florida 82% Louisville 18%
Capital One Bowl Georgia 69% Nebraska 31%
Rose Bowl Game Presented by Vizio Wisconsin 15% Stanford 85%
FUN FACT: The Southeastern Conference has won the past six BCS National Championship Games. According to the students, the SEC will continue its streak of dominance.
Discover BCS National Championship Game Alabama 54% Notre Dame 46%
Tostitos Fiesta Bowl Oregon 86% Kansas State 14%
Chick-fil-A Bowl LSU 82% Clemson 18%
Outback Bowl South Carolina 34% Michigan 66%
New Era Pinstripe Bowl West Virginia 65% Syracuse 35%
AT&T Cotton Bowl Texas A&M 69% Oklahoma 31%
Discover Orange Bowl Northern Illinois 35% Florida State 65% * Predictions acquired from 150 students surveyed in advisory.
Gator Bowl Mississippi State 32% Northwestern 68%