Issue 1 2013

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scrIbe

The

Vol. XVI, Issue 1 Francis Parker School November 2013


NOVEMBER 2013

TABLE OF CONTENTS 1 2 4

OP 6 7 8 10 11 12 14 16

FE 18 20 22 26

AC 30 32 34 35 36 38

SP 40 42 43 44 45 46

+ 48 50 52 54 55

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COVERs BY CIAN LAVIN AND ARIELLE SWEDBACK TOC STAFF PAGE

OPINIONS Editor’s Note by Michela Rodriguez GBU by THE SCRIBE STAFF At Lands’ End by MADDIE OTTILIE Baha’I the Way BY NISHON TYLER R.I.P. TO THE LANGUAGE APs BY DANiel LEIBOWITZ Up for grabs? by MORGAN SMITH CROSSFIRE: iPADS by Joshua Rodriguez and Max Feye Brain Drain by natalie greenberg

FEATURES Mind the gap By caroline Merkin The Filner Files by Caroline Wohl Where the Heart Is by Arielle Swedback Serve it up by Jay Gardenswartz and Patrick Riley

ARTS & CULTURE Park Perks by Myla Andrews Coffee Talk by Olivia Fidler Breaking Binge By grace Sellick What the folk? by Nishon Tyler Scribe Explores: Adams Avenue by Emma Moore and Caroline Wohl Hot / Not / Trendy by Natalie Greenberg

SPORTS The final countdown by Grace Sellick Show me the money by Jack BenOIt GOING THE DISTANCE by Charlotte Dick-Godfrey Color Commentary By Jash Babla and Gabriel Gross-Sable Do you even lift? by Alex Deddeh Lancerman by Max Feye and Soren Hansen

ETCETERA Teach me how to... by Julianna D’Auria The Late Show by Alex Deddeh Creature Feature by Julianna D’Auria DE-STRESS to Impress by Allie Goines and Maddie Ottilie Quadrants compiled by Soren Hansen and Mark KleiN

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PHOTOGRAPH BY GRACE SELLICK Nathaniel Abernethy is among one of 13 seniors on the varsity football team.

COLOPHON Body Typeface: Minion Pro 9 pt Header Typeface: Century Gothic Regular Folio Typeface: Century Gothic Printed By: IPS Publishing, San Diego, CA


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New Baha’i member Conner Correll incorporating music into his faith.

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A student at the Monarch School for youth impacted by homelessness learns to read.

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PHOTOGRAPHS BY ANDREW HOLBROOK

STAFF PAGE Editor-in-Chief MICHELA RODRIGUEZ

Opinions Editor NISHON TYLER

Creative Director CIAN LAVIN

Features Editors SAM PRYOR ARIELLE SWEDBACK

Managing Editor Jay GARDENSWARTZ Art Director Dutra Brown Senior Editor ARIELLE SWEDBACK Web Editor BRIANNA GOLDBERG Contributing Editor Audrey Yang

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Arts & Culture Editors OLIVIA FIDLER PATRICK RILEY Sports Editors JACK BENOIT CHARLOTTE DICK-GODFREY Etcetera Editors sOREN HANSEN MARK KLEIN

Staff Writers Myla Andrews Jash Babla Julianna D’Auria Alex Deddeh Max Feye Allie Goines Natalie Greenberg Gabriel Gross-Sable Daniel Leibowitz Caroline Merkin Emma Moore Maddie Ottilie Grace Sellick Morgan Smith Caroline Wohl Adviser ANDREW HOLBROOK

EDITOrIAL POLICY Serving as the official news magazine of the Francis Parker Upper School, The Scribe strives to report on the major news stories on campus while providing the student body with a cutting-edge take on campus life and culture. The editorial staff oversees the editing and production aspects of the magazine. Members of the staff also volunteer a great deal of their after-school and weekend time to work on the magazine. The editor-in-chief assumes all responsibility for the material published in The Scribe. For this reason, any errors or complaints should be reported to the editor-in-chief and not to the authors of particular articles.

Check out The Scribe’s website, with online articles, videos, surveys, old issues, and more at www.fpsthescribe.org Share with us any questions, comments, or concerns you have about the magazine. Your opinions matter! Email us at fpscribe@gmail.com. Join our Facebook fanpage at www.facebook.com/ fpsthescribe to stay updated on everything Scriberelated.


OPI N I O NS editor’s note pg. 6 I gbu pg. 7 at lands’ end pg. 8 I baha’i the way pg. 10 r.i.p. to the language aps pg. 11 I up for grabs? pg. 12 crossfire: iPads pg. 14 I brain drain pg. 16

PHOTOGRAPH BY CAROLINA MARTINEZ A man stands waiting to sell ice cream to those who cross the U.S./Mexican border. fpsthescribe.org

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photoGRAPH by Jay Gardenswartz

EDITOR’S NOTE

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he fall issue of The Scribe during any school year is just begging to be littered with clichés. New beginning, fresh start, out with the old and in with the new. They’re overdone and unavoidable—the easiest of traps to fall into. Maybe it all warrants an eye roll, but it also brings up a good point. Last year was the year of 100. Teal banners plastered on every building and brochure, even waving along Linda Vista Road. It was an unusual and infectious amount of Parker pride. It was a celebration of everything we had accomplished as a school, a community, a family. But here we are at year 101. Where do we go? It’s impossible to know for sure, but let this issue be your glossy map. New beginning: Parker is at the threshold of its second century of existence, and we’re all here, not just to be a part of it, but to lead it to wherever we please. Freshmen can put the uncomfortable years of middle school on the top shelf of the closet where no one will ever find them. Sophomores can embrace their “wise foolishness,” or their foolish wisdom, whichever they choose. Juniors may quickly learn that caffeine is not a substance, it’s a lifestyle, but they get to do so while finding the thing that matters most to them and pouring their hearts into it. And seniors? We charge headfirst into the newest beginning of our lives.

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Fresh start: it’s all around us. It’s programmed in the technology that has been integrated into our curriculum (“Crossfire: iPads,” page 14). It’s tossed in the delicious to-go salads I can’t get enough of (“Serve It Up,” page 26). It’s loud and proud in the bleachers that make for unbeatable Friday nights of cheering on our football team (“The Final Countdown,” page 40). It’s not just what we wanted, it’s what we needed. Out with the old and in with the new: goodbye to sweatshirts of colleges you were never going to apply to anyway because you aren’t even sure what state they’re in. Goodbye to warm necks bundled in scarves during the wintertime (“At Lands’ End,” page 8). Goodbye to foreign language APs, because there’s something to be said for a less constricting curriculum. And besides, some of us will just never be able to roll our “r”s (“RIP to the Language APs,” page 11). But hello to wearing sweaters without polos, which is inexplicably liberating. Hello to the 2013 Strategic Plan with its revamped wellness goals and its emphasis on diversity. Students will have the chance to pop the Parker bubble like never before, with plans to expand the Global Studies program and a wider range of internship opportunities. And hello to our 13 new staff members on The Scribe. Hello to our sleek makeover, our section covers and our renewed commitment to “by the students, for the students.” All 29 of us are rejuvenated and ready to race toward our own new beginning. We’re taking on more ambitious projects, working harder to represent every corner of campus, and taking ownership of everything in our magazine. As Parker works to redefine its mission statement, we’re making strides right alongside it. So we welcome year 101, and all the clichés attached to it, with open arms. Much love,

MICHELA RODRIGUEZ Editor-in-Chief


G TH E G OO D

arts in our hearts

B TH E BA D

government shutdown

U TH E UGL Y

fishing for compliments

OP Parker has always been known for its academic accomplishments, but this year the school is putting a new emphasis on its arts program. One part of this change results from the new Strategic Plan and its incorporation of the arts into the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) curriculum, resulting in a new acronym—STEAM. Equally steamy is Parker’s dance team, which has now been given official “team” status and features a new, dedicated dance coach. In the visual arts, from October 28 to November 22, Parker’s James Alan Rose Gallery will host an exhibition presenting student art of all varieties. The pieces will then be auctioned off at a charity event on November 15 to benefit the ARTS: A Reason to Survive organization (“Where the Heart Is,” page 22). No matter the means, it’s great to see Parker embracing its artsy populations.

It’s comforting to know that Congress is full of toddlers who will throw a national tantrum if they don’t get their way. Two and a half of weeks of nearly 800,000 federal employees being told they were “unessential” and what was accomplished? Agreeing to disagree. You don’t see ASB cancelling Homecoming just because they don’t like Mr. Barsky’s ideas. So now we can all put on our big kid pants and get back to solving problems instead of pitching fits. Remember the chemical weapons in Syria (“Up for Grabs?,” page 12)? Remind me what immigration reform is (“Brain Drain,” page 16)?

PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF FACT.CO.UK

THE BAROMETER Sweaters without Polos

The new dress code may be a pain, but at least we’re not forced to wear those uncomfortable polos every day. Finally, you can toss your dickies in the trash and let your Northern Hemisphere go commando.

Senior Shirts

Major props to the senior class for promoting individuality! Though we don’t know how painstakingly long it took to glue each individual letter onto the shirts, we sure appreciate the dedication. The nicknames even promote intermingling and new friendships; at least now you’ll definitely know everyone’s name.

11:15 Advisory

While we do appreciate being able to spend some quality time with our advisories, throughout those 25 minutes there’s only one thing we can think about: FOOD! It’s getting hard to hear what everyone’s saying over the stomach grumbles.

Speech during life skills

Congrats, freshmen, you no longer have to spend three weeks of your summer or a whole trimester of free periods learning the difference between demonstrative and informative speeches. As for the rest of you? Well, there’s always the summer after senior year.

Drop-Off Jams It’s fishing season, and not for rainbow trout. We see your sly hair toss as you ask, “Who are you voting for best hair?” Maybe you’ve dropped a few hints about your glistening smile. We hear you shouting across the parking lot about how much pride you have in your car. And please, stop asking your friends to vote for you for Homecoming Court. Newsflash: no one really cares. No amount of compliments, Facebook likes, or chocolate chip cookies will change our minds. Wait. On second thought, you can still bring the cookies.

Getting dropped off is now more confusing than the driver’s test. We appreciate the school looking out for our safety, but the new system means having to get here ten minutes earlier which means leaving ten minutes earlier which means waking up ten minutes earlier. What about beauty sleep?

homework survey

We’re always going to think we have too much homework. We’re always going to complain. We’re never going to apologize.

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At lands’End The story behind francis parker’s frequent dress code changes

ARTICLE By Maddie Ottilie ARTWORK BY SARAH NICITA

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n any given

day last year, Assistant Head of Upper School Mr. Marc Thiebach could peer out of his office and observe threefourths of the Parker student body walking around in hooded sweatshirts, some within the dress code, some not. The proliferation of sweatshirts led those visiting campus to assume Francis Parker had no dress code. It became harder

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and harder for teachers to understand dress code guidelines and led Thiebach to question, “What’s really the point of a dress code?” College sweatshirts were just one factor in the administration’s decision to change Parker’s dress code again. The constant change of dress code vendors and policies has caused much discussion and concern among the Francis Parker community. Both the dress code and vendors have changed at least three times in recent years.


We are trying to get a little sense of equality so you’re not looking at who has the Burberry coat sitting next to them and who is sitting there with a K-mart jacket.” —Mr. Marc Thiebach Now, with the new Lands’ End clothing required for all Parker students, Thiebach thinks Parker students look classier. “We raised our look a little bit,” he says. “A little less casual in certain areas.” Lands’ End clothes give Parker a more uniform look, and also may remove some of the social pressure tied to student clothing. “We are trying to get a little sense of equality so you’re not looking at who has the Burberry coat sitting next to them and who is sitting there with a K-mart jacket,” Thiebach says. “Somebody who is looking forward to attending a state school and [has that sweatshirt] now feels awkward sitting next to a Stanford or Princeton [one].” Some students hold a different opinion. “I think it’s quite unreasonable because we are a college preparatory school,” says junior Michael Young. Sophomore Kennedy Kidd agrees. “I think you should be able to represent where you want to go to college, I think it helps you motivate yourself,” says Kidd. Where did the dress code controversies begin? “When I started [about 15 years ago], we had a fairly consistent dress code that was from a supplier called Sue Mills,” Thiebach says. “But I think there was a fairly inconsistent and loose way of enforcing some of it. Mills customer service was not meeting our needs. People hated the clothing, it was scratchy.” The Parker administration worked with an ASB member, a student committee, parents, faculty, administration, and students to try different vendors and ended up with Option B. “We custom-

made our clothing, called it Parkerwear, and it was our uniform,” he said. Option B worked exceptionally well. But a few years ago they were purchased by Sue Mills. Although Mills was inheriting the new “Parkerwear,” and would sell the same clothes, “Within about a year, we started to realize that if you ordered something, they didn’t have it,” Thiebach says. “So you started getting a mix-match of brands to fill orders and had the same customer service issues we had in the first place.” So it was back to the drawing board: the Parker administration went back to the students for ideas and three vendors came in to bid, including Mills. “We decided Lands’ End was the best, based on our needs, the quality of the clothing, the look, the accessibility” Thiebach says. “You could try it on in the store, get free shipping.” This year, students have no choice but to wear the Lands’ End clothes. “The dress code itself never really drastically changed,” says Thiebach. “We made some slight modifications, but I think the overall thing for the most part was fairly consistent with the rules you see in the handbook.” But when vendors and rules change, parents have to buy new clothes. Having to already spend money on tuition and books, many argue that new uniforms aren’t a necessary cost. “I have two other siblings at Parker currently, it has made [our] school expenses rise by hundreds of dollars,” says junior Jimmy Thompson. Junior Samhita Palakodeti agrees. “We had to buy new uniforms for all three of us: my brother, my sister, and I. So that did get

expensive. The middle school also started enforcing the long skorts so my sister had to buy new long skorts after we had already bought her the short ones.” The administration responds to complaints like these by emphasizing the long window of time provided for families to make the change. “People did not have to run out immediately and buy a whole bunch of uniforms,” Thiebach says. The exception to this is the transition to skorts, which the administration claimed was something that they could not wait another year to enforce due to issues of modesty. “I think the change is pretty unnecessary,” says junior Michael Young. “The uniforms pretty much look the same as the old ones.” This argument was made by numerous others as well. “The ever-changing dress code policies indicate a lack of planning on the administration’s part. I feel if they gave us reasons why they are changing [the dress code] I wouldn’t care so much.” Before meeting with members of the administration, I agreed with the above students. I saw the change in uniforms as unneccessary. It was simply an added expense. However, after speaking with the administration, I realize these choices are reflections of careful consideration and review. They make sense. So does the concern really boil down to a lack of communication between the administration and student body? Other students maintain support for the administration’s decisions. “If it betters the way other people look at the Francis Parker community, I think it is a change for the better,” says Junior Pedro Gallardo. “It’s really up to the administration whether they want to make the changes.”

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stu d ent opinions :

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“You never know what’s in dresscode and what’s not. I’ve heard from multiple people that it has affected them a lot because scholarship funds no longer cover uniform [costs].” - Junior Haley Cloyd “It’s a waste of money and resources.” - Sophomore Mary Tobin “I thought it was ridiculous because I would have to pay for new lands’ end clothing and I wasn’t allowed to wear college jackets. Aren’t we a college preparatory school?” - Junior Sasha Stephens “Lands’ End is a really good brand. I like the company so I didn’t mind switching to their dresscode.” - Sophomore John Carruthers “These constantly changing policies are frustrating. It’s a lot more money to spend on new uniforms.” - Senior Joey McHugh “I enjoy wearing uniforms, however with the limited outerwear that we are allowed to wear I disagree with them [the administration]. - Senior Seth Goldberg

www.fpsthescribe.org check out our website for a picture slideshow of Parker students modeling Parkerwear.

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BAHA’I THE WAY

The Baha’i center features artwork from its youth outreach program.

meeting OUR NEIGHBORS ACROSS THE STREET

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPH BY NISHON TYLER

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t is 10:30 at the Baha’i center off of Linda Vista Road on Sunday morning. In a room that Christians would call a “sanctuary”, about a dozen people settle in the two dozen folding chairs set out “support-group” style. They face straight ahead, at the projection screen where the words to a devotional song scroll. Some people sing along. The tape stops and Jane Seymour, who seems to be the de facto leader, explains that the informational session will begin after a short intermission. She is short and bespectacled, and invites everyone to partake in cake and coffee. Baha’i (bah-high) is a new religion, and feels like it. There is none of the grandeur of Catholic cathedrals, the trial-tested endurance of Judaism or the majesty of Muslim mosques, yet Baha’i derives its roots from all three. When the Bab—a rogue Shi’a prophet— prophesied the coming of a new messiah in 1844, a religion was born. It is newer than the United States of America, the University of Virginia and Beethoven’s 9th Symphony. 1844 was the year the Bab, or “Gate”, proclaimed his divine lineage, claiming the authority of Moses, Christ and Mohammed before him. He preached Babism,

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originally a splinter of a branch of Shi’a Islam, which soon developed into a sect of its own. Upon the Bab’s death in 1850, the cause was picked up by a disciple of Babism, Bahá’u’lláh, who would go on to found the Baha’i Faith. Early Baha’is faced immense persecution from the Iranian government. Bahá’u’lláh was finally banished in 1868 and exiled from the Ottoman empire. He was interned in Israel of both the Bab and Bahá’u’lláh, making the country a pilgrimage site for Baha’is around the world. They believe in unity of the human race and necessity for a global society. Every 500-1,000 years, a new messenger appears to deliver God’s word. They cite Krishna, Buddha, Moses, Jesus, Muhammad and Zoroaster. In theory, this sounds like kumbaya nonsense, but it is so sincere, one can’t help but agree with them. “Love your neighbor.” Not just the one next door, but the one who shares your planet. “Eliminate racism.” If we are all a part of the human race how can any one be better than another? Although their numbers are small—there are approximately 1,000 Baha’is in San Diego; compare this to the Rock Church, which sees about 12,000 people weekly—they are widespread.

“You could find Baha’is anywhere in the world,” says Jane Seymour, “except the Vatican city.” As for this congregation’s relationship with Parker? Seymour says that it’s based on reciprocity. Parker teachers use the Baha’i parking. Students take exams behind the white walls and peaceful courtyard. The long forgotten cooking club meets there in the afternoon. In return, every Saturday morning a group of Baha’is use the Parker campus for youth outreach. Most of the children are not Baha’i, but they are neighbors, and as part of the community, the Baha’i center feels it must give back. The session is really an informal sermon. Baha’is have no ordained clergy. In keeping with the principle of equality, each member of the faith is deemed equally capable of leading the lesson of the day. Today’s speaker is a woman from Temecula, Ghazala Jones. She speaks clearly into her microphone as the children play in the back of the room. The powerpoint projecting on the screen matches the title of the hand-out Jane sends around: “The Law of God.” As the service goes on, one is reminded of countless Sundays spent in rooms much different from this one, hearing the exact

same message. The connection to the Abrahamic faiths is palpable. Jones points out scriptures from the Bible, in conjunction with the writings of Bahá’u’lláh. The casually meditative calm that exudes from the attendees—people from all circumstances of life—creates an environment where it feels as though the prejudice could be trained out of humanity. That confidence lasts until the end of service. The people disperse. They hug and kiss, say their final “goodbyes.” As they walk past the rooms with glass windows filled with Baha’i literature, they emerge into the Sunday afternoon. Awaiting them is the sight and mouthwatering fried scent of “A Dog’s Life”, a food truck specializing in hot dogs. Somehow, it works.


ARTICLE BY DANIEL LEIBOWITZ PHOTOGRAPH BY MARK KLEIN AND CAROLINE MERKIN

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any students at Parker feel pressured to take as many Advanced Placement classes as they possibly can in order to make a mark on their college applications. This has led to it becoming common for students to be taking more AP classes than regular or Honors ones. The courseload may look impressive on college transcripts, but is it really worth the stress to go through a curriculum that seems to be dying out? “I started taking Spanish as my foreign language at Parker in my freshman year,” says senior Annie Sager. Sager took the AP Spanish Literature class at Parker in one of the last years of it’s existence. “The class was fine,” Sager said, “but the material and reading and writing in the class were quite difficult for me.” Francis Parker has gradually phased out Advanced Placement foreign language courses over the last two years. “The material in the curriculum for Spanish AP was very old Spanish, so it wasn’t really relevant to our classes,” says Señor Alex Gomez, Head of the Foreign Language Department. “I also found the College Board was being very biased with the content of the AP Spanish Literature courses as well as other foreign language course curriculums.” This argument is in favor of

to the LANGUAGE

taking regular or Honors courses in place of an AP. If taking an AP class means losing the freedom of a more interesting and rigorous teacher-designed course, then it seems as though taking one is not in a student’s best interest. Many students are afraid that losing a possible AP class in foreign language will weaken their transcript. Ms. Terri Devine, who has been a college counselor at Francis Parker for eight years, assures students this isn’t true. “We looked at the changes being initialized by the College Board and worked out how to most successfully integrate those changes into our curriculum,” Devine says. Students should have nothing to worry about when it comes to looking good on a college application. “As long as a student is taking the hardest, most advanced level that a school offers, it will still gain them college recognition,” says Head of Upper School Mr. Paul Barsky. “In some schools it’s AP, at others it’s Honors or at even others it’s an IB. Colleges are looking to

APs

see that the applicant is taking the most rigorous course load that the school offers and is doing well in these courses.” Students should always try and challenge themselves by taking classes that may be a little harder than what they’re used to. If that class happens to be an Honors class, or even an AP, then great. However, taking an AP or Honors class—depending on which is the highest possible course in that subject—should not be something that students do just to have a weighted grade on their transcript. “I think that it’s a big misconception that because it’s not an AP class, it’s not the same,” said Señor Gomez. It’s exceedingly counterproductive to take large amounts of weighted, and more difficult, classes if that means sacrificing your love for that class or the ability to maintain a satisfying grade. Some students feel differently. When asked what they thought of the removal of these courses, 50 percent of the students who participated in a poll on the subject said that removing the Langugage APs

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was a bad decision. This makes it seem like a lot of students at Parker believe that they have to take as many AP and Honors classes as possible to get into their college of choice. However, as long as any student tries his or her hardest to do the best classes that they feel comfortable taking, they’re on the right track. “I would like to take an AP language course,” says junior Camille Considine. “But I think that the decision to get rid of the APs is understandable. You can still get an Honors class on your transcript even if you don’t get an AP on there.” “The rigid nature of the AP classes make it hard to create as good a class as honors and regular curriculums do,” says Gomez. “Taking an honors or regular language course enters you into a course that is much more interesting and diverse.”

Taking an AP or Honors class should not be something that students do just to have a weighted grade on their transcript.”

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[The United States] won’t like the repercus“ sions of a forced regime change . . . we’re darned

if we do it, and we’re darned if we don’t.” — Mr. Chuck Wineholt 12

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UpforGrabs? American Over-Involvement IN the syrian crisis ARTICLE BY MORGAN SMITH PHOTOGRAPH BY CIAN LAVIN

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hough on a world

map, Syria is a united territory, it is anything but. Syria is coming apart at the seams. Today’s crisis in Syria is one whose savagery, devastation, and grisliness is comparable to both the Boston Massacre and Bloody Sunday. The country is ravaged by a civil war, which began when liberals staged peaceful protests against the oppressive regime in the name of democracy. The authoritarian dictatorship combated these demonstrations with brutal acts of violence, and after years of suffering, the citizens fought back. March 15, 2011 marked the beginning of the Syrian civil war; the resulting death toll now exceeds 100,000. Terrorist organizations witnessed the anarchy amidst a weakened nation, and recognized their opportunity to seize government power. Though the Islamists’ motives are different than the rebels’, the movement to bring down the government is currently facilitated by both parties. The situation is worsened by the Syrian government’s willingness to use illegal chemical weaponry to continue to assault the revolutionaries. The crisis on Americans’ minds today is whether or not the United States armed forces should invade Syria. The answer initially seems simple: America shouldn’t involve itself in an issue to which

it doesn’t pertain. But the U.S has indirectly named itself the world’s police through its gallant actions; as a result, we can’t let thousands of innocent people die. The plight is complicated by numerous other factors, one of which is Russia’s involvement and association with Syria. One of Syria’s 17 allies, Russia is the country’s most powerful confederate and main supplier of chemical weaponry. The United States’ rocky relationship with Russia only complicates the matter. In an attempt to resolve the issue, Barack Obama met with Russian president Vladimir Putin on the September 5th. Fighting the Syrian government may save countless lives. Entering Syrian territory will help protect the world from the distribution and usage of illegal chemical weaponry. Although Syrian soldiers have equipment and tactics to deal with gas, bombs and warfare machinery, hundreds of thousands of innocent civilians are dying, with no means of protecting themselves against these barrages. Downsides are even more numerous and prevalent. There is a risk for drafting U.S citizens to fight in a potential war (which poses the risk of slaughtering more civilians than chemical weaponry has done at this point), the likelihood of economic failure, and more consequences for which America may not be prepared. The

Obama Administration has not fully considered ramifications for the U.S. Perhaps Indian or Pakistani forces will respond to the invasion. Despite the agreement between Obama and Putin agreement, Russia may also retaliate. “[The United States] won’t like the repercussions of a forced regime change,” says social studies teacher Chuck Wineholt. Additionally, there is no definite proof of chemical weapons. If America were to invade Syria, war could foster the increase in power of terrorist groups. “We’re darned if we do it, and we’re darned if we don’t,” says Wineholt. This is the root of the issue. The situation is “tricky”, according to sophomore Isaia Galace. “If we get ourselves involved,” he says, “there may be conflict or retaliation that isn’t worth the security of the United States.” President Obama assured United States citizens our troops would infiltrate Syrian territory after their government crosses what is most commonly referred to as the “red line”: a boundary which states chemical weaponry is illegal and cannot be used. At this point, the Obama Administration’s motivation is to maintain its word. “We are only going to war over a failed promise,” Galace says. Be that as it may, is this necessarily a negative thing? “There’s too much appeasement in the United States policy,”

says social studies teacher Dr. Rai Wilson. “It’s overused, and allows America to involve itself in every single conflict.” While this is true, has this conciliation helped America make a name for itself as the world’s police force? And as such, do we have a duty to protect the people of Earth regardless of race, religion, or danger to our nation? We should not invade Syria. There are too many potential repercussions. Though we may be saving lives initially, if a war or another Arab spring were to occur, there would only be more bloodshed. Though America is the home of the brave, perhaps we should recognize consequences before our freedom is compromised.

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CROSSFIRE: iPADS iPad or just a fad?

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his year marks an im-

portant part in Francis Parker’s history and its future in education. After much debate, Parker has finally decided to make the investment to incorporate iPads into our daily education, starting with the Lower School, Middle School and the freshmen. Not only are the iPads a great way to get a ton of weight off your back, but they are also a great tool in the classroom. Last school year, a group of Parker middle schoolers volunteered to use iPads in their classes and to test different apps that could be integrated into this year’s curriculum. Using those results, the school put together a collection of note-taking apps, reading apps, and tools. These are the apps

regularly used in classrooms today, from Notability, a note-taking app that allows students to type, write, highlight, and import PDFs straight into the app to annotate, to Socrative which allows teachers to create their own quick questionnaires to get real time responses from the students providing feedback on lessons and their comprehension of the material. “It is nice being able to get a detailed report of who was where in their understanding of the topic,” says Social Studies teacher Ms. Karen Marshall, who tries to incorporate the iPad into her daily lessons as much as possible. “Now I don’t have to go through and grade everything.” The iPad also allows those students who once had binders burst-

P RO: by Joshua Rodriguez

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ing with loose papers to organize all their materials into digital folders in one location. Why the iPad? Why not the Google Nexus or the Microsoft Surface or even a laptop? “We chose the iPad because we feel Francis Parker has always had a good relationship with Apple,” says Mr. Lyford Rome, director of Information Systems, an organization that has been crucial in Parker’s transition to iPads. “There are more options available for the iPad, The App Store has more learning tools, educational apps and more variety than the Google Store. Also, we chose the iPad over the laptop because the iPad provides more educational opportunities and allows you to connect to the material better than a laptop would.” Teachers are still using the traditional pencil and paper with their lessons; the iPad is just there to expand upon their teaching. The freshmen’s geometry and social studies textbooks are interactive iBook textbooks that give students the ability to highlight, take margin notes, watch videos related to the chapter and use the built-in flashcards and quizzes. The $15 iBook is substantially cheaper than the $100 paper textbook. Besides saving money on textbooks, the iPad cuts down on paper usage. “It is certainly convenient not having to print out so many copies of articles or sheets of paper,” Marshall says. “Now students can just view it on their iPads. Plus I don’t have to make too many trips to the copy machine and I don’t have to waste all that paper.” Some people believe that the iPad will just be a distraction for students in the classroom. Students who were once the Da Vincis of doodles will become the Super Bowl Champions of Madden 25. “The iPad is no different than

any other thing that might distract you in the classroom,” says Rome. “It is the student's responsibility to stay on task. The use of iPads in the classroom should be looked at as an extension to teaching and learning, not a replacement.” Of course, there were flaws at the beginning, and there will probably be more as we this year continues, but this is a learning process. Parker’s decision to incorporate iPads wasn’t easy. The administration had to decide between staying behind, continuing what has been done for decades and waiting for other schools to attempt the assimilation of iPads and fix the problems for us, or stepping up, fixing all the kinks and mistakes for others and leading the way into the future of education. Joshua Rodriguez is a freshman member of the student tech advisory group. He tested iPads in the Parker curriculum as an eighth grader.


OP

C O N: by Max Feye

W

hen the iPad was introduced to the Lower School, and to select students in the eighth grade last year, it was generally regarded as a success. The rigid, straightforward nature of the curriculum in the Middle and Lower Schools worked well with the iPads as a supplemental tool of learning. This year, when a wave of Apple’s best-selling tablets descended upon the freshmen, the school was determined to push an electronic device into the Upper School curriculum. Except it didn’t work like that at all. “I have classes where we don’t even use the iPads, and it seems to work better,” says freshman Elijah Gross-Sable, while doing homework on his iPad.“I’d rather just use textbooks”. In talking to the freshmen who have been using these iPads a month into the school year, a new perspective was gained on how they use these iPads. A few feet away from Gross-Sable, another group of freshmen were apparently also doing homework. Upon closer inspection however, they were engaged in a session of “Madden 25,” a multiplayer football game.

“Madden is a great learning software,” one of the freshmen joked. According to Head of the Upper School, Mr. Paul Barksy, next year will bring about the next stage in the tech takeover, regardless of student deposition and use. Every student at Francis Parker will be forced to purchase an iPad whether they like it or not. Barsky, a large proponent of the iPad movement, feels strongly about its integration into our school. “Our goal is to have the technology become the tool of education, to utilize our resources to be creative and innovative,” he says. “Kids have always found ways to distract themselves in class, whether it be passing notes, or doodling on scratch paper.” Now, instead of passing notes, students are messaging each other on Facebook, playing interactive 3D games, and accessing the boundless expanse of procrastination known as the Internet. In the classroom, day to day, the teachers are the ones who have to deal with iPads, and it isn’t always the “tool of education” the administration hoped it would be. English teacher Mr. Phil Fickling, a notorious Lud-

dite, deals with classes filled with freshmen toting iPads. “They don’t work,” he says. “When everyone is using them at the same time, the wi-fi becomes overloaded and suddenly work is at a standstill.” The solution is simple. “Like everything the administration does, we can work around it,” Fickling says. He prefers that iPads are not brought to class, allowing students to mark up the text, and turn pages the old-fashioned way. Fickling believes that things are going in the wrong direction in the marriage of technology and education. “In the future it might work out fine, but at the present, they suck.” Fickling represents an extreme side of this argument. Not everyone agrees that iPads are horrible, or a step backwards in education. But at this moment, it doesn’t seem like a step forward either. It is a piece of technology that looks great when the shiny Apple symbol is seen around campus, and sounds great as a uniform part of our school. That doesn’t mean it performs as great as a laptop, or another, cheaper tablet. In a world where our jobs and futures are undoubtedly going to be dominated by technology, it is a valiant effort. For now however, as freshman Jordan Heath says, “They just don’t quite cut it.”

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BRAIN DRAIN An Immigration Policy Unfit for Today’s World ARTICLE BY NATALIE GREENBERG ARTwork BY STANELY GAMBUCCI AND Cian Lavin

T

he United States has

always been a nation of immigrants, but today, the U.S. immigration system is broken. The southern border remains relatively open, 11 million undocumented immigrants are hiding and living in the US illegally, and tens of thousands of the most promising immigrants are forced to leave the country thanks to outdated visa protocol. Now, some of the wealthiest and most successful tech executives and investors in the country, led by Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg, are calling for immigration reform. “We have a strange immigration policy for a nation of immigrants. And it’s a policy unfit for today’s world,” wrote Zuckerberg in an op-ed article in the Washington Post in April 2013. On June 27, the new Immigration Reform Bill passed through the Senate, and awaits a majority vote within the House of Representatives. The Immigration Reform Bill was drafted by the “gang of eight”— a group of eight bipartisan senators in an attempt to represent the interests of both political parties. The “Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act” aims to tighten security at our borders, create a path to citizenship for undocumented immigrants, and tighten travel and employment restrictions nationwide. Some of the greatest minds in the United States, from Zuckerberg to Bill Gates, are campaigning in support of this bill, along with

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the Immigration Innovation Act, which would increase the number of H-1B temporary work visas, and the Startup Visa Act, which would allow a foreign entrepreneur to receive a two-year visa with the backing of a U.S. investor. “This sounds like a reasonable compromise for many people, but you need to realize that 850 pages of legislation means reform, but it does not mean that migrants will have an easy time seeking justice”, says social studies teacher Philip Trotter. Supporters of this legislation understand that the U.S. has a history of opening its doors to immigrants around the world, which has preserved America’s reputation as the great melting pot, capable of integrating the best foreign traditions into American culture. “I see no reason to put walls between us and our neighbors,” says Director of Global Studies and social studies teacher Mr. Tom Crowley. The Immigration Reform Bill continues to stall in the House of Representatives in light of other national and global issues, such as the crisis in Syria and national budget cuts. Meanwhile, thousands of highly skilled and extremely intelligent workers are being educated

in some of America’s finest universities, only to be sent home due to their inability to obtain a working visa. “Brain drain,” as this issue has been coined, has become increasingly controversial. “It’s not so much of a ‘brain drain’ as a ‘brain block’, says Crowley. “Yes, we lose good immigrant workers when their visas expire, but we also discourage people from even attempting to get a work visa, if they know it is only temporary.” With an extremely difficult process in place for students and workers to obtain a permanent visa or citizenship, not enough of these men and women are able to stay in our country. Our nation trains great minds, and then ships them off to other regions of the world that will benefit from their knowledge. Education is compulsory in the U.S., thereby promoting knowledge and innovation, but the current immigration policy does quite the opposite, forcing many of the most talented minds to leave the U.S. for opportunities in other nations. According to Zuckerberg’s organization FWD.us, a group started for key leaders in the tech community to promote policies to keep the United States and its citizens competitive in a global

economy, 40 percent of all foreign students are forced to leave the U.S. each year because of difficulties obtaining permanent residence. “In the 21st century, we need to move away from nationalistic attitudes regarding citizenship, workers rights and cultural identity and towards regional and global perspectives on citizenship, economic exchange and cultural identity,” Trotter says. This issue of “brain drain” is exactly what Zuckerberg and supporters of FWD.us are trying to fix. They are attempting to educate the public and their representatives to better understand the flaws of the United State’s current immigration system. Zuckerberg and his supporters hope that by getting the new Immigration Reform Bill passed, they will be able to stop “brain drain” and increase economic advancement. Whether one is a Democrat, Republican, or anything in between, everyone can agree that our immigration policy is in dire need of reform, and the new bill is the answer. “Easing our immigration laws,” says Crowley, “will only help the United States in the long run.”

no reason to put walls between us and “ourI see neighbors.”

—Mr. Tom Crowley


FEATURES mind the gap pg. 18 I the filner files pg. 20 where the heart is pg. 22 I serve it up pg. 26

PHOTOGRAPH BY PATRICK RILEY Students enjoy the new Culinart cafeteria service. fpsthescribe.org

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Mind the gap THE THIGH GAP PHENOMENON

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPH BY CAROLINE MERKIN

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eet together, knees hyperextended, butt out, chest forward... click. Thanks to wikiHow’s “6 Ways to Get a Thigh Gap,” you’ve successfully achieved a thigh gap in a matter of seconds, just for the flutter of a camera’s shutter, just for the Instagram upload, just for the likes, just for the reaction and opinions of your followers. “If people are standing in their pictures with their legs tilted out to make sure that they have a thigh gap, I do not think that’s appealing at all,” senior Michaela Dews says. “It’s extremely noticeable.” This body phenomena is when girls strive for a separation between their thighs, trying to achieve a skinny stature. The thigh gap trend has its roots in the “heroin chic” look of the mid-1990s, which flourished among women around the world. This impulse was due to the increased demand and lowered price of heroin among the middle and upper class. The “heroin chic” look was advertised in Calvin Klein’s 1993 photoshoot with Kate Moss, revealing her as looking waifish, emaciated, and drug-addicted, in response to the healthy and lively appearance of models of the time. This past summer, the obsession with obtaining a thigh gap skyrocketed. Online trends, like The Chive’s “Mind the Gap” blog posts or Twitter’s “hot dogs or legs” accounts asking viewers to distinguish between a pair of skinny legs and two hot dogs, have perpetuated the fad. Sources like these play on the idea of “thinspiration,” the promotion of the eating disorder anorexia nervosa as a lifestyle choice. Although these social media sources may be putting a humorous spin on the situation, they are still fueling the ever-growing phenomenon. Freshmen Erin Wright and Lauren Levinson say they have felt pressured to achieve a thigh gap

at some point in their lives, even when they found them unappealing and didn’t view it as a symbol of being fit. “I guess it’s just considered unattractive if you don’t have a thigh gap. I think [social media websites] are influencing us in the wrong way,” says Wright. “Having a thigh gap doesn’t define if you’re attractive or not,” Levinson says. “Every girl feels uncomfortable about their body, but social media is what is enforcing the craze.” Neither girl could pinpoint the exact reason for why they felt so influenced to have a thigh gap, calling the persuading effect of the fad “weird” and “confusing.” Laura Tosi, a pediatric orthopedist and director of the bone health program at Children’s National Medical Center in Washington, D.C, pointed out in an article in the Star Tribune that the width of the pelvis and an individual’s ethnicity and genetic make-up, all play a role in having or being able to develop a thigh gap. “It [a healthy diet] is absolutely essential to helping girls build the best possible skeleton so they will have strong bones as they age,” Tosi explains, “delaying the onset of menses by severe weight loss can impair a young woman’s skeletal development and lead to fractures even as a young adult.” If someone is not genetically constructed to naturally generate a thigh gap, they might resort to unhealthy tactics to achieve one. Excessive dieting and working out are stepping stones to developing an eating or anxiety disorder in teens. If a thigh gap is apparent naturally, and with no forced pressure, then it is not something to be worried about. But it is worrisome when the desire for one is acted upon, further increasing the chance of physical and emotional side effects. “The thighs are not supposed to be that small,” says health teacher Ms. Stacey Zoyiopoulos. “I think that our bodies are all differ-

The thighs are not supposed to be that small. Our bodies are all different types.” -Ms. Stacey Zoyiopoulos

ent types, and there are girls and women who naturally do not have thighs that touch, just because of their body type, which is perfectly healthy and normal, but I think girls that work to achieve that have to lose too much weight. I think someone who is fit and has strong legs is more appealing.” Francis Parker’s psychiatrist, Dr. Bridgett Besinger, agreed that the aspiration and work ethic to have a thigh gap is detrimental to one’s mental and physical health. “Hyperfocus on one particular area of the body is often a symptom of body image issues and possibly an eating disorder,” Besinger says. “When restriction of food intake reaches a point where the individual is malnourished, there are a number of serious side effects. Skin will be become dry and pale, hair will thin, fingernails become brittle, and, in severe cases, cardiac complications are common. Psychologically, individuals may experience mood swings, low self-esteems and feelings of depression.” As she’s dealt with girls who suffer from extreme self-consciousness and eating disorders before, Besinger says she is appalled and discouraged by the new desire and the steps proposed to receive a thigh gap. Who is this trend supposed to be catering to? Is it guys? The girls themselves? Or is it their fellow girlfriends? Senior Arturo Alemany says he didn’t even notice it on girls, he only heard about it because people mentioned it to him. “I barely even knew about it until recently,” he says. “They might think that it appeals to guys, but we

don’t pay attention. It’s a girl thing more than a guy thing. I guess visually, they [girls] try to create a sense of perfection.” Although girls might think that guys scrutinize their “flaws,” in reality, it is claimed by the boys themselves that they don’t. They are more interested in other characteristics a girl may have. “Models today are required to weigh less than around 100 pounds, so women feel that beauty means to be as skinny as possible, when in reality, beauty to guys isn’t measured in that way,” junior Miles Coll said. “It’s really just girls competing against each other for an aspect of pride. We [boys] really don’t pay attention and criticize that kind of specific stuff.” No matter the age, women will always feel pressured to look like something they shouldn’t have to look like in order to be comfortable with themselves. As long as Twitter, Tumblr, Instagram, and other social media sites exist, the physical beauty trend of the time period will be posted and attempted by models, celebrities, and your own friends. Will you be persuaded or not? A word of advice: “Eat,” recommends Dews.

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The FILNER

FILES the story behind the scandal

Article by Caroline Wohl Artwork by Isaac Gray

WHAT HAPPENED

O

n

July

22, 2013, former director of communications for Bob Filner, Irene McCormack Jackson, alleged that she had been sexually harassed by San Diego Mayor Bob Filner. Her lawyer Gloria Allred told reporters that she had to “endure the ‘Filner headlock’, a degrading action between Filner and his victim, while he made degrading and humiliating sexual comments to her.” McCormack Jackson ignited a trail of accusations. A total of 19 women accused Filner of sexual harassment over the course of about three months. The most common of the alleged complaints included groping and inappropriate comments. Filner told CBS-8 news reporters that he was “saddened by the charges that were leveled against me today.” There were mixed reactions from the city, among them shock, disappointment, and embarrassment for the lack of respect that Filner had for his female co-workers.

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TIMELINE OF EVENTS 2012 - 2013

NOV

18 Bob Filner inagurated as mayor of San Diego.

JUL

18 The first accuser, Irene McCormack Jackson, files charges, claiming she was put in the “Filner headlock.”

AUG

AUG

7

23

Michelle Tyler, the eleventh accuser, tells reporters Filner agreed to help an injured Iraq war veteran if Tyler agreed to go on a date with him.

City council accepts Filner’s terms and agreements of his resignation, stating that Filner will resign Friday August 30.


FE WHO WAS INVOLVED

WHY FILNER STAYED

19 women came forward, all claiming that Filner had sexually harassed them. Some of these women worked with Filner at the time that they were assaulted. Laura Fink, the second woman to come forward with accusations of sexual harassment, notes in an email, “Bob had a reputation for demoralizing his staff. He operated his office using fear and intimidation, and I certainly experienced that while working for him.” Fink, the founder of the law firm Fink & Hernandez Consulting, adds that Filner “resented women standing up to him,” as he wanted to be the one with power and control. Fink was working on Filner’s campaign staff when the incidents occurred. “I believed in the values that Filner represented and that his voting record reflected – which is why it was so disappointing to find that his personal behavior was so reprehensible.” There’s still one question left: how can this be prevented for women in any position of power? “When a man sexually harasses a woman, his purpose is to intimidate and control,” says Fink. “Silence benefits the perpetrator and enables them to continue to abuse others. By speaking out, victims help not only themselves, but help to prevent others from being victims in the future.”

When Filner announced that he would continue to serve as mayor, organizers started to form a petition the city expressed their feelings through protests. “Recall Filner” signs were seen across San Diego. Public outcry increased after Filner announced a personal rehabilitation plan to be payed for with taxpayer dollars. After other statements released by the mayor, groups on and offline were organized to make Filner resign, leading to petitions. In less than a week, these recall petitions gained 40,000 signatures. This “is evidence that Filner had lost the trust and faith of this city’s citizens,” nterim Mayor Todd Gloria says in an email. The power of the petitions worked; Filner stepped down from office on August 30, 2013.

AUG

SAN DIEGO’S IMAGE San Diego became a frequent target of political cartoons, social media chatter, and late-night comedians. In his July 23, 2013 segment on The Tonight Show, Jay Leno mocked Filner. “More problems for America’s creepiest mayor, San Diego’s Bob Filner,” he said. “An eighth woman has now come forward to say that she was sexually harassed by him. She said she would’ve come forward sooner but the line was too long.” Reactions to this segment in-

AUG

cluded entertained, surprised, and frustrated. “Obviously it’s never a good thing when your city becomes a punchline”, says Gloria. “The Filner scandal was particularly disheartening because it came after our city worked so hard and so successfully to repair the damage to our reputation suffered during the city’s financial and political scandals of the past decade.” Scandals include the city’s problems with pension in the early 2000s and the conspiracy and tax evasion scandal with thenCongressman Randy “Duke” Cunningham.

WHO’S NEXT? Now that Filner is out of office, the mayoral race is in full swing. This race is different from other political races, as it is occurring a year after we elected a new mayor in November 2012. The official date of the election is November 19, 2013. Candidates include businessman Democrat Nathan Flethcher, City Council member Republican Kevin Faulconer, City Council member Democrat David Alvarez, and San Diego City attorney Democrat Mike Aguirre.

THE FUTURE OF AMERICA’S FINEST CITY

formances. Yet the hard work of the city paid off, leaving it on a positive note. “If we all have the courage to treat women with respect and to stand up to those who do not – we can make our society better for all of us,” said Fink. The race for a new mayor is on. “Above all else, I think it’s important for everyone to know that San Diego is moving forward again,” Gloria says. “Now that we’ve finished with all the scandal and drama of the previous mayor, we can begin to do just that.”

UPDATE (as of October 18) On Tuesday October 15, Filner pled guilty to several charges, including false imprisonment and battery involving three different women, and admitting to other counts of felony and misdemeanor. The plea agreement, through state attorney general Kamala Harris, says that the ex-mayor will be on probation for three years, and with it comes treatment from a mental health professional. Filner is sentenced to three months of house confinement, a loss of pension for six months, and he is banned from ever running for office again. If the terms of his probation are violated, he could face up to six months in jail.

San Diego’s political history has not been noted for its great per-

SEP

OCT

NOV

27

30

16

15

19

The nineteenth woman comes forward, claiming Filner sexually harassed her.

Filner’s term officially ends.

Nominating period for mayoral candidates starts.

Filner pleads guilty to many charges, some involving three different women, facing probation and treatment from a mental health professional, among other consequences.

Election Day.

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WHERE THE HEART IS SHELTERS AND SCHOOLS SERVE SAN DIEGO’S HOMELESS YOUTH

ARTICLE BY ARIELLE SWEDBACK PHOTOGRAPHS BY PATRICK RILEY

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People line up outside of St. Vincent De Paul Shelter in downtown San Diego. Even with 900 beds, families are turned away everynight due to crowding. november 2013|THE SCRIBE


THE AVERAGE HOMELESS PERSON IN AMERICA IS NINE YEARS OLD.”

E

FE very morning Inocente Izu-

car would paint her face with colors as vibrant and bold as the designs she filled her canvases with. Eyes framed with strokes of red and green, firetruck-red Chuck Taylors, and an endearingly quirky personality ensured that the 15 year old artist didn’t go unnoticed in the bustling hallways of San Diego’s High Tech High School. Despite her distinctive profile, however, Inocente harbored a secret that none of her classmates knew: she had been homeless for most of her life. Inocente found her passion for painting through the San Diego based nonprofit ARTS: A Reason To Survive. She had been painting there after school every day for three years when she met documentary filmmakers Sean Fine and Andrea Nix-Fine. The husband-andwife team had set out to make a film about the reality of teen homelessness in 2009, spurred by the statistic that one in 45 children in the United States live on the street, in shelters or in motels. They were immediately drawn to Inocente’s story. “She had something that was sort of childlike in her vulnerability and innocence,” said Nix-Fine in a 2013 U-T San Diego article. “The way she dreamed about waiting for her life to start — as well as a beyond-her-years maturity.” Their film Inocente won the 2013 Academy Award for Best Documentary Short. It chronicles Inocente’s daily life as an undocumented, homeless teenager trying to succeed in school and jumpstart her career as an artist. In the film, Inocente’s mother relives the desperation she felt as a single parent without papers or a place to live. “I took Inocente by the arm and said, ‘Come let’s go to the [Coronado] bridge, and we’ll both go jump into the sea. I don’t want to hear you cry anymore’,” she says in the film. The San Diego County Office of Education estimates that 18,000 students call city streets, shelters, or motels home on any given night. Homeless youth struggle to find their place in society; shuffled between shelters, courts and schools they lack the stability necessary to succeed. The reality of homelessness in the United States has changed; it’s no longer the middle-aged drifter holding a cardboard sign on street corners and freeway onramps– the average age of a homeless person in America is nine years old.

FINDING SHELTER A 2012 study by the National Center on Family Homelessness found that current family displacement rates have eclipsed those experienced during the Great Depression. The United States now has the largest number of homeless youth of any industrialized nation. The study cites the lack of affordable housing fpsthescribe.org

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I took Inocente by the arm and said, ‘Come let’s go to the [Coronado] bridge, and we’ll both go jump into the sea. I don’t want to hear you cry anymore.’” — Carmela Izucar

as a major cause of this trend. “As the gap between housing costs and income continues to widen, more and more families are at risk of homelessness. For families with vulnerabilities or little safety net, even a seemingly minor event can trigger a catastrophic outcome and catapult a family onto the streets.” Families fleeing situations of domestic violence are much more likely to become homeless because of the urgent and vulnerable nature of their situation. Violence plays a significant role in the experiences of homeless youth; 83 percent of homeless children have witnessed a serious violent event by the age of 12. Parker senior Thomas Marshall’s family has been volunteering at Storefront Shelter for over 20 years. They bring home-cooked meals to the shelter at least once a month, much more during the holidays. “I talked to a kid who was kicked out because he came out to his parents,” says Marshall. “The Storefront is a place where they can have a warm meal, a bed for a night, and resources to get whatever help they need to get back to a stable situation.” Shelters exist with the purpose of providing emergency help to homeless or displaced individuals. Numbers show, however, that homeless youth and families are continually unattended to. A study by the California Research Bureau demonstrates that less than a third of the state’s 58 counties have even one bed reserved for homeless teens and children at their shelters. The Storefront Shelter is the only 24-hour emergency shelter for homeless, abused, and at-risk youth in San Diego county. The organization has provided temporary shelter, counseling services, and transitional programs to more than a half-million teenagers since its founding in 1970. The shelter is run by San Diego Youth Services, a nonprofit organization devoted to stabilizing the lives of at-risk teens in San Diego County. They have a high success rate; 93 percent of teens that come to them for help transition permanently into a safe living situation. “We know that when homeless youth are able to find age‐appropriate services and shelter, they


usually fare well,” says SDYS Executive Director Walter Phillips. Phillips has worked as a social worker in San Diego County for over two decades, choosing to focus on rehabilitating runaway and at-risk youth. Since assuming his position at SDYS in 2000, he has also been a foster parent. In a January 2011 editorial for the U-T, Phillips recounted meeting one teenage girl on the streets of downtown San Diego. “As I was walking downtown with my wife one recent Saturday night, dozens of homeless individuals lined the sidewalks with their sleeping bags,” he wrote. “Cheri lived this life at age 15 when she ran away from home to escape her stepfather’s repeated physical violence. Cheri was further traumatized by the streets, where she was repeatedly victimized and commercially sexually exploited. ‘When I was homeless, I felt worthless, hopeless and I was really scared,’ Cheri remembers of that time.” Without the intervention of programs like Storefront, homeless youth like Cheri are at an increased risk of becoming involved with crime as a means of survival. In 2011, 63 teens under the age of 17 were arrested for prostitution in San Diego County, an increase of 40 percent from the previous year.

A FINE LINE Superior Court Judge Peter Deddeh, father to seniors Alex and Sam Deddeh, worked with the San Diego Homeless Court from 2002­ 2008. Sessions held at local shelters are designed to help homeless citizens resolve outstanding misdemeanor charges. Deddeh acknowledges that homelessness is a risk factor for certain types of crime. “Being homeless is not illegal,” he says. “But certain things that are unavoidable when homeless, such as sleeping on a park bench, are illegal. Then some individuals get involved with more serious crimes as a means of survival. It really runs the whole gambit, from urinating in public to selling drugs to murder.” Phillips argues that it is a lot more cost effective to prevent these crimes than punish them. “The average annual cost of incarcerating a youth in one of San Diego’s juvenile institutions is

over $75,000,” he says. “Youth can receive shelter and comprehensive services in programs like ours at a fraction of that cost, at approximately $30,000 per year. We can either invest in youth, helping them become successful, contributing members of society, or we can pay for the high human and financial costs when they end up in emergency rooms, psychiatric wards or jail cells.” The Monarch School in downtown San Diego is the only K-12 school in the United States devoted to educating students impacted by homelessness. It’s the product of a unique partnership between Juvenile Court and Community Schools (JCCS) and the San Diego Board of Education, addressing the lack of resources to help homeless youth stay in school. “Shelters and rehabilitation programs are the first steps in stabilizing the lives of homeless youth.” says Joel Garcia who served as the principal of Monarch for three years. “But only a complete education can ensure long-term success.”

STREET SMARTS A 2008 study published by the Institute of Children and Poverty found that homeless kids are nine times more likely to repeat a grade, four times more likely to drop out of school, and three times more likely to be placed in special education programs than their housed peers. Residency requirements, lack of transportation, delays in transfer of school records, and frequent school changes are all major educational setbacks for homeless youth. Garcia has worked for JCCS since 2005, first as a teacher then as an administrator. “When students enroll, the Monarch team works in partnership with new families to address fundamental needs including shelter, food, clothing, transportation, and medical and psychological needs,” he says. “Counselors and therapists, a reading and math specialist, and tutors and mentors are all available on campus to meet the diverse academic, social, emotional, and life skills needs of our students.” For students who graduate from the school, the program is successful. About three fourths of

an average graduating class will continue on to higher education, with most students enrolling in local community colleges. For Monarch’s Developments Manager, Stacy Marshall, the success of the 2012 graduating class was the realization of a long-term goal. “In June 2012, Monarch reached a milestone in the school’s history,” she says. “For the first time ever, all nine of our graduating seniors continued on to college. And in June 2013, all seven of our juniors had college and career plans.” For students in the lower grades, however, the average length of stay at the school is about six months. Even with the programs offered at Monarch, chronic homelessness still forces children and teenagers to switch schools as their parents move to look for work or a place to stay. Freelance journalist Eilene Zimmerman, parent of senior Leah and sophomore Jonas Munson, has been a volunteer English tutor at the school for the last three years. She became involved after writing an article about the school for the September 2006 issue of San Diego Magazine. “What I didn’t realize until I started to work with these kids, is that for families homelessness is very episodic,” Zimmerman says. “You might be living in a shelter for three or four months until your mom or dad gets a job. But they’re living so close to the margins that it only takes the smallest disruption for you to be out on the street again. If you’re moving around that much, it’s hard for kids to stay at one school.” Zimmerman ran an online journal called The Butterfly Blog, where seventh and eighth grade Monarch students have the freedom to write an entry on any topic they choose. “They remind me a lot of Leah and Jonas and their friends,” she says. “Everything from the types of things they talk about, to the way they talk about them. But of course these kids have a completely unique set of challenges.”

FE Because of Monarch school policy prohibiting outside interviews, Eilene Zimmerman agreed to ask her students questions submitted by The Scribe. W hat ’ s one chal lenge y ou ’ ve been face d with in y our life an d how d i d y ou overcome it ? “When I first came to San Diego, when I was six, my mom came here before me and we had to live at St. Vincent de Paul’s Shelter. We were there for four or five years, on and off. We kept going to different shelters. Then one year my mom got married and we found a house for a while. But then we had to go to St. Vincent’s again. We are struggling now but it’s better. We live in an apartment--three rooms and ten people. It’s hard, but it’s better than it was.” - 14 year old girl “Not being able to see my older or younger brothers is a challenge. One of them is in foster care and one is in jail. I really miss them and I can visit my little brother but not my older brother.” - 13 year old girl “I wish other people at other schools wouldn’t make fun of our situation. Rich people also rag into us, saying ‘we have money, we get to buy this and go there’ and they look down at us and make fun of us.” - 12 year old Boy “My challenge is school—before it was boring and I used to get in trouble a lot in public school. I overcame that by by making covenant with myself. It said ‘Stay good, stay clean, it’s all school, you are in here and then you get out and you good grades.’ Being a teenager is hard. I used to get made fun of.” - 14 year old boy fpsthescribe.org

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The new cafeteria features an upgraded sandwich station.

Serve It AN INSIDE LOOK AT THE REVAMPED PARKER CAFÉ

ARTICLE BY JAY GARDENSWARTZ AND PATRICK RILEY PHOTOGRAPHs BY PATRICK RILEY

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UP


FE existing, in-house, foodservice operation,” says Rinehart. Rather, the newly-created foodservice development committee was dispatched to weigh the benefits of a switch to an out-of-house service. After much research of the systems that other schools like Parker had in place, including a trip to the Arizona to visit the Phoenix Country Day School to interview students and administrators, the committee decided that an outside provider would be not only beneficial to the students, but be more practical than the previous system from an administrative standpoint. Thus the search began to determine the future of Parker’s “Café”.

H ow the chan g e ?

why the chan g e ? As each school year draws to a close, Parker’s Development Board, a committee in charge of the overall vision of the school, examines every facet of the school’s operations in an attempt to make any changes that may benefit the students, faculty, and administration. “We look at a variety of different programs here at Parker,” says Head of Upper School Paul Barsky. “We want to make sure that there is excellence everywhere.” The board decided that this year’s project would be to improve Parker’s foodservice capabilities. Barsky was one of seven admin-

istrators chosen to guide the decision-making process associated with these improvements, in addition to Head of Finance and Operations Mr. Mike Rinehart, Head of Lower School Dr. Bob Gillingham, Director of Summer and Extended Programs Mr. Tim Katzman, Trustee Mrs. Teresa Canepa, and former Head of Foodservice Mr. Edward Glunt. Head of School Mr. Kevin Yaley was also closely involved, and echoed Barsky’s sentiments in regard to the reasons for the change. “We wanted to improve on the things that matter most to us: quality, service, and consistency,” Yaley said. “The decision wasn’t based on any real dissatisfaction with our

Enter Culinart Inc., the “second-largest privately held onsite foodservice company in the United States,” according to its website. It was selected as one of three finalists asked to prepare a presentation for the cafeteria committee to be judged on taste, menus, nutritional philosophy, customer service, sustainability, cost, and willingness to adapt to the students’ needs. From there, the committee was able to narrow the list down to just two final companies, and in the end, it was Culinart who edged-out its competition. “One thing about Culinart that stood out to me was that all of the people who are chefs, or what they call onsite directors, have culinary backgrounds,” says Rinehart. “That’s kind of the philosophy of Culinart: ‘We’re all about the food.’” Jose Santiago, Parker’s new Head of Foodservice, certainly embodies this philosophy. After receiving his BS in Public Administration from the University of Southern California, he went on to earn an Associate’s Degree in Culinary Arts from the Culinary Institute of America. Three of his 19 years of experience in the foodservice industry were served as Executive Chef for the multinational tax-software company Intuit. Upon returning from her maternity leave, Manager of Business Operations Ms. Erin Aiston was put in charge of implementing this

massive change. Along with MaryKay Waters, owner of Waters’ Fine Foods, a critically-acclaimed San Diego catering service, Aiston oversaw the transformation of the old cafeteria into what she describes as a “bistro café,” complete with murals adorning the walls, boothstyle seating, and tables purchased from an old P.F. Chang’s. And, though the remodel was initially proposed by Santiago and Culinart, it fit in perfectly with Parker’s larger goal of the switch to the an outside provider: to increase comfort and quality for the student body. “At the end of the day, it was what’s best for the students,” Yaley says. While the café was still undergoing renovation, Aiston asked Santiago if the current kitchen layout—which included a small refrigerator and large, walk-in, freezer—would work for him and his team. Santiago responded that, in the interest of freshness, he’d rather have the refrigerator be the larger unit, not the freezer. Later, he decided that a freezer was not necessary at all—everything was to be made fresh. Aiston was blown away by this ambitious response. “I was really surprised with how smooth the transition was. I have nothing but great things to say,” she said. “Jose is awesome. He has been really great to work with. They [Culinart] are so excited to make us happy.” Santiago is happy with his new setting as well. In an email interview, he wrote that “Parker is a very humble and friendly environment. Everyone is grateful, helpful and cordial.”

I mplications of the chan g e ? One major concern in switching foodservice providers was the fate of the many workers who were employed by Parker, and whether they’d be able to maintain their jobs in the cafeteria. “We had some fantastic longterm employees of the school who we certainly wanted to make sure were taken care of,” says Rinehart. This worry, however, was a non-issue. “Everyone who was working

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FE for the cafeteria did apply to work for Culinart,” Aiston said. “Anyone who wanted to was given an opportunity. And Culinart did hire some of our former employees.” Another concern of the committee’s was cost. Although the switch “wasn’t motivated to save money,” said Rinehart, “the first thing we looked at was what the financial implications of this decision would be. If it was going to cost the school more money, which would translate into higher tuition, we were probably going to be unlikely to proceed.” The committee learned, however, that the switch would be relatively cost neutral, meaning that it would neither cost nor save Parker any more money. The last major concern of the committee’s is one that is still in the process of being resolved: the problem of waste and recycling. With the addition of the to-go lunches, there has been a great increase in the amount of plastic waste produced from lunches. In the future, Barsky hopes to see an increased consciousness of this issue from the student body and the creation of student committees to monitor waste production and suggest so-

lutions. “I really do want to see us look at how we recycle and educate the students, faculty, and staff about what is compostable and what we can recycle,” he said. “That’s going to be another opportunity for the students to really help us.”

L ookin g toward the f u t u re . . . Both the administration and Culinart are intrigued with the prospect of incorporating student opinions into the café’s system. “What I’m really excited about with Culinart is their willingness to work with students and student groups,” said Barsky. “Perhaps working with Social Justice regarding the garden, integrating it throughout the student-life experience.” Santiago is also enthusiastic at this possibility. “We want to hear from our customers about our job performance and the likes of the student body and faculty,” he wrote. “We will like to know what types of food and what style of food the students prefer.” In addition to the already massive change in switching to Culinart, there are several other

THE NEW CAFETERIA FOOD IS

interesting developments on the horizon. The option to purchase breakfast in the morning and snacks after school will soon become available for an additional cost, though the question of whether to allow the sale of coffee to students is still being hotly-contested. Parker has beefed up its nutritional guidelines and will soon be sending out an explanation of them to all parents and students. Santiago also told of a slew of small changes coming to the Café, including an electronic menu board, air-curtain cooler to display all of the grab-ngo items, and a new salad, deli, and yogurt bar. “We like to adapt to our clients,” he says. “So if Parker has ideas about how to improve the food service, we are more than happy to make it happen.” But it wasn’t the grab-ngo nor the granola nor any of these changes that Barsky picked as his favorite. “I was just heartened to hear that [Culinart] didn’t make ‘raspberry tilapia,’” he said. “That was very, very important.”

THE NEW CAFETERIA L A Y O U T I S THE SAME 2%

SLIGHTLY BETTER

20%

SLIGHTLY WORSE

9%

MUCH WORSE

2%

OTHER

14%

OTHER

SLIGHTLY BETTER

11%

32%

MUCH BETTER

66%

MUCH BETTER

43%

Source: Scribe Survey of 44 students

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www.fpsthescribe.org visit our website for video interviews and more information on the cafeteria

WHAT ARE OUR STUDENTS THINKING? “I like the sandwich bar. There’s lots of different options.” - FRESHMAN SERENE HARB “I like the grab and go salads. Just the grab and go option in general.” - SOPHOMORE ALEX HIGHTOWER “I like the two separate lines.” - FRESHMAN ALEX GALLANIS “I like the hot lunch in general. I think the quality of the food is better. More days out the week I am eating the food. Before I was eating a sandwich most days, but now I’m actually eating hot lunches.” - JUNIOR MYLES KENNY “I’m really impressed with the to-go boxes and the togo option. It makes it easier for me to do my homework when I procrastinate or when i just need some time to think in the serenity of a garden.” - SENIOR ZACH SCHMID “Honestly, the food is just better in general. I feel like they’ve put more time into it. There are proper servings get your protein and dietary fibers in each bite. And it also looks pretty, it looks beautiful.” - JUNIOR JAMES FOSTER “The sandwiches. It’s quick, easy to get in and get out and you can go back to study.” - SENIOR JOEY MCHUGH “The tables are a lot nicer than the other ones. The chiars are more comfortable. I like the options to have booths. And i like how everything is separated so that there are two options for everything.” - SENIOR MACKENZIE ROWE


ARTS&CULTURE park perks pg. 30 I coffee talk pg. 32 breaking binge pg. 34 I what the folk pg. 35 scribe explores: adams ave. pg. 36 I hnt pg. 38

PhotoGRAPH By Olivia Fidler Latté courtesy of Café Mono in Mission Beach fpsthescribe.org

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The Zoro Garden is open to to the public every day year round.

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A painted lady butterfly feeds on a flower in the Zoro Garden.

Park Perks A guide to Balboa’s hidden gems

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alboa Park is an iconic San Diego tourist destination, known for its extravagant architecture, eccentric street performers, and rich history. Some of its most famous locations include the Old Globe Theater, the Reuben H. Fleet Museum, and the Organ Pavilion. However, being a San Diego local, sights like these lose their luster and just seem overcrowded after a while. However, there are still a few “hidden jewels” of Balboa Park, if one is willing to scope them out. Based on Balboa Park’s official website, here are some reasons to visit these four attractions.

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHS BY MYLA ANDREWS

The Casa del Rey Moro Garden is a favorite spot of locals to relax and take in the San Diego sunlight.

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The walkway leading to the Casa del Rey Moro Garden, just across from The Prado restaurant.

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The Timken Museum is highly acclaimed for its innovative use of natural lighting in its six galleries.

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THE ZORO GARDEN

The Zoro Garden is a diamond in the rough located between the Casa de Balboa and the Reuben H. Fleet Science center. Today, it is a safe haven and breeding ground for butterflies, purposely designed to sustain and nourish the variety of breeds that find a home there. The garden actually used to be the site of a nudist colony, which is what first put this little stone hideaway on the radar. Even the name “Zoro” is influenced by the nudists that lived there, after the term “zorine”, which was the name of the colony’s beauty pageant queen. With its cobblestone walls and untamed vegetation, this rustic little garden is a good place to feel one with nature, whether it be for artistic inspiration, or peaceful reflection.

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The Timken

One of Balboa Park’s more modest museums, the Timken is located by the Botanical Garden and the Reflection Pool. This museum features the Putnam Foundation’s collection of European and American artworks, ranging from 14th century to 19th century pieces. It also houses San Diego’s only Rembrandt painting, Saint Bartholomew. Not lacking in interest, the Timken museum serves as a refuge from the crowd and a refreshing change from the usual scene. And to sweeten the deal, entrance to the Timken Museum is always free.

At the center of the House of Hospitality Building, pictured here, a statue was sculpted of a woman cradling a jug of water to illustrate San Diego’s dependence on water.

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Visitors stop by the Reflection Pond in front of the Timken.

CASA DEL REY MORO GARDEN

This secluded garden is located near the rear of the House of Hospitality and Spreckel’s Organ Pavilion. It was originally designed for the 1915 Panama California Exposition by Richard Requa. There is extensive Spanish influence found in this garden, coming from the Moorish quality of Ronda, Spain, and a replica of a fountain found in Guadalajara, Mexico. Today, it serves as a quiet getaway for visitors and a popular location for wedding shoots. For students, its a quiet place to sit and read or even take a nap when walking around the enormous grounds gets too tiring.

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THE HOUSE OF HOSPITATILITY BUILDING

The House of Hospitality Building is one of the most well-known and commonly photographed buildings in Balboa Park. Built to be the crown jewel of the 1915 Panama California Exposition, it boasts beautiful Spanish-Renaissance architecture and a fountain sculpted by a notable local artist, Donal Hord. The upstairs balcony offers a stunning view of the Organ Pavilion and the garden. And when you’re satisfied with the view, downstairs is a coffee stand for a quick pick-me-up.

A view of the inner courtyard of the House of Hospitality Building.

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COFFEE TALK ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHS BY OLIVIA FIDLER

Remember: Adive is always free at Meshuggah Shack

No “Kvetching” allowed when you have a coffee in hand

M E S H UGG A H SHACK MOST DIVERSE MENU 4 0 4 8 G o l d f i nc h St S an D ie g o , C A 9 2 1 0 3 (619) 518-5421 M on 7 am - 1 2 pm T u e - W ed 7 am - 6 pm T h u - S u n 7 am - 9 pm

DARK HORSE COFFEE ROASTERS BEST HOUSE-MADE ROAST 3 2 6 0 A dams A ve S an D ie g o , C A 9 2 1 1 6 (619) 344-6962 7 am - 7 pm D aily Dark Horse’s founder, Daniel Charlson, is from Kauai

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THE FOUR QUIRKIEST COFFEE-HOUSES NEAR YOU

Their “Crack Head Chai Latte” is a top customer favorite

Although small, this little green coffee shack is hard to miss on the quaint and quiet corner of Goldfinch and Fort Stockton in Mission Hills. Parking in the lot outside is $1, but worth the low price. Painted and decorated with antiques, mirrors, paintings and their signature, Yiddish, “No Kvetching” sign, Meshuggah Shack is a quirky staple of Downtown Mission Hills. They

have unique nosh for every type of foodie, including the customer favorite “Bacon and Waffles” which is exactly what it sounds like: espresso, milk, kosher bacon syrup and classic maple syrup. If that’s too radical for you, go for their “Dirty Girl” chai with espresso or their “Meshuggah Mensch”, the shop’s twisted take on the classic Vietnamese espresso.

Kensington is quickly gaining street cred as San Diego’s new hipster haven, and Dark Horse is a charming addition to the ambiance of Adams Avenue. Any true coffee lover is bound to appreciate the raw, authentic and robust taste of a good cup of joe or a shot of espresso. Their premium roasting along with the quality french press and signature “pour-over” technique—

pouring hot water directly over the pressed grinds—is second to none. Be sure to try one of their yummy vegan-friendly baked goods that don’t taste like raw soil, like their delicious PB&J vegan donut and brown sugar coffee cake.

The coffee is from Brazil, ElSalvador and Sumatra

Dark Horse specials in small-batch handcrafted coffee


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Pannikin is family owned and operated.

Pannikin often showcases local artists’ work for sale.

PANNIKIN COFFEE & TEA COOLEST LOCATION 5 1 0 N C o a s t Hw y 1 0 1 E nc i n i ta s , C A 9 2 0 2 4 (760) 436-0033 6 am - 6 pm D aily

B E T T E R B UZZ THE LAB BEST FOOD OPTIONS 3745 Mission Blvd S an D ie g o , C A 9 2 1 0 9 (858)488-0400 6 : 3 0 am - 7 pm Da i l y Almost all of their drinks are available on the rocks

Pannikin offers a wide variety of fresh-baked goods.

In business since 1968, Pannikin offers a variety of divine coffee and teas imported from all around the world. But the actual structure Pannikin “operates” inside of is decades older: the former Sante Fe Railroad Station built in 1888. The inside and outside are both beautifully crafted with light yellow paint covering the exterior and high ceilings, art on every wall

and antique wood furniture in the interior. Be sure to order their delicious Chai or, if you’re brave, the “Jimi Hendrix”, a triple-shot espresso with a tinge of hazelnut or the “Keith Richards”, a straight triple shot espresso. Don’t skimp and decide against that big slice of their outstanding Banana Cream Pie either; you deserve it.

Although Mission Beach is known for its laid-back air, Better Buzz-The Lab is a pleasant juxtaposition of vibrance and minimalism. Some of their exclusive drinks are the sweet “Honey Latte”, “Killer Bee”(coffee and espresso) and their signature “Best Drink Ever”—a blend of Americano coffee with a splash of cream, vanilla, and sugar. But The Lab is best known for their

heavenly Açai bowls with ingredients like hemp granola, fresh berries and agave nectar drizzled on top. These yummy additions add the unique, laid-back and beachy flare to Better Buzz’s beachside location.

Try Better Buzz’s spicy dark roast for a richer taste

Better Buzz’s “OG” Açai Bowl is the most popular

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www.fpsthescribe.org to watch video interviews with Parker students about binge watching, visit our website.

breaking binge exploring the addiction of the parker campus Article and PHOTOGRAPH By Grace sellick

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Junior Serena Romaya watching her favorite binge, Breaking Bad.

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uring the Summer Olympics, the average American tunes in to watch beach volleyball, soccer, and gymnastics. However, instead of watching the 2012 London Olympics, Head of Upper School Paul Barsky logged onto his Netflix account. The entire span of the Olympics was replaced with the popular TV show, Breaking Bad. Barsky did not watch a single goldwinning event, but rather, watched a struggling teacher and former student produce and sell methamphetamine in order to secure his family’s financial future before he dies from inoperable lung cancer. Over the past several years, a new fad has hit the world: binge watching. Whether it is catching up on the past season of Pretty Little Liars or beginning the cult classic, Arrested Development, binge watching has become a serious problem this decade. Binge watching is the act of watching a television show straight through a season or entire series, often marathoning episodes within a short period of time. Websites such as Netflix, Hulu, and HBO GO provide thousands of movies, TV shows, and miniseries only a click away. Sophmore Lou Tauber watched all seven seasons of Grey’s Anatomy in a week and a half describing the show’s plot being able to “put you into a trance and killing your brain cells, to the point you don’t remeber what you did before the show.” These websites don’t limit their subscribers to solely present-day shows and movies or to shows made exclusively in the United States. They range from England to India, increasing international popularity among trendy foreign shows like Doctor Who and Downton Abbey. Netflix’s widespread collection allows you to travel back in time, whether it’s to the ’90s with its teenybopper, love-at-first-sight movies, or the classic romances of the ’20s. In the mood for laughs? HBO GO has a whole section of stand-up comedy. Not only are they available on your laptop, but also on tablets, smart phones, and Apple TV, letting you stream whatever you want, wherever you may be. How exactly do these web-

sites get people to become addicted? Have you ever watched a show where at the end of the episode you’re at the edge of your seat, screaming at the TV because you either want to know what just happened or what is going to happen? Instead of having to wait a week or longer to see the outcome, all you have to do is click the “next episode” button. Junior Tommy Bancroft who streams an average of 4 hours of TV per night, describes Netflix as, “being trapped in a 75-foot deep hole, not being able to climb out.” Binge watching is prominent at Francis Parker. In a survey of 51 students, 86 percent had one or more TV streaming account s and 69 percent are watching over an hour per week. As an avid binge watcher, junior Serena Romaya recollects that over summer vacation she watched Breaking Bad for nine hours straight and when she, “walked outside of [her] cave, the light blinded [her].” It is not just students that have become addicted to online TV streaming, but faculty as well. According to Mr. Barsky, when teachers are at the lunch tables together, they are not talking about the curriculum or students, they are discussing about the episode or TV series that they just watched. Among them is English teacher Ms. Nancy Anderson. Over summer she was addicted to Breaking Bad, often watching until the late hours of the night. She watched all six seasons, hours at a time, in the span of July to August. Summer offers tons of free time and the feeling of nothing to do. You could read your summer reading to get ahead, but then again no one does that. Instead, put a laptop in front of you, log on to your Netflix account, and start enjoy. However, try to save this for summer. Considering that school is in session now, your study habits may worsen and procrastination levels may become higher. So, either limit how much you watch precisely, and if you fail to do that, then it’s time to shut down your Netflix account for a few months.


WHAT THE playlist with a twist

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W hen yo u reali z e that the economy is not g oin g to g et better before yo u g rad u ate .

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“Bootlegger’s Boy” Old Crow Medicine Show

“Bible Belt” Dry the River

WHEN YOU “FIND” YOURSELF SPEEDING DOWN THE HIGHWAY “Scarlet Town” Gillian Welch

Gillian Welch, songstress extraordinaire, delights again in “Scarlet Town”. The soulful ballad begins mournfully, a jilted lover realizing that love is not all it’s cracked up to be. Despite the fact that the guitar is the only instrument used, the song sounds wonderfully complex. And the ending is satisfying, too. The deadly lover is promised a visit from the Devil.

WHEN YOU’VE LOST A FIGHT

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“Salina” The Avett Brothers

The Avett Brothers somehow manage to incorporate the far-flung reaches of their talents in one cohesive song. After a beginning that hearkens back to their early albums, it bursts into something akin to the polished Avett Brothers we know today. And the message is pure Avett: “East or West, home is best.” The moments of union of the violin and piano open the song for the catharsis we all crave.

WHEN THE ROAD TRIP FEELS TOO LONG

The opening notes--a masterful interweaving of simple acoustic guitar and soft violins--set the tone. This is not a happy song. By the time we discover what the song is about--alcoholism and its devastating impact on families--we know that something miraculous is going to happen. And in the midst of all this darkness, it does; the song rallies for a heartwarming finale.

FOR YOUR FIRST COLLEGE VISIT

Old Crow Medicine Show returns with a classic bluegrass narrative. Lead vocalist Ketch Secor sings of his risky, adventurous life as a bootlegger. Perhaps his story is not so relatable today, but that does not hinder the thrill the listener feels as he flaunts the law so vagrantly. Quick fiddling underscores a wealth of emotion as the song races to its conclusion.

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ARTICLE BY NISHON TYLER PHOTOGRAPHS FROM ALBUMART.ORG

“Leaving Eden” Carolina Choclate Drops

The Carolina Chocolate Drops have created a standard of excellence which all neo-bluegrass bands must aim to achieve. Their latest album, Leaving Eden, does not disappoint. The title track is deceptively simple, but it does the trick. The whole song sounds like a lullaby, albeit one our parents might avoid. In the era of over-processed, artistic autotuning, the Carolina Chocolate Drops are a refreshing sound.

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AFTER A PARENTAL SPAT “Here and Heaven” Goat Rodeo Sessions

If you demand a little more class in your folksy tunes, “Here and Heaven” might be for you. Yo-Yo Ma plays the cello in this unsettling piece. The battle between the violin and cello is something approaching perfection, and as we race toward the end, we cannot help but feel, as the singers do that “we’ve all forgotten, we’re getting old.”

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www.fpsthescribe.org listen to these songs and more on our website.

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When the road trip feels too long

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Scribe Explores ADAMS AVENUE

ARTICLE and PhotographS by Emma Moore and Carloine Wohl

Kensington Video offers a large variety of foreign films, with titles in Dutch, Japanese, Portuguese, and Hungarian, among many other languages.

K ensin g ton V ideo

M ariposa I ce C ream

If you have no clue what movie to watch for your date night, or can’t find that new indie film you wanted on Netflix, fear not. Kensington Video, with over 65,000 titles ranging from silent films to newly released, is the place to go for all your movie needs. Opened in the ’60s, this family-owned and operated business is all about its customers. Walls covered with movie titles and posters of all decades and genres make it clear that Kensington Video knows its films. Its friendly shop owners will even convert your own home videos to DVD. And if you can’t find a movie that you’ve been searching everywhere for, the folks at Kensington Video will go on a special mission to find it for you!

Mariposa Ice Cream is the hidden gem of ice cream stores. Tucked neatly in Normal Heights, this family owned and operated business came to San Diego in 2000, and has been satisfying customers ever since. The ice cream is made in a vintage 1920s machine, using family recipes to create original and unique flavors. Perhaps one of the best things about Mariposa is the fact that, compared to most commercial ice cream, their ice cream has a third less sugar, and uses only about half the air. Plus, they don’t use eggs in their delicious flavors, except in Pumpkin and Cookie Dough. Best-sellers include Heath Butter Toffee, Cookies and Cream, and Mexican Chocolate. Don’t forget to try one of the homemade waffle cones too. Yum.

PRICE: $$$$$ Mon - Thurs: Noon - 7 Fri: Noon - 8 Sat: 10 - 8 Sun: Closed

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Mariposa Ice Cream has walls covered with different items from throughout the decades.

november 2013|THE SCRIBE

PRICE: $$$$$ Mon, Wed - Sat: 1 - 9 Sun: 2 - 8 Tues: Closed

With its artsy vibe, Viva Pops offers a wide range of ice pops, from blood orange to raspberry-basil lemonade.

V iva P ops Even though the summer may be over, it doesn’t mean that you can’t still enjoy a nice, refreshing ice pop. These new, healthier desserts are one of the up and coming “in” foods, made and sold at Viva Pops. The shop, opened in 2008, features homemade fruit, dairy, and vegan ice-pops. With a unique and colorful atmosphere, Viva Pops uses all natural ingredients, and buys from local businesses and farmers to create their ice pops. Viva Pops doesn’t just sell their treats at their store on Adams. The founder, Lisa, also attends the Little Italy Mercato, with her husband, where they sell their creations together. Viva Pops flavors vary by season, but gluten free options are always available, for only $3 a pop.

PRICE: $$$$$ Mon - Tues: Closed Wed - Thurs: 1 - 8 Fri: 1 - 9 Sat: Noon - 9


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ormerly part of an old trolley line in the 1930s, Adams Avenue intersects three unique, up-and-coming areas: Kensington, Normal Heights, and University Heights. This historical street is bursting with energy, bringing a fun, contemporary vibe that’s perfect for teenagers. Whether you’re grabbing a quick after school snack or going out on a Friday night with friends, Adams is the ideal hangout.

At its happy hour, the Haven offers $2 off pizza, salads, and appetizers.

A retro sign at Ponce’s stands above the trees, attracting customers

T he H aven

P once ’ s R esta u rant

The Haven opened in March 2013 by Lauren Passero, owner of Kensington Café right down the block. With its bright paintings and dark wooden tables, The Haven boasts a lively atmosphere. It prepares classics like the Margherita pizza, plus specialties like The “New” New York pizza, garnished with bell peppers, mushrooms, and vegan sausage on fresh mozzarella. Also, be sure to try their Popeye pizza with garlic sauce, hazelnut pesto, and fresh basil over mozzarella. This Italian-American pizzeria also offers vegan options and can meet almost all dietary restrictions. With desserts like the ice cream cookie that melts in your mouth and decadent panna cotta, The Haven is a place you won’t want to miss.

When founder Ponce Meza Sr. moved from Jalisco, Mexico to San Diego in 1957, he wanted to “enrich the lives of all the people who walk through the doors” with his recipes. Founded in 1969, Ponce’s Mexican Restaurant welcomes customers with vibrant colors splattered across the walls and vintage paintings hanging along the interior. This community restaurant is known for its classic carne asada, served with homemade guacamole and salsa fresca. Try their Special Tostadas, with cotija cheese and avocado. Lines are out the door of this hot spot around 5pm, so be sure to time your trip right. Fajitas? Check. Chimichangas? Definitely. Churros? Of course. And you thought Chipotle was good.

PRICE: $$$$$ Mon - Sat: 11:30 - 10 Sun: 11:30 - 9

PRICE: $$$$$ Mon: 11 - 9 Tues-Thurs: 11 - 10 Fri-Sat: 10 - 10 Sunday: Closed

Sabuku Sushi’s Interior design creates a modern atmosphere

S ab u k u S u shi Get ready to cross this off your bucket list: a bacon sushi roll. Yeah, it’s a thing. Opened in summer 2011 by Bob Pasela, Sabuku Sushi’s contemporary flare puts a unique, American twist on the rolls we all know and love. Considered among the best sushi restaurants in San Diego by Discover SD, Sabuku takes pride in daily deliveries of fresh seafood and produce. They use high quality ingredients, including candied garlic, bacon, and mesquite grilled chicken. Sushi favorites include the Bacon and Scallop Roll, the Chillaxin Roll with shrimp tempura, spicy crab, and avocado, and When Pigs Fry, featuring bacon, spicy tuna, and asparagus tempura. With a hip, friendly atmosphere you’ll be “bacon” for more.

PRICE: $$$$$ Mon: 11 - 9 Tues - Thurs: 11 - 10 Fri-Sat: 10 - 10 Sunday: Closed fpsthescribe.org

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ARTICLE and Photographs BY NATALIE GREENBERG

hot

NOT

We have seen this fashion statement flaunted

You know hashtags are on their way out

by several celebrities including Olivia Wilde,

when your grandpa sends you one... #awk-

Alexa Chung, Eva Mendez, and Brad Pitt.

ward

s H a d es

#s

This trend has a past, present, and certainly a future. In the name of fashion, can we all please be allowed to wear our blackout shades to all upcoming Honors Assemblies? ZZZ

C onsignment S hops Designer clothing has never been so much fun to shop for, or more affordable. With

beanies

No bad hair days this season. When in doubt, put a beanie on it. School may have taken away our rights to chose what we wear, but they can’t take away our accessories! Oh wait...they did

talon nails In recent months, several celebrities such

take away our right to accessorize. My mistake!

as Adele, Katy Perry, Lady Gaga and Fergie

A nimal P rint

have been seen sporting cat-like “claw” fin-

Bling may still get top billing in Jersey, but this

gernails. But, not only are they impractical—

year, animal print is chic and incredibly fashion-

imagine zipping up your skort or putting on

able when paired with this season’s everything.

makeup—they look like you’re about to claw someone’s eyes out.

local shops like Funky Trunk and 2nd act,

juicing

west, Chanel, Louis Vuitton and more can

Everybody is looking to purify their body this

finally be afforded on a babysitter’s budget.

Deep B err y L ipstic k No need to spell this one out girls and boys. XOXO

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Trendy

november 2013|THE SCRIBE

twer k ing “To my home girls here with the big butts shaking it like we at a strip club, remember only God can judge ya.” Um, not ONLY God can judge ya. Close your eyes, Daddy!

season. Juicing companies like SUJA are everywhere. My question is, why soil or pollute your body in the first place?


SPORTS the final countdown pg. 40 I show me the money pg. 42 going the distance pg. 43 I color commentary pg. 44 do you even lift? pg. 45 I lancerman pg. 46

PHOTOGRAPH BY MAX FEYE Nathan Ho cheers on the football team in his Lancerman cape. fpsthescribe.org

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THECountdown FInal

F

ootball games are

important to the Parker community, bringing students, faculty, and alumni together. However, football would not play such a major role if not for the team and their most valuable players, the seniors. For seniors Nate Abernethy, Tanner Aiono, Matthew Alessio, Jesse Brookins, Noah Gamboa, Milan Marrero, Ayman Mayberry, Luis Miguel-Espinosa Da Silva, Chris Papatheofanis, Sammy Rodriguez, Zach Schmid, Devin Sefton, and Jonny Vizcaino, this is the last season of their high school football careers; for some, it is the final season of football forever. These past four years have taught them morals, friendship, teamwork, and leadership. They have become closer as a team and as people. “Every year it is hard to say goodbye,” says Head Coach John Morrison. “One of the biggest benefits of coaching is the ability to stay in touch with these kids and to watch them grow especially off the field.” Morrison sees them as off to a great start for the season, having high expectations that this year will be a great year for football in the Parker community.

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SP bittersweet GoodByes From Senior Guys Article and PhotoGRAPHS By Grace Sellick

Going clockwise from top: Nathaniel Abernethy, Ayman Mayberry, Sammy Rodriguez, Matthew Alessio, Milan Marrero, Chris Papatheofanis, Tanner Aiono, Noah Gamboa, Zachary Schmid. Not Picured: Luis MIguel- Espinosa Da Silvia, Jesse Brookins, Jonny Vizcaino, and Devin Sefton

Q. How has the team grown over the years?

Q. How has football affected you as a person?

Noah Gamboa: My freshman year, the team was mostly seniors with a lot of freshmen. The next year most of the team was comprised of sophomores with limited experience on the field and it made it difficult for us to compete with older teams. However, we all got the playing time we needed so we could really perform the next year. As Juniors, we had great captains that would never back down and I feel that changed the attitude we have going into all our games. As one of the biggest senior classes, I feel we have the physical capacity to do great things from years of practice and the mental determination to pull through when we have to win.

Chris Papatheofanis: The coaches often stress that school and other sports will teach you what life is like, but football will teach you that life is a battle. It would be difficult to say that football hasn’t been central to my life. Other than the friendships I’ve made, it has taught me discipline and how to face adversity.

Q.What are your bittersweet goodbyes to football and high school? Nathaniel Abernethy: I’m going to miss playing with all the guys on the team and I’m sad to leave those who aren’t seniors behind. I’m also going to miss our unique coaching staff because I know that wherever I end up there will never be another staff like this one. Sammy Rodriguez: I will definitely miss playing under the friday night lights with all of my friends watching. It has been a good 4 years and I’m very thankful for being able to have that opportunity. Q. How has football affected you as a person? Matthew Alessio: Football has affected me as a person by helping me learn how to really work well in a team because football is one of the sports where it takes a full team of guys to really achieve success, not just one or two. Q. Do you have any words/ advice to pass on to the team? Tanner Aiono: Football is something you miss during the offseason, but hate on a tuesday when you have to double condition and its the farthest from the game. Its got its ups and downs. If you put in the work you’ll get results.

Q. What was it like to be a freshman on the football team? What is it like as a senior on the team? Ayman Mayberry: It was definitely intimidating to play varsity football as a freshman and having to practice against guys like Matt Wile and Kenny Brookins who were preparing to play D1 college football. Now being a senior I enjoy taking on more of a leadership role especially being a captain. Q. What is your next step for football? Zachary Schmid: I have been fortunate enough to have been offered various opportunities to play football in college. After a long summer of deciding where I will want to spend the next four years of my life, I determined my academic interests would be best served at Harvard University in Boston, Massachusetts. It is a really humbling opportunity and I am excited to see where football will take me in college. Q. Are you excited for the season? Milan Marrero: Yes, I’m really excited to see what we can accomplish as a team this year and see all of us play at our full potential. We are really blessed to have a team with so many talented individuals. This being my fourth year, I want to make the most of it and take my team all the way to the top. I have been wanting the CIF ring since I was a freshman. Unfortunately, we came up short last year in the championship, but I know we all have the same goal and no amount of sweat, blood, and tears will derail our drive. I plan to go undefeated this season, going all the way to the ’ship.

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do you even lift?

why athletes are continuing to use the bench are still using the bench press why athletes press article AND PHOTOGRAPH by alex deddeh

Seniors Chris Papatheofanis and Devin Sefton In the Weightroom

E

very

Monday,

Wednesday, and Friday morning I dragged my painfully sore legs into the Parker weight room for volleyball summer workouts. After push-ups, squats, and two liters of Aquafina, I was told to do three sets of eight reps on the bench press. My personal best, 75 pounds, looked completely pathetic next to the two hundreds, and three hundreds, the football players had achieved. After a few weeks, forcing the weight off my chest got a little easier, but my volleyball skills did not seem to improve. All those times I laid down on the bench, and wrapped my hands around the coarse metal bar, I thought, “How is this helping me in my sport?” Many teams believe the bench press is an important part of the modern workout. Some trainers and athletes, however, are deciding to move away from the bench press in favor of exercises more applicable to the game. Parker athletes, including members of the football team, have differing ideas of why there is still so much loyalty to the bench press. “I think it’s a mixture of pride and tradition,” said senior linebacker Milan Marrero. “Its a foot-

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ball thing.” Football and benching usually go hand and hand in the weight room. The exercise is commonly associated with strength and power. “People get excited about how much they bench,” says senior Michaela Dews, outside hitter on the varsity girls’ volleyball team. Dews, who also participated in summer workouts, was not convinced the exercise made much of a difference in her game. “It helped my stamina and my strength, but not necessarily my skill level,” she says. Some athletic trainers, such as Parker’s Coach Jeff Rose, do not believe the upward press transfers to certain sports. “There’s never a time in a sport—well, there shouldn’t be— when you’re laying on your back and pushing up. In football, that means you got ran over,” he says. Tanner Aiono, senior offensive lineman on the football team, disagrees. “It [benchpressing] definitely helps,” Aiono says. “If you’re generally stronger than your opponent, you’re going to be pushing him around.” Senior Adeline Longstreth, point guard on the varsity girls’

basketball team, finds the bench press beneficial to her sport as well. “Basketball requires arm strength, so the bench press is something that will be useful for us in the weightroom,” Longstreth says. Emily Purdon, middle blocker on the Varsity girl’s volleyball team, also believes bench pressing helped her in the game, “I think it made me hit a little harder and jump up faster,” Purdon says. Besides the muscles made and strength gained, there is some incentive to bench due to requirements outside of the Parker campus. “Everyone in the NFL combine has to bench 225,” says Rose. “The guys who are going to college combines have to bench at least 185.” Rose thinks different exercises should be utilized in the place of the bench press. “I want to see how much

someone can dead lift, or someone can squat. Its about explosive power.” Even with this information, athletes keep benching, regardless of whether it is transferable to their sport. Coach Rose has his own theory about its continued use. “Bench press has always been the ‘sexy lift’,” he says. “Coaches say ‘who’s the strongest guy? Let’s use bench press to find out.’ ” Whether or not Parker athletes choose to use the bench press, its long-standing tradition will remain in the weightroom. No matter what season, what sport, there will always be someone asking, “Dude, how much do you bench?”

Bench press has always “been the ‘sexy lift.’”

—Coach Jeff Rose


SP

going the distance HOW THE 110-mile, RECORD-BREAKING SWIM Is inspiring STUDENTS

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veryone is doubting you. No matter how much adrenaline is running through your body, the insecurity seems to be overwhelming. You can feel yourself moving your legs through the dominating waves of the ocean, but you are seemingly making no progress. Swimming from the coast of Cuba to Miami, Florida, Diana Nyad felt like this for 110 miles. After four previously failed attempts, Nyad’s fifth try seemed pointless. However, Nyad achieved her goal and said, at her post-swim interview, she is a “stronger, calmer, and an all around better athlete than she was 40 years ago.” Cris Dobrosielski, trainer of the varsity girls’ soccer team, is a national and international competitor in swimming and paddle boarding and a winner of the World Lifesaving championship, and personally admires Nyad. “Diana shows all of us that with relentless preparation, tireless discipline, and willingness to learn from our prior mistakes, nothing is impossible,” Dobrosielski says. After training the girls’ varsity soccer team at Parker for years, Dobrosielski used to the cycle of defeat and determination. Although older, Nyad has inspired many teen athletes, such as junior Matt Goff, to push away negativity and antici-

ARTICLE BY CHARLOTTE DICK-GODFREY Artwork by Sarah Nicita

pate the best in everything. “My favorite moment as a determined swimmer was during a 200 meter fly, a mid-distance, painful swimming event,” Goff says. “This one was especially painful as I had just finished a 400 individual medley where I hadn’t performed as well as I wanted to. I forced myself to think that this was a second chance to win something that day that I wasn’t going to let slide through the cracks again. It made me work harder than I ever had in recent months and earned me a victory in that event.” Nyad’s feat wasn’t just a lap in the pool, though. “Long-distance swimming is very different from pool racing,” says junior Camille Considine, a swimmer on the Francis Parker team. “It introduces a lot of other variables, like wind and current, which can really slow you down.” Even with a positive attitude, Nyad did not accomplish her goal of swimming from Cuba to Florida on the first try, or the second, or third, or fourth. Nyad was ambitious, each attempt swimming without a cage, which would have protected her from extremely poisonous jellyfish and rough water currents. However, Nyad never gave up and on her fifth attempt, again swimming without a protective cage, made it to the coast of Florida, a 110-mile swim and a record-breaking accomplishment.

Nyad shared her motto with the world: “Find a way.” Student athlete senior Andy Piacquadio believes that Nyad’s abilities will help him achieve academic and athletic goals this year. “Diana shows that failure isn’t the worst thing for an athlete,” Piacquadio says. “If anything, it can help them grow to be better than they ever would have been even if they succeeded the first time around. Also, if Diana can have the persistence and determination to keep trying her near impossible swim then why can’t I stay up to finish my homework or study for a test instead of going to bed right when I feel tired?” Nyad not only inspires beginning athletes, but also highly professional and trained adult athletes. Dobrosielski connects his ideas of persistence with Nyad’s. “Many people have stopped dreaming in our world,” he says. “They accept their circumstances as the way it is. I say life is your life and truly what you make it if you have a vision that you do not

quit on, if you put all of your heart behind it, see success before it happens, and, like Diana suggests, never give up.” Nyad expresses the importance of following one’s dreams no matter who you are. She is a great example of why people, of all ages, should work to the best of their abilities no matter how impossible it might seem. This school year, remember the time and effort Diana Nyad put into her successes, and you too will be successful.

Many people have stopped dreaming in our world, life is your life and truly what you make it.” —Trainer Cris Dobrosielski fpsthescribe.org

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COLOR

COMMENTARY Decreasing diversity in Major League baseball

Article AND PHOTOGRAPH BY GABRIEL GROSS-SABLE and Jash Babla

W

hen

Jackie

Robinson first took the field in 1947, the world was shocked that an African American was participating in Major League Baseball. After Robinson’s career ended, it was assumed that African Americans would begin to dominate baseball, like they had football and basketball. Yet today, baseball is almost completely made up of other races. According to the Boston Globe, 8.5 percent of players were African Americans, with Caucasians topping the list at 62 percent. Furthermore, a quarter of all African American baseball players play

for just three teams: The New York Yankees, the Los Angeles Dodgers, and the Anaheim Angels. The San Francisco Giants have zero black players on their team. The Boston Red Sox and the Baltimore Orioles only have one black player each. As the other major sports continue to be dominated by African Americans, baseball is moving in the opposite direction. The number of black players is dropping, and the MLB is doing little to save it. As an African American baseball fan, junior Nathan Wiggins is concerned that the MLB doesn’t make an adequate effort to go get young athletes into baseball like the National Football League and National Basketball Association. Black

8.5%

R acial B rea k d own M ajor L eague B aseball Source: Boston Globe

Asian

1.5%

Hispanic

28%

Caucasian

62%

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“If you go to a Boys’ and Girls’ Club, there’s always a basketball court and a place to play football,” Wiggins says. “But there is never baseball.” It is easy to identify the African American faces of professional football and basketball. The combination of LeBron James’ skills and personality make him a fan-favorite of the NBA. Adrian Peterson and Calvin Johnson are truly the African American faces of the NFL. Unfortunately, most sports fans have less knowledge of exceptional MLB players like Andrew McCutchen or Carl Crawford because of the absence of advertising. “You look at the NBA, NFL, their commercials, they show the excitement of the game itself,” said future MLB hall of famer, Ken Griffey Jr. in an interview with the Boston Globe. “In baseball, it’s come to the all star game, and that’s it.” Social studies teacher Dr. Rai Wilson, thinks that it would be nice for African Americans to have a greater presence in the MLB. He assumes that African Americans don’t dominate baseball because of the international pool of players that are selected. “Tons of our best players are Dominican and Mexican, so the pool from which it’s drawn is more selective.”

Wilson also points out its expensive startup costs. “You need a mitt, a bat, and you can’t really play a pickup game. A lot of kids don’t have that kind of money.” He also notes that, in a culture where people do what they see, as black kids continue to see less and less black players, fewer black kids want to play. Kids like to be stars, and baseball is not a sport where kids can star immediately. “So many of our problems come from SportsCenter, they make it all about the individual. I coach my son’s basketball team, and kids won’t pass, they want to shoot and they want to be the star.” Programs like SportsCenter tend to feature individual athletes. They show players like Kobe Bryant and Drew Brees, breaking many individual records. But baseball is not a sport where there is one true star. It is a collective effort; teams with weak links lose a lot of games. As diversity in Major League Baseball continues to drop, fans of the MLB must wonder if baseball is doing the right things. After Jackie Robinson, it was assumed that African Americans would have a prominent presence in baseball, but the opposite has happened. The numbers continue to decrease and the MLB is seemingly ignoring it.


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SHow me the MONEY Is it time to pay college athletes? ARTICLE BY JACK BENOIT PHOTOGRAPH BY DUTRA BROWN

L

ast season, he broke the freshman records for most rushing yards by a quarterback (1,343 yards) and total yards of offense (5,116 yards). He was the first freshman and fifth player ever to pass for 3,000 yards and rush for 1,000 yards in a single season. In the Cotton Bowl against Oklahoma, he set the record for most rushing yards by a quarterback in bowl game history (229 yards). He beat Alabama, the team that has won three out of the last five National Championships. He was the first freshman to win the Manning Award, the Davey O’Brien National Quarterback Award, and, of course, the Heisman Trophy. Johnny Manziel electrified college football. His popularity was seismic and his stock could not have been any higher at the end of the 2012-2013 season, but the attention he garnered continued into the offseason for all the wrong reasons. Manziel, 20, was photographed multiple times inside different nightclubs surrounded by women and alcohol. He received harsh criticism from the media and many fans of college football, but none of his actions warranted any kind of disciplinary action from the National Collegiate Athletic Association. It was not until he was accused

of signing autographs in return for money that the NCAA acknowledged Manziel and his actions. An investigation was launched and many believed that the reigning Heisman winner would not be able to take the field with his team on opening night. But without any concrete evidence, the NCAA responded with a slap on the wrist: he was suspended for the first half of Texas A&M’s first game. Athletic programs and players are constantly being investigated for breaking the rules of the NCAA regarding illegal compensation or recruiting. Many believe that because instances like Manziel’s occur so frequently that it may be time to start paying college athletes. “College athletes should be paid because they bring in large quantities of money for the college itself but reap no [financial] benefits,” says senior football player Chris Papatheofanis. Many arguments can be made for both sides of the debate. The Division I power football schools have considered giving stipends to some athletes and it seems that at some point, these athletes are going to get some kind of compensation. In a sport like football where one injury can derail the career of any player at any moment, it is important for many of these athletes to earn some sort of compensation for as long as possible.

“[College Football] is just as popular as the NFL,” says senior football player Jesse Brookins. “So why not pay the people responsible for making it so successful?” The video game “NCAA Football 2014” uses the profiles of college players but gives them different names. Every physical characteristic of the athlete is scaled perfectly, their attributes reflect their true abilities, but their names have been slightly altered. These athletes should have the right to their video game character, but the NCAA does not agree. The amount of rules and regulations that college athletes and recruits face are innumerable. The NCAA is suffocating these athletes and as a result, it is difficult to succeed within these regulations. Universities are forced to sometimes flirt with what is right and wrong according to the NCAA if they want to build a successful program. There are some prime examples in just the past few years: USC, Oklahoma State, and nearly every Southeastern Conference school always seems to be under some kind of investigation for being involved in paying athletes. Many arguments can be made against the payment of athletes. “[The colleges] are paying for you to attend that school and if you’re going to play a sport you

have to love it,” says senior soccer player Randee Holman Kelley. “If you really love it, you’d do it for free.” In most sports, this argument is completely valid. The college is rewarding the athlete with a free education in return for a high performance level on the field. But when players like Manziel who are being idolized in the media for their performance on the field, or an offensive lineman who risks a career ending knee injury every play are taken into consideration, especially those who attend schools that profit from the football program, these players must be compensated to some degree. It will help the NCAA avoid many of their wild-goose chases after some sort of violation. It needs to be considered in basketball, as well, as it can also contribute financially to a college. At some point, the NCAA should begin to pay some of the athletes, but first, the system itself must be completely revamped to allow it to happen. “The payment doesn’t necessarily have to be cash, but there needs to be some sort of compensation,” says varsity boys’ basketball coach and former University of Pennsylvania, Tyler Bernardini. “Maybe some type of fund needs to be set up for [the athletes] once they get out of college.”

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Lancerman The man behind the cape

o

Article By Maxe Feye and Soren Hansen PHOTOGRAPH BY MAX FEYE

n Friday nights, a different kind of superhero roams the campus: the one and only Lancerman. Senior Nathan Ho has taken up the mantle of the spirit man, volunteering his voice and his body to lead the rowdy crowds in the football stands. Lathered in brown body paint, he takes Parker spirit to the next level. Here, the famous Lancerman gives a behind-thescenes look at his duties as Parker’s spirit superhero. Q: How did this opportunity arise for you? Nathan Ho: Raphie Cantor [last year’s Lancerman] did such a great job getting together the student body, and he wanted to pass down the tradition, so he went to a couple people. [Everyone else] had other commitments, and I was the only person who only had one serious commitment, being ninth period lifting captain. When Raphie approached me, I was a little hesitant. But when Raphie let me try being Lancerman on one of his last games, I had a blast, so now I’m the Raphie of this year. It’s my job to continue the legacy. Q: What was the first thing that came to your mind when Raphie said, “You are the next Lancerman?” N.H.: I was still debating whether I wanted to. But then I realized how cool getting together such a huge student body would be, and having such a huge amount of followers cheering in the stands, despite the stereotype of our school lacking spirit. It’s the stuff of any mans dreams. I just decided to defeat the stereotype and go for it. Q: Is there anything that you hope

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november 2013|THE SCRIBE

to do that will add on to the L ancerman title, make you different from Raphie, and create “Nathan’s legacy”? N.H.: I hope to solidify school spirit, and take on the job of being the hammer that hammers down on the school spirit. Obviously Raphie started the job, I just have to continue the grind. I really want to expand RALLYCOMM this year and take spirit to the next level. I want to make RALLYCOMM apparel and make it a presence on every day campus as well as the sports venues. I want to make school pride an honorable thing. I want the situation to be that every Friday, people are going to ask eachother, “Hey are you going to the football game?” and they’ll say “Of course I am!”. Q: What do you have in mind for the future of RALLYCOMM? N.H.: I want to get basically everyone involved and more supportive, and maybe get a base of chants that we’d be doing throughout the year, get them obnoxious, get some noisemakers, and RALLYCOMM t-shirts. Only then will I make it sort of like a dictatorship. In a nutshell : Shirts. Noisemakers. Spirit. Club Bonding. Love. Q: How do you hope to get everyone involved? N.H.: I hope that I can create a comfortable environment for the students to feel confident and proud to be a part of RALLYCOMM and

the Lancer family as a whole. The more of a fool I can make out of myself, the less others have to worry about how they might look screaming their support. Q: What are your views on Parker’s current level of spirit? N.H.: Unfortunately, we kind of suck in the spirit department. Even when we have a packed set of bleachers, our level of obnoxiousness is way lower than where I would like it to be. There is no point in going to a game if you aren’t going to cheer on your Lancers until you get lightheaded. Q: What’s your favorite part of becoming Lancerman? N.H.: I think Lancerman has become a true embodiment of Parker spirit. I am happy to be a part of that and part of making this new Lancer tradition last. And the cape is really cool too. Q: Who made the cape? What’s the story behind that? N.H.: Trevor Moore [class of 07]

Lancerman Nathan Ho poses with members of the Parker Cheerleaders after a successful football win against Orange Glen high school

the original Lancerman, was the one who created the cape. Q: Bodypaint... explain? N.H.: Who doesn’t love to be slathered in colored goop by senior Sophie Woods and letting the paint dry until you hear yourself crack every time you move? I do. Q: What’s up with the flag? N.H.: I want to use it more, but cardio isn’t really my thing. Running down the field with it after the touchdown sounds cool in theory, but its pretty tiring. Q: Do you have any pregame rituals? N.H.: I make sure to have a healthy and nutritional breakfast on game days, because I’m always in need of an excuse for at least two California burritos. It’s a great way to start the day. And end one!


ETCETERA teach me how to... pg. 48-49 I tardies pg . 51-52 creature feature pg. 52-53 I de-stress to impress pg. 54 I quadrants pg. 55

PHOTOGRAPH BY JULIANA D’AURIA From left to right: sophomore Nicole Keeney, senior Whitney Ralston, freshman Evan Stewart, and junior David Traganza. fpsthescribe.org

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+

the late show

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some sass For your pass article By Alex Deddeh ARTWORK BY DUTRA BROWN

I

+ t’s Monday morning and you’re

feeling good. You are repping the Parker window with your new Lands’ End polo. The #toocoolforschool selfie you took got 50 likes, solid. As you applaud your decision to use Lo-fi instead of Inkwell, something hits you. Its 8:25 and you’re late! Don’t worry dear Parker student, you are not alone in your errors. Student and teacher tardy experts have come up with some creative ways to make your late arrival less uncomfortable. So the next time you’re attacked with teacher glares and awkward silences, you’ll be prepared.

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+

CREATURE

article and photographs by Julianna D’Auria

evan stewart

Freshman Evan Stewart is the freshest of the fresh. In his free time, he enjoys playing baseball, hanging out with friends, and watching The League. His favorite movie is World War Z, where sexy star Brad Pitt gets chased by zombies. Evan also loves Italian food, especially pizza, because of his Itialisn heritage. Let’s all give this freshman a hug. You have one day to raise $1000, what do you do? Male bikini carwash. Bunch of dudes get in bikinis, go outside of Parker and wash peoples’ cars.

When a guy says go make me a sandwich, how do you respond? I laugh and then slap him with the bread. What do you think of the new iPhone? Flip phones 4 lyfe. Would you rather have elf ears or a witch nose? I already have big ears so I guess nose because I already know what it’s like.

What is the strangest food you have ever eaten? Fish brains. It surprisingly wasn’t half bad. Kinda mushy but still good.

nicole keeney Sophomore Nicole Keeney is the snarkiest person you will ever meet, but is also one fabulous, sassy gal. Her favorite YouTube video is “True Facts About Morgan Freeman,” because he is her idol. She also has a sweet tooth for Sour Patch Watermelons. If you want to get on her bad side, call her Keeney. She really dislikes it. What was the happiest moment of your life? When [sophomore] Louis Tauber and I became friends. He’s the bomb.com. If you could be someone else for a day, who would it be and why? My cat. Imagine just sitting around all day, wouldn’t that be nice?

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Do you have any bad habits? I’ve bitten my nails right down to the nub. One time I had a contest with [sophomore] Jack Dodge to see who could go the longest without biting their nails. We both lost. Is love at first sight possible? I’m pretty sure I was in love with the Jonas Brothers in fourth grade, so I guess it’s possible. What is your favorite store at Fashion Valley? Easily that candy shop place by the movie theatre. I can eat like $10 worth of candy in one sitting.


FEATURE

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CONVERSATIONS WITH THE COOLEST KIDS ON CAMPUS

david tra g an z a Junior David Traganza has got major street cred. He enjoys striking up conversions with anyone he comes across and amuses people with his frequent quoting of Anchorman. A huge supporter of Division II Russian Badminton, Traganza prides himself on his facial hair. If you haven’t seen it, check out his memorable ’stache. Ladies and gentlemen, David Traganza. Who do you aspire to be? Dun dun dadah. So what’s the sitch? Kim Possible.

What is your deepest, darkest secret? I’ve gone night scuba diving. It was pretty deep and dark. If you had a superpower, what would it be and why? Read minds so I could tell people jokes they were thinking and then laugh at them. What picture are you planning on posting for the next man crush Monday? Instagram is for women and [junior] Tommy Bancroft.

What would you refuse to do for one million dollars? Go in the ocean without Aquaman’s protection. Megalodon’s still out there.

whitney ralston Where does one even begin with senior Whitney Ralston? She speaks the truth. If you want to be her favorite person, bring her mini Reese’s peanut butter cups and Welch’s fruit gummies. Her favorite accessory is her horse mask that she loves to prance around in. If you haven’t met this lady, something is seriously wrong with you. Go find her and make a new friend. What do you believe is the true meaning of life? Eat as much food as you can. Why go on a diet? When you die, you’re not gonna be eating anything anyway so you might as well feast now. Who do you like to creep on? Kendall Jenner. It’s an unhealthy one-sided relationship.

What does Whitney not approve of? Lip liner, ugly cats, fruit scented shampoo, the messy bun as a fashion statement, jeggings, the phrase “gal pals,” Justin Bieber’s mustache, day of the week underwear, fatfree dessert—seriously, who do you think you are—, the store Claire’s, fringe bathing suits, high waisted shorts, really thick, unblended foundation, camo pants, selfie sunday, people that yell at the T.V., when girls post pictures of their eyes, and obvious photoshop. And people. Ugh, people. How many car accidents have you been in so far? Three. Two with a fence, one with my mom. If you were the queen of the world, what would your subjects call you? Beyoncé.

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De-stress TO IMPRESS Tips on avoiding back-Toschool stress ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHS BY Allie Goines and maddie Ottilie

A

s the last remnants of that summer tan fade away, it can be hard to get back into the daily grind of long classes and late nights. Try some of these tips to keep yourself focused and stress-free.

Take a break from your essay and dance around your room to your favorite song.

TAKE TIME AFTER SCHOOL After a full day of classes, there is no doubt you’ll be aching to stretch. Use time after school to take a breath. Try out a new sport or check out 9th period PE. Grab your friends and take a field trip to 7-11 or drop by Urbane Cafe at the bottom of the hill. Use this time to be active, grab a bite, or just sit back and enjoy the San Diego air.

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Try using highlighters to color code your planner to stay organized.

STAY ORGANIZED The best way to avoid the stress of all-nighters, is to simply not pull them. Break out all the fun highlighters and color-code your planner. Once you’ve mapped out your week, you’ll be able to see if you have a heavy night, and will be able to lighten the load by doing some of your work a few nights in advance.

Sun Chips offers five different flavors: original, harvest cheddar, garden salsa, French onion, and sweet & spicy BBQ.

BRAIN FOODS Snacks are another great way to keep you motivated to study. They can help you stay focused and help keep your energy up so you can stay awake after writing that long, grueling essay. Some great brain foods include vegetables, smoothies, tea, coffee, chocolate, nuts, avocados, whole grain foods, and fruit. William Southworth says he prefers, “pumpkin muffins and warm milk” to keep him going. Just make sure you don’t forget to hydrate.

Scented candles are a great way to keep a soothing and serene atmposphere while working late.

Taking a warm bath is a great way to ease sore muscles, improve sleep, and cure colds faster.

MANTAIN A POSITIVE WORKSPACE

TAKE A MOMENT TO BREATHE

One of the most important ways to stay focused is to have a good environment to study in. Make sure you have adequate lighting and a clean desk, or try studying outside! Also, try adding some fun accessories to your work environment to make it a bit more personalized. Put up some photos, fun calendars, or bring out the autumn scented candles.

Don’t be so quick to crash at the end of the night! Take some time to unwind after your homework before you fall asleep. Even the classic glass of milk before bed helps you rest peacefully. Mickey Miller wishes he could find the time to relax each night before bed. “If I can, I like to take a few minutes, just lie on my back and think ‘Ah it’s all over.’”

Avoid time-wasters like Netflix or Facebook that take up large chunks of your evening.

Take a break from your essay and dance around your room to your favorite song.

CONTROLLING PROCRASTINATION Don’t lie, you’ve totally been there. Procrastinating can be healthy, but only in small doses. Make sure to take it easy and listen to music when you can. Also try not to mess around and remember that Facebook is a time vacuum. To avoid distraction, try rewarding yourself with a treat after finishing a big chunk of homework.

S T U DY B R E A K S When the late night starts to bring you down, step away from the books and clear your head. “I have a pool, so I go swimming for a few minutes...then I come back and finish my homework,” says senior, Arturo Alemany. James Foster, a junior, says he likes to “turn on smooth jazz and kick the soccer ball around with [his] dog.” Run around your living room, dance around, or stretch.


Teach ME how to...

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What Teacher Are You Most Like? Article and Photographs by Julianna D’Auria

Whenever you Fly on a plane, you are least looking forward to…

It’s the first Sunday in months that you aren’t busy. What do you do?

A. The people who make you get up from your seat many times to use the restroom. B. That larger lady or gent that takes up their whole seat…and part of yours. C. Those annoying carts that block your way to the bathroom. When you gotta go, you gotta go. D. Your chatty neighbors who strike up a conversation that lasts at least half of the trip.

A. You get tickets to watch your favorite sports team play their biggest game of the season. B. You go hiking after your morning five-mile run. C. After spending the morning watching The Lorax and Toy Story, you break out the board games and have a game night. D. You go to the happiest place on earth to ride your favorite roller coasters. Hopefully your custom Mickey ears don’t go flying off your head during the ride.

Someone just went to number one on your hit list. They probably... A. Cut you off on the freeway. Obscene hand gestures were involved. B. Ditched hanging out with you to sit on the couch the whole day watching Netflix and eating a bag of Cheeto Puffs. C. Were smoking right in your face. You made a big scene by pretending to have a coughing attack, but they continued to smoke anyway. D. Were Mr. Taylor. Your spirit animal is obviously… A. A tiger. You protect the people who are close to you. If you hurt them, “you’re gonna hear me roar.” B. Wolverine. You are small, but fierce. You are best friends with Captain America and have the Hulk on speed dial. C. A furry feline. You are playful and love to cuddle. You always call dibs on being the little spoon. D. A triceratops. You are confident and always ready to defend yourself with your gigantic, powerful tail.

What do you want to be when you grow up? A. A food critic. Who doesn’t want to travel the world and eat free food? B. An adventure guide. You will be leading your group to the top of Mt. Shasta…hopefully you don’t lose anyone. C. A nurse. You love helping people and making them feel better. D. A mailman. You’ve been good about your diet, but it’s time to treat yourself. You... A. Munch on M&Ms. They’re the best candy ever. B. Head straight to In-N-Out. You order a Double Double and wonder why you ever thought about eliminating this deliciousness from your diet. C. Go to See’s Candies and buy an assortment of chocolates. D. Eat a big bag of chips.

You don’t leave school without...

for

A. A fruit smoothie. It is very refreshing. B. Your Rockstar Lemonade. Coffee is yuck! You gotta have your Rockstar. C. A fresh iced green tea with no sweetener. D. A cup of coffee with lots of sugar and a dash of cream. During a beach day you most enjoy… A. Sitting close to the water, reading your book. B. Hanging out at La Jolla Cove and going in the water to catch a glimpse of the leopard sharks that come close to shore. C. Lying on the sand, working on your tan, and listening to the waves crash on the shore. D. Taking a swim in the water. It is peaceful and seems never-ending.

What do you normally have for dinner? A. Your mom cooks a hot homemade meal that is delicious. B. A healthy, well-rounded meal. You are trying to stay fit. C. You go out and make a night of it. Maybe even go to Extraordinary Desserts after. D. You go to a quaint restaurant that serves coffee. What type of concert would you go to? A. Anything from Eminem to Mumford & Sons. B. A Kid Rock concert. You love rock ’n’ roll. C. An indie concert. Hopefully The Black Keys are in town. D. You have season tickets to the San Diego Symphony Hall.

It is Saturday night and you decide to have a movie night with friends. You plan to watch.. A. Bridesmaids. You are laughing the entire time. B. Die Hard. You love anything with action. C. Any Quentin Tarantino movie. You love the comical twist he puts in his movies. D. The Shawshank Redemption. Who doesn’t love Morgan Freeman? How would you describe yourself? A. Fashionable. You love getting ready for the day. B. Energetic! C. Organized and creative. D. Well-spoken and sarcastic.

RESULTS on next page

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MOSTLY A’S MS. ANDERSON If you got mostly A’s, you are most like… English teacher Ms. Nancy Anderson! You are possibly the sweetest, kindest person on campus! Your energy radiates off others and you brighten everyone’s day. You are also very protective of the people you love and will always be there to comfort anyone in need. You are a sports fanatic, and everyone wants to be around you because of your bubbly, welcoming personality. You love giving compliments to people and seeing others smile. “I love making people’s day by just calling them ‘love bug’ or ‘sweetheart,’” Anderson says.

MOSTLY B’S

DR. PIERCE If you got mostly B’s, you are most like… Science teacher Dr. JP Pierce! You are extremely adventurous, love to be outdoors exercising and you take risks that pay off in the end. You bounce off the walls and are enthusiastic about everything you do. You also love energy drinks and maybe even have two a day: one in the morning to wake up and the other after school. “That’s 320 milligrams of delicious caffeine. Time will tell if Rockstar Lemonade is just a gateway to stronger substances,” Pierce says.

MOSTLY C’S

SEÑORA GOLDBERG If you got mostly C’s, you are most like… Spanish teacher Señora Ana Goldberg! You are compassionate, delightful, and have a special place in your heart for cats. You love watching movies and playing board games and probably have an enormous collection of them. You are a big chocolate lover. Your bedtime is probably around 9:30 p.m., 9:00 if you’re lucky. “I am who I am today by my love of cats and my determination to do my best,” Goldberg says.

MOSTLY D’S MR. LEWIS If you got mostly D’s, you are most like… English teacher Mr. Nick Lewis! You are sarcastic, intelligent, and comical! You take any chance you can get to go to Disneyland or Six Flags Magic Mountain! Your handwriting is borderline illegible and everyone lets you know it. In the future, you will probably have your own talk show. “It will be called Post Siestas with Nick,” Lewis says.

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Quadrants Who is your dream The good, homecoming the bad, and the... date?

Darth Zannah

incredibly handsome (me).

You have a large cardboard box. What do you do next?

Rip it to shreds and burn the remains in an oil fire.

Matthew Morozov

Benedict Cumberbatch

Crocs

You know who you are, Ms. Audrey Yang!

suave, not suav

COMPILED BY SOREN HANSEN AND MARK KLEIN PHOTOGRAPHS BY SOREN HANSEN AND MARK KLEIN

Beauty is in the...

After answering this survey, you are going to...

characteristic of a person, animal, place, object, or idea that provides a perceptual experience of pleasure or satisfaction.

sleep.

Do that thing from that one SpongeBob episode where they play with the cardboard box.

third floor corridor on the right hand side which is out of bounds to all who do not wish to die a most painful death.

dismantle the patriarchy. Who’s with me?

Use it to create a school petition for more white bread in the café.

quality of a Vine.

seriously, you use this every time.

eye of the tiger, meeeoow.

procrastinate for several more hours on homework and college essays while my parents threaten me.

normal distribution. Just how many standard deviations off the mean are we anyway?

grade papers...and then grade more...and more...and...you get the idea.

nadia carillo

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nick valverde

Anyone of the female sex, call me

bow chicka wow wow

Have someone wrap me in it, send it to my house, and scare the bejeezus out of my parents.

Will Smith, and can homecoming be at an all inclusive resort on a warm tropical Island?

tired? Why can’t we be a ‘late start’ school?

Fill it with chai tea and hand out straws.

ricky leary

ms . J essica lemoine

separated at birth Christina Clark

Amanda Seyfried PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF HUFFINGTON POST

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