Issue6

Volume XLIX, Issue 6

PALI SENIORS VOTE IN MOCK 2008 ELECTION

Tideline NOVEMBER 28 - DECEMBER 12, 2008

PALISADES CHARTER HIGH SCHOOL

PACIFIC PALISADES, CA

JAMES PALENO REELECTED AS TEACHER REP

A RANGE OF DIVERSITY

ADDITION TO THE BOARD Head Basketball Coach and Teacher Reelected as 1 of 3 Teacher Representatives

Seniors Voice Their Opinion in a Poll Conducted by Government classes

BY D ANIEL N IKNAM

BY BEN LEVINE

Tideline News Editor

Alongside the 2008 presidential election, 513 students from the Senior government classes were surveyed on November 3 and 4 for their vote on the propositions and the presidential candidates.

The clear-cut winner for president was Barack Obama with 76% of the vote compared to 12% for John McCain. Green Party candidate Ralph Nader came in third place with 4%. When asked why she thought a majority of students voted for Barack Obama, Senior Natasha Milner said, “I think most teenagers are in favor of liberalism and change, especially students that go to our school. That is what Obama stands for so they are more likely to vote for him.” Senior Sina Safvati, a firm supporter of Mccain wasn’t surprised that Obama received the majority vote and said, “I’m actually surprised that 12% of the people admitted that they support a Republican candidate for president in a highly liberal environment. There are actually many Republicans at our school; however, they are just reserved about it because they are outnumbered and feel insecure about exposing their true political views.”

The senior government students also voted on the California propositions. The controversial proposition 8, which sought to Continued on Page 2

Curious Students Attend Financial Aid Workshops

BY D ANIEL HARTONO Tideline Editor-in-Chief

The College Center hosted the annual Financial Aid Workshops on November 18 and 19 in B101 in order to assist seniors and parents with the financial aid application process.

Liz Lesan, who has been assisting seniors with financial aid at the school for six years, led the workshop and discussion by introducing the various types of aid options available. The types of aid can be classified under four main categories: grants, scholarship, on-campus employment, and loans.

Generally, grants are forms of aid that are awarded by the schools directly, scholarships are awarded by individual entities, on-campus employment allows the school to fund jobs for the student, and loans are money that the student can borrow, but must pay back.

“Most financial aid will come from the college you attend, with a combination of sources (federal, state, and the college itself).

Continued on Page 3

N EWS | PAGE 2

TIDELINENEWSPAPER.COM

Tideline Staff Writer

PASHA AYAZI/PALI HIGH

FUTURE ATTORNEYS : The Mock Trial team put their cross-examination skills to use in the annual Los Angeles County competition.

College Meetings Cause Increase in Student Curiosity

BY LAYLEE S ALEK Tideline Staff Writer

As seniors continue their path to college through the completion of applications, they have been given extra informational boosts through the visits of many college representatives. Though these visits have died down from their start in late September, students have taken advantage of the information available to them.

Ranging from small private colleges on the East Coast to the largely populated schools in the University of California (UC) system, these admissions representatives visit to answer specific questions seniors have.

College Center Counselor, Ms. Grubb, said, “These meetings give students the opportunity to receive information about colleges that Continued on Page 2

Mock Trial Team Takes on People v. Lane

BY ELANA JOFFE

Tideline Editor-in-Chief

The Mock Trial team headed downtown to compete against Damien High School and North Hollywood High School in the annual competition held by the Constitutional Rights Foundation on November 3 and 13, 2008.

The case presented to high schools was People v. Lane, an arson trial featuring a pretrialmotion on the First Amendment.

The fictional case gave potentially strong arguments to both the defense and the prosecution. The defendant, Leslie Lane, was accused of arson and inciting a riot. The charges were regarding a fire set on the New Believer’s property, a fictional sect.

Witnesses were called to testify both against and for Lane.

Pali’s Defense was the first to compete against Damien High School. Azad Amanat acted as the

pretrial-motion attorney and made an argument as to why the charges against Leslie Lane (Daniel Heo) should be dropped.

The witnesses Leslie Lane, Jan Jefferson (Abigail Robbins), Riley Roberts (Elana Joffe), and Kelly King (Mary Hobbs) were called to testify in defense of Leslie Lane along with the team’s defense attorneys, Dexter O’Connell, Kevin Seo, and Jessica Lee. Each attorney questioned the witnesses, cross-examined the prosecution witnesses and objected to comments and statements made by the opposing team. Mary Hobbs received full points for her portrayal of Kelly King, expert witness as did Jessica Lee, her direct examiner.

Dexter O’Connell also received twenty out of twenty points for his closing statement. The team won this trial by 2 points out of 400.

The Team’s second trial tested the Prosecution against the

EDWIN POULDAR/TIDELINE

Pali Seniors meet with college representatives to discuss options regarding their future plans.

C A M P U S | PA G E 3

O P I N I O N | PA G E 4 - 5

Peer Editing, a.k.a. Cheating

Defense from the Highly Gifted Magnet at North Hollywood High School. The pretrial-motion attorneys for the prosecution were Sina Safvati and Bobby Saxton.

The prosecuting attorneys were Emily Park, Ahlysha Gopaul, and Roxanne Houman who questioned Officer Dana Daniels (Preston O’Connell), Chris Chen (Abigail Robbins), Rev. H.H. Hingel (Abigail Sarafian), and expert witness Stacy Samuels O‘Sullivan).

North (Rory Hollywood beat Pali by 8%, precluding the mock trial team from advancing into the next level of competition. The team’s coach Dexter O’Connell, however, is still optimistic after a year long hiatus. “I’m just happy that we had a team this year,” he said.

James Paleno, a Special Education teacher and Basketball Coach, emerged victorious in the election for the Teacher R epresentative on the Board of Directors, which ended on November 10.

It was a tight race between Mr. Paleno, who ran for reelection, and Alexander Shuhgalter, a Spanish teacher. The election, in which most of the teachers voted, consisted of many statements, interviews, and a large group discussion. Despite the competitive nature of the election, neither of the candidates were very aggressive. Paleno only criticized Shuhgalter once, saying “The only real difference is in our methods. I personally believe that you need to pick and choose your battles. You can’t always be forceful and aggressive and on the attack mode,” suggesting that Shuhgalter can sometimes be more offensive than is necessary.

After he was declared the winner of the election, however, Paleno expressed that he still supports his former opponent. “He would have been a good option,” said Paleno.

When asked what priorities he has that he will address during his term, Paleno said, “I want to deal with the whole idea of traveling teachers,” referring to the problem of teachers who move from room to room due to the excess of students in classrooms. Paleno said that he ran because he “wanted to Continued on Page 2

Directors for Senior Show Selected, Aim to Stay True to Personal Vision

BY M ELINA C HARIS Tideline Staff Writer

The two shows that will be featured in the annual SeniorDirected Show, set to open in the spring, were recently chosen by a group of drama students in the Senior class. James and the Giant Peach, directed by Seniors Natasha Milner and Suah Kang, and Edward Scissorhands, directed

by Seniors Lorin Doctor and Anthony Iglesias, were selected as the most creative and interesting of the five shows originally submitted.

The Senior Show, as its name implies, is directed and run by selected members of the Senior class whose shows and ideas appealed most to the other Seniors in drama who voted on them.

Meetings for the Senior Show ‘09 began at the end of last year, and anyone in the Senior class involved in drama was welcome to attend the meetings. However,

only those who attended the first meeting were allowed to be part of the voting process that took place during the course of this fall and resulted in the selection of the final two shows in late October.

Senior Liane Dallalzadeh said of the process, “I went to all the meetings and cast my vote. We really tried to pick shows that would appeal to a vast number of people and I think these two shows together do that well.”

Five shows were originally considered and each entry required a proposal that demonstrated the ideas and visions of the Senior submitting it. “I made it clear during the proposal that I wanted the Senior Show to be a group project, [and] not just something that I created. I wanted everyone to be able to share their ideas and I think everyone appreciated that,” said Doctor.

Continued on Page 2

ENTERTAINMENT | PAGE 6

SPORTS | PAGE 8

Spring Awakening Opens in L.A.

Football Wraps Up Season

Students are always coming up with new ways of blurring the line between what is moral and immoral.

Police a Menace to Students

The Tideline Goes to St. Louis Journalism students win Superior Award designations at Journalism Education Association Convention.

ASL Class Teaches the Art of a Nonverbal Language

American Sign Language is now being taught at Pali.

Since when has driving on the sidewalk been allowed?

The War on Proposition 8

Gay activists protest outside Mormon churches, reminding Americans of the separation between church and state.

The award-winning play finally makes its way to the City of Angels, playing downtown at the Ahmanson Theater.

The Dolphins finish up a strong season with an unfortunate loss and look toward a bright future.

Page 2

Government Classes Vote on Issues, Voice Opinion in Student Election From Page 1

ban same-sex marriage, was passed in California with 52.2% of the vote. In contrast, 78% of the students surveyed voted against proposition 8. When asked why she believed a greater amount of students are in opposition to proposition 8, Senior Michelle Chang said, “Pali High is in a really liberal area and we are influenced by Hollywood and the liberal views of Santa Monica. Also, we’re really openminded people because we are in a large city.”

Although a clear distinction was evident between California voters and senior government students in relation to proposition 8, both groups were on the same page in regards to proposition 2. Proposition 2, which called for better treatment of farm animals, was passed in California with 63.2% of the vote. Similarly, 71% of the senior government students were in favor of the proposition. Senior Wyatt Bridges believes this similarity is due to the rise of organizations that call for ethical treatment of animals. “The fact that so many voters supported proposition 2 does not surprise me given that PETA and PETA2 have become such prolific organizations over the past several years. People are finally starting

to open their eyes and become aware of what used to be hidden in the shadows,” said Bridges.

Another highly discussed proposal, proposition 4, called for a waiting period and parental notification before termination of a minor’s pregnancy. Although the proposition was struck down in California with 52.2% of the vote, a much larger majority of seniors, 81%, were opposed to the proposition as well. Senior Michelle Chang gave her take on the results and said, “I think since we are teens, we can relate to the troubles that would result were a parent to find out about a teen’s pregnancy and pending abortion.”

AP Government teacher Mr. Rauschuber was excited about the survey and believed it created needed enthusiasm. Rauschuber said, “I was really happy that this year the senior social studies teachers came together to teach the propositions.” Rauschuber was not surprised by the results of the surveys, specifically the presidential votes and the absent gender gap. “The presidential data was reflective of the county data for that age group,” Rauschuber said. “There was little difference in gender on propositions 2, 4, and 8.” Students who are interested may retrieve complete results of the survey from the senior social studies teachers.

Tideline

Tideline Staff Writer

Drama students went to Dobson Middle School on November 8 to compete in the Drama Teachers Association of Southern California B Division Fall Festival, and came home bearing trophies and plaques that reflect their talent and hard work.

The festival is an annual occurrence that is hosted by different schools each year, and students have been preparing their scenes for months. The B Division is meant exclusively for 9th graders, who are introduced to the festival by upperclassmen. The students competed in three categories: Large Group Serious, Audition Monologue, and Plays by Women, and performed four times in a total of three rounds.

The Large Group Serious Scene, a cutting of “The Shadow Box,” by

Michael Cristofer, won 2nd place.

The scene consisted of 5 actors, and dealt with the issue of accepting death. Tyler Brewington and Elizabeth Pauly directed the actors, Kasey Swanson, Burt Binder, Lachapelle Swain, Natalie Kathoke, and Diana Kim. “I was so proud of our scene, and the whole experience was a lot of fun. I think that more people should join the class so they can have the same type of experience,” said Kim, who played the role of Agnes in the scene.

The Audition Monologue, performed by freshman Chyna Quarker and directed by Blake Fisher, consisted of two monologues, one comedic and one serious, and Chyna’s performance earned a ranking of 4th place at the festival. “To make it to semifinals was a dream come true, and to place was something I never imagined. But being there with my

November 28 - December 12, 2008

PALENO ELECTED BACK TO BOARD OF DIRECTORS From Page 1

continue the work that we started and have been working on for the past two years.” He feels that the lack of specific administrators was a root of the many problems the school has had recently. Now that this problem has been solved, with the addition of several new administrators on campus this year, Paleno said that there are now “no more excuses [to not

Spaghetti Night Entertains Drama Supporters

MIA CANTER , PALI HIGH

Pali’s Drama Department holds the annual “Spaghetti Night” to raise money for their upcoming fall show.

BY M ARIEL R EDLIN Tideline Staff Writer

The Drama Department held its annual Fundraiser Night, also known as “Spaghetti Night,” raising over $600 for their fall show, Twelfth Night, on Friday, November 14, in Mercer Hall.

The doors opened at 7:30 p.m. when friends and family of the performers filled the seats of the themed tables, the most popular being “Pirate” and “Barbie”.

Freshman Dramies Return Victorious in DTASC B Division Festival

BY ELIZABETH PAULY

NEWS

friends and watching them grow as actors is something I wouldn’t trade for the world,” said Quarker.

The third category that went to the festival was a scene called “Fat Girls,” which won honorable mention. Directed by Megan Meek and Chelsea Seifert, Fat Girls tackled the issue of female body image, and overcoming the issues that many girls in our society face. “I thought it was awesome. It was really cool to see all the other scenes from other schools performing and competing in a friendly competition,” said Tehmina Dinshah, a freshman who performed alongside Ruby Solomita, Romi Messer, and Warner Hyatt in the scene.

The actors were led by drama teacher Ms. Kraus, who helped them direct and perfect their scenes.

Ms. Kraus said, “It was great to watch the scenes and to see them place.”

Wilson and Alec Chloe Strasmore, who act as twins in the upcoming play, hosted this year’s spaghetti night. The skits performed ranged from singing and dancing to raps and parodies.

“Spaghetti Night was so fun,” said Junior Maddy Epstein, “I really enjoyed seeing how creative the Pali Drama Department is.”

Lauren Hansen and Tasha Solomita started off the night with a song from Spring Awakening called “The Dark I Know Well.” Two Elephant Love Medleys from “Moulin Rouge” followed, one performed by Katrina Rochlin and Arya Davachi, the next by Julian Schwartzman, Maddie Packer, Jesse Roth, and Alex Caan. The night continued with Thespians Mia Canter and Katie Lantz

singing, “What Kind of Girl Is She?” and a dance from Sarah Williams.

Parodies of Les Miserables and other scenes performed at the DTASC Fall Festival received standing ovations. Raps from Julian Schwartzman, Natasha Milner and Mary Hobbs were also included in this year’s fundraiser night. The night came to an end with the “Sisters” act, originally seen on SNL, performed by Mia Canter, Katie Lantz, Maddie Packer, Jesse Roth, and Alex Caan.

“This spaghetti night was kind of small. There weren’t as many people as we would have liked to have shown up, but a few people gave really generous donations that will really help our show,” said Tabrizi. “It was fun for everybody who was there.”

WILL ANDERSON/TIDELINE

The Tideline newspaper staff traveled to Washington University in St. Louis, one of the top midwest universities.

The Tideline Travels to St. Louis, Participates in Journalism Competition Journalism students win Superior Award designations at National Journalism Convention.

BY WILL A NDERS ON Tideline Staff Writer

Members of the Tideline Staff, chaperoned by Journalism adviser Ms. Cappelli attended a national journalism convention in St. Louis, Missouri during the weekend of November 14, 15 and 16.

The convention was organized by the Journalism Education Association to provide high school students a chance to attend educational seminars and compete in a variety of categories.

The convention offered a wide range of courses, varying from sports photography to layout M ARY H OBBS,TIDELINE design. Seminars included lecS eniors S u Kang and Natasha Milner will be directing an interpretation of James and the Giant Peach. tures and “hands-on” learning taught by professional journalists, college professors, and former school newspaper staff.

Student participants were From Page 1 are both “excited and nervous” to director to help me through it,” required to attend at least 6 semibe directing their first “large pro- said Doctor.

The Senior Show traditional- duction,” and have many goals The Senior Show ‘09 is set to nars and a competitive write-off. ly consists of two shows with a for the show as well as the begin rehearsals in mid-April Tideline editors James Bourne and common theme that are present- rehearsal process. “It’s important and will open in late May to Katy Pool both placed Superior ed back-to-back as two “acts” of to stay on task [during early June. Though the four in their categories, copy editing one single show. This year’s rehearsals] and also to keep in directors have months before the and critical review, respectively, theme is “The Best of Tim mind that the people who I will production begins, they all have and News Editor Fiona Hannigan Burton,” as both scripts were be casting also have academic high hopes for its final outcome. was awarded Excellent in feature taken from movies that he classes and AP’s that they need “I really want to make this a fun writing. “It felt like there were a directed. to handle,” said Milner. experience for everyone, and lot of other kids competing, so Though it was essentially the Doctor, who submitted make this a fantastic show,” said I’m a little surprised that I did so most creative shows that were Edward Scissorhands, chose fel- Kang. Similarly, Doctor said, well. The write-off itself was defchosen, the Seniors who had low senior Anthony Iglesias to “I want to stay close to my initely a rewarding experience,” submitted the shows and their direct with her. “This will be the vision but at the same time I said Entertainment Editor Katy ideas were automatically selected first thing I have directed at Pali want it to be a chance for the Pool.

Even with temperatures dropto direct them. Seniors Suah which makes me even more senior class to have an end-ofping to below freezing on some Kang and Natasha Milner, who excited to direct this because I the-year culminating experience have previously directed four have no idea what to expect. I’m that they can all feel they con- days, the Tideline staff took full advantage of their free time. On DTASC festival scenes together, glad I have Anthony as my co- tributed to.”

Senior Show Directors, Screenplays Chosen

Friday, Students took a subway to visit Washington University.

“I thought it was a great school, I had a great time visiting it with everyone,” said Justin Nam, “ I look forward to applying in January.” Students also visited the historic Gateway Arch to the West. “It was great to visit a monument that celebrates events that I’m learning about right now in my history class,” said Opinion Editor Jackie Rosen.

When taking a break from the convention and exploring St. Louis, students were able to interact with fellow newspaper staff from all over the country. “It was great seeing kids who are so passionate about journalism. It made me realize that there are so many kids interested in it and it’s something I’m proud to be part of,” said Campus Life Editor Melina Charis.

This was the second JEA convention Pali’s journalism class has attended. The conventions are hosted all over the United States twice a year, with roughly 10,000 participants. “I was honored to be a representative of the Tideline at this convention,” said Hannigan, “It was really interesting to see all the different publications and meet journalists from all over the country.” The Tideline plans on attending the next JEA convention in Phoenix this spring.

VAL KARUSKEVICH , TIDELINE

solve problems].” He expressed that the school can now move in the right direction and said, “We all have a vision. We all know where we want to go.” Paleno is ready to take on a second term of two years on the board and said, “I’m excited about it. It’s an honor to be chosen by your peers.”

The path to the election, in which most teachers voted, consisted of, among other things, one group discussion where both candidates took questions from an audience of the school’s teachers.

The two teachers expressed their views about the direction the board should be moving in, what their role on the board would be, and how they would contribute to the school if elected at this group discussion, hosted by Mr. Lee. Here, Paleno said, “I think the role of the board members, specifically the faculty members, is to represent the interest of the faculty and also to represent the interest of the students... but in the end it’s what in the best interest of the school [that is important].”

College Meetings Cause Increase in Student Curiosity From Page 1

may not be available in brochures. Students are also able to learn about colleges they’ve been unable to visit.”

With approximately forty-six meetings in October alone, students were sure to get permission during class periods to attend.

Senior Hilary Yu went to the University of Washington visit and said, “It was really helpful.

The representative was straightforward about the requirements that need to be met in order to apply.” Natasha Milner, who attended the Brown University meeting said, “The admissions officer helped me understand what Brown looks for and what I can do to increase my chances of acceptance. It gave me hope that maybe I could get into an Ivy League University.”

Not only were these visits beneficial for students, but they also enhanced the knowledge of the representatives themselves. Ms. Grubb described the benefits of keeping in contact with different admissions officers and said, “These visits give them the opportunity to get to know us, and it opens up dialogue. Most representatives are interested in the diversity here, and they know how desirable it is to have a Pali student at their college.” This contact also gives the College Center staff a chance to explain the large class sizes, and the idea that Pali is, “tolerant of students, in terms of diversity, race, and income level,” said Grubb.

As proven for most, these meetings have served to present information, heighten knowledge, and increase curiosity throughout the senior class to help seniors make decisions about their futures.

November 28 - December 12, 2008

- Tideline

CAMPUS LIFE

Workshop Assists Students with Financial Aid Procedures

BY DANIEL HARTONO Tideline Editor-in-Chief

Continued From Page 1

Marching Band Stomps on Competition

SUNG YOUNG SUNNY KANG Photographer

T

BY ALISON WHITE Tideline Staff Editor

he marching band was victorious in their first competition this season and won awards in percussion and overall effect at the Granada Hills High School Tournament on November 11, 2008.

The band walked away with two Division 3A awards, including Second Place in Percussion and Second Place in Overall Effect. The band has been working hard the entire season to make a strong debut and was able to meet and exceed its goals. Junior

BY FIONA HANNIGAN

A

Sean Pazirandeh said “I felt very accomplished and I think it showed the band that hard work results in achievement.” The band members were pleased that time consuming practices, which are held during seventh period and extend until five o’clock on Fridays, have paid off.

Granada Hills The Tournament was the first competitive endeavor headed by New Band Director Arwen Hernandez and Percussion Coach Jeremy Miller. The band has never been a competitive field marching band, but is now building and strengthening its marching and playing techniques. Even though the band

members were pleased with their first success, they still feel that there is room for improvement.

Percussion Coach Jeremy Miller said “I would like to see better marching and better understanding musical phrasing which would make the show sound much better.”

Nonetheless, there is an obvious positive shift in demeanor for the band. The band has a more serious attitude towards competitive marching now that they have been able to see multiple bands from all parts of Los Angeles County.

“Everyone just thought marching band was for football games and

stuff, but we actually compete and it’s cool that even though it’s our first year doing it, we are pretty good at it,” said Freshmen Tom Seiter. The staff members have detected the shift as well. “There was a big change in the band.

Everyone is more into it.

Everything clicked and a light turned on,” said Percussion Coach Jeremy Miller.

The band is looking forward to their next competition on December 13, 2008 at Palmdale High School. They hope that their competitive success continues through this season and continues to be reflected in future seasons.

this obstacle by leaving early. “I wouldn’t have gone to school at all. But since I had a test in my second period class, I went in the morning,” said Senior Jane Doe, who spoke on condition of anonymity.

Other students didn’t participate at all because of their rigorous course load. “I did not ditch because I had AP Stats on that day and the last time I missed it, it caused me to get a low grade on my test,” said Senior Natasha Milner.

While many teachers look down on this rebellious tradition, some realize that it is inevitable.

“Every Senior Class is going to do a Senior Ditch Day,” said Mr. Engelman, “Seniors feel like it’s their right to have one.” When asked about this year’s Senior Ditch Day, Mr. Engelman said, “I don’t particularly think anything is wrong with it, it’s just how it is implemented.”

Doe said about the event, “I just see Senior Ditch Day as a fun tradition and I think it’s funny how seriously some teachers take it.”

Milner said, “I think Senior Ditch Day is a good day for seniors to feel some kind of unity without being forced to mingle

with each other awkwardly.”

On Senior Ditch Day another text message circulated, rescheduling the event for a later date next semester. Perhaps next time it will be more successful, especially since college applications, and other first semester Senior stress, will be over. “As second semester Seniors, we won’t turn down any excuse to ditch school,” said Doe. When asked if she would participate next semester, Doe said, “Most likely, unless I have a massive test that I can’t make up.”

Senior Ditch Day Disappoints

Tideline Staff Editor

text message circulated on October 27, signaling that Monday, November 10 would be the annual “Senior Ditch Day,” when Seniors traditionally cut class and enjoy the freedom of their last year of high school.

However, there were significantly fewer vacancies at school this year than in previous years, due to tests scheduled in several popular Senior courses, such as AP English Literature and AP Environmental Science.

Some students got around

BSU Members Attend the First Village Nation Assembly

BY TATIANA C OLE Tideline Staff Writer

BSU members, faculty, and parents attended the first Village Nation assembly in Mercer Hall on Monday, November 17, 2008

T

he first Village Nation assembly, in cooperation with the Black Student Union, worked to augment the historical knowledge and purpose of social unity amongst AfricanAmerican students on campus in order to increase academic success and cultural pride.

Fluke Fluker, Andre Chevalier and Bill Paden, the founders of Village Nation, addressed crucial issues engrained in the social fabric of AfricanAmericans, such as the use of the derogatory term, the “N bomb,” and the achievement gap.

Students formed small discussion groups of approximately five or six students and one adult to explore current circumstances, obstacles and goals in their lives.

After, the students were given microphones to share their opin-

ions and thoughts. “People hear about peer pressure in a negative sense. I think this created peer pressure in a positive sense where students help each other reach their full potential,” said Mr. Burr.

As the Village Nation assembly came to an end, attendees stayed after to converse. Junior Marcus Sanders said, “I felt I

could identify with students that believe that education should not be taken lightly, especially as a black male. The ultimate message I gained from the assembly is that ignorance is no excuse.” Various teachers attended the assembly as well. “Teachers felt that the assembly was powerful and emotional,” Ms. Christopher said.

The founders of the Village

Page 3

EDWIN POULDAR Photographer

Nation hope that students walked away from the assembly prepared to set new goals and inform peers about the pertinent issues discussed. When asked about his expectations, Mr. Burr said, “That students have a greater awareness of the historical meaning and a raise in their consciousness about the N-word and a stop in its use.”

There are lots of outside scholarships, but many of them are very competitive (thousands of kids applying for a few scholarships), so you have to decide how much time you want to devote to applying for them,” said College Counselor Ms. Kunkle.

In order to receive aid from the government, each student must submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which is available online at www.fafsa.ed.gov. All colleges require this form, and no money can be dispersed without first filling out the application.

Additionally, students planning to attend a college in California are also able to apply for a Cal Grant, which requires students to be a resident of the state and a U.S. or permanent resident or non-citizen. They must also attend a college in California for at least half the time.

However, a GPA verification form is required for the Cal Grant, which is available at and must be submitted to the College Center.

Private schools also require some students to complete a CSS Profile through the College Board website a (www.collegeboard.com), College Financial Aid Application Form, and an Individual Scholarship Students Application Form. seeking to learn more about the financial aid process can visit www.finaid.org.

There are also a number of individual scholarship organizations that can also provide students with necessary funding, such as the Gates Millennium Scholars, which targets American minorities with leadership abilities, and the Bill Coggins Community Service Leadership Award, which targets students who have completed community service beyond the Pali requirement. Students can learn more about scholarship information and opportunities on

www.fastweb.com.

About what advice seniors should follow, Ms. Kunkel said, “File your paperwork on time and correctly. If you miss deadlines, you might be left out.

The deadline for public schools in California is March 2; you have to file your FAFSA by then and you have to turn in your Cal Grant form to the College Center by then. Other colleges might have earlier deadlines; it’s the student’s responsibility to know them.”

Ms. Kunkel also cautions students about the amount of aid money received. She said, “Families have to be realistic about how much aid they will get. Very low-income students who have average or good grades will probably get good scholarship offers from some colleges.

Conversely, if your parents enjoy a comfortable income, you probably won’t get much aid based on your need, but you might get merit-based scholarships if you are a good student. The economy has hurt colleges just like it has hurt individual family budgets.

It’s too early to tell what will happen with financial aid packages this year, so it’s important to get your financial aid applications in as early as possible.”

These workshops are meant for guiding seniors and parents during the financial aid process. “[The workshop] provides a clear description of the process to follow to apply for financial aid and how colleges assess your need for financial aid.

It’s especially important for seniors and their parents, but we invited all students and parents in all grades for those wanting to get a ‘heads up’ about paying for college,” said Ms. Kunkel. “For families sending their first child to college, it’s particularly important to understand the process and avoid common mistakes in filing paperwork. If your parents didn’t go to college, it’s important for you to know what you need to do to get the maximum amount of aid for college.”

ASL Class Teaches The Art Of A Nonverbal Language

BY PAULINA FIROZI

A

Tideline Staff Writer

new American Sign Language Class is now offered at Pali as a seventh-period alternative to foreign language.

Sign Language is a “visual and gestural language that bridges the hearing and deaf world together,” said Mr. Andy Lim, the new American Sign Language teacher at Pali. Through unique facial expressions, body language, and an unspoken art, ASL has brought students at Pali a chance to broaden their communication skills and learn about a commonly forgotten language. With the help of Ms. Peeks, a Palisades counselor, and West Los Angeles College, this class is now being offered as a 7th period foreign language elective for 10 credits per semester.

“We decided on sign language for different reasons because students in the past showed an interest and we wanted to try something really different,”said Ms. Peeks.

Lim, who has been a sign language speaker since kindergarten, is the perfect man for the job. He was put in a special program for deaf and hard-of-hearing students and is now inspired to bring to others the benefits and opportunities that signing gave to him. “People think ASL is not a language because it does not have writing structures like English does,” he said.

Truthfully, not only is ASL considered just as prestigious as a standard foreign language such as Spanish or French in meeting high school and college requirements,

but it has become the third mostused language in the United States.

ASL far exceeds expectations for a nonverbal language.

Individuals of the deaf community can express themselves in the same manner as verbal speakers. A high pitch can signal a happy tone in a statement the same way raised eyebrows and an open smile can for someone using ASL. Those not hard-of-hearing who learn this form of communication are a huge aide to society and their deaf counterparts. They can, with proper training, become interpreters, converse with hard-of-hearing friends, and teach people to respect and appreciate the deaf community.

Many people, both hearing and deaf, wake up every morning with their minds set on the same common goals; to gain knowledge of the fascinating world, express themselves freely, and enjoy a fulfilled life. Sign language allows certain people to achieve those goals without any disadvantages.

The new ASL Class at Pali lets interested students learn about and be exposed to the deaf culture. Mr. Lim’s goal is for students “to enjoy learning sign language so that they can form new friendships [with the deaf community] as part of the multicultural diversity,” and he is well on his way during his first teaching experience. Anyone interested in this class can speak with Ms. Peeks or any of their counselors. Increased interest will help keep this class at Pali as a new and different alternative to regular foreign language.

Page 4

Tideline

OPINION

Novemeber 28 - December 12, 2008

Let us not speak ill of our generation, it is not any unhappier than its predecessors. Let us not speak well of it either. Let us not speak of it at all.

E D I T O R I A L S

The Tideline

Publishing Manager: Diva Joshi

Editors in Chief:

James Bourne, Daniel Hartono, Elana Joffe, Dexter O’Connell

Junior Editor:

Kene Izuchukwu, Jackie Rosen

Layout Editors:

Henry Conklin, Rex Kirshner

IT Manager:

Graham MacGillivray

News Editors:

Fiona Hannigan, Daniel Niknam

Sports Editors:

Justin Nam, Alison White

Opinion Editors:

Alex Caan, Jackie Rosen

Entertainment Editors: Caroline Coster, Arya Davachi, Katy Pool

Campus Life Editors:

Melina Charis, Lexi Green

Photography Editor: Mary Hobbs

Business Manager:

Edwin Amirianfar, Milana Kalimullova, Rex Kirshner

Faculty Advisor: Ms. Cappelli

TIDELINE POLICY S TATEMENT

Published twenty times a year, the student newspaper of Palisades High School (the Tideline) is a public forum, with its student editorial board making all decisions concerning its contents.

Unsigned editorials express the views of the majority of the editorial board.

Letters to the editor are welcomed and will be published as space allows. Letters must be signed, although the staff may withhold the name on request. The paper reserves the right to edit letters for grammar and clarity, and all letters are subject to laws governing obscenity, libel, privacy and disruption of the school process, as are all contents of the paper.

Opinions in letters are not necessarily those of the staff, nor should any opinion expressed in a public forum be construed as the opinion or policy of the administration, unless so attributed.

STUDENT POLL Taken on 11/18/08 (202 polled)

DO

YOUR TEACHERS

USE PEER EDITING

( STUDENTS

GRADING OTHER

STUDENTS ’ PAPER ) IN THE

CLASSROOM ?

Yes 64.5% No 36.5%

H OW

DO YOU FEEL

ABOUT PEER EDITING ?

Approve 33.2% Disapprove 20.5% Neutral 46.3%

A

Peer Cheating Editing

student breathes a sigh of relief as his teacher signals for the end of the test. This particular student has studied for weeks, and stayed up for hours the night before cramming, and he feels very confident about his grade. The girl next to him, in contrast, studied for an hour last night, but she too feels confident, because she realizes that this test will be “peer edited.� When the teacher asks the students to switch tests with someone, she goes over to her friend and they silently nod in agreement, a mutual signal for a little bit of “help� on this test. When their teacher collects the test, mysteriously, both students end up with an A. Many students have experienced the unfairness of the peer editing system. A teacher will ask students to switch papers after a test and will then call out the answers, expecting his or her students to honestly grade the papers. While many of the students will complete this task without cheating, there are always a few students in any class that will jeopardize the system.

The fact is that, when misused, the peer editing method is a form of cheating. In the same way that looking at someone else’s test is cheating, having a friend change the wrong answers on a test is cheating. Students who use this method to get A’s and B’s on their tests really aren’t learning anything, and are not willing to accept the failing mark that they actually deserve.

The students are not the only ones to blame. Teachers who use this system of grading seem to be overlooking the fact that teenagers don’t always do the right thing. The pressure that their students are under will drive them to do dishonest things, like cheating. Peer editing, in theory, makes sense, because it allows teachers to actually have a life separate from school, but students are blatantly exploiting the system right under their teachers’ noses.

It should not be up to our peers to give us our grades. When a student grades essays and free response questions, the all-important grade is up to the judgment (or sometimes mercy) of the student.

When this grading technique is used to help reinforce ideas taught in class, some students may benefit from catching other students’ mistakes, while others will just lazily give the other student an A. Peer editing also leaves some students feeling humiliated. If one student was having an off day, and another student (who takes the peer editing system to heart) lashes at their paper with the red pen, the poor grade is essentially public. The grades that a student earns should be a private matter, and should be between the student and the teacher, not the student, teacher, and peers.

Many students are very assiduous and work to the point of physical exhaustion. The peer editing system sabotages their efforts. The pressure of getting one good grade on a test should not be enough to drive a student to endanger their integrity, and the integrity of a friend. The peer editing system, although useful to a busy teacher, takes away from a student’s learning experience and gives them a way out of working to their potential. Personally, I would rather wait a few days to get a grade back and get the grade that I deserve, rather than having an assignment peer edited and getting the “instant gratification� that sometimes comes along with it.

S

Prop 8 Leads to Religious Politicking

eparation of Church and State. This revolutionary principle separates the United States from a fundamentalist theocracy.

It was established to prevent such events as Saint Bartholomew’s Day Massacre, the Holocaust, and other religious persecution, and to keep the state independent from religious control; sadly, this essential principle has been in danger for many years and has finally been broken. Religion has reared its ugly head and manipulated the state.

For years, some Christians have been walking far too close along this thin line in the fight against abortion, and finally they have broken it in the fight against gay marriage. The Church of Latter Day Saints, a.k.a. Church of Mormon, reportedly gathered more than $20 million in the campaign in favor of Proposition 8. Separation of Church and State anyone?

I was recently misled by a fellow student; he claimed that if Prop 8 did not pass his church would lose its non-profit status. This canard was based off an event in New Jersey, where a Methodist nonprofit owned a boardwalk pavilion.

It obtained exemption from property tax for the land on the basis that it was open for public use, but when it denied a lesbian couple from use for a commitment ceremony on the grounds that it was against its religious beliefs, the non-profit was brought to court. The nonprofit was not ruled against because of a gay rights issue, but because land is either public or it’s not.

How you decide to interpret marriage is entirely your choice; if you feel gay marriage is a sin, so be it. But you are not free to impose your

definition of morality on the state, let your high and mighty God judge them. This proposition was not about churches, non-profits, or education; it was about how all men are created equal, and on November 4, 2008 we took that away. Is it not unconstitutional to deny a group of people their civil rights?

It is ironic that the Church of Latter Day Saints would become so involved in this issue. It seems they have forgotten their own fight. Not all that long ago, Mormons were campaigning for their right to practice their own “nontraditional� form of marriage. Their claims of producing “hardworking, high-achieving progeny� fell upon deaf ears, and we have proved our ears to be just as deaf, as well as our eyes to be blind.

Understandably, religion cannot be completely removed from the political process. It provides the morals and values many people live by, and thus indirectly affects their political decisions.

But there is a clear difference between this and a church openly advocating and collecting money against one cause or another. This is far too direct and cannot be allowed. Churches should not be permitted to become political organizations, for that is a complete contradiction of the separation of Church and State.

This growing union of Church and State must be stopped and should not be tolerated. We cannot allow any religion to continue to directly influence our governing policy. The direct influence of the Church of Latter Day Saints in this election is disgraceful and is against everything America stands for. Churches should either lose all tax exemption or stay the f*** out of politics.

-Samuel Beckett

D E X T E R ’ S L A B

Don’t Ditch Your Education

IZABELLE NEW Cartoonist

Dexter’s Lab is the new column featuring the world according to the thoughts and ideas of Tideline Editor-in-Chief, Dexter O’Connell.

W

hen students walk into Pali through the entrance next to Mercer Hall, we are greeted by the words, “Public Education is the Foundation of American Democracy.� These words ring true every day for myriad reasons.

Any person who would deny himself the opportunity to get the best education possible is not only willfully ignorant, but worthless, entirely deserving of the fate that eagerly awaits him in the Army, the homeless shelter, or the Twin Towers jail. These are my thoughts every year on senior ditch day.

In my three previous years as a student at Pali, I always found senior ditch day a useless exercise in futility that was mostly an excuse to go get high with friends on a weekday and then not go to class, as opposed to the other days where the second semester seniors simply found it easier to go to class while high. But this year, after giving it some thought and contemplating participation, I formed a much stronger opinion.

Senior ditch day is an expression of two things. First, it is an expression of the ditcher’s desire to remain ignorant. Second, it is an expression of the senior’s desire to show his independence from “the man� who is holding him back.

Both of these expressions are pointless in this context, but for very different reasons.

The first expression - that of the desire to be ignorant - is a classic American desire of recent years. George W. Bush is the pinnacle of that, an American leader chosen for his ignorance. Though

Letters to the Editor

Dear Tideline, One thing that annoys me about Pali is how we get “tardy swept� when we are late by even just a few seconds. I have been caught several times because of this, a few of them being a misunderstanding. A tardy should not be a reason for detention. In this case, the crime doesn’t fit the punishment. I would say that tardy sweeps need to be eliminated because they really aren’t fair, especially to the people who come one or two seconds late to class.

-Franciusco Enriquez

Dear Tideline, I’m disgusted by this school’s environment. It is unacceptable that Pali can be so dirty. The campus is flooded in trash, and because of that, we have sea gulls circling the quad. We should be more responsible when it comes to the condition of our school. It’s not only outside, but the bathrooms too. We cannot rely on others to pick up our trash all the time. If I can pick up my trash so can everyone else. But until everyone realizes the consequences of their actions, we’ll just have to keep running from those dreadful sea gulls.

-Stephanie Luna Dear Tideline, No offense, but the morning announcements suck. That guy, Dexter is really annoying, and he talks too much. I think that you should change him, and play some better music, because that stuff that you play makes me wanna tear my ears off. Another thing, half of the announcements they say are stupid and pointless, and it is wasting our time.

Other than that everything is fine.

-L. Rene

we seem to be moving away from that, it is clear that the desire to be ignorant remains in large segments of Pali’s population. In my statistics class on November 10, a solid half of the class, composed entirely of seniors, was absent. In my Spanish class on the same day, a third of the class was absent as well. It pains me to suggest that my friends were ditching, but it’s clear that they were. I firmly believe that this desire, expressed or implied to make oneself less educated, is an outrageous farce that weakens our democracy.

Those who participated for this reason should do one of two things. First, they should take a clear examination of their priorities and decide to leave the path of willful ignorance they have blindly followed. Second, if they decide to continue to remain in that grave they dig themselves, they should spare us their progeny and ask their local physician to sterilize them.

The second - the expression of freedom from the Man - is almost as stupid. Sure, ditching takes money away from the school, and you’ve clearly shown that you are a special person who can stand up and risk a detention to stay home. I’m impressed by the courage of your convictions. I’m impressed by your resolve to get something done to better the school you go to. I’m impressed by all the meetings you’ve attended, the countless hours you’ve spent waiting through the rest of the agenda to make your one important comment.

I’m impressed by your steadfastness in debating administrators face-toface, and I’m especially impressed by the change you’ve wrought from your blood, your sweat, and your tears.

Oh. The only blood, sweat and tears you experienced when you ditched were the results of your valiant but ultimately futile efforts to pleasure yourself? Ok. We can talk again when you do anything to produce a better school.

If you ditch, ditch the school entirely. Leave. Good bye and good riddance. Pali doesn’t want insufferable, willfully ignorant malcontents like yourselves. Do us all a favor and go to a school where you’d get your derriere kicked six ways to Sunday, and then beg to get back into Pali, you useless losers.

Dear Tideline, Obama winning the presidency means a great deal to me because I believe that it is a step in the right direction for this country. For years the United States has been a highly racist and prejudiced country but this decision shows that we are capable of change.

Speaking as an African American, it is quite an understatement for me to say that I am merely proud of his accomplishment, and as I grow older I will never forget that on November 4, 2008 Barack Obama was chosen to be the first ever African American to be elected president.

-Tyler Myles

Dear Tideline, Obama's presidency means a lot to me because of the inspiration that he gave to not only the U.S but to the world.The fact that he is the first black president gives everyone hope that we can get past our differences and be united. His speech gave me goosebumps and ensured me that we are in good hands for the next four years. Only good can come from his presidency and I believe that the world will be a better place after all. I am extremly proud to have witnessed history in the making and I will look back at that day and know that we as a people matured and were able to overcome.

-Alexandra Sotelo

Dear Tideline, The school’s security is too strict. So what if we leave campus it’s our choice not to get an education; let us. So what if we’re late to class, let us not want to learn, let us be stupid and ignorant. What we do decides our future. It’s great that you guys want to help but if people want a bad future it’s their fault.

-R. Virginia

Novemeber 28 - December 12,, 2008

Musical Garbage

BY ALEX CAAN

M

Tideline Opinion Editor

usic is a wonderful thing.

It brings people together and serves as inspiration for generations to come, stretching its influences beyond our social, political and ethical differences.

There aren’t many things in this world that can have such a profound affect on a human being, and there is plenty of it to go around. It comes in a wide variety of styles and genres, each with its own unique, appealing nature. Unfortunately, you won’t be hearing too many of these variations on those choice Fridays that we are allocated musical privileges for keeping the quad clean. In fact, you’ll probably hear the same thing over and over and over.

I try and keep an open mind, even when something doesn’t particularly catch my fancy.

Even so, there is only so much of one thing I can take. Perhaps the reason we trash the quad is because we’re sick of hearing the same Flo Rida song repeat itself on a weekly basis. I, for one, would be more inclined to keep the quad tidy if I knew that I wasn’t going to be forced to listen to Coldplay’s “Viva La Vida” more than once. It’s a good song, but not that good.

The point of holding our Friday jam session at ransom is to inspire us to be environmentally conscious. I get it. I just find it very difficult to focus on the decaying grasslands when blood is streaming out of my ears. It’s hard to notice the piles of waste simmering in the midday sun when all I can think

OPINION

Tideline Police Menace

about is how badly I want to strangle whoever is in control of the iPod connected to the speakers. Is it too much to ask for a semi-diverse selection of music?

It’s not like music is some sort of finite resource. It’s everywhere.

It’s cheap (free for pirates). It can be obtained instantaneously. I beg of you, Kid-with-varietydeprived-iPod: go get some new music right now.

So many things are happening in this world that are more important than what song is playing at lunch, but when I’m at school, I tend to forget completely about world affairs and concentrate on each stress ridden class as it comes. I worship lunch and nutrition because they give me time to calm down before I further drain my system. I need to relax during this grace period, but I can not do so when the same music is being blasted over those new, yet insanely loud, speakers stationed all around the quad. They are everywhere. I can’t escape. I have no choice but to listen to what is being played. Spare me any further torture. Either switch up the selection or don’t play anything at all.

If at some point in the future you hear Ms. Iannessa’s voice thunder over the P.A., announcing a state of emergency because the fabled “Trash-level OMEGA” has finally been reached, at least you’ll know why. The revolution will have begun, and it will be messy. It’s your choice: anarchy or new music.

BY ALEX HELMINTOLLER

A

Tideline Staff Writer

fter school, on November 10th, 2008, a Palisades Charter High School police car drove up onto the sidewalk from the service road that leads to the gyms and tennis courts. The officer drove on the sidewalk where countless students were walking. The police officer managed to squeeze his car between a bench and a gate in an attempt to pass a school bus on the service road that was idling in front of a locked gate. As the officer jumped the curb, he put three student lives in danger, including my own. If I had not moved out of the way, I would have either been run over or the police officer would have found himself in a very embarrassing situation. Seeing as how I value my life, I stepped aside and allowed the officer to pass. He drove off the curb to Bowdoin and sped through a school zone up towards El Medio. I was not aware of any emergency except that of the incident as it happened. Although claims have been asserted that the officer’s lights were indeed on, three eyewitnesses claim the contrary; however, regardless if the lights and sirens were on or not, jeopardizing students lives in pursuit of anything/anyone, especially a nonviolent trespassor is gross negligence.

Since when have the Police been above the law? Perhaps if the officer had put his siren on and there had been extreme danger that threatened the student body (other than the danger he placed my fellow students and I in), the crime could have been excused. I am not a lawyer, but I am fairly certain that driving on the sidewalk in front of a school is a crime (as well as speeding in a school zone) whether you are a civilian or a police officer. As I left school some five minutes later, I glanced out the passenger window of my car to see the officer talking casually with some students in the Stadium parking lot. I have been told that the two students were trespassing on Pali property, and were suspected of theft. However, I cannot see how they were so much of a threat to civilian safety that a police officer would have to endanger other students’ lives.

How can we trust this officer to protect us? If he carries his gun as recklessly as he drives his car, I’d hate to see his next lapse in judgment. I understand that the school Police force provides a valuable service to Palisades Charter High School. I am a proponent of law enforcement. I do not, however, condone putting people in lifethreatening danger for the greater good or safety of others; sadly, this was not even the case regarding the officer’s conduct.

This police officer must be made to suffer the consequences of his actions. Just because he enforces the law does not mean that he is exempt from its restraints.

Tideline Staff Writer

K

Tideline Opinion Editor

ids are always labeled as troublemakers. It doesn’t matter whether or not we actually commit juvenile crimes: if spotted late at night, we will immediately be pegged with this assumption. Yes, kids can practice a habitual raucousness, are occasionally too loud, and, at times, may seem like we are going to immediately grab a gun.

However, contrary to what many adults think and what the Los Angeles Curfew law emphasizes, these are just harmless habits that coincide with our age.

The Los Angeles Curfew laws were established in order to cut down on juvenile crime, but what its writers failed to realize is that the majority of minors are just as harmless as most adults. If every kid is being punished for what a select few decide to do after hours, adults should have a

Well, the election is finally over and Obama is the president-elect. Yay! Woo-Hoo! Alright! Hold on, let me get out my kazoo. As Barack Obama said in his Election Night Speech, “Change has come to America.”

The reaction on campus has been one of general elation and “hope.” It is no surprise that after such a long and captivating campaign, the momentous results are making waves. On the night of November 4th, Facebook statuses flooded my newsfeed with one overwhelming theme: “GObama,” “O8AMA,” and “Yes we did!” It seems that everyone, young and old, has caught the Obama fever.

Though this revitalization of involvement is great, where is it really coming from? Obama’s rise was meteoric, and it quickly became “in” to jump on the bandwagon. His charisma, youth, and race made him about as edgy as a Senator can get.

The thought of another gray-haired, white guy taking office became repellent. Obama became a symbol for an end of racial tension in America, the idea of which became very hard to resist. The “Vote or die” shirts of the 2004 election became “Obama or die” shirts. Hollywood quickly snapped up the Illinois senator as their pick and almost universally gave him their vehement support. Even Oprah stepped over her non-partisan boundaries and gave him her endorsement. Who can resist Oprah?

As a result of this deafening praise, Obama’s policies took a back seat to his charisma and novelty. In a Larry King interview, featuring different celebrities and their picks for president, the pan-

The Curfew Lasso

GRAHAM MACGILLIVARY Photographer

BY JACKIE ROSEN

“

Do you support or oppose the concept of Senior Ditch Day? Why?

“

”

I don’t have that big a problem with it.

It’s not like they’re really doing anything wrong.

Kramer Waltke

“

JUNIOR

Jesse Roth S OPHOMORE

curfew as well. The majority of all crimes in this city, after all, are committed by people over the age of 18. “Home by 10:00 p.m., Mom and Dad. I know you didn’t do anything wrong, but one bad apple ruined the whole bunch. Blame the government.”

If kids are planning to break the law, they can obviously do it before 10:00 p.m. as well. The illegalities that the law considers - like doing drugs, stealing, fighting, and armed confrontation can all be done in broad daylight by minors and adults alike.

Crime is not controlled by what hand of the clock is on what number, despite what lawmakers may think. If a major crime was really planned for the evening, there is a slim chance police would even catch it. It is just another rule that true delinquents only get excited to break.

There are a few vague exceptions to this law that bear a sketchy “to-be-determined-by-

elists were asked how their candidate would help with the costs of schooling. Will.i.am of the Black Eyed Peas fumbled to produce solid evidence. “I think a lot of American made things will be turned back and made in America. And I believe Obama to change America, its not just like...I don’t think their slogans I really believe in his change.”

Have people forgotten about the game of politics? I would be hard-pressed to find a campaign in which all of the promises made by the candidate were upheld. Obama and McCain promised healthcare, economic and energy reforms because they are major issues and it would be political suicide not to. This does not ensure that either of them would stick to their word if elected. With the mess we’re in now, it will take many years to untangle and sort out.

Real change may only come long after Obama leaves office. Though one student wrote in a letter to the editor that she felt Obama was an “Angel sent by god,” I am afraid this deifying of Obama will set too high of a standard. What will happen when it takes longer than expected to pull out of Iraq or for new energy policies to emerge? Will the infectious wave of support Obama now feels turn into an even bigger wave of disapproval?

It is a bright age when an African-American breaks the race barrier to become president of the U.S. However, this novelty will soon fade and Barack Obama will still have the ugly and numerous crises of today’s world to attend to. Obama is a welcome change and will be a competent leader, but I do not see him as a magic solution. He may just be another politician who will inevitably partake in the Washington game of compromises and empty promises.

the-policeman” preface.

“Running errands for parents or guardians,” for example, is something that can be easily lied about or ignored because of the fact that it is such an easy fib to make.

That one certainly wasn’t thought through. This next one, however, is my favorite as far as absurdity.

“When the minor in said is connected with or required with respect to a business.” I’m sure most Pali kids have been lassoed to the stairs of the Sherman Oaks Galleria once that 10:00 p.m.cutoff has been reached. Shopping, or “connecting with a business,” is the only thing anyone could possibly be doing there. Yet, we are still herded to the drop-off zone by rent-a-cops. The system undeniably needs work.

What if a group of minors decided to see a 9:00 p.m. movie, eat a late dinner, or go to a late concert? They would have to get home one way or another.

Parents could even plan to pick

them up. Of course, the group would have to loiter in a public area to wait for them. If a policeman were to show up and decide that the group’s excuse is either a lie or irrelevant under the curfew law, he could tag each of the minors with a $250 ticket. The entire concept of a law being circumstantial in regards to how a single person feels about a situation is unbelievable.

Parents are the people who should be in charge of curfew.

Our locations are their responsibilities, not the governments; nor should the government care unless we are truly causing trouble. Action should only be taken when a law is broken. The government should not be making precautionary laws for which no proof exists of their effectiveness.

Policemen need their lassoes confiscated. We are not cattle. We are people with rights.

”

It's a reasonable request. I can't wait till I take part in it.

Luca Chitayat JUNIOR

“

”

I do support it because it’s just one day. Seniors deserve one day off because they’re seniors.

The Obama Bandwagon

BY SAM ANDERSON

Page 5

”

I support it. It’s a natural given right to all high school students.

“

Casey Jordan JUNIOR

Yeah, because seniors seem to care about the tradition.

”

Tyler Geuvjehizian F RESHMAN

Should students be trusted to grade papers for their teachers? Why or why not?

“

”

Yeah, what’s the difference between a student grading and a teacher grading?

Nick Lalehzarian

“

S ENIOR

”

Yes, because teachers should learn how to trust their students.

“

Ralph Ayala JUNIOR

FACULTY

“

”

Yes. Pali students are honorable, for the most part.

Andy Paris

“

”

Yeah, because I think that we deserve the trust from teachers.

Stephanie Carlson S ENIOR

”

Definitely not. A person could sabotage someone else’s grade.

Allie Hardy JUNIOR

Page 6

J UST-A-C LIP

CALENDAR

Spring Awakening Opens In Los Angeles Tideline

BY KATY P OOL

S

Tideline Entertainment Editor

J UST-A-C LIP

pring Awakening, based on a musical play by Frank Wederkind, won eight Tony Awards in 2007, including Best Musical, and now plays at the Ahmanson Theater in downtown Los Angeles until December 7, 2008.

Set in a German town in the 1890s, Spring Awakening is a coming-of-age story about a group of adolescents who all, in their own way, defy the conventions of their strict town.

Actor Blake Bashoff (Lost)

November 28 - December 12, 2008

plays Moritz, a total misfit who can’t seem to get anything right in the eyes of his parents and teachers. Bashoff is at once absurdly funny and heartbreaking in the role, and his vocal performances shatter all expectations (particularly in the upbeat punk-rock style ‘And Then There Were None’). Christy Altomare shines in the role of Wendla, a young woman who begins to question the seemingly perfect world she had been brought up in. Kyle Riabko brings depth and intensity to the role of Melchoir, the intelligent and radical schoolboy who captures Wendla’s heart. The story has elements of controversy, with references to premarital sex, masturbation, abuse, abortion, homosexuality and suicide.

Though over one hundred years old, the story still resonates with the youth of today, answering enduring questions about human nature, growing up, and what

it’s like to feel different from the rest of the world.

Between its exploding energy and heart-wrenching story, Spring Awakening is a musical that anyone can enjoy, whether they like musical theater or not.

The show uses modern movement and vocal styles to juxtapose with its provincial, 19th century setting. The truly wonderful thing about this show is not its outstanding music or innovative set, but the interaction of the entire cast. In ensemble numbers such as The B***h of Living, Totally F****d and the finale The Song of Purple Summer, each member of the cast gives strong performances that together are simply breathtaking. The show delves deep into themes that are unquestionably dark, but ultimately it is a tale of love, presented in a way that is at once playful, disturbing, and uplifting.

Role Models

BY ARYA DAVACHI

Download Now Edition 6

Tideline Entertainment Editor

Beyoncé – Halo Off her latest record, I Am… Sacha Fierce, Halo is Beyonce’s next big hit.

Evan “Kidd” Bogart, mind behind Rihanna’s S.O.S., added a signature synthesizer to a track that highlights Beyoncé’s range of voice. The song is the next

single off her album and was first premiered at the should hit radio by the end 2008 VMAs and leads the way for Aguilera’s new of the month. electropop sound.

Christina Aguilera – Paramore – Decode Genie 2.0 An old favorite becomes a Off the Twilight soundnew hit as Aguilera rein- track, Decode is sure to vents her first single for the please fans looking for new twenty first century. Off her Paramore, even if it’s only first greatest hits record, one track. The song brings Keeps Gettin’ Better - A the Grammy nominated Decade of Hits, Genie 2.0 band, famous for their

J UST-A-C LIP

tracks Misery Business and crushcrushcrush, back into the eyes of the public in anticipation for their upcoming record.

Boys Noize - & Down DANCE DANCE DANCE NOW. DANCE DANCE DANCE YEAH. DANCE DANCE DANCE NOW. That’s all that matters.

J UST-A-C LIP

T-Pain is off the Hook with Thr33 Ringz

J UST-A-C LIP

T

BY C AROLINE C OSTER

Entertainment Editor

- Pain, Hip-hop artist and rapper, continues his melodic songs regarding young shawtys and buying dranks in the club within his fourth album, Thr33 Ringz.

Carrying hopes of becoming another T-Pain top seller, Thr33 Ringz was released November 11, 2008, and is complete with 16 tracks. The album features other well-known artists such as Lil Wayne, T.I., Akon, DJ Khaled, and Kanye West.

Although all actual content of the songs are repetitive, un-

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poetic, and the exact same as what every other rapper hums into the microphone about, it never gets old. T-Pain’s addition of spunk and undeniably catching harmonies are what will make his explicit lyrics in this album become the popular noise blaring out of all speakers.

The overplayed on the radio, I Can’t Believe It, featuring Lil Wayne, is by far the best track on the album, closely followed by Freeze, featuring Chris Brown.

Most of the songs are slow, soft and are sung in T-Pain’s traditional low voice.

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T-Pain stuck exactly to his famous style in this album, and this will keep his fans enthusiastically dedicated.

Synthesizers were used, as well as an auto-tone to encourage the seductiveness of his songs, and to give then a creative vibe. The bling covered rapper, with dreads and dark shades, would be expected to have wild, harsh rap, but instead his songs are mellower. None of these new tracks on Thr33 Ringz out do his greatest, Buy U a Drank single, featuring Young Joc, released in 2007, but the album is still recommended to his fans.

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BY DYLAN P ALLADINO Tideline Staff Writer

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BY ALAN KIM

Tideline Staff Writer

irected by David Wain, Role Models is a profanity-laden, arrested development comedy that will not disappoint the viewer’s hunger for high-class humor.

In this comedy, two friends who are complete opposites go through an adventure that changes their aspect of what a role model should be, while breaking out tons of laughs. Danny, played by Paul Rudd, is an argumentative person who will quarrel with anyone for no reason. Wheeler, played by Seann William Scott, is an outgoing, party and sex maniac who can never have too much fun. They both work for an energy drink company by visiting schools, and advertising the energy drink, while trying to prevent kids from doing drugs.

One trip though doesn’t go as planned and through a complicated series of events, and they end up being charged with Jail-time. With luck, they get their jail sentence turned into 150 hours of community service, which is to be done at a foundation that helps kids. There,

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Danny is paired up with Augie who is a sixteen year old with an obsession over a medieval game, and Wheeler is paired up with Ronnie, a ten year old who has a foul mouth and an obsession with the feminine body. Given one chance to avoid going to jail, the two friends mentor these kids and unknowingly grow a father to son like bond with the kids.

Role Models ranks near the top of this year’s most hilarious comedy films. The movie brings up a lot of humor but is recommended that only those of the right age see it. The excessively vulgar language and nudity gives this movie its R rating. Besides that, the movie brings the most unusual, but hilarious scenes that give the movie its high merits.

The actors put on convincing acts of chaos and wit, meshed with a hint of dirty humor. The film’s storyline is neither dull nor boring, and the comedy plays well with each actor’s characteristics.

Overall, Role Models delivers a sensational laugh that will not dissatisfy anyone’s lust of an exceptional comedy film.

Jedi Mind Tricks

edi Mind Tricks released their 6th album, A History of Violence, on Tuesday, November 11, 2008 and it definitely lived up to their reputation.

Jedi Mind Tricks is known as a very Underground style rap group, and this latest album strengthens this reputation. The beats are great and the group still keeps its reputation of being lyrical. All of the songs have a deep meaning and are full of profound

metaphorical lyrics. The songs of this album are very much like the old Jedi Mind Tricks’ style, of rapping about very relevant, real topics such as politics. The only complaint a Jedi Mind Trick fan might have is that the old beats are better than the ones used in this album.

The songs in this album do not disappoint, all going beyond par of Jedi Mind Tricks songs. A few songs in particular like Godflesh, Death Messiah, and Deadly Melody are songs that

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should be downloaded by everyone, Jedi Mind Tricks fan or not.

They have good flow and are deep and meaningful. This is the type of album where you sit back, relax and ponder what you are listening to. Listening to the whole album in one sitting is a must.

You do not just listen to a couple of catchy songs like in most mainstream rap albums. A History of Violence is a very good representation of Underground rap and is sure to be a classic.

November 28 - December 12, 2008

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Last minute loss to Hamilton High crushes hopes of Dolphins at the Coliseum

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BY ERIC LOPEZ

Tideline staff Writer

oor calls and ineffective play steal away the playoff dreams of the Dolphins as they lose to Hamilton 7-0.

The Varsity Football team led by Sophomore Quarterback Conner Preston lost to the Hamilton Yankees 7-0 in the final game of the regular season.

The game was close throughout, but in the fourth the Yankees scored on a long pass play to get the first and only touchdown of the game. After two years of searching for a playoff win, the team came close, but did not quite make it with a 5-5 record. Pali Sophomore Quarterback Conner Preston went 10 for 19 with 113 yards passing and one interception, and went over two thousand Senior yards on the season.

Running Back Khalid Stevens had 113 yards rushing on 13 attempts and in the process became the first Pali thousandyard rusher in ten years.

Palisades took the kickoff and started their first series with a pair of strong runs by Junior Wide Receiver Tyquion Ballard and Stevens. However, the pass-

ing game got off to a shaky start as Preston threw ahead of his receivers twice to begin. The Dolphins could not score on their first possession and were forced to punt, bringing the tough Pali defense on the field. The game turned into a major defensive battle between the teams, with the Dolphins stopping the Yankees repeatedly and the Yankees getting bailed out by penalties on two key plays. The quarter ended in controversy as an error by the Hamilton punt return team was disputed by the Palisades coaching staff who believed it should have ended in a safety for the Dolphins.

The second quarter was more of the same defensive fight that characterized the whole game.

The biggest play in the quarter ended up being called back by the referees, as Khalid Steven sprinted down the field for a forty-yard touchdown run, which was nullified by a holding penalty on the Dolphins. Again, penalties began to unravel every single series that the Dolphins ran, as they had difficulties moving the ball. The third quarter came and went without much action from either team either.

As the fourth quarter began, it appeared that the momentum had finally begun to shift in the Dolphins’ favor. During their first defensive series, the Dolphins forced the Yankees into a turnover on downs on a fourth Once again, this and one. momentum did not translate to

Volleyball Looks to Repeat

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MARY HOBBS, TIDELINE

S PIKE: Senior Laura Goldsmith hits a kill agaisnt Van Nuys. when Pali mounted a comeback from trailing 18-22 to win 26-24.

BY KENE IZUCHUKWU Goldsmith believed that the secJunior Editor ond game was tremulous for Pali. he Girls Volleyball Team “The second game was a little beat Van Nuys in a three shaky,” said Goldsmith. “But we game sweep and heads to a came back and pushed through it, second consecutive City and won.” Head Coach Chris Championship game.

Forrest was also pleased with the Nervousness, passion and team’s valor. “I’m proud of the excitement filled the Palisades courage we showed to win the High School gymnasium on game,” said Forrest. “I think we November 18 as the Girls will be successful on Saturday [in Volleyball team hosted the Van the Finals] if we bring our ‘A’ Nuys High School Wolves in the game.”

Semifinals of the Los Angeles The third and ultimately final City Section Playoffs. The game was closer in demonstrating Dolphins came into the match the team’s true abilities as Pali with a 19-game win streak and a took a quick 8-1 lead. After fold16-1 overall record as they looked ing in the second game the to return to the City Wolves seemed to lose all confiChampionships. dence as their passing and setting The game started off compet- skills plummeted.

Van Nuys itively as the Dolphins and the Head Coach Dave Chae expressed Wolves traded points, but good the significance of the second serving by Junior Setter Lauren game. “We almost came through Gustafson and Senior Outside in the second game,” said Chae.

Hitter Laura Goldsmith led to a “It was definitely the turning 13-5 lead. Junior Middle Blocker point in the match. If we would Hannah Fagerbakke acknowledged have gotten that game, we would the team’s good start. “We started have been a lot more confident.” off really strong in the first game, Van Nuys practically gave Pali an and that’s what’s important.” said easy 25-14 win, but Goldsmith’s Fagerbakke.

The first game superior hitting was a discernible proved to be imperative as the component as she finished with a Dolphins capitalized on Van season high 18 kills on the night.

Nuys’ mistakes and invigorated “I think I played really well,” said the crowd both inside and outside Goldsmith. “I only made a couple the gym to win 25-13 when mistakes, and we also played well Senior Opposite Hitter Kelly as a team.” Other key contribuYazdi killed the ball off of the tors were Fagerbakke, who had Wolves Outside Hitter Barbara three solo blocks, Lauren Mendoza’s arms.

Gustafson, who dished out 27 The second game in contrast assists, and Tait Johnson, who began sluggishly for both teams. finished with three aces and 11 The Dolphins did not revitalize digs. the crowd until late in the game

SPORTS

November 28 - December 12, 2008

the other side of the ball, as the Pali offense ended their drive with a punt. The defense, which kept the team in the game again and again, created more opportunities as Junior Defensive Back Tyquion Ballard grabbed an interception with eight minutes left in the game.

The offense had finally appeared to find its composure as Senior Running Back Khalid Stevens made a huge run for a first down, even breaking the first down marker in the process.

Quarterback Then Conner Preston connected again with Wide Receiver Loren Artis for another first down.

However, the offense began to break down with a botched snap, an GABE LEE, PALI SENIOR overthrown pass, and TAKE D OWN :Senior LB Chris Hanuscin (44) tackles a Hamilton ball carrier. finally an interception by clock, a pass play from the before, the team’s drastic turnthe Hamilton defense. Hamilton Hamilton quarterback turned into around to a solid .500 team could tried to overpower the Pali a long touchdown pass as they mean a City crown next year. defense with a series of run plays scored the first points of the Quarterback Conner Preston, and pass plays but it ended again game. With only fifty seconds to ranked third in stats in the LA in a three and out. Both teams work with, the Pali offense could City Section by MaxPreps.com, seemed to be running out of ener- not get anything going and ended remains at Palisades and has the gy as Preston was sacked two the game with a turnover on skills and potential to be a domiconsecutive times. As the downs. nant force as an upperclassman.

Yankees were handed the ball With playoffs hopes all but “He is a premier leader, with back, the momentum drastically dashed, the team can look toward superior skills,” said Mr.Loftus changed as every play seemed to the bright future of the football With a strong Junior Varsity work against the tired and beat-up program that allowed for a bit of team, the football program seems Palisades defense. Then, with happiness after the game. After ready to move up and compete at only fifty-four seconds left on the only winning one game the year the City Championship level.

Girls Tennis Loses in a Tough Quarterfinal

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BY EMMA C ARTER Tideline Staff Writer

n an extremely tight match, the Girl’s tennis team lost to Taft in a quarterfinal game, knocking them out of the playoffs.

The game, which took place at Palisades Park on November 12, was their last game at home for the season, and the last home game ever for the seniors.

Taft, a strong competitor this year, came out strong against Pali and held up their early lead to win by just one match. Pali, who beat Taft in the playoffs last year, had hoped to gain the edge this year.

Before the game, the team was optimistic yet unsure. “We beat them in the finals last year, but we both lost some good seniors, so we were not sure what to expect,” said Junior Doubles Competitor Elizabeth Silvers.

“We are known for being strong in our doubles, so hopefully we can keep that up and win at least one of the singles matches.”

The game’s highlight was the number four seed singles match between freshman Perri Zerot and her opponent. Zerot, who got off to a shaky start, recovered quickly and began to dominate. Her opponent slowly started to fall apart, missing the ball completely and sending serves far out of bounds. The Pali team gathered around the court

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and broke out into cheers after Zerot won the final point.

The team suffered some disappointing losses, but they kept their heads up even when they were down 4-2 and could not win.

They finished out their last match with pride and ended their season on a good note. As coach Sean Passan said to his players, “We just came up a little short.”

Despite the loss, the girls maintained their positive attitude,

congratulating each other on a great season and planning their end-of-season party. Passan also felt good about his first season here at Pali. “Overall, we were almost perfect,” said Passan, who was already looking ahead to next year, “Now we just need to focus on getting new players for next season. We are holding tryouts December 1, 2 and 3 here at Pali Park so anyone interested should come out.”

School in the CIF Quarterfinals, the rebuilt squad and their coaches look to go even farther and have set main goals to work towards over the season. “Our long term goals are to win the Western League and CIF, which I believe this team can accomplish, ” said returning Head Coach Kim Smith. “ I believe we will fare well in the Western League and against our top competitors in the CIF, and will continue to improve and build on our finishing ability and defensive presence this season.”

The players on the squad are eager for the games to begin and want to follow up on their preseason anticipation for the year with solid play on the field.

“My expectation for this coming season is for the team to reach the Semifinals of the CIF,” said Sophomore Midfielder

Tiffany Falk. “I am excited for the new year to start and am happy to be playing with a few new girls on the team.”

The Lady Dolphins plan to utilize numerous strategies and formations this season, adapting for each new opponent and being physically and mentally prepared through daily practice.

“My main focus is to bring out the best from each of my players to create an organized, dynamic team that continues to grow, learn, and build,” Smith said. “ I choose my formation based upon the type of players I have; this season we are using a formation that is more attackminded and will force teams to adapt to our system of play.”

The squad has begun to evaluate their strong and weak points as they inch closer and closer to the first match. “It

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BY ERIC LOPEZ

Tideline staff Writer

he Boy’s Frosh/Soph team races to a City Finals spot in ninety-degree heat and high winds, and Bustamante and Fujimoto once again race to the City Finals.

The Boys Frosh/Soph Cross-Country team grabbed a 3rd-place finish at City Prelims in the ninety-degree heat and high winds of Pierce College.

Their performance thus far has made the team a favorite to win the City Finals. Freshman Grant Stromberg came in first for the heat, with a 3-mile run time of 17:43, his personal record. Also running in the top five was Sophomore Danny Escalante, who narrowly took fourth place with a time of 18:01. “We did well for almost not making it to the race; our bus did not come,” said Escalante. The rest of team finished in times that were good enough for another team qualification in the City Finals. “It was a hard day overall, but the Frosh/Soph Boys did well even with such terrible weather,” said Head Coach Ron Brumel. Also running were Sophomore Eric Lopez with an 18:50, Ryan Bertwell with a 19:21, Daniel Hernandez with a 20:03, and Evan Shaner with a 21:12.

The Varsity Boys, who were in a heat with El Camino Real, San Pedro, and Birmingham, came in ninth overall out of fourteen teams. Junior Carlos Bustamante came in third overall behind LA City Leaders Brett Scmitt of El Camino, and Rico Gutierrez of Birmingham. “It was a hard day to run, but it’s just the race before the big one [City Finals], ” said Junior Carlos Bustamante. Senior Michael Fujimoto came in ninth to qualify for the City Finals with a time of 16:39. The Varsity Girls, who were in a heat with the five teams in the City, did not qualify for the City Finals. Junior Michelle Colato came in with a time of 21:56 and was the top finisher for the girls. “Being injured made the race harder but next year we [Varsity Girls] will definitely be a lot better, ” said Junior Michelle Colato.

The Frosh/Soph Girl’s, did not qualify for a spot in the City Finals, with Sophomore Karli Feder leading the girls with a 24:30 and Sophomore Wendy Gomez with a 24:39.

Now the Frosh/Soph Boys look toward the City Finals, which are November 22, 2008.

Going into the City Finals, the Frosh/Soph team is ranked third overall and looking toward the City Title. “I want the team to take first place overall at City Finals,” said Sophomore Danny Escalante.

Junior Carlos Bustamante, currently ranked 3rd in Los Angeles after City Preliminaries, and Senior Michael Fujimoto look toward the City Finals and a win in the State Meet in Fresno, California.

“The goal after this is to win City with me and Michael and get the State title,” said Junior Carlos Bustamante.

Girls Soccer Energized For Approaching Season

BY C ONSTANTINE S AMOILOV Tideline Staff Writer

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MARY HOBBS, TIDELINE

Vol l ey : Senior Captain Audrey Ashraf serves an ace against Taft.

Cross Country Races Through Harsh Conditions

he Girls Soccer team looks on to their upcoming season with an overhauled ros-

The Girls Soccer team is preparing for the upcoming season with clear goals, a new roster, and a hopeful future. The squad lost seven players from last year’s team to graduation, four of whom were starters. After the punishing tryouts in September, the roster was finalized with 22 players, including three former JV players and four freshmen. The new squad is getting ready for the season as the first kick-off whistle approaches.

After last season’s triumph over the Western League, but a grueling loss to Cleveland High

seems that everyone is going to be contributing to the team, so that’s a great plus; our strongest link right now is our composure with the ball and our shooting,” said Falk. “Nevertheless, we need to improve in getting the ball in the air, but I’m sure as the season progresses we’ll start to get used to it.” There are certainly many expectations and promises made within this team, and only the regular season will tell if the team’s potential flourishes or staggers. “This is a special team filled with creativity, strength, speed, and heart, ” Smith said. “We are excited about the season and look forward to seeing the Palisades community at our games.” The squad plays their first conference game December 8 against Fairfax at Stadium by the Sea.