Trident October 2013 by Trident

Corona del Mar High School v Volume 52 v Issue 1 v October 2013

Changing

Faces

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Editorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Note:

Current Events

As the new school year ushers in, so do new events, opinions, iPhones, and news. Find out about all these things from the eyes of a CdM student by checking out tridentonline.net. Trident Online offers the unique perspective of a high school student on a range of topics. From movie reviews to feature creatures and recipes, Trident Online has everything you are looking for in a website. Find helpful tips on how to survive school as well as advice to stay healthy. So go check out Trident Online! Thanks CdM!

Sci-Tech

Lifestyle Student Life

Arts Reviews

From the Staff Editors’ Note Dear Trident Reader, New classes, new friends, a new grade. So far we’ve started the year off pretty well, gauging by our victory in varsity football’s Battle of the Bay. For our first issue, the Trident staff decided on the theme Changing Faces, because of all the changes that CdM has experienced so far. CdM has encountered many new arrangements, including counselors and administration, the façade of the middle school building, and the SRC. Last but not least, students are changing faces, with masks and costumes, as Halloween rapidly approaches. As Trident editors, we’ve been experiencing some changing faces here in Room 224 as well. With only four returning Terds (our nickname for Trident nerds), the classroom has a completely different dynamic—and we love it! As the only four-year seniors, we feel #blessed to be editors, and can’t wait to make this magazine the best it can be. We hope you like it! Your editors,

Amanda & Rafah

Staff Adviser

Rafah Ali

tridentonline@gmail.com

Laura Holk Editor-in-Chief

Amanda Penna Editor-in-Chief

Elizabeth Greenberg Online Editor

Emma Sung Online Editor

Lauren Lamm Photo Editor

Krista Schildwachter Section Editor

Hannah Schoenbaum Section Editor

Maddie Tenebaum Business Manager Aleah Berger Reporter

Sophia Cianfrani Reporter

2101 Eastbluff Drive Newport Beach, CA Phone: (949) 515-6023 Fax: (949)-515-6070

Legal

Trident is a student forum used to inform and entertain the students and community of Corona del Mar High School. Opinion articles reflect the views of the writer; they do not represent the beliefs of Corona del Mar High School staff, administrators, or the Newport-Mesa Board of Trustees. Letters to the editor may be submitted to room 224 or e-mailed to the address listed. Trident reserves the right to edit letters based on consideration of accuracy, length, clarity, obscenity, and libel. 2012-2013 ©

Suhaa Dada Reporter

Rourke Funke Reporter

Sophie Ganion Reporter

Elizabeth B. Greenberg Reporter

Victoria Hill Reporter

Connor Mickelsen Reporter

Kyle Rodewald Reporter

Nick Snyder Reporter

Sponsors Thank you to all of our subscribers for supporting Trident. Your donations allow us to continue the production of Trident! Cover photo by

Amanda Penna & Rafah Ali Editor Photo by Maddie Tenebaum Table of Contents photo by

P.S.S Imaging

06 08 09 10 11 12 14 16 17 18 19

Faces of the Office New Building New SRC Policies Dress Code vs. Uniform Fall Fashion Changing Grades Ms. Colgate New Trident/ Yearbook Core Curriculum City Center

ATHLETICS

20 21

Equestrian Team We Run This Town

ENTERTAINMENT

22 23 24 25

Fall in Love with Fall 10 Best Halloween Movies

City of Bones Colin Wright

SCI-TECH

26 27

Tesla Battle of Machines

GLOBAL

Pg. 21

28 30

Syria Russia

CONTENTS

FEATURE

October

2013

Changing Faces

FEATURE

The Office Gets a Face Lift Getting to Know the Administrators

A former principal of Oxford Academy, Kathy Scott, took on the role of CdM high school’s principal.

TRIDENT

October 2013

ll the way from Dumas, Texas, former principal of Oxford Academy, and avid reader and movie lover, the Corona del Mar High School community warmly welcomes new high school principal Mrs. Kathy Scott. Although Mrs. Scott has been known for her strict enforcement of the dress code and tardy policies, there is much more she wants to do for our school other than enforce the rules. Scott describes herself as fair, firmed, and focused. She is committed to supporting the staff and making the education experience valuable for all. Scott is beginning her tenth year as a principal and is very excited to be apart of the CdM family. Scott attended Monterey High School in Lubbock, Texas and was involved in choir and loved math during her high school years. Throughout schooling, she worked at her family’s farm which helped her mature at a young age. Scott describes herself in High School as a “quiet leader.” Next, Scott went to Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Texas and received her Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education with a math degree and special education endorsement. After she attended the University of the Southwest in Hobbs, New Mexico for her Masters degree in Education Administration. Later, she worked as a classroom teacher for eighteen years and proceeded to be an assistant principal until an opportunity came up for her to be a principal. Her previous job was at Oxford Academy in Cyprus, California.

She worked as the principal there for seven years. What enticed Scott to the responsibilities of a principal is her ability to make the student experience valuable and impacting, and to support the teachers in any way they need. Scott found an opening for the principal position at CdM while working with Newport Mesa superintendent Dr. Nevaro, who advised her to apply. Although it was a last minute decision, she believes it is a great opportunity to work at such a high ranked school. “I love working at seventh through twelfth grade schools, I believe there is such great value in attending the same school for six years,” said Mrs. Scott. Scott believes that a greater variety of AP classes and a stronger system of academic support for all levels will greatly improve CdM. “When students leave this school, I want them to say their experience at CdM made a difference academically and they are truly ready for success in higher level education,” said Scott. She would also like to implement the “Seal of Biliteracy,”an award given by the district for students who are proficient in two or more languages by high school graduation. Mrs. Scott values the ability to speak multiple languages and thinks students should be rewarded for committing to a new language until fluent and reaching the AP level. Although Scott has only been at CdM for a short amount of time, she believes that CdM student’s are very outgoing and are friendly group who are greatly involved in both academics and extracurricular. Scott admires how kind and friendly the students have been in coming up and article by Naz Aydin &

Connor Mickelson

FEATURE

Gogel is another new face in the front office. She is a Director on Special Assignment, and is currently the high school Assistant Principal along with Patterson.

introducing themselves. Scott also explained how eager and friendly the staff has been towards her arrival. Spanish teacher Mrs. Hughes said, “I am so happy to welcome Mrs. Scott to CdM. She strikes me as down to earth, pleasant, and hardworking person. I am happy to see her out and about on campus and in classrooms doing exactly what a principal should do, taking care of her school. She is setting high expectations and making them clear to parents, students, and teachers.” Overall, principal Scott is a great addition to the CdM community and has many great qualities and ideas that will make our school a better educational environment for all. Mrs. Scott is not the only new face at CdM this year. Rebecca Gogel is another new administrator at the school. Her official title is Director on Special Assignment. Her job entails “providing support in the assistant principal’s office” and her favorite part is the chance to work with the teachers here at CdM. Ms. Gogel is more than qualified for the job. She has been an educator for 21 years and an administrator for 10. Outside of school, Ms. Gogel enjoys spending time with her two children and playing the piano. Ms. Gogel is looking forward to a great year here at CdM. Mr. Tolzda, the middle school assistant principal is a much more familiar face to students. A well-known member of the Administration here at CdM, Mr. Tolzda has the ominous task of “behavior remediation”. This includes discipline for anyone out of line. Attendance is the biggest problem among students, and is handled by Mr. photos by Naz Aydin &

Amanda Penna

Students are often surprised to see Patterson (a former English teacher) in the front office. Patterson has taken on the role of the high school Assistant Principal.

Tolzda. Mr. Tolzda’s favorite part of this job is the positive interaction with students. He has been in education for 32 years, and his experience has served him well. Mr. Patterson, a familiar face to students, has recently been promoted to the admistrative staff. Along with Ms. Gogel, Patterson serves as the high school Assistant Principal. Though he is no longer a middle school teacher, Patterson is still want an admistrator for CdM’s middle school ASB. Prior students to say to taking on this new job, Patterson taught middle school English, AVID, their experience PAMA, and also coached varsity tennis. This is at cdm made a Patterson’s ninth year at Corona del Mar. He enjoys difference the new job, and describes his daily routine as “unique athy cott and challenging”. He loves the “welcoming and hard-working environment” of CdM, and works to keep a positive tone with students. He is very happy to work with Mrs. Scott and is looking forward to an exciting year ahead. The changing faces of the Administration at CdM mark an exciting time at the school. Despite the apprehension that comes with change, students here can join these Administrators in making this year great.

“I [

—K

]

”

TRIDENT

October 2013

FEATURE

The construction for the new building will be completed by September of 2014.

Constructing a New Life:

The New Middle School Building

ver the past two years, we have been distracted by the obnoxious sounds of the construction site. Lockers were removed, senior parking was taken away, some teachers were banished to the portables, and the music department was taken out by a wrecking ball, literally. Even after all this inconvenience we have suffered, and even though we may never even step foot in the new middle school building, our human nature still makes us curious. What are the benefits of this new enclave? What’s in it for us? Though the benefits are primarily for middle school students, the new building will give the high school students more privacy and space around campus. It started as just a pile of dirt, but over the past two years, it has transformed into what will be a spectacular learning center for the CdMMS students. The new middle school building is scheduled to be completed and ready for the new seventh and eighth graders by September of 2014. “I think the new building will be a great focal point for our middle school students

and it will give the middle school students their own area, separate from the high school,” said middle school principal, Guy Olguin. Olguin and many of the middle school teachers are excited to be moving into their brand new classrooms and offices next year. The complex will contain 16 classrooms and a technology lab, along with 800 new lockers for the middle school students. This arrangement will ensure the older students plenty of locker space and extra computer time in the current technology labs. This arrangement will make it much easier to get in and out of the 200 and 300 buildings during passing periods, nearly cutting the time it takes to get to class in half. Even though we will not be able to enjoy all the features of the new building, we will have more time and space for high school activities. Although there will not be a separate cafeteria inside the complex, the plan for next year is to have a split lunch, where the middle and high school are separated. The bell schedule will stay the same, but the middle school kids will eat in their own courtyard, giving the high school students extra lunch tables, more space to eat and socialize with friends, and a fast pass

through the lunch line. The best and the brightest middle school students will still be able to take high school level math and language classes, but those classes will take place outside of the new building. Middle school students will take most of their core math, English, science, and history classes inside the new enclave, making the 200 and 300 buildings a whole lot quieter. Not to worry, all of your favorite teachers will still be able to teach both high school and middle school classes while staying in their same classrooms. Teachers that teach nothing but middle school classes will be the only teachers moved into the new building. It would have been great, when I was a seventh grader, to have the protection of a brand new building, separating me from all the seemingly scary upperclassmen. It is a shame that we had to suffer through the construction of this building that we will never be able to use, but luckily there are some benefits for us as well. Although the construction may have been stressful for both students and staff members, once the building is completed, it will make school life easier for CdM students of all grade levels.

TRIDENT

October 2013

article & photos by Hannah Schoenbaum

FEATURE

Student Resource Center

The New and Improved SRC Now Open For Student Use

he new and transformed student resource center is now equipped for student use only. A place for students to hang out or complete homework, this center provides students with an open, fun space to study. Built and designed in only three weeks, this new, teen-friendly center was first opened to students September 9. With its flat screen television, new furniture, and a white board wall, the SRC is a great place for group work. The creation of the new center for students will launch students into paths of success with academics and college planning. “I think the new Student Resource Center looks so much better than it did last year. It has a more cleaner and more modern look to it. The new chairs especially make the place feel a lot more comfortable. Also, the white board wall looks really cool; it was a nice touch,” said senior Allen Chen. An outside design group called Westgroup Designs planned and selected the SRC’s current visually appealing look. Even though the outside designing company provided the interiors, The Foundation’s counseling subcommittee handled the project from start to finish. To make sure students would like the new center, they first interviewed students, counselors, administration and parents to get their input to see what they thought of the idea. With the positive feedback and suggestions that The Foundation received it led to the creation of the new SRC that is now located in the 200 building. “We really wanted the Student Resource Center to be an interactive space utilized by the students

for college programs and career counseling. We wanted the SRC to be a type of lounge or student union like environment that included a cool vibe and would be a place that the students would want to be,” said CDM’s Foundation co-president Jane Jones. At the official ribbon ceremony, CdM’s foundation co-presidents, including Jones and Chris Osterberg, PTA President’s Sue Ellen O’Connor, and Booster Presidents John and Tracy McCarthy all made the effort to cut the ribbon and proudly announce the new SRC building open to students. The Foundation started to work on this project during last school year. Additionally, with the joint venture of the Foundation, PTA, and Boosters they were able to get the building open in such a short time period. “The new Student Resource Center looks pretty cool. The brighter colors that it upholds make the SRC more inviting. Next year, as a junior, I believe I will be there a lot since that is where many new college meetings will be taking place. After school, if open, I believe the younger students in middle school will be studying in there more than students in high school. Overall it was a necessary change,” said sophomore Siena Sharf. Even though the new SRC is for student use, an adult will be supervising full time. There will also be a college programs coordinator in this space with a parent volunteer. College visits will take place in this center, as well as informational college meetings organized by school counselors. If you ever need to do any last minute studying or have questions about college or community service visit the new Student Resource Center. It’s made for students and for students to use.

CdM Foundation co-president Jane Jones cuts the ribbon as part of the opening ceremony of the SRC. The new SRC is now open for student use.

article & photos by Amanda Penna

TRIDENT

October 2013

FEATURE

Staff and Teachers Decide on Policies Corona del Mar Dress Code and Tardy Policy

Left: Freshman Haley Cohen shows off her cool printed leggings. Middle: Freshman Sarah Miliken wears her favorite animal top and long shorts. Right: Freshman Ivan Venediktov and Nicole Meindl hang out at break in their appropriate clothing.

hysical education uniforms is the trendiest fall fashion being sported on campus. Now that summer is over, it is time to start planning out some school appropriate outfits.. The NMUSD Board of Education believes that, “appropriate dress and grooming contribute to a productive learning environment.” The hot, transitional weather between summer and fall seasons are causing us to want to wear light-weight, and less clothing to be able to stand the heat. The dress code, however, does not allow us to do so. From not being able to wear spaghetti straps, shirts revealing midriffs or short shorts and skirts, this dress code interferes with the normal teenage girl’s closet. Also, sorry girls, no plunging neck lines, or see-through garments either. Now, for all those girls who enjoy wearing jewelry, according to the student dress code, they can be a safety hazard, so make sure to check out which jewelry is appropriate to wear at school. While many girls are having trouble with the dress code, guys also have some rules to follow. Guys are not allowed to wear anything promoting alcohol, tobacco, drugs, gangs, tagging, violence, bigotry, discrimination or sexual connotations. Please guys, no baggy pants. They also cannot wear hats or hoods in the classroom except for medical or religious purposes. “I believe it will be very easy for guys to follow the dress code. I have not seen any male students in my grade get dress coded, but I have seen many girls who have been,” said sophomore Ron Sanchez.

For both boys and girls, any undergarments or underwear must not be revealing and shoes must be worn at all times. Also, belts must be worn in all pant loops and no baggy overalls are allowed at anytime. These are just some of the many different rules in the student dress code. For more information, you can read all of the dress code rules in your student planner on page twenty-five to page twenty-seven. Corona del Mar also has a new tardy policy being enforced this year called the Card. The Card is a piece of paper with a chart that will track your tardies. When a student gets their first tardy, they are given the card. The student must fill out the card and return it to the teacher. Each tardy you receive, the discipline step will be located to the right of the number of tardies you received. On the third tardy, the teacher may decide to give you a detention. On the fourth tardy, the teacher will send your card to the office. The card will act as a referral form and will be returned to the student. Each quarter, the student will get a new card and a clean slate. “With the new tardy policy I believe many students will try their best to follow it. I know I will, because I do not want to receive a detention nor a Saturday school,” said senior Shiva Mizani. Each tardy a student gets will result in the lowering of their citizenship grade. The student will drop one level beginning at tardy five. It will drop again at tardy seven and again at tardy ten. With all of these tardies, students will risk the chance of losing privileges like going to Prom or going off campus. Hopefully, our marvelous Corona del Mar students will follow both of these policies.

TRIDENT

October 2013

article & photos by Elizabeth B. Greenberg

FEATURE

Dress Code vs. Uniform Uniforms May be the Solution to Numerous Dress Code Violations

Top: A student, dress coded, was forced to wear P.E. shorts and shirt. Bottom: A student wears shorts higher than dress code allows.

ou may be spotting girls walking around campus in P.E. shorts and or a P.E. shirt. This is the sign of being dress coded! But why should girls pay the price of clothing violation by being demanded to wear embarrassing, old, faded, and wrinkled clothing? Why don’t we prevent the situation instead of letting it arise? To solve this problem we should wear uniforms. Uniforms are appropriate lengths and will most likely avoid the worries of teachers dress coding students. Uniforms may not be the most colorful or trendiest attire, but they will definitely stop the embarrassment of dress code violations, detentions, maybe even Saturday schools for multiple dress codes. Uniforms won’t only prevent the stress on teachers and students, but will also allow extra snoozing time because you already know what to wear. After violating the dress code, Freshman Cara Leonard said, “I think the dress code is unreasonable because we spent our money this summer and now have nothing to wear because you can’t find shorts six inches above the knee.” We purchase clothing to wear to school, then we are disciplined for wearing those specific clothing, hence our money is wasted. Uniforms are very appropriate for school, student will not worry about going to school and being embarrassed. Ninth grader Raine Finley said, “I wouldn’t mind uniforms because they are easier and more protective, no one will get judged for wearing the

wrong thing.” If uniforms are enforced, we will all look like a professional class, students will all look clean and intelligent wearing the same clothing; students will resist the pressure to “fit in” attempting to be “trendy” and “in style”. This will also promote and encourage discipline. The problem of bullying for not fitting in with the latest fashion may even be minimized, as we will all be looked at as the same. Recently, news has been heard that uniforms don’t only enforce issues, but helps exceed the learning abilities of students by not being as distracting as normal clothing like big jewelry, dangly earrings, or heeled shoes. Another situation uniforms will solve is tardiness. Most students are tardy because they are deciding an outfit, trying to change their look, or even choosing shoes that match perfectly to their outfit. Uniforms will make nights smoother and mornings more relaxing, without a rush! Lastly, school uniforms will also prevent the approach of intruders, as everyone will look the same; intruders don’t have uniforms and will easily be the “odd one out”. As you can see, uniforms have many effects that will improve our campus. These effects contribute to embarrassment, bullying, tardiness, and looking professional! Freshman Sierra Muelhauser said, “Uniforms would put less stress on a student when it comes to picking out the outfit or worrying about being dress coded.” As you can see, many students would prefer uniforms over the process of worrying if you are going to be dress coded, but the real question is, why put more stress on us for something we could change and never let occur again?

article & photos by Aleah Berger

TRIDENT

October 2013

FEATURE

Five

Fall Fashion Finds

Learn How to Be A Smart Seasonal Shopper hile leaves are falling, hair is frizzing, and pumpkin spice lattes are steaming, your wardrobe is changing. Just because you clear your closet of all booty shorts, doesn’t mean you should clear out your wallet from all those summer paydays. Even in sunny CDM, a morning sprinkle opens a window of opportunity to layer up. Now that A street is cleared of tourists, your closet should also be clear of all the summer tanks and maxi dresses. Most stores get their fall clothing pretty early in the season. Mike from Urban Outfitters said, “We start getting shipments of flannels and cardigans in early October.” Between the playoffs of your fall sport or finding a Halloween costume, go look for the Five Fall Fashion Finds!

Jackets and Scarves, oh my!

ackets and sweaters are a canvas for a basic autumn outfit. A knit sweater with a dark denim is casual AND comfy as Wednesday wear. To give off a rebel-vibe, a classic leather jacket with a bold pair of Brandy Melville rings will show no mercy. Quality is important, so be willing to pay the price (to some extent). Nothing is more rewarding than having an item that you can say “I’ve had this for years.”

Never enough polish...

ake sure you “nail” your color this season! Take inspiration from the fall environment; the crumpled brown leaves on the roof, the muggy gray mornings, piping hot green tea, or the pretty colors of the pumpkin patch. Don’t overpay for professional manicures…do it YOURSELF! If you’re not the best nail artist, go on YouTube or Pinterest for helpful videos and steps for a perfect manicure.

Ashley “Wags” Wagschal sports a trendy leather vest with silver metal buttons.

Grace Jennings shows-off her wonderful white nails on a hot early October morning.

TRIDENT

October 2013

article by Sophie Ganion

FEATURE

Diamonds are forever!

Katherine Mulvaney looks fabulous with her floral ear-wear.

iamonds truly are a girl’s best friend, fake OR real! If you don’t have real diamond earrings, then stores like H&M have a large variety of “fool’s diamonds” that still give you the classy look. It’s hard to wear a new necklace or ring with all the fall layers, but earrings are a perfect way to glam-up your day. Try to wear studs, rather than dangly earrings, because they don’t snag your sweaters! If you have brown hair, try to stay with more natural toned studs, like gold, beige, or forest green. Blondes should be bright, like aquamarine, pink, or purple. Redheads tend to wear more white, cream, or navy.

Toot for boots!

oots! Boots! Boots! From a rainbow of Hunter rain boots, Cathy Jean knee-highs, chestnut UGGS, or Steve Madden booties, boots are the best choices for fall. A new trend for boots is boot socks. Try to buy neutral colors to match with any color or style boots you have. Whether they are actually protecting you from that huge puddle in the quad, or keeping you cozy on a late start, boots are the heart and “sole” of fashion! Erin Duddy struts her stuff in these cute cutoffs during break.

Bring out the Scarves

y far, the best fall accessory is a scarf! Infiniti scarves are both cozy and stylish. From knit, to cotton, or even velvet, a scarf paired with a basic white T-shirt is an any day of the week outfit. Never pay too much for a scarf! Alexandra Sefarian said, “My limit is anywhere from $5 to $15, based on the fabric and quality.” You can wear scarves in many different ways; like a basic knot/tie, through-the-loop, or simply around your neck.

Alexa Bonanno keeps cozy in this purple infiniti scarf with gold detail.

photos by Sophie Ganion

TRIDENT

October 2013

FEATURE Junior Kirsten Hansen whispers tips to sophomore Lilly Schmidt. Being in different grades doesn’t stop them from being great friends.

Changing Grades

Tips for Surviving and Suceeding this Upcoming Year

s the weather becomes more brisk and the school year rushes in, students everywhere are ushered into the next grade and step of their high school careers. The changing of grades is a trivial step, but an important one all the same. Just because you’re older, doesn’t necessarily mean you’re wiser. The only way to become more knowledgable is to seek help from the people who’ve already completed what you’re attempting to do. Most of the student body look to the older grades for advice on academic, athletic, and social troubles because they’ve all struggled through the same problems. It’s extremely beneficial to listen to advice that your peers offer because younger students are just walking in the footsteps of the grades above.

Freshmen: Congratulations on evolving from Seaweeds to Sea Kings, but this year might be different for more reasons than just being in high school. Not only is it a transition to harder classes and having your grades count, but socially it is frustrating for most everyone. The most important thing about ninth grade is to keep in mind that everybody else is feeling the same social angst or embarrassment that you’re feeling. “When I was in ninth grade I was walking through the quad and tripped over my own shoelaces in front of a group of seniors. I regained my composure, got up, walked a few feet and tripped...again. My books went flying, I was covered in abrasions, and was absolutely mortified,”laughed current junior Natalie Wilde. “At the time I felt flustered and was incredibly embarrassed, but no one remembered it a couple days later. You have to keep in mind that the things you think are a big deal will blow over,” Wilde explained. Another important freshmen tip is to learn how to manage time so you’re better prepared for the rest of high school. “Don’t procrastinate and balance your actives,” suggested sophomore Matthew Paragas. “Ninth grade is the time to learn how to work efficiently and effectively.”

TRIDENT

October 2013

article by Krista Schildwachter

FEATURE

Sophomores: Many would not expect it, but this is actually an academically challenging school year. For some, it’s their first AP or honors class that gives them trouble, and for others it’s the sheer shock of the new-found necessity of studying. Don’t worry, though, remain calm and you’ll make it through. There are only a few things you have to remember. Although everybody likes to think that nothing awkward will happen to them after ninth grade, this is not the case. It’s also easy to get overwhelmed and stressed with such an increased workload, but becoming anxious will just make everything worse. “Last year whenever I felt like I was frantic I would try to take a deep breathe and drink water. Homework can become so frustrating, but you can’t give up,” explained current junior Ally Hadfield. “The most important key to success is removing yourself from social media, Netflix, or any other ways that enable you to procrastinate,” said junior Kayvon Azhir. “Procrastinating doesn’t solve anything and it will make you even more stressed, sleep deprived, and ornery in the future. You don’t need to stalk those pictures or watch the next episode of “Breaking Bad”, you need to get good grades,” Azhir explained.

Juniors: This year is famous for two things: stress and all-nighters spent studying. The advice that the seniors tell juniors is surprisingly the opposite than what is recommended for other grades. By this time, most juniors have their study habits down and perfected and often will do anything to get that A. This pressure that juniors put on themselves is good and motivating, but also makes many students high-strung and not able to enjoy their year. “You have to find a balance,” said current senior Paul Breslin, “Challenge yourself in school but don’t take the hardest classes possible if you can’t handle it. It’s important to be happy and have time for the things that you enjoy and that make you who you are.” Seniors Nikka Mofid and Marissa Fink also agree with Breslin’s sentiment, “Don’t stress too much and find a way to enjoy high school because life is too short,” Mofid recommended. “And most importantly... don’t sweat the small stuff!” Fink added. When asked, all seniors agreed in consensus that junior year was hard, but it’s just about powering through it. “Whenever it gets tough, just focus on your goal. What are you working for? What college are you dreaming about? It puts things into perspective and gives you the power to keep going; you should keep going, because everybody makes it out alive,” said senior Emily Glenn.

S e n i o r s: Ah...finally, you’re here and it’s what you’ve been waiting for your whole Corona del Mar High School career. It’s your senior (zenior) year and it’s always sunny when you’re a senior. Contrary to the belief that being in twelfth grade gives you automatic right to slack off, graduated seniors suggest that you should keep your priorities straight and to not blow off school completely. “I know it’s hard to stay attentive all through senior year, but still try to show up to school. Save your senioritis for second semester, but try not to slack off too much during the first,” suggested CdM alumni and University of Wisconsin freshman Sophie Greensite. Other graduated seniors agree with Greensite, and also say that the seniors should enjoy it while it lasts. “Don’t be too focussed on getting out of CdM because it honestly goes by way too fast. Love your friends, your classmates, and the people around you because you’re going to miss everyone when they’re gone,” said graduated senior and UCLA freshman Troy Bolus. “Make the most out of your last days and enjoy yourself immensely.” he suggested to all students.

Freshman Ron Sanchez and senior Ian Redman compare their height differences. It’s helpful to have an older friend for advice with athletics.

photos by Krista Schildwachter

TRIDENT

October 2013

FEATURE

Much Ado About

Ms. Colgate

A CdM Alumni Comes Back To Teach Drama

he campus of Corona del Mar High School has been going through many changes over the past few years. We have a new building on the way, new principal, and many new teachers on campus. Among those new teachers is our school’s new drama teacher, Jackie Colgate. Although she may be a new teacher, Colgate is not new to our school. She attended CdM as a student and participated in our amazing and award winning drama program. Being in our school’s drama program inspired Colgate and later led to a career in drama. Growing up, a few productions she enjoyed being a part of were Into the Woods and Suessical the Musical; both were put on by CdM’s very own theater arts department while Colgate was a student. After graduating from Corona del Mar High School, she attended the University of Colorado, majoring in theater. There, she was part of the production of Spring Awakening and West Side Story, a few more of her favorites so far. She then taught at the Academy of Performing Arts in Huntington Beach. CdM has played a large part in Colgate becoming a drama teacher. She has always enjoyed theater and our theater arts program. She loves learning and she hopes to pass this along to all of her future students. “High school is a time to figure out who you are and who you want to be,” Colgate said. As much as she loves drama, another contribution to her becoming a drama

teacher was her students. She loves to connect with students and play the role of a mentor in their lives, which she finds very important. Being a teacher, she hopes to inspire students the way that her teachers inspired her. Colgate’s students enjoy being a part her class and are excited for the upcoming year and what is in store for them. Many look forward to being a part of the theater program’s productions and can’t wait for the first one, Much Ado

“High school is a time to figure out who you are and who you want to be.”

—Jackie Colgate

about Nothing, to begin. This upcoming year, Colgate does plan on changing the drama program for the better. She hopes to encourage more students to participate in productions and the drama program itself. She really enjoyed being part of our theater program as a student and hopes that students currently at Corona del Mar High School and Middle School will have a chance to experience what she was fortunate enough to be a part of as a student. Colgate wants to put on productions that students will enjoy being a part of.

Top: The new drama teacher, Ms. Colgate loved being a part of the drama program while she was a student at CdM. Bottom: Ms. Colgate gives a student a thumbs up of encouragement while teaching.

She hopes that putting on well known and well-loved plays and musicals will encourage students to join and find the passion for drama that she has found. She also wants to add more performance opportunities for all students than they have been given in the past. Colgate looks forward to the year to come and being a part of the amazing CdM drama department.

TRIDENT

October 2013

article & photos by Sophia Cianfrani

FEATURE

Changing Faces, Changing Editors, & Changing Styles

Meet the Editors

What Trident and Yearbook Bring to 2013

s the new school year begins, changes occur in every student’s life. Whether it’s change in school, sports, friends, or hobbies, change comes hand in hand with the start of a new year at school. Students begin to focus on their academics, while yearbook and Trident revamp their styles. Editor of yearbook, Natalia Bruening, is one of only 14 students in her class. “Well, first off, we don’t have any seniors this year, and have the smallest class yet,” said Bruening. With only 14 people total, “it is a lot of work… Instead of having groups of three working on spreads, we have pairs,” said Bruening. Although the yearbook staff is lacking in numbers, they plan to integrate new graphic elements, usage of colors, and change in the headline packages. “We are adding (things that) are very school-oriented and also some pop of color to pages,” stated Bruening. Bruening, only a sophomore, struggles to keep a manageable balance between homework and yearbook. She also has to communicate with staff members of all grades to be able to get full coverage in the yearbook. In the end it pays off, “I love yearbook, and being able to create the yearbook is super cool,” said Bruening. Amanda Penna and Rafah Ali, co-editors of Trident, are enthusiastic about bringing new eye-catching elements to the magazine. According to the editors, the two of them spent hours looking through magazines

over the summer and noting what types of styles and elements they liked in magazines. Both editors hope to add more creativity to the magazine by adding “little details that all tie in with each other. We want to make it more teen-oriented. We’re just changing it up a little bit, but we’re making it look professional and appealing to the eye,” said Penna. Ali expressed excitement for her second year as editor. “The overall design [of the magazine] changes each year as the editors change. Amanda and I have such similar tastes yet different ideas, and it’s so much fun to watch our styles fuse together to form the style of this magazine—it’s already very different from my experience last year.” The girls came into the class as freshmen, and although they have both pursued leadership positions since sophomore year, neither Penna nor Ali imagined being editor of Trident. Penna was photo editor sophomore and junior year before pursuing editor her senior year. “I never thought I had the skill (to be editor) but then being in this class every day, I have fallen in love with photography, writing, and journalistic style. I really wanted to prove to myself that I could be editor,” said Penna. Similarly, Ali became a section editor sophomore year, and became editor junior year, continuing on her senior year. “I was nervous about balancing my junior year, between being Editor and all the other craziness. I had to make sacrifices, but I wouldn’t take it back for a second—Trident has allowed me to grow so much,” she said. Although both yearbook and Trident undergo change every year, the programs will only become better from the changes.

Natalia Bruening is a second-year member of the Yearbook Staff, In middle school, she was Editor of the yearbook.

Amanda Penna is a fourth-year member of the Trident Staff. She was Photo Editor for her sophomore and junior years before she became Editor.

Rafah Ali is a fourth-year member of the Trident Staff. She was section editor her sophomore year and Editor her junior year.

article & photos by Lauren Lamm

TRIDENT

October 2013

FEATURE

Replacing Answer Bubbles with Thought B ubbles Exploring Our New Core Curriculum

he advent of Common Core State Standards in California means students will soon no longer have the option of filling in the bubbles on a standardized test. Instead the focus will be on understanding rather than memorization. The current curriculum revolves around the concept of memorizing data and selecting one answer of a multiplechoice question. This tests the student’s knowledge at a limited level. The lack of an answer that is directly derived from the student’s own thought process results in an inaccurate test as well as the distinct possibility that the student did not fully understand the concept. The student can easily answer the question using a combination of logic and formerly learned information. The Common Core curriculum, however, endorses the actual mental (and sometimes physical) application of one’s knowledge to a problem or question. There may be a few flaws in the system. For example, in a geometry test a question asks for the formula for distance, and the student answers with the distance formula that pertains to algebra; that would count as points. Be that as it may, the Common Core curriculum still proves to be a more effective testing method because, instead of simply choosing the most logical answer, the student uses his or her prior learning experiences and knowledge to

answer the question. And although such an answer as the algebra formula answer would count as points, it would not count for 100%. Another positive point that helps contribute to the changing of the school curriculum is the fact that common core evaluates the student’s understanding of a concept much more efficiently. For example a math problem will only receive full points if the student demonstrates his or her understanding of the problem by

Many CdM English teachers attended a RCD (Rigorous Curriculum Development) workshop at the district. They received these books to guide them through the new paradigm.

showing the steps up until the final answer. But the change in the curriculum evokes a much deeper change than the way the tests will be constructed. The teachers will also have to adapt their methods of teaching. Technology will now play a major role in both learning and teaching. Tablets such as iPads are already being implemented as learning tools in some schools. They seem to be a great supplement for textbooks. They are sources of endless information to draw from and to focus on in areas of interest with the added bonus of not weighing nearly as much as our current textbooks. On the Common Core initiative online site it clearly defines the course: “The Common Core State Standards provide a consistent, clear understanding of what students are expected to learn, so teachers and parents know what they need to do to help them. The standards are designed to be robust and relevant to the real world, reflecting the knowledge and skills that our young people need for success in college and careers.” This brings up perhaps the most profound effect of the new curriculum. That is, the fact that this system is designed to get students into a competitive position in global economics. In essence the Common Core standards are idyllically about creating analytical thinkers. Problem solvers, thinkers who can engage not only in the work place but also in the world at large. As Eleanor Roosevelt said, “It is today we must create the world of the future.”

TRIDENT

October 2013

article & photo by Rourke Funke

FEATURE

The

Beautiful City Center

Newport’s New Nucleus

Residents of Newport Beach can’t help but love the various amenities pictured below.

Dog Park

Exploring the City Center and Public Library’s New Façade fter years of construction and much community anticipation, the Newport Beach Civic Center is finally open to the public. The colorful and inviting center was designed by an architect named Bohlin Cywinski Jackson; he was responsible for designing many Apple stores, explaining the modern, sleek style of the new Civic Center. Appropriate in a city where many are doglovers, the Civic Center area features a dog park built over a beautiful bridge with breathtaking views. Other outside amenities include a civic lawn for outdoor events, a 16-acre park (the fifth largest in the city), 1.5 miles of walking trails, and a restored wetlands—surrounded by various viewing areas. Indoors, it also has a rental space with various amenities and a place for residents to attend community meetings. Lastly, to solve the previous parking commotion, the new Civic Center will feature a large, free parking lot with over 450 spaces. Many residents were intially struck by the Civic Center’s external wave-like appearance. The wave roof design, adeptly chosen for Newport Beach, serves more than an asthetic purpose; its structure includes features to cool the buildings. With large windows to let in natural light, advanced lighting and sensors for climate control, and blinds and windows opening automatically to save electricity, the new building is extremely energy-conscious, as well as visually appealing. “I think the civic center looks really sleek and pretty and clean; it makes me happy,” said

senior Kori Burton. Perhaps most importantly for students, the library has been expanded by 17,000 square feet, and connected with the city hall via a connecting bridge. The library’s renovations include many new features to enrich students’ academics. Did you know that many EB books are downloadable online for free? The library’s expansions even include databases that can be used for research in any field. A new Media Center includes computers with advanced software are available for public use, pre-loaded with software to create and edit movies, albums, films & videos, websites, or even graphic design projects. Members can even check out a laptop or an iPad with a library card! Clearly, the new and improved library offers many new resources that are valuable to CdM students. “I’m definitely going to spend some quality time writing college essays there,” said senior Alejandra Tena. “It’s also sick that they let us check out iPads,” added Burton. So how much did this iconic beauty cost? The grand total came to $130 million. Many residents hailed the hall as a “civic vision” and as “far more than a city hall,” but others weren’t so enthusiastic. While most agreed that the city had outgrown the previous city hall, still located in Balboa Peninsula, some were unhappy with the project’s price tag. A community celebration of the opening took place on May 4, 2013 and about 2,000 Newport Beach citizens attended to show their pride. Now it’s up to the community to take advantage of the amenities the center has to offer.

Many Newport Beach residents have dogs, so this dog park is sure to be a hit.

Circle of Bunnies

This Bunny-Stonehenge area is one of the designated children play areas. We still don’t understand the bunnies, though.

Stunning Views

With many benches and pleasant picnic areas overlooking the ocean, the civic center is a prime family area.

article & photos by Rafah Ali

TRIDENT

October 2013

ATHLETICS

Giddy Up!

The English Equestrian Team

Top & Left: Courtney Marshall with her horse, Kobe, jumps over an oxer for her jumping class competition. Right: Courtney Marshall has a great time hanging out with her horse, Oliver.

hrilled to meet the new members joining the equestrian team, the co-captains, juniors Courtney Marshall and Sophie Abber, look to meeting new horseloving students as well as a great year of competitions. This year, Courtney and Sophie are allowing anyone, including middle school students, to join the team. Members must be passionate about riding, own a horse or must be willing to start riding. Even the novices who have just started to learn how to ride are welcomed to join as long as they are willing to compete and enjoy themselves. Different levels of competitions are

TRIDENT

October 2013

available for novice to experienced riders. New riders can compete in lower divisions, which includes walk, trot and/or canter classes. Once a novice rider is comfortable and capable of lower division classes, they can join the varsity team, which competes up to four feet jumping. Marshall emphasized the importance of competitions. “I want to get everyone to show as much as they can. That way we can get points for our school and possibly earn scholarships.” Additionally, if a rider participates in more than six competitions out of eight, they are eligible for winning a high ranked award for riding, which not only gives the rider the bragging rights, but also a notable accomplishment for their college applications. For any horse lovers, who are not capable

of riding or joining the team, there is an alternative option of joining the Equestrian Club for students who loves horses in general. The sign-ups are available on the club day or by contacting Ivara Ross, who is in charge of the club. “The equestrian club is an all discipline encompassing club and anyone and everyone who enjoys horses should join. The IEL (equestrian) team is for people who currently ride and are looking to compete for our school,” Marshall said. Anyone willing to join the equestrian team should contact Marshall, or Abber. Their first informational meeting was held October 3rd and the first competition dates were scheduled for October 5th and 6th. Good luck to all competing riders!

article by Emma Sung photos by Courtney Marshall

W e R un T his T own After Six Years, Varsity Football Wins Battle of the Bay

he crowd was roaring as the time kept elapsing. After junior Cole Martin scored the final touchdown within the last two minutes of the fourth quarter, students and the varsity team went crazy. Then, as the final seconds of the fourth quarter ticked away, students went wild, football players began to jump in excitement as they realized, after six long years, they have finally won battle of the bay. In the first few seconds of the first quarter, Harbor came out strong by scoring a touchdown and a field goal. You can hear the crowd quiet down and the whole atmosphere filled with worry. That didn’t stop the players though. In the second quarter, quarterback Luke Napolitano scored a one-yard touchdown to tie the game, until Harbor scored another touchdown. In the third quarter, varsity was starting to wear the opponent down. Junior Hugh Crance’s interception in the third quarter gave the Sea Kings great field positioning.

“We didn’t do anything differently, but we knew that we had to win this win.” — Gio Gentosi article by Amanda Penna photo by P.S.S. Imaging

With Crance’s three consecutive running plays, the ball was moved inside the 10, leading junior Bo St. Geme to score two eight-yard touchdowns, passed by Napolitano, within the last two minutes of the quarter. Sea Kings were now ahead 21-14. “You never like to see a team go right down the field and score, but I was confident that we would come back and win. Our guys never gave up, and I felt confident that over the course of the game we would wear them out,” said head coach Scott Meyer. The fourth quarter was varsity’s time to crush the Sailors. Junior Cole Martin scored two back-to-back 11 and 6 yard run touchdowns. Finishing the game with the final score of 34-14, CdM’s fans went nuts. Not only did varsity win, but also they dominated. In 2011, CdM lost to Harbor by 3 and last year varsity lost by only 1. With the past’s heartbreaking losses, this year they were ready to win. “It felt better than winning CIF. We didn’t do anything differently but we just knew that we had to win this win. Offesense did a great job running the ball and defense did a good job on 3rd down,” said senior Gio Gentosi. The entire offensive line was chosen as the offensive players of the game. The

players include seniors Quinn Bassler, Michael Pierotti, Gio Gentosi, Brett Olson, and junior Jack Pagliassotti. Defensively, three players including juniors Justin Hess, Hoyt Crance, and Brett Greenlee were selected as defensive players of the game. Also, junior Barrett Barbato was chosen as varsity’s special teams player of the game. “We have a very confident team, but yes, I would say winning Battle of the Bay has given us an extra boost for the rest of the season. That game was important, but we have a lot of games left to play so we need to refocus and keep doing what we are doing,” added Meyer. Varsity football has finally taken back the bell where it belongs. Now with the bell, what’s next for football? Hopefully the answer is a league win and a third CIF ring. Let’s go Sea Kings.

TRIDENT

October 2013

ENTERTAINMENT F

a l

Love W Fall ith

Seven Reasons to Embrace the Season

No1. Drinks

It’s a brisk fall day and as you quickly scutter into the closest Starbucks, you find yourself enveloped in the rich seasonal aromas special to fall and spy a fireplace burning in the corner. What can warm your bones on this chilly day? A Pumpkin Spice latte of course! With the perfect balance of sugar and spice, nothing screams fall like this classic autumn drink.

No2. Sweater Weather

As the weather cools off, the layers come on. There’s something satisfying about wrapping yourself up in your favorite oversized sweater, some boots, and a scarf. Comfortable and cute, it’s the best excuse for a lazy day, or in this case, months. Just imagine yourself walking through campus in your knitted sweater and hearing the crunch of the leaves beneath your worn-in boots. Ah, there’s nothing better.

o N 4. Costumes Every year children and teenagers get the

No5.Apple-Picking This fall, if you’re willing to do something a little traditional (and I mean Anne of Green Gables traditional), then try apple-picking. To get in the spirit of the holiday, grab some friends and family and head out to the closest apple orchard. There couldn’t be a better way to spend time with loved ones while making the most of the fall weather. If you’re up for the apple adventure of your life, check out Riley’s Apple Farm, in Oak Glen, California, open 10am – 5pm. Memories will be made, laughter will be heard, and most importantly apples will be picked.

opportunity to change faces, and I’m not talking about plastic surgery. Alas, this holiday brings an annual life decision we must all face. What costume are you going to wear to the countless Halloween parties? Costumes add to the fun of celebrating the only holiday that promotes receiving free candy from strangers. When ghosts, goblins, and ghouls take the streets, it fills this season with its trademarked child-like spirit.

No3.

Fall Leaves

What is the most obvious tell-tale sign of fall you ask? The answer to your burning question is, without a doubt, the leaves. Beautiful, bright, multi-colored leaves that make us question whether Picasso painted them himself. When we were kids, we all jumped in a pile of fallen leaves to hear that signature crunch sound. And if you say you didn’t, you’re lying. This fall, indulge your inner child and take a break from the back to school stress to go for a walk and enjoy the free and simple pleasure this season brings, the leaves.

No7. Haunted Attractions

No6. Pumpkin Patches

From corn mazes and hay rides to the literal carving of the pumpkin, the quickest way to submerge yourself in the essence of the autumn holiday is to visit a pumpkin patch. So pick your pumpkins, pet some alpacas, take a wagon ride, and get lost in a corn maze at Tanaka Farms in Irvine from 9am6pm to take up fall on all it has to offer.

When summer fades away, the monsters come out to play. For those who seek a little more than warm drinks and fuzzy clothes this time of year, there are two places where the adrenaline is always pumping and the screams are never ending: Knott’s Scary Farm and Queen Mary’s Dark Harbor (because who doesn’t want to be chased and harassed by terrifying monsters). Truly embracing the Halloween spirit, thrill seekers certainly get their fix when they visit these eerie establishments.

TRIDENT

October 2013

article & photos by Elyse Ford

ENTERTAINMENT

An All-Access Guide to...

halloween movies

s we near the end of 2013, the holidays start piling up. First there’s Halloween, then suddenly it’s Thanksgiving, and before you know it, it’s 2014. Finding a balance between schoolwork, extra curricular activities, and sports is hard as it is. But during the holiday season, it’s essential that we make time to become festive. So, in the rare occasion that high school gives you a few hours off, you should know exactly which Halloween movie will give you the chills or the giggles, as you see fit. If all else fails, you might even get a costume idea out of them! Happy Halloween!

The Addams Family

The Addams Family is a must see around Halloween time. Originating in 1991, this classic American comedy may be silly and sometimes downright juvenile, but it can do wonders in getting you in the mood for Halloween. Whether you used to watch this as a kid and want to take a trip down memory lane, or you have never seen it, this once-black-and-white TV show will get you in the mood for Halloween without a doubt. If you can’t get enough of the Addams’ after the first movie, the sequel, Addams Family Values was released in 1993. Disclaimer: the catchy theme song may or may not be stuck in your head until Christmas.

Halloween

It’s easy to write off this movie as a cliché and self-explanatory movie just based on the title, but depending on your horror-movie tolerance, it can actually be pretty creepy. Without all the blood and guts of some Halloween scary movies, Halloween utilizes its eerie setting to keep you on the edge of your seat throughout the movie. It’s about an escaped masked murderer that will doubtlessly leave your hair standing on end.

Halloweentown

This Disney Channel Original Movie is definitely targeted for kids much younger than high school students, but it’s a movie that many people on campus have grown up with. First aired in 1998, this movie is about a magical family. More importantly it’s about the new creepy events taking place in Halloweentown, which one of the daughters in the magical family wants to help her grandma solve. This movie will definitely not give you goose bumps, but it is guaranteed to spark fond memories of trick-or-treating and pumpkin carving!

article by Suhaa Dada photos from IMDb.com

Night of the Living Dead

Released in 1968, this black and white movie was one of the first movies to introduce the ‘living dead’ as zombies, the way they are known in our culture today. The movie is about seven characters that are trapped in a farmhouse in Pennsylvania, where the ‘living dead’ attack them. Night of the Living Dead is the first of five movies in this haunting series. The most recent one was released in 2009. This movie is recommended to anyone who has a very high level of scare tolerance.

Zombieland

If kids movies or horror movies aren’t your cup of tea, Zombieland might be the perfect movie to excite you. With popular, recognizable actors like Jesse Eisenberg and Emma Stone, this movie sets out to amuse and does just that. Although this 2009 released movie is not Halloween specific, the zombierelated theme will give you a few laughs as well as ready you for the holiday.

TRIDENT

October 2013

ENTERTAINMENT

City of Bones

A Spectacular Science Fiction Splendor

emon hunters, angels, werewolves, and vampires; who wouldn’t want to read a thrilling fantasy that incorporates these

mystical creatures? In the first book to The Mortal Instruments series, City of Bones, young teen and science fiction lovers alike will be anxious to read what happens next with every nail-biting cliffhanger each chapter contains. Ever since the action-packed bestseller was published in 2007, readers worldwide have been raving about the electrifying cast of characters that the brilliant author has written. So where is this captivating book’s setting? And more importantly, what’s it all about? This alluring plot occurs in the energetic bubble of modern day New York City, where main character Clary Fray (played by Lily Collins in the City of Bones film released late August this year) discovers a mystical world of people living clandestinely among her own. After teaming up with these mysterious people, also known as demon slaying Shadowhunters, she is quickly thrust into a secret society and learns that all of her life, she has been receiving an earful of lies from those who she loves the most. Not only that, but in the end, Clary must face the decision every struggling protagonist does; will she do the right thing and fight her enemies, or give in to

their persuasion and join them? So who exactly is the mastermind that came up with such riveting fictional suspense? Author Cassandra Clare, age 40, has loved reading from a young age. As a child, Clare spent most of her time tucked into her father’s backpack, hiking through the mountains and living in foreign countries. Although Clare’s constant travels kept her adolescent mind busy, she can’t remember a time that she didn’t have a book under her arm. Not once in her youth did Clare

imagine she would become a phenomenal inspiration for aspiring writers everywhere, let alone a fictional author herself. But that all changed when she thought up her first book of the six book series, City of Bones. According to the popular website, goodreads.com, City of Bones is rated a high ranking of 4.1 out of 5. So why is this sensational piece of work missing the rest of it’s full five star appraise? Although many wouldn’t hesitate to call this gripping novel the best fantasy fiction you can grab at the bookstore, others would beg to differ. They claim it’s full of overused ideas and contains a confusing storyline that is overwhelming to keep up with. “I love how this book involves action and how the main character finds out who they really are. It’s a 5 out of 5 in my opinion,” freshman Victoria Duehring said about the novel. However, having read the book myself, I believe every one of City of Bones 485 pages are packed with plenty of action that any imaginative student or adult can enjoy and appreciate.

CdM student Erika Anderson enjoys reading the fantasy of City of Bones.

TRIDENT

October 2013

article & photo by Victoria Hill

ENTERTAINMENT

The

Minimalist

Lifestyle

The Transformation of an Average American to Someone with Nothing

ould you live with only fifty-one possessions? To most Americans the thought of living out of a suitcase is a daunting one, and it is the exact opposite of the materialistic lives the population is expected to live. However, one man embraces a minimalistic lifestyle and claims that it is the greatest and most fulfilling way to live. Colin Wright, a 28 year-old author and entrepreneur that travels the world does just that. He didn’t always survive on only the bare minimum; he used to pursue the typical American dream of grandeur, working as his own boss and aiming for the biggest house, best car and best-looking girlfriend. After starting up multiple high-paying businesses, he decided to completely uproot his life and devote his time to traveling and writing. Senior Harrison Yale could not envision himself living the minimalist lifestyle and had this to say, “Honestly, I could not leave my things behind. I feel like growing up in such an affluent community made me use to material possessions. I could easily go without them if I was forced to, but I would prefer not to.” Wright altered his course in life because he felt that he focused too much on work

and would rather spend his time enjoying the activities that he loves. Instead of devoting his time to getting the money needed to pay off debts to expensive items that he couldn’t afford, he just ditched it all. He took a leap of faith, believing that he could take his entrepreneurial abilities with him on the road and continue a smaller version of his work while traveling and being completely mobile. ASB President Kris Beyrooty loved the idea of minimalism and said, “I only really need the bare essentials, I currently wish I didn’t have electronics or technology because they’re just a distraction from experiencing the world, so it would be easy to get rid of them. I wouldn’t need many clothes, just enough to get by and look presentable. I need some sort of transportation, either a bike or car to get around. So my 51 possessions would be a car or bike, clothes, and 49 hostess twinkies, because those are the bare essentials in life.” The reason the amount of items that Wright owns has diminished is because he believes in the idea of minimalism. Wright claims that “minimalism means removing from your life the stuff and relationships and activities that don’t add value so that you have more time, energy, and resources to spend on things, people, and activities that do.”

article by Kyle Rodewald photo by lovingsimpleloving.com (top) & exilelifestyle.com (bottom)

Top: Wright, a 28 year-old entrepreneur, embraces a minimalistic lifestyle. Bottom: Wright just ditched it all and hit the road, carrying only 51 possessions.

Wright said that he doesn’t ever regret giving up his possessions because it allows him to do exactly what he enjoys most, and that every day that he lives becomes the best day of his life. So the question remains, would you want to live with only 51 possessions?

TRIDENT

October 2013

Tesla Enough

Said

n Audi enters a gas station, and a Tesla Model S enters an electronic charging station. Approximately three minutes pass. Two Teslas have completed their battery pack swap, just as the the Audi fills its 20 gallon tank—for the same price. This is the reality that will convince even the most stubborn consumers that Tesla is the future of cars, hopes Elon Musk, CEO. But what makes Musk so sure his car is the one? The battery pack (available in three different options) is located underneath the car, making the Model S quite spacious, and allowing storage space in the front in addition to the usual trunk space. The car goes from 0-60 in 4.2 seconds, and gets the energy equivalent of 95 miles per gallon. The interior is streamlined in its design and has basically no buttons. Yes, you read that right—the control panel in the front is a 17-inch touchscreen, used for everything from opening the panoramic sunroof to getting directions. Tesla has implemented subtle features that help tie together its futuristic design; for example, while locked, the car’s door handles recede flush into the car, creating the illusion that it has no handles. The handles emerge only when the key (shaped as a miniature Tesla) approaches the car. According to a Tesla employee, the only concerns expressed by consumers so

far are the lack of “assist handles” and a clothes hanger in the car. Despite these complaints, Tesla’s Model S has received the highest rating ever given to a car—99/100—by the Motor Trend, and many CdM students think it’s not too difficult to see why. “I think it’s really cool that Tesla is becoming so popular. It’s good for our environment, it’s sleek, and just a good car all around,” said senior Katherine Webb. The million dollar question everyone’s wondering: what is Tesla’s secret to success? It may seem counterintuitive—they don’t outsource whenever possible. This way, they have immediate control over everything. Interestingly, they avoided using normal car batteries—instead, they formulated a new battery design, using lithium ion batteries (the ones found in laptops). The secret design is what keeps all the batteries working together yet isolated by a buffer zone, protecting the battery pack from combustion. The company had some difficulties this past decade—with bankrupcy concerns and delays, but Tesla seems to have gained its footing, and has been working hard to gain consumers’ trust. The company has been expanding its network of charging stations to eliminate concerns about recharging the cars. By 2014, Tesla aims to have coverage for 80% of the US. These stations have two options: a battery replacement pack (costing the equivalent of a tank of gas), or a free recharge, which takes around 20 minutes

for 200 miles of energy. Alternatively, owners can charge their cars overnight in a standard, at-home vehicle charger. Furthermore, Musk has even promised his wealth to assure the car’s value, creating a “Resale Value Guarantee”. In this policy, the company agrees to buy back any Tesla (36-39 mo. after purchase), guaranteeing “50% of the original base purchase price of the Model S plus 43% of the original purchase price for all of the options.” This was another policy implemented to gain consumers’ confidence, and some CdM students think it has worked. “I’ve never heard of a company that promises to buy back the car at a guaranteed value. It provides security to buying a car, and invalidates the saying that ‘You lose money the second you buy a new car,’” said junior Megan Reiden. Musk himself isn’t new to entrepreneurship; he founded SpaceX, a space transport company, co-founded PayPal, and is the chairman of SolarCity, the largest solar power system provider in the U.S. However, Tesla has been Musk’s recent main focus. Tesla has adopted the strategy of placing their stores in popular shopping malls, such as Fashion Island, so consumers will have more exposure to the cars. Musk once said, “Failure is an option here. If things are not failing, you are not innovating enough.” Perhaps this philopsophy is what led him to his success—we’ll just have to see if it lasts. Check out the Fashion Island store and see for yourself.

TRIDENT

October 2013

article & photo by Rafah Ali

SCI/TECH

Battle of Machines

Which Phone is Better?

any cell phones are out on the market right now, but in many peoples’ opinions the iPhone 5s and Galaxy S4 are the best options. These phones can do virtually anything you want them to, which is why most people share these views. The iPhone 5s is more simplistic, but does not have some of the amazing features that the S4 does. The Galaxy S4, has a feature called group play, where up to eight people can play games and share almost anything with each other. Touch free, is another feature, where you can hover your finger and hand over the phone while doing different motions to make the phone scroll, turn on, or other many exciting options. So, why would people choose the iPhone 5s or Galaxy S4 over one another? The iPhone 5s has the same basic layout since the 1st generation iPhone, it is extremely simple and seems to be enjoyed by many, even though it hasn’t changed in about six years. Freshman Ethan McGrath said, “I like the layout of the iPhone because it is convenient.” For some people, it has become pretty boring. But, the Galaxy S4 has changed all of that. With all of the freedom the S4 gives you, like different passcode options and active backgrounds, you might be thinking, what do I need all of those options

for? If simple and basic is for you, the iPhone 5s is the perfect choice, but if you like all the unique options and enjoy learning how to use a completely new phone, choose the Galaxy S4. It is important to think about what phone you already have. The iPhone 5s is an Apple product, meaning this phone will only connect easily with other Apple products. Because of this you would not be able to use a USB charger to charge your phone; which is a problem because most electronic devices, like the Galaxy S4, use it. Another drawback is that both phones have the option of purchasing music and apps on certain, but different, store applications. Apple products use iTunes, but the Galaxy S4 uses Google Play. Google Play and iTunes are basically the same. Everything about them is the same, like the amount you pay for music purchases and movie rentals. The only difference is the name and layout. The one main proprietary action on the Galaxy S4 is that you can only print wirelessly from the S4 to a Samsung printer. From the iPhone, if you download a certain app you could print anywhere. If you have a Samsung printer and no Apple products, the Galaxy S4 is for you. But if you have any other Apple products you should definitely consider the iPhone. In the end the Galaxy S4 and iPhone 5s are both top, high-end phones. Ten years ago, none of these features offered would have been possible. Think about the next ten.

While choosing phones, students often compare the two phones side-by-side. Hopefully they will make the right decision!

article & photos by Nick Snyder

TRIDENT

October 2013

GLOBAL

Crisis In

Syria

All Eyes Turn to See What Will Happen in the Middle Eastern Country

Damascus, Syria; 2013, A Free Syrian Army fighter waves in front of a burning building in Ain Tarma, a Damascuc neighborhood. Here, fighting has been constant during the Civila War.

,400 civilians were killed in Syria by siren gas on August 21, 2013. Ever since the horrific event, the crisis in Syria has not remained in its homeland, but has spread to several countries, including the United States The Syrian government, led by President Bashar al-Assad, has been warring with rebels for several years. During the course of the civil war, the Syrian government used sarin gas on it’s own people, killing over a thousand civilians, including about 400 children. Since this war crime, the United States has debated on the actions to take, if any, in Syria. The goal of the US is to stop chemical warfare and help the rebels create a stable Syria. During his campaign for the 2012 election, President Obama expressed what it would take for the United State to get involved in the Syrian conflict. “A red line for us,” the President stated while running for his second term, “is [if] we start seeing a bunch of chemical weapons being moved around or being utilized.” Sticking to his campaign promise, President Obama threatened to bomb Syria, but decided to leave the decision to Congress. This subject seems to be one that fuels Obama with passion, and he desperately tried to convince the American people that bombing the Syrian government was a good idea, and the best action to take. He made it clear that even if we do not bomb Syria, we must make their President and his government pay for their crime against humanity. “The use of chemical weapons anywhere in the world is an affront to human dignity, and a threat to the security of people everywhere,” President Obama said. The Syrian conflict and the opinions on how it should be dealt with have changed dramatically in only a couple of weeks. While Secretary of State John Kerry was presenting his case for why the United States must attack Syria, he was asked if there was anything President al-Assad and his government could do to avoid a bomb strike. “He could turn over every single bit of his chemical weapons to the international community in the next week” he said, and then added, “and allow a total accounting for that. But he isn’t going to do that, and it can’t

TRIDENT

October 2013

article by Elizabeth Greenberg

GLOBAL be done, obviously.” The US government believed that they had to explain further that the claim was even more ridiculous. The State department even claimed it was a rhetorical argument. Despite all this, Syria’s Foreign Minister, Walid al-Moualem, said in reply to Kerry’s false conditions that Syria “welcomes a proposal to put its chemical weapons under international control.” Before al-Moualem said this, he received a call from Syria’s ally, Russia, who told them to surrender their chemical weapons to international control, and destroy them before the US could strike. Then al-Moualem welcomed the proposal to surrender their chemical weapons. Before, Syria would not even admit that they had or had any knowledge about chemical weapons in their country. Finally confirming the world’s suspicions is a major step in this crisis, but Syria still has not set up a date or time frame for their cooperation. On September 14, Secretary of State John Kerry and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov agreed on the terms the Syrian government must abide by to avoid a bomb strike. In Geneva, Switzerland, Kerry said that Syria must submit a thorough list of its chemical weapons stockpile within one week, and in no later than November, international inspectors must be on the ground. “Providing this framework is fully implemented, it can end the threat these weapons pose not only to the Syrian people but also their neighbors,” Kerry stated on the third day of his meetings with Lavrov. Through all this progress, President Al-Assad still refuses to admit that his forces were responsible for the chemical weapons attack that killed 1,400 people in August. There is more to the Syrian Crisis than the US and Russia finding a way to punish the government. Other countries are actually helping the people in Syria. Germany is currently part of a humanitarian movement, offering shelter and sanctuary to Syrian refugees who travel from Damascus through Lebanon and Turkey. Iran, one of Assad’s supports, has taken a different approach to their ally’s crisis. They claim that it was the rebels who were responsible for the chemical attack outside of Damascus, while the United State and its allies say the opposite. Ali Larijani, Iran’s speaker of parliament said on Saturday: “We are hopeful that American politicians have some rationality so they avoid extremist behavior.” President Obama wants his actions toward Syria to be some sort of warning for Iran. He said that the Iranian nuclear threat was more important than the Syrian use of chemical weapons. Overall, Obama praised Kerry’s work with Russia and the agreement reached to seize and destroy Syria’s chemical weapons. He said that the US would not “get in the middle of somebody else’s civil war,” but he believes the removal of chemical weapons from Assad and his military will open a way for a stable Syria, or at least a less inhumane civil war. Dr. James Zogby, founder and president of the Arab American photos by The Dark Room (L),

Washington Post (R), & Blouin News (Back)

In Aleppo’s Sheikh Saeed neighborhood, Free Syrian Army fighteres carry their fellow soilder, who was wounded in battle on September 21.

Institute, spoke about Syria at the World Affairs Council on September 11. He has a doctorate in Islamic Studies and is a member of the US Commission on International Religious Freedom. At the Council, Dr. Zogby spoke of America’s relationship with Syria, and how our role in the Middle East is not the role we believe we have. What we should be doing is not what we are doing. Instead of taking actions blindly and based on promises that were never meant to be tested, he thinks we should “take a time out,” and “figure out a long term plan to better our understanding on the region.” “We still have political weight and economic power,” he stated. “Can we use this political weight and power to move countries into negotiations? Yes. But we haven’t tried hard enough.” Zogby’s overall message was that we should intervene, but not bomb. And so far, President Obama and Kerry have kept this an open option, and that this is a better option than bombing the Syrian government. President Bashar al-Assad and the Syrian government must pay for their crimes against humanity. 1,400 civilians were killed using chemical weapons, which are internationally illegal. This is the so-called “red line.” But there is no red line unless the entire world upholds its promise that the people who cross it are going to be accountable for their crimes, and will not be forgiven.

TRIDENT

October 2013

GLOBAL

Lavrov Putin Al-Assad snowden Intervention Obama Old Rivals Find Common Ground

he United States and Russia have had a complicated relationship over the years. After World War II we went through a proxy war in North Korea, raced frantically to the moon, and danced on the edge of nuclear annihilation. When the Soviet Union collapsed in 1991, things gradually mended. That is, of course, until recently when new developments brought our two countries back to butting heads. Edward Snowden’s asylum, Russia’s new anti-gay laws, and disagreements on the Syrian Civil War have intensely strained relations between the two superpowers. Edward Snowden is either ew political a traitor or a hero to the people of America, but White House has been developments the trying to capture and try him for leaking massive brought our amounts of government intelligence. However, the countries back to Obama Administration’s job was made nearly impossible butting heads when Snowden was granted a temporary asylum in Moscow by the Russian government. Obviously the White House was furious. Despite harsh words from the US,

Russia would not budge. President Obama responded to this lack of cooperation by canceling an upcoming economic summit between himself and Russian President, Vladimir Putin. This served to increase damage done to relations and rouse anger on both sides. Russia has not helped the situation by recently passing anti-gay legislature making public display of affection between same sex couples, demonstrations, and pride parades illegal. While Russia defends these new laws as being “for the protection of the children” President Obama has made it clear that he has little tolerance for this. Obama made an appearance on the Tonight Show and stated he has “no patience” for countries that treat gays and lesbians in a harmful or intimidating manner. The American people have also shown outrage over the new Russian legislature by dumping russian vodka into street gutters and boycotting various russian products. Russia is scheduled to host the 2014 Winter Olympics and concern over the laws’ effect on tourists has worsened Russian-US relations at the most inopportune time. The Syrian Civil War is one of the most complicated conflicts our nation has ever faced. Syrian President Bashar al-Assad wages civil war with the Free Syrian Army with both sides committing terrible atrocities throughout the struggle. The United States officially supports the rebels while Russia props up the Syrian

TRIDENT

October 2013

article by Connor Mickelson

GLOBAL

Russian President Putin and Obama share a terse handshake outside the G20 economic summit in St. Petersburg.

Regime. The US position is difficult, considering the extremist groups (including al-Qaeda and Hezbollah) that make up the rebel forces but ultimately, our country had to oppose the oppressive and violent regime. Russia argues that al-Assad’s regime must retain control. They insist that to topple Assad would destabilize the entire region and result in only more violence. We accuse them of supporting a ruthless dictator as they accuse us of supporting the chaos and uncertainty that follows the ousting of a regime. This is arguably the most contentious issue for Russia and the US, especially considering the familiarity of the situation. Memories of the Korean War are, no doubt, still fresh in everyone’s mind. The US has tried diplomacy, non-military intervention, and economic sanctions with little success. The Untied States has also tried multiple times to get the United Nations Security Council to intervene, and each time Russia has been a key member in blocking any action. Frustration mounted on both sides while tensions between the two nations rose dramatically. The conflict in Syria has seen new developments that have captured the world’s attention. The recent use of chemical weapons in the August 21 attack has galvanized our countries into action, with both parties attempting to avoid military involvement. Secretary of State John F. Kerry and his Russian

counterpart, Sergey Lavrov, have met to discuss possible solutions, one of which is the surrendering of all chemical weapons to the international community by Syria and its full cooperation with the international coalition. The opinions of the students of CdM are varied on these matters, but if anyone could speak on he recent use of them it is Patrick Ong, a Youth and Government chemical weapons Campus Rep. Ong said, “We have to keep in the ugust a stable relationship with Russia despite attack has our differences. The best way to solve these galvanized our international crises is through cooperation”. countries into While Russian and US relations have not been this poor since the action Cold War, international crisis has the two nations (albeit reluctantly) working together. In the latest development, Russia and the United States have put into motion a plan to locate and confiscate all Syrian chemical weapons with an International task force. The plan will hopefully bring peace and stability to all parties.

photo by Peter Souza

TRIDENT

October 2013

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