02.12.09

ARROW

THE

VOLUME XXXI, ISSUE 6

Westlake High School

100 N. LAKEVIEW CANYON ROAD, WESTLAKE VILLAGE, CA 91362

FEBRUARY 12, 2009

WHS Faces Budget Cuts

TEAM AWARDS

Teacher Layoffs May Follow Spending Freeze

Cuts in programs, a freeze on spending, even pink slips--all are words that strike fear in educators these days. At WHS each is a possibility because of the economic recession, according to a recent email sent out from Superintendent Mario Contini to District employees.

CVUSD has lost $5.5 million and will potentially face a total $9 million deficit. As a result, the schools need to cut down on programs.

“There is a 400 ADA (average daily attendance) shortfall due to a decline in enrollment at the elementary level,” said Principal Ron Lipari. Some of this shortfall is attributed to the recession as well.

According to Lipari, the District has closed two schools: Meadows Elementary and Universit. Meadows parents are trying to set up a charter school separate from the District which, if completed, will cause more shortages in money and students for the District.

Recently, surveys were sent out to all the schools in the CVUSD. These listed the programs at the school which are to be marked for priority. The research will be collected and sent to the Board of Education; they will decide which programs to drop based on the surveys.

The worldwide economic decline hurt California’s education spending. Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, according to the Free Republic newspaper, plans to cut $6 billion from public education in California.

Schwarzenegger proposed a plan to cut 10% of the state’s education budget last year according to CBS news.

“California ranks 47th in the nation in spending per student when accounting for region cost differences,” said San Leandro board member Stephen Cassidy, “spending $1,400 less than the national average.”

Schwarzenegger’s latest budget proposal gave California school districts the option of taking five days off from the 20092010 school year.

“We’re lacking in money so education is the last they should cut,” said Jonathan Yan ‘12. “The future is in our hands, the next generation, so if they cut days of instruction, the future will be worse.”

In an attempt to get “innovative” during the recession, Tom Faber of Rancho Bernando High School, San Diego, sells advertisements on his tests, according to CNN.

PHOTO BY ADAM RAUDONIS

DASHIELL YOUNG-SAVER STAFF WRITER

Second Place Team -Speech, Economics, Math, Language & Literature, Music, Science & Social Science, Super Quiz Third Place Team -Essay, Art Highest Overall Team -Conference Blue Second Highest Overall Team -Conference Red

CRAM SESSION: Members of the team gathered before Ventura County competition. The team placed 2nd.

AcaDeca Team Breaks the Spell TIFFANY LOH ASSISTANT COPY EDITOR BECKY SADWICK STAFF WRITER

Breaking the 3rd place curse, the WHS Academic Decathlon team came in 2nd, following 1st place winner and reigning National Champs Moorpark High School.

Team results, as well as individual awards, were announced at Pacifica High School in Oxnard on Mon. Feb. 9.

“I think we did really well,” said Advisor Joseph Nigro. “I’m very proud of all the growth and achievement that each individual has shown throughout the year.”

The last day of the county-

wide competition was held Feb. 7 also at Pacifica.

WHS also earned 2nd in the Super Quiz. The overall 2nd place award was the best so far for WHS and may be enough to qualify the team for the state competition.

“We had a major improvement from last year, which is really encouraging,” said AcaDeca President Lynne Qiu ‘09. “We were afraid that after our seniors from last year graduated our scores would drop, but they actually improved which is a good sign for the future,” Qiu added.

“Mr. Nigro is a source of inspiration for all of our team members. We’ve learned a lot,”

said Jessica Jia ‘10.

Individual team members earned multiple awards. Among the winners are the following: From the A Team—Kimberly Ha ‘10 (Bronze in Literature; Silver in Speech); Roy Hu ‘09 (Gold in Language and Literature; Bronze in Art); Tony Jin ‘10 (Highest Score overall; Silver in Math, Social Science; Bronze in Music); Jason Oberg ‘09 (Silver in Speech); Will Smith ‘09 (Bronze in Interview); Eric Schroer ‘10 (Gold in Interview; Bronze in Essay, Speech) From the B Team—Zheng Cao ‘09 (Silver in Language and Literature); Jesse Hu ‘10 (Silver in Math; Bronze in Interview); Austin Pincus ‘10 (Bronze in

Speech); Adam Raudonis ‘10 (Gold in Economics; Silver in Speech; Bronze in Language and Literature; Bronze in Math); Danaka Reaney ‘10 (Silver in Math; Bronze in Language and Literature, Social Studies, Economics, Music); Vivian Shi ‘10 (Highest Score on B team; Gold in Essay, Interview, Social Science; Silver in Art, Music, and Math); Goldie Shih ‘10 (Gold in Music, Language and Literature); Marin Spariosu ‘10 (Bronze in Art, Social Science).

Alternate Ariana Barton ‘10 cleaned up in her events, scoring Gold in Language and Literature, Art, Social Science, Music.

Karen Tsai ‘10 was awarded the Team Spirit Award.

for the show, which Conti predicts will run about two hours long. These weeks will consist of after school rehearsals. They rehearse lines, parts, and the various songs and dances.

Conti looks at the practices as a “full academic schedule” with two to three hour practices.

They rehearse six days a week with two days on dancing, two days on singing and two days on scene work.

“I’m excited; it’s fun,” said Babb about her role as Sandy.

She feels that her biggest obstacle is going to be learning the dances. Prior to Grease, Babb has performed in other theaters and has had various commercial and other TV work.

In preparing for his role as Kenickie, Green said that the hardest part about the role will be memorizing his lines and dances.

One thing he really enjoys about the play is all of the people that are in it that he gets to rehearse with everyday. “I enjoy my role as Kenickie,” said Green.

There are also two students, Shea Taylor and Brent Ramirez, from Moorpark College who are currently working with the students and Conti.

Taylor is the choreographer and Ramirez is the vocal instructor. Both want to pursue musical theater as a professional career and are working regularly with the students.

Alan Grant, the auto shop

teacher is building the Greased Lightning car for the play.

The Drama Department and various parents are responsible for finding and providing the costumes, many of which may come from thrift stores such as the Salvation Army. In addition, the parents also will make some by hand.

“I think this is a really great opportunity for students to push themselves” said Conti.

She hopes that this musical will draw a lot of audience support and support from the community as a result of all of their hard work.

The show premieres on March 26-28 and will run until April 2-4.

Drama Dept. Announces Cast for Grease SOFIA TALARICO NEWS EDITOR

The WHS theater will be transformed into Rydell High as the cast and stage crew of one of the all-time favorite musicals, Grease, begins rehearsals.

The 25-member cast includes a combination of drama and choir enthusiasts. Freshmen Michael Mancuso and Lilli Babb will play the leads Danny Zuko and Sandy Olsson. Elise Loprieno ‘10 will star as Betty Rizo, and Lane Green ‘10 as Kenickie.

“Musicals are very hard work,” said Catherine Conti, drama teacher and director. They have given themselves about eight weeks in order to prepare

IN THIS

ISSUE

NEWS..................................1-2 OPINION..............................3-5 FEATURE.............................6-7 CENTER..............................8-9 FEATURE..............................10 ENTERTAINMENT............11-13 SPORTS...........................14-15 FASHION...............................16

Junior Casey Levitt (right) shares the thrill of attending President Obama’s inauguration. See PAGE 4

Devyn Grenner and Hayden Shockley find warmth in a Winter Garden.

See PAGE 16

2

NEWS

February 12, 2009• THE ARROW

Scientists Prepare for Olympiad

IN BRIEF WIT Academy Recruits New Applicants

TIFFANY LOH ASSISTANT COPY EDITOR

Sadwick Chosen as Girls State Representative

PHOTO BY STELLA FANG

Becky Sadwick, ‘10 has been selected as the Girls State representative from W H S .

N o m i nated by American History teacher Matthew Baldwin, she will be spending a week this summer at Claremont College creating a mock government to further her interest in politics.

“I was really surprised to be nominated and so honored to be chosen,” she said.

Sadwick was chosen because of her future ambitions to go into the Coast Guard and be a Senator. “It is great because my dad went to Boys State, and now I am going to Girls State 30 years later,” she said.

Rotary Club to Hold Contest

WHS to Honor Maki with Memorial WHS will honor Mike Maki with a memorial. The committee is expected to begin the project in March and hopes to complete it by the end of the school year.

The time frame depends on when this idea is presented to leadership and when they receive approval for the funding of the memorial. After the approval, the staff will create a design, get the materials, and begin to build the memorial.

Band Selected to Perform at Fresno Conference WHS Wind Ensemble will perform at the California Band Directors Association Conference in Fresno on Feb. 20. They were invited to perform after sending in a recording last year and were chosen as one of the top high school ensembles in California. A preview concert will be on Feb. 17 in the WHS theater at 7:00 p.m.

UC San Diego Offers Summer Academic Program UC San Diego is providing a 3-week course in various fields. This academic program is directed toward students in grades 10-12 with at least a 3.3 cumulative GPA. The fees are $3,450 for boarding students, and $2,550 for commuters.

MEASURING THEIR KNOWLEDGE: Vivian Shi and Jennifer Fang conduct experiments for the Science Olympiad.

we perform numerous tests. We then use these tests along with other evidence to solve the crime.”

This year, Fang stated that the goal is to bring in a trophy from regionals and to progress as far as possible in the state competition.

“Last year, we placed 7th in regionals and went to state,” she said. “We want more people to get medals and to go to state again this year.”

In addition, there are many new

events this year such as Egg-O-Naut, Elevated Bridge, Fossils, and Junkyard Challenge, and the team hopes to research and study them in great detail.

“Science Olympiad is a great opportunity for students to explore science in greater depth,” said Shi. “It’s a very good learning experience for people who really like these subjects.”

Biology teacher and Club Advisor Phil Patenaude will accompany the team to the competition.

ACA and Studio Jazz Ensemble Team up “At the Hop” “It felt so special that the group took the time to practice and perform something that I had worked so hard on,” said Simon.

WHS’s top choir group and jazz “My favorite part of the show band, “A Class Act,” and “The Studio was when the ACA girls sang ‘Be My Jazz I Ensemble” teamed up for their Baby’ to a few of the jazz band guys, annual show Jan. 29th through 31st including my friend Fabrice Paccoret in the WHS theater. This year’s pro’11,” said spectator Kevin Siazon ’10. duction, “At the Hop,” featured clas“It was so much fun to watch his face sic songs such as “Little Shop of Horin embarrassment.” rors,” “Freeze Frame,” and “Do You During “Freeze Frame,” the perLove Me?” formers took on the literal meaning “This is the only show like this in of the song by suddenly stopping all the whole United States,” said Chomovement, and Mr. Rose, Mr. Peter, ral Music Department Director Alan and Assistant Band Director Mike Rose; “It’s a special thing—a lot of Gangemi took the stage. work, but it’s well worth it.”

Asia Ray ’10 commented, “In my Band Director Brian Peter addopinion, the high point of the show ed, “It was a great performance. was when the program directors shot When this group turned me into a FROZEN IN TIME: Max Miletich, David Soloway, and silly string at their students during regular audience member, I knew the Erik Tallen sing at their performance “At the Hop.” the giant pause in ‘Freeze Frame.’” show was going really well.”

Audience member Frank Sefton ACA member Max Miletich ’09 explained, “We worked really well togeth- two Studio Jazz members; alto saxophon- ’12 remarked, “The show was fantastic. er. It took a lot of hours to prepare, but the ist Michael Pelleg ’09 arranged “Delta The work of the ‘Studio Jazz Ensemble’ City Blues,” and trumpet player Brina Si- and ACA has produced something pheoutcome was really worth it.” nomenal.”

The show also featured the works of mon ’11 wrote “Chrysalis.”

JARED ERMAN STAFF WRITER

PHOTO BY ALAN ROSE

The Rotary Club of Westlake Village is holding an essay contest. The topic is the “4-Way test of things we think, say or do.”

Writers from grades 9–12 can submit work, and essays must be at least 250 words. All work must submitted by Thursday, Feb. 19. First place will receive $175.

WHS will send a team composed of 15 students to the Science Olympiad which will be held on Feb. 28 at Cal State University Los Angeles.

Competing against approximately 32 Los Angeles County schools, this team will be the only representative from Ventura County.

Although most members this year are newcomers, their persistence in studying and practicing—in addition to the experience of returning members such as Jennifer Fang ‘09, Wesley Wong ‘09, Tony Jin ‘10, Vivian Shi ‘10, and Karen Tsai ‘10—is a strong factor in the team’s hope of success.

Each student is assigned to two or three events for the competition, and members who are in the same group meet several times a week during lunch or after school to study and practice their subjects in-depth.

With a concentration in science only, the topics are extremely detailed and “cover a variety of subjects and how you can apply them in the real world,” said Fang.

For example, members participate in events ranging from Building, Astronomy, and Robotics to Chemistry Lab, Cell Biology, Forensics, and Herpetology.

Shi, who is in Forensics, said, “We are given a scenario and possible suspects, and

PHOTO BY TIFFANY LOH

The Westlake Information Technology Academy will hold an informational meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 24 from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. in the library. Students who are interested in applying for the 2009-2010 school year can talk with current students and staff. Applications are available for all current 9th and 10th graders online or in the counseling office. Returning WIT students do not need to reapply. The application includes an interview in March after which applicants will be notified about their position in the program.

OPINION

February 12, 2009 • THE ARROW

ROBERT’S REALITY: Knowledge vs. Nonsense or Knowledge vs. Wisdom ROBERT DILLON STAFF WRITER

Internet: A Generation’s New Addiction TIFFANY LOH ASSISTANT COPY EDITOR

A student sits in front of the computer, hunched over the keyboard in a relentless effort to type as fast as he can. It is already 1:00 a.m., and stacks of undone homework surround the desk.

However, seemingly transfixed by the enticing glow of the screen, he shows no sign of stopping his online conversation, and the minutes slowly but surely tick away.

This situation is repeated thousands of times across the nation in the homes of teenagers who are all afflicted with the same ailment— Internet addiction.

“We know of serious cases in which teenagers don’t leave the house, don’t have interpersonal relationships, and have been isolated in front of their computer screen for the past two or three years,” said Louise Nadeau, a professor at the University of Montreal.

“They only speak in the lan- UNHEALTHY OBSESSION: As the internet becomes more essential in daily life, teenagers are spending incresguage of the characters they ingly damaging amounts of time “escaping reality.” play with in network video games.” creasingly attached to their computers, so serious it should be officially recognized Admittedly, this description may be a spending hours each day uploading pic- [as one].” bit extreme, and one can argue that the in- tures and chatting on Gmail or Facebook.

So with the looming threat of a genternet has played a crucial role in the adAccording to the Science Daily, 60% of eration that is dominated by the maligvancement of human society. Today, news teenagers spend an average of 20 hours per nant presence of the Internet, many have can be broadcasted in an instant, shopping week on the computer, 1/3 spend 40 hours, arrived at the same troubling question: is more convenient, and billions of pieces and 7% spend more than 50 hours. what makes the Internet so attractive to of information are only one click away.

In addition, the Pew Internet and teenagers?

Undoubtedly, this marvelous inven- American Life Project found that the numSome speculate that its promise of a tion has brought us to a new era of tech- bers for teenage online users have been temporary escape from reality, however nological innovation; it is an indispensable steadily increasing from the 42% in 2000 short, is the main appeal for students. Othasset of human culture. who used the Internet on a daily basis to ers who are skeptical about the existence However, as with many other ad- the current 51%. of an Internet addiction disorder claim that vancements in history, the advantages of With such frightening statistics, “in a although online usage may be excessive, an overall beneficial product are also ac- few years we’ll have couples in therapy be- the computer is simply a way to spend companied by its hindrances and detri- cause the Internet will have become their their time, much like playing sports or ments. main occupation,” said Nadeau. reading books.

As technology develops at a blindAs if this was not enough, some docRegardless of the many views coning speed, so do the innumerable options tors and researchers have now begun to cerning this issue, one thing is clear: the and opportunities available to teenagers term this behavior as the Internet Addic- rising use of the Internet is undoubtedly through the computer. tion Disorder. increasing its chance of becoming a detriHowever, the once-revered wonder of Although this term has not been of- ment for society. What was once originalthe internet may now be more of a nega- ficially adopted as a clinical disorder, The ly deemed as a gift and convenience may tive influence for these high school stu- Daily Telegraph stated that “obsessive Inter- have the potential to become a negative dents than a benefit as they become in- net use is a public health problem, which is influence.

CARTOON BY ASHLEY CHANG

Knowledge. Today it is at our fingertips. We have virtually unlimited access to information through the internet, television and other media.

Wikipedia has over 12,000,000 articles in hundreds of languages. Innumerable facts are readily available about the world around us, from microscopic germs to galaxies beyond our own.

But is such an expansive scope of knowledge a good thing? One should remember that Adam and Eve were expelled from Eden for tasting the forbidden fruit from the Tree of Knowledge. Many would say that the quest for knowledge is a noble one and anyone in opposition is backward and overly conservative. But why does the researched information we have access to today often inform us of nothing more than our own impending demise?

A quick perusal of the web or news headlines will reveal thousands of studies linking foods, hobbies, and aspects of our lives to heart disease, cancer, and death. For example recent articles on CNN.com ask “do fat cells last forever?” and “does lip gloss increase the risk of skin cancer?”

In-depth examination of will reveal scientific models predicting the future with shocking results. Regarding global warming, scientists have already determined that temperature increases in the near future are now imminent and could have disastrous effects.

And in the distant future, experts already know that the Sun will eventually explode and destroy the Earth in a fiery blaze a few billion years from now. But is all this worth knowing?

The vast quantity of frightening information leads people to agonize about decisions over which they have no control. Knowledge, in this form, is not beneficial and fosters a culture of hypochondria.

Such knowledge of doom and gloom is impossible to ignore. So is ignorance the answer? One could walk through life, blissfully unaware of the millions of constant threats to our health and our planet, until it all came to an abrupt end.

Appealing as such an existence may sound, a lack of knowledge is still perilous and impractical. Ignorance is the tool of totalitarians, and ignorance about many of the problems we face today will only let them grow until they are impossible to ignore.

Then our downfall is not too much knowledge but not enough. What keeps us in a state of apprehension is our lack of total awareness. In regards to numerous health threats, we fail to realize that there is nothing that cannot kill us. We don’t have the ability to know the ever-present danger in life and accept it.

We need to have the intelligence to take all of our knowledge with a grain of salt. And with claims regarding the possible destruction of Earth, we need the knowledge to accept that all things come to an end.

We need to change the nature in which this knowledge about current issues like global warming is presented.

Instead of an endless barrage of sensational worst-case scenarios we need the knowledge of what needs to be done.

What we need now is to know how to apply our knowledge and solve the problems we are already aware of. The quest of scientists and others should not be for infinitely more knowledge.

We should instead seek knowledge of a different name. And that name is wisdom.

3

Technology Provides More Cheating Resources CONRAD WILTON STAFF WRITER

The World Wide Web is an infinite source of information that can enhance the well-being of all ages; however, like many seemingly advantageous forces, the internet possesses a dark, ominous face.

There is no sheriff in this modern Wild West and although virtual, the consequences of internet abuse are real and potentially dangerous.

The internet has become an excellent tool for cheating. The Christian Science Monitor states, “Since the internet became readily accessible to students in the 1990s, it has become in some ways the educator’s worst enemy.” From texting to shrinking entire novels onto two-inch screens, the art of cheating has expanded incredibly.

Rutgers University claims 95% of all high school students said they had cheated in some fashion.

“An entire industry has sprung up to provide free homework or—at a price— papers purported to be custom-made,” stated the Christian Science Monitor.

According to the American Physiological Association, the loose definition of plagiarism “allows students wiggle room” and makes it difficult to indict a cheater when the grounds, which the suspect is said to have violated, are

subjective and non-concrete.

Teachers have been forced to adapt and update their strategies for catching dishonest pupils.

One of the most popular methods, Turnitin.com, searches the internet and millions of popular

“An entire industry has sprung up to provide free homework or—at a price— papers purported to be custom-made.”

The Christian Science Monitor publications to declare a match of eight or more identical words in the same order.

According to the WHS librarian Julie Speerstra, the number of plagiarists at WHS has decreased significantly since the program’s implementation in 2006.

Currently, 16 WHS teachers, the vast majority being English instructors, use Turnitin.com to assess the originality of their students’ work.

Teachers have developed more subtle techniques as well. In-class compositions allow the teacher to gain a feel of what

his or her students are capable of. So if a plagiarist turns in a professional paper when the teacher knows that the student is incapable of such work, the cheater can be exposed.

Despite well-grounded suspicion, a plagiarist cannot be prosecuted unless directly caught. Damian Da Costa, an English professor at Brooklyn College, claimed, “It’s a problem when you can’t really point to what students plagiarized from when you know that they did plagiarize, in which case you’re kind of in a bind.”

In addition to plagiarism, the internet’s vast resources invite students to travel to sites considered “inappropriate” at school. According to Computer Tech Support Dave Tyler, the district equipped WHS with a “proxy,” which prevents surfers from accessing blocked sites via keywords and phrases.

However, because new websites are created rapidly, banning every single “inappropriate” site would be fruitless.

The University of New England claims around 52% of all high school students admit to some form of plagiarism.

Furthermore, 51% of students do not see cheating in general as wrong, according to U.S. News and World Report. Academic dishonesty is rampant in education and not likely to disappear.

4

OPINION

February 12, 2009• THE ARROW

On the Brink of Change Inauguration in the Eyes of WHS

In the Executive Office:

From the Stimulus Bill of nearly $900 billion to the withdrawal in Iraq, Obama tries to fulfill promises. in one of the finest prison systems in the world.”

The Huffington Post argued When Barack Obama that the detainees should be claimed his title as the new set free, for they would enjoy president on Jan 20., he outlined “constitutional rights and open the “task before us” in his trials,” but admitted that trying address: “Our nation is at war. the detainees would be difficult.

Our economy is badly weakened.

According to the New Homes have been lost; jobs shed; York Post, Obama made businesses shuttered. Our health history by becoming the first care is too costly; our schools fail American president to meet too many…” with a Holocaust nonbeliever.

English teacher, Margaret The President recently held Schlehner is “excited about the discussions with Ahmadinejad at change” on the country’s a meeting which the New York horizon and feels that “even humorously depicted as “He is a great orator Post if Obama does harm, I am the “Surrender Summit!” confident that he will adjust and his rhetoric is full The Iraq War may be the situation.” coming to an end, for the Schlehner has used of parallel structure and president ordered a phased, excerpts from Obama’s unconditional withdrawal figurative language.” speeches for essay prompts of combat forces, beginning and class discussions. “not in six months or one “He is a great orator Margaret Schlehner year—now,” said Obama. and his rhetoric is full Obama stated that the of parallel structure and best way to ensure stability figurative language,” said don’t think it’s going to work.” in Iraq is to launch “an aggressive Schlehner. Her AP classes have Obama plans to “transform diplomatic effort” and be as spent time contrasting Sarah our schools, colleges, and “careful getting out of Iraq as we Palin’s “colloquial orations” with universities to meet the demands were careless getting in.”

Obama’s speeches. of a new age,” and appointed In response to the potential Obama’s administration Arne Duncan as the Secretary retreat, The Washington Post has positioned the economy of Education. The New York reported “stunned disbelief” paramount. According to Fox Times reported that Duncan “has among the troops.

A highNews, Congress is currently seven years experience as chief ranking officer observed, “The working on a “mammoth executive of the Chicago public surest way to break the morale stimulus bill” costing nearly $900 schools, where he has earned a of the military is to undo its billion. Obama plans to use the solid reputation.” achievements and humiliate it on money for numerous concerns As fiscal and educational the verge of success.” including renewable energy, debates ensued, President Obama The President continues to education, and health care made a critical choice to mandate work on cleaning up the country innovations. the closing of Guantanamo Bay. and has used this early time “The biggest priority,” stated WorldNet Daily called President in his tenure to set numerous Obama spokesman Robert Gibbs, Obama’s decision a granting of measures geared towards “is getting this economy back “get out of Gitmo free cards for creating potentially large changes on track.” According to the New hundreds of prisoners being held in America.

CONRAD WILTON STAFF WRITER

COURTESY PHOTO

“I was very excited because this was a day I knew I would never forget, and someday I would tell my grandchildren that I was there in person.”

Casey Levitt ‘10 Swearing-In Ceremony

COURTESY PHOTO

“I was proud that our country had finally lived up to our creed of equality.”

COURTESY PHOTO

“I knew I had to see our President take the oath and decree to the world that America has changed. The day was the beginning of a generation.”

Sonia Barrad ‘11 Swearing-In Ceremony

The Obama Craze Gone Crazy?

ALEXANDRA BISTON STAFF WRITER

Marshall Schurtz ‘09 Inaugural Opening Concert

York Times, in order for the bill to pass, the Democrats will need the support of two Republicans in the Senate to tally up 60 votes, thus eliminating the Republican power to filibuster.

Conservatives, however, see the legislation as wasteful spending in an economic crisis.

Republican House Minority Leader John A. Boehner claimed, “Right now, given the concerns we have over the size and spending of this package, we

Less than 200 hundred years ago, African-American citizens were treated unacceptably and were enslaved. On Jan. 20, America celebrated Barack Obama’s inauguration as the nation’s 44th president, making him the first African-American president in history. America has truly evolved.

On this day, Obama became the most powerful man in the nation, if not the entire world. In fact, his inauguration hit a record-breaking cost of $150 million, the most expensive inauguration in history.

In addition, there has been more mass merchandise or “Obamabilia” sold than for any other president in history. Such goods include Obama coins, plaques, plates, magazines, newspapers, books, posters, jewelry, dolls, and even underwear.

The New York Times has estimated that during the election month, over $200 million worth of Obama

merchandise was sold.

Are people going overboard?

“At times it can get excessive, but most of it is justified because he has great ideas on the economy and foreign policy,” said Richard Nebens ‘09, “I’m sure he will get us in a better place. He is a symbol of hope.”

It is ludicrous to think while the United States is in the biggest recession since the Great Depression, people are spending hundreds of millions of dollars on “Obamabilia.”

Various celebrities have even participated in this hype.

A few who have contribuited in various ways are Oprah, Jennifer Aniston, Robert De Niro, Chris Rock, and Samuel L. Jackson.

Oprah, for example, donated a very large amount of money to Obama’s campaign and endorsed him many times on her prime time talk show, while refusing to have Governor Sarah Palin as a guest—until after the election.

“She promotes his popularity because she is famous herself,” said Nebens. It appears that Hollywood has propelled Obama to “Polebrity” (Politiciancelebrity) status.

For the most part, the mass

media, including television, music, movies, Internet sites, newspapers, and magazines have all helped to promote this Obama craze. They have all supported Obama and helped to launch him into superstardom. In fact, he is so adored that he has millions of pages of friends on major communication websites such as Myspace, Facebook, Twitter, and Flikr.

Recently, an article in the Los Angeles Times was written about an internet comedian, Andy Borowitz, who wrote satirical things about President Obama on his website. He received hate mail.

“I was making fun of him so gently,” said Borowitz in an interview in New York, “but I got a few dozen people saying, ’the president has so much on his plate. We all have to support him.’ “ Is America giving Obama the “god-like” status before he has earned it? It is patriotic to support our president, but since the election, Obama has promised “change” and we have yet to witness it.

OPINION

February 12, 2009 • THE ARROW

We Regret To Inform You...

The Tables Turned

JESSICA KANE COPY EDITOR

Dear Admissions Committee, After carefully reviewing your website, listening to your representatives, and finally visiting your campus, I regret to inform you that I am unable to accept your offer in the 2013 entering class.

I made every effort to examine all the benefits of your university, but singling out a few schools to apply to (12) out of the many in the country (3858) made my junior year one of the most difficult yet. However, I found that your school did not contain the “wow” factor of the other top universities that I considered. Though your requirements of an average SAT score of a 2390 and GPA of 5.7 were impressive, it still seemed you lacked the quality of being “well-rounded.”

Your hundreds of clubs and courses, Greek life, hospitality, prestigious academia, ranking 10th in The Princeton Review and Forbes, outstanding study abroad programs, and scholarship opportunities were all a temptation, but after much consideration, cuts had to be made.

Please do not consider this action a reflection on your academics but rather an indication of the overwhelmingly large pool of schools to choose from and my inability to research every one thoroughly.

Elimination under my system in no way means that you are not qualified to educate other fine young men and women; it merely reflects the high caliber of colleges and universities competing for my acceptance.

I wish your class of 2013 success, and I know you will be missing out with one of your most qualified possible candidates not attending. I look forward to spending the $200,000 of tuition in a more suitable and desirable institution.

Sincerely, Former Possible Candidate of this University

5

UC Admission Less Likely for CA Students the money that is lost by accepting more out of state students, and Unfortunately, your the extra money for spot at UCLA, UC the school that comes Berkeley, UCSB, or along with them. “I do any of the other highly not believe it ever to prestigious UC schools be right to allow any is already taken, by factor in acceptance someone who doesn’t to college to be merely even live in California. fiscal,” said Kimberly The economy is Bielak ‘09. “Changes continuing to decline like this reflect how as fast as acceptance bad our economy is rates are, so in order becoming, and it is sad to help students that education is one outside of their home of the first things to be state, UC officials are compromised.” proposing to increase According to the their acceptance of outLos Angeles Times, of-state students.

UC regent Judith So, all California Hopkinson said that seniors who are adding out-of-state continuing to stress students to a college’s about whether or not DENIED: UC schools may increase their population will allow they are going to get acceptance rates of out-of-state students more social benefits into school, and even to receive more funds. that “are provided by if they do how they a more geographically are going to afford it, diverse student body.” keep stressing. But for all the out-of-state With the passage of this plan, the Los students who are capable and willing Angeles Times reported that UC schools to pay an extra $20,000 per year for the will reject 2,300 or about 6% of incoming same education, rest assured that your California freshmen “as a response application is considered accepted. to reduced state funding during the While schools continue to receive worsening budget crisis.” budget cuts, the UC’s will make up for “Money is not a factor most students can control,” added Bielak, “Acceptance should be based on achievement, not the prospect of financial gain. As a public school system, the UC’s have a responsibility to give everyone an equal opportunity.”

NIKKI FAY OPINION EDITOR

Law Finally Bans Texting While Driving KATELYN SMITH FEATURE EDITOR

On Jan. 1 the government passed the most sensible law to be enacted in years.

According to this new law, drivers are no longer allowed to text while driving.

The no “talking on a cell phone while driving” law put into place July 2008 enraged many of the Bluetooth addicted drivers.

However, this new law seems to be taken more lightly because drivers have no reason to argue against an obvious error of judgment on their part.

Many drivers also cannot argue that they have been guilty of taking the risk of texting and driving before.

It is obvious to anyone with a license that driving requires two hands and two eyes. If drivers are busy texting, they cannot steer and see the road, thus they

become a hazard not only to themselves, but also threat to others on the road as well.

This law seems to be enacted for the younger generation, more specifically high schoolers, who, at many instances, cannot wait for a few minutes after to get to their destination before checking and replying to their text messages.

If this law is strictly enforced and followed, it will help stop many frivolous accidents that happen when someone lets go of the wheel.

Many have questions about what the extent of “no texting” means. The law states that texting is illegal “anytime you are in control of your vehicle.”

Texting includes sending, receiving, and composing, which is causing a small controversy among WHS students. Many feel that if they are stopped at a red light or in heavy traffic they should be allowed to,

at the very least, read a text message they have received.

It is imperative, however, that students realize that texting while driving is not only dangerous, but is an offense that will lead to a fine of $20 at first that will only rise with the number of times the person is caught. Aside from the fines, there are additional costs of courts and program fees.

This sensible law was passed solely to enforce the fact that a driver taking his or her hands off the wheel, a danger itself, and attention away from the road can only lead to dangerous and possibly fatal accidents.

If it is absolutely vital that drivers text while on the road, they can simply pull into a parking spot or on to the side of the road and wear out the T9 function on their cell phones. What is next, a law that says do not close your eyes while driving?

New Law Provides Security for Journalism Advisors KATELYN SMITH STAFF WRITER

A law signed in September 2008

by Governor Arnold Schwarzenneger protects California high school and college journalism advisors from being fired for works printed by students that higher school authorities deem inappropriate. ”This new law is necessary because, given advanced technology, teachers could be unaware of the product being sent through the web, and in a rare situation students could possibly take advantage of their advisor,” said Journalism Advisor Caron Battaglia. The primary reason that this new law was passed is to protect advisors in just this kind of a situation.

Although many advisors would never question the honesty of their students, it is possible that journalism students can send questionable material to be printed without the knowledge of the newspaper’s advisor.

The bill was introduced by Senator Leland Yee, who has been a leading supporter of First Amendment Rights, especially for journalism students. This law was enacted Jan. 1, and is a blessing for many advisors who, before this law passed, were very worrisome of getting fired for an article that the administrators disagreed with.

“It is quite disheartening to hear, that after we specifically prohibited prior restraint by administrators, that some are engaging in this type of nefarious activity and even firing quality teachers because of content in the student newspaper,” Yee said.

Despite this law, the Supreme Court decision of Hazelwood School District vs.

Kuhlmeir is still standing. This decision states that students’ First Amendment rights are not valid on school newspapers because they are not public forums and therefore can be censured by school administrators. This new law simply

assures advisors their safety in their teaching positions no matter what those students involved in the newspaper decide to publish.

Although this law is in place, advisors are still expected to continue providing guidance to their students’ ideas. It is the expectation of their position, and their main duty, to lead their journalism students to write acceptable and relevant stories.

“Some journalism teachers throughout the state have received harsh discipline for printing stories that their administrators found offensive against their personal beliefs, a punishment that other teachers are not subjected to, said Battaglia.”

Whether principals or the school administration were right or wrong in past decisions to fire advisors, this law will ensure that these teachers have more security. ”Although I will be more secure in my position, I am still accountable for the content of the paper,” Battaglia added.

THE WESTLAKE HIGH SCHOOL

ARROW

100 N. Lakeview Canyon Road Westlake Village, CA 91362 (805) 497-6711 ext. 4225 westlakearrow@yahoo.com EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Jimmy Moore MANAGING EDITOR Soumya Karlamangla COPY EDITORS Jessica Kane, Carina Wolff ASSISTANT COPY EDITOR Tiffany Loh NEWS EDITORS Kayli Miletich, Sofia Talarico OPINION EDITORS Nikki Fay, Justin Edwards, Iris Yan FEATURE EDITORS Max Avruch, Dena Gallucci, Natalya Sivashov ENTERTAINMENT EDITORS Lisa Battaglia, Kelley Biggs, Wayne Huang SPORTS EDITOR Kylie Blaber CARTOONISTS Ashley Chang, Kabir Nagarkatti ADVERTISING MANAGER Rachel Bernstein ADVISOR Caron Battaglia STAFF WRITERS Alexandra Biston, Robert Dillon, Jacob Cavanah, Ben Conlin, Jared Erman, Stella Fang, Annie Gerlach, Allison Montroy, Travis Rice, Becky Sadwick, Tori Scoville, Katelyn Smith, Sam Wexler, Conrad Wilton, Dashiell Young-Saver

The Arrow is written, designed and run by the students of the Advanced Journalism and Journalism 1CP classes at Westlake High School and is published monthly. The opinions expressed in this publication are those of the writers and do not necessarily represent those of the Conejo Valley Unified School District, Westlake High School administration, faculty, or student body.

We welcome feedback. Letters must be signed by the writer, though names can be withheld by request in the publication. Please send submissions to Mrs. Battaglia’s box in the main office or to Room 42E. For The Arrow online, visit www.whswarriors.com and click on Arrow under the Activites menu.

6

FEATURE

February 12, 2009 • THE ARROW

Mock Trial To Deliberate Arson Case Team Prepares for County Competition

The 2009 Mock Trial Team: Coaches:

Christina Harrison Julia Snyder

Prosecution Attorneys: Nik Crain ‘10 Jenny DaRin ‘09 James Garafolo ‘09

Defense Attorneys: Abhi Jairam ‘10 Joyce Shi ‘11 Kevin Weiss ‘10

Witnesses:

Max Avruch ‘11 Lisa Battaglia ‘12 Kevin Commons ‘10 Drew Edell ‘10 Hannah Englander ‘10 Hannah Gray ‘11 Lauren Greg ‘11 Juan Uribe ‘09 PHOTO BY MAX AVRUCH

PRACTICE MAKES PROSECUTION: The prosecution team prepares their notes, organizes questions, and interrogates one another in anticipation for the competition. Team members (left to right) are Jenny DaRin, Hannah Gray, Lauren Greg, and Nik Crain.

JIMMY MOORE EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

The WHS Mock Trial team faces another involved case this year, which features a first amendment pre-trial argument that surrounds the facts of an arson trial.

Nine new members will join the team’s eight veterans, including returning attorneys Jenny DaRin ’09 and Nik Crain ‘10, on Feb. 23 and 24 at the Ventura County Courthouse for the annual Mock Trial competition. Depending on the team’s performance during these days, they may earn a spot in county finals on Feb. 26.

Coached by U.S. government teacher Christina Harrison and Julia Snyder, WHS alum and Deputy Defense Attorney of Ventura County, the team is comprised of students ranging from freshmen to seniors, all with a common fascination with law.

Each member is expected to attend weekly practices, on Mondays and Thursdays from 6-9 p.m. and Saturdays from 9

a.m. to 5 p.m., in preparation for the competition.

“I’m interested in law, so even though it’s a big commitment, I really enjoy Mock Trial because it’s helpful in understanding the legal process,” said Juan Uribe ’09.

THE CRIME On July 26, 2008, smoke filled the air in the small town of Woodville as a community center mysteriously burst into flames.

The center, owned by a controversial, cult-like group called the New Believers, continued to burn as a police officer spotted and apprehended Leslie Lane, who was running toward the New Believers’ residential compound.

Lane, a musician and dissatisfied member of Woodville, was suspected to be the driving force behind a conspiracy to run the group out of town by burning down its buildings.

Upon searching the New Believers’ property, police found a map of the area

with circles surrounding various buildings and a lighter with the initials “LL,” both believed to belong to Lane.

THE SUSPECT The following day, Chris Chen, who had once worked with Lane in protesting against the New Believers, told police that Lane had been planning on taking drastic measures to drive the organization out of Woodville.

He went on to disclose that, on the same day as the fire, Lane had put two cans of gasoline in the trunk of her car.

Chen gave a first-hand account of her provocative behavior during an anti-New Believer rally that night, during which she set an effigy ablaze and started chants of “burn ‘em out,” among a crowd of angry protesters.

Lane, a popular musician in Woodville, performed a song during the rally which, according to Chen, was clearly “asking people to do more than just create a loud demonstration,” and contained di-

Pre-trial Attorneys: Tiffany Loh ‘10 Carol Yu ‘09

Court Clerk and Bailiff: Jordan Hobmann ‘12

rect references to using arson to get rid of the New Believers.

Lane was sprinting toward the group’s living quarters when she was seized by Officer Daniels of the local police department.

THE EVIDENCE The prosecution has two pieces of evidence to introduce at trial: a map of Woodville and a gold-plated lighter with Lane’s initials engraved upon it.

The map, according to Chen, contained three or four circles highlighting various parts of the New Believers’ property: possible target areas for arson.

THE CHARGES This evidence was enough for police to charge Lane with “incitement of others to commit an unlawful act,” and arson.

Faced with this complex case, the members of the 2009 Mock Trial team will need to work hard to secure a spot in county finals later this month.

A Few Words from the Witnesses

PHOTOS BY LISA BATTAGLIA

Drew Edell

Hannah Englander

Kevin Commons

Lauren Greg

“I have really enjoyed Mock Trial and the people in it. It is a great experience to be on the team and participate in some way.”

“This is my second year in Mock Trial and

“This is my first time in Mock Trial and it is

“My first experience in Mock Trial has been extremely fun and I cannot wait to do my best at competition.”

(Playing Jan Jefferson)

(Playing Leslie Lane)

I have really enjoyed it. I have learned valuable skills that I hope to use in life.”

(Playing Chris Chen)

always entertaining in its own way. I look forward to seeing just how far we can go.”

(Playing Stacy Samuel)

7

FEATURE

February 12, 2009 • THE ARROW

to Up On Movin’ February 17, 2009 was supposed to be the day of the big switch—major television broadcasters around the country were going to turn off their analog channels and broadcast only in digital. But on Feb. 4, Congress approved a request by President Obama to delay the change to June 12. This switch to digital is said to be the biggest change in TV history since the revolutionary jump from black-and-white to color.

As it is now, all TV stations broadcast

Digital TV

in digital and analog. After the switch, TV stations will no longer broadcast in analog, so families that have analog TVs will need to buy a converter box to be able to convert the digital feed that they will get from their provider back to analog so it will play on their older TVs. Converter boxes cost from $40 to $80 and can be found at most electronics stores.

The biggest issue is money. The federal government, specifically the National Telecommunications and Information Ad-

ministration branch (NTIA) of the Commerce Department, was issuing up to two $40 coupons to families that cannot afford the converter box. But on Jan. 4, 2009, the NTIA announced that they had run out of coupons. The program was allocated $1.34 billion by Congress and cannot spend any more than that amount.

“Anybody requesting a $40 coupon to offset the cost of buying a converter box for digital TV will now be placed on a waiting list,” said Meredith Baker, acting head of NTIA. As of Jan. 9, one million requests were on the waiting list, and until the coupons that have already been issued reach their 90-day expiration date, the NTIA cannot issue anymore.

You may need a It has already issued 41 million coupons, set-top box. and because it must wait for the expiraYou may need a tion dates, millions of households are not set-top box. likely to get their coupons for months. This means that millions of You need a people will be without converter box. television for possibly months.

Because of this You are ready for the problem, President Obama requested switch. that Congress delay the switch to digital,

Are You REady?

What You Need to Know...

You Have...

Phone Line

Antenna Satellite

Set-top Box: Nothing necessary for switch.

Set-top Box: Nothing necessary for switch.

Digital Tuner: Nothing necessary for the switch.

You are ready for the switch.

NO

Why Switch?

Many television viewers are probably wondering why we need to switch to digital in the first place. It would simplify the government’s work if we followed the “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” approach.

“In 1996, the U.S. Congress authorized the distribution of an additional broadcast channel to each broadcast TV station so that they could start a digital broadcast channel while simultaneously continuing their analog broadcast channel,” according to the Federal Communications Commissions (FCC) Digital TV transition website.

The reasons for switching from digital and analog to solely digital are numerous.

Digital broadcasting takes up much less space than analog broadcasting, so it will free up airwaves for public services to use, like the police force and fire departments, which will lead to increased safety.

“Congress decided in 2005 to require all TV stations to broadcast only in digital to free up airwaves for public safety use in the aftermath of the Sept. 11,” said John Puzzanghera of the Los Angeles Times.

Some of the airwaves can also be sold to companies for wireless internet services to make money for the government to help lessen the federal deficit. Already airwaves were sold to “AT&T Inc. and Verizon Communications Inc. in an auction that raised about $19 billion for the U.S. government,” said Kim Dixon of Reuters.

“The government took in $19.6 billion last year by auctioning existing analog TV

airwaves to telecommunications companies for new wireless services, but Congress allocated less than $2 billion to educate consumers about the transition and issue coupons to buy needed converter boxes,” said Puzzanghera.

And for the consumer, digital TV offers much more selection of channels and programming with higher quality picture

GRAPHIC BY ALESSANDRA CATANESE

Cable

YES

and sound.

“Rather than being limited to providing one analog program, a broadcaster is able to offer a super sharp ‘high definition’ (HD) digital program or multiple ‘tandard definition’ (SD) digital programs simultaneously through a process called ‘multicasting.’ Multicasting allows broadcast stations to offer several channels of digital programming at the same time, using the same amount of spectrum required for one analog program. So, for example,

because 20 million “mostly poor, elderly, and rural households were not ready,” said Kim Dixon. On Feb. 4, Congress approved Obama’s proposal and delayed it to June 12.

“With coupons unavailable, support and education insufficient and the most vulnerable Americans exposed, I urge you to consider a change to the legislated mandated cutoff date,” said John Podesta, the co-chairman of Obama’s presidential transition team. The NTIA has already requested $250 million from Congress to resolve the problem, but the Bush administration did not grant the money and refused a delay.

“According to the Nielson Co., about 6.8% of U.S. TV households, or 7.7 million homes, were unprepared for the digital switch as of last month, meaning they had no TVs capable of receiving a digital signal. The percentage is higher in Los Angeles, with a 9.46%, or about 535,000 homes unprepared for the switch,” said John Puzzanghera of the Los Angeles Times.

Although the NTIA has reached its limit with spending, Obama allowed the NTIA to send out more coupons by giving them $650 million in his economic stimulus package that was passed in late January.

“The nation’s nearly 1,800 full-power television stations can switch to digital early if they notify the FCC and the public,” said Kim Dixon.

The delay will not only help the government find a solution to the money shortage, but also create more time to educate more people about the change they need to make to accommodate.

while a station broadcasting in analog on Channel 7 is only able to offer viewers one program, a station broadcasting in digital on Channel 7 can offer viewers one digital program on Channel 7-1, a second digital program on Channel 7-2, a third digital program on Channel 7-3, and so on,” said the FCC website.

Articles and Page Designed by Soumya Karlamangla.

8

Two He

FEAT

Will you be my

Valentine?

W

Love Lost, Love Found

Baby, baby, since first we met I knew in this heart of mine No one needs you more than I. I’ve hungered for your touch a long, lonely time Now I’m back and not ashamed to cry.

I could stay awake just to hear you breathing There’s nothing wrong with me loving you.

It’s more than a feeling And I will always love you.

This will be an everlasting love How did ya’ know I needed you so badly?

And I hope you have all you’ve dreamed of All you need is love; love is all you need.

Lean on me, when you’re not strong I promise you, I will learn from my mistakes.

Tryin’ to hold back this feeling for so long Every move I make, every breath I take, I’ll be watching you.

-Justin Edwards (and other lyricists)

Naturally in Love As tides swell to follow the glistening moon, So does your beauty entice men to swoon.

As clouds float on, endlessly chasing the wind, So I seek your company, and helplessly grin.

Bonfires burn bright in my heart; all for you.

With veiled admiration, I try to pursue.

I gather my courage and walk to your side, Eager for all that our love can provide.

Nervous, I watch as your eyes cross with mine, And offer this rose for you, Valentine.

Color of Your

Red

Yellow Orange Peach Pink

Valentine’s Day favorite day of the y could be better than a b met chocolates, to-die-for guilt-free pass to show as mu This year is extra special s 3 week, 2 minute, and 35 sec right on Valentine’s Day, so t presents for me!

I can already picture how th I wake up to a flashing neon sig friend that says “I LOVE YOU BOO LOVE.” He’ll then walk to my surprise, I’ll find a homefor me as the sun rises with m The day will only get bett school to find a jar filled with hearts (that’s for each second other.) My boy is so sweet; h I could ever want. I feel so All she will get from the is a homemade card and with the tiniest little di The day will end watch The Noteboo hysterically at a I will have to c boy since h Then Jim the gra eou a

ROSE

Love and passion. Fully bloomed red rose means “I love you,” while red rose buds express love for the first time.

Friendship and domestic happiness. Can also express sympathy.

Expression of pride or amazement; appropriate for graduation.

Appreciation and desire.

Elegance and poetic romance without the seriousness signified by red. Mix of red and pink means a romantic relationship.

-Wayne Huang The bride’s roses. Symbolize unity, sincerity, loyalty.

Purple

Majestic glory and eternal love. Appropriate for anniversaries after 25 years.

earts, One Mind

TURE

What this WHS “couple” plans and expects this Valentine’s Day

y is my year! What box of $60 gourred roses, and a uch PDA as possible? since mine and Jimmy’s cond anniversary lands that means double the

he day will begin: gn from my boyPUMPKIN me outside, and -cooked breakfast my snookums. ter when I arrive at exactly 12,685 candy d we have known each he knows everything o terrible for Meggy. lousy guy she’s dating d a couple roses encrusted iamonds. Can you say cheap? d perfectly when we sit and ok together and both cry all the romantic parts! comfort my sensitive he’ll be so love-struck. mmy will present me with and finale: the most gorgus gold ring, with an engraving that says J+C forever, that I have seen in my entire existence. I love Valentine’s Day.

Oddly enough, while most of my friends are scrambling to organize the sweetest, most charming dates for their valentines this year, I am not worried at all. I guess this is because if I know anything about my dearest Carina, it’s that the last thing she’d want is for me to make a big deal out of a silly holiday.

It is February 13, and as I chip off dead, crunchy petals from the two roses I picked from my backyard (one for each week of our relationship, as I am about 50% sure we have been dating for two weeks), I chuckle at my craftiness; Michael spent $24.99 on a bouquet for his girlfriend while I can still afford to buy myself lunch for the rest of the week.

Since my baby would obviously never want me to waste my time on ridiculous things like hand-made cards, I did a little bit of collective work on the Internet and found a perfect premade card that I could simply print out and hand to her! Because there’s no better way to say “I love you” than with a halfnaked baby dressed as Cupid saying “be mine!” I am just the sweetest boyfriend a girl could ever ask for!

As for tomorrow night, I know my dearest Carina will understand when I have to cut our festivities short; after all, she should know that it’s my turn to host the weekly Halo party with the guys.

I can’t wait to show her how much I care about her!

Spending a Romantic Day Together CARINA WOLFF COPY EDITOR

JIMMY MOORE EDITORIN-CHIEF

BEN CONLIN TRAVIS RICE STAFF WRITERS

Times have changed; no longer can a guy simply say “I love you” on Valentine’s Day and expect to be appreciated by his girlfriend. Now, the pressure to impress is escalating, and nearby are some hot destinations that are sure to dazzle your significant other.

In Agoura, Chapter 8 Steak House & Dance Lounge is a perfect spot for you and your better half to enjoy a four-course meal.

Though it may be a little steep at $65 a person, the Vegas-like atmosphere and outstanding steaks are worth the price. Making reservations in advance is key to making the night a victory.

Not too far from WHS is local fondue restaurant, The Melting Pot. Noted as a place where couples of all ages celebrate their anniversaries no matter the time of year, The Melting Pot will be packed to the brim on Valentine’s Day. For those willing to spend a little extra, a Valentine’s deal of $250 a couple includes a cheese appetizer, salads, two main course meals, and a dessert fondue of your

choice. However, dessert can be purchased for merely $15, and it can also be a simple ending to a busier night. Since Valentine’s Day is its busiest night of the year, be sure to make a reservation by calling (805) 370-8802.

If you enjoy fresh sushi and an awesome ambience, Suki 7 is the place to be this Valentine’s Day. From the same owners of Chapter 8 comes a spectacular sushi joint that offers a circular sushi bar with a wrap around patio that contains water and fire pits. Moderately priced at $31 to $50, Legendary Sushi chef Craig Takehara will have you feeling like you are dining in the Far East with his creations.

For those not looking to drop an outrageous amount of money on the 14th, Italian eatery Piatti on the corner of Westlake and T.O. Blvd. offers a comfortable surrounding as well as incredible food. From pasta to pizza, and even mesquite grilled meats, Piatti has all that is Italian at an affordable price ($50 for two) and offers a few additional specials on Valentine’s Day. If you are willing to drive out of Westlake for the day, the Staples Center is hosting an L.A. Kings game at 1:00 p.m. that is sure to give your significant other the “royal” treatment. Not only is it more exciting than a candle-lit dinner, but it is a great opportunity to cuddle together in the chilly arena and enjoy a competitive atmosphere.

If going out is not in your venue, a quiet evening at home can be pleasant if you keep busy. Many Valentine themed movies, such as When Harry Met Sally, The Notebook, Sleepless in Seattle, and Pretty Woman are perfect for a romantic setting, but if you like to keep busy, cooking a fabulous meal or dessert together can be a treat.

The time to talk, laugh, and have a good time is rare and valuable, so taking advantage of the day is especially important.

Being creative, having a good time, and enjoying each others’ company are the three necessities for a rewarding Valentine’s activity.

Dating Disasters:

9

Teachers share their worst dating experience “I once went on a date with a woman who wore this perfume that smelled like a horse. It was so bad. But then I saw her a few years later, and wished I had stuck it out.”

-Mahew Baldwin, Social Science Teacher “I went on a date after high school and was overeating, and I realized I had to throw up. I went into an alley and threw up in a trash can. Later on that night, we kissed. There may have been

gum involved; I don’t remember.”

-James Azevedo, Social Science Teacher “My senior prom was horrible: I went with someone I didn’t want to, we didn’t talk the whole time, and we left with different groups of people. She was my junior girlfriend and we broke up at prom, thank God.” -Mike Lynch, Social Science Teacher “I went on a blind date once and the guy’s shirt was three times too small; he had a huge gap in his teeth, he ordered a girlie drink, he lived in a basement with his parents, and he talked to me about how Jesus was my savior. I left after one beverage.”

-Carly Dritz, Psychology Teacher “A guy took me out and his car doors were broken so I had to crawl through the driver’s seat window.

We saw Star Wars and sat in the 2nd row, so my neck was hurting. He got a large popcorn and soda and didn’t offer me any. He made me pay for dinner.

I ran out of his car as soon as possible.”

-Diane Blackburn, ASG Advisor

10

ADVICE FOR OBAMA NATALYA SIVASHOV FEATURE EDITOR

President Obama faces multiple challenges with his new stimulus plan; however, there are many environmental issues left to address that could also benefit the recession.

1. HYBRIDS—If these cars were more affordable, we could get some relief from our dependency on fossil fuels.

2. BURY THE CARBON—Instead of emitting mass amounts of carbon dioxide into the air, capture them in barrels and bury them under the ground. We have masses of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere that cause global warming, so scientists have proposed trapping the carbon dioxide and burying them underground in aquifers, coal seams, or depleted oil and gas fields.

3. WATER ISSUES—We can eliminate toxins and pollutants in our water by checking the unnecessary byproducts released by companies and corporations.

4. GREEN ECONOMY—A green economy can create more jobs and create opportunities for displaced workers, scientists, engineers, and low-income workers.

5. STOP OVERFISHING— Overfishing ruins our economy, puts a burden on the food industry, and creates feeding issues for Atlantic mammals such as polar bears and whales.

FEATURE

February 12, 2009 • THE ARROW

A C������ C������� Raudonis searches for ways to install solar panels on campus task. However, creating a WHS chapter of the Students for Solar Schools (SSS) organization was far from the beginning As Henry David Thoreau strongly of Raudonis’ journey. Since ninth grade, believed, “If one advances confidently he cherished the dream of making in the direction of his dreams, and a difference in his most passionate endeavors to live the life which he has concern—the environment. Without imagined, he will meet with a success the necessary connections to launch his unexpected in common hours.” One of organization, Raudonis knew that his the select few goal would who fulfills be nearly Thoreau’s “It’s not for college. It’s not for impossible. In aphorism, the beginning any merit. It’s for my self-fulfill- of A d a m 2008, Raudonis ’10, Raudonis sent ment, others, and the world.” is pursuing his in a threedream. minute video Since Nov. to California Adam Raudonis ‘10 C l i m a t e 9, Raudonis has pursued Challenge, his plan of expressing installing solar panels that will generate his concern for the environment. He two kilowatts for the WHS campus. proposed a California climate change In short, his initial plan was to raise program for high school students and $20,000 from companies and individual was selected. Eventually after a long donors as a community effort. process, Raudonis, along with 14 other His long term goal is to see his high school students, was named a plan repeated in at least 10 schools by Climate Champion. encouraging students to reach this goal As a Climate Champion, Raudonis through the organization that Raudonis chose a project that would better the hopes will mature into a national nonenvironment with the assistance of profit organization. the EPA and British Council, which By designing the program with the provided advice and information for means provided by the International his cause.

Summit of Climate, Raudonis may be Commenting on his current project, seen as a maverick with an ambitious Raudonis said, “Hopefully through the IRIS YAN OPINION EDITOR

ASG Seniors Promote Plastic-free Campus spread the word about the importance of minimizing the waste from plastic water bottles,” said Walker.

According to Hegeman, there is not Inspired by the environmentally friendly wave sweeping the country, the enough money in the senior class account and as of now prom tickets stand at a $100 Class of 2009 has begun a new fundraiser.

The senior class officers will sell alu- each, even after the successful fundraiser at Sea Casa. minum waSeniors still ter bottles. have the S e famous nior class s e n i o r advisor showcase Carly Dritz coming up hatched the and a fundidea at one raiser at of the class Cold Stone meetings in Creamery.

December, “ A l l and the sethe money nior officers goes tohave been ward prom planning so hopefulsince then. ly we’ll get The idea for BOTTLED UP:Class officers Austin Walker and Shane Hegean amaza l u m i n u m man work together on the WHS Aluminum Bottles Project. ing one!” bottles was a d d e d an immediWalker. ate success with all the club members.

“I believe that preservation of the enThe class officers—President Austin Walker, Vice President Jackie Brousseau, vironment is quite important, and I try to Secretary Natalya Sivashov, and Treasurer do my part in making sure it stays as clean Shane Hegeman—have been working on as possible. I think that the reusable bottles the design over winter break and promise are a great idea,” said Dylan Garruto ’10.

“It’s good that the senior class is usto make arrangements for the bottles by ing fundraisers to not only raise money the end of March.

Although they have not yet finalized for their class but also do something good the plan, they expect the water bottles to for the environment. I will definitely buy cost around $10-15 and to have a WHS slo- one,” said Justin Zhang ’12.

The Class of 2009 is using the “greengan or motto inscribed on the side.

“We are going to wait until we do concious” trend as an opportunity to raise smaller fundraisers, then hopefully we can money.

climate change program, the 14 others will follow through by helping each other. What’s so cool about mine is that it is expanding so far that it has evolved into its own organization.”

So far, Raudonis has successfully brought the estimate for panels down from $25,000 to $10,000.

Raudonis hopes to hold the first fundraiser in February. In an effort to complete his long-term goal, the newly created Facebook group has assisted in finding a school in Northern California that wants to create a chapter for SSS. To approve the installation of solar panels, Raudonis has initiated the circulation of petitions in classes, asking for student signatures. He has also involved clubs like the Earth club for support.

Though Raudonis participates in many other extra-curricular activities such as AcaDeca and JSA, he said, “I wanted to challenge myself as much as I can and make the largest contribution to a cause I believe in—the environment.”

He clarified his purpose for creating the SSS: “It’s not for college. It’s not for any merit. It’s for my self-fulfillment, others, and the world.”

For those who wish to support Raudonis’ cause, his email is adam.raudonis@gmail.com, the web page is http://studentsforsolarschool s.com/. Earth Club meets Tuesdays at lunch in 42W.

ADVERTISEMENT

SOUMYA KARLAMANGLA MANAGING EDITOR

PHOTO BY NATALYA SIVASHOV

AN OPEN MIND=LIMITLESS POSSIBILITIES

11

ENTERTAINMENT

February 12, 2009 • THE ARROW

The Fray’s Self-titled CD Never Disappoints

A Bright Future for A Be�er Transit CARINA WOLFF COPY EDITOR

ANNIE GERLACH STAFF WRITER PHOTO BY CARINA WOLFF

High school bands come and go, but for A Better Transit, its stay is permanent.

Already recording and performing at multiple venues, this WHS band is far from amateur. A Better Transit consists of Aaron Rudin ‘09 on drums, Trevor Goodwin ‘09 on bass, and Bryan Lazar ‘09 on guitar and lead vocals.

“We often found ourselves playing rock covers and jams with each other during class,” said Rudin. After spending time together in the Westlake Studio Jazz band, Rudin, Goodwin and Lazar decided to come together and formally start a band, starting with their first performance at Rock the Oaks in 2008.

None of the three members is new to the music scene: Rudin has been playing the drums for eight years and Lazar, the guitar for seven. Goodwin has played the bass for five years, but previously played the saxophone, clarinet, and piano.

A Better Transit describes its sound as alternative or rock, “but if you want to get very specific,” said Goodwin, “you could even say funk, with a little influence of jazz.”

“We also love to play covers,” said Rudin. The band has been known to play one of its most popular covers, Jason Mraz’s “I’m Yours” with fellow senior Miko Shudo on guest vocals.

Goodwin said he is influenced by well known bass players such as Victor Wooten and Dirk Lance. Rudin and Lazar both agree that a large part of their inspiration comes from Incubus and the Red Hot Chili

YOUNG TALENT: The members of A Better Transit plan to take their band beyond high school.

Peppers.

“We share the same influences,” said Lazar. “We all work together really well.”

A Better Transit has performed at local venues such as the Civic Arts Plaza, The Ventura Theatre, Canyon Club, and Rock City Studios in Camarillo, but they have also performed a little bit farther away at Carnegie Hall in New York with the WHS band.

One of their most exciting performances was opening for Hoobastank at the Ventura Theatre.

All three members of A Better Transit plan to attend Berklee College of Music in Boston next year and anticipate continuing their band, but they are currently taking a break from major performances and

focusing on recording their album.

“We hope to finally complete our upcoming CD and to start playing bigger shows,” said Rudin.

“I want us to become well known and to eventually play around the world,” said Goodwin.

Once A Better Transit releases its album, they plan to play a wider variety of concerts. Lazar and Shudo will be performing in the upcoming Winter Showcase Rally in February at WHS Although they are soon graduating high school, for A Better Transit, this is just the beginning.

“I just want us to become the best musicians we can possibly be,” said Lazar.

“And for us to make it.”

COURTESY PHOTO

ADTR Hits Home with Homesick WAYNE HUANG ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR

Homesick, A Day To Remember’s highly anticipated third full-length CD, leaked on Jan. 14 and was officially released on Feb. 2.

The first signs of an upcoming album came when the band released a demo titled “Wax Larry” in October of 2008, the prelude to what would eventually become “I’m Made Of Wax, Larry, What Are You Made Of?” on the new CD. Homesick is predictably cohesive, but focuses more on refining ADTR’s varied sound rather than deviating from it. While its new songs appeal to a much wider audience than any of its previous releases, the album lacks much of the consummate fury the band so exceptionally displayed in For Those Who Have Heart.

Make no mistake, there are plenty of intense breakdowns throughout the album, but many of the songs are more balanced rather than entirely heavy or light.

The title of the LP refers to the band members, who have been on tour for the better part of the last four years.

Many of the lyrics reflect the band’s sentiments about being on the road for so long, missing home (Ocala, Florida), and the conflicts that inevitably arise from strained relationships.

The new songs have some of the catchiest hooks and chants the band has ever created and have no shortage of meaningful lyrics to complement them.

Homesick will not disappoint, and will definitely draw an even stronger following for what is already one of the most celebrated post-hardcore bands.

ALBUM OF THE YEAR?: Many critics have already dubbed Merriweather Post Pavilion an early contender for the best album of 2009.

Animal Collective Reaches Stride with Merriweather TORI SCOVILLE STAFF WRITER

Starting off a new year, Animal Collective’s psychedelic monster of an album, Merriweather Post Pavilion, was released into the hands of ecstatic fans on Jan. 2. With its continuous evolving sound of giddy and ambient tribal beats, the band has successfully recorded its eighth studio album, now out on Domino Records.

The whole track list of Merriweather is cohesive yet varied. The first track “In the Flowers,” begins with a magnificent dancing, free melody of guitar that erupts into a mind-boggling rage of percussion.

Then the finishing song, “Brother Sport,” proceeds to joyful and child-like synths swirling around the band’s sunny vocals.

Instantly engaging, this band’s newest release was all the more hypnotic and all the more elusive. Merriweather is an album of endless sonic surprises. This is one of those albums where all the songs are favorites.

The two songs that receive the most attention are “Brother Sport” and “My

Girls,” both of which were leaked prior to the album’s release.

Throughout the album’s freewheeling random beats and mesmerizing drones, vocalists Avey Tare (David Portner) and Panda Bear (Noah Lennox) have never sounded better together in their straightforward melodies. Similar to the Beach Boys’ harmonies, the vocalists’ arrangements continue to have captivating effects in Merriweather.

The rest of this electro-pop band consists of Deakin (Josh Dibb, who unfortunately does not appear on this album) and Geologist (Brian Weitz).

Animal Collective has made a true art of composing music and this especially shown in Merriweather. This record is a remarkable achievement and will surely be seen as a peak of Animal Collective’s career.

Merriweather Post Pavilion will be an album many will return to for years to come.

At this point, everything that defines Animal Collective is refined and amplified in its new album.

After the release of How to Save a Life in 2005, The Fray exploded onto the music scene with a dramatic and memorable collection of piano-infused songs. The first album was such a success that it is easy to imagine how high expectations were for The Fray’s self-titled sophomore effort, which was released Feb. 3.

The Fray does not simply meet the hype surrounding this recent release; rather, the Denver-based quartet completely surpasses it. The album’s first single, “You Found Me,” soared to the tops of charts instantly, gaining so much popularity the band even performed the song last November at the 2008 American Music Awards.

And within a week of release, both the standard and deluxe versions of the album have garnered the first and second spots, respectively, on iTunes’ “Top 10 Albums” list.

The album is obviously reminiscent of Coldplay with its piano overtones and haunting lyrics, yet The Fray manages to add originality through poetic and melancholy choruses suggesting lost loves and tortured souls. The Fray is a continuation of How to Save a Life, albeit a little more angst-ridden and downtrodden.

Hammering out one dynamic kicker after another, the album itself starts and ends strong. Every single song on this album is notable. The first track, “Syndicate,” clearly sets the mood for what is to come: the first few bars of melodic and tinkling piano slowly give way to drums and guitars. It is a formula The Fray has perfected over the years, a formula which never fails to win over fans and critics alike. “Absolute” and “Say When” let loose amid electric guitars and rhythmic, catchy hooks, while the already-famous “You Found Me” combines somewhat stale lyrics with a unifying, pounding chorus.

A reflective “Never Say Never” manages to toe the line between unhappy and downright miserable, while the swelling “Where the Story Ends” refutes any possibility of the dreaded mid-album lull. In an attempt to keep up the pace, The Fray adds “We Build Then We Break” to the mix, a surprisingly upbeat track that is almost too rock ‘n’ roll for the experiment.

By the end of the album, The Fray decelerates and relies more than ever on its slow-paced chord progressions.

Songs such as “Ungodly Hour,” “Uncertainty,” and “Happiness” are all measured ballads that most closely resemble “How to Save a Life.”

The deluxe version of the album includes two exclusive songs (“Uncertainty” and “Fair Fight”), music videos, and documentaries, as well as acoustic versions of “You Found Me” and “Absolute” and a piano version of “Where the Story Ends.” It is definitely worth the splurge to purchase these album-only specials.

In “You Found Me,” lead singer Isaac Slade imagines what it would be like to meet God on a street corner.

Even if Slade is still waiting for that encounter, it is obvious he and The Fray have already stumbled across something far more inspirational—continued success in the music industry through passionate, dynamic sound.

12

ENTERTAINMENT

February 12, 2009• THE ARROW

Inkheart Draws Audience to the Big Screen MAX AVRUCH FEATURE EDITOR

COURTESY PHOTO

Adapted from the worldwide bestseller novel by Cornelia Funke, Inkheart takes audiences in for a complete fantasy thrill ride starring brilliant actors Brendan Fraser, Helen Mirren, and Andy Serkis.

Twelve-year-old Meggie Folchart (Eliza Bennet) accompanies her father Mo (Brendan Fraser) to see her great aunt Elinor (Helen Mirren).

Meggie’s mother disappeared when she was very young, with Meggie and her father wondering where she had gone. The beautiful Italian countryside landscape creates a spectacular background to Elinor’s grand mansion, where she devotes all her energy in collecting books.

Mirren radiantly acts as an eccentric, book-loving character whose finicky nature and exotic appearance draw in avid audiences to sympathize and love her unique personality.

After a strange encounter between Mo and a mysterious man named Dustfinger, who wants a precious book from Mo, Meggie and her dad take shelter at their aunt’s mansion.

Meggie’s love for books leads her to explore Elinor’s grand library, only to be unexpectedly discovered by a group of savage folks who destroy Elinor’s sacred library by fire.

Apparently tipped off by Dustfinger, Mo is betrayed by him and is thus forced to explain to Meggie and Elinor the strange series of events that happened.

Mo’s enchanting storytelling allows him to bring in characters and objects from the book he reads, but one object or thing from his life gets transferred into that book’s world.

Nine years ago, Mo read from a book titled Inkheart and as the crazed characters, who are now taking control of Elinor’s estate, emerged from the book, Mo’s wife disappeared into the book’s world.

Thus, Mo’s nine-year odyssey led him to the rare copy of the book, but as he explains this, the wild captives take the

precious copy away.

Fraser uses facial expressions, physical actions, and witty lines to create an image of a defensive father trying to protect Meggie from the dark truth of what he can do.

In addition, Mirren shows her eccentric and hysterical personality when the destruction of her library enrages her to slap the leader of the thugs. This humorous scene lets the audience see the fantastical storyline mixed with a bit of amusement.

Swearing revenge on the calamitous group, Elinor is dragged along with Mo and Meggie to the leader’s castle.

Capricorn (Andy Serkis), who heads the group of characters, uses deception, trickery, and numerous lies to obtain what he wants.

Playing the epitome of evil in the movie, Serkis adds the perfect ingredients to make his performance both satisfying and magnificent.

As the story continues, the combination of intense fantasy-driven sequences involving fictional ideas from the book, contemporary settings, and exciting acting scenes lead the audiences into pure enjoyment.

Capricorn destroys the copy of Inkheart, forcing Meggie, Mo, Elinor, and Dustfinger to flee Capricorn’s confines and seek another copy of the book.

Inkheart is the type of film where one can lean back in his or her chair, grab a cup of hot cocoa, and watch with immense satisfaction. Inkheart’s two-hour voyage is like the Harry Potter experience that completely captures the movie’s entertainment.

The Folchart clan’s arduous journey to find the book leads them all back to Capricorn’s mansion where the events come together in an exciting ending.

Great for all ages, this new fantasy movie will keep adventure-seeking audiences pleased with this work of fantasy.

Enriched with stunning special effects and an enjoyable plot, Inkheart will keep the audience entertained.

JONAS BROTHERS ROCK THE STAGE: The biggest teen sensation since N’SYNC rock the stage in their new movie Jonas Brothers The 3D Concert Experience.

Make a Movie Date for Valentine’s Day KELLEY BIGGS ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR

This Saturday, valentines can enjoy the four-day weekend and Valentine’s Day by seeing the new movies coming out this weekend.

Confessions of a Shopaholic, Feb. 13, is about a New York City girl (Isla Fisher) who has become addicted to shopping.

While trying to get a job at a high-fashion magazine, she lands a job as an advice columnist for a new financial magazine.

After becoming an overnight celebrity from her column, she has to decide which is more important in life; shopping, a career, or her love life.

In 1980 Director Sean S. Cunningham made an eight-movie series called Friday the 13th. This horrifying series made people scared to ever go in a lake or to a camp.

Twenty-nine years later, Marcus Nispel has remade the story and headed back to the famous summer camp, Crystal Lake, where a mysterious killer is systematically slaughtering the teenage counselors. The remake of Friday the 13th can be seen this Friday the 13th.

On Feb. 20 get Fired Up for another high school movie. Two of the star football players at Gerald R. Ford High School are dreading to go to another summer of football camp.

When one of them decides to join the school’s cheer camp they find themselves surrounded by young and pretty teens.

Hopefully, these two boys find a meaning to all this and it is not just an excuse to get out of football camp.

In addition, Tyler Perry’s Madea Goes to Jail comes out Feb 20. After a high-speed chase, Madea gets put in front of a judge and because of her anger management issues she gets thrown into jail. Hoping to get Madea out, her family will do everything in their power to help her.

For all Jonas Brother fans, your dream has come true. On Feb. 27 Jonas Brothers The 3D Concert Experience will be released in theaters. This 3D movie is a sort of documentary following this young new group and includes backstage scenes and a brand new song. The movie will be a recording of the ‘Burnin’ Up Tour’ and is supposed to make the viewer feel like they a re really there. ‘

‘Mall Cop’ Provides Wholesome Entertainment

SOFIA TALARICO NEWS EDITOR

COURTESY PHOTO

In the popular comedy, Mall Cop, Kevin James leaves his witty and sarcastic character from King of Queens and emerges as the quirky, hypoglycemic mall cop who wants nothing more in life than to be a New Jersey state police officer. Unfortunately, Paul Blart (James) is relegated to the task of keeping the mall of New Jersey in order.

Blart, as a mall security guard, must juggle the role of a responsible father and still guarantee the safety of the mall. Blart’s daughter and mother encourage him that it is now time to find that special someone, though Blart insists that he is dedicated to

B l a r t ’ s his job. daughter Though and his new no one else sweetheart. takes the mall He must put security job all of his mall seriously, Blart trainings to is determined to the test to be the best. He save those in even becomes danger. attracted to a Blart uses woman who his supreme recently moved knowledge in with her PAUL BLART TO THE RESCUE: No one can stand of the mall kiosk of hair in the way of this fearless security guard. to defend wigs.

One night, the mall is overtaken by himself. The leader of the security a group of highly trained men. Hostages department soon realizes that he is the are held in the bank of the mall including only one who knows the entire mall like

the back of his hand and tells the SWAT and police department to leave the job to Blart.

Throughout the movie, betrayal, love, and danger captivate the audience, showing that one does not have to be “the best” to be a hero. The movie incorporates a love story with the pretty girl going for the dorky guy and goofy antics that keep the audience constantly laughing.

Mall Cop was a thoroughly enjoyable movie, full of painful humor and laughout-loud hasty actions. James was an ideal choice for the part.

For those that enjoy a wholesome love story combined with a goofy sense of humor, then Paul Blart: Mall Cop is the movie to see.

Get Taken Away by Neeson’s Performance KYLIE BLABER SPORTS EDITOR

The classic kidnapping action movie receives a twist this February with the French film Taken, starring Liam Neeson and Maggie Grace.

Taken follows a former CIA agent or “preventer,” as he dubs himself, and his attempt at reconnecting with his 17-yearold daughter, Kim (Maggie Grace). Bryan Mills (Liam Neeson) was largely absent

throughout the early life of his daughter, which caused a rift in his relationship with his daughter and his ex-wife, Lenore (Famke Janssen). Lenore is now married to a wealthy L.A. man who gives Kim everything she ever wanted including following U2’s tour across Europe.

As soon as Kim and her friend Amanda arrive in Paris, they are abducted by a gang of Albanian sex traffickers. In a unbelievable twist, Kim is on the phone when she sees Amanda being kidnapped

and is able to provide vital information to her father in the process.

He is given 96 hours to find her. Mills begins the hunt for his daughter, killing many innocent people in the process, and providing some very amazing action sequences.

Taken takes the audience through a series of adrenaline rushes that makes the audience question the film’s PG-13 rating—this suspense thriller is not for the young or faint-hearted. The paranoia

subtext is disturbing at times, and viewers may find themselves feeling extremely paranoid after viewing the film.

Neeson is impressive as an unstoppable killing machine, with his hard demeanor and cold eyes, but he is the highlight of the movie.

Everyone else plays out like typical evil foreign gun wielders or like a script cutout. Overall, Taken is an entertaining suspense thriller and creates a feeling of distrust.

13

ENTERTAINMENT

February 12, 2009 • THE ARROW

“And the Academy Award Goes to...”

LISA BATTAGLIA ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR

COURTESY PHOTO

Roll out the red carpet and get the cameras ready, the 81st Academy Awards are set for Feb. 22.

From futuristic robots to a man who grows younger, to a Mumbai teen growing up in the slums and using his street smarts to win a million dollars, the movies have kept our interest with the outstanding movies of 2008.

Most likely to win for Best Picture is Slumdog Millionaire, having already won the Golden Globe in the same category.

The film also received the Screen Actors Guild award for Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture.

Slumdog took home a total of four Golden Globes and has ten Oscar nominations. The other nominees for Best Picture include The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, Frost/Nixon, Milk, and The Reader.

Wall-E, without a doubt will earn the Oscar for Animated Film, (also winning 2nd place in WHS picks for Best Movie of

SLUMDOG MAKES MILLIONS: In India’s version of Who Wants to be a Millionaire, a young man from the slums of Mumbai gets a chance to win a million dollars.

the Year).

Also winning Best Actor for the Screen Actors Guild Awards, Sean Penn is expected to take home the Oscar for his role as Harvey Milk in Milk.

Another contender is Mickey Rourke

for his comeback performance in The Wrestler, winning the Golden Globe in the same category.

In the category of Best Lead Actress in a motion picture, both Kate Winslet for The Reader and Meryl Streep for Doubt have

Will SAG Predict Oscars?

KYLIE BLABER SPORTS EDITOR

Early awards contests are often accurate predictors of the Oscars. Nevertheless, when the awards get spread around, it makes for some surprises come Oscar night.

Only a few surprises highlighted the 15th Annual Screen Actor’s Guild Awards on Jan. 25.

Hugh Laurie won his 2nd consecutive “Actor” award for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Drama Series.

“I actually had $100 on James Spader. This is just not my night!”

Laurie joked.

Laurie’s show, House, lost the Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama series to the highly regarded Mad Men. A seemingly surprised Sally Field won Outstanding Female

Actor in a drama series for her role in Brothers and Sisters.

Another highly acclaimed comedy show, 30 Rock, won three top awards for comedy show, actor, and actress.

In a no-surprise and well-deserved win, Heath Ledger received the award for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role.

Gary Oldman accepted the award for his Dark Knight co-star.

This time around, however, Kate Winslet was denied the double award she received during the Golden Globes.

Meryl Streep accepted the Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Leading Role for her role in Doubt, beating out Winslet.

Winslet had to be content with one award—Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role for The Reader.

She is nominated for this role in the lead category at the Academy Awards.

“It’s really an honor to be included in what I think is such a remarkable year...

I r e a l l y feel like everybody should be given a medal,” said Winslet.

T h e top film award went to Slumdog Millionaire for Oustanding Cast.

The SAG Awards, like the Golden Globes and Critics’ Choice Awards, helps predict the Oscar wins .

Plant, Krauss Score at Grammys JACOB CAVANAH STAFF WRITER

A variety of new musicians were nominated for awards of a lifetime. There were artists coming back for more, artists trying to capitalize on nominations, and artists nominated for the very first time.

Tha Carter III, which sold over one million copies in the first week, and two hit singles “A Milli” and “Lollipop” were not big enough accomplishments for Lil Wayne.

He went on to win Rap Album of the Year, best solo rap performance for “A Milli,” Best Rap Song for “Lollipop,” and Best Rap Performance with Jay-Z, Kanye West, and T.I. Also, Coldplay’s smash hit “Viva la Vida” won Song of the Year and Best Pop Performance.

Their latest album Viva la Vida won Best Rock Album of the Year, and was a nomination for the Best

Album of the Year award.

Frontman Chris Martin opened up slow with the spotlight on him and Jay-Z as they sang their collaboration of “Lost.”

Chris Martin then went on to join the rest of the band on stage for their performance of “Viva la Vida.”

Arguably the best Rock n’ Roll singer of all time, Robert Plant teamed up with female country vocalist Alison Krauss on Raising Sand. This album won Album of the Year and Best Pop Collaboration for “Rich Woman.”

Mainstream English female stars Adele, Duffy, Estelle, Leona Lewis, and M.I.A. had a total of twelve nominations. These were the first nominations for all the artists.

Adele took the honor of winning the Best New Artist and Best Female Pop Vocal Performance for “Chasing Pavements.”

Duffy’s debut album Rockferry had the honor of winning Best Pop Vocal Album. Estelle’s “American Boy” won Best Rap/ Song Collaboration with Kanye West. Leona Lewis performed her hit single “Bleeding Love,”

and M.I.A. performed “Swagga Like Us” alongside T.I., Jay-Z, Lil Wayne, and Kanye West.

Jennifer Hudson’s emotional performance of “You Pulled me Through,” had the audience members on their feet by the end.

After the tragedy that occurred at the end of last year, it was a surprise to most that she could pull it together. She had some of the best voices in gospel music supporting her in the background. She then went on to win R&B Album of the year.

Other notable nominations were Lupe Fiasco, one of metal’s greatest, Metallica, pop sensation The Jonas Brothers, Radiohead, John Mayer, along with Rihanna’s top selling song “Disturbia.”

There really is no other award show like the Grammys.

Where else could we see Stevie Wonder perform with teen sensation The Jonas Brothers?

With the top selling albums of the year, talented new artists wanting to take home their first trophy, and an array of exciting performances, the 51st Grammy Awards did not disappoint its viewers.

won awards: Kate Winslet won the Golden Globe not only for The Reader, but also for her role in Revolutionary Road, and Meryl Streep the SAG award for her role as Sister Aloysius in Doubt.

Heath Ledger is expected to win for his remarkable role in his last movie as the menacing Joker in The Dark Knight. Ledger also received the Golden Globe and the SAG award for Best Supporting Actor.

Penélope Cruz and Marisa Tomei are in competition for Best Supporting Actress.

Penélope Cruz plays a passionate and unstable artist in Vicky Cristina Barcelona.

Marisa Tomei is also predicted to take home the Oscar for her role as Cassidy in The Wrestler.

Hugh Jackman will be hosting this year’s Academy Awards for his first time.

If you think you can predict the winners for the 2009 Academy Awards, fill out the ballot below and turn it into room 42E no later than 1:00 p.m. Friday Feb. 20. The person who gets the most correct will receive two free tickets to the Mann Theaters.

Think you can predict the winners?

Fill in this pre-Oscar ballot and turn it into room 42E by 1:00 p.m. Feb. 20 for a chance to win two movie tickets.

Name______________________ 5th period________________ Best Picture ___ The Curious Case of Benjamin Button ___ Frost/Nixon ___ Milk ___ The Reader ___ Slumdog Millionaire

Actor in a Leading Role ___ Richard Jenkins (The Visitor) ___ Frank Langella (Frost/Nixon) ___ Sean Penn (Milk) ___ Brad Pitt (The Curious Case of Benjamin Button) ___ Mickey Rourke (The Wrestler)

Actor in a Supporting Role ___ Josh Brolin (Milk) ___ Robert Downey Jr. (Tropic Thunder) ___ Phillip Seymour Hoffman (Doubt) ___ Heath Ledger (The Dark Knight) ___ Michael Shannon (Revolutionary Road)

Actress in a Leading Role ___ Anne Hathaway (Rachel Getting Married) ___ Angelina Jolie (Changeling) ___ Melissa Leo (Frozen River) ___ Meyrl Streep (Doubt) ___ Kate Winslet (The Reader)

Actress in a Supporting Role ___ Amy Adams (Doubt) ___ Penélope Cruz (Vicky Cristina Barcelona) ___ Viola Davis (Doubt) ___ Taraji P. Henson (The Curious Case of Benjamin Button) ___ Marisa Tomei (The Wrestler)

Animated Featured Film ___ Bolt ___ Kung Fu Panda ___ Wall-E

14

SPORTS

February 12, 2009 • THE ARROW

Rough Start Has Girls Looking to Next Year CONRAD WILTON STAFF WRITER

PHOTO BY KYLIE BLABER

The girls varsity basketball team has traveled through most of the season hitting numerous obstacles along the way. As the season comes to a close, WHS is out of play-off contention with an overall record of 8-18, and a league record of 3-10. The Warriors will finish seventh out of eight in the Marmonte league.

WHS fell into an early hole, facing defeat in all six of its early contests.

WHS attempted to recover winning three straight, but then dropped out of contention, only managing wins in eight out of eleven games after the short streak.

The Warriors have slumped all year on the road, winning only one contest out of eight away from home.

The “go to” player is Taylor Ignoto ’10, team captain and the largest donor of points, by far, for the Lady Warriors.

According to Abigail Wilkins ‘09, Ignoto

was the “only returning varsity player going into the current season.”

Despite being a UCLA-bound Division I prospect, Ignoto cannot carry the team alone.

“She needs help out there, and we all need to step up in order to be successful,” said teammate Austin Walker ’09.

Out of all of the team’s problems, perhaps the most significant dilemma is inexperience.

The team will suffer the loss of only three seniors come graduation: Walker, Wilkins, and Jesseca Zwicker. Coach William Burr, now with two years under his belt as a head coach, says “the inexperience of the players” has been the primary deterrent this season.

Despite a dismal year, Burr claims the Warriors will be competitive again next year with numerous players, experienced and healthy.

Another issue is injuries. Chantal Hart ‘10, starting point guard for the

NOTHING BUT NET: Taylor Ignoto is positioned to score. (See interview below).

Warriors, sat out the entire season last year because of an injury.

Teammate Wilkins says although Hart has recovered well, she “just doesn’t have full confidence right now.” Wilkins, herself, was unable to play for the majority of this season because of a neck injury.

Walker thought WHS’s strongest points were team chemistry and defense.

“We work well together but need to believe more in ourselves.”

WHS has been unable to play four quarters of quality basketball. According to Walker, the Warriors have “not come out strong at the start of games and are always searching for a way to come back,” a habit they will have to break in order to succeed next season.

Boys Basketball Trudges Through Tough Season CONRAD WILTON STAFF WRITER

As the 2008-2009 season winds down, the Warriors are hungry for wins.

Coach Tom Donahue emphasized a need for improvement in numerous aspects including “shooting, physical strength, and overall confidence.”

The team has been out of play-off contention for a while, currently holding an overall record of 7-18 and a league tally of 3-10. After darting out to a 3-0 start, WHS began to struggle. A ten-game losing streak, the largest victory draught suffered in several years, threw the Warriors into last place of the Marmonte League, where they had remained for the majority of the year, until recently when they pushed to

seventh out of eight.

“We had a lot of close games, but we need more confidence down the stretch,” said Donahue. WHS fell by a margin of three points or less in critical duels with Thousand Oaks, Newbury Park, and Agoura. The Warriors’ habit of melting in pressure situations and not having a “go to guy,” as Donahue phrased it, hurt WHS late in games.

“Our main issue is playing four quarters of quality basketball; we can’t close games,” said Assistant Coach Matthew Baldwin. WHS lost five league contests after enjoying leads of ten points or more in the 4th quarter.

WHS did prove to be somewhat effective on defense, an aspect of the game typically mastered by the Warriors. Alec

Ignoto’s Love for Game Ignites Basketball Team said Ignoto.

Basketball occupies a large part of Ignoto’s life. She enjoys watching profesDespite a rocky season, the girls bas- sional basketball and attending games. ketball team has bonded and prepared In particular, Ignoto’s favorite team is the itself for a great season next year. One of Celtics, and she feels inspired by players the key players this season and hopefully like Rijon Rondo.

“For me, I love the pressure at the end next year is Taylor Ignoto ‘10. when it’s a close Ignoto began and there are playing basketball “I love the super close score ten seconds left to at a young age with her father and her games...I like the feeling go... I like the feeling of adrenaline,” brothers, who were of adrenaline.” stated Ignoto. always playing in Ignoto has the driveway. After watching them, she Taylor Ignoto ‘10 high hopes for college and aspires to finally decided to play Division I. For jump in. this season, howev“I got really involved after playing with my family all the er, Ignoto feels the team’s most formidable time, and I just loved playing so much,” opponent is Newbury Park.

“Newbury Park is definitely going said Ignoto.

Despite playing for fun at an early to be the hardest school for us, because age, Ignoto joined a travel team in 5th they’re very aggressive. But my favorite grade and has played ever since. Ignoto game was a close game against Calabasas,” is now a shooting guard who practices al- Ignoto said.

However, WHS ended up losing to most every day of the week for the school season. She is also committed to her club, Newbury Park. Despite a disappointing Team Concept, which plays during an- season, Ignoto is looking forward to next season and keeps her head held high. other season.

“I think our biggest setback is just our “We only practice three days a week when we have games, but during off-sea- heights, because we’re really a lot shorter son we weightlift, run and scrimmage,” then other teams, “ Ignoto said.

KYLIE BLABER SPORTS EDITOR

Hess ‘09 led the team in most defensive statistics including rebounds.

The Warriors shot reasonably well from behind the arc; however, the absence of an inside game and a willingness to settle for poor quality shots weakened WHS’s offensive attack. The reliance on luke-warm primeter shooting also limited the number of offensive weapons.

“We settle for jump-shots, rarely penetrate effectively in the paint, and miss too many free-throws,” said Baldwin.

Donahue sees his players “working hard every night” and blames much of the lack of wins on “inexperience.”

WHS is currently harboring five seniors, including the largest point donor, Hess, and a player Baldwin dubs “outstanding,” Justin Silber ‘09. Despite the team’s loss

of key contributors, Donahue is confident the team will witness improvement next year, as most of its players “will have one whole year under their belts.” The program currently holds approximately 20 sophomores, whom Baldwin believes will show progress next year. The Freshmen, Soph/Frosh, and JV teams are all playing with winning records.

Donahue reflected “Although we lost a lot of tight contests, I had lots of fun coaching these kids, who have tremendous attitudes and a ‘no quit’ mentality.” The members of the varsity team “never showed a lack of effort,” said Donahue.

Continuing, Donahue said, “John Wooden believed success is knowing you did the very best, and based on that, it has been a very successful season.”

February 12, 2009• THE ARROW

WHS Keeps Eye

on Ball Brothers

KATELYN SMITH STAFF WRITER

Far from their home of London, England, British students Sam Ball ‘10 and Alex Ball ‘12 have significantly helped the varsity and junior varsity soccer teams.

Sam is the leading scorer for the varsity team and has helped the team to regain 1st place in the Marmonte League. Alex has helped lead the junior varsity team to 114 this season.

The Ball brothers, who have never had the chance to play together on the same team, have grown up with soccer the most prominent sport in their family.

They have been on many teams during their years of playing, and they said “all teams have this sense of togetherness that we like to be a part of.”

Sam has been playing for 14 years and Alex for 12. Though they both said they prefer playing offense, only Sam plays that position at WHS, while Alex has been successful as defensive midfielder.

“I like the ability to try something new and gain more skills,” said Alex of his new position.

Both boys agreed that the standards for soccer at WHS are much higher than those in London, with the play of the game moving at a much faster pace, and “each player having to be ready at any minute to save a goal or to take off with the ball to score a point.”

Because soccer is the biggest sport on television where they are from, the brothers “have a ‘higher soccer IQ’, which means decision-making is a little quicker, and that is huge in soccer,” said WHS varsity soccer coach Bill Propster.

Though both brothers love the sport, they differ in what aspects they enjoy most. Sam “likes how spread out the field is and how I do not have to run all over to score the goals I love to make.” Alex would rather “run the whole field to score the goal independent of the team because I like my own glory every once in a while, yet I understand I have to use other people on the team.”

Both of the Ball brothers have made large contributions as players to the WHS soccer program, and have helped both teams to reach their goals for the season.

Young Team Proves Talent takes,” said Barrett.

Though they are not the typical senior standouts, some of the most noted players After its 5th place finish last year, the on the varsity team include juniors Andrea girls varsity soccer team has stepped up its Todak, Sara Riazi, Bridget Berman, and game. The girls only had one loss before Nicole Gilbert.

The source of the team’s strong chemSaturday, when they were knocked out of a tie for first place with Thousand Oaks. Af- istry, Gilbert said, is “because there is ter WHS’ latest 5-0 win against Moorpark, good leadership this year. We are capable of achieving our status this year. I think we the team is one point behind TOHS. We should be in the running to win actually work well as a team, and I think first place,” said Coach Frank Marino. we have a good bond together”.

Though the team did not make it to Currently, the team has a record of 9-2-2.

CIF last In conyear, Coach trast to last Marino said, year, Marino “This year, said, “We we should have betmake it beter chemiscause of try this year our stronger and we are a team.” very young Accordteam with ing to Beronly three man, the seniors, our team speteam capcializes in tains—Taybeing able to lor Barpractice rigrett, Jackie orously yet Jacobson, with fun— and Molly “This Case.” year is dif“We are KEEPING THEIR GUARD UP: Goalkeeper Alexandra Altman ferent beplaying way and Bianca Riazi set-up for a TOHS corner kick. cause I am above the expectations I had for this team,” Marino actually having fun while fostering a told the Acorn. “I only expected us to com- strong work ethic during practice unlike pete for the final playoff spot.” Marino has last year,” said Berman.

To sum up the team’s overall achievebeen surprised by his team’s success.

The team captains this year displayed ments of the season so far, Riazi added, their strong leadership since the first day “We went into this year as a really young team while no one thought we were going of practice.

“We set rules on the very first day to do well, but we are proving those who to serve as a lesson from last year’s mis- lacked faith wrong.”

IRIS YAN OPINION EDITOR

PHOTO BY JUSTIN EDWARDS

PHOTO BY KATELYN SMITH

BROTHERLY LOVE: Ball brothers add talent to the WHS soccer team.

15

SPORTS

Girls Varsity Waterpolo Optimistic for Playoff Berth TIFFANY LOH ASSISTANT COPY EDITOR

From grueling practices to intense games, the WHS girls varsity waterpolo team has been well-prepared for a competitive season.

Led by co-captains Amy Lefevre ‘10 and Faryar Ghaemi ‘09, the girls are confident about improving their technique and playing rival schools in the Marmonte League.

“We have many returning players, said Coach Fardhad Ghaemi. “I believe that we can be a strong contender.”

Although the girls have lost three games to Thousand Oaks, Royal, and

Newbury Park, the team is still extremely optimistic about future games against these schools.

Because the girls have only lost these competitions by two goals, their “goal is to beat these teams a second time around,” said Ghaemi, “I feel like the girls have kicked it up a notch in practice and finally feel ready to win these key games.”

Agoura is one of the biggest rival schools, as it is known for its success in waterpolo, and has dominated the league for the past few seasons. However, with the WHS girls’ determination and training, “I am proud to say that [AHS’s] toughest competition this season is Westlake,” said Ghaemi.

Besides a will to train hard and a strong desire to succeed, the girls also have many other strengths.

Ghaemi believes that speed is one of the team’s most powerful points, and some of the key players include Amanda McNutt ‘09, Roxanne Mula ‘10, Courtney Thomas ‘09, and Caitlyn Christensen 09’.

Although the girls water polo program has had four different coaches in the last four years, the team’s strong cohesiveness continues to propel them through the season.

One of Ghaemi’s long-term goals is to qualify for the CIF playoffs this year, since the girls placed 5th in the Marmonte League last year and were unable to make

the playoffs.

With this season’s spectacular performance, the team is confident about reaching for this goal.

At the Mistletoe Tournament in December, WHS placed 7th out of the 36 teams that competed, beating El Segundo and Chadwick, both of which are ranked top ten in CIF. WHS only lost to HarvardWestlake, another team ranked in the top ten, by one goal.

With this impressive placing in the tournament and the girls’ strong determination, the WHS team will undoubtedly perform well the rest of its season. The girls’ next game will be Thursday, Feb. 12.

Ranked 3rd in State, Pillado Has Head for Wrestling RACHEL BERNSTEIN ADVERTISING MANAGER

PHOTO BY RACHEL BERNSTEIN

In a largely male-dominated sport, female wrestlers are put to the test when they have to ride each other’s backs, grab each other’s legs, and pin each other to the mat—especially when the girls have to compete against the boys’ physical superiority.

The aggressive nature of wrestling, and extreme dedication that wrestlers must have are two characteristics that cause many to shy away from the sport, but for Brittany Pillado ‘09 it is the very reason that she loves it so much.

“I’ve always loved contact sports,” said Pillado. “Before wrestling, I used to play football.”

As a female on the wrestling team, Pillado makes sure that the guys treat her the same as the rest of the team and do not go easy on her.

Although there are two girls on the team, Pillado would rather work with the boys to further challenge herself.

“When I come up and just wrestle girls it makes things a lot easier for me.

Working with the guys makes me a better

wrestler,” admitted Pillado.

Even though she would rather practice with the boys, Pillado constantly encourages the other girls not to give up and not to be intimidated when having to wrestle muscular opponents.

Because concentration is equally as important in this sport, qualifying in the same weight class does not necessarily mean that two wrestlers have comparable mental strength.

Pillado has earned many admirable achievements in wrestling, finishing 2nd in the 118-pound division at CIF Southern Regional girls’ wrestling Championship and 3rd place at State. She is also ranked 3rd in the State.

“It was hard work to get there. I’m really happy that I have made it this far, especially considering it is only my second year. I have accomplished all my goals for this season,” said Pillado.

Pillado said that her signature move that she would finish with if she were a professional would be the head-and-arm move.

“You can be standing up and take someone straight into a pin. I like that one the most of anything.”

EQUAL CHALLENGE: Brittany Pillado prepares to take down her partner in a practice match.

Pillado has sustained a few injuries, including a strained MCL in her knee, a foot injury that still bothers her, a strained ligament in her elbow, and separated cartilage in her rib, but she persists despite

these setbacks.

“It’s my senior year, and I’m never going to get to do this again unless I wrestle in college,” said Pillado. “That means I’ve got to give it everything I’ve got.”

16

FASHION

A Winter Garden

February 12, 2009 • THE ARROW

Styled by Alannah Bradley Photographed by Carina Wolff Mary, Mary, quite contrary, how does your garden grow?

Left: Hayden Shockley in True Religion Jeans, shirt from Urban Outfitters, Blazer by Joseph A. Bank, scarf from Urban Outfitters, and Vans sneakers. Devyn Grenner in vintage floral dress, brown tights from Urban Outfitters, black leather jacket from Forever 21, and brown Steve Madden boots. Middle: Grenner in black t-shirt from Frenzy, yellow tube top shirt from Forever 21, black dress from Fashion Oaks, purple floral tights from Urban Outfitters, and brown boots from Bakers. Shockley in 7 For All Mankind jeans, and shirt from Urban Outfitters. Right: Grenner in white dress from Forever 21, black tights from Nordstrom, floral button up shirt from Urban Outfitters, and boots by Minnetonka. Shockley in a white and blue striped shirt from Urban Outfitters and a black button up by Calvin Klein.

With rosy tights, and muted brights, and floral chic all in the snow.

ALANNAH BRADLEY FASHION EDITOR

With winter here, we have pulled out our big heavy coats from the back of the closet, but who says we need to look dreary and boring when the weather is just the same?

The idea of spring in the winter is flawless and brilliant. Designers are channeling the happy-go-lucky feeling of spring into their winter fashions.

Designers Dries Van Noten and Erdem are naturelovers when it comes to using florals in their collections.

Style.com describes them as brightened looks with late blooms. Erdem’s collection was said to look blurry, like a landscape speeding past when you are on a train.

“Van Noten moved into marbleized printing techniques that added a beautiful distortion to traditional paisleys, and he replaced last season’s giant painterly blooms with micro-flowers,” according to

www.style.com.

Feathers are used in Burberry and Ralph Lauren’s dresses making their designs take “flight.” Designers using nature in their fashions are taking daring, yet sophisticated, and fun ways of creating their looks.

It is simple to take your spring and summer fashions and transfer them into a winter paradise. Take a floral spring dress, as seen on Devyn Grenner ‘09, above, and pair it with funky tights, military style boots or ankle boots, a perfect accessory, and throw on a cute leather jacket.

An easy way to create an interesting yet imaginative look is mixing different prints together. Make sure to keep them in the same color scheme. Varying the size and scale of the patterns will leave people with a lasting impression.

To keep some of that winter feel, trade in some of the bright colors for purple and red. Do not forget certain daring brights; sometimes that is exactly what

an outfit needs.

Above, Grenner wears a bright yellow tube top shirt under a black dress. It gives the perfect touch to the outfit, giving it that winter feel yet adding that summer appeal as well.

Using pieces you already have makes it economical and easy. Adding a boho vest or a chunky necklace is exactly what your floral outfit could be needing. If you are missing a key floral piece to your winter collection, you can find them locally.

If you are willing to dig around and find a floral item, Forever 21 and thrift stores are good places to start looking.

If you want something a little more expensive, the line Free People uses its idea of the hippy flower girl in most of its pieces.

So be bold, be brave. Go out and find that floral piece you have been missing, and remember, you can always look fresh, even in the winter.