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THE
VOLUME XXX, ISSUE 5
Westlake High School
100 N. LAKEVIEW CANYON ROAD, WESTLAKE VILLAGE, CA 91362
FEBRUARY 8, 2008
AcaDeca Upholds Tradition, Secures Third SABRINA SAMEDI ADVERTISING MANAGER
PHOTO BY JAMES JEE
WHS Academic Decathlon team finished a strong third at Pacifica High School after Day Two of competition. Decathletes, last Sunday, took objective tests on a broad range of subjects including math, science, super quiz, language, literature, and economics. When asked how difficult the competition was, Ali Athar ’08 nonchalantly responded, “Can you please give me a little more subject matter?” Wherever possible, the subject tests focused on this year’s overall theme of the Civil War. Decathletes studied literary works about the Civil War, art influenced by the conflict, and even authentic music from the period. For economics, they studied STUDY PARTY: Ben Liu ‘08 does some last-minute studying before the Feb. 2 competition begins. the fiscal implications of slavery and, for social science, learned everything achievement,” said Philip Shao ’08. at the annual Awards Ceremony. about the political, social, and military To prepare for the competition, the After taking home numerous inditrends of the war. team meets every morning during first vidual and team distinctions, the decathSixteen of the total 24 students were period, taking countless practice tests and letes are looking forward to an intense returning members, and can testify to the reviewing using a buzz-in apparatus like off-season in preparation for next year’s hard work necessary for success. Jeopardy. competition. “It was great to be part of a team All the competing teams in the county But as for the seniors, “the rewards that was so spirited and dedicated to our celebrated their hard work Monday night have been ten-fold,” said Nini Xie ’08.
2008 Academic Decathlon Individual Award Winners Ali Athar: Bronze in Math, Economics, and Essay Yi Cao: Gold in Math Zheng Cao: Gold in Science Roy Hu: Bronze in Essay, Math; Silver in Speech, Literature Tony Jin: Gold in Math; Bronze in Economics Eric Lan: Commitment to Excellence Ben Liu: Silver in Art, Science; Bronze in Math, Music; Gold in Interview; Team Spirit Team B; Highest Overall Team B Andrew Maleki: Bronze in Essay, Music, Science; Gold in Speech; Highest Overall A Jason Oberg: Bronze in Speech Lynne Qiu: Silver in Essay Adam Raudonis: Bronze in Economics; Highest Overall Team C Ashton Scherer: 3rd Highest Alternate; Team Spirit Team C Philip Shao: Bronze Math; Silver Essay; Team Spirit Team A; Commitment to Excellence Will Smith: Silver in Interview; Bronze in Literature, Math, Art Karen Tsai: Bronze in Music Nini Xie: Gold in Interview; Silver in Literature
2008 Laws Place Restrictions on California Drivers ROBERT DILLON STAFF WRITER
Ranging from the controversial to the bizarre, 750 new laws—some affecting high school students—will go into effect this year. As of July 1, two laws by state Senator Joe Simitian, a democrat from Palo Alto, make it illegal to use handheld cell phones while driving. For drivers under 18, any wireless phones, even hands-free, will be outlawed, along with mobile devices such as laptops and PDAs. Fines start at $20 for the first offense. The laws aim to limit car accidents caused by distracted drivers on their cell phones. Fatalities are known to have been caused by one or more drivers talking on
their cell phones or text messaging. Jonathan Harris ’10 claims he was almost hit by a young driver texting on her cell phone. “I was walking through a parking lot and I had to jump out of the way as she sped past me. I could see she was texting,” said Harris. Harris, who has had his learner’s permit since Aug. 6, said he has never used his cell phone while driving, but he thinks many young drivers do. A survey in Jan. 2007 of 1,200 drivers stated that 73% talked on their cell phones while driving and that cell phone use was highest among young drivers. However, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has concluded that using a cell phone increases the chance
of having an accident by 1.3 times. An additional driving law bans smoking in a vehicle with a child under 18. Fines of up to $100 are proposed for parents who endanger their children’s health with secondhand smoke. Estimated to benefit 1.4 million workers, the minimum wage has been raised by 50 cents, from $7.50 to $8.00 an hour. The increase ties California with Massachusetts for having the second-highest minimum wage in the nation. Washington State, whose minimum wage is designed to rise with inflation, has the highest at $8.07 per hour, while Kansas has the lowest minimum wage at $2.65 per hour. Celebrities also benefit from new laws. The so-called Mel Gibson law, named for the actor who unleashed an anti-Semitic
outburst towards a police officer in 2006, forbids tabloid journalists from bribing law enforcement officials in order to obtain celebrity mugshots. Another piece of legislation satisfies conspiracy theorists throughout the state. As of Jan. 1, employers cannot require a person to have a radio frequency identification device, which can be used to transmit personal information, implanted under the skin. Some fear that the government or other agencies may use the technology to track citizens or even control their minds. As an example of one of the bizarre laws passed, musical groups must contain at least one original member in order to advertise with its original name to protect music fans who can’t wait to see their favorite oldies band.
IN THIS
ISSUE
NEWS................................1-2 OPINION...........................4-5 FEATURE.............6-11, 13-15 FASHION............................12 ENTERTAINMENT.........16-17 SPORTS........................18-19 ELECTION 2008.............3, 20
Jeremy Bachrach ’08 campaigns for Obama during winter break. See PAGE 3
“A Class Act” finishes Mardi Gras run with rave reviews. See PAGE 14
Girls Water Polo season comes to an early close. See PAGE 19
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NEWS
IN BRIEF Watson Named Assistant Principal of Athletics
Band to Play at Carnegie WHS instrumental program will go to New York to perform at Carnegie Hall on March 24. Out of the Percussion Ensemble, strings, Studio Jazz I Ensemble, Wind Symphony and Wind Ensemble, there will be 126 students attending. There will be four world premieres: Mathew McBane, Jeff Jarvis’ Los Galanes, Patrick Burns’ Eureka! and Gordon Goodwin’s Hit the Ground Running. Goodwin, an eight time Grammy-nominated composer, will also be featured playing the tenor sax. Other featured artists will be Blair Bollinger and Mike Gangemi. The conductors will be Gangemi, Brian Peter, Liz Blake and guest conductor and composer Johan de Meij.
Foreign Language Enrollment Increases in Colleges JAMES JEE EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
With society becoming increasingly more global, many schools and students recognize the need to speak foreign languages for business and politics as schools open up new foreign language classes met with increased enrollment. Just last year, WHS added a fourth foreign language in addition to Spanish, French, and American Sign Language— Chinese. This year, WHS added a second year of Chinese to the class list in response to the increase in interest from the previous year. Newbury Park, Agoura, and Oak Park High Schools also offer Chinese. Thousand Oaks High School offers Japanese. “The Chinese economy is ranked fourth largest in the world. Learning Chinese helps people with business and politics between China and the United States,” said Chinese teacher Amy Weidman. For students who wish to learn additional languages other than those offered at WHS, Moorpark Community College offers Hebrew, Japanese, Italian, and German. Although foreign language enrollment in all levels of education has not yet reached its all-time high in 1965, language learning has increased greatly, especially in Arabic and Chinese, in which enrollment increased 126% and 51% since 2002, according to the Modern Language Associa-
tion (MLA). However, at community colleges and universities, 1.4 million United States students took a foreign language course in Fall 2006, the highest number ever recorded. This is a jump of 17.9% in- EAST MEETS WEST: Chinese teacher Amy Weidman educates students about crease since Chinese culture and language. 1998. “Students are clearly recognizing the and Italian (up 22.6%) since 2002, Spanish importance of learning other languages still remains the language most taught in as we become a more global society,” said U.S. schools. Statistics show 52.2% of all Rosemary Feal, MLA Executive Director. language enrollments are in Spanish. Sec“I chose to learn Chinese because it’s ond is French, with 13.1% of all language so unique in comparison to Spanish and enrollments. French. In addition Chinese is becoming Although Arabic only holds 1.5% of all so important in the business world,” said language enrollments, the 126% increase in Demi Hendrick ’08. enrollment since 2002 is related to the MidDespite the high increase in the study dle East’s direct influence on international of Arabic, Chinese, and other languages, politics. Even though U.S. government including students taking American Sign agencies still need more people proficient Language (up 29.7%), Japanese (up 27.5%), in Arabic, there used to be fewer.
PHOTO BY JAMES JEE
Bob Watson recently returned to WHS to fill the position of Assistant Principal of Athletics. He has many years of experience at other schools, but his career in Conejo Valley Unified School District began at Redwood Middle School, where he was a counselor for two years. Then, in 1992, he came to WHS, where he served as the Dean of Attendance for five years. After that, he became the Assistant Principal at Los Cerritos Middle School from 1997 to 2003 and Conejo High School from 2003 to 2007. “I hope to be a support for the coaches and the students. I think sports bring a great opportunity for people to work together toward a common goal,” said Watson.
February 8, 2008 • THE ARROW
Event Teaches Local Kids Life-Saving Skills
Choir to Compete in Seattle
Junior Colleges Represented on Campus Santa Barbara City College and Moorpark College representatives will be in the College and Career Center every 3rd Thursday of the month until May. Seniors may come to sign up to meet with them to talk about future college plans. Students interested in visiting the Oxnard Fire Academy for an informational tour on Fri., March 7, may sign up in the College and Career Center. The District will provide a bus that will pick up at the school between 7:15-8:00 a.m. and return students to school between 1:15-2:00 p.m.
Dance Team Competes The WHS Dance Team began their competition season at the West Coast Elite Championships held at WHS, taking home four first place awards. The team’s awards were for an African number, a hip-hop routine, a Contemporary piece, and a 70s disco routine. Two second place awards and one third place award were also given. The next competition will be at Mt. San Antonio College on Feb. 9. After San Antonio they will be competing for five more weeks leading to the USA Nationals in Anaheim. Eleven schools competed in the 12 possible divisions that day.
PHOTO BY JAMES JEE
After working for months on skills and techniques, the WHS Vocal Ensemble and Women’s Choral programs are prepared for their national competition in Seattle, which will take place April 10-13. There, they will compete in four to six different divisions. To participate, these choirs groups had to go through an intense auditioning procedure. The choir program will also take tours and trips in Seattle, including going to a music museum, a fish market, and a nearby island.
HELPING HANDS: Michael Jee ’11 and La Reina volunteers teach children about basic first aid. SABRINA SAMEDI ADVERTISING MANAGER
National Honor Society teamed up with the American Red Cross Clubs from WHS and Oak Park High School to educate 3rd-5th graders about fire safety, water safety, road safety, rescue breathing, and basic first aid during Safe Kids Day. Safe Kids Day was hosted by Youth
Services of the American Red Cross of Ventura County on Feb. 3, at the Oak Park Community Center. Since Safe Kids Day teaches children life-saving skills, “it is an excellent opportunity for WHS to give back to the community and prepare young children should an emergency arise,” said James Jee ’08, WHS American Red Cross Club President and NHS member.
Jee, along with OPHS American Red Cross Club President Mateen Safarian ’09 and Alia Tsang with the American Red Cross of Ventura County, was in charge of the event. Fifteen youth volunteers from both high schools educated 17 elementary school students. However, in order to take on the role of a mentor at Safe Kids Day, students were expected to attend the training session to learn the material and prepare 25-minute presentations for the kids. The volunteers divided themselves into five groups, each one teaching one of the five focus safety areas of the event. In small groups, the elementary school students rotated to each of the safety demonstrations gaining life-saving knowledge. “Safe Kids Day gives the older high school students a chance to become better mentors and leaders for the younger generation,” said NHS President Sid Primas ‘08. The event, which is traditionally hosted by the American Red Cross, is one of the monthly service projects, NHS will fulfill this year and the first time the two clubs joined together.
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FEATURE
February 8, 2008 • THE ARROW
18-Year-Olds Cast First Vote JULIANE SCHRAMM FEATURE EDITOR
COURTESY PHOTO
ON THE TRAIL: Jeremy Bachrach became actively involved with Obama’s campaign.
Local Student Campaigns with Obama RACHEL BERNSTEIN FEATURE EDITOR With an eye into his future, Jeremy Bachrach ’08 traveled to New Hampshire over winter break to volunteer for presidential-hopeful Barack Obama and observe life from inside the political arena. Bachrach’s first week at the headquarters in Manchester consisted of 15-hour days campaigning for Obama. In a typical day, he would review daily news clips for about 15 minutes and then make phone calls to identify and persuade future voters to support Obama. He also put up signs promoting Obama, and canvassed door-todoor. In his second week, Ba-
chrach was promoted to run the state phone bank. His workload then increased to 19 hours per day, and he had to manage about 200 volunteers. Representing the youngest campaigner on the trail, he was compelled to work such long days because he truly believes that, “Obama is the best candidate for president. One of the reasons that sets him apart from the other candidates is that he doesn’t take money from special interests, lobbyists, Political Action Committees (PACs), or corporations—only from individuals. “He also proposed a universal health access plan that guarantees that no American will be turned away from any insurance
plan because of illness or pre-existing conditions, as opposed to the mandatory health care plan where tax credits are distributed to help pay for coverage.” Spending two weeks in New Hampshire was a life-impacting experience for Bachrach. “My trip really made me think about what I want to do with my life. I know I want to do something in business, but now I am considering majoring in political science,” said Bachrach. With this experience there also came many opportunities for Bachrach. “Along with meeting all sorts of interesting people, I also made many contacts that led me to receive five internship offers for the summer.”
For most adults, the upcoming elections are not special, since they have voted many times before. But for some, it is the first opportunity to actually get involved in politics by casting their first ballot. They have to find an answer to the question, which party or candidate in their opinion should lead the country for the next four years. “It is my first time voting this year, but I haven’t picked a candidate yet”, said Brendan Nahmias ’08. “I’m waiting until the primaries to really decide who will win my vote.” Some teenagers haven’t had any interest in politics at all, while others have been following the news or keeping up with politics in some way. Either way, a lot of 18-year-olds, who will be able to vote for the first time in the upcoming elections, want to make use of this new privilege. “I’m not actually involved in politics, but I am interested in it and try to watch the news and follow what’s going on,” said Gabriella Villagomez ’08, who is planning on voting for her first time this November. “I haven’t thought about voting yet, but since I am a Democrat, I already know in what direction I’m going. I think that everyone who has the opportunity should vote. It is a chance to participate in politics and we can be part of the future of our country.” In coming of age, many teenagers have developed their
own political ideologies, and identify whether they think more like a Democrat or Republican. “I am a Democrat, because I was raised that way,” said Nahmias. “My family has Democratparty beliefs and that’s what I grew up with. Nevertheless, as I learn more about government and politics I am starting to form my own views and ideology about the issues that are affecting the U.S. today.” “I am a Democrat even though my family is not. It is my own decision,” said Villagomez. Because of this newly acquired right to vote, many teens are learning more about politics to become more informed voters. “I haven’t been very interested in politics yet, but everyone who has the ability to make an educated decision should vote,” said Michael Carlson ’08. Many students, who haven’t been involved in politics before, are eager to follow what is going on in the news to learn about the political parties and make their vote count in their first election. “Since I am going to vote in the elections, I have to pay attention to what is going on in the news in order to make my choice,” said Morgan Sider ’09. “Absolutely everyone should vote,” said Nahmias. “Not only is it a chance as a generation to make an impact on our future, but it is our civic duty as U.S. citizens.”
Choose Your Candidate the quiz below to see which candidate best matches your positions. Add your points and find out which candidate matches your political opinion. 1. Should the U.S. have invaded Iraq and deposed Saddam Hussein? a. No, the U.S. never should have gone in (2) b. No, because there were no weapons of mass destruction (4) c. Yes, it was the right thing to do (7) d. Yes, but the U.S. needs to reduce its presence now. (0) 2. What kind of experience matters most to you in a presidential candidate? a. Has served in the U.S. Senate (3) b. Has served in the U.S. House of Representatives (8) c. Has served as a governor (6) d. Has served in the military (8) 3. What should happen to illegal immigrants already in the U.S.? a. Return to their home country where they can apply for legal immigration (0) b. Allow them to stay and
provide a path to citizenship (4) c. Implement a program that allows them to qualify as temporary workers (0) 4. What should the government do about gay-marriage? a. Each state should decide whether to allow it or not (4) b. It should not be allowed (7) c. It should not be allowed, but they should have the same rights as married couples (2) d. It should be allowed (0)
d.Establish a guest worker program (8) 7. What should happen to the U.S. troop levels in Iraq? a. Set a date for withdrawing most U.S. combat troops (3) b. Maintain current troop levels (7) c. Withdraw most U.S. troops as quick as possible (0) d. Move most U.S. troops from Iraq to other places in the
region. (0) To see the full quiz, go to u s a t o d a y. c o m / n e w s / p o l i t i c s / election2008/candidate-matchgame.htm.
Your Answer: 5-22: Barack Obama (Dem) 23-34: Hilary Clinton (Dem) 35-40: Mike Huckabee (GOP) 41-48: John McCain (GOP)
Don’t know whom to vote for? Take
5. What would be the best way to deal with global warming? a. Invest in alternative energy sources (7) b. Voluntary reduction in carbon emissions (0) c. Implement a carbon tax (0) d. Make a law, which limits carbon emissions that are allowed to produce (3) 6. What should the government do about illegal immigrants? a. Improve overall border security (4) b.Force employers to check workers’ legal status (2) c. Erect fences along U.S. borders (6)
Professional Engineer from NASA’s Jet Propulsion Lab with 12 years of experience tutoring H.S. math.
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OPINION
Voting Young Promotes Political Involvement VIVIAN SHI STAFF WRITER
Freedom: The Right Not to Speak At a young age, we don’t know what Place your right hand over your heart. Ready, we are saying, so we begin...I pledge allegiance to the flag of the do what we are told. Before we express such United States of America... loyalty to our country and government, we should be instructed to decipher its meaning so that we can accept an oath we actually understand. Some teachers allow their students to stand respectfully without saying the words. Others reprimand their students for not participating in this daily activity. The student should have a choice. We live in a free country; we have our First Amendment rights: the freedom to speak or the freedom bnot to speak. Although more recent controversy has focused on the represents what our country was built on, phrase “under God,” the real question is CARINA WOLFF STAFF WRITER but for the majority of students and adults, if we truly have “liberty” and “justice.” the words in the pledge are empty and Shouldn’t we be able to refrain from the In classrooms across the nation, meaningless, causing many to believe they pledge on our own free will? Francis Bellamy originally wrote the students are expected to get out of their would rather not recite it. chairs, put their right hands over their People should know what they are pledge in 1892. It was meant to be short hearts, and say the Pledge of Allegiance. stating before they are forced to repeat and sweet. Its purpose: uniting America For some, it’s their pride as Americans the same 31 words every single day. It’s after the Civil War. However, the pledge has done just the opposite. It has split and the freedom granted by their country monotonous. that motivate them to stand and recite Students say the pledge out of habitual our country into indecision over a simple this pledge for their nation. But if we are recitation, or merely because they want to passage. Give students, teachers, and everyone so free, why has it been drilled into us to avoid trouble. stand up and recite a passage like robots Many people, especially young a choice. Not saying the pledge doesn’t since we first began to read and write? children and students, express these make anyone less patriotic; it just exercises We are “pledging” our faithfulness to words without passionate feeling or any the rights that we as true Americans are given. a piece of material. Yes, it is our flag, and it appreciation for our nation. CARTOON BY VIVIAN SHI
The 2008 Presidential election is drawing near, and it is being met with heated debates and discussions across the country. Radio stations and news programs follow every turn of events, and not a day goes by without updates on the activities of the candidates. Considering how much publicity this all-important election is receiving, it is hard for people to remain oblivious, even high-school students. Students in high school are showing signs of more active involvement in political affairs. Junior State of America involves students who are eager to dive into the pool of politics. Nearly every meeting, there is a passionate discussion about one controversial matter or another. High school students have opinions, and even students as young as 16 years old should be allowed to vote on important issues like the presidential elections. Numerous attempts have been made to lower the minimum voting age to 16 or 17. Some have succeeded, but most have failed. However, why shouldn’t 16year-olds be allowed to vote? Siwen Shen ’09 stated, “Sixteen year-olds are allowed to drive. [Voting] is the same.” And that statement holds true; the responsibilities involved with driving or any other activity that the government deems suitable for 16year-olds are not any more or less important than voting. According to The Enquirer.com, by lowering the voting age to 16, “you might be able to make voting a part of a civics education class,” said Mark Lopez, Research Director at the Center for Information and Research on Civic Learning and Engagement. On YouthVote.org, Michigan State Representative Davy Hart proclaimed that he believes students will be more involved. “Since they are still students, schools would have the opportunity to prepare them to competently exercise their right to vote in state and local elections,” he said. Jessica Au ‘11 also feels that a lower age limit would be for the better. Au said, “Some people at 16 are mature and have a deep understanding of political matters. By participating in politics at a younger age, they gain more experience.” Of course, several students in high school are politically benighted and do not care about the current issues that plague their community. Some might argue that those 16year-olds would be pressured into voting a certain way by their parents or peers. However, this argument could theoretically happen to anyone, regardless of his or her age. Nevertheless, most students by the age of 16 or 17 have already learned a thing or two about government and most likely know more than their parents. If implemented at a young age, voting will most likely become a habit for adolescents. A younger audience would bring energy and passion that will increase accountability from policymakers. We have a voice and the world needs to hear it.
February 8, 2008 • THE ARROW
MySpace Correctly Agrees to Self-imposed Precautions ALESSANDRA CATANASE STAFF WRITER
In the aftermath of the Megan Meier suicide incident in the spring of 2007, state laws regarding online harassment and safety measures are finally being pushed to the next level. When Megan Meier’s parents, Ron and Tina Meier, appeared on the Dr. Phil talk show, they discussed their feelings toward the MySpace conflict that they believe led to their daughter’s suicide and toward the Drew family. Since this incident, laws and regulations to boost internet safety measures for underage children have finally become a government concern. Sites such as MySpace and Facebook had already caused a new bill to arise in May of 2006. This amendment of the 1934 Communications Act permits “all schools and libraries that receive federal funds to restrict access to these digital tools and online communications.” With the rising concern of cyberbullying, online harassment, child predators, and child abductions, it is about time the government addressed this dangerous issue. MySpace has correctly agreed to start taking the necessary steps to protect children and teenagers from online harassment and predators in hopes of avoiding another similar situation. One issue they chose to pursue was the issue of verifying users’ ages accurately and consistently online. Facebook has also agreed to step up safety measures. The company stated, “We are happy to work further with the states to develop and deploy strategies to protect
kids online.” MySpace or Facebook users under the age of 16 will have their profiles automatically set to private. Anyone 18 or older will not be able to add a younger user as a friend unless their last name or email address is known. Also, younger users can block anyone older than 18 from contact as they see fit. MySpace is also creating a database where parents can send in their child’s email to block them from creating their own account. Yet, false email accounts are easily available to people of all ages. Likewise, most sex offenders or predators will not use their real names. They will also be making false accounts, which are much more difficult for internet task forces to identify. Communities, such as that of Megan Meier’s, have taken it upon themselves to motivate the judicial system to keep the laws current with the technological advancements. Ron Meier sadly revealed, “I do blame Lori Drew for what happened to Megan, without a doubt. The Drew Family totally played us like fools.” Realistically, any person, teen or adult, who is somewhat computer savvy, can get around these regulations and “protections” online. There is no full-proof way to stop a child predator from working his or her way around the loop holes of the Internet, and these regulations have surely not been made full-proof yet either. But they are a step in the right direction. MySpace and Facebook at least now recognize that they must impose some control over their website to forestall the government infringing upon their rights.
THE WESTLAKE HIGH SCHOOL
ARROW
100 N. Lakeview Canyon Road Westlake Village, CA 91362 (805) 497-6711 ext. 4225 westlakearrow@yahoo.com EDITORS-IN-CHIEF James Jee, Ellen Wang MANAGING EDITOR Vicky Lou COPY EDITOR Wynn Burson OPINION EDITORS Ally Ackourey, Tiffany Loh FEATURE EDITORS Rachel Bernstein, Soumya Karlamangla, Juliane Schramm, Philip Shao, Nora Sobczak, Brittany Weber, Iris Yan CENTER DESIGNED BY Christina Cipriani, Jamie Hendry ENTERTAINMENT EDITORS Elyse Kaplan, Jimmy Moore SPORTS EDITORS Stephanie Nieves, Spencer Schloss CARTOONIST Vivian Shi ADVERTISING MANAGER Sabrina Samedi ADVISOR Caron Battaglia STAFF WRITERS Lindsay Adler, Teri Akahoshi, Max Avruch, Kelley Biggs, Alannah Bradley, Alessandra Catanese, Robert Dillon, Justin Edwards, Ellie Fateh, Nikki Fay, Lucy Gao, Pamela Guo, Kimberly Ha, Jessica Kane, Jessica Kuecks, Stephanie Lervold, Sasha Lewis, Alexis Rosenthal, Natalya Sivashov, Katelyn Smith, Carina Wolff, Roseann Zhong The Arrow is written, designed and run by the students
of the beginning and advanced journalism 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.
February 8, 2008 • THE ARROW
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OPINION
Pollution Destroying Oceanic Purity SOUMYA KARLAMANGLA FEATURE EDITOR
CARTOON BY VIVIAN SHI
We, as a community, do our part for the environment. We recycle, we don’t litter and, in general, we think about the effect our actions have on nature. Only occasionally do we throw trash in the street, and usually justify these actions by noting that we couldn’t find a trash can. Well, stray bottles that aren’t properly disposed of, eventually roll into a sewage drain and are dumped into the ocean. Although we may only litter occasionally, the trash is starting to pile up…in the sea. Three and a half million tons of trash are floating in the Pacific Ocean—a heap known as the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. Although the name sounds rather exaggerated, this 3.5 million ton mass of trash is actually real, and strangely, little known. In a time where global warming and the environment are garnering much attention, one would think that this giant site of pollution would be a topic of discussion. The heap is twice the size of Texas and the Eastern portion can be found floating in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, somewhere between San Francisco and Hawaii. The Western Pacific Garbage Patch is just south of Japan. Because of the North Pacific Subtropical Gyre, a slowly moving, clockwise spiral of currents created by a high-pressure air current, all debris tossed into the ocean collects in one place. “The patch has been growing, along with ocean debris worldwide, tenfold every decade since the 1950s,” said Justin Berton of the San Francisco Chronicle.
With the increasing usage of plastics instead of natural materials, the garbage heap is growing quickly. “The average American used 223 pounds of plastic in 2001,” said Kenneth Weiss of the Los Angeles Times. And almost every piece of that plastic that ended up in the ocean, is still there, as a constituent of the Eastern Pacific Garbage Patch. Even though some of the trash in this mountain originated from ships, most waste has been pulled in from the shore. “Eighty percent of the oceans’ litter originated on land,” according to a report from Greenpeace last year titled “Plastic Debris in the World’s Oceans.” Ships are known to dump unwanted products in the
Designer Dorms Offer Higher Standard of Living MAX AVRUCH STAFF WRITER
Consider a house with two large suites accompanied by a lavishly-furnished residence hall. Additionally, the house has a digital music lab, plasma televisions, refrigerators, microwaves, a state-of-the-art fitness center, weekly housecleaning services, and a dining hall open 24-hours a day—online ordering available. With engraved chocolates beneath cotton-fitted pillows for that extra touch of homely care, these rooms are the epitome of luxurious living. Although one would expect this description for one of the Four Seasons’ quality rooms, or perhaps one of the Ritz Carlton’s, ironically enough, these extravagant rooms are springing up in colleges around the nation. Every year, top colleges, including many of the Ivy Leagues, are building new dormitories with truly extensive interior and exterior designs, which are drawing in many students to choose dorm life more frequently. Increasingly, parents and other relatives are visiting college students and finding, to their great bewilderment, their comfortable Sheraton or Holiday Inn rooms pale in comparison to students’ dormitories. Ohio’s Ball State University, for example, recently opened a $36 million residence hall boasting all of the above-men-
this. Sea turtles and birds are frequently found dead with plastic products caught in their stomachs. There are “six kilos [13.2 pounds] of plastic for every kilo [2.2 pounds] of naturally occurring plankton” in the Eastern Garbage Patch, according to Greenpeace, and “at least 267 marine species had suffered from some kind of ingestion or entanglement with marine debris.” Unlike the landfills on land, the waste in the ocean takes much longer to decompose. “On land, the process [of decomposition] can take decades, even centuries. At sea, it takes even longer,” said Anthony L. Andrady, a polymer chemist at the Research Triangle Institute in North Carolina who studies marine debris. Ultraviolet rays normally decompose plastics in landfills into carbon dioxide and water, but “seawater keeps plastics cool while algae, barnacles and other marine growth block ultraviolet rays,” Andrady explained. Because of this, the trash in the ocean is accumulating much faster than it is decomposing. The Great Pacific Garbage Patch “moves around like a big animal without a leash.” “When it gets close to an island, the garbage patch barfs, and you get a beach covered with this confetti of plastic,” said Curtis Ebbesmeyer, an oceanographer in Seattle and leading expert on currents and marine debris. The only solution is to stop relying heavily on plastics. Although it’s almost impossible to remove the mass, it is possible to stop adding to the trash that forms the Great Pacific Garbage Patch.
tioned features. Offering two large suites off a sunlit living room, the new $20 million dormitory at Tufts University in Boston also contains a dining room with a glass table and a kitchen with a dishwasher. “This is like going from Amerisuites to the Ritz-Carlton,” said one Tufts senior when questioned about today’s living standards at colleges. Today’s generation of students are living according to higher-set standards and expect a wide and expensive variety of premiere choices. Harvard University has built an array of seven dormitories, south of its wellknown Harvard Yard. Those dorms also contained an elaborate outside design but its basic interiors, compared with the features offered at Ball State University, are bare. These luxurious lodgings are becoming one more criteria for high school students to consider when searching for their ideal college match. Teens who grew up with their own rooms, equipped with their own televisions expect no less when they go off to college. “The cramped room with a dingy community bathroom at the end of a dimly lit cinder block hall has become outdated for today’s college students,” said Peter Schworm in an article in The Boston Globe. Why should today’s college students settle for anything less than ultimate luxury?
ocean, but the Garbage Patch is made of mostly trash from land. “Around 100 million tons of plastic are produced each year of which about 10 percent ends up in the sea,” according to the Greenpeace article. And that 10% ends up in the giant rubbish patches. Furthermore, the consequences for marine mammals are unimaginable. “An estimated one million seabirds choke or get tangled in plastic nets or other debris every year. About 100,000 seals, sea lions, whales, dolphins, other marine mammals, and sea turtles suffer the same fate,” said Weiss. Marine animals mistake plastic products for other animals, and they die from
Multiple Choice Takeover JESSICA KANE STAFF WRITER
Every minute of every class we have ever sat through was not to generally increase our intellect or to make us more knowledgeable. Anything we have been taught has been geared toward one thing: multiple choice tests. Perhaps, that is a bit overstated; however, the AP exams, STAR testing, the SATs, ACTs, and final exams are all a part of the nation’s and the state’s “educational methods.” “Multiple choice questions are useful for assessing subject matter knowledge as well as certain verbal and quantitative reasoning skills,” said Richard H. Hersh, the co-director of Collegiate Learning Assessments. But are they the only tools available to test the knowledge of students? At the end of every school year, the majority of our final exams have been multiple choice tests that our teachers have been trying to prepare us for all year. When May hits, all the AP students experience chaos as they cram their brains for every last drop of information they can manage to retain for the typically threehour test. So how far has the country gone in issuing mandatory multiple choice tests for their future generations? It is believed that the adolescents are only being instructed for the next upcoming months and do not register the information, only memorize it, and empty it out of their heads as soon as relief comes from
the completion of a test. A test that can portray each individual’s creativity and general intelligence seems to be much more logical, although this isn’t what our testing organizations want us to demonstrate. California’s education is one of the lowest ranked in the United States statistically, already giving us a disadvantage. School’s could create newer ways for students to display their creativity and different interpretations of certain subject matter, such as a project or an art-related activity. Through these examples, their understanding is not determined by choice A, B, C, or D. Though the multiple choice tests aid students to analyze, synthesize, and judge the utility and appropriateness of information, they also focus on a certain right or wrong answer. Different students may interpret questions in various ways, and an answer that is correct on the grade sheet may not necessarily be the right choice in their eyes. In this way, multiple choice tests limit the freedom of thought for those who are analyzing or criticizing a certain passage or question asked. It is mandatory that in every classroom, teachers must display and post the regulations and rules of what they are required to instill in all the students by California standards. It seems limiting that there is a predetermined list of what students must know, as it only serves to further stress the students and demoralize the purpose of learning.
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FEATURE
February 8, 2008 • THE ARROW
New Technology Trends in 2008 Invisibility Cloak Unveiled
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ro-reflective” beads that bounce light back in the exact direction it came from. Thus whatever image is projected onto the jacket will be reflected back with sharp resolution to the viewer. Even outside on a bright day, because of the retro-reflective material, the see-through effect remains. The second method sounds more like something from a science fiction novel than from real life. While the first method involves reflecting light to give the illusion of invisibility, the second actually attempts to bend light around an object. Researchers at Duke University have created “metamaterials,” or materials that interact with and bend incoming light, that can significantly bend electromagnetic radiation in the microwave range around an object. The resulting microwave “image” was still slightly distorted from the original, but this same accomplishment in the visible light range would mean being able to see behind a solid object. Because current “metamaterials” only work in a narrow range of wavelengths, for example only blue light or microwave, the invention of a true “invisibility cloak” using this method is still years off. Nonetheless, such advances prove that even mere muggles can be wizards.
PHILIP SHAO FEATURE EDITOR
Snazzy pick up lines are not the only practical applications of J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series. Invisibility Cloaks, too, may soon become a part of our muggle world. True invisibility, defined by the Webster’s Dictionary as “incapable of being seen,” is still several years off, but two approaches are gaining public visibility. The first cloaking method, developed by researchers from the University of Tokyo, has already produced breathtaking results. In this method, an image of the scene behind the wearer of the “invisibility cloak” is projected onto the cloak, giving the illusion of transparency. The cloak is essentially a silvery jacket that works because it is woven with millions of “ret-
Macbook Air—Thinnest Notebook Ever TIFFANY LOH OPINION EDITOR
It’s lightweight. It’s resilient. And it’s super-thin. Recently announcing the MacBook Air as its latest advancement in technology, Apple Inc. has set the tone for the new year of 2008. A t just 0.76 inches thick at its thickest point, the Air’s reputation as the “world’s thinnest notebook,” as described by Apple CEO Steve Jobs, has turned heads all across the globe. Its extreme slimness and weight of only three pounds hold a strong appeal for techsavvy consumers, as its unique design and portability make it an ideal device for traveling. Encased in a 0.16 to 0.76 inch of anodized aluminum, the MacBook Air’s thinness is compounded by this sturdy coating that relieves those who are afraid to break its slim structure. A Fire Wire cable is needed to transfer all files, music, and photos to another computer. Files can also be backed up wirelessly using Apple’s new Time Capsule, thus eliminating the need of the optic drive. “I think it’s really cool,” said Shannon Chen ‘11. “It’s a real-
Apple Minimizes Price of Nano VIVIAN SHEN STAFF WRITER
When the iPhone came out, Apple originally sold it for $599. After only a few weeks though, the price was lowered to $399. For those who waited in line for the release of the new gadget, this sudden price decrease is an outrage. Now, the same is happening with the brand new iPod nano. “The surveys are in and iPhone customer satisfaction scores are higher than we’ve ever seen for any Apple product,” said Steve Jobs, Apple’s CEO. “We’ve clearly got a breakthrough product and we want to make it affordable for even more customers.” Gizmodo, an online gadget guide, reveals the CEO’s reason for the price drop, but that is not good enough for the people who just spent an extra $200. Since Apple decided to give a $100 refund to iPhone users who bought the product two weeks before the price drop, they are in for less criticism. Now that the iPhone issue has passed, people seem to have forgotten about it. The new iPod nano will change that. The old version, 4GB with no video, cost consumers $200. The new iPod nano, smaller and easier to fit inside your jean pocket, 8GB with video, also sells for $200. People like me who bought the iPod nano 2nd generation are not happy with the sudden release of the updated nano. From recent technological advances, it would be considered our fault for not seeing it, since the iPod nano 1st generation was not as eye-appealing in design than the 2nd generation iPod. As the owner of a 2nd generation iPod nano, I was grateful for
the new nano that was the same price yet better, but now I understand how the early buyers feel. Teenagers in our generation are extremely focused on material products, which is especially emphasized with actors and actresses in possession of designer clothes, cars, bags, and other expensive electronics. Although these “role models” from the entertainment world influence children to go for their dreams and choose their own paths, their emphasis on material goods cancels out their positive influence. iPod buyers should think that maybe their own lack of individuality is the real reason for this controversy. Although some might want the iPod nano for the mere enjoyment of music, others rashly buy iPods on a whim, because it seems as if everyone else has one. Teenagers should be independent enough to think rationally and make the right decisions. Buying expensive iPods will actually help them to learn a lesson for future reference when they may want to invest in a seemingly amazing new product. We teenagers have now learned the value of patience. If people feel the price decrease is unfair, then they should look back and question their own intelligence, because they should’ve predicted the price drop. Maybe Steve Jobs will also give a refund to users who bought the older version of the iPod nano, though it is highly doubtful. The best bet is to wait a few years after Apple releases a new product. Apple’s past history can lead me to conclude that any product of theirs will have a significant improvement over time—with a little patience.
ly impressive invention.” Thin enough to fit in a manila envelope, the Air reveals the new step that has been made in technology. This full-sized notebook contains a 13.3 inch widescreen LED backlit display, which, with its mercury and arsenic-free composition, makes Mac-
Book Air more power-efficient and prolongs battery life. The keyboard’s backlit key illumination contains a built-in ambient light sensor that automatically adjusts the keyboard’s brightness for optimal visibility, making it easier to work in lowlight settings. Apple has made video chatting quicker in the wireless network with the iSight camera and iChat software. The Air’s capabilities have brought numerous advantages to the wireless world. In addition to the light-adjusting keys, the MacBook Air
also includes an oversized trackpad with multi-touch technology. This feature, which also predominates in the iPhone and the iPod touch allows one to pinch, swipe, or zoom in on text and adjust images. But with all this technology packed into one thin device, one wonders if the performance of the Air can match its numerous features. Surprisingly, this slim laptop contains all of the features found in a regular MacBook and an even more expansive range of functions. The 80GB hard drive provides an ample amount of storage space, and a small port hatch flips down to reveal numerous ports: a USB 2.0 port, a headphone j a c k , and a micro-DVI port. Even both the MagSafe power connection and the battery have been slimmed down to fit the notebook’s thin structure. Although much smaller, MacBook Air’s battery retains its power, and one can access the web for up to five hours. For those movie-lovers, movies can also be rented and downloaded wirelessly form the iTunes store instead of being watched on DVDs. With the Macbook Air’s unique design and its many convenient applications, Apple has undoubtedly set a new standard for computers.
FEATURE
February 8, 2008 • THE ARROW
The New Eco-friendly Age
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Learning How to be Green schools, students have greater test results and more auspicious learning experiences. One study, “Day lighting in Schools” Nowadays, teenagers and college students around the globe are in the act conducted by the energy efficiency conto “Go Green” and become environmen- sulting firm Heschong Mahone Group, observed more than 20,000 students tally cautious. Greenpeace conducted a survey in three elementary school districts in which showed that about two-thirds of Washington, Colorado, and California. The study confirmed that students teenagers perceive global warming as a serious threat, even more serious and in classrooms with an ample amount of daylight had at least a 25% learning rate pressing than terrorism. In general, the population is un- increase and higher test scores in readeasy with what governments are doing ing and math compared to their peers in to help our environment and to reduce rooms with less natural light. C u r r e n t l y, the effects of global about 50 schools warming. Across the na- “Today’s teenagers are are taking on this environmentally tion, a vast amount decision cautious mission to of schools are at- tomorrow’s not only assist their tempting to conserve makers.” students educationtheir energy bills by Gerd Leipold ally, but also for the constructing a unique and positive “green” Greenpeace International greater good. It’s easy to understand plan. why. On average, College students in the program “Project Illuminate” de- green schools use 33% less energy and rived from the University of Oregon’s 32% less water, according to USGBC. “Today’s teenagers are tomorrow’s Environmental Leadership Program are enlightening Gilham Elementary School decision makers,” said Greenpeace students about a broad range of topics International Executive Director Gerd from conserving energy to thoroughly Leipold. With many web sites targeted to understanding global warming effects. On Jan. 31, five colleges among 1,500 the young audience of Generation schools and 300 organizations were part C (followers of the green moveof events for Focus the Nation in an effort ment and philanthropy) such to promote environmental protection as “Greenpeace” and “Climate Challenge,” teenagers from and awareness. The environmental program en- around the world converse and forces diverse laws such as reducing share their ideas, opinions, and America’s dependency on fossil fuel use latest news regarding the enviand encourage investment in energy- ronment. This new surge of our conserving technology than focusing on “green” generation is the individual “green” habits. Various studies have asserted that promising reversal of the by constructing more economically ef- age-old indifference of the ficient and environmentally “friendly” past generation. IRIS YAN FEATURE EDITOR
A Look at WHS Eco-community:
GREEN ACTIVITIES: 1. Reduced water/energy consumption 2. Does not use AC, instead uses ceiling fans 3. Eats organic food 4. Helps with trail maintenance
GRAPHIC AND PHOTOS BY ELLEN WANG
NAME: Scott Holloway (Enviro Science AP teacher) STATUS: Eco-friendly
NAME: Sid Primas ’08 STATUS: Eco-friendly GREEN ACTIVITIES: 1. Carpools with other WHS students 2. Recycles plastics and glass 3. Donates money to plant trees in the Amazon and save the rainforest GREEN IS THE NEW BLACK: Daniel Greentree ’08 supports the new eco-friendly age.
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FEATURE
Meyer Continues Twilight Series with Eclipse
Two Afghan Women Form Friendship Through Troubles
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a shoe merchant from Kabul. For a while happiness seems possible, but as Mariam miscarries one child after In A Thousand Splendid Suns, Khaled another, Mariam finds herself being seHosseini tells a carefully observed story verely physically abused by her husband about his country through the eyes of two who expects a son. Hosseini then women, Mariam introduces us to and Laila. The Laila, a woman story chronicles born in the era of their lives from the communists. 1974 to the presLaila enjoys the ent. benefits of the The women schooling and are married off to freedoms that the same man and were once posare scarred by the sible for Afghan horrific abuse at women. the hands of their As with husband and the Mariam, however, ongoing war. history intervenes. Through Laila’s parents are Mariam and killed and prostiLaila, Hosseini tution or marriage has created two becomes her only deeply intriguing option. characters, who She also ends were born into up betrothed to very different Rasheed, who has circumstances. become more anMariam, gry, violent, and the illegitimate hardened by the daughter of a war. wealthy busi- A SPLENDID READ: Khaled Hosseini’s second Hosseini, nessman, grows novel, A Thousand Splendid Suns, spans three though not a lyriup captivated by decades in a compelling account of friendship. cal writer, gives the idea of her father, whom she knows only superficially. the reader rich and powerful details. The She wants to better herself by going to reader can almost feel the characters’ trouschool and learning, a desire her father bles although the problems these women encourages, but her bitter mother tries to face are foreign to most Americans. The framework and texture of the sabotage. “What’s the sense schooling a girl like women’s journey will be familiar to those you? It’s like shining a spittoon,” said her who read international news. However, as a piece of fiction, it devastates in a new mother. The author soon reveals how casually way. It forces readers to imagine what Mariam’s destiny is taken from her hands. After her mother kills herself, Mariam’s fa- would happen if they had been born to ther marries the 14-year-old off to Rasheed, such a grim fate. BRITTANY WEBER FEATURE EDITOR
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pires make a book unappealing, but I really enjoyed this book,” said Rachel Li ‘08. Eclipse centers on Swan’s relationship Eclipse is the third installment of Ste- with Cullen and her best friend, a werephenie Meyer’s Twilight series. The first wolf named Jacob Black. She is forced to two books, Twilight and New Moon, were choose between them when she realizes New York Times Bestsellers and garnered that they both love her, and she returns numerous awards; New Moon even reached their feelings. Swan must deal with this predicathe number one position and stayed on the ment while trying to get into college and list for 28 weeks. The series revolves around high avoiding the main antagonist, a murderschool senior Bella Swan and her vampire ous vampire named Victoria, determined boyfriend, Edward Cullen. As Meyer puts to exact revenge on Swan. At the end of it “Twilight is about finding true love, New the novel, Swan makes the pivotal decision Moon is about losing true love, and Eclipse between Cullen and Black. Eclipse includes Swan’s final choice, is about choosing true love.” “I like Eclipse because I find the plot resulting in an impending marriage, her unique and quite intriguing. Usually vam- acceptance to Dartmouth College, Victoria’s defeat, and the decision to change Swan into a vampire. While Twilight was a funny, impossible-to-stop-reading book, New Moon and Eclipse lost most of the humor and novelty. While still absorbing books, they failed to meet high expectations. “All three books were great, but I must say Twilight is the best because when you read the sequel and continue, you get frustrated because there is always another issue in the way of Bella and Edward’s life together,” said Li. “I enjoyed Eclipse because the author added a further level of complexity to the characters. Despite its flaws, it was still very entertaining to read,” said Erin Langlois ‘08. A movie will be released next year, starring Kristen Stewart as Swan and Robert Pattinson—best known for playing Cedric Diggory in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire—as Cullen. In addition, the fourth book in the series, Breaking DREAMWEAVER: Stephenie Meyer’s next book, enDawn, will be published this fall. titled Breaking Dawn, will resume Bella Swan’s story. VICKY LOU MANAGING EDITOR
February 8, 2008 • THE ARROW
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FEATURE
February 8, 2008 • THE ARROW
Mock Trial Takes Case to Court Team Prepares for County Competition
The 2008 Mock Trial Team:
PHILIP SHAO FEATURE EDITOR
The members of the WHS Mock Trial team rehearsed and polished their lines and reexamined every piece of evidence in their scrimmage at the Santa Barbara Courthouse last Saturday, Feb. 2. This scrimmage is part of the team’s ramping up its already grueling practice schedule for the competition on Feb. 25 and 26. In addition to school days, the Mock Trial team also practices on most holidays and weekends. “We have practices some weeks on Tuesday and Thursday; Monday and Wednesday on others, and on Saturdays every week,” explained Brent McCunney ’08. The planned increase from the team’s usual nine hours to a strenuous 16 hours of weekly practice is already under way. “We are at about 11 hours per week right now and as the competition gets closer, we’ll be doing even more,” said Kevin Weiss ’10. The competition between WHS and its opponent will be a simulated court-case complete with pre-trial motions and realtime cross examination. The trial will be argued twice with one team’s prosecution squaring off against the other’s defense and then switching places.
Defense Attorneys: Nini Xie ’08 Andrew Maleki ’08 Aaron Alpert ’08 Prosecution Attorneys: Ellen Wang ’08 Dan Parks ’08 Erin Langlois ’08 Alex Palmer: Kevin Weiss ’10 Stevie Ricco: Carol Yu ’09 Adrian Chase: Alexis Rosenthal ’09
PHOTO BY ELLEN WANG
The Case: This year’s case, People v. Palmer, is a classic Hollywood murder mystery. The defendant, Alex Palmer, stands accused of murdering his estranged friend and Hollywood director Jes Markson. While Palmer was angry with Markson and in the neighborhood on the night of the murder, the defendant maintains his innocence. The prosecution will call Carter Cravin, who will testify about the night of the murder and how he came upon the victim’s body. To complicate matters further, the victim’s girlfriend London Desmond, will describe some of Palmer’s possible motives, but also raise important questions about her own involvement in the crime. Perhaps the most compelling piece of evidence against Palmer, however, is
Coaches: Christina Harrison Julia Snyder
PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT: Jonathan Kotzin ’08, Nini Xie ’08, and Aaron Alpert ’08 look over their notes, analyze the evidence, and prepare their lines for the case.
the testimony of Dr. Lee Stark. Stark will present the results of a “brain mapping” test that appear, at first glance, to confirm Palmer’s guilt. Besides Palmer, the defense has a few witnesses of its own, including Stevie Ricco. Ricco will explain to the jury the context of the poor relationship between the victim and the defendant. In addition, Adrian Chase is a friend
of the victim and will testify that Markson had been cheating on Desmond. And finally, to counter the testimony of Stark, the defense will call to the stand Dr. J.B. Schrute. He will testify that the investigation methods of Detective Brown were questionable and that the memory mapping technique described by Stark is still too new to be used in court.
Dr. J.B. Schrute: Michael Chen ’08 Dr. Lee Stark: Nik Crain ’10 London Desmond: Hannah Englander ’09 Detective Brown: James Garafolo ’09 Carter Cravin: Brent McCunney ’08 Pre-trial Attorneys: Jenny DaRin ’09 Jonathan Kotzin ’08
People v. Palmer: Excerpts from the Case Defendant: Alex Palmer
Defense Witness: Stevie Ricco
Prosecution Witness: London Desmond
Prosecution Witness: Detective Dana Brown
“We had been friends for years, and I needed Jes to get back to work as a stuntman. I really depended on Jes, so I had no reason to kill him.”
“Alex would come visit me often when he lived at Markson’s poolhouse... he’s a great guy, definitely not the type to hold a grudge.”
“I don’t think the gunshot residue could have gotten onto Alex Palmer’s clothes because I had put them in a new evidence bag.”
Played by Kevin Weiss ’10
Played by Carol Yu ’09
“Alex ran out of the poolhouse, grabbed his black duffel bag—by the way, so not his color—and left. I never saw him or that god-awful bag again.” Played by Hannah Englander ’10
Played by James Garafolo ’09
Love is in the Air The Rose
I chanced upon a rose one day In gloomy fields of gray. But then the sunlight struck your face And sunny was the day. I see but love, my precious rose now gone are all my woes. It is a shame—why do you play in gloomy fields of gray? I picked you up and showered you With all my awkward love. I tore you from your nursing roots And from the sun above. Yet smile sweet and laugh sincere You loved my strange embrace Your love from cheerful ear to ear, Spread joy across my face. And silent are the trails of fate That led me to this place. yet tell them all did I to you, And you, with charming grace, Unlocked my overtired mind And made me feel so free. My world with you was full of hope, So full of life and glee. But now does fade your tender love I cannot bear to know A world without my precious rose, But now it’s time to go. With me your tender petals wilt No matter what I do, I cannot bear to cause you pain And thus I part with you I place you back into the soil And soothing sunlight’s ray And may your smile shine evermore And brighten other days And years anon, if chance allows, I’ll stroll this very way And love again this rose I found In gloomy fields of gray. Written by Philip Shao.
Not That Innoce
ALEXIS ROSENTHAL STAFF WRITER
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ONCE A STAR, NOW A STATISTIC: Jamie Lynn Spears from Zoey 101 announced that she was pregnant and has left the show.
When Jamie Lynn Spears issued a statement last month that she was pregnant, the 16-year-old’s announcement not only created controversy but also prompted a speedy reaction from the producers of her series Zoey 101 on Nickelodeon, sending her character to London. The recent indie release Juno, which focuses on a 16-year-old girl who gets pregnant in high school, has attracted attention and not just for Ellen Page’s Oscar-nominated performance. Juno struggles with the decision of giving up her baby for adoption, while figuring out if father Paulie Bleeker is the real “cheese to her macaroni.” Is the convergence of these two stories just a coincidence of do they reflect a shifting trend? A recent government report stated birth rates have increased three percent from 2005 to 2006, after decreasing 34% from 1991 to 2005. Federal health officials are saying that it is too soon to know what the reasons for the increase are, and they are uncertain whether the sudden increase is simply a statistical blip or the beginning of a new trend. While federal health officials aren’t sure of the reasons, some health experts have been expecting a jump in numbers and blaming it on abstinenceonly health education programs that don’t teach teenagers about contraceptives. Abstinence-only programs receive about $176 million dollars in federal funding. Congress is cur-
rently debating whether to increase that funding by $28 million. Independent researchers have also found that in four typical abstinence-only programs from around the country there was no difference between the sexual activity of kids in the program and those not in the program. All of the abstinenceonly programs sampled had at least 50 hours of class time and the kids were in the programs for one to three years starting at about age 11. Today, about 35% of America’s school districts have adopted abstinence-only curricula. About 58% of these classes teach a more comprehensive class, so-called “abstinence-plus” programs that encourage young people to wait to have sex but teach safe sex practices if they are to become sexually active. “The United States is facing a teen-pregnancy health-care crisis,” said Cecile Richard, president of the Planned Parenthood Federation of America. “It is time for everyone who cares about teenagers to start focusing on the common-sense solutions that will help solve this problem.” Some states however approve of abstinenceonly programs, such as Kansas. The State Board of Education says that “human sexuality classes should promote abstinence ‘until marriage’ while still giving students complete and medically accurate information about birth control and preventing sexually transmitted diseases.” The birth rate had been dropping since its peak in 1991, the greatest decreases occurring in
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To Date or Not to Date? NIKKI FAY STAFF WRITER
They’re all over campus—couples holding hands, walking side by side, permanently attached at the hip. Who is dating whom can always ignite gossip at WHS, but how much does this focus on dating detract from a student’s ability to concentrate on school work? School in itself is extremely time-consuming for students, but when a boyfriend or girlfriend is thrown into the mix, an already extremely hectic schedule becomes even more demanding. For Tatiana Corso ’09 it is difficult juggling her academics when she has a boyfriend, admitting, “I don’t spend enough time with him. He feels neglected so I have to stay away from my studies to pay attention to him.” Corso is bold for speaking out on a commonly sensitive subject, but she is not alone among her peers. According to an online source, 57% of high school students say that they regularly go on dates or have a steady boyfriend or girl-
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Advice from Those Who Know
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ican-American communities with rates g by more than half. he report, the greatest increase was among ens, rising five percent—63.7 babies per ns. In Hispanic communities, births have two percent, with 83 births per 1000. And asian communities, births rose to three per6 births per 1000. n more trends have been appearing; there n an increase in the rates of babies being -term, underweight, and through the Caeection method. Alan Guttmacher Institute states that sexual activity among teenagers of all invels is now common, having a baby is not. ent childbearing is heavily concentrated poor and low-income teenagers, most of re unmarried.” tors that influence teen pregnancy rates incation and poverty. Michigan and Texas are at have one of the highest teen birth rates, the highest increase in poverty since 2000. r, New Hampshire has one of the lowest gnancy rates and lowest poverty levels in ed States. ording to Guttmacher’s study, while lowyouths may not intend to have a baby, they be motivated to avoid pregnancy. Without beckoning from the future—a good job, l independence and marriage—young rom low income backgrounds may have entive to delay childbearing.
and tips for success. I think it’s fun and a good support system,” said English teacher Lora Novak. “But it’s important for things not to become too serious. Students need to be worried about school work, not adult issues.” So when do issues in teen dating become too adult for the relationship to go on? Academics are already stressful and difficult to maintain without the pressure of an upset boyfriend or girlfriend to deal with. Staying focused on education while still enjoying a relationship is the key to success. It is important not to postpone a date with a lengthy English book for a date with a new flame. “We are pretty good at staying on task,” said Hartz. “School is important to both of us so we try to stay focused.” High school memories are the most significant ones of many people’s lives. Be sure that the choices and decisions between school work and a social life are ones that ensure happiness later on. The purpose of this article is not to persuade students not to date, or to put them in fear that their boyfriend or girlfriend will ruin their lives. It is merely to warn students that dating is not always the fairy tale it may seem. If the relationship is fun and enjoyable, it is usually healthy, and there is no reason to end it. But if the relationship is causing stress and heartache, it may not be constructive and supportive. Value your high school years, and be sure that the person you choose to be with will contribute to those memories you will cherish forever, not the ones you will work to forget.
Love Seminar
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friend, and 12% of teens are currently in a relationship with someone they have been dating for more than a year. Jake Hartz ‘08, for example, who has been dating Courtney Remington ‘08 for two and a half years doesn’t think dating hurts school work. “She’s a smart girl. Whenever I struggle she can help me, and if she is ever having trouble I can help her,” said Hartz. Having a boyfriend or girlfriend can even end up being a beneficial experience for students. In fact, most students feel confident and all around happier when they have that special someone to turn to. “It’s fun getting to know someone so well throughout the years. She’s not only my girlfriend; she’s my best friend too,” said Hartz. However the constant desire for the warmth and affection of a significant other results in most students’ loss of focus. When faced with a choice of spending time with each other or studying for that huge test on Monday, most students would rather cuddle on the couch than crack open the books. When students’ grades start to suffer because of their poor choices, it becomes not only a problem for them, but for their teachers, as well. Not all WHS staff members oppose their students dating. How can they? Apart from the mild arguments everyone has, these couples walk around constantly smiling and giggling with each other. “It’s normal and natural for kids to date. They can help and benefit each other, pass along advice
the key factors in any relationship. “The only time we have a Teenage love. Does it sound like an oxydisagreement is moron? After all, with divorce rates higher when we clean than ever, clearly many adults with years of out the garage,” experience don’t know how to make a relationsaid Ballard. ship last. How can teenagers be expected to? He admitPhrases like puppy love, innocent crush, ted that when or even fling imply sentimentality, triviality, he and his wife and impermanence. No one forgets his or her argue, they first high school romance, but rarely do those give each other relationships lead to marriage. space and then In the 21st century where people spend eventually one more time text messaging than writing love of the two will poems or letters, where movies depict love Cheri Blackburn go up to the stories between a man and a doll (Lars and the other and say, Real Girl), what does it take to sustain a rela“I was wrong.” tionship? We live in a country where 43% of marriages end in divorce Successful, long-lasting relationships, many psychologists within 15 years according to a study conducted by the Centers tell us, are based on trust, respect, and loyalty. Several teachers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Marriage is becomhave found the secret and shared a few pieces of advice. ing more impulsive, so how does one know when he or she has According to WHS Foreign Language Department Chair met “the one?” Cheri Blackburn, “patience, listening skills and common interAdults may say that teens are emotionally unstable and ests are what keep a marriage strong.” Blackburn has 42 years not able to handle the responsibility of a relationship. Relationof experience under her belt and finds that the numerous trips ships take a great amount of communication with that signifithat she and her husband have taken have created common ex- cant other. With listening also comes compromises, which calls periences for them to look back on. for selflessness on both parts. History teacher Ray Ballard, who has been happily marAccording to responses from YahooAnswers.com, being ried for 39 years, believes that communication and trust are friends first also helps relationships last longer, because a loving relationship has its basis in what a normal friendship does. One needs to be forgiving, especially in trivial fights, and always honest. Honesty creates a lasting relationship because if there is nothing to hide, no one will get hurt. Although teenagers are trying to make their romances work, many, while away at college, decide to wait for serious relationships until after graduation. According to a recent article in The Wall Street Journal, only 14% of people married or in a relationship say they met their partners in school or college, while 18% say they met at work. College students say they have little time for dating. Today, many find themselves studying, volunteering, and competing for post-college careers, instead of spouse hunting. Campus romances are becoming a thing of the past. According to the Census Bureau, the marriage age has risen, men waiting until about 27.5 to tie the knot, and women until 25.5, statistics that indicate that the population is in no hurry to tie the knot. JESSICA KUECKS KATELYN SMITH STAFF WRITERS
Ray Ballard
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FASHION
February 8, 2008 • THE ARROW
Have a Blast with the Past Take a FASHION REWIND with our favorite styles from THE DECADES Photographed by Carina Wolff, Styled by Wynn Burson
1960s Mod dresses and statement coats. Coat, vintage. Dress, American Apparel. Boots, Chinese Laundry. Headband, vintage.
1970s Free spirited hippie chic. Vest, Oilily. Jeans and belts, Lucky Brand. Sunglasses, headband, and sandals, vintage. Studded tote, Coach.
IN THIS STORY Model: Brenda O’Sullivan. Fashion Assistants: Alannah Bradley, Dena Gallucci, Jessica Kane, Kayli Miletich, Natalya Sivashov. Special thanks to Joseph Jacques.
S
tarting 2008 with style from the past is an easy way to revamp your look while still playing it safe with classic fashion hits. With spring approaching fast, it is time for a new and fresh take on clothes. Using either genuine vintage or new-meant-tolook-old pieces, pick and choose fun aspects of the decades to offset modern looks. 1960s: Mod Looks The sixties were full of inspiration from artists, socialites, and models; most notably Andy Warhol, Edie Sedgwick, and Twiggy. The idea of grown-up glamour is still appealing today, with striking, statement pieces. High contrast colors like sleek black and white are simple but indicative of subtle cool and
luxury. A short mod dress is spirited and youthful. “A dress is one-stop dressing: It’s easy and effortless, and, best of all, it belongs to women only,” the designer Diane von Furstenberg told Harper’s Bazaar. 1970s: Hippie Chic A free-spirited, earthy palette was big in the seventies, with the hippie following and Studio 54 glamazons. The hippie aspect of the seventies, of course, included flared jeans (forever immortalized at Lucky Brand) and flower prints (shown here on an Oilily vest). Neutral colors on streamlined seventies looks like jumpsuits and column dresses will always be simple and sleek. Leather accessories--whether studded, embossed, fringed, or braided, are back with a sexy-sweet seventies vibe. Try the Fairfax High Swap Meet for the real thing, or Coach for a modern interpretation. While on accessories—headbands across the forehead signal “hippie” from a mile away. And if you didn’t make it to Athens this past summer, don’t fret—gladiator sandals were all over the spring runways, and are here to stay.
1980s Live-at-the-gym glamour. Madonna T-shirt (worn as dress), custom from Fred Segal Santa Monica. Sunglasses, vintage. Sweatbands (on arm), Nike. Headband, Free City. Backpack and socks, Marc by Marc Jacobs. Tennis shoes, Marc Jacobs Men.
1980s: Luxe Workouts The Flashdance era will forever be remembered for oversized and off-the-shoulder sweatshirts, leg warmers, and footless tights. We pay tribute to the 1980s everyday, whether in baby-doll dresses, ripped jeans, or technicolor brights. The “toughchic” side of the 1980s encompassed shoulder pads, high waists, and frilly shirts— where modern high schoolers are hesitant to go. And where would we be without popstar inspiration? Who knows—but all we’ll say is Madonna ruled the 1980s, when it comes to creating a look. Her “Like a Virgin” video seems to have the greatest influence on American Apparel these days (see their tunics over shiny footless tights). See the T-shirt, above, as a dress on Brenda O’Sullivan ’09. The oversized tee dress will always be fresh—yet a trademark throwback to the 80s. Also above, we have pushed down Marc Jacobs’ thigh high socks to give them a leg-warmer/knee sock feel. Bright colored tennis shoes from Nike and Reebok may be a signature live-at-the-gym look, but they sure beat flats when it comes to character.
1990s Layered grunge and high-low finds. Cardigan sweater, Marc by Marc Jacobs (men’s collection). Plaid shirt, Old Navy (men’s collection). Scarf, Prada. Cardigan sweater (worn as skirt), Banana Republic (men’s collection). Beanie, gloves, and thigh-high socks, Marc by Marc Jacobs. Boots, Ugg Australia (men’s collection).
1990s: Grunge Punk Androgyny in the 1990s produced looks that kept us guessing if a garment was dug out of a trash can or was the latest from Barney’s. We’ll leave “dumpster chic” to the Olsens, and move up to thrift stores and swap meets for our own vintage finds. The mix of high-low with vintage is the best way to enjoy the broad spectrum of fashion. Here we have layered and layered, for a grungy (albeit designer) punk look comprising of mostly men’s clothes for a bulkier, more intense silhouette. The heavy sweater over a flannel is still modern, though twisted with the mixture of patterns and textures. (The patchwork wool of the cardigan and plaid on the flannel. The mohair scarf has a unique feel to it—just one of the new techno-fabrics discovered by the designer Miuccia Prada lately.) It makes for a fun combination. For the 1990s, we pulled the Marc Jacobs socks up as ribbed tights, and used another men’s cardigan as a knit skirt.
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FEATURE
February 8, 2008 • THE ARROW
Satisfy Food Cravings with Flair Yummy Cupcakes Creates Heavenly Sensation TERI AKAHOSHI STAFF WRITER
COURTESY PHOTO
The window to the Yummy Cupcakes bakery is a baked goods utopia, filled with hundreds of freshly baked cupcakes—each with its own unique décor—that line the baking sheets in uniform. The walls of the bakery are colored with a bright shade of pink. Yummy Cupcakes, an intimate and dainty bakery, displays rows of cupcakes labeled with original names such as Peanut Butter Bomb, Old School, Brown Sugar Cinnamon, and Oatmeal Cookie. There is a difference between these unusual and unparalleled flavor combinations and traditional vanilla-frosted cupcakes. The pastry chefs, graduates of the Culinary Institute Le Cordon Bleu, sing and laugh with a carefree ease as they put the finishing touches on the cupcakes. The founders of Yummy Cupcakes have invested both their hearts and love into baking their cupcakes. With a whimsical imagination, the pastry chefs frost each cupcake with special creativity. Yummy Cupcakes’s family-oriented air creates an atmosphere of the classic vanilla-scented grandmother’s kitchen. Yummy Cupcakes opened on Dec. 15, 2005, in Burbank 2918 W. Magnolia Blvd. 91505, California, as a result of popular demands asking for a nearby location to purchase the delectable treats.
The family-owned pastry shop is run by Tiffini Soforenko, Brogan Faye, and Nik Soforenko. They began working on their cupcake creations for special events like weddings and birthday parties. Encouraged by enthusiastic supporters, they took “the leap” to establish their little cupcake kitchen into a bakery extravaganza. The owners put pride in maintaining the jovial atmosphere and the original cupcakes, attempting to make their customers feel accepted into their cupcake-eating clan as well. Showering every customer with sincere personal attention and a consistent effort to satisfy, it feels as though the kitchen doors of Yummy Cupcakes are open to the public. “The name ‘Yummy Cupcakes’ came from our five-year-old Logan, who, while we were perfecting recipes, was constantly asking for more ‘yummy cupcakes’,” said one of the pastry shop founders. SATISFYING YOUR SWEET TOOTH: The Pastry Chefs design individual cupcakes by using The pastry chefs, helped by “lots flavorful ingredients such as Madagascar and Tahitian Bourbon vanillas and Catelbeaut chocolate. of Grandma’s recipes,” have created Yummy Cupcakes’s own “unique and delicious recipes.” Nonetheless, choosing from over served everyday during that month. The full menu contains over 120 120 cupcakes can be overwhelming, so In addition to the 14 flavors, each different flavor combinations of cupcakes Yummy Cupcakes uses a Daily Menu of day of the week brings four new daily from Grandma Ban’s secret recipe “Tomato cupcakes for each month. As each new specials. This tradition allows for new Soup” cupcake, to the “French Toast,” and, season approaches, the flavors of cupcakes flavor combinations. Who knew someone finally, to their classic and most popular change with it. At the start of each month, could fall into an obsession with the “P.B. “Red Velvet Cream Cheese” cupcake. 14 types of cupcakes are selected and are & Jelly” cupcake?
Padri Restaurant: The Authenticity Minus Airfare JAMIE HENDRY FEATURE EDITOR
Resembling an old Tuscan farmhouse within the rolling hills of old Agoura, Padri Restaurant captures the true essence of Tuscan-Italian cuisine. The interior, with its appealing amber light and tolerable noise level, is comforting, similar to the food. Hearty classics like spaghetti with tomato sauce and osso-buco share the menu with innovations such as a salad of fennel, arugula, sliced orange, shaved Pecorino cheese and caramel-covered walnuts. The menu boasts everything from pasta, surf and turf, and divine desserts. Pa-
dri’s enormous entrees are clearly enough to feed two. Dedicated customers swarm to Padri’s not only for the endless list of menu options, but also for the complimentary bruschetta. Fans of crusty brick-oven baked bread enjoy Padri’s own Italian style appetizer, paired with fresh tomatoes, basil, garlic, and roasted peppers. Born and raised in Florence, Italy, Padri’s Executive Chef Saverio Posarelli attended a restaurant and hotel management school, and began work in Italy. Posarelli brought his master skills to restaurants throughout Germany, Japan, and most recently to California. After operating at local restaurants
Sushi That’s Out of this World SABRINA SAMEDI ADVERTISING MANAGER
It is Friday night and some people are definitely in one of those sushi-craving moods, but where exactly should they go? Sushi Planet fits the bill quite perfectly. Located off of the Los Angeles Ave. exit on the 23 freeway in Moorpark, Sushi Planet is a near-by restaurant with a comfortable and friendly atmosphere. Once customers walk into the sushi bar, the hostess makes an announcement to the chefs of their customers’ entrance, and then yell out “welcome” in Japanese to make certain that customers feel right at home in the restaurant. Sushi Planet has a wonderful and vibrant ambience with Asian shade lamps hanging from the ceiling and a very assertive waiting staff. The service at Sushi Planet is prompt, courteous, and relaxing. Customers never feel rushed at all with the great food being served by the plate and plasma televisions entertaining diners by showing all the sport highlights of the day.
The food is absolutely delicious. Sushi Planet also offers a variety of dishes such as sashimi, which is a Japanese meal consisting of thinly sliced pieces of fresh raw seafood; the tuna sashimi, for example, costs $11.95. Those who are not fans of sushi or raw seafood, but still have a desire to go to Sushi Planet with their friends and family, can enjoy a chicken, beef, or salmon teriyaki combination, which is served alongside steamed rice, miso soup, and salad at a lunch price of $8.95 or a dinner price of $10.95. Moreover, just in case it happens to be a cold and rainy day when customers are in the sushi mood or they simply want to enjoy the great taste of sushi from their own home, Sushi Planet has a take-out menu. The style of Sushi Planet includes a sushi-bar-side sitting where customers can see their chefs at work creating one masterpiece after another. Besides the amusing bar-side sitting, customers can also enjoy table sitting with the same prompt and affable service.
including Gladstone’s in Malibu, and Allegria, Posarelli and his wife, Devon Wolf, opened Padri Cucina and Martini Bar in July 1998. They have expanded and opened their newest endeavor, Café Fiore in Ventura. The Zagat Guide, L.A. Times, and American Express’ Los Angeles Cuisine Chefs have consistently recognized Posarelli for his exquisite cuisine. Professional staff and a friendly, warm environment combine effortlessly with Padri’s romantic setting and sophisticated atmosphere. Outside, trees are draped in twinkle lights. Inside, vaulted ceilings with rugged wood beams nestle patrons upon comfy cushions and jewel toned accent pillows, in rustic dark-toned wooden booths.
The candlelight and cast-iron chandeliers produce a sultry, passionate, and rich glowing mood throughout the restaurant. Padri is an ideal choice of restaurant for those who want to impress guests or partners on dinner dates. This inexpensive establishment, with a price range of $14 to $30 per meal, is one of the popular restaurants in the area. Padri features private rooms for large groups, and complimentary valet parking to all customers. Reservations are highly recommended for any party size, but are not needed. Open for lunch on Monday through Friday, and for dinner nightly, Padri’s excellence of Italian cuisine makes it the ideal location for any special occasion.
Melting Pot Stirs Up New Dishes CHRISTINA CIPRIANI FEATURE EDITOR
Dig into something different with the enjoyable variety of fondue fun. Fondue is an exciting and interactive dining experience and has been pleasing customers for more than three decades. Today, the Melting Pot has more than 120 locations across 34 states and is the country’s premier fonduerestaurant franchise. The restaurant offers a memorable four-course meal where everyone can experience something different and discover various ingredients for a unique dinner. The Melting Pot has a relaxed atmosphere with private tables, attentive service, and divine fondue dinners. The menu contains your choice of cheese fondue, salad, entree and cooking-style fondue, and chocolate fondue. The Melting Pot has over 25 entree selections, such as filet mignon, chicken, shrimp, lobster tail, pork, and fresh vegetables. Choices include cheese fondue
like spinach artichoke dip, nacho cheese, and many others. To culminate the Melting Pot experience is the dessert fondue. There are about eight different types of chocolate fondues that are all delicious and all popular. The Cookies ‘n Cream Marshmallow Dream is swirled with dark chocolate topped with marshmallow cream, and garnished with crushed Oreo cookies. Another dessert favorite is the Chocolate S’mores with milk chocolate topped with marshmallow cream and garnished with crushed graham crackers. Simplicity—the Pure Chocolate fondue (dark or white) combined with any choice of milk—is always good too. All of the chocolate fondues come with fresh strawberries, bananas, cheesecake, tasty marshmallows, pound cake, brownies and rice crispy treats. It truly is the perfect ending to a delicious meal. Though somewhat extravagant, the experience is worth the indulgence.
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FEATURE
February 8, 2008 • THE ARROW
Soumya Says...
The Return of the King SOUMYA KARLAMANGLA FEATURE EDITOR
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THE LEG-UP: Allison Hess ’09 holds Elvis’s leg as he serenades her at the Elvis concert, which was used as a fundraiser for WHS Instrumental Music.
The King is back! Well, more accurately, Elvis was back on Jan. 18. The WHS Instrumental Music Department hosted an Elvis concert as a fundraiser for Instrumental Music Department students. Raymond Michael, dressed as Elvis, sang songs from “Fools Rush In” and “Blue Suede Shoes” to “Hound Dog” and “Viva Las Vegas.” The liveliness of the performance and the skill of the performers combined to create a show that students and their parents enjoyed. Michael performed for an audience of WHS students, parents, and Elvis fans, in the Thousand Oaks High School Performing Arts Center. For every song, “Elvis” chose people from the audience to sing with him, shake with him, hula with him, or kiss him. Assistant Band Director Mike Gangemi, on trumpet, former WHS band director, Kyle Luck, on drum set, and WHS students Morgan Berliner ’08, on trumpet, Dominic Insogna ’08, on saxophone, and James Rumenapp ’08, on trombone all played in the concert for free to raise money for the Instrumental Music Department. WHS Instrumental Music Department boosters organized this fundraiser for a trip students will be taking to New York during spring break, where they will play in Carnegie Hall. Students sold tickets to help fund their trip.
Chinese Welcome Arrival of New Year ROSEANN ZHONG STAFF WRITER
Every year, the Conejo Chinese Cultural Association hosts a traditional Chinese New Year celebration held at the Civic Arts Plaza’s Fred Kavli Theater. Attracting crowds of all ethnicities and ages, the performance aims to highlight China’s rich history and the diversity of its people. In the past, CCCA has designed a presentation to integrate the American culture into traditional Chinese New Year activities. Last year’s performance included an act where an enthusiastic Michael Weidman took part in a comedy act, telling
Chinese jokes amid cheers. Students from WHS, Oak Park High School, and Agoura High School bonded together in order to act out a humorous confrontation between noodles and buns. Young children of the Thousand Oaks Chinese School crawled their way across the stage in little pig costumes, swaying to tranquil music. This year, with the efforts of over 400 performers and 200 volunteers, this extravaganza is comprised of a dramatic opening set by traditional Chinese drums and dance, performances by solo violinists alongside the Conejo Valley Youth Orchestra, kung-fu displays, Chinese folk songs, and much more. Nonetheless, every year, much antic-
ipation is felt as the finale draws nearer. Choreographed with the help of Wu Ming Ru and performed by middle and high school students of the Conejo Valley, the final act of the Chinese New Year celebration aims to dazzle. With a ballroom theme and a Chinese-restaurant demonstration through dance, this year’s finale will mark the end of Wu’s long and successful role as the finale coordinator. For all interested in engaging in Chinese culture, join this year’s Chinese New Year celebration on Feb. 23 at 7 p.m. Tickets are on sale every Saturday at Thousand Oaks High School between $ 15 and $ 25 or call (818) 212-0889 or (805) 807-2860 for additional ticket sales and information.
Mardi Gras Marches to WHS JULIANE SCHRAMM FEATURE EDITOR
PHOTO BY JULIANE SCHRAMM
The WHS Music Department joined “A Class Act” and the WHS Studio Jazz Band to present an impressive Mardi Gras concert on Jan. 31 through Feb. 2. At the beginning of the show, the ACA danced into the theatre, wearing colorful costumes which caught the audience’s attention. The show started with the song “Mardi Gras” during which ACA members danced on stage, bringing a happy atmosphere to the theater. “The costumes were amazing and the singing was wonderful,” said Cathy Canzano ’08. Later, ACA changed from their brightly-colored costumes into black-and-whitecolored clothes to sing the well-known song “Route 66.” “The people were really energetic and into it,” said Sheena Vira ’10. “I could feel the excitement of Mardi Gras. The audience was amazed by the variety of dance and the impressive band performance. “It was a lot of hard work, but it was definitely worth it,” said Joshua Gannon ’08, an ACA performer in the show.
DANCING TO THE BEAT: Monet Thornburg ’08 and Hayden Fongheiser ’10 sing to each other in the Mardi Gras performance.
Our Disrespectful Generation
As students, we’re not afraid of saying almost anything to our teachers. “You did that problem wrong,” “I hated your test,” and other rude phrases constantly slip out of our mouths. Our parents too, frequently endure the same type of comments. We brush aside their suggestions rudely, roll our eyes at them, or scoff at their lack of knowledge of popular culture. How bad is it? Well, recently, I heard a teacher say, “How can you say that to me? I would never say something like that to one of my teachers!” The student on the receiving end of this comment merely shrugged and snickered. “In 2002, only nine percent of adults were able to say that the children they saw in public were ‘respectful toward adults,’ according to a survey by Public Agenda. Our society as a whole is becoming more disrespectful, and kids are at the forefront. Young children are swearing, and using words that aren’t even deemed appropriate for adults. “It’s a reflection of that increase in overall hostility, aggression, that we’re seeing in our society, that’s reflected in the language of children,” said John Burgess in an ABC news video called “Are Kids Getting Ruder?”
Are Our Parents at Fault? Etiquette and manners have been put on the back burner recently, and the results are evident. Parents now have different values from before, which leads to differently raised kids. “The pressure to do well is up. The demand to do good is down, way down, particularly if it’s the kind of do-gooding that doesn’t show up on a college application,” said Judith Warner of the Los Angeles Times. Several activities our parents encourage us to partake in are for impressing college admissions officers. Manners do not count on a college application, so manners aren’t important. “We’re insane about achievement. Schoolwork is up 50 percent since 1981, and we’re so obsessed with our kids getting into the right school, getting the right grades, we let a lot of things slide. Kids don’t do chores at home anymore because there isn’t time,” said Dan Kindlon, a Harvard University child physiologist. In the same way, our parents do not chastise us for being discourteous, because it’s not harming our academic achievement. But because of this, we’re growing up lopsided; we can do college math in high school, but in high school we have the manners of third graders. Also, in many households, both parents work long hours, and they don’t want the precious hours they spend with their children to be wasted punishing bad behavior. Tired parents would rather be on good terms with their rude children, than on bad terms with their well-behaved kids. At school, students are regularly swearing about their teachers who gave them bad grades. In the past, even if you were upset at an adult, it was completely disrespectful to speak of him or her in that fashion. But now, no one thinks twice. For stressed-out and over-worked kids, it’s hard to take the energy to think about being polite and courteous. But that extra effort is worth it. Just because it doesn’t count on a college application, doesn’t mean it doesn’t count at all. Soumya Karlamangla ‘09 writes a column for the Arrow.
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FEATURE
February 8, 2008 • THE ARROW
Speaking Out!
Writerʼs Strike Affects Entire Industry ALESSANDRA CATANESE STAFF WRITER
“I think it’s a sad story, because the studio executives are not going to suffer, the union leaders are not going to suffer....Those are all people that have money,” -Arnold Schwarzenegger
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“The writers are correct, by the way. I’m a writer ... I’m on the side of the writers.” -Jay Leno
The Writer’s Guild of America has been on strike since Nov. 5, 2007. After three months, the strike is starting to affect much more than just public television series. The main focus of the WGA’s demands is the residuals from both home video and new media sales. In their NovDec proposal, the WGA asked for a total of eight cents for their home video sales, which is currently four cents, and two and a half cents for every dollar made from internet downloads, which is currently zero. In December 2007 The Alliance of Motion Pictures and Television Producers ended the debate and left the writers to strike with no deal on the table. Since then the WGA has won many of the small battles, but the war continues waging on for what is predicted to be a very long time. Scott Weber, sound mixer for the show LOST on ABC recognizes the ripple effect of the strike: “It’s been really tough on all of us in the industry. I can’t tell you how many of my co-workers are out of work because of the strike.” Many prime-time TV shows have been prematurely shortened due to the strike. “We will most likely have a shorter season (of LOST) this year, due to the strike,” explained Weber. “I don’t get to watch the shows I love because the seasons were shortened. I really miss Grey’s Anatomy and Doctor McSteamy!” said Lexi Orr ‘10.
The strike affects many more people than just television viewers. The strike branches all the way out to artists and florists with no set to paint and no bulk order of flowers to deliver to any studio. Catering companies have also seen a major decrease in activity and are thus struggling. As gasoline prices rise, Blockbuster predicts so will its rentals. More people want to stay home because of the costly prices to fill up their tank, and since there are fewer popular shows to watch on television, Blockbuster says they are looking forward to a very successful year, which will also give them the capabilities to rent more TV shows for home viewers. James Keyes, the newly appointed Blockbuster CEO, says Blockbuster is thinking of getting into the kiosk business. “Kiosks could help Blockbuster expand its reach,” Keyes explains. The strike has also revealed that female STRIKING OUT: Since early November 2007, this angry writer has been one writers are the minority of many participating strikers. in this work-field. Making up a mere 27% of the ties such as Tina Fey, Patrick writers, the women all agree them,” said McLaughlin. Many celebrities of the po- Dempsey, and John Stamos they work in a male-dominatlitical and entertainment fields have shown their support for ed career. Sarah McLaughlin, writer are in full support of the strike. the writers by joining them at of That 70’s Show said that she Presidential Candidates Sen. the picket lines. Although writers are hopknows of all the women writers Barack Obama and Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton both have ing for a peaceful end to this because there are so few. “If I don’t know a wom- voiced their strong support for ongoing fight, producers bean writer personally, I know of the writer’s cause. TV celebri- lieve this battle will last.
Award Shows Still in Jeopardy SOUMYA KARLAMANGLA FEATURE EDITOR
“I want to make this clear. I support their cause. These are very talented, very creative people who work extremely hard. I believe what they’re asking for is fair.” - Conan O’Brien
COURTESY PHOTOS
“I love my writers. I think they’re great. I can’t wait for them to come back.” - Stephen Colbert
The extravagance and glamor of the Awards season won’t be seen any time soon this year. Red carpets will be rolled up, floodlights will be shut off, and designer clothing will be put back in the closet if the writers strike does not come to an end. The Golden Globes ceremony was downsized and the Academy Awards is now in danger of being cancelled as well. The Golden Globes, scheduled for Jan. 13 on NBC, was reformatted into an hour-long news conference at the Beverly Hilton, instead of the normal star-studded three hour ceremony. This program was accompanied by a two hour Dateline special to commemorate the Golden Globes 65th Anniversary Celebration. The Foreign Press Association, which owns the Golden Globes, opted to change the program because the nominees and other actors who were supposed to attend refused to cross the picket lines. They did so in support of the Writers Guild of America strike. “The writers are the backbone of the business, so we don’t want to lose them in any way” said Nikki Blonsky, a Golden Globe nominee for her performance in the hit musical, Hairspray. George Clooney, also a nominee this year, seems to be championing the cause in support of the writers. “This is a one-industry town. And when a strike happens, it’s not just writers or actors, it’s restaurants and hotels and agencies” said George Clooney at the Critics Choice Awards. “Our hope is
that all of the players involved will lock themselves in a room and not come out until they finish. We want this to be done. That’s the most important thing. It matters to all of us.” Because of the actor’s loyalty to those who write their scripts, NBC Studios lost $5 million, which would normally go to the companies that air the shows. Also, approximately 15 million marketers who had paid to advertise on the show lost money. The lavish after-parties were scrapped as well, as most organizations decided attendance would be too low to continue with their functions. The Academy Awards are in jeopardy, too. Scheduled for Feb. 24 on ABC, the future of the 80th Oscars show is still at risk. Normally, the script for the show is written a month in advance by about a dozen talented writers and the host, who is supposed to be Jon Stewart this year. But the Academy hasn’t hired any writers or made any progress so far. The Writers Guild of America has also vowed that it won’t write scripts for any of the upcoming awards shows. “I’m not gong to cite odds, but our hope is that we can work something out and hope the strike is resolved in time” said Academy executive director Bruce Davis. “If we could shut down the awards shows, that would be great. Actors should definitely not cross picket lines. It’s unfortunate, because it’s a celebration of talent, but it’s also a promotional opportunity for the studios that are treating us unfairly,” guild member Steven
Paul Leiva said. If the strike does not end by February, the Academy Awards will probably either be postponed or downsized like the Golden Globes. “No matter what anybody says, if the WGA goes on strike and SAG is in support, then there will be no Oscar show. It’s as simple as that” said Harvey Weinstein, former owner of Miramax. Although rumors are circulating that the Oscars will be cancelled, other officials promise that the show will go on as planned. “There will absolutely be a [televised] show one way or another. We have awards to give out!” said Gil Cates, producer of the Oscar TV broadcast. “The Oscars have gone on through wars and through presidential assassination attempts,” he said. “It would be shameful if the Oscars were in any way impacted.” If the Oscars go on as Cates claims, actors and writers might lose respect for those who produce the show. “The Oscars is more than just an awards show. It’s Hollywood’s family reunion,” said Tom O’Neil, a writer for theenvelope.com, which covers awards shows news. O’Neil said that “if the Academy chooses the TV show over the honorees’ being their in person, the message they send is that it is not about us getting together and hugging and celebrating our greatest work together. It’s really about the TV show and the revenue it brings in.” With all the mixed news and media, we’ll just have to see if the show will go on.
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ENTERTAINMENT
February 8, 2008 • THE ARROW
Devendra Banhart Flaunts Drawings in San Francisco Folk musician embraces simplicity with exhibition of paintings
inspiration for recording. “It really was like, ‘Track one will be for my girlfriend. Baby you’re the one. Devendra Banhart. Even his name, You are so fun…’ Another song I’d write meaning “king of gods” in Cherokee for Noah.” Banhart said in speaking with tongue, sparks a certain image Rolling Stone. of obscurity, which appeared in Broadening his resume, BanSmokey Rolls Down Thunder Canhart has launched an art career this yon, the seventh formally released past year as well. album in his epic collection of psyNot only is he credited for the chedelic sounds. artwork of his albums in the past, Not only does Banhart sing, including Nino Rojo, a Spanish but he holds bragging rights to inspired doodle of an oval-shaped mastering a plethora of musical object, but he is currently in the instruments including guitar, flute, process of displaying his skill in violin, banjo, piano, drums, and a various venues. range of percussion. Making appearances in coun“He’s the godfather of the tries such as the Netherlands, new freak folk movement,” said France, and finally San Francisco, MTV.com, clearly upsetting this this exhibition is entitled “Some imaginative musician. Drawings,” a distinct representa“I’m embarrassed,” he said, tion of his simple ideals. “That’s such a tacky, tacky term. I His work is available for viewhave my own definition of folk. The ing on the Devendra Banhart web way I look at it is folk is made by site as well as tour dates, press rethe people for the people.” leases, and in true ‘Devendra’ fashWith his poetic lyrics and gorion, a choice of observing the web geous elegiac rasp in tone, listeners site in English as well as Spanish for hear a certain type of cosmic vibe, the bilingual. revealed in utilizing a combination In recent days, Banhart can of the two. be found promoting his simplicBanhart is not one to define the ity, and cherishing the essence of norm in the music industry at this Topanga Canyon. He seems to point. appreciate preserving the village’s ARTISTICALLY INCLINED: Devendra Banhart, notorious for his surreal approach to folk music, is expected to He lives an carefree lifestyle, impress art enthusiasts in San Francisco with a public exhibition of drawings and paintings. natural state. skipping the worldly nonsense. “It’s an oasis, nobody treks Residing in the heights of portance of his purchase in an interview New York all before most teens ever set up here,” he said later on in the Topanga Canyon, overlooking the San with HARP magazine in November. out for college. His wisdom is astounding interview. Fernando Valley, just above the chaos of Locally, he’s known for his experi- for a man of only 26 years. Besides, a man who is shirtless more Pacific Coast Highway, Banhart chooses to ments in art and jewelry-making, currently When his father expressed the desire often than not named Devendra sporting embrace a standard of living far from the in the process of distributing his Native to relocate, the family moved to the big a thick, monstrous beard would exceed far modern ways of today. American, tribal inspired bracelets and city, Los Angeles, where he befriended beyond limitations of the hip and trendy He’s comparable to the late and great rings. fellow band mate Noah Georgeson, his crowd of Los Angeles. ELLIE FATEH STAFF WRITER
Jim Morrison, coincidentally in possession of Morrison’s couch, bought at an auction in Venice Beach. “I definitely believe in the spirits,” Banhart has said on deciphering the im-
Banhart is far from naive as well, in ways of his illustration of various cultures of the world through art. Banhart has lived in such places as Venezuela, San Francisco, Houston, and
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Vampire Weekend Pulls Influences from Abroad on Debut
the title. Vampire Weekend, the band’s self-titled debut, was released on Jan. 29 through XL Recordings. Its nearly unprecedented hype and overall strength have garnered comparisons to The Strokes’ famous debut album, Is This It?. Vampire Weekend’s unique sound borrows equally from Voxtrot, The Clash, and Paul Simon, whose album Graceland is often cited as one of the band’s major influences. The final product displays a style both accessible enough to please the masses and distinctive enough to keep the hipsters satisfied. In Koenig’s words, “We wanted to bring in some Brit-pop, some New-Wave and some African music as well.” Highlights on Vampire Weekend include the recent single “A-Punk,” a peppy, spirited romp driven by a twitchy chord progression, woodwinds, and Koenig’s charmingly buoyant yelp, “Bryn,” a melodic, mid-tempo song with an airy chorus as infectious as anything on the Top
force. After establishing itself as an impressive live act through various summer tours, Vampire Weekend embarked on a North American tour at the end of January in promotion of their phenomenal debut; the band played an in-store concert at Hollywood’s Amoeba Music on Feb. 4 and will return to Los Angeles on March 20 for a show at the El Rey Theater. However, for fans in the area who can’t get enough of Vampire Weekend’s praiseworthy live set, the band will make an appearance on April 25 for the first day of Southern California’s famous Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival. As one of the first great releases of 2008, Vampire Weekend is a fun, lighthearted album catapulted to greatness by its ultra-literate songwriting and a fresh approach on instrumentation. These elements all contribute to an album that maintains its refreshing sound even after the countless repeated listens that it will surely demand.
nounced that they needed to delay even further due to the game’s “unprecedented number of characters, options, and experi“MARCH?” shrieked sophomore ences,” as declared in a statement from Cryschelle Jeffery after she heard about Nintendo of America. the latest delay in the release date for a Now, the release date for the game is desired video game. Sunday, March 9. Masahiro Sakurai, the The newest installment of the Super game director, stated on the official Super Smash Bros. series is coming out—Super Smash Bros. website, “I deeply apologize Smash Bros. to the people Brawl—available who have looked only for the Ninforward to playtendo Wii. ing the game for Long gone so long and ask are the elementhat you hold tary and middle on just a little school days of longer. Thank constant gaming you for your pawith friends, but tience.” almost no video S u p e r gaming mind is Smash Bros. was left untouched by the first game basic Nintendo of the series, entertainment. released on the This includes READY TO RUMBLE: Super Smash Bros. Brawl is Nintendo 64. It games like Mario, the upcoming sequel for Nintendo’s popular series. actually became Legend of Zelda, the fifth bestDonkey Kong, Pokémon, Metroid and Su- selling game on the Nintendo 64, with per Smash Bros., all highly distinguished more than 4.89 million copies sold. Back in Nintendo video games by “launching those days (also known as the year 1999), popular culture franchise phenomena,” as the game included eight main characters, said in a Nintendo Press Release. four unlockable characters, and nine play“I don’t think Super Smash is the most able stages. distinguished Nintendo game,” said Alvin The upcoming version of Super Sun, ’09. “That title belongs to Mario, in Smash contains 15 new characters, includgeneral. However, I believe that Super ing Sonic, Diddy Kong, and Wario, as well Smash is easily the most popular one, as returning characters from Super Smash mainly because it’s targeted at a wider age Bros. Melee like Link, Mario, and Pikachu. range.” The game has 26 stages—the old Originally, Reggie Fils-Aime, Nin- Super Smash Bros. Melee stages such as tendo of America president, announced Corneria, Yoshi’s Island, and the Temple, Brawl’s planned release date in America to as well as brand new ones (based on be Dec. 3, 2007. However, it was delayed games like Animal Crossing, Metal Gear when Nintendo needed more time to fine- Solid, and Kid Icarus) and a few peculiar tune the game. stages like PictoChat and WarioWare. All Their next planned launch was for Feb. in all, this new video game will be highly 10. Unfortunately, on Jan. 14, Nintendo an- anticipated, if it is not already. LUCY GAO STAFF WRITER
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40, and “Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa,” a stripped-down guitar pop song expertly coupled with tribal percussion, yielding a Columbia University graduates typi- product that sounds as if it’s straight out cally overlook rock music as a career op- of west Africa. The one and only misstep on Vampire portunity; evidently the four members of Weekend is “One,” which, unlike the breezy, alternative music’s most buzzed-about catchy pop that characterizes the rest of the band, Vampire Weekend, didn’t get that album, becomes almost irritating with its memo. While followers of the underground hookless chorus and incessant, shrill remusic scene in Brooklyn, the band’s prise of “Blake’s got a new face.” While much hometown, are of the band’s often too hasty in naming “the next “We wanted to bring in some music is guitardriven, Koenig’s big thing,” VamBrit-pop, some New-Wave tastefully unpire Weekend’s derstated riffs peculiar marriage and some African music as serve as more of of American indie, well.” a complement to punk, and African the songs rather rhythm has seemingly earned them Ezra Koenig (Guitar/Vocals) than a dominating JIMMY MOORE ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR
Nintendo Postpones Smash Bros. Sequel Until March
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ENTERTAINMENT
February 8, 2008 • THE ARROW
Juno Album Captures Heart of Film One Tree Hill hits fast
forward for new season
ELYSE KAPLAN ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR
a wheel chair. Heartthrob Lucas Scott (Chad Michael Murray) has become an accomplished writFans of One Tree Hill were er. Haley Scott (Bethany Joy) is dumbfounded to hear the series showing off a new “mom” haircut would continue after rumors but also struggling to hide family had been flying about its cancel- issues. Peyton Sawyer (Hilarie lation last year. Once they knew Burton), is still the blonde beauty, for sure, though fans eageruncerly awaited “It’s really captivating. Once tain of the arrival what her of the new you start watching, you can’t f u t u r e season. stop. My group of friends got h o l d s . T h e Brooke first epi- me into it, and now we all D a v i s sode started watch it together.” (Sophia off strongly, B u s h ) with a comstars as pletely difMegan Tuttle ’09 the soferent vibe phisticatthan previed bad ous seasons. The characters are girl with a prestigious fashion all grown up now, and it shows line. in every way. This may be in part One Tree Hill has its fair to the fact that the first episode share of drama, but it has somestarts four years, six months and thing other shows don’t have; two days from the season four fi- it doesn’t beat around the bush nale. about the reality of life. Fans who This season, the characters have been watching since Seahave undergone many changes son One will be very excited to in appearance and personality. see where the show is heading. At the end of Season Four each Fans and the show are growing character was going his or her up together, and the writers of separate way; now it begins with the show have proven to be very the characters all coming back to intelligent and compelling. An what they call home. additional dose of wit makes the “It’s really captivating. Once show more relatable to viewers you start watching, you can’t and sets it apart from the other stop. My group of friends got me teen dramas. into it, and now we all watch it toThe new season seems to gether,” said Megan Tuttle ’09. be living up to the high expectaAlthough the appearanc- tions the previous seasons have es of a couple of the characters’ set, and maybe even surpassing have been drastically modified, them. It has a very mature feel the majority look the same. Na- to it. Viewers are in for a treat for than Scott (James Lafferty) has the rest of the season, as the charthe whole grunge look down acters of One Tree Hill enter the since a dream shattering acci- adult world and leave everyone dent left him depressed and in desperate for more. ALANNAH BRADLEY STAFF WRITER
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The only thing better than an amazing movie is an equally appealing soundtrack to go along with it—the kind of soundtrack that lets you relive your favorite parts of the film every time you rock out to it in the car or put on a pair of headphones. In the case of the brilliant new movie Juno, this definitely holds true; honest to blog. With 19 quirky and unique tracks, it mixes songs that reflect the heart of underground classics and ones that go to the outskirts of oddball indie folk. While each song is great by itself, when put together they manage to capture the heart of Juno on one amazing CD. Most of the indie folk can be attributed to Kimya Dawson, who, along with her former band (The Moldy Peaches) and side project (Antsy Pants), makes up eight of those 19 songs. Ellen Page, the actress who plays Juno McGuff, is actually the one responsible for getting Dawson on the CD. In an interview with Pitchfork Media, Page said, “[Juno director] Jason Reitman and I were meeting for maybe the third time and he simply said, 'Well, what do you think Juno would listen to?' Immediately I said the Moldy Peaches…and the next thing I knew he'd fallen in love—rightfully so, they're awesome—and he was in contact with Kimya Dawson, and the next thing we know Dawson is doing the music for the film..." While some songs like “My Rollercoaster” and “Sleep” are mostly instrumental, others like “Tire Swing,” “Loose Lips,” and “So Nice, So Smart” are full of Dawson's interesting and wordy vocals.
WHOA! DREAM BIG: Ellen Page and Michael Cera share a moment made even better with help of a unique soundtrack.
In “So Nice, So Smart” Dawson mixes light and silly lyrics like “I like my new bunny suit, when I wear it I feel cute” with deeper, more powerful ones like “I’ll tell you that I love you, then I’ll tear your world apart” It’s this overlap of ups and downs that make it so relatable to such an original dramatic comedy like Juno. Aside from Dawson’s contributions, the CD also holds some more recognizable indie staples. Belle and Sebastian make appearances throughout the album with two of their older songs, “Piazza, New York Catcher” and “Expectations.” The latter tells the story of an outcast who loves Velvet Underground and is always getting used. So it’s no surprise when the eternally
hip Velvet Underground shows up with their song, “I’m Sticking With You,” probably the only semi-humorous song of one of the darkest groups to date. Thurston Moore’s echoeffect voice captures the anguish of Juno on Sonic Youth's cover of “Superstar” by The Carpenters. The song “A Well Respected Man” by the Kinks is also here which brings back memory of the first time we were introduced to Paulie Bleeker: shorts, sweat bands and all. Of course the album would not be complete without the perfectly sweet version of “Anyone Else But You” warbled out by the stars Page and Michael Cera. Almost better than the original, it is an unparalleled ending for a timeless CD.
Idol Returns to Basics to Improve Ratings SOUMYA KARLAMANGLA FEATURE EDITOR
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American Idol has been a hit since it first aired in June 2002. In many of the season finales, more votes were cast than have ever been cast for a U.S. presidential election. From Kelly Clarkson and Fantasia, to Clay Aiken and Sanjaya, American Idol has had its share of popularity. But after last year’s mild dip in ratings for the first time since the show debuted, the show has decided to alter the format. The makers of Idol think that after last season, people aren’t taking their program seriously enough. When Blake Lewis, runnerup Idol from last season, said that he wanted to wear a “Vote for Jordin” shirt on the season finale, the producers got worried. They assumed that if Jordin Sparks was Lewis’s competition, and Lewis wanted to wear a shirt supporting his opponent, then he must not care about winning. So the creators decided to tweak the show a little, focusing more on talent than fun. “I’m not into jumping sharks with this program,” said Nigel Lythgoe, executive producer of American Idol. “What I want to do is ensure that the talent is
strong and that is what will make year, in which they raised $75 “The good news is what people come back.” million. That’s one feature of last we’ve seen from the new audition After the craze about San- season that isn’t being dropped. shows. This is a much better seajaya Malakar, son than last year,” who lacked any said Simon Cowell singing talent in regard to talented but was voted singers. off late in Sea“We’ve got a betson 6, American ter top 12, more interIdol is trying to esting than [the 12] become more last year,” he added. dignified. The The producers idea that Ameriwant to make sure can Idol was the that the contestants home for one of are on the show to acAmerica’s natually become a star tional jokes worand win, not just to ried the show’s get publicity. executives. This season too, As a change, there aren’t going to contestants will be any star appearbe allowed to ances like last year. play instruments Producers are conduring their au- THE HEART OF THE SHOW: The judges of American Idol are back vinced that those ditions, an ad- to loving and loathing their talented contestants in Season Seven. “mentor sessions” justment that focused more on the could turn out mentors than on the to be an improvement or a detriFurthermore, the big- kids. ment to the quality of the show. gest problem of last season was “When these huge stars “For some it worked out the contestants. None of them were made available, we realbrilliantly. And a couple of oth- seemed to be talented enough to ly wanted to put them in there ers just really crashed and burned garner attention. Melinda Doolit- with the kids, [but] we forgot very quickly,” Lythgoe said. The tle, who was considered by many there’s only a certain amount of show is primarily a singing com- to be one of the most talented time that we had to fill, and we petition, and singing will be the singers Idol has ever seen, was were filling it with stories about main focus. voted-off early. But this batch, the mentors and not celebrating The show will also do a all the judges promise, is packed the contestants. That’s where we fundraising campaign like last with talent. made a mistake,” said Lythgoe.
They’re taking it back to the beginning—a show with kids who charm the American public with their heartwarming stories, and are now ready to become stars. It wont be a program with constant celebrity appearances, terrible singers kept on as a prank, and not-so-good performances by the real contestants. Producers are trying to return to the original American Idol. Even though they’re changing the show, that doesn’t mean the producers have lost any faith in Idol. “We lost one percent of our audience last year after going up 10% the year before,” Lythgoe said. “I’ll take growth like that every other year.” The producers are just trying to keep the program new and exciting to attract audiences in the same numbers as before. Also, the writers’ strike provides American Idol with a lack of shows for viewers to watch on TV. “We want to make sure the show, whenever it can, gets as fresh as it can,” said other executive producer, Ken Warwick. “We’re doing a little, but not too much. The show works, so we don’t want to overfix it.” Maybe this season will be Idol’s lucky number seven.
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Boys Soccer Battles On STEPHANIE NIEVES SPORTS EDITOR
Boyd and Burke, with four goals each. WHS managed a win against Royal High School in the 65th minute. Rubenstein scored after an assist from Afshar, giving WHS their third win of the season. After a devastating loss to Agoura with a score of 3-0, the team was well aware that future games would be crucial for their place in league. Continuing with tradition, WHS played TOHS at the annual Super Saturday event . The scores were varsity 0-0, JV 2-1, and frosh-soph 1-1. Against Moorpark, the boys were once again successful. The final score was 3-0 with goals by Afshar, Rubenstein, and Ylauan, with assists from Burke, Hall, and Alex Henderson ’08. Most recently, the team had a 1-2 loss to Newbury Park and Simi Valley, followed by another win against Royal. Rubenstein scored the first two goals with assists from Ylauan, while Afshar scored on a penalty kick for a final score of 3-1. “We’re in a transition phase right now, but I think the team is starting to work together and do well,” said Adam Burke ’08. On Wednesday, the boys pulled through with a win against Calabasas, movig them up in league. Houston and Boyd each had 2 goals leading to a win of 2-0. “This season has had its ups and downs. but I think we still have a chance for a strong finish,” said Prober.
February 8, 2008 • THE ARROW
PHOTO BY STEPHANIE NIEVES
Closely following Agoura and Thousand Oaks High Schools, WHS is ranked sixth in the Marmonte League with a current league record of 6-5-2 and an overall record of 10-8-5. The team consists primarily of its 11 seniors, led by forward Scott Rubenstein, defender Christian Houston, midfielder Arshad Haider, defender Blaine Prober, and forward Naveed Afshar. In his final season of varsity soccer at WHS, Prober describes it as “memorable and fulfilling.” Juniors Baker Boyd, Connor Burke, Austin Hall, and Jordan Ylauan have also emerged as assets to this year’s team, demonstrating both skill and teamwork on the field. Ylauan has a total of 10 assists while Hall has 5. “Burke and Hall have been really valuable to us this season,” said Prober. Afshar leads the team with nine goals, followed by Rubenstein with six goals, and
SPORTS
PUTTING HIS BEST FOOT FORWARD: Scott Rubenstein ’08 hustles for a goal against Agoura.
JV Unites Behind New Coach KELLEY BIGGS STEPHANIE LERVOLD STAFF WRITERS
Girls JV basketball, has shown improvement over their previous few seasons. Aided by a new coach, William Burr, the team has united under his leadership. The team’s victory last Monday against Royal (40-36) gave them a winning record of 7-5. Starter Austin Walker ’09 recalls what off season was like. “It was a lot of hard work and more running than anyone expected, but it has definitely helped now that it is season.” The team has three returning
juniors: Walker, Abigail Wilkins, and Jessica Zwicker; five returning sophomores: Melody Barooni, Jordyn Colemon, Melissa Johnson, Paige Kotake, and Samantha Spencer; and one freshman, Madison Marshall. New team member Esther Knopp ’09 also notes the improvement. “I think we are doing very well,” said the junior. “We improved a lot this season, and we have great team spirit. I think coach helped us a lot. He gave us the feeling we are all really good players and our team is good enough to beat all the other teams.” All teams have become very
close with each other and are even hanging out outside of school. “The team’s great, the coaching is really good and we all get along really well and the season is pretty good so far,” said Walker. Most of the team has been together for the past two or three years and consider themselves family. “Our team is like one big family. We have a lot of motivation from everybody,” said Spencer. The team will be playing its last game Friday, Feb. 8, against Moorpark. Games will start with JV at 5:30 p.m. and Varsity at 7 p.m.
Wrestling Scores League Victory IRIS YAN FEATURE EDITOR
Above: Flyer Alyssa Schrupp ‘11, Bases Andrea Kemp ‘11, Heather Riley ‘10, and Christina Cipriani ‘08. PHOTO BY STEPHANIE NIEVES
PHOTO BY STEPHANIE NIEVES
WHS competition cheer started the season off with a competition on Jan. 19 at Agoura High School. They placed second behind Hart. “We did pretty well for out first competition especially because our team is so young. We didn’t do as well as we were hoping, but it showed us what we need to work on and helped us set some goals for the rest of the year,” said Sara Hagey ’08.
Thomas Lang ’08 wrestled his way to first place in the 145-pound weight class at the Marmonte League finals. In addition, his fellow teammates Jason Villavisencio ’09 (103 weight division) and Kelly Postel ’08 (119 weight division), placed second and third respectively. They will compete in the CIF Southern Sectionals on Friday and Saturday, Feb. 15-16 at Los Osos High School in Riverside. Last year, the boys wrestling team ended the season ranked third in league, but at the end of this season, the wrestling teams have held on tight, vying for superiority over their competitors. “Our season did not turn out as well as I had hoped, due to my anticipation of a league championship, but we are at a plateau this year,” said Head Coach John Cuccia. “In our team, the individual standouts are expected to improve through the finals and CIF.” “What makes them unique and successful is their outstanding self-motivation,” said Cuccia.
WRESTLING FOR THE WIN: Jonny LeFevre ’08 holds down his teammate during their final practice before the match against Moorpark.
Many consider wrestling one of the most difficult sports in high school, as stated by Jung Lee ’10, one of two sophomores on the team. “Because we have to manage our weight and the practices are physically straining, I believe that wrestling is incredibly difficult,” said Lee. This year, though the wrestling team is not in as good of a standing as last year, the team is training its many young wrestlers for the success in years to come
through its tough practices. “WHS is currently hosting an off-season wrestling program two times a week to introduce and train young future wrestlers. We hope that through this program, we can promote the sport of wrestling in Westlake,“ said Cuccia. The varsity team had three of its stars graduate last year, but Cuccia and Assistant Coaches Kevin Marshall and Adam Rundgren are tightening their hold on their competitors.
February 8, 2008 • THE ARROW
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SPORTS
Olympiad Coach Teaches Team New Lessons Lutheran University. The national team’s recent success was an 11-4 victory over Canada. “Since Coach was an olympiad, he taught us a lot about the game and now we have a better understanding of the game because we work together and make each
LINDSAY ADLER STAFF WRITER
hadn’t really played together until this year but we have gotten a lot closer and that’s what made it better.” Key factors in the team’s improved play are four graduating seniors and new varsity coach, Brian Alexander. “He is an Olympic water polo player,” said Amanda McNutt ‘09. “So he really knows his stuff. He always teaches us new and different things.” Currently, Alexander is training with the national team at local venue, California
Coming Down to the Wire: WHS has had great inside play out of Svennefiord and Hess who have both averaged at least seven rebounds a game. WHS won 66-44 versus Royal. Kolodney had 17 points, Hess had nine points, 11 rebounds, and four block shots on Feb. 4 WHS beat Calabasas on Feb. 6 51-49 in overtime as Matt Mazarei ‘08 hit the game-winning shot. WHS plays against Moorpark tonight at 7:30 p.m. They head into CIF play with hopes of surpassing last year’s second round loss to Mater Dei. GAME TIME: (from top to bottom) Andreas Svennefiord ’08 displays how defense leads to many key wins here versus Agoura. TJ Hennessy ’08 shoots a threepointer against Calabasas, WHS has had a lot of success shooting from beyond the arc. “The key to the team’s shooting is we have all been practicing very hard and we have moved the ball around,” said Hennessy.
JUSTIN EDWARDS STAFF WRITER
Driven by rivalry and vengeance running through their veins, WHS’s girls varsity soccer team took on the Thousand Oaks Lancers. After a lone goal by Bridget Berman ’10, the feeling of victory overwhelmed the players, as their joint effort contributed to their biggest achievement of the year. After a slow start to the Marmonte League season, the girls varsity soccer team is picking up the pace, winning five of the last seven games against Calabasas, TOHS, Newbury Park, Simi Valley, and Royal. They now have a Marmonte League record of 5-6-1 and an overall record of 87-2. WHS’s girls varsity soccer team defeated rival TOHS 1-0 on Super Soccer Saturday, Jan. 19, giving Marmonte’s number one team their first loss. “Is it the breakthrough game for us?” said coach Frank Marino to the Ventura County Star. “Maybe. I hope so. We’ve been playing a lot better of late, and it definitely carried over tonight. It definitely tells us what we can do.” Coach Marino encourages the team to win games, improve their level of play, and
score goals in order to be successful. Still, the dominance of their previous seasons has eluded them. Under the leadership of captains Kirsten DiPippo ‘08 and Krystin Shanklin ’08, the team is aiming for more victories and to finish the season strong. “As long as we keep working hard, good things will happen,” said DiPippo. With the departure of important starters Kylie McDonald, Kate Edwards, Hilary MacDonald, Kelly Adamski, and Becky Witwer, Coach Marino has signed a roster full of “young bloods,” including seven sophomores and five freshmen. WHS’s top scorers are Berman, Andrea Todak ‘10 and Lyndsey Preston ’11, who lead the WHS squad with 13 goals combined. “Even though we struggled early in our league games, I hope we can finish the last part of our season well and learn from our mistakes for future years,” said Nicole Gilbert ’10. It has been a year of challenges, and a “big learning experience for all us ladies,” said Berman. Sara Riazi ‘10 scored a goal in the 15th minute to lead WHS to a 1-0 victory against Royal High School on Feb. 4 and won versus Calabasas 2-0 on Feb. 6. WHS will be playing Moorpark at home tonight.
PHOTO BY JUSTIN EDWARDS
PHOTOS BY SPENCER SCHLOSS
Coming into the season, WHS had aspirations of winning a Marmonte League title. As the season moves on, the boys basketball team members find themselves in the middle of the standings heading into the second half of the season as they get closer and closer to CIF playoffs. WHS is 16-9 overall and 8-5 in league. Winning a g a i n s t Moorpark gave them some momentum heading into league games against Newbury Park High School and leader of the Marmonte League, Simi Valley High School. After a win versus NPHS, WHS lost to Simi Valley. In the win against Moorpark, TJ Hennessy ’08 had six three-pointers and 20 points. Also, Adam Kolodney ’08 had 14 points and Kyle Olandt ’08 had nine points. “We have to play better defense, need some more team work, and better production off the bench,” said Andreas Svennefiord ‘08. This season, WHS has had many big games when they have hit many threepointers. Kolodney, Hennessy, and Olandt have been the key three-point shooters. “The team must work very hard to win these last games because if we don’t stay focused then we will have to play a better team in the first round of CIF playoffs,” said Svennefiord. Against Agoura High School, Kolodney had his best game of the season with 30 points. Alec Hess ‘09 had 10 rebounds, 7 assists, and 3 blocks.
GOOOAL! (Far left): Alyse Brehm ‘09 goes for the goal. (Below) Kathryn Nary looks for an open teammate. “We had a lot of close games this year, and with many players coming back all of our hard work this year will show future teams that hard work pays off,” said Nary.
Girls Soccer in Middle of Marmonte League Standings
Boy’s Basketball Ready to start CIF Playoffs SPENCER SCHLOSS SPORTS EDITOR
PHOTOS BY LINDSAY ADLER
The girls varsity water polo team left the Bonita Tournament with two wins against Buena Downey and Alamany on Feb. 2. WHS suffered only one loss during the two-day, 36 team tournament. A previous loss to Royal High School on Jan. 31 didn’t dampen the team’s spirit, however. “We played so well at the tournament and against Royal,” said Kate Sullivan ‘08, “We played at such a high level against Royal. We were still pumped from the game and put up a good fight from Friday through Saturday.” With the seasons eight losses and three wins, the girls will not be in contention to make CIF playoffs. The start of the girls’ season showed great potential for varsity, beginning with a 9-6 victory over Moorpark High School. Following the win, WHS stayed close with long-time rivals Thousand Oaks, Newbury Park, and Royal before losing. “Our team has really come together,“ said Sullivan about the ‘08 season. “We
one better,” said Kathryn Nary ‘08. On Feb. 5 WHS lost to Agoura 11 2. Nary and Courtney Thomas ‘09 both scored goals against Agoura who is in first place. WHS has finished off the season with a game versus Calabasas. “Our goals for the rest of the season are to win our last two game, especially against Agoura because they are one of the best teams,” said Nary. WHS has a lot of young talent coming back next year and WHS will have the help of a great coach to lead them to a Marmonte League Title.
YOUNG TALENT: WHS sophomore Sara Riazi challenges a Moorpark player for the ball as Nicole Gilbert ‘10 watches in the background.
Election 2008: Meet the Candidates DEMOCRATIC FRONT-RUNNERS
Hillary Clinton
Barack Obama
Current Position: Senator from New York Age: 60 Candidate Platform: • Mandates universal health insurance coverage for all Americans and subsidies for those who cannot afford it • Immediate withdrawal of U.S. troops from Iraq • Tax credits for the middle class, and a new $3,500 college tax credit States Won: Arizona, Arkansas, California, Florida, Massachusetts Michigan, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Nevada, Oklahoma, Tennessee Facts: • Wife of 42nd President Bill Clinton • Graduated from Wellesley College and Yale Law School • The first First Lady in U.S. history to be elected to the U.S. Senate
Current Position: Senator from Illinois Age: 46 Candidate Platform: • Plans to immediately begin the troops withdrawal from Iraq • A national health care program for individuals who do not have employer-provided health care and who do not qualify for other existing federal programs • Reform No Child Left Behind, ensuring access to high-quality early childhood programs States Won: Alabama, Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, North Dakota, South Carolina, Utah Facts: • Born to a Kenyan father and an American mother • Attended Columbia University and Harvard Law School • The only African American currently serving in the U.S. Senate
REPUBLICAN FRONT-RUNNERS
Mike Huckabee Current Position: Baptist Minister Age: 52 Candidate Platform: • “FairTax” where all federal income and payroll taxes would be eliminated and replaced with a national sales tax • Plans for energy independence • Believes that every child should have the opportunity for a quality education that teaches the fundamental skills needed to compete in a global economy States Won: Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Iowa, Tennessee, West Virginia Facts: • Lost 110 pounds and has successfully completed four marathons • First male in his family to finish high school • Graduated from Ouachita Baptist University, completing his bachelor’s degree in Religion in two and a half years
John McCain Current Position: Senator from Arizona Age: 71 Candidate Platform: • Lower health care costs to bring down the costs of insurance, save Medicare and Medicaid, and protect private health benefits for retirees • Stronger border enforcement and stronger screening of cargo at ports • Strengthen the Iraqi armed forces, and accelerating political and economic reconstruction States Won: Arizona, California, Connecticut, Illinois, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Oklahoma, South Carolina Facts: • Was a prisoner of war in Vietnam for five years • Retired from the Navy in 1981 as a captain • Was raised as an Episcopalian, but now identifies himself as Baptist
Mitt Romney Current Position: Businessman Age: 60 Candidate Platform: • Secure the border and implement identification cards for all non-citizens • Deregulate health insurance markets and reform the tax code • Implement a plan of fiscal discipline and management in Washington by establishing spending limits and re-examining all federal spending programs States Won: Alaska, Colorado, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, Nevada, North Dakota, Utah, Wyoming Facts: • He is a Mormon; no Mormon has ever been elected president • He simultaneously earned degrees from Harvard Business and Law schools • Has 5 sons and 9 grandchildren