06.01.11

The VOLUME XXXIII, ISSUE 9

Westlake High School

Arrow

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

Two Retire After Years of Dedication

Principal’s secretary leaves after 28 years.

Whitney decides it is time to try a new path.

Lisa Battaglia Editor-in-chief Since the spring of 1983, office manager Isla Steele has worked in the office of WHS alongside all four principals. After careful consideration, however, Steele has decided to retire this year after 28 years of dedicated work.

Steele’s most memorable moments of being at WHS include the first day of every new principal.

“I’m so pleased to have worked for all four principals,” said Steele.

“When I first came here, there wasn’t a blade of grass, there wasn’t a tree, and their biggest problem was litter. They have a lot to be proud of here.”

She has “a lot to look forward to” after she retires. Already making plans, Steele wants to travel in Europe to places she has not seen since her childhood, read a book, and spend more time with her family.

Previous to working at WHS, Steele worked as an office manager in universities and for a patent attorney. She ended up working for WHS beginning in the spring of ’83 after returning from a European trip.

Proud of having worked with all four of the principals at WHS, Steele has had an instrumental role in the lives of its faculty and staff.

“Isla is the mother of staff, students and parents at WHS. She cares tremendously about the welfare of all of her teachers, her students and her staff,” said Principal Ron Lipari.

One teacher in particular credits Steele for recommending her for her job: “[She] is the reason that I have my teaching position at WHS. She encouraged the former principal to invite me for an interview,” said English teacher Lora Novak.

Steele has been a sweet, caring person to all her coworkers and customers. “Isla is so generous. She purchased an adorable Future Westlake tee-shirt for my young son, Troy. She is always helpful and takes the time to assist others,” said World Language teacher, Colleen Darden.

BLAST FROM THE PAST: Glenn Whitney (in 2011 and in 1980) will retire after 31 years at WHS. NOW AND THEN: Isla Steele (in 2011 and in 1985) will retire this year after 28 years.

Steele admits that adjusting to retirement will be a challenge.

“I don’t think there’s anything I won’t miss,” said Steele.

Working in this position has helped her recognize the qualities that make for a successful manager. Her advice to the new principal’s secretary is to “be patient and try to help people,” said Steele. “You’re the customer service for the school,” she added.

Having lived in the Conejo Valley for much of her life, Steele has watched her own children attend schools in the District. Other members of the faculty were eager to wish her lots of blessings in her retirement years.

“I have known Isla since fall of 1974, when her daughter was a freshman at Newbury Park High School. I taught both of her daughters in high school. Isla and her family have been a huge part of my life. I have appreciated all her thoughtfulness over the years, she has been a great friend to me and my family. I will miss seeing her at WHS, but I am excited that she will now be able to enjoy traveling, spending time with her daughters, family and friends,” said Tennis Coach Connie Flanderka.

June 1, 2011

Michelle Noyes News Editor It takes a dedicated teacher like Glenn Whitney to commit to WHS for 31 years and adapt to the many changes that have occurred in education over that time.

Early in the school year, Whitney decided this would be his last year as a teacher. He takes with him many memories of his time in the classroom.

“The evolution and transformations that have taken place” have left a lasting impression on him.

“I remember when the trees in the quad were five feet high twigs,” said Whitney. “The school has gradually transformed over the years.”

He has decided that this is the opportune time to make his exit since he has outlasted many of his colleagues.

“Once upon a time I knew all the teachers and staff and the other personnel working on campus. Today, that number has diminished greatly, so I figured I would get out before it gets worse,” said Whitney.

Whitney will miss most “the people!

There are some students I will never forget. I have met many wonderful, fun and wacky colleagues who I have shared some great times with and hopefully will continue to do so.”

A valuable part of the Visual and Performing Arts Department almost since the school opened in 1980, he has taught Photography, Video and Yearbook. Art classes he has taught over his decades of teaching are AP Art, Art Media, Drawing, Painting and Digital Graphics. The last two years Whitney has been the Work Experience teacher.

VAT Department Chair John Farmer and Whitney have worked together for 13 years together.

“He was an exceptional professional and best of all, a funny photography teacher,” said Farmer. “He really did it all.” Whitney has many memories from his years of teaching.

"The first floor of Building Three consisted of an auto, metal, and two wood shops," continued Whitney.

"Each department had one telephone where you could direct dial anywhere in the country.” Although a lot has changed since Whitney first started teaching at WHS everything runs almost the same 31 years later.

Whitney has purchased a home in Temecula, California and has been commuting from there for much of this year.

He is looking forward to enjoying his new home and the exploring his new community. He especially looks forward to returning to the classroom, but this time as a student.

“I plan to attend community college and learn a lot of woodworking skills in a variety of areas, said Whitney.

Enrollment in the work experience program has dropped off, so the plan is to add another ROP class in the morning.

"Retiring is like graduating since some of these people I will never see again," concluded Whitney.

With so few WHS teachers still here who remember the school in its beginning stages, Whitney takes with him a bit of history.

Senior Prank Leads to Expulsion, Arrest for 4 Seniors Gaby Breiter Staff Writer WHS has had its fair share of senior pranks, beginning with one of the earliest of the school’s existence when seniors sand bagged the quad and “put the lake in Westlake.” But the destruction unleashed in Social Science teacher Christina Harrison’s classroom crossed the line between a harmless prank and vandalism.

On May 12, four seniors, Kevin Post, James Helo, Kyle Clements, and Waziya Dupris, banded together on a mission to wreak havoc in Harrison‘s classroom. “[They] used a hammer to break the window to my classroom. They tore the

American flag from the wall, urinated on the floor, spread manure over everything, toppled bookcases, and knocked over my computer desk. My printer was filled with manure. Eggs were on all of the walls, including a display honoring WHS alumni who have fought and died for our country,” said Harrison.

At the senior seminar they were caught when one of their phones, which held the video recording of the incident, exposed the perpetrators. One of the boys attempted to flee the school, but eventually they were all arrested. All of them admitted to the act and were charged with commercial burglary and felony vandalism.

Although the exact cost of the repairs is classified, Dean of Attendance James Marshall commented that it was a “significant amount.”

“I was shocked that the damage was so extensive and so malicious. Carpet can be replaced. Walls can be painted. Furniture can be fixed and replaced. But, I also lost pictures and remembrances from the last ten years of teaching,” said Harrison.

All four of the seniors have been expelled from WHS and will be unable to receive their diplomas, unless they plan to graduate through Conejo Continuation School.

However, this academic setback could be the least of their problems as they face

their appearance in court on June 9, which is ironically also WHS’s graduation day.

Breaking and entering is a felony and as adults the boys do not have the cushion that comes from being a minor. All burglaries are considered felonies whether they are a first offense or not.

According to Marshall, WHS will increase its nighttime security and continue to monitor the video surveillance system in order to prevent future incidents.

“Despite the damage, I believe that we have great students at WHS. The number of students and staff who have reached out and offered kind words has been overwhelming,” said Harrison.

NEWS

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IN BRIEF Meyer Promoted Private First Class

Arrow Recognized in Star Competition Arrow staff members and the newspaper earned nine awards May 26 at the Ventura County Star Best of High School Journalism Competition.

Both Gaby Breiter ‘13 (in news and cartoons) and Christina Vasiliou ‘11 (in graphics and column) won two awards; Kabir Nagarkatti ‘12 won first place for cartoon; Hanna Hong ‘11 won for sports photography; Victoria Wang ‘14 earned an award for review; Stephanie Kim ‘12 for sports; and Katelyn Masket ‘11 for graphics.

The newspaper won third place in the design category.

Spring Art Show Displays Student Work

Grad Tickets On Sale Graduation will take place on June 9 at 5:00 p.m. at the Stadium. Graduating seniors receive two free tickets, but they can purchase up to 10 additional tickets at the Student Store for $10 each, from May 31 to June 3. Graduation practices will take place on June 6-8, from 8:30 a.m. to noon. Practices are mandatory for all students. Students who miss a practice can not participate in Graduation.

TO Library Summer Reading Club Begins The Thousand Oaks Library’s annual Teen Summer Reading Club opens again this summer and invites all WHS students to join. The club runs from June 20 to Aug. 7. All teens from grades 6-12 are welcome to the group. Students can sign up for the reading club at their local Thousand Oaks library or online. This year’s theme is “You Are Here,” where teens can explore and travel the world at either the Grant R. Brimhall Library or the Newbury Park Branch. The Teen Reading Club will offer various activities for teens, such as a Harry Potter movie marathon, a DJ 101 class, and a Chinese Culture and Calligraphy program.

As members read and submit book rating forms to the reading club website, they will be entered in weekly raffles for movie tickets and gift cards. The Teen Reading Club will also hold a grand prize drawing at the end of the summer, where all club members will have a chance to win an Oaks Mall gift card. There are also many contests for members to enter, including a design-a-bookmark contest.

Beginning a family is an exciting time for any woman, but for English teacher Kari Ballard changes will be doubly challenging: she is expecting twins. The Arrow asked her to share her fears, cravings, and thrills of anticipating motherhood: Arrow: How did you feel when you first found out you were pregnant?

Ballard: Shock, disbelief, and then pure excitement. In that order.

Arrow: What has been the biggest obstacle you have had to overcome during your pregnancy?

Ballard: The morning sickness because it was not just in the morning.

Arrow: What was your reaction when you realized you were having twins?

Ballard: I asked the doctor to double-check because I thought he was joking. I guess it was hard to argue with what was on the screen. Luckily my husband was there because I wanted to pass out. It took a few days to digest, and I think I am still digesting it now.

Arrow: What were your most unusual cravings?

Ballard: Hmmm. I think the typical one which many women have is pickles. But, my pickle addiction/cravings only came on at around 2:00 a.m. Never during the day.

Arrow: When was the first time you felt your babies move around?

Ballard: At 17 weeks but it was just flutters in my stomach. The REAL movements came a few weeks later and haven’t stopped since.

Arrow: Did you try any of the superstitious tests to see the gender of the babies?

Ballard: Yes, with the necklace over the belly. And it was right!

A LOVE FOR READING: Ballard poses with books she

Arrow: What is your biggest fear received at her baby shower. when it comes to parenting?

Ballard: Hoping that my children will become responsible and respectful Arrow: What was the best advice you ever individuals. I hope that I can set a positive received about raising your kids? example for them so that they won’t be Ballard: Do the best you can. tempted into drug use.

(Compiled by Nicolette Blatt)

National Honor Society Inducts 49 Juniors

Gaby Breiter Staff Writer

WHS students were inducted into the National Honors Society. The 49 new members attended a ceremony on May 24 in the WHS library. Parents, grandparents, and other relatives came to support the inductees.

In order to be an active member in National Honor Society, members must participate in five different service projects throughout the year and attend monthly meetings.

WOW Week To Return Julia Shi

Staff Writer Students and faculty alike are preparing for this summer’s Warrior Orientation Week. The event will be held on Aug. 9-12. Currently, there are over 100 counselors and counselors in training.

Organizers of WOW Week, including ASG Advisor Diane Blackburn, hope to have 350 campers in attendance.

At the upcoming Warrior Orientation Week, numerous activities, such as a WOW rally and campus tour, will welcome the wave of new freshmen.

Included in the event are a scavenger hunt, lip sync, pool games, and even a dodgeball tournament. The scavenger hunt was first introduced at last year’s WOW Week.

In addition, a luncheon for the campers and counselors will be held by the pool on the last day of WOW Week and the incoming freshmen will be allowed to swim in the WHS pool.

Blackburn has expressed her excitement for the event, saying that they have “a great group of students leading the incoming freshmen.”

Blackburn hopes that WOW will help campers “feel welcomed and gain confidence,” lessening the stress new students often face when entering high school.

Blackburn has said that she enjoys every aspect of WOW, from the “Warrior Olympics” event to meeting everyone on the first day.

Counselor Josephine Strauss ‘13 is also enthusiastic about WOW Week. “I am very excited to welcome the new freshmen,” she said. “I look forward to showing the freshmen our awesome campus.”

Courtesy Photo

The Spring Art Show was held on May 25, outside the library. For those interested in purchasing a print who did not sign up at the show, contact Art Club president Ashley Chang ‘12.

Ballard Expects Twins

Courtesy Photo

Following the path of several of her family members, Kendra Meyer ‘11 has joined the military. On May 4, Staff Sergeant Morales presented Meyer with a promotion certificate to the rank of Private First Class.

Last year, Meyer contacted the marine recruiters in T.O. and they started the process to enlist her in the marines.

She received a promotion to Private First Class by recruiting two other people who decided to join the marines.

Meyer wants to start her culinary career in the military, working as a field cook for four years and later becoming a culinary expert. Once she is out of the military, she will continue to pursue this career, eventually becoming a chef.

June 1, 2011 • THE ARROW

WITH Honors: Juniors pose with certificates after induction at the Candlelight Ceremony.

Stephanie Barlev Lisa Battaglia Jason Blank Madison Call Stephanie Caranica Ashley Chang Ann Chen Marilyn Cheng Lauren Chi Kevin Chian Sharon Chuang Emily Detweiler Frank Duan

Jessica Evaristo Phil Kwon Stella Fang Mariana LaFianza Alexander Farkas Inez Lam Alexandra Franklin Isabell Lee Nicole Ghazarian Winnie Long Rohail Hameed Bethany Maddison Seoyoung Han Michael Mancuso Alisa Hansen Elizabeth Matusov Paige Harris Savannah Miller Jordan Hobmann Alexandra Ozder Rachel Kennedy Taylor Perry Stephanie Kim Andrew Rickelmann Shawna Korshavn Sarah Rothschild

Katherine Sun Josselyn Tsai Siyuan Wang Melissa Weiner Laura Weintraub Samantha Wilson Emily Wong Jonathan Yan Haikuo Yin Joyce Zhang

Arts in Need of Support Amid Cuts Brian Chang Sports Editor

When applying to colleges, students must often consider factors regarding not only grades and SAT scores, but extracurricular activities as well.

These activities include sports, Academic Decathlon, and especially the arts.

Unfortunately, recent cutbacks in education spending have depleted many schools of programs like art, music, or drama. Increased classroom sizes, fewer teachers, and less equipment have certainly taken a toll on these equipmentintensive courses.

In order to stop the dramatic decrease in arts funding in public schools, many advocate for a change in trends for spending in the arts departments throughout the nation.

The leading proponent of the proposed plan is none other than the First Lady, Michelle Obama.

The proposed budget plan would provide more spending for equipment, more availability in teachers for arts education, and smaller classes for the courses as well.

Not all, however, are advocates of the budget plan.

Many express their doubts that in times of recession and heavy education cutbacks, arts education is the most important area of investment. Kelan Dammers ‘11, an avid participant of the WHS auto shop facilities, was displeased to find out last year that a new band room would take the place of what was once the school auto shop, and the auto shop classes would stop completely.

“This new funding of the arts is excessive and erroneous, especially when one considers how our shop classes and facilities have been completely gutted,” he stated. “Former classes such as auto shop and metal shop taught students crucial handiness skills that are part of a complete education in a real world. While for some the arts and band may be fun, they lack preparation for new world skills for most.”

Westlake is one of the few schools that already has improved in arts education in recent years. According to the LA Times, 66% in the United States did not take an art class in 2008, compared to 30% in 1978. Such a decline is inevitably due to the decreased spending in those facilities.

With the implementation of the proposed budget plan, Obama seeks to decrease the 2008 number significantly.

It is true, however, that the arts eduction needs a boost.

Funding towards the program will help the students that pursue either a major or a minor in the arts in college. However, this type of funding should not go overboard to the point where other classes (such as auto shop) are being cut. A balance of extracurricular and academic classes is needed, especially during these times when money is short.

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OPINION

June 1, 2011 • THE ARROW

Schools Attempt To Battle Obesity: How Far is Too Far?

Woody Chung Feature Editor

Many American students are overweight. It is plain and simple. With cafeterias abundant with cheap and unhealthy food and snack choices, and advertisements enticing children to gorge on fast foods, a healthy lifestyle challenges even the most conscientious student.

Many schools today focus on how to keep students not only mentally fit, but also physically fit.

No one has a definite answer to this edible enigma.

From the possible solutions, a few have shown some promise and may just be crazy enough to work.

A San Antonio program, utilizing a $2 million grant from the Department of Agriculture, developed an intricate food documenting system that records the food choices of each student. In each of the cafeteria lines, cameras take snapshots of entrees, recording, recognizing, and matching entries with one of the 7500 food choices within the database of the advanced food recognition program. With the information captured by the cameras—food type, size, color, shape, volume, density and texture—researchers can monitor and release food reports for individual students. The reports are then sent to school administrators who can use the data to create healthier and tastier food choices. They are also sent to the students’ parents, allowing them to design meals at home to complement meals at school.

Other school systems are turning towards a simpler body mass test. In the Southern Tioga School District, for example,

schools administer BMI tests.

Those that are not within the fifth to 80th percentile on the body mass index receive letters sent home to alert households of possible obesity.

Unfortunately, stories of cafeterias video monitoring calorie counts of their customers and schools sending warning notes to patrons of their lunchrooms these days send many reeling back in terror and pounding their palms with fists of discontent towards the measures that administrations are taking to reduce student obesity.

“Letters alerting households are just ridiculous. The school

doesn’t have the right to force others to lose weight. I understand that the school is doing it for a good cause. However, they’re implementing their ideas in the wrong way” said Jack Kramer ‘13 As outrageous as these cries of protests may be, they still do not change the fact that America is one of the most overweight THE WESTLAKE HIGH SCHOOL countries in the world. No one can dispute that America is obese, and projected to grow heavier in 100 N. Lakeview Canyon Road the years to come.

Westlake Village, CA 91362 Granted, there are some flaws (805) 497-6711 ext. 4225 in the plans. For example, without full participation from the parents westlakearrow@yahoo.com and guardians of students, and a little self-control on the students’

ARROW

From Stress to Distress

Meini Cheng News Editor

In her dorm room at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Elizabeth Shin set herself on fire. Her parents claimed to be as surprised as everyone else.

In a Massachusetts superior court, the Shins filed a $27 million wrongful death suit against M.I.T. Believing that the school robbed them of the opportunity to save their daughter’s life, they accused M.I.T. of withholding information about Elizabeth’s “precipitous deterioration.”

Although this incident occurred 11 years ago, the aftermath of such an incident is still relevant today. On a broader scale, it is uncertain who holds the blame for undergraduate suicides.

Is it the parents, the university, or the student?

After being notified by M.I.T., her father Cho Hyun Shin said, “How we wish we had seen some sign. How we wish that we had known.”

Many people are confused as to how her own parents could have been so unaware of the stress and pressure-induced problems plaguing Elizabeth.

Hypothetically, a young adult’s own parents should be capable of seeing such a threatening emotional and mental imbalance, but when they visited her the day before the tragedy, Elizabeth had

been the same “giggly, harried 19-year-old caught up in her busy, overachieving life,” said the New York Times.

According to the New York Times, “Shin v. M.I.T. has the power not only to set legal precedent but also to sharpen an evolving national conversation about a more demanding, more needy, and more troubled student body.”

Countless high school students are already taking too many AP classes, joining too many extracurriculars, and drowning in all the pressure and stress-—all for the single purpose of being accepted to a prestigious college.

Thomas A. Dingman, an associate dean at Harvard, said, “You have high-school juniors feeling right from the get-go that they can’t make mistakes. Ultimately, this makes some of them less resilient and less equipped to handle college.”

Colleges are struggling to discover the right amount of attention to give their undergraduate students. “They are scrambling to redefine their relationship with parents and their role in the nonacademic lives of students who are adults by many yardsticks, and yet not quite,” said the New York Times.

Even though M.I.T. is notorious for the stressful and competitive atmosphere it creates, the institution cannot be blamed for student suicides. If a student

part, both plans are doomed to fail. And some of these methods may be too invasive of eater privacy for people to stomach. Furthermore, these methods become obsolete without healthier food choices offered by schools.

However, in the words of First Lady Michelle Obama, “There’s no expert on this planet who says that the government telling people what to do actually does any good with this [food] issue...

This is going to require an effort on everyone’s part.”

The fight against obesity is trial and error. In a struggle with no absolute answer, those who are more innovative tend to have the greatest chance of success.

Regarding the protests against these plans, any path that one takes in this battle will always ignite protests.

After all, body image is one of the most controversial issues in America.

Therefore, with no definite solution to the obesity problem, each piece to the puzzle is valuable. As extreme as these measures against obesity may be, the value of their potential to reduce this problem in schools and the information that we can receive through trial and error outweigh the risks.

is unable to handle the pressure that comes with studying at a high-level institution, it is his or her responsibility to take actions to find a more suitable school.

Colleges are not babysitters; therefore, they should not be blamed for students’ personal problems. With thousands upon thousands of students, colleges are unable to provide special attention and care for each one.

“There are those who take a quiet pride in the fact that M.I.T. is so tough that students are driven to their death,” said dean Robert M. Randolph. After this case, however, M.I.T. has formed a mental health task force and began implementing some of the task force’s suggestions, including strengthening the mental health center, emphasizing a campus-wide awareness of mental health issues, and creating a communications protocol for dealing with students’ families in emergencies.

Although the school may not be responsible for Shin’s suicide, it has taken measures to pay more attention to students’ mental and emotional needs.

Judith Rodin, psychologist and president of the University of Pennsylvania, said, “We are a community, and we need to be responsible for each other. You can’t guarantee these things don’t happen, but you can provide the social and psychological support.”

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Lisa Battaglia MANAGING EDITOR Dashiell Young-Saver SENIOR ISSUE EDITORS Katelyn Masket, Christina Vasiliou NEWS EDITORS Meini Cheng, Michelle Noyes

OPINION EDITORS Woody Chung, Brooke Garcher, Skye Kriger FEATURE EDITORS Katrina Brewer, Orly Greenberg, Hanna Hong, Vivian Hu, Alexa Lucas, Jamie Mark, Julia Model, Steven Paro, Ethan Reul, Vivian Xu ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR Celine Flores SPORTS EDITORS Jacob Cavanah, Brian Chang, Tucker Higgins ADVERTISING MANAGER Alexandra Biston CARTOONISTS Gaby Breiter, Matt Gerken ADVISOR Caron Battaglia STAFF WRITERS Nicolette Blatt, Lauren Chin, Harry Chung, Kelli DaRin, Brian Danziger, Alex Farkas, Danielle Ferrari, Anita Gao, Yangzong Guo, Monica Huskins, Stephanie Kim, Alana Model, Katie Porush, Ari Sadwick, Julia Shi, Kevin Shi, Victoria Wang, Vallia Yu FREELANCE WRITERS Arun Burra

The Arrow is written, designed and run by the students of the Advanced Journalism and Journalism 1CP classes at Westlake High School and is published monthly. The opinions expressed in this publication are those of the writers and do not necessarily represent those of the Conejo Valley Unified School District, Westlake High School administration, faculty, or student body. We welcome feedback. Letters must be signed by the writer, though names can be withheld by request in the publication. Please send submissions to Mrs. Battaglia’s box in the main office or to Room 42E. For The Arrow online, visit whswarriors.com and click on Activities menu.

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OPINION

June 1, 2011 • THE ARROW

The Lesser of Two Evils Which is worse, the minimum wage job or the unpaid internship?

Yangzong Guo Staff Writer

College students do not get the luxury to throw away their summers on the beach or some fancy resort like high school students do. Those days are long gone and many have to search for ways to support themselves financially and gain work experience for the future. Thus, college students are confronted with the dilemma of whether to get a real paying job or to work at an internship program.

Taking a summer job can help alleviate some of the financial pressures that are placed upon college students. Earning money can certainly help pay for food, gas, school supplies, and other essential commodities; not to mention college tuition as well. Summer jobs are also a great way to develop a strong work ethic and teach students to be economically independent.

Parents like the idea that their kids are able to earn their own money and support themselves by taking a summer job. More importantly, job recruiters in the post-college world will find efforts to become financially less dependent very impressive.

After all, the more independent students are from parents who simply hand out cash at any moment, the more likely they will succeed in the future when they only have themselves to rely on.

However, summer jobs are only temporary outlets for students to obtain a

Orly Greenberg

Lose-Lose Situation: No matter which path someone takes, they will struggle.

quick buck—they do not provide students with a firm foundation for future work that requires specialized training and preparation. Working as a busboy at McDonald's or at the register of a shoe store does not emulate well enough what you will be doing in the future, given that you (hopefully) are not going to be doing blue collar work for a minimum wage for the rest of your life.

While the movie Devil Wears Prada probably is not the best representation of what it is like to work as an intern, internships are, in fact, stressful. However, those who want to jump-start their dream jobs will find that working as an intern is the best way to get familiar with the desired field and to open a gateway for job opportunities in the future.

An internship, by definition, includes a specific learning objective. Internships are often times called “experiential learning," but differ to those of classrooms because students gain knowledge not by listening to lectures or taking exams, but rather by participating in hands-on activities. Therefore, students can be much more prepared for their future careers by working at a school that is tailored to suit their specific skills training.

“It depends because if the job is in your desired field, then you should take the paying job, but taking an internship will definitely help in the long run for building skills and gaining experience, said College and Career Technician Cassie Sandifer.

While the great work experience offered by internships entices many students, there is one obvious drawback that seems to level out the pros and cons while being compared to getting a real job: the absence of a salary. Unless students work in a private sector or for large organizations, most internships are unpaid and most work will be considered volunteer service. A student’s worst case scenario would be to get an unhelpful internship that does not give them the experience, the skills, or the money they need. Whether you decide to flip patties at a fast food restaurant or be an apprentice in the finance industry, both options will hold different advantages and disadvantages depending on your goals and current circumstances.

Terminator Terminated

Feature Editor

survived scandals before Schwarzenegger gave the former Governor a sense of security, and the belief that he was too powerful to ever actually be punished for his wrong doings.

And while the illicit actions of these politicians are now common knowledge, the men are still synonymous with their achievements and not their mistakes. JFK is still known for his dashing good looks and eloquence, Clinton is a popular public speaker, and Edwards is the perfectly

coiffed scoundrel everyone loves to hate.

Because of America’s ability to forgive them so easily, Schwarzenegger assumes that his actions will be just as simply absolved.

After being lulled into a false security by pardoned politicians, Schwarzenegger is learning that cheating on your wife does in fact have negative repercussions. Considering his career, marriage, and family is rapidly deteriorating, Schwarzenegger might not “be back” as soon as he hoped.

According to The Daily Californian, the UC Berkeley student-run newspaper, "there has been a 17.6 percent reduction in the number of California residents admitted to [the university], while the numbers of out-of-state and international students admitted to the UC Berkeley freshman class have increased by 13.7 percent and 3.9 percent, respectively."

To make up for the number of California students who could not be accepted to their first choice UC, many applicants were referred to UC Merced. However, even the new campus cannot accept them all, said Pamela Burnett, the interim Director of Undergraduate Admissions at UC. Many students are questioning whether the amount of work they put into study-

ing for and applying to UCs is worth it or not.

"I think that it's unfair that UCs are accepting fewer students in-state because of money issues even though they may be just as qualified," says Allison Zhong ‘11, who will be applying to numerous universities, including UCs, this fall.

Taxpaying parents aren't happy either.

After years of paying taxes to the state of California to support their children's public education, California parents are not pleased at the decreasing admission rates for their Californian students.

"Schools are doing what they need to do to combat state budget cuts; unfortunately the measures that schools take will affect everyone. It would be easy to say

that more CA students will then have to attend out-of-state schools because they'll be able to get into them, but the cost to attend these schools is so much higher because they are out-of-state," said English teacher and parent Deborah Kolodney.

It seems that the only cure for this problem would be for the state to increase funds for public education. But with the current economic climate in the state, California can not help but cut back on spending, with public education taking the hardest hit since it takes up the biggest portion of the state budget. Although it might take more than a few years to fix this monstrous issue, hopefully, the solution will come quickly to benefit the future students of California.

Courtesy Photo

Arnold Schwarzenegger is a true Renaissance man. A former body builder, California governor, actor, father, husband; it seems that Schwarzenegger has done it all.

And although he had admitted to anabolic steroid use and starred in some of the least thought provoking films to date (Conan the Barbarian and Kindergarten Cop being particularly notable), Schwarzenegger had yet to formally join the ranks of seedy politicians and shifty movie stars.

However, with the Austrian body builder admitting to a secret love child with former housekeeper Mildred Patricia Baena, it appears that Schwarzenegger might be inducted to the Hall of Shame after all.

But Schwarzenegger may not be entirely to blame for the media circus that his affair has caused. Of course, he should never have been unfaithful to his wife, and he definitely should not have been unfaithful to his wife with someone so willing to threaten him with their son as blackmail.

In all honesty, it is a combination of narcissistic politicians who believe that they are above America’s moral standards with the country’s willingness to forgive and forget when such misdeeds are inevitably discovered that allow Schwarzenegger to believe

he is untouchable.

Whatever political stance they take on issues, no matter how ethical the decisions considering their career are, American politicians have a nasty record of amoral personal choices. John F. Kennedy had a rumored affair with bombshell Marilyn Monroe, who instead of seducing him with her housekeeping skills as Mildred did, caught the President’s eye by breathlessly serenading him (ironically, JFK is the uncle of Schwarzenegger’s now estranged-wife, Maria Shriver).

Today, President Kennedy remains one of the most celebrated Presidents of all time, adulterous relationship or not.

President Bill Clinton notoriously romanced Monica Lewinsky, and while he was impeached (by the House of Representatives for perjury and obstruction of justice), Clinton is still wildly popular and respected. John Edwards, former Senator from North Carolina, impregnated his mistress while his wife Elizabeth battled breast cancer, which is a new low on the sleazy politician scale.

A common trait among all politicians, Democrat or Republican, is their insufferable and improbable belief that they are upright citizens and can do no wrong.

Contrary to their train of thought, men like Edwards and Schwarzenegger are, in fact, susceptible to being caught and punished for their misdeeds. Politicians who

Messy Marriage: After 25 years of marriage and a scandalous love child, Schwarzenegger and Shriver have separated.

Can the Broken UC System Be Repaired?

Skye Kriger

Opinion Editor California budget cuts for education during the past few years of economic downturn has forced the University of California system to accept more out-of-state applicants than ever before.

To make up for a loss of over $500 million in state funding, the UCs have been accepting fewer California students, who pay around only a third of what out-of-state students pay for annual tuition, according to the Ventura County Star.

Because of this, in-state high school seniors are less and less likely to be accepted into a UC university of their choice.

June 1, 2011 • THE ARROW

FEATURE

5

Taking a Look at the Chromebook Harry Chung Staff Writer

When the new Google Chromebooks go on sale in June, will they plate our minds with allure or will they rust into distant unimportant memories?

The unique aspect about these Chrome OS powered laptops is that they are built solely to use web-based applications, such as Google Docs. The fact that Chromebooks are not dragged down by cumbersome software and offline applications opens a door to a bevy of benefits. For example, not only does it take these computers a mere

eight seconds to boot up, but it can also run a whole day on a single battery charge.

Furthermore, security features are updated quickly and automatically.

The company hopes that the Chromebooks will epitomize efficiency. A special feature of the Chromebooks is its ability to cloud-host; people with Google accounts can log into personal interfaces that contain their own files using any Chromebook connected to the Internet.

Google cofounder Sergey Brin said to the Associated Press, “The complexity of managing your computer is torturing users. It’s a flawed model fundamentally.

Chromebooks are a new model that doesn’t put the burden of managing your computer on yourself.”

However, this quick and efficient productivity comes with a great cost. Critics blast these computers for being useless without a web connection. For example, without any internet, users cannot even log into their own accounts. Furthermore, those who buy Google Chromebooks won’t be able to download programs; the only applications available will come from the Chrome Web Store. Other aggravations that are bundled with this Google laptop include its inability to open a variety of files

and its inability to play high quality games such as Portal 2.

The biggest challenge for the product is its price. These laptops will retail from 350 to 500 dollars. The Chromebook faces stiff competition from other products that are on par with laptops in the same price range.

The Chromebook might be compatible with consumers who crave simplicity, speed, and sustainable battery power.

However, buyers who are searching for a sophisticated computing powerhouse might want to take a raincheck on Google’s newest product.

PS3 Network Suffers from Anonymous Hacking Yangzong Guo Staff Writer

In late April, there was a security breach in the PlayStation Network that caused Sony to temporarily shut down the online component of the PS3, at least until investigations had been made.

The PlayStation Network is an online multiplayer gaming and media delivery service run by Sony Computer Entertainment. Millions of players around the globe use this network to compete with others and hone their skills in a variety of different games. Aside from the gaming aspect of the PlayStation Network, the Network also functions as an online store where players can buy new games, movies, and other digital content.

What was a normal day for online PlayStation users became one of the most disappointing days of PlayStation history.

On April 22, Sony revealed the problem:

“An external intrusion on our system has affected our PlayStation Network and Qriocity services. In order to conduct a thorough investigation and to verify the smooth and secure operation of our network services going forward, we turned off PlayStation Network & Qriocity services.” However, this action was not made completely out of the blue, as the PlayStation Network had experienced several outages in the weeks past.

Although all online networks have come across the occasional hacker, this security breach is by no means harmless. About 77 million users’ personal information has been compromised as a result of this network in-

trusion. In a statement sent to all the PSN account holders, Sony said that “although we are still investigating the details of this incident, we believe that an unauthorized person has obtained the following information that you provided: name, address (city, state, zip), country, email address, birth date, PlayStation Network/Qriocity password and login, and handle/PSN online ID.” In addition, the attacker might also have gotten hold of users’ billing address, purchase history, security questions, and other personal information.

Sony will also suffer tremendously because the latest games such as Portal 2 and SOCOM 4, which rely on the PlayStation

Network, will not attract buyers who favor the multiplayer component of the games.

This security breach is also driving away customers who are wary of future Network problems like this one.

Now that everyone is aware of the PlayStation Network intrusion, one question remains to be unanswered: Who was the hacker?

Whatever the answer may be, the PlayStation Network is now up and running and Sony is doing everything possible to prevent another dangerous security breach. Sony is also offering free games and other goodies to compensate for shutting the online network down. Some of the new free games include Little Big Planet and inFAMOUS. Although the network is functioning at the moment, Sony still advises all players to change any password used on the PSN and to keep an eye on credit card information for signs of fraud.

8

FEAT

CARS: The Arrow Staff’s Choices

Nissan Leaf

Relatively fewer people know about the recently debuted Nissan Leaf. And of those people, only a handful realize that Leaf is an acronym for leading, environmentally friendly, affordable, and family car. Fortunately for the owners of these sleek beasts, the car runs true to its name.

The key feature of the car is by far its sustainability. The Nissan Leaf is a prominent member of the exclusive group of cars that can run entirely on electricity. It requires a charge of less than 8 hours which is sufficient to power the car for an impressive 100 mile range. Not to mention, the plus model version also comes with solar panels to further maximize energy efficiency. The Leaf

currently holds the record for the most efficient EPA certified vehicle to date and was awarded Green Car Vision Award for its eco-friendliness. For the environmentalist, this means an environmentally friendly vehicle that doesn’t emit nasty pollutants while remaining stylish enough to be the belle of the parking lot. For a money-hungry teenager, on the other hand, this translates into more monthly pocket money due to a decreased gas bill.

Starting at $25,000, the Leaf is a sexy, efficient vehicle that the thrifty and environmentally aware student is bound to enjoy.

Written by Woody Chung

Lincoln Town Car

The 1996 Signature Series Lincoln Town Car is the most comfortable and luxurious tank sold on the market today. With features such as doors, no tank can meet consumer needs as well as the Lincoln Town Car. All teenagers need to drive tanks because, as far as the insurance companies are concerned, they will have an accident. So, all high school students should own a protective tank. Since there is 500 feet of metal between the driver and the car’s front, the Lincoln Town Car is one of the safest cars a teenager can drive.

But the Town Car is much more than safe; it is classy. Used by many limo companies, it has the look of luxury and the most comfortable seating out of any car in the world. The interior is made entirely of tempur-pedic mattresses covered in California dairy cow hide leather. In addition, the car has as many cup holders as it does miles per gallon (4).

Other beneficial features include roominess. A teenager can drive comfortably with 75 friends in the car because it is as big as the state of Alabama.

The Town Car is also limited edition. The average age group for Lincoln Town Cars is about 80 years old, so a teenager with this car would be

unique and, therefore, cool.

The 4.6 liter V-8 engine is similar to that in a Ford Mustang; however, since it is 15 years old, many reliably break-down every month or so.

Owning the Town Car is a great way to learn how to drive in emergency situations and bargain with garage owners. Plus, what’s wrong with a little excitement while driving? When I hear reliability, I hear boredom. The break-downs also mean low cost as the car’s blue book values range from $4,000 to $1,000.

With a zero to 60 mph speed time of...well, it does not really get to 60...and a turning radius the size of Alabama (which is also the size of the car), the Town Car is not the most agile of cars; however, when one sits behind the wheel of this iron stallion, one does not feel any “need for speed.” It is a “town car”; it was made to cruise in comfort around the town and chaperone friends in style.

The Town Car is the safest, most comfortable, roomiest, coolest, and, most importantly, classiest car for the modern teenager. Get one and fall in love with it as I have fallen in love with mine.

Written by Dashiell Young-Saver

J m d s a i

VOLKSWAGEN JE Practicality is not a common word to describe the cars found in the WHS parking lot, with the abundance of impressive and expensive cars driven by students.

One car that fits the criteria of a “practical” car for high school students is the 2011 Volkswagen Jetta S. The starting price of the car is $15,995, a safe price to pay for beginning drivers.

Although students like to think otherwise, driving is relatively a new experience that requires years of practice to perfect. The car’s safety rating of 10.0 on U.S. News Rankings and Reviews

reassures worried parents The car is a modest average teen’s first car. Th S is 23 mpg in the city a The average gas mileag impressive, allows stude traveling and wasting mo Considering all the practical car, the Jetta is should consider when ch

W

Honda Accord The Honda Accord has been a highly valued vehicle since it first came out in 1976. It is considered one of the safest cars for new drivers.

But why is it so great?

It receives superior reliability ratings and five star crash-test scores from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Its standard safety features include front, front side, and side curtain airbags to help reduce the likelihood of injuries in a collision, according to Honda Motors.

Car and Driver magazine said, “The Accord remains inscrutably excellent. It manages to combine all the practical virtues you need in a family sedan plenty of interior space, lots of available infotainment and trim choices, a quiet and relaxed ride, subdued engines, and effortless transmissions with a fluid chassis that urges a driver to wring it out on back roads and off-ramps.”

Throughout the years, the Accord has

improved significantly comfort. Sales have i significantly in the recent to the Toyota security cris Despite its being high the Honda Accord still unlike some of the other “compact” and “comforta Edmund.com, a re writes, “few vehicles ove have garnered as much r Honda Accord. It has no sporty, glamorous or sexy year, offered what most their daily transportatio test-drive and you’ll fin intelligently engineered a

W

9

TURE

Just the mere possession of a car grants a student immense freedom. Cars have become a symbol of both freedom as well as maturity and also defines his or her personality. The Arrow takes a look at some of the favorite and efficient cars at WHS in anticipation of “Cars 2” coming out this summer.

Student Pursues Career in Racing

Alex Farkas

races: USAC Focus Midget which is an open wheel car and she Even though also drives a NASCAR racing may not be a Limited Late Model sport at WHS, Jessica which is a shock car.

Clark ‘12 makes “Being on the top racing a major part of driver development her life. racing team in the Racing since she country takes 100% was 11 years old, dedication,” said this has been Clark’s Clark.

With that passion for life dedication for racing and she cannot see Clark is currently herself ever quitting in first place for the it. Her goal is to ZOOM ZOOM: Jessica Clark continues her groundNational Points Series, have a professional breaking season leading her to national standings.

Western Points Series, driving career om the and Utah Points Seres.

NASCAR Cup Series.

This dedication requires off-season racing, in-class “I plan on becoming a professional racecar training, and competing in a total of 30 races this driver,” said Clark. To become connected to the year. world of NASCAR (National Association for Clark’s other accomplishments in racing Stock Car Auto Racing), she “will most likely include eight wins in a junior midget at Ventura s.

Raceway. She also won the USAC Focus Midget at but classic example of an move to North Carolina after high school.”

Clark drives two different cars when she the Bullring in Las Vegas, Nevada. he gas mileage of the Jetta and 33 mpg on highways. ge, though not the most ents to remain practical in oney on gas benefits provided by this definitely an option one hoosing his or her car.

Staff Writer

COURTESY PHOTO

ETTA

Written by Stephanie Kim

d

in design, safety, and increased for this car t months, particularly due sis. hly efficient and compact, l features lots of room, rides that are considered able.” eview website for cars, er the past three decades respect in America as the ot achieved this by being y. Instead, it has, for every t Americans want out of on. Take an Accord for a nd it comfortable, roomy, and easy to drive.”

Written by Brooke Garcher

Car Crazy:

Students and staff share their prized rides.

Green and Mean: Fuel Efficient Cars the New Trend

Stephanie Kim

Brian Danziger

Welcome to the WHS student parking lot, where a variety of cars, ranging from Porsches to Honda mini vans, can be seen. Often thought of as symbols of transitioning from adolescence to adulthood, cars reflect the personality of their drivers.

Jessica Clark ‘12 drives a 1979 CJ-7 Jeep with a V8 engine and stick shift. Though her car reflects the “surfer side of [her],” the speed of the car does not necessarily fit her personality.

Striding to become a professional racecar driver, Clark notes that the car does not represent the “racer in [her] because it isn’t fast at all.”

Though often times the outer appearance of a student’s car fits his or her persona, many students do not have control in the matter.

“In high school, some cars don’t represent their owners because [the students] don’t get to choose the car they have to drive,” said Laura Weintraub ‘12.

Weintraub drives a 2005 convertible VW bug, with a red top and charcoal body. The car is “small and gas efficient, showing how I like to conserve and protect the environment,” said Weintraub.

“The bug isn’t uncommon but because it’s a limited edition, it shows individuality.”

As drivers mature and are able to pay for their own cars, options open up, allowing drivers to choose what they specifically want for a vehicle.

Lauren Palotay, US History AP and World History CP teacher, chose her car based on reasons other than teenage flashiness. “I chose white peppercorn for the color of my car because it’s classic and practical.”

Despite the overall impressive overview of cars in the student parking lot, there are many practical cars fit for learning and young drivers. Many times, cars do reflect personalities but as students, cars represent more of a means of transportation rather than their drivers’ individuality.

The average price of gasoline in California is still over $4, according to californiagasprices.com and, according to numerous analysts, is expected to rise even more by the end of this summer.

These ridiculous prices pose a major concern for Americans to travel this summer without having to empty their wallets on a weekly basis.

To avoid the gouging at the gas pumps, many new and improved fuel efficient cars are available and can save people a significant amount of money, a key in these hard economic times. One of the highest rated fuel efficient cars in 2011 are the Toyota Prius which gets an astonishing 51 city/48 hwy and is reasonably priced at $21,600.

According to edmunds.com, the Toyota Prius has plenty of versatility and a reasonable price that cannot be beat.

A more luxurious car that is very stylish and fuel efficient is the 2011 Lexus CT 200h which gets 42 mpg and is listed at $30,000. It is considered to have the best fuel economy in it segment.

Another economical choice for consumers are the electric cars which are becoming very popular world wide. One of the top electric cars of the year is the 2011 Nissan Leaf which costs 32,780, and if it gets charged for only 30 minutes, it has a range of 100 miles; that is equivalent to an unbelievable 99 mpg. 100 miles is not a tremendous amount but it gets the job done to do daily activities around the area without burning gas at all.

Another electric car that is getting a lot of attention is the Chevy Volt which is not completely electric but definitely lessens the expensive trip to the gas station. It has a low monthly fuel cost, which is very useful in a 300-mile maximum range.

There are many ways to cut back and save money in the future by purchasing fuel-efficient cars at the onset. With more fuel-efficient cars available, people will not have to cut back on how much they drive.

Staff Writer

Staff Writer

Students Balance Safety and Style

Brooke Garcher Staff Writer

Many new drivers want a snazzy hot new ride. In reality, however, some of those unfortunate teens get the old 1980s Jeep rusting in the garage.

Is this a good choice of vehicle for a teenager’s first car?

A new sports car will always look classy in the parking lot. Though would it still be envied if it had a massive dent in the bumper? Sports cars tend to make drivers drive too fast and get into an accident more easily. Additionally, sports cars are more susceptible to getting ticketed by the police and consequently the increased insurance rate you will have to pay. According to Lawyer Shop, speeding is accountable for 31 percent of all fatal car crashes.

A large SUV might not be the best choice of vehicle as well. According to Consumer Reports, SUVs are not recommended for new drivers due to their high centers of gravity that make them more prone to roll over.

Although an old car is less expensive than other cars, they will definitely not make it through a car accident peacefully. Older cars do not have all the safety technology like side air bags or antilock brakes that a more modern cars includes. With these newer safety mechanisms, they can greatly improve the odds of avoiding or surviving a car crash. According to federal data, old pickup trucks’ death rates is more than twice as high than other cars.

Safety may be boring, but it beats getting severely injured in a car crash with your now totaled car. And if that does not persuade you, having a safe, reliable car will at least get you some brownie points with your parents.

Characteristics of a Good Car If you are trying to find that perfect first car, use this list to make sure it is the right one.

Reliability – It is a best-seller for a reason. A reliable car will not break down on the middle of the freeway.

Repairs – Make sure the car you want does not require too many additional repairs so it will run. Are you comfortable spending that amount of money on repairs, or should you find another car.

Selection – Are you ashamed of driving around in this car? If so, it is probably not the right car for you. Make sure you like it and you want to drive in it.

Economic – The average price for your first car should be around $10,000 or less. Your car should also get an adequate MPG—especially since gas prices are expected to be $5 per gallon by summertime.

Safety – A car’s safety features should include anti-lock breaks, front air bags, and side air bags.

Components to the car such as adjustable pedals and steering wheels are suggested for easy access according to the driver’s body type.

Compiled by Brooke Garcher

8

Feature

June 1, 2011 • THE ARROW

The Nine Faces of Humanity

The Enneagram How Does It Work?

Kevin Shi

Staff Writers

What Type Are You?

Choose one sentence from set 1 (A, B, and C) that best suits you, and then one sentence from set 2 (X, Y, and Z). The resulting combination reveals what type you are most likely to be. This test is derived from the Enneagram Institutes’s “Quick Enneagram Sorting Test.”

Set 1 A. I have tended to be fairly independent and assertive.

B. I have tended to be quiet, and am used to being on my own.

C. I have tended to be extremely responsible and dedicated.

Set 2 X. I am a person who maintains a positive outlook and feels that things will work out for the best.

Y. I am a person who has strong feelings about things. Most people can tell when I am upset.

Z. I am a person who is self-controlled and logical. I don’t like revealing my feelings.

AX: 7 - The Enthusiast AY: 8 - The Challenger AZ: 3 - The Achiever BX: 9 - The Peacemaker BY: 4 - The Individualist BZ: 5 - The Investigator CX: 2 - The Helper CY: 6 - The Loyalist CZ: 1 - The Reformer

Cartoon By Vivian Xu

There are seven billion people in the world, and they all fall into one of nine categories.

The Enneagram of Personality is a model of human personality, conveniently arranged in a nine-pointed star.

Developed by Oscar Ichazo and Claudio Naranjo, the Enneagram assigns every human personality a number, or an “enneatype.”

Everybody displays elements of all nine types, but only one is dominant, according to 9types. com; for instance, someone described as a Six would have a basic fear of being without support or guidance and have the basic desire to have security and support.

This Six would be engaging, responsible, anxious, and suspicious, but he or she might also display traits typical of a Five: perceptive, innovative, secretive, and isolated, meaning that this Six would be a Six-wing-Five, or 6w5.

It also goes into the levels of growth and stress; for instance, in the aforementioned example, the Six would start acting like an unhealthy Three when stressed, becoming competitive and arrogant, while behaving like a healthy Nine when psychologically content, becoming more relaxed and optimistic.

According to Enneagram Central, the nine types of the Enneagram can be categorized further into the Instinctive Center, the Thinking Center, and the Feeling Center.

The three types in each center (8, 9, and 1 for Instinctive, 2, 3, and 4 for Feeling, and 5, 6, and 7 for Thinking) each exhibit the characteristic strengths and flaws of the center.

For instance, the Instinctive Centers are more prone to anger or rage, while Feeling Centers experience shame and Thinking Centers feel anxiety.

Going further still to dissect the anatomy of the human personality are the Three Instincts: social (so), the group oriented person, self preservation (sp), the introspective instinct, and sexual (sx), the intimate, one-on-one behavior.

When tested, these will be listed in order of dominance; an so/sp/sx, is different from an sp/ sx/so.

The movement of the lines and the levels of personal growth are all incorporated into the Enneagram, and it is used both in business management and in a spiritual context.

It is one of the most popular ways of assessing one’s personality in the world, ranking as one of Time magazine’s 8 Hottest Personality Tests.

Because it is difficult to verify scientifically, the Enneagram has been criticized as being subject to interpretation; much like a horoscope, each type must be general enough to encompass one-ninth of the world’s population.

Enneagrams can be used to understand a multitude of business applications, relationships, parenting, cultural differences, and personal growth, according to the Enneagram Institute.

In business contexts it is generally used as a typology to gain insights into workplace dynamics; in spirituality it is more commonly presented as a path to higher states of being, essence and enlightenment.

In the end, a person’s personality comes out like a line of computer code. 6w5 so/sp/sx may seem like gibberish, but it actually reveals plenty of information about who someone is.

Type

Basic Personality

Belief

Basic desire

Basic fear

1

The Rational, Idealistic type

Perfection

To be good and have integrity

Being corrupt or evil

2

The Caring, Interpersonal type

Freedom

To feel loved

Being unwanted

3

The Successful, Practical type

Hope

To feel valuable

Being worthless

4

The Sensitive, Withdrawn type

Originality

To find their personal significance

Being common

5

The Intense, Thinking type

Knowledge

To be capable

Being useless or incapable

6

The Committed, Secure type

Faith

To have security and support

Being without support or guidance

7

The Busy, FunLoving type

Work

To be satisfied

Being deprived and in pain

8

The Powerful, Dominating type

Truth

To be in control of their own life

Being controlled by others

9

The Easygoing, Self-Effacing type

Love

To have peace of mind

Being lost or separated

Why Your Personality Type Matters Vallia Yu

Staff Writer What exactly is a personality? Through various personality tests, such as the Enneagram Personality System and the MyersBriggs Type Indicator, scientists are able to discover behavioral patterns in people.

They may be used to group people based on their emotions, or perhaps to give them a greater spiritual path to enlightenment and inner peace.

But the biggest question is, how and why would the results affect us?

Think of it like this: in order to understand how something works, a person needs to first take the object apart and figure out what makes it tick.

While scientists can’t literally do this to the human brain, personality tests can help to better comprehend how individuals think and behave.

The results give us the basics of human behavior; we can learn to self-improve and develop our personalities.

People can better understand their goals through their motiva-

tional behavior and change themselves. We can learn how we are able to fulfill our ego and desires from our emotional needs. Our desires can then be pushed aside when they are distracting, and fulfilled when needed.

Psychologists can use these outcomes to help and alter someone’s emotional problems in clinical therapy. When administered, these tests can diagnose whether or not the patient has personality disorders and psychologists can then find a way to fix the problem.

In fact, tests may be used to determine the behavior of people as a whole as well.

For instance, scientists at Cornell University have discovered that people in relationships offer better judgemental advice for couples compared to people who have been or are in relationships themselves. This could help people who need assistance with their relationship, and want to find reliable individuals to help with their problems.

Even a test as simple as determining the population’s favorite color can lead to therapeutic uses.

Blue lights may help people with its soothing properties, while red may invigorate.

But not all tests are made for clinical purposes; tests such as “What Shape Are You?” survey exactly what it says on the tin.

Other surveys that people may be familiar with test for what kind of color, animal, or drink someone is. These tests can all be easily found on free online testing sites such as Quizilla. While these tests are merely made for entertainment, it is an interesting way to connect yourself with other objects or people.

Tests are even used to help screen job candidates; according to HR Matters, results can help determine if the person’s attitude is competent enough for the job he or she is applying for.

For instance, eights, the challengers of the world, are hired for their decisiveness and bold views.

Both of these traits are crucial for an employee to maintain respect and lead people.

Fours are individualists who may be well adapted to becoming salesmen with their sensitivity to the emotional impact to their products.

The Enneagram provides valuable insight into the mind which helps us comprehend people’s behaviors.

9

ENTERTAINMENT

June 1, 2011 • THE ARROW REVIEW

No Longer “Gaga” for Gaga Shannon Reiffen Staff Writer

have some rockand-roll twists— “You and I” and “The Edge of Glory” are Bruce Springsteen inspired, according to Entertainment Weekly.

One of several huge fans, Hannah Gray ‘11, has not stopped listening to the album since she purchased it.

“The heavy metal and jazz- CHART TOPPER: Gaga’s new album is estimated to sell up to 850,000 copies in its first week. influences create her unique pop sound,” said Gray. resembling amniotic fluid. Lady Gaga performed “You and I” Gaga made her fame through her in her Monster Ball tour. She also uniqueness but now is becoming performed the song on American strange. This new album advoIdol. cates for acceptance of all people, But to get to the songs, one which has always been Gaga’s has see the gruesome photos on message throughout her career. the inside of the CD. Here once If your into the Gaga craze, again, one can see Gaga’s odd and you love music that makes side, as some of the photos fea- you want to dance, then this is for ture Gaga covered in something you.

COURTESY PHOTO

Once again, Lady Gaga has proven that behind all the madness and craziness, is true talent.

With her new album “Born This Way,” she just released 17 new songs, along with the hit single “Born This Way” and another big hit “Judas.”

Is this new album up to par with her previous albums? Well, it is certainly different from her previous work.

The album has a more religious theme—more obviously in the second single released, “Judas” and “Black Jesus + Amen Fashion,” but more subtly seen in the lyrics of all her other songs.

Almost every song on the album mentions Jesus in it. Lady Gaga truly shows her religious side of her many unique qualities.

But in contrast, this album is somewhat similar to those Gaga has previous released. Songs like “Governmental Hooker,” “Americano,” and “ScheiBe,” all have fast and techno beats. They also

The Film Reel:

Notable Singles:

Summer Blockbusters PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: ON STRANGER TIDES

After three successful prequels and a cast change, Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides had to live up to months of media hype. However, the film’s many peculiarities, including a mermaid attack scene, Keith Richards’ out-of-place cameo, and predictable chase sequences, become more obvious independently from the series.

The plot follows Johnny Depp’s iconic character, Jack Sparrow, as he leads Blackbeard and Angelica to the Fountain of Youth. Jack brings the humor; a trapped mermaid and missionary provide a love story; and the drama between Angelica and Blackbeard brings tthe audience on quite the adventure. On Stranger Tides has the ingredients of a classic summer flick; however, for many fans of the original, this half-hearted attempt lacks the spark that charmed us all to the idea of a lovable pirate.

BRIDESMAIDS

The Glee Effect:

How one show changed the modern music industry Michelle Noyes News Editor

Concert Calendar

August 23, 24, 27,28- Taylor Swift @ Staples Center July 15- American Idol @ Nokia Theatre LA Live September 17- Ke$ha @ Gibson Amphitheater at Universal CityWalk June 28- Rihanna with Cee Lo Green @ Staples Center July 25- Maroon 5 with Train @ Hollywood Bowl June 23- Wiz Khalifa @ Santa Barbara Bowl

Compiled by Alexandra Biston

COURTESY PHOTO

June 24- Britney Spears and Nicki Minaj @ Staples Center

Everyone has watched Glee, listened to their music, or at least heard about the inspiring show.

Guests on the show have included pop sensation Britney Spears, Oscar winner Gwyneth Paltrow, John Stamos, and Kristin Chenoweth. All of these well-known actresses and actors have added ‘GLEE’-FUL RUMOURS: After the cast extra dimensions to this performed songs off Fleetwood Mac’s Rualready unique show. mours, the album was certified 19-times The second season of platinum by the Recording Industry Assothe show has become even ciation of America. a bigger hit then the first.

Worldwide companies such as Gap advertised in an season. The songs stay current episode by having a music number with the time yet have a wide take place inside the clothing variety. The cast has performed store. After a four year absence, classic, pop songs, to rock and Chevrolet aired a commercial roll.

A few songs from their long during the Super Bowl XLV featuring the Glee cast singing list are “Friday” by Rebecca and dancing. The commercial was Black, “Pure Imagination” from to the classic song “See the U.S.A. the movie Willy Wonka, and even the classic song “Bohemian in your Chevrolet.”

Besides watching the Rhapsody” originally by Queen. show for spectacular music “You Can’t Always Get What You performances, the storylines are Want” by the Rolling Stones was intriguing. The writers interest all also performed by the younger age groups by representing every voices of both the girls and boys part of the Glee cast. type of high school student.

One episode in season two There are currently a total of 12 Glee albums available on featured original songs performed iTunes. Glee albums have hit by each cast member. Main voices the Billboard Top 100 list several of the show include Lea Michele times since the show’s popularity who plays Rachel, and Finn soared in the most recent played by Cory Monteith.

Fans of romantic comedies and the Hangover rejoice—Bridesmaids is the perfect mixture of the playful sweetness of 27 Dresses and the anti-humor that brought notoriety to the Hangover.

Starring in the film is Saturday Night Live alumni Maya Rudolph, who plays the bride Lillian, and current Saturday Night Live performer Kristen Wiig, who plays Lillian’s lifelong friend and Maid of Honor, Annie.

Through a case of food poisoning while gown shopping, an emergency plane landing in Wyoming, and an outrageous bridal shower, Annie and Lillian’s friendship is tested.

When Lillian’s pretentious new best friend Helen works to take over the wedding planning, Annie learns to go back to the basics in her romances and in her friendships to get her life back in order.

GREEN LANTERN One of summer’s most anticipated films is Green Lantern, starring Ryan Reynolds as the superpower-wielding Hal Jordan and Blake Lively as his fellow pilot and childhood sweetheart Carol Ferris, in which a young Air Force pilot is the first human given the powers of the alien Green Lantern Brotherhood.

When the fate of the galaxy relies on Hal, he must learn to control his new powers to defeat his fears and the new enemy, Parallax.

Despite recent superhero films letting down die-hard comic book enthusiasts, Green Lantern’s director Martin Campbell promises to stay close to the original story line but appeal to a modern audience. Only time will tell if Green Lantern marks a turn in the fading superhero genre, but as promised by Campbell, the movie will be the “most intersting” superhero flick in some time.

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ENTERTAINMENT

June 1, 2011 • THE ARROW

REVISITING RETRO Five Older Games Worth A Second Look

Arun Burra

Ethan Reul

Arun Burra

Ethan Reul

Brian Chang

Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic, published in 2003 by the emerging BioWare, forever revolutionized the definition of what video games are capable of.

The game allowed the user to completely customize their personal hero (or renegade), beyond superficial characteristics like appearance or ability. For the first time, a game displayed comprehensively and intuitively the option of choosing dialogue and a course of action.

Combined with intelligent writing and a talented voice-acting cast, the cinematic and incredibly personal narrative of Knights of the Old Republic brought an unprecedented level of immersion to gaming. The player gradually assembles a diverse, amiable crew along a memorable, replayable adventure in the imaginative and complex world of Star Wars, an incredibly new experience at its release.

The mechanics allowing the player to choose his path, not always purely good or evil, enable the game to explore themes of prejudice and power, adding to the medium of gaming as an art form as a whole. The depth and production values of the game positively influenced future titles, changing the role of story in games forever. Knights of the Old Republic is available digitally on Xbox Live, on the PC and Mac, and on disc for the Xbox.

Portal is the definition of originality.

A small game designed by an even smaller group of employees at computer gaming juggernaut Valve, Portal was intended as an appetizer to the five-course meal that was The Orange Box. It was an apology for the late release of Half-Life 2, an experiment more than a full game. With its quirky humor and its strange new gameplay mechanics, it was barely expected to warrant a glance.

However, what it eventually became was far from a side project. Portal became an instant classic; a game so beloved for its ingenuity, simplicity, and wit that its jokes have become commonplace pop culture references.

The game is perhaps most renown for its villain, GlaDOS. At the outset, GlaDOS is assumed to be a simple AI leading you through the various tests.

As the game continues, however, GlaDOS’s antagonistic attitude begins to win out, insulting the player and blatantly lying to her about a constantly out-of-reach slice of cake she’ll recieve as a reward for completing the tests.

Even though the recently released sequel, Portal 2, is far longer and far more challenging than the original, don’t skip straight to it. Portal contains an originality and humor all its own, and is one of the premiere video games of our generation.

Halo: Combat Evolved, released in 2001 by now renowned Bungie Studios, is partially responsible for the hundreds of first-person shooters that the gaming industry sells every year.

Critics and players alike adored the game: Halo featured robust and appealing gameplay combined with a compelling science fiction narrative that produced industry icons. The protagonists, the silent, seemingly omnipotent Master Chief and his witty companion, the artificial intelligence Cortana, became instantly recognizable characters of an enormous leviathan of a franchise.

Multiplayer was the most dramatic change. The innovative new system popularized multiplayer in the industry, allowing up to sixteen friends to battle in fast-paced, strategic combat.

Thousands still invest in the timeless experience, almost a decade old. Other changes from older shooters included regenarative health and new combat mechanics.

Simple and satisfying, almost every asset of the game set precedents for future titles, and to prospective companies and consumers, gaming (particularly the shooter genre) became a viable market for the masses, and rightly so. Halo is available digitally on Xbox Live, on the PC and Mac, and on disc for the Xbox

One of the longest lasting game series of all time, each installment of Nintendo’s incredible Legend of Zelda series is a fantastic combination of puzzles, combat, and adventure. However, of them all, one game stands out among the rest: Ocarina of Time.

Commonly hailed as one of the greatest games of all time, Ocarina of Time was one of the first of Nintendo’s series to be converted to the 3D Graphics format that is seen almost exclusively today. It was innovative and vast; the game world was massive and expansive, with various cities, dungeons, and people scattered across the vast Hyrule. It was a living, breathing environment; players really felt like they were actually in the massive Deku Tree, or riding a horse across the land.

In addition, Ocarina of Time had a thrilling storyline; by utilizing the Master Sword found in the Temple of Time, players traveled back and forth from the main character’s childhood to his future as an adult. This innovative twist on the classic adventure game continues to be unparalleled.

Overall, Ocarina of Time is one game any true gamer ought to try at least once. Available across a wide variety of platforms, from its original N64 release to the upcoming 3DS remake, there’s no excuse to overlook this masterpiece.

Starcraft is a game created by Blizzard, a company famous for other games such as Warcraft or Diablo, both of which were huge successes. Starcraft is a RTS, or real time strategy game that involves lots of “micro,” or hand movement. One must control over 150 different units simultaneously, all of which must be manually done by the player.

Unlike RPG games such as Warcraft or Diablo, Starcraft is a very action intensive game. This is probably why most praise the game; Starcraft was the first unique RTS game that was based purely on player skill, not how long someone had been playing or how much money they spent on the game.

Furthermore, Starcraft is a game known for its constant updates. Since its release in 1995, the game has gone through over 15 major patches and constant multiplayer changes.

Starcraft’s main craze exists in South Korea. Designated channels exist for this “e-sport,” and over 100 professionals compete for a prize, just as in any sport.

Currently, Starcraft’s fame has decreased due to the newly released sequel, Starcraft 2. However, Starcraft’s popularity, at its peak, was higher than any other game of its time.

Starcraft is still available at any store that sells games worldwide.

Freelance Writer

Entertainment Editor

Freelance Writer

Entertainment Editor

Opinion Editor

SPORTS

June 1, 2011 • THE ARROW

11

Baseball Captures Marmonte Title Loses to Tesoro in First Round of CIF

Alex Farkas Staff Writer

COURTESY PHOTO

Smiles of Success: Savannah Miller, Julia Farfan, Haley Preston, and Abby Puczkowski pose after placing 2nd in the 400 free relay at CIF Masters.

The young WHS Baseball Team took their 19-8 record into the First Round of CIF to face Tesoro High School on May 20.

Alex Daley ‘11 took the mound and only gave up two runs on five hits in 5 and 2/3 innings pitched. However, Tesoro stopped the Warriors from scoring and won the game 5-0.

Ryan Kort ‘12, along with other players on the team, was devastated after the team’s season came to an end.

“The overall feeling was that it was too soon to end,” said Kort. “For some of the seniors, it may have been their last ever competitive baseball game, which added to the emotions.”

For the first time in 10 years, the WHS baseball team captured the Marmonte

League Championship.

WHS came into May 11, tied for first with Newbury Park in the league. WHS crushed Agoura 15-2 while Newbury Park lost to Simi Valley 8-7, which secured the league title for the Warriors.

Michael Miller ‘11 felt that the team had great chemistry and bonded like a family; however, this bond will be broken when the seniors leave.

Next year, the WHS baseball team will try to defend the league title with the young talent of Luke Dykstra ‘14, Kort, Colin Yelich ‘12, and Zac Daniels ‘13.

“I feel we will continue to grow and become closer as a team,” said Kort.

WHS finished the season 19-9 overall and 10-4 in league.

They were ranked 21st in Division I, 70th in California, and 477th in the nation according to MaxPreps.com.

Swimmers Shatter Six Records

Hanna Hong Feature Editor

Volleyball Closes Dramatic Season Brian Danziger Staff Writer

With numerous talented players and great coaching, the Varsity Volleyball team made a tremendous run this year. After getting that second chance in the CIF- SS Division II, however, WHS left the court once again with a bad after taste, losing to Corona Del Mar in a dramatic four games in the finals.

Before getting to the Div. II finale they defeated Cathedral Catholic-San Diego 3 to 0. They then faced Mater Dei once again and this time the result was different, with WHS winning 3-0.

“We had talked about how this was our chance at redemption,” stated Coach

Doug Magorien to the Ventura County Star.

In the CIF Div. I playoffs WHS lost to Mater Dei in a heart wrenching four games.

To get to where they were in the CIF Div. I playoffs, they had to beat Long Beach Wilson, Servite, Newport Harbor, View Point and Camarillo.

Coming off their Marmonte League Championship before their CIF run in both divisions, Westlake’s record was 234, a great accomplishment in itself and was one of many bright spots this season.

Despite the final disappointment, the team members fought hard.

“We just came up a little bit short, said senior setter Travis Magorien ‘11 to the Star.

Freshman Stars Meet at Masters

Julia Shi

Staff Writer Track CIF Finals were held on May 22 at Cerritos College. WHS athletes, Brooke Edell ‘14 and Gino Colella ‘14, participated in the event.

Edell competed in the 100-meter dash, setting a new school record and tying for fifth place. In addition, she also beat the previous school best in the 200-meter dash.

With a qualifying vault of 14 feet, 9 inches, Colella advanced to the Masters meet, which was held May 27. The qualifying vault was his second school record of the year. He is now ranked second in the nation as a freshman.

In order to move on to the California State Championships, Colella had to qualify with a vault of 15 feet, 2 inches or higher, or be in the top five of 12 competitors. Although he did not make the initial height, “his achievement as a freshman was fantastic,” said Coach Joe Snyder.

Colella believes he “can always be better.”

Coach Snyder stated that the track coaches “are very proud of the way Gino Colella and Brooke Edell represented WHS at CIF Finals.”

Previous qualifiers for state finals include Sam DeMello ‘10, who is now a freshman at UCLA.

Hail Mary: Bianca Riazi prepares to pass to a fellow player during the Powderpuff game. The junior team beat the senior team 14-6.

PHOTO BY STEPHANIE KIM

The WHS swim team has many accomplishments to celebrate this year.

From winning Marmonte League for every level for girls and boys to the girls placing third at CIF Division I, WHS has earned the right to brag.

On May 5, WHS competed with high expectations to capture the girls sixth consecutive Marmonte League Championship and the boys first since 2006.

The girls swept the competition away with Savannah Miller ’12 winning not only the 50 free, but also the 100 free, and Haley Preston ’12 placing first in the 100 back and second in the 200 free. Abby Puczkowski ‘11, Jane Chen ’13, Julia Farfan ’13, Emily Kerchner ’12, along with Miller and Preston contributed to WHS’s winning 200 medley, 200 free, and 400 free relay.

However with this meet over, WHS began to prepare for the biggest meet of the season, CIF. After the team moved up to D1, Coach

Todd Irmas hoped the girls would finish at least top ten; however, the girls had higher prospects.

With the girls team consisting of only six girls, they managed to finish in the top third at CIF Finals and qualify for Masters—a meet for the top three swimmers from each event and division to compete against the fastest swimmers in Southern California.

At CIF, Miller secured third in the 50 and 100 free, while nabbing two school records. Preston not only placed second in her 100 backstroke and sixth in her 200 free, but also broke her own previous record in the 100 back and created a new school record for the 200 free. Coach’s Awards recipients Puczkowski and Farfan and MVP’s Preston, and Miller now hold the current school record for the 400 free.

In the last meet of the season, these same, six swimmers also competed at Irvine for the CIF Masters meet. The team placed second in both the 200 medley relay and 400 free relay. For Coach Irmas’ last year of coaching, he stated “You can’t feel any better than this.”

Juniors Claim Powderpuff Title Stephanie Kim

Staff Writer

Tensions escalated, spirit increased, and challenges became more intense as May 25 loomed closer. The Junior vs. Senior Powderpuff game had both teams riled up for a classic confrontation between the classes.

Powderpuff, a flag football game designed for girls, allowed both classes to display class pride in a traditional game of flag football.

Despite the initial surge of senior spirit, the junior girls won the game 14-6.

“The game was very intense and a lot more competitive than I thought,” said Gabby Scudieri ‘12. “It felt . . . good to win in the end, and everybody contributed.”

Scudieri and Courtney Birkett ‘12 intercepted the ball twice from the seniors.

Rachel Reynolds ‘11 scored the seniors’ first and only touchdown. Breawna Piper ‘12 and Ciera Ligouri ‘12 scored the two junior touchdowns.

The rivalry between the teams led to an outbreak of hostilities between the girls.

Multiple but minor injuries and extremely loud cursing led to many penalties.

“Powderpuff last year was just fun,” said Taylor Rieger ‘11. “It helped my class bond and though we lost, it was worth the experience. This year as seniors, we lost

again, which shouldn’t happen.”

The tensions between the juniors and seniors were high when the game ended.

“The game was definitely fun and made me appreciate the girls in my grade but more than anything, this year’s game made me feel more violent than I ever felt have before,” said Rieger.

Despite the hard feelings between the two, the juniors attempted, with much encouragement from the coaches, to display good sportsmanship afterwards.

“We knew most of the girls already, so it was fun spending time with them,” said junior coach Jose Muguerza ‘12. “The girls were extremely social though, which made it very hard to get their attention.”

That night, Facebook’s News Feed was rampant with comments about the outcome of the game, ranging from celebratory to discouraging. The Powderpuff game left an impact.

“It’s a football game and obviously the game can tend to get a little dirty but that’s the sport. Things did get a little blown out of proportion, but the girls resolved the conflicts and it’s in the past, said senior coach, Adam Lazar ‘11.

“At the end of it all, we were impressed by how much the girls wanted to win and their ability to memorize and execute the plays we designed for them,” said Muguerza.

12

74 Days of Summer FEATURE

Cure to a Suburban Summer

Venice Beach offers everything from talented street performers to unknown artists, to body builders improving their physique at Muscle Beach. Cool off from the summer heat by taking a dip in the ocean, and dry off while visiting Venice’s amusement park and riding one of the many roller coasters.

Also located near Venice is Third Street Promenade, which combines high end shopping and beautiful scenery. You can purchase things from inexpensive books to designer brand clothing, and enjoy a gorgeous walk as you go.

With authentic California food, one of a kind jewelry and a vivacious energy, Venice Beach is the perfect place to shake up your Westlake summer.

Vivian Hu Orly Greenberg Feature Editors

With summer rapidly approaching and finals wrapping up, students have little to worry about besides what to do over the summer. However, considering the less than impressive array of options in Westlake Village, try these three great ways to spice up your suburban summer.

Enjoy a Concert With Friends:

Create Your Own Movie Theater:

Tired of crowding 20 friends around your small TV, but unwilling to spend nearly $12 (snacks not included) just to see the latest summer flop? Projector123.com boasts a unique service: movie projector rental. Hosting a movie marathon just became a lot cheaper; with a projector rental for one day costing $129, 20 people paying $7 easily covers the expenses.

Begin the night with a barbecue and a bonfire, and let guests lounge in the pool or curl up with blankets while enjoying the film. While movie screens are also available for rental or purchase, hanging a king sized

June 1, 2011 • THE ARROW

COSTLY CINEMA: Avoid pricey movie theaters by creating your own.

white sheet is a cheap alternative. Whether you’re watching Finding Nemo by the pool or huddled together watching Saw VI, renting a movie projector provides a unique twist to a traditional summer movie party.

MUVICO MANOR: To remedy summer boredom, break out the projector and DVDs, invite friends over, and host a movie party.

BEACH PARTY: Bikers, artists, and teens all love Venice Beach’s temperate weather and beautiful scenery.

MUSIC MADNESS: An energetic concert in the park or in downtown Hollywood with your friends is guaranteed to excite your summer.

Take a Stroll Along Venice Beach:

Although renting a projector satisfies your need to watch movies, summer would not be complete without heading to the beach. Less than an hour’s drive away,

Venice Beach and an at home movie theater are entertaining, but only for so long. At Conejo Community Park there are free concerts all throughout summer. Bring a picnic, soccer ball, frisbee, and friends, and enjoy the free tunes. Conejo Valley provides a wide range of genres, from jazz and orchestral music, to a tribute to Elton John.

This summer, Hollywood offers concerts from the likes of Britney Spears to Taylor Swift. If you’re feeling particularly Broadway this summer, visit Shrek the Musical at the Pantages Theater. Beginning on June 3rd at the Hollywood Bowl, you can experience Star Wars scores played by a live orchestra.

Whether you are watching films, visiting Venice or at a concert, these three ideas will transform suburban summer from dull to thrilling.

Sweet Treats Invigorate Summer Orly Greenberg Feature Editor

The value of your summer is determined by what you do, who you do it with, and most importantly, what you eat. However, California’s warm and dry weather can make it tough to find foods that are both refreshing and filling. With these three modern updates on classic dishes, you can enjoy the timeless desserts while avoiding the calories.

Fruit Spring Rolls: A clever variation on the traditional Chinese specialty, fruit spring rolls are both refreshing and nutritious. Taking a cue from the original, the fruit rolls are wrapped with rice paper, but avoid the fryer and vegetables and are instead filled with kiwis, strawberries, mangos, and mint leaves. Served by the pool with a vanilla honey dipping sauce, these treats pack a delicious and healthy punch. The full recipe can be found at www.howsweeteats.com.

Grilled Peaches: A common summer dessert is a traditional is peach pie. However, most recipes take too long to cook and are served too warm for the already hot weather. Grilled peaches provide the classic peach flavor, without the lard heavy crust and piping hot temperature. To make, soak the peaches in sugar water with mint leaves for flavor them, and then grill until golden brown and soft. To amp up the simple dessert, serve with vanilla ice cream and pound cake.

Smoothies: To cool off during the summer heat waves, many turn to calorie filled milkshakes and smoothies. By using plain Greek yogurt instead of ice cream, you can save yourself another workout while enjoying a refreshing beverage. To make a mango vanilla smoothie, simply combine mango, Greek yogurt, milk, vanilla extract, and vanilla bean. The mango adds a healthy boost of fruit, as well as a tropical feel to the soda fountain favorite. See www.howsweeteats.com for the full recipe.

Trail Mix: Over the summer, you might want to take a hike through the Westlake mountains, and what better snack to accompany your exercise than trail mix? Unbelievably easy to make and pack for a hiking trip, trail mix incorporates the energetic punch of fruit and with the flavorful crunch of nuts. To prepare, simply combine an assortment of your favorite dried fruit, raisins, sunflower seeds, and unsalted peanuts. To add a sweet kick, mix in either chocolate chips or M&Ms. See www. allrecipes.com for the full recipe.