11.17.11

THE

Arrow

Teachers share Thanksgiving Day stories.

Westlake High School VOLUME XXXIV, ISSUE 3

Students, Staff Impress WASC Visiting Team Lisa Battaglia Editor-in-chief

Lauren Diaz-Yi earns League MVP recognition.

Page 20 Bradley Wellman takes off at Newbury Park game.

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

November 17, 2011

‘Twelfth Night’ Gets All Jazzed Up von Kronemann ‘13 and Achaia Pago ‘12 as Maria; and Nathaniel Sylvester ‘14 as Malvolio.

The cast has been working hard to perfect their parts and to effectively portray their characters.

During the rehearsals, the actors work on “seizing the moment up on stage,” said Malouff.

Presenting a Shakespeare play is no easy task.

Burke realizes “the challenge and importance of performing Shakespeare for high school audiences.” Each member of the cast takes on the task of paying close attention to each detail and expression.

“Everyone puts their heart and soul into the development of their characters to help create a great production. I am fortunate enough to be a part of this play and to be able to work with friends.

Mrs. Burke is a wonderful director,” said Laguna.

The cast knows how to balance working hard and having fun. “We TITANIC STAGE PRESENCE: Rescued at sea from the sinking of the Titanic, Viola (Lexi Sloan, center) must convince Olivia as a whole have a lot of (Amanda Whitaker kneeling) that she is not the man of her dreams. Nathaniel Sylvester as Malvolio and Cassidy von Kronechemistry,” commented mann as Maria look on. Twelfth Night will run in Carpenter Family Theatre Nov. 17-19.

Malouff.

“My favorite part about Twelfth Night Meini Cheng director. “I hope the students will help News Editor everyone enjoy Shakespeare and the is easily working with the other cast members. The time we spend together ironies of everyday life.”

Shakespeare’s most famous comedy In Twelfth Night, Shakespeare spins a during rehearsals is definitely worth it.

Twelfth Night will get a modern spin, when complex web of attraction and deception. As for how the cast works together, my WHS Drama Department performs its The characters fall in love with one friend and understudy Remy Mulloway 1920s update Nov. 17-19 in the Carpenter another, but many do not even know ‘14 sums it up, ‘We are closer than a family.

Family Theatre. With references to several the true gender of their love interest. A We are a unit,’” said Shi. In addition to enjoying Shakespeare early 20th century events, including the combination of wit and humor, the story together, the drama team members also sinking of the Titanic, the Jazz Age, and line is entertaining and amusing.

Prohibition, the production incorporates The production features Lexi Sloan ‘12 enjoy one another’s company.

“The kids are all so talented and they these elements to entertain and Meghan Wells ‘14 as Viola; Amanda Anyone familiar with the Amanda Whitaker ‘12 and Katie Woodward ‘14 work really well together and get along Bynes comedy She’s the Man will recognize as Olivia; Damon Laguna ‘13 as Duke well. They always encourage and help the plot.

Orsino; Ryan Malouff ‘12 and Cameron each other bring out their best. We’re like “I’m hoping that the audience will Mason ‘13 as Sebastian; Michael Verona one big family,” said Burke. “Come and see be packed and that the school will come ‘12 as Toby Belch; Michael Gaussey ‘14 the Shakespeare 1920s style and support support the students,” said DeDe Burke, as Feste; Kevin Shi ‘14 as Fabian; Cassidy Drama.”

PHOTO BY BARBARA MAZIEKA

Chemistry Classes Go Crazy

Stacey Kane Shayna Kudler Staff Writers Every year, the chemistry teachers like to shake things up around Halloween.

Instead of simply teaching elements and compounds, on Oct. 28, they showed fascinating experiments that amazed all the students.

Science teachers Stephanie Koenig, Lena Kim, Lori Cord, and Jennifer Arty disguised themselves with big afro wigs, demonstrated chemical experiments, and let students participate too.

Four of the chemistry teachers dressed up for Halloween as crazy chemists.

All four funky chemists showed how chemistry could be fun, when done safely with supervision.

The experiments that included fire and chemicals, startled the students immediately in their chemistry class.

“It was really interesting and a groovy

experiment,” said Victoria Doder ‘14.

From lighting fire inside a water jug to holding fire in their hands to blowing up a gummy bear, these demonstrations in chemistry class were anything but the average class day before Halloween festivities.

Instead of filling their hands with pens and paper, students were given the opportunity to fill their hands with bubbles that the teachers lit on fire in one experiment.

The fire would stretch up about two feet as if they were holding the fire in their own hands.

Putting to action what they learn in class gives reason behind learning in class.

The appreciation from students was sincere because seeing their teachers dress up in crazy outfits and performing mindblowing experiments can never go wrong.

The honors chemistry teachers organize these experiments every year before the Halloween weekend.

PHOTO BY SHANNON REIFFEN

After months of staff and student preparation for WASC accreditation, WHS has successfully impressed the Visiting Committee in its evaluation of the school.

WASC Coordinators Laurie Looker and Deborah Kolodney worked for over a year preparing for the WASC Committee’s visit and feel the evaluators “saw our school the way we were hoping they would,” said Kolodney.

WASC is an organization of six regional associations that accredits public and private schools, colleges, and universities in the United States.

Every teacher was asked to prepare evidence folders that included samples of class work to show the WASC representatives. Posters that identified the Expected Schoolwide Learning Results (ESLRS) and CSU/UC a-g requirements were posted in each room also to promote the learning goals.

Committee members visited classrooms for about 15 minutes each, observing the classroom environment and the evidence folders.

Administrators and teachers from schools around California are selected as WASC committee members. Chair Linda S. Evans led the group of seven: Justin Bartle, Griselda A. Delgado, Elizabeth Garcia, Robert K. Lawrence, Win Saw, and Brooke Thomas.

“They found the strengths and weaknesses we were aware of, with the exception of the possible reasons for our a-g completion rate at 55%,” said Kolodney.

According to Principal Ron Lipari’s email to teachers that “congratulated everyone for a job well done,” the initial report from the committee acknowledged the school’s students, staff, curriculum and especially its extra-curricular excellence.

Noting the pride the students evidenced in their school, the committee commented that “students were respectful of others, motivated to learn, and dedicated to achieving at high levels.”

The initial report also noted the school’s environment— “clean, functional, and safe.”

Teachers showed great dedication and focus for the WASC accreditation. “The school offers a wide range of programs… and these programs are taught/coached/ advised by caring and dedicated staff,” said the Visiting Committee report.

As for accreditation, six years ago WHS earned the highest accreditation —a six-year clear with no revisit, the highest possible accreditation for a high school. Because WASC now awards very few “six-clears,” “we would be happy with a six-year with review,” said Kolodney.

With review, the Visiting Committee would revisit within three years for a small checkup.

“The Visiting Committee gives their recommendation to WASC, since WASC has the authority to overturn the recommendation. [The committee] cannot tell us anything,” said Kolodney.

WASC’s Visiting Committee visited Oct. 24-26.

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HANDS ON FIRE: Chris Coonan is fascinated by the flame in his hands.

News

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In Brief Higher Hopes Helps at Rescue Mission

November 17, 2011 • The Arrow

Mock Trial Opens New Case

WHS Higher Hope Homeless Helpers club joined with its NPHS sister club Higher Hopes on Oct. 22 to volunteer together at the Ventura County Rescue Mission. The two clubs sent more than 30 students to volunteer. In the spirit of Halloween, the volunteers also packed Halloween goodie bags for the underprivileged children who came to eat that day. All of the food served that day was paid for by fundraising from the club.

Higher Hope meets every Tuesday in 42Q.

Teen Vogue magazine paid a visit to WHS on Nov. 2. Two models, high school seniors from Canada and Russia, took photographs with starting offensive lineman Javier “Sugarbear” Aguilera ‘12, and starting wide receiver Cody Tuttle ‘12. The photographers, who were from London, England, also took candid photographs of the team in action. Assistant Principal of Athletics Jason Branham said, “They don’t play American football [in England], so the photographers were very interested in the game.” The release date of the issue is currently unknown.

TedxYouth Hosts Event on Nov. 20

Choral Music Prepares for Holidays Michelle Noyes News Editor

WHS Choral Music Department will entertain with “One Magic Season”, its holiday program celebrating its 27th season. The shows are on Dec. 1, 2, and 3 at 7:30 p.m., and 1:00 p.m. for the Saturday matinee.

All the holidays of the winter season will be celebrated at each show. Choir members will perform in their dresses, tuxedos, or robes on risers for the first half.

“The holiday concert is one of our biggest and glitziest. I am really excited to see what the other groups have put together and how our show comes together,” said Vocal Ensemble President Jessica Evaristo ’12.

For the last song of each night the four separate performing groups will join together on stage and sing Handel’s “Hallelujah Chorus.”

“I am really excited to get the feedback from the audience because it really pumps you up to keep performing,” said Vocal Ensemble member Chase Rosenberg ’14.

Tickets will go on sale Nov. 14. The tickets will be sold for $10 each in the Choir room, 21N, before first period, nutrition, and lunch.

“It is definitely a lot of hard work but I think in the end it will all come together nicely like it always does,” added Evaristo.

Time to Debate: (From left to right) Alexander Loh, Taylor Li, and Garrett Hardy discuss the details of the case.

Harry Chung Staff Writer

After winning 2nd place at the county competition and placing 15th in state last year, WHS Mock Trial will start anew to rebuild the team that is their glory.

This year, however, the group will start off with an unprecedented challenge. The mock trial team will begin without 15-year advisor, Christina Harrison, who retired from coaching the team.

“Everyone really misses Harrison, but will still be motivated to work hard,” said Mock Trial coach Ashley Tomkins. Harrison’s leave will not totally

devastate the team; a new addition, Lauren Palotay, will assuage the pain of her leaving.

“I’m really interested in the law. My father’s a lawyer and I like working with Tomkins,” said Palotay.

Hopefully, Tomkins and Palotay, along with Mark Jesse and Julia Snyder, attorney coaches and two vital mentors for the mock trial team, will lead the school to another victory.

This year’s trial will focus on a murder case, People v. Buschell.

The case will center on Ryan Buschell, an ambitious college student, heir to a fortune, and an accused murderer. The

Community in Shock After 3 Local Deaths Jonathan Rifkind Staff Writer

students can raise awareness for our To address the recent deaths of peers so they turn to friends and family three local young adults, members of the for support in troubling times, Brown’s local communities gathered to hear Risa answer was very simple: “Have a voice.”

Gruberger, a licensed family therapist, Having a voice is what most high school and Dennis Brown, founder of Ness students fear, because their peers are very Counseling Center, speak. critical and if they speak out, they will The community discussion about the likely be judged. deaths of Dan Behar ‘12, Griffin Kramer WHS does not currently have a peer‘12, and 21-year-old Josh Feinberg was counseling club, but there are clubs on held on Nov. 3 at the Chabad Center in campus that can help teens.

Agoura.

“There is no club that is specifically All three boys named Peer Counseling went to Agoura Club; however, there High School at one “These are very real are clubs on campus point in their school that foster this type of careers and died tragedies, and when a teenager environment (students within six days or young adult is depressed, can go and talk about of one another. they need to realize that they their issues/problems According to need to talk to someone about without being judged). information released Crossroads advised how they feel.” by Dailynews.

by Spanish teacher com, Behar died Audrey Rollins is Risa Gruberger

from deliberately one of the clubs that crashing his car, invites students in killing himself and provides a safe instantly.

Though environment. Students the cause of death is not official, Kramer Against Destructive Decisions is another appears to have died from alcohol club that is working on getting up and poisoning, and Feinberg jumped off a cliff running with different programs that and plunged 100 feet to his death. reach out to teens,” said Dean of Activities “These are very real tragedies, Brandy LaRue. and when a teenager or young adult is According to Gruberger, we need depressed, they need to realize that they to take action and make a presence in need to talk to someone about how they the lives of those who are keeping their feel. Confidants should not just be peers, feelings to themselves, because if these but also parents, because they are the teens and young adults do not have ones who know their kids the best,”said a person to go to, they could turn to Gruberger in her opening remarks. harmful substances or believe that they When asked how high school do not have a place in this world.

Photo by woody chung

TedxYouth@Conejo will host a threehour exploration of the world’s next generation of thinking for area students, friends and family. Those interested in attending will be able to meet enterprising students, performers, young entrepreneurs, and more. The discussion will take place on Nov. 20 from 4-8 p.m. at the Carpenter Theatre. There will be limited seating. Registration is required as well as a donation requested.

Photo by Brian Chang

Teen Vogue Visits WHS Football

prosecution and defense will determine if Ryan Buschell, who will receive a $20 million trust fund from his grandfather if he maintains at least a 3.5 GPA, killed Becca Abeles, a school friend, in order to prevent her from accusing him of cheating, thus jeopardizing his chances of receiving the fortune.

The team will feature Lisa Battaglia ‘12, Woody Chung ‘13 and Garrett Hardy ‘12 as prosecution attorneys and Brian Chang ‘13, Jordan Hobmann ‘12, and Elizabeth Matusov ‘12 as defense attorneys; Alexander Loh ‘14 and Nick Whetstone ‘13 will be pre-trial lawyers.

Will Saksa ‘13 will assume the role of Ryan Buschell, the defendant, and Danny Levi ’13, Tiffany Han ‘14, Nancy Liu ‘13, Kevin Shi ‘14, Alexa Lucas ‘12, Josephine Strauss ‘13, and Andrea Teodeorescu ‘14 will play witnesses. Zach Garelik ‘15 will be the bailiff and Taylor Li ‘15 will be the clerk.

With the various returning teammates and the new additions, the team is composed of a promising group of individuals.

The mock trial team is currently practicing two hours a day two days a week; however, as time progresses, they will have longer and more frequent practices. If they win the county competition, they will be able to go to the state competition in Sacramento.

“I am extremely excited about this year’s case. The witnesses are very complex, and I look forward to seeing how it all plays out,” said Strauss.

Junior Scores Perfect 2400 on SAT

Brian Chang

Managing Editor The SAT is a nightmare for many high school students. A four and a half hour test featuring ten different sections, the SAT could possibly be the hardest test students take during high school.

This is why of the 1.4 million students who took the SAT in 2004, only 939 of them scored a perfect score, according to msnbc.com.

Vasant Iyer is one of the very few people in the nation to have scored a perfect 2400. Iyer took the SAT on Oct. 1 of this year, and on his first try received a perfect score.

“I was proud… It’s one of the many tests that measures intelligence, and I got a perfect score on it,” stated Iyer.

Iyer’s strongest aid in taking the SAT was his knowledge of the test itself. “[The test] is not on how much you know. Most of the actual material is taught in school. The hardest part of the test is concentration.”

Unlike many other students who took intensive “boot camp” courses on the SAT, Iyer simply studied from an old Kaplan book that contained the hardest questions that would appear on the SAT. Iyer stated that “once you know the toughest stuff the rest of the test is not that bad.”

Iyer also had many tips for aspiring 2400 scorers. “Don’t panic too much about it; if you do well, that’s great, but if you don’t it’s okay. Analyze each problem and see if there is a trick—the SAT is always trying to trick you.”

Feature

November 17, 2011 • The Arrow

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Foreign Exchange Students:

Arriving from Around the World Vivian Hu

Countries to Visit

Feature Editor Students at WHS equate the Conejo Valley region as home, one of the most familiar places in the world. However, home can get boring, and the more adventurous student will eventually wish to stretch his or her wings, and set out on a new adventure in a different country, like France or England. An adventure as an exchange student.

At the counseling office, there is some information about how students who are interested can get started. Surprisingly, most students do not get transferred by the school district; they need to go online themselves to find a program. Students can go to different groups, such as the EF Foundation for Foreign Study, the AFS-USA, and the International Student Exchange, which all have high ratings as good foreign exchange programs.

The EF Foundation lets us take a peek into what the programs usually provide.

Students need to be in high school, or ages 15-18. All the expenses are paid for by the student’s parents; the extra money for food, clothing, and entertainment is also provid-

Austria Brazil Canada Chile Colombia Costa Rica Croatia Denmark Ecuador

Estonia Finland France Germany Hong Kong Hungary Ireland Italy Japan

Mexico Netherlands New Zealand Norway Poland Slovakia Slovenia South Korea Spain

Sweden Switzerland Taiwan Thailand United Kingdom United States Venezuela Vietnam

As a foreign exchange student in the EF Program ed by the parents. There is an optional two to three week culture and language camp prior to the semester or year abroad. The EF Foundation is nonprofit, so there are no extra expenses outside of travel, school, and host family fees.

Living with a host family is the unique program that is provided by EF. With a host family, students get to experience how the average family in that country lives; they hear the language and live the culture daily, thus enhancing the experience.

Host families need to fill out an appli-

cation and go through an interview to be qualified to host a student, so families are always approved as good role models for their temporary student.

Any student who wants to participate in the program must fill out an application due three months before the semester starts. Students need to be mature, and students who want to go to France need at least two years of French, while German foreign exchange students need at least one. A student’s report card needs to be at least a C in all classes, and he or she needs

to have good health.

Usually, students are recommended to experience a foreign exchange program in 10th grade, and only stay for one semester. That way, if any credits are messed up, there are still two years to make up for mistakes.

Also, because it is required for juniors to take US History (which is not available in Europe), it is not advisable to go during junior year (unless arrangements to take the class have been made in advance). “It’s mainly for the experience,” said registrar Kathie Solare.

Solare says that in her 12 years of working at WHS, only two students have been transfer students; one that went to France, the other Germany. Unfortunately, both of these students have graduated and could not be contacted. Solare commented that students usually do not leave because of Westlake’s academic and athletic excellence.

For more information on study programs, hosting, becoming an IEC, or other opportunities, call 1-800-44-SHARE, visit the web site www.effoundation.org, or write to EF Foundation at One Education Street, Cambridge, MA 02141.

Friends from Abroad Experience WHS

Q: Why did you decide to be a foreign exchange student in America?

A: Most people in my family have been exchange students. Both of my parents have been exchange students. Four of my cousins have been to America and my brother went to Canada. My mother’s cousin went to Canada as well.

Q: What kind of exchange program are you in?

A: It’s called I.C.E.S, which is my American organization. My Swedish organization is called one of the four major organizations in Sweden. The one I am in is

Name: Marvin Engesser Country: Germany Grade: 10th Duration in USA: 11 months

pretty much the newest and smallest but it guarantees you get to go to New York for three days before you go to your host family.

Q: What is the biggest difference between America and Sweden?

A: I would definitely say the food and culture. The food is so much different. I would also say the weather. We have snow in Sweden for two months of the year.

Q: Why did you decide to be a foreign exchange student in America?

A: Well I have two reasons. Firstly, I wanted the experience of being an exchange student, and secondly, I wanted to experience the American way of life. It has always been a dream of mine to come here.

Q: What do you miss the most?

A: My family and friends. I miss them a lot. I don’t want to go home but I want my friends and family to come here and experience it with me.

Q: What is your favorite part of being in America?

A: The experience here is to experience high school. You see high school in movies and for here it’s really similar to the movies, you have the groups. We don’t have high school that way in Sweden. It’s so different, the schools are different. Its kind of easy here if you compare it to Sweden. It’s fun being in high school if you compare it to Swedish schools, its easy and everybody is nice to you. When they found out I was from Sweden everybody was super nice to me, showed me around, and gave me a good time.

Compiled by Michelle Noyes

Q: What kind of exchange program are you in?

A: I am in a program involved with the organization AFS, which stands for American Field Service. You can apply to this program in every country in the world, and go to any country you want to. I had to be chosen for this program, because anyone can apply but only some people are selected if MILES AWAY FROM HOME: Marvin Engesser is a German exchange student from Stuttgart, they have really good behavior.

Germany.

Q: What is the biggest difference between America and Germany?

A: The biggest difference would probably be the size of everything. The cars, the schools, everything in America is just so much bigger! For example, this school has over 2,000 students but my school in Germany had about 800, and that was big for Germany.

Q: What do you miss the most?

A: I think I actually miss my parents, friends, and even my school the most. It’s a great community here but I just miss the feeling of home. If I had to choose though, I

PHOTO BY LAUREN CHIN

PHOTO BY MICHELLE NOYES

FROM SWEDEN WITH LOVE: Mikaela Lunderberg is a Swedish exchange student from the island of Lidingö, Sweden.

Name: Mikaela Lunderberg Country: Sweden Grade: 11th Duration in USA: 10 months

would choose America as the place to stay.

It’s different here, but I like the atmosphere here better than home.

Q: What is your favorite part of being in America?

A: My favorite part would probably be the status of being in America, because it’s the cool thing to do in Germany. If I told my friends I was in Hungary or somewhere else they’d just say, “Wow that’s great.” But if I told them I’m in America they’d be super jealous.

Compiled by Lauren Chin

Opinion

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November 17, 2011 • The Arrow

Parent Job to Teach Sex-ed, Not Middle School Shannon Reiffen

Feature Editor

TRIAL BY JUVY: Youth courts may be the future of legal action against teenagers.

Teens Judging Teens?

Monica Huskins Sports Editor

With no clear solution to ending youth crimes, society has wrestled with how to address and correct this issue.

Communities struggle to make juvenile delinquents functioning members of society, while ensuring that teens understand the effects of their crimes. Currently, in the United States and other Western Countries there are Youth Courts, which have been around since the late 19th Century.

Youth Court is an alternative for teens who have committed nonviolent minor offenses or who have been charged with a misdemeanor. The jury is comprised of teens who have been through the same process. According to The National Association of Youth Courts (NAYC), the organization helps operate approximately 1,050 youth court programs across the United States. The NAYC believes that such Youth Courts are “structured to provide positive alternative sanctions for first-time offenders by providing a peer-driven sentencing mechanism that allows young people to take responsibility, to be held accountable, and to make restitution.”

By allowing peers to sentence one another, the NAYC believes that they will have a better understanding of the sentencing. “Depending on the severity of the crime, I believe that it would be beneficial and better in terms of rehabilitation,” said Adam Augustyn ‘12.

Depending on the way in which the courts are set up

and the trials are given, they are deemed valid. It is the local judicial official’s job to agree to send an arrested teen to the Youth Court. According to The New York Times, “In Youth Court, a teenager can be sentenced to write essays, make apologies, attend boys’ or girls’ discussion groups or pay restitution.”

The idea is that the teenagers will learn from their mistakes and have a lower risk of more offenses. While the courts state they “allow people to take responsibility,” writing an essay cannot possibly help teens feel accountable for their actions.

Most would agree that placing young people on these juries without having the experience, knowledge, and understanding of the consequences of their peers’ actions would be difficult. Whether the young juries would actually make the right decisions or be blinded by outside forces and youthful ignorance is a topic that needs exploration.

“You are supposed to be in front of your peers, but at the same time I do not think that kids and teens fully understand morals and the justice system; although there are definite exceptions,“ said Annie Sundling ‘12. One would argue that teens are not prepared to sit on a jury, as they are not mentally or emotionally prepared.

Although some teen courts have been shut down due to budget cuts, these courts do cut some of the costs of the traditional juvenile court system. With studies done in areas like Washington D.C., the case for whether or not these teen courts work is still open.

If you’ve had the “bird and the bees” talk with your parents, you know how awkward it can be.

However, it is the parents’ right to choose whether or not they wish to disclose that information to you and at what age. Unfortunately, this right is being taken away. Public middle schools in New York are now teaching sex education classes, and telling their students to “disregard” what their parents had taught them about sex, and to rely only on their teachers, according to an article in the New York Times.

Parents are understandably furious; their right to teach, or not teach their children about sex is being taken away. And they can’t back out—the parental “opt out” is limited and not much better, offering classes on “contraception and birth control.” But what can the parents do? Leaving the school is a dramatic option, and often not a financially feasible one. But the things being taught without parental permission at this school are pushing the envelope.

All parents, regardless of their religions, have the right to teach moral values to their children. And what if, as is often the case, parents do not have the income to afford private school? Opting out of this instruction should be an option. Parents will just have to hope their teachings at home stick more than the teachings at school.

There is also the possibility that teaching young children about sex encourages them to participate in sexual activities at a young age. According to research done by Psych Central, by age 12, 12% of middle schoolers have already engaged in sexual activities.

There is always the concern that the more students know about sex, the more they want to try it.

At WHS, Health teacher Richard Fong, said students learn a general overview of health, including a special Family Life and Sex Ed section. Fong sends out a sign off sheet to parents before this section starts, so they can choose if they want their child to participate.

“The parent is the first teacher,” said Fong. “My job is just to help parents teach their child.”

And when it comes to the age, Fong used to think high school was too early to teach sex-ed. But since then he learned it’s never too early to start. According to the Center for Disease Control, one out of four graduating seniors will have an STD.

A Satiric Look at the Republicans’ Race to Nowhere

Dashiell Young-Saver Editor-in-chief

COURTESY PHOTO

Watching the Republican debates is like going to a Southern family reunion. Everyone is friendly and nice until something, usually a moderator’s rogue question, sets off that crazy uncle (Ron Paul or Rick Perry) into a rampage. Then comments and accusations whip around the room, leaving no one unscathed. And once the dust finally settles, viewers realize that no issues or policies were actually discussed. The only difference is that Southern family reunions tend to be more diverse.

This year, with Obama’s approval rating fluctuating between bad and worse, the GOP is hoping to kick out the incumbent, a feat that has not been accomplished since 1992.

With Obama showing the political backbone of an algae with back problems, the Republicans seem to really have a shot.

So, let’s take a look at some of the Republican frontrunners and see if there might be any actual contenders: Herman Cain: Cain has risen to second in the polls with 21.3% of his party’s support, according to a Real Clear Politics (RCP) poll conducted on Nov. 13. His rough demeanor and simple 9-9-9 plan (9% flat tax on income, businesses and sales) divides voters, but certainly garners interest.

In addition to his plans, his business background with Godfather’s Pizza has gained him economic trust. Outside the economic realm, however, the rotten tomatoes of

SMILE AND WAVE BOYS, SMILE AND WAVE: Republican candidates pose for pictures at a televised debate.

his candidacy shine through. According to Newsweek, his only political experience is losing and dropping out of campaigns.

He has flip-flopped his policies on social issues such as abortion during television interviews. And his only foreign policy experience is working with Italian food. Just like his pizza, under the shiny marinara sauce of economics, there is just a bunch of bologna in Cain’s campaign.

Mitt Romney: The talking piece of wonder bread came in on top this week, capturing 22% of voters in the RCP poll.

He has a strong foreign policy plan that, according to The Washington Post, is almost identical to Obama’s. He seems strong in other traditional Republican areas as well;

unfortunately, Romney comes off as bland.

At a time when the Republicans need an eloquent speaker to compete with Obama’s rousing speeches, Romney may in fact be a handicap to the conservative party.

Rick Perry: Perry is a distant third in the RCP polls with 9.9%. According to Newsweek, he started his campaign as the popular, big shot governor of Texas with the tenacity to fight and win. His personality was so captivating that no one cared that he was skeptical of evolution or that he replaced all the chairs in Texan prisons with electric ones. Unfortunately, when debates started, he grew tongue-tied, couldn’t make eye contact, and didn’t...didn’t... shoot, what was that last one? He didn’t...

EPA? No, wait...oops. He lost the charm, and poll numbers dropped severely. Americans won’t elect a stammering mouth.

Jon Huntsman: And then there are some candidates who aren’t real contenders because their poll numbers are so low.

Huntsman falls in this category with 1.3% of the RCP poll vote, and I can understand why: he has extensive political experience having worked for multiple administrations, held the governorship of Utah, and been the ambassador to China under Obama. According to The Washington Post, his foreign policy is strong and bi-partisan.

His proposed immigration reform is comprehensive, giving driver’s permits to illegals, increasing quotas for legal immigration, as well as stepping up border patrol measures. His pro-environmental policies are liberal; his same-sex marriage policies are moderate; and his abortion policies are conservative. His tax policy was ranked 1st by the libertarian Cato institute among all 50 governors in 2008, which appeals to many Republican voters. And of all the candidates, he is the most willing to reach across party lines, an action necessary to get anything done in the current divided government. So, I completely understand why no one is voting for him.

It’s a shame that all Obama has to do is make banners that say “Obama got Osama” and coast to victory. It may already be too late, but the Republicans must nominate stronger candidates if they want to win or at least make the incumbent rethink some of his failed policies.

Opinion

November 17, 2011 • The Arrow

5

Voulez-vous Ketchup? NON!

France has recently set various regulations on school meals to improve the health of students.

Can, and should, America follow the example?

A Dash of Sanity: “No”viance

Dashiell Young-Saver Editor-in-chief

Feature Editor

Courtesy Photo

Tree trimmer, shoemaker, or meat packer. I read it again to see if I missed anything. Tree trimmer, shoemaker, or meat packer. Nope, I guess I didn’t.

I got up from my Warrior lab computer, which dated back to the Paleolithic era, and looked around to see what careers Naviance had bestowed upon my classmates. Billy, the boy that spent his time at Los Cerritos feeding his homework to his dog, received “thermonuclear physicist” as his first job; Sheila, the girl that got perms at very temporary intervals, got “President of the United Sates”; and Brian, the dog that chewed up Billy’s homework, got “oral surgeon.”

I was a little disappointed, but as I walked up to Mr. Coull’s English class, I realized that tree trimmer, shoemaker, and butcher were good occupations.

I would get to use my hands and make people happy with my work. The best part was that I didn’t have to really try in school because none of my jobs required a college degree. So Naviance did its job and made me unmotivated about schoolwork.

During my next class, everyone was laughing at my results. Mr. Coull asked what was so funny, and I told him. He then told me in his blunt manner to ignore the test.

Being a nervous Freshman, I actually listened to my teacher and ignored my results. I tried in school (by “school” I mean the first part, before Senior year).

I later figured out that the problem was in the programming. Naviance asked questions with three answers phrased like “Which would you rather do?: A Sit at a desk and do paperwork all day B Throw paint splats at an empty canvas C Play with a huge metal claw Answer choice C, Naviance’s “practical choice,” always seemed like the most fun. So I got “practical” jobs.

There is nothing wrong with being a tree trimmer, shoemaker, or meatpacker.

I just wanted to do something different, something that required more studying, and Naviance wouldn’t let me do that.

So when I found out that I would have to use Naviance, the same program that deterred me from college four years ago, to apply to college, I was skeptical.

But to my surprise, I was right to feel skeptical. It is still terrible. The “Super Match College Search” feature told me that there was no newspaper at UC Berkeley, when there is the Daily Cal. When I said that I didn’t want any small schools, its first match for me was Amherst College, which has less students than WHS. It doesn’t even know the geography of the United States, putting colleges in St. Louis under their “central region” category rather than under “Midwest region.”

The name “Naviance” sounds French because it is French in so many ways. It doesn’t help you, especially if you are American. Its wording is so confusing it sounds like a foreign language. It looks down on you by highlighting standardized test scores in glaring red if they are lower than a school’s average. And, if Naviance is female, then I am sure that it would not shave.

I can’t rant about things like Naviance enough. They just get me so riled up. That is why I want to rant like this in a column for a living. I guess Naviance, by giving me terrible career matches, actually made me realize what I want to do as a career. Thanks Naviance!

For example, a menu from a school in the town of Montigny le Bretonneux features a diverse meal that consists Hey France, pass the of iceberg lettuce with radketchup. What you once relishes and vinaigrette, grilled ished must be taken away fish with lemon, stewed carfrom you. rots, Emmental cheese, and an In order to combat childapple tart, while the main star hood obesity and preserve of a lunch from the Pittsford French culinary culture, the Schools in New York is a meal French government passed of Tyson’s chicken fingers new legislation concerning with rice and gravy. school nutrition on Oct 5.

French school lunch proThese laws apply to cafeterias grams are gold standards serving more than 80 people for other countries to follow, and thus affect about six milwhile American schools are lion people. still struggling to reach the These new rules include path towards healthiness. Aclimiting fried foods such as cording to a 2001 National french fries to once a week, School Lunch Program report, providing fresh fruits and the USDA spent a total of $350 vegetables in at least half of million on beef and cheese, the meals, serving four to more than double the amount five main dishes each lunch spent on fruits and vegetables period, supplying unlimited for schools. amounts of bread to students, Furthermore, a 2009 USA and, perhaps the most controToday investigation revealed versial, only allowing kids to that American school lunch eat ketchup once a week with programs serve meat that a side of fries.

FRUIT OF THE DEVIL: Ketchup has been limited in schools to prevent does not even meet the stanWhile we applaud the increasing levels of obesity in France. dards for fast-food restauFrench government for atrants such as Jack in the Box tempting to rid its country of and Kentucky Fried Chicken. If American mask it,” said Miraj Patel ’13. young, corpulent Frenchmen, we must also Furthermore, ketchup is a staple of schools cannot even produce fast food ask ourselves two important questions: are extreme measures such as banning condi- American school cuisine; the decision to quality meals, how can they dare to match ments necessary, and should American rid cafeterias of it could incur the wrath of French standards for school meals?

Schools in the United States should schools follow France’s example by getting countless schoolchildren.

“I absolutely love ketchup. I can put it deal with more pressing issues before rid of them as well?

Admittedly, ketchup does have high on almost anything; I’ll even eat it out of the they attempt high level nutrition boosting sodium and sugar contents that could packet. I can’t even imagine what it would maneuvers like banning ketchup. A more make any government cringe. However, be like not having ketchup,” said Patty prudent approach to creating a healthier ketchup also contains valuable nutrients, Teodeorescu ’13. The banning of ketchup America should focus on problems such as most importantly lycopene, that can pro- would surely lead to school administra- a lack of fruits and vegetables and an obsession with low quality, heart-disease protions to have to face constant complaints. mote healthy living.

Some health fanatics nevertheless moting meats and cheeses.

Lycopene, found in tomatoes, is known for reducing the risk of cancer, dia- might support banning this tomato condibetes, gum disease, and cataracts, lower- ment in America as well; however, they do ing cholesterol, and improving male fertil- not take into consideration the wide gap THE WESTLAKE HIGH SCHOOL ity. Students can also use ketchup to mask of sophistication between American and the scent of healthy yet repulsive foods, French school lunches.

When juxtaposing the two counthereby receiving vital nutrients painlessly.

“As a vegetarian it’s hard to find healthy tries’ school menus, one can observe the 100 N. Lakeview Canyon Road food that tastes good. For example, garden French respect for nutritious culinary arts Westlake Village, CA 91362 burgers have a foul taste so I use ketchup to and America’s disregard for healthy food.

(805) 497-6711 ext. 4225

Harry Chung

ARROW

Costly SAT Tutors Create Unfair Advantages

westlakearrow@yahoo.com

EDITORS-IN-CHIEF Lisa Battaglia, Dashiell Young-Saver MANAGING EDITOR Brian Chang NEWS EDITORS Meini Cheng, Michelle Noyes

Katrina Brewer

out of the supposed ‘standardized aptitude Staff Writer test,’” said Chris White ‘12. The concepts of the SAT test itself are actually covered by Over the past decade, various pro- most high school students by their sophograms designed to boost SAT scores seem more or junior year. For example, the math to have become the status quo for high test does not exceed Algebra 1 concepts, school juniors and seniors. Although these but tricky wording and concepts require devices would appear helpful, private tu- critical thinking skills. toring and programs can These programs adcost exorbitant amounts of vertise that they will teach “To be competi- students the “tricks and money, ranging from $200 to over $2000. Controversy aris- tive, students feel as trades” of the SAT, allowes over whether or not the though they have to ing students to reach their programs give the students pay to get tutoring for full potential. But is “full who participate an unjust adthe SAT. This takes the potential” code for “cheatvantage over those who rely ing?” Although it seems solely on self-study methods. ‘aptitude’ out of the drastic, some students Alex Struck ‘12 support- supposed ‘standard- really believe that these ed this argument, “The SAT ized aptitude test.” programs set an unjust bar is meant to measure knowlthat others are forced to edge, not how well someone -Chris White ‘12 jump to try to reach. They can take a test. Paying for argue that the trickiness these programs forces others laced throughout the SAT in the same academic pool to pay for them was purposefully designed to test the takas well, and those who can’t afford them er’s intelligence, and “cracking” the code fall behind.” is just expensive cheating.

The SAT is designed to test a student’s These preparations skew the results basic level of intelligence and problem and pressure students to participate. Still, solving skills. “To be competitive, students they contribute to individual success, and feel as thought they have to pay to get tu- it is difficult to stop anyone who wants to toring for the SAT. This takes the ‘aptitude’ pursue excellence, no matter the cost.

OPINION EDITOR Orly Greenberg FEATURE EDITORS: Nicolette Blatt, Lauren Chin, Harry Chung, Woody Chung, Yangzong Guo, Alexa Lucas, Vivian Hu, Skye Kriger, Shannon Reiffen, Julia Shi, Victoria Wang, Vivian Xu,Vallia Yu SPORTS EDITORS Brian Danziger, Alex Farkas, Monica Huskins, Stephanie Kim STAFF WRITERS Katrina Brewer, Tracy Chavez, Samantha Doctrow, Krista Lamorie-Foote, Genna Gmeiner, David Huang, Stacey Kane, Shayna Kudler, Chris Lam, Frances Ling, Dylan Moore, Jonathan Rifkind, Tara Spencer ADVISER Caron Battaglia

The Arrow is written, designed and run by the students of the Advanced Journalism and Journalism 1CP classes at Westlake High School and is published monthly.

The opinions expressed in this publication are those of the writers and do not necessarily represent those of the Conejo Valley Unified School District, Westlake High School administration, faculty, or student body. We welcome feedback. Letters must be signed by the writer, though names can be withheld by request in the publication.

Please send submissions to Mrs. Battaglia’s box in the main office or to Room 42E. For The Arrow online, visit www.conejo.k12.ca.us/whs and click on Activities menu.

Feature

6

Anonymous Sheds New Light on Old Debate

‘How Do You Capture a Shattered Mind?’

Shards Author Reads From Debut Novel

Victoria Wang Feature Editor

Was Shakespeare a fraud? The historical fiction film Anonymous has shocked moviegoers everywhere with this radical suggestion. But the question is nothing new.

William Shakespeare’s authorship was first brought to question over a century after his death, when the public finally began to consider him as the world’s greatest poet. There is reason to doubt Shakespeare’s identity: despite being one of the most famous authors of all time, nobody can dig up any evidence that Shakespeare could write more than his own name.

In fact, the few pieces of his background that we know make him sound less than credible. Born in 1564 in the small town of Stratford-upon-Avon to barely literate parents, the greatest possible education he could have had was a few years at the local grammar school—yet his works point to expansive knowledge of literature in several languages. And, at best, he would only have second-hand knowledge of the court life he so often portrays.

A growing number of people find Shakespeare’s genius difficult to believe.

They have argued for plenty of alternative identities, including the murdered heretic Thomas Marlowe and the philosophical politician Sir Francis Bacon. But the current most popular candidate is Edward de Vere, the 17th Earl of Oxford.

The definition of a Renaissance man, Oxford fits every fantasy anyone could have about Shakespeare’s character.

He was raised as a ward of Queen Elizabeth herself and was privately tutored by her most trusted advisor. He was extremely well read, well traveled, and intimately familiar with the lifestyle of nobles. And though his plays and poems received much praise, not a single one has ever been found. But if he was really the genius behind the scenes, why would he hide in the shadow of an uneducated street actor?

Director Roland Emmerich proposes in Anonymous that Edward de Vere could not publish his works because of political tensions. Maybe both his plays and William Shakespeare were only tools, caught in a broad controversy staged around an aging Queen Elizabeth.

Maybe the history books are wrong, and everything was born from lust for power and personal infidelities—literally.

Melodramatic, scandalous, and overcomplicated, Anonymous resembles Much Ado About Nothing more than it resembles a proper Shakespearean tragedy. But the movie delves into the broader topic of history’s lies as well.

More than just the authenticity of the most widely read author in the world, Anonymous also questions the legitimacy of the royal succession, the loyalties of the noble court, and whether the Virgin Queen really was a virgin.

But at the end of the day, does it even matter what Shakespeare’s “true” identity was? Some scholars say that the author’s background has everything to do with the interpretation of his works, but the miraculous eloquence in Shakespeare’s plays is not so easily affected.

There are people who believe that the American president was born outside of America, but the fact remains that he has a birth certificate from Hawaii. There are people who believe that Apollo 11 was a hoax, but the fact remains that humans can land on the moon and come back.

Speculating about the past does nothing to change the everlasting brilliance of the author’s works.

Regardless of who held the pen, the man we know as “Shakespeare”—the playwright, the poet, the mastermind— will always remain close to our hearts.

November 17, 2011 • The Arrow

David Huang Staff Writer With long, bohemian hair and a charming Bosnian accent, Ismet Prcic read from his debut “memoir” novel, Shards, at the Barnes & Noble “Meet the Author” reading on Oct. 30.

Visitors to the Barnes & Noble Bookstore recently had the chance to meet the author. He read excerpts from Shards, answered questions from the audience, and signed books.

One of the excerpts that Prcic read described a particular anecdote from a hospital in Bosnia. The audience experienced every gruesome, profane

detail included in the novel. for the novel from physics class. “I was a D It was WHS Resource Specialist aide student in physics but it was in physics that Mary Johnston, mother-in-law of Prcic, my teacher started talking about quantum who posted flyers to promote the author’s physics,” he explained. “If you look for a visit. particle, you can find a wave…how can In Shards, Prcic reveals his experiences you find both matter and energy at the from the Bosnian war through a fictional same time? We humans are like that, and I character who shares his name. like to approach life the same way.”

Written in bits and pieces, or shards, Shards questions reality through the the story labors to find peace with itself unconventional part fiction, part nonwhile artfully evoking the chaotic moods fiction characters who meld together to of war. create a complex story.

Dana Spiotta of The “We are New York Times praised biological beings “We are biological beings with fallible senses,“ Shards for finding “inventive ways to explained Prcic. with fallible senses. And if “And if you have interrogate the anguish of enduring and then you have fallible senses and fallible senses and escaping Bosnia during a fallible brain, then the war of the 1990s”, a fallible brain, then how can how can we say that calling it an “unsettling anything is true? we say that anything is true? There is nothing and powerful novel”.

With broken, There is nothing absolute about absolute about uneasy writing that human perception depicts the main human perception of reality in of reality in human character’s shattered matters. Everything human matters.” mental state, Shards is is fiction.” It is definitely not an easy truly something to

-Ismet Prcic read. ponder.

“When we read Prcic has been memoirs or autobiographies, we feel safe,” working on a second novel, and reports he said Prcic, “No matter where the people go, has already written about 128 pages. we know they’re going to be fine. I wanted “I’m probably going to throw it away,” to trick the audience into thinking it’s an admits Prcic, “but I am working on a trilogy autobiography.” about ‘How do you capture a shattered Surprisingly, Prcic initially got the idea mind?’”

Q&A with Author of Shards Ismet Prcic Q: What would you say to a budding writer hoping to pursue writing as a career?

A: Writing cannot be something trivial. It’s not a job where you get up in the morning and you go and write. Writing has to do with art—you have to engage with the world. If the world is difficult to navigate, and there are so many things to figure out, writing can be a way to channel thinking about it. As soon as you start writing, and you put it to paper, it makes sense to you...

It has to be engaging with the world.

Q: You said writing is similar to therapy.

Would you say that writing is therapeutic?

A: Well, yes, but writing fiction is a little different. You could write for revenge (laughs) or if something happened in your life or-you know, somebody was mean to you or whatever and you can go, and put him in a fictional story and give him a different name, and just revise, or rewrite

the history. You take things from your life, obviously, to make it seem true.

Q: You say you have also had experience in theater, which has influenced your writing style. What is your favorite play?

A: My favorite play is by Sarah Kane and it has no stage directions and it’s very strange.

It’s called 4.48 Psychosis and it’s basically about suicide and it’s very intriguing in the way that [Kane] wrote it.

Compiled by David Huang

Feature

November 17, 2011

Eng. Dept.

Considers ‘Hunger Games’ as 9CP Option Orly Greenberg Books with cult followings are often hit-or-miss. For every Lord of the Rings there exists a Twilight series. So, when WHS proposed that The Hunger Games be added to the 9th grade CP reading list, reactions were mixed.

The Hunger Games follows survival-oriented Katniss Everdeen, a 16-year-old girl living in District 12 of Panem, a country formed after war ravaged North America. The country’s corrupt government holds annual Hunger Games, a fight to the death for food among children from each of the 12 districts. The book explores complex themes, such as survival, freedom, revolution, and individuality. However, many question the novel’s literary relevance to a 9th grade curriculum, as well as the quality of the writing.

English Dept. Chair Lora Novak, a 10H and AP Literature teacher, has worked with English teacher Hilary Waldinger to get the series approved for the freshman CP classes. “[The Hunger Games] is a good, action-packed novel that promotes good values. The novel also prompts readers to think about the government of the world in which they live. For ninthgraders, this book is a launching pad into George Orwell’s 1984,” said Novak.

While the addition may be a good idea, getting a new book approved is no easy task. According to Novak, WHS must go through “the English Department, the school Leadership team, Articulation, SCAC, and the School Board.”

Katherine Sham ’15, states, “I really like the series. It’s really engaging and interesting and I like how the characters develop. I like that it’s modern and set in a dystopian world.”

The setting and urgent pace of the novel provide a much welcome energy to an otherwise calm reading list. While it may not be a literary masterpiece, the book appeals to teenagers, and will encourage young readers to actually enjoy the material.

Alisha Yan ‘15 disagrees, stating that “I thought it was an amazing book and really exciting, but not appropriate for 9CP curriculum. It wouldn’t help you with standards, because it’s not a great book of literature. It’s a great story, but not the best technical book.”

Yan voices a main concern about the addition. The Hunger Games, while highly engrossing, does not measure up to the other pieces of literature read in freshman year. The book was written to entertain, not to become an Of Mice and Men-esque classic. Moreover, the novel is distinctly teen literature, a genre of books that does not necessarily focus as much on literary devices as it does on love triangles.

However, Novak remains optimistic that The Hunger Games will in fact have a positive influence on the reading habits of the freshman class.

“It’s a bridge piece for core literature that is coming down the road (such as 1984). It is also a book that students will enjoy reading; to engage students in reading--to foster a genuine desire to read (not just for a test)--is a goal of the English Department,” said Novak.

Sham summarizes her opinion by mentioning that, “The Hunger Games is not as boring as the books that we’re reading. There’s more action, and you don’t have to fall asleep while reading it.”

Occupiers Need Common Thread

ing is akin to a chef throwing out all the ingredients of a It’s always soup he’s spent two good to have vamonths working on riety in life. One and creating a new would, eventusoup with different ally, tire of eating ingredients in one pizza every day, second, then selling and one would that soup to his cusprobably go intomers. Let’s face it; sane after listenthe soup is not going to Lady Gaga ing to sell. more than once.

What Occupy But with an needs to realize event on the scale is that change is a United to Occupy: Protesters come together on Wall Street to fight against government and of Occupy Wall taxes. slow thing. It’s a Street, too much law of nature that variety is the last if anything changes thing one needs. With a variety of opinions encountered trouble dealing with the ram- too quickly, it can lead to disastrous recomes those at the far end of the spectrum. pant use of weed that is almost palpable in sults. Earth did not go from a barren rock Healthcare and ending the war are both the air of the tent city, which also houses to a planet of life in one day, just as the “esfine issues, but the abolishment of the dol- kids accompanying their parents in the tablishment” cannot go from corruption lar bill and the creation of a completely protest. to semi-utopia in one day. Anything that The issue brought out some occupiers happens too quickly is liable to spin out of new society are less than likely to happen.

Such causes are even counterproductive. whose position on the political spectrum control, i.e. the French Revolution, the BolUnfortunately, it’s only to be expected that totters on anarchy. Some expressed fear shevik Takeovers, the Great Leap Forward. something as big as Occupy will attract a that the banning of weed would fracture That is to say, these radical parts of Occupy large variety of people, including radicals. the movement. Others claim that making need to be more patient.

As one protestor put it, “we are motivated rules of any kind within occupy contradicts What needs to be done now is a modto come for different reasons.” And that is the main message. The same people even eration of values, even if that is contrary to why Occupy is impregnable against laws, said that Occupy was to them about leav- Occupy’s original message. As it is right police, and tear gas, but stands no chance ing society to avoid authority. now, Occupy is a self-destructive moveThe main problem with that phrase is ment that could be wildly successful with against elements within.

Occupy L.A. is becoming a prime ex- the leaving society part. Some groups with- some amount of cohesion and change. The ample of this, as tensions flare not between in the movement are beginning to think Oc- Occupiers must keep in mind that most police and protestors, but moderates and cupy is the birth of a new society, not just radical movements only have as much radicals inside the camp. According to the the start of change, but the start of some- success as their flexibility. People must acwebsite The Awl, the General Assembly, thing that completely breaks away from the cept the fact that radical change must be the group responsible for organization in- establishment. Needless to say, that’s a lit- done slowly, and focus on smaller goals to side the Los Angeles branch of Occupy has tle more than naïve. What they are suggest- achieve massive change little by little.

Chris Lam

Staff Writer

Courtesy Photo

Opinion Editor

7

Feature

8

November 17, 2011 • The Arrow

Dress Like a Star, Design Like a Star Opinion Editor

As they have proven time and again, celebrities are multi-talented. From singing to dancing to acting, not to mention toying with the media and pretending to care about charity, stars consistently display a seemingly never-ending stream of skills.

And with all that talent, it makes sense for celebrities to take the final plunge and add one last job to their resume, designer.

In the past couple years, there has been an influx of celebrity-designer crossovers.

A vast number of the collections are mediocre at best, but there are a few gems among the sea of poorly constructed garments and emaciated models. Here are the top five most impressive celebrity designers.

1. Justin Timberlake is the ultimate Renaissance man: actor, dancer, singer, frequent SNL host, and designer. Timberlake’s foray into design began when the singer partnered with Trace Ayala, co-founder of brand William Rast, to create a clothing line for Target. The limited edition collection, which launched late 2010, boasted an everyday chic attitude, featuring items made of leather and denim. With laidback jeans and casual plaids, Timberlake has easily created one of the most wearable celebrity collections.

2. Mary Kate and Ashley Olson, now better known for their oversized handbags

Sexyback style: Justin Timberlake models his William Rast clothing line.

and sunglasses than their acting, eased naturally into the fashion world. The twins have collaborated with J.C. Penney and Elizabeth and James, and recently debuted a new fashion line, The Row. The designs offer clean, sharp cuts, neutral colors, and a sophisticated aura, a far cry from their usual bohemian homeless chic.

Courtesy Photos

3. Victoria Beckham, the British singer, originally made her name under the moniker Posh Spice. And while her unsmiling tendencies have yet to change, Beckham has evolved from a leather-clad poster to an elegant, poised designer.

Beckham’s designs include clean silhouettes, edgy details, and a staunchly dedicated fan base. Stars such as Blake Lively, Jennifer Hudson, and Kate Winslet have been spotted wearing Beckham’s flattering garments.

Orly Greenberg

4. Jessica Simpson has surpassed her talent as a singer. She made quite a name for herself in the fashion industry. While she Singer and Fashionista: Gwen Stefani is one of the dabbles in jewelry, handmodels for her own clothing line, L.A.M.B. bags, and clothing, shoe design has proved to be the reality star’s forte, creating shoes that are fashion icon first, singer second. So when both wearable and fashionable. Offering Stefani took the first steps to becoming a everything from flats to sky high pumps, designer 2004, her fans were not exactly Simpson’s shoe line has an unexpected, but surprised, but definitely overjoyed. Stecertainly welcome, elegant feel. The shoes fani’s L.A.M.B collection includes sharp are surprisingly well priced, ranging from cuts, bold patterns, and chunky accessories. The line, which embodies Stefani’s $60 to $150. creative musical style, is for everyone, from 5. Gwen Stefani has always been a school girls to pop stars.

Wise Shoppers Keep a Budget in Mind Nicolette Blatt Feature Editor

Instead of spending excessive amounts of money on clothing that will be out of fashion within a short time, saving that money in a bank account will be more beneficial. The following ten tips will help you save money and have a large and eccentric wardrobe at the same time.

1. Sign up for sale websites.

Websites, such as Rue LaLa, Gilt Groupe, Haute Look, and As Seen As, offer expensive designer clothing at a significant discount, and almost everyday they add new and exciting designers and trends. Staying connected with these websites via email will keep you informed on future sales.

2. Wait to buy it.

To make sure this is an item that you need, leave it at the store that day.

If you return to the store a week or two later and the piece is still a must-have, then the item is more likely to be at a discounted price. Then, you can buy the clothing item, saving you several dollars in the long run.

3. Ask the salesperson when a sale is starting.

As the cashier rings you up, make sure to ask the salesperson for the starting date of the next sale. Sometimes the sale is only a couple days away.

4. Borrow from your friends.

Your friends’ closets are filled with free clothes. Do some clothing swaps for a few days. Talk to your friends about shopping in each other’s closets. If they go to a different school it may work even better.

5. Do your online research.

Make sure you have looked online to check that the must-have clothing item is not on sale anywhere else. For very expensive shoes look on eBay. You would be surprised how inexpensive the designer shoes can end up.

6. Earn money back.

For gently used clothing you can take a trip down to the consignment shop. The Closet is a local store that will give you money for your well-kept, old clothes once they sell. You may even find

a designer item at a discounted price at The Closet, located on T.O. Blvd., 7. Join e-mail lists.

When you join email lists the store emails you as soon as they know when a sale will start so you can make sure to be one of the first in line. You can get the best chance of finding what you want in your perfect size.

8. Do it yourself.

Spice up your old wardrobe with fun

new ideas. No need to throw away your old items. At seventeen.com they show many different do-it-yourself projects and complete outfits that are fun, cheap and easy. One example is a new way to make your old sneakers look new and similar to a very expensive designer sneaker.

9. Go to outlet malls.

The Camarillo Outlet Mall has all the well-known designer department stores, such as Saks Fifth Avenue Off Fifth, Bar-

neys, Neiman Marcus, and Betsey Johnson.

All outlet stores have the current trends for a very significant discount.

10. Cheap and Cheerful.

Stores like Forever 21, H&M, and the BP section of Nordstrom always have a sale section for your economic needs. Most of the time you can find all the hottest trends that suit your budget.

Follow these steps and you will have amazing clothes on a student’s budget.

9

FEATURE

November 17, 2011 • The Arrow

New Website Helps with Homework Yangzong Guo Feature Editor

Finally, there is a medium of school work assistance that is actually useful to students. No more instructional videos, aimless lessons, and online games that constitute no improvement in the subject matter. A revolutionary new website, Slader. com, offers students access to thousands of textbook solutions.

Slader was launched in early 2011 by a group of high school classmates in hopes of providing educational resources for high school students. “We created Slader in order to offer an alternative to expensive tutors and costly after-school programs that benefit only the students who are able to pay for the access,” said the co-founder

Instagram

Welcome to Instagram, the newest app of iPhonagraphy (photography with an iPhone). This addictive app is a social networking site, camera, and a mini photo shop all rolled into one free little bundle.

Like other social networking apps, Instagram requires you to have a profile

of Slader, Kyle Gerrity. The Slader team critizes the lack of technological innovation in the educational field and defines their purpose by stating, “Conventional education has not responded to the technological advances of the last decade, so we created Slader to give students across the country the ability to share knowledge through a platform that’s familiar to them.”

This platform is built around collaborative learning. Users of Slader can upload a solution to a problem online, and the team will moderate those submissions to ensure accuracy. Whenever a user uploads a solution on the site, points are awarded to him/ her. These points can then be used to access step by step solutions of problems, or even to receive a payout in cash.

Technically speaking, Slader is mainly an educational resource for those students who need help in math. It’s a great resource for those who are annoyed by the lack of clear explanations in math textbooks, not

to mention the limited ability to access answers to only odd numbered problems.

Additionally, homework is often a significant portion of students’ grades, especially for those who have teachers who grade homework based on accuracy rather than completion. On Slader, students can check the answers to their homework without risking their math grades, all the while reinforcing the concepts that they were taught in class.

However, in midst of all these helpful tools lies a problem with ethics: students can use Slader as a means to copy their homework. There will, of course, be those out there who will cheat from a website such as Slader, but “students should be responsible for their own education,” the Slader team states. They continue by saying, “That’s why we reached out to high school clubs that likely have members who perform well academically and are self-motivated learners and thinkers.”

Nonetheless, Slader can appeal to Westlake students and help them learn in ways that archaic textbooks cannot. “It’s extremely helpful and often has the answers I struggle to find. It also really appeals to my teenage life through its artwork and language,” said Matt Mccomb ‘13.

Slader, which has been in beta since the beginning of 2011, currently features over 700,000 detailed solutions for math and science textbook exercises, rapidly expanding sections for English and history, and high school and class functionality where users can connect and collaborate with their classmates.

Users get two free answers per day; but they will need to buy solutions in packages or buy a subscription to look at more.

Those who are interested in previewing the amazing benefits that Slader has to offer but are not ready to commit can enter the promo code “thearrow.” This code will give them a free 30-day subscription.

before you can post anything, which is slightly annoying. However, all they require is your email, a username, and a password, so it’s a quick and easy process.

Instagram not only allows you to take and share photos via numerous social networking sites, but it also includes some built-in filters to make any photo look amazing with just a couple of taps.

Editing a picture is very simple; to start you can either choose a previous photo from the camera roll or you can take a picture directly through the app. You can then use one of 16 filters on the picture, and each time you try one you can see the effect of the picture. While you’re in this editing stage you also have the option to do a couple of other things: you can flip the picture to face different directions, keep the frame on or off, and blur the surrounding edges of the photo.

Then you can add a caption to the picture and tag people, choose which social networking sites you’d like to post your picture to, and post the picture to your own profile wall on Instagram.

You also have the option to tag the location you were in if you would like to.

There are five tabs in the Instagram app: Feed, Popular, Share, News, and Profile.

The Feed tab alerts you to what the people you are following on Instagram have posted as well as allowing you to keep track of your own photos and whether they have gotten any comments or likes.

The Popular tab allows you to see some of the most interesting photos that have recently been uploaded from users whose pictures get good reviews. If you’d like to gain new followers or just get some ideas on some good ways to edit a picture it is good to check out this tab.

The Share tab is the one where you can edit pictures and post them.

The News tab updates you about the actions of the people you are following such as which photos they like or if their pictures have made it to the Popular page. It also tells you if people have tagged you in a comment, if someone wants to follow you, if a friend has joined Instagram and what their username is, or if someone has liked your photo.

The Profile tab allows you to view your photos or the photos you’ve liked, edit your profile and your sharing settings, and find or invite friends to Instagram.

Instagram is a good app for anyone, regardless of photography skills. Its unique, easy, filtering systems used to edit the pictures can make any photo appear professional and meaningful.

Pandora Radio

Have2P

Originally a miniclip.com computer game, Gravity Guy has become a fun app to pass the time with.

Get ready to run at break-neck speeds as you try to flee from your pursuer through a futuristic landscape of blocks and speedy conveyor belts. If it wasn’t enough to simply run, you have to maneuver complex courses by tapping to switch gravity to run on the ground or ceiling that looks just like the ground. The gravity police are on your heels, so you need to help gravity guy escape to safety.

The game’s concept is fairly easy; it’s the levels that make this game hard enough that you don’t have an easy time leveling up without being sucked into playing longer than you originally intended. There are 30 levels in an endless setup, and all you have to do is tap anywhere on the screen to switch gravity.

Pandora Radio is a gem for music lovers.

This free app is the Music Genome Project of the 21st century. Created in 2000, Pandora Radio has painstakingly categorized every song they play by categorizing individual components of each song such as melody, harmony, instrumental, vocals, and more.

Once you create a station based on a certain song or artist you like, Pandora Radio already knows what kinds of songs you might like and will play songs under that specific genre you’ve identified for yourself. This is further refined as you rate a thumbs up or thumbs down if you so wish to do so on the song.

The app is very easy to navigate and use. The album art, song title, and artist name are clearly displayed and you can bookmark any currently-playing song or artist to your Pandora profile page. And if you hear something you really like, another click brings up the song for purchase in the iTunes music store.

This app also has very impressive audio quality. There is no static or radio interference when listening to songs through Pandora Radio; it merely sounds as if you were listening to a song off of iTunes. Also, when connected to Wi-Fi, Pandora will play at a higher quality rate than if you were on a 3G connection, which is convenient because it won’t use up as much data too quickly.

Pandora Radio is simply the smartphone version of the computer app, so once you’ve created a profile you can access it online and find bookmarked songs or artists that you liked while away from your computer. It also syncs your stations so you don’t have to recreate one on the web page.

The only downside to the app is that it uses data up since it constantly connects to the Internet to play songs. It isn’t as bad as watching youtube videos all day but it can use up your data quickly if you’re not careful. However, the luxury of listening to a variety of personalized songs and the effortless navigation of a well designed app is worth it.

“Sometimes when nature calls you may not be in the most convenient place to answer,” is the Have2P app slogan. Meet Have2P, a public restroom locator app and day-to-day life-saver.

Have2P is a free smartphone app that will find restrooms in your area thanks to the handy GPS locator that comes in your phone.

Not only does this app track down restrooms, but it tells you whether or not the restroom is for customers only, the cleanliness of the bathroom, and other various tips from random people who have been to the bathroom in person.

There are also restroom ratings, so if you have the time you can go to the better rated bathroom that may be a little farther.

You can also search for certain restaurants or buildings nearby through the app which will redirect you to a yellow pages on your phone’s web browser, so it’s like having yellow pages on speed dial.

The downside to this app is that it depends on the reviews of others to confirm whether or not there is indeed a bathroom in the public building and how good it is. If you are in an area where people haven’t used the app to tag toilets, then you only know that there is a public building that may or may not have a restroom that you might possibly be able to use.

It also depends on the 3G connection of your phone to find restrooms, so if you do not have good connection then the app will be too slow to be useful.

COURTESY PHOTO

Gravity Guy

Levels are initially easy but as you pass each checkpoint and level up the game changes from simply flipping over large gaps to attempting fancy switches of gravity as you’re sped up by conveyor belts and trying to get the perfect timing to land on a single block and change gravity again.

Gravity Guy is deceivingly simple but is a complex challenging game worthy of any person ready to spend the time to perfect each level and get to the next.

COMPILED BY LAUREN CHIN

Feat

10

Teen $avers, $pen Economic Woes Taxing on Teens

10 Tips to Become a Money Savvy Teen 1. Balance a checkbook Of high school seniors, only 45% have a checking account, and one out of four have no bank accounts at all.

2. Budget money Over a third of the college students surveyed had paid a credit card bill late, some put off writing a check because they ran out of money.

3. Finance college Of the college students surveyed, twothirds carry some student loan debt, with 70% of those students shouldering $10,000 or more.

4. Establish credit Because two-thirds of college students surveyed have one or more credit cards and 83% got their first one by the end of their freshman year, it’s easy to graduate owing thousands more.

5. Identify wants vs. needs Some 11% of high schoolers surveyed thought it was OK to borrow against future income to go on vacation or buy salepriced clothing.

6. Deal with debt A third of college students surveyed have an outstanding balance of $1,000 or more on their credit cards, and half carry a balance some or all of the time.

7. Pay taxes A mere 39% knew that interest earned from a savings account is taxable, while less than half understood that when your salary doubles, your taxes double, at least.

8. Consider all costs Few teens understand the true cost of ownership, and they often leave expenses such as maintenance, repairs, gas and insurance out of their savings plan.

9. Save for the future While teens see the value in saving for a car, few have the ability to see 30 years down the road.

10. Stretch a dollar If they come in under budget, let them keep 100% of the difference.

Tips from bankrate.com

Lisa Battaglia Editor-in-chief

As the battle of adults versus the economy continues to play out, teenagers are becoming more aware and more worried about how the economy will affect their own lives in the future.

With seniors worrying about college tuition and freshmen worrying about food and clothes, WHS students are also facing money issues in our tumbling economy.

College tuition is now higher than ever for the graduating class of 2012, with the University of California cost at a total of $31,200 living on campus, according to the UC website.

UC committee leaders plan to ask Governor Jerry Brown and Legislature for $2.8 billion next year, up from $2.37 billion this year. “This year was the first time in history UC students funded a higher share of the university’s budget than the state did,” said Matt Krupnick from mercurynews. com.

With the California Dream Act of 2011 granting illegal immigrants financial aid for college, legal citizen students and their parents will be required to pay a higher tuition.

“They raised the tuition over the last couple years and it is horrible for students,” said Counselor Martha Aggazzotti.

However, while parents’ concerns rise along with tuition fees, 51% of parents “strongly agreed” that they would financially stretch to send their teens to a college, according to The Wall Street Journal.

“My dad tells me to not apply to a private school because of the price, that is why I want to go to a UC,” said Brittany Beckwith ‘12.

The Wall Street Journal examined 50 schools of high cost and determined an amount of payback (tuition subtracted from annual salary) after the graduate has a career. The top three schools that offered the most benefit for the cost are Georgia Institute of Technology, University of Texas at Austin, and the University of Florida, with four-year tuition at $27,867, $26,115, and $26,211, respectively.

“A lot of students are applying to privates thinking that they will get a

What form of money do you use the most?

scholarship, making the private school’s cost equal to the UC cost because the UCs are not going to give much money,” said Aggazzotti.

Several more WHS students in the graduating class last year attended out-of-state schools due to the high tuition rates in California.

Additional factors of the struggling economy are affecting the lives of teenagers. Hardworking students are taking after school jobs for their own self-maintenance.

When about 9% of adults are unemployed, jobs are more likely given to the older job applicant who appears to be in more need of employment.

At WHS, 87% of 95 polled students claim to have a job, including volunteering. Freshmen are less likely to have a job that is not volunteering or babysitting because they do not yet qualify for a job permit at the age of 15. Upperclassmen qualify to get professionally paid jobs.

In compensation, 37% of students from families making $100,000 or more a year lived at home while attending a college or university, according to The Wall Street Journal. Living at home while going to college can save at least $10,000 per year.

In a recent article in the New York Times, the foreclosure problem has helped students attending UC Merced. Living conditions around the university have become more luxurious. Merced is ranked third nationally in metropolitan-area home foreclosures, allowing UC Merced students to rent luxurious homes for $200 to $350 a month each.

About 58% of teens are worried alone about economic conditions for their family, according to abcnews.com. In the same poll, 67% of 12 to 17-year-olds say their parents seem worried about the economy.

Teens are becoming more experienced

Where does most of your money come from?

95

95 80

79

76

76

57

57 Most used

38

38

16

19 6 0

Cash

Credit card

19

1 Debit card

Check

15 5

0

Parents

Work

Other

in dealing with the money issues.

Over 75% of WHS students store their money in a savings account—if they have one.

Although older teens are more likely to have a savings account, several seem to be more aware about economizing.

Just within four-years, teens are more likely to have more experience with money as seniors in high school than freshmen. More freshman use cash than any other form of money while seniors’ use of money spreads out over cash, debit cards, and credit cards.

ture

11

nders, and $crimpers Get Smart About Saving Vallia Yu

Feature Editor

Teens are notorious for being heavy spenders. We buy everything: from useless trinkets and key chains to overpriced vending machine sodas. So in a time where money saving is everything, what is a high school student to do?

Let’s start simple. Before teens can start saving money, they need to earn some first. The easiest way to obtain said money is, of course, through allowances or being paid for chores.

Teen allowances can span from $20 to almost $40 per week. If your budget is despairingly lower, try negotiating for a raise with your parents. Use chores as leverage; it gives them a reason for giving you cash, and makes the money seem like hard-earned rewards, instead of something that you took for granted. Depending on how flexible your parents’ views are on giving you money to spend, there is a variety of ways to earn it.

But once the money is in those pockets, teens are going to feel the pull and temptation of the things it could bring.

So many possibilities, so few $5 bills. Students have enough trouble juggling calculus, physics, and algebra; it is hard enough dealing with the busy life of a teenager, let alone managing finances.

Jason Hall teaches the leadership and wealth management class at East Canton High School in East Canton, Ohio, and believes that teens should be more aware of their financial status due to the recession. “[Teens] need to learn how to manage money,” said Hall to the Canton Representative. “Right now, they earn the money, see the money, and it’s gone in 24 hours. They don’t understand the concept of saving money for anything. If we were living in a robust economy, parents could give them money, but now they need to use it wisely.”

And what Hall says is in fact very true. The first thing

that should be done after receiving all that cash would be to start saving it up.

Budgeting your money is very important in the overall scheme of saving. If there is a new purse that you wanted to buy, but the price was over your regular allowance, saving up your money is the most logical thing to do.

So to start off, make a list. Make several lists. Make however many lists it takes to keep track of everything that you buy in one month. And by everything, I mean everything. Candy, snacks, anything that you bought with your hard earned money should be written down and recorded.

At the end of that month, look over that list again. Cross out all the unnecessary items that you bought. After subtracting all the money spent on the necessities, you are left with the monthly budget that you are free to spend on other miscellaneous items.

The more you cross out on the list, the more money there is to spend afterwards; it may seem like a small difference at first, but all the loose change adds up. Refraining from indulging in a venti cinnamon dolce latte saves you maybe $4-5 per week, but by the end of the month, you have accumulated nearly $25.

Take things step by step; keep in mind the final goals that you want to reach, maybe you want that new ruffly scarf you found in Hollister, or video game that comes out the end of the month. Have an incentive that will keep you going and away from those skittles in that vending machine.

Many teens have even had their parents open up a savings account for them so that they can put all their hard earned money for safe keeping. But the advantages come twofold: banks can keep the cash safe as well as get rid of any temptation teens may feel. But the savings account cannot be accessed by teens at any time; the parents are in charge of withdrawing the money. Only until teens are 18 can they gain access to complete control of their finance in the bank. Until then, adults can monitor and track the money that is used so that they can keep a watchful eye, ensuring that teens won’t overspend or abuse their treasure horde.

As teenagers, the idea of saving before spending is a completely new concept. Being conservative is simply not an option, and people need to live for the moment. But with the economy in more of a crisis than ever, teens need to start being financially savvy and get involved in smart spending.

What kind of job do you have? (12th grade only)

56% WHS students have a paying job.

32% WHS students have a volunteering job.

70% WHS students spend their money on food.

5%

Seniors believe financial problems will have no impact on their college decision.

What percentage of your earnings do you store in savings account?

25

10

8

20

18

7 6 5

4

2

10

9

5

1

Tutor

13

5

4

0

15

15

Babysitting Restaurant

Clothing Store

Office

Volunteer

Other

0

1/4

1/2

All

None

All statistics are from a poll of 95 WHS students surveyed about their attitudes on the economy.

12

Feature

November 17, 2011 • The Arrow

MEDITATION: Doing Nothing Can Be Good for You

greatly improve students’ moods, enhance their energy levels, and even build their selfThe hustle and bustle of confidence. today’s society forces us to Several clinical studies have constantly be occupied with documented ways meditation work and other tasks. But can help people stay mentally can you imagine that doing healthy. A study by Sara Lazar, something as simple as nothing instructor of psychiatry at can actually be beneficial to Harvard Medical School, tried to you? This “nothing” is the act of find out which parts of the brain meditating. were activated when a person Students, put aside your practices meditation. Lazar and homework, studying, and her team compared 20 people stress, and embrace the sacred who meditate regularly to 20 art of sitting. But this is not who do not. the type of sitting you do in The results of the front of a computer screen or a experiment were astounding: teacher, of course; this type of regions of the brain associated sitting requires taking the form with sensory awareness, of a metaphorical vegetable. emotional processing, and Vegetables do not think or act— attention were thicker in the they simply exist. This act of people who meditated. In short, “being” is the very essence of the mediators had enhanced meditation. cognitive abilities by the end of PLACE OF REPOSE: Meditating is scientifically proven to lower stress, improving one’s mood even in the thick of chaos.

There are many forms of the experiment. meditation, including Zen, The findings even suggest When our bodies are exposed to that meditation can alter brain structure Vipassana, Yoga, guided meditation, and performed clinical studies at Buddhist even walking meditation. The practice of monasteries in the Himalayan Mountains. sudden stress of threat, we respond with and increase the size of the brain. However, each of these forms differ in subtle ways, They reported that meditation induced a“fight or flight” response. Students often Lazar warns that “it’s a huge, huge, huge but they all share the same fundamental chemical and physical changes in the body, get this response from social and academic leap to assert that meditators’ brains basis: silencing the mind. Whichever form collectively referred to as the “relaxation pressures. The relaxation response is a function better. We really don’t know how you are practicing, each will hold the same response.” This response includes changes technique designed to induce the opposite meditation works.” in metabolism, blood pressure, heart rate, reaction: a state of deep relaxation, lowered benefits for the brain and body.

But whenever you are overwhelmed Dr. Herbert Benson and his team and many other physical functions of the stress, and lowered anxiety. with schoolwork, it may be a good idea to Daily practice of meditation can just sit back and breathe. from the Mind-Body Medical Institute body.

Yangzong Guo Feature Editor

Better Health Reflects Better Grades Julia Shi

Feature Editor Distractions like social media sites and cell phones abound in today’s fast paced society. Even at some gas stations, TV screens have been mounted at the pumps.

It seems that nowadays people must be entertained even when they are filling gas.

The stimuli that surround students allow for improved communication and immediate entertainment, but often end up sucking time away from already hectic schedules. This constant scramble for time puts even more pressure on students and may take a toll not only on their health but also their grades.

By simply taking a few small measures to take better care of themselves, students can boost their test scores and improve their lifestyles. Although many of these guidelines seem to be common sense, they tend to be ignored or even dismissed by tired students.

For example, even though it is common knowledge that student should get a good night’s sleep before an important test, many end up studying late at night or early morning before school, making them tired and disoriented.

Dan Taylor, the director of a sleep and health research lab at the University of North Texas, suggests that students should look over the most difficult concepts that will be on the exam before they go to sleep.

By doing so, the information will be more easily remembered the next morning.

In addition, waking up extra early to study may also be detrimental to one’s test preparation. It can disturb rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, which helps with memory.

Students who are intent on “learning” the test material in a single night may be tempted to pull an all-nighter. However, according to Pamela Thacher, who is an associate professor of psychology at St. Lawrence University, pulling all-nighters may not only contribute to getting lower scores, but also hinder reasoning and memory for up to four days. Apparently, a

CONFESSIONS OF A JAVAHOLIC

night of no sleep has a longer lasting impact than most students take into consideration.

The kinds of food students consume may also influence their academic achievements. Eating a healthy, nutritious breakfast before an important exam can help boost results. The day of a test, students should eat foods, like oatmeal, that are not only high in both carbohydrates and fiber but are also slowly digested.

Although many are already aware that what one eats at breakfast plays a role in one’s test performance, a lesser-known link between diet and scores reveals that even the food one consumes as much as one week before the test may play a role in test performance.

In a study conducted by Cameron Holloway, senior clinical researcher at the University of Oxford, college students who adopted diets high in fat and low in carbohydrates for five days performed worse on tests that measured attention span and thinking speed than they did before the diet. On the other hand, the students who ate balanced diets had about the same results on the second test.

Simply getting enough sleep and eating the right kinds of food can help students improve their test scores. Clearly, taking care of one’s health helps not only one’s body but also one’s mind.

Harry Chung Feature Editor

Coffee is a soothing nectar that permeates our veins with the strength to fight a thousand bulls and stay awake for days on end. It gives us an ineffable sense of classiness and sophistication as we drink it, following the footsteps of the countless celebrities and role models that we look up to.

It also helps ambitous students who tape their eyelids up all night to resume school the next day, refreshed and ready to learn.

Thus, it makes sense that there is an increasing consumption of coffee among teens; in fact, research done by the market research firm NPD Group shows that the number of teenagers drinking coffee in cafes or restaurants has increased 12% since last year, on top of a 15% rise from the year before.

Such a statistic is a revelation, for it indicates that as the years progress, soon every child, regardless of age, will experience the benevolence that this godsend has to offer.

Indeed, coffee has so much to offer.

Coffee, due to its ability to keep us awake,

often disrupts our body’s circadian rhythms and has the power to promote sleep disorders and sleep-deprivation. Sleep improves grades, helps us grow, boosts weight loss, extends longevity, wards off depression, and promotes everything else that we fear or hate about this world; by depriving us of sleep, coffee protects us from such abominations.

Furthermore, coffee is a known diuretic—it increases the rate at which we urinate. Thus, it is all thanks to coffee that we leave during the middle of an important lecture to walk in the freezing morning weather from the bungalows to the bathrooms.

Coffee can do wonders for your wallet and stomach. For example, a Caffé Mocha, one of Starbucks’s most popular drinks, costs around three dollars and contains 260 calories. If one were to buy it every day for a year, he or she would have spent more than a $1000 and be 97500 calories fatter by the end of the year. Most high-schoolers can end up unhealthy and broke because of their favorite coffee drinks.

Coffee looks good, tastes good, and feels good. However, coffee must be consumed at a moderate level, and only when necessary.

How to Slay a Monster Test High school students are infamous for their stress levels, and some of their sources of anxiety are tests and school.

However, if you keep your cool and prepare for them properly, the stress will be much easier to handle. Here are some tips to help prepare for a test.

1 month before the test: pay attention in class and do your homework nightly.

2 weeks before: quiz yourself on the material. It’s more effective than rereading the textbook or studying a list of terms.

1 week before: eat well, sleep well. Foods like grains keep your energy up much longer than a chocolate bar would. A good eight hours of rest every night also helps the brain process information better.

1 day before: review the toughest material right before you sleep. The brain sorts data during your dreams, so the material will be easier to recall when you wake up in the morning.

1 hour before: think of the test as a pleasantly familiar challenge, like scoring a soc-

cer goal. Thinking like this can boost your confidence on the day of the test.

10 minutes before: write down your fears.

Paradoxically, dumping out your anxieties helps to unburden the brain and calm you down.

During the test: pace yourself. If you encounter a difficult problem, do not waste time stressing about it; skip it and come back to it later if you have time.

Compiled by Victoria Wang

November 17, 2011 • The Arrow

13

Feature

Ruling with an Iron Fist Harry Chung

School Punishments of the Past: From Pain to Shame

Feature Editor

Frances Ling

The zero tolerance school policy is the policy of punishing any infraction of rule, regardless of accidents, ignorance, or extenuating circumstances. It was once hailed as a godsend that would prevent drug abuse and violence in school and discipline students to be responsible, mature adults. This policy was established with the belief that such strict conditions would create a proper learning environment and crush school insurrection. Now, school administrators and parents alike are questioning its effectiveness.

There have been many incidents in which zero tolerance seemed unnecessary, excessive, and even brutal. One infamous example was when Shanon Coslet, a ten year old, was expelled for accidentally bringing a knife to school. When Coslet discovered that her mother had packed a small knife in her lunchbox to cut an apple, Coslet immediately turned it in to her teacher, realizing that the knife might violate the school’s zero tolerance policy.

Nevertheless, she was still expelled for merely bringing a knife to school because it violated the zero tolerance policy.

Similarly, Kevin Francois, a 17-yearold junior, was suspended for ten days for talking to his mother, whom he had not spoken to for 30 days because she was deployed in Iraq, on his cell phone because the school had a zero tolerance policy cell phones.

Despite such harsh, preventative measures, zero tolerance policies show no evidence of improving school conditions.

According to the 2010 Monitoring the Future Survey, daily marijuana use increased among 8th, 10th, and 12th graders

When a student disobeys a teacher at WHS, what might that teacher do?

He or she could give a detention, issue a suspension, or expel the student at the worst. However, these are all rather painless punishments compared to those given to the poor students of early, primitive schools in America.

In San Pedro schools 25 years ago, the most common form of discipline was belt lashing. If the student did not violate a major rule, he or she would receive a simple lash on the hand. When students acted noticeably worse, they were whipped on their arms and backs.

To avoid the pain, some students put their exercise books in their trousers to dull the impact. However, teachers caught on quickly. If they found out, students would receive a second lashing.

Similar to the belt lashing, teachers in the past used a stiff piece of rope called a sash cord. Students despised this even more than whipping because it caused them to jerk in a dance-like fashion.

The cruelest of teachers pinched their students’ skin with their sharp nails and twisted it around painfully as if skin was nothing more than an orange peel.

Nevertheless, the most excruciating and dreaded of all punishments was standing in the corner with a dunce cap on. The students were cast as dumb, leaving them in eternal humiliation.

Compared to the past corporal punishments, WHS’s detention does not seem all that bad.

Staff Writer

Zero-Tolerance: In school, the line between crime and emergency is sometimes blurred.

from 2009 to 2010. Furthermore, according to the National Education Association, 56% of American students still witness bullying.

Zero tolerance can also have a detrimental psychological effect on students. During middle school and high school, students are psychologically maturing; it is in these years that students need support and guidance. According to the American Psychological Association Zero Tolerance Task Force, “concern has been raised in the literature that zero tolerance policies may create, enhance, or accelerate negative mental health outcomes for youth by creating increases in student alienation, anxiety, rejection, and breaking of healthy adult bonds.” Harsh school punishments for infractions can disrupt a student’s developmental period. Zero

tolerance policies can also seem threatening to students and can disrupt their learning environment.

According to the U.S. Department of Justice, schools without zero tolerance policies such as WHS have seen a dramatic decrease in violent crime. Such statistics show that schools without zero tolerance policies can effectively solve problems such as drug use and violence, and perhaps question the need for the oppressive zero tolerance policy.

The zero tolerance policy is a wellintended attempt to create a positive learning environment. Its efforts to weed out the students who cause trouble is admirable, but it is a psychologically harmful and ineffective plan that should be replaced.

Minority Students Face Harsher Punishments Yangzong Guo

Feature Editor African-American and Hispanic students are more likely to be punished for school infractions and misconduct than are Caucasian students, according to a new report by the National Education Policy Center.

Over three million students are suspended at least once every year, and this disciplinary burden falls mostly upon minority students. In Daniel J. Losen’s report, “Discipline Policies, Successful Schools, and Racial Justice,” he analyzes the 2006 data collected by the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights.

Losen found that 28% of African -American male middle school students had been suspended that year compared to the 10% of Caucasian male students. For females, 18% of African-American middle school students had been suspended compared with 4% of Caucasian students were.

Since the 1970s, the frequency of school suspensions has risen steadily, and accompanying this are racial disciplinary disparities.

However, Losen also found that the higher suspension rate did not accurately correlate to more frequent behavioral problems. In many instances, punishments were unrelated to student safety. A 2004 study in Indiana showed 95% of suspensions were issued for violations like disruptive behavior, while only 5% of suspensions were for dangerous behavior like possession of weapons.

For example, in North Carolina, students who were African-Americans were more likely to be suspended for minor offenses such as loitering, using cell phones in class, or using inappropriate language than Caucasian students were.

The reasons for such wide disparity in the punishment of white and minority stu-

dents are unclear. “Research suggests that unconscious bias likely plays a part in the disparities” said Losen. He also criticizes the practice of suspending and expelling altogether.

Losen’s study adds to the national conversation the topic of whether suspension and expulsion are appropriate methods of punishing students who behave badly.

“Minority students are treated more harshly when it comes to discipline, and as a result of this harsh treatment they suffer academically. Being kicked out leads to being a dropout,” said Dr. Kevin Welner of the University of Colorado.

In addition to the academic problems, suspensions and expulsions can have extreme life-altering effects.

“One of the leading indicators of whether students are going to drop out or wind up incarcerated is whether they were suspended when they were in middle school or high school... we’re really increasing the risk for delinquency and incarceration and gang affiliation by kicking these kids out,” said Losen.

Educators need to reevaluate what constitutes a basis for suspension and expulsion, and examine the reasons for the disproportionately high number of minority students receiving these punishments.

School officials in Colorado are already reviewing school disciplinary policies that charged students for minor infractions.

Students in Chicago have challenged disciplinary regulations as well when a student was sent to a police station after doodling on his desk.

Although the U.S. Department of Education has not yet reviewed Losen’s report, Department of Education spokesman Justin Hamilton told the newspaper USA Today that the department is seriously considering all reports regarding disciplinary policies and educational opportunities for all students.

Tips to Reaching Your College Dreams • • • • •

Don’t wait until Autumn to begin preparing and applying Maintain your study habits/grades even during senior year Choose your essay topics wisely, they DO count Choose colleges that fit you and not by college name Be happy with all your college selections, not just #1

Call for your FREE College Consultation today!

Off2collegenow.com Personal College Concierge 860 Hampshire Rd, Suite W, Westlake Village

805-497-8001

Feature

14

November 17, 2011 • The Arrow

Gray Colors the World

Woody Chung Feature Editor

The thought of enrolling as an AP art student may intimidate some, especially those who lack any formal training. However, AP art student Jaymee Gray ’12 proves that it is indeed possible to join the class with only a certain degree of artistic ability and an enjoyment of art.

PICTURE TO REMEMBER: Artists (from left to right) Amber de Neve, Jaymee Gray, and Noelle Chisolm donate works to charity.

The Memory Project Art students create valuable memories for children in need

Skye Kriger Feature Editor Messy hair, stubbly chin, slouching posture, unbuttoned plaid shirt, saggy pants, hipster glasses, and to top it all off a chewed up pencil tucked behind the ear: this is the stereotypical image of a professional artist.

As most know, talent in art is hard to turn into a profession. The hard work that goes into each painting is sadly unappreciated, and artists often struggle to get by without taking on a second job. “Lots of people bag on artists for ‘not doing anything’ [for society],” admitted Juanna Zhai ‘12.

This year, AP Studio Art students participated in a project that allowed them to share (or, give, actually) their art to someone who would truly appreciate and cherish it, via the Memory Project.

The Memory Project began in 2004, after University of Wisconsin graduate Ben Schumaker visited a Guatemalan orphanage to do volunteer work and realized that while the orphans there did have food and shelter, they had no personal possessions to remember their childhoods with. “A man

there pointed out that the kids didn’t have many personal keepsakes to contribute to their sense of self-identity,” Schumaker told CBS News.

Enter the Memory Project. Schumaker wanted to paint portraits of the orphans and give the finished paintings to the children to keep, but he couldn’t possibly paint all of them on his own. So he decided to visit high schools in the United States and ask art teachers if they and their students wanted to participate in the project.

Schools began signing up immediately, and so far the project has been able to donate over 30,000 portraits to orphans in over 33 different countries.

Art Department Chair John Farmer learned about the project and decided to introduce it to his AP Studio Art students this year as an optional project. “It’s so rare that art students or artists have the opportunity to reach across [international] boundaries and touch someone else [with their artwork],” he said. “Each student has put their heart and soul into these.”

Farmer also sees the portraits as a way

for students to “do work they really care about,” rather than just work on routine assignments.

“I learned that if you’re drawing for others rather than for yourself, then the drawing comes out better,” agreed Aaron Packard ‘12.

For many of the orphans, these portraits will be their only personal possession to remember their childhoods by. The majority of them don’t even have a single photograph of themselves. “These children have absolutely nothing,” said Farmer. “No childhood.”

For the AP Art students who participated, this seemed to be a pleasant change from working meticulously on required works and trying to meet deadlines. “It was so cool to be able to use your talents for something you could see,” stated Emma-Claire Krikorian ‘12. “I mean, what are you going to do with art to help, you know?”

Farmer has decided to continue participating in the Memory Project in the future.

“It feels good [to help].”

What are your accomplishments as student artist?

I am a first year AP art student. I turned my portfolio into Mr. Farmer (AP art teacher) and he accepted me!

What is your favorite artistic style?

I enjoy drawing in a semi-cartoony style. As a student, I also do a lot of copying photos.

Why did you decide to join AP art?

I really like to draw. It has always been a lifelong hobby and something I enjoy doing.

What does being an AP art student entail?

An AP art student really needs to have a certain degree of artistic ability. I think I meet this requirement even though I never had any formal training.

Can you explain the requirements for the AP art test?

For the AP art test, you have to turn in different art projects answering different prompts and guidelines. Throughout the year, you do different projects and send in the best to the AP graders. It’s special because, unlike other tests, there is no written test.

What was your most recent project?

I had to draw a detailed rendering of a real life object.

What are your goals as an artist?

Honestly, I’m going to continue art for fun. It’s very creative for a career choice.

But, I don’t know if I will choose this.

from the artist’s perspective G i u l i a n a ‘ G ! ’ Pe Benito ‘12 Q: How long have you been an artist?

A: Sculpting for about four years.

Q: What classes at school have you taken to improve your art skills?

A: I only took Art Media but I worked on my art outside of school.

Emma-Claire Kr i k o r i a n ‘ 1 2 Q: What have you done outside of school to improve?

A: I actually attend the California State Summer School for the Arts for creative writing. Even though I was in the creative writing department I was allowed to use the visual arts department materials.

I got to just play around and experience other artists.

Q: What is is your favorite art form?

A: I am mostly a poet, so it’s between poetry and sculpting. I am a performing poet with a backup band. We travel around and perform shows. Sculpting is something I am trying to develop.

Q: What do you like to sculpt?

A: I think everything that I do tries to have an underlying socioeconomic political message, so I try and have a lot of social commentary for the things that I do. I feel that art should be a medium for young social commentary. It is one of the few ways we can make really brutal statements beautiful.

Q: How long have you been an artist?

A: I’ve done it ever since I was really young but only decided I wanted to do it as a career to pursue since last year.

Q: What have you done outside of school to improve?

A: I did a program called Rhyme-in-Art which is a scholarship program; you apply and it’s free. I did some classes at Art Institute and did a summer program.

Q: What is is your favorite art genre?

A: I love all of them, and it changes, but right now I want to go into animation, so experimental animation and projection art.

Q: What would you say inspires your art?

A: I think a lot of things. Definitely music, life, whatever I encounter, my friends, and who ever I interact with.

Q:What has been your favorite art project?

A: I think it always changes. Whatever I am working on at the moment is my favorite.

Interviews and photos compiled by Michelle Noyes

Q: What have you learned from the AP art class?

A: In this class I have definitely learned discipline because it is a really huge time commitment.

Feature

November 17, 2011 • The Arrow

15

Places You’ll G e h T ! o!

Oh “You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose. You’re on your own. And you know what you know. And YOU are the one who’ll decide where to go...”

-Dr. Seuss, Oh, the Places You’ll Go! Two teachers, Lora Novak and Lauren Palotay, and three students, Daria Abrahamian, Paul Kwon, and Phil Kwon, share their experiences living across the globe.

Pardon My French

Made in Korea

Katrina Brewer

Victoria Wang

Staff Writer

Feature Editor

Daria Abrahamian ‘12 lived in Paris, France until he was four years old. His family moved to California in search of sunshine and his father’s job.

Still, he visits every two years and spent his sophomore year of high school living there.

“People are very different in France. It seems as if everyone finds happiness no PARLEZ-VOUS FRANÇAIS?: Daria Abrahamian (left) and friend matter how hard things pose in front of Versailles. get. It’s when people was when he came to America. are struggling…that “I had an accent, but my mom got rid they laugh the hardest,” said Abrahamian.

This “joie de vivre” attitude, which of that with speech therapy.”

Abrahamian said that the youth of means “happiness to live,” makes Parisians so special, according to Abrahamian. Paris has far more social freedom than However, people in America are more does the American youth, probably due to relaxed attitudes and the immediate hospitable and openly friendly.

As for adjusting to life in America, the proximity of everything within the city.

When asked where Abrahamian would language barrier was not too much of an like to eventually live, he immediately issue considering how young Abrahamian

COURTESY PHOTO

COURTESY PHOTO

South Korea—the land of ancient culture, soap operas, and spicy cabbage.

So what’s it like to live there?

Phil Kwon ‘12 and Paul Kwon ‘13 lived in Seoul, the densely populated capital city, until early 2003, when they immigrated to America.

“There’s a lot of emphasis on education,” TRACKING THEIR ROOTS: Phil Kwon (left) and Paul Kwon (right) in South Korea.

Paul said.

“School life, at the time, was really stressful,” Phil “[In] urban areas like Seoul it can get Kwon agreed. “It wasn’t just the academic pressure. We all had to follow the levels hectic and you could get lost,” Paul said.

Seoul’s weather is very wet. In the of respect.

Phil found the transition to America summer humidity is high, and it rains tough. Korea stresses respect for elders frequently, while in the winter snow piles more than America does. In any new up at the door.

According to Phil, Korea has a lot area, social customs are difficult to adjust to. Social pressure and unspoken rules to offer. Because education is so highly regarded, Phil recommends receiving abound no matter where you look.

The pace of Thousand Oaks was a a higher education in Korea as the educational system has much to offer. shock for the boys as well.

Palotay Helps with Charity in Africa Skye Kriger

Feature Editor

COURTESY PHOTO

PALS: Lauren Palotay poses with her new friend from Africa, Nhalhla.

Protected from the painful issues across the world, many people do not want to be reminded of the poverty in other countries.

But knowledge is power.

Lauren Palotay, U.S. and World History teacher at WHS, took the initiative to help make a difference in the world. In September 2008, Palotay volunteered at the Lily of

the Valley AIDS orphanage, just outside of Durban, South Africa.

“I had felt like I had lived a very blessed life. I wanted to see a different perspective of how other people live in different areas of the world,” commented Palotay.

“I also wanted to serve other people.”

As a volunteer at the orphanage, Palotay interacted with the children, 90% of whom were infected with HIV or AIDS. She was in charge of many

Novak Teaches In Italy ing in Italy far outweighed any inconvenience,” stated Novak.

As a local, she was subject to the change of pace in Italian society.

People travel all the time, but rarely do they get It became clear that the stress and to engulf themselves compressure of American society was pletely into the culture. far from that of Italy.

English teacher, Lora “The pace is much faster—almost frenzied—in the United States.

Novak, seized an opportunity to dive into a foreign The Italians are much more relaxed culture as a school teacher in and fun loving,” said Novak.

Florence, Italy for a year.

She immersed herself into the Her husband, an English art, architecture, culture, and enprofessor at Pepperdine Unijoyable foreign foods and wines versity, was assigned to teach (like gelato) that Florence had to offor the 2005-2006 school year BELLADONNA: Lora Novak taught fer. Her favorite cultural museums in Italy, and Novak decided and lived in Italy with her husband for were the Uffizi in Florence and the a year. to join him. Novak instructed Borghese in Rome. one course each semester This European experience was called “Voyages.” a long-time dream of hers as the novels of In addition to teaching her course, she spent her spare Jane Austen and Charlotte Bronte opened her time sitting in on her husband’s literature class where the mind to a life in Europe. As a college student, students would discuss European literature centered in an she even spent a summer in London. A year Italian setting. in Italy put a fire in Novak’s childhood dream.

As an American, she was not used to the stores closing “After our amazing European adventures, my husband and I still fantasize about retiring for a few hours in the middle of the day.

“Naturally, the charm and cultural experience of liv- to Europe.”

Alexa Lucas

Feature Editor

errands in the community.

She even taught some classes at the local community center on topics such as “how to get a job” and “life skills.”

One of the most intense experiences, she said, was

conducting AIDS tests on the adults in the community,” said Palotay.

After eight months of volunteer work, Palotay returned to the USA with a new mindset and view of the world.

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Entertainment

16

November 17, 2011 • The Arrow

Beginning of the End Genna Gmeiner Staff Writer COURTESY PHOTO

Running Out of Time

Samantha Doctrow Staff Writer

Time is money. But what if you truly had to spend minutes, days, or even hours of your life the way you spend money? In the movie, In Time, set in a futuristic, “Big Brother” world, humans are genetically altered to stop aging at 25, and from that moment on, live on borrowed or stolen time.

As the movie opens, Will Salas (a seriously solemn Justin Timberlake) is down to his final minutes when he meets a peculiar stranger, who is worth centuries.

After Salas saves him from a violent encounter, the suicidal stranger donates Salas all of his time, prior to jumping off of a bridge.

With eons of time to spend, Salas moves from the wretched ghetto to the aristocratic New Greenwich, where he en-

counters a wealthy industrialist and his stunning daughter Sylvia (Amanda Seyfried, full of captivating beauty). Together, Salas and Sylvia embark on an adventure of peril, serendipity, and romance.

Although time appears to move fast, this movie unfortunately does not. Nearly two hours long, the movie drifts from an action-romance to a science fiction-thriller.

While the performances are flawless and Timberlake and Seyfried’s chemistry is undeniable, the script is full of predictable clichés, ruining the film’s extraordinary concept.

In Time reminds audiences to live each moment to the fullest, for even just one hour can change a life forever. Nevertheless, for a film about the preciousness of each second, the lengthy In Time steals away minutes moviegoers wish they could recover.

COURTESY PHOTO

THE FINAL COUNTDOWN: Justin Timberlake and Amanda Seyfried escape danger in the science fiction thriller In Time.

Forever is only the beginning....fans are waiting anxiously for the Twilight Saga’s Breaking Dawn Part 1 which debuts this weekend. “Twihards” all over the world cannot wait to lay their eyes upon the final decision of Bella Swan between fire and ice.

Ever since Twilight premiered on Nov. 21, 2008 people have been thirsty for more of Stephenie Meyer’s vampire love saga.

The story between human Bella Swan and brooding vampire Edward Cullen captured the minds of millions worldwide, as the two fought for their love and overcame LOVE RE-VAMPED: Edward (Robert Pattinson the obstacles they faced in the mortal and and Bella (Kristen Stewart) will resume their love. immortal world. ing two extremely attractive actors in the The journey continues in Breaking movie also helps. Edward Cullen played Dawn as Bella and Edward take their rela- by Robert Pattinson and Jacob Black played tionship to the next level and get married. by Taylor Lautner are definitely two of the Bella so badly wants to be like Edward and reasons why the movies have been so sucjoin him in his world forever. But Edward cessful. strikes up a deal saying if Bella wants to There are highly anticipated scenes in be a vampire they have to be married first. Breaking Dawn that the hard core fans are This compromise made in Eclipse (the third very excited about. The wedding and honin the saga) leads up to the main story line eymoon scenes are just two of them. “I just in Breaking Dawn. can’t wait for the scenes that Jacob takes But why is this story so captivating? his shirt off!” exclaimed Rachel Fictum ‘13.

There are plenty of stories just like it, but Parts of the new scenes can be seen in the nothing has received the same reaction as trailer that premiered at this years Video Twilight. “I think it relates to so many girls,” Music Awards (VMA’s). said Samantha Riley ‘14. “Girls see a lot of Tickets for the midnight showing are themselves in Bella, and Edward is very on sale now at local theaters. mysterious which a lot of girls like.” Hav-

Feature

November 17, 2011 • The Arrow

17

Turkeys, Pilgrims, and Pumpkins: Oh My!

Feature Editors Much of what we know about the first Thanksgiving from second grade Thanksgiving plays.

Kids assigned the role of Indian dressed in paper bag vests and kids assigned the role of pilgrim adorned in black and white, as well as a few unfortunate children given the role of turkey, would gather around a child-sized table crammed full of plastic Thanksgiving goodies such as pumpkin pie and turkey. (The difference is that the food would not have been painted with synthetic polymers, and those present would not have sung songs accompanied

by an elderly lady playing piano.)

The legacy of the Plymouth colonists’ success has trickled down through America’s history as a cherished memoir. Deep in the recesses of our minds is the memory of starchy, buckled clothes, feather headdresses, and delicious Thanksgiving cuisine.

Today, we eat sweet potatoes, cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes, stuffing, and of course, turkey, a reflection of the great feast of the settlers from long ago.

Little do we know, the elementary school reenactments of today differ greatly from the celebration of the past. According to history.com, Pilgrim chronicler Edward Winslow wrote in his journal that Wampanoag guests arrived bearing five deer. They would also have feasted on lobster, cranberries, and perhaps even seal or swan.

CARTOON BY VIVIAN XU

Vivian Xu Vallia Yu

The pilgrims had no oven, so there would not have been pie or cake.

The Pilgrims wouldn’t have worn the starchy black and white clothes we imagine them to either; they were simple farming folk, and as such wore sensible clothes for the job; toiling in the field or chopping wood for hours on end would have been impractical dressed in a heavy coat and shiny buckled shoes.

It was more common to see baggy shirts and pants and simple dresses, all in

giving s k

n a h

CARTOON BY SKYE KRIGER

T

Perfect Apple Pie

Instructions:

Yields: 1 apple pie Total Time: 1 hour 30 min Prep Time: 40 min Oven temp: 400 degrees

*RECIPE PROVIDED BY CULINARY ARTS TEACHER MARIA SCIRONE*

©

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Teachers’ Turkey Day Tales Feature Editors Skye Kriger and Vivian Hu have compiled a list of stories from teachers on their eventful Thanksgivings.

“Last year on Thanksgiving, I was playing basketball: my son and my 19 year-old nephew against myself and my brother-in-law. As you might imagine, it got very competitive in a hurry. I tried to make a move on my son. I slipped because my feet fell out from under me, I hit my shoulder and tore my left shoulder rotator cuff. Had to get surgery in December. I will not be playing basketball on Thanksgiving, but I will be playing Horse, perhaps, because that’s nice and non-violent.”

--Darin Erickson

a variety of colors. As for the black clothes and brass buckles? Well, people really did dress that way in the early 1600s, but those were the urban puritans back in England —the people who decided not to become pilgrims and stay home instead. We imagine pilgrims dressing the same because many of the existing portraits of people from the era come from England.

And to top it all off? National Geographic for Kids says that the pilgrims didn’t even call themselves Pilgrims.

Ingredients: Purchased or homemade pie crust for 9 in. pie 6-7 tart apples (3 cups canned apples) 3/4 cup sugar 2 tbs. flour 1/2 to 1 tsp cinnamon Dash of nutmeg Dash of salt 2 tbs. butter or margarine

“For Thanksgiving dinner I was making a dessert with whipped-cream. My daughter was doing a project for school that involved super glue. She put her project down near my dessert and I got something on my hand, so I licked it off, thinking it was whipped-cream, but it was super glue. It sealed my tongue and my lips together.

Of course, I panicked. I tried to brush all the glue off with a toothbrush, so I could open my mouth without ripping my skin off. I finally did that, and then I swallowed some of it. I had to call the super glue people and I asked them what was going to happen. Was it going to glue my stomach together? They said no, it was just going to dissolve.

So I went back to the cooking, got whipped cream on my hand again, licked it off again, and it was still super glue. I did the same thing twice. Super glue is banned at my house now.”

--Lucinda Zazueta

1. Pare apples and slice thin.

2. Combine sugar, flour, spices, and salt; mix with apple slices.

3.

Line 9 inch pie plate with pastry and fill with apple mixture; dot with butter or marga-

rine.

4. Adjust top crust, cut 3 or 4 slits in top crust to allow steam to escape; sprinkle with sugar for sparkle.

5. Place on a cookie sheet covered with foil.

6. Bake in hot oven at 400 degrees fahrenheit, for 45 to 50 minutes or until done.

7. Wait for the pie to cool for at least 5 minutes, then enjoy!

P.S. For best results, refrigerate, then serve the pie cold.

“Number one, I hate to cook.

Number two, I hate kitchens. However, one year, my husband and I were actually hosting his parents and his brother. I didn’t really want to: I felt obligated, because we’re always going over there.

We got the turkey all prepared and popped it in the oven and two hours later, there’s this explosion. We run down to the kitchen and the kitchen is just nothing but black smoke: the stove had blown up and had created this black fog in our kitchen. All of the smoke detectors were going off and we were opening up windows, fanning the smoke.

Thank goodness it didn’t turn into a kitchen fire, but now we had no way to cook a turkey. So my husband called up his folks, explained the situation, ran the turkey over to their house, and they took over cooking the turkey. It turned out okay, butit was years before I dared to cook a turkey again.”

--Nancy Bowman

“A few years ago I visited a friend in Washington DC. It was 2008, and the city was preparing to inaugurate Obama. Congress was out of session, and most of the students in Georgetown had gone home.

The place was totally deserted. It was cold.

REALLY cold. We had descended into the heated cavern of the Dupont Circle metro station, when I found a bunch of young people dressed like Pilgrims hastily setting up a table inside the station. They set up the table with table cloth, cornucopia, and place settings and sat down.

Almost immediately a bunch of kids dressed as Native Americans stormed down the tunnel entrance, fell upon the Pilgrims, and hacked them to pieces with toy tomahawks, spilling fake blood all over the white table cloth and the station floor. After 5 minutes or so, the dead Pilgrims got up off the floor, helped the blood thirsty savages clean up the attack, and they all vanished together up the escalator.”

--creative story by Douglas Freed

Sports

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November 17, 2011 • The Arrow

Varsity Boys Cross Finish Line Ahead of Pack Boys take first place in Marmonte League finals for first time in 32 years; girls earn fourth.

Stephanie Kim Sports Editor

PHOTO BY ALEX FARKAS

CHAMPIONS AGAIN: (left) Rocky Peterson and Mikey Giguere run on the home stretch; (below) varsity athletes pose for a championship team photo.

COURTESY PHOTO

For the first time in 32 years, WHS cross country varsity boys took the first place title at Marmonte League finals, finishing 6-1 and securing first in league overall.

Varsity girls finished 4-3 in competition, taking fourth place at league finals and fourth in league.

This season's Southern Section Division II girls is "the most competitive grouping in all of the United States," said Coach Chad Scott. "That being said, our girls are competing admirably. During races, our girls are putting themselves in the middle of other teams' packs and running up in lead packs of races."

Both varsity boys and girls moved on to compete in the CIF Prelims.

The varsity teams, with relatively younger runners, surpassed expectations this season.

"While our ultimate goal is to compete at the CA State Championship Meet, our recent victory at league finals was a distinctive milestone," said Scott.

The last league championship WHS boys won was in 1979.

"There was an amazing atmosphere [at league finals] with

every school cheering for each other. I've never seen my teammates and coaches so excited and happy when the boys won," said varsity runner Nicki Ghazarian '12. "We exceeded expectations by just being such a young team and accomplishing what we have at league finals. I'm extremely proud of my team. They work so hard and care so much and I'm truly impressed."

The previous loss against rival school TOHS hit the Warriors hard until TOHS lost to Simi Valley and Moorpark, allowing the Warriors to gain possession of first place with Simi.

WHS then significantly defeated TOHS at league finals, 4777 points.

"We competed with a winner's mind set and realized we each had the potential to get out fast and maintain positioning in front of crucial runners to put our top five in the top 16 and take the league title," said varsity runner Nick Sommers '12.

The CIF Prelims took place Nov. 12. Varsity boys won third place and varsity girls won fourth in the Division II heat.

Both teams will be advancing to CIF Finals and if successful, will be moving on to State Finals.

CIF Finals will take place Nov. 19 at Mt. SAC.

Volleyball Makes CIF; Loses in First Round Monica Huskins Sports Editor

PHOTO BY STEPHANIE KIM

WHS volleyball concluded a memorable season making CIF playoffs but losing to Newport Harbor 3-0. The last four big wins of the season against Agoura, Calabasas, Simi Valley, and Royal helped solidify a place for WHS in CIF before their loss.

In the final league game, WHS and Royal High School were tied for second place but it all changed with a 3-2 victory for WHS. “It was a very dramatic and loud evening,” said Coach Ernest Rittenhouse.

The team faced some injuries and played hard against the highly ranked Newport Harbor team but lost, missing their chance

to advance in CIF. “I think it is an honor to have the chance to play in CIF,” said varsity player Courtney Birkett ‘12.

Paige Harris ‘12 is proud of this season’s outcome. “The strive to win along with our great team chemistry made this a great and successful year,” said Harris.

With a blend of talent and good team chemistry, the team concluded a strong season and is looking forward to off-season clubs.

Senior night ended the season on a sincere note, with the six seniors, Harris, Birkett, Bethany Maddison, Lexi Ozder, Emily Detweiler, and floor captain Shawna Korshavn bidding their team goodbye.

YOU JUST GOT SERVED: Bethany Maddison serves against Newbury Park High School.

Diaz-Yi Named Marmonte League MVP Brian Danziger Sports Editor

COURTESY PHOTO

SCORING ACES: Lauren Diaz-Yi earned league MVP recognition.

WHS girls golf team finished a tumultuous season, 5-9 in league and in 6th place.

One of the bright spots of the team, however, was Lauren Diaz-Yi ‘13 who won the Marmonte League Individual Championship this season. Both Yi and Nancy Liu ‘14 qualified for CIF Girls Individual playoffs.

“This win not only boosted my confidence, but also now I know what to practice on to go to the State Championship,” stated Yi. Yi lost in playoffs for the Marmonte League Championship last year but redeemed herself this year.

“It has taken a lot of time, commit-

ment and dedication to get to where I am now,” explained Yi. Yi gains her drive to compete from multiple sources of inspiration.

“My inspiration for my golf game has come from LPGA Pro Annika Sorenstam and the overwhelming support of my friends,” she said.

Yi wants to continue her golf career by playing golf at either Duke University or the University of Virginia.

Yi was happy for how far the team advanced this season, stating that “the players have not played that much but are happy with the results so far considering the lack of experience on the team. With practice, the other players will improve more and more.”

Yi advanced onto CIF Quarter Finals but fell short at Finals.

WHS Lacrosse Registration WHEN: Nov. 20, 10:00 a.m.

WHERE: WHS Stadium

Sports

November 17, 2011 •The Arrow

19

Two Sports Standouts Take Talents to College Level Dashon Hunt

Brandon Shaw

Q&A with running back Dashon Hunt who will play at UCLA: 1. Do you feel as if your hard work paid off by getting an offer from UCLA? I do feel like my hard work has paid off. I worked extremely hard for the opportunity of getting a scholarship and finally did.

2. Are you excited to play at UCLA? How do you think it will feel playing with a whole different team?

I am very happy...and I’m excited to have the opportunity to play with a new team because it will be nice to learn from people who have played on the team.

3. Is football something that you hope to pursue as a career? If so, how did you come to discover it?

Yes, it is. I’ve known this ever since my first game in youth football. I discovered it by coming from a big time football family.

4. What challenges do you think you will face playing college football rather than high school?

It’ll be a new environment considering I’ll be playing with athletes far more experienced than I am. They will be used to the college game speed.

5. What made you decide to commit to UCLA? I decided to make a verbal commitment because the school is so close to home, I’m used to the weather, and they have a great academic program.

Q&A with varsity, senior golfer Brandon Shaw who has committed to play at California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo 1. Do you feel like your hard work paid off by getting offered by Cal Poly? Describe your journey playing golf so far. Would you have done anything differently?

PHOTO BY BRIAN CHANG

PHOTO BY WOODY CHUNG

UCLA BOUND: Dashon Hunt committed to UCLA though he is in his junior year.

what I will be doing after college because in life having a job that you love is very important.

4. What challenges do you think you will face playing college golf rather than high school?

Some challenges that I will have to face playing college golf will be the difficulty of the golf courses.

TOP OF THE TEE: Brandon Shaw looks to finish out his Many golf courses Yes, I feel very honored senior season strong. for high school are by getting offered by Cal Poly. It was one of my top choices it finally came true. Cal Poly not as difficult as college courses. all through my golf career. I was has a great golf team and strong College courses are much longer in shock when I was offered academics. I have visited the and require better knowledge the opportunity to play golf campus only once, but I fell in love around the green and fairways. for the Mustangs. My journey with it. It has a great atmosphere In addition, the competition is playing golf, better known as and it feels like this is where I at a much higher level and this my childhood, has been the most want to spend my next four years. will require me to work harder in order to remain competitive with amazing experience of my life so far. I have played golf for the 3. Is golf something that you hope my opponents and teammates. past five years of my life. I have to pursue as a career? If so, have practiced and played everyday you always known this? How did 5. What made you decide to commit to Cal Poly? and have dedicated many hours you come to discover it. to this game. Some nights, even weekends, I would be out playing Yes, I hope to pursue golf as a I decided to commit to San Luis until sundown. I have enjoyed career after college. Ever since I Obispo for many reasons. First, every moment...and I would not first picked up a club at age nine, I am in love with the California I fell in love with the game. As I weather and location. It is also a have changed a thing. grew older and started to compete very academic school and has a 2. Are you excited to play at in tournaments and become great reputation in its business SLO? Have you ever visited the successful, I had some feeling that school, which I intend to major this is what I wanted to do for the in. They are also Division 1 in golf campus? rest of my life. As I have grown and that was very important in It has always been my dream to older, my love for the game has my decision. play for a Division 1 school and only grown. I hope that this is Compiled by Katrina Brewer

Alley-oops: Lockout Affects More than Owners and Players

Dylan Moore Staff Writer

I sit down and watch bad defense and way too many time-outs for a solid two and a half hours?

Right now, there is no end in sight. NBA commissioner David Stern set a deadline for Nov. 8 at 5 p.m. for the league’s players to accept the latest contract offer from owners. Unfortunately, union president and Laker point guard Derek Fisher said “Right now, the current offer that is on the table from the NBA is not one that we can accept.”

Once the deadline passed, the players and the owners could not come to a deal. Both sides are still negotiating but neither side is willing to budge to make a season happen yet.

Don’t think for a second that the NBA won’t lose any fans, either. TV ratings for pro basketball haven’t been as high as pro and even college football over the last few years. They don’t have the power to cancel part of their season and not lose any of their fans like the NFL does. Fans of the professional basketball game will find other stuff to do: football

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The fans don’t care. They don’t care that the players want more money than the owners are willing to offer. They don’t care that there is a seemingly endless number of intricacies that have to be settled in order for the NBA to have a season. They just want the season to start.

The NBA cancelled the first month of the season because of the labor dispute between NBA owners and players. The general public initially wanted to know who was to blame when the lockout began and some remain interested with pointing fingers.

Most fans, however, are getting less interested with the causes of the lockout and are now just sick of waiting around for the season to start. The worst part about the lockout is that this upcoming season was shaping up to be one of the best in years.

But now, even if there is a season, it will be cut short by dozens of games. We will see fewer-

marquee match-ups and surprise teams. We will see fewer no-look passes, buzzer-beaters, and Blake Griffin dunks. We will miss the excessive post-game tirades by players and coaches. We will see fewer comeback wins and monster blocks that make that night’s highlight reel on Sports Center.

The lockout also affects more than just the players’ and the owners’ thick wallets. The financial well-being of many other businesses depends on the season. Vendors across the country are having trouble finding work (just like the rest of America) with no one interested in jerseys or Tshirts displaying the team’s star player. It is hurting the economy, and worst of all, it gives us nothing to do on Tuesday and Thursday nights. Twice already I have found myself saying, “Man, I could really use some Kobe right now.” I can no longer watch Kobe, and with the economy in the dump, I can’t even afford to eat Kobe (beef). Not until this nightmare of a lockout is over.

When will it end? When can

PLAYING COLD TURKEY: NBA star Deron Williams plays as point guard on a team in Turkey while the lockout continues.

over the next few months, college basketball in full swing with a huge growth in talent, numerous holidays, and two months after

that, there will be baseball again.

Owners, players, and fans can agree on one thing, however. We all want an NBA season.

Legacy of Penn State’s Paterno in Jeopardy Alex Farkas

Sports Editor Penn State played a game on Nov. 12 without Joe Paterno as their head coach for the first time since December 1965. Paterno, who holds the record for the most wins, 409, in Division I college football, was fired recently by the Penn State Board of Trustees because of a scandal involving a retired assistant coach. Paterno had coached with the Nittany Lions

for 62 years.

Jerry Sandusky, a former defensive coordinator for Penn State under Paterno from 19761999, was arrested last Saturday “on suspicion of sexually abusing eight young boys from the late 1990’s to 2009,” according to The Los Angeles Times.

Sandusky founded a charity, Second Mile, for troubled kids.

According to The Huffington Post, “the charity gave Sandusky ‘access to hundreds of boys, many

of whom were vulnerable due to their social situations.’”

According to the grand jury report, back in 2002 an assistant coach said that he had seen Sandusky sexually assaulting a young boy in the shower. According to The Los Angeles Times, “Paterno said the coach who witnessed the incident never went into such specifics with him, though Paterno said it was clear the assistant coach had seen something ‘inappropriate.’” The assistant coach

was never questioned by the police about this incident until he testified before the grand jury in 2010.

Based on this time line, one must wonder if Paterno could have done more than just alert administrators about this incident. This makes one question everything about Joe Paterno’s six decade coaching era that was based on the credo, “Success with Honor.”

Now the questions are “What

did Paterno know?” and “when did he know it?” Until these questions are answered, Paterno’s image will remain tainted.

With a new coach, Tom Bradley, on the sidelines, the 12th ranked Nittany Lions suffered a defeat in front of over 100,000 fans against the 19th ranked Nebraska Cornhuskers 17-14. The Lion faithful will try to move forward from this tumult. Now everyone’s thoughts are with the victims of these heinous crimes.

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November 17, 2011 • The Arrow

Lines of Duty: WHS finishes season undefeated; team to face Eastside in first round of CIF Alex Farkas

Sports Editor

PHOTO BY ALEX FARKAS

The WHS Football team clinched the Marmonte League last Thursday with a decisive victory over the St. Bonaventure Seraphs, making the Warriors undefeated, and keeping their first place in the state, according to maxpreps.com.

In addition, the victory was also Coach Jim Benkert‘s 200th win.

“It’s going to be a special night, always, when we play St. Bonaventure. For me, I suppose that [200th win] makes it special too,” Benkert said to the VC Star.

The Warriors would not have advanced so far without the help of their driving forces, the offensive and defensive lines.

Both lines have been unstoppable this season. The starting offensive line consists of Jordie Hannel ’12, Javier “Sugarbear” Aguilera ’12, Anthony Davanzo ’12, Tony Mekari ’13, and Keith Ramljak ’12.

The starting defensive line is made up of Kenneth Ah Ching ‘12, Justin Solis ’12, Johnny Stuart ‘12, Beau Hunsicker ‘13, and Shayne Henley ‘13.

The Warriors’ offensive production has had much success with the electric quarterback, Justin Moore ’13, and running back, Dashon Hunt ‘13. The

offense’s success would not have been possible without the power and protection provided by the offensive line. They are the guards protecting their quarterback. This offensive line opens up huge holes for the running backs to benefit from.

The offensive line has helped put together an explosive Warrior offense. The Warriors are averaging 191.9 passing yards per game, 237.9 rushing yards per game, and 45.5 points per game according to maxpreps.com.

“We have worked hard in the off season. We really hit the weights and practice together, and the experience of being on the CIF finalist team last year is really invaluable,” said Davanzo, describing how the offensive line’s improvement.

On the defensive side, the line, especially University of Colorado Boulder commit Solis, can “move mountains,” Benkert said to the TO Acorn. Now, he and other defensive players have to lead the defense to big stops. It looks like it is working because the team has only allowed a total of 135 points this season.

The defensive line has also put up some big numbers. The defense is averaging 2.9 sacks per game, 72.8 tackles per game, and has given up an average of 13.5 points per game, according to maxpreps.com.

RUNNIN’ AWAY WITH IT: Dashon Hunt breaks a tackle against a Newbury Park defender in a recent home game. He has a total of 822 yards rushing this season.

To finish off the season the Warriors defeated Newbury Park and Agoura to take back the Marmonte League title.

After their 10-0 start, the Warriors begin their hunt to take back the CIF title.

Without a loss this season, the Warriors avoid another coin toss to determine the seeds for the league. As the number one seed in the Northern Division, they face Eastside at home this Friday at 7 p.m.

Shannon Reiffen

bad day,” said Thomas Turner ‘13, Jordan Hobmann ‘12 agreed. “Losing to TOHS was hard since we have a pretty strong rivalry and the games we lost were close.”

But the loss to TOHS helped motivate the team bounce back, and prove they were capable of winning games. They came back in a tournament Halloween weekend and finished 4-1.

“We learned a lot as a team, where our strengths and weaknesses are. The tournament helped us fix a few things so we are ready for CIF,” said Dillon Galvin ‘12 “We have well over a .500 record and are a much stronger team than last year.

Although we lost a few good guys last year we gained a few and have had even more guys step up and play very well,” continued Galvin.

“Devin Taylor ‘13 creates 6 on 5 opportunities for the team. Craig Loring ‘13 steps into the role of goalie when needed, and Matt Kaufman ‘12 steps up off the bench and provides energy and a punch as a lefty,” said Coach Nevis.

Luke Haga ‘12 summed up the water polo season in one word: “Dece.”

Feature Editor

A CIF Team Once Again PHOTO BY GENNA GMEINER

Water polo reaches playoffs for second time in 12 years.

SWAT MEET: Luke Haga plays defense against an Agoura player in a Marmonte League home game.

WHS water polo clinched a place in CIF for the second year in a row after a 10year drought.

Led by Coach Jason Nevis, WHS had one more game to win before they could officially go to CIF. The Warriors had to face a team they split the season series with, Newbury Park.

They defeated Newbury Park officially earning a spot in first round CIF playoffs.

They played Cal Poly San Luis Obispo in the first round of CIF on Nov. 8, and won 18-11.

The second round was played on Nov. 10 at Cerritos, where the team lost 16-9.

This put an end to the WHS water polo run in CIF. “Despite having a brand new coach, the boys pulled through and played hard,” said team captain, John Marcozzi ‘12.

As the season came to a close, the team reflected on their collective performance throughout the year.

“Our hardest loss was against Thousand Oaks High School because we had already beaten then once. It was just a

Doubles Team Finishes the Season Strong

Stephanie Kim Sports Editor

to an end, but the girls plan to continue playing after graduation.

After a successful bond as doubles partners, Sundling and Bass’s positive attitudes were a “big contributor to our victories,” said Sundling.

The varsity team advanced onto CIF, with a victory for the varsity girls against Milken Community, 15-3, in the first round on Nov. 10.

The second round CIF match took place on Nov. 14 against Harvard-Westlake. The Warriors suffered a 10-5 defeat. They were not able to finish the last three games due to wet courts that were recently washed.

After a hard-fought season, the Warriors finished 19-3 and second in the Marmonte League.

Two of those losses came from the league champions, Thousand Oaks.

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For the past two years, doubles partners Annie Sundling ‘12 and Elise Bass ‘12 have proved to be a perfect match in girls tennis.

With a “great win against Calabasas #1 doubles team” and three doubles victories against Calabasas on Oct. 20, Sundling and Bass “work well together and have great attitudes on a daily basis—whether practice or competition,” said Coach Connie Flanderka.

“Annie and I have become close friends. Over the [past two years] we have learned each other’s playing style and can anticipate what the other is going to do,” said Bass.

Both on and off the court, the two players remain close and

supportive, allowing them to exceed their own goals and win for the team.

“Other coaches have commented about how they show ‘class’ during competition and have outstanding sportsmanship,” said Flanderka.

“Elise is very strong at the net with her volleys and overheads and is very consistent,” said Sundling of her doubles partner’s reliability. “I can always count on her to keep the rally going and to take advantage of every shot that comes to her at the net.”

Of Sundling’s strengths on the court, Bass noted that “when [her] game is off, [Sundling] fills in the gaps. She has a great serve and strong ground strokes that bring a lot of power to the match.”

At the Senior Night recognition on Nov. 1, the high school doubles partnership came

SMELLING THE ROSES: Elise Bass (left) and Annie Sundling (right) receive flowers from Coach Connie Flanderka before their last senior tennis match.