10.16.09

Drama Department prepares for upcoming play Love of a Pig. See page 6

the

Westlake High School VOLUME XXXII, ISSUE 2

arrow Girls varsity cross country races against Newbury Park and Calabasas. See page 10

Boys varsity waterpolo competes full throttle against Newbury Park. See page 11

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

Bodies on display fascinate anatomy class

October 16, 2009

Tiffany Loh Editor-in-Chief

PHOTO BY SOFIA TALARICO

COURT PLAYERS: Julie Millet, Zach Stark, Nobel Loho, Becky Sadwick, Victoria Fealkoff, Adrian Muguerza, McAuley Cahill, Tim Witwer.

Homecoming hits LA Hot Spots Sofia Talarico Feature Editor Hot spots in Los Angeles, the hub of Southern California, was the theme for Homecoming 2009. Saturday’s dance in the gym will cap off what has been a week of spirited dress-up days, poster-making, and rallies.

The Homecoming rally kicked off the week when the seniors reclaimed their first place position after losing to the juniors during the Back-toSchool rally. The senior skit included the cheerleaders and football players

performing a dance and stunts that featured senior Brendan Williams and Junior Sterling Jackson entertaining with their gymnastic skills.

Each class was assigned a location that connected to the LA Hotspot theme: freshmen, Santa Monica Pier; sophomores, The Nokia Theater; juniors, Staples Center; and seniors, Disneyland.

ASG has planned additional events that lead up to the Homecoming game, pitting the undefeated Warriors against the Calabasas Coyotes. During the halftime show at the football game, a banner designed like the Hollywood sign will

spell “Westlake” in order to complete the Academy-Awards atmosphere.

The Homecoming court will enter the stadium in golf carts, “limos”. Many of the decorations that will be at the homecoming game will also be used at the dance. The half-time show will feature annual fireworks.

Dance attendees will get the red carpet treatment as they enter the gym, with statuettes resembling the Oscar trophy lining the entrance.

A large star cut-out for the King and Queen presentation with startopped columns will be on display.

(Continued on page 4)

There’s a new officer in town

Max Avruch Copy Editor

Celeste Corbin joined the WHS staff as the new school police officer, filling the position vacated by former school deputy Jerry Lopez.

Corbin, who will remain at WHS for the next three years, hopes to make friends with the students and teachers as she familiarizes herself with WHS. “I want to assure that there are no problems and that the school is safe. I want students to know that I can be a resource they can come to anytime,” said Corbin.

Out of five police officers applying for the position at WHS, Corbin was selected because of her expertise and work ethic.

“I think getting to know all the 2,360 students more personally will be the biggest challenge for Celeste,” said Dean of Attendance James Marshall.

While Corbin agrees with Marshall about this challenge, she believes “the hardest part about my job is multi-tasking because I get a lot of paperwork and phone calls from parents, and there’s only one of me to handle it.”

She went on to explain that in her previous job patroling the streets, there were multiple officers in any given situation, and adjusting to her new position has been a challenge.

Before leaving for the day, Corbin likes to have everything “finished so I can go home without anything hanging over my head,” she said.

Corbin’s typical day usually involves dealing with reports of stealing and drug “JUST THE FACTS, MA’AM”: Celeste Corbin joins WHS staff as the suspicions. school police officer.

Each day at the office, Corbin coordinates with Dean of Athletics Jason Branham and Dean of Students who would like to seek help Activities Brandy Wilbus, but if something or need to report a problem at the school is “very urgent, I would then speak to Mr. can visit Officer Corbin in her office, Room Lipari,” said Corbin.

12F.

PHOTO BY IRIS YAN

Advanced Anatomy, looking for new opportunities to enhance the curriculum, took a field trip to the Body Worlds Exhibit in Balboa Park, San Diego.

This exhibit showcased dissected human bodies to display different systems, such as the muscular and nervous systems.

These detailed displays, “Gave us a good example of what we’re expected to do in Anatomy,” said John Howe ‘10. “It gave me good insight on how complicated the human body is.”

“Viewing it as an anatomist, I found it fascinating,” said Nancy Bowman, Advanced Anatomy teacher. “The dissections were impeccable, and this experience increased my fascination with and curiosity for the human body. “ Since the students will be studying the muscular system next, these exhibits set an example of what students can expect as they progress through the Advanced Anatomy course.

“I believe that for any student studying Anatomy, Body Worlds gave a wonderful three-dimensional perspective of tissues, organs, and systems in a way that otherwise could not be matched,” said Bowman.

However, the Body Worlds Exhibit is not the only event students have participated in to enrich their Anatomy learning experience.

A select number of Anatomy students attended the One Legacy Ambassador Training program. One Legacy is an organization that promotes awareness of organ donation.

“It answered a lot of misnomers about organ donation, and I’m glad I can spread the word on how important organ donation is,” said Howe.

After an introduction to organ donation, students officially became Ambassadors of One Legacy.

The newly named student ambassadors have already generated a list of potential activities to promote awareness of organ donation on campus.

“Students are our foundation and future in this endeavor. This generation is going to be more impacted than my generation simply because the numbers of the waiting list increase daily but our donor pool has remained static. That’s why it’s so important for students to be aware,” said Bowman “I am incredibly grateful and proud for the interest of the 18 Advanced Anatomy students who participated because it makes me very hopeful for the future,” she added.

Additional trips are planned to offer students an enriching learning experience.

Advanced Anatomy students plan to visit Loma Linda Hospital for their next trip.

2

NEWS

IN BRIEF Spirit Cheer Fundraiser Spirit Cheer will hold weekly bake sales every Thursday from 2:45-3:30 p.m. at the bridge throughout the football season in order to raise money for the Cheer Booster Club.

Scholarship Program Sponsors Annual Miss Teenage CA

Mu Alpha Theta Available for Math Enthusiasts Students interested in math have the opportunity to join the Westlake chapter of the Mu Alpha Theta club, a worldwide organization that strives to promote an enjoyment of mathematics in the high school community. With over 1500 chapters in the United States and foreign countries, Mu Alpha Theta is highly recognized by colleges and major universities nationwide.

The club’s activities include free tutoring the first and third Wednesday of each month and organization of Pi Day. Applications for membership are due by Oct. 23 in room 43B. See advisor Carmella Ettaro for details.

Dance Team Sponsors “Share Your Soles” Dance Team is participating in a philanthropic project by donating dance shoes to inner-city dance schools. The Dance Team is collecting ballet, tap, and jazz shoes in the mezzanine throughout the school year.

All dance shoes will be given to dance studios in need and to children who are less fortunate. Dance Team girls are passionate about spreading the joy of dance to children in inner-city schools.

The team encourages others to share soles and join the cause to help inner-city youth

AcaDeca team to focus on French Revolution for competition

Meini Cheng Christina Vasiliou Staff Writers

Students from all different social and academic groups join together during fourth period Academic Decathlon class, where they diligently study aspects of the French Revolution in preparation for the November scrimmage.

Most students’ knowledge of Academic Decathlon stems from information obtained from sitcoms, such as Saved by the Bell and Lizzie McGuire, which are often misleading. Although these conditions may appear at other schools, this stereotypical definition does not exist at WHS. Team member Ali Ohringer ‘11 said that “most people dismiss AcaDeca as just another ‘smart kid’ class, but there is a wide variety of students with ranging GPA’s all working toward the same goal.”

Motivations for joining AcaDeca are different for all students. Whether a student joins in order to meet new people or gain experience for college applications, AcaDeca provides a platform for numerous interests.

Katie Jackson ’11, joined AcaDeca this year after encouragement from her teachers, who expected her to excel. Her goals for this year include giving longer, more entertaining speeches.

Ohringer was motivated to join after participating in an individual sport her entire life. “I wanted to be part of a team where every member was working together to reach their goal,” said the junior.

To join the team, one must give a three-to-four minute speech about any personal experience.

PHOTO BY HANNAH HONG

California Scholarship Foundation announced the 31st Annual Miss Teenage scholarship program. Over a million dollars in college scholarships and prizes have been awarded in the past to young women with exceptional achievement. This program is open to female students between the ages of 13 and 19. Teachers must nominate these teens by Oct. 30. Miss Teenage California 2010 will be the recipient of a $10,000 College Scholarship to the college of her choice. Interested students can visit www.missteenageca.com for information.

A TEAM EFFORT: Alexandra Preisz, Ali Ohringer, and Karen Tsai prepare for their first scrimmage in November.

Jackson talked about her water polo experiences, and Adam Lazar ’11 spoke about being a twin.

As team advisor, Joseph Nigro is an essential part of the class’s success.

“He takes time to teach terms and explain anything in real life situations. One day he brought his guitar in to help explain the music section to us,” Ohringer said.

The team placed second in Regionals last year, and members hope to come back even stronger this year.

The team’s notable competitor, Moorpark High, does not have a team for January’s competition, which gives Westlake an even better chance at winning first place.

Celine Decker Staff Writer

Math Club Begins PHOTO BY CELINE DECKER

Math club had its first meeting Oct. 8. Students from all grades attended the meeting. The current president is Tony Jin ‘10; advisor, Beth Grasel. Students who did not attend the first meeting but are still interested in joining the club can contact Jin.

For its fifth consecutive year, WHS participated in the PTSA-sponsored Operation Red Stocking. Students were encouraged to bring items such as batteries, hard candy, socks and canned goods to send to soldiers overseas the week of Oct. 5.

The counseling office donated the most items for the third year; however, they wished to forgo their reward—a pizza party—and instead sent the money to the soldiers. Lisa Moxley’s class helped by wrapping the donations and received a donut party for their participation.

All the items donated by students and staff will be shipped overseas by Sigi and Pam of Prudential Realty.

Subjects in this year’s competition revolve around the French Revolution. The team is studying a wide range of topics including history, science, economics, art, music, literature, and mathematics.

Many members of the team were pleasantly surprised to find that Academic Decathlon has helped them in other classes they are taking this year.

“AcaDeca has been beneficial to my history class, and it also teaches me time management skills,” Lazar said.

Scores from next month’s scrimmage will help Nigro determine who will compete at the honors, scholastic, and varsity levels. Then all students will prepare for January’s competition.

Freshman officers seek out class spirit

dance programs.

PTSA Sponsors Operation Red Stocking

October 16, 2009 • THE ARROW

TALKING IT OUT: Katie Appell and Ashley Adler discuss upcoming fundraisers for their freshman class.

Newly-elected freshman class officers Katie Appell, Grace Ng, Ashley Adler and Lily Wang are looking to boost the Class of 2013’s school spirit in the upcoming year.

Appell is hopeful that with free gifts and reminders, the freshmen will grow more excited over the coming months.

“I want to change our school spirit,” said Appell. “On our class dress- up days I didn’t see many people wearing orange. The more we win, the more we earn. I want to make sure everything gets done.”

Classes that have the most school spirit at rallies and other events are ultimately awarded money for their Senior Prom.

These officers will waste no time in tapping into their share of class pride.

Though many feel there is time for the freshman class to get the funds they need, Appell thinks it’s never too soon to get started.

The other officers agree. “We really have to get the freshmen pumped up and ready to cheer,” Adler said.

Brainstorming has just begun on how to garner points and funds. All four officers are working overtime for homecoming and hope that this will be the start of a year full of high-energy and participation.

Appell’s background in school government is sure to help.

She was in her middle school’s ASB, was an active participant in the Relay for Life, and organized a middle school walk against hunger.

Vice-President Ng and treasurer Wang also have past experiences in student government, and secretary Adler is eager to get involved.

“I’m really interested in leadership,” said Wang. “Seeing my goals get accomplished is really fun.”

Though they admit there is room to improve, the group is optimistic about the freshman class and its potential.

“We aren’t the loudest class in the school,” said Ng. “But we are pretty good at being spirited.”

Soloist author to speak for “One City, One Book”

Brian Chang Staff Writer Steve Lopez, author of The Soloist, is coming to Thousand Oaks for a panel discussion about his book.

The Soloist was chosen for the “One City, One Book,” an event that promotes one book throughout the city for a period of seven weeks.

The meeting will be held on Nov. 14 in the Civic Arts Plaza Kavil Theatre.

This nonfiction book tells the story about Nathaniel Ayers, a homeless and schizophrenic music prodigy from the

prestigious Juilliard music academy .

Through his encounters with Steve Lopez, Nathaniel slowly walks the path of recovery. A copy of the book can be easily found in any of the libraries or in a local bookstore.

The “One City, One Book” event has been held in Thousand Oaks since 2007; the first book was Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close by Jonathan Foer, and the 2008 designated book was What is the What

by Dave Eggers.

The purpose of this event is to bring members of the city together with the power of one book, according to the

event’s sponsors.

Throughout the seven weeks of promotion for the book, discussions and performances are scheduled, and an essay contest with a theme of “The Redemptive Power of Art” will be held. The events will come to a close with Lopez’s meeting on Nov. 14.

Steve Lopez is a journalist for the Los Angeles Times and has written other books such as In the Clear and Third and Indiana.

For more information about the book or the “One City, One Book” event, visit www.thousandoaksreads.org.

3

OPINION

October 16, 2009 • THE ARROW

In the eye of the beholder

Robert’s Reality

Marika Price Performing Arts Editor

PHOTO BY BECKY SADWICK

put on hold until the designs are complete.

America’s latest “tattoo trend” is mild compared to Ethiopia’s value of body art.

While flipping through the pages of Inner beauty and a natural appearance any popular American magazine, it’s easy are two qualities of a beautiful woman in to detect a common trend of thin models France. with perfect smiles and long legs.

Body lotion, scented perfume, and face The overwhelming desire to achieve wash are must-haves and neutral makeup this form of beauty causes many women tones are preferred over bright colors. to partake in life-threatening surgeries Rather than admiring the glamorous and spend astronomical amounts magazine image, most French women tend of money on material items like to gravitate toward a classic look—less makeup and clothing. make up and simpler fashion statements.

This idealized image seems to Recently, French officials have rebe the only definition of beauty. quired their magazines to provide a health However, in terms of the rest of warning alongside photo-shopped models the world, this is not the case. to protect women from false images of feDouble chins, thick anmale beauty. kles, and stretch marks are the Not surprisingly, women in keys to becoming a beautiful France are less likely to undergo woman in the small counsurgery than the average American try of Mauritania. woman and are also less likely to be Young girls travel to larger than a size 12. summer camps and conPeople across the world waste countsume up to 16,000 calories less hours by fixating on their insecurities a day to produce a curvy and distorting their body image. Confifigure that pleases men. dence has become a rare quality The desire to marry and beauty has been reduced to and feel attractive is the its most superficial form. source of the obsession to conDespite the awareness of stantly gain weight beginning at how biased beauty is, low self-esa young age. teem is a rising issue in America Naturally thin girls are presand is effecting teenagers more sured to take weight gain pills than any other age group. that increase appetite and conSerious disorders such as tain hormones used to fatten depression and anorexia are camels. effecting young boys and girls Despite all of the effort because of the pressure to be thin to put on the pounds, AN ARTS AND CRAFT: Hot or not? To different people the ideal beauty and “beautiful” like the over exvaries remarkably.

Mauritania is ranked posed celebrities. The focus revolves only number four in around appearance rather than self terms of obesity. worth. these braces simply give a visual allusion Nauru, which is a South Pacific Island to a longer neck and put the women at a But beauty is not narrowly defined with just over 13,000 people, tops the list risk for death. and, depending on the culture, can dewith 94.5% of it’s population considered Tattoos and scars are visually appeal- scribe completely different people. overweight.

An American’s least favorite feature ing to tribes in Ethiopia and many women Although surgeries such as liposuc- create designs on their stomachs with their is likely another country’s most cherished, tion, gastric bypass, and Lap Band are scars. reflecting that beauty truly is in the eye of popular in the United States, women in Marriage and children are usually the beholder.

CARTOON BY KABIR NAGARKATTI

No one reads the newspaper anymore. Probably because there are almost none of them left. Newspapers are dying out like the dinosaurs. Or MySpace.

That’s right, the fascinating and insightful journal of knowledge and information you hold in your hands (and all others like it) will one day be a relic. Archaeologists in the future will excavate old newspapers and say, “So this is how the news used to be!”

Are people abandoning newspapers because they find them boring, crinkly, and awkward to handle? Possibly. The answer most likely lies with television and the Internet.

When newspapers began to provide articles for free on the Internet that you would normally have to pay for, it was only a matter of time.

Now people can go to Google or turn on CNN and get their news for free. Without paying customers, the newspapers fold (pun).

New media, like TV and the web, can present the news faster and with more colors and sounds. The appeal is obvious.

Some are attracted to television and internet news because it is more immediate, exciting, and in your face, even though you can actually put a newspaper in your face and get as close to it as you want without radiation. You could even hug a newspaper.

But sadly newspaper-hugging will soon be a thing of the past. I shouldn’t have said earlier that no one reads the newspaper.

There are, of course, the holdouts, the diehards, the hard-core newspaper fans. You’ll see them clipping articles, reading the paper over someone’s shoulder, carrying the Sunday Times into the john.

They love print journalism and for good reasons. The following are some of them: 1) Newspapers are touchable.

You can hold one in your hands, pass it around, share it with others. You have control over it. You can read, reread, and analyze the material you’re presented with all at your own pace and without commercial breaks. On TV, stories pass by in a flash without time to think. And unless you’re a wizard with the TiVo, you can’t hear something again or share information with friends.

2) Newspapers have in-depth coverage. They have substance. It’s more likely that you could actually learn something from reading a newspaper article as opposed to watching a 24-hour news broadcast. The medium allows thoughtful, detailed explanation and expression by journalists on a variety of topics. Some of our nation’s founders even thought newspapers were essential to democracy as they ensured an informed citizenry. Thomas Jefferson once said, “Were it left to me to decide whether we should have a government without newspapers, or newspapers without a government, I should not hesitate a moment to prefer the latter.”

Senior Robert Dillon is a free-lance contributor to “The Arrow. “

these countries would laugh at the idea and men would be revolted.

In Thailand, the most attractive feature is a long, elegant neck. Women wear brass coils starting at age five to lengthen their necks and traditionally keep them on permanently.

Many d o c tors a r gue that

Peace prize causes turbulence Iris Yan Editor-in-Chief When the Nobel committee unexpectedly awarded President Barack Obama the Nobel Peace Prize, the decision elicited both praise and scorn globally. Was it welldeserved and inspiring? Or was it premature and untimely?

Those who laud the decision believe it is an encouragement by the Nobel committee for future efforts and American leadership. Nobel Peace Prize laureate Mohamed Elbaradei, the director-general of the United Nations International Atomic Energy Agency, said that he was “absolutely delighted” upon hearing the decision.

“I cannot think of anyone today more deserving of this honor,” he said. “In less than a year in office, he has transformed the way we look at ourselves and the world we live in and rekindled hope for a world at peace with itself.”

President Obama himself said he was “surprised” but deeply humbled and even doubted he deserved the honor; nonetheless, he vowed to use it to advance his advocacy for world peace.

On the other side of the spectrum, skeptics who believe it was extremely untimely argue that Obama should have been given the award after at least the three of the most contentious issues—Afghanistan, Iraq, and Israeli-Palestinian conflicts— were resolved.

The Irish peace campaigner and 1976

Nobel Peace Prize winner Mairead Corrigan Maguire strongly disagreed with the decision, saying in a statement that she was “very disappointed” to hear of it: “They say this is for his extraordinary efforts to strengthen international diplomacy and co-operation between peoples, and yet he continues the policy of militarism and occupation of Afghanistan, instead of dialogue and negotiation with all parties to the conflict. The Nobel committee has not met the conditions of Alfred Nobel’s will, where he stipulates it is to be awarded to those who work for an end to militarism and war and for disarmament.”

True, President Obama, only the third sitting American president to win the award, is unexpectedly placed in the company of world leaders like Mikhail S. Gorbachev, who won for helping end the cold war, and Nelson Mandela, who sought to end apartheid in South Africa.

But less distinguished figures have also won the award in the past. The committee, based in Norway, emphasized that it made its decision based on Obama’s actual efforts toward nuclear disarmament as well as American engagement with the world relying more on diplomacy and dialogue.

“The question we have to ask is who has done the most in the previous year to enhance peace in the world,” the Nobel committee chairman, Thorbjorn Jagland, said in Oslo after the announcement.

“And who has done more than Barack Obama?”

THE WESTLAKE HIGH SCHOOL

ARROW

100 N. Lakeview Canyon Road Westlake Village, CA 91362 (805) 497-6711 ext. 4225 whsarrow.webs.com EDITORS-IN-CHIEF Tiffany Loh, Iris Yan COPY EDITORS Max Avruch, Annie Gerlach NEWS EDITORS Jared Erman, Katie Roughan OPINION EDITOR Becky Sadwick FEATURE EDITOR Sofia Talarico PERFORMING ARTS EDITOR Marika Price FASHION EDITOR Lisa Battaglia ENTERTAINMENT EDITORS Jake Cavanah, Sam Wexler SPORTS EDITORS Aaron Demsetz, Dashiell Young-Saver CARTOONIST Kabir Nagarkatti ADVERTISING MANAGER Rachel Bernstein ADVISOR Caron Battaglia STAFF WRITERS Alexandra Biston, Brian Chang, Meini Cheng, Celine Decker, Robert Dillon, Celine Flores, Sarah Gerlach, Charlotte Gibson, Hanna Hong, Zak Kukoff, Jamie Mark, Katelyn Masket, Julia Model, Karisma Nagarkatti, David Van Etten, Christina Vasiliou

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.

4

FEATURE

French exchange student returns

PHOTO BY DAVID VAN ETTEN

everyday life.

Beaumais, however, found herself craving more, and before the year was over had made arrangements with Michelle Carney ’10 (her host for her original two week stay) and her mother to return this fall to spend the entire year living in the Carney household and attending school as a full-time student.

Beaumais arrived one day before classes began and enrolled as a junior.

Understanding and familiarizing herself with different ways of life is very important to Adèle. She wants to spend a full school-year in a foreign country “just for the experience,” she said, “to discover another culture.”

She is also eager to improve her grasp of the English

Homecoming rally (Continued from Page 1) The DJ will be Don Henry: Club Groove.

“There has been a great deal of planing for this year’s homecoming,” said Brandy Wilbus, dean of activities.

The nominees for Homecoming prince and princess for each class are: FIGHT ON WARRIORS: Cheerleaders Alyssa Freshman Boys: Schrupp, Jenny Seltzer, Taylor Kennedy, and BritKyle Erick- tany Impelitteri lead the Juniors in their class cheer. son, Brett Hagy, Devin Ray, Dylan Ray; Fresh- mi, Nelson Spruce, Matt Sulliman Girls: Rebecca Dixon, Stac- van, Caleb Williamson; Junior ey Kane, Madison Olandt, Han- Girls: Siara Behar, Shelby Bownah Weigel. Sophomore Boys: man, Catherine Gebhardt, Suzie Luke Hegeman, John Hagy, Alex Meyer. Senior Boys: Nobel Loho, Struck, Michael Mancuso; Soph- Adrian Muguerza, Zach Stark, omore Girls: Sasha Allen, Lilli Tim Witwer; Senior Girls: McAuBabb, Rachel Phillips, Bianca ley Cahill, Victoria Fealkoff, JuRiazi. Junior Boys: Nick Sare- lie Millet, and Becky Sadwick.

PHOTO BY SARAH GERLACH

The most shocking revelation, though, was discovering the amount of non-academic affairs that go on America has always been about campus. She explained known for its unique culture. For that in France there are no school this reason, 17-year-old Adèle clubs, sports teams, or events like Beaumais left her home in rallies and dances. School spirit Normandy, France to spend the is completely unheard of. “It’s ’09-‘10 year as a student at WHS. not even imaginable in France,” Beaumais first encountered she says. “It’s all very American culture American.” when she took part Beaumais hopes in the foreign-exto hone her talent in change program the arts—an area she last October. wants to pursue as Beaumais—along a career—by taking with several other Life Drawing and French students— Computer Graphics. spent two weeks in She is excited to study Southern California in a new environment sightseeing, explorand is sure it will help ing local hot spots, to inspire her. She is and experiencing delighted to be at WHS, first-hand the diand thankful that such versity of American an extraordinary, onceculture. in-a-lifetime chance has After their presented itself. “I’m two-week stay, the BIENVENUE ADÈLE: French exchange student Adele Beuahappy to be here. It will students returned mais studies at WHS for the year. be really good for me.” to France and their language, as she feels her current level of understanding just isn’t enough. “I can’t really express myself,” she continued, “It’s hard to have a real conversation and really understand what the other person is saying.”

Still, she has found WHS students to be very friendly and welcoming, and has already

David Van Etten Staff Writer

October 16, 2009 • THE ARROW

made several good friends and acquaintances. She was happy to report, “I don’t feel like an outcast because people talk to me.”

While she has enjoyed herself so far, Beaumais had to adjust to an unfamiliar way of life. “People and places [here] are different. I think the state of mind is different,” she said. This seems to be of little consequence to her, though. “I love California,” she said, “That’s why I’m here.”

One of the major differences Beaumais has noticed between French and American culture is the amount of independence that teens have here. She has also found that the in-classroom learning experience is much more relaxed than it is in France, and the teachers here are less formal and less strict.

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5

FEATURE

October 16, 2009 • THE ARROW

Nate ‘n Al to open at Lakes

Chow down at Lazy Dog Café Rachel Bernstein Advertising Manager

Sam Wexler Entertainment Editor

PHOTO BY RACHEL BERNSTEIN

The Lazy Dog Café is a casual yet fine dining restaurant with menu selections for everyone. The menu includes Italian, Asian, Mediterranean, Mexican, American, and other globally inspired dishes.

The Lazy Dog Café is nestled in the Thousand Oaks Mall, located conveniently next to Muvico Theatres.

The restaurant has a mellow but refined atmosphere, with an upbeat staff and a decorative interior such as rustic woods and a full bar with several plasma screens.

The restaurant décor is also thematic with bone-shaped mints at the door, fire hydrant-shaped beer taps, and pictures of loyal customers’ canines scattered on the walls.

The Lazy Dog chain originated in Orange County six years ago with the same founders as the well-known Mimi’s Café that has been in business since the 1970’s.

Not only is the staff friendly

to customers, but also inviting to canines.

Dog owners dine at this restaurant because they love the company of their canine friends who are welcome on the outdoor patio, where they are provided with water bowls.

One of the most popular items on the menu is the famous wok platters which offer a variety of kung pao, sweet and spicy, and orange peel chicken, with a choice of calamari, beef, shrimp, or tofu.

All Asian dishes are served with steamed rice and topped with chopped green onions.

A spin on the menu is the Mediterranean pizzetti which is topped with roasted vegetables, caramelized onions, mushrooms, goat cheese, tomatoes, basil and balsamic reduction. This dish is an ethnic pizza that evokes the best of Mediterranean cuisine.

The Ahi Fish Tacos are seared with Ahi tuna in warm corn tortillas with shredded cabbage, island salsa, and horseradish tartar sauce, served with steamed rice and black beans.

BEWARE OF DOGS: Guests enjoy great food and bond with their pets at The Lazy Dog Café.

There are also special items that are guaranteed to satisfy any customer.

The Hawaiian Fried Rice features steamed white rice with hickory-smoked bacon, pork sausage, cabbage, veggies and eggs.

Also, the Mushroom and Goat Cheese Frittata is composed of scrambled eggs, mushrooms, onions, and spinach.

In addition to the fabulous dinner and lunch menus, Lazy Dog also offers a brunch menu on Saturday and Sunday featuring the traditional favorites Belgian waffles, eggs, and bacon.

For any meal of the day, Lazy Dog Café, located at 172 W. Hillcrest Dr., delivers a variety of food and a desirable atmosphere.

Build the best burger at The Counter Charlotte Gibson Staff Writer With over 312,120 different burger combinations, The Counter is not an ordinary burger joint. At The Counter you build your own burger.

Step #1: Choose a Burger C h o o s e between a beef, turkey, veggie, or grilled chicken burger and pick the size. For those who do not want their burger on a bun, a burger in a bowl is available served on a bed of fresh lettuce.

Step #2: Choose a Cheese From All-American yellow cheddar to a divine herb goat

cheese spread, the cheese is the basis for the burger.

Step #3: Choose Toppings Pick up to four toppings from 18 choices, including lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, chiles, grilled pineapple, and dried cranberries.

For those who want to go one step further, choose from the premium list of 10 extravagant additions such as sautéed mushrooms and honey cured bacon.

Step #4: Choose a Sauce On top of the mouthw a t e r i n g burger, cheese, and toppings, a spectacular homemade sauce of your choice is added to the masterpiece.

Step #5: Choose a Bun Lastly, choose from either an English muffin, hamburger bun, or honey wheat bun.

In addition, one can dive into the fried craze and order items such as dill pickle chips, crispy onion strings and sweet potato fries. The menu even offers a kids’ menu for children eight or under.

T h e Counter also has a variety of shakes or malts ranging from the basic flavors such as chocolate, s t r a w b e r r y, and vanilla to the extreme peanut butter, apple pie, and coffee.

Be bedazzled at Bead Lounge Charlotte Gibson Staff Writer With an array of precious stones, Swarovski crystals, gold-filled, sterling silver and glass beads, the Bead Lounge never falls short on the latest trends in jewelry designs. The Bead Lounge offers a wide variety of products to design and create stylish, affordable jewelry. Whether you are an avid jewelry designer or a fashionista with a creative mind, the Bead Lounge is your one-stop spot for all of the current trends in jewelry.

Bead Lounge is not the average jewelry boutique. It allows customers to design and create their own jewelry in a relaxed and warm environment. No experience is necessary when creating and designing creations at the Bead Lounge.

Whether you decide to design one yourself or allow one of the staff members to create your accessory, the friendly and knowledgeable employees are there to lend a helping hand. The Bead Lounge offers multiple classes on jewelry assembly from beginning bead stringing basics to a

fused glass class. All classes are held at the customer’s convenience and walkins are welcome. By either calling (805) 497-8800 or coming in, you can make an appointment to start a class today.

In addition, the Bead Lounge hosts Bead Parties for Kids (ages six and up) and wine and cheese parties for adults.

With a minimum of five guests for both parties, prices start at $30.00 per child and $25.00 per adult. Staff members will assist participants in designing and creating their jewelry, and the variety of beads and materials are available to all people at the parties.

The Bead Lounge is a modern and trendy twist on an average bead store combined with a jewelry boutique. Prices vary depending on the materials used.

The special feeling of having a oneof-a-kind, handmade design is priceless.

So let the creative juices flow and stop by the Bead Lounge today to get started on your own unique masterpiece. The Bead Lounge is conveniently located in Westlake Village, 2900 Townsgate Rd., Ste 117.

The Counter burger has been listed as one of the “20 Hamburgers You Must Eat Before You Die,” according to GQ Magazine. The Counter is open daily and is located at 30990 Russell Ranch Road, Westlake Village, CA 91362.

The world famous Beverly Hills Deli Nate ’n Al is coming to The Lakes at Thousand Oaks next month.

Whether you’re in the mood for the basic meal of bagel, cream cheese, and lox, a hot brisket sandwich, or an entrée of broiled wild salmon, Nate ‘n Al has all of your delicatessen needs.

In fact, the food is so delicious, TV Host Larry King eats breakfast there everyday, and bought a house in Beverly Hills just so he would be in walking distance of the institution.

Al Mendelson and Nate Reimer founded Nate ‘n Al in 1945, setting up business on North Beverly Drive. After buying Reimer’s share, Mendelson had spent his early adulthood working the greatest deli in Detroit.

Then he relocated to Beverly Hills 63 years ago to open his own deli, using what he had learned to make Nate ‘n Al what it is today.

The deli is still owned by the Mendelson family and serves the same Grade A food that made the example for all the following delis.

Nate ‘n Al is also famous for its service. Al’s wife Tessie worked the register for more than three decades, giving the deli a friendly feel.

The deli will be a welcome addition to the Lakes.

6

PERFORMING ARTS

October 16, 2009 • THE ARROW

Drama students ham it up for Nov. play Becky Sadwick Opinion Editor

PHOTO BY IRIS YAN

With the WHS Theatre under construction, the Drama Department is putting Shakespeare’s famous words “all the world’s a stage” to work as they rehearse their upcoming play Love of a Pig. The added difficulties of not being able to experiment with staging and volume in rehearsals have not deterred the cast members in their quest to put on a successful show at Thousand Oaks High School in Nov. “It’s different because we don’t have a theatre. It’s harder because we can’t hear our voices in the theatre where we perform,” said Kevin Commons ‘10. Dylan Wakelin ‘12, agreed that it is more difficult to prepare while practicing in the band room. “We miss our theatre!” he said.

Sharing what was the band room is also a challenge for the theatre department. A new band room was created from the renovated auto shop, where the band is now supposed to meet for rehearsals.

Director Catherine Conti selected the play for the drama club’s fall production “based on the fact that we don’t have a theatre, and this play requires a minimal set.” She was also attracted to the play “because the humor is accessible to students and we don’t have a lot of time to prepare.”

The fact that it was also written by local playwright Leslie Caveny was yet another added incentive.

Love of a Pig is a fast-paced, upbeat comedy with a slightly unusual set-up: all the supporting cast remains on stage and jumps up from chairs to show the main character’s transition from reality. It follows a high school girl with a story line similar to that of the 2001 romantic comedy Bridget Jones’s Diary.

Westlake’s version of the play was adapted from the original that made its New York debut Oct. 12. It follows a girl content with most aspects of her life, aside from relationships with boys.

FOR THE LOVE OF A THEATRE: Drama club’s cast of Love of a Pig bonds while preparing for its Nov. performance.

Jordan Myrick ’11, a new WHS student, plays the main character. Conti cast her in the role although she has no experience acting at Westlake because she believed Myrick stood out as the best fit for the part.

“Seniority doesn’t rule,” explained Conti. “I cast the best person for the part every time regardless of past participation in productions because the real world is like that and I want to prepare them for it,” she continued.

Kevin Commons added that although he was a lead in the last production and involved in theatre since his freshman year, he was cast as an understudy for the upcoming show.

Adapting quickly to their new rehearsal space, cast members are confident they can successfully prepare for the show. Conti has established an “excellent working relationship with Joe Donia,” who is responsible for the Drama Department at Thousand Oaks High School.

WHS will also have the support of TO’s technical theatre class to build the sets even before they arrive in Nov. to begin run-throughs in the theatre. “It’s a blessing to work with the theatre department there,” said Conti, who knows Donia because he was her drama teacher when she attended Thousand Oaks High School.

The comedy runs Nov. 5-7 at TOHS’s theatre.

“Love of a Pig” Performance Dates: Nov. 5 7 pm Nov. 6 7 pm Nov. 7 2 and 7 pm Purchase tickets at the door or from a cast member Location:

Thousand Oaks High School

Sykora “A Class Act” performer Marika Price Performing Arts Editor

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PERFECT PITCH: Sykora sings in harmony at a local theatre performance.

Raw talent cannot be aquired or forced, but is rather a natural ability admired by performers and spectators.

Chelsea Sykora ‘10 is the epitome of talent with a striking, powerful voice and a personality that shines onstage.

Performing is not a new concept to Sykora. She has been in the spotlight since age five and is energized by the audiences and bright lights.

“All those stories that performers tell you about adrenaline and the feeling are true. You forget the stresses and the things that bring you down and you just become... a performer.”

Immersing herself in the plays she participates in, Sykora craves a storyline that gives her the freedom to show different sides of her personality.

Her favorite show to be a part of was “Seussical” because she had the chance to show her “sassiness.”

Singing is not only a passion, but also a significant commitment in Sykora’s life. She participates in Vocal Ensemble and A Class Act which has offered many opportunities to gain experience, but also adds two extra periods to her already heavy schedule. With four AP classes and volunteer activities, Sykora unsurprisngly finds the balance difficult to manage. She explained, “People don’t understand that you don’t just have a performance here and there. You have to practice every

day and go to lessons every week.”

Putting on a show is a long and hectic process, but in Sykora’s eyes is “more than worth it in the end.”

The multi-talented performer also excels in piano which she has been playing for thirteen years. Although becoming a concert pianist is not Skyora’s main goal, she realizes the benefits of having more than one skill.

“While I’m pursuing musical theatre I can do jobs on the side with my piano abilities. And earn some pretty decent money.” Thinking ahead, Sykora is not naive to the increasingly competitive entertainment industry.

Sykora’s talent is clearly bound for a promising future in the arts, but she doesn’t underestimate the value in an education. She hopes to major in musical theatre and either double major or minor in biology too. “ I want both the arts and academics in my life.

I don’t want to choose.” A more than well- rounded student like Sykora shouldn’t have to.

Sykora’s dream is not vague or blurry, she knows exactly the career she wishes to pursue and where she sees herself in ten years. “In a perfect world, I’ll have a college degree and hopefully be starring in musicals on broadway. That would be the ultimate.” Humility and star power is a rare combination to come by and Sykora’s determination is on track to reaching her dreams.

7

FEATURE

October 16, 2009 • THE ARROW

Welcome to...

Max Avruch Copy Editor The path that students take to explore their academic freedom in college allows them to cultivate new interests as they search for a major.

Princeton Review selected ten top majors that successfully connect to a variety of related career paths after college graduation.

1. Business Administration

Stealing the first spot in the list is Business Administration and Management/Commerce.

Studying business permits students to think about relevant issues like diversity, ethics, politics, and other work environment dynamics.

Not only does this major combine the necessary people skills, but it involves an ability to problem solve, number crunch, and make decisions. Because one will study business, his experience enhances tenfold in learning the principles of accounting, finance, marketing, economics, statistics, and human resource functions.

Various Business Administration career titles include office and administrative support, supervisors, managers, cost estimators, property managers, real estate managers, and purchasing managers.

2. Psychology

A psychology major delves into the realm of human behavior and the processes of the mind.

With this major, a graduate can pursue career paths in

,

learning, cognition, intelligence, motivation, emotion, perception, personality, mental disorders, and inheritance and its effect on individual preferences.

Careers at schools, government facilities, medical and mental hospitals, and community outreach programs all are open to people who show an interest in the field of psychology.

3. Nursing

Nursing—a career path for the compassionate—requires a combination of traditional science and liberal arts courses as a beginning student in college and then utilizes those skills in experience-based programs at health care facilities.

Of course the job prospects can range in fields like geriatrics, neurology, oncology, obstetrics, and pediatrics; nursing, however, combines human compassion and advanced technology.

4. Biology/Biological Science

Biology/Biological Sciences involves the study of life and the environment. Job prospects include genetics, biotechnology, ecology, or environmentalism. Biology branches out to many fields of study, so the financial salary level ranges incredibly from one aspect of study to the other.

5. Education

Who would think that someone who exhibits patience, integrity, enthusiasm, intelligence, and kindness could end up majoring in education?

This major encompasses social skills from intellectual teaching of the ABC’s, to inspiring students to success.

The kind of learning materi-

al that a teacher wants to educate thus impacts the grade levels that teachers end up instructing Does a teacher want to cut and paste with arts and crafts in the first grade or does a teacher hope to have a student understand the intricacies involved with time-travel in Astrophysics?

6. English Language

Majoring in English Language and Literature, or writing will immerse students into fiction, poetry, and nonfiction from around the world and throughout history. One’s critical, emotional, creative, and moral faculties improve as the knowledge of the English language deepens.

Careers for those majoring in English can vary from journalism, writing, publishing, editing, graduate studies, law enforcement and any other career that incorporates intuitive analysis.

7. Economics

Economics is the study of how choices affect individuals, businesses, governments, and corporations choose to spend the time, money, and resources.

This major also studies the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services that is necessary for understanding day-to-day expen-

ditures.

This major can tie in with Business and Administration as its preparation in future business is enormous, and can aid in graduate studies in law, public policy, and international studies.

8. Communications Studies

Communications Studies and Speech Communication and Rhetoric major is all about speaking and having that “storyteller” verbal ability.

Based on one’s communication degree, one can pursue a career in intercultural communication, public relations firms, and advertising.

9. Political Science and Government

By obtaining a Political Science and Government degree, one can understand the politics of government, the workings of the American government, public policy, foreign affairs, political philosophy, and comparative government.

The “poli sci” majors develop critical thinking and communication skills and a thorough understanding of how history and culture play together in the shaping of modern world politics.

Career paths in political sci-

Better schools for B students With a comprehensive list for the average student, U.S. News and World Report offers helpful hints to get accepted into great colleges.

Alex Biston Staff Writer Students with less than stellar SAT scores or grade-point averages do not have to worry.

There are plenty of outstanding colleges and universities that can offer everything one could desire without the stiff competition.

For the fifth year, U.S News and World Report screened specific schools for students that have a decent shot at acceptance if they have an acceptable, but not flawless, transcript.

For those without a perfect 4.0, here are three ways to compensate on college applications: 1. College essays can be a drag to write, but they present a key opportunity to differentiate oneself from other applicants.

Getting good topics for potential essays is especially important if

one’s grades don’t stand out.

2. Volunteer work is a crucial extracurricular that will stand out in college applications and show a student’s interest in the community.

The Sunrise Assisted Living Center, where one can volunteer to help the elderly, is just one way to get involved.

3. Colleges want to see wellrounded students who highlight their passions and demonstrate leadership and involvement in activities they enjoy. Although these factors may seem somewhat obvious, they are an extremely crucial part in the application process.

Recently, debate over whether the SAT test should be a determining factor in college admissions has sparked controversy.

Some feel that the SAT tests students on their test-taking skills rather than how smart they are.

“It’s not an accurate reflection

of your intelligence,” said Amanda Levy ’10. “I feel that they definitely shouldn’t weigh the scores as heavily as they do because standardized testing scores are affected by how good a tutor you can afford and how well you test.”

One thing that colleges do not prefer to see is a transcript filled with easy classes that boost a sagging GPA. This does not mean that students should load up on AP’s if they knows they won’t be able to handle them, but challenging classes are key.

“B students should not be ashamed of their grades, they are the backbone of most colleges” Said Missy Sanchez, director of college counseling at Atlanta’s Woodward Academy. “That B average gets you into a lot of good schools, and with a C average you still have a lot to offer colleges.”

ence range from lawyers, politicians, journalists, professors, and government agents.

10. Computer and Information Sciences

The final spot on Princeton Review’s top ten majors is a Computer and Information Sciences degree.

With this major, one learns about the hardware and software components of a computer and the applications of these computers in how technology fits into a business scenario.

Topics such as robotics, natural language recognition programs, artificial intelligence, programming languages, numerical analysis, and gaming technology are all career outcomes of a Computer/ Information Sciences major.

All types of careers— whether from applying how John Milton’s Paradise Lost highlights one of the greatest themes in the English language to discovering the complete cure to the AIDS disease—lead people onto unique paths of research and purpose, fueling how each generation thinks, acts, and lives in an imaginative “careerland” of limitless possibilities.

Schools for the Less-Competitive Students -Auburn University (Ala.) -Baylor University (Texas) -Clemson University (S.C) -George Mason University (Va.) -Hofstra University (N.Y) -Iowa State University (Iowa) -Marquette University (Wisconsin) -Michigan State University (Mich.)

-Ohio State Universtiy (Ohio) -Pennsylvania State University (Pa.) -Syracuse University (N.Y) -Temple University (Pa.) -University of Idaho (Idaho) -University of Maryland (Md.) -Virginia Tech (Va.)

8

ENTERTAINMENT

October 16, 2009 • THE ARROW

IT’S ZOMBIE BASHING TIME

acteristics that their roles require, specifically Eisenberg. He does such a good job of showing how much of a loser Columbus is, that more than once in the movie I found myself thinking, “This guy is so lame.” The chemistry between Stone and Eisenberg isn’t entirely believable, but under the circumstances of the film it begins to feel more real as the two spend more time together and become closer through the course of the movie.

Harrelson delivers the most laughs due to his character’s mix of violence and immaturity. For example, in his quest for a Twinkie, Tallahassee lures a zombie into the open by playing the famous “Dueling Banjos” tune from Deliverance and then commences in killing the zombie with the banjo.

As a satire, the film pokes fun at the zombie genre. For instance, a man who ate a bad gas station burger started the disease. The film also shows the stupidity of zombies by explaining that Bill Murray, CLEAN UP ON AISLE 5: Tallahassee (Harrelson) and Columbus (Eisenberg) get ready to lower the played by himself, puts on movie make- zombie population. up to appear undead, and then just goes around LA doing what he pleases without ie. In fact, as far as those classic jump-out- blend of humor and blood that makes it any interference. of-your-seat scary scenes go, there aren’t both a good zombie flick and a good comThe violence is a little extreme, with that many in the film, and the few that are edy. a lot of blood and gore, but it is not bad there are mainly in the beginning. enough to turn someone off from the movOverall, Zombieland is an excellent Rating:

Sam Wexler Entertainment Editor

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Blood, gore, the undead, guns, and comedy—not the most likely combination for a movie, but the new film Zombieland proves that just because a movie is filled with blood does not mean it cannot be filled with laughs too.

The film follows, and is narrated by, Columbus (Jesse Eisenberg), an unlikely hero in this zombie filled post-apocalyptic world. His survival is attributed to his list of rules that he uses to stop from becoming a zombie appetizer.

Along his journey Columbus teams up with Tallahassee (Woody Harrelson), a violent zombie killer with nothing to lose, whose only goal in this new life is to find and eat the world’s last Twinkies.

The duo also meet Wichita (Emma Stone) and Little Rock (Abigail Breslin), two sisters who cause Columbus and Tallahassee more problems than the zombies by conning and deserting the duo. Despite their differences, however, the members of this rag tag group decide to work together and get to Pacific Playland, a rumored zombieless theme park outside LA. As far as acting goes, the cast does an excellent job portraying the specific char-

It’s a bird. It’s a plane.

No, it’s a Super Top 5 List Last month, the countdown went to the Final Frontier, and this month we’re diving into the world of comic books to count down the top five superheroes of all time.

The system for making this list led to some heated debate about who should go where, a debate which in turn led to a tie between Batman and Wolverine for lead hero. A coin flip determined the rest.

Whether you are a fan of Marvel or DC, this list is sure to satisfy your spandex-clad dreams.

his journey for justice more fun to watch.

With the trusted sidekick Robin at his side, Batman sets the standard for other heroes to live up to.

2) Wolverine

Wolverine is undoubtedly the most violent, ferocious Canadian of all time.

Also known as Logan, he possesses keen animal-like senses, enhanced physical abilities, retractable bone claws, and the power to heal himself. After taking part in a military experiment that bonded the indestructible metal adamantium to his bones, Wolverine became a type of tough anti-hero that was common after the Vietnam War. Wolverine is by far the most famous Marvel Comics hero and the poster-child of the X-Men.

1) Batman

That’s right, the number one superhero has no “super” powers, but it is this lack of power that makes Batman the true superhero and enables him to fight alongside the likes of Superman and Wonder Woman. Shaken by the loss of his parents, Bruce Wayne spends years honing both body and mind to fight the crime-stricken streets of Gotham City as the Batman.

With an array of bat-themed weapons at his disposal, Batman takes an oath to never use guns and never purposely kill anyone, making him one of the most honorable heroes in the DC Universe. Deemed the “World’s Greatest Detective,” Batman also has the best rogues gallery, with such memorable villains as The Joker, TwoFace, and The Penguin, all of whom make

Retreat from Couples Retreat Sam Wexler Entertainment Editor Vince Vaughn’s new film Couples Retreat proves that he has not made a good movie since Wedding Crashers.

The film follows four couples that agree to go to Eden, an island getaway, so that Jason (Jason Bateman) and Cynthia (Kristen Bell) can try to save their marriage. However, as the movie progresses, the other couples realize that their relationships need saving, too.

Despite having a comical cast—Bateman, Vaughn, and Favreau—the film does not deliver that many laughs, simply because it tries too many times. In fact, the funniest scene in the movie, a yoga class filled with innuendos, only lasts about five

minutes and does not make up for the absence of humor in the rest of the film.

The film also lacks any spontaneity. It is obvious that the couple in a rut and the couple on the rocks are going to rekindle their romance, the divorcees are going to get back together, and the cheaters are going to realize they are meant for each other.

Like most romantic comedies, the movie ends happily, making for a disappointing cinematic experience.

Overall, Couples Retreat is bland and unoriginal and only for those on a fivehour flight who have exhausted all other entertainment options.

Rating:

3) Superman

Faster than a speeding bullet, able to leap over tall buildings in a single bound, Superman is one of the earliest superheroes, first appearing in Action Comics # 1 in 1938. The Man of Steel has all the basic superpowers (flight, speed, invulnerability), but it is his choice to embrace his human life just as much as his heroic one that makes him great. Without his mild mannered alter-ego Clark Kent, Superman would not have made the list.

4) Iron Man

Although he was recently reintroduced to the teen generation by the 2008 movie, Iron Man first appeared in the Tales of Suspense comic series in 1963.

Super genius Tony Stark builds himself a technologically advanced suit of armor that allows him to fly and fight crime. Iron Man, a multimillionaire and undercover American hero during the Cold War, shows how technology and business are more powerful than communism.

5) The Flash

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WORLD’S FINEST: Batman stalks the streets of Gotham City.

The fastest man alive, the Scarlet Speedster has the powers that allow him to react at super speeds and move through solid objects. Whether it is Jay Garrick, Barry Allen, Wally West, or Bart Allen, the Flash is that mix of both super-powered and vulnerable qualities that make for a complex hero.

Compiled By: Jared Erman and Sam Wexler

2012 more fiction than fact Alex Biston Staff Writer A common superstition in many cultures around the world is that the year 2012 will be the end of the world.

Many believe this superstition derives from the ancient Mayan calendar which ends on Dec. 21, 2012 A.D. There has been a lot of uproar about this infamous idea. For example, a simple Google search for “2012” and “the end of the world” brings up nearly 300,000 hits. Also, the popular video sharing web site, Youtube, hosts more than 65,000 clips informing and warning viewers on their fate in the doomed year. So the real question seems to be, is 2012 fact or fiction?

A new series on the History Channel, “The Nostradamus Effect”, claims that the 16th century French physician and astronomer, Michel de Nostradamus, had predicted through his writings a series of natural disasters, plagues and wars that may lead up to the end of the world. Many believe the 9/11 attacks to be one of the “disasters”

predicted in Nostradamus’ writings.

In an effort by Hollywood to capitalize on this extreme idea, the sci-fi movie 2012, directed by Rolland Emmerich, will be released world-wide on Nov. 13.

The film will tell the story of people trying to survive the natural disasters foretold by the ancient Mayan calender.

Some scenes include Sun storms, tsunamis, earthquakes and volcanoes that destroy the earth. .

Hollywood is noted for sensationalizing disasters and depicting them in blockbuster films. Hollywood’s spin on the apocalyptic theory could contribute to the potential mass hysteria that “Nostradamians” are drawn to.

“I think this is just a huge marketing scheme,” said Annie Shapiro, a sophomore at Pacific Palisades Charter school. “People are making money from books, movies, television shows, and internet sites.”

Is this just another end of the world scare or is this a warning that the world should heed? The outcome remains unknown until Dec. 21, 2012.

9

ENTERTAINMENT

October 16, 2009 • THE ARROW

Violet Hour’s time has come Sarah Gerlach Staff Writer

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STRIKE A POSE: Hubbard flaunts his good side in his recent promotional photo shoot.

Hubbard’s true “C.O.L.O.R.” is in his music Jacob Cavanah Entertainment Editor “Well, when I was young it was the only type of music I listened to, and it’s been a major influence on my music.”

For WHS student Luke Hubbard ’11, a.k.a.

C.O.L.O.R., true love is in his raps, song-writing, and selfproduced hip-hop music.

His major influences have been hip-hop artists and producers Common, Kanye West, Pharrell, Mos Def, and 2Pac. Jazz-influenced hip-hop group A Tribe Called Quest and Michael Jackson have also made an impact in his music.

“I focus on the melody and the drums,” Hubbard said about his priorities while making music, ”and it has got to be creative.”

Hubbard makes music very diligently because it is important for him that the listener is satisfied with every aspect of the song, from production, lyrics, beat, and flow.

C.O.L.O.R. has performed at local night clubs such as Blue, Canyon Club, and Borderline. He has also made appearances at hot spots such as Malibu Inn, Roxy, and The Aqua Lounge.

Sicky Dicky is the promotion company that C.O.L.O.R. prefers to work with. It is the organization that books all of his performances and promotes his name to big labels for him to further his success.

C.O.L.O.R. himself also has the business skills it takes to reach the top in the music industry. He is constantly promoting himself with people

“Backstreet’s back, alright!”

Annie Gerlach Copy Editor

Apple captures a new idea Aaron Demsetz Sports Editor

collects audio when recording as well.

Syncing the iPod with iTunes also allows the user to upload any iPod-recorded content from YouTube.

In addition, the FM radio comes complete with a Live Pause function, that allows the user to briefly pause the radio station, and even rewind the radio broadcast back to 15 minutes before the time the listener tuned into the radio station.

Listeners can now browse an endless catalog of music, thanks to the new

Eagerly anticipated by music fanatics and gadget lovers alike, the 5th generation model of Apple’s world-famous “iPod Nano” has arrived in retail stores.

Apple’s technology advancements in their previous iPod’s, such as the iPod Video, iTouch, iPhone, and other iPod models, are already ahead of their time.

Even though it is nearly identical in shape to its predecessor, the earlier model 4th generation Nano, the new model is set with a few new ground-breaking features that make it stand out from all of Apple’s other mp3 players.

Even though the new Nano looks more SMILE, YOU’RE ON CAMERA: The Nano’s newly or less like a copy of the 4th generation equipped video camera is placed on the backside. with a bigger screen, its video and radio capabilities more than make up for any losses in design creativity. addition of radio functions.

Equipped with a video camera, the Selecting a “tag” option when 5th generation Nano successfully records listening to the radio will preserve video as well as add-on special effects information about the song and artist, in such as thermal and x-ray viewing. case the listener forgets the details of a Unexpectedly, this camera also song he or she was previously listening to.

Additional features include the VoiceOver function that is already installed on the newest iPod Shuffle.

VoiceOver conveniently “speaks” to the listener, stating what song is waiting to be played, as well as the artist’s name belonging to the song.

Another new feature is the Voice Memo capability, which makes use of the Nano’s built-in-microphone to record audio.

Finally, workout fanatics will be enthralled to hear that users can use a Nike + iPod Sport Kit to record and display fitness information.

The Nano can count the number of steps taken during a given run around the block, average pace, and the number of calories burned in a certain time frame.

Revolutionary in iPod history, the mp3 player exerts a clear advantage over any competition thriving to come out with a mp3 device that tops Apple’s iPod model’s.

With its sleek look and new capabilities, the iPod nano is the latest in “must-have gadgets.”

Music fans will not want to miss another ground-breaking mp3 player by Apple.

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No, it is not a typo. The Backstreet Boys, the dreamy boy band from our elementary school years, released its seventh studio album, This is Us on Oct. 6.

Even though their fans have grown up and matured since the days of the 1999 album Millennium, it seems that the Backstreet Boys have sadly remained stagnant.

That is not to say that the music is all terrible. Some of the tracks are instant guilty pleasures full of dance club beats and a R&B soul feeling.

In particular, the first single off the album, “Straight Through My Heart,” is catchy, a feel-good throwback to the earlier hits like “Larger than Life,” with a surprising synthetic twist.

The group has indeed attempted to modernize their music by collaborating with producers such as T-Pain, RedOne, and OneRepublic’s Ryan Tedder. Plus, the band reunited with “I Want it That Way” producer Max Martin, in order to recapture some of their magic that has been missing.

This is Us strikes far too similar a chord to everything else the band has already created. The Backstreet Boys are a one-hit wonder, constantly trying to rework the same old tired formula of pop and harmony. To add insult to injury, it is almost obscene to hear these four croon about “shorty” on the track “She’s a Dream.”

The group’s famous line, “Backstreet’s back, alright!” is not in favor of their fans—and the rest of the music industry—this time.

who have special connections and is always looking for opportunities to take the next step.

C.O.L.O.R.’s music can be found on Myspace music page, Myspace.com/ thecolormancan.

He posts all of his recent songs as well as information on his upcoming shows and pictures of his performances and photo shoots.

Hubbard recently released one album titled The Drum Major’s Instinct. He started to sell the hard copy on April 23, 2009 for $10.00. The Drum Major’s Instinct can also be found on iTunes for $8.91.

When asked about upcoming performances, Hubbard said, “I have none scheduled, but I’ll make sure to keep you posted.”

“We can write off the old from here to the end. Do you believe in memories wasted?”

Compelling lyrics like these fill the songs of WHS band, The Violet Hour. The band is comprised of five juniors who attend WHS: lead guitarist Michael Topper; rhythm guitarist Sawyer Fox; bassist Ryan Brown, drummer Josh Pearlman; and vocalist Alex Macat.

The band already shows promise. Their original compositions are primarily alternative, and they have one new extended play to add to their original set.

The Violet Hour is influenced by bands Paramore, Brand New, and My Chemical Romance.

“I also get inspiration from Wu Tang Clan,” said Brown.

The band began at an unlikely place in Nov. 2007.

“It’s a funny story. We all actually met at a WWE Smack-Down Match,” explained Fox. “Then we just decided to form a band.”

Since the boys started their band, they have had five performances: twice at Rock City Studios in Nov. 2008 and Feb. 2009.

The Violet Hour participated in Battle of the Bands last December, at the Thousand Oaks Teen Center.

“By far, the most rewarding performance was a benefit concert we played to help give water to wells for African children,”

Brown said.

“Another great show was at the Knitting Factory last March.

It was exciting to play for such a large crowd in Hollywood,” added Pearlman.

Not only does The Violet Hour perform, they also recently recorded five original songs.

The band started to record on July 14, working into the middle of the night.

“The process was long and hard,” explained Macat. “We would arrive at 10 p.m. and sometimes we would stay until 8 a.m. the next morning.”

All the hard work the band put in paid off. The recording sessions were a success with the help of producer Kyle Blatt and the band’s willingness to succeed.

The recording experience helped the band to bond. When they first formed, the members had a lot of fights, but over the past two years they have become extremely close.

“The recording process gave us many interesting memories. I always liked listening to the radio on the way to the studio with Sawyer and hanging out in an alleyway next to the studio in Culver City,” said Topper.

The Violet Hour has an upcoming performance at the Calabasas Community Center on Oct. 16. For tickets or more information, contact any band member or go to www.myspace.com/ theviolethourband.

10

SPORTS

October 16, 2009 • THE ARROW

Spruce shows strength on offense and defense Jake Cavanah Entertainment Editor

PHOTO BY JAKE CAVANAH

GOOD HANDS: Wide receiver Nelson Spruce has helped Warrior football stay undefeated this

Starting wide receiver and safety Nelson Spruce ’11 is one of the important contributors to the Warriors success on the football field.

His statistics on both sides of the ball have been instrumental for the team’s victories.

Expectations from others and hard work during the off-season fueled Spruce’s start to this season.

“The expectations were pretty high this year be-

cause our top two receivers from last year graduated, so I knew I had to step up to fill the spot as receiver,” said Spruce. “Over the off-season my biggest improvement was probably my route running. I worked a lot on my routes in the spring and summer.”

This essential aspect of his game is what has allowed the quarterback to throw easily to Spruce.

He set the tone in Westlake’s debut home game against Paso Robles, coming out on top 48-26.

He noticeably stood out from the rest of the team with unbelievable statistics.

His four touchdowns with only five receptions in the first half for 233 yards were enough to secure a WHS victory. He had a 94-yard-long touchdown pass thrown by quarterback Nick

Isham ’11.

“I think he’s more confident, and I think his talents are even more defnite now,” said starting running back Tavior Mowry ‘11.

Spruce’s improvements and talent have been acknowledged by teammates, coaches, and other schools. He has not finished a game without at least one touchdown and is doing his part on the team’s solid defense.

Spruce leads the team by averaging two touchdowns per game and has a combined total of eight. Averaging four tackles per game with a total of 15, he has contributed significantly as the Warrior’s skilled secondary.

The Warriors’ game against TOHS was an important victory, demolishing the rival team with a score of 43-17.

“The TO game was a real-

ly satisfying game,” said Spruce about the outcome. “It was the biggest game of the season so far, and the way we came out and beat them like that showed the team who we are.”

He helped the defense keep the Lancers to 17 points with his five total tackles. Spruce added six to the scoreboard by taking back a 55-yard punt return that established their momentum and fired up the sidelines and stands.

Spruce is not showing any signs of slowing down his already established dominance this season, a good sign for WHS and a warning to all future opponents. “I tried not to set any expectations for the season. I just planned on taking the season as it comes, but so far I’m enjoying the season and liking the way things are going,”he said.

Water polo battles for spot in CIF playoffs

Dashiell Young-Saver Sports Editor

PHOTO BY DASHIELLYOUNG-SAVER

After struggling with two consecutive losses, the WHS boys varsity water polo team won 9-7 in a close game against Newbury Park High School last week and led at half-time during their 10-7 loss at Royal on Tuesday.

“It’s the best we have played so far this year,” said Coach Todd Irmas about his team’s performance against Royal. For the past nine years the Warriors have not sustained a lead against Royal.

The Warriors aim to finish the season among the top four teams in the Marmonte League.

Only these teams will move on to the CIF playoffs.

However, this task will not be easy, considering that their

current league record puts them below the cut-off mark.

According to Irmas, the team will need to win against Calabasas, Moorpark, and Newbury Park High Schools to secure a spot in the post-season.

At the beginning of the season many players were sick and missed a lot of practice.

This resulted in losses for the team. Now that the players are healthy and able to play once again the team is playing better and winning.

“This is the team I knew we had all along and it has not shown up until now, “ said Irmas.

If the Warriors continue the momentum gained from their wins, develop a better defense, and convert on powerplays, then they will have a good shot at advancing into the post-season.

HEADS UP: Senior Conrad Aleks moves to block a shot in the team’s 9-7 win over Newbury Park.

Upcoming Waterpolo Games 10/20 vs Calabasas @ Calabasas 10/22 vs Moorpark @ home 10/27 vs Thousand Oaks @ home

11/30/09

11/30/09

11

SPORTS

October 16, 2009 • THE ARROW

Krems brings WHS tennis up to new level

Cross country teams go the extra mile

Staff Writer

talent and s p o r t s manship. “ BORN TO RUN: Cross country teams near the finish line of their season.

Moorpark’s coach said they love Becky Sadwick racing us because we’re such good sports Opinion Editor and cheer for everyone” said Jackie Merkle ’10.

The ability to push through pain to Even with a promisingly strong start become a competitive cross country team to the season, some injuries have preventin the tough Marmonte League takes com- ed the team from reaching its full potenmitment. tial.

But for the talented athletes on WHS “We were doing great when the seacross country, the rewards of a good race son started, but with people getting sick and the bonds formed among teammates and injured we’re not doing as well as premake up more than just the challenges. dicted,” said James McAfee ’10.

Cross country is a fall sport, yet the Still, coaches and runners alike have team began training early this past sum- high hopes for the remainder of the seamer. son.

Between the daily practices and the “Coach likes that we won’t be as highearly Saturday meets, the athletes had ly ranked and chased after in post season, plenty of time to develop lasting friend- so it’s almost a good thing,” McAfee conships. tinued.

Coach Gloria Rios said that this Coach Troy Burns is not disheartened year’s team “is probably the closest knit, by the injuries the team faces. “We have a both in talent and in camaraderie of any of lot of talent on this team. We need to get the teams I’ve coached.” the girls healthy, but the guys are right Rios hopes “that both teams [boys and where they want to be running as a tight girls] will go all the way to CIF and show pack,” Burns said. up in Fresno for the state meet.”

Talent is oftentimes an inherent trait, Even other coaches notice the team’s but when coupled with outstanding coach-

ing, encouraging teammates and determination, even those who are not athletic show incredible promise.

“The team is doing really well. There are lots of young kids showing a real learning curve. They’re learning how to pace themselves and run a smart race,” said Head Coach Joe Snyder.

Coaches and teammates all seem to have a universally positive outlook about the way the season is going and where the team is headed.

Coach Sheryl Snyder said that this is a “good team with great kids. The girls have done everything we told them, and the boys varsity top 7 goes deep. There is a lot of talent on this team.”

Coach Joe Snyder agrees that “we definitely really want to get our spread one through six or one through seven.”

The success seems to run through every division on the cross country team, as Kevin Yu ’13 said, “We’re working together and pulling through. I hope we keep it up and go all the way to CIF.” Each member of the cross country “family” is enjoying the overall success of this season.

If they continue training hard despite setbacks and struggle as the coaches hope, WHS cross country athletes just might make it all the way to CIF.

Football tailgates before rivalry game Jared Erman Sports Editor The most anticipated rivalry game of the football season, WHS vs. Thousand Oaks, ended in a satisfying WHS win of 43-17.

Although the entire WHS student body knows about the importance of the game, only a small portion is aware of the spirit rally the team held prior to the game.

Coach Jim Benkert organized a barbecue for the team members on Sept. 30.

They were joined by the cheerleaders and the Westlake Regiment.

The barbecue was designed to further motivate the already spirited team.

FACE TO FACE WITH THE ENEMY: WHS defeated TOHS for the first time since 2006.

“I think it was a great idea, especially for such a big rivalry Between the coaches’ speeches, the excited to see the results. game,” said biology teacher and Westlake Regiment played the pep tunes Benkert also mentioned that G.I.’s in football coach Darin Erickson.

After eating, the team sat in a semi- that they are known for, such as the Fight Iraq look forward to watching the Warriors play every Friday night, and hope for the circle and listened to their coaches and Song, Bomp, and Hamms.

“TOHS has nothing on the passion team’s success. other former Warriors reminisce about and the enthusiasm of the team,” said After five regular season games, the their past match-ups against TOHS. Speakers included coaches Kamran Instrumental Music Council President team holds a record of 5-0, going completely undefeated. They pummeled Salem, Zack Washerman, and Devin Michelle Carney ‘10.

“The band will always be their Agoura last Friday 51-7. WHS’s HomeTalavera, along with Mike Seidman ‘98 number one fan,” she added. coming game is on Friday, Oct. 16 against and Joe Lemma ‘01.

The varsity players were also very Calabasas.

Seidman, who played for the NFL “The half-time show will be wonderCarolina Panthers and Indianapolis Colts, excited for the big game. “We haven’t was a member of the WHS special teams beaten them since freshman year,” ful, and I hope we keep the undefeated commented Mason Thibo ‘10. “It’s our season going,” commented Dean of Athletfrom 1995-1998. ics Jason Branham.

Former Oregon State defensive end time now.”

Miguel Campos ‘11 added, “This Branham believes that the teams reLemma also played for the Warriors.

Seidman and Lemma shared their is a big game. We’re going to be really cord can be attributed to the basic elements memories of past games against TOHS, focused.” Campos and Thibo, who both of teamwork and cooperation; “The team encouraging the team to play their play on the defensive line, greatly looked is playing as a team. Unity carries through forward to the rivalry game and were very offense, defense, and special teams.” hardest.

PHOTO BY ANNIE GERLACH

Sivan Krems ’13, who currently plays the position of number one singles on the WHS girls varsity tennis team, is a top-30 nationally ranked junior, and is among the top five best players in Southern California.

Her accomplishments include winning a couple of junior tournaments, including the prestigious 109th annual Ojai (which was also won by the likes of Lindsey Davenport and Tracy Austin), and earning a finalist position in the Girls’ 16’s Division national tournament called the California Bowl.

Additionally, last August, Krems played the number one position for Southern California at a team tournament in Salt Lake City, Utah.

For the second consecutive year she has been selected by the tennis company Head, to be sponsored and named on their Junior Elite Team. She is also a blue chip prospect recruit for year 2013 by tennis recruiting coaches.

On average, Krems spends about two hours a day on the court, four times a week at the gym, and sometimes eight hours a day over the weekend if she has entered into a United States Tennis Association (USTA) tournament.

“Tennis combines being both physically fit and mentally tough, and your successes and failures are squarely on your own shoulders,” she said. “What makes me devoted to this game is that the more I put into this sport, the better my results.”

According to Sivan, many highly ranked junior players are homeschooled due to busy schedules committed to practicing. However, Krems is enrolled in all Honors classes and receives consistent A’s.

However, Krems did not want to miss out on “the high school experience.” “I love the camaraderie and team spirit we have on the team,” Sivan said. “I’ve gotten to meet some really nice girls and Mrs. Flanderka is a great coach.”

Some day, she would like to play professionally on the Women’s Pro Tour.

She is already on the radar of several nationally ranked colleges.

“There are two points of focus for me in every match: the ball, and my opponents’ strengths and weaknesses composite,” she said. “My goal is to be able to assess my opponents’ strengths and weaknesses and adjust my game accordingly.”

For Krems, tennis involves traveling all over the U.S. Through zonal team tennis competitions and individual tournaments, she has competed in various states such as Alabama, Arizona, Georgia, Kentucky and Utah.

“I‘m devoted to the game of tennis because, for me, there’s a kind of exhilaration in putting everything into what I do, and I can’t imagine myself going into something half-heartedly,” she said.

She has not lost one set to date. This year, Krems is expected to lead WHS to the Marmonte League Championship.

PHOTO BY ANNIE GERLACH

Julia Model

PHOTO BY BECKY SADWICK

PHOTO BY JULIA MODEL

A STROKE OF GENIUS: Sivan Krems, though a freshman, is playing #1 singles.

RACE AGAINST TIME: Juniors Ryan Chu and Tim Snyder make their moves against Simi and Thousand Oaks runners.

October 16, 2009 • THE ARROW

Day to Night

FASHION

12

HOMECOMING AUTUMN IN THE AIR. Seniors Kevin Weiss and Amanda Feinberg flaunt fall’s latest trends at a local pumpkin patch. The night time look for Homecoming shows off a glamorous preppy look.

Styled by Katie Roughan & Photographed by Lisa Battaglia

AUTUMN Katie Roughan News Editor

Sandals out, boots in. Autumn has brought a new, vintage style to fall fashion in 2009.

Seniors Kevin Weiss and Amanda Feinberg sport fall’s hottest trends in a local pumpkin patch on Thousand Oaks Blvd.

Amanda is wearing a brown leather jacket, dark washed legging jeans, a floral blouse, and distressed Steve Madden boots. The outfit is enhanced with earth tones, representing the essence of fall.

Kevin is staying true to the season wearing a classic flannel, bright turquoise tee, dark washed jeans, and fresh white converse. Both looks reveal trends in the fashion world and on campus.

On an international scale the fashion industry has taken some hard hits lately from the economic recession. Nevertheless, designers prevailed through the economic turmoil and came out with a variety of delicious fall trends.

Designers took a trip back in time bringing back night time 80’s glam. The shoulder pads and sequins are making a comeback. Designers like Rock & Republic and Michael Kors are spicing things up with electric colors like neon pink. Even designs from Marc Jacobs and Gucci have indicated that these colors will be prominent for fall.

Vintage 40’s fashion is also popular this season.

High end designers Dolce & Gabanna and Zac Posen are inspiring a nighttime glamor. While designers like Versace and Matthew Williamson took a more primal approach, focusing on animal prints fashioned after movie stars and hollywood celebrities of the times.

The biker jackets from last fall are here once again. Inspired by Amelia Earhart, the signature leather jacket and aviator look is sweeping women’s wardrobes. Crop-topped chopper designs with zippers and studs are offering an edgier look.

Keep it simple and embrace this season’s trends as a way to expect personal style.

Lisa Battaglia Fashion Editor

While preparing for Homecoming, everyone wants to make a statement. When making the decision on what to wear on Saturday night, Oct. 17 to Homecoming, keep these new fashion trends in mind.

Black is back and goes with anything, a perfect color for a nighttime event. Black worn in a rock ‘n’ roll chic style is what H&M has styled their model for their fashion magazine in.

“Black is elegant, simple and still expresses my style,” said Elizabeth Matusov ‘12. Matusov bought her black dress with jewels and sequins from Michelle D. in The Oaks Mall.

Even though black is not the most exciting color, you can make yourself stand out by decorating it with metallic accessories and sequined sweater to keep warm before the dancing begins.

Sophomore Alexa Lucas also picked out a black dress from Michelle D. “The liberty of wearing a black dress gives you the freedom to liven up your dress with any color shoes of your choice, you can never go wrong with a little black dress.”

Ruffles and layers are found in almost every fashion magazine and will give the dress volume and style.

Although girls’ choices have taken a dramatic approach to fashion, the boys have taken a trip back to the Justin Timberlake look with a grey vest, black tie, black slacks, and a white dress shirt.

Pictured above are seniors Kevin Weiss and Amanda Feinberg wearing the latest fashion trends.

Kevin is wearing a light pink dress shirt with dark washed jeans, a navy blue sweater vest, and a black, polka dot tie giving him a semi-formal preppy style.

Amanda is pictured in an Alexander Wang black dress from Bleu accessorized with gold shoes by Report Signature from Bleu to complement her glamorous look.