ARROW
THE
VOLUME XXXI, ISSUE 2
Westlake High School
100 N. LAKEVIEW CANYON ROAD, WESTLAKE VILLAGE, CA 91362
OCTOBER 17, 2008
PHOTO BY SOFIA TALARICO
A female cast, as well as the traditional male Felix and Oscar, will star in drama production’s The Odd Couple. See PAGE 6
WESTLAKE ROYALTY: Homecoming court will be announced at halftime of the game against Royal on Oct. 24. Senior nominees (left to right) are Lauren Schwartz, Justin Lilley, Diana Kim, Roy Hu, Max Miletich, Natalie Iscovich, Miko Shudo and Matthew Markowitz.
‘Pick Your Clique’ for Homecoming SOFIA TALARICO NEWS EDITOR
Football beat Hart, but will face another league contender, Newbury Park, on Friday. See PAGE 12
Homecoming festivities will kick off next week, beginning with dress-up days and culminating with the first dance of the year. This year, the Homecoming events will feature a new theme, “Pick Your Clique,” with the name of “Westlake 91362.” The theme is modeled after The Breakfast Club with dance boxes and a disco ball similar to a scene in the movie. The dance will be held on Oct. 25, from 8:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. Tickets are available until Oct. 23. A special added feature is a photographer who will take photos at the entrance where the lines of boys and girls merge. Photos can be purchased online after the dance.
A canopy will be suspended at the top of the gym, and at the end of the dance, balloons will be released into the crowd. The dress-up days this year are as follows: Freshmen as alternative/punk, Sophomores as jocks, Juniors as nerds, and Seniors as preps. Students are asked to dress up in their class colors to show their spirit for the Homecoming rally which will be held before 5th period Oct. 24. The Homecoming rally will feature the nominees entering the gym after everyone else has filled the bleachers. Each class has a skit determined by the class president. Max Bard ‘09 will also present another video featuring SNL clips. The Homecoming nominees this year are as follows: Freshman boys: Billal Amed, John Hagy, Brian Ho, Jose Muguerza. Freshman girls: Brooke Casey,
Shauna Gutierrez, Rachel Phillips, Bianca Riazi. Sophomore boys: Nick Isham, Tucker Higgins, Sean Reiger. Sophomore girls: Andrea Kemp, Phoebe Ng, Juana San Martin. Junior boys: Michael Italiano, Nobel Loho, Michael Tack, Tom Ziccardi. Junior girls: Erin Apregan, Nicole Burns, Victoria Fealkoff, Molly Norling-Christensen. Senior boys: Roy Hu, Justin Lilley, Matthew Markowitz, Max Miletich. Senior girls: Natalie Iscovich, Diana Kim, Lauren Schwartz, Miko Shudo. The king and queen will be announced at the Homecoming game against Royal on the field on Oct. 24, but the remaining court will be announced at the dance. The king and queen are expected to make their entrance from lockers placed behind platforms on the field.
One-of-a-Kind Jumbotron Debuts at WHS French 3 students will practice their language skills when the exchange students arrive.
See PAGE 2
IN THIS
ISSUE
NEWS...............................1-2 OPINION..............................3 ELECTION...........................4 ENTERTAINMENT...............7 FEATURE.......................9-10 SPORTS.......................11-12
ROBERT DILLON STAFF WRITER
A jumbotron or large video screen is the newest enhancement to the WHS stadium. The screen is an addition to the electronic scoreboard, and locally, it is the first of its kind. The video screen is capable of displaying recorded or live footage shot by a camera inside the press box. The system requires a computer and two people to operate. The screen was installed for use during football games, as was the electronic scoreboard built three years ago. However, the three-year old existing scoreboard had suffered some persistent technical issues, including the malfunction of the LED display. “The company kept coming out and trying to fix it, but it would always break again. Eventually they offered us this upgrade,” said Coach Jim Benkert, head of
the football program. The company, Fair-Play, proposed to give all the money back that the program had paid for the faulty scoreboard. That money could then go towards the video screen upgrade. According to Benkert, it was “an offer we couldn’t refuse.” Funding for the project came from the Westlake Football Booster programs with Wells Fargo as a major sponsor. Because the screen was an upgrade to an existing structure and not a completely new construction, approval was not required from a state architect. The screen came as a surprise to some, including Assistant Principal of Athletics, Nicole Funfar, who said she did not know about it until a week before the screen’s installation. There are various plans for its use. “There could be movie nights, where kids could sit in the stadium and watch movies played on the big screen,” said
Funfar. In addition, during the football season, the new system is capable of live feeds and instant replays, although no video review is allowed if an official’s call is contested. From a coaching standpoint, “it’s a novelty right now,” said Benkert. “It may be distracting during [pregame] warm-ups, but our players will get used to it. It will distract other teams– which is a good thing. I don’t watch it because I’m watching the game,” he said. The system may be used during the cross-country and track seasons for photo finishes. The screen will also add enjoyment to the graduation ceremony. For now, the screen is uniquely a Westlake thing, at least among nearby high schools. “They will all want it, but they might not get it because they don’t have the connections that Coach Benkert has,” said Funfar.
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NEWS
October 17 2008 • THE ARROW
Mock Trial Returns
IN BRIEF Bestselling Author Eggers Speaks at Civic Arts Dave Eggers, the author of the New York Times bestseller What is the What, appeared Oct. 11 for a literary discussion. The protagonist in his book, Valentino Achak Deng, was present at the event as well. Many freshmen from English Department Chair Greg Coull’s English 9 Honors class read the book and attended the event. They had the chance to meet Eggers and Deng in person and were able to obtain a signed copy of the book as well. More information about the book, and future public appearances, can be found at www.val entinoachakdeng.org.
Spanish 4 AP students celebrated their annual Tapas Party Oct. 13, after learning about Spanish culture. Each student researched various aspects of a Spanish city and then presented his or her information to the class. The project was “a very good way to learn about Spanish culture,” said Asia Ray ‘10. After the presentations, each class hosted a Tapas Party, a fiesta full of Spanish foods that the students prepared.
CSF Sponsors Miss Teen California The California Scholarship Foundation is sponsoring its 30th Annual Miss Teen California Scholarship Program. The program is for young women who are active in school and/or the community, and who have a desire to pursue a college education. Candidates for the Miss Teen California Scholarship Program are evaluated in the areas of Academic Achievement & Activities, Personality, and Poise and Presence. There is no swimsuit or talent competition. Miss Teenage California 2009 will receive a $10,000 scholarship, $1000 wardrobe, and several other prizes.
Freshmen Elect Lee President DASHIELL YOUNG-SAVER STAFF WRITER
The freshmen chose Valerie Lee as president during the election held Sept. 22-26. The election brought voters to the bagel booth all week, and Lee was chosen by popular vote over the other freshman candidates: Melissa Friedman, Brigitte Empey, and Billal Amed. “I plan to represent the freshmen and make sure most of their wishes are fulfilled,” said Lee. She later explained that she plans to keep the school running as is because there is not much need for change. As president, Lee represents and leads the freshman class in student council meetings. During these meetings, the council discusses events such as dances and rallies. “[Lee] is determined and puts others before herself,” said Catherine Campbell ‘12, a voter and supporter for Lee. The president works with Vice President Brooke Casey ‘12, Secretary Stella Fang ‘12, and Treasurer Brian Ho ‘12 to satisfy the needs of their class. “I think that I can work well with her,” said Ho. “She is dedicated, confident, and can take responsibility.” According to Ho, the first student council meeting, held on Monday, Oct. 6, was a success. Lee led the meeting, showing “charismatic” and “strong” leadership. The council planned for the Homecoming Dance and the Homecoming Dance Rally.
PHOTO BY MAX AVRUCH
Tapas Party Held for Spanish 4AP Students
MAX AVRUCH NEWS EDITOR
BIENVENUE, FRENCH STUDENTS! French teacher “Madame” Marlene Rosselli prepares her French 3 students for the arrival of the exchange kids.
French Students to Arrive for Exchange ALLISON MONTROY STAFF WRITER
24 WHS students will be hosting visitors from France Oct. 21-31. Under the planning of French teacher “Madame” Marlene Rosselli, the French visitors will tour the campus and classrooms and visit various Southern California attractions, including Universal Studios and the Getty Museum. During the weekends the host families can make their own plans with the students. “We’re going to go to really cool places like In n’ Out and McDonald’s and also football games,” said junior Michelle Carney, who will be hosting two girls at her home. Other hosts plan to take their French students to Disneyland, the beach, and homecoming. “The girl staying with me is going to be my friend’s date,” Victoria Fealkoff ’10 said about homecoming, also explaining that her French student will get to ride in a party bus and go to a before and after party. The 26 French students, all between the ages of 15 and 18, are traveling from Rouen with their teacher, Madame Feron,
who has been corresponding with Rosselli for many years. In spring 2009 Westlake’s French classes will get the opportunity to visit Feron’s school, Lycée Jean d’Arc, and be hosted by students in Feron’s class. “This program has been going on since 1992,” explained Rosselli. When asked which language will be spoken with the French students, Heather Dornblum ’11 replied, “I don’t want to talk in English. I want to talk in French the whole time.” “By hanging out with them for ten days, I will speak more French and do well on the AP,” said Carney. However, “the students are really here to practice English,” explained Rosselli. The host students are all eager to learn about French culture and to give the visitors a taste of their own culture here in Westlake. “I just want to relate with them,” said Fealkoff. “I’m going to have to explain to them that high school students have Starbucks on Common Planning,” said Carney, who also wants to learn how to cook authentic French food with the exchange students. “I really honestly cannot tell you how excited I am!” she said.
After eight months of being “trialfree,” the WHS Mock Trial team will begin another year of debating an entire court case. “We’re off to another great start this year and hope to have around 18 people join the team,” said Mock Trial Coach Christina Harrison. The court case this year is People vs. Lane which involves an arson case and will feature a First Amendment pretrial argument. An informational meeting and sign-up session for potential students was held on Oct. 8. The meeting gave students a chance to sign up for an audition. About 18 people—including defense and prosecution witnesses, attorneys, a court bailiff, and a time keeper—will be selected to start debating and solving an entire case. Harrison noted that there will be no alternates this year, a change from last year when there was one alternate Last year’s case, People vs. Palmer involved a murder case of a Hollywood writer Jess Markson, who was killed in his own house. Suspect Alex Palmer was the defendant and was played last year by Kevin Weiss ’10. “I’m so excited for Mock Trial this year, and I think that if we all do really well and practice extra hard, then we can win at the competition finals in February,” said Hannah Englander ’10. Englander, who played a witness in last year’s case, won the Best Witness award for her portrayal of London Desmond, beating out all the other schools’ Desmonds. In hopes to reprise her position as a witness this coming year, Englander said, “I hope my character is emotional.” There are new and returning students joining the team. “I am excited that there are a lot of strong returning students to Mock Trial,” said Harrison. Beginning in October, Mock Trial will continue through the end of February with the dates for District competition on Feb. 23-26, 2009.
October 17, 2008 • THE ARROW
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OPINION
It’s Not As Simple As ‘I Do’
As the 2008 election approaches, Proposition 8 will ask the California voters if gay couples should maintain the right to marry.
No on Prop. 8
Yes on Prop. 8
“Every citizen has equal rights, or should have equal rights, and it’s unfair to judge a person or treat them unfairly We have all heard countless times that because of their beliefs,” said Alex Nutthe Declaration of Independence states, kiewicz ’12. “that all men are created equal, that they If there were a proposition to deny a are endowed by their Creator with certain certain race a fundamental right everyone unalienable rights that among these are else enjoyed, it would be shot down withlife, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.” out a second thought. This proposition is In 21st century America, we cannot inter- essentially the same thing. It discriminates pret this to exclude any group of people, against certain people simply because of including homosexuals. who they are. This statement is the basis upon which Another main argument against our country was founded, and it outlines same-sex marriage stems from religion, the principal freeas the Bible condoms we cher- “I think it’s their choice and demns homoish as Americans. sexuality. HowIf Proposition 8 it’s none of the other people’s ever, we live in passes in Novem- business to tell them what to a secular country ber, California’s that prides itself If heterosexual people on separation of Constitution will do. be amended to and state, can get married, gay people church deny gay couples and the governthe right to marry. ment cannot leshould too.” “I think it’s gally force people their choice and to abide by the reBrooke Hubbard ‘09 ligious ideas speit’s none of the other people’s cific groups hold. business to tell them what to do. If heteroCalifornia’s Supreme Court approsexual people can get married, gay people priately ruled that religious institutions should too,” said Brooke Hubbard ’09. are not forced to perform marriage cerAs so many movies, TV shows and emonies for homosexual couples, but all celebrity tabloids depict, any two drunk- couples are allowed equal marriage rights en straight people can get married in Las under the law, regardless of sexual orienVegas after knowing each other for only a tation. matter of hours. It is completely intolerant Such rights include the ability to that two committed gay people who have make medical decisions for one’s partner chosen each other as life partners are un- (or even have access to a hospital room), able to do the same. obtain insurance benefits, and jointSome proponents of Proposition ly adopt children. The absence of these 8 argue that separate laws, mainly civ- rights makes a civil union an inadequate il unions, could also protect most of the substitution for the pursuit of happiness rights that would be protected by allow- through marriage. ing gay marriage. However, we as a nation Gay-Straight Alliance president Zak have rightly rejected the notion of “sepa- Krevitt ’09 believes gay marriage should rate but equal” educational opportunities be legal in order to, “strive for equality. I on the premise of race, and we should be don’t like the concept of civil unions beequally unwilling to accept “separate but cause they’re still ‘less than.’ Without equal” marriage opportunities on the basis the right to marry, it furthers a general of sexual orientation. thought of inequality.”
CONRAD WILTON STAFF WRITER
BECKY SADWICK STAFF WRITER
All four major candidates, McCain, Palin, Obama, and Biden, oppose same-sex marriages. Chris Mechiel ‘10, believes “gay The battle regarding gay marriage became a war when according to a politi- marriage [is] the key to opening a door cal website, “one single act by a politician that should not be opened. Changing the definition of marriage is not good for us as shook the United States.” San Francisco Mayor Newsom il- a society.” Sam Chen ‘10, who is also against legally ignored the California law that permitted only civil unions between homo- calling same-sex unions marriage, said, sexuals and openly allowed gay marriages “Those who wish to have a same sex partner have a right to do so as long as it to occur. Now Proposition 8, which will be on doesn’t bother me. Allowing it to be called the ballots this Nov., is trying to reverse marriage changes things and affects me as well as all of us.” Newsom’s moveGay marment that has riage is an entirely spread throughout “Gay marriage is the key to concept. the state. opening a door that should modern The idea of Proposition Changing same-sex unions 8 “eliminates the not be opened. was unheard of right of same-sex the definition of marriage is until relatively couples to marry.” recently. Why Dr. James Dob- not good for us as a society.” suddenly would son wrote in his it be beneficial to book, titled MarChris Mechiel ‘10 adopt a reformed riage Under Fire, meaning of marthat the definition riage? of marriage is “an institution for a man and To allow homosexuals to marry and a woman.” “It is a union of two different sexes, therefore alter the concept of marriage not just a union of two different people. crosses the line. Barack Obama said that he agrees to For marriage to flourish in our culture, it must be protected from redefinition,” said “give same-sex couples equal legal rights and privileges as married couples,” but is Dobson. In other words, changing the defini- against same-sex marriage. Same-sex marriages hold serious tion of marriage would dismantle society. If two men or two women were allowed threats to traditional family values. It hurts to marry, then marriage would not possess the society as well as the children. Prop 8 contains a crucial ban on same-sex marthe same meaning. Same-sex marriage is not only a seri- riage. The proposition protects the definition ous threat to society but is also potentially dangerous for the children entangled in the of marriage. It is the right choice. issue. Dobson stated that every child deserves to be “reared by a loving mother THE WESTLAKE HIGH SCHOOL and father.” In addition, those children might be discriminated against and shunned by those prejudiced towards their parents’ decisions.
Services May Be Limited to Recently-sold Tarzana Hospital JESSICA KANE COPY EDITOR
People may soon be thinking twice about the hospital they go to in case of an emergency after Tarzana Hospital was recently sold to Providence Health and Services, a Christian medical center that “bases [its] work on core values that extend compassion and respect to all [its] patients.” On Sept. 19, Tenet Healthcare Corporation announced that a Tenet subsidiary purchased the 245-bed Tarzana campus of Encino-Tarzana Regional Medical Center and sold it to the Providence company. “We will be spending heavily to bring the hospital back up to having state-of-the-art equipment it needs and deserves,” said Arnold Schaffer, chief executive of Providence Health & Services of California. The Providence website states that their mission is to, “reveal God’s love for all, especially the poor and vulnerable, through our compassionate service.” “Providence’s spiritual mission is probably one of the biggest reasons I’m a staff member here...it’s something that is quite refreshing, to be a health care provider and to be able to have that
to enforce these rules because they are religiously affiliated and private, Providence should still provide the services that a public hospital would and should not reject patients based on a single group’s beliefs. Many non-Christian doctors may transfer hospitals and may “I think it’s ridiculous. I don’t be out of a job, and although it reasonable, it may not think religious views should get in sounds be convenient or safe. If a doctor the way of medical opportunities for drives an extra half an hour to another hospital to treat an people.” emergency patient, it could be Lauren Schwartz '09 the difference between life and death. “I think it’s ridiculous. I don’t think religious views Many have been considering that the physicians and surgeons may be required should get in the way of medical to wear name tags with a cross on them, opportunities for people,” said Lauren regardless of the doctor’s religion. They Schwartz ’09. It does seem unfair that just because will also not be allowed to prescribe birth control for patients and will not be able a certain group owns the hospital that to give the morning after pill to anyone, an entire community now suffers the inconvenience when they do not necessarily including rape victims. “I think you should always have the agree with Christian viewpoints. We know Providence has the right right to obtain them, but it is a private institution, and people can always go to enforce these rules, but everyone must somewhere else like Planned Parenthood realize there are extreme cases that are if you need it,” said Lindsay MacLeod exceptions to these regulations and that a certain viewpoint should not dictate the ’09. Although they have the right treatment of others. expression also with your patient,” said Lynette Vehrs, a nurse for Providence. However, with a religiously affiliated company running the hospital, there is speculation that certain regulations may change for the patients and doctors.
ARROW
100 N. Lakeview Canyon Road Westlake Village, CA 91362 (805) 497-6711 ext. 4225 westlakearrow@yahoo.com EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Jimmy Moore
MANAGING EDITOR Soumya Karlamangla COPY EDITORS Jessica Kane, Carina Wolff NEWS EDITORS Max Avruch, Sofia Talarico OPINION EDITOR Nikki Fay FEATURE EDITORS Alessandra Catanese, Tiffany Loh Natalya Sivashov, Iris Yan ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR Wayne Huang SPORTS EDITORS Justin Edwards, Katelyn Smith CARTOONIST Kabir Nagarkatti ADVERTISING MANAGER Rachel Bernstein ADVISOR Caron Battaglia STAFF WRITERS Lisa Battaglia, Alannah Bradley, Aaron Demsetz, Robert Dillon, Dena Gallucci, Hailey Gardiner, Sasha Lewis, Allison Montroy, Becky Sadwick, Samuel Wexler, Conrad Wilton, Dashiell Young-Saver
The Arrow is written, designed and run by the students of the Advanced Journalism and Journalism 1CP classes at Westlake High School and is published monthly. The opinions expressed in this publication are those of the writers and do not necessarily represent those of the Conejo Valley Unified School District, Westlake High School administration, faculty, or student body. We welcome feedback. Letters must be signed by the writer, though names can be withheld by request in the publication. Please send submissions to Mrs. Battaglia’s box in the main office or to Room 42E. For The Arrow online, visit www.whswarriors.com and click on Arrow under the Activites menu.
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ELECTION 2008
18-Year-Olds Eligible to Make a Difference in Nov. Election ROBERT DILLON STAFF WRITER
ents’ different political views as an influence. Many students said they came from a split household, where one parent was conservative while the other was liberal. Voting seniors are concerned about the variety of issues they think are important. For Morgan Sider, it is the environment. For Marshall Schurtz, it is foreign policy and national security. For Dan Stroud, it is the issue on many Americans’ minds: the economy. He said it is crucial because the crisis “will affect us by the time we are going to college and taking on jobs.” To solve the problem, “I think we need a younger candidate with more energy.” “I think they’re both good candidates, but McCain is just going to stay McCain, while Obama can become someone better,” said Stroud. While pundits may predict the outcome of the election one way or another, one thing is for certain. Young voters who go to the polls on November 4 will leave with a new sense of empowerment.
Debate on Jewish Concerns Heats Up at Local Synagogue SAM WEXLER STAFF WRITER
The debate on Jewish concerns between Larry Greenfield, regional director of the Republican Jewish Coalition, and Andrew Lachman, president of Democrats for Israel, Los Angeles, was at Temple Etz Chaim last month. Lachman, sporting his “Obamaca,” and Greenfield, wearing his “Mckepa,” discussed such topics as the energy conservation, economic crisis, and the Presidential candidates’ views on Israel. “Stop with the smears,” was Lachman’s philosophy on the debate, while Greenfield did not hesitate, to the discontent of the Democratic audience members, to bring up the Reverend Wright issue and Obama’s lack of military experience. At multiple points during the debate, both parties in the audience yelled at and even booed the opposing speaker, to which Lachman responded, “No booing [Greenfield]. No booing me.” A big topic of the night was foreign policy, especially concerning Israel. Greenfield argued that although Israel was able to fight off 20th century enemies, it needs help with the superior enemies of the 21st century. He also said that there is a missile-ring around Israel and that Israelis need more defenses like David’s Sling, a missile monitoring system recently added to Israel’s defense. Greenfield also brought up the issue because Alaska borders two countries, Canada and Russia. This gives Vice President Candidate Governor Palin for-
eign policy experience. However, Lachman said Palin is not an expert on foreign policy just because she borders Russia; he felt that America can have better foreign policy if it reconnects with its allies and “address our allies’ problems to move our problems forward.” In his closing, Lachman said that Obama has consistently supported the Jewish community. However, when Lachman stated, “McCain is four years of the same. We want real change,” both sides booed at this phrase. Lach-
man ended his debate by saying how the views of McCain as a senator, views that Lachman agreed with, have changed since he became a presidential candidate. On the other end of the political spectrum, Greenfield focused more on the flaws of Senator Biden than those of Senator Obama. He noted Biden’s inconsistent record on Israel. As for the 2008 race, Greenfield stated, “We have an election between an American hero and an American Idol.”
IN THEIR OWN WORDS:
PHOTOS BY IRIS YAN
For millions of young people around the country, this election season is the first time they will be casting their ballots. The youth vote has been an increasing demographic in recent years, both in size and importance. A record number of young people are expected to vote this year, and some believe that could be a determining factor on Nov. 4. Democratic candidate Barack Obama, at 47, is labeled by many as the youth candidate, and many new voters have been inspired by his message of “hope” and “change.” Republican candidate John McCain, 73, does not fare so well. Current polls show Barack Obama in the lead over John McCain, but polling done by telephone typically does not take into account the high number of youths who only have cell phones, not landlines. These young voters may tip the scales in the race for the White House, and it is important to remember that
some may still be undecided. More than a few Westlake seniors who are or will be eighteen are eligible to cast their vote in the upcoming election. Some, including Justin Silber, are unsure about the best candidate. Silber said that the candidates’ performance in the debates will be a large factor in his decision, as well as their character and integrity. Another influence is his parents. “I talk with my dad about politics, but we disagree on a lot of things,” said Silber. Eric Burnett is also undecided about the candidates and their policies, but said, “What will sway my vote is how they will affect me as a student.” The debates in his government class with social science teacher William Culpepper affect his perspective as well. Social science teachers do have an impact on students. According to Daniel Harvey, “If Lynch finds out you’ll be eighteen, he throws registration packets at you.” Burnett also cited his par-
October 17, 2008 • THE ARROW
“If Lynch finds out you’ll be eighteen, he throws registration packets at you.”
“What will sway my vote is how [the candidates] will affect me as a student.”
Daniel Harvey
Eric Burnett
October 17, 2008 • THE ARROW
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October 17, 2008 • THE ARROW
Westlake Village Animal Hospital Animal & Bird Wellness Center 2806 Townsgate Suite C Westlake Village, CA 93161 (805)497-4900
“Your Other Family Doctor” Dr. Daniel Slaton, DVM joins Westlake Village Animal Hospital, formerly Animal & Bird Wellness Center, as a full time Veterinarian and Owner, located at the East end of the Gelson’s Shopping Center off Village Glen. Dr. Slaton is experienced in Orthopedic and Reconstructive Soft Tissue injuries as well as general veterinary care for your family pets. Dr. Margolin is a Board Certified Avian Specialist and provides Chiropractic and Holistic care for all small animal species.
Dr. Daniel Slaton & “Disco”
In addition, we are expanding our office hours & services. Effective October 1st, we will now provide 24 Hour Emergency Care “on-call” by dialing (805) 497-4900. Our office hours are Monday - Friday 8am-6pm and Saturdays 8am-4pm. If you are a parent, supporter or staff of Westlake High School, we are pleased to offer you a 10% discount on all veterinary services on your first visit with your pet(s). Please bring or mention this ad. Offer good until November 30, 2008. Please call or visit our hospital to make an appointment. (805) 497-4900.
Directions: from 101 take Westlake Blvd South to Townsgate, turn left to Village Glenn, turn right, enter first driveway. We face Village Glenn next to the Silver Oaks Dry Cleaner
Entourage Begins Fifth Season
JUSTIN EDWARDS SPORTS EDITOR
CARINA WOLFF COPY EDITOR
The drama students are coming together to perform Neil Simon’s comedy The Odd Couple under the direction of Catherine Conti. The Odd Couple will be performed with both an all female and an all male cast to accommodate the two versions Simon originally wrote. The lead characters of the female cast, Florence and Olive, will be played by Gracie Canaan ‘09 and Gillian Miller ‘11 respectively. Their male counterparts, Oscar and Felix, are set to be played by Kiel Lewis ‘09 and Matthew Blanchard ‘10. The cast practices Monday through Wednesday from 3-5, with an additional practice for the main cast on Thursdays 7-9. “It’s something new I haven’t done before,” said Lewis, who has been acting since he was a sophomore. “It’s a creative release. You get to make people cry and laugh. That’s very relaxing for me.” “We’ve got the most diverse set of people here,” said Blanchard. The storyline follows Felix, a neatfreak, hypochondriac who is going through a tough divorce, and Oscar, a slovenly, opposite character to Felix. Felix begins living with Oscar after Felix’s marriage ends, and The Odd Couple chronicles the humor of the situation in which two mismatched men work out their issues while living together. The female version is the same, with the substitution of Florence as Felix and Olive as Oscar. “It’s really funny and really fun to
ACTING IT OUT: Female cast members (left to right) Savannah Speerstra, Corinne Lauer, Lily Turner-Graham, Gillian Miller, and Kylie Blaber put the “act” in “action” during rehearsal.
perform,” said Canaan, who has been in five school plays since her freshman year. “It’s so well written and clever. It’s entertaining to watch because there is so much going on.” “Neil Simon is hysterical,” said Conti. “Some seniors may remember two years ago we did Rumors, also by Neil Simon. As an American playwright, he’s hysterical. It’s a really funny play.” Students auditioned to get the part; however, they did not have to be in the drama class to receive a part in the play. “Go out there and give it your all,” said Matthew Cole ’11, who plays Roy. “But you have to be open to other character
options.” “You have to reach inside of yourself and find a creative part of yourself,” said Lewis. During practice, the cast rehearses lines and works on blocking. “It’s a family here, and it’s really cool to be able to do the play with all these people,” said Miller. The play will be performed for select classes on Nov. 12, while the female cast performs on Nov. 15 and Nov. 16 at 2 p.m., and Nov. 20 and Nov. 22 at 7:00 p.m. The male cast performs on Nov. 13, Nov. 15, and Nov. 21 at 7:00 p.m. Admission is $5 for students and $10 for adults.
ACA Starts Year on a High Note
PHOTO BY ALANNAH BRADLEY
Entourage: a group of people surrounding an important person. Although the lives of the main characters from the series Entourage revolve around one character, the show reflects the lives of several Hollywood inhabitants. The show features interactions between main characters Vince (Adrian Grenier), Eric (Kevin Connolly), Ari (Jeremy Piven), Drama (Kevin Dillon), and Turtle (Jerry Ferrara). Jeremy Piven, who plays the role of Vince's belligerent and comical agent, has won three consecutive Emmys for Best Supporting Actor and this year’s Golden Globe for Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role. In the season opener, Vince is recovering from his horrific performance as a renowned Colombian drug-lord in the much anticipated film Medellin. After his fall from fame, Vince isolates himself on a remote Mexican island to soothe the pain of his dreadful performance. However, his time of “depression” consists of living on tropical island surrounded by beautiful women. However, Vince yearns for a return to fame, so he flies back to Hollywood with hopes of redeeming himself after the poor performance in Medellin. Unfortunately, Ari and Eric, his managers, cannot seem to find work for him, except for a singing gig at a girl’s sweet 16 party. Meanwhile, Eric finds a script about a historic fire called Smokejumpers. The writers hire Eric to sell the script and potentially make a movie. After reading the script, Eric decides to send it to an Oscar-winning director to sell the script and make the movie with Vince as the lead. Eric is pleased to find out that many people want to buy the script; however, they do not want Vince attached. Vince does have the option of performing in another film, Benji, a movie about a famous dog. Eric is very close to selling the script for $1 million to the director of Aquaman, the highest grossing film of all time. However, the director detests Vine, and temporarily leaves him without a movie, job, or any money. Vince yearns for answers, so he and his friends go to Joshua Tree National Park so they can be “truthseekers.” They hope for a sign that will lead the group in the proper direction. Not surprisingly, the group’s usage of drugs did not help the cause. Vince leaves Joshua Tree National Park and wants to be in Smokejumpers. Ari goes to play golf with the director to try and reason, and after many blatant insults and expletives, the director has a heart attack and dies. While the show always seems to take unexpected turns, Entourage will always leave the viewer wanting more and eager to see next week’s episode.
‘Odd Couple’ Sets Up House in Theater
PHOTO BY CARINA WOLFF
COURTESY PHOTO
THE CAST: The main characters line up for season 5.
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ENTERTAINMENT
October 17, 2008 • THE ARROW
ACA SINGS THEIR WAY INTO THE HEARTS OF WHS: The highest group of singers is all smiles as they prepare for their first show.
ALANNAH BRADLEY STAFF WRITER
A Class Act, the top choral ensemble, is starting the new year. Its members work with many different pieces throughout the year and are constantly preparing for shows, even ones that are months away. This group consists of 12 members: altos Natalie Sardonia ‘09, Haeley Moore ‘09, and Elmira Tadayon ‘09, sopranos Miko Shudo ‘09, Atousa Nainavaii ‘09, and Alison Salica ‘09, basses Dylan Rios ‘10, Max Miletich ‘09, and David Soloway ‘10, and tenors Eric Tallen ‘09, Hayden Fongheiser ‘10, and Patrick Bishop ‘09. Choral Music Director Alan Rose
seems very happy with this year’s group. “Great singers, nice blending; they will be a great group to see performing on stage,” said Rose. Thus far, ACA has already performed at a memorial statue that is dedicated to firemen who have passed away at the Ventura County Courthouse. “It was extremely emotional and there was a lot of crying,” said Rose. Throughout the year, ACA performs for numerous events, ranging from private parties to local community events. They sing at about 20 to 40 community events a year. Currently, ACA is getting ready for Red Ribbon Week at Lang Ranch Elementary, where they will be
performing. Right now, they are rehearsing songs from different musicals preparing for their January Show “At the Hop,” where they will be singing songs from Little Shop of Horrors and much more. Later in the year they will be singing vocal jazz and holiday pieces. Moore explains that there are no cliques in the group, which is a good thing since this group is with each other all the time. ”We all are really close, and we’ve become like a family,” said Moore. “The kids are really good. They all like each other and want to sound good,” said Rose.
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FEATURE
ALERT! Rainforest Destruction NATALYA SIVASHOV FEATURE EDITOR
COURTESY PHOTO
Companies such as Georgia Pacific, Texaco Unocal, and the Mitsubishi Corporation are involved in the disappearance of the rainforest for personal economic benefits. The Amazon Rainforest covers over a billion acres, including territory in Brazil, Venezuela, Colombia, the Eastern Andean region of Ecuador and Peru. Rainforests used to cover 14% of the earth’s land surface; now they only cover 6%, and experts predict complete deforestation in the upcoming 40 years. MOTHER NATURE’S NIGHTMARE: Deforestation threatens to One and a half acres of the the Amazon Rainforest, on of the most diverse habitats on earth. rainforest are lost every second. pharmaceuticals are derived from Forests are being destroyed because rainforest ingredients, the U.S. National the value of rainforest land is perceived Cancer Institute has taken steps in as only the timber value by short- identifying roughly 3000 plants that are sighted governments, multinational active against cancer cells. logging companies, and land owners. Most medicine men and shamans These corporations use chain saws and remaining in the rainforests today are bulldozers to clear out the area. at least seventy years old. Each time They use the empty lifeless acres a rainforest medicine man dies, the for farming, even though the scientists’ knowledge for his personal treatments is statistics claim that the combination of the lost forever. rainforests’ medicine supply, nuts, fruits, In Brazil alone, European colonists vegetables, and oil producing plants will have destroyed more than 90 indigenous have more value than its timber value. tribes since the 1900s. Currently, 121 prescription drugs Without the tribes, centuries worth sold worldwide come from plant- of accumulated knowledge of the derived sources. While 25% of Western medicinal value of rainforest species have
disappeared. There were an estimated 10 million Indians living in the Amazon Rainforest five centuries ago. Today there are less than 200,000 since huge corporations took over. Experts estimate that we are losing 137 different plant, animal, and insect species every day due to rainforest deforestation, which equates to about 50,000 species a year. “As a club we are not allowed to donate money to organizations. We have spent multiple meetings discussing the issue. It is very sad, yet we understand that the people who live there need the territory for establishing houses,” said WHS destroy Earth Club president Emilie Maddison ‘10. Tessa Hustead ‘09 a member of the Earth Club said, “Although it is getting progressively worse, the cutting down of trees has become less of a risk. People should not have such a pessimistic look on it.”Earth Club recycles paper to inspire the conservation of plant life around the WHS campus. Since the 1980s, the global economy has tripled in size and the population has increased by 30%. Consumption of wood is expected to double in size by 2050 at the cost of the tropical forests that maintain the majority of the supply. Ultimately, it has taken only a century of human intervention in rainforests to destroy what nature designed to last forever.
October 17, 2008 • THE ARROW
Tips to Save Energy NATALYA SIVASHOV FEATURE EDITOR
1. Turn off all electrical devices when you are not using them. Most people do not realize that energy is still used when the device is plugged into the electrical outlet. Place a few devices into a surgesuppressing power strip that has an off/ on switch to save your own energy. 2. Use solar energy to dry clothes. Since California is always sunny, clothes will dry almost as fast as in your dryer. If the sun leaves the clothes too stiff, lay them out and then throw them in the dryer to finish the rest. 3. Use the microwave to reheat smaller portions of food instead of using the oven, and you will save about as much as 80% of energy. 4. When brushing your teeth twice a day, turn off the water while rinsing to save 14,600 gallons of water a year per family. 5. Do not drive aggressively. Speeding, rapid acceleration, and hard braking can lower your highway gas mileage by as much as 33% and city mileage by as much as 5%. 6. Get rid of your computer screensaver. It takes more energy to run it than for your computer to go into low energy mode For more information go to http:// www.dom.com/customer/efficiency/energy_ conservation_index.jsp
THOUSAND OAKS GOES SOLAR Colleges Give Green a Go Panels and other energy conserving methods prove efficient, saving city thousands, but costs are also high.
energy panels. To further benefit our environment, solar electricity reduces the amount of Solar power is an innovative idea for local air pollution through the decrease in California since it has sunshine almost the kerosene used for lighting. No carbon all year round. Cities in our local area, dioxide emissions are produced through including Thousand Oaks and Simi the photovoltaic systems, which are Valley, are systems that considering use solar cells this idea and to convert light also putting it into electricity. into action. Dry cell Recently, batteries, which Thousand are disposed Oaks saved with lead that $91,000 at its absorbs into Hill Canyon the ground, Wa s t e w a t e r contaminating Tr e a t m e n t the water and Plant through soil, are also the use of solar becoming panels. obsolete. “So [solar SOLAR-POWERED FRENZY: As environmental threats Oxnard is energy] is rise, more Thousand Oaks residents are beginning to one of the few o b v i o u s l y take advantage of solar power. cities left not to a benefit. have converted As far as a to solar power. downside, there really isn’t one,” said Joe “It doesn’t make fiscal sense,” said Yahner, Ventura’s environmental services Matthew Winegar, Oxnard’s development supervisor, promoting the relatively new, services director. “green” energy method. WHS has recently unplugged all Officials have said that solar energy unnecessary items in each room and kept will pay off in the long run. But the cost the air conditioning turned off. Those of installing the panels is enormous. simple tasks helped save over $400,000. Ventura’s proposed project is going to cost The Energy Conservation Program $800,000, with half of it paid for by the has helped our school save money state’s initiative. Though that may seem with holiday shutdowns of electrical like an extreme amount, Thousand Oaks’ equipment. project costs $1.5 million. Between solar power, and going green The California Solar Initiative, which in our own school district, Thousand was produced through the California Oaks is taking steps toward becoming Public Utilities Commission, provides $2.2 more environmentally aware and doing its billion in incentives for residential homes part in stopping or at least slowing down and commercial properties to install solar global warming. KATELYN SMITH SPORTS EDITOR
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by giving each dorm a small supply of ecofriendly cleaning products to encourage them to make it a way of living. As many realize the effect they have As the concern of our planet becomes an everyday issue, colleges have begun on our planet and the consequences that to go “green” and help reduce the harm come with improper lifestyles impacting we press upon our environment. With Earth, they are making “green” a trend solutions such as reducing the amount of to stay. University of Washington students light being used in the dorms, unplugging are exploring how cellular charges to use cooking when they are not in use, creating “[Going green] is very soil from campus eateries to fuel unicompetitions to boost recycling, important in the economy versity cars. Engigrowing organic today, especially with the neering students at Seattle University gardens/farms, recently developed and installing tormenting gas prices.” a solar panel sysgreen roofs and that collects solar panels, many Chris Balay ’09 tem sunlight to power colleges have an energy-efficient started offering home for one year. majors and courses The student body at Western Washington focusing on environmental studies. Furman University in Greenville, University are paying up to $10.50 a quarSouth Carolina recently opened up a ter to buy reusable electricity and therefore solar-powered showcase home in June becoming one of the first in the state to be a called “Cliffs Cottage”. This model home 100 % green campus. WHS students looking for colleges had such features as: geothermal heating, organic gardens, bamboo flooring, and should consider not only the tuition price Energy Star appliances (which produces and location, but also factors such as enalmost 10 times more energy than it ergy conservation and “greenness” of the college. actually uses). While deciding between schools, Colleges are cutting carbon emissions, which help fight global warming, Students Chris Balay ‘09 claimed, “I go green are asking for more organic produce in [recycle cans and bottles] because it gives cafeterias and many have been conserving me green [cash.] It is very important in the economy today, especially with the the water they use in showers. Although it seems like more colleges tormenting gas prices. ” The students in the universities take are taking responsibility in joining the “green revolution,” many students and pride in their deeds to help the environcitizens think that the green trend is ment and become one of the many green only making our planet worse. Some campuses in the United States. A few think growing hemp and using it instead students even consider that green achieveof cutting down trees may help the ment to be as valuable as academic or athletic excellence. environment, yet others seem to disagree. At the University of California-San To learn how to promote green awareness, Diego, the school is trying to teach its students habits to help maintain sustenance visit www.thedailygreen.com SASHA LEWIS STAFF WRITER
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FEATURE
October 17, 2008 • THE ARROW
All Hallows Eve A night filled with games, ghouls, and goodies, Halloween is a holiday for students of every age. into a stranger’s home.” Cobwebs, jack-o-lanterns, scarecrows and other Halloween items can confuse kids walking up to someone’s door and can cause unnecessary injuries. Carrying a flashlight or lantern during the night, a trick or treater can prevent the risk of tripping and injury when walk-
MAX AVRUCH NEWS EDITOR
Every year, October offers a variety of activities, like the Homecoming dance, pumpkin picking, and Halloween. This year Halloween falls on a Friday night, leaving trick-or-treaters vulnerable to an assortment of dangers on the weekend. “I feel really excited that Halloween is on a Friday, and that I’ll have the entire weekend to eat candy, have fun, and relax and stuff, but I hope that smaller kids won’t get in danger by potential threats like daredevils or ‘creepers’ that Friday night or that weekend. Also it would be nice to trick-or-treat and have fun with your friends without having to fear too much for your safety,” said Tyler Soosman ’11. Since Halloween falls on a Friday night, students will want to take advantage of the weekend to its fullest extent. Yet possible dangers, including overthe-top scares, costume problems, and toxic candy might occur because more people will be trick-or-treating and staying out later. Advice to the younger crowd: “Have your kid go out with a parent or other adult,” says expert pediatrician Jennifer Shu, from Atlanta. “Plan the route ahead of time, and teach your child never to go
ing or going through a person’s Halloween decorations. Follow certain safety guidelines, all students can enjoy an exciting Halloween night that can be both risk-free and fun. Trick-or-treaters looking to be safe should take certain precautions before entering the neighborhood. If students plan to wear costumes, they should make sure
their costumes are not too long, as a preventive measure for falling. By wearing costumes that are easy to move around in and flexible for any kind of rigorous movement, students have a better chance of making the night much more enjoyable. When trick-or-treaters take their bags of candy around the neighborhood to bring them home, they should make sure that the candy wrappers have not already been opened or cut, because there could be a number of dangers in the candy. The best rule of thumb according to pediatrician Jennifer Shu is: “When in doubt, throw it out.” All candy should be in their original wrappers. Drugs and other contaminated substances can easily be transferred into the candy. Halloween is a fun and memorable experience if everyone is safe and careful. If high school students feel they are too old to trick or treat, they can still find excitement at the 36th Annual Halloween Haunt at Knotts “Scary” Farm, Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios, Fright Fest at Magic Mountain, and Disney’s Halloween Time. All events will be continuing into November.
Creepy Creations Pumpkin Seed Brittle
Pumpkin Pasties
Ingredients: 1 cup sugar 1/2 cup water 1/8 teaspoon fine sea salt 3/4 cup raw green (hulled) pumpkin seeds (not toasted; 4 oz)
Ingredients: 2 eggs, slightly beaten 3/4 cup sugar 1 1 lb. can pumpkin (or 2 cups fresh, roasted in the oven then pressed through a strainer) 1/2 tsp. salt 1 tsp. cinnamon 1/2 tsp. ginger 1/4 tsp. cloves 1 2/3 cups evaporated milk (1 can) 1/2 tsp. allspice 9 oz. pie crust pastry
Special Equipment: parchment paper; a candy thermometer Preparation: Put a 24 by 12-inch sheet of parchment on a work surface and anchor corners with pieces of tape. Bring sugar, water, and sea salt to a boil in a 2-quart heavy saucepan over moderate heat, stirring until sugar is dissolved. Cook mixture, without stirring, washing down any sugar crystals from side of pan with a pastry brush dipped in cold water, until syrup registers 238°F (soft-ball stage), 10 to 12 minutes (sugar syrup will be colorless). Remove from heat and stir in seeds with a wooden spoon, then continue stirring until syrup crystallizes, 3 to 4 minutes.
Preparation: Bake the pie filling only (no crust) in a large greased casserole dish in hot oven (425°F) for 15 minutes. Keep oven door closed and reduce temperature to 350°F and continue baking for 45 minutes or until table knife inserted in center of dish comes out clean. Cool on wire rack.
Return pan to moderate heat and cook, stirring constantly, until sugar melts completely (sugar will continue to dry and become grainy before melting) and turns a deep caramel color, 4 to 5 minutes more (seeds will be toasted). Carefully pour hot caramel mixture onto parchment and carefully cover with another sheet. Immediately roll out (between sheets of parchment) as thinly as possible with a rolling pin, pressing firmly. Remove top sheet of parchment and immediately cut brittle into pieces with a heavy knife or pizza wheel. Cool brittle completely, then peel paper from bottom. Break brittle into pieces once cooled. (Makes 12 servings)
Make or purchase pie crust pastry. Roll thin and cut into circles approx 4” in diameter. Put a spoonful of the cool pumpkin mixture towards one side of the center of the circle. Fold over the crust into a half-circle and firmly crimp the edges closed. Slice three small slits in the top for venting, place on a greased cookie sheet, and bake only until crust is a light golden-brown. The pumpkin filling will begin to make the crust soggy, so its best baked the day of serving. Can be made ahead by freezing the assembled pasties unbaked on cookie sheets, then thawed and baked the day of serving. Serve at room temperature. (Makes about 3 dozen miniature pasties.)
Recipe provided by Epicurious.com
Recipe provided by Britta.com
A HalloWayne Poem by Wayne Huang
At night when Jack-O-Lanterns light, Behold, the eve of dreadful fright. We skip, we dance, we laugh, we run, We savor candy on our tongue. But Halloween has more instore, Much more than ever it had before. Behind the sweets, the fun, are books, With no remorse for time they took. While some of the youth will play and dance, Others may take another stance. They cringe in fear and study ‘til three, For tomorrow’s most terrifying SAT.
DID YOU KNOW? * Orange and black are Halloween colors because orange is associated with the Fall harvest and black is associated with darkness and death. * Jack-o’-lanterns originated in Ireland where people placed candles in hollowed-out turnips to keep away spirits and ghosts on the Samhain holiday. * In addition to orange, pumpkins also come in white, blue and green. Great for unique monster carvings! * Halloween was brought to North America by immigrants from Europe who would celebrate the harvest around a bonfire, sharing ghost stories, singing, dancing, and telling fortunes. * Tootsie Rolls were the first wrapped penny candy in America. * The ancient Celts thought that spirits and ghosts roamed the countryside on Halloween night. They began wearing masks and costumes to avoid being recognized as human. * Halloween candy sales average about $ 2 billion annually in the United States. * Chocolate candy bars top the list as the most popular candy for trick-or-treaters with Snickers #1. * Halloween is the 2nd most commercially successful holiday, with Christmas being the first. * Bobbing for apples is thought to have originated from the Roman harvest festival that honors Pamona, the goddess of fruit trees. * Black cats were once believed to be witch’s familiars who protected their powers. Facts provided by Halloweenwebsite.com
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FEATURE
October 17, 2008 • THE ARROW
Facebook or Tracebook?
SOUMYA KARLAMANGLA MANAGING EDITOR
LISA BATTAGLIA STAFF WRITER
When uploading photos to a Facebook that show some kind of party behavior, college-bound seniors may want to rethink what they include on their web site. It isn’t parents who are watching, the principal, or even Big Brother, but the university admissions officers who may be determining their future. Many college admissions officers are checking sites like Facebook, MySpace, Xanga, and Friendster to evaluate senior applicants before granting them admission to their universities. According to a Wall Street Journal article, a recent survey revealed that 10% of the top 500 colleges admitted to checking out Facebook pages before checking students into school. Colleges are learning how to keep up with the technological advances, recognizing that if potential students are willing to bare all their information, why should these candidates be admitted? They can further evaluate students by their MySpace and Facebook pages. Admittedly, colleges have been at a disadvantage when it came to assessing students’ social behaviors. Now, however, social networks like Facebook have given the colleges an extra tool to ensure that the students they admit are serious. “I am the same person on my Facebook that I am on my college application,” said Shannon Luchs ’09. All aspiring college students are encouraged to take a serious look at their online spaces and take into consideration that admissions officers and even employers may be using those sites to determine entrance to a school or a job. “I already don’t put anything too personal or insightful to begin with because there are a lot of hackers out there,” Johanna Lacoste ’09 explained. Although schools do not have the time to scour the Internet looking for photos or incriminating information from their applicants, there have been occasions when admissions of-
ficers were alerted to questionable material. WHS counselor John Lisowski visited with representatives from the National Association for College Admission Counseling NACAC and claimed that admissions officers are “too swamped with the whole admission process to conduct individual checks” of every applicant. However, “students should just assume that any university to which they are applying will check out the site and that any questionable material that is posted should be taken off before the applications are sent in,” said Lisowski. Facebooks and MySpaces are used for communication and keeping in touch with family and friends. Although only four years old, Facebook
and MySpace have become a phenomenon among high school and college students. When used wisely, MySpace and Facebook provide an easy way to get in touch with friends or distant family members. “I put more humorous things on it than anything else. Plus I use it to keep in touch with friends in college,” said Rafael Velazquez ’09. If students use Facebook for showing true personality and communicating with family and friends applicants will not be in danger. Next time, before posting something on your page that you are unsure of, just ask yourself, “Would you really want your grandmother viewing this?” one advisor recommended.
DON’T Include offensive language, racial comments, nudity, or drug or drinking usage. Include offensive material relating to colleges.
DO Set some privacy boundaries so your information isn’t public. Realize that all communication and photos can be public some day.
Early Applicant Catches the Worm DENA GALLUCCI STAFF WRITER
Teacher recommendation letters, school transcripts, resumes, and personal essays fill up any free time for seniors as early decision and early action application deadlines are quickly approaching. The pressure from parents and the competition between students to go to the best schools are steadily increasing, while the acceptance percentages of students getting in college are decreasing. A recent budget cut for California colleges has prompted UC and Cal State schools to seek outof-state undergraduates, making admission more difficult for California high school students to state schools. Since last year, the difficulty of attending one’s college
Colleges Complicate Common Application
of choice has reached an all-time high. Schools that would have been considered safety schools a few years ago are now relying on random facts about students to make admission decisions. The result: students are applying to a much larger number of schools to ensure that they can be happy at the college they get into. “I’m going to apply early acceptance to Chapman so that I can turn in my dance audition earlier. It’s a smaller school and doesn’t accept a lot of students so you have a better chance to get in if you apply early,” said Natalie Iscovich ‘09. Another effect of lower acceptance rates is a higher number of students who are turning to community college because they do not think they have a chance at getting into state schools. The other alternative for many has
been early decision applications, which requires the applicant to apply in November and commit to a binding contract if accepted. Last year, Stanford University introduced a new option, Early Action, which still follows a November deadline, but does not require the applicant to attend the school if accepted. With this new addition, Stanford received a surge of 62% more early applications, and consequently increased the number of early acceptances. “I think it will help my chances of getting in and personally, I want to get it out of the way,” said Becca Winter ‘09, who is applying early acceptance to University of Denver and Chapman University. Students leaning towards early decision have chosen a school with the perfect location,
academics, major, and student life. Not only does early decision relieve students of college stress sooner, but it also increases an applicant’s chance of getting in. For example, the University of Pennsylvania admits 16.95% of its students for regular decision, compared to the 29.3% admitted for early decision. According to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions, Columbia University accepts 8.68% of its applicants for regular decision and 21.56% for early decision. Overall, 43% of Columbia’s freshman class was selected before regular decision applications were even received. Students applying early are often the most qualified for that school, and they typically have higher grade point averages and demonstrate a balance in all aspects of their life: academic, athletic, and extracurricular.
At first glance, the Common Application seems like a way to simplify the college application process. It allows an applicant to fill out a universal application that can be sent to the colleges that accept it. Unfortunately, most of the colleges that use CommonApp.org also require a supplemental application. The supplement is a schoolspecific form that asks different questions and requires additional essays. Questions in the supplements can range from questions about the applicant’s family history to essays about his or her favorite books and musical artists. “Seventy percent of the Common Application’s 316 participating schools require students to fill out supplements,” said Anjali Athavaley of the Wall Street Journal. These countless supplements create work for the applicant, even after he or she has filled out the general Common Application form. “I’m applying to six colleges through the Common Application,” said Marshall Schurtz ’09. “All but one of my six colleges require supplements. The supplements ask every conceivable question from why would you like to attend a university to what song would you sing at a talent show,” said Schurtz. “I feel that some questions add to the information that colleges learn about you, but some just seem useless,” he added. The Common Application Board is trying to encourage colleges to simplify the requirements for their supplements by asking them to take out questions that are similar to those in the Common Application itself. The colleges need to ask many questions because the admissions officers want to know as much as possible about the applicant to make an informed decision. The board members of Common Application feel that having detailed supplements ruins the original intent of the Common Application system to uncomplicate the college application process. “We’ve had to police the supplements pretty closely to keep them under control to make sure they don’t become another application,” said Tom Parker, a Common Application board member, quoted in the Wall Street Journal. Before 1995, colleges were required to limit their supplements to one page, according to Athavaley, but they changed this policy “as more highly selective institutions that said they needed to ask specific questions of their applicant pools began to join the consortium.” “If you are applying to many schools that use the Common Application, I feel it saves a lot of time, if only from filling out personal information,” said Schurtz.
October 17, 2008 • THE ARROW
SPORTS
CIF Championship in Reach for Girls Golf
JUSTIN EDWARDS SPORTS EDITOR
From fairways to greens, the WHS girls varsity golf team has been unbeatable. Although some of the players have been a little disappointed with their scores, they are still beating the competition. Despite the girls’ talents on the course, many of them are not pursuing collegiate golf. The team has improved from past years when they shot consistent team scores of 250, now to shooting under 210. “In the early years we let everyone play, regardless of talent. This year’s team
has the most talent we have ever had, top to bottom. We had no seniors last year, so all six returned,” said Coach Dave Costley. Charlotte Gibson ‘10, who is currently number one on the team, has really stepped up her game. “I practiced and worked really hard in the summer. I played tournaments that helped my mental game and nerves on the course. Now it’s just casual,” said Gibson. “I just want to make individuals, play well in CIF, and play the best I can,” said Gibson. In previous years, the girls’ golf team
Water Polo Stays Afloat CONRAD WILTON STAFF WRITER
“We can’t afford any more losses if we hope to stay in the race,” said Coach Todd Irmas. WHS water polo is 4-7 overall and 23 in league play. The record and the recent loss to rival Thousand Oaks have put the Warriors in a current must win situation. Coach Irmas says that nonetheless “we are still in the hunt.” The team has been inconsistent so far this season having a strong defense but an ineffective offense. The early season predictions of a weak offense were correct. The Achilles heel of the Warriors this year has been the offense. Irmas says that another explanation for the team’s performance is that “the team is hot and cold; inconsistent. We just need to focus on playing four quarters of quality water polo.” The squad is currently scrambling for fourth place, the last spot admitted into the playoffs.
Recently, numerous JV players have been promoted to the varsity squad. “This is a great opportunity for the younger players,” said Irmas. “There may be some positive out of this.” The JV team, currently undefeated, will lose its star players and be forced to adjust almost immediately. “The JV guys are a good team. They will be all right.” Jaime Sifontes, ‘09, a driver for the varsity team, said that, “our team is inconsistent and has not really improved as a team. There is little chance that we will make CIF.” Sifontes is disappointed in his team’s performance so far and said that “as individuals, we have shown improvement but as a team we have not.” “Whether or not we will be okay after these transitions is unknown,” said Irmas. “I’m not a soothsayer. This will either tear us apart or bring us tighter together.” The JV team will try to maintain a flawless record without its star players. Meanwhile, the varsity team will be fighting to salvage the season.
did not exist. There was only a “golf team,” that consisted of boys and girls. The girls had to try out with the guys from the same tees. “If a girl wanted to be on the golf team, she had to compete with the boys, from the blue tees, and be good enough to make it under those conditions,” said Coach Costley. Even with these conditions, past golfers such as Linda Ishii ’96 and Alicia Um ’97 were able to make the golf team; however, the CIF started holding a separate girls individual tournament in 1996, preventing the girls from competing in the boys individual tournament. Um continued to
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stay involved with golf and now is the women’s assistant golf coach at UCLA. Since 1998, WHS has had a separate girls Varsity team. “We are playing as predicted. Everyone is shooting well, not as well as they would like, but all of us are doing well enough. Hopefully we can be 100% for CIF,” said Liz Cornelison ‘09. Continuing its undefeated streak of 15-0, the golf team looks forward to CIF. They will compete in the Marmonte League Tournament on Oct. 23 at Simi Hills Golf Club, and if the girls qualify, they will continue to the first round of CIF on Nov. 3.
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“OBEY YOUR ELDERS”
October 17, 2008 • THE ARROW
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SPORTS
Controversial Call Won’t Stop Warriors Left: Stephen Murphy (‘09) makes a 41-yard field goal which was incorrectly ruled “no good” in the week 4 loss to Agoura.
NIKKI FAY OPINION EDITOR
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really wrong with it.” After Conlin’s devastating injury, wide receiver and back up quarterback Isham took Conlin’s place as starting varsity quarterback. “Nick is good, he’s young, we have a good relationship, he was my wide receiver and he is a really good quarterback. He works hard,” said Conlin. “I’m really anxious to get back, I want to play again and I am hoping to be healthy enough to be back by the homecoming game, I’m ready to be there for my team again.” Despite all the leadership that the Warriors have on their team, many are still criticizing the fact that this year’s varsity team is much younger than previous years. While most of WHS past varsity teams have consisted of primarily juniors and seniors, this year’s varsity team is showing off Westlake’s unexpected sophomore talent. “The rest of the team is completely welcoming and they treat us like any other junior or senior,” said Isham. “And as coach Benkert says, we are a band of brothers; we get respect because of how we play, not our age.” The team’s youth does not inhibit its drive. Varsity is still aiming for a strong finish to its season. The returning seniors’ leadership combined with the athleticism and vigor of the younger players is expected to keep the Warrior team in close contention. Next week the Warriors will be playing their anticipated Homecoming game against the Royal High School Highlanders Friday Oct. 24 at 7:00 p.m. There are high hopes that previous quarterback Conlin will be ready to face Royal with a strong arm and healthy shoulder. At this point, the Warriors will be over halfway through their season, and the victory of every game is imperative to their much sought out Marmonte League and CIF Championships.
Below: Bryan Lazar (‘09) holds on to score after a 20-yard touchdown reception in the victory against Hart in week 3.
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Injuries, faulty calls and a younger team are just some of the battles that the WHS “Band of Brothers” has had to overcome this season. Despite these struggles, the WHS Varsity football team is successfully moving on with its season still in hopes of Marmonte League and CIF championships. WHS will be playing Newbury Park High School on Oct. 17 at 7:00 p.m. on the WHS home field. WHS heads into the game with a 3-2 record while Newbury Park comes in with a slightly stronger 4-1 record. After the controversy regarding the game that WHS played against Agoura High School two weeks ago, the Warriors will be ready for anything that this football game has in store for them. After watching the video of the game, it was concluded that kicker Stephen Murphy ‘09 should have been awarded the 41-yard field goal with only 13 seconds left in the game. Had the referees awarded this field goal to the Warriors they would have walked away with the 24-22 victory. Instead, officials said that the kick was no good and did not leave WHS enough time to come back for the win. According to the Los Angeles Times, the video from an end-zone camera showed that the ball hit the middle gooseneck bar that supports the crossbar from behind before bouncing back toward the field. And according to the rules, the kick should have counted. This is just another addition to the history of strange calls and mishaps between Agoura and WHS football games. In 2004, WHS won on the game’s final play by returning a kickoff, and in 2006, WHS won in double overtime when Agoura’s running back fumbled while running toward the end zone. So in 2008, it was only appropriate for WHS to continue the tradition of these oddities. “It was a heartbreak and it was definitely tough, especially because of everything that we heard after,” said WHS quarterback Nick Isham ‘11. “It wasn’t totally the referees fault, we made mistakes too, but we really wanted to win that game.” Though WHS is feeling the controversy and pain of this loss, it is the first time since 1995 that Agoura has had a victory over WHS. When informed of the video proving the WHS win, Agoura Coach Charlie Wegher told the Los Angeles Times, “We’ve lost a couple of controversial calls, so it was WHS’s turn.” Despite the burden of a loss that this game has put on WHS winning record in the Marmonte League, the Warriors “are ready, and going to come back,” according to Isham. It is surprising after all the setbacks that the Warriors have faced, most notably the loss of their starting quarterback Ben Conlin ‘09, that they are performing so well on the field. Conlin found himself sitting out once again this year after a shoulder injury. Despite this misfortune, Conlin is keeping his head up. “I am almost used to it now,” said Conlin. “I know how to deal with things like this a little better now, I have learned not to get down on myself and just keep working harder.” During last year’s season, Conlin was diagnosed with diabetes after fighting an unknown illness for a few months. After Conlin lost almost 30 pounds, his disease was finally identified, and he was well informed about how to keep himself healthy while still being extremely active. Conlin has had to give himself up to six shots a day, just to stay healthy enough to play the sport he feels so passionately about. Unfortunately, after the start of the season, Conlin found himself coping with another injury—a separated shoulder. During the game against Hart High School, Conlin was hit at the start of a play, and it was later determined that he had separated his shoulder and torn a couple ligaments. “I couldn’t even throw a ball five yards,” said Conlin of his injury. “It started killing me from there and I knew that something was