Oct 07

ARROW Westlake High School

THE

VOLUME XXX, ISSUE 2

WHS Profile Gets Update RACHEL BERNSTEIN STAFF WRITER

OCTOBER 26, 2007

Homecoming To Tour The World ALESSANDRA CATANESE STAFF WRITER

Students and alumni will attempt to tour the world next week for Homecoming Oct. 29Nov. 3, which will include a rally, dress up days, football game, and dance.

The Homecoming Rally, also referred to as the “Boo Rally,” is on Halloween and will include a video, class skits, a costume contest, and an introduction of the homecoming court.

MC, Brendan Nahmias ‘08 will be hosting the lunch rallies throughout the week with a new MC from each grade level for their corresponding dress up day.

During the Homecoming Rally, Aaron Alpert ‘08 will be filling in for Ali Athar ‘08.

“You should look forward to a uniquely entertaining experience, and another great video,” said Nahmias.

ASG will be giving out candy at the bagel booth to all those students who dress up for their class. The dress up days are as follows: on Monday, freshmen will represent South America; Tuesday sophomores, Europe; Thursday juniors, Australia; and Friday seniors, Africa. The presi-

A ROYAL FLUSH: Senior homecoming court nominees include (clockwise from top) Andrew Garvin, Lia Woodward, Matt Devine, Amanda Mays, Jordan Mannisto, Courtney Remington, Rachel Borowski, and Aaron Alpert.

PHOTO BY ALESSANDRA CATANESE

dent of each class suggests that students wear the country colors for the costumes.

The dance will also take on an international theme.

“You are going to feel as though you are in all these different places at once,” said the Dance Commissioner Tara Reeves ‘10.

Music videos will be projected on large screens and plasma screen TVs during the dance.

The new twist to this year’s homecoming dance is the VIP Lounge, available to the first 300 students.

Costing an extra $5.00 per ticket, the VIP Lounge includes a separate entrance to the dance with Dean of Attendance James Marshall and Officer Jerry Lopez as the bouncers, comfortable couches to lounge on, water and cookies, and plasma screen TVs all of which is located in a private,

sectioned off area of the gym.

The homecoming football game is against Agoura High School. During the half-time show, choir will sing the national anthem, WHS Irish dancers will be performing, and the homecoming king and queen will be revealed.

Students should “look forward to the fun of being out of this continent,” said Audrey Sievert ‘08.

JSA Rides Smile Train ALEXIS ROSENTHAL STAFF WRITER

Smile Train started out as an attempt to win Chapter of the Year, but it ended up being so much more.

With more than $2500 raised, the WHS Junior State of America chapter was able to give a new chance at life to ten children with free cleft surgery in under-poverished countries as their community service project with the nonprofit charity group, the Smile Train.

The Smile Train provides free cleft surgery for children in countries such as Liberia and Sri Lanka as well as China and India. Many of the children born in these countries with clefts cannot afford to have them repaired and

IN THIS

as a result are denied an education due to cultural beliefs, have difficulty eating and smiling, and are frequently ridiculed and ostracized. The Smile Train gives these kids the chance for as close to a normal life as possible.

Chapter president Nini Xie ‘08 decided on this service project over the summer.

“I love to smile,” said Xie, “and it really pains me to think that some children out there are not capable of doing something that simple—something I do everyday and most people take for granted…honestly, that’s the number one reason I wanted to hold a fundraising campaign for the Smile Train.”

Each day of the Awareness Continued on page 2

IT’S ALL IN THE TIMING: Kiel Lewis ‘09 and Melanie McCorkle ‘09 are part of the cast for the WHS Drama production, a series of one-act plays

by David Ives. See related story on page 4

ISSUE

NEWS...............................1-2 OPINION..............................3 FEATURE...................... 4-11 ENTERTAINMENT.......12-13 SPORTS.......................14-15 FASHION...........................16

WHS Physics Club enters robotic competition.

See PAGE 3

WHS Boys Varsity Water Polo team makes CIF playoffs.

See PAGE 14

Fall into the glamour of the season with new statement pieces.

See PAGE 16

PHOTO BY IRIS YAN

In an effort to enhance the reputation of WHS, Assistant Principal of Instruction Richard Urias has revised the school profile.

This profile is included in every college application sent by counselors to private and out-ofstate public schools.

Urias took the initiative to revise the school profile when he heard that many university officials knew very little of WHS. Based on the feedback he received from admissions officers at those universities, Urias concluded that the school profile was a determining factor when these administrators evaluated a student’s application.

“I believe it was imperative to create a school profile that would highlight all the great data for WHS,” said Urias, “and that would demonstrate to the admissions officers that WHS is a high achieving school.”

The old school profile did not include detailed data or a list of colleges that WHS alumni attend.

The new document added data and reduced text, making it easier to peruse, according to Urias.

The current profile puts less emphasis on words and more on data. The data is displayed in bar graphs and charts along with the percentages of the school’s SAT, AP, and ACT scores.

Urias feels a responsibility to ensure that the profile reflects the high-performance of the student body.

“It is incumbent upon me to make sure that students have every advantage possible when applying to college,” said Urias.

Every year, students’ scores on the STAR, SAT, ACT, PSAT, and AP exams reveal that students are progressing. Pleased to have such high scores to include, Urias expects the number of admissions to universities to increase as well.

“I am confident that our college admission results are going to improve upon the already great successes we have had,” said Urias.

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

2

NEWS

October 26, 2007 • THE ARROW

JSA Assists Children in Need of Surgery

Stone Chosen to Lead Class of 2011

Continued from page 1

JENNY ZHOU STAFF WRITER

PHOTO BY ROBERT DILLON

Week, Oct. 15-19, volunteers delievered notes to participating teachers to be read to their students. These notes included cleft palate awareness facts, brochures about the Smile Train, fundraising updates, as well as envelopes asking for donations.

On Monday, all students were given happy face stickers and on Tuesday, an informational video about the Smile Train was played in all participating classes.

As a means of fundraising the money, a volunteer committee for the project decided to create a school wide Penny War. Each class competed with the other by putting the most coins in its own class jar. Coins were awarded points but if bills were added to the jars, points were subtracted.

The class with the most number of points won ASG spirit points, which in return, gets added to the class account.

The fundraising committee sold wristbands each day of the week and also sold Halloween jewelry at Club Rush on Friday, Oct. 19 for $4 in return for a free In-N-Out Burger.

PENNY WARS: A schoolwide fundraiser for JSA, the coin collection was part of larger contributions for the Smile Train.

“I’m glad we had so many people helping out and that we were able to make such a big profit on the burgers,” said JSA Co-president Linda Peng ’08, who was in charge of the burger sales.

During the week of the fundraiser, they were able to raise over $2000 from the student body as well as receive company donations.

Each surgery costs $250 per child and takes 45 minutes for

each surgery. The average age of a surgery recipient is 6 years old.

100% of the donations go towards providing these children with cleft surgery—0% go to overboard costs. “Together we have made a difference,” said Xie.

Showcase Generates Science Awareness

PHOTO BY ELLEN WANG

Panec, senior scientist at Amgen Paula KaplanLefko, WHS Science Department Chair John D’Agostin, physics teacher Scott Holloway, and student Erik Aidukas ‘08.

The panel included discussions of topics ranging from the skills and depth of knowledge that science companies and colleges like to see in students and the improvements the WHS science program may consider in the future.

“Skills in math and basic science are necessary for the [biology] program at Moorpark,” IT’S NOT BRAIN SURGERY: Physics teacher Scott Holloway was among three WHS said Panec. teachers presenting their science programs at the Science and Techology Showcase.

Kaplan-Lefko attributes “communicaJAMES JEE on Oct. 17 to discuss the current tion” to be more necessary than EDITOR-IN-CHIEF program’s strengths and weak- science. nesses.

“We need people who work In order to create awareness The panel members included well in teams and have good about the science and technology Superintendent of the Conejo Val- people skills,” she said. offerings at WHS, school admin- ley Unified School District Mario Other topics not directly reistrators, teachers, students, and Contini, the Moorpark College lated to science came up as well. scientists gathered at the school Biology Department Chair Marie Contini said that WHS needs

WHS Relay for Life Raises $30,000 for Cancer Research JULIANE SCHRAMM STAFF WRITER

Contributing to the Relay for Life fundraising efforts citywide, WHS students raised approximately $30,000 at Newbury Park High School on Oct. 13-14.

Relay for Life is a 24-hour event, organized by the American Cancer Society, which lasted from 10 a.m. on Saturday until 10 a.m. on Sunday.

Twenty of the 110 teams were from WHS, but churches, firefighters and middle schools also participated. Each team had about 10-25 people, of whom everyone raised $100 or more.

The theme of this year’s

event was Western. Some teams dressed their tents up, and prizes could be won for the best decorated campsite.

The big event started at 10 a.m. with the opening ceremony, where Thousand Oaks residents and some guest speakers gave speeches and read poetry. Some survivors talked about their experiences.

After that, members of each team started walking on the track, as a symbolic act.

“I have participated in Relay for Life since 5th grade because my grandma had cancer for 10 years. Last year, also my mom got affected by the disease,” said Amanda Ribbers ’10.

“The highlight of the event was the Luminarias Ceremony,” said Angie Galvan ‘08, “I take part in Relay for Life to help and honor the people who lived through cancer.”

The Luminarias Ceremony started at 8 p.m., where all the candles in the bags along the track were lighted.

The decline in cancer death rates doubles each year, according to an annual report from the nation’s leading cancer organizations.

The steady decline is credited to the effectiveness of prevention efforts, new screening methods and wider use of early detection.

to make its students more curious about science by giving students a good foundation through the curriculum, and that students should not be held back by the curriculum. He suggested alternative ways of managing the time in the school day, such as block schedule.

The panel discussion was followed by classroom demonstrations from Holloway, and science teachers Kristi Hronek and Nancy Bowman.

Holloway displayed the Physics Club’s robot and also in his demonstration, Aidukas presented his award-winning science fair project.

With preserved cow bones on her desks, Bowman talked about the Advanced Anatomy, Physiology, and Forensics classes.

Hronek showed the science department’s new overhead machines than can project anything in the view of its camera onto the screen. However, they lack the software to function properly.

Painting posters, making signs, and writing speeches were all part of the agenda that Andrew Stone ‘11 had for the next two weeks. Although stressed, he had great faith in his campaign, yet he was still surprised after he was told he had been elected Freshman Class President A week before his campaign, Stone attended the officer information meeting during lunch, along with almost 20 other students. However, only seven chose to take on the challenge of running a campaign to become part of the freshman leadership.

These freshmen included Stone and Victoria Chu for president, Hannah Barrett and Phoebe Ng for vice president, Max Avruch for secretary, and Ricky Vannelli and Joana Abed Elahad for treasurer.

“It was definitely stressful.

But I had a great campaign manager, even though we were down to the wire,” said Stone.

During the campaign week, colorful posters and flyers bearing clever catch phrases were scattered around campus.

In addition, several students could be seen wearing campaigns paraphernalia, either in the form of T-shirts or accessories.

“Campaign week was really fun, filled with good and bad experiences,” reminisced Elahad.

In the end, however, there could only be one winner for each position. President Stone, Vice President Ng, Secretary Avruch, and Treasurer Vannelli were ready to represent the Class of 2011 in the student government.

Stone is already planning fundraisers and giving the freshman class an extra boost.

“But I’m not into activities like bake sales—I was thinking of more entertaining activities, like Battle of the Bands,” said Stone.

Stone also added that his new position changed the way some students view him. “People refer to me as Mr. President now.

It’s awesome!” he said.

Although Stone has upheld his position only for a few weeks, he has already begun scheduling meetings and choosing the homecoming theme.

MAX AVRUCH STAFF WRITER

over when there is a war going on which impacts our entire country? True, after five or six years of the Iraq war, the public simply does not want to hear about terrors like suicide bombings and death threats.

But in a quest to escape from this reality, the news programs are struggling to

While the potential political candidates debated and General Petraeus updated the country on the situation in Iraq ABC, CNN, CNBC, KCAL9, and MSin late September, viewers watched severNBC are all guilty, yet not one of these staal television stations report the latest O.J. tions has shown any remorse or even atSimpson scandal instead. To add insult to tempted to change its ways. injury, every station repeated the phrase, The abundance “Apparently what hapof celebrity news and pens in Vegas, doesn’t gossip plagues the stay in Vegas,” to begin television airwaves. their coverage of the From Britney’s deappalling segment. mise and her custoFortunately for e rc dy battle with K-Fed those who actually o div to Brangelina’s new like to hear about curenvironment-saving rent world events, proescapades, stations grams like the Daily are slowly replacing Show with Jon Stewcurrent events with art, which is designed “news” concerning to present the top news s the hot (and somestories with a humoru s e times not) celebrity ous slant, provide what ort tra p Re l Pe lifestyles. appears to be the lone r a ra W Is the United source of true news e q n a Ir States devoid of news reports in the world Ge stories? Or, in a desof television. The PBS perate attempt to keep News Hour and Nightup with public interline on ABC are also est, are the stations FEEDING THE MACHINE: Endless celebriy drama replaces news stories on television. examples of reliable simply avoiding what news shows. really matters? appeal to public interest. Unfortunately in Not to take anything away from the Clearly celebrity gossip about Britney this case, public interest lies in the lives of Daily Show, but it seems almost wrong Spears is always interesting, otherwise the the rich and famous because we just want that one of the only places Americans news would ignore her. But when her ev- to see them downsized and appear as vul- know they will hear at least some of the ery move is targeted and analyzed at the nerable as we are. day’s news is on Comedy Central. center of all the news programs on televiIt was expected that the transformaWhile it does not appear that any sosion, each reporting the exact same thing, tion of celebrity news web site TMZ into a lution will emerge in the near future, all the story feels overplayed and uninterest- television show on FOX would lessen the major news programs should leave Nicole ing, the opposite of the shows’ intentions. mundane ploys of the news programs to Richie’s pregnancy and Paris Hilton’s proWho wants to hear about Lindsay attract more viewers, but sadly this was bation violation to shows like TMZ and Lohan’s new cocaine addiction ten times not the case.

Access Hollywood.

ALLY ACKOUREY OPINION EDITOR

CARTOON BY ALLY ACKOUREY

Usually people—especially presidential candidates—know enough not to mix religion and politics.

Generations of families have essentially learned the rules of conversational etiquette and the subject of religion is taboo. At social get-togethers and even family dinners, mentioning religion and politics together can certainly ruffle the feathers of different-minded people.

Presidential candidate Senator John McCain, therefore, caught the attention of the news media and many others when, in an unprecedented quote, stated that he felt more comfortable with a Christian president.

Senator John McCain’s controversial comment in an interview on Sept. 29 implied to listeners and readers worldwide that he preferred a Christian leader.

“I just have to say in all candor that since this nation was founded primarily on Christian principles....

Personally, I prefer someone who I know has a solid grounding in my faith,” said McCain.

His comment upset non-Christians. Jewish and Muslim viewers expressed their opinions to him immediately after the previous comment.

Jewish rabbi leader David Saperstein of the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism asked McCain to take back his comment on “preferring someone” who was Christian for the next president.

Saperstein also mentioned if Senator McCain did not repudiate his statement, then “it will be bewildering to many in the Jewish community.”

Bewildering or not, keeping a balanced view when discussing religion, especially mixed with government, becomes essential.

Many others also were unhappy and frustrated with McCain’s religion-biased comment. Within days he claimed his words were mistaken and he “would vote for a Muslim president if he or she were ‘best able’ to lead the country.”

McCain opened up a new series of questions with his remark. Was this nation really founded on Christian ideas and motives? The Constitution clearly entitles citizens to freedom of religion.

“Yeah, I think the president can have his or her own religion, as long as the president keeps his religion to himself,” said Charlotte Trent ‘11.

Thoughts like these are the ideas that drive this nation constantly into disputes and negotiations. Every person behaves and acts uniquely and contains ideas and thoughts that are special and worthwhile to consider, but what has become frustrating is determining which beliefs we should use to represent our nation, and how to determine if those beliefs reflect a majority viewpoint.

In the end it comes down to the basic question: Should this nation have one religion that is dominant over others in the government?

The day will inevitably arrive when neither a presidential candidate’s gender, race, nor religion is the lone determinant in the nation’s election of its leader. With frontrunners who already are challenging the precedents established by the past 230 years, it would appear that time may be now.

Celebrity Takeover

Lin ds ad Bri ay di tne ct y io n

Religion in the Race

3

OPINION

October 26, 2007 • THE ARROW

“Don’t Tase me bro, don’t Tase me!”

REBECCA SUSLIK STAFF WRITER

This was the cry heard around the nation on September 17, sparking ferocious debate over an oft-discussed topic: to what degree does our right to freedom of expression extend?

The instigator of this heated deliberation, student Andrew Meyer, waited in line to ask Senator John Kerry a question during an open forum at the University of Florida in Gainesville.

Questioning was discontinued before he reached the microphone, but the 21-yearold journalism major protested, insisting that Kerry hear him out. The Senator complied, and Meyer handed a video camera to the woman next to him before barraging Kerry with a flurry of questions.

Meyer asked why Kerry hadn’t contested his loss to President Bush, mentioning reports of disenfranchised African-American voters in Florida and Ohio, and questioned Kerry’s stance on the movement to impeach Bush.

The student’s microphone was cut off after he compared the movement to Clinton’s attempted impeachment, using a sexual reference officials deemed as “profanity and vulgarity,” but Meyer continued to shout.

When police officers attempted to escort the student from the building, Meyer resisted, becoming increasingly agitated.

He demanded to know why he was being arrested and yelled, “Get off of me!”

Eventually, officers wrestled Meyer down and tasered his shoulder.

As Meyer screamed in protest and pain, Kerry objected to the student’s removal. “I asked the police to allow me to answer the question and was in the process of responding when he was taken into custody,” reads a statement released

by Kerry’s office the following day.

After the incident, Meyer was arrested for inciting a riot and charged with

resisting an officer and disturbing the peace. He spent the night in jail.

In reaction to the affair, the university suspended two officers while the incident was investigated.

Amidst the controversy, the student body’s reaction is evenly split. Protesters marched peacefully the day after the incident, carrying posters condemning the use of “excessive force.”

On the other hand, Meyer’s fellow student Scott Markowitz voiced an opinion shared by multiple peers, saying, “I thought he got what he had coming to him.”

Not all the evidence supports Meyer; concerns were expressed over reports that Meyer planned the event as a prank.

Because he arranged to be filmed, critics of Meyer believe he planned to post the video on his web site, which contains several videos of practical jokes, as well as a scattering of political declarations harshly critical of the Bush Administration and the war in Iraq.

However, even if Meyer had been executing a prank, his behavior was far from violent, and his words did not invite students to cause trouble.

Since when has harmless mischief been a crime? If Meyer posed no credible threat, then his arrest was unfounded, and according to the Supreme Court decision in State vs. Mobley, “Each person has the right to resist an unlawful arrest.”

It appears Meyer was unjustly censored due to the content of his speech, rather than for his actions. Kerry was willing to listen and respond to the student’s questions; why, then, did the police officers consider it appropriate to remove and taser Meyer?

If, in America, in our universities— institutions of learning where discourse should flow freely—we are censored, if the constitutional right to freedom of expression, avidly stated by the First Amendment, does not apply to the blunt, difficult questions, can we truly call

ourselves “the land of the brave and the home of the free?”

THE WESTLAKE HIGH SCHOOL

ARROW

100 N. Lakeview Canyon Road Westlake Village, CA 91362 (805) 497-6711 ext. 4225 westlakearrow@yahoo.com EDITORS-IN-CHIEF James Jee, Ellen Wang MANAGING EDITOR Vicky Lou COPY EDITOR Wynn Burson NEWS EDITORS Tiffany Loh OPINION EDITOR Ally Ackourey FEATURE EDITORS Christina Cipriani, Jamie Hendry, Soumya Karlamangla, Philip Shao, Nora Sobczak, Iris Yan ENTERTAINMENT EDITORS Elyse Kaplan, Jimmy Moore SPORTS EDITORS Stephanie Nieves, Spencer Schloss ADVERTISING MANAGER Sabrina Samedi ADVISOR Caron Battaglia STAFF WRITERS Max Avruch, Rachel Bernstein, Alessandra Catanese, Guinevere Chan, Robert Dillon, Ellie Fateh, Pamela Guo, Kimberly Ha, Joseph Jacques, Jessica Kane, Christy Needels, Alexis Rosenthal, Juliane Schramm, Natalya Sivashov, Katelyn Smith, Rebecca Suslik, Roseann Zhong, Jenny Zhou The Arrow is written, designed and run by the students

of the beginning and advanced journalism classes at Westlake High School and is published monthly. The opinions expressed in this publication are those of the writers and do not necessarily represent those of the Conejo Valley Unified School District, Westlake High School administration, faculty or student body. We welcome feedback. Letters must be signed by the writer, though names can be withheld by request in the publication. Please send submissions to Mrs. Battaglia’s box in the main office or to Room 42E.

For The Arrow online, visit: www.conejo.k12.ca.us/westlake/arrow

4

FEATURE

New Act for MacLeod KATELYN SMITH STAFF WRITER

“Lugubrious Lindsay,” or Lindsay MacLeod ‘09, as most students know her, is a third year drama student who enjoys acting in many WHS school plays.

She feels drama is the “one place on campus that you go and forget about what’s happening at school and home.”

One of eight upperclassmen still involved in plays at WHS, she considers herself very “lucky to be part of this big family.”

The process involved in creating these plays is very intense and time consuming.

MacLeod works about two hours every day af- ACT IT OUT: Alex Smith ‘08 with MacLeod on stage at a WHS production. ter school rehearsing, and eight to nine hours on Saturdays liners, but overall a very amusing learn to be dependent on others building sets. script,” she said. for help in a play.

To add to the hard work The play is set to cast 32 peo“You are so dependent on spent at school rehearsing, she ple, 16 understudies and 16 actu- each other to know your lines, set is also expected to learn her lines al performers. builds, and rehearsals—one perfor the play in under two weeks.

“In the beginning of the year, son can completely change the The pressure is on again for we play name games to break the whole show, but at the same time the junior, who will be starring in ice, make up rules for the direc- it cannot be done without that the upcoming play All in the Tim- tor Catherine Conti on how we one person,” said MacLeod. ing by David Ives. want this play to turn out, and When MacLeod mentioned This play is comprised of a in turn she makes up a couple of how many freshmen joined the series of short, one act skits that her own. cast this year the actress said, that all tie into the central theme of “Overall it’s a fun first re- they are becoming a much bigger getting the timing right. hearsal, and you end up leaving family.

“Rumors was more of a with a bunch of new friends who “Meeting all these new cast laugh-out-loud play, whereas All have the same interest as you,” members is a very exciting and in the Timing is filled with a dif- said MacLeod. nerve-wracking experience. You ferent type of humor, a few one Many actors and actresses are able to be creative,” she said.

October 26, 2007 • THE ARROW

Veterans Close In on 4 Years of Acadeca IRIS YAN FEATURE EDITOR

Eric Lan ‘08 and Nini Xie ‘08 plan on using their four-year experience for Academic Decathlon’s success.

While Lan places his primary interest in the music category, Xie enjoys competing in the Language and Literature category.

Having played the violin since the age of five, Lan has participated in Academic Decathlon in categories such as music, since freshman year. It turns out that those early-acquired skills in music prove to be very beneficial.

Throughout the years, Lan perceives it as a very valuable learning experience that makes a person very well-rounded.

“AcaDeca is an eclectic group of people with an entirely different environment than the regular classes,” said Lan. Lan was inspired by his brother, Edward Lan ’04, who also participated in AcaDeca.

During his junior year, Eric won a bronze medal in music.

Besides music, he believes his strengths are also the Language, Literature, and Math categories.

This year, Eric believes “The decathletes are extremely dedicated. I think we might be able to get third or second.”

As to people who are interested in AcaDeca, “I would really encourage them to join. It’s

a wonderful curriculum and it is highly beneficial to the high school experience.”

Another four-year member of Academic Decathlon, Xie holds the position of president, calling the experience a “real eyeopener.”

When Xie heard of AcaDeca from a friend during eighth grade, she knew immediately that she wanted to join the class.

“It has definitely refined my public speaking skills. Because of the intensity of the ten subjects that you need to know, the class has strengthened my work ethic,” said Xie. Although Xie was not an active participant in AcaDeca during her freshman year, her achievements in the class, since then, have been remarkable.

She won gold in the Language and Literature category during both sophomore and junior years, while scoring the highest points on the B team during sophomore year.

Xie’s favorite part of AcaDeca is the class itself.

“Though many people would say the most enjoyable part of AcaDeca is the competition, I simply love the class the most. I think we have a very strong and dedicated group. The level of people participating has gone up.”

Both Lan and Xie are optimistic for this year’s success.

5

FEATURE

October 26, 2007 • THE ARROW

Students Rush to Club Meetings—Why? SOUMYA KARLAMANGLA FEATURE EDITOR

LET THE GAMES BEGIN: Joe Mazieka ’08 works on one of the club’s robots, which will be submitted into the preliminary round of the robotics competition.

PHOTO BY ELLEN WANG

Lia Woodward ’08 probably enjoys the most exciting lunch periods of anyone on campus.

As an active member of seven different clubs, she attends at least one meeting every day at lunch. From Comedy Sportz club, of which she is co-president, on Mondays, to Philosophy Club on Fridays, Woodward makes sure to attend every meeting possible, and even holds important positions in several clubs.

Woodward’s motive for joining all these clubs is to have a place to express herself in various ways, and embrace her diverse passions.

Although her intentions are genuine, other people around school are intent on joining clubs because of one reason—college.

Many prospective college students on campus join clubs to list on their college applications, or they attempt to create their own clubs in order to obtain positions like founders and presidents.

This trend makes club participation a chore—not a diversion from school life—for students who hope club participation will improve their college chances.

Clubs “definitely tip the scale,” said John Lisowski, WHS counselor, when asked if clubs could be a factor in getting into college.

“Admissions officers want to admit students who bring different interests and talents to a college,” said Audrey Kahane, a private college admissions counselor in West Hills, who writes the “College Corner” column for the Thousand Oaks Acorn. But “ex-

tracurricular activities will not compensate for poor grades or low test scores.”

Being a member in nine different clubs your junior year will not really make a difference, because colleges are looking for dedication.

“Find your passion and stick with it” is Lisowski’s advice for students looking to make a good impression on college admissions officers. Jumping around from club to club, or even between extracurriculars doesn’t impress an admissions committee.

“Think depth, not breadth,” said Kahane.

“It’s better to be actively involved in one or two clubs for several years than to be a casual member of many organizations.”

Lisowski simplified this with “Quality not quantity.”

Almost everyone seems to be vying for an official spot in a club. Secretary, Treasurer, Vice President, Publicist—any positions, just to have a position.

“Leadership is always good,” said Lisowski, because admissions officers want to see responsibility.

“It’s not the title that matters, but what you do with it,” said Kahane.

Here is some advice for students looking to start their own clubs at school.

“Starting a club is also great, again, as long as the club really does something,” said Kahane.

Basically, make sure your club has a purpose. Don’t start Yo-yo club and then meet once a week to play with yo-yo’s and eat food. Students can join in on something they love, as long as it is worthwhile.

Robot Enters Tech Challenge ELLEN WANG EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

When there’s free-fall or “zero gravity,” everything floats.

Weightlessness is not something we see everyday, but the same doesn’t go for Physics Club.

One of their projects was about the weightless concept in the Vomit Comet, a plane used by NASA to train people in weightless environment. The club used a gyroscope to create a successful weightless atmosphere.

But in Physics Club, “we do not limit ourselves to equations and theories,” said Co-President Annie Tigranyan ’08.

With free-fall checked off their list, Physics Club has planned to outdo itself. This year, Co-Presidents Andrew Maleki ’08 and Tigranyan decided to participate in the First Tech Challenge (FTC) division of the Robotics Competition after hearing about it from their club advisor,

Physics teacher Scott Holloway.

The project has already garnered the Conejo Valley Unified School District’s attention.

“With robotics, we’ve attracted students not only interested in physics, but also with technology, building, designing, and computer programming,” said Tigranyan.

Most of the members are new on the building experience, but they are taught different aspects of it.

With 19 members separated into Team A and Team B, each team works and designs on their own robots under the guidance of the advisor.

The challenge the club faces is funding. The club has only earned a small portion of the estimated $1500 needed, mostly through student contributions and funding by Hass Automation. But the club has not allowed monetary issues to faze them.

“Everyone is enthusiastic about the project. Though we may have a rough idea of where we’re going, we sometimes have to adjust on the fly,” said Maleki.

During the competition, the robots will be required to move autonomously for 20 seconds, which will require students to write their own program code.

And for two minutes, members of the team control the robot.

To play the game Quad Quandary, robots must pick up pipe pieces and place them onto poles or into goals.

In order to qualify for state, Physics Club will have to attend either the Nov. 10 or Nov. 17 preliminary to move onto the State Competition, to be held on Dec. 8.

“I think we have a good chance going to state. Many schools are new to this [division] because this is a relatively new category,” stated Holloway.

6

FEATURE

October 26, 2007 • THE ARROW

Halloween’s Buried Past:Uncovering the Haunted Truth of a Mysterious Holiday

ALEXIS ROSENTHAL STAFF WRITER

ALL PHOTOS COURTESY

Skeletons, ghouls, and witches are haunting the streets as Halloween approaches. The widely celebrated holiday is next week and for many the day means fun.

However, what exactly are the sources of this annual holiday?

Most of us know that it is an ancient Pagan ritual, but here are some facts that not everyone knows: Halloween emphasizes fear and glorifies mutilation, torture, and bizarre murders. In short, it focuses on pure violence.

In 1988, a 4th grade teacher asked her students to write a short essay on what they would most likely do to celebrate Halloween. Eighty percent of the students answered that they wished to “kill somebody.”

A brief history of the origins of Halloween tells us that it was originally celebrated as an ancient Celtic Festival of Samhain, Lord of Death and evil spirits, more than 2000 years before Christ.

In this tradition, the Celts ordered Nov. 1 as the day of death. Supposedly, all those who had died the previous year were assembled by the Lord of Death, Samhaim. These spirits were allowed to return to their former home on the eve of the Day of Death, which is Oct. 31. Druid priests led the people in worshipwhere horses, cats, black sheep, oxen, and even humans were rounded into wicker cages and

FRIEND OR FOE: Halloween’s traditional origins may not be all the bones and candy once thought.

burned to death.

Hence the tradition of costumes comes into play. Those who watched the sacrifices would dress in costumes made of animal skins and heads. They would dance, chant, and jump through the fire in hope of warding off evil spirits.

Another classic symbol of Halloween is the jack-o-lantern. A candlelit pumpkin or skull was used to mark those farms and homes that were sympathetic to Satanists, thus deserving of mercy when the terror of the night began.

Even more, an old edition of the World Book Encyclopedia not-

Mutate Your Halloween

Give Your Long Awaited Holiday a Spooktacular Makeover

Ghoulish Activities

Creepy Cuisine

Frightful Flicks

Halloween is typically the time to run around your neighborhood, asking neighbors for candy, filling pillow cases to the top. In high school, however, many people are on a desperate search for alernatives to get out of being stuck taking their little brothers and sisters trick-or-treating.

Visiting a haunted house or setting up one on your own is a popular idea; after all, getting scared or scaring others is one of the best parts of Halloween night. Seaside Haunt in Ventura is one of the closest ways to visit a spooky haunting inexpensively.

Bobbing for apples is a classic and one of the oldest traditional Halloween games.

Make it extra fun by offering prizes or treats for the winner.

Organizing and throwing a scavenger hunt with a group of people is an excellent way to trick-or-treat while searching for items to win the hunt.

A great way to get into the Halloween spirit is to carve pumpkins. Carving your favorite cartoon character or spooky designs, such as haunted houses or ghosts, is a creative way for people of all ages to get involved. Place pumpkins in windows for everyone to see, and make sure to use a candle for a special glow. Save the pumpkin seeds, and bake them with salt for a tasty treat.

Whatever the activity, remember to have fun while staying safe.

Not in the mood for candy on Halloween? There are numerous recipes for hungry trick-or-treaters who want something more than bite-size bars.

Classic caramel apples are an all-time favorite. Gather a few simple ingredients: sugar, corn syrup, sweetened milk, cream, regular milk, unsalted butter, vanilla extract, apples and any toppings you want on top.

Or just do it the easy way and buy already made caramel and apples; it will save time.

Apple cider is another classic Halloween treat after a cold night of walking door to door.

Coming home to a glass of warm apple cider will hit the spot. Just simply get apple cider, brown sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon sticks and grated nutmeg. It is easy enough to do it yourself.

Ever in the mood to see what brains, eyes, intestines or decaying flesh taste like?

To make food look like brains take a head of cauliflower and overcook it.

For eyes take olives and peeled grapes they work perfect to imitate an eyeball.

To enjoy some intestine take soggy marshmallows, string them together to make the long intestine. Last but certainly not least decaying flesh is made out of mashed potatoes topped with potato flakes. Adding food coloring will give the horror treat a little extra novelty.

Too chilly to parade around in a costume? Why not have a horror movie marathon?

There’s no better way to get in the Halloween spirit than to watch your favorite scary movies until your mind is consumed with the frightening images.

Blockbuster has recently released new films including 1408, Dead Silence, and Vacancy. These movies are sure to scare you.

1408 is about a man who thinks he can handle any haunted situation. He soon realizes that 1408 is a little too much to handle. Dead Silence, a newly released film about ventriloquist dolls who come to life will make you scream at the sight of Barbie. Vacancy will keep you running from old motels.

Be sure to turn out all the lights, get lots of goodies, and invite all your friends.

To set the mood, try some dimly lit candles and scary music as your guests arrive.

Light up the fireplace for an old fashioned feeling and extra warmth.

Setting out a bowl of candy on the porch is the easiest way to focus on the flick, and avoid getting distracted by trickor-treaters ringing the doorbell.

If staying in isn’t your thing, head out to the theaters and check out The Signal and Saw IV. Whether you decide to have a fright fest on your couch or a terrifying time at the theaters, Halloween is the perfect time to be creeped out by movies.

ed that “the apparently harmless lighted pumpkin face of the jacko-lantern is an ancient symbol of a damned soul.” Though most do not affiliate jack-o-lanterns with those who have been condemned, it is slightly daunting to think that placing the jack-o-lantern on the front door step actually signals a condemned soul.

Lastly, celebrating Halloween usually includes the notorious vampire, Dracula. Dracula did in fact exist in the 1400s, and massacred 100,000 men, women, and children. His palace was the original House of Horror.

By focusing on only the brutality, we unknowingly stress the darker side of Halloween. Children frighten easily. Since they are so impressionable, do we really want to teach our children a history of menace, gore, and gruesomeness ?

Haunt Your House If you’re looking for an alternative to Knott’s Scary Farm or Magic Mountain’s Fright Fest, designing and creating a miniature neighborhood haunted house or a spooky graveyard is a simple, fun way to scare trick-or-treaters.

Start by picking a designated area: a garage, frontyard or back, or even a walk through section in your house. Make sure to remove any valuables and lay down tarps to protect floors from frightened visitors.

The next step in this spooky transformation is to go wild with decorations.

Jack-o-lanterns add a traditional touch, but try creating scarier faces or eerie designs.

Candles are a way to light up your haunted house, but can give a gothic feeling. Use caution with open flames to make sure costumes do not come near them, or risk falling over. Buying fake spider webs is one of the most cost-effective decorations. Tangle them around objects so tourists have to bend up and down to avoid the webs.

Put fake spiders and other bugs in them, of course.

Sound effects are an easy way to make your guests jump and squirm. Most party and costume stores have inexpensive CDs and tapes playing sounds such as screams, banging, and creaking.

Black lighting with special paint used on cardboard is a great idea to write words out such as “Don’t look back!” and “Beware!”

Mysterious fog sends chills up someone’s spine. Fog machines are cheaper and easier to find around Halloween, and most are water based and simple to use.

The most important aspect of the haunted house is live entertainment. Enlist some volunteers to dress up as zombies, distorted scarecrows and murder victims, and even a mummy or vampire who pops up from a tombstone. Soak old clothing in fake blood, and cover the people’s faces in dark makeup and fake wounds.

Have naive trick-or-treaters touch homemade disgusting food.

It is always a good idea to get parent permission. Nothing is worse than giving Mom and Dad the fright of their lives, and then getting grounded.

Remember, the scarier the better. A haunted house is the perfect way to stay entertained while entertaining unsuspecting trick-or-treaters.

Articles by Christina Cipriani, Jamie Hendry, and Brittany Weber.

October 26, 2007 • THE ARROW

7

FEATURE

Tapping into the Truth About Bottled Water “I bring my own water from home,” said Stefan Goehring ’08 holding up his giant water bottle, which he refills every Stuffed into backpacks, teetering day with water from his filter at home.

“The bigger bottle holds more than on the corners of desks, tumbling out of vending machines, and filling trash cans the disposable bottle,” he explained, “so around our school, water bottles are part of I don’t have to throw away four bottles a our daily lives. But new studies reveal that day.”

Asia Ray ’10 remarked that she would not only do the plastic bottles affect the environment in a negative way, but also drink tap water, “if it tasted good.” But that the water itself is frequently nothing after learning the facts about bottled water, she was appalled. Shocked, she declared, more than tap water.

Water bottles take a drastic toll on the “Now I want to recycle more!” and environment because the plastic is created promised not to drink bottled water when from natural gas and petroleum. The Earth tap water was available.

At WHS, students, unless they Policy Institute in Washington determined in 2006 that in one year in America, 1.5 relentlessly search for a recycling bin, do not recycle their million barrels of bottles because oil, or enough to market our water recycling bins are fuel 100,000 cars for “We’d a year, were used for the people.... Everyone not at every corner.

Also, because in the production bottles of bottles. The EPI would want to be seen carry- water statistics for 2007, ing around a healthful bottle are chilled, and because the water however, indicate from the fountain that this figure of water.” may now be higher Rowland Nethaway is often warm and accompanied by a than 10 million long wait, students barrels.

The mere act of importing bottled tend to choose water bottles.

“If there were more water fountains water from other countries pollutes the environment as well. The National with cold water I might stop getting Resources Defense Council approximates bottled water,” mentioned Sohail Ahmed, that 4,000 additional tons of carbon ‘08. He also said that he drinks bottled dioxide are emitted into the atmosphere water because it’s purer, and because it’s in each year by regular shipping of bottles a bottle, it’s reassuring that there are not a lot of chemicals in the bottles. However, he from locations as remote as Fiji.

“The pollution of the skies is matched does not recycle.

“No,” he said, “because recycling bins SPRING WATER: Aquafina, Dasani water bottles are little more than tap water. by the trash left underfoot,” said Bryan aren’t in convenient places.”

Walsh of Time Magazine News.

People around America are trying to that Aquafina and Dasani are actually just more for bottled water than they pay Furthermore, of the millions of for gasoline for their cars,” according to bottles sold each year, only about 23% are implement solutions to these problems. tap water seems more significant.

According to the Ventura County Star, Nethaway. recycled. According to Democracy Now!, According to the New York Times and A yearly supply of bottled water for each day about 60 million water bottles are Los Angeles Times, the Mayor of San when Coca-Cola Co. became flooded with Francisco banned city departments from complaints about its sugary products one person costs $1,400, whereas a yearly thrown away.

Lorena Iniguez, of the Los Angeles spending money on bottled water, and causing childhood obesity, the company supply of tap water costs a mere 49 cents, estimates the New York Times.

Times, says that it takes 450 years for Ann Arbor, Michigan and Salt Lake City, decided to sell bottled water.

In a meeting, when deciding how the Diana Kim ’09 said that she drinks a bottle to decompose in a landfill. Utah have joined this effort as well and Consequently, these bottles that are not are encouraging the consumption of tap company would sell a bottle with plain bottled water (and recycles every bottle) water in it, the organization decided, when she can because it “tastes more recycled are constantly overfilling landfills water.

Westlake might be next. Because “We’d market our water for the people” fresh” and because she believes it is purer. and creating trash that will not disintegrate She was shocked that the water is water bottles are convenient and readily so that “everyone would want to be seen quickly, or at all.

The New York Times suggested that available, the tap water trend is not carrying around a healthful bottle of frequently just purified tap water, and water” according to Rowland Nethaway, a after being informed of the effects of people would be more likely to recycle if catching on quickly. plastic bottles on the environment, she For instance, Daniel Harvey ’09 writer for the Waco Tribune-Herald. a nickel or a dime were awarded for each The marketers discovered that they vowed, “Now I’m going to refill all my commented that although he does drink empty bottle or can.

States that offer these minimal tap water, he also drinks Kirkland water could get the water from the tap, because own bottles.”

Essentially, selling water bottles is an incentives have much higher recycling bottles, because they are “a quick grab in tap water in the United States “is regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency” uncomplicated way for large companies to rates than other states. Only three of the the morning.” and therefore is very clean, and must easily procure millions of dollars.

11 states that offer money for recycling, IS IT TAPWATER? meet several purification and cleanliness This clever ploy is trashing the however, offer money for water bottles.

Although bottled water poses a guidelines. environment, and the water itself is barely, Many students, meanwhile, have their concern for the environment, the discovery Their plan was to get people to “pay if at all, more pure than tap water. own ways to reduce waste.

SOUMYA KARLAMANGLA FEATURE EDITOR

PHOTO BY PHILIP SHAO

Sports Drinks Sales on the Rise ROBERT DILLON STAFF WRITER

Sales of sugared drinks have dropped in schools nationwide since 2004 as a result of efforts to combat childhood obesity. However, a rising trend in the sales of sports drinks and flavored waters may be counteracting those efforts.

A recent report issued by the American Beverage Association showed a 45% decrease in shipments of sodas, but a 23% increase in shipments of water, including flavored water, along with sports drinks.

The decrease is due to an agreement between beverage companies and the Alliance for a Healthier Generation, an antiobesity group.

State regulations have also restricted sales in an attempt to make more nutritious foods available in school environments.

“They want schools to be a model of healthy living,” said Dean of Activities

Nicole Funfar, regarding the recent state laws.

But drinks like Powerade are becoming more prevalent on campuses, including WHS. These drinks are still allowed under current measures and can have twothirds the sugar of sodas.

“Any drink with sugar damages your teeth,” stated local orthodontist Dr. Samson Chang, “especially if you’re someone with braces. Read your labels.”

Although sports drinks restore electrolytes, the problem occurs when inactive students purchase the beverages. “Most kids you see carrying around sports drinks are not athletes,” said Mary Story, a professor of nutrition at the University of Minnesota. The drinks contain more sodium than soda, which can lead to high blood pressure. The Institute of Medicine urged that students should only consume sports drinks if they participate in more than one hour of physical activity.

But how do students feel? David

Miller ’09 claimed that he has never purchased any drinks, Powerade or otherwise, from the vending machines.

“I just don’t like the sugar,” said

Miller. Sam Kazemian ’11, who is on the cross-country team, says he drinks a Powerade about once every two days and if the drinks were banned, “I’d be angry.”

Coming to America

WHS provides learning opportunities for foreign exchange studen GREGOIRE QUERE: FRANCE

BIRTE ROSSNER: GERMANY

CHRISTY NEEDELS STAFF WRITER

PHOTO BY KATELYN SMITH

In search of new experiences, Gregoire Quere ‘09 traveled across the world from France to attend WHS. Quere, 15, admits that America has surpassed many of his expectations.

The education system is what he has liked best so far. The biggest difference in school he has noticed is being able to choose his own classes.

While it was his parents’ idea to learn English, he describes his trip to America as “every teen’s dream.”

Taking Calculus, U.S. History, Chemistry, and Spanish 1, Quere has to manage a difficult array of classes in a foreign language. While he has only taken four years of English, he is already able to communicate fluently.

Although he has only been in the United States for a couple of months, Quere has already joined many WHS programs such as water polo, JSA, and French Club. All of these activities were inaccessible to him at his school in France.

While he has enjoys the change in culture, there are some differences he still needs to get used to. American food has also proved to be a big change for Quere. He admits that, compared to French cuisine, there is a lot more junk food in America, and even

KIMBERLY HA STAFF WRITER

Even when she was a baby, Birte Rossner ‘09 wanted to come to the United States. Although she was only two years old when she visited with her father and mother, Rossner remembers the United States through the pictures, and from there, she has become a “fan of America.”

“The big difference is that Americans are so proud to be Americans,” said Rossner, acknowledging the Pledge of Allegiance, of which she still has not learned the words.

Although Rossner enjoys the warm weather in California, she misses her friends back home in Hildesheim, Germany’s smallest city, which is 15 minutes away from Hanover. She also misses her sister, who is two years younger than she.

However, she is not homesick. One of the reasons why she likes the United States is that the different attitudes and behavior of the people.

“The people here are so open-minded,” Rossner comments. “In Germany, when walking on big city streets, no one will say hello to you. Germans don’t show that much emotion. ” Besides a new culture, there is also a different school system. Instead of taking just one foreign language as many WHS students are used to, German students learn several. Not only does she speak German, but she also took English, French, and Latin.

Although she has had only five years of formal schooling in English, Rossner said that she started by practicing simple phrases. She used to count to five with her

more opportunities to indulge.

“At home, you just eat at breakfast, lunch, and dinner,” said Quere. With breaks and snacks between meals, he explained that people seem to eat all day.

One of the biggest culture shocks for him was hugs, something students at WHS do daily.

In France, girls and boys only hug when they are very close. In contrast, it is common for American friends to hug each other.

Despite the diversity in cultures, including a language barrier, Quere has adapted to life in America.

CARL BLYDT: NORWAY JOSEPH JACQUES STAFF WRITER

JULIANE SCHRAMM: GERMANY NATALYA SIVASHOV STAFF WRITER

PHOTO BY LINDSAY ADLER

Carl Blydt ‘09 came from Norway to experience the movie-like qualities of WHS. While Norway is predominantly Englishspeaking, cultural differences were the hardest to overcome. Blydt is living his year in Thousand Oaks and is loving it.

“I needed to get out of Europe,” he said, “to learn a new language because it will be valuable later in life.”

Of all the things he misses, he misses Norwegian goat cheese the most, with friends and family coming next, and then Norway’s chocolate.

When Blydt arrived, he noticed that everything fit his expectations. “This school is what you see in the movies,” he said.

Blydt originates from the suburbs of west Oslo, Norway’s capital.

Enamored by the weather and environment, Blydt had no trouble getting used to Southern California’s laidback lifestyle. He meshed well, taking quickly to the beaches and sun.

Blydt decided to become an exchange student because it is a popular occurence in Norway.

Although he is a junior, he takes mainly senior classes. In addition to his English, Math Analysis, and Psychology classes, he is also on yearbook and was briefly on the football team.

Blydt’s high school football career lasted two games. He admits that he knew little about the sport and it was not for him.

Blydt favors Psychology and Carly Dritz saying that “Psychology is interesting but a lot of work.”

However, Blydt is not considering going to a college in the United States because it is too expensive.

Financial troubles came early with Blydt, “I blew all the money I had in the first month—now I’m in trouble.”

When Blydt does return home, he will have memories, friends, and a football jersey to remember WHS.

Soccer, English, Journalism, Math Analysis, U.S. History, and Choir may be tough classes and a hard schedule for any overstressed junior. But for Juliane Schramm ‘09, an exchange student from Munich, Germany, her experience at WHS is a once in a lifetime opportunity. This year will most likely decide if Schramm will attend an American college.

Schramm is the seventh European exchange student to live with the Joos family in Westlake Village. She lives with a family of four and Tommi Barsidahl ‘09 from Denmark. Everyday with the Joos family is an adventure; they have already traveled to Hawaii, attended a Dodgers game on a hot day, gone to a baby shower, and gone to the beach.

“I love Westlake; it’s just like in the movies. Students are so spirited. We don’t have sports in Germany. We don’t have dances like Homecoming. I liked the half time show at the game,” said Schramm.

In her school in Germany, Schramm never had to worry about getting to class on time as they only had one building and one class.

“It didn’t take me long to fit in; people were nice, and it’s cool that you have different people in every class,” she said.

Her sister went to Tracy, California last year, motivating Schramm to come to the United States.

“I miss the Oktoberfest; whenever my sister calls, she tells me she goes there everyday. I miss my dad and sister. The hardest part is being away from them,” she said.

In Germany, many of her friends go through the program, visiting different countries for one year. The year spent in America counts only if the exchange students do not fail any classes in the next grade, or else they have to repeat the year.

“It took me a while to decide if I wanted to do this, so I uploaded my profile on the program’s website, and my host family picked me,” she said.

There are 13 grades in Germany;

nts studying in the United States.

SIWEN SHEN: CHINA ROSEANN ZHONG STAFF WRITER

PHOTO BY KIMBERLY HA

mom who speaks English, and later sang English songs in elementary school.

As long as she does not fail all of her classes, Rossner will receive credit for the classes she is taking here, which include English, Marine Biology, U.S. History, French 3, Geometry, Choir, and Art, her favorite class.

“I love to draw, to paint, to do creative stuff. I just need a pencil and a paper, and I’m happy,” said Rossner.

Rossner is currently staying with the Jaffe family and immensely enjoys her time in California.

“It’s exactly like how I would want it,” said Rossner. “There’s no way to get better. It’s perfect.”

PHOTO BY ELLIE FATEH

Siwen Shen ‘09, a foreign exchange student from China, is chasing new opportunities and finding her niche among students of diverse backgrounds and “fascinating habits.”

Although she claims that it is difficult to adapt to unfamiliar faces and to stay on top of the activities offered at WHS, Shen has already planted her feet firmly in the educational experience.

Taking Math Analysis, English, Biology, Choir, and Art Media, Shen especially enjoys English with John Abney.

Shen, who took mandatory English courses in China, declares that the language is the most distinct difference between the American and Chinese lifestyles; the dry weather of California follows closely in second place.

Previously, Shen was a student at a private boarding school in Maryland, but the bleak winters of the east coast influenced her move to Southern California.

“It was too cold,” the junior said with a smile. “The weather here is nicer, and it’s also less boring at Westlake.”

Although her host family resides in neighboring city Agoura Hills, Shen comes to WHS because Agoura High School does not currently accept international students. She is enjoying her time at WHS and the “extremely energetic students and nice teachers.”

However, she still prefers China to America. According to

Shen, adapting to a contrasting culture from her own and becoming comfortable with her host family is the most challenging aspect of living away from her family.

Regardless of the difficulties Shen faced when moving to the United States, she aspires to attend Stanford University or “any other good American college” because of the “easier entrance exams.” In China, all students are required to take a nationwide test in order to apply to colleges.

Although she misses her mother, close friends, and “authentic” Chinese food, Shen nonetheless shares a special American trait with the majority of student body: a love for In ‘N’ Out.

TOMMI BARSIDAHL: DENMARK GUINEVERE CHAN STAFF WRITER

PHOTO BY GUINEVERE CHAN

PHOTO BY RACHEL BERNSTEIN

recently it was decided that the new students were only going to have 12, but their school days would be longer.

Schramm is happy she lives in California which she calls the best state. In Germany, no one has pools and the ocean and sea are far away from her home.

She enjoys the sunny weather and the fact that the beach is only twenty minutes away.

She also says that everything is more spread out here in Thousand Oaks than in her hometown.

In Germany, the only fast food places are McDonald’s and Burger King, unlike the variety she can choose from here.

Her favorite new food is Mexican.

About 5,603 miles away from home, Tommi Barsidahl ‘09 is a long way from Odense, Denmark. For one year, he will be an exchange student in the United States, a decision influenced by popular American movies.

The warm weather has definitely helped shape his experience as a guest Californian.

He is enjoying the contrast in weather from Denmark.

T h e sixteen- yearold hopes to return to the Southern Californian weather after completing a year of college in Denmark to complete his education.

He is also considering going to Moorpark College for two years and then transferring to a bigger school, possibly UCLA. But this year, Barsidahl has chosen to take a year abroad in the United States.

However, he will receive no credit for his

classes because he already graduated from the school system in Denmark, which graduates students at the equivalent age of American sophomores.

The school programs of America and Denmark differ in curriculum as well as philosophy. Barsidahl finds it difficult to adjust to America’s grading; in Denmark, grades are based solely on tests.

This summer, Barsidahl chose to visit Hawaii over New York with his host family, the Joos, and stay on the Big Island and Oahu.

W h i l e finding the Big Island boring, he enjoyed learning to surf in the unfamiliar warm waters, discovering it was not as easy as it looks.

Barsidahl, a fan and former soccer player in Denmark, is debating on whether to try out for the soccer team in November.

Open to this new experience, he has left his after school job as a grocery store clerk and a regular poker night with friends to come to America.

10

FEATURE

October 26, 2007 • THE ARROW

Miletich Flies With Wings JESSICA KANE STAFF WRITER

COURTESY PHOTO

Training to achieve a pilot’s license is not a common hobby among teens nowadays, and it is almost unheard of at WHS, but Kayli Miletich ’09 has been regularly preparing to become a certified pilot for the past eight months.

“I love to travel and my dad also has a pilot’s license,” said Miletich on how she acquired this unusual “exhilarating” pastime.

She trains at Channel Islands Aviation with her instructor, Anneliese Tomlinson, and the preparation has not been effortless.

Miletich attends the runways two times a week to fly the Cessna 172P twin engine and also travels for an additional night of ground school to acquire the necessities she needs to fulfill her license and to learn the basics and maneuvers needed in order to take on the responsibilities of a plane.

“My instructor is really flexible and can take me on weekends if I don’t have time during the week,” said Miletich. This factor helps her balance her time, considering her “hectic schedule,” since she participates in AP classes, journalism, girls varsity tennis team, National Charity League and the Assisteens.

Her practice time is limited and very constricted; hence it takes priority over other activities. Miletich explains some restrictions on the time she can actually fly, such as night time, the set times for planes that one must arrange in advance, and the

O CAPTAIN, MY CAPTAIN!: At Channel Islands Aviation, Kayli Miletich ’09 learns how to fly in the Cessna 172P twin engine.

availability in her schedule to fit in two hour sessions.

A student must fly a minimum of 40 hours in the air, be certified, and must have a solo check ride to finally attain his or her pilot’s license.

The preparation is intense, and Miletich explains that a future pilot must be trained for every possible situation, and emergency landing, landing in water, and even overcoming a hijack. The intensity creates a need for “dedication, lots of time, and awareness of your surroundings,“

the radios and communicating with the towers and other planes around you,” admitted Miletich. Learning and understanding all the commands can be stressful, but she is surely up for the challenge. Though it has been rough for her, she stays devoted and enthusiastic towards this time-consuming activity.

“Once you memorize the procedures, it’s easier than a car because you don’t have other planes around you, there are less rules and regulations, there’s never any traffic, no signs, and no speed limits!”

Kanaglekar Masters Art of Dance

Under Hollywood Lights

SABRINA SAMEDI ADVERTISING MANAGER

PAMELA GUO STAFF WRITER

LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION: Kim Preish ’11 lives and breathes acting.

Just last year, Preish was forced to reconsider her dream when the pilot season seemed to drag on a seemingly endless sour note. Runner-up for seven roles, Preish eventually decided to take a brief hiatus from Hollywood’s stiff competition.

Thus far, Preish has also appeared in the soap opera Passions, starred in “kinda just normal” commercials for McDonald’s, Disney, and AOL, and worked in conjunction with Lindsay Lohan in the movie Confessions of a Teenage Drama Queen.

In her biggest role-to-date, Preish played the sweet and selfless daughter of a troubled mother in the Hallmark Channel movie special A Boyfriend for Christmas.

Faced with the glitz and glamour of attending her own movie premiere, Preish chuckled and described it as “just like going to a normal movie, except dressed nicely, and sitting in nicer seats.”

Before she was able to take her first steps as a child, Chandana Kanaglekar ’09 was a dancer.

“Dance has been her true passion throughout life, but during the training for her Arangetram she has truly matured as a dancer,” said Kanaglekar’s parents Niranjan and Swati Kanaglekar.

Within the Indian culture, an Arangetram is a traditional graduation performance which tells a beautiful story through poses and movements corresponding to a rhythm.

Dancing for 10 years, she has been learning and mastering the techniques of Bharata Natyam, an ancient and extremely popular classical dance form in India originating on the stages and in temples. The performer of this dance is a worshipper exhibiting love and devotion to the Lord in his human and divine manifestations.

“Arangetram was an experience which taught me the importance of hard work, perseverance, dedication, and commitment. Throughout this past year, my focus has shifted and my priorities had to be changed drastically,” said Kanaglekar.

The discipline in undergoing the strenuous preparations last for an entire year. The Argentram was something that Kanaglekar developed through the help of her guru, Padmini Vasan “who also taught me that each dancer comes with her own level of potential.”

The ceremony was separated into two parts. The first half comprised the Pushpanjali, Jatheeswaram, and the Varnam.

In the Pushpanjali portion, Kanaglekar began her Arangetram by offering flowers and prayers to Lord Ganesha, the remover of challengers. Afterwards, the Jatheeswaram presented a pure dance custom synchronizing both the melody of the music and the movement of the body.

COURTESY PHOTO

COURTESY PHOTO

“…and CUT! That’s a wrap!” bellowed the director as applause filled the building and the last take of a grueling three day, 54-hour Disneyland commercial shoot finally ended.

Calm and composed, the commercial’s young star, Kim Preish ’11, didn’t break a sweat.

After all, this freshman’s done everything from the scandalous storylines of the soap opera Days of Our Lives to the thriller film Gone But Not Forgotten.

“Its just like, a part of my life,” asserted Preish.

At three years old, Preish fantasized of becoming the next Mary Kate or Ashley Olsen while her preschool friends were busy discovering the diaper-free world of playgrounds.

Preish’s mother waited until her youngest daughter’s sixth birthday to find a manager, and she soon became a part of EZ Kids, an L.A.-based acting agency geared towards screen artists from toddlers to teenagers. Preish started small, landing numerous jobs as an extra for movies and television shows.

Now 14 and a member of the AKA Acting Agency, this young actress eagerly anticipates the arrival of January, which marks the beginning of pilot season, an intense period of rigourous auditions averaging two to three per week.

A typical day in Preish’s life entails waking up at 5:20 a.m., attending periods one through five, rushing off to an audition at lunch, and finally arriving back home in Thousand Oaks at around 7 or 8p.m. to finish the day’s homework. Once pilot season finishes, Preish breathes easy again—“easy” being a seven period day of all honors classes, French 1, Auto Safety, softball, and of course, Theater 1.

said Miletich.

“I’m not going to lie, I was terrified the first time, but by the second time in the air, I didn’t even have to think twice about it,” said Miletich, who grasped the concepts and skills quickly.

Eventually, Miletich plans on using her pilot’s license to benefit the common good, with her desire to travel to Africa and to deliver supplies and necessities to small villages for those who are less fortunate.

“The hardest part of flying is working

DANCING TO THE BEAT: Chandana Kanaglekar ’09 learns and masters a traditional Indian dance.

Finally, the Varnam gave Kanaglekar the opportunity to portray a maiden pining for Lord Murgua and hoping for his return along with a marriage proposal.

Throughout the second half of the ceremony Kanaglekar integrated the rituals of Padam, Thillana, and Mangalam. Within Padam, Kanaglekar gave a possible sight into her future by expressing the emotions of a mother singing a lullaby to her little daughter. Kanaglekar exhibited postures predominate to praising the Lord Vishnu in the Thillana segment of her grand finale.

Kanaglekar completed her Arangatram by offering salutations and thanks to Lord Ganesha, her guru, and the patrons.

The idea of Arangatram is love and devotion to one another and the Lord.

11

FEATURE

October 26, 2007 • THE ARROW

STUDENTS PUT MONEY IN THE BANK Starbucks—Making Drinks for Loyal Customers of Westlake come in I give them free drinks and they see me in Starbucks is my apron. Gets them known for its freshevery time,” said Poly brewed coffee, rush. unique blends, and In their mission fast paced atmostatement, Starbucks sphere, but for three states that it wishes WHS students, the to “provide a great benefits, convenient work environment hours, and easy locaand treat each person tions make Starbucks with respect and digan enjoyable, partnity.” time job.

Also, Starbucks Teenagers, exoffers a wide range of pecially high school benefits for employstudents, are drawn ees who qualify. In to Starbucks as an addition to a benefits employer because package that includes of its overall appeal. medical insurance, a “They always work CAUTION, HOT: Students serve coffee to customers. retirement package, around our school and stock options, schedules, and are usually pretty ing. each employee who works 20 While many high school stu- hours or more each week receives good at giving us the days off that we ask for,” said senior Kristina dents find themselves floating a pound of coffee for free. from job to job, Starbucks managDollman.

Starbucks is a chain that alDollman has worked at the es to keep its employees satisfied lows current high school students Starbucks inside Vons for about and committed to their work en- to conveniently transfer to a locaa year, “I like working at Star- vironment. Senior Ryan Porush tion near college campuses if they bucks for the most part, and I’ve describes it as a job that’s “pretty plan to continue working the folbecome good friends with a lot of solid and not too hard.” lowing year. This means students Porush has also been em- can maintain a continuous job the people I work with.”

Zach Friedman ’08, who ployed by Starbucks for about a and rely on employment in the works with Dollman, has to com- year, working from 8-12 hours ev- future because on every college plete the basic duties of taking or- ery week. campus, there is at least one Star“When the attractive people bucks. ders, making drinks, and cleanSTEPHANIE NIEVES SPORTS EDITOR

PHOTO BY STEPHANIE NIEVES

Taylor’s Tea House—Fulfilling Birthday Dreams for Local Girls

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gift lists, and thank you cards along with costumes and an inclusive salon treatment featuring hair, make-up, and nail services are taken care of by team Taylor’s.

The birthday girl in company with her family and friends are only required to sit back, relax, and enjoy every element of the celebration while Taylor’s Tea House takes care of each organizational detail.

A celebration at TayPRETTY IN PINK: Six WHS students work to create parties for lor’s Tea House also inyoung girls. cludes a fashion show with the guests taking on SABRINA SAMEDI the role of models along with a karaoke NEWS EDITOR special. Then, a Taylor’s only dance routine is demonstrated and practiced by the Taylor’s Tea House is a party expe- guest of honor and all her friends. rience like no other, catering to the every According to Taylor’s Tea House, the wish and desire of a young princess. Tay- birthday girl is the girl to be because it is lor’s organizes parties for young girls al- her special day with no limitations or set lowing them to pursue their ideal party backs. When a party is hosted by Taylor’s fantasy. it is guaranteed that all siblings are free.

Six students from WHS, including se- Parents are also welcome to join the fesniors Christina Cipriani, Natalie Mian, tivities.

Jamie Hendry, Ashley Impellitteri, Julie On average, Taylor’s is able to accomJarett, and Rachel Trushinski, are respon- modate a bash with a minimum of eight sible for organizing and providing these guests to a maximum of 25 party-goers. party fantasies.

For a gathering of seven friends plus the Taylor’s offers a two hour party event guest of honor the total charge comes out with themes ranging from the Perfect Prin- to be $395.00, and every additional guest cess, or Ultimate Diva, to the Rock Star, or adds a $25.00. However, making a little Team Taylor’s Dance Party. All party invi- girl’s dream come true for a day is pricetations, announcement signs, guest lists, less.

Students Find Work at Abercrombie Kids NORA SOBCZAK FEATURE EDITOR

Fellow WHS students find themselves flocking to the mall for jobs—Abercrombie stores in particular.

With the opening of Abercrombie Kids in the Oaks Mall, many students from WHS are now employees of the trendy teen clothing store.

The newly employed students include Liz Diarbekirian ‘08, Sara Hagey ‘08, Shelby Johnston ‘08.

Adjacent to the preexistent Abercrombie & Fitch, Abercrombie Kids duplicates the same style of clothing seen next door but in smaller sizes and for cheaper prices. The clothing is specifically designed for children ages seven to 14 years old, and target those students from elementary and middle schools.

“I really like my job. I have an insanely busy schedule so it works out that the shifts are only four hours long”, said Hagey. “[Abercrombie] never schedules me outside of my availability and they’re really good about granting time off when you ask for it”.

With extracurricular activi-

ties, rigorous high school courses, and a social life to preserve, these students are helping out their parents by earning some extra cash. By working at one of the most popular stores at the mall, these WHS students can be more independent and rely less on their parents for their need of extra cash.

Worn by a large majority at WHS, Abercrombie clothes are seen all around school and provide many students with their daily wardrobe.

“Westlake is like a walking advertisement for Abercrombie,” said Rachel Wisuri ‘08.

Even the employees of Abercrombie enjoy wearing their employer’s clothes.

“I like wearing [Abercrombie] clothes because they are very comfy. They [the employers] want us to look the part so owning and wearing their clothes helps [to advertise Abercrombie],” said Johnston.

Also, with a 30% employee discount applicable at both Abercrombie Kids and Abercrombie and Fitch stores, these WHS students will walk around Westlake looking stylish while promoting their job.

12

ENTERTAINMENT

October 26, 2007 • THE ARROW

Radiohead Becomes Indie Act with Rainbows Download taining art from the band’s personal artist, Stanley Donwood.

This “discbox,” as the band calls it, is scheduled for a December delivery, and is valued at around $80. Discbox pre-orders additionally included a free download able

industry. Soon after Radiohead went public with their do-it-yourself distribution plan, Trent Reznor of Nine Inch Nails, a very outspoken protester of the music industry’s greedy ways, announced that he would also be working without a label for

lease day, most likely will, music enthusiasts will surely begin to see a new trend as a growing number of artists secede from Radiohead has never been a band to their labels. This independence will give conform to industry standards, but with musicians the creative freedom that is ofthe controversial October release of their ten stifled when placed under a recording seventh studio album, In Rainbows, contract. they have simply outdone themFurthermore, with digital selves. Without a record label, the downloads costing much less to band has chosen to distribute the aldevelop and release than an actubum through their own website, but al CD, newly independent bands the truly revolutionary part is that may follow Radiohead in using the price is up to the fans. the internet as an outlet for distriSince 2003, after the criticallybution. Is this the end of the comacclaimed Hail to the Thief was made pact disc as we know it? available to the public, both fans and Evidently, not yet. In fact, critics alike have been quick to specRadiohead plans on releasing a ulate and jump to conclusions about physical form of In Rainbows in when and how a follow-up would January, after finding a label willbe announced. However, in true Raing to fund and distribute it. diohead fashion, these enthusiasts Additionally, bands that have were kept in the dark until Oct. 1, not yet reached the caliber of Rawhen guitarist Jonny Greenwood diohead or Nine Inch Nails sureannounced over Dead Air Space, ly aren’t financially prepared to the band’s weblog, that “the new alabandon record labels in favor of bum is finished,” and that it would be complete artistic liberation. coming out in a mere ten days.

While still in early stages, The sudden announcement was this innovative release method is met with mass hysteria among the sure to prove influential in commasses of Radiohead fans, and thouing years, as newer technology sands flocked to a designated webbegins taking precedent over the site to find that the digital release of increasingly obsolete CD, not to In Rainbows did not have a price, but mention the often-overlooked viREVOLUTION IN THE MAKING: British rock band Radiohead astounded the music industry and caused endless rather a message that read “It’s up to speculation of a musical revolution with the surprise announcement of their new album In Rainbows. nyl record. you” at the checkout page.

In a business where greedy However , for the most dedicatexecutives exercise almost comfuture releases. ed of fans, the band provided a second op- to be redeemed on Oct. 10. plete control over their artists, Radiohead However, surrounding its release, If Radiohead’s technique proves to be has made a resonating, defiant statement tion: an elaborate box set which includes the album, a second, “bonus” disc, two there was much speculation about a po- successful and profitable, which, by the by setting its own terms and leaving the vinyl records, and a hardcover book con- tential “revolution” brewing in the music reported 1.2 million downloads on its re- rest up to the fans.

JIMMY MOORE ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR

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Commemorative Book Pays Tribute to Late Elliott Smith menting all he accomplished were her pastimes, de Wilde occupied her life with street photography throughout the late A wall of three colors: red, black, and nineties, Smith’s prominent time of fame. white entangled, creates an enormous fig“It was a strange sensation…Seeing ure eight is known to be one of the major all my photos accompany these stories that attractions of Sunset Boulevard in Holly- didn’t feel like the person I knew,” she latwood. Hundreds of emotional messages er said being a reason for such a notion to mask the mural in generate a story all its beauty, conof the man she fessing allegiance knew so well. to a man infamous The book infor his self-includes exclusive duced death. commentary Known as the and memories quintessence of from the people emotional acoustic he loved and music, ’90s music influenced, unprodigy Elliott published lyrics, Smith made his and rare phofinal farewell to tographs docufans in 2003 as he menting his last reportedly took his few years, taken own life in his Los by de Wilde Angeles home. herself.

“The music of Far from a the early nineties novice, de Wilde had a very differhas shot artists ent mind set,” said IN MEMORIAM: Autumn de Wilde’s Elliott Smith such as Beck and Angela Paymard, features first-hand accounts and hundreds of rare Jenny Lewis of ’95. “It was a no photographs depicting the iconic musician. the independent shame game to band Rilo Kiley. laugh at our problems together.”

A portion of the proceeds will be Since the tragedy, many have attempt- handed to the Portland-based chared to portray the icon in various positions ity “Outside In”, serving the needs of the such as musical tributes, films, and biog- homeless youth and the low income popuraphies produced merely by loyal fans or lation of America. fellow musicians.

The book entails insight from figures Failing to express Smith’s life through such as Smith’s ex-girlfriends, siblings, the men and women who knew him best, and colleagues in the music business, each Autumn de Wilde, a friend and former- revealing the side of Smith only seen by roommate of Smith’s, decided to release their close encounters. a tribute book, simply called Elliott Smith, Elliott Smith was released on Oct. 25, for the man she said was to have been and includes a forward by Chris Walla of “very up and down emotionally” in a re- Death Cab for Cutie and musician Beck cent interview with Spin Magazine.

Hansen.

“After Elliott died,” said de Wilde, “My goal is to create this story that “Boxes of pictures were just sitting there.” doesn’t tell you everything. That’s how Because portraying his life and docu- music lives on,” said de Wilde.

ELLIE FATEH STAFF WRITER

COURSTESY PHOTO

October 26, 2007 • THE ARROW

13

ENTERTAINMENT

Disney’s Magical Comeback Disney plans on keeping Hudgens as character Gabriella Montez, the lovable new kid in the movies, and they “hope she’s learned a valuable lesson,” said Patti McTeague, Disney spokesman.

As huge as the High School Musical phenomenon is, Cyrus, daughter of country singer Billy Ray Cyrus, seems to have even more fans.

Almost all tickets for her 54-date tour, which began on Oct. 19, have already been purchased.

vis,” said Joe Freeman, Vice President of Ticketmaster, according to Geoff Boucher and Chris Lee, of the Los Angeles Times.

Disney is making a comeback. By fiAnd since she is so popular, there is bound nally joining the entertainment and music to be scandal. fields, it is bringing in a new age of familyTicketmaster has filed a federal lawfriendly amusement. suit against RMG Technologies Inc. “RMG High School Musical has put all eyes on rents to scalpers software that can inunDisney in the past year, and Miley Cyrus, date Ticketmaster’s computers with thoustar of the popular Disney Channel show sands of requests for seats,” said Ethan Hannah Montana, is keeping them there.

Smith of the Wall Street Journal, so they can The movie and show may seem buy tickets as soon as they are released to cheesy and predictable, but that is resell them. not holding back their popularity.

Ticketmaster claims that RMG In fact, the lack of edginess might Technologies Inc. is misusing their be the force that is propelling their website by using software to purfame. chase tickets faster than a human Recently, it seems that even can, therefore preventing customhigh school students and young ers from buying tickets at normal adults are fans of the songs by 14 prices. Instead, parents are forced year-old Cyrus and the High School to pay exorbitant amounts of monMusical Cast. ey for their children to see their faMany students who quietly vorite pop star in concert. hum the catchy tunes under their According to Wall Street Jourbreaths should take comfort that nal, RMG’s lawyer, Coggan dethey are not alone. clared, “What my client does is no So, how big is this craze actudifferent from my generation, beally? fore the Internet, where one person When High School Musical would go sit in line and hold plac2 aired in Aug. 2007 for the first es for 10 people.” A decision about time on Disney Channel, 17.2 milthe issue will be reached later this lion people were watching, which month. made the sequel the most-watched Also, Cyrus is having image basic cable program ever, based GETTIN’ THEIR HEADS IN THE GAME: Disney makes a problems too. A rumor has beenon a study by Nielsen Media Re- comeback with High School Musical 2. going around the Internet that search.

Cyrus is pregnant.

According to a statement from “The rumors began circulatDisney Channel, “among children ing when a blog posted a mock 6 to 11 and youngsters 9 to 14, interview with the teen star, suptwo out of 3 children in those age posedly given to J-14 magazine, groups watching TV were tuned to saying she was expecting a baby,” High School Musical 2.” Out of 6 to said Monica Rizzo of People.

11 year old girls, the rates were a It later turned out that somewhopping 80%. one had just edited a real interAnd it was not only the seview with Cyrus to make it seem quel that received all the attention. like she was pregnant, and then reNielsen Media Research said that leased it on the Internet. the soundtrack from the original “It’s 100 percent false,” said High School Musical soundtrack was Meghan Prophet, Miley Cyrus’s the top selling CD of 2006. publicist said to People. “It’s ridicHigh School Musical has even ulous and completely untrue. Mibranched out into a theatrical proley is not pregnant,” she added. duction, an ice show, a book series, Disney influences not only the and will soon release a video game, entertainment market, but the muall based on the musical mania. sic market too.

And when stars are as popular Both of these hits involve muas Vanessa Hudgens and Zac Efron, BEST OF BOTH WORLDS: Hannah Montana makes it on the sic, television, and of course, oldsmall screen and in the music world. their private lives becomes public. fashioned Disney wholesomeness.

On Sept. 6, 2007, nude pictures Although many are astoundof Hudgens were released on the ed that anyone would enjoy en“One ticket for the show in Charlotte, tertainment that lacks controversial topics, Internet. While rumors spread that she was going to be replaced in the High School North Carolina, sold for $ 2,565,” observed sexual themes, or violence, it seems, from Musical franchise, Disney made its own de- CBS news, and after “4 minutes” of being the public’s affection for these stars, that released on the Internet all “tickets to the this might be the beginning of a new trend, cisions.

“Vanessa has apologized for what was November show were gone.” of innocent, clean fun.

“There hasn’t been a demand of this obviously a lapse in judgment,” a Disney Maybe this is the start of something level or intensity since the Beatles or El- new. representative said.

SOUMYA KARLAMANGLA FEATURE EDITOR

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As a general rule of thumb, most sequels never live up to the original. The Saw trilogy, however, has so far proven this commonly held belief to be completely off the mark.

But with the death of both Jigsaw and his accomplice Amanda in the third movie, it is difficult to believe that yet another Saw movie could even have a premise to work with.

The creators of Saw, however, have figured out how to work in a storyline for one more film. Apparently, Jigsaw decided it was necessary to leave behind one last “game” for the avid horror movie-goers to enjoy.

Saw IV is supposedly the final episode

in the series of movies, in which famed killer Jigsaw targets SWAT Commander Rigg, the last person to look into the case. Rigg becomes a player in the latest trap as FBI agents Strahm and Perez sift through Jigsaw’s crime-laden hideout.

“Even though I think they should have stopped at the second movie, I’ll probably still go see Saw IV,” said Tommy Doupe ’08.

According to Moviefone.com, this movie contains just as much torture and self-exploration as the previous three movies did, so skeptical viewers may cast away some of their doubt.

With a promising trailer and curious synopsis, Saw IV has without a doubt captured the attention of previous Saw fans. Whether their speculations are good or bad, fans can decide for themselves as the movie hits theaters today.

THE LAST PUZZLE PIECE: Although Jigsaw is finally dead, his final trap is set again.

ELYSE KAPLAN ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR

No offense to anyone, but lately the shows that are supposed to make me laugh have just been making me cringe. While the occational viewing of Dumb and Dumber or Anchorman are great, shows about cavemen and movies about Balls of Fury, get to be too much mindless humor. So if you ever need a dose of real comedy that is actually witty and intelligent, here are three comedians you need to check out.

1. Dimitri Martin. Many people

have always known what they want to do with their lives. Dimitri Martin was never one of them. Before deciding to pursue comedy full time, he was attending college and law school (Yale, no less) before dropping out, claiming it was just too boring. Armed with his guitar and quick one-liners he landed a job as a writer at Late Night with Conan O’Brien and performed on the Late Show with David Letterman. His humor has proven to be intellectual and witty, though often very random. He thinks saying “I’m sorry” and “I apologize” is the same thing—unless you are at a funeral. He also thinks vests are meant to protect you (life vests from drowning, bullet proof vests from getting shot, and sweater vests from pretty girls).

2. Chuck Klosterman. Although

you would actually have to pick up a book to get to know this guy, it would be well worth it. Chuck Klosterman is an American pop culture guru who has written everything from articles in the well known Spin magazine, to The Washington Post, to his own books. He often draws on his love of music (especially metal) and his upbringing in a small, conservative farm town in North Dakota with that love of music for inspiration. Sex, Drugs, and Coco Puffs, is his collection of pop culture essays presented as if they were tracks on a CD. With chapters, or tracks, that range from blaming John Cusack for a person’s need to find the perfect romantic relationship, to using the sims video games to come to the conclusion that “Even eternally free people are enslaved by the process of living,” you know it’s going to be an amazing book.

3. Lenny Bruce. It is universally

Saw IV: A Bloody Good Time ALLY ACKOUREY OPINION EDITOR

3 Comedians Bring Funny Back

known that any guy who gets arrested for impersonating a priest is nothing short of hilarious. Lenny Bruce was a controversial comedian, writer, and the ultimate bad boy rebel of his time. He worked his way from getting $12.00 and free spaghetti for his first gig to a performance at Carnegie Hall that would eventually be known as the best stand up of his career. He pushed the limits on what was considered acceptable comedy for society which ultimately resulted in many run-ins with the law and being black listed from many prominent clubs. Today, his autobiographical book, How to Talk Dirty and Influence People, is an piece of pop culture history told from his colorful point of view. With details on growing up Jewish in New York and thoughts on people wearing crosses around their necks (would people wear electric chairs round their necks if Jesus was killed in modern times?), it makes an interesting read.

14

SPORTS

October 26, 2007 • THE ARROW

Warriors Look to Spear Lancers PHOTO BY KATELYN SMITH

Boys H2O Polo Surfaces As CIF Contender CHRISTINA CIPRIANI FEATURE EDITOR

Boys water polo has overtaken the competition, ranking 8th in CIF. Recently beating Moorpark 10-7, Newbury Park 15-9 and Thousand Oaks 9-8, the team is looking to placing third in the league this year.

Agoura High school is ranked first in CIF and gave WHS a run for the ball.

Royal High School is another of the Warriors’ toughest competitors this year along with Agoura.

Getting to CIF did not come easy; practicing two and a half hours daily is the key to their success.

“The reason for the team’s success this year is that we have scored a lot more goals, so we don’t just play good defense,” said Brendan Nahmias ‘08.

Practicing hard to get in shape and swimming numerous laps worked the boys hard enough to make it this far in the competition, but the improved offensive play has made them a respectable force

in league.

Now that the team has earned a berth in the playoffs, they are ready and willing to do whatever it takes to win.

They stepped up “right in time to make CIF,“ said Anson Harvey ‘08.

Brent McCunney ‘08 and Harvey have been the top scorers this year.

Teamwork and perseverance are what it took to get to the top.

“We do so well in our games because we work together in order to make winning and success possible,” added Harvey.

This is WHS’s second time in CIF, with their last playoff appearance in 2005.

Wins against rivals Thousand Oaks and Newbury Park High Schools have been important in the team’s standing.

“The hard work was really shown in those games and we are now more serious than ever because CIF starts soon,” said Nahmias.

The team’s opponent in the first round of CIF playoffs has not yet been determined. The Warriors are ready for the first playoff appearance since 2005.

Alumni Rudy Carpenter, Ryan Campbell, and Todd Feiereisen are just a few of the great quarterbacks that have played at WHS. This year senior quarterback Nick Owens is posting comparable stats and living up to a coach’s expectations.

According to CATCH ME IF YOU CAN: Senior running back Shockley tries to get the Star, he has around a Newbury Park defender. been nothing short of perfect. He is putting up numbers like no other player in the Marmonte League standing. Thousand Ventura County.

Oaks is also 3-1 in the Marmonte and has Owens has led WHS to a 3-1 start in been a very good team since their first few league and will guide his team in Friday’s games. The Lancers new coach is the Wargame against rival Thousand Oaks in the rior previous defensive coordinator Mike WHS stadium.

Leibin.

Against Simi Valley High School, “Tonight’s game is a big rivalry and Owens threw for 314 yards and two touch- has lots of traditon. My brother played on downs. The Star recognized his accom- the 2004 team when Westlake beat T.O. 49plishment by naming him Player of the 7,” said Owens.

Week. He completed 23 of 36 passes.

This game is very important and it Curtis Peterson ‘08 caught both of the is going to come all the way down to the touchdowns while trouncing the Pioneers end.

31-14.

“After losing (two early games), the Owens has found all the receivers on team stuck together and we haven’t given the field and has only thrown one intercep- up at all and tonight’s game is going to tion in all of Westlake’s seven games so far take a 60-minute effort,” said Cooper this year.

Shockley ‘08.

The game tonight is not just a rivalry Both teams are trying to win this game game; it has old coaches squaring off and to have bragging rights.

PHOTO BY SPENCER SCHLOSS

LET THE PLAYOFFS BEGIN: Tyler Henry ’08 shoots against Tesoro.

SPENCER SCHLOSS SPORTS EDITOR

Girls Volleyball Ready to Spike CIF Competition Against Agoura High School, Watase had 12 kills, junior setter Dena Gallucci had 31 assists, and Sander had 14 digs to give WHS the win.

WHS also had a non-league game

PHOTO BY ROBERT DILLON

PHOTO BY SPENCER SCHLOSS

“I expected a tough league schedule and an even tougher division of CIF than ever before. We will have to work extremely hard to reach our goal of winning With many new additions to the girls CIF,” said Sander. volleyball team, Coach Ernest Rittenhouse Sander said that they thought this would be a have always had a comrebuilding year, but also mon goal of winning with many key players Marmonte. With only a coming back, they would couple of games left, the be in contention for a team must win all of them Marmonte League Chamand hope that rival Thoupionship. sand Oaks loses three out The team’s strength of their last four in order this year is its hard work to be in first place. during practice and WHS has had a long games. Players who have rivalry with Thousand made a huge impact on Oaks. In 2005, WHS finthe team so far are Mimi ished second in league beSander ‘08, Kaitlyn Wahind Thousand Oaks. tase ‘08 and Michelle “The Marmonte Ketter ‘09. This year the League is as tough as usuteam is 16-4 overall and al. Everyone is compet8-2 in league. ing for the top spot. It will “The team has realmake a tremendous difly worked hard and our ference in the playoffs to hard work during pracfinish third or first,” said tice has been a key for our Rittenhouse. success,” said Sander, the Since it started pracstarting libero. tice back in September, WHS broke a tie this team deserves all with Newbury Park High the credit it has received.

School when they swept The girls demonstratthe sets 3-0. WHS is two ed hard work at practice games behind Thouand in games. WHS has sand Oaks High School two games left against for first place. The team Calabasas and Royal is hoping it can have a SETTING FOR SUCCESS: Starting libero, Sander has led WHS to second place in Marmonte.

High Schools. strong Marmonte League The team has a lot finish heading into CIF against Saugus High School. The Centuof experience, as they have played in playoffs. many playoff games. The Warriors will “I have been on a lot of great teams rions played a good game, but the strong open CIF play after they finish Marmonte here at Westlake, but this is by far the best play of Gallucci’s 26 assists and Ketter’s 10 kills led the team to victory.

League play in two weeks. team,” said Sander.

SPENCER SCHLOSS SPORTS EDITOR

Jasmine Hayes ’08 leads the girls cross country team this year and has kept WHS moving in the Marmonte League.

At Mount SAC, WHS swept Division II boys and girls heats. WHS won with junior Garrett Drogosch leading the boys, and seniors Jasmine Hayes and Victoria Smith for the girls.

WHS won the boys race by 100 points and the girls won by 55 points. WHS also competed against top ranked Royal and Newbury Park and won two division titles.

15

SPORTS

October 26, 2007 • THE ARROW

Stanford Gains an All-Star JAMIE HENDRY FEATURE EDITOR

HITTING A HOMERUN: Four year varsity player Jenna Becerra ‘08 hard at work.

Becerra is a Camarillo native, and most people do not realize how much effort she puts into being a WHS student and athlete. She has traveled at least 30 minutes to and from WHS, up the Camarillo grade every day for the past three years. Along with keeping up a 4.1 GPA, Becerra has proven her dedication and love for softball, even when times were rough.

“I came to Westlake because it has good academics, two of my

cousins go here, and my dad works right across the street.

I may have not been blessed with the same opportunities if I attended Camarillo High School,” said Becerra.

Becerra has earned numerous recognitions including Scholar Athlete for all four years at WHS, MVP, Coaches, and Big Bat Awards. She also has earned the title of First Team All-Marmonte League Honors for the past two years and named in Ventura County and Daily News All- Area softball teams.

“Jenna’s work ethic is probably the strongest I have seen in my 20 years of coaching,” said Varsity Softball Coach, Lynn Baum. “This work ethic translates to the classroom, and is why she has a scholarship to Stanford, deservedly so!”

Becerra added some words of wisdom that she has lived by, not only for younger generation players at WHS, but to all students, “Always work hard and play to your own potential, not anyone else’s. Success is not easy, it has to be earned.”

Underclassmen Demonstrate Maturity on the Golf Course NORA SOBCZAK FEATURE EDITOR

Despite a lack of seniors, the WHS girls golf team has started and ended its season on the right swing.

By posting an impressive record both in and out of league, WHS proves to be a talented and consistent team full of an enthusiastic group of girls.

“This is our deepest team we have ever had, thus the strongest,” said head coach Dave Costley.

“We are stronger [with players] number one through number five than ever,” Costley added.

As the defending Marmonte League champions for the last three years, these girls are carrying on a tradition of excellence, and even surpassing successful WHS teams that have come before them.

Not only dominating teams on the green, these girls are also making a name for themselves in the record books. By shattering already impressive team records, and posting scores once unthinkable, WHS is striving to become a legacy.

WHS has played eight different

courses this season, and in seven of those courses they have posted new low scores for the school. In addition, this year players have set personal bests on six different courses.

Riding heavily on the swings of juniors Liz Conelison, Kate Gatena, Kayla Picciano, and sophomores Tiffany Uichanco and Charlotte Gibson, Costley said they not only contribute “a great attitude and a willingness to learn” but are also the front contributors to the team.

“If each player plays to her ability we are a very good team. Take one player out and we are not,” said Costley.

Other players that have made a contribution to the team this season are sophomores Morganne Pace, Vivian Shi, and Stephanie Sue. Continuing the legacy, WHS is expected to win the Marmonte League title for a fourth year in a row, though already facing tough competition from Simi Valley and Agoura High Schools.

The Girls Varsity team will have their First Round CIF match this upcoming Monday, Oct. 29. The opponent has not yet been announced.

SERVING FOR THE ACE: Lauren Schwartz ‘09 in action.

PHOTO BY IRIS YAN

COURTESY PHOTOS

Senior Jenna Becerra has been on the WHS Varsity softball team since her freshmen year, but that is not the only thing she can brag about. The earliest recruit in Stanford history, Becerra has the opportunity to pursue her lifelong dream of attending a top college while continuing to play the sport she loves.

“This summer I decided to accept a scholarship at Stanford University,” said Becerra.

“I have worked very hard for a long time, but I feel fortunate that I have had several full scholarship offers.”

To Becerra, Stanford offers numerous academic and athletic opportunities: she will have the opportunity to follow her college education dream; she has also been given the opportunity to play in the best softball conference in the country.

“This will open countless doors for me in the future; anything is possible, even a professional softball career. I have thought about it since my T-ball days, and it would be a blessing to have that chance.”

Not only has Becerra been an outstanding pitcher and shortstop for the Varsity team for four years, she also participated at the travel ball level for seven years.

She is currently playing for the Jets 18 and under Gold Team.

Some of Becerra’s fondest memories of the softball team at

WHS include beating Thousand Oaks High School, and defeating other school rivals. The fact that WHS softball has never won a league title has been hard for Becerra to face over the last three years.

“I’m going to do everything in my power to finally put a patch on our banner in the gym,” she said.

Girls Tennis Anticipates a Better Second Round IRIS YAN FEATURE EDITOR

With four matches left in the second round, the varsity girls tennis team is hopeful for an even better score than the first round.

Currently the score of the second round is 8-2.

With a score of 5-2 from the first round, Coach Connie Flanderka hopes the varsity team will “dramatically improve” in the second round. The team’s score including non-league schools is 10-3 overall.

Currently tied with Simi Valley for second place in the Division III league, the team is placed higher than last year.

“The current short-term goal for the second round is to improve the score from the first round, and to get ready for the playoffs,” said Flanderka.

This year, Simi Valley High School is “really up in talent.”

Although the varsity girls lost their match with Simi Valley Flanderka confirmed that “we have a really good chance to beat them in the second round.”

The game with Simi Valley was scheduled for Tuesday of this week, but it was cancelled due to the air conditions.

This year, the girls are very cohesive with each other. Some of the many standouts on the team include juniors Lauren Schwartz and Rachel Bitter.

Bitter said, “Even though we’ve lost to a couple of schools, we still work really well as a team. By working together as a team, I trust that we can continue playing our best.”

Flanderka adds, “At times, we get unbelievable shots. We just need to work on consistency in order to improve in the second round.”

Last year, “we had quite a few seniors, and we are trying to fill those spots,” Flanderka adds, “We will definitely make the CIF playoffs. If we attain this goal, this season will be our 30th season at CIF.” “I have confidence that we will make it this year. It really depends on who we play because there are a lot of good teams out there,” said Bitter.

FALL FASHION’S ELEGANT EDGE: (clockwise from left corner) Matt Goldberg ’08 in a vintage vest and his own shirt and pants. Vintage Louis Vuitton bag. Sarrah Tolland ’08 in a sweater from Anthropologie and an Etro scarf. Burberry boots.

Red bag by Hermes, purple bag vintage Coach.

Hayden Fongheiser ’10 in a Worth shearling coat and an Alexander McQueen scarf. His own jeans.

All sunglasses, vintage. Natalie Roman ’08 in a silk Proenza Schouler top. Her own jeans.

Madison Lane ’08 in an American Apparel black cardigan over a Marc Jacobs shirt. P.J. Hunter ’08 in a vintage vest over a Gap henley. Vintage sunglasses, and Roman’s own beanie.

Lane in a Tory Burch tunic over an H&M skirt. Coach boots.

Goldberg in a vintage sweater, and a belt from Anthropologie. His own pants. Vintage bag by Ghurka. Goldberg’s sweater by Seven for all Mankind.

Becky Schneider ’08 in 1982 Ralph Lauren.

Field Day Photographed by Dayna Stanley, Styled by Wynn Burson This fall is about statements: whether you say it with a scarf or tell it with a tunic, the mood may be neo-grunge’s romance and mystery, or more of a noir-cool decadence.

The season’s looks may pay tribute to classic American style of the 1980s, or be a reflection of sharp new designer prints. Choose a signature print rather than a logo, and an iconic style rather than a bag that screams its brand. For example, see Burberry’s boots, Etro’s scarves, and Hermes’ bags.

Old winter staples reminiscent of ’80s ski trips to Aspen like heavy knit sweaters with Native American and Santa Fe style inspiration are back, conveying a very relaxed, whimsical look. New fair isle sweaters from the likes of J. Crew and Missoni are “another preppy staple appropriated” for today, according to the New York Times Style Magazine. However, oversized outerwear’s appeal seems to have faded, as clothing is becoming more tailored and fitted.

Long-sleeve printed tunics in fall colors proclaim elegance, though when paired with a short skirt and killer boots, the appearance is edgier, yet still stylish.

Darker, bolder tones in silk and suede are confident, yet understated. Subtle punk aspects mature in shearling coats and in Alexander McQueen’s skull print scarves.

Whatever statement your clothes are making, make it a special subtle “blink and you’ll miss me” touch that will always keep them guessing.