09.25.09

A LOOK INSIDE:

From freshman to senior, students depict the

History teacher Ashley Tomkins, along with six other new teachers, joins the staff.

evolution of the high school teenager.

See CENTER

See PAGE 4

VOLUME XXXII, ISSUE 1

Westlake High School

JSA receives national distinction

Warrior Girls Volleyball kicks off season with a win against Beverly Hills.

See PAGE 12

arrow

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

the

Becky Sadwick

SEPTEMBER 25, 2009

Opinion Editor

IN THIS ISSUE NEWS.............................1-2 OPINION............................3 FEATURE........................4-8 ENTERTAINMENT........10-11 SPORTS............................12

PHOTO BY SAM WEXLER

As one of the largest clubs on campus, Junior State of America has long attracted attention here at Westlake. But recently the chapter has earned recognition from regional and national directors within the organization, winning both the prestigious title of Chapter of the Year and the National Civic Impact Award.

“It’s exciting to know that our chapter at Westlake made such a strong impression at the national level…I’m so proud of everyone who went to the meetings every week and participated at the conventions,” said Abby Barry ’10.

Westlake was named the top chapter out of over 500 chapters nationwide on the basis of achievement in chapter activities and involvement, leadership, community involvement, and attendance at conventions and conferences.

JSA received a plaque for each award, a $500 stipend for teacher advisor Jim Azevedo, and a $2,000 grant for the club treasury.

Chapter President Adam Raudonis ’10, said, “I think what this award shows is that if you work really hard for something you can get it. Everyone who was involved in JSA deserves credit for making this happen.”

The National Board of Trustees evaluated the activities of the Westlake chapter. Club Historians Jess Jia ‘10 and Roseann Zhong ‘10 compiled a scrapbook of club activities used to judge the club. Raudonis compiled a presentation that was also evaluated as part of the Board’s decision-making process.

“I’m so honored and proud that Westlake was presented with this award.

We started the year with the mindset of more—more participation, more outreach, more interest, more service projects, and more awareness,” said Jia, who was insrumental in the club’s win.

“I hope our chapter can continue with the same fervor and enthusiasm this year,” she added.

Fresh debate topics and meetings are already underway for the 2009-2010 school year.

A PLACE FOR REFLECTION: Sam Gilbert ‘11 and Siara Behar ‘11 study in the new Mike Maki Memorial Garden, which will include a mural and plaque when it is completed.

Construction takes center stage Max Avruch Copy Editor

Since this past summer, additional changes to the WHS landscape have occurred—including hillside plantings and the theater reconstruction—which have affected how students and teachers come and go to classes.

“Construction has been going on for the past three years as we received state modernization money for school improvements such as new AC systems, new doors, upgraded carpets, a new theater, a new band room, storm drain improvements, landscaping, new bathrooms, and handicapped access,” said Principal Ronald Lipari.

At the end of the 2008-2009 school year, students began to see construction take place on the quad area and by the theater, which blocked students from crossing the quad directly to building four.

“A large portion of the quad will be closed until the theater is completed in May of 2010. This will limit student movement on campus and reduce lunch seating,” said Lipari.

Students who used the quad last year to get to classes now must find an additional route in order to arrive on time for class.

“It makes arriving to class much more difficult for me,” said Sami Lux ’11, who takes classes in Building 4. “I have had to rethink the way I get to class each day because of the construction change.”

As the theater’s construction is affecting the students, Lipari hopes to see “the construction changes should be finished sometime by next summer.”

From the start of the summer, different hillsides in and around campus have had their plants uprooted; the hillsides have then been replanted with drought tolerant plants to limit the erosion

into storm drains.

State modernization money funded the different changes to the WHS campus, including the theater renovation and the hillside replanting.

“So far, I think everyone is pleased with the modernization of the school and I look forward to seeing the new theater once it is finished later this year,” said Lipari.

In memory of WHS math teacher Mike Maki who passed away after a bicycle accident last October, students and staff organized and planned a memorial garden along with Carter Northrup ‘10.

“There will be a tribute when the mural is completed and the plaque is installed. Students are designing and painting a mural under the direction of Vocational Education Department Chair John Farmer,” said Lipari.

The date for the official unveiling has not yet been determined.

Students raise the bar on test scores

Tiffany Loh Editor-in-Chief

When WHS students sat down to take their STAR and AP tests last year, they had no idea that they had set the standard for future students.

However, as the scores show, WHS has undoubtedly raised the bar.

“We are so pleased with our results,” said Assistant Principal Nicole Funfar.

Last year, an unprecedented 16,000 AP tests were administered at WHS, and out of all the students who took these exams, 81% passed. Almost every single

subject taught at WHS saw improvement in their pass rates. Some areas that had particularly high pass rates include: English Language (99%), English Literature (93%), Psychology (86%), Biology (83%), Spanish Literature (100%), Human Geography (100%), and Statistics (93%).

“AP scores are a very important factor in determining our Newsweek ranking,” said Funfar. “Therefore, it is very important that we keep working and trying to improve each year.”

However, AP testing was not the only area that WHS excelled in. More students in every grade level scored in the profi-

cient to advanced range. For example, 50% of students scored in this range in Geometry, 65% for World History, 50% for Algebra II, and 97% for Physics.

Even though “we couldn’t be more pleased, we are constantly finding ways to help students score better,” said Funfar.

“Our teachers are determined to get that number up every year.”

As a whole, the school’s score is projected to increase nine points, which will be a contributing factor in determining if WHS will be a National Blue Ribbon School this year. Data for this program is still being compiled.

2

NEWS

September 25, 2009 • THE ARROW

IN BRIEF

Fictional writing contest available Students interested in fictional writing have an opportunity to participate in a short story contest sponsored by the Ventura County Writers Club. Writers must write original stories, postmarked or emailed by Oct. 1. To find more information, visit www.venturacountywriters .com.

Bennington College to start writing contest

Marymount Manhattan college to give students writing opportunity The Mortimer Levitt Essay Contest, offered by Marymount Manhattan College, is conducted annually and is open to any student. The contest requires a submission of a 500-word essay on a personal interpretation of “the future.” Submission deadline is Jan.15.

Interested students can submit essays by email to LFrumkes@mmm.edu. For more information, contact the writing center at (212)-774-4811.

Aroyan named Teacher of the Month English teacher Ann Aroyan received the Teacher of the Month award for September from the local Chamber of Commerce at a common planning time breakfast meeting held Sept. 23 in the faculty cafeteria. Among the prizes Aroyan received were CPK and Ben & Jerry’s gift certificates, a plaque, and a bundt cake from Nothing Bundt Cakes.

First Freedom Center offers competition The First Freedom Center announces the 17th annual First Freedom Student Competition.

This national essay contest offers 9th-12th grade students an opportunity to compete for $3,000, $1,500, and $750 awards, as they examine the historical implementation of religious freedom. For more information, visit www.firstfreedom.org and click on the red First Freedom Student Competition button.

Beauty Is...

Reflections theme The National Reflections Program this year will feature the theme, Beauty Is..., and is open to all students, grades 9-12, who want to participate. Students are expected to submit their own work in either Choreography, Visual Arts, Literature, or Photography categories by Oct. 21. More information and forms are available in the WHS Library at the main counter, or contact Reflections Chair Joan Koss at (805) 529-8887.

In Memoriam...

The Warrior family would like to extend its condolences to the family and friends of the following alumni who passed away this summer: Jason Canfield ‘06, Amy Corwin ‘02, and Ashley Taylor ‘04.

PHOTO BY IRIS YAN

Bennington College is announcing the kick off to its 11th annual Young Writers Award Competition to recognize the outstanding writing achievements of high school students all over the world.

Students should send in samples of their writing in order to qualify to win prize money. For more information visit www.bennington.edu in the News Section.

Entry deadline is Nov. 1.

A TEAM EFFORT: Nicole Funfar and Brandy Wilbus settle into their new positions as Assistant Principal of Instruction and Dean of Activities.

Back-to-school brings administrative changes Max Avruch Copy Editor

Several changes in the administration office took place after school ended in June.

At WHS, Nicole Funfar was named Assistant Principal of Instruction when Steve Lepire took the principal’s position at Redwood Middle School. In addition, Jason Branham was named Assistant Principal of Athletics, Jim Marshall will once again be in charge of attendance, and Brandy Wilbus will be Dean of Activities.

Counselor Marianne Preston took over the majority of the French classes when Marlene Rosselli retired.

In addition, Moira Fagan-Simpson and Robyn Britt joined the counseling staff.

“It is very exciting to be Dean of Activities. I mean, I already taught at WHS and was out for two years, and then I came back here, to my home,” said Wilbus.

Wilbus talked about how her previous job as a Beginning Teacher Support and Assessment (BTSA) consultant teacher dealt primarily with training new teachers, but now she works with teachers, parents, and students, making it “a more involved work environment.”

As Wilbus settles into her new position as Dean of Activities, she said that she “works with Nicole [Funfar],” in coordinating the different aspects of the job, but “all the administration works together.”

“The most challenging part has been trying to have things fall into place and

coordinating all the time. I am not looking forward to just one thing. Each month there is something exciting going on, like senior activities and rallies,” said Wilbus.

Funfar, who became the Assistant Principal of Athletics, said that she “found out at the end of last school year. It was by a phone call, actually.”

Funfar’s job entails balancing the classes for students and helping with master schedules, and for her it has been “really smooth and challenging at the same time. Counseling and the department chairs have been fantastic in helping me.”

Schedule conflicts resulted in a team effort between the counselors and the administrators to fix the problems of the students.

“I think that getting to know and understand the different curriculums has helped a lot. Students have been great and really accommodating in their schedules this year,” said Funfar.

In looking forward to the new school year, Funfar said she is “really excited in having my baby later this year.”

“It has been a wonderful adjustment in teaching in the classroom. I have been a teacher before so it’s been more active, but it’s a happy place,” said Preston.

Preston, who has a Master’s degree in the French language, currently teaches five French classes, including one French Language AP class, two French 3 CP classes, and two French 2 CP classes.

“It has been just great to be back in the classroom, and the French program is already really good. This year I really look forward to seeing the kids be happy,” said

11 seniors distinguished as National Merit qualifiers Celine Flores Staff Writer

What do Bill Gates, Twilight author Stephenie Meyer, and five Nobel Prize winners have in common?

More importantly, what do these success stories have in common with 11 students at WHS? They have all taken part in the annual National Merit Scholarship Program.

Robert Dillon, Lucy Gao, Brian Grubbs, Kimberly Ha, Jesse Hu, Jessica Jia, Tony Jin, Tiffany Loh, Jacquelyn Phillips, Micah Smith, and Dillon Wexler earned PSAT scores high enough to qualify them for the national recognition.

These students are part of a national group of 16,000 semifinalists announced Sept. 16 by the National Merit Scholar Corporation (NMSC), and are in the running to become winners of a $2,500 scholarship.

The competition began with an original group of approximately 1.5 million entrants, whittled down to 50,000 high scorers on the SAT and National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/ NMSQT), and then to the 16,000 highest scorers on a state representational basis.

Come February, 15,000 of the current participants will gain recognition as finalists by meeting specified academic requirements set forth by the NMSC. Over half of all finalists are notified and acknowledged as scholarship winners in March, after being evaluated on a written essay, school principal recommendation, talents, abilities, accomplishments, and academic background and proficiency.

For those who do not win a scholarship, many services are awarded, including a letter of recommendation for two college applications from the NMSC and entry to corporate and collegesponsored scholarships.

Preston.

Preston and former French teacher Rosselli have communicated with each other in the transition.

“We have connected and talked about the French procedures in class, and we have worked together over the summer,” said Preston.

In the counseling department, FaganSimpson, former counselor at Colina Middle School, returns to WHS to assume counseling duties with Susan Wilson, Martha Aggazzotti, and John Lisowski.

“This year I am so far enjoying working with, first the kids and also I like the preparation for college and high school graduation for the seniors,” said FaganSimpson.

Along with the change from middle school to high school counseling, Simpson said that the hardest part in the adjustment is “getting to know the master schedule and the students very well.”

Britt, former counselor at Sycamore Canyon School, joined the counseling department, replacing Melissa Kukta as she remains on leave.

“I am not sure if I knew what to expect since I was starting after the school year began,” said Britt.

“But I knew I would be busy and playing catch-up and I knew that the school and atmosphere would be topnotch,” said Britt.

Since Britt taught at a middle school last year, she said that the most challenging adjustment is working at a high school, and she “looks forward to learning more about WHS.”

TAKE NOTE ...

UPCOMING DATES IN SEPTEMBER AND OCTOBER -No School on Monday, Sept. 28

UPCOMING COLLEGE VISITS -USC on Oct. 8 at 12:00 p.m.

-University of Washington on Oct. 6 at 9:00 a.m.

-Duke on Oct. 12 at 12:00 p.m.

-University of Colorado at Boulder Oct. 12 at 11:00 a.m.

-Quinnipic University on Oct. 14 at 9:00 a.m.

3

OPINION

September 25, 2009 • THE ARROW

Life, liberty, and the pursuit of healthiness PRO Marika Price Feature Editor

Currently millions of Americans are suffering from lack of appropriate healthcare and Obama is providing a plan to increase coverage. As you read this article, people are refused treatment because they don’t have medical insurance or the proper coverage necessary for their specific illnesses. Many are being denied their right to a healthy life. Here are the reasons health reform must happen now.

The benefits begin granting affordable medical insurance to individuals with moderate incomes. Coverage will no longer be limited to only the elderly population, but will also be open to the younger generations.

The reform bill will keep healthcare costs under control by creating checks and balances for the federal programs already in existence, such as Medicare and Medicaid. New programs will also be regulated by the government to minimize profits

distributed to private organizations. Tax anyone’s current insurance if he or she dollars will be used for improving preven- wants to keep it and will not limit anyone tative care and research, rather than pay- to seeing the doctors of his or her choice. ing insurance companies.

The lies and misconceptions are creating Health care reform will require insur- fear and unwillingness to reform the sysance companies tem in place. to cover routine What is true, is that withcheckups and out reform our generation will screening tests be held responsible to pick up like mammothe pieces of a health care syshe question isn’t how grams and colotem that is out of touch with the we can afford to focus on health care. noscopies.

This needs of most Americans. No The question is how we can afford will save money not to.” one in America deserves to go -Barack Obama and, more imporbankrupt because they become tantly, save lives. ill and no one should be denied This change treatment because of cooporain policy will tions’ quest for profit. Barack provide every Obama addresses the relationAmerican with basic consumer protecship between health reform and costs, tions from unfair insurance practices and stating “The question isn’t how we can will prohibit insurance companies from afford to focus on health care. The question denying someone coverage based on his is how we can afford not to.” Lower class medical history. Insurance companies will citizens are no less deserving than the upnot be permitted to limit the amount of per class to a healthy life and the need for money spent on someone’s care within a equal treatment is long over due. Quality year, or lifetime. of health treatment should not depend on Healthcare reform will not take away status or ranking, but should be universal.

“T

CARTOON BY VIVIAN SHI

A look into the future if healthcare becomes too expensive.

CON Kayla Greenberg Staff Writer

Healthcare reform is not a new idea.

Certainly every system, including our own, could benefit from reform.

However, the current debate over American healthcare is not over reform.

The congressional Democrats plan on completely overhauling the American healthcare system rather than reforming it. Americans have come to believe that our healthcare system is too expensive, second-rate, and not available to enough Americans. Nothing could be further from the truth.

Many argue that the American healthcare system is not cost-efficient.

Some complain that it constitutes 12-15% of our GDP (Gross Domestic Product). But shouldn’t healthcare be one of our financial priorities? The health of American citizens should be of enough importance to make up such a substantial percentage of the GDP. A large amount of these billions of dollars is spent on American medical innovation, which dominates the global medical community.

Nearly all medical innovations, medicines, and treatments were developed in America. This costs money.

Pharmaceutical companies spend a huge amount of money on medical research, which the entire world depends on. An overhaul of the American healthcare system would compromise the health of

not just Americans, but all humans.

Furthermore, the American healthcare system is forced to cover a broader range of issues than any other healthcare system in the world. For example, our healthcare system needs to cater to an extraordinarily heterogeneous population. Each ethnicity is vulnerable to certain diseases, and because America hosts virtually every ethnicity, it must provide healthcare for each disease it is prone to. Also, one has to take into account that Americans are more violent, more obese, more addicted to drugs, and more incarcerated than any other population in the world. This adds substantially to cost. Lastly, healthcare has become particularly expensive because of the litigious nature of America. Practicing medicine has become increasingly expensive due to frivolous lawsuits.

Another argument for a complete change in the American healthcare system is the perception that our system is secondrate compared to European systems. Our ranking as 37th for medical care according to the World Health Organization seems to support this argument. However, the World Health Organization does not measure in quality of care, but rather in heart disease and access to healthcare.

Clearly, America would perform poorly with these criteria because of rampant obesity and drug addiction, as well as the fact that our system is not socialized. European and Canadian healthcare systems have long lines for simple medical procedures that Americans receive instantly. Also, Americans have the

highest disease-specific survival rates and access to the best medical technology.

For example, Los Angeles County has more CT scans than all of Canada.

Unlike European or Canadian doctors who receive little payment for their services, American doctors are motivated to provide the best care possible as opposed to nationalized healthcare, which has no need for competition.

The most fierce argument for healthcare reform is the belief that American healthcare is not available to enough people. Out of the estimated 4048 million uninsured Americans, 20% are illegal immigrants, another 20% are eligible for medicare or medicaid, and a final 40% make over $50,000 annually, and choose not to purchase medical insurance.

This leaves 8 million Americans uninsured, just under 3% of the population.

The cost of healthcare could be brought down by adding price sensitivity, allowing patients and small businesses to buy group policies, and eliminating frivolous lawsuits. Also, state mandates, which include acupuncture, Rogain, Viagra, and fertility programs regardless of age, should be gotten rid of.

To encourage competition and allow the patient to choose his or her own plan, health insurance companies should be able to sell insurance across state lines.

Finally, Americans need to take personal responsibility.

Excessive smoking, drinking, and reckless driving raise the price of healthcare. A few lifestyle changes and healthcare could be more affordable.

Gloomy outlook for California students Iris Yan

Editor-in-Chief

It’s all about health care reform in the papers. But what about reform for our educational system? Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger signed the final budget on July 28, cutting the potential cash of $5.3 billion from the K-12 system. As if that’s not enough, the opportunities to receive an affordable and accessible college education in California have been shut down.

Here’s the gloomy outlook for California’s students: losses of $800 million from community colleges, $2 million from University of California and California State University Systems, and $6.3 million in the popular Cal Grant program.

This is obviously not a time to be spending more money while California is scrambling to cut funds from systems of tremendous importance, i.e. health care and education. So the extremist views of skyrocketing spending on education, or cutting exactly $42 billion from our budget in only a few years are equally unproductive.

“It’s critical,” said Jean Ross, Executive Director of the California Budget Project. “Otherwise, you end up with California cutting deeper or taxing more.”

So if the vicious cycle of sacrificing the short-term (our education) for the long-term (less taxes) continues, the California educational system will just have to bear the brunt.

Several policy makers on both levels of government have voiced their concerns.

Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O’Connell, in a conference on the budget cuts, said, “To close the achievement gap . . .we should be talking about making the school year longer, not shorter.”

U.S. Education Secretary Arne Duncan plans to allocate funds of the stimulus package to innovate schools. “I fundamentally think that our school day is too short, our school week is too short, and our school year is too short.” He went on: “You’re competing for jobs with kids from India and China. I think schools should be open six, seven days a week, 11, 12 months a year.”Maybe Duncan’s proposed school schedule will be a good place to start.

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 Tiffany Loh, Iris Yan COPY EDITORS Max Avruch, Annie Gerlach NEWS EDITOR Katie Roughan OPINION EDITORS Alexandra Biston, Becky Sadwick FEATURE EDITORS Lisa Battaglia, Marika Price, Sofia Talarico ENTERTAINMENT EDITORS Jacob Cavanah, Jared Erman, Sam Wexler SPORTS EDITOR Dashiell Young-Saver CARTOONIST Kabir Nagarkatti, Vivian Shi ADVERTISING MANAGER Rachel Bernstein ADVISOR Caron Battaglia STAFF WRITERS Aaron Demsetz, Celine Flores, Kayla Greenberg, Julia Model, Katie Wurtzel The Arrow is written, designed and run by the students of the Advanced Journalism and Journalism 1CP classes at Westlake High School and is published monthly.

The opinions expressed in this publication are those of the writers and do not necessarily represent those of the Conejo Valley Unified School District, Westlake High School administration, faculty, or student body.

We welcome feedback. Letters must be signed by the writer, though names can be withheld by request in the publication. Please send submissions to Mrs. Battaglia’s box in the main office or to Room 42E. For The Arrow online, visit www.whswarriors.com and click on Arrow under the Activites menu.

4

FEATURE

September 25, 2009 • THE ARROW

WHS adds 7 teachers to family tree Even though CVUSD expected to lose many teachers, by the time school began in

August, WHS needed to hire seven teachers to the Warrior family.

Karen Kelem (Science) 1. Interesting activity you did over summer?

I moved my oldest to New Orleans for law school.

2. Where did you grow up?

Abroad- Southeast Asia, London 3. Favorite animal?

Large cats- lions, tigers

Alana Bond (English) 1. Unexpected fact about you?

My first word as a baby was “alligator.”

2. Favorite book?

The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls.

3. Favorite Quote?

“It is always during a passing state of mind that we make lasting resolutions.” - Proust

Sue Dreiling (Special Ed) 1. Why are you teaching this subject?

Because I believe everyone deserves an education.

2. How many pets do you have?

Right now- four. Two rescued

Shannan Roberson (Math) 1. Interesting activity you did over summer?

Bought a house with my hubby.

2. Favorite sports team?

Westlake Warriors.

3. Favorite book?

Twilight series.

cats and two rescued dogs.

3.Unexpected fact about you?

I used to ride elephants in two circuses.

Jeniffer Garcia (Spanish)

1. Why are you teaching this subject?

I enjoy the Spanish language and the culture that comes with it.

2. Favorite quote?

“Every story has an end, but in real life every end is just a beginning.” -Unknown 3. Favorite vacation spot?

Anywhere I have not been.

Christina Buck (Science) 1. Favorite movie?

Ferris Bueller’s Day Off 2. Unexpected fact about you?

I love the Wiggles.

3. Favorite Book?

Pride and Prejudice

Ashley Tomkins (History) 1. Favorite movie?

Roman Holiday with Audrey Hepburn 2. Unexpected fact about you?

I’m a ballet dancer.

3. Favorite quote?

“Today you are you, that is truer than true. There is no one alive that is youer than you.” - Dr. Seuss

September 25, 2009 • THE ARROW

5

FEATURE

L’Absolut joi de Chocolatine Julia Model Staff Writer

PHOTO BY JULIA MODEL

A barrage of mouth-watering smells of delicious chocolate wafts towards the visitor’s nose as he walks into the cheerfully decorated Chocolatine Restaurant, located on TO boulevard.

Between the French paintings on the walls and 25 different chocolates and sweets it is apparent that their store will be a success.

Owners Hugo and Sabina Barthe opened up their privately owned shop because of their passion for baking and the restaurant business.

According to Sabina, the search for the perfect name had to include a hint of what is sold, as well as a name that worked in English. A friend proposed “chocolatine,” and Hugo and Sabina both loved it.

French-inspired, the cozy shop sells a wide variety of desserts and sweets. The homemade chocolate is nothing like the manufactured kind: each is hand–dipped with 72% Belgian cacao. There are over 25 varieties of chocolates to taste on display as well as Chocolatine’s handmade bittersweet truffles.

Some chocolates as well as some other sweets are available to sample. Every chocolate is designed to have its own, distinct taste that contains special flavors that no one would think goes well with chocolate, but surprisingly does. Various chocolates are sprinkled with chili pepper, curry, and lavender. Sabina strongly believes that because chocolate is full of anti-oxidants, it has the magic of destressant, or relaxing people.

Every item on the menu has a French flair to it. What many do not know is that Chocolatine offers much more than savory treats. For lunch, one may choose from a selection of soups, salads, and sandwiches as well as a moist quiche du jour that

JE T’AIME CHOCOLATINE: Owner Hugo Barthe connects with his customers and makes the atmosphere of Chocolatine more personal.

includes ingredients that vary from day to day. The menu also features a chicken crepe which is filled with chicken and cheese. After one finishes the main meal, Chocolatine offers a complimentary taste of one of the chocolates sprinkled with powdered cacao.

On sharing work space with her husband, Sabina commented, “We enjoy working together; we complement each other. He’s in the front, and I’m in the back creating the goods,” Sabina said. “We are sharing ideas and all the duties and re-

sponsibilities that come with the success of our shop.”

Some popular desserts on the menu are the chocolate éclairs, chocolate mousse with fresh rasperries and the lemon tarts.

Also a favorite at Chocolatine are the delicious dessert crepes. The assortment of crepe flavors includes lemon sugar, jam, nutella, or Tahiti.

A variety of jams is available for purchase, including blackberry, raspberry, strawberry, apricot, and nutella chocolate sauce. Chocolatine also sells custom-

ized mugs and dish towels. A private party room is available for parties; for special occasions, like birthdays and weddings, they will prepare specialized cakes.

“Chocolatine is unique because if you look around the area, everything you see is corporation owned,” Sabina said. “We make everything from scratch with the best ingredients and creativity with very personal customer service.”

This little taste of France in Thousand Oaks is located at 2955 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd. near Skyline Dr.

Diddy Rie se de sse rts br ing a tas te of he ave n Sofia Talarico Feature Editor

What is chewy, sweet, and filled to the brim with ice cream? Diddy Riese desserts, of course!

One delicious taste of any Diddy Riese treat is enough to make anyone’s mouth water. Even though the drive to Westwood may be a bit long, it is definitely worth the journey.

Varieties and combinations await the adventurous who are

guaranteed to leave feeling satisfied. The cookies—chocolate chip with walnuts, white chocolate macadamia nut, peanut butter, white chocolate chip, double chocolate with nuts, oatmeal raisin, chocolate with white chocolate chips, sugar cinnamon, candy, and chocolate chip—are baked fresh every day and are always kept warm.

“I like it because it’s probably the best thing I’ve ever tasted and it’s really filling,” said Molly

Norling-Christensen ‘10.

Besides the cookies, there are brownies, Dreyers Ice Cream, Hawaiian Shaved Ice, and ice cream sandwiches.

The ice cream sandwiches are made with their freshly baked cookies and can be virtually any combination.

“My favorite is chocolate chip cookies and cookie dough ice cream” said Norling-Christensen. The ice cream

sandwiches can be any combination of two freshly baked cookies and one flavor of premium ice cream and only costs $1.50. Talk about a sweet deal!

Diddy Riese also offers catering for every occasion.

For more information about Diddy Riese catering and any of their other fabulous desserts, visit their website at www.diddyriese.com.

HOMECOMING TICKETS AVAILABLE 2955 E THOUSAND OAKS BLVD

Events: Homecoming Rally: 10/12 Homecoming Football Game: 10/16 Homecoming Dance: 10/17 Spirit Days: Freshmen - 10/13- Santa Monica Sophomores -10/14- Nokia Theater Juniors - 10/15- Staples Center Seniors- 10/16 - Disneyland

From September 29 to October 4 With an ASB sticker: $25.00 Without an ASB sticker $30.00

Rally Poster-Making:

From October 5 to October 11 With an ASB sticker: $35.00 Without an ASB sticker: $40.00

Freshmen - 10/5 Sophomores - 10/6 Juniors - 10/7 Seniors - 10/8

From October 12 to October 15 With an ASB sticker: $45.00 Without an ASB sticker: $45.00

6

FEAT

September 25, 2009 • THE ARROW

9th New kids on campus 1 DON’T: • run to your class! By doing this it pretty much stamps I AM A FRESHMAN on your forehead.

• try to be cool and act like upperclassmen. They really hate it, and they will show no mercy if you get caught.

• use Sparknotes. Even if those books are written

by Harvard graduates, they still do not provide an A-worthy analysis.

• be silent at the rallies! If you don’t cheer the MC’s will just make fun of you.

• blend into the background. Westlake is a big school, and now is your chance to shine!

PHOTO BY KATIE ROUGHAN

T E E N

E V O L U T I O N

SOCIAL CLIMBERS: Michelle List `13, Nathan Fan `12, Lauren Greg `11, and Mark Friedman `10 put a modern twist on Darwin’s Progression of Man and relate it to the high school social pyramid.

In search

of an identity

DO: • take your required art classes now to get them out of the way.

• keep your ID card with you at all times. You will use it for everything, from checking out books to buying Homecoming Dance tickets.

• care about your grades. Freshman year still factors into your overall GPA, and colleges will look at it.

• go to football games and dances. You want to make as many high school memories as possible.

• take advantage of not having a history class. That means one less class to take and one hour less of homework.

lying, lack of punctuality, restlessness, truancy, daydreaming in class, and poor response to discipline.

“This research suggests that adolescent conduct problems are indicative of more serious problems in creating and maintaining positive social relationships, and this has a long-term effect on the young adult’s ability to maintain good mental health, Max Avruch stable employment, and a happy family News Editor life,” said Ian Colman, assistant professor at the University of Alberta’s School of Public High school. Four years of change. And Health and lead author of the study. four years of identity search from a lost So, as students develop in high school, teenager in the ninth grade to a capable adult the problems accumulated there could stay in the twelfth grade. As students progress or could cause even more serious problems from their once-innocent and curious lives later in life, as the study pointed out. into the world of reality, change, and the The psychosocial developments that unknown, the psychological developments accompany adolescents throughout high that accompany this drastic change in each school and later in life are best illustrated student allows society to understand what by psychosocial researcher Erik Erickson’s happens in those formative four years of high varied stages of development. The fifth stage school. of Erikson’s psychosocial development deals In a study conducted by the American primarily with adolescents between the ages Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, of 12 and 18. the changes from the early to later high school Erickson explores identity versus role years center on a very important aspect: one’s diffusion. At this time, peers and models movement towards independence. make a huge impact upon student’s lives, The information provided by this and they begin to form an identity. Yet the organization talks about how students identity that students form shapes what they “struggle with a sense of identity and feelings perceive around them and how they behave of awkwardness or strangeness about one’s in those coming years. self and one’s body. They focus on self, Erickson also writes about the outcome alternating between high expectations and of role diffusion, which is role confusion. poor self-esteem and complain that parents Students at that point begin to think about interfere with their independence.” who they are, where they are going and As soon as a student begins the process how they fit in. They try new hairstyles, in obtaining his or her license, the movement experiment with new clothing styles, and towards independence is heightened as form a group of people with whom they driving serves as the literal vehicle towards hang out. adulthood.

Adolescent children who develop role A study done by the British Medical diffusion are often those who revert to Journal observed more than 3,500 people, strange hairstyles and clothing styles, and beginning in the teen years and following may hang out with a bad group of kids, them for 40 years. The data came from a causing them to get in trouble as they search national survey of health and development for acceptance from their peers. from the Medical Research Council, an While the concepts of independence, organization in the United Kingdom. change, and identity shape the ways Teachers assessed individuals between adolescents think and behave throughout ages 13 and 15, and then compared them the high school process, teenagers eventually with same-age peers to find similarities. Some realize what lies ahead in the coming future of problematic behavior included disobedience, adulthood and reality.

High Scho

Robert Frost may ha traveled,” but who really After nearly three m adjusting to school is n and the pressures Septe brings can add up prett quickly. These pressure different for every grad must map out the next their lives between the p college application. Jun balance mountains of h with demanding extrac activities. Sophomores s to keep up and establish identity in a place wher easily overlooked. And slowly learn how to nav mystery known as hig But here’s a little sec student should know: H have to be that difficult learn how to handle the demands, it can even b That’s why The Arro survival guide: With ou approach and expert adv going back to school a l enjoyable.

So you can go ahead treacherous path. Or, yo and have the best school Good luck! It’s go interesting year.

ATURE

September 25, 2009 • THE ARROW

10th The forgotten grade 11th Dreaded junior year

12th King of the hill

DON’T: • pick on the freshmen. After all, that was you last year; leave that job to the seniors.

• drive to school if you get your license next semester. You need to save those spots for the unlucky juniors.

• try to sneak off campus. You will get caught every time!

• fall asleep in first period. It is not the best way to make a good impression on your teachers.

• be surprised if nobody recognizes you or takes you seriously. Sophomores are often overlooked.

DO: • appreciate your last year of a relatively manageable homework load. The rumors about junior year are unfortunately true.

• actually read books that are assigned. English teachers aren’t as lenient this year, and you will be expected to recite complex themes at the drop of a hat.

• associate with upperclassmen; it will definitely come in handy for school events.

• build a solid relationship with your teachers.

Not only will you have some of them again, but you can ask them for recommendations senior year.

• remember that you are still an underclassman.

You’ve got three more years left!

DON’T: • forget your Burger King crown for all the rallies • slack off in school. Colleges receive mid-year reports of your grades and heavily base their admissions decision on it.

• stop coming to class second semester. You still need to show up, even after the AP tests.

• stress about the college application process. Yes, there are numerous deadlines to remember and watch out for. Yes, the supplements on the Common Application seem pointless and redundant. But try to enjoy the next few months instead of worrying.

• develop a severe case of senioritis too early on... well, maybe a mild case is acceptable. But not until January at the earliest.

DO: • get a head start on applications, essays, and recommendation forms. You can’t really afford to put any of it off, or else it could cost you your entire application.

• abuse your status as King of the Campus whenever and wherever possible.

• embrace school spirit. You aren’t a junior any more, so wear that senior T-shirt with pride.

• celebrate when you get your acceptance letters in March, but try not to brag too much.

• live it up. It’s your last year of high school, after all. Make it count!

DON’T: • burn your AP prep books as soon as the tests are over. Beach bonfires are great, but you can make some serious cash selling them to underclassmen instead.

• take an easy cop-out schedule. You will get bored, and colleges definitely frown upon it.

• wear flip flops in the winter while parked on T.O. Blvd. It may be Southern California, but you can still get frostbite.

• hit and run in the student parking lot. It is illegal, and chances are someone will have seen you do it anyway.

• blow off the ACT. It will come back to haunt you senior year.

DO: • get a parking pass. Getting a decent spot on T.O. Blvd. means getting there before the sun even comes up.

• actually do all homework assignments. Limit the slacking off to once a week.

• start looking at colleges. You need something to do when no one’s on Facebook.

• limit your number of mental breakdowns. Then again, this shouldn’t be a problem if you comply with tip #2.

• get involved in clubs and activities. You will have more fun and look good to colleges. It’s a winwin overall.

ool Survival Guide

ave taken “the road less y wants all that hassle? months of summer, never easy, ember ty es are de. Seniors chapter in pages of a niors try to homework curricular struggle h an re they are freshmen vigate the gh school. cret every High school doesn’t t. In fact, once you e stress and everyday be fun. ow staff created this school ur been-there, done-that vice, it is our goal to make little easier, a little more

d and forge your own ou can heed the tips here l year yet. oing to be an

7

8

FEATURE

September 25, 2009 • THE ARROW

Universities to offer greener opportunities Right here at Westlake, we can make small changes to have a positive impact.

Alec Loorz, a passionate fifteen year old dedicated to stop global warming, spoke to Environmental Science classes to emphasize the importance of getting youth involved.

Westlake students such as Adam Raudonis ‘10 the club president and founder of “Students for Solar Schools” are taking the lead to “green” our campus. But many other improvements can be put into effect to stop the climb of environmental degradation. Below are some ideas to promote a healthier atmosphere at our school.

Marika Price Feature Editor

COURTESY PHOTO

Thousands of colleges in the United States offer excellent academics and facilities, it can be difficult to narrow down the application list. One important, but sometimes forgotten factor to consider, is the environmentally friendly programs the campus provides.

An eco-friendly school emphasizes healthy behavior which will ultimately add to the college experience and make it more than simply another academic step.

Remembering that this choice determines our new home for the next four or more years, the atmosphere and student involved clubs add a homey element to an unknown campus.

Following the “green” trend, colleges are adding solar panels, teaching more environmental courses, and producing locally grown food, on top of many other healthy changes.

College students often find themselves indoors, spending hours in the library or in the dorms. But schools, such as University of Oregon, have Earth Days once a week where students pick up trash, plant trees, or go on hikes.

Middlebury College in Vermont has a biomass gasification plant which reduces the school’s carbon dioxide; University of Washington is the pilot site to test the first compostable paper soft drink cups; and UCLA is an avid recycling school with solar heating water.

YALE MAKES A DIFFERENCE: Yale University completed construction of their environmentally friendly building on campus.

Research on ways to improve the downward spiral of our eco-system is currently increasing in many well known, prestigious universities. Yale students, in particular, search for solutions to environmental and climate problems.

Yale also recently constructed a new ecofriendly building that will consume half the energy of other comparable buildings, reducing greenhouse gas emissions. These

schools have made significant progress not only in improving the environment, but also in increasing awareness.

As the public realizes the destruction our daily habits create, the more likely the problem will decrease.

Our future colleges have taken the step to promote healthy communities and world wide awareness, now high schools can make the same effort.

Easy Ways to Make Environmental Friendly Changes *Offer locally grown food in the cafeteria and healthier produce options. *Encourage carpooling. Giving parking spots to students who carpool or providing designated spots for cars with three or more students. *Utilize the power of email and send homework through the web. *Provide more recycling bins and have more clean up days during nutrition or lunch. *Place plants in every classroom. *Turn off computers to lower greenhouse emissions and unplug small electronics when not in use.

Disney Channel embraces cause with Friends for Change Lisa Battaglia Feature Editor

“SEND IT ON”: Selena Gomez, Miley Cyrus, Demi Lovato, and the Jonas Brothers sponsor Disney Channel’s new project Friends for Change: Project Green to educate kids on how to help the planet.

COURTESY PHOTO

Entertaining millions of children and teenagers around the world, Disney Channel uses their popularity to educate children on becoming eco-friendly with their new program, Friends for Change: Project Green.

Disney Channel is using commercials, inspirational songs, and well-known stars to inspire kids to make small changes in their everyday lives and make the planet a better place to live.

Miley Cyrus, Selena Gomez, Demi Lovato, and the Jonas Brothers recently recorded a new song “Send it On” to also support the cause of preserving the planet.

Viewers can visit their online website and vow to commit to everyday actions such as turning off the lights, switching to reusable water bottles, and unplugging cell phone chargers when they are not in use to save CO2.

By going online, kids can invite their friends to join, and take pride in the results of their actions and their impact on the planet.

Kids who go online and register and pledge or “reg and pledge” will learn practical ways to make a difference and will have an opportunity to vote on how Disney will use $1 million in donations to be invested in multiple foundations over the course of a year.

With these donations they will protect wildlife from climate change, help children plant new trees, protect endangered tropical forests, decrease pollution and deforestation, and replant trees in Florida that burned in wildfires.

For three months the focus will be on climate, water, waste, and habitat, ending in quarterly events where on certain days the group will encourage viewers to act in unity on one of their tasks and receive a large feedback.

Encouraging kids at a young age to take action in protecting the environment can keep the planet safe for decades to come.

September 25, 2009 • THE ARROW

ADVERTISEMENT

9

10

ENTERTAINMENT

September 25, 2009 • THE ARROW

King of Pop leaves behind enduring image

Jacob Cavanah

Entertainment Editor

COURTESY PHOTO

Michael Jackson, one of the biggest icons the entertainment industry has ever witnessed, passed away this summer on June 25 at age 50 due to cardiac arrest caused by prescription drugs.

His sudden death shocked the world, put his family in disarray, and devastated the entire entertainment world.

Jackson was scheduled to perform 50 concerts in London, England at the O2 Arena from July 8, 2009 - February 12, 2010.

His scheduled concerts managed to sell 360,000 tickets in eighteen hours. All fifty shows were sold out, breaking the O2 Arena record that Prince previously held with 21 sold-out concerts.

Dedicated fans from all across the nation came to Southern California after hearing the news to pay their respects to the “King of Pop.” While Jackson was being treated at the UCLA Medical Center, a number of dedicated, emotional fans stood outside to show their support for him. The front of his property in Holmby Hills was covered with flowers, candles, posters with heartfelt messages, and memorabilia from his astounding career.

His public funeral service was held at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California. Staples Center reserved 9,000 seats for his closest friends and family.

Big stars that came to pay their respects included Barry Bonds, Macaulay Culkin, and Elizabeth Taylor (who only came to the service). Reverend Al Sharpton was present and stood by

ICONIC: Michael Jackson on stage in one of his unforgettable shows with his famous glove.

the entire Jackson family during their hardship. Emotions ran deep during remarkable speeches and performances made by close family, friends, and other fellow musicians.

His three children Michael Joseph Jackson Junior, Paris Michael Jackson, and Prince Michael Jackson were all on stage in remembrance of their father and were supported by the rest of the Jackson family.

Gladys Knight sang “Our Father (The Lord’s Prayer),” bringing hundreds to tears. Revolutionary Motown artist Stevie Wonder performed “Never Dream You’d

Leave in Summer.” Mariah Carey and Trey Lorenz sang the Jackson 5’s anthem “I’ll Be There For You.” Signing with Motown Records at ten years-old, Jackson formed the Jackson 5 with his brothers Jackie, Jermaine, Tito, and Marlon.

It was at this stage that Jackson’s influence on the music industry first began.

Jackson’s Thriller album was released in 1982, and to this day is the top-selling album of all time.

The hit title track and memorable music video for “Thriller” helped

contribute to the album’s instant success.

According to Rolling Stone Magazine, Thriller is ranked the 20th best album, and with over 110 million copies sold worldwide, it cemented Michael Jackson as the King of Pop. Jackson set 13 Guinness World Records and won 14 Grammy Awards, 22 American Music Awards, and 12 World Music awards.

On rapper The Game’s recently released mix tape, R.E.D., The Game, Diddy, Chris Brown, Usher, Polow Da Don, Mario Williams, and Boyz 2 Men collaborate on a deep tribute song, “Better On The Other Side.”

The Game begins his first emotionfilled verse with “Who’s Michael Jackson.... you’re Michael Jackson....

I’m Michael Jackson.... we all Michael Jackson.”

This opening line expresses a simple yet deep message that all musicians can relate to. He recognizes Michael’s effect on his music career and everybody else who has listened to him or been around him.

CEO of Bad Boy Records, Diddy, says in the song, “People can say what they want to say about you, but we’ll remember the miracles you gave us.”

The fact that most of the songs on iTunes’ Top Ten were by Michael Jackson, with his profound “Man in the Mirror” reaching number one, clearly shows Jackson’s continuing significance to music.

Showing the world how to do the moon walk and putting on stunning shows that people will never forget is the footprint that Michael Jackson left the world.

Students turn up the volume over summer

No Lonely Hearts for Remastered Beatles

Annie Gerlach

Staff Writer

Copy Editor

Often hailed as the most influential band of all time, The Beatles continue to find listeners, reaching into the 21st century with a newly released set that features their unique sound. Apart from selling over one billion records worldwide, they have also produced widely acclaimed albums such as Abbey Road, Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, and Revolver which continue to amaze music enthusiasts for generations.

Therefore, it comes as no surprise that fans of The Beatles rejoice at the release of an entirely remastered catalog.

For those unfamiliar with the term “remastering,” it involves creating tracks that are enhanced versions of existing songs, made by taking the original recordings of the songs and digitally improving them.

Better audio quality makes the already famous tracks even more desirable to any Beatles fan or music enthusiast in general. Expanded CD booklets also come as a bonus to those who purchase CD copies of these historic albums.

Many rare photos of the band have resurfaced for the viewer’s pleasure. Some CD copies also include a miniature poster, as well as stories about the making of the album and The Beatles’ anthology in general.

Unfortunately, a deal that would make The Beatles available on iTunes or any mp3 vendor has yet to be arranged.

A feud between Apple Corps, The Beatles’ label, and Apple Inc., the well-known iPod vendor, over trademark issues has prevented music shoppers from purchasing Beatles songs on iTunes.

It has been a disappointment and a burden to the fans who do not purchase

Exotic vacations were not the only ways Westlake students enjoyed the summer. Musical concerts of all sizes and genres proved to be a popular destination as well.

Whether it be heat, noise, or crowds, nothing could draw back students from rocking out to their favorite bands.

One heavily attended concert in particular was the Vans Warped Tour.

The longest running concert in the world, Warped Tour kicked off its 15th anniversary on June 26, 2009 in Pomona, and ended in Los Angeles on August 23.

With a whirlwind summer of 46 tours across the country, Warped touched base in So Cal twice, once at Seaside Park in Ventura on June 28, and once in Carson at the Home Depot Center on August 23.

“I went to the Ventura concert as well as the Carson one,” Sean Lampe `10 said. “I was impressed with the massive crowds and the incredibly good set list of bands.”

What sets Warped Tour apart from other concerts—and keeps fans coming back—is the fact that there is more than just one band at the festival. Each tour date meant unloading six stages and close to a hundred bands’ worth of equipment and instruments. The bands that performed at the concerts ranged from Senses Fail and All Time Low to We The Kings, and 3OH!3.

“Silverstein was my favorite set because my friends and I got right up in front of the stage. Plus, they put on a really good show with great music,” Kevin Duffy `10 said.

This summer’s Warped tour had some changes. Earlier this year, tour founder and organizer Kevin Lyman

COURTESY PHOTO

Aaron Demsetz

CD copies of albums.

As a result, fans eager to buy the albums digitally will have to settle for CD copies of the remasters until the two corporations are able to come to an agreement.

Just as important is Electronic Arts, or EA, which just released its latest in the popular Rock Band franchise, The Beatles: Rock Band.

The game, which will be playable on the Xbox 360, Playstation 3, and Wii systems, includes some of The Beatles’ greatest hits like “Revolution,” “Come Together,” “Helter Skelter,” “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds,” and “Yellow Submarine”.

Over 40 songs are available to play ingame, and numerous other tracks can be downloaded for a small fee of $1.99.

Fans of the series and Beatles enthusiasts will also enjoy the new set of controllers modeled on the well-known instruments played by The Beatles themselves.

Already lauded as one of the greatest bands of all time by many critics, The Beatles consistently appeal to fans of all ages.

Sales of The Beatles: Rock Band, as well as the remastered catalogue, are already selling at a rapid pace.

Even though the members of The Beatles are not all here and together today, they continue to improve their music.

announced that this year’s tour will only feature one stage with 40 minute sets, instead of two main stages with 30 minute sets that were used in previous years. Even Kevin Lyman shortening the festival, did not affect dedicated fans from attending the concerts.

“I thought it was awesome and I can’t wait to go next year,” Duffy said.

On the other end of the spectrum, another summer concert sparked worldwide mania of a different sort among teenage girls.

Although the Jonas Brothers World Tour did not begin until May 18, it sold nearly one million tickets in its first week on sale. The tour coincided with the JoBros fourth studio album, Lines, Vines, and Trying Times, which was released on June 16, 2009.

Nick, Joe, and Kevin plan on jet setting to multiple continents, including North America, South America, and Europe. They made a stop in Los Angeles at the Staples Center through August 8 and 9.

“I went to the concert on August 9,” Jamie Mark `11 said. “My friends and I had floor seats, and I loved being so close to the stage.”

Known for their incredible onstage stunts, the Jonas Brothers pulled out all the stops on their third headlining tour.

“My favorite part had to be when the guys did flips and sprayed foam on the audience!” Mark said. Also, the boys had a 144-foot-wide stage set up “in-theround” to allow for a better audience experience. It also includes many unique features, such as a circular water screen, lasers, and automated video effects.

“I went two nights in a row,” Jenny Seltzer `11 said. “I like how they involve the crowd and bring something new every tour.”

11

ENTERTAINMENT

September 25, 2009• THE ARROW

10 sci-fi Movies that Live Long and Prosper

1.) Star Wars: Episodes

3.) Terminator 2: Judgement Day (1991)

The high octane explosives, Arnie’s famous machine gun pose, the iconic “Hasta La Vista,” the corny “I now know why you cry,” and the sweet robot fights make this film amazing. With ground-breaking effects, this simple tale of a boy and his time-travelling robotic bodyguard makes T2 a great sci-fi, but it is Arnie’s famous scene where he cocks a shotgun with one hand while riding a motorcycle that is being chased by a Terminator-operated truck that makes this a great film.

COURTESY PHOTO

In a world full of abominable movie remakes and endless sequels, it is difficult to know which movies truly live up to the standard and exceed earthly expectations.

Therefore, The Arrow will compile a “Top 10” list for various movie genres, which will appear every other issue.

We have decided to kick off the new school year with “Sci-Fi September.” Using a system of personal film knowledge, the American Film Institute top movie list, and the internet, we have judged that the following sci-fi films stand out above the rest.

FIREFIGHT: Famous duo Han Solo (right), played by Harrison Ford, and Chubacca (left), played

by Peter Mayhew shoot at the storm troopers.

4.) 2001 Space Odyssey

6.) Back to the Future

A long, long time ago in a galaxy far, far away...

Fans across the globe are familiar with Luke Skywalker’s epic quest to save Princess Leia, defeat Darth Vader and restore peace, order, and balance to the galaxy.

Intense lightsaber duels, action packed starship dogfights, the awesome powers of the force, and Chewy’s “Arroowoo” noise are held close to every sci-fi aficionado’s heart, making Star Wars Episodes IV-VI the greatest sci-fi series ever.

(1968)

(1985)

2.) Blade Runner (1982)

5.) Planet of the Apes

IV-VI (1977-1983)

Being one of the most popular and influential sci-fi movies of all time, Blade Runner is almost at the top of the list. Harrison Ford plays a former bounty hunter assigned to find enslaved genetically engineered people who are menaces to society. The film takes place in a futuristic Los Angeles.

Imaginative visual effects and a riveting, action-packed plot make Blade Runner a classic.

Between the stunning opening at the dawn of man and the evolution of weapons from the bone to the missile silos in space, the unforgettable score and the murderous computer HAL, Stanley Kubrick’s 2001—arguably one of the world’s trippiest films—is pure sci-fi. It is an amazing tale of space travel and the future of Earth as percieved in the 60’s, and shows the world what will happen if the Cold War does not end.

(1968)

A group of American astronauts from the 1960’s lands on a mysterious planet 2000 years in the future. After losing his comrades, Commander Taylor is taken hostage by gorillas. From the strange society of superintelligent apes to the unexpected ending, Apes warns moviegoers of man’s destructive nature.

8.) Terminator (1984)

Michael J. Fox, time travel, and flying DeLoreans—what else could any great movie need? Back to the Future follows Marty McFly, who is thown 30 years in the past thanks to Doc Brown’s time travel experiment. He and a 30 year younger Doc must find a way to provide enough energy (1.21 jigawats) to send him back. Back to the Future shows fans the complexity of time travel’s paradoxes while providing the quality entertainment that Fox is known for.

The electricity field, the buff cyborg with a murder mission, a lone fighter sent back to stop the machine, and a young woman who has no idea what sort of trouble her unconceived son has gotten her into: The Terminator. James Cameron’s film did not just create a good story, it started one of the coolest sci-fi franchises ever, and it also led to the creation of the 3rd best film on our Sci-Fi list, Terminator 2: Judgement Day.

9.) The Day the Earth Stood Still (1951)

7.)The Matrix (1999)

Virtual worlds, intense action scenes, and a quintessential bullet-dodge constitute the classic film, The Matrix. In a post-apocalyptic world where machines have taken control of their human masters, Neo is the only person believed to have to potential to free humanity. Leaving the viewer with an edge-of-the-seat experience and consistent adrenaline rushes, The Matrix never fails to disappoint.

Don’t let the recent remake give you the wrong impression; the original Earth is a work of sci-fi art. The film is ripe with the classic Sci-fi themes that started a genre.

From the massive—if albeit cheesey—robot Gort to Klaatu’s iconic phrase, “Klaatu barada nikto,” Earth is one of best Sci-Fi films of its time.

10.) StarTrek II: The Wrath of Khan (1982)

Based on the famous Star Trek televison series, Khan follows Captain Kirk, Mr. Spock, and their crew in another quest to save humanity. Khan and his crew of superhumans once again attempt to defeat the Enterprise. Khan makes moviegoers wary of the dangers of genetic engineering.

Compiled By: Sam Wexler Jacob Cavanah

Jared Erman Aaron Demsetz

Tomahawk Rating System COURTESY PHOTO

SLAYER: Simon (Logan Lerman) controls Kable (Gerard Butler) during a fight scene in the futuristic game/ tv show “Slayers” in the movie Gamer.

Game Over for Gamer Sam Wexler

Entertainment Editor

Gamer has too much violence, lacks substance, is cut horribly, and to top it all off, is not even worth the drive to the theater.

The movie is set in a not-so-distant future Earth, where simulation games have taken on a whole new level by using real people as controllable avatars. Gamer follows Kable, an inmate who is the top player on television’s highest rated game show Slayer, in which death row inmates have to survive 30 violent levels to receive their freedom.

The inmates are controlled by Gamers, civilians who control the players as though characters in a video game. Kable’s Gamer

is a rich, snobby 17-year old who, due to his success with Kable, inadvertently gets caught in the battle between the anti-gaming group Humanz and Slayer creator, Castle.

The film, which opens into an exceptionally gory episode of Slayer, has plenty of blood and violence. However, unlike films such as Tarantino’s Inglourious Basterds—a much better film by far—that have a great story to make up for the bloodlust, Gamer lacks actual substance.

This large hole in the structure of the film makes all the violence seem redundant, and makes it evident that a good 95% of this thing consists of guns, blood, bones breaking, and heads exploding.

The film is also poorly put together, with fast, jumpy, and erratic cuts that make

the fight scenes very hard to follow and very confusing. It is understandable that this style is used to make it evident that Kable is in a game, but the director decides to use it in non-game settings that just create a sickening effect.

As far as acting goes, Gerard Butler receives no negative critique, mainly because Michael C. Hall (Castle) deserves all of it.

Hall seems to be almost forcefully crazy to show how insane Castle is. He also puts on an exaggerated southern accent which, just like his character, is noticeably fake.

So to wrap it up, Gamer, much like the dancing number towards the end of the film, is unnecessary, unwanted, and not worth your cash.

Sam’s Rating:

The entertainment page editors Jared Erman and Sam Wexler have developed a new rating system for recently released movies, the “Tomahawk Rating System.”

This system works much like the “Five Star System,” with a little Warrior flair. A movie can earn up to five tomahawks depending on whether or not the reviewer feels the movie is worth the time and money.

For example, a movie as gut wrenchingly horrible as the ‘09 version of The Day The Earth Stood Still, starring Keanu Reeves, would earn a rock bottom score, perhaps half a tomahawk.

Meanwhile, a high calibur movie like Christopher Nolan’s Dark Knight (2008), would most likely receive five tomahawks.

This month, Sam gave Gamer a 1.5 on the tomahawk scale because it was a bad movie.

We hope this rating system will help you out next time you visit the movie theater.

Countdown to New Moon: 55 Days

12

SPORTS

September 25, 2009 • THE ARROW

Football starts 2-0; awaits league play Jacob Cavanah Entertainment Editor

PHOTO BY MARK CLIFFORD

A PROMISING START: Casey Levitt ‘10 spikes over defenders in WHS’s third game win against Beverly Hills High School.

Warriors are set up to win Katie Roughan News Editor

Summer has come to an end, and with fall in the air, Westlake is well into the old routine. Among the numerous fall sports is girls volleyball, and Coach Ernest Rittenhouse is ready to coach the girls for the fall season.

“We always expect a good season; they are working really hard,” Rittenhouse said. “We have a really good group of hard working players. They have a lot of fun playing the game and put in a lot of effort.”

Seniors to watch this season includeCasey Levitt, Lexi Orr, Melissa Johnson, and Chloe Yates. All the girls have played volleyball for the past three years.

“I’m definitely looking foward to being a leader on the team. After three years I know what to expect,” Johnson. “I have learned a lot and have more confidence.”

Both Johnson and Rittenhouse explained the camaraderie of the team.

During the season all of the girls live and breathe volleyball; they play on club teams and do extra programs off-season as well. With all the time spent together

friendships are evident on the team.

“We get along really well on the court.

There is a certain level of trust and we just mesh,” Johnson said.

One of the main goals for the season is to steal Thousand Oaks High School’s defending league title.

The first game was held Sept. 10 in the gym against Beverly Hills High School. Westlake won three out of their five games, taking a win overall. With this combination Warrior volleyball girls should prevail in a record breaking season.

GIRLS GOLF

Freshmen spark drive to state title Becky Sadwick Opinion Editor

Westlake girls golf had its best season in school history last year, but it seems that the girls hold promise for an even more successful season in the coming months.

“The difference between this year and

last year is that this team is more dedicated to winning and playing well,” said Charlotte Gibson, ‘10. “This year the team has a lot of potential to go far.”

The entire team and coaching staff seem to agree with this optimistic outlook.

“This Westlake team has the chance to have an excellent season and to progress deep into the CIF and State playoffs,” said Coach David Costley after a 187 to 236 victory over Agoura on September 3.

Freshman Lauren DiazYi has high hopes as well.

She predicts “we’re going to go all season undefeated.”

Three gifted freshmen, Diaz-Yi, Sophia Chen and Nancy Liu join returning seniors Gibson,

PHOTO BY: BECKY SADWICK

PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT: Nancy Liu ‘13 drives during practice

Vivian Shi, Danielle Kang, and Stephanie Sue to form a team that is predicted to be stronger than last year’s.

The team’s camaraderie and competitiveness, along with the sheer quality of each member, allow Coach Costley to, “anticipate good things for this bunch of players.”

Despite the absence of Kang, the girls golf team defeated Thousand Oaks by 21 strokes on Sept. 21.

Chen, a talented freshman, shot 1 under par, 33, receiving medalist honors and leading Warriors to another Marmonte League victory.

So far the team is undefeated with a 5-0 record, a trend which Liu hopes “will continue with our strong team.” The biggest competition in the Marmonte League will likely come from Royal and Simi Valley High School.

“All of the team members [will] have an excellent season,” said Costley.

The Warrior football team had a perfect start to the 2009-2010 season with two wins, and is waiting to face a team in the Marmonte League. The next game is against Hart, a team the Warriors defeated last year.

An unbelievable debut performance coming from starting wide receiver, free safety, and punt returner Nelson Spruce ’11 gave the team a boost to come out on top. Spruce had a total of five catches for 233 yards with four of the team’s touchdowns that all came in the first half of the game. Spruce also had a score in their second game against Saugus.

Along with quarterback and safety Nick Isham ’11 and running back Tavior Mowry ’11, Spruce is a secondyear varsity player. These three playmakers give the team the explosive offense the Warriors need in order to finish at the top of the Maramonte League this year.

Isham and Michael Bercovici ’11 will share the spotlight at the quarterback position throughout the season.

Tre Wilson ’11, Max Klinedinst ’10, Spruce, Johnny Stuart ’12, and Michael Tack ’10 have the size, speed, and hands to be good receivers for the quarterbacks to work with.

Isham and Bercovici should not have any trouble trying to avoid being sacked with Taylor McMorrow ’10 at left guard, Brad Cotner ’10 at center, Brandon Root-Burks ’10 at right guard, and David Grubaugh ‘10 at right tackle. In addition, Michael Lorenzo ’10 has returned to his left tackle position after hurting his lower leg.

The linebacker core this year will be difficult for opponents to get by with seniors Shane Giraldo, Adrian Muguerza, and junior Max Winsberg.

Notable sophomores include 6’3”, 270-pound Justin Solis and 6’4”, 220-pound Johnny Stuart. Stuart also plays tight end, proving to be a versatile player. Alex Ball `12 rounds out the team by filling the kickers’ shoes nicely.

Freshmen Justin Moore and Dylan Ray played both the varsity team’s season opener against Paso Robles and the freshmen season opener. However, even though they played well, Ray and Moore were moved back to the Freshman team.

A new addition to Westlake High School, Dalls Clayton ’10, is another threat added to the Warriors that opponents have to keep their eye on. He is a 6’, 210-pound force who starts at defensive end, and will be sharing the carries with Tavior Mowry.

Coach Jim Benkert, who has coached the most games ever in Ventura County, is just another perk that Westlake has this year.

“The team chemistry is very strong because of the leadership we have from the seniors,” said Wilson, who stood out with two touchdowns against Saugus.

With a winning coach and an excellent group of football players, the Warriors can only improve.