Issue 2, Volume XXVI | The Buckley School | 3900 Stansbury Avenue, Sherman Oaks, CA 91423

focus: proposition 19 page 14

Friday, October 8, 2010

insidenews

outdoor ed | page 7students unite on school retreat

opinion

bonding | page 8get to know your class before it’s too late

features

revisit | page 1325 years ago to now, a blast from the past

a & e

oklahoma! | page 20 behind the seams with Marie Tramz

sports

XC | page 24boys and girls XC race towards state

Olivia Perez The Buckley School

SHOW SOME SPIRIT: Students march and cheer during parade. Audience applauds Wittmer’s tight-rope walking finale.

Index:news.........................................1-7opinion.....................................8-9features..............................10-13focus....................................14-15arts & entertainment......16-21sports..................................22-27triathlete...................................28

Founder’s Day parade celebrates 77 years

ShilpaMantri ‘13staff reporter

The student lounge was closed September 29 because of student vandalism. Librarian Matthew Wittmer, BSC president senior Wes Haas, BSC vice president senior Molefi Cooper, and George Russo, director of student activities, made the decision to close down the lounge.

“When I came back from lunch, I saw that almost all the furniture was displaced, in the mud, and stacked on top of the ping-pong table. There was food ground on the carpet and soda spilled all over. It was the worst I had ever seen it,” said Wittmer.

The student lounge was opened as a place for students to relax and enjoy free time with friends. However, an act of vandalism by an anonymous student ended this privilege. 

“It [the student lounge] is for those students who demonstrate responsibility and respect.” said Wittmer. “It’s a shame because the student lounge is a great place, but I think the closure will help people rethink what they need to do to have the student space.”

The student lounge will be closed for an indefinite period of time and until students can demonstrate respect for the school’s property, according to Cooper.

“We just have to take it more seriously now.  People take it for granted, and the closing of the lounge goes to show how serious this is,” said sophomore Jess Walia.

Some students resent the closure of the lounge, which was once a common place for students to spend their free periods and lunches.

“I played a lot of ping-pong and it was a

Vandalism shuts down loungeBSC states lounge will remain closed until culprits come forward.

great way to get away from homework. It’s a relatively secluded area, and when it’s empty, it’s a good place to relax,” said sophomore Kevin DeCorso.

The lounge will not be opened until the student, or students, responsible for the vandalism come forward, according to BSC secretary sophomore Jonathan Friedman.

BSC is considering limiting the lounge to upperclassmen, according to Cooper. 

“I hope students can be respectful to the lounge in the future.  It is for everyone,” said DeCorso.

JordanBloch ‘11editor-in-chief

The Quill and Scroll International Honorary Society has awarded The 2009-2010 Student Voice an International First Place Award of Superior Achievement. The first place award is granted to less than 100 schools worldwide.

The newspaper evaluation was divided into four criteria: Policy Guidelines, Coverage, Writing and Editing, Display and Designs, and Business practices. The Voice received 904 out of a possible 1000 total points, attaining a perfect score in Business Practices, as well as perfect sub scores in coverage and reporting, news leads, and headlines.

The judge commended The Voice for its published editorial policy, localization of regional and national news, the creative depth of feature articles, ad presence, and photography and deemed The Student Voice “[a publication] other publications can and should aspire to.”

“Winning the Quill and Scroll Award is clearly an honor,” said 2009-2010 editor-in-chief Max Baldi ’10. “I’ve always been proud of The Voice’s  driven staff, and I’m pleased that their hard work has been recognized. We put so many hours and so much of our souls into each issue, and, while the satisfaction in seeing the final product each month is reward enough, the award validates what we already knew: that The Voice is a world-class publication because of its dedicated and talented staff.”

Voice wins Quill and Scroll International First Place Award

Matthew Wittmer The Buckley School

VANDALISM: Still unknown students stacked chairs, scattered pillows, ground food into the carpets, and threw trash.

Kim Kersher The Buckley School

news2 friday, october 8, 2010 |

Student ID card to function as debit card

JamesBernstein ‘14business manager

The business office is issuing student identification cards this year with new features, design, and capabilities; students can use them to purchase their school lunches.

The cards were scheduled to come out on October 1 but the new release date is set for some time later this month. Aida Torossian, supervisor of finance, said the cards will serve a double purpose: as identification cards and as debit cards. Torossian is involved in the implementation of the project and after the release of the cards, will be involved in the accounting side of the transactions.

The cards include a bar code for scanning, a feature that they have always had but the school had opted out of prior to this year because the administration was concerned that students would let their friends borrow

The change will eliminate cash exchanges on campus; capabilities to expand in subsequent years.

newsinbriefHeritage Families hosts picnic

September 26 the Heritage Families group held the second annual picnic in Beverly Park for families of African-American descent.

“The event went very well. It was a very relaxed environment with food, fun, and friends,” said chair Antonia March.

The activities consisted of water balloon toss, water fight, and a moon bounce. The event was catered with hamburgers, hot dogs, French fries, funnel cakes, and a sundae bar.

Seven faculty members, eight freshmen and one junior attended the picnic.

“I think the importance is so that all of the African American families can meet each other,” said junior Grace Cartwright.

Freshmen Chase Holliday and Larry Bush agreed that the picnic offered a setting for bonding. Heritage Families group plans to have more cultural events including speakers for Black History Month, museum trips, Kwanzaa, and an end-of-the-year get together.

ElleWisnicki‘14

Lawrence ‘86, Babini honored by run/walk

In memory of former teacher and alumna Julie Lawrence ’86 and Robin Babbini, sister of Ehren Babbini ‘07, 40 students and faculty participated in the Ovarian Cancer Coalition’s 12th annual Ovarian Cancer Run/Walk on September 12.

“[Laurence was] one of the kindest, gentlest and most talented women I have ever known,” said Joe Sciuto, Upper School principal.

The Cancer Awareness Club, lead by seniors Ryan Levy, Matthew Benzimra and Eddie Manella, coordinated the school’s participation. NHS and NJHS also participated.

“I am so proud we have a club that commits to raising money for cancer research,” said Dr. Larry Dougherty, head of school, who has partaken in the run/walk every year since he came to the school.

Most school participants completed the 5K walk, although some competed in other events.

The goals of the Ovarian Cancer Coalition are to educate the public and medical community of the signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer and to support research to find an early detection method and successful treatment for the disease.

JamesBernstein ‘13

insidenews

KAFIL | page 3 GIRLY SHOW | page 4

CLUBFEST | page 5

KAFIL | page 3Student makes posters to update library method

GIRLY SHOW | page 4Scolari and team sell out 350 person venue

CLUBFEST | page 5Over 55 clubs set up tables during sign-ups

Rourk Reagan The Buckley School

Students grant Newman-Milic’s wish, organize Make-A-Wish clubMeherSingh ‘14staff reporter

Carter Newman-Milic hoped that students would found a school club in honor of the Make-A-Wish foundation.

During Clubfest, Newman-Milic got her wish. 

The Make-A-Wish Club debuted on campus this year, when junior Brandon Wong founded the club after being inspired by his mother.

“My mom is a volunteer at Make-A-Wish foundation and she had the idea of starting a club at [school],” said Wong, “My mom was selected as the wish granter for Carter’s [Newman-Milic] wish which has already been completed, but we plan to maybe have her speak about her

experience with the foundation.”Newman-Milic, the

daughter of athletic director Byrd Newman-Milic was diagnosed with cancer in February 2009; when she was in sixth grade, she went to Hawaii to swim with dolphins as a wish from the foundation. Byrd Newman-Milic is also one of the advisors of the club.

“Make-A-Wish is just a great organization. Brandon Wong has thought about doing it for a couple of years. I got involved because my daughter Carter was a recipient of Make-A-Wish,” said Newman-Milic.

Newman-Milic said that the club isn’t in honor of his daughter, but the foundation itself that honored her.

“The club doesn’t honor Carter, but honors an organization that has been really good to Carter,” said Newman-Milic. “Make a Wish is an organization that grants wishes to children that are terminally ill or suffer serious debilitation illnesses. The goal [of the club] is to raise money to donate to make a wish.”

The club had approximately 30 signups during Clubfest; their first event was on September 30 at the Coldstone Creamery on Ventura Blvd. Anyone who donated to the foundation got a caramel ice cream dessert. The event raised $106.53.

“We are planning to have fundraising events and raffles to generate money to donate to the foundation,” said Wong.

The Newman-Milic family was pleased to be able to give back to the Make-A-Wish foundation and the school community.

“Make a Wish has honored Carter, if in any way Carter and me can give back to this organization, it’s a blessing to

them until this year.The goal of the new cards is to make the

lunch program more efficient for parents and students. Parents can put money on the cards and students can use them to make purchases. Torossian added that this system eliminates the hassle of daily lunch ticket purchases, saving students valuable lunchtime minutes.

The business office intends to broaden the capabilities of the cards beyond lunch purchases in the future, potentially into areas such as athletic apparel and other extras purchases, performing arts tickets, library functions, and others according to Torossian.

“We are hoping to streamline cash collection processes with more efficiency and speed for all: our students parents and faculty,” said Torossian. “The cards will be used to facilitate a cashless environment and mirror the technologies used in the real world.”

Torossian emphasized that these are debit cards so she hopes that students will hold onto the cards carefully at all times. It could be a learning experience for many students. Visual arts teacher Rourk Reagan said the cards will have a front and back with school colors and ornamentation, such as the Griffin logo. Reagan is in charge of the design for the cards.

THE “G” CARD: This is a draft image of the new student ID.

us,” said Newman-Milic, “I just think it’s another testament to Buckley caring about those in our community and doing something about it.”

The school community and others can get involved in the Make a Wish foundation in many ways.

“Other students can help in donating money to the foundation as well as attending future events,” said Wong. Carter Newman-Milic is making good progress in her recovery.

According her father, Carter, after having radiation and chemo therapy on an off for a year, completed her chemo in late May. Since then she has begun to gain on more weight, her hair is starting to grow out, and she is not suffering from the effects of chemo. Carter is also making progress in walking and is now attending La Cañada Middle School. She misses her classmates, friends, and teachers at Buckley. “Don’t underestimate people with cancer,” she said.

3 friday october 8, 2010 news opinion features focus arts & entertainment sports

Founder’s DayThe 77th annual Founders Day Parade was filled with firsts: a teacher wire-walking display, a Beatles medley, and much more. Isabelle Buckley, niece of Dr. Isabelle Buckley, closed the celebration with words on her aunt’s innovative spirit.

Kafil increases library efficiency with posters

AliEicher ’14staff reporter

A seventh grade computer whiz has renovated a century-old system to help students navigate the Robert Young library this summer. It all began when seventh grade student Jason Kafil asked Upper School librarian Matthew Wittmer for ideas for community service.

“I’ve always had the idea for the posters. I wanted to activate the underutilized space and I wanted it to be easier for people to see what kind of books are in different sections of the library,” said Wittmer.

Kafil came to the Robert Young library during summer school to brainstorm ideas with Wittmer.

He earned 25 community service hours for planning with Wittmer, designing the posters, and hanging up the final product.

Kafil used varied fonts and graphics in black and white to illustrate section headers like DVDs, Shakespeare, and Fashion.

“When it comes to pen and paper I am not very creative,

Seventh grade student spent four hours a day for two weeks during summer school designing classification posters.

but when I design something on a computer I feel much more creative,” said Kafil.

Kafil and Wittmer started the process by writing down different subjects of books in each alcove of the Robert Young library.

Kafil then applied his computer smarts. He took the information to Photoshop and began the design process.

Wittmer wanted the posters to enhance book accessibility.

“In the computer age people are ready for instant access. These posters provide that instant access,” said Wittmer.

Tom Henderson, the school printer, then printed the posters.

By the end of summer school, they hung up the final product. The entire process took four hours a day for two weeks “I wasn’t taking summer school, I was coming to the library in my free time. I didn’t want to waste my free time during summer and I found something interesting to do, so I decided to do that,” said Kafil.

Kafil simplified the classification system used in libraries everywhere since 1876, the Dewey Decimal system

The Dewey Decimal system organizes books according to topics like religion, arts and recreation, and language. Sub-topics further divide the books under these headers and assign topics to a specific set of numbers.

“The posters still have the

Dewey Decimal system on them. They’re tinier, but they’re still included. It’s there, just not as prominent,” said Wittmer.

Kafil has worked on various websites for the school. He designed a forum that got so much attention from faculty members that it is now on the Buckley server.

Kafil said he also runs his own websites and is learning computer-programming languages such as Objective-C and Java.

“If we were to bring something from modern technology back in time, it would be seen to be magic. What we think is so impossible now, in the next 30 years could be very possible,” said Kafil. Wittmer said he hopes to continue this type of student involvement.

“The design, feel, and functionality [of the library] should serve student needs because they’re they ones who use the library so much,” said Wittmer.

Wittmer said he is getting positive feedback from students and faculty members about the posters.

“They really can’t believe that we made them.”

In this day of computerized search engines like Google, Yahoo, and Bing, Kafil said he was happy to be a part of helping people search for their own information.

“I like knowing that what I do is helping out the community,” Kafil said.

SORTED SHELVES: Wittmer and Kafil hope the visibility of the new system will enhance book accessibility.

Ellen Salas The Buckley School

SPECIAL ACT: Wittmer displays a reclining salute during his wire-walking performance.

Olivia Perez Images

Kim Kerscher The Buckley School

GRIFFIN SHIELDS: Lower school students march at beginning of parade.

THE BUCKLEYS: Dr. Isabelle Buckley’s grand-daughters, Isabelle and Jody, and son, Peter, were honored guests.

Kim Kerscher The Buckley School

DRIVE THRU: Teachers waive to students from Buckley-red Mustang during celebration.Madeline Baldi Images

friday, october 8, 2010 4news opinion features focus arts & entertainment sports

“Girly Show” benefits breast cancer research

TuckerHiggins ‘13staff reporter

The theme was charity and the color was pink at the September 10 “The Girly Show,” produced by senior Alex Scolari.

The event, held at the El Portal Theatre in the North Hollywood district, raised $15,000 for the Revlon/UCLA Breast Center.

“Everyone knows someone who’s been affected [by cancer,] whether it’s a friend, a parent, or a sibling… I wanted to help while doing something that I love,” said Scolari.

The auditorium was sold out, a testament to the widespread appeal for finding a cure.

“I’m very pleased with the turn out, this many people wearing pink is great,” said senior Annie Higgins, the assistant producer.

Former Buckley parent, Broadway performer, and cancer survivor Michelle Nicastro largely inspired the “cabaret for a cure.”

“Earlier this year my mom pulled me into her office and showed me the video of Michelle singing. It was so beautiful, she didn’t even have to say anything,” said Scolari.

Once the show got started, the sentiment of the crowd was positive and cheerful despite the heaviness of the occasion.

“I am really enjoying it,” said Peisha McPhee, mother and voice coach of American Idol finalist Katharine McPhee, during the show.“The thing that got me was

The event raised $15,000 for the Revlon/UCLA Center for Breast Cancer; over 350 people attended.

GIRLY TRIO: Liza St. John, Annie Higgins, and Lexi St. John sing during the cabaret.

PRODUCER: Scolari performed in multiple singing and dancing acts.

DANCING FOR A CURE: The age of performers ranged from 9 to 83.

the strength of singers of all ages,” said choir teacher John Hendricks.

The ages of performers ranged from nine year-old Rachel Albrecht to 83-year-old Helen Geller.

“We wanted it to be a celebration of women of all ages. After all, it started with a little girl and ended with a feisty old broad,” said Laura Bamford, the director.

Beyond being a cancer benefit, the show was also a catalyst for feminine expression.

“The message was that being a woman, being ‘girly,’ could look like anything. Women’s stories can not all be linked into one category,” said Bamford, who was commissioned to direct the show in the final 48 hours of production because the previous director booked an acting job in the final two days.

“While the transition was stressful because of how unexpected it was, no one knew the show better than me. I had been involved since May,” said Bamford.

The show left many tearful and inspired.

“To me, it was a story of life’s journey; of learning, and of mastering one’s craft. I was truly inspired,” said Hendricks.

Moreover, many of the performers were moved, having been given opportunities to make change with the arts.

“I’m happy I can do something I love while helping a worthy cause,” said senior Cathryn Ortiz-Benz, who performed as a dancer.

The courage and vigor of “breast cancer warriors” was repeatedly commended, either in song, action, or dedication. The cabaret night was summed up in a final riff of Helen Geller’s rendition of Girls Gotta Do: “Like a mamma lion, she’ll keep on tryin’, and that’s what a gal’s gotta do,” she sang.

5 friday october 8, 2010 news opinion features focus arts & entertainment sports

Rookie societies and veteran favorites rule Clubfest

WINE AND CHEESE: Carlin Stiehl, Wes Haas, and Sara Super attract members with grape juice and a variety of cheeses.

Math department freezes Hotmath subscription

JamesBernstein‘14business manager

The math department decided not to renew its Hotmath subscription due to students’ improper usage of it in previous years.

Students, especially those in Middle School and not in the honors sequence, were not using Hotmath as an effective source for help with their homework said Joanne Ryan, math department chair.

Ryan added that students were not doing well on tests and quizzes because they were not doing their homework.

The topic of students using Hotmath inappropriately on homework was discussed and voted upon at an August 23 department meeting.

The idea of students using Hotmath improperly shocked many of the teachers, who were not aware that it was even an issue.

Not all of the math teachers agreed with the decision.

According to Ryan, some of the honors teachers voted to keep the subscription because they believed their students were using Hotmath as an effective concept learning tool.

Math teacher Tami Woldman supported keeping the Hotmath subscription.

“I was actually against the decision and was pretty vocal about trying to keep it. I found it to be a very valuable tool for students to use to help themselves overcome difficulties, particularly with challenging word problems,” said Woldman.

“I supported [the decision not to renew the subscription] because I felt too many students were using it to copy instead of as a last resort for help after having attempted each problem on their own,” said math teacher Joshua Ryan. Joanne Ryan agrees that some students were using Hotmath as a learning aid, but because others were using it dishonestly, she sided with the movement not to renew Hotmath.

In purchasing a Hotmath subscription, the department hoped students would use it as a last resort after approaching their math teachers for homework help.

Some students stopped trying to solve the problems on their own and instead just copied the Hotmath’s steps directly onto their homework.

According to Ryan, several other Hotmath problems contributed to its cancellation sometimes the answers that it provides are incorrect, it is slow, and occasionally it uses a different method from the one teachers would like the students to use.

Ryan believes that students could finish their homework much more quickly if they paid attention in class and attempted each problem on their own instead of using Hotmath.

“I used to use Hotmath and I found it very helpful because instead of just giving you the answer, it shows you the process of solving each problem,” said freshman Jason Freedman. “However, I understand the math department’s decision to no longer subscribe to Hotmath and I respect their judgment.”

The department is aware that there are numerous websites that students may use in the future to replace Hotmath.

Ryan said it is possible that students who relied on Hotmath will use one of those other websites, or may even purchase their own Hotmath accounts.

According to Ryan, students were not doing well on tests and quizzes because they were using Hotmath and not doing their homework.

yourvoice

oNHoTMATH

RUNNERS CLUB: Brian Daneshgar and Alec Shaul get students pumped up about Runners Club by encouraging them to be healthy.

JSA: Matthew Kogan and Jess Walia are two of the 111 new members of JSA, the largest club on campus.

JSA

RUNNERS CLUB

WINE AND CHEESE

“I don’t like that they got rid of Hotmath. Now it takes me more time when I don’t know how to do something.”

Sammy BreenSophomore

“Hotmath was very useful to me because it would explain some unanswered questions in class. It will be greatly missed.”

Greer BronsonSophomore

“No math teacher grades homework on what answers you get right. And if you are using Hotmath, you are only hurting yourself.”

Jody-Nesta MyrieJunior

friday, october 8, 2010 6news opinion features focus arts & entertainment sports

BUCKLEYbyteSSCOLARI WINS ABC KID OF

THE WEEKABC7 honors deserving youths who help out in the community during a Cool Kids segment every Thursday.

SENIOR PRIVILEGEPrivilege will be revealed on October 11; it is usually given to senior class

during their retreat.

SHERMAN OAKS STREET FAIRMonotones, Jazz Band, and

individuals from Oklahoma will perform at Sherman Oaks Street Fair

October 17

NEW BUCKLEY DOMAIN School has purchased buckley.org

domain exclusively for e-mail purposes. teachers’ emails are both @buckley.org and

@buckleyla.org

COMMUNITY SERVICE DAYCommunity Service Day will take

place from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Multiple students and parents have

signed up to participate.

Administration cracks down on sophomore weighted course limit

ShilpaMantri‘13staff reporter

To balance academics and extra-curricular activities, sophomores are strictly limited to three weighted academic courses this year, according to the administration.

Based on past academic performance by the sophomores, Dina Figueroa, Upper School assistant principal, decided to restrict sophomores to three weighted courses in order to help them earn solid grades and remain active in extra-curricular activities.

“Over the past couple of years, I’ve noticed an increased stress level amongst sophomores. Although they did well academically, they had to sacrifice a social life, sleep, and extra-curricular activities,” said Figueroa.

With the recent addition of AP European History, Chemistry Honors, and Spanish III Honors to the sophomore

curriculum, students have many AP and honors courses to choose from.

Because of the increase of weighted classes, students who only had English and math honors the previous year could be overburdened in taking five weighted classes as a sophomore, according to Joe Sciuto, Upper School principal.

The tenth grade restriction is not a new policy. The rule is long standing and encourages Upper School students to take no more than three weighted courses.

“The three weighted class limit is more of an awareness to all students and not a new rule. It is new for the tenth graders who have an option of taking AP classes and have never experienced so many weighted courses,” said Sciuto.

Restricting the number of honors courses for sophomores could have the unintended effect of shutting students out of prerequisites needed to take future AP courses.

“Although the school wants to protect students from academic burnout, I can understand how students might resent being omitted from weighted courses with the pressure to succeed academically in as many AP courses as possible. I would want all the best students in AP and honors courses and it’s a shame when students must sacrifice when the mechanics of the system get in the way of the person,” said English teacher

James Evans.Exceptions to the rule have been

made to a few sophomores based on recommendations from faculty members who know the student’s past academic and extra-curricular performance, according to Sciuto.

Although the school intends to enforce the rule for the benefit of the sophomores, some students feel otherwise.

“I thought I had the opportunity to take all the science APs and honors classes I desired. I created an entire high-school plan and everything was working out accordingly, but this rule completely ruined it,” said sophomore Andrea Mackey.

Although some students are concerned with the rule hurting their college aspirations, Figueroa said colleges are aware of the school’s limits and the number of weighted courses offered.

Colleges look into the context of the school and do not look at a student’s transcript blindly.

Students, therefore, are not at a disadvantage under the course limit system, according to Figueroa.

“One of the benefits of the school being small is that the students and administration get to know each other. The administration, therefore, would be able to advise and make decisions in the best interest of students,” said Evans.

Figueroa said that she has noticed an “inceased stress level” amongst sophomores due to their weighted classes. The school has granted exceptions to some students based on faculty recommendations.

GinaAhmar ‘14staff reporter

The senior dance, themed “White Noise,” takes place tomorrow from 7:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. in the Pavilion. Presale tickets are $15, $20 for VIP, and are $5 more at the door.

“The seniors put the dance on to give the high school students an evening event they can attend with their school friends out of school hours. All high school students may attend and can bring a date,” said George Russo, director of student activities. “Providing a school dance is a tradition for most schools and one that our senior’s continue to provide.”

The casual dress code requires the attendees to wear all white. In accordance with their white night theme, the seniors plan to black-light the room and to provide a milk and cookies bar.

VIP guests get special seating and food and drinks served to their table, as well as access to a photo booth. “We’re a very enthusiastic bunch and are all really looking forward to making sure we pump up the rest of high school with our spirit,” said senior Sarah Super.

The goal for the dance, as well as Harvest Fest and other senior-sponsored events, is to raise money for prom. Students may bring friends from other schools to the dance, as long as their guests are high school students and they fill out a guest form signed by each set of parents and the other students principal.

“The highlight of this year’s senior dance will definitely be the great enthusiasm of the students who come,” said Super.

“Overall, I think this year’s senior dance will be a great place to see your friends outside the classroom and just have fun in a safe and really fun environment. We’re all really excited.”

White Noise makes statement around campusSeniors plan to black-light the gym and to set up milk and cookies bar.

JordanBloch ‘11editor-in-chief

Lisa Turchan has been named the school’s first ever chief financial officer (CFO).

Turchan’s duties as CFO will not differ from her responsibilities as director of business and finance. Dr. Larry Dougherty, head of school, said that her title was changed to “more accurately reflect the leadership position she already holds on campus.”

Dougherty was responsible for Turchan’s title change.

“This is just more recognition that her job has already expanded,” said Dougherty.

For the past seven years, Turchan has coordinated the school’s finances, monitored budget systems, coordinated facilities, personnel, and accounting practices, renewed bus contracts, contracted food service programs, and handled inquiries and issues from the community. She is responsible for presenting the Board of Trustees with the school’s financial data and aiding the board in its financial decision-making.

Turchan has also worked as the business mastermind behind the CEP, managing the plan’s budget and coordinating the construction for the new CEP buildings.

“We were very lucky to get her,” said Dougherty.

Last year, Turchan received recognition for her leadership from both the Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce and the Los Angeles Commerce Association and was selected as the 2009 Business Women of the Year for the San Fernando Valley Business Journal.

“She is the best business manager I have ever worked with in my career,” said Dougherty. “And I have worked with many of them.”

According to Dougherty, one of Turchan’s biggest responsibilities over the next few years will be coordinating the CEP construction timing.

“It will be a huge deal,” said Dougherty. “The school hasn’t gone through construction in over 40 years.”

School levels platform, makes room for patio area

CeP UPDAte

10/7/10: Workers have have finished platform construction. The asphalt will be converted to concrete in conjunction with the work on the Academic and Performing Arts Building.

Turchan named first CFO

8/28/10: Workers start construction, remove storage bins, and break into concrete ground. Jordan Bloch The Student Voice

Jordan Bloch The Student Voice

Turchan has worked as the school’s financial and business coordinator for the past seven years.

7 friday october 8, 2010 news opinion features focus arts & entertainment sports

Seniors gear up for November vote

JeremyLevinson ’11graphics editor

In less than a month, 14 members of the senior class will be eligible to vote in the November elections. And according to the eligible seniors few will be passing up this opportunity.

Students see the ability to vote as a chance to finally participate in the Democracy they’ve grown up in, and to voice their opinions on many issues important to younger voters.

Drawing students to the polls are the gubernatorial race between Democrat Jerry Brown and Republican Meg Whitman and Proposition 19, legalizing and taxing marijuana.

“I feel like I can finally participate in the democracy that I’ve lived in for so long,” said senior Eric Murray. “I’ve been waiting to have a voice in what happens for a long time now.”

Some seniors aren’t as enthusiastic about the opportunity. JSA president senior Jeff Bernstein feels his vote will be lost among the masses.

“In the end, my vote doesn’t affect anything so I don’t feel much about it. I wish we lived in a society of informed voters but regardless of how informed I am, 97 percent of voters have no clue what they’re voting for so my vote, in terms of the big picture,

means almost nothing.” Bernstein is still planning on voting, claiming, “It’s my duty as an American.”

Apathy towards the election is a major issue affecting younger voters. In the 2006 midterm elections, voter turnout among 18-29 year olds was 25 percent and 15 percent among high school students, compared to 41.7 percent of all eligible voters.

Young voters may be disillusioned like Bernstein, or simply not have the time or interest to head to the polls on a Tuesday morning, but whatever the reason there have been many attempts to draw younger voters to the polls. Every senior interviewed indicated they plan to vote.

When it comes to voter preparedness, seniors will have a head start as many are taking AP Government taught by social science teacher Christian Beam. As he does in every election year, Beam will alter the course curriculum in mid-October to prepare the seniors for the upcoming election.

Senior Matt Saunders, JSA Southern California Governor and an outspoken political activist, thinks many of his contemporaries don’t prepare sufficiently for the election.

“I do not think that many 18-year-olds are very aware about the election, the candidates, and the importance of voting.

This contrasts with students in the Junior State of America who take time to research the platforms of each candidate and engage in discourse over the merits of each platform to they can make a well-informed decision,” said Saunders.

To prepare, Murray plans on reading about the candidates, and both he and Bernstein plan on reading the propositions.

Most seniors do not think their peers or parents heavily influence them.

“As an independent thinker, I make my decisions based on fact and principle. Although my parents may have influenced the principles I have, they certainly have not influenced the facts I listen to, to decide my vote,” said Saunders, echoing a sentiment shared by many of his classmates.

Seniors are most concerned about the state of the economy, of the nation and of California.

Eligible seniors view enfranchisement as first opportunity to have their voice heard in government; voters plan to study candidate profiles and state propositions.

Outdoor Unity

A poor economy, they say, can affect funding for the UC system, where many are looking to apply for college, job prospects for their future, and financial security in the long-run.

In looking for a solution to the economic woes, Bernstein turns to Proposition 19.

“Legalization [of cannabis] is important not only for tax revenue but the decriminalization aspect will also do wonders for the penal system, which will in turn increase the spending power of the state.”

Whatever motivates them to head to the polls, seniors plan to be prepared for the vote. Murray emphasized the importance of thoroughly researching and staying aware of each issue.

“An uneducated voter is as detrimental to society as the most hardened criminal,” he said.

The freshman class boarded the bus in their clean clothes, as they were ready to be transferred to the heart of Joshua Tree National Park. Stu-dents had the opportunity for the real roughing experience, which included sleeping outside, hiking, caving, and bonding with classmates. “My favor-ite part of Outdoor Ed was definitely bouldering,” said Eric Fett. “It was simply exhilarating. I was able to climb the steepest rocks and get closer with classmates by supporting them as they climbed, or them supporting myself as I climbed.”

Who knew first-aid training could bring a grade closer? The sophomores went to Brandeis Bardin in Simi Valley to become certified in CPR and first-aid training. During the trip, students were thrown into mock man-made and natural disasters and had to learn work together as a team to minimize dam-ages. “The highlight of the trip had to be the plane crash. I got to bond with people who I was not friends with before,” said sophomore Ally Borghi.

Seniors: Angeles Crest Christian Camp

courtesy of Sam Bierman

courtesy of Jordan Neely

Freshman: Joshua tree

The juniors embarked on a trip that took them across Lake Mead and over the Hoover Dam. They spent the majority of their time canoeing on the Colorado River and bonding with their trail group peers. The class also produced a talent show, explored river beaches and caves, and engaged in water gun warfare. “My favorite part of this trip was the water fights with [social science department chair Rob Wright]. He is incredibly com-petitive and being on his side was the best,” said junior Daniel Molayem.

Juniors: Colorado River

Sophomores: brandeis bardin

Rope courses, hiking, giants ladder, and the wall — the highlights of the senior retreat at the Angeles Crest Christian Camp. Many seniors said that the re-treat experience is something they will never forget. “My favorite part of this retreat was the giants’ ladder. I did not expect myself to get to the top, but my supportive group encouraged me. They believed in me more than I believed in myself,” said senior Molefi Cooper. The seniors also worked out logistics for the senior dance and HarvestFest.

Sue Sherman The Buckley School

From September 21-24, Upper School students ventured to rivers, deserts, and mountains for some bonding. The Voice gives an inside look into Outdoor Education.

Lauren Halperin Images

Jeremy Levinson The Student Voice

opinion8 friday, october 8, 2010 |

3D movies: what’s the deal with those things?

I mean, really, what’s so special about having some blue alien from the planet Pandora fly around your head on a mutated teradactyl (granted I have never seen this film, so apologize to all you crazed Avatar fanatics). But regardless, my problem extends much further than Avatar.

What’s so bad about these movies, you ask? To start with, those 3D glasses you have to wear are irritating, not to mention unattractive.

The cheap plastic rubs against my nose so much; I spend half the movie just readjusting their position on my face.

Going to 3D movies also gives me a massive headache. After seeing giant Italian meat rain down on me like in Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs I was in d e s p e r a t e need an aspirin (or two).

I guess I will never understand why people will risk m o t i o n sickness just to have a behemoth meatball chucked out of the screen.

And it’s not like these random flying objects enhance the movie experience at all. People have become so infatuated with things like flying meatballs they fail to recognize the terrible quality of the movie itself.

If the goal of 3D movies is to allow producers to make pathetic, second-rate movies and then get away with it, they have certainly succeeded.

If you really wanted to watch a 3D movie you’d be stuck with some pretty interesting choices: Saw, Resident Evil Afterlife, Piranha or even Cats and Dogs the Revenge of Kitty Galore.

That’s right. Not only can you watch gory torture and killing in 3D, but you can also watch talking cats and dogs work together in order to stop the evil cat mastermind Kitty Galore.

What is the world coming to?This trend is not only depriving the

world of decent movie entertainment, but it is also invading our very own homes.

There’s no escape! Sadly, even top electronic vendors such as Sony and Samsung are joining the craze by producing a variety of 3D TVs, some of which don’t even require glasses.

I must admit, that might be somewhat cool, watching TV in 3D without those infuriating glasses rubbing up against your nose.

But still, I firmly believe the quality of movies produced in 3D is some of the poorest ever made.

And I’m not alone, as most of the critics agree. Take Cats and Dogs: the Revenge of Kitty Galore for instance. The Los Angeles Times claimed the film was “unnecessarily converted to 3-D” and that viewers are “going to probably pay a premium surcharge to receive absolutely nothing of value in return.”

I’m not denying there are rare gems within the 3D world, such as Avatar, which won the hearts of millions due to the spectacular 3D graphics; however, I still wish movies, for the most part, would remain 2D in a 3D world.

the student newspaper of The Buckley School

Contact The Voice at:

3900 Stansbury Avenue, Sherman Oaks, CA 91423

818.783.1610 ext. 461

studentvoice@buckleyla.org

voice.buckleyla.org

faculty advisorEllen Samsell Salas, Ph.D.

editors-in-chiefJordan Bloch ‘11

Ali Guthy ‘11

managing online editorSarah Rose ‘11

assistant editorAndrew Davis ‘12

design and production editorJonathan Friedman ‘12

EDITORIALSUnsigned editorials reflect the majority

opinion of the Board of Editors of The Stu-dent Voice and not necessarily the student

body’s.

Signed editorials and columns reflect only the writer’s opinion.

GRAPHICS Illustrations, graphics and artistic render-

ings may or may not represent the opinions of the artist.

ADVERTISINGPublication of an advertisement does

not imply endorsement of the product or service by the newspaper or by the school. We reserve the right to refuse any adver-

tisement.

READER INPUTThe Voice values reader input via letters,

guest columns and story ideas.

The Online VoiceVisit The Online Voice at

voice.buckleyla.org for more up-to-date content, exclusive online features, and

archives of print issues.

news editorJordan Bloch ‘11

assistant news editorElle Wisnicki ‘13

opinion editorAli Guthy ‘11

features editorClaire Selvin ‘13

focus editorJack Rose ‘13

arts and entertainment editorsAlice Breidenbach ‘12

Mark Cook ‘12

sports editorsAndrew Daneshgar ‘11

Andrew Davis ‘12

copy editorsJason Gold ‘11

Andrew Lockridge ‘11

graphics staffJeremy Levinson ‘11, graphics editor

Tucker Higgins ‘13 Nika Shahery ‘13

business managersElle Wisnicki ‘13

James Bernstein ‘14

staff reportersGina Ahmar, Benjamin Beatty, Tara Bitran,

Alexis Bloch, Chloe Boasberg, Ally Borghi, Greer Bronson, Salim Chamoun, Ali Eicher, Isabella Esposito, Tucker Higgins, Michael Len, Shilpa

Mantri, Tyler Morad, Nika Shahery, Meher Singh, Harrison Trussell, Billy Wilson

"I guess I will never understand why people will risk motion sickness just to have a behemoth meatball chucked out of the screen."

When you think of the word “bond,” what’s the first thing that comes to mind?

Is it the 007 action-spy hero James Bond? Perhaps

some of you future stockholders picture financial bonds. Or how about to “post bond,” something we all know Linadsay Lohan probably thinks about on a daily basis.

But what about the most important bond of all: friendship.

Although it may sound corny, friendships are the most important bonds we can have.

Sure, James Bond is fairly suave with his whole “shaken, not stirred” persona, but is he life-changing? No.

Friendships are the types of bonds that last a lifetime and influence the outcome of a person’s character. If you think about it, the people you get to know in high school are the most crucial in terms of your individual development.

All the gossip, the rumors, the make-ups, and the break-ups all are a testament to who we are as people.

Where would we be without the comforting late night phone calls and inside jokes we share with good friends?

But even though these intimate relationships are significant, they are not the only bonds that matter.

What about saying “hi” to someone you rarely talk to? Or even the last minute homework questions you ask a classmate you hardly even know?

When it comes down to it, we are all just friends sharing in this unique experience we call high school.

High school doesn’t last forever, and some of us may not want it to, but why can’t we make the most of it?

Eventually, eight months from now for the class of 2011, we will all go our separate

ways. Friends may move to different states, meet new people, or just grow apart. As a class, we should all get to know one another, learn from one another, and bond with one another before it’s too late.

Freshmen soon become sophomores who then become juniors, and before you know it, you’re a senior and you’re saying goodbye.

Don’t wait until you have eight or nine months left to get to know the people you have grown up with for four years.

Don’t delay meeting new people and branching out of your comfort zone. All the waiting just makes saying goodbye harder because you wish you had more time.

And it’s not like we had all that much time to begin with.

Between tests, quizzes, homework, sports, and extra-curricular activities, the challenge of meeting new people fades to inconsequentiality.

Lunch becomes consumed with meetings and breaks are more like study sessions, so students are less likely to unite with their grade as a whole.

But then we go on Outdoor Ed and our whole perspective changes. We bond with people we know, but don’t fully understand. We laugh and joke and build team skills together in a way that should last the whole year, but it doesn’t.

Why do we all bond as a class for just three days and no more?

The entire year should be filled with unity and collaboration, the same loving feeling we get on Outdoor Ed.

So don’t wait.Take this year as an opportunity to really

unite with your grade. During lunch sit with a new group of people. Talk to someone you know, but rarely have a conversation with.

There are so many ways to gain trust and bond with your peers, take advantage of them before it’s too late.

STAFF EDITORIAL

High school doesn’t last forever. Make the most of the time you have and unite with your grade. It’s

never too late to bond.

AndrewDavis ‘12assistant editor

One may argue that every course at Buckley is practical, and I agree.

Buckley gives us the opportunity to develop our critical thinking skills at a very young age. Such skills are essential for success in the challenging courses students take.

But what knowledge do we actually carry and utilize in our daily lives as an adult? Are we, as students, in pursuit of grades and not love of learning and knowledge?

My classes are great this year. I’ve always liked math, but I doubt I’ll ever use Pre-Calculus in my adult life.

These kinds of courses encourage time management. Later on in life is all about being efficient, making phone calls, attending meetings, etc. All these skills are developed in our high school careers.

But at the same time, these math, history, science, English, and foreign language classes are mandatory.

We spend time learning information

Opt for Practicalitythat will be of no use to some students. We don’t have as much time to take extracurricular courses because we are academically loaded with work.

It’s time we as students be practical.Other courses, which in my opinion are

very practical especially as an adult, are not required. One in particular is Economics with history teacher Michael Petrella.

We must understand how to spend money efficiently so that we don’t rack up a massive debt in college. We are at a crucial turning point in our lives where we are about to be independent and out of the house.

Understanding the concepts of inflation and the value of the dollar will motivate us to be smart with our money in the future.

Rather than spending all of our time at parties in college, we might actually be inclined to understand how money is allocated between markets in the United States.

Such understanding may interest students to pursue the business field. Who knows, maybe some future student who takes Economics will create the next big product. That product could turn into a company competing with everyone else.

We will have a keen advantage over others because we took Economics. We won’t fall in massive debt and will understand why the economy has its ups and downs. We will be prepared for those rainy days and know how to react appropriately.

Beyond developing skills for success in college, we should start addressing the big picture beyond our academic careers and make Economics a mandatory course.

9 friday, october 8, 2010 news opinion features focus arts & entertainment sports

CONPRO

To subscribe, or to not subscribe. That is the hot question.

A month and a half ago, Mrs. Ryan told my calculus class that the math department had decided to cancel the school’s Hotmath subscription because it fostered ineffective learning.

At that time, the decision wasn’t questionable—it was just plain wrong.

The claim that Hotmath fostered ineffective leaning was inaccurate. And the fear that my grades would slip without Hotmath by my side began to surface.

But that was before I had taken a test.Now, I have taken six exams, and my

opinion of the decision has changed—at least six times.

The subscription equation is a tough one to solve, so tough that the math department couldn’t settle on a solution at thier inaugural department meeting.

Advanced and regulars teachers claimed Hotmath was encouraging students to cheat, while honors teachers asserted that Hotmath was integral to their students’ conceptual understanding.

When I sat down to write this column, I thought that Hotmath was essential for honors students to have as a guide for

c o m p l i c a t e d topics. I didn’t understand why the department would make a decision on behalf of d i s i nt e re s t e d students who could not care less about understanding the material.

But then I scheduled a

meeting with Mrs. Ryan.The stories Mrs. Ryan told me about

student Hotmath cheating were eye opening. For homework assignments, some students would bypass their textbooks, log onto Hotmath, and copy the solution for every homework problem.

On nights when the Hotmath solutions took a while to load, students would complain, yes complain, that homework took too long.

And as our meeting concluded, Mrs. Ryan pointed out that the school was handing the students a password to plagiarize. The fact that Buckley was actively promoting cheating through Hotmath kills any justification for renewing the subscription, regardless of its aid to students.

But then again, why should tons of diligent and conscientious math students have to suffer because of the immorality of their peers? It’s impossible conclude that one group of students is more important to focus on than the other.

So why should the math department have to? There’s got to be a way to both neutralize the cheating and satisfy the students in conceptual need. Here’s a possible solution:

The even number system—what if the math department brought back Hotmath and assigned a blend between even and odd number for homework? That way, students would not be able to copy their homework off Hotmath and would be forced to answer questions on their own.

The one problem with this solution is that there are no even-numbered solutions in the book. However, math teachers have even and odd problem answers in their teacher’s edition, so they could post the even-numbered answers.

Or, teachers could keep the even-numbered solutions and check students’ answers the following day for extra credit.

Thus, to subscribe or not to subscribe isn’t the question.

Rather, the question the department should be investigating is: How do we keep Hotmath and prevent cheating?

Sophomore course limits: Pro or Con?

Letter to the EditorDear Editor,

Thank you so much to Jordan Bloch for standing up against the idea that Buckley kids are too... whatever... to hold summer jobs. I am one of the few who spent my summer working 60 hours a week for an internship, and the experience represented a whole other kind of ‘work’ to me.

Buckley makes every student work incredibly hard in every subject, but the fact that each subject is a generic representation of becoming “well-rounded” leaves no room for Buckley students to discover what it means to work in a field that they are passionate about.

Working for a music journalist was not even in the same realm of work as math homework for me, because everything I learned, and all the tricks I memorized fascinated me; I honed the skills that I know I will need to apply if I follow my passion to become a powerful figure in the music industry.

As someone who is going through the process of applying to colleges, one of the questions I have been asked repeatedly in interviews is ‘How do you plan to take responsibility for your education as you enter college and leave the structure of high school?”

I honestly think this is not an issue that is brought up enough

What are your views on the Founder’s Day parade?

onthespot...“I was surprised by the audience’s reaction to walking backwards. It was cool because the sun came out, and the walk itself was amazing. The whole experience was so cool and I look forward to doing it again next year.”Matthew Wittmer, Upper School Librarian

“I was in the senior car and I thought the energy was great. I really enjoyed the addition of Mr. Wittmer’s tight-rope walk because it added a finale that the Founder’s Day parade has not had

since I’ve been here.”Samantha Stone, Senior

“It was fun seeing all the Lower School kids so excited. The spirit and excitment also inspired me to do well during the season.”Lindsay Wilson, Freshman

AliGuthy ‘11editor-in-chief

Sophomores stop stressing.The limit to only three

weighted classes for sophomore students is an achievement, not a hindrance to academic success. So sophomores can’t take five APs, what’s the big deal?

I think it was time the administration put a stop to the tremendous stress caused by students trying to overachieve by taking so many college level courses.

Plus, the rule will give students more opportunity to pursue extra-curricular activities such as clubs, sports, and the arts. I understand students fear colleges will not be impressed if they don’t undertake the most rigorous course load.

But, now that I am going through the process myself, I understand colleges are not just looking for the 4.0 GPA in three AP and two honors courses; admissions officers stress being “well-rounded” and involved in activities, not just academics.

That’s why I think this rule will only help students as they

progress through high school. Although this rule was

not in effect when I was a sophomore, I’ve taken only two AP classes (both of which I am taking this year) and no honors courses since my freshman year.

I don’t regret my decision; in fact, I would encourage others to do the same.

By not overwhelming myself with an extreme schedule, I was able to pursue my passions in tennis and journalism, and invest my time in clubs and organizations I enjoy.

But I don’t understand why some people would try to bypass this system to take more weighted classes. I agree with Mr. Beatty that a “blanket rule” should be applied to all students, and no exceptions should be made.

The only exemption I find acceptable would be if a student’s schedule could not be rearranged otherwise.

Despite these exceptions, I don’t think they will impact student’s college admissions. Just because a student took one more AP sophomore year does not mean he or she will get into Harvard.

So don’t fret underclassmen, you will survive. You will still get into a good college and live a happy and fulfilling life.

The world will not end because you couldn’t take all five APs you wanted sophomore year.

BenBeatty ‘13staff reporter

For the first time, the administration has limited the amount of weighted courses a sophomore can take to a maximum of three. This rule has been the subject of much controversy within the student body, especially in the sophomore class. But in fact, much of the furor over this rule change is overblown. These restrictions are not nearly as harmful to a student’s resume as some believe.

“One or two classes will never make a difference when a college examines a student’s resume,” said Upper School principal Joe Sciuto.

But the major issue that I take with rule isn’t with the concept of the rule alone, but with the school’s rigidity in enforcing it. Because students are no longer awarded as much flexibility in course selection as sophomores in previous years were, many students

were forced to suffer through tedious schedule changes at the beginning of the year.

These students left school in June expecting that they would be able to take the courses that they chose, but they returned in August to newly imposed course limits. Without the ability to choose their courses, students were often forced to shake up their entire schedule in order to accommodate the restrictions.

In addition, a very small number of sophomores have been given the green light to break this newly imposed limit and take four weighted courses.

While these exceptions are harmless on their own, it is a double standard for the school to declare that “all students are limited.” while breaking the rule for a select few.

I don’t believe that a sophomore taking three weighted classes has their resume harmed when matched up to a student taking four courses, but students deserve the flexibility to choose which courses they wish to take, especially when some students have already been granted this flexibility.

The rule is well-meaning, but students are entitled to a say when decisions are made regarding their academic limits.

"to subscribe or not to subscribe isn't the question.Rather...How do we keep Hotmath and prevent cheating?"

at Buckley, the issue being that students spend too much time going through the motions of meeting requirements, confining the educational atmosphere of Buckley to that of boot camp that merely prepares soldiers for war.

Why shouldn’t high school also be about discovering parts of learning that light students’ fires? That’s what working this summer meant to me, and I can honestly say that I approach this final year of high school with more enthusiasm because I have gained the insight into the actual value of the skills Buckley gives us.

While I think everyone is guilty of the “Peter Pan mentality” (i.e. “I’ll never grow up”) the adult, working world is hurtling at us with terrifying speed, and each Buckley student is responsible for their own success.

In other words, go pick up a newspaper and become literate in current events, not because anyone told you to. Go seek out someone whose knowledge you’d love to delve into, not because your teacher assigned it.

Go hold a job, because dragging your heals through the process of maturing isn’t maturing at all.

Sincerely,Olivia Forman ‘11

features10 friday, october 8, 2010 |

Healing a continent through sports

insidefeatures

Omar Bongo Ondimba discusses sports and African politics with the forward from the Milwaukie Bucks, Luc Richard Mbah a Moute.

JordanBloch ‘11

When junior Omar Bongo Ondimba pulled up to 1001 Benedict Canyon Drive, he didn’t know what to expect.

He had never been to this house before. He didn’t know the owners from Adam. All he knew was that Luc Richard Mbah a Moute, the 6’8” Cameroonian starting power forward for the Milwaukie Bucks, had asked his agent to invite the Gabonese native over for dinner.

The invitation seemed strange. But as soon as the Af-rican natives shook hands in the living room, the gathering triggered a newfound friendship.

A friendship built on sports.The sports bond was started by FIBA international bas-

ketball. After shaking hands, Ondimba and Moute sat in si-lence for a minute, watching the last seconds of Game 3 of the WNBA western conference finals.

Then the FIBA World Championship highlights hit the television screen.

The Slovenia vs. Australia and Turkey vs. France high-lights got Ondimba’s and Moute’s juices flowing. Moute pumped his chest as he watched fellow Milwaukee Bucks teammate Primos Brezec dunk over Turkish defenders. On-dimba vehemently complained about Hedo Turkoglu’s ball hogging display.

From there, the sports evening took off. The two men isolated themselves from the rest of the living room crowd, skipped the icebreakers, and held sports discussions in flu-ent French until dinnertime.

The beginning of dinner was flavored with sports ban-ter. Ondimba and Moute discussed all different facets of soc-cer, from the 2010 FIFA World Cup to the national football rivalry between African neighbors Gabon and Cameroon. Moute claimed that Cameroon holds football dominance over the rivalry, but Ondimba quickly reminded him of Ga-bon’s 1-0 victory during the 2010 African Cup of Nations.

It wasn’t long before basketball talk made it to the din-ner table. In between BBQ chicken and corn-on-the-cob, Moute gave Ondimba the inside scoop on his basketball career. Moute explained that he moved from Cameroon as a teenager to play basketball in the United States. He told

stories about playing 5v5 basketball in a hot, non-air-condi-tioned gym and sweating so much that his team would have to move baskets to avoid slipping on the hardwood. Moute recounted the memories from his UCLA NCAA tourna-ment days and discussed his chemistry with Aaron Afflalo, Jordan Farmar, and fellow Cameroonian Alfred Aboya. He even introduced Ondimba to the hated NBA word among first-year players— “rookie hazing.”

“You don’t want to not do it,” said Moute, talking about disobeying the rookie code. “You want to do everything there going to ask you to do, because you are not going to win. It’s one versus 11.”

The two did take a few timeouts from sports. In between dinner and desert, Ondimba and Moute fell into an intense discussion on brain-twister movies. Moute spent a good 15 minutes arguing that Inception takes place within one giant dream, and that Cobb (Leonardo DiCaprio) is stuck in per-manent limbo during the entire film.

The African natives also got a kick out of comparing the Coming to America jokes they received during their first months in the States. Moute’s agent, Buckley parent Sam Goldfeder, said that when he first began managing Moute, people used to ask the NBA player safari questions.

“It’s kind of funny, because they ask you those types of questions, I say, ‘yeah, I do have a lion,’” said Ondimba.

But as the end of dinner loomed near, a large white el-ephant remained at the dining table— the white elephant of politics. Ondimba is the son of President Omar Sr. Bongo, who ruled the nation from 1967 to 2009, and the brother of current president Ali Bongo. Moute is the son of Camille Mouté à Bidias, the government official in charge of man-aging the National Employment Fund of Cameroon, and Mbah’ a Moute himself hopes to become a Cameroonian ambassador following his NBA retirement.

The stage was set for a political discussion. But when politics made it to the table, Moute and Ondimba took the discussion in a different direction: a sports one.

Moute and Ondimba argued that the major reason there is so much societal strife around the continent is because of the lack of emphasis on sports and sports achievement.

Culture shoCk | page 11Adrian and Leon Freyermuth adjust to living in a new country with different customs

hIDDeN ColleGe GeMs | page 11Discover unknown colleges often bypassed by seniors

BlAst FroM the sChool’s PAst | page 12Uniforms, sports, arts, and technology have changed

“Everybody [in Africa] loves sports,” said Moute. “I don’t care who you are, everyone watches sports. When the African national team is playing, everyone is watching. And when you think of basketball in Africa, only a few countries come to mind. But there are a-bunch of other countries that play sports.”

“The government doesn’t invest in sports for the coun-try at all,” explained Ondimba. “I totally agree with [Moute’s comment] because this cut-off has been going on in Libre-ville, Gabon.”

Ondimba feels that African sports stars are admired more than political officials.

“That’s the reason why it’s so important if you make it to the NBA or other major league, go to back to your home nation,” said Ondimba.

Moute believes that many African sports stars lack that philosophy. There are only four NBA players who are of na-tive African descent, and two of the four, Denver Nuggets forward DJ Mbenga and Oklahoma City Thunder forward Serge Ibaka, are playing for the Belgium and Spanish FIBA national teams respectively.

“Basketball is pretty big, but next to soccer it’s not re-ally,” said Ondimba. “I mean, the problem is that the kids do not get a lot of opportunities. That’s the problem with all of the countries in Africa. The African people really need to push for sports to be bigger.”

Moute is a victim to that limited opportunity mentality. Every year, he hosts a three-day 50-person basketball camp in Africa, a camp exclusively for Cameroonian teenagers. At the end the three days, Moute typically chooses five players to attend Basketball Without Borders Africa, the NBA camp that contains players from all over the African continent.

But thanks to the advice from his newest friend, Moute ended their dinner with the decision that camp 2011 will be different.

“You know what I’m going to do,” said Moute. “Next year, instead of just doing my sponsored NBA camp in Cam-eroon, I am going to go to Gabon and Chad and get some players there. Because you never know, the next Luc may come from Gabon, Chad or another African nation.”

Jordan Bloch The Student Voice

hIGh ScorE: Ondimba and Moute are like old friends as they laugh and play video games together. Courtesy of Flickr Creative Commons

SWISh: Moute goes for a dunk during a basketball game vs. Arizona State.

BlAst FroM the sChool’s PAst | page 12

Culture shoCk | page 11 hIDDeN ColleGe GeMs | page 11

11 friday, october 8, 2010 news opinion features focus arts & entertainment sports

Adrian and Leon discover L.A. teen sceneLeon and Adrian Freyermuth experience different customs of teenagers as they moved from Europe to Los Angeles this year.

claireSelvin ‘13features editor

Can you imagine moving to a new country or going to a new school that does not teach in your native

language?Sophomore Adrian

Freyermuth and junior Leon Freyermuth moved from Paris and Berlin to Los Angeles in order to get an education in the United States and attend an American college or university.

Adrian Freyermuth lived in Paris for 14 years and is fluent in French. He now lives in Los Angeles with his father and stepmother.

Despite difficulty in communicating in English, Freyermuth said that his transition to moving to the United States and going to a new school has been

smooth.“The people at Buckley have

been very welcoming and everyone is very nice. The teachers are really helping me improve my English,” said Freyermuth.

Freyermuth’s teachers are arranging for an ESL (English as a second language) tutor to meet with him in order to improve his English.

He said that he misses living in Paris because of the beautiful architecture and history.

Freyermuth said that the most difficult adjustment to living in Los Angeles is the lack of public transportation, which inhibits him from maintaining hobbies.

He used to be able to play golf three times a week in Paris, but, due to few transportation methods in Los Angeles, now only plays once a week.

Freyermuth said that a large

difference exists between the size of Buckley and his school in Paris.

“Buckley is the size of my entire grade in Paris. Teenagers there are very closed off and here there are no secrets,” said Freyermuth.

Leon Freyermuth, who was born in Los Angeles and lived in Berlin for ten years, is fluent in both English and German.

He said that people in the United States are much more sociable than those in Germany.

“Culturally, I like it more here. People are friendlier in general,” said Freyermuth.

Freyermuth said that there are no great differences between food in Berlin and food in Los Angeles. The only large difference is a greater amount of Turkish restaurants in Berlin due to the large Turkish population.

“Food is food. There are

Italian restaurants in Los Angeles and there are Italian restaurants in Berlin, but you find more American food like hotdogs and hamburgers in L.A.” said Freyermuth.

He has noticed that the spaciousness of Los Angeles allows for flatter buildings that are only one to two stories tall, as opposed to the multiple story buildings of Berlin.

“The variety of architecture is much greater in L.A. especially in Beverly Hills where you see some funny things,” said Freyermuth.

Freyermuth said he does not necessarily prefer the historic sites and old buildings of Berlin as they had no effect on his daily life.

He thinks that teenagers who live Berlin drink and smoke much more than teenagers in Los Angeles.

“The drinking age in Germany is 16 and everybody smokes. Here,

I’ve seen quite a few people smoke but not anywhere near the amount, regularity, or how customary it is in Germany,” said Freyermuth.

He said that people in Los Angeles are much more athletic and outdoors oriented.

“In Berlin it’s rainy, cold, and dreary and you don’t want to go outside,” said Freyermuth.

Freyermuth enjoyed outdoor education this year.

He had taken trips with his school in Berlin but none had ever been so “outdoorsy.”

Freyermuth hopes to continue to play tennis, though he finds the necessity of being driven around “a bit restrictive.”

“I don’t have my permit yet, but in Berlin I wouldn’t have needed it,” said Freyermuth.

He said that the hardest change has been living with his uncle rather than his parents.

SarahroSE ‘11

Take a look at colleges hidden by the ivyMany colleges and universities with unique programs and courses go unnoticed by seniors who only opt to apply to the “name brand” schools. oncollege

yourvoice

“I don’t think that the name or prestige of a university is the most important aspect.”

Miranda RizzoloSenior

“It depends on the atmosphere, classes, job opportunities, but I prefer well known schools.”

Alexander SilvermanJunior

“Even if it’s unknown, a college can be decent and have a good reputation.”

Alec ShaulSenior

“It isn’t very important to me how other people view the college that I go to.”

Andrew BernsteinSophomore

Courtesy of Daniel Anderson

collEGE lIFE: The campus of Elon University in North Carolina.

traditions. According to Ramsdell, there is no

shortage of activities to engage students. “As an underclassman, it’s really easy

to get involved and make your mark on campus,” said Ramsdell. Clark university

Wouldn’t it be great if the college you attended could change your life? Well you’re in luck because Clark University, a “liberal arts-based research university,” is one of the “Colleges that Change Lives.”

“It’s the smallest research university in the United States,” said junior Tamar Gzirisnvili.

Clark requires all students to take the Program of Liberal Studies, a series of eight courses that ensures that students obtain essential learning skills that will foster prosperity in “self-directed learning.”

The optional International Studies Stream adds an international approach to any major. Students can also design their own major.

According to Gzirisnvili, the diversity on campus is one of the best aspects of the college.

“We have lots of international students. You really feel the diversity when you live here without even leaving the U.S.” she said.

Students that wish to obtain their masters degree can remain at Clark for a fifth year of study free of cost. The school, located in Worcester, Massachusetts, has an enrollment of 3,200.

“[Whittier] is a community of academic rigor and support,” said Meyer. Bennington College

With enrollment virtually equal to that of Buckley’s, Bennington College, located in Bennington, Vermont, gives ample attention to every student. Through the Plan Process, students structure and design their own curriculum alongside a faculty advisor.

“Because everyone is pursuing what they’re passionate about, the energy in and out of the classroom is inspiring,” said Osmulski. “I’ve never been in a college setting where the students possess this much curiosity.”

The college boasts no grades, no academic departments, and no traditional requirements. The only academic requirement is called Field Work Term. During the winter term, Bennington, students must participate in a seven-week off campus internship in a field of the students’ interests.

“The Field Work Term is unique to Bennington in that not only are we sending the students off into the world every January and February, but they have to do this four times before they graduate,” said Osmulski.

Bennington further boasts of no dorms; instead, students live in one of 18 houses, and milk and cookies served at each meal. elon university

“Three quarters of our students come from out-of-state,” said Lauren Ramsdell, a sophomore at Elon University, located in North Carolina.

You might be thinking, ‘Why would I ever want to go to school in North Carolina?’ But who wouldn’t want to go to a liberal arts university that offers great programs in art, science, business, communications, and education?

“You can jump right into your major, which gets you ahead of your peers at larger schools,” said Ramsdell.

She also said that professors are always available to meet with students.

Another great incentive to attend Elon is free food. College Coffee, a weekly offering of free breakfast and coffee for students and faculty, is one of many popular campus

Babson CollegeBabson College means business –

literally. All students major in business with a specific concentration of their choice.

“It’s the right kind of school for someone who is entrepreneurial, who is certain that they want to be in a business degree program, and who wants to get started from the get go,” said Anne Rike, director of college counseling.

Required courses are designed to prepare students for the ever-evolving business environment that they will encounter upon graduation. Freshmen must take Foundations of Management and Entrepreneurship, Babson’s flagship course in which students are divided up and granted $3,000 to “develop, launch, and liquidate their own for-profit ventures.” Through this program, Shawn Golshani ’05 created, manufactured, and sold a board game about life at Babson, similar to Monopoly. He and his team sold their entire 500 game inventory, ranking as the top team in their class. Whittier College

Located just 18 miles away from downtown Los Angeles, Whittier College offers a strong liberal arts curriculum at a small school setting.

“People don’t get how connected and friendly that everyone here is. The faculty and students don’t only interact in the classroom,” said Lisa Meyer, vice president of enrollment at the college. “It is a very warm community and everyone is very involved in campus activities.”

Through the Liberal Education Program, students can choose from 30 majors in 23 disciplines in which to study. The Liberal Education Program, in which 85 percent of the student body participates, requires that students take a set of general education classes, in addition to pursuing their major. The other 15 percent of students choose the Whittier Scholars Program, which allows them to design their own majors, with the help of an academic advisor, and bypass the majority of the required courses, with the exception of writing skills, which all entering freshmen must take.

friday, october 8, 2010 12news opinion features focus arts & entertainment sports

alIGUThY ‘11

colleges, so Buckley, along with most other private schools, has increased the academic rigor,” said Sherman.

This growth in academic rigidity, according to Sherman, has also somewhat spiked dishonest behavior in the form of cheating.

The Internet, specifically, has been considered the root cause of an increase in plagiarism.

“It has made it harder for kids to write their own papers because even if they’re not copying a document word for word, it’s difficult to come up with your own thought once you’ve read something that is so eloquently written,” said Sherman.

Spell-check, according to Sherman, is a constant reinforcement that improves rather than hinders a student’s

spelling ability. The advancement of technology

has changed various school policies, but Sherman said student behavior seems to remain the same, though in recent years, colleges have become more interested in the behavioral aspects of a students.

Years ago, a student’s behavioral record was not reported during the college admissions process. Today, these reports are required because of heightened intensity during the admissions process.

“I feel that if a child makes a mistake in high school it should stay in high school,” said Sherman.

“I want a student to make mistakes in a setting where we can catch them and the fall is not so great.”

Back in the days of blazers and batons

True or false: female teachers and students 25 years ago could wear only skirts or dresses to school.

True or false: 25 years ago, skirt length,

missing socks, and navy sweaters were not among Buckley’s most infamous uniform violations.

If you answered “true” to both of the above questions, you would be correct.

According to Sue Sherman, Upper School Dean of Students, “the uniform is the biggest thing that has changed” since she began working at Buckley in 1986.

In 1986, female faculty and students could not wear pants on campus, male students wore blazers, ties, and Oxford shirts and all students wore loafers or saddle shoes.

“I’ve always loved the uniform,” said math teacher Tami Woldman, who graduated from Buckley in 1984.

“Sometimes I feel as if we don’t even have a uniform policy here anymore as there are so many ways to “stretch” the limits and I think we have strayed from Dr. Buckley’s vision a bit.”

These policies began to change when a federal law was passed that overturned the rule forcing females to wear skirts or dresses.

The student government at the time lobbied for the introduction of sneakers to the uniform instead of loafers.

The general attitude of students has not changed over the years. In fact, students are deemed “more driven” than ever before.

“I think that over the years it has gotten harder and harder to get into

BEHAVIOR

Believe it or not, the rumors are true: Buckley had a football team.

Twenty-five years ago, current computer science teacher, Rick

Smith coached the eight-man tackle football team.

The team participated in the Delphic League for several years until interest declined and the number of try-outs became scarce.

“There were just not enough students out there to field a team without causing injury to somebody,” said Smith. “But now I think we’re more diverse in terms of the sports we have as opposed to 25 years ago.”

According to former athletic director, Rae Basmagian, cutting the football program allowed for the development of new sports teams such as cross country. However, the loss of the team also ended the tradition of Homecoming dance.

Despite these changes, the impact of academics on athletics remains the same.

“Sports can positively and negatively affect a student’s academic ability, but I think it really depends on the student. Some can stay really organized and keep up, and other just can’t,” said Smith.

Over the years, the school’s policy specifically towards the overlap of performing arts and sports has been altered. Previously, students were allowed to partake in sports and the musical or drama, but the policies changed because students were being over-extended.

Other performing arts, such as

dance, have diminished participation in athletics, particularly for female students.

“I’m a little disappointed that not as many girls participate in sports. It seems to me the dance program is now pulling girls in,” said Basmagian.

Although some female students are reluctant to join teams, the number of women playing sports overall has increased since the 1970s.

While coaching the girls volleyball team in 1973, Basmagian struggled not with getting girls to join the team but with getting girls to realize that conditioning was part of training.

“When I tried to get girls to weight train, they would worry they would get to muscular. I think now if a woman has an athletic appearance it’s much more accepted then it was back then,” said Basmagian.

Overall spirit towards athletics has improved. “Big red” assemblies at the start of each season were not designed to introduce teams. Years ago, team banners were not allowed to be hung in the gym and the only recognition of athletic success was that of retired jerseys.

Over the past 25 years, the athletic department has grown and everyone is encouraged to take

advantage of the improvements that have taken place.

“Competing as part of a team is a life lesson and I would encourage everyone to give it a try,” said Basmagian.

SPORTS

first of a two part series

13 friday, october 8, 2010 news opinion features focus arts & entertainment sports

Clowning around in the classroomClass clowns light up a classroom and make students chuckle. What goes on inside the mind of a jokester? What tactics does he use to get laughs from classmates and even teachers?

Jason Gold ’11staff reporter

The witty remarks, the one-liners, the daft comments, the general jocularity and sometimes outright facetiousness are all characteristics of a typical “class

clown” or, more euphemistically, “Class Enhancement Person.” However, the antics of a class clown are not always clear. You see and hear jokesters every day, but what exactly goes on in the mind of a jokester? Does he think he is providing a public good, or does he just like to be disruptive? What does the rest of the class think? More importantly, what does the teacher think? Is the class clown an asset, or is he a detriment?

Most class clowns crack jokes just for the thrill out of making people laugh.

“Many class clowns believe they are providing a necessity for the classroom,” said senior Jeremy Levinson.

For junior Michael Vanhal, jokes are an essential part of class time.

“Jokes in class keep everyone engaged. Humor is conducive to learning and it provides a balance to the seriousness [of class],” said Vanhal.

Similarly, senior Alexandra Scolari feels that jokes break up the monotony of an otherwise academic class.

“Jokes add liveliness and excitement to the class. They remind people that you can still have humor and be learning at the same time. Passing time with jokes adds joy to the day,” said Scolari.

Overall, these Class Enhancement People – or CEPs - feel as though they help students learn, keep them engaged, and make class more bearable; many students respect the CEPs’ work.

“It depends on who the teacher is and whether or not he has a sense of humor, but

funny students definitely help [class time],” said senior Jeffrey Bernstein.

Although most students do not seem to mind the jokers, some people find the CEPs disruptive and annoying. Sophomore Timothy Sohn dislikes class clowns.

“Class clowns just seem desperate for attention. I have been offended a few times, too,” said Sohn.

Surprisingly, many teachers do not mind the class clowns.

One teacher believes that anything that will get the students to be more attentive is potentially great for his class. Still, the CEPs know they must be respectful of the teachers. All of the campus’ CEPs try to keep their jokes and comments as inoffensive as possible.

Senior Brian Lee sets his own “line” and never singles any one class or race out so that as many people as possible can benefit

from his jokes. “You don’t go too personal into a person

or race. Your jokes want to be something everyone can relate to. The only fair way to go about [joking] is to have everyone laugh with you,” said Lee.

Senior Ravi Merritt never likes to limit his vast horizon of witticisms, but he still follows the line drawn by his respect for everybody else.

“Being a part of society, I know I have to abide by the rules,” said Merritt.

Senior Carlin Stiehl sums up the boundaries concisely.

“You must have good taste. Keep it classy,” said Stiehl.

Sometimes, however, the CEPs do cross the line. Though rarely encountering any controversy or serious disruption, most teachers do make sure the CEPs check themselves before they wreck themselves.

In one class, Scolari said that she gets told to “tone it down a few notches.” Senior Ravi Merritt has been told to quiet down in numerous classes. Yet what does a CEP do when told to suppress the very nature of her or his identity?

“Definitely stop. Once the line is crossed, it’s crossed and you have to respect the teacher. Leave the jokes for the next day,” said Vanhal.

Much of the antics of a CEP rely on the conditions he or she is under. Lee, for whom the teacher is key, will joke only if he has a good-standing relationship with the teacher.

“If I have good chemistry with the teacher, then I try to crack a couple jokes here and there,” said Lee. “But if I’m not comfortable or if the teacher is strict, then I filter myself.”

Others believe that jokes are not only necessary only for students, but for the teachers as well.

“We have to remember that [teachers] are human, so they need jokes too,” said Scolari.

Comfort levels also come into play in regards to whom the CEP is around during class.

More specifically, many CEPs prefer to have another joker in class. Some, like senior Andrew Lockridge, feel that a CEP “wingman” is key.

“When you have a friend or two in your class who has the same humor as you, the jokes can compound and go incredible places that you never thought possible,” said Lockridge.

Scolari flies solo in her joking. “I like riding solo when I crack some

jokes. I get to experiment with my creativity and wittiness and know that when I tell a joke it was only me who created it,” said Scolari.

Courtesy of Michael Cook

A thirst for travel leads to experience of a lifetime

Elle Wisnicki ‘13assistant news editor

Senior Maxi Holtzman has always had a thirst for travel, so as soon as she heard there was a program offered to study abroad in high school, she ordered an application and is now spending this year in Zaragoza, Spain.

“The first factor in deciding to study abroad was my appetite for travel, and the second factor was curiosity in other cultures than those in America,” said Holtzman.

Holtzman left September 2 and will return at the end of May in time for prom and graduation. She is spending nine months in Spain and is not returning any time in between because she thinks a return would hinder her travel to different parts of Spain and disrupt her immersion into the Spanish culture.

“When you are immersed in a culture in a place where that culture was born it’s much more genuine than the same culture in America where it has been reduced to fit the standards of our country,” said Holtzman.

Starting in a few months, Holtzman will be able to travel all over Spain. The trips will last one to five days and she will travel with her entire class or one other person. As of now she is going to Barcelona, San Sebastían, and Sevilla.

Holtzman is staying with a host family in Zaragoza that

hosted two students prior to her. “They’re so great, really funny

and very warm. I have two sisters and a host mother and father,” said Holtzman.

Sixty-five students from all over the United States are a part of the School Year Abroad (SYA) Program in Spain this year. Holtzman met her class in Boston where they boarded a plane to France. They took another flight to France and then finally boarded a bus for the three hour trip to Zaragoza.

“There is one girl here who is from Vietnam; she studied at a French school, then spent one year at an American school in Connecticut and is now in Spain; she is so multi-international,” said Holtzman.

There are two girls from Harvard-Westlake, one of which is Holtzman’s best friend. Holtzman has made two other close friends from Washington D.C and Chicago.

Holtzman is taking classes such as the History of Spain, Spanish Art history, Spanish Journalism, Math and English. All of her classes are in Spanish except for Math and English. Outside of the school she has joined a soccer team, tutors eight-year-olds, and is taking photography.

Holtzman said that the family and teachers are understanding and only want her to improve. Her ultimate goal is to become fluent;

she feels that is the point. “The last Spanish class I took

at Buckley was Spanish V with Mrs. Nury, who inspired and compelled me to further my knowledge of the Spanish language. One week here, and my use of verb tenses has already improved,” said Holtzman.

Aside from learning the language, she also aspires to learn Spanish habits, customs, slang, style, attitudes, and perspectives.

“The first day I already learned a few things, always wear zapatitos (slippers) in the house, turn off the lights when you leave a room, and dinner is usually around 10 or 10:30 p.m. for me; I love it,” said Holtzman.

Aside from becoming fluent, her priorities are to become close to her Spanish family and friends, get into college, take photographs, and to inherit as many Spanish customs as she can.

“They are very passionate people. When they fight, they really fight, but moments later will be completely fine with one another. Families are very open here, and very close. I’m always greeted with besos [kisses], even from strangers,” said Holtzman.

On top of her goals, extracurricular activities, spending time with her Spanish friends and family, and her regular schoolwork (about five hours a night), Holtzman also has to study for the SATs in October, SAT IIs in November, and apply for college.

“I’m not really too worried about all of my work; I am sure I can manage, but I made a schedule that will allow me to finish everything on time,” she said.

Holtzman is one of the 16 seniors in Spain who have the same task that she does: getting into an American college while living in a foreign country.

In addition to her contact with Brooke Yoshino, her Buckley college counselor, she has a college counselor in Spain who is helping her with applications.

Holtzman’s parents played a major role in her trip. Her mother

helped her apply and her father was excited for her. Her grandmother, too, only wished for the best.

“We were all really happy when I got the acceptance, but realness immediately followed, it meant that I was leaving and probably wouldn’t see them for nine months,” said Holtzman.

Her parents were never afraid for her, only excited mixed with a little bit of sadness, but they never let it show.

“I didn’t just want to study Spain by means of textbooks, I wanted to live it,” said Holtzman.

Courtesy of Maxi Holtzman

SIGhT SEEInG: Holtzman at Plaza de Aragon in Zaragoza, Spain.

Maxi Holtzman spends her senior year studying abroad in Zaragoza, Spain, perfecting her Spanish and emersing herself in the culture.

Any time the word “marijuana” is connected with “parents” the infamous “uh-oh” is uttered.

In the teenage rebellious state many teens would vote “yes” in support of Proposition 19 for the legalization of marijuana, what do your parents think?

An anonymous parent used the exact nature of the teenage mind as a basis for his argument in support of proposition 19.

“I think that part of the reason why kids like to do it is because it is illegal and considered a ‘no-no.’ If it was like alcohol and readily available, I think it would reduce some of the intrigue and desire for it.”

The supporters of Proposition 19 argue that it would have an economic benefit of possibly millions of dollars and would free time for police, while non-supporters hold strong to their belief that legalization would encourage usage and not have enough of an economic benefit.

For some, the main reason to support Proposition 19 other than to gain access to the legal possession of marijuana (for adults over 21), is the economic benefit and revenue that would come from taxation on it.

mar•i•jua•naofficially called cannabis, the most commonly used illicit drug; considered a soft drug, it consists of the dried leaves of the hemp plant; smoked or chewed for euphoric effect. popular nicknames include weed, pot, grass, herb, and dope.

In the teenage world of rebellion and partying, sex, drugs and rock ‘n’ roll rule as a time-honored behavioral code. And with marijuana as the most commonly used illegal drug in the United States, pot is the drug of choice.

Many voters support the proposition because of the estimated $1 billion that it could add to California’s economy, currently billions of dollars in debt.

“Marijuana should be legalized on a purely governmental and fiscal basis,” said senior Matthew Saunders. “States have the right under the 10th Amendment to the  Constitution to make laws on anything not expressly delegated to the federal government. Fiscally, taxing marijuana and regulating its supply will allow the government to increase revenue enough to fix a lot of the deficit.”

“The marijuana industry makes $14 billion each year,” said one anonymous student, who admits to smoking marijuana often. “We need that money for our schools, our education system, and our roads.”

“It doesn’t make sense to not legalize something that could help our state in so many ways,” added the student. For some, this additional revenue is not enough reason to

legalize marijuana. “I do think that [the legal regulation and taxation] of

marijuana could help California financially,” said junior Daniel Gabbay. “But California would need to regulate the drug very closely. I think that it would only work if California strictly regulated it.”

“I feel that [marijuana] should not be legalized,” said Gabbay. “I think that its legalization could influence people’s driving and job performance. People may begin to abuse their new right.”

Gabbay is not the only student to recognize the potential dangers of driving in a state where the smoking and use of marijuana is legal.

“Legalization  might lead to more people driving under the influence of the drug,” said Saunders. “This will incentivize police to increase the enforcement of punishments related to  DUI infractions and will force them to do more to prevent it.”

Proponents of the proposition, who state that someone in America is arrested on marijuana-related charges “every 38 seconds,” state that legalization would allow police to spend less time arresting citizens for marijuana possession,

time which could be devoted to preventing violent crimes. “I think that this shift in focus is definitely a good

one,” said the anonymous student. “It makes more sense of officers to spend more time focusing on violent crimes, as opposed to arresting stoners.”

However, some argue that this decrease in attention towards marijuana consumption could have disadvantages.

“If people know that officials aren’t focusing as strictly on the use of marijuana, they would worry less, and be more likely to do more dangerous things or drugs,” said Gabbay.

Saunders recognized the expanded use of marijuana that would likely ensue after its legalization, but said that he thinks the of theory of marijuana as a gateway-drug as a “fallacy.”

And he is not alone in his view. “I don’t think that marijuana is a gateway drug, at

least not at Buckley,” said the anonymous student. “Just because a student tries pot doesn’t mean that they move onto stronger stuff.”

“We’re not addicts,” added the student. “We just smoke for fun.”

CONSENT: the parental viewpoint

OCTObEr 8, 201014

The impact on police officers, prosecutors, and judges also supports the approval of Proposition 19. They would be freed up from wasting their time with marijuana incidents and could focus on more violent crimes, which may help protect the children.

Parent and attorney Joe Sliskovich does not support Proposition 19 because he does not believe legalization will eliminate crime from the marijuana business.

“I am familiar with the [revenue and freeing up of police officers] argument but I don’t believe that prohibition of any substance will be effective in practice,” said Sliskovich.

“By legalizing it we will be able to tax and control who uses it but that does really not persuade me because I don’t think that legalizing it will take the ‘bad guys’ out of the picture. There is too much incentive and it is just too profitable to prevent people from staying in that business.”

Although Sliskovich recognizes that the economic benefit and freeing up of police officers has its benefits and is appealing, he fears legalization could encourage teen use of the substance.

“I’m on the side that sees by legalizing

[marijuana] it is somehow “OK” – that’s a message that the kids will take and I don’t think it’s good for my children,” said Sliskovich.

His main concern is the welfare of his children and the environment in which they grow up; he sees the legalization of marijuana as a ploy to encourage the use of marijuana.

“[The legalization of marijuana] is a question of values – I think that children grow up and as parents you provide them with direction and help shape them but ultimately children grow up and make their own decisions,” said Sliskovich.

“As a parent you can only be as nurturing, and give as much guidance as you can and hope that the rest takes care of itself.”

Chair of the visual arts department and parent Ellen Mahoney cannot decide between voting “yes” or “no” on Proposition 19.

“I have very mixed emotions about Proposition 19. I went through high school with a lot of people that smoked a lot – heavily in high school and in college, and their academic abilities dropped. I have a problem with that if people will use it to

that level,” said Mahoney. She sees the proposition as both a

chance to raise tax revenue, but as a parent the potential involvement of her child with marijuana concerns her.

“My strongest invocation is that I don’t think people should go to jail for it – and [we] shouldn’t have to be paying the law enforcement for that,” said Mahoney.

“The war on drugs has lasted a long time and people have revisited it multiple times but so far no solution has worked.”

Mahoney thinks if marijuana were legalized, she fears the impact of its legalization on teenagers.

“I agree with all of that [the revenue, freedom of police, etc] except that teenagers could get it and overindulge in it – that worries me because of what I saw when I was younger. I have problems with any kind of smoking,” said Mahoney.

Many who oppose the proposition see marijuana as a gateway drug, though Mahoney is not certain.

“I think it leads to depending on things to relax you – [it might lead to] alcohol, I don’t think cocaine, but I think it does become part of an addictive personality.”

POPULArITY: the teenage viewpoint

Alice BreidenBAch ‘12

mArk cook ‘12

Changes California law to legalize marijuana and allow it to be regulated and taxed.

Argument for the Proposition 19:• Will reduce the tax money

that the state currently spends enforcing the prohibition of marijuana, yet people still obtain marijuana

• Will reduce the large criminal market of drug cartels selling marijuana, due to prohibition

• Those who are caught may be put into California’s already overcrowded jails

• Marijuana dealers do not require ID from buyers, thus making it easier for minors to obtain marijuana

• Marijuana sales in California amount to $14 billion a year, and, if passed, Proposition 19 will allow for the state to tax the sale of cannabis

mar•i•jua•naofficially called cannabis, the most commonly used illicit drug; considered a soft drug, it consists of the dried leaves of the hemp plant; smoked or chewed for euphoric effect. popular nicknames include weed, pot, grass, herb, and dope.

definition from WordNet.PriNctoN.edu

Argument against Proposition 19:• Marijuana and other drugs harm

the body• Proposition only prohibits the use

of marijuana while driving, but does not prohibit one from being high while driving, and anyone could be high while driving, putting other drivers and people on the streets in danger

• Does not prohibit being under the influence of marijuana while at work

• Will force smoking breaks at work to include marijuana breaks, something that will force people to smoke marijuana outside

• Many companies would no longer be allowed to hire only people who are drug free

• Would allow dealers to sell and advertise near schools

• Would allow for people to grow marijuana in their backyards

Creator and Sponsor of the Bill: Richard Lee, the founder of Oaksterdam University. The university, founded in 2007 as America’s first ‘Cannabis College’ and based off the cannabis college in Amsterdam, is a trade school for the cannabis industry.

Supporters of Proposition 19:• California NAACP• National Black Police Association• Former Los Angeles Police Chief

Stephen Downing• Former Los Angeles Deputy Sheriff

MacKenzie Allen• Former United States Surgeon

General Jocelyn Elders• California House Representatives

George Miller, Barbara Lee, Pete Stark, John Dennis, and Don Hamburg

Opponents of Proposition 19:• California Senators Dianne

Feinstein and Barbara Boxer• California Attorney General

and Democratic California gubernatorial candidate Jerry Brown

• Republican California gubernatorial candidate Meg Whitman

• Current California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger

• Sheriff of Los Angeles County Lee Baca

• Los Angeles District Attorney Steve Cooley

If Proposition 19 Passes:• Marijuana will still be illegal

under federal law• However, state agents will no

longer be able to enforce federal prohibition of marijuana, only federal agents will

OCTObEr 8, 2010

ProPositioN 19: the Regulate, Control and Tax Cannabis Act of 2010

Allows people 21 years old or older to possess, cultivate, or transport marijuana for personal use. Permits local governments to regulate and tax commercial production and sale of marijuana to people 21 years old or older. Prohibits people from possessing marijuana on school grounds, using it in public, smoking it while minors are present, or providing it to anyone under 21 years old. Maintains current prohibitions against driving while impaired. Summary of estimate by Legislative Analyst and Director of Finance of fiscal impact on state and local governments: Savings of up to several tens of millions of dollars annually to state and local governments on the costs of incarcerating and supervising certain marijuana offenders. Unknown but potentially major tax, fee, and benefit assessment revenues to state and local government related to the production and sale of marijuana products.

YOURVOICE: results from the student poll

15

Compiled by Jack Rose The Student Voice

If you could vote, would you vote yes on Propositon 19?

Because of their friends

18%

Why do you think teens use marijuana?

LEGALIZATION: the ballot initiative

Because it is illegal

3%

Because of the thrill40% Because it is

an escape33%

Other6%

No49%

Yes51%

arts & entertainment16 friday, october 8, 2010 |

the social network | page 18Jesse Eisenberg plays Mark Zuckerberg, the creator of Facebook, in the drama film about the founding of Facebook.

stUDent BanDs | page 19Students share the experience of recording in a professional studio and rocking a stage other than Buckley’s.

Marie traMZ | page 20The woman behind the scenes, Marie Tramz, makes every fall musical and spring drama possible with her dedication and hard work for each costume.

santa Monica Place | page 17The Santa Monica Mall is up and running again; after a period of reconstruction, it’s again a place for teens to lounge and shop.

Courtesy of Alice Ronathe social network | page 18

Marie traMZ | page 20

stUDent BanDs | page 19

santa Monica Place | page 17

insidearts&entertainment

17 friday, october 8, 2010 news opinion features focus arts & entertainment sports

ElleWisnicki ‘13assistant to the news editor

From luxurious shops on the first floor, to teen hubs on the second, and a magnificent din-ing deck overlooking the mall, Santa Monica

Place re-opens in style.“The whole mall is a great

place for teens to be, and it is a great place to hang out, eat and shop. The stores that are in the mall, for teens, are affordable and very cute,” said freshman Christine Hovanessian.

With 53 retail stores ranging from kid and teen friendly stores such as Hot Topic, Disney, Kitson, and Nike to more expensive stores like Louis Vuitton, Coach, and Burberry the mall includes shops for everyone. The Place even offers two department stores: Blooming-dales and Nordstrom.

“The store AllSaints Spital-fields is the greatest store ever. I love the style of all the clothing, it is very European and edgy,” said senior Madeline Fuhrman.

The front windows of All-Saints Spitalfields include an un-usual display of antique sewing machines, which intrigues and at-tracts many shoppers to the store.

In January 2008, Santa Moni-ca Place closed for renovation.

On August 6, two-and-a-half years later, the 500,000 square foot, three-story, mall opened in the same location, at the end of the Third Street Promenade in Santa Monica, near the Santa Monica Pier.

“The old Santa Monica Place mall was old and enclosed. Now it’s bigger, and a better hang out for teens, more modern, and over all better,” said Hovanessian.

The Jerde Partnership worked for a decade to design the mall.

According to the concierge,

David Rogers, the head architect for the project, designed the mall to create pedestrian connectiv-ity with Third Street Promenade, historic pier, civic center, and the city’s other popular attractions.

“I do think it flows very well with the promenade. The architec-ture in relation to the promenade is very open and inviting,” said Fuhrman.

Fuhrman added that the curved architecture creates a con-tinuous and open shape.

This open shape also estab-lishes a relationship with the near-by beach.

“I really liked how the dining deck has a view of the ocean,” said

Hovanessian.Hovanessian added that the

glass surroundings of the dining deck keep out the wind, protecting the shoppers from annoyance.

Just as with the mall’s stores, there is a restaurant for everyone as well.

The dining deck has sushi restaurants, a Mexican food bar, and a pizza restaurant. The market serves baked bread, cheeses, fruit, and vegetables. While the Fresh Air Food Court offers nine fast-casual eateries serving anything from hamburgers to tacos. The food court has indoor and outdoor settings.

Other restaurants include

Xino, which is Chinese and Can-tonese, Zengo Restaurant, which serves Japanese with a Latin Asian quality, and the Ugo Café, which serves gelato, panini pastries and specialty blended drinks—hand-made in-house, with fresh, natural ingredients.

Ugo is located on the bottom floor of the mall away from the majority of the other eateries.

One teenager spoke of the mall’s “Day-To-Night Transforma-tion.” At night, the top floor of the mall, the Dining Deck, turns into a venue for live music and dinner by candle light. The deck even in-cludes contemporary outdoor fire-places.

“The Dining Deck is a great place to hang out with a group of friends on a Friday night and listen to the nice music. The fireplaces keep it warm so you barely need your jacket,” said the teenager.

The mall is outdoors, making it pet friendly and inviting to all types of people.

One woman sitting at the mall’s fountain said, “The mall is a fun place to hang-out, it is conve-niently located to the beach, and I don’t even have to leave my puppy at home.”

In comparison to other malls, Fuhrman said, “It’s got the feel of Hollywood and Highland without all the tourists.”

the new star of Santa Monica

First Friday fun

On the first Friday of every month, the smell of grilled cheese, the sight of people of all ages, and the sounds of various bands playing combine to create the scene of First Fridays.

“It’s not easy to be bored at First Fridays,” said senior Suzanne Cimolino.

On the First Friday of every month, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., food trucks line Venice’s Abbott Kinney Boulevard, while the street’s art galleries, stores, and restaurants stay open late.

The food trucks offer eats from grilled cheese to Kogi to Italian ice, with the most popular trucks entailing up to an hour-long wait.

“The really popular trucks such as Kogi and the Grilled Cheese trucks, all park in this one parking lot, probably

A monthly Venice event offers crowds good food and a good time.

FRIDAY’S FOOD: (left) People wait in line for their dinner in front of a Mediterranean food truck. (right) Bite-sized cupcakes at Lemonade.

because the line for each one takes up the entire lot,” said senior Sarah Rose.

First Friday’s food is very popular among most patrons.

“My favorite food truck is probably The Grilled Cheese Truck.  I’ve never gotten something bad from them,” said senior Jason Gold.

These trucks offer meals influenced by many different cultures, and presented in a varitety of different ways.

“I think it is cool to eat food that is influenced by many different cultures. Like Kogi for instance is really creative with their Korean barbeque tacos and burritos, and the creativity just clicks so well with the food. You do not see many restaurants taking creative and artistic risks with their food like some of the

TARAbITRAn '14

food trucks do,” said senior Samantha Stone.

Besides the food trucks, the stores, restaurants, and art galleries draw customers as well.

“If you’re looking for food, Lemonade is the place to go.  In the mornings I go to Abbot’s Habit for their amazing BLT sandwiches.  There’s a store called Blik that does custom wall graphics (they’re like posters but they stick to the walls) that I love to look at. I really like to go to home/furniture stores, so I find myself at Stansbury Collection, Bazar, and Tortoise sometimes,” said Gold.

“There are a few really great restaurants, like Gjelina and Lemonade, and there is a great coffee shop called

Intelligentsia,” said Stone.The Venice City Council began First

Fridays a few years ago in an attempt to help store owners and merchants gain business and customers.

But lately the event has been gaining more exposure and popularity.

“I heard about this thing from a friend and they said there was a lot of good food so I thought I should try it,” said senior Andrew Lockridge.

However, most Buckley students have never attended.

“I have only gone with Buckley students one time, and the other two times I went with people outside of school,” said Stone.

The next First Friday is on November 5.

friday, october 8, 2010 18news opinion features focus arts & entertainment sports

benbeatty ‘13staff reporter

With over 500 million members in 207 countries, Facebook has indisput-ably become one of the largest and most influential companies of the Internet age.

But what has gone untold is the story of Facebook’s beginnings and its founder Mark Zuckerberg, the world’s youngest billionaire.

Zuckerberg’s story forms the ba-sis of The Social Network, released on October 1 by Columbia Pictures.

Network follows the story of Facebook and Zuckerberg from their beginnings at Harvard University to the lawsuits regarding the nature of its true origins and ownership.

The story is told in a dramat-ic tone, reminiscent of a thriller or action film rather than a drama.

But the tone works extraordinarily well in drawing in and capturing the viewer.

The film’s base is a smart, snappy screenplay written by Aaron Sorkin, a playwright noted for his success in both stage and screen productions, such as A Few Good Men and The West Wing.

Sorkin’s experience and intelligence shine in the film, as his script stays fiercely con-temporary without seeming overly trendy.

This timeliness, combined with strong performances from nearly all mem-bers of the ensemble cast, creates a film that is exemplary in nearly every aspect.

However, the film does take a num-ber of sizeable liberties with its treat-ment of both events and characters. The film’s portrayal of Zuckerberg has come under particularly intense scrutiny.

“[Eisenberg’s portrayal] is not Mark Zuckerberg. He’s just a character in a mov-ie. It’s enjoyable, but… it’s fictional,” said Kara Swisher, a close friend of Zuckerberg’s.

It may come as a surprise to many that the film portrays the man behind Fac-book, a website that exists to connect peo-ple to one another, as lonely and reclusive.

This contrast between a man and his creation adds depth to the film, cre-ating a film that is not merely about the creation of a business, but a critique of the methods that the youth of the world use to communicate with each other.

The Social Network ‘exemplary’

soundoffSARAHROSE '11

John Legend has joined forces with The Roots to craft Wake Up!, a masterpiece collection of 1960’s and 70’s war protest songs that they have managed to make relevant and appealing to the world of 2010, both politically and musically.

Legend and The Roots began to collaborate following the 2008 presidential race, in an attempt to make an album celebrating the election of Barack Obama. The project evolved into a cover album that pulls from political fervor of the past and connects it to that of the election. The album urges listeners to “Wake Up” and take part in social action.

Legend’s voice artfully and smoothly complements the piano, guitar and drums on each song, taking care and control of the lyrics, but at the same time adding his signature, soulful R&B sound.On “Compared to What,” originally recorded by Les McCann and Eddie Harris, the funkiness of Questlove’s beats and the horn section almost covers up the raw anti-war sentiments that the lyrics invoke. While the song was written in protest of the Vietnam War, when Legend sings “The president, he’s got his war, folks don’t know just what it’s for, Nobody gives us rhyme or reason, have one doubt, they call it treason,” the song transcends its years and becomes relevant today.

Continuing the war protest on “I Can’t Write Left Handed,” Legend and The Roots parody Bill Withers in the song’s intro. Captain Kirk Douglas’ guitar riffs further emphasize the soul and frustration of the song, making the 11 minute and 44 second tune seem short.

Other noteworthy tracks, such as “I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel to Be Free,” “Little Ghetto Boy,” and “Wake Up Everybody,” which features rapper Common and Canadian singer Melanie Fiona, maintain the funky and soulful vibe that are present throughout the album.

The album’s sole original tune, “Shine,” was written by Legend after viewing the recently released documentary, Waiting for Superman, which depicts the current state of our nation’s public school system. While an inspiring and typically Legend tune, the song seems incongruous with the rest of the album’s content.

“We wanted to make an album that spoke to the times in which we live… and this music feels so relevant right now. It’s funky and frustrated, revolutionary and reflective, raw and righteous, spirited and spiritual. Oh yeah, and it’s so very soulful,” said Legend.

And he doesn’t disappoint.

Walking into Ramen Jinya, LA’s newest ramen spot and the first in the Valley, you might be immediately confused. Corrugated metal roofing over the counter and hardwood benches that feel like they belong, but Billboard Top 10 hits playing

in the background. Culture clash? Definitely. Jinya’s head chef Daisuke (Dice, for short) and

other employees just recently came to LA from Japan and they brought with them their expertise in the ramen field, as well as the ability to make delicious meals to be served for the first time at Jinya in July.

Top selling Tonkotsu ramen includes pork broth, noodles, slices of pork, onions, spinach, and a hard-boiled egg. The spinach adds a strange flavor that I try to avoid, but it is a standard ingredient. The fried onions tend to overpower the broth, so I would keep those, along with the spinach, on the side. However, having ordered those two things on the side, the rest is fantastic.

Other places tend to undercook their noodles and the pork can be tough. When you pay $9 for a bowl of Ramen (in contrast to the Cup of Noodles price tag of maybe $1), you want it to be excellent and not just a random conglomeration of spices and ingredients.

While the Jinya’s ramen broth is flavorful, the noodles are perfectly cooked, and the pork is just right; the sushi should be left off the menu. Spicy tuna on crispy rice looked great as I saw the chefs crisping the rice on a skillet, but it came together as just a plain mush with little flavor.

Chicken gyoza (dumplings, more or less) are truly some of the best I’ve had. Most places deep-fry or steam them, a process which doesn’t really do much for the flavor. Jinya authentically pan-fries the dumplings so the inside is cooked, and just one side of the outside is crisped.

Overall impression? Fantastic ramen and appetizers. Mediocre sushi and salads. For two people my tab was $40 for two bowls of ramen, drinks, dumplings and edamame. Without a doubt worth the price.

JOHN LEGEND AND THE ROOTS: Wake up

ramen Jinya11239 Ventura Blvd. Studio City,CA 91604

818-980-3977

atmosphere: Asian-American fusionrecommended dishes: Tonkotsu Ramenservice: good, attentiveprice range: $8-$13hours: Sunday - Thursday from 11-10 p.m. Friday - Saturday from 11 p.m.-12 a.m.

just plain badediblegoodquite goodexcellent

Ratings reflect the reviewer’s reaction to food, ambiance and service, with price taken into consideration. Menu listings

and prices are subject to change.

(none)

COURTROOM: Eisenberg, as Zuckerberg, fighting for ownership of Facebook. Columbia Pictures

TECH SAVY: Facebook’s beginning in a Harvard University dorm room.

Courtesy of Ramen Jinya

Columbia Records

tastetestAnDREWlOCkRIDgE '11

19 friday, october 8, 2010 news opinion features focus arts & entertainment sports

Getting Schooled to Rock

MarkCook ‘12arts & entertainment editor

The explosion of sound from the amped up mi-crophones and instru-ments does not only come from the stage

during school concerts and per-formances, but it also blasts from Buckley students inside studios and on other stages outside of school.

Seniors Liza St. John, Wesley Haas, and Olivia Forman are just a few of the performers who have experienced the “rock-star” life of being on stage - outside of the Buckley circle.

“I love to perform my music, I always feel at home when I’m on stage. I’ve gained confidence and maturity from professionally per-forming and it’s something I want to continue doing for as long as I possibly can,” said St. John.

St. John has her original music on iTunes, classified in the alterna-tive genre, although she composes classical and electronic music also.

“I express myself through my songs and use them as a form of communication,” said St. John.

Her EP, “In The Fall,” on iTunes, was recorded at Killer Rab-bit Studios.

“[The recording] was mainly me, the studio technician Marven, the owner of the studio James, and then Olivia played bass for me, Jackson White played drums and Alex Shofler, Class of 2009, sang with me on one of the songs,” said St. John.

By producing her EP, St. John experienced the recording aspect of the professional music field and got a real taste of the working ex-

perience. St. John worked hard for 12

hour recording times for five days to put together the EP. In recording the EP, each instrument, vocal part and harmony, every note must be carefully examined and recorded.

“I recorded my instrumental parts first, which were the gui-tar, piano, and string parts. Next I played the recording back to get the beat for the drums and bass to be recorded. Finally I recorded the vocals on top of everything,” said St. John.

St. John learned the impor-tance of flexibility in the musi-cal industry – not every resource, or in this case musician, may be available to record during a certain time crunch.

Her adaptation and flexibility taught her about the musical in-dustry.

“I had to be flexible because I only had the bassist and the drum-mer for certain times so I just worked from there and tried to get all my parts done as soon as pos-sible,” said St. John.

All of the proceeds of one of her songs on the album, “Secret Place,” go to her close family friend Carter Newman-Milic, daughter of athletic director Byrd Newman-Milic.

Forman also recorded with St. John on her EP – although she found the work to be much more tedious.

“I have had the experience with recording with other groups and Liza’s. Recording to me is su-per boring, you spend a lot of time listening to the same notes being played over and over again but I did enjoy learning and hearing Liza’s songs,” said Forman.

Haas, like St. John, was also able to plunge into the world of the profes-sional experiences in a

studio and performing outside of school.

Haas’s band, State of Mind, plays alternative rock/ska and has performed at Kulak’s Woodshed in North Hollywood. They played mainly original songs, but includ-ed two covers in the set list called “Open Up” and “The General” by Dispatch and one other cover, “Santeria” by Sublime.

“[The performances] gave me an insight as to what being a professional musician is like, the whole concept of making money off of performing and using that profit for a living,” said Haas.

Haas learned about the musi-cian lifestyle with his experience, unlike St. John’s experience whose success was mounted in iTunes, Haas’s results were laid out in front of him at the end of the night when the gig was over. But for Haas the success lies in the performance it-self.

“Honestly it’s my favorite feel-ing, because all these people are there to see you…it’s nice,” said Haas.

State of Mind recorded at a professional studio in Culver City, run by Matt Ko.

“I learned how difficult it can really be, especially when you re-cord a one-minute song on a dif-ferent track, it was tough. Playing along to a track instead of playing live takes a lot of focus because you have to be right on – no one can cover your mistakes,” said Haas.

In their experiences St. John learned to cope with too few live

players and Haas adapted to the precision and perfection of a track as opposed to live musicians.

Haas and Forman also per-formed in a band called Von No-ble, consisting of Haas as guitarist, Forman as bassist, Matt Tunney as backup vocals/guitarist, and Julian Vidaurri as drummer. Von Noble performed at a few obscure places, backyard events, birthday parties and a few benefit concerts.

“[In Von Noble] I took a role as an administrator – promoting concerts and found my love for promoting music. I want to grow up to be a person that creates mas-sive concerts that does a lot of good to provide to lots of charities and makes great music,” said For-man.

They also performed in For-man’s backyard at an event at-tended by close to 100 people, called the Lemonade Stand; all the proceeds were donated to Heifers International.

The highlight of their pro-fessional career was their perfor-mance at the Roxy.

“We had the whole green room backstage and we were play-ing at a legit venue where hundreds of amazing and talented people have played before us. It was epic,” said Haas.

They played a few covers such as “Take Me Out,” by Franz Fer-dinand, and their signature song “Where’s My Mind” by The Pix-ies.

“I think everyone should have the experience of getting on stage, overcoming the fear and having people come up to you after, it’s a huge reward,” said Forman.

Courtesy of Anthony St. John

Courtesy of Alice Rona

AMPED UP : Olivia Forman and Wes Haas perform.

STUDIO WORk: Liza St. John gets a taste of professional recording.

student performers

friday, october 8, 2010 20news opinion features focus arts & entertainment sports

Behind the seams

JonathanFriedman ‘12design and production editor

The PlayStation Move and the Xbox Kinect.In the console gaming world, the big three, Microsoft,

Sony, and Nintendo, are pretty much your only options: you’re either getting the Xbox, the PlayStation, or the Wii. But in the battle for the gaming crown, some consoles are mixing things up a bit.

The Wii’s claim to fame is its motion controller: you play tennis by swinging the remote like a racquet; you drive cars by turning the remote like a steering wheel.

The Xbox and the PlayStation haven’t been able to rival these controls, until now.

Playstation Move and Xbox Kinect are, according to Sony and Microsoft, the future of gaming. Sony’s Move tracks a remote in-real time while still allowing precision us-ing buttons; Microsoft’s accessory uses its 3D Kinect sensor to track your movements and turns you into the controller, no buttons allowed.

But Microsoft’s Kinect isn’t out until November, while Sony’s Move is out now. Which accessory to get is a useless question, because most likely you either have a PlayStation or an Xbox; and whichever one you have, that decides which accessory to get.

If you already have an Xbox or the PlayStation, you probably want to know if you should get one of these bad boys. So should you?

After seeing first hand both the Kinect and the Move, the accessories seem great. With Microsoft’s Kinect, you literally control the games with your body. Plus, the Kinect allows you to video-chat with friends and use your voice to control the system.

Sony’s Move provides for a more Wii like experience us-ing a remote with—and I say this seriously—a glowing orb to control games.

The gaming experience is precise and reacts one-to-one to how you are actually holding the controller. It’s more pre-cise than the Wii and has controls galore allowing for hard-core gamers to remain in exact control as if using a regular controller.

Initially, only a few games will actually support the new motion controllers, but the ones that Microsoft and Sony are showing off really look great.

Microsoft’s Kinect will cost $149 and includes the Ki-nect sensor and Kinect Adventures, a series of around 20 mini-games.

Sony’s Move bundle sells for $99 and includes the Move controller, the PlayStation Eye, and Sports Champions, a se-ries of 6 sports games including table tennis, volleyball, and others. Additional Move controllers cost $49 and the Move Navigational controller, a second controller that allows even more precise gaming, costs $29.

Since every player needs a Move controller, you’d need to spend at least that same $149 to allow for a true multi-player motion gaming scenario.

But should you? After evaluating price, included fun, and the games

you’ll be able to play, I’d say “yes, buy the PlayStation Move or the Xbox Kinect” if you don’t already have a Wii. So if you’re already using a Wii there’s no reason to spend more money on getting a slightly more precise and advanced sys-tem. The motion gaming experience truly is remarkable and these new accessories really take us one step forward into a truly interactive game.

Motion Gaming

Monotones back in tune plus one

MeherSingh ‘14staff reporter

Buckley productions have gone from girls wearing Renaissance outfits to 1940’s showgirl and almost every-thing in between.

But, it’s easy to forget all of the effort that is put into making these costumes possible.

Making costumes for a production is no joke. It re-quires hours of work, driving, and research. Marie Tramz, mother of Mia Tramz ‘04, has been in charge of the Buck-ley costumes since 1998, but has been working with the performing arts staff since 1996. Surprisingly, her involve-ment was accidental.

“It totally happened by accident. I had no background with clothing or costume designing before we formed Buckley Backstage,” said Tramz.

“It was Mr. Houser’s idea to get the parents more in-volved in performing arts and we found out they needed someone for costume designing. I can do some crafting so I volunteered for that and I ended up having to take care of everybody, and I loved working with the kids so I just kept volunteering for the show.”

Research prior to picking out costumes for a produc-tion is imperative, especially for shows that take place in a distinct time period. Watching movies and meeting with Neil Nash, director of theatre, are all part of this creative process, according to Tramz.

“First thing I do is read the script. I usually watch the movie, and then I will have meeting with Mr. Nash and find out any ideas that he has, if he has something special in mind,” said Tramz. “I will take the measurements of the kids, then I see if there is anything appropriate for the pro-duction in the costumes storage at Buckley, and finally I will start shopping.”

The time spent on making costumes depends on the size of the production. For big shows, Tramz has to drive to Upland to a large costume store many times before every-thing is completed. But driving is the easy part, she said; the hard part is creating a unique costume for each and every character.

“When I am dressing characters, even ensemble, I try

to create a personality for each character,” said Tramz. “I want the characters to look more real as opposed to cos-tume’s characters.”

Every character’s measures are taken so that the cos-tumes are custom made. This is the hardest part for Tramz as sometimes fitting is difficult.

“The hardest thing is that there are kids that are hard to fit. Guys that are tall with really long arms. Other times it’s hard to find the right jacket. Girls are difficult with vin-tage clothing waist sizes. The sizes have changed so if the girls are really big it’s hard to find clothing for them,” said Tramz. “In each show there is probably someone that is hard to fit.”

Tramz has many student volunteers who assist her in the costuming, and because Tramz doesn’t sew she has mothers come in to take care of that aspect of getting the costumes ready.

“I appreciate that [student’s help] because they’re not getting recognition or community service hours. I couldn’t do the show without them,” said Tramz,

The students admire her and are thankful for the amount of work and effort she puts in every single produc-tion, according to many performers.

“Wthout Mrs. Tramz, Buckley’s shows wouldn’t nearly be as high-caliber as they are. Mrs. Tramz dedicates count-less hours each performance in order to create a rich and lively show,” said senior Brady Dowad, “Only with her are we able to produce such detailed and, consequently, deeply invested shows.” According to many students, her person-ality and connection with them makes her such a special part of the process of creating a production

“Mrs. Tramz is one of the kindest people I know, which makes her very easy to work with, and you enjoy yourself just at one costume fitting. She always does such an excellent job” said senior Alexandra Scolari.

Tramz said she is ready to put in more hard work for future Buckley shows, like the upcoming “Oklahoma!”

“I’ll hang in there as long as I can. I enjoy every show and I really like doing it so I had to tell Mr. Nash and Mr. Rollman that they would have to tell me not to come back because I like it so much,” said Tramz.

ClaireSelvin ‘13features editor

After auditions on September 17, sophomore Michae-la Murphy, juniors Mark Cook, Michael Cook, and Greg Sliskovich and seniors Brady Dowad, Ethan Fudge, Annie Higgins, Alexandra Scolari, Lexi St. John, and Liza St. John, and were selected to join the Monotones singing group.

The audition process consisted of singing a two-min-ute piece a capella, sight reading music, tonal recall testing, and writing a statement of purpose describing what the student would contribute to the group, their level of com-mitment to the Monotones, and what they hope to gain from the experience.

“All of these components of the audition indicate how quickly they will be able to get through difficult pieces of music,” said choir director John Hendricks.

Hendricks cited a willingness to work hard, dedi-cation, the ability to work well in a group, and having a

positive attitude as important characteristics of a potential Monotones member.

“It really is a situation where it has to be about the group more than any individual member,” said Hendricks.

Previous members must re-audition each year.“All members or previous members are constantly

growing and improving as musicians,” said Hendricks.Senior Lexi St. John, a previous member of the Mono-

tones, was not nervous about her audition this year.“Mr. Hendricks and Mr. Houser make the audition

environment so comfortable for singers that you can’t help but to walk out with a big smile on your face, even if you were not confident with your performance,” said St. John.

St. John thinks the group can improve their blend and vocal dynamics for their Heritage Festival performances.

“The judges look for phrasing and musicality, but I think that this year we have so much potential because we have all sung together before,” said St. John.

Although not in the spotlight herself, Marie Tramz’s creations take center stage.

Meher Singh The Student VoiceDRESSIng UP: Tramz drives long distances to comb through the available stock at costume stores.

PlayStation Move vs. Xbox Kinect

21 friday, october 8, 2010 news opinion features focus arts & entertainment sports

Most people do no associate railway transportation and art with one another.

However, Bergamot Station, once a storing facility for railroad cars, converted to a series of

gallery spaces in 1994, unites the two concepts masterfully. Bergamot’s storage facility past is still visible in its

austere, cement-floored spaces. However the severity of Bergamot Station’s industrial space provides a distraction-free space in which artwork can not only be viewed, but also appreciated.

However, the most significant feature of Bergamot is its range of displayed artwork.

Unlike a museum or independent gallery, which focuses on a specific aesthetic or type of artwork Bergamot includes more than 40 galleries that each maintain their own focus.

This multitude of aesthetics creates an incredible variety focuses.

Whether you’re a fan of ceramics, painting, photography, or simply an eclectic, avant-garde look at society, Bergamot has a place for you.

“The community of galleries is helpful to Bergamot’s visitors,” said Larui Steelink, the director of Track 16 Gallery. “You can get a taste of what’s happening in the contemporary art world in LA. Every gallery is different, so a visitor is bound to see many different types of shows.”

However this community of galleries can also act as a disadvantage to each gallery.

“If your neighbors are showing good work, you can gain contacts and bring in more and new people,” said Samuel Freeman, the owner of Samuel Freeman Gallery. “But if your neighbors are showing less than spectacular work, it can be frustrating that it is surrounding your gallery.

But then there’s also more of a chance to stand out if you work it right.”

Another advantage to visiting the galleries at Bergamot is that many include the prices of their art works, either next to the piece or at the gallery’s front desk.

Unlike a museum, where one can simply view and admire the work of the renowned photographer Ansel Adams, a visitor to Bergamot Station knows that a 16” x 20” copy of Adams’ famous Moonrise Over Hernandez sells for $50,000.

Alice through the Looking Glass

A WORk OF ART: Inside the Santa Monica Museum of Art (SMMOA)

Alice Breidenbach

This monetary view of artwork adds an element of reality to the art, a way for the average viewer, inexperienced with the inner workings of the art world, to relate to the power and value of each individual piece, making the elusive art world all the more accessible.

Although almost every gallery offers an enjoyable experience, a few galleries (and one museum) stand out from the rest.

Peter Fetterman Gallery: Home to art from such major and prominent artists as Ansel Adams (and his

Moonrise), Sebastiao Salgado, and John Caponigro, The Peter Fetterman Gallery is bound to appease any viewer in search of a photographic fix.

Their small gallery space, tucked away toward the back of the Bergamot lot, includes a comfortable sitting area where visitors may peruse a selection of books that delve deeper into the artists that they display and have displayed.

The gallery also includes a section of photographs that a visitor may physically browse through, offering the rare experience of holding, looking closely at, and truly experiencing a prints as if they were one’s personal photographs.

the santa Monica Museum of art: The only museum on the Bergamot location, The Santa Monica Museum of Art (SMMOA), includes a series of spacious rooms for displaying their temporary exhibitions, as well as an extensive gift shop, filled with many functional and humorous pieces.

SMMOA joined Bergamot in 1998, after functioning as an individual museum.

“Here at Bergamot, after operating as an individual museum, we get to be part of a community of galleries,” said Adrian. “This community brings new people into our museum that would not see it otherwise.”

“We prefer to display contemporary art, but we try to find really unique artists and pieces as well,” added Adrian, an SMMOA employee.

This union of modern and distinctive artwork is exemplified by the museum’s concurrent expositions, a display of the abstract compositions of Italian painter Alberto Burri, and a look into the books and journals of Italian artists beginning in the 1960s.

track 16: Famous, or perhaps infamous, for their edgy exhibits, Track 16 has made a name for itself within the Bergamot community.

“Track 16 shows very eclectic work,” said Steelink. “We show some things that may not be considered art by some people because they represent a very specific situation.”

Track 16 often deals with popular culture themes, as seen in their past exhibits of tattoos, graffiti, and punk rock, as does the current exhibit, The Beautiful & the Damned.

AlICEbREIDEnbACH '12

sports22 friday, october 8, 2010 |

16-02

SCOREBOARD Girls VARSITY TENNIS

5 -0 team record

marymount | home win westridge | home wincrossroads | home winoakwood | home winyeshiva | home winnew jewish community | home oct. 7

11-0715-0317-01forfeittime of print

it’sgame

timevarsity

cross countryoctober 14

Paramount Ranch

october 22Mt. SAC Invitational

october 27North Hollywood

november 5League Finals

varsity girls tennis

october 8at West Ranch

october 12vs Viewpoint

october 14vs Yeshiva

october 15at Hart HS

october 18vs New Community

Jewish

october 20vs Marlborough

varsity volleyballoctober 8

vs Providence

october 12at Holy Martyrs

october 14at Oakwood

october 16 at Marlborough

Tournament

october 19vs Holy Martyrs

october 20vs Glendale Adventist

october 22at Viewpoint

insidesports

Girls tennis ranked first in CIF

Courtesy of Sue Sherman

CONCENTRATION: Liz Gershman positions herself to hit the ball.

The girls varsity tennis team is starting this season with the trend they left last season on: winning.

Head coach Sue Sherman’s young team that consists of three seniors, four juniors, one sophomore and six freshmen, already stands at 5-0 (1-0) and currently holds the first seed in CIF-SS division IV, something that has never been done before in the history of the tennis program.

“Our success has been a testament to our hard work so far,” said co-captain, junior Hadleigh Glist. “We know the talent of some of the teams we’ll be playing in the future will be much better, but the confidence we’re instilling now can only help lead to good things.”

On the doubles end of the lineup card, the duo of captain Ali Guthy and junior Natasha Super has been perfect, winning all 12 sets and mantaining a winning percentage of 100 percent.

The singles end has been just as successful, with Glist and junior Kiara Gitlin leading the way. Disregarding the one set Glist has lost so far this season, she has outscored her opponents 66 to three in games. Disregarding the two Gitlin has lost, she has outscored opponents 56 to 11 in games.

In the squad’s first game, a scrimmage at home versus Marymount, the girls won a commanding 16 of 18 sets, helping set the tone for the squad’s regular season games.

“The game against Marymount was more of a tune-up game more than anything else,” said Glist. “Since it was a scrimmage there wasn’t as much of an emphasis on it being an extremely important game unlike a league game.”

But the blowout against Marymount was just the start to more victory and confidence instillation.

In the squad’s next game, an 11-7 victory over Westridge, the Griffins saw their toughest match up thus far. Westridge number one singles player Erin Wong, swept the Griffins number one singles players in all three sets, helping give Westridge an advantage on the singles end five sets to four.

“There are two types of stances I take on a game, an offensive one and defensive one,” said

Sherman on the game against Westridge. “A defensive approach is where we use our depth and use it as strength to doubles.”

Again, the tandem of Guthy and Super led the doubles pack as the number one doubles seed.

In the squad’s next two games home games against Crossroads and Oakwood; the girls outscored the two 32-4 in sets.

“It’s expected if you want the program to get better that you are using all your practice,” Sherman explained about the blowout against Oakwood.

When you ask some of the players on the

squad, there’s no doubt that the toughest opponent is, and has been for years, the Viewpoint Patriots on October 12.

“That’s definitely the big one,” said Glist. “Last year’s final is in the back of all of our heads.”

In last season’s CIF-SS division V final, it was the Patriots that beat the squad in a close battle 8-10.

Today, the girls will face West Ranch, a squad that Sherman specifically scheduled before Viewpoint for more practice.

As Sherman put it, “we’ve got the shot to win league.”

Courtesy of Sue Sherman

MAD HOPS: Dana Azadegan serves up some heat.

VOLLEYBALL| page 23Girls volleyball working everyday to beat Viewpoint October 22. crOss cOuntrY | page 24Cross country teams in chase for league and state titles.

mOtOcrOss | page 25Murray raises money for cancer.

triAthLOn | page 28

VOLLEYBALL | page 23 crOss cOuntrY | page 24

AndrewDaneshgar ‘11sports editor

2-0league record

insidesports

23 friday, october 8, 2010 news opinion features focus arts & entertainment sports

Led by veterans, volleyball chases league crown

02-00

SCOREBOARD Girls VARSITY Volleyball

2-3team record

arrowhead christian | away loss st. monica | away losswindward | home lossmilken | home winglendale adventist | away win

03-0003-0003-0103-00

MichaelLen ‘14staff reporter

The varsity girls volleyball team has been hard at work since this summer, with a less and less distant goal of becoming Liberty League champions.

“The team goals for the year are to win the Liberty League title and to make it to the semi-final round of CIF or further,” said captain, senior Emily Field.

Currently, the squad holds a record of 2-3 (1-0) and is on a two game winning streak.

Thus far, the girls have only been scheduled to play top teams. As in previous years, head coach Tanner Ragland schedules harder games prior to facing league opponents to better prepare his squad.

In their first games, the girls faced difficult challenges in Arrowhead Christian, St. Monica, and Windward, three teams with a combined record of 20-2-4.

The girls fell winless in the games but took the experience they gained and earned a two game win streak.

In their next two games, the girls faced Milken and Glendale Adventist.

Against Milken, the girls broke a 1-1 tie and never looked back, winning commandingly 3-1.

Glendale Adventist seemed to not pose much of a threat either, as the girls took the match 3-0.

“Our team has been working on serving and passing. No matter what level of volleyball one plays at, the game is always won in serving and in passing. We need to improve those two skills to be where we want to be,” said Field. “Playing Glendale Adventist was something new for all of us, and the reason why we were so successful in the game was because we were able to execute and communicate throughout the game.”

Field, who has been looked at as the volleyball program’s leader since her freshman year, uses her club team experience to guide her teammates. Junior Jamie Stern and

senior Sara Freed, who also play on club teams, add to the pool of players who lead with skills strengthened outside school. In total, there are six girls that have at least three years of experience on the team.

Ragland’s emphasis to success has been focused on middle transitions. According to Ragland, the focus has been working.

Last year’s playoff squad finished with an overall record of 11-9 with a 6-2 league record, for the second year in a row.

In both years, both league losses came to rival Viewpoint, a

team that finished with an overall record of 23-2 and a team the volleyball program has not beaten in over six years.

“This year, as a senior, beating Viewpoint makes it that much more important for me,” said Field. “There’s no doubt we’ll be ready.”

As Field and her squad believe, this year’s team can accomplish what hasn’t been done since 1979, a league title.

As Ragland pointed out during the Big Red Day assembly on September 10, this squad is the best team of girls he has ever coached.

SalimChamoun ‘14staff reporter

A new force on campus has arisen. The Varsity Club is back and ready to make its mark at Buckley.

After spending plentiful hours of hard work and dedication, Varsity Club president, senior Emily Field, with the help of fellow members and swim coach Staciana Winfield, have changed the club’s atmosphere and recognition.

“The club was around last year, but we have definitely increased membership,” said Field.

For the past couple years, attendance at certain sports has decreased dramatically.

“Varsity Club’s goal is to support and draw attention to all Griffin athletes,” said Field.

Varsity Club puts together assemblies and banquets, in order to expand the club and raise money to aid in the athletic

department.Earning Varsity Club membership

requires that a student be member of at least one Varsity sports team. If admitted, the membership will last their entire Buckley career.

Club members take part in Jamba Juice fundraisers, barbecuing during games, and are the representatives for the Red Army.

“Being a varsity sports player will give you admittance to a club that will provide the students with an opportunity to give their suggestions and ideas towards further actions taken by the athletic department,” said Field.

At Clubfest, The Varsity Club seemed to be a top contender grabbing the attention of many students as well as curious ninth graders.

“We already had 40 members before Clubfest, and we were able to gain many more,” said Field.

The club now consists of nearly 50 members.

“I advise the captains of Varsity sports teams to encourage their teammates to becoming members.”

The varsity Club board members have created a system where the athletes from previous seasons would attend games of members who are currently in their season.

“For example, fall athletes would attend fellow winter athlete games, this guarantees a certain amount of fans attend a game,” said Field.

Field has been a longtime member and recognized that improvement in the club was necessary.

“I think that all the varsity sports need to be more united in order to get more students to attend games”, said Field.

Field sees the club’s increase as a chance to draw awareness to the hard work our athletes put forth for our school everyday.

Brian Lee The Student Voice

VERTICAL EXTENSION: Sara Freed spikes the ball against Milken.Brian Lee The Student Voice

GET SET: Girls varsity volleyball prepares to return a serve.

Brian Lee The Student Voice

STRATEGY: A trio of girls varsity volleyball readies for a sideout.

Field, Winfield reinvigorate Varsity Club

Andrew Daneshgar The Student Voice

EFFORT: Emily Field leads Varsity Club.

1-0league record

friday, october 8, 2010 24news opinion features focus arts & entertainment sports

Boys ranked tenth in CIF, first in Liberty League

NikaShahery‘13staff photographer

Currently first place in the Liberty League, the boys varsity cross country team continues to practice after school in order to have “the strongest and healthiest group” come November.

“We have a faster team than the 2006 Buckley cross country state team. With that in mind, division V cross country is stronger than it’s ever been,” said co-captain, junior Andrew Davis.

After defeating Viewpoint at Carson Park on September 16, 28 to 27 smallest being the best score, the team is in solid shape for achieving its “major team goal,” making the state championship. As of Carson Park, the top five runners were senior Neil Martin, sophomore Nick Martin, senior Brian Daneshgar, Davis, and sophomore Tucker Higgins.

Coming in second, third, sixth, seventh, and ninth respectively, the top five runners’ times improved from last year, each dropping 18 seconds to a minute and 16 seconds. The long hours the team put in to practicing over the summer are paying off.

“I joined the team because I have always been interested and pretty good at running since I was a little kid. Also, I would have to say that the feeling after a hard workout or good race is what I enjoy most about cross country,” said Nick Martin.

This year’s squad has so far managed to escape the serious injuries that hit the 2009 team.

“We take a long-term look at the season and besides obviously putting the health of each athlete first,” said head coach Peter Keramidas.

However, co-captain Daneshgar experienced a minor

CROSS COUNTRY

Girls pushing through Wisnicki’s inflammed kneeAndrewDavis‘12assistant editor

Missing two of its top runners in the first league meet at Carson Park, the girls varsity cross country team finished the race in fourth place. According to head coach Brooke Szody, the girls finished “where they placed last year.”

Sophomore Michaela Murphy, an all-league runner her freshman year, has moved up to the number one position. Murphy placed twelfth and improved her time by 24 seconds from last season.

Murphy is also starring in the fall musical Oklahoma! In order to perform successfully in both the play and at races, Murphy sometimes has to do the workouts with her mother at night, including running the VNSO course at 11 p.m.

Defending team MVP, sophomore Elle Wisnicki, who placed first at two league races last season, was on her way to being the number one runner this season, but has been experiencing IT Band issues causing inflammation in her knee and preventing her from running.

“I really wish I could run with the team, but there’s been a severe amount of pain in my knee when I run. According to my doctor I had been running too much. But I start physical therapy this week,” said Wisnicki.

Though on the sidelines at races, Wisnicki continues to support and motivate her team. Wisnicki said she hopes to return back soon but really can’t make any promises because the pain is a day-by-day struggle.

With four new runners this year, Szody meshed the veterans and inexperienced rookies. Since the start of the season, veteran runners like Wisnicki and captain senior Sarah Rose have been guiding the team with pacing and work ethic.

Szody pushes the girls to take each workout seriously in order to make it back to CIF finals this season. Szody advises the girls to take the easy days easy and hard days hard in order to never overwork themselves as it could lead to injury.

“We need to have everyone healthy, first and foremost. We need to think positively. We’re hoping everyone gets back and then we can pick up the pace and really push ourselves,” said Szody.

Rose leads the team through example.Always a positive leader, Rose unites the team as a

veteran runner whose been apart of the cross country team since the freshman year.

Freshman Natalie Oniszk-De Vicenzi said that she enjoys and gets along with everyone on the team.

“Running has helped me realize how far I can push myself. Physically, I feel stronger. Everyone has made me feel welcome and supported me. Cross country showed me what I’m physically capable of,” said Vicenzi.

Finishing the Staub/Barnes Invitational last weekend, Murphy finished first for the Griffins and 25th overall, earning her a medal. With the hilly Mt. SAC Invitational and three league races to go including league finals, North Hollywood Park and Paramount Ranch the girls will be tested both physically and mentally for success.

injury. “I started off with some knee pains, and some cramps

that took a while to go away, but now I’ve recovered so hopefully I will be a one hundred percent for the end of the season, which is my focus,” said Daneshgar. 

On September 25, the boys ran in the Brentwood Invitational and finished third overall defeating 10th seeded Brentwood in CIF. Out of 202 runners, Nick Martin placed sixth, Nick Martin 12th, Davis, Higgins and Daneshgar came in 22nd, 24th and 40th.

“Each day, we have to put in grueling work if we want to make it to state and beat Viewpoint for the league crown,” said Davis.

The team is lead by captains Daneshgar, Davis, and Neil Martin.

“I picked this group because each of them brought a unique set of knowledge, personality and leadership skills that I thought would best lead the team,” said Keramidas. “While all are terrific runners, I thought Andrew [Davis]’s huge growth in the sport last year would be a great example for the JV to see and learn from, and he also gives us continuity after Neil [Martin] and Brian [Daneshgar] graduate this year.”

The boys participated in the Staub/Barnes invitational October 2, and again earned third place overall.

With a month and a half of running to go, there is a lot of promise with this year’s team. The Mt. SAC invitational will decide how the boys will rank in CIF for the second half of the season.

“I joined [cross country] in seventh grade. When I told my coach I was quitting the flag football team he said, ‘but you are so fast!’ coincidentally,” joked Daneshgar.

Courtesy of Leonie de Picciotto

TOP THREE IN LEAGUE: Neil and Nick Martin pass Viewpoint’s Ryan Schwartz at Carson Park.

Courtesy of Leonie de Picciotto

PACK RUNNING: Andrew Davis, Tucker Higgins and Brian Daneshgar push away from Oakwood leaders.

Courtesy of Leonie de Picciotto

NUMBER ONE: Michaela Murphy pushes the pace at Carson Park.

Nesta Myrie

POWER: Neil Martin cruises through the senior race at the Seaside Invitational.

25 friday, october 8, 2010 news opinion features focus arts & entertainment sports

BillyWilson’14staff reporter

Dean Michael Pourciau does not like to make a big splash. As a competitive diver, Pourciau knows he is diving well when there is hardly a splash at all. His diving career is not well publicized, but his accomplishments have been recognized.

“What drew me to diving was that it was an extremely fun activity, very good exercise, and a great way to stay in good physical shape,” said Pourciau.

Pourciau was drawn to diving when he competed in his very first competition. He was amazed at the talent diving off the springboards.

His path to diving started a little differently than most serious divers. Before taking his talents to the springboard, he was a competitive swimmer starting at the age of 12. He continued swimming in high school at the varsity level and pursued gymnastics as a hobby. The acrobatic movements of the two sports helped his diving career.

“Diving is basically a combination of swimming and gymnastics,” said Pourciau.

Although diving came easily to Pourciau, he still practices like he is only a beginner.

Training at the Rose Bowl Aquatic Center in Pasadena, he dives three to four times a week year-round, trains for three hours in the afternoon and in the morning on the weekends. A few times each week he trains with weights for an hour.

Pourciau has competed at four meets. In the Masters National Diving meet at UCLA, he earned a first place medal in synchronized doubles diving. He also

received two third place medals in the one-meter springboard and the three-meter springboard and also collected. At his other meets, he has received first and second place medals.

Pourciau idolizes the American Olympic gold medalist diver, Greg Louganis.

“Greg Louganis is a role model for me, as well as lots of other people in the diving community,” said Pourciau. “Greg Louganis is the best in the business.  Of course there have now been many new divers that have appeared, but he has been the one that really gave diving a name.”

The judges in competitive diving evaluate many components of the dive including form and speed. Pourciau said he can tell whether he has executed a dive well as soon as he hits the water. His goal is to dive neither short nor over.

“Diving short means a diver is ‘short’ of reaching vertical before entering the water.  Diving over means a diver passes vertical and goes over,” said Pourciau.

Both short and over dives create splash, whereas vertical dives create the least amount of splash.

The term “throwing a dive” means executing or performing a dive. Pourciau’s favorite dives to “throw” are the Front Two and One Half Pike and a Reverse One and One Half.

“I like throwing those dives especially because they are challenging, look cool, and because there is a certain element of fear before you execute the dive,” said Pourciau.

Pourciau wants to further challenge himself by moving from a three-meter springboard to the ten meter high platform.

Pourciau leaps headfirst into competitive diving

JackRose ‘13focus editor

“Motocross is probably one of the most thrilling things I can do,” said senior Sean Barnett.

Motocross comes from combining “motorcycle” and “cross country,” and involves riding dirt bikes on off-road, enclosed tracks at high speeds.

Barnett started riding dirt bikes when he was 11 and has since moved on to motocross.

“My dad just asked me if I was interested in riding bikes, he got me a bike and I just started from there,” said Barnett.

Barnett introduced sophomore Jack Breen to the sport, who started riding when he was eight and has also grown to love the sport. Both of them started off by riding dirt bikes, and have only been doing motocross for the past few years.

Together, Barnett and Breen have been riding alongside one another and with friends.

“I started riding trail bikes,” said Barnett. “There are a few places about an hour away where you can ride.”

Breen also enjoys the exhilaration of riding.

“I like the feeling of jumping. It’s like you are floating in the air.

It’s also very technical and there is a lot of skill involved. It’s also good exercise and one of the most physical sports you can find,” said Breen.

Motocross is also a very dangerous and expensive sport. New dirt bikes can cost upwards of $8000, and gear, gas, and bike parts add hundreds of more dollars.

Barnett has a Yamaha YZ250F bike and Breen has a Honda CRF450R, both brands are of the more popular motocross bike

brands.Barnett has seriously injured

himself while riding before. “The first time I hit a tree

and snapped my wrist back. The second time I landed off axis and [part of the bike] came down on my foot,” said Barnett.

From motor crossing alone, Barnett has broken his foot and wrist; however, neither injury has stopped him from riding.

“There are some big jumps. If you land wrong you can definitely

hurt yourself. I broke my wrist on one of the jumps,” said Breen.

In attempting to prevent injuries, Barnett and Breen wear safety gear, including helmets, chest protectors, knee pads and boots.

Breen and Barnett say they get an adrenaline rush they get from riding, and that it feels great to be “floating” in the air on jumps.

“The adrenaline rush that I get, just the airtime and hang time, is so cool, I cannot find that

Barnett, Breen fast-paced thrill junkies

anywhere else,” said Barnett. The two ride in Piru, Ventura,

Milestone, Riverside, and at Paris Raceway.

Neither of them rides competitively, although in the Los Angeles area there are competitions in which they can compete.

“I can’t do back flips or anything like that but, I am working on getting faster. I can take my hands off the bars and stuff like that, but no crazy tricks,” said Barnett.

Courtesy of Jack Breen

UP IN THE AIR: Jack Breen tears up the hills on his dirt bike. Both Breen and Barnett ride whenever possible to quench their need for speed.

Cruising through rugged terrain, Sean Barnett and Jack Breen have experienced the unmerci-ful danger of motocross.

Courtesy of Michael Pourciau

LOOK OUT BELOW: Michael Pourciau performs an inward pike.

friday, october 8, 2010 26news opinion features focus arts & entertainment sports

27 friday, october 8, 2010 news opinion features focus arts & entertainment sports

Students sound off on McCourt divorce

LOCAL

For students that live, breath and bleed Dodger blue, this season was anything but another party into October.

After two straight appearances in the National League Championship Series (NLCS), the blue crew will be out of the postseason this October, with their commander in chief, the fourth winningest manager in baseball Joe Torre, announcing that he will retire after this season and leave the team after his first losing season with the team.

But that’s not really the most concerning aspect of the misery for most Dodgers fan’s, what’s really been the most frustrating is the squad’s ownership problems, an ownership that stood idle this off-season while competitors in Philadelphia and New York got better.

“The ownership is the main reason for why we had such a bad season,” said junior Andrew Saltman on his beloved Dodgers. “The team didn’t get better last off-season because of not spending

enough money while other competitive teams did and that’s why we aren’t going to the playoffs.”

In 2004, Frank McCourt, a real estate developer from Boston, purchased a controlling interest of the Dodgers franchise and became the team’s major owner.

Unlike other owners, McCourt maintains the squad’s operations without any financial partners. Together with his wife Jamie, who he appointed as CEO of the squad, the two had made active strides in enhancing the stadium, squad, and other key components to the organization.

Fast forward six years. Frank and Jamie McCourt are in the midst of a divorce that has put the organization in hundreds of millions of dollars of debt.

“Before this year, I don’t think the McCourts could have done a better job with the organization. They had competitive seasons with a great team,” said senior Jeremy Levinson, an avid MLB fan and supporter of the New York Yankees. “It’s just disappointing to

see such a respected franchise torn apart by the nasty divorce.”

There are two major parts to the divorce settlement trial.

Currently, the trial is set in the first part, where the jury is determining the legality of the contract the family signed before taking over the Dodgers.

Frank’s attorneys argue that the contract gives Jamie control of the couple’s homes and gives him control of the businesses, including the organization.

Judge Scott Gordon’s verdict will determine whether the Dodgers are separate property and whether the couple jointly owns the team. Once this is decided, the next phase of the trial (the division of the assets) will start.

Since McCourt bought the team, Dodgers’ fans have been atop the attendance list among fans in Major League Baseball.

From 2004-2007, the Dodgers finished second to the New York Yankees in revenue and attendance. In 2008 they finished third, in 2009 they were

first, and this year they currently stand third.

“I do not care about the McCourts and their personal lives. What I do care about are my Dodgers,” said senior Matt Saunders. “If the divorce cost the Dodgers a great season, the ownership issue needs to be resolved in the off-season or the McCourts need to sell the team.”

It was reported earlier in the Los Angeles Times that money spent on tickets, food, and parking all goes toward paying off the interest on the organization’s debt. McCourt is having a difficult time getting banks to loan him money.

“Ever since McCourt bought the team the prices have all sky rocketed, it’s ridiculous,” said junior Brandon Wong. “The thing is, I didn’t mind it before because we were winning and going to the playoffs, but after this season and the divorce and struggling, I’m frustrated.”

How is it then that the McCourt family has put the organization in so much debt? According

to a source involved with the testimony, McCourt’s “extravagant lifestyle – including the acquisition of eight multimillion dollar homes, a personal hairstylist who worked for the couple five days a week and millions of dollars on private jet travel.”

Saltman’s love for the Dodgers goes as far as two generations in his family, his grandfather remembering former owner and president Peter O’Malley’s days with the team.

O’Malley recently criticized the ownership of the team and advised McCourt to sell.

“Hearing a guy like Peter O’Malley openly say that about us can’t be good. He loves this team and gave his life to the organization for so long, and his truth about the sinking future of the team is hard to think about,” said Saltman.

Unless this divorce case is resolved swiftly, students should expect the Dodgers to continue spending less money this off-season without making too many offers to tier one players.

Jamie and Frank McCourt’s divorce ruined the Dodgers’ chance for a playoff birth. Their debate on who should get what part of the team has cost time and money. The respected manager Joe Torre is leaving after this season. Time and hope for the Dodgers is wearing thin.

creative commons

FAMILY SHOT: Frank and Jamie McCourt’s divorce has hurt the Dodger franchise.

“Fantastic Athletes Need Support.”I have been part of the school

community for only three years. From what I have heard, before I got here, sports games were a social activity that attracted many students, teachers, and parents.

Clearly, that’s not the case anymore. Home games are usually almost empty, lacking a strong fan base of students. Now, free pizza is served at some home games, hotdogs are barbequed, student athletes from other teams are required to go to games and show support, discounts and benefits are given to athletes that go to games wearing a “Red Army “t-shirts. Where is the integrity and love that usually attracts fans to go to games?

I, for one, am not an angel in this

situation. As an avid sports fan, I do my best to support my friends and watch games, but I too have not attended as many games I should.

Then, what is it exactly that causes the lack of support?

Last year, Junior State of America, arguably the most popular club on campus, held a thought talk discussing potential reasons for why Griffin spirit seems to have waned. Students discussed possible causes as lack of interest in sports.

Maybe, it is because of the heavy workload involved in and out of school. Maybe the AP classes, piano lessons, dance classes, school play or whatever it is gets in the way.

Not if you ask social science chair Rob Wright. His workload can’t be the reason. As he put it in last year’s thought talk, his work load has dropped over the years.

Recently, school sports teams have been very successful as well, winning several league championships, deep runs through the playoffs.

There’s no doubt the victories and talent are there. In few cases, the opportunity to watch athletes that will be playing at the collegiate level is there for school sports as well.

So what keeps fans elsewhere? The community entails unity and respect among peers, so that can’t be the reason either.

Here’s what I think. It’s not because we don’t have time, have too hefty of a workload, or think we’re too cool; it’s because we just don’t care.

We don’t care enough to take time to watch a game when we can be doing anything else.

In reality, what can peers, athletes, coaches or teachers do to get students to come to games? Obviously, athletes want to see their friends at their games.

There are always games listed in the bulletin, giving both the time and location. So technically, each student is in fact informed about a game every day. But truly, does anybody read that far down on the bulletin?

Facebook has also been used as a tool to advertise games. We’re only two months into the school year and I’ve received an invitation to attend every varsity volleyball home game.

There’s also Big Red Day, introducing athletic teams and promoting the support of teams.

The day the entire community gets together in the gym wearing all red trying to rally all the students up to go to games and support their teams and all that good stuff; the day that ends the assembly with the fight song that fires us all up and gets us excited to support our fantastic athletes. To me, Big Red Day is actually a lot of fun. There’s definitely a side of coaches that we don’t see every day when we hear them go up and speak.

Whatever it is, it really isn’t working. Ultimately, it’s a student’s decision. No bribes or benefits can convince any student into wanting to do something he or she doesn’t care about.

"...It's not because we don't have time, have too hefty of a workload, or think we're too cool; it's because we just don't care."

ANDREWDANESHGAR ‘11

Support your school

triathlete28friday, october 8, 2010 |

Burning muscle pain, grueling cramps and the urge to quit didn’t stop senior Eric Murray from completing the Nautica Malibu Triathlon on September 11.

“Before summer started, my crew coach urged everyone on the team to consider training for it [triathlon],” said Murray.

Murray did the triathlon for three reasons: “I wanted to raise money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma society; I wanted to finish a long distance event; [and] I wanted to conquer my fear of the ocean.”

Murray hadn’t swam much before. He had of course swum in pools, but never competitively. And with a mile (1.5 km) swim out and back in the Pacific Ocean, Murray knew he had much to learn over the summer.

“The training they [Murray’s coaches] gave especially towards the beginning was geared towards technique. With swimming, my technique – strokes, form, efficiency and even the ability to breathe - was incredibly

difficult for me. The coaching staff did a great job with teaching me everything from scratch,” said Murray.

The athletes didn’t swim at first. The coaches taught the basics of kicking and wouldn’t allow Murray to use his arms. Coaches forced experienced swimmers to kick alongside the novices like Murray.

“In the pool the number of lanes was limited. You were pushed by the person creeping up behind you in your lane,” said Murray.

For Murray, the bike and run were easier to prepare for. Since most people aren’t great swimmers and because most know how to run and bike, running and biking were where Murray could test his skills. In the Nautica Triathlon, the biking is 40 km and the run 10 km.

“This [running and biking] is where I was competitive. If you look at the race results, I was below the 50th percentile in the swim, but in the run and bike I was

Murray runs, swims, and cycles through triathalon

well above it. Things sort of averaged out for me and I was around the 50th percentile finishing,” said Murray.

Throughout summer, Murray built his endurance. He had to sacrifice every Saturday morning just to practice. From 7 to 11 a.m., Murray would bike laps with his team. After biking they would run anywhere from 30 to 90 minutes in order to prepare for the bike to run transition.

Murray was a part of the fundraising group Team in Training. The group registered as its own team in the triathlon. Murray, the only 17-year old on his team, was the youngest member by five years.

“Everybody on the team was great. In raising money for a charity, you don’t get many mean spirited people. After practices we would go out and have team dinners,” said Murray.

Two weeks before race day, Murray entered his taper. His coaches said that there were limited amounts of exercises, which would build his muscles up for race day. With such a long taper, Murray felt he was never prepared for the pain of the triathlon because he couldn’t grow accustomed to it.

“On race day, the roads [Pacific Coast Highway] of the race course were closed at 7 a.m. I had to wake up at 3:30 a.m. just to get there on time and make my wave. The fact that I had cross country practice and homework the day before didn’t help me. I only got six hours of sleep that night and ran for three hours in the triathlon. It wasn’t pleasant as it was pitch black when I got there,” said Murray.

After the start gun went off, Murray had no choice but to jump into the ocean. Freezing currents hit Murray causing him to shiver. Although the water was chilly, as water filled his wetsuit Murray warmed up.

The transition from swimming to biking is the longest. Since Murray was horizontal and buoyant from swimming, when he stood up blood went to his feet leaving him dizzy and making it difficult to walk let alone run.

“I had to run to run to my bike, put on my shoes, helmet and just go,” said Murray. “When I got on the bike I was discouraged; I was pretty far back. I passed a lot of people on the bike which took me and hour and 22 minutes.”

But Murray’s clips on the bike were not

adjusted properly, causing him to flex his calf muscles while pushing on the pedals. With his calves flexed for 40 minutes straight on the bike, Murray’s calves had already done more than enough work.

“It was extremely painful just to run. My calves felt like they had been ripped off my body. But I knew I had to finish the run so I just pushed through the pain and hoped it would go away. About two miles into it the pain went away and I could focus on the run. I passed a lot more people on the run than I did on my bike,” said Murray.

In the middle of the run [where volunteers gave out water] Murray hit the wall. One’s body runs out of energy and starts to consume itself in order to provide energy to muscles. When Murray stopped to drink water he was panting incredibly hard and his muscles didn’t feel like moving.

“It [stopping] wasn’t an option because I had to finish in under three hours so I forced myself through it. Hitting the wall is never a pleasant thing but it was something I expected and trained for,” said Murray.

One mile from the finish line Murray checked his watch and noticed he was about 15 minutes away from three hours.

“I thought to myself, ‘I don’t care how much it hurts, I’m going to finish beforehand’,” said Murray.

Murray finished seven minutes ahead of three hours.

“Stopping was the most painful part of the entire race. When I crossed the finish line I didn’t walk. There was pain in places where I didn’t know I had muscles; I could barely lift my legs or my knees. The pain in my calves and hamstrings was horrid. I felt like I needed crutches just to get out of there,” said Murray.

Parked a mile from the finish line, Murray limped all the way to his car just to drive home.

“I think finishing the triathlon wasn’t nearly as big as the money I raised. Becoming a better swimmer and overcoming the pain from hitting the wall were more rewarding,” said Murray.

Murray emailed a bunch of friends and family asking for donations. Through a series of letters explaining what he set out to accomplish and generous donations, Murray raised $3250 for the Leukemia and Lymphoma society in under three hours.

Senior Eric Murray completes 51.5 kilometer land and sea race, raising $3250 for Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

Nesta Myrie

VICTORY: Eric Murray celebrates on the Malibu beach after the triathlon.

ANDREWDAVIS ‘12

“It was extremely painful just to run. My calves felt like they had been ripped off my body. But I knew I had to finish the run so I just pushed through the pain and hoped it would go away.”Eric MurraySenior