March 2015 Issue

The

Calabasas

Courier

est. 1985

Thursday, March 12, 2015 • Volume 30 • Issue 6 • chscourier.com

Upcoming campus events highlight important causes Kevin Cordasco Basketball Game

By Cydney Hayes Editor-in-Chief Everyone in the Calabasas community remembers Kevin Cordasco. Tomorrow during lunch, the students and faculty of CHS will come together to honor his memory. Friday, March 13, marks the third annual Kevin Cordasco Basketball Game at CHS, a lively event that pits students against faculty members in a friendly competition.

The student team includes seniors Sammy Kaufman, Adam Ginsberg, Kai Cohen, Alex Resnick, Brady Welles, Cameron Hosseiniyar, Eden Brand, Jack Korchek, Jordan Feinstein, Jordan Schore, Neil Villadolid, Tristan Matters, sophomore Nick Sanitsky and more. Their faculty challengers are Assistant Principals Lauren Young, Steve Scifres and Ryan Emery, Algebra II and Robotics teacher Michael Yeung, health teacher Cory Chandler and Officer Mark Merino, among others.

During the game, CHS will cheer on the Cordasco family not only emotionally with its support but also literally, as Kevin’s younger brother, sophomore Cade Cordasco, and father Kevin, will also be on the court.

Cordasco passed away on March 11, 2013, after a long battle with neuroblastoma. He was 16. In honor of Kevin, participants and spectators are encouraged to wear blue and keep Kevin’s inspirational mantra, “Courage, Strength, Believe,” in mind. •

Malala Visual and Peforming Arts Benefit

By Carly Berke and Avery Columbus Opinion Editor and Entertainment Editor On April 2, the second annual Malala Visual and Performing Arts Benefit will take place in the Performing Arts and Education Center.

This event will include dance, vocal and instrumental performances in an attempt to raise money and awareness for equal education for women.

Senior Julia Feldman created the fundraiser last year in honor of Malala Yousafzai, the Pakistani activist who survived an attack by the Taliban in 2012 when she pubicly advocated for girls’ education.

This year, Feldman and senior Lanna Pathman created a Calabasas chapter of Girls Learn International, a foundation dedicated to raising awaremeness of equal education by partnering U.S. chapters with schools in countries where girls lack the same education rights as boys. Coincidentally, Feldman and Pathman were paired with the Kushal School for Girls, the same school Malala attended before she was shot. The funds raised will be sent to this institution, and the event will raise awarness for Malala’s cause.

“By empowering girls to receive education, we can break the circle of poverty in countries all over the world,” said Feldman. “These girls deserve a chance to follow their dreams and aspirations.” •

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Photo courtesy of Google Images

A tax on junk food could help decrease obesity rates

Dan Siman-Tov/Photographer

CHS a cappella groups head to Carnegie Hall

By Noah Fortson Staff Writer On March 29, the members of CHS a cappella groups Bare Rhythm and Unstrumental will perform on stage at Carnegie Hall in New York City. Carnegie Hall hosts 200 concerts each year in its 3,671-seat theater, and this year, Bare Rhythm and Unstrumental will join several hand-picked teams for the Total Vocal showcase presented by Distinguished Concerts Singers International New York (DCINY).

The show is organized by the so-called “Godfather” of a cappella, Deke Sharon. Sharon is the writer, arranger and producer for the TV show “The Sing Off” and for both of the Pitch Perfect movies. Several of the carefully selected performers for Total Vocal were chosen by Sharon himself. Sixteen groups hailing from around the world will attend the event. Total Vocal’s aim is to highlight the increasingly popular contemporary a cappella genre.

The music of the night is based around arrangements of the 2012 hit movie, “Pitch Perfect,” which helped introduce the style to a broader audience.

To prepare for the trip to NYC, the CHS groups have been practicing four times a week, twice after school and twice

during lunch.

“We’re all so happy to go to New York together,” said senior Ali Hepps, the director of Unstrumental. “We just want to perform our best and live in the moment, because this truly is a once in a lifetime experience.”

After submitting an audition tape to DCINY, Bare Rhythm earned a rare chance to sing a group solo of “Hallelujah,” a Deke Sharon arrangement of the classic Leonard Cohen song.

In addition to the group performances, several Unstrumental and Bare Rhythm members will perform solos at Total Vocal. Junior Asher Gevisser is ready to show his talent singing solo in the song, “I’ve Got the Music in Me,”

by Kiki Dee. “I think that performing at Carnegie Hall will be just such an enriching experience that I’ll remember for my entire life,” said Gevisser. “I hope to acquire a better understanding and appreciation for a capella music. There’s no better way to do that when you’re surrounded by the best of the best in the field.”

Junior Katie Kaiser, the director of Bare Rhythm, has long awaited the trip to NYC and hopes to thrill the audience at Total Vocal. Assistant director junior Cassi Cardoza will perform a solo as well in Carnegie Hall and has worked diligently to prepare her

Inside this Issue Page 6

Chelsea Argue/Photo Editor

Senior Mina Aziz delights customers with sweet charms

part for the huge night.

“I accomplished my goal, which was just getting a solo,” said Kaiser. “I’m just going to seize the moment on the Carnegie Hall stage because that is an accomplishment in itself.”

While this experience is overwhelming for the group members, choir and band director Joshua Barroll is just as eager attend Total Vocal. He has not taken a group to Carnegie Hall in ten years, and Barroll fully recognizes the significance of performing in such a historic theater.

“When you think of all the great artists who have performed on that stage, it’s surreal to think that our students will be up there in the exact same place,” Barroll said. “It’s a huge honor. For most of these students, this will be the only opportunity they ever have to perform in this type of venue.”

After much practice and patience, Bare Rhythm and Unstrumental are anxious to express their unique style of music. Each member hopes to bring his or her special tone to Carnegie Hall this month to create a harmonious memory. Both groups aim to gain a higher understanding for music and to add their own sound to the up and coming genre of contemporary a cappella. Representing CHS and proving their capabilities both individually and in unison is the intended goal. •

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Photo courtesy of Google Images

What to expect this month from the top NCAA teams

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News

A Look into CHS Clubs

Chelsea Argue/Photo Editor

Dan Siman-Tov/Photographer

CHS Forensics Society

Stress Less

By Madison Young Staff Writer

By Laura Myerly Staff Writer

CHS’s Forensics Society, formerly known as the Speech and Debate club, is designed to help students speak well in public settings. The original Latin denotation of “forensics” actually means truth, which what speech and debate students are trying to convey. Junior Brandon Yoon currently over sees all operations in the club. Yoon entered CHS as a sophomore and decided to start the Speech and Debate club when he realized there was not another club like this on campus. According to Yoon, the CFS enhances college applications, teaches members how to communicate in front of groups of people and enforces techniques of researching and rhetoric.

“I strongly believe that every student on campus can benefit from joining CFS,” said Yoon. “Regardless of a student’s experience or confidence in public speaking, [CFS] enhances critical thinking and deep analytical skills that will immediately reflect in a student’s writing and academic performance.”

Yoon believes that the CFS is a learning opportunity for all students. CFS meets twice a week on Mondays and Wednesdays in Mrs. Foley’s room, H-205, after school.

Students in the club participate in the Tri-Valley Forensics League against other private and public schools in the San Fernando Valley. The tournaments have different categories and consist of three rounds, and debates take place in classrooms. These tournaments are ranked by the amount of points gained during the debates. After the debates or speeches, competitors have the chance to win “nfl points,” which increase the person’s ranking within the National Forensic League.

CFS hopes to attract more students, and Yoon hopes to continue his legacy, making improvements within the club even after he graduates. •

Junior Emily Harari is president of CHS’s only club dedicated to relaxation: Stress Less. The goal of Stress Less is to provide an environment in which students can forget their troubles, focus on relieving anxiety and learn ways to cope with everyday issues including an abundance of schoolwork, relationship problems and lack of sleep. While the club is not dedicated to community service like most others, Harari asserts that maintaining a healthy body and mind is of utmost importance in a student’s life. “[Our purpose is] to empower students and staff to confront and manage their stress in a healthy manner,” said Harari. “Stress affects everyone. If not managed in a healthy way, it can negatively affect yourself and those around you.”

The club meets at lunch the last Friday of every month in H-212, and Harari strives to make each meeting an oasis of tranquility in a student’s busy life. Every session has a theme and begins with a do-it-yourself project or a featured item that relates to the day’s theme. The meeting concludes with a session of guided meditation, or a five-toten minute yoga session.

If a student is interested in joining the club and wants to learn more about stress in his or her own life, Harari encourages the student to take the club’s stress-level survey.

The higher the number, the more stress that person is under. The poll can be found by visiting the school website www.calabasashigh.net, under “Activities,” then “School Clubs,” then “Stress Less.” Members of the Las Virgenes Unified School District board recently certified the survey for CHS as a helpful tool for monitoring students’ stress levels, and Superintendent Dan Stepenosky has since advocated the club’s importance by attending a club meeting and collaborating with Harari. •

SkyTran introduces new form of transportation

By Danielle Klinenberg Staff Writer In an attempt to save commuters from the traffic-induced stress of traveling to work in a cab or bus, a new company called SkyTran has created a system of pods that glide through the air on magnetic tracks without the use of a driver. These two-seated pods will be accessible via an app that can send a pod to a person’s location. The pods will stop at stations similar to those of buses and subways to allow passengers to enter and exit. Not only does SkyTran’s invention make private travel faster and more affordable, but the vehicles use one-third of the energy of an electric car and weigh under 300 pounds. The railways suspending these vehicles will be 20 feet above the ground with lower off-ramps for the pods to slow down and pick up passengers without stopping regular traffic.

“I think SkyTran is a great idea because it gives people more transportation options without needing to be able to drive,” said sophomore Leonie Strehl. “It seems very efficient because there is no traffic due to the well thought-out design.”

Because the vehicles run on tracks, SkyTran pods are fully self-driving. They will additionally contain Internet accessibility and tablets inside each pod for passenger use. In the beginning of the program, pods will be communal and people will pay for transportation similarly to the way they would pay for a taxi or Über. However, the company hopes to eventually make pods available for purchase. Producing and installing SkyTran equipment is also cheaper than expanding the subway system or building new roads, which will allow prices per trip to be lower than those of taxis, but higher than those of buses. The design of this system gives passengers the ability to do other things while traveling with less chance of collision, as the vehicles are automated. Tel Aviv, Israel is set to be the home of the first true pilot project for SkyTran. A 400-meter trial system will be running in Tel Aviv before the end of 2015, with hopes of expanding into a fully functional 20-kilometer railway open to the public soon after.

“Transportation will just recede into the background of lives, as something that just happens automatically,” says John Cole, SkyTran Chief Technology Officer and director in a CNN interview. “I think about where I want to go, tell a computer where I want to go and it just takes me there –­ seamlessly.” •

Photos courtesy of Google Images

News

3

Obama announces the “It’s On Us” campaign to encourage taking an active stand against sexual assault

By Paige Chestnut Staff Writer

Photo courtesy of Google Images

University of California schools will require student vaccinations

By Syra Taub Staff Writer

Beginning in 2017, all incoming students at University of California schools will be required by law to be vaccinated against measles and other standard diseases. Although the prior policy only required students to have a vaccination against hepatitis B, the new requirement includes vaccinations for measles, mumps, rubella, chicken pox, meningococcal meningitis, tetanus, diphtheria and whooping cough. Students at UC schools in the 2015-2016 school year will be notified of the change and will be expected to have these vaccinations. However, the policy will allow exceptions for certain religious or medical purposes.

“I’m really excited that there’s support and momentum for this new immunization plan,” said Dr. Gina Fleming, medical director for the UC Student Health Insurance Plan, in an interview. “We know that these preventive measures are effective.”

Nearly 100 cases of measles have been confirmed across California since the outbreak began in December. UC schools would like to prevent any new cases on campus and will enforce a more stringent policy on vaccinations. Students applying to UC schools who do not meet the vaccine requirements will have their registrations put on hold until they can receive all required vaccinations.

“It is irresponsible for parents to not vaccinate their kids and send them to public places like colleges where there are many people susceptible to diseases,” said sophomore Yasmine Soltani. “This so-called ‘freedom’ of vaccinating or not could harm and affect other people, not just a student or child.”

Many people are concerned due to the possible risks associated with vaccinations. The pharmaceutical company responsible for producing the measles vaccine has published an extensive list of ailments known to result from the injection, sparking great controversy. According to the manufacturer, the measles vaccine has also not been evaluated for carcinogenic or mutagenic potential. However, the general risk of vaccines is actually very low and only a minority of people is rallying against vaccines. According to the Center for Disease Control, only about two percent of people in California are against vaccinations.

While the facts of the measles vaccinations are debated and discussed, UC schools will continue their plan of required vaccinations for all incoming students. These preventative measures will continue to be implemented beginning now and in the future. •

Facebook users can pass account on after death

By Hannah Lederman Staff Writer

Currently, a new feature on Facebook gives users the option of permanently deleting the account of a deceased person or appointing a close friend or family member to handle all activities on the account.

The designated person, who is called the “legacy contact,” will be able to access the deceased’s account. One’s Facebook can now be used as a memorial of his or her life.

If the original account holder decides to activate the setting, the new holder will be able to write a post at the top of the memorialized timeline, respond to new friend requests and update the profile picture and cover photo. However, if this setting is implemented by the Facebook user, the new account holder will not be able to access messages sent prior to the user’s death. Also, once a legacy contact is chosen, the person in charge cannot be altered.

“I plan on activating my legacy contact feature,” said junior Jordan Meppen. “This way, everything I have accomplished in life can live on forever for my ‘friends’ to see.”

To activate this setting and choose a legacy contact, go to Settings, Security and then Legacy Contact to ensure Facebook for eternal use.

With this new edition, the “legacy contact” can keep one’s thoughts and memories alive for years to come for family and friends to look back on. •

On Feb. 8, President Barack Obama announced the White House’s “It’s On Us” campaign, which is geared toward ending sexual assault on college campuses. During the 20th Annual Grammy Awards, a 30 second video featured celebrities encouraging viewers and audience members to stop sexual assault. To demonstrate the prevalence of this issue, Obama shared the statistic that one in five women have been victims of rape or attempted rape.

Obama has utilized music artists, actors and athletes in his campaign. The Obama administration has created a plan to combat sexual assault involving a series of steps. The start of the plan involves sending guidance to colleges, universities and school

districts to prevent and respond to sexual assault. The next course of action is in collaboration with colleges and universities to create the White House Task Force to protect students from sexual assault and to develop effective practices in addressing sexual assault. The final measure is to review existing laws to ensure that they sufficiently protect victims.

“The campaign is a great idea because it allows people to feel safe and feel like they can tell their story,” said junior Jada Rozelle. “It’s very important to bring awareness to this cause so women and men can feel protected and comfortable coming forward with their story.”

The Education Department’s Office of Civil Rights is currently investigating universities and colleges due to possible violations of federal law regarding sexual harassment. As of Dec. 29, cases

at 92 schools have been under investigation. Due to the increasing number of these investigations, the Obama administration has worked to produce multiple advertisements, a website and even a logo for this campaign. The name “It’s On Us” is intended to send the message that everyone should feel comfortable to stand up and report any instances of sexual assault.

“Together we can change our culture for the better, ending violence against women and girls,” said Obama in his address during the Grammys.

President Obama wants men and women across the globe to take a stand against sexual assault. With the amount of celebrities and universities involved in the “It’s On Us” campaign, the president is making a concentrated effort to end sexual abuse in the nation. •

Photo courtesy of Google Images

Los Angeles implements hit-and-run system on social media with information on accidents

By Jordan Van Vranken Staff Writer In the beginning of February, Los Angeles City Hall officials announced that they are launching a hitand-run alert system that will publish information on social media about cars and drivers linked to hit-andrun accidents. According to the Los Angeles Times, there are about 20,000 hit-and-run collisions in L.A. every year, and last year these crimes resulted in 27 deaths and 144 injuries; however, many hit-and-run accidents often go unsolved. The alert system will post information regarding hit-and-runs from the Los Angeles Police Department on Facebook and Twitter. The information will also be available to L.A.’s bus drivers and 2,300 licensed taxi drivers on their dispatch systems. Additionally, companies such as Uber and Lyft will be asked to share these notifications over their alert systems, sending the information out to all other drivers.

Fleeing the scene of an accident where someone was killed or injured is a felony punishable by up to four years in prison and $10,000 in fines. In addition to utilizing social media to track these crimes, L.A. officials will be offering rewards to people who give information about hit-and-runs. The reward money will come from the city’s general fund, which pays for basic city services.

“A system to keep track of hit-and-runs is a good idea and will be extremely beneficial,” said senior Aditi Kalia. “It’s an innovative way to make use of social media in such an important way.”

The system is modeled after a similar one in Denver, in which 78 percent of the hit-and-run alerts sent out are solved. L.A. City Hall officials hope that this system has the same effect in L.A, and they plan to use this social media system to put an end to unsolved hit-and-run accidents. •

CHS will offer AP Biology starting next year

By Jillian Punwar Staff Writer

Due to high demand from CHS students, the 2015-2016 school year will mark the start of an Advanced Placement Biology class, a class many students have been wanting for years. Honors and College Preparatory Biology teacher Nancy Jobsz will be teaching the class. In order to take AP Biology, students must have received an A or B in their previous biology class as well as a previous enrollment in a chemistry class.

“I believe that we are continually improving offerings at CHS so that students can follow the high school pathway that best meets his or her needs,” said Jobsz.

Although College Preparatory and Honors Biology are already offered at CHS, AP Biology is designed to be a new and unique way of learning biology. AP Biology is a continuation of the first year of biology and is heavily based around lab activities that are different from those of other biology classes. The objective of these labs is to help students learn concepts in a hands-on way. In addition, the AP class will be completing the entire biology book, which includes information regarding the role of biology in the modern day world.

Students, faculty members and Jobsz believe this course is a beneficial choice for those who are passionate about science and hope that many students take advantage of this opportunity. • Chelsea Argue/Photo Editor

Opinion

4

Fans should be wary of Harper Lee’s new book announcement

By Grace Papish Staff Writer

On Feb. 3, Harper Lee, the beloved author of the American classic “To Kill A Mockingbird,” broke her 55-year long silence. To the surprise of her fans and the general public alike, the 88-year-old author announced the rediscovery and release of her second novel, “Go Set A Watchman.” Lee penned “Watchman” prior to writing “To Kill A Mockingbird;” it instead features Scout as an adult, recanting the stories of her childhood through flashbacks. While many are rejoicing over Lee’s shocking announcement, valid concerns have developed. This widespread uneasiness stems from the questionable motives of Lee’s lawyer, Tonja Carter, the aging author’s emerging senility and her uncharacteristic break of silence.

In Lee’s announcement, she named Carter the “dear friend” who had rediscovered the novel. Carter, who controls Lee’s estate, recently took over Lee’s affairs. Until checking into a nursing home in 2011, Lee’s older sister Alice served as the author’s lawyer, handling her legal affairs while shielding her from undesired media attention. When the author’s legal matters fell into Carter’s hands, the Lee sisters became involved in a controversy surrounding “The Mockingbird Next Door,” a biography initially approved by the sisters but then disavowed in a statement supposedly written by Harper Lee. Before her death last year, Alice stated that her younger sister “will sign anything put in front of her,” implying that Carter may be taking advantage of the author.

“I think it is odd that Harper Lee is releasing another book because she had made a clear point in earlier years that ‘To Kill A Mockingbird’ would be her sole work of art,” said junior Natalie Bevilacqua.

Unfortunately, Alice’s claim is verifiable, as Carter can easily be taking advantage of Harper due to her declining health. According to Alice’s accounts before her death, Harper “can’t see and can’t hear.” Being deaf and blind, Harper’s ability to even write the recent coherent statements surrounding her new novel is almost impossible. This factor, along with the recent death of Alice, is additional evidence that Carter is taking advantage of Harper, typing up statements and having the author sign them without conscious approval.

Harper’s break of silence after 55 years has aroused several suspicions. According to her neighbors, she had continuously stated that she wanted “To Kill A Mockingbird” to be her only novel. Due to her firmness in her desire to keep “To Kill A Mockingbird” as her only legacy, Lee’s uncharacteristic break of silence has produced much of the controversy over this recent announcement.

“It’s better to be silent than to be a fool,” said Harper Lee in 2007.

While Lee’s announcement generated excitement and anticipation within the literary world, the public should be more apprehensive about this release. If Lee is indeed being taken advantage of, fans should recognize the controversy behind “Go Set A Watchman” and that it may just be against Lee’s wishes. •

Proper gender pronoun usage

Photo courtesy of Liberty News

By Jordan Van Vranken Staff Writer As the world becomes rightfully more open-minded toward people identifying with the transgender and non-binary communities, some may struggle with what pronouns to use when addressing anyone transitioning to the opposite gender. One should use the language appropriate to the gender with which the person in question identifies. But, when in doubt, politely ask. Asking someone which pronouns he or she prefers to be addressed by is completely appropriate.

Transgender persons often ask that they be referred to by a different-gendered pronoun, as this can be a large part of coming into one’s identity. New singular pronouns have been invented for those who may not want to be called ‘he’ or ‘she’; ‘ze’ and ‘hir’ are the most common, but plural pronouns such as ‘they’ or ‘them’ can also be used to refer to a single person. Spivak pronouns, a group of gender-neutral pronouns, are becoming increasingly popular. For transgender individuals who prefer ‘he’ or ‘she’, address them with the gender they identify with, not their born gender.

Having a conversation without using pronouns is nearly impossible, and calling someone a ‘he-she’ or a ‘tranny’ is not politically or socially correct. Therefore, inquiring about what pronouns a transgender person prefers is extremely important. Opening this discussion and improving education on this topic is how the world will reach acceptance and tolerance towards these communities. •

Extreme dieting and exercise lead to a new eating disorder

By Syra Taub Staff Writer

Dieting has been a controversial discussion in society for years. People have long debated how to attain the “ideal appearance,” what diets are the healthiest and who should be dieting. The most common age for children to start thinking about dieting was about 15 years old in 2011. According to radarprograms.com, about one half of fourth grade girls in the United States are currently on diets. These statistics are due to social media’s promotion of unhealthy eating, emergence of new eating disorders and society’s need to glorify an unhealthy body-image.

Many children are exposed to the ideas about dieting from social media. According to fitness.gov, there are currently over five million children under 10-years-old using Facebook and Instagram. Because of this, young boys and girls have access to inappropriate pictures and videos, especially those glorifying eating disorders and unnaturally skinny bodies. In addition, one-third of boys from six to eight say they wish their bodies were thinner, and almost 80 percent of 10-year-old girls in America have been on a diet.

“They take their cues from peers, adults and media around them,” said Common Sense Media, a website discussing social media’s affect on society, to fitness.gov. “Young children in particular pick up models for how to think and behave from those around them. Body-related talk and behavior is no exception.”

While most childhood dieting cases are temporary, many are not. Being too concerned with body image from a young age can lead to an eating disorder later in life. According to dictionary.com, an eating disorder is any of various disorders characterized by severe disturbances in eating habits. These disorders include anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder and orthorexia nervosa. Anorexia nervosa is characterized by self-starvation and excessive weight loss. Bulimia nervosa is a cycle of binging followed by self-induced vomiting to undo or compensate for the effects of binge eating.

Binge eating is the consumption of food without the regular use of compensatory measures to counter the intake. Lastly, orthorexia nervosa, a more recently popular disorder, is the obsession with healthy eating to a dangerous point. Society has been glorifying anorexia in social media and other mediums and has taken the average model’s body mass index from around 22 in the 1920s to 16.9 in the 2000s. Meanwhile, the World Health Organization classifies a normal BMI as falling between 18.5 to 24.9.

Anorexia and orthorexia are two very similar and yet very different disorders. Orthorexia comes from the Greek word “orthos” meaning “correct or right” and “orexis” meaning “appetite,” meaning “correct appetite,” and anorexia therefore is “without appetite.” Both are very unhealthy and serious eating disorders, yet anorexia is more commonly glorified and debated in society. However, orthorexia is slowly becoming a more serious issue that, if not discussed and treated, will lead to problems in the lives of young girls and boys everywhere. Especially here in Los Angeles, the hub of health and fitness, orthorexia is slowly becoming more and more prevalent. But despite the increasing healthy lifestyles, people may tend to go overboard with the exercise and healthy eating and become orthorexic.

Models, adults, teenagers and even children as young as seven are struggling with body image issues. The world needs to stop using the phrase “nothing tastes as good as skinny feels” and start telling young girls and boys to accept themselves the way they are. Until body image opinions are changed, young children will continue to unhealthily diet and new eating disorders will continue to emerge. •

Opinion

5

Tax on junk food may help reduce obesity epidemic

By Jackie Sedley Staff Writer As the rate of overweight and obese U.S. citizens plateaus at a whopping 68.5 percent, the urgency of the issue has galvanized the government to direct additional focus onto the problem.

Over the past three years, Mexico, Norway, Samoa, Hungary and Australia have implemented “junk food taxes” or “fat taxes” as solutions to their individual obesity problems. Placing a tax on unhealthy foods within the United States will undoubtedly lower the overall consumption of these snacks. The high obesity rates apparent within the nation will lower as well, and a decline in obesity-induced health concerns will lead to lower medical costs.

The high obesity rates within the nation can directly correlate to the high rates of poverty. Oftentimes, shoppers will purchase calorie-rich foods not because they taste better than healthier options, but because they are generally far cheaper than natural products.

However, if the cost of a bag of potato chips suddenly exceeds the cost of a healthier alternative, many customers will indirectly start developing better eating habits.

“We need to understand that being overweight and obese is not just something at an individ-

ual aesthetic level, it has serious health consequences,” said Professor Alan Lopez to ABC News.

According to reports on stateofobesity.org, 33 percent of adults whose yearly income is less than $15,000 can be classified as obese. Raising the prices of foods with low nutritional benefits may promote low-income families to develop healthier lifestyles. As healthier food is purchased, the obesity rate in the United States of America will decrease, ultimately leading to a healthier society. Also, according to nytimes. com, a national tax on sweetened drinks could create a $13 billion income and cut consumption of these drinks by 24 percent. In the upcoming decade, 400,000 cases of diabetes can also be avoided if a 20 percent increase in the price of sugar-ridden drinks is implemented. The increase in price would result in $30 billion saved on the medical treatments of problems accompanying obesity.

Industrially-produced foods often contain immense amounts of sugar, salt and other various chemicals. Ingestion of these chemicals raises the risks for obesity, heart disease, stroke, musculoskeletal diseases, diabetes and cancer. These health hazards are highly dangerous to one’s health,

higher than those of normal weight. However, if weight can be controlled and maintained without the need of dietary restrictions or other weight loss solutions, health costs will become far more affordable for families across the nation.

Of the seven billion people in the world, roughly three billion are overweight or obese. America is accountable for 78.6 million

asset, especially for those who struggle academically, but the exclusivity of these tutors rewards only the more affluent. A guide book will simply never be as effective as learning from someone with first-hand knowledge of the tests, but those who cannot afford tutoring are left with fewer options.

Not only do the SAT and ACT require a fair amount of investment, but students interested in taking an AP test must also pay a fee. AP exams, which reward college credit for passing grades, are extremely difficult and fairly pricey. Failing the test, however, means that the student cannot receive credit for the course or a refund for the test. A high score on an AP exam can play a role in where he or she goes to college, whether he or she is eligible for scholarship and the number of opportunities available in the future.

AP classes look very good on college applications, but unfortunately, paying for a test simply may not be an option for many families. This excludes a percentage of students from taking an advanced class and proving their skills to college admissions.

“I’m taking the SAT, and I hate that I have to pay so much for it when it’s something that’s required for me to get into college,” said junior Katie Romanovich.

Expensive tutoring and the costs of tests are not the only financial obstacles in the way of a student’s success. Tuition fees for private schools are often too high for families to even consider. With community college as the only option, those who can afford the best education are unfortunately given the most opportunities for success in the future.

The education system must not reward affluent students more educational opportunities at the expense of those who do not have the means to pay for tutoring, tests or tuition. Doing so only means those who are not well-off are destined to be on the losing end. The Free Community College Plan proposed by President Barack Obama in his recent State of the Union address offers struggling families an alternative option. Affordable education is necessary for an intelligent, involved and safe population, and this proposition would allow two years of free community college for those who could otherwise not afford to attend college. Affordable education is necessary for an intelligent and involved population, and it would be truely ideal if schools should offer a free course or after school class should be implemented to give a hand to those who could accomplish so much more if only they had the opportunity. •

Standardized tests and entrance exams promote cycle of classism

By Laura Myerly Staff Writer

Dan Siman-Tov/Photographer

and excess weight can hinder one’s ability to handle these diseases efficiently. The New York Times recently stated that obesity numbers in American children have tripled in the past 30 years.

The estimated medical costs of obesity treatment in 2008 was $147 billion, and according to stateofobesity.org, the general medical bills for individual obese patients was on average $1,429

For many students, the stress of junior year is exacerbated by preparation for the ACT, SAT and various Advanced Placement tests. A student’s success on these standardized tests is vital to college admissions, and a good score can easily boost one’s chances of getting into a particular school.

There are numerous tutoring programs specifically designed to assist students in preparing for these exams, but the hefty prices of the programs give an unfair advantage to those who can afford the expenses. Each AP exam costs $91, each SAT costs $52.50 and each ACT costs $101.50. Not only do tutoring programs worsen the issue of unequal opportunities for students, but the additional fees can be extremely expensive for families who already face a lifetime of debt due to college expenses.

Many tutoring programs take advantage of students’ high demand for professional help. According to Fox Business, prices for a single tutoring session often start at $150—an astronomical expense for those already in tight financial situations. Both the SAT and ACT follow specific formulas which have been “decoded” by tutoring companies. Professional tutors can be an immeasurable

of the world’s obese population.

Although the United States is becoming more aware of this situation’s severity, little is being done to actually solve the issue at hand.

But the attempt to battle obesity through junk food taxes has clearly already started to lower the world obesity rate. If this solution receives the necessary attention, the nation’s ongoing struggle with obesity may be conquered. •

Photos courtesy of Google Images

Features

6

Learn how senior Pineapple and sophomore Waffles coined their unique nicknames and exhibit their individual personas

Some students who are not satisfied going by their given name turn to unique nicknames. See how senior Dylan Brooke and sophomore Erame Okojie make themselves unforgetabble by going by fun, fresh titles.

Pineapple

Dan Siman-Tov/ Photographer

By Reni De La Nuez Staff Writer

As fun and memorable as any nickname can be, some are far more unique and interesting than others. An execptionally quirky nickname at CHS is Pineapple, which senior Dylan Brooke has been going by since he was a freshman.

“When I lived in Utah in ninth grade, I was in my drama class for the first time, and when the teacher got to my name I rose my hand and said the first thing that popped into my head, which was pineapple,” said Brooke. “I made friends in that class who decided to call me Pineapple and the nickname spread and stuck.”

Brooke explains that he prefers using the nickname instead of his given name, regardless of what his family might think about it. Although not everyone approves of his title, he has come to love his nickname.

“All my teachers call me Pineapple and I even turn in my assignments using it,” said Brooke. “I prefer everyone call me Pineapple; it is what I go by.”

Some hesitate to refer to Brooke as Pineapple, but he is often told by friends that the name fits him well, and he is rarely called Dylan. After high school, he may go by his real name, but for now, the one-of-a-kind and unique ‘Pineapple’ suits him perfectly.

“The best part of having a nickname is that it adds a little bit of fun to everyday life,” said Brooke. “But I can’t even tell you how confusing it is in the produce section at grocery stores.”

With that, Brooke does not wish to go by anything else. He does not care what other people think of his name, and he hopes to continue his high school career with the title he has grown to love. •

Many people are born with unique names, but few have funny, alternative nicknames that are more popular than their real ones.

Sophomore Erame Okojie, more commonly known as Waffles, has been going by his nickname for six years after he was referred to as Waffles by friends on his basketball team. The name quickly became popualar and carried on into high school.

“I was on a basketball team and randomly I said, ‘My Grandma makes good waffles,’” said Okojie. “Then everyone started calling me Waffles.”

Although he admits that his parents find the nickname silly and immature, Okojie loves his name. He explains that although he may abandon the nickname after high school, he enjoys the fact that the name makes him unique and gives him a trademark.

“The best part about my nickname is that it is cool and I don’t have a popular name that other people have,” said Okojie. “The worst part is that my name is a breakfast food.”

Ironically, the quirky Okojie hardly eats waffles, but that does not make him like his nickname any less. Although many people make fun of his name, he shows no hostility since he knows people are just jealous. And despite the controversy, Okojie prefers his nickname.

“If I had to change my nickname to anything it would probably be pancakes,” said Okojie. “I mean, who doesn’t like pancakes?”

Regardless of what breakfast food he is named after, Okojie has truly embraced the spirit of having a fun and unique nickname that will forever be a part of his life. •

Photos courtesty of Mina Aziz and Chelsea Argue/Photo Editor

Mina Aziz creates delectable designs with her original jewelry company Mini Delights

By Grace Papish Staff Writer

Since freshman year, senior Mina Aziz has been actively executing the phrase “you are what you eat.” Aziz is the owner and sole employee of Mini Delights, an online business selling unique, homemade, food-shaped jewelry. With over 900 likes on Facebook and an online shop on etsy.com, Aziz has found success by combining her quirky personality, creativity and passion for delicious treats.

Using materials such as polymer clay and chalk pastels, Aziz has a knack for making adorable charms. She discovered her passion for making food-shaped jewelry on accident. After unsuccessfully attempting to make a clay cat, she decided to create a little cupcake instead. Aziz instantly became fascinated by the concept.

“I thought it was really fun, so I started making more food that I usually like to eat,” said Aziz. “Food is fun so why not wear it?”

After selling her jewelry at local exhibitions for handmade items, Aziz decided to open her own online jewelry store on Etsy during sophomore year. She hoped that by selling her jewelry online, she would be able to diversify and spread her clientele. Now shipping Mini Delights to 25 different states, Aziz can testify to the pressures of being a small business owner.

“The pressure of keeping up with your shop and making sure people know about you is definitely prominent,” said Aziz.

Even with these challenges, Aziz is not only dedicated to exceeding the expectations of her clients, but is also devoted to using her talents for philanthropic purposes. This year, Aziz started a line of Mini Delights called “Jewelry For Purpose.” Due to her experiences in third world countries, Aziz will donate all of the proceeds from this line to Watsi, an organization that provides funds to health care centers around the world.

“I have been to third world countries and I know that the health care they have there is not sufficient to support anyone,” said Aziz. “I’ve wanted to make this line for a long time so I can contribute to society.”

Aziz’s strong work ethic and original approach led to her well-deserved success with Mini Delights. With her innovative jewelry and line of charitable charms, Aziz is making the world a better place, one “mini delight” at a time. To see and purchase some of Aziz’s designs, visit https://www.etsy.com/shop/TheMiniDelights and like the Mini Delights page on Facebook. •

Waffles

Harris Federman/ Photographer

Features The Calabasas Courier

7

Meet the cast and crew members of CHS’ “Funny Girl”

2014-2015 Staff Adviser: Patti Harris Editor-in-Chief: Cydney Hayes Director of Education: Madison Hatfield Copy Editor: Arezu Maghsoudi News Editors: Sami Delavari, Ambika Vartak Opinion Editors: Carly Berke, Ella Morner-Ritt Features Editors: Sophie Barnes, Daria Gershkovitch Entertainment Editors: Avery Columbus, Allison Lipschitz Marketing Directors: Sofie Agurrie, Sheera Nadjar, Austin Shakiban Online Editor: Danielle Padilla Photo Editor: Chelsea Argue Photographers: Harris Federman, Benny Goodman, Dan Siman-Tov Design Director: Carin Numa Assistant Design Director: Kamila Weiss Staff Writers: Paige Chestnut, Reni De La Nuez, Noah Fortson, Bailey Greenberg, Danielle Klinenberg, Hannah Lederman, Laura Myerly, Grace Papish, Jillian Punwar, Jackie Sedley, Syra Taub, Jordan Van Vranken, Madison Young

Sebastian Guerrero

Ella Levy

By Jackie Sedley Staff Writer

By Syra Taub Staff Writer

As senior Sebastian Guerrero awaits the publication of the “Funny Girl” cast list online, he loses track of how many times he has refreshed the Calabasas Theater web page. As the website is finally updated, his heartbeat increases and his head begins to spin. Despite his extreme nerves, Guerrero eagerly skims the page to see his name listed next to the male lead role, Nick Arnstein. As screams begin to fill the air, he feels a wave of satisfaction and sheer joy rush over his body.

Born into a family of musicians, Guerrero has always been drawn to music, singing and acting. When he discovered musical theater, he

was ecstatic that he had found a way to incorporate each of them.

“The idea of having an art form that combines both of [my] passions, music and acting, was what initially sparked my interest in musical theater,” said Guerrero.

Considering this is his last production, he has been struck by the nostalgia that many seniors come across. Although he has auditioned for every CHS production since his sophomore year, Guerrero felt inclined to audition for “Funny Girl” due to the sincerity and honesty that “Funny Girl” omits.

Dan Siman-Tov/ Photographer “I was compelled to audition for Funny Girl because I love how genuine the show is,” said Guerrero.

Although starring in the school musical is very time consuming, he loves and appreciates the work and company of his fellow cast mates.

“My favorite part about rehearsing for the play thus far has 100 percent been flirting with [my co-star] Lily Lester,” said Guerrero.

As an appreciator of the arts, Guerrero will never cease to enjoy the theatrical opportunities offered to him and plans to proceed into a career involving his passion for performaning where he will forever be able to express his talents. •

The actors walk off stage, the curtains close and senior Ella Levy celebrates backstage after another successful performance put on by both the performers and the crew. Levy has worked backstage as stage manager, projections operator or lights and sound manager for nearly every main-stage production since her freshman year.

“When I toured CHS, they mentioned the upcoming stagecraft class, and that’s what made me want to join the school,” said Levy.

“Musicals and plays are so beautiful and they really transport the audience into another world. It always seemed so amazing to be able to be a part of that.”

Since she was young, Levy has found stage crew intriguing.

Infatuated with the idea of joining a stage crew herself, Levy immediately signed up to be a part of the theater program when she got to high school.

“My favorite part about being on crew is building a family with the other crew members,” said Levy. “I also love seeing all the hard work turn into something amazing.”

Levy is currently on the crew for the upcoming CHS musical, Benny Goodman/ Photographer “Funny Girl”, as the master carpenter. Although her career on Tech Crew is slowly drawing to an end, Levy has learned endless techniques that she will carry with her throughout her life.

“As a crew member, your hard work tends to go unrecognized,” said Levy. “It teaches me that we don’t have to look to other people for affirmation about how great of a job we did.”

In the future, Levy hopes to go into technical theater. However, her most important goal for the future is to carry her newfound pride and self-reliance with her in whichever career she chooses. •

See how these students balance school and a part-time job

Benny Goodman/ Photographer

Chelsea Argue/ Photo Editor

Benny Goodman/ Photographer

Ella Queen

Ford Jones

Julie Selivanov

As she steps into the healthy, safe haven of Sunlife Organics, senior Ella Queen prepares for another day of work. Over the course of a year, her job at Sunlife has become second nature to her, and she could not be happier.

Queen first became interested in working at Sunlife after experiencing the welcoming atmosphere of the eatery. She spends between 20 to 30 hours a week making smoothies and acaí bowls for customers and enjoys every minute of it.

“I fell in love with the message that the company sends to its workers and to the community,” said Queen. “The people that welcome you, the conversations you have, and the healthy food you eat or learn about are all part of the experience that makes Sunlife unique.”

Having a job has taught Queen the value of good work ethic and has allowed her to understand that she will need to make sacrifices.

“It makes me appreciate my free time,” said Queen. “I’ve learned so much about professionalism which will help me throughout my life.”

Even though Queen’s job may sometimes take away from her social life, she loves the different challenges that she faces every time she puts on her apron to start her shift. Her job has been a blessing and will continue to be a key ingredient to her success in the future. •

For some high school students, balancing a rigorous work load while working a part-time job can be tough. However, junior Ford Jones is able to tackle this challenging task at his job at Vans Footwear.

When Jones first applied to work at Vans Footwear, he was happy to find that the atmosphere differed from his previously mundane job.

However, he had difficulty getting used to the craziness of the store. He has now adjusted to the regular flow of the bustling shop and loves every minute he spends working.

“During the holidays it was really hard to keep my composure,” said Jones. “But over time I adjusted and now I don’t even break a sweat.”

Since starting his job, Jones has gained insightful knowledge that will benefit him throughout the course of his career. Working with others has taught Jones how to act in a professional environment while bonding with others.

“All my co-workers are awesome,” said Jones. “We all relate to each other.”

Jones hopes to use the money he saves up from Vans to reach his ultimate life goal of working in the music industry. Although retail is not his passion, he will never forget the knowledge and experience he has gained from his job at Vans Footwear. •

The aroma of roasting coffee beans wafts through the air as customer after customer places their favorite order. For many Calabasas students, Starbucks is a safe haven for caffeine junkies, but for senior Julie Selivanov, it is her office.

While Starbucks has given Selivanov the chance to learn challenging barista techniques and receive medical and dental insurance, it has also taught her how to be productive and time-efficient.

“It is hard to balance both my academic and my professional life,” said Selivanov. “My advice to other students with jobs is to ask for time off to finish homework.”

Selivanov’s dedication shows how much she loves her job, even though it can pose challenges, such as perfecting orders and spelling names right.

“Working at Starbucks has been awesome,” said Selivanov. “And my co-workers have become my second family.”

Although she enjoys Starbucks, her dream job lies beyond the barista counter. Selivanov hopes to become a pediatric oncologist or a reconstructive surgeon. No matter which career path she chooses, there is no doubt that Selivanov will find something that suits her. And she can make a mean latte, too! •

By Danielle Klinenberg Staff Writer

By Jillian Punwar Staff Writer

By Jordan Van Vranken Staff Writer

Entertainment

8

Ebaes expertly blends pop culture and traditional Japanese cuisine into a fine L.A. dining experience

By Grace Papish Staff Writer

Photo courtesy of Google Images

The blinding brightness of a typical March day in Southern Calif. contrasts greatly with Ebaes’ glossy, dark wooden exterior, giving the hotspot an ominous appearance. Fortunately, a welcoming chalkboard saying “Come on in, we’re open!” in bright colors makes the restaurant more inviting.

Inside, the communal table in the center, the bar to the right and the individual tables and chairs to the left all contribute to the restaurant’s unique layout. White Japanese lanterns with ornate decorations hang from the ceiling and another bouquet of colorful lanterns illuminate the dimly-lit space. A sprawling mural fills the front wall, exhibiting a mix of various anime creatures, including Hello Kitty, cultural symbols of Japan such as the cherry blossom, and even a cartoon man trying to hit on the girl across the bar. R&B-style Japanese dance music also plays from the speakers, keeping consistent with the restaurant’s fusion theme.

The friendly attitude of Ebaes’ fedora-toting staff reflects the whimsical atmosphere of the eatery.

Ebaes regulars rave over the outstanding menu. Many choose to initiate their meals with a Thai-iced tea, a spiced, creamy beverage presented in a mason jar sporting cute sayings such as “me gustas tu…” and “diva.” Customer favorites include the seared salmon roll, California roll and the Original Ebaes Ramen.

The Original Ramen, notably made with coconut milk, incorporates a dynamic blend of tangy and spicy flavors. The shrimp, the mushrooms and the noodles add a chewy texture, perfectly complimenting the potent broth. A zesty Ponzu sauce wonderfully counters the smokiness of the salmon roll, and the California roll integrates various textures without flaw.

At the bar area, you can find a red box filled with multi-colored, multi-patterned strips of folded paper, otherwise known to various Yelp-users as the “Wishing Box.” Those who desire to make a wish write one down within the folded paper, and then tie it onto burlap strings dangling from the ceiling. Ebaes also possesses a quirky selfie-kit, filled with goofy props. However, one of the most amusing features of the restaurant unassumingly lies within the girl’s restroom, which to some customers, could otherwise be referred to as a magical fantasyland. To the amusement of Ebaes’ younger visitors, one of the bathroom stalls is decorated with illustrations of Hello-Kitty, and to the amusement of their moms and older sisters, the larger stall is decorated top-to-bottom with life-size pictures of Zac Efron and Channing Tatum.

To the surprise of many customers, the restaurant is named Ebaes after the owner Eric Bae, with no connection to the “bae” phenomenon. Still, the restaurant receives a lot of business on Valentines’ Day. Despite the drive between suburban Calabasas and this downtown hotspot, Ebaes is an electrically vivacious and delicious restaurant, perfect for celebrations or for just grabbing a quick bite to eat with your “bae.” • 2314 South Union Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90007

Photos by Grace Papish/Staff Writer

Take a look at how women are taking the spotlight from men in the media

By Laura Myerly Staff Writer There is no doubt that men seem to have a monopoly on strong, action-oriented roles in the media, but recent comic books and movie productions in the making are giving women their time in the spotlight.

With recent focus on feminism in social issues, girl power is finally starting to take hold, and the results are interesting new characters that defy expectations and are kicking butt and taking names.

Female Thor

On Oct. 1, Marvel debuted a controversial new take on a classic superhero: Thor, the God of Thunder, portrayed by a woman. Writer Jason Aaron and comic book artist Russell Dauterman decided to relaunch the old comic with a new twist, turning hero into heroine and proving that girls can be just as tough as boys. Marvel executive editor Tom Brevoort is optimistic about the character’s introduction to the world and is confident in the latest super-heroine.

“She’s going to be Thor,” says Brevoort to USA Today, “as powerful and strong as the previous God and embodying the same sort of nobility we think of as being Thor.”

Aaron also promises a battle between old hero versus new, in which the male Thor confronts female Thor after hearing that she is wielding his beloved hammer, Mjolnir. In Aaron’s preceding Thor-centered series, “Thor: God of Thunder,” the majority of supporting characters in the comic were women. Aaron considers this latest development only natural in the progression of the world Asgard, now renamed Asgardia, and he believes that having a Goddess of Thunder will add a new dimension to the comics previously unseen. Although the decision to create a female counterpart to the beloved classic hero has been met with mixed responses, Marvel is confident that this new version will ultimately change the dynamics of comics for the better. •

Female Ghostbusters Women are taking the stage again as Paul Feig, director of the beloved Ghostbusters franchise, announced on Jan. 27 the cast for a new, all-female version of “Ghostbusters.” The original movies have gathered quite a cult following since the first movie’s debut in 1984, and news of a comedic reboot has fans on the edge of their seats in anticipation. The original franchise starred Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd and Harold Ramis as wacky parapsychologists who founded a “ghost-busting” business amid the hustle and bustle of New York City. Wildly popular, the film spawned sequel “Ghostbusters II” and copious additional Ghostbusters merchandise, including comic books, video games, a television series and even a theme park.

Feig announced the female-version cast via an article in The Hollywood Reporter and an ambiguous tweet featuring only the photographs of four famous actresses. The cast is set to include Melissa McCarthy, Kristen Wiig, Leslie Jones and Kate McKinnon, with original stars Murray, Aykroyd and Ramis agreeing to reprise their roles in the reboot. There has even been speculation that Jennifer Lawrence may make an appearance in the highly anticipated film, which will be released on July 22, 2016. The switch from the all-male cast of the 1984 film to this predominantly female cast is a breath of fresh air for anyone looking to see more comedic movies starring women. •

A-Force

Marvel once again takes the lead in combating sexism in the genre of superheroes after announcing a new comic by the name of “A-Force,” another take on Marvel’s male-dominant “Avengers” superhero team.

The original Avengers were first featured in 1963 comic books by the same name, and have since gone on to appear in a movie adaptation and television series. The first Avengers team was a mash-up of many long-time fan favorites who started out in their own comics, including the Hulk, Iron Man, the Black Widow, Hawkeye, Captain America and Thor. Now that Marvel has squeezed every penny out of the immensely successful 2012 film, the comic’s publisher is proud to announce their similar yet drastically different new Avengers in the form of A-Force.

Since the original Avengers disbanded in the “Secret Wars,” A-Force has come to take its place in the form of superheroines SheHulk, Dazzler, Medusa, Nico Minoru and a brand new character by the name of Singularity. These new characters will represent the burgeoning force of powerful women who fend for themselves in the fight of good versus evil, and hopefully provide girls with some superheroes they can more easily relate to. The announcement of the assembly of A-Force has been met with generally positive feedback, especially from comic book fans hungry for strong female characters in the supremely male-dominated world of superheroes. •

Entertainment

9

March Madness, “Literarily”

Check out the show that has everyone roaring with laughter: Two-Headed Beast

Come to L.A. to watch literature lovers battle it out at The Literary Death Match

By Reni De La Nuez Staff Writer

By Madison Young Staff Writer

There are few places that can balance the comfort of a quaint, casual café and an exciting show like at Central Perk in “Friends,” but at Stories Books and Café, the Two-Headed Beast event does just that. On the first Saturday of every month, comedians are invited to spend an hour and a half on the stage on the back patio of the restaurant to share stories with guests eating at the Café. The informal, comfortable setting creates a night that feels less like viewing a performance and more like spending time with a comedic buddy.

At Stories Books and Café, new and used books of all genres line the walls on wooden bookshelves. Hiding in the back of the store is a quiet café that offers all-day breakfast including scrambled eggs with fresh goat cheese and basil and a breakfast burrito, as well as lunch and dinner meals such as spicy mac n’ cheese with spinach salad. All options are delicious and great to chomp on while listening to some crazy tales from hilarious performers.

“When I first went to Stories Books and Café with my friends, I was just hoping the food would be good,” said sophomore Maureen Rayburn. “But not only was my dinner delicious, the experience truly exceeded all my expectations.”

At each show, different comedians come to share stories in the relaxed environment of the store. Although the performers alternate each month, they consistently bring good jokes, interesting stories and positive energy to the patio, encouraging locals to come back frequently for more shows. So, when you are looking for a good meal and a good time, the Two-Headed Beast show at Stories Books and Café is the place to go. •

Getting knocked around from every side, people stand on their toes and get elbowed in the ribs just to get a glimpse of the fight. What is this skirmish that has people forgetting their manners and keeping as quiet as possible? The madness is The Literary Death Match, a dangerously intriguing competition that can make or break even the best writers. The action-packed extravaganza takes place once a year in various locations throughout the world, including Los Angeles. This splendid event has been going on for nine years and is a one-of-a-kind experience in which everyone sits with bated breath in anticipation of what will happen next.

During the LDM, four writers read their own work in seven minutes or less, reading clearly so the judges have very little to critique. Well-known figures in the world of literature then judge each writer’s work. The judges then select who they believe were the two best competitors to compete in the finale. For the finale, the finalists play a rousing literary game to help decide who will be the ultimate champion.

“The Literary Death Match is something I would like to attend,” said sophomore Chris Robles, “I think it would be a great experience and a fun day.”

The Literary Death Match is a very valuable experience for all who are interested in the written word. The LDM caters to many people such as those who enjoy drama, action or simply a good tale, and people rave that it is one of the best experiences of their lives. This thrilling event only comes to town annually, so be sure not to miss the most dangerous literature event of the year, The Literary Death Match, each March. •

1716 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90026

Largo at the Coronet, 366 N. La Cienega Blvd., Los Angeles

Photos courtesy of Google Images

Make your life easier with these life-hacks: Calabasas Edition

By Hannah Lederman Staff Writer

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Apply clear nail polish to jewelry to keep it from changing colors and to keep your skin green-free.

Keep dryer sheets available at all times to remove unfortunate deodorant stains.

Chewing gum generally makes you concentrate better, so be sure to stock up on that Extra Polar Ice. Concerned about people finding out “Bridal Plasty” is a secret pleasure?

Make more than one profile on Netflix and delete the profile after watching.

Put pool noodles in those brand new Steve Madden boots to keep them standing up straight.

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Want to flaunt your designer shoes in the rain? Use beeswax to waterproof them.

Tired of bad lighting in selfies? Face the light source instead of having your back to it.

Blisters are an inevitable outcome of hiking in Malibu; duct tape them to avoid pain.

Iced tea is watered down at Starbucks, so ask for no water when ordering your favorite tea.

Put your iPhone on airplane mode when charging to get a full battery even faster.

Stop watching CSI and jump into a real life mystery at Escape Room L.A.

By Bailey Greenberg Staff Writer Imagine entering a strange room with 11 other people. Suddenly, you hear the door click shut and lock behind you. A clock begins to tick, counting down the hour you have to solve a case and find your way out. Ready to escape?

Luckily, for all of you interested in solving mysteries, Escape Room L.A. is waiting on your arrival. Escape Room is a new interactive adventure race in which you and your team struggle to solve challenging puzzles and

riddles, identify suspects and find hidden keys to escape the jail-like room before the timer runs out.

Prior to entering the room, the Escape Room staff will review the rules and then take your team into the room and lock the door for one hour. Your objective is to solve all of the puzzles in one hour and escape, but, if you fail, the employees will come and rescue you. The current rooms located at Escape Room L.A. are “The Detective” and “The Cavern.” “The Detective” features a

1940s detective’s office. Some clues that must be solved are reasonably easy but others will require deep thought. Do not let this intimidate you, because no special skills are required to attempt this challenge; as long as you work collaboratively with your team you are headed toward success. “The Cavern” is another room that descends into a mysterious cavern deep under the city streets where you will discover the secrets of lost civilization until an unexpected turn of events

has you fighting to survive as you search for a way to escape.

“Escape Room L.A. sounds like it would be extremely fun with a group of friends,” said junior Katerina Hall. “I feel as if I would get a crazy amount of anxiety also.”

One tip to help you make it out in the allotted hour is to make sure to look for clues around the room. Also, stay away from the grotesque zombie in “The Detective” room because he is hungry and willing to eat you.

He is chained to a wall and if he touches you, you will have to sit down and be exempt from the rest of the game. If and when your team solves its way through this challenging puzzle, the team will be featured in the Escape Room Hall of Fame. Make sure to put on some detective gear and check out Southern Calif.’s most mysterious attraction for a mind-boggling good time. • 120 E. Street, Suite 310 & 311 in Downtown Los Angeles

Sports

10

The anticipated March Madness is here

By Noah Fortson Staff Writer In the world of sports, summer belongs to the Stanley Cup Finals, fall to the World Series and winter to the Super Bowl. But the spring belongs to the 17-day long, 68-team March Madness tournament. For 77 years, only the finest of collegiate basketball teams have battled their way to the iconic Final Four. This year, powerhouses like Kansas University, Duke University and the undefeated University of Kentucky are prepared to dominate.

Millions of brackets and hearts will be broken as the emotional journey is sure to captivate every player, coach and fan.

Kansas is ranked ninth in the country and has secured a sturdy record of 24-7. Junior forward Perry Ellis leads the Jayhawks in both rebounding (7 per game) and scoring (14 points per game).

KU’s well-balanced, professional style of play keeps it in the race for another title.

Led by arguably the greatest coach in all of sports, Mike Krzyzewski, Duke will stop at nothing to capture its fifth National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) championship. Six foot 11 inch freshman sensation, Jahlil Okafor, leads the Blue Devils averaging 18 points and nine rebounds per game. Duke sits comfortably ranked second in the nation with an overall record of 28-3.

Kentucky, the country’s superpower, is ranked first in the polls unanimously. With a record of 31-0, the Wildcats are the favored champions by the majority of the public. Kentucky has made the Final Four three of the last four years and lost to Connecticut

in the 2014 finals. Twin brothers Andrew and Aaron Harrison returned to Kentucky after a successful run last year and use their crafty play making and hard-nose defense to lead their well-rounded team.

The spontaneity of upsets can strike any team at any moment. Overrated teams, also called sleeping giants, are generally hard to determine. However, many silent schools definitely have a chance to sneak past such complacent teams.

Iowa State University (22-8), ranked 13 in the polls, has tremendous size and flexibility that make it a tough team on both ends of the floor. Coach Fred Hoiberg has guided the Cyclones to the tournament for the fourth consecutive year with his balanced offensive-minded and strict defensive-minded approach to the game. ISU is more of a teamwork-oriented team that benefits from six players scoring in double figures. Among all schools, ISU ranks eighth in assists per game (16.8), ninth in points per game (79.3), and twelfth in field goal percentage (48.5 percent).

Brigham Young University (25-9) is unranked but could certainly rise to the occasion if it was to make the tournament.

BYU proved to be a formidable opponent in several close losses to ranked teams this season.

However, on Feb. 28, the Cougars stunned the number three Gonzaga University Bulldogs on the road for its sixth consecutive win.

BYU ranks sixteenth in the country in rebounds per game (38.4), fifth in assists per game (17) and, incredibly, is second in scoring per game (83.8). Senior guard Tyler Haws is the third highest scorer in the nation, averaging 22.1 points per game. Along with

Boys varsity basketball season comes to an end

By Jordan Van Vranken Staff Writer The CHS Varsity Boys Basketball team’s season came to a close on Feb. 27, with a loss to Village Christian High School, ending its playoff run. The team made it to the third round of the playoffs in the California Interscholastic Federation Southern Section Division 1AA quarterfinals. It did so by executing upsets against Highland High School on the road on Feb. 20 and Renaissance Academy at home on Feb. 24. The team made the playoffs after completing its regular season with a record of 16-12.

The last game was a nail-biter. Village Christian was up by only four points at halftime, and the Coyotes took back the lead in the third quarter. But Village Christian ultimately pulled away in the fourth quarter, finishing with a seven-point run and the win. The final score was 56-45 and CHS’ final record was 18-13.

“We had a good stretch during the playoffs, which was very important to us because of how rough our league record turned out,” said senior guard Conner Longmire. “Winning against two good teams in the playoffs was a great feeling for us.”

For the seniors on the team, like Longmire, this loss signified the last competitive basketball game of their high school careers, but for others on the team this is just the beginning and merely a stepping-stone in a long journey. As the playoff hype dies down and the team transitions into the offseason, the underclassmen, under the leadership of Coach Palarz, will undoubtedly begin to prepare for the challenges that next season may bring. •

Haws, BYU has three additional players averaging point totals in the teens. Experience and prolific scoring bode well for this team should it make the tournament.

Davidson College, champion of the Atlantic 10 Conference (A10) and twenty-fourth seed in the country, has turned many heads this year. After Davidson decided to join the A-10 Conference at the start of this season, many skeptics thought it would stand little chance competing against stronger colleges. However, the Wildcats responded in vicious manner, tearing apart A-10 teams who had overlooked its potential.

Davidson’s lineup is headlining two 16 point-per-game scorers, senior shooting guard Tyler Kalinoski and sophomore point guard Jack Gibbs. The Wildcats keen offensive attack averages 80.6 points per game (fourth best in the country) and 17.4 assists per game (third best in the country).

Davidson’s up-tempo yet efficient pace makes it a threat to overconfident opponents.

Anticipation is in the air and the 2015 NCAA tournament will certainly be thrilling. The official announcement of the tournament bracket will be released this Sunday, March 15. This is the season of buzzer beaters and celebrations, upsets and uprisings, net cutting and trophy rising. This is spring. This is March. Pick wisely and bring on the Madness. •

Getting the perfect bracket

Below are a few of the things that are more likely to happen than getting the perfect bracket for March Madness.

The likelihood of being struck by lightning in the United States: 1 in 1,107,143 The likelihood of getting attacked by a shark: 1 in 11,500,000 The odds of winning the Powerball Grand Prize: 1 in 175,223,510 The odds of a perfect March Madness bracket: 1 in 9,223,372,036,854,775,808

Dodgers fans will face another season without televised games

By Carly Berke Opinion Editor

Not long ago, Los Angeles rejoiced as former owner Frank McCourt sold the L.A. Dodgers to the Guggenheim Partners, a group of men including former L.A. Laker Magic Johnson and former baseball executive Stan Kasten. But the hope for the future of the Dodgers organization has started to diminish. As winter melts away and spring brings back America’s favorite pasttime, the prospect of another season in which 70 percent of L.A. is blacked out from games is becoming increasingly apparent.

After the Guggenheim Partners broke records by purchasing the team for $2.15 billion dollars, they realized they needed to find a quick solution to make up for their expenditures. The Dodgers subsequently sold broadcasting rights to Time Warner Cable (TWC), an American Internet service provider, for $8.3 billion. In early 2014, TWC launched SportsNet LA, a television channel that exclusively broadcasts Dodgers programming. Though the introduction of a Dodgers channel aroused excitement, it quickly created problems as the 2014 season approached. Because TWC attempted to resell the broadcasting rights to other Internet service providers at exorbitant prices, companies such as DIRECTV, AT&T, Dish Network, Charter and others refused to pay TWC. Dodgers fans carrying any of these companies could no longer find games through the Fox Sports’ channel Primeticket or broadcast channel KCAL 9. Only TWC carriers could access SportsNet LA and, subsequently, Dodgers games.

Though TWC and various cable companies were supposedly fixing on a deal during 2014, the 2015 opening day nears, and no resolution has been found nor is there much progress being made toward one.

This will leave 70 percent of L.A. in the dark for the second consecutive year. Although some Dodgers fans have switched their carrier to TWC, others are in a predicament. Some are unable to carry TWC simply because of where they are geographically located, while others cannot carry TWC due to financial situations.

But baseball is something that should be universally enjoyed, and to withhold the privilege of watching games from the public is utterly unfair and heartbreaking.

Another repercussion of this issue is the fans’ inability to listen to Vin Scully, the iconic play-byplay announcer. Scully, 87, has been with the Dodgers organization for 65 years, since the Brooklyn days, and has witnessed all of their triumphs and defeats. Legendary not only in the Dodgers community but also in all of baseball, Scully’s melodic voice and provision of timeless baseball stories are a key part of watching or listening to Dodgers games. But Scully is aging, and over the years he has slowly relinquished many of his responsibilities. He no longer travels with the team to other cities to call away games, and he renews his broadcasting contract on a season-by-season basis. Over the years, fans worries have usually been assuaged by mid-season when he announces he will return for the following year, but soon Scully’s time with the Dodgers will run out. It is tough for fans to sacrifice listening to him call what might be his last season.

Above all, the blackout reinforces the belief that baseball has become a game of commercial profit and there is little concern for the actual sport or its fans. The handsome salaries of players, the costly prices of tickets and food and the frequent exchange of beloved players between organizations all demonstrate the increasing avarice behind the game. For fans who devote time to their favorite teams, players and the sport of baseball itself, these recent events have been discouraging. Both the Dodgers and TWC care little for the burden they are imposing on the rest of L.A., and even enjoy the benefits of this quandary. The only option for fans is to sit back and sadly watch. Except most of them cannot watch because they do not have TWC. •

Sports

11 Wacky Mascots

By Reni De La Nuez Staff Writer

CHS lacrosse shares what it means to be a true LAX Bro

Chelsea Argue/Photo Editor

By Noah Fortson Staff Writer With the blooming of flowers and the arrival of the spring sports season comes the return of one of the most beloved teams on campus--the bold and spirited CHS lacrosse team. Senior captains Jack Korchek and Reed Hodder along with junior captains Skylar Gilmore and Griffin Gordon prepare to lead the LAX Bros to victory. However, the identity of the team is not simply based on winning games but something much deeper. Very few understand what it takes to be a Lax Bro. Co-captain Gordon has a concrete goal set for this year. After combating adversity in 2014, Gordon is determined to lead his fellow bros in a different direction. Finishing 6-11 last year, the LAX Bros aim to turn that record around in 2015 and go 11-6.

“We like to think of it as a new era of Calabasas Lacrosse, and we are starting it,” said Gordon. “It’s a new attitude, a new Calabasas lacrosse.”

The rejuvenated team bonds in its own unique way. The team stresses the fact that no member has an individual best friend.

Each player is as close to one another, and the group as a whole cares for each other equally.

The LAX Bros partake in many team rituals and activities off the field. While the LAX Bros are known for their calm and laid-back manner, they always stay loyal to the sport. Riding to games, the team sits in silence out of respect for the job that has to be done. A moment of zen before battle helps calm their nerves.

“The LAX Bros are an extremely sophisticated group of young men,” said junior Declan Graham. “We are kind, kindred folk, with a love for lacrosse.”

Together the CHS lacrosse team has defined what being a LAX Bro really means. Only a select few can meet the required criteria to live up to expectations.

“Being a LAX Bro isn’t just a title, it’s a lifestyle,” said senior Neil Villadolid. “Our lives revolve around boat shoes, short shorts and a loathing for baseball.”

The entire team agrees that its most important trademark is its glistening and natural hair--no gel, all flow. Additionally, team hoodies, Hawaiian shirts, cargo shorts and of course the famous LAX Bros tie-dye prove their swag is on a separate level.

Their unique personalities and friendships have made them iconic rockstars on campus.

However, stardom never boosts the egos of the party-going, lacrosse-loving family. The team rests upon a foundation of togetherness. Individuality is not a priority or a concern.

“If one of us falls we all fall,” said junior Mitchell Hoover. “Except for freshmen, we don’t like freshmen. Just joking. We all respect each other and always strive to make each other not just better lacrosse players, but better students and people.”

Team manager junior Milton Zerman explained the significance of being a LAX Bro the best.

“I believe that being able to call oneself a ‘LAX Bro’ is an honor higher than almost any other,” said Zerman. •

Although many teams would opt for a fierce animal as a mascot, University of California Santa Cruz has a certain loyalty to banana slugs. Sammy the Slug is a yellow slug famous for beating out Santa Cruz’s original mascot option, the sea lion.

In the eyes of the students, the slug represents a creature with no predators who is fun and fearless.

Sammy can be spotted walking around campus with fans constantly swarming him.

Philly Phanatic was created by Dennis Lehman, the Philadelphia Phillie’s former Director of Marketing, to encourage families to come to Phillies’ baseball games. Famous for being extremely interactive with the audience, Philly Phanatic often walks around and teases the crowd, while also entertaining them by riding an ATV. He is easily spotted as a feathery green character wearing a white Phillies uniform.

Of all the college mascots, the Stanford Tree has a somewhat unique quality in the sense that it changes every year. Although typically a redwood, the responsibility of making the costume falls upon the student who plans on wearing it, which leaves room for creativity. This also means that the tree’s mannerisms and personality traits differ from year to year, which is exciting and refreshing for the extremely loyal fans.

The Syracuse University mascot, Otto the Orange, is far from fierce but quite unique and entertaining. This mascot was named by the school’s cheerleaders. Resembling a small tangerine with a little blue hat, this mascot can easily be described as cute and friendly, but he does a good job of representing the team’s enthusiasm and positive energy, whether he is dancing or simply skipping around. • Photos courtesy of Google Images

Junior Elias Gross takes a swing at competitive golf

By Bailey Greenberg Staff Writer

As he steps onto the cushioned, crisp grass, junior Elias Gross shoots a skilled ace. All game and no talk, he demonstrates expertise and strength and spends the majority of his time practicing to improve his golf game. Gross works his hardest to get closer to accomplishing his dreams of playing golf at the collegiate level.

Golf had always been a big part of Gross’ life, but he started to take it more seriously in middle school. He became so fond of the game because he loves the competitive aspect. Jack Nicklaus has always been one of Gross’ favorite professional golfers because of Nicklaus’ extraordinary game. Nicklaus is considered to be one of the best golfers of all time with 118 total victories and 10 Champions Tour wins. Gross finds Nicklaus so admirable because of his perseverance and many victories.

“Golf is not just about competing with others,” said Gross. “It is also about competing with yourself to better your game.”

The firmest part of Gross’ game is the so-called iron play and putting. Putting is a light golf stroke with the goal of getting the golf ball into the hole, while iron play is the ability to hit the ball with superior quality. He is currently working on becoming stronger in order to hit the ball farther. Gross’ preferred course to play at is Rustic Canyon Golf Club because it is affordable, enjoyable and challenging. Gross averages 29 putts per round and has been ranked the number one golfer on CHS varsity golf every year. As of this Feb., he shot 73-71 at the golf club in La Quinta, 72-72-72 at Centennial in an American Junior Golf Association tournament, came in third at Alisol Ranch and second at the Midwestern Invitational. Gross has more of an individual résumé rather than a high school resume because most of his statistics come from individual tournaments that he competes in outside of school.

Gross has taken the recruiting process very seriously since he started his sophomore year. He plans on playing golf in college and is currently in contact with coaches. Washington State University, Gonzaga University, University of Hartford and Northern Illinois University are all schools he foresees himself attending.

“Contacting colleges has been a rigorous process,” said Gross. “But the resulting factors that come with it makes every step of the way worth it.”

Gross hopes for a prosperous season for himself and CHS varsity golf, and he wants the team to make it to the postseason and then onto state individuals. He will continue to use his skills to the best of his ability and expand further. • Photo courtesy of Elias Gross

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