GLENDALE HIGH SCHOOL EXPLOSION VOL. 98, NO. 5 1440 E. BROADWAY, GLENDALE, CA 91205 FRIDAY, APRIL 18, 2014 Seniors celebrate sweep at 105th Oratorical
Photo courtesy of Stylus Senior Oratorical participants erupt with joy at the announcement that they had won the Spirit portion of the competition. Last year, the seniors won the com- The theme focused on the frst generation High had the honor of having a famous ac- BY LALA NIKOLA petitions for tableau, discipline, and spirit of children after their families immigrated tor as a judge. Henry Thomas, who played News Editor but the juniors ended up taking away their to America. William’s speech showed how the role of Elliot in E.T., was one of the This year, tensions grew on Feb. 28th hopes of a sweep by winning frst place for this generation should take in account for tableau judges. as Glendale High hoped the rain clouds their speech. This year’s seniors came back all the sacrifces that their parents made to To complete this year’s sweep, the would clear for the 105th annual Oratori- confdent they would take frst place in all help their children create a better future. senior class showed outstanding results in cal. categories and that is exactly what they The other class speakers: junior Sally their tableau, discipline and spirit. The entire week, every class had been did. Paik, sophomore Max King, and freshman Over the last four years, the class of chanting, disciplining, and preparing them- Michael Williams, senior speaker, per- Meri Yedigaryan, also did a great job with 2014 have awaited their day to leave their selves for what would seem like the longest fectly refected this year’s theme with his their speeches. It was a tight contest, but mark on Glendale High as one of the few hour in the school year. speech titled, “The Roots of Gratitude.” the seniors prevailed. This year, Glendale classes to sweep Oratorical. Drama shows Blithe Spirit his dead wives, Charles seeks help from BY ANDREA PATIÑO Madam Arcati. Madam Arcati realizes that Sports Editor the powers in play to materialize Charles’ dead wives was actually the work of, un- The GHS Harlequins presented Blithe knowingly, the maid Edith, played by Janin Spirit, a comedic English play by Noël Ser Stepanian. They fnally dematerialize Coward. The play was performed in Ye Charles’ dead wives. Madam Arcati then Little Theatre, and ran from Wednesday, advises Charles to leave the house. April. 2 to Saturday, April 5. Narineh Alexani said, “The play is ac- The play revolves around a socialite tually really funny, you just have to listen novelist named Charles, played by Mat- to the language. My role was pretty fun. thew Rayco, and his second wife Ruth, I was the town psychic so I got the crazy played by Clarissa Sie. Charles wants to costumes. It’s defnitely worth the time. write a novel about paranormal activity. To Rehearsal is where you make most of the gather information about it, he and his wife memories from the play. After the play call upon the help of the highly eccentric is fnished... that’s when it hits you that medium Madam Arcati, played by Narineh you’re done...” Alexani, to conduct a séance for them. On playing his role as Charles, Rayco They invite their friends Dr. and Mrs. said, “The experience was great. You could Photo Courtesy of Stylus Bradman, played by Dominic Scharrer and be part of a whole different world and be- The Pat Navolanic Memorial Award fnalists were chosen on April 2. Nareh Nazarians. At frst, it seems like the come a whole different person. Although They are: Michael Williams, Brenna Cancilla, Vard Sargsyan, and séance is a fop. But soon enough, Charles it’s over now, the show never really ends.” Yasmeen Syed. The winner will be announced on May 2. sees the ghost of his dead frst wife, Elvira, Drama teacher Mack Dugger said played by Arielle Davalos. She haunts him “I’m so proud of the kids. I think we did a for a while, trying to cause problems be- beautiful, and phenomenal job, it’s a shame Finalists picked for 49th PNMA tween Charles and Ruth, as well as mur- no one came to see it.” Society chose six semi-fnalists who der Charles, so that he may join her on the He also mentioned that the entire set BY JOSHUA BOTE exemplifed Navolanic’s excellence in other side. was designed and created by the cast and Entertainment Editor academics, athletics, leadership, and Elvira’s plan backfres when she ac- crew. “It was a tremendous amount of The most celebrated Glendale High community service. These semi-fnalists cidently kills Ruth instead. Ruth’s ghost work, the kids were here after school and tradition, the Pat Navolanic Memorial were then interviewed by a panel of club haunts Elvira. In an attempt to exorcise during weekends.” Award, is in its 49th year of commemo- presidents, class presidents, and sports ration. captains. These school leaders decided, The award, which celebrates the based on their applications and their in- INSIDE life and spirit of exemplary GHS alum- terviews, who the fnalists and possible nus Pat Navolanic, is considered by stu- winner of the PNMA would be. Glendale’s track & feld teams Battle dents and staff to be the highest honor “The Pat Navolanic Memorial for the Bowl against Hoover on available to students of Glendale High. Award is so special because it is con- Wednesday, April 23, at Hoover. The winner of this prestigious award nected to an extraordinary student,” said will receive a $2,500 scholarship and NHS advisor Holly Ciotti. “Navolanic See SPORTS Page 8 all fnalists will receive $500. had nothing less than A’s, had three var- The fnalists for this year’s Pat sity letters, was a student leader, and NEWS Pages 1-2 Navolanic Memorial Award are Mi- was a nice guy.” OPINION Page 3 chael Williams, Brenna Cancilla, Vard The assembly which will feature ENTERTAINMENT Pages 4-5 Sargsyan, and Yasmeen Syed. After honorary guests from the community, prospective PNMA applicants submit- will take place on Friday, May 2, at the PROM AD Page 6 ted an application, the National Honor John Wayne Performing Arts Center. SPORTS Pages 7-8 Friday, April 18, 2014 Glendale High School Explosion 2 NEWS Dance Drill has historic day at Nationals The last chance to see the amazing, award-winning drill team in action is tonight at 7. season with a total of six national titles: BY CLAIRE CORPUZ Staff Reporter frst place Large Dance Drill, frst place Coed Dance, frst place Championship The last opportunity to see the award- Small Military, frst place Champion- winning GHS Dance Drill team perform is ship Large Military, frst place Open tonight at the closing night of the annual Small Military, and frst place Large Drill Team Revue. The show starts at 7 All-Male. All-Male was a particularly p.m. in the John Wayne Performing Arts big win for the team because of their Center and costs $10. seven year losing streak since 2007, The competition squads have recently which has now been broken. returned from their most successful com- Along with the dancing aspect of petition season ever. Every year, the United the competition, there is also a segment Spirit Association hosts its national compe- of the day called Drill Down, where tition for both dance and cheer. For the past competitors are given specifc com- 16 years, the GHS drill team has entered mands to execute. Hundreds of contes- in this competition and has been fortunate tants enter the competition. If they make enough to earn at least one national title ev- a mistake, they salute on their honor and ery year since 1999. drop out of the competition. This con- This year, however, was the frst year tinues until only three athletes remain, in all of the United Spirit Association’s and then only one. history that a school has taken home fve The top three are named frst, sec- varsity national titles. At the national level, ond, and third national Drill Down schools are only allowed to enter fve of champions. This year, all three fnalists their many routines. This year, the GHS were from Glendale High. In third place drill team entered their Coed Dance, Large was freshman Alex Jurado, in second Dance-Drill, Medium All-Male Hip Hop, place was junior Monika Beuzet, and Championship Division Large Military, the 2014 national Drill Down champion and Championship Division Small Military. was junior Jason Te. They also entered both JV routines: Open This year was full of success and Photo Courtesy of Stylus Division Small Military and Small Dance- new records for the drill team. They The GHS Dance Drill Team collected six National championships at Drill. After two extremely long days of hope to defend all of their existing titles the USA Nationals on March 28-29 at the Anaheim Convention Center. practice, preliminaries, and performances, and maybe even compete for new ones Faith Garcia and Jeremiah Bernardino grab the hardware. the Glendale High Drill Team fnished their the upcoming season. Vocal music performs successful Unconcert zen’s “Let It Go,” Rebecca Chung, Abigail BY ANDREA PATINO Pajulas, and Hailey Cruz’s performance Sports Editor of Florence and the Machine’s “Shake It Out,” and Natalie Baroutgian’s take on This year’s Unconcert was held on Feist’s “1234” accompanied by Roanne Thursday, Feb. 13 and Friday, Feb. 14 at Molon on guitar. Around 200 tickets were 7 p.m., under the direction of Grace Shel- sold, and the amount of members in the au- don-Williams. The theme was Michael dience was pleasing. Jackson’s “Black or White.” Patrick Jose, co-president of choir, The performances were a collec- said, “I had the honor of leading an amaz- tion from all the Vocal Music Department ing group. I had to choose the right songs groups: Handbell Choir, Concert Glee, that would best ft the group. Everyone’s A Cappella Choir, and Chamber Choir. hard work in recording the songs and learn- Handbell Choir performed The Little Mer- ing the choreography paid off in the end. In maid’s “Kiss the Girl” and Jackson’s “Bil- my four years in choir, this was defnitely lie Jean.” the best Unconcert that was put together.” Concert Glee performed “Little Shop Assistant director Rebecca Chung of Horrors” and “Thriller.” A Cappella said, “Unconcert is by far one of the most seniors performed “We’re All in This To- fun performances that choir does, and it is gether” from High School Musical, and enjoyable to watch and be a part of.” Chamber Choir performed “And All That Director Sheldon-Williams said, “It Jazz” from the musical Chicago. was fabulous! The kids really worked hard Photo Courtesy of Stylus There were many solo performances, and bonded as a family. I think it was one Senior Roxanne Brown is front and center during “We’re All in This To- including Gasia Keourk’s rendition of Fro- of the best Unconcerts in recent memory.” gether” in the Vocal Music Department’s annual Unconcert. NEWS Salsa Night held on March 28 club members made this party a success. BY DANNY CHILINGIRIAN Staff Reporter “In spite of our issues with the decorations, IN BRIEF we had a fun night and made a proft,” said Every year, Spanish Club dedicates vice president Princess Austero. all of their time and effort into putting on “We all wanted to make it the best it • There is still time to make some last minute corrections to the fnal 80 yearbook a school dance. Salsa Night was held on could be, and we believe we did just that,” pages. Go to glendalehigh.com/yearbook-proofs.html to look at them. If you see an March 28 in the school’s north gym. Tick- added Villeraldo. error or omission, please let Pat Lancaster know at [email protected] as soon as ets were sold for $6 without ASB, and $5 It was the biggest event of the year possible. These pages are going in for fnal printing this Sunday. with ASB. for Spanish Club, and they are grateful that “We like to share Latino music and they were able to host it. Not many people • Guest passes for the senior prom and Grad Nite are available at glendalehigh.com. have a good time,” said Spanish Club attended, but it was a stressful week, and The deadline to buy Grad Nite tickets is TODAY at the student store president Anayeli Villeraldo. The funds the club did not expect much. More than 70 raised from Salsa Night usually go to a se- people attended, and they were all excited • If you are looking for a fun and rewarding class, join journalism or yearbook. Sign nior scholarship at the end of the year. This to be a part of the night. up for Journalism 3-4 Explosion (Period 2) or yearbook (Period 5) for next year. year, the Spanish Club decided to change “Salsa Night was fun. I’m glad I at- the theme to a glow-in-the-dark party. tended it. I’m already looking forward to • Nitro News broadcasts are up and ready for viewing. See them at: https://vimeo.com/91627433, https://vimeo.com/91424699, “Together, we would like to spread next year’s dance,” said sophomore Rose https://vimeo.com/88972805, https://vimeo.com/91990746 Hispanic heritage and Latino awareness,” Cagulada. “It’s different from the other said Villeraldo. school dances, for sure,” she added. • Wednesday, April 23 is the Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day assembly in The typical genres of Latin music, in- Martha Sepulveda, Spanish Club’s ad- the John Wayne Performing Arts Center. It is an invitational assembly that takes cluding bachata, salsa, cumbia, and many visor, and the club members themselves, place during second period. Remember, April 24 is a school holiday in observance more were played, but techno, hip-hop, were astonished by the whole outcome of of the Armenian Genocide. and many more genres were also featured. their hard work, and they accomplished The planning and devotion of all of the their goal of a memorable event. Glendale High School Explosion Friday, April 18, 2014 3 OPINION What Do You Think? What do you think about affrmative action?
“I think affrmative “I believe it’s fair to action is a positive fll a certain quota policy because it of diversity, so ev- gives everyone a eryone could experi- chance.” ence differences in culture.”
JAEHEE LEE JAZMINE ORTIZ JUNIOR SOPHOMORE JOSHUA BOTE The greater good “It think it’s fair and “I don’t think it’s kind because some- fair because it Words, contrary to that old “sticks and stones” adage, one less privileged causes issues in do have the potential to hurt. Consider the term “ghetto.” deserves the same things that shouldn’t It’s thrown around gratuitously – often used to describe education and work- be a problem.” anything that looks to be in poor condition; however, in its most fundamental use, a ghetto is a part of a city where place opportunity minority groups reside. if they work hard Students in these ghettos simply do not have the enough for it.” means to even get vital resources in school – functional computers, textbooks, even the Internet, a resource all technologically-inclined students take for granted – to LINDA GHAZARIAN TOMMY IBRIHIMI achieve academic success. Families who wish to escape these troubling conditions simply can’t – it’s a vicious RESHMAN FRESHMAN F cycle that disproportionately targets racial minorities and negates any opportunity to escape the clutches of poverty. With all these hurdles to overcome, any student able to achieve despite these obstacles is truly outstanding, even if they may not have the GPA or SAT scores to back it up. “Affrmative ac- “I do not support Of course, there are thousands of hardworking, dedicated tion policies and affrmative action. students who spend countless hours studying to achieve academic success. Plenty of these students, however, at- programs are great Generalizations tend good, if not great schools. If not, these students have because they propel about race and so- the means to augment their chances for success: SAT prep the nation into the cioeconomics have courses, private tutors, summer programs – opportunities that are unattainable for low-income students and their direction of social no place in an arena families. This is why affrmative action for low-income equality.” where individual families is so vital. achievement is the Senate Constitutional Amendment 5 intends to reverse sole criterion.” Proposition 209, a law enacted in the ‘90s that forbids Cal States and UCs from considering race, sex, and ethnicity JOSE CAMACHO THOMAS PERALTA in their admissions, which in theory, is a great thing. In a utopia, where every individual has the opportunity to JUNIOR SENIOR achieve success, Prop 209 would be benefcial. Yet, when forced to compete against students with privilege and wealth, students in disadvantaged neighborhoods will pale GLENDALE HIGH SCHOOL in comparison. But it doesn’t mean that they didn’t put in EXPLOSION equivalent amounts of effort, nor does it mean that they’re The Staff believes it is our duty to report campus news, to inform students of affairs in the surrounding community and world, to undeserving of attending their dream school. When taking explore issues, and to offer constructive criticism where necessary. By-lined articles refect the views of the writer, while editorials refect the into account the concentration (and segregation) of racial majority opinion of the editorial board. minorities in ghettos, as well as the hindrances that result Explosion welcomes letters to the editor. Letters must be signed and in good taste. We reserve the right to edit for space or clarity. from this de facto segregation, affrmative action programs Advertisements contained in this publication do not refect the endorsement of such products or services by Explosion, Glendale High are still needed to ensure that all students, regardless of School, or the Glendale Unifed School District. race, have equal opportunities to succeed. Explosion is published seven times during the school year by the production journalism staff of Glendale High School, 1440 East There is a downside to all of this, one that still nega- Broadway, Glendale, California 91205, (818) 242-3161, ext. 6110, Fax- (818) 244-6309, under the auspices of the Glendale Unifed School District. Explosion is printed at News Publishers’ Press, Glendale, California and is in its 98th year of publication. Adviser Mr. Lancaster can tively impacts racial minorities. Because they beneft from be reached at [email protected]. affrmative action programs, an unfortunate stigma forms: that minorities who get into elite schools do so solely be- cause of their race. Take Kwasi Enin, a New York student 2013-2014 EXPLOSION STAFF who received widespread exposure for being accepted EDITOR-IN-CHIEF FEATURE EDITOR STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS into all eight Ivy League schools. There are some bitter Logan Ortiz Christina Bunggo Albe Bersabe detractors with higher SAT scores who cry foul and use the Grace Park age-old argument: “it’s because he’s black,” which is truly ENTERTAINMENT EDITORS NEWS EDITORS Shushanna Petrosyan demeaning, degrading, and downright derogatory. Joshua Bote Nshan Elexan Vard Sargsyan Opponents of affrmative action frequently use the ar- Sydney Sanchez Lala Nikola gument that in order to live in a truly fair society, we must
SPORTS EDITORS ADVISER remove race entirely from the equation and become “color OPINION EDITOR Andrea Patiño blind” in the process. Yet, by doing that, we disregard all Grace Park Patrick Lancaster Vard Sargsyan the injustices that are already existent within our culture – racism and sexism. Until all individuals have an equal pros- STAFF REPORTERS Melani Aghazarian, Danny Chilingirian, Claire Corpuz, Brandon Keen, Kaylee Mercado, Shushanna Petrosyan, pect of achieving, the notion of race blindness is invalid. Bijan Rezvani, Doug Schowengerdt, Serena Snaer Joshua Bote is the entertainment editor at Explosion. Friday, April 18, 2014 Glendale High School Explosion 4 ENTERTAINMENT Thoughts from the News Room
The Winter Soldier Teen Wolf Oxymoron BY LALA NIKOLA BY SYDNEY SANCHEZ BY VARD SARGSYAN A Marvel action flm is never complete without a lead- This Teen Wolf season was the most intense so far. Over the past decade, we have witnessed the downfall ing actor who will have women dying to see him on the Producers certainly raised the bar with this chilling, sus- of Eminem, but we are hardly left devastated. Younger, big screen. Chris Evans fts Steven Rogers’ role perfectly penseful season. It was action-packed, with new actors more talented rappers, such as Chance the Rapper, Child- as he did in the previous Captain America flm, The First like Arden Cho, who plays new girl Kira Yukimura, the ish Gambino, A$AP Rocky, Kendrick Lamar, and most Avenger. This movie, like all action movies, is flled with “Kitsune” or “Thunder Fox” and the Twins, played by surprisingly, Schoolboy Q, have surfaced. fghting, good guys, bad guys and a touch of comedy. Max and Charlie Carver. The episodes this season were Schoolboy Q is dangerous, in an Eastside-thug, lean- In this sequel, Captain America begins to catch up to steamy and heartbreaking, with the death of one of the sippin’, act-on-impulse, 100K-in-his-trunk, steal-your-girl the modern world and comes to terms with a secret gov- original characters, and new romances blooming between type of way. Kendrick Lamar and Schoolboy Q coexist ernment organization called S.H.I.E.L.D.. This organiza- Scott McCall and Kira, as well as Allison and Issac Lahey, under the same rap label, Top Dawg Entertainment. On tion’s goal is to create a better world, but in order to do played by Daniel Sharman. February 25, Q released his highly anticipated third studio that, they must kill many people. They use the Winter Sol- I think this season was extremely exciting and had album, Oxymoron, showing Lamar that there just might be dier to complete missions – to kill fugitives. Now, Captain me in tears one minute and excited the next. The shocking enough limelight for the both of them. America must come to the rescue, along with the Black death of the beloved Allison Argent came as a complete Oxymoron is an amped album in which Q raps about Widow, Natasha Romanoff, and Falcon, Sam Wilson. shock to me and millions of other viewers. When MTV how his “s*** is real” in a raspy voice. The album starts In this movie, the Captain’s patriotism towards his frst started to advertise that one of the characters would off strong, with the unapologetic song “Gangsta,” “My country is strong. It constantly shows how he bravely be killed off, never in a million years would I have thought grandma showed me my frst strap,” raps Q, depicting fought in WWII, which shows the audience how he be- that Reed’s character would be this season’s casualty. Al- himself as the epitome of a modern day gangster. The came the hero he is now. though it broke my heart to see her leave, I know that it Pharrell-produced “Los Awesome” adds some groove to Usually my frst choice at the movie theatres isn’t an was for the good of the show, and with her gone, there is this serious album. “Collard Greens,” a playful combo be- action flm, but, lately, I’ve been slowly drawn in by all the more space for new actors and more action. tween Q and Lamar, has become a radio hit. buzz. Marvel is constantly producing superhero movies, Many believe that Teen Wolf should have forever This album frequently alternates from ironic adrenaline and one can’t help but see a few of them in theatres. The stayed frozen in the ’80s with the heartthrob of that time, hard-beat bangers to laid-back questioning beat-switchers. bits of humor added in between intense fghting loosens Michael J. Fox, as the original Teen Wolf but I strongly Q gets graphic when he raps about his dysfunctional past up the mood and makes the movie more enjoyable to the disagree. I think that with today’s technology, the story of in “Hoover Street.” With the addition of Wu-Tang mem- audience. There was never a boring moment and Captain the Teen Wolf has just been portrayed ten times better than ber Raekwon in “Blind Threats,” Q takes his album to the America’s fghting skills, with his shield as his only tool, the original producers would have been able to imagine. next level. “What They Want” and “Hell of a Night” are were amazing. Overall, I enjoyed it and wouldn’t mind The new creators of Teen Wolf have shown viewers a new, the most dynamic songs on the album. Paying homage to watching the next installment of the Captain America se- darker, and more entertaining side to this classic story. If Three 6 Mafa, Q ends his album with “F*** LA.” ries. The comedy added a perfect touch to the action and you love action-packed shows with plenty of hotties and Although Oxymoron will not be dubbed a classic like balanced out the movie. However, it is hard not to admit surprises at every turn, I strongly suggest you watch Teen Lamar’s good kid, m.A.A.d city, it has boosted Q’s street that it is still the same suit as any other action flm. Wolf. cred. “Stay blessed.”
Under The Skin House of Cards G I R L BY LOGAN ORTIZ BY SHUSHANNA PETROSYAN BY JOSHUA BOTE In an illuminated, endless space of white, a creature Confusing and brilliant at the same time, the Netfix Pharrell Williams’ stratospheric resurgence in the pop takes the clothes and appearance of a young attractive original series House of Cards is a show worth 26 hours universe is perhaps a result of his involvement in the two woman, and sets off in a van across the Scotland coun- of your life. The cunning Francis Underwood is played by biggest hits of 2013: Daft Punk’s still-catchy “Get Lucky” tryside. She has no name, no origin, no direction, and no Kevin Spacey, who spectacularly delivers, making every and Robin Thicke’s ’80s-copping funkfest “Blurred Lines,” known purpose other than to pick up lonely, wandering aspect of the show more exciting. His asides throughout not to mention his own globe-conquering smash, “Happy.” men. Luring them into her van with a cute smile and in- the series really help you understand what on Earth is go- His Midas-like ability to turn every song he touches into nocent demeanor, she leads them to their death, using their ing on when you can’t seem to wrap your head around gold is exhibited on his latest solo album, G I R L, but, like own lust against them, as she tempts them with the ulti- what’s happening. The plot revolves around Francis being the fabled king, this uncanny talent ends up being a curse. mate temptress: sex. This beautiful creature is Scarlett Jo- betrayed by two people he helps get elected into offce Things start off with a bang – Hans Zimmer’s cin- hansson, in her most otherworldly role in Under the Skin. and his quite brilliant attempt at revenge. The show is a ematic strings lead to “Marilyn Monroe,” a fun little song The third flm from Jonathan Glazer emerges as one prime example of the dog-eat-dog world that politics re- dedicated to a woman more breathtaking than the iconic of the most eerie and haunting experiences of the year so ally is. It’s diffcult seeing people you care about today blonde bombshell. The pleasantly inoffensive G I R L ends far. Following Glazer’s extraterrestrial turns from interest- being thrown under a train the next day (fguratively and up becoming too one-note and by-the-numbers for it to be ing to so disturbing that, at one point, I had to look around literally). a truly excellent piece of Pharrell’s expansive ouevre. the theater to remember I was just watching a flm. Tense Underwood’s lack of care and complete indifference “Hunter” is self-explanatory: Pharrell is hunting down moments linger long as you hope what won’t happen is towards adultery made him a passionate and hateful char- his prey...yet another beautiful woman. Yikes. “Gush” is boldly presented on screen. acter that wanted nothing more than to get to the top. His somehow more revolting than Pharrell hunting for women. Spectacularly flmed, Under the Skin provides an al- only slightly human side was the love he showed towards At least the midway point serves as a reprieve for the rest most uncomfortable look at the behaviors of men when his wife, yet he was still okay with adultery. Seriously, of G I R L’s mediocrity. His smooth as hell, Daft Punk-fea- faced with a beautiful, seemingly willing woman and a can someone please explain that? I mean, they both cheat- turing “Gust of Wind,” is G I R L’s clear highlight – who moment really too good to be true. Johansson improvised ed; what happened to undying love? Or death do us part? knew that Hans Zimmer’s grand orchestration and Daft her interactions with these men, who were only informed People nowadays... Punk’s vocoders could coexist, let alone be so groovy? of their participation in the flm after Johansson picked A character I personally disliked was Zoe Barnes, Pharrell’s early successes as part of The Neptunes rode them up, and only stayed on after the extremes of what portrayed by the beautiful Kate Mara. While she, like on his uninhibited creativity; the famed production duo they would be doing were explained. Flipping the univer- most newcomers to D.C., learns what it takes to get up constructed deceptively minimalist tunes with synths and sal mindset that women should be wary of men after dark, in the ranks, she becomes conniving and her daddy issues drum machines, with their infuence ranging from Lorde Johansson’s creature proves to be the one to be feared. come to light, and frankly, her attitude downright sucks. to Miley to 90% of modern rap. Yet, by playing it safe and Under the Skin holds a mirror to our conceptions of Overall, the show is an amazing watch, though, fair coasting on this formulaic skill of churning out midtempo, beauty and how we would react to seeing what is really warning: cynicism is a probable result. As Frank Under- disco-indebted R&B, G I R L merely serves as a reminder just a mask, and what lies just underneath. wood himself says, “Welcome to Washington.” of Pharrell Williams’ once-extraordinary brilliance. Glendale High School Explosion Friday, April 18, 2014 ENTERTAINMENT 5 Thoughts from the News Room
RoboCop Bates Motel Divergent BY LOGAN ORTIZ BY CHRISTINA BUNGGO BY SYDNEY SANCHEZ As a die-hard Robocop fan, I did not take the news If Alfred Hitchcock’s 1960 classic Psycho didn’t give Divergent was exciting, thrilling, and suspenseful, al- announcing a remake of one of my all-time favorite flms you the thrill you were looking for, Bates Motel has it all. though I felt it was a bit lacking at the end since it left a lot very lightly. The thought of seeing the greatest cyborg cop You’ve got Norma and Norman Bates, a mother-son duo of loose ends. It was packed with many young rising stars of the 1980s remade for a “modern audience” sounded that just wants to start over in Oregon with a new motel who brought life to their dynamic characters magnifcent- as bad as 2012’s Total Recall remake. I asked myself the business, but many mysteries and past events linger within ly. It was exciting to see this alternate dystopian universe, question, “How can a new Robocop ever recapture the hu- the town having their reputation being tainted. Revealing the intense romance that blooms, and the diffculties Tris mor, satire, campy gore, and ever-quotable dialogue that the Bates’ twisted and dysfunctional relationship along Porter, played by Shailene Woodley, goes through in this made the original a classic?” And, the answer is, it can’t. with more of White Pine Bay’s oddities, questions are ex- dystopian flm. The new Robocop fails in just about every aspect that fans pected to be answered in this second season. The plot of this movie is based on the bestselling nov- have come to love about the original. But where it fails in We’re brought back into the town after the murder el Divergent by Veronica Roth. The scenes surrounding recreating the original, it succeeds in taking the franchise of high school teacher, Ms. Blair Watson, jumping ahead the “factions” were suspenseful and interesting, showing in a new direction that does feel, at times, refreshing. four months. Following the death of Watson is a series of audiences what it would be like to live in a world were the When Detroit cop Alex Murphy begins pushing a local deaths and events that makes White Pine Bay exactly what government chooses “categories” we live in based on our crime boss around, he becomes a victim of the gangs and it is – an untangled twist, flled with unfnished business, personalities. The moment Tris Porter chooses her faction crooked cops that run the city when his car is sabotaged, economic success through drug dealing, and murders oc- was very intense, but not at all surprising, based on the nearly killing him. In a world where robotic police offcers curring left and right. Norman’s psychotic side is promi- way she spoke at the beginning of the movie. are already in issue, Murphy’s only chance of survival is to nently revealed in a series of blackouts, as it is sometimes I found it both funny and a great surprise to see Wood- become the frst man inside the machine. simultaneously taken over in the form of his mother. It’s ley work with actors from her past and present movies, The flm’s strongest point and highest incentive to safe to say that the idea of starting over in this town is such as Miles Teller from The Spectacular Now and An- keep watching comes from a very capable cast. Michael more diffcult with having to keep up with White Pine sel Elgort from the upcoming flm The Fault in our Stars. Keaton and Gary Oldman are opposing forces as they bat- Bay’s tragic history. Woodley had great chemistry with all her co-stars on tle against and for Murphy’s remaining humanity. With an Though the series maintains a Hitchcock-esque es- screen, especially Theo James, who played Four. James overall darker outlook on ever-evolving technology, Robo- sence, the tumultuous series of events loses its delicate played the dangerous brooding bad boy, and is perfectly cop takes itself too seriously. Everyone already knows the balance of humor and spookiness. With a multitude of deserving of the bona fde movie star title. Besides the machines can never be trusted; just ask Kyle Reese. heart-rending and coincidental events in one season, the “good” characters, Kate Winslet portrayed the villain per- Trading the colorful Boddicker gang for a forgettable embodiment of the show is slightly diffcult to determine fectly, except I found her hysterical and ridiculous during gangster, toning down the violence to a menial level, and – whether it’s wanting to be irresistibly thrilling or just her “battle” scene. For the most part, the entire flm was creating a vision of the future that’s becoming a bit over- tediously upsetting. action-packed and pretty entertaining. Overall, I’m not too done all work against Robocop, making me think some- It is a bit disappointing to watch the enigmas within sure Divergent completely deserved to be the number one thing I never thought I would: maybe Murphy should’ve Bates Motel unsolved, leaving the latest season with the flm in America, but if the producers step it up for any se- stayed dead. same qualities that a pilot episode would have. quels, Divergent may be the next Twilight franchise.
Supermodel 2 Broke Girls St. Vincent BY KAYLEE MERCADO BY VARD SARGSYAN BY JOSHUA BOTE After nearly three years since releasing their If you’re into lame, inappropriate sex jokes and rude Annie Clark, who goes by the moniker St. Vincent, commercial breakthrough Torches, Foster the Peo- comments, then you should probably keep up with Kat is a true force of nature. She’s a maelstrom of squelching ple has returned with their second album, Super- Dennings and Beth Behrs in their CBS show 2 Broke Girls. guitar riffs that would make Hendrix proud. She can bel- model, which has a touch of ’60s rock, ’80s clas- It’s almost like Keeping Up With the Kardashians, minus low and whisper sweet nothings, all within the same song. sic harmonies, and the best of modern electro-pop. the millions of dollars, over-exaggeration, and headaches. Her hair is an aquamarine mane, and she will obliterate The new album has their latest hit single “Com- 2 Broke Girls is meant to be a light-hearted and old-fash- anyone who stands in her way. On her latest, self-titled ing of Age,” an ’80s-inspired retro song that already ioned comedy about literally two broke waitresses living album, she has crafted a faw-free work that buffs away all has people falling in love, and “Best Friend,” which together in Brooklyn. Although the show often comes of the imperfections that humanize Clark and the lives of has a fun, infectious beat to it and a great hook that close to being funny…it never quite makes it. the characters in her songs, for better or worse. will have everyone hopping onto the dance foor. Fos- As much as I’d like to give this show a good review Her strongest suit lies in her insightful character stud- ter and his companions were inspired by the beauti- due to my love for Kat Dennings, I can’t bring myself to ies. Album highlight “Prince Johnny” documents a quietly ful hipster style of California and they were determined overlook its mediocre aspects. Huffngton Post goes as far harrowing tale of a friend who lost his way, but Clark of- to include soulful, breezy harmonies in the record. as to say that “even hipsters deserve better than this.” Al- fers her own internal confict: can she help him, even in her Supermodel has a worldly, international sound, though extremely cheesy, 2 Broke Girls can’t be dubbed own helpless state? These analyses of the inner psyche are with global instruments and guitar riffs that show a real an ultimate failure. Normally, I’d be bored of the general counterbalanced with hesitation towards the encompass- diverse set of infuences in their music. This is most re- concept of this show, but its directors manage to keep up ing expansion of technology. In the glimmering, military- fected on the bossa nova inspired “Nevermind.” Shar- with current world affairs by making constant pop culture thumping “Huey Newton,” she’s “entombed in a shrine of ing its name with the Nirvana album, it wears its infu- references, mentioning things like cronuts and Hoarders. zeros and ones,” a technological death sentence. ences proudly, taking the best of ’90s alternative rock The show serves its purpose as a sitcom, which is to keep Perhaps the biggest faw of St. Vincent is how calcu- and fusing it with a stunning Brazilian-styled guitar riff. you adequately entertained for 30 minutes or so. lated the whole production is. St. Vincent’s strongest works Whether you’re hanging with your friends or relaxing Three seasons deep, there are only a few things that throughout her discography exhibit a tinge of vulnerabil- at your house, Supermodel is the defnite album to listen keep me from changing the channel. The mere appearance ity, yet on the tender “I Prefer Your Love,” an adoring ode to. With beats from all eras, this album will defnitely give of Kat Dennings would be one. The second would be Sti- to Clark’s sickly mother, there is an undertone of secrecy. the urge to dance. It’s as exhilarating as a surf ride and as fer’s mom (shoutout to everyone who gets this American She’s withholding her true feelings, but for whose sake? refreshing as a nice, cold smoothie, and in my opinion, Su- Pie reference), Jennifer Coolidge, who plays a rich Pol- “I want all of your mind,” Clark sweetly coos on the permodel has me getting up and dancing every time I listen ish life-enthusiast. The third is Chestnut, a pet horse who synth-jazz highlight “Digital Witness,” and she compel- to it, it grows on me more and more. If it were me, I would tends to steal the spotlight from the show’s actual actors. lingly succeeds: St. Vincent does not demand attention so recommend that everyone purchase this album or at least Despite all these major faws, if there is any reason I much as it slyly slithers through the senses and insidiously give it a chance. Foster the People might not be California continue watching this show, it is because I see potential – pries its way in. Clark’s latest offering is not unlike a Ro- natives, but the gorgeous California sun has grown on them. and I don’t want to do anything productive. coco painting – aesthetically stunning, but nothing more. 6 Friday, April 18, 2014 Glendale High School Explosion
ţťŦĩĩ ĦūţŤŢŨ ŪţŪĩŤŦŤĩũūŢŢ Glendale High School Explosion Friday, April 18, 2014 7 SPORTS Baseball bats two wins Softball defeats Arcadia
BY BRANDON KEEN BY JOSHUA BOTE Staff Reporter Entertainment Editor
Under the new coaching of Alan Eber- The Glendale softball team has reached hart, the baseball team is looking better a pivotal point in their season, where ev- than ever. The team started the season off ery win or loss could make or break their with a big upset win over Burroughs with chances at a playoff run. Fortunately, for a score of 4-0. Junior Jack Porras was on the team, they know what it takes to make the mound for the Nitros. This was the frst it to the CIF playoffs this season. Senior time Glendale baseball came through with outfelder Esmeralda Winland said, “We go a win against the Indians ever since they in each game knowing that every team is joined the Pacifc League in 2007. It gave beatable as long as we execute.” the varsity team a great amount of conf- So far, the Lady Nitros have done a dence going into the season. fantastic job at executing under the guid- Although our boys have lost games to ance of frst-year coach Gregory Martin. both Pasadena and CV, they managed to Their record in the highly competitive beat John Muir in a 12-7 victory. Currently, Pacifc League is 3-2, tied for third with Glendale is 2-2 in league. Crescenta Valley and Arcadia. The team These two wins could not have been has grown more confdent, especially fol- possible without the clutch catches made lowing their 13-0 shutout against Pasadena by the centerfelder, Sean Harris, and the and an incredible 7-5 upset against Arcadia, lead off hits made by Connor Rodriguez. their frst victory against them in a while. Junior starting shortstop Justin French said, Despite their remarkable victories, our “At the beginning of the year the team was softball team needs to fnish their season reverting to their old bad habits, but with strong in order to have a shot at qualifying hard work and dedication, it’s looking like for CIF playoffs. The Lady Nitros aren’t Photo Courtesy of Stylus the team may sneak into playoffs.” The key going down without a fght, however. Photo Courtesy of Stylus Junior Tyler Lousararian steps up to this team’s success will be getting hits “We’re proving that Glendale is not a Sophomore Jordan Lousararian to bat. and moving their runners. team to underestimate,” said Winland. pitches at the Arcadia game. Boys’ tennis fghts for second
BY VARD SARGSYAN Sports Editor The boys’ tennis team is one of the teams the school is most proud of this sea- son. Under the veteran coaching of Bob Davidson, the team has a good shot at making it to CIF, and is currently tied for second in league. Captain Michael Akopians said, “Our team started off slow but we’ve won our last fve league games and we are hoping to keep this streak going.” Akopians and David Ismailian have only faced one league loss this whole sea- son, with a record of 23-1. Arin Meserkhani, a singles player, is one of Glendale’s fnest athletes, and has a league record of 21-3. Glendale High came through with a big win against Hoover with a score of 12-6. The Hoover game started off slow, but as time passed, Glendale showed strength in their doubles, winning eight out of nine sets. The only teams the Dynamiters have lost to is Crescenta Valley and Arcadia. Photo Courtesy of Stylus With half a season to go, GHS hopes to Junior Matthew Davidian goes in fnish in the top three in the Pacifc League Photo Courtesy of Stylus for a backhand shot. and advance far in the CIF playoffs. Sophomore Russell Caletena is currently the best golfer in the league. Girls’ lacrosse players committed 1st year as CIF boys’ lacrosse team
BY DOUG SCHOWENGERDT BY DOUG SCHOWENGERDT Staff Reporter Staff Reporter
The girls’ lacrosse team is currently In just a few weeks, Glendale High’s 3-1 in Pacifc League play, with another boys lacrosse team will fnish their frst fve non-league wins under their belt. They season ever as a CIF team. Their record is have worked hard this season, beating La currently 5-5. Cañada, Huntington Park, and Louisville. The Glendale boys have had some Tuesday, April 29, the Lady Nitros will tremendous wins against teams like Hun- be facing Chaminade at Glendale High. It tington Park, Valencia, and El Segundo. will be the second time this season the two The Valencia game, won 9-8 in overtime, teams have met. The GHS team all agrees was one of the most intense games this that Chaminade is their biggest rival. The season. Senior Adrian Rosales scored the girls lost 7-5 in an intense game last Fri- game-winning goal. He stated that he was day at Chaminade, and are excited to face “so proud to have played alongside [his] them again. If Glendale is able to win the team that day.” Tomorrow the team plays rematch, then they could end up in a tie for at GHS at 1 p.m. against Valancia. The frst place. team, coached by Joe Campbell, has a lot The girls have more to celebrate than to be proud of this year, and a lot to look just a great season: senior Denise Guerrero forward to next year. Photo Courtesy of Stylus has agreed to play for the University of This year is the frst year that Wilson Ariella Ruiz will travel to Maryland Redlands team next year and junior Ariella Photo Courtesy of Stylus Middle School has a team. Campbell is ex- to participate with the USA National Ruiz will play in the USA Lacrosse Na- Justin Driffll fres a shot in the game cited to see the team gain more seasoned lacrosse club tournament. tional Club tournament in Maryland. against Los Angeles Jordan. freshman players in years to come. 8 Friday, April 18, 2014 SPORTS Glendale High School Explosion Freshman Julian leads boys’ swimming; Girls look for revenge against Hoover
BY MELANI AGHAZARIAN BY BIJAN REZVANI Staff Reporter Staff Reporter
Barely starting their season, the girls With the boys’ swimming team look- swim team has yet to win a meet. They ing better than it has in over a decade, this started their season just a few weeks ago year’s group is setting some high goals. with the annual Pacifc League Relays at The captains are senior Bijan Rezvani and Burbank High. sophomore Jayson Wilia, who are also Although they haven’t brought home joined by top swimmers Trenton Julian any wins, the team is looking very compet- (freshman) and Arthur Khachikyan (soph- itive this year. The girls are led by seniors omore). Naira Sarkian and Melani Aghazarian, and These four boys together make up one juniors Vehik Golabi and Rima Gasparyan. of the fastest medley relay and freestyle re- They are currently working extremely hard lay teams in the area. Julian is one of the and preparing for their big meet against fastest Nitro swimmers ever and is on track Hoover. The meet will be held at Glendale to break several school records. They have High on April 29 at 3:30 p.m. proven that they can qualify for CIF this “The Hoover meet is very important, year, which would be the frst time in a de- they’re our rival school so losing is not an cade that a Glendale High boys’ swim relay option,” said captain Naira Sarkian. “Unfor- team made it to CIF. So far, they are 2-1 tunately, last season, we lost to Hoover. This in league. They have meets with Burbank year, we’re hungry for that win and to come and Hoover coming up and the Nitros are back and show them who is the better team.” expected to win both meets. The team is expecting to do better this Photo Courtesy of Stylus Coach Forest Holbrook said, “Out of season, and with help from Coach Forest Freshman sensation Trenton Julian swims the individual medley in a com- my fve years coaching at GHS, this year Holbrook, they plan on doing their best and petition at Burbank High. He is one of the four outstanding members of has been great with all the great swimmers crushing Hoover. the school’s relay teams that expect to qualify for CIF this season. we have.” Boys’ volleyball to take on CV Falcons on Wednesday had 31 kills and 19 blocks this season. BY SERENA SNAER “Our game against Burroughs had to be Staff Reporter the highlight of our season,” Hulguin ex- claimed, “it was surprising winning a set The boys’ varsity volleyball team, led against them. Every year I have played by Coach Taase Mose, has had a tough sea- here, we have always gotten swept.” son, with an overall record of two wins and Coach Mose described this season’s 10 losses. One of the wins was a 3-1 set team as a “unique group of boys who al- victory over Hoover, when the teams met ways keep their heads up, win or lose, at GHS on March 6. because they have become a family.” Al- The two rivals will square off again on though the match with Hoover is an im- May 1 in the Hoover gym at 3:30 for city portant one, as a team, the Nitros consider bragging rights. The next match for GHS Burbank to be their toughest rival now, and is against Crescenta Valley on Wednesday they will be playing them again on May 6 in the Nitro gym. Although this season has at 3:30 in the GHS Big Gym. When the two not exactly gone their way, they are a very teams met the frst time, it was a very close determined team with a plentiful amount of and intense match. Even though the Bull- drive and spirit. dogs won in four games, GHS battled them “This season had its ups and downs, all the way and took one set. Photo Courtesy of Stylus but we’re a strong team, and we always put Standouts on the team have been Hul- Senior Jae Lee crouches to assist his teammates in the volleyball game up a fght against the team we’re playing,” guin, Jae Lee, Anthony Yung, Ryan Ko- against Hoover High School. said senior captain Kyle Hulguin, who has varik, and newcomer Hratch Yacoubian. Track teams ready to ‘Battle for the Bowl’ on April 23
BY LALA NIKOLA and improve. News Editor The team seems to be in better shape than last year and hope to do better at f- nals which will take place at Arcadia in Glendale High’s track and feld teams May. Head Coach Andrew Dakopolos said, are coming back strong this year with a “Overall our team is stronger than last sea- fresh set of runners, hurdlers, throwers, son, especially among our 9th and 10th and jumpers. Last year, Glendale fnished graders. We expect to continue our positive fourth in league and this year they hope to momentum through the rest of the season fnish in the top three. and into the next.” The league meets, along With many athletes, such as Michael with invitationals, have helped the athletes Davis and Lauren Hansen, gone, Glendale improve greatly. has lost some of their top varsity runners Glendale’s biggest challenges this year but has gained many more. have been Arcadia, Burbank and Crescen- Glendale’s most prominent return- ta Valley, which are the same challenges ing athletes include Vard Sargsyan, Kenya they face every year. However, the Nitros Gaskin, Abigail Pajulas, Leana Setian, scored dual meet wins against Muir, Pasa- Cecile LeDuff, Caroline Cubero, Michael dena, and a preseason meet against Eagle Williams, Daniel Jung and Sam Peplow. Rock. Besides these varsity athletes, Glendale In two weeks, the Nitros plan to hinder gained new members to their team includ- the Hoover Tornadoes. Everyone knows ing Jesse Torres and Matthew Aldana. about the victory bell given to the winner The track team not only received new in football. For track and feld, a trophy, runners but also new coaches. With Coach called The Bowl, is passed to the winner of Merino as the new middle distance coach, the annual meet. athletes who run a 400 or 800 meter can The annual meet against GHS’s big- Photo Courtesy of Stylus Photo Courtesy of Stylus focus on improving individually. Also, the gest rivals will take place on Hoover’s Newcomer Jesse Torres is one of Karen Andaya takes a “leap of faith” few but talented pole vaulters now have brand new $2 million track and feld on the fastest runners in the league in in the long jump. Coach Hector Martinez to help them train Wednesday, April 23 at 3:30 p.m.. the 400 and 800 meters.