Author: adviser

  • ComplexCon Cooked Up

    The third annual pop culture festival known as ComplexCon, took place at the Long Beach Convention Center over the November 3-4 weekend. Artists, visionaries and pop culture enthusiasts gathered at the convention to socialize and celebrate culture.

    “This year, ComplexCon will focus on the enlightenment and empowerment of the individual, reflecting the issues and conversations that permeate and influence culture today from entertainment to art to politics,” said a released statement from ComplexCon. This year’s theme was cooked up by world renowned contemporary artist, Takashi Murakami, who is the founding host committee member of the event. Murakami created the logo by producing an ensō, which is considered sacred in Zen tradition. The ensō, which is a circular shape, can represent strength, fullness, or the universe, the theme was really up to interpretation.

    “And I am deeply affected by events and chaos in the world but see incredible young people rise up to tackle them. And from that energy new things are born that touch everything in culture. It was important to embrace this at ComplexCon this year,” Murakami said in an interview on why he chose that specific theme.

    This year’s festivities also included guest speakers, called ComplexCon(versations). The most prominent speaker was Virgil Abloh, eminent fashion designer who spoke to new and upcoming designers about the ethics of designing and fashion industry. Other speakers included Wale, Don C, Nas, Jaden Smith, and many more.

    The convention also held musical performances from artists such as Future, Rae Sremmurd, Vince Staples, Action Bronson, and many others. The musical event was hosted by none other than Takashi Murakami and Pharrell Williams.

    The two day convention, held true to its meaning by bringing together multiple forces of culture to weave together the complex nature that is art, entertainment, and media.

  • YouTube War

    Felix Kjellberg, rather known online as YouTube sensation Pewdiepie, created his YouTube channel in 2010. As of now, he has over 67 million subscribers and has been the top subscribed channel on YouTube since 2013. However that is about to change as the YouTube channel T Series, is slowly catching up to him with a subscriber count of over 66 million.

    Now everyone is wondering who will be the next “King of YouTube”.

    Personally, I have been watching Pewdiepie’s channel since late 2013. During that time, he and a couple other YouTubers were great distractions from whatever troubles I was going through at that time. His videos would always make me laugh no matter what type of mood I was in. In other words, he had a huge impact on my life.

    With T Series around, this brings up a lot of questions, concerns, and thoughts. After all, the difference between T Series and Pewdiepie is what their channels are based off of. For starters, T Series is an Indian music record label

    and film production company owned by Bhushan Kumar and Kishan Kumar that owns other channels under the same name. Pewdiepie on the other hand, is a single person channel with no other companies based off it. Just like Matthew Patrick (The Game Theorists) had said, “Since their MCN (multi- channel network) contains a whole bunch of huge channels, not just one, all those channels can be used to promote each other.”

    I find it unfair for T Series to be receiving subscribers from their other owned channels, meanwhile Felix has worked really hard to earn his. From what I see, T Series is only receiving more subscribers just because they don’t want to see Pewdiepie stay on top. If T Series ever does come to exceed Felix, will things be any different? Are they getting the same love and support any other regular YouTuber receives? Is there anyone who will really be affected by this?

    It’s not hate I feel towards the competition, but I can assure that it is not love either. In the end, whether Pewdiepie stays number one or not, he will always have my full love and support.

  • The King Reigns Over a New Empire

    The King Reigns Over a New Empire

    As the gates open for another National Basketball Association (NBA) season, debatably one of the best basketball players on the earth, LeBron James (LBJ), enters a new team: the Los Angeles Lakers.

    Why is this so important?

    Well it’s LEBRON FREAKING JAMES. The 3× NBA champion, 3× NBA Finals Most Valuable Player, 4× NBA Most Valuable Player, 14× NBA All-Star, 3× NBA All-Star Game MVP player (the list can go on and on). James offers everything the LA Lakers need from leadership for the young potential they have to dominant offensive and defensive presence on the court.

    The thirty-three-year-old, premier basketball player takes over the court against any team and single handedly carried the Cleveland Cavaliers (21W – 45L before LeBron came) to become a four time finalist team, but sadly lost three of those titles against the Golden State Warriors.

    Although, let’s be real, the Cavalier’s roster didn’t have the pure talent that the Lakers have now such as Rajon Rondo, Lance Stephenson, and JaVale McGee. The current roster is projected to win the 2018- 2019 NBA Championship and many more after that. If LeBron James can take a below average team to the NBA finals four times, there’s no doubt in my mind LBJ can do even better with the LA Lakers as the team already has a solid foundation as it is.

    The likes of Brandon Ingram, Lonzo Ball, Kyle Kuzma and Josh Hart all grew up watching LeBron and now they’re playing with him?! They will flourish into extraordinary players as we get deeper into the NBA season with the leadership of LBJ which bodes well for the LA Lakers. Young players such as Lonzo Ball synergizes with LBJ as the player fares well with long distance passes enabling LeBron to cherry pick layups and dunks.

    Lebron James will dawn number twenty-three against the Portland Trail Blazers this Thursday.

    Kind of weird to see Kobe Bryant’s team and Michael Jordan’s number on LeBron James’ back, huh? I hope to see a dominant start to further solidify the superiority the LA Lakers have now.

  • Letter to The Editor: Mr. Puth Speaks Out About Grad Night

    Letter to The Editor: Mr. Puth Speaks Out About Grad Night

    All In Press
    Dear High Life Editors and Jackrabbit Class of 2019,

    Thank you for expressing your frustration regarding Grad Night (“Goodbye Disney, Hello Universal” published October 15), giving voice to you and your peers. Let me first state that Grad Night has traditionally been a parent-led event and the previous Grad Night Committee disbanded at the end of last year due to lack of parent volunteers. In my earlier loopmail to the class of 2019, I explained the financial issues involved:

    “Two years ago, Disneyland offered Grad Night with a park hopper pass for $90. Last year, they raised the price to the current cost of $139 for the tickets alone. Our Senior Spirit Packs reflects the pricing that is student-friendly for ALL of our activities and has our Grad Night prices starting at $90. With 437 students buying

     senior spirit packs… the senior class would have to cover for $57,970 [more] to keep with our allotted 700 Disney Grad Night tickets.”

    [700 Tickets x $139 = $97,300 /// 437 Spirit Packs x $90 = $39,330 /// $97,300 – $39,330 = $57,970]

    Two areas I would like to clarify: First, students in last year’s class of 2018 did not overspend. Their Grad Night Parent Committee raised money over several years so that when the price for tickets went up last year, the committee decided to cover the missing funding for the class of 2018 to attend Grad Night at Disneyland.

    The parents on that committee had students that graduated last year or earlier, so at the end of last year’s they quit the committee. At the beginning of this school year, there were no parents from the classes of 2019, 2020, 2021, or 2022 left on the committee, so I realized Activities would have to do something to make it happen this year.

    Disneyland revealed their offer to us with the pricing of $139 per ticket on September 17, 2018 and we had to make a commitment to cover that cost within that week.  Disneyland had the luxury to choose who and when they would offer Grad Night spots to, while we had to move forward with a plan that was best for all of our students right then. It would have been impossible to make up the $57,970 that we still needed to commit to Disneyland.

    Secondly, the Senior Spirit Pack was sold based on the whole package for seniors to have an all around senior experience. Prom, extra graduation tickets, yearbook, a class ring, cap and gown, an ASB sticker, a senior shirt/sweatshirt from senior senate, and grad night. Senior year is already expensive, and making the Senior Spirit Pack more expensive would potentially mean some students wouldn’t be able to purchase it, missing out on opportunities every senior should get to have.

    Third, there have been people who have asked for refunds thinking that they can go to Grad Night at Disneyland on their own. You can’t go to Grad Night at Disneyland without going with your school – they won’t let you in. You could go to Disneyland with your friends or by yourself, but it just isn’t the same: You don’t get to stay after hours when the park normally closes, there won’t be any special events for the class of 2019, and most importantly, you won’t be with all the classmates and friends that you’ve been with during your last four years at Poly.

    Lastly, I thank everyone for doing what Poly is best known for, striving for an open and inclusive campus. While I understand it can be disappointing that we are not going to a more local place for Grad Night, I believe that the class of 2019 knows that it’s always better when we have more Jackrabbits celebrating together.

    Respectfully,

    Vincent Puth

    Activities Director

  • Depression Amongst Students

    Often times we are told that a depressed person is someone who is quiet, has no joy, and wears dark clothes.  They might be considered rebellious and listens to sad or loud music, but that is not always the case. How can a depressed person display that they are depressed, based merely off of appearance? Even then, if you are close to someone, sometimes it is not always apparent if they are. Signs that suggest someone might be depressed would be feeling helpless/hopeless, loss of interest in daily things, their weight either drastically goes up or down, reckless behavior, angry, and/or has insomnia. Although some of these are based on appearances, the rest are internal and can not be easily shown. These may be signs in which you can look out for, but they might not be accurate for most people. Take for example a student who has good grades, socializes with friends and classmates, and who you see is in a good mood for the most part while at school. Some would assume that their life is good and they have everything set. Well what if this same student, after coming from school, goes home and it’s all just a facade. They in fact are breaking down, overthinking everything, doubting themselves, have parents constantly criticizing them and just a completely different person. You would not know that they suffer from depression. The reasoning behind why they might put up this facade is for many reasons such as, not wanting to fail or be considered a failure. They are often pressured into keeping up with grades, or they don’t want to bring attention to themselves. People should not have to suffer alone or conceal that they are hurting. It might be hard to get help or to tell someone about everything that is going on with them, but it is better to open up, even if it’s just a little part of their life. We, as teenagers have a lot going on and even in our struggles we can find similarities and unity.  We should not have to be alone, we should reach out, create groups where we can talk to each other and be heard, and possibly talk to a trusted adult who would not judge us but instead give us advice in how we can conquer our issues.

  • AHS: Apocalypse

    Everyone knows that season one, Murder House, was by far the best season of American Horror Story. Some may argue that season three, Coven, may even be the best. Imagine a season that combines both of Murder House and Coven. Crazy, right? Well, it can’t be too crazy because that season definitely exists and it is the current season of AHS called Apocalypse.

    AHS: Apocalypse begins with the end of the of the world caused by World War Three. Missiles and bombs are obliterating the world as families face the fact that the world as they know it, is finally coming to an end. However, some people, with “special genes” have been picked apart from the rest to survive the end of the world. Michael Langdon is all grown up this season and he presumes his role as the Antichrist. The Witches from season three return to stop him, once and for all.

    The season goes back and forth through the past, showing how Michael Langdon earned his superiority to the present, where the world is ending.

    In my opinion, this season is very, very intriguing. Due to my love for Murder House, I would say that this season is definitely developing nicely. Each episode leaves me eager to watch the next. I definitely do recommend this season for those who loved the Murder House and the Coven season. There will be some surprising and fulfilling appearances this season and answers to questions you’ve had since season one. It’s definitely a must-see.

  • The AP Room is Now Open

    The AP Room is Now Open

    This year Jason West, the new AP Coordinator for Poly High School has turned Room 132 into a study lounge for any student who is currently enrolled in at least one Advanced Placement class.

    This lounge was inspired by a coffee shop as a place where AP student can receive tutoring, study in group, and access a wide variety of resources as well as other non-traditional materials, including a welcoming cup of tea if you bring your own mug. The room offers a warm, relaxing, and welcoming vibe. This will allow students to remain comfortable and focused.  Much like most college campus’, who offer a study room, students must be signed in upon arrival.

    Poly’s AP room is a learning atmosphere where students can join a study group and succeed in their classes, it symbolizes as a badge of honor for all the hard works students have put into their classes. Teachers are always welcomed to visit West for support, resources, materials, and for addressing students needs.

    If students are even in need of supplies, textbooks, study materials, or a spot to study, they are more than welcomed to stop by in room 132 for freebies that West has collected over the 12 years as a teacher.

  • National Merit Finalists

    The National Merit scholarship program provides opportunities for students to be recognized for their phenomenal academic achievements. Students with PSAT scores at the top one percent of scores in the state, with the addition of reflecting transcript records of their score, qualifies them to be semifinalist. There are currently three semifinalist at our school that will compete against students from other states for a $2,000 scholarship.

    Many Ivy league colleges and corporations sponsor these scholarships, potentially giving semifinalist additional scholarships to almost any school they apply to. Pace Counselor Connie Loggins strongly believes the Poly students will “have no problem entering the final round” because of their strong commitment to academics and extracurricular activities.

    Erin Shin, a PACE senior, is one of the semifinalist, and she dreams of going to Stanford or Yale. She hopes to major in neuroscience and one day become a physician. Through her experiences thus far, she believes it is important to be a leader by taking the initiative to help others.

    Shin is persistent in her school work, but makes sure to make time for outside activities. She belongs to a youth orchestra and piano quartet at Colburn School of Music in Downtown LA; works at Kumon and the school cafeteria; and recently began tutoring in the AP Resource Room.

    Despite her full schedule, Erin is persistent in managing her time “by trying to stay off social media” though she admits that “doesn’t really work these days”.

  • Do I Miss The Old Kanye?

    Kanye West is known for his inspirational music and his influential style that the masses appear to follow. He has recently met with the President of the United States, Donald Trump. Kanye is one of the more popular Trump supporters, and people do not support him because of his unpopular beliefs that go against mainstream ideals. He visited Trump last Thursday to talk about revisions, improvement, and developments in Chicago. It circulated loads of publicity on social media surrounding Kanye. Speculators believe Kanye is pulling a publicity stunt for his new shoe drop and Yeezy Season clothes as well as his new album, YANDI. Memes have been made about him unlocking his phone with the password of “0000” all over Instagram and other social media platforms. This isn’t the only time Kanye West has stirred up controversy on social media. There are countless amounts of tweets with him sharing an opinion that proved unpopular. For an example Kanye had said, “slavery was a choice” and that caused severe negative backlash from many. People began to stop supporting Kanye after he said that statement. However,  some people began to support the artist for individuality and speaking his mind. Personally, I think Kanye shows differentiation and creativity among the basic ideals people choose to follow. His opinions show that not everyone has to follow the beliefs of mass media, but that people have to power to formulate their own opinions.

  • Robotics Club Hosting Fundraiser

    Long Beach Poly Robotics Club participated in an off-season competition called Fall Classic and placed first in the competition.

    The Fall Classic is hosted by a company yearly with the objective of having games created for schools to compete with their designed robot.

    The LBP Robotics Club completely redesigned their robot within 4 weeks.

    Although this is their second year as a rookie team they’ve done well with the club and competitions. There are currently 30-35 members active in the club.

    Senior Marine Alais has been part of the club for two years now and said she was recruited by Theana Guttieri, a now graduated Poly student, when Guttieri stopped by the science classes to discuss about recruitment, Alais said it sounded interesting and joined. Alais experience with competitions makes her feel like it’s “a really big community”, with most schools helping each other out and working together.

    The club not only has their focus on competitions but also in community outreach, working on projects, and mentoring middle school students.

    An upcoming fundraiser  for the club will be taking place December 15 at Applebee’s.

    The club is also hoping to create a Vex team and have an upcoming competition taking place during the beginning of January.

  • Poly North: From a Counselors Perspective

    Poly North is an opportunity for sophomores to gain experience in the woods that will dramatically change their lives forever.

    The origin of Poly North started 4 decades ago. It is focused on supporting the students on a more personal level. Anyone can say that the activities, for instance, the mountain hikes and seminars that are introduced to the students, impact everyone including the staff, senior counselors, and students.

    At Poly North, students interact with each other through seminars about topics or problems that Poly or society has and focuses in on solutions that could benefits students on a personal level.

    For instance, Vincent. Puth (Activities Director/Mentor/Poly Alumni/etc) shared his story of the time he went to Poly North and how he went from wanting to do bad things to being Student Body President. His story contributes to the meaning behind Poly North. This opportunity is a life changing experience that Poly believes every sophomore should endure.

    The first camp took place on October 26-28. Once the bus landed at approximately 3:00 pm, the sophomores eagerly waited to be grouped into their seminar groups. Once the seminar meeting ended, both senior counselors and staff members handed out meal cards for the hungry campers.

    In the dining hall, group activities called Warm Fuzzies took place. The game was to pass a softball from one person without using hands. The purpose of Warm Fuzzies was for the sophomores to get close and comfortable with close interactions. Staff members then performed skits in front of the sophomores.

    The last activity on the first day, was the night hike. Temperatures at lowest reached 38 degrees whilst on the night hike, as the hikers looked upon the starry night. Finally, the campers participated in their own cabin talks.

    On Saturday, the second day, campers rose bright and early at 7:30 to breakfast. After eating, seminar groups met up again for a seminar talk and to participate in several outdoor activities. Some activities included rock climbing, hiking, low ropes, and co-op games working their seminar groups.

    The sophomores then headed back to the dining hall for another round of Warm Fuzzies, this time passing a lifesaver between toothpicks held in the mouth.

    After all activities and seminar talks, the sophomores and seniors were then ready to perform their own skits for the staff and everyone else.

    After all the skits were performed by each seminar group and senior counselors, the usual night hike took place and short dance happened.

    On the final day, the seminar groups met up one last time as everyone said their goodbyes. Free time was then administer as the sophomores chose what they wanted to do, such as archery, volleyball, or just hanging out. Senior counselor took the traditional route and all jumped into the freezing lake together.

    After lunch, were the goodbyes. With the cabins all packed up, everyone who attended camp said their final goodbyes and bittersweet farewells.

    The committee for Poly North can  aided with donations – which can be accessed on Long Beach Poly’s school website.

  • Underrated Michael Jackson Songs

    1. “Loving You”

    2. “Butterflies”

    3. “Give into Me”

    4. “Streetwalker”

    5. “I Can’t Help It “

    6. “The Lady in My Life”

    7. “Take Me Back”

    8. “Maybe Tomorrow”

    9. “Lookin’ Through The Windows”

    10. “Lovely One”