Author: adviser

  • Up the Down Staircase

    Recently, I had the pleasure of seeing the Poly Drama Department’s Sunday matinee performance of Up the Down Staircase in the Poly Playhouse.
    The story opens with Ms. Sylvia Barrett (played by senior Emma Gressett), a new teacher starting her first day at Calvin Coolidge High School. Although her students are rough around the edges — such as the insecure José Rodriguez (junior Justin Jacildo), the rowdy Lennie Neumark (senior Adan Gonzalez), the boy crazy Linda Rosen (sophomore Isabella Garcia), and the juvenile Joe Ferone (junior Donte Owens) —Ms. Barrett learns that the needs of the children aren’t being met by strict principle J.J. McHabe (senior Patrice Berry), who believes that colorful posters are the answer to every problem. Her encounters at Coolidge create both hilarity and intense emotion as she strives to improve the school.
    While each actor gave a spectacular performance, Emma Gressett should be especially noted for the number of lines she memorized as the main character. Her part seemed to have taken up 3/4 of the show, which is extremely impressive. She delivered each line with emotion and passion.
    Playing the role of Mr. Barringer, senior Donge Tucker should also be commended for his believable act as the flirty and charming, yet insensitive teacher and school heartthrob. Senior Jasmine Sim should be applauded as well for her performance as the lovesick Alice Blake, hopelessly in love and completely devoted to Mr. Barringer. In addition, she played a dual role, transitioning seamlessly from the role of naive, girly Alice to the tough, hardcore Carol Blanc.
    All cast members portrayed their characters with sincerity and heart. They clearly conveyed their understanding of the story’s themes of patience, love, and perseverance. Mrs. Hubbard has given us yet another wonderful production, and her gifted students continue to wow us with this play. Up the Down Staircase will have an extended run of limited showings the week of Jan. 5 of next year.

  • Poly’s Activist Legacy

    Poly students and activism have long held a strong relationship. Such a diverse student environment has fostered great conflict, but also great conversation, both in years past and today. No matter what the date is, Poly students have not shown themselves as shy about being heard.
    Back in the 1970s a violent altercation occurred between black and white students. The 1970s were an interesting time for racial relations at Poly.
    The Long Beach school district had just officially desegregated schools in 1972, which brought momentous strides, but also great social tensions. So when racial violence occurred at a local theater, students were aware that something had to be done.
    A large group of African American students gathered at King Park and marched to school in unity. Upon reaching Poly they held a sit-in in the quad as a powerful example of student alliance that, as Mr. Shock said: “[Brought] attention to the racial tensions that were taking place at Poly during that time.”
    It was this sit-in that sparked the formation of Poly North, which is one of the only lasting student relations camps in the school district and a cherished destination for those who’ve visited.
    On-campus activism has not been solely reserved for the past. Students still voice their opinions and work towards social change today, but now in the form of clubs. These activism based clubs use discussion, activities, and hard work to express their ideals and create a safe place for those who have faced the flaws in modern society that the clubs are trying to combat.
    The impact of clubs has not gone unnoticed. Last year Poly held a mandatory assembly to bring light onto the issue of human trafficking in America, where a survivor shared her heartbreaking story and educated our school about the dangers of this issue. This was due to the diligent work of Poly’s Anti-Human Trafficking Club, whose modern day activism has now brought awareness to thousands of students.
    Social activism at Poly has always been done by the hands of students who care. Strides taken by students have changed the way our school functions and thinks, proving that we are the ones with the real power and we are the ones with the responsibility to make change.
    So if you’re a Poly student who is angry, don’t be afraid to stand up: you’ll have a whole community standing behind you.

  • Singers Tear It Up Before Tear Down

    Singers Tear It Up Before Tear Down

    Poly’s Holiday Vocal Concert was a great success. The Choral Music Department came together last Wednesday, Dec. 10, to perform 15 charming holiday songs for friends and family in Poly’s auditorium.
    With the help of directors Brian Dokko and Lori Grace leading the show, the singers delivered plenty of holiday cheer to the audience. Some Christmas classics were performed beautifully, including “Silver Bells,” “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” and “Baby, It’s Cold Outside.”
    It wasn’t all standard songs though. Some interesting carols were also sung, like “Kuwa Na Krismasi Njema,” “Everybody Knows,” and “Shake Up Christmas.”
    All the choirs also got on stage to sing “Samba Santa,” which is a Poly tradition. Two Sing-A-Longs were also included, where the audience was able to get in on the festive spirit and help sing “Deck the Halls” and “Jingle Bells.”
    The cheer was palpable with the Cecilian singers’ performance of “Winter Wonderland,” and Grace getting the crowd lively and happy with their animated and extremely enjoyable performance of “It’s All About Love.”
    It was clear that the students were enjoying themselves, with everyone swaying and smiling, the holiday spirit filled every member of the crowd.
    “I really wanted to move along with them,” said senior Vivian Vu.
    The angelic voices of Vocal Jazz 1 helped bring the evening to a close, right before a final collaboration between the combined choirs: “Peace, Peace.”
    Sadly, this concert will be the last of its kind for a while. The Poly auditorium will be under construction until at least 2018, which means that the exquisite voices of Poly’s choral department will have to relocate.
    Dokko announced that with the absence of the auditorium there will be some new changes to the formatting of concerts as well, with the departments that focus more on classical performing in the Cabrillo auditorium and the more modern departments showing their stuff in the Poly choir room.
    Senior Kandise LeBlanc said, “I’m a little bit nostalgic for it…There have been so many firsts…my first solo, that’s where I met, honestly, my best friends in high school…but I know that it’s going to be a better auditorium for the other kids.”

  • Jackrabbits Find Their Beat

    Jackrabbits Find Their Beat

     

    Sam Ross

    SAM ROSS 1

    Though classically trained, Ross hopes to leave his mark in the jazz world as an innovative pianist. 

    Sam Ross is a jazz pianist who has played for a large majority of his life. Classically trained since he was nine, Ross was first exposed to jazz here at Poly. After playing jazz music with fellow Poly musicians under teacher Chris Stevens, Sam didn’t look back. “Jazz is my main thing. I feel I can express myself in ways that other genres [of music] haven’t done for me.” said Ross.

         Sam is also very dedicated to music. “I would say that 75% of my life is music: playing, practicing, and listening to it,”  said Ross.

         Although Sam is an adept solo pianist, most of the gigs he does are with friends. “My favorite musical memories have to be playing the Gardenia Jazz Festival with the Poly Jazz Combo 1 last year in front of thousands,  booking a concert in Bixby Knolls in front of 300, or playing at the Seabird Jazz Jam with Chris Stevens, Barry Cogert, and Dave Moody,” said Ross.

         Sam’s musical expertise is reflected in his personal taste in music. “A lot of people hear mainstream commercial jazz, most of which has this ‘samey’ quality. There’s a lot more depth to the jazz genre than the masses are aware of,” said Ross. Some of Sam’s musical idols are Ray Charles, Oscar Peterson, and King Missile. His favorite song is ‘I Wish’ by Stevie Wonder.

         Sam plans to keep performing and playing jazz into his college career. “I’m not sure what the future has in store for me but I know I’ll still be playing jazz,” said Ross.

    Marcos Mena

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    Influenced by Jimi Hendrix and an awkward show on New Year’s Eve, Mena wants to become the next big thing.

    Marcos Mena is everything musical plus more.  Playing any sub genre of rock (such as surf, indie, alternative, etc.) and mastering the guitar, bass, and drums, this senior at Poly is all over the Long Beach music scene.  Since age five, Mena has always had a strong passion for music.  His influences include the legendary Jimi Hendrix and local musicians he has encountered. After playing countless shows with many bands and musicians in Long Beach, he has grown to love the experience of composing and playing his own music.  “Performing live is great because you can influence other people’s emotions, [and] the power you have to make someone else feel things words could not make them feel is immense,” said Mena.  With several successful shows under his belt, Mena often recalls his first show, a performance with a rock band, which didn’t turn out at all as planned.  “I played in a backyard on New Years Eve in 8th grade and it was god-awful.  Although I was initially upset, it became my favorite moment because [it] taught me that music is a life long journey that requires patience and hard work,” said Mena. His hard work is definitely paying off.  He is currently a part of Fashion Party, a band he started with fellow Poly students Evan Schaid and Andrew Schenker.  With songs already recorded in their home studio, the band plans to take it to the next level in late December and record songs in a professional studio for wide release.  Fashion Party is also setting up many shows for next year with bands associated with Burger Records, and is searching for a spot on the Insidelands lineup, a small indie rock festival in Los Angeles.  “It’s going to be a great year and I can’t wait,” said Mena. Marcos Mena’s music experience has been a riveting one, and with so much more excitement and success on the way.

     

    Tyler Cleaveland

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    Commonly known as Cavalier, Cleaveland is taking Soundcloud by storm through his upbeat music. 

    Tyler Cleaveland is taking the music industry by storm as the face behind Cavalier Beats. His interest began in the second grade when he first took piano lessons, and his passion has only grown since then. Cleaveland began to take his music seriously in 2014 after many pleas by his friends to pursue making music. “I loved it, but it was only this year that I started making music because I got a positive reaction from [my music],” said Cleaveland. His entry into the music world marked the beginning of a successful career; in the span of a few months, his popularity has grown tremendously. He has over fourteen thousand followers on his Soundcloud and has been the subject of many interviews. “It’s surprising… it all kind of happened very quickly,” said Cleaveland. His favorite genres include trap, future bass, and electronic, and his favorite artists include Kanye West and Cashmere Cat. Cleaveland says he receives the most support from his friends. “They have been supportive of me and they have encouraged me to take my music further,” said Cleaveland. He recently released a new EP called Pietà, which includes six tracks and multiple collaborations. With his growing success, Cleaveland is poised to make his mark in the music industry soon.

     

    Calithos Quartet

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    A budding instrumental quartet of junior hopes to explore the realm of classical music.

    Hidden among the indie rock groups and performers on Poly’s campus is the Calithos Quartet. With all members currently enrolled in the PACE Academy, one could imagine the busy schedule that its members have to battle through on a typical week.  Even so, its four members, juniors Timothy White, Lizzy Robinet, Sofia Salcedo, and Erin Osman still manage to find a way to fit in three hours of practice per week, seamlessly collaborating on new pieces. With Robinet and Osman playing the violin, White playing with a viola, and Salcedo playing the cello, these four juniors make up this classical music quartet formed during their freshman year. Calithos Quartet, a name White says was quickly thrown together, is working towards being able to play multiple recitals and perform their own pieces in the future.  They are well on their way to achieving their goals, seeing as they have already performed at the Renaissance Hotel, Ranchos Los Cerritos, the Museum of Latin American Art, and for prospective Long Beach Poly ninth graders at Poly’s Choice Night.  In fact, the talented group of juniors is in the midst of arranging a performance as a featured group in the lobby of the Long Beach Symphony.  The Calithos Quartet is among many popular musician groups on campus, but it is one of the only classical groups, making them stand out distinctly from the crowd.  According to White, the group’s favorite piece to play together is the American String Quartet by Dvorak.  As one, the quartet is juggling instrumental concerts along with gigs in the area. Look out for the Calithos Quartet and get ready to hear more about these four musicians!

     

    Orion Sundstrom

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    A diehard fan of The Foo Fighters, Sundstrom wants to take his band, Vox Amoris, to new heights.

    As the drummer of a band with several songs and two EPs released, Orion Sundstrom is one of the many successful musicians at Poly.  Growing up with a guitar-playing brother, Sundstrom took up the drums in 3rd grade, and his music career took off from there. Loving his “good ol’ rock” genre, he cites The Foo Fighters and Bloc Party as his main influences.  “Whenever I see anything involving Dave Grohl of Foo Fighters, I get really pumped up about playing music,” said Sundstrom. He loves playing music because he loves listening to music: ”Playing gives you a chance to create what you would want to hear,” said Sundstrom.  “Plus it’s just fun.”  Sundstrom is currently the drummer of Vox Amoris, a Long Beach band with his older brother Alex and his friend Johnathan Eastly, both of whom were former Poly students. Vox Amoris has two EPs already recorded and released on iTunes, a big accomplishment for the band. “I remember sitting in the studio and listening to our new recordings for the first time… it was definitely a proud moment,” said Sundstrom. Vox Amoris also performs in local venues.  Playing some random friendly shows around Long Beach in between recording in the studio is right where this Poly senior/band member wants to be.  “I have some pretty great memories of just playing in front of people.  You can feel when they are really into it and it makes everything awesome,” said Sundstrom. His band Vox Amoris intends to hit the studio once again to try and record a full length album.  “We have over 40 songs that we love playing but haven’t gotten the chance to record, so hopefully that takes place in the near future,” said Sundstrom.  rion Sundstrom’s career in music has been stimulating and successful, and it has no intentions of slowing down.

  • A Thanksgiving Switch Up

    A Thanksgiving Switch Up

    Turkey

    People often judge the entire Thanksgiving dinner based off of the turkey, which explains its central role at the table. Wow your guests and make them believe you are the next culinary prodigy by using these ideas:

    Deep Fried Turkey

    For a fairly simple twist on your baked turkey, deep fry it in the traditional redneck fashion. Popularized by the likes of Paula Deen and Guy Fieri, fried turkey has emerged as a popular new dish for families to serve at the Thanksgiving table. A recipe on the Food Network recommends cooking “the bird” for four hours to achieve a true five-star taste, so plan on setting aside a day with your deep fryer to ensure that the turkey is both crispy and moist.

    Turducken

    If you have any hardcore meat lovers in your family, consider making a turducken this Thanksgiving.  The turducken features three meats in one: a 3-pound duck, a 4-pound chicken, and a 21-pound turkey, all tied together as one big bird. Eating this will make you feel like a bonafide glutton. So if you are in the mood to enter a food-induced coma on Thanksgiving, try a turducken and get your Tums ready— you’ll need it.

    Tofurkey 

    For a real holiday turn around, surprise your guests with a deceivingly filling meatless dinner. Many companies like Tofurkey, Gardein, Quorn, and Magic Vegan offer meatless options to both meat lovers and meat shunners around the country. It is a healthier and more humane alternative than roast turkey, so you will feel good knowing that you saved one turkey from slaughter and cut back on three hundred calories in the process. For these reasons, do not be surprised if the tofurkey ends up tasting better than the actual bird!

    Cornish Game Hens

    Eat an entirely new bird species this Thanksgiving by giving Cornish Game Hens a try. A miniature version of the chicken America has grown to love, the Cornish Game Hen packs the same taste in a smaller package. Cooking multiple is an easier task than cooking turkey, as the hens roast faster than their larger counterpart. You can even use the same spice rubs and brines, like the one provided below. Make Thanksgiving less stressful this year and buy yourself some Cornish Game Hens!

    Cranberry Sauce

    Instead of serving cranberry sauce out of an aluminum can and heating it up before guests arrive, try mixing it up this time with these options:

    Ginger Peach Sauce

    Instead of the usual cranberry sauce to accompany other Thanksgiving dishes, a delicious Gingered Peach sauce is a great alternative for those who want to try something new. This sauce is made with sliced peaches that are processed till smooth. The addition of ginger adds a spicy contrast to the sweetness of the peach, and this flavor duo will rock your taste buds. Try it this Thanksgiving and prepare to be amazed.

    Cranberry Chutney

    What is a chutney, you might ask? Though the name seems exotic, it is nothing more than a combination of fruit and spices. Try adding an exotic twist to your bland cranberry sauce by making cranberry apple chutney. Sounds bizarre? Fear not, for the complex flavors of your chutney will make it a staple every Thanksgiving. Combining cranberries, raisins and apples with a variety of spices and simmering the concoction will give you a delicious result.

    Cinnamon Apple

    A cornucopia of praise will emanate from the Thanksgiving table with this sauce. This cinnamon apple cranberry sauce is prepared by first boiling cranberries, cranberry sauce and sugar together with a cinnamon stick. Once it boils, apples should be added and boiled until tender, serving to further enhance the sauce’s flavor.  Add cornstarch until you reach the consistency of thinned-out jam. After refrigerating, the sauce will be a wonderful addition to the Thanksgiving table.

    Onion Confit

    Pronounced “con-fee,” the French word confit typically refers to food slowly cooked in fat. People often associate it with fine dining rather than a homestyle meal, so impress your guests this Thanksgiving with the knockout recipe provided below. Surprisingly, it is a cinch to make! By cooking cipollini onions on low heat, the natural sugars of the onions are released and impart a sweet taste, counteracted by the red wine vinegar. Give your guests another reason to swoon and prepare onion confit!

    Pumpkin Pie

    If there is one thing Americans can unanimously agree upon, it is the alluring decadence of Thanksgiving desserts. Among these seasonal confections, no one can forget pumpkin pie, an American staple at the Thanksgiving table, and its mouthwatering aroma. As timeless as it is, it can never hurt to spice things up with these new and unusual alternatives:

    Pumpkin Cheesecake

    This life-changing cheesecake is one of the few true competitors to pumpkin pie. Made with cinnamon graham cracker crust, canned pumpkin, and brown sugar-spiced caramel rum sauce, it is a great alternative for those who are not very fond of pies. Expect to enter a state of euphoric bliss by eating this delicious hybrid for dessert.

    Bananas Foster Trifle

    Walnut pound cake rich with brown sugar, creamy vanilla custard, cinnamon rum, and sticky meringue-coated bananas is just enough to send your taste buds to heaven. This trendy twist on pumpkin pie is a favorite among trifle and cake lovers alike. Although it is a calorie bomb, it is made within only two hours, which surely beats the three to four hours of the traditional pumpkin pie.

    Vegan Pumpkin Pie Tarts

    For those who desire a healthier alternative to pumpkin pie, this vegan alternative is a perfect match. These little tarts contain vegan butter, gluten-free flour, pumpkin puree, and vanilla glaze. When baked, they take on an airy consistency and resemble the most decadent pumpkin pie, but with half the calories. The pumpkin butter snuggled in the piecrust gives it a cute, mess-free appearance, making it a feast for both the mouth and the eyes. Eat healthy and deliciously by making these tarts for Thanksgiving!

     

     

     

    Stuffing

    Stuffing is like the sidekick of the turkey: a good one can make it seem better, and a horrible one will lead to severe consequences. Make your Thanksgiving table better by trying these ideas:

    Mofongo Stuffing

    Instead of stuffing your turkey with bread and onions, try this recipe! This new take on traditional stuffing is not for the faint of heart. Use unripe plantains, garlic, bacon, and ajíces dulces or sweet chili peppers for a Puerto Rican twist. Take a trip to San Juan by spicing up your lackluster stuffing this Thanksgiving.

    Pear, Blue Cheese, and Walnut Stuffing

    New things can be scary, but this culinary adventure might just have your guests (and your stomach) thanking you. It is the 21st century, and it  is time to give your dated stuffing recipe a little variation! Tender pears, bread cubes, and toasty walnuts topped with blue cheese are baked to perfection in the recipe provided below. Your revamped stuffing will impress the entire table, and keep your family satisfied.

    Kalua Stuffing

    Baking in a oven is so overrated. If you’ve got shovels and a backyard, make your own oven in the comfort of your backyard! A traditional cooking method in Hawaiian culture that uses the imu, an underground oven. Use your traditional stuffing recipe and bake it in your imu till it is fully cooked. If you want, you can have a full blown luau and bake your turkey like that too! For those who are unadventurous, just add liquid smoke to your dishes to give it a Kalua feel. Digging a hole and cooking your stuffing in the backyard for hours is so much more interesting!

    Sticky Rice Stuffing

    Instead of a boring American style recipe for stuffing, try this delicious Chinese version. Naw Mai Fun is a sticky rice stuffing that is a staple for many Chinese-American families during Thanksgiving. It includes sticky rice, Chinese sausages, and chestnuts; think of this as a cultural twist to stuffing. It will leave your guests feeling like they just came from Beijing, not your Thanksgiving table!

  • I’ve Got The Munchies

    I’ve Got The Munchies

    Open Sesame

    5215 E 2nd St, Long Beach, CA 90803

    “The restaurant had garlic bread that was really delicious.” – Mia Grayson, Junior

    Of the many delicious restaurants on Second Street, Open Sesame is easily a contender for one of the best.  The restaurant even had to open another location on Second Street to deal with the popular demand for their authentic Middle Eastern cuisine.  The eclectic style of the restaurant and the large portions of lamb and pita they give you makes it feel like you are eating an amazing home-cooked meal.  So, the next time you take a leisurely stroll down Second Street and cannot decide on what to eat, remember that Open Sesame never fails to satisfy your appetite.

    Number Nine

    2118 E 4th St, Long Beach, CA, 90814

    “It had a fun environment and good food. I really liked its hollow halls.” – Theo Lee, Freshman

    If you want to eat great Vietnamese soup in a hip area, check out Number Nine. Located on Fourth Street, the restaurant is a haven for hipsters who are scouting out for another Instagram opportunity. Do not be worried, though; their food lives up to the hype. The most popular dish is their pho, served in a variety of ways. The meat comes to your table raw, and you watch it cook right before your eyes. They are also known for their tofu vermicelli and shrimp spring rolls. After you watch the latest indie at the Art Theatre, walk down the street to taste what Number Nine has to offer.

     

    Portfolio Coffeehouse

    2300 East Fourth Street Long Beach, CA 90814

    “The atmosphere there is really nice and light-hearted; it’s a casual area where workers are very welcoming.” – Lauren Temple, Senior

    If you are looking for another productive place to study for that final, look no further than Portfolio Coffeehouse located on Fourth Street. Though there are appetizing menu options offered daily, the place specializes in coffee provided by Illy, a premier Italian coffee roasting company. If you are feeling decadent, try getting a nice pastry or a scoop of ice cream to go along with your cappuccino. For Poly students, Portfolio is an area of comfort, where students can have a snack and chat with friends, or study in a spacious place.

     

    Viento y Agua

    4007 E 4th St, Long Beach, CA 90814

    “The place is really big. Overall, I think it has a cool atmosphere and nice feel to it.”- Kelsey Sry

    Abstract art, open mic nights, and chunky monkeys.  What wouldn’t you love about this coffeehouse?  Not only does Viento y Agua serve some of the best coffee, smoothies, and sandwiches in Long Beach, but it features work by up-and-coming local artists.  If you’re lucky, you can also catch an open-mic night, where talented musicians gather together to share their music and inspire those present. If you are in the mood to have a non-Starbucks frappucino, Viento y Agua is the spot for you.

     

    Berlin Bistro 

    420 E. 4th St, Long Beach, CA 90802

    “It was a cute and modern restaurant; how could anyone not love it?” – Fiona O’Leary

    As a neighboring eatery to Fingerprints, the local music mecca of Long Beach, Berlin Coffeehouse offers Fourth Street wanderers a quaint place to sit and sip after a long search for the perfect vinyl album. Berlin serves a variety of coffees and teas, but it is most reputable for its food options. Snack on their sweet potato fries, or if you are willing to splurge, try ordering their Ahi Tuna Burger. It is a perfect place to hang out with friends; get a bite to eat, and then stop by next door to listen to Fingerprints’s in-store concerts. Music lovers still have to eat, don’t they?

     

    Lola’s Mexican Cuisine

    2030 E. 4th St, Long Beach, CA 90814

    “The food was delicious; I tried the steak burrito there, and it was really good.” – Sam Hale, Junior

    With its blue neon sign and complementary orange exterior, Lola’s Mexican Cuisine puts a unique twist on a traditional Mexican meal.  One of Fourth Street’s most popular restaurants, it’s almost impossible to order something that won’t please your palette.  Whether it’s their perfectly proportioned street tacos, or the signature creamy green avocado dip and chips, Lola’s lives up to their slogan: “Full belly, happy heart.”

     

    The Veggie Grill

    6451 E. Pacific Coast Highway, Long Beach, CA 90803

    “It was a nice alternative, being able to have vegetarian food with full meals.” – Madi Alexander, Sophomore

    Vegetarian or not, You will surely enjoy the vegetarian food offered at Veggie Grill, even if you are the most carnivorous person on the planet. The all-time favorite is “All Hail Kale,” which mixes together marinated kale, quinoa, red cabbage slaw, corn salsa, roasted walnuts, and ginger papaya vinaigrette into a delicious salad. Another noteworthy dish is the Bombay Bowl (herb-roasted vegetables, steamed kale, cannelloni beans, green curry, and a variety of freshly cut vegetables), served with sweet potato fries. Doesn’t this make your mouth water? Come visit the Veggie Grill and try the delicious food; it’s tasty and good for you!

     

    At Last Cafe

    204 Orange Ave, Long Beach, CA 90812

    If you are looking an amazing place to eat this weekend, check out At Last Cafe. Featured on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives, At Last Cafe has a wide variety of American comfort food on top of daily specials and delicious desserts. The restaurant is most famous for their brick chicken, which is essentially chicken cooked under a brick and served with smashed potatoes and fresh vegetables. If you are looking for something more saucy, consider getting the creamy three-cheese macaroni topped with seasoned bread crumbs. Is your mouth already salivating? If so, then visit At Last Cafe soon.

     

    Babette’s Bakery

    1404 Atlantic Ave, Long Beach, CA 90813

    When you walk through Poly, it is hard to find someone who hasn’t visited Babette’s Bakery.  Offering many choices of desserts and breakfast items, a Babette’s signature “sunrise croissant” or chocolate chip muffin is the perfect item to eat on your way to school. If you are one of the select few who still have not visited this local institution, be prepared to leave with more than just one sweet treat.

     

    Taqueria Mexicana

    Various locations around Long Beach

    Hungry for tasty tacos and mouthwatering burritos? Make your way down to Taqueria Mexicana for authentic Mexican cuisine. The most popular option is the carne asada burrito served with rice, beans, cilantro, onion and salsa. Tacos are filled with varieties of meat to pick along with beans and rice at a very good price. In addition, the Taqueria serves California specialties, like the legendary “Cali Burrito,” a concussion filled with carne asada, cheese, sour cream and golden-brown fries. Get your burritos today! You won’t regret it.

     

     

     

  • Poly Demands Moore

    On Thursday Oct 30, the Poly football team faced another league opponent: the Millikan rams. This game was more than a regular game, it featured special guests and honored veterans. On the sidelines of the game was UCLA head football coach Jim Mora. In addition, senior linebacker Omari Lyles sang the national anthem a capella before the game
    The Main attack for Millikan was running back Donald Gordon. However, the Poly defense held him to under 30 yards during the entire game. When Millikan threw the ball, many passes were either deflected or intercepted. Junior Kobe Williams had an interception on Millikan’s first drive, and Junior De’Andre Pierce had one later in the game.
    The Poly offense had a relatively fast start, having explosive plays in both running and passing the ball. Senior running backs Jeremy Calhoun and James Brooks had significant play time, and ran the ball well.
    Senior receiver Justin Calhoun had three receptions for 30 yards, and three touchdowns. Senior Iman “Biggie” Marshall showed off ball handling skills, with a 35 yard juggling touchdown catch. Going into halftime the score was 44-0, Poly leading.
    The Thursday game honored veterans for their service. Players wore camouflage pants, and presented a $1000 check at halftime for the Wounded Warrior Project. The announcer introduced various veterans from each of the armed services who were also Poly alumni.
    The second half of the game had a running clock, and the second string players were inserted. In the end, the Jackrabbits won by a blowout score of 57-0. This is the second shutout in the regular season, with Cabrillo being the first, 49-0.
    Poly (8-1, 5-0) will have their final home game against Wilson on November 7. In the regular season finale, the senior players will be honored for their commitment, as it is Senior Night. In a classic Moore League showdown, the two oldest high schools in Long Beach will battle it out as “The Tradition Lives on.” The next games will be determined by the CIF playoff brackets. The playoff games will feature tougher competition. Some possible teams to play are St. John Bosco, Junipero Serra, and Corona Centennial. These formidable opponents are much better than the teams Poly faces in the regular season

  • XC on Road to State

    It was a good day to be a Jackrabbits as both the boys and girls cross country teams qualified for CIF Finals last Saturday, Nov. 15 on the famed Mt.SAC cross country course.

    After winning another straight Moore League title earlier this month, the boys and girls showed an outstanding effort at the CIF-Southern Section Prelims. Both teams get that much farther on the road to state as the boys placed 4th in their heat and the girls win theirs heat. Because of their exceptional efforts, Poly is advancing to the CIF-Southern Section Finals this Saturday November 22, Once again held at Mt. Sac.

    “For us, prelims for the last few years have been a kind of cushion We needed to run hard, but we didn’t have to kill it. They all ran pretty decent times without all that effort and with that attitude, the guys know they can make it. It’s just psychological, they know they can do it,” said boys head coach Mike Fillpow.

    First in the chute for Poly was junior Colby Penn, running with a time of 15:55. Penn was followed closely by fellow juniors Gian Delfin (16:03) and Conor Ragland (16:11). Senior Matt Oca finished fourth for the Jackrabbits with a time of 16:20. Poly’s varsity underclassmen finished soon after as sophomore Hugo Novoa, and freshman Eric Hatch come in neck and neck at 16:27 and 16:29 respectively. Rounding out the jackrabbits score was senior Brennan Bruggeman running 16:35 and pilling the boys in for a fourth place finish.

    “We were in a position where we didn’t have to go all out. WE were able to breeze through and make it to finals. I’m proud of the guys and I know we can make it to state this weekend,” said Penn.

    The girls took to the start line almost an hour later. With a relatively young team of all underclassmen, the girls ran the second heat of division one.

    “It was really fun. It was just a good experience to race e with girls at that caliber,” said sophomore varsity member Olivia Gleason. “There are supposed to be more people at finals and we can only hope we do well.”

    Sophomore Juliane Douds leads the way for Poly, finishing with a time of 18:40. She was soon followed by Gleason who ran an 18:46. Freshman Fiona O’Leary comes in right behind Gleason as she finishes

    with an 18:47 in her varsity race. Next to finish for the girls were sophomore Lauren Fillipow (18:55), Melissa Tanaka (18:52), and Brenda Rosales (19:02). The girls’ scores were rounded out by freshman Leslie Diaz coming in with a time off 19:19 to pull the jackrabbits to a first place win.

    The jackrabbits will be at Mt. SAC once again this Saturday, Nov. 22, to compete for the chance to make it to state. If they make it, the boys will revisit Fresno like they did two years ago. For the girls, this would be their first time competing at state.

  • Volleyball Sets CIF Dreams Away

    All great things must come to an end. The Lady Jackrabbits worked hard to make it to into the playoffs but on Nov. 18, their hard work wasn’t enough as they fell to J. Serra in the first round of CIF, resulting in a five set loss.
    The Jackrabbits started off slow, losing the first set 25-21, but fortunately bounced back winning the second round 27-25. With a new confidence boost, the girls took the third set with the help of senior Erin Williams and her 16 kills. Hope was high for the jackrabbits, until J. Serra responded back winning both the fourth and fifth set, with scores of 25-17 and 15-8 respectively. With the loss came the girls end to their CIF career.
    In the game senior Nofo Keil had 11 kills followed by 10 kills from Tati Yandall.
    “The passing was off and the pressure was up. That’s all we wanted to do: fight hard for Poly,” said Yandall.

  • Water Polo Fails to Mater

    Water Polo Fails to Mater

    This year our Poly water polo team successfully advance from the Moore League to CIF playoffs, unfortunately we were eliminated in the first round by Mater Dei. On November 12, our water polo team played its last game of the 2014 season ending in a 19-2 loss against Monarchs. Coming into the game it was tough being that the opponent had a 16-3 overall record for the season. In the first half of the game it seemed the Jackrabbits couldn’t respond to anything the Monarchs threw at them, by allowing 7 goals in the first quarter and 3 in the second. In the third quarter the Jackrabbits created a spark when sophomore John Claridy scored a goal allowing the Jackrabbits to get on the board, even though the Monarchs scored 5 goals of their own. In the final quarter of the game hope was kept alive when sophomore Patrick Murray scored another goal for the Jackrabbits, but the Monarchs responded with 4 goals closing out the game 19-2. With this loss the Jackrabbits were eliminated from the playoffs and played their final game of the season.

  • Atticus Finch Walks into a Starbucks…

    Atticus Finch Walks into a Starbucks…

    It’s 10:18 p.m. on a weeknight as I stay up doing everything except homework, when my friend in New York sends me a link.
    He’s doing exactly what I am (which is absolutely nothing) three hours in the future. I glance at the link, reluctant to click on it because 1. It’s on Tumblr, and God knows that all productivity would end right then and there (not that it was happening in the first place) and 2. The name included Starbucks, a place I had always felt miffed about. Living frugally meant that I couldn’t blow many $5 bills on 16 oz. mocha-flavored caffeinated beverages, leaving me out of the ever-expanding coffee hype.
    Shrugging, I clicked on the link anyway (knowing that the work was never going to get done) as my friend rambled on about how he thought that it was “literally the funniest thing ever.”
    Looking at the plain, off- white home screen, I decided not to expect much, that his quote — much like all his other musings —was probably just another exaggeration. But looks, or lack thereof, can be very deceiving. Clicking that link was like walking into a Starbucks, where endless delectable choices lay waiting to be ordered.
    The blog, which was created by “two English majors and one History major who [had] WAY too much time on their hands,” features famous authors and characters (both from classical and contemporary works) in a fictional Starbucks setting. They are made to order drinks that reflect their original writing style, as well as make nuances about the text. Some are simply hilarious, such as the parody written on Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet.
    “Romeo goes up to the counter and orders a white chocolate mocha. As he’s waiting for it, the barista sets down a hazelnut macchiato for someone else. Romeo is struck by the realization that this is the perfect drink for him, and takes it, forgetting that he and everyone in his family is allergic to nuts.” This of course is making a play on the central conflict of Romeo and Juliet; in choosing the Hazelnut Macchiato, aka Juliet, (note: which wasn’t his to begin with), he sparks a disagreement that ends in carnage.
    Many of the passages vary in length, but still contain the same amount of ingenuity and genius, such as the one written about Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird.
    “Atticus Finch goes up to the counter and orders the one drink on the menu that no one else was brave enough to get. As he walks out, everyone else stands up in solidarity.”
    This one’s pretty self- explanatory, so I’ll spare the explanation.
    For all those bookworms out there or those who want a good laugh, make sure to check it out; there are a multitude of names left to explore, such as Gatsby, Achilles, and e.e. cummings, to name a few. Take a sip and soon you’ll be scrolling through all the pages.

    Read more excerpts on http://literarystarbucks.tumblr.com.

  • A Mix of Rock and Ireland: Hozier

    . Hozier (full name Andrew Hozier-Byrne) just released his instantly popular debut studio album, self-titled “Hozier.”
    You may have already heard his hit single “Take Me To Church” from his previous EP, which is a perfect blend of deep soul and dangerous lure that attracts us and pleases our eardrums.
    Born in Ireland as the son of a musician, Hozier grew up to study music at Trinity College in Dublin. He later dropped out to record demos with the label Universal Music and became a part of other musical groups.
    Hozier then went on to record some of his music in his own attic, and released his breakthrough single on Youtube (“Take Me To Church”) that went viral and is now popular on the radio.
    This 24-year old’s album has already hit #14 on the iTunes top album charts, and has “Take Me To Church” sitting at #7 on iTunes top song charts. “Take Me To Church” is brilliantly composed, but it is only one of many.
    Other numerous tracks, such as “Angel of Small Death and the Codeine Scene,” “Like Real People Do”, and “From Eden” are more treasures amongst the rest of this singer-songwriter’s debut album.
    “I just wanted to make music that I could be proud of, and hoped that I could make music that people would enjoy as much as I have enjoyed music,” said Hozier in an interview with our local LA radio station KROQ.
    He went on to talk about how enriching it is to create music he is proud of and that other people appreciate. His rapidly increasing popularity has turned his dream into reality, and his music is now praised amongst thousands of people.
    Hozier’s show, scheduled in Los Angeles at the Fonda Theater for this upcoming February, is already sold out.
    A unique sound inspired by soothing soul and blues with an indie twist is the perfect music for relaxing in your room, staring up at the stars, or snuggling up with the new gloomy weather headed our way.
    So if you’re in the mood to listen to some soulful music filled with feeling, listen to Hozier’s new album and get ready to be enlightened. From an attic in Dublin to the Los Angeles KROQ studio, Hozier’s music legacy is only just beginning.