Author: adviser

  • Econ’s VITA Project In Full Swing

    Poly’s VITA program undergoes its busiest times as the 2015 tax return season comes to an end.

    VITA, short for Volunteer Income Tax Assistance, is an IRS- backed school program that allows people of lower-income (up to $58,000) to get their taxes done for free by student volunteers.

    The program was originally established 15 years ago but made its way to Poly 3 years ago with the help of teacher Daniel Adler and student Jamie Gracie.

    The program is held on Mondays and Fridays from 3:00- 5:00 and Saturday mornings in the Hicks Gallery.

    Interested parties must book appointments either by phone or on their official website http://lbpolyvita.weebly.com/. Volunteers are taught how to file federal and state income tax returns either through an online training program or classes by Mr. Adler.

    “It does take time to learn [the process of filing tax returns], but I’m glad to be able to provide such a valuable service,” said Nathan Bousfield, a student who participates in VITA.

    VITA has been a successful endeavor. With an average of 15 returns filed per day, Poly’s VITA has completed over 300 returns this year so far, greatly surpassing last year’s total of about 200 returns.

    VITA usually ends with the IRS tax filing deadline (which is April 15 for this year) but this year’s early Spring Break may force the program to close prematurely on March 28.

    Adler has plans for VITA to be more expansive, with the introduction of a dedicated app and the integration of the Affordable Care Act into the program.

    “I think [the VITA program] is the perfect combination of community service and education because the students learn so much and the community benefits from taxes done right,” said Adler.

  • Lived Long and Prospered

    Lived Long and Prospered

    Leonard Nimoy, well known for his role as Mr. Spock in the popular television show Star Trek, died Feburary 27. Long loved for his three year, 80 episode run in the original Star Trek, he inspired generations of people with a love for science fiction.
    The character Spock is half human, half Vulcan, an alien characterized by pointed ears and exaggerated eyebrows. He is the first officer on the Starship Enterprise, and always provides (whether or not it is requested) the logical solution to many of the problems that the crew faces. Leonard Nimoy brought the character of Spock to life with his quick wit and stringent morals, audiences for generations have loved and connected with him, whether he was facing inner turmoil or facing off with Dr. McCoy.
    Before the fame that his most popular role brought him, he showed his passion for acting in a wide array of parts, mostly as minor characters in various TV shows (such as Twilight Zone and General Hospital), from 1951 to 1965. From 1966 to 1969 he acted in Star Trek, which became wildly popular. Later on in his career. Spock also appeared in many Star Trek movies and spin-off shows, like Star Trek The Next Generation.
    Other TV shows have featured his beloved character, including The Simpsons and Futurama. He continued to act, in and out of the Star Trek franchise, and went on to write books, direct movies, along with becoming a photographer, philanthropist, and singer. He even made a reappearance in the more recent Star Trek Into Darkness, reprising his role as Spock at the age of 82.
    Many people know Spock’s famous hand symbol and quote, “Live Long and Prosper.” As a pop culture icon, he funtioned to show people that science fiction permeates our society, in television, literature, and movies. Leonard Nimoy not only gave us Spock, he also lit our passion for science fiction.
    The character that Leonard Nimoy helped the science fiction community fall in love with had many impacts in popular culture. Spock became a foil to the human race, highlighting human passions and often illogical actions driven by emotion with his own stoicism. In addition, his character’s struggle with identity proved something many could relate to–not only those growing up in the mid-1960s, but also everyone who watches reruns of the grainy sci-fi show on late night TV or on the internet. The character of Spock reached through generations as a beacon, a cooler head that would always prevail at the end of a 50 minute episode. Leonard Nimoy brought to life someone who would inspire generations of people, someone who was, and always would be our friend, and though his life has ended, the memories and impact on culture that he left behind will not.

  • Funeral Portrait Is Dead On

    I first learned about The Funeral Portrait about seven months ago when I was emailed their debut album, For the Dearly Departed, mp3s. I was skeptical after doing a bit of research, because TFP is the definition of an unknown band. Because of their limited fan base, I assumed mediocrity. I can tell you right now that I never could have been more wrong.
    As I hit the play button to song one, “Casanova (C’est La Vie),” a catchy riff filled my ears. A light background of cymbal accompanies the perfect balance of guitar and synthesizer until all fades away into a melancholy chord. At this point, a musty, semi-deep voice sings out, “I’d rather bury you alive than bear the burden that you keep ‘cause you’re a poison in my veins. I’ll never say surrender.” A quick transition leads the listener into the gloriously upbeat sounds of pop rock that features clever guitar work mixed with strategic drumming that adds excellent splashes of sound. The most curious voice leads the entire ensemble, weaving and winding with a Serj Tankian-esque timbre and five-star range.
    “Wax Romantic,” the closing song to this masterpiece, starts out more as a tribute to the metalcore scene, featuring vicious screams and a driving, punk-reminiscent drumbeat. However, this doesn’t last long; within thirty seconds, The Funeral Portrait returns to their trademark sound that draws from pond on p, ska, and polka but always stay true to the instrumental intelligences of rock and metal. Next comes the catchy chorus that they are so excellent at crafting: “this is the part where I apologize for everything I’ve done, and when my world is torn asunder, will you go underneath with me?”
    The Funeral Portrait is one of my greatest musical discoveries. Their music is brilliantly written, and the members are at heart true musicians. If they play their cards right, they will become the next big rock band.
    Their music can be found on Youtube and iTunes.

  • Classical Musicians: Eddie Oliver

    In a world filled with music, it is an inevitable choice, as a musician, which route to take: the way of rock and pop or the classical path. Senior Eddie Oliver has chosen the classical way, as a percussionist. He specializes in mallet instuments and the vibraphone. Olver is a performer in the A2 Jazz Band, and he also plays timpani and bells in the Symphony and Chamber Orchestras.
    Classical artists are performing a style of music that was begun far before pop music, and therefore, they still deserve notice.
    “Advice I would give to aspiring musicians would be to practice a lot. You can accomplish so much if you actually try and stick with it,” said Oliver.
    Oliver began taking piano lessons at the age of eight, and continued his musical education by joining the school band in 4th grade. He began percussion in the 7th grade by playing the xylophone, and has not stopped since.
    Currently, he is working on an ambitious set list for the Jazz Band and is arranging a mallet quartet for a ragtime piece by Scott Joplin for the Solo/Ensemble Festival in April. However, the most diffficult thing he is working on now is playing a vibraphone concerto with Symphonic Winds.
    Oliver is planning to be a music major in college, though he is not yet sure what university he will attend.
    “I would just like to thank Milan Moliere and Lathell Powel, Tristan Buckreis, and Tom Hughes,” Oliver said. “Without any of those individuals I would not be the musician or even the person I am today; they have helped me tremendously throughout the years.”

  • Poetry Feature: To Think, Watch, Numb, and love is falling out

    To Think

    To think that once upon a time
    When fairy tales were on our minds
    When jump-rope rhymes and skipping time
    Were all
    That mattered.

    To think that not so long ago
    Our parents cried and laughed and smiled
    Living the life that we now live
    And we ignore that they
    Are people, too.

    To think that when we are sad and lonely
    Other people are sad and lonely, too.

    To think that you are the only one
    Who feels that way
    When your next-door neighbor thinks
    They are the only one
    Who feels
    Alone.

    To think that once upon time
    Happy lives were everywhere
    And now
    You are sad
    And they are gone.

    To think that when we are sad
    The world keeps spinning.

    To think.
    Think.
    Thi―.

     

    Watch

    turnkey’s eyes spies by hinge of door
    ordered to watch forevermore
    is said by logic did i not obey
    so be it on cold floor must i lay
    air deeply thick by my obliging breath
    not have mattered had I succeeded at death

     

    Numb

    they ask—how do you feel?
    –I feel numb, I say
    but they always want to know—
    what does that mean?
    I’ll shrug my shoulders
    and brush it off
    as all who are numb will do
    what I always want to say
    but can’t
    for the numb speak only in their minds
    is that I am beyond my sorrows
    my deepest depression
    nothing can touch me now
    I float above life with only fear
    fear of waking up to reality.

     

    love is falling out

    love is falling out;
    vision cracks and falters,
    the voices are inaudible
    because they drown the depths
    of a poisonous world,
    I burn my fingertips in the sun
    to forget your touch…
    a prolonged past numbness pays me a visit
    and separates our holding hands so easily,
    This grasp was insecure
    Because love is falling out.

     

  • The History of Science Fiction

    In recent years, science fiction has stormed onto the entertainment scene. Whether it be movies and television, books, or even video games, sci-fi has managed to capture the hearts of its broad audience.
    Science fiction is a fictional genre that deals with imaginative, yet realistic science themes such as time travel, space travel, parallel universes, futuristic technology, extraterrestrial life and post-apocalyptic worlds. While it has always been in the entertainment landscape, sci-fi has truly hit its stride within the last two decades.
    From Isaac Asimov and Carl Sagan to George Lucas and Christopher Nolan, the genre has quite a history. Isaac Asimov’s works such as The Foundation Trilogy, I,Robot, and The Caves of Steel paved the way for some of the great sci-fi books that we know today. Dune, The Hunger Games and The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy are all deeply influenced by early sci-fi authors.
    Now, as is the case with many books, they are translated into live-action film. This is the case for many sci-fi books as well. 2001: A Space Odyssey, Jurassic Park and Contact are just a few out of the many sci-fi books to become major motion pictures. Sci-fi movies don’t only come from film adaptations, however. Many hit sci-fi movies such as the Star Wars series, Alien, and Avatar all started out as original ideas. Also, just as movies adapt screenplays from books, TV shows adapt ideas from movies. In fact, Terry Gillam’s Twelve Monkeys is currently airing a spinoff show with the same title on the SyFy network. Other movie to TV show adaptations include Starman and The War of the Worlds.
    One last aspect in which science fiction has truly cemented itself is the video game department. Sci-fi has the perfect amount of epicness for the video game format. Science fiction video games have been there since the beginning. From the Halo and Mass Effect franchises to Bioshock and Destiny, sci-fi video games have thrived ever since their conception.
    So, if you haven’t already, give science fiction a try. Whether its through reading, watching or playing, sci-fi has a place for everyone.
    Recommended Books: Dune, Black Science, I, Robot.
    Recommended Movies: Avatar, Interstellar, Star Trek movies.
    Recommended TV shows: Acension, 12 Monkeys.
    Recommended video games: Halo series, Destiny, Mass Effect series.

  • The Garments of Champions

    The Garments of Champions

    Many of you have seen the stylish T-shirt designs that Poly sports teams boast are worn all over the campus. The championship basketball shirts and the new soccer logo are all brainchildren of Fresh, a Poly alumnus who is making his living designing T-shirts with his company, Fresh Teez.
    Fresh works with his partner to design creative T-shirts with a special flare. Fresh also coaches for the varsity softball team, and is dubbed “Team Mom” by the players and head coach.
    He is proud to be able to work with such promising athletes. “[I love] being a positive male influence for the girls,” he said.
    Fresh graduated from Poly in 1986, and from there began pursuing his dream. “When I saw the freshman head coach,” said Fresh, “and I saw the uniforms we had received for the amount of money that we paid, I said, “I know I can do better than that.’” From there, he collaborated with friends in the silk-screening business and was able to buy the t-shirts wholesale.
    Fresh considers his greatest designing feat to be when he designed the T-shirts for the track team’s back-to-back state titles. “The whole track team was wearing my shirt,” he boasts. “I was looking at the Gazette like I do after a sporting event…and I said, ‘Hey! That’s my shirt!’”
    Spending so much of his time after graduation at Poly has been a very surreal experience, Fresh says. “Every once in a while you’re in the hallways and you get that little flashback from when you were in high school… It’s like, ‘Man, I remember this moment.’”
    He appreciates all the support he receives from the large and loving Poly family, and considers it an honor to design T-shirts for Poly, giving his company the memorable slogan: Fresh Teez, the garments of champions.

  • Freshman Emily Knous, a phenomenal mid center of the Poly Varsity Soccer Team, has recently participated in the national championships for Olympic Development Teams.

    Having been selected for the first time to play in the national champsionships from the Olympic Development Program, which she has been a part of for four years, Knous carried her team to victory after double over time and penalty kicks.

    Her team placed first in the nation after facing off the three other regional teams in the United States.

    However, Knous’ astounding accomplishments don’t stop there; she is a student in CIC and plays violin in Poly’ssymphonic orchestra.

    “Balancing it is a big part of everything because academics has always come first before soccer,” says Knous about her crazy schedule.

    “[I have to find] the time and make the most of doing homework in the car.”

    Knous aspires to play soccer at a high college level after high school, and become a professional soccer player. If soccer doesn’t work out, she hopes to work in marketing for Nike.

    Being in the Olympic Development Program exposes Knous to the top tier athletes in the nation, her among them.

    “Meeting girls all over the country is a really fun experience because no matter where you go, you see friends you don’t necessarily get to see every day,” says Knous.

    Knous says that most of all she has her parents to thank for helping her achieve her goals thus far. She also cites her personal trainer Jason Martinez as a “huge part of [her] success.”

  • Water Polo is A First Round Sinker

    The 2014-2015 water polo season has come to an end as the girls were devastated by a 21-7 upset against San Clemente on Thursday, February 19. Beside their first round cut from CIF, the girls finished second in Moore League, losing against the Bruins on Jan 22. but prevailing against Lakewood on Jan. 29th and Millikan on Feb .12.

    On Feb. 20, the girls entered CIF-Prelims, playing San Clemente, who was seeded second in CIF-D2. The girls hoped to continue onto CIF finals, but unfortunately were not able push past San Clemente as they took a devastating 21-7 loss. While most of San Clemenete’s goals were shot by their aggressive set player, Poly’s sophomore Julia Mangandi put up four goals, accompanied by two from freshman Sydney Brightenburg.

    “Their set player was the one scoring most of their points. She would get the ball and the posession wouldn’t be close to over when she would already have had scored,” said Captain Carina Monaco.

    As their final game of the Moore League season, the girls faced the Millikan Rams on Thursday, Feb. 12. It seemed as if it would be a close game as the Rams came really aggressive, shooting two goals the first quarter. As the game progressed the Rams slowly started to give into Poly’s persisting offensive, giving up eight goals by the end of the game. Mangdani led the scoreboards with three goals, followed by juniors Carina Monaco and Taylor Martin who each had two, with Brightenburg scoring the last goal of the game. The jackrabbits put their final win for the season in the books with a 8-2 victory.

    “Overall the season was pretty good. We finished second in Moore League and everyone progressed a lot this year. It wasn’t a bad season,” said Martin.

  • Basketball Gets a Second Chance

    This week the boys and girls basketball team will continue their season in a march through the state playoffs. But prior to this week both teams lost and are out of the race to a CIF Championship.

    After losing a tough game to Chino Hills, the boys team were given the task to remain undefeated in the rest of the CIF playoffs if they wanted to continue their season and play for State.

    “After the first round loss we had to regroup and figure out what we needed to do in order to win the rest of our games,” said junior Drew Buggs.

    Their first challenge was Price. This was an easy away victory for the boys as shown by the score throughout the entire game, never letting Price get control of the game. The Jackrabbits led the whole game and finished it with an effortless win and score of 67-50.

    Their next opponent was St. John Bosco. Poly had the upper hand until half time when Bosco led by 1 point going into the 3rd quarter. However, at the end of the 3rd, Poly controlled the lead and was up by 4. The remaining quarter of the game was a back and forth battle between the two teams, but fortunately the Jackrabbits were able to pull through with a 10 point victory over St. John Bosco.

    Junior Drew Buggs maneuvers the ball on the court.
    Marco Montemayor
    Junior Drew Buggs maneuvers the ball on the court.

    Fortunately, Poly was able to come through with a win. This was vital because with this win they are able to advance to the State playoffs.

    “Now were on a 3 game win streak and we hope to continue it in the State playoffs,” said Buggs.

    Unfortunately, it wasn’t the same comeback story for the girls, who were recently eliminated

    from the CIF playoffs. But luckily for the girls, they will still be able to advance to the State playoffs.

    Before they were eliminated, the girls played against Vista Murrieta. This was a close game, with Poly was trailing 37-40 in the third quarter. In the fourth quarter, the Jackrabbits pushed through and ended up beating them 58-54.

    Their next opponent was

    Chaminade who they played as visitors on Feb. 27. Chaminade led the whole game and Poly was just not able to respond. Poly trailed the whole game and finished with the score of 66- 77. With this loss the girls were eliminated from the CIF playoffs.

    “Fixing areas we struggled, watching footage to see what we need to fix, practicing, working

    hard, changing are mentality to know we have to play harder,” said junior Eliza Matthews.

    even though neither team won the CIF championship there is still hope for a State Championship. The boys played sylmar yesterday, but the score could not be reported due to time constraints. The girls will play Mission Hills at Poly on Friday, Mar. 13.

  • Soccer Falls Flat

    The Poly girls soccer Jackrabbits suffered a devastating defeat, falling to Mater Dei in overtime in the CIF semi-finals game last Tuesday, March 3. Poly started with a strong lead, with Daria Manzano’s corner kick, which Leslie Walker took home in the 19th minute, scoring the first goal. But early on in the second half, Mater Dei showed they wouldn’t go down without a fight, and scored a goal, tying up the game. Neither team could take the win within the rest of the regulation time, so the Monarchs and the Jackrabbits headed into overtime.

    It was quite the battle, but Mater Dei rose to victory, with monarch Briana Meyer scoring the last goal. It was a heartbreaking sight on the field, seeing our lady jackrabbits fall to their knees in devastation, most of which were seniors, knowing it was the last time they’d play on that field wearing that jersey. In an interview for Gazette sports, Poly’s coach Terri Collins spoke highly of her senior girls that will go out as real champions.

    “These seniors changed the tide and the culture here,” Collins said. “We went into the gym and lunch and looked at a league banner with titles in 2012, 2014, and 2015.”

    Our soccer seniors spoke out on their abrupt end to their high school soccer career at Long Beach Poly.

    “It’s a sad moment knowing I’ll never wear a poly jersey again,” said senior Imani McDonald, goalie of four years here at Poly. “These past four years had shaped me into the person I am…they’ve taught me what it takes to overcome adversity and people’s opinion of you. I am extremely grateful for what Poly soccer has done for me.”

    But even with their season ending, the Poly soccer girls know their gained experience and bond with each other will last forever.

    “It was a bitter sweet moment, but mostly bitter…but we’ve accomplished so much this season and had to overcome obstacles to get as far as we did. My four years on poly soccer allowed me to build strong relationships with a group of girls that I will cherish forever,” said senior Ckelana Ceaser.   The girls soccer seniors know they are going out strong with love, honor, and opportunity surrounding them.

    “There’s nothing to hang our heads about. We had an amazing season, and I’m so blessed that I had this opportunity to play with some amazing girls. These four seasons have just made me become a better player because you’re playing with some amazing players and you all are doing something together you’re so passionate about,” said Manzano.

    With the final CIF girls soccer game ending with a 2-1 defeat, the girls will walk away with their heads held high, ready to take on the next challenge in the soccer world awaits them.

     

  • One Big Deed For Senior Jackrabbits

    This year, one of Poly’s own on-campus clubs, “One Big Deed” is setting out to conquer not just one but several big deeds. In order to show their compassion towards the Poly community and to take advantage of an opportunity to help, the “One Big Deed” club plans to raise enough money through fundraising, donations, etc. to be able to pay for deserving seniors’ final high school year events. These will include cap and gown payments, grad night tickets, yearbooks, and prom. “We reach out to seniors who wouldn’t otherwise be able to afford all these things in their senior year,” said president of the “One Big Deed” club, Destin Bigsby. School counselors will recommend which of their seniors are eligible and in need of the financial assistance the club will offer. This way, many students will be able to fully enjoy their senior year with less of a financial burden on themselves and their families. Once recommended by their counselor, the recipients are asked to write an essay as a form, or an “application”. “One Big Deed” will be notify tthese respective seniors later on this year. The club doesn’t aim to assist seniors at Poly exclusively; “One Big Deed” reaches out to all the other schools in the Long Beach District. “Last year we chose seniors from all over the Long Beach community,” said Bigsby. “One Big Deed” is hoping to take it even further this year by fundraising much more through busniesses to be able to pay for even more seniors this year, in addition to going around our local areas asking for donations.” “One Big Deed” is making rapid progress, and accomplishing not just one but many big good deeds to be able to give students in Long Beach a memorable senior year experience.