Category: Arts & Culture

  • This Club Is Just Playing Games

    Gaming club, this club is really fun and you can chill with your friends. I highly recommend you come. It’s located is 806. The Club advisor is science teacher Masaru “Kent” Kawai. He teaches things all about physics. The thing is that you can bring food in the club for anyone or for yourself. I also like how it is chill and like there are fun people to play some video games with.

    My name is Isaac Chhuom and I am a senior. I am the vice president of the club. I keep track of everything that is happening. I’m also the DJ. There are some freshmen, sophomores, and many juniors and seniors.

    Icarus Gonzalez is the Treasurer. He keeps track of the money. He is also in charge of what type of games that we want to play. He does well in his position as Treasurer and is a good friend to talk to. Evan Soth is the president of the club. He even keeps track of the students and also tells us the upcoming events. We make our announcements every time we meet up. He is strong and independent in his role and is the best person also. Both of them are 11th graders.

    The secretary is Jason Khem. He makes sure people check up on the list. He loves his position and he also is in 11th grade. He wants to be in charge of the food and drink that you buy. What else snacks are there? The snacks he brings are chips or cookies. He is always prepared when someone is hungry. The thing is that he is trustworthy also and never makes any mistakes at all.

    Club member, Melany Toch said the other club members are cool and the games that we play. Toch likes the club cabinet members. She wants to have a cosplay contest. What she doesn’t like is the variety of the games.

    Another club member is Ashley Rodriguez. She likes how it is competitive and everyone gets along most of the time. She doesn’t like how the seats are.

    She likes the projector where it is at but not how laggy the game is sometimes.

    Ruben Rivera likes that the club is kinda quiet and wasn’t out of control. What else, there weren’t too many people, but there were a lot of people to talk to. What else are there common interests? He agrees with Rodriguez about the game lags. He wants more people to go and more games to play.

    One final club member is Nathan Bay. He says it was a good atmosphere. There were lots of different stations. He thinks there should be better tournaments. He likes the music and he thinks that the adviser, Mr. Kawai, does a good job.

  • Halloween Kills Met With Mixed Reactions From Students.

    Halloween Kills, starring Jamie Lee Curtis and Andi Matichak, is slated to come out this October 15 in theaters and on the Peacock streaming platform.

    The movie, which is a direct sequel to Halloween (2018), is releasing after multiple trailers have dropped, including a final trailer that was posted on September 20. The trailers have been accompanied by lots of promotional material across different social media platforms.

    The movie is set to focus on the main Strode women, who have been terrorized by Michael Myers for three generations.

    “After watching the trailer, the approach the movie is going in with them seems well written,” said Poly PACE sophomore Genevie Lumada. “They correlate with modern day change of women empowerment and I’m all for it.”

    The movie is also supposed to be one of the goriest installments of the franchise so far. The trailer alone shows Michael Myers on a rampage, killing multiple characters in a few seconds alone.

    Joshua Chauy, a Poly CIC freshman, shared, “It looks really nice, with all of the gore. I’m ex- cited.”

    The film is additionally shown to be a nostalgic callback for diehard Halloween fans. The final trailer shows characters from the original movie, like Tommy Doyle and Lindsey Wallace, being terrorized by Michael Myers once again, 43 years later.

    “I notice all of the kids are grown up in the trailer, which is exciting,” Chauy added, “But I don’t think it will be better than the original.”

    However, some who have been disappointed with the Halloween movies are hoping Halloween Kills will revitalize the series.

    Victoria Heng, a Poly PACE sophomore, said she is, “…hoping it’s better than the original… I was underwhelmed by the Halloween franchise’s earlier movies.”

    The release of Halloween Kills adds to the excitement horror fans are feeling during the month of October. On top of the film, the trailer for the upcoming movie Scream (2022) was released alongside the first episode of the new Chucky TV series on October 12. The new television series, I Know What You Did Last Summer, an adaptation of the novel and 1997 slasher with the same name, is also set to come out on October 15.

  • Green Light For Squid Game

    Netflix’s new thriller, Squid Game has taken over social media by the masses throughout the entire month of September. 

    Squid Game is about a group of people in Korea who are in a massive pool of debt. These contestants are all sent to a bunker underground where they must play kid games but to the death, to win a reward of $38.6 million. 

    The main character Gi-Hun was chosen to play because he has no way of supporting his daughter, has no job, was caught up in loan sharks, and has a gambling addiction. Gi-Hun soon learns that without this money he cannot send his mother to the hospital to get her foot amputated because of her untreated diabetes. He also learns that his young daughter is moving to the United States and he cannot see her unless he can support her needs. 

    As soon as the contestants play through the first game of red light green light and watching 200 people being shot to their deaths they realize that they have to win to survive. The contestants took a vote because after seeing the gruesome death of a mass of people they finally understood what was at stake. But when they are released back into the real world they are faced with the same problems they had before. So the majority of the players return to the bunker knowing that their lives are on the line. 

    Squid Game forces participants and audience to choose between balancing their hapless desire for the payout according to their own philosophical and empathetic shelves facing the barbarity of everything in the universe. 

  • Humans of Poly: November 3, 2021

    Humans of Poly: November 3, 2021

    photo by Karla Castro

    “How you do anything is how you do everything and the power behind it is just you just really wanna do your best at whatever it is that your doing whether it’s something your good at or whether its something your not good at because than that trains you and gets your brain ready to just no matter what it is to put your full effort in this stuff.”

    photo by Jasmine Davis

    “How you do anything is how you do everything and the power behind it is just you just really wanna do your best at whatever it is that your doing whether it’s something your good at or whether its something your not good at because than that trains you and gets your brain ready to just no matter what it is to put your full effort in this stuff.”

    photo by Francisco Pena

     

    Raul Aguilar : “I’ve been in the Long Beach district, for my life. I plan to go to college, but not sure what to do after college.”

    Quote : “Good luck in school, have fun at school, and make sure this is a safe place for you and others.”

     

     

  • Humans of Poly: ASB Amelia

    Humans of Poly: ASB Amelia

    Photo by Lizette Fantanes

     

    “I am in ASB and what I do for the school is I help organize. I’m helping our organizations page. I’m also helping homecoming fair and homecoming week, I don’t know what else to say.” – Amelia

  • Monthly Mythology

    Monthly Mythology

    Amaterasu 

    The sun is a universal symbol of life, happiness, and energy. Due to its distance yet illuminating light, it often is associated with a celestial body and divine powers. In Japanese myth, Amaterasu-Ōmikami (天照大御神, 天照大神) is the celestial body that takes care of the sun and keeps its course in the sky. She was believed to live in a sacred cave and was one of the “three precious children” of the Japanese creator god (named Izanagi). She would spend most of her days weaving cloaks for the gods to wear, and the color of the cloaks would relate to the weather of the day: bright-colored clothes were associated with a sunny day, and dark-colored clothes were associated with a cloudy day. 

    Izangi declared that because Amaterasu was the brightest and the oldest, she would be in command. Eventually, her two other brothers would both leave heaven (that they remained on), while Amasteru would stay. Her younger brother, Susanoo, was furious: he tormented her, destroyed her fields, defecated in her palace, and flayed her prize horse. But it was when Susanoo killed one of the servants that Amasteru became consumed by sadness and secluded herself in a cave. Since Amaterasu was not there to bring daylight, the world was left in disarray and darkness. She would eventually step out when the gods lured her with a mirror (knowing that she would be enchanted by her beauty), making her inclined to step out of darkness and bring light back to the world. 

     

    Ra

    The sun is worshipped as a symbol of life because it has the power to ripen crops. Ra is known as the creator and king of all deities, patron of the sun. Ra was considered the King of Gods in Egypt, where pharaohs were considered as the sons of the sun god. According to Egyptian myth, darkness covered the waters of Nun before creation. The sun god is said to have risen from these waters as a benben stone or obelisk-like pillar, willing himself into existence. Ra then created the first gods: Shu, the god of dryness and air and the goddess of humidity, and Tefnut, who created other gods to complete the universe. Humans are said to be born of Ra’s tears and while polishing his creations, humanity rebelled against him. To stop the rebellion, Ra decided to exterminate humanity, where he sent his tear-giving eye to finish the task. The eye transformed herself into a fierce lioness to massacre the humans, but Ra stopped her when he witnessed the chaos. 

    After stopping the massacre, Ra went on a journey to the Otherworld. The world became illuminated when Ra sailed by the sky from the Eastern horizon to the West, which created 12 hours of the day with light. When he reached the Western horizon, he sailed the Underworld, leaving Earth in darkness for 12 hours. During this time, Ra associates with Osiris, the god of resurrection and the Underworld, in order to regenerate. Ra is able to combine with different deities: when he is associated with a creator deity known as Amun, Ra represents the universal, raw power of the sun. At dawn, Ra appears in the form of a falcon on the Eastern horizon, where he is known as Hor-akhty or Horus of the Horizon. He is also represented as a scarab beetle called Kheper, meaning “the one that comes into being.” Ra regained his form of Ra at midday and is currently represented by the sun disk. At sunset, he became Atum, an old man who was ready to vanish and be reborn for a new day.

  • Prom/Grad night 2021

    The class of 2021 officially had their senior prom at Poly High School. The theme of the dance was Enchanted Forest. Since the class of 2020 didnt get to have their prom because of Covid-19, I feel like they tried to do their best at throwing a prom during a pandemic. Usually, from what I know, prom is held at a different location, instead of school, but this year prom was held in the quad. They had different activities, such as arcade games, a 360 photo station, Karaoke and of course a DJ and dance floor. They also had Chick-fil-A boxes that came with a chicken sandwich, chips, a cookie, and sauce. For those who weren’t feeling the chicken sandwich, they also served burgers and a variety of drinks. Over all I think they had many different activities considering our current situation.

  • Movie Review : Cruella

    Movie Review : Cruella

    Cruella, the film, came out on May 28, 2021.The cast members in this film are Emma Stone, Emma Thompson, Joel Fry, Paul Walter Hauser and more. The director of the film is Craig Gillespie. This movie is based off of the novel and movie 101 Dalmations. It came out on the 28th because it was a dedication to the actor Cameron Boyce because it would have been his 22nd birthday and in the Disney movie Descendants movie he played Carlos, Cruella De Vil’s son.

     

    Cruella is about the main character’s backstory and what she wanted to become when she was older. Cruella’s real name is Estella. Some drastic and sad things happen in Estella’s life so she runs away with her dog Buddy, all the way to London. That is where she meets her two best friends Jasper and Horace, who are thieves then later on Jasper helps Estella get her dream job as a fashion designer. There is a big plot twist in the movie, leaving you wanting more.

     

    The spirit, the energy, and the emotion the actors and actresses put in this movie is marvelous.This movie brings so many emotions. The emotions I felt in this movie were shock and joy. Hair and makeup is incredible especially when they did the Cruella makeup at the fashion show.

     

    I enjoyed watching Cruella, it was a fascinating movie to watch. The producers and the directors did an amazing job choosing actors and actresses. I am so glad they chose Emma Stone to play Estella / Cruella. Emma Stone did a great job playing this role. Her acting is phenomenal. I recommend watching this movie in the theater or at home on Disney plus for $29.99 or you can just wait to watch it for free as a Disney plus member. This movie made me laugh, made me feel sad, then happy. Cruella brings you so many emotions.

  • Movie Review: Cheaper by the Dozen

    Movie Review: Cheaper by the Dozen

    Cheaper by the Dozen, the film, came out on December 25, 2003. The cast members in this film are Steve Martin, Bonnie Hunt, Piper Perabo,Tom Welling, Hilary Duff, Kevin G. Schimdt, Alyson Stoner, Jacob Smith, Forrest Landis, Lilinana Mumy, Morgan York, Blake Woodruff, Brent Kinsman and Shane Kinsman. The director of the film is Shawn Levy. The movie is based on the real life events of the Gilbreth family. 

     

    Cheaper by the Dozen is about how Tom Baker and his wife Kate Baker both want their dream jobs and their dream is to have a big family. Tom gets his dream job and they have to move to the suburbs but the kids hate their new home.  They have 12 kids  that is why It is called Cheaper by the Dozen.

     

    The spirit of the movie is amazing. The accuracy of depiction in this film is phenomenal. The hair and makeup and lighting is awesome. The performance of all the actors and actresses are wonderful. Set designs are great. 

     

    Cheaper by the Dozen is one of my go to movies when I am not feeling so good or when I just feel like watching a movie. This movie brings me so much laughter – it is one of my favorites. Hilary Duff’s scene when she comes out with her green face mask on makes me laugh every time because I know how it is to look like that in front of my family.This movie in my opinion is one of the best movies that has ever come out. My family and I love watching this movie. We have probably watched it more than 1000 times. If you ever need a good laugh or movie to watch I 100% recommend this.

     

  • How much has online learning affected how students live in their rooms?

    How much has online learning affected how students live in their rooms?

    Due to students being stuck in their room for months on end, the condition of their workspace has taken a toll on them. It has been a drastic change, and students have been forced to transition from physical in-class schooling to online learning with virtual classrooms. How much has this change affected how students live in their rooms?
    Many students have reorganized the layout of their room in order to improve productivity. Joseph Diress, a senior at Long Beach Poly, had stated that he’s “in the process” of a room makeover. With Diress being involved with Poly’s drama team and other on-campus activities these changes have greatly influenced his creativity. So far he said that he’s done “a lot of rearranging,” learning how to manage space while making his room more “roomy.” Through this process he has added things like a rug, bookshelf, alarm clock and other “nicknacks to help [his] workflow.” Although he’s made little changes so far, he’s said that they’ve already “helped with the workflow and creative process.”

    This presents another relevant idea among students, many make their room more comfortable in order to accommodate for their time spent on their computers. Aasha McLyn, another senior at Long Beach Poly, rearranged her room by moving her desk to her wall near the windows in order to allow her to look out her windows during zoom calls. This change of furniture among other small changes such as candles and hanging lights has helped her “mentally” she said, making her “room feel like a more comfortable space to be in for more portions of the day.”

    Alongside both Joseph and Aasha, I have felt many of the same experiences. With my involvement with various on-campus activities such as leading Poly’s Black student union, devoting hours on the track at track practice and spending extra time in various teachers’ classrooms, the change to online school has taken a toll on my highschool experience. In order to both increase productivity and feel more comfortable, I have made big adjustments to my room. Ranging from buying Funko pops to getting a new desk and rearranging the layout of my room, I’ve spent a lot of time and effort toward making my room more suitable for online schooling and comfort. This is because I’ve learned that the condition of my room affects my mental state and that investing in my workspace is investing in myself.
    Students have made these accommodations, both big and small in order to succeed throughout online school. “It’s kind of a barrier,” Diress said concerning the challenges of learning at home. “physical school helps with mental health and many other things.” Making changes can help overcome that challenge, as McLyn said about her room, proclaiming that as a result of the changes in her workspace she has become happier while in it. These changes for students that are active socially and on campus have played a key role in their online schooling experience this year.

  • Roman Candle, an Album by Elliott Smith 9.6/10

    Roman Candle, an Album by Elliott Smith 9.6/10

    “I’m a roman candle, my head is full of flames,” Elliott Smith sings in the title track to his album Roman Candle. (Composite image by Audrey Ramirez)

    Recorded on a four-track recorder in his girlfriend’s basement, Elliott Smith manages to combine soulful lyrics and lo-fi folk instrumentals to create his absolutely stunning debut album Roman Candle. Smith touches on heavy subjects such as domestic abuse, alcoholism, relationship issues, and loneliness in such an inconspicuous way, reminiscent of Outkast’s “Hey Ya”, a song about divorce hidden behind a fast-paced dance rhythm. 

    “I wanna hurt him, 

    I wanna give him pain.” 

    Smith opens with this line as his chorus to the title track “Roman Candle” which begins the album. Quick yet subtle guitar strums hauntingly ring in each ear as you take in the deep and intense lyrics. 

    “He could be cool and cruel to you and me

    Knew we’d put up with anything… 

    Your tears are cheap, wet hot red swollen cheeks…”

    Smith bravely shares his painful experiences of domestic violence and emotional abuse as a kid via music. Seeing as this is only the first track of the album, it suggests that you strap in and prepare yourself for the rest of the album because it is definitely a ride. 

    Songs like “Condor Ave”, “No Name #2”, and “No Name #4” discuss relationship issues, abuse, and occasionally alcoholism, which is a huge issue Smith personally struggled with for a long time. 

    “I wondered if I would talk about drug use. But I guess, why hide it?” says Smith. 

    Elliott beautifully combines acoustic guitar with his own soft and breathy vocals. “No Name #3” is a perfect example of the kind of melodies Smith is capable of creating; with about a few guitar and vocal tracks stacked on top of each other, this song is the epitome of “indie”. Each song has such a raw tone, almost as if you were with him while he was recording. “No Name #3” opens at a 79 bpm tempo soft guitar strum that makes you appreciate your sense of hearing more than ever before. Elliott begins singing in a whisper, discussing an unhealthy relationship either between a couple or a family. 

    Emotional intensity and musical brilliance combine to create a nearly perfect album. 9.6/10

  • BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse: An Amazing Experience

    BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse: An Amazing Experience

    Deep dish pizza with bacon and pepperoni (K. Burton)

    This has been an amazing experience. BJ’s Restaurant in Torrance, Ca. was the perfect place to order takeout. We ordered a Wing Dinner and some Salmon, Salad and Green Beans. When arriving to pick up the dinner everyone was following the Covid-19 guidelines and they made sure to sanitize the counter every time a new customer approached. 

    The food was well packed, no missing items and everything was hot when we picked the food up and they even provided a few sani-wipes. 

    You can either win or lose with salmon, but this salmon was delightful. It was buttery full of flavor and once topped with the lemon cream sauce it took it to a whole ‘nother level. “[Even though] I’m a vegetarian I would give the salmon an A + this is one of the best cooked salmon I have had in a long time,” said Hisa J. 

    Grilled salmon with lemon cream sauce. (K. Burton)

    Salad oh salad it was a normal salad. The one thing I did enjoy was the mixed greens that were used instead of just plain lettuce. The balsamic dressing is what took the salad over the top and gave it the extra kick it needed. 

    House salad with balsamic vinegar. (K. Burton)

    The wings were seasoned to perfection, not over cooked, still nice and juicy when you take that first bite. The dipping sauce was provided on the side which allowed the chicken to still have that crunchy skin. “I would order these wings anytime they are just as good as other restaurants that I have ordered takeout from,” said Jordan J.

    The garlic knots. (K. Burton)

    The garlic knots were little bombs packed with lots of flavor. You can taste a fair amount of garlic but it’s not too overpowering. 

    Vegetables are the best part of a meal for a vegetarian. “The green beans were cooked just how I like them with a little char on the edges and full of flavor seasoned with a nice salt and pepper combo and a little fresh garlic had my taste buds jumping,” said Hisa J. 

    Sautéed green beans. (K. Burton)

    This is one of the best dinners I’ve had in a long time due to us being in a stay at home order.  Overall I would recommend this restaurant to my friends and family to try. From the moment I arrived to getting my food home and in my stomach it was an amazing experience.

    The author, Jaylan Miller, trying the pizza. (K. Burton)