IGNSVBRAVO MEDICAL MAGNET HIGH SCHOOL | LOS ANGELES, CA | VOL. XVIII, ISSUE i | WWW.BRAVOWEB.LAUSD.K12.CA.US | NOVEMBER 5, 2014

BRAVO NEWS • 1 & 2 ENTERTAINMENT • 4 & 5SCIENCE • 3

ITAL SThe Season of Stress

Reminders for Bravo Seniors Calling all Bravo seniors who are stressing out like there’s no tomorrow! This is the season you have been dreading—application time. However, there are several ways to destress and get on track with your applications that range from UC’s to Cal-States to privates. By now, you should be aware that the UC application is open to all prospective applicants. It closes on November 30th—remember that. All UC’s have their specifications for their own schools, but some ground to work on is what you are all looking for, right? Right, so UC’s want you to be as honest as possible. In fact, all universities advise you to steer clear of dishonesty. For personal statements, try to avoid sob stories; it bores the counselors. As for Cal-States, they are an excellent option to consider! A vast majority of people tend to shoot down Cal-States, due to the fact that they don’t hold a prestigious name. They receive just as many accolades as any other schools. Cal-States’ applications are also due on November 30th.

For private universiti-es, they have a set of rules oftheir own. Definitely do your research on them, because they don’t have the same eligibilty requirements like the public schools do. They do not have the same deadli-nes as UC’s or Cal-States. Privates’ dead-lines are usually in January or Februa-ry, but research first. Seniors tend to not consider privates because of the overall cost. However, it doesn’t hurt to apply. Private universities wait until they receive your (FAFSA) to check how much aid they’re willing to give

to you. So, don’t shoot privates down too soon. As far as destressing goes, keeping a little calendar for yourself helps a lot. Draw a chart to keep up with all of your login names and passwords, because some websites have odd requests for passwords. Try to get out there and visit your dream schools as well! Above all, do not hesitate to ask for help—whether it be from Mr. Maletz in the College Center or your assigned counselor—they are here to help you. Happy applying, seniors!

The Bravo Theater presents the fall play entitled Captive Audience; it will present itself for a limited time this month in Hernandez Hall for five dollars. Mr. Ryden, the drama instructor in charge of the plays at Bravo, has enlisted sixteen students who will put on the play for others who pay to show support to both the students and the creativity thriving within the activity of acting. Every actor has been prepping for their performances every week, sacrificing time after school to perfect their newly adapted trade. One ticket holder will witness Mr. Ryden’s latest renditions, consisting of four amplified comedies. The hour-long event will be managed by the actors as the usual routine will be repeated. Each comedy stands on its own and will serve its objective to get the -

audience to laugh as each pun and gag is expressed. Everyone is encouraged to witness these plays starting on Thursday, November 6th, at 3:30 P.M. and will continue for a limited showing on the following dates: Friday, November 7th, at 7:00 P.M., Wednesday, November 12th, at 3:30 P.M., and on Thursday, November 13th, at 3:30 P.M. Come enjoy four comedies about boys and boogers, girls and guns, and wells and walnuts.

Fall Play to ‘Captivate’ Audienceby Brenda Sanchez

by Jacob Alvarez

The Gift of Thanksgivingby Melanie Jimenez

Every year, the students in the leadership class hold a canned food drive as the Thanksgiving holiday approaches. This year, canned goods will be collected during second period from November 3rd to November 14th. “Teachers will be co-llecting cans for a Thanksgi-ving dinner,” explains Stacy Pozuelos (’15), the ASB Treasurer. She is also in charge of Bravo’s charity

events and donations. Stacy also explained that it would be preferred if the cans were Thanksgiving-themed. For example, canned corn and carrots would be preferred over canned pasta. Also, please ensure that the cans are not expired before they are donated. Additionally, the cans collected will be used to make baskets to give to low income Bravo families, who would not be able to purchase

a Thanksgiving dinner otherwise. These Thanksgiving baskets will be donated by Mrs. Torres Flores herself and will be assembled by parent volunteers in the Parent Center. Bravo’s principal will also be donating a gift card to include in the baskets so the family receiving the basket may purchase goods that cannot be included in the basket itself, such as a turkey. Last year, a total of four -

baskets were successfully distributed, but Stacy hopes that this year more baskets can be made and donated on November 19th of this year. “We want to get teachers more involved this year,” Stacy continues. “Teachers will be notified of all days when cans will be collected, and there will be sign-ups for teachers interested in participating. The canned food drive may be slightly different from past years because we may assign a certain type of canned good to a certain floor or have teachers assign individual

students to donate different types of canned foods. That way we will avoid a surplus of a single type of food.” It is safe to assume that announcements will be made in accordance to aspiring participants. Thanksgiving should be a day when families can get together around a table to celebrate and enjoy a savory meal. Participants of the food drive will have the satisfaction of knowing they have helped make this possible for a Bravo family by giving them the perfect Thanksgiving gift and one more reason to be thankful.A

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Senior reminders: college apps

The imaginable reality - the worlds first hoverboard

Thankful inThanksgiving - Bravo Students say what they are thankful for

ITAL IGNSV S BRAVO NEWS VOL. XVI, ISSUE vii NOVEMBER 5, 2014

BRAVO NEWS As it is well known, Bravo is composed of a single building with no vegetation. However, this is soon to change, for Bravo’s Hands & Paws club has taken action. The club resolved to plant a native garden in the school’s senior patio and is close to achieving this goal. On October 16, during parent conferences, Hands & Paws held a fundraiser in which they sold home-made baked goods—such as cake pops and cupcakes in the second floor lobby. As well as selling baked goods, the club collected donations from those who did not want to purchase any goods but wanted to help the cause. Overall, the night was successful; the club was able to fundraise $305 in total. As a way to thank Bravo’s students, staff and parents who donated money -

Native Garden Sprouting at BravoBy Jasmine Murillo and Jacob Alvarez

,a paper tree named ‘Hands & Paws Giving Tree,’ was put on one of the pillars in the second floor lobby. Every time a person donated money their names were written on a flower or leaf and attached to the tree’s branches. Once the money was

the school with much ease.Hands and Paws President, Diego Zapata (‘15), stated that there will be many species of native plants inhabiting the senior patio soon and all the work will be performed by volunteers. Hands and Paws club, along with team members from the Audubon Center at Debs Park, will participate in the

planting as well as students who decide to spend a portion of their time linking nature to a student’s second home. Everyone is encouraged to show support towards Bravo and the students who’ve worked incredibly hard to bring this essence of nature closer to all.

in order, the plans for the native garden began to sprout. The original date the planting was supposed to take place was November 15th, however, due to scheduling conflicts, Hands and Paws pushed the date back a week to November 22nd. The native garden will consist of plants that are much easier to care for, so they will beautify

Bonus Break Timeby Lucy Vega

During the middle of October, five minutes from students’ breakfast-in-class time was removed and added to students’ break time. Several students were asked the following questions regarding this change. 1. Were you aware that five minutes were taken from breakfast in the classroom in order to add them to break time?2. How do you feel about the time change? Does it affect you? 3. Do you like or dislike it? Why?

Jasmine Morada (‘15) 1. “[I was] well aware, since Mr. Marks notified our class ahead of time.”2. “The time change really wasn’t any different than what we’ve had before. The only difference is that we get five minutes more of going to our lockers or bathroom and

whatnot.”3. “I neither like nor dislike it. I was fine with the time we had for breakfast in class before we had time taken away, as well as after because during that time, I still got to eat, take a break, talk to friends, [and] double check on what else I needed for the next class. 5 minutes less of being in class is definitely a plus, though.”

Mayra G. Ramirez (‘15)1. “Yes, I figured [it out] after the day it happened.”2. “I feel that it’s good that we have more time to talk and relax before our third period. This doesn’t really affect me.”3. “I like this [change] because I get to be with my friends more and study for the next period.”

Mariana Garcia (‘16)1. “I was not aware that five minutes were taken from breakfast in class in order to add them to break time..” 2. “It personally doesn’t affect me, but more time doesn’t hurt.”3. “[Overall], i would have to say that i dislike it since I would have more time to do what we need to do in class.”

Darlene Hernandez (‘16)1. “I was aware that five minuets were taken from breakfast in the classroom to add to break.”2. “I prefer the time change because breakfast in the classroom takes away time from my break and do as I please.”

3. “I like the time change because it gives me time to use the restroom and take a break from class.”

Photo Credit: Amber Prez

November Calendarby John Huynh

Photo Credit: Jasm

ine Murillo

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All photos were taken by Lucy Vega

Photo Credit: Jasmine Murillo

What? When?Veterans day Nov. 11Canned Food Drive Nov. 3-14Dances Unlimited Disneyland Nov. 15Spike it Up Volleyball game Nov. 21

ITAL IGNSV S ENTERTAINMENT VOL. XVI, ISSUE vii

SCIENCE - HEALTHNOVEMBER 5, 2014

Hoverboard Technology Becoming a Reality As of Wednesday, October 22nd, a Kickstarter campaign began to receive pledges to fund a real-life h o v e r b o a r d — H e n d o —created by Arx Pax, a California company led by Greg and Jill Henderson. The company uses a patented magnetic technology, similar to Maglev trains, to make their product function. The device also needs a non-ferromagnetic conductive surface, such as a copper sheet, underneath it to hover. The Kickstarter campaign hopes to accomplish two things after reaching its $250,000 goal: to begin mass production of the boards and to create more places for people to actually ride them. The first ten hoverboards were available for pre-order at $10,000 each, but have been sold out since the announcement.

Moreover, the company is selling Whitebox™ Developer Kits that contain the hover engine, starting at $299 each on Kickstarter. Along with the high price tag and limited area of use, the board can only run for seven minutes on a full charge. It also makes a horrible screeching noise while in use. All of these problems hope to be solved after funds have been raised. While the company does bill their product as the “World’s First Hoverboard,” the development of the hoverboard technology has been in the making for decades.

by Patrica Cabuso Furthermore, Henderson hopes to harness the hoverboard’s technology in order to apply it to other uses beyond recreation, such as holding buildings aloft during earthquakes or floods. The board itself is currently in its prototype form, so it might be a while until people can actually feel like Marty McFly from the Back to the Future film franchise. Henderson aims to have the design ready for production by October 2015.

Photo Credit: cbsnews.com

What is No Shave November?by Diego Jimenez

As November begins, so does the annual No Shave November, but what is this event? No Shave November is a way to raise cancer awareness. Participants grow their hair out in honor of cancer patients who lose their hair. The money, which participants would use for shaving, is instead donated to cancer research. No Shave November is an internet-based, non-profit organization, which dedicates itself to raising cancer awareness. Founded in 2009 as a Facebook page

by Rebecca Hill and Bret Ringdahl, No Shave November has grown ever since. It has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for cancer research. Both women and men participate in growing out all types of hair—from leg to mustache―as money saved from not shaving goes to cancer research. So remember to consider participating in No Shave November to raise cancer awareness.

The American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene will be holding their annual convention this weekend at the New Orleans Sheraton, but astonishingly, the group of researchers who should attend this meeting will not be attending. Ebola researchers who have been in Liberia, Guinea or Sierra Leone in the past twenty-one days received a letter from the Louisiana Health Department that says, “We see no utility in you traveling to New Orleans simply to be confined to your room” (www.npr.org). In other words, they are stating that if these researchers attend the meeting, they will be held in quarantine and their traveling will be pointless.

Ebola Researchers Banned?

Researchers are in great disapproval and believe this quarantine is absurd. By excluding Ebola researchers who have actually had a firsthand experience with the virus, it will lead to a delay in finding a cure for this deadly disease. Not all Ebola researchers are banned from the convention. On the contrary, those who have not been exposed to the virus in Liberia, Guinea, or Sierra Leone are still welcome; it is only those who have had contact with patients.

by Jasmine Murillo

College Corner: Vanderbilt University

by Sinthia Rahman

Located in Nashville,Tennessee, Vanderbilt Uni-versity is a four-year Univer-sity that consists of a varietyof colleges, some of which include the School of Engin-eering, School of Nursing,and School of Medicine. Itsmajors range from biomed-ical engineering to nursing. With 6,794 of the 6,835 undergraduate students seeking a degree, Vanderbilt is a relatively medium-sized school. 88% of enrolled students are from other

states, thus asserting its reputation for its diversity. In addition, the university has an (average) 8:1 student to faculty ratio. This keeps classes small, so that each student can receive the individual attention they need to succeed. The annual cost for an out-of-state student who is living

on campus is about $62,970. Furthermore, Vanderbilt is one of the few universities that has only 7% of undergraduates using a loan or earning money through a job. The average first year financial aid package, including grants and scholarships, is $45,413.

A Healthy Thanksgivingby Jennifer Escobar

The first Thanksgiv-ing is said to have included a feast among the pilgrims and Native Americans; this tradition continues today as families spend the day enjoying foods such as pies, tamales, turkeys, etc. It is very difficult to stay healthy during this holiday season, but luckily, one can at least attempt to stay healthy! These are some general tips on how to make your Thanksgiving dinner healthy and nutritious!1. Swap sugary, carbonated drinks for a lighter option.Many of these drinks contain high levels of sugar and sodium per serving. In addition, many of the calories in these drinks are equal to

the calories of a regular meal or snack. The large amount of sugar also causes a spike in hunger, which prompts one to eat more. Try to swap these drinks with others, such as 100% juice or flavored water.2. Swap red meat for white meat.Red meat, such as steak, is high in saturated fat, which raises cholesterol. White meat is much lighter, as it contains less calories and less fat. It is also packed with proteins which pump the body with energy. White meat includes chicken, turkey, and salmon.3. Eat in sensible portions.Eating five tamales, three legs of chicken, and a large amount of stuffed potatoes

is a ridiculous serving-size to consume all at once. Especially during these holiday seasons, people tend to overeat. Try to eat in smaller proportions; enough to fill just one plate.4. Remember, eat slowly!Almost every individual has heard this advice from loved ones, and it is wise advice. The body takes ten minutes to signal the brain that it is full, therefore, eating slower will make an individual full faster.

The Samsung Galaxy Note 4by Elexis Johnson

This new galaxy has a 5.7 inch screen with a QHD display. This includes vivid color and fast charging. The Galaxy Note 4 boasts a high resolution, of 1440 x 2560. It is also a great device to search the web and to read e-books. The device has a front camera with 3.7 megapixels (MP) and the rear camera has 16MP, along with a optical image stabilization (OIS) feature, which results

in the best quality possible. Another feature would be the S pen; this pen lets users select a text, application, or essentially anything on the screen. It also allows for a feature called photo note; this lets you edit, change the color, and even write using this pen. The S pen provides users with the accessibility of handwriting if desired. All this efficient technology runs on 3 giga-bytes of RAM.

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photo credit google images

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All photos were taken by Lucy Vega

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ITAL IGNSV S NOVEMBER 5, 2014 HEALTH VOL. XVI, ISSUE vii

ENTERTAINMENTWhat are Bravo Students Thankful for this Thanksgiving?

by Melanie Sobri and Arleen Garcia

Although it should be shown everyday, Thanksgiving is a holiday in which people actively show their gratitude and appreciation for things they are thankful for. We interviewed three Bravo Students, in hopes of discovering their thankful thoughts. Here are the results.

“My life definitely isn’t perfect, but I’m thankful for everything I have. I am eternally thankful to my parents and to my large and very loud family always having my back and providing me with all the things I need to succeed in life. I am thankful for all the people I’ve met and everyone in my life, good and bad, past and present because they’ve taught me life is one hell of a ride, with its ups, downs, and occasionally loop-de-loops. I am thankful for the tough situations I’ve encountered because they made me stronger and shaped who I am today. I am thankful to God for not giving me everything I thought I wanted. Lastly, I am thankful for all the little things in life. By that, I mean the things that mostly everyone takes for granted. Sometimes we have to take a step back and understand that we’re so lucky to have everything we do because it could be gone the next moment, whether it be a loved one or a favorite pencil. So good or bad, I am thankful that I woke up today because that alone is a huge blessing.”

Alina Simonyan 17’

Arlett Guzman ‘15

“I am thankful to come home to fresh made arroz con habichuelas. I’m grateful for two adorable little brothers who always remind me to stay young at heart. My family is my most valuable asset and without them the value of life is zero.”

Harold Cuthkelvin ‘15

“I’m grateful for life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.”

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ITAL IGNSV S NOVEMBER 5, 2014 HEALTH VOL. XVI, ISSUE vii

ENTERTAINMENT

Letters to the EditorsLetters to the editors concerning any topic relevant to Vital Signs are welcomed. Please refrain from using vulgar or disrespectful language. Letters should be brief and may be edited to maximize space and heighten clarity. Letters may be anonymous or signed by the author. Please send

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Editorial MatterOpinions expressed in Vital Signs belong to the writer. They do not reflect the opinions of the Journalism staff or those of Francisco Bravo

Medical Magnet High School.

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online!

Vital Signs StaffLucy Vega

Samantha RuizJasmine Murillo

John HuynhDiego Jimenez

Jennifer EscobarMelanie Sobri

Melanie JimenezElexis JohnsonArleen Garcia

Patricia CabusoMohini Lavin

Sinthia RahmanBrenda SanchezJacob Alvarez

Día de los Muertos: Embracing the Inevitableby Samantha Ruiz

As most Americans prepared for a night filled of screams and terror, those in Mexico prepared for a night filled with remembrance and respect. On November 1st, most of Mexico gathered together in local cemeteries and churches to celebrate the Day of the Day or Día de los Muertos. Although this holiday might seem a bit dreary and morbid, the Mexican culture reacts to this day with joy and happiness. Mexican culture reacts with the same fear of death, just the same as any other culture. However, they reflect their fear by mocking and living alongside death. Those living in Mexico understand that death is inevitable and is always among them, which inspired them to create this holiday.

Día de los Muertos is a traditional holiday celebrated in Mexico in which families come together to remember and pay respects to their loved who have passed away. Unlike Halloween—which teaches people to scare away spirits—this holiday encourages people to embrace spirits, for they may be a dead relative trying to communicate with their family from beyond the grave! According to Mexican

folklore, Día de los Muertos is the only day in which the bridge between the living and the dead is open, allowing the deceased to freely roam the earth once again, as though they were alive. In order to pay their respects, families build massive alters—or ofrendas— in both their homes and in cemeteries, which contain the favorite foods, snacks, pictures, and memorabilia of the departed.

Marigolds are also placed around the alter to attract the attention of the dead and help guide them to the offerings. For deceased children, people often place toys and trinkets around the grave, while adults are offered alcoholic beverages. Families then proceed to spend the rest of the night in the cemeteries, feasting upon various foods, dancing to music, and spending some time near their loved one’s grave. On November 2nd, the celebration ends, as the bridge connecting the two realms closes and the dead are forced to depart from their families and friends. Although their loved ones may be gone, they are certainly not forgotten.

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redit: globalexchange.org

Eggplant Lasagnaby Mohni Lavin

Ingredients: - 1 Eggplant (~8oz) - 1 Package of lasanga noodles - 1 Package of ricotta cheese (~12-16 oz.) - 12-16 oz. grated mozzarella or provolone- 3-6 oz. grated parmesan cheese- Olive oil spray - Marinara Sauce (home made instructions below) Ingredients: ~28 oz. crushed tomatos ~6 oz. tomato paste ~1 cup of chopped onion ~1 tablespoon of minced garlic -1 tablespoon of Italian seasoning (basil, rosemary, thyme, majoram, and etc) -1/4 teaspoon salt -2 tablespoons Olive oil Directions: Saute onion in olive oil over medium heat till softened, add chopped garlic, saute for a minute more, add tomato paste, crushed tomatos and Italian seasoning. Set aside.

Instructions: 1. Boil lasgna noodles just until semi flexible (should be somewhat stiff) 2. Roast the eggplant, then peel and cut the eggplant in 1/4, spray each side with Olive oil, put on cookie sheet or jelly roll pan, bake at 350 degrees until soft, and repeat for the other side. 2. Drain, spray, and colander noodles lightly with oil to prevent sticking. 3. Get a large baking dish, around 9x13 inches, and spread the sauce on the bottom. 4. Layer the lasanga in this order: 1. Noodles 2. Eggplant 3. Ricotta Repeat until the cassorole dish is full. 5. Spread mozzerlla and parmesan on top. 6. Bake at 350 degrees fahrenheit until cheese has smelted and started to brown. This may take around an hour.

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