The Venice Wave

This article was originally published in Volume 2, Issue #1 of The Venice Wave on May 19, 2010.

By Malik Preatto

The World Cup is going to take place in South Africa this year. There were a lot of runner-up countries to be the host of this event by Fédération Internationale de Football Association (International Federation of Football Association). People will watch South Africa try to beat the other teams there like Chile and Italy.
Many people in Los Angeles are also interested in the event. Students at 826LA including Cesar Guajardo and staff including Danny Hom plan to watch the World Cup on their home television (because it would take a really long time to fly to South Africa, cost thousands of dollars, and they would need to stop in Dubai)
People like the FIFA World Cup because it involves their favorite country and they love to watch sports. People can watch either in Africa, at home, at their friends’ house, in bars, or in the mall at a store. They may enjoy the game with fajitas. Many people think South Africa is going to win this year because they have an advantage by being at home.

The June 11-July 11 World Cup has never been held in South Africa before, and Italy is the defending champion. For some soccer fans, it will be the most exciting sport event of the last four years. Venice resident Terena Eisner says, “Brazil is the best team and I think they’re going to get the World Cup. I’ve met [Portuguese player Cristiano] Ronaldo and he was nice–a little full of himself, but nice.”

By Daniel Romo

Oil spills can take years to clean up. People have to clean up the oil before it gets to land or it’s a whole different problem. They use microorganisms to break down the oil. The microorganisms can skim the water. Oil kills birds and other animals. A dime size of oil can affect a bird. The oil can affect the bird by coating its wings and going in their nostrils and beaks. When one drop of oil touches the ocean, it spreads like an explosion.

This article was published in Volume 2, Issue #1 of the Venice Wave on May 19, 2010.

By Cesar Guajardo

The Lakers are so great because they have good offense, good defense, good rotation and good assists. First, there’s Kobe Bryant, the jump shooter. He makes everything happen. Derek Fisher manages plays very well and shoots the ball very well. Ron Artest is the best defender on the floor and is a very good three-point shooter. But lately, he has not been shooting good from the floor in the Utah series.

Pau Gasol – his long arms could make baskets easily and he’s a pretty good blocker. And finally, Andrew Bynum, the biggest guy on the floor and a good shot blocker. Because of his size, he makes a lot of baskets. But he is slow.

On the the Lakers bench is Jordan Farmar. He is the fastest guy on the floor and a very athletic player. Luke Walton is a very good passer but pretty slow. Shannon Brown is the best dunker on the floor and also a very fast and athletic player. Lamar Odom is the best bench player on the floor. He is very good at attacking the rim and he is also a very talented, quick player.

The Lakers beat the Oklahoma City Thunder in the first series of the playoffs in four out of six games. Lakers won four; Thunder only won two. The Lakers were just the better and more experienced team in the series.

The Lakers are now beating the Utah Jazz 2-0 in the second round of the playoffs. I am pretty confident that the Lakers are definitely going to win and definitely go to the finals. But there is one problem: the Cleveland Cavaliers, because they are a much faster team than the Lakers. The Lakers have to practice more and they will be the champions once again.

This piece was originally published on May 19, 2010 in Volume II, Issue #1.

By Margarito Garcia

Margarito tried five pizza joints in Venice and rated them on sauce, crust, cheese and toppings.

They are all good. I would go to the pizza shop that is closest to me, which is Pizza Hut. Abbot’s Pizza is ok, but they need to cook it better. The cheese needs to be sharper. Dagwoods pizza is good because it looks good and it is real pizza. The cheese is made right and it is melted right. The crust is also good. The Little Caesar’s crust is good becuase it is crunchy. My ideal pizza has a crispy crust and smooth sauce. I like white cheese and I like a little pepperoni.

Reporter Jocelyn Ramirez interviews Wiley Strasser, a former recruiting assistant for the US Census Bureau, about how 2010’s survey will help our communities.

What exactly is the Census?

The Census is a head count of the population of the United States every decade which we have been doing since 1790.

What is your job in the Census?

I was a recruiting assistant.  My job is to recruit all the people who go door-to-door in order to collect the Census survey from those who may have received it in the mail but did not return it. So we have to go door to door with all of those people.

What types of questions are asked in the Census survey?

Basically, it’s just how many people live in your residence. There are questions about income, about sex, about race, about marital status. But the biggest thing is to get a count of the people.

Has there been any reluctance to answer the questions after going door to door?

I haven’t been doing the door-to-door work, but I hear there is a lot of reluctance. I think that comes from people not understanding what the Census is all about. Some people think we’re connected with the FBI or immigration, but we’re not. It’s actually illegal to share that information, with anyone. We’re just counting people. All the personal information, we’re not sharing with anyone.

What will happen with the results of the Census?

With the results of the Census, the popluation count of the US, One of things that we do is that we make sure that the amount of congressional representatives per state is allotted fairly. That’s a big part of it. Last I heard, it was $430 billion per year that comes from the federal government. And that is based on the number per ten years. We only do  it once every ten years because it is such a massive operation and it costs us a lot of money just to do it every 10 years. But with that information, we decide where money is going to go in order to repave roads, build new schools, police stations, libraries, all kinds of public services.

What do people do with the results of the Census?

The idea is that people fill out the survey, and they send it back. And if they don’t send it back, that’s when we have to go door-to-door, and help people fill it out.

What does the government do with the results?

If we show an increase in population from the last 10 years, then we’re going to get more money. It’s estimated to be $10 thousand for every person that we don’t count, then we’re losing out on that money. That’s a rough estimation.

Is there any personal information from the survey that is used in any way?

No, absolutely not. There is nothing to fear about the Census. It is really to help the community that you’re living in.

Is it crucial to be counted?

I would say so, yes.

Can you tell me about the consequences if someone doesn’t take the Census?

It’s roughly $10 thousand for every person that isn’t counted. We’re missing out on that money not just as a state or a country, but also as a community, as a neighborhood. When you’re not counted, then we don’t have that extra money to put into repaving roads or public libraries, all kinds of public services.

Part of this story was published in Volume II, Issue #1 of The Venice Wave on May 19, 2010.

This article will be published Wednesday, May 19 in Volume II, Issue #1.

By Chelsea Ramirez

McCruelty is a campaign that is against McDonald’s. McCruelty is a campaign with PETA, an organization that is against animal cruelty. PETA’s goal is to persuade McDonald’s to use the less cruel method of animal slaughter. The less cruel way is to use controlled atmosphere killing, or CAK. They remove the oxygen from their cage in this method. Some people think that is still cruel, but that at least they don’t suffer and have a quicker death process McCruelty supporters believe that all fast food restaurants should use this method for better health for the customers. They also want people to pay more attention to how people kill animals. While they are being killed, they may catch a bacateria that is very harmful to humans and if they catch that bacteria they may die and a relative may sue the restaurant.

Learn more about the campaign here.

This month, 826LA had the privilege of welcoming professional skateboarder Kevin “Spanky” Long into our Venice writing lab, where intrepid reporter and aspiring pro skateboarder Jihad McDougal sat down to ask him some questions about his passion that turned into a profession.

Jihad McDougal: What’s your best trick?

Spanky: I’d say maybe switch big spin heel flip.

When did you start skateboarding?

I started skateboarding when I was 11, so awhile ago. About 14 years ago.

When did you start competing?

I started competing probably when I was about 13, just in local contests. I used to really enjoy it, but I don’t compete so often anymore.

When did you go pro?

I went pro when I was 19, for Baker.

How do you make a living out of this?

For me, it was a mixture of just being really steadfast with trying to get people to see my skateboarding. I had my friends film me, and that’s the easiest way. But then if you get in contact with someone who has a connection–say if you had a tape together you could give it to me, and I could give it to the company. contests are also a good way to get noticed. and contests are a good way to get noticed. But you just have to be in the right place at the right time. You have to just get better and better.

I loved skating so much that I just kept with it. If it’s really your passion, you just have to keep skating no matter what. We’re in Southern California. It’s the best place to be for this kind of thing.

What was your first board?

My first set up? It was a blue Powell Blank Mini Logo series. I think it was Venture Trucks.

Who was your first sponsor?

My first sponsor was a skate shop right by my house in Agoura Hills, called Igg. They hooked me up when I was young and got me connected to the other sponsors.

Did you pick your sponsors? Did a lot of people ask you?

At a certain point, after I started getting coverage in magazines, I was lucky and had a couple different teams asking me to ride for them. I’d already been riding for Emerica, and they were always my favorite shoe company. Then I was asked by Baker, and they were pretty much my favorite board company. I didn’t really choose, but got offers from the people I really wanted.

What was your first coverage in a skate magazine?

An ad for a company called 16, a company with all kids under 16 on the team.

How do you do a tre flip?

That trick took me a long time, simply because when I was younger, I didn’t have a lot of strength. it got better as I grew. I was pretty small for my age.. I ‘d agree with what Marc [Johnson] told you–it’s all in the back foot. But it takes a while–just be patient. you’ll get the hang of it

Who do you like skating with the most?

With my teammates. They’re my best friends. The Baker guys, Erik Ellington. And all the Emerica guys. And our friend Nick Face.

What’s your favorite skate spot?

I’d say–well, it was LA high for a while. But it’s not as good to skate there anymore…it’s kinda got all chipped up. But besides that, I like to skate at this bowl, a skate shop called The Supreme. I like that bowl a lot.

Best Grind?

My favorite one is probably backside smith grind, probably.

What’s the biggest staircase you’ve ever done? Any trick?

18 stairs. Ollied over the rail. Probably the biggest one I’ll ever do because I don’t think I can take that impact anymore.

What skater do you think will change the decade?

Probably Danny Way. I think all that mega-ramp stuff started around 2000, or something like that, and that really changed that whole side of everything.

What do you do when you’re not skating?

I draw a lot. Draw and paint and work on art. I’m really into that. It gives me the same feeling that skateboarding does. I play music with Andrew Reynolds. Lately we’ve been practicing with the band, playing shows.

What’s your favorite band?

My favorite musician is Leonard Cohen. My favorite band is Black Flag.

Watch part of the interview where Jihad asks Spanky about skateboarding injuries, favorite music videos, and how he successfully got sponsored:

Pick up a print copy of the newest issue of The Venice Wave at Los Angeles Times Festival of Books today! It will be in the 826LA tent, next to McSweeney’s.

LA Times Festival of Books

Also, don’t miss 826LA students reading and signing their works, as author Dave Eggers joins them at the Etc. Stage at 10 a.m.

Originally published in Volume 1, Issue # 9 at 826LA West on April 7, 2010.

By Margarito Garcia

In-N-Out was created by Harry Snyder and his wife Esther Snyder in 1948. Harry Snyder died at the age of 67. In 1976 he had 18 restaurants at the time. The first In-N-Out was at interstate 10 and Francisquito Avenue in Baldwin Park. In-N-Out is now owned by Lynsi Martinez and has 240 locations.

There is a secret menu at In-N-Out. One of the secret items is the Flying Dutchman. The Flying Dutchman is two meat patties, two slices of cheese, no bun, and no condiments (unless specifically asked for). Another secret menu item is the Wish Burger. If you want to eat healthy, eat this. It has no meat, no cheese, and only vegetables. The animal-style fries are fries with cheese, and grilled onions, with the special spread. You need a fork to eat these.

I go to In-N-Out on Washington by Costco. I usually have the number one with meat, lettuce and ketchup and, to drink, the red lemonade.
People should eat at In-N-Out, because they make it the real way by washing potatoes, peeling them, and then cutting them into French fries. Another reason is because other restaurants don’t make fresh fries.

Online Exclusive:

Our resident food critic, Margarito Garcia, also interviewed Venice resident John Meehan on his personal In-N-Out preferences.

Which In-N-Out do you eat at?

The one close to Costco on Washington.

Do you like cheese on your burger?

Yes, I like cheese on my burger.

Do you like pickles on your burger?

No, I do not like pickles. I ask for no pickles.

What meal do you eat?

I get the number two.

What drink do you drink?

I get a chocolate shake.

Why do you eat at In-N-Out?

It has the best fast food in L.A. And it doesn’t make my stomach sick.

Do you get full fast?

Yes, I do. Sometimes I cannot finish my burger.

The Venice Wave just published issue number 9, but there was so much good writing that we had to extend it to the web. The front page of our latest issue covered Los Angeles Public Library budget cuts, and the inside featured several interviews done by budding journalists. Our back page was a forum for students’ opinions.

Check out this interview with a compositor from the new “Alice in Wonderland” movie. By Chelsea Ramirez.

Alice in Wonderland is one of the must-see movies. Alice in Wonderland is made by one of the most unique directors, Tim Burton. He had tons of creative special effects of Alcie falling down the rabbit hole, and the red queen with her big head. The biggest effect was the whole movie being in 3-D itself. But what made all these special effects happen? Jessica Laszlo was a compositor on Alice in Wonderland and answered a few questions for The Venice Wave.

Venice Wave: How long does it take to make a movie like Alice in Wonderland? Was it hard to make?

Jessica Laszlo: It took hundreds, if not thousands, of people, and over two years to make Alice in Wonderland. Maybe every single person’s job wasn’t hard, but it took all of those people to make the movie!

VW: What makes 3-D 3-D?

JL: Hold one finger in front of your face. Close one eye and see where you see your finger. Now close that eye and open the other one. Do you see how you are seeing your finger in a different spot?

Your brain takes two views and that’s how you see the world in 3-D.

For movies, we basically do the same thing. Try to imagine regular (non 3-D) movies as the way you see your finger with one eye closed. So we have to recreate the other view (the way you see your finger through the other eye, with everything shifted over a bit). Once we have both views, there is some fancy trickery with those 3-D glasses you see, to fool your brain into thinking that you’re looking at a 3-dimensional world in the movie.

VW: Did Tim Burton write the whole plot of the movie?

JL: Tim Burton had a a lot of ideas for the plot, but a screenwriter named Linda Woolverton actually wrote the script. She also wrote the scripts for The Lion King, Mulan, and Beauty and the Beast.

VW: What did you do to make the Red Queen’s head so big?

JL: Since all the environments were computer generated, the Red Queen was filmed on a green screen movie set. Maybe you have seen pictures of green or blue screen sets— where there is a set, with props and character but the background is entirely green. So before the compositors put the Red Queen into a fake environment, they made her head larger, using special software, and left her body regular-sized.

VW: How much is filmed and how much is computer-generated of the film?

JL: Pretty much everything you see in the movie is computer generated, except for the human characters. All the environments in Wonderland, and the non-human characters were computer generated. And even some of the human characters were transformed using the computer (like the Red Queen, and parts of the Mad Hatter).

VW: What did you do to make the white and red soldiers?

JL: Using special 3D computer software, a whole team of computer artists created the red and white soldiers. Modelers created computer models, and animators made them move as if they were real, and CG lighters and compositors (like me!) made them fit into the shot as if they were really there.

VW: How do you become a director or producer?

JL: Loving movies, and loving to make movies is probably a great start to becoming either a director or producer.

Check back soon for another interview from a Venice Wave reporter!