Dec 15, 2006

By Michelle Matsui & Alexandra Shiluk Chris (Hongzhe) Qian / Staff Writer

Coach Craig Nieves rests his head in his hands after losing his final football game with the Trojans. Castro Valley's football coaches have all resigned. The basketball team controversy was one of the reasons why Nieves quit.

See story on page 6.

Saritha Kosarussavadi / Photo Editor

Varsity girls basketball coach Nancy Nibarger talks to her team during a pre-season game. Her belief in the teaching principles of sports made her stay as the coach.

See editorial on page 2.

Tack attack plagues CVHS campus

By Sholeh Salimi & Sophiana Carrell A serious scare struck CVHS on Dec. 4 when an unusual form of vandalism injured at least eight students.

The school nurse’s office was filled around noon with students injured by thumb- tacks.

Nurse Sandee Velasquez tended to their slight wounds by cleaning them with soap and antibacterial ointment. Velasquez then checked the health records of the eight students to make sure their Hepatitis B and Tetanus vaccines were current. The students’ parents were notified and were told to contact a doctor to ask further suggestions.

A vandal or vandals strategically glued the tacks, face-up, to door handles and drinking fountains all throughout the campus in places such as the entrances to the 200 and 500 halls, and the drinking fountains near the weight room and 900 hall.

Sophomore Loren Apilado was pricked by a tack glued to the door handle of the 500 hall.

“It was in the morning around seven,” said Apilado. “There was only one on the door. There were

a couple on the ground.”

She thought the culprit had glued about five tacks to the handle, but some had fallen off.

Around 12:30 p.m., Principal Lisa Garcia made an announce-

“

Whoever has done this will definitely receive..some serious counseling support.

LISA GARCIA Principal

”

ment notifying students about the incident and advising them to take precaution while opening doors and using drinking fountains. The administration is still investigating the incident and has already received a few leads.

“We are not sure if this was done by a group or just one individual,” commented Garcia. “Whoever has done this will definitely receive disciplinary action… and some serious counseling support.”

By Sophiana Carrell Staff Writer

Former Assistant Principal Lisa Garcia has replaced Debbie Coco as the new principal of CVHS. When she was a young girl, her father was principal of CVHS and now, she is following in his footsteps. “I grew up always wanting to come back here,” said Garcia.

Q: How do you like being the principal so far and have you felt welcomed?

A: I’m enjoying it a lot. Students, parents, staff; everybody has been so wonderful.

Q: Do you enjoy the job of principal more than that of an Assistant Principal?

A: They are very different. I had no idea how different they would be. You don’t know how different being the principal is going to be until you are the principal. I am enjoying it because I’ve worked as an assistant principal for eight years and being the principal is a new challenge for me.

Q: What other responsibilities do you have now as principal?

A: Well, when you’re an AP you get to focus more on students and how students are interacting with staff. As a principal you have more of a school-wide focus. You’re dealing a lot more with parent

Castro Valley High sophomore Lisa Petty buried several threepointers and freshman Kaitlin Endo cleanly blocked three shots, making the crowd cheer supportively. The Trojans girls Varsity basketball team opened their season with a discouraging loss to the formidable Foothill Falcons on Nov. 28, but they at least looked like a solid team.

“I think the kids are working really hard, and I’ve been really pleased with the effort,” said an optimistic coach Nancy Nibarger.

Nibarger is ready for the new season to begin since the last one ended quite unpleasantly for her.

The coach has been involved in an ongoing conflict since the end of the previous season, facing parents’ aggressive requests for her removal and dealing with new restrictions.

After the final game of the last season, parents took their private complaints to the school administration, and later to the school board, which held an extensive 14-week investigation, Nibarger said. The board members cleared her of any wrongdoing, she assured, but they did take action concerning the team.

The board decided to introduce two ombudsmen (impartial observers) and establish a six-person panel to help select this year’s basketball team.

This decision drew criticism from local residents and coaches, and

concerns that are coming in and programming and staffing issues and you’re also working with the entire staff. As an AP, you’re working more with a piece of the big picture. But as a principal you really have to understand how everything is related together and then how our site relates to the greater district.

Q: What kinds of improvements are you planning on applying to the campus?

gained publicity in newspapers, television and radio stations across the country.

Recently, the selection committee finished choosing the team, which did not include any of the players involved in the conflict last season. This raised the girls’ suspicions concerning the validity of the panel, though Assistant Principal Marcie Plummer said all the members had extensive basketball experience.

“They’re all basketball coaches, all of them had at least six to eight – if not many more – years of basketball coaching girls,” Plummer said. “So they are very qualified.”

With such restrictions placed upon her, many wondered why Nibarger would want to continue coaching the basketball team.

“I believe in the principles that sports can teach people. I believe there is good that can come out of competition and hard work and feeling good about learning your position and being part of a team,” said an adamant Nibarger. “And so I have wanted to continue to be there for the kids and to be there to work with the kids and help them value the sport the way that I valued it when I was younger.”

The allegations that were cited against Nibarger all revolved around concerns over communication, she said, which she is trying to improve.

CRISIS: Page 6

A: We need to tighten the safety plan. Communication is also a big thing and we want to make sure that we are communicating effectively to students and staff members through e-mail, loudspeaker announcements and presentations. Communication is key for this school so everybody knows what is going on all the time.

GARCIA: Page 8

Chris (Hongzhe) Qian / Staff Writer

Principal Lisa Garcia talks about her new career, as well as her future plans and aspirations for CVHS.

Kudos to coach committed to b-ball Parents, players both need to bury the hatchet

Editorial: School athletics are generally positive activities that teach students not only sports, but also practical life lessons.

It is unfortunate that a conflict between athletes, their parents and a coach are getting in the way of that at Castro Valley High School.

At the end of last year’s basketball season, a group of players and their parents raised unspecified complaints about varsity coach Nancy Nibarger.

The parents took their grievance to the principal and to the district.

Eventually the school board held a meeting to discuss the matter.

The board found no wrongdoing on Nibarger’s

part, but decided to form a committee to choose players for this year’s team and to place an ombudsman at practices and games.

These measures were not supposed to be a punishment, but rather a way to help moderate the conflict.

When the selection committee chose different players for this year’s team, the girls and their parents were understandably upset.

However, this entire issue has been taken too far already, and it would be in everyone’s best interest to just let it rest.

The current players do not need these complications affecting their season, and nobody else needs the stress and frustration of carrying on this issue.

We at The Olympian would like to commend Nibarger for her determination and dedication to her sport and her team.

There are few coaches who would remain so committed through all of the turmoil that Nibarger has been subjected to during this conflict.

Girls need not be boy toys

By Ariel Navarro Staff Writer

Do you know what makes me want to vomit even more than the thought that people like Britney Spears are allowed to have children?

The injustice of the relationship system we have going on at CVHS. Have you ever noticed how when a guy totally gives himself up for a girl he is called “gay” or “whipped,” but when it is the other way around, its completely normal?

Girls are constantly compromising their entire selves for guys.

I’ve seen girls change the way they look, talk, walk, and even think just to get guys to like them.

It makes me sick to my stomach.

Do you know what the sad thing is though? I do it too. I don’t think I’ve ever met a teenage girl who hasn’t.

In high school, it feels like all we ever do as teenage girls is hunt for boys.

It’s like our lives aren’t complete if we are not head over heels in love with some boy who couldn’t care less.

And when, by chance, we get the boy, we treat them like royalty and believe that they could do no wrong.

Girls are totally oblivious to the

flaws of their boyfriends when they are “in love”. But ladies, have you ever thought of it this way: It takes two to tango. If one person is dancing and the other is just standing there, staring vacantly into the distance, the danc-

“

Girls are oblivious to the flaws of their boyfriends when they are 'in love.'

”

ing person looks like an idiot as well as feels like one.

Love takes two people, not just one. When one person is in love and the other is not, it is only a half-love, the most painful love in the world.

But sometimes if we use our imagination enough, we can believe that the other person feels the same way. Then we proceed in compromising morals and judgments.

I feel like 89% of high school

relationships are half-loves. Society has taught women to fear and worship men, as well as treat them as superiors.

Women feel as if they are not complete without men. Sometimes women even believe we need them to be happy.

On the contrary, I know as well as every single other woman that happiness is only a state of mind, not a boy.

Doesn’t it sound ridiculous that the people we believe will complete us are just little boys?

Let’s face it ladies, we are emotionally and intellectually superior to men.

Whether we use our superiority or not is a different story.

Now here is the kicker: Why aren’t boys worshiping us? Why aren’t they changing the way they walk, talk, dress, and think for us?

Just think about it for one moment. The answer is that there is no reason. We worship them because society has brainwashed us since we were born.

Every single expectation that our fellow male classmates have of us is because of what society shows them we are supposed to be.

Well I have news for you, boys: we are who we say we are and I say you can’t hold us down forever.

Alumnus grateful for CVHS support

The Olympian is a student publication of the Journalism Class, Castro Valley High School, 19400 Santa Maria Ave., Castro Valley, CA 94546. © 2006 Editor-In-Chief................................................................Flora Tsang City Editor......................................................................Mari Robinson News Editor.........................................................................Gray Bae Opinion Editor....................................................................Ellen Yau Feature Editor...............................................................Kamry Zhang Sports Editor................................................................Jasmine Nand Copy Editors.................................................................Dawn Berden Kyle Friedrich Photo Editor....................................................Saritha Kosarussavadi Systems Manager................................................................Gray Bae Business Managers...................................................Michelle Matsui Candace Wong Staff Writers: Malena Bell, Tim Buhlig, Julianne Burnette, Sophiana Carrell, Becky Chao, Christina Cross, Hayden Folks, Kevin Hanley, Hillary Johnson, Amber Kury, Esther Lee, Stephanie Lombardo, Laura Mitchell, Ariel Navarro, Chris (Hongzhe) Qian, Sholeh Salimi, Alexandra Shiluk, Terry Xiao Advisor........................................................................Matt Johanson

Dear Editor, We would like to give you an update on Travis (Howard).

He recently has gotten enough movement back in his arm that they are going to modify his wheelchair so that he can drive his wheelchair with his arm instead of his chin. It is a huge unexpected change that has thrilled us and his therapists.

We would like to thank all of the students, staff and parents who bought and sold the bracelets and made donations to Travis.

We especially want to thank the library ambassador club for sponsoring the bracelet sale.

With the donation money we were able to buy him a van with a lift so he can go out with his friends and to all of his appointments with much more ease and comfort.

The difference in our lives is huge and we are extremely touched and grateful.

Travis’s mood and attitude are great and he actually gives us strength. Your support and prayers have been overwhelming and we

Courtesy of the Howard Family

appreciate it more than words can say.

Margo Howard Editor’s note: Travis Howard is a 2004 CVHS graduate who was injured in a motocross accident on Sept. 11, 2005. Margo Howard is his mother.

The Olympian welcomes letters to the editor and reserves the right to edit letters for libel, spelling, grammar, length and style. Please limit letters to 200 words. All letters to the editor must be signed. Submit letters to cvhsolympian@yahoo.com or the Olympian office in room 113.

Two students take sides about Schwarzenegger

Our governor, the Hollywood moron

Arnold perfectly fits governor’s throne

By Tim Buhlig Staff Writer

The ballots are in and Arnold Schwarzenegger has once again taken the capitol to be California’s governor for another term.

I personally think it’s great that he has another term, and hopefully he’ll improve California more. Or perhaps he’ll be criticized on everything by people trying to prove a point instead of looking at what would be the greater good for the state of California. In his last term, Arnold had to resort to a special election because the legislature of California was bucking him on everything for its own political agenda, and he thought the people should decide.

Well, unfortunately a lot of the public sided with legislature and Arnold’s special election did nothing because all of his propositions failed. Arnold still has done great things for California, but instead of getting credit for it, he is blamed for making it worse.

Arnold has straightened out the debt that the previous governor Gray Davis left behind, and while California still has a ways to go until it is out of debt, it is getting better. But Arnold was blamed for the mess that the previous gover-

nor had left behind instead of getting credit for fixing the problem.

He also tried to fix the educational system so that teachers would be paid on how well their students did on tests and in the class overall, instead of being paid for the students’ attendance.

The teachers would then have to work harder for their pay instead of getting paid for the students’ timeliness. The teachers’ union didn’t like this, saying that the students could fail a class intentionally and teachers wouldn’t get paid. The legislature and the people (mainly the teachers’ union) voted not to have this take place.

I think this is a shame as it would have increased the education of many students.

Since the teachers are paid on attendance, they don’t really have to care about the students or their grades to get a paycheck.

If this had passed it would’ve been different. The teachers would have to care about the students and their education or they wouldn’t get paid.

Arnold has tried and succeeded at improving California but has

When the general public has no

By Ariel Navarro idea what is going on in the state Staff Writer

also been shot down by politicians trying to further their own political agendas. Hopefully, this term the politicians will look at the greater good of California instead of their own political agenda, and help Arnold improve this great state even more.

A r n o l d Schwarzenegger is our governor. Just think about it for a second.

Our governor is the very same man who played a pregnant man, a robotic killer, and yes indeed, was actually a steroid-driven body builder.

I truly believe when people looked at their voting ballots and saw Schwarzenegg e r ’s n a m e , they snorted and checked the box just because it made them giggle.

Either that or they just voted for him because he’s a Republican.

Now think really hard, can you think of one thing, just one thing he has done?

Most likely you can’t.

they live in, that is the mark of a terrible governor.

It looks to me like he is basically the mascot of the state and sits on a float in a parade of politicians waving and smiling at everyone with bleached white teeth.

Schwarzenegger has done plenty of vetoing but only a tiny bit of actual proposing laws (let alone helpful laws). He has vetoed the gay marriage proposal, which is hurtful to much of our population in California, not to mention disrespects people of all sexualities and differences - which is not what democracy is about.

He also vetoed the proposal to make it possible for illegal immigrants to get their driver’s licenses.

That veto left thousands of people without appropriate identification and, more importantly, prevented them from driving legally.

Don’t get me wrong, I am positively ecstatic about the recent election results; however, it would have been the icing on the cake if we had had a new governor who did more than just smile, wave and veto.

Ah well, I guess we’ll just have to make do with cake without icing.

PHOTOpinions Ring in the greed for the holidays COMPILED BY HAYDEN FOLKS

What school rules would you like to see changed, now that Ms. Garcia is the new principal?

“I think freshmen should be allowed to go off campus for lunch. We are very responsible.” – Kyle Callihan, freshman

“The cell phone policy should be repealed. It’s not right to make it so we can’t use them at break.”

– Maria Washington, junior

“I think the cell phone policy is way too strict. “I think we should be able Not being able to use to sit on the stage at lunch. them at break is too strict. What some kids do affect What if I need to contact all of us more responsible my parents?” – Nick students.”

Choa, sophomore – Katie Nepodal, senior

By Kevin Hanley Staff Writer

Christmas is coming.

A season for love, spending time with one’s family, and remembering the birth of Jesus Christ our savior; or so the thousands of Christmas specials would like you to believe.

But let’s cut through the media’s sentimentality and hypocrisy for just a second, and ask ourselves, what is Christmas really all about?

Let’s face it, it’s the presents.

Not just the presents of course.

People really do cherish their families and celebrate the birth of Christ on Christmas, but it is the massive greed and materialistic elements of Christmas that facilitate these sentiments.

Because Christmas is such a profitable and marketable holiday, the media and retail outlets all start shoving Christmas spirit down our throats as soon as possible.

Stores like Rite-Aid start selling Christmas decorations before Thanksgiving.

The airwaves are saturated with feel-good Christmas specials for kids, and feel-good overpriced toy

commercials interspersed between the positive programming. Not that the two are related or anything.

People decorate their houses and

“Any schmuck can be born, but only a holy savior of the human race could rise from the dead.

”

yards with colorful lights, cheerful Santas, and uplifting and inspiring manger scenes.

Christmas is undoubtedly the most hyped, anticipated and enthusiastically celebrated holiday

in America. And why is this?

Christmas is supposed to be about celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ, but is that why people celebrate it so exuberantly?

Easter is supposed to be a celebration of Christ’s resurrection, an act seemingly more important than his birth.

Any schmuck can be born, but only a holy savior of the human race could rise from the dead.

So why then is Easter not nearly as anticipated or vehemently celebrated as Christmas?

Because a magic bunny bringing eggs filled with candy is fun and all, but not nearly as fun as a fat jolly guy bringing kids scores of the hottest new toys and electronics as presents.

So whether you look forward to Christmas because you can spend some quality time with your family, celebrate the birth of your savior, or get a bunch of cool stuff, the reason America celebrates Christmas almost patriotically is for the latter reason.

The material greed elevates Christmas above all other holidays in this country.

God, or at least Santa Claus, bless America.

Bears bring business Teaching inmates before kids Sick children smile

By Hillary Johnson Staff Writer

Smiles play their way onto the faces of many young children as they receive fuzzy little teddy bears to brighten up their holiday.

These children reside at the Children’s Hospital of Oakland, and every year they receive a bear from various businesses, the PTA and Real estate companies.

How is this made possible? By the Junior Achievement Program, who sponsors senior business students of CVHS to sell these bears.

Whoever purchases one will have given a child from the hospital a new furry friend.

The hope is that by the end of the fundraiser, there will be enough money to buy a bear for every child in the hospital.

The purpose of this fundraiser is not only to provide a cuddly buddy for a sick child, but also to educate business students with hands-on experience in economics. The program will teach students how to operate a business dealing with the selling and purchasing of a

product.

The students collect money from different sources and then purchase the bears from the manufacturer, GeneRise, Inc. Then the bears are delivered to the hospital to be handed out to the kids.

The whole experience is a great learning opportunity for the students, and is a creative way to spread holiday cheer to those less fortunate.

The excess bears are donated to Toys for Tots, and the rest of the profit to the Make a Wish Foundation.

“We donate the excess profit to them every year because it is a good organization,” said teacher Mona Kreuzer.

Bears will also be sold on campus for anyone who wishes to buy one.

The students can keep a bear for themselves or donate it to the children.

Everybody needs something to hold on to, and for the children at the Children’s Hospital of Oakland, these bears might be just that.

Germany trip survives Costa Rica and France cancelled

By Julianne Burnette Staff Writer

Imagine experiencing a new culture, an opportunity to meet people and to see the realities of a country somewhere else in the world.

Each summer the foreign language classes at CVHS offer students a chance to experience these things first hand with a trip to a country that speaks the language of their respective class.

This year, however, the trips to Costa Rica and France have both been cancelled.

“We needed at least six [people] who were registered and paid to fly,” said French teacher Teresa Marshment. “There weren’t enough people.”

Likewise, the trip to Costa Rica was cancelled due to lack of enrollment.

The German trip is still going to happen, though.

“We’re leaving on June 16 and we’ll be gone for around three and

a half weeks,” affirmed German teacher Barbara Klews. “There are about 15 people going.”

The cost will be approximately $3000, which will cover expenses for hotel accommodations, airfare and two meals a day.

“I’ve always wanted to go to Germany,” commented senior Tawny Ditmer. “It’s really beautiful over there and the culture fascinates me. Plus, I can practice my German. It’s really an eye-opening, once in a lifetime experience.”

They will begin their journey in Berlin, and travel all around Germany and into neighboring countries.

The group will also have the opportunity to visit a German school, so that they can get a taste of the culture and see the differences between schools here and schools there.

“There was a lack of interest and ability to commit,” said Marshment. “Maybe next time, in 2008.”

working in a running store. But having always been interested in becoming a teacher since his sophomore year in high school, he decided to return to college to earn a teaching credential.

To complete his credential program, Rainwater chose an Staff Writer unusual place to do his student teaching. While most of the other Imagine a class where the stustudents in the credential program dents have perfect attendance, opted to work in the local primary where no one goofs off or misbehaves and where students schools, Rainwater, who count it a privilege to be had “always wanted to there. try something different,” Although Matt Rainbegan teaching classes water is a first-year social at the California Men’s studies teacher at CVHS, Colony, a prison in San he has previously taught Luis Obispo. just such a class – in a There Rainwater tutored prison. inmates in “everything,” During his own high from learning to recognize school years, Rainwaletters of the alphabet to ter was a runner on his reading and writing. school’s cross country He describes his experiand track teams. ence at the prison as “very He continued running rewarding and interesting,” as an undergraduate at and laughingly notes that it Cal Poly Pomona, evenis often “easier to teach in a tually competing at the prison than in a school.”

NCAA Championships For the inmates, going to as a Division II athlete. class was more of a reward After graduating than it was mandatory and from college, Rainwater everyone paid attention. In pursued post-collegiate fact, in the entire time RainSaritha Kosarussavadi / Photo Editor competitive running for Matt Rainwater talks about his variety of jobs water taught at the prison, a while, but he says, “it he never experienced any didn’t work out,” and he before coming to CVHS. problems; nobody misbeWhile pursuing his Masters of haved. ultimately had to stop competing These days, Rainwater can be due to an injury. He still enjoys Education at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, Rainwater ended up hav- found in his classroom in the 100 running as a hobby.

Rainwater then worked a variety ing an incredibly intriguing and hall, teaching World Civilizations or U.S. History. of jobs, including construction and satisfying experience.

By Laura Mitchell

Guide to Gift Giving

By Christina Cross & Sholeh Salimi Illustrated by Ellen Yau

Have no idea what to get your loved ones for the holidays? Read The Olympian’s helpful guide. All gifts are under

For lil’ sisters:

The New Easy Bake Oven Hasbro, $24.99 Satisfy her sweet tooth with this craving-inducing gift.

For mothers:

For lil’ brothers:

“Superman Returns” DVD Target, $19.99 Unleash the Superman in your dad.

Family Guy, Vol. 2 (Season 3) Target, $28.76 If you want to cuddle on the couch and make him smile, buy this hilarious DVD.

For girlfriends:

Sonoma microfleece wraparound robe Kohl’s, $19.99 After a hard day it’ll definitely soften your mom up.

For fathers:

For boyfriends:

Speed Racer: Shooting Star Mini Radio Control Car Target $14.99 With this control car, he’ll stay busy and not have time to bother you.

Sterling silver multi-chain heart necklace Kohl’s , $17.99 Yo u r g i r l f r i e n d will love this present because we all know girls love jewelry.

‘Bully’ no Columbine simulator ‘Borat’ is the bomb R

e evi

ng i w

By Kevin Hanley Staff Writer

You walk out of the library with Algernon the nerd waddling cautiously behind you. Suddenly two vicious bullies charge toward him intent on beating him up. Fortunately for him, you beat them up first and, two Indian burns later, the attackers flee. You successfully protected Algernon and earn five crisp bucks.

This is just one of the many missions in the new video game “Bully.” If you haven’t heard of “Bully,” you probably don’t play

video games.

Since the game was announced, watchdog groups such as Peaceaholics and Bullying Online have attacked it, claiming it trivializes or glorifies bullying.

Miami lawyer Jack Thompson, a fierce detractor of violent video games, tried to stop the release of “Bully,” calling it a public nuisance and a “Columbine simulator.”

But that was before the game was even released. Now that the game is out, let’s cut through the hype and see what “Bully” is all about.

First of all, “Bully” is in no way a “Columbine simulator.”

It is more akin to a “Dennis the Menace” or “Breakfast Club simulator.” Nobody dies in the game and, instead of guns, your weapons consist of stink bombs, itching powder, and the like. In fact, the Entertainment Software Rating Board gave “Bully” a rating of Teen, for people ages 13 and up.

“Bully” stars troubled teen Jimmy Hopkins, who, after being expelled from several other schools, is sent to Bullworth Academy. There he must interact with various cliques and defend himself and others from the bullies

10 Worst

Holiday Gifts

By Ariel Navarro

needs much less of.

5.JessicaSimpHoliday CD 10.Deodorant son I am in awe that such a thing Staff Writer

Who in their right minds would give deodorant for a gift?

Are you trying to tell me that I smell? I do not! People who give deodorant: you’re sick.

9.PictureAlbum This is the gift that says, “I don’t really like you very much, so I’m just going to go to Ross and buy a $5 picture album with a picture of some chick I don’t know skipping in a meadow on the front.”

8.A Mug

Mugs are especially obnoxious when they have a jolly Santa Claus on the front and it’s March when you’re drinking coffee.

7.Money

actually exists. All I’ve ever wanted is to listen to a leggy blonde sing all of the sappy holiday songs that make me want to ram my head into a brick wall, repeatedly.

4.Croc Shoes

You open your Grandma’s present to reveal (dun, dun, duunnnnn) Croc shoes. She tells you the lady at the mall said that Croc shoes are the latest fashion.

You smile but know that these will go straight to the dumpster because they are unacceptable for anyone to wear.

3.Ornaments

Great, another one to add to the overflowing box that sits in the garage all year long.

I don’t know about you, but when I get money, I end up spending it on things I need like toothpaste. I would rather have gift certificates so it forces me to buy something really shallow and unnecessary, because that’s what Christmas is all about.

Fruitcake tastes like feet and nobody likes it! Make a mental note of this: just because everyone else jumps off a bridge (or worse, buys Croc shoes), doesn’t mean you have to.

I opened this gift up and got all exited but then not so much when I noticed the cheap fabric and tackiness. Fake designer purses are something the world

Seriously, nearly every gift I get is returned for something that isn’t so heinous or if they are not returnable, they get the dumpster.

Always give gift receipts.

2.Fruitcake

6.FakeDesignerPurse 1.Nonreturnables

of Bullworth.

“Bully” is a completely free roaming game. One is given full run of the grounds at Bullworth and the nearby town. The world of “Bully” is fairly large, and can be traversed on foot, bikes, skateboards, or scooters. Throughout the game missions are given, which involve doing favors for fellow students, teachers, or townspeople.

Besides the story missions, “Bully” is chock full of fun minigames, such as taking a paper route, participating in boxing matches, and going to class, that earn you money or unlock skills or other items.

While the game is fun, it does have some flaws. If you fail a mission, there is no option to restart.

Also, there is a significant amount of backtracking and uneventful traveling from point A to point B. There is no radio in “Bully” like there is in “Grand Theft Auto” to listen to as you travel.

But the good in the game far out weighs the bad, “Bully” is filled with fun and challenging missions, hours of engaging game play, and best of all, it won’t turn you into a psychopathic bully and or killer.

Everybody wins!

vi e R

e

ng i w

By Ariel Navarro Staff Writer

Almost everyone has seen the previews: “Come see my movie film! If it not be success I will be executed!” If not, you have been on MySpace and seen a funny looking guy with a big smile and a bushy moustache.

In the movie “Borat,” a fictional man from Kazakhstan (played by Sacha Baron Cohen) was sent by his government as a representative to find out more about the United States. He travels to New York and there he discovers Pamela Anderson from watching Baywatch on

the hotel T.V. He falls in love with her, and with his fat assistant he travels across the country in an ice cream truck to find her.

Sacha Cohen is a genius when it comes to comedy. He had every single person in the movie theater laughing out loud. Cohen mixed a combination of real events where he interviewed people as the character Borat filmed their reactions, and staged events like the scene where he put a giant bag over Pamela Anderson’s head and tried to pick her up and run away.

“Borat” is not only a funny movie but it really shows the United States’s dark side. By far the most disturbing scene was when Borat went to a rodeo and a man told him to shave his moustache off because it made him look like an Arab or, in his mind, “a terrorist.”

“Borat” the movie was the perfect blend of comedy and politics.

It had politics for the left-wing adults to want to pay ten bucks to see it and comedy for the Jack-Ass movie goers to want to see it.

Go see this movie! I guarantee it will open your eyes to things Americans do that are really disgusting and arrogant, but at the same time it will entertain the pants off you!

By Alexandra Shiluk Staff Writer

The CVHS library will close for a $900,000 renovation starting the next fall semester. It will remain closed up until January 2008.

The library facility, apart from being 50 years old in all respects, is stocked with plastic chairs and tables, a less than satisfactory carpet, and a collection of books that were published several decades ago.

Junior Caitlin Colby expressed her concerns over the current state of the library: “It’s cool that they’re renovating it because it’s kind of musty and smells weird… the carpet is so hard that it’s like hardwood flooring, too.”

As a missing library will no doubt result in several problems, library media teacher Terri Bucklin anticipates a portable or respective building serving as a makeshift book storage and checkout until the remodeled library is completed.

The online databases however, such as ProQuest and WebCollection, will remain operational and available to the CVHS students throughout the restoration

By Esther Lee Staff Writer

Mouths dropped in shock as the class representatives announced that Winterball would be held during the weekend before finals. The untimely date built upon the chaos already surrounding Winterball.

Students agree that it is already complicated enough to snag the perfect date or the perfect dress for Winterball. Now there is the prospect of finals, as well as unexcused tardies and absences to agonize about.

For those who have ten unexcused tardies or five unexcused absences, Winterball is no longer an option. Tardies and absences can be checked when bids are bought in room 607 or with the assistant principals.

Winterball will be held on Saturday, Jan. 20 from 7:30 to 10: 30 p.m. If the original calendar

process.

“I am very excited,” said Bucklin. “[The renovation] is a step in the right direction.”

When Bucklin first became the librarian in January 2000, there were only four operative computers, two of which were hooked up to the Internet.

Since then, several measures have been passed in attempts to distribute the money to the library systems and, within themselves, have promised future improvements.

These developments, however, never came. Instead, the money was poured into the athletic programs and subsequent field maintenance, she said.

“You can see where our priorities really lie,” said Bucklin.

Only 63 percent of the shelving currently installed in the library will be allocated in the new plans for books, an issue that could jeopardize the library’s functionality.

“Aesthetically it’s going to be beautiful, but it has got to be functional,” said Bucklin.

California guidelines suggest a ratio of 24 books per student, that is 68,400 for the CVHS student population. With that taken into consideration, it is extremely shocking to learn that the library contains only

was in use, finals would take place before winter break and Winterball after. However, the superintendent decided to move finals to after winter break.

Turnout is still expected to be high.

“I already have kids asking for guest passes,” said leadership teacher Linda Little. Not to worry, the gym will still be crowded with many students.

Junior Paul Noe said, “It’s a time to relax before a stressful week, a time to have fun.”

However, a variety of reasons may prevent students from showing.

Girlfriends and boyfriends that can’t make it will restrict their significant others from appearing at this formal dance. Devoted academic students might choose a higher grade over one night of dancing.

The date of Winterball is highly unlikely to be changed. Little commented, “If it’s on another day, we have to cancel another event.” The invitations have already been ordered with the printed date of Jan. 22.

22,000 books, not even a third of the required amount.

Also, the renovation does not include the costs for a new ceiling, light fixtures, or furniture – something that would inhibit Bucklin’s vision of creating a quiet reading area, furnished with comfortable armchairs and sofas in a corner of the new library.

Students in general, however, seemed unaware of the library undergoing construction.

“Where’s the library at?” asked junior Hilary Vanderheiden. “Seriously, I didn’t know.”

The library was subsidized, in part, by the combination of the two bonds to create the School and Library Improvement Block Grant. This new measure apportions enough money to facilitate the refurbishment of Castro Valley school public libraries.

Bucklin is adamant that the plans be completed with every issue taken into account, ensuring that the library be functional.

Or else, as she ruefully declared, “This library is going to have to remain the way it is for a few decades.”

GARCIA: From Page 1 Q: What do you plan on doing differently than Mrs. Coco, if anything?

A: I think really the goal for this year is to continue the things that we’ve already been working on like continuing with the small learning communities. My biggest thing is really revamping our school safety plan and making sure everything is up and running and in place. And also we need to update emergency bags to make sure we have everything that we need. I think that’s really important because it’s a kind of behind the scenes thing but it’s really good to make sure we’re caught up.

Q: One of the main goals of our school is unity. How do you plan on helping unify the student body?

A: Well, I personally cannot unify the students but I can definitely provide programs and more opportunities for students and staff to work together to help unify the school. One person alone cannot do that. It really has to be everybody working together and having

it be a school-wide commitment.

We will provide opportunities for students like having different activities such as Challenge Day or activities for our staff to create a more unified Castro Valley High School.

Q: Finally, what do you hope for the student body of CVHS? A: I would hope that the student body would feel comfortable in working with all staff, including administration and being able to step up and bring some sense to the appropriate places when they need to. The student body needs to work together to keep Castro Valley the great school that it is. We have a lot of great things going on here, it’s just that sometimes the negative things get highlighted in the press. We want to do what we can to make sure that they know about all the wonderful things at Castro Valley and have those overshadow all the other stuff. We don’t want the media to think that Castro Valley is a crazy, crazy place to be.

It’s really a great school. I chose to be here.