Oct 8 2010

VOLUME 54, ISSUE 1

School loosens restriction

Pg. 2

Pg. 4

New cell phone policy supported

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2010

Students explore Europe

Mediterranean Art Club’s excursion

CASTRO VALLEY, CA 94546

Critic hates sappy sentiments

Pg. 6

Taylor Swift’s new song mocked

Trojans, supporters win battle to save sports Boosters provided crucial support

Athletes charged up to $325

By Bianca Arias Photo Editor

Under heavy budget pressure, CVHS asks student athletes to pay higher contributions according to a new tier system this year.

Tier one sports (cross country, track, swimming, boys tennis) will try to collect $225 per athlete. Tier two sports (girls basketball, boys soccer, girls soccer, boys wrestling, badminton, baseball) charge $275 per athlete. Most expensive are tier three sports (football, volleyball, boys basketball, girls tennis, girls golf, boys golf, softball, boys volleyball, girls wrestling), requiring $325 per athlete.

These prices are greater than the contributions asked for last year.

Not only is the price higher, but unless each athlete pays, there is no guarantee that the sport will exist for 2011-2012 and beyond.

Sports at CVHS mean a great deal to many students. When bud-

BUDGET: Page 8

New computer system in cafeteria

By Lawrence Ham News Editor

The district Child Nutrition Department implemented a new computer system for selling lunches at all schools in Castro Valley. The new system is called Point-of-Sale system (POS), which consists of touch screen computers that connect to an online database where parents can view purchases made by the student.

Students are required to enter their 5-digit student ID number upon purchasing a lunch. The computer then shows the student’s picture, record and account balance.

“I like it because I don’t have to remember to bring money for lunch anymore because of the new online pre-pay account,” said senior Christy Lee. Since this new system has been implemented, the cafeteria staff does not have to count as much money as before because many students use the online account.

SYSTEM: Page 8

By Nic Barradas Feature Editor

Bianca Arias / Photo Editor

Sports continue thanks to fundraising efforts and support from the community.

School introduces new website

By Max Kahane Staff Writer

The new CVHS website is a great success. It is packed with new features and is organized very creatively. The site contains a lot of pictures of CVHS students. The pictures make the site come to life; they show students doing simple class tasks.

The site also has a banner feature that informs users of the events that are going on throughout the school.

Another cool feature that the

site has is Google Translate. Users can select languages varying from Arabic to Vietnamese.

If users select a certain language, then all of the writing on the website translates to that language. This makes the site very user-friendly to people who do not speak English. It will help them understand what goes on at CVHS. The site contains an athletics calendar that is very simple and informs people about sports games, meetings, and other information. It is very simple if an athlete needs to know informa-

tion about sports meetings or if a fan needs to know when the next football game is.

Computer support technician Cathy Zen used to write the code for the old website, but now more people are involved in it. Staff with different permission levels can now edit the site. Adding new ideas will constantly improve the site.

“Overall, the new site looks a lot more professional,” said Assistant Principal Jesse Woodward.

The site can be accessed at http://castrovalleyhigh.org.

Senior year is finally here

Athletes of CVHS can breathe a sigh of relief as the new school year starts with all sports programs intact. The Boosters Club, CVHS administration, and the Castro Valley community all played huge roles in making this a year where Trojans and fans alike can all enjoy athletics. Together, they raised $253,351 in about three months.

“I cannot express how much time and effort was put into saving the sports. The amount of help we received was astonishing,” stated Assistant Principal Jason Whiteman.

“It’s amazing that we reached our goal.”

Student athletes are extremely excited to still have their

SPORTS: Page 8

Students arrested after burglaries

By Alicia Harger Editor-in-Chief

Bianca Arias / Photo Editor

Seniors celebrate the start of their last year at the Welcome Back Assembly.

Two CVHS students broke into the homes of three acquaintances and stole property worth up to $15,000 worth of property, according to the Alameda County Sheriff ’s Department. These burglaries allegedly took place over the summer on Aug. 7 and Aug. 14 at three different homes.

Detective Steve Griffith stated that after an initial report was filed, a source told one of the victim’s families that two CVHS girls were involved.

The family then contacted the sheriff’s department with this new information.

Officers went to the homes of the two girls and found sto-

BURGLARY: Page 8

New cell phone policy makes school life easier Editorial: We at The Olympian congratulate the school for loosening up on the cell phone policy.

Students now have the privilege to use their cell phones during break and lunch without penalty.

We believe that this decision is advantageous to the student population because students will not feel the need to sneak around and hide their electronic devices from administration and staff.

Schools like CVHS should begin adjusting to modern times.

It is a good decision to advance with the community and allow technological advancements on the campus. It is important for schools to let go of the old ways of running schools and develop new, effective ways to reach out to the student population.

No matter what people say, cell phones have become a necessity to the average teenager. These nifty little devices provide information about the world, allow communication with friends and family members in emergencies, and help remind friends about lunchtime club meetings or projects.

By Daniel Galvan Staff Writer

Yoon Jung / Staff Writer

Students will have the opportunity to be up-to-date with important local and world news. Cell phones can also help students prepare for class discussions about current events and news stories.

Using cell phones during break will give students the chance to take a quick break between classes. They can discuss their problems and concerns and blow off the stress that is building up due to a busy schedule. If friends

can’t meet up, they can communicate with each other by texting or calling.

The Olympian thanks CVHS administration for changing the cell phone policy to one that everyone finds beneficial and useful.

the 9/11 attacks. “Why does it have to be right there?” they say. “Why can’t it be somewhere else?”

I’ll tell you why. It’s because, in America, the country that is praised by its inhabitants for its freedoms and liberties, all citizens have freedom of religion.

That means that if someone wants to build a mosque two blocks away from the site of the 9/11 attacks, then he or she can.

abiding, Islamic-Americans who had nothing more to do with 9/11 than you or I do.

The problem with saying that the mosque is insensitive to the victims of the attacks is that it generalizes all Muslims into one big group of terrorists; it’s like blaming all Muslims for the

terrorist attacks when, in reality, the attacks were caused by a few extremists.

In America, we expect to be given the right to freedom of speech, freedom of press, and, of course, freedom of religion. But if we don’t allow this mosque to be built, then how free are we really?

Freedom of religion, yet no freedom for Muslims

By Holden Parks Staff Writer

In America, we, as people, are not allowed freedom of religion.

Everyone must be Christian. If my friends or I are Muslim or Hindu, then others in our community look down upon us. We are not allowed to build places of worship or publicly acknowledge that we practice our religion.

You, as a reader, probably know that all I have written above is untrue. But yet, with the controversy surrounding the proposed “Ground Zero Mosque” in New York City, the untrue things that I’ve said above don’t seem so inconceivable.

Park51 is an Islamic mosque and community center being built in New York City. It has been the cause of much controversy because its proposed location is two blocks away from the site of the tragic Al-Qaeda terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center on Sept. 11, 2001. Thus, it has been nicknamed the “Ground Zero Mosque.”

Opponents of the mosque say that it is insensitive to the victims and families that were affected by

Legalize marijuana: “Stop being so afraid”

“All citizens

have freedom of religion. ” It is that person’s right to do so.

There are people who agree with this argument; they admit that Muslims have the right to build the mosque. But, they say, building a mosque so close to Ground Zero is insensitive to the victims and their families; they have the right to build the mosque, but they really shouldn’t.

Now, if the mosque were being built by Al-Qaeda, then I would consider it to be insensitive. But it’s not. The mosque is being built by patriotic, law-

PHOTO pinions “A very good BY: Dana Lin

What do you think of the cell phone policy?

quote goes here SOME SOURCE Their Title

”

“I do what the Glorious Leader tells me. And I smile.”

Kevin Batchelor, teacher

“I’d say it’s more humane and manageable for everyone.”

Clare Enseñat, teacher

“I think the cell phone policy is fine. Students were using their phones between classes anyways.”

Bertram Pinsky, teacher

“I think it’s a great new policy.

It’s more user-friendly.”

Jo Ann Sears, Junior House secretary

On Nov. 2, 2010, voters of California will decide whether or not they want to make the production, sale, and consumption of marijuana legal. Prop 19 (Regulate, Control, and Tax Cannabis Act of 2010) has been the source of much controversy recently, but it’s obvious that California needs this initiative to pass.

First and foremost, the state is in economic and financial ruin and is desperate for money. Legalizing and taxing the sale of marijuana would provide much needed funds to the state. A portion of the money collected could even go to our failing public school system.

Not only are we missing out on easy money for our state, but much of our law enforcement and local resources are being wasted on busting people for smoking weed.

Based on what I have seen in my life, I’m pretty sure that people who smoke marijuana are going to do it regardless of its legality, so why waste our time punishing them? If pot smokers make the choice to smoke, they are making a conscious decision that only affects themselves; they aren’t harming anybody else.

Another major reason we need to legalize marijuana is due to the fact that dangerous drug lords and gangs have disrupted communities throughout the state and have caused heartache to millions of families. Legalization would put these drug lords out of business and effectively end the dangerous nature of the illegal marijuana trade.

The only reason marijuana has been illegal for so long is because it carries the stigma of a hard drug that is harmful to people physically, and to the community as a whole.

In reality, it isn’t nearly as harmful as alcohol or cigarettes, which are both legal in all 50 states. It’s time for people to stop being so afraid and go out and make a vote on Nov. 2 to make a sensible change for the better.

Olympian

The October 8, 2010

3

Thanks to Jon Stewart for the Rally to Restore Sanity

By Anna Balassone Staff Writer

It is no secret that the bipartisanship in America has become a full-fledged war between the Democrats and Republicans. The respective armies have been ceaselessly attacking the ideals of the other with harsh words and false accusations of hyperbolic proportions. But, amongst the proverbial gunfire is a revolutionary event that stands alone in its promotion of reason over degradation: Jon Stewart’s Rally to Restore Sanity.

Jon Stewart is the host of The Daily Show with Jon Stewart, a satirical news program that expresses an alternative and comedic viewpoint on present-day politics, pop culture, and the like.

One political analyst that Stewart consistently pokes fun at is the overly right wing Fox News host Glenn Beck, who decided to have a “Restoring Honor” rally on Aug. 28, 2010, at the National Mall in Washington D.C. (the same date

Yoon Jung / Staff Writer

and place that Martin Luther King, Jr. made his “I Have a Dream” speech 47 years ago).

Beck, a man who has been known to refer to President Obama as a socialist, Nazi, and a Satan-worshiper, claimed that the purpose of the rally was to recognize “our nation’s founding principles of integrity, truth and honor.”

In response to this event and the increasing popularity of

the fanatical anti-tax Tea Party movement among American conservatives, Stewart announced on his Sept. 16 program that he will be organizing a “Rally to Restore Sanity” at the National Mall on Oct. 30, 2010.

Stewart says that the main purpose of the event is to assemble “the people who’ve been too busy to go to rallies, who actually have lives and

families and jobs,” and those Americans among us who believe, “the only time it’s appropriate to draw a Hitler mustache on someone is when that person is actually Hitler.”

By staying true to this reasonable outlook, Stewart suggests that participants in the rally carry appropriate signs. Some suggestions of sensible phrases to put on the signs include, “I disagree with you, but I’m pretty sure you’re

when I woke up and suddenly realized that my sister’s room was empty and that there was a van jam-packed with all of her belongings.

All my life I have grown up with an older sibling, which means that the attention from my parents has been split up equally. Whenever I bombed a test, I was certainly made to study harder for the next one, but it was okay, because most likely my sister had bombed the same one two years earlier.

But now I come home and am asked, “What’d you get on your test?” when it is the very same day that I have taken it.

Not only am I surprised at the expectation for me to know my test grade a few hours after I had

taken it, but I am amazed that they even remembered that I even had a test that week.

I took for granted the liberty of being able to stay home without parental supervision, except for my sister, and now the “supervision” is off in UC Davis. The recent Canyon kidnapping scare has not improved the constant hounding to either stay at my grandmother’s house after school or find a friend to accompany me home.

As a sixteen-year-old, I find this lack of trust overcautious and a little bit constrictive.

Don’t get me wrong, I love my parents and grandparents to death, but as a teenager, I am expected to start pulling away from the nest, not be contained

in it.

not Hitler,” and “9/11 was an outside job,” in order to counter the absurd ideas of present-day conspiracy theorists.

I couldn’t agree with this event more. It is frankly ridiculous that certain towns in our democratic country have created billboards that assimilate our president to Karl Marx and Adolf Hitler.

Today it seems that Republicans are using the word “socialist” to describe all of Obama’s undesirable actions, regardless of whether or not such an accusation actually applies in the situation. And it’s not just the Republicans. Must we forget that, only a few years ago, Democratic protesters throughout the nation carried signs emblazoned with George W. Bush’s picture next to the leader of the Holocaust?

What has our society come to? What can be the one remedy for this continuous mayhem?

The answer is reason. That is why I fully support Jon Stewart’s cause in creating the “Rally to Restore Sanity.”

Although I do not have the ability to fly to Washington D.C. on Oct. 30, I will certainly be supporting the movement.

After all, such a brief glimpse of sanity in this clearly divided society does not come around all that often.

When your sibling goes away to college, what next?

By Natalie Chin Staff Writer

Many students at CVHS have an older sibling who is in college.

These siblings leave their families to go attend a university or college and explore the new world of freedom and an expensive education.

Although I was always aware that I would be left at home when my sister left for college, it was a shock

A dress code, not a dress suggestion

By Jennifer Price Staff Writer

It’s just a fact of life: some things are never enough. However, that shouldn’t be the case in the length of some girls’ clothing.

Teenagers these days, boys and girls, seemed to have lost their modesty and think it’s okay to wear whatever their hearts desire: the shortest shorts, the lowest rise jeans

they can find, any way that they can add more skin to their outfits. What some people wear to school nowadays is disturbingly revealing and they need to learn to cover up.

There is a dress code in place at CVHS that bans most of this clothing, but no one seems to care or listen. Students still wear anything they please because teachers, in no way, enforce the dress code. Shorts and skirts are supposed to at most, only reach as high as your middle finger can touch on your thigh.

However, most girls wear skirts and shorts as short as possible and teachers and administrators do nothing about it. If no one enforces the dress code, how will any of these students learn at least

the definition of modesty and keep our school from looking like a day at the beach?

It’s not only girls who constantly break the dress code. Boys always seem to want to wear their pants as low as possible too. It’s called a belt and it’s not hard to use. However, teachers are more likely to talk to boys whose pants hang too low than they are to the girl whose butt is hanging out of her shorts.

Teachers need to enforce the dress code and keep our schools from looking like an underdressed club. If it’s covered by underwear, I don’t want to see it and I shouldn’t have to. Teachers and administrators need to do their jobs and clean up the kids before it’s too late.

I miss my sister, but not just because I am trying to adjust to the new attention and protectiveness.

I miss seeing her around CVHS, talking to her, making lame jokes with her, and having someone to look out for me.

But, a major comfort is that I

Letters to the Editor

know I’m not the only one going through this change; many of friends have older siblings who are now freshmen in college.

To those who are newly finding themselves as an only-child at home: don’t worry, you’re not alone.

The Olympian encourages letters from our readers. Please note that letters must be signed and no longer than 200 words. They can be e-mailed to cvhsolympian@gmail.com, delivered to Mr. Johanson’s box in the office, or dropped off at our Olympian office in room 113.

The Olympian is a publication of the journalism class at Castro Valley High School, 19400 Santa Maria Ave., Castro Valley, CA 94546. © 2010 Editor-In-Chief...............................................Alicia Harger City Editor.......................................................................Simrit Kaur News Editor...........................................................Lawrence Ham Opinion Editor.............................................................Kate Kim Feature Editor............................................................Nic Barradas Sports Editor.............................................................Kearny Combs Arts and Entertainment Editor........................................Sarah Gilchriese Copy Editor.........................................................Dana Lin Photo Editor..............................................................Bianca Arias Business Manager........................................................Hillman Zheng Staff Writers: Anna Balassone, Daniel Chung, Matt Barney, Abigail Clark, Natalie Chin, Rebecca Fong, SangEun Choi, Dan Galvan, Reyna Garcia, Jason Hazari, Yoon Jung, Trevor Kwong, Max Kahane, Emily Lin-Jones, Erin Kim, John London, Tim Pak, Jennifer Price, Holden Parks, Andie Smith Advisor........................................................................Matt Johanson

Mediterranean Art Club visits Italy and Greece

By Sarah Gilchriese

when we were looking over the water and the sun was setting,” said teacher Jennifer Jervis.

A&E Editor

Gelato, pasta, the Pope, famous archaeological sites, and the Mediterranean Sea-what more could you ask for in a school-based trip overseas?

On June 24, 38 students and nine teachers and chaperones departed the United States to spend 13 days in the countries of Italy and Greece.

The trip took the students and adults over many cities including Rome, Pompeii, Delphi, and Athens and even on a three-day cruise to see the Greek Isles.

“Santorini was the most beautiful, because I got to see all the little islands and it was interesting to see how it was a big volcano,” said art teacher Adrian Lopez, one of the chaperones on the trip.

The first stop after flying to Europe was Rome. There the group saw the beautiful Vatican City and the Trevi Fountain. Next was Sorrento and Capri, where the Bay of Naples was seen. Pompeii was next on the itinerary, where the group saw many archaeological sites.

Crossing into Greece, the tour took the group into Delphi and

“Santorini was the

most beautiful, because I got to see all the little islands and it was interesting to see how it was a big volcano.

Adrian Lopez

”

Art Teacher

Anna Balassone / Staff Writer

The Mediterranean Art Club enjoys a great inside view of the Roman Colosseum. then Athens. In Athens, they visited the Temple of Apollo.

After Apollo, the group took a three-day cruise around the

Greek Isles, where they saw Mykonos, Patmos, Kusadasi, and many other areas. The group then remorsefully de-

parted from Europe to come back home on July 6.

“The best food I ate was a Greek salad with saganaki on Mykonos

“In Greece, we visited an island called Santorini and I loved it because it had a really nice calming atmosphere as if no one was in a rush and the air just seemed to lift you and I was able to watch the sunset over the beach,” said student Princeton Poe.

Students strut their stuff in school fashion show

By Alicia Harger

scholarships for its members.

Ticket prices and snack sales went directly to the Mujeres scholarship fund.

Editor-in-Chief

With styles from 60s dress to Mediterranean hats, CVHS students strutted their style at the Mujeres Club fashion show. On Sept. 22, the cafeteria was full of great clothes and a great atmosphere that promoted self-esteem and confidence.

“Model not what you wear, but who you are and what you show every day,” said senior Noelia Ley, when asked why she should be Castro Valley’s Next Top Model.

She seemed to sum up the purpose of the event, as the models were encouraged to show their style and represent their culture through dress.

“I’m participating because I’m interested in fashion and to promote self-image, positive selfimage for all the kids,” said judge and PE teacher Mario Iglesias.

The other judges were ASB president Joon Joung and Fiona Tedds. Tedds was a representative for the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising, San Fransisco.

April Beltran and Alejandro Zedillo won the show and Best Buy gift certificates. Beltran wore two outfits, one stylish and sophisticated outfit consisting of a belted tunic top with leggings underneath, the other consisting of a traditional Guamian hula skirt and tube top.

Zedillo took the stage in a plaid long sleeve shirt, jeans, and high top tennis shoes.

“Model not what you

wear, but who you are and what you show every day.

Noelia Ley

Senior

”

They also wanted to “represent Latinos as they are, aca-

Alicia Harger / Editor-in-Chief

Aztec dancers and drummers filled the room with vibrant sounds and sights.

“Being CVHS top model feels great, because I won and because it shows we can be a diverse school. Anyone can make a difference,” said Beltran soon after her victory

was announced.

“It’s good to represent Castro Valley and the community,” Zedillo chimed in.

The club hosted this show to raise money for college

demically, and raise money for the future,” said senior Mujeres club president Tracy Aguilar.

The night finished off with an incredible performance by a group of Aztec dancers, including senior Alicea Mariscal.

The dancers wore traditional Aztec garb, including very impressive feathered headdresses.

The Mujeres Club fashion show was a very successful event which will be gracing CVHS for years to come.

Olympian

The October 8, 2010

5

Math teacher returns from Irish odyssey

By Yoon Jung Staff Writer

CVHS is welcoming math teacher Mindy Hager back from her yearlong trip in Ireland. The Fulbright Teacher Exchange Program exchanges teachers from all over the world to learn about a different culture and their education system, as well as teach others about their own culture. Irishman Stuart Graham taught at CVHS in Hager’s place last year.

“As a secondary math teacher, the UK was one of my only options. I chose the UK and then they matched me with Mr. Graham in Northern Ireland,” said Hager.

According to Hager, Ireland has an entirely different educational system.

They have 35-minute classes and nine periods a day to prepare for the national exams (GCSE) without dividing into different grades.

When students are 16, they take the GCSE to see if they are going to continue two more years of high school with nearly university-level work, go to a vocational school, or leave school entirely, depending on their scores.

“There are some good and bad

things about both our system and theirs,” said Hager.

Hager went through many cultural experiences while in Ireland, such as the coldest winter they had in decades.

“It wasn’t fun. They had snow on the ground and lots of ice for many more days than normal,” said Hager. “It normally doesn’t snow much there or if it does, it melts quickly.”

She also felt that some adults’ thick Irish accents were nearly “impossible for me to understand.”

One terrifying thing for her was to drive on the left side of the road with the steering wheel on the right side of the road.

“But I quickly got used to it,” said Hager.

She also mentioned Graham’s house for those who had him last year.

“His house was very nice. It looked like a castle, much bigger than where I live in America,” said Hager. “It was a very old hotel that had been converted to flats or apartments.

“The only problem is because the building was so old. It was very drafty.”

Yoon Jung / Staff Writer

Mindy Hager explains that although it was great in Ireland, it is great to be back.

Hager missed her friends and family in America while she was gone.

“Overall, it was a great experi-

ence, but it was much harder than I anticipated,” said Hager. “I was also able to travel a bit throughout Europe during the school breaks. I

CVHS gives a warm welcome to new teachers

Andrea Shilling

“I am excited to be teaching special education at my high school alma mater. My goals are to help guide my students and their families towards programs available to them and encourage all of my students to love learning.”

Josefina Padilla

“I’m enjoying the friendly environment here at CVHS. I like teaching Spanish because I think that it opens a door for students to explore the Latino/Hispanic culture.”

Jose Cortez

“If you don’t use it, you lose it! I know this year will be successful by assuring that every student in my class maximizes their Spanish speaking ability and beyond! Que vivan los Troyanos de Castro Valley!”

Rebecca Westover

“I am excited to be working in a place where, within the first few days, I already enjoyed the students and families.”

Amy Farsheed

“I became a teacher because I have always loved school. My goal is to spread my passion for history to all the students that I work with, in order to expand their knowledge beyond the pages of history textbooks.”

Roxanne Montoya

“I love the mix of students at CVHS. So many new faces and personalities to know keeps things interesting.”

Laura Chauca

“I want to thank the staff and students of CVHS for a smooth and easy move to a new school.

Everyone has been so helpful.

I am excited for the new year.”

Linda Heinsaar

“We all want the best for our students here at CVHS. Working together as a team, our students are certain to achieve their academic goals.”

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went to Krakow, Poland; Budapest, Hungary; and Croatia. My favorite was Croatia because it was absolutely beautiful.”

Wanna get rich and support the student press?

Entertainment Calendar

MusicOct. 12: Less Than Jake- TV/ EP Oct. 19: Elton John& Leon Russell- The Union Oct. 19: Kings of Leon- Come Around Sundown Oct. 19: Ne-Yo- Libra Scale Oct. 19: Sugarland- The Incredible Machine Oct 26: Good Charlotte- Cardiology Oct. 26: Kid Cudi- Man on the Moon 2: The Legend of Mr. Rager Oct. 26: Taylor Swift- Speak Now MoviesOct. 8: Life as We Know It Oct 15: Jackass 3D Oct. 22: Paranormal Activity 2 Video GamesOct. 12: Medal of Honor (PS3, PC, X360), $59.99 Oct. 19: Pro Evolution Soccer 2011 (X360, PS3), $59.99 Oct. 19: Fallout: New Vegas (PS3, PC, X360), $59.99$69.99 Oct. 26: Fable 3 (PC, X360), $49.99-$59.99 BooksOct. 12: Hillary Duff- Elixir, $17.99 Oct. 12: Andy MulliganTrash, $16.99 ConcertsOct 8: Rascal Flatts, Shoreline, $38-$90.90 Oct 10: Maroon 5, Greek Theatre, $39.50-$59.50 Oct 10: Anberlin, Grand Ballroom, $16.00 Oct. 16-17: Treasure Island Music Festival, Treasure Island, $119.50 Oct. 17: Say Anything& Motion City Soundtrack, Grand Ballroom, $23-$25 Oct 21: Atreyu, Grand Ballroom, $18

Feels like home at “Mine” gives false hope to feminist movement Korea House Restaurant

“Mine,” a new single by Taylor Swift, was released Aug. 4.

After one month, the song still (unsurprisingly) holds much popularity with mainstream audiences, reaching the third spot on “Billboard Hot 100.”

I’ve always considered popular music to be somewhat like religion. I can’t criticize someone who just lost a child and is coping with it the only way he or she can—by turning to religion.

Fairly similarly, I can’t criticize someone who just tragically separated with a partner (due to a heated debate over who ate the last piece of pie) and is coping the only way he or she can— by listening to a Taylor Swift song. Again, I can’t criticize. But nevertheless, I don’t think it’s healthy to blindly follow either.

I’ll be passed off as pretentious or arrogant, but people really need to consider what artists like Swift get across in their near-meaningless songs, or what the mass public will make of them.

Like most pop, the main problem with Swift’s song is how distorted its message is. Never mind that it’s completely lacking musically (a mass of G, C, and similar chords played on top of a metronome beat). Lyrically, the song shows such an unhealthy point of view that it’s just bad.

Sung in a first-person narrative, the song begins with Swift

telling us about a young man she met, who attends college and waits tables part time. (The “narrator” and her love interest are unnamed in the song, but judging from the music video, we’ll call the two, “Swift” and “young man.”)

The two fall in love. This is the chorus and is described as a memory: they sat by the water and he “put [his] arm around [her] for the first time.”

Lyrically speaking, the song isn’t completely terrible, up to this point. It has potential because Swift even tries bring realism and maturity into the picture: “But we got bills to pay.

We got nothing figured out.”

Unfortunately, the final scene is the distorted picture that causes the song to morbidly implode. The two lovers fight at 2:30 a.m. Swift runs out of the house and onto the street, crying. She wants him out of her life. The young man runs out, too, and recites the chorus of the song from his point of view— how he “put [his] arm around [her] for the first time,” and how Swift is the “best thing that’s ever been [his].” Swift then falls in love with him again.

I laughed so hard my windows shattered.

So it turns out the feminist movement is going strong.

The song’s lesson here, girls, is this: your lame boyfriend will make you cry and run out onto the streets, but with “poetry” that would make Soulja Boy cringe, he will make you love him again.

This will repeat. Over. And over again. Like, have fun not being dependent on a man, right? Have fun showing the world what the centuries-long struggle for female independence has come to. I can let all the other distorted points of view pass, but this is one is too hilarious.

Also, in the music video, Swift marries the young man and has children.

(Rebecca Hall) hostage, blindfolded to open the safe. Keesey is let go; she is shaken, but unharmed. MacRay stalks her to see if she poses a threat to the group, only to find himself asking her out on a date and slowly falling in love with her. It’s a relationship that could prove to be disastrous to everyone involved.

Although the plot isn’t too original, The Town hits all the right notes. Affleck, the director of the film as well, directs his actors with inspiring performances, which lift the story into something fresh and exciting. The action is intense with every punch and explosion, leaving you with a feeling of amazement walking out the theater. Affleck keeps

the cinematography low-key for these scenes; there are no fancy camera angles or shots.

The editing, while often quick, never feels confusing or chaotic.

The choreography of the action is very mature and developed, with each cut appropriate. Even if Affleck’s characters weren’t interesting, the film would still be worth watching for its sophisticated staging of hardcore scenes and shootouts. Thankfully, they are interesting, and that makes everything even more intense.

The Town may not seem perfect, but it’s a remarkable demonstration of a thriller, and it exemplifies Affleck as both an accredited director and actor.

By Trevor Kwong Staff Writer

By Tim Pak Staff Writer

A recent meal at Korea House Restaurant with my family sated my hunger, filled me with happiness, and deserved a review. This traditional Korean restaurant is sure to leave your belly thanking you the whole night.

The hot and sizzling dishes served at Korea House, located on A Street in Hayward, truly brings the Korean flavor to the city. The busy restaurant always offers excellent service and has a friendly atmosphere. Whether you are by yourself or with friends and family, you will always be comfortable.

The restaurant is known for its Korean barbecue, also known as galbi. Although it is a bit pricey ($21.99 for one order), the meal will definitely not let you down.

The galbi at Korea House is the reason why many people come to this restaurant. It has very enjoyable food and is great for parties and special occasions.

At Korea House, you can grill your own slabs of meat on the fiery charcoal grill, just the way you like your meat done. It is not greasy and does not leave you wishing you did not eat the meal. I enjoy it every time I chow down at Korea House with my

Trilogy conclusion leaves reader satisfied

By Matt Barney Staff Writer

The Town will steal away your attention

By Jason Hazari Staff Writer

The Town, one of the year’s most anticipated action flicks, portrays the town of Charlestown in Boston as a place of dirt, drugs, and injustice. It is a place where robbery is a family business and once you’re in, there’s no getting out.

The plot’s main character, Doug MacRay (Ben Affleck), is the head of a group of professional thieves.

In the very first scene, the gang successfully robs a bank. One of the thieves, Coughlin (Jeremy Renner), takes bank manager Claire Keesey

family; we have never been disappointed by it.

The myriad of dishes you are able to choose to accompany the galbi include stews, appetizers, and a variety of rice dishes in a steaming, hot bowl.

My personal favorite, however, is the DwenJang Chigae-fermented soybean soup. It goes nicely with the galbi and makes the meal even more enjoyable.

One appetizer that makes my taste buds go wild is the Hamul Pajum, a Korean flour batter pancake ($8.00); the size of the dish is enough to feed four people. The soups range from five to seven dollars and the appetizers and rice dishes range from seven to 13 dollars.

Korea House also serves $5.99 lunch specials and includes a choice of a meat and soup. For the price, it is an excellent deal. However, the best part of Korea House is its Galbi Happy Hour. From 12:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., the galbi is sold at an eye-popping price of $9.99 per order. If you are really hungry, this is the best time to go and enjoy a good meal.

Overall, Korea House deserves the utmost respect from customers who want to enjoy a delicious meal. If you are looking for a great Korean restaurant that offers succulent galbi and many traditional Korean dishes, Korea House is definitely the place to go.

I loved the book Mockingjay, by Suzanne Collins.

In the beginning, the main character, Katniss, walks into her living room and finds nothing but ashes. There’s no roof, chimney or decoration of any kind. Only the pockmarked walls testify that there was something of a house.

The Capitol—an evil government,

reminiscent of 1984 by George Orwell—did this to Katniss.

However, she has nothing besides her grief to comfort her.

The main character, finding a band of rebels, leads a revolt against the demented Capitol.

Katniss’ lover, however, has been captured by the Capitol, so she has to decide whether to save him or continue to support the rebels’ cause.

Mockingjay is the conclusion of The Hunger Games series. I would recommend going back to the first book, The Hunger Games, to get the full-intended effect of Mockingjay. Each book builds on another in the trilogy.

However, Mockingjay does stand on its own as a novel.

Mockingjay grips you from the start and doesn’t let go. As soon as you think you know what is going to happen, the plot changes. The twists and turns are endless in this book. If you try to categorize this book, you will start at science fiction and end at romance. A little bit of everything is thrown in Mockingjay. If you liked the Da Vinci Code, you have to read this book.

Arrr! Pirates make Trojans walk the plank

San Leandro shuts out Castro Valley in 32-0 rout

By Nic Barradas Feature Editor

Although the Trojans battled through every second of every quarter, it was all for nothing. On Friday, Oct. 1 the Trojans still held their heads high, despite a heavy loss of 32-0 against San Leandro High.

Castro Valley fell to 0-1 in the Hayward Area Athletic League and 0-4 overall.

“Football is a game of constant improvement. Our young men have shown a tremendous willingness to work hard. This is a huge credit to them. As long as we continue to work hard, we will improve on the things that we need

Bianca Arias / Photo Editor

Trojan defenders protect their end zone from the San Leandro Pirates’ offense. to do,” commented head coach Nicholas McMaster.

Despite the discouraging scoreboard, the Trojans showed improvement from game to game and are hopeful that there

will be many wins in the near future.

“Although it is difficult to see because of the lack of wins, this year’s team has a made huge improvement compared to last

year’s team,” said McMaster. “We must get to a place where we can expect to win from week to week,” he added.

“I feel like it was a good lesson for us. The game was a wake-up

call to the whole team that we have to give a hundred percent every time to come out with a win,” said senior Moner Afschar Although the score may have indicated otherwise, the game was not a total loss. The Trojans showed improvement and did have some good moments on defense.

In the fourth quarter, Alex West made an excellent hit on the quarterback, causing an interception.

“This was a huge highlight for our defense,” added McMaster.

According to McMaster, the CVHS Trojans will rack up some wins this season; it’s just going to take time. As the football team is constantly improving and getting better, the Trojans look hopeful for the rest of the season.

“It was a disapointment. Defensively we did well. We were effective but we didn’t execute.

The next game we will correct it and bring home a win,” said senior Tauvaa Williams.

Girls golfers’ long winning streak ends against Warriors

By Simrit Kaur City Editor

The Castro Valley Trojans girls golf team lost to the Mission San Jose Warriors, the score being 213-205. The Trojans played a determined and focused game at Sunol Valley Golf Course on Thurs.,

Sept. 23.

“It was a lot of fun playing against Mission San Jose, but I’m really sad that we lost,” said junior Betty Chen. “I know that if we just each improve by one stroke, then we’ll have a really good chance of winning.”

In the first group of girls, Chen

scored her best for the season, a 35, while senior Kelsey Kong scored a 44.

“Mission San Jose was a really good team and hopefully we will do better next time when we see them at NCS,” said Kong.

Blom hopes to win the HAAL Championships, move onto NCS

(place in the top three), and eventually go on to the state championships.

Losing hasn’t been a part of the girl golfers vocabulary for a long time. They’re used to crushing their opponents, beating them by a huge margin. Though the match against the Mission San Jose was close, this

loss ends the girls’ superb winning streak throughout the years.

“This is the first time in two and a half years that we’ve ever lost a match,” said coach Ed Blom. “We intend to seek revenge and defeat Mission San Jose in the next game.”

S up e r S a v v y Sp o r ts St a rs Nic Barradas / feature

editor

k

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Caroline Douglas, freshman With eight years of dancing under her belt, it is no wonder that Caroline Douglas made the varsity dance team. With difficult line-changes, spins, turns, and leaps, Douglas has to constantly practice to stay on top of her game.

“It’s not only a good workout, but I love learning new dances and being with my friends,” explained Douglas. “We feed off of each other’s energy. That’s what keeps us going during a performance.”

Douglas’ passion and desire are what truly drive her though. Because of her undying dedication to the sport, she is constantly improving.

Khush Jawandha, sophomore

Amanda Zen, junior

Judy Tian, senior

Tight-end Khush Jawandha is a sophomore who plays for the junior varsity football team.

“I play because I love making a good tackle,” explained Jawandha. “When you make a tackle, it’s just you and the other guy, and you are completely dominating him, there’s no feeling like it.”

This desire to win is what drives Jawandha to keep striving to improve.

“Whenever we’re about to play, I just think about the game, what I have to do, what I need to get done so that my team wins,” explained Jawandha.

“I run because it’s great exercise and I love the people,” exclaimed Amanda Zen, junior runner for the CVHS varsity cross country team. Running is not just a sport for Zen though; it is a way of life.

“The real struggle with crosscountry is constantly trying to lower your times,” explained Zen, who is constantly trying to improve.

“The payoff is huge,” said Zen. “I am so nervous when I am getting ready for the race that when I finish, it’s like a huge load has been lifted off of my shoulders.”

For the past seven years, Judy Tian has worked hard to hone her tennis skills and make it to captain of the varsity tennis team. Her countless hours of hard work paid off last year when she came in second at HAAL. “I work every day to stay fit and healthy,” commented Tian.

“It’s a great workout.”

Tian went on to add, “I love tennis because we always get to play at fields with great views.”

In addition to being on the varsity tennis team, Tian is also on the varsity badminton team, where she helps bring home Trojan victories every year.

Olympian

The October 8, 2010

BUDGET: from page 1

get cuts came, CVHS almost lost its athletics program as the district cut sports funding. Many students felt like if they didn’t have sports, there would be no need for them to go to school. Some even said they might as well be homeschooled.

Luckily, help from Boosters, athletes, and others saved sports for this year.

During the 2009-10 school year, students were asked to pay a contribution to play in school sports.

If the student played one sport, the amount was $150. An additional $100 was added if the student played a second sport, and another additional $50 for a third.

8

This contribution was a general payment asked by all sport teams. It was not required and many families did not pay.

“We’re doing a fundraiser to help out with [the fee], but I feel like it’s unfair because many kids that are poor and middle class play football this year, but they can’t even pay half of the fee,” said football captain Victor Quintana.

Sports are a part of public education and, up until now, have always been free. Many teams are doing fundraisers and trying to find ways to pay for costs, but that may not be enough.

Lawrence Ham / News Editor

Senior John Lee buys lunch using one of the many pay options with the new cafeteria system.

SYSTEM: from page 1 The new system also prevents students from losing their lunch money or lunch tickets. Parents can place funds in a student meal account, online at www.NutriKids.com, and the money will be deducted each time the student makes a purchase. However, students still have the option to pay in cash instead of using the online account.

“I think it takes a while to get our lunch, but it’s effective,” said

BURGLARY: from page 1 len property, including girls’ clothes, cosmetics, jewelry, and electronics such as iPods and cell phones, Griffith said.

“We were able to recover some of the property, which was returned to all three victims,” said Griffith, though he added that some stolen items remain missing.

Both girls were brought into the sheriff ’s department to be questioned and arrested there on charges of residential burglary,

senior Ahryun Han. “However, some people might find it tedious and think that the system we followed last year was not as time consuming,” “The new system will allow us to see which meals are most popular among the students and will help us in meal planning,” said cafeteria manager Janet Roselius. “It also offers a less discriminatory way for students who have free or reduced-price meals.” Students who qualify for free or reduced-price meals will

be treated in the same manner as the full-pay students.

“The overall change has been the hardest part because many people tend to resist change,” said Roselius. The cafeteria staff had to go through a one-day training on the system prior to the start of school.

So far, the lunch lines have appeared to be longer, but it is unclear if it is due to the new system or the increased amount of students buying lunch at the beginning of the school year.

possession of stolen property, and conspiracy, said Griffith. All three charges are felonies.

They were not taken to Juvenile Hall, but were released with a notice to appear at a future court date.

The girls face possible imprisonment at Juvenile Hall, probation, and restitution, which means they would be responsible for repaying the victims for losses, Griffith said.

“The final disposition will be up to probation department,”

which handles juvenile cases, said the detective.

Because the girls are minors, the sheriff’s office did not release their names as it would for adults.

“The biggest thing I think other kids can learn from this is that, if you commit a crime, even though you’re a juvenile, you will be held accountable for your action, which will affect the rest of your life and career choices,” said Griffith.

Kearny Combs / Sports Editor

CVHS students exercise their rights to use cell phones during lunch.

Freedom rings from every phone

By Kearny Combs Sports Editor

The new cell phone policy gives students the freedom to utilize their cell phones, and all other electronic devices on campus during break, lunch, and after school.

This is a new liberal step for the administration, one of the few changes that relaxes rules, rather than tightens them.

“I think it’s about time for change. Electronics are becoming a part of our everyday lives, and I believe it’s our job to teach kids how to use their electronics responsibly,” said Principal Mary Ann Valles. “That’s what the new policy is about.”

Many students love the new

policy. It gives them more freedom and allows them to use the technology available to them.

“I really like that we can use our cell phones at lunch,” said senior Sarah Lam. “I call my friends to find them and make arrangements all the time now, and I text during break. It’s the best.”

Though the old cell phone policy allowed students to bring their cell phones to school, it did not permit students to use them on campus.

Valles admitted that there’s no sense in enforcing a rule that can’t be enforced. She has seen students use cell phones on campus throughout her profession.

JB Construction

General Building and Engineering Contractors Reyna Garcia / Staff Writer

The Secrets presentation provided helpful information about sexually transmitted infections to sophomores who attended the play on Sept. 29.

SPORTS: from page 1

sports. Without these teams, many do not know what they’d do.

“Without my sport I wouldn’t get the opportunity to meet beautiful individuals,” exclaimed varsity cross country runner Chris Castle.

Sports not only provide a good way to exercise, but also provide a way to make friends.

Many student athletes would

simply be lost without their sport.

This year, sports will be run differently. The budget has been split up into specific sections. Each team will be required to raise the amount of money it takes to run the sport.

If a team fails to raise the right amount of money, there is a good chance the team will not exist next year. Many

teams already have fundraisers set up, and athletes are ready to step up and face the challenge.

“I find CVHS to be known for its many extracurricular activities,” commented ASB President Joon Joung. “Budget cuts almost ruined that. But because we saved the sports I can go cheer for all my favorite Trojans and continue to enjoy CVHS athletics.”

Lic. No 765383

Phone: (510) 331-6141 Fax: (510) 372-0577

Jamie Bocanegra Cell:(510) 760-1584 jamiebocanegra@comcast.net