Rees Bixler

Wal-Rees Bixler

SPOTLIGHT

8 ■ SEPTEMBER 21, 2015

THE CACTUS SHADOWS PRESS

SPOTLIGHT

Self Analysis I am a journalist fresh out of the oven, so I have learned nothing more than in movies I have seen with crazy journalists just trying to write a story. When I joined, I was very optimistic and excited, mainly because I would be going home in four hours instead of six and it is my senior year. Everything I have learned about journalism so far has either been from Mrs. Hart, Mr. Adamson, or the classes I took when we went to Florida.

I have learned very much about InDesign, but I think I still only know 1/1000th of it. I have learned about integrity and really why newspapers are printed. To inform!

Regarding leadership, I have learned a different style of leading. I am an only child so I don’t have any little siblings to boss around and at school I am a pretty neutral, not a leader or follower, just doing whatever makes me happy. Though I am no born leader, I am forced to be one as the spotlight editor. I must keep my scurrying writers on track or else the world will perish, because Mrs. Hart will explode in a fire rage. Being in charge of writing multiple articles can be difficult on its own, so having to keep track on the rest getting written and done well increases the challenge. I’m not the best at talking to my writers too, which is not because I am quiet, it is just something I need to work on. Leading a wild pack of journalists proves to not be the easiest task in the world.

A pro of being a leader are the fun relationships that are made with other students of the class. I have people who I am totally sarcastic with or talk about interesting things with. Also it is great getting to know which writers are better and which ones you hope you don’t get to write your

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articles. You better hope they like to write for sports! The cons of being a leader are having to keep track of much at one time.

While writing your own articles, you have to make sure your pages articles are being written too. Being in charge of my peers is not a struggle. I actually never feel like I am in charge of them. I just feel like we are on the same level and we are just putting effort towards writing for our paper. My leading style is quite subtle, but in the background I am watching my writers and watching their articles to see if they are moving and making progress. I would change to be a bit more strict with how I ask the writers to work on articles. I would also like to become more diligent in completing not only newspaper but all classes. I will get myself to do this, because lately I have been starting my homework right when I get home instead of later in the night.

My production skills are slowly improving each issue. Making spotlight pages has become somewhat easier, in the sense that I am more experienced each time I get a new spread. I wait too long to start mine though. December issue I started laying out the photos about a week before I usually had done, so I am happy with that. I would like to start getting myself to stay after school at least an hour and just work on the month’s issue or play around with InDesign. Also this would help with deadlines. I am a procrastinator for sure. I blame technology, homework, and other “important” duties, but there is nothing that is making me procrastinate but myself. Duties do get in the way, but there is still plenty of free time to put in some time on story writing, designing pages, and bringing in donuts and orange juice on

Friday.

Writing for a newspaper is not something you do for yourself, unless the story is about you or if you’re just writing for the grade.

You do it so people will know what’s happening in the world around them. So you are already writing for all who choose to read the paper every month, but also you are writing for your editor and as a collaboration towards creating the whole paper. Working as a team is difficult for all sorts of reasons: whether their family is in town so they didn’t write their story or they write their story but it could have been written better by a fourth grader. Little instances that delay you getting your story till the last minute are what make putting together a paper burdensome. In the end, they’re all great people :).

Ethics have never gotten in my way of writing a piece, but I see how they easily could. I have always told the truth in my writing and have never made up a quote just to fill that space, and I’m proud of that.

There has been times where I would like to just get the interview done with and slap the quote into the article, but once the interview begins I think to myself “Everyone knows something you don’t.”, because i heard it somewhere and it stuck with me.

That always drives me to an intrigued level in the conversation. Once I ask a somewhat dull question, since I have interest now, I will come up with more that may be of some importance to readers. This, now interesting interview, dedicates me to write that article, and write it much better than recent low interest in it would have.

SEPTEMBER 21, 2015 ■ 9

SPOTLIGHT

SPOTLIGHT

HO, HO, HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT MILK AND COOKIES? Erika Richwagen interviews Santa at Tatum Ranch Golf Club

By Erika Richwagen

Reflection #1

The Black Plague, and I lost them. I was taken in by a group of monks and missionaries, they took me in as a child.

There they taught me the act of sharing gifts and everything we have, which is how Christmas came about.

§ staff writer

The history of the Santa Claus we all know and love today stretches all the way back to the third century. Christmas's 19th century "materialistic rejuvenation" gave way to the "mall Santa," whom allows children to deliver their Christmas wishes to him in person. Speaking with a "mall Santa," or Santa impersonator, gave way to some interesting facts and insight, although it is possible the

CSP: When did you start the spirit of giving?

“I was taken in by a group of monks and missionaries, they took me in as a child. There they taught me the act of sharing gifts and everything we have, which is how Christmas came about.”

SC: Well, I would have to say I was probably about twenty. The monks had taught me to give. I had met a farmer who didn’t have enough money for his daughter’s marriage. His daughter left her window open at night so I left a small leather pouch of coins for her, which allowed her to pay for her marriage. That’s how it all started for me.

CSP: How did you decide you wanted to give to the whole world?

traveling. We moved to the North Pole so we couldn’t be bothered.

CSP: Do the reindeers help with transportation or is it mostly the “magic dust”?

SC: The reindeers do help pull the sleigh. If it wasn’t for them we wouldn’t have the speed that we need.

CSP: How did you meet Mrs. Claus?

SC: I took a vacation after one Christmas and I was down around some tropical islands that were sunny and warm and I happened to come across her, and we started talking and hit it off very well.

CSP: Do you have any advice for people who want to give to others?

SC: Oh, yes. I would say the Christmas spirit is all about the joy and love of giving. But Christmas is really about being with your loved ones. So that’s what we really want to share, our love to our families and one another.

The December issue ended up being my favorite to write for and design for. I wrote the piece for the style page about winter clothes and the report card for the opinion page. Mostly, I enjoyed taking the pictures for style and cutting them out to make a nice graphic. I designed the spotlight pages for this 4 § Stocking issue, and before, since I am new to designing, I have always stuff for a movie buff had very much help from Mr. Jessica Eyrich into the Adamson, InDesign genius. But delves top ten Christmas for a this paper, I designed most of it necessities fan of cinema. by myself and really felt good with my own designs. There were changes made, but I can see my improvement. This is my best work because the articles were enjoyable to read, and the pages are appealing to the eyes.

Since my experience has been expanding, this issue was actually the easiest to design. Having more knowledge about InDesign and what is expected of this paper makes it easier right off the bat to start laying out the pages. The only difficult part is writing headlines, second decks, and editing the articles, but that will forever be difficult.

The pages started out blank and I placed the first picture that was of Santa. I began by finding which articles had pictures to go along with them. The mall Santa article had a photo of him that I could tell had potential to fit an article in it. I cropped the photo and placed the article, somewhat ungracefully, because I would then place all the rest of the articles roughly and edit later. The process of making a page and editing it is the most enjoyable part of making the newspaper. Creating a page until it is eye catching is the fun part of the process.

Santa Claus

man interviewed is the real deal…

CSP (CS PRESS): May I have your name, and how you spell it?

SC (Santa Claus): Ok, that’s Santa Claus. S-A-NT-A, and C-L-A-U-S. CSP: When did you start posing as a “Santa” for events?

SC: I actually started back in the middle ages, 1450.

My family lived during

SC: Well, I think the monks brought that to my attention after I helped out the woman with her marriage; they told me I should continue, so I did.

CSP: How did you go about giving to the whole world in one night?

CSP: Thank you very much for your time.

SC: You’re very welcome.

Merry Christmas.

SC: Later on when I found some elves, I was able to coach them on how to help me by making toys. They had made me a sled, and one of the elves by accident came up with a magical dust that I could sprinkle around and it caused me to fly very fast in my sleigh.

CSP: Where did you meet these elves?

SC: It was somewhere between Turkey and Greece when I was

By JESSICA EYRICH

staff writer

There are many holiday movies to choose from, some funny, sad, or feel-good. Everyone has their favorite. These are my top ten movies to watch during the holidays.

1. A Christmas Story. Bob Clark directed this classic story in 1983.

Ralphie needs to convince his parents and Santa to get him a Red Ryder B.B. Gun for Christmas, but they think he will shoot his eye out.

2. Elf. This comedy is a about a man raised as an elf in the north pole who goes to New York in search of his real family. The cast includes Will Ferrell and Zooey Deschanel.

3. Home Alone. The first in the series directed by Chris Columbus and written by John Hughes is about

18 ■ DECEMBER 11, 2015

THE CACTUS SHADOWS PRESS

a boy who was left at home by his parents who must fight off a pair of burglars to keep his house safe. The cast includes Macaulay Culkin, Joe Pesci, and Daniel Sten.

4. It’s a Wonderful Life. This movie was made in 1947 and directed by Frank Capra. An angel shows a businessman how life would be like if he never existed. The cast includes James Stewart and Donna Reed.

5. Miracle on 34th Street. This feel good movie was directed by George Seaton and also came out in 1947.Claiming to be Santa, an old man is institutionalized, but a lawyer defends him saying he is the real thing. Some of the cast includes Edmund Gwenn, Maureen O’Hara, and John Payne.

6. Polar Express. If you enjoy animation adventures than this is a great holiday movie. A young boy wakes up to see a train outside his house. He goes on a magical adventure to the North Pole to learn about the spirit of Christmas. Made in 2004, the movie stars Tom Hanks, Chris Coppola, and Michael Jeter.

7. The Holiday. This romantic comedy Christmas movie was made in 2006 by nancy Meyers. Two women switch houses in another country for the holiday; they each meet a local man and fall in love. Stars Kate Winslet, Cameron Diaz, Jude Law, and Jack Black are the main characters.

8. Scrooged. This classic story remade into a comedy fantasy

ERIKA RICHWAGEN about a selfish Television executive is haunted by three spirits who give him lessons on Christmas Eve. Directed by Richard Donner in 1988, stars include Bill Murray, Karen Allen, and John Frosythe.

9. The Grinch is about a green monster who tries to steal christmas,. Made in 1966, this animated classic about a green monster who tries to steal Christmas is still wildly popular. The story is based on a book

by Dr. Seuss.

10. Nightmare Before Christmas is about a skeleton named Jack that finds a Christmas town.. Another animated movie, this one is about a skeleton named Jack who decides he would rather rule Christmas than Halloween.

THE CACTUS SHADOWS PRESS

SEPTEMBER 21, 2015 ■ 10

SPOTLIGHT

Reflection #2

SPOTLIGHT

A MUST NOT MISS MOVIE: MISTRESS AMERICA

By Andrea Kitson

§

staff writer

Mistress America, while billed as a screwball comedy, strikes one as a depressingly realistic portrait of two women in New York trying to make it.

Tracy, the main character played by Lola Kirke, is a lonely college freshman going to school just outside of the city, striving to be a writer, but stuck with a creative block. She falls asleep in her classes and tries to join the prestigious literary magazine only to have her submission rejected. Obviously possessing a massive superiority complex, she seems to be surprised that no one in her college recognizes what she considers her genius writing skills and that she isn’t immediately popular. With no friends and only her mom to talk to, she is quickly falling into a depressing hole, until she meets Brooke, played by Greta Gerwig.

Brooke is a 30 year-old woman who is soon to become Tracy’s stepsister as soon as Tracy’s mom marries Brooke’s dad. Tracy’s mom suggests calling Brooke to meet her so they can get to know each other a little better before the wedding. They agree to meet in Times Square and from there set off on a whirlwind night.

Brooke is a crazy, carefree woman everyone is jealous of.

She can have fun anywhere and she does, with no care to how other people think of her. Tracy is immediately pulled in by her and clings to her, realizing that if she were to ever write a good story, Brooke would be a perfect character, that fearless and charming woman everyone always dreams of being.

Tracy spends more and more time with Brooke, taking notes on her to write a story that she is sure will get her into the school literary magazine and will provide her with what she hopes to be her niche at college. Brooke wants to open a restaurant with her fiance Stavros, but after pictures of a crazy night out with Tracy comes out, he backs out and Brooke is left with no financial backing.

From there, the main plotline of the movie begins.

Tracy convinces Brooke to go ask her ex-best friend for the money Brooke feels she has a right to after her friend stole her idea for a shirt and sold it to J. Crew. Brooke and Tracy head off on a road trip to her house in Greenwich with Tracy’s only friend from college and his insanely jealous girlfriend. The rest of the movie is a desperate plea for money that gives way to drama between all the characters.

The movie reminds you of a Woody Allen film, but Noah Baumbach, the director, has a better handle on how the characters unfold and it has more realistic dialogue. Their dialogue was very unusual, it was fast and was completely unlike any other dialogues made for film.

It was like a play, the characters said whatever came to their minds. The conversations were disjointed, but that actually made it seem more realistic.

The characters are selfish and can be seen as people that are easy to dislike, but that is what really makes the movie. They seem like real people, unconcerned by what is going on around them and only worried about their own problems. This might make some hate the characters crafted by Noah Baumbach, but the truth is we all have a piece of them in ourselves.

IMPROVing The comedy comes out of the accidental things … you don’t have to be perfect all the time. You’re going to mess up and you’re going to have gimmicks.

Obviously possessing a massive superiority complex, she seems to be surprised that no one in her college recognizes what she considers her genius writing skills and that she isn’t immediately popular.

LOGAN BIXLER Logan is my dog, who is about ten years old and loves to go on jogs.

The September issue was not all bad, and not even this page that I put for needs most work is bad, but this page is least appealing to my eyes. The usual style was not used for the placement of these articles or picture, which makes me want to flip to the next 11 ■ SEPTEMBER 21, 2015

Alexa Dragone

PRACTICING FOR AN IMPROV SHOW Alexa Dragone, Neaco Fox, Michael Marcin, and Joseph Britton can not help but let out their inner clown.

By Angie Wrobel

§

4KATE FINEGAN

staff writer

THE IMPROV TEAM IS BACK FOR ANOTHER year of laughter with their first show on September 25 in the lecture hall. Featuring many new members and a few veterans of the team, they are preparing for yet another fantastic year filled with entertainment.

All of the improv members are excited to prepare for their first show of the year. Returning members are looking forward to get to know new members of the team and help guide them to become great performers. “I'm looking forward to another great year. We have a lot of new members and I can't wait to work with them and get to know them better,” said Neaco Fox, a senior.

For the 2015-2016 school year, the new team consists of mostly freshmen and juniors, one sophomore, and one senior. The returning members of the team have been helping teach the new troupe members skills and tactics to use for improv shows. Referring to the many improv games played on stage, Alexa Dragone, a junior, said “The comedy comes out of the accidental things … you don’t have to be perfect all the time. You’re going to mess up and you’re going to have gimmicks.”

During their improv practices, the team always begins with a game that includes all of the members. This warms

8 ■ SEPTEMBER 21, 2015

page first of all. Also the two articles don’t interest me at all, and the picture is not ‘Nicole Neri’ at all.

This page evolved the same as the rest: a blank page, the rough placement of writing and pictures, and then fine tuning. This article I was not experienced much

them up for the rest of the games they will play during their practice. Each practice focuses on a specific skill to help their performance during shows. “It’s mainly just tips on how to perform well. One of the biggest things we try to teach them is don’t do what’s expected,” said Dragone.

Team members who were in the improv troupe last year commented on what made them return or want to try out for the team in the first place. “Last year I was on the team and I had a great time. I wanted to do it again, especially for my last year of high school,” said Fox. Dragone’s older sister, Christina, participated in improv prior to graduating from Cactus Shadows, which is partially what sparked her interest in improv.

“I remember going to see her shows and absolutely loving it and how they interacted. I remember always having a great time going to the shows. One of the shows I just looked around and saw everyone laughing. I wanted to be the cause of people’s laughter,” said Dragone.

Dragone believes that the closer the team is, then the better the shows will be. “When you’re closer as friends the bond shows through at shows. The better you know your team, the better the games will be,” said Dragone. She wants the team to have multiple bonding sessions outside of scheduled practices to get to know each other better.

THE CACTUS SHADOWS PRESS

at all so I put it together as good as my experience let me. If I had a chance to redo this page, I would definitely pick a photo that tells a story more, that is less bland. I would then make that photo very dominant, making the articles less overwhelming. The

blank space in the top right is also useless as white space. Using white space should also be for a reason, this was mainly because I couldn’t come up with a better header to fill that space.

THE CACTUS SHADOWS PRESS

SPOTLIGHT

Reflection #3 I am proud of this picture, because I got out of my comfort zone to take it. Usually I wouldn’t sign up for taking any photos of strangers, only school events and of peers. This time though, I had to go to every thrift store in Cave Creek and photograph shoppers and staff. For this specific photo, I went to the busiest thrift store, The Kiwanis Market, and stood behind this guy for twenty minutes and even if people walked by, I was not embarrassed to hold my ground until I was satisfied with the photos I took for the story.

Reflection #4 I was an asset to this staff this semester by being apart of the writing, designing, and worrying-about-deadline process. Every month on Saturday I would come in right on the dime at nine until however long it took to finish my pages. I wouldn’t leave until they were good enough to me to go to the printer. I come in with the expectation that the minimum time I will be able to leave by is five hours later. This is a lot to ask of a teenager on a Saturday morning. Luckily there is always cookies and donuts.

I was also an asset to the CS Press because I am the Spotlight Editor. I am in charge of three pages and around ten articles that are spread out on those pages. This can be stressful, but it is my sworn duty to not let my staff down, and my fellow folk of the school as well.

12 ■ SEPTEMBER 21, 2015

THE CACTUS SHADOWS PRESS

SPOTLIGHT

Reflection #5 The problem I have faced this year have been deadlines, quality of work and photos, and learning about design. I learned that you must get your work done when you can and to not wait until the last minute to finish your articles or designs. I have also started taking many pictures, so I can get just the right one to use for a page. Since this is my first year on the press and officially working with InDesign, I don’t know a plethora about journalism. I have learned a large quantity from Mrs. Hart, Mr. Adamson, and the conference center in Florida, but there is still so many little buttons and tricks that I must learn. Overall, I have learned many skills for the real world and have learned good ethics and how to be more dedicated about academics. I have handled these situations quite well. At first they produced stress in me, but I learned that stressing out over something doesn’t help. Eating a donut and getting your butt to work does. My greatest publication weakness is getting my story done and to the editor before a certain date. I need to get it done the night I am assigned and then all I have to worry about is my pages articles and designing the pages. I will overcome this weakness by keeping my mind on task and off of distractions that night of being assigned a story. I will write the story, read edits, and make sure I don’t let down my peers.

13 ■ SEPTEMBER 21, 2015

THE CACTUS SHADOWS PRESS

SPOTLIGHT

Tear Sheets (Designs)

14 ■ SEPTEMBER 21, 2015

THE CACTUS SHADOWS PRESS

SPOTLIGHT SPOTLIGHT

ABSORBING Humans of Cactus Shadows SOUND Lucas Aikin reviews Young the Giant’s album “Mind Over Matter.”

EVENT CALENDAR SOME IDEAS FOR A DAY OR NIGHT OUT. September 21-27

Arizona Restaurant Week

Y

OUNG the Giant’s most recent album, Mind Over Matter, features powerful melodies, complicated yet beautiful guitar riffs, and story telling lyrics, all while being orchestrated over an almost ominous aura of production.

The album consists of 13 unique songs. They are all different, however, they all have a reoccurring theme, and that is the production. Mind Over Matter was produced by Grammy Award winner, Justin Meldal Johnson under Fueled By Ramen LLC. The 21st Century has seen the most rapid change in how music is produced. From Pop to Rock to Jazz, everything has changed. Music trends are all over the place.

If we are talking about 2015, the charts are filled to the brim with Rap solo artists. On the other hand, there are two other “genres” per se that are topping today’s charts, one being Electronic/Dance music and the other being Indie-Alternative.

Young the Giant’s “Mind Over Matter” is naturally placed in the Alternative genre, but saying that this album is just Alternative is like saying, “John Mayer only writes Pop music for former teenage girls.” This album is so much more than any old “Alt” album. Elements from almost every genre pop up all around this vast piece of music.

Some great examples of this are in the songs “Anagram”, which is in 7/8 time and “Waves”, which is in 6/8. The arpeggiated chords matched up with the thumping, 7/8 contrived kick drum are eye-opening to the world of alternative music.

On the other hand, Waves features a 3/4 guitar riff and a 6/8 backbeat on 2, 4, and 6. On top of all that, the song kicks into halftime with some really jazzy guitar work, and some almost “Dark Side of the Moon” synths.

The only aspect that could be changed on this record is adding one more ballad. The album only has one, “Firelight”, which could be considered enough given that it is almost playfully placed smack dab in the middle of the record. However, another slow track would be a plus.

Overall, I would highly recommend a listen.

Young the Giant is an Alternative rock band that formed in Irvine, California, in 2004. The band's line-up is Sameer Gadhia (lead vocals), Jacob Tilley (guitar), Eric Cannata (guitar), Payam Doostzadeh (bass guitar), and Francois Comtois (drums). Formerly known as The Jakes, Young the Giant was signed by Roadrunner Records in 2009 and released its eponymous debut album in 2010. The band's first three singles, "My Body", "Cough Syrup" and "Apartment" reached the top five of the US Alternative Songs chart.

AAAAA

Annie Sogaard, freshman “I think I want to be a child psychologist. I just think that kids and teens aren’t taken seriously enough, and a lot them need help that they aren’t getting because their parents aren’t as involved as they need to be, so I just want to help with that.

4 NICOLE NERI

From Scandinavian food from Beaver Choice in Mesa to chocolate fondue from The Melting Pot in three locations, there is a wide variety of meals for any taste bud. At one of many restaurants, you will get a three course meal for $33 or $44 per person. The Arrogant Butcher, Clever Koi, and Beckett’s Table are just a few of the choices.

tember

September 25

Foo fighters Concert

Fight your way to get to this concert. Playing at the Ak-Chin Pavilion in Phoenix and it starts at 7:00 p.m. You can expect a great show out of them, get your tickets now.

September 30

Cartwright’s History Dinner

At this Sonoran Ranch House you can enjoy the western designed building and more importantly, the delicious food.

From 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at 6710 E. Cave Creek Rd. Kiersten Shafer, junior “I like daydreaming and adventuring. I dream about going to Paris and Australia, I want to swim in the reefs. I just plan on going to culinary school, getting a degree in cooking, and hopefully moving in with some of my friends and having a crazy life adventure together.

4 NICOLE NERI

October 15

The Growlers Concert

This surf/rock band will shake you into a great mood and you will be singing their songs all the way home. Being a small band, the doors open at 7:00 p.m. and tickets are $15-20.

You’ll be dying to go to another one of their concerts.

October 16-18

Biketoberfest

12:00 a.m. at the Cave Creek Roadhouse, hide away at the Hideaway Roadhouse where you will find events, tattoos, builders, music, and most important, bikes.

October 16-31 Ben Shearer, senior Wow, I’ve never been on the news before! Well, except once. The police thought that I’d fallen in this frozen lake when I still lived in Norway.

The closet was really warm, where I lived was really cold.

I found all these coats and piled them on top of me, I fell asleep and my parents couldn’t find me for a good one, two days.

Enchanted Pumpkin Garden

Come see the “King” pumpkin, carved by Ray Villafane. This pumpkin weighs 500 pounds and take pictures with the monster. For two weeks there will be a pumpkin garden display in the Carefree Desert Gardens. Opens 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. and is free for everyone.

UREES BIXLER

4 NICOLE NERI

THE CACTUS SHADOWS PRESS

SEPTEMBER 21, 2015 ■ 9

SPOTLIGHT

A MUST NOT MISS MOVIE: MISTRESS AMERICA

By Andrea Kitson

Sep-

§ staff writer

Mistress America, while billed as a screwball comedy, strikes one as a depressingly realistic portrait of two women in New York trying to make it.

Tracy, the main character played by Lola Kirke, is a lonely college freshman going to school just outside of the city, striving to be a writer, but stuck with a creative block. She falls asleep in her classes and tries to join the prestigious literary magazine only to have her submission rejected. Obviously possessing a massive superiority complex, she seems to be surprised that no one in her college recognizes what she considers her genius writing skills and that she isn’t immediately popular. With no friends and only her mom to talk to, she is quickly falling into a depressing hole, until she meets Brooke, played by Greta Gerwig.

Brooke is a 30 year-old woman who is soon to become Tracy’s stepsister as soon as Tracy’s mom marries Brooke’s dad. Tracy’s mom suggests calling Brooke to meet her so they can get to know each other a little better before the wedding. They agree to meet in Times Square and from there set off on a whirlwind night.

Brooke is a crazy, carefree woman everyone is jealous of.

She can have fun anywhere and she does, with no care to how other people think of her. Tracy is immediately pulled in by her and clings to her, realizing that if she were to ever write a good story, Brooke would be a perfect character, that fearless and charming woman everyone always dreams of being.

Tracy spends more and more time with Brooke, taking notes on her to write a story that she is sure will get her into the school literary magazine and will provide her with what she hopes to be her niche at college. Brooke wants to open a restaurant with her fiance Stavros, but after pictures of a crazy night out with Tracy comes out, he backs out and Brooke is left with no financial backing.

From there, the main plotline of the movie begins.

Tracy convinces Brooke to go ask her ex-best friend for the money Brooke feels she has a right to after her friend stole her idea for a shirt and sold it to J. Crew. Brooke and Tracy head off on a road trip to her house in Greenwich with Tracy’s only friend from college and his insanely jealous girlfriend. The rest of the movie is a desperate plea for money that gives way to drama between all the characters.

The movie reminds you of a Woody Allen film, but Noah Baumbach, the director, has a better handle on how the characters unfold and it has more realistic dialogue. Their dialogue was very unusual, it was fast and was completely unlike any other dialogues made for film.

It was like a play, the characters said whatever came to their minds. The conversations were disjointed, but that actually made it seem more realistic.

The characters are selfish and can be seen as people that are easy to dislike, but that is what really makes the movie. They seem like real people, unconcerned by what is going on around them and only worried about their own problems. This might make some hate the characters crafted by Noah Baumbach, but the truth is we all have a piece of them in ourselves.

The comedy comes out of the accidental things … you don’t have to be perfect all the time. You’re going to mess up and you’re going to have gimmicks.

Obviously possessing a massive superiority complex, she seems to be surprised that no one in her college recognizes what she considers her genius writing skills and that she isn’t immediately popular.

8 ■ SEPTEMBER 21, 2015

15 ■ SEPTEMBER 21, 2015

IMPROVing

Alexa Dragone

PRACTICING FOR AN IMPROV SHOW Alexa Dragone, Neaco Fox, Michael Marcin, and Joseph Britton can not help but let out their inner clown.

By Angie Wrobel

4KATE FINEGAN

§ staff writer

THE IMPROV TEAM IS BACK FOR ANOTHER year of laughter with their first show on September 25 in the lecture hall. Featuring many new members and a few veterans of the team, they are preparing for yet another fantastic year filled with entertainment.

All of the improv members are excited to prepare for their first show of the year. Returning members are looking forward to get to know new members of the team and help guide them to become great performers. “I'm looking forward to another great year. We have a lot of new members and I can't wait to work with them and get to know them better,” said Neaco Fox, a senior.

For the 2015-2016 school year, the new team consists of mostly freshmen and juniors, one sophomore, and one senior. The returning members of the team have been helping teach the new troupe members skills and tactics to use for improv shows. Referring to the many improv games played on stage, Alexa Dragone, a junior, said “The comedy comes out of the accidental things … you don’t have to be perfect all the time. You’re going to mess up and you’re going to have gimmicks.”

During their improv practices, the team always begins with a game that includes all of the members. This warms

them up for the rest of the games they will play during their practice. Each practice focuses on a specific skill to help their performance during shows. “It’s mainly just tips on how to perform well. One of the biggest things we try to teach them is don’t do what’s expected,” said Dragone.

Team members who were in the improv troupe last year commented on what made them return or want to try out for the team in the first place. “Last year I was on the team and I had a great time. I wanted to do it again, especially for my last year of high school,” said Fox. Dragone’s older sister, Christina, participated in improv prior to graduating from Cactus Shadows, which is partially what sparked her interest in improv.

“I remember going to see her shows and absolutely loving it and how they interacted. I remember always having a great time going to the shows. One of the shows I just looked around and saw everyone laughing. I wanted to be the cause of people’s laughter,” said Dragone.

Dragone believes that the closer the team is, then the better the shows will be. “When you’re closer as friends the bond shows through at shows. The better you know your team, the better the games will be,” said Dragone. She wants the team to have multiple bonding sessions outside of scheduled practices to get to know each other better.

THE CACTUS SHADOWS PRESS

THE CACTUS SHADOWS PRESS

n

SPOTLIGHT

SPOTLIGHT

A HORROR ACTOR playing a zombie soldier

A wide variety of haunted houses offer...

TERRIBLE THRILLS

scares participants in line waiting to enter the 13th Floor Haunted House. This soldier is based on their new theme “Patient Alpha.” 4NICOLE NERI

Lindsay Murphy has a critical look THE 13TH FLOOR

This haunted house contains two attractions, combined into one big house, in one building. It is a popular location for fear seekers, with the line getting extremely long extremely quickly. However, waiting in the line is not all that boring. While you wait in line, people dressed up as the undead, scary creatures, and the mascot of both 13th floor and Fear Farm come around and try to scare you. The theme of the houses has changed this year, to “Feral Moon” and “Patient Alpha.” Feral moon is based upon werewolves and graveyards, and Patient Alpha is based on the idea of a mutant group of undead zombies.

!!!!

The houses are very well put together, and are most definitely scary. Cost for general admission is $24.99, which simply gets you into the house. There are pricier options for $34.99 and $44.99 which allow the holder to cut the line for the cheaper option, or skip the line completely for the more expensive option.

While it is nice to have those options, getting scared in line is part of the experience, so the cheaper option is still a good choice.

OTHER HORRIFYING ATTRACTIONS

Although Fear Farm and 13th

Floor are the most commonly known Haunted Houses, there are plenty of other locations to experience Halloween scares. Here are some suggestions.

GOLFLAND FRIGHT NIGHTS: This attraction is located at Mesa Golfland Sunsplash, and is open until the 31.

Dates and times vary. It is $15 for the haunted house, called the Gauntlet.

JACK AND JILL’S HAUNTED HILL: This house is located at 3401 W. Greenway Road, and costs range from $24-$35.

ARIZONA SCAREGROUNDS: This location offers two different haunted houses. It is located in Mesa and is open Thursdays through Sundays until November 7. The cost ranges from $20-$35.

THE CRYPT HAUNTED ATTRACTIONS: The Crypt offers two differently themed haunted houses. It is

FEAR FARM

located off of Alma school road, and is open until October 31. Prices vary, with it being $15 for a single haunted house,

This haunted house is a bit of a further drive than 13th floor, but it is a drive that is worth it. This location contains five attractions and a corn maze. Fear Farm is more like a fair, a bit more spread out, and with attractions and options to buy different types of food.

The line to get into the park itself becomes incredibly long in a short amount of time. However, once in the park, the lines for the houses themselves are not quite as long.

The prices and ticket types are the same as those at 13th floor. So at Fear Farm, you get more for your money. The houses include themes such as chain saw mayhem, undead, and a scary clown house called Mouth of Madness. The workers here definitely are scary, and all of the houses at Fear Farm are pretty terrifying. I thought that chain saw mayhem was the most scary, because of the way that it was put together and how realistic it seemed. There are also some scary characters roaming the park, most notably Tremmors and Flinch, the two scary clowns who are always around Fear Farm.

$23 for Ultimate Fright Pass, and $5 for the Chaos Maze only.

SANCTUM OF HORROR: Based on the idea of a little girl with a twisted mind, this location is open from 7-11 p.m. through October 31. It can be found at 6555 E. Southern Ave. in Mesa, and the cost is $15.

TERROR NIGHTS: This haunted

Tober

house is community based, and charges no admission, although donations are appreciated. It is open only October 25, 29, and 30 fom 6:45-10 p.m. and located on 511 E. La Donna Drive, Tempe.

AZ FIELD OF SCREAMS: This cornfield based haunted house is open from 7-11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, until October 31. It is located in Glendale, and costs $16.

Quentin and Margo: just another teen romance in Paper Towns a review

by Sierra Galindo

Paper Towns by John Green, author of The Fault in Our Stars, can really only be described as good, but not great.

The book starts out with a young Quentin “Q” Jacobsen, talking about how in love he is and how miraculous it is that he and Margo Roth Spiegelman live on the same street. Q then goes on to describe the neighborhood he lives in, its history, and an incident that happened to Margo and him. As they were on their way to park and Q was admiring how Margo was “the most fantastically gorgeous creature that God had ever created,” Margo pointed to an old oak tree and alerted Q to the dead body covered with flies and oozing

blood. Naturally, Q tells her that they need to go home and tell their parents what they found, but Margo approaches the body and notices that the man’s eyes were open when he died and suggests that maybe drugs are what killed him.

Getting on their bikes and heading home, Q tells his parents what they found and alerts the police immediately. Shaken up by the image of blood and the rotting corpse, Q decides to take a nap and is woken up hours later by Margo tapping at his window with some information on the man whose body they found. They discuss the facts they uncovered about him, until Margo ominously tells Q to “close his window.” After he closes it, Margo just stares behind him and the memory ends there; apparently, that was the

last time Quentin and Margo talked for many years.

Fast forwarding nine years when they are in high school, Q talks about how Margo is the most popular girl in school and how he envies Margo’s boyfriend. That night, Margo goes up to Q’s window like she had done nine years prior and talks to him into helping her with a “secret plan.”

Margo and Q run around Orlando, taking revenge on people who have wronged them by throwing dead fish into their houses or their cars, getting them in trouble by ratting them out to their parents and even shaving off someone’s eyebrow.

Q wakes up the next day looking forward to seeing Margo and hoping that romance will happen between them when he is met

THE CACTUS SHADOWS PRESS

with the news that Margo has run away. After speaking with a detective and her parents, he goes looking for clues to her whereabouts.

This story is good, but not great because it is so similar to John Green’s other works.

Green’s characters are always the same: a typical boy meets or knows a spunky, unique, or weird girl who just too complicated to understand until the boy solves her "mystery."

In Quentin and Margo’s case, Margo was a girl who always leaves vague clues and “speaks in soliloquies.” Which was another thing that makes this book difficult, the characters are always switching between speaking like normal teenagers and Shakespeare.

OCTOBER 16, 2015 ■ 13

SPOTLIGHT Alli Mazella...

ASSASSIN COORDINATOR AND AMERICAN LEADER

By Ryan Heiliger

Oct-

§ staff writer

Alli Mazella: student, leader, American, assassin coordinator, sushi lover, student body president. Joining student council as an ambitious freshman, Mazella knew she wanted to be a leader amongst her peers.

Going above and beyond to be an exemplary leader, Mazella attends all of the student leadership events she can.

Mazella even took the responsibility of organizing senior assassins, a tough job to handle.

Mazella has to keep track of each kill that takes place, all assassin assignments, and every other detail to the game, on top of handling academics and extracurricular activities.

“Words cannot describe how amazing I think she is,” said Cameron Bender, a student council advisor. Alli Mazella is a dedicated president who leads student council with not only power but grace.

“She’s nice to people and they really respect her,” said Bender.

Whether in or out of school, Mazella seems to make an impact on her peers.

“Alli is friendly to everyone she meets,” said Isabella Bingaman, senior and student body vice president.

One of the greatest traits to have as a leader is approachability, and Mazella definitely seems to possess that.

“Alli is very accepting, no matter if she’s friends with you, what grade you’re in, or if she’s ever talked to you before,” said Bingaman.

Along with the title of student body president, Mazella still has to make time for everyday tasks.

Balancing homework, clubs, a social life, and family can be difficult and overwhelming most of the time, but Mazella handles everything that is thrown at her.

“I think it’s important to provide leadership for younger students and the rest of student ALLI council,” said Mazella.

MAZELLA has Being a leader earned widespread seems to be a natural respect. 4NICLE gift to Alli, as she has NEARY impacted everyone she has met in a positive way.

“If I could describe Alli in one word, it would be dedicated,” said Bender.

“Alli is unique,” said Bingaman.

“In one word… I’m enthusiastic,” said Mazella.

14 ■ OCTOBER 16, 2015

16 ■ SEPTEMBER 21, 2015

Humans of Cactus Shadows Kate McAtee, Freshman “I think everyone deserves to be cared about and thought about.

Even if you’re different, if you look different or feel different, I think you deserve to be cared about.”

4 NICOLE NERI

EVENT CALENDAR October 16-18

Biketoberfest

Find events, tattoos, builders, music, and most important, bikes at the Cave Creek Roadhouse. Hide away at the Hideaway Roadhouse.

October 16-31

Enchanted Pumpkin Garden

Come see the “King” pumpkin, carved

by Ray Villafane. This pumpkin weighs 500 pounds and you can take pictures with the monster. For two weeks there will be a pumpkin garden display in the Carefree Desert Gardens. Open 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. and it is free for everyone.

October 24

38th Annual Family Halloween Carnival

On Saturday, in the Kiwanis Community Park in Tempe. Tempe’s 38 Annual Family Halloween Carnival will feature carnival games, and live entertainment from 5:00 p.m. to 9 p.m. There will be face painting, train rides, and food booths. A costume contest will also be hosted, giving away prizes to the winners. Entrance into the carnival itself is free, but tickets to the attractions cost 25 cents each.

October 25

Family Two-Star Wars: the Music Anthony Gonzales, Freshman “My family is very musically oriented.

My mom plays the guitar, the ukulele, she sings, plays piano. I play drums, piano, guitar, trumpet, bass, and ukulele. It helps me get out a lot of things I want to say. But I usually can’t, so I just express it through music.”

4 NICOLE NERI

The Symphony Hall in Phoenix prepares for the upcoming movie, Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens, by performing John Williams’s famous music from the Star Wars movies, starting at 2 p.m. on October 25th. Tickets for seats are between $30 and $50.

October 30-November 1

Monster Mash Music Fest

The Monster Mash Music Fest in Tempe Beach Park will have three days of performing music artists. Including Rob Zombie, Santana, John Fogerty, Tedeschi Trucks Band, Tool, Linkin Park, and many more. There will be a free water station, artist merchandise, and local food vendors. Each day will start and end at different times. Tickets cost between $300 to $500.

October 31

6th Annual Main Street Spooktacular Festival

Matthew Aronson, Sophomore “I want to become an architect or an engineer, I’m very interested in building. I just want to be successful. I want a house, a car, just to be able to live, I guess. I want to be not in a box on the side of the street, that’s how I see it.”

4 NICOLE NERI

The Spooktacular Festival at Show LowCooley Street from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. will feature many Halloween themed contests and activities, including a haunted house and a costume contest for both people and pets. There will be live entertainment on stage, food and product vendors, car bashes, pumpkin bowling, and hay rides.

Also, “Trunk or Treating” where people go to car to car instead of door to door.

November 7-8

Festival of the Superstitions

The Festival of the Superstitions, held at the Apache Junction Chamber of Commerce, will host many events on Saturday, starting at 9:00 a.m., and Sunday, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Including a car show, a reptile show, and a petting zoo. Activities include face painting, train rides, and obstacle courses.

Admission and parking is free.

UDEVAN WILLIAMS THE CACTUS SHADOWS PRESS

THE CACTUS SHADOWS PRESS

SPOTLIGHT

HOW TO KILL A SENIOR

SPOTLIGHT ON THE SPOT, Alexa

Dragone, a junior, causes a rumble of laughter throughout the audience at the improv show. The goal of the night was to both clever and funny. 4 NICOLE NERI

Lucas Aikin delves into senior assassins

K

ILL a man, and you are a murderer. Kill millions of men, and you are

a conqueror. Kill your entire senior class with a water gun… you are $2,000 richer.

With all the crazy and outgoing activities the seniors seem to dabble in, there is one that sticks out the most each year. Senior assassins is a ruthless mash up of Wet & Wild and James Bond that may or may not bring the senior class together. Alli Mazella and Madison Mercer, two seniors, run the game as well as organize and supervise the rules. “I thought it would be a fun experience as well as a way to better get to know the people of my senior class” Mercer said.

The game began on August 28, each team paying a total of $20. The money is gathered up and totaled, then stashed in a giant golden safe that may or may not exist. Even though the exact number of teams playing is not common knowledge, the total prize amounts to close to $2000. The rules of the game seem simple, however the past month has shown that there has been much confusion over some of the guidelines. “The process to make all of it work for everyone is extremely time consuming,” said Mercer.

The process may be laborious but most of the seniors seem to be enjoying it.

“It’s a fun game, it’s very suitable,” said Ella Keinanen. “I love the adrenalin and the rush you get from stalking people as well as being stalked,” Keinanen continued.

The cycle is as follows: Every Friday at 6:45 Mazella and Mercer wait out in front of the main parking lot to assign each team a target. Teams are made up of two students, and once they have their targets the madness begins. Stalking, chasing, squirting; it’s all fair game. However, there are a few “safe” items, the most popular being the “floatie.” If you are wearing a floatie or one of the other “safe” items you cannot be assassinated by your assassin.

There are also areas in which you are safe from assassination. These areas include: school, work, church, and home, unless invited in by a resident. The only way to assassinate someone is to squirt them with a water gun.

When someone is killed, the assassin and the target take a picture together and upload it to the CSassassins Twitter page.

Teams get new targets every Friday.

The team with the best kill-to-death ratio by December 5 wins. “It takes a very high level of organization and preparation. It also really helps you learn how deal with people,” said Mercer.

NICOLE ANDERSEN, a

senior, gets in the zone for some senior assassinating. The game ends in December. 4ERIKA RICHWAGEN

Scared Scriptless A Review

by Sara Windom

"THE IMPROV TROUPE WILL BE HAVing THEIR FIRST SHOW THIS FRIDAY IN THE LECTURE HALL," the booming voice from the announcements blares at me.

"Hm... yeah I'll check that out," I think.

Since I've never seen an improv show from the audience, I do not have a good idea of what to expect. One thing very different is that both the senior and sophomore classes are highly underrepresented. Only one out of 17 people on the troupe is a senior, and the same goes for the sophomores. It seems in the past, there was almost an unwritten rule that only two freshmen could make it, because they do not really know the gist of everything yet, but this year, almost 50 percent of the troupe are freshmen.

The show was sold out immediately. The ushers in panic mode telling people that “no,” they no longer have tickets. There was a line almost out the door.

When I finally got inside the lecture hall and everything settled down a bit, there were people sitting on the floor and standing in the back for the show, even though there were a few vacant seats here and there.

When the show first started, it was really rough. It was obvious this was the first show.

They started off with a game of “Slideshow,” where two people explain a series of photos reenacted by members of the troupe. These members, however, have never had to perform in front of a packed lecture hall, and it wasn’t masked well.

It seemed that the goal of the night was to be funny, which sometimes made them look like they were trying too hard. In the game “Comatose,” everyone became the same character, so the plot could not develop. In “Comatose,” there is a body in a coma and three people who have a relationship with the person. The audience is also able to hear the thoughts of the per-

son in the coma. All three people came in at the same time as the same character.

At one point, they called for a doctor who never showed up because there was no one left to show up in the scene. Josie Brzenk tried several desperate times to end the scene, but none of her attempts worked. The only thing that did work, in fact, was when Andrew Cupo, the head of the troupe, rang the buzzer to make the scene stop.

But then everything got a lot better. Once everyone got adjusted to the crowd, they started to loosen up. “Typewriter” with Joey Britton, taking on the main role of writing a story on the spot that characters must act out, was excellent. Britton had people lassoing each other and others on all fours meowing in the scene. A perfect amount of ridiculous.

Movie Director was another of my personal favorites. What started out as a painful scene about the dreadful Pumpkin Spice Latte and Ugg Boot season blossomed into a romantic comedy starring Summer Harris and Cody Radigan. Not to mention, Austin Morris, a freshman, rolling across the floor in the background for ten minutes thanks to Bridget Powers’ direction.

The final game ended with a single brown bag. The only one of the night and this year, it was truly unintentional. All in all it was a good show and the Improv Troupe has yet to disappoint.

THE CACTUS SHADOWS PRESS

What started out as a painful scene about the dreadful Pumpkin Spice Latte and Ugg Boot season blossomed into a romantic comedy

OCTOBER 16, 2015 ■ 15

SPOTLIGHT

SNAP! FLASH! YOU’RE A STAR! Contest offers students a chance to shine

By Sara Windom

§ style editor

The Rocky Mountain School of Photography is hosting their annual photography contest, open to all high school students.

In years past, the contest was only open to students in Montana, but this year, for the first time ever, the contest is open to high school students from around the world. The most likely explanation for this sudden change is that every aspect of the contest is done online this year: the sign ups, entries and judging.

Photographers can submit up to three photos per category. These categories include people, sports, and nature, so a person can submit up to nine photos in total.

Xandra Squier, vice president of photography club, plans on entering the nature category. “I prefer [taking pictures of] landscapes and animals,” said Squier. Images can be submitted from now to April 2016 and winners will be announced no later than May 11.

Submitted images must be the submitter’s own work and all decisions made by the judges are Emily Careras on final. The photography school also requires that taking pictures of the they are allowed to use the photographer’s picsky and still life tures and/or contact information at any time.

“I’m planning on entering the contest because I want to have a chance at winning,” said Squier.

Announced so far are prizes including a camera worth approximately $2,000, a thirty minute consultation/ image review with a Rocky Mountain instructor, a $100 backpack and a tripod/ lens kit.

For the perfect photo shoot, Squier recommended several essentials, including a tripod, camera, different lenses that you can screw on, such as zoom lens, or a normal lens.

For taking pictures of the sky and other still life, sophomore Emily Cabreas’ technique is simple. “Just sort of take a picture of the moment, I just point my phone at it and take the picture.”

However, there are plenty of factors to take into consideration when taking a photo for a contest. Some include what type of camera is being used, what time of day it is, the weather, what is or should be going on in the picture.

“Planning is everything.

Deciding time of day is important, because the morning light is better for you to take pictures in and it’s clearer.

Afternoon lighting has more dust in it, so you have more fragments and more different colors,” said Marcia Lang, advisor of photography club.

To get the best shot is another story. Simply taking one picture or staying in one spot will not cut it in this competition.

“You need to plan your subject and move around to find the best angle, if it’s something that’s stable, like a landscape or something,” said Lang.

“Just sort of take a picture of the moment, I just point my phone at it and take the picture.”

November

10 ■ NOVEMBER 13, 2015

17 ■ SEPTEMBER 21, 2015

Humans of Cactus Shadows Samantha Hamouz, Sophomore

“Ever since I was little, I wanted to go into the medical field. I’ve been through a lot of different things that I feel like I would be able to help people out of those types of things. Last year and in middle school, I struggled with depression. It was really hard for me to get myself back to a place where I was ok. That’s why I want to be that person to help other people through their problems because I’ve been through a lot of those things.

4 NICOLE NERI

Jefferson Hurst, Sophomore “Tell the people that you care about that you care. I think a lot of people just assume that everyone knows, and nobody can read you mind. It’s always better to make people know how you feel about them.”

4 NICOLE NERI

Brook Bowman, Freshman “I just want to succeed and be happy. The soul should feel good, you should be happy.

Whatever you’re doing should make you happy.”

4 NICOLE NERI THE CACTUS SHADOWS PRESS

THE CACTUS SHADOWS PRESS

SPOTLIGHT

SPOTLIGHT A wide variety of haunted houses offer...

Fireside chat with vets Two veterans recall their days fighting in Vietnam

By DEVAN WILLIAMS

§ staff writer

The Veterans Heritage Project, recently brought two Vietnam War veterans, Thomas Kirk and Joe Brett, to the lecture hall to share their memories with students about their time in the U.S. Air Force.

“Our main mission is to connect students with veterans,” said Barbara Hatch, founder of Veterans Herritage Project.

VHP is a program designed to offer students a chance to experience talking to veterans. Hatch used to teach history at Cactus Shadows, and often brought veterans into the classroom to tell students their stories.

In 2004, she created the Veterans Heritage Project. It started as a school club, and by 2010 had expanded to 24 schools, and now plans on expanding to more districts. Cade Foster, a member of the project, is a student who conducts interviews with veterans and even plans on joining the Navy himself.

Students who join VHP are responsible for interviewing veterans, and then writing quality essays. The stories are approved by the veterans and then formatted in Indesign.

Students then come together to create a business plan for publishing these essays.

These stories are then contributed to an annual volume of books titled, “Since you Asked.”

The stories are also shared with the Library of Congress in Washington DC. Students summarize their interviews in a pre-

sentation to the veteran community reception in April.

One of the veterans who spoke on October 26 was Thomas Kirk, who served in the Air Force during both the Korean War and the Vietnam War. Kirk was born in West Virginia during the depression in 1928. “I was not a particularly good student,” said Kirk.

His mother had intended for him to be a doctor, but instead Kirk went to flight school so he could join the Air Force. “I suddenly found my point, my place in life,’’ Kirk recalls.

In 1966, Kirk went to Vietnam and flew in over sixty missions.

During a raid, Kirk's plane was shot down by anti-aircraft fire.

He was captured by Vietnamese soldiers who took him to a prison.

When his captors interrogated him, Kirk only responded with his name, rank, and serial number, as he’d been trained to respond. Kirk was tortured for three days, then taken to a cell for another 28 days.

Kirk says that at this point, he felt he had failed his country and wanted to die. Kirk would remain as a prisoner of war for another five years, two of those years spent in solitary confinement.

With a tap code, he communicated with other prisoners.

In 1973, the prisoners were told that the war had ended, and were released. Kirk would retire from the Air Force in 1978.

The other veteran to speak

was Joe Brett, who served in the Vietnam War. Born in Watertown New York, Brett grew up playing little league and graduated from Fort Sill. During Brett’s college years, his brother was off fighting in Vietnam. While at home, Brett and his family had received a telegram saying his brother was wounded. Thinking that he was dead, Brett describes that his family had a very difficult time opening the telegram.

Eventually, Brett joined the military himself, becoming a forward observer, a soldier who collects intel on the battlefield and sometimes provides artillery or air support.

“We had to kill them before they killed us, that’s the nature of warfare,” Brett explained. “Death is what war is all about.”

Brett was also responsible for taking body count and identifying bodies.

Today, Brett serves as a radio host for The Veterans Heritage Hour, and as the vice president on the board of VHP.

OH, NO, YOU DIDN’T

Unfortunate students tell their tales of embarrassment.

By Becky Mejia

§ staff writer

BRAD REIN, senior

“In Mr. Marando’s Math class, we were assigned to do a myaccess paper, so we went to the computer lab in the library. I had already submitted my myaccess paper a week in advance. So I decided to just mess around with some computer games and I was sitting next to Quinn Kelso. We were doing bets back and forth for a dollar and such and Quinn told me he would give me $5 if I placed a paperclip in an electrical out-

let. I said I didn’t want to but was talked into it

by Quinn. So Quinn handed me a paperclip, I put it in the outlet, and oddly enough nothing happened.

Some kid turned around telling Brad to place both ends of the paperclip into the outlet at the same time. I then unfolded it and made it into a U shape and there was a huge electrical discharge, leaving sparks everywhere and it started to smoke.

Quinn took a pencil and got the paperclip out of the outlet. I walked up to Marando shaking and could not speak, so Marando ran and got Mrs. Bauer and took me to the nurse

THOMAS KIRK TELLS HIS WAR STORIES about his

time being a prisoner of war. He spoke to students as a of the Veterans Heritage Project. 4 KATE FINEGAN

ember 4KATE FINEGAN

and the paramedics said I was left with second to third degree burns on my index and thumb (left hand).

I did not notice that Quinn recorded me the whole time and the video went viral around the school, I even heard a rumor that two teachers showed it in their classes. I did not think anything of it more than just a ‘quick jolt.”

CONNOR LAWRENCE, sophomore “Freshman Year, I was in Mr. Scott’s, Film and Media class and this girl Ander Slade was throwing a pen to the girl behind me. Well turning at the wrong time it hit me in the face, chipping my tooth and now I have half a partial tooth.”

TAYLER SIMONSON, sophomore

THE CACTUS SHADOWS PRESS

“A few weeks ago I decided to drive home with a friend I was not supposed to be driving home with. We also stopped and got Barro's pizza on the way. Well, we had to destroy all evidence so we threw it in a trash can. My friend’s younger brother opened the back door and knocked it over so I got out of the car to pick it up and immediately got back in, now trying to sneakily get in the driveway.

My aunt asked where I was and the seat belt alarm was going off, making me more nervous and my friends would not stop laughing. My aunt asked multiple questions and one was “Why is there people laughing in the back?” I could not think of anything on my feet so I told her “Ugh … A girl just fell of the bus.” Everyone still continues to tease me on the bus saying, ‘Tayler, did you just see that girl fall off?’”

SPOTLIGHT

NOVEMBER 13, 2015 ■ 11

Recruiting the nation’s future

T

By KATE FINEGAN

Nov Gone reading versus Gone to the Movies

By Katelyn Reinhart

§ staff writer

WARNING: SPOILERS As a book, Gone Girl is a wildly popular suspense novel, written by Gillian Flynn, and as a movie, Gone Girl was rated an 8.2 out of 10 when it was released in theatres on October third of last year. While the novel and movie were both given positive reviews, there were some definite differences between them.

These differences may not have changed the plot of the film significantly, but those who read the book were quick to observe the conflict between the two productions.

THE CACTUS SHADOWS PRESS

18 ■ SEPTEMBER 21, 2015

§ staff writer

HERE is a camouflage commotion on campus as military recruiters stand ready to assist students pursuing careers in the service.

“I think they are a very good source of information about the military,” said Cody West, a senior.

Recruiters represent their respective branch of the US military, each with a particular military occupational specialty, or MOS, that pertains to recruiting. Students are free to speak with recruiters about military careers without being obligated to sign up or swear their service.

Marines are on campus on Thursdays, represented by Sergeant Timothy Ouelette. Army recruiter, Sergeant Aquino, visits on alternating Tuesdays. Tristan Fehr of the Navy can be found on alternating Mondays.

As for the Air Force, Lori Dahne, school counselor, explains that Bradley Hanzawa attends multiple schools, which means a limited time spent at Cactus Shadows.

“The Marines tend to come to school the most, followed by the Army, just because of the way they are,” said Dahne. “But we do have an Air Force recruiter.”

While the recruiters are on campus to answer questions about the military, many are curious as to why the school lacks a junior ROTC program. Dahne

Gone Girl is about Nick and Amy Dunne who are a seemingly happy married couple, but their marriage is put on hold when Amy goes missing. When Amy’s disappearance gets out to the public, Nick is immediately suspected because of his awkward and defensive attitude towards the police.

While evidence piles against him, such as a staged crime scene in the living room and a positive test for traces of blood in their kitchen. When the police discover Amy’s diary, they are shocked with tales of abuse and fighting. Meanwhile, Nick insists that all of these stories are fabricated by Amy, but when Nick admits that he has been having an affair with one of his college students, his credibility is thrown out the window.

In the midst of all of the chaos, the story takes a turn when Amy’s status is finally revealed. After finding out about Nick’s infidelity, Amy had

forged false diary journal entries, spilled her own blood over their home to make it seem like a violent crime had taken place, and faked a crime scene so that it had just enough inconsistencies to make Nick even more of a suspect.

After she sees Nick’s interview, Amy goes back to Nick, alleviates any suspicion that he was a criminal in any way, and convinces him that they are both so twisted, that they should stay together. Despite all that had happened, Nick chooses to stay with her.

One of the main differences between the novel and movie is the absence of Nick Dunne’s father, Bill, who has several scenes in Nick’s inner monologue and in the plot of the story. In the movie, he is only seen once, and isn’t brought up after his one appearance in

reasons that there is a combination of issues surrounding JRTOC. “Some of the recruiters have asked before, and I’ve interviewed with Dr. Bebee and career principals… I wasn’t sure if there was enough interest. I also thought there was some sort of insurance malpractice in the instance someone was injured,” said Dahne.

“Insurance coverage was a concern for the district as well.”

Even though Cactus Shadows does not currently host a JROTC program, there are still resources for students interested in the military, including the men, and women, in uniform.

On November 19, recruiters will be present for the conduction of the ASVAB test, and 10 to 12 grade students are welcome to participate. This test evaluates students’ aptitudes that are normally not explored, and acts as an academic practice for standardized tests such as the SAT and ACT. “It has a really good follow-up inventory, so it’s helpful for students who have no idea as to what kind of careers are out there that might be a match for them,” said Dahne.

Tristan Fehr, the Navy recruiter, encourages students to take the ASVAB even if they are not interested in joining the Navy or other military services.

“It’s a good way to figure out what job skills you’re suited for,” said Fehr.

Students can sign up for the ASVAB with Debbie Dowd at the desk in the counseling department.

the movie.

Another difference between the book and the film is the closeness between Nick and his sister Margo. In the book, their relationship is so close that Margo is often a second brain for Nick, and Nick often relies on her for support.

In the movie, the only evidence of their bond is in brief dialogue and a few comments from outsiders. Margo is with Nick nearly every step of the way in the book, but is just an accessory in the movie. Gina Mure, who both read the book and saw the movie, was slightly disappointed in this change.

“In the book, their relationship was a lot more believable. When I saw the movie, I was kind of left wondering where Margo was,” said Mure.

In the Midst of all the chaos, the story takes a turn...

NOVEMBER 13, 2015 ■ 9

THE CACTUS SHADOWS PRESS

SPOTLIGHT SPOTLIGHT

HO, HO, HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT MILK AND COOKIES? Erika Richwagen interviews Santa at Tatum Ranch Golf Club

By Erika Richwagen

The Black Plague, and I lost them. I was taken in by a group of monks and missionaries, they took me in as a child.

There they taught me the act of sharing gifts and everything we have, which is how Christmas came about.

§ staff writer

The history of the Santa Claus we all know and love today stretches all the way back to the third century. Christmas's 19th century "materialistic rejuvenation" gave way to the "mall Santa," whom allows children to deliver their Christmas wishes to him in person. Speaking with a "mall Santa," or Santa impersonator, gave way to some interesting facts and insight, although it is possible the

CSP: When did you start the spirit of giving?

“I was taken in by a group of monks and missionaries, they took me in as a child. There they taught me the act of sharing gifts and everything we have, which is how Christmas came about.”

Santa Claus man interviewed is the real deal…

CSP (CS PRESS): May I have your name, and how you spell it?

SC (Santa Claus): Ok, that’s Santa Claus. S-A-NT-A, and C-L-A-U-S. CSP: When did you start posing as a “Santa” for events?

SC: I actually started back in the middle ages, 1450.

My family lived during

Stocking stuff for a movie buff Jessica Eyrich delves into the top ten Christmas necessities for a fan of cinema.

SC: Well, I would have to say I was probably about twenty. The monks had taught me to give. I had met a farmer who didn’t have enough money for his daughter’s marriage. His daughter left her window open at night so I left a small leather pouch of coins for her, which allowed her to pay for her marriage. That’s how it all started for me.

CSP: How did you decide you wanted to give to the whole world?

SC: Well, I think the monks brought that to my attention after I helped out the woman with her marriage; they told me I should continue, so I did.

CSP: How did you go about giving to the whole world in one night?

traveling. We moved to the North Pole so we couldn’t be bothered.

CSP: Do the reindeers help with transportation or is it mostly the “magic dust”?

SC: The reindeers do help pull the sleigh. If it wasn’t for them we wouldn’t have the speed that we need.

CSP: How did you meet Mrs. Claus?

SC: I took a vacation after one Christmas and I was down around some tropical islands that were sunny and warm and I happened to come across her, and we started talking and hit it off very well.

ember

CSP: Do you have any advice for people who want to give to others?

SC: Oh, yes. I would say the Christmas spirit is all about the joy and love of giving. But Christmas is really about being with your loved ones. So that’s what we really want to share, our love to our families and one another.

CSP: Thank you very much for your time.

SC: You’re very welcome.

Merry Christmas.

SC: Later on when I found some elves, I was able to coach them on how to help me by making toys. They had made me a sled, and one of the elves by accident came up with a magical dust that I could sprinkle around and it caused me to fly very fast in my sleigh.

CSP: Where did you meet these elves?

SC: It was somewhere between Turkey and Greece when I was

By JESSICA EYRICH

§ staff writer

There are many holiday movies to choose from, some funny, sad, or feel-good. Everyone has their favorite. These are my top ten movies to watch during the holidays.

1. A Christmas Story. Bob Clark directed this classic story in 1983.

Ralphie needs to convince his parents and Santa to get him a Red Ryder B.B. Gun for Christmas, but they think he will shoot his eye out.

2. Elf. This comedy is a about a man raised as an elf in the north pole who goes to New York in search of his real family. The cast includes Will Ferrell and Zooey Deschanel.

3. Home Alone. The first in the series directed by Chris Columbus and written by John Hughes is about

a boy who was left at home by his parents who must fight off a pair of burglars to keep his house safe. The cast includes Macaulay Culkin, Joe Pesci, and Daniel Sten.

4. It’s a Wonderful Life. This movie was made in 1947 and directed by Frank Capra. An angel shows a businessman how life would be like if he never existed. The cast includes James Stewart and Donna Reed.

5. Miracle on 34th Street. This feel good movie was directed by George Seaton and also came out in 1947.Claiming to be Santa, an old man is institutionalized, but a lawyer defends him saying he is the real thing. Some of the cast includes Edmund Gwenn, Maureen O’Hara, and John Payne.

6. Polar Express. If you enjoy animation adventures than this is a great holiday movie. A young boy wakes up to see a train outside his house. He goes on a magical adventure to the North Pole to learn about the spirit of Christmas. Made in 2004, the movie stars Tom Hanks, Chris Coppola, and Michael Jeter.

7. The Holiday. This romantic comedy Christmas movie was made in 2006 by nancy Meyers. Two women switch houses in another country for the holiday; they each meet a local man and fall in love. Stars Kate Winslet, Cameron Diaz, Jude Law, and Jack Black are the main characters.

8. Scrooged. This classic story remade into a comedy fantasy

18 ■ DECEMBER 11, 2015

4 ERIKA RICHWAGEN about a selfish Television executive is haunted by three spirits who give him lessons on Christmas Eve. Directed by Richard Donner in 1988, stars include Bill Murray, Karen Allen, and John Frosythe.

9. The Grinch is about a green monster who tries to steal christmas,. Made in 1966, this animated classic about a green monster who tries to steal Christmas is still wildly popular. The story is based on a book

by Dr. Seuss.

10. Nightmare Before Christmas is about a skeleton named Jack that finds a Christmas town.. Another animated movie, this one is about a skeleton named Jack who decides he would rather rule Christmas than Halloween.

THE CACTUS SHADOWS PRESS

SPOTLIGHT

Princess Resort offers a Winter Wonderland

By JESSICA EYRICH

Dec

Tatum Updegraff gets down

H

EART racing, nerves crackling, and audience waiting. Tatum Updegraff, senior, has experienced this pre-performance rush countless times in her dance career, both in and out of the school dance program, for most of her life.

“I love dance,” said Updegraff, “I’ve done it since I was a kid and that’s all I’ve ever wanted to do.”

Although Updegraff has been dancing since her early childhood years, she only just started dancing with the company at the school starting with the end of her junior year. Coming into the class as an experienced dancer, especially in ballet, Updegraff was placed in the advanced honors class with Elissa Ericson as her teacher.

“She liked that we had a contemporary and modern program and wanted something sorta fresh, new, and inspiring, and told me that after her junior year, she was inspired in a whole different way,” said Ericson.

NEW GIRL ON THE BLOCK Updegraff’s exposure to the dance life hasn’t been restrained to just one studio. Having moved from state to state, she has had many experiences with being the new girl on the block. However, she still keeps in touch with past friends while also building new relationships.

“I’ve known Tatum since middle school,” said Jackie Benson, a senior and friend of Tatum, “but the first time we danced together was this year in company.”

Joining the company program at the school as an

19 ■ SEPTEMBER 21, 2015

THE CACTUS SHADOWS PRESS

TATUM UPDEGRAFF PREPARES for

the upcoming Falcon Dance Company recital in December. Tatum has been a member of Falcon Dance since her junior year. 4NICOLE NERI

upperclassman is not totally uncommon, and Ericson explains that Updegraff got along well with the other girls, even though the dancers had been a tight knit group since freshman or sophomore year.

“In the studio she’s always really focused but also, really nice to everyone,” said Benson. “And then, out of the studio, she’s really just the same way, just always in a good mood, and just a nice person.”

DOING BUSINESS With Updegraff’s talent and determination, both Benson and Ericson could see Updegraff taking her dancing up to the next level in college next year.

However, Updegraff has other plans on majoring in business management, but definitely still wants to continue doing what she loves.

“I love that it’s like, you feel the music in you and it’s not just physical movement, it’s a lot deeper then that,” said Updegraff. “And I love the feeling that you get when you finish a dance and the audience is like right there with you and they feel it too. And you get that applause and it’s just the best feeling in the world.”

Updegraff highly recommends to anyone thinking about looking into dance to join the program and get involved themselves.

She also assures those looking to sweat that dance is very physically intensive as well as a form of art through expressionism. For her personally, Updegraff has made dance a hobby, and a very passionate one at that.

U KALEY DODD

§ staff writer

For wonderful holiday memories with family, enjoy the transformation of the Princess Resort into a winter wonderland. November 19 through January 3 is the sixth annual Christmas festivities at the resort. It includes many activities for everyone in the family.

New activities for Christmas at the Princess are new character appearances like Christmas Princess Noel, Peppermint the Penguin, and the Selfie Elfie. Princess Noel sits in at the front of the resort to welcome children and guests. There is also a new petting zoo, open from five p.m. to nine p.m. including sheep, goats, chickens, ducks, and alpaca.

Near the petting zoo there is a new s’mores land and Christmas carousel; s’mores land is a campfire area with fire pits and a beautiful horse carousel. Last is a new breakfast with Santa and friend’s: Princess noel, Peppermint Penguin, and Selfie Elfie. For breakfast attendees, have photos with Santa, carousel rides, and ice skating.

More new things include “the Christmas ornament, it was made by a couple in Missouri,” said Nanci Arvizu, one of the 120 employees hired to work the Christmas resort, “and the singing Christmas reindeer.”

Some other enjoyable activities are Ice Skating that’s open to the public, a Nativity Garden, where an 88-foot narrated light and music show tells the story of Christmas in the main part of the resort. Their Christmas tree has 70,000 LED lights dancing to 14 classic holiday songs.

The Christmas transformation “ was a pretty good resort; I enjoyed it,” said Devin Greene, a junior.

Holiday shopping is also available and offers wintery wear, seasonal decor, collectible ornaments, snow globes, train whistles, Selfie Elfie and Elf on the Shelf toys, gourmet chocolates and more. Christmas Brunch is on Friday, December 25 at 10 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The Desert Ice Skating Rink, includes a rink-side fire pit, tables with s’mores, cocktails, hot cocoa and blankets are available for evening sessions. The resort “is nice and so are the workers and people who stay there” said Megan Haan, a junior.

“My favorite part about working here is like it is Disneyland but in Scottsdale,” said Arvizu. With over 2.8 million Lagoon lights, 6,000 square feet on rink to skate on, and a four-story musical Christmas tree and light show, the Princess Resort offers a destination to create holiday traditions for everyone.

THE SPIRIT LIVES IN METCALF

English chair pumps up classes with high spirits

By RYAN HEILIGER staff writer same type of feeling as her personal§ Amy Metcalf is a well known teacher spreading jubilance and spirit wherever she goes, always full of enthusiasm no matter the time of year.

Metcalf is an honors and AP English teacher and has been teaching since 1995.

Metcalf dresses up for every spirit day possible, making the most of school events. “I think I’m pretty spirited, I like to support all the school activities, and I hope that I make learning fun,” said Metcalf.

Whether it is decorating her classroom or dressing up for spirit days, Metcalf is rarely ever seen without a positive expression. “She’s very positive and she’s always in a very happy and lively mood,” said Audrey Woods, a junior. wMetcalf likes to make learning interesting, teaching orally and always engaging with her students.

Metcalf’s classroom gives off the

ity. “My favorite part about her class is that it’s very comfortable and she has candles and stuff, it feels like a house,” said Woods.

Metcalf keeps blankets, stuffed animals, and candles in her classroom in case students are cold or need a nice candle to liven up their day. “Her classroom makes me feel creative because of the decorations and because we have to think outside of the box,” said Kyle Palmer, a junior.

4 RYAN HEILIGER “One word to describe Mrs. Metcalf is… loud,” said Woods.

“One word to describe myself is interesting,” said Metcalf.

As opposed to assigning reading and notes for students to complete on their own, she teaches along with the book so students are more intrigued.

“One word to describe her is jolly,” said Palmer.

DECEMBER 11, 2015 ■ 19

THE CACTUS SHADOWS PRESS

SPOTLIGHT

December SPOTLIGHT

Stop, Rock, and Roll

By LINDSEY MURPHY

§ sports editor

THE MUSICAL TALENTS OF THE YOUTH OF CAVE Creek were showcased on November 21, at the seventh annual Rock the District (RTD) event. This year, the event was held at the Carefree Conference Resort, and included talents from students who attend schools at all levels in the district, not just high schoolers.

This event was a night that included music of all sorts, ranging anywhere from country to rock. The night also showcased many different types of musical groups, including rock bands, such as Psuedo Sincere (whose members include Kyle Kelleher and Antonio Marchica, both Cactus Shadows seniors) and acts that were just duos, such as Caity Bonine and Rachel Dutcher, both juniors.

“It’s fun to meet people, and it’s just a really fun environment.

Everyone takes it seriously, but it’s also a lot of fun,” Bonine said.

Bonine has performed at Rock the District for the past 5 years, making her one of the many returning performers.

“My favorite part of RTD is watching the performers who return year after year, and many do. It gives me such a thrill to watch them grow from nervous elementary or middle schoolers to super confident high schoolers,” said Kari Workman, co-chair of the event.

This event has always been a community event, drawing talent, volunteers, and support from the people and students of Cave Creek. At this year’s event, students from the IB class were behind the scenes, making sure everything ran smoothly. They helped with everything from auditions to sound checks.

“As an event person, we go through all of the sound checks, so we get everybody’s stages ready,we record what they need on the stage, like a stool, or a mic stand, or a boom or whatever. Than we just make sure that all of that is ready and prepared for when they get on stage. Then we also, during the show, run and tell the performers when it’s time, and you know, just talk up the event” said Maya Glicksman, an IB senior who volunteered at the event.

Rock the District was put on by the Cave Creek Unified Education Foundation (CCUEF), a foundation that helps get funding for schools in the Cave Creek District. Funds from Rock the District go towards the Cave Creek schools, and were gained through ticket sales and raffle items, such as a television and iPad. This year, Rock the District made close to $3,000.

MICHAEL CHMURA PLAYS bass at Rock the District in his band Sunlaand. This event, put together by Cave Creek Unified Education Foundation, included an outside acoustic performance and inside band performance.

4 NICOLE NERI

Remembering the 7th

I

By KATE FINEGAN

§ staff writer

T has been 74 years since Pearl Harbor in Hawaii was bombarded by Japan; yet roughly nine quarts of oil a day continues to seep to the ocean’s surface from the ruins of the USS Arizona, and the memory of those lost has yet to diminish.

At 7:55 a.m. on December 7, 1941, Japanese planes such as the A6M2 Zero pierced the sky above the Naval base of Pearl Harbor. The attack caught the entire nation offguard.

20 ■ DECEMBER 11, 2015

20 ■ SEPTEMBER 21, 2015

“Barbara Jean, get in here quick!” was what a young girl, Barbara Jean Cartan, heard her mother call as she played in the garage with a doll house. Over the radio, reports of Pearl Harbor under attack poured through the static.

A 1,800 pound bomb struck the deck of the USS Arizona, a battleship, at 8:10 a.m. and embedded itself near the forward ammunition magazine.

The explosion caused the battleship to sink with more than 1,000 men trapped or dead inside.

Eight more battleships were hit,

Kate Finegan describes the tragedy and speaks those who lived through Japan’s attack on Pearl Harbor.

and the USS Arizona, in addition to the USS Utah, were beyond salvage or repair. 90 minutes after the first bomb landed, the attack was over.

Over 2,500 were killed at Pearl Harbor. There were 23 sets of brothers aboard the USS Arizona.

“I think about the people who lost their lives, but also those who almost lost their lives and what they have to go through,” said Madelynn Shuler, senior and Treasurer of Veterans Heritage Project. “It’s a real traumatic experience and it's a somber topic, but it’s amazing that we can still honor them.”

Cartan went on to become a Cactus W.A.V.E. in the Unites States Navy. Pearl Harbor survivors are few in numbers, but still remain, some in Arizona. Jack Holder, a resident of Arizona and a Pearl Harbor survivor, published a book that serves as a memoir of his service, entitled: Adrenaline, Excitement, and Fear.

“Pearl Harbor, like 9/11, taught us something as Americans,” said Evan Schomaker, a senior who is pursuing admittance to the U.S. Military Academy. “The fact that no outside force can destroy our nation.

Rather, in the contrary, it will be an inside force. But what it teaches us is that these terrorists and ISIS and evil nations will never overtake our nation.”

A Commemoration event, cohosted by the National Park Service and the U.S. Navy, included keynote speaker David M. Kennedy, who in 1999 received the Pulitzer Prize.

Memorials at Pearl Harbor were closed on December 7 as special ceremonies honored those who made the ultimate sacrifice. The bodies may be long gone, but not the memories they left behind.

THE CACTUS SHADOWS PRESS

THE CACTUS SHADOWS PRESS

SPOTLIGHT

CREEKER

THRIFTY NIFTY

A CAVE CREEK LOCAL sifts through the

Cave Creek thrift stores provide an abundance of local hand-me-downs all while giving back to local charities.

G

By Rees Bixler

§ Spotlight Editor

IVE back while still receiving by shopping at a Cave Creek thrift store.

Shops of varying items, the Kiwanis Market, Gold Mine Thrift shop, and Happy Trails thrift store will all welcome a venturous spirit.

“The money goes back to youth programs in the community,” said Karen Mackiewich, the general manager of the Kiwanis Market.

All money will go to a good cause.

Count on helping the community

while having fun buying or just looking. Open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Wednesday through Saturday, it is located at 6535 East Cave Creek Road.

At the Kiwanis Market there are helpful, happy volunteers and almost any tool, shirt, or piece of furniture can be found. Golf carts, giant guitars, record players, and even a Cadillac have come through the store.

Items that can always be found include books, tools, clothes, jewelry, shoes, artwork, kitchenware, and furniture. There is no telling

STYLE

By REES BIXLER

&

21 ■CACTUS SEPTEMBER 21, 2015 THE SHADOWS PRESS

thrift in hopes of uncovering a new read, hobby, or forgotten past time. The Kiwanis Market is one of several in Cave Creek that serve charities.

4 REES BIXLER

what items are waiting.

The Market has been open for a year and is thriving fully off of donations from the community.

The money they have received has gone to and will continue to go to youth programs, college scholarships, school community science fairs, Kiwanis Educating Youth Club, otherwise known as Key Club, and to help other charities throughout the community.

The Gold Mine thrift store was primarily a thrift store. “For instance if somebody came through

town and they needed a blanket, they gave them a blanket” said Lena McCoy, manager of Goldmine Thrift Store. Good Shepherd of the Hills runs this thrift shop, which is open 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday.

“All of our net proceeds go to charity,” said McCoy. “Torn and

stained blankets and towels go to animal rescue groups throughout the state.”

These charities include the food band, Animal Guardian Network, Caring Corps, and more.

Electronics, furniture, men’s and

women’s apparel, books, jewelry, and many more items can be found here, at 6502 E Cave Creek Road.

The prices are reasonable and affordable.

If you’re looking for a new pair of cowboy boots to wear to your line dancing lessons, stop by Happy Trails thrift store.

Also grab a nice flannel and a pair of jeans to complete the outfit. Not only can a John Wayne costume be completed, find artwork, books, material, cookware, and other thrifty items. Open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Tuesday through Saturday.

(WHAT TO) WINTER WEAR "I think you make an outfit cool by layering it,"

§ spotlight editor

An outfit is a representation of a person's taste, it brings the unique individual to the surface, and tells a story of who they are.

“You have a lot more options when it’s colder outside,” said Julia Horner, a junior.

The more scarves, beanies, pea coats, and mittens there are, the merrier.

“I think you make an outfit cool by layering it,” said Ella Keinanen, a senior.

Keinanen explains that a pea coat with short-shorts and flip flops wouldn’t bring in as many compliments as a pair of slacks and dress shoes.

Knowing when to buy these clothes for the winter months is the next challenge. Keinanen buys hers “sporadically,” while Horner prefers to shop in “October, before it starts getting super cold, but while you're not in need of them right away.”

Though it is cheaper to shop off season like Keinanen, it is also more difficult, because stores do not have winter clothes year round.

For people like Horner, it is easier to find clothes perfect for bundling up, since she shops while all stores have fuzzy socks, pants, and parkas fully stocked.

Horner and Keinanen’s favorite places to shop include everything from Buffalo Exchange, and H&M to Target. Target supplies moderate and functional clothes. Stylish and affordable clothes can be found at H&M and Buffalo Exchange.

Ella Keinanen, a senior.

JULIA HORNER Wearing an army green jacket and a colorful scarf, Horner stays stylish and warm.

MADDIE JONES Jones sports a very popular bubble jacket with a sweater underneath.

ELLA KEINANEN

RILEY ROADS

DELANEY BARRETT

Keinanen stays cozy this season with a black and white combo.

Roads adds some texture to her look with a cream colored fuzzy sweater.

Barrett rocks a striped sweater with a hint of rainbow for an extra color element.

4REES BIXLER

THE CACTUS SHADOWS PRESS OCTOBER 16, 2015 ■ 17

STUDENTS SAVE MONEY BY PURCHASING CLOTHES OFF-SEASON

By SARA WINDOM

§ style editor

the best deals, shoppers will make lists of the clothing they need for the winter during the summer and begin winter shopping, this usu-

are much more scaled or streamlined. Local

Many department

'big boys' in the discount clothing market,” Scott says.

To get the most savings this holiday season,

SPOTLIGHT OPINION

SHOOTING DOWN THE PROBLEM

With the rise of shootings in the country, there has been a push to allow college teachers to bring guns to school. Teachers on college campuses should be allowed to carry guns. The idea is that teachers will be better able to protect themselves and their students from shooters if they were armed.

On a college campus there are kids from all over the country and possibly the whole world. The chance that one of those students has a firearm is definite. There is no possibility in getting rid of every single gun on a college campus, nor would it be constitutional, teachers should be allowed to carry guns to protect themselves and their students. Right now, the only way students and teachers can protect themselves from a shooter is to lock the door, hide, and hope the police arrive quickly.

Schools like Northern Arizona University have installed security devices to help, for example a system of nearly 130 blue lights that a student can press in the case of an emergency, as well as a on-campus police department and an ID card to access buildings. But a shooter can kill a large number of people quickly, and even with the emergency systems in place, help will probably not arrive in time to save lives. A teacher who is trained to use a gun could, however, stop the shooter quickly before lives are lost.

The current defense of a classroom is the door’s bolt. It may be locked, but once it has been broken into there is nothing to defend students but their luck. A brave student might try to subdue the attacker, though the fight between fists and a gun is not fair.

Opponents argue that arming teachers is not a good idea because it may cause more harm than good. However, they are wrong because it will deter shooters and will ensure the safety of the student body. Just as a burglar will pick the house that has no dogs over a house with them, a shooter won’t choose to attack a classroom that has a threat inside of it.

Teachers should not be forced to, but those who want to should be allowed to carry a handgun, assuming they have passed a safety course and have a concealed carry license. This would create a feeling of safety to students, knowing that at any moment if a man or woman with a gun were to break in, that the teacher of the classroom may defend the class.

It is possible that other schools’ tragedies could have been avoided if teachers were allowed their right to bear arms. Real action must be taken by arming teachers to prevent future tragedies.

“... a shooter won’t choose to attack a classroom that has a threat inside of it.”

LET THE POLICE DO THEIR JOBS

REES BIXLER and ELAINA ROVENSTINE take on the dangers of arming teachers with guns.

SEE IT MY WAY

In the aftermath of the recent Northern Arizona University shooting, legislators have been trying to pass laws that would allow teachers to carry guns on college campuses.

This request seems a little more than unreasonable. ASU, for example, has more than 80 police officers that patrol the campus and provide staff and students with safety services, according to a statement from the school in response to the students asking for more guns on school grounds.

ASU also has a safety escort service, blue-light emergency call boxes around campus and a LiveSafe mobile app.

Some of the students still feel that is not enough protection when a school shooting does break out.

Students want to protect themselves. I do not blame them. The world is a crazy place these days, but students and teachers having guns on school grounds is not the answer.

Scared, untrained people with guns can be just as dangerous as one guy shooting to kill. This is what would happen if students or teachers were allowed to have guns on school grounds: a person walks onto a school campus and starts to shoot up the place. A teacher shoots back in self defense. At first there is nothing wrong with that until the police arrive. There is no way a policeman is going to know the difference between the person trying to hurt others and the teacher defending him or herself and other students. Someone is going to get hurt trying to defend the people around them.

Not only that, but in the same scenario there is little chance that a person who has not been trained can take out a shooter before they get injured or worse. There is also a chance that the person shooting in self defense shoots an innocent bystander on accident,— further complicating a dangerous situation. It is just better to stay back and hide than try and take on the shooter.

Everyone has had that one kid in their class that puts you on edge because they make you feel uneasy. Now imagine that kid with a gun legally on school grounds. Letting students or teachers have guns on school grounds is just an invitation to have what starts out as a verbal argument turn violent. Things can get out of hand when two people are arguing. We have all heard of the one or two fist fights on campus that happen in a year. Add guns into that equation and things can escalate.

Police and other law-enforcement officials go through extensive training in gun safety, and are trained to handle stressful situations. Students and teachers are not. Let the police do their job so you stay safe.

“It is just better to stay back and hide than try and take on the shooter.”

THE REPORT CARD dress up days During Homecoming Week, it was nice to see the return of popular dress up days such as PJ day and Twin Day.

a Homecoming assembly The blackout Carnival assembly was fun to attend with performances by the cheer team, pom team, and a drum solo by Quinn Kelso and Lucas Aikin. But, it felt like the games during the assembly took a long time to complete.

Aweather It is finally cooling down a bit, but only to about 80 degrees during the day. The summer weather has yet to leave and we eagerly await the arrival of cold winter weather.

bOverride failing

The residents of Cave Creek and North Scottsdale did not pass an override that would replenish money the district lost during the fiscal year.

Now, programs and teacher’s salaries are jeopardized due to the failing override.

f U SIERRA GALINDO

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There is not one single cause for sleep deprivation. Personal responsibilities, work hours, and medical problems are all factors that can cause one to lose sleep. It is comSPOTLIGHT mon for students to have problems with getting enough sleep every night due to the busy schedules many have. Between classes, homework, having a job, extracurricular activities, chores, and spending time with family and friends, students can have a hard time trying to fit sleep into their schedule.

“Sometimes I have so much homework I have to stay up and sacrifice sleep,” said Catie Lucas Aikin reviews Young West, a senior. the Giant’s album “Mind Over Matter.”

moment and I’m often sleepy throughout the entire day,” said Serviss.

Although the best way to avoid being sleep deprived is to get a decent amount of sleep, there are a few coping strategies that can be used to stay awake throughout the day. The most popular way to cope with not sleeping enough is caffeine. Being a natural stimulant, caffeine improves alertness and performance.

Although, frequently drinking products with caffeine can lead to tolerance, causing a need for more to be consumed to overcome the effects of losing sleep.

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Restless Dreaming

Annie Sogaard, freshman

“I think I want to be a child hand. psychologist. I just think that and teens aren’t taken Dreams help us process kids things so they seriously enough, and a lothelp them need help that they build meaning for things wearen’t experience getting becauseduring their parents aren’t as involved as the day or life. they need to be, so I just want to help with that.

Medication use and increased levels of anxi4 NICOLE NERI ety are an attributing factor to nightmares as well. Attempting to prevent nightmares during the deep sleep stage is difficult and often unsuccessful. Reducing stress, anxiety, and certain medication intake may help in reducing the number of nightmares one experiences, but it is nearly impossible to completely and effectively prevent nightmares.

Kiersten Shafer, junior “I like daydreaming and adventuring. I dream about going to Paris and Australia, IERIKA want toRICHWAGON swim in the reefs., KAYLA I just plan on going to culinary CHRISTENSON REESE BIXLER school, getting a, degree in cooking, and hopefully moving in with some of my friends and having a crazy life adventure together.

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MAGGIE EWENS a sophomore

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SOME IDEAS FOR A DAY OR NIGHT OUT.

Arizona Restaurant Week

From Scandinavian food from Beaver Choice in Mesa to chocolate fondue from The Melting Pot in three locations, there is a wide variety of meals for any taste bud. At one of many restaurants, you will get a three course meal for $33 or $44 per person. The Arrogant Butcher, Clever Koi, and Beckett’s Table are just a few of the choices.

September 25

Foo fighters Concert

Fight your way to get to this concert. Playing at the Ak-Chin Pavilion in Phoenix and it starts at 7:00 p.m. You can expect a great show out of them, get your tickets now.

September 30

Cartwright’s History Dinner

At this Sonoran Ranch House you can enjoy the western designed building and more importantly, the delicious food.

From 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at 6710 E. Cave Creek Rd.

October 15

The Growlers Concert

This surf/rock band will shake you into a great mood and you will be singing their songs all the way home. Being a small band, the doors open at 7:00 p.m. and tickets are $15-20.

You’ll be dying to go to another one of their concerts.

October 16-18

Biketoberfest

EST DREAM YOU’VE EVER HAD? STEFAN GUSTAFSSON a junior

EVENT CALENDAR September 21-27

OUNG the Giant’s most recent album, Mind Over Matter, features powerful melodies, complicated yet beautiful guitar riffs, and story telling lyrics, all while being orchestrated over an almost ominous aura of producContinued from SLEEP on page 11 tion.

The album consists of 13 unique songs. They are all different, however, they all have a reoccurring theme, and that is the production. Mind Over Matter was produced by Grammy Award winner, Justin Meldal Johnson under Fueled By Ramen LLC. The 21st Century has seen the most rapid change in how music is produced. From Pop to Rock to Jazz, everything has changed. Music trends are all over the place.

If we are talking about 2015, the charts are filled to the brim with Rap solo artists. On the other hand, there are two other “genres” per se that are topping today’s charts, one being Electronic/Dance music and the other being Indie-Alternative.

Young the Giant’s “Mind Over Matter” is naturally placed in the Alternative genre, but saying that this album is just Alternative is like saying, “John Mayer only writes Pop music for former teenage girls.” This album is so much more than any old “Alt” album. Elements from almost every genre pop up all around this vast piece of music.

Some great examples of this are in the songs “Anagram”, which is in 7/8 time and “Waves”, which is in 6/8. The arpeggiated chords matched up with the thumping, 7/8 contrived kick drum are eye-opening to the world of alternative music.

On the other hand, Waves features a 3/4 guitar riff and a 6/8 backbeat on 2, 4, and 6. On top of all that, the song kicks into halftime with some really jazzy guitar work, and some almost “Dark Side of the Moon” synths.

The only aspect that could be changed on this record is adding one more ballad. The album only has one, “Firelight”, which could be considered enough given that it is almost playfully placed smack dab in the middle of the record. However, another slow track would be a plus.

Overall, I would highly recommend a listen.

Young the Giant is an Alternative rock band “People had that waffles “My entire family was formed for in Irvine, California, in 2004. The band's line-up is Sameer Gadhia (lead vocals), heads. That’s all I could turned into oompa Tilley (guitar), Eric Cannata (guitar), remember.” Jacob loompas.“ Payam Doostzadeh (bass guitar), and Francois Comtois (drums). Formerly known as The Jakes, Young the Giant was signed by Roadrunner Records in 2009 and released its eponymous debut album in 2010. The band's first three singles, "My Body", "Cough Syrup" and "Apartment" reached the top five of the US Alternative Songs chart.

Recurring nightmares can be attributed to continuous stress from events in one’s life.

“I’m a fisherman, so I have a recurring nightmare that I set my net out to catch a bunch of salmon, and when I wake up it’s empty,” Russell Delgrosso, a math teacher, said, regarding how being a fisherman even affects his nightmares.

Stress that happens around a memorable occasion can impact nightmares as well. “I had this one dream that a Christmas tree was chasing me around, and it was Christmas Eve. A Christmas tree and an evil Santa were chasing me around my house,” said Duncan Schoepe, a senior.

If nightmares replay a traumatic time in one’s life, psychological reasons are often at

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DAVIS LEVY a senior Ben Shearer, senior

“I was stuck in a wooden Wow, I’ve never been on the box in the sky.” news before! Well, except

once. The police thought that I’d fallen in this frozen lake when I still lived in Norway.

The closet was really warm, where I lived was really cold.

I found all these coats and piled them on top of me, I fell asleep and my parents couldn’t find me for a good one, two days.

12:00 a.m. at the Cave Creek Roadhouse, hide away at the Hideaway Roadhouse where you will find events, tattoos, builders, music, and most important, bikes.

October 16-31

Enchanted Pumpkin Garden

Come see the “King” pumpkin, carved by Ray Villafane. This pumpkin weighs 500 pounds and take pictures with the monster. For two weeks there will be a pumpkin garden display in the Carefree Desert Gardens. Opens 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. and is free for everyone.

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