Science Needs & News
pgs. 4-5
The Spectacle
Mesa Vista MHS ı PO Box 50, Ojo Caliente, NM 87549
The Spectacle c/o MVMHS PO Box 50 Ojo Caliente, NM 87549 (505) 583-2275 (505) 583-9133 fax
VOL. III, ISSUE 2 ı December 1, 2011
Break-in Leaves Students, Staff at Loss By Pauline Luhman Reporter
(ABOVE) photo by Lily Hawley // Broken glass covered the window sill in the auditorium’s back window on Monday, Nov. 20 after a weekend break-in. (RIGHT) photo by Ashtyn Megariz // Vandals used red spray paint on several buildings and the Trojan statue the weekend of Nov. 18. Staff removed the paint the same day.
Disaster struck the Mesa Vista Campus sometime during the night of Friday, Nov. 18, or the early hours on Saturday, Nov. 19 when vandals spray painted several buildings and broke into at least two. In the auditorium, around 7:40 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 21 when music teacher Andrew Valdez entered his building, he discovered that the back window had been broken and immediately reported it to Principal Tracie Phillips. The principal instructed him to take an inventory in order
to track what the thieves took. Among the stolen were two Jerry Starr guitarrones, one Jerry Starr visual and a Yorksville Speaker PS18, worth an estimated total of about $3,100. “We work so hard to build something for these kids and, like that, it’s taken by some irresponsible hoodlums,” Valdez said. In addition to the auditorium, vandals also broke into the wood shop in the tech building and took what could fit through the window panel on the south side of the shop, which included about $1,200 worth of small tools. “I was surprised, then
eventually I was angry and frustrated because I am trying to build a program, and it’s frustrating, that some people don’t care about the students’ learning process,” Cruz said. Cruz said he hopes that school insurance will help pay the cost to replace the stolen items. To donate items or f u n d s , please call the school: 583-2275.
News Briefs: FFA Awarded, Staff Updates, StuCo Changes FFA Does It Again By Kylie Coutu Reporter
FFA went to Nationals Oct. 17-22 and ranked Silver in the nursery landscape development competition in Indianapolis. The team, which included seniors Pauline Luhman and Katie Salas and junior Alicia Dominguez, earned the Silver ranking by answering 50 multiple choice questions, talking to a person on a faulty machinery complaint, propagating and replanting at least 20 plants in seven
minutes, landscaping and identifying 150 plants. The team also had five minutes to look over a company they would be taking over and propose a takeover plan. Salas made it clear that Silver is not second place, but rather based on points. It felt great to go to Nationals as a team, all three FFA competitors said. Mesa Vista has had at least one FFA team compete at the National level every year since 2008. “It feels great (to go to Nationals), because were amongst the best in the nation,” sponsor Connie Lujan said.
Garcia returns By Kathleen Salas Reporter Teacher Monique Garcia returns to Mesa Vista from Pojoaque High School for the second nine weeks. The position opened up after teacher Tomas Vigil took over the In School photo by Ashtyn Megariz // History teacher Monique Garcia Suspension (ISS) program returned to Mesa Vista mid-October after a short stint at another high school. “I am happy to be back,” Garcia said. in the classroom behind Vista Middle and High School),” the counseling office on Garcia said. Oct. 24. cont. p 2 “I am happy to be back (at Mesa see NEWS BRIEFS
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December 1, 2011
NEWS
The Spectacle
Students Welcome New Teacher, Round Two By Pauline Luhman Reporter
New math teacher Eric Dillon left Mesa Vista in October and by the last week of that month, teacher Kurt Fisk filled the vacancy. Starting with a positive attitude in the beginning of the second nine weeks, Fisk began on Oct. 23, teaching personal finance and geometry classes. He learned he would be teaching at Mesa Vista on Oct. 4. “Because of the circumstances, MVHS was ready to hire. Timing is everything after all,” Fisk said. Fisk found MVHS through an online search for teaching positions in New Mexico. He applied and then went through the district hiring process, interviews and all, in order to land his current job. “So far I’ve enjoyed getting to know the students and their abilities, personalities, plans and goals,” Fisk said. Fisk has been teaching for 14 years all over
the United States and in other countries. Before he started teaching he was a custodian, a carpenter and a prison guard, and he also served in the military. He taught Algebra I and II in Goddard, New Mexico last year and is now living in El Rito. In his spare time, when he has any, he said he enjoys hunting game that he can eat such as elk and deer, hiking, camping, tracking, chess, sports and reading. “As far as the geography goes, the landscape is beautiful,” Fisk said. Even though it is already the middle of the semester, Fisk said he is ready to continue teaching Dillon’s math classes. At first it was hard getting used to yet another new teacher on the Mesa Vista Campus, but after about a week of being in Fisk’s class, some students discovered he is strict but also teaching them. Junior Brandy Valdez said she thinks Fisk is a good teacher and he looks like he will teach students what they need to know for
SBAs and other tests. “I am glad that Mr. Fisk came here because I know I am going to learn something in math this year,” junior Jeremy Broyles said.
photo by D’Angelo Padilla // Freshman Tiffany Archuleta gets help from new math teacher Kurt Fisk. Fisk began at Mesa Vista Oct. 23 and taught in Goddard, New Mexico during the 2010-2011 school year.
News Briefs, cont. from p. 1 When Garcia returned, she started in the middle school building, while the other history teacher, Rebecca Curtis, taught government, New Mexico history and world history in the high school building. They switched classes Nov. 21, principal Tracie Phillips said, because Garcia has more experience teaching high school history. The teachers switched rooms, so students continue to report to their same classroom.
New Student Council
Trapped! photo by Alicia Dominguez // The Math, Engineering, Science Achievement (MESA) mousetrap competition is a requirement for the MESA Program. In preparation for the Winter Design Competition, both middle and high school teams constructed a mousetrap car. New regional coordinator for MESA, Shaundina Watson, was scheduled to visit the campus Nov. 17 to test out the student-made mousetrap cars, but had to reschedule. The team’s car that moves the furthest in distance and time will win and receive incentive points for the MESA Leadership Program. --compiled by Ashtyn Megariz, Reporter
By Ashtyn Megariz Reporter
Mesa Vista’s Student Council is still in the works. Posters and announcements have informed students with information as to how to run for student council. “I feel like there is little interest from the students because they were
supposed to come and get applications but very few have done so,” said History teacher Rebecca Curtis, who started organizing Student Council in the first few months of school. The only students who turned in applications were seniors Lily Hawley and Katie Salas. In a meeting on Nov. 21, those two seniors, new Student Council Sponsor and special education teacher Eric Heckart and the class officers from each grade in attendance decided to have a meeting with the principal to determine the presidency position. Meetings will be every first and third Tuesday of the month during lunch, however, the first meeting has not yet been scheduled. “I want to get things moving. We (Student Council) want to have more activities throughout the year and not just homecoming,” Heckart said.
The Spectacle
SPORTS
December 1, 2011
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Winter Fun: Staff, Students Break Out Skis By Raphaela Viereck Reporter In winter, one of the more pleasant ways to spend a day is curled up in bed watching TV and drinking hot chocolate. Or, as some here at Mesa Vista would have it, out on the slopes, racing down the mountainside on skis or snow boards. “It’s a mad work-out, snowboarding,” sophomore Maxwell Peña said. “It’s my favorite sport of all.” Snowboarding is a fun way for Peña to stay fit during the winter, he said. Skiing and snowboarding
are some of the most thorough cardiovascular work-outs, according to Jim Safianuk, a certified ski instructor who has published several articles on the subject. In simpler terms, a cardiovascular workout exercises the circulatory system, heart and arteries. One should also keep in mind, however, the dangers winter sports may present. “I would freak out (if I were injured snowboarding),” eighth grader Harlan Richardson said. “I wouldn’t even know what to do.” Some skiers and snowboarders
choose fashionable outfits and skip the safer helmet, according to Julie Saccone BSc of the St. Michaels Hospital in Toronto, Canada. Yet the “fashion faux paux” helmet can reduce head injuries in winter sports as much as sixty percent, Saccone said. “It is important to wear a helmet,” said Linda Mogetz, a sales person at the Taos Boot Doctors shop in Taos. “If you’re going thirty or forty miles an hour and …hit a tree… it helps protect your head.” Sue Leslie, a ski instructor at Sipapu, has been skiing since she was
only nine months old. Her parents, founders of the Sipapu Ski resort, taught her. She gives the same basic advice to all beginning skiers: Be aware of your surroundings and don’t try something beyond your skill level. “Don’t exceed your limits,” Leslie said. “Don’t be afraid to try (something new) but keep your limits in mind.” Those who persevere winter sports tend to stick with it well into their lives. “I don’t think I’ll ever stop (snowboarding),” Richardson said. “As long as there’s snow.”
Volleyball ends 3rd, Ball Begins, Cheer Practices Over the Net
Pushing For a Win
By Katie Salas Reporter
By Ashtyn Megariz Reporter Mesa Vista Boys Basketball Placing third in the district tour-
nament, the Mesa Vista lady Trojans ended the volleyball season on Nov. 3 with a loss to the Cuba Rams. The volleyball team had nine players for the 2011 season. Those numbers decreased from the amount of players in previous years. The lack of players posed some challenges. “This season we played okay, but it was really hard because we had a lack of numbers on the bench,” senior and co-captain Julia Martinez said. The volleyball team ended the 2010 season with 2-12-0 (overall) and 0-4-0 (District), ranking 147 and this year finished: 4-10-0 (overall) and 2-2-0 (District) ranking 142 in New Mexico. “I think the team did great. At some parts they played really well as a team but (where they were not talking and they didn’t look like a team)…those small parts hurt them because that is when the other team made an advance and pulled ahead… Communication would have helped the team improve this year,” assistant coach Miguel Garcia said.
players hope to improve on last year, Coach Thomas Vigil said. The boys finished their previous season after a loss to the Tucumcari Rattlers at the semi-final round of the 2011 State Championship. The team currently has about 30 players, who have been working out for two months during open gym. Official practices began Nov. 1, with practices alternating weekly. One week, practice is from 6 a.m. until school starts, the next week it is after school. “We want to build on last year’s base. We are going to work harder than anybody else and watch it pay off,” Vigil said.
New Schedule
By Ashtyn Megariz
The cheerleading squad is starting Reporter their season with 11 of the 16 original participants. Only nine girls can cheer due to state eligibility requirements. Additionally, Coach Clarissa Baca cannot supervise practices after school due to her other job obligations, so the squad practices every Saturday from 9 a.m.- 2 p.m. “This year we are going to try to do more stunts and more tumbles...we are also going to be bringing more school spirit to all the games,” sophomore and co-head captain Angel Archuleta said.
photo by Pauline Luhman // Senior Sean Richardson hits the opening tip to his teammate, senior Lorenzo “LJ” Sanchez. The Trojans lost 64-48 to the Santa Fe Prep Griffins in a tight game on Friday, Nov. 18. The boys varsity team is 1-1 as of Monday, Nov. 22 after their win over the Escalante Lobos.
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December 1, 2011
IN-DEPTH
Science Labs Due for Upgrade, Some Improvements Underway By Aubrie Kuykendall Reporter
“The chemicals are reacting because they were stored next to incompatibles, which re In the past, the science labs on the sulted in adverse reactions,” science teacher SaMesa Vista campus have been neglected. Both brina Maxwell said. labs, one in the middle school building and the The condition of the labs may not be the other in the high school building, are in need only elements affecting lab usage. Class sizes of many repairs and updates. that have more than four people to a station are “If I had to rate them as far as good, fair or too big for lab work and accidents may be more poor, I would rate them poor,” science teacher likely with crowded lab space. Victor Jaramillo said. “I would say the ideal (lab If I had to rate them class) size is between sixteen The list of damages and supplies in need as far as good, fair or poor, and twenty. Eighteen is nice of replacement are ex- I would rate them poor. because I like groups of three, tensive. Plumbing and but of course groups of two are — teacher electricity is of the highideal,” Maxwell said. Victor Jaramillo est priority. The safety showers and Although the overall view sinks are turned off, and only half the of the labs may currently be lab in the middle school building has working imperfect, there are many items that are of electricity - even the light switches are inop- good quality. erable. Chemicals and other equipment also “These labs are much better than some. We need replacing. we have a lot of biology and now physics equip“The (middle school) building is falling apart. ment. We also have excellent lab stations, but It was built in 1970. It’s old and the practices of water and gas repairs and updates are needed,” past teachers did not help to preserve the labs Maxwell said. and the equipment in them…,” Jaramillo said. This year, a long list of new equipment has Another daunting problem: the plumb- been added to support the Physics and Physical ing and electricity issues extend beyond the Science, as well. science room and also affect the surrounding “This robust equipment will greatly expand rooms and hallways in the buildings. Pipes in the science curriculum at Mesa Vista. Students the teachers’ lounge are clogged from natural will now have the opportunity to collect and calcium build-up and from chemicals from the analyze data in real-time and make predictions science lab, Jaramillo said. based on experimentation. This equipment “It would be less costly to repair them (in- supports the study of matter and energy, classistead of building an entire new building with cal mechanics, mechanical and electromagnetic labs),” Superintendent Randall Earwood said. waves and electricity and magnetism,” Maxwell While these complications are intimidating, said. “The Optics with Light and Color kit and the price tag may be even more so. the Sound and Waves kit are going to be amaz“The plumbing and electricity is probably ing,” Maxwell said. going to run $40-50,000 (although) we are in Advancements, such as these purchases for the process of getting a bid (so it can be re- physical science and physics classes as well as paired soon),” Earwood said. others, are continuing to be made in the labs. The list of needs, however, goes beyond that “Some disposal of old items from the middle of the plumbing and electricity. school lab has been made,” Jaramillo said. “Chemicals are expired and the acid cabinet With persistence and administrative supis not up-to-date…,”Jaramillo said. port, staff continue to make updates on the Along with the overall disarray of some labs, one piece at a time. chemicals, the way and where the chemicals “It’s time to improve the quality of our labs,” were stored have caused other problems. Jaramillo said.
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photo by Lily Hawley // Eighth grader Amurae Varela pours a blue dye infused water solution during her third period Earth Science class with teacher Victor Jaramillo. Electricity does not work in half of the middle school lab room, so the tables are not used frequently.
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The Spectacle
T photo by Lily Hawley // This sink in middle school science lab is filled with an accumulation of trash. Between a build-up of natural calcium, chemical disposure and trash, the lab tables are not currently functional.
photo by Ben Sandoval Jr. // Senior Alejandro Griego braces a wooden car to measure velocity in relation to slope during physics class. This is part of a new science kit, which science teacher Sabrina Maxwell purchased for the high school.
photo by Lily Hawley // Decades-old chemicals sit in a storage room in the middle school science lab. Some chemicals, after being exposed to one another over several years, have begun reacting to the exposure.
December 1, 2011
EDITORIAL
he pipes in the science labs are almost as corroded as the MVMHS science equipment itself. The middle school building has been around since the 1970s, and as with anything getting up there in years, the science room within the building is having trouble akin to clogged arteries and faulty neurotransmitters as its plumbing and electricity falter. Though the science program is improving with new administrators and a new physical science teacher, it still needs a lot of work and a long-term plan to keep it from falling into disrepair again. The smell of formaldehyde in the middle school science room is not only abrasive at times, but also potentially detrimental to students and staff members’ health. The formaldehyde comes from the jars of preserved specimens in the science cabinet that are so old they are leaking the chemical into the air, where staff and students are breathing it. Many staff members have been in that room for a prolonged amount of time either as a teacher or a long-term sub, and the International Agency for Research on Cancer has classified formaldehyde as a human carcinogen (a cancer-causing substance). Furthermore, students at Mesa Vista are falling behind in the world of science at no fault of their own or of the staff’s or even because a lack of equipment. In fact, some of our equipment is very good, like the hood in the high school lab that’s just has not been plugged in. The lab tables are also high quality if only they were fully functional(as is, they’re not between the plumbing and faulty electricity). With quality equipment that doesn’t work, students can’t be as competitive with other northern schools in science. Additionally, Mesa Vista staff change each year; therefore we need someone or something in place to be a constant for the science program. We have not had a consistent staff member in the middle school science room for the past five years or more. This is the first year in quite a few that we have started out the school year with a certified teacher rather than a long-term sub. With Sabrina Maxwell teaching high school physical sciences and Victor Jaramillo teaching middle school life sciences, we have a good team in place to bring the students up where they are lacking, but we ask that the district include a long-term science plan in its budget or its state plans each year.
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The Spectacle Staff This is the second issue of the 20112012 Mesa Vista student newspaper, The Spectacle, produced by the school’s journalism class. The goal of this publication is to provide accurate, informative and entertaining information in the spirit of responsible journalism and to operate as an open forum for students, staff and parents. Those who are not enrolled in the journalism class may still contribute to the publication in the form of a letter to the editor, a guest column, photography or artwork. No editorials will be printed, however, which complain or attack without factual justification. All guest editorials must be signed and approved for publication. The Spectacle also reserves the right to edit copy. Readers’ responses can be mailed to The Spectacle c/o MVHS, or sent in an e-mail to adviser April van Buren at avanburen@mesavista.k12.nm.us. Student journalists on The Spectacle staff will publish only legally protected speech following the legal definitions of libel, obscenity and invasion of privacy. The adviser of The Spectacle will not determine the content of the paper. The adviser will offer advice and instruction to help the staff cover all issues in a legal, objective, accurate and ethical manner according to the Society of Professional Journalists’ code of ethics. Gossip columns, horoscopes, song dedications, senior wills and senior superlatives will be avoided due to the narrow audience they serve and the probability they possess of containing libelous material and content. Staff members will strive to correct any errors before publication. However, if the editorial board determines a significant error was printed, a formal correction will appear in the following issue.
Adviser: April van Buren Editors: Lily Hawley,
Staff:
Aubrie Kuykendall, Pauline Luhman, Katie Salas, Ashtyn Megariz, Ben Sandoval, and Raphaela Viereck Kylie Coutu, Alicia Dominguez, Athena Martinez, D’Angelo Padilla, and Chastidy Trujillo
The Spectacle c/o MVMHS PO Box 50 Ojo Caliente, NM 87549 (505) 583-2275 505-583-9133 fax
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December 1, 2011
FEATURES
The Spectacle
After Nambe, Mesa Vista Prepared for Quakes? By D’Angelo Padilla
Reporter Rattling, Shaking and Destruction… On Monday, Oct. 17 people in Nambe and Tesuque felt the Earth move during a 3.8 magnitude earthquake. This is the first major earthquake in the state since 2005 quakes in Raton and Carlsbad, according to the Santa Fe New Mexican, and it leaves many wondering how prepared we are to handle an earthquake here. The Mesa Vista Middle and High School and Ojo Caliente Elementary both sit on the Rio Grande Rift system, which is a fault line, according to www.city-data.com. Neither school currently practices earthquake drills nor evacuation drills. “The reason why we don’t have earthquake drills is that it’s very scarce to have them (earthquakes) in this part of the country,” Mesa Vista Superintendent Randall Earwood said. New Mexico has had a lot of small earthquakes in the past, however. The first earthquake recorded in New Mexico was in Socorro in 1906. The I-25 Corridor has little fault lines, according to www. city-data.com. Most of the activity is centered in the middle of the state. On Jan. 4, 1971, for example, a 4.4 Magnitude earthquake hit the west side of Albuquerque, which caused some damage in the area. The University of Albuquerque had an estimated $30-$40,000 in damage and had to close its doors. The site is now
used for St. Pius High School. had a full day to practice an earthquake drill and The state of New Mexico requires all public learned about how to be cautious of earthquakes. schools to have a safety plan The practice drill and on file with the New Mexico earthquake education The reason why we Public Education Department came from a group named (NMPED). The safety plan must don’t have earthquake drills “The Great Californian is that it’s very scarce to have include emergency plans in case of Shake Out.” The a fire, strangers on campus, armed them in this part of the country. group also traveled strangers on campus, students out to South Carolina to — Superintendent of control, bomb threats and various teach children about Randall Earwood weather emergencies. earthquake safety. “They generally don’t get so specific as to what Comprised of students from the University type of weather emergencies, but have general of California, the group’s web site provides procedures such as where to evacuate, who to call, information on how to prepare for an earthquake. when to have lockdowns, etc.,” Principal Tracie California has a requirement that all students Phillips said. “We need to look over our emergency learn safety for earthquakes and have at least one drills (for earthquake procedures).” earthquake/evacuation drill a year. Although there are few earthquakes in this state, “We are prepared like any other school in Northern other parts of the world with more frequent quakes New Mexico, but we’re not like California,” have adapted to ensure that citizens have a warning Earwood said. “We have an emergency plan.” about such an emergency, and have changed the way The district’s emergency plan depends on what they build and have added alarm systems. In Tokyo, the emergency situation is, Earwood said. If there Japan for example, the buildings sway back and forth is a person with a weapon on campus, for example, to prevent a collapse. The same is time in California. all students and staff in the school would go into “I would want to see how buildings are built lock-down. Weather situations are when the school in places that have earthquakes to make ours also goes on lock-down and the students are moved stronger,” head secretary Sylvia Gurule said. to a safe location. Earthquake emergencies require In Memphis, Tenn., the Whitehaven all students to move out of the buildings and into Elementary School started to practice drills after a field or into a safe location where students won’t the 8.9 magnitude earthquake in Japan. The school be harmed.
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a comic by Raphaela Viereck
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The Spectacle
FEATURES
December 1, 2011
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School Custodians Enjoy Family, Fun, Work By Kylie Coutu Reporter
His two younger ones go to James Rodriguez Elementary and Carlos Janitors are people too. Outside Vigil Middle School in Espanola. of school, they’re just like you and me. “My kids are very cool to hang out This year, the school has only three custodians with,” Atencio said. “We go fishing, who cover the entire 7-12 grade campus, compared I make them cut wood, and I go to to the past years when there their sports. My were five custodians (2010younger one plays 11 school year) or six (2009- with (When I started) I got football 2010). YAFL (Young lost...I ended up by the kindergarAll three janitors – ten. It was funny because I was America Football Donald Atencio, Victoria League).” the only one here and there was no Alire and Adolfo Torrez – Although they one to ask where I was. have children of their own, are all familiar in addition to the students faces on campus — Custodian they interact with here. now, it hasn’t photo by D’Angelo Padilla // Custodian Adolfo Torrez opens a hidden compartDonald Atencio “I’m busy with three always been that ment on the school tractor to get some tools. Torrez has three sons and said he girls in sports or doing way. Torrez enjoys hunting with family in his free time. something,” Alire said of her daughters who attend started working here in February of and time with friends. school at Mesa Vista. 2006, and both Alire and Atenico “I was working a basketball game with one of Torrez also has a child who attends Mesa Vista, started here the summer of 2004. On Atencio’s first my friends and she tripped on the bleachers and senior Dominic Torrez. In addition to his youngest, day of work, he had a few troubles. Torrez has two older boys, ages of 23 and 20, who “I got lost. I went into the lower cluster (the landed standing up,” Torrez said. Janitors like to participate in fun activities but graduated from Mesa Vista. elementary), and I went in one way and ended up “I enjoy going fishing with my kids and playing by the kindergarten. It was funny ’cause I was the they also have to work hard. They fix what they find basketball with them,” Torrez said. only one here and there was no one to ask where I broken around school if the materials are available. “We accomplished painting the porches to Atencio’s four children are 21, 19, 12 and 7. was,” Atencio said. make all the buildings match. Outside of school, Torrez said It’s hard now because we he spends time getting wood and It is hard because we only have three (janitors) in playing ball with his kids in the the high school, and we try summer. He also enjoys hunting only have three (janitors) in to accomplish what we are the high school. during the winter. supposed to do,” Alire said. Alire also enjoys the outdoors – — Custodian Janitors don’t just clean and she likes to fish, travel, camp and Victoria Alire keep the school in order, they work on landscaping. also help teachers and students. Alire is not the only one who fishes, however. Atencio also spends his time with For example, Alire served as the volleyball coach at a rod and reel. One time, he even fell into the river. Mesa Vista in 2008 and 2009. Torrez even helped “The current in the river swept my feet under Spanish teacher Teresa Sandoval by bringing her desks, cabinets and stands when she needs them. and carried me about 100 feet,” Atencio said. When he’s not working at Mesa Vista or enjoying Sandoval said the all the custodians at the high the occasional free moment, Atencio also works in school and one from the elementary have been Dixon as a water operator, which is a job that deals great to her over the years and they have all helped above and beyond. with drinking water. “I think they’re easy to work with and always “I like it because water is a very important thing in our life, and it is amazing what kind of critters willing to help. They have a lot to do for three photo by D’Angelo Padilla // Custodian Donald Atencio cleans people. I get along with them very well. I think you can find in it,” Atencio said. the dry erase board in the middle school science classroom. Some of the fun or funny things the janitors we should all pick up our trash to help with their Despite getting lost on his first day of work several years ago, Atencio seems to be right at home at Mesa Vista now. remember include Culture Day, basketball games jobs,” Principal Tracie Phillips said.
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The Spectacle
BACK PAGE
December 1, 2011
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Breaking Dawn: Part 1 The Dawn Breaks By Lily Hawley
photo courtesy of Summit Entertainment // Bella (Kristen Stewart) and Edward (Robert Pattinson) embrace in Rio at the start of their honeymoon. The movie had the all time fifth best opening at the box office, raking in $139.5 million domestically.
Reporter As I sat in the second theater on the right in the Espanola Dreamcatcher Cinema there were three things of which I was absolutely positive: First, I was actually watching this movie. Second, there was a part of me – and I didn’t know how dominant that part might be – that was enjoying it like a shameful fan girl. And third, it was just so bad it was good. Nov. 18, 2011 was the beginning of the end of the Twilight Saga with the release of “Breaking Dawn: Part One.” This latest addition to the Twilight franchise collected an estimated $283.5 million worldwide and $139.5 million just in the United States. The fourth installment in the series surpassed the previous three in acting quality. Kristen Stewart, who plays Bella, seems to have finally learned that in order to avoid making your role incredibly awkward, eye contact is a necessity and eye spasms are not
attractive. That’s not to say that she turned into a stunning actress – simply a mediocre one – which just goes to show how bad she was in the previous films. The CGI effects were abrupt and not quite all that you would expect from a movie of this caliber. The wolves, however, were more individualistic and dynamic. The power struggle scenes within the pack were hair-raising and induced chills. If you haven’t read the books, you’ll sit there wondering about what just happened and why. Edward’s reactions in some situations were awkward because they weren’t explained. At the same time, it was disappointing because I did read the books and I noticed the absence of many of the little things, such as Edward exploiting his deal with Bella, and the banter between Rosalie and Jacob. Altogether I would rate this movie less blood-sucking and more soul-sucking, giving it a whopping three out of five.
High-Maintenance Men: Boys Get Pretty, Too By Ben Sandoval Reporter Females are not the only ones at Mesa Vista who enjoy a beauty regimen. An increase in male-grooming gained popularity around the earlyto-mid-’80s with movies like “Top Gun” and “Dirty Dancing” and actors like Tom Cruise and John Travolta and led to the term ‘metrosexual,’ which is used to describe a male who pays much attention to his personal appearance. These days, metrosexual celebrities include soccer star David Beckham or movie stars Johnny Depp, Taylor Lautner and Jared Padaldecki. Since Cruise and Travolta first made the lifestyle famous, hundreds of thousands of men are catching on to this boom. “If that’s what they really want to do,
it doesn’t mean they’re feminine or any less of a man than other guys because a lot of guys do it these days. It just has to do with self-confidence in themselves,” teacher Connie Lujan said. Senior Lorenzo Sanchez might be called a high-maintenance dude. Twice each month he gets his eyebrows done. He also often shops for nice clothes, wears cologne daily and has even shaved his legs. However, he said he doesn’t consider himself high maintenance and doesn’t believe anyone else does either. “I just do it for me and my girlfriend. It used to be for the girls, but now it’s just to look good,” Sanchez said. Other guys like senior Rogelio Garcia, also maintain their looks simply for female attention. He does his best to look good every day, he said, keeping his hair “just so,” with not a hair
photo by Alicia Dominguez // Senior Lorenzo (LJ) Sanchez raises a well-manicured eyebrow. Sanchez said he started grooming his eyebrows “for the girls.”
out of place, thanks to his application of a certain kind of hair gel, and he always makes sure to match his clothes. “I do it to look good. I have to look good for the ladies. The girls dig it,” Garcia said. While such grooming may help young men with dates, not all girls think it is necessary.
“If the guy overdoes it, I laugh because they try to look good... I would date a guy that does it (maintain themselves more) but it doesn’t really matter,” sophomore Jeanette Varela said. Whatever the situation, it’s important to understand that grooming habits help us all feel more comfortable.