HAPPY ST. PATRICK’S DAY
THURSDAY MARCH 17TH
2011
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FEATURES A8 Students and teachers go green by riding their bikes to and from school
A&E A6-7 McMinnville’s own Orchards Bistro recieves rave reviews from Bruin Staff
WHAT’S BRUIN B4 Senioritis has hit McMinnville High School campus and “Man Bites Dog” returns
Budget cuts Spring Sports Launch loom closer Practices still go on despite the rain Devastating cuts to the MSD budget will impact the school at start of school year by OLIVIA NILAND
made will have an impact The McMinnville School on our school beginning in District is just one of many September.” According to the Disaround the state to face projected budget shortfalls trict, the projected deficit this year. Administrators for the 2011-12 school year will be $4.9-6.7 milhave predicted lion, which is equivaa state budgetlent to about 10 pering deficit of cent of the District’s $2.5-$3.5 bilentire operating budlion over the get. Therefore, many course of the options are currently next five years, on the table to ensure which presents cost reduction within a variety of isthe District. sues for staff “One solution is and students in to have fewer school the District. days,” said Olsen. McMin“Another is to eliminville School Olsen District SuperC u r r e n t l y nate existing programs intendent Maryb r a i n s t o r m - within our school [such Alice Russell has ing on how to as sports and clubs], hosted several cope with bud- and a third would be to lay off some of the open forums in get cuts teachers at the high order to provide school and raise class the community with budgeting information sizes.” Increasing class sizes and create an opportunity for feedback on the Dis- throughout the District, even by just a few students, trict’s financial situation. “No decisions have been could potentially save $1-2 made yet,” said McMinnville million during the next High School Principal Kris school year. Reducing staff Olsen. “But any reductions and services in the District Please see BUDGET, Page A3
ProStart competes at state competition The ProStart program demonstrates skills at the Portland Expo Center
Dylan leathers/ The Bruin
Junior pole vaulter Felix Devara attemps to clear the bar. The Grizzlies first full sized meet will be the Grizzly Bear Open on Friday, Mar. 18.
For spring sport preview see SPORTS B1-B3
Sophomore team pilots tutoring program photo courtsey of Carolyne Nyquist
A “Hood River Sangira Pear” sits on a plate, waiting to be judged. Senior Hector Zertuche-Honorato was the captain of the MHS team.
by JACOB WEIGEL On Feb. 26, a team from McMinnville High School’s ProStart program went to an annual cooking competition. The team consisted of five seniors: April Haggen, Hector Zertuche-Honorato, McKenzie Purdy, Nathan Colony-Roecker and Jessep Hinkle. “They really had to make a quality meal,” said MHS ProStart advisor Carolyn Nyquist. Zertuche was the team captain during the competition. As the captain, he had many things that he needed
to keep track of that the other competitors didn’t need to worry about. “I was in charge of trying to keep the team together, some of the costing, and talking to the judges,” said Zertuche. “The students had to put together a meal that consisted of two servings of a three course meal,” said Nyquist. These competitions are annual, and some of the same students have been to multiple competitions. Haggen has been to two competitions. “This competition was
Teachers Jared Larson, Erin Brisbin and Kathy Beyer tutor tenth grade students of the Columbia Team during the second semester by HAYDEN ALLEN The tenth grade Columbia team staff, along school advisers, recently had a meeting where they compiled ideas about a tutoring program and considered how to develop it. Exclusive to their team, this program acts as a trial to see if their work had a positive affect on students. The three teachers who are putting their time into helping their students are Jared Larson, Kathy Beyer and Erin Brisbin. They are each tutoring their own designated subject, Larson tutoring Physical Science,
Beyer tutoring Language Arts and Brisbin tutoring History. “Instead of duty, we tutor one to five students at a time either one-on-one or in a group,” said Brisbin. “It’s helpful, because if they are gone they can make up their work, and it’s only the last 30 minutes of third period once a month, to make sure they are not out from the class too long.” When a student feels he or she needs help in a certain subject, they can sign up on a designated clip board, which the teacher goes over. The teacher then chooses
Please see COLUMBIA, Page A3
dYLAN LEATHERS / The Bruin
Social Studies teacher Erin Brisbin goes over certain topics with Sophomore Raul Lomeli. The tutoring started at the beginning of the second semester.
Please see PRO START, Page A3
News: Custodians react to littering First lunch students face the consequences of their lack-of-disposal habits
INDEX News ....................... A 1-4 Opinions................... A 6-7 Features................... A 8 Sports...................... B 1-4 Student Life............ A5, B 8 A&E......................... B 6-7
What’s Bruin: Man Bites Dog MHS students recover prized possession from rival shool, Newberg High School
Arts & Entertainment: Lupe Fiasco The rapper returns with a new album, new attitude and new music for fans to enjoy
McMinnville High School 615 NE 15th Street McMinnville, Oregon 97128 © 2011 Oregon Litho Print
Sports: Baseball looks ahead Seniors look to lead the inexperienced squad to the top three in league
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Three sport athletes get a close up shot
Opinions: Track open on weekends? Pedro Moreno expresses his opinion on the use of the newly-upgraded Wortman Stadium track
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Cold War Kids visits Eugene and rock hipsters everywhere
Please recycle this paper.
A2
What’s
going on . . . MHS calendAr for MARCH 16-APRIL
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St. Patrick’s Day Deck yourself out in green and come support our very own MHS symphonic choir’s concert! $5 suggested donation, otherwise as much as you please. Where: MHS Auditorium When: 7:30 p.m.
Last Day of Battle of the Sexs Wear your class colors as ASB concludes battle of the sexs week.
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Winter Assembly Give recognition to the winter atheletes Where: Red Gym
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ACT
Spring Break 2011!
What’s the best thing you can do over your spring break? The ACT!
April
News
T h e B r u i n : T h u r s d a y, 3 . 1 7 . 1 1
Briefs
M H S
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Prom location changed to Grand Ballroom A change of scenery is in order for the 2011 McMinnville High School Prom. Scaled down from last year’s locale, the soaring Evergreen Aviation Museum, organizers are banking on the success of the more intimate atmosphere provided by the McMinnville Grand Ballroom, located on Third Street. With a smaller venue, of course, comes a smaller guest list. Organizers have this year decided to pare down attendees to upperclassmen and
students of MHS only, in order to make Prom as pleasant as possible for students. The 2011 Prom will be held on April 30, and tickets will go on sale at the end of March.
With graduation for the class of 2011 fast approaching, college scholarship deadlines often take a backseat to cap and gown orders and scrambles for last minute credits.
Battle of the Sexes Week Monday: Pajama Day Tuesday: 80’s Day Wednesday: Hip-Hop Day Thursday: Green Day (St. Patty’s Day) Friday: School Colors Day
FFA sweeps competition McMinnville High School’s FFA program has continued to bloom impressively throughout the year, and at the FFA Floriculture Contest on March 12, judges took notice. In individual placement, the MHS team swept all of the top six spots in the competition. Junior Jeannie Klein received a perfect score and a subsequent first place title for plant identification, while junior
Scholarship application deadlines approaching
Lauren Ng’s floral arrangement earned her a spot in second. Sophomore Miranda Gleason, the rookie at this year’s FFA competition, placed third, while junior Rashelle Ptacek, sophomore Gil Garibaldo and junior Katie Martin placed fourth, fifth, and sixth at the FFA competition, respectively. The team hopes to cultivate similar results at contests later this spring.
Still, with a large majority of college attendees relying upon scholarships or financial aid of some sort, students should bear in mind that these deadlines should not be ignored. Scholarship information, both local and nationwind, can be found in the McMinnville High School career center. It is best for students to figure out their financial situation before their dorm move-in day. Stop by the Career Center for more info.
Programming team makes its move at competition Watch out, Watson—McMinnville High School’s computer programming team is making its move. Led by MHS computer teacher Andrew Scholer, a dynamic quartet consisting of senior Devan Hayes, juniors Zach Munyon and Matt Valentine, and sophomore Connor Pomeroy competed at
the Willamette University TechStart Programming Contest on March 12. Each team at the competition was instructed to work cooperatively to create a program which could solve the presented problems. The MHS boys took fifth place overall in the novice division, and look forward to competing again next year.
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Half Day for students Go ahead and sleep in, students have a half day in the AM.
School musical “Honk!” opened to large crowd
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ACTs
The play demonstrates a new twist on the classic story “The Ugly Duckling”
Make sure you register for the ACTs coming up at MHS.
by MCKENZIE BARNES
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Mr. Mac High Pageant
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National College Fair
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Come support your fellow classmates and the patients at Doernbecher Children’s Hospital at the community center at 7 p.m.
Enjoy!
Another day off!
Dominican Republic transfer student steadily makes progress New student shows his quick learning skills by comprehending a new language in a short amount of time adjusting very well, despite the language barrier with his On the Monday that ev- English speaking classmates eryone returned to school and teachers. Ernesto has a from Winter Break, a new translator in his classes who face was seen strolling the can translate everything the halls of the high school. Er- teacher says. His teachers nesto Fidel Martinez Lapaz agree that he is very studiis a junior this year who ous and polite. The hardest just moved to the United part of class in English for States from the Dominican Ernesto is reading. Hodgins Republic. He doesn’t speak said that he gets lost someEnglish, only Spanish. He times in the readmoved here with his ing. mom. Aside from beErnesto has ing an academicaljumped into an enly strong student, vironment where he is a talented few speak his lanindividual. He guage and underloves music and standing the curricis an outstanding ulum is difficult. He dancer. His classhas a loaded schedmates are always ule including a high Lapaz eager to turn on level math class and Dominican some tunes just so a strength and conRepublic they can watch in ditioning class. Not transfer amazement as he only is the language student does the splits and barrier a huge obstacle, but it’s nearing the end busts his moves. of a semester and finals are Being from the Dominijust around the corner. can Republic, he is naturally Liz Beth Hodgins is Er- good at baseball. He is hopnesto’s English Language ing to go out for baseball Development (ELD) teachthis spring season. er. There are five levels of In his 21st Century phoEnglish Language Developtography class, he brought ment, and Ernesto is in the first and second level. These some of his own pictures levels are mostly the listen- from his country. He coming stages of his language municated with his friends composition. and classmates through his “In a year I really think pictures. he’ll be speaking a lot,” “He has a great willingsaid Hodgins. “He is very ness to work,” said Greg bright.” McAnally. Hodgins said that he is
by GIOVANNI GALVEZ
On March 3, 4, and 6, the McMinnville High School drama department hosted its largest musical with its production of Honk! Since childhood, almost everybody has learned the story of the Ugly Duckling, the story of a swan being born into the wrong next and is picked on until he becomes beautiful. Honk! adds a twist to this classic tale by making two antagonists: the farms animals because they pick on Ugly and the Cat who wants to eat him. It follows Ugly trying to get back home and gaining confidence along the way after the Cat kidnaps him. Along the way he runs into an assortment amount
of animals while trying to avoid the Cat. The musical has the hidden message of tolerance and that beauty isn’t always skin deep. Honk! first debuted on Broadway in 1993, Johansen which is a Head of the main reaMHS Drama son to why Department so many p e o p l e haven’t heard of it. Like in the past where the musicals have been about finding oneself through song…this play wasn’t well
“I selected Honk! because I could have a large cast. That is important to me, I want to give as many students as possible a chance to perform. Honk! consisted of a cast 60 students with 4 being exchange students and 13 Seniors. The leads were bestowed on Tasha Hoskins as Ida, Cesar Anguiano as Drake, Austin Palacios as the Cat, and Ehren Castle as Ugly; “I get to be me for the entire show, which is being awkward as physically possible.” To be in a musical, it takes dedication and a source of confidence. “The best part about being in this play was making new friends and trying to make it really enjoyable
for the freshmen so we get more people next year.” said Megan Bannister. For this cast, they not only had to spend countless hours rehearsing their songs, dances, and lines, Deborah Johansen called in her Advanced Drama Class to help paint the picture book style backdrop. Also new to this production, Johansen called in the help of David Bliss, who is a professional set designer “Having David Bliss design and build the set for Honk! has been beyond wonderful. His experience and talent have been such a gift! Wish it could be like this for every show!” commented Johansen.
Teachers offer advice on SAT Prep clasees offer opporotunities for higher scores for college-bound students by MEGAN O’LEARY Any college-bound student knows what big test is needed to get into the university of choice, and it’s the SAT or ACT. The SAT’s shouldn’t be looked at as something that can’t be handled; it is just a test of knowledge and how well you have learned over the years. Russell Weaver, the McMinnville High School librarian, is a teacher of an after school SAT class available for the students. “I would say for juniors to take it at the end of their junior year,” said Weaver. “It is offered in May or June. So that way if you’re not satisfied you can take it again.” Faculty member Michelle Buczynski had a similar idea about when starting to take the test would be good. “End of your junior year, or fall of senior year,” said Buczynski. “Every collegebound student should try to take the test at the end of their junior year.” For those who want to prepare themselves for the test, there are many tools available at the school, or through the school. “We do have a membership to an SAT prep program, and I have cards to get people into it,” said Buczynski. “You can pick one up from me. Study Island also has an SAT prep area and everyone should have access to it.” Weaver also teaches an after school class just for SAT prep. “Currently I have a class on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons,” said Weaver “A lot of our advanced classes
will also help prepare students for standardized tests. For example, there is Kerrie Savage’s college writing class.” T h e biggest q u e s tion is what are Weaver the best Teaches SAT tips that prep class and can be offers advice u t i l i z e d on test by everyone? “First would be to spend time before the test going over the types of questions which are asked,” said Weaver. “Then another
would be to go into the test having had a solid breakfast and a good night sleep, and lastly is to trust your instincts and manage your time.” For someone indecisive on which college to apply for, a thing for them to look at is the difference between the ACT and the SAT. The ACT focuses on more punctuation and grammar, while the SAT focuses more on vocabulary. “The SAT is generally more recognized,” said Weaver. “Although some schools, especially in New England, prefer that you take the ACT.” He also mentioned that everyone should take both a PACT and a PSAT to see which they do better on, and take that test based on
their strengths. Now, the last big question is when to start the studying process for the test. Some would assume that the sooner the better, but it doesn’t always have to be like that. “If you allowed yourself two to three months to get ready,” said Weaver. “You would just need to study about three times a week for 30 minutes a night.” To sum it all up, the best advice anyone can give about the SAT’s is to rest up a lot before hand, be very prepared, and use time wisely. The test isn’t everything college is based on, but it can be what adds to the chances of the acceptance letter everyone wants.
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BUDGET:
Campus Beat February
MIP TOBACCO.............................................. 1 DAY TIME CURFEW..................................... 4 THEFT.............................................................. 8 HARASSMENT.............................................. 2 EXPOSURE COMPLAINT............................ 1 PROBATION VIOLATION.............................1 DRUGS.............................................................1 ASSAULT..........................................................1
News
District brainstorms on how to function with fewer resources Officer Doug Cummins
Mr. Mac High boys visit Doernbecher Hospital The group travels to Portland to see who their $100,000 contriubtion will effect at Dornbecher Children’s Hospital game against Yamhill [High Coming up on April 16, School] coming up. Also the annual Mr. Mac High there is the Date Dinner and competition returns. So of course the show,” said asfar the 11 contestants have sistant director junior Anna been working hard to raise Post. This year the funds to support money has been Doernbecher rolling in. Children’s Hospi“So far we probtal, located inside ably have $4,000, Oregon Health plus or minus and Science Uni$1,000; by the show versity. The show probably $10,000,” is the finale to said Post. “We have many months of been saving up our effort by all those money from prior involved to help years, so we’ll be keep Doernbechable to donate over er one of the pre$100,000, with a big miere children’s Van Patten check.” hospitals in the Director of Mr. The $100,000 will nation. Mac High go to the updating of Recently the patient rooms and of contestants and directors of the show trav- other equipment at the hoseled to the hospital to see pital and create a kid friendthe facilities that they helped ly environment. “To see a place where the kids can pay for. “Being able to walk feel good about themselves, into our own McMinnville learn, and be in an environRoom [at the hospital] was ment where they can be something else, a great ex- comfortable while getting perience,” said senior Mr. the care they needed was Soccer Jordan Gonzalez. amazing,” said Gonzalez. This year’s theme is “Do The McMinnville room is named after this city be- you believe in Magic?” “The theme is incorpocause the Mr. Mac High pageant helped pay for the rated in everything we do,” equipment and other tech- said director Kelly Van Patnology in the room, which is ten. “It is best represented in the show where the songs all state of the art. All of the funds provide and set have to do with by Mr. Mac High come from magic.” While the theme the show and other vari- of magic will be shown in ous fundraisers that occur song and dance, it also has throughout the year. There a deeper meaning. “It is are various individual fund- great because kids believe raisers put on by the con- in magic, and for a kid with testants, and there are also health problems going to group fundraisers like the Doernbecher where they Dash for Cash at the home- can receive the help they need is really magical,” said coming assembly. “We have the dodge ball Van Patten.
Continued from Page A1 could save a similar amount, if not more. According to the District’s Budget Reduction Scenario, the majority of the reductions would affect music and physical education specialists, though regular teaching staff will likely be affected as well. Amongst students, the overwhelmingly favorable proposal is that of curtailing school weeks down to four days and lengthening those school days slightly. “A four day week isn’t the best option,” said freshman Anna Chen. “But class-
es are big enough as it is, and sports are a good thing for students.” Even those students whose final year at MHS will be affected by budget cuts in one way or another largely agree with this proposal. “I think we should have four day weeks because it’s the best option for everyone involved,” said junior Anna Post. “In larger classrooms, you get less attention from teachers and this can affect test scores and grades. Plus, sports and clubs are really important, especially at a small town public high school.” While the idea of a four
day week has gained steam amongst students, Olsen said that the District’s budget decision could also encompass a combination of the proposed solutions. Regardless of the outcome, Superintendent Russell is required by statute to produce a budget proposal to the school board by early spring. Though the McMinnville School District faces the same financial struggles as others around the state, Olsen said that the McMinnville District is slightly better off due to a reserve savings account for important educational expenses.
“Higher unemployment has meant that fewer people are paying income taxes,” said Olsen. “Our District is slightly better prepared, but anything state funded has been affected.” The next Budget Committee Work Session is scheduled for March 30, and Superintendent Russell is expected to present a proposed 2011-2012 budget to the committee on April 20. A final McMinnville School District budget will be solidified this June, and students will feel the effects of the shortfall, in one way or another, when school begins again this fall.
by AARON HADDELAND
Student exceeds at DECA conference Junior Austin Kelly does extremely well at the Deca State competition and was awarded a chance at nationals by ALFREDO MARTINEZ
in the top eight in all of his events, in the top three in DECA is an organization his standardized test scores, designed for students that and second in Principles of prepares them to be expe- Finance. Kelly will attend rienced leaders who excel the DECA Nationals in Orin school and give lando, Fl., and will back to the combe competing with munity. DECA over 15,000 memprepares emergbers from around ing leaders and the United States, entrepreneurs as well as memstudying marketbers from around ing, finance, hosthe globe. pitality and man“I’m very proud agement. of every single A group of member and their DECA members, a performance, on new organization top of their hard to McMinnville Kelly work in the Action High School, parWith help Corner,” said Marticipated at in Portfrom Jackson tinez, the DECA land at State with Hughes scored Chapter President. 700 other memhighest on Bisi- “I can’t wait to hear bers from around ness Admiistar- how they do next Oregon. The memtion test year.” bers competed “It was a really at Regional’s in worthwhile experiearly December and did ence,” said DECA Vice-Presfairly well. Senior Jackson ident Bellville. “Those of Hughes and junior Austin you who have heard of and Kelly scored the highest on are interested in Model UN a standardized test, consist- will be excited to hear that ing of 100 questions about this is the G-Rated version, Business Administration. as well as the dance portion For being a new Chap- to it.” ter to the DECA organiza“DECA was a great extion, the members came out successfully. Consisting perience and a great opporof about 11 members, the tunity. I’m looking forward MHS DECA Chapter re- to representing MHS and our DECA Chapter at Naturned with 12 medals. At State, Hughes and Kelly, tionals,” said Kelly. “I highly along with seniors Jack Bell- recommend DECA to anyville and Alfredo Martinez, body, and am hoping for an brought home medals in even better conference next their events. Kelly placed year.”
RYAN CORNELISON / The Bruin
First lunch students sit and socialize with each other. Ever since littering has become an issue, students like these are unable to eat or drink outside of the cafeteria.
Scattered waste results in lunch consequences Continued disregard for trash disposal causes inconvenince for custodial staff by STEPHEN GRINICH Anyone who has climbed the stairs of the new building after lunch has witnessed banana peels, milk cartons, half eaten sandwiches, and almost every other type of lunch-waste left as trash on or around flights of stairs, in addition to other areas of the school, like the atrium. This
serves as a huge inconvenience to the McMinnville High School janitorial staff members, who have other things to do than pick up the messes of students. “Every time I walk in the halls after lunches, it looks like we just had a food fight and it’s disgusting,” said junior Ryan Martin. “People need to respect the fact that
COLUMBIA: Tutoring students Continued from Page A1
up to five studetns to be tutored, which are called out and delivered during the second half of third period. “Everyone is given the opportunity to be tutored and it’s not at all forced,” said Larson. “No student has come in and at the end said that it was a waste of time.” “Yes, [the program] helps me study,” said sophomore Miko Umagot. “I have gone to Mr. Larson because I needed to study for a test.” So far in all of the classes there have been no tests or exams, so it is too early to tell if there has been any improvement. However, teachers have been giving positive feedback about their
extrea one-on-one work with their students. “Personally I think it has been very successful,” said Brisbin. Teachers are not the only ones who like to program; the students who are being tutored are not only liking it but finding it helpful in their own ways. “Yes I think it has been a success, it helps me understand the material better,” said sophomore Ervin Torres, who has attended both Beyer’s and Larson’s tutoring classes. For other students, the tutoring program helps them prepare for tests, spend time studying, get help on their homework, do make-up work, and just understand the lectures in a more direct way.
other people don’t like stepping in mayonnaise and turkey on their way to class.” “I feel bad for the custodians because they have to deal with the mess,” said senior Fredo Martinez. “I don’t mind lending a hand now and then.” Recently, the custodial staff has been trying to get it to stop. “It is getting better, but they [students] have been leaving their lunch trash around,” said Custodian Barbara Wood. “I’ve been leaving notes for Dr. Olsen.” Custodian Jermone VerDuyn doesn’t understand why students leave their trash in the hallways and all over the school. “We have a lot to do around here without being a personal maid,” said VerDuyn. “If people cleaned up
their stuff it would make our job a lot easier.”
VerDuyn A member of the MHS custodial staff. Due to the continuing littering of areas around the school, First-Lunch students cannot eat in hallways, and as of now are restricted to the cafeteria when consuming food and drink.
PROSTART: Cooking up success Continued from Page A1 pretty fun. It was way easier than last year,” said Haggen. “I was in charge of working on the seafood salad.” There were some mistakes made during the competition. One of the students was accidentally cut during the competition. The competitor didn’t see the first aid kit nearby, and because of that the team was marked down. “We could have done better,” said Zertuche. “I think because of the knife accident, it confused the students,” said Nyquist. The knife incident was due to not following some safety rules during the com-
petition. “I think that if I could have changed something, I would have changed the taste of the judges,” said Zertuche. “I would have put myself on desserts with McKenzie,” said Haggen. “Instead, I had to make this seafood salad thing.” The students do no yet know how they were scored. They know that they didn’t get anywhere between first and fifth place, because those spots were announced during the competition. “We are checking the mailbox daily,” said Nyquist.
Opinions
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Passing on
T h e B r u i n : T h u r s d a y, 3 . 1 7 . 1 1
the editor’s torch
After a solid year pumping out five great issues for MHS, Editor- in Chief, Chris Haddeland, will pass his position off to next year’s editor Junior Jessica McMillan. She will finish off the school year with the Cub Edition. Great job Chris, and good luck to you both!
Chris Haddeland
Jessica McMillan
Thank you Life Skills students Tennis players at disadvantage MHS students appreciate their hard work There’s nothing like having a hot towel after a hard workout. I’m not to sure about the girls’ locker room, but the boys’ is always stocked with freshly laundered towels. After every period there is a batch of towels being taken out and new ones brought in. When the towel cart strolls through McMinnville High School, there are very few students that ever say “thank you” or even show any appreciation at all. I know you guys are busy, but come on, how hard is it just to stop for a quick second and show them some appreciation? To some of the students who do the towels it pumps them up, and may even make their day. If you
Thommy and Pedro Bruin Reporters are one of the kids who is on the floor working out when they come through and just stay in the way and they have to go around you, that is unacceptable. They are doing you a favor and you are
making it harder, so just get up and move out of the way. The process of washing the towels is harder than you’d think. Three times a week (Monday, Wednesday, Friday) the students go to all the schools in the district and pick up the towels. They bring them back to the high school and wash them fold them and take them back. They pick up the towels here three times a day while they also attend classes. The Life Skills and SLP kids learn how to use commercial washers and dryers and it helps them learn the skills for a real job. As you may not know, the students wash all the uniforms for sports (football, track etc.) The students get a paycheck at the end of each month, so it’s pretty much their job. They get paid based on how fast they do their routes. So next time you shower and get ready to head to your next class don’t forget to throw your towels in the dirty towel bin. If every student just left their towels on the floor after they were done it would be a hassle for the Life Skills students, and they would have to clean up the locker room. That may take an extra five minutes just to pick them all up, so do your part and take the extra five steps to put them in the right spot, and if you see a student with a towel cart coming down the hall make sure to give them a high five and say “thank you.”
Court lights token system is too expensive
can set as early as 4:30. Unfortunately, the only people who have access to the lights are the athletic directors, and people with incredibly deep pockets. Students aren’t allowed to have keys to the lights, the only way they can turn them on is by purchasing tokens through the book keeping office. I’d be fine with the token system if tokens weren’t a dollar a piece, and one token was worth 20 minutes of light for one court. An average practice lasts two hours, so to light one court for that amount of time, a studentathlete would have to pay the book keeping office $6, and that’s just to light one court. These high token prices also Alex Worth place economically challenged students Bruin Reporter at a disadvantage; $6 a hitting session is far too much for without worrying about call- the average high schooler to ing off the match for dark- afford on a regular basis, let ness. Also, having lighting al- alone someone whose famlows players with after school ily is struggling to make ends commitments to find time to meet. play, especially during the One situation that somewinter months when the sun what baffles me is why team Two years ago the tennis facility was fully remodeled, including resurfaced courts, brand new fencing, a new storage shed, and most significantly court lighting. Oncourt lights bring a whole new facet to matches; the high energy atmosphere of a night match is way more intense than a regular match, and it also allows players to continue after the sun sets
captains and leaders aren’t allowed keys to the lights. When lights were first installed, the team leaders for the men’s and women’s tennis teams were given keys, as well as the coaches. However, at the end of the season they were confiscated, and none were returned to the varsity captains the next season. Keys have been given to the McMinnville Tennis Club, which plays over the summer on Wednesdays and Fridays, but no one deems it necessary to make lights more accessible to team members and students. The athletic directors need to rethink how they run the lighting system; the lights remain relatively out of use because of the ridiculously high prices for tokens, and the lack of keys to turn on the lights. Keys should be given to team captains in addition to the head and assistant coaches, and the price per token should be dropped to 25 cents each. Allowing players to use the lights more easily will do nothing but improve our tennis program, giving players more time on court.
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SPring break
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As winter winds down, and we pull on our rain boots in anticipation of the April showers, MHS students are really looking forward to a week off from school. Nothing is more appreciated than having a week to kick back, catch up on sleep, and hang out with friends. Homework isn’t a thought and no matter how much is assigned, it’s not going to get started before Sunday night anyway. Spring Break is about recovering our sanity, not continuing our education at home.
Varsity girls basketball
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The BRuin since 1918
CHRIS HADDELAND
Editor-in-Chief STEPHEN GRINICH News Editor JESSICA MCMILLIAN Sports Editor DOMINIC ALLEN Opinions Editor RYAN MARTIN Arts & Entertainment Editor WILL WATERBURY What’s Bruin Editor DYLAN LEATHERS Photo Editor ALFREDO MARTINEZ Business Editor OLIVIA NILAND Copy Editor KATHY BEYER Adviser
Contact The Bruin (503) 565-4159
Congratulations to the varsity girl’s basketball team for winning their first league game in three years. Not only was this a sweet victory for them and the entire MHS community, but it was also against school rival Newberg which made it all the better. Your hard work and character this year has really shown through your significant improvements from previous seasons, and we look forward to seeing more successes from you girls in the years to come. “Go Grizzly Bears!”
honk
The new MHS musical comedy “Honk” was an instant hit among all who witnessed it. With the crowd’s favorite scene of the wild goose chase, all who attended were roaring with laughter. All the acting and musical numbers were practiced to perfection, and anyone that saw it could easily tell that they had worked extremely hard to make it the quality performance it was. Great job cast, and Mrs. Deborah Johansen for bringing us quality entertainment.
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REPORTERS Bronte LaRue Grace McMillan Hayden Allen Alex Andersen Giovanni Galvez Joshua Stromme Jack Anderson McKenzie Barnes Karen Anaya Isaac Gutierrez Wyatt Waterbury Zev Egli Blake Egli Rocio Martinez Jesenia Martinez Ben Lentz Sandra Flores Jacob Weigel Mac Myers Aaron Haddeland Alex Worth Chad Springer Myles Horton Kyle Clinton Megan O’Leary Erica Bowman Jake Cummings Ryan Cornelison
National Awards of The Bruin
National Pace Maker award-winner for 2001, 2002, 2004 National Pace Maker Finalist for years 2000-2005 National Design of the Year 2001, 2002 All National awards are distributed by the National Scholastic Press Association The Opinions and Editorial pages are intended to educate and spark debate about issues that affect McMinnville High School and the community. Editorials represent the opinions of The Bruin’s editorial board. Other articles reflect the views of their authors. Letters to the Editor Policy
Letters should be limited to 200 words and may be subject to editing for libelous and/or obscene content as well as length. All letters must be signed and names will be published. Submission of material is not a guarantee of publication. Letters may be be dropped off in Room 227 or mailed to The Bruin, McMinnville High School, 615 E. 15th St., McMinnville, OR 97128.
The Bruin is a member of Quill and Scroll, International Honorary Society for High School Students, The Journalism Education Association, and Northwest Scholastic Press.
Hmmmmm.... Maybe the producers for Jersey Shore should take a hint. We can only handle so much of next to illiterate people making uncomprehendable amounts of money for working out, arguing, swearing, and drinking themselves to a realm of stupidity we never even thought possible. It gets old, and from the general consensus within MHS, it looks like “Snooky,”“Mike the Situation” and the rest of the crew are going to be looking for a real job within the coming months.
progress reports
Everyone dreads them. Especially when you didn’t know that they were coming and had gotten a little to comfortable with slacking off in a couple classes. That said, imagine if we didn’t have them? Without parents giving us a kick in the pants to get our grades up, we probably would let ourselves slip to the same grade level we gave this topic, a nice big “F.” That said though, we on The Bruin editorial board know how frustrating “the talk” is with your parents and wish those that weren’t lucky as us, the best!
Members of the Editorial Board include: Chris Haddeland
Stephen Grinich
Dominic Allen
Jessica McMillan
Editor-in-Chief
Opinions Editor
News Editor
Sports Editor
Final thoughts from your editor-in- chief
Priceless knowledge and experiences gained through the press will last a life time Over the past two and a half years I have been a member of The Bruin. I have held almost every type of position on the paper, from reporter to editor-in-chief. I’ve had a lot of fun, dealt with plenty of drama, and even got in a little bit of trouble. It was all worth it, and I wouldn’t trade my experiences for anything in the world.
Chris Haddeland Editor- In- Chief One of the great things about being a journalist is being able to attend a wide variety events. My favorite story that I ever covered was a rock climbing segment with senior Will Waterbury. We were able to go to Club Sport up in Tualatin, and got to experience the whole atmosphere of the athletic club. The Bruin is based on meeting deadlines. This is very difficult, and becomes even more treacherous when your class size expands from 20 kids to over 50, which has occurred in the past two years. As a reporter, I was always working last minute to turn my stories in, and as an editor I was constantly adjusting pages because of different variables, like
stories not being turned in or photos unable to be taken. The skill of making deadlines is the most important asset that I have gained by being a member of the paper, and I plan on using it as I pursue a degree and a career in a journalism field. As with most journalists, I always tried to push the boundaries with the content I produced. This would have not been possible without the support of our principal, Kris Olsen. Olsen had my back on every issue, and if a controversy did arise, he would support my decision and give me guidance. It is nice to have an administrator who understands the role of the press and is open to new ideas. I had another source of support over the past few years, and that was the advisor of The Bruin, Kathy Beyer. As the adviser, Beyer is there to make sure that the class functions. She fulfilled her role and did so much more. She gave great inspiration to every student in the class, and taught me more in the hour and a half I had her each day than any other teacher has through out my whole education. Her dedication to the paper keeps The Bruin running and alive, and she deserves much more credit than she receives. I have had a great experience at this high school and as a member of The Bruin. Every day is an adventure in creating this publication, and every staff member has contributed to making this one of the greatest high school papers in the country. I thank everyone for reading the paper and supporting us in our journey through high school.
T h e B r u i n : T h u r s d a y, 3 . 1 7 . 1 1
Opinions
A possible reimmersion of MACA into MHS
After separating four years ago, should MACA students really return to MHS? When the Media Arts & Communications Academy opened in 2008, many people in the community were left scratching their heads, puzzled about its purpose. Now, three years later, a host of unanswered questions still plague the offshoot of McMinnville High School, which enrolls about 220 students in grades 9-12 each year. With the McMinnville School District facing a dramatic budgeting shortfall over the course of the next five years, MACA’s fate is less clear, and more controversial, than
Olivia Niland Copy Editor ever before. The success, and validity, of MACA is an issue on which many people—students, staff, parents, etc.—remain divided. What’s clear, however, is that the District is several million dollars short of the funding it needs to continue operating as is, and therefore is currently toying with the ideas of four day schools weeks, larger classes, and fewer classes, among other things. With the undesirable prospect of 40-person classes and beloved teachers being laid off, some people
have suggested that the easiest, and most obvious, solution is to eliminate MACA entirely, for a savings of about $350,000 a year. For MACA students, of course, this obviously isn’t the easiest solution. Many former and current students have had a love-hate with the media-based school; some enjoy the freedom of the more flexible curriculum, while other students have complained that the school does little to keep students motivated or on-track to graduate. Either way, should MACA disappear, the change will undoubtedly affect students at both high schools. Though originally intended to place a large emphasis on technology, MACA has been reported by students as comparable in this regard to MHS’ own computer technology pathway, hence the proposal to compress MACA into a pathway at the main high school. Despite this, there is one aspect of MACA with which MHS would never be able to compete: its size. Educational specifics aside, one of the foremost reasons many MACA students have remained loyal to the school is the sheer fact that its small student body and campus allow for a much different learning atmosphere than the 1,800 student strong MHS. With smaller class sizes, MACA students enjoy a more hands-on approach in some classes, such as science, and more communication with teachers. At the heart of this issue, however, lies a mutual fear among both MACA and MHS students that a combined school would be-
come chaotically large, possibly even unmanageable, and even more students than ever would get lost in the fray. Given this, it’s easy to understand why some MACA students that they would become marginalized at MHS, which, while only a few hundred yards away, operates under different rules, disciplinary actions, graduation requirements, curriculums, etc. Personally, I don’t anticipate being apart of a 2,000 plus person student body next year, but it’s safe to say that, whatever action the school district takes on MACA, it won’t appease everyone. Should push come to shove, from what I’ve been told about MACA, I believe that converting it to a more inclusive media pathway at MHS would be more than satisfactory—from a purely educational standpoint. Should the two schools combine, however, it would also be the responsibility of the students, not solely the District, to ensure that the transition was a smooth one. This would entail a much larger emphasis on tolerance and cooperation than is often apparent in a high school. It would be critically important, should MACA and MHS merge, that the experience be mutually agreeable compromise, not a harmful sacrifice. Ideally, McMinnville would boast two separate, full fledged high schools. But if we all have to work together and get along, I believe that both MHS and MACA students would be up to this task. After all, students shouldn’t have to decide between a quality education and the peace of mind that their
ERica Bowman/ The Bruin
Lets take the “fortune” out of fortune cookies With fake fortunes, the end of the meal treat is nothing to look forward to
After being stuffed from a huge, but delightful meal of Chinese food you are given a fortune cookie. As you try to muscle down t h e cookie on top
Kyle Clinton Bruin Reporter of your full stomach, you find a piece of paper with some very small words. Once you get you magnifying glass to read what
the fortune says, you realize that the fortune was not worth your time to read. The cookie itself I think is the best part of the whole fortune cookie experience. It tastes good, even though it only lasts a short period from the time it enters your mouth and then you swallow it. Even if you accidentally eat the fortune with the cookie, it still will taste good since the cookie is just pure sugar and everybody likes sugar. Fortune cookies can be exciting to open, since you have no idea what they will say, but there are a few flaws in these surprises. One flaw for me is the tiny writing on some of the fortunes. They sometimes try to cram a detailed fortune on that
small piece of paper, but that can just strain your eyes. The other flaw would be the fact that the fortunes just aren’t as good as your expectations. They tend to be sayings or advice, not a fortune. Personally, I don’t want to crack open a fortune cookie and read “A friend is a present you give yourself.” Well, as nice as that is, how does that tell me something about the future? I would much rather read something like, “You will have a terrible fall in your future.” Now, that is a valuable piece of advice, since now I now know not to be around cliffs, jagged rocks, or stand to close to the curb on a sidewalk. It is bad enough that not every fortune is different, but it’s just a terrible experience to get
a double fortune and get the same fortune twice. Maybe that fortune is supposed to be doubly important, but I have feeling that is not important since the fortune is not a fortune to begin with. It is an equally poor experience to read your fortune to the people that are at you table and then have one of them say that they got the same thing. There needs to be some changes, like the piece of paper could be bigger so the fortune can be visible and can be more detailed, so you know exactly when your fortune will take place. Every fortune should be original, that way you never get the same fortune as your friend. Fortune cookies are a really unique concept that seem to entertain people, but I do not feel the same as some people.
Music in the halls on Mondays
Could this finally be the cure for the Monday blues? What could possibly be better then walking through the halls on Mondays during passing times with quirky music flowing through
Megan O’Leary Bruin Reporter the speakers? Nothing would be better, with the exception of not having a Monday. Almost anything would be a step up from the Monday ritual that’s going on now, but to get to enjoy music instead of the constant talking of bunches of strangers around you
would be very great! It could set the start of the week apart from the rest of the days, in a good way for once. I’m sure entertainment could soothe the Monday feeling at least a little bit. We all remember the Friday of Diversity week and on Valentines Day; even the people who didn’t care about the event enjoyed the music! Moods were lighter and everyone seemed to have had more fun then they do normally. If the music was kept spontaneous and random, people may be a little higher in spirits than on normal Mondays. A few people could be put in charge of finding four songs a week that are fun and interesting and put them into some theme that people could identify. The weeks could have themes about everything from Broadway show tunes to songs about food! Music is a diverse thing, and even if people don’t really like that type of music, people can all
relate one way or another to the beat. If music was played regularly on Mondays, some people may even become interested in being at school to hear what music is coming up next. The start of the week may never go away, but people can take charge and make it more worth the energy of dragging themselves out of bed early. Music is the most diverse thing I can think of, next to a smile, and people can all connect through it. If students in our school reached common ground on something, we may just make this whole place even better than it is now. People in high school are constantly moving, and music could help keep them moving the right direction. We all could feel more united, and get more done as a whole big group of grizzlies, instead of just one, because we decided to have music going through the halls during Monday passing periods.
Rap industry drops lyricism for dance moves The era left by Biggie has been disgraced by modern day rappers
In 1993, the unknown Brooklyn street rapper named Christopher Wallace, who liked to be called “Biggie” scribbled down a line that most rap fans know today: “I love it when you call me Big Poppa, throw ya hands in
Connor Farrell Bruin Reporter the air, if you a true playa.” His
hardcore story-telling style of poetry started the rap era, in my opinion. From the day that Notorious died, the ways of his lyrical stylings have been influencing musicians far and wide. But somewhere along the way, one young man fell off the wagon. A young rapper named Soulja Boy used about an ounce of talent to come up with the dance/ rap called “Crank That”. The outcome of this sad excuse for a song was a Grammy nomination, #1 on Billboards Hot 100, triple Platinum, and 40 million YouTube views. If you’ve never heard of the song, you obviously hid under a rock through all of 2007. There are exactly 717
words in “Crank That,” and after spending 10 tedious minutes counting, 192-200 of the words are either: crank, that, soulja, or boi. For those of you who don’t have a calculator handy, that is roughly 27 percent of the entire song. Ever since then, musicians have been putting the actual content of their music aside in order to try to create the next dance move. One well known example is the 2009 phase of the “Jerk.” During this phase, all of the lack-luster school dances featured about 3 songs where the entire population of the dance, which most of the time was about 30, circled around to watch the three kids who knew how to run backwards
in place embarrass themselves in front of a small get together. Most recently, groups like the Rangers and the Cali Swag District have made songs involving a dance move called the “Dougie.” The Cali Swag version actually is a little catchy, but still not actual music. Basketball fans enjoy flexing to the left and throwing the metaphorical money out of their hands when they do the “John Wall.” I could go on for miles about how music today would really just be considered noise if it were debuted years ago. I guess what I’m trying to say is that it would be nice if people would stop trying to dance and start actually trying to write a good rhyme.
3-D, you’re just not for me
A5
Third dimension doesn’t live up to the hype The concept of 3-D movies started in 1952, but the huge craze of a lot of movies coming out in 3-D didn’t happen until around 2003. The majority of these films were small budget and were not released in most theaters, but mainly released in I-MAX theaters. I was one of many people who was really excited about 3-D movies, but then when I saw my first one my first thought “what was really different?” besides wearing glasses. Avatar was really good in 2-D, so I figured
Kyle Clinton Bruin Reporter that the movie in 3-D would be even better with objects flying at you from the screen. To my dismay there weren’t any flying objects. In fact, I thought that the only change was that certain parts on the screen were rounded more than usual. I didn’t really think that the extra money was worth the experience, since the movie was not any better than the first time I watched the movie. 3-D movies are meant to enhance the movie experience by making it seem like you are in the movie, and to making the movie seem more life like. I don’t get that experience when watching these movies, since you can see more than the screen, like your surroundings in the room you are in. The glasses to me are one down fall to 3-D movies. They tend to fall off my face, and I have to readjust them all the time. I am unable to focus on the movie that I am trying to watch, and they make me uncomfortable. For me the glasses even hurt my eyes, 2-D tends to be seamless, and just go from scene to scene well while the 3-D movies seem choppy. I have heard friends of mine say that they like 3-D movies more than 2-D, but 3-D just isn’t for me. I think watching a 3-D movie is something you have to do for yourself, since everybody will have a different experience and have different likes and dislikes about their cinematic adventure.
MLS comes to Portland
A nice addition for professional soccer For a long time, the only professional sports venue in Oregon has been the Trailblazers, but nothing more. This year, a new experience will be offered at PGE Park: a Portland based MLS Soccer team, the Portland Timbers. This is a great opportunity for all Oregonians to experience top-level, professional athletic performance close to home. PGE Park was previously home to the Portland Beavers minor league baseball team, and the Portland Lumberjacks lacrosse team. With the soccer venue comes a highly increased demand for seating, which meant vast expansions in the PGE Park’s stadium seating. The brand new
Alex Worth Bruin Reporter renovation will result in a capacity of 20,000 people, a new Adidas team store, a restaurant and bar, a public plaza, group decks, and a brand new playing surface. The renovation is still in progress, and is scheduled for completion by the end of March or beginning of April, in time for the official MLS spring season’s beginning. Hype has been building about the new team for months, and excitement will reach its peak right before the first MLS game of the season, on April 14. The Timbers will start off their debut season with a home match against Chicago Fire, with kickoff scheduled for 8 P.M. Timber fans also scored a bit of luck when they won the coin flip to host a first round US Open Cup (USOC) qualifying match against Chivas-USA in March, which promises good competition and a great draw-in for team supporters. If the Timbers win, they will play against the number two seeded San Jose Earthquakes. In short, the new Timbers venue at PGE Park is a great opportunity for locals to experience top-notch soccer up close and in person. The new stadium, PGE-hosted game for the first qualifying round of the USOC playoffs, and fresh start for a novelty professional team in Oregon will provide a new twist on local entertainment.
A &E
A6
COLD WAR KIDS
by JACK ANDERSON It’s only been four years since the Cold War Kids released their last album, Robbers and Cowards, but judging by the level of adoration of the crowd it could have easily been twenty. The night was Friday, March 4, and their sold-out show at the WOW Hall in Eugene, Oregon was packed with eager indie college kids. Before the Cold War Kids made their appearance, there was an opening performance by A Lull, a band from Chicago. Without haste, the Cold War Kids were ecstatically welcomed to the stage. They kicked off their set with “Royal Blue,” from their latest album Mine Is Yours. The indie-rock foursome ignited their high-energy act and maintained it through the rest of their set. After the first song ended, lead singer Nathan Willet smoothly introduced themselves, and informed the crowd they were going to play a lot of songs from their new album, “If that’s okay with you.” It was great to hear “Mexican Dogs” from their earlier album Loyalty to Loyalty, which slowed things down good-naturedly for the time being with the chug-chug-chug guitar rift complemented by the beat of pounding drums. A few plucks from bassist Matt Maust gave way
to “Hang Me Up To Dry,” with a wild reaction from the crowd. The song had Willet stretching his unique vocals to the limit. It ended with Willet’s vocals hanging over the steady drum snare, “You wrung me out too, too, too many times.” The Cold War Kids not only have raw talent, but also character. While slapping the bass, Maust would give the singer a light kick in a playful “Get out’a here” manner. The musicians would also occasionally engage in a trend involving body jousting with each other, all in good fun. Before too long, the opening stanza of “Hospital Beds” was played and received one of the biggest sing-a-longs of the night with the infectious lyrics, “Put out the fire boys. Don’t stop! Don’t stop! Put out the fire on us.” The band made a temporary disappearance before returning for their smashing encore. The encore consisted of their hits “Flying Upside Down,” “We Used To Vacation”, and finally but not least, arguably their best song, “Saint John.” Their last song was executed flawlessly. The acoustics of “Saint John” and Willet’s departing words, “Thank you guys, it’s been a lot of fun. Thank you for singing along. We’ll be back sometime, sometime soon. Thank you,” left goose bumps on the skin of many.
Random Facts A list of fun facts that you will never need to know, but will always find somewhat interesting - Until the 1960’s, men with long hair were not allowed into Disneyland - As a baby, Jay-Z weighed a whopping 10 pounds 8 oz - Barbie’s full name is Barbara Millicent Roberts. - 30% of Chinese adults live with their parents.
Britney is Back
With her last album, “Circus,” selling over four million copies, Britney Spears had a big weight on her shoulders to make another hit album. Thankfully, she delivered. With tracks leaking everyday, the album, which is shaping up to be a mix of traditional dance/pop records and hip/hop, is already being called her After a massive world tour and a best best work yet by critics who have had a selling album, Britney is back in full chance to hear the whole album. After force with her album, “Femme Fatale.” spending a few years in a downward The albums first single, “Hold It Against spiral, Britney has returned to the top of the pop game, showing those who came Me,” went to #1 after four days of after her, how it’s done. release.
T h e B r u i n : T h u r s d a y, 3 . 1 7 . 1 1
@ WOW HALL in Eugene (LIVE in concert)
JACK ANDERSON / The Bruin
Bon appetit
Small Space, Big Flavor
Album Review
Lupe Fiasco is back with hot new album After the critical and commercial successes of his 2006 debut album Food & Liquor and his 2007 follow-up The Cool, Fiasco has undoubtedly established himself as one of the most progressive rappers of our generation
by RYAN CORNEILSON
I
f the headphones are still kicking and pushing to Lupe Fiascos sophomore album “The Cool”, then Fiascos latest “Lasers,” will certainly hit at home. “Lasers” is easily one of the most anticipated albums of 2011. It dropped March 8 after a long wait, and a much over play of pre-Lasers. The mix tapes prior to Lasers provoked the excitement of many listeners. With this new one Fiasco brings a more modern side to what the general public knows as “hiphop.” He has his own style of the genre, which offers not only the stereotypes of rap, but a smooth blend of funk, reggae, alternative, as well as electronic. In recent headlines Fiasco has been idolized as apathetic and negative towards his own album, claiming some of the new music has not been in his best interest. The feud between Atlantic Records and Fiasco has definitely not affected the quality. Lasers opens with Letting
Cover Flow
Lupe Fiasco
Lasers (Atlantic, 2011)
Sounds Like:
A troubled teenage boy with a microphone
For Fans of:
Progressive hip-hop beats and intelligent lyrics Go (featuring Sarah Green), track number one gives the effect of an impatient society. Lupe brings in his detailed opinion of Obama’s policies as well as budget cuts in “Words I Never Said.” “Till I get there” and “I Don’t Wanna Care Right Now” gives Fiasco’s emotion just in the title of the track list. “Till I Get There” offers
DIANE SELVY/ The Bruin
Orchards Bistro gives diners the chance to experience the flair of gourmet food in the comfortable setting of a quaint space.
Photo courtesy of LupeFiasco.com
Lupe Fiasco blasted on to the scene in 2006, breaking the typical picture of what a rapper should be with both his style and lyrics. the new school piano vibe, with lyrical content at its peak. “I Don’t Wanna Care Right Now” combines up beat melodies with fast pace vocal rhythms. With songs appearing one after another, the two give examples of the variety of the whole entire album. Out of my head introduces a popular favorite in R&B, Trey Songz backs up Lupe’s intense rhymes with a soulful chorus. Throughout the whole mix of the set list Lupe expresses his deepest demons then best way he can. He brings out his alternative side with “The Show Goes On”; at first listen it’s easy to spot the similar melody of Modest Mouse’s “Float On.” The addition of using different genres to accompany beats is becoming popular among the rap community. Lupe uses alternative rap to create a combination of soothing musical genius. Towards the end of the forty seven minutes
Fiasco discusses his coming up in the music game, along with the stress and struggles he remains one of the most lyrical artists in hip hop today. “All Black Everything” hits hard in the area of journalism and racial tensions of the mid 20th century. Comments all over the net have exploited the pros and cons of Lasers, that being said it will continue to reach heights never seen before. To wrap up a well produced studio album, John Legend gets on “Never Forget You.” Legend’s smooth voice along with Lupe’s verses makes the final track a success. The message is to never forget the things that great men and women have done. “The show will go on”- Lupe Fiasco.
Key Songs
“The Show Goes On” “Letting Go” “Coming Up” “Break the Chain”
Mixing the best of casual and sophisticated dining, Orchards Bistro stands amidst other 3rd Street eateries as not only one of the most delicious, but also one of the greatest by RYAN MARTIN & DIANE SELVY Before deciding to have lunch at Orchards Bistro, we both had the exact same thought popped into our heads, “do we even have enough money to be going in here right now?” Images of six digit prices flashed before our eyes. Little did we know that while Orchards Bistro holds all the sophistication that a trendy New York restaurant has, it also comes with affordable prices. Sitting inside the resturant itself gave us the feel that we were in an episode of Gossip Girl. Our tables, covered in butcher paper, kept us entertained in between ordering and feasting upon the amazing food. The menu. Oh the menu. From dishes ranging from ginger duck salad to gourmet mac and cheese there is something for everyone. When the main course was over, of course being teenage boys, we had room for desert. Featuring a new homemade ice cream flavor each month, our desert was nothing short of spectacular. Also serving breakfast, Orchards Bistro features such morning dishes as gluten free waffles and breaskfast burritos, for those of us who prefer actual good food, rather than an egg McMuffin. At the end of our journey a la cuisine, we were left with a resonably priced bill of $11 for each of us. Comapred to other restaurants in McMinnville that feature similar foods and ambiance, Orchards Bistro stands out. From the food, to the service, everything was great. In a town, not particularly known for its eateries, Orchards Bistro is helping in the fight to take McMinnvile from ghetto to gourmet.
A&E
Hollywood Crumbles
With the biggest number of sequels, remakes and prequals the film industry has ever seen in one year, 2011 in shaping up to be one of the most unoriginal years in film history ever
It is that time of the year again, the time when all of the Bruin seniors, who have over extended their welcome, thankfully get to call this their last issue. But before they bid farewell they had one last task, choosing their favorite songs.
best selling albums of all time
Photos courtesy of Wikipedia
Album Review
4
2011 2011 2011
Number of iTunes users
The number of singles on iTunes that have sold over 4 million digital copies
Will Waterbury Zev Egli
“Ay Bay Bay” - Hurricane Chris
Erica Bowman
“American Baby” - Dave Matthews Band
Ben Lentz
“Andria” - La Dispute
Alex Worth
“I Wish I Knew Natalie Portman” - K-OS
Alfredo Martinez
“Work It” - Missy Elliot
Bronte LaRue
“Try A Little Tenderness” - Otis Redding
Dominic Allen
“Warning” - The Notorious B.I.G
Jake Cummings
“Montego Slay” - People Under the Stairs
Kyle Clinton
“Thank you Baby” - Wiz Khalifa
“Welcome to Burlesque”- Cher
Ranger Wallace
“Are You That Somebody?” - Aaliyah
iPad 2
Hailing from our very own Portland, Oregon, the dance/indie punk band Hockey has been making waves within the new wave of bands that have been emerging in these past years
Photo courtesy of Hockey.com
After being placed on the “50 Emerging Artists” list in Beyond Race magazine, Hockey has seen not only a jump in album sales, but have also found a whole new group of fans.
With influences ranging from Arctic Monkeys to LCD Sound system, the Portland born band, Hockey has begun to make a name for themselves in the music scene. But the road to popularity hasn’t been one paved with gold for the indie pop/ punk rock band. Hockey consists of singer Benjamin Grubin, guitarist Brian Stuart White, bassist Jeremy Reynolds, drummer Anthony Stassi and keyboardist Ryan Dolliver. All were friends in high school beHockey fore they decided to record their own mix tape in Mind Chaos (Capitol, 2009) 2008, Mind Chaos, which they sent out to several Sounds Like: local record companies. After being turned down Thrilling pop music getting in by almost everyone in the business for being too a car crash with indie music “pop/rock,” Hockey had their break. A record producer at Capitol Records in Los Angeles stumbled For Fans of: upon the mix tape by accident, after a shipment Passion Pit, Ironic things, of records got switched around. One the tape was Jumping around and love played for the independent label, Hockey was signed. by RYAN MARTIN
’ g g i i n D
CRATE
The Decemberists The King Is Dead (2011) vates listeners. The King Is Dead gives off a flavor of Americana and roots rock infused with the perfect measure of blues, soul, and folk. The Decemberists use their well-liked storytelling skills to sketch lyrical images in The King is Dead. As American as the album’s sound is, it maintains that indie vibe that makes the band so attractive to audiences. Another notable track is “Calamity Song,” featuring R.E.M.
While the Portland quintet openly welcomes the brand of indie/pop rockers they have been branded, they are still trying to make their own path in the music scene that is flooded with similar hipster rock/dance musicians. Mind Chaos features sounds ranging from slow ballads with a dance edge, to up-tempo pop music, infused with techno. Standout songs like “3 AM Spanish” and “Wanna Be Black” really encompass the fun and free feeling that the whole album has. After touring with the band Passion Pit over the last two years, Hockey has been popping up on up and coming lists everywhere, and their album cracked the top 200 selling albums of 2010 list. In a genre full of music that all sounds the same, Hockey is breaking down barriers, and giving all Portland bands something to look up to.
INSIDE THE
BruinDen
Just like Rotten Tomatoes, but with harsher comments
Bruin Staff members’ favorite releases, recent or otherwise
Stomping from Portland, Oregon, the British-inspired folk-rock band The Decemberists has released a new album, The King Is Dead. This fresh, 10-track album highlights the band’s raw musical talent. The brass wailing of a harmonica, pounding drumbeat, and flowing guitar of the breezy opening track “Don’t Carry It All” immediately capti-
“Whisper Song” - Ying Yang Twins
Myles Horton
Portland band make a name for themselves Cover Flow
Diane Selvy
2011 2011 2011 2011 2011 2011
492,677,587 The combined total of the top ten
160,000,000
“Cutter Is Back” - Kid Cudi
2011 2011
45%
The drop in album sales since the creation of the digital purchase of music was created
Number of singles sold on iTunes since created
Chris Haddeland (Editor-In-Chief 10-11)
“Slow Jamz” - Kanye West feat. Twista
2011 2011 Photos courtesy of WIKIPEDIA
6,125,344,128
Number of combined total copies sold by the top two selling albums of 2010
Here are the Bruin seniors favorite songs that got them through what is hopefully their final year in High School
2011 2011 2011 2011 2011
Scream 4 Cars 2
BY THE NUMB3RS
21,476,564
1 1 0 2 e y b d o o G ! ! s r o i n e S n i u r B Mixtape
Upcoming Unoriginal Movies
Fast Five Kung Fu Panda 2 Pirates of the Caribbean 4 Green Lantern The Smurfs Johnny English Reborn
A7
2011 2011
The New Year should to be a time for innovation, hope and renewed energy in the world of cinema. So when movie moguls Harvey and Bob Weinstein recently announced details of a deal for a series of remakes, sequels and TV shows based on their film classics, the collective sigh of despair from film critics was enough to make the most out of touch Hollywood observer take notice. A look at the roster of expected films for 2011 reveals that Hollywood, now run by tumbling marketing costs and a pinched bottom line, is retreating into the safe bets of sequels, do-over’s or films based on bestsellers and theme park rides. Coming to a multiplex near you are such franchised delights as Journey to the Centre of the Earth 2, Sherlock Holmes 2, a new X-Men series, Happy Feet 2, The Hangover 2 and the eighth Harry Potter film. But while there may be a creativity drought in the world of film, there are a few rays of light. One of last year’s biggest hits was Inception, a multidimensional thriller set in a series of dream worlds. It had Oscar nominee Leonardo Di-
Of course, sequels and remakes do not have to be bad. The recent reboot of classic western True Grit, directed by the Coen brothers, has been a critical success. Indeed, Hollywood has been remaking and rebooting and churning out sequels since it first started making movies at the start of the last century. Some all-time greats, such as The Godfather Part II and The Empire Strikes Back, were sequels. While there is not exactly a flood of creativity in Hollywood at the moment, there are still a few movies that give a shining hope to movie lovers. And even though we will most likely be seeing a Pirates of the Caribbean 34 by the time we graduate college, there is no doubt that we will keep returning to cinemas to check out the latest big budget film of the moment.
2011 2011 2011 2011 2011
by RYAN MARTIN
Caprio as its star, but flouted most of the Hollywood standards of what a blockbuster really is. It was long, complex in its plot and had an ambiguous ending that deliberately left its audience wondering and wanting an answer. There was certainly no kiss against a sunset and a gradual fade to black. Yet Inception was both a critical and a box-office smash, raking in hundreds of millions of dollars across the globe. But while Inception was both a critical and financial gem, it took years to produce after studio execs voiced their concerns that audiences were not smart enough and willing enough to grasp the concept that Christopher Nolan had laid out. Finally Warner Bros. decided to let Nolan make the film as compensation that he would return to direct that much anticipated Batman 3. Another original idea, the thriller film Black Swan, was also a huge hit. It was one of the top earners last year, yet it was not based on a toy, a graphic novel or a prequel. The success of these films, and a few others, even prompted the New York Times to write a feature praising a new dawn in film of originality in big budget movies.
Bruin’s
The
2011 2011 2011 2011 2011
T h e B r u i n : T h u r s d a y, 3 . 1 7 . 1 1
band member Gillian Welch. R.E.M.’s Peter Buck and Gillian Welch appear in several tracks on the record. “Rise To Me” is a noteworthy acoustic work of art that is brushed by steelpedal guitar and wellmatched harmonica. Those who once frowned upon The Decemberists for their fussy, overworked creative pieces can sigh no more, for the band has dropped that style completely. The natural sounds and thoughtful use of harmonica and banjo throughout the album are pleasing to the ear. -Jack Anderson
Even though Rango is the billionth animated movie to come out that features a cute talking animal, Rango breaks the mold by actually having substance. With voices ranging from Johnny Depp to Alfred Molina, the film, from start to finish is flawless. In a world dominated by Pixar, Dreamworks has finally made something of topping the box office. While Amanda Seyfried is one of the biggest rising stars of the moment, her charm is not enough to save Red Riding Hood from dull male leads and a weak plot. Director Catherine Hardwicke needs to learn that the moody style that didn’t work for Twilight, still doesnt work! Red Riding Hood takes a classic story and drained its blood.
Thinner. Lighter. Who Cares?
Apple has a new iPad on the way, but you’ve probably gotten pretty close to your original model. For the first-generation product, the Apple iPad is a great tablet that can do tons of different things and has made millions. Sure the iPad 2 is more compact, faster and has a camera, but do we really care? By the time the iPad 2 comes out and you buy it, the iPad 3 will already be announced and you will feel stupid. With Apple releasing something new every other day, do we really want to spend the money on something that will be outdated within hours?
Bruin’s
The
SIDE NOTES
For those with small attention span
Hey Charlie Sheen! Shut Up!
After months of strange behavior and annoying outbursts, Charlie Sheen was fired from his role on the hit sitcom, “Two and a Half Men.” Since being let go from the show, Sheen has decided to sue the studio that produces the show for $100 million dollars.
How You Doin?
The cast for the most recent season of the show “Dancing with the Stars” was annunced a week ago, and with stars like radio personality Wendy Williams and “actress” Kirstie Alley set to take the floor, this will sure be a season to remember.
Sticky Fingers
Troubled actress Lindsay Lohan has been in and out of jail this month on charges of violating probation and the alleged theft of a diamond necklace. The singer, who was recently released from jail, denies all claims of theft.
Adele Shines Bright
Singer Adele is riding the wave of success after her latest album, “21,” spent two weeks atop the best selling albums chart earlier this month. The album has already been certified platinum in America.
T h e B r u i n : T h u r s d a y, 3 . 1 7 . 1 1
A8
Features
Ride
Ryan Cornelison / The Bruin
n
Students and teachers ride their bikes to school every day to limit pollution, or purely for pleasure
lon r gal ould e p ¢ w A 10 on gas bon car ase incre vehicle he US r t lowe ions in %. s 5 s emi about 1. by
Ryan Cornelison / The Bruin
Russel Weaver riding his bike around the school on a sunny day after school. Weaver rides his bike to school almost every day and enjoys every minute of it.
by LAYNE PENDLETON Teachers from McMinnville High School are doing their part to help out the environment by riding their bikes to and from school. They’re avoiding cars and the burning of harmful fossil fuels as much as humanly possible. “I’d rather ride my bike and use up my own carbon source, not fossil fuels,” said science teacher Laura Syring. These inspiring educators don’t just share a love for cycling, they actually have a lot in common. For one thing, their reasons for starting to bike in the first place are almost identical. Going green is the major theme. “I ride because it’s healthier and I don’t live too far from the school,” said librarian Russell Weaver. “I wanted to reduce my carbon footprint and be healthier,” said Syring. But why ride your bike when you can just take the nice, warm car? What’s so great about that bike? According to Syring, riding a bike in the morning to school is an amazing way to wake you up quick. She said she’s not a coffee drinker, so she can’t wake herself up that way. Syring declared that the best way to wake up is with a good brain freeze from the wind. “It really wakes you up,” said science teacher Cory Eklund. “It’s good to get my blood flowing in the morning and to get energy,” said Weaver. Not only is it better for the environment to ride bikes instead driving, but it’s also better for your body. Biking is a great source of exercise as well as a good transportation method. “I ride my bike because I live close and because it’s a good way to get in shape,” said Eklund. For the most part, these teachers ride their bikes to work every day. It’s not often that they choose a car over a bike. When they do though, it’s for a respectable reason. “I only take the car when I have to haul books or boxes to the school,” said Weaver. “It’s only when I have equipment to bring in that I don’t ride my bike,” said Syring. An additional thing these teachers share is that they all conveniently live about a mile from the high school. Coincidence? “I live about a mile away,” said Weaver. “It actually takes the same amount of time to ride here as it would to drive here, just about six minutes. That’s another reason why I chose to bike instead of ride.” “It’s nice because it only takes me five minutes to get here,” said Syring. “And I also get to ride right up to the school. I don’t have to park far away and then walk a long ways. It’s easier this way.” According to Mark Bunker, another bike riding teacher
from MHS, he lives exactly – emphasis on the “exactly” – one mile from the school. “It’s more convenient to ride,” said Bunker. Being too far away from the school isn’t the problem for these teachers. There aren’t many negatives to bike riding. However, one flaw, occurring especially in Oregon, is the weather. That’s just one more thing these teachers have in common. “The worst part about riding to school is when it’s pouring down rain,” said Weaver. “I definitely don’t like biking when the weather is bad,” said Eklund. “Riding against the wind is the worst,” said Syring. “I feel like I’m not getting anywhere even though I’m pedaling so hard.” It seems as though these teachers have everything in common. There is one thing however that they do not share – the amount of time they’ve been commuting to and from school by bike. Bunker has been doing so for the longest, stating he’s ridden for decades. “I’ve been a commuter for ten years now,” said Syring. Eklund has been cycling to school for two years, and Weaver has been riding since the end of last year. Whether they’ve been riding for a long time, or if they’ve just begun, their efforts are greatly appreciated. They’re helping save the planet a little bit at a time. Teachers aren’t the only ones biking to school. Biking is an activity that people of all ages can take part in. Students are also contributing to the reduction of carbon footprints. Sophomore Isaiah Case has been riding his bike to school since his freshman year. He began riding for practical reasons. “I started biking to school because when I walked, I was always late,” said Case. He too lives about a mile from the school, and enjoys the ride in the morning. “The best part about riding my bike is the wind in my hair,” said Case. Sophomore Reza Refaei also rides his bike to school. He’s been riding his bike for as long as he can remember. “I enjoy riding my bike because it lets me take time to slow down and enjoy my surroundings,” said Refaei. Refaei also appreciates that he’s helping out the environment at the same time. “It’s good to know that I’m reducing my carbon footprint by doing something I already like to do,” said Refaei. “The weather isn’t always great, but I still enjoy the ride.” Case and Refaei are just two of many students who are biking to school. They, along with the others, are setting a great example. A big thank you goes out to all those who ride their bike to school – or even just around town. You’re doing a favor to yourself, and to the environment.
Ryan Cornelison / The Bruin
Ryan Cornelison / The Bruin
LEFT: Laura Syring posing with her bike nearby the school. Syring started riding her bike to reduce her carbon footprint. ABOVE: Weaver takes a sharp turn around a corner. He likes that cycling is healthier for him and the environment.
Everytime you ride instead of drive, on average, you prevent 1lb of CO2 emissions per mile.
Commuting by bike creates in stant return on the si mplest biofuel – human energy.
s 508 n r u b t s averb cycli l n 0 O 4 . 1 r A n hou 3lbs the a n i s calorie rson loses 1 . pe biking f age, a o r a first ye
The US could save 462 million gallons of gas a year by increasing cycling from 1% to 1.5%
A short, four mil e bike ride kee ps about 15 poun of pollut ds ants out of the ai r we breat he.
INSIDE THIS SECTION
Track Preview B2
GIRLS GOLF
B3
With leader Rachel Payne out, the Lady Grizz want to rebuild
OSAA State Swimming B2
Baseball Preview B3
Man Bites Dog B4
S PORTS
Senioritis B4
SECTION
B
3.17.11
Chris Haddeland, Thommy small, pedro martinez / The Bruin
An unlikely
commodity Only five, four year, three-sport athletes make-up the senior class of 2011
by GRACE MCMILLAN Three-sport athletes seem to be slowly becoming a dying breed as many athletes choose to specialize in one sport. In fact, there are only five three-sport athletes in McMinnville High School’s 2011 senior class overall. These three-sport athletes include seniors Britnee Niehus, Zev Egli, Megan Miglioretto, Devin Hayes and Jake Montgomery. They would admit that it’s not easy, and that playing three sports has its downfalls, but overall the seniors find enjoyment through all the stresses that participating in three sports brings. “I like playing all three sports,” said Niehus, a volleyball, basketball, and softball contributor. “It was a goal I had as a little kid.”
Three-sport athletes are a dying breed for three reasons. One justification is that the difficulty of school work, sports and other school-related activities sometimes drives athletes to take a “break” from playing three sports. With the new play-in game system, sports season goes a little bit longer, causing there to be a shorter transition between one sports season and another. “I like playing three sports most of the time,” said Niehus. “I don’t have any free time, but I like the people that I’m around.” For some three-sport athletes, being occupied most of the year is a benefit, not a disadvantage, as it seems to keep students out of trouble. “It keeps me occupied 365 days a year,” said Egli, who plays football, basketball, and baseball. “And off the drug-ridden streets of east Mac Town.”
“Playing three sports gives me less time to do homework,” said Miglioretto. “But it really doesn’t affect my grades.” Another drawback to playing three sports is that classes at the end of the day get missed for the occasional competition out of town. Also, for away games athletes return late and have minimal time to finish homework due the next day. “You are busy every night, so playing three sports doesn’t give you much time to do homework,” said Egli. “When you have a math class at the end of the day it tends to be missed for away games.” “Playing three sports gives me less time to do homework,” said Miglioretto. “But it really doesn’t affect my grades.” In a study done at Pinckney High Please see 3-SPORT, Page B3
Maturity occurs to young team in offseason With few seniors, but many returning starters, the Lady Grizz look to improve from last year’s record by ALEX ANDERSON
RYAN CORNELISON / The Bruin
Junior Kaylynn Chrisman practices bunting in practice last week and Jordan Williams pitches to a teamate. The first game is on March 21 at Clackamas.
INSIDE SPORTS an outside look on what’s inside
The skies begin to clear, the sun emerges, the flowers begin to bloom and the temperatures begin to plummet. It’s spring time, and with the sudden change of winter to spring, not only does the weather change, but sports shift from indoors to outdoors, signifying softball is in full swing. The first practice for McMinnville High School spring sports began on Feb. 28; the results were gloomy conditions and steady rainfall. Regardless, moods at practice were upbeat and optimistic towards the upcoming season, which starts March 16 against the Lakeridge Pacers. This further proves how much the Grizzlies will be tested in their tough non-conference schedule, which includes numerous teams ranked in the pre-season top ten. “League will be tough, especially with the addition of Glencoe, the prior state champions, and when you add in our nonconference schedule which faces many preseason favorites for state, it sure will be a challenge,” said junior Taylor McAnally.
McAnally gives this team vital experience with two prior years of varsity time, earning valuable minutes as a freshman. Her position preference includes outfield and second base. With each season, McAnally has focused on certain aspects of her game in order to continually improve. “Even though I’ve had past success with the team, in prior years I’ve strived to improve in order to maintain my starting spot, and get ready for conference play,” said McAnally. After three league titles in a row from the years of 2006-2009 the Grizzlies earned a dismal 7-8 record, and eventually lost to Forest Grove in a play-in game. The Grizzlies softball team is led by many underclassmen and juniors, but known for their pair of seniors. With the departure of three vital senior contributors: Sam O’Leary, Chauntae Sublet, and Karli Olsen, one in particular is taking the reigns and taking her talents to the collegiate ranks; senior pitcher Please see SOFTBALL, Page B2
GIRLS TENNIS BOYS & GIRLS TRACK PREVIEW PREVIEW B2 B2
ISAAC GUTIERREZ / The Bruin
Freshman Robbie Thomas practices his putting during the first week of practice. The boys look to contend for a league title this year.
Starters return
Experience helps young squad in league by ALEX ANDERSEN Although conditions for spring sports haven’t been ideal thus far, the 2011 boys golf squad continues to brave the elements in order to be fully prepared for the upcoming season. While the Grizzlies may be lacking upperclassmen, there’s no shortage in experience, a monumental piece to a successful season. Coached by Jas Carpenter, the Grizzlies have a considerable amount of varsity members from last year, but with the returning talent, fresh new faces are added Please see BOYS GOLF, Page B2
Sports
T h e B r u i n : T hu r s d ay, 3 . 1 7 . 1 1
Boys Swimming
B2
OSAA State Championships
The boys swim team watches as Lincoln receives their first place medals for the 200 Free Relay. The boys placed second in the event at Mount Hood Community College for the OSAA State Championships. “It was a great group of people, most of my best friends swim. It was really competitive and it was good to be apart of a winning team,” said junior Stephen Grinich. The boys placed sixth at state and the girls placed seventh.
FREDO MARTINEZ/ The Bruin
NOTE WORTHY Barcelona
El heat woes
Is coasting as one of the top teams in the world. Even when they had several starters sitting out in the recent game against Real Zaragoza, they still pulled out a victory [1-0].
The Miami Heat had better get it figured out before the playoffs start if they even want to get by the Celtics or the Magic. After going on a five game losing streak, the Heat need to get a more reliable bench and learn how to score with other people besides Lebron and Wade. Chris Bosh also needs to figure out how to score again after getting repeatedly dominated in the post.
2 year extension
The much heralded head Blazers coach Nate McMillan signed a 2-year extension, much to the delight of the fans. McMillan has led the Blazers from a big joke to playoff McMillan contention Coach for in just a few six years short years. Fans breathed a sigh of relief after the decision was made because it was speculated that he would not return after this season. The Blazers look to be in the top half of Western Conference.
MARCH MADNESS TOP FOUR SEEDS a. Ohio State b. Duke c. Pitt d. Kansas PAC-10 TEAMS IN TOURNEY a. Washington b. UCLA c. USC d. Arizona SNUBBED? a. Colorado b. Virginia Tech
athlete of the issue Ashante Horsley
SOFTBALL: Young team has matured Continued from Page B1 Jourdan Williams, who’s looking to end her Mac High stint on a good note. “I want to win league, and make a run into the playoffs,” said Williams even though there’s much pressure, I feel like we’ll rise to the occasion.” Third baseman and fellow senior teammate of Williams is Britnee Niehus, each team who has had success in prior years prides
[7-8]
League record for the softball team last year
themselves in one specific area of the game. To Niehus, defense is a focal point for this year’s squad, which is important because defense wins championships, something the Grizzlies aspire to achieve. “Our strength is definitely our defense,” said Niehus. “However, our hitting has improved admirably.” A team with strong senior leadership and contributors from underclassmen and upperclassmen alike looks promising for the Grizzlies. With a tough non-conference schedule, it will only lead to a more successful run into the playoffs, a main motive for the talented group of seniors and upperclassmen.
Mug courtesy of WIKIPEDIA.ORG
Blazer Beat Starters:
#24 Andre Miller #2 Wesley Matthews #88 Nicholas Batum #12 LaMarcus Aldridge #23 Marcus Camby
G G F F C
ISAAC GUTIERREZ / The Bruin
Junior Jordan Hollady talks with coach Jazz Carpenter during practice. The first tournament is March 14.
Head Coach Nate McMillan leading scorer leading rebounder leader in assists leader in blocks leader in steals
22.3pg 10.8pg 7.2pg 1.7pg 1.7pg
LaMarcus Aldridge Marcus Camby Andre Miller Marcus Camby Gerald Wallace
UPCOMING GAMES: vs. Cleveland Thu. 17 vs. Philadelphia Sat. 19 @ LA Lakers Sun. 20 Northwest Division Standings: W L Team CONF OK City 42 23 23-17 Denver 39 27 22-19 Portland 37 29 22-17 Utah 34 33 17-22 Minnesota 17 51 7-35
GB 3½ 5½ 9 26½
& Q
The Bruin sat down with junior sprinter Ashante Horsley to discuss the future of her career and what she’s looking forward to.
A
Bruin: What inspires you to run?
7 p.m. [NBATV] 7 p.m. 6:30 p.m. PCT. 0.635 0.585 0.578 0.523 0.242
DYLAN LEATHERS / The Bruin
Ashante: The drive to get better. Bruin: Why do you enjoy it?
STRK W2 W3 L2 L2 L1
Ashante: I want to do track in college and these are the steps to get me here. Bruin: What is your favorite race to run? Ashante: The 200 meters. It’s in the middle and it’s fun.
CBS Sports/wikipedia
All-League Athletes at MHS: WINTER Sports
First Team Drew Wickman Katie Porter Clara Hammel Brooklyn Neubig Grace Lawson Matthew Chauvin Shawn Hui Stuart Chauvin Blake Tillery Matthew Valentine Stephen Grinich Chris Pearson
Basketball Swimming Swimming Swimming Swimming Swimming Swimming Swimming Swimming Swimming Swimming Wrestling
Coach of the Year Honors Willie Graham, Boys Basketball
Second Team Brandon Harris Zev Egli Ariel Oliver Clara Hammel Brooklyn Neubig Grace Lawson Jocefin Eriksson Rebekah Wood Ashley Kniola Matthew Valentine Stuart Chauvin Blake Tillery Steven Grinich Sam Lundeen Dillon Crawford Jake Montgomery Vernon Planck
Basketball Basketball Basketball Swimming Swimming Swimming Swimming Swimming Swimming Swimming Swimming Swimming Swimming Swimming Wrestling Wrestling Wrestling
Honorable Mention Turner Grimm Chris Haddeland Jessica McMillan Kelsey Tucket Emily Neil Ashley Kniola Madison Ranch Shawn Hui Blake Tillery Jacob Patten Bryce Branson Felix Devera
League Champs Boys Basketball Boys Swimming Girls Swimming
Basketball Basketball Basketball Swimming Swimming Swimming Swimming Swimming Swimming Swimming Wrestling Wrestling
BOYS GOLF: Many starters returning Continued from Page B1 in as well. While junior Kevin Hoadley hasn’t played organized golf until this point, one couldn’t tell based on his optimistic goals. “Considering this is my first year I realize I may not be on varsity, but that will make me push myself harder and hopefully I can make varsity for one of the tournaments,” said Hoadley. Along with Hoadley comes another new face to the team, junior Connor Farrell. Farrell has always been an avid golf fan, and decided to join the team to improve, and most of all do something he enjoys. “The past three years I haven’t done a sport at MHS, so I felt like this was my chance to get involved, and I’ve always enjoyed to golf, so it was an easy decisions for me,” said Farrell, who appears to be very hopeful towards the season.
Along with new players, the Grizzlies are led by junior Grant Geelan. With two years of varsity experience it’s evident he’ll be a very reliable contributor throughout the season. In past years Geelan has continued to be successful, however that hasn’t stopped him from looking past the success to making minor improvements. “I went to state the last two years, but there was a part of my game that wasn’t fully developed, my short game,” said Geelan. “Over the summer I worked with my instructor on improving that and the improvement has been very substantial towards my play.” The first contest date is scheduled for March 14. The league standings will reflect off each team’s talent, but Tualatin seems to be the Grizzlies biggest competition, with many returning players who had admirable results in last years state tournament.
Pacific-8 Conference
Competing in league Both teams look to improve times and distances individually and as team by ADRIAN RUBIO It’s getting close to spring again, and there are a lot of things to look forward to at McMinnville High School, but Track and Field always seems to be the most awaited for. Track is a sport in which most spring athletes participate, there is a lot of talk of how the Varsity team is not going to be as strong, with losses because of the graduates from last year, but others think differently. “I think that the team definitely will need to work hard to compete this year as a group,” said sophomore Kane Kennedy. “But overall, I don’t think that we will be that bad. Independently, I hope I do better than last year, as my goal is to make it to state and place well
in my events.” Junior Tommy Small has his own opinions of track. “Track is fun, but I use it mostly to get in better shape for football and also try and become a little faster,” said Smalls. “It isn’t all about competition for me, but I would like to see myself do well in my events.” Then there are the people who are new to track, such as junior Olivia Burke. “I’m very excited to do my first year of track,” said Burke. “I don’t think I will be a runner, but just do field events. I decided to join because all of my friends that have been in it in the previous years have told me the great experiences you have and also how much it is.”
Another rookie to track is sophomore Alex Castaneda. “I joined track because I was interested in it last year,” said Castenada. “I couldn’t get around to it because I wanted to also play softball. In the short amount of time that I have been in it, it seems very fun. I like the coaches they are nice, but it’s a major change of sports that I’ll have to get use to. I hope I do well in everything I try, as I’ll be doing running events.” Track and Field athletes have a lot to prove this year, as many of people have been questioning the team. But overall they are confident for the first meet at McMinnville High School on March 17.
DYLAN LEATHERS / The Bruin
Tim Anderson and Connor McKeegan both participate in practice for long distance events. Both are returning members to the team.
B3
Sports
T h e B r u i n : T hu r s d ay, 3 . 1 7 . 1 1
Seniors look to lead The Grizz want to be in the top three for league, compete
by CHAD SPRINGER It’s that time of the year again. After the winter sports season came to a close in dramatic fashion, much of the McMinnville High School student body wasn’t too concerned with the upcoming spring season. The spring season brings track, softball, tennis. But aside from these sports it also brings baseball, and the Grizzly baseball team sure has high hopes and expectations this year coming into the new conference. McMinnville finished fourth in a similar but different conference last year, and is expected to improve this season. Mac Myers is a junior this year and has been placed on varsity for the second straight year. Myers sure has much planned for the Grizzlies as a starting second baseman for this season. “In my opinion we better win,” said Meyers, who batted lead last year and will do so this year again. “I think we’re going to be good, but we only have two juniors on the team RYAN CORNELISON / The Bruin this year. So if we are going Senior Chris Haddeland pitches at a recent JV and varsity scrimmage at the team’s to do it, then we better do it field by Patton Middle School. Haddeland is one of the many seniors on the team.
this year. My personal goals this year is to try and be AllLeague, and as a team to get past the first round of the playoffs, because we usually struggle with that and we haven’t done that since I’ve been here. I think we will as long as we can pull through in the clutch and I think we can.” Senior Jack Bellville has been a three year varsity player, and, like Myers, has much planned this year for the Grizzlies. “Yeah, this should be a pretty good season. The competition went down in the league this year so I think we will be a lot better,” said Bellville, a starting infielder. “I want to hit better this year and hopefully contend for playoffs. Glencoe is probably the toughest new competition in the conference. They did really well over the summer.” Senior Zev Egli, although coming off a very successful basketball season, has his eyes set on his future, which is baseball, and has already committed to a college for baseball athletic purposes. “I love the sport of baseball. And I enjoy competing, which makes me extremely focused on the season,” said
Egli, the starting pitcher for the Grizzlies this season. “I believe that we are really defensively sound, but the question that lies is if we will be productive offensively this year.” The Grizzlies next game is at Forest Grove on March 29.
Yearbook
Then junior Zev Egli throws during a game against Sheldon last year. Egli looks to lead the team as a pitcher this year.
3-Sport: Very difficult with school work, and sports Continued from Page B1
ISAAC GUTIERREZ / The Bruin
Sophomore Morgan Johnson prepares to swing at the ball during the first week of practice. The girls practice at Michelbook Country Club.
Rebuilding for future success
School in Michigan, the school had 630 athletes that played sports but only eight of them participated in three sports (1.2%). Skill sports that make cuts like basketball, baseball, and volleyball, can be especially demanding when it comes to playing three sports. “I’m always physically fit,” said Miglioretto. “I can eat whatever I want, and I get to be around different types of people.” Miglioretto plays cross country, basketball, and track, and plans on attending the University of Oklahoma. All three of the male three-sport athletes play football, which seems to be the most popular among three-sport competitors. Montgomery plays football, wrestling, and baseball, and plans on going to U.S. Coast Guard Academy in Connecticut. Hayes plays football,
basketball, and track, and plans on attending OSU. Niehus plans on going to San Francisco State, but if not she plans on attending Cal State Long Beach. Egli’s plans are to play baseball at Mount Hood Community College. Another cause to the reason that three-sport athletes are a dying breed is the pressure to specialize in one sport in order to land a college scholarship. Both Niehus and Miglioretto are going to DYLAN LEATHERS / The Bruin their colleges for academic reasons rather than athletic Senior Zev Egli has played three sports throughout all four years of high school. He was the starting quarterreasons. “I will probably just play back for the football team this year. intramural sports,” said NieZev Egli hus. Britnee Neihus “Just intramural,” said Football Volleyball Miglioretto. Basketball Basketball Though there are many Baseball Softball downfalls to playing three sports, Egli and the rest of Jake Montgomery Megan Miglioretto Devan Hayes the seniors have found enjoyment in between all of Cross-Country Football Football the stresses. Basketball Basketball Wrestling “I don’t know anything Track Track Baseball different,” said Egli. “I like playing three sports.”
3-Sport Athletes
Rachel Payne out, the girls look to adjust by MYLES HORTON After a good season last year, the McMinnville High School girls golf team has high hopes for this season. With returning state competitor Rachel Payne out with a foot injury and awaiting a decision on when she will play, the Grizzlies will have their work cut out for them. Other than Senior Rachel Payne, the Grizzlies have only one returning varsity member but with a lot of young talent they should be able to have a good showing this season in both league and the district tournament. “Most of our girls really want to get at least third at districts and send one girl to state,” said varsity girls golf coach Ben Heuberger. The team is focused on improving their golf skills and being able to compete at a higher level this year. With so many young play-
ers, the team should fast improve with the help of Coach Heuberger and a full season of practice. “I’m looking forward to getting better and getting closer to the girls on the team,” said sophomore Morgan Johnson. The desire to improve is the entire teams’ goal, and there is no reason why they shouldn’t. We have a group of eight girls that are pretty serious about golf, and I’m looking forward to seeing their game improve,” said Heuberger. Aside from bettering their game the team has a lot of fun throughout the season and this season will be just as any other. The girls have team dinners and sleepovers often, and they are a favorite for most players. “I’m really looking forward to team sleepovers!” said junior Abbie Thomas.
STAFfphoto2010 / The Bruin
Then junior Alex Worth shakes hands with a Tualatin player after a match during last year’s 2010 season. The Grizzlies won districts that year and look to repeat with returning seniors this year.
Looking to step up after loss of seniors Boys want to win a second consecutive district title, look to sophmores to step up by ISAAC GUTIERREZ Tennis can be unpredictible. The McMinnvilee High School’s boys’ tennis team knows what it feels like. They’ll go into the season with a big target on their back. Glencoe is a team that will put up a fight with the boys but the Grizzlies never back down from a fight. “We lost a lot of seniors
but we will still have more depth than most teams in the state,” said senior Alex Worth. “Coach Wes has high expectations for us,” said sophomore Will Worth. The Grizzlies look to win back to back District tennis titles. The sophomore group of tennis players is really making a difference. “Half of the team is
coming back and our sophomores are really stepping up,” said senior Myles Horton. The tennis team is definitely looking bright for the next couple years. “We have a good chance at repeating at districts,” said Horton. Changes will also be made to the Grizzlies line up this year.
“One thing I’m looking forward to is maybe playing with my brother,” said Worth. The boys tennis team kicks off their season on March 14 hosting Clackamas High School. The match will be at home and starts at 4 p.m. Most tennis matches will be played on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Go and support our boy’s tennis team.
Lady Grizz want to grow as team
After losing 10 seniors from last year’s league champs, girls tennis looks to get better by MYLES HORTON As spring comes every year, so does a new high school tennis season. This year, like every other, has brought the McMinnville High School girls’ tennis team a new set of challenges to face, and a new set of goals to reach. Last year’s varsity girls’ tennis team won the league title, the district tournament, and sent five players to the State tournament. These accomplishments leave big shoes to fill for the Grizzlies as they embark
on a new season with new coach Angelica Huston, and only four returning varsity players. “I’m looking forward to an entirely new group of girls to work with and see what they are capable of,” said coach Huston. Fortunately, for a team that has just lost most of its varsity players, the Grizzlies are getting just what they need this season. The team had almost 20 freshmen go try out, and their talent will have a great effect on the team this year, and for sev-
eral years to come. “I’m looking forward to how the freshman will progress throughout the season, because they’re a really talented group,” said junior Sadie Linder Goals for this seasons’ team are tough to set with so many new variables in their equation, but the girls still want to have a good showing in league and at the district tournament. “Some of our goals are to be in the top three in our league and finish in the top three teams at the district
tournament,” said Huston. The Grizzlies will have a lot of work ahead of them for the season, but they also have a lot of other things to look forward to this season. Along with nearly 20 new freshmen, the team will have an entirely different varsity squad to work with. “I’m really excited to see what so many of our new players have to offer,” said senior Katrina Baker. “I have no doubt that this season will be a great chance to have a lot of fun.”
RYAN CORNELISON / The Bruin
Senior Katrina Baker returns a ball during practice last week. The girls’ next match is today in McMinnville.
Wha ’s Bruin Senioritis: An Epidemic As soon as second semester started, an outbreak of senioritis spread the halls of McMinnville High School, infecting every senior in the building
COUNT DOWN school days until we’re out of here...
Seniors: 54.5 Everyone else: 57.5
Top Seven
Luck of the Irish Moments Since today is St. Patrick’s Day, we are celebrating the holiday with the 7 luckiest Bruin Staff moments of the year.
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blake egli / The Bruin
Senior Zev Egli throws his homework into the air. He like many seniors with senioritis, does not care to spend hist time doing his time consuming work.
by WILL WATERBURY Urban Dictionary defines senioritis as, “a crippling disease that strikes high school seniors.” I see that through the halls of our high school: students who aren’t looking forward to going to school or doing their work in class. They take a light class load so they can have open periods and hang out with their friends before everyone goes to college. The worst is when a senior has already gotten accepted to the school they are going to, because unless they fail a required class, the rest of high school doesn’t really matter.
For some students like me, senioritis might even start before their senior year. My sophomore year senioritis hit me like a brick wall. I had friends who were seniors and I attend all of their grad parties. This just makes you want to be done with school, and no offense to McMinnville High School, but our school is not the place I would like to be spending the majority of my time at. Nothing really exiting happens here and many people don’t like it. They only go to see their friends. These are some reasons why I have senioritis. It’s getting to be the end of the year
for you seniors; senior week occurs, you’re going to all of the class meetings, your senior prom, and you just don’t want to go to school anymore, then you have senioritis. But don’t worry you’re not alone most seniors will get this very contagious disease. The good thing about it, though, is that it goes away right after you walk across that stage. At least that’s what I have heard. So I say all of us seniors stick together and get through this! Maybe we might even all get “sick” one day and head to the beach! But we will talk about that later.
Bronte La Rue I placed my phone on the top of my car, and proceded to stop at an intersection, when suddinly my phone flew off the top of my car into the middle of the highway. It did not break or get run over.
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Zev Egli My parents were nice enough to let me drive the Pontiac Montana for the rest of high school (the Pontiac Montana is a minivan).
Man Bites Dog
Truth is stranger than fiction. The following event happened to MHS students. by CHAD SPRINGER After the season began the attendance was extremely well for the boy’s basketball games. The McMinnville students sure surprised many and continued the tradition of one of the best student sections in state. When you sit across the court and look at the sea of red and black it is sure to impress. The students are loud and get hyped for every single game. So what do you think their mind set will be when the McMinnville team plays arch rivals the Newberg tigers at Newberg? A crazy game indeed! The McMinnville team didn’t waste any time quieting the already mellow Newberg crowd. The Grizzlies cruised past the tigers. Racking up 75 points to Newberg’s 48. But on the court was not the only battle in the gym. McMinnville had a very large crowd to Newberg like usual, filling up the entire visitor student section and then some. Students wore red clothes, black face paint, and brought their game face for the rivalry. But three juniors be-
ing Charles Laughlin, Yoel Aynalem, Cody Louque, Connor Farrell, Shawn Peterson, and myself brought something a little extra. An overgrown huge white tiger coated in McMinnville gear. As expected this sure stirred up some harsh feelings from the home team’s student section. So with 4 minutes left in the game as the ball was on the far side of the court the tiger was on the floor. Sitting and perched watching the game. When just then a Newberg student snuck on to the McMinnville side and stole the tiger out from under us. Sprinting and picking it up and then bolting out the door. Immediately dozens of McMinnville students stormed off the bleachers and attempt to pursue the kid and get the tiger back. But the McMinnville administration wasn’t up for the antics by the students in red. So they ordered the students back to the bleachers and promised to get the tiger back some other way. Days passed and the tiger was not returned. And students were getting anxious waiting for the re-
turn of “Grizzly the Tiger,” which was the name of the stuffed animal. So myself and the previously mentioned five other students decided to take it into our own hands get the tiger back. So we found out who the kid was and where he lived (yes creepy I know but we needed to do what was right) and drove to Newberg the following Monday to get what was rightfully ours. We get to the kids house and knock on the door and very respectively ask for our tiger back. She didn’t understand us so she calls her son and he comes home with three other friends. Us not knowing what was about to happen they walk inside the house and then come out and give us the tiger back. We get into the car drove away. Feeling like the battle was won but needed some spice we felt like we should get one more memorable photo of the incident. So we went to the Newberg high school gym and had a Newberg cheerleader take the picture. It was the best day to be a McMinnville student.
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Karen Anaya I entered a raffle by bringing in one can to the McMinnville Aquatic Center. I won the raffle and got a free six month membership to the pool.
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Alex Worth I got my picture put up on the jumbotron at Matthew Knight Arena during Clash of the Champions.
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Will Waterbury I saw a rainbow and followed it to New Zealand and got to the end. I didn’t find a pot of gold, but I did find $10.
CHAD SPRINGER / The Bruin
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Juniors Shawn Peterson, Connor Farrell, Chad Springer, Charles Laughlin, Cody Louque, and Yoel Aynalem pose for a picture out side of the Newberg Gym. The boys recieved their tiger the following Monday.
Ryan Martin One day I parked in two hour parking. I lost track of time and raced out to my car to see that the two cars parked next to me had recieved ticets, and I had not.
Hidden Image In Every Issue A small picture has been hidden in every What’s Bruin this year. Did you notice them? WHAT’S BRUIN STAFF Over the course of the year, we have come out with five issues. Every issue that there has been a What’s Bruin page there has been a tiny hidden image. If you have no idea what I am talking about, I’ll let you in on the secret. There has been a small cartoon frog hidden in every issue in precarious spots. If you want to find the frogs for yourself, don’t look over to the right, because all four locations are shown. If you are too lazy to find the frogs, take a peek to the right.
ISSUE ONE OCT.
ISSUE TWO NOV.
1
Stephen Grinich ISSUE THREE DEC.
ISSUE FIVE MAR.
Frog photo courtsey of WIKIPEDIA.ORG
I had a girlfriend for a portion of the year (Like two months, six days, four hours, but who’s counting).