February 8, 2013

FEATURE

MIDDLE SCHOOL RELATIONSHIP WEB: Check out the

senior class’s finest past romances. (12-13)

SPORTS

SAILING: Miramonte

sailors are ranked second in Northern California after placing well at recent regattas. (15)

Volume 55, Issue 4

ENTERTAINMENT

MOVIES OF 2013:

Mirador takes a look at this year’s upcoming new rocking blockbluster films.

(21)

February 8, 2013

Matadors Conquer the Stock Market

by Karmi Chan

to make wise choices.

“Campbell Hunter is to be commended for teaching academic skills and incorporatFour Miramonte students recently tamed the bears and bulls of the financial zoo that ing financial literacy in an innovative and creative way,” Maria Suggett, Western Region is the stock market. Seniors Gigi Axelrode, Alicia Sanchez, McKenna Scalise and Mia Director of the Fall 2012 Stock Market Game competition, said.

Taapken placed in the top three teams in the Fall 2012 Stock Market Game competition Axelrode, Sanchez, Scalise and Taapken invested in Netflix, Nike, True Religion and in the California region. in businesses that help the environment. They Out of over 26,000 students and 6.587 teams in chose these companies after a lot of examiCalifornia, Axelrode, Sanchez, Scalise and Taapnation and assessment, inspecting the graphs ken placed in the top three. This accomplishment of each company to view their trends of risthem in the top 1 percent of the nation and was a ing and falling prices. Taking a lot of chances, huge surprise for all the girls. these girls followed their guts and picked comThroughout first semester, Campbell Hunter’s panies that they knew were popular. students participated in a stock market simulation.

“We chose our stocks based on what we In this simulation, students started with $100,000 knew was popular versus straight statistics,” of virtual cash to invest in creating the highest Taapken said. achieving portfolio. Working together in teams, This team of four had very little previous students competed for the top spot by applying experience with the stock market. The only leadership, cooperation, organization and negoknowledge they had was the stock market tiation skills. This simulation provides a hands-on game played in eighth grade and information activity that engages students and teaches them from their parents. Their little background the ways of the stock market. knowledge of the stock market makes their When building their portfolios, students were accomplishments in the Stock Market Game required to evaluate and research stocks. Hunter even more impressive.

Photo: J. Govan prepared his students by teaching them how to “Honestly I was so surprised,” Axelrode short sell, when to buy, when to sell and basic Fall 2012 Stock Market Game winners Mia Taapken, Gigi Axelrode, Alicia said. “We thought we were going to get last Sanchez and McKenna Scalise smile over their victory. strategies of the game. place but it’s cool we placed so high.”

“He told us how to predict trends in the mar“It feels incredible to be in the top three,” ket,” Axelrode said. “He also told us not to invest in anything stupid.”

Taapken said. “Definitely a major honor.”

Hunter also provided students with background information about stocks. He exAwards and prizes will be presented to Miramonte’s winners at the annual Stock Marplained the importance of thoroughly researching companies before investing and how ket Game and InvestWrite Essay Competition award ceremony in May.

Compliments, Confessions Create Controversy

by Caroline Colwell As social media continues to consume our lives, students have found new ways of using the Internet to connect with their peers, whether it is meant to be encouraging, entertaining or scandalous.

A group of anonymous Miramonte students is attempting to counteract social media’s potentially harmful effects with a new Facebook group, Miramonte Compliments, while the founders of Moraga and Orinda Confessions seek to uncover the community’s bestkept secrets under a shield of anonymity.

Run and published by an anonymous source, Miramonte Compliments enables students to submit encouraging messages about their peers, the Miramonte faculty and the school itself.

Miramonte students have expressed mixed emotions about the Miramonte Compliments page. “Although I value the intentions and goals of the group, I’m afraid that it will become just another source of competition as kids worry about how many compliments they get,” junior Noah Goldstein said.

Other Miramonte students have been moved by their peers’ compliments.

“I think it is a great way to circulate positive attitudes around our school,” junior Hannah Li said. “High school has such a prominent stereotype of being a cliquish environment, and this complements page completely contradicts that idea. I love scrolling through anonymous compliments, and they are always so genuine and so kind. It’s a great idea and so far it’s been well executed.”

“Miramonte Compliments shows how supportive the Miramonte community is of one another and what a great place it is to go to high school,” freshman Olivia Chandler said.

The founders of the page drew inspiration from a trend that began as a social experiment at Queen’s University in Canada. Brown, Harvard, Yale, USC and other schools have also created similar projects.

“We decided that it should be brought to Miramonte, and it has blossomed from then on,” one of the site’s founders said.

The trend began in the Lamorinda area with Las Lomas High School and has now spread to other schools in the area, including Campolindo and Acalanes.

Along with compliments pages, “confessions” pages have also sparked a popular following. These pages were made to allow students to share humorous or crazy stories that they would be embarrassed to admit.

“I respect what the compliments page was trying to accomplish, but I feel like it failed in the sense that it has left a lot of people out and has made a lot of people feel bad, myself included,” Moraga Confessions’ anonymous founder said. “Plus I feel like the point of

compliments are to be personal. What is the point of an anonymous compliment? I get the impression that a ton of the compliments are from friends to friends and are kind of pointless. There is nothing special to it really. I do respect the intention though.”

Many students feel that the confessions pages are a negative representation of the community.

“It’s an embarrassment that students brag about this stuff. No one wants to know that much,” junior Claire Ramer said.

“I think the fact that each comment is made specifically to draw attention to it, as in each is just made just for the ‘wow factor,’ makes the whole thing seem full of oneupmanship,” junior Matt Moran said. “I think it really contrasts with the compliments which are purely to celebrate others. I’m not a fan of the confessions because it seems that only the attention-grabbers get posted.”

Some students feel the confessions pages emphasize students’ immaturity and are crude ways for people to validate their exploits.

“Besides the few confessions about students admitting that they are gay or that they are struggling with depression, the confessions are primarily about sex, drugs or, well... poop,” Goldstein said.

Some students have cited the confessions and compliments pages as evidence of the difference between Miramonte and Campolindo, sparking inter-school rivalry. Although the pages were not intended to become a source of competition between the schools, this has been one unfortunate consequence that has emerged from the new trends.

“I just want to compliment the entire MHS student population on their maturity in the compliments page,” a student anonymously posted on Miramonte Compliments.

“Campo’s (Moraga) Confessions page shows true contrast between us and Campo.

Previously I have questioned the Miramonte High School Non-Profit Organization kindness of our school 750 Moraga Way US Postage Paid, Orinda, but I just want to say Orinda, CA 94563 Ca Permit #301 thank you, Mats, for being amazingly nice and overall great people.”

M o r a g a Confessions defended their page and their mission.

Continued on page 4

2 News 2/8/13

Mirador

Avoided One Cliff, Looking at Possibly Three More

by Liz Berndt

Mirador once again looks at the upcoming national debt issues Congress will be forced to face. Republicans and Democrats have started to compromise, but are far from coming to a complete agreement on what is in the country’s best interest.

The Compromise Congress compromised on the tax plans for the wealthy.

Democrats, previously promising a tax increase on households earning $250,000 a year or more, have agreed to push the number higher. Now, households earning over $450,000 will be taxed. This goes against Obama’s campaign promise to tax the top 2 percent of the country.

There will be caps on some deductions for individuals making over $250,000 and married couples making over $300,000. Obama admits these caps will not be enough to close the deficit and taxes will have to increase across the board.

The argument is: what is too much debt? Congress can vote to increase the debt ceiling, but many worry this will create a gap between the Gross Domestic Product (how much money the United States generates every year) and their debt that will be unconquerable and possibly lead to defaulting on international loans.

The United States is known for their national credit and such a situation could tarnish its reputation. Since Secretary of Treasury Alexander Hamilton in the 1700’s, America has made it a priority to pay back loans, and defaulting is not what the United States wants to do.

The Sequester: Deadline: Approximately March 2 As of Jan. 2 automatic spending cuts were supposed to be enacted under the infamous sequester. Congress postponed these spending cuts for two months and promised to cut $12 billion and raise $12 billion in revenue.

However, the cuts and revenue will not be enough to avoid surpassing the debt ceiling which the United States is quickly approaching. Congress will have to decide if they will continue to raise taxes and cut programs or if they will raise the debt ceiling.

A Future of Cliffs

The Budget: Deadline: Approximately March 27

Every year Congress is supposed to create a national budget that begins Oct. 1 and continues for 12 months.

Unfortunately, due to disagreements between parties, Congress has yet to decide on a budget. Instead, they passed “continuing resolutions,” which put off the decision. These resolutions expire in late March, when Congress will be forced to decide on a budget or put it off again.

Increase in Payroll Taxes All the fiscal cliff agreements have avoided and will continue to avoid the issue of payroll taxes. As of 2013, the cut on payroll taxes expired and taxes will increase for all employers, leading to less pay for employees. Obama promised taxes would not raise for middle class Americans and some say this is congruent with his promise, because technically income taxes are not raising. However, money will come out of workers’ paychecks to pay for the increase, therefore lowing income like increased income taxes would have done.

In the coming months, the United States will face three more potential fiscal cliffs. The “Compromise” left two major issues: The Debt Ceiling: Deadline: Late Feb./ Early March In 2012 the United States spent over a trillion dollars more than it took in, greatly adding to the the national debt.

In the early 1900’s the debt ceiling was created to allow Congress to spend more, to maintain national credit and to give the executive branch greater control of the economy.

Congress decided on a cap that the United States debt could not pass.

Deficit spending is a common way for presidents to create economic growth. In the current recession President Obama is practicing this philosophy. The debt ceiling is in place to stop spending and automatically enact cuts if the debt becomes too large.

Miramonte Students Exchange Culture With GSE Ambassadors

by Maya Sherne

Photo: H.Casanova/MCT

Republicans and Democrats fight over the budget, attempting to fulfill promises to their parties. Both want to avoid defaulting on foreign loans.

dens, contribute to local and international reforestation project and create community partnerships to preserve and restore bioregions.

This year, the local program in Nicaragua focuses on organic agriculture, and the local program in Ecuador focuses on environmental restoration and reforestation.

“I love the idea that they are here for a great purpose, to broaden their knowledge of organic farming,” Unroe said.

The students have international community-tocommunity exchange trips, and participate in grassroots international relations.

“Each January, scholarships funded by our generous supporters, enable student representatives from Photo: S. Britto our partner communities to come to California to parMiramonte’s students socialize with GSE ambassaticipate in our local exchange,” Global Student Emdors during Spanish class. bassy Director of Programs Mallory Bressler said.

In January, Miramonte students were visited by As part of GSE, students came to Miramonte, and friendly new faces. Global Student Embassy, a pro- spent a class period interacting with Spanish students gram that “promotes peace and equitable development and learning about each other’s cultures and lifestles. by connecting young people from around the world “Group discussions give students the opportunity through innovative workshops and service learning ex- to tell about their country, their culture, their youth changes” came to Miramonte. leadership experiences, and themselves,” Bressler The students, representing Ecuador and Nicaragua, said. “GSE works to break stereotypes and remove act as ambassadors while practicing grassroots inter- cultural barriers through building friendships, working national relations by identifying local issues, and col- together and representing our local cultures- I think we laborating with global peers. achieved that at Miramonte.”

“For the community, it’s always good to be able to Lamorinda students participating in this program talk with other people and see how they live and the will immerse themselves in the local culture of Nicadifferences in their lifestyles and their expectations,” ragua’s northwest village of Chacraseca.

Spanish teacher Carla Unroe said. “I think that people “Our programs are structured to allow students to see how much people have in common.” immerse themselves quickly into vital, ongoing, local The six students from Latin America focus on four community driven development projects while gainmain goals: environmental restoration and sustainable ing a true understanding of another culture,” Bressler agriculture, action education, youth leadership and de- said. “As students live, volunteer, and learn they will velopment and cross-cultural exchange. join a national grassroots social movement led by coWhile focusing on environmental restoration and operatives and nongovernmental organizations aimed agriculture, students build school and community gar- at bettering the life of the Nicaraguan people.”

Mirador

Mirador 750 Moraga Way, Orinda, CA 94563 (925) 376-4423 Ext. 331 or Room 333 mhsmirador@gmail.com www.mhsmirador.com

Katie Hoskins, Reese Levine Print Editors-in-Chief

Cameron White Online Editor

Julia Hass

Managing Editor

Karmi Chan News Editor

Julia Govan

Opinion Editor

Kate Wolffe

Feature Editor

Georgia Briskey Sports Editor

Maddie Nicolaisen Entertainment Editor

Devin Mottier

Columns and Reviews Editor

Nicola Gonzales Business Manager

Alison Pietrykowski Head Photographer

Maya Sherne

Breaking News Editor

Staff Writers

Young Joo Ahn, Drew Anderson, Courtney Attard, Colin Bean, Elizabeth Berndt, Lauren Branagh, Simone Britto, Colleen Burke, Kelly Cheng, Elizabeth Chenok, Dominique Clark, Caroline Colwell, Natalie Condon, Kaitlin Fenn, Hannah Friel, Jack Garrett, Maddie Geary, Joey Goodreault, Jack Kovalik, Hank Larsen, Kate Laughton, Claire Marvin, Sofia Marinac, Nadine Masarweh, Heidi Maupin, Matt Metheny, Alexander Mills, Jessie Osterman, Ellie Poling, Kyle Rechnitz, Meghan Rogers, Bailey Smith, Jackie Steele, Molly Swain, Arianna Tong, Natalie Vigo, Davis Walker, Natalie Wapniarski, Elena Wasserman, Kenyon Watson, Cassidy Waters

Melissa Quiter Mirador

Faculty Adviser

Mission

Statement:

Placing truth, accuracy and objectivity first.

Letters to the Editor: Editorials reflect the opinions of the majority of the Mirador’s editorial board. Editorial topics are chosen by a consensus of section editors. The Mirador solicits letters to the editor. Signed letters to the editors can be sent to mhsmirador@gmail.com or placed in Mrs. Quiter’s box. Unsigned letters will not be published but names can be withheld by request. The editorial board reserves the right to edit letters for clarity and length.

Editorial

2/8/13 Opinion 3

Regulations are the Only Answer The history of American freedom is the history of guns. Early American colonists used their personal weapons to fight off the oppressive British, and the Second Amendment was built into the Constitution in order to prevent a tyrannical government from taking away the rights of its citizens. The cold steel barrels of firearms have created unimaginable destruction and death, but they have also planted the seeds from which liberty has sprung.

The culture of America has romanticized and glorified guns, tying them to the ideas of bravery, freedom and adventure.

However, there is another side to guns, one that can sometimes be forgotten by the American public, at least until another mass shooting puts gun violence back on the national radar. Death, in all its horrible and sudden finality, is almost always the ultimate outcome of bullets flying at human beings. Some deaths, like those of soldiers in battle, are sad but can still be remembered as sacrifices for America and freedom.

Others, such as the deaths of the 20 elementary school students in Newtown, Connecticut less than two months ago, or the movie theater shooting in Aurora, Colorado last summer, are absolutely senseless and mourned by all. What makes the loss of innocent lives in these situations even more terrible and disgusting is that they are completely preventable.

For too long now, politicians have intentionally avoided the issue of guns in modern America.

Powerful lobbyists from the NRA have wormed their way into Washington, putting a stop to any meaningful legislation restricting firearms, and legislators have cried that their hands are tied by the words of the Second Amendment. It is time for Congress to stop making excuses and start saving lives.

Let them squabble over fiscal cliffs and debt ceilings, politicizing and radicalizing those issues, but when it comes to life and death, politics needs to be put aside.

It is not feasible, in the America of today, to completely outlaw guns, however attractive that may be. The Graphic: Sheneman/MCT Constitution is too set in stone, as are the minds of millions of Americans who could not bear to part with the only thing they believe stands between them and a totalitarian state.

In some cases, certainly, guns are important. Take the guns away from rural Alaskans and they are left defenseless when confronted with angry bears or while hunting for the food they need to sustain themselves through the winter. There is the story of the mother in Georgia who was forced to shoot an intruder in her home while hiding with her nine-year-old twins. Instances such as these, where guns are used to protect innocent lives, do exist, but they pale in comparison to the damage caused by murders and mass shootings.

The gun controls that need to be implemented and enforced today have to do more with high powered rifles and assault weapons than handguns. Guns like the AR-15, a semi-automatic assault rifle usually equipped with a 30-round magazine, was designed to neutralize several targets within seconds, perfect for deranged individuals whose purpose is to kill as many innocents

as possible before committing suicide or being shot by police.

These guns, whose purpose is for assault, not defense, should not be legal.

Pro-gun activists argue that the only way to take out a wellarmed attacker is with a well-armed defender. One of the NRA’s main talking points following the disaster in Newtown was to employ armed security guards at every school in America. Not only is this extremely cost prohibitive, but it also uses the same reasoning that led to the arms race between the U.S. and the Soviet Union during the Cold War. Though the lives at stake today are not quite as numerous, the issue remains the same. If it becomes impossible for wouldbe shooters to get overpowered guns, there will be no need for would-be defenders to have them either. And as arms reduction treaties have lessened severe tensions between superpowers, new regulations will create safer environments in the schools, the malls and the movie theaters.

The most crucial regulations that need to be enacted, the ones that will have

t h e most impact on mass shootings, are more thorough background checks and laws on who can legally own guns. Today, although background checks are in fact required w h e n buying guns from l i c e n s e d dealers, almost anyone can go online and buy anything from a handgun to an AK-47 without any questions asked. Legal loopholes like this one obviously have to be addressed, but just as important is the need for more in-depth checks, including mental health examinations. James Holmes, the suspect in the Aurora shooting, bought several of his guns from licensed stores. People like him must be stopped from doing the same thing, and since current regulations have failed, more stringent ones must be put in place.

At Miramonte, gun violence and mass shootings can seem irrelevant and far away. After the Newtown massacre, community members all expressed the same thoughts—they thought it was a safe town, a place where nothing like this could ever happen. But until America finally breaks free of its stubborn belief that more guns are the answer to violence and that regulations will lead to a weak and docile public, nowhere is entirely safe.

The Editorial Board voted 9-0 for stricter gun regulations

Editorial Cartoons of the Issue

Graphic: G. Nerone

Graphic: G. Nevins

4 News 2/8/13

Mirador

Miramonte Players Stirrin’ Up Drama

by Elena Wasserman Other than just focusing on their two main productions this year, the Miramonte Players have been busy at work. From performing in a Shakespeare festival with all four schools in the Acalanes School District to traveling to OIS to perform original one acts addressing the issues and concerns of life in middle school, the Miramonte Players haven’t taken a breath since the first day of school.

“We normally just put on two plays and have one big project in between. But this year we’re managing to not have one, but three big projects in between,” Drama Teacher Heather Cousins said. The first big in-between-productions project the drama classes took on was the Shakespeare festival.

“You have four chairs, no costumes and five-seven people depending on what group you’re in - performing a Shakespeare play in eight minutes. It’s awesome,” junior Amrita Newton said.

Every group had to select between the famous Shakespeare plays: Macbeth, Hamlet, Romeo and Juliet, Much Ado About Nothing and A Midsummer Night’s Dream. From there everyone was given about six weeks to rehearse and perfect their scenes hoping to be one of the chosen performances for the big stage. DTASC (Drama Teachers Association of Southern California) holds these festivals annually with drama students from schools across Southern California who participate in not only a festival but a cut throat competition.

“We’re hoping to one day have the Shakespeare festival in Northern California, but until then we thought why not just do it for our four schools in our district and just make it a fun day of performing for everyone,” Cousins said.

After students had an opportunity to mingle over breakfast bagels, the two strongest groups from each school showcased their work on the Acalanes High School stage.

“It was such a great experience,” sophomore Sam Shain said. “By the end of the day I didn’t just feel like I was a part of a drama class but a part of a drama Photo: K. Hoskins

community.”

The second big project that only the Advanced Drama students are taking on is the TIE (Theater in Education) project. They will travel to OIS on Feb. 12 with three original scripts for each grade that addresses the issues and concerns that the middle schoolers are going through.

“The fact that we’ve all been there makes it even more meaningful because the scripts we write aren’t filled with made up stories; they’re based on true stories about things that have happened to us,” junior Maya Konstantino said. “It’s surprising to know how many of us used to be bullied and what sort of people we are today because of it.”

The third and maybe most exciting project that the drama classes are taking on is their participation in the English-Speaking Union National Shakespeare Competition. The program begins in classrooms worldwide where students perform a Shakespeare monologue from an original Shakespeare play.

The winner then advances to the ESU Branch Competition where they perform the same monologue along with a Shakespearean sonnet. The winner from that then advances to the National Competition, held in Lincoln Center in New York, and competes to be one of 7-10 finalists chosen to compete in London for the grand prize of a scholarship to the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art’s Young Actor’s Summer School in London.

“Even though it’s a long shot we are hoping someone makes it to London so we can have a class field trip,” Newton said.

Some would say being on a sports team is hard but these drama students aren’t only practicing every day, they’re performing on a much bigger stage, literally.

Even when a show is not in session, Miramonte Players manage projects such as the Shakespeare festival and TIE. They take their passion for drama seriously by applying themselves in the drama community.

Choir Grams Excite Miramonte

by Youngjoo Ahn

Valentine’s Day is one of the most romantic and commercially successful holidays of the year, but for Miramonte students Valentine’s Day means Choir Grams.

Choir Grams are an annual tradition that brings excitement, embarrassment and school spirit.

Choir Grams are love songs that can be delivered to friends, crushes and even teachers on Valentine’s Day. The Miramonte Choral Artists and seniors in choir sing and arrange these love songs. All of the proceeds go to choir.

Preparing for Choir Grams is no small task. The choir tried to pick songs before winter break that were easy to arrange. Even with that head start, everyone rushed to learn the new songs just after the winter concert.

“I look forward to everything about Choir Grams,” junior Saane Halaholo said. “We have really good songs and lots of time to learn them, so they’ll be even better this year. Choir Grams are great for bonding with fellow choir members too.”

The students of choir are in charge of the whole process and choir teacher, Megan Perdue, plays an advisory role.

“My favorite part is seeing how invested students are. It’s exciting to see the drive that these students have,” Perdue said. “Plus, it’s fun to send them to other teachers.”

Although Choir Grams can be fun, they can also be disruptive.

Associate Principal Michael McAlister appreciates how Choir Grams showcase talent, enthusiasm and the upbeat attitude of the choir. However, he is sensitive to the fact that teachers lose a day of instruction because of the interruption they cause.

“I like the Choir Grams. However, they can disrupt class and cause embarrassment. There’s always the problem of the unwanted Choir Gram,” Principal Adam Clark said.

“I’ve only seen tasteful Choir Grams that haven’t caused students to be overly uncomfortable. I have received one before and I was a good sport. Choir Grams are a good program and I look forward to them.”

Teachers have positive opinions about Choir Grams.

English teacher Linda Long thinks they are a good disruption. Spanish teacher Meghan Flores doesn’t mind the interruption and thinks they are a fun way to celebrate Valentine’s Day. “I loved when the boys sang Suavemente a couple years ago. They sang really well,” Flores said.

For students, Choir Grams are a nice way to brighten the day. Freshman Lucy Portnoff, like many freshmen, has never heard of Choir Grams before but is excited to see them. Sophomore Sondra Abruzzo doesn’t normally look forward to Valentine’s Day, but Abruzzo is excited

Compliments & Confessions continued from page 1

Photos: I.Lee

Top: Junior Molly Swain enjoys her Choir Gram.

Bottom: Choral artists bring joy to Physics teacher Dan Shortenhaus with a serenade.

for Choir Grams.

“Choir Grams are embarrassing but fun in the long run,” Abruzzo said.

Senior Jimmy McFeely agrees with Abruzzo that Choir Grams are fun. “My favorite memory was when a choir gram came for both me and Mr. Shortenhaus,” McFeely said. “There was a contest to see whose face was redder.”

“Last year we Choir-Grammed one of Mr. Plant’s afternoon classes. It was hilarious because he kept throwing in little bits like ‘fresh’ and emphatic ‘yeahs.’ It was hard to beatbox because I was laughing so much,” Halaholo said.

“I think this page shows the truth about our community and informs the public about what actually goes down behind the curtains,” Moraga Confessions’ administrator said. “I also feel like it connects everyone, and I’ve been told personally that being able to confess your darkest secrets without being judged really helps clear the conscience.”

There are also supporters of the confessions pages.

“Honestly I think they are hilarious and a good way for allowing people to say what they want to say,” junior Andrew Rosenzweig said. “I understand some people’s misgivings about how it gives schools a bad name, but it’s so funny.”

While the confessions may offend some people, those that are posted online are the most appropriate of the submissions. “Let’s just say that I’ve gotten 600 submissions. If you look at the page only 260 have been posted,” Moraga Confessions’ administrator said.

The founder of Moraga Confessions decided to bring the page to Moraga after stumbling upon the University of California Santa Barbara’s confessions page while studying for finals, and thought it would be a fun source of entertainment for his friends and classmates. Orinda soon created its own confessions page, but it has since been deleted.

Moraga Confessions changed its name from “Campo Confessions” allegedly to avoid reflecting the school negatively, but John Walker, Campolindo Principal, confirmed that the school took no part in the name change. The page’s founder refused to comment on the issue.

Although the Campolindo administration had no role in the pages’ name change, these confessions groups still provoke the issue of social media’s position in schools.

“The school has a responsibility for its name,” Principal Adam Clark said. Clark explained that because the school is unable to protect students from cyber bullying and other online abuse, there is a danger in creating a school-affiliated site online.

“If we create a Facebook group where cyber bullying takes place, the school is put at risk for liability,” Clark explained.

Clark has seen neither Miramonte Compliments nor Orinda Confessions, thus he takes no stance on the groups themselves.

Mirador

2/8/13 News 5

State Updates Texting Laws Seniors Prep Exceptions are added to California texting and driving laws

by Cameron White

communication, and it is used in that manner while driving.”

“I don’t think texting while driving is a good idea, but I can see why the law was amended,” senior Kelly Martin said. Martin, like most drivers at Miramonte, is still 17, so she won’t be able to make hands-free texts or phone calls while driving for another year.

The other parts of this law will remain the same. The penalty for disobeying this law will still be a $20 fee for first time offenders, and a subsequent fee of $50 for each additional violation.

Changes in the California Vehicle Code went into effect on Jan. 1, 2013.

In July 2008, California passed a law prohibiting cell phone use while driving, and soon after, a law prohibiting texting while driving was passed.

Since these laws were passed, the functionality and versatility of the average smartphone has increased. Many smartphones like the iPhone 5 now include hands free communication tools and features that make texting while driving safer.

In an effort to keep up with theses advances, California Vehicle Code 23123.5 has now been amended to allow use of cellphones’ handsfree features.

Despite these recent updates, though, it will still be illegal for anyone under the age of 18 to use a wireless communication device of any kind while driving, even if it has a hands free function.

The code now reads: “A person shall not drive a motor vehicle while using an electronic wireless communications device to write, send, or read a text-based communication, unless the electronic wireless communications device is specifically designed and configured to allow voice operated and hands-free operation Photo: M. Wright/MCT to dictate, send, or An absent-minded student checks his texts, neglecting his driving responsibilities. listen to a text-based

for OPI Trip

by Nadine Masarweh

In two days, 52 Miramonte seniors will venture to the state of Washington for a week-long trip to explore the Nature Bridge of Olympic National Park. Each year students attend this six-day trip to learn about a fragile ecosystem and experience the outdoors.

“This trip depends on what science classes students have taken. The area has some fascinating Geology, Chemistry and Biology topics due to the dams being removed,” Chemistry teacher Jennifer Moore said.

Over the last two decades, the Olympic National Park has been preparing for the largest dam removal project in North America. The two dams on the Elwha River came down last year. This year students will be the first to explore the original river bed that has been covered for the last 100 years.

“This trip is a valuable experience for students to apply their classroom knowledge. They get to know themselves and their peers better by being outside of their comfort zone,” Moore said.

“Being able to see all the projects they have going on there and being able to help out with some of them is an exciting feeling. Also, I’m excited about becoming closer friends with some of my classmates that are also going on the trip that I would not normally talk to at school,” senior Ariel Thomas said.

Students will also learn about economics, specifically green energy and sustainability, and politics.

“It is very exciting going out on a camping trip with my friends and being able to learn outdoors. It’ll be a great experience with my classmates, especially because I will be saying goodbye to them soon,” senior Matthew Henry said.

Students will hopefully experience personal growth before going off to college. “Personal growth will be different for each person,” Moore said.

Mirador

6 Opinion 2/8/13

Are Celebrities Responsible for Fans’ Actions?

PRO:

CON: Photo: A. Pietrykowski

Photo: J. Hass

by Colleen Burke

by Ali Pietrykowski

When someone has a talent, they can do two things with it: share it with the world for fame and money, or share it for the enjoyment of both the audience and the creator.

Once someone signs to a label, they sign away their freedom and sign their name onto a new person. They then have to become a certain image in order to satisfy their audience and become “successful.” Essentially they sell out by losing themselves and creating an entirely new person for the public eye in return for large sums of money.

Success shouldn’t be measured by money, but by the happiness it generates. In that way, the success of Justin Bieber could be considered materialistic as well as genuine.

However, the genuine side, the enjoyment factor, is not necessarily the truth. The image Bieber has created, as a clean-cut, straight-edge, inspirational young man, has many “tween” followers.

As previously stated, when one signs on to sell their talent to the public, they sell an image they are required to uphold. The media’s job, however, can be construed as simply digging into said person’s life and find out the misgivings and “skeletons” in their closet to generate a story. Although this could be considered an invasion of privacy, the media does have a right to free speech as long as it is not slanderous.

Bieber’s image helps sell his music and draws in all the young girls who simply swoon at his name. His right to privacy no longer exists, and if he desires a private life he should be careful about secret information reaching the public.

By posting tweets and photos about smoking and drinking, Bieber is exercising his right to be a young adult and have fun. Nevertheless, he is crushing the perception millions of people had about him. This can not only hurt his career, but it can negatively affect his fans.

Because of Bieber’s indiscretion, his young and vulnerable admirers began to act out on his behalf. Many turned to harming themselves in hopes to get Bieber’s attention and stop his smoking of marijuana. The #CutForBieber formed shortly after the public became aware of Bieber’s actions, and young girls proceeded to post photographs of selfinduced cuts on their arms. #CutForBieber was initially created as a hoax and a cruel joke by teenage boys, but the effects of it were so strong due to Bieber’s devoted fans who strove to protect him. Bieber had an obligation to uphold his “good boy” image to protect his followers and although it is offensive and disgusting for the girls to harm themselves over something that doesn’t affect them, Bieber has let them down.

Biber’s ability to influence younger girls can only be beneficial if he exhibits good behavior. The blame can only be placed on him for his fans’ poor decisions following his folly. Media, promoting the incident, did not help the situation at all but it was their right to publish the photos.

When Bieber chose to pursue a career in the public eye, he should have been prepared for the consequences of his actions. His life is not secret; it belongs mostly to the media and his fans, and if he desired privacy he could have remained discreet about his actions. There are plenty of famous people whose lives the public hear nothing about simply because they take the necessary precautions and only allow the media to get their hands on certain aspects. Bieber may have not been prepared for his sudden fame, but he should have recognized the responsibility that comes with it.

When pursuing your passion, be it acting, singing or chemical engineering, you shouldn’t have to give up your privacy once you become successful. Doctors aren’t followed to the grocery store and photographed while deciding between apples and pears.

So why should celebrities not have the same luxury? Why do we care that Kim Kardashian “shops at Target just like you?”

The fact of the matter is that we would all feel extremely vulnerable if someone we had never met knew our favorite color, birthplace, height, weight, what we had last night for dinner and the ins and outs of our romantic relationships. But that’s what celebrities deal with every day.

This situation presents a double-edged sword. While the paparazzi are exercising their freedom of speech, they are interfering with celebrity’s privacy rights. There is consideration of creating laws that would restrict the paparazzi and protect the privacy of celebrities. These laws will be similar to the restrictions against paparazzi already in effect in many European countries.

If enforced these laws could prevent not only the aggression that results from celebrities getting fed up with the stalking paparazzi, but also the actions taken and opinions expressed after the viewing of pictures taken by the paparazzi.

Celebrities like Justin Bieber are doing nothing but entertaining us. The decisions he makes should not affect anyone besides himself and his immediate friends and family.

Yet, when a photo of Bieber in a compromising situation was recently released, many people felt the need to express their disdain. We know Bieber through his music, but other than that most of us have no personal connection to him.

The problem is, many people have put Bieber and other celebrities like him on a pedestal and are watching his every move. So much so that when a photo of Bieber allegedly smoking marijuana went viral, girls felt so affected by his actions that they started selfharming themselves and taking pictures of the damage they claimed Bieber caused. They posted these pictures of their self inflicted wounds on twitter, hoping to get him to stop using illegal substances. Although this trend, known as “#CutForBieber” was started as a sick joke by teenage boys, it did result in a handful of girls harming themselves to prove a point. Teenage girls are not responsible for stopping Bieber from making hazardous decisions, nor is Bieber responsible for the actions provoked by the photographs published.

There is reason to argue that Bieber was not even smoking marijuana in the alleged picture. By publicizing the compromising photographs, the paparazzi are at fault for the girls’ self-harm. In fact, looking up to someone like Justin Bieber for anything besides his singing and dancing abilities is nothing but toxic.

Idolizing celebrities results in an obsession over material items and fame. We begin to believe that anyone in the public eye is a perfect model of how we are all supposed to think, dress and act.

In a perfect world we wouldn’t be affected by the pictures we see of celebrities. But the reality is that we are. And it can be destructive.

Apart from photo shoots and red carpets, the pictures we see of celebrities are taken without their consent, and often without their knowledge. Clearly the celebrities are not to blame for the behaviors resulting from these pictures.

Miramonte Mural Does Not Improve School’s Appearance

by Liz Berndt Miramonte needs a pick up. It needs new paint and new desks, a new pool and gym, and not to mention basics like new books. Painting “Home of the Matadors” on the front of the gym does not correct the serious appearance issues of the school, nor does it fix the warndown facilities.

Money is limited. Every teacher who has faced termination due to budget cuts knows this. So, why did the Class of 2012 decide to donate $8000 for a sign on the front of the gym? There is no need, and a mural requires upkeep. Although Principal Adam Clark decided to spend an extra $1000 on a protective coat of paint, in three years, the once glowing “Home of the Matadors” will be worn down and washed out, desperately needing new paint. Again, our school will have to spend valuable dollars repainting and again repainting a sign that really serves no purpose for our school’s aesthetics.

Look at Campo’s mural of a cougar on the front of their gym. It looks awful. As the years have passed and the rain and wind have taken their toll on the paint, the colors have faded and the picture now makes for a shab-

by entrance for their school. Why did we decide to follow in Campo’s footprints? I am happy we decided against a big picture of a Matador; the towering bull tamer in the gym is enough, but painting anything on the front of the gym was foolish.

Paint is such a hassle. Every Miramonte student has seen the “Wet Paint” signs around school, warning passersbys to avoid running into the newly painted surfaces.

As a school we have decided to add a long list of painting jobs, with added maintenance and material costs, to the already endless list of chores.

Then there is the problem of aesthetics. Our school is salmon colored, and as unfortunate as that is, why add green and black to make it that much worse? Green and salmon are not supposed to go together. The roofs and doors of the buildings are an off blue, which actually, believe it or not, is a compliment on the color scale. However, green is not in this compliment color pallet. I understand our colors are green and white and I love flying the colors as much as the next proud Matador, but a big sign on the gym that doesn’t match is a visually displeasing mistake.

One could argue the painting creates a sense of pride or school spirit, but this is not true either. This painting will

Photo: S. Marinac

bring our school together as much as the chipping paintings in the gym do: not at all.

It will take Miramonte a long time to fix what is already broken. Bathrooms and water fountains are constantly out of order and paint is chipping everywhere.

Admin does everything they can to keep things running smoothly, but unfortunately this painting is like impulsively buying a puppy. At first it seems great, the family is excited and promises to help walk and feed the dog.

But every mom knows in six months the kids will go back on their promises and it will be the mom’s responsibility to pay for and keep the dog healthy. The painting may initially excite students, but the school will come to regret the costly and bad-looking decision quickly.

Mirador

2/8/13 Opinion 7

Is Orinda Really the Friendliest Town?

by Ali Pietrykowski and Julia Govan Orinda was recently chosen as the second most friendly town in America by Forbes Magazine, close runner up to the town of Sammamish in Washington. Although the survey was solely based off of the crime rate and percentage of residents that own their homes, the quaint little town of Orinda appears to be a close knit community.

According to Forbes Magazine, “the town is home to a bevy of artsy activities that draw residents by the thousands including the Orinda Film Festival and the annual Shakespeare Festival.” Not to mention, Orinda hosts a day-long July Fourth event every year that starts with a pancake breakfast. Neighbors are also known for organizing events like pumpkin-carving contests and wine-and-cheese parties.

While some residents might scoff at this awarded title, no one can disagree that citizens of Orinda come off as welcoming, open, and well, friendly. Whether this is simply a facade or truly the nature of the town, people flock to Orinda for a reason, mainly the great schools and safe neighborhoods.

Although most residential teens spend the first 18 years of their life trying to get out of Orinda, they spend the

rest of their lives trying to get back in. This is because despite the lack of privacy and the sometimes negative reputation associated with Orinda, there is no doubt that the town is flourishing with success.

However, it must be addressed that the two main factors that went into ranking towns of America seem unrelated to the title. In the 2012 Forbes study of America’s Friendliest Towns, there were no areas of the study dedicated to the actual generosity of the picked cities.

The thing about Orinda is, though it’s impossible to know what goes on Photo: A. Pietrykowski behind closed doors, residents are Local Orinda teens take a friendly photo to prove Orinda’s title to be true. always kind to each other’s faces.

Orinda is infamous for country club friendly communities, the award was mistitled. mom gossip and is often judged for its materialistic values.

The truth is, wealth and kindness have no correlation.

The survey was done without taking into account any form It appeared as though the ranking should have been of kindness, like perhaps how much money and time on “America’s Wealthiest Towns.” Somehow, Orinda was average Orinda residents donate to charities. Because facts found friendly by the fact that 92 percent of us own our like these were neglected in determining America’s most homes and by our extremely low crime rate.

JERSEY SHORE

vs.

Buckwild

Now that Jersey Shore has come to an end, MTV introduces a replacement reality TV show, Buckwild, but the heat is on as to which show takes the cake in the world of trash televison

by Claire Marvin

by Dominique Clark

Photo: MTV

When the tanned, toned and crazy guidos and guidettes first hit MTV in 2009, nobody knew what kind of impact they would have on American pop culture. Now, though, the Gym-Tan-Laundry (GTL) way of life has come to define a generation. These fist-pumping Italians have stolen more than just the spotlight; they’ve stolen our hearts. As much as we try to deny it, there is something inherently fascinating and captivating about watching eight roommates drink, dance and party their way through summer on the Jersey Shore.

Each of the roommates brought a new level of drama to the show. Mike “The Situation” Sorrentino, Nicole “Snooki” Polizzi, Vinny Guadagnino, Deena Cortese, Paul “DJ Pauly D” DelVecchio, Sammi “Sweetheart” Giancola, Ronnie Ortiz-Magro and Jenni “Jwoww” Farley have come to influence the youth of America, both for better and for worse. Young people everywhere have started to rock the famous “Snooki Poof” hairstyle, sales at the Shore Store are through the roof, and retro duck phones are making a comeback.

These past six seasons have gone by so quickly. We have watched a silly TV show about people an alarmingly bright shade of orange with funny accents and bedazzled clothes transform into the show that basically wrote the manual for modern-day reality TV. Saying goodbye to Jersey Shore is like finding out your favorite pair of jeans don’t fit you anymore. You knew the fabric could only stretch so far and only last so long, but you didn’t know how sad you would be to see them go.

No show, not even Buckwild, can ever replace Jersey Shore. Buckwild is nothing more than Jersey Shore’s ugly hillbilly stepsister. It’s a sad attempt by the people at MTV to fill the void that the conclusion of Jersey Shore has left in our hearts. Life in the country has nothing on late nights at Karma, living it up on the boardwalk or taking in the outlandish Jersey culture.

Buckwild lacks all the things that made Jersey Shore so great. The cast already know each other so viewers miss out on seeing friendships begin and end prior to the pilot episode. Buckwild also takes place in the middle of nowhere and the most entertaining things the kids can find to do is go “mudding” and drive their beat up trucks through huge puddles of mud or shoot a potato gun at their neighbors. This pales in comparison to the prime location of the “Shore House” situated right along the boardwalk. The Jersey Shore cast doesn’t have to stoop to the same level as their redneck counterparts and never cease to entertain themselves as well as their estimated 8 million loyal fans.

“The Jersey Shore changed me. Whaddaya know.” Us too Snooki, us too.

We’ve seen it all before. The steamy hook ups, the insane roommate drama and the outrageous partying. This became the base of MTV’s Jersey Shore for six seasons and an inspiration for the flood of reality show premieres geared at emulating both Jersey Shore’s drama and ratings.

But, after six repetitive seasons of the same people, living in the same house, and partying at the same clubs, it’s perfect timing for viewers to transition from watching the familiar cast members relive their Jersey Shore summer, season after season, and move on to a show bigger and better, Buckwild.

Soon after the final episode of Jersey Shore, MTV introduced the premiere of their new reality show, Buckwild, which some call “the redneck Jersey Shore.” Buckwild follows a group of rowdy West Virginian friends during their wild and crazy summer of hookups, drama and partying.

Buckwild provides the audience with the same elements fans fell in love with on Jersey Shore, but also features crazy stunts and pranks performed by the cast, an element Jersey Shore and other similar reality shows lack. From mudding, to building a “West Virginian Waterpark” in their backyards, to ATV racing, Buckwild shares similarities with the show Jackass while still providing viewers with the typical reality TV show drama they crave. MTV flashes a “don’t try this at home” warning at the beginning of every episode solidifying the show’s promised entertainment.

Most reality shows are set in well-known locations, such as the Jersey Shore, but Buckwild takes place in a rural country area, something that is rarely exposed on reality television. This gives viewers an inside perspective that no other show has explored on what social situations and life are like in rustic locations.

Buckwild also focuses on real friendships and relationships.

Unlike Jersey Shore, where the cast was selected from audition tapes by producers who searched for people to fit the show’s mold, most of the Buckwild cast members were friends before the show and some friendships date back to high school.

Teenage viewers also favor Buckwild over Jersey Shore because they can relate to the social situations better. The cast of Buckwild is between ages 19 -24 compared to Jersey Shore’s age range of 24-30. The parties featured in Buckwild are typically house parties and 18-and-over clubs rather than the 21-and-over clubs on Jersey Shore.

“Buckwild tops Jersey Shore any day,” junior Breanna Alford said. “It’s one of my favorite new shows. It’s way crazier than Jersey Shore and overall more entertaining.”

Photo: MTV

8 OPINION 2/8/13

Mirador

Electronic Dance Music Re-Envisioned

by Davis Walker

Over the past few years, EDM, or Electronic Dance Music, has taken the musical world by storm. EDM is a general term, and encompasses a multitude of genres, whether it be house, trance, dubstep, drumstep or trap. Originally derived from disco music, EDM features electronic instruments such as synthesizers or drum machines to create songs. Nowadays, many producers have access to everything they need to make and perform music via a computer. Software such as Ableton Live includes synthesizers, sequencing, sampling, effects, recording and even live mixing features for performances.

EDM made its premature debut in the U.S. in the 1980’s and 1990’s, just as raves were becoming a popular subculture. At the time, so-called ravers were branded as drug-abusing party animals, and raves were held in abandoned warehouses or other secretive locations. People who organized raves were subject to prison time and fines, and event information was usually spread by word of mouth or other untraceable means.

Because of how rave culture formed, many people are skeptical of the EDM scene. Many critics don’t like the culture because of its association with MDMA, also known as ecstasy. Ecstasy is an amphetamine that keeps users up and provides them with a false sense of well being and happiness. Ecstasy often refers to MDMA mixed with other drugs in pill form, making it all the more dangerous.

The reason this drug is popular among raves is because the energetic effects last several hours, keeping ravers up and dancing until the wee hours of the morning. What these people don’t realize is that they don’t know what they are putting into their bodies, and that MDMA possibly alters pathways in the brain. This, in theory, could lead to an inability to be happy without use of MDMA. Many people in the industry are against the use of MDMA. One of the most famous DJs in the world, Deadmau5 (real name Joel Zimmerman), rampantly opposes the drug. After Madonna made an MDMA reference at Ultra Music Festival in Miami, Zimmerman posted to his blog, stating “I am at the very least morally obligated not to blatantly inflict or advocate anything

that’s detrimental to society, others health, etc … We’ve taken EDM so far in the past decade, so goddamned far. It really hurts me to see rampant advocation of extreme bullshit lifestyles.”

This is the 21st century, and EDM has come a long way from sketchy underground raves. Today, raves have been rebranded as “concerts” and “festivals” that are perfectly normal and legal. Festivals like Electric Daisy Carnival in Las Vegas have tons of headliners performing sets over multiple days on different stages. There are countless other festivals around the country and around the world, and some of the most famous ones are Outside Lands, Electric Forest, Snowglobe, Bonnaroo, Ultra Music Festival, Coachella and Photo: L. Dougherty Tomorrowland in Europe. Some of these “Kandi” is the accessory of choice among the Electronic Dance events attract massive crowds, with over Music community.

300,000 people in attendance. Not all of unique experience, and isn’t really comparable to concerts these are solely EDM events, but this just shows the extent of other genres. The venues are usually general admission, to which EDM has been integrated into the mainstream so thousands of people are packed onto the floor with no music scene. specified spots. Everyone’s movements are synchronized, Music isn’t the only form of entertainment at these and it’s easy to feel one with the crowd. It’s like a unified festivals, though. DJ’s spend millions on their visual sea of people, all mesmerized by the pumping bass, effects, and the lights, lasers, smoke, foam and visual soothing vocals and unique sound of synthesizers. displays are as much a part of the event as the music itself.

“The music itself is infectious, you can’t help but dance At some festivals there are even rides, like ferris wheels and be happy,” senior Lauren Dougherty said. “It’s an or tea cups adorned with thousands of colorful lights. As escape from the real world, a place where you can enter if that’s not enough, there are often various dancers with into a fairytale, find awesome people, pretty lights and elaborate costumes roaming the venue and interacting colors, amazing music and a community that’s based on with fans. love.”

EDM isn’t just another type of music, it’s an entire EDM isn’t just another phase, it’s here to stay, and culture. Electronic Dance Music producers and fans live Miramonte students are all for it. It is not uncommon to by one acronym: P.L.U.R. This stands for Peace Love see a group of Miramonte students chilling and making Unity and Respect. This mantra is apparent at any EDM new friends at a Bay Area concert. event, and it is easy to tell how friendly and pacifistic the “Going to raves gives you the chance to be whoever crowd is. Acceptance is key here, especially considering you want,” Dougherty said. “You can get lost in the music the furry boots, “kandi,” banana suits and various other and crowds. All the people who go to raves are so nice outfits donned by EDM fans. and unique; they each have their own story and are always Being in the crowd of one of these events is truly a happy to tell it to you.”

Feature

Mirador

The Rock:

2/8/13 Feature 9

Paint and Pride

by Sofia Marinac When driving through downtown Moraga, it’s nearly impossible to miss the prominent, well known landmark that sits upon the hill- the Rock. Schools, sports teams and others have been painting the Rock for years, yet very few stop to think about the rock’s history and the laws that could be broken by painting it.

For the past three decades, the Rock has been painted by high schoolers for various reasons. Miramonte alum Jennifer Vigo says that while she attended high school in Orinda, many students painted it as a way to express school spirit.

The property that the Rock is on is owned by private citizen Scott Carr. According to Bob Priebe, a Moraga Police Officer, Carr has always been concerned about students painting the rock because of the liability issues if someone were to get seriously injured and because people trespassing on the property upset the cows that graze on the land.

“Our department is only concerned about the rock in regards to safety issues,” Priebe said. “We are always concerned about someone falling in the dark and hurting themselves. We also get calls from the public when an offensive message is written on the rock, but as a police department, it’s not anything we can control.”

Junior Elise Goetzl and graduated senior Mark Ginsburg painted the Rock with their swim teams. Both experiences were different but memorable.

After beating Campolindo at a swim meet, members of the Miramonte swim team

Photo: K. Wolffe

hiked up to the Rock around midnight and painted it with their school colors.

“The hill leading up to the rock is covered in cow poop,” Ginsburg said. “I wore shorts and it got on my legs. Because it’s dark and you can’t see where you’re going, it’s kind of hard to avoid.”

Ginsburg says that the journey to and from the Rock was difficult for him because, in addition to the trail being hard to see at night, carrying paint cans made the hike extremely strenuous.

Goetzl painted the Rock with her teammates on the Sleepy Hollow Swim Team a few days before the big Orinda Moraga Pool Association (OMPA) swim meet. “We are always extremely spirited before OMPA,” Goetzl said. “But this year we wanted to take it to the next level.”

The day after Goetzl painted the Rock with Sleepy Hollow’s symbols and colors, a rival team painted over it and sent them a picture in the process. “The competitiveness kicked in so we put back on our black clothes, hiked up the hill and watched them drive away,” Goetzl said. “We spray painted over that green paint and sent them a picture right back.”

According to Priebe, if people under 18 are caught by the police painting the Rock, they will be enrolled into the Moraga Police Department’s Juvenile Diversion Program if they have no prior record. Otherwise, the police department will cite them for vandalism and trespass violations.

MHS Alum Performs with Upright Citizens Brigade

by Simone Britto Comedy’s next rising star found his passion right here at Miramonte. MHS alum John Zachary Townsend is a member of Upright Citizens Brigade, a New York improv and sketch comedy group which launched the careers of famous comedians such as Amy Poehler and Matt Walsh.

Townsend graduated from Miramonte in 2008. Though he was not a large part of the theater community in high school, he found his love for comedy writing after participating in Goats of Denmark, a sketch show run by Miramonte students.

“It ended up being a real life-changing experience, my first time writing and performing sketch comedy,” Townsend said. “I got really hooked and never stopped. I became obsessed with writing sketches. I almost failed AP Statistics because I was so focused on writing.”

After graduating from Miramonte, Townsend studied film and television at New York University. A week after moving to New York, he and a friend attended a free Upright Citizens Brigade show.

“It was really mind-blowing. I started going to a ton of shows, and eventually worked up the courage to start taking classes at the theater,” Townsend said.

Currently, Townsend writes and performs sketch shows at the theater. One of his shows running now is called Standards and Practices. “It sort of crosses the line between sketch show and play. It’s all about relationships and rejection and heartbreak, you know, the fun parts of dating,” Townsend said.

He also performs in other shows, including a show about Siamese twins that don’t know that they are sleeping with the same woman, and one called UCBW, a comedy wrestling show. “We don’t actually know how to wrestle,” Townsend said.

Throughout his time with Upright Citizens Brigade, Townsend has learned a lot. Making your way in comedy comes with success as well as a few failures.

Townsend’s worst moment at the theater was during a show called Alternate Reality. With a team of five hilarious

guys, he did an improv set that went horribly wrong.

It was about a pimp who comes across a dinosaur in Central Park and turns the dinosaur into a prostitute for him, ending with Townsend, as the dinosaur, miming sex acts.

“We walked onstage with so much swagger, we knew we were going to do some amazing comedy. And then we proceeded to do the longest, weirdest, most uncomfortable improv set I’ve ever been a part of,” Townsend said.

Though it wasn’t his best work, people appreciated the dedication put into it.

According to Townsend, the set provoked a lot of discussion. “People came up to me all week talking about it. Some said ‘that was the most uncomfortable I’ve ever felt watching improv,’ some said ‘you guys committed really hard to that!’”

In addition to writing and performing sketch and improv comedy, Townsend writes and draws semiautobiographical comics, called Young Dolphin Comics, which he publishes online. After a semester at NYU full of negativity, he was inspired to create comics as another form of expression.

“I drew the first two comics in my room on recycled paper. I went upstairs and showed my dad the first two,

Photo: M. Gomez

Above right: Townsend has been writing and performing sketch comedy with the Upright Citizens Brigade for four years.

Above left: Townsend publishes his Graphic: J. Townsend original comics everyday on his blog, youngdolphincomics.tumblr. com. “The ideas for the comics are almost entirely based on things that happen to me in real life that I fictionalize a bit,” Townsend said.

and he started crying with laughter. After feeling like such a failure for a semester, it felt good to be doing something people seemed to like again,” Townsend said.

Recently, Townsend and his writing partner, Mitchell Stephen Fesh, wrote a sequel to Annie Hall and they are currently writing a sample script for the Bill Engvall Show. Eventually he plans write a pilot about high school, partially inspired by Miramonte.

“My dream would be to write for a comedy TV show.

Lately, a lot of UCB people have been hired to write for Late Night With Jimmy Fallon and Saturday Night Live, so that’d be amazing. I’d also like to write and direct sadfunny indie movies or maybe release a graphic novel, anything where I can get paid to write funny stuff,” Townsend said.

10 Feature 2/8/13

Mirador

Walking With Nho

Have you ever imagined walking five and a half miles home? Mirador takes a look at an exceptional student who takes the trek every single day

by Karmi Chan and Jackie Steele entails seeing (and often smelling) substantial amounts

of roadkill. Every day he finds the streets littered with For many students at Miramonte, a five-mile walk dead squirrels or skunks on the sides and in the middle home after a long day at school would be torture. But of the road. for senior James Nho, the long journey home is one On average it takes Nho about an hour and a half to of the highlights of his day. make his five and a half mile excursion home, but to Since junior year, Nho has taken to the pavement him, “it only feels like half an hour.” While many stuand loved every second of it. “I enjoy the time away dents would find it difficult to pass the time, Nho is very from school and home, plus exercise is a wonderful patient and spends his time taking in the atmosphere. way to get my mind off of things,” Nho said.

“I just focus on integrating myself with the environBeing a senior, Nho no longer takes PE classes ment, which for me actually serves as a wonderful way and feels that his trek home helps him stay fit. He to pass the time,” Nho said. walks as fast as he can in order to receive the maxiThe only downfall of walking home is the unreasonmum amount of exercise. able amount of traffic on the roads. Crossing streets tend Not only does he enjoy the exercise, but Nho also to delay him a lot during his walks. “There are some relikes the idea of helping the environment; he avidly ally impatient and vicious drivers out there,” Nho said. prefers walking to driving.

With all the traffic delays, Nho usually arrives home by “Being in a car has a way of making me feel re3:35 p.m. ally restrained by the atmosphere and cut off from While many people would prefer listening to music embracing the outside world,” Nho said. “I prefer to to pass the time, Nho favors more organic and natural feel the ground beneath my feet when I walk and the surroundings. “Music has a tendency to make my mind soft texture of the wind blowing against my face. It go dizzy and out of place during exercise,” Nho said. makes me feel free.”

Instead he embraces the environment and feels conRain or shine, Nho can be found walking home nected with his surroundings. He is comforted by the everyday after sixth period along Moraga Way. His continuous presence of cars besides him and feels a conpositivity allows him to embrace any and all weather nection to the construction workers he passes by everyhe encounters. day.

Photo: J. Steele “Rainy and cold days make me feel cooled and James Nho poses in front of Miramonte walking home from “For every moment that goes by, I feel like I’m a facmore relaxed than normal days. Hot days make me school. He enjoys and finds peace through nature every day. tor that has played an important role in this environment feel more energized and positive than usual,” Nho and it has given me almost everything I need in return,” said. “There is no weather that I hate to walk in. I think of the weather and environment Nho said. “The environment itself feels like it’s a part of me and by walking on the side as a person that I keep in touch with all the time.” of the streets everyday I can indirectly express my gratitude.”

At the beginning of every walk, Nho experiences a burning pain in his feet and legs Although dozens of people have offered Nho a ride home, he has refused every time. due to the slanted terrain and weight of his backpack. Luckily, this pain subsides after Preferring the feeling of his feet connected to the ground, Nho loves walking home. He about 30 minutes. plans on continuing to walk home every day for the rest of the year and hopes to find Throughout these walks, Nho encounters many interesting sights. An average day places to walk in college.

CALLING ALL BABY MATS Ever wonder if you’re favorite teacher’s kid looks like them? Wondering if their child is destined to be anything like their parents? Here’s an inside look at our newest Mini-Matadors

by Ellie Poling “I love when Avni recounts the his tory of the world in her 15 + minute Librarian Elizabeth Aracic, morning soliloquy to my wife, me or Sports-Med teacher John Grigsby the ceiling fan,” Gadde said. and Science teacher Sharat Gadde Sometimes the humor comes from a are all experiencing being new parmuch simpler action like a giggle or a ents, and taking on new responsibliburp. “I think it’s pretty funny when she ties. smiles as she farts,” Grigsby said.

Aracic has been having tons of “In the midst of the deepest sleeps, fun with her two-month-old son Nashe’ll guffaw like a drunken sailor,” thaniel.

Gadde said of his two month year old “My favorite part of being a pardaughter. ent is seeing new sides of myself As for special talents, Aracic’s baby and my husband,”Aracic said. She is getting good at the backstroke kick thought she knew herself well, until and seems to love the water just like his the baby came along. “I don’t think mother. “ My first time in the pool was you’re ever fully who you can be; when I was 10 days old, and I was a every significant change in your life little worried he wouldn’t like the water can change you, no matter how ‘finas much as I do, but he seems to. It’s ished’ you seem,” Aracic said. such a gift,” Aracic said.

Grigsby loves watching his “She’s mastered the jazz flute,” daughter Chloe change, learn and Gadde said. grow everyday.

However having a baby that is mereAnother great part about having a ly a month old limits the extremity of Photo: S. Gadde, J. Grigsby, E. Aracic new baby is the sense of happiness the talent. “At only a few weeks old Top Left: Sharat Gadde’s baby, Avni poses at two months. Top Right: John Grigsby’s baby and laughter they bring to the room.

Chloe can hold her own bottle,” said Aracic recalled one of her baby’s Chloe smiles before a nap. Bottom: Elizabeth Aracic’s baby boy Nathaniel has a case of Grigsby. funniest encounters with their two the giggles before going to bed.

But along with all the lovely experichinchillas, Oliver and Podrick. Aracic explained how chinchillas have complicated so- ences of having a child, come the late, long nights. “My least favorite part of being a cial lives, so sometimes they make “check in” calls to other chinchillas. parent is not sleeping more than three hours in a row, and having to be up at least a half “They sound a little like birds,” Aracic said. “There have been a few times when hour each time,” Aracic said. they’ve made their noises and Nathaniel has answered back with little cooing noises, and Gadde suggested that the worst part about being a parent is seeing your child uncomthen they answer him with another call. I have no idea what they’re saying, but they’re fortable. definitely communicating with each other. If I were more paranoid, I’d think they were In regards to the future, mothers and fathers anticipate the day that their children will planning an escape or plotting against me.” grow up. “I am dreading the fact that she will be dating one day,” Grigsby said.

Mirador

2/8/13 Feature 11

Support for One and All Suicide: How to Help

by Ali Pietrykowski

by Elizabeth Chenok and Ellie Poling

Every day dozens of students walk into the counseling office and turn to the left to talk to their academic counselors or go straight to Drue Kendall to pay for college transcripts or ask a quick question.

While these are all extremely helpful resources, very rarely do students turn to the right to see either the psychologist or one of the two support Photo: A. Pietrykowski counselors.

Allyson Vesce, Jon Parker and Danielle Jurow (not In fact, many students pictured) are here to help Miramonte students in are unaware that such need of guidance. services even exist on campus. Now a lot of people Danielle Jurow is available to help are probably thinking to themselves, “Of Wednesday, Friday and Thursday course I didn’t know, I don’t need to see a afternoons, and Jon Parker is in the office support counselor.”

Monday, Tuesday and Thursday mornings.

And maybe you don’t right now. But if Vesce typically works on testing someday down the road you really need students for learning disabilities, but like someone to talk to or know someone who most of the staff at Miramonte, would be would benefit from seeing a counselor, happy to talk or listen. it’s good to know they’re there. And they Students and parents alike can call always are. or email one of the counselors and The counselors are there to help students anonymously recommend someone they with anything from school stress to eating know that may benefit from being called disorders or problems with friends and in to talk. parents. You don’t have to have a typically Contact information can be found under labeled “serious” problem in order to stop the counseling tab at Miramonte’s website. by.

Although all of the teachers and staff You can either drop in or fill out at Miramonte are always here for the a slip and have them call you in. The students, the counselors are present to psychologist, Allyson Vesce, is in her provide a specific place you can go to get office Monday through Thursday and one support anytime for whatever reason you of the support counselors is always there. need it.

Suicide. Just hearing the word stirs emotions. Suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem, and it is very relevant among teenagers.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention approximately 4600 lives, between the ages of 10 and 24, are lost each year to suicide.

The tragedy behind suicide is undeniable, and many find themselves searching for an unanswerable question: why? Although that question cannot be answered by those lost to suicide, there are ways to prevent asking the question all together.

“Some clinical signs would be loss of appetite, either sleeping more or less than usual, withdrawing from people and having drastic changes to their appearance,” Miramonte support counselor Danielle Jurow said. “Unusual behavior such as getting into fights, giving away their things or self medicating can also be signs, however none of this is a dead giveaway.”

In high school, change is constant, and that can make some, if not all students, feel uncomfortable at least once in these four years.

Many students are not aware of the multitude of adults on our campus that are willing to help.

“Here on campus, come to my office, where we also have support counselors,” Miramonte’s psychologist Allyson Vesce said. Miramonte has wonderful resources including teachers and counselors who are more than willing to talk to students having difficulty, or simply wanting to talk with an adult.

Believe it or not, teachers have all been through high school. Although technology and media have evolved since their time, they still have conquered the beast of high school.

Teachers can often be the best detectors of kids losing focus, and can also be helpful in getting them on track to reach their full potential.

However, friends often know one another best. If you hear a friend mention something or seem detached, “give them a talk,” Vesce said. “Probably not in a group because you don’t want your friend to feel uncomfortable or attacked. Simply say ‘what’s going on?’ or ‘ you seem distant.’ Let them know you’re there for them and that you love them.”

Having a depressed friend confide in you can seem intimidating. Students may not know what to do or say.

According to Jurow, as an outsider it’s a lot more challenging to tell, but if there’s any chance of a friend self-harming it’s important to talk to someone about it.

Having the burden of holding someone’s problems can be really difficult. But going to a trusted adult about a friend who is self-harming or has mentioned trying to hurt him/herself is important.

“It’s worth losing a friend. If you save their life, they might hate you for a day, a week, a month, but they will eventually realize you saved their life,” Jurow said.

Mira

12 relationship web 2/8/13

Middle School Relationships Remembered

Kera Deakins

Michael Akay

Oliver Weerts

Grace Nevins Mckenna Scalise

Connor Casey

Joey Forman

Ce Danny Sullivan

George Kaiser Katie Catton Kevin Swimmer

Mia Taapken Lisie Thayer Adam Brager

Georgia Briskey Carter Bertelsen Matt Ent Caitlin Powell

Gina Nerone

Alison Pietrykowski Dominique Hoover Claire Hamilton

Arya Haghighi

Jack Morris

Nick She

Tanner Wendt Luke Ostrom David Allen

Brielle Graumlich

Nora Ross

Willow Holloway Ryan Childers

Katie Hoskins

Nick Olivier

Luke Bohuslav

ador

2/8/13 relationship web 13

Ariana Dulberg Preston Quilici

Jeff Clark

Madeline Hudak Tina Romak

Kiran Shastri

Alyssa Barker

eleste Jett

eehan

Jackie Steele

Alicia Sanchez Rebekah Ent

Nathan Evans

Will Rhodes John Sommerville

Natalie Condon

Maddie Nicolaisen Alexander Jorgensen

Patrick Fabian

Lauren Dougherty

Highlights of Middle School Romances

George McConnell

Jack Fellner

Nick Solit

Maddy Cuyler Dana Conley

Best Hair: John Sommerville Plz bring back the pony!!

Most Memorable Break-up: Nick Solit & Dana Conley Who could forget the handshake?

Biggest Player: Carter Bertelsen We couldn’t even fit all of them on the web!

Most Likely to Rekindle: Ryan Childers & Willow Holloway They were just made for each other ;) Shortest Relationship: Natalie Condon & Will Rhodes Maybe date longer than a period next time?

Boy/Girl Look-a-likes: Jeff Clark & Tina Romak Dating or siblings?

Mirador

14 Feature 2/8/13

The Golden Doodles of Orinda 94563

If you have a golden doodle, you are automatically viewed by the world as a superior human being. This elite team of dog owners makes up a huge chunk of our community’s pet owning society. Half poodle, half golden retriever, most of these majestic beauties are, in fact, siblings. Familiarize yourself with the doodle family; they’re the celebs in our small town. Meet the Golden Doodles of Orinda:

by Natalie Vigo

Bear – “Mr. Bear” Sophomore Connor Jackson’s dog, Bear, is definitely a favorite among Miramonte students. Lovable, fat and happy, Bear appears to be just your ordinary dog. Well he is. But there’s something special about him… (Bear is open to any friend requests on Facebook.)

Jenny Penny – “JP” This sassy six year old was the first of the red haired doodles in Orinda. Junior Julia Nishioki likes to refer to the other doodle residents as Jenny’s “half siblings.”

You can find this canine riding shotgun in mother Sheila Nishioki’s car.

Angel – “Kiki” Meet Angel, a loving member of junior Emma Barr’s family.

This pampered pooch enjoys her $80 haircuts every three weeks. By getting carried everywhere, cuddling, and hitting a bell when she needs to go to the bathroom or wants water, this pup truly lives the princess lifestyle.

Hallie Cheese lovin’ and cat fearin’, Hallie, unlike many of her other Orinda siblings, is addicted to going on walks.

Abnormally energetic, personalized victims claim she cannot be left alone… or she will find you. When junior Hazel Catron finds herself with no friends and no cats present, she can always count on Hallie for some company.

Collin You may hear junior Abby Brzezinski complaining about how she has to walk her dog, Collin, after school. But it’s obvious that she secretly loves taking her noble steed to doggie play dates with his BFF, Max. Collin will greet anyone that comes to the Brzezinski household with a shrill yelp and slobbery lick.

Lucy – “Lulu” Sophomore Hayley Reardon’s dog, Lucy, spends her days eating without much exercise.

Although Reardon continually tries to play fetch with her fluffy friend, the only time you can see Lucy running is when there is food involved. Fun fact: Lucy lost all her hair and it grew back more ginger than ever.

In Loving Memory of Lily “You were a great dog, Lily, and you will be missed!” Nishioki said.

Koda You can only find this dog in the living room of sophomore Scott Guidotti’s house. Koda is known for stealing food from the counter and is always down for a bro-sesh with the boys. Koda is somewhat of an outcast because he is not related to any of the other Orindian doodles.

Drew – “The Man in a Dog Suit” Weighing in at a whopping 102 pounds, you are most likely to find this friendly giant stubbornly rejecting junior Claire Marvin’s desire to make it around the Lafayette Reservoir without him lying down. Drew was diagnosed with Addison’s disease, making him not want to eat. He was prescribed steroids and now will eat anything in sight.

Photos: Clockwise C. Jackson, J. Nishioki, H. Catron, L. Reardon, S. Guidotti, A. Barr, A. Brzezinski, C. Marvin

Player of the Issue: Ryan Coletta

by Julia Govan

As of late, the name Ryan Coletta has taken the Miramonte student body by storm. Senior Ryan Coletta is an active member of the Miramonte drama department and known for his talent, wit and most recently, his leading role in the Miramonte play, Hamlet.

Coletta fell into acting completely accidentally. He was randomly placed in the Orinda Intermediate School Drama 1 class in seventh grade upon moving from San Diego to Orinda.

“I thought I’d hate it. I was a really shy kid; I still am.

But in seventh grade, we did improv games. It went really well and I got lots of laughs. I was kind of hooked after that point,” Coletta said.

For the past six years, Coletta has continued acting in the OIS and Miramonte drama programs. A couple months ago, Coletta took on the challenging role of Hamlet in the fall play.

For most students, the thought of memorizing even a page of dialogue is incredibly daunting. For Coletta, this is a common reality in his Advanced Drama class.

As Hamlet, Coletta had to memorize somewhere around 1,500 lines. Yet, despite the pressure many would attribute with performing in front of a full theater over the course of three shows and roughly six hours of stage time, Coletta was in his element; remaining calm and at ease.

“You’re nervous before you go on stage but once you’re on stage you kind of get in the zone. When you get in the role, the nervousness goes away and you start to feel comfortable,” Coletta said.

He admits that the role of Hamlet was the most difficult

persona he has ever undertaken.

“It was challenging,” Coletta said. “I had to go through every single line, figure out what it meant and then apply tone to my voice so the audience understood what it meant.”

Coletta’ s acting flexibility allows him to embody many different genres of acting, be it a solemn tragedy or a sidesplitting comedy. While he most recently took on a more serious, Shakespearean character, Coletta admits he favors comedic roles.

“You get a feeling like you’ve brought joy to a multitude of people. It’s a feeling you get. I can’t describe it,” said Coletta.

Coletta also appeared in and wrote for the hilarious Goats of Denmark last year. This is a non-Miramonte affiliated independent assortment of skits on many different topics performed by eight selected Miramonte students.

This year Coletta, along with fellow drama student junior Daniel Cook, will be directing the 2013 performance.

After high school, Coletta still plans on continuing his passion for entertainment, but might set his focus towards more behind-the-scenes type work instead of pursing solely acting roles.

“Acting’s a really tough business,” Coletta said. “And I don’t want to be a waiter.”

Coletta is currently looking at film, theater writing and theater directing, but still hopes to partake in recreational drama on the side.

You can see Ryan Coletta on stage in Goats of Denmark in late April or as the abusive and sadistic Orin Scrivello in Miramonte’s upcoming musical, Little Shop of Horrors, which comes out in March.

Photo: H. Stuebgen

Coletta utters the famous line, “Alas poor Yorick, I knew him well,” in Miramonte’s fall production of Hamlet.

Fun Facts About Ryan Favorite Actor: Peter Sellers Favorite Film: Amadeus Favorite Color: Orange Favorite Dish: Sushi Life Motto: “To those who much is given, much is expected.”

Three Things You’d Bring with you on a Deserted Island: A hatchet, a can, flint Guilty Pleasure: Singing alone in the car Favorite Fictitious World: Middle Earth Smallest Pet Peeve: Dotting i’s with hearts Best Dance Move: Moonwalk Favorite Accessory: Watch

Mirador

15 Sports 2/8/13

SPORTS Mats Experience the Thrills of Sailing

by Karmi Chan

compete against each other in teams of two. In high school Watching the sunset over the and collegiate sailing, students horizon and feeling the light compete in 13-foot boats called breeze of fresh salty air are some Flying Juniors. To begin a race, of the many perks of sailing. A few all boats are lined up and take off Miramonte students experience after the blast of a horn. Differing this joy frequently by sailing from practices, coaches can’t through the Encinal Yacht Club advise their sailors during the race. in Alameda. Miramonte sailors “It’s all about the sailor’s decision include Sydney Livingston ‘13, making,” Livingston said.

Caroline Colwell ‘14, Guy Raber Sailing regattas are a great way ‘14, Molly Colwell ‘16 and Lucy to interact with other sailors around Wilmot ‘16.

California and make new friends.

Practicing about once a week in Miramonte students compete at the Alameda Estuary, these sailors a high level and work to place at love the thrill and exhilaration of every regatta. the sport. Although it’s tough for Competing in the Pacific these students to train as rigorously Coast Interscholastic Sailing as they would like, as most of their Association(PCISA), Miramonte time is taken up with school and races against teams such as homework, they continue to stay Newport and Point Loma. The dedicated to the sport. team is steadily improving this year Photo: C. Colwell During summer, more time and after placing 3rd in Newport, A few maritime Matadors hit the water for a weekend regatta in Southern California. is allocated for practices, and Miramonte was moved up to the training is increased to about four more competitive Gold Fleet. days a week, which helps these sailors improve immensely. progressively building themselves up. They have recently The Miramonte sailing team is now ranked second in An average day at practice includes working on basic boat started to see an enormous amount of success, as all of Northern California after placing right behind Branson their hard efforts have paid off in recent races. mechanics.

High School at the Rose Bowl Regatta in Long Beach on Sailors participate in competitions called regattas. Jan. 5-6.

“I love how sailing is both a physical and a mental On weekends, these regattas start at around 10 a.m. and sport,” Wilmot said.

“We are younger and less experienced than most other A few of these sailors became involved in the sport last until 4 p.m. The team travels all over California, teams, but we definitely don’t let that stop us,” Raber said. because of their fathers. Both Livingston and Wilmot were everywhere from San Diego to the Bay. Miramonte’s sailors are very proud of their ranking and During these competitions, Miramonte students are working hard to continue to improve. They have fallen introduced to sailing through their dads.

“Sailing is a tradition of my dad’s whole side of the compete under Miramonte’s name. Although not directly in love with the sport and are passionate about it. family,” Livingston said. “It was a big part of my dad’s affiliated with the school, this sailing team represents “My favorite part of sailing is feeling my hair blowing Miramonte. life, so I thought it would be fun.” behind me in the wind while my muscular body shines in The regatta consists of multiple races in which students the sun for all to see,” Raber said.

Over the past two years Miramonte’s sailors have been

Lights Go Out On 49ers Super Bowl Aspirations Ray Lewis caps Hall of Fame career with his second Super Bowl victory with Ravens

by Colin Bean

On Feb. 3 in New Orleans the Baltimore Ravens squeaked out a narrow 34-31 victory over the San Francisco 49ers in the 47th Super Bowl. What seemed to be a blowout in the first half turned into an interesting game after a mysterious power outage.

Two headlines got a lot of attention this postseason: Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis is retiring and John Harbaugh coached against his brother Jim, in what is being called the “Harbowl.”

Lewis was in the limelight this postseason after announcing that this would be his last season. Lewis, a 13-time pro-bowler and Baltimore Raven for 16 seasons, rallied his team to the Super Bowl with his overzealous attitude. Lewis backed up his talk by leading the NFL with 51 tackles in the postseason, including seven tackles in the Super Bowl.

This season the Harbaugh brothers brought sibling rivalry to a whole other level when they faced off in the Super Bowl. For Ravens coach, John Harbaugh, this was a bittersweet victory. After the game, John said about his younger brother, “I look up to him in so many ways and I am hurting for him in that sense.”

After the Super Bowl San Francisco fans were crushed, including Miramonte’s die-hard 49ers fan, sophomore Ray Barrie-Kivel. “I was so disappointed, I felt like Ray Lewis had tackled my soul,” Barrie-Kivel said.

However, some Miramonte students didn’t feel the same way. Oakland Raiders fan, junior Brandon Armosino said, “I was happy that the bandwagon 49ers fans went home disappointed.”

The Ravens came out strong in the first half, ahead 21-6 going into the third quarter. The first half was dominated by

Photo: L. Hahn/MCT

Ed Reed hoists the Lombardi Trophy during the post game spectacle in the New Orleans Superdome.

Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco, who threw for 287 yards and three touchdowns in the game. The second half started off with a 108-yard kickoff return for a touchdown by Ravens wide receiver Jacoby Jones, which put the 49ers in an even deeper hole.

However, San Francisco’s luck suddenly changed when a power outage left half of the Superdome in darkness for 34 minutes for unknown reasons. This power outage brought the 49ers back to life and triggered a 17-0 run in just over four minutes.

The game came down to one last drive for the 49ers with 4:19 remaining and San Francisco losing by five.

49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick led the team all the way to the five yard line, but couldn’t punch it in on fourth down. Kaepernick took a shot at the end zone that fell incomplete. Many, including niners coach Jim Harbaugh, thought that there should have been a defensive holding call against Baltimore, which could have dramatically changed the game. The Ravens secured their win by stopping San Francisco on a punt return in the final seconds.

Mirador

16 sports 2/8/13

Athlete of the Issue: Kiran Shastri

by Joey Goodreault

Senior Kiran Shastri is not a human being. No, seriously, the kid is unreal. When it comes to the court, he’s on another level compared to his opponents. He has graced the Miramonte basketball program with his ability and has achieved accolades previously unheard of at the school.

The question is, what has he not done? Averaged 20+ points per game throughout his career? Check. Multiple 40-point games? Check. First team all DFAL? Check.

Brought Mats Hoops back? Check.

Shastri is not only a great player, but brings charisma and leadership to the program which are vital to a team’s success. No wonder he is known as one of the top players in the Bay Area.

Last year, in the quarterfinals of NCS against Analy High School, Shastri put on one of the top performances ever seen at Miramonte. The sharpshooter went off and scored 40 points plus lead his team to a victory in double overtime, saving the team’s season and advancing them to the semi-finals. To make the performance even more magnificent, Shastri did it all on an injured leg. His will to win over-powered all the pain and he played brilliantly.

“It was amazing to witness, especially at the high school level,” Neema Shoraka ‘13 said. “You never really see someone put up 40 in a high school game. I lost my Persian lungs cheering for the guy, chanting MVP. My initial reaction was this kid is going to be really special one day.”

Basketball has played a huge role in Shastri’s life. His passion for game has been apparent ever since he was in first grade. From that time, the kid has been a natural.

“Basketball has always been easy for me ever since I was young.” Shastri said. “It just felt right. My dad and I used to shoot all the time in the park or in the gym and that’s where I developed my stroke. I love the game and I want to take it as far as I can.”

Shastri will be playing at Chaminade University in Honolulu next year on a full ride scholarship. Chaminade is a top-level program known for their “Maui Invitational” tournament, where major programs such as Duke, Texasand Georgetown come to compete. In fact, Chaminade upset Texas University this year which put them on the map nationally.

“It’s quite an honor to be going to such a great program as Chaminade. I’ve worked for this my whole entire life and it feels good to save my family some money and at the same time go do what I love. I’ve spent hours in the gym and to get the results is so fulfilling. I’m just excited to get out there and show what I can do,” Shastri said.

Shastri has spent hours in the lab, working on every aspect of his game. From shooting, to ballhandling, to even

Photos: K. Lin

Left: Shastri focuses on the game. Right: Shastri shoots the ball over the defenders heads, putting another point on the board.

improving his athleticism, Shastri has put in the time and effort to be an elite player. His dreams have inspired and motivated him to put in this work because he knows it will all be worth it in the end. At one point, he even woke up at 5:30 in the morning to get extra practice in before school.

When Shastri is not on the court, he enjoys hanging out with his friends, listening to music and watching basketball.

“I am always with my friends. Little ‘N’ (Neema Shoraka) and The C.O.B. (Matt Cobley) have been my guys since day one and we always have been homies,” Shastri said.

“Our interests include music and sports. Either we are bumpin Drizzy (Drake) or West Coast’s finest, Dom Kennedy. Whatever fits the vibe. It’s a lifestyle ya know? We just keep it one hunnit on the daily.”

Whether Shastri is on or off the court, he will make a positive impact no matter what. His skill and charisma is very rare these days. Make sure to check him out on ESPN draining threes or baptizing opponents at the rim next year at Chaminade. He will surely not disapoint.

Favorite movie: Welcome Home Roscoe Jenkins Favorite color: Blue Favorite music: Dom Kennedy, Drake Favorite food: Chipotle Favorite basketball team: Golden State Warriors Favorite nickname: K, K-Shas Favorite sport: basketball Favorite Animal: Tiger Favorite Quote: “I just get buckets, ya feel me?” - Quincy Miller Position: Shooting Guard/Small forward Height: 6’ 5”

Golden State Warriors Take Their Fans For a Spin Warriors show promise early in the season, exciting fans, and making everyone look forward to the potential success that lies ahead

Photo By Doug Duran

Left: The Warrior’s small forward, Harrison Barnes, goes up for an open shot.

Right: The Warrior’s shooting guard, Klay Thompson drives on defender.

by Matt Metheny Golden State Warrior fans have a lot to be excited about this season. So far this season the Warriors appear to be on their way to a post-season, which would be the first time since 2007.

The Warriors have surprised the NBA this year as they were supposed to have a mediocre season. They are in second place in the Pacific Division and are in fifth place in the Western Conference. They are also going to head into the All Star Break with a better record than the Lakers, which rarely happens.

They have had many key victories so far this season, including wins against the Clippers, Heat, Thunder and Nuggets. All of these teams are at the top of their division.

The Warriors are also selling out more games than usual this season.

“I have not been this excited for the warriors in years, they are winning a lot of games and I hope they continue too,” Mac Watson, ’14 said The Warriors top performers this year are David Lee and Stephen Curry in addition to Jarrett Jack and Carl Landry who were acquired over the offseason. David Lee also made the All Star team and Stephan Curry did not, which many people found questionable.

“Many players on the warriors have

surprised me this season, I didn’t except players to be playing this well, hopefully they keep it up,” Steven Shepard ’14 said.

One of the most exciting games this season so far was against the Heat. After a hard fought game in Miami, Rookie Draymond Green made a clutch game winning layup in the final seconds to beat the Heat 97-95. Rookie Clay Thompson led the warriors with a season high 27 points. Many fans believe this game was the turning point in the Warriors season.

“This game was the most exciting game I have watched all season, I really think this game gave the Warriors their confidence and sparked their season. Beating a team like the Heat gives a young team a lot of confidence,” Will Fuller ’14 said.

Another big win for the Warriors this season came at home against the L.A. Clippers. The Warriors beat the Clippers 11594 and dominated the whole game. David Lee and Stephan curry led the Warriors with a combined 55 points. This game was important because the Clippers are ahead of the Warriors in the Western Conference.

Some important games for the warriors upcoming this season include rematches against Oklahoma City Thunder and the Los Angeles Lakers.

Mirador

2/8/13 sports 17

College Football Goes to Playoff System Starting in 2014 college football will switch to a much needed four-team playoff; hopefully the new system will give more teams a chance at a national title

by Drew Anderson Unfortunately the college football season has come to an end, and although the National Championship has been played, it still doesn’t seem like the best team has been decided because of the BCS system.

The BCS rankings are a compilation of different polls and computer rankings combined to create one final ranking, which always causes disagreement. Every year there seems to be three, four, or even five teams that could all compete for a national championship. However, we leave the championship teams to be decided by a computer in a two-team championship, not giving the others a chance.

Every year college football fans are disappointed because only two teams get a shot at the championship and every year good teams get snubbed for a shot at the title game.

Fortunately, fans will only have to suffer for one more year before college football switches to a four-team playoff format.

This season, for example, Notre Dame played in the National Championship game, and while they are a good team, ended up losing by 28. It never even appeared like it was going to be a close game after the first quarter when Alabama was up 14-0, and the most entertaining part of the game seemed to be AJ McCarron’s girlfriend in the stands. It makes you wonder what could have been if teams like Oregon, Georgia or Texas A&M had been there instead.

Georgia had already played Alabama in the

Photo: K. Rechnitz

Photo: B. Cabell/MCT

Photo: J. G. Pinsky/MCT

Top: Loyal fans like these hope a new system will give their team a better shot. Bottom left: Two Georgia defenders take down the quarterback. Bottom right: Navy holds up the trophy after a big win against Army.

SEC championship, and lost by four, and if it weren’t for some bad time management, it would have been them facing Notre Dame in the national title.

Oregon would have been in as well if it weren’t for a three-point overtime loss to Stanford, a game which Oregon seemed to be in control of until some costly mistakes late in the game, which are to be expected of a redshirt freshman quarterback.

Texas A&M also had a great year, and beat Alabama, the national champions, in Tuscaloosa.

The Aggies, however, ended up losing two games on the year to tough SEC opponents in LSU and Florida.

While Notre Dame went undefeated, and deserved a championship shot as well, they played a much easier schedule than Texas A&M or Georgia, and with the playoff system, Notre Dame would have had to get through tough teams like that to get into the national championship.

An eight-team format would be ideal but for now we must just celebrate the step forward we are taking with the four-team playoff. The main problem with an eight-team playoff is that each week is such a grind for players and adding another week to the season just makes it that much harder on the players.

With the new four-team playoff that will start in 2014, there will certainly be dispute over the number four spot, but it will at least give more than two teams a chance. Hopefully the new fourteam format will just be the start. Ideally one day it could become an eight-team playoff, which would be extremely exciting.

18 Sports 2/8/13

Mirador

Two Way Street “twice the editor, none of the Y chromosomes”

Sports Editor Georgia Briskey and Two Way Street sports enthusiast Hannah Friel discuss new and rising tennis player Sloane Stevens, the San Jose Sharks season and the Manti Te’o hoax

Is there more to come for Sloane Stephens or did she just get lucky against Serena Williams?

Georgia: Coming out of the middle of nowhere, Sloane Stephens not only beat Serena Williams in the Australian Open, but also hung tough against Victoria Azarenka (ranked No. 1) in the semi-finals.

At only 19 years old, the world views Stephens as the next big thing.

However, I think she still Photo: A. Crabb/MCT has a lot to learn before she Above: Joe Thornton tries to keep the puck away from a Defender. makes it far in another tennis Right: Stephens returns a serve from competitor Serena Williams. tournament. w h i c h There’s no question that dropping her world ranking was shocking for many people. However, Stephens is of 29th to 17th after one tournament is impressive, but extremely motivated and has raw talent. Stephens trains Sloane was given somewhat easy draws when it came to hard and is a fierce competitor, so there’s no doubt that she her competition. earned the win over Williams. She also showed that she Her first three rounds in the Australian Open were easy can put up a strong fight against Azarenka, with the final wins, as she won the first two sets in each match. When score 1-6, 4-6. This is only the beginning of a great career it came to her match against Serena Williams, she knew for Stephens and there are definitely more great matches she had to step it up. Williams had her at the beginning to come. of the match, but Williams began to feel a little under the weather. Is this a definite reason for why Stephens won? Do you think the Sharks will continue to play well or Absolutely not; Stephens has some serious talent. I think choke in the playoffs? we should be keeping our eyes on another American tennis pro, Madison Keys anyone?

Georgia: Thank goodness the NHL lockout is over.

If you’re a hockey fan then you’ve been watching the Hannah: Without a doubt, everyone should expect to Sharks absolutely dominate the ice. With a 7-0-1 record, see much more of Sloane Stephens. For those of you who the Sharks have defeated most teams thanks to top scorer have no idea who she is (which is understandable because Patrick Marleau. until recently, Stephens has been under the radar) Stephens However, the Sharks are notorious for playing lousy is a 19-year-old from Plantation, Florida with extremely when playoffs come at the end of the season . Back in 2011, underestimated talent. the San Jose Sharks went all the way to the Conference Stephens is currently ranked 17th by the WTA, and at Finals in the Stanley Cup, but lost before making it to the the Australian Open back in January she made it to the Stanley Cup Finals. Last season they did even worse as semi-finals round. they lost in the first game against the St. Louis Blues, only In the semi-finals Stephens lost to the No. 1 ranked scoring one goal. I’m not saying they don’t have potential, player in the world, Victoria Azarenka. In the quarterfinals but history definitely has a way of repeating itself. however, Stephens beat Serena Williams (ranked No. 3),

Photo: J. Woike/MCT

Hannah: Now that the NHL lockout is over, I wouldn’t be surprised to see the San Jose Sharks do well this season.

Due to the lockout, the regular season has been shortened, which could potentially be beneficial for the Sharks.

Although they recently lost to the Nashville Predators 2-1 in a shootout, the Predators are used to shootouts and have played five so far this season.

Currently the Sharks’ record is 7-0-1, and they hold onto first place in the Pacific Division. While the Sharks normally fade off towards the end of a long season, or as some say “choke,” I am extremely confident that the Sharks will make a comeback and go to the playoffs.

Although the Sharks lost before making it to the Stanley Cup Finals, they definitely have a better chance of making it because they will have a stronger overall season. With a shorter season, there will be less time for errors, which will definitely help the Sharks stay focused and do well.

How do you feel about the Manti Te’o hoax?

Hanngia Frielskey: To be completely honest, we really don’t care. For the past month we’ve heard every opinion about it and couldn’t wait for it to blow over. We’re beyond thankful that the story has come to an end with Ronaiah Tuiasosopo coming forward and admitting the hoax was all his fault. It still seems like something is missing from this story, but we’re over it and ready to move on.

Miramonte Students Try Lamorinda Rugby The Lamorinda Rugby Football Club gains popularity and new players from Miramonte

by Hannah Friel

wanting to play,” Rory Howells ‘15 said.

In recent years, the varsity team has done very well Do you have what it takes to be in their division, and in the 2012 season the varsity tackled and chased by half a dozen team won their first official state title. The team is huge men wearing no pads? If so, looking to continue their success into this season. rugby is the sport for you.

There are always new additions to the team, and Recently, the Lamorinda this year there are five sophomores that are starters.

Rugby Football Club has become “The younger players are especially important increasingly popular for boys in the this year, especially so they can carry the Lamorinda area. Around 25 players team in later years,” Jamie Howells ’13 said. are from Miramonte, and even more Additionally, there are juniors and seniors have been debating whether to try that are playing for the first time this year. this popular sport.

“A lot of my friends encouraged me to try rugby this Lamorinda Rugby was founded in year and so far it’s been a great experience,” Matt 1981, and quickly became a popular Solit ‘13 said. “I’m really glad I tried it, and I’ve had out-of-school activity for football a lot of fun with my teammates.” and soccer players. Although it can Rugby has also been a great assistance for be a difficult sport to learn, once one getting into colleges and universities. In past years, Photo: I. Drake understands the rules, it can be a lot Miramonte alums have gotten into Cal, UCLA, Saint Miramonte alum Cameron Drake ‘12 dodges past a player and carries the ball of fun, and no previous knowledge of quickly down the field.

Mary’s and other schools to play rugby. rugby is required to try out.

There are a lot of traveling opportunites as well.

“There are no cuts, so everyone is welcome to try out,” varsity captain Jamie Howells Rugby is the national sport of South Africa, New Zealand and Australia, and last year the ‘13 said. “Everyone has an effective role on the team and anyone can be a leader.” team had the chance to compete in Argentina. This year the team will travel to Canada This club has gained a lot of attention recently, and every year more players try out. over spring break. The team has games every Saturday from January through late April “It’s only two practices a week and unlike football, everyone has a chance to They mainly play other teams from the Bay Area and Sacramento, but occasionally travel carry the ball. It’s a really fun sport and we do really well, so more people are to Southern California to compete from teams around there.

Mirador

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20 Entertainment 2/8/13

Mirador

Sweet Treats Reveal Secret Personality

by Cassidy Waters and Natalie Condon

Sweets often reflect one’s hidden personality, especially around Valentine’s Day. Whether you’re a hopeless romantic or more on the flirtatious side, there’s always a treat for you. Ladies, take a look below to see what your favorite sweet says about you. Gents, if you’re having trouble picking a treat for your Valentine, see which would best suit her ;)

Red Hots: People often describe you as feisty, sassy and flirtatious. The spicy flavor of this candy portrays your fire and passion in life. You’re not concerned with finding a long-term relationship, but enjoy living in the moment and having fun.

Lollipops: Like a lollipop, you tend to be “hard” on the outside and “soft” on the inside. You are perceived as unapproachable and reserved when it comes to love. You never search for relationships, but are secretly hoping to find your perfect match. Guys, don’t be put off by these intimidating girls. Buy her some flowers and she’ll be yours.

Caramels: These gooey candies symbolize your ability to let people into your love life. It’s easy for you to jump into relationships, but you often take things too quickly and end up heartbroken. Try slowing things down and you will meet someone who appreciates your loving, compassionate personality.

Sweethearts: You’re a fun-loving social butterfly with many secret admirers. This is your favorite candy because of the creative messages inscribed on each. You love the variety of flavors which reflect your spontaneity and playfulness.

Chocolate Truffles: You would love to have your knight in shining armor come sweep you off your feet.

Valentine’s Day is your favorite holiday because love is in the air. Your heart melts at the sight of the seasonal heart shaped boxes and the scent of red roses. Guys, if you’re looking to impress your crush, definitely surprise her with one of these on her doorstep.

Baked Goods: On Valentine’s Day, your favorite thing to do is brighten everyone’s day by handing out various treats like cookies, brownies and cupcakes.

Rather than focusing the attention on yourself, you want everyone to feel special and have someone to celebrate with, even if it’s not his or her significant other.

Photos: Handout

Art of the Love Note Lost on Teenage Boys

by Georgia Briskey

It’s no question that girls and boys disagree on just about everything. On Valentine’s Day especially, girls and boys have entirely different perceptions of what love is. Girls expect boys to pour their hearts out to them, while boys are still confused as to what a girl is. In love notes, girls expect a Cyrano de Bergerac, while a boy can barely formulate a sentence. Nonetheless, Mirador has written up what a girl would want her love note to say, and what a boy would actually write to her.

What a girl wants:

Dear The Most Beautiful Girl In the World, Since the day I laid eyes on you in sixth grade, I knew it was love at first sight. Your shiny hair, sweet smile and endearing laugh were enough to send me head over heels in love with you. I remember when I dropped my pencil in English last year and we both reached down to pick it up. I instantly knew how thoughtful you were and how I could see us spending the rest of our lives together. I think about you all day, everyday, and wish I had the bravery to say this all to you in person. I love you, I love you, I love you. There is no one as perfect as you and I hope you feel the same love for me as I feel towards you. Be my Valentine?

Love, Boy of Dreams P.S. I hope you enjoy the flowers, chocolate, teddy bear, balloons, Tiffany’s necklace and perfume.

What a girl gets:

Dear Attractive Girl in my Math Class, Hey, I um don’t really know what to say in these kinds of things, but Happy Valentine’s Day. You’re pretty cool I guess. I remember when I dropped my pencil in English last year and we both went down to pick it up. That was so awkward but cool at the same time. Let’s hang sometime.

Peace, Clueless Teenage Boy P.S. Are we each other’s Valentines now?

Mirador

2/8/2013 Entertainment 21

Disclaimer: Do Not Try This at Home

Rather than engaging in the traditional sports and after-school activities, the Mirador offers alternative and unique fun

by Colleen Burke and Heidi Maupin

Riking Roller-Biking.

Enough said.

Luging Feeling risky? Find an empty street or hallway and go longboard-luging.

Wear a helmet.

Iceblocking If you are willing to endure freezing temperatures and no light, acquire a large block of ice, haul it to the top of a hill, sit down and experience the crazy roller coaster that awaits.

Mudsliding Tired of being cooped up inside on a rainy day?

Take to the hills with some friends and don’t be afraid to get dirty.

Hill-rolling This care-free activity is good for all ages! It can be done with somersaults or on your side. It usually results in extreme laughter and grass stains.

Suburban Snorkeling Suit up with a wetsuit and snorkel for a dip your favorite public fountain.

Maybe you’ll find buried treasure.

Whale Riding If you’re looking for a good thrill, get yourself to the Lawrence Hall of Science and take a spin on the giant whale. Don’t forget to bring your imagination.

MHS Track Wakeboarding In the colder months, when life seems dreary and sports keep getting cancelled, bring a wakeboard to school. The strategically built track allows for rain to flood it and some epic wakeboarding adventures.

Mudsoccer Engaging in the regular old sports can get boring, and just seems like a way to get exercise. The best way to have fun, learn new skills and secretly get in shape is mud soccer - It’s soccer with mud.

Rope Swinging Go to the Lafayette Community Park. Walk through some bushes at the lower field. Walk up a hill. Climb on a rope.

Jump and swing. Good times.

Photos: C. Burke, C. Marvin, H. Maupin

2013: Year of the Movies

by Megan Rogers

ENDER’S GAME Based on the 1985 novel in the successful Sci-Fi series by Orson Scott Card, Ender’s Game follows the story of a young boy named Ender who is recruited to be trained in the art of fighting aliens. The movie is being directed by Gavin Hood and will be starring Asa Butterfield (the boy from Hugo) as Ender, Harrison Ford, Hailee Steinfeld, Viola Davis and Abigail Breslin. This movie doesn’t come out until Nov. 1, but hopefully it will be deserving of the hype it is already receiving.

ANCHORMAN: THE LEGEND CONTINUES Did anyone expect a sequel to the hilarious Anchorman? We saw at the Golden Globes Awards that Will Ferrell is growing out his moustache, so whether you did or not, it’s coming. It premiers Dec. 20, and features the original stars, Will Ferrell, Paul Rudd and Steve Carrell, as well as a rumored appearance by Kristen Wiig.

THE GREAT GATSBY Juniors, get excited! The famous 1925 novel by F. Scott Fitzgerald is being made into a movie and will be released July 12. It was originally scheduled to premier May 10, but was pushed back in order to start off the summer with an exciting movie. The movie is set in the roaring 20’s and follows a man named Nick Carraway (played by Tobey Maguire) living in Long Island who becomes interested in his neighbor, Jay Gatsby’s (Leonardo DiCaprio) extravagant lifestyle. He is ultimately drawn into Gatsby’s social circle and becomes involved with their tragedies.

21 AND OVER Brought to you by the directors of The Hangover, 21 and Over is about a hard working medical student whose two friends plan on celebrating his 21st birthday with him. Familiar actors Skylar Astin (the love-interest in Pitch Perfect) and Miles Teller (of Project X and Rabbit Hole) will be starring in this comedy scheduled for March 1.

CARRIE REMAKE The original adaptions of this Stephen King novel were creepy enough, but apparently not for the horror film industry. As such, we are expecting another Carrie remake on Oct. 18. The film stars Chloe Grace Moretz as the new Carrie White, a sheltered girl living with her extremely religious mother played by Julianne Moore. Carrie has been teased all her life, but when she discovers she has telekinetic powers, she may finally be able to exact her revenge on her bullies.

22 Entertainment 2/8/13

Mirador

Students Rate the Music of 2012

Mirador surveyed numerous fourth period classes, asking students who they think will win at the Grammy’s this Sunday. The results below show the opinions of Miramonte students

By Kenyon Watson and Jack Kovalik

Remembering the Fads of Yesteryear Over the past few decades, American culture has been no stranger to changing styles, technology and entertainment. The 70’s had “far out” styles such as bell-bottoms and lava lamps. The 80’s glorified the spandex, neon clothing and enormous hairstyles that now plague some of our parents’ photo albums. As seniors paw through their own photo collections for Then and Now shots, memories of our youthful fads resurface, bringing laughter, eye rolls of embarrassment, and what we thought was “da bomb.com”.

by Katie Hoskins Gauchos and Ponchos, ole!

Probably attempting to actively support the growing Hispanic population in California, elementary school girls of the late 90’s and 2000’s loved to flaunt their Spanish ensembles. Ponchos first made their debut in the early elementary years as a stylish new way to keep warm in a Limited Too t-shirt without the restrictions sleeves impose on energetic arms. In a way, these babies were like a medieval Snuggie prototype, usually with a healthy amount of fringe all around.

Gauchos, on the other hand, came onto the scene in the later years, when jeans the or pants mom picked up at JCPenney were no longer the only option. Complete with a slight flare and tighter fit, gauchos were the ultimate way to show your fashion know-how on the big-kid playground, at least until you graduated and moved into the terrifying and unknown middle school world of Abercrombie, Hollister and Juicy socks with Converse A pre- X Box and PlayStation World: While a tiny plastic person shaped like a thumb on a skateboard may not seem like the ultimate form of entertainment, in third grade these things were all the rage. If you did not own a Tech Deck Dude complete with magnetic skateboard or surfboard, you were not one of the cool kids. At recess, everyone would line up their collections and brag about the coolest new models, and during class, the toys found happy homes stuck inside the metal cubbies of desks safe from the eyes of teachers.

“All the girls were interested in the little figures that came with the skateboards, and all the boys were interested in just the skateboards,” senior Charlotte Pitt said, an avid tech deck-er in the day.

But even magnetic plastic figures eventually cease to entertain and the elementary school population had to find a new way to pass the time. For girls, this came in a collection of hand games including Lemonade, Concentration, ABC Hit It and a few years later, Slide. Speed, diction and the ability to freeze on command for unknown amounts of time were all pivotal skills in the games, and many students still have the rhymes etched in their memories.

“I used to play slide all the time,” junior Maya Konstantino said. “It’s funny that I still remember how to play those games, but at this point I will probably have them memorized for life.”

The post-toys years of elementary school also brought on scores of early computer games like Rollercoaster Tycoon, Zoo Tycoon and of course the Sims. At first, all of these games were harmless ways for children to express the inner architect, businessman and all-powerful being within. Cheats were the talk of the wall-ball court and soon every k i d

Photo: K. Hoskins

knew how to create the perfect virtual world with the click of a few buttons.

But eventually we got tired of building elaborate zoos only to have annoying guests complain about the number of bathrooms and watching virtual families happily live their lives. Things took a turn for the worse. People began torturing their guests, using electric fences to lock them in the zoo and releasing lions and alligators while the masterminds laughed at the resulting frenzy and plotted more ways to create mayhem. Playing Sims with your friends was no longer a fun way of playing dollhouse online, but a brutal competition to see who could ruin lives more maniacally.

Online gaming also got its inception during our younger years with sites like Neopets, Club Penguin and Webkinz. If you were lucky, your parents bought you a special membership, gaining you access to exclusive clothing for your penguin or webkin animal and other goodies for Neopets, which have since been long forgotten at the NeoPound. Club Penguin was especially popular because you could meet up with friends for some sled racing, or throw an igloo party complete with puffles galore. Kids were occupied for hours on end just waddling through the snowy world of Club Penguin, or even training to become a Secret Agent.

Free time was abundant in our younger years without homework, applications, or responsibilities at all, and as kids, we found many ways to pass the time. Some make sense to us years later, some not so much. Now, like the mood rings and platforms of our parents heydays, our Tech Deck Dudes and old ponchos have been donated or shoved into the depths of the darkest closet, replaced with iPhone accessories and video games that years from now may seem as obsolete and silly as the fads of our youth.

Mirador

2/8/13 Entertainment 23

Love Gurus at Your Service

by Julia Hass and Julia Govan

Dear Julia and Julia, I’ve had the increasing fear that my girlfriend may love her cat more than she loves me. Whenever we’re together and I try to snuggle with her, she always chooses to cuddle with her awful cat instead.

How can I make sure that I’m her priority?

From, Second String Lover Dear Second String Lover, It does sound as though you are second string to her cat. Have no fear! This can be easily remedied. The thing that makes cats so appealing is their seeming inability to be tamed, their aloofness, etc. It seems only logical that you should attempt to adopt the personality of a cat to get your loved one running back to you. The next time she asks you if you’d like to hang out, or get something to eat, respond with a blase, “whatever,” as you continue to paddle aimlessly with a ball of yarn. Be hard to get, touchy and sensitive. If we know ANYTHING, it’s that this tactic will work.

Dear Julia and Julia, How do I work up the courage to ask a girl I really like on a date? We have been friends for a while and I don’t want to ruin our friendship. What if she isn’t into me?

From, An Anonymous Poor Soul

We first suggest subliminal messaging. We consider this tactic extremely underrated and are confident it will lead to favorable results. Mid conversation, slyly whisper “let’s date” under your breath a maximum of five times (you don’t want her catching on) and before you know it, she may bring up the topic of dating before you have the chance!

If this doesn’t work, which we’d like to point out as very unlikely, then there’s no better method than being up front and to the point about your feelings. But at the same time, if she doesn’t feel the same way it could be SUPER embarrassing. You really have to think, is she worth it?

the pages and not finding your column. I haven’t been the same since. I can’t sleep, I’ve been fighting with my loved ones, and I simply have no desire to get out of bed in the morning. What can I do to get out of this slump?

Sincerely, George McConnell Dear George McConnell, While this is usually an anonymous column, we’re definitely impressed with your gumption and your willingness to expose your identity. Unfortunately, the highly regarded Julia and Julia advice column is not an every issue column. We’re deeply sorry for any spikes in blood sugar we may have inflicted upon you, or any other devoted readers, in our times of absence. We send our most heartfelt regards and express our greatest sympathies. But in our minds, the old proverb will always ring true, “absence makes the heart grow fonder.” We can only ask of you to exercise patience until we return again in print within the sacred, grey pages. As, for some reason, we always do.

Photo: A. Pietrykowski

Dear Julia and Julia, I’m a junior guy at Miramonte and with J-prom just around the corner, all of my friends are beginning to talk about who they’re going to ask, and how. I’ve been dating my girlfriend for about three months, so it’s obvious we’re going to go together. Do I still have to make a big show out of asking her or can I just casually ask in person?

From, A Guy

Julia Govan and Julia Hass experience the trials and tribulations that go along with young love.

Dear An Anonymous Poor Soul, First off, we’re flattered, but of course unsurprised, that you came to us with your dilemma. We’d be honored to help the “best friend” who just never seems to get the girl. But fear not, we’re confident your story will not have the same fate as those poor souls.

Dear Julia and Julia, I am an avid reader of your column in The Mirador.

Upon receiving my edition of the two latest Miradors, I entered a deep state of depression after flipping through

Dear A Guy, We’re going to save you a lot of time and confusion with our response. While it really depends on your girlfriend, we recommend you ask in a little more spontaneous way than popping the question in the middle of the halls during passing period.

Nothing fancy is required, but you know what they say about assuming. That it’s bad.

Childhood Birthdays at Their Finest

by Georgia Briskey

What comes to mind when you see the word “childhood?” Maybe it’s the classic TV shows you used to watch, or the throwback music you used to jam to. But what about the innocent and fun birthday parties? Parties in high school don’t have piñatas or musical chairs anymore, but that doesn’t mean we can’t reminisce about childhood celebrations.

From the fun and simple to the painful and utterly bizarre, these childhood birthday parties have it all.

Megan Coleman and Alison Miller

12th Birthday Party Middle school is undoubtedly the most awkward stage of one’s life. For juniors Megan Coleman and Alison Miller, they didn’t realize how unforgettable their 12th birthday party was going to be in the end. They decided to invite a whopping total of 50 boys and girls (first boy/girl party of the year!) to Orinda Country Club for a fun pool party. While fun was had during the pool floaties races, running games on the grass and water balloon fights, the party ended when a good friend got injured.

“Somehow Jack Murphy ended up falling and getting a concussion. He had to go to the hospital,” Coleman said. While Murphy ended up okay, it may be a lesson not to have boy/girl parties at such a delicate age.

Maddy Cuyler

8th Birthday Party Like Nielsen, Maddy Cuyler held a birthday party with a theme as well. Any normal little girl would hold a Barbie or My Little Pony themed party, but not Cuyler. Rather, this was a theme she wasn’t even familiar with.

“My whole party had E.T. themed decorations and games, but I hadn’t even seen the movie,” Cuyler said. The party seemed to be a hit Cuyler recalls, as her one invited friend made an appearance to the party. All seemed like a good time until Cuyler decided to watch E.T. for the first time.

“I hated it,” Cuyler said. Unlike the happy ending in E.T., Cuyler’s party ended with an unhappy birthday girl.

Libby Dunne

10th Birthday Party Some people complain about having a birthday during the summer, but for Libby Dunne it created the best birthday parties. Considering heat is at an all-time high during the summer, Dunne held a water-themed party to cool off in her backyard when she turned 10 years old. Inviting all her gal pals, loading up the Super Soakers and setting up a Slip-N-Slide, Dunne held a water party so fun that she made it a tradition. Her friends still look forward to splishing and splashing every summer around her birthday.

Taylor Nielsen

10th Birthday Party While some people would assume Taylor Nielsen held an Avril Lavigne themed party during her childhood, she actually had a Lizzie McGuire/Hilary Duff themed party. At her 10th birthday party, Nielsen decked out her entire house with Lizzie McGuire cast posters, plates and napkins, and played Hilary Duff music all throughout her party. It was a dream come true for the Disney Star-obsessed girl, but once the cake came, things changed.

“My cake had a huge picture of Hilary Duff’s face on it, which was awesome, but when we cut into the cake it was chocolate instead of vanilla,” Nielsen said.

Clearly the biggest issue a 10-year-old could have, Nielsen spent the rest of the party crying in her room demanding everyone to leave. Not even “So Yesterday” playing could make her feel better.

Jeff Phunmongkol

11th Birthday Party For Jeff Phunmongkol, skateboarding always slipped into his daily routine. For this reason, his birthday parties never had a plan. All through elementary school, Phunmongkol used to call up his fellow skateboarding friends and skate throughout the Lamorinda area on his birthday. If people could come, then great; if not, then no big deal. Still a skateboarder today, Phunmongkol doesn’t continue his birthday tradition, but remembers the best part of it.

“We always topped off the day by buying a Safeway cake and eating it at my dad’s restaurant,” Phumongkol said.

Mirador

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2012’s Highs & Lows

Mirador takes a look at the low points of 2012 and the high points coming into the new year. From the supposed end of the world, to the new mural on the front of the school, 2012 was a monumental year, and we expect 2013 to be even bigger.

by Kenyon Watson, Maddie Nicolaisen, and Hannah Friel

Highs

Lows Slogans

YOLO

Jackets

Patagonia

The North Face

Technology

New iPhone 5

Beauty and a Beat video got the most Vevo views in 24 hours

Bieber

iPad Mini fails

Caught smoking weed

Waterpolo

Boys waterpolo won NCS Kimye is going to have a baby

FML

Women lost semi-final

Kardashian News Kim & Kris Humphries divorced Holiday Spirit No candygrams before winter holiday

Choir grams on Valentines Day

Mr. Appel & Mr. Reyherne work here There are still Welch’s fruitsnacks

Mural on the front of the school

Twerking & Gangam Style Kate Middleton is pregnant

TV Shows Gossip Girl ends, Smash, American Idol Decor School is still salmon color

Dancing

Jerking, Dougie, & Stanky Leg

Royal Family Technology

New language lab

Breaking Amish

Mrs. Wong & Mrs. Cutting left

Vending Machines No more Flaming Hot Cheetos

Homeland, New Girl, Modern Family

One Direction

Teachers

Prince Harry scandal Only half of freshmen get iPads

British Boy Bands Reality Tv

Mayans were wrong

World

The Wanted

Honey BooBoo Global Warming

Photo: MCT