November 2011 Issue

FEATURE

OPINION

ENTERTAINMENT

TWINS IN COLLEGE: Miramonte twins discuss their thoughts on being seperated for college next year. (10)

OBAMA’S STANCE ON SAME-SEX MARRIAGE: Will Obama support gay marriage before the next election? (6)

DEAR JULIAS: Advice columnists Julia Hass and Julia Govan lend a helping hand to MHS students. (19)

The Volume 54, Issue 2

Mirador

November 4, 2011

Occupy Wall Street Hits Close to Home

Factions of the protest spring up in Bay Area cities San Francisco, Oakland, and Walnut Creek

by Megan Freeman

Only a couple blocks up from the Ferry Building where oblivious shoppers enjoy the waterfront markets, a crowd of protesters brandish cardboard signs and chant in front of the Federal Reserve Bank. The group is a faction of the Occupy Wall Street protests that has taken the nation by storm over the past two months and spread to other major U.S. cities and overseas.

But San Francisco, as always, yields a unique contribution to the movement.

The cross section of people involved with Occupy San Ph Francisco ranges from impassioned ot os : college students to Vietnam-era E. Leg allet protesters wanting to get in on the action.

The protesters’ opinions are as diverse as their ages.

“You all probably have heard from the guys at Wall Street, but the main reason people are here is that they’re just fed up,” said one middle-aged man. “The way that the money is distributed in this country is disgusting. The rich people can do anything they want, and we’re not even left with enough money for basic human needs.”

“The world is changing,” said another man. “There is a big struggle going on, the struggle of the powers. The richest one percent, they’ve had the power for thousands of years. They are preying on us, the 99 percent. But now

it’s changing, and they don’t like it. It’s like a story in Africa. The zebras eat the grass. The lions eat the zebras.

But if we just get five zebras to learn to kick the lions, then guess what: the lions change their diet.”

On weekdays, when employed protesters trade their banners

for briefcases, only the core group remains. At first glance, it’s easy to write the protesters off as disgruntled homeless people gathering on the street to shout their opinions at passers by. While that may be true in some cases, the assumption barely scratches the surface of the true meaning of the demonstration. The protesters are often normal businesspeople who want to add their voice to the mix.

“I’m a competent individual,” said one man.

“I actually own two businesses. But it seems that as a broke person on the road I can’t do practically anything. But these guys can mess up anyone at any time and they’re protected just because they’re a corporation? It’s not right.”

The unemployed men and women, mostly young Gra phi c: M and white but with a wide variation, spend nights on the .F re em sidewalk in sleeping bags and days planning marches an and events, maintaining their website, and trying to avoid altercations with the police.

“We are an entirely non-violent movement,” said another young woman who was appointed head of police communications. “We are entirely within our rights as citizens to be protesting on the street, but the police don’t seem to understand that. Just the other day they took all of our stuff, all of it. They took our sleeping bags, our food, our tarps, everything.”

“They took our kitten food,” interrupted one man. “Kitten food! They had absolutely no right to take everything. We weren’t causing any problems.”

Though police returned the confiscated goods several Continued on page 2 days later, tensions remain

Weight Room Opens to Mixed Reaction

by Natalie Wapniarski

Last year Miramonte Boosters Club donated $75,000 toward a new weight room.

According to Athletic Director Vince Dell’Aquila, the decade old, broken equipment was retired after frequent use. The equipment was replaced with seven new weight stations. As of Nov. 1 the weight room has seven new bench stations, three old bikes, an old calf raise, and new medicine balls.

“The weight room is cleaner and now state-of-the-art, graciously donated by the Miramonte Boosters,” said Dell’Aquila.

The increased open space in the middle of the room is a noted change from the old weight room. Some students have had a positive reaction to the updated facility.

“The new weight room is great. It has new lifting stations and better machines,” said senior Kyle Weikert.

“With the open space and new machines there’s a lot of flexibility.”

Dell’Aquila and Principal Adam Clark have high hopes that the new weight room will accommodate more sports teams than in the past. Additionally, Dell’Aquila hopes that it will help teams improve their performance.

Before the renovation the weight room had a wide span of free weights, but as of Nov. 1 there is an absence of free weights.

“Right now the only thing is that there are no free weights in the weight room. There’s no way to work on the biceps,” said junior Matt Solit.

Clark said that there will be new free weights added to the facility soon.

Although the new equipment may be new and im- sources, most going to Emery High School. proved, the room lacks body specific equipment.

“It was awesome to get all this donated equipment from “Something I miss from the old weight room is the Miramonte,” said Emery High Athletic Director Cameron amount of exercise machines it used to have,” said Weik- Clarke. “We need this equipment for sure. All of ours is ert. “There used to be more muscle specific machines.” about 40 years old.”

Criticism of the weight room culture still exists. A staff Clark, Dell’Aquila, and the Boosters Club decided member has expressed her dislike of the new weight room. what equipment to purchase for the weight room with the Some females believe the equipment selected to be sexist money donated by the Boosters Club. and not accommodating to all sports.

The cheerleading team is very excited to use the new “It is very kind that the Boosters donated this money to- equipment. ward new equipment for the weight room, but all they paid “We want to use the weight room to make our base for was man machines. There’s nothing for girls,” said the cheerleaders stronger,” said senior captain Emelia Hilstaff member. “Not only do girls not bench, but what about dreth. “We want to be able to do cooler stunts with ease.” all the other sports that don’t lift for strengthening? How Although the team is excited to use to weight room, are they suppose to use the weight room?” there are some worries of how the team will use the equip“It does not just exclude girls but also boys who don’t ment. want to lift weights,” said junior Madeline Hudak.

“Only people who have been in a gym before would The weight room is arguably not gender equitable. The know how to properly use the equipment without hurting new equipment may be beneficial for boys and maybe themselves,” said senior captain Tatyana Belinsky. some girls who lift, but a majority of the girls at MiMiramonte High School Non-Profit Organization ramonte don’t have any use for benches.

US Postage Paid, Orinda, Dell’Aquila said that the weight room would be 750 Moraga Way Ca Permit #301 more female user friendly but many females dis- Orinda, CA 94563 agree.

“There is nothing for me to really do in there, unless I want to do squats for hours,” said sophomore Kaitey Caron. “In the old weight room I could work on core, or legs and with multiple different machines at that.”

The old weight equipment is not allowed to be sold according to Clark due to liability issues.

Therefore, the items have been donated to various

2 News 11/4/11

Mirador

National Movement Reaches Bay Area continued from page 1

high between the San Francisco Police Department and the protesters. On any given day, five or six officers guard the bank behind metal fences marked “police line, do not cross.” During marches there can be upwards of 80 officers accompanying the protesters to make sure things don’t get out of hand.

Police have arrested several people over the course of the demonstration.

“My friend Purple got arrested for ‘assaulting a police officer,’ but he was just waving a stick of sage around,” said one woman. “The police have been unnecessarily harsh with us, and it’s not okay. They need to know our rights as protesters.”

Despite several such incidents, the protests in San Francisco have run rather smoothly compared to other major cities. This is due in part to the way the group organizes itself.

The block in front of the bank is covered in cardboard signs indicating different stations where protesters can sleep, eat, make new signs, join a friendly open circle, and even charge their phones, cameras, and computers with a stationary bike-powered generator. Every day, the crowd meets for a general assembly to discuss recent developments and decide on actions to take later in the week.

Since they are not allowed to use electronic devices to amplify their voices, the protesters have adopted the human microphone system in which the person speaking says a few words at a time, and the surrounding people repeat after them until the entire message has rippled outward to the edge of the crowd.

“People don’t seem to realize that we are actually pretty well organized and that our message is organized as well,” said a young man. “We’re all really just fighting for basic human rights, and with the speed that Occupy Wall Street is growing, we’re bound to make some difference. People are beginning to pay attention.”

With protests cropping up in new cities across the country almost every day, the movement shows no sign of slowing down. Most people agree that the Occupation is only the beginning of something much bigger.

The protests have moved into more cities in the Bay Area, including Berkeley, Oakland, and even Walnut Creek.

The Oakland protesters are gaining strength and numbers at an exponential rate, partially due to a controversial conflict with the police on Oct. 25. Police broke up the tent camp in front of City Hall when protesters began to throw rocks, glass bottles, and other projectiles at the officers, who retaliated with tear gas, bean bag guns, and concussion grenades. Over 100 people were arrested over the course of the skirmish, but the majority were released later the same day.

The clash sparked public outrage and anger toward Oakland Mayor Jean Quan for authorizing upwards of 400 police to disperse the crowd. Quan now faces demands to resign or change her policies toward the Occupation.

Suspicions of police brutality arose when several protesters were injured by non-lethal weapons, including

Photos: E. Legallet

Top: Armed only with cardboard signs and their impassioned voices, the Occupy San Francisco protesters line the sidewalks of Market Street in front of the Federal Reserve Bank.

Right: Protesters remain at their camp despite cold and rainy weather. To shield themselves from the elements, they take cover beneath a multicolored ceiling of tarps. Each offshoot of Occupy Wall Street expresses solidarity with the others, from the East Coast to the West Coast.

two-tour Iraq War veteran Scott Olsen. Olsen is now in critical condition with a fractured skull at Highland General Hospital. His condition further infuriated the Occupy Oakland group, who called for a citywide strike on Wednesday, Nov. 2.

“We propose a citywide general strike and we propose we invite all students to walk out of school,” reads the proposal on the Occupy Oakland website. “Instead of workers going to work and students going to school, the people will converge on downtown Oakland to shut down the city. All banks and corporations should close down for the day or we will march on them.”

However large the Oakland protests grow, many people worry about the direction they are moving in.

“We want to have solidarity with Occupy Oakland, but we’re afraid that if they turn violent, which is highly possible, all of our protests will lose credibility and the public will turn on us,” said the head of police

communications for the San Francisco group. “We don’t want violence, and we can’t risk it.”

The Oakland protests may be controversial, but they have been drawing much attention to the movement as a whole. Even famous documentarian Michael Moore dropped by to show support for the crowd.

“The whole world is watching Oakland,” reads the website. “Let’s show them what is possible.”

Closer to home and much less provocative, Occupy Walnut Creek has set up a loose protest outside of the Walnut Creek BART station on Wednesday afternoons at 4:00 p.m. The numbers are growing every week, but the participants usually leave after several hours.

Each of the Occupations in separate cities bring the protesters closer to getting their message across, despite their different methods.

“This is the 99 percent. This is the zebras learning to kick. Bring it.”

Environmental Club Kicks Off Fall Plays Debut

by Grace Hilty Miramonte’s Environmental Club is instituting several new projects around campus and the Lamorinda community.

On Nov. 12 at Glorietta Elementary School, the club will hold a “Freecycle Clothes Swap” from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. This event was held in 2009 by the club, and was very successful. Students and community members donate clothes, books, and other accessories.

For a five dollar entrance fee, customers can take whatever they like. At the event, the club will also sell baked goods. All leftover items will be donated to Goodwill.

The club’s goals are to reduce the school’s carbon footprint and spread awareness about environmental issues. Because of the small time commitment required, many students have become members of the club.

The club’s Presidents, Julia Withers and Allie Light, along with Vice President Alicia Macler, and Treasurer Mary Doyle plan activities to get the maximum participation from the student body.

This year, the club plans to institute a “Hydration Station” in Miramonte’s cafeteria to encourage the use

of refillable water bottles.

The projected cost of the project is $14,000, including installation and maintenance. The club is planning fundraisers for the project, and is also receiving donations from Wells Fargo, the Educational Foundation of Orinda, and the Miramonte Parents’ Club.

On Nov. 2, the club held a fundraiser at Table 24, with 10 percent of proceeds being donated directly to the club.

The club is also instituting a new recycling program.

In the past, the leadership class, the Environmental Club, other student-run clubs, and several faculty members have monitored recycling around the school.

Because of the large commitment required from administrators for directing recycling, the Environmental Club is now meeting with leadership to transfer responsibility around campus to clubs and leadership alone.

Publicity officers Talia Citron, Andrea Tamminga, Andie Tuemmler, and Sam Shain collaborate with the club’s principal officers in coordinating and publicizing events.

For interested students, the Environmental Club meets Tuesdays at lunch in room 286.

by Annie Odell The Miramonte Drama Class is proud to present their two contemporary dramatic plays: Rabbit Hole, by David Lindsay-Abaire, and Marvin’s Room by Scott McPherson.

Both plays focus on family relationships as they cope with sudden tragedy.

The performances differ from previous MHS plays because there are two plays, and they are both contemporary.

Lindsay Ford, Sophia Diamantidis, and Ryan Coletta play the main characters, Becca, Izzy, and Howie respectively in Rabbit Hole. Sophie Schwartz and Cecily Schmidt play the main characters, Bessy and Nat respectively in Marvin’s Room.

In general, each play has a cast of only five to six actors, so each actor plays an important role and is crucial to the play.

Rabbit Hole premieres Nov. 15 with a second showing on Nov. 17, both at 7:30 p.m. Marvin’s Room premieres Nov. 16 with a second showing on Nov. 18, also at 7:30 p.m.

Tickets can be purchased on the MHS web store at www.acalanes.k12.ca.us/miramonte.

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

Megan Freeman

Print Editor-in-Chief

Trevor Rechnitz

Online Editor-in-Chief

Sophia Bollag

Managing Editor

Lauren Dahlberg-Seeth News Editor

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Grace Hilty

Feature Editor

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Rachael Oczkus

Entertainment Editor

Annie Odell

Business Manager

Mollie Swan

Head Photographer

Staff Writers

Georgia Briskey, Helen Britto, Colleen Burke, Karmi Chan, Natalie Condon, Josh Dathe, Nicola Gonzales, Julia Govan, Julia Hass, Spencer Holmes, Katie Hoskins, Kelsi Lerner, Reese Levine, Devin Mottier, Maddie Nicolaisen, Alison Pietrykowski, Maya Sherne, Natalie Wapniarski, Cassidy Waters, Cameron White, Kate Wolffe

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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

11/4/11 Opinion 3

BCR Bake Sale Diverts Attention If nothing else, the recent Berkeley College Republicans’ “Increase Diversity Bake Sale” proves that nothing is sacred in the culture of the current sensationalism-based media. In case you were wondering, it is indeed possible to create a national news debacle over a cupcake. That’s right. Bake sales are no longer merely benevolent, mother-run fundraisers, but also strategic political ploys for attention.

On Sept. 27, the Berkeley College Republicans held their largely inflammatory, negligibly satirical bake sale in opposition to Senate Bill 185, a bill that attempts to reincorporate the consideration of race, gender, and other non-academic factors into the admissions process of UCs and CSUs. In an attempt to mirror the perceived inequality of SB 185, the BCR used a tiered price ladder that subsidized the cost of the pastries based on race and gender. A white man had to pay $2.00 for a cupcake, whereas a Native American woman could eat for free.

Of course, as expected, the already diverse and famously liberal Berkeley student body erupted in outrage, staging counter-protests and picketing their stand.

For every allegedly racist Republican, there was a fervent liberal screaming “kiss my (insert ethnicity) a**!”

Newspapers and news stations from here to Bangladesh brought in teams to report on the fiasco and squeeze in an interview with the more than obliging President of the Berkeley College Republicans, Shawn Lewis.

The irony is that SB 185, a bill that could have been of enormous importance to California students, fell by the wayside.

The debate became whether or not BCR was racist, not whether SB 185 was racist. Actually, the debate, if one could even call it that, focused nearly exclusively on affirmative action, which despite the overzealous rhetoric of the BCR, is not an accurate characterization of the bill.

From a purely political standpoint, the tactic of equating SB 185 with affirmative action is wise. The already hashed and rehashed topic of affirmative action tends to leave a bitter taste in the mouths of upper-middle-class white students at a school like Miramonte. The tendency is to believe that affirmative action is a form of reverse racism—stealing from the rich to give to the poor. And honestly, there is merit to the case against affirmative action, which is why the BCR was so eager to tie in the buzz topic.

However, while admittedly similar, SB 185 isn’t affirmative action. At the heart of affirmative action is a call to action. It explicitly calls for preferential treatment of different ethnicities, which is where it runs into trouble. Those whose race has been institutionally entrenched in poverty are given added weight in the admissions process to compensate for the inherent advantages of the wealthy and white. The intentions of affirmative action are 100 percent right, but the vigorous method of implementation has

inadvertently created an unfortunate and undesired “us vs. them” mentality.

SB 185, on the other hand, doesn’t call for much of anything.

All the bill really does is state the obvious. SB 185 supports the universal desire to increase diversity within the California higher educational system and close the gap between wealthier races and traditionally disadvantaged races. Literally the only change SB 185 makes to the admissions processes is that it allows the consideration of race. It doesn’t require the consideration; it merely permits with no decipherable method of enforcement.

However, despite that, SB 185’s legality has been called into question because of Proposition 209, which prohibits preferential treatment based on race, gender, etc.

To its credit, SB 185 does regulate itself to remain inside the constraints of the 14th Amendment, which allows for the “narrowly tailored use of race in admissions decisions to further a compelling interest in obtaining the educational benefits that flow from a diverse student body.” Thus, SB 185 is in effect just a declaration of the sentiments expressed by proponents of affirmative action without any real farreaching plan to implement those sentiments.

E s s e n t i a l l y, it’s a bunch of well-intentioned sweet nothings.

But Lewis, Graphic: K. Noah the outspoken ringleader of the bake sale, would never admit to any of that. He has no desire to discuss SB 185 respectfully and intelligently. The message means nothing to Lewis if his name isn’t publicly attached to it in flashing lights. In this case, the messenger became the message.

Lewis knows what all politicians know: rational discourse rarely makes for a big political debut. Thus, it’s no surprise that he opted for the tried and true method of the largely nonsensical shock factor. Let’s be honest. The bake sale has virtually no correlation to either SB 185 or affirmative action. At the core of affirmative action is the inherent scarcity of spaces at elite schools. The concern is whether a seemingly less qualified minority student will trump the standard overachieving white student. Raising the price on cupcakes for white students doesn’t affect the scarcity of cupcakes. The only way to effectively simulate affirmative action would be to limit the amount of cupcakes sold to white men in order to provide pastries for all of the other minorities.

Alas, that’s not nearly as scandalous as implying that an African American can’t afford a cookie.

Thus, Governor Jerry Brown’s recent veto of SB 185 must have come to the relief of the BCR. They can tell themselves that their precious ideology remains intact and vindicated. However, the death of SB 185 does not come at the hands of the BCR. The only debate that the BCR won was the false one it contrived and publicized. Brown even admitted that he fundamentally agreed with the tenets of SB 185, but he didn’t want to risk decades of expensive lawsuits to prove it. Thus, the real kill shot to SB 185 came from rational thinking, the very thing Lewis lacks yet Brown wields.

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Graphics: N. Choi (left), M. Colwell (right)

Mirador

4 News 11/4/11

Car Crashes Send Students Spinning Recent car accidents in the Miramonte area leave students shocked and without cars

by Nicola Gonzales In the past two months, Miramonte has experienced two separate four-car accidents in Miramonte’s proximity that caused both faculty and students harm.

Car accidents in the Miramonte area are becoming increasingly common because of the carelessness with which students drive and the chaos of the overcrowded street Miramonte resides on, Moraga Way. The first of the two car accidents occurred on Sept.

1, not two weeks into the school year.

One of the crash victims included a teacher, who was forced to miss several days of school due to a back injury. This accident was a result of the chaos of the classic stop-and-go Miramonte traffic.

The second accident was a four-car crash initially caused by one car rear ending another on Sept. 30. A junior stopped abruptly, and while the next two cars after followed suit, the third neglected to stop and crashed into the ones in front.

One of the juniors involved was sent to the hospital due to a possible shoulder injury, and her car was totaled. A sophomore’s car was also totaled in that accident, and her

“

neck was sore for the following days.

“It was really scary. My first thought was ‘Shoot! I’m in trouble,” said the sophomore who chose to remain anonymous. “Honestly I thought my car was blowing up.”

Car crashes cause huge monetary damage to those involved. A totaled car can cost thousands of dollars and months without a car.

Usually, one’s insurance will cover the damage, but the loss of freedom is frustrating to students. Many have had their licenses for over a year and aren’t used to relying on parents for rides.

Most of the victims reported signs of shock after their accidents. They got out of their cars, went to see if everyone was okay, and helped each other out.

These accidents have led some alarmed students and parents to wonder if the driving situation is safe around Miramonte. However, most seem to think it’s as safe as it’s going to get.

“It’s as good as it’s going to be, and accidents do happen,” said a senior involved in one of the accidents. “People just have to pay attention to the road.”

The problems occur when students leave their houses rushing, hearts beating, texting, and speeding on the side roads.

-Principal Adam Clark

”

Can I Get a Whoop Whoop?

California mandates students to receive Tdap vaccine

by Karmi Chan

fected students behind in their studies.

Children under seven years old receive the DTaP vacThis year, California enacted a new law mandating cine, protecting them against whooping cough, diphtheria, teenagers in grades seven through 12 to receive a booster and tetanus. shot for pertussis, more commonly known as whooping Immunity for this vaccine wears off after five to 10 cough, in order to reduce the spread of the disease. years, and children become susceptible to the disease once This new law applies to students in both public and pri- again. This is why it becomes necessary to receive the vate schools. In 2010 California was one of the 10 states booster shot. where the Tdap shot, a vaccine for pertussis, diphtheria, Whooping cough starts out like a normal cold: a runny and tetanus for people ages 11 and up, was not mandatory nose, mild cough, and slight fever. The severe coughfor students ening doesn’t start tering middle until one to two school. weeks later.

“FortunateThese coughing ly, California attacks can last is catching up for weeks, until with most of cured by antibiotthe other states ics. in having this Pertussis rerequirement,” ceived the nicksaid school name, whooping nurse Barbara cough, after the Polanger. sound made from Last year an infected per7,200 cases son’s breathing. of pertussis After a relentwere reported less coughing in California. attack, a whoopAccording to ing sound emits the California from one’s lungs Department of Photo: N. Gonzales as they gasp for Public Health Severe coughing attacks are common symptoms of whooping cough. These breath. and California spasms can leave one gasping for breath and exhaling with a “whoop.”

Whooping Department cough is a deadly of Education, 2010 brought the most cases of whooping disease for infants. Most babies obtain the disease from cough in over 60 years.The law was authorized for the those closest to them, often parents and siblings. By re2011-2012 school year. ceiving the Tdap shot, family members protect their inStudents are required to take the Tdap booster shot be- fants from this fatal illness. fore arriving at school. By receiving the vaccine, students While this new law mandates students to receive the are protecting themselves and their classmates from this booster shot, some families oppose vaccines. Exceptions disease. to this law include people whose beliefs are contrary to “Mr. McAlister called me into his office and told me immunizations and to those who are not medically indiI was the last student in the school who needed to get the cated. vaccine,” said senior Miles Honens. “I went to CVS the “Some parents don’t believe in immunizations, which next day and got the shot in my arm.” is the problem,” said Polanger.

Whooping cough is a highly contagious bacterial disThe fact remains that whooping cough is a highly conease that is most easily spread through coughing and tagious disease and immunization is the only prevention. sneezing. An infected person endures violent coughing The new California law is stopping the spread of pertusspasms, leaving them breathless. sis throughout the state. Now, students can no longer use Pertussis lasts for around six weeks, which can put in- whooping cough as an excuse for missing school.

“Don’t text and drive,” advised the sophomore involved.

According to research done by the University of Utah, texting and driving is equivalent to having a blood alcohol level of .08%.

The number one source of driver negligence is the use of a wireless gadget. The importance of using hands-free devices has never been as crucial as it is now, especially in the daily Miramonte traffic.

Principal Adam Clark also believes that the current driving situation around Miramonte is safe, but the problem is that students don’t follow the traffic laws. The majority of the students do obey the rules, but phones have caused interference.

The school has already taken more measures to help fix the chaos in the morning by opening the cafeteria at 7:30 a.m. and not allowing sophomores to park on campus.

Also, students who don’t have their year are not allowed to get carpool passes.

Other popular routes to school that avoid the traffic are the infamous left turn on Ivy Drive and the right turn on Valley View, which both allow students to speed through residential neighborhoods to get to school on time. However, this popular practice is believed to encourage speeding.

“The problems occur when students leave their houses rushing, hearts beating, texting, and speeding on the side roads,” said Clark, “One just has to be patient and leave with enough time to spare.”

Cafeteria Prices Increase

by Helen Britto

The tough economy seems to be affecting Miramonte High School more than expected. Increased food prices in the cafeteria and vending machines have been the source of many controversial discussions, and while students have different views over the raises, one thing is certain: these higher prices have students of all grades talking.

“I can’t believe we have to pay $4.25 for a salad,” said sophomore Isabella Calderon. “I mean it’s just lettuce and croutons.”

Calderon is not alone in her complaints over the cafeteria prices. Freshman Sarah Roth decided bringing lunch from home was a better alternative.

“I can’t really afford to buy lunch at school everyday,” said Roth. It’s just too expensive.”

These girls are just two of the numerous Miramonte students annoyed by the new prices and, though meal deals in the cafeteria have only risen by 25 cents, the cost of food in the vending machines has also increased.

There has been no obvious change in food quality or portion, and so now many Miramonte students are beginning to question, why the sudden increase?

According to Diane Deshler, Director of Food and Services for the Acalanes Union High School District, keeping up with all of the expenses that go into running the cafeteria is hard work, and raising the prices was a must.

“Because of the poor economy prices for food are getting higher, and we strive to cover our costs,” said Deshler. “We only raise our prices to keep up with what we buy.”

Deshler knows it’s difficult for teenage kids on a budget to buy food everyday, so she attempts to keep the increases as minimal as possible. Deshler’s kind gestures have not gone unnoticed by all Miramonte students.

“It’s not that big of a deal,” said senior Janine Loutzenhiser. “ It’s only 25 cents, and I’m sure with the economy they could have raised prices a lot more.”

According to Principal Adam Clark, since Miramonte has hired Deshler to take over food in the cafeteria, the general student population has been much happier. Cafeteria staff is very efficient with getting food to students and it is obvious the district is really aiming to keep students satisfied. Deshler has made it clear that food prices in the district are the same for all high schools, so while food prices may be the source of a few complaints around Miramonte, students can take satisfaction in the fact that Campolindo students are paying more too.

Mirador

11/4/11 News 5

Foundation Announces Dietary Supplements National Merit Scholars Pose New Threats

by Kate Wolffe

by Maya Sherne

The National Merit Scholarship program recognizes gifted students all over the country for their scores on the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/ NMSQT). This standardized test, taken by juniors in early Photo: K. Wolffe October, serves as A group of semifinalists and commended students pose afan initial screening ter their recognition reception in the college career center. of program entrants.

The results from given regardless of family financial circumlast October are in, and Miramonte is stances, college choice, or major and cahonored to have 12 National Merit semi- reer plans, as well as Corporate-Sponsored finalists, 35 commended students, and Merit Scholarships, and College-Spontwo recipients of the National Hispanic sored Merit Scholarships, awards in which Recognition Reward roaming it’s halls. a corporation or college sponsors a finalist Of the 1.5 million juniors (now seniors) for up to four years of undergraduate study. nationwide that took the PSAT in 2010, The scores of these students re16,000 got in the 99th percentile and were flect very well on Miramonte itrecognized as semifinalists, and 30,000 as self, and a brief reception was held commended students. Of the former num- in honor of the scholars on Oct. 25. ber, 12 seniors from Miramonte: Justin Ah“We are very proud of these stumann, David Baker, Jason Blore, Sophia dents,” said Principal Adam Clark. “Their Bollag, Alexander Chen, Robert Fluegge, scores can only impact the school and Syed Ali Hasanain, Samantha Kaufhold, our standing with the state positively.”

Kathleen Stanaro, Courtney Tran, Eric Miramonte has the most semifinalWu, and Hayley Young are semifinalists. ists of all the schools in the Acalanes These students are eligible for one of Union High School District, with six the three Merit Scholarship awards. These from Las Lomas, three from Acalanes, awards include the National Merit $2500 and 10 from Campolindo.

HopefulScholarships, single payment scholarships ly Miramonte can continue this trend.

In 1986 the Iowa Women’s Health Study began research on the long-term effects of dietary supplements on women. When considering the large use of vitamins and the variation of its users, the IWHS realized research needed to be done. They compared the consistent long-term use of vitamins with mortality rates.

According to the Internal Medicine Archives, “although dietary supplements are commonly taken to prevent chronic disease, the long-term health consequences of many compounds are unknown.”

This decision prompted research that revolutionized the pharmaceutical world, proving that multivitamins, folic acid, magnesium, copper, zinc, vitamin B6 , and iron are now proven to be associated with a higher risk of death.

“Vitamins are just like any other health care intervention, they have potential risks and benefits and it is best to follow the evidence,” said clinical neurologist Steve Novella.

Most people believe there is no limit to vitamin usage, but overuse of any substance can cause permanent damage to the body. Vitamin supplements used moderately are safe and offer promising health benefits, but overuse of vitamins is common.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, over 50 percent of adults use dietary supplements.

“In older women, several commonly used dietary vitamin and mineral supple-

Photo: D. Lowe/MCT

Long-term use of vitamins and other dietary supplements pose threat to mortality rate in women.

ments may be associated with increased total mortality risk,” according to the Internal Medicine Archives. “This association is strongest with supplemental iron. In contrast to the findings of many studies, calcium is associated with decreased risk.”

These risks are most prominently presented in women ages 55 to 69, and as of Dec. 31, 2008, 40% of the initial participants died.

“Although we cannot rule out benefits of supplements, such as improved quality of life, our study raises a concern regarding their long-term safety,” said Archive authors.

District and Teachers’ Union Negotiate New Contract The Acalanes High School District and the Acalanes Education Association have started negotiations for the 2012-2013 contract

by Sophia Bollag Contract negotiations between the district and the Acalanes Education Association began Oct. 25 and will most likely continue for several months. Because of increased revenues, both the district and the union are optimistic that the negotiations will be more favorable this year for both parties than they were two years ago.

The Acalanes Education Association presented its Sunshine Proposal for the 2012-2013 school year at the beginning of October. The union opened with the following objectives for the negotiations: salary increases for Association members; changes to the teaching hours section of the contract, including the portions regarding open house, prep period subbing, and the traveling teachers’ stipend; changes to the language in the contract regarding catastrophic leave; medical, dental, and vision care for active members and their families and future retirees; development of an application process for Schedule B positions such as department chairs, webmasters, choral directors, etc.; and development of a process for allowing part-time employees to become full-time employees when positions become available.

The district made similar proposals regarding salaries, teaching hours, and employee benefits, but added the following: limited class sizes; changes regarding the procedure for staff transfers; examination of the components and structure of the evaluation process The entire contract is open for negotiation this year.

Typically, a contract has a three-year period during which the contract as a whole is closed to negotiation, but during which two or three sections can be opened for negotiation each year. The last negotiation cycle was three years ago and was completely closed.

The contract negotiated this year will apply for all teachers, counselors, librarians, psychologists, nurses, speech therapists, and all other non-administrative employees in the district, even those not in the teachers’ union.

Members of the Acalanes Education Association were

surveyed in September to obtain their opinions so the negotiators can accurately represent all those to whom the contract will apply. On the teachers’ side, there are four negotiators, one from each school in the district. The district negotiators are Administrative Services Associate Superintendent Kevin French and Business Services Associate Superintendent Christopher Learned.

Nick Carpenter, the Lead Negotiator representing the Acalanes Education Association, said the union’s top priorities are financial.

“The top is always salary and benefits,” he said.

Both Carpenter and Learned said they thought there would be no furlough days laid out in the contract.

“I don’t think there will be furlough days,” Carpenter said. “I’m very optimistic that the teachers will receive some sort of raise and compensation.”

According to Carpenter, furlough days were a big loss for teachers in the last contract.

“We took a pay cut the last couple years with the furlough days,” he said “It’s been three or four years since the teachers have gotten a raise and their cost of living has continued to go up.”

Carpenter said the outcome of the contract negotiations two years ago “was very negative towards teachers” because of the recession.

“We were in the middle of a huge drop in revenue,” he said. “The district was faced with some difficult economic situations. Depending on where they were on the salary schedule, and depending on their benefits, over the last two years, each teacher lost over about $5,000.”

Although the first negotiating session this year has already taken place, Carpenter said he does not know when the negotiations will be completed.

“We’re just starting and it’s hard to tell when we’ll be done,” he said. “Negotiation

could be done in a few months, or we could be negotiating towards the end of the year or starting at the beginning of next year. It’s really difficult to tell how it’s going to go.”

Several of the opening proposals aim only to change the wording of certain parts of the contract. Carpenter cited the union’s proposal to change the contract language regarding catastrophic leave as an example.

“We’re not really changing the program,” he said. “We just want to change the language in the program, which I assume would be something we could fix very quickly.

The other issues might take some more time.”

Free Yoga

De-stress with yoga every Monday in the cafeteria For teachers, students, and staff 3:30-4:30 Mats provided

Starting November 7

6 opinion 11/4/11

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Votes Dictate Stance on Gay Marriage

Despite numerous public statements to the contrary, President Obama’s legislative records on gay rights prove that his “evolving stance” on same-sex marriage has in fact already evolved

by Rachael Oczkus

too liberal.

However, perhaps the need for a formal With the upcoming presidential election statement of support is overplayed. His past fast approaching, our country’s politicians record concerning the gay community prove are polishing their official platforms, closing that his “evolving” stance on same-sex marany loopholes and clarifying all the details. riage has already evolved.

Today, the issue of gay rights proves to be Strategically, Obama might not want to tricky for many candidates, as it exposes budge which is understandable. The imporboth their background and belief systems. tance of a simple statement in this case is Creating a stance on gay rights that has uniirrelevant. After all, his actions speak louder versal appeal is daunting if not impossible. than his words.

President Obama’s stance on same-sex Obama supported both the repeal of marriage would seem to be obvious. He has “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” and the Defense for shown extensive support to the gay commuMarriage Act, which officially defined marnity since his 2008 election, even repealing riage as between a man and a woman.

“Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.”

He even issued a Presidential memoranHowever, despite speculation that Obama dum ensuring the compassion of hospitals to endorses equality for gay and lesbian cougay and lesbian patients receiving Medicare ples, the president has yet to come forward and Medicaid, as well as another memoranwith a formal platform on the issue. As of dum widening federal benefits for the samenow, the president claims that his stance is sex partners of Foreign Service and execuPhoto: J. Low Scalzo/MCT “evolving.” tive branch government employees.

However, in 1996, Obama responded to Obama shows his support for gay rights as he signs the repeal of the “Don’t As long as Obama continues to support a series of questions from a gay newspaper Ask, Don’t Tell” bill on Dec. 22, 2010. pro-gay-rights legislation, his stance doesn’t with pro-gay-marriage sentiments. “I favor matter. The fact of the matter is that he has marriage. He supported full civil unions, giving same-sex legalizing same-sex marriages,” said Obama, to take the side where the votes lie. couples “equal legal rights and privileges as married cou“and would fight efforts to prohibit such marriages.”

The gay community will support Obama regardless of Even the president’s own religious affiliations hint at ples.” whether he adopts a pro-gay-rights platform. His previous Since Obama already offered full support for civil legislation passed during his presidency and long standing his support for same-sex marriages. Although the black community traditionally looks down on same-sex mar- unions and opposed a constitutional ban why can’t he take support for equal rights matter far more. riage, Obama’s church in Illinois took no stance on the one small step further to publicly support same-sex marIf Obama wishes to stick to his favorite political tactic riage? issue, while the parent church remains progressive. of compromise, he will remain neutral. In a perfect world, His indecision likely revolves around the voters. In the Obama would publicize his support for his gay and lesbian However, in the 2008 election, Obama backpedaled political arena, votes are everything. By remaining neutral, friends before the next election, but that’s probably not the and supported a less controversial stance. He did oppose Obama saves himself from those who would pin him as case this time. same-sex marriages, but also a constitutional ban on gay

Occupy Wall Street Deserves Recognition

by Maya Sherne In 2008, the US economy reached a low that had not been seen since the Great Depression. Houses were foreclosed upon and jobs were lost, but corporate America came out ahead. Now, three years later, the 99 percent of America is protesting against the corrupt economic system and the unequal distribution of wealth and power.

Since mid-September, people of all political persuasions have unified around a common factor: they all blame Wall Street for the downfall of the US economy.

Occupy Wall Street is a leaderless resistance movement that represents the 99 percent of Americans who feel that Wall Street took advantage of them and will no longer tolerate the corruption and greed of the top one percent. These mostly nonviolent protests are meant to revolutionize the United States economy and to serve justice upon those who took advantage of the masses.

Starting in Liberty Square, Occupy Wall Street recently spread across the globe. Protests are currently taking place in over 2,130 cities worldwide, including San Francisco, Berkeley, Oakland, and Walnut Creek.

Initially, the diversity and size of Occupy Wall Street caused it to run into trouble. There were too many agendas at play. People were protesting about everything that went wrong in 2011 instead of promoting a clear, refined message.

However, in recent weeks, protests have come to center on three main ideas. The occupants hope to tackle corporate control of politics, income inequality, and of course, the unregulated greed of Wall Street.

“I think it expresses the frustrations the American people feel. That we had the biggest financial crisis since the Great Depression, huge collateral damage all throughout the country, all across mainstream,” said President Barack Obama in a public address. “And yet you’re still seeing some of the same folks who acted irresponsibly trying to fight efforts to crack down on abuse of practices that got us in this problem in the first place.”

The protesters are primarily furious with the control

Photo: O. Douliery/MCT

A rally within blocks of the White House brought out several thousand protestors in support of the Occupy Wall Street movement.

corporate America exercises over the United States government and its political decisions. Wall Street is able to use major campaign contributions to control politics in Washington, giving corporations the upper hand. Between 1989 and 2010, AT&T gave over $45 million worth of campaign contributions to both the Republican and Democratic parties, and Goldman Sachs contributed only $10 million less.

The unequal distribution of wealth goes hand in hand with the unequal distribution of power. Corporations are able to use their profits to grant “political donations,” which blatantly leads to an increasingly undemocratic political system.

The United States’ criminal system is put in place so that if a crime is committed, the perpetrator is punished. As the protesters readily attest, a crime was committed on Wall Street, yet no punishment was put in place. Three years ago, corporate America destroyed 20 percent of the United States’ net worth, but since then, no one has been held responsible.

The positive message that the Occupy Movement is trying to send is that they are here, and they will no longer be taken advantage of. One percent of America profited from the economic collapse. One percent of America reaped the rewards while causing damage on mainstream. But 99 percent of America paid the price, and until the law is reformed, they will simply occupy.

However, another movement is simulaneously working its way across the United States, “the 53 percent.” The 53 percent believe that the 99 percent are overplaying Wall Street’s role in the economic collapse. They claim that they pay for those who complain about Wall Street and can’t pay high taxes.

The 99 percent have every right to be outraged. They should be taking a stand. However, no change can be implemented unless the movement is taken seriously. Unfortunately, on these grounds, the protests seem to be ineffective.

Politicians and executives are aware of Occupy Wall Street, but they refuse to recognize its legitimacy. Until politicians take control and listen to the movement, the economy and the distribution of wealth will continue on its downward spiral.

The United States government is supposed to be of the people, by the people, and for the people. Thus, for our government to work, it is necessary for the people to challenge wrongful laws and express their outrage over economic injustice.

Occupy Wall Street is structured so that every voice counts, and anyone can make a difference. The United States democracy is becoming a republic controlled by corporate America, and it is time for the 99 percent to take control.

Mirador

11/4/11 Opinion 7

Should a VPA be Required to Graduate?

There is continuing dispute in regard to whether or not a Visual and Performing Art should be necessary to graduate Miramonte. Some believe that a VPA provides a muchneeded respite to the everyday pressures of school, whereas some contend that the VPA is unnecessary and detrimental.

PRO:

by Kate Wolffe

CON: Photo: C.Burke

What would society be like without art? The world owes much of its culture to the skills that our most famous musicians, speakers, painters, and sculptors learned in school.

Colleges all over the United States and throughout the world have come to embrace that inevitable truth, yet many high schools, such as Miramonte, neglect to make a year of visual or performing arts necessary to graduate.

The simple fact is that at least one year of Visual and Performing Arts (VPA) is necessary to get into any CSU or UC institution. Their A-G requirements, a sequence of high school courses that are required for eligibility include: two years of history or social science, four years of English, three years of mathematics, two years of laboratory science, two years of a foreign language, one year of a college preparatory elective, and of course, one year of Visual and Performing Arts. These regulations have been in place for over 10 years, and with the exception of the VPA requirement, they correspond perfectly with all of those at Miramonte.

Currently, Miramonte requires students to have at least 20 credits worth of either a World Language, Technology and Career Tech, or VPA class. Because of this, theoretically, a student could take both a language and a class such as Computer Programming without taking a VPA. This puts more pressure on students that are already swamped with a heavy academic-based courseload. Classes such as crafts and drama are designed to give these students a brief respite from the drudgery of the day as well as an oppurtunity to explore new areas.

“With so much emphasis being put on academic-based classes and achievements, many students that thrive in visual and performing arts classes are overlooked,” said history teacher Kelly Ginnocchio. “If the only focus is core classes, students are not able to explore their interests and find their own areas of strength. ” What students really need to understand is that taking one period of a fun and relaxing class in the midst of your four-year high school education is not a big deal. In terms of sacrifices to a person’s education, this isn’t a huge one. MIT will likely still want you if you take a year’s worth of Band or Video Production in your junior year. Students should embrace the oppurtunity to try different things and perhaps stumble upon a new talent.

A VPA can also enhance a student’s learning experience in other classes. A knowledge of baroque art can do nothing but help an art student taking AP European History, and it can perhaps even add to their learning.

In many students’ eyes, adding a definite VPA requirement wouldn’t be changing much. “I thought a Visual and Performing Art was necessary anyways,” said sophomore Lance Pieper. “There’s really no point in not taking one, it’ll help you get into college, and there are so many great ones offered at Miramonte. Why not take advantage of that?”

Children all over the world are already harnessing their creative power in their high school visual and performing arts classes. At this point, adding a VPA requirement would be just a formality that would provide students with an outlet to express themselves and feel a much needed sense of belonging.

by Colleen Burke

Photo: K. Wolffe

Visual and Performing Arts, although required by UC schools, should not be required to graduate Miramonte. Many students do not have the desire to pursue something in that category, and it wastes their valuable time that they could use to take a class that is connected to their career goal. Also, the proposed policy is unnecessary given the fact that many tend to take VPAs as a precaution anyways.

VPAs should be considered an extra class, not a necessity. In fact, it is even a bit ridiculous that VPAs are required for UC schools. They should only be required if a student is in fact planning on working in that field in their future. If someone is going to school purposely for art, an art class requirement makes sense. However, if someone is going to a business school, a class such as video production is pointless.

A student who is forced into a class that they don’t have a desire to take will not enjoy it and will most likely not do well. In order to succeed in a class, a student must be interested. However, if a student is just taking a class to get the credits, the likelihood is that they will neither focus nor care. Disinterested students undoubtedly distract the rest of the students that actually do care.

Also, Miramonte is full of students with very high grade point averages. Most of these students need to focus the majority of their time on academic classes. By the time they reach their senior year, many that didn’t have the time to take a VPA class earlier, have to begrudgingly sign up for a seemingly useless class. Crafts, Video Production, Photography are all great classes that can benefit an engaged child greatly. However, many students aren’t cut out for that type of work.

Students who are math-and-science-oriented may not enjoy taking an art class. When students are practically pushed into a class of that manner, they may end up receiving a poor grade for something they don’t even prefer to do. This can bring down their grade point average as well as their self-esteem.

Miramonte already allows students to take a year of Technology and Career Tech as a replacement for a VPA. The logic is that it is sometimes better for a student to take a class such as Foods rather than risking a blemish on a report card because of a VPA class. Thus, Miramonte already recognizes that VPA classes are important to some students but not all.

Students must ask themselves which classes to take to get AP credits and put them on a path to their future colleges and jobs. However, there is only a finite amount of time available to complete all of these desired or needed classes. With little time to spare, students shouldn’t be pressured into squeezing in a class that is neither beneficial nor worthwhile.

There is an intense amount of strain put on high school students. For some students, a VPA has the potential to release some of the stress for a period of fun. Unfortunately, it can also lead to other students scrambling for credits in their senior years or just barely getting by in a class that they didn’t want to take in the first place. Not only should VPA classes continue to not be required to graduate, but also they should not be needed to get into a UC school.

Abstinence-Only Sex Ed Should Be Banned The implementation of comprehensive sex education to replace abstinence-only sex ed in public schools should not generate as much debate as it has in past state legislatures

by Sophia Bollag

The rate of teenage pregnancies in the U.S. increased by 3 percent from 2005 to 2006, signaling a change in the trend of decreasing pregnancy rates since 1990, when teenage pregnancy reached an all-time high. In the face of rising teen pregnancy rates, more states should adopt legislation like that already enacted in California, which requires sexual education in schools to be comprehensive, meaning it must teach both abstinence and contraceptive use.

After a 2003 revision, California Education Code permits schools to teach both abstinence and contraceptive use, but never one without the other, reversing a trend in some schools towards abstinence-only sexual education.

Recently, the Illinois senate passed legislation similar to California’s by a narrow margin of two votes. However, banning abstinence-only sex education should not cause so much debate.

Studies show that pregnancy rates for teenagers fell further in states that banned abstinence-only education.

Douglas Kirby, a senior researcher at ETR Associates in California and author of a 2005 survey of the efficacy of sex education programs worldwide, said he believes more widespread teaching of contraceptive use was responsible

for California’s steep decline in teenage pregnancies even before it banned abstinence-only education.

“California took a very progressive approach,” he told the San Francisco Chronicle in 2007. “Texas pushed abstinence and made it more difficult for teens to receive contraceptives. Pregnancy did go down between 1991 and 2004, but Texas had the second-lowest decline of all states, 19 percent. California had the second-greatest decrease, 46 percent.”

Dan Duffy, a Republican senator from Illinois argued that teaching contraceptive use in high schools would encourage students to have sex. As evidence, he cited California’s sex education policy and pointed out that California has a higher rate of teen pregnancy than Illinois.

“Why would you want to duplicate a failed policy?” he asked. “This policy would do the opposite of what we want it to: increase pregnancies and increase the frequency of STDs.” Duffy ignored the fact that, due to demographic differences, California’s rate of teen pregnancy has always been higher than Illinois’. He also ignored the fact that since 1990, California’s teen pregnancy rate has decreased at a steeper rate than Illinois’.

Valerie Huber, director of the National Abstinence Education Association, said she does not believe

abstinence-only education is the only factor responsible for the recent rise in teenage pregnancy.

“While this recent uptick is certainly disconcerting, it would be disingenuous to try to ascribe it to abstinence education or any other single factor,” she told the New York Times last year. “The overly sex-saturated culture certainly plays a part, with teen sex communicated almost as an expected rite of passage, without consequences.”

She may be right that abstinence-only education is not entirely to blame. However, the racy cultural trend she referenced makes contraceptive education imperative.

When sex education teachers and modern culture present completely opposite standards for behavior, which will teenagers be more likely to follow?

While parents or religious leaders may succeed in convincing students to abstain from engaging in sex as teenagers, sex educators are unlikely to do so in the face of conflicting cultural norms, especially because these educators are often not part of a school’s regular staff, and are instead from outside organizations such as the American Red Cross or Planned Parenthood and are only seen by students once or twice a year. Sex education has a much better chance of preventing STDs and teen pregnancy if it teaches contraception, which does not conflict with cultural standards.

8 OPINION 11/4/11

Mirador

Early Primaries Hurt Election Process Current primary scheduling trend has devolved into a self-defeating, detrimental arms race

by Reese Levine

way is to give right to the candidate. However, these contributions cannot exceed $2500 and are disclosed immediately.

The last few presidential elections have witnessed a disturbing trend towards earlier Super PACs, which rose to prominence in the 2010 election, are different. Super PACs state primaries. While this practice provides advantages for individual states, early state can raise an unlimited sum of money for a candidate and are only required to disclose primaries are damaging to the credibility and relevance of the primary system as a whole. their revenue source a few times a year. Due to these lax disclosure rules, there is the States such as New Hampshire and possibility that if a state holds its primary Iowa, which are traditionally the first states in early January or December, the PACs to hold primaries, have long benefited will not have to disclose where large from the increased media exposure and portions of their money came from until monetary gains that come with going after the primary. early. Thus, other states, after seeing With the campaign contributions these benefits, are beginning to hold their undisclosed, it will be impossible for primaries earlier as well. voters will not know which special In 1972, the earliest state primary was interest groups and companies are held in February. Now, New Hampshire is supporting which candidate. While a debating holding its primary in December voter may like a candidate based on of 2011, which would mark the first time a what he says, knowing whom he will be primary would take place the year before supporting when he enters the office is the actual election. very important.

New Hampshire claims that they must The early primaries will eventually have the earliest primary due to state law, hurt candidates. Republican nominee but in reality, New Hampshire does not Jon Huntsman is already in deep trouble want to give up its exalted early position. because he hasn’t been able to raise as However, early primaries are much money as quickly as the big-ticket problematic for many reasons. Since there nominees like Mitt Romney. Huntsman is so much time between the primary and is currently threatening to boycott the the actual election, there is the possibility Nevada primary because of its unusually that voters will change their minds and early date. renounce their support for the candidate It is time to eradicate the old traditions they originally voted for. that keep states like New Hampshire in There have also been numerous midthe limelight. A rotating system, which campaign scandals, including Howard gives every state a chance at the earliest Dean’s media gaffe and John Edwards’ spot, makes the most sense. Every state extra-marital affair. Thus, it’s entirely would benefit from increased exposure, feasible that the candidate for president and it would reduce the bickering that could lose the support of the people midcurrently dominates the political arena.

Photos (clockwise from left): J. Griffin/MCT, T. Gralish/MCT, O. Douliery/MCT season because of the practice of premature All the state primaries should move later John McCain, Barack Obama, and Bill Clinton went on to win their Party’s nominaprimaries. in the election year, which will in turn The credibility of early state primaries tion after late surges in the election. Only McCain won the New Hampshire primary. increase their individual importance has already been compromised. Neither and shorten the length of presidential Bill Clinton nor Barack Obama won the New Hampshire primary, but both went on to be campaigns. elected president. In 2008, John McCain placed only fourth in the Iowa caucus, yet he States have been allowed to run unchecked for years, and the result is a flawed system still managed to grab the Republican nomination. that is bad for American politics. By attempting to increase their own relevance, each Another lesser known danger of early state primaries involves Political Action state has dragged down the entire nation, turning presidential campaigns into long, drawn Committees, or PACs. When someone wants to contribute to a campaign, the most direct out affairs.

Cuts to NASA Shuttle Program Not Tragic Public reaction to the termination of moon exploration is sentimental, not scientific

by Lauren Dahlberg-Seeth This is the end of an era. After 30 years and 135 flights, NASA has officially shut down its space shuttle program, meaning that the United States will no longer send astronauts to the moon except through organizations run by other countries and commercial spacecraft companies.

While the termination of this program could be interpreted as forfeiting our country’s contribution to scientific progress, the Obama Administration insists that the US will maintain a leadership role in space exploration.

NASA’s best and brightest have their eyes on a new prize. According to President Obama, the current goals are to have astronauts on or near an asteroid by 2025 and astronauts on Mars in the mid-2030s. To say these tasks are ambitious is an understatement, but accomplishing them would be a scientific milestone so momentous it would rival Neil Armstrong’s first steps on the moon.

Obama’s vision for NASA is as controversial as it is progressive. Despite the groundbreaking discoveries of the space shuttle program, its termination seems to be an emotional loss above anything else.

Since its invention, the space shuttle has been an icon of human advancement. Not only is it representative of scientific progress, but for most Americans it also elicits a sense of pride—a reminder of that “small step” that ended the space race with Russia.

Through the shuttle program, the United States has landed on the moon on six separate occasions.

As Obama has recently stated, “We’ve been there before.” By now, scientists have developed a very full

understanding of the moon, and now it’s time to raise the bar. As a dominant global figure, the US must lead the way to a new form of space exploration.

In order to construct a spacecraft that will one day bring astronauts to the surface of Mars, which is already a

years. With samples of these space particles, scientists could make many new discoveries about our early solar system and planet formations.

Also, in order to traverse deep space, NASA will be engineering a new rocket modeled after the Saturn V with a 10-20 percent increase in thrust and room to store fuel, food, and other necessary supplies for long-term travel.

Unfortunately a substantial project such as this comes with an equally considerable price tag. NASA officials estimate that the new “Space Launch System” will require $18 billion dollars of government funding over the next six years.

This seemingly staggering amount is not only a worthy investment in the future of science itself, but in a country that spends over $13 trillion a year. The amount required for NASA’s rocket is fairly insignificant.

But while coming out below budget with a ready-to-fly rocket in 2017 would certainly be ideal, a recurring theme in our country’s recent history is exceeded budgets and missed deadlines.

In our current financial state, the possibility of this project being delayed—or even tabled—is always present. The Obama Administration must commit to this project if any kind of progress is to be made.

Photo: R. Huber/MCT NASA’s new innovations will undoubtedly staggering 34 million mile, 9 month voyage, NASA must come to change the way scientists approach space first conquer the 5 million mile trek to an asteroid in the exploration and life as a whole. To maintain our status sun’s orbit. as world leaders in space exploration, we must look Although reaching an asteroid will be no easy task, the farther than the moon. While the space shuttle remains a benefits of successfully doing so will be immeasurable. sentimental and important part of American history, it’s Asteroids are made up of various minerals and substances time for the US to pioneer exploration in new areas of our that have remained relatively unchanged for billions of universe.

Mirador

11/4/11 Feature 9

Miramonte’s Spirit Days Uncovered

by Cameron White and Kelsi Lerner

Spirit Day? In 1959, on Club Day at Miramonte, students started the very first teachers club. Sounds great!

Miramonte has had a long tradition of school spirit Students can prepare themselves for their future career and and pride, with the leadership class planning and acting make friends in the process, right? out many spirit days and fundraisers. But only 50 years Why Was it Weird? It totally was great! If you were ago, students participated in some activities that many a girl. Here at Miramonte, students, teachers, and staff would consider kooky, crazy, and above all, just plain all pride ourselves in our anti-discrimination policies and weird. open-mindedness about people who are different from us.

In the earlier years that Miramonte High School was Apparently this policy didn’t exist in 1959, because the Miopen, students began to set in place some traditions that ramonte Teachers Club was for female students only. Not last even to this day such as homecoming and tailgates, only did this discriminate against male students, it also fit but there are many traditions that have since died out... teaching into the stereotype of being “woman’s work.” for obvious reasons.

Spirit Day? Big and Little Sister Day versus Big and As such, we here at the Mirador have compiled a list Little Stud Day took place in 1958. During this spirit day, of crazy spirit days and clubs that existed before, and the freshmen would all be assigned a surrogate big “sister” why they were so weird in the first place. or “stud” to help them get settled in at Miramonte. Okay, a Spirit Day? Slave Day. Need I say more? lot of schools do that. No biggie.

Why Was it Weird? Probably the most outlandish Why Was it Weird? Little and big studs? According and inappropriate activity that students no longer particto Urban Dictionary, a stud is “a studdy studding stud lad ipate in was Slave Day, which ended after the late 50’s. who studs women. All whilst looking stud.” Besides the hiStudents were auctioned off to other students to raise larious 50’s slang, Big and Little Sister Day versus Big and money for class outings, and once a student became anLittle Stud Day was hilarious because of the clearly lack other’s “slave” they were at the mercy of their master. In of sisterly (or studly!) bonding going on. In the yearbook Photo: La Mirada fact, in the yearbook of 1958, there exists a picture of a A girl kneels on the quad at lunch as her temporary pictures, students are seen wandering outside of the gym by female student on her hands and knees while wearing a “owners” stand over her. Slave Day: Miramonte’s most themselves, all while the spirit day banner waves forlornly collar and leash, held onto by a group of male students politically incorrect spirit day? Check. in the background. standing over her. Not the most politically correct Spirit Spirit Day? The 1965 Junior Prom. Miramonte still celDay in Miramonte history. ebrates it to this day, so why was it so interesting?

Spirit Day? The Annual Donkey Basketball Game. What is that?

Why Was it Weird? The theme was “Fire and Ice.” All of you seniors out there may Why Was it Weird? In 1968, male students and staff put together teams and competed remember the Junior Prom theme from last year... “Fire and Ice.” The really weird part? to raise money for the winning team’s class. Participants rode donkeys in the school gym Although “Fire and Ice” is a common theme, many of us remember how lacking the while trying to adhere to the general game of basketball. The winning team that year designs were last year in the Fire themed department. Upon further inspection in the was, of course, the seniors, winning $300 (which would be roughly about $2,000 today). year book, the decorations are almost exactly the same. So this begs the real question: is Needless to say, Donkey Basketball was a one-year ordeal.

Miramonte unoriginal, or just cheap enough to keep the decorations?

Mirador Unveils the Bay’s Secret Menus

by Grace Hilty Lamorinda restaurant connoisseurs are familiar with the region’s most well-kept secret menus. Feeling out of the loop? Mirador takes the Miramonte student body inside the hype to find out what to order where.

Jamba Juice

Wendy’s

If you’ve ever stood in line at Jamba Juice behind a well-informed teen, you may hear the following “ordering lingo.” These menu additions can’t be published on Jamba Juice’s menu because they would be copyright violations, but the flavors in these secret additions prove true to their names.

Originally, Wendy’s burgers were in the shape of a square. Feeling old-fashioned?

Try ordering:

1. Sourpatch Kid - Our sources tell us that this smoothie is a combo of lime, pineapple, orange, and raspberry sherbets with lemonade and blueberries. Whatever may be in this secret smoothie, it is worth a try, and is easily comparable to the Sourpatch candies.

2. White Gummi Bear - Peach juice, lime, raspberry, orange, and pineapple sherbets, mangoes.

3. Pink Star - Tastes just like pink Starbursts. Supposedly made from lemonade, raspberry sherbert, frozen yogurt, sorbet, and fresh strawberries.

4. Fruity Pebbles - Our insider informs us that this smoothie is made from soymillk, orange, raspberry, pineapple, and lime sherberts. If they say they can’t make a Fruity Pebbles, ask for a White Gummi with no peach juice, sub soymilk, no mangos, sub frozen yogurt.

Subway Because Subway is the world’s largest “submarine sandwich chain,” they will make you literally any sandwich you can imagine. The secrets?

1. The “Pizza Sub” - Tomato sauce, salami or pepporoni, and cheese on any choice of bread.

2. Cookies - Subway’s “code” doesn’t allow the chain to sell broken cookies, so they may give you some for free. Worth a try.

Starbucks Starbucks’ little-known menu addition isn’t actually a drink, but the newest size.

1.“Short” Drinks - Thank god. The new smallest size for Starbucks beverages finally explains the previously-smallest size, “Tall.”

1. A “Grand Slam” Burger - Not only will your burger come in a distinct square shape, but you will get four patties stacked high on a bun. This option is only available at select Wendy’s, and if your cashier seems puzzled, try referring to this menu option as “The Meat Cube.”

Taco Bell Taco Bell will create anything for which they have the ingredients. Try mixing things up or combining different menu items to create your desired taco or burrito.

1. Double Grilled Quesadilla - The same old with a twist. An extra crunchy tortilla gives the orginal a brand new flavor.

In-N-Out In-N-Out’s secret menu is actually not-so-secret. Published on In-N-Out’s website is a list of unpublished menu items referred to as “customer favorites” rather than menu additions. Mirador’s top picks?

1. Grilled Cheese - Take out the meat. Still on a freshly-baked bun with the same toppings as a regular burger.

2. Double Meat - Pretty self-explanatory. The Double Meat burger is a regular hamburger, but with double the meat.

3. 3 by 3, 4 by 4 - A 3 by 3 burger has three pieces of cheese and three patties, a 4 by 4 burger has four pieces of cheese and four patties. For adventurous diners, try ordering bigger numbers! (Your request may or may not be granted).

3.“Protein Style” Burger - Wrap your burger in lettuce instead.

4.“Animal Style” Burger - Instead of a regular patty, an “Animal Style” burger will be made with a mustard-cooked beef patty (with all the same additions as a regular hamburger at In-n-Out).

10 Feature 11/4/11

Mirador

Student of the Issue: Chris Treat

Miramonte senior Chris Treat talks to the Mirador about his favorite activites and special talents

by Spencer Holmes

Senior Chris Treat is well known around the Miramonte campus. It’s not evident at first glance, but Treat possesses an amazing talent similar to photographic memory. Treat’s specialty? Dates, calendars, and maps.

Treat spends much of his free time looking at maps and learning about cities all over the world. One glance at a map, and his eyes devour the contents. He is able to quickly commit capitals, states, rivers, mountains, and even street names to memory.

There are many places in the world where Treat has not been, but he hopes to one day travel to the far reaches of the world.

Treat often uses an iPad or computer to look at Google Earth. Treat enjoys exploring the world and looking at the unique cities in foreign countries. “I like to look at all the different places,” said Treat.

As for dates, Treat can recall the day of the week of any given date from 1910 to the present. That is 36,865 days.

When asked what day of the week June 28, 1994 was, Treat quickly replied, “Tuesday.” After a Google search, Treat’s answer was deemed, in fact, correct.

Dumbfounded that Treat anwered correctly, surrounding students flocked to Treat’s side, and each question was answered correctly with the corresponding day of the week.

To take it a step further, the students asked him what he did on a specific date. Treat took a moment and then began to recite his routine of exactly what he did on a day four years ago.

“I woke up and had blueberries and pancakes for breakfast, then a glass of orange juice. My family had to take my brother to the pediatrician for a check-up.

We spent the day in the hospital and there was this girl in the hospital who wouldn’t stop crying. She seemed scared,” said Treat.

Treat’s exceptionally fantastic memory also extends to mundane details of his everyday life when he was young.

“I can remember mostly everything from when I was about two years old,” said Treat. “My first clear memory is from when I was one. I remember seeing a

green garbage truck.”

Treat first realized that he had this talent when he was eight years old. Since this realization, Treat has spent more and more time examining and memorizing dates, maps, and calendars.

When asked if he had a formula for finding the day of the week, Treat replied, “No, not really… I just do it in my head.”

The ability to pull out thousands of dates is due to the tantalizing amount of time Treat spends reading calendars.

Treat is not only a human calculator for dates, but he is also a veteran cross-country runner. He has been on the cross-country team since he was a freshman, and he never misses a practice.

One can see Treat running around the track after school every day for the Miramonte cross-country team.

Treat claims to enjoy running cross-country almost as much as he enjoys reading his maps.

Running helps Treat free his mind of everything.

“Running is fun and it helps me think,” said Treat.

“He is very dedicated and always positive,” said cross-country coach Brad Alban. “His attitude and behavior is infectious and he is inspiring to his teammates and coaches.”

“He is a true team player and one that does all that is asked. He recently ran a great 15:11 in the last league meet, which is over a minute improvement from our time trial.”

When the weekend arrives, Treat often goes on bike rides or hikes. He likes to bike ride along the Contra Costa Canal Trail.

Treat’s family frequently goes out to dinner to restaurants such as Table 24, Chevy’s, and Pyramid.

Treat loves going out to dinner and prefers dining out to homemade meals.

During football season, Treat enjoys going to a number of Stanford football games with his brother, Josh Treat, who currently attends Stanford University.

Treat often talks about Josh and after a few minutes of conversation, his admiration for his brother is quite evident.

After getting to know Treat inside and outside of the classroom, it isn’t hard to see that his unbelievable memory is just one of his many talents.

Photo: M. Swan

Fun Facts

Favorite Color: Green Favorite Animal: Moose Favorite Movies: Pink Panther, Mr. Bean Favorite TV Show: Friends Favorite Food: Steak Favorite Sport: Cross Country Birthday: December 27 Favorite Music Genre: Country Favorite Artists: Tim McGraw and Faith Hill Favorite Weekend Activity: Hiking or biking on the fire trail Favorite Restaurant: Chevy’s, Table 24

MHS Twins Discuss Separating for College Miramonte twins contemplate the upcoming years that they will spend apart from each other

by Cassidy Waters

place and away from everything and everyone that you’re used to.”

At the end of senior year, most students “Most of the time you’re just so busy are anxious to leave their old lives behind you don’t really get a chance to think about and start fresh at a new school. They look everyone from home,” adds Shannon. forward to meeting new friends and creating Making a decision about where to go to new memories. Twins, however, often have a college is a difficult task for the normal senior. harder time adjusting to the new feelings of For twins, it can be even harder due to their independence brought on by college. desire to be close to each other. Identical Imagine living your whole life with a twins, seniors Olivia and Emma Trevarthen, permanent companion. You always have an don’t think it will be a big problem though. alibi for when Mom asks where you were last “It’s nice because Emma and I both want to night and you never have to show up to a party go to the East Coast,” said Olivia. “No matter alone. From the time a set of twins is born, what college we get accepted to, we will this is their destiny. So when the time comes probably only be a train ride away.” for the pair to separate, it can be a difficult However, the adjustment will still be experience. difficult.

Fraternal twins Claire and Alex Nicolaou “Emma and I have shared a room for 17 ‘11 find this to be true and are still adjusting years and our daily routines kind of revolve to the changes. around each other. Going to different colleges Claire is a freshman at the University of means not having her by my side 24/7. It’ll be Colorado Boulder, while Alex attends Boston a change,” said Olivia.

Photo: E. Trevarthen University. The distance between them has Although all three pairs of Miramonte Senior twins Olivia Trevarthen and Emma Trevarthen prepare to split paths for proven to be a struggle. twins admit to missing their “other halves,” “It’s been one of the hardest parts about their college years. they all agree that going to different colleges college so far,” said Claire. is probably the among the best decision they “Alex and I have always been close, and have ever made.

Luke goes to the University of Oregon. “Even though we’re we got even closer after we left. I miss him like crazy, and twins, Luke and I are extremely different, so I think it only “I would recommend that twins separate for college. try to talk to him as much as possible.”

College is the one time to go wherever you want to go and makes sense that we chose different schools.”

For others, it is a welcoming change.

Both Claire and Shannon agreed that college in general is be whoever you want to be. It’s a time to not always be “It’s definitely liberating since my brother can’t bother a bigger adjustment than the separation from their siblings. associated with your twin,” Shannon said. me all the time now,” said Shannon Garvey ‘11, a freshman “This is a time for independence and individualism,” said “College is just a new experience all together,” said at DePaul University in Chicago, Illinois. Her twin brother Claire. “Everything is different because you are in a new Olivia. “No more being referred to as ‘the twins.’”

Mirador

11/4/11 Feature 11

Teachers Reveal Childhood Aspirations

by Natalie Wapniarski and Maddie Nicolaisen As children, everyone dreamed about what they wanted to be when they grew up: a veterinarian, a firefighter, or maybe even a Vegas dealer. Mirador talked to the teachers of Miramonte and uncovered untold truths about their childhood aspirations.

“A dolphin. My mom told me I could be anything I wanted to be when I was growing up, and that was really confusing.”

-Elizabeth Aracic

“A vet. I love animals.”

-Barbara Denny “Pro baseball player. I thought the pros on the TV were cool.”

-Vince Dell’Aquila

“FBI agent, for the cool outfit, they’re very smart, and they had a wide range of skills, both mental and physical. And I wanted to have some sort of a service job.”

-Adam Clark (below) “At one point I wanted to be an actress, a movie director, an editor, a teacher,and a lawyer.”

-Polly Covell

“An archaeologist. I just wanted to get my hands dirty and dig around. I love culture and history.”

-Cindy Ghazarhossian

“An Olympian, like an Olympic runner. I used to train at school.”

-Mark Graminski

“I wanted to be a policeman.

I really liked the outfit, the car, and the siren! I used to always pretend when I was a kid.”

-Brian Henderson (top)

“Fireman. I thought it’d be cool to rescue people, and my grandpa was a fireman.”

-Drue Kendell

“A head-cameraman.

Film and photography were my passion.”

-Kyle Wood

“Astronaut! So I could spread Latin to the universe. I could teach the aliens!”

-Matthew Davis (above)

Photos: M. Nicolaisen, N. Wapniarski

(Clockwise from top right) Principal Adam Clark, Deidre Eldridge, Matthew Davis and Brian Henderson all share their interesting and diverse childhood aspirations.

“Well I guess I can’t say I wanted to be tall.

Other than tall, I guess I wanted to be part of NASA. It was really new and exciting.”

-Nancy Wong

“I’ve always wanted to be an artist. I just love doing it.”

-Gavin Kermode

“Dealer in Vegas. My uncle used to always come over and play cards with us every weekend, and it just made me want to do it as a profession.”

-Deidre Eldridge (above)

Policewomen of Walnut Creek Talk Crime

Amber Griffiths and Holley Connors describe life as lady cops in Contra Costa County

by Devin Mottier

In 2009, TLC premiered a show unlike any other. Police Women of Broward County and its various spin-offs follow the lovely ladies that patrol and protect Broward County, Maricopa County, Memphis, Dallas and, most recently, Cincinnati.

Howerver, like most shows with more than two spinoffs, the Police Women series jumped the shark and is now in desperate need of a revamping. So, now, please welcome the saving grace of TLC: Police Women of Walnut Creek.

Walnut Creek, one of the largest towns in Contra Costa County and typically known as the only remotely interesting hang out spot for East Bay teens, is home to officers Amber Griffith and Holley Connors, both fourth year veterans of the city’s police department.

When officers join the force, they are assigned a certain area to patrol called a sector.

Griffith has worked every one of the three Walnut Creek sectors, her favorite being the area between Main Street and downtown.

“The Main Street and downtown area provides officers with diverse types of calls to respond to,” said Griffith.

Connors, on the other hand, particularly likes the region between Oak Rd. and Pleasant Hill Rd. because of the large mix of businesses, residences, shopping, and freeway access.

Although Walnut Creek doesn’t offer quite as much ac-

tion as the other Police Women hot spots, the occasional crazy misconduct does come about from time to time.

“There are definitely different categories of excitement that come with the job, but I would say chasing people on foot or in a vehicle really gets the heart rate up,” Connors said. “I have been involved in many different cases including vehicle crashes, fires, stabbings, people with weapons, stolen vehicle pursuits, mental health evaluations, missing children/adults, burglaries in progress, domestic violence, and the occasional DUI.” “Though these are not the norms for the area, it is very exciting to investigate these types of crime,” Griffith said.

In TLC’s series, the policewomen of various counties are portrayed as unfriendly and bitter but dedicated to their field of work. They are faced with ridiculous issues such as middle-aged sibling fighting and loose cats harassing neighbor’s plants.

The Police Women of Maricopa County has faced numerous lawsuits since its February 2010 premiere, the most recent of them being a contract breach by Broward Sheriff’s Office Deputy Andrea Penoyer.

According to the Miami Herald, Penoyer, who was working as an undercover officer in a drug bust, “was paid an unknown amount to appear on the show and arrested defendant Kevin E. Wallace on-camera last January for selling a small amount of cocaine in a buy-bust in Pompano Beach.”

When the police report for Wallace was filed, Officer Penoyer’s contract wasn’t turned in. Controversy has aris-

en and the Police Women series is since under fire.

Although Walnut Creek lacks the civic controversy Broward County has, the obligations of the police are vital to the success of the community.

“Personally I don’t like any police shows,” said Griffith. “I don’t think they depict what an officer does.”

Even though working as an on-duty officer poses many issues and risks, the reward that the men and women of Walnut Creek’s police force gain is unique.

“The true excitement of the job comes when you realize all that training you have done does actually kick in automatically when you are faced with a volatile situation,” Connors said.

The public seems to believe that America’s officers take the job for the glory and not for the true love and passion for the occupation, but Griffith and Connors think otherwise.

“I became an officer because I enjoy working with people,” Griffith said. “Working as an officer gives a good sense of worth since you are giving back to your community.”

“There are many things that I enjoy but I love when I truly can help someone get past a hard time in their life.

If it is helping them out of a bad living situation, getting them help for their mental health issues or referrals for drug treatment, it makes me feel good to affect a stranger’s life in a positive way,” said Connors. “Of course I enjoy the excitement at times, but helping is why I truly do this job.”

Mirador

12 FEATURE 11/4/11

Bay Area Offers Many Volunteering Opportunities

by Julia Hass and Katie Hoskins

St. Anthony’s

Miramonte Key Club

Key Club provides many volunteer opportunities on campus. The Key Club’s goal is to raise money for various charities and organizations like the Pediatric Trauma Prevention (PTP) organization. The club also raises money for itself in a local setting by working at festivals and food banks and selling American Apparel jackets to students.

Though the club does a lot of charity, it also has a social aspect.

“The best part of the club is going to the socials and meeting new people who enjoy helping others,” said junior Kimberley Cheng, the Treasurer of Miramonte’s Key Club.

The socials are fun gatherings of different divisions of Key Clubs from schools across the country. The next one will be held at Six Flags.

“Definitely join Key Club,” Cheng said. “It’s been a great experience for me.”

For more information about the Key Club at Miramonte, email the club leaders at miramontekeyclub@gmail.com.

Oakland Zoo

Photo: S. Zhou

Miramonte Key Club members (from left) sophomore Ching Fang, junior Kimberley Cheng, and seniors Lisa Chang, Olivia Wung, Heidi Homma and Kaitlin Wong recruit new members at lunch. The Key Club is one of many community service clubs at Miramonte, and is always looking for new members who are eager to give back and help others.

For students interested in animals, plants, conservation, and children, the Oakland Zoo is a great place to volunteer.

One option for teens at the Oakland Zoo is to become a Teen Wild Guide. The program consists of working in the Valley Children’s Zoo and teaching visiting kids about the animals in the exhibits. On Keeper Days, volunteers also have the opportunity to go into the exhibits with zookeepers and help enhance the exhibits.

Another option at the Oakland Zoo is working as a ZooCamp Teen Assistant and spending two weeks helping out at a children’s camp, where the kids get to explore the zoo and the animals.

“You make a lot of friends, and the kids are pretty cute too,” junior Madison McDonald said. “They’re so eager to learn about the animals in the zoo.” McDonald has volunteered at the Oakland Zoo for over a year and a half.

Teen Wild Guides also have the option of working in different environments in other states and countries.

“This year we are going to Borneo in Indonesia to learn about conservation and the environment,” McDonald said. “But the volunteers have also gone to Africa and the Sacramento Zoo.” For more information on volunteering at the Oakland Zoo, visit www.oaklandzoo.org

St. Anthony’s is a gratifying option for giving back to the community and provides a safe place where volunteers can have direct contact with the people they are helping.

“At lunchtime, the volunteers just sat down with the customers, and it didn’t feel weird at all,” junior Coco Pearce said. “We all got to know each other.”

Though most volunteer work occurs in the soup kitchen, they also have a free clothing foundation where clothes are donated and available for the homeless.

Individual volunteer programs are encouraged, and the different volunteer projects range from serving trays of food to guests, and sorting clothes for the clothing program, to skills based services. Volunteers are able to work individually with a regular shift or with a small team of friends.

While the location across the bay may not be optimal for Orinda residents, students can gather a group of friends to spend a single day working for the organization and give back to the community together.

For more information about St. Anthony’s visit stanthonysf.com.

Children’s Hospital

For students interested in the medical profession, volunteering at the Children’s Hospital in Oakland is an opportunity to get some hands-on experience.

“It’s definitely a viable option for community service, because it’s one of the best children’s hospitals around,” said junior Alaina Hyde, who volunteers at the Children’s Hospital.

There are many different jobs for volunteers, including bringing the coffee cart around to parents and visitors, doing art with patients and visitors in the waiting room, and participating in the reading program with patients.

Volunteers must be at least 16 and willing to make a weekly commitment, though some options on list of positions also require previous experience, like working with the staff and patients in the emergency department.

“My favorite program is the ‘Welcome Wagon,’ where you help families and new patients get where they need to be and feel welcome,” said Hyde.

While the program may seem ideal for aspiring medical students, the schedule can be demanding and rigid, which may not be ideal for some students already bearing a heavy class load. The hospital requires a commitment of 100 hours from its volunteers over a period of one year.

For more information about Children’s Hospital visit www.childrenshospitaloakland.org.

Mirador

SPORTS

11/4/11 SPORTS 13

Lady Mats Battle Second Half Woes

Men’s Polo Takes on NCS Competition

by Tennyson May

by Georgia Briskey

States and Harvest tournaments placed the girls in a good seeding for NCS. The Lady Mats’ hopes to take a top four seed were achieved as they were ranked 4th in NCS Division-II. However, the girls will need to make improvements if they want to go far in the playoffs.

“We’re not really a second half team,” said Captain Austen Coe ‘12. “We always get really pumped and come out and play an intense first half, but we almost always fall apart during the second.”

“While most teams are starting to slow down in practice, the girls are still keeping

On Oct. 15, the girls water polo team won the Western States tournament for the first time in the history of the program. The Western States tournament, a prestigious tournament located in Modesto, was comprised of 50 high school teams, and the Lady Mats fought their way through their tough competition, and achieved victory.

Despite coming into the tournament seeded 20th, the Lady Mats won all of their 5 games, including an 8-3 win against Monte Vista, a team that they hadn’t beaten in the past 10 years. In the final game, the girls defeated San Ramon Valley in an exciting 13-10 game. Key players of the tournament include Megan Reid ‘14 and Erin Byrne ‘12. Reid, a talented attacker, scored four goals in the final while Byrne, whose strong center presence forced the opposition to put multiple defenders on her, scored three.

The Lady Mats also found Photo: B. Macler success in Napa at the Harvest Laurie Simons ‘13 prepares to pass the ball in a tournament. The girls defeated game against Northgate. every team that they faced, and only found moderate competition in the final game against up intensity in practice. The team looks to Tokay High School, a team that they had captains Byrne, Coe, Allie Light ‘12, and previously beaten twice before.

Alicia Macler ‘12 to help facilitate this The girls placed 4th in league with a 2-3 needed intensity that will hopefully help record. Although they suffered a tough loss get rid of their second half woes. to Campo and lost two close games against In the first round of NCS, the Lady Mats Las Lomas, the girls crushed Dougherty took on 13th seed Encinal on Wednesday Valley and easily handled Alhambra.

Nov. 2 at Miramonte, and will continue to League play and taking the Western play in the weeks to come.

Mats Hoping For Redemption

by Reese Levine

ball seven times, including five interceptions. Now, Miramonte has a few weeks to reorganize before facing Dublin, whose record is not as impressive as the Mats past few opponents.

“We understand where we are in the heart of the season, and we love it,” said head coach Jack Schram. “It’s like a playoff atmosphere in the middle of the season.”

After making it all the way to the 3rd round of the NCS playoff bracket it 2010, the Mats are hoping to get even farther this year. “I think that this will be one of the best years ever for Miramonte football,” said Evan Epstein ‘13.

It’s halfway through the season, and the Miramonte football team has only one loss and is in second place in the division. The team is 3-1 in division play, having already beaten rivals Las Lomas, Acalanes, and Dougherty Valley.

With a new head coach, many doubted whether Miramonte could repeat the strong showing of last year, but returning players Ross Anderson ‘12 and Kevin Booze ‘12 have silenced all the critics.

The team put on a great show in their game against Las Lomas, which capped Miramonte’s Homecoming week. “We knew we could do it, and we came out and did it,” said Anderson. While Las Lomas attempted a late comeback, the Matadors prevailed 33-28.

On October 21st, Miramonte faced their main rivals, Campolindo. Both teams were undefeated going into the game, but Campolindo came out on top 42-6.

Anderson was held to Photo: J. Spalding only 72 yards rushing, and Marshall Deutz ‘13 leaps high up in the air for a catch the Mats turned over the in a game against Las Lomas

ing their hardest, the Mats lost 13-6. Despite their loss, the team played against rival Campo and took a win with the final score at 23-6.

“We saw goals from people that don’t usually play in that game. There was a huge cheering section too, which always

After working hard in practices and winning multiple games, the men’s water polo team is currently ranked 4th in the nation. With new players and captains, the team learns how to play as a team and prepare for DFALS and NCS. The captains on this year’s team include seniors Tennyson May, Kyle Weikert, and junior Charlie Wiser. Being on the varsity team since he was a freshman, Wiser’s experience combined with May’s and Weikert’s leadership allow the team to exceed their goals.

The team participates in tournaments almost every weekend. In the North South Tournament during the weekend of Oct. 22, the Mats took Photo: J. Hall third place.

Charlie Wiser ‘13 looks for an open teammate “Everyone played well at the during a varsity game tournament. It was great to see the progress each of us have made, and we’re only getting better,” said Nick Solit helps us win,” said Gabriel Ostler ‘14.

‘13.

On Oct. 26 Miramonte played top rival In the past week, the polo team played Acalanes and came through with a win of against the number one team in the coun- 10-7. This win give Miramonte a high seed try, Mater Dei. Anticipating a loss but try- in NCS next week.

Volleyball Climbs Up League Standings

by Annie Odell

The team practices every weekday when they are not competing in a game, focusing mainly on defense, and controlling our side of play. Not only do they sharpen their skills, but they concentrate specifically on preparing for the teams that they compete against that weak.

Both Maddie Goodreault ‘14 and Maddy Miller ‘14 have become new assets to the Mats varsity team. Goodreault plays outside hitter and Miller plays middle blocker. “They work incredibly hard every day at practice, and definitely deserve their spots. I love their positive attitudes. They

The girl’s varsity volleyball team has continued the season with a nearly undefeated league record. Recently, on Oct. 4 the team beat Las Lomas within five games scoring 25-20 in the first, 25-22 in the second, 23-25 in the third, 20-25 in the fourth and 15-9 in the fifth. On Oct. 6, the Mats beat Acalanes within 3 games scoring 25-9 in the first, 25-19 in the second, and 25-20 in the third.

“These matches were awesome for us.

We had a battle versus Las Lomas, but we stayed together to pull out the win.

After we beat the Knights, we continued our play and defeated Acalanes, a strong DFAL team, in three games,” said Captain Sarah Vacarro ‘12.

The team struggled in their only loss this season against rival Campolindo on Oct. 11, which marked the team’s halfway point in DFAL. The Mats have played each team once with a cumulative Photo: L. Condie 5-1 DFAL record. “Our mindsets Vacarro rallies the team as they huddle together are different now,” Vacarro says. before another volley.

“We are learning from our loss versus Campolindo, and fixing our mis- bring such a great energy to our team,” said takes”.

Vacarro.

Although the game did not go in the The team’s goal is to win DFAL. In orMats’ favor, the team has used the chem- der to do so, they are working on improvistry built up between the players o far in ing both their defense and attacking. “We the year to bounce back effectively. “We are an aggressive team, controlling our are working even harder at practice, and side of the net and always staying togethfocusing in on our mindsets,” said Vacarro. er” said Vacarro.

Head Coach Shannon Ross has worked “The best part of our team is that we alwith the team for the past three seasons. ways have fun and get along. We hold each “She uses energetic intensity to support us other accountable, but we always support and help us play to our best potential,” said each other. I am so glad to be a part of this Vacarro. team,” said Vacarro.

14 Sports 11/4/11

Mirador

Athlete of the Issue: Sarah Vaccaro

by Mollie Swan

Since her freshman year, senior setter Sarah Vaccaro has been a key player on Miramonte’s varsity volleyball team. Vaccaro’s determined attitude, relentless work ethic, and passion for the sport are what make her one of best athletes Miramonte volleyball has seen.

Vaccaro started playing volleyball at the young age of eight. She began playing with her mom in grass doubles tournaments. Since then, she has played for three different volleyball clubs: Delta Valley Volleyball Club, Golden Bear Volleyball Club, and Norcal Volleyball Club. Vaccaro is also a starting setter on the varsity volleyball team, which competes during the fall.

Vaccaro loves volleyball because it is a team sport.

The support and encouragement of teammates keep her motivated during tough matches. Also, both high school and club volleyball programs are a great way to make friends. “When traveling and playing in different tournaments you are able to meet a lot of people from around the country who share the same love for the sport that you do,” said Vaccaro.

One of Vaccaro’s goals is to play volleyball in college.

“I really would love to play volleyball in college. I can’t imagine having this high school season as my last year of volleyball,” said Vaccaro. Currently, she is trying to find a program that best fits her personality and interests. One factor in choosing a school is the study abroad program it provides because Vaccaro has always dreamed of studying abroad in Europe.

Another one of Vaccaro’s goals is to lead her Miramonte team as far as it can go in DFAL, NCS, and Norcal/State.

She wants to work as hard as she can to help the team be successful. Vaccaro intends on getting the most out of the season by giving relentless effort and having a fun and memorable year with no regrets.

This current volleyball season has been one of Vaccaro’s favorites. Although the team is not one of the most athletic or skilled teams she has been on, the improvement the team has made from last year is remarkable. According to Vaccaro, all of the girls get along incredibly well on and off the court, which plays a large role in the team’s success.

The team’s wins against Amador Valley, Granada, and Las Lomas prove that passion and teamwork can outplay skill.

Photo: M. Condie

Photo: M. Swan

Vaccaro also attributes the team’s success to the small, but energetic and dedicated fan base.

Vaccaro’s sister, Mary, is and always has been her role model for volleyball. Although she played at Miramonte’s rival school, Campo, the sisters have played together in many doubles beach tournaments.

In 2008, the pair was ranked 2nd in California in the 16 and under division. Last year, Mary was DFAL MVP, NCS Player of the Year, and State MVP. Mary’s work ethic and dedication have inspired her younger sister to strive to achieve her goals.

When she is not playing volleyball Vaccaro enjoys relaxing and spending time with her friends and family.

She enjoys traveling to Southern California because she loves the warm, sunny weather. While in Southern California Vaccaro plays beach volleyball, shops, and goes to her favorite amusement park, Disneyland. Vaccaro also likes attending sporting events. She enjoys watching college football and basketball, as well as professional sports. Her favorite sport to watch is professional baseball and her favorite team is the San Francisco Giants.

Vaccaro sets the ball to her teammate during an intense match of a Power League tournament that her team, Norcal Volleyball Club, competed in last year.

Awards/Achievements:

DFAL All League (Freshman, Sophomore, Junior) NCS 2nd place 2008 (Freshman) NCS 3rd place 2009 (Sophomore) 1st place AAU Junior Beach Championship (2008) Junior Nationals for Club Volleyball (2005-2011) Dogs of War Award; Cal High Sports (2011) Hammer Award; Cal High Sports (2009) Favorite Movie: The Notebook Favorite Food: Quesadilla Favorite Actress: Betty White in The Proposal Favorite Musician: Justin Bieber Favorite Color: Pink Favorite Animal: Puppies Favorite TV Show: Dance Moms Favorite Store: Lululemon Favorite Class: Latin

Mirador

15 Sports 11/4/11

Two Way Street Editors Tennyson May and Trevor Rechnitz talk Athlete Battle Royales and NFL Surprises “half the editor...twice the facial hair.”

Athlete Battle Royale (Ron Artest v. Stephen Jackson)

strength, thug upbringing and the x factor of being crazy.

Cap’n Jack wins um all. Jackson is 6’8 and 215 lbs., was raised in the hood of Fort Arthur Texas and is, without a doubt, nuts. Here are a few examples that foreshadow Jackson’s success in any fight. After receiving a record 11 technical fouls in the 20010-2011 season, Jackson responded by saying “I get techs because I want to. I don’t care. I’m not getting techs for no reason. It happens.” The pure lack of remorse for setting the technical foul record is proof in itself that Jackson is crazy enough to beat Artest 6 feet under. In the last offseason, Stephen Jackson fired a gun, was hit by a car and got punched in the face, all in

the NFC North. A lot of this success can be attributed to the solid offensive combination of Matthew Stafford and Calvin Johnson. Stafford, with a current rating of 99.1, is well above his career average of 77.1. Calvin Johnson, debatably the best receiver in the NFL right now, is leading the league in touchdowns with 11. The key to their defense is the incredibly talented Ndamukong Suh who is currently ranked as the best defensive tackle in the NFL. Despite accusations of being dirty, Suh is undeniably an amazing player. So far the Lions have had a great season, and unless it ends in some freakishly awful way, the Lions should be proud of what they’ve accomplished already.

Tennyson: Ron Artest is legally insane, well not actually, but he is pretty crazy. If you don’t agree, go on Google and type in “Ron Artest is” it will automatically complete this statement with the word “crazy.” He received a ticket for driving a racecar down a street. Sure the problem was actually that the car’s registration was expired, but that’s still pretty weird.

Trevor: Through You may be wondering, 6 games, The 49ers “why is Tennyson going are not following on about why Ron Artest the script.

They is crazy?” It’s really quite were supposed to simple: craziness wins be the team that fights. Artest would not got negatively go down in a fight; I feel affected by the labor like he could take a lot negotiations and just of punishment and still rolled over to another try to take out whoever losing season.

We’ve he’s brawling. Watch all heard about and the infamous Pacerspraised the genious Pistons brawl started by that is Jim Harbuagh, Artest. First you see him but I want to indulge fighting with Ben Wallace defensive cordinator (which is insane itself Vic Fangio. The considering he’s huge). cornerbacks have Then a few moments been coming after the later, you see that Artest Photo: W. Skalij/MCT opposing quaterback has somehow found his Crazy man Ron Artest is not afraid to deliver mid-game bows. and so have the way into the stands, and safeties. Hell at he’s fighting spectators. times Fangio sends the mascot and the cheerleaders to At one point in the fight the vicinity of an Indianapolis blindside him too.

NaVorro Bowman and Patrick Willis someone throws a drink at strip club. Jackson isn’t afraid have been animals up the middle and Justin Smith is being him, and Artest goes and to reach for the glock, which productive as usual.

I also attribute this suprise team to punches someone else in a brawl to the death is a key Alex Smith.

At this point in the season last year, Smith had who was actually trying factor. thrown eight touchdowns against nine interceptions.

This to help him. Needless to Vote for who you year, he’s got eight touchdowns against two interceptions. say, Artest is insane. And Photo: D,Foster, III/MCT Stephen Jackson gets a technical foul because he think would win online at Smith’s improved field vision, in addition to the guidance for those of you who are wants to. mhsmirador.com! provided by Harbaugh, has propelled the Niners to the top saying, “oh he can’t be of the NFC West. In addition to Fangio and Smith, the that bad… he changed his NFL Surprises 49ers rookie class is arguably the best in the NFL. Aldon name to Metta World Peace,” the court orignally denied Smith leads the team with 5.5 sacks and Kendall Hunter is the name change because he failed to pay parking tickets.

Tennyson: So far, this NFL season is one of the most playing a supporting role under Frank Gore. Even though Ron. You are playing for the richest team in the NBA. You exciting seasons that I’ve experienced, mainly because for the Niners look especially promising this year, there are can pay for your parking tickets. the first time in a long time, the Niners are a legitimately some areas for improvement. Of the five wide receivers Trevor: To be honest, there’s no real argument here. If good team. However, the biggest surprise this season has on the 53 man roster, the only one with a touchdown is nothis were a brawl of who is the bigger baller, Captain Jack’s been the Detroit Lions. The Lions came out to a 5-0 start name Kyle Williams. Of Smith’s 8 touchdown passes, 6 constant threat from behind the arc would undoubtedly for the first time since 1956. The most impressive part have gone to tight ends and the other one went to the now champion the defense minded Artest. However, this is a about this is that a couple years ago, they did not win a injured Josh Morgan. The Niners look like they’re headed brawl for survival, which comes to down to the factors of game during their season. Right now, the Lions are 2nd in for an NFC West victory and, hopefully a deep playoff run.

NBA Lockout Explained for the Uninformed

by Trevor Rechnitz

The NBA and NBA Players Association have failed to reach an agreement, so the NBA is officially shutdown, or locked out.

Now what does it mean to be in a lockout? Players and team officials, including coaches and staff are denied any contact with their players. No player or staff member gets their paycheck, and every player’s contract is temporarily expired until the new collective bargaining agreement has been signed.

In the lockout announcement, NBA deputy commissioner Adam Silver said the old CBA “created a broken system that produced huge financial losses for our teams.”

The NBA has claimed that 22 of its 30 teams are losing money, and the league and owners weren’t satisfied with labor proposals from the NBA Players Association.

The first big issue on the table is salary. The owners of the NBA want to mimic the NFL and put a “flex cap” in place, which would limit team salaries to $62 million.

Currently, there is a soft cap at $58 million, but teams are allowed to surpass this amount with the threat of luxury taxes upon exceeding $70 million. This hard cap of salary would mean a dock in pay for the athletes. The current

Photo: K. Snibbe/MCT

The NBA owners and players associations could cost the NBA its season.

proposal would set players’ combined salaries to $2 billion annually, about a $5 million dollar per player average.

However, in the 2010-2011 season, players made a total $2.1 billion and don’t want to be locked in to the salary capped pay decrease.

The BRI or the Basketball Related Income received by each side is a substantial talking point in this lockout. Currently, the players own about 57% of the league’s income, and the owners hope to reduce that to the 40% range. However, the players’ latest offer only stretches down to 54%.

If the two sides fail to reconcile, which doesn’t seem unlikely at this point, both the players and owners will suffer substantial losses. Among these losses include approximately $1 billion, which would make their petty 3% BRI argument seem ridiculous, cause long-term damage to the league’s relationship with television and radio networks and the risk the creation of a rival league.

One hundred games have already been canceled and pessimism is growing. The next lockout “round” could extend through Christmas and cancel marquee matchups like the Boston at New York, Miami at Dallas and Chicago in the Staples Center.

Sixty players have already signed contracts to play overseas if the season is canceled. While hundreds of other players wait nervously, basketball is being played elsewhere.

Mirador

16 Sports 11/4/11

Wrestling Has Big Hopes for Season

Lamorinda Soccer Takes USA Cup

by Rachael Oczkus

by Natalie Condon and Alison Pietrykowski

With diminished participation in recent years, new head coach of the wrestling team, Jose Herrera, hopes to use this year to revive the wrestling program.

Coming from Archbishop Riordan High School, Herrera has always been around successful programs with many participants and a highly competitive atmosphere.

Coming to Miramonte’s smaller wrestling program, he plans to “stick to the basics so that everybody can participate.”

This year the team expects to gain new recruits to increase the size and support of the team. Wrestling is perfect for those students who are not interested enough to play lacrosse or not big enough to play football but still wish to experience the thrills of competition.

Those who wish to join need not fear because Herrera will teach the basics and the fundamentals of the sport. In addition, participants are matched against those of similar size and levels of experience.

“To join the wrestling team, you need zero experience,” said Herrera. “Wrestling is the best sport in the world. At the end of the day, wrestling is a sport and not a game.”

This year, the team faces a number of obstacles as they get ready to enter the season. First, the team hopes to increase its number of participants and all students are invited to learn more about the sport. Also, Herrera and the team hope to reenergize

the school and generate more recognition for their sport among the student body.

“Wrestling tests every aspect of a person. It takes courage to step out onto the mat. It is the ultimate competition and once the spectators experience the intensity of the competition and begin to understand the sport, they become very excited.” said Herrera.

Wrestling is less popular at Miramonte than many other schools, including Campolindo High School in Moraga. The Campolindo wrestling program is very large.

For this upcoming year, they expect to have at least 60 kids on the team versus our 30 or so team members.

Although the success of the Campolindo wrestlers excites the school, they also lack support from the student body.

“The student body is somewhat supportive of wrestling. Some are supportive but most don’t notice us,” said Grant Smith ‘14, a successful Campolindo wrestler who will wrestle Varsity for the second year in a row.

Luckily, like Campolindo’s team, lack of support from the student body does not apply to the highly supportive administration. “Our team is so successful because of our coaches and determination to always get better,” said Smith.

Hopefully, the Miramonte team can generate more support and an increased level of participation to be well positioned to experience success as they enter the wrestling season.

X-Country Maintains Victorious Streak

by Mollie Swan

A typical afternoon practice for Miramonte’s cross country team begins with a series of announcements followed by a “warm-up” mile, several drills; and a long distance run. Finally, the team endures a series of exercises intended to strengthen the core and body, all in hopes of late season success.

Led by new head coach and St. Mary’s alum Brad Alban, the steadily improving Miramonte boys and girls cross country teams put forth a strong showing at the the Clovis Meet and appear well positioned to make this year’s state meet.

To qualify, each team will need to finish in the top four at NCS. Based on last weekend’s exceptional performance, it appears that Photo: S. Guay both the girls and boys have a real Simone Britto ‘14 races in the Scott Baus shot.

The boys won the Clovis event, Meet. and the girls placed 9th. Both orous training and preparation that has reteams have proven markedly faster than previous Miramonte squads as they sulted in steady improvement throughout head to Southern California to participate the season.

As the Mats ramp up their training for in the prestigious Mt. Sac Invitational in their pivotal trip to Southern California, a Walnut, CA. Key runners on the girl’s varsity cross familiar rival lurks.

Campolindo also sports a highly formicountry team are veterans Savannah Ryder ‘12, Mary Doyle ‘12, Sierra Ryder ‘14, dable squad, and both teams seem focused on not only the Mt Sac Invitational but also and Rebekah Ent ‘13.

On the boy’s varsity team, strong run- on the return to Northern California.

The two rival teams will first square off ners include Matt Stewart ‘12, Adam Roeder ‘13, Dillon Read ‘13, and Jamie Feh- at the DFAL Championship on Nov.5, and then again at NCS, and ultimately at the big rnstrom ’12.

These team stalwarts help lead the rig- State Meet.

trips are so amazing,” said Rebecca Bostwick ‘13 from Acalanes High. “We all sing and dance and have the best times together. We have the best team of all time.

I love everyone on it.”

“It was so amazing meeting the team.

They inspire me to be great and pursue pro soccer and really continue my passion for the game,” said Claire Winter ‘13 from Acalanes High School.

“It was really fun getting to know some of the players we’ve idolized,” said Pearce.

“I had always wanted to meet Tasha Kai and it was really cool finally getting to. She’s so hilarious and such a badass.”

“Winning the USA Cup was really encouraging and it was super cool to be

Lamorinda United ‘94 soccer team has been playing together for almost eight years and has recently gone to some of the largest tournaments in the country, including USA Cup, Rage Showcase, and Surf Cup. After winning the USA Cup, Puma sports wear began sponsoring the team.

When Puma started sponsoring the team, they provided them with a free trip to New York for a tournament, a new Puma warm-up suit, and a $100 each at the Puma store.

Two of the key players, Sophie Fuller ‘13, and Coco Pearce ‘13 attend Miramonte High School.

After winning the USA Cup, the team got to meet some of the players from the USA Womens National Soccer Team, like Amy Rodriguez, and Alex Morgan.

T h e y practice three days a week and play one to three games per weekend.

Photo: S. Leksan The capSophie Fuller ‘13 and Coco Pearce ‘13 pose with their Lamortains of the inda soccer team after practicing with the national team in New team are York over the summer.

Valerie Margerum ‘12 from Campolindo High School and Sa- rewarded for all the hard work we do,” mantha Zarling ‘12 from San Ramon Val- says Fuller. Fuller plays the position of ley High School. fullback and joined the team two years The team has been coached by Moham- ago. Although she is a new addition to the med Mohammed for the past four years team, the sport of soccer is not new to her, after having several different coaches. and she hopes to play in college.

Mohammed is the director of the league, “The practices can be very hard, and but is only the head coach for United 94’ we frequently have multiple games per and one other team. weekend. It’s hard to balance soccer with “One of my favorite things about play- school, but its doable, and worth it,” said ing is going to all the tournaments. The Leksan.

Girl’s Tennis Fights for a Late Season Comeback

by Colleen Burke This season, the Miramonte girls varsity tennis team struggled to live up to their former success, but still managed to perform well in DFAL competition.

The team tied for second place in DFAL with Dougherty Valley, behind rivals Campo. Since the girl’s tennis team was formerly considered one of the top teams in NCS, this performance was slightly disappointing.

Losses to Campolindo High School and Doughtery Valley were met with sadness and disappointment. While the team beat Dougherty Valley 6-3 in their first meeting, they lost 2-7 at the away match, marking their first loss to Dougherty Valley in the history of the program.

However, the team did dominate Acalanes 8-1 and defeated non-league powerhouses Carondelet 5-4 in a close and well-fought match.

Given the loss of former number one singles player Anastasia Kaiser ‘11, Meg Andersen ‘13, and Hanne Andersen ‘12, the team performed well.

“It’s a team effort when it comes to winning the matches as a whole,” said Caitlin Powell ‘13.

The young and inexperienced team could not have survived without four-year All-Conference player and captain, Tamar McCollom ‘12. The strong leadership from both McCollom and fellow returning senior, Logan Ehringer ‘12, has helped to ease the transition for all of the young players, and create the building blocks for a strong team into the future.

The team still has high hopes to make NCS which begins Tuesday, November 8.

Individual DFALs take place on Thursday November 3.

While this season proved challenging, the team believes they will be able to reclaim their former glory in the future.

Mirador

11/4/11 Entertainment 17

Arrested Development Returns From the Dead Creator Michael Hurwitz announces Arrested Development movie and mini-series for winter 2012

by Kelsi Lerner

character to that back story, we were halfway through the movie before the characters got together.”

Now the story of a wealthy family who lost Hurwitz also stated his regret in toying with the everything, and the one son who had no choice but affections of the fans, “They’ve been so supportive to keep them all together. It’s Arrested Development. and we’re so grateful, so I kind of hate to answer the October 2011, Wall Street protesters hold up question until I can say, ‘Yep, we’ve shot it, it opens signs to “close corporate tax loopholes,” “tax next week.’ Otherwise it feels like we’re toying with religious groups,” “end the wars,” “legalize weed,” people and we do not mean to do that. It has just and...“bring back Arrested Development?” taken a while to get it going.”

While these Wall Street protesters may not get Despite his good intentions, Hurwitz is still any of the aforementioned objectives any time soon, getting the affection of the fans built up five years the good news is that the cult classic series Arrested after the show’s cancellation in 2006. Since being Development will return with not only a movie, but on air in 2003, Arrested Development has built up also nine-ten new episodes. quite the fanbase. Critically acclaimed, Arrested According to lead actor Jason Bateman’s (Michael Development either won or was nominated for an Bluth) twitter, “It’s true. We will do 10 episodes and Emmy every year that it was on air. Furthermore, it the movie. Probably shoot them all together next has won or been nominated for several other awards summer for a release in early ‘13. VERY excited!” like the Screen Actors Guild Award, People’s Choice Bateman isn’t the only one who is excited. Since Award, Golden Globes, Teen Choice Award, and the end of the show’s third season in 2006, Batemen Writers Guild of America Award. and Will Arnett (George Oscar “GOB” Bluth) as Needless to say, cancelling the show was a huge well as the rest of the cast have been giving hints mistake. and promising a movie to the now cancelled show’s More than that, the new show and movie certainly fervent fanbase. isn’t for “British eyes only;” many Miramonte The Arrested Development movie, however, students have expressed excitement over the new has been taking a while. As for the delay in the movie and the promise of some new episodes of the production of the movie, creator Michael Hurwitz long-off-the-air show. might not be to blame.

“I know that the new episodes they are making In an interview with the New York Times on Oct. are to gain hype for the movie, but honestly just the 2, 2011, Hurwitz stated that they don’t completely “I don’t know why you’re not taking this ‘I’m out of here’Photo: Handout thought of the movie is enough to get me excited,” own the property, as there are companies’ rights seriously, beause I am out of here. Seriously.” said senior Nia Crawford. involved that need to be dealt with.

With any luck the movie will be out by December in an interview, “In fact, where everyone’s been for five “Just creatively, I have been working on the 2012 as scheduled, and won’t be in a state of arrested screenplay for a long time and found that as time went years became a big part of the story. So in working on the development. by, there was so much more to the story,” stated Hurwitz screenplay, I found even if I just gave five minutes per Hey, that’s the name of the show.

Entourage Becomes a Feature Film

by Josh Dathe

The series finale of Entourage left the viewer hanging, perfectly setting up the HBO has produced some dearly loved opportunity to make a movie.

TV shows which are being turned into It is obvious that many people will see movies. Sex and the City, a popular HBO this film, which will gross a large amount show, was turned into to movies after six of money. successful seasons. According to most The business plan for these TV shows critics, these movies were borderline turning into movies is blatant. There is terrible. no real reason to make a movie, other Another HBO series, Entourage, is on than to just make more money. schedule to be made into a feature film.

Essentially, making a TV show into Eight seasons through, and executive a movie is just like producing another producer Mark Wahlberg has agreed to season, but releasing it in theatres instead allow a movie to come next. of on television.

“We’ve been talking about the movie Friday Night Lights is the most non-stop,” said Mark Wahlberg, “That’s anticipated upcoming TV show feature the goal.” film. Whether it will follow along with Many other television shows are the same plot or start new, people will considering making movies as well. just have to wait to see for themselves Arrested Development, Party Down, in theatre.

Veronica Mars, and Friday Night Lights, Entourage ended its final season to name just a few. by leaving the viewer hanging on Ari Each one of these shows has either Gold’s future plans. He is offered a job been recently cancelled or now ended. and we can only expect he will have There has been much debate over trouble refusing the once in a lifetime whether turning TV shows into movies is opportunity he is given. a good idea for the television and movie The reason many actors and producers industries. want to support this is because there is Although both the Sex and the City much more money in the film industry movies received negative reviews, they rather than in television. reeled in a large amount of revenue. The No actors or actresses have first movie brought in over $415 million commented on their feelings over from the box office, while the sequel making at movie rather than a TV show, gained about $300 million. but who wouldn’t want more money for With around a combined $200 million doing less work? budget for both movies, the movies were So expect many more TV shows to a financial success. be turned into movies in the near future.

So the question is: are TV shows Some may be bad, some may be good, being turned into movies just to make but the fact is, if many watch the show, money? they will also watch the movie.

Deal Sites Keep Wallets Fat

by Alison Pietrykowski

We’ve all seen the commercials or heard about it from a friend, but not many students know what Living Social and Groupon are.

Living Social and Groupon are websites that give you great Graphic: Handout daily deals on a variety of things, from restaurants to Bikram yoga classes and even vacations.

The way it works is you sign up online (at either livingsocial.com or groupon.com) and enter the nearest city so they can send you deals that pertain to where you live.

Everyday you receive an email with new deals you can purchase.

Say one of the deals is at a pizza place you love, and you can get $30 worth of food for $15. You would purchase that deal and $15 would be charged to your credit card.

Then Living Social or Groupon would send you a code to show your waiter. Since you’ve already paid your $15, you don’t pay a dime once you’re at the restaurant. Each deal has a limit, which is usually one year. Almost everywhere you go you can find a Living Social or Groupon fanatic.

Also, both websites have a bonus for users called, “deal bucks.” You can earn these by referring a friend or being a frequent costumer. “Deal bucks” can be used towards any purchases.

Two local fanatics are seniors Hosanna Fuller and Hayley Young. They heard about Living Social through friends and were immediately hooked when they signed up a couple months ago.

“I don’t know why more people don’t use it. Why not save $15 when you go out to dinner,” said Young.

The girls say their favorite thing to do is find deals for their favorite restaurants, or even local ones they’ve been meaning to try.

“The other weekend we tried a new Thai food restaurant that we had a discount to, and fell in love,” said Fuller.

The best deal Fuller has ever purchased was a paintballing package of six admission tickets and gear, which would normally cost $210 for $15.

One thing the girls look forward to trying is one of the vacation deals. They haven’t been able to figure out a good time to get away for a of couple days, but they hope to soon. There are often weekend get away deals to convenient places such as Tahoe, Napa and Sonoma.

Other companies such as Yelp and Amazon are copying Living Social and Groupon by offering deals on their websites.

“There’s nothing better than finding a great deal to a restaurant you’ve been dying to try. I definitely recommend Living Social and Groupon. People who don’t use it are really missing out,” said Fuller.

Either way, deal sites will surely be a thing of the future.

Mirador

18 Entertainment 11/4/11

Housewives Take Over Television Despite having similiar titles, each reality show proves to be entertaining in its own way

by Maddie Nicolaisen and Julia Govan

Basketball Wives “I may have a two million dollar house and all the clothes I want and Louis Vuitton bags, but that don’t mean shit if you don’t have your husband.”

No conflict can rival with the pressure of being the wife of a professional basketball player. These wome appear to have it all- wealth, the social lives, and endless supplies of tight, Snookie-esque dresses, but the struggle they face is real. The show centers on the rocky marriages between the women and their famous husbands, who are almost never around, and the many late nightclub catfights. The two characters in the pack to look out for are, as we so nicknamed, Sassy Royce, and Shaquillle O’Neil’s wife Shaunie, the group leader.

Sister Wives

man he is, finding potty jokes all too hilarious. As far as housewife shows go, this TV show newbie is sure to contend among the rest. The show is perfect for those of us who can’t help but feel better realizing that our own lives aren’t nearly as uncomfortable.

Real Housewives of New York “Status is everything.”

This one really drops the ball (or apple, if you will) in comparison to the others. However, one of the biggest perks of the show is the stereotypical New York accent.

What’s eerily ironic is that it’s the children who attempt to reign in their middle-aged moms’ inappropriate fashion senses. Even the attire worn to afternoon picnics and late parties stir fights between the children and their mothers.

Who knew that lingerie wasn’t appropriate for barbecues?

Housewife Bethenny may be the most entertaining of the cast with her domineering attitude and angry bug eyes.

This show will capture just about anyone’s attention if either drama or heated middle-aged women arguments appeal to them.

“Love should be multiplied, not divided.”

This Utah based polygamist family has everything a trashy TV watcher could want: hilariously awkward interactions between husband Kody and his 16 children and the even more awkward relationship between Kody and his four wives. While the marital conflicts are amusing, the one thing on your mind while watching remains: how does any woman, let alone four, would see Kody as an object of desire? To sum up Kody’s personality is nearly impossible. He still acts immature for the the middle-aged

Photos from left to right: P. Rodriguez/MCT, Casanova/MCT, E. Creager/MCT

Real Housewives of Beverly Hills “I have a taste for luxury, and luxury has a taste for me.”

The real housewives on this show seem incredibly unreal to us average human beings. Be warned: these are the women that made the “purse-Chihuahua” infamous. These women OWN their husbands and get everything they want, whenever they want it. However, as you continue watching, the blonde haired and botoxed faces all start to morph together. It’s no wonder their names are constantly flashed beneath their picture. We recommend the show for anyone who wants to get annoyed as quickly as possible.

Dance Moms “I was put on this earth to make her dance.”

One can sum up this show in one word; crazy. If you enjoy Toddlers and Tiaras, Dance Moms will likely become the new recording in your DVR. It offers all the glitz and glam of pageants and the outrageous behavior of desperate mothers who are assured their child is especially “gifted.” But there’s a twist: the series is narrated by Head Dance Instructor Abby Lee Miller, who is usually the culprit for the never-ending drama. She takes extreme pride in her semi-sleazy choreography of the young girls, who look more like they’re in their late twenties rather than elementary schoolgirls. The show will have you asking yourself, can this really be reality?

Mirador Tracks Evolution of iPhones

by Georgia Briskey

When Apple released the original iPhone in early 2007, the world saw a technological breakthrough. Little did we know that four years later, new and improved iPhones would continue to appear. With new features and even more glitches, the question is whether or not the iPhone lives up to the hype. Now that the new iPhone 4S has been released, Mirador takes a closer look and compares different iPhones.

The iPhone 3GS A step up from the original iPhone-not to be mistaken for the slow and useless iPhone 3G. Not only can you buy the 3GS in black AND white, but you can purchase up to 32 GB of space. The internet is much faster and comes with GPS for those travelers out there. In addition, the 3GS comes with “voice command.”

However it doesn’t understand the English language and will do the complete opposite of what you ask.

Photo: Handout/MCT For some reason Apple believed adding the Compass app would help America out, however, this serves zero purpose for teenagers today. The exception are boyscouts who hike an dexplore. When they get lost in the tangled jungle they can just pull out the phone and use this nifty application.

Overall, the 3GS is a great phone with the ability to send multimedia messages. This includes pictures and videos that have a much higher quality!

This iPhone is still available to buy today and provides many features for it’s lower price tag! Makes a great gift for this coming holiday season if you’re on a tight budget!

Make your grandparents’ Christmas a good one this year!

The iPhone 4G This iPhone has a much more professional and sleek design. The design is much more rectangular rather than rounded like the other iPhones.

There’s a camera on the front and the back, which is especially handy for those girls (or boys) who love taking pictures of themselves.

The camera even comes with an LED flash to get those late night pictures of wildlife.

In addition, the screen of the iPhone Photo: Handout/MCT 4 is said to be scratch-resistant, but it is certainly not shatter-proof, so beware. This phone is even faster than the other iPhones and comes with the revolutionary iCloud!

The iCloud lets you transfer music, photos, or projects between your computer and iPhone without the hassle of the USB chord. If you dread the process of “syncing” your iPhone, then the iCloud is perfect for you!

This iPhone has the ability to help you express yourself.

How you ask? With the plethura of cases available, you can choose one to fit your personality or bi-polar mood.

You wouldn’t think there could be an iPhone to beat this one, however…

The iPhone 4GS Need friends? The iPhone 4GS can help you out.

With this iPhone, Apple introduced the personal assistant Siri, who answers to any voice command. She gives personalized answers based on a question, and completes tasks like texting, changing calendar events, and more.

The camera on this phone is a “I can’t believe it’s from a phone” kind of camera.

The 4GS even comes with an image Photo:Handout/MCT editor to make those pictures perfect for your default picture on Twitter.

In addition, the iPhone 4GS comes with a system that can track your iPhone if you ever lose it. If you’re ever dumb enough to lose a $200 phone, you don’t have to worry.

Sometimes, we wonder why people we’re texting won’t reply. “Is it because they didn’t get my message? Should I send it again?” Now you don’t have to worry.

With the new iPhone update, you can see if your messages deliver, when the person looks at your text, and when they’re typing. Most people find this update totally weird, so if you’re a sensitive texter, don’t download it.

Mirador

11/4/11 Entertainment 19

Julia and Julia Answer Your Questions

by Julia Hass and Julia Govan

Dear Flabby Tummy, Remember that while Taylor Lautner is very attractive, and does in fact have rock hard abs, I believe that going to the Breaking Dawn movie would be very healthy for you, because seeing how badly he acts will boost your confidence right up.

If she is, however, looking for the bad boy turned werewolf type, first, you should stop by local thrift store and pick up some cut-off ripped jean shorts.

Next, go on YouTube and check out one of the many videos showing exactly how to best fake your abs.

(We recommend communitychannel’s “How to Fake a Six Pack.”) Next, two words: spray tan. After this you’ll be good to go. You will be able to fool literally anyone,* that you are in fact, Taylor Lautner. *with severely impaired vision

Dear Mirador, As a freshman I can’t drive and I really want my permit but I’m still only 14. How can I pass the time until I can get my permit?

From, Permitless

Dear Permitless, Seeing how having your permit is the WORST experience in the entire world, instead of longing for this horrible time, I would cherish the luxury of being chauffeured around. Though actually having your license provides incredible freedom, the six months getting there couldn’t be worse. The whole ordeal is just an incredibly trying time, putting both you and the guardian in the car at extreme risk of heart attacks. Be warned that gasps, frantic clutchings of Dear Mirador, the armrest, and the occasional lunge for the steeling Though prom isn’t for a good five months, I’m starting wheel will occur, even if you are only going 25 miles to brainstorm the best ways to ask a girl to prom.

Photo: K. Wolffe per hour. We would suggest waiting until you are 18 Since I’m anticipating a large amount of rejections, to get your license, bypassing the parent interaction. Juniors Julia Hass and Julia Govan excercise their wisdom I figured hey, why not start early? However, I would If this doesn’t sound doable, remember you have and answer questions asked by the MHS student body. rather skip this embarrassing step of being rejected, been forewarned. and I would rather have a foolproof way of asking with you? If you don’t have the time or the money to go

that ensures a yes. What are some good ways? shopping for new pantswear, we suggest either a sturdy Dear Mirador, From, Prom-it-up-a-notch I’ve been working out a lot and am now too fit for my belt or borrowing a younger siblings pair of pants. If THIS jeans, and I haven’t been able to go shopping yet to get doesn’t work, then I’m afraid eating all the junk food you Dear Prom-it-up-a-notch, new ones for my new bod. The main problem is that when want to gain back those extra pounds is your best option.

There are different ways to ensure a yes: for the girl to I go places with my boyfriend, he’s too chivalrous and actually want to go with you, or, our favorite, having the always lets me go in front of him, so he has a view of my Dear Mirador, situation being just too darn awkward for her to say no.

My girlfriend always mentions how hot Taylor Lautner is, Now since this way may not be an option, never fear, now saggy jeans. What should I do about this? and I’m starting to feel somewhat “second string.” She’s there are other methods. Warning: though this next way of

From, Too Fit For My Jeans now bringing up the upcoming Breaking Dawn movie and asking may provide a temporary yes, it’s always an option wants me to go with her, but I know it will be somewhat that you will receive a last minute phone call saying they Dear Too Fit For My Jeans, Woah, woah, woah. Hold the phone. If I could describe awkward when Taylor’s chest is unreasonably chiseled… got mono. Now we don’t want to spell out exactly how to you the amount of dancing and shimmying that is and mine is well, not. Without killing myself at the gym to perfect the awkward situation, for we want you to get required for me to get into MY pants, you WOULD NOT 24/7, How do I show my girlfriend that I’m just as good creative with this, but we’ll give you a few guidelines; be complaining to me about being “too fit for my jeans.” as Taylor? make it extreme, make it ridiculous, make it public. From From, Flabby Tummy And your boyfriend is TOO chivalrous? What is wrong that, just trust awkwardness to do its magic.

Who To Follow on Twitter? Flow On Be a hater

by Trevor Rechnitz

Do You Have a Twitter?

START HERE Follow @MhsMirador nowwwww @pewforum At Church @reggie_bush @NFL @relationshippps

Yes!!!

Where Are You On a Sunday?

Watching NFL

(in no particular order) 1. The Mirador-@MhsMirador 2. George McConnell-@George_Bailey45 3. Mollie Swan-@mollswan 4. Josh Dathe-@J_Dath7 5. Jackson Haley-@JacksonHaley

Yes (shhh) #embarrassed

Go back to Facebook

Biking Or Hiking

@beargrylls

With Your Mom?

@yourmom

@yomamasays

While getting yelled at by your girlfriend?

TOP 5 MIRAMONTE TWEETERS

Make one...now

NO

@forever_single

Who Is That? I only go on Twitter to laugh

@FunniestEver @Haha_Whitepeople

@Drew_Jacks Laughing so hard you need to relax for a second?

@dailycupofyoga

You can never laugh too hard

@Wrecknitz

TOP 5 ATHLETES ON TWITTER

(in no particular order) 1. Shaquille O’Neal-@SHAQ 2. Chad Ochocinco-@ochocinco 3. Reggie Bush-@Reggie_Bush 4. Ron Artest-@Ron_Artest37 5. Kaka-@Kaka (en espanol)

Appreicate Twitter

Bored?

TOP 5 PARODY ACCOUNTS

(in no particular order) 1. Stewie Griffin-@Stewie 2. Megan Fox-@the_megan_fox 3. Jack Bauer-@jackbauer 4. Roger Clemens-@RogerClemens 5. Lord Voldemort-@LordVoldemort

Mirador

20 Backpage 11/4/11

Students Prepare for Winter Shows

Every fall, dance studios and performing ensembles from around the Bay Area prepare for their annual winter shows. Mirador caught up with some of Miramonte’s performers to get the scoop on some local shows.

Contra Costa Ballet

Contra Costa Ballet’s annual Nutcracker performance at the Lesher Centre for the Arts in Walnut Creek remains one of the most entertaining holiday shows around. Complete with guest artists from the Company C, a contemporary ballet company, the production is a professional-level show featuring the practiced work of Contra Costa Ballet students at their finest.

The company has fit the entire story into a one-hour Nutcracker extravaganza. The show’s short time makes it kidfriendly and perfect for the whole family to attend. Even those reluctant, Fritz-like younger brothers, who normally refuse to see the ballet, will not mind attending this family-friendly production.

The storyline of this classical ballet follows the narrative of a young girl named Clara who falls asleep on Christmas Eve and dreams about journeying to the mythical Land of the Sweets with her toy Nutcracker Prince. Along the way, they battle an Dancers at the Contra Costa Ballet perform Arabian Coffee in the Nutcracker. In the ballet, Clara travels to the Land of the Sweets in a dream, where she is greeted by different dancing confections, including the Arabian dancers.

Photo: B. Graumlich

Lareen Fender’s The Ballet School

Miramonte Ensembles

While most dance studios perform versions of the classical Nutcracker ballet for their winter performance, Lareen Fender’s The Ballet School performs their very own original show titled Once Upon a Christmas for community members at the Lesher Centre for the Arts in Walnut Creek.

The ballet, written by the studio’s director, Lareen Fender, features a clumsy girl named Jenny who is late for ballet class. During class, she can’t contain her embarrassment over her tardiness and is too distracted to keep from making mistakes. After class, she runs to her Grandpa’s house where he comforts her by telling her the story of a young elf, Roho, in Santa’s workshop who has no confidence in himself. Throughout the ballet, the dolls in Santa’s workshop help Roho find the confidence needed to help Santa deliver toys on Christmas Eve. Thanks to her Grandfather’s inspiring story, Jenny runs to her ballet performance that night, confident in her dancing!

Miramonte High School’s very own choir will perform their holiday favorites this December at the annual Winter Concert.

The festive tunes performed by their Mixed Ensemble, Women’s Ensemble, Choral Artists, Concert Singers is a sure-fire way to keep the audience’s toes tapping and humming along.

Miramonte’s symphonic band, orchestra, and jazz band will also perform this winter. Kimberley Cheng, a flautist in the band, said the band will most likely play a medley of Christmas songs.

(Center) Miramonte senior Paige Williams dances the part of Little Bo Peep in Once Upon a Christmas. She tells Roho that he should have confidence in himself even though he is not the most talented elf at Santa’s workshop.

(Right) During the Ballet School show, Roho encounters may other nursery rhyme characters, including the three little kittens who lost their mittens, Humpty Dumpty, gingerbread people, and Raggedy Ann and Raggedy Andy.

Photos: P. Williams

California Academy of Performing Arts

Photo: K. Cheng

Sophomore Joella Ochs and junior Kimberley Cheng dance the parts of white and black cat in CAPA’sNutcracker last year.

The Berkeley Ballet

Every winter, the California Academy of Performing Arts in Moraga performs its version of Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker.

CAPA’s Nutcracker is a fairly traditional version of the classic show. The biggest difference between CAPA’s Nutcracker and other productions of the ballet is its incorporation of unusual toys into the story.

The toys Drosselmeyer brings to the Christmas party at the beginning of the show includes a life size doll who flounces around the stage en pointe and blows kisses to the party children. Her performance is followed by an acrobatic jester doll who never fails to impress the audience with her flexibility and gymnastic tricks. This year, Drosselmeyer’s collection of toys will also include two exotic jungle cats, Samba and Tango, and their tiny kitten, who will be played by one of the studio’s youngest dancers.

The Berkeley Ballet Theater performs a non-traditional version of the Nutcracker. Although the dancing is all classical ballet, Berkeley Ballet’s yearly Nutcracker follows an unusual storyline.

“The main difference is that Clara and Fritz are homeless,” said senior Marina Mai, who has danced with the Berkeley Ballet Theater for 11 years and will be dancing the roles of the Snow Queen, a sugar-spun angel, a merliton, and a snowflake.

In this version of the ballet, Clara and her little brother, Fritz, are homeless children who peer inside the windows of a mansion to watch the lavish Christmas Eve party going on inside. Drosselmmeyer, a guest at the party, sees them through the window and invites them inside. Clara falls asleep in the house, and then proceeds to have her fantastical dream about the Nutcracker Prince and the Land of the Sweets. At the end of the show, Clara and Fritz are adopted by the family who lives in the mansion.

Photo: B. Graumlich “My favorite part is probably the snow scene,” Mai said. “The music is really beautiful, and Dancers perform the Rose Waltz in the Contra Costa Ballet’s everything looks really pretty and snowy.” version of the Nutcracker.