The Viewpoint December 2012

th e

Viewpoint

STUDENT NEWSMAGAZINE OF MVHS VOLUME 7 ISSUE 2

After two years, the hokansons finally get the baby they've been Dreaming of. Page 5.

The front office is decorated with a spirited holiday tree for december.

Aaron Spicer Photography

You might call it a sale

You might call it charity

Our accountant calls it insane

We call it doing the right thing

Donate $25 or more to charity and get a 1hr senior portrait session Visit us at www.aaronspicer.com for details is a proud supporter of

Prints not included. Donation must be made after scheduling your session to one of our selected charities.

2 l the viewpoint l december 2012

The Viewpoint October 2012 Volume VII Issue 2 Editor in chief

Emmy Reinwald Assistant Editor in Chief

Kerry Reichhardt Business Manager

Ashley Friedl Opinion Editor

John Keppeler Entertainment Editor

Victoria Conner Student Life Editor

Lexi Stevens Advisor

Nicole Eshelman

The Viewpoint is a cross-section of the news and opinions of the student body of Mountain View High School. It is a forum of expression published by aprintis.

Editorials represent the views of the writers and are not necessarily the opinions of Mountain View High School, its administration or staff. Unsigned editorials represent the majority of the editorial board. Letters to the editor are welcome and should be submitted to rooms 303 or 307 or sent to mvtheviewpoint@gmail.com.

Staff Writers

Erinn Black, Jonas Chechak, Megan Clark, Nathan English, Sam Foltz, Paul King, Trevor Martin, Ellie Pharo, Sami Toal and Niyah White

#hashtag To our readers:

#firstworldprobs. #thestruggle. #sorrynotsorry. #alliwantforchristmas. #imonthetoiletandtheresnotoiletpaperwhatdoido.

There’s a hashtag for almost every situation, and if there’s not, you just make one up of the top of your head.

Hashtags help organize tweets about the same things and allow people to see what’s popular on the social media. In this issue, we’ve added our own hashtags throughout the magazine. On every page, we placed one for each story so you can see what the rest of the school’s thoughts are about the stories you’re reading on Twitter and see who else is reading the latest issue online.

Every story from Battle of the Books (page 8) to YOVOSO (page 6) has its own hashtag. So why not post that picture of you and your friends completing the winter dares (page 19) with #hashtag? That way you can compare what you have completed with other students around the school.

Or you could name your next child Hashtag; sadly, you wouldn’t be the first.

With hashtags in mind, make sure you follow us on Twitter: @mvtheviewpoint. We’ll be tweeting about school events as well as spirit nights and when the magazine will be published.

Best part? We follow back, so no need to worry about your following to followers ratio.

Oh, and make sure to mention us every now and then!

Whip out your smart phone and scan the QR code here or on the front page to send you to our Facebook. You’ll need an app first, so download QR Code Reader and Scanner

by ShopSavvy. Bonus? The app is free!

Check out which of our athletes were selected by “The Free Lance-Star” as All-Area athletes for the fall sports season on page 14.

er

victoria co nn

mpus

Mountain View High School 2135 Mountain View Rd. Stafford, VA 22556

Every Twitter account starts with an egg as their avi. That’s the picture that helps make sure you are following your friend and not some other Chris Brown. We’re running a contest on our Twitter account: What should replace our egg?

Tweet @mvtheviewpoint using #mvegg with your school-related suggestions, and we will pick the best one at the end of December.

editor in chief

mct ca

2011 Columbia Scholastic Press Association Gold Medalist 2011, 2010 and 2009 Virginia High School League First Place Award Winner 2008 National Scholastic Press Association First Class Winner with Marks of Distinction in Writing and Editing

@mvtheviewpoint

MV The Viewpoint

Before you hit the movie theatre over winter break, be sure to check out our preview of Quentin Tarantino’s film, “Django Unchained” starring Leonardo DiCaprio on page 13. december 2012 l the viewpoint l 3

First-person perspective

What it's like in the line of fire

Facebook, Instagram and Twitter are fun sites for sharing laughs with friends, but what happens when you become a target of jeers and derision from enemies? by Erinn Black It’s common for teenagers to take advantage of social networks. It’s the typical way for them to get their opinion out.

Being able to be judgmental without the face-to-face interaction makes it even easier.

I’m used to it.

I have the experience of being targeted by anonymous people, immature people, you could say. It’s their

By Erinn Black way of feeling good about themselves. Attempting to kill other people’s reputation makes them happy.

Not once, but twice I’ve been a victim. The first time was the hardest. Making the Slut List on Facebook at 13 is hard to overcome being that young.

Why would someone do such a thing? If you haven’t yet learned, girls are experts at being mean.

The second time didn’t affect me as much. This time I was on the “GirlsofMVHS” ugly page on Instagram. It found its fame on Twitter, too. The publicity might have been big, but what it

I

meant to me was so little.

With situations like these it becomes a mental game. Will you let let someone’s lies convince you into believing it yourself?

Ignore it and move on. It’s as simple as that.

If you don’t give people the attention they’re digging for, they lose at their own game. You win.

Why do they do it? Because they’re envious. They’re jealous. They hate the fact that you are the way you are based off their definition of popularity, looks or talent.

I’ve always been taught I am not the judge of anyone except myself. If people want to look down on me for who I put myself out to be, so be it. People are entitled to their opinions, but don’t let others change your values as a person.

You define yourself.

s r i a h ss

o s r r e C b e m u h n t e th n y b g n i ully

rg) ing.o for meth o s edium o m d ( n t o n e m m tud ost co ther s the m g ano it in h g s in a ite b , mak llying webs ularly ) berbu e reg ited a y n is c o v f g.org h o e tatishav ethin cell p ators r m a t % yings o e ll e s 5 s p u o r u 7 b d e ( s t ( p e u n e e o d s te icid an bu Ab • 0% of ething.org) o be victims ult of their a consider su ver 8 o m t O t d o s a s d rg) y d o n o • uste tics.o as b em a ing (d statis t or tr -este likely bully g n lf r s e e in a e r s y a b e ll y c ap (bu e low t twic inform ely to hav ularly abou g reg k ill not ls are li ) in ir w y g e r r G ll s o • tim ing.o re m berbu of vic ) meth ims a ce cy o t % s n ic o 0 ie v g.org r d ( ) 9 • expe line ethin llying g.org n u m le o in b o p r s s h t o ) t e o a e .org Cyb e (d ome ung p cyber-thre thing • imag . (dos rg) of yo some nline nude % ced tics.o o o a n 0 d d ( ie d 2 r ie e n o pe so ull eiv 10% t3 teens has exs have been bave sent or recto another per • id e h k n g i 4 f a 2 1 • 43% ons aged 14 to ssed on the im Nearly a e e p t e v 0 • 1 in 1of receivers ha • % 17 •

rb e b y C

What to do if you find yourself a target We asked 1st Sergeant Morin of the Stafford County Sheriff’s Juvenile Services Unit for some tips on cyberbullying. Here’s what she had to say. by John Keppeler

#inthecrosshairs

4 l the viewpoint l december 2012

The Viewpoint: Who is at risk for cyberbullying?

Morin: Anyone and everyone. Anyone who has access to the Internet or a cell phone.

TV: How can a teen prevent cyberbullying?

Morin: Don’t respond back. If someone sends you something to harass you or make fun of you. Tell an adult if they persist.

If you respond you give that bully more reason and power to bully you.

TV: What should you do if you are being cyberbullied?

Morin: Tell someone. Report it to an adult, police, or a parent. If the first person you tell doesn’t do anything tell another adult. The worst thing you can do is not tell anyone.

TV: What should you do if you witness cyberbullying?

Morin: Do something about it. Again, tell an adult, let someone know about what’s going on. If you feel the need, you can even report it anonymously. If you don’t do anything about it, you are just as bad as the bully.

TV: What are some consequences of cyberbullying?

Morin: Punishment can be at school, home, or with the police. Some parents aren’t too excited when they find their child has been cyberbullying. You can be suspended from school and get into legal trouble.

92% 61% 51% 4 29% 19%

Percentage of fatal teen car accidents that were caused because the driver was distracted by texting, music or by teen passengers.

Percentage of teens who were killed in a car accident on Virginia roadways who were not wearing a safety belt

.

Don't be a dummy,

buckle up The Youth of Virginia Speak Out About Traffic Safety club is spreading the word of safe driving to students. by Lexi Stevens

A

pril 2012: Junior Melanie Lytle was driving home with her sister from school. She was going too fast on Poplar Road and lost control of her car. Lytle failed to use her safety belt, causing her to be ejected though the back windshield. Lytle said, “It took 70 stitches. My

muscle was hanging out of my leg as I laid on the opposite side of the street.”

Her sister, who was sitting in the passenger seat, wore her safety belt and walked away from the crash with a few lacerations.

After the mistakes Lytle made when driving that day, she decided to join YOVASO. “I joined the club because I’ve recently been in a car accident that almost cost me my life, and I really wanted to

Percentage of fatal teen car crashes that were speed-related.

reach out to other students in order to keep them from making mistakes that would cost them their life,” Lytle said.

YOVASO is a youth leadership club founded by the Sheriff’s Association to focus on saving the lives of teen drivers. It all started in Roanoke, Virginia, when the number of teenage traffic fatalities started to increase. Mountain View became a part of this movement by contacting the YOVASO headquarters to set up a meeting for training and information.

Most students learn about distracted driving in driver’s education, but is that really enough? YOVASO doesn’t think so. That is why they chose to go beyond the classroom to

Teens are four times more likely to be involved in a fatal car crash than older drivers.

create a club where students can remind their peers that life is more important than checking a text message or not wearing a safety belt while driving.

Suzanne Battles, a Behind the Wheel instructor, and junior Justin Wilson conduct meetings to create campaigns for safe driving, discuss upcoming campaigns and organizational duties. Campaigns are efforts to remind the students that safe driving is important.

Campaigns are also competitions with other Stafford County Schools. Each campaign the club completes the more points the school earns.

YOVASO has planned a few campaigns before students drive into winter break. The

Percentage of fatal crashes involving teen drivers that were the result of alcohol use.

Approximate percentage of teen deaths that were caused by car accidents annually.

6l the viewpoint l december 2012

first was a poster campaign around the school that included posters such as: “Decking the halls with safety.” Members of the club will also partner with the Stafford County Sheriff’s Department to set up safety belt checks. Drivers and passengers will receive candy with a snazzy joke attached to it if their safety belts are buckled correctly.

After drivers complete Behind the Wheel and receive their license, they will be given a goody bag as a reminder that safe driving is the best driving as part of another YOVASO campaign. Members of YOVASO also have the opportunity to attend DUI checkpoints with Stafford County officers to see first-hand how distracted driving such as drinking and driving affect lives.

Four meetings have been officially conducted, with membership increasing each one. With clubs appearing in high schools everywhere, YOVASO has taken on decreasing teen car accidents as their mission. Membership is still open to any students who would like to join the club.

www.Yovaso.net

theviewpoint viewpointlldecember december2012 2012 66llthe

#dontbeadummy

Enjoy the 100 Greatest Books of All Time and Never Have to Read a Word! �

FOR LESS THAN $1 A BOOK, you’ll be captivated by the stories from the 100 greatest literary classics of all time… without ever having to read a word. Listen to them in audio book format , preloaded on the included personal MP3 player.

Your collection includes: Adapter for listening in the car Personal headphones Just $99!

FREE GIFT for Acting Now Order now, and you’ll receive a special FREE gift: 50 of the most enchanting classical music works (a $50 value) by the world’s great composers: Beethoven, Brahms, Tchaikovsky… all your favorites!

Call Now!

*

20

SEND BOUQUETS FOR ANY OCCASION anniversary | birthday | just because

Hurry! Order now for unbelievable low prices, with flowers from $19.99 +s/h

Visit www.ProFlowers.com/action or call 888.929.8765 Join Over 12 Million People Who Have Found a Better Way to Send Flowers

888-734-9733 24 hours a day

E SAV %

© 2012 Library of Classics, Inc.

*20% off discount will appear upon checkout. Minimum purchase of $29.00. Does not apply to gift cards or certificates, same-day or international delivery, shipping and handling, taxes, or third-party hosted products (e.g. wine) and cannot be combined with other offers or discounts. Discounts not valid on bulk or corporate purchases of 10 units or more. Offer expires: 12/31/12.

l s ca or a!

Lo uct re r st r A In ou Y in

Music Lessons for All Ages

TakeLessons, America’s premier music lessons provider, has been connecting music students in your area with the best local music teachers since 2006.

Wherever you are on your musical journey – from a beginner to a seasoned pro – we’ve got safe, certified teachers who can help take you to the next level, no matter what instrument you choose!

Get One Free Music Lesson when you sign up with TakeLessons*

Call today to find a local TakeLessons Certified Instructor: 888-717-7089 Use promo code FALL2012

*Customer must buy a minimum of 3 lessons to be eligible. Offer is valid for new students only. Offer expires 12/31/12.

december 2012 l the viewpoint l 7

#booksforbreak

The Casual Vacancy

by J.K. Rowling If you don’t read this book over break, you never will. For all the loyal J.K. Rowling fans out there, be prepared for another long one. At almost 500 pages, “Casual Vacancy ”, Rowling’s first novel since the “Harry Potter” series, is almost as daunting as her previous seven novels.

Although the characters in her newest novel are as inter-twisted as those in “Harry Potter”, this plot lacks the action and, shall I say, magic that keeps her fans reading for hundreds and hundreds of pages.

Set in the small, English town of Pagford, the novel follows almost two dozen different characters in the aftermath and power struggle of the sudden death of Parish Councillor Barry Fairbrother. With 200 pages of exposition, high school readers will find it hard to stay focused on this novel. Those that do, however, will be rewarded with an unique look at British life through the eyes of characters from different classes, ethnicities and family situations.

-Emmy Reinwald No Safety in Numbers 2 by Dayna Lorentz When a biological bomb is put into the air shaft of a mall, the mall is closed and no one is allowed to leave. At first, none of the characters know that this is life-threatening, but they soon discover that something is up when more and more people begin to fall ill.

In “No Safety in Numbers,” readers follow four teenage characters as they struggle to understand the situation as tensions build and supplies dwindle. This book is an exciting read because there is never a moment when there isn’t action and tense story lines unraveling. Pick it up over break to prepare for the sequel, released this summer!

-Megan Clark Shiver 3 by Maggie Stiefvater Maggie Stiefvater’s “Shiver” is about a girl, Grace, who is mesmerized by the wolf in her backyard. The wolf turns out to be Sam, a werewolf, bound in this form by the cold. Sam is in love with the girl in the window.

Once Grace and Sam are together, sparks fly, and so does the danger of the cold trying to take Sam back. This heart-wrenching love story is a great winter break read because it gives you time to read “Linger” and “Forever,” books two and three.

Stiefvater has successfully remade the idea of werewolves in my eyes. I can honestly say this book made me shiver.

-Ashley Friedl

The Perks of Being a WalLflower 4 by Stephen Chbosky Stephen Chbosky’s “The Perks of Being a Wallflower,” told entirely through letters written by the main character, Charlie, to an anonymous “friend,” tells the timeless story of what it’s like to grow up in high school. Charlie—a singularly hilarious, sad, up front and distant character—leads the way on the road to discover his place in the world.

The honesty and blunt portrayal of Charlie’s world makes this book a game-changer as well as a catalyst for the reader’s own self-reflection.

Spend your break reading this short, soul-searching novel, in time to see the movie— already out in theatres.

-Kerry Reichhardt The Host 5 by Stephenie Meyer You probably never thought it would be possible for there to be a love triangle involving only two people, but Stephenie Meyer made it possible.

The main character, Wanda, is a wandering alien who changes bodies from different worlds, but when she wakes up in the body of Melanie, she is in for a rude awakening.

“The Host” jumps from Wanda in the present to Melanie’s memories of her past love with Jared. As Wanda gently tries to take over Melanie’s body and mind in an attempt for her kind to colonize Earth, will she be able to completely subdue Melanie? Or will Melanie’s refusal to be hijacked win?

Reading “The Host” was like watching a movie in HD, the detail is amazing. Meyer keeps the vampires out of this alien-invading book about an alien who wants to be human and understand human emotions. This is not your average sci-fi novel, but if you enjoy reading about corrupt systems, opposing forces or forbidden love, then crack open this book and dive in, just in time for “The Host” to be out in theatres March 29!

-Ashley Friedl

chris maris

BREAK for books

1

8 l the viewpoint l december 2012

Students battle over books Battle of the Books team members read various books throughout the year until a county wide competition in March where they will compete to see whose knowledge is superior. by Sami Toal “The high school doesn’t have it, the kids wanted it, so we said let’s do it!” said Sherry Hession, one of the team’s advisors.

Battle of the Books is a relatively new club popular in the middle schools, so Stafford County School librarians decided, at the request of various students, that the program should exist at the high school level.

The current team consists of about 14 members. Amanda Riffe, senior, has been on the team since it was first created last year.

“I love to read, and this was a new opportunity to get books,” said Riffe.

The first meeting of this year was in early November, where the members received a list of 10 books they are expected to read. The librarians pick the books, selecting a large range of novels that fall into nearly every genre imaginable. “All Quiet on the Western Front” by Erich Maria Remarque, “Someone Like You” by Sarah Dessen and “11/22/63” by Stephen King are just a few. “We try to pick contemporary books, as well as classics to broaden the appeal,” said

Chris Maris, a team advisor.

The members will have meetings throughout the year to discuss the books, watch movies, share opinions, and know the novels as thoroughly as possible in preparation for the county-wide competition on March 20.

At the competition, or “battle,” the five high school Battle of the Books teams meet. Competitors are given questions about the book that they must answer as accurately as possible. The questions range from “In which book did this happen…” to short answer questions, where a character’s name is the answer.

At the end of the competition, the team with the most points wins and becomes the champion until next year.

The team builds relationships between the students and forms camaraderie. “Literature parallels life,” said Hession. Students who have read or plan on reading books on the list are encouraged to join the team. “Anyone who enjoys reading would love this,” said Riffe.

#mvbob

i dare you...

Bored over break? Complete this list of holidaythemed dares, or invite your friends to see who can complete them first. by Emmy Reinwald 2. Mr. Rudolph

Head on over to Starbucks for your favorite holiday drink whether that be a Gingerbread Latte or a Peppermint White Chocolate Mocha. The catch?

Order under the name of a holiday movie character like Buddy the Elf or Frosty.

3. Ding, Dong, Tree

4. Sweaters with Santa

Spin the classic Ding, Dong, Ditch into a holiday activity.

Purchase a mini-tree at Target or Wal-Mart for a few dollars, and then decorate it with lights, ornaments or even some popcorn garland. The next step is to ring the doorbell of one of your friends, put the tree on his or her front steps, then dash away.

You know those horrified children who are forced by the parents into taking pictures with Santa Claus at the mall?

Well for this dare, break out your best and ugliest Christmas sweater and wait in line for your turn to tell the Big Man in Red what you want under the tree.

Make sure to get your picture taken, too.

5. The gift of the movies

6. The gift of the movies

A wise elf once said, “The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear.”

Follow his advice, and drive to the mall decked out in holiday garb. Once there, begin to carol. Sing your favorite holiday tunes as loud and proud as you want (unless mall security tells you to stop). Make sure to do this near the families waiting for hours to get pictures with Santa Claus.

Oh, and get video evidence to prove you completed this dare.

mct campus

After the present euphoria has worn off, go catch a new movie: “Les Misérables,” “The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey” or “Django Unchained.”

Once you’ve finished buying your tickets, pay for the ticket of the person behind you, too. This dare will put you back in the giving spirit and make the day of the person on the receiving end of it. Feeling even more generous? Pay for someone’s popcorn, too.

mct campus

Write pick-up lines on festive ornaments, then hang them in a few unexpected places. The person who finds it will have a brighter mood on a chilly day, and it will also give you plenty to laugh about as you try to come up with the best ones.

victoria conner

1. Hung up on you

d:

C

lete p m o

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

#winterdares

december 2012 l the viewpoint l9

#blackops

Game Reviews

Black Ops: New and improved

T

mct campus

he juggernaut Call of Duty franchise is back with its new and improved first-person shooter: fast pacing, good controls and amazing set pieces. Black Ops 2 has all these things and more.

Black Ops 2 is developer Treyarch’s new futuristic shooter. Set in the year 2025, the Platform plot revolves around All Platforms several special forces soldiers trying to stop a terrorist Style First Person Shooter trying to start a war between China and the US. Black Ops 2 is Developer the first game to Treyarch implement player choice in its campaign. These choices Release can be obvious, like November 13, 2012 choosing whether or not to kill someone, or they can also be subtle. The new Strike Force Missions also affect the ending of the game.

While the campaign is as adrenaline filled as always, Call of Duty multi-player has always been where the series shines.

Black Ops 2’s multi-player is more hectic than ever before. Kill streaks (awards you get for killing enemy players without dying) are far more powerful in this game. In previous titles, it was possible to hear a missile heading toward you and get under cover, but in Black Ops 2, there is little you can do when other players unleash their deadly awards.

A huge attractor to Treyarch has been its famous zombie mode. First introduced in World at War, zombies quickly became a fan favorite of the series. Zombies

mode in Black Ops 2 is characterized by tense, cooperative gameplay in survival mode.

In this new instalment, Treyarch has created new maps as well as new zombies. The player and four friends must survive wave after wave of the undead. The change is players must travel in a bus to new areas to pick up new weapons or upgrades.

Black Ops two lives up to the Call of Duty franchise.

With its fun gameplay and jaw dropping moments, it is sure to satisfy any fan of first person shooters.

-Trevor Martin

Halo 4: Under new management

10l the viewpoint l december 2012

are new to the series including loadouts, killstreaks and point based scoring.

Halo mulitplayer definitely has a competitive side, but a huge draw for the game is its ability to get friends together to work as a team. One of the most fun things to do is to get in a Warthog (a Jeep with a machine gun) and drive around with your buddy in the turret.

Halo 4 has a new and improved Forge mode. Forge, first introduced in Halo 3, is a map editor that allows players to create custom game types and maps. Halo 4’s additions include clone tools, snap tools(that allow the player to connect hallways and buildings easier), and textures. All these additions allow the player to easily create fun and unique maps.

Other Halo series classics like theater return, allowing you to record anything from an awesome custom map to your favourite gameplay moments.

A new mode unique to Halo 4 is Spartan Ops. These are episodic story missions that you and your friends

mct campus

Halo is under new management. After more than a decade and many critically acclaimed games, developer Bungie turned the franchise over to 343 industries. Fans were worried that 343 wouldn’t be able to live up to Bungie’s legacy, but this game proves that all those fears are unfounded.

Halo 4 is the next chapter Platform in Master Chief’s story. At Xbox 360 the end of Halo 3, he was left stranded in space. This game opens with his derelict Style ship both under attack and Fist Person Shooter falling onto Reqiuem, a massive artificial planet.

The main conflict is Developer about Cortana, an Artificial 343 Industries Intelligence(AI). Al’s have a lifespan of only 7 years, and at the begging of this game Release she has been in service for November 6, 2012 8. After 7 years Al’s begin to develop rampancy, that is to say, they go crazy. The player is in a race to return to earth in order to try and fix her.

In the campaign, you definitely feel like a half ton super soldier. The sound design is fantastic, with everything from metallic footsteps, to the heavy bass vibrating gunshots all sounding better than any previous Halo game.

The Halo series’ multiplayer has been praised for its team-oriented fun battles. 343’s game definitely lives up to its predecessors.

343 has taken several pages from other popular shooters like call of duty. Halo 4 has several additions that

can play together. New episodes are released regularly, giving players an incentive to keep playing.

The Halo series has become a gaming classic. The first Halo game convinced people that the original Xbox was a viable console, the second Halo showed people that online gaming could be the most fun a player could have in gaming, and this Halo 4 shows that 343 industries is ready to take up the reins as Halo’s new developer.

-Trevor Martin #halo4

PCI

Pierpoint Construction, Inc. Stafford, VA

Free Estimates

~ Home remodeling specialists since 1990 ~ Bathrooms • Kitchens • Additions • Basements • Roofing • Windows • Siding • Decks • Porches • Concrete • More!

Call us at (540) 659-8331 or toll free (877) 659-8331 www.pierpointconstruction.com • Licensed & insured

Did you Give A Buck?

The Viewpoint would like to thank all who gave a buck to support the magazine!

Their donation of just $1 will help us pay for things we need to publish a quality magazine. If you see these people, give them a high five!

Chalen Aleong Dayton Allen Alex Arvai Lauren Arvai Joyce Barsana Samuel Barss Zachary Batt Barbara Bendele Joseph Bessette Nick Billups Cassidy Binkley Brody Black Bud Black Conor Black Shane Black Stephanie Black Kathy Borgeson Laini Boyd Kyle Brennan Monica Brito Jennifer Bruesewitz Alexander Burlingame Elby Burnett Jody Burnham Scott Burnham Mauricro Camargo Allysa Carrillo Cecilia Carrillo Jerry Carrillo Luca Carrillo Ruben Carrillo Lisa Carrillo-Leyva Jon Castillo Jonas Chechak

Kevin Chechak Becky Clark Kayln Clark Taylor Clark Gary Crisp Julie Crisp Dylan Cropp Joan Darby Doug Darrier Kristen Darrier Steven Dawn Diamonei Dawson Jason Dawson Michael Dawson John Del Toro Chris Dodd Emily Driscoll Wendy Drogo Katie Dudgeon Katy Elliott Amy English Andy English Grace English Ariel Farr Michael Faust Greg Feducia Gail Fernett Taylor Fernow Sam Foltz Adam Francisco María Frieiro Jeff Furman James German Paul Giovanni Martin Gomez Hunter Green

Rachel Gregor Michele Griffin Abigail Guillemette Blendaly Guillemette James Guilllemette Lamar Hackett Justin Hall Anna Harter Annie Davis Reyna Hemera Sherry Hession Paige Hollis Byron Hoover Madisyn Horton Tammy Houk The Human Fund Mike Hunt Emily Hutcherson Amy Jannereth Trevor Jenkins Kelley Jennings Kathleen Jimenez Juliana Jones Maggie Jones Patricia Keitz Bo Keppeler Ceci Keppeler John Keppeler Rosanna Keppeler Star Kiesau Carson King Paul King Becky Kowalski John Kozemko Julia Kozemko Robyn Kozemko

Victoria Larned Conor Roberson Andrea Layton Tyler Roehl Katie Leaver Alex Sanchez Ana-Gabriella Leyva Ryan Scott Brianna Leyva Phillip Smith Carlos Leyva Becca Smoot Jacob Leyva Donna St. Amour Peter Lima Jim Stemple Morgan Lowry Susan Steska Jakob Lyman Augustus Stevens Cessy Mallory Brooke Stevens Derek Marsh Jim Stevens Stacey Marsh Kay Stevens Ashley Martin Meagan Stuck Tyrus Mason Patty Sullivan Bailey McCarthy Haley Tennant Kathleen McCarthy Denise Thompson Roxana McCarthy Kaitlyn Tiffany Shari Miller Jacki Toal Margie Moreno-Robinson Joe Torres Caitlyn Nolan Erica Vasquez Andrew Offineer Travis Vasquez Vince Olger Ryan Viceconte Roan Parrish Alicia Wallace Armanni Patterson Justin Wallace Debbie Pfeil Mike Wallace Ellie Pharo Brandon Watts Mindy Planakis Kevin Watts Vince Quarles Kyle White Scott Ralph Teresa White Emily Reinwald Wayne White Shawn Reinwald Hailey Williams Lisa Renard-Spicer Kyann Woznick Shelby Reynolds Cooper Richards Justin Risley If we missed you this time around, we'll

get your buck in the spring!

december 2012 l the viewpoint l 11

Catfish Music

Instrument Sales/Lessons/Repairs/Rentals Extended weekend hours for the holiday season!

Saturday 10am to 5pm, Sunday 10am to 5pm Regular Hours: Monday - Thursday 2pm to 8pm, Friday 12pm to 6pm

Holiday Deals!

Sign Up Between Now and December 31st and receive a FREE Music Lesson with a One-Month Registration

Purchase Guitar Pack with Guitar, Amp and Accessories and receive $10 off a gig bag Gift Certificates and Lay-A-Way always available.

432 Garrisonville Rd., Stafford, VA 22554 - Located in the 610 Shopping Center by Sam’s Pizza and Wings to Go. (540) 288-2636 http://www.catfishmusicstore.com/

• • • • •

Complete auto care State inspection Alignment & frame Welding Emissions inspection & repair

aquia car care center 91 Onville Road, Stafford, VA 22556 www.aquiacarcarecenter.com

Mon.- Fri. 8-6 & Sat. 8-2 12 l the viewpoint l december 2012

Phone: (540) 659-8470 Fax: (540) 288-9057

‘Django Unchained’ - ‘The D is silent.’

We’re taking an initial look at the upcoming new Western film from Oscar-winning director Quentin Tarantino including what it’s about, who’s involved and where to start before you view it.

movies.inquirer.net

“Gentlemen, you had my curiousity. But now, you have my attention. ” Django (Foxx) confronts plantation owner Calvin Candie (DiCaprio), who is the owner of his wife, Broomhilda.

This Christmas, spend some time in the Deep South with Jamie Foxx, Leonardo DiCaprio and Samuel L. Jackson. That’s what’s in store in the upcoming film from director Quentin Tarantino.

The film, set in the pre-Civil War south, stars Foxx as a slave who joins bounty hunter Dr. Schultz (Christoph Waltz) in hunting down an elusive gang of killers in return for his freedom. He also seeks to rescue his wife from plantation owner Calvin Candie (DiCaprio).

Tarantino is known for making his films stylishly violent with references and tributes to other films. “Kill Bill” (2003), for instance, was a tribute to Japanese samurai films, “Death Proof” (2007) was a tribute to grindhouse and slasher movies of the 1980s, and “Jackie Brown”(1997) was a tribute to Blaxploitation sub-genre of exploitation films which were low-budget horror or action movies not intended for the mainstream audience.

With “Django Unchained”, the film is a Spaghetti Western and similar to films such as “The Good, The Bad and the Ugly” (1966). The title character is a reference to another Django who starred in his own 1966 film as well as many unofficial sequels. The actor Franco Nero, who played Django, has a cameo in Tarantino’s film.

The film, which will most likely be rated R, will be released in America on Christmas Day. In the meantime, moviegoers can check out the trailer on YouTube, keep an eye on Fandango to see when it comes to a theater near you and prepare by brushing up on their Tarantino films.

-Nathan English

Actors Spotlight Samuel J. Jackson

Jamie Foxx

Leonardo DiCaprio

Previous Films: Miami Vice, Dreamgirls, Rio Role: Django

mct campus

mct campus

mct campus

mct campus

Previous Films: Titanic, Inception, Shutter Island Role: Calvin Candie

Christoph Waltz

Previous Films: Pulp Fiction, Star Wars I-III Role: Stephen

Previous Films: The Green Hornet, Inglourious Basterds Role: Dr. Schultz

Not a Tarantino fan yet? Here are some films of his to start with Two-volume Samurai/ Revenge film starring Uma Thurman. Lots of blood. (Rated R)

Kill Bill (2003/04)

fotopedia.co,m

Pulp Fiction (1994)

mct campus

time.com

Non-linear crime film that links the seemingly unrelated stories of several crimnials.

(Rated R)

Alternate-history WWII film with Nazi-killing mercenaries.

(Rated R)

Inglourious Basterds (2009) #mvdjango

wallpapersbq.com

december 2012 l the viewpoint l 13

Fall All-Area athletes announced Field Hockey.

From left: Bryce Barnes, Olivia Hubert, Caitlyn Nolan, Morgan Skavdahl

Football.

Not pictured- Daesean Hamiliton, Elijah Burress

Golf.

Cross Country.

Tanner Ott

Jordan Angers. Ben Sorenson (Not pictured).

After the fall sports season came to a close, the sports writers at the “Free Lance-Star” got together and named the area’s best athletes. Nine Mountain View athletes were named first team in four different sports.

by Megan Clark 14 l the viewpoint l december 2012

#mvaaa

‘living a new experience’

The Viewpoint asked foreign exchange students Victor Rodriguez Alonso, from Spain, and Kendall Burch, who travelled to Chile, what it’s like to live over 1,000 miles away from home. by Sam Foltz

The Viewpoint: What is it like to live over 1,000 miles away from home?

Victor Alonso: Sometimes you get down and you miss home. When it happens I think about how I’m living a new experience in my life and that I have to feel happy for staying here and for learning a lot of things. I have to say that I have incredible friends who make this easier.

TV: How similar is American culture to Spanish culture?

VA: Everything is completely different, from fashion to how you have conversations with people. There are so many differences.

TV: What do you miss about Spain?

VA: The food, it’s the best in all the countries around the world. And how I spend my free time with my friends and family.

TV: What do you dislike about America?

VA: Waking up so early to go to school. Without that, the USA is one of the best countries I have ever been in in my life.

TV: What other countries have you been to?

VA: I have been in England, Ireland, Scotland, France, Germany, Morocco, Portugal and a couple more. When you leave your country you see that it is completly necessary to speak a second language, now it is English. This is the first time that I’ve been so far from home and for such a long time.

TV: What do you like about America?

VA: The people are very friendly they are always there for everything you need. I like that you can get your license at 16, I can’t drive, but I think that is something good.

TV: What was your first day like in America?

VA: My first day in American was awesome. I spent the first days in New York and it was incredible. There were so many buildings and everything looks just like the films. It was one of the best experiences in my life. I really want to go back to New York and spend a couple more days there.

TV: Where you nervous about coming to America?

VA: I was very excited but at the same time I was really sad because I had to say “good bye” to my family for 11 months, and it is hard.

#livinganewexperience

photo provided by Kendall Bruch

photo provided by Victor Alosno

Foreign exchange student Victor Rodriguez Alonso poses with the Statue of Liberty during his time in New York.

Senior Kendall Burch poses near the Towers of Paine at Torres del Paine national park in Chile.

The Viewpoint: What is it like to live over 1,000 miles away from home?

Kendall Burch: It was a great experience as far as learning and experiencing being in a more mature role. For me it was good because I got to try out being on my own in a lot of ways. It’s almost like a trial run of moving out.

TV: How similar is American culture to Chilean culture?

KB: Chileans, like a lot of other countries around the world, have adopted part of our culture. They have a McDonalds and they listen to Lady Gaga, but they have their own twist on it. For example Justin Bieber here is popular among preteen girls but in Chile he is more popular among people our age, but people still make fun of him. Chileans have a lot deeper appreciation for their own traditional culture.

TV: What did you miss about America?

KB: I did actually; I didn’t expect to miss it. I missed people of course. It was the kind of thing where you don’t realize what you have until it’s gone. I missed my own culture. I missed hearing southern accents and cornbread, stuff like that that I didn’t really think about much. I ended up gaining a greater appreciation for my own culture and where I came from.

TV: What was a typical day in Chile like?

KB: During the school year you wake up and go to class. They actually separate their day differently, so you would have your morning classes and then you would come back home for two hours to have lunch. Their lunch is like dinner for us, it’s their biggest meal of the day and the most family centered meal. After lunch you return to your afternoon classes and then you come back home and maybe go down town and kind of wander around or do homework. My classes didn’t count there so I didn’t really do much homework partly because I couldn’t because I was jumping into classes I hadn’t taken before and the language barrier. Later you would have Onces, which was like a mix between tea time and dinner where you would have coffee or tea with bread or cake and after that you would go to bed.

TV: What was your host family like?

KB: I ended up having two host families. I did not get along with my fist family. My second host family was fantastic; they really welcomed me in a part of the family. It was a very different situation; I came in and I had two little host siblings; they were two and six years old. I still talk to them a little bit, they aren’t big into the internet, and she has a Facebook. My first host mother defriended me on Facebook after I moved out.

The first thing I saw “The other exchange students from Spain and I were looking out the window watching earth and buildings. We thought we were in New York already but we weren’t. Then we looked out and saw the statue of liberty. I thought ‘AMERICA, here we go’. We were so excited, everything was incredible. There was more than 60 Spanish students that came to the US, we were in New York for three days before everyone went to their state.” -Victor Alonso

“On the flight down I ended up sleeping most of the time. In the morning I woke up and I looked down, I think we were over Brazil, and the sun was coming up. There were rivers and jungles everywhere. That was cool, but I was still tired so I went back to sleep. The second time I woke up I pulled up the blind and it was the Andes Mountains, snow covered and right there. That was incredible, I stayed awake after that. It was like a smack in the face.”

-Kendall Burch

mctcampus.com mctcampus

december 2012 l the viewpoint l 15

IB by day, black belt by night When the words “black belt” are said, it usually brings to mind images of martial arts stars flipping around and breaking boards while making loud “hi-ya” noises. One image that probably doesn’t come to mind is senior Sarah Paquette who just recently qualified and received her black belt in Tae-Kwon-Do. Not only has she achieved something most people wouldn’t be able to do, she also did it while being enrolled in the full IB program. The Viewpoint had a chance to talk with her about her experiences both here and in her previous home, Australia. by Victoria Conner The Viewpoint: Why did you start Tae-Kwon-do?

Sarah Paquette: I started five years ago when I was living in Australia. My parents made me, but I fell in love with it once I really got started. It was something that wasn’t just physically challenging, you also had to set mental goals.

TV: How was it moving back to the United States from Australia?

SP: It was very hard moving back. The school systems are a lot different and just the general atmosphere was different as well. People are more to themselves and have busier lifestyles. Things just seemed more relaxed in Australia.

TV: Is doing full IB easier in the United States?

SP: It’s easier and harder here. The way you get better grades in each class is easier because the teachers guide students a lot more here, but in Australia it’s more individual work. You barely get homework and it’s up to the student on whether or not they do well which is better for me personally than the stricter deadlines most classes have here.

TV: Is it hard doing both?

SP: It’s hard sometimes because both take up a lot of time. Usually if I’m not doing one, I’m doing the other.

TV: Is Tae-Kwon-Do any different in Australia?

SP: It is different in Australia. It’s more of a hobby here, but in Australia a lot more people take it to actually learn how to defend themselves. A lot more people seem to do it for fun here and see it as more of a sport to watch.

TV: How do you feel about fighting against other people?

SP: It can be intimidating because you don’t know the person you’re fighting. The only way you can judge their skill level is by the belt that they’re wearing. It’s scary because you don’t know how good they are until you’re actually fighting them.

TV: Do people tell you that you don’t look like you’d have a black belt?

SP: Everyone tells me that! I think it’s really funny. I don’t do it for people to look at me and think, “Wow, she has a black belt. That’s so cool,” just like I don’t do full IB for people to think that I’m smart. It’s for my own personal gain. I like it, I enjoy it, so I do it.

TV: What are your plans now?

SP: I’m going to continue training. I’ve learned that receiving the black belt is only the beginning.

Getting the other belts are like learning the basics, but once you have the black belt, you begin to learn the interesting stuff. It’s actually the beginning of a whole new chapter. I’m also going to begin to teach classes for all belts up to black.

#ibblackbelt

16 l the viewpoint l december 2012