The Campanile
PALO ALTO HIGH SCHOOL 50 EMBARCADERO RD. PALO ALTO, CA 94301
Palo Alto Senior High School
NON-PROFIT ORG U.S. POSTAGE
PAI D PALO ALTO PERMIT #44
Since 1918
Vol. 93, No. 9
50 Embarcadero Road, Palo Alto, CA 94301 • http://thecampanile.net
Monday, May 9, 2011
Students weigh in on bell schedule changes
The Viking
advisor wins Tuesday, Thursday schedule switch for 2011-2012 school year gains support journalism award By Brian Benton By Bailey Cassidy
Staff Writer
Staff Writer
Palo Alto High School English teacher and journalism advisor Ellen Austin accepted the California Journalism Education Coalition’s (Cal-JEC’s) Journalism Educator of the Year award on Thursday, April 21. “Teachers are nominated for this award without knowing it,” Austin said. “I was completely surprised when I found out that I won it at a Paly staff meeting.” According to Austin, who advises Paly’s sports magazine The Viking and co-advises broadcast journalism station INfocus, journalism teachers are nominated for this award which is given out annually. Austin received the award at a regular Paly staff meeting. “The meeting was set up with [Principal Phil] Winston in advance,” journalism teacher and advisor to Verde and Voice Paul Kandell said. “Tracy Anne Sena, the president of the Journalism Education Association, was there and hidden in the library lounge area. We lured Ms. Austin to come to the meeting right on time so she could announce the First Amendment Award that was recently awarded to Paly staff. She was very pleased to be able to announce this. After she presented it, Mr. Winston made sure she didn’t walk away, then Ms. Sena came out and presented her with her plaque. Ms. Austin looked very confused and surprised.” Austin feels extremely honored to have been selected for this award. The award is given to the winner of a highly selective group. “It was totally unexpected, and a wonderful surprise,” Austin said. “It is an honor to have received this and it is a once in a career award.” According to Kandell, Austin’s vision for the future of journalism as well as her enthusiasm in pursuing that vision are qualities that helped her to earn this award. “She has a very strong and developed vision for what the future of journalism is looking like,” Kandell said. “She has been more energetic than any journalism teacher I know about pushing that vision. There is a strong focus on photo, video and social media, and her staffs are following that lead.” Austin’s journalism staffs attracted the attention of Cal-JEC through their innovative, modern approaches to reporting. “The Viking came onto Cal-JEC’s radar this year with its expanded use of social media and 21st-century reporting,” Sena said in her speech after presenting Austin with the award. “The staff gives the final scores of all of the schools teams, men’s and women’s, from basketball to badminton, within 10 minutes of the final whistle via Twitter and Facebook, and often leads readers to the Web for a recap or commentary just hours later. With the tremendous success of Paly’s football and volleyball teams this year, The Viking expanded its coverage to include live-blogging, as well as video and live streaming in conjunction with INfocus.”
See AUSTIN, Page A3
Changes to the 2011-2012 bell schedule were announced on April 20 in a press conference with Palo Alto High School Principal Phil Winston. According to a recent survey conducted by The Campanile, 68 percent of students said they are either “very happy” or “somewhat happy” with the changes that were made. The largest change for next year is that the times of tutorial and advisory will be switched so that tutorial is on Tuesdays between second and fourth period, and advisory is on Thursdays after sixth period. Students who do not have advisory that week or leave school early a will now have a chance to meet with teachers. “Tuesdays and Thursdays are going to flip and flop,” Winston said at the conference. “Advisory is going to be at the end of the day [which we hope will] allow students that don’t have advisory on that day to access teachers at the end of the day when [they] might have a little more time to sit and talk with them, and go home [instead of] loitering around.” Students had optimistic views towards this change, with 67.7 percent of students with an opinion on the change saying it was a “good idea.” “I like that tutorial [will be] on Tuesday because then you can ask teachers about upcoming tests,” sophomore Allie DiFilippo said. “But I think that Thursday advisory could be a problem because a lot of juniors and seniors might miss important advisories if they have to leave school early for sports.” This change was made as part of the administration’s goal to make tutorial more useful for students and encourage them to use the time
more wisely. Additionally, according to Winston, next year teachers will more closely monitor students during tutorial who are struggling in class or appear to need extra help. Winston understands that many students may still choose not to use tutorial or advisory to meet with teachers or get help on school work, but strongly believes that “students will make the best choices that they can” and that the “more opportunity [students] have to do that the better.” Another minor alteration that will take place next year is having the Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday of the first week of second semester as seven-period days, like this year’s Monday schedule. This change has brought more confusion than approval or disapproval, as many students misread the original schedule change announcement thinking the entire second semester would have three seven-period days. “I feel like [the two extra sevenperiod days] won’t have that many benefits,” junior Andre Gouyet. “I don’t see why that little change needs to be made and I think it will just be confusing for students.” According to Winston, extra time during the first week of second semester will hopefully lead to better student-teacher connections in semester-long classes. “[The change] will give you an opportunity as a teacher and as a student if you’re in a semester class to settle down a little bit before the blocking starts,” Winston said. “That will give you a chance to get to know your classmates and your teachers must faster than it would if we had just gone into the blocking immediately. We think that [the extra two seven-
See BELL, Page A3
Environmental Initiative inspires earth week enthusiasm By Charlotte Barry Staff Writer
Palo Alto High School’s Environmental Initiative Club hosted events throughout Earth Week, from selling jewelry to raffling off a bike, and the Paly community responded in full spirit. Juniors Madeline Dahm, Lydia Guo and Zoe Greene, all co-presidents in charge of this event, were impressed by the student turnout this year. “The turnout was more than expected,” Guo said. “It was very successful, especially the tie-dye, the raffle, and the Slider’s Bar Cafe burger trivia game.” Greene pointed out the jewelry sold out mainly on the first day. Sophomore Sara Billman and freshmen Emily Semba and Aida Goma Petit managed the jewelry goods during
Earth Week. They uploaded pictures and prices onto Facebook the day before the launch. They did not expect the amount of selling on the first day than what they envisioned. “I did not know that the jewelry was going to be such a hit but I am extremely happy that everyone liked it so much,” Billman said. “We nearly sold out in every item.” Semba noted the meaningful time commitment to make the recycled product jewelry, which included bottle cap and paper bead bracelets, paper crane earrings and several necklace types. “The pieces that took the longest were the paper bead bracelets, each taking forty five minutes,” Semba said. “I did this because I love art itself and I could help the environment by making it.”
Dahm said the jewelry really brought the attention to the table and to the bigger idea of helping the environment by recycling products into jewelry. “I’ve definitely got to hand it to our Recycled Jewelry Committee for such creative ideas and all the time and hard work they put into making every piece,” Dahm said. During the lunch hour of April 20, the Paly Environmental Initiative Club hosted a tie-dyeing station where students picked up a football state champion shirt to knot up with rubber bands and squirt the dye bottles, creating a colorful t-shirt. “A lot more people came out to tie-dye than I had expected,” Greene said. “Maybe [it was] because of last
See EARTH, Page A3
michael abrams/Campanile
Students show off wrists adorned in hand-made, environmentally friendly jewelry on Earth Week.
School Board to announce district staff replacements tomorrow By Annabel Snow Staff Writer
SAMANTHA TRILLING/VOICE
Austin, middle, was surprised when gifted the award, Kandell, far left, said.
INSIDE
News...................................A1-A3 Opinion..........................A4-A5/A8 Spotlight.............................A6-A7 Sports................................A9-A12 Lifestyles...................................B1 Features...............................B2-B7 A&E...................................B8-B12
Superintendent Kevin Skelly will recommend Michael Milliken for Director of Secondary Education for Palo Alto Unified School District and Magdalena Fittoria for Principal of Barron Park Elementary School to the Board of Education on May 10. Milliken will be replacing Debbra Lindo, the newly appointed Superintendent of Emery Unified School District. Milliken, who has a B.A. in Political Science from Stanford
University, as well as an M.A. and Ph.D. in Educational Administration, has been involved in public education since 1996. He initially served as an elementary school teacher in San Diego, and later as a middle school math teacher in Maryland. In 2005, Milliken assumed a position as an elementary school Principal in Newark, and three years later in 2008 he was appointed as principal of Jordan Middle School. “Dr. Milliken’s background as a middle school leader and his research work on high
schools will make our district office team stronger,” Skelly said. Fittorria will be replacing Cathy Howard, who will be retiring this year. Fittorria began her career with the district in 1996 as well, initially working at Fairmeadow Elementary School with the Spanish Immersion program and later moving to Escondido Elementary School the following year. Fittorria has served as the Math Resource Teacher at Escondido since 2007, and
in 2010 assumed the position as the interim principal of Barron Park Elementary School. Fittoria’s background is, like Milliken’s, impressive, Skelly noted. Fittoria holds both a B.A. in Anthropology and an M.A. in Social Science in Education from Stanford University, and from Santa Clara University she has an M.A. in Educational Administration. “Ms. Fittoria has been an outstanding teacher leader and I am confident that she will continue her success in this new position,” Skelly said.
LIFESTYLES
SURF N’ TURF
When they’re not giving lectures or grading papers, two of Paly’s teachers spend their free time hitting the waves.
MIKEBAIRD/CREATIVE COMMONS
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John althouse cohen/Creativecommons
FEATURES
LET’S GET POLITICAL Possible candidates are already preparing for the 2012 presidential election. PAGE B3
Jason Hargrove/Creative commons
A&E
KICK-START ART
Online art funding project enables artists to expand their creativity.
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walkinggeek/Creativecommons
OPINION
NO BOYS ALLOWED Contrary to popular belief, all-girls colleges can be advantageous.
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NEWS
A2 • May 9, 2011
NewsBriefs
The Paly Voice selects editors for the 2011-2012 school year The Paly Voice recently chose its editors for the upcoming school year. The Editors in Chief will be juniors Hannah Kim, Aaron Zelinger, Matt Slipper and Jeffrey Lu. “[As editors] we lead the class every day and decide what goes on the website, how it should look when it gets there, and how we can expand and grow the whole publication into the future,” Slipper said. “As a former webmaster, I also make the technology decisions and build new features for the site.” The four have many goals for the future of the publication. Kim will be in charge of multimedia, live content, outreach, entertainment and features, Zelinger of sports, opinion, editorials and social media, Slipper of technology and communicating with other Palo Alto High School publications and Lu of news, business, advertising and photography. “My goals for this year pertain primarily to innovation and efficiency,” Zelinger said. “We just had our redesign so we will need to weed out any related errors. We are fully capable of adapting and continually getting the most reliable coverage on the web with relative ease. We will also be embarking on some aesthetic changes to make the site more appealing and easier to navigate.” While Zelinger hopes to improve the appearance of the Voice website, Kim has additional aspirations. “One goal that I have is definitely building a stronger sense of community within our staff,” Kim said. “Voice is different because we’re online and we don’t have long production nights to spend together and bond like other publications. Another goal is to increase our readership. Next year will definitely be different, especially with the other publications beginning to move onto their own domains. The Paly Voice isn’t the only online publication on the school campus anymore, and that is something that we’re going to have to consider.” Like Kim, Slipper hopes to increase readership as well as make Voice’s content easier for the Palo Alto community to access. “One problem ... was that content directly relevant to readers was hard to find,” Slipper said. “I’d also like to make the user experience on the website more interactive and enjoyable for readers through user generated content, more multimedia, and structuring the site around what is important to our core demographic: the Paly community ... I [also] intend to streamline part of the Voice’s editorial process. Stories will ... go up more quickly.” The section editors for the upcoming year are as follows: the arts and entertainment editor is junior Suzanna Ackroyd, the features editor is sophomore Haelin Cho, the news editors are juniors Ben Lin, Kyle Liu and Jen Lin, the sports editors are sophomore Grant Raffel and juniors David Lim and Mike Lin, the opinion and politics editor is junior Alex Carter, the business and advertising director is junior Jen Lin, the webmasters are juniors Spencer Schoeben and Slipper, the multimedia producers and editors are Cho and Ackroyd, the social media producer is Lim and the outreach coordinator is Zoe Greene. —Ashley Shin
Staff Writer
Paly Green Team plans several projects for green awareness Palo Alto High School’s Green Team has been working on many new projects to promote environmental awareness around campus. Most recently, the four-year-old Green Team held its Go Green Day during Earth Week. The Green Team put up posters around campus that advertise the recycling and compost bins that they installed around campus early last year. The bins, which are labeled for recycling, compost and landfill, encourage Paly to recycle, while the posters, which feature students and prominent athletes, are to promote the use of the bins, according to senior co-president Sarah Berry. “We hope that the Paly Community will use the recycling, compost [and] landfill bins correctly,” Berry said. According to Associated Student Body Green Team Commissioner senior Emma Tucher, the posters are not the only awareness project that the Green Team is working on. “We are currently working on various awareness campaigns including the ‘Got Green’ posters, a Green Team movie with InFocus with information about what to recycle and compost, as well as a song produced by a few musical members of Green Team,” Tucher said. Berry said the Green Team also plans to promote Bike to School Day, which will take place on May 12. One recent Green Team project was a collaboration with GreenWaste to promote responsible waste disposal around campus. According to Tucher, another project for this year is to purchase new recycling and compost bins. Otherwise, the Green Team will focus on other plans within the club itself for the rest of the school year. “Our future plans are to prepare the underclassmen to run Green Team next year without us, as we are currently a predominantly senior group,” Tucher said. Berry says that the Green Team plans to elect new leaders for the 2011-2012 school year soon. —Ben Krasnow
Staff Writer
UpcomingEvents May 12-13: Star Testing Freshmen, sophomores and juniors must take the standardized exams.
May 12-14: One Acts The series of six student-written, studentproduced shows will debut on Thursday.
May 17-20: Powderpuff Juniors battle sophomores and seniors battle freshmen in the powderpuff football games.
May 20: Last Chance Dance Tickets go on sale next week for the last Paly dance of the year.
May 27: Field Day Jump houses, a climbing wall and much more will be located on the quad at lunch.
The Campanile
Author comes to Paly, discusses meth addiction
Nic Scheff visits campus, speaks about his violent battle with drugs By Clara Chang Staff Writer
On April 21, author Nic Sheff came to Palo Alto High School’s English Resource Center during tutorial to tell students and staff about his violent battle with drug addiction, relapses and self-hatred, the main topics of his memoirs. Sheff, author of Tweak: growing up on methamphetamines and We All Fall Down came to Paly courtesy of Books Inc. at Town and Country. “In my view Nic’s story can be looked at two ways, both of them valuable,” Paly librarian Rachel Kellerman said. “His story is a riveting personal journey that chronicles all his unique family relationships and other relationships, some of them quite destructive and some restorative. His story is also sadly a universal story of young adult drug and alcohol addiction.” Over 40 students and staff listened to Sheff, 28, recall his dark past, during which he developed addictions to numerous drugs including methamphetamines, better known as crystal meth, and struggled to live while homeless. Some stu-
dents were familiar with Sheff’s story. The Reading Between the Lines class read portions of Tweak before writing an essay about teen addiction. “I got to know about [Sheff] through [Reading Between the Lines],” junior Andrea Hur said. “Listening in directly rather than just reading the book and knowing the actual story was really cool.” Some students were offered extra credit to attend, while others were just interested in Sheff’s story. “[Sheff ] was really sincere,” junior Kuran Freyermuth said. “He was just telling what he felt and what he had to deal with, which makes it a really attractive story.” Sheff, who grew up in San Francisco, started abusing drugs at an early age, which led him to a downhill spiral of vandalism, strained relationships and homelessness as a teenager and young adult. It was not until Sheff tried crystal meth that he hit rock bottom. “The moment [crystal meth] hit me, that was the feeling I had been looking for my whole life,” Sheff said. “I felt so confident, strong, like I could
just do anything. I spent the next seven years or something chasing that first high. Once I started doing [crystal meth], my life spiraled out of control super fast.” Between several attempts to get clean and the relapses that followed, Sheff published two poignant memoirs that capture some of his roughest times. “Writing for me has always been such a huge part of my life,” Sheff said. “As a kid, I was always writing. When I was homeless, I would just be off scribbling in a composition book trying to write my story and trying to sort of make some sense of this whole crazy situation. I really understood how writing could be like therapy and it has always been that for me.” After publishing some short stories, Sheff was approached by an editor to write a full length book. His first book, Tweak, went on to become a national bestseller. “To me, [Tweak] is a pretty straightforward drug book,” Sheff said. “It talks about how bad things got, which was really, really bad.”
Riki Rattner/the Campanile
Former crystal meth addict and author Nic Sheff spoke in the ERC on April 21 about his memoirs. Although Tweak ends with Sheff checking into a treatment center, he relapsed after it was published. We All Fall Down covers what happened after. Despite years of addiction, Sheff is now clean, although he calls his life “a daily battle.”
“I’d like students to walk away [understanding] that you start using drugs as a way of dealing with what you’re feeling, that you never learn how to deal with your feelings without the drugs,” Living Skills teacher Letitia Burton said.
Obama holds town hall meeting at Facebook headquarters By Josie Butler Staff Writer
President Barack Obama visited Silicon Valley’s social networking site Facebook headquarters on April 13 to discuss topics including education, clean energy and technology. Among the many famous faces in attendance were Google Chief Executive Eric Schmidt, Apple CEO Steve Jobs and Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg. Obama’s speech centralized around the idea that in order to make great leaps forward and maintain standing with other worldly powers, we must embrace new research and development in this highly advanced technological era. “The President specifically discussed his proposals to invest in research and development and expand incentives for companies to grow and hire,” White House Spokesman Jay Carney said. According to Carney, Obama’s hope that technology will create more jobs in the future is a key to winning votes for his upcoming election after unsatisfying results in midterm elections. “I’m convinced that if we out-build, out-innovate, and out-educate, as well as out-hustle the rest of the world, the jobs and industries of our time will take root here in the United States,” Obama said. “Our people will prosper, and our country will succeed.” Obama also praised the Silicon Valley for all of its success in becoming a hot spot for some of today’s biggest
Veronica weber/paloaltoonline
President Obama held a town hall meeting at Facebook to talk about various issues, such as education and the budget deficit. names in the technology business including Facebook, Twitter, Google, Apple and Oracle. Obama has turned his campaign into one of the 21st century by using Facebook and incorporating other media into getting voter attention and support. It was only fitting that Obama’s speech was broadcasted live over the White House’s Facebook page. According to USA Today, 19.3 million people have liked his Facebook page. Facebook has begun to grow roots in politics by offering many politicians a well-used place to spread their messages. Obama, although the most notable visitor, is not the only man visiting Facebook to get his point across.
Former president George W. Bush came to Facebook to endorse his book. The President’s speech also dabbled in the budget and the state of the economy. Obama’s remarks on the new budget still held some criticism against Republicans with whom he has been furiously arguing the budget. “The Republican budget put forward is fairly radical, but I would not call it courageous,” Obama said. He also went on to stress the importance of the upcoming year in terms of the country’s deficit and economy. “If we don’t have a serious [plan]to attack the deficit, we will have an even bigger problem,” Obama said.“We could slip back into a recession.”
Obama addressed targeted spending, arguing that raising the educational standard for the United States will create a smarter workforce. He argued that this will not only create the jobs that our country is desperate for, but also narrow the gap between America and the other superpowers in the international community. He also took on the highly controversial issue of immigration. “If we bring high-skilled immigrants to come here, why wouldn’t we want them to stay?” Obama said. “They are job generators. We want them starting companies here.” The President called for better education of minorities such as blacks, Hispanics and women. He emphasized the importance of math and science curriculum and how the U.S. Educational System should work to reform the gaps in these areas. The President touched on his vision of clean energy and education and the future billion dollar plans of both. These plans have received criticism from the GOP because they dabble in big spending, something Obama promised to cut back on for this year’s budget. On a lighter note, the President did get the chance to comment on Zuckerberg’s wardrobe choice for the day’s event. “My name is Barack Obama, and I’m the first guy to get Mark Zuckerberg to wear a jacket and tie,” Obama said. As a gift to the president and a way to keep the joke going, Zuckerberg gave Obama one of his signature T-shirts.
Paly theater class performs adapted version of Alice in Wonderland By Elena Pinsker Staff Writer
The Theater 3, Theater 4 and Theater 4 Honors classes will perform a student-run and adapted version of Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland at various Palo Alto elementary schools and a local fundraiser during April and May. Palo Alto High School senior Amalie Ingham, the director of the show, wrote a shorter version of the book turned movie that will be performed at a Mad Hatter’s Tea Party fundraiser event at the Reller Family Garden. The event is sponsored by the Bring Me a Book foundation, whose goal is “to provide easy access to
ASB
the best children’s books and inspire reading aloud to children,” according to its website. Every year the theater classes at Paly perform at different elementary schools around the community, but the performance at the fundraiser is new this year. At the Tea Party, the students will perform in front of a crowd of around 250 guests and will be joined by Olympic figure skater Kristi Yamaguchi, who will read from her new children’s book, Dream Big, Little Pig! More information can be found at www.bringmeabook.org. According to theater teacher Kathleen Woods, Ingham’s adaptation of Alice in Wonderland was a natural choice.
Updates
According to the Associated Student Body, as a result of careful planning, Prom, held on April 23, was a great success. “Not only was there good attendance, but there was also a lot of positive feedback from students,” ASB’s Vice President Uma Veerappan said. “ASB put together a list of all the positives and areas of improvement for Prom, which will help us make improvements for next year.” After gathering student feedback, ASB is prepared to make next year’s Prom even better than the last. “Senior class president Jack Smale and the rest of the prom committee did an amazing job planning it, and I’d personally like to thank everyone who came and helped make the event special,” ASB President Chirag Krishna said. In other news, elections for next year’s officers are just around the corner. All ASB members encourage returning as well as new students to run for a position. “ASB is perfect for voicing opinions and improving existing events,” Veerappan, who is in charge of organizing the elections, said. Students who have questions should contact Uma Veerappan at uma.veerappan1@gmail.com. “The most important thing that ASB is working on right now is the election cycle,” Krishna said. “[Veerappan] is working with other ASB officers to make sure the process runs smoothly and on guidelines for campaigning for office.” ASB’s pancake breakfast, held at Walter Hays Elementary, was also very successful. “The freshman and sophomore officers put a lot of effort into making the event as good as it was, and their hard work definitely paid off,” Veerappan said. —Nikki Whitson
Staff Writer
“Ingham had expressed an interest in doing an adaptation of Alice for her honors project ... that just seemed like a good match,” Woods said. “It’s a great piece and we thought it would be a lot of fun to do.” Ingham’s adapted version strives to maintain the key aspects of the original story while still managing to fit the time constraints of a live children’s performance. While many of the smaller scenes have been omitted, Woods says that the essential aspects of the story have been maintained. “I will give notes and give suggestions [and] I do most of the logistical arrangements,” Woods said. “I have to do most of that because they just need an adult. I take one step back. It’s primarily [a] student effort.”
School Board
The School Board met April 26 to discuss several issues such as additions to Palo Alto’s school district. Items which were considered routine and to be approved in one action without discussion were as follows: The Certification Personnel Actions, Classified Personnel Actions, Approval of Warrants, Approval of Change Orders and Approval of Minutes. The board also approved the Certification and Adoption of English Books, which is the purchase of English books using Instructional materials funding realignment program (IMFRP) funds for Henry M. Gunn High School. The Authorization to Purchase Apple Computers was approved as well, which allows the purchase of up to $1,321,648 of Apple products during the 2011-12 school year. The board also considered authorizing staff members to solicit bids for Information Technology Network Upgrades and Voice over Internet Protocol Implementation as well as for the summer maintenance projects at Barron Park Elementary School, Palo Alto High School and the District Office. The board approved the execution of Addendum No. 4 to TestMarc Commissioning Solutions in the amount of $65,600 at David Starr Jordan Middle School and Jane Lathrop Stanford Middle School and Addendum No. 2 to Enovity for $48,836 at Terman Middle School for commissioning services as well as a resolution to apply for grant funding for bus replacements and exhaust retrofits from the Bay Area Air Quality Management District. Actions under discussion as well as information items included the following: The Disproportionately Plan and the The Budget Outlook, where The board asks for regular updates on the budget situation leading up to the 2011-12 budget adoption in June. The proposed school calendars for 2012-13 and 2013-14 were also discussed. —Nikki Whitson
Staff Writer
NEWS
The Campanile
May 9, 2011• A3
San Jose Giants to host game on May 16, support sports boosters
Part owners of baseball team organize game to celebrate Paly athletic accomplishments By Kirah Ingram Staff Writer
The San Jose Giants Minor League baseball team has teamed up with Palo Alto High School Sports Boosters to host a game directed at celebrating Paly Athletics and their accomplishments this 2010-2011 year. The game is to take place on Monday, May 16 at the San Jose Giant’s field in San Jose at 6 p.m. Dick Beahrs and Marty Brill, 1963 Paly alumni and members of the 1962-1963 undefeated varsity football team, are part owners of the San Jose Giants baseball team and decided to donate 2500 tickets to Paly Sports Boosters as a way to show their appreciation for not only the victorious seasons in football, volleyball and girls’ basketball, but to show their appreciation for all Paly athletes. Beahrs and Brill provided these tickets to Paly as a means for fundraising opportunities for Paly Sports Boosters, with 100 percent of the proceeds going into the Sports Boosters’ account. Paly Sports Boosters pays for team uniforms, transportation, equipment and referees, and although this event is not focused on bringing in large revenue, ticket sales could possibly bring in a couple thousand dollars.
“We are trying to [have] a fundraiser that is 100 percent profit,” Athletic Director Earl Hansen said. “[Dick Beahrs and Marty Brill] gave us the tickets, and they back out from there. The head sports boosters, Karan Barich, is the lead [person for this event] and has some tickets. I have a bunch of tickets, there [are] 1,000 [tickets] I gave to [the woman] in the auditor’s office and Mrs. Launer [also] has some, they [the tickets] are all over the place.” The tickets are widely available, so Hansen hopes to sell as many tickets as possible in order to bring the attendance up at the game. And because the entire game is directed at honoring Paly athletics, junior varsity softball coach, Karan Barich, hopes that this will ultimately attract many students to the game. “If the kids buy tickets, [the school] could bring in $10,000 to $12,000,” Barich said. “We mostly want the kids to come, so that’s why we aren’t charging them the full price. It’s not about the money, although the money is a plus, it’s really about getting everybody there to have a great time.” Just like most San Jose Giants games, there will be several interesting activities between each inning. Barich hopes to arrange these activities to involve both Paly
Gamma Man/Creative Commons
Approximately $10-20,000 will be fundraised from selling tickets to the Palo Alto community, all of the profit will be donated to Paly as a result. athletes and Paly students and entertain everyone as well. “Between every single inning, [we hope] there will be an activity involving Paly athletes and Paly people,” Barich said. “The whole night is going to be geared towards Paly
New schedule announced for fall BELL, Continued from A1
period days will be] a huge benefit for students.” This modification received a less positive response, with many students not seeing the need for such a change. In the survey, only 39 percent of students said they thought the idea was a good idea. In addition to these two direct changes to next year’s schedule, the administration has also established a few long term goals regarding scheduling. First, Winston would like to make sure that students do not have four “core classes” on block days, which will require looking at the entire master schedule and altering it in the future to prevent unnecessary stress,
Additionally, he plans work, we did work in the to begin looking into and school site council, fourth pegetting data regarding “the riod reps, ASB. [It was a] really work, and the amount of exhaustive process this year.” work” that students do. Plans Despite the large amount for this project are still in the of time and effort that was works, but put into Winston making hopes to This modification received a sure that begin get- less positive response, with next year’s ting data many students not seeing the schedule need for such a change. In the next year. is perfect, T h e survey, only 39 percent of stumany stumodifica- dents said it was a good idea. dents feel tions that that bewere made cause so to the little seems schedule and plans for the to have been done, the changfuture came after an extensive es were unneeded. The schedprocess of interviews, surveys ule also seems inconvenient and discussions that included to some for changing around as many members of the Paly the schedule students have community as possible. gotten so used to this year. “We had 2,300 points of “I’m really indifferent data,” Winston said. “We did [about the changes,]” junior focus groups, we did PTSA Jasmine Tosky said. “It’s a little
annoying that they’re moving everything around but I really don’t care. Whatever is easiest for the administration is fine with me.” As mixed as the opinions towards the schedule changes are, similar opposition greeted the current block-schedule when it was announced just under a year ago. Some students feel that after their experience with the new schedule this year, they will adapt to next years easily. “When the block-schedule was first announced I wasn’t sure that it would be a good idea,” Gouyet said. “But once the school year started and I got used to it I liked it more than I thought I would. I think that the changes for next year will grow on me the same.”
Stanford proposes campus in New York City University to establish research, engineering extension
Ellen Austin receives journalism award AUSTIN, Continued from A1 TheViking recently launched its own sports website, vikingsportsmag.com, the first of its kind in the nation, and it has already proven to be extremely successful. “Cal-JEC voted on this award in January, but since this time The Viking has also launched its website,” Sena said. “I was really happy to hear about it, because Ms. Austin and The Viking had exceeded what we had given them the award for.” Austin’s bold steps towards her vision of journalism are evident in the work her staffs have produced this past year. “At the big parade we had for our football and volleyball champions, there was a video of season highlights projected on large screens at the end of the parade near City Hall,” Kandell said. INFocus producer Wes Rapaport adds that the collaboration between INFocus and The Viking has led to some products that would not have been possible without Austin’s help.
“Another thing that has been a huge asset this year is the capability of a great relationship between INFocus and The Viking,” Rapaport said. “Because Ms. Austin advises both publications, the leaders in each program have spent a lot more time around each other. Rapaport agrees that the addition of Austin to the INFocus program has had lasting effects this year. “INFocus started the school year in a totally different place than we are now,” Rapaport said. “She came in and turned our program around in a way that I don’t think anyone expected. All along I knew I was working with someone who had a strong background in print journalism and photography, but with less broadcast experience, so being able to work alongside someone who could teach me something while I showed her what I knew as a broadcast and videographer was a great experience for me.” Additionally, Austin has allowed INFocus staff members to have opportunities that they would not have had otherwise.
“She has helped put INFocus on the map nationally, assisting us in placing 8th in a Best of Show competition at the JEA/NSPA Spring Convention over Spring Break,” Rapaport said. “She has brought in an array of outside resources as well to add to our knowledge base. For example, Jake Palenske, who has helped us immensely with our technological operation, and Ed Madison, who has given us a new perspective on visual storytelling. ” Austin, along with all of the other award winning journalism teachers who work at Paly, collaborate to create an extremely exciting program, according to Kandell. “It is electric,” Kandell said. “We have so many exciting things happening. We push each other and we don’t exist in the kind of world where teachers often exist. It’s not a static world where we must find new ways to teach the same curriculum; the curriculum is evolving. We are a team, not individual competitors, but we spur each other on. I am lucky to work with such champions in the field.”
Speaker discusses helping environment
By Hannah Park Staff Writer
Stanford University plans to expand its campus to New York City by 2013, in response to the high demands for advanced science and graduate programs on the east coast, according to the Stanford proposal document. New York City’s Economic Development Program has requested various institutions to propose bids for the reserved campus in the heart of the city. John Hennessy, Stanford’s president, formally submitted tentative plans on April 14 which includes a research center located on Roosevelt Island, between Manhattan and Queens. “Stanford has served as an intellectual incubator for the emergence of the Silicon Valley and has the potential to do so again,” Hennessy said, while addressing members of faculty , Thursday according to Wall Street Journal Online. “The opportunity presented by the city of New York is one that Stanford should at least explore.” According to the Stanford proposal, Stanford’s new campus is intended to provide the means necessary in developing technology and scientific research. The modernized, high-tech campus will offer graduate degree programs for students majoring in engineering, computer science and business. Although the programs currently focus on science and engineering, other programs will emerge as the school’s development progresses. “Though starting with Stanford’s strengths in electrical engineering and computer science, the New York campus eventually could grow in a variety of disciplines,” the New York officials said, according to Palo Alto Online, naming history and financial mathematics among others. The Stanford campus in New York is intended to be an extension of the campus in California. Students and faculty from both locations will interact via videoconferencing and take classes similar to those offered at the current campus. “Whether there will be another hub of innovation in the world is not in doubt,” the Stanford document states according to the Stanford University website. “The only question is where it will evolve. Silicon Valley is unique, and replicating its success will be a challenge. But we believe it can be done. Stanford University has the expertise and the track record, and New York City is the place to apply them.” As a part of Silicon Valley’s technological hub, Stanford has access to vast resources for innovation and development.
athletes. And we are having [junior] Lindsay Black, a Paly basketball player, sing the national anthem.” In addition to the activities, there will be a section of the stadium set aside for Paly, however anyone is welcome. The aim of this
event is to attract as many people as possible, even if they do not attend Palo Alto High School. “We are really hoping that [the event] turns into a big Paly night,” Barich said. “But the more people we can get into the stands, the better.” Although the event is intended to honor athletes, ticket sales will bring revenue into the Sports Boosters account. Tickets are selling for $10, or $5 with an Associated Student Body card, and can be bought in the auditor’s office. Those who wish to purchase tickets can do so by completing an order form at the auditor’s office and mailing it back to the school. The order form is directed at those who are not visiting Paly on a regular basis, so the game becomes a more wide-spread event. An added bonus is for Paly athletes, who can get into the game free by asking their coaches for complementary tickets. “I think it’s good to spread awareness about Palo Alto High and how awesome [the athletics are],” freshman Joseph Kelmon said. “I think it’s awesome that [the football, volleyball and basketball teams won CCS]. I think it is definitely something that should be celebrated.”
EARTH, Continued from A1 years’ low attendance due to the weather conditions.” On Thursday April 21, a guest speaker, Pacifia Chiang, came to talk about her vegan life style and the positive impact it has on the environment. “Although the planning for the guest speaker came through last minute, Chiang turned out to be a delightful speaker and very insightful as to how we can help the environment,” Guo said. Dahm said Slider’s Bar donated burgers to the Environmental Initiative Club in order to promote local restaurants that are organic, fresh and supportive of the use of humanely treated animal meat . “Not only are we trying to support humanely treated meat, but also to know to educate people
to realize that you don’t have to be a vegetarian to eat environmentally friendly food,” Dahm said. The planning for this event started about three months ago and outside of the weekly meeting. Despite a few problems, everyone contributing helped the process immensely. “We were rejected by more than ten speakers that I invited to speak at Paly,” Guo said, “Another hard part was getting funding from ASB (Associated Student Body) but in the end, cooperation came together and the event ran very smoothly.” The Environmental Initiative Club was successful, however, and hopes others will begin to treat Earth Day like another big holiday. “We [the club] want the impression of Earth Day celebrations to last a little longer in people’s minds,” Dahm said.
New Panda Express opens on El Camino By Sasha Kuvyrdin Staff Writer
harshlight/creativecommons
The University plans to expand its campus by 2013, and the high tech school will offer a few excellent graduate degree programs . The east coast will gain professors and students from Stanford’s developed programs in addition to increasing numbers of applicants. The design for Stanford’s acrosscountry campus includes residential and academic buildings surrounding an open quad area. The New York campus will closely resemble the campus in California. The campus will incorporate aspects of the Hasso Plattner Institute of Design, the Stanford Graduate School of Business and the Stanford Technology Ventures Program according to the Stanford University website. The science and engineering courses taught in the California will be offered with a similar curriculum. The familiar amenities available in Stanford’s current campus will be carried over to the new campus in New York as well. “Stanford seeks to leverage its entrepreneurial culture, its experience in attracting great minds and its partnerships with industry to build an applied
research and high technology center in New York City — a city whose ambitions for the future are aligned with those of the university,” the proposal states, according to the Stanford University website. “Stanford envisions a strategic partnership that will blend the strengths of a great research university with those of a great center of commerce and creativity — and generate significant and sustainable economic development.” New York City Officials will evaluate Stanford’s proposal along with 26 other institutions expressing interest in the new campus. The competitors include New York University, Cornell, University of Chicago and Columbia University according to Palo Alto Online. Officials of the development program are scheduled to announce their decision towards the end of the year. Stanford hopes to begin construction by 2013 and enroll students by 2015. In the future, the institution can expect close to 2,200 graduates and 100 faculty members according to Hennessy.
Panda Express has arrived in Palo Alto, opening on April 21, 2011. The new Chinese fast food restaurant has opened at 2310 El Camino Real, right next to Jack In The Box. Panda Express moved in after the Chinese restaurant formerly situated at the address, Peking Duck, moved out. The restaurant has finally opened after several months of construction and development. The store is hoping on expanding into the Palo Alto area to satisfy customers who would otherwise have to travel to Sunnyvale, the location of the closest Panda Express. Customer response has been overwhelmingly positive towards the opening of the new store. “It’s fabulous,” senior Marshall Walters said. “I really like their food and I’m excited to have it as a lunch option since it’s so close to [Palo Alto High School].” Others have named specific menu items as the reasons for there happiness over Panda Express’ opening.
“I love the Orange Chicken,” sophomore Randall Burquez said. “It’s really tasty and pretty cheap too.” Panda Express Assistant Manager Jorel Arias spoke about the opening of the new restaurant. “The other Panda Express is in Sunnyvale,” Arias said. “We wanted to be more convenient for customers and the people of Palo Alto.” Arias stated that the first few days of Panda Express’ existence in Palo Alto have been very successful “The first days were pretty busy,” Arias said. “We’ve noticed a lot of high school and university students coming in.” The store held a grand opening event on April 26 to celebrate the opening of the new restaurant. For the event, the restaurant gave out a free two entrée plate which included a side, a drink and a fortune cookie. Attendees were also able to win certain Panda Express prizes by spinning a large wheel. Prizes included t-shirts, footballs and stuffed panda toys, among others.
Marc Havlik/CAMPANILE
The opening event offered free entrees, and attracted many students from Paly. A large panda suit mascot was also present to take pictures and entertain the young children, as well as boost the mood of the event. “It was really busy because of the free food,” Arias said. Because of the large attendance at the event, prizes ran out quickly, but the food kept on coming. Not everyone has been too happy about the arrival of Panda Express in Palo Alto.
“Panda Express is a disgrace to Chinese cuisine,” senior Jon Callahan said. According to Arias, Panda Express in Palo Alto hopes to follow the same mission statement that all Panda Express restaurants value around the country. “Panda’s mission is to deliver exceptional Asian dining experiences by building an organization where people are inspired to better their lives,” Arias said.
A4 • Monday, May 9, 2011
OPINION Editorials
ASB elections should be held during class time Candidates could write brief descriptions of qualifications to ensure student body’s education With Associated Student Body elections coming up soon and candidates already beginning to campaign, certain aspects of the process must be examined. In last year’s elections, only around 500 students voted. While 500 may seem like an impressive number, Palo Alto High School educates almost 2000 young people. Even if one excludes the senior class, who are not permitted to vote, 500 students is still a small proportion of the Paly population. ASB should work with the administration to find more ways to encourage students to participate in the voting process. In addition, students who complain about dances or have opinions about how ASB should spend their immense budget must take responsibility for their role in the process and make an effort to become informed about candidates so that they can make an educated decision. First and foremost, The Campanile feels that ASB elections should be held during class time instead of during lunch on the quad. This would ensure that most of the student body would vote, as opposed to only those who take the initiative in their own time. The purpose of having an ASB program is to give a voice to the students, and if only a small percentage of Paly is voting, ASB is hardly a representation of the student body. Elections should be held during a designated period or advisory, when all students, whether or not they have the time and make the effort to wait in line in the quad, can cast their vote. Each candidate could have the opportunity to write a short paragraph about their qualifications and ideas to be included in the ballot, al-
lowing students to learn more about their options right before they vote. This would help students to make an informed decision even if they are not personally familiar with any of the candidates or miss the InFocus campaigning segments. Secondly, the paper ballots used in ASB elections are out-dated and inefficient. Moving the voting system online would make counting the votes more accurate and much quicker. This should not be too difficult, as Paly students takes a variety of online surveys each year. While this may mean missing ten minutes of class, surely voting for the individuals who are to represent the entire student body is just as important as completing a survey about the new bell schedule. Allowing students to vote online would save many hours of counting paper ballots and ensure that the results are valid. This would also create a concrete record, which could be accessed in case of a contention. Lastly, it is essential that those who run the elections are not personally involved, let alone running for any ASB position. Letting candidates plan and execute their own elections is unacceptably biased and potentially corrupt. While The Campanile is confident that ASB officials are honest and fair individuals, it is a clear conflict of interest for anyone running for a position to be at all involved in managing the election process. Appointing ASB officials is an incredibly important component of voicing the student body’s opinions and in order for these few students to effectively represent the entire school, it is imperative that the election process be fair and inclusive for as many voters as possible.
Advisory system in need of significant improvements
Letters to the Editors American presence in Libya would fail to help The following letter was written in response to Sam Blake and Tanvi Varma’s articles published April 30 in The Campanile, “Controversy over how to approach Libya has US in standstill.” If a high school student wrote this article then I am astonished. The authors’ writing is top-notch and I have to say much better than what is produced from most media outlets. However I do disagree. The prevailing sentiment of our government and the American people from WW1 to WW2 was to act precisely as we tentatively are now. We helped our allies by sending them supplies but did not involve bloodshed of American troops and innocent civilians in foreign wars. After WW2 the cold war set a stage for proxy wars to fight communism in Vietnam and Korea. You could argue these wars at least had a focused reason that was necessary but nonetheless left an incredible amount of civilians dead, cities destroyed and millions of American soldiers dead. “Operation Iraq Freedom” left much of the same results and has left a broken nation that is not much better than before and a country where the people don’t even want our “liberation.” We now have close to a 100,000 troops in Afghanistan and we can’t even win a war against what they would call “Rebels.” The senate recently agreed that we can’t trust Libyan Rebels who we know nothing about and have no concept of their intentions. Is it not foolish to support an army you know nothing about? Most of the time revolutions aren’t democratic, but install authoritarian governments as was the case in Cuba, Cambodia and more recently Algeria. The rebels fought long and hard to stop being a colony and receive freedom, but once they won, all claims of freedom and a better life were proven false. We’re spending close to a half a trillion dollars a year on these two senseless wars and being involved in a third war is insane. It would stretch a military to a limit that it has never seen and a three-front war has never been won before.
And all these risks for what? Noble ideas that aren’t the reason we’re in the Middle East and won’t be for Libya. It’s a geopolitical situation that serve Europe’s oil interests and ends old grudges. It’s not our war. Democracy should be encouraged by the virtue of it’s ideas, not the strength of our weapons. Wonderful sentiments which I trust will also be applied to the desperate situation in Bahrain where the populace desiring freedom from a brutal regime as well as democracy are being viciously repressed. The atrocities being committed in that tragic nation will long be remembered. US and NATO intervention must be put into action immediately before any more innocent civilians are killed, tortured or persecuted further.
Justin Bieber fake, does not deserve attention
Justin Bieber has been in the media front a lot lately. But does he deserve it? I think not! His childish voice sounds unpleasant and squeaky. For those who enjoy his music, take note that his voice is very artificial as it has been proven that he takes pills to keep that “charming” high sound of his. Furthermore, he appears to be rude in interviews and shows off about his wealth. He doesn’t appreciate his fans and he appears to be fake. Another issue which he deals with is that he doesn’t consider nor does he think before he speaks. This is shown in his interview in Rolling Stone, when he said he is against abortion because of his “pro-life” beliefs. Moreover, he justified his stupidity when he stated that rape and murder “happens for a reason”. In order to get even more attention than he deserves, he released a 3D movie about his [undeserved] success. This movie underlines how spoiled and selfish he is to his surroundings. After seeing all of his negative aspects, who could find him attractive? All of his fans. But how? He looks like a spoiled five year old who can’t dress himself and ends up looking like a hamster. His voice is overrated as well as his looks. —Gina Scarpino, sophomore Claudia Schafer-Tabraue, Junior
Time flies when...
College planning must start earlier in high school, handouts wasteful, unnecessary The Palo Alto High School advisory system, although helpful in guiding students towards a successful posthigh school career, still has room for improvement. The guidance office and advisers should work together to create a more efficient system for upcoming students at Paly that prepares students for college and standardized testing earlier in the high school experience. The Campanile believes that the advisory system would be more helpful if it were started earlier in students’ high school careers. As it is now, students are often unaware of the credits they need to complete high school and steps they should be taking regarding college applications and SATs until it is too late. Starting the process earlier would eliminate this problem. Advisers could open online student service site Naviance on one of the first advisories during sophomore year to show students the approximate GPA and SAT requirements for different colleges and go over their schedules freshman year to make sure that they are on the road towards finishing their credits for graduation and college. Having access to this information, although it may seem premature, could motivate students to do well
The Campanile
throughout the rest of high school and help prepare them for the next two years. Additionally, the advisers should bring in a panel of seniors during one of the first advisories during sophomore year to speak about their experiences and to give advice on the college application process. Having a connection to people who have already gone through junior and senior year can be extremely beneficial for students both in applying to colleges and in choosing where to commit. Additionally, the majority of advisories are spent on providing students with papers containing useless information. For example, during a recent senior advisory, all seniors were given a letter from the Palo Alto Police Department addressed to Henry M. Gunn High School seniors. Instead of printing out over 400 copies of a selfexplanatory message about avoiding drugs and alcohol, advisers could have shown the message on a projector. This would have saved both paper and time that could be spent on more important items of business. Advisory is a valuable system at Paly, but with a few alterations it could be even more helpful for coming generations of students in planning for their futures.
Baccalaureate speaker should not be a Paly staff member Despite Kandell’s success, seniors deserve keystone speaker not from Paly community On June 5 Palo Alto High School’s Class of 2011 and students’ respective families will arrive at Stanford University for the annual Baccalaureate ceremony and, for the second year in a row, the speaker will be from Paly. The Campanile, who commented on this exact issue last year, would like to restate that while The Paly Voice and Verde magazine advisor Paul Kandell made a successful and highly motivational speech last year, there is no reason that the Associative Student Body cannot invite someone outside of the Paly community to make what is most likely the most influential speech Paly students will hear before graduating and entering a new chapter in their lives. The very reason why baccalaureate speakers are inspirational and the reason why students are always so excited to watch and listen to such a speaker is because said speaker is tangible evidence that we, the graduating class, truly stand on the cusp of adulthood and entrance into the larger community and nation. Beyond what the speaker actually says, whether it is emotionally profound or strikingly witty, it is this notion that he or she embodies. Baccalaureate may be the last time that these 400-odd Paly students will be assembled together, and where their high school trials, tribulations and ultimate successes will be celebrated together, where the graduation caps are thrown up in catharsis, and where a few final words are penned in each student’s high school chapter.
Before the 2009-2010 school year, it was a Paly tradition to invite baccalaureate speakers who were not directly associated to Paly to come and speak. Speakers such as actor and 2011 Oscars host James Franco, and President and CEO of the Global Fund for Women, Kavita Ramdas have previously graced the graduating class with their presence and motivational words. Unfortunately, in recent years this tradition has been ignored. The Campanile understands, however, that ASB has not ignored the issue and have tossed around a few ideas about who to officially invite. Apparently, all ideas fell through, because the speakers were all booked by the time ASB came into contact with them. Though ASB might have been very busy this school year, baccalaureate is one of the biggest nights, if not the biggest night, for Paly students. The speaker is essentially the last gift, among all the other gifts of support and love, that the school can give to the graduating class. Spirit Week and Prom planning may have gotten in the way of choosing the keystone speaker; therefore, ASB should plan even further ahead, and possibly create a committee for dealing with this issue throughout the year. The Campanile has stressed the issue of inviting a keystone speaker for Baccalaureate in the past, and would like to state once more how truly important the speaker is for the graduating class.
Cartoon by William Lee
The Campanile Editors in Chief
Nadav Gavrielov • Grace Harris • Rachel Mewes Madison Sevilla • Rachel Stober • Lillian Xie
Advisor
Esther Wojcicki
Sports Editors
Brunett John Brandon Nguyen Michael Augustine Charlotte Barry Brian Benton Maddie Berger Sam Blake Elizabeth Bowman Sarah Brown Josie Butler Meghan Byrd
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Spotlight Editor
Opinion Editor
Justin Choi
Noa Dagan
Lifestyles Editor Copy Editor Helen Chen
Mikey Abrams
Staff Writers Bailey Cassidy Jillian Chacon Clara Chang Electra Colevas Laura Cui Chayla Cummings Charlie Dulik Gracie Fang Sapir Frozenfar
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OPINION
The Campanile
Monday, May 9, 2011 • A5
City of Palo Alto must fill gaps in Caltrain railroad security Traffic lights should be moved to west side of tracks, crossings should use motion detectors On April 15, a woman from Indiana was killed in a fatal accident when her car became trapped on the tracks at the C h a r l e s t o n Ro a d crossing as a Caltrain approached. While, many Palo Alto residents madison may have noticed the recent construcsevilla tion near the Caltrain in my opinion crossings at Churchill Avenue, Charleston Road, Alma Street and East Meadow Road over the past few months as a part of a $5.8 million Caltrain Safety Improvement plan, additional changes could be made to ensure the safety of drivers. The money for the Caltrain Safety Improvement Plan was supplied by the Measure A Transit Improvement Program by the Vehicle Transportation Association in 2000. The project is set to finish construction in June and includes the addition of flashers, wider sidewalks, additional guardrails and warning tactile panels to assist the visually impaired. The most apparent change to the railroad crossings are the new automatic gates that prevent pedestrians and bicyclists from entering the tracks when a train is coming and has a warning on one side that states a new $271 fine for anyone who walks around the gate when the railroad arms are down. Although this plan does help pedestrians, it does nothing to protect drivers from unnecessary accidents. Palo Alto has also begun changes such as the resurfacing work to reduce the amount of space between the tracks and Alma Street in an attempt to keep the cars off of the tracks. When the city resurfaced the ground at the Charleston intersection they moved the limit line, which would originally fit two cars after the crossing, closer to the tracks as to only fit one car. While the city did this with the intention to improve driver safety, the new line changes have not been marked well,
MARC HAVLIK/Campanile
Numerous projects have been started at Caltrain crossings to increase safety and keep cars off the road. The construction, set to finish in June, includes the addition of flashers, wider sidewalks and additional guardrails. causing some drivers to become trapped as car] became trapped on the tracks for a few they drive across the tracks expecting enough seconds, but luckily the light turned green room for two cars. before a train came.” “I usually While admitcross the tracks tedly, using comat Charleston and “The city needs to come up with mon sense to not one day when I more creative ways to protect drivstop on the tracks was going home ers while crossing the tracks.” under any circumfrom work I nostances would ticed that less Judy Gaize halt the need for cars could fit on Palo Alto Resident further safety imthe other side of provements and the tracks,” Palo the use of the Alto resident Judy city’s or Caltrain’s Gaize said. “There were no signs that I could money, there are definite gaps in the current see before the tracks and [the back end of my system that could be filled.
As the current intersections at Charleston, Churchill, Alma and East Meadow are set up, the traffic lights for cars driving east are on the east side of the tracks, causing many cars to get caught on the tracks during rush hour when the light turns red. By moving the traffic light to the west side of the tracks, drivers will have no need to cross the tracks until the light turns green, creating no traffic jam. “The project did not include modifications to roadway configuration or associated traffic signals,” VTA chief external affairs officer, Greta Helm said in an interview with Palo Alto Online. “Changes to the relationship between the railroad tracks, railroad gates and
traffic controls at or near the intersection were not part of the project.” However, in that same article on Palo Alto Online, Palo Alto’s chief transportation official, Jamie Rodriquez stated that moving the traffic lights to the west side of the tracks is “definitely feasible” but “is not an option in the near future.” Furthermore, if motion detectors were to be installed on the tracks at these crossings a camera much like traffic light cameras could be installed to give drivers tickets if they are caught on the tracks during a red light. While this would not immediately protect drivers from an oncoming train, it would limit the number of drivers who willingly enter the “track zone.” “The city needs to come up with more creative ways to protect drivers while crossing the tracks and maybe [enforcing] consequences to crossing the tracks at certain times is a good option,” Gaize said. Additional changes could be made such as extending the current response time of the signal between when the alarm sounds and when the train crosses the intersection 20 seconds later to allow drivers more time to exit the tracks. While this does not solve the number of cars that enter the track zone during a dangerous time, it could give the car more time to get off of the tracks before the train arrives. If the city is unwilling to make these enhancements to the safety plan, the city should be able to at least make the right hand turn lane at the Churchill intersection a no right turn on red to prevent cars from entering the tracks while waiting for the car in front of them to turn. All of these ideas could limit the amount of people who get caught on the tracks or willingly enter the track zone to prevent further unnecessary deaths. While there is no way to completely eliminate cars from getting caught on the tracks unless the city were to elevate them, an extremely expensive job that would take years to do, there will always be drivers who dangerously enter the “track zone,” however, with these seemingly doable improvements the amount of drivers who get caught on the tracks could be reduced.
Students should be educated about important LGBTQ individuals
Talking about lesbian, gay, transgender contributions in classrooms would decrease homophobia Recently, there has been a debate among California lawmakers over whether or not to make it mandatory for teachers in the state to educate about lesbian, gay and transgender contributions to history. Activists are reviving the fight, which was halted by the previous governor of California Arnold Schwarzenegger in 2006, in the hopes that Democratic Goverrachel nor Jerry Brown will support the mewes proposal. in my opinion The Fair Accurate Inclusive and Respectful (FAIR) Act could help gay teens with self-esteem and possibly decrease bullying in schools. It is important for students to know which historical and scientific figures identified as homosexual so that they can understand that homosexuality is a natural part of humanity and so that LGBTQ (Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Queer) students can feel some pride and connection to their history. “The legislation would add LGBT individuals to the current list of cultural and ethnic groups who are underrepresented and add them to school textbooks and instructional materials,” Renee Bracey Sherman of the Gay Straight Alliance network said. “The FAIR Education Act would make sure that classroom instruction is correctly aligned with the ten year old non-discrimination laws in California and the State Board of Education, by not adopting discriminatory instruction materials and textbooks.” It is already required that schools include curriculum that covers many different minority ethnic groups, and as discrimination based on sexual preference is a significant civil rights issue of today, the LGBTQ community deserves to be included in the measure. “Learning about LGBTQ history isn’t something that should be considered taboo,” senior Kapi’olani Torres Reyes said. “Learning about it is just as important as learning about something like the African-American civil rights movement. It must be discussed. It must be known.” There are a large number of inspirational and talented individuals such as Harvey Milk, Oscar Wilde and Virginia Woolf (to name only a few) who identified as
VERBATIM
gay, lesbian or bisexual and their achievements need to be recognized. “I think it’s imperative that LGBTQ history be taught,” Reyes said. “Whenever I go to a library, the queer studies section is either ridiculously tiny or nonexistent. It’s not a subject that’s obsolete, although that’s how it’s treated especially in the classroom. The LGBTQ community has made great contributions to society, and still continues to do so. It deeply bothers me that a lot of peers aren’t aware of this.” Many important events and people are being left out of high school curriculum, which leaves substantial gaps in students’ knowledge of history and current events. Like Reyes, Sherman also noticed the lack of recognition towards the gay and lesbian community while she was in high school. “For me, as a biracial straight ally, I did not learn about Bayard Rustin, a black and openly gay Civil Rights leader, until after college,” Sherman said. “This was frustrating because I had learned about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his accomplishments in school, but never learned that Rustin was his mentor in the non-violence movement and had organized the March on Washington where Dr. King gave the ‘[I] Have a Dream’ speech.” The reluctance to discuss homosexuality in schools reinforces discomfort with the subject in both gay and straight students. Getting the subject out in the open by discussing it in classrooms will decrease homophobia as well as give students who are struggling with their sexuality a validation that what they are going through is normal. It is beneficial for students to learn about not only the LGBTQ movement, but to simply be informed about the sexual preferences of many of the people they would be studying anyway. This awareness of homosexuality in influential people could help foster understanding and acceptance in schools and give LGBTQ students role models that they can relate to. “Studies have shown that students, both LGBTQ and straight, feel safer and that rates of bullying fall in schools when they see accurate and positive representations of LGBT individuals in their lessons,” Sherman said. “The LGBT students in particular see that folks such as themselves have positively affected society and that they also can make a difference.”
The FAIR Education act would not only assist gay and lesbian students, but it would also instill in straight students a more open-minded and informed attitude about the world. “Every student should have the opportunity to learn fair and accurate information about LGBT historical figures who contributed to our society,” Sherman said. “Every student benefits in a school where everyone, no matter their race, gender, ethnicity, class or sexual orientation, learns that they matter and can make a difference in our world.” Opposition to the measure has expressed concern with the idea that teachers would be required to “teach homosexuality” in classrooms, but that is not what the act is about. The FAIR Education Act is not meant to force political or social views onto students — it is meant to make sure that students are fully educated on LGBT issues so that they can make their own informed decisions on the subject.
According to the Equality California website, “The Fair, Accurate, Inclusive and Respectful (FAIR) Education Act would amend the Education Code to include social sciences instruction on the contributions of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people. This bill would also prohibit discriminatory instruction and discriminatory materials from being adopted by the State Board of Education.” Nowhere in the description of the measure is indoctrinating students with beliefs or sexual preferences mentioned, but the focus of it is clearly on making sure students get full educations and on eliminating discrimination in American schools. Both of these goals will help keep students open-minded and well-informed. The FAIR Education Act is a long-overdue measure that will benefit both LGBTQ and straight students inside the classroom and out by spreading awareness and acceptance of LGBTQ contributions and accomplishments.
What is your favorite part about spring?
Compiled by Clara Chang, Rachel Stober, Riki Rattner
“It is a reminder of renewal and hope.”
“Flowers.”
“The smell of the morning baseball infield grass.”
“The warm weather, I’ve never liked the cold.”
“The sun.”
Arne Lim math teacher
Alyssa White sophomore
Jerry Berkson assistant principal
Ben Briskin junior
Kristen Destefano freshman
S P O T L I G H T
The Campanile
1st
May 9, 2011 • A7
1st
2nd
[Abstract]
[Overall Winner]
Out of 40 submissions this year, photo editor Marc Havlik chose the winning photos for this year’s photo contest. Contestants were asked to enter photos into three categories: Abstract, Places and People. Winners for each section were chosen based on the composition, maturity and power of their submission. This year’s overall winner, Melanie Wade, depicted an African sunset that captured our attention for its stunning beauty and vivid light-dark contrast. The Campanile extends a congratulations to Melanie and all other winners this year, and congratulates all students who submitted photos.
[Places]
2011 WINNERS
[Abstract]
[Portraits]
2nd
Submitted by Brandon Douty
Submitted by Brandon Douty
Submitte
ed by Karim Guzman
S P O T L I G H T
May 9, 2011 • A8
[Portraits]
1st
The Campanile
[Portraits]
Submitted by Brandon Douty
3rd
Submitted by Cody Evenhuis
[Abstract]
This photo was taken in Botswana, Africa on the Okavango Delta. I found it interesting that the lantern was out, leaving the sun to replace it. This photo, to me, symbolizes the beauty of nature in spite of modern appliances and materialism. It shows that you don’t always need the lights on to see whats around you.
3rd
Submitted by Adam Monsour
Melanie Wade junior
2nd
Submitted by Katie Causey
[Places]
[Places]
3rd
Submitted by Melanie Wade
Submitted by Camila Velazquez
Submitted by Adam Mansour
A8 • May 9, 2011
OPINION
The Campanile
All-female universities provide security, unique opportunities Girls’ colleges defy stereotypes commonly associated with single-gender schools Many high One of the main goals of women’s colleges school students is to abolish gender boundaries so that women all over the United will no longer be afraid to explore subjects and States dream about careers usually dominated by men, such as getting into the engineering or politics. They will be able to most prestigious explore their passions and interests in their schools, from the own comfort zone without the pressure of world-renowned conforming to female stereotypes. Iv y L e a g u e s t o “I think women’s colleges give women s m a l l e r d i s t i n - the opportunity to explore stereotypically g u i s h e d l i b e ra l male-dominated fields,” Groziak said. “In a arts colleges like community where all the students and most of Swarthmore and the professors are women, there is no outside Claremont McK- pressure to conform to the societal norms for in my opinion enna. Though they women. Although women can pursue math are seemingly the and science in co-ed institutions where there best colleges out there, they may not be best isn’t [this] sort of environment, I think it is suited for certain students. easier to do it with the support networks you Senior Amanda Groziak decided to take a get when you live in a community of women.” different path and look for colleges that better One of the reasons why co-ed colleges fit her values and interests. She applied and may not be the best schools for women is due was admitted to Barnard College, one of the to the issue of security. According to MyColmost prestigious women’s undergraduate legesandCareers.com, “One in four college institutions in the country. women will be sexually assaulted on a college “I applied to Barnard because I believed campus and one in eight women will be raped in promoting women’s education,” Groziak, while in college. More than 50% of college who will be attending Barnard in the fall, men report that they would rape a woman if said. “Even though people say that women they were certain they could get away with it.” are equal to men now, I still feel like we can Clearly, the mind-set of more than half have a bigger role in society.” of college men is not only unacceptable but Many girls do not even consider going also extremely wrong. Being around men to an all women’s college due to stereotypes who would rape a woman if they could get such as a high percentage of lesbian couples away with it is not only threatening to a girl’s or a lack of social life. However, it is quite safety but it also limits her college freedom the contrary. Many women’s institutions like of which she has every right to enjoy as any Barnard College are associated with larger college male. Furthermore, a study by the co-ed universities like Columbia University, Rape Abuse Incest National Network (RAINN) so students can not showed that 36% of only cross-enroll in rape victims are be“I think that going to Barnard classes but they can tween the ages of 18 also attend interso- College will help me realize that and 30, which is the cial gatherings and there is a distinction between the age range of most parties within the college students. sexes, but that this distinction two schools. And it Therefore, to enis easily assumable only means that we can approach sure the maximum that there are lesbi- problems from different angles safety for college ans at every college. women, it is in their Nonetheless, one of and should not mean that one way own best interest to the main objectives is better than another.” attend a women’s of many women’s where there Amanda Groziak college colleges is to train will be minimal – if their students to senior any – sexual asbecome true femisaults caused by the nists and increase opposite gender. the role of women in every-day society. Campuses as a whole are more secure, thus “Women’s institutions have abundant being a much safer and comforting environeducational opportunities to enlighten us ment for women to discover their interests all on how to become actual feminists who and be free of paranoia. care about changing their views upon gen“I realized that with no males within the der boundaries for the ultimate purpose of undergraduate sect, that I would be free from making the society we live in to be better for all possible horrendously creepy scenarios everyone within it,” 2010 Paly graduate and that I could expect, such as stalking, hazing, Mills College student, Margaret Ackroyd said. sexual harassment, assault, battery, murder,
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myupperwest/creative commons
Barnard college, located in New York, is a top liberal arts school and an all-girls school. Its “brother” school, Columbia University, is located next door, so the female students are not completely cut off from other males. arson, etc. as there are a greater majority of male crime perpetrators than females,” Ackroyd said. “This is an uncontested fact, and my personal comfort zone demands freedom from these detriments to live freely and to grow mentally, so that I too may one day be a positive contributor to social and scientific progress, and not be a reclusive shut-in.” Though males can be potentially harmful and dangerous in college campuses, being isolated from the opposite sex and growing in an environment of solely women is not necessarily the best way to mature either. The notion of having co-ed universities associated with women’s colleges gives them the opportunity to communicate with men, but at the same time still maintain the security of their home campus. “I chose Barnard because it is a small community of women right across the street from a co-ed Ivy League institution where I can still have interactions with men. I knew that I didn’t want to spend four years without any contact with the other sex, but on the other hand I wanted to embrace the fact that I am a woman and that women can be just as academically and emotionally strong as men while still retaining their femininity,” Groziak said. In addition, it was suspected that women who graduate from women’s colleges are much more likely to be successful profes-
sionally than those that graduate from co-ed institutions, according to Groziak. Women’s colleges teach women learn how to approach problems from different perspectives from men rather than reject their ways of thinking. Students benefit from women’s programs by exploring the different concepts of individuality of both women and men, which helps them become proficient in dealing with people with a variety of personalities. The valuable skills they learn while at a women’s institution will stay with them throughout their careers and bring them to their highest potential. “I think that going to Barnard College will help me realize that there is a distinction between the sexes, but that this distinction only means that we can approach problems from different angles and should not mean that one way is better than another,” Groziak said. Girls like Ackroyd are certain that attending a women’s institution will help them develop as an individual and explore the outside world, which is another inherent reason why all girls’ schools can be a potentially great choice for many prospective female college students. “I knew that even if I initially had no idea what I wanted to do the rest of my life, that an all women’s college was the prefect environment for me, to search out the full scope of my being as individual, and to recreate myself in the image of what I most wished to be: some-
one who possessed the fortitude, grace, and far less paranoia than I possess now, to be as welcoming and congenial to other people, as those at Mills have been to me,” Ackroyd said. Women’s colleges create tight and safe communities where students establish close friendships not only with one another but with their professors as well, whereas large classes at universities where it can be almost impossible to establish an intimate relationship with professors. At Barnard, all clubs and the whole student government are run by women, and for women. “I was just looking for a college where I could have the opportunities to work with great faculty and have a strong education,” Groziak said. “I did look into women’s colleges but it wasn’t my only consideration. I knew that I wanted a college with a community feeling and Barnard gave me the right impression. I know I would be happy at a co-ed institution as well, but the fact that there was a feeling of sisterhood on campus just seemed right for me.” Ultimately, women’s colleges enable girls to develop into true women – those who don’t conform to stereotypes such as belonging in the kitchen or being obedient to their husband, but those who take the initiative to strive toward excellence in their own and unique way and stand up for themselves as feminists.
Despite elegant venue, Prom falls short of expectations
Annual dance event lacked variety of engaging entertainment options Around 800 students attended the 2011 Palo Alto High School Prom, which was held at the Westin Saint Francis Hotel in San Francisco on April 23. The carefully planned night consisted of dining and dancing options for students, but little else was available to keep all of the students occupied. While the night was enjoyable, a few more entertainment options could have been added to highlight the nice evening and in my opinion hold students’ attention for the duration of the night. Although the food and dancing components of the night were enjoyable, more activities could have been organized to make the memorable night even more entertaining than it already was. The venue also lacked sufficient seating, forcing students to share chairs or sit on the floor, despite wearing nice dresses and suits. A step away from having the luxury of being on a boat from the previous year’s prom, this year’s entertainment options had to be adjusted in order to fully occupy students’ time. Unfortunately, there was not much to live up to expectations. The dinner portion of the night was a success. The DJ played enjoyable music, which was accompanied by a delicious and filling three-course meal. The ballroom was filled with excited chatter as students relished in the appetizing dinner while partaking in high-spirited conversations. “[The] dinner was classy, it was a good start to the night,” junior Paige Borsos said. “It made prom unique from other school dances during the year.” After students had dined, the dancing portion of the night began in the same venue, and the tables were moved in order to make room for the dance floor. Unfortunately, not enough room was made, and most of the time the dance floor was overcrowded and slightly uncomfortable. With less room to sit or dance, the atmosphere was a bit out of place compared to the fancy, ballroom setting. The dance floor could have been expanded a little more to accommodate the 800 students present, as many were closely-packed and had to attempt to avoid one another’s elbows and feet. Students were not as free to move around as they were in past years, which made the evening a little uncomfortable. More preparations could have been made to ensure that the venue held as many people that were expected to come. With a whole ballroom available for dining, it’s puzzling that students had to squeeze into a minimal amount of space while partaking in something that involved moving around. An uncomfortable dancing environment did not exactly live up to the Prom hype. If a little more thought had been put into the dance floor, which was the
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besides sit or dance, students could have the opportunity to occupy themselves with the additional entertainment. While food and music can keep students entertained for a good amount of time, the hype around prom implies that a fun night is in store from beginning to end, and having bored students at a dance is not the goal of the event. But with just dining and dancing available, there was not much to do, and the nice atmosphere, although lavish and fancy, was not very entertaining. Prom is the most important dance of the year, and the last place anyone would expect to be bored, but with the lack of things for students to do, some found that this was the case. The event needed a few more activities for students to do, to say the least, and there were many ways the student population could have been consulted about potential things to do. A photo booth would have been a great addition, along with other small activities to do to keep students excited and having a great time at the dance. In the future years, the Prom Committee is urged to ask students for ideas if they are lacking in the entertainment aspect. Many students around the Paly campus have great ideas of fun things to do at prom, and getting students’ input can make the dance more enjoyable for everyone. Since students had paid so much for their tickets, many expected more out of the large amount of money they had given for the special occasion. With such a large sum for a ticket, it seemed there was ample money to pay for extra entertainment options. Student do not ask for a private movie theater or an entire bowling alley – simple yet entertaining options are a great choice to make Prom a fun and engaging activity. the eye game/creative commons The Prom Committee should take into consideration the entertainment aspect of prom by including more activiThe 2011 Prom was held at the Westin St. Francis hotel in San Francisco. While the venue ties to do in addition to the already arranged dance and was classy and the evening was enjoyable, the event lacked enough entertainment options. dining portion of the night. The creativity of each year’s prom can spark fun enmain attraction of the night, the comfort level could have or a larger room in the hotel, because there was not suf- tertainment options, so it just takes a little extra thought been risen, and the night would have been a great success. ficient planning for the amount of people that attended to make the night a fun event. Choosing an appropriate, The students on the dance floor quickly became the evening. fun theme is a big aspect in planning the event. overheated while dancing, which made dancing a less Although the dancing segment The theme was a great desirable option for students. This was mainly due to of the night was enjoyable despite choice and had a lot of potenthe lack of space, which caused most of the problems some uncomfortable aspects, there “I thought there could have tial for San Francisco-themed at the dance. were not as many options in which been a few more activities, such entertainment options. It just Many students became flushed from both dancing one could participate in other as a photo booth and maybe a takes a little bit of extra thought and the close proximity to other students, which was all than dancing and eating from the to figure out things for students few more things to do.” because of the limited space on the dance floor. Students chocolate fondue. to do at the dance. were able to wander to an adjoined room in which a chocoMost students were found However, the night was still Andre Gouyet a lavish late fountain could be found and where photos could be sharing seats at tables, socializing and nice affair, and most junior students truly did leave their taken. However, the room was lacking in chairs to sit in, while cooling off from the dance so many students had to find a place on the ground to floor. While it was pleasant to spend hearts in San Francisco. give their feet a rest from dancing. time in an intimate setting talking Despite the small setbacks At such a nice event, it was out of place to see students with one’s prom dates and friends, there could have been and uncomfortable aspects of the night, Prom Night’s sitting on the floor in nice gowns, but there were simply more engaging things to participate in, especially in regard hype was met with excitement and was an overall enjoyno chairs to sit in. All the plans needed were a few rows to the theme of the night, “I left my heart in San Francisco.” able experience. of chairs to line the edges of the room, and the comfort “I thought there could have been a few more activiStudents can and will look forward to future years, level could have been elevated. In such a lavish setting, ties, such as a photo booth and maybe a few more things and the Prom Committee is urged to spend more time the lack of chairs was a weird problem to have at Prom. to do,” junior Andre Gouyet said. With the addition of looking into viable entertainment options to keep students Either a slightly larger venue could have been chosen, just a few photo booths to give students something to do occupied when they are not dancing.
SPORTS
The Campanile
Monday, May 9, 2011
Boys’ swimming continues winning streak SportsBriefs Varsity team to enter Leagues, CCS with high hopes for success By Tanvi Varma Staff Writer
Palo Alto High School’s boy swimming team (7-1) is progressing with incredible speed and strength this season. At the Vikings’ latest meet against Saratoga High School, the boys walked away with a score of 105-78, moving on to have a record of 7-1. The boys swam against Saratoga again for league titles Thursday May 5, hoping to capture the League Title. The Vikings’ meet against cross town rival Henry M. Gunn High School on April 20 allowed the boys to jump back on track after losing to Monta Vista High School, with a score of 130-56. “[The boys] are doing fine,” varsity Coach Danny Dye said. “They swam against Gunn and beat them. We’re getting geared up for the end of the year. We got leagues coming up and one more dual meet.” The Vikings won all 12 events of the Gunn meet, complimenting their consistently strong performances throughout the season. Juniors Rollin Lau and Byron Sanborn took home double victories in the 200 Individual Medley, the 100 breaststroke, the 200 Freestyle and the 500 Freestyle, respectively. The boys also dominated the relays, with the 200 medley relay comprising of freshman William Lee, junior Byron Sanborn, sophomore Eren Kiris and senior DJ Fotsch coming in first with a time of 1:42.09. Sanborn, Kiris, Lau and freshman Andrew Liang finished off the day with the 400 Freestyle Relay, coming back with a first place win, with a time of 3:42.92. The only blemish on the Vikings’ record was the loss against league rival Monta Vista High School. Monta Vista has held the league title for several seasons in a row, and although the boys aspired to win against
Marc Havlik/Campanile
Freshman William Lee is part of the 7-1 varsity boys’ swimming team that is poised to challenge powerhouses like Bellarmine. them, they fell short. The team still stays positive in their chances against them in the future. “We still have a good shot at winning the league title this year,” junior Youngkuk Lee said. “Our league meet is in two weeks, and so that’s the most important meet coming up for this team.” Lee participated in the 200 Freestyle Relay against Saratoga, coming away with a win along with teammates Liang, Fotsch and Lee. After leagues comes the Central Coast Section (CCS) finals, and Bellarmine College Preparatory is the team to beat. “For [Central Coast Sections] the team we always aspire to [beat] is Bellarmine [College Preparatory],” Dye said. “They’ve won 27 [championships] in a row, and it’s a big hill to climb.” Lee agrees with Dye that beating the powerhouse Bellarmine team is one of the main challenges ahead that boys will have to face if they want notable success.
“Our goal is to place [in the] top three this year,” Lee said. “Bellarmine has won 26 championships in a row.” Lee believes that for CCS, the main advantage the Vikings have is depth, meaning not relying solely on their top swimmers to perform. “As of right now, we lack numbers, but we have some depth,” Lee said. “This year our swim team is very small — and it’s very young. In terms of preparedness, we’re doing alright.” Lau agrees that the freshmen swimmers have contributed significantly to the consistent performance from the Vikings. “We have two new freshmen, Lee and Liang,” Lau said. “Last year, we lost a couple seniors, but in the end, we only benefited from the change.” The young blood of the team has helped tremendously throughout the season in pushing Paly into a strong position with playoffs approaching.
Strong swimming is not only coming from the upperclassmen, who must set an example for the younger swimmers, but Lee and Liang have both been performing extremely well in the season, with wins in individual meets as well as relays. Lee participated in the 100 butterfly with a time of 55.90 at the Gunn meet. Lee also came in first in the backstroke with a time of 57.73. Liang won both the 50 and 100 freestyles with times of 22.23 and 49.15, respectively. Much of the team is on a taper right now, meaning swimmers are swimming less in order to flush out the toxins from their body, according to Lee. “We’re just resting our muscles to be able to use them at leagues and CCS, depending on if we have our CCS cuts or not,” Lee said. Although the swimmers have a near perfect record, Lee hopes that some faster schools will have poor performances in order to allow the Vikings to catch up. “[It is to] allow us some buffer,” Lee said. “This year, the schools that are our main competition at CCS Sacred Heart [Preparatory], Valley Christian High School, Monta Vista and Bellarmine. CCS will be held on May 20, with the Vikings’ hoping to bring home the title.
Boys Swimming Scores vs. Saratoga April 28, W 105-78 League Championships May 5, 6 not reported
Upcoming meets CCS Preliminary Rounds @ Santa Clara University May 20
Varsity girls’ swimming remains undefeated By Hannah Totte Staff Writer
The girls’ varsity swimming team (8-0) came out with a win on Thursday, April 28 during the team’s senior night and last meet before league competition. The Lady Vikes were able to outmatch Saratoga High School, beating them 134-51. Saratoga had proved to be difficult competition in the past. As the team looks forward to leagues, it is preparing to use league competition to either increase personal times to meet Central Coast Section (CCS) cuts or to maintain their own goals. Paly also beat nearby rival Henry M. Gunn High School on April 20, redeeming themselves after last year’s disappointing loss in CCS. “We were really fired up to come out strong against them and prove ourselves and we did that,” junior Shannon Scheel said. Throughout the season, the team has matched expectations, swimming faster than the majority of their competitors. At the Gunn meet, the Lady Vikes beat the Titans by a dominating score of 125 to 61. Although the team shows strength in the majority of the events, Paly pulled ahead by notable margins in the 400
Yard Freestyle Relay, beating Gunn by about four seconds, and the 200 Yard Medley Relay, beating Gunn by a little over three seconds. In individual events, junior Jasmine Tosky secured first place in both the 200 Yard Freestyle and 500 Yard Freestyle. Now, as the team looks forward to Leagues, the swimmers are counting on maintaining focus and technique before the more intense competition begins. “Half of the group is tapering,” Scheel said. “If we don’t have our CCS cuts we’re lowering the amount of yardage and working on refining technique to use our energy at Leagues to qualify for CCS.” The majority of the team, according to senior Haley Conner, has already reached their goals for CCS cut times. “We are a pretty close knit group this year and all of the girls have been working hard to get their cuts,” Conner said. “With the amount of hours the girls put into the sport and the amount of determination and school spirit that is on the pool deck, we are fairly confident that we will take home the league title once again.” During Leagues, Paly will most likely compete against Gunn, Homestead High School,
Marc Havlik/Campanile
Freshman Karina Goot practices breaststroke in preparation for upcoming CCS competitions. Goot is one of youngest team members on girls’ varsity. Monta Vista High School, Saratoga, Los Gatos High School and Los Altos High School. The team will look to place at every race. “The team in general has a lot of depth so winning the relays and taking first and second are our main goals,” Conner said. Standout upperclassmen performances from Tosky and junior Margaret Wenzlau, who came in first place for the 50 Yard Freestyle and 100 Yard Butterfly during the Gunn
meet, have boosted team performance. Seniors Sarah Liang and Sabrina Lee, who won first place in the 200 Yard Individual Medley (IM) and the 100 Yard Backstroke, respectively, also gained points for Paly. However, the team’s underclassmen have been vital in propelling the team forward. “The underclassmen have really stepped up and earned many points for the team this season,” Conner said.
Girls Swimming Scores vs. Saratoga April 28, W 134-51 League Championships May 4, 6, not reported
Upcoming meets CCS Preliminary Rounds @ Santa Clara University May 20
Varsity lacrosse continues inconsistent league play By Sam Blake Staff Writer
After a tough loss to Menlo-Altherton High School, the boys’ lacrosse team (11-6) came back against Burlingame High School, winning 12-10, on Friday, April 29. Paly suffered a crushing defeat against the Menlo Atherton Bears a week earlier in what was the season’s best game. The Vikings battled until double overtime when they were finally defeated. “We still need to improve on our focus and lacrosse I.Q.,” sophomore midfielder Walker Mees said. “We have the talent to beat any of the teams in our league but we don’t always harness it. I think we’re as ready as we can be for the post season, eight out of our 10 starters are seniors and they want to end their last season as champions so I think they will have tons of energy and we can channel that into the whole team.” The Burlingame match was fiercely competitive in the first quarter, putting Paly behind 7-3. However, the Vikings turned the game around, shutting out Burlingame in the second and third quarter. During the fourth quarter, when victory was all but eminent, the Viking laid off. Burlingame was able to slightly close the gap, but not enough leaving Paly with a crucial victory.
Paly has high expectations for the Santa Clara Valley Athletic Championships (SCVAL) . As the reigning champions, Paly has a target on their back, and will be the team to beat. “The team needs to improve on bringing up the intensity at the beginning of the game,” junior midfielder Matt Lam said. “The biggest struggle has been slow starts and lack of focus during practice and games. [For SCVAL], we need to concentrate more in practice and play well in our next games.” The Paly lacrosse team has encountered a far tougher schedule inside of league with a record of 6-4, meaning the SCVAL in which they play only league teams will encompass some difficult games. Despite a tough regular season against league opponents, the team has plenty to be proud about so far. “[My favorite moment was] scoring the first goal against powerhouse University to get the offense started that led to our biggest victory of the season,” Mees said. The teams win against University was felt all across the team. “The highlight of the season was probably beating University High in the beginning of the season,” Lam said. “They were favored over us by a lot and we came out and played really well and beat them.”
The team faces a tough matchup against Sacred Heart Preparatory who is currently undefeated in league. “I currently have a guy watching Sacred Heart play this week,” Varsity Lacrosse Coach Craig Conover said. “We have never seen them play. We hear that they are very disciplined. Assuming nothing crazy happens, we’ll be the fourth seat playing Sacred Heart in the first round. If we beat Mountain View we may get a third seat which would mean we wouldn’t have to play Sacred Heart in the first round.”
Boys Lacrosse Scores @ Mountain View May 4, L 2-13 vs. Burlingame May 6, not reported
Upcoming games SCVAL Playoffs May 7, 11, 14
Paly golf team puts up strong scores despite recent losses The Palo Alto High School golf team (6-3-1) has kept a decent record with only three losses to Henry M. Gunn High School, Homestead High School and Mountain View High School. After placing third in a tournament at the Palo Alto golf course on April 4, the team suffered its second loss of the season to Homestead. The match was very close with Homestead winning by only two strokes. Paly performed well and came out with their third best score of the season, 206. “Losing by just a few strokes is very tough,”sophomore Mathais Schmutz said. “You remember every little thing that you could’ve done better and how you could have improved it. There’s always something that you look back on and wish you’d done differently, but you just have to accept and learn from it.” The Vikings went on to lose by three points in their next meet against Mountain View High School. The players were not able to come up with the great results that they had in the past. They finished with a score of 210 to Mountain View’s 207. After losing their previous two meets the team ended up tying their next match, 201 to 201. The players were frustrated by putting up some of their top scores of the season but not come out on top. Not only have the wins in the meets dwindled, but in the latest tournament at the Sunnyvale Municipal golf course the Vikings finished seventh. The golf team’s momentum has come to almost a standstill, but still the team keeps its head up and looks forward. “We’ve played bad in the last few rounds, but we’ve also gotten unlucky because we could have easily won all of them,” Schmutz said. The team is looking ahead at their chances to qualifying for and winning the Santa Clara Valley Athletic League Championships. “Each player on the team needs to focus on doing their part,” freshman Clark Schmutz said. “Paly definitely has a shot to win the league tournament because of our senior leadership and young talent but it will definitely be a challenge to put it all together.”
—Jacob Zenger Staff Writer
New gymnastics team attracts many new students on JV team The new Palo Alto High School gymnastics team had a series of strong performances to start the year. Although the varsity team includes only two people, juniors Sophie Jorasch and Sarah Miller, the junior varsity team has many more members, most of whom are new to gymnastics, according to Jorasch. “A lot of people on the team have never done gymnastics before and with experience and more practice I think that everyone will just keep improving throughout the season,” Jorasch said. Both new and old competitors have enjoyed being on the team. “Being on the gymnastics team is a lot of fun but also a lot of work,” sophomore Julia Rubinov, a member of the junior varsity team, said. The team has competed in several meets, the first against Cupertino High School, St. Francis High School and Half Moon Bay High School and the second against Burlingame High School. Despite the short season, they will compete in several more. “Paly and [Henry M. Gunn High School] are doing pretty well overall and winning a lot of medals,” Rubinov said. There are opportunities to win both team and individual awards, which the team hopes to capture in Santa Clara Valley Athletic League (SCVAL) and Central Coast Sections (CCS) at the end of the season, on May 13 and May 19, respectively. Despite the lack of experience, the meets have gone fairly well. Some gymnasts were not able to compete in the first meet due to Passover, according to Jorasch.
—Rachel Wilson Staff writer
Success in friendly matches revives boys tennis’ mixed year Palo Alto High School boys’ varsity tennis team (13-10) is enjoying victorious matches against opponents despite the fact that their most recent scrimmage carried no weight in boosting rankings. The opponent was Leigh High School, and the match resulted in a blowout, 6-1 in the Vikings’ favor. Initially, the match counted for the records, but to avoid issues with the Central Coast Section seeding, the game became a friendly match. In a previous match against Los Gatos High School, the Vikings won 5-1, and their success continued later in the week against Leigh. The results were favorable for the Vikings, with overwhelming successes. The doubles matches that ended victoriously for the Vikings included those of sophomore Mason Haverstock and senior Andy Hammer, winning 6-2, 4-6, 10-3 at No. 1, juniors Justin Wang and Will Lichtenger winning 6-1, 6-1 at No. 2, and seniors Chirag Krishna and Lucas Fodor winning 6-3, 6-0 at No. 3. While the match was only friendly competition, Head Coach Andy Harader encouraged his team to compete to the best of their ability and treat it as good competition. He credits the great success to the teams devotion and previous training, saying that the work done in practice has proven effective In the singles realm, only one loss was recorded when freshman Austin Leung lost, 2-6, 7-5, 7-10 in the No. 1 singles position. The remaining single scores were consistent with doubles, defeating Leigh in multiple matches with junior Dar Shavit winning 6-1, 6-3 at No. 2, sophomore Blake Smith winning 6-2, 6-1 at No. 3, and senior Scott Monismith winning 6-2 and 6-2 at No. 4. The team agrees practice time between matches is inadequate, but they have made the best of the situation Harader also mentioned Leigh is not Paly’s toughest opponent, especially following Los Gatos, but even still, Harder said, “practicing the competitive nature of the sport is important —Electra Colevas to team development.”
Staff writer
SPORTS
The Campanile
May 9, 2011• A11
Junior Nicky Hu competes in tennis showcases nationwide
Frequent competitions prevent serious athlete from playing for Paly team By Sam Blake Staff Writer
Serving over a hundred miles an hour, Palo Alto High School’s Nicky Hu crushed the No. 1 spot from Los Gatos and Gunn. His match against Los Gatos intensified during the first set, until he achieved a close 6-4 victory. After Hu defeated the Gunn No. 1 with two shutout sets, the Paly team recaptured its spot in Central Coast Sectionals (CCS). Why does Paly’s best tennis player, Hu, not usually play for Paly? The answer is simple — tournament life. During his freshman and sophomore years Hu competitively played for Paly, leading the team through two extremely competitive seasons. When the tennis coach asked Hu to play tennis this year, he gladly accepted. Although Hu would be a great asset to the Paly team as they start their CCS run, he remains ineligible because he only played two games for Paly. “I am really good friends with a lot of people on the team, I had no other serious tennis commitments those days so the least I could do would be to help Paly get into CCS and give them a chance to play there,” Hu said. Although his time on the team was short, Hu enjoyed playing with them. “Playing freshman and sophomore years for Paly were two pretty sick years; I liked it a lot my first year,” Hu said. “We were really competitive and the season went really well. We were a little bit more competitive when I was a freshman, but sophomore year was definitely more fun.” When playing on the Paly team, Hu made many friends. “We had a really sick team, including Peter Tseng, Drew Pearson and Chase Cooper,” Hu said. “Playing with those seniors was pretty awesome. They had been playing on the team a lot longer than me so they taught me a couple things about life while I was able to teach them some things about tennis.” Although Hu has no lack of school spirit, evident by his enthusiastic participation in some of his past activities such as playing for the Paly pep band, he simply does not have the time to play for Paly. Hu has been playing tennis since he was four years old, first motivated by his dad and sister when they started playing, as well as his mom. Hu’s high level of play requires him to travel throughout the country to play in nationwide tournaments. “Tournament life is kind of annoying,” Hu said. “You miss a lot of school activities.
Most of the time it is rewarding because if I work hard and play well in the tournament I am usually happy with what I came out with.” Since Hu plays against such a high level of competition he also has to practice with a higher level. “I have a coach in Cupertino sports center and I practice with him sometimes, I also have a friend on the Saratoga team, Depack Sabada, who I practice with,” Hu said. “My coach calls some people that are graduates from Cal [University of California- Berkeley], UW [University of Washington] and Santa Clara [University] and I practice with them. I think playing against people that are at a higher level than me now helps me more than anything because if I am able to beat them or play competitively with them it just tells me that if I can play better I can get to their level.” Hu plays tennis almost every single day of the week and on the off days where he does not touch a tennis racket, he sees a personal trainer to improve his speed and stamina on the court. Although Hu is almost constantly on the court, he barely watches televised professional tennis. “I actually don’t watch a lot of tennis although I play a lot I don’t find tennis on TV very compelling so I wouldn’t really say I have a role model inside of tennis,” Hu said. Although Hu doesn’t have a role model for tennis specifically, his family is. “Outside of tennis I see my sister and she has worked super hard on and off the tennis court so she has been a huge role model in my life,” Hu said. “My parents also because they immigrated from Taiwan and just seeing them be able to be successful and live in a nice community like Palo Alto its a testament to how hard they worked to get here.” Hu’s admiration for his parents comes out in his schoolwork and in tennis. On the court, Hu’s mom can be found at every single game watching him play. Hu gained attention from colleges for his play in a tournament in Alabama. With a shocking victory that won him an Xbox 360 from his mom, he entered the radar of some coaches. “My Alabama tournament was probably one of my best tournaments,” Hu said. “Recently, I have started to play a lot more competitively with the top players so I started off playing a highly seated player in the second round and I knew I needed to start off well.” Although Hu was playing against a high level tennis, player, he took his opponent by surprise and played very well.
Alex Lin/campanile
Junior Nicky Hu frequently practices tennis and competes in high-level tournaments outside of school. This takes up a considerable amount of his time, making it impossible for him to find time to play for Paly’s team. “I don’t think my opponent saw me as much of a threat so I came out pretty strong which definitely surprised him,” Hu said. “I won the first set 6-0 we had a competitive second set a really physical match overall. Beating a high seat, he was number seven, was great even though I lost the in the next round.” Although Hu went on to lose the next round he was able to play two more highly ranked players. Hu’s Alabama tournament was unquestionably one of his best. The tournament advanced his national rank and put him on college coach’s radar when he won two matches against players already recruited for Ivy league tennis. Since Hu plays in myriad national tournaments he quickly gained sponsorship from some of the elite tennis brands. “There is a general quota for getting a sponsorship that varies for each company,”
Senior night ends successful for girls’ lacrosse By Hannah Park Staff Writer
The Palo Alto High School girls’ lacrosse team has kept up a continuous streak of wins since their Western States Tournament. The girls recently defeated Burlingame High School 10-9, Los Gatos High School 13-8, Leland High School 14-5, Saratoga High School away 12-3 and Sacred Heart Prepatory 13-11 and Saratoga at home 15-3. The girls celebrated senior night at their home game against Saratoga High School. The girls played hard throughout the game while giving the seniors opportunities to display their hard work. By halftime, the Paly girls were up 10-2. “I think it was a great game, we really connected,” Sophomore Charlotte Biffar said. “Our seniors all got a chance to show their skills. They’ve been working hard all season. The team is continuing to improve each game and each moment and going hard the whole game.” The seniors are looking forward to the future despite leaving their beloved team behind. Several of the seniors have played on the team since the start of the program. “[My last league game as a senior has] a bittersweet ending,” Senior Emily Benatar said. “We still have playoffs, so that’s exciting but it is sad that the season’s coming to a close. I’ve been playing since freshman year, I was here when the program started. I think that our team is really coming together well at the end of the season.” The players have high hopes for league playoffs but want to focus on playing consistently and continuing their hard work. “I think our team is not [always] consistent about how we play on the field during games so I’m really hoping that we can pull it together like we did in this game and play strong a hundred percent throughout the entire game not just the beginning or the end, for all of our playoff games,” Benatar said.
Varsity coach, Jamie Nesbitt has watched the girls progress throughout the season and is happy about their performance in their last league game. “I think [the girls] played very disciplined which I was really happy about,” Nesbitt said. “We had a couple [setbacks] coming in about controlling the ball, winning the fifty-fifty balls but [we] also [gave] our seniors the opportunity to score. I think we did that really well today.” Although the girls have kept up continuous victories, they still skills to work on and improve. “I think [the team needs to improve on] eliminating our own errors. In this game we still had a couple balls that we threw away that were unforced by the other team so we just need to take care of ourselves and not make mistakes on our own” The girls will play one more non-league, away game against Pioneer High School before advancing on to league playoffs.
Girls Lacrosse Scores @ Sacred Heart May 2, W 13-11 @ Saratoga May 5, W 15-3
Upcoming games vs. Pioneer May 9, 4:30 p.m.
Badminton continues unpredictable season By Clara Chang Staff Writer
The Palo Alto High School badminton team continues its inconsistent season, defeating Mountain View High School 20-10 but losing to Homestead High School 8-22 and Fremont High School 8-22. April 21 was an exciting day for the badminton team, as the Vikings beat Mountain View after a previous close match on March 24, when Paly lost 14-16. “Mountain View’s game was pretty awesome,” sophomore Michael Wang said. “I’m not sure about other players, but it really killed me to know that in our first game with them we lost by a really, really small margin.” Co-coach Stephanie Hsi shares the enthusiasm for the Mountain View match. “This was an exciting day,” Hsi said. “After adjusting our line up, we really came through this time.” Losses against Homestead and Fremont were rough but the junior varsity team still managed to sweep Homestead. “Sometimes people will be tired of playing one event and are interested in switching it up and trying a different event,” Hsi said. “I’m highly supportive of people who express that kind of curiosity, so if someone comes up to me and says ‘Stephanie, I want to try mixed this time’, I make it happen.” Because the team plays each school twice, they are also able to make adjustments to the lineup in order to
optimize the chance of securing a win the second time around. This may seriously benefit the team, according to Wang, now that it has played every school once already. “We already have a good idea [of] who the opponents will be,” Hsi said. “If we know that our opponent has a weak girls singles team, we’ll do our best to beef up our own girls’ singles lineup.” Team camaraderie remains strong for the badminton team. Players have been optimistic since day one and are not swayed by losses; the team is still confident in its potential to win games, according to Li. “We crack jokes even if we lose to another school,” junior Tiffany Tsung said. “Everyone is here to have fun.”
Badminton Scores
@ Homestead May 5, W 16-14
Upcoming games vs. Cupertino May 10, 3:00 pm
Hu said. “I had [the tennis company] Prince for awhile when I was top 25 in the nation. Recently I switched to Babolat which has helped me improve my game a lot.” As Hu continues to move up his national rank he gets sponsored by different companies. After a stellar showing at a tournament in Arizona, Hu was unofficially signed to Babolat. When Hu got home from a recent tournament he had packs of rackets, shoes, a new bag and some tennis strings waiting for him. Recruitment has started to consume Hu’s life since the time to choose colleges that interest him is near. Hu has been looking at a number of different colleges including the University of Michigan. “College is going to be a lot different from where I am now, playing for a team is definitely something I like doing a lot and for college I
want to play on a competitive team without sacrificing a lot of playing time, hopefully in the starting lineup for all four years,” Hu said. Although Hu wants to find a college where he can play tennis, he is still very focused on academics. “At at the same time I am looking for a school with a good business program because I think that’s the area I am interested in,” Hu said. With the college recruitment process heating up, the next few months will be focal for Nicky and his tennis career. “I have a pretty big tournament coming up in Lakewood which is in southern California,” Hu said. “That one should be a pretty good warm up for me I just need to stay sharp competitively. In the summer we have two really big tournaments, level one which is the highest level national tournament you can play.”
Girls’ softball hopes to make CCS By Annabel Snow Staff Writer
Despite a few unfortunate losses in the past few weeks, the girls’ varsity softball team (7-15) has tried to stay together through team bonding and collective focus in the hope of staying in the running for the Central Coast Section (CCS) and ending the season on a positive note. With their current league record of 7-15, the girls may still have a chance to place third in their league, which will be possible if they continue to win after defeating Fremont High School in a game that took place on April 26 at Palo Alto High School. Prior to this game, however, the team was not as successful. While playing against the Los Gatos High School Wildcats on April 21, the Vikings struggled to keep up and lost 3-9. Later that week, the Lady Vikes played against the Cupertino High School Pioneers and suffered another loss with a score of 0-7. Despite these minor setbacks, the game against Fremont High School was an easy victory for the girls. The Vikings did not grant their opposition any runs, and came out with a win, scoring 3-0. “We knew already that Fremont was going to be a fairly easy win but we came out with a lot of intensity and we all wanted a win,” senior catcher Anna Gale said. With consistent pitching from freshman Julia Saul and ample intensity from each player, the Lady Vikes scored two runs early and held their lead throughout the game. With a final point scored in the fifth inning by senior Mariah Phillips, the Lady Vikes continued to play well defensively and ultimately did not let anything by them, guaranteeing them the win. “I think we started off awesome defensively, but a little slow offensively,” junior outfielder Emily Swanson said. “We definitely pulled up the intensity on offense and kept it there for the majority of the game, but we needed to be more aggressive at the plate especially with runners in scoring positions.” The improvements in the team this season have been greatly aided by the quality time the Lady Vikes spend together on and off the field. “We have come together as a team a lot more in the past few weeks,” Gale said. “There has been a lot of team bonding and I feel like I know the team a lot better.” With high spirits from the recent win, the girls feel confident and hope to make it to CCS in order to rank well in the league and end the season successfully. “Our goal for the rest of the season is to keep up the focus and intensity that we have had so far and make it as far as we can in our league,” Gale said. However, about a week after the girls’ win, they endured a difficult game against Wilcox High School, which may consequently strain their chance in succeeding in CCS. “Well [our chance to do well in CCS] would have been great if we had won yesterday, but we lost a heart breaker to Wilcox 6-4,” head coach Tim Anderson said. “If we had won that we could have controlled our destiny, but now we only have three games left that we have to win, and hopefully we’ll get a little help.” After enduring an up and down season, the team needs to be successful in the last few league games in order to place well in the CCS tournament. By sticking together and learning from their mistakes, they still have a great chance to end the season on a good
Lauren Wong/ Campanile
In the past several weeks, Paly’s girls’ varsity softball team has bounced back from losses. note and eventually obtain a high rank while having fun at the same time. “I think right now after a tough loss we have to make sure we are emotionally together and on the same page, and make sure we’re having fun and working hard, take a little pressure off, and make it as fun as possible,” Anderson said.
GIRLS SOftball Scores @ Wilcox May 3, L 4-6 @ Mountain View May 5, W 8-7 Santa Clara May 7, not reported
Upcoming Games @ Homestead May 12, 4:00 p.m.
SPORTS
A12 • May 9, 2011
Speedos are the key to victory
The Campanile
Baseball sets high expectations after recent wins Vikings pull out victory senior night, come back from five run deficit By Jillian Chacon Staff Writer
JordanZenger in my opinion When I first took up the sport of diving, way back when at the beginning of sophomore year, I chose to equip myself with the traditional boardshorts. It was the suit that I had used my entire life and it was the same type of suit that my team used to practice. I went through my early months of diving in a blissful ignorance of the suit that would come to haunt my nightmares in the upcoming years. With lots of practice I made quick progress in the sport and it eventually came time for my first qualifying meet. When I first entered the pool that day I was unaware of the dramatic realization that I was about to come to. All of the competitors stretched out and when they were finished it was time to get on the boards. As I clad myself in my favorite pair of boardshorts I looked around and to my utter horror I saw one of the divers wearing a speedo. This was not a normal solid colored speedo. This diver chose to adorn himself with a leopard print speedo. I was shocked by this because I had no idea that anybody wore these suits to compete. However, I hid my astonishment and went about warming up. I bounced on the board a couple of times and jumped into the water, completing a flip and a half on the way down. As I breached the surface of the water I saw “leopard-boy” slowly and purposefully walking to the end of the board to adjust his fulcrum. He then proceeded to make his way down the length of the board, bounce once and jump up, flipping faster than anyone I had seen in my life. He kicked out at the perfect time and made no splash when he hit the water. I was astounded and as I watched him through the rest of the meet I realized that he was the best diver that I had ever seen. As the meet ended my coach approached me and informed me that he fully expected me to wear a speedo by the end of the season. Instantly my jaw dropped, my body froze and I felt immediately sick to my stomach. There was no way that I was going to wear whatever that thing was that I had seen earlier. As the season progressed I met many more divers and I noticed a trend in the scores. The amount of points a diver scored on a dive was increased a noticeable amount if they were wearing a speedo. With the thought of Central Coast Section looming on the horizon I decided to forgo my usual boardshorts in favor of the suit that I had seen so many amazing divers wear before me. I went out and bought a speedo and decided to wear it for my next qualifying meet. The day I first wore it was one of the most awkward days of my life. In the beginning it was just as bad as I thought it would be, if not worse. My legs were blindingly white, which made sense considering that they had never seen the light of day. I got on the board for my first dive and felt more awkward than ever. As I prepared for my first dive, I took several calming breaths and got on the board. I felt even more uncomfortable now that I was the center of attention for the entire meet. I focused my mind on the dive, walked the length of the board, jumped, turned, and landed in the water. When I returned to the surface I looked over at the judges and was astonished to see my scores. They were the best set of scores that I had ever received for one of my dives. It was then that I realized the true power of the speedo. The fuller range of motion that they allowed was helpful for completing dives, but that paled in comparison to their true purpose. The speedo is used to weed out those who aren’t truly committed to diving. The public embarrassment for wearing such a small piece of clothing is only worth it to those who really care about the sport and honestly want to progress in it. At the end of my meet I looked at my score card and I realized that I had qualified for the CCS meet. I was extremely happy and was reluctant to attribute my recent success to my swimsuit choice for the meet. I finally gathered the nerve to acknowledge the aid of my new fashion choice and since then I have worn a speedo for every one of my meets.
As the families of the graduating seniors lined the field, the crowd gave a big round of applause. Seniors second basemen George Brown, outfielders Cory Tenanes, Jeff Cohen, Christoph Bono, first basemen T.J. Braff, catcher Will Glazier, infielder and pitcher Drake Swezey and pitchers Graham Marchant Sam Maliska celebrated their last year playing for the Palo Alto Vikings varsity baseball team. After each player was introduced along with a small biography of their interests and favorite quote, the game began against Saratoga High School. In the top of the first inning, the Vikings gave up five runs to Saratoga, leaving the score 5-0. According to the starting pitcher, junior Kevin Kannappan, everything was going wrong during the first inning. “I struggled big time in the first inning,” Kannappan said. “After that I realized it was up to my teammates and at that point nothing could really get worse.” During both the first and second innings no runs were scored for Palo Alto and the team was struggling to get ahead. “We really badly needed a game where we had to respond and not curl up into our shell,” Glazier said. “The first two innings were kind of rough at the plate and after the second inning we went down there [the plate] and had a talk.” With Cohen on second base and Tenanes on first base, junior center-fielder B.J. Boyd had a hit down the first base line allowing for Cohen to score the Vikings’ first run. “The third inning we got guys on base, we set up a rally and we only got one run out of it, which was a little disappointing,” Glazier said. Although during the third inning one run was scored, the bottom of the fourth inning was very exciting. In the beginning of the fourth inning the score was 5-1, by the end of the inning Palo Alto was leading by two runs. “Every inning we kind of chipped away at the score and in the fourth we had the big inning, we put up six runs,” Swezey said. The game was not over yet. In the bottom of the sixth inning the Vikings scored two more runs, now leading Saratoga by four runs. Being their second-to-last league game and senior night, Palo Alto was proud of the way they played. “The whole senior night was emotional, thinking back on all the four years I have been
Riki rattner/campanile
Junior Jack Witte bats against the Los Altos High School Eagles on May 3. The Vikings won 4-3 in first game of the best of three series between Los Altos. The Eagles won the next game and the series concluded on May 6 at Paly. playing here,” Swezey said. “Maybe we got caught up in the festivities but we played a hell of a game on our senior night and it has been a great four years.” Although the Vikings came out victorious, they struggled to defeat Saratoga. The game was very close. “It was like a complete team effort,” Kannappan said. “I just needed to throw strikes and keep my pitches down and [Saratoga] couldn’t hit and we started hitting. It was great, we saw no errors on the board and it was team playing.” According to Kannappan the team needs to work on a few aspects of their play. “I thought it was a pretty good effort all around but one thing that we need to get better at is base running and our initial hitting,” Kannapan said. For most of the seniors, the game against Saratoga brought back vivid emotions and
memories of the past four years of playing on the team. “It is weird to think that I have played four years on this field and in this program,” Glazier said. “I can’t really believe it. I have made such great friends on this team and all the teams that I have played for.” Glazier not only played Paly baseball all four years, but he also was a linebacker for the football team as well. “Senior night in football was a little different because I was like, ‘Screw it, I still have one more season playing baseball with my friends’,” Glazier said. “But now I feel I have a month left of high school and the regular season is over.” Playing Saratoga was the Vikings’ last league game but they still have more games left. The following game against Menlo also proved to be victorious as exemplified by the score range.
With the final score being 14-7, Palo Alto once again came out on top.
Baseball Scores vs. Los Altos May 3, W 4-3 vs. Los Altos May 5, L 4-7 vs. Los Altos May 6, not reported
Upcoming games SCVAL Finals or CCS to TBA
Track dominates Milpitas, prepares for post-season finale Team sets sight on De Anza League Finals after victorious meet By Wesley Xiao
Despite being unable to obtain many first place finishes on the track, The Palo Alto High School track the Paly girls showed improvement team continues to work hard as it through their consistent second and prepared for the De Anza League third place finishes. Finals on May 5. The girls managed to grab The team showed its true poten- an easy eight points through a tial after dominating Milpitas High 400-meter race that consisted of only School on April 7. sophomore Josie Butler and junior The varsity boys, JV boys, varsity Lydia Guo. girls and JV girls all beat their Milpitas While the girls on the track counterparts with a score of 98-29, struggled, the girls’ field team com83-44, 78-48 and 104-23, respectively. peted well with multiple first place The crushing victory from the JV girls performances. foreshadows strong seasons for the Freshman Charlotte Alipate coming years. placed third in both the shot put The Paly boys’ 100 meter, 200 and discus with distances of 28’4”, meter and 400 meter teams kept ex- and 69’2” respectively. pectations high that day with the top Paly faced cross-town rival three places of each race taken by Paly. Henry M. Gunn High School on April These three races together 28 with its all but only varsity girls accumulated an impressive 27 to ended the day with a victory. Milpitas’ 0. Similarly to the Milpitas meet, Senior Maurice Williams, Junior Paly swept the 100-meter, 200-meTremaine Kirkman and senior Miles ter and 400-meter races. Floreal Anderson each took first, second came in first place in both the 200 and third place respectively in the and 400-meter races despite a less 100 meter. rigorous race in anticipation for Sophomore EJ Floreal, Ander- league finals. son and Kirkman took first, second “[Head Coach Jason] Fung told and third place respectively in the me not to go all out because we 200 meter and Junior Morris Gates- have league championships next Mouton, sophomore Brandon Douty week, and [Central Coast Sectionals] and junior Lucas Brooks, took first, because I qualified, so for jogging, it second and third respectively in the was pretty good race,” Floreal said. 400 meter. Senior hurdler Grant Sauer This year’s short distance boys’ finished the day with a new personal team seems to have little weakness, as record in the 110 hurdles, improvall of Paly hurdlers managed to grab ing his previous time of 15.10 to an the top two positions in both the 110 impressive time of 14.81. and 300-meter hurdles. Based off an April 25 assessment A notable performance came of current top CCS marks for the 110 from junior Brian Benton with his hurdles, Sauer’s time would currentfirst place ly place him at finish in the second place. 300-meter “I’m hoping the girls can take “It wasn’t high hur- the league title, but first we legally wind dles with have to beat Mountain View’s aided, but a time of there was a 46.87, de- girls’ team.” definite wind spite havme,” Jason Fung pushing ing never Sa u e r s a i d . Head Track Coach “A n d e v e n run the 300 meter bethough I hit a fore. lot of hurdles, Another fact that attributed I got a fast time. So I know there to Paly’s victory was Milpitas’ non- are things I can improve upon, but existent high jump team. it felt very good overall. As a team I Senior Brandon Dukovic and think we performed well this meet. sophomores Victor Du, and Grant We didn’t win, but a lot of runners Shorin placed first, second and PR’ed and we placed in almost every third place respectively out of the event. There are definitely still gaps three participates of the high jump, we need to fill and events we need dominating the board. to work on, but I think we’ve grown
Staff Writer
Susan Heinselman/campanile
Junior Lucas Brooks (front) gets ready to run the 400 meter dash against Gunn High School. The varsity boys team beat Gunn and is currently competing at the league and SCVAL finals. stronger throughout the season and we’ll do well in leagues.” Although the girls’ team was unable to defeat Gunn, they have grown stronger throughout the season. Multiple personal records throughout the day were testament to this, and the girls hope to build on this during the next week in preparation for league finals. The girls’ field team shows improvement with many first and second place finishes in various events. Of the three different jumping events, Paly took first in all of them except for the high jump. Senior Helen Butler was able to take first in the long jump with a length of 34-09.25, a clear three feet farther than the second place jumper. Junior Torie Nielson started the season slowly due to complications, but she was still able to earn the team 9 points by placing first, second and third in the long jump, 100 meter and 200 meter respectively. “I PR’ed in both the 100 and long jump, placing second and first
respectively,” Nielson said. “In the 200 I started out slow and had to pick it up near the end, so I definitely feel I could have done better, but I got third which was okay. But anyway, overall, I felt this meet was a good one, and I’m hoping do even better in leagues next week.” While short distance runners show improvement, the long distance team continues to struggle. They managed to earn the team only two points. The two points came from a third place finish by senior Susan Heinselman in the mile, and one point from a third place finish by junior Anne Hildebrand in the two mile. “I’m hoping the girls can take the league title, but first we have to beat Mountain View’s girls’ team. And I’m hopeful the boys will be able to put it to the Mountain View boys for the title,” Fung said. Overall, Paly track has put in a significant amount of effort into their meets and is now looking forward to and preparing for the Santa
Clara Valley Athletic League finals at Santa Clara High School on May 13th.
track Girls Scores vs. Milpitas April 7, W 78-48 @ Paly April 28, L 52-75
Boys Scores vs. Milpitas March 26, W 98-29 vs. Gunn April 28, W 96-81
Upcoming meets SCVAL Finals
@ Santa Clara High School May 13, TBA
L fe styles The Campanile
Features • A&E • People
Monday, May 9, 2011
Life is Ruff
rebeccaruff in my opinion
I don’t understand environmentalists. They seem to pride themselves on being conscientious and informed and yet, when prodded as to why they’re environmentalists, in my limited experience, they seem to flounder and mutter something about “sustainability.” And it’s even worse because they firmly seem to believe that just because they phrase the end goal to their efforts as “saving the planet” they feel like they can stand on moral high ground above logging companies, people in business, and even random passersby who don’t recycle when the environmentalists themselves don’t have any idea what “saving the planet” even means. Believe me, I love having a good goal to strive towards as much as anyone else but lets be realistic, we’re not “saving the planet.” The planet is fine. If we cut down all the trees, and use up all the oil and the climate swings wildly out of control, then humans will go extinct. We can’t adapt that quickly. The world on the other hand — it’s been through worse. This planet is amazing at self-regulation. If the trees are cut down and we run out of oxygen, then there will be an excess of CO2 and more greenery will spring .up to consume it, and balance out the planet again. We are not so powerful that we can destroy the world. And even if we can, what’s one small planet in the Universe? No, “saving the planet” is at best a euphemism. What environmentalists really mean is “saving the human race.” Okay, so we’re not fighting to “save the planet.” Plenty of environmentalists understand that. Then the environmentalists who understand they are merely trying to save the human race, the humanitarians of the bunch, would saying “but what about inequality? The only reason we can consume resources is because we’re wealthy enough to have that option. If we continue using up the world’s resources then that means other people will starve and that’s cruel.” Well, I’d say, what about deer? They are overpopulating the East Coast. They are running out of resources and many deer are hunted each year because that’s seen as more humane than letting them starve to death. Now let’s pretend for a moment that we let them starve to death. Are those deer that get to eat and continue living morally in the wrong because other deer are dying? I’d say no, they are not morally responsible for the death of the other deer — but it is wildly incorrect to say that the deer that got to survive is better than the other. It’s important to keep in mind that it was that deer’s situation, not the deer, that keep it alive. Now, for humans, we are overpopulating the planet and I’d argue that there are not enough resources for everyone — even if they were distributed evenly. So, like the deer, those who use the resources are not morally in the wrong because others don’t get them — although it’s crucial to note that anything with the rationale that one person “deserved” it over another is incorrect. Of course, there are legitimate arguments for specific environmental actions. Vegetarians often are concerned about world hunger and are trying to eat lower on the trophic levels to free up arable land so that there will be enough food for everyone when overpopulation becomes a legitimate issue. People who compost are usually upset by the idea of landfills, etc. So here’s the point — don’t accept majority opinions, whether they come from the left or the right, an environmentalist in a beanie or a businessman in a suit. Nobody knows what they’re talking about, they’re all just trapped in this giant game of generational telephone. Now I’m not saying be a nihilist (necessarily), just be realistic. Personally, I only eat meat from the farmer’s market and I try to conserve paper and I recycle so I’m definitely not saying give up your environmentalist principles, just think about both sides before you launch in wholeheartedly. Try to see how there are legitimate reasons for being an environmentalist, or a logger. Neither are objectively correct, it’s more of a personal preference. Basically, I agree, the only truly evil forces in the Universe are ignorance and conformity, but just please, in your search to “save the planet,” beware of people who have all the answers, and stay doubting my friends.
try the sport. He started surfing in high school but was unable to By Camille Ezran and Maya Krasnow continue due to the East Coast’s weather conditions. He was able Business and Ad Managers Every surfer has a harrowing story. For Palo Alto High School to take up the sport more seriously when he moved to California. “Watching August and Hynson [two surfers from the movie art teacher David Camner, his story begins on a day like any other. “It is a beautiful cove, with high cliffs, and a glorious beach,” ‘The Endless Summer’ ] take off on unbelievably glassy hollow Camner said. “The water is very clear and cold. It is remote, and waves on a piece of foam was just utterly ridiculous,” Bolanos said. “I knew I had to try it but I wasn’t sure I could get myself to we were the only people out surfing.” Surfing at Plaskett Creek south of Big Sur, Camner spots a gray swim in open waters. My mom said I was nuts and gave me a long shape below him. He does not think much of it until he hears a lecture, more like a curse, on my imminent death. Of course, I scream from his friend, nicknamed the Coyote. Both paddle franti- ignored it. So I paid this local surfer named Moe to take me out cally back to shore as the Coyote describes the 15 foot shark that one day and I surprisingly caught two or three waves on my belly. I didn’t stand up but I was hooked.” surfaced alongside of him. Since then, Bolanos has accumulated a collection of boards “We were a bit energized by the close encounter,” Camner said. “We met four young locals who we know, coming down the for every type of swell. He has a 9’8” noserider by Junod, which stairs, who surf there quite a bit, relayed our story, but they just has a narrow outline and is a replica of what surfers were riding brushed it off with an ‘Oh, that was one of the Blue’s that we see during the mid 1960’s. He also has a 7’2” hull shaped single fin for all the time here. They don’t bother us!’ Needless to stay our bi- large waves, a 6’0 swift movement twin feel fish, a 9’0” hap jacobs performance longboard, which is made from environmentallyannual trip to Plaskett was put off for several years.” Camner has been surfing since he was 14 years old, enticed by friendly material and a 9’6” hansen “competitor” model from 1968 the California surfing craze of the 1960’s. Hitting the waves three that he keeps for summer surf trips. Like Camner, Bolanos has also experienced a surfer’s worst to four times per week, surfing has become an addictive diversion nightmare. Three years ago, while surfing Montara, a swell North and an enjoyable past time for this Paly teacher. “Surfing is competitive, relaxing and great exercise,” Camner of Half-Moon Bay with a friend, he suddenly felt that something said. “It is challenging and physical. Being in the water, you tune was wrong. “It is hard to describe, but you had this terrifying feeling someinto the oceanic environment with all your senses and become thing bad was about to happen,” Bolanos said. “Three seconds one with nature.” Paly history teacher Benjamin Bolanos also rides the waves in later a seal carcass emerged between us, freshly decapitated. We his spare time. When the conditions are clear and the swells are looked at each other and paddled like mad back to shore and managed to take a wave in. I haven’t surfed ideal, he packs one of his boards into his car and Montara since.” drives to a beach where he meets up with other “There’s never the same wave But this experience has not deterred Bolanos local surfers. For Bolanos, surfing is an art that and so you’re always figuring from the water. He regularly drives before or after can never be mastered. out how to surf better. That’s school to Linda Mar, a surf spot close to home, “There’s never the same wave and so you’re the drive.” always figuring out how to surf better,” Bolanos Benjamin Bolanos or Ocean Beach. In Santa Cruz his favorite swells said. “That’s the drive. Plus, surfing is part skill, Paly History Teacher are 38th Avenue, Shark’s Cove, Drainpipes and the Hook. Camner enjoys some of these same athleticism and art. You have to be in decent surf spots, as well as Deadman’s, Privates and shape, your technique needs to be respectable, and you got to make it look good. It’s hard to watch graceless North County in San Diego. Both Camner and Bolanos prefer the surfers. I have to say if people just took off their leashes they’d more isolated surfing locations. “I enjoy remote surfing much more than a crowded popular make less mistakes and actually surf better. The fear of losing your board heightens your senses and you’re forced to work on break,” Camner said. For Bolanos, surfing is a way of life that encompasses danger, the fundamentals.” Bruce Brown’s movie The Endless Summer inspired Bolanos to thrill and pure love of the sport.
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Monday, May 9 2011 • B2
Behind-the-scenes theater crew makes shows possible Theater ‘techies’ work off-stage to ensure plays run smoothly, cues are met promptly By Lauren Wong Staff Writer
Beyond the vibrant, bustling city scene, the lavish, elaborate costumes and the powerful monologues, a crew of ten students waits behind the green velvet curtains for the lights in Haymarket Theater to dim. Junior Heather Gaya prepares for the sound cue, while senior Melanie Brenton communicates with the assistant stage managers to make sure the run crew is ready for a set change. When the lights go off, the crew races on stage, replacing the cobblestone streets with a marble staircase within seconds. Brenton checks her notes on the lighting for the upcoming scene as Gaya stands by the sound board, preparing for the next cue. Audiences never fail to appreciate the vocal and theatrical talent that Paly productions are renowned for, but many times they forget to acknowledge those who make it all possible — the techies. “A lot of people don’t even know techies exist, but we spend an enormous amount of time in the theater,” Gaya said. “Techies do numerous jobs behind the scenes that seem to go unnoticed.” Sophomore Ethan Cohen, one of the heads of carpentry, explains the several categories of stage technicians, or techies. “Basically, there are six or seven main departments in tech: carpentry, lights, sound, props, costumes, stage management and house management,” Cohen said. “Generally speaking, [senior] Susannah Cai and I head carpentry, Melanie Brenton, [senior] Lily McLeod and [freshman] Henry Wilen do lights, Heather Gaya does sound and [sophomore] Emma Levine-Sporer does costumes. There are, of course, many more people who help out in various areas as needed.” All techies are enrolled in the Stage Technology and Design class at Paly, which satisfies either the Fine Arts or Career Technical Education graduation requirement. According to Brenton, anywhere from six to 15 students are involved in each production depending on the size of the production. “As far as ‘becoming the main techies,’ it’s mostly based on who is willing to learn and do the most work,” Brenton said. “As you get older you get more important jobs. [The other three main techies, Cai, Cohen and Gaya] are all very dedicated to the theater. They spend a lot of time there; even if there’s nothing specific to work on, they find something to do in the theater. Henry [Wilen] is a freshman, but he is very interested in lights and knows a lot about the light board just by goofing around on it. “ Cohen, whose official title is Master Carpenter, is in charge of building the sets for the productions. He takes drawings and concepts from the scenic designer, Cai, then makes more detailed drawings and heads a group of people to build them. The main jobs of his construction and painting crew are to construct sets and maintain the theater through repairs of the seats and stage. While Cai and Cohen do all their technician work before the production opens, Bren-
Courtesy of the paly theatre
Senior Melanie Brenton aids her fellow techies with her stage work on the set of Paly’s production of Our Town. Brenton is one of ten Paly students who work on the other side of the curtain, maintaining the play’s even flow. ton and Gaya work continuously throughout the show’s performances. “During a normal production I mainly work on audio,” Gaya said. “This involves anything from finding music for intermission to creating sound cues, to setting up speakers or microphones. The audio and lighting technicians, in addition to their job during the show, have to do a large amount of setup, rehanging lights, setting up speakers, conferring with the director about specific interpretations of various cues, etc.” While Gaya is in charge of the audio crew, Brenton controls both the lights and the stage. She has been the stage manager for all of the Paly productions this year. During the show, Brenton calls lighting and sound cues as well as set changes. At a typical production, Gaya and Brenton sit in a small room in the balcony called “the booth,” which contains the light and sound boards. “The stage manager also sits in there so they can see everything that happens onstage,” Brenton, who plans to study stage management at Southern Oregon University next fall, said. “Then there are two assistant stage managers who sit backstage, one on either side [of the stage]. They have headsets and are in communication with the stage manager. All of the run crew also stays backstage so they are ready for set changes.”
Although assistant stage managers act mostly as backstage sounding boards for the stage manager, they also help out with the run crew during set changes. Since many of the techies help each other in different fields, Gaya says everyone learns “a variety of skills.” “[The] Stage Manager calls all the cues during the production and deals with any problems accordingly,” Gaya said. “Other techies, Assistant Stage Managers, help backstage during the production, calling cues for some actors, moving set pieces during scene changes, or generally making sure the Stage Manager has a clear verbal connection with backstage activity. I do a lot of general work, such as assisting in build, hanging lights, or occasionally painting something for a set.” Unlike larger-scale productions such as My Fair Lady and Our Town, the upcoming One Acts will require less technician work. One Acts is a series of short plays that are acted, directed, produced, teched and sometimes written by students. As a result, Brenton, Gaya and Cohen’s involvement in the production will deviate slightly from what their usual roles as technicians demand. “For One Acts, I’m not as directly involved as usual,” Gaya said. “Normally, I both design the sound and then operate the board during the production, but this time I’m just designing the sound.”
Like Gaya, Cohen will not be doing as much of his usual work for One Acts as he would during a bigger show. “For a plethora of reasons, [like] the small budget [and] having six different plays, One Acts generally has very little in the way of scenic pieces,” Cohen said. “Whereas for My Fair Lady it took us about two months to build and pain the entire set, I will probably build the couple small things for this show in about a week. Additionally, because of this small set, I am also acting in one of the plays.” However, while Gaya and Cohen’s jobs will still remain centered around their usual specialties, Brenton will not be participating in stage tech at all for One Acts. Instead, she will direct the production which, due to the unique nature of its six different shows, will be an interesting change from her usual work as stage manager. “For One Acts I’m actually not doing tech, I’m directing, but the technical aspect for One Acts is a lot different because it’s six different shows so it’s different sets for each one and different kinds of cues and props,” Brenton said. All three began their “techie” careers because they loved theater, but found that they preferred the backstage to the spotlight. “I love the theater but I hate being onstage, so tech is really fun to see all the backstage stuff that happens,” Brenton, said.
Benton has been a techie since seventh grade at David Starr Jordan Middle School. Like Brenton, Cohen began his techie career in middle school. “I have been a techie since eighth grade,” Cohen said. “I started in sound because I had learned about the basics of the sound board at a music summer camp the prior summer and wanted to be involved in the show, but had no desire or ability to sing.” On the other hand, Gaya joined stage tech at the beginning of freshman year for the same reason as Brenton. She was also inspired by her brother Paly alum of 2010 Nicholas, a former stage tech whom she says gave her the courage to become a techie herself. “I started doing tech after participating in a Jordan production and enjoying the theater experience without having to be directly on stage,” Gaya said. Since then, the three say being techies have “taken over” their Paly careers. “In a way, [it] is good — it’s what I want to do, and I have a lot of fun doing it,” Brenton said. “[My schoolwork situation] usually works out okay and my teachers usually understand that I get really busy, so it’s fine. Not to mention, we went to [the] Thespian State Conference a couple of weeks ago in Los Angeles. All of the others that I mentioned were there. We all interviewed for the All-State show and got on the crew for it, which is pretty cool.” Although Gaya says that being a techie has at times negatively affected her grades and sleep patterns, it provides a way for her to alleviate everyday stress. “Over the past three years I’ve spent over 1,000 hours in the theater, with more to come in the near future,” Gaya said. On the other hand, doing tech has filled me with a great sense of community, since I have definitely found a unique niche that calms me down from the pressures of high school. Sometimes Paly can be hard to get through socially, so it’s really nice to find a niche where you can bond with people from different grade levels or social groups. When working on sets, it can be really stressful at first ... but everyone’s really supportive and friendly.” During Tech Week, the week before a show opens, techies sometimes stay at the theater as late as 12 a.m. to work on rehearsals, props and cues, leaving little time to do homework. However, Cohen says this “hell week” has taught him how to manage his time more efficiently by balancing tech with other extracurriculars. “The fact that tech is so flexible means that except for during [a] specific time, I can still have time for things like Jazz Band and Debate,” Cohen said. “I love being part of a great group that is all working together to create something awesome. The best single moment is when you put in that last screw or last coat of paint, usually right before opening night, and you know it’s finally done - until next show, that is.”
Verde cartoonist sketches unique comics with embedded messages Senior Ava Dordi creates cheerful comics for school magazine, also accessible online By Helen Chen
will probably happen in terms of plot development is that eventually Bruce (Batman) and Diana (Wonder Woman) Whether it is a statement about the tedious tribu- will acknowledge that they are, in fact, dating (as much as lations of college admissions or a light-hearted remark little kids can be dating, anyway).” about the dwindling popularity of school dances, Palo The comics are drawn in Dordi’s signature skilled, yet Alto High School magazine Verde cartoonist senior Ava youthful and playful-looking cartoon style. As opposed to Dordi always manages to clearly convey the message the black and white comics that most Palo Alto High School through her quirky cartoons. However, apart from being students have seen Dordi draw in Verde, The Justice Babies the cartoonist of the magazine, Dordi has also created is a comic set in vibrant colors. Dordi puts a lot of time into her own original online comic: The Justice Babies. her comics — to make another installment is a process “The Justice League” is a popular name in cartoon which can take up to a couple of weeks. culture — it is based on a television show and the “First my sister and I actually have to write the script league features widely recognized superheroes, such for an “episode,”which can take a few hours or a few days, as Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, and the Green depending on how inspired we are,” Dordi said. “The drawLantern. Given that, The Justice Babies is exactly what ing in pencil takes longer, obviously, and can take several it sounds like. days or a week to finish, and going “I was watching this show over the whole thing in pen can and there was this awesome epi- “I initially posted the first comic take a few hours in one sitting if I sode where Batman, Superman, on the forums of a comic book, have time. Then I scan them and Wonder Woman and Green get the images into Photoshop, Lantern turned into kids, and I TV, general pop culture website where I color them digitally. This thought, ‘they should be like this and I got a lot of really positive usually takes a couple of hours all the time’,” Dordi said. “So my responses.” per page, though I’ve been getting sister and I decided to write The faster at it lately. Then I upload Ava Dordi the pages on to the web and post Justice Babies, comics about the Justice League as kids.” senior them online for everyone to see.” Dordi gained inspiration The Justice Babies episodes through the popular superhero are available via internet on film, The Dark Knight. Dordi’s own blogspot page. “So it wasn’t really The Dark Knight that made me However, the comic has also been receiving publicity on draw comics,” Dordi said. “It was just the thing that another website. triggered my appreciation for comics and superheroes “I initially posted the first comic on the forums of in general.” a comic book, TV, general pop culture website called However, The Justice Babies aims to be a cheerful earth-2.net and I got a lot of really positive responses to comic. Themes that appear through the comics are the first comic so my sister and I wrote more,” Dordi said. highly relatable to high school students. “I posted them on Blogspot later because then they’re all An example of such is in ‘Impressions’, the seventh in one convenient location as opposed to each being its episode of The Justice Babies, where Batman tries many own separate forum post.” misguided attempts (growing a beard, telling a joke The earth-2.net website ‘s tag line is ‘Geek culture which falls flat) to win the affections of Wonder Woman. at its finest.’ The website is a niche on the internet for The overall comic does not have the intense and dra- comic books, video game, film and animation enthusiasts. matic plot line of many typical action packed superhero Earth-2.net features various forms of opinionated writing, comics, but rather is appropriately light, chronicling the such as reviews and columns, regarding those previously day to day adventures of child superheroes. mentioned subjects. “I don’t think I’m really going to have an ongoing It also has an interactive forum, where website viewers plot with the Justice Babies so there’s no real story line can discuss freely and a weekly podcast of reviews of the that I have in mind,” Dordi said. “I think the most that newest “geek” culture. When Dordi had posted the comics
Lifestyles Editor
Marc havlik/ campanile
Senior Ava Dordi, Verde’s personal cartoonist, sketches various comics with underlying messages. Dordi’s work The Justice Babies is also available online for the public to enjoy. on the forum, one of them had received up to 700 views. Earth-2 also has plans in the near future to post Dordi’s comics on the main homepage of the website. “It is going to be really exciting [having my comic posted on the main page] because hopefully that will expose my comics to people who visit the website but not necessarily the forums,” Dordi said. Currently, Dordi does not receive any profit from the comics besides the sheer satisfaction of having published work. She plans on pursuing her comics during college, as she will be attending University of California Berkeley in the fall.
“I definitely plan on writing comics throughout college,” Dordi said. “It’s a lot of fun and I don’t see any reason why I would stop doing them in the near future.” While the Paly comic book community is relatively quiet, Dordi still holds words of encouragement for aspiring authors. “Find comics, webcomics, etc. that inspire you and just keep drawing,” Dordi said. “Find your style, experiment, do crazy things and have fun because the best part about cartooning is how much fun it is.” ‘The Justice Babies’ are posted on Dordi’s blog and available for public viewing online at http://the-justicebabies.blogspot.com/.
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The Campanile
May 9, 2011 • B3
2012 United States Presidential Election Preview With primaries nearing, Republicans, Democrats begin presidential campaigns By Hannah Totte Staff Writer
A
rticles in several issues of The Campanile this year have supported the idea that the Palo Alto High School student body should be more informed regarding current events. According to these stories, through either a set time during the school day or due to teachers’ incorporation of local, national and international news into common curriculum, students could gain more insight into what is happening in the world. With the May 17, 2012 election primary date approaching, more students who have turned 18 in the past year are given an opportunity to put forth their opinion on a national scale. By Nov. 6, 2012, many of this year’s sophomores will be able to vote in their first election. Politicians are increasingly using social media, such as Facebook and YouTube, to promote their political ideologies and campaign strategies. Geared towards involving the younger demagogue, this technique spreads simplified platforms and political propaganda to the new voting generation, which presumably has easy access to these specific outlets and related others. What with all of the stress regarding academics, athletics, visual and performing arts and extracurriculars, students may feel that they do not have the time to investigate the general information, pros and cons of the most popular candidates. After California voters approved Proposition 14 last year, which proposed changes to the ballot system, primaries will work in a two-top fashion, meaning that voters do not have to vote for a partisan offer candidate that has been chosen by his or her respective political party. Instead, everyone has a free vote; the top two highest vote receivers will be competing for general election. “Typically, only party stalwarts turn out for primary elections, and internal partisan politics has a major role to play in how these elections turn out,” W.E. Messamore said in an article written for the California Independent Voter Network in March. “Proponents of the top two open primary anticipate a future with less partisan bickering and gridlock, and more ‘moderate’ politicians representing a wider swath of voters’ interests and policy preferences.” The 2011 Off-Year primary in California is being held to elect a new member of the 36th Congressional District, located in Los Angeles County, who will replace Representative Jane Harmon. As candidates compete for the spot,
Republican Party
Gage SkidMore/Creative Commons
Mitt Romney
Former Governer of Massachusetts Although Mitt Romney’s campaign slowed after a caucus loss in 2008, this former governor of Massachusetts and founder of successful venture capital and investment firm Bain Capital is well known for his expertise in business and is one of the mostexperienced and most well known potential candidates in the election. Romney announced his plans to run in April, and so far political observers and public polls have established him as a frontrunner for the Republican nomination. As governor, Romney was able to balance the state budget and ensure health care to every Massachusetts citizen without raising taxes. “As you know, I spent my career in the private sector,” Romney said during the Carroll County Lincoln Day Dinner on March 5. “I know how jobs are created and how jobs are lost. I have helped guide more than one enterprise that was in crisis. And I learned that there are three rules of every successful turnaround: focus, focus, focus.” Romney advocates lowering taxes and curbing government spending. He also has supported the idea of less dependence on oil to help both the environment and the economy. Romney changed his view on abortion from for a woman’s right to choose to pro-life, believing that Roe v. Wade should be immediately overturned, leaving the abortion issue to individual states.
Newt Gingrich
Former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich, a former Speaker of the House from 1995-1999, announced at an Atlantic press conference in March that he will be exploring a campaign for the 2012 election as well. In 2008, Gingrich was expected to run for the position of president, but decided not to when he realized he did not want to abandon his work as the time as chairman of American Solutions, a not-for-profit organization that he founded in 2007. A big time Republican, Gingrich has been getting a lot of political press for his conservative views. Although he has not yet formally created an exploratory committee, Gingrich has created a fundraising committee to pay for polls, staff and travel, according to Politico. Additionally, he has created a website that will gage if he has enough support to run.
Tim Pawlenty
Tim Huntsman Jr.
Former United States Ambassador to China On May 3, Jon Huntsman Jr, born in Palo Alto, announced that he formed an official fundraising political action committee and will run for president in 2011. Huntsman is most known for his four years as governor of Utah and for being Barack Obama’s Ambassador to China. Huntsman has conservative fiscal credentials and is moderate with his positions on some social issues. As governor of Utah, Huntsman listed economic development, health-care reform, education and energy security as his top focuses. While governor, he put an emphasis on hiring better educated teachers for schools in Utah, something that he might bring to a national scale if elected President. At this point, Huntsman’s largest hurdle is gaining the attention needed to rack up votes. Huntsman might be an attractive candidate to some due to an interesting background and fairly moderate views, but few voters know as much about him as some of the more familiar candidates.
Gage SkidMore/Creative Commons
Mike Huckabee
Former Governer of Arkansas Recent polls have contributed to the opinion that former Arkansas governor Mike Huckabee is the front runner of the potential Republican presidential candidates. Huckabee will announce his final decision on whether or not to run this summer. Huckabee ran a fairly successful presidential campaign in 2008, placing second only to eventual candidate John McCain in many primaries. In fact, it was in 2008 that he first expressed interest in running in 2012. “I’m not ruling anything out for the future,” Huckabee said in a November 2008 interview with the Associated Press. “But I’m not making any specific plans.” Prior to the 2008 election, Huckabee listed his highest priorities if he were to be elected president as education, opposition of same-sex marriage and civil unions, the environment, immigration, and FairTax, which would overhaul the tax system. He also called for reform of the nation’s heath care system, objecting universal health care financed by taxpayers’ money.
Gage SkidMore/Creative Commons
Congresswoman from Minnesota U.S. Representative from Minnesota Bachmann has made a name for herself through extensive fundraising for the Tea Party. She is now considering running in the 2012 election. Bachmann, almost as much a celebrity as a politician, received recent publicity when she was included in Time Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People of 2011 issue and for being the subject of a handful of jokes at the recent White House Correspondent’s Dinner. She is also a frequent guest on Fox News. She has also been compared to and called the next Sarah Palin, another potential candidate in 2012. Aside from this more pop-culture-esque publicity, Bachmann’s name has also been in headlines for some controversial remarks regarding slavery and the Constitution during a Tax Relief in Iowa last January. As a starlet-like figure in the Tea Party, Bachmann still has support and is considering a campaign for the 2012 election cycle.
Businessman Known for his success in real estate and, for many students, his reality television show The Apprentice, what was before seen as a self-promotion is turning into the likes of a real campaign as Donald Trump seriously considers running for a Republican nomination. Trump supports a Canadian-style national health care plan and a one-time tax surcharge on the rich. In terms of foreign policy, Trump is advocating a harsher, stricter relationship with China, as he believes that China’s prosperity is taking American jobs and wealth, according to ontheissues.com. Trump has also blaimed the Middle East for raising oil prices. Trump is also anti-abortion, against same-sex marriage and against gun control. Although Trump’s decision to run for president is not yet declared, his campaignlike action this year is more prominent than previous years, during which he had decided to run. Trump is expected to formally announce if he will run or not in June 2011.
Governor of Minnesota Tim Pawlenty, often referred to as “TPaw,” recently made waves by becoming the first major Republican to formally announce an exploratory committee. In a recent interview with Piers Morgan, Pawlenty said that he will be “running for president.” Pawlenty is known for recently succeeding in balancing a $4.3 billion dollar deficit in Minnesota during his time as Governor without raising taxes. As for his views, Pawlenty is fairly moderate. He is pro-life, has strong views against crime and supports tax cuts for companies that create in-state jobs. Pawlenty is also a strong supporter of funding education and private sector health care. Pawlenty is not a very well known candidate and as of now has limited support, mostly in his home state of Minnesota. That said, the election is well in the future, so he still has as much of a chance as any other Republican candidate.
Gage SkidMore/Creative Commons
Ron Paul
Gage Skidmore/Creative Commons
Congressman from Texas Republican Ron Paul last ran for President in 2008 and has a strict constructionist view of the Constitution, stating that he would never vote for any legislation unauthorized by the Constitution, according to 2012. presidential-candidates.org. Paul’s 2008 campaign was fairly successful, but his percent of the Republican vote in most primaries was consistently in the single digits, behind McCain. Still, Paul has a strong following, and possibly will be able to surpass his 2008 votes because of this. With his main support coming from the Tea Party, Paul is unsure about his status for this election; however, his supporters are encouraging a campaign for the 2012 election. One of Paul’s most adamant policies is maintaining a strong border and restricting immigration. He also is pro-life, believing that life begins at conception. Paul also believes that business would be rehabilitated when the federal government stops intervening, and thinks that stimulus does not boost the economy.
Democratic PARTY
Michelle Bachmann
Donald Trump Gage SkidMore/Creative Commons
voters will vote in the top-two fashion; if one candidate receives over 50 percent of votes, there will be no general election held in July. Otherwise, the top two candidates who received the greatest number of votes — regardless of party affiliation — will continue onto the July 12 general election. Early in April, state legislation approved moving the California primaries from February to June 2012. Although previous action in 2008 moved the primaries to February, giving this state more influence in the presidential election, the monetary value of keeping the elections in June outweighed the value of a more influential voice in the primaries. According to CBS San Francisco, this decision saved the state almost $100 million in electric costs. Knowledge of candidates, according to scholars and students, is necessary to ensure an honest, well executed democratic process. “Although [people may be] politically engaged, they are nonetheless often ignorant of or misinformed about the relevant facts or, worse, are simply irrational,” author Jason Brannan said in his book The Ethics of Voting. “Though they intend to promote the common good, they all too often lack sufficient evidence to justify the policies they advocate.” In the upcoming presidential election, students over 18 years old around the country will be presented with the opportunity to use their political judgement and ultimately effect the fate of the United States for the next four years. As the 2011 school year comes to a close, articles and other outlets for communication will be opened, prompting discussion about this year’s most prominent potential and declared candidates. The summaries below of only a handful of potential candidates are not in-depth analyses of the country’s current political situation. Not all of the potential candidates featured are guaranteed to run, and not all that will run are mentioned. Taking into account recent measures taken by the government, as well as considering which would benefit the majority of the country as a whole, are necessary steps to take before casting one’s first ballot. “To decide between two otherwise identical candidates, it is not enough to know that one favors free trade while the other favors protectionism,” Brannan said. “You would need to know the likely outcomes of such policies, for example, which policy package — free trade or protectionism — is more likely to promote well-being, prosperity and other values.”
Barack Obama
President of the United States or the 2012 election primaries, journalists are claiming that current President Barack Obama will most likely win the Democratic nomination; the most difficult opponent he will have to face, many contend, is himself, as people assess his actions as President. To a surprised and relieved nation, the federal government announced the death of Al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden on Sunday, May 1. That night, the President addressed more than 56 million Americans with a self-written speech, featuring his well-known eloquence, according to reuters.com, saying that the plan executed on that Sunday was his initiative, a process that had begun in August of last year. As a country that had been grieving for almost 10 years over the loss of thousands during the 9/11 terrorist attacks, Bin Laden’s death, many are saying, will boost Obama’s 2012 campaign. “As the president gears up for his 2012 re-election bid, he can take assurance in his ability to brandish a significant foreign policy achievement: He personally signed off on a mission to capture the world’s most wanted terrorist, and it was successful,” Yahoo! News writer Holly Bailey said. “Obama will be certain to remind voters about that milestone at every opportunity — knowing that it’s bound to loom larger in the public mind than the last several months’ worth of handwringing among candidates and pundits over this administration’s approach to Libya and the tumultuous war in Afghanistan.” However, the current president has been the target of criticism Steve Garfield/Creative Commons for increased budget spending amidst the country’s worst recession since the Great Depression. He proposed, though, cutting cal Republican candidate. 47 percent said Obama, while only 37 costs on the war in Iraq and Afghanistan while dedicating $250 percent said the Republican. Just after that poll was taken, Obama billion more dollars (in addition to the $700 billion already being announced his 2012 Re-election bid in a web video, showing various supporters encouraging each other to manifest excitement used) to bail out industry. To address the budget crisis, the President would propose a tax and dedication to the race. Announcing his plan for a campaign relatively early, Obama increase for those with high income with the purpose of decreasreiterated the importance of grassroots ing the economic distance between classes. politics, which stems from casual political The American Recovery and Reinvest- “As my administration and conversations between citizens. ment Act, which Obama signed recently, “We’ve always known that lasting should create more jobs for the unemployed folks across the country fight change wouldn’t come quickly or easily,” and give tax cuts and reliefs to 95 percent to protect the progress we’ve Obama wrote in a blog post on barackoof Americans. made, we also need to begin bama-2012.blogspot.com on April 4. “It Obama is also concentrating effort in never does. But as my administration and sustainable energy, favoring cutting unfa- mobilizing for 2012.” across the country fight to protect vorable admissions by 80 percent by 2050. Barack Obama folks the progress we’ve made, we also need to As for education, Obama, through the President of the United States begin mobilizing for 2012, long before the “race to the top” program, supports funding time comes for me to begin campaigning to improve elementary education and exin earnest.” panded financial aid to encourage entrance As of now, Obama is expected to win the Democratic nominaand complete of collegiate degrees. In March 2011, the Pew Research Center took a poll asking tion. For this reason, few other prominent Democratic candidates potential voters if they would vote for Obama or a “hypotheti- have emerged.
F
B4 • May 9, 2011
FEATURES
The Campanile
Palo Alto, East Palo Alto provide variety of alternate schools Charter, private schools expand range of educational options, offer choice to students By Michael Augustine Staff Writer
Palo Alto is home to not only very prestigious traditional public and private schools like Palo Alto High School, Henry M. Gunn High School and Castilleja School, but also to an array of alternative schools such as charter schools that offer a different perspective on education. These programs are available for all grade levels.
Charter Schools
Sponsored charter schools are public schools that are established with a specific vision, or ‘twist.’ They do not follow as many of the regulations that traditional school districts have in place. These schools are given comparable funding and have the ability to set their own rules. Charter schools are a part of Charter Management Organizations (CMO), which are grouped together, acting as one school district. “Aspire Public Schools is the largest and best CMO in California,” Team Assistant at Newschools Venture Fund and a Gunn and Middle College graduate, Adam Rosenzweig, said. “They have 30 schools, totaling 10,000 students. They are considered one school district. Test scores, for example, of East Palo Alto Charter School (an Aspire member) do not count for the regular East Palo Alto School District.” California has the most charter schools, 941, and the largest increase in charter schools, 114 new charter schools opening from 2009-2010, in the nation, according to National Broadcasting Company (NBC), Bay Area. In East Palo Alto, Aspire’s East Palo Alto Phoenix Academy (EPAPA) was founded in the fall of 2006. Its student ethnicity rates consist of 91 percent Hispanic, seven percent African American and one percent Pacific Islander. Similar to many high schools, EPAPA sets its main goal towards not only graduation, but also towards gearing their students toward four-year universities, according to the EPAPA website. Unlike many other schools, all 25 of their seniors are first generation potential college students. The school has an enrollment of 164 students who need to fill 15 credits worth of community college classes offered at Cañada College. These unique classes include History of Popular Music and Rock, Social Problems and Oceanography, according to the EPAPA website. Raul Ortiz attended East Palo Alto Charter School (EPACS) in preparation for high school. “We were more of a community rather than a school because we could talk to the teachers pretty much about anything,” Ortiz said. Debate over the necessity of charter schools is hotly contested as many supporters argue that they provide innovation and a possibly more effective way to teach. However, critics claim that they deplete districts of smarter students (even though charter schools choose students based off of random methods, such as a lottery) and of public funding. A seven month report titled “Charter Schools in California: A Review of Their Autonomy and Resource Allocation Practices” done by the American Institute of
susan Heinselman/Campanile
East Palo Alto Charter School, one of the many charter schools in the area, offers a “twist” on traditional public schooling. Charter schools provide a more interactive environment. Research found that there was “a lower percentage of Hispanic students than [in] regular public schools, and a higher percentage of African American and White students [in charter schools compared to regular public schools].” Another traditional difference between charter schools and traditional public schools is the issue of tenure. 60 percent of teachers have tenure in regular public schools, whereas across all charters only 22 percent [of teachers] have tenure, according to the American Institute of Research.
Palo Alto Unified School District (PAUSD) Affiliated Alternative Programs
The district offers a wide array of choices for students to enroll in if the traditional high school experience is not for them. PAUSD alternative programs give students a variety of ways to earn credits in ways that work for individuals. These alternate programs recognize that the same methods of education do not work for everyone, according to the PAUSD website. The Opportunity Class is offered at Paly and Gunn to students under the age of 16 in 9th and 10th grade who desire a more personal and instructional setting. Those who are a part of the program intend to enter traditional high school after completion, according to the PAUSD website. Alta Vista Continuation High School is an option for those over 16 years of age who need to make up credits or those who seek an individualized education with
integrated education and vocational study according to the PAUSD website. Alta Vista is located in Mountain View and has many specific plans students can participate in, including programs for the student-worker and those attempting to receive their General Education Diploma. The school has 170 10th to 12th graders enrolled at a time, according to Mountain View and Los Altos High School District (MVLA.) Middle College at Foothill Community College was established in 1993 and gives juniors and seniors the power to decide in what direction to take their education. Students can take high school and community college classes at the same time. One of the many traits of Middle College is that its students are creative, unique and artistic, according to the MVLA website. Middle College is also an environment for those in danger of not finishing high school, according to MVLA. Transferring from Paly to Middle College requires an application. Junior Schyuler Linn transferred at the beginning of this year. “Everyone [at Middle College] is just really nice, and it’s just a better atmosphere,” Linn said. “A class that it takes a Paly student one year to complete takes me 12 weeks. You only have two high school teachers so you get to know them really well also.” Linn is currently taking a business and music-making software class, but he plans to attend auto at Paly next year.
“I’m taking college classes with the college students at Foothill, so I really know what to expect when I actually go to a state college,” Linn said. As a ‘choice’ school, Ohlone Elementary School offers a different view on learning and developing the whole child. Ohlone has a list of core values that includes an individual based education emphasizing growth and a strong relationship between students, parents and teachers, according to Ohlone’s website. Sophomore Sonia Targ enjoyed her six years at Ohlone starting in 2000. “Each classroom had mixed grade students in it so that older students could take on leadership roles, while younger students had role models that they could receive assistance from,” Targ said. “I also really liked that we called our teachers by their first names.” Another of Targ’s favorite parts was the farm, which is unique to Ohlone. “The farm helps foster an awareness of the environment, nurturing and caring of animals, cooperative learning, social interactions between children of differing grades and respect for living organisms,” according to Ohlone’s website. Ohlone holds a farmers’ market where they sell the goods produced by the farm animals. Financially, the farm relies on donations and grants, but it depends on the school’s tightly knit community to volunteer time to take care of the animals and location.
Nontraditional Private Schools
The Living Wisdom School offers K-8 students a holistic approach towards education. It is an Education for Life school, which is part of a network of schools that emphasizes spirituality, joyful learning without stress and an individualistic method in teaching its students, according to the Education for Life website. Living Wisdom has formed practices over the last 30 years of its existence to “strive to help children achieve academic success and develop emotionally, interpersonally and spiritually,” according to Living Wisdom School. Tuition costs $11,570 to $15,370. Junior Cheyenne Woodward used to attend Living Wisdom School. “[Living Wisdom] allowed me to adjust well and be comfortable with myself,” Woodward said. “ The downside is that it was an extremely sheltered environment. I think it’s good to go there during the time when most of the learning you do is subconscious. We did yoga and plays and we meditated. I learned how to interact with people well and how to be nice and fair and patient.” Woodward states there is little emphasis put on grades, which did not affect her preparation for enrolling in a traditional public school. “The biggest difference is the amount of personal time you get with teachers,” Woodward said. “It was more of a community than a school. I was friends with all my teachers for my entire time there. You could never have that kind of intimacy with a teacher at a public school.” Palo Alto is recognized for its great public schools, but its wide range of charter schools are also commendable.
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FEATURES
The Campanile
May 9, 2011 • B5
Start-up businesses showcase students’ diverse interests
Teenagers find original ways to earn money through card-making, website design By Elizabeth Bowman Staff Writer
Many teenagers are fed up with odd jobs such as babysitting screaming kids or flipping burgers, but they still want to earn some money. Some teenagers will think about this for a moment and possibly complain, and then move on with their lives, overlooking the option of starting their own teen business. “Everyone in the world has some kind of skill,” junior Matthew Slipper said. “If someone wants to build [a] business around their skill then they should do it.” Both Slipper and junior Emma Miller have successful businesses: Slipper owns several online businesses and Miller sells handmade cards. Their stories give helpful advice on starting a business as a teenager: how much work it really is, how to keep it running and how to make it successful. Miller created a website, emmainanenvelope.com, where she sells handmade greeting cards that customers can personalize. Those who buy Miller’s cards e-mail her the order and receive the purchase, then pay if they are satisfied. When Miller was young, she made scrapbooks with her mom, and thought that cardmaking could be an alternative to babysitting. She started when she was 10 and worked over the summer, her first customers being her parents and grandparents. As her business grew, Miller started selling to other people, her biggest customer being her grandmother, who buys cards constantly and re-sells them to parents. “Over the past seven years she’s probably bought 600 cards from me,” Miller said. Cards cost from $3 to $4.50, and she has kept track of finances since 2007 including expenses, revenues and calculated profits. “I make carbon copies to every order I receive, one for me and one for the customer,” Miller said. Miller’s parents have helped her with financing her business. One of her parents had a job in finances and knows a lot about money management. “They’re my foundation and the source of all my wisdom even now,” Miller said. Elaine Miller helped her daughter with her business in many aspects, especially when she first started the business. “I helped her mostly with marketing and pricing,” Elaine said. “She caught onto this very quickly and over time began coming up with her own marketing campaigns.” Miller’s father helped her jump-start her website, but after that she was off and running. Currently, Elaine has been helping her daughter to expand her business beyond friends, brainstorm ideas, and invest in marketing. So far Miller has only done e-mail campaigns and mailed fliers for advertising, but she wants to target a larger market this summer. She plans to create an account on etsy. com, an online website for selling handmade items, or buy an advertisement in one of Palo Alto High School’s school newspapers.
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Junior Matthew Slipper dedicates his time to designing interesting websites for businesses at rates that are lower than those of professional designers. He incorporates his original ideas, creating unique online pages. “She really enjoys so many aspects of it,” Elaine said. “She’s always thinking about it and coming up with new and clever ideas.” Miller loves the creativity and satisfaction involved in creating something special. “It’s rewarding to put a lot of work into design and production, then have something to show for it,” Miller said. She also enjoys the relaxing aspect of it, some time away from homework or other activities. According to Miller, the hardest part of starting her business was that she lost a lot of money in the beginning. “For three years I had negative profits and my expenses were through the roof,” Miller said. Currently, Miller still experiences some difficulties. “This winter I introduced my first-ever ‘Winter Collection’ of holiday cards, and I can safely say it was unsuccessful,” Miller said. “I invested about $300 in materials and sold about $60 worth of cards. My mistake was in marketing.” Even though things can get rough, Miller suggests that people trying to start their own business should persevere through it, and eventually, it will get easier. One of the most important aspects of the card business is customer interaction, according to Miller. “You want customers to trust you because if you’re flaky once, you’ve lost a customer and that’s bad publicity,” Miller said. “It’s good to have satisfaction guaranteed, because if the
customer gets it done exactly how they want it, they’ll come back again.” The one thing that Miller believes made her business successful was the fact that she loves spending hours on designs and trying things out. “Many [ideas] don’t work at all, but it’s a learning process,” Miller said. “I actually have a box of cards under my desk labeled ‘fail’ because they turned out awkward or I misspelled ‘birthday.’” Miller has several tips for other students are trying to start their own business. She says that one should simply go ahead and try starting a business, doing something that they love and are good at and it will be a great way to spend one’s summer and make some money. “I also recommend picking something that people need or want, that way you ensure that you’ll have customers,” Miller said. Instead of selling products, Slipper creates websites for clients. Currently he owns several businesses with other students, although he has a separate website designing business that is run by himself. “I started designing websites for people when I was about in eighth grade,” Slipper said. “From there I’ve done two or three websites online.” Slipper started designing for his neighbor and is now working on a website for the company called Medicare Consumer, one of his biggest clients so far. “In fifth grade I looked up how to [create websites] online and looked up some small
designs, from there I just kept working and working,” Slipper said. “I learned how to do it pretty quickly.” The first step to designing a website is meeting with the client, asking what the objectives and design preferences are for the site. “You want to design a website that displays the content [so it’s] very easy to digest,” Slipper said. “Put the content first, rather than the website.” The second step is to start with a basic wire-frame containing the basic design, slowly adding the layout, colors and polish. “Make sure you talk with your client at every step of the way so they know what’s going on and so you can get feedback,” Slipper said. “If you don’t get feedback, then you’re designing a website for yourself and not for the client, and this becomes a major problem.” Even though web designing may be tedious at times, Slipper enjoys doing it for the sheer fun. “I like being refreshed to see something that you’re making take shape,” Slipper said. “Anyone who builds things knows the feeling that you get when the thing you’ve been working on from its very inception to a complete product. When it’s finally done, [it’s] very rewarding.” In addition, Slipper also creates websites simply because he enjoys the extra money. His current rate is around $25 an hour, depending on the project, and he gets a new client every three or four months. Slipper uses a financing software to keep track of his
prices and profit, and also has separate bank accounts and a business debit card. “[The two accounts keep] the finances in business and the finances in my personal life separate,” Slipper said. To bring in business, Slipper uses the fact that he is a student to his advantage. “My dad knows a whole bunch of people and he tells them that I design at rates that are much less than from a professional work, even though it is professional work that I do, that’s how I get most of my client,” Slipper said. Slipper did not think it was very hard to actually start his business, although there were some difficulties. “The hardest part was dealing with people. A lot of people can’t articulate what they want in their site — you have to guide them through,” Slipper said. Slipper experiences one difficulty shared among all teen businesses. “The most difficult thing is getting people to take you seriously if they learn you are a high [school student],” Slipper said. To work around this, Slipper found that it helped to present himself well, have a good work ethic and do a quality job. “They have to know that you’re serious about what you do and that you want to put together the best product for them, so then the fact that you’re a high [school student] goes away,” Slipper said. According to Slipper, the fact that he is young and willing to embrace technology, designs things from a fresh and professional perspective and that he charged lower rates, has helped make his business successful. In order to get to where he is now, Slipper tried many businesses in the past such as Transmuce, a video encoding business, and a high school product survey business, which he is currently working on. “Those [businesses] are being developed right now, those I started literally two weeks ago,” Slipper said. Although some businesses did not work out, it was helpful for him to try them. “I just started implementing my ideas, not all of them were successful and not all of them stayed online, but they’ve all been learning experiences,” Slipper said. Slipper mentioned that it is important for teens to “bootstrap it” by starting with their own money and do it yourself. One should not spend all one’s money on starting a business and quit everything else they are doing, until they are sure that the business will be successful. On this note, Slipper said that a teen wanting to start a business should start it as a side project instead and see where it goes, because there will be no repercussions for simply trying it out. If it gets bigger, then more time can be devoted to it. Slipper says that the main barrier to starting a business is actually implementing it. “The main thing that people do is that they don’t even bother starting,” Slipper said. Slipper and Miller both have good tips that are important to take into account when starting a teen business. Contrary to what many may think, it is possible for a teen business to be successful.
Palo Alto police chief promotes improvements in department By Maya Krasnow and Camille Ezran
more of a dialogue [with community members],” Burns said. A few controversial incidents Business and Ad Managers Everyday, the Palo Alto Police over the use of taser guns prompted force works diligently to create a safer the Palo Alto Police Department to environment for all residents of Palo implement a new, more restrictive Alto. Because of his commitment to taser policy in March 2010. This upthe community and 28 years of ex- dated policy requires officers to use a perience in the police department, taser only when they are in immediate Dennis Burns was appointed the city’s physical danger. “Before we had a liberal, broad police chief in September 2009 and the Interim Fire Chief in July 2010. taser policy,” Burns said. “We just Since then, Burns has dedicated his wanted to make it clear to our officers time to providing outstanding service when it is appropriate to use the taser. It is a great device but you should not to Palo Altans. Recently, one of the police de- use it unless you absolutely need to. partment’s major concerns has been Since we have had this policy we have the increase in vehicular and property not tased anyone.” In July 2010, the department robberies. To combat this issue, Burns sent over 20 press releases and held purchased a $700,000 mobile comcommunity meetings to alert and mand vehicle. The department educate the public. After a string of worries that the 42-year-old police robberies in a particular area of Palo station in downtown Palo Alto may Alto, the department also utilized the be non-operational in the event of a Community Alerting and Notifica- catastrophe. They believe that in such tion System (CANS), which warns a case, the Emergency Operations homeowners of serious situations Center’s systems, such as phones, via e-mail and phone calls. However, electricity and plumbing, might not Burns expresses the need for another function properly. Therefore, this system that would be more accessible vehicle provides backup assistance to the general public and that would to manage the incident. “When things go bad, we are not disrupt homeowners in less critisupposed to help solve people’s probcal situations. “We put the word out but there lems,” Burns said. “So when systems is a gap between [local meetings are not working, we have another set and press releases] and the Palo Alto of problems and so we need to have a CANS,” Burns said. “This case high- backup. The vehicle gives us way more lighted that we need something in capabilities than [the Emergency Operabetween.” tions CenT h e ter]. The police de- “Our goal is to improve, to the vehicle can p a r t m e n t extent that we can, our outreach have a disis experi- through technology on a day to patch cenmenting ter. We can with Nixle, day basis.” a social meDennis Burns essentially contact dia device Palo Alto Police Chief any comthat promunity in vides comCalifornia munities on the radio through the vehicle.” with location-based information. The police department started “Nixle would help us have our own website and e-mail and have asking for a mobile command cen-
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A year and a half after Dennis Burns was appointed Palo Alto Police Chief, numerous changes have been made to increase the safety of the community. The department implemented a new taser policy and purchased a mobile command center. ter in 1998 and eventually received approval to purchase it with the 2006 budget money. With the help of grants, they finally accumulated enough funds to buy a 40-foot long, state-of-the-art vehicle. According to Burns, the department also had plans to construct a new station. However, the economic crisis prevented this project from developing. This trailer-like vehicle contains three compartments: a conference room where the police chief would command his officers, a gallery with a kitchen, and a communications center. Throughout the vehicle there are several work centers with televisions, radios, computers and telephones
with which officers can manage an incident. On the roof there is a tall mast with a rotating camera attached that can film the surrounding area. Over the past few months, the department has practiced operating this mobile command center during police training and at Stanford football games. At the games, one officer monitors the stadium and watches for suspicious behavior. This vehicle was also utilized when President Obama came to Palo Alto in Oct. 2010. According to Burns, it facilitated the communication and organization of the 150 officers on patrol. “It is a great tool,” Burns said. “Other cities have command vehicles,
but this one has advanced technology. The others cannot do the array of things that this one can.” One ongoing issue in Palo Alto, teenage suicide, has caused the police department to assess new ways of being available to Palo Alto youth. Burns emphasizes the importance of the officers’ presence at community events. However, this has been a challenge due to the loss of staffing over the ears because of budget cuts. “How do we become more of a resource for young people so that it’s not just when you get in an accident or when you get a ticket or when you are in trouble?” Burns said. “We have one piece, which is the train track
watch program, but we think we can do more and we are trying to figure out what that might be.: Burns welcomes students to call the department at any time if they have any concerns. He also invites anyone to come to the station for a ride-along to better understand an officer’s duties. “Our goal is to improve, to the extent that we can, our outreach through technology on a day to day basis and to continue to expect fair and impartial policing from all of our personnel,” Burns said. “We have to let our [staff] know what we expect of then. [We also strive] to protect the public as much as we can.”
FEATURES Stanford researchers make scientific breakthrough The Campanile
May 9, 2011 • B6
New approach to examining the effects of diabetes lead to finding potential cure By Michael Abrams
harmful actions, according to Engleman. However, even with the team’s research there When researchers at Stanford University are still many more steps towards finding School of Medicine decided to study type 2 such a cure. diabetes, they did not look to the pancreas, “It might be possible to prevent the stomach, intestines or any other part of the disease with immune modulating drugs,” body’s metabolic system. Instead, they de- Engleman said. “My personal opinion is that cided to test a new hypothesis — that diabetes the role of the immune system is crucial to is an autoimmune disease like AIDS and the disease development. That would be the Lupus. Last week the resulting studies were time when using an immune based approach published, and were heralded as a break- could prevent the disease.” through in the scientific community and a Stanford’s experiments examined the glimmer of hope for the millions of people role parts of the immune system play in affected with type 2 diabetes: the disease was causing insulin resistance. B-cells, the focus discovered to be an autoimmune disease that of the experiment, produce proteins called can be reversible. The study, “B-cells promote antibodies, that are part of the body’s normal insulin resistance,” was published in Nature immune response in targeting and destroying magazine on April 17. harmful substances. Type 2 diabetes is an effect of the body’s However, the Stanford lab predicted that resistance to one of its own crucial proteins, the B-cells could produce antibodies that insulin. When funcwould instead turn tional, insulin helps “We ultimately discovered that against the body itself the body maintain by targeting insulin — stable sugar levels. if you administered an antia necessary, harmless When the body is re- body to the mice that inactiprotein. sistant to the protein, “The theory we’re vated the T-cells, the disease however, sugar levels putting forward is that in the bloodstream was completely reversed.” the inflammation that wildly fluctuate, causoccurs in different ing the symptoms asparts of your body, sociated with type 2 Edgar Engleman one of them being diabetes. Stanford Researcher the deep visceral fat, According to Edcontributes to insugar Engleman, a memlin resistance,” team ber of the research member Dan Winer team at Stanford, previous research had said. “Part of that is insulin resistance that is mostly focused on how to mitigate the effects occurring because of your immune system of diabetes. Stanford’s research, however, is attacking your own body’s proteins.” one of the first studies to attempt to discover According to the report in Nature, the why the disease occurs. studies were conducted by two main experi“We used mice, otherwise normal mice, ments. In the first experiment, mice were fed that were simply put on a high fat, high calorie with a high-fat diet that mimicked conditions diet. They get fat and they get diabetic virtu- that cause diabetes in humans. ally 100% of the time,” Engleman said. “There Mice that were also fed a chemical that have been interesting works that show that destroys B-cells did not develop insulin macrophages were activated in the adipose resistance, while mice that did not receive tissue, and that alerted us to the possibility this chemical developed insulin resistance that if this type of cell is activated, is it possible characteristic of type 2 diabetes. that there is an autoimmune component?” Although the experiment successfully The team of researchers believe that the made a connection between type 2 diabefindings from this experiment will help create tes and the autoimmune element in mice, a new focus on finding ways to prevent insulin Engleman cautioned that further tests must resistance before type 2 diabetes occurs. The be made on humans to provide more definidiscovery that the disease is in part regulated tive evidence. by the immune system could potentially allow “It’s very difficult to do these studies in researchers to discover a vaccine or drug that people,” Engleman said. “You can make most controls the immune response to stop these of the animals diabetic by giving them a high
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Insulin shots are commonly used for mollifying diabetes symptoms, but with new studies being conducted by Stanford researchers, there are new possibilities in utilizing immune modulating drugs to prevent diabetes. fat, high calorie diet. You can do experiments in animals that you can’t with people.” In a second study, the research team analyzed the antibody composition of blood from obese men, half of which suffered from type 2 diabetes. The blood samples from obese men with type 2 diabetes all had similar amounts of the same antibodies, correlating the results of the first experiment with humans. “What’s fascinating to me as a physician is that I have always thought of this as a chronic and essentially irreversible disease, and once you get started, the only thing you can really do is control it,” Engleman said. “That’s what I had learned. And what we find is that’s not really true; in fact, this appears to be a disease that’s at least partially reversible.” According to Engleman, the Stanford team had also previously worked with a team from University of Toronto two years ago on
similar research that examined the role of T-cells in type 2 diabetes. “We ultimately discovered that if you administered an antibody to the mice that inactivated the T-cells, the disease was completely reversed. It showed for the first time, T-cells were playing a critical role,” Engleman said. T-cells are also components of the immune system that take a direct approach in responding to foreign antigens by destroying the substance. According to Engleman, by studying the effects of both T-cells and B-cells on type 2 diabetes, researchers are beginning to have a clearer picture of the disease. The team also is trying to link past research with their new discoveries to try to further understand how insulin resistance propagates itself in the body and creates such a taxing effect so quickly. According to Engleman’s research, the reversibility of the disease can occur just as quickly as the onset.
“People who have extreme obesity and go on to surgery all have insulin resistance, but they undergo surgery and the vast majority actually reverses their resistance in a week. It’s amazing for a disease that is as destructive as diabetes,” Engleman said. As the lab starts to piece the research together and further develop their own research, Engleman has hope that type 2 diabetes will become increasingly easy to identify and possibly reverse. However, according to Engleman, people should not forget that the disease can be entirely preventable in many cases through lifestyle choices. “If you can address the immune problem, it’s a new target,” Engleman said. “I don’t think we’re trying to say that diet and exercise don’t play a role. It all starts with diet and then there is an inflammatory reaction that contributes to the disease.”
Paly freshman provides unique presence to school’s atmosphere Aaron Slipper has passions for math, music that extend beyond school curriculum By Andrea More Staff Writer
The typical day for freshman Aaron Slipper begins bright and early. Slipper awakens promptly at 5:40 a.m. and begins his day with a bath that is followed by a breakfast of eggs. Most students are still in their beds at this time but Slipper is now wide awake and commences piano practice. Slipper then gets dressed, puts in his iPhone earbuds and blasts Ludwig van Beethoven symphonies. He is now prepared for his 2.5-mile walk to school. Slipper is on the shorter side, but this is not initially apparent because his presence demands attention. When the freshman walks into a room, everyone seems to notice. Slipper exudes confidence and is a stranger to awkward conversation because he always has something to say. Rather than making small talk, Slipper is one to jump right into a conversation about anything and everything. He speaks eloquently and has something resembling a British accent, even though he was born in the United States. Although he has only been at Palo Alto High School for one school year, Slipper has assimilated into Paly well by participating in a multitude of extracurricular activities including theater, choir and orchestra. “I love Paly,” Slipper said. “It has made me even more gregarious than I was before.” Slipper is probably best known on campus for being what many of his peers call a math “prodigy.” “I hardly know him except that he’s a math god,” junior Jackson Miley said. His love for math started at the young age of ten when he took the initiative to learn concepts that were not being covered in class. Slipper came across number theory and calculus in elementary school and has been hooked ever since. “I have been lucky enough to have had various mentors and teachers in math who have helped direct my enthusiasm,” Slipper said. Slipper takes an interactive approach to his education — a hybrid of helping his peers and entertaining them. “Overwhelming is probably the best word to describe Slipper in math class,” junior Gregory Dunn said when recalling his experience with Slipper last year. “While everyone else was paying attention to lectures, [Slipper would be] on a side board writing theorems and then at the end of class he lectured us on them. He kind of transcended the material.” Aaron is not the only Slipper at Paly. Brother and junior Matthew Slipper also attends Paly and is in the same math class as Aaron, who skipped two lanes and is now in Analysis. Matthew even admitted that his younger brother sometimes helps him with his homework. Though brothers, the two Slippers do not compete. Instead, they get along well and collaborate on problems occasionally. “Being in the same lane as my brother is fun for me, as he’s a really cool guy, and we talk through problems together,” Slipper said. “[Matthew] always makes it comedic and entertaining.” Although Slipper gets along with his brother now, their relationship has not always been so civil.
Alex Lin/Campanile
Aaron Slipper is the kind of student who does not merely study to boost his grades, but to satisfy his genuine interest in worldly affairs which he pursues through theater and math. “My relationship with my brother has been good for when these characters will spring out — but it often the last three years,” Slipper said. “Before that, we had some happens at dinner, so the rest of us become characters strain in our relationship. Apparently, when I was born, in the drama too.” Matthew expressed his disapproval of my presence in the Slipper loves theater class and performed in what house by saying to my mom, ‘chuck him in the garbage.’ Solway said to be “one of the most enthusiastic perforOf late, we have not had any serious arguments, and both mances” in Paly’s production, My Fair Lady. “He has the best attitude enjoy theater and choir and of anyone I’ve ever met,” felmimicry of each other and low cast-member junior Grace others. Matthew is excellent “Opera is like a big three-tier chocolate fudge cake of music, a treat for Barry said. “No matter how company.” badly your day is going he’s His brother Matthew is to the senses.” always there to greet you with a thank for one of Slipper’s many Aaron Slipper handshake and a compliment. passions — theater. Even if he’s talking about crazy “Since Matthew was very math stuff I couldn’t begin to young, he has improvised understand, he just speaks monologues of strange charwith such vivacity and chaacters: Dimitri, a Soviet who works in ‘The Tasteless Biscuit Factory,’ a violent East risma that I’m fascinated anyway.” It was an exhilarating experience for Slipper, who European husband outraged at having hibiscus sorbet for desert and Edmund Ogden Fartworthy, a very opinionated made many new friends from the cast and crew in all English aristocrat,” Slipper said. “One can never predict grades.
“I was genuinely sad when it all came to an end,” Slipper said. Like the people in so many other activities Slipper partakes in, his enthusiasm was felt by many in the play. “[Slipper] is just generally awesome and British and jolly and really brought a great energy to the cast,” Barry said. Slipper can find his niche in nearly every subject. While many students can find a school day to be draining, Slipper’s interest in academics is insatiable. “I find that every class that I have stimulates interest in some way that I like to explore further on my own,” Slipper said. “For example, in a project on Eskimos, I discovered Inuit throat-singing, a remarkably strange phenomenon.” Slipper amazes his peers no matter what the class. Called “Zapatillas,” which means “slippers” in Spanish, Slipper entertains many of his peers in his Spanish 3 Class. According to sophomore Andrew Solway, Slipper is nearly fluent. “On days [Slipper] isn’t there, Spanish class is just boring,” Solway said. “One day he wasn’t [in class] because he was on a theater trip and everyone could just feel his absence. When he’s not there, I don’t want to be there either.” Anywhere he goes, Slipper leaves a lasting impression on the people he interacts with. Freshman Kat Musen enjoys debating politics with Slipper. Even though their views are radically different, Slipper always leaves Musen with something to think about. “I would describe him as a genius older brother,” Musen said. “He always has an interesting different perspective about something. It allows me to see things more broadly.” It has been rumored that Slipper wrote his own symphony, but Slipper has dispelled such speculation, clarifying that he has written works for string orchestra. “I have also written quartets, piano works, violin and viola works, duets and a violin concerto,” Slipper said. Classical music is one of Slipper’s many passions. In eighth grade, Slipper’s orchestra teacher at David Starr Jordan Middle School invited Chad Hoopes, first place winner of the Menuhin Violin Competition (often compared to the Junior Olympics) to talk to Slipper’s school orchestra and to give a master class. “I performed for him, and afterwards we chatted,” Slipper said. “We have become Facebook friends, and I wrote a violin piece for him, which he has said nice things about.” Besides his love for classical instruments, Slipper also holds opera dear to his heart. “Opera is like a big three-tier chocolate fudge cake of music, a treat for the senses,” Slipper said. At the end of the school day, Slipper goes home, listening to classical music as he walks. Once home, he sits down and diligently completes his homework, followed by a viola lesson or practice, depending on the day. Slipper discusses the day’s events with his brother and reads math literature before bed. Of late, his current novel of choice is Dirichlet’s Lectures on Number Theory. Slipper chats on Gmail with his mathematical friends and goes to bed some time after midnight, looking forward to another eventful school day.
The Campanile
A&E
Monday, May 9, 2011• B7
Website helps fund range of creative projects with donations
Kickstarter creates new way for artists, musicians, filmmakers to raise money By Nadav Gavrielov
must either abandon the project or start a new Kickstarter page with an updated proposal. If a project fails, the creators are able to Kickstarter is a new way to “fund and follow creativity.” Started in April 2009, the update backers on the status of their project website gives individuals the opportunity to through an updates tab on the project page. fund their projects through donations from All projects have this tab, so projects that anyone with a connection to the internet. succeed can also update backers on the Membership is entirely free for both funders status of a project. Kickstarter does not set a maximum amount of money that can be and those seeking funding. Projects can range from documentaries pledged towards a project. Users may browse different categories of and iPad applications to novels and new albums for unknown bands. Every month, projects including art, comics, film & video, millions of dollars are pledged to different food, technology and more. Additionally, those seeking to fund a project can search by projects at www.kickstarter.com. Designers and artists seeking to gain which cities the project is based in. Kickstarter emphasizes that the key to funding for their projects usually post a compelling video to entice people to fund starting a successful project is gathering support from friends and fans in order to get their project. They must offer further benefits for those a project going. The site stresses that “audiwho fund their project, such as sending them ences respond to passion, sincerity and an a version of the product once it is completed, ability to execute.” The layout for Kickstarter pages is simple a ticket to an exclusive meet-and-greet with the designer or other related thank you gifts. and easy to use. Users can watch a video These rewards must range between $1 to made by the creator of the project, check the $10,000. Designers then set a funding goal number of backers and look at the amount of as well as a deadline for when the funding money that has already been pledged towards must be obtained by. Kickstarter states that the project. A counter shows how many days “anything that brings backers into the creative are left for the funding. Below all of this, the creators usually posts process is a great approach.” The creators of the projects are en- descriptions of their projects as well as the tirely responsible for carrying out his or her different benefits offered for those who fund their project. projects. Friends and Creators usufans will often make ally choose to award sure to keep creators Kickstarter emphasizes that the greater benefits for accountable. If the key to starting a successful projgreater amounts of creator of a project ect is gathering support from money donated. fails to complete their Kickstarter does project as promised, friends and fans in order to get not allow the posting funders may choose a project going. The site stresses of business fundto take legal action. ing requests, only O n e p r o d u c t that “audiences respond to pasprojects. called Coffee Joulies, sion, sincerity, and an ability to Kickstarter dean item placed in a execute.” fines a project as mug to cool down “something finite, coffee to an acceptwith a clear beginable temperature, got $306,944 of funding—far exceeding the ning and end.” While a project involving designing a designers’ initial request for $9500. In fact, Kickstarter states that 94 percent of success- new piece of apparel would be able to start ful projects exceed their initial funding goal. a fundraising page on Kickstarter, a project While some products exceed the amount involving starting a fashion label would not that was originally sought, others often fall be able to do so. Furthermore, Kickstarter does not allow short. In this case, the money is returned to the lenders and the person seeking funding the posting of charity projects on their site to
Editor in Chief
Non-profit website Kickstarter gives pioneering inventors the opportunity to earn the funds required for their projects. The website allows members to make donations to aid creators in getting their ideas off the ground. make clear that it is not a general fundraising website. Some pledges made on Kickstarter may be tax exempt, if the creator of the project being pledged to has 501c3 status. Kickstarter emphasizes that the site does not take any percentage of ownership or intellectual property of projects made through the site. Several products that were originally funded on Kickstarter and are now wellknown include the iPod Nano watch, Designing Obama — a book about the graphics
involved in Barack Obama’s 2008 campaign — and Glif — an iPhone 4 mount and stand that is widely used. One recently successful project started on Kickstarter, the GoPano micro, is an accessory for the iPhone 4 that serves as a 360 degree video camera for the iPhone. The project has raised roughly six times more money than its goal with several days left in the funding period. Another project, the Seedfolks Seed Library, has almost reached its funding goal. This project, based in Oakland, hopes to
have a library that can offer different types of seeds to customers as well as other seedrelated materials. Another recently launched project, TurboHarp ELX, involves the world’s first electronic harmonica. The project has slightly under a month left for fundraising. Kickstarter is an excellent tool that will continue to be useful for creators of projects who seek to promote their projects online and establish a wide fanbase for their projects. The website has made this fundraising process much easier than it was in the past.
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B8 • May 9, 2010
The Campanile
Many TV series to premier, continue for summer season Television favorites Weeds, True Blood to return, Falling Skies to air for first time June 19 By Electra Colevas Staff Writer
As summer begins, television series provide a much-needed array of relaxing entertainment. The variety of shows premiering in June ranges from obscure quirky comedies to dark new science fiction. No matter the taste, a viewer is likely to find a quality show to enjoy this summer.
Louis Channel: FX Premier: June 23
Louis, an observational humor of Louis C.K., a quirky stand-up comedian, starts its second season this summer. Shot in New York, the show follows the clueless comedian as he struggles to raise two young
daughters as a newly single father while navigating the complexities of being a middle-aged single man. Louis is written, produced and directed by respected comedian Louis C.K. himself and is set to premiere Thursday, June 23 at 10:30 p.m. on FX network.
Weeds Channel: Showtime Premier: June 27
Weeds, a series devoted to the antics of pot-selling suburban mother Nancy Botwin (Mary-Louise Parker), starts its seventh season this summer. Botwin’s manipulation of the law as well as her friends and family encourages the thrilling premise by taking the viewer by surprise.
The supporting characters include Botwin’s lovesick brother Andy (Justin Kirk), who shares his sister’s wild ways, and his fondness for women has driven him to smuggling illegal aliens across the border and expulsion from Rabbinical school and the military. Botwin’s two sons, Silas (Hunter Parrish) and Shane (Alexander Gould) both keep her alert. Silas joins his mother’s business against her wishes, but proves to be her most valuable asset. Shane is considered the level-headed son, until his disturbing new use for a croquet mallet renders him a fugitive and the whole family is uprooted with him. Botwin’s business partner, Doug
Wilson (Kevin Nealon) never fails to make a bad situation worse, but his attempts to save the family are of the best intentions. Enthusiasm for the series continued into its seventh season and is set to restart Monday, June 27 at 10 p.m on Showtime.
True Blood Channel: HBO Premier: June 26
True Blood is a series about vampires roaming the streets of Bon Temps, Louisiana as regular citizens due to invention of synthetic blood. Many humans remain skeptical of the creatures “coming out of the coffin” but it is still up for debate in Bon Temps. Open-minded waitress Snookie Stackhouse (Anna Paquin) encourages the integration of vampires due to her ability to hear people’s thoughts. She is especially supportive when it comes to handsome young vampire Bill Compton (Stephen Moyer) who draws her into the less virtuous world of he and his vampire misfits. The balance of the supernatural and the human collide in this series while throwing in wildcards like shape-shifter and bar owner Sam Merlotte (Sam Trammell) within the chaos of vampires Eric Northman (Alexander Skarsgard) and Jessica Hamby (Deborah Ann Woll). Season four is set to air Sunday, June 26 at 9 p.m. on HBO.
Pretty Little Liars Channel: ABC Family Premier: June 14
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(Clockwise from top left) Ashley Benson, Shay Mitchell, Troian Bellisario and Lucy Hale all star in the ABC family series Pretty Little Liars which returns for season two this summer.
Returning this summer, Pretty Little Liars follows the lives of best friends bound by their secrets. Aria Montgomery (Lucy Hale), Hanna Martin (Ashely Benson), Spencer Hastings, (Torian Bellisario) and Emily Fields (Shay Mitchell) lost clique leader Alison DiLaurentis (Sasha Pieterse) in a mysterious secret disappearance that continues to haunt the girls. Threatening messages from “A” convince the girls that Alison is still alive, and they search for answers hidden in the web of lies that surround them.
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Aria’s secret relationship with a teacher, Ezra Fitz (Ian Harding), Hanna’s tendency to steal, Emily’s confusion after kissing her neighbor Maya St. Germain (Bianca Lawson) and Spencer’s copying of her sisters paper, all encourage the twisted web of lies the girls are a part of. Pretty Little Liars premieres Tuesday, June 14 at 8 p.m. on ABC Family.
Hawthorne Channel: TNT Premier: June 14
Christina Hawthorne ( Jada Pinkett Smith), a chief nursing officer ready for battle on the front lines of a war against declining patient services and hospital budget cuts stars in the TNT series Hawthorne. Hawthorne is told from the point of view of nurses as they struggle against the odds. The series also includes Dr. Tom Wakefield (Michael Vartan), Richmond Trinity’s Chief of Surgery; Bobbie Jackson (Suleka Mathew), a fellow nurse and one of Christina’s best friends; Ray Stein (David Julian Hirsh), a nurse struggling with being accepted in a female-dominated profession, Candy Sullivan (Christina Moore), a supremely dutiful nurse, Kelly Epson (Vanessa Lengies), who continues to find her footing, and Camille (Hannah Hodson) Christina’s daughter. The series resumes Tuesday, June 14 at 10 p.m. on TNT.
Falling Skies Channel: TNT Premier: June 19
Falling Skies, a new FX series opens in the chaotic aftermath of an alien attack that has left most of the world completely desolate and destroyed. The few survivors have banded together outside major cities to begin the difficult task of fighting back against the alien oppressors in a classic tale of heros collecting to protect civilization. Each day is a test of survival as citizen soldiers work to protect the people in their care while also engaging in an insurgency campaign against the occupying alien force. At the center of the series is Tom Mason (Noah Wyle), a Boston history
professor whose family has been torn apart by the catastrophe that has racked the human world. The survivors are constantly trying to gain intelligence about the aliens so they can rebuild their lives. Anne Glass (Moon Bloodgood), a pediatrician who works with the surviving children to help them cope with the traumatic upheaval in their lives and Weaver (Will Patton) plays a fierce leader of the alien resistance. Falling Skies focuses on the resilience of the survivors and their determination to maintain their humanity when all else has been destroyed. Unlike most science fiction series of today, Falling Skies focuses on humanity rather than the complex technology. The series premieres Sunday, June 19 at 9 p.m. on TNT.
Rizzoli and Isles Channel: TNT Premier: July 11
Rizzoli and Isles follow Boston detective Jane Rizzoli (Angie Harmon) and medical examiner Maura Isles (Sasha Alexander). Each is the complete opposite of the other yet they are close friends who solve crimes involving some of Boston’s most dangerous criminals. Jane is a rough and tough cop who never lets her guard down while making gutsy decisions she is forced to make on the job. Maura, meanwhile, is usually more comfortable behind the scenes in the lab. Her icy temperament and impeccable dress suits her duties examining the intricacies of mysterious bodies and avoiding interaction with her other co-workers. Maura and Jane’s opposing personalities make them the perfect pair— the balance of impulsive instinct with thoughtful deliberation ensures every angle of a case is covered. Jane and Maura often find themselves working together as both use their skills and expertise to solve some of Boston’s complex crimes. The second season of Rizzoli and Isles is scheduled to return Monday, July 11 at 10 p.m. TNT.
A&E
The Campanile
May 9, 2011 • B9
Removable feather hair extensions create unique trend
Bay Area salons provide students the opportunity to get colorful feathers for an affordable price they are usually done at professional salons. The feather extension is first attached by a special micro-bead that Staff Writers is brought up to the root of the hair, Ditch the electric blue or hot then looped through the hair with a pink hair extensions, and look into hair hook. Next, the single strand of the new hot rage for hair. hair and feather are clamped together Women of all ages are looking to by a special clamp which secures the apply a new look that will add some strand of hair and feather together to spunk to their own locks. make the final product. The microBohemian and Native American bead is clamped down near the root traditions have inspired removable so the feather appears to look like a feather hair extensions the recent real strand of hair. and latest craze to attach to a single Once the feather is attached to strand of hair. The sleek, subtle the hair, it can be washed, blow dried, feathers add texture, color and fun straightened or curled and is meant to one’s hair. to last for about two months if put in This unique hair extension is a correctly and taken care of properly. slim, soft rooster feather that comes The price of the feathers in the in a variety of hand-dyed colors from salons depend on how many feathers bright red to a natural brown. a customer wants, however they are The patterns range from stripes, not too expensive. A customer from zebra or multi-colored print. They Micheal Anthony Salon in Saratoga, are naturally woven into the hair. Michelle Yramategui got a good deal The feathers come in single for hers, however was not satisfied strands or bundles that vary in price. with how long her single feathers The feathers have started a worldlasted. wide trend even in celebrities like “I got three for $20, two white Hillary Duff, Jennifer Love Hewitt, ones and one brown one and they Steven Tyler, Ke$ha and Miley Cyrus. lasted less than a week,” Yramategui People interested in purchasing said. “I had to go back and get them feathers can look into nearby salons re-done, and they fell out within a or online at http://www.finefeathmonth and then I just kind of gave erheads.com to purchase feathers up. I have one left though which I themselves. The site provides a large love. It’s been since February” spectrum of bundles that range from Despite how long they lasted, $15-$30. Yramategui believes the feathers give The feathers that come in her hair a special look. bundles can be found online under “I love my feather hair extennames such as “Magenta” or “Winsions,” Yramategui said. “They were tergreen.” These special bundles are really unique at first because nobody hand-picked and specifically made knew what they were and people to compliment the hair. “Magenta thought they were really interesting bundles” consist of a mixture of and cool. They’re really low-maintemagenta colored feathers and five nance and easy to take care of, and natural colored feathers. “Winterit’s different without being too obnoxgreen bundles” consist of different ious and shades of wild.” green feathYra ers and five The patterns range from stripes, mategui natural col- zebra or multi colored print that is also faored feath- naturally weaved into the air. vors the ers. feathers Bunover the dles are said traditional colored hair strands. to last longer because of more stabil“I think the reason why the ity, however they are more expensive feather hair extensions are cooler than the single strands. than colored hair is because it’s Bundles of feathers provide a something totally new,” Yramategui more dramatic look while the single said. “The feather has a really cool strands create a softer feel. striped pattern on it that you can’t The extension can be applied at get with dying your hair.” home with the right tools; however,
By Alex Lin and Riki Rattner
On the other hand, a customer from Plum Salon in Burlingame, Naomi Thomas, was happy with her results and one month that they’ve lasted and also enjoys how they make her hair look. “I think they made my hair look really unique and interesting,” Thomas said. “I have one natural feather, one light blue and one faint orange one. I don’t have anything too bright.” Palo Alto High School graduate of 2011 and a customer of the feather hair extensions, Renel Sun, thinks the feathers bring a different look to the table than bright hair dyes. Sun has also had some experience with keeping her hair vibrant with colors by dying her hair different colored strips from a young age, and is satisfied with her new look. “I’ve been dying one strip of my hair since seventh grade,” Sun said. “My hair’s been every color of the rainbow so far but the colors fade and it loses its vibrancy. With the crimp in feathers, the hair decoration lasts forever.” “I think they are classier than dyed hair. More elegant, but that’s not everybody’s style. Some people who are seeking the ‘in your face’ appearance should probably get colored hair.” Sun also has an interesting history with birds that make her enjoy her feathers even more. “This is kind of embarrassing, but I used to study ornithology, [the] study of birds, with my dad for about six years while I was a kid, and I’ve always loved birds,” Sun said. “I felt a connection with them, so the idea of getting real feathers embedded in my hair was too delightful to turn down.” Sun purchased her feather extensions at a rave for a heftier price of $20. “I love telling this story,” Sun said. “I went to a rave in Santa Cruz, and they had a feather extension stand inside the rave with the nicest lady doing them, so my friend and I got matching feathers to remember the whole night’s experience, totally worth it.” Senior Neda Ronaghi also has feather hair extensions. “I work at Fraiche at Stanford and I always saw Stanford students with [their feather extensions] and I thought it was sick so I decided to get them,” Ronaghi said.
Lauren Wong/Campanile
Feather extensions are an emerging trend amongst high school students. The inexpensive and fun alternative to regular hair extensions has been gaining popularity in past months. Similar to many other students with the extensions, Ronaghi did not get hers done at Palo Alto salon because when she got hers done none of the Palo Alto salons had gotten the extensions in yet. Ronaghi said that the extensions are supposed to stay in for about a month. However, two of hers have already fallen out.
For people interested in being a part of the new trend and getting the feather hair extensions, it is no longer necessary to travel out of Palo Alto get them done. Edge Hair Salon in Palo Alto now have both tinsel and feather hair extensions. According to Edge Hair Salon’s Facebook fan page, they now have new colors including purple, laven-
der, black and white and a green mix with more on the way. For a single strand feather extensions, Edge charges $10 and for a bundle of feather extensions, they charge $45. People can also purchase their feather hair extensions by going to Vizions Artwork Salon in Menlo Park where they sell single strands for $15.
Atmosphere’s album The Family Sign receives universal praise Group’s new record and upcoming tour continue to please fans everywhere By Grace Keller Staff Writer
Hip-Hop group Atmosphere’s latest album, The Family Sign, released April 12 to the excitement of their fans. The album is the most recent since To All My Friends, Blood Makes the Blade Holy, which dropped just eight months ago. The Family Sign continues to showcase rapper Slug’s (Sean Daley) storytelling abilities in the form of clever rhyming and personal tales of life and growing up in the Midwest. The Minnesota native does not disappoint with a new album full of witty stories made relatable to the listener. The album is about “breaking down your perceptions of family and really appreciating the people who [have] made you who you are and continue doing so,”according to Rhymesayers Entertainment website The Family Sign, as the title would suggest, leans towards more songs about growing up and the relationships formed with friends and family. It features songs about losing people one loves and strengthening bonds with others while ending relationships with people who are not healthy to be with. Another theme of the album is a celebration of family and friends and how they may help one get through the struggles in life. The other half of the dynamic duo of Atmosphere is Ant (Anthony Davis), the DJ Derrick Austinson/ creative commons and producer of the group. His ability to use a variety of instruments, Atmosphere performs on stage during a previous tour. The duo plans to travel the United States this summer including guitar and piano, is unparalleled supporting their most recent effort, The Family Sign, that has been receiving rave reviews from critics and fans. and helps to set the album apart from others like it. His talent is front and center in The anger is passed onto the son who continues The song allows more room for listeners a faster tempo and an abundant amount of Family Sign proving that he is a vital asset the vicious cycle of domestic abuse within to make their own interpretations as to what passion behind the clever lyrics which brings to the group’s success. his own family. the song is about and derive a multitude of a different vibe to the album. While the album lacks some of the humor The slow guitar and keyboard set to the meanings from it. Atmosphere has also released a music that is used in their last two albums, it makes lyrics intensify the track and put a stunning The song is able to take on different video for the song and released it as a single up for it in the deep visual image in the lismeanings and could be translated to pertain back in February as a preview to the album. lyrics and production tener’s mind. to multiple situations that one may deal with While most of the album is rock solid, quality. This is one of the in one’s life. there are a few slip-ups here and there. One of the most two songs from this Much of the album is very strong and “She’s Enough” is a track that seems out Artist: Atmosphere powerful tracks is “The album which have been shows tremendous attention to detail both of character for the duo. Although it is one of Producer: Ant Last to Say,” which tells made into music vidfrom the lyrical and musical ends of the group. the more upbeat songs on the album, it fails of spousal abuse and eos. Yet another strong song from the album to impress and lacks some depth. how it can carry on into “Became” is anis “Just For Show.” The repetitiveness of the lyrics seems lazy children who witness other song that exhibits This track is about not truly wanting to however while the song is positive, there is not their parents’ fighting. Atmosphere’s terrific be with someone and staying together just for much of a story that it is telling. Slug paints a vivid picture of an abusive father storytelling , imagery and lyricism on Slug’s, show even if neither person is really happy. The combination of beats and lyrics whose son witnesses the beatings his mother part but is not as literal as that of “The Last While a bit more angry than some of sounds a little basic and not as deep or well receives and even when his father is dead. The to Say.” the other tracks on the album, the song has thought out as other songs of theirs. Sadly, the
The Family Sign
lyrics can get annoying before the song is even over which is uncharacteristic of the group. The Family Sign may go down as one of their great albums, but may not be the greatest. They seem to be counting on the success of the album because of all of the hard work and editing that has been put into it. The Family Sign is Atmosphere’s most personal and intimate album yet; it involves and engages the listener like never before. Slug’s signature voice weaves in and out of Ant’s ASR-born production, Nate Collis’ bluesy guitar riffs and the sound of Erick Anderson’s unmistakable keys give The Family Sign a “fresh, unique edge without sacrificing Atmosphere’s signature sound,”which the Rhymesayers Entertainment website states. Earlier albums, such as Sad Clown Bad Summer from 2007, which was only a seven track EP, or When Life Gives You Lemons, You Paint That S**t Gold from 2008, were very successful and sold well. Songs from both of those albums have remained popular since they first came out and contain some of their greatest hits. However, this album has the strong qualities of some of their other popular albums and will most likely do very well especially because the release of the album coincides with their current tour. Overall, the album is a strong one that can hold its own next to their other successful albums due to its strong narrative and perfectly in-sync beats. It shows that Slug and Ant have found a perfect way to mesh in The Family Sign. Besides the release of the album, Atmosphere released music videos for “She’s Enough” and “Just for Show” prior to the release of the album. The group is currently on tour and performed in Pomona, California on May 5. They also performed at the Greek Theatre at The University of California Berkeley on May 7 at 6 p.m. with special guests Aesop Rock, Rob Sonic, and DJ Big Wiz for what may be their biggest concert of the tour. From there they will travel to Morrison, Colorado and then back to California to perform at the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles on August 26.
A&E
The Campanile
May 9, 2011 • B10
Chris Brown’s new album mixes pop, R&B in refreshing blend Brown uses F.A.M.E. to redefine his image in positive manner by upgrading to contemporary sound By Austin Smith
Released as a single several months ago, the song features a unique electronic beat. Chris Brown, the decorated and controAlready played nonstop on the radio, its versial R&B artist, released his fourth studio success is unquestionable. The combination album entitled F.A.M.E. on March 22. of a trio’s rapping is very appealing, although Brown had been staying relatively quiet some may not like the beat, which is unique. for some time, until the release of several After experimenting with hip-hop and singles in late 2010. His previous album GrafR&B, Brown starts off several pop songs with fiti had received with mixed reviews in 2009, “She Ain’t You.” somewhat damaging Brown’s reputation as With a catchy electronic beat and some a successful artist. R&B vocals, the track can be considered a Not since his former hits such as “Run classic from Chris Brown. It” and “Kiss Kiss” had he experienced any Although the lyrics are somewhat vapid significant success. The release of F.A.M.E. and repetitive at times, the overall song is very looked to change that fact — and succeeded. enjoyable for Chris Brown fans. Ultimately, the album refreshes Chris Next, “Say it with Me” keeps up with the Brown’s image and is positive for his musical high energy that was previously established reputation. by “She Ain’t You.” Although the material is nothing Another quick, electronic beat is comgroundbreaking or revolutionary, the album bined with Brown’s pop vocals, which proboasts 12 songs that are all fresh and enjoyduces a solid, energizing track. able for R&B and pop fans. Following “Say it with Me” is “Yeah 3x” Those who are more accustomed to which was also released on October 25, 2010 heavier hip-hop may be disappointed by several months ago. most of the record. The song is very similar to “Say it with The album’s opening song, “Deuces” Me,” with a quick, catchy electronic beat and was released as a single in 2010 to much classic Chris Brown vocals. hype. Like so many other of Brown’s songs, Most will already be familiar with the “Deuces” was immediately received as a song, as its immediate success launched popular track and quickly began playing on it onto the radio along with the popular radio stations everywhere. track“Look at me Now.” With a slower, somewhat deeper beat However, the following track, “Next to and featuring Tyga and Kevin McCall, the Me” represents another R&B track on the song epitomizes the rest of the album. new and improved album. F.A.M.E.’s second track, entitled “Up 2 Featuring Justin Bieber, this song is You” is one of the only slow R&B songs on unique in that it polarizes most listeners. the record. While all B r o w n’s fans of Brown’s “Although the material is nothing singing comR&B vocals (and bined with a fairly groundbreaking or revolutionary, the Justin Bieber) standard beat album boasts twelve songs that are all will likely enjoy and lyrics about the track, otha girl, the song a fresh and enjoyable for R&B and pop ers who prefer standard makes fans.” Brown’s hip hop Chris Brown R&B music will probsong. ably be disapWhile by no pointed with this means bad, the song is somewhat boring somewhat upbeat track. because of its repetitiveness and because “All Back” is the album’s 9th track, and there are so many others like it. slows the album down with its mellow style Following “Up 2 You” is “No B******t”, and beat. another mediocre R&B track that details With a high-pitched, slightly annoyBrown’s favorite topic: staying up all night ing chorus coupled with an extremely slow with a girl. R&B beat, this song will also be a hit or miss This track is a low point for the album, among fans, for the exact same reasons as with its cheesy and uninspired lyrics. “Next to Me.” Next comes “Look at Me Now” which “Wet the Bed,” featuring Ludacris, features Lil Wayne and Busta Rhymes. continues Brown’s R&B trend but in a posiAt this point in the album, Brown betive way. gins showing his talent at hip-hop and not Ludacris provides some hip-hop sense just R&B. to the song, and the offbeat production
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With the release of his fourth album on March 22, Chris Brown brings forth a new, unique spin on previous R&B tracks. With twelve new songs, Brown’s image and reputation is expected to be renewed for many fans. combined with Brown’s vocals results in a great R&B song. “Oh My Love” is the albums third true pop song. Despite an excellent hip-hop beat, Chris Brown’s vocals and lyrics do not mix as well with the song as they do in many other of his songs. “Should’ve Kissed You” is the album’s second to last song, and once again turns to R&B inspiration which sadly falls short of the mark.
This track is unoriginal, and leaves the listener once again feeling like they have already heard many songs exactly similar to it before. “Beautiful People” is the album’s closing track, and with Benny Benassi producing the beat, it is an incredibly upbeat,vivid party song. Benassi’s beat is catchy as usual and combined with Brown’s autotuned vocals, the result is a very fast-paced, refreshing track that stands out from the rest.
F.A.M.E. is yet another classic Chris Brown album. While it will absolutely appeal to his previous fans, there are no guarantees that new listeners will enjoy his mostly new R&B material. After several of Brown’s less than desirable debuts in the news, the unique album aims to clean up his image and presents the artist in a new light. All in all Brown’s new album can be viewed as a success for both the artist and the genre.
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A&E
The Campanile
May 9, 2011 • B11
Disneynature film African Cats personifies animal nature
Movie successfully captures humanistic aspect of rivalry between lion prides By William Lee
themselves relating their own struggles of motherhood to the film. In celebration of Earth Day 2011, DisThroughout the film, the mother cheetah neynature released African Cats, a nature brings her cubs to explore the vast scape of documentary that strikes the appeal of the the African savanna, teaching them the ins young and captivates the appreciation and and outs of survival, from how to escape a awe of adults. pack of hungry hyenas to cooperating with Following the release of Earth and Oceans gargantuan elephants. on subsequent Earth Days, Disneynature, an Despite the lighthearted and playful independent nature documentary label of The adventures of the young cubs, African Cats Walt Disney Company, set out to capture the also brings some of the most heartbreaking struggle for survival of felines in the African moments of the cheetah family to the big savanna. screen that truly move both young and old Under the direction of Keith Scholey and audiences alike. Alastair Fothergill, African Cats finds success From heart-wrenching shots of shivering in breaking traditional trends of wildlife cubs, freezing in the cold hard African rain to documentaries by integrating cinematic the bittersweet moment of Sita’s departure and narrative elements into stunning visual from her matured offspring, the film’s porspectacles. trayal of the cheetah family captivates the Narrated by Samuel L. Jackson, the film emotional appeal of all viewers. follows the intense rivalry of two lion prides The cinematographers of the film also and the perpetual struggles of a single cheetah made sure to include a very human touch to mother of five, all intertwined by the ecosys- the stories of the lion prides as well. Layla’s tem of the Masai Mara National Reserve Park countless sacrifices for her cub lioness is in Kenya. nothing short of heartbreaking. The story is set on the shores of a river African Cats’ success in personifying that divides the North Kingdom and South animal instinct makes the film relatable to Kingdom of the reserve, each ruled and even those who find no appeal in nature governed by their respective lion prides. The documentaries. South Kingdom is overseen by the River Pride, Beyond its sentimental appeal and fasa family of lionesses who remain under the cinating storyline African Cats does not fail protection of Fang, the male guardian of the to bring the fascinating high definition visual pride. spectacles that all audiences expect from The North is reigned by Kali, a fierce nature documentaries. male lion who wishes to take over the South From breathtaking aerial views of masKingdom with the help of his sons. Within sive wildebeest herd migrations to awethe feuding prides, the cinematographers inspiring time lapses of the African savanna, behind African Cats selectively follow the Disneynature brings a visual extravaganza story of Layla, the most experienced hunter that is just as stimulating as any action adlioness of the River Pride whose old age and venture film. failing health jeopardizes her ability to care The filmmakers and editors of African for her cub, Mara. Cats display their cinematic genius and exOblivious to the ensuing conflicts of the pertise in their careful selection of the few mighty lion prides, precious moments in Sita, a mature female nature that both inAfrican Cats’ success in percheetah, faces the spire awe and amazedaily undertaking of sonifying animal instinct ment in spectators raising five cubs in makes the film relatable to while simultaneously the deadly and rugged being integrable into even those who find no appeal the key plot line of savanna. With a compel- in nature documentaries. the film. ling storyline drivAfrican Cats difing the documentary, fers from most nature African Cats adds the documentaries in that million-dollar Disney touch by giving the ani- nearly every single shot captures stunning mals individual personalities and identities moments of nature while also emanating an that earn the sympathy and love of audience. emotional response from viewers. Sita is portrayed as a merciless protector While its excellence in cinematography of her cubs, willing to stand her ground against attracts audiences of a wide range of ages, powerful aggressors to defend her offspring. being a Disney film, the documentary still The story of the cheetahs is particularly strik- focuses on being relevant to younger viewing to families, as many mothers may find ers. With this in mind, Jackson’s narration
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To celebrate Earth Day 2011, Disneynature released African Cats, a film capturing the lives of predatory cats on an African savanna. The nature documentary closely follows two lion prides and a family of cheetahs. is simple in language, making sure children can easily follow. For older audiences, this narration style may seem vexing, even condescending; but not enough to detract the attention from the real stars of the film — the cats. In consideration for younger children, the film also consciously spares the bloody and gory details that come with most wildlife documentaries. Overall, Disneynature’s African Cats is without a doubt a unique and exciting cinematic experience. In addition to its con-
tribution to documentary film, a portion of the proceeds will be donated to the African Wildlife Foundation called, “See African Cats, Save the Savanna.” While staying true to the fundamental concept of most nature documentaries, the film still finds its own niche in the industry through the lending hand of classic Disney feature films, reminiscent of such classic tales as The Lion King. The emotional and humanistic appeal that emerges from African Cats is comparable to the drama and thematics of any successful
family film, making it worthwhile for both young and old audiences alike. Adding to the entertainment aspect of the film, the inspiring stories of these incredible African felines is sure to excite a love and affection for wildlife from viewers, strengthening the conservation efforts that Disneynature films strive for. Following the release of African Cats, Disneynature is currently working on the production of Chimpanzee, a nature documentary following the life of a young chimp that is scheduled to be released April 20, 2012.
Wild off-broadway spectacle enchants, impresses audiences Fuerza Bruta combines music fusion, acrobatics, dance to create interactive experience Grace Harris and Rachel Mewes Editors in Chief
A businessman wearing a white suit strides in place on an empty stage in the middle of a crowded room. As he walks, a wind begins to blow, mussing his hair and crumpling his tie. He begins to run as the wind becomes more of a gale. Rain pelts his face as he sprints more and more wildly into the storm, and suddenly, a huge box is coming towards him at full speed. The businessman bursts through the cardboard, and a shower of white confetti explodes over him and the audience. Welcome to Fuerza Bruta. Somewhere between a rave, Cirque du Soleil and an acid trip, Fuerza Bruta is a wildly exhilarating spectacle that features talented performers and mind-blowing effects. The off-Broadway show is one of the better kept secrets of New York City, as it is located in the modest Daryl Roth Theater in the East Village, but it is well worth the trek for anyone visiting the Big Apple. Fuerza Bruta offers audience members an interactive experience, making it all the more memorable. The show is not set in a traditional theater as one might expect, but instead viewers are crowded into a huge warehouse-like space. As the production transitions into each new phase, audience members are controlled and herded into positions to accommodate for moving stages, tables, chairs, and a Plexiglass sheet descending from the ceiling. One should not attend Fuerza Bruta if one is at all claustrophobic or minds standing up for an hour while constantly being shepherded around. While this may sound uncomfortable, the performers are so engaging that time passes all too quickly. Although the show has a relatively small cast, consisting of four women and three men, each member seems to fill the room with his or her presence. The performers are both actors and dancers though none of them say a word except for some unintelligible chanting. Their movements range from elegant interpretive to tribal
LAUREN WONG/CAMPANILE
Fuerza Bruta performers provide audience members with eye-popping visuals through several different innovative acts. Cast members run through pouring confetti (bottom left) and slide across a water-covered Plexiglass ceiling (top, bottom left). hip-hop. The strength and agility of each of the performers is obvious even in the dark, packed arena. One part of the performance consists of two of the female cast members running perpendicular to the wall over what appears to be giant sheets of aluminum cellophane. As they bound across the billowing curtains, the women perform various gymnastic tricks such as flips and somersaults.
The most traditional scene in the show features four of the cast members dressed in everyday clothing dancing exuberantly on a moving stage while interspersedly smashing confetti filled boxes with various body parts. White confetti is a repeating theme throughout the show and by the end many audience members find their shoes to be encrusted with the white flakes.
The performers make an effort to interact with the audience in several different situations. At one point the cast pulls an eager volunteer from the crowd onto a smaller stage at which point, an enormous box of the confetti falls onto their head. Later in the performance, several cast members enter the crowd with Styrofoam blocks which they break over different audience members, to their excitement.
By far the most visually unique and well-known aspect of the show consists of a transparent ceiling that covered with water. As audience members strain their necks to take it all in, four women begin sliding across the water, giving the impression that the entire room is underwater. It begins calmly, but soon the ceiling begins to descend until it is uncomfortably close to the heads of the audience members and the women
start to run and slam themselves into the water, creating stark silhouettes above the crowd. The women do not merely fall on the Plexiglass like an extended slip n’ slide, but treat it like a fluid stage for beautiful dancing and gymnastic feats. Although the experience is slightly claustrophobic, with hundreds of people crammed under a huge transparent sheet of Plexiglass, it is undeniably magical. One can almost make eye contact with the women as they peer down through the water and the performers are obviously trained dancers, as their movements across the Plexiglass are graceful and smooth. The music is a fusion of techno, tribal and hip hop and the beat drives the action of the entire show. With African drums, wild chants, and loud whoops all layered over a techno track, performers and audience members alike cannot keep from dancing. It is advisable to dress for hot weather as the stuffed auditorium can get steamy. Audience members should check all coats and bags before the performance starts because getting wet is almost inevitable. The production is open to people of all ages, but it should also be noted that Fuerza Bruta is not for the faint of heart. The production uses strobe lights which could be dangerous for anyone prone to seizure and the entire show is spent standing in a crowded space. However, the foot and neck cramps completely worth it for anyone willing to attend. To learn more about the show, visit its website at http://fuerzabrutanyc.com/ wordpress/. The show ends in a wild dance party of both audience and performers alike while rain pours from the ceiling. Viewers can dance throughout the show and it is often difficult not to because of the fantastic music, but the last fifteen minutes really allow the audience to become a part of the production and experience the culmination of energy and excitement. Although it is easy to escape the crowd and stay dry, the experience is worth an uncomfortable subway ride in wet clothes.
A&E
B12 • May 9, 2011
Ike’s Place offers selection of gourmet sandwiches Popular hotspot for Stanford students desiring twist on classic favorites By Brandon Nguyen Sports Editor
Imagine waiting over an hour and a half for a sandwich. Just walk into the Jen-Hsun Huang School of Engineering Center at Stanford University any day of the week. A line will spread out across the room as the hungry customers get ready to order their sandwiches on the limited number of menus. Ike’s Place may be tough to find at first, but the secret is out. Stanford students and Palo Alto residents alike are flocking to Ike’s Place for the best sandwiches they have ever had. Ike’s prides itself on a diverse menu with over 80 different options. Each sandwich is entirely different from any of the others. Ike’s offers 24 vegetarian sandwiches and 16 vegan selections in addition to over 40 meat sandwiches. However, the meat sandwiches are the most popular as there are the most options, but customers do not shy away from the vegetarian and vegan sandwiches, which are equally delicious. If choosing from the immense selection of sandwiches is not enough, customers may choose to create their own sandwich. Each sandwich can either be ordered as a full or half sandwich. Instead of using chicken breast like chain restaurants such as Subway and Quiznos, Ike’s uses Halal chicken. Halal is food that is designated for use by Islamic law. The chicken is shredded, which makes it easier to bite into and different from the usual cold cuts at other sandwich shops. Customers may also substitute fried chicken for the Halal chicken on any sandwich. The fried chicken is moist and holds up well with any combination of cheese and sauces. The Jim Rome ($5.95/$8.98) includes turkey, Ike’s red pesto, avocado and cheddar. The sandwich balances the turkey with the creamy cheddar cheese. The lightness of the avocado and pesto help balance the sandwich. The Name of the Girl I’m Dating ($5.95/$8.98) features Halal chicken, honey mustard, avocado and pepper jack cheese. The honey and honey mustard make the sandwich moist. The Menage a Trois ($5.95/$9.99) has Halal chicken, real honey, honey mustard, BBQ Sauce, pepper jack, Swiss and smoked Gouda cheese. It is definitely a hands-on sandwich as the sandwich can get messy with all the sauces. This sandwich may be bit sweet for those who prefer a traditional classic. The Ugly Owl ($4.94/$7.97) is one of the many vegetarian sandwiches at Ike’s Place. It has vegan breaded chicken, teriyaki, wasabi mayo and Swiss cheese. The vegan chicken tastes real, which is impressive for any sandwich shop featuring vegetarian meats. The wasabi and teriyaki work to complement each other tastefully. This sandwich is
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The Campanile
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This edition featuring
Scott Kleckner
with The Campanile’s own Riki Rattner/ Campanile
All Ike’s sandwiches are made with fresh toasted bread and Ike’s Dirty Secret Sauce served with a Caramel Apple Pop, catering to each customers’ needs whether they are a vegetarian or a meat lover. good for anyone looking for a kick at the end of a vegetarian sandwich. The Blind Date ($5.95/$8.98) is the lighter, vegetarian sister of the Name of the Girl I’m Dating. It has the same components such as the honey mustard, avocado and pepper jack but it has vegan breaded chicken instead of the halal chicken. It is a good substitute for the normal chicken sandwich. In addition to the vegan chicken, Ike’s offers vegan turkey, vegan meatballs, vegan steak and breaded eggplant to satisfy any customer’s needs. For customers who are strictly vegan, Ike’s has the vegan options for the most popular meat sandwiches. Ike’s Place uses soy cheese instead of American, jack, pepper jack, Swiss, provolone, cheddar, havarti and smoked gouda. These sandwiches can get messy depending on the amount of sauces put on. Ike’s Place is not necessarily a sandwich shop for someone on a diet because of the rich flavors and sauces. The prices may be in the upper range for sandwiches, but are definitely worth it. The sandwiches are a bit more expensive than the Village Cheese House at Town and Country Village. Each sandwich is first layered with Ike’s Dirty Secret Sauce and then toasted.
The Ike’s Dirty Sauce complements each sandwich very well. The sandwiches are served with lettuce and tomato unless specified. Free of charge, customers may add mustard, pesto, red onions, banana peppers and pickles or jalapenos with their order. The sandwiches can be on French bread, sourdough, wheat or Dutch crunch. Ike’s also offers gluten free bread for a different diet option. Sandwiches can also be paired with chips or fruit for an extra charge. The Dirty Chips come in the flavors of Sea Salted, Jalapeno Heat, Salt & Vinegar and Funky Fusion. There is an assortment of drinks such as the usual soft drinks and cream sodas. To finish off the meal, Ike’s also gives customers a Caramel Apple Pop lollipop with each sandwich. The key to an ideal Ike’s Place experience is to call in the orders, which is essential if customers want to beat the crowd. The wait time may be over an hour, so it is a good idea to call in ahead with orders. On arriving at Ike’s Place, there are two separate lines. One line is designated for call-in orders which goes by much faster. Ike’s also has a phone app. The Ike’s Place app is now available for the Android for free.
Artist Showcase at Paly
This edition featuring text and artwork by Helen Butler I am in AP Art Studio and my concentration is composing stylized portraits using various masters’ examples. I explore how various artists from Gauguin to Lichtenstein use the elements and principles to create stylized portraits. By incorporating some of their specific techniques, I created individually stylized portraits of family members and then eventually stylized portraits of the masters of art themselves. Using scratch board and photography was even new to me, but I soon began to love those methods as well. Art is a chance for me to do what I love and learn something new absolutely every day that I create a piece. I love knowing that in art, the possibilities are truly endless.
There are currently two Ike’s Place locations in the Bay Area. There is the Stanford location and a store in the Castro district of San Francisco. The Stanford location opened in September 2010. The Castro location is the original shop, and opened in 2007. On the first day, no customers bought any sandwiches. According to a New York Times article, Ike’s Place can average 1200 customers on sunny weekend days. It is so popular that the restaurant has been featured in the Travel Channel show Man vs. Food. Ike’s Place has over 3200 reviews on Yelp with an average rating of 4.5/5. Ike’s Place is planning on opening another location in Santa Rosa due to popular demand. Ike Shehadeh, owner of Ike’s place had focused on social networking to inform his customers on any news. Ike’s Place has both a Twitter and a Facebook page. The Ike’s Place Facebook page has over 7900 fans, and Shehadeh himself updates the page. This sandwich shop definitely lives up to its relatively new reputation. If customers are ready to wait for a sandwich, they will be delighted with the outcome. The secret of Ike’s Place is starting to spread and its popularity is increasing each day.
Rachel Stober, Andrea More & Brian Benton The Campanile: Scott why don’t you tell us a little bit about yourself? Scott Kleckner: I like long walks on the beach, speaking English correctly, uh.. I’m a boyscout, I go on a lot of camping trips. TC: How long have you been a boyscout? SK: I’ve been in the boyscouts since [I was] probably like eight years old, I did cubscouts and Pack 57 with all the cool kids you see around campus these days. I’m doing my eagle project right now. TC: Do you have lots of badges? SK: Oh God, badges? We don’t need no stinkin’ badges. Yeah, I have a lot of badges. TC: Is it a chick magnet? SK: It’s a total chick magnet. People love us. They go crazy for us. Just like every time I go to a college interview, it’s just like, oh my gosh, can you show me your badges? Look at this sash. Now look at your sash. Your sash doesn’t have as many badges. TC: What about your family? SK: They... they.. they go nuts over the badges, I don’t know. TC: Tell me about your relationship with your father. SK: What can I say about James Ellis Kleckner that hasn’t already been said? He’s a champ. I don’t know, he’s the kind of guy that went to college for 13 years to figure out what he wanted to do and then did something completely different. He got like, four degrees and then didn’t use any of them. James Ellis Kleckner. TC: How’s writing for Verde? SK: It’s kind of an interesting process. I don’t know, it’s a really long feature-type thing and it’s kinda in between like Campy and like a story, ideally. It’s been a lot of fun. I don’t know what I’m supposed to say about it. TC: Are you excited to be an editor next year? SK: I’m editor right now. TC: Is it a chick magnet? SK: It’s a total chick magnet. TC: Do you wear your sash? SK: I wish I could. I wish I had badges for school and Verde. That’s actually what we’re gonna do next year, bringing back sashes, uniforms. TC: Bowtie? SK: Bowtie. Actually, they’re gonna make us wear neckties. TC: Word on the street is you eat lunch everyday at Trader Joes with Peter Dennis. Is this true? SK: Um, it’s more about the journey and less about the lunch. TC: And it’s always with Peter Dennis? SK: It’s uh... with whoever will take me. I have less friends than I like to admit. TC: Okay, if you had to describe yourself in five words, what would they be? SK: It would be three ampersands? What’s the one that has dot dot dot .... Ellipses? ... Okay well I would use five ellipses and then in like inbetween them I’d have like shrug or like eyebrow something and then like that’d be the words. TC: Okay, okay, can you elaborate on your eyebrows? SK: It’s not really something I can explain in words you just have to be there and experience it. TC: That should be our picture... SK: Oh please, god no. TC: Do you have a favorite eyebrow? SK: Uh, I love all my eyebrows equally. All three — I mean two of them. TC: So tell us about your relationship with Mr. Bungarden. SK: Well I’m tearing up as you can see... or not. He’s just been another one of those history teachers, I’ve had a lot of history teachers, from middle school on that have been consistently some of my favorite classes and when I think back to middle school I think of Mr. Allendorf or Mr. Blackburn in sophomore year they were people that actually made me want to not draw in my notebook for an hour and half. TC: If you had to choose going on a date with Mr. Bungarden, Peter Dennis, or your dad, who would you choose? SK: Ooh, I can’t choose. In fairness to all of them I would have to decline and then follow up to them individually. TC: Where would you go? SK: I would go to the library and take the AP Spanish Language Test...for six hours. TC: And then maybe Trader Joes after? SK: Maybe, depends on how we feel. Salads. TC: What’s the coolest thing you’ve ever done? SK: I went to Alaska for a white water canoeing backpack trip for a week and a bit and we crashed in the middle of a rapid thing and I got flung downstream and I had to like come back, find my canoe, and I don’t know, it was cool because I didn’t die. TC: I’ve noticed you’ve said “a bit” a lot? SK: I say “uh,” “like,” “a bit,” shrug and “a lot,” a lot. TC: So would you describe yourself as articulate then? SK: Um, I guess, it’s like such as and the Iraq and Asian Countries. Well, I’m kind of echoing Miss Teen South Carolina. She’s kind of my idol. TC: You do kind of look like her. Do you bond with her because you both wear sashes? SK: You know she doesn’t have any badges, which is the difference. If she had the same number of badges, we might be on the same level, but uh, no I don’t think we operate on the same level of sashiness or whatever. TC: Any last words for The Campanile? SK: Shrug. Um. Ellipse. I’m so hungry. I’m going to eat my own arm. Don’t go, I just want someone to talk to.