Highlander

Change in bell schedule for second semester

Once the biotech building opened in U-hall, the six minute passing period was no longer enough time for students who had to walk from U-hall to F-hall and vice versa. To give students more time, passing periods have been extended to seven minutes.

The Highlander Carlmont High School Newspaper Volume III, Issue IV, January 2012 See us online at http://scotscoop.com

Senior year is costly

Carlmont students suffer from poverty

By Erin Greig Staff writer

By Erica Valbusa Entertainment editor

Senior year, the last year of high school, and is believed to be the best and easiest year, although for the most part senior year is fun, it is all for a price.

During their last year of high school seniors apply to colleges that they are interested in going to. California State Universities have an application of $60 and the Universities of California have a fee of $70.

There are school dances throughout the year which for the most part seniors will go to because it is their last year of high school so they want to make as many memories as possible.

Senior Erin O’Loughlin stated, “Being in my last year of high school, I feel kind of obligated to go ‘cause we’re seniors and I want to make fun memories with my friends.”

There is also a cap, gown, and tassel payment of $30 which students need for graduation.

Senior Grad Night is for the class of 2012 only and they board buses that will take them to a mystery location to hang out for an entire evening. The tickets are available and can cost up to $150.

English teacher Joseph Hill believes that, “Seniors spend a lot of money on things they don’t need, but have been convinced to buy.”

In our fast-paced, competitive society, it is sometimes hard to recognize that others are struggling and in need of help.

Many students at Carlmont are unaware of the fact that a number of their classmates are the victims of poverty.

An estimated 25 percent of Carlmont’s student population is in need of some type of financial assistance.

Programs such as the free and reduced lunch system are made available to students in need, however, not everyone takes advantage of it.

“Some families do not know about it. The application is available online and it goes directly to the food services, and it is either approved or disapproved,” said Administrative Vice Principal Ralph Crame.

In another attempt to help, Carlmont hosted a food drive throughout the month of November to provide those in need with meals.

“We collected ten times more food than last year. We organize the cans into categories and then we ‘shop’ and make the meals,” exclaimed Associated Student Body member Kelsey Morgan. “ASB usually collects enough food to last halfway through the spring.”

Students Offering Support is a peer-to-peer support program on campus run by Shelley

Second semester: a new beginning

By Virginia O’Callahan Staff Writer A new semester means new beginnings for students who would like to improve upon their skills learned in the previous semester.

Whether you are a second semester senior, junior, sophomore, or freshman, other students are doing the same things you are and gearing up for the second semester.

Sophomore Lindsay Hendershott said, “I will definitely study harder for tests!”

Freshman Grace Yi agreed with Hendershott, “I will study harder for tests, especially for Spanish.”

First semester is usually a hard one for freshmen, after coming to a new school, it’s hard to settle into high school life.

“I was one of two students from Borel Middle School. It was hard for me to settle in since I didn’t have any friends here yet,” said Yi. In contrast, seniors in the first semester are stressed about college applications.

“The first semester was good, but stressful,” said senior Avi Brenman. “I did all my college apps.”

For the new semester, seniors hope for nice, relaxing time while keeping their grades up, and a smooth ride into graduation.

“I’m going to try and relax, but definitely keep my grades up at the same time. I don’t want to slip,” said Brenman.

One hurdle some people need to get over Continued on page 12

Carlmont seniors Aaron Wong and Jullian Bui pay to get certain items required for graduation

Photos by Erin Greig and Niko Frazier

There are also the senior graduation packages, which include the announcements, and they cost a minimum of $120. There is also an additional charge for the Senior Picnic at the end of the year.

Senior Shane Callan said, “I think some of

the senior apparel is a cool idea, but it’s not practical,” he further stated, “when we go to college, who’s actually going to be wearing a class ring or their senior sweatshirts?”

There are seniors who are about three to five AP courses right now and they must Continued on page 12

Continued on page 12

Teacher lessons are restricted

By Gianna Dimick Campus Editor

The English classes at Carlmont this year have been modified to raise student test scores, but the changes made in order to do so are extensive.

In an attempt to help the students of the Sequoia Union High School District, a new system of teaching for the English and Math departments was put in place this year.

In the 9th and 10th grade English department, all classes, with the exception of AS English, no longer use novels and teaching is done with the help of a textbook and a pacing guide.

The Sequoia Union High School district is under “Program Improvement,” meaning the district is trying to move as many students up to the proficiency level as pos-

Do you think 9th and 10th graders should be limited in how many novels they read?

sible in their academic subjects. In doing so, many feel that students are memorizing information instead of learning and teachers no longer have the freedom to teach in the way they feel most beneficial.

To prove that the students are performing at an adequate level, the students in the district must take multiple benchmark exams to analyze their progress. The goal is that they will have learned enough throughout the year to receive a proficient score on the STAR test in May. At the district wide board meeting on Dec. 7, teachers spoke about their feelings on the new program and the way it was implemented. One teacher stated, “My experience with ALS and the standardized tests has not been entirely negative [but] I find the benchmark tests not to be the best quality.”

Kelly Redmond, an English teacher here at Carlmont states that “the problem with the pacing guide [is that] there is no room to go back to reteach the things they lack.”

With little time to have in depth discussions with students, many teachers feel that they are only teaching the students how to pass a test and that the students are not learning how to apply their skills in proper

Photo by Dana Bloom

situations.

Edith Salvatore, a teacher at Sequoia said, “what we are told constantly is that we want students to be critical thinkers, to think around the problem, but instead we are teaching them how to take a test.”

Although the new program requires only the use of the Prentice Hall textbook and a pacing guide that tells teachers what they should teach, Raul Zamora, Carlmont’s principal stated that Carlmont was able to “modify the program by allowing some novels in the classrooms.” That is to say, most classes will only read one per semester.

Reggie Chapman, a sophomore, thinks that reading fewer novels helps him as he feels that long novels are hard to concentrate on.

“I embrace the change,” he stated.

Many teachers here at Carlmont agree that Continued on page 12

News and Opinions

Page 2

Roasting burns bridges

What may seem like fun and games can affect those around you in a negative way

By Kristen Dames Staff Writer There is a very thin line between a joke and an insult. Roasting is an action that sways across this

line dangerously.

Roasting is when a person refers to another person in a derogatory or vulgar way with no intentions of insulting the other with their words.

Carlmont Sophomore Desmond Howell’s definition of roasting is “friends joking with each other.”

Blatantly insulting someone does not count as joking with them. I don’t know a single person who would rather be greeted, “Hey stupid,” rather than, “Hey Bob.” Depending on the person talking, roasting can be done to seem cool or to feel superior to those they are talking down to.

Those who grow up in environments with swearing and abuse are more likely to resort to this kind of behavior and treatment when it comes to their friends and classmates.

“If a parent disciplines their child physi-

cally, the child is more likely to release the anger that builds up inside of them onto others,” said SOS Coordinator Shelly Bustamante.

The person on the receiving end of the insult does not always take the hit so lightheartedly. It is similar to when someone says, “no offense, but you look fat.”

Regardless of the intention, the person hearing it will still feel quite a bit plumper than they did before the comment was made.

Roasting almost never makes a person feel good about themselves and often leads to misunderstandings or fights. Roasting is harmful when the person on the receiving end gets offended or mad, said Howell.

“It’s a form of bullying,” said Bustamante, “and kids have recently been suspended for roasting behavior that led to violence.”

This is where many people get confused with roasting; figuring out whether or not someone is joking with them or trying to offend them.

A simple thing like tone of voice can make best friends think they are talking smack about each other.

Swear words have a negative connotation and, although often times unintended, they inflict harm. These hurtful words should not be used on friends.

The amount of tears shed and bruises formed by this vernacular is growing. “That’s how people joke today,” said Howell.

That’s also how people get hurt today.

Putting other’s feelings on the line for a moment of feeling “cool” is selfish.

Talking to others in this way makes people seem like they have a rather small brain capacity for a vocabulary that consists of a few crude words.

Expanding vocabularies, and finding new ways to talk to friends that doesn’t harm their self-esteem, would be an equitable way to save friendships and feelings from the insult of roasting.

Graphic by Carly Bertolozzi

“Tears shed and bruises formed by this vernacular is growing”

Photography: Not just another hobby

By Alex Porter Sports Editor To be known in history you must take that one picture that everyone can relate to.

But as they zoom, focus, and snap the photograph, most people are unaware of the effect their picture might have in society.

They do not think of the importance of photography and the way it benefits and molds our everyday lives.

Unknowingly, the picture that someone takes could provide evidence for a crime, reflect a certain environmental period, record an historic event, or symbolize a generation.

Photography documents what our lives are like now, essentially saving our history for future generations to look back upon.

A person may be unaware that they are contributing to the history of society, because they may be taking a picture for a more personal purpose. But being at the right place, at the right time, can make the biggest difference.

The photographs that benefit society the most are pictures that fill in the spaces in which words cannot describe.

Indeed, the most famous of photographs captured are those that can tell a whole story, from the surface meaning to the internal principles that evoke emotions.

For example, we are shocked by the skinny frames of tormented people photographed from the Holocaust; we remember how devastating the day was when the Twin Towers fell; we understand the suffering of the people in Af-

rica; we see the beauty of the frontier during the 1900’s; we relate to the sad expressions on the faces of those during the Great Depression; we are inspired by people’s acts of resistance, etc.

These photo stand out because all humans understand the true essences that tie us together. And through year after year, all the photographs come together and define the history that humans have endured with each other.

But it is not the concept of taking thousands of pictures, trying to capture each moment of our lives, but the need for only one picture that describes it all.

A job in photography can be difficult as the art of producing the right photo is more challenging than it may seem.

It is apprehending the best picture that turns photography into and art and into a passion.

The beauty of photography is different ways people can capture the world around us.

Most certainly, photography is a way to freeze moments and save memories.

From personal, to random, to articulately placed, all types of pictures benefit or hold meaning to someone in society, because someone relates to the photograph.

Whether it is an artistic photograph showcased in a museum or a photo hung in the dinning room, it can change the way someone in society views something or add

meaning to their lives.

It is a way of capturing the earth around us and illuminating the different aspects that form life and making them into something extraordinary.

So, the next time you decide to take a picture, pause, and realize that you are saving a memory, you are documenting history, you are providing evidence during a certain time, maybe all of them, and you are contributing to the history of society.

Understand, that with each picture taken, a moment is saved, and history is made.

Photo by Carly Bertolozzi

The Highlander Editor-in-chief: Sports: Dana Bloom Alex Porter Jenna Chambers Copy Editor: Ashley Dierolf

Online: Steven Tsujisaka

News and Op: Cartoonist: Carly Bertolozzi Isabella Paragas Entertainment: Business: Sarah Levin Nikos Frazier Campus: Gianna Dimick Faculty Adviser: Justin Raisner Features: Anna Wheeler Fun Page: Erica Valbusa Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.

Staff Writers: Grace Chang Shannon Chang Gabriela d’Souza Kristen Dames Ryan Freeman Ivan Garin Graham Godwin Erin Greig Matthew Harris Courtney Heatherington Chris Leong Sabrina Leung

Ian Madden Conrad May Kellan McDonough Hailey Miller Virginia O’Callahan Jacob Rudger Miranda Santana Rachel Schuster Chloe Scott Selina Sorensen Kiana Valdez Luisa Zepeda

The mission of The Highlander is to accurately and honestly cover communal as well as school events. As a student run open forum newspaper, we strive to incorporate multiple views and represent the diverse community at Carlmont Comments can be sent via email to editor@scotscoop.com Visit

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News and Opinions

Editorial: Students must be allowed to read novels In an attempt to raise test scores and to improve students’ overall success in English classes, the Sequoia Union High School District has implemented a new teaching system in which regular English classes are taught primarily out of a textbook.

While it may be too early to tell how this new teaching system might affect students overall, it would no doubt yield some benefits for some students though other students might suffer because of the changes. In addition to teachers teaching primarily out of the Prentice Hall textbook, some modifications to the program allow teachers at Carlmont to also teach one novel per semester.

While limiting the English curriculum to textbook work and reading one novel per semester might seem like a good way to help students pass tests such as the high school exit exam and the annual STAR test, it ultimately puts students at a disadvantage when they graduate high school and navigate the world beyond the English classroom.

Being taught how to pass a test in high school might be just what some students need, but not all students in regular English classes need to have this type of “pacing guide” and some might even prefer not to.

Why should we be penalizing students for deciding that the rigorous coursework of an AS English class might be too much for them? These students, some or most of which who are college bound, are essentially loosing out on the

opportunity to read and study classic novels that are taught right as students enter high school.

This does put them at a disadvantage as they move on to college and will be classmates with students who had intellectually stimulating English classes that taught them how to think critically.

Limiting the English curriculum will no doubt also affect the students who do not aspire to attend a university after high school. Some of these students need that extra push and more motivation to get work done. By studying one piece of literature per semester, it allows students to become lax in their coursework and hold them accountable for the bare minimum.

Right when students enter high school in the 9th and 10th grade is when they need this push to do more and work harder so that they are prepared for the increase in workload in the 11th and 12th grade.

Allowing students to show minimal effort while in high school will not prepare them to be successful in the world beyond high school. It could very well hinder their success as they venture out into the real world.

High school should be a time where students begin to take on more responsibility for schoolwork among other things and high school courses should in fact be the place where students learn to gradually take on more coursework and balance life beyond school as well.

“It ultimately puts students at a disadvantage”

Photo by Dana Bloom

VS. Photo by Carly Bertolozzi

Opportunities given, but not taken

By Carly Bertolozzi News and Opinions Editor

Information taken from the US Census Bureau

A few days ago, during one of our lunch breaks, I met a young man who not only inspired me, but changed the way in which I look at everyday life.

Although he is a man of few words, he helped me realize that, as residents of the San Francisco Bay Area, as healthy able-bodied teenagers, and as kids with the opportunity to educate ourselves, we are some of the most privileged adolescents in the world.

The young man I am speaking of is named Jesse. He is 19 years old, he attends Carlmont High School and he is one of the teenagers who are a part of the special needs program.

Because of a friend who takes time out of everyday to help and encourage the kids in the program, I found myself walking with him and another good friend up to T hall.

During the first few minutes in the special needs classroom, it was a little bit awkward. I was at a lost as to how I should act or treat them.

However, I soon realized that the only difference between myself and these kids is that life has given them the short end of the stick, preventing them from utilizing so many opportunities that many of us have and will have cherished in our lives.

It saddened me to know that these kids never received the same childhood memories as I did growing up, and that when I go on to graduate high school, receive a college diploma, and follow whatever path life takes me on, Jesse and his friends will not be able to say the same.

These thoughts soon faded, however, as another one soon struck my mind. We shouldn’t pity these kids, because if they were given the tools and abilities to complete their life goals, they would take it.

Every single one of us has the means and skills to succeed in whatever life goals we may aspire to achieve, regardless of what those may be, but how many of us will actually prevail?

Growing up, we were able to kick the ball around at soccer practice, damage our parents’ eardrums during Wednesday trombone lessons, jump with excitement as we rode the train to a Giants game, scrape our knees as we learned to ride a bike, and cast enchantments after reading Harry Potter.

Now, we can grab our licenses and drive ourselves to a party, study hard to complete a calculus class, approach carpal tunnel as we text our best friends, and make decisions by ourselves that will affect us for the rest of our lives.

In the future, we will also have countless opportunities, whether it’s working our way through college to earn a bachelors degree or packing our bags and jumping on a plane to Europe in order to discover alternative cultures.

There are so many paths we can travel down, there are so many opportunities to take advantage of, and there are so many ways we can accomplish what we want to obtain from life.

The people I pity are not Jesse and his friends, because they have no control over whether or not their opportunities are taken away from them.

The people I pity are the ones who, like many of us attending Carlmont, have the world at our feet, and choose not to make something of it.

Features

Page 4

Use of smartphones in school Students at Carlmont have found ways to incorporate smartphones into many aspects of their school day; Some use it for studying, others for cheating.

Androids, iPhones, HTC Pixies, and HTC Evos are all popular among students. Their ability to connect to the Internet, full keyboard, media capabilities, and additional functions qualifies them as smartphones.

These versatile devices can have a positive effect on a student’s schoolwork and overall grades.

If a student downloads the free Infinite Campus application to their phone he or she can have instant access to their grades, attendance, and the email addresses for all their teachers.

Various applications, as well as in-phone calendars, are also available for the student to keep track of their assignments and their due dates.

Smartphones allow their owners to stay in constant communication with their peers. This not only means they can stay in touch with their friends, but also members of group projects.

The seemingly endless number of applications available

to smartphones transforms it into anything from a handheld dictionary to mobile textbook.

Although smartphones can be a helpful tool for a student, in the wrong hands it can fuel academic dishonesty.

Some students will use the Internet during tests to look up answers. “Sometimes, if I didn’t study, I’ll look up definitions on my phone during a vocab test,” admitted a student who asked to remain anonymous.

A handful of students take it a step further by helping other people cheat. Another student that asked to remain anonymous revealed that he has taken “photos of the test to help out a friend.”

This student is not alone. Taking pictures of a test and distributing them to other students has become one of the many ways students abuse the technology of their smartphones.

Less serious offenses include cheating on homework. A third anonymous student owned up to relying on the translator application on her phone to complete virtually all of her language assignments.

The most common offense in school committed by smartphone users is allowing themselves to be distracted in class.

Despite the school rule prohibiting the use of electronic

Carlmont gives back

By Kellan McDonough Staff Writer Beyond school academics, students participate in charities that benefit those in need.

Charities provide ways to give back to the community. Participating in them teaches morals and humanitarian behavior.

At Carlmont, many tend to forget how privileged we are. It is important to look beyond our school to find ways in which we can help the less fortunate.

The holiday season is upon us and many families cannot find the time and money to give back to their loved ones. That is why charity is so important: it gives to those who need it most.

Carlmont has managed to set time aside to help.

Carlmont students have no problem reaching out. There are a variety of clubs for them to join and a bunch of ASB fundraisers organized to get students involved.

Carlmont High School recently participated in a canned food drive. Students brought canned goods to

school to give to families dent of Key Club said, “We that cannot afford such do multiple community necessities. service events throughout Ralph Crame, the assisBelmont and San Carlos. tant vice We meet every principal other week for sophoand discuss mores and upcoming seniors, events. We ensaid, “The courage people Second to come. Our Harvest members are food bank required to Used with Creative Commons license came in and do at least two picked up the canned foods events per semester.” to distribute to families.”

Erika Kubisch, a sophoSecond Harvest Food more in Key Club, said, “It Bank is a non profit organifelt really awesome to help zation that distributes nutrithe community that I live tious food to people that can in because its much more not afford it. personal. Each event makes According to the Second you feel that you did someHarvest Food Bank website, thing to help the community last year, volunteers contrib- and it gives you a great uted 297,755 hours of comfeeling. I will definitely be munity service. With such in Key Club for the rest of great effort, it is easy to high school. It is a great see why Carlmont chose to learning experience and donate to Second Harvest. teaches you that the smallest Clubs like the Key Club things help the community and CSF help kids here at in a bigger way then you Carlmont get more involved realize.” in the community.

CSF, also known as the Key Club is a community California Scholarship service club that meets evFederation, is a club that ery other Thursday in Matt participates in community Miskelly’s room, D12. service. They meet on the Dana Bloom, the Presifirst Wednesday of every month to plan events.

Morgan Finlayson, a sophomore in the club, said, “One way it’s affected me is that I have volunteered in the community more.”

Finlayson has found ways to help out through clubs here at Carlmont, but you do not need to be apart of the clubs offered at Carlmont to give back. Nicky Thompson, a freshmen, does charity work on his own time.

Thompson commented, “I do charity because I am a good person and I can reach out to the community.”

Every effort and volunteer counts. Participate to make a difference.

devices during class, many still text and listen to music, pulling their attention away from learning.

Whichever way students choose to use their smartphones, it is apparent that many people own them. According to a poll, 59 percent of Carlmont students have smartphones.

Some of the other 41 percent that do not have smartphones wish they did.

“Of course I want one, everyone does, but they’re just too expensive. My mom doesn’t want to pay the bill every month,” says Jackie Li, a student at Carlmont who does not have a smartphone.

This is understandable when one considers the price of an iPhone owner’s monthly bill. On top of the hundreds of dollars spent just to purchase an iPhone, the average monthly bill is about $70.

Despite their costs, smartphones have become a staple in the lives of many Carlmont students, whether it be for school or enjoyment.

Mountain lion attacks increase in Belmont As mountain lion population increases, the number of attacks does too

By Ivan Garin two factors are related.

Staff Writer

In recent years, the population of mountain lions in Northern California has slowly been rising, increasing your chances of seeing one.

Many people have never seen a mountain lion before in their lives, but have heard of sightings.

“I’ve never actually seen a mountain lion in the flesh, but I’ve definitely heard of sightings, especially in San Carlos,” admitted Casey Carstens.

However, over half of California is prime mountain lion country. The truth is that these mountain lions have been here long before humans, making it their territory and not ours.

The city of Belmont has had mountain lion problems in its past. In 2010, the San Mateo Sheriff’s Department reported four sightings in Belmont.

The most memorable was last December at nearby Ralston Middle School, when a deer carcass was found on its field and after an investigation of tracks by Belmont police, it was confirmed that the attacks were done by multiple lions, most likely a female and cub.

One month after, a student sighted a mountain lion across Ralston’s athletic field and on the other side of the school’s fence. Students were rushed indoors as Belmont police started a search for the lion, but it was not found.

The school borders a canyon with a popular trail named Waterdog that many Carlmont students venture into on a daily basis.

“My house is right next to Waterdog so I always go on walks there, but all I have seen are deer, never any mountain lions,” said Mark Gustincic.

California’s population has been at a steady increase, along with its mountain lion attacks. There is no doubt that these Photo by Mai Wheeler

By Hailey Miller Staff Writer

If we develop a better understanding of these beautiful creatures and their habits, then we can continue to live in peaceful coexistence so that neither side is ever harmed.

The mountain lion’s genus is Puma Concolor, and is also known as a panther, mountain car, puma, or catamount.

An adult male can range from six to eight feet long, and generally weighs between 120 and 160 pounds. Females can be five to seven feet long and weight between 60 and 100 pounds.

The history of mountain lion population in California has been greatly varied in the last century.

Between 1907 and 1963, it was considered a bountied animal, meaning that a money reward was given for each one killed. In the year 1920, a rough estimate put their population at 600.

Finally, in 1990, it was labeled as a special protected mammal, meaning it was illegal to hunt.

This change came after public concern for their faltering numbers. Because of this, today’s estimated population is greater than 6,000.

Mountain lions typically hunt alone in the night, whether it be on big game like deer and elk or smaller game such as rodents.

Their secretive lifestyle makes it likely that even humans living in their territory will never see them.

Mountain lion attacks are extremely rare, but as humans continue to expand into their habitat, the numbers continue to rise.

By understanding these animal’s habits and natural instincts, we can avoid encounters and remain safe, while letting this previously extinct species, continue to develop and grow.

Graphic by Anna Wheeler

What to do in the case of a mountain lion encounter:

1: Do not run away; the mountain lion will view you as prey and chase after you 2. Make loud noises and wave your arms to scare them off 3. Throw rocks at them to warn them that you are a predator just like them 4. Use anything within reach as a weapon 5. Do not turn your back to the mountain lion

features

Page 5

Different meanings behind dreams

By Luisa Zepeda Staff Writer

a dream, but other nights you don’t dream at all, then REM sleep is your calling.

REM sleep, also known as Rapid Eye Movement, is a stage of sleep where you dream vividly. Up to 25 percent of your sleep involves REM sleep, and if you wake up during REM sleep, you can remember the dream with clarity; unlike the rest of your dreams that fade away.

Another type of dream is Lucid dreaming, which is the ability to control the dream once you realize you are in a dream.

During this, people can control what happens and change the events occurring in their mind.

Sometimes, nightmares cannot seem to go away. According to research, 80 percent of dreams are negative. Whether it is from stress, anxiety, fear, attack, chase, lost, or failing a test you become the victim of your subconscious.

So before you go to bed tonight, ask your subconscious to be kind and let you dream of gumdrops and rainbows.

attention from videos posted on the Internet of protesters being pepper-sprayed by campus police and Oakland protesters for shutting down the Port of Oakland.

On Mar. 11, Japan was struck by a 9.0 magnitude earthquake and tsunami, which killed thousands and damaged many cities including three nuclear power plants. The World Band estimated the cost of damage was $235 billion USD, the most expensive natural disaster in history.

On May 2, 2011, President Barack Obama made a special announcement at approximately 8:30 p.m. PST of Osama bin Laden’s death, the man behind the terrorist group.

Some other celebrities, politicians, and most-controversial cases have made the headlines this year.

Charlie Sheen, former star of Two and a Half Men, was banned by CBS after he was reported of going to drug rehab for the third time in less than a year and months of complications with the show’s producer, Chuck Lorre. CBS, Warner Bros., and Lorre unanimously fired Sheen on March 17 and replaced him with Ashton Kutcher.

After 25 years of having her own talk show, Oprah Winfrey hosted her final show on May 25. Starting in 1984 as a Chicago-based radio host, Winfrey has grown from a young, local newscaster to one of America’s most inspirational women and richest African-American.

Throughout her career, Winfrey has interviewed thousands of people including Tom Cruise, Michael Jackson, Ellen

DeGeneres, and helped Dr. Phil McGraw, Dr. Mehmet Oz, and Gayle King generate their own talk shows. Winfrey is now the founder and CEO of OWN, the Oprah Winfrey Network.

Ten years ago on Sept. 11, terrorists hijacked four airplanes and destroyed the Twin Towers in New York City along with crushing part of the Pentagon, the headquarters of the U.S. Dept. of Defense located in Arlington, Virginia, while one plane crashed in a field most likely heading towards the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. Kim Kardashian, who became famous from her 2007 sex tape, ended up getting divorced in late October from Kris Humphries after 72 days. Some, including people who are close to the Kardashian family, speculate the wedding was a hoax to generate a larger audience for their E! television show, Keeping Up with the Kardashians, and to bring in more money.

The year of 2011 was filled with other events such as the assassination attempt of Congresswoman Gabby Giffords, the Herman Cain sex scandal, Arnold Schwarzenegger’s divorce from Maria Shriver, Prince William and Kate Middleton’s royal wedding, Rebecca Black’s Friday debut, the end of the Harry Potter series, and much more. Who knows what’s in store for 2012...

Cartoon by Isabella Paragas

There you are lying in your bed, while your alarm clock is screaming at you to wake up and get ready for school. Yet, your dream from the night before has you thinking, analyzing, worrying, and hesitating about everything.

Suddenly, you begin to wonder where that dream came from and how it had the power to show you things that you never actually wanted to see or think about.

“I had this dream in fourth grade, where I was at a carnival with my friends for one of their birthdays with the Pirates of the Caribbean on an island. But it’s strange because I hate carnivals,” expressed Kelsey Morgan.

So where do dreams actually come from? Do we have the power to decide what we want to dream or is it our minds that control the images depicted in front of us?

There are many theories that have dealt with the burning question: where do dreams come from and how are they controlled?

Austrian neurologist, Sigmund Freud, stated that dreams are expressions of unconscious wishes and desires happening in your life that you want to see come true.

They can also be reflections of what we are unaware in our surroundings and life. It is also a way for your subconscious to solve problems and help reduce stress.

Freud believed dreams were symbolic, and they represent something in your life and help guide you to solve that problem.

“Let’s say you are being chased by a monster or something scary, your subconscious is showing you something that is bothering you and you can’t seem to figure out how to solve it,” explained AP Psychology teacher, Jennifer Perna.

The second theory is that dreams simply show you what you are thinking throughout the day, whether it’s about your friends, school, boyfriend, or girlfriend; your mind is subconsciously playing a movie of your life while you sleep.

“The great thing about dreams is that no one really knows, but there are so many theories that say different things - they are random bursts of neuron activity,” gushed Perna.

Spiritually, Kabbalists believe dreams are a state where your soul leaves your body and travels to places and experiences visions and encounters that are off-limits to human beings, while the other portion remains in the body to keep it alive.

This may result in meeting with other souls or loved ones that have passed away. This could explain why you might have had the feeling of being in a certain place or time, without actually having been there.

“Some nights I don’t dream at all, but sometimes I have the strangest dreams.

They (dreams) usually vary on the mood I am in,” said Danielle Rosenduft.

If you are one of those people that can remember

Looking at the year in review: 2011

By Steven Tsujisaka Online Editor

JANUARY:

Jan. 8- Gabby Giffords shot

Mar. 11- Japan earthquake

Feb. 10- Rebecca Black’s music video for “Friday” comes out

May 2- Osama bin Laden’s death

April 29- Royal Wedding

July 15- Harry Potter 7 (part two) comes out

June 3- School’s out for summer

Sep. 11- Tenth anniversary of 9/11

Aug. 23- Gaddafi’s death

Nov. 4- Penn State football coach Jerry Sandusky accused of molestation Dec. 17- Kim Jong Il’s death

Oct. 5- Steve Jobs’ death

DECEMBER:

While citizens pranced around the White House at midnight on May 2 in glee of Osama bin Laden’s death, protesters have spent months living on the street in spite of the 1 percent of Americans who are wealthy. For Harry Potter fans, Apple geeks, Friendster addicts, and people who lost family members in the Middle East or Japan, 2011 marks the end of an era.

For 2011, “iPhone” was this year’s most searched term on Yahoo. On Jan. 17, Apple’s co-founder and then CEO Steve Jobs announced that he was taking another medical leave.

On March 11 and June 6, Jobs made an appearance at Apple’s public events to announce the release of the iPad 2 and it’s new cloud-computing program, known as iCloud.

A day after Apple announced the iPhone 4s, Apple announced that Jobs had passed away.

Starting in September, people started to protest on Wall St, known as Occupy Wall St, to send a message to the government and corporate executives that the rest of America, the 99 percent, are struggling to pay their bills and can’t afford food.

The protests have spread around the country, even to San Francisco, Oakland, and small cities such as Redwood City and Belmont. Protesters at U.C. Davis gained nation-wide

1090 Alameda de las Pulgas Belmont 650.486.1530 monday - sunday 10:30 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Campus The battle between sleep and homework

Page 6

Is it better to finish homework in the morning or night?

By Anna Wheeler Features Editor

Fun Fact:

In a 2006 National Sleep Foundation, 22% of high school students fall asleep while doing homework.

Photo by Ivan Garin

High school is, for many students, a time of stress, and homework may be one of the biggest, most prominent causes of that stress.

A large number of students have found that the only way they are able to get all of their homework done is by either staying up late doing work or waking up early to finish.

Students who are not able to avoid missing out on sleep in order to finish their work are faced with the question: Is it better to stay up late or wake up early to get work done?

According to an article on www.sciencedaily.com, a website that provides scientific news, “sleep is associated with better academic performance.” This may seem fairly logical to people, but there may be times when they are not able to get a full night of sleep. So how are they supposed to know whether it is better to take time away from their sleep in the morning or at night?

Texas University did a study in 2008 that proved that early risers did better on their test scores and school work. Some speculated that these results may have to do with the fact that when students are already awake due to studying, they are more prepared for the day ahead of them.

However, on the other hand, the University of Adelaide did a study on more or less the same topic. Despite the similar subject matter, their research proved that “the human brain learns more effectively in the evening.”

Virgil Neyroud falls asleep at his desk while doing his homework late at night.

Although research does seem to back up both of the studies, it may be more complicated than that.

Some students find that it all depends on whether they are a morning person or a

night person.

Junior Vanessa Pizziconi stated, “I’d rather stay up late and do homework or study because I hate waking up early and I usually lay in bed and can’t fall asleep until

late anyways.”

Research done by www.scientificamerican.com, which is a website that shares the latest science news, proved that people who rise early tend to crash faster than those who prefer staying up late. Although “early birds and night owls were equally alert” during the first hour and a half, ten and a half hours into the experiment, “the night owls had grown more alert” due to “the body’s circadian clock,” which “sends signals to boost alertness as the pressure to sleep mounts.”

Despite this, Pizziconi still noted that, on a scale of ten, she would still rank her level of fatigue “a seven.”

On the other hand, Kat Meyers, a freshman, stated, “I would rather wake up early and do homework because I seem to be more focused throughout the day if I do that.

Even though it can be hard to wake up early, I end up getting more done and it’s easier to stay on task, since I don’t have things like Facebook to distract me.”

Although there have been different theories as to what is the best time to get work done, it seems that it all comes down to the individual.

Campus

Page 7

Busing, biking and driving to school Students get to school in different ways.

Some take the bus, others drive, while others opt to walk to class. Each approach has it’s own advantages and disadvantages.

As of the 2010 census, there are 22,657,288 licenced drivers in the state of California.

Cultural norms dictate that getting a driver’s licences and ownership of a car are requirements for adulthood.

“I paid something like $2000 for my car,” junior Justin Fink commented.

Driving to school costs money. The registration fee for a car, money for the ever-increasing cost of gas, now 3% higher than it was in 2008, and last but not least, car insurance.

California Insurance Code §11580.1b states that all drivers must a have motor vehicle liability insurance policy or make a deposit of $35,000 to the Department of Motor Vehicles as a prerequisite for vehicle registration.

Provided a student (or his parents) can afford a car, it can be the first major responsibility a student can have in his or her life.

File photo

By Matthew Harris Staff Writer

Other students take the local SamTrans transit buses to school.

Youth passes cost $36, so taking SamTrans to school every day would cost around $360 per school year.

However, SamTrans is moving to the electronic Clipper card, which is already ac-

cepted by the Golden Gate Transit Authority, Muni, Caltrain and VTA. But in order to purchase a youth (or senior) Clipper card, a “Clipper Youth and Senior Application Form” needs to be filled out from Clipper’s website and hand-delivered to one of Clipper’s service

centers. The closest one to Carlmont is the SamTrans/Caltrain headquarters, located at 1250 San Carlos Avenue, San Carlos-hours are 8am to 5pm.

People who apply for the card need to bring valid proof of age, which can be done by showing your Birth Certificate, Driver’s License, California ID card, Passport, San Francisco city ID card, Consular Identification or a Alien registration/permanent resident card.

Other students opt for the free yellow buses provided by the School District.

“It’s crappy....ripped seats and everything, especially the midtown bus”, a student who wished to be identified as “Carlos” said.

Taking the yellow buses is a privilege, though; and it is very clearly stated on page 17 of our day planners that Board Policy 5131.1 gives the school (and the district) the right to deny transportation to any student who misbehaves or eats food on the buses.

Getting to school is important-we all need to be in class to receive an education. But as we grow older we have more options for getting to school. While some will drive, others will stick to the bus or walk in order to get to school.

The holiday break that starts after holidays

By Niko Frazier Business Manager

As many Scots know, our winter vacation has been moved so far back that Carlmont’s vacation started on Dec.22. Last year, Carlmont got out for vacation on the seventeenth, giving students eight days to get ready for Christmas. But with this years late start, the schedule was pushed back so far that students only have two days before Christmas day.

Administrative Vice Principal Ralph Crame commented “It was between the District and the Unions.”

With finals and grades stressing students out already, students time to shop for gifts and enjoy a vacation are limited. The number of days have not changed for the

By Ryan Freeman Staff Writer Ever accidentally hit the bottom of your desk while reaching for something on the ground and found a surprise sticking to your clothes or hair?

Gum, a super sticky, but ever so chewy substance of high fructose corn syrup, artificial sweetener and artificial rubber that has been cleansing mouths and bringing taste to people’s days has been hiding under the desks of Carlmont for ages.

With the average American teen using 182 sticks of gum per year, (according to the International Chewing Gum Association), it isn’t hard to understand why used

vacation length, but the dates have, pushing back many families vacation plans to after Christmas.

Is vacation a time to celebrate holidays like Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanza or is it a time for students to wind down from school, sleep in, and enjoy the practice of laziness? Originally winter break was called “Christmas Break” in observation for Christmas.

But, due to the first amendment in the Constitution, the separation of church and state, districts changed the vacation to winter break. The same process happened to Spring Break which was originally referred to as “Easter Break.”

Though many students travel over break, some students prefer the late let out. Taylor Sargent commented, “I would rather get

out early because people start celebrating holidays earlier than the 22nd.”

With the late start of the vacation, some students do think it is better because a later let out, pushes the next semesters start back, giving students the same number of vacation days. This gives students more time to relax after Christmas.

Then why did the union change the date for vacation? Students have different opinions on the topics.

Shaina Chemparathy feels that “it kind of sucks, but it’s okay, I’m neutral.”

On the other hand, Brianna Sagrafena commented “No, the holidays are supposed to be about family and not about studying for finals.”

A few decades ago, students went on winter break. After they came back, they

took their finals, which allowed more time to study for finals, as well as a more stress free holiday season. This seems better, but with a break between school and holidays to enjoy, students could end up with less time to relax and enjoy the true meaning of the holiday season.

Now in days, students take finals prior to vacation, and upon return, the new semester starts. Though this leaves students less stressed during the holidays, students still are overwhelmed, and with a later start to vacation, students have less time to relax before the first holiday.

In the end, students have little input on the dates for vacations, but due to the American dream, they still have voices. Speak out and voice your opinions to the Unions, District, Administration, PTSA and Teachers.

gum is scattered across Carlmont.

“The whole campus is covered in it,” explained Jerome Harris, head maintenance manager.

Any student that has walked through a high activity area can easily see the sea of flattened and used game that litters the pavement.

"We de-gum the campus using a gum buster (a machine that chips and suctions gum off pavement) every summer, but we don’t have the time, staff, or money to keep the campus de-gummed,” continued Harris.

While using the gum buster, a patch of pavement without tiles the length of the football takes around two hours. With Carlmont 42 acres of land, mostly being pavement, and only having the three workers, keeping Carlmont clean of gum doesn't seem plausible.

Due to budget cuts and the vast acres of land that makes up Carlmont, the three day maintenance workers have no way to be able to “de-gum” along with the already long to-do lists.

"With kids doing things like crapping on the floor, it is doing nothing but taking away from our time to do things like de-gum,” explained Harris. “We need the help of the students, it is their campus too.”

Harris confirmed that although there is no set club for “campus beautification, he is gladly accepting the help of anyone who is willing to spend a Saturday or Sunday helping clean up Carlmont.

Although there are no set rules at Carlmont to prohibit gum chewing, it is frowned upon by some of the staff.

“I take away ten points every time I catch someone chewing in class,” explained

Madeleine Fox, a current Spanish teacher.

"They don’t know how to chew gum properly”.

Although strict anti-gum rules could be applied, due to the difficulty of monitoring and enforcing, it seems unlikely to be in the future plans for the Carlmont Admin.

With Carlmont not being the only place with a gum issue, Administration could realize the solution may not be within Carlmont’s student body.

So whether it comes down to a new type of gum or maybe just a concerted effort by the student body to keep Carlmont “Degummed,” it doesn’t matter. Either way, Carlmont has a problem.

Page 8

A Night of Elegance Are you planning on going to formal just becasue it is at the Fox Theatre?

82% No 18% Yes Winter formal to be at Fox Theatre

By Shannon Chang Staff Writer

The Redwood City Fox Theater will play host to Carlmont’s winter formal this year.

Although Carlmont students are not the theater’s normal patrons, ASB has arranged for the winter formal will be held there. The Fox Theater usually holds a variety of live performances ranging from Dora the Explorer to stand up comedians.

ASB member Kalya Tabari announced, “This year formal is at the beautiful Fox Theater.”

The ASB commissioners have chosen to switch venues for a number of reasons.

One of the dance commissioners, Kelsey Morgan, said, “Our decorator suggested the Fox Theater and we decided on that venue for winter formal this year because it is a lot prettier than the Marriott and it just

How much do you plan to spend on winter formal ?

48% say $100+ 20% say $31-$60 17% say $0-$30 15% say $61-$100

opened up. Its also a lot cheaper than the Marriott.”

Jessie Real, part of Carlmont’s dance team, performed at the theater once and described it as, “A beautiful old movie theater that has a ballroom like room inside that will be good for the dance.”

Another dance member, sophomore Kiana Yekrang, stated, “The Fox Theater is really spacious and nice, but a little bit old.”

Some students have expressed their excitement for formal, largely in part to the venue choice.

Junior Jasmine Rishi said, “I’m excited for winter formal to be at a new place so it won’t be the exactly the same as the last two years.”

Fox Theater, previously a movie theater, closed in 1950 for renovations so it could open its doors for live performances and shows.

Others, like Ross Goffigan, like the idea simply because “It’s going to be awesome, I guess.”

Although some students are excited for the change, others feel differently.

Junior Joe Walters stated, “I’m really upset because I liked it when it was at the hotel last year and I really want it to be there again.”

Some students are going to formal only to experience the new location.

“The only reason I’m considering going to formal is because its at the Fox Theater,” Junior Taylor Choye stated when asked if she would be attending this year’s winter dance.

Morgan later expressed her opinion when she remarked, “Last year there were only 600 people at formal so we are hoping for more this year. I think it will be better than last year because it will be more organized and it will be more professional.”

Whether its because of the beautiful theater, or the new experiences, many students are excited for winter formal to be at the Fox Theater this year.

How To: ask someone to formal

By Dana Bloom Editor-In-Chief One of the hardest parts about dances is finding a date to accompany you. For winter formal, like many other dances, it is not required that you have a date, but for many people it is preferred.

It is most common that the guy will ask the person of his choice to the dance. The male can ask his date in a clever way or in an ordinary way which includes just asking the question, “Will you go to the dance with me?”

As students get older and dances become more elegant, the planning and preparing becomes much longer and harder.

Finding a dress is a major priority for some girls before attending a dance such as

formal. For some males, asking the person of his choice in a special way is a priority.

When asked about how he was planning on asking his date to formal, senior Matt Wood stated, “It will be special, but I don’t want to give it away.”

Some males will put a lot of time and effort into planning the perfect moment when he will ask another person to the dance but other males will not.

Senior Julian Bui commented, “As a lazy male, I would just straight up ask the girl.”

Although some males may put a lot of effort into asking a date and others will not, many females appreciate more effort.

Junior Emma Stainton said, “I think it is cute when they put effort into asking you in a creative way.”

Some females appreciate when guys put in more effort because it means a lot to them.

Sophomore Danielle Giuliacci commented, “It is way more special if they put thought into it because it shows they care.”

Even though many people appreciate a little more effort and time on behalf of the male when coming up with a way to ask a date, it is not always necessary.

Although some people may come up with an eccentric and original way to ask a date to a dance, others will just ask the simple question and call it a day.

Everyone in the school can be asked to the dance in a different way, ordinary or simple. But either way all that you can hope for is the person who is asked replies with a “yes.”

A Night of Elegance

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Winter Formal

A Night of Elegance theme:

By Rachel Schuster Fun Stuff Editor Many Carlmont students enjoy the fun themes at the annual Winter Formal dance, but how exactly are these themes picked?

“Well, that is up to our dance supervisors and commissioners Syna Zali, Kelsey Morgan, and Tyler Norman. They’re in charge of anything dance related,” said ASB member Claire Porter.

This year’s theme is elegance, having stemmed from the location of the event; Redwood City’s Fox Theater, which is also known as the “Grand Movie Palace.”

Morgan said, “Dance supervisors have the final ‘yes’ on choosing the theme, although sometimes we will ask the class what they think. The theme is important because the invitations, decorations, favors and publicity all revolve around it.”

“Kelsey, Syna, and Tyler are the three people who are in charge of the details and making it happen,” added ASB member Kayla Tabari.

“As for the theme, it is a class effort but also depends heavily on the venue. This year formal is at the beautiful Fox Theater, so the theme of elegance was perfect. On the other hand, at places like The Marriott, we can be more creative because it’s a more general venue. The theme ties into invitations, party favors, tickets, and flyers, but it doesn’t affect music played or effect clothing choices for the people that attend.”

Some students though, have not noticed the efforts that ASB has put into creating a

Page 9

The different views of Formal

By Kiana Valdez Staff Writer There are a lot of people talking about Winter Formal, but boys and girls usually have different views on it.

“I love Winter Formal!” exclaimed Angela Perez de Tagle, “It’s a time for friends to come together.”

“I am excited because I want to prove that you can have fun at a dance without a date,” said Catlin Bolan.

The excitement of getting a new outfit and going to get their hair and make-up done gives some girls anticipation for the dances.

Especially the more “dressy” ones like Winter Formal and Prom.

However, a number of girls are not excited to be going to Winter Formal and are even planning on not attending.

“I don’t like Winter Formal. Especially because I think it is dumb how girls wear short dresses!” said Claire McKeefry.

The boy’s opinion, on the other hand, is a whole other story. Some boys don’t like the idea of Winter Formal or dances in general.

“I don’t even know when Winter Formal is!” exclaimed Jorge Rodriguez, “I’m not going. And I am not excited for it because dances are not interesting for me.”

Bradley Ting said, “I’m not excited for Winter Formal.”

Why are some boys anti-dance?

Jeremy Chow explained, “I don’t like dances because they are very boring.”

Still, there are some boys that do like dances. Reggie Chatman said, “Yeah I am excited! This year it is at the Fox Theatre and it is going to be awesome!” theme for formal.

“Wait, there was a theme last year?” said junior Tanner Piety, “I didn’t even know.”

“I had a lot of fun, but I didn’t notice a theme...” commented sophomore Lauren Naismith.

“I don’t even remember what the theme was last year,” said junior Brent Tom, “But I know my freshman year it was a masquerade. No one even wore the masks or participated so it was kind of a bad theme.”

Other students actually have suggestions for ASB. “I think they should have made the theme more obvious,” said junior Virgil Neyroud, “Like more decorations.”

“I thought the masks were a cute idea for my freshman year formal,” admitted junior Hallie Freitas. “The only problem was that nobody wore them. I actually liked the theme idea, but it could have been more apparent. This year ASB should do something creative with the theme.”

Are you going to formal?

41% say no 59% say yes

Most of the time, girls need to prepare much more than boy’s do for dances.

While numerous boys may worry about what suit or tuxedo they may need to rent or buy, various girls need to worry about the hassles of fake eyelashes and uncomfortable dresses.

Ultimately, each individual student has their own way for preparing for the dances, but many still go for the “formal” look and ditch the casual “school” clothing.

In some respects, girls typically pay more for Winter Formal than boys do.

While some people are planning on going to go to Winter Formal, there are also many students who won’t be attending. A problem for some students are the lack of morals at school dances.

“I don’t like it when people start freaking or grinding on the dance floor,” stated Tereza Dvorak, “It just makes everything so uncomfortable.”

Dancing is not the only thing that a number of Carlmont students are uncomfortable about.

Danielle Bickel expressed her thoughts, “Some girls wear super short dresses that are not necessary at school dances.”

Certain individuals think that it is okay to dance crazy and wear whatever they want for the dances. It expresses their individuality, style, and shows that they just want to have fun.

Most of those who attend Winter Formal want to hang out with their friends and have a good time without the annoying homework hangover that many students have to deal with at school.

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l a m r o F r te in es: planning W

Behind the scen

By Sabrina Leung Staff Writer

Every January, hundreds of students dress in formal attire to attend the dance, held at elegant and prestigious out-of-school locales.

However, nobody stops to think about all the work done to put on this fantastic event year after year.

This year’s Winter Formal is being planned by ASB dance commissioners Tyler Norman, Syna Zali-Raisi and Kelsey Morgan. The Winter Formal was chosen to be held at Fox Theatre, which has been reserved by Carlmont for this dance since last year.

“Dance Commissioners do most of the planing. We, of course, have some help from Mr. Kelly and also work with the people at the venue and the company we do decorations with,” stated Norman.

Dance commissioners from ASB begin planning the event as soon as homecoming ends. They have the job of deciding on themes, decorations, and start to design/order invitations and favors.

“There is a whole series of events and details that need to be taken care of such as decorations, themes, favors, venues, invitations, ticket sales, publicity, information sheets, coat check, food, pictures, choosing backgrounds for pictures, etc,” stated Zali-Raisi.

“In order to make the place all fancy and decorated, we rent out lots of decorations. We usually talk to Tony from Copenhagen Balloons on possible options and pick what we think would look best while fitting our budget. This is year much easier

since the Fox Theatre is already a very nice place,” said Norman.

ASB also has a crucial role in planning the event. They help the dance commissioners set up a budget for the dance.

“Before we organize the dance, we set up a budget. We put in all the expenses for the place, food, security etc...Then, we determine how much tickets costs if X amount of students come in order to cover all the costs.

The money left over is used as a fundraiser for ASB,” said Kelly.

Being a dance commissioner is not an easy job as the job entitles a number of responsibilities and activities that are vital to the Formal’s success.

“We also need to make sure we have parent volunteers for coat checks and work with Prestige pictures in order to have professional pictures available for people to take and purchase,” said Zali-Raisi Not everyone can become a dance commissioner. Students must be enrolled in ASB and must go through an interview with Kelly.

“Every year, we elect a dance commissioner and supervisors. They go through an interview with the ASB president and Vice president. If a dance commissioner does an excellent job, they can be promoted to dance supervisor the next year,” stated Kelly.

Although not everyone has the opportunity to organize the Winter Formal, students can always voice their suggestions and opinions to one of the dance commissioners.

“We always try to talk to other students to get their opinion on what they would like us to do to help make the dances better,” said Norman.

As a result of Carlmont’s dance commissioners’ efforts, students looking forward to this school year’s Winter Formal will undoubtedly be treated to another dance they will not soon forget.

Page 10

Entertainment

Starving for entertainment Movies: best and worst of 2011

By Sarah Levin Staff Writer

entirely new story, which it was, basically.

So now, as a die-hard fan of The Hunger Games and its two sequels, my stomach The popular series The Hunger Games curdles at the thought that continues to is being adapted into a movie that will hit dance around in my head: theaters Mar. 23, 2012, and fans of the “What if they ruin it? What if they take series are anxious to see if their beloved the awesomeness that is Suzanne Collins’ books will be honored sufficiently, or turned writing and morph it into something new to slander. and different? And not different in a good The practice of turning books into movies way. Different in a “why-did-I-pay-elevenis one that has been around for ages. Our dollars-to-see-this” kind of way.” generation has grown up with them, and But here’s the thing: I don’t think they learned to love them. will. Because I’m not Many of us rememgetting any of the warnber watching our VCR ing signs I got from the tape of Snow White, or two movies I previously Cinderella, then rewindmentioned. ing it and playing it over First off, you have to and over again (much consider the cast. Jento our own delight, and nifer Lawrence is filling the chagrin of our poor the mud-caked shoes parents, who have had of protagonist Katniss “Bippity Boppity Boo” Everdeen, and appears to stuck in their heads.) We do so quite nicely. were raised on Disney I was initially worried and the like, learning that she was too fancynew lessons through shmancy for a “plainclassic old stories.

Jane” character like Then as we got older, Katniss, but she seems we discovered new to have de-glammed for movies to satisfy our the role, going without growing attention spans. makeup and dying The Harry Potter series Photo courtesy of Creative Commons her normally platinumis one such example. blonde hair a mousy brown.

I was enthralled by the exciting story and The rest of the cast is more-or-less what I wonderful special effects, quickly becoming expected, with a few exceptions. But these enamored with the series. exceptions (such as Lenny Kravitz in the Basically, books and movies have been role of Cinna the stylist) are not so crazy intertwined since as long as any of us can that I couldn’t see these actors as the charremember. acters. It still works, cast-wise.

Yet it seems that lately, the quality of Then, consider the special effects. In books turned into movies has hit a drastic Eragon, the dragons and super-cheesy bursts decline - or at least a plateau with a downof magical light quickly turned me off ward-slope. from the story. But Hunger Games doesn’t Two of my favorite books as a child, Inkrequire a whole lot of computer-generated heart and Percy Jackson and the Lightning imagery (except buckets of fake blood).

Thief, were both revamped into movies.

In the preview, the androgynous clothing When I heard that Inkheart would appear and strict formation of the citizens is all on the silver screen, I was understandably the movie needs to evoke the feeling of a excited. The book is filled with wonder, utilitarian, dictator-ruled nation that Collins magic, snappy writing, and beautiful dedescribes Panem to be. In this case, less is scriptive language. more.

The MOVIE, however, was filled with Finally, just consider the source material. over-dramatic music, predictable dialogue, The Hunger Games is an exciting, thorbad acting, and was basically an excuse oughly enjoyable book, and its sequels are for Brendan Frasier to give angsty-yetnothing if not even better. courageous looks to the camera every five Collins has painstakingly crafted a harsh, seconds. unbelievable future and makes us believe in Oh, and Percy Jackson? The plot was it from the first one hundred words. completely changed, they FORGOT to put In my opinion, the books are a masterin the main antagonist, and most of the cast piece of fiction. And it will be pretty hard to didn’t even REMOTELY resemble the char- mess them up. acters they were supposed to be portraying.

And even if they do, remember: All is not If they hadn’t mentioned their names in lost. We’ve still got Harry Potter. the movie, I would have thought it was an

By Ian Madden Staff Writer

Another year is coming to a close and billions of dollars have been spent to make movies and line actors’ pockets.

Some are sequels or spin-offs from old movies or have been brought to the big screen from television, others try to attract family audiences through animation, some are based on hit books, and others just hit a home run with great and surprising performances.

Even some of the movies considered to be “stinkers” can actually be fun to watch— and sometimes ultimately become cult classics.

A handful of movies to check out include Rise of the Planet of the Apes, Bridesmaids, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows Part II, Rango, and Moneyball.

In the 1960s and 1970s, and again in 2001, films in the Planet of the Apes series drew moviegoers to the box office. In 2011, a new Planet of the Apes film brought in more than $480 million dollars, drawing on the fourth movie from the original series.

The flick was expected to bomb, but instead this action-packed film surprised and pleased audiences.

Bridesmaids features America’s top comedians and is considered by some to be the funniest movie of the year.

It appeals to everyone: men and women, the young and the old—all will laugh like hyenas. After watching Bridesmaids, some males may want to watch the A-Team (a great 2010 movie spun off from a TV show) to regain their testosterone levels.

Based on the final book in the Harry Potter series, Deathly Hallows, Part II, is reported to have been only the ninth film in history to have grossed more than a billion dollars and the third-highest grossing film of all time.

Bringing to a close the series that began with a very young Harry Potter, the final film in the series does not disappoint

longtime readers or fans of the earlier movies, dishing out suspense, fear, and elation, among many other emotions.

If you are a Harry Potter fan and haven’t seen this—what’s wrong with you—go see it now! And if you aren’t yet a fan, this movie may make you one.

Rango, an award-winning animated film has received great reviews and box office success, ranking among the top-twenty highest grossing films of 2011.

The movie once again demonstrates that animated films don’t have to be dumbed down to be fun for kids and parents, too.

It shows that films that kids like can be edgy in a way that adults will also find appealing.

Moneyball is based on a book that tells the story of how baseball’s Oakland A’s manager, Billy Beane, recruited players on a budget based on statistics.

The movie could have been a bore, but because it so accurately depicts the game and Brad Pitt delivers what the critics describe as an excellent performance, it has been very well received.

The following movies can be categorized at “stinkers” and may want to be avoided.

They include The Hangover, Part II, Drive Angry, and Cars 2.

Despite receiving many negative reviews from critics, The Hangover has reportedly become the highest grossing R-rated comedy of all time.

Depending on which critic you listen to, Drive Angry is either a disaster or a gift to behold. It features star Nicolas Cage in a role that may or may not be considered to his credit.

Cars 2 continues the story of talking cars now experiencing adventures across the world rather than in a dusty canyon. While not necessarily a “stinker,” this movie has not been as well received by critics as the original Cars.

Check out the movie theater this month, or rent a 2011 flick on DVD. There’s something out there for everyone.

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Entertainment

Page 11

Tumblr: the new face of personal expression

By Isabella Paragas Staff Writer

tuses and post pictures, but with Tumblr, it’s a little more deep and personal,” explained junior Haley Ivers.

But there are those who are not so excited about the site’s new-found popularity.

“I’m not a big fan of Tumblr or it’s user base, as I think that they take content from other sites and pretend they came up with it themselves,” explained sophomore Matt Moropoulos, via Facebook.

Tumblr, unlike Facebook, is a blog, not a social-networking site. Facebook is where one can instantly chat with friends and update their statuses.

Tumblr is where you can post poems, photos, and any other random funny, sad, or stupid things found on the Internet.

While some may choose only one, there are still others who enjoy double-dipping.

“I prefer Facebook for connecting with people and staying in the loop and Tumblr is more for writing and blogging,” explained Liu. As the blog site rises in popularity, its fans and critics await to see what Tumblr creates next.

Comic by Isabella Paragas

Facebook may have some new competition for Internet-obsessed teens. Blogs on Tumblr have exploded with rants, memes, and a gracious hint of pop art, high quality photos, and random blogs from anyone all over the world.

Tumblr is a site where anyone can blog, post, or write about anything their heart desires.

Users can “follow” people, just like on Twitter, and whenever they post anything to their blog, it will show up right on their “Dashboard,” or home page; like the “News Feed” on Facebook.

And even for those who aren’t very tech savvy, Tumblr boasts its brilliant simplicity in their style of blogging.

“It’s really easy to use once you learn and I can just write,” agreed sophomore Lexie Liu. Almost everything can be customized.

Tumblr even teaches users how to create their own code for a custom theme.

Those silly ads on the side of Facebook?

Non-existent on Tumblr; no ads or pop-ups of any kind.

Plus, Tumblr is easy access on phones with their mobile application.

To think that Tumblr was first started by a humble team of two, David Karp and Marco Arment, in an office in New York City.

Now, four years and nine months later, it has a work force of 62 staff members, and their site is being used for 37,162,198 blogs, and 14,103,342,370 posts and counting.

“I think Tumblr is so popular because it is a place for people to talk about themselves, and who doesn’t like talking about themselves?” said sophomore Julio Medina.

To others, Tumblr is more that just a blog to post silly pictures you find, its a place for free self-expression.

This is exactly what Karp explained as his vision for Tumblr on an interview for Pop17, in June 2008.

“I think Tumblr is so popular because it’s a website where people feel more free to express themselves rather than on Facebook.

Sure, on Facebook you can update your sta-

What is trending now? #twitter

By Jacob Rudger Staff Writer

In a time where students rely solely on social networking to express themselves, the popular social media website, Twitter, is gaining considerable popularity.

Twitter is a very popular instant messaging system that lets a person send brief text messages, also known as “tweets,” up to 140 characters in length to a list of followers.

Launched in 2006, Twitter was designed as a social network to keep friends and colleagues informed throughout the day.

However, it became widely used for commercial and political purposes to keep customers, voters and fans up-to-date as well as to encourage feedback.

Today, there is not one celebrity, athlete, or important figure that you will not find on Twitter.

As an owner of a Twitter account, one can “follow” any account they desire. The most commonly followed accounts on Twitter are celebrities, musicians, athletes, sports teams, businesses, and other important figures.

The account with the most followers on Twitter is pop singer Lady Gaga, with

almost 17 million. Teen star Justin Bieber is a close second with just over 15 million followers.

As a high school student with Twitter, one can expect to get maybe 50 followers if lucky; far off from the celebrities that get thousands of followers.

Twitter allows common people to feel personally connected with their idols and friends; or to simply stay up-todate with current events.

Most high school students have had a Facebook account for a long time. Some are content with the website, while others are looking for a change.

Junior Jen Lotfy is one of those who made the change to Twitter, “I got a Twitter because updating my Facebook status got boring. I tweet whatever is on my mind and do it maybe three times a day, but some

people tweet a lot more than that.”

One significant aspect of Twitter is the “hashtag.”

The # symbol, called a hashtag, is used to mark keywords or topics in a tweet. It was created organically by Twitter users as a way to categorize messages.

People use the hashtag symbol before relevant keywords in their Tweet to categorize those Tweets to show more easily in Twitter Search.

Clicking on a hashtagged word in any message shows all other Tweets in that category.

Hashtagged words that become very popular are often Trending Topics, or the most hashtagged tweets during a certain time period.

When asked about what he knew about hashtags, junior Jason Ho said, “I see a lot of people using hashtags on Facebook and it’s annoying. If you’re going to do that,

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that’s exactly what a Twitter is for, so do yourself a favor and get one.”

So what do people tweet about?

A recent study on the content of tweets according to Pear Analytics says that 40.1% of tweets are “pointless babble.” 37.6% of tweets are categorized as “converstional.”

The remaining 22.3% of tweets are for “pass-along value, self-promotion, news, and spam.”

Merouane Ounadjela, a junior, commented on why he does not have a Twitter, “Twitter seems only useful to celebrities because they are the ones with a lot of people following them. Most people with Twitter who aren’t celebrities have like 10 followers max, so there really is no point unless you’re trying to follow celebrities’ lives, which I don’t do.”

Twitter has become one of the main streams for all things media over the past two years. People around the world are becoming more and more reliant on it everyday.

However, it is just now beginning to rise in popularity among the Carlmont community.

If this trend continues, Twitter will have students tweeting their thoughts away at an unstoppable rate.

Page 12

New beginnings Continued from front is in the form of distractions. Facebook, Tumblr, Twitter, or whatever it is, can be harmful to a student’s ability to perform well in school. With too much free time spent on the computer, students don’t do work as thoroughly as they can, resulting in a possible grade slip.

“I will not get distracted by Facebook,” said Hendershott, “It’s something I need to work on.”

For sophomores, preparing for the next year is a good idea in the next semester.

Keeping their GPA and grades up are the biggest issues sophomores face in the next semester.

Advice to anyone is generally the same, to study hard and get good grades.

“Don’t underestimate your teachers,” said Yi, “I thought the nice ones would grade easier, but in fact they were some of the toughest.”

For juniors, second semester comes with a promise of even more, new stress. With AP and SAT tests that need to be done, it’s hard for juniors to relax.

“Juniors, try to relax but definitely study for the AP and SAT tests. It gets harder, but it’s worth it,” advised Brenman.

For students in the second semester, the big issue is that some students need to work harder during this semester, or for those students that had a good first semester, they need to work just as hard and make sure not to slack off.

The second semester is a time to improve one’s GPA and grades from first semester, so give it all that you’ve got.

No matter what year in school you are, the new semester means a nice clean slate.

English lessons

extras

Carlmont poverty Bustamante. SOS helps students persevere through the stressful situations in which they are faced with during high school.

SOS also provides assistance to students in difficult financial situations. “Ms. Bustamante is looking for families that may need help, like “Adopt-A-Family,” and next semester, we are going to give out backpacks with necessities for the homeless,” commented SOS member Melissa McCormick.

The Carlmont staff, along with the Parent Teacher Student Association, created the Carlmont Pantry to further assist those in need. The Carlmont Pantry collects various donations including food, hygiene, and clothing items that are available to students per request.

Senior costs

Continued from front

The Pantry collects items to be provided to students at no charge by Carlmont counselors, the health aide, and the administration.

Items are distributed based on the needs of the student.

Donations can be dropped off in the school office at the main desk in the Carlmont Administrative Offices.

“Helping someone else out who can’t help themselves, whether it’s with money or emotionally, is a great thing to do and makes you feel like you’re doing something good,” added McCormick.

So, how can Carlmont as a school make its entire population more educated about the issue of poverty and how it affects a portion of the student body?

“I know that the school offers free and reduced lunches, but I do not know much about it. I think that we need to have more food drives to make more people aware. It would also be helpful if our teachers talked to us about the issue,” stated junior Eshani Patel.

“I think holding an assembly with Mr. Kelly would make more people aware. I didn’t understand it at first, but during class he explained the situation to us and it made me realize what I can do to help. I think the entire school would benefit from it,” stated Morgan. “This is an issue that people may not want to talk about, but they need to know about it.”

Continued from front

pay for the AP exams they will take, which costs $90 per AP course they take.

Although there are early payments for some of these activities and the earlier students turn their payments in the cheaper it will cost. It is still costly because students are trying to turn in payments early but one after the other the payments start stacking up.

Some students cannot turn all the early payments in and must face paying raised prices since it is the new year. It is very unfair to students who do not have a lot of money in the first place.

Senior Avalon Pellegrini said, “I like the idea that we have the opportunity to pay earlier for a lesser price. But they aren’t evenly spaced out so there’s one payment after the other and it’s starting to get pricey.”

Continued from front

this new system is not how they think English should be taught and most hope for some changes in the future. Raphael Kauffmann, the Carlmont English Instructional Leader thinks “it would be better for Carlmont teachers to address the needs of Carlmont students,” as opposed to the broad program placed over the whole district.

Salvatore commented, “Teachers aren’t against this plan because it’s hard, it’s because its easy, it’s like substituting, it’s already there, we don’t have to think.”

There will be no way to know for certain if the new use of ALS standards and a pacing guide are improving student learning development until the STAR tests in May. Until then, teachers in the district will continue to practice these regulations.

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Horoscopes

Capricorn (December 22 - January 19): Your stubborn nature brings you down this month, and will cause you to lose in wealth or relationships.

Spend time alone to reflect and you may find yourself coming to an epiphany that will finally make everything clear.

Aquarius (January 20 - February 18): You may find yourself feeling a bit anti-social this month, so lay low. You’ll discover a new talent of yours that will prove useful in the near future.

What are you looking forward to the most for winter formal?

“I’m looking forward to getting my freak on!”

- Amanda Breslauer

Pisces (February 19 - March 20): Your mysterious persona has someone interested in you. Let them in; they might just be the spark you’ve been looking for.

Photo by Grace Chang

“I’m looking forward to dressing up all fancy and fancy dancing with all the other fancy looking people.”

- Mitchell Jang

Aries (March 21 - April 19): It’s a new year, and your adventurous side will shine now more than ever! Get ready for a crazy good start to 2012. Watch out though, someone might try to take advantage of your trusting nature this month.

Taurus (April 20 - May 20): You will have a rough start to the new year, but don’t worry, it’ll improve! Live in the moment and be open to new people and pleasant surprises will come your way.

Gemini (May 21 - June 20): Your curious and slightly mischievous nature will finally get you in trouble first thing this year. Not to worry, your charm will lead you out of trouble in no time. An important lesson will be gained from this experience.

Photo by Grace Chang

“I’m looking forward to the awesome music that will be played.”

- Mary Farmar

Cancer (June 21 - July 22): For you, the new year has started with a bang.

Love is in the air, and an unexpected romance comes your way. A steady relationship is bound to happen if you don’t let your jealous nature come between the both of you.

Leo (July 23 - August 22): Your outgoing and spontaneous attitude is drawing people towards you like no other this month! This year will bring many new people and experiences that you’ve been waiting for. All these new connections may lead you to forget about your true friends though, so make sure to keep them tighter than ever!

Virgo (August 23 - September 22): You start off the year a bit unsure of yourself, but that won’t last for long! Your confidence will shine through, and with it you are unstoppable. It will lead you to success in all areas, especially school.

Libra (September 23 - October 22): Embrace your creative side this month!

New discoveries are bound to come. Also, keep an eye on your friends now more than ever. A shift in friendship to an enemy or lover is fated to happen, and if not controlled properly can cause utter chaos.

Scorpio (October 23 - November 21): This month you need to let go a little.

Let others take the leadership position for once, and just have some fun!

Stay single and open to anything; you will find yourself much happier.

Sagittarius (November 22 - December 21): New year, new you? This month can prove pivotal and cleansing, provided that you cut off those who have been bringing down your relentlessly optimistic spirit. Good karma is coming your way, and your 2012 starts strong.

Did You Know?

• If you sneeze too hard, you can fracture a rib.

• Women blink nearly twice as much as men.

• A snail can sleep for three years.

• The most common name in the world is Mohammed.

• The tongue is the strongest muscle in the body.

• Mark Twain didn’t graduate from elementary school.

• The world’s oldest piece of chewing gum is 9000 years old.

• It’s against the law to slam your car door in _Switzerland.

• Mel Blanc (voice of Bugs Bunny) was allergic to carrots.

• 72% of Americans sign their pets’ names on greeting _ cards they send out.

•The dot that appears over the letter “i” is called a tittle. sources: http://www.knowledgebase-script.com/demo/article-303.html, http://funny2.com/factsd.htm

Page 13

Photo by Grace Chang

“I’m looking forward to the formal vibe. I can’t wait!”

- Andrew Durlofsky

Photo by Grace Chang

Sports

Page 14

The school’s best are often ignored The best sports teams do not receive enough credit for achievements

By Gabriela d’Souza Staff Writer There has recently been a growth of puzzlement towards why the better performing sport teams at Carlmont are under appreciated and their achievements have gone unnoticed. “[The attention] is totally imbalanced,” said Robert Fishtrom, an instructional vice principal at Carlmont.

After an on campus poll, it was found that there were many different answers to the question: what is the best performing sports team at Carlmont?

Students voted Carlmont’s cross country to be the premium sports team on campus. “[Cross Country] is a sport that isn’t given the credit it’s due, some of the stuff they have accomplished is unbelievable,” said Richard Vallero, a physical education teacher at Carlmont.

Going into the Central Coast Sectional Division I finals this year, the Carlmont cross country boys and girls teams had each won five of the last six CCS championships, and were both ranked number two in the CCS. After winning yet another CCS Division I title both the Carlmont cross country boys and girls teams headed off to their tenth consecutive California Interscholastic Federation State Meet.

“I think they are the best team because they work really hard and are always practicing,” said sophomore Julia Albertson.

With numerous championships, students feel that cross country deserves a higher title as an accomplished team.

Best Performing Sports Team: 1. Cross Country

5. football

2. Soccer

6. tennis

3. Water Polo and 7. swim and golf Volleyball 8. Lacrosse 4. Softball and Baseball *From a poll of 174 students The next highest voted sport for Carlmont was soccer, both girls and boys.

“Soccer has done well in the past even though it’s one of the most intense sports at Carlmont,” said Elliot Surrovell.

From 2000-2005, the Carlmont soccer program won eight PAL titles. They have continued this season with the Carlmont boys team being rated third in the PAL Bay division, and the girls rated fourth.

Other highly rated sports included track and field, water polo, and volleyball.

“Our best team has got to be volleyball. I watch their games and they dominate,” said Shawn Geronimo, a junior.

For the past six of seven seasons, the Carlmont girls varsity volleyball team has

made it to the CCS Semifinals, continuing a strong tradition of no more than three losses per PAL season.

Continuing, softball ranked fifth in the poll and physical education teacher for Carlmont, David Heck, commented, “Softball [has] the most trophies, probably because Jim Liggett (softball coach at Carlmont) has been here so long.”

In the 36 seasons that Jim Liggett has coached Carlmont softball, it has never been replaced as the powerhouse of the Peninsula Athletic League.

Liggett, who owns more victories than anyone in California prep softball history, has led his team to eight consecutive CCS titles.

“Softball is the longest running success-

ful team [at Carlmont],” stated Jim Kelly, a math teacher and the schools activities director.

Surprising for some students, football was not one of the top rated sports when it came to performance status.

Several of the students and staff say that it is more the idea of football, not our own team, for the general idea of football being a popular sport.

The Carlmont football team may be the only school sport that has an assembly dedicated to it, but when most people talk about our football team they tend to speak in a belittling manner. “[The reason for this] is the media. The NFL is the number one sport people watch, so it’s a trickle-down effect,” reflected Heck.

The Carlmont football team has not made it to CCS sectionals since 1990 and was recently moved to the PAL Lake Division, the lowest of the football divisions, two years ago.

“In Ocean (the second of three divisions for PAL football) they were not the absolute worst, but they did get bumped down,” said Kelly.

After being moved down, the Carlmont team began to be successful. Varsity football was ranked number two in the PAL Lake Division this season with four wins and one loss.

As the list shows, Carlmont sports teams are viewed differently than what it appears.

No matter what order, all teams should be given full credit for their contributions and achievements.

More to high school than football

By Chloe Scott Staff Writer Football is a sport that has been around for years and is a sport that is praised and celebrated throughout the country.

In a recent poll, 65 percent of Carlmont students think that football is over-glorified.

For years, high school football teams, in general, have been put up on the pedestal and the players are practically worshiped.

Even here at Carlmont, half of

the Homecoming Assembly is dedicated to the football players. While the students sat, they watched each of the football players run through a huge banner with their names written across it.

Ralph Crame, assistant vice principal said, “When football does well in the season, there is a lot more school spirit. It might have something to do with how the football players are in the Homecoming Assembly.”

Charlotte Jackman, a sophomore

photo by Gianna Dimick

frustratingly said, “Volleyball had a CCS game during the SequoiaCarlmont home football game and nobody came!”

One reason that only a handful of people went to the volleyball game might have something to do with how the football game was the only thing being announced on the marquee outside the senior parking lot.

Football games are one of the two sports that requires you to pay to watch. So where does that money go?

Jim Kelly, the ASB teacher said, “The money that the football games make go back into the football program and for other sports and dances.

The more money football makes, the lower the dance tickets can go.”

Football itself costs about $2,100 for the season, and this year it was expected to bring in around $8,900 but only brought in $8,400, $500 less than ASB wanted.

But football is often classified as “America’s pastime,”

and with the NFL, people are able to watch as much football as they want, which might be why everyone likes it so much.

As Richard Vallero, one of the PE teachers said, “Football is a tradition. When I was in high school everyone went to the football games and it’s a big gate sport.”

Football has been a popular sport for years, but it is not necessarily the sport that performs the best.

And some of the students wonder why football is so glorified, when the other sports do not get any publicity.

But the reality of it is the fact that football has been huge for years.

As Robert Fishtrom, instructional vice principal said, “Football gets the attention because it’s the first sport of the year, and that gets people out for the games.”

But at the same time, Fishtrom does not agree with the way that football is over-glorified. He reflected, “All sports would get more attention in a perfect world and all students would get equal attention.”

Do you think Carlmont football is overglorified? yes: 65% no:

35%

174 Carlmont students replied

Sports Funding for Carlmont sports

Page 15

Facing the challenge Where do we get the money and where is it spent? of sports and asthma

By Conrad May Staff Writer

photo by Alex Porter

Sports Editor and Staff Writer

Many Carlmont students, as well as thousands of Americans, struggle with the chronic disease of asthma, especially while playing sports.

When asked how asthma limits him in athletics junior Keea Kahilli said, “When my asthma acted up, I lost energy and it became difficult to breathe.”

Symptoms of asthma are shortness of breath, coughing, and an inability to catch one’s breath during exercise and strenuous physical activity.

While participating on a sports team, a student may battle with the disadvantage of having asthma, because it limits the amount of energy your lungs can produce.

According to kidshealth.org, the main reason a student’s asthma acts up during sports is, the cold, dry air inhaled during exercise cause airways in the lungs to become narrower, which blocks the flow of air and makes it harder to breathe.

It is recommended to breathe through one’s nose as this helps to warm and humidify the air, in preference to breathing through one’s mouth with breathes that are quick and shallow.

Even simple activities, like ones in physical education class, asthma still has an effect on students and they can soon become almost impossible tasks.

Freshman Douglas Emond commented on the running becoming really difficult for people with asthma, “Asthma makes the mile really hard and tiring.”

Asthma is a widespread problem among Carlmont athletes that can only be controlled at an individual level. Controlling asthma is critical to reducing attacks.

Ways to control asthma include, keeping an inhaler with specific medical requirements for the individual, not smoking, controlling environments that induce the asthma, and finding sports or activities that can be personally contained.

Recently scientists have found that the wide gap between playing sports and asthma has been bridged.

In October 2010, kidshealth.org stated, “Being active, working out, and playing sports not only help kids with asthma stay fit, maintain a healthy weight, and have fun but also can strengthen their breathing muscles and help the lungs work better.”

It looks as if, once the asthma is controlled, sports are no longer have to be a challenge for students.

“...one may start to wonder where does all of the money come from to pay for the costs of the sport?”

photo by Alex Porter

the athletic department are boosters.

Boosters raised $45,000 last year alone, and raised another $50,000 this year. All of the money that has been raised gets put into another account for the athletic department.

For some sports, students are asked to pay to join the team. This money goes straight in the fund.

Sophomore Tristan Gasperian said, “We are asked to pay money to join the football team, but if people can’t afford it, it isn’t mandatory. We are asked to purchase items like sweatshirts.”

The money from boosters, fundraisers and donations gets split up and all of it goes toward the costs to play each individual sport.

The money that pays for sports is not only crucial for each individual sport, but it also holds up our entire athletic department.

Carlmont winter sports start

How Carlmont sports are doing so far in their season this year

By Selina Sorensen Staff Writer At Carlmont, winter is not just about Christmas, Winter Break and finals. Winter at Carlmont means winter sports. Winter sports consist of boys soccer, girls soccer, boys basketball and girls basketball.

Although a lot of teams are starting off with injuries, they all plan to stick with it and continue to be strong until the end of the season.

So far it looks like boys as well as girls soccer is off to a good start, as they are going in to their season with a bang and eagerly await to progress throughout the year.

“Everyone is working hard including the freshmen,” stated Amelia Jacobs a junior on varsity girls soccer.

Simone McCarthy, a junior varsity soccer player also commented, “The team is defiantly different from last year. We have a new group of girls, and we are getting better and better the more we play with each other.

I think we can do really well this season if we work well together and keep the drama off the field.”

The JV girls team is also undefeated and hoping to stay that way.

The boys varsity soccer team is fighting

with some injuries. Justin Harpster said, “So far our team is looking pretty good but there’s a few injuries that are holding us back.”

The competition this year is tough and girls varsity soccer player, Emily Stambaugh, is ready to face the challenge.

“There’s going to be plenty of tough competitors this year like Woodside, Aaragon, and San Mateo. Not to mention the private schools we play in preseason like S.I., and those we might face if we make it into CCS,” she said.

Boys basketball is trying to keep the good record going for the season. The court is full of passionate players thriving to reach the gold they long to receive.

Injuries have already occurred on the boys varsity team. Junior, Hector Prado said, “Cole Ervin and Mikel Magsino (both juniors) being gone hurts the team because they are both good players but right now I think we are in pretty good shape for the season.”

Prado and the team seem to have really good team chemistry which can be key to success on the court. Although

photo by Grace Chang

By Alex Porter & Graham Godwin

After watching a sporting event one may start to wonder, where does all of the money come from to pay for the costs of the sport?

Throughout the course of the year, certain sports raise money by selling candy, clothing items, or even having car washes, along with many other fundraisers; although these are not the only way that sports are paid for.

Junior Kai Haake said, “For baseball we sell ads in our media guide to local businesses to help pay for equipment.”

Haake then explained, “It costs a lot to pay for all of the equipment for baseball so we are asked to raise 400 dollars but we are only asked to do the one fundraiser.”

Many other sports, like football, have fundraisers throughout the year, raising money by having smaller fundraisers like selling clothes, ad sales in the media guide, and an annual lift-a-thon.

The lift-a-thon asks the participating donors to either donate money for each pound the person lifts they are sponsoring, or the

donors can just donate a set amount of money.

ASB holds many school events like dances and PAL stickers, that raise money for the school, and part of this money goes to sports.

Ralph Crame, the assistant vice principal, said, “Some of the money from fundraisers and ASB gets put into a fund.”

Although the school has to pay for most of the costs, Carlmont gets help from the district.

Crame then went on to say, “The District pays for all of the safety equipment for our sports, like the helmets for football.”

Athletic Director Patrick Smith said, “ASB gives athletics an account that I use for all of the sports.”

The account then gets divided into each individual sport and is used to pay the referees.

Not only does the district pay for safety equipment but it also pays for buses, coaches and gives the athletic department an annual $3500.

Another key contributor to the funding of

they have not quite found their rhythm yet, they are determined that once they find their stride they will get better.

The girls are trying to keep a great start for the season but they are also facing a set back of injuries.

According to Kimberly Bean, “We’ve had quite a few injuries so far, a couple ankle pains including myself and the other point guard Rachel Lum. Also Haley Smith got a concussion, Eliza Abinader hurt her tail bone/back.”

Bean believes these players will over come each injury with a successful recovery and be back in action in no time.

Even though it is early in each season, each team seems to be individually striving and slowly but surly are getting closer to their goal of going to CCS and winning it all.