FEATRED INSIDE:
Educational tech use debate
New recycling efforts go green
See page 11 for details
See page 4 for
details
The Highlander Carlmont High School Newspaper Volume II, Issue 4 January 2011 See us online at http://scotscoop.com
Late start discussions continue By Shannon Chang Staff Writer
Before school traffic jams are an every day occurrence at Carlmont. But with a potential new schedule coming next year, how will the morning commute be impacted? Photo by Gianna Dimick
You’re being watched... By Bridget Newman
Staff Writer
From walking into school to taking a bathroom break during class, all students are being watched here at Carlmont High School. Every student’s moves are being documented by numerous cameras sporadically set up around campus. There are 31 security cameras located all over Carlmont’s campus in order to secure the school and protect all the students’ well-being. These cameras are spread out in order to receive the best possible coverage of the school and run 24 hours a day, seven days a week. At night there is safety lighting by all cameras to ensure that the videos will be visible at all hours. “Every time there is a situation we evaluate the security of the school and adjust all angles of the cameras,” stated Administrative Vice Principal, Mr. Crame. After something has happened on campus, such as a fight, administrators rewind the tape where the fight took place to assess the situation accordingly. Some students are bothered by the idea that they are being watched while attending school, “I don’t really like it. It creeps me out because they invade my privacy,” said Ben Imber.
Next year first period will begin at least a half an hour later in an attempt for students to have a longer time to rest in correlation with a new school board policy. When asked why Carlmont must have a later start time, Vice Principal Robert Fishtrom answered, “The late start policy is a mandate by the board of trustees.” According to the School Board policy, it is mandatory to start no earlier than 8:30 a.m. for students taking six classes or less. There have been many recent studies that have concluded that students need nine hours or more of sleep each day to increase productivity and overall mental and physical wellness. This policy is required to begin by March of 2010 but the school board has granted a request for an extension. There have been no conclusions as to which bell schedule Carlmont will be using.
Student meetings were held throughout the week of Dec. 6. During these meetings, students voiced their concerns for next year’s late start. Among the students there, Syna Zali-Raisi said, “I’m worried that there would be less homework time. Lots of people also have extra curricular activities to do before school would be out.” Another issue that was expressed was parent’s work schedules. They would have to alter their schedules to drop off their children later. One positive point that was mentioned was that sports have time to practice in the morning before school. Regarding students with special needs, Fishtrom acknowledged that, “There are lots of students with ADHD and anxiety which is a big concern of ours.” These students would have to get used to their schedule changes as well.
Continued on page 3
Facebook addictions affect student lives By Anna Wheeler
Staff Writer
Photo by Gianna Dimick
On November 28, 2010 an estimated $50,000 worth of equipment was taken from Carlmont. The Belmont Police Department has a lead though, the schools cameras were able to get a shot of the car leaving the north entrance of the school and will soon be releasing that shot. Not many people have access to the footage of the security cameras. On some computers in the office there is a software program that allows you to select any camera’s angles and see it with the click of a button. There is not one official that is designated to watch the security cameras all day, but if an official or administrator is available or
has nothing going on they are instructed to watch what they can. The cameras are not Carlmont’s only security. On all windows and doors there is an alarm system, and when broken into or opened when not designated the alarm is sounded and a security company is notified at once. If the security company believes it is suspicious activity and should be investigated then they will call the Belmont Police Department. The security cameras are located on campus to ensure the safety of every student and to protect Carlmont’s campus.
In many aspects, Facebook makes life much more convenient, but it seems to have become a way of putting off work. For example, students everywhere find themselves coming home with the intention of doing homework but end up on their Facebook profiles instead. Facebook, with over 500 million active users, is an easy escape from the real world. In this time period, a majority of work is done on computers. Many teachers require typed up papers and a lot of grading programs, such as Infinite Campus, are now online. But on the other hand, how much work is truly accomplished with the knowledge that Facebook is just a few clicks away? According to the Statistics page on Facebook, users spend over 700 billion minutes on Facebook per month. Just imagine how much time is taken away from possible productivity time and given to Facebook instead. “I have Facebook on my phone, so even when I’m not on the computer, I use it to an un-
healthy extent,” Quinn Haaga, a sophomore, said. However, some have their addictions controlled. “I use it for about ten minutes a day. Otherwise, I’ll waste away all my time on it,” Rachel Schuster added. This social networking site offers a variety of things: chat, the options to leave videos and wall posts on the walls of friends, the ability to upload pictures, and much more. But how much time can really be spent on all of these things? After a few comments and a chat or two with a friend, users are left with even less time than they had before. In fact, there are actually Facebook trends. The first truly memorable one to many people was Farmville. “I would be on
Continued on page 3
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TSA gets strict New screening concerns some By Jorja Flynn Staff Writer
With holiday fever about, many people have been travelling by plane, most of whom have gotten to know the airport security more intimately than they wanted to. Most people have been putting up with the constantly increasing airport security since 9/11, like the removal of jackets and shoes, removing laptops from bags, and the very thorough screening of all suit cases, but some think that the TSA has gone too far with their new security processes. The TSA has new x-ray screens that do not require passengers to remove clothing because they produce detailed 3D images of people, and if people refuse to go through it they will receive a mandatory pat down. According to epic.org, the Electronic Privacy Information Center, they have filed a lawsuit against the Department of Homeland Security because the TSA’s new scanners are “invasive and ineffective.” Though these new scanners can be seen as invasive, they are not at a lot of security checkpoints yet and most people will not have to go through one. The new scanners are expensive so a lot of airports still have the old metal scanners in use. Security is supposed to discard the images of people from the scanners, but not everyone likes airport security to see detailed 3D images of their body and do not mind the pat downs. Most people are generally okay with the security procedures and agree with Kristen Willsher. “It doesn’t really bother me. I’d rather be safe while I’m flying and not have to worry about possible threats on the plane.” In an interview conducted by huffingtonpost.com a TSA agent said that, “only about 3 percent [of passengers],” receive pat downs. That is not a large number of people considering TSA screens about two million people per day. The TSA received a lot of bad media attention last month when a 61 year old man, Thomas Sawyer, ended up being covered in his own urine after a pat down. He was a bladder cancer survivor and had to wear a special device called a urostomy bag that collects his urine. It broke when the TSA agent giving him the pat down did not listen to Sawyer after he told the agent what the device was. Though cases like Sawyer’s do not occur often, they do make passengers wary of the new security procedures and some people have even rebelled by stripping down to only their undergarments while passing through the scanners. It has been almost ten years since the attack on 9/11 and according to heritage.org twenty-three terrorist attacks against the U.S. have been foiled. The TSA caught an Al Qaeda member last December 2009 known as the underwear bomber because he hid explosives in his underwear. People may complain, but when it comes down to being saved from being blown up by underwear, most are thankful for the TSA’s security. “I think people should just do it [the scanning procedure],” said William Lash. Those travelling through the airport this season should be advised to follow all TSA procedures if they do not wish to have a stranger patting them down.
News and Opinions
Should juveniles be tried as adults? By Nikolas Frasier Staff Writer
Due to increasing violent crimes being committed by juveniles, the supreme court is in the process of making it unquestionably legal to try them as adults. A main factor in the supreme court debate were the 1999 Columbine shootings. Currently, when a juvenile is caught committing a crime, the police take them to jail. For the District Attorney to press charges they need hard evidence, California Code 207.1 and 208. When a juvenile is convicted of a violent crime, they rarely get a long sentence or even life. But if the crime is violent enough, the DA can file for a waiver, a document that allows for the juvenile to be considered for being tried as an adult, and can spend life in prison. Shay Bilchik published a pamphlet that explains all of these documents, “From 1992 through 1995, 40 states and the District of Columbia passed laws making it easier for juveniles to be tried as adults.” After this document is filed in the courts, the judge can either sign the form or ignore it and continue the trial. If the juvenile is convicted as an adult, they can get 50 years to life in prison without
parole. This waiver is a way to give justice for the victim’s family. Though most view this as a good idea, some don’t. As more students and staff learn of this law, most don’t realize what it could mean. When
Art by Elizabeth Max told what this law really entails, Kyle Fenton commented, “I definitely agree with this law, depending on the severity of the crime.” Thomas Parker, who is familiar with many criminals, replied, “...I don’t believe that the violent ones could or would change after committing a violent crime. Once they commit them they shouldn’t be allowed to have a different time then adults.” Supporting his claims, the crimi-
nal justice system published a document in 1999, “teens put through… the system are 30 percent more likely to be repeat offenders.” As an experienced teacher, Jayson Waller told reporters that based on the law, “the older I get, the more Draconian I become about crimes and the people who commit them.” Another fear for juvenile delinquents are the Once An Adult/Always An Adult concept, “A special transfer category has been created in 31 States for juveniles who, having once been prosecuted as adults, are subsequently accused of new offences.” With this transfer law in place, juveniles that are convicted will always be convicted as an adult throughout their life, even with charges for crimes committed before their first adult sentencing. Because of these laws, “three decades of reform have largely dissolved the traditional juvenile court, and the system that remains is rapidly losing political viability. Policy makers may soon need to devise and entirely new process for handling young offenders,” Commented Jeffrey A. Butts in the Crime Policy Report. It is everyone’s hope that whatever decision is ultimately made will be best in the long term for society.
The “ME” disease strikes By Matthew Ray Staff Writer
A disorder similar to dissociative identity, a sickness worse than malaria, there is psychological disease that has come to define the modern world and the very way in which it functions. Since the dawn of humankind, our species has been plagued by a collective psychosis called by Paul Levy, Malignant Egophrenia, or the “ME” disease. In Columbus and other Cannibals, author Jack D. Forbes brings to light the seriousness of this disease calling it ‘wetiko.’ Both wetiko and malignant egophrenia terms for a disease of civilization, or the lack thereof. “Civilization,” in essence means civilized society, basically not killing people, something we have seen very little of for thousands of years. Malignant egophrenia/wetiko is a disassociation from the whole, a dominance of the rational intellectual side of the mind over our humanistic emotional characteristics. It is a one-sidedness that disconnects us from nature, from compassion, and from each other. Forbes writes, “this disease, this wetiko(cannibal) psychosis, is the greatest epidemic sickness known to man.” This disease is the inhumanity in humans, it is a psychological epidemic that is playing out rapidly in what seems to be the climax of the human species. We have come quite far in time together as a separated whole. A species divided and conquered, communally committing suicide. Like a virus, this disease infects the mind and spreads through the means of ‘memes.’ Memes, playing off the scientific term genes, act in the same sense. Just as genes are hereditary characteristics stored in the DNA of organisms, memes are cultural information and ideas that pass through and are stored in minds. The process of wetiko can become so severe that it may take over the mind of a person. The person becomes so fully identified with the idea of being separated from all other things that their persona, this mask, fully envelopes them so to say that there is no one behind the mask. The virus then has control over its host and can spread to the minds of others around them, letting the original host rot and decay into the dwindling thought that their proclaimed individuality trumps the existence of all others. This meme virus operates on the foundation of division and separateness and is very apparent in today’s culture. To ask, ‘Why do we still have countries?’ would be a ridiculous question to most people. While many ancient cultures understood the oneness of nature, there was still certain dissociation among each other, dissociation that may have always been with us as humans. However, it is dissociation that is no longer necessary, and perhaps never was. Despite our minor differences we are not so unlike, you and I.
Wetiko operates on multiple dimensions, intra-personally (within individuals), inter-personally (between individuals), and collectively (as a species). To examine correctly, Forbes writes, is “from a perspective as free as possible from assumptions created by the very disease being studied.” One must escape the idea of the separateness to begin to examine it. Today, specifically, this disease is operating in the hip movement. After World War II, a series of changes in culture emerged with the passing decades, and they have now all coalesced into what could be called the “hipster.” The hipster is the reflection of superficial qualities and a prime example of an ego unable to examine its own subconscious. It is the hipster as an archetype that demonstrates these characteristics. This may be confused with someone wearing a plaid shirt, lens-less glasses, and tight jeans, but that is not to see the whole picture. To be ‘hip’ is to be following the current social trends among the youth of today. From 1947 to the current day, these social trends have become more of a worldwide phenomena. So the ‘hipster’ being spoken of is a more generalized view of someone enacting the current social trends in today’s world. As Norman Mailer writes, “It is on this bleak scene that a phenomenon has appeared: the American existentialist—the hipster, the man who knows that if our collective condition is to live with instant death by atomic war… or with a slow death by conformity with every creative and rebellious instinct stifled… then the only life-giving answer is to accept the terms of death… to set out on that uncharted journey into the rebellious imperatives of the self.” Today’s ‘hip-ster’ is, as Douglass Haddow said, “The Dead End of Western Civilization.” There is nothing to be created from the current ideals held up by this archetypal personality. We are at a critical moment in time, where the wetiko virus has become entirely widespread. Found on every continent, in every country, the disease has succeeded in taking over. As well, the youth of today seems overpopulated with selfabsorption and narcissism. We must overcome this detrimental factor in the way of our evolution if we are to ever survive as a species. We must learn to become one with nature once more, and to accept and abandon the idea of separateness as a barrier between ourselves and others.
News and Opinions
Meditations - a lesson in philosophy By Arik Schoessow Staff Writer
Philosophy is born from the persistence of the philosophers as well as their ideas themselves. All throughout history there have been great philosophers but they are all simply the ones who wrote their rambling thoughts down on paper. Surely there are many great philosophies that never breached the surface or died off with generations due to a lack of a hard copy. Record the thoughts. I. Cogitatio “The human thought is a probe into the collective and individual aspects of the mind, things that all people experience and things that are individually specific. With expressions of thought and meditations, countless new faces are added to the vast, brilliant geometric shape that makes up human consciousness, each side representing a different outlook or perspective that all humans can partially relate to on different levels.” -Arik Schoessow The human inward power reacts to events by accommodating itself. This is the stress of everyday life, and peoples’ attempt to flee by vacation or other luxuries. That can be done, but even better a choice is to go within. Incredible peace can be found inside what is perceived to be the soul. A moment’s rest of free and accessible selfreflection heralds unique peace. What excuse is there for a lack of meditations? When a mind is well-rested, it can function more smoothly. All humans have a responsibility to think, to use the capabilities bestowed to us by our very condition. This responsibility, this work of sorts, is something that should be valued. We all have the ability to differentiate ourselves from apes, so why don’t we. At least remember that you are yourself, or at least you perceive yourself to be. We cannot help but to feel like we choose our actions, even if they are simply playing out due to one instant of physics. We choose what we do and that foundation will always support the possibility of morality. So, while we can still experience freedom of thought, we should incite meditations and reveal our thoughts to one another to coordinate a shared knowledge of the human condition. II. Natural Provider Our mother earth, the natural provider, has given to us many things, and shared with us many lessons. Keeping a keen eye on the history of the earth as it is unfolded before us with modern science allows us to see much that is within ourselves as a species as well as our relation to the planet as a function of time, or change, relative to the lifetime of the earth.
Overall, humans are but a small part of the earth’s history. Remember the nature of our home, the world, the nature of ourselves, how we relate to this earth, and that because we are a part of the world we always have the right to cite it and learn from it to become more selfdiscovered. What nature provides is also what it dishes out, in what ignorance believes to be punishment. Everything’s a bonus. Nature provides us with responsibility. All creatures perform a duty, a function that is part of the equilibrium maintained by the earth. To the smallest detail of life, enzymes work to catalyze chemical reactions to achieve equilibrium. They establish the same pattern that all of life follows. The bee, like the enzyme, wakes for every day to work, to pack pollen, seal honey, and produce wax, all to achieve harmony for the ecosystem as well as the hive. The scale is applied to humans as well. It is our job to perform as biological machines and neurological masterpieces, to further our value as a civilization, not in commodities but in responsibility and intuitiveness. Slowly, over millions of years, this planet has progressed by unconsciously improving at slow rates. We have learned that much, we are conscious of it, and we can make advances in our evolution at exponential rates. So why don’t we? Because we have the option not to. We have denied what is provided to us: responsibility, the habit of nature. With the
“When a mind is well-rested, it can function more smoothly. All humans have a responsibility to think.”
ability to consciously deny nature come the consequences of evolutionary liberty. Good and bad. III. From the Cradle The only way culture and civilization can steadily progress is through inheritance of values and skills, or practices. It begins in the home. If I could set myself up as a child today, I would want the result of my childhood to be balance. The means of this are through fundamental values, the rational being. A rational being is sympathetic toward others. The lesson: negative feelings are of no use. They don’t exist to the target of the anger, and only harm the one projecting the negativity. Anger spoils one mind. Though emotions can lead to anger, they are in no way an enemy. To achieve balance and freedom, emotion cannot be left out. If an artificial man, a machine without feeling, could be granted emotions, a new level of freedom would be discovered. However, emotions suddenly introduced to a being could lead to an overflow of color and vibrancy, sadness and bliss, this is why nurturing is so important, to slowly dip a foot into the geyser and learn to take it easy. We reach balance with a steady progression of time, our perception of change. The earth continues to function as it always has and to us, eventually all will end. Death, as we know it, is the end. However, if from the time of childhood to the last days of this life, you are in cooperation with the balance, you will not fear death because it only represents a new beginning, death is the eventual goal that you have reached, the last page of a fantastic tale and progress toward what we can never have: the future.
Facebook addictions (cont) Farmville constantly, and I got updates sent to my phone,” Haaga noted. However, since then, it has moved on to other things. When asked what she spends the most time doing while online, Haaga said, “I either talk to people or play Robot Unicorn Attack.” So, with so many things to do, one might begin to wonder what the motivation of Facebook was. On a Facebook blog written on September 8, 2006, Facebook creator Mark Zuckerberg explains his reasoning. “When I made Facebook two years ago my goal was to help people understand what was going on in their world a little better. I wanted to create an environment where people could share whatever information they wanted,” he wrote.
Digging deep into the history of the popular social networking site, in an interview with Time.com, Zuckerberg revealed that, originally, Facebook was only open to college students. Even before that, just students enrolled at Harvard, where Zuckerberg attended, were permitted to sign up. Although it has surely achieved that, there is a big chance that Facebook has done more than Zuckerberg had bargained for. In small doses, Facebook is wildly efficient and helpful, but with its users worldwide using it as a tool for communication as well as procrastination.
*HW \RXU )UR<R RQ D 0RQGD\ RU D 7XHVGD\ LQ -DQXDU\ DQG JRHV EDFN WR WKH VFKRRO -XVW VD\ ´, JR WR &DUOPRQWµ 1148 San Carlos Ave., San Carlos, CA
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Highlander Staff Editor-in-chief: Christina Belasco
Entertainment: Sarah Biklen
Scot Scoop: Savannah Jack
Features:
Jenna Chambers
Sports:
Dana Bloom
Online:
Steven Tsujisaka
Photo Editors: Gianna Dimick Curtis Fan
Emily Beiers Carly Bertolozzi Kendall Bishop Grace Chang Shannon Chang Ashley Dierolf Mary Farmar Joshua Faulkner Jorja Flynn Nikolas Frazier Ivan Garin Sarah Levin Connor Moore Bridget Newman Reyna Ortiz Matthew Ray Jasmine Rishi Miranda Santana Arik Schoessow Erica Valbusa Annie Wesolek Anna Wheeler Noelani Zane
Junior Editors:
Copy Editor/ Cartoonist: Elizabeth Max
Staff Writers:
Jacob Cox Gianna Dimick
Alexandra Porter
Faculty Adviser: Justin Raisner
The Highlander is published eight times a year as an open forum for student expression. Comments can be sent via email to editor@scotscoop.com Visit scotscoop.com for daily content updates, videos, slideshows, and more.
Late start (cont) Students that live in East Palo Alto would still need to leave early because the bus only comes at a certain time. A proposed change is that zero period starts at 7:30 a.m, and offers more classes. Overall, fewer classes would be available because there may not be a 7th period. Many students do not like this mandatory change including Evan Brummer. He mentioned, “I don’t like it because after school we have sports and we will just have to stay up later anyway.” Bryce Dennis stated, “The whole idea is that we will have more sleep but that will only be shifted one hour back, so we won’t be getting more sleep, we will be staying up later.” Others agree with Bradon Moyle, who simply put it, “I want to get out earlier than three.” Although some people do not like the new schedule, junior student Jack Karasky said, “I like late start because it lets us sleep in more so we’re less tired and can focus on activities during the day.” Ms. Jennifer Cho stated, “If it allows students to get more sleep and if it allows kids to enroll in more classes then it would be a positive change.” Reflecting on the policy, Fishtrom stated, “I want the best schedule for student learning and, naturally, we want our teachers to be happy.”
Hot Topics
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Going green in the community The new wave of recycling, composting, and reducing trash
COMPOST
From East Palo Alto to Burlingame, cities throughout the Bay Area are jumping into the green movement through the new Recology program by improving the way they distribute their trash into compost and recycle. Although many have seen the new green, blue, and black bins, most may not be familiar with the distinct differences of each bin and what to do with them. Composting, which in the green bins, is taking biodegradable materials and mixing them to produce soil we can reuse. A lot of people are unsure of what items to put into their green compost containers. It is really not as difficult as it may seem. You simply put any food items, like apple cores, egg shells, old coffee grounds, or even bones in the bin. Yard trimmings, such as leaves, sticks, old flowers, can also be put in. The most confusing aspect of composting is that you can also put soiled material in the compost. These mainly include any papers with liquid or food on them. A cardboard pizza box with cheese stuck to it, for example, would belong in the compost. Other examples include used napkins, tea bags, liquid drenched papers, and used paper cups. Recycling, the blue bin, is reusing a
areas and there are a small amount of recycling bins in some classrooms. “It is simple, but fairly large,” Zamora commented on Carlmont’s small but effective attempts. Carlmont students would not mind, and some would be excited, to see more eco-friendly containers around campus. “I would definitely use recycling bins more often if there were more around... it’s a good idea,” responded sophomore, Brianna Sagrafena. Zamora and Mr. Jim Kelly, head of the Associated Student Body, both express concern in the responsibility of who would maintain a system like the ones being integrated into homes. “[Carlmont] used to have a specific hired man that went around and collected the recycling... but now the teachers just do it themselves,” Kelly commented. The amount of trash reduced in schools and homes also reduces the larger amounts taken to the landfill. One of the reasons for the start of this program is to try to lessen the space taken up in the San Carlos Transfer Station’s landfill. The amount of garbage is becoming too large for the space provided.
“You simply put any food items, like apple cores, egg shells, old coffee grounds, or even bones in the bin. Yard trimmings, such as leaves, sticks, old flowers, can also be put in.”
Espressos, Teas, Sandwiches, Pastries and more!
As one can see from Highway 101, the county is swiftly rebuilding the current waste plant. It is under construction for a new recycling center included with new equipment and it will be expanded and modernized. Recology of San Mateo was chosen as the new collection service after a bidding against many other companies for a new recycle project. Before Recology took over January 1, 2011, Allied Waste took care of trash disposal. People need to take advantage of the new procedure, because it helps the environment and ecosystem. Once it becomes a habit for generations to come, people will be able to contribute to helping the planet in an easier way. Starting now can help everyone move toward a greener society faster in the future. Placing a banana peel into the green bin instead of the trash may seem minor, but it is still contributing to helping the planet. Students can all get into the green movement and join the others who want to help by composting and recycling.
TRASH
Junior Editor
product to form new products made of the same material. You can place glass bottles, aluminum cans, and plastic containers with number one through seven labeled on them in the blue bin. A new addition to the system is including your paper recycling, like magazines, juice and milk cartons, or cardboard into the same blue bin. All recyclables can be put into one place, this process is called single-streaming. “The new bins are better because they are easier to use... even my five-year-old brother does it,” commented freshman, Theo Fedronic. All other items, from plastic bags to styrofoam, are put into the black trash bins. Items like animal waste, snack wrappers, and food containers will also go into the trash bin. Instead of involuntarily throwing all food and paper items in the trash, as we do now, give it a little thought and help the environment by placing compostable and recyclable objects in the green or blue bins. Although Carlmont has some efforts for going green, the principal, Dr. Raul Zamora, admits it could be improved and “is not sufficient now.” Over the years, Carlmont has purchased more trash bins and placed them in new
RECYCLE
By Alex Porter
1665 Laurel St San Carlos
Fun and Games
photo from flickr
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Did you know...?
80's Teen Movies
* The year that “Popeye the Sailor” premiered, spinach consumption went up 33%. * The first soccer ball ever used in the World Cup was a monkey’s head wrapped in leather and paper. * Camels have three eyelids. * There are over 500 different varieties of bananas in the world. * An average person will normally forget their dreams within ten minutes of waking up. * The oldest women in the world was 122 and she smoked cigarettes until she was 117. * Pablo Picasso was very poor while living in Paris and would burn his paintings to keep himself warm. * Watermelons can be males or females. Female watermelons are bigger than males and have less seeds.
Crossword: 80’s Movie Knowledge
Reported from: www.interestingfacts.org
This Month in History... rkcifl morf otohp
January 1 1892 - Ellis Island opened in New York Harbor
and stayed open until 1954, letting over 20 million people come into America. January 3, 1959 - Alaska became the 49th state in the USA January 4 1809 - Louis Braille, who eventually developed a reading system for the blind, was born. 2. She's not a nymphomaniac, she's a compulsive liar. January 7 1999- The first presidential impeachment trial 3. The name for the group of young actors and in 130 years began to decide whether or not President Clinactresses who frequently appeared together in teenton should be removed from office. oriented coming of age films in the 1980s. January 8 1935- Elvis Presley was born. 6. Cameron thinks this guy is going to be a fry cook January 13 1930- The first Mickey Mouse cartoon was Across on Venus when he grows up. Down printed in the newspapers across the USA. 1. This actor’s career gained fame in the 80’s and 2. She's not“____” a nymphomaniac, she's a 1. This actor’s career gained fame in 8. Phil Dale January 15 1929- Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was born is also 2012. compulsive liar. the 80’s and is also the the starstar in in 2012. "Men...Can't live with 'em."Spicoli: No4.shirt, for the group of 'em, youngcan't shoot 4. Jeff no shoes... January 20 1981- Ronald Reagan became president and 3. The10.name Jeff Spicoli: No shirt, no shoes, “________” who frequently 5. 16 _________ 11.and Thisactresses movie highlighted the social conflicts beannounced that the 52 hostages that had been held in Iran actors 5. Sixteen _________ appeared together in teen-oriented 7. He appeared in Weird Science but tween rich kids and poor kids. coming of age films in the 1980s. you probably know him Iron Man. for 444 days were being released. 7. Heasappeared in Weird Science but you probably Cameron thinks this guy going Desmond: That kid has been stoned 12. In St. Elmo's Fire sheiswas the to party9.girl with a coJanuary 21 1976 - The Concorde supersonic jet, that flew 6. know him as Iron Man. be a fry cook on Venus when he grows since... Kutcher. at twice the speed of sound, let passengers aboard for the up. caine habit. Today, she's married to Ashton 13. This man is determined to ruin 9. Desmond: That kid has been stoned since... 8. Phil Daleof The Breakfast Club. Ferris's day off. 14. “____” Tough guy first time. 13. This man is determined to ruin Ferris's day off. 10. "Men...Can't live with 'em, can't 17. Long Duk Dong 15. This actor played the stereotypically geek Part January 28 1986 - The American Space Shuttle “The 17. Long shoot 'em." 18.lovable Mike Damone: wimp,Duk and Dong part - a.k.a ___________ movie highlighted social__________ pussy. for an entire generation:the Anthony _____ Challenger” exploded and disintegrated within the first 74 11. This 18. Mike Damone coined this word for someone conflicts between rich kids and poor 19. Cameron's dad's rad car. 16. This redheaded actress has appeared in over 10 seconds of flight. who is part wimp and part something else. kids. 12. In St. Elmo's she was the movies in the Fire 80's alone. January 30 1487- Bell chimes were invented 19. Cameron's dad's rad car. party girl with a cocaine habit. cited from : www.thismonthinhistory.com 20.she's Directed 9 movies in the 80’s. Today, married to Ashton
Across
Down
Kutcher. 14. Tough guy of The Breatfast Club. 15. This actor connected his name and face as the stereotypically lovable geek for an entire generation 16. This redheaded actress has appeared in over 10 movies in the 80's alone. 20. Directed 9 movies in the 80’s.
Fundraiser Idea!
Have a Skate Day at Belmont Iceland Set your ticket price and determine your profit No upfront costs • Raffle & Bake Sale opportunity
815 Old County Road, Belmont 650-592-0533 • www.belmonticeland.com manager@belmonticeland.com
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Match that
FACE
By Emily Beiers
Entertainment
Inner vs. outer beauty On T.V. these days, it’s what’s outside that counts By Sarah Levin
Staff Writer
way. The few people I managed to find that watch Bridalplasty also dislike it. Sophomore Lauren Reiley says, “I think it’s the stupidest idea ever. Whoever thought of this show must be really shallow.”
Staff Writer
a. b. c. d. e. 1.
I was born in Singapore and lived there for three years. My parents wanted a new start, so we moved to America. I visit Singapore every year or two. I like it much better in California!
2.
This year, I have a 5.0 grade point average. Out of all of my classes, AP Physics is my hardest. I am applying to several schools, but I want to go to Stanford University.
3.
I was born in Vietnam, where I lived for 6 years. My family, which includes ten siblings, moved to America as war refugees.
4.
I have different colored eyes. My left eye is always blue, and my right eye is always green. It is not easy to tell from far away, so you have to stand close to notice it!
5.
I was born in France and I moved to California when I was almost 2 years old. We moved because my dad got a good job offer. I also speak fluent Hungarian and a little bit of French!
For our entire lives, we’ve been told, “It’s what’s on the inside that counts.” Producers of the show Bridalplasty seem to think otherwise. Bridalplasty premiered on E! in November. The show follows a group of recently engaged women competing for a dream wedding- oh, and all the plastic surgery their hearts desire. The ultimate quest of these ladies is to check as many items off their surgery wish list as possible. The women have been put through three challenges so far, and three members of the house have been voted out. I’m not going to lie, I consider this the worst television show I have ever seen. I can only imagine how the board meeting went when they pitched this. “OK, guys. I’ve got a great idea for a show. Lets take twelve women with self esteem issues, and make Art by Elizabeth Max Reiley also pointed out the risks of them compete for painful plastic surgery! multiple plastic surgeries. Besides the off Won’t that be fun?” chance you might end up looking like a One of the challenges was to put clown, there are risks of excessive bleedtogether a magnetic puzzle of what the ing and even nerve damage. It might just contestants could look like versus what be me, but I doubt their fiances would they do look like. Isn’t that cruel and want to kiss them if they can’t move their unusual punishment for the first person face. voted out? “Here’s how pretty you can Sophomore Greg Hubbell thinks the enbe at the end of this journey Ashley. Oh... tire premise of Bridalplasty is pointless. never mind.” “I don’t understand why these women I am not the only one who feels this
want to change how they look. Your fiance already proposed to you. He likes you how you are.” Then again, the girl’s fiances don’t get much of a say in their surgeries anyway. The winner’s future husband wont get to see her for eight weeks. The first time he lays eyes on his wife is at the end of their wedding, when he lifts her veil and says the words every girl wants to hear, “Who the heck are you?” So, are we destined for a future of plastic perfection? Does inner beauty even matter anymore? Well, for those with moral compasses, I recommend watching True Beauty on ABC. For the contestants of True Beauty, the premise is relatively simple: competing to be named the “Most Beautiful Person in the US.” What they don’t know is they aren’t being judged on their outer beauty, but rather on their inner beauty. They are put through secret tests and surveyed on hidden camera. Challengers are faced with anything from being tempted to shoplift to assisting a young woman who lost her engagement ring in the trash. Personally, I think these two shows should have a crossover. True Bridal Beauty, where the winners of True Beauty teach the contestants of Bridalplasty how to be happy in their own skin. Because, like mom always said, being pretty is nice, but true beauty comes from within.
Horoscopes What’s your (new) destiny?
Think you know what your sign is? Well think again. According to Parke Kunkle, a board member of the Minnesota planetarium society, there is a 13th sign that has been ignored until now. The sign is called Ophiuchus, and covers the birth dates of November 29th to December 17th. The ancient Babylonians, apparently, did not want an odd number of zodiac signs. This means that many people’s signs have been shifted around. However, it does not affect your horoscope. If you are a Scorpio and have suddenly become a Libra, for example, everything you have read about the Scorpio personality, compatibility, etc. has been accurate to your birth date, although you are technically now a Libra. An identity crisis is not in order, although you may feel betrayed by astrologers (or the damn ancient Babylonians). Whether you choose to identify with your new sign or stick with your old one, here is the forecast for the month of January.
Aquarius: (Feb. 16-March 11) If you stop caring what everyone thinks of you, you’ll find a confidence that you never knew you had.
Cancer: (July 20-Aug. 10) So far 2011 has been a drab, but by next month you’ll realize that this year is going to be the best one yet.
Pisces: (March 11-April 18) The inner war waging in your mind will stop with an increase of awareness and attention to things around you.
Leo: (Aug. 10-Sept. 16) Don’t see Black Swan.
Capricorn: (Jan. 20-Feb. 16) The weather seems to be affecting your mood lately. With a little bit of tea and a positive friend, your attitude will surely improve.
Gemini: (June 21-July 20) Just like Martin Luther King, Jr., you have a dream. Don’t be secretive and share it with someone. They may be more than willing to help you achieve it.
Aries: (April 18May 13) A person from your past will help you realize a challenge that you have overcome. You will be filled with a immense sense of pride. Taurus: (May 13-June 21) Don’t count on anybody except yourself. You never know who is really trustworthy.
Virgo: (Sept. 16-Oct. 30) You will be uprooted from your current situation unless you manage your material possessions with more care. Libra: (Oct. 30-Nov. 23) Don’t freak dance this Saturday night because you’ll probably end up hurting yourself. Scorpio: (Nov. 23- Nov.29) Stay away from microwaves. Radiation is bad for you. Try reading a book to balance out too much exposure. Ophiuchus: (Nov. 29Dec. 17) You’re different from the pack. Take a stand for something you believe in. Sagittarius: (Dec. 17-Jan. 20) Be a risk taker. Do something you never thought you had the courage to do.
Answers: 1.b;2.a;3.e;4.d;5.c
Entertainment
Page 7
Band underdogs Resolutions More than just background music By Grace Chang
Despite the numerous performances held each year, Carlmont’s instrumental Staff Writer music department is still hardly acknowlCarlmont’s instrumental music departedged at Carlmont. ment is very strong compared to other One example of a public appearance schools. Which raises the question, why is Carlmont’s Symphonic Band, which don’t more people come and watch the performs live at several football games performances? every year. The band sits under the It seems the band doesn’t get as much burning sun or through the harsh rain for recognition as it should from Carlmont hours playing songs. staff and students. At the seasonal Many of the musicians that play at these concerts held every year, the audience football games are unhappy and believe mainly consists of parents and other that no one listens. When asked about musicians. Conductor and Music Directheir opinion on playing at the football tor Mr. John Dabaldo said, “Of course. I games saxophonist Bryce Dennis said, “I would always like to see more Carlmont don’t enjoy playstudents take advan- “Despite the numerous pering at the football tage of seeing our formances held each year, games because no very talented music one appreciates students perform.� Carlmont’s instrumental the music we are Unfortunately, it is playing. difficult to find a teen- music department is still They are more ager who expresses hardly acknowledged at into the game.� a genuine love for Oboist Connor orchestral music these Carlmont.� Wagenseller said, days. “The band isn’t even noticed, I don’t One reason could be that Carlmont’s think they actually listen.� music department is not very well publiIt seems some Carlmont students cized. After all, only a handful of posters disagree. Screaming Scot and frequent are put around campus. attendee of football games Alex Woo When asked whether he knew when the compliments the Symphonic Band. She next concert was, sophomore Luke Li said, “It is fun when the band joins us for stated, “No... there isn’t much publicity, the cheers.� and no one talks about it.� So why do these musicians play at Perhaps it might be that some students all those football games? Mr. Dabaldo of Carlmont just aren’t that interested in said, “The Symphonic Band has always concert music. played at the football games. Along with After being asked why she doesn’t atthe drum line, the Symphonic Band is an tend the concerts held, Alex Woo said, important part of promoting school spirit “It is just listening, and the musicians are at Carlmont varsity football games.� behind stands, so we can’t even see their Even though they don’t have as big of faces.� an audience, Carlmont’s instrumental So what should be done in order for music department continues to work hard the instrumental music department to and produce great music. Their spring be more noticed? Senior Ian Wikle said, concert will be held on May 18 and 19 “We should have band geek jackets and of 2011. dedicated band dancers.�
New year, new goals By Reyna Ortiz Staff Writer
A resolution, although technically defined as a formal expression of opinion or intention made, sometimes merely brings to mind a broken promise. It seems this year, however, the Scots are determined to make and keep their resolutions. Sophomore Lauren Denny claimed, “I’m going to take my training wheels off my bike.� Denny started riding her bike when she was three, but she never gained enough courage to oust the training wheels and move on to a two-wheel bike. She stated, “I’ve just been too scared to take them off.� Another daring Scot, sophomore Amanda Morris, said she is determined “to learn to tie my shoes, so I can wear shoes with laces.� Being limited to only lace-less shoes has really taken a toll on Morris’s life, but “that’s all going to change this year.� Not all resolutions are related to selfimprovement, however. Carlmont English teacher Gail Langkusch is resolving to go to Switzerland. “I would like to save money to do more travel, so I can visit my daughter in Switzerland,� stated Langkusch. She has been to Switzerland many times and would love to visit Australia as well. And then we have our classic New Year’s Resolutions: trying to break common habits. Junior Brittney Phillips said, “I’m going to stop going on Facebook so much, so I can do my homework.� Facebook can often turn a ten minute assignment can turn into a two hour long assignment, but Phillips explained that
this will no longer be the case for her in 2011. We also have those Carlmont students looking to make a difference. Junior Brenna Lewman would like to become more Eco-friendly. She explained, “I’ve already joined the Recycling Club at Carlmont, and I’m going to start turning the lights off every time I leave a room. I’ll use reusable water bottles to conserve water as well.� Hopefully Lewman will maintain her resolution because the earth could certainly use more conscious people. Junior Zane Rafi is determined to make a difference in the lives of cancer patients. He has already began his New Year’s Resolution, but plans to continue his promise until he graduates in June 2012. Rafi explained, “I’m going to grow out my hair until the last day of high school, and then cut it so I can donate it to Locks of Love. Rafi was inspired after he “saw a group of little girls without hair, and it inspired me to do this.� Hopefully, Rafi will have the opportunity to make a difference in the life of one special child by June 2012. Carlmont students appear to be very determined for the year of 2011. Whether they’re silly, realistic or generous, these resolutions seem to have the Scots motivated. This year, New Year’s Resolutions are not just promises that start in January and end in February; they are a way of proving that with a positive change anything is possible. Hopefully the 2011 year will bring new opportunities for every Scot to try something new.
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Scot Scoop TALK Arabian nights under strobe lights BACK
Page 8
By Carly Bertolozzi Staff Writer
What is one thing you would never do? “Use a bat to break a window” Miko Guillermo, sophomore
“Raise my hand to my mom” Zane Rafi, junior
“Jump off a bridge” Sammy Demattei, freshman
Throughout the years, styles have come and gone, the newest albums have become old classics, and the twist has spiraled into the “Duggie”, and yet one thing that has never faltered at Carlmont High School is the Winter Formal, which this year will land on January 22, 2011. Students are looking forward to dancing their night away under the starry, Arabian sky and embracing the essence of magic pulsing from flying carpets overhead, disco balls, and amazing decor. An expected 800 formally dressed Carlmont students, ready to have the time of their lives, will fill the dance floor after purchasing tickets ranging from 35 dollars to 65 dollars from ASB. At 8 pm the strobe lights of the DJ will ignite the excitement and by 12pm the final slow dance will have played, the lights will flicker on, and the exhausted dancers will exit the San Mateo Marriot Hotel. “Formal was fun last year but I have a feeling it will be better this year,” said Michelle Oliva after being asked what her feelings are regarding the last Winter Formal. Fifty years ago however, Winter Formals were simpler, yet still had the same thrilling enchantment of dancing with friends, dressing to impress, and posing for lifelong reminders of the good old days at Carlmont High School. “I remember working on at least two of these events and it seems as if it took us weeks to prepare the decorations and then decorate the gym. In fact, the PE department would move out mid-week
playing the forbidden song; the students started dancing the swim moves; and, the Principal pulled the plugs on the band amps, turned on the lights, and sent us all home!” said Bettencourt. In the 50’s there were only a few dances that had provocative moves, but now fifty years later almost every popular song has a music video filled with seduction, revealing attire and suggestive moves. As DJ’s started emerging in the 1970’s hip hop became more prevalent in society and along with it came “freaking” and explicit verses. This theme is now common at many dances across the country. Consequentially, it was deemed necessary that the “Carlmont Dance Contract and Important Information” flyer states in large, bold print that no “freaking” shall be permitted and all dancing must be consensual. Throughout the halls you can hear many students laugh at the statements and saying things along the lines of “yea right” or “wow that’s a good one” because it is now normal to dance provocatively at homecoming, formal and prom. The bands and orchestras of the 50’s slowly started to fade out, shuffling the “Swim” into the past and grinding the “Duggie” into the future. photo courtesy of the Carlmont Yearbook
Field lights needed now
“Ride a unicorn” Tristan Gasperan, freshman
Later start times highlights the need for lights
By Connor Moore Staff Writer
“Kill somebody” Katie McGonegal senior
“Rip off my fingernails and put my hands in lemon juice” Antonio Avalos, senior “Dress as Evel Knievel” Shane Keating, freshman By Carly Bertolozzi
so that the facility was available for at least two or three days before the event,” said Harry Bettencourt, graduate of Carlmont High School in the year of 1965. When Bettencourt attended Carlmont, the formals were known as the Christmas Balls, held in the gymnasium with admission fees around 10 dollars and limited to couples only. Dress code included suits and ties for the gentlemen and long, elegant dresses for the ladies. However, today dresses keep becoming more revealing, low cut, and fitted while the attire for boys has become more casual. Another interesting trend change are dance moves. There were many popular dance styles in the 50’s; the most widely know was the “Twist”. Some dances were controversial, the “Swim” being one of them and was actually forbidden at Bettencourt’s junior prom. “Well we held off as long as we could, but about 30 minutes before the scheduled end of the prom, the band started
Carlmont is recognized as a distinguished school in the state of California and is highly regarded for various programs offered. However, Carlmont is missing the one seemingly necessary thing in the field of sports, and that is lights on the football field. Last year’s football game, against our rival Sequoia High School, was the first time Carlmont had ever seen lights on the field, and it proved to be an exciting night for everyone who came. This year Carlmont again held night games and the crowd was not disappointed However, the lights that have been used in these night games were simply rented to the school, and Carlmont has no permanent means of access to lights of our own. Someone not in favor of decorating the field with lights could ask: “Why do we need lights?” Because lights at Carlmont, to some, may seem unnecessary. Someone who doesn’t necessarily weigh all of the actual advantages of a lighted field may deem the lights as an extravagance. With next year’s new start time soon to be set in stone, the Carlmont lights are more of a necessity than one would think. Next year’s start time will be moved changed by no fewer than thirty minutes, and in turn school may be let out later. If school ends later than it already does Carlmont’s outdoor sports teams may be
directly affected by the fact that sunlight will run out before a desirable amount of practice time. An extra thirty minutes of practice time may be the variable that stands between being a champion and being just a runner-up. Carlmont’s soccer, football, and possibly lacrosse, teams may suffer. Mr. Jim Kelly, a former soccer coach at Carlmont, had much to say on the fact that the lights are necessity for Carlmont. He explained that given the soccer teams’ game schedules, the new bell schedule will greatly effect playing time due to lack of sunlight. The teams play two games a week, one home and one away. The boys play Wednesdays and Fridays, and the girls play Tuesdays and Thursdays. Given the combination of next year’s game schedules and next year’s bell schedule, it would only be possible to have one home game in a single day, rather than having two. If the field is used from the end of school until dusk for a single game four days a week, that would mean that Monday would be the only day where the field would be open. “If they’re going to follow through with next year’s new schedule, which they will,” said Kelly, “we would need lights.” The only solution to the fact that an unlit field means an impossible practice and game schedule, would be pulling students out of class earlier for games. Carlmont soccer players miss sixth period sometimes as much as twice a week due to the fact they leave early in order
to arrive to games in time to adequately warm-up. Players would end up missing yet another class if they were to be able to fit two games, JV then varsity, between the end of school and dusk. Carlmont students aren’t the only players that use the field. Pop Warner programs, AYSO and club soccer teams also use Carlmont’s turf. Organization heads may have more latitude with times in which the fields usage could be arranged for practices and games, and could reap the benefits of a lit field. Carlmont, more so than other sports organizations that may use the field, would profit in the decision to purchase lights full-time. Parents and siblings of Carlmont students, along with the students themselves, would be able to attend more sporting events if they were at more convenient times. Parents could attend because of the fact they would be able to be let off work by dusk, and adequate time would be provided to students to do their homework before the “big game” if events were held at six or seven o’ clock. Ticket sales and purchased concessions would go to either supporting sports programs, paying for the lights themselves, and possibly towards Carlmont. In a patch.com report last year, School Trustee Olivia Martinez was quoted as saying she hoped that some of the money in the budget could be used towards lights at Carlmont. Hopefully, that will happen.
Scot Scoop
Page 9
Carlmont fills up with students By Ashley Dierolf Staff Writer
Carlmont High School has the highest population of students compared to other high schools in the district, which not only creates problems regarding the quality of education, but everyday life at school. Carlmont and Sequoia have about the same size campus and number of staff; however, Carlmont has around 500 more students. This leaves Carlmont with classrooms that have a higher number of students. Teachers are also in charge of more students, with approximately twenty-one students per staff member. “Usually my classes are around thirty-five [students] each. My biggest class has thirty-six,” replied Mr. David Gomez, a Carlmont history teacher, “sometimes there are issues with behavior management when you get those
large numbers.” Classrooms with large numbers are not only challenging for teachers, but students as well. Being surrounded by peers can easily cause distractions and produce a lower quality of work. It is also difficult for students to connect with their teachers, and for teachers to distribute their attention fairly. “I’d rather work in a smaller classroom. You get to know people more and feel more comfortable,” said Kathleen Palma. “Teachers would also pay more attention to you, so you’d work harder. In larger classes, there are so many students that your teacher doesn’t really pay attention to you as much as you may need it.” With a population of over 2,000, it’s difficult for Carlmont to fit the needs of each student; however, it seems as though it would be a common necessity to have a location where all students could sit and eat their lunch. Many
students spend their lunch on the ground in hallways or in classrooms due to the limited number of picnic tables outside and lack of space in the Student Union. “Even though there is a Student Union, it can’t fit half of the students at Carlmont,” replied Palma. “They should have a bigger place for people to eat, especially when it’s raining, because then the classrooms get dirty.” Students would prefer to sit and eat lunch inside, particularly when the weather is bad, but don’t want to deal with trying to find a spot in the Student Union and cramming in there. “I would sit in the Student Union during lunch if it were bigger and had enough room for everyone,” said Mark Gustincic. Another problem students are faced with every day at school is getting to
their classes on time, more than ever now that tardiness results in a detention. Although Carlmont’s campus is spread out, the hallways are still extremely crowded due to having so many students. “When I try to walk through the hall, it just seem like there’s people from wall to wall,” replied Gustincic. Carlmont has more students than all the high schools in Sequoia Union High School district, and faces problems ranging from the size of classrooms to crowded hallways, yet administration doesn’t seem to be doing much to solve them.
New transfer students Some hope for block schedule happy to join Carlmont By Jasmine Rishi Staff Writer
Staff Writer
As the years go on, the Carlmont hallways have become increasingly crowded as more students transfer in. Some of the reasons students transfer are because they are unhappy with the previous school’s environment and they have a desire to reconnect with friends from middle school. Jacob Rudger, a sophomore who transferred from Serra High School this year, is glad he made the switch. “Everything that I thought about Serra turned out to be wrong. And I missed my friends,” stated Rudger. One attraction Carlmont has is its wide variety of activities. “Carlmont has so much to offer. Our music and sports programs are amazing and we have the most AP offerings of public and private schools in the area,” stated Carlmont Administrative Vice Principal Ralph Crame. In addition to students transferring from private schools, there have also been many transfers from other public schools in the School District. In the 2010-2011 school year, there were 135 open enrollment requests for transfer to Carlmont from other schools within the district. Four of these requests were from Menlo-Atherton High School students, 109 requests were from Sequoia High School students, and 22 of the requests were from Woodside High School students. Although the district is diligent in keeping students in the school they are supposed to attend, none of the requests were denied. As a result of many transfer requests, the total enrollment pushed Carlmont 16 students over its limit of 2100 students. “The district office caps the enrollment for Carlmont. This year, they capped the number at 2100 students. If there are too many students, it affects staffing, classes, and tone of the school,” said secretary Mrs.
Melanie Fuentes. Jessica Sandrock requested a transfer from Sequoia to Carlmont. “After I moved to California this summer, I transferred from Sequoia after being there for a few weeks. Carlmont is closer to where I live and I wanted to take Chinese after learning it for two years.” Although Sandrock is happy with the transfer, she agreed with the fact that too many students can affect the school as a whole. “It is just really crowded in the halls between classes.” Though there may be a large number of students, Crame expressed his enthusiasm for working with a large group of people. “More people gives the school a different experience and a different aspect,” he explained. While many transfer students are happy with the change, switching schools does present some challenges for incoming students. Lauren Konrad transferred from Notre Dame High School and was placed in a lower level science class to meet Carlmont’s graduation requirements. Rudger has experienced some drawbacks similar to Konrad’s. “Transferring has taken me out of some classes that my friends are in. In some ways, I feel like I have been put back a level,” commented Rudger. Even though there are challenges to transferring to a new high school, the benefits seem to outweigh the negatives. Students are reunited with their friends and get to be a part of a different school community. Transfer students overall seem happy with their decision to attend Carlmont.
Flying rumors about the change of the current Carlmont schedule to block schedule in the upcoming 2011-2012 school year is bringing out many mixed feelings and opinions among students. Last December, Dr. Raul Zamora and Mr. Robert Fishtrom held meetings for every class to give them a chance to voice their opinions of block scheduling. While they have certified that block scheduling will indeed not be happening for the 2012 school year, it is a possibility that they are looking into for future school years to come. “The idea [block scheduling] is being thrown around,” said Fishtrom. “We’ve come up with some ideas of how to recreate the schedule, but nothing is nearly official.” During the class meetings, many responded negatively towards the idea. “I don’t like the idea of getting out later. We would be staying up later to do homework and would have trouble during the winter sports seasons. It would get dark sooner, and practice would have to end earlier,” stated freshman, Carolyn Donahoe.
comments. “I like it because I’d be able to spread out my workload,” stated Razavi. Many juniors also expressed many mixed feelings over the possible change in schedule. Junior, Dakota Bullert, expressed worry about converting to block scheduling. “I like how it is now because I’ve gotten used to it; I like getting out earlier. I don’t want school and homework to take my entire day away.” Junior Alan Kaptanoğlu voiced enthusiasm when asked what he thought of block scheduling. “It would be cool to have block schedule. We’d have more time in class and have more time to do homework.” There are many different opinions and ideas of whether the Carlmont schedule should be rearranged. However, most students seem to be leaning toward sticking to the present schedule. The administration is not considering changing the current schedule for at least a couple more school years because of the major ramifications it would take to change the present timetables.
The monthly quad snapshot
Freshman, Jade Neyround, agreed with Donahoe’s statement; “The idea sucks. The kids with seventh period would be here a lot later, and it would make their time after school even more difficult to manage. It would also be harder for parents with jobs to drive their kids to school, and the traffic would conflict with the middle school traffic, too.”
Photo by Gianna Dimick
By Erica Valbusa
Freshman, Bradley Ting, also added, “I don’t like it. It’s harder to concentrate on the same material for a longer period of time.” There were many sophomores that also expressed their concerns about block scheduling; Bryce Dennis commented, “I think the idea is complete bull. Everyone would lose his or her focus. I already lose focus and we only have 50-minute class periods.” Another sophomore, Justin Quan, also voiced his concerns. “Soccer and other sports would be pushed back to start at later times. It would especially effect frosh-soph teams that have to share playing space with varsity teams, and would force them to reschedule practice times and games.” Sophomore Tori Herfert agreed with both Dennis and Quan. “I think that it would screw up everything, because it would change all the times and I’m a frequent sports player and I know that if we got out later, it would change sports times and it would also keep us up later.” However, sophomore, Kayla Razavi, disagreed with their
Santa and snow came to town and set up shop in the quad this December. Students visited with the big elf and enjoyed playing in the lunchtime snow.
Features
Page 10
The gourmet burger domination By Annie Wesolek Staff Writer
Gourmet burger joints are changing the cheap and greasy image of burgers here in the Bay Area. The burger has been around since the 15th century when minced beef was considered a delicacy in Europe. It wasn’t until the 20th century that burgers started to be thought of in such a negative way. Burgers are commonly associated with the fast food industry because they cost less to produce and can be cooked in bulk. However, the real tragedy of the burger is its nutritional value. One burger could carry half the amount of calories you should be eating in a day, except without the nutrients your body needs to keep everything working.
Burgers made in fast food establishments might be made efficiently but they’re not made with the consumer in mind. Some health conscious Carlmont students have tried to avoid fast food all together. “The burgers are all greased up with oil, I don’t like to go out for junk food that much,” said Veronica Solis. Documentaries such as “Super Size Me” and “Food Inc.” have spread the dangers of fast food consumption so well, that today it’s ingrained in our psyche to think badly of burgers. “Society thinks of fast food in a negative way, so you just automatically agree,” said Rachel Cissna. Only a select few fast food places have managed to
maintain a good reputation. Many students admit to visiting IN-N-OUT more frequently than other fast food restaurants
because IN-N-OUT appears to be healthier. The IN-N-OUT website states, “We make them [their burgers] from fresh, 100% pure beef. They are free of additives, fillers and preservatives of any kind.”
Marketing the positives attributes of their burgers has helped the restaurant maintain its clientele, while other burger places lose market share. Some savvy entrepreneurs decided to take up the challenge and make the ordinary burger extraordinary. Many new different burger joints such as Godfather’s, Burger Joint, Jacks Prime, and The Counter have opened up on the peninsula. These new burger places aren't just known for their food, most new Burger vendors have a special theme or gimmick that makes buying a burger more fun. Godfather’s, in Belmont is a burger lounge themed after the
Godfather movie series. All over the walls there are pictures from the movie and a large television screen that shows an endless picture loop of actors. Despite the creative theme, customers return to Godfather’s not for the ambiance, but the delicious burgers and sweet potato fries. The Counter, which recently opened up across from the Hillsdale mall, encourages customers to build their own burger by filling out a order form of toppings and different burger options. However if the freedom of choosing your own toppings seems overwhelming The Counter also offers a menu of already designed burgers to choose from. No matter what changes the burger goes through it will always be a good old fashion American meal.
‘I <3 Boobies’ - cancer message? By Miranda Santana Staff Writer
Many Carlmont students can be seen wearing the “I Love Boobies” bracelets from the Keep A Breast foundation. Although the attention is to raise awareness for breast cancer, many people are wearing them just because they like the phrase. More American women have died of breast cancer in the last twenty years than the number of Americans killed in World War I, World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War combined. Approximately one in eight women in the United States will develop breast cancer in her lifetime. It’s about time for a cure, and the “I Love Boobies” bracelets were a very clever idea for awareness and support. “They’re pretty, and colorful,” said Katrina Pahati, “and they are fun to wear.” The bracelets come in an arrangement of different colors to match whatever you are wearing. “I think they are good, even though they are four dollars the money is going to a good cause,” said Akilah Kyer. Depending on where the brace-
“I’m wondering when I will see ‘I love lungs,’ ‘I love colons’ etc. bracelets?”
lets are purchased, fifty to one-hundred percent of the proceeds go to the Keep A Breast foundation’s education and awareness programs. “ I don’t think kids take them seriously, they are focused more on the words than the cause,” said Lisa Cooper. Even though the bracelets are bought by both guys and girls, they might not be taken in a serious manner. Guys may wear them to express the thoughts of their hormonal teenage minds. As for girls, they might find it funny for a girl to say “I Love Boobies.” The phrase is a clever way to get people to support breast cancer. If the slogan was “I’m Supporting Breast Cancer” the bracelets may not have been as popular. “They are good for breast cancer but some people take it in a sexual manner,” said Michelle Porterfield. The money spent on the bracelets mostly goes towards education and awareness programs, but it is looked at as “I like boobs and I want people to know” and it is acceptable for the excuse that “and it helps cancer.” When Forbes Jones was asked if he liked the bracelets he replied, “I don’t really like them, they shouldn’t be shown publicly.” Even though Jones didn’t like the bracelets he still liked the main idea of them, “I still
like boobies... I love boobies,” he continued. Many people Photo by Niko Frazier think only women can get diagnosed with breast cancer, so there is an innocence factor that they are helping women. However, children as young as ten and men can also be diagnosed with breast cancer. Last October in the NFL, football players wore pink bands around their arms for Breast Cancer Awareness month. There are also pens, ribbons and shirts can that spread awareness. So far, it seems like breast cancer is the most advertised cancer. Even Mustang has its own breast cancer car with a pink ribbon on it. “People should be aware of other types of cancers,” added Cooper. Unfortunately, there are many types
of other cancers people can get. Other cancers should be advertised as much as breast cancer because other patients require just as much support. “I’m wondering when I will see ‘I love lungs,’ ‘I love colons’ etc. bracelets,” said teacher Michelle Mckee. Lance Armstrong started a trend supporting all cancer patients with his Livestrong Foundation. He created the yellow bracelets after his battle with testicular cancer that spread to his lungs and brain. Hopefully in the future many types of cancers will have their own sayings for their own bracelets but for now, we can support all cancer patients with Lance Armstrong’s Livestrong bracelets.
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PRO:
Technology enhances learning, opportunities
By Steven Tsujisaka
Staff Writer
Tech use leads to problems, conflict
By Noelani Zane
Staff Writer
Over the past decade, students have increasingly turned to technology to complete their school work, keep up with their fellow classmates and aid them in just about anything. Although this technological revolution seems to be extremely efficient, there are many conflicts that continue to affect people everyday. Facebook has evolved into the largest world-wide social network in the world with over five-hundred million active users of whom fifty percent log in on a daily basis. A lot of these Facebook fanatics aren’t aware of their tendency to succumb to every student’s worst nightmare - procrastination. According to Mashable, Facebook has climbed to the most timeconsuming network, averaging about seven hours a day per user. When asked how Facebook affects her homework time Anna Chung said, “I check my Facebook often but I don’t find it distracting. When I need to do my homework, I do it.” Texting has evolved into one of the most popular and efficient ways of communicating. The advantage of texting is by far the convenience. Whether you’re boarding a bus, or sitting in a meeting, a quick message can be sent and received within seconds. However, its flaws are becoming more of a problem. Ever since the advent of texting, society has become more aware of the dangers of texting while driving. Driving is an activity that requires full attention, especially to less-experienced student drivers. Unfortunately, cellular phones and other electronic devices have become more of a distraction to drivers in the past three years. According to a recent study on texting-while-driving.org, a person is eight times as likely to get into an car accident while texting, while a person is only four times as likely to get into the same accident while under alcoholic influence. Currently six states in our nation have made it illegal to text while driving. Bullying has now gone hi-tech. Cyber bullying has turned into an everlasting trend in our nation. Advances in technology has allowed bullying to occur through text messages, social networking sites, emails, web cams, and camera phones. Formspring is a website where users can ask questions anonymously or with user information. Formspring may have good intentions, however, the reality is that people are given the freedom to abuse it by finding out juicy secrets, the latest gossip and to simply harass whoever they want without having to pay the consequences. This leaves the people being harassed with a low self esteem and distrust amongst peers because their harassers could be anyone. “I think Formspring is entertaining since people are usually harsher with their comments online than they are in person but I also think its a waste of time since it can lower people’s self-esteem,” said Shila Hasanoff. According to studies by Yale University, bully victims are two to nine times more likely to consider suicide than non-victims. Another growing issue is children and teens using technology to avoid difficult face-to-face conversations. “It saddens us to hear 16-year olds say that they would rather break up with their girlfriend/boyfriend by texting, IM-ing or posting on their Facebook wall than tell them in person (or over the phone). When asked why, they'll tell you "because it's easier." We believe this avoidance will have increasing negative ramifications on their communication skills throughout life,” stated Doug Fodeman & Marje Monroe from nais.org. Hopefully people will use technology to improve communication skills. With technology increasing, students are becoming more sleep deprived. Just one in five teens are getting the recommended eights hours of sleep per night. A recent study was created for one hundred teens from Philadelphia to assess their technology use. More than eighty percent watched t.v. after 9 p.m., fifty-eight percent were online, fifteen percent said they slept between three to five hours, with just twenty percent getting the recommended eight to ten hours nightly. A study from sleepfoundation.org suggests the average teen should receive nine and a quarter hour of sleep every night. The use of technology prevents teens from getting the sufficient amount of sleep. Hopefully even with the increase of technology, society will overcome these issues.
Technology use debate
Education around the world has evolved tremendously within the past few decades because of the invention of computers and the Internet. Technology enhances students lives in many ways. To function in today’s society and in the future, technology skills will be a necessity, no matter what the student does in his or her life. Believing technology is the future of education, Carlmont High School adopted SMART Technology’s SMART Boards in 2006 along with Apple’s MacBook laptops and iPod touch devices to be used in the classrooms for spreadsheets, slide-show presentations, class assignments and lectures, videos, podcast, and more. “[Using technology] is a must. Every class, every lesson. I also think we all should be using technology. Every class, every lesson,” stated Jenna Cestone, a Carlmont history teacher. Carlmont High also established Apple’s iMacs in the film critique classroom with Final Cut Pro, Apple’s professional video editing program. “It makes editing video more professional and efficient,” stated Piroz Tahriri. In some Carlmont High classes, teachers use Google Docs, a free, web-based word processor, spreadsheet and presentation editor, to share upcoming assignments and projects with students. Students use Google Docs mainly for group projects and essays to easily collaborate with others and it’s a free, personal wireless storage facility. In 1996, about two-thirds of public schools had Internet access, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. By 2003, almost every public school had computers. Some school districts and states are working to provide technology equipment for students and teachers off-campus by purchasing laptops, personal digital assistants, and hand-held devices that students may take home. “I would like to see more handheld devices, so I would like to see more Kindles, iPads, iTouches, iPhones,” Cestone commented. Some teachers would like to move away from paper textbooks and lean towards digital textbooks. Cestone added, “Believe it or not, every textbook has a online version or a CD component. I would like for us to move away from the paper textbooks... It’s not that we need to burn textbooks or throw them away...it would be great to have the entire textbooks in the classroom and for [students] to download the book at home.” As technology expands, so do features such as multitasking as technology companies add more features to cell phones and laptops that enable users to run more than one task at once. Teachers, college professors, and psychologists around the globe believe students aren’t able to multitask. “Multi-taskers are terrible at every aspect of multitasking. They get distracted constantly. They’re memory is very disorganized,” Professor Clifford Nass of Stanford University said in an interview with Frontline. Carlmont student Greg Newton believes that students are capable to multitask and teachers don’t understand,“Yeah. I am able to listen to music and do my other work.” Nass believes in classic psychology which states it’s impossible for students to multitask, “...you see people multitasking. They’re playing games, they’re reading e-mails, they’re on Facebook, etc. Yet, classical psychology says ‘that’s impossible, no one can do that.’ In general, our brains can’t do two things at once. And we want to answer the question, ‘how do they do that?’” Nass said. “They have done themselves a disservice by ‘drinking the kool-aid’ and believing that a multitasking, learning environment will serve their best purposes...they’re just some things that are not amendable to being though about in conjunction with fifteen other things,” stated MIT Professor of the Social Studies of Science and Technology Professor Sherry Turkle According to Grunwald Associates, in 2007, 27 percent of all nine to seventeen-year-old kids are practiced online producers, maintaining blogs, pages, or other online spaces at least three times a week. “I use social sites to keep in touch with everyone I know, but I don’t tend to stay on longer then 5 minutes unless I am chatting with someone online,” said Monika Skinner.
CON:
Features A Dream Deferred How to choose a college Page 12
US Senate denies student immigrants By Jenna Chambers Features Editor
An immigration bill that would have created a path for citizenship for thousands of undocumented high school students, passed in the House, but later failed in the Senate on Dec. 18. The bill known as the Dream Act, or the Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minors Act, would have granted legal status to thousands of illegal immigrant students who came to country as children and completed two years of college or military service among other requirements. The Dream Act passed the House by a vote of 216 to 198,while the vote in the Senate fell short five votes of the 60 needed with a 55- 41 in favor of the bill leaving the future of the Dream Act uncertain. Advocates of the bill supported it as a way to help these young immigrants have a brighter future with more opportunities without being held back by legal status while Opposers of the bill, according to the New York Times, argue that the bill will only encourage lawbreakers and lead to a new wave of illegal immigration. Students at Carlmont, however, disagree. “It’s horrible that the Senate didn’t pass it,” commented David Arrellin, “many young student immigrants would have been able to fulfill their dream.” Arrellin added, “This bill could have changed not only the legal status of young immigrants but their social status as well. Young immigrants with
citizenship would have been able to get a good job and not just be labeled as labor workers.” According to the New York Times, had the Dream Act been passed, the bill would have most immediately help grant legal status to the thousands of graduating and recently graduated undocumented students whose lives in the United States are restricted, though most have spent the majority of their lives here. The Dream Act of 2010 was not the first and only fight towards granting opportunities or further restricting them for undocumented students. In 1982, the Supreme Court ruled in Plyer vs. Doe that public schools could not discriminate based on immigration status. This ruling however, does not apply to institutions of higher education nor does it create a path to citizenship for these students. “It’s unfortunate that it [the Dream Act] didn’t get passed,” commented a Carlmont student whose name is being withheld, “It would have been a good thing, it would have created opportunities. A bill similar to the Dream Act known as the Student Adjustment Act of 2001, was first introduced to Congress as a bill intended to repeal provision prohibiting undocumented immigrant’s eligibility for higher education benefits based on state residence. The National Immigration Law Center reports that each year 65,000 illegal immigrant students graduate from high school and everyday, most of these students are denied the chance to attend a higher education institution.
By Kendall Bishop Staff Writer
Dreams of going to the perfect college causes students to start sorting out their best fit school. Every student has a different thought in mind when it comes to where they want to go to college. Students seem to base their decision on their interests, reputation and distance of the school, as well as the cost. “What draws me to a college is the programs they offer. A college’s reputation affects my decision because it shows me what people liked and disliked about it,” commented senior Kayla Gordon. Gordon also mentioned her decisions about the next school year, “For now, I would like to go to a close community college where I can get my General Education done as well as saving money by living at home.” Community College seems to be appealing to many students that want to live at home while saving money, as well as for kids who are not set on plans for their future. Due to the economy, there has been a 6 percent increase in the amount of students enrolled in a community college throughout the past three years. The costs of UC schools have caused students to re-think their college options. News from the UC finance committee has revealed that the cost of tuition will increase by 8 percent starting the next fall semester. This means that along with tuition, student service fees will also cost 8 percent more. This adds to an additional $822 per year. Its up to the student to decide whether the experience compensates for
the price of the college. Some students seem to be drawn to schools farther from home because it’s the first time students have the opportunity to gain independence and be free from living under their parents roof. Kendall Dempsey explained her reasons for looking at in-state colleges as well as out of state, “I want to go far enough away where I am on my own, but definitely not across the country.” With goals for the future, Dempsey added, “Going to a four year college is very important to me because I want to continue to get a good education and get a good job when I’m older.” The ability to adapt can be key to students that are pushed into a major culture shock. Some students look forward to this change in which they may find appealing about a school. “What draws me to a college more than anything, is its major opportunities and social lifestyle. If the school is worth the move, then an adventure is fun, but I’m definitely a home-body,” stated Ashley Browning. Students claim that the reputation of a college is a major contributing factor when choosing the right school. Browning added, “The reputation is usually the majority of the information available, so it does have a large impact. I’m excited for state schools because the education exceeds the price.” There are many options for the next phase in a student’s education. Whether the choice to go to a certain college be based on career path or the social appeal of a school, in the end, the most important aspect of this choice is the student’s happiness.
Editorial
Page 13
Proposed bill to ban raves unconstitutional By Christina Belasco Editor-in-Chief
On Dec. 22, 2010 assemblywoman Fiona Ma (D) proposed legislation in an attempt to ban raves in California. AB 74 specifically states that “Any person who conducts a public event at night that includes prerecorded music and lasts more than three and one-half hours is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of ten thousand dollars or twice the actual or estimated gross receipts for the event, whichever is greater.” The bill goes on to state that this does not apply to businesses such as bars or nightclubs with a business licence on private property, but what about the events such as etd POP that formerly took place at the Cow Palace? Those are now in grave danger. She proposed this bill with the idea of eliminating deaths and drug use at raves, but what Ma does not understand is that this bill is severely flawed, would affect much more than raves, and that banning raves altogether still does nothing to stop drug use among those in their teens and early twenties. “Pre-recorded music more than three and one-half hours”...hmm...does anyone know something other than raves that has pre-recorded music? Oh yeah, that’s right, school dances. I guess Fiona Ma wishes to rid the world of prom as well. Fiona Ma says that “Raves foster an
environment that threatens the health and safety of our youth, the introduction of AB 74 is the first step toward eliminating these dangerous events.” Interesting words coming from a woman who has never experienced a rave herself...I however have. I will be the first person to admit that, yes there is a high level of drug use at raves. This does not however mean that our government should jump to such drastic measures as to banning raves altogether. This knee-jerk reaction would be a direct violation of our first amendment rights and is complete abuse of power, something that the framers of the constitution wanted to avoid at all costs. Helloooo, does freedom of assembly come to mind? To combat the issue of drugs at raves, security needs to be stepped up in a big way. The pathetic excuse for a “pat down” they give upon entry makes airport security look like assault. Drug sniffing dogs could also be used to weed out unwanted drugs. Banning raves would lead to no such elimination of drugs in our communities. How about instead of attacking an event that, contrary to popular ignorant belief, promotes togetherness, peace, and love, we try to stop drug trafficking on the streets. It disgusts me that such a bill would even be proposed that is a clear violation of first amendment rights and which
“I guess Fiona Ma wishes to rid the world of prom as well.”
would do absolutely NO good to the people of California. I believe the people of California have greater issues and concerns at hand than stopping people from ages 16 and older from having fun...aka our tanking economy. Furthermore this is an attack on electronic dance music specifically. As if raves are the only concerts on planet earth where drugs are used? Get real lady. The main reason why people end up
dying at raves in the first place is because the popular drug of choice (Ecstasy) is very easy to dehydrate on and the overpopulation of the events allows this to happen more easily. How about limiting the number of people into raves in the first place? Taking drugs is a personal choice. The majority of people there enjoying the music and having the time of their lives. They should not have to be punished for the rather stupid actions of the minority.
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Sports Scots freeze the slopes Page 14
Skiing vs. snowboarding debate continues By Mary Farmar
sisted of two skis attached together. The Snurfer went on to become the first mass produced stand up board to ride snow. Imagine flying down a snowy white Although snowboarding is a newer winmountain during winter with the pine ter sport than skiing, both sports are very scented air all around you. Sounds like popular with Carlmont students. fun, but first you have a decision to When asked which is the better winmake. Do you decide to strap on skis or ter sport, Mindy Yasuda said, “Well in a snowboard? my opinion I like snowboarding better Winter is not only the season for celbecause overall I think it is easier than ebrating holidays, but it is also the season skiing.” for winter sports. Two popular sports, Jean Pierre Bedoya was asked this same skiing and snowboarding, are how some question and responded, “I like skiing Carlmont students are spending this because you have more control and you winter season. The question is, which is can go faster.” Many other students rethe better winter sport out of these two sponded similarly, with about half liking choices? either sport over the other. Skiing is a much older sport than snowEven though they look quite different, boarding. The first skis dating from 2,500 skiing and snowboarding can result in to 5,000 years ago have been found in injuries. Several CarlScandinavia with the Wrist injury is the most mont students expressed oldest known ski being concern over the possible a wide, short ski found common injury for in Sweden. snowboarding, while dangers. Carlmont student Jade Snowboarding was knee injury is the most Neyround said, “Snowinvented only about 35 common for skiing. boarding causes a lot of years ago. In 1963 a injuries.” In both sports man named Tom Sims there are different kinds of injuries. In made a snowboard out of plywood, skiing you can develop knee injuries while attempting to make a skateboard. while in snowboarding you can often In 1965, the Snurfer (snow surfer) was injure your wrists. designed by Sherman Poppen, and con-
Staff Writer
According to skiinjury.com, wrist injury is the most common injury for snowboarding, while knee injury is the most common for skiing. Snowboarding can also be harder on your back side and overall body. Newer snowboarders are much more likely to become injured than their experienced friends. When asked about which sport causes more injuries Danielle Rosenduft said, “Skiing probably has more injuries because the skis can get twisted easily and if you are on a really hard hill, you can hurt yourself badly.” Ryan Hutson also agreed that skiing causes more injuries, “I would say skiing has more injuries involved because people always get their skis tangled up somehow. Plus your ski can come off the shoe and slide down the rest of the mountain.” The popularity of both skiing and snowboarding has risen dramatically as a result of the Winter Olympics which were held in Vancouver, Canada last winter. There were several U.S. stars in both
Photo by Shannon Chang
skiing and snowboarding that have become household names. In skiing, Bode Miller made his mark in the super combined while Lindsey Vann struck gold in the ladies downhill. When asked who she recalled from the Olympics, Zoe Parrish recognized Shaun White, who won Olympic gold in the half pipe. In the finals, White recorded a score of 46.8 on his first run, which proved a high enough score to secure the gold medal without a second run. When asked about what he thinks of Shaun White, Justin Quan said, “He is hands down the awesomest snowboarder ever. I would hug him and like totally stalk him.” The question of skiing versus snowboarding will not be answered here, but will be answered out on the slopes. So, grab your skis or snowboard this winter.
Skiing highlights and lowlights By Ivan Garin Sports columnist
This winter, students will go to the snow in search of a getaway from the stress of school. Winter is a time to spend time with the family and friends, to relax and forget about homework, and most of all to enjoy skiing. “I like to go skiing during winter break every year with my family because it’s really fun and it lets me forget about school work,” said Josh Yolland. While skiing has been around for hundreds of years, the way it is done has changed radically. One way is with equipment. Even less than 70 years ago, the average skis consisted of nothing more than a skinny, shaft of wood and some rope to keep the skier’s feet attached to them. Nowadays, skis usually have two or three layers of laminated fiberglass to keep them from breaking. Modern skis are also a lot more flexible and durable. Skiing can be a dangerous sport, as
earlier times can tell. During the 1920’s, skiers rarely wore helmets and the death rate of skiers was much higher than it is today. Today a good helmet can be bought for about $60 and can save lives. Skiing has evolved into an ultracompetitive sport with multi-million dollar athletes. In some opinions, the most successful U.S. skier of all time is Bode Miller. Miller is an Olympic and World Championship gold medalist. His unprecedented five medals at the Winter Olympics are the most ever won by any U.S. skier. Even then, Miller’s name has a lot of controversy to come with it. At the ‘06 Winter Games, Miller was
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criticized for not taking the Olympics seriously because of accusations of him skiing while intoxicated. He failed the expectations of him winning not just once, but multiple gold medals and came home empty-handed. Miller seemed to redeem himself at the 2010 Games when he left all of the past failures behind and won his first Olympic gold medal, instantly engraving him as the greatest U.S. skier ever. Photo by Shannon Chang While skiing is one of the most popular activities in America, these times could very well soon end. Scientists have slowly garnered data on how global warming has been affecting the snow levels and it is predicted that in the next 20 years, natural snow-fall will greatly decrease, causing the end of skiing.
Carlmont students will scatter across the U.S. in search of the best powder. Each resort is different and great in it’s own way with different lifts, runs, and snow. Notable resorts include Squaw Valley, which hosted the 1960 winter Olympics. It has the second largest resort in Tahoe, only to Heavenly which is often more crowded. Snowboarders would do well to enjoy the powder in the Utah resorts where it is more plentiful. A popular resort is Brighton, with it’s three massive terrain parks and 500 inches of snow a year, Brighton is an adrenaline junkie’s dream. Virgil Neyroud is deeply loyal to his favorite resort: “My favorite resort is Heavenly, because I’ve been going there forever and it gets some gnarly powder. The other resorts in Tahoe can cut the sass. Heavenly is king.” The only unfortunate part about skiing is that for most of us, it only lasted until January 5th. Hopefully the snow will fall harder and more than ever.
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Sports
Page 15
By Dana Bloom Sports Editor Every player on a sports team at Carlmont is required to wear something representing their sport on game days. For every sport the equipment is different depending on the coaches demands, traditions, or funding for the particular sport. Why do players wear clothing showing off their sport on game days? Is it to show peers that there is a game or is it just to look classy? Junior Meghan Burry commented, “I think it brings attention to the team so that they can advertise the fact that they have a game and you can go support them.” For most students the sports attire on game days only represents awareness and the classiness of it all is overlooked; although boys basketball makes a big impression. When asked about wearing sports gear, junior and volleyball player Ashley Duba stated, “Players wear their shirts or uniforms to school to inform and ask for the students involvement with the program. Even though they do not come to
the game people still wish us good luck or have conversations about it.” Among the thirteen sports at Carlmont, not including both boy and girl teams, every team wears something different. It might include the uniform top, a jacket or sweatshirt with the sport written on it, or even a suit and tie. Boys basketball attire has a major affect on students at Carlmont and is the most common sport to be recognized on game days, because they dress up and look classy. They are required to wear dress pants, dress shirt, tie,
and a basketball wind breaker over. Unlike the boys, the girls just wear a sweat suit and a t-shirt. When junior Theo Yeh was asked why Carlmont basketball players dress so nice on game days he responded, “It is to respect the game.” Although there are many sports at Carlmont who dress nice on game days, many students believe that boys basketball dresses the best. Burry added, “They [boys basketball] do dress nicer. I always grew up with athletes dressing nice on game day. It is a discipline thing and it shows respect for the game, at least that is how I was always taught.” Is it a requirement to wear sports gear? What happens if you do not wear sports attire on game days? Throughout the different sports there are different punishments when an athlete comes to school not showing off their sport on a game day. It depends on the coach and the severity of how little sports attire is worn to school. Sophomore Hannah Moore who plays both water polo and softball for Carlmont. When asked what happens when
Photo by Jasmine Rishi
Scots suit up on game day
Student Tre’von Mason
her team does not wear sports gear she mentioned, “For water polo our coach said that she would give us a dress cut and that would result in a detention. I don’t remember if she also said we wouldn’t play if we weren’t dressed correctly.” When asked about her softball punishments Moore replied, “For junior varsity we were never really informed about what would happen, but I don’t think it would have been that bad.” These punishments may be very different but athletes still recognize what they are supposed to do on game days, wear attire representing their sport. Athletes will continue to wear their gear hoping to gain more support at their games.
Student Matt Seobert
Boys soccer aims for CCS goal By Jacob Cox Junior Editor
Photo by Grace Chang
-Classes are held Wednesdays 6:30-8 pm and Sundays 10:30-12 pm -Wraps and boxing gloves are required, but loaners are available if you call ahead
Carlmont Scots boys varsity team is looking to have another successful season despite the loss of several starting seniors from last year. The Scots are playing under former junior varsity head coach Jodi Beloff, who has stepped in for Alex Cooke. The Scots look to avoid the similar fate of reaching the CCS playoffs and losing their first game, which has happened in three of the past four seasons. With this in mind, Carlmont’s preseason schedule is significantly more difficult than in previous years. They have already faced two talented WCAL schools in St. Ignatius and Sacred Heart Cathedral, and played fairly well against them. In their first game of the season, the Scots jumped out to an early 2-0 lead but couldn’t hang on as St. Ignatius scored three second half goals to win. In their game versus Sacred Heart Cathedral, defense prevailed as the match
finished in a 0-0 tie. Based on these early results, the Scots look poised for another CCS appearance. The difference this year is that the Scots will be more prepared than ever to advance to the later rounds, and possibly win CCS. Unfortunately for the Scots, two time PAL Bay Defender of the Year Zack Tahar is unable to play due to injury. Without him, the Scots will look to seniors Brad Sorensen and Kevin Petrie to step up and lead the back line. The key to success for this years Scots is experience. Currently, Carlmont’s 22man roster is composed of 19 upperclassmen, which should play in the Scots favor against less-experienced teams. The Scots kicked off league play with a bang, in a decisive victory over Terra Nova on January 4. However, things changed for the worse in their following match in a 3-0 home loss versus Burl-
ingame. Junior Matt Wood explained that “We were not communicating, passing, or working together as a team. Burlingame wanted it more than we did and they showed more heart for the game.” Carlmont hopes to use this loss as a teaching point, and to learn from their mistakes as the season progresses. Senior AJ Beloff stated that “Our goal is to win league and of course make CCS. It wont be easy and we have a lot of hard work ahead of us but I know we’ll pull through.” Beloff also acknowledged that the team needs to have more heart on the field, and increase their desire to win. “We have the abilities to succeed, we just haven’t put it all together yet.” The Scots hope to put it all together soon, and put themselves in position to break the curse of going one and out in the CCS playoffs yet again.
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Page 16
Sports
Boys hoops looking New coach helps to start strong energize Lady Scots
By Josh Faulkner
Photo by Nick Long
Staff Writer
Varsity girls soccer looks for CCS success Junior Editor
The Carlmont Lady Scots expectations are higher than ever this season thanks to an extremely talented team. However, the Lady Scots will be playing under new head coach, Tina Doss. Doss has been a junior varsity head coach at Carlmont for the past nine seasons, and she is certainly familiar with her personnel. She also has coaching experience outside of Carlmont, having coached between nearly 20 different Class I California Youth Soccer teams. “Doss is such a great role model athletically and academically for everyone on the team,” commented Brenna Lewman, a junior who has played under Doss for the past three years. This squad has already proven to be resilient with two early wins in penalty shootouts in the Palo Alto Winter Classic quarterfinals and semifinals. Although they lost to Mountain View in the finals, it was a successful tournament that gave
Photo by Curtis Fan
Staff Writer
Last year the Scots had one of their best seasons in boys basketball history with an astonishing 22 wins, and a split of the Peninsula Bay Division crown. With seven seniors on the team last year, experience was their strength and the key to such a successful season. This year, the Scots have a roster full of new faces with eight newcomers to the Carlmont basketball program. This is one of the reasons for their relegation from the top division in the Peninsula Athletic League, into a still competitive Peninsula Ocean Division. With three underclassmen, and twelve first year varsity basketball players on the team, the Scots will have to find their team chemistry and adapt to the change of speed and strength at the varsity level to be able to compete for a third straight first place division finish. With stand out seniors James Testa and Taylor Crawford, the Scots look to meet these expectations and keep their streak alive. The Scots had a decent preseason finishing with nine wins and four losses. In their only preseason tournament, the Cardinal Classic at Lowell High School, the Scots reached the championship game after two double digit wins in their first two games of the tournament. The Scots did have some tough losses this preseason, with two of them being against Peninsula Bay Division opponents. They lost a tough away game against South San Francisco by three, and ended their home court winning streak by losing to Woodside by four in overtime. Although the Scots could very easily have won some of these close losses, they learned a lot about themselves as a team and know that they are a step or two away from teams in higher divisions. Some dates to circle on the calendar for the Scots are January 19 at home against Half Moon Bay, where they look to avenge their tournament championship game loss, as well as February 11 at home against rival Hillsdale. The Scots have a tough league season ahead of them, and have to bring their “A” game if they want to come out on top in the Peninsula Ocean Division.
By Jacob Cox
By Josh Faulkner
Photo by Curtis Fan
them confidence heading forward. Junior Lauren Berggren even stated that, “Our goal is to win CCS.” Doss agreed with this statement, adding that “it is certainly in our reach if can figure out how to start games at full pace.” Although it is a lofty goal, it is definitely possible considering the talent and depth of this team. The Lady Scots return star goalkeeper Brianna Furner, who is heading to Chico State on a full-ride scholarship, as well as striker Jillian Quan and midfielder Shelby Beloff. Carlmont also has plenty of young talent this season, with multiple un-
The Lady Scots varsity basketball team has a new head coach, Ron Fontana, who was the junior varsity coach at Carlmont last season. With three seniors gone who saw major minutes last season as well as head coach, Irene Oliveira, the Lady Scots will need to have some new faces step up for them to achieve success this upcoming season. Last season, the Lady Scots finished the season with a disappointing six overall wins, and a last place finish in the Peninsula Bay division. With many seniors this season, the Lady Scots look to them to step up to provide experience and leadership to improve upon last season’s finish. Seniors Nikki Kenyon, Christina Belasco, and Rachel Kaiser, will be looked to for leadership this season and lead the quest for a league division first place crown. The Lady Scots are in the Peninsula Ocean Division this year, and look to make leaps and bounds from last season’s finish. The Lady Scots started off on the wrong foot this preseason, by losing their first three games by a combined total of forty-two points. They did not let this become a recurring theme and went on to win their next seven games, including a first place finish in a tournament at Homestead High in Cupertino by defeating a Peninsula Bay Division team, the Burlingame Panthers. Some dates to circle on the calendar for the Lady Scots are January 28 against Westmoor and February 11 against Oceana which could possibly be for a first place finish in their division. The Lady Scots ended their preseason with one of the strongest records in their division, and look to keep the momentum throughout the rest of the season. Hopefully, this will lead to a first place finish in the Peninsula Ocean Division.
“We have the talent to win CCS. As long as we keep our energy level high, nobody can take us down.”
derclassmen on the team. Sophomores include Amelia Jacobs, Mary Cochran, Lauren Konrad, Michelle Galindo, and Gabi Reeder, while freshman Melissa Wood also made the team. While some might mistake this many varsity underclassmen for a lack of qualified juniors and seniors, Doss suggested quite the opposite. “Our biggest strength is that we have no weaknesses. We have 23 strong soccer players, and no matter who I put on the field there is no drop in
play or talent.” Carlmont will rely on stellar goalkeeping and senior leadership to pave the way to another successful season in the PAL Bay division. The Lady Scots split their two games in the opening week of league play, with a win at Terra Nova and a loss at home versus Woodside. Doss admitted that “As the defending CCS champions, Woodside is our biggest competition in league.” Important dates include a rematch with Woodside on February 1, as well as a home game against rivals Menlo-Atherton on February 8. Doss knows that her players are incredibly talented this season, and have the ability to make her first year as a varsity Head Coach a memorable one. “We have the talent to win CCS. As long as we keep our energy level high, nobody can take us down.