Volume 85 Issue 2 by AHS Pepperbox

In The Box

Box Briefs Veterans Day (No School) - November 12 ASB Blood Drive - November 13 Fall Sports Awards - November 15 End of Term 2 - November 16 Thanksgiving Break - November 19 - 23

Want to advertise or buy a mail subscription to the Pepperbox? Email Business Manager Hawken Ritter at ahs.pepperbox@gmail.com. Make sure to us on facebook at www.facebook.com/AHSPepperbox

Measure Q ��6-7 Cheating �� 8 18-year-old voters �� 9 Career and College center �� 10 Green Club ��11 Student Store ��12 Volleyball �� 13 Football �� 14-15 Fall Sports Wrap-Up �� 16-17 Halloween at AHS ��18 Grant Harmon ��19 Haunted History Tour �� 20 Nikki DaSilva ��21 Mid-Dull Ages �� 22 Steve Sheets �� 23 Black Friday �� 24 College Apps �� 25 Treasure Island �� 26 50 Shades of Grey �� 27 Music ��28-29 An Interview: Miles Bacchus �� 30 My Story: Sage Fanucchi-Funes ��31 Pepperpoll �� 32

Editorial Staff Forrest Lewis - Editor-in-Chief Elaine Cunha - Editor-in-Chief Molly Salamunovich - Managing Editor Anna Nordquist - News Editor Gillen Martin - Junior News Editor Piper Bazard - Junior News Editor Sage Fanucchi-Funes - Feature Editor Lauren McCoy - Sports Editor Calvin Ryan - Opinion Editor Dakota Goodman - A&E Editor Lumina Adams Geena Damian Errol Funk Steve Sheets

Reporters

Kaitlin Tucker Sam Winter Emily Hooven Jamie Maher

Hawken Ritter - Business Manager Ben McCreath - Media Editor Sam Freed - Media Editor Grace Lovell - Art Director Tami Conrad - Photo Editor Aiyana Allen-Caldwell Chief Photographer Gabe Schneider - Graphic Designer Shea Lignitz - Copy Editor Day Robins - Online Editor

Dayna Naish Julia Sloan Jonathan Dedekan Patrickπ Payton

Advisor Danielle Lehman

The Pepperbox would like to thank Western Web, based in Samoa, for printing our paper at-cost. Western Web supports student journalism throughout Humboldt County and has made publications like the Pepperbox possible for decades. We appreciate their dedica-

Editors’ Box

he Pepperbox is back for round two! Although we promised ourselves we would never produce a 32-page newspaper again, the advertisements sold by Business Manager Hawken Ritter and the articles written by our incredible staff are just too good to cut. For our special election day issue, News Editor Anna Nordquist and Art Director Grace Lovell conducted a school wide census of various issues, from the best Presidential candidate to students’ preferred web browser. Graphic Designer Gabe Schneider created a visual representation of the results that is featured on our back cover. Reporters Geena Damian and Patrick Payton interviewed all 19 students eligible to vote (see pg 9). A special thank you to Paul Swenson for generously allowing us to reprint his photos of the AHS sports teams. Editors-in-Chief Elaine Cunha & Forrest Lewis

Behind the Cover

Gabe Schneider/PEPPERBOX

This issue’s cover was taken by Graphic Designer Gabe Schneider, with help from Editor-in-Chief Forrest Lewis and Business Manager Hawken Ritter. Featured are five key players of the undefeated AHS football team: quarterback Chad Blickenstaff (center), immediately to his sides are running backs Aleric Stone (left) and Tyler Kiel (right) and on the wings are offensive linemen Andrew Dehart (left) and Dustin Wallis (right). At the players’ feet is the Arcata High victory flag (see articles below).

From the Archives: The Arcata High Victory Flag Originally published October 6, 1961

Victory Flag Flies Again By Patrick Patyon The Arcata High victory flag is back. The old Arcata High victory flag was first hung on the week of September 18-22, 1961 after a 14-0 victory over the Del Norte High Warriors. The new flag will not be displayed on the flag pole due to limited space, but will be displayed in front of the school each time a sports team wins a game. Mr. Navarre is turning the flag over to the leadership class and letting them decide on how and when our new victory flag will be displayed. Mrs. Mauro and Mr. Navarre agreed on the design of the new victory flag. “I think it’s a good idea. Arcata high used to have a victory flag many years ago, and I think it’s a good idea to celebrate students’ accomplishments,” Mauro said.

Quotable. “S/O to the arcata varsity volleyball for their little letter (; #HISST, FAT” An anonymous McKinleyville High student in a tweet to volleyball player Lauren McCoy’s pump-up letter, which was accidently printed in a MHS English classroom on game day.

Number of league games won by Arcata High football this season.

Number of league games won by McKinleyville High football this season.

“I wish I could date Buster Posey.” Senior Cameron Wallace immediately after Buster Posey’s grand-slam in game five of the National League Division Series.

“In high school, I shook hands with Neil Young. I haven’t washed my right hand since.” History teacher

Doug Johnson on a tangent about brushes with fame.

“Everybody relax. Mr. Monge is just playing with the bells.” Principal lunch.

Dave Navarre after an accidental fire alarm was set off at

Arcata High students who have turned 18 before or on election day and are eligible to vote.

Arcata High sports teams that won league this Fall, including Varsity Football, Varsity and JV Boys Soccer, Girls Soccer, Boys and Girls Cross Country, and Varsity and JV Volleyball.

Framable.

Sophomore Morgan Brown (left) and senior Danielle Shields (right) attempt to walk in a straight line while wearing drunk goggles during red ribbon week.

Forrest Lewis/PEPPERBOX

Juniors gather in Mrs. Rosebrookâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s classroom on Tuesday, October 30, to vote in the mock election organized by the Arcata High History Club.

Dakota Goodman/PEPPERBOX

Forrest Lewis/PEPPERBOX

Cheerleaders sport pink shirts and socks instead of their traditional cheer outfits in support of breast cancer awareness month.

NEWS

Pepperbox

Upcycling the MPR: Measure Q 6 | November 6, 2012

Piper Bazard Junior News Editor &

Gabe Schneider

Graphic Designer

ith the passing of measure Q in November of last year, there comes a huge change to the AHS campus: a new building. The current multipurpose room will be replaced by a brand new fine arts complex. This new construction will be using the basic structure of the old building, but will extend the walls in order to add a full stage, a covered patio that can hold up to 700 people, and a basement for theatre and music equipment storage. Some other features of this building will be a new cafeteria space, bigger orchestra and choir rooms, nine totally soundproof individual and small group

practice rooms all wired to an audio computer lab, a black box theatre which also doubles as a mirrored dance studio, and a foyer which can be used for displaying art. Construction is expected to begin in the summer of 2014, and finish approximately two years later. Currently, the building design is under review by the state, and is in the process of getting approved for use by students. “It’s quite a process,” principal Dave Navarre said. The money to construct the building comes from Measure Q, an initiative passed by voters in November of 2010 to give 25.8 million dollars to the Northern Humboldt Union High School district for new equipment and improved facilities. “The original idea was generated within the needs of the school with the faculty, and then that went out to community for input,” prinicpal Dave Navarre said. Taxpayers are required to pay $19 for every $100,000 dollars of assessed prop-

The multipurpose room as it stands now, awaiting renovation.

erty value. Around $7.2 million of this money is allotted for the design, construction, and furnishing of the fine arts complex. This new facility will benefit AHS art classes in a variety of ways. “Measure Q will bring our art facilities up to the standard our AAI curriculum needs,” AAI director Anne Bown-Crawford said in a letter to the Pepperbox. “Our AAI program has a serious, passionate student body that deserves excellent facilities to learn and work in.” Orchestra and choir teacher Carol Jacobson shares a similar view, “We’ll have an orchestra room large enough to hold good rehearsals, students can use [the practice rooms] to practice their instruments in sections, rehearse together, record themselves, or practice individually... I think it will be especially beneficial to AAI.” The measure has also received lots of positive feedback from the arts community. “I ap-

Gabe Schneider/PEPPERBOX

preciate the support of the community, and the fantastic participation of the staff,” Chris Hartley said. While plans for the building are being finalized, plans for where to hold classes during construction are still up in the air. “I’m nervous about that,” Carol Jacobson said. Administrators are talking about renting a facility, either the Veterans’ Hall or the building across the street for theatre and music classes. Another option would be to rearrange classrooms to accommodate some of these classes.

“Our AAI program has a serious, passionate student body that deserves excellent facilities to learn and work in.” -Anne Brown-Crawford

Music and drama students are already excited about the prospect of a brand new facility. “I dig it, I think it’s really nice and I’m excited for having a new building on campus,” Brody Johnson, Junior AAI music student said. “The stuff I’m excited for is the dance studio with the mirrored walls, I can look at myself a lot in there; the sound proof practice room, I can yell a lot in there.” Junior Ian Johnson and participant in AAI music was initially skeptical, “It’s a good idea... is it really worth all the money they’re going to be using to build it though?” but after being informed of the building’s many features, had a much different outlook, “Nevermind, yeah.. that’s really cool!” Although many students are enthusiastic, some old-

Pepperbox

NEWS

renovations underway at AHS er students are disappointed at the fact that they will graduate before construction even begins. “I’ve seen all the new blueprints, and it looks super cool! ...but I don’t get to use it,” Junior Sara McGregor and AAI drama student said. Brody Johnson has a more optimistic outlook, “I’m just happy for the future Arcata high-schoolers.” Along with the new building, many other projects are also being funded by Measure Q money. The new digital phone system, and the projectors in the classrooms were a product of measure Q, and last summer, new data wiring was installed in the buildings, replacing the old, outdated wiring, and allowing for this new technology to be powered. The school also has future plans to update other parts of the school. The next big project will be the renovation of the media center and library, which will begin this May. Although the library won’t be available for six weeks, the media center will be relocated, so computers will still be available for students. Work on the library will go through the end of the school year and continue over summer break, finishing by the start of next school year. Along with the library, the restrooms in the gym will be updated to make them ADA compliant, and the front of the gym will be given a facelift to match some of the architectural features on the front of the new fine arts complex. The other buildings on campus will be painted in the same color scheme as the fine arts complex and the gym, to create a unifying design.

November 6, 2012 | 7

Photo courtesy of Dave Navarre

Digital Renderings of the proposed design for the new MPR: front view (upper) and side view (lower). Using Measure Q funds, this should be completed by 2016.

8 | November 6, 2012

NEWS

Pepperbox

It’s not really cheating... right?

Elaine Cunha Editor-in-Chief

ou’re taking a quiz – just an everyday, ten-point, itty bitty minor quiz on yesterday’s lesson. You know exactly half the answers, are pretty sure on two more, but are really uneasy on the remaining three. It’s only ten points, and your grade is fine, but what if you’re wrong on one of those “pretty sure” answers? What if you happen to get all three of those “uneasy” questions and at least one of those “pretty sure” questions wrong? If only there were some way for you to double check, just to make sure you’re right. Your friend is sitting next to you. She wouldn’t mind if you just glanced over at her quiz, just to double check. It’s not cheating if you’re just double-checking, right? We’ve all been there. We’ve all thought about it. We’ve all done it. Everyone knows cheating and plagiarism are “wrong,” but we somehow talk ourselves into thinking it’s acceptable. “I think it’s a problem,” Arcata High Dean of Students Tahnia Campbell stated. “I don’t want to say everybody does it, but at one time in everybody’s life I’m sure they’ve struggled with it.” The administration at Arcata High is currently discussing whether a school-wide policy would be more effective in preventing academic dishonesty than its current teacher-by-teacher protocol. As it is, if a teacher catches a student and chooses to contact Dean Campbell, the student receives an

automatic Saturday school and call home. However, not all teachers choose to write a referral, and the student’s grade on the cheated-on or plagiarized assignment varies by teacher. “It’s the teacher’s discretion whether they want to give zeros or where they go from there,” Campbell said. “Not every teacher has handled it the same.” Some teachers take precautionary measures by handing out different versions of tests to students sitting next to each other, and others avoid multiple-choice tests because they are easier for students to copy. Websites like TurnItIn.com, where students copy and paste essays to submit assignments, offer preventative tactics for plagiarism by automatically analyzing what percentage of the written work is original and what percentage shows similarities to an outside source. In college, the stakes are higher. Disciplinary policies for cheating or plagiarism range from a report on a student’s permanent record to suspension and outright expulsion. Many schools use honor codes in an attempt to prevent cheating through a student’s conscience. While studies have shown honor codes to be more effective than pure disciplinary action, Donald L. McCabe, a professor at Rutgers University who specializes in academic integrity, argues the culture around an honor code is more important than the code itself. “Academic dishonesty is most strongly associated with the perceptions of peers’ behavior,” he stated in a research study titled “Academic Dishonesty: Honor Codes and Other Contextual Influences.” Mc-

Cabe points to factors like students’ confidence in not getting caught, fear of punishment, and full “understanding and acceptance of academic integrity policies.” Recently at Harvard, more than 125 students cheated on a takehome final in an “Introduction to Congress” class. Students seemingly adopted the “if everyone else is doing it” mentality from perceptions of classmates’ cheating habits, which begs the question: Do all types of cheating deserve the same severity of discipline? Cheating on tests is like manslaughter, an in-the-moment act, while plagiarism is more of a pre-meditated crime with some sort of desperate preparation. At Arcata High, a recent Pepperpoll surveyed students’ academic dishonesty in three categories: copying homework, cheating on quizzes, and cheating on tests. Of the three, students found copying homework the most acceptable. 72 percent reported having copied a friend’s homework, and 74 percent think it is okay or sometimes okay to do so. With quizzes, about half the student body admits to cheating on at least one, but only 36 percent find it sometimes or always acceptable. Interestingly, the percentage of students who reported copying homework and cheating on tests increases with each year of high school, and more freshmen say they “never copy” and “never cheat”

than any other class. Of course, freshmen aren’t in AP classes, filling out college apps, or suffering from senioritis. (But perhaps they just don’t know what they can get away with in high school yet.) 69 percent of the school feels they have unintentionally plagiarized. “We need to do a better job in educating our students on what it is and how to avoid it,” Campbell said. And she’s right.

Pepperbox

NEWS

Seniors develop political ideologies Geena Damian Reporter &

Patrick Payton

Reporter

very four years, students are caught up in a fight for the presidency between the ultimate competitors, Democrats and Republicans. As voters hear the sides of the candidates’ views of foreign affairs, economics, and domestic issues, they will choose the candidate who will hold the reins of our country for the next four years. A heavy burden is upon the shoulders of the voters of this country. While students at Arcata High may feel that this pressure of choosing a leader is far out of their reach, there are those who will be voting along with the troops of adults heading to the voting booth on November 6th. Out of 822 students at AHS only 19 will be eligible to vote this year. Of those, 13 have registered to vote, and decided which candidate is best. Most of these voters have been following the campaign through various means of media, gossip, debates and teachers (shout-out to Mr. Filippini from various students). Obama The majority of the students who are voting this year are choosing Barack Obama for a variety of reasons, most being that he is relatable, hopeful, and realistic. “That’s what I’m saying, he’s on this level,” senior Trever Pierson said. For those students who have been following the debates and

news more closely, the connection is more political than emotional. “I think he is doing a better job in the debates because of his realistic outlook on improving the United States,” senior Meridith Dewees stated. The student voters have been listening to both sides of the story as well, giving their opinions on Romney just as easily. “Ignorant. Purely scandalous,” commented senior Jim Thomas, backed up by Pierson: “I’ve got to agree with Jim, kinda sketch. I can see it in his eyes.” Although these students are not 100% positive that their candidate will grab the grand prize, they believe he has a good chance, and will pull through in the end. Romney Although there are not as many voters for Romney at AHS, they are holding their ground, praising Romney’s economic policies, war policies, and personality. Senior Zack McCaslin will be voting for Romney, reasoning, “Because I like his take on war a little bit better, and he’s better at handling money.” Unfortunately, senior Jeremy Raymond will not be able to vote this year, because he “didn’t want to waste the gas going to Eureka” to get a voter registration form; although he did say that if he could have voted for Romney it would have been because “he’s got more

November 6, 2012 | 9

Geena Damian/PEPPERBOX

Seniors Trever Pierson (left) and Jim Thomas (right) study the general election ballot for the November 6 election. of an economic plan rather than a health care plan.” Some, like senior Cameron Wallace, are just looking for any kind of change: “Since I didn't know anything about politics most of the time Obama was in office, I just assume that nothing changed in the country. That said, I think some change would be nice, and if it turns out for the better, that would be even nicer.” While Romney’s economics are a huge part of his campaign, there are those who just love his personality. “He’s really good and happy,” said senior Justin Hamblin through a toothy grin.

By The Numbers Registered Students: 13 Obama: 9 Romney: 4 Not-registered Students: 5 Obama: 2 Romney: 2 Undecided: 1

NEWS

Pepperbox

New career and college counselor 10 | November 6, 2012

Errol Funk

Reporter

he lights are back on, the room is now occupied; Arcata High’s Career and College center is up and running once again. Stephanie Moore assumed the position as of October 16th, becoming Arcata’s newest student counselor. After receiving her master’s in school counseling at the University of Florida as well as her undergrad in marine biology at Eckerd College, Moore was looking for an opportunity to leave Florida and move to the northern California area. “This part of the world was just a better fit

for us,” Moore said. Moore has high hopes for the Career and College Center this year. “I want to make sure that every student has a plan after graduation,” Moore said. Looking ahead, Moore is excited to get into the rhythm of the job but ultimately get to know the students at Arcata High. Moore is open to all questions, encouraging students to come in, whether they are unsure of what college they should attend, or if they are unsure of what direction they are headed in life. “If I can’t answer a student’s question, I will happily research and find them the answer,” Moore said. Having just started, Moore is starting to get familiar with the

The lights are back on, the room is now occupied; Arcata High’s Career and College center is up and running once again.

school as well as the area, she commented on her liking to the freedom given to the students at AHS, saying, “they allow you to be young adults.” She continued to say that the atmosphere here seems student centered more so than the schools she previously worked for. Moore feels that AHS is a better fit for her:

“the staff here are welcoming and I feel very comfortable here.” Students have already started to seek out advice from Moore: “She helped me narrow down my list of colleges I am sending applications to, as well as helping work on my resume for Stanford,” said senior Anna Nordquist. When Moore has down time from her job at Arcata, she spends her time enjoying the beauty of Humboldt County. “I love how isolated it is here, I can go to an empty beach whenever I want,” commented Moore. Whether she’s taking her two dogs for walks on the beach or hiking in the redwoods, Moore loves what the Arcata area has to offer.

Pepperbox

NEWS

November 6, 2012 | 11

Green Club cleans up Arcata High

Day Robins Online Editor

t’s just over two months into school and Green Club is already taking action both in school and in the community. Thanks to the Green Club, seven new recycling bins now dot Arcata High’s campus. President Abi Black, back from a year of studies in England, has spent the last two months organizing the new recycling program. “It’s a big effort for Green Club. We have people working shifts before and after school to help take the bins out and put them away,” Black said. Green Club’s efforts are not just saving the environment, they’re also saving money. “AHS was spending $700 a week on trash because we weren’t recycling properly,” Black said. Fortunately, the increase in bins has made a huge difference. “Things are looking much better than they were just a couple of weeks ago,” Black stated. In addition to expanding the recycling program at Arcata High, Green Club’s future goals target effective waste management. This includes educating the AHS students and staff about exactly what waste goes where. To help fulfill this goal, Green Club has collaborated with Zero Waste Humboldt, an up-and-coming local organization that deals with waste management and environmentally-beneficial projects. At the North Country Fair, Zero Waste volunteers stood by compost, recycling, and trash bins on the plaza, and educated people on the proper bin for their waste. “People were

really interested in learning what could be composted and recycled, and lots of people came up to us and thanked us for helping out,” Green Club member Rachel Perry said. Green Club volunteers dedicated their North Country Fair weekend to waste disposal education. Now, they plan on bringing their expertise back to AHS. Campus recycling reform is just one of Green Club’s many orders of business. The club is also promoting an “Eco Arts Competition” currently open to student-artists interested in submitting art with an environmental message. Finished products will be published either online or in print by “EcoNews,” a 40-year-old Day Robins/PEPPERBOX local environment journal. Green Club members pose by their new recycling bins, which were All students are welcome to join installed on campus in hopes of augmenting recycling capabilities. Green Club. They meet Tuesdays at lunch in room 303 with advisor Earl Peters. Currently, the club is almost ings, ready to take over the Green all senior-run. President Black Club with their own “eco-groovy” hopes to see younger faces at meet- ideas and goals.

It’s a big effort for Green Club. We have people working shifts before and after school to help take the bins out and put them away.

- Green Club President Abi Black

NEWS

AHS Student Store renovated 12 | November 6, 2012

Julia Sloan

Reporter

s the school’s second hand approaches 12:25, students’ eyes start to wander, attention spans shorten, and stomachs start to grumble. Some students tense up, anticipating the final bell that represents sweet freedom to leave campus for a short forty minutes. Others fidget and twitch, too ready to jump up from their desks and end their debatable starvation. But some business marketing students have a completely different agenda. They’re organizing, cleaning, and stocking all the products that make

up the Tiger Den. Whether it’s the sushi, sparkly jerseys, Murphy’s Market snacks, or Rita’s burritos, the Tiger Den is sure to have something you’ll love. Now it’s in an even nicer space: “I love the new architecture,” stated junior Jesse Kramer. Tiger Den managers Kelsey Sloane, Ashlynn Cox, and Abby Peterson worked tirelessly over summer while Tiger Den employees Ella Holland and Hannah Bill aided in creating all the new additions, such as the new double doors, which simplify and smooth out the flow of the customers, and the new counter layout and retail space, which successfully show and hold the new merchandise. Some of this year’s most popular new products include albacore,

salmon, or tofu rolls from Sushi Spot, macaroni and cheese from Murphy’s, sandwiches, fruit salad, Rita’s chile verde burritos, and the newest additions: chocolate soymilk and tofu sticks from The Tofu Shop. “I love the new chocolate soymilk because it’s healthy and local so I’m giving back to my community,” explained Tiger Den employee and soymilk lover Olivia Reynolds. There are also smaller snacks and drinks like canned Iced Tea, Nutella, and, coming soon, jelly for your bagels! Almost all the new additions come from local businesses and help our local economy. Buying lunch at the Tiger Den helps more than just your appetite!

Pepperbox

Julia Sloan/PEPPERBOX

Student Store employee Ella Holland stands in front of the Tiger Den’s newly renovated double doors preparing for the nutrition break rush.

Pepperbox

SPORTS

Varsity volleyball still swinging

Cameron Wallace Guest Reporter

he 2012 Girls Volleyball team and their championship season ignited Tiger fans, both young and old, to show their support for the team. Previously, volleyball took backstage to more mainstream sports such as football and basketball. This year, however, things have changed. With their tremendous season, intense games, tight play and spandex, more fans than ever have been attending the biweekly events. The question is, does the screaming mob of orange and black fans only 10 feet from the court help the lady Tigers? Arcata Junior Margaux Karp noted that “it helps us get pumped up before the games.” All those fans so close to the action are sure to boost the ladies adrenaline. Margaux quickly added that “At first [the team] is nervous, but once the game starts [we] settle down and [the fans] help.” Junior “moosing extraordinaire” (or blocker, for all you volleyball beginners) Lauren McCoy thinks that the fans add a level of intensity: “They make you want to do even better to make the fans proud!” So ultimately, it looks like the girls thrive from the momentum of the huge crowds and also feed off the energy that builds up in the gym. The 7th man section of the crowd doesn’t just boost Tiger morale, however, it demoralizes the opponent to have to play in such a hostile environment. “You can just see the other teams’ smile vanish as they step onto the court. Their ego deflates like a popped balloon. Wooooshhhhhhhhhh!” Senior Molly Salamunovich said. Can you imagine trying to serve

a little white ball over the net with 600+ eyes staring you down? That’s a pretty nerve racking experience for a high school athlete! Opposing teams have been known to be intimidated by the crowd and their synchronized cheers, which are second to none. Even the referees appreciate the die hard Tiger fans (as long as they don’t violate the unwritten rules of volleyball). Referee and Arcata alumni Jaquie Bartley who has been reffing for 20+ years was willing to share her opinion about the atmosphere at the Tiger home games. “Enthusiastic, really enthusiastic! But very good natured also.” Bartley noted that Arcata brings the best fans in the Humboldt-Del Norte League. However, she added that “Eureka brings out a pretty good crowd” as well, but “they haven’t been around the whole season like (Arcata).” Naturally, Arcata dominated the competition not only on, but off the court as well. The Tigers, who currently boast an overall 17-12 record, are ranked 10th in the North Coast Section (NCS) Division 4 standings. The Tigers, built around their strong core of seniors and supporting cast of sophomores and juniors, are one of only four public schools ranked

in the Top 10 for NCS. Despite being isolated more than three hours away from the closest nonleague opponent, the Tigers are looking to make a run deep into sections. “The teams are always pretty good because they get more experience from having the opportunity to play on club teams. Still, I think we have the ability to pull through and get through the first few rounds of sections!” senior Tate Borges stated enthusiastically. Whether or not the Tigers are able to make history this postseason, they plan to have another strong year in 2013. When asked to describe what the feeling of losing all the seniors will be, junior McCoy answered in one harsh word, “Devastating.” Five seniors will graduate, but there will still be eight returning girls and a strong upcoming JV team to carry on the Tiger legacy. Unfortunately, due to the extremely biased seeding of the North Coast Section committee, the 10th seeded Tigers begin their sections journey

November 6, 2012 | 13

Photo Courtesy of Katerina Rocker Heppe

Lauren McCoy #2 and Sarah Fields #10 leap for a block against McKinleyville.

Wednesday the 7th at 7pm against the 7th seeded St. Helena Saints. The game will be played at St. Helena, despite Arcata’s league championship honors. Good luck to our Lady Tigers as their sections play unfolds!

7 Wins 0 Losses

An in-depth view of the undefeated Arcata High School varsity football team and the keys to a historical season. Illustration courtesy of Randy Toroni

Arcata High Scho Forrest Lewis Editor-in-Chief &

Hawken Ritter Business Manager

Rewind Two Years It is August 9th, 2010: the first day of Varsity football tryouts at Arcata High School. Five seniors show up. The coaching staff is confronted with a difficult decision: move all 24 freshmen and sophomores up to varsity, or eliminate the varsity football team in hopes of keeping this core group of underclassmen together as a JV squad. Two weeks later, on August 29th, 2010, it becomes official: for the first time since the founding of Arcata High School in the early 1900’s, AHS will not field a varsity football team. Fast Forward Two Years It is October 26, 2012. In front of several hundred roaring and school-spirited fans, the Arcata High School varsity football team storms the field. Their victim: Del Norte. In a sense, the game means nothing. AHS has already secured first place with their stunning triumph over Eureka one week earlier, signifying the Tiger’s first victory over the Loggers since 1990. But in another sense, the game means everything. It is an opportunity for Arcata High School, once and for all, to assert themselves as a football powerhouse. The final buzzer is heard. Arcata sweeps Del Norte 26-0 to complete the first undefeated league season in recent history. A Look Backwards: The Decline of AHS Football Eight years ago, Arcata High Football stormed through league, winning eight games and clinch-

ing the Humboldt-Del Norte title. However, Eureka was independent from the H-DN that year and when Arcata finally faced them in a nonleague game, they lost by the slim margin of 21-19. Graduate Randy Toroni attributed his team’s success to their profound dedication. “We were coming into the weight room at 6:30 am every morning during the offseason. We would work out before school, P.E.., and after school,” Toroni said. Beginning in 2004, AHS football experienced steady decline. “They lost a lot of vital seniors,” Toroni recalled. In 2009, AHS football hit rock bottom. The football team went 0-9, scoring their only touchdown of the season against South Fork. Directly after, the students, teachers, and faculty of Arcata High began to lose interest in football. Simply put, nobody wanted to be a part of a losing program, not even the players themselves. The next year, for the first time in history, the Arcata High varsity football team was cut due to lack of player turnout. The Revitalization Effort Thanks to the overwhelming support from the community, and the organizational efforts of teacher and football enthusiast, Bob Robertson, history teacher Dave Filippini decided to head the revitalization effort. “You can point fingers in a lot of directions,” Filippini said, “but what I cared about is where we went from there...I’m going to be honest, it was a little frightening, because nobody wants their name attached to a program that fails.” As it turns out, cutting the varsity football team in 2010 may have been the best thing that ever happened to AHS football. The core group of underclassmen carried the

ool Varsity Football: Revitalized team to an undefeated junior varsity season. Without a varsity football team, Coach Fel Barlow scraped together a seven game schedule and the JV team finished with a 7-0 undefeated record. A glimpse of hope was foreseen by 2009 graduate and football standout Noah Wheeler, who predicted, “Arcata will be put back on the map of football.” When the 2011 season finally commenced, AHS once again fielded a varsity football team. “I had no expectations,” Filippini remembered. “You have to be realistic, at the end of that JV year we finished the season with about 14 or 15 kids in uniform. In the entire school. No one had a minute of varsity experience going into last year. Nobody.” Still, they persevered, sustaining a respectable record of 4-7 and earning a North Coast Sections playoff birth. The 2012 Season The core group of freshmen and sophomores are now juniors and seniors, and their success seen in the 2010 junior varsity season mirrors the 2012 season. Nine starting seniors, including the entire offensive line, the quarterback, and the tailback have led the tigers to an unprecedented season. “It’s all about dedication,” senior Dustin Wallis said. “We’ve had the same core group of guys for four years. We’re a family. We’ve stuck together through thick and thin.” The highly anticipated 2012 season did not start exactly as planned. Due to injuries taking out three key players, the Tigers suffered a defeat to section rival Valley Christian. But after two more preseason wins, the Tigers looked primed for the start of league play. Eight games later, the long-forgotten victory flag hung proudly atop Arcata High School. It had been 22 years since the last time

AHS football reigned supreme over Eureka High and the rest of H-DN competition. According to Filippini, the success of the team was carried by the players: “When you are coaching, and you have hard working talented football players, it feels like you’re driving a Ferrari.” The Tigers featured a strong running game this season, led by a dominant offensive line and two outstanding athletes in the back field: junior Tyler Keil and senior Aleric Stone. Combined with quarterback Chad Blickenstaff’s great ability to deliver the ball down the field has given the Tiger’s much success in league play. “Chad works hard, he loves football, he’s dedicated himself, he’s a very efficient passer,” Filippini commented. “I totally trust him to throw the ball and make good decisions. He made very few mistakes this year, and what more can you ask from a quarterback.” Looking Ahead The football team has received

Forrest Lewis/PEPPERBOX

Junior running back Tyler Kiel has rushed over 1500 yards this season, scoring 24 touchdowns for the Tigers. the fourth seed ranking in the North Coast Section postseason tournament and will play this Saturday, Nov 10, at 7 pm in the Redwood Bowl. AHS has not hosted a sections football game in eight years, and the team looks forward to showcasing their hard work against Moreau Catholic. “As a team sophomore year we set a goal to be the best” quarterback Chad Blickenstaff said. “The success we had this year was just a byproduct of all the dedication we put in to reach that goal.” - Dave Filippini

When you are coaching, and you have hard working talented football players, it feels like you’re driving a Ferrari.

The 2012 varsity football team celebrates their first victory over Eureka since 1990.

Forrest Lewis/PEPPERBOX

Arcata sports roar to the top Lauren McCoy Sports Editor &

Cameron Wallace Guest Reporter

In case you have been trapped in a cold dark room since the fall sports season began, the Tigers have basically swept the competition. Out of the eight varsity sports that Arcata participated in so far this year, we have captured the Humboldt-Del Norte League title in six of those. Being the second smallest school out of the Big 5 opponents makes Arcataâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s achievements even more spectacular.

Arcata Football has had a resurgance in exemplary players and currently boasts a 9-1 record, 7-0 in league. For more on there groundbreaking season, leauge championship, and their future going into North Coast sections play see page 14.

Girls soccer cleaned up the HDN league with zero losses and 13-0-0 record. Built around their veteran defense and electric offense, the Tigers outscored their opponents 111-9 throughout the 2012 season. They boast an impressive 14 shutouts in their 20 games, making them tough to beat. In their first round of North Coast Sections play, the girls took Windsor into overtime with fierce offenseive attempts and stellar saves by goalie Megan Vina but unfortunately lost 1-0.

The 2012 Arcata volleyball team continued to make history and won league for the second year in a row. Their record so far is 6-2 in HDN play, and 17-12 on the season. See more about these ladies and their journey into sections play on page 13.

Boys and girls cross country have the largest team in recent history, and possibly the strongest team too. They have been “running” over the competition all year long. Freshman Chloe Pigg and the rest of the girls team are the strong favorites at the league championship meet at the Arcata Marsh on November 10th. They also have a chance to represent Arcata at the North Coast Section meet following the Humboldt-Del Norte championship. Junior Jose Lopez and the solid boys team are also likely to win the league meet and have a competitive meet at the Sections race. Keep your ears out for more on these runners as they compete, hopefully all the way to the State meet.

The tennis team also represented Arcata High well. They were by far the most cheerful and respected team in the Humboldt-Del Norte league, nothing that wasn’t expected from AHS students. Most of the ladder advanced to the semi-finals of the H-DN Sections Tournament.

The boys team and their 12 seniors were also able to put together a very successful season. After a rough preseason against some of the top teams in the section, the Tigers came together and played impressive soccer in their ten league games, leading to an HDN championship. The boys traveled to Tamaplais for their first round of Norht Coast Sections and took a tough loss of 3-2 to end their still-successfull season.

The golf team had another competitive season this fall finishing 2nd in league play and placed an impressive 5th in the North Coast Section tournament. With many returning players, the team was led by seniors Greta Huschle and Amanda Flanigan. Photos courtesy of Paul Swenson and AHS Advance

FEATURE

Pepperbox

Halloween at Arcata High School! 18 | November 6, 2012

Sam Freed Media Editor &

Ben McCreath Media Editor

If Arcata High were Hogwarts... AHS Faculty: Navarre Vollmers Lehman ABC Peters Boydstun Hildebrand Angles Ghisetti Mr. Bagnall Mrs. Bagnall Filippini Buscher Condit Nurse Watson Arbaugh Campbell Williams Wozniak Rosebrook Moore Jacobson Klima

Harry Potter Character: Dumbledore Aberforth Xeno Lovegood Rita Skeeter Snape Binns Lupin Tonks Lockhart Mr. Weasley Fleur Slughorn McGonagall Sprout Pomfrey Quirrell Hooch Hagrid Trelawney Mrs. Weasley Sirius Flitwick Cornelius Fudge

Pepperbox

FEATURE

Grant Harmon: Chess extraordinaire Sam Winter

Reporter

bead of sweat trickles down his furrowed brow, intermingling with remnants of a forgotten sandwich sliding unnoticed down a prominent chin. Sweaty palms grip and toy with a pawn; itching with the tingle of strategic intensity. His blue eyes narrow and glaze over, imagining dozens of scenarios in a split second, revealing to the onlookers the level of concentration required to be the Chess Club President. Grant Harmon: Class-time comedic relief, passionate kite boarder, a source of endless questionable quotes… And now chessplaying enthusiast? That’s right, because Grant Harmon has filled the place of recently graduated Matthew Nelson in leading the prestigious Arcata High School Chess Club. Harmon, who has played recreational chess for over 10 years, has been in the chess club since his sophomore year. On his favorite aspects of the game he has passionately played for years, Harmon said is, “Winning, and, uh, not losing.” But what he might lack in eloquence, he clearly makes up in natural chess playing ability. But even after years of practice, President Harmon is honest about his standing in the competitive club. “No, I’m not the best player…I’ve got my on days and my off days,” Harmon admitted. Harmon clearly is the president because of his maturity, seniority and love for the game, but the question is raised: how exactly did Harmon become president? He

November 6, 2012 | 19

explained, “Well I was knighted by the previous president, Matt Nelson, who tapped me on both shoulders with a rolled up fabric chess board, so obviously I became president. It was awesome.” Of course another question is raised, what does being president entail? “Nothing really, it’s more just a title made to impress girls,” Harmon explained with a grin on his face. A typical lunchtime chess club meeting “is just a fun time where we eat lunch together, talk, and play some chess,” Harmon explained. He continued, “Anyone who likes to play chess, is a girl, knows how to play chess, wants to play chess, or just wants to watch me play chess, I will happily welcome you.” Harmon hopes to continue playing chess at UC Santa Cruz while majoring in physics next year, planning to keep chess as a major part of his life.

Grant Harmon is always one step ahead of his opponent, even if it is himself.

Benjamin McCreath/PEPPERBOX

FEATURE Pepperbox Eric Vollmers: Teacher by day, tour guide by night 20 | November 6, 2012

Kaitlin Tucker

Reporter

tudents, tourists, and people of all ages enjoy the festivities and the hustle and bustle that holidays bring. Halloween began in the eighteen forties and is still being celebrated today. The night of October 31st is now dedicated to wearing silly outfits, trick-or-treating and the all time favorite: partaking in Haunted House Tours. Old Town Eureka’s Haunted History Tour gives children and adults a night of fright, horror, and a glimpse into the city’s secret past any time of the year. A year and a half ago Eric Vollmers began a business leading groups through twelve historic buildings in downtown Eureka, calling it a Haunted History Tour. Vollmers got the idea of an entertaining history tour from the Humboldt Office of Education workshop about writing a business plan. It gave teachers a chance to partake in learning about successful business plans, as Vollmers’ had an idea but needed a specific plan to make it a reality. His sister, Shan Vollmers, insisted he pursue his idea and make it an annual event and contribution to the community. While teaching history classes at Arcata High School, Vollmers finally found a job he had subconsciously been dreaming about since he found out the history of Old Town Eureka, “I think it’s Vollmers passion,” Kaitlan Tatro added. To make this event spectacular he needed the best assistance. He asked Shantaram, the local magician of Arcata Circus House along with Alex Service, who has a PhD in Medieval

History from York University, to help him with the only haunted tour ever to evolve in Old Town Eureka. Students from Arcata have gone to the tour since it began two years ago and they love it. “My favorite part was the backscratching ghost and finding a ghost in the gutter on a ghost detector app,” senior Kelsey Sloane stated. Sloane shared the experience of finding ghosts on a private tour with her German class and the German exchange students last January. “If you believe in ghosts it creeps you out.. A lot of the Germans now think we are way too superstitious” German teacher Frau B stated after taking the tour. This new experience of never Photo Courtesy of Eric Vollmers before shared facts about the city Eric Vollmers teaches his audience about the unseen history of Old of Eureka shows the importance of Town, Eureka. how local events can unite a community. “I learned Eureka used to be filled with brothels!” senior Kaitlan Tatro said, who would have known about the scandalous events which used to be a part of Old Town Eureka. If you decide to go, watch your step and “Watch out for the headless horseman when you cross the street!” Vollmers revealed.

If You’re Interested: • Reservations required • Call 707-672-5012 for specific tour departure time • $20.00 Adults - $15.00 Students (cash only) • Group discount available • Bring walking shoes and an open mind

Pepperbox

FEATURE

November 6, 2012 | 21

Mission impossible: find Nikki DaSilva Gillen Martin Junior News Editor &

Geena Damian

Reporter

orty-one percent of Arcata High students are Facebook friends with her. She’s the most Facebookpopular girl at our school. Too bad she doesn’t go to our school. Most Facebook users these days are “friends” with hundreds of people they don’t know. Maybe they add someone because they have a decent amount of mutual friends, or because they heard their name somewhere sometime, maybe they have some attractive pictures, or possibly just because their profile page looks legitimate. But how many of us stop to think about who these people actually are? Here at Arcata High, where many students add several friends they don’t know, a surprising amount of the AHS student body is friends with a certain Facebook Legend known as “Nikki DaSilva”. With a whopping number of 4,981 friends, few, if any, of those people have ever met her or even know what she looks like. “I heard that she is real, and I know people that think they might have seen her,” said freshman Skyler Trout, who is Facebook pals with DaSilva. “No one knows her, they just think she is funny on Facebook,” junior Tyler Courtemanche added. We have been wondering who this strangely unseen person is for several years now. To discover the truth, we decided to message DaSil-

va directly and ask what school she goes to, and if “Nikki DaSilva” is her real name. All three separate Facebook accounts we contacted her from were promptly blocked. Refusing to answer our questions, DaSilva retains her elusive identity, and the mystery lives on. DaSilva’s activity on Facebook consists mostly of posting funny and sometimes inappropriate pictures found in various places on the internet. “I’m pretty sure I blocked her, she posts too many pictures. She was cloggin’ up my news feed,” sophomore Mariah Lewis commented. Not surprisingly, her massive amount of pictures include very few photos of her supposed identity. The sparse selfies that she does have are small, hard to see, and her appearance often changes slightly from picture to picture. Even more suspicious, recently one of our Pepperbox staff members, Piper Bazard, discovered through investigative research that all of DaSilva’s pictures of Humboldt (Arcata, the Plaza, etc.) can also be found on Google Earth. So who is this mysterious person? At the moment, her profile picture is a horrifying red-eyed, blood-dripping zombie and her cover photo is a Google Earth street view of the Plaza. Are we to assume that she

is a horrifying zombie that spends her time on the Plaza? Or should we assume she is inventing her en-

She’s the most Facebook-popular girl at our school. Too bad she doesn’t go to our school.

tire online persona? “I was friends with her until I realized she probably wasn’t a real person,” said senior Michael Johnson. Other students have different opinions on whether or not DaSilva’s Facebook

is a fabricated fake or the results of a bored, yet truthful, Facebook addict. “I mean, I think she’s real, but I’ve never seen her anywhere,” stated senior Taylor Borges. After failed attempts at direct communication coupled with the fact that no one seems to know who Nikki DaSilva is or how to find her, we have reached a roadblock on our quest for the truth. Although she has eluded us this time, we promise the citizens of Arcata High that we will never truly stop searching for this Holy Grail of Facebook. If you have any information on Nikki DaSilva’s true identity, please contact the Pepperbox at ahs.pepperbox@gmail.com.

OPINION

Living in the Mid-Dull Ages

22 | November 6, 2012

Calvin Ryan Opinion Editor

hy are we so ensconced in the Middle Ages? So fascinated with a time filled with poverty and despair? So exuberant about a period when people rarely bathed? So stoked about that time when people rode horses and had armor and stuff? The Middle Ages were a time when people were so inexplicably uneducated that they believed a countrywide epidemic was the wrath of God. It’s hard for me to believe that the most advanced nation of the Medieval period thought that. In the past month there have been two celebrations around the Arcata vicinity and countless others in areas beyond Humboldt County dubbed “Medieval Fairs.” In case you didn’t know, the Middle Ages refers to the time period of European history spanning the 5th to the 15th centuries. If you are still wondering, here are some keywords: castles, knights, jousting, honor, chivalry, peasants, feudalism, ignorance, despair, disease. What was so great about the Middle Ages? Why hold a festival in its honor? To answer these questions, I used my extensive researching skills and scoured the vast virtual dig site of Wikipedia with a digital magnifying glass, a digital hand pick and a digital trowel. Most of us probably know the

Medieval time period as a time of wondrous castles, shining knights and wealthy kings, but after indulging in the vast treasure trove

Pepperbox

black death, and last but certainly not least, the dirtiness and grime of living conditions in general. I mean, honestly, they were called the Dark

to living now? Probably not. I seriously doubt I would enjoy myself while cowering in fear from colossal reptiles. I can’t imagine being happy while being victimized by Viking raiders. I’m fairly certain I wouldn’t have much fun slaving away at building the pyramids of Giza. We still have problems evident today that parallel major problems back then, such as an income gap, corruption of the wealthy, and an unbalanced distribution of wealth, but with that said, we are still much better off now. I find it quite interesting that there are so many social issues and problems that seem to Ages for a reason. remain constant throughout time. It’s human nature to idealize fan- In my experience, I find that a large tastical periods of time. Would you majority of people try to find the actually like living during the Juras- best qualities in everything and dissic period? How about the Viking regard the bad qualities, especially Age? Ancient Egypt? Would you re- when it comes to something intanally have a pleasant, comfortable life gible like the past. living in those periods compared

I have deduced after much deliberation and much scrutiny that the Middle Ages are history’s midlife crisis. of knowledge known as Wikipedia, I have deduced after much deliberation and much scrutiny that the Middle Ages are history’s midlife crisis. Some pretty bad times were had during the Medieval time period- barbarian invasions, serfdom and feudalism, the crusades, the

Ben McCreath & Sam Freed/PEPPERBOX

I obviously had some pretty great ancestors in Medieval England. The resemblance is just uncanny.

Pepperbox

OPINION

November 6, 2012 | 23

The not-so-innocent side of Halloween Steve Sheets Reporter

alloween, originally called “All Hallows’ Eve,” is a 16th century tradition that comes from pagan harvest festivals and festivals honoring the dead. So how did it become a day of candy and sleazy costumes? Simple, good old Americanization! Scraggly teens and youngsters full of mischief, just asking for diabetes overnight. They range from half-naked teddy bears to prostitutes themselves. How did a day of all saints turn into “let’s get half-naked and run around in the freezing cold in the middle of the night, door-todoor, asking for candy?” We are to blame; we changed the rules. We made the ideas a reality, and now we are stuck with it. Morphed by teens, disapproved of by parents. If you want my opinion on Halloween, well, I have a list for you! Here are some things I hate about this unhealthy day of international begging. I hate it when people turn you down because

We are to blame; we changed the rules. We made the ideas a reality, and now we are stuck with it. you look too old or when rude kids cut in line at a house. It makes me want to strike them down. When I see middle school kids dressed like they just got off work from the Tip-Top club, it really disgusts me. The worst is when you stroll up to someone’s house and some creepy pedo answers the door and wants you to come into his smelly, dirty house. Yeah, no! Don’t even get me started on belligerent minors joining up on all the “Plaza Madness.” Other things that grind my gears are when people judge you at school for your awesome costume that you worked so hard to put together; it’s just embarrassing. Or when someone takes your candy, that’s when you know it’s a beat down! Nobody steps between me and my candy. The one thing that you can’t control and that will ruin your night regardless of the events that will or have taken

place is when your candy bag rips worked! What did you do? and spills all over the ground below your feet. You know when it happens and you know how it feels, so please, save yourself and use a pillow case. Save those brain cells and be safe! Life is hard, so deal with it. I know what I did on Halloween! I

OPINION

Pepperbox

Black Friday: Combat strategies

24 | November 6, 2012

Sam Freed Media Editor

Ben McCreath Media Editor

lack Friday is coming up soon. When the hordes are unleashed, you do NOT want to be the one unprepared. Generous and kind as we are, we have made the list of necessary items you will need so you can dominate the swarm of greedy capitalism and conquer the sales. Note: you take complete responsibility for your actions. No injury - be it a black eye, bruises, broken bones, dismemberment, trampling, or evisceration - is our fault. Also, remember to have fun!

The Ten Pieces of Equipment to Bring on Your Black Friday Expedition

Illustrations by the glorious John Nordberg, comic by Sam Freed and Ben McCreath

OPINION

The irony of college apps Pepperbox

Anna Nordquist News Editor

standardized test score you could possibly imagine. High-achieving students spend ludicrous amounts of time creating admirably perfect resumes; resumes created to help them get accepted to a college where they will study something that interests them. However, these students have spent so much time being students and creating this resume that they often haven’t had time to experience life and develop their interests and thus once they arrive at their extremely expensive dream school, they have no idea what they want to study or do with their life, and thus it takes them longer to graduate; time and money wasted. Another unfortunate part of high school is busywork. Luckily in AP and honors courses the teachers try to keep the amount of busywork to a minimum, but it is still there. To

maintain Ivy League level grades busywork must be completed in a manner that satisfies our teachers. So instead of writing that personal statement, I am completing pointless tasks that I could pretty much do while sleeping, and often do complete while half-asleep at three in the morning. While, I learn something from most of my assignments, there are still assignments that require three to four hours to complete and offer no benefit. It all comes down to time management and balance; choosing what is most important. I have found that there is a balance, although it isn’t always easy to find. For example, soccer allows me to get exercise, have fun and escape my homework for a few hours. Counterintuitively, escaping my homework allows me to complete it more efficiently when I do get home, even

rony. For those of you who haven’t paid attention to your English teachers since the fifth grade, irony is a situation that is the opposite of what you would expect it to be or of what it should be, like bombing for peace. To me, irony is spending so much time trying to make myself appealing to college that I don’t have any time to actually apply. Or taking AP English to become a better writer but not having time to utilize those writing techniques in my college essay because I have so much AP English work that I don’t have any time to spend on my college essays. Or writing this article about not having enough time to write my personal statement when I could be using this time to write my personal statement. It is ironic that AP students are the people that have to find extra time in their already over full schedule to fill out the arduous private school or Ivy League applications. I’m sure you know of the students who frequently stay up until 2 am to finish an essay, or spend their entire weekends playing soccer, volunteering at the hospital, studying for the SAT, rushing to finish all of their homework and trying but failing to catch up on sleep. These applications require five essays, ten short-answer responses, two teacher letters of recommendation, an academic counselor’s recommendation and every Sometimes I make snow angels with my college mail.

November 6, 2012 | 25

though I have less time. Sports do require much time and energy but are ultimately worth the time and help with balance. However, no matter how well I try to balance my schedule it is still not possible to fit in everything so I must choose. And this year for the first time in my life, school does not come first, it must come second to college applications because, aside from gaining knowledge to prepare myself for life, getting accepted to college is the goal that I have worked toward for my entire life. And college applications are a necessary step to getting there; they are the golden tickets to the rest of our lives. The sacrifices will all be worth it, and who knows, maybe this summer (when I have no AP summer work) I can bake the three story cake that I have been meaning to bake for the last four years. Or finally discover what a Twitter is.

Photo Courtesy of Connor Bradshaw

A&E

Pepperbox

Treasure Island: San Francisco’s gem Sage Fanucchi

Feature Editor

oncluding the festival season1, Treasure Island Music Festival went out with a bang, featuring headliners such as Girl Talk, The Presets, M83 and The XX. The festival is situated on Treasure Island Navy Base, an island in the midst of the bay with a towering statue of a naked woman gracing the skyline, inviting festival goers of all kinds. This year marked the six year anniversary and my second year attending. The festival began in 2007 and has featured bands such as Modest Mouse, Spoon, Justice, MGMT, Vampire Weekend and many more. Music was not the only attraction. There were also many attractions, including a 60-foot ferris wheel, a silent disco2 with people dancing, and even a DIY craft station, not to mention the views from the island. At the Tunnel Stage, behind the artists, you could see the skyline of San Francisco sailboat masts. From the top of the Ferris Wheel you could see Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge in the distance. A special feature of the festival is the non-conflicting music schedule. “The fact that they never had shows playing at the same time was really nice because you never had to choose between two bands you really liked,” Mahayla Camp, former Arcata High student said. “The crowds were really mellow compared to other festivals,” festival goer Michelle Waters said. I’d have to agree. No long lines for the putrid public porta-potties, easy to get to the front and no large bruises from getting pushed up against the

November 6, 2012 | 12

bar3. Many great artisits graced the stages of the festival. Saturday was upbeat and everyone got their groove on. From the classic raps of Public Enemy featuring Flava Flav with his iconic clock necklace to the Dubstep of Porter Robinson to the underground London DJ SBTRKT, one couldn’t help but throw up a fist and dance to the beat. Saturday concluded with the superstar

“The crowds were really mellow compared to other festivals.” -Michelle Waters

mashup artist, Girl Talk. Front row was the place to be, complete with toilet paper and confetti in the faces of the audience. I started out Sunday in the ferris wheel snapping picturesque landscapes of San Francisco and the bay. Sitting on the grass with some close friends, I enjoyed the sweet voice of Joanna Newsom, then made my way up to the front for Beast Coast, M83 and The XX. I was impressed by all of the performances. The upbeat indie rock of M83 was dreamlike, with dense fog racing across the stage. The XX’s performance was incredible; their sweet voices held the crowd captivated. Treasure Island Music Festival was a great way to finally end the somewhat everlasting summer. 1

The unofficial season begins with Coachella, and ends with Treasure Island. 2

A silent disco has a DJ transmitting music over headphones that people have, therefore making it silent. 3

The bar is the front row, where a bar physically separates the crowd from the artist. Many people hope to be in the front and often those who are receive brutal bruises from it.

Photo courtesy of Another Planet Photographer

AHS alumni Nicole Goodin and Maya Schubert enjoy The Presets with senior Sage Fanucchi-Funes.

A&E

50 Shades of Grey review 1 | September 28, 2012

Jamie Maher

Reporter

he erotic romance series, Fifty Shades of Grey by E.L. James, has been the buzz around Arcata High for weeks. But if you haven’t heard, or seen the books around school in the hands of many students, let me fill you in. Fifty Shades of Grey, a New York Times Bestseller, has caught the attention of women of all ages. Including our fellow fe-

draws much appeal to many of its readers. But it’s not just the upperclassmen reading Fifty Shades; an anonymous freshman girl stated, “It was intriguing, but I felt uncomfortable reading it.” One student has become known for passing along the book in class, pointing out certain pages or paragraphs for people, especially guys, to read. This “pusher” is senior Kaitlan Tatro. “I’d be reading the book in class and people would ask me about it so I’d show them.

“It was a very sexual book, but it also has a good story line. It’s a love story, not just sex.” -senior Taylor Gleave male peers. Walk through the halls of Arcata High and you will find copies of these books in the arms of teenage girls, from freshmen to seniors. In our fifth period classes during SSR you can find readers of Fifty Shades lost in their books, devouring each page with an occasional blush. These books have circulated friend groups. Hurriedly read and passed on, creating endless chatter all around our school. Girls have become obsessed with this intense romantic series. Their obsessions focus mainly on the main character, Christian Grey. The plot follows domineering billionaire Christian Grey, and his shy younger “girlfriend” Anastasia Steele on some rather kinky adventures. The story has been seen as quite inappropriate and is definitely not going to be the next book assigned in class, but still

Their reactions were pretty funny,” explained Tatro. The book soon became popular on campus and Kaitlan continued sharing with her classmates, eventually passing the books along to her friends to read. “I stopped reading the sex scenes after the first book, just skimmed over them. I was more interested in the story, and the evolution of Christian’s character,” explained Tatro. With most books, especially books considered pornographic, comes controversy. As a result the book has been banned from three

Pepperbox

states’ libraries in the United States. The book was determined too racy to be on the shelves of libraries in Georgia, Florida, and Wisconsin. When a book is banned, it tends to cause quite a debate. Many people argue that people should have the opportunity to read any book; it’s a personal choice. “I only read one page, thanks to Kaitlan Tatro. It was intense, but the book shouldn’t be banned. I think people deserve the freedom to choose to read it or not,” senior Connor Bradshaw explained. Sexually provocative or not, a book is still a book.

A&E

Pepperbox

Music throughout the generations 28 | November 6, 2012

Dakota Goodman

A&E Editor

usic evolves with social change. American music genres change seemingly with each decade. Our very culture is reflected with shifts of musical genres. “With every change in popular music choice, there has been a drug culture associated with dress and consumer habits,” Athina Lazaridis said. These social changes were especially prominent in each decade of the twentieth century. The flapper twenties, folk thirties, forties swing, fifties rock n’ roll, hairspray sixties, hippie seventies, punk rock eighties, nineties hip hop and grunge, and now. Teenagers catch on quickly and usually following the latest trends. “In the modern-day music industry our culture has affected the music more than it has affected us. Rich [producers and labels] choose what artists sing about and how they want it to sound, it is not the musicians’ decisions,” former AAI musician Julian Monahan stated. So do record labels really want to sell records and any other paraphernalia associated with the performer (i.e. Justin Bieber posters, lunch pails, t-shirts, iPhone cases, toothpaste etc.) But music also sells ideas. “Popular music is more about sex and stuff now. It has made more defiant and freer kids,” senior Lorenzo Pagano stated. Most recently, technology caused a huge mutation of human evolution that has not only shaped society but all aspects of our cul-

ture. Technology destructs the raw talent of musical artists, enhancing voices to perfection, reconstructing dull beats, and making lyrics sound more interesting. Modern

not real; a lot of modern music is fake or boring but there is lots of obscure good music,” former AAI musician Julian Monahan said. However, a chunk of the music

music choices that even technology can’t fix. “It is making people hella ignorant, they aren’t sensitive, they listen to all that cussing,” junior Geor-

music “relies heavily on technology instead of actual talent. It is an enhancement of reality,” senior Abi Black lamented. Few bad voices seem to exist in the music industry due to voice enhancement. Even the voices that may be stellar contain the lyrics that are not. Song writing in popular music lacks talent. Artists such as Justin Bieber, The Jonas Brothers, Miley Cyrus, Demi Lavato, Ke$ha, and Britney Spears, who have musical talent and great voices have atrocious lyrics that a five-year-old could write in their kindergarten paper. Not only do the artists lose the lyrics in their music, they no longer need to use their talents to pro-

industry with actual talent and good song writing techniques remains. Music that has evolved from the progressive rock in the eighties and alternative music in the nineties still involves the necessity of talent. The alternative artists like the Foo Fighters, Franz Ferdinand, The Black Keys, Mumford and Sons, Muse, Arcade Fire, The White Stripes/Jack White, The Arctic Monkeys, Coldplay, Death Cab for Cutie, Electric Guests, Pearl Jam and The Decemberists still perform live music skillfully without being digitally remastered. Still, we could at least be thankful that technology improves pop music even when there is no talent present. “Popular music is starting

gie Cavinta said. There are students that know every sexual reference and cuss word in a song lyric today and cannot recognize true musical talent such as Neil Young when teacher Doug Johnson plays music in his AP Government class. Johnson wishes that there was “more social and political consciousness in music.” Technology should enhance, not distort, music from actual artists. “Technology makes music better because there are more things to do but some musicians aren’t putting talent into their music,” senior Ian Canning said. Go broaden your horizons and listen to something new or old! Listen to different radio stations, go

duce music. These musicians just need to be faces on the cover of an album. “The musicality of it has disappeared. They press a button to make a sound instead of playing the piano or another instrument. It’s

to sound the same, but technology is making it better because music sounds better than it used to,” senior Kelsey Sloane said. Yet, it seems as though our generation has been infected by poor

hear live music, and seek out good lyrics. Music is not just about popularity; it is about quality. There is more to music than the simple beats and repetitive one-line songs that you hear everyday.

Pepperbox

A&E

Featured Arts and Entertainment

November 6, 2012 | 29

Justin Bieber Movies to be A&E Editor Concert: released in Macklemore vs. Mumford November: and Sons: Dakota Goodman

Macklemore and Ryan Lew- Mumford and Sons: 600,000 is: 78,000 albums sold in the copies sold in the first week first week Delaney Goodman: “I listen to them because I have a crush on the keyboardist. They’re phenomenal musicians whose instrumentals are amazing. Their songs are love songs, but they are not sappy “Call Me, Maybe” crap. They use simple lyrics that everyone can relate to. Julian Monahan: “I like the lyr- Overall they just boost my confiics... It’s raw and talent. He’s a ba- dence.” dass.” Julian Monahan: “It’s easy to like Kasey Cather: “I listen to Mackl- their songs because they’re simple emore because he raps about real but good. They seem like a silly issues and problems. He relates bunch to hang out with and their inhis problems and life stories into strumentation is a bonus.” his music that people can relate to. I would take some Ben HaggerLorenzo Pagano: “I like Mumty swag over any other swag any ford and Sons because they are difday.” ferent.” Connor Bradshaw: “I think it really speaks to a lot of different social issues and Macklemore’s lyrics are not like the normal rap songs. They truly have depth to them and each of his songs teach a good lesson.”

Sydney Johnson: “Ummm I don’t know! Being so close to him I could touch him!!! There is absolutely no doubt about it, I am in love with him!!”

Zoe Buchanan: “I went because I love him and he’s my inspiration. And my favorite part was just being in the same room as him and when he went on that thing over the crowd and played guitar.” Kaitlan Tatro: “I thought I was a Justin Bieber fan until I was surrounded by three thousand of them.”

Forrest Lewis/PEPPERBOX

November 9 Lincoln A Royal Affair Café de Flore The Comedy Citadel Nature Calls November 13 Jab Tak Hai Jaan November 16 The Twilight Saga: Break ing Dawn Part 2 Anna Karenina November 21 Rise of the Guardians Life of Pi Silver Linings Playbook Red Dawn Rise of the Guardians November 23 Hitchcock Rust and Bone November 30 Killing Them Softly

Dakota Goodman/PEPPERBOX

LIFE

30 | November 6, 2012

An Interview With Miles Bacchus Grace Lovell

Art Director

he Arcata plaza, normally a mellow hang-out spot shared by Arcatians in all their forms--students, families, homeless bums alike--was invaded Homecoming Friday. No, not by floats, but by three dozen AHS students eating spaghetti out of a van. The members of the recently-formed “Spaghetti Gang” were busy appreciating the wonders of spaghetti. Interested in this new craze, I sat down with Spaghetti Club founder, senior Miles Bacchus, to find out more. Pepperbox: So, Miles, what gave you the idea to create Spaghetti Club? Miles Bacchus: Well, it’s Spaghetti Gang, first of all, so that’s your first mistake as a journalist. Maybe you’re a bad journalist, I don’t know. I’m just going for the facts here. It was that picture on facebook, of me eating spaghetti at the fish hatchery. PB: Can you clarify for someone who might not have seen that picture? MB: My parents said ‘We’re going

Pepperbox

On forming the Spaghetti Gang

to the fish hatchery’ and I said ‘I wanna eat spaghetti though’ and they said ‘Too bad’ so I’m like, I’ll take the spaghetti to the fish hatchery, so, I carried a bowl of spaghetti there, and then on Facebook I uploaded a picture of myself eating spaghetti on the grass of the fish hatchery. PB: And how did that lead to the creation of the Spaghetti ‘Gang’? MB: I wrote on the picture, ‘Hey anyone wanna be in my Spaghetti Gang? We’re not actually a gang, we’re just gonna eat spaghetti. Yes or no, what do you think?’ PB: And what did people say? MB: And people said ‘Yes, I want in…on the Spaghetti Gang’ so I said okay, we will make this a real Spaghetti Gang. PB: What happens in the Spaghetti Gang? MB: Well, you eat spaghetti out of a van, because... that’s the optimal place to eat spaghetti. Of all the places you could eat spaghetti, a van, that’s number one. And some people brought soda. And that’s pretty much it.

PB: Tell me more about Spaghetti Day. How much spaghetti was there? MB: There was sooo much spaghetti, there were two big bowls of pasta, one with meat sauce and one with regular sauce, and then there were three bowls of pasta without sauce. Nobody ate those, and Anna was supposed to give those to homeless people, but I don’t think she did. PB: So, how has being a part of the Spaghetti Gang benefited your life; made it better? MB: Well, I was an orphan before I joined the Spaghetti Gang and now I have a family, so I think that’s my number one improvement. You know, before and after. PB: Overall, how did Spaghetti Day go? MB: It went pretty well, and it didn’t rain on the spaghetti, because that’d be pretty sad, it’d be, like, soggy spaghetti. I don’t know if that’s even a thing, I’ve never had wet spaghetti; I don’t think I’d want to. But, it went pretty well.

PB: How many people showed up? MB: A lot more than I thought would show up to eat spaghetti out of a van. I wouldn’t... if somebody told me there was free spaghetti out of a van, and you could go inside the van and serve yourself, I don’t know if I’d believe them... but yeah, there was like, I don’t know... you were there, Grace, why are you asking me? PB: Tell me about the run-in with the police officer, how did that go? MB: As everybody knows, police love when you give free food out of vans. I think... Daniel offered him spaghetti, and he said no, because ‘it would be like drinking on the job.’ I’m not sure if spaghetti can get you drunk, you should ask your local police officer, find out, get the inside scoop.

Pepperbox

LIFE

November 6, 2012 | 31

My Story

Sage Fanucchi-Funes On living with TSC

t was the third day of my hospital stay, the day I cut down how often I would allow myself a drop of morphine. Four times an hour, two times an hour, and finally one drop an hour. Time seemed nonexistent; I lay in my sterile bed drifting between sleep and reality, thinking of what I was missing at school, the drama rehearsals and holiday parties. Each day was more or less the same; the nurses came in every two hours to take my vitals, and family members would stop by and smile. The only difference was the third day signified the first day I would be allowed to drink water. The nurse brought me a small pitcher and poured my first glass. I slowly lifted it to my mouth and let the water run down my throat: never before had I appreciated such a simple treasure. I elevated myself and looked around the room. To my right was a girl with a spinal fusion. Every time the nurses moved her, she screamed with pain. To my left was a girl who had a severe case of Crohnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s disease. It was December and she had not eaten since May. She was so uncomfortable she threatened to remove the tube placed in her throat. I looked down at my body, scars

forming on my stomach underneath the bandages to serve as a reminder of how fortunate I was. I looked up at my roommates and understood the privilege I had of being able to tolerate my pain; and how lucky it was, by chance, that doctors discovered the tumors in my abdomen before they became a problem. I was unable to eat for five days, but that was better than five months. Even though it hurt to laugh, I was still having trouble holding down my giggles. Returning home, the redwoods looked more beautiful than when I had left them, and even the sun was shining; a rare occasion. A year has passed. I was diagnosed with a mild case of tuberous sclerosis complex, TSC for short. TSC is a genetic disorder that affects about 1 in 6000 babies. Some people with the disease are autistic or experience seizures; however, my only symptoms are the tumors on my lymphatic system and small lesions on my fingers. In that moment of lying in my hospital bed I realized fulfillment can be found in the simplest places, like a glass of water. To find out more about TSC you can go to www.tsalliance.org.

I looked down at my body, scars forming on my stomach underneath the bandages to serve as a reminder of how fortunate I was.