The Granite Bay Gazette, Volume 15, Issue 4 by Granite Bay Gazette

Aftermath C1

Find presents for friends and family this holiday season

Armed without family Military families celebrate the holidays without a member

Boys’ basketball rebuilds after its best season ever

Gazette THE GRANITE BAY

Friday, December 16, 2011

G10-11 THE AWARD-WINNING STUDENT NEWSPAPER OF GRANITE BAY HIGH SCHOOL

GRANITE BAY HIGH SCHOOL w 1 GRIZZLY WAY w GRANITE BAY, CA w 95746 w VOLUME 15 w ISSUE 4 Commentary

rachael vasquez rvasquez.gazette@gmail.com

Disorder blurs my California college dreams

admit it. I am a California girl. Maybe not Katy Perry’s definition of a “California Gurl,” but I am a California girl who does not want to leave behind everything this state has to offer. As a senior, trying to imagine where I will be and what I will be in four years has become a constant worry. I might have not declared my major, and I certainly do not know where I will be accepted, but as I peer into my future, I see myself graduating from a California university and remaining in California as I embark on my career. Despite this vision, I am more unsure of my future than ever before. I have confidence that I will attend college, but much of my hope lies in the hands I am of the disorderly more University of California sysunsure tem. of my Yes, I am talking about the future same educational than system whose campuses are ever ranked in U.S. News & World before. Report’s Top 50 National Universities. And the same educational system that has made headlines for raising its tuition in recent years. And the same educational system now looking to admit more out-of-state students to pay higher tuition in order to cover the expense of the over- enrollment of instate freshmen last year. I do recognize that I am fortunate to have my application examined by universities that are widely renowned and conveniently located within my home state, but it is hard to wait for (dare I say it) acceptances when my perception of the UC system is changing. Before my senior year began, I toured UC Santa Barbara, the epitome of a California university –smack dab on the beach. The campus screamed of life. Literally – the students could be heard yelling from the other side of campus. Their reason? They found statistics that showed that California is spending more money taking care of a single state inmate than on a UC student’s tuition. Shouldn’t part of the advantage of attending a UC be cheap in-state tuition? Or did I somehow miss the option on the UC application to apply to attend a well-furnished prison? Maybe there, I could a least get a oneperson suite. A month ago, at the College and Career Center’s UC LA presentation, the college’s admissions officer announced that UCLA is outsourcing its educational opportunities to out-ofstate students for the 2012 fall term. This is because the university underestimated how many freshmen would be enrolled for fall 2011 and it now needs out-of-state students’ higher tuition to pay for the deficit created by the over-enrollment of in-state freshmen that California cannot pay for last year. Now, not only do I have to compete with the academically talented California students who, like me, are attracted to the UC system’s low instate tuition, I have to compete with out-of-state students who have a leg up because they can pay out-of-state tuition, making them more appealing to the UC system’s budget. With all these forces acting against my once-idealized perspective of UCs, maybe I might take a hint from UCLA and outsource myself to private and public universities outside of California. So much for remaining a California girl. *** Rachael Vasquez, a senior, is a Gazette co-editor in chief.

Grizzlies make

HISTORY

GBHS football wins its first Div. I section title BY SHANNON CARROLL scarroll.gazette@gmail.com

The football left the hand of senior Granite Bay High School quarterback Brendan Keeney and arched through the clear, cold sky under the watchful stare of thousands of fans at Sacramento State University. The ball seemed to hang in midair, leaving the feeling that the entire season could be hanging on the outcome of this one play, called “Back Pass Right Y Dancer.” GBHS had gone up 10-0 in the early stages of the Sac-Joaquin Section Div. I championship, but the Pleasant Grove Eagles had come back with a touchdown and field goal to tie the game. With less than a minute left in the half, this play was the best chance for GBHS to go into the locker room with a lead. It felt crucial for the Grizzlies to rebuild some momentum against an opponent that was not only the favorite to win the section championship game but had begun the season ranked in the top 10 nationally. As the ball finally floated back toward the ground, it settled into the outstretched hands of senior tight end Spencer Briare. Touchdown. That completion restored the momentum, and the Grizzlies went on to win 30-24, collecting the team’s first-ever Division I section title. Hanging in the Granite Bay High weight room is a sign that reads, “The most important ability is dependability,” and that was the key for the big victory at the end of a big season. No matter what happened, the players stood together and pushed through. *** The game started rather slowly, but it picked up pace when Granite Bay went up 10-0. Without too many problems, however, the Pleasant Grove offense stormed down the field twice and tied the game. After the Grizzlies seized the momentum on the Keeney-Bri-

Gazette photo /Rachael Vasquez

Senior Monica Sieber and her buddy from Cirtus Heights Elementary School meet Santa

More than essentials

Santa’s helpers provide gifts and companionship BY KYLE PAWLAK

kpawlak.gazette@gmail.com

Gazette photo /Rachael Vasquez

Seniors Michael Bertolino, right, and Koki Arai embrace as they celebrate their victory against Pleasant Grove High School during the Div. I section championship Saturday, Dec. 3. are touchdown at the end of the half, Pleasant Grove started the second half with a touchdown of its own. The Granite Bay defense came off the field frustrated and

Remaining in socially acceptable boundaries Students openly display PDA on campus BY JESSICA REESE

jreese.gazette@gmail.com

As with most school policies, when in doubt, check the student handbook. Perusing the handbook for public display of affection (PDA) rules will, however, quickly prove futile. In order to find rules on PDA, one must look under the heading “Public Romance.” This brief paragraph states that “passionate embracing or kissing, petting and other intimate gestures” are not appropriate on campus. If caught engaging in such behaviors, students will be asked to stop. Punishment outside of a polite request to cease the behavior is rare. Further punishment will only

inside this issue

News

A1 – A6

Voices

A7 – A9

Second Look

A10

Features

B1 – B6

Sports

C1 – C6

Green Screen

G1 – G20

arise if a student goes beyond PDA, becoming defiant or breaking some other school rule. Such was the case with an incident outside of AP economics teacher Karl Grubaugh’s classroom recently. While talking with fellow teacher David Tastor, Grubaugh saw a couple engaging in “dramatic levels of public affection.” “If you’ve been caught in the act, the judicious response is to hang your head, apologize and (go on your way),” Grubaugh said. Instead, the freshman boy began “popping off,” Grubaugh said, thus crossing over into defiance. As a result, the administration was called in to further deal with the situation. “It was more that the student wasn’t

angry. A couple of players banged their helmets against the metal bench, setting off what sounded like an angry chorus. Granite Bay could have wilted. Pleasant Grove had an offense that Dave Vujovich Assistant principal said PDA warrants administrative action when it becomes defiance. responding to Mr. Grubaugh,” assistant principal Dave Vujovich said. “All he wanted was them to go their opposite ways and it became a defiance issue.” Under normal circumstances, the administration would not have gotten involved. Very rarely do PDA issues actually require administrative action. According to Vujovich, this is partly due to the fact that Granite Bay High School does not take any official stance on PDA, outside of those guidelines outlined in the handbook. “The PDA that we are talking about – hot and heavy kissing See PDA, page A6

Lib Dub Students participate in the Granite Bay High School’s first Lib Dub

beat up teams all season and averaged more than 54 points a game. The Eagles were not only favored to beat Granite

Every day before school begins, several yellow buses make their way through traffic to drop students off at Granite Bay High School. But on Dec. 6, this morning ritual was repeated in reverse. At 9 a.m., students left their first period classes and boarded buses bound for Citrus Heights Elementary School to lend Santa Claus, and Liz McCuen young students, a Peer Helping hand. teacher cites For several bonding time as months, a small group of students a focus for the from the Peer event. Helping class had been planning the Santa’s Helpers event. “We started a few months ago with sign-ups, getting donations… going to the elementary school, meeting with their whole staff (and) getting extra

See FOOTBALL, page A6

See HELPERS, page A5

Paying to stand out

Students turn to outside help in order to better their SAT scores BY CHRIS PEI

cpei.gazette@gmail.com

As the race to college becomes more and more competitive, an increasing number of Granite Bay High School students are starting to take costlier and more time -consuming methods in order to set themselves apart in the admissions process, in regards to the SAT. Companies, like Kaplan College and the Princeton Review, offer comprehensive SAT preparatory classes that cost anywhere from a couple hundred dollars to thousands of dollars. This leaves scores of students wondering if the promising results of enrolling in such programs are really worth the time and money. According to a study conducted

I got a 2060, which is a huge increase ... – Rebecca Schmidt,

by the National Association of College Admission Counseling in 2009, SAT prep courses, on average, only raise critical reading scores by about 10 points and math scores by about 20 points. Likewise, a study conducted by the College Board in the midSee PDA, page A6

Santa’s Helpers A photo essay of the event at Citrus Heights Elementary School

A10

News

Granite Bay Gazette

Friday w December 16, 2011

NAMES IN THE NEWS

michaela monaghan mmonaghan.gazette@gmail.com

GBHS media student wins $25,000 prize

ranite Bay High School freshman Annina Hanlon was selected on Nov. 3 as one of five winners of a MercedesBenz $25,000 give-away to a nonprofit organization. Mercedes sponsored the contest to celebrate its 125th anniversary and gave away a total of $125,000. Hanlon created a 60-second video that showcased Camp Okizu, a free camp for families with members that have been affected by childhood cancer. The video was selected by Mercedes as one of 15 finalists, and was then voted on by the public to win one of the five grand prizes. Hanlon, a previous attendee at Camp Okizu, decided to donate the $25,000 to the camp. Hanlon, who skipped Beginning Media at GBHS, is currently in Advanced Media and was also a large part of the planning and production of GBHS’s first-ever Lip Dub. *** On Nov. 8, the GBHS AP Spanish club sponsored a fundraiser to benefit Chalatenango, a town in northeast El Salvador. The club raised more than $2,000 through ticket sales, a silent auction and donations. Abram Ditman, the club’s advisor and a Spanish teacher at GBHS, coordinated the fundraiser with Chelsea Willett, a current Peace Corps livThe club volunteer ing in Chalatraised enango. more than More than 50 Honors $2,000 Spanish 4 through students from Ditman’s ticket classes volsales, a unteered to silent auc- help with the fundraiser, tion and addition donations. in to numerous students from the Key Club and the Avocado Club. The fundraiser consisted of a Salvadoran meal, a silent auction and a presentation by Willett, who traveled from El Salvador to attend the event. For the meal, the club served traditional Salvadoran pupusas from a Sacramento restaurant, as well as food that was prepared by the club and Claudia Bennett’s Advanced Culinary class. Willett began her presentation with a song she wrote while in the Peace Corps. She then spoke and showed a video featuring inhabitants of Chalatenango. The money raised will be used to construct a paved road through the town, as well as to bring electricity to three homes that lie outside the reach of power lines.

CORRECTIONS Accuracy is perhaps the most important fundamental of good journalism. It's the policy of the Gazette to correct all factual errors that are brought to our attention. Email us at: gbgazette@yahoo.com *** A clarification: In the October issue, the Gazette published a guest commentary by former student Clare Carroll that was critical of GBHS cross country coach Carla Kehoe. While Carroll is entitled to her opinion, the piece ran without being reviewed by at least two Gazette editors, which is our normal procedure. Also, Gazette staff writers cannot write school-related columns critical of individuals or programs without first speaking with the individuals or program leaders they intend to criticize. We regret that we didn’t hold Carroll’s guest column to that same standard. Identification Statement Granite Bay Gazette Published eight times per academic year c/o Granite Bay High School 1 Grizzly Way Granite Bay, CA 95746 Subscriptions: $25 per year/ $15 per half year

Goldfish: Slaves to science? Gazette photo /kRISTIN tAYLOR

A science lab, conducted in the physiology class offered at GBHS, involves testing the effects of nicotine and alcohol on goldfish. The lab, as part of the circulatory system unit, has caused mixed feelings among the students in the class, taught by Debbie Noyes, a GBHS science teacher.

Students express ethical concerns over science lab involving live-animal testing watch (instead of actually doing the lab),” Noyes said. However, she said she would not pull the lab from her curriculum because of objecSome Granite Bay High School students tions over it. have had some objections to a physiology “If (the fish) were being harmed then I lab involving testing the effects of nicotine wouldn’t do (the lab),” Noyes said. and alcohol on goldfish. At the end of the lab Noyes gives the fish “The purpose of the lab is to look at blood away to the students to take home. vessels and then to see what kind of factors Karmtej Cheema, a GBHS junior, took affect blood vessels,” said Debbie Noyes, the Noyes’ Physiology GBHS physiology class last year and is a teacher. teacher intern for the According to Noyclass this year. The purpose of the es, students take the “Last year when we goldfish, wrap their lab is to look at blood did (the experiment) gills with wet cotnone of the fish died vessels and then to ton balls, and place actually, they were them into Petri dishsee what kind of facall fine by the end,” es in order to examCheema said. tors affect (them). ine their capillaries. He said he didn’t Noyes said she feel personally botheven goes over with ered by it and didn’t – Debbie Noyes, GBHS the class the best notice many students physiology teacher ways to care for the who had objections fish to ensure its over the experiment safety, and to minieither. mize the chances of “If you’re going to them being harmed. go to medical school,” Cheema said, “there’s Although some students feel uncomfort- going to be a lot worse experiments just like able doing the lab, Noyes assures that no stuthat.” dents have ever objected. Cheema wants to become a physician and “If a student objected I would have them said that students who take physiology and BY NICOLE BALES

nbales.gazette@gmail.com

intend on majoring in a science in college Most of the objections that have been made will at some point have to experiment with have been from students who are afraid of live animals. hurting the goldfish. Elveen Mann, a senior at GBHS, also took “Most of the time when you’re working the class last year. with vertebrate animals Unlike Cheema, she you have to be careful felt the experiment was at what you do with them, My fish times disturbing. particularly (in being) She said the worst part careful that you don’t survived and was when a fish was dying kill the animal,” said whatever and her lab group could Chet Dickson, a GBHS not stop the experiment to science teacher. fish were left save it, only try to keep it Dickson said, despite over, people alive while continuing the the fact that the fish are experiment. usually used as feeder got to take “I think we had two fish fish it doesn’t make it them home, die during the lab, duracceptable to do whating that hour and a half,” ever you want to them. but from what Mann said. “My fish sur“There’s that gray area I remember, vived and whatever fish about (whether or not) were left over people got it is more cruel to feed a lot of them to take them home, but it to another animal or died pretty from what I remember to look at the effects of a lot of them died pretty nicotine or alcohol on soon. soon.” it,” said Dickson. Mann feels the lab could He said although there – Senior Elveen have been done differmay be emotional objecently to avoid hurting the tions toward the lab and Mann fish, but said she underfear of harming the fish, stands why it’s apart of the educational experithe curriculum. ence is worth the risk. “I understand where teachers are coming “At a professional level, (I think it is worth from, (that) these labs are beneficial to us. it) and doing it with care and with the realI don’t have anything completely against it ization that this is an animal, this is a live because I understand it’s just how we’re go- thing that we’re dealing with and taking preing to learn, but it’s just kind of painful to cautions to (not) be capricious of what you go through it. It’s just kind of sad having to do, yes I think the experience is valuable,” watch a little fish die,” Mann said. Dickson said.

IB career certificate brings new opportunities Expansion of program offerings on the horizon BY SYDNEY KAHMANN

skahmann.gazette@gmail.com

At the start of the next school year, Granite Bay High School students will be introduced to the new International Baccalaureate Career Certificate Program, as well as improvements to the IB program. While the Career Certificate program is an exciting realm of opportunity for students, it is relatively new to the country’s educational system. This IB CC program is already quite prestigious around the world, but currently there are only nine schools in the United States that combine both IB and Project Lead the Way, another nationally recognized program, into the dynamic duo that makes up the CC. If things go according to plan, GBHS will be the 10th school in the Unit-

ed States to add the program. According to Steve Dolan, who will be stepping into the new role of IB CC coordinator and engineering CC teacher, the CC program offers the IB experience, but with less of an obligation to IB classes. Thus, the IB CC is quite different from the regular IB diploma program GBHS offers. “(The) CC program is an alternative to the IB diploma program. It doesn’t have the time commitment (and) we only require two IB classes. (Instead) we require a career concentration,” Dolan said. “We want (the students) to give serious consideration into what they want to study in college.” “So what we’ve done with the IB CC is infused a … careercomponent that focuses students on a viable career field. Viable, meaning, when (students) graduate from

college, they can get a job in it,” Dolan said. The CC program is college preparatory, students who participate in it will “know what (they’re) getting into (for college) and know if they like it” before choosing a major. Next fall, students who want to be engineers will get the opportunity to try out their major, due to the addition of the engineering CC. However, future chefs, businessmen and cinematographers still have a couple of years to wait as GBHS is planning on offering these CC programs in the near future. But this program isn’t for everyone. An IB student cannot complete both a CC and receive a full IB diploma because of conflicting scheduling requirements. See IBCC, page A5

The IB program will expand to include the career certificate program starting next year at GBHS. The program will be focused on a global perspective, similar to the IB program, but with a additional emphasis on vocational skills.

Gazette photo illustration /RACHAEL VASQUEZ

Friday, December 16, 2011

News

w The Granite Bay Gazette

Behind the scenes of the Lip-Dub production

Gazette photos /Rachael vasquez

GBHS senior Calvin Born is part of the crew that filmed the school’s first Lip-Dub on the track, above. GBHS media teacher Zachary Weidkamp, left, directs the production.

How did the staff pull it all together? help film with (Born) and (Shah),” Cartano said. “It was really an honor.” The first thing that needs to be done is choose the songs. Shah and others start meetings to help choose the track list but music opinions overwhelm the discussions. “So many people had strong music opinions so we went back and forth between different songs for a while,” Shah said. But rather than taking control and finalizing the song list that a few people chose, Shah decided that more people needed a say in the vote. “We put up a poll on the Granite Bay High School website so that

BY CHASE EVANS

cevans.gazette@gmail.com

Zachary Weidkamp walks into his Advanced Media class with a brilliant idea. He calls over three of his students, Calvin Born, Calvin Cartano and Akash Shah, and dreams up his plan to do a schoolwide Lip-Dub. “(Weidkamp) asked me to do the Lip-Dub filming and I thought it would be a good challenge,” Born said. Weidcamp chose three of his best students and tasked them with the creation a single-take, 10 minute, lip-synching, school-wide, spiritfilled music video. “I was requested by Weidkamp to

people could vote for what song they want in their Lip-Dub,” Shah said. With the track list intact, the trio plans the route that the camera will take. After painstaking hours after school, they discovered the perfect route. “We ran through the route during the weeks before the final take and started to find the best way to go,” Cartano said. Born, the actual cameraman for the music video, had the task of preparing to make the take as smooth as possible. “The hardest part was keeping

Testing delay a possible challenge News Briefs Fall term AP classes might be affected come May testing BY SYDNEY KAHMANN skahmann.gazette@gmail.com

Because of Granite Bay High School’s block schedule, many students have classes that end right before winter break, and they start new classes once they return to school in January. Usually, this schedule is not a problem for students, except for those with an Advanced Placement class that ends in December. AP tests are traditionally administered in the spring, so students may have four to five months between their class and the AP exam. Also, students with classes in the fall do not have textbooks to study and review from, since they are collected before winter break. While these students may have their class in the fall, their fellow classmates might get the preferable schedule of taking that same AP class in the spring, right before the exam. Kelly Greco, a GBHS senior, is glad that this doesn’t happen to her frequently. “Even though I take a lot of AP classes, most of them are blocked,” Greco said. “This is actually going to be the first time that I have (fall-only AP classes).” Greco has two fall AP classes this year, both AP Psychology and AP Literature and Composition, having to wait until spring for the exams. However, to prepare for her AP Psych test,

Greco has also bought a workbook to re- ute details because you can go over them at view with. the end of the year, we take a lot of big picMegan Hansen, a junior, is currently tak- ture (notes) and (we will just need) a lot of ing AP Statistics. study sessions,” Hines said. “(There is) less of a push to get everyAccording to Hines, teacher David Tastor thing done before the test … but there’s will be setting up study groups, at the stuthat window of time when you’re not in the dents’ request, for the class to help them class (when) you could potentially forget prepare for their AP exam. (the material),” Hansen said. A fan of study groups, Hines stresses why Hansen still wants to prep before her AP they matter so much to her for her AP Lit test, even though they are doing some prep class. during the fall. “While we can study on our own, it’ll “They try and make the class exactly the be nice to have other people to collaborate same, so we’re still ending the book early, (with) because … AP Lit (is) a very opingetting through it ion-oriented class, so … quickly so we still (bouncing) opinions off can do (the) AP reeach other is really where view,” Hansen said. the class comes from,” At that point it’s Even though teachHines said. got to be studenters do teach the same Tastor will form study centered, if they material, they acgroups, but only if stuknowledge a differdents come up to him and want that extra ence between taking ask him for the additional information, then a course and taking a help. we can set somecourse a few months “At that point it’s got earlier before comto be student-centered,” thing up. pleting the AP exam. Tastor said. “If they want “We’ll do the AP that extra information, – David Tastor, GBHS review that the spring then we can set something class does, but then up.” English teacher the teacher recomWhile Tastor will form mends we get a Barstudy groups at the sturon’s book … so that dents’ request, he doesn’t we can keep practicfeel that many students ing before the test,” Hansen said. will dramatically need them. Hansen said she would like to have an AP Though not certain whether or not AP test study group for “accountability so that exam passing grades correlate with the se(students, and others) don’t procrastinate or mester the class was taken, Tastor usually just get lazy” before the AP test. isn’t surprised at which students pass or fail Ashley Hines, a senior who is taking AP the AP test. Literature and Composition, also notices a “(For) my students, whether they took it difference between her fall-only class and in the fall or the spring in the past, (there) other AP classes she has had. really hasn’t been too much (of a) difference “Most yearlong classes take notes on min- in terms of passing the test,” Tastor said.

See DUB, page A5

Gazette photo /Rachael vasquez

The GBHS award-winning Emerald Brigade band competed in the Western States Marching Band Championships in Santa Barbara Nov. 18. Emerald Brigade Update

Harmful Twitter Account

Emerald Brigade traveled Friday, Nov. 18, to Santa Barbara to compete in the Western States Marching Band Championships. This is the first time GBHS Emerald Brigade has competed in the statewide circuit. The GBHS band and brigade are currently ranked No. 1 in their division.

A Twitter account called 916 Dirt was created Sunday, Dec. 3. The account was kept open for two hours before it was shut down. The creator of the account published bad and harmful information about specific people at GBHS. Freshman at Dance Show

Jan. 28

Dec. 30

Jan. 13

Three freshman dancers were found in possession of alcohol during the Thursday, Dec. 1 dance show. They were found intoxicated in the locker room and the police were called. The girls have a suspension of five days and may not be allowed to participate in any school activities.

Mar. 10

Feb. 10

Feb. 24

- Compiled by Dorien Johnk

COLLEGE AND CAREER CENTER SAT I & II Deadlines: Test date Deadline Late

ASB UPDATE

ASB’s Brady Nations reflects on school spirit at fall sports this year

lin T-shirts for Homecoming, and I ordered pompoms and megaphones for the Tribe members. I also put up posters around the school to get more spirit and more attendance at games. This year, I did Athlete of the Week. At each Game of the Week, I picked one athlete and recognized them over the bulletin and gave them a prize for the ir efforts.

The Gazette talked to Granite Bay High School senior Athletics Commissioner, Brady Nations about spirit at fall sport games.

Gazette: How have the Tribe members responded to the new equipment and gear?

Gazette: As the Athletics Commissioner, what does your job entail? I order T-shirt, for the Tribe, like the beat Rock-

I think that they like the new gear. With the megaphones, they’ve gotten really loud and they get more into the game. Gazette: How was the spirit at the Div. I Section Championship football game on Satur-

ASB Athletics Commissioner Brady Nations talks about the tribe and school spirit at fall sport games.

day, Dec. 3? It was great to see all the students and people out there, to give all the gear out for people to use. It was a big game for us and it was an awesome (turnout). Gazette: Last year, we had a big boys’ basketball season. How will you implement more spirit this year? We’re going to try to get more attendance and improve attendance. In the spring, a new Athletics Commissioner will come in the spring and order gear that she wants to provide. - Compiled by Rachael Vasquez Gazette photo /riely Mac millan

Read the Gazette, Granite Bay’s award winning newspaper

A4 News

Friday, December 16, 2011

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English 12 project designed to help students Seniors encouraged to research passions and share with class BY OLIVIA CORNELL

ocornell.gazette@gmail.com

For a couple of years, Granite Bay High School students in CP English 12 have had to conduct some form of final project. Years ago, now-retired English teacher Kevin Weary started the Passion Project, a project that many GBHS English teachers are now doing as well. The Passion Project allows students to research and present a topic they are passionate about, hence the name Passion Project. English teacher Bernadette Cranmer started using this project in her classroom this year. “The first things (students) do is to come up with a topic,” Cranmer said. “Then,

(students make) an outline. They do research to get all the information together. There is no essay for this project, (because instead) students give a presentation.” Cranmer said the project is beneficial for students because it helps them focus on what they are passionate about and is more fun than a normal research project. “It’s important to be able to talk intelligently about something you’re passionate about,” Cranmer said. “It’s a skill you need to have. A lot of people might be quiet in class, (but) when (they) talk about things (they) really care about, people tend to have a lot more to say.” Cranmer also said the Passion Project allows each student to express themselves in creative ways and show the rest of the class who they are and what they really care about. She also said for it students can get a lot out of the project, and she has high expectations. “I’m expecting that (students) choose

something they really care about…have said. “It didn’t take me very long to do, thought about their audience… have prac- but it ended up really well. I think it’s a reticed ahead of time, (and are) not just ally good idea because I learned a lot more winging it,” Cranmer said. about the music I listen to, (and) I like that “Everybody, no it gave (me) freematter what their range to do whatability, can demever (I) wanted to onstrate thoughtdo.” It’s important to fulness and intelOver the course be able to talk ligence and be well of his research, informed about Alexander learned intelligently about their subject,” she many facts that something you’re said. he hadn’t known Senior Ryan Alabout Jamaican passionate about. exander is taking music. It’s a skill you need Cranmer’s English “I learned about class and he rebands I didn’t to have. cently finished his know, where they –Bernadette Cranmer, CP Passion Project. came from and why English 12 teacher His topic was the the music sounds origin and progression of Jamaican music. Alexander said he found the project to be a good use of time, and he thought the project was fun. “I really liked the project,” Alexander

like it does,” Alexander said. However, Alexander did feel like the project was challenging. “I found it a little difficult to have a bunch of different due dates,” he said. “Other than that, it was fine.”

Alexander found the 16-minute presentation to be easy, making him feel that he hadn’t yet reached the limit. Senior Hailey Solomon’s Passion Project was on baking with an emphasis on Australian Lamington Cake. She said the idea of a Passion Project is great one. “It shows that the school cares about what you are passionate about, and I think that it’s interesting because a lot of schools really don’t care,” Solomon said. “I think it’s a good idea because it gets students to open up about what they are passionate about.” Because students watch other students’ presentations, they get in-sight into other people’s passions. “It’s interesting to learn about other people,” Solomon said. “I get to hear everybody open up about the things they like to do.” Solomon also has words of wisdom for future students doing the Passion Project. “It’s an easy process, (and) it’s not even something to worry about,” Solomon said. “Don’t be nervous when you’re presenting, (because) that doesn’t help your grade.”

November elections mean new officers Student government brings in a new slate of leaders for the spring term

class, Haskell’s job involves a great deal of responsibility. “My responsibility… next semester (really is) to come up with a different fundraiser to On Nov. 11, Granite Bay High School students voted at lunch for the new junior class raise money for our class,” Haskell said. Crawley chose to run for ASB secretary president and for the new ASB secretary, electing junior Natalie Haskell and senior because she thought it would be an enjoyable office and one that would well-suited for her. Ashlin Crawley, respectively. Her new job involves Haskell was the jukeeping the student govnior vice-president ernment class well-supduring the fall semesI want to be plied. ter and said this ex“I go around and ask the more involved perience would help committees what they need her prepare to be the and have more help with,” Crawley said. junior class president. “I help them get the best of a hands-on She also said she’s they can for dances, for excited her position experience. rallies, for whatever they allows her to focus on need.” the little things that go Crawley said she thinks on at GBHS and wants – Natalie Haskell, that, as ASB secretary, she to try and make a difASB secretary can help make a difference ference. at the school. “I want to be more “This year we’re really involved and have more of a hands-on experience with what focused on making a difference – that’s our goes on in our school,” Haskell said. “I’ll be theme and we just want a student body that’s more prepared from being junior vice presi- really unified,” Crawley said. According to senior Sam Holzer, who was dent, and so I decided I wanted to take that in charge of the elections, there are typically risk and (I hope) it will pay off.” As the representative of the whole junior three or four contested elections, making this election a little different.

BY BECKY MASSIL

rmassil.gazette@gmail.com

Every position is re-elected at mid-year, except for ASB president and the senior class president which are held all year. Many students ran uncontested. Will Schue is the ASB vice-president, Autrin Naderi is the ASB athletics commissioner, Holzer is the publicity and marketing commissioner, Daniel Flinders and Hank Montgomery are the spirit commissioners, Michaela Monaghan is the senior vice-president, Ashley Boyer is the junior vice-president, Hailey Lederer is the sophomore president, Audrey Tate is the sophomore vice-president, Riley Brown is the freshman president and Emily Torris is the freshman vice-president. As well as these offices, there are three offices that Student Government teacher Tamara Givens personally chooses. This year she chose senior Meghan Cole as the ASB activities commissioner, junior Paige Finkemeier as the class activities commissioner and senior Gabby Cho as the treasurer. Cho is in charge of all of the student government money and helps decide how to facilitate the money for different activities. “We make all our money from the events that we have such as winter ball and quad dance” Cho said. “We spend that money back on our events, so it’s kind of a circle.” According to Givens, the ASB passes that are sold at the beginning of the year, the dance tickets and the lip sync are the bigticket events that really help Student Government make money. “We are entirely self-funded,” Givens

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said. “We don’t have a booster organization that raises money for us. We have to earn all our money.” The recent Student Government homecoming expenses – the dance, the rally, the bonfire and the royalty – added up to about $7,000, but the average price spent on an activity put on by Student Government covers a wide range. “Our budget varies from year to year and it varies from activity to activity,” Givens said. “We’re pretty frugal, and so most of my kids make a lot of their own decorations.” She continued: “Our goal really is to create a culture at school that is inclusive and safe, not just to put on dances and rallies. (Our goal is to create a culture) where people feel connected.”

Gabby Cho Cho was selected as treasurer and is in charge of the Student Government money.

Tamara Givens Givens said that Student Government raises all of its own money and makes their own decorations.

A5 News

Friday, December 16, 2011 w The Granite Bay Gazette

HELPERS: Cost of transportation narrows selection of needy schools Continued from A1

gifts,” said Emily Engwer, the lead organizer of Santa’s Helpers. Peer helping has a very specific process for deciding which school to visit in a given year “We choose a new school every two years and we did it (at Citrus Heights Elementary School) last year… so we stayed with the same school,” Engwer said. “But we try to find someplace that is not as well off and that will appreciate it...kids usually love it, they are excited, they were asking, ‘When are the high schoolers coming?’ and a lot of times they don’t want us to leave.” According to Engwer, the focus of the program is to bring holiday cheer to children whose parents can’t afford to do so. “(We want the children) to know that even if (their parents) can’t necessarily afford the best gifts, maybe we can bring (the gifts) as well because they do deserve it, even if they aren’t as well off,” Engwer said. However, the Santa’s Helpers organizers give children the opportunity to request gifts that are necessities instead of toys. “We do have a place on the ‘All About Me’ form for their teacher to fill out if (the children) need anything specifically, say a sweatshirt or mittens if they couldn’t afford them,” Engwer said. In the past, the Santa’s Helpers program has focused more on necessities than on wish list presents. The program has also traveled to schools in even lower income areas, according to government teacher Jarrod Westberg, whose wife teaches at one of the schools Santa’s Helpers has previously visited. “For many years, they went to very poor schools and the kids were always very blown away by (high schoolers) from here going there,” Westberg said. “Where they used to go, kids were extremely poor. They would ask us, the teachers, for socks in these kids’ sizes and canned food, a real list of things (the children) needed.” In recent years, however, the program has turned its attention closer to home and, therefore, to areas that are not as impoverished. “I don’t think there are really any impoverished schools nearby for the

mileage, so they are looking for something close for disadvantaged kids,” Westberg said. Senior and peer helper Aurora Gaumer offered similar reasons for the changes in the Santa’s Helpers program. “It’s because of closeness. Buses are really expensive, and we have already done three carwashes to pay for the buses, and if we even had to pay for a longer trip (it would be difficult),” Gaumer said. “Also, more teachers would not want kids to participate because it takes up more time from the day for actually getting to (somewhere like) Sacramento.” While the elementary students might not need essential items, as have students at schools visited in the past, Santa’s Helpers still has a definite goal for what kind of difference students can make. “(For the most part) the (children’s) parents can give them what they need, but their parents can’t afford to give them extra things, so that’s what we’re doing,” Gaumer said. “We’re giving them the joy of Christmas, which is your wish list. Kids aren’t going to have socks on their wish list.” Besides presents, the Santa’s Helpers program brought the holiday cheer in several ways this year. In this year’s assembly, directed by the principal of the elementary school, Alicia Legarda, as well as Engwer and senior Elizabeth Porter, students had a short dance show and Santa Claus (assistant principal Brent Mattix) made an appearance. A Christmas sing-along by the elementary school students wrapped up the assembly. For any Citrus Heights Elementary School student who doesn’t want to participate in the program, the school provides alternatives to being part of the event. While the students running Santa’s Helpers expressed that the holiday spirit was one of the central focuses of the program, both Legarda and Santa’s Helpers supervisor Liz McCuen emphasized other effects of the program. “First and foremost (of my goals for the day) were the relationships that (the high school students) built with the kids,” Legarda said. “Even though it was only one day, the high school-

ers served as a kind of big brother or big sister.” While Santa’s Helpers includes many forms of entertainment for the elementary students, Legarda said the time spent with older students is the most important part of the event. “I think (our students) enjoy the sing-along, the dancers and the gifts as well,” Legarda said, “but just playing with (the high schoolers) out on the playground, they really enjoy that.” Legarda said her students expressed their excitement constantly during the countdown to the event. “On the first day of school this year they were already asking me, ‘Are they coming back? Are they coming back?’” Legarda said. Also, she holds very firm views about the positive role Santa’s Helpers has played the school. “We have a lot of students in crisis situations right now, where they might have things going on at home, maybe a parent has lost a job or they have lost their home… so getting a little extra something from a teenager who cares about them really sends a message,” Legarda said. McCuen has also seen this trend reoccur in the time that she has been supervising Santa’s Helpers. “Over the last few years, I’ve noticed that its not about the gifts,” McCuen said. “We’ve actually decreased the amount a student can spend. What we want to focus on is… the buddy system created.” Seeing the connection that student make with the elementary schoolers stands out as a very special opportunity to McCuen. “I think it’s so great to watch the Granite Bay kids go and give up a little bit of their time to be there for someone else,” McCuen said. “It humbles you when you watch how you give (these kids) one gift and they are ecstatic and so happy to be there with you and be part of this day.” “It’s one thing that we do at this school that is really about the (student) from 9th grade to 12th grade to go do sort of a service activity during school time,” McCuen said. “I know some teachers don’t agree with this project, with the administration allowing kids to get out of class, but it’s been going on for 14 years, so someone thinks we are doing something right.”

Gazette photo /RACHAEL VASQUEZ

Children at Citrus Heights Elementary School greet Santa during Santa’s Helpers on Dec. 6.

IBBC: Classes will attract more students Continued from page A2

Gazette photo /RACHAEL VASQUEZ

A crowd of GBHS students cheer in the quad during the final scene of the Lip Dub, filmed on Nov. 16.

DUB: Event successful despite concerns Continued from page A3

laboration day, school ends at 1 o’clock. The filming trio goes through the run a few more times and tries everything fluid. Walking without the camera on your to work out the jitters. shoulder shaking is a difficult task,” Born said. “The last few run-throughs with just the three of us Shah and Cartano had the job of following Born were really intense. We really wanted to get it right,” while passing the boom-box back and forth for the Cartano said. performers to hear and follow “I was so anxious before the final along with. shot,” Shah said. “I was making sure that we “It was so stressful. It felt like weren’t being seen in the cameverything depended on me,” Born The hardest part era while passing off the boom said. of the whole thing box and making sure (Born) School ended and all of the stuwas the anxiety doesn’t run into anything,” dents came out ready to do the LipCartano said. Dub. over whether Finally it’s time to get the “All of the people looking at you people (would) school excited for the Lip-Dub. was a nerve-wracking experience,” Most students are confused as Born said. come or not. to what a Lip-Dub actually is Born counts down, 3,2,… and so Shah decides to go on the Cartano starts the boom box. The – Akash Shah, morning bulletin and explain scene starts by the football stadium to the students. and Born works his way through Lip Dub director “The hardest part of the their determined route, not through whole thing was the anxiety empty hallways but with yelling over whether people (would) and excited students alongside the come or not,” Shah said. “I tried to make people ex- course. Weaving in and out of the student mobs and cited and promote it but I always worried.” classrooms while Cartano and Shah work the boomThey set up a map for all of the clubs and subjects in box, Born gets to the cherry picker with the climax the school and gave them out to the students. of the video. As the camera goes up and up over the They ran through the path a couple more times to quad, hundreds upon hundreds of students rush into get it perfect the day before the final shoot. the quad and show their spirit. The trio’s months of After the students woke up early on an adjusted col- work are complete.

will see some other minor changes in the IB program. To address concerns over the stress and rigor of The Engineering CC on its own requires three courses that focus on the chosen career cluster, two the current IB diploma program, Duane Blomquist, IB courses, about four years in a foreign language, the current IB Coordinator, hopes to help reduce an internship usually completed by the ROP class, the workload on the students. “HL’s have to go over two years by IB requirethe Approaches to Learning course, a project that solves a real problem and an essay that responds to ments, so the teachers feel like if it’s a two-year course then it must be really intense,” the project the student completed. With all of these requirements, CC students could Blomquist said. Blomquist is not against studynot physically fit all of the reing and homework, however, he quired full IB diploma classes just feels that the homework load into their schedule. should be spread and planned On a positive note, Dolan If you have two out in order to perfectly span the said he thinks students will years to run a two years’ worth of class time. enjoy and benefit from their “If you have two years to additional internship, or ROP program that is run a program that is typically class. typically taught in taught in one year … should Currently, Dolan has engiany assignment really be multineering, construction manageone year, should houred?” Blomquist said. ment and architecture students any assignment Another improvement to IB participating in internships will be the addition of a few new with Teichert Construction, really be multiclasses. Bushnell Gardens, LPA Arhoured? Blomquist wants class offerchitects, William and Padings to better suit the growing don Architects, Buehler and number of IB students. Buehler Structural Engineers – Duane Blomquist, IB “Right now we have a lot of and Surewest Communicacoordinator IB kids kind of forced into taktions engineering division, ing certain classes,” Blomquist as well as many more spread said. “Because we’re expanding throughout the region. the student population of IB we As for future IB CC programs, Zachary Weidkamp, current media teacher have the option and ability of expanding the course and next year’s IB Film HL teacher, gave a synop- offerings.” The new IB diploma classes that are being offered sis of the film and media CC GBHS will be offernext fall are IB Psychology SL and IB Film HL. ing in a few years. According to Blomquist, with new classes and “(This CC is for) broadcast, advertising, film, movies, news, sports, (digital content); pretty much the IB CC, the school should expect to see an inanything that deals with the camera,” Weidkamp crease in the IB student population. But at the same said. “Not just everything in front of the camera time, Blomquist said he doesn’t want IB to grow (though) … people that are using the equipment, unchecked. “I don’t see it just growing forever, there’s a cerediting, (just) anything around the camera.” In addition to changes resulting from the engi- tain point where there’s that sweet spot … there’s neering CC coming next year, students will also the good cap,” Blomquist said.

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A6 News

Friday, December 16, 2011

PDA: Administration is not involved in setting students’ social standards Continued from page A1 – (has) no direct (consequences),” Vujovich said. “It is a social norm that shouldn’t be violated.” Another reason for the administrative lack of involvement in PDA matters is because they are typically only on campus at lunch. Grubaugh also agrees that, although he probably sees PDA more often than the administration does, he does not deal with the issue all that frequently. “I don’t go on PDA hunts,” Grubaugh said. “When it’s right in front of me or when a student points out that it’s happening right in front of my classroom, I tend to respond, but I don’t write people up.” Students, being the ones circulating around campus with the most frequency, are often the ones who encounter PDA on a daily basis. Thus, it falls to

them to deal with the issue. While many students agree that PDA can become a nuisance while going from class to class, they are unanimous in their belief that PDA is not a real issue on campus. It is not that PDA has become more popular or frequent, rather that those couples who do engage in it have become more intense. “There’s sweet versus sexy,” junior Julia Doyle said. “You shouldn’t be doing stuff (at school) that you should be doing behind closed doors.” Doyle, part of a couple herself, makes sure not to engage in excessive PDA while at school. “When I first started dating my boyfriend, we said (we weren’t) going to be a PDA couple, but (that changed),” Doyle said. “We’re not really bad, but we do kiss and hold hands and stuff at school.”

Such displays of affection are generally considered appropriate by students and staff alike. Hand-holding, a quick peck on the cheek or a hug is not an issue, according to students. PDA becomes a problem when students begin to cross the line. “Sometimes it gets to the point where, if you can’t see someone’s hands, you should probably stop,” junior Max Vigeant said. “That’s just not cool.” Vigeant, like Doyle, does engage in PDA with his girlfriend. He doesn’t see anything wrong with it so long as it isn’t hot and heavy. Even though he tries to keep it appropriate, he has on occasions had teachers and students make comments. It is all, he said, in jest. Never has it been anything serious. Doyle has had similar comments directed at her and her boyfriend. These, too, have been funny, not serious.

Even when said teasingly, these comments can help set the standard of what is and isn’t acceptable behavior on campus. Senior Padderson O’Neill said that administrative intervention is not the solution, but that students should keep their peers in line. “I think (PDA) would just get worse (if the administration got involved),” O’Neill said. “It’s just become a social thing. (Students) should get (angry) at the people who are doing it, (not the administration).” Although showing affection at school has become a socially acceptable practice, there is still a limit on the extent of the behavior. “Kisses before and after class, that’s understandable,” Vigeant said. “But anything more than that, go home, get a room.”

Gazette photo /RACHAEL vasquez

Senior running back Ian Mook carries the football towards the end zone, despite multiple Pleasant Grove players doing their best to stop him.

FOOTBALL: Players pulled together when they needed to most, upset higher seeds

Continued from page A1

Bay but had begun the year ranked No. 8 in the country. Besides, Pleasant Grove was led by Arik Armstead, all 6-foot-7 and 285 pounds of him. Armstead is being recruited by just about every major college in the country and is considered by some to be the top line prospect in the nation. The Grizzlies had to battle nagging injuries and other challenges, but when the GBHS players came off the field, they quickly insisted they were OK and got back in the game. Senior offensive guard Colton Sviba, who had a stomach flu leading up to the game, left the game once to throw up but returned after a couple of plays. The Grizzlies pulled ahead again, only to have Pleasant Grove tie the game at 24 in the fourth quarter. Pulling together yet again, the Grizzlies mounted an 11-play, 80-yard drive that ended when senior running back Arik Bird rushed into the end zone for a touchdown. But then the extra point was blocked. A Pleasant Grove touchdown and extra point would win the game. Bird threw down his water bottle on the sideline without realizing the lid wasn’t screwed on all the way. Water spurted everywhere. With a little less than three minutes left in the game, Pleasant Grove got the ball. The Eagles, an offensive force, had yet another chance. Grizzly defensive coordinator Tim Harrington told the defense to “turn the page, dig deep, find a way to get a stop. You got to believe.” And believe they did. With the rest of the team watching in desperation, willing a stop with their eyes, junior linebacker Beau Hershberger stripped the Pleasant Grove quarterback of the ball, and Briare came up with it. Briare credited Hershberger for the huge play and said he was just glad to be in the right place at the right time. “The section championship is like the Super Bowl for high school football,” Briare said, “so I knew I had to step up, and I knew I had to make some big plays, and that’s what happened.” The Grizzlies took a knee to end the season with a championship, and Keeney did a Lambeau Leap into the outstretched arms of the Tribe. Michael Bertolino, Austin Paulhus, Ian Mook, Beau Hershberger and Adam Wagner stood together on a sideline bench as fans chanted “Granite Bay! Granite Bay! Granite Bay!” Someone tossed confetti into the air on that blustery day, and the smiles on the faces of the players were a million miles wide.

Senior Gavin Andrews, who plays both ways on the the road, to Del Oro, the eventual Div. III champions. Granite Bay entered the playoffs as just the No. 5 line, picked up anyone and everyone he could find and enveloped him in a hug. Coach Ernie Cooper seed. They beat 12th-seeded Napa 31-7 and moved briefly shared a special moment with seniors Kee- on to face 13th-seeded Oak Ridge. On the third play of that game, Keeney went out ney and Andrews, the only three-year starters on the team. Cooper then ran off to hug and congratulate the with an injury. Backup quarterback junior Grant Caraway couldn’t throw because of an injury. Vinny rest of his players. “I just found (Keeney) and (Andrews) and asked Esposito, the junior varsity quarterback, missed two days of school with an illness that week and couldn’t them if all the hard work they put play. That left the Grizzlies with the into the sport was worth it,” Coo5-foot-5, 135-pound JV backup Josh per said. “They’ve been through the ringer with me for three years and They’re a really Neal. It was easy to tell he didn’t fit in, were a huge part of the win.” special group. because his JV uniform didn’t match Cooper then said how proud he of the varsity players. They had a great those was of his team and how, even But a little thing like playing with though they weren’t the most talbond, and the their fourth-string quarterback wasn’t ented bunch he’s coached, they still guys really came going to stop these Grizzlies. pulled through and brought home a Oak Ridge put a lot of pressure on section banner. together. the defense, but it responded with in“They’re a really special group,” terceptions and other big plays. Neal Cooper said. “They had a great made a few big plays himself, and, – Ernie Cooper, bond, and the guys really came tosomehow, Granite Bay won the game head coach gether.” 21-12. Andrews is 6-foot-6 and 320 The next challenge was Lincoln of pounds and has committed to play Stockton, the top seed and a truly danfootball at Oregon State University. gerous team. Granite Bay eked out a lead and just tried to hold on. He heard all about his match-up With GBHS ahead 28-21, and the with Pleasant Grove’s all-everything Armstead in the days leading up to the game, Grizzlies needing a goal line stand to end the game, but he said he just wanted to live up to the offensive Cooper couldn’t watch. He took a knee and turned his back to the field. He knew the crowd would tell line’s motto: “Get nasty.” “Coming into the game, I knew I was going to have him what happened. The silence turned to cheers, and Cooper knew his to be my best against the best,” Andrews said. “We team had come through with an epic defensive stand. just all went 100 percent on him, and it paid off. We just had to make every play count. This was three The Grizzlies had made the section final. “It was all worth it,” senior defensive lineman Ausyears in the making.” tin Paulhus said. “This win means everything to us.” Keeney said: “It was a battle. It’s just such an amazSenior wide receiver Adam Wagner said it was biting feeling to win a section championship.” tersweet, knowing he had played his last game in a Keeney said he wouldn’t be where he is right now Granite Bay uniform. without Cooper and the rest of the team. “This was the seniors’ fourth year together,” Wag“(My teammates) mean everything in the world to ner said. “Every year, we wanted to be champions, me,” Keeney said. “We played well and got things and now we are. This team is just a family. We’ve done.” been through so much.” Senior free safety Alec Naki said the team was ex2001 graduate Noah Frank, who has been at the cited coming into the game, especially after being la- games all season cheering the team on, said he albeled the underdogs, or “undergrizzlies,” as he put it. ways believed in them. “It was a team effort,” Naki said. “This team has “They have been working hard and have enthusiheart. Words can’t even describe how much they all asm,” Frank said. “I’m very proud of them.” mean to me; I have 70 new brothers.” The legacy of great Granite Bay football will live The season as a whole mirrored that final game – on. On the sidelines during the section championship plenty of setbacks but a perseverance that won out game were water boys who are playing for the Junior in the end. Grizzlies youth teams, just like Keeney, Briare, WagPlaying a brutal schedule, the Grizzlies lost on the ner and others had done before them. That’s going to be us someday,” one of the water road early in the year to Vacaville, a team that eventually won the Div. II section title. Granite Bay then put boys whispered to a friend during the game. “We’re together a string of wins but lost a close one, again on going to be just like them.”

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SAT: Students take courses, practice tests to improve scores Continued from page A1

to-late ’90s indicated similar results, with increases only averaging about 10 points per section. These marginal increases translate to about one or two more questions correct on the test, as compared to a student who has not had private tutoring. Despite these statistics, some GBHS students have said that they have personally seen substantial improvements in their scores after taking a private course. Senior Rebecca Schmidt has taken the SAT a total of three times and saw an increase of several hundred points after enrolling in an SAT prep course with Kaplan College. “In order to be more competitive, I wanted to take it a third time, so I decided to take an SAT prep class,” Schmidt said. “I took it my third time this past June and I got a 2060, which is a huge increase (from the last time I took it), so I definitely feel that (the class) was worth it.” According to Schmidt, the course was spread out over two months, in which she met with a small group of other students and hired instructors every Saturday to take a four-hour practice test and every Thursday for a three-hour class. “It was quite an extensive amount of practicing and studying,” Schmidt said. “The test itself is incredibly draining and studying for it is not fun, but I think by taking it more than once you allow yourself to see what the test is like and get a feel for what you struggled with and what you excelled at.” Furthermore, since the introduction of Score Choice by the College Board in 2009, students are now able to choose what scores they send to colleges, meaning that students could potentially take the test numerous times in order to bolster their scores without any detrimental effects to their application. “I think there’s definitely a difference between just retaking the test over and over and taking the test and seeing what you need to work on and studying for it like you would for a class,” Schmidt said. “Therefore, I think it’s important to acquire some test-taking skills that you can learn from taking a course like I did, which can help in greatly improving your score.” Alternatively, Paul Stordahl, one of GBHS’s four guidance counselors, said the most effective method of preparation can be achieved directly in the classroom. “The best preparation is always going to be taking rich curriculum,” Stordahl said. “If you’re not taking demanding curriculum and working hard in the classroom, taking a prep program isn’t going to bridge that gap.” Junior Brian Wei, for example, had a private tutor two months before the test and was able to score a 2390. “It’s technically my second time taking the SAT,” Wei said. “The first time (I took it) I didn’t do very well, but of course, I was in the eighth grade.” Wei said, however, that since there is such a large gap between his first and second test dates, the big increase may just have been because of the advanced curriculum that he decided to take in his past two years of high school. Also, Wei said he took numerous practice tests directly out of SAT prep books, a relatively inexpensive resource that is readily made available to everyone. “You don’t have to participate in an official prep program to do well,” Stordahl said. “Research has demonstrated that students have done very well with some of the (more affordable) resources out there. If you’re self disciplined and motivated to do it on your own, then the results can be just as good on your own.” The bottom line in terms of a student’s decision to retake the SAT requires a close examination of the policies of different schools. When it comes to the California State University system, for instance, college acceptance is based on a strict “eligibility index,” which is derived from a formula taking into account a student’s SAT or ACT scores along with GPA. In terms of schools that don’t utilize this index, however, a definitive process is difficult to determine. “When you’re talking about holistic-review or comprehensive-review schools, which are your more competitive schools, (the SAT) is still significant, but it’s hard to know how significant because they don’t tell you,” Stordahl said. “You do generally hear that the strength of your curriculum, your grades and your test scores are the primary things that colleges look at, and everything else is secondary.” When it comes to holistic-review schools, another question that arises is if students should still take College Board Subject Tests, despite the fact that they are no longer required by University of California schools but merely recommended. “Strategically speaking, if students are planning on going to a high-tier school and are taking advancedlevel classes that they feel comfortable in, it is wise to take the Subject Tests, especially because you now have Score Choice with the SAT as of a couple years ago,” Stordahl said. “If they’re good scores, then send them. It surely won’t hurt you and it could very possibly benefit you.” What this all translates to, in terms of college admissions, according to Stordahl, is careful planning when it comes to a student’s college applications. “You don’t want to scramble last minute and take subject tests when it’s been a semester or a year since you took the subject,” Stordahl said. “If you decide to take them, you’ll have them on hand if you decide to apply to a school that does require them. It’s always better to be prepared.”

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Granite Bay Gazette

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GAZETTE The Granite Bay

GRANITE BAY HIGH SCHOOL 1 GRIZZLY WAY GRANITE BAY, CA 95746

Editors-in-Chief: Shannon Carroll Kyle Pawlak Jessica Reese Rachael Vasquez News/Web Editors: Nicole Bales Chris Pei Voices Editors: Lena Eyen Haley Massara Lifestyle Editors: Danielle Dieterich Kelsey Knorp ShinEui Park Green Screen Editors: Ari Black Hayley McAvoy Michaela Monaghan Samantha Spargo Sports Editors: Meghan Carlsen Austin Downs Mat Fukuhara Illustrators: Lena Eyen Chase Evans Hayley McAvoy Jessica Reese Samantha Spargo Photographers: Olivia Cornell Dorien Johnk Riley Mac Millan Rachael Vasquez Kristin Taylor Staff Writers: Crosby Allison Olivia Cornell Chase Evans Dorien Johnk Sydney Kahmann Brooklyn Klepl Riley Mac Millan Becky Massil Joey Puhala Kristin Taylor Brad Wong Advertising Managers: Mary Haney Brooklyn Klepl

Adviser: Karl Grubaugh

Eyebrow-waxing is a painful, unnecessary evil, so leave those brows alone

ecently, I had my eyebrows waxed for the very first time after a lot of pressure from a beautician that my mother and I often visit. Perhaps I would have never had my eyebrows waxed if my mother didn’t take her side, but seeing as they would not quit even though I had strongly refused so many times, I decided to give it a try just to see what it was all about. Unfortunately, things did not turn out so well and I ended up having the skin above my right eyelid severely burned. I walked around for a whole weekend with zebra stripes on my eyelid and a swelling so large and red that I couldn’t even open my eye. What’s worse, my pain was in vain because after that whole deal, I didn’t look the least bit different. Nobody said anything about the shape of my eyebrows. Heck, some people didn’t even notice I had a burned eyelid. Many people may argue that thin eyebrows are the norm and nobody notices them that much since they’re so common. Nonetheless, wouldn’t you think people would notice the newly thin eyebrows on a girl like me who has never before waxed

Identification Statement Granite Bay Gazette Published eight times per academic year c/o Granite Bay High School 1 Grizzly Way Granite Bay, CA 95746 Subscriptions: $25 per year/ $15 per half year

becky massil

burn instead. It was a desperate and painful measure all in the name of beauty. Even professional beauticians can make an occasional mistake and hurt you. I heard a story from a friend about wax falling into her eye while she was getting her eyebrows waxed. Like waxing, threading eyebrows is agonizing. My mother usually gets her eyebrows threaded and she got a large cut above her eyebrow once. Why go through all these painful situations when nobody notices how your eyebrows look? In fact, why wax anything that people don’t notice? Having some hair on your stomach could perhaps help keep you warm in the winter in addition to that large, thick coat that covers every part of your body except your head. Waxing eyebrows is unnecessary. Let those eyebrows be bushy! Nobody will care. Besides, I heard a lot of people are growing facial hair this month anyway. *** Becky Massil, a senior, is a Gazette staff writer.

Christmas has been commercialized

A once-holy religious holiday has regressed into materialism

uring the last week Commentary of November I had to be reminded, that we were still, in fact, in November. Somehow I had thought it was January and that Thanksgiving dinner was actually Christmas dinner. Weird, right? Well, I blame it on a few things. One – My neighbors who put their Christmas lights nbales.gazette@gmail.com up mid-November and just decide to skip out on Thanksgiving decorations. Two –When my cousins visited (in late October), one of them was demanding his Christmas presents that very second, and who knows how he’s been trained to act if he doesn’t get what he wants when he wants it. Three – Perhaps the root of my struggles – the overbearing Christmas advertisements that have been appearing since Halloween, and the stores that started selling trees in October. Between parents subconsciously training their kids to be present snobs and the billion-dollar Christmas industry, Christmas has become a tool for sales instead of what it really is – Jesus’ birthday, a religious holiday. Not to mention, with the holiday season starting so early this year, we rush into it and it is it harder to enjoy it in

nicole bales

Send Letters to the Editor to: gbgazette@yahoo.com

them? I certainly thin!” Commentary didn’t go through Unless you’re the Mona that trouble for Lisa, who’s basically nothing. eyebrow-less, or if you have However, like too much eyebrow – and I said, nobody notice that I never used a noticed, and the plural – nobody will care. same statement that In such cases as those eyebrows really with the unibrow, waxing don’t get noticed your eyebrows is important. that was used However, for those of us against me could who have two eyebrows, rmassil.gazette@gmail.com also be used in my I honestly don’t think it’s favor. necessary. I honestly can’t understand why people Why do girls bother about these things? wax their eyebrows or their stomach and Having bushy eyebrows is not the same as back for that matter, especially in the having a mustache, which is circus-freak middle of winter. status for a girl. Look around – there are I mean, it makes no difference. What do plenty of girls with thick eyebrows and they you get out of having thin eyebrows? Well, get along just fine without ridicule. other than having a swollen eye. People, Likewise, waxing eyebrows and other most of the time, aren’t even recognizing parts of your body is painful, especially your eyebrows. There’s just no validation why thin when someone unprofessional like your eyebrows make a person look pretty. mother does it for you. Seriously, girls, do you honestly think My mother tried to wax me once and let guys look at you and think, “Oh, wow – the glue stick to my upper lip for about a look at that pretty girl! Her eyebrows are so week thinking that the mark it left was a

December because it feels like we have already had it for months. Prepping for Christmas should start after Thanksgiving so people can slow down and savor the meaning of each holiday. Christmas has almost transformed into a family tradition instead of a religious holiday.Even nonChristian and non-religious people have started to celebrate Christmas because of this, and advertisements just push on the gift-giving spirit. From this teens have developed this mentality that they deserve the $100 game or the $200 handbag because it’s their Christmas present and it’s such a disappointment if they don’t get what they want. The worst part is some parents feel obligated to make their kids happy and give them all the material items they want while forgetting to explain to them why we even give gifts or why we celebrate Christmas. When some of my cousins came to visit my family, we decided to give them their presents early, as we would not be seeing them this Christmas. My 11-year-old cousin was only concerned about opening his gifts that very second. After all his bickering, his mom finally allowed him to unwrap them instead of waiting until Christmas. When he opened them, he responded by saying, “That’s it?” His mom didn’t even bother to tell him that wasn’t a polite way to thank someone for a gift or explain to him

what Christmas is really about. She merely asked if there was a gift receipt. Between parents like her and corporate Christmas, kids never learn the true meaning of the holiday, but instead look forward to it as the one day of the year when you get whatever you write down on a list. Sure. the Christmas tradition includes gifts, but it doesn’t mean people should expect the hundreds of dollars worth of items they’ve been eyeballing since January. We’re supposed to give small, meaningful gifts, but nothing so flashy that it overpowers the religious celebration. Advertisements have led us to believe that the bigger and more expensive the gifts we receive, the better our Christmas will turn out. Children like my cousin are under the impression that Christmas doesn’t matter unless you receive those kinds of gifts. The overbearing holiday ads and special sales create a feeding frenzy for shoppers and lead them astray of what’s important. Instead of spending on unnecessary gifts, people should neglect the holiday advertisements and just reflect on what’s important in their lives. *** Nicole Bales, a junior, is a Gazette news editor. Gazette illustration/LENA EYEN

The Gazette is published eight times per academic year by students in the advanced journalism class at Granite Bay High School. Content is determined by the staff and does not necessarily reflect the opinions or policies of Granite Bay High School’s faculty, administration, adviser or student body. Students are protected in their exercise of press freedom by the First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States and California Education Code 48907. Signed editorials and columns reflect the views of the writer. Letters to the editor and guest commentaries are encouraged and must be signed, although anonymity can be granted on a case-by-case basis. The editorial board reviews letters to the editor, advertising and guest commentaries and reserves the right to edit and refuse material. Reasons can include length, clarity, libel, obscenity, material disruption of the educational process at Granite Bay High School or violation of copyright laws.

Gazette illustration/LENA EYEN

PDA: No one needs to see that

t goes by many names. Swapping spit. Tonsil hockey. Tongue wrestling. Snogging, if you want to get exotic. In more politically correct terms, it’s known as the dreaded acronym PDA – Public Displays of Affection. Whatever you call it, we call it gross. Young love is fantastic, and you want to show off your boy/ girlfriend. We get that, we really do. And you have every right to spend lunch cozied up beside them, stare passionately into their eyes, and hold their hand so attentively that people wonder if you’re actually twins connected at the wrist.

EDITORIAL The voice of the Granite Bay Gazette

And we get that you’re a teenager, and teenagers – by design – are rather tactile creatures. Some of us are still reeling from the hormonal trainwreck that is puberty. We all have urges. But we draw the line at macking between classes. You’re not in The Notebook; you and your boo go to the same school.

Stop treating passing period as though it were the last 10 minutes of your life. You will, no matter how long and arduous that history lecture seems, see your sweetie again. We promise. Just, please, knock it off. Think of the people unfortunate enough to catch sight of you, glued to your beloved’s chest and vehemently sucking face. Think of your friends, who, with every glance in your direction, cringe and wonder if they’re being a voyeur by trying to talk to you. The world doesn’t stop when you decide to french your amour, and standing there, waiting for you two to be finished, can be horrendously,

painfully awkward. Think of the hapless teachers who don’t avert their eyes in time. You wouldn’t want to watch any of them have a little PDA session with their spouse, now, would you? Because, rest assured, they almost certainly feel just as uncomfortable with your love life as you are with theirs. And finally, think of the perfect strangers who walk in on you and your sweetheart commingling in the hallway. If they’re single, they feel weird, uncomfortable, and perhaps even a smidge lonely. If they’re not, there’s a chance they’ll get competitive about

PDA – “How dare that couple be cuter than us!” – and metastasize into another schoolyard snogger. It’s a vicious cycle, but you can help break it. Resist the urge to fall prey to the age-old adolescent stereotype of the grossly affectionate young couple. You’re dragging down the school’s collective maturity with your tongue-spelunking, and we all know you’ll get by without it. Nobody wants to see it, no matter how cute you think you are – not your friends, not your teachers, and certainly not the Gazette. We just have the guts to tell you. So come on, be a decent human being. Leave the hanky-panky at home.

A8 Voices

Friday, December 16, 2011

HEARD on the

BAY

w The Granite Bay Gazette

Internet persecution?

Government’s attempt to restrict online access violates basic citizens’ rights Commentary

What is your New Year’s Resolution? “To make Mr. Cordell happier by my artwork.”

freshman Josh Benard “To get better grades, and put more focus on my schoolwork.”

sophomore Brooke de los Santos “To be nice to my brother.”

olivia cornell

ocornell.gazette@gmail.com

very day I am amazed by what the internet can supply to users, but what if all that was taken

away? As we all know, Granite Bay High, along with most high schools, censors our school internet. This is acceptable because school is a place for learning and we can access whatever we want outside of school. But to censor the internet for the entire country – that is just ridiculous. Two new bills were recently introduced to Congress to allow the government and other personnel to completely rid the internet of a site they find to be illegal. The reason for this, stated in the Protect IP Act, was “to prevent online threats to economic creativity and theft of intellectual property, and for other purposes.” Just the idea of this makes me cringe. Giving someone the power to control the internet is stupid and unnecessary. It is one thing to repress a school internet access; it is a whole different thing to change what every person in the United States can see. I realize the overall goal of the bill is to eliminate internet sites “dedicated to infringing activities,” which sounds like it would eliminate only websites conducting illegal activity. But I wondered what kind of website would be considered “dedicated to infringing activities?” I know that many websites could be affected by this because I find the outlines for infringing websites to be quite vague and open-ended. They would even allow companies to sue a webpage if they felt the filtering was not sufficient enough. This I find terrifying: letting the government, and even companies holding a copyright to anything, into our personal computer to decide what we can and cannot view. The power to erase a complete internet site is too much power to allow anyone. As of today, videos have been

Gazette photo illustration/LENA EYEN

removed off of Youtube due to restrictions already set in place, and Limewire has been completely taken offline. If it has the power to do things like this already, I think that is enough. Government obviously does not need a law to stop these “infringing” sites. At school, I have witnessed teachers take complete control of students’ computers. If the technology is out there to do that, what kinds of things could the government accomplish with laws on their backs supporting the teardown of a site that could be completely harmless? I find this all appalling. Even if the government would not abuse its power

to censor the internet and simply removed internet sites with copyrighted entertainment or sites associated with other illegal activity, what about countries that follow in our path? I know from my history class last year that China already censors its internet and some crucial historical information is blocked, almost as if it never existed. If the internet became different everywhere, some facts could disappear and people could be held from the truth. The bill also gives permission to tweak the inner-workings of the internet. And that couldn’t be good. The government is already cracking down on sites found to be illegal.

The only people I see benefiting from this bill are those in the entertainment industry, and we can all see there is plenty of money out there already for Hollywood and musical artists. It scares me that anyone could think this bill is a good idea. America is supposed to be the land of the free, so let our internet be free and get out of our computers. The only result I see from the passing of this bill is the loss of liberty and giving a superfluous amount of power to people who do not deserve it. *** Olivia Cornell, a senior, is a Gazette staff writer.

Sports fans are too forgiving

junior Gianetta France “To get done with all of my school stuff so I can live it up with senioritis.”

senior Page Kastner

Commentary

Athletes are given ‘get-out-of-jail-free’ cards too easily

iger Woods hasn’t been forgiven by the public because he hasn’t won a major golf tournament. The instant an athlete does something remarkable in his field, all previous wrongs he has done are forgiven by the public. Examples of this occur throughout sports. Ben Roethlisberger was accused of raping a woman in a Milledgeville, Georgia night club in 2010, yet the public has almost completely forgotten the incident due to his success. As soon as Roethlisberger took the Steelers to the Super Bowl, all of his rape charges were forgotten by the fans. David Ortiz was caught for doing steroids after being notoriously strict against users of the substance. Yet after he had a great season this year, his steroid use has mostly been overlooked. So why do athletes get a free pass? What makes their accomplishments in their sport erase their wrongs in the real world? If a politician does something even remotely wrong than they typically are forced out of office. If one of our sports role models does some heinous crime, all they have to do is have a good season and

chase evans

cevans.gazette@gmail.com

all is forgotten. Baltimore Ravens’ middle linebacker Ray Lewis was associated with the murder of two men in 2000 yet now he is one of the most respected players in the NFL. Kids look up to sports athletes, not politicians, yet we generally give athletes the benefit of the doubt. All Tiger Woods has to do to regain his popularity across the globe is win a major golf championship. All he has to do is regain his golf game and his name will no longer be synonymous with “womanizer”. Kobe Bryant too was once a universally hated man because of his relationships with women and yet he won a couple rings and now the scandal is rarely brought up. I’m all for athletes realizing the wrong in their ways and begging forgiveness from the public. I’m all for Ray Lewis becoming a changed man and finding Jesus in his life, but why is it so easy to

erase the real world with sports? Politicians such as Bill Clinton have been famed for their notorious sex scandals yet some people still defend the Penn State football coach Joe Paterno. With another occupation, Paterno would have been thrown to the dogs for his silence about the sexual assaults by a man working for Penn State. However, because he was such a good coach, players and fans alike can defend Paterno for his wrongdoing. Fans should be aware that success in sports does not make up for failure in life. People talk about Michael Vick earning back their respect when all they do is watch him thrive in football. We shouldn’t judge the character of players through their victories in sports. Sports are extremely infamous for scandals, yet most of them get forgotten with a single success and a couple years. Athletes across the world are plagued with controversy especially if they don’t recover with a brilliant season. If sports players don’t recover from their controversy with a great season or fabulous performance, than the public refuses to forgive. If events continue like they have in the past, all that Tiger Woods has to do is find his stroke and regain his golf game. So go ahead Tiger, and do well in the next tournament so we can never hear about your affairs again. *** Chase Evans, a junior, is a Gazette staff writer.

“Check last year’s list.”

Thumbs Up staff

Myron Stephens Compiled by Lena Eyen

Time to think about a resolution that will last longer than a week.

Thumbs Down

Thumbs up:

It’s almost Christmas Break!

Thumbs down:

Thumbs up: Thumbs down: Time to

go out and get all of those lastminute gifts.

by Lena Eyen, Voices co-editor.

Only a few more weeks til’ the new year!

Gazette photo illustration/LENA EYEN

Voices A9

Friday, December 16, 2011 w The Granite Bay Gazette

Spitting is for llamas, not students

Commentary

kelsey knorp

kknorp.gazette@gmail.com

Occupy Wall Street has lost its message

Nasty, unsanitary habit has no place on GBHS campus

Commentary

riley mac millan

rmacmillan.gazette@gmail.com

Who ’m tired and fed up. ever said it I am done. I will was okay to spit put a stop to this on the campus? If I do nonsense. That’s right. find that person, I will give I am talking about them a well-deserved and long spit. overdue yelling. Fellow students, Normally, spitting at there is no need to have something is a sign of disrespect. your saliva be on our So by spitting on campus, are you beautiful campus. Sure our disrespecting me as a student? campus has gum on the ground And when the spit from your and is occasionally littered mouth misses the ground and with trash, but the thing that accidently lands on my shoe, do you disturbs me most is spit. hate me? Or are you incapable of I see guys hack it up spitting the right way? from way back in their I propose a few ways to end spitting throats and fling it across the pavement. I’ve even seen it land on on campus. First, we can glue the mouths of people’s shoes. people who spit shut. This may be This behavior is unacceptable. illegal. It may be damaging. However, First of all, this is disrespectful to it will prevent saliva from exiting their our campus. We need to show a little bodies. I feel this idea is better than the more respect and to act like adults. idea of sewing School is a place their mouths of business, not a shut. I’m not toddlers’ playpen. a big fan of I expect students Who ever said it the movie and adults to act Coralline mature here on was OK to spit anyway. campus. I do not on the campus? Secondly, to need see people If I do find that we can ask spread their saliva celebrities to around campus. Its person, I will give start wearing bad enough that them a well- debandanas on everywhere I turn served and long their faces, people show more like bandits PDA than I need overdue yelling. in old western to see. movies. We There is a simple will avoid solution to this using stars problem. Keep who are your spit in your known for their lips and noses, such mouth. as Angelina Jolie. Instead, we’ll use Swallow. Just swallow. I am celebrities who are more known for intolerant of you putting it on the the beauty of their eyes. ground, in the water fountain, and on By making it popular again for people’s shoes. bandanas to be in style, this will make I’m surprised how people don’t it harder for people to spit. Thus the have a sense of decency.

Gazette illustration/LENA EYEN

trend of spitting will eventually come to an end. Lastly we can give people really salty food to eat on campus. During second period, salty snacks can be distributed all over campus. The saltiness will parch the throats of those who spit, thus not making them able to produce saliva. If anything, we will have people complain about having dry throats rather than complaining about spit. Having a campus not covered in spit will make it a brighter, happier, fairytale land of joy. Or, at least, that is what I can hope for. Just today I saw three people spit as I made my way through school. This is three too many for me. The madness must stop, people. I encourage to everyone to go and

stop those who spit. The next time you see a “spitter,” let them know: It’s not spiffy to spit. We can start an anti-spitting movement to end this undesirable trend. Let us be the first to voice our hate for saliva. Let us call the people into uproar. Let us bring a stop to this. I say, keep your bodily fluids to yourself. If I wanted to partake in them, I would. But I don’t. The rain this winter might wash away your spit, but it can’t bring cleanliness to my mind after being made dirty by your nastiness. So spare me, ladies and gentlemen of this campus, spare me from your dirty habits. I will be ever so grateful. *** Riley Mac Millan, a senior, is a Gazette staff writer.

A critique of the sporting world

A few easy fixes to problems with tennis, football, baseball and more

friend recently tried I am a hard-core Pittsburgh Steelers fan. I can tell you to trick me by asking every starter on the team. who the No. 1 player I’ve had a Troy Polamalu in golf is. He expected me to jersey for five years, and say Tiger Woods, but I knew I wave my Terrible Towel the answer was the relatively every chance I get. little-known Luke Donald. It So, I understand that was pretty funny watching his players want to add some sort jaw drop. of exclamation point after a You don’t want to get great play. between However, me and many my sports. celebrations by Generally, Here’s the today’s players I am a sane solution: Any are excessive, person, player who and a 15-yard but I can’t penalty for promise gets a penunsportsmanlike anything alty for stupid conduct isn’t when a celebrations enough. game is on. In a game I scream has to walk to against the at the TV the 50-yard New York like my line, get down Jets, Buffalo words will Bills receiver on one knee actually Stevie Johnson make a and beg the indulged in difference. referee for a celebration But as that was not forgiveness. much as I only idiotic love sports, (he mocked there are a Jets player some who spent months in prison) huge problems that need to be but cost his team a penalty resolved. Fast. My biggest problem happens that resulted in the winning touchdown for the Jets. Oops. to be in my favorite sport: Here’s the solution: Any football.

Commentary

shannon carroll scarroll.gazette@gmail.com

player who gets a penalty for stupid celebrations has to walk to the 50-yard line, get down on one knee and beg the referee for forgiveness. Here’s what else needs to be fixed: baseball. While I am a huge San Francisco Giants fan and have been since I was 4 years old, even I find many innings tedious. I am sick of pitchers taking 30 seconds or more between their pitches (ahem, Jonathan Papelbon). Baseball needs a clock. Take any more than 20 seconds between pitches, and the pitch is automatically called a ball. Baseball is also behind on the times on instant replay. I’m all for tradition, but having umpires make costly decisions while the rest of the

TV-viewing world can see how wrong they are really doesn’t suit me. I mean, last year a Detroit pitcher had a perfect game taken away from him on the final out because of a clearly bad call by an umpire. Instant replay might even speed up the game because it would cut down on all the conferring the umps do. And that designated hitter rule? Get rid of it. If a guy can’t field, he should retire or take up another sport. Tennis needs to fix its rankings. Men’s tennis is as exciting as it has ever been, but women’s tennis is a bore. It’s ridiculous that Caroline Wozniacki is the No. 1-ranked player and is the top seed in every tournament despite having never won a major title. I say, until you win a major, you can’t be No. 1. College football? The BCS system is a joke. Computers and grumpy old men shouldn’t decide who gets to play in which bowl game. It’s time for a playoff system. Pro basketball is beyond saving. No one seemed to notice that the lockout was going on, so let’s just axe the sport. That way, viewers

can find their way to more worthwhile sports, and Lebron James will never win a championship. In horse racing, someone needs to throw a race so we can finally have a Triple Crown winner and get people back into being excited about the Kentucky Derby, the Belmont and the Preakness. It’s been 33 years since we had a Triple Crown winner. We need one. Hockey just needs more fights. Let’s increase the drama by having the winner of a fight awarded a goal. Heck, let’s just turn hockey into team boxing on ice. It would be a whole lot easier to follow. Soccer is just about perfect as a sport, but it needs more viewers. So, from now on, the men’s game should be played as shirts and skins. Imagine what that would do for female viewership. How many people alone would tune in just to see David Beckham shirtless? Now the next step is to appoint me commissioner of all sports. The world would certainly be a more interesting place. *** Shannon Carroll, a senior, is a Gazette co-editor-in-chief.

he Occupy movement could be one of the most powerful protests our country has ever seen… if the movement as a whole wasn’t afflicted by an extreme case of ADD. It seems the “99 percent” encompasses a wide variety of causes, as can be expected from such a large fraction of our country. What began as a congregation on Wall Street in protest of America’s concentration of wealth has swelled into simply a demonstrative freefor-all. Feeling racially profiled? Find an Occupy movement near you. Gay and want to get married? Occupy’s the place to be. Maybe, in the minds of protesters, some of these issues are indirectly linked to the greater issue of obscene wealth, but all the rest of the country is seeing is a massive body of irate Americans who like to chant a lot. “This is what democracy sounds like,” might be fun to chant, but the words are empty when no one understands what you’re trying to accomplish. A perfect example is the recent protest at UC Davis. The original premise was to dispute the latest of the many increases in UC tuition that have occurred in recent years. This is a reasonable cause for upset. As a senior who recently submitted applications to all but two or three UC schools, I am incredibly supportive of anyone who wishes to stand in the way of further tuition hikes and lessen the impact felt by California’s public schools. However my cousin, a junior at Davis, informed me over Thanksgiving dinner that the movement that could have provided me with a more comfortable future at a UC (it might still have been hindered by military-grade pepper spray, but that’s beside the point), was quickly infiltrated by several unrelated causes, from environmental activism to victims of racism. Suddenly the understandable, single-causedriven uprising had gained a national reputation as being affiliated with the equally confused Occupy movement, which these days isn’t necessarily a good thing. It’s as if the movement is an elegant country club buffet, and someone has placed cans of Spam alongside the gourmet, chef-prepared dishes. At first you couldn’t wait to fill your plate, but now you aren’t sure if you should trust any of the food on the table. It really comes down to a lack of compromise. People, especially activists, are inherently stubborn in their beliefs. Advocates of anything other than the original cause of Occupy (which was redistribution of wealth, for those who have gotten lost along the movement’s short yet convoluted timeline) need to stand aside. The chaos and confusion of the protests simply result in rolled eyes and wasted police force. And even if the movement was singlemindedly dedicated to the injustice of disproportionate wealth distribution, the solutions presented by the protestors are too obscure and too many. Realistically, what do they hope to accomplish? The wealthiest of our nation, the “1 percent,” is already taxed at a 25 percent higher rate than those on the opposite end of the spectrum. Proportion-wise, this is a sensible ratio; it’s hard to make a case for demanding almost half of anyone’s income for the good of the rest of the country. And let’s be honest; the Warren Buffets of the world will always find a loophole. Now, that’s not to say there aren’t some whose accumulation of wealth is arguably unjust in the first place (ahem, the Kardashians), but in such cases isn’t America’s insatiable fascination with the shallow more to blame than the tax bracket? There are hopes of limiting campaign donations as well, to diminish the influence of the upper class and big business on politics. These hopes are futile for two reasons. First, there have already been limits placed on personal spending in government, through laws such as the McCain-Feingold Act, and the legislators who benefit from this sort of spending anyway are not going to want to spend any more thought or energy on the issue. Second, we live in a world where Hollywood is a major power and influence, where candidates market themselves as products. The idea of a politician surrendering the funds they need to fuel this kind of campaign, however noble the alternative cause may be, is not feasible in this day and age. To clarify, these ideas are just that, ideas. They aren’t written on any concrete manifesto, and they haven’t been agreed upon by any kind of significant majority. They are merely abstract hypotheticals, and thus the obscurity continues. All in all, people are inherently selfish (and not just the 1 percent), so naturally every cause will jump on the bandwagon to try and advocate for what will most benefit them personally. No single solution or even single issue has been established, and as long as this continues, the bandwagon is destined to drive in circles. When Occupy becomes something more than a means of staying occupied, only then will there perhaps be change. *** Kelsey Knorp, a senior, is a Gazette Lifestyle editor.

A10 Second Look

Second look

Friday, December 16, 2011

w The Granite Bay Gazette

Santa Claus is coming to town

Students participate in Santaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Helpers to bring holiday cheer to Citrus Heights Elementary School wGazette photosw Rachael Vasquez

ď ˇSophomore Claire Ellinwood, left, gives her buddy a piggy-back ride before attending the assembly. Assistant principal Brent Mattix plays Santa, below left, as he passes out candy canes by the playground. Senior Danielle Menard, below, turns the jump rope for her buddy and her classmate. Junior Ty Serna holds a conversation with his buddy and his classmate, far below left. Organizers and leaders for the event, seniors Emily Engwer and Elizabeth Porter, far below right, introduce the Granite Bay High School dance program at the assembly. Senior Will Lewis, bottom right, plays catch with his buddy and his classmate.

Lifestyle

Granite Bay Gazette

Friday w December 16, 2011

Commentary

shineui park spark.gazette@gmail.com

Plunge right in to the glorious Korean Wave

Seasons greetings, soldiers Military families encounter challenges this holiday season

on’t get me wrong, I’m proud to say that I’m an American. But nothing pulls on my heart strings like the red, white, blue and black flag of the Republic of Korea. Even though I moved to California from South Korea when I was five years old, I have continued to keep my fingers on the pulse of Korean pop culture. I always make time to watch the latest dramas and movies, read the news and listen to newly released albums and songs. Because of the internet, searching for the latest news in Korea is fairly easy, but now it may be even easier. All I need to do is watch MTV, or go on the MTV website, or read the New York Times, or possibly just sit here and have Korean news fall onto my lap. Truth be told, be ready to embrace the coming “Korean Wave.” Actually, it’s starting to resemble more of a tsunami. The Korean Wave devoured its neighbors, Japan and China, and has also made its way to Australia, France, Germany, Brazil, Canada and, last but not least, the United States of America. The Wave isn’t slowing down either. It’s traveling at full speed, sweeping the shores of countries around the world. K-pop, short for Korean pop music, plays a prevalent role in this spreading industry. I’ve been personally listening to K-pop ever since I was young. The term “K-pop” is very general as well. Don’t think of it as only pop music. K-pop includes rock, R&B, rap, ballads and basically any common genres one can think of. When I think about the Korean culture gaining popularity in America, the first thing I think of is K-pop. Handfuls of concerts are held every year in some of our most populated cities, such as New York City, Las Vegas and Los Angeles, with tickets sometimes sold out in less than ten minutes. Easily named as the most popular girl group in all of Asia, Girls’ Generation by themselves has initiated a whole new frontier for the Wave to follow. Girls’ Generation was a group formed by one of the three major entertainment companies in Korea, SM Entertainment, and rose in popularity because of their beauty and catchy hits. They have a loyal fan base in every corner of the world, which has also been waiting for a world-wide debut of the group. Girls’ Generation finally released an English single called “The Boys” on Nov. 19 and has been featured on MTV and had an interview with Access Hollywood about how they feel with their American debut. Big Bang, the most popular guy group in Korea, has recently won the award for “Best Worldwide Act” at the MTV European Music Awards in November. Arguably being the second most popular girl group, 2NE1 has also recently won an MTV Iggy award for “Best New Band in the World.” Yes, my dear friends. The world. Why has the Korean Wave spread with such velocity at such a random moment? Why has there been a sudden increase of listeners of K-pop? I’m no researcher, but all I can say is that it’s about time. No longer will I be fan-girling and drooling by myself for incredibly good looking and gorgeous Korean singers and actors/actresses. Don’t complain about a whole different culture “invading” America, and don’t drown under the Wave. If need be, I’ll gladly teach you how to swim.

*** ShinEui Park, a senior, is a Gazette’s Lifestyle co-editor.

B Section

BY KELSEY KNORP

kknorp.gazette@gmail.com

or most, the holidays are, above all, a time to gather with one’s family. Often this is one of the few times annually that an entire family is able to be united and spend time together without the stressful elements of everyday life. However, this is not the case for some. The act of enlisting in the military, while undeniably noble and patriotic, comes with the sacrifice of luxuries that many Americans take for granted, such as time with their loved ones. Granite Bay High School alumnus Kyle Harkin, who graduated in 2004, enrolled in the United States Military Academy at West Point soon after graduation. His younger brother, senior Will Harkin, has felt the impact of that decision throughout the years since. “I get to see him like every few months I’d say,” Will said. “But… when he goes on tours, I don’t get to see him or talk to him at all really.” Kyle spent a year on tour in Iraq, during which he never saw his family or the wife he married just a month before he was deployed. Communication by phone was limited to the 15 minutes allotted to him each day. “I got to talk to him twice,” Will said. “Every once in a while I’d get a call from a random number, and it’d be him, so I’d talk to him then.” Will, the youngest of five siblings, notes that Kyle’s absence was especially disconcerting around the holidays, a time his large family traditionally spends together. “It was tough, because… when everybody comes home during the holidays, it’s the only time during the year that we’re actually together,” he said. “It didn’t feel like we were complete as a family because he couldn’t come home.” Kyle was able to at least make a call home so that his family could talk to him on speakerphone. Though he is no longer on tour, he is currently stationed at a base in Washington and is undergoing captain’s training. The changes that come with having a sibling in the military are See MILITARY, page B5

illustration/JESSICA REESE

Students graduating early for a new start

Each with different intentions, early graduates are saying goodbye BY DANIELLE DIETERICH

ddieterich.gazette@gmail.com

s the fall semester nears its end and most students at Granite Bay High School are counting down the days to winter break, some among the senior class are already getting ready to graduate and move on to the next chapters of their lives. At GBHS the choice to graduate early is not uncommon and while the process generally remains the same for each student, the reasons behind the decision differ greatly for each individual. “Most of the time kids … want to get going with the next step in life,” assistant principal Cathy Raycraft said. “A lot of these kids are going to Sierra College (and) some of them are actually going to go work so that they can save up money to get into the four-year school that they want to go to.” Raycraft, who gives the initial approval to students who graduate early, knows very well that students make the decision

inside lifestyle

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to graduate early for a variety of different reasons. “A couple years ago I had a student that just really was kind of done with Granite Bay High School and had gotten accepted to an art institute in San Francisco … so for that person it was just the right thing to do,” Raycraft said. Senior Marissa Reyes made the decision to graduate early so that she can enroll in beauty school in the spring and begin her post-high school plans as soon as possible. “I’m going to go to beauty school and then (going) to Sierra for two years and then transfer to a four-year college,” Reyes said. “I was getting sort of restless in high school and I am really ready to start my future.” One of the key factors in her decision was GBHS cutting the beauty school class for the Regional Occupation Program, better known as ROP. Without this incentive to stay at GBHS, Reyes decided that her time would be better spent attending beauty school full time. Now that she has made the decision to

graduate early, Reyes is able to do just that. She is confident that she made the right choice. “I don’t feel personally like I’m going to regret … graduating early,” Reyes said. “I think for some people it wouldn’t be a good choice and I feel sad that I’m not the kind of person that enjoys (senior) events as much as some other people (but) I don’t regret it, it’s just the way I am.” While Reyes is very happy with her decision, her friends and family have mixed feelings about it. “I feel like my friends are sad because I’m not going to be there for so many events and a lot of them have tried to talk me out of (graduating early),” Reyes said. “I just feel like (the normal graduation) is not for me … My family has been really supportive though.” Similar to Reyes, senior Ally Pexa is graduating early and immediately starting at school. Pexa, however, will be going to Sierra College rather than beauty school. “I’m going to Sierra in the spring and then after I don’t know what I’m doing,”

Ally Pexa Pexa is one of the students choosing to graduate after the end of fall semester

Pexa said. Although her future plans are still mostly undecided, Pexa feels her time will be put to better use in a college setting than staying at GBHS. “I just don’t have any more classes that are required for me to take so I don’t really see the point in me staying any longer,” Pexa said. “I … feel like I’ve already been through the whole high school thing and I’m just ready for (something) new.” As far as the process in general goes, Pexa discovered the path to early graduation to be a simple one. “I found it really easy. I didn’t even

No Shave November Students forgo their razors

Community service during the holidays It’s the perfect time to give, not receive

Public bromance Friendship taken to a new level

See EARLY, page B4

B2 Lifestyle

Friday, December 16, 2011

top

Service during the holiday season Volunteers recognize the importance of giving back

WAYS TO trick SANTA CLAUS

BY DANIELLE DIETERICH

Have the Easter bunny show up at the same time to confuse him about what day it is.

Break his GPS system and direct him to Saturn rather than Earth.

Dress up as his head elf and tell him Christmas is cancelled.

Gazette photo /KRISTIN TAYLOR

Freshman Catie Hines, mother Chris Hines and senior Ashley Hines, top, left to right, and junior Paige Finkemeir, bottom, pack boxes filled with assorted items for community service.

Hold Mrs. Claus captive.

Teach by tweet Teachers reach out to students through online resources

Train your dog to attack any individuals wearing red coats trimmed with white fur.

Hire a group of female reindeer to distract Santa’s crew.

Dress up in a Santa outfit and stuff your belly to confuse him.

Shrink your chimney so he gets stuck.

BY REBECCA MASSIL

rnassil.gazette@gmail.com

acebook: a word that is synonymous with procrastination for many people. However, for others, it is often just the opposite. Facebook has become a tool for students to interact with other students in their classes as well as their teachers. This year, the number of Facebook groups concerning homework and school subjects has increased exponentially. “There’s been an evolution in the use of Facebook over the last year as a kind of social networking way of helping out with homework” said AP US History teacher Brandon Dell’Orto. A new Facebook group was created by junior Megan Hansen this year for students in Dell’Orto’s AP United States History. The group was created as a result of a disagreement between seniors and juniors over a page created for AP US jokes and humor. While the seniors wanted the page to be for entertainment purposes only, the juniors kept posting questions about homework for the class. “The seniors would say that (the page) is a place for quotes and (that) they didn’t want to hear about the homework every night,” Hansen said. “I just made a separate group for this year’s (AP US) class so we can all talk about the homework.” Also, amongst the new school-oriented Facebook groups is the recently devel-

oped group created by junior Taylor Reynolds for students in the AP Biology and Physiology block. “(AP Biology) is a pretty challenging class and I was constantly texting five people at a time with questions,” Reynolds said. “Since someone had already made an AP US (group) I figured I could make an AP (Biology) one.” The whole IB senior class has their own Facebook group for all the IB subjects and other classes they might have together. IB senior and co-administrator of the group Ishaan Gupta said that every class that relates to the IB students is discussed on the IB senior’s Facebook group’s page, including the AP Government class that contains a handful of the IB seniors. “The IB group has definitely been helpful in the sense that it allows everyone to keep up with deadlines and ensures that students are aware of any upcoming projects,” Gupta said in an email. However, just as was seen in the case of the AP US History Facebook group, study groups on social networking sites can have a downside when it comes to online distractions. “Because the group is fairly large, there are always new ‘notifications’ which quickly became a nuisance,” Gupta said. Sophomore Haley Byam initially had a few issues with the AP European History study group she created initially because See ONLINE, page B4

The

Students and teachers decide to grow their facial hair for various reasons BY RILEY MAC MILLAN

rmacmillan.gazette@gmail.com

hen walking through Granite Bay High School’s quad, one might find that few men are able to grace the campus with a beard. In November, however, more people begin growing out their facial hair than the usual crowd. This raises the question, “why?” Many are taking part in the internationally recognized event called Movember, otherwise known as No Shave November. It is a play on ‘mustache’ and ‘November’ and it encourages men to grow out their facial hair during November as a way of encouraging men to get regular checkups and raise awareness about prostate cancer. This event has its own website and prizes for winners. Winners are determined by who has the greatest beard. Merchandise including mustache cufflinks, necklaces, and even TOMS shoes with mustaches on them can also be purchased as a way of showing support. “It’s a great moral boosting thing

3. Agnostical 4. Pathology Attach a booby trap to the cookies.

- Compiled by Ari Black

5. Bibliophage

at school. I’d just like to help out the movement,” senior Gavin Andrews said about Movember. However, Andrew’s motivation for growing a beard does not just come from the time of year. “I have been growing my beard since June,” Andrews said. “I think it comes from pure laziness not to shave. (I like it because) it keeps my face warm, and makes me look smart when I scratch it.” Senior Ian Fitzgerald is well known around campus for his beard. “I’m pretty sure that’s all anyone knows about me,” Fitzgerald said. Throughout the years, Fitzgerald has been able to display multiple styles of beards. “I’m pretty fond of the mutton chops grown into a ‘stache. I can’t grow one, but it’s a ridiculous facial style I enjoy.” Fitgerald said Fitzgerald is one student who often can be seen with some sort of facial hair. During Movember, however, he receives even more attention for it. See BEARD, page B4

CollegeBoard SAT

Chalkboard 2

Chalkboard 1

2. Tycoon

See SERVICE, page B4

Unshaved with a beard in November

un- Official SATpractice guide 1. Palindrome

ddieterich.gazette@gmail.com

ll year long, Granite Bay High School students participate in volunteer work through clubs, classes or on their own. Yet it seems that as the holidays approach, there are more opportunities to give back to the community than ever. “I always feel the spirit in the holidays,” English teacher Katrina Wachs said. “I hope that we have a spirit of giving all year round. I think that people are very generous and kind and helpful.” Wachs is doing just that. She is taking both her English and Peer Helping classes to host and provide gifts for a Christmas party for local foster children. The event is put on by WynSpring Family Resource Center, a foster care organization in Sacramento, that Wachs has worked with several times in the past. “It’s not me, it’s the students who provide gifts- massive amounts of gifts for foster kids for Christmas which is really, really sweet,” Wachs said. “Then we go to a Christmas party and help volunteer and do a card making station.” Although she loves getting involved in the community and doing volunteer work herself, Wachs understands the importance of getting her students involved as well. “One of the things I say to my kids is ‘If you could have one less present this year and give it to somebody else, how would you feel?’,” Wachs said. “My students come to the party and then they are also the ones who volunteer so it is all studentrun.” Wachs, who has experience planning school-wide events like Point Break, could reach out to the whole of GBHS and get more volunteers, but instead prefers to keep the event more or less between her and her students. “I would love to incorporate others, but there are always so many things going on during the holidays so I try not to,” Wachs said. “ It always seems like between my 100 kids we have plenty.” Of all the causes which Wachs advocates both within her classroom and on her own, this one is particularly important to her. “My goal is just to help kids who don’t have as much and also … it’s a win-win because it helps our kids think about people that don’t have as much, maybe don’t have as many opportunities, and it also helps our kids appreciate everything that they do have.” As a teacher who emotionally invests a lot in her students, the

Match the words in the first column with the definitions in the second column. Each chalkboard is its own separate game. Answers can be found on B5.

Cover your roof with Elmer’s glue.

w The Granite Bay Gazette

a. A businessperson of great wealth and power b. Fortification; a projecting portion of a rampart c. A word, line, verse, number etc., reading the same backward as forward d. bitter, rankling resentment e. an artifice or expedient used to evade a rule, escape a consequence, hide something

6. Rancor 7. Mundane 8. Bastion 9. Substantiate 10. Subterfuge

f. uncertain of all claims to knowledge g. An ardent reader; a bookworm h. caused by or involving disease i. to establish by proof or competent evidence: to substantiate a charge. j. of or pertaining to this world or earth as contrasted

- Compiled by Danielle Dieterich

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Friday, December 16 2011

Lifestyle

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Competition wraps up nicely

Gazette staff takes on ASB in a giftwrapping challenge

Student

Spotlight

BY Joey Puhala

jpuhala.gazette@gmail.com

W Natalie Kreeger

A captain of the GBHS Speech and Debate team. Gazette: What do you do as captain of Speech and Debate? A: Ishaan Gupta (cocaptain) and I make sure that everything is in order and running smoothly, doing administrative stuff, working hands on with the kids, editing their speeches and making sure that they are memorized. Gazette: What are your goals for the team? A: This is kind of a rebuilding year. We have very few seniors, about 5 or 6, whereas last year there were at least 15. We have a lot of younger members this year but they are definitely learning and progressing at a fast rate. The novices have had a lot success in what they’ve been doing ... Our main goal would be to maximize the number of people we can get to go to the state tournament. Gazette: How often does the Speech and Debate team practice and compete? A: We have three practices a week for two hours and, for the most part, have a tournament every few weeks. We are really looking forward to going to our next invitational at Santa Clara University. We did splendidly at the University of the Pacific.

-Compiled by Samantha Spargo

Gazette photo /KRISTiN TAYLOR

Kevin Staniszewski erupts into laughter following his unsuccessful attempts to wrap a large box quickly and neatly in a gift wrapping competition between the Gazette staff and ASB representatives.

Three students hold a steady, long term bromance BY BRAD WONG

how to... A

t Granite Bay High School, there are a lot of relationships; which leads to a lot of drama, stress and often broken friendships. Many high school students know of at least a handful of couples, their habits, how they’re doing and how they met. While this romance is a component of the love scene at the high school, many are missing the other half: bromance. Urban dictionary, the online slang dictionary for words that do not exist in formal dictionaries, defines bromance as the complicated love and affection shared by two or more straight males. For those who aren’t aware

of this relatively new type of relationship, they’d be surprised by how many bromances are going on. Junior Scott Romuk is currently in two bromances: one with senior Nate Brilingtton and the other with senior Jordan Long. “Nate and I always talk on the phone and end the conversation with a ‘Bye, bye, love you’,” Romuk said. In addition, since Brilingtton can’t drive, Romuk drives him everywhere and also has him over for dinner very frequently. “Our relationship has been serious this year, but it can be traced all the way back to Cavitt Junior High School, where it was more of a relaxed bromance,” Romuk said. Romuk and Senior Jordan Long met last year in Mrs. Krishnaraj’s

Honors Chemistry class. “I knew Jordan’s brother was really cool so I thought this guy must also be cool and we became closer friends,” Romuk said. Romuk and Long also grew closer by playing on the same basketball team through Hotshots, a recreational league in Sacramento. “Jordan and I had an incident on court where we both turned around and our lips met, but it was a complete accident,” Romuk said. “For some reason, Jordan says it was the best kiss he’s ever had.” Over the summer, Romuk and Long went to the gym several times a week together. “Bromance is basically being in an affectionate relationship with See Bromance, page B5

Tips and tricks for studying Dye your hair Students give pointers effective and with Kool Aid for efficient test prep 2. Put on plastic gloves and cover your shoulders with a towel. 3. Mix your favorite colored sugar-free Kool Aid packet with two to three tablespoons of conditioner (sugar will make your hair sticky). Mix until you get a thick paste. 4. Comb the mixture through your hair and wrap it in tin foil. 5. Let it sit for six to eight hours or overnight. 6. Rinse your hair with water until it runs clear (if you have multiple colors, wash them out one at a time). -Compiled by Kristin Taylor

Long proudly demonstrate their bromantic affections for each other

Scholarships for Native Americans BY ARI BLACK

ablack.gazette@gmail.com

spark.gazette@gmail.com

ith more than a dozen Advanced Placement courses, official California Interscholastic Federation sports programs, varied clubs and an International Baccalaureate program available to them, Granite Bay High School students are often involved in many extracurricular activities and are packed with a busy schedule with no room for play. But school is an area where academics come first, and time is crucial. With none to waste, students must find tricks and follow tips in order to study efficiently. Senior Madeline Ochi has been involved in IB since her junior year. In the IB Diploma Program, students apply their critical-thinking skills in difficult IB courses and the extended essay. The first important step for Ochi when studying is to keep all her notes organized. Her binders are all labeled and categorized by subject. “When I get home, I type out all my notes,” Ochi said. “After learning the lesson at school, it’s nice reading over

Gazette photo illustration/ RILEY MAC MILLAN

Scott Romuk, Nate Brilingtton and Jordan

GBHS students seek financial aid based on Native American blood

BY SHIN EUI PARK

1. Start by bleaching the part of your hair you want to dye.

See WRAPPING, page B5

Students take part in bromantic relationships brwong.gazette@gmail.com

Gazette illustration/HAYLEY MCAVOY

hat is it that gazette staffers do best during the holiday season? Wrap presents competitively. And what better way to sharpen our gift wrapping skills than to challenge our Student Government friends to a gift wrapping contest for December’s Gazette Does It. The contest took place on Tuesday, December 6th. The participants included one boy and one girl from each class. Representing the Gazette, we had Kyle Pawlak “And Drop It,” and Rachel Vasquez. Representing Student Government were Kevin Staniszewski and Paige Finkemeier. The contest involved three rounds in which contestants had 90 second to see who could best wrap a cardboard box. In the first round, Student Government’s Finkemeier went against Gazette’s very own Pawlak. The timer started and both contestants began wrapping. When the 90 second mark hit, Pawlak ever so frantically slapped a bow on top of his awfully wrapped box, while Finkemeier had finished completely wrapping with time to spare. It was apparent that Round 1 went to Student Government. Due to Pawlak’s unnecessary lack of talent, Gazette was at a disadvantage. Round 2 involved Gazette’s Vasquez vs. StuGov’s Staniszewski. Right from the start of the round, Vasquez was clearly ahead. Kevin’s box was hardly even covered with paper, and by the 90 second mark, the round was a clear victory for the Gazette. “It’s hard because you don’t know how good the other team will be,” Vasquez said, “and I just really hate losing.”

Gazette illustration/SAMANTHA SPARGO

the notes a second time since it helps me memorize them.” This practice is especially helpful for Ochi when studying for her history and government courses. Acronyms provide aid for Ochi as well. For example, an acronym that assisted Ochi in memorizing the different types of welfare policies was “EMIC.” EMIC stood for entrepreneurial, majoritarian, interest groups and client groups. To help Ochi concentrate, she realized being in a quiet environment helps the most. “I study upstairs,” Ochi said. “Music while studying doesn’t work. Everything just needs to be quiet so I can fully get into my work See STUDY, page B5

s college tuition increases each year, so does the number of students applying for financial aid and scholarship programs. Through the application process and hours of filling out information online, students are given the opportunity to get help with the financial element of their college experiences. Though scholarships often tend to have random requirements and specifications, students with Native American heritage are offered financial support for the blood that runs through their own veins. GBHS junior Gabby Romero plans on applying for this financial aid as she prepares for her transition into the college application process. Romero is now the student in her family applying, though her older sister, Ashley Romero (Del Oro Class of 2010), applied through a similar program. Ashley was encouraged to apply for a similar program through her high school tutor. “I’ve heard about various (programs) through my extended

family members and my sister’s tutor given to her by Placer County for her Native descent when she was in high school,” Romero said. Not only will the scholarship lift a weight off Gabby’s shoulders, it will also assist her family in making the financial aspect of college run smoothly. GBHS senior Paige Snell began to apply for financial aid as she approached her senior year, planning to attend college in the fall of 2012. Snell gained her Aztec, Navajo, and Cherokee blood from her grandfather and his descendants. Though Snell hoped to attain the financial support, she ran into some issues as the application process progressed. “I have had difficulty with applying for this scholarship due to the amount of time it takes to fill out the paper work and find the proper documentation to prove I am Native American,” Snell said. Hoping to attend Arizona State University or San Diego State University, Snell will have to face the grueling tuition of her dream schools without this grant for See SCHOLARSHIP, page B5

B4 Lifestyle

Thursday, December 16, 2011

Random facts

w The Granite Bay Gazette

Random club of the month

A list of facts you will never need to know but always find interesting

One of 2,100 GBHS students is randomly selected every issue

Harry Potter Club President: Sophomore Bre Bolton

Emus and kangaroos cannot walk backwards.

Gazette: What is the purpose of the Harry Potter club? It is a place for people who really, really like Harry Potter to get together and talk about it.

Mosquitoes are attracted to people who just ate bananas.

How often do you meet? We meet every other Friday. What do you do at your club meetings? Sometimes we just talk about the books, (but) we had a trivia party recently (for Halloween) where there was a whole bunch of Harry Potter trivia facts … and we played a game and had candy. We’ve (also) been talking about Pottermore and we’re thinking about playing a Quidditch game and a giant chess game, like they had in the first movie.

A jellyfish is 95% water. Children grow faster in the spring. The San Francisco cable cars are the only mobile national monument. A ball of glass will bounce higher than a ball of rubber.

What’s the club’s favorite Harry Potter activity? The trivia game so far, but everyone’s really excited about Quidditch.

If you keep a goldfish in a dark room it will eventually turn white.

Hayley Cook, freshman

Termites eat through wood two times faster when listening to rock music. Sources: http://www.snapple.com/retired-facts/

–Compiled by Kelsey Knorp

BEARD: Males get scruffy during November Continued from page B2 “I kind of feel pressured to participate because everyone expects me to have a beard,” Fitzgerald said. Some of this attention is not always normal or positive. Even jokingly, Fitzgerald has been harassed because of his beard. “I’ve had strangers touch my face. A lot of ‘Hey Abraham Lincoln’ or ‘Hey Jewish guy’ (and) ‘Hey you’re that guy with the beard, why did you shave?’ because usually it’s more important to them than me,” Fitzgerald said. Scott Braly is among the most recognized bearded teachers on campus. “(I) have always (grown a beard) for the Granite Bay Beard Growing Contest, and it was my idea originally, 16 years ago,” Braly said. Braly went on to describe the origin of this contest in more detail. “ I usually grow a full beard this time of year from the beginning of Thanksgiving break until the new year or beyond, (and I) just thought I’d see if anybody wanted to,” he said. According to Braly, a beard can make a significant difference in a person’s lifestyle. “It keeps your face very warm on cold days. You don’t really notice it when it is coming in because it grows in slowly, but when you shave it off, you really, really feel it on your face.” Braly said. Though there are several positives, there are a few negative aspects of having a beard as well. “I do like a full beard for warmth, bug control, and everything else. It grows in pretty thick but I don’t like that it is becoming (grayer) every year,” Braly said. For men, facial hair is a way of showing masculinity. “A lot of male students think it is pretty cool because some of them can’t grow facial hair yet. They respect people who do. They think it’s cool,” Braly said.

Gazette photo /RILEY MACMILLAN

Who is your celebrity crush? Alex Pettyfer

What are you most afraid of? Spiders

How do you like your eggs? Sunny-side up

Favorite cartoon? Maggie and the ferocious beast

When do you normally go to sleep? I have a bedtime and that is ten.

Coke or Pepsi? Pepsi

Do you have an innie or outie? Innie

Continued from page B2

it was not a ‘closed,’ or private group. “People have been posting things that are totally irrelevant or using it as a social thing,” Byam said. Even some teachers are available on Facebook to help students out if they need it. “I’ll just check my iPhone and if a bunch of messages are in my email I’ll just go on and clarify things,” said Dell’Orto. “It actually helps (the students) when they’re worried about something.” The perspective of student and teacher interaction on Facebook varies. “I like being able to just collaborate with the students without constant supervision,” Reynolds said. “Truthfully, I haven’t met a teacher that’s as interactive

with their students on Facebook as Dell’Orto is.” “Some teachers like to keep their Facebook pages as a more private thing,” said sophomore Reed Klaeser, who is a member of an online group for Honors Chemistry. “But often other teachers will see it as a window for better connectivity with the students, and it often helps kids learn better when you’re able to ask questions directly to that teacher all the time.” Despite the academic benefits it has to offer, many students have voiced their opinion against having Facebook unblocked at the school. “I’m sure from an administrative perspective, banning Facebook makes sense as it keeps students more focused,” Gupta said. Reynolds agrees that perhaps Facebook access isn’t

Has the Harry Potter Club decided which books and which movies are the best? Nobody could agree... it was pretty evenly split.

–Compiled by Hayley McAvoy

ONLINE: Students collaborate about classes via Facebook

necessary at school, and serves as a more effective resource at home. “When you’re at school you have these individuals around you and you can talk to them,” Reynolds said. “As far as use during class I don’t think it’ll make much of a difference.” Of course, a lot can change because of the advancement of technology and the lenient attitude many have adopted towards it. “Our site basically blocks a lot of things that kids can bypass with their own cell phones and coverage plans,” Dell’Orto said. “It won’t be long until we just drop a lot of our (security) anyways just because it costs a lot of money to keep filters up for things that kids can get to on their own.”

How many members are in the club? There (are) about 15 of us, but different people show up to different days.

–Compiled by Sydney Kahmann

early: Graduating in winter Continued from page B1

Furthermore, Pexa has known several people who have graduated early and had great experiences, which encouraged realize that I had finished everything her to consider graduating early in the until I looked at it this year,” Pexa said. first place. In fact, Pexa hadn’t seriously consid“I have known some people ered graduating early that have graduated early and at all until the beginit has always worked out for ning of her senior them,” Pexa said. “One of year but, surprised at my close friends is graduathow close she was to I don’t really ing early too, so that kind fulfilling the graduof reminded me that (early ation requirements, see the point graduation) was an option, so she looked into it in me staying I looked into it and decided to more. do it too.” “It had crossed any longer.” Regardless of what motimy mind a couple vates students to graduate of times but I didn’t - Ally Pexa, early, in almost every case the think that I would student is ready to move on be able to do it... but senior and leave high school behind. then I could, so I Because of this, students did,” Pexa said. who graduate rarely come Much like Reyes, back for any school-related Pexa found her events other than the graduation cerfriends to be rather skeptical about the emony. Many of them don’t even go to idea but her family more supportive. Senior Ball. “Some of my friends are … sad that “Most of them just want to be in the I’m leaving but my family thinks it’s the graduation ceremony. That’s all they right decision for me because I didn’t really want. That’s all their parents really really enjoy high school very much,” Pexa said. want,” Raycraft said.

SCHOLARSHIP: Tribe descendants receive money for college Continued from page B3

source of financial aid. Though not guaranteed a scholarship, Snell maintains an optimistic outlook on the matter. “I think people should know that just because you apply for this scholarship or financial aid does not mean you cannot afford going to college,” Snell said. “College is very costly, and I think that it is great that people are given this opportunity to help and support themselves with more money.” Dr. Dean Chavers, director of Catching the Dream (otherwise known as Native American Scholarship Fund), holds a Ph. D in communication research. As the director of Catching the Dream, Chavers believes students should not limit themselves to the amount of scholarship possibilities available. “There is no limit to the number of scholarships you can win,” Chavers said.

However, Chavers specified that a Native American applicant must prove through a Certificate of Indian Blood that their ancestors belonged to a certain tribe. These certificates can be issued by either the Bureau of Indian Affairs or the tribe directly. “Only the tiny tribes have to get a CIB from BIA,” Chavers said. “Almost all the ones we get come to us from the tribe.” An applicant must list both parents as well as prove that he or she is one-fourth Native American in order to qualify for the scholarship. Possible conflicts occur through the process of awarding these specific scholarships, putting Native American descendants in danger of losing scholarship opportunities. One of these obstacles presents itself through other applicants who falsely claim to be Native American. “Almost none of the colleges require a CIB,” Chavers said. “In effect, the fake Indians take away money from Indians with a CIB.”

Chavers recognizes a tendency in specific ethnicities and their advantages in a scholarship setting. “Almost any minority person has a slight advantage to get into college,” Chavers said. “The most successful are some Asians, who outperform everyone in high school and college. What is the dropout rate in the U. S.? About 20%. What is the dropout rate in Japan? 2%.” Misunderstandings are often formed about the financial extent of these scholarships, because many feel that they are often unjustly awarded simply because of racial identification. “Many people, including the students, their parents, the high school counselors, principals, etc., think that if Indian students go to college they will be on financial aid,” Chavers said. “That is not necessarily the case; you must realize that Indian schools are the worst in the U. S. The number of Indian students who qualify for an Ivy League school is miniscule, fewer than 300 per year.”

SERVICE: Students and teachers take time to give back to the community Continued from page B2 difference this event makes in the outlooks of those students is as impactful for Wachs as being able to change the lives of foster children. Ever the optimist, Wachs firmly believes that people are by nature good. By putting on events like this one, she hopes to provide opportunities for people who want to help but don’t know how to get involved. “I just put it out there … for people who want to help and people are just amazing and always step up,” Wachs said. “When you give people opportunities to be good and to help, people always step up.” Senior Sydney Lorek is a testament to this philosophy. She is a member of the National Charity League and has contributed hundreds of volunteer hours working at local hospitals, soup kitchens, thrift stores and more.

“The National Charity League requires that you contribute a certain amount of hours (of community service) per year,” Lorek said. “It actually opens up your opportunities. I never before would have been involved in St. Vincent de Paul’s soup kitchen or the thrift stores… or the Special Olympics.” Not only does Lorek volunteer at individual events like these, but she works at two different hospitals on a weekly basis. “I volunteer weekly at Sutter Roseville in three departments and Mercy San Juan Medical Center in one department,” Lorek said. “I follow the nurses and basically do whatever needs to be done to help them.” Despite the many hours she commits to community service, Lorek remains humble about her contributions and insists that what she gets out of her volunteer work far exceeds what she puts into it. “I contribute so many hours in my volunteer work but I am getting so much more out of it than my impact on other people,” Lorek said.

Many students actively contribute to the community through involvement in an on-campus club. The Key Club, for example, organized an event along with their adult counterpart club the Kiwanis Club to collect and donate food. “We are… putting together Christmas baskets,” said Jennifer Hill, Spanish teacher and Key Club advisor. “A whole bunch of food has been donated by a ton of people from around the community specifically the Kiwanis Club of Granite Bay.” On Saturday, Dec. 10, volunteers from the Key Club paired with members from the Kiwanis Club and collected more food, organized the food into individual baskets and delivered the baskets to local families in need. “We’ll just load up the car with the Key Club members and the Christmas basket and they drive off to the family,” Hill said. According to Hill, this event is very emotionally rewarding for all those involved and also has the largest

turn out of all Key Club sponsored events throughout the year. “In the past, kids have said that this has been the most… impactful,” Hill said. “It really is the one event that they talk about all year long.” Hill has been the club advisor for several years and has helped the Key Club put it on for three years in a row now. According to her, the experience can be heartbreaking but is also very inspiring. “It’s really depressing when you see these little kids and they have nothing to eat,” Hill said. “You get there at the door and the family just like lights up, the kids dance around and it’s a beautiful thing.” Much like Wachs, Hill has noticed a higher rate of student involvement in volunteer work over the course of the holidays. “We have events all year long but more kids come out for this event than any other event all year,” Hill said. “Maybe that’s because it’s the holiday season.”

Lifestyle B5

Friday, December 16, 2011 w The Granite Bay Gazette

College of the Month: Dominican University of California

Gazette illustration/CHASE EVANS

Who: 1,586 undergraduate students Where: San Rafael, California Tuition and Fee Cost: $37,350 Acceptance Rate: 52.5% U.S. News Ranking: #37 (regional universities west) Athletics: the Penguins • In 2009 Dominican transferred from NAIA to NCAA Division II status as a member of the Pacific West Conference. • Dominican offers 12 intercollegiate programs men’s and women’s basketball, soccer, golf and cross country. • They also have a women’s vol-

leyball, tennis and softball teams and a men’s lacrosse team. Mascot: Chilly the Penguin Academics: • 12:1 student faculty ratio • 57.2% of its classes have less than 20 students. • Dominican offers more than 60 academic programs and degrees to undergraduate and graduate students. • The most popular majors at Dominican are Nursing, Business Administration and Management and Psychology. • Students who attend Dominican come from all across the

United States as well as from 18 foreign countries including Brazil, China, Ireland, Russia, Spain, Taiwan, Thailand and Turkey. • Dominican offers study abroad programs in Japan, Australia, Spain, Sweden, Indonesia and South Africa. • They have an online Mentorship Program that connects alumni to current Dominican students with the same majors, to provide advice and assistance. Fun Facts: • Dominican is only 12 miles

away from San Francisco. • The final debate in the California gubernatorial election in 2010 between Meg Whitman and Jerry Brown took place at Dominican’s Angelico Hall. • There is a Mountain Biking and Sailing club at Dominican. • Dominican has their own radio station run by students. • The university’s Student Government program host events such as Movies on the Lawn, the Penguin Ball and an End of the Year Pool Party - Compiled by Dorien Johnk

MILITARY: WRAPPING: Gazette staff challenges ASB to wrap-battle Local families struggle with separation over holidays Continued from page B3

The score was tied up, with the final round left. During this last round, both contestants from each team would participate in wrapping the last gift. The time limit was increased from 90 seconds to three minutes, and the winning team would win the entire competi-

Continued from page B1 still somewhat new for junior Michelle Dupar, whose brother Blake graduated in 2010 and has been in training for about a year. “He wasn’t a school kind of person so he didn’t want to go to college right away,” Michelle said. “He just thought that helping the country (by) going into the Navy would be a good way to do something with his life.” She explains that Blake chose the Navy over the Army or Marines because he can still do his part without being on the front lines. He underwent boot camp last winter, and was unable to come home for Christmas with his family. “It was really weird because when (Blake) left, my other brother came home,” Michelle said. “They hadn’t seen each other in two years, and they didn’t get to hang out (at Christmas).” Michelle said she and her family were It was not able to contact Blake really on Christmas tough on because he did not have access my mom to a phone durbecause ing boot camp. “My parents she really and (Blake’s) missed girlfriend wrote him letters behim. cause you can’t have any elec– Michelle tronics,” she said. “It was Dupar, really tough on junior my mom because she really missed him.” Blake graduated from boot camp in February, but Michelle has only been able to see him for a total of a week and a half since he left last November. Currently he is training in Connecticut, but in the next few months he will be deployed to either San Diego or Hawaii to be stationed on a submarine. Science teacher Scott Braly is able to provide insight from a parental perspective, as his stepson Phillip Fulgham served in the Marines for five years and did three tours in Iraq. Fulgham graduated from GBHS with the class of 2002 and reported to Camp Pendleton in July. Since three of his five years of service were spent on tour, Fulgham was unable to spend Christmas at home for the majority of his service. “It was hard sitting around the dinner table Christmas Eve and Christmas Day with the family, (knowing that) the one person who’s not there is overseas,” Braly said. In addition to Braly and his wife, Fulgham’s family includes his biological father, a brother and a sister, who all struggled with his absence. “It was hard on all of us, but especially my wife,” Braly said. “But you trust that they’re safe, that they’re well trained, that they’re doing their job.” Though Braly and his family were not able to speak with Fulgham frequently, they often mailed him care packages full of treats and things that he was unable to obtain by other means while on tour. Fulgham’s grandparents are also involved in a program that collects monetary and material donations to send to troops overseas. Though Fulgham has been out of service for four years and now works as a diesel mechanic, he still does not reveal much to his family about his experience in Iraq. “You know that they’re in harm’s way,” Braly said. “But you hope, you pray, and you have positive thoughts.”

tion. Both teams readied their wrapping paper and tape. The timer started, and the round began. Speeding through the process, the Student Government team frantically tore a hefty piece of wrapping paper and scrappily taped it down to the box. They had finished wrapping with nearly half of the time left. The Gazette team, on the other hand,

used the extra time to their advantage by carefully going through the wrapping process. With only about 15 seconds left, the Gazette team suffered a rather severe tear in the wrapping paper, forcing them to improvise. They used tape to quickly patch the tear as Pawlak placed the finishing bow on top of the box, meanwhile Student Government decorated the gift with an excess of bows.

The results ended in a dispute between the teams as to whose was better wrapped, and, as a tiebreaker, they had no choice but to ask a third party spectator. After examining both gifts, the bystander rewarded the victory to the Gazette. “It was one of those stereotypical comeback victories,” said Pawlak. “We came from the behind and ended up winning.”

BROMANCE: Three friends brought together in close friendship Continued from page B3

a close man-friend, anything goes as long as he calls nohomo,” Romuk said. Senior Nate Brilingtton also shared his perspective of his bromances: with both Romuk and Long. “We hang out all the time, go to the gym together, go to dinner a lot and always hang out at each other’s houses,” Brilingtton said. “Bromance is bros having romance”. While Brilingtton can give a short and sweet definition of bromance, things get a little complicated in the world of bromance for senior Jordan Long. Long mentioned the same story of first meeting Romuk and said they had some special connection.

“In that Honors Chemistry class, there were a lot of cool guys, but Scott and I just clicked the most,” Long said. Long and Romuk have deep talks about life and ladies, play Hotshots together, spot each other at the gym, have midnight snacks at Mel’s and go tanning. “We’re really supportive of each other and when we tan we make sure we get the best results, so we lather each other in baby oil,” Long said. Another bromance Long is in is with fellow senior Ian Baumbach. “We’ve known each other since 7th grade, but not until this year has our bromance gotten serious,” Long said. “We hang out in media class and like filming together, hugging and having cuddle sessions.” Long returned the love in his bromance with Brilingt-

ton and said how much they flirt with each other, go on lunch dates and practice singing together. While those are his main bromances, Long still has many others at GBHS. “Brendan Keeney and I cheer each other on,” Long said. “Jake Neptune and I party together and learn about fish together, Brian Pocock and I have “like” wars on Facebook and Will Harkin and I always have cuddle sessions and tan.” Long is definitely an avid participant in the bromance scene at school and is no doubt very partial to it. “Bromance is pretty much an acceptable way of dating a guy without getting seductive and flirty. Bromances are cool because you can have many bromances at one time, unlike girls, which you can only date one at a time.”

STUDY: Students talk test prep techniques and methods Continued from page B3 An alternative from the IB route is taking AP and honors courses. Sophomore Johnny Zhang has had a very difficult course load for the soon-toend fall semester. Currently, he’s taking the AP European History and English 10 block, Honors Physics, Honors Pre-Calculus and Honors Chemistry. Outside of class, he is part of the varsity boys’ tennis team and the robotics club. This means he has very little time to waste being unproductive. When studying, he sets a schedule and a time limit on how long he should concentrate on one subject, and then switch to another subject. However, his method

and motivation for getting homework done is from a source no one would expect: television. “Every night, I want to watch a lot of television,” Zhang said. “I work quietly by myself with a consistent pace, so I would have time to watch my television sitcoms later.” Senior Natalie Kreeger is currently enrolled in AP Government, AP Microeconomics and AP Language. On top of this, she is also the captain of the speech and debate team. Kreeger has been taking difficult courses since her sophomore year, and recognizes the importance of practicing good study habits in order to do well in these courses. “The majority of the classes I take are AP classes and I (have) found that they

go by really fast because you only have a semester to fit in an entire year’s course,” Kreeger said. She also discovered that during junior year, she needed to minimize the time spent by procrastinating and also needed to prevent herself doing all the work in one night. Working on assignments and studying for exams through a drawn out period of time yielded better results. “I found it really helpful going home and reviewing and studying what I learned at school that day so the information keeps with me,” Kreeger said. “It’s always good to review every single night what is actually going on in my classes.” Kreeger believes that being behind on one assignment or lesson will result in a domino effect that causes the student to be behind on the entire class.

Another pattern Kreeger has noticed is the importance of having a good start in the beginning of the semester. “It’s really hard to pull yourself back up in terms of grades,” Kreeger said. “I hate going into a semester with a low grade with the entire rest of the semester trying to work myself back up.” To prevent this from happening, students must adhere to what the teachers want in different assignments and figure out how they frame their tests. Also, students must avoid just regurgitating the information taught, and instead thoroughly analyzing and understanding the instructions. “For example, the more you work out math problems, the better you become,” Kreeger said. “It’s true. Practice makes perfect.”

Continued from page B3; The un-Official SAT practice guide answers: 1. C, 2. A, 3. F, 4. H, 5. G, 6. D, 7. J, 8. B, 9. I, 10. E

B6 Lifestyle

Thursday, December 16, 2011

Through good times and bad, they’ve got your

w The Granite Bay Gazette

BACK

Eye-catching knapsacks are a means of self-expression BY SHINEUI PARK

spark.gazette@gmail.com

tudents are often in need of backpacks to go about their everyday lives at school, but this item has transformed from an essential back-to-school supply to an essential accessory. A lot can be said about a person’s character just based on looking at his or her backpack since they are now often personalized or chosen according to the carrier’s taste or style. Senior Rachel Pae recently jumped on the rucksack bandwagon by purchasing one from Urban Outfitters a month and a half ago. Pae initially walked into the Urban Outfitters store with junior Chiyoh Arai with no intention of buying anything since the store’s items are known for being expensive. But then, Pae discovered an appealing backpack that was on sale for $10, one that came in multiple colors. “Because of its good price, I told (Arai) that we should both buy them and have matching backpacks for school,” Pae said. “She has the dark blue one with pink polka dots while I have the grey one with white polka dots.” Although her backpack is smaller in size than the average backpack, Pae has no trouble carrying all her needed school items. Actually, all she carries is one small student government binder and two notebooks for AP Government and AP Microeconomics. Pae also finds it useful that her backpack does not have any zippers, only magnetic buttons and drawstrings.

“On a scale of one to 10, I would rate it an 11 because it’s unique and no one has it except me (and Chiyoh),” Pae said. Instead of going for the ordinary backpack styles and brands popular among teenagers such as Dakine and Jansport, there are some who follow an alternative route by buying cartoonthemed or children backpacks. After sophomore Kiersten Villarreal bought her $10 frogfigured backpack at Old Navy, she received a plethora of compliments. “The fact that it looks like it wants to jump out and hug you makes it look so lovable,” Villarreal said. Since Villarreal’s previous backpack was too large, she decided that it was time to carry something lighter that is still able to hold the items she needs. Her frog backpack may be small, but Villarreal decided that if excess notebooks, binders and books do not fit in her backpack, then there isn’t a need for them. “You should only carry the essential books, pens and pencils, instead of huge amounts of makeup and stuff,” Villarreal said. Villarreal believes that her backpack reflects her character. “Since I usually wake up early in the morning and have this tired look on my face, (people think) I look like I’m in a bad mood,” Villarreal said. “But once they see my cute backpack, they want to give me a hug.” However, Villarreal’s frog backpack isn’t the only backpack on campus that mimics an animal. Freshman Matthew Postell has been in possession of a turtle shell backpack since seventh grade. As he was walking around the mall two years ago, Postell

laid his eyes on this $45 turtle shell backpack and was determined to buy it. Unfortunately, the zipper eventually broke from trying to carry around all the books he needed for school. Postell recently bought a new $7 Buzz Lightyear backpack from Walmart, but it still does not compare to his previous backpack. “The Buzz Lightyear backpack is pretty cool, but I definitely love the turtle one a lot more,” Postell said. “I thought it was original. It was sad seeing it break.” A trait he favors about the Buzz Lightyear backpack is the fact that it has two large pockets that can fit everything Postell needs. But one commendable feature about the turtle backpack is that it acted as a real turtle shell that was waterproof and protected everything inside it. “Whenever it was raining, I saw that my turtle shell was all wet and slippery looking, and I worried about all my things getting wet,” Postell said. “But when I checked inside, everything was all safe and dry.” Using a unique backpack also inspired Postell to carry around a unique “treasure.” One day, Postell passed by a rock that appealed to him and decided to pick it up, write the word “swag” on it, and give it the name “swag rock.” “I carried it around for a while because I just simply liked it,” Postell said. The turtle shell backpack will always win over Postell’s favor because of its convenient size and style. “Once I get enough money, I’m going to buy another one,” Postell said. “But I’ll still be keeping my Buzz Lightyear backup.”

Sports

Granite Bay Gazette

C Section

Friday w December 16, 2011

Commentary

The year after their greatest season

austin downs

adowns.gazette@gmail.com

The deeper meaning of youth sports

othing could compare to the thrill and excitement of being a young athlete on a Saturday morning soccer game. Not because of the coming performance of my athletic ability but because of the true best part of game days: the after-game snack. While now a Capri Sun and Oreo’s does not seem like much, back than it was one of the greatest things my childish mind could comprehend. But even though Capri Sun’s and Oreo’s are tasty, that is not the point I am trying to get across. The treats you got after a morning game are merely a representation of the innocent yet important experience of being involved in youth sports. As a child, I played the following sports on some level: basketball, football, soccer and swimming. The only sport that I was above average in was soccer, but that didn’t stop me from playing those other sports. To me, youth sports go beyond the simple meaning of a place to have fun in a worry-free environment; they offer a chance to develop basic social skills, build relationships with mentors and can lead you down a better path of life. The beauty of playing in recreational sports at an early age is that you don’t have to possess a whole lot of talent in order to have fun, a stark contrast when you want to compete at a higher level. I remember when I was on an indoor soccer team many years ago and there was a teammate by the name of Brandon (I can’t remember his last name and then he moved away in middle school). Now, Brandon wasn’t the most coordinated kid around, but what makes him stand out in my memory is his attitude. Man, this kid never gave up on anything presented to him during the game and never had a bad attitude. But my God was Brandon a bad player. From my own experience, there was nothing more frustrating than having someone on my team with a poor attitude and didn’t want to cooperate with the rest of the team. Another positive memory I have of playing youth sports is the coaching aspect. Except for one baseball coach I had in third grade, all of my coaches impacted me in a positive way. Whenever I got frustrated during a game (which thankfully wasn’t often), my coach would offer words of encouragement to help me. Not only did they impact me during that season, they helped me beyond that season with them. Since I was fortunate enough to have such great coaches, I would continue to play that sport and enjoy it so much because of how the coach made me feel. If I had had a terrible coach that I despised, I probably wouldn’t want to come back next year to that sport. The more I look back at my youth sport experiences, the more positive feelings come with it. I was lucky enough to have that opportunity to enrich my life in that way at a young age. And it is a shame if anyone I know was unfortunate enough not to have the opportunity I had.

*** Austin Downs, a junior, is a Gazette sports editor.

Junior Scott Romuk stays calm while shooting a free throw in Monday’s home game against Bella Vista. Gazette photos / RACHAEL VASQUEZ

GBHS boys’ varsity basketball team looks to repeat last year’s success BY AUSTIN DOWNS

adowns.gazette@gmail.com

t the end of last season, Granite Bay High School boys’ basketball head coach Jason Sitterud found himself wondering what this year’s season would be like after a successful team last year. “I knew it would be…different,” Sitterud said. (Different) in that it would be fun to work with a new group of guys.” Last year’s team saw the departure of eight seniors, and most of the players that graduated had been with Sitterud for most of their high school basketball careers. This year the team only has five seniors. With a noticeable lack of seniors on the team, Sitterud at the end of last season expressed concern over this year’s team overall experience. “We had a lot of (juniors) work with us in the spring and Junior Daniel Romero goes for a layup against two Bella Vista High School players. The Grizzlies have been with them since May,” Sitterud said. won the non-league game 74-62. GBHS is trying to duplicate last year’s tremendous success.

Girls’ volleyball season: a success?

Kiah Drogeson

Girls’ volleyball libero benefited from Ingram’s unique coaching style.

Coach’s tough style proves beneficial BY MAT FUKUHARA

mfukuhara.gazette@gmail.com

The Granite Bay High School girls’ varsity volleyball team finished its fall season with a record of 24-8 and a second-place finish in the Sac-Joaquin Section Div. I playoffs. Many members of the team even received Sierra Foothill League awards. Sophomore Taylor Nelson, a right-side hitter and setter, was named the SFL co-MVP, while junior right-side hitter Chandler Awalt and senior right-side hitter Kassie Donnells received honorable mention. With the best season the team has seen in a number of years, head coach Jamie Ingram was named the SFL girls’ volleyball Coach of the Year. Ingram attributes this year’s success to a result of adjustments she has made over the past few seasons based on player and parent feedback. She said each season comes with a new and diverse group of players and various expectations. Luckily, her back-

ground has helped mold the team into the success it was this recent season. “I come from the college world and automatically thought that high school was run the same way,” Ingram said. “But over the years, I’ve learned that it’s a lot different than the college world.” One of the most dramatic differences Ingram has seen is the difference in athletic motivation between college and high school athletes. “In college, (athletes are) playing almost as though it’s a job, and they’re living to meet expectations, whereas in high school ... (athletes are) playing because it’s fun,” Ingram said. “My biggest problem is that I’m too intense, too high strung. I’m putting too much pressure on the girls (at this level).” Junior defensive specialist Kristin Kurpershoek, who has played for the team in the past, said Ingram was a much more intense coach last year, and she has since made severe changes in her coaching style.

Maddy Wallace

Former high school volleyball player chose not to try out due to issues with the coach. “She’s definitely better this year,” Kurpershoek said. “She doesn’t make us run as much (as she did in the past) when we would have to run six microwaves (the equivalent of six sets of four suicides) in three minutes and if you didn’t finish within three minutes, you would have to start over.” Instead, this year Ingram allowed the team to run miles instead of microwaves, but she later changed this again to wall touches when players expressed concern over the intensity of the miles. See VOLLEYBALL, page C5

It would be fun to work with a new group of guys. – Jason Sitterud, head coach

Tryouts for the team were a success, according to Sitterud. There were no players cut, but all of the players who came out were either on the team last year or had been on JV last year. One of the first things that Sitterud noticed about the new boys’ team was their shooting. “I think that this year’s team can shoot a little better than last year’s team, but last year’s team was a little more athletic See VICTORY, page C5

Wrestling features new and determined coaches

Trout and Cooley have high hopes BY CHASE EVANS

cevans.gazette@gmail.com

After Shane Dixon resigned after a legacy of four straight Sierra Foothill League (SFL) championships, Mike Trout and Robert Cooley were brought in to continue the winning tradition. Dixon decided to step down as head coach due to his teaching responsibilities which lead to a search for new head coaches. Marcus Stevens, the assistant Athletic Director, put out a search for candidates on the district website, attracting applicants for the job. After all the applicants applied, the athletics board decided to hire Trout and Cooley as the new cohead coaches of Granite Bay High School wrestling. Trout, a GBHS alum, is currently a Spanish teacher at Oakmont High School. He holds football records at GBHS and wrestled competitively all throughout junior high and high school. “When I went to college and

played rugby and minored in physical education, I learned a lot about the body and conditioning,” Trout said. Trout was an assistant coach for Oakmont’s wrestling team last year and was excited for this new opportunity. “I was really looking forward to going to my original high school to coach,” Trout said. “It was such a big part of my life for four years, and now I get a chance to go back and help the students there.” “While faculty gets first choice at coaching positions, we thought that (Trout) was a perfect fit with his background in both wrestling and our school,” Stevens said. Trout emphasized that his passion for sports and kids is based off of making their lives better. “My goal is to make the kids better people,” Trout said. “I believe that wrestling is a great example of life and I want to show that to the kids.” While he still wants to win a title of some sort, Trout sees victory in a different way. “I want to give the kids the See WRESTLING, page C5

inside sports Athlete of the Month

Sports Briefs

Grizz Quiz

Rising Star

Fan of the Month Senior Jordan Long shows fellow Tribe members what it really means to be spirited.

Maintaining a healthy body during winter Don’t let the cold be the reason for all of that unnecessary weight.

Fantasy Football hype spreads to GBHS Students and teachers participate in statistic based game together.

C2 Sports

Friday, December 16, 2011w The Granite Bay Gazette

Winter sports get rolling for GBHS athletes Girls’ basketball “(Our team is) very young, and we only had four returning players from the varsity (team). Our expectations are to play hard and obviously try to improve last year’s record. We’re not a very tall team, but we have some athleticism so we want to take advantage, of that and play good, hard basketball.” Coach Angel Delgadillo

Boys’ basketball “The guys have been working hard, and we should be playing our best basketball by the end of the year. We lost a lot of seniors and are fairly young. With that being said, these guys have a huge upside and will surprise a lot of people. (I’m) looking foward to competing against some of the best teams in the area.” Coach Jason Sitterud

Wrestling “I think that we have a really good chance at repeating as Foothills Champions and at really being one of the best teams in the section, if not the state...we have a lot of talented wrestlers that are coming up in the ranks.” Coach Mike Trout

“(I’m looking foward to) getting to know my teammates better, devolping more as a team (with) bonding and getting to know each other and how we play.” Junior Gia France

“I’m looking foward to having a good season and hopefully we do good and hopefully we can win League. Our teams looking pretty good right now. We play good defense and we have a lot of good shooters.” Junior Daniel Romaro

“I’m looking foward to a good season and hanging out with a bunch of fun wrestlers, and the season should be great because we were really good last year and didn’t lose to anybody. So our team should still be doing really well this year and possibly win League.” Sophomore Matthew Berry

Gazette photo /Austin Downs, Chase Evans and Kristin Taylor

-Compiled by Meghan Carlsen

Volleyball finishes second in very tough SFL Several Grizzly teams are victorious in Sierra Foothill League championships BY MATHEW FUKUHARA mfukuhara.gazette@gmail.com

The Grizzly girls’ volleyball team was coached this year by Jamie Ingram, who received Sierra Foothill League Coach of the Year honors. The team finished with a 24-8 record and second place in the Sierra Foothill League and advanced on. They Sac-Joaquin Section Div. 1 tournament. Sophomore Taylor Nelson was named the SFL’s co-Most Valuable Player, while junior Chandler Awalt Football wins and senior Kassie Div. I title Donnells were named See page A1 honorable mention AllLeague players. Sophomore Nicolette Pinkney recalled the playoffs as a benchmark to the team’s performance. “We had a couple of good blocks and serves, and I think everyone contributed and had one good play (during one of the play-off games,” Pinkney said. “Our front row hitters did a really good job getting around their block, which is really difficult to overcome, so it was pretty intense.” Improvements were the biggest contributing factor this season’s success, and Pinkney saw the players support each oth-

er since the season began. “Communication and passing were a couple of big things we worked on, and we had a couple of good setters and a couple of really experienced players that helped out to overcome obstacles,” Pinkney said. Pinkney enjoyed the season and hopes to continue in the same spirit next season. “I think it was fun – the girls are really nice, and it was fun to go that far. I have never been on varsity before, so it was really fun to go to playoffs this year,” Pinkney said. Girls’ golf This season, girls’ golf won the SFL title and finished fifth at the Masters tournament, which is divisional. Jumior Jenny Gilbert relects on team spirit being her motivation this year. “My favorite part of the season”, Gilbert said, “was going to practice … and seeing all the other girls.” Fellow junior and teammate Chiyoh Arai said the bonding the team did really made a difference in the way they played. After winning the league title, the Grizzlies finished third in the section tournament. Unfortunately, they came up just a few putts short of making it to Nor-Cals, which is out of the Northern California region.

Boys’ soccer Boys’ soccer won the SFL title and made it to the section championship game, where they were upset by Bella Vista. Senior, Brady Nations said one of his favorite parts of the season was going to St. Louis for a tournament and bonding with the team. “I really felt like (I am) part of a family,” he said. Senior, Diego Garcia said his favorite part of the season was playing at Jesuit. The score was a close 3-2 loss. “It felt really good playing (in front of ) over 4,000 people.”

Girls’ tennis Girls’ tennis did very well, also winning an SFL title. Unfortunately, the Grizzlies lost 5-4 in section play. The girls had a special cheer from Zimbabwe that got them pumped for upcoming games. Junior Ashlyn Howes said “(the cheer) really brought us together as a team.” Junior Kamila Kecki said, “I thought our entire team did really (well)… we were all playing really well.” The team’s most memorable part of the season was when the Grizzlies traveled to Fresno for a tournament. “I didn’t know the girls that well yet, so we all ... got to bond,” Kecki said. Boys’ water polo The Grizzlies lost their first league water polo game in recent memory, but they still

managed to claim another SFL title. At the Sac-Joaquin section Div. II tournament, they made it to the semifinals before being eliminated by El Camino. “We probably would have…made the section (chapmionship) game, but we had an injury,” sophomore Chase Cooper said. “We played hard in our section semifinal game, and I think we did really well overall.” Along with injuries, the team faced challenges when 12 seniors graduated last year. “We kind of had to rebuild our team,” Cooper said.

Cross country The cross country team wrapped up the 2011 fall season with the varsity girls’ team finishing second in league and fifth in sections. One of the most impressive athletes this season was sophomore Katie Mersereau who was the section individual champion. She attributed the success this year to the team’s overall strength. “We did really well in league and came in second, beating Roseville. During sections, everyone ran a good race with a very stacked section,” Mersereau said. “It was a team effort this year with all the changes we worked through.” With the success of this season and excellent prospects for next year, Mersereau said she is looking forward to competing along side the incoming freshmen. “We had a very good team with really strong girls, and we’re looking forward to

next season when the girls from Olympus Junior High join the team,” Mersereau said. The varsity boys’ finished fourth in the SFL and varsity runner Trent Brendel had an impressive showing placing second in sections and 43 in the State Meet Qualifier. Girls’ water polo Under the coaching of Genna Masters, the varsity girls’ water polo team finished fourth in league, which was impressive given that the team had little varsity experience last year. Senior Jolie Rogers, who finished her second season for the high school team, reflected on the success this season. “We were pretty good, and it was a good experience because we basically started the season with a bunch of new players with four returning varsity players and only three of them were seniors,” Rogers said. “We started out and it was all up in the air where the season was going to go, but we did well, and I’m really proud of our team.” Rogers sees the team exceeding this year’s success next year as the players grow and become more familiar with each other. “I think they’ll do really well with only three of us graduating, so they’ll have more experience playing together,” Rogers said. “They’ll have the same coach which will be more of an advantage, so I feel they will make it to sections next year.” *** Gazette staff writer Brooklyn Klepl contributed to this report.

Junior Katrina Reeves returns to varsity girls’ basketball with a goal to reach Junior Katrina Reeves shoots a three pointer against Bear River High School on Thurday, Dec. 8. Gazette photo/ RACHAEL VASQUEZ

BY MEGHAN CARLSEN

mcarlsen.gazette@gmail.com

Having been the youngest girl on the varsity girls’ basketball team last year, junior Katrina Reeves has something to prove this season. Reeves officially started playing basketball with an actual team during junior high, but she has been playing the sport for much longer than that. “I started probably (around) 2nd grade,” Reeves said. “I started playing with my brothers and my dad.” Reeves played on the junior varsity team as a freshman,setting her top shooting record as 28 points in one game. While her love of the sport has been nurtured through years of playing around, Reeves feels the height of her basketball career occurred just last year when things became more serious.

“Last year when I was asked to play varsity as a sophomore it made me feel accomplished because I was the youngest person on the team,” Reeves said. “It (was) an honor.” Instead of viewing the age difference as a challenge, Reeves thoroughly enjoyed her season. “I liked it because I got to meet really good friends of mine that were seniors that I wouldn’t have been able to know if I didn’t play on varsity,” Reeves said. The people and team aspect are really the things that drive Reeves

in basketball, not the wins or losses in the book. “The people that I met on varsity are probably the best thing that has happened because of basketball,” Reeves said. Reeves recalls her favorite game was last year’s victory against Roseville High School, which she helped win. As a shooting guard, she is most involved with the offensive side of the game and has grown to be a very successful part of the School’s girls’ basketball program. Although Reeves brought her best game last season, the team’s record didn’t reflect her efforts as she hoped they would, something Reeves hopes will change this year. “We are definitely going to do better than we did last year,” Reeves said. “I already see how much harder our team works together.” There are some changes to team this year, including new and younger players and a new coach.

While Reeves was the only sophomore on the team last year, the dynamic has changed this year. “We have a pretty young team,” Reeves said. “We have a lot of sophomores on our team this year which is new and they really (brings) a different feel to the team.” Reeves is determined to train hard and bring her new team up with her this season, and she thinks people won’t see it coming. “We are going to surprise a lot of people,” Reeves said. “(GBHS) is looked down on for girls’ basketball, but I think we are going to do a lot better than people are expecting.” Reeves has been conditioning since the beginning of November with her new teammates and is hopeful to show what she and her teammates are made of. “I feel like it’s a new start,” Reeves said.

Friday December 10, 2011

w The Granite Bay Gazette

Sports C3

Six ways to stay in top shape over the break Stay fit and healthy while relaxing this Christmas

point where I’m enjoying the things that should be enjoyed,” Pink said.

BY CROSBY ALLISON

callison.gazette@gmail.com

Although healthy eating is always important, the holidays can be a time of temptation considering the hearty meals and excessive, readily available sweets. Watching caloric intakes is an effective first step at staying on track during the winter months. Luckily, regulating caloric intake is becoming easier and easier, due to the cellular applications that simplify the task. My Fitness Pal, Calorie Counter and Lose It! are several examples of such apps, which have been garnering popularity and use and can be accessed on any computer, smart phone or tablet device. Utilizing these and consuming only the necessary amount of food will ensure your figure is maintained. There are many alternatives to everyday foods that are healthier. For instance, pastas made with whole wheat or breads with whole grains are healthier than their counterparts: traditional pasta and white bread. Also, Skim milk can be substituted for milks with higher fat content. Consuming smarter by looking at fat content and the daily vitamin percentages in your meals is an easy way to monitor your weight at all times. Austin Pink, a freshman athlete, talked about his own eating habits during the off season. “I try to eat healthy enough to the point where I’m not jeopardizing my own life, but I also like to eat bad enough to the

Go outside for runs regularly! – Since oxygen is a requirement for human bodies to function properly, and due to the large presence of oxygen in our atmosphere, going for runs is a great way to supply your lungs with the good stuff. Going for daily runs can be a hard habit to instill, but the payoff of a lowered standing heart rate and improved stamina serves as compensation. Even so, convincing yourself to go for a run can be hard, yet listening to music or figuring out a reward for running will help motivate physical activity. Start an exercise routine! – A moderate and maintainable exercise regime, if properly sustained, can become habitual. Hannah Long, a GBHS junior, explained her own exercise regimen. “I do fifty minutes of cardio, five days a week,” Long said. “I am also taking a gym class, and I lift weights to build muscle.” Get outside every day! - Simply going out for at least ten minutes to get the daily-recommended amount of vitamin D is necessary to maintaining a healthy lifestyle. However, during the months when clouds are often overhead, getting a good amount of vitamin D can take longer, due to reduced ultraviolet B rays. Therefore, staying out longer when it’s overcast should work, although it’s recommended that you wear sunscreen while doing so. Get a gym membership! - If you can commit a monthly payment to a gym, it’s more likely you’ll make use of the gym’s services. Typical gym rates are around $50 per month, but there are plenty of spe-

cials and discounts to be utilized. Several local gyms include: Gold’s Gym, Johnson Ranch and California Family Fitness. GBHS junior Justin Habashi is a member at Gold’s Gym. “I go to Gold’s Gym, for about, on average, an hour a day… It is not expensive, they gave me a family discount (of) about $20 per month,” Habashi said.

Gazette illustration/CHASE EVANS

Don’t be sedentary! – Research has revealed copious amounts of information about what sitting for extended periods of time does to the human body. From enlarging the posterior to preventing the full digestion of food, lazing can make it difficult to stay physically fit. Instead, standing up to do things

instead of sitting for long periods of time can prevent these adverse effects and will be better for circulation. Studies also indicate that fidgeting or moving around compulsively while sitting can prevent the effects of sitting too much and can burn some calories. Don’t be afraid to twitch a little.

Players devote to multiple sports and flourish Athletes keep play even when commitment causes sacrifices BY MEGHAN CARLSEN

mcarlsen.gazette@gmail.com

While signing up for classes in the fall, junior Zak Lilley looked down at the list of classes and started to put together his schedule, something that seems to be so much more complicated for him than for his classmates. Lilley is a multi-sport athlete who plays football and baseball at Granite Bay High School. Three classes (Athletic PE fall, Athletic PE spring, and Weight Training in the spring) were specifically assigned to him because of his sports and because the coaches’ want to keep their players in shape the whole year and get maximum practice time out of them. Because of this, Lilley was pushed to the decision of taking AP U.S. history at Sierra College over the summer because there was just no room in his class schedule. “It was a little annoying,” Lilley said. “(But) I just play sports (anyway).” Despite the trouble it has caused him, Lilley continues to play both sports and doesn’t see an end for his athletic career in sight yet. Many other athletes at GBHS are devoted to multiple sports as well, despite the time commitment and various sacrifices that come with such a dedication.

Senior Will Harkin has played both soccer and lacrosse from a very young age and still hasn’t picked a favorite. “I switch off,” Harkin said. “Whenever I’m in lacrosse season, I like lacrosse better, and whenever I’m in soccer season, I like soccer better.” Harkin’s love of those sports has kept him committed to both. But other athletes who favor one sport still continue to be involved in another or possibly two other sports, simply because they still find some enjoyment in the secondary sport. Junior Scott Romuk plays baseball and basketball at a varsity level and is on a traveling baseball travel team. He prefers baseball, but enjoys both sports. “Baseball’s fun; I like being outdoors and hanging with my friends,” Romuk said. “Basketball I just like it; I guess I’ve always had a good body for it.” Junior Kristin Kurpershoek has also had her fair share of experience with commitment for sports. She started playing softball, and Hotshots basketball throughout her childhood and later volleyball when she was thirteen at Olympus Junior High School. Throughout her high school career, she has played softball, volleyball and basketball for GBHS and has also played club softball and volleyball. However, this year Kupershoek

decidied not to play GBHS efits of participating in multiple sports and feels the disadvantages basketball. are more on the personal side Problems being a multisport rather than anything else. athlete traditionally include a “The con (of doing multiple huge time commitment that can sports) is, I think, that sometimes affect class work, social life and you can just be too busy that you physical and mental health. don’t have enough down-time,” Even though most would think Kelly said. that pediatricians would be in “A lot of the sports have confavor of teens participating in a ditioning for this part of the year, multitude of sports they do have and the actual games (during some reservations. another) part of the year and if the “I think that teens playing conditioning for (one) sport overmultiple sports, need to be very laps with the games careful because of (another) sport, when you do a It’s really you can be kind lot of sports you of overextended,” tend to be more hard to get my Kelly said. likely to get homework done Many athletes injuries,” said feel that they Dr. Jill Walsh, a everynight behaven’t felt the pediatrician from cause you have same amount of Mercy Medical stress when it comes Group. “I think to pack it all in to class selection. everything has and...prioritize. The difference to be in modera– Junior Kristin Kurperbetween Lilly and tion.” many other multiThere are obshoek sport athletes is the vious benefits of specific sport that participating in they play. so much physical As a football player, Lilley inadactivity, but Walsh urges caution vertently filled in two of his eight in teens with their commitment to possible class spaces, plus the sports. class required for baseball. “The more sports you do, the “I’m taking two AP classes now higher the odds of having overuse and taking (an) Honors (class) and injuries because your bones, your (an) AP (class) next semester,” joints and your tendons are not Romuk said. “If you just buckle meant for doing aggressive sports down, it’s not that bad.” year around.” Walsh said. “You Kristin Kurpershoek and Will are meant to rest too, so someHarkin also have been part in mulone who goes from sport to sport tiple AP classes and haven’t found through out the year is increasing it too overwhelming. (the) chance of having an injury.” The real struggle for these athDr. Michelle Kelly, another pediatrician from the Mercy Medical letes really comes down towhether or not they are able to do their Group advocates the many ben-

Jordan Long takes Tribe responsibilities to heart BY KRISTIN TAYLOR

ktaylor.gazette@gmail.com

Friday nights in the stadium are the highlight of senior Jordan Long’s week, when he gets to jump up and down in the stands and let out his Grizzly pride. Long joined the Tribe his junior year and now is a frequent fanatic at Granite Bay sporting events. He’s all about school spirit. “Having our team out there ready to kick some butt gets me pumped,” Long said. He also enjoys tailgating with his friends in preparation for the game. As a prominent member of the Tribe, Long’s role is to get the crowd going and start chants.

“I love the USA chant for the national anthem because it shows our patriotic side as a school,” Long said. His other favorite chant is when the football team scores a touchdown and they do the “Ole” chant. Long’s favorite experience with the tribe was the Jesuit soccer game where he said the Tribe was as intense as it’s ever been. However, Long’s favorite sport to cheer on is football. “The fan base is bigger and it’s more exciting,” On warmer days, Long paints a player’s name and number on

his back for the football games. But, now that its getting colder, he wears his Tribe shirt and paints his face. Following football games, Long goes out on the field and congratulates the team and then heads to Mel’s with his friends and some of the players. Being such a dedicated fan takes a toll on Long when outcomes don’t go his way. “When we lose, I actually cry, and I can’t eat for a week,” Long said. But GBHS sports are known for being victorious, so Long enjoys himself a majority of the time. Supporting GBHS sports teams is something Long participates in, not only because he has a blast doing it, but because he knows how much the players appreciate it. “I like to help out and make sure they’re playing as best as they

Jordan Long Jordan Long stands looking astonished as the Grizzlies carry out a play can,” Long said. He’s been told by his friends on the football team that the tribe’s cheering really encourages them and that they feed off the Tribe’s energy. Long wants to get more people out in the tribe who will cheer and thinks the underclassmen should come out and be loud. “People should join the Tribe because it’s been my greatest experience throughout high school,” Long said, “Grizz or die.”

homework due to ir the time commitment. “It’s definitely tough with AP (classes),” Harkin said. “It’s really tough to play sports just because it’s 11 hours a week of practice and games.” With the lack of time between school, practice, dinner and possibly even sleep, student athletes find it incredibly challenging to meet their class requirements for homework. “It’s really hard to get my homework done every night because you have to pack it all in and… prioritize,” Kurpershoek said. Doctors have warned against risks, both physically and mentally, and athletes openly admit that the sports take a significant amount of time out of their daily lives, yet even Lilley doesn’t regret the two sports he is committed to. Lilley feels it’s just his personality to be playing baseball and football, and he feels comfortable when he is playing sports. Even though many non-athlete students don’t understand how or why a person would subject themselves to that kind of commitment- especially a commitment to extreme physical activity- multisport athletes can’t imagine their lives any other way. “I was faced with a decision freshman year whether I wanted to only play soccer and quit lacrosse, and I couldn’t do it,” Harkin said. Kurpershoek feels her commitment to sports comes from her athletic background. “I think I was just raised that (way)…my parents just got me into it so it was just kind of a lifestyle,” Kurpershoek said. “I just

Kristin Kurpershoek Junior Kurpershoek has been involved in volleyball, softball and basketball over her high school career.

grew with playing sports.” The athletes that are prone to play multiple sports can feel more restless during a break between seasons rather than be thankful for the time to rest. “(Being committed to multiple sports is) fun because you are always going (and) you always have something to do,” Kurpershoek said. “If I just had a weekend to think ‘what do I do with myself,’ it’d be weird.” Harkin agrees, seeing that he is currently in a three-week-break between the end of soccer season and the beginning of lacrosse conditioning. “I actually am really bored right now,” Harkin said. “I can’t wait until lacrosse (starts).” Above the basic personality type of someone who needs to be on the move a majority of the time, these multi-sport athletes are adamant about the learning and personal experiences they’ve gained from their devotion to an activity they love to do. “It helps you become a better leader, (and) it helps you be able to work in a team,” Harkin said. “It helps in school because (with) sports you have to learn how to get things done and prioritize. It just transfers into all aspects of life.”

SPORTS BRIEFS A quick look at highlights of Granite Bay High School athletics this fall. Football wGBHS football came out with a huge victory in the Sac-Juaquin Div. 1 section game over the top ranked Pleasant Grove High School team at Sacramento State University’s stadium on Dec 3. Boys’ basketball wGBHS boys’ basketball attended a tournament on December 2-3 and fought through it despite missing junior Scott Romuk to an in-

jury. They ended up winning two games and losing one. wGBHS boys’ basketball won their match up with Bear River High School on December 8 with a blowout win. Senior Carter Brady stepped up and held down the post in place of the injury-stricken center-foward players. Wrestling wGBHS wrestling came first out of eight teams in their tournament at Elk Grove on December 9-10. -Compiled by Chase Evans

www.granitebaygazette.com

C4 Sports

Friday, December 16 2011

w The Granite Bay Gazette

Even without the practices, athletes remain active

Players discuss their off-season routines to keep abilities sharp BY BRAD WONG

brwong.gazette@gmail.com

As Granite Bay High School sports transition from fall to winter and eventually from winter to spring, many fans move on to the next big sport. However, while current-season athletes enjoy the spotlight, others fade into the background of the sports scene. GBHS is known to be home to stellar athletes, but what they do to maintain their high caliber performance during the off-season is widely unknown. Chase Pedone Junior Chase Pedone plays golf for the Grizzlies in the spring and makes sure he is in pristine physical condition for the season. Pedone goes to Fitness 19, a local gym, and sticks to a strict workout regimen three times a week.

“I make sure to run eight miles on the treadmill at ten miles per hour, bench press for 45 minutes, do abdominal exercises for eight minutes and wrap up my workout with some bicep curls,” Pedone said. In addition, Pedone practices five times a week at the Granite Bay Golf Club with some of his fellow teammates. “Including my peers, I draw inspiration from my guy friends to motivate myself to keep up my ability as a golfer,” Pedone said. Pedone also keeps in mind what he has to do to stay a part of the high school team. “I go to school everyday to keep my grades up to stay eligible on the team in the spring” Pedone said. “No one is too cool for school.” Kevin Mugno Junior Kevin Mugno is another athlete who works around the year,

keeping up his athletic skills for GBHS baseball. “As a pitcher, I run a lot, work on mechanics and long toss frequently, whether it be with my dad, a neighbor or a set-up target” Mugno said. Mugno is also part of a traveling baseball team, the Hard 90. He works out with his team and plays tournaments every other weekend in front of college and, occasionally, professional scouts. To maintain pitching shape, Mugno has a workout regimen of power-lifting, core and specific exercises for his back, legs, arms and shoulders. “While I do like to relax during the off-season, I miss playing games and the whole competition of ranks, playoff spots and the pressure,” Mugno said. Aaron Knapp While Pedone and Mugno both use the off season for casual rebuilding, it is much different for two-sport athlete junior Aaron Knapp. As a starting cornerback for the GBHS varsity football team and

Classrooms tackle fantasy football

a starter on the varsity GBHS baseball team, the off-season is quite hectic. Now that the football season has ended, Knapp can look forward to his mere three true weeks of “off-season,” but for the rest of the year, he is busy preparing for either sport. During the off-season of football, Knapp stays in shape by going to U-Functional, a fitness gym in Granite Bay, and works with his personal trainer each week. He also makes sure to incorporate protein shakes and Muscle Milk into his everyday routine. When the football team meets later in the year, they will head down to Aptos, California and have a senior and select junior retreat, where they will hang out at the beach, workout and scrimmage other high school teams. Other training camps include a four day clinic at Fresno State University and a San Diego State University camp held at GBHS. Knapp is even more involved in baseball and just finished his season with his traveling team two weeks ago, where they finished

2nd in the nation and 1st on the West Coast for the 17 & Under age group. Even though Knapp finished his travel team and doesn’t have high school baseball yet, he still showcases his talent during the off season. Knapp attended collegiate showcases in which high school students play before college scouts. He played twice at the University of California at Berkeley twice and once at Oregon State University. He also goes hitting with his dad and Knapp played on a scout team for a professional team, the Colorado Rockies. Predictably, Knapp finds the dead period between football and baseball a nice break from all the action. “Three weeks is a long time for me, and it’s nice to go back to the basics and not have to worry who your next opponent is or who is going to throw next game,” Knapp said. “It’s a nice period of relaxation when you don’t have anything you have to do besides go to the gym.”

Chase Pedone Junior Chase Pedone plays GBHS golf but is always engaged in offseason activity.

Even though the off season offers a break, Knapp misses many elements of the football season. “I miss seeing my team,” Knapp said. “We’ve seen each other for the past eight months for half of the day, and it’s weird to not put on the pads and see their faces. There’s nothing like working together and getting better as a team.” Knapp also misses “the game”: the Friday night lights, going places with the team, getting pumped up before playing and the entire team camaraderie that comes from not only being a football player, but an athlete in general. “The off season is definitely more boring” Knapp said.

Teachers bring their A-game to GBHS

numbers. “Fantasy Football is the idea that you get to take players stats from different teams and put them on your own team,” Fantasy football leagues, known to be Honberger said. “Then you get their stats a popular hobby among football folfor the week and then you play another lowers, are now becoming increasingly team who has other players’ stats for the popular within the classrooms of Granite week and who ever has the highest points Bay High School. wins.” From faculty members competing Honberger has had games in his past against each other to teachers creating classes before, but this class is the first games to play against their students, it time he has ever created a league for one. has become a new form of entertainment In the second period during the last five AP Statistics league, minutes of a class senior Koki Arai is in period. I don’t mind first place. Most of these “I get to pick all of games are between them playing in my favorite players male teachers and class. It’s enterfrom the NFL,” Arai students, because said. “I like playing they typically are taining...and I can against other teams more interested in the just sit there (and and beating other game of football. people.” Sydney Mendenwatch). Arai likes to comhall, a senior, is one pete in class because of the many students – Sydney Mendenhall, he likes to get his rewho observe a Fanvenge on Honberger’s tasy Football league GBHS senior team. He believes in Bruce Honberger’s he is in first because second period AP he did a little bit of Statistics class. research, but he also “I know what thinks he is lucky. (Fantasy Football) is but I don’t really “I pick players that I like (and) that I understand it or follow it like they do,” think are going to do (well) this year by Mendenhall said. “I don’t mind them looking at the fantasy magazines,” Arai playing in class, it’s entertaining…and I said. can just sit there (and watch).” Another teacher at GBHS also spends From the viewpoints of the players, it some of his time on popular fantasy footcan be a very intense and competitive ball websites. game. Kyle Holmes, an English teacher, enHonberger currently is competing in a league with six of his statistics students. joys competing in fantasy games, but has He plays the game because he likes sports never created leagues with his students. Holmes hasn’t yet had a league with and the NFL, as well as statistics and BY DORIEN JOHNK

djohnk.gazette@gmail.com

Grizz Quiz

Gazette photo /riley Mac millan

Bruce Honberger looks at his statistics for his team online, as he is one of many faculty members at GBHS who have a love for fantasy football, and he has even taken it further by having a league in his AP Statistics class with his students any of his students because most of the time they ask him for advice about players. Instead of playing in leagues, Holmes gives advice to his students about which players to choose for their teams. He, along with three other co-workers, created a website called whotostart.com to guide people in picking players who will do the best and, therefore, earn the most points. Holmes believes a person doesn’t need to know a lot about football in advance to play fantasy football.

“It’s good to know the football positions, but the more you know typically the more successful you’ll be,” Holmes said. “But really, you don’t need to know anything to play.” Holmes has also created a league between ten teachers and staff members at GBHS. He and Brent Mattix, Brian McNulty, Dave Vujovich, Bernadette Cranmer, James Cunningham, Shane Dixon, Paul Stordahl, Bruce Honberger and Jason Rath all compete together for playoff spots

and the first place title. “There is some trash talking that goes on in the hallways if you pass each other,” Holmes said. Honberger really enjoys the league between the teachers just as he enjoys playing against his students. “It is a really fun way to connect and get to know some of the teachers that normally I don’t hang out with or talk to,” Honberger said. “You have a little connection with them…a conversation starter.”

Karen Kurpershoek Girls’ Basketball

Marcus McPhaul Boys’ Basketball

Austin Smith Wrestling

Jacob King Boys’ Basketball

Grace Borgesi Girls’ Basketball

Jenny Finch

Shannon Brown

Adrian Peterson

Joe Flacco

Mike Bibby

Nevada Union High School

Las Vegas

Del Oro High School

Las Vegas

Santa Cruz on the beach for Sand Soccer

What energy drink do you drink?

No energy drinks

No energy drinks, one water bottle

Rockstar

Gatorade

What’s your favorite song to listen to before a game?

Our basketball playlist

“Lemme Smang It” by Young Humma

“Numb” by Linkin Park

“Whatever the Doctah Plays” by Chase Pedone

Tech 9

Long socks or short socks?

Long Socks

Who is your favorite athlete?

What is your favorite place to play?

Gazette photo /riley Mac millan

-Compiled by Mat Fukuhara

Friday, December 16, 2011

w The Granite Bay Gazette

Sports C5

Sophomore Jack Dotson achieves success as a multi-sport athlete and prepares for a future in wrestling Jack Dotson Sophomore Jack Dotson stares intently at his opponent as he prepares to take him down on the wrestling mats.

Gazette photo /Kristin Taylor

A rare three sport athlete, Jack Dotson participated in football, wrestling and track during his freshman year at Granite Bay High School. Though he enjoys running and playing football, he believes that wrestling is his niche. He took quickly to the sport his freshman year, winning three matches for every one he lost. In football he also did well, and, as a sophomore this past season, Dotson had the opportunity to move up to the varsity football team. This is an opportunity most JV players are given, as a way for them to gain experience on how the varsity team functions. “If you play varsity (as a sophomore), you’re not going

to get a lot of playing time,” Dotson said. “It’s more just for experience, to know how the varsity practices are for next year.” Dotson intends on playing for the varsity team next year, but opted out of getting the advanced experience this past year. Instead, he chose to focus on wrestling and get the varsity experience next year as a junior. Though he does not see himself playing football after high school, Dotson does

plan on playing junior and senior year. “Hopefully, (we can) win another section title,” Dotson said. “(That way) we’ll have back-to-back section wins.” Dotson’s main focus will still be wrestling, though. “I just think wrestling is where I fit,” Dotson said. “I don’t know if I’m quite the right size for football, but you can really be any size for wrestling.” Since joining wrestling last year, Dotson has become heavily involved with the wrestling program at GBHS. During the season, he attends team practices every day for anywhere from two to three hours. On most weekends, he attends meets, his favorite part of his wrestling

experience so far. Though he does not have one specific meet or moment that he values above all others, he enjoys the energy and spirit of competition at the meets. This year, the coaches are considering creating a team called a JV1 team that will function as a varsity B team. This secondary team will go in the varsity team’s place to play schools who present less of a challenge to the team. If this idea comes to fruition, Dotson will most likely move between the two teams between meets to get more wrestling experience. Dotson also has big plans for himself beyond high school. His current goal is to wrestle at a Division I col-

lege. Ideally, he would like to wrestle at Penn State, a college he researched as a part of his freshman English class last year. “At the time (of the project), (Penn State) was number three for wrestling and was in the top 10 in the nation for their criminal justice program, (which) is what I intend to major in,” Dotson said. “So it has everything I’m looking for.” For now, Dotson is focusing on improving and challenging himself more. “I think this will be the year when I really grow (as a wrestler),” Dotson said. “And next year will be when I really get to wrestle varsity a lot and show what I can do.”

WRESTLING: GBHS welcomes back an alumnus to be coach VICTORY: Basketball awaits a year of triumph Continued from page C1

Continued from page C1

and better individually skilled,” Sitterud said. Another disadvantage Sitterud noticed was that the overall height was on the small side, with the exception of junior Scott Romuk, senior Robert Bell and senior Koki Arai. “(This team) just needs experience; they just need to play,” Sitterud said. Sitterud hopes that at the end of the regular season the team can beat rivals Del Oro High School and then make a playoff push. Despite this optimistic outlook, he remains unsure if this year’s team can attain similar success to last year’s team. “It’s going to be an adventure and hopefully it ends well,” Sitterud said. Junior Daniel Romero, a new member to the varsity team, says that his first game was a bit of a surprise to him. “Everything was much faster,” Romero said. “It took a little time to get adjusted to it.” Romero and other junior players experienced a JV record of 22-3 and expect to have to same success as they move up to varsity. “It was great because everyone played together as a team and we had a good coach,” Romero said. Romero feels that one of the team’s strength is their defense. “(A problem) is that not everyone trusts each other yet,” Romero said. Romero has high hopes for the season that lies ahead of him; winning league and having a spot in playoffs are the two most important. “What might keep us from (success) would be (that) we are such a young team,” Romero said. With the football season coming to a close and a section championship under their belt, many football players will be joining The Tribe and returning the favor to basketball players’ who cheered on football during their season. Already, The Tribe has begun showing up at basketball games and supporting the team, but not in the attendance that senior Jake Neptune would like. “We had only about 20 people show up,” Neptune said. “There has been a drop-off in attendance and we are going to have to change that.” The Tribe hopes that stepping up their attendance and spirit level will help lead the team to another playoff push. Senior Nate Brillington has astounding memories of last year’s season along with ecstatic hopes for the season that lies ahead. “(Last year’s) team was a familyboth on and off the court,” Brillington said. “After our first loss we came together and than we went on a (13) game winning steak.” He says that the playoff games at Arco Arena were his best memories from last season. This season, however, he feels that the team has some strengths and weaknesses, but those weaknesses will lessen as the season progresses. “Our maturity and togetherness as a team is not that good, but those types of things will go away,” Brillington said. Brillington has noticed that the practices this season have been especially more serious and focused, which he feels is a reason that this year’s team can do so well. “We are going back to Arco,” Brillington said confidently.

best chance to succeed as possible,” Trout said. “That means both on the mat and in academics.” Trout is hoping to get a job as a Spanish teacher at GBHS next year so he can be closer and more involved with the students he coaches. “I want to help my students succeed in wrestling and life,” Trout said. Co-head wrestling coach Cooley said, “(Trout) is a great coach with a great grasp on the sport. He gives us another perspective and knows what he is talking

about.” Cooley has been an assistant coach for GBHS wrestling for the last seven years under the direction of Mike Lynch and Shane Dixon. “I have been wrestling all my life, and I love the sport because of both of its individual and team aspects,” Cooley said. He coached wrestling at Cavitt Junior High and through other opportunities over the past seven years. “I coached most of (the players) in junior high, so I have relationships with a lot of them,” Cooley said. Cooley himself wrestled all throughout his junior high and high school years and

was a state champion in his weight class. He continued wrestling through college, and when he graduated he officiated wrestling for 30 years at all levels. As a co-head coach at GBHS for the first time, Cooley is excited to share his experience with the wrestlers. “I believe I bring a lot of experience with both coaching and wrestling technique,” Cooley said. While Cooley cares about the students as much as Trout, he never denied trying to win an SFL championship. “Winning is fun. I like it when my team wins and enjoys winning,” Cooley said. “The SFL championship is definitely

something we want to win.” As a coach, Cooley stresses the importance of practice and conditioning on the team. “We need to practice hard and make weight through the healthiest way possible; which is to wrestle more,” Cooley said. Stevens believes that Cooley and Trout are the perfect duo to continue GBHS wrestling dominance. “With the dedication and heart that (Trout) has, and the knowledge and experience (Cooley) has, we believe that they are great candidates for the job,” Stevens said.

VOLLEYBALL: Disputes over coaching style end up in success Continued from page C1

ing an authoritative role.” Playing time was one of the issues also addressed this year as “Practice is your time to some players said they did not mess up and get better without have equal playing time during the consequences of losing or the majority of the games. running,” Kurpershoek said. “I The dilemma for many coaches think it’s still good to run for in team sports, especially in conditioning, but it’s not good to run to waste time and demoralize competitive high schools, is who to play and who will be sitting people.” out. Ingram “My said her problem intentions is I feel were never There’s a little bit bad if a to hurt playof self-sacrifice in kid is not ers’ spirits playing, by making team sports beso I try them run. cause naturally not to play She was them, only using all the players on but at the those types the team will play same time of running I have on feedback all the time. to win she received games. from the first – Jamie Ingram, head volMy goal GBHS team leyball coach is to win she coached games a few years and, ago. as bad “We’ve as that relaxed on disciplinary action over the years seems at the high school level, that is the reality of my job,” because the teams over the last Ingram said. “At some of the couple of years have been very different,” Ingram said. “The first positions I have two, three or four players, and there are other year here, the team’s response (positions) where I don’t.” to me was that we want to have Each year as some players reramifications when we miss a turn and others join the team for serve or make mistakes. Coming the first time, all of them come to from a college world, we don’t learn the fundamental aspect of need to put those punishments working as a team. on, so my first year here was “Winning games comes when punishment-based, but that’s people work hard,” Ingram said. not who I am or how I coach ... “Obviously, the girls are workand (punishment) goes against everything I had been doing over ing hard because we’re winning games. There’s a little bit of selfthe past eight years.” One of the changes that Ingram sacrifice in team sports because naturally not all the players on said has been helpful to both her the team will play all the time.” as a coach as well as to the playIngram also attributes some of ers is the addition of assistant the reality of the girls’ growth as coach A.J. Mackin. team players to their age. “He’s a good go-between for “As you become a junior and the girls. They can go to him senior, as a female especially, and speak freely to him and then you start to realize (you) might come talk to me,” Ingram said. not play as much,” Ingram said. “Sometimes with playing time Junior Kiah Drongesen, who and warm-ups, they go to him played libero and was a defento figure out what I’m thinking sive specialist this year, was and to get clarification, so he one of one of those players who does a great job of having a peer struggled with playing time relationship as well as maintain-

when she began the season. “(Playing time was an issue) in the beginning of the year and when I talked to (Ingram) she said, ‘This other person is better than you’, so I (responded) ‘How can I get better?’” Drongesen then took the initiative and stepped up her game at practice and even rose to become full-time libero. In the past, players’ concerns over playing time have made them think twice about trying out for the team the next season. The team then has to make adjustments to its game because of the decline in player numbers. “(The girls who left) just complained, and when I went up to (Ingram) and asked what I could do, she thanked me for taking responsibility and not complaining and quitting,” Drongesen said. “I just wanted to know how to get better because I want to move on to the next level, not just shut down and quit when things aren’t going my way.” Sophomore Nicolette Pinkney agreed that Ingram has the experience and best intentions to make each individual player stronger this year. “She really tried to help everybody on their technique and other things they needed to work on,” Pinkney said. “If she saw something, she would pull you aside and tell you something you need to work on, how to fix it and have you practice it a couple of times. She was really good at pulling people out and telling them what they needed to do.” In the past, players have had a different understanding of Ingram’s coaching style when brought to the side to talk with her about fundamental improvements. Senior Kassie Donnells, who has played for the Grizzlies all four years of her high school career, felt she was unfairly singled out. “She solos people out and if you make a mistake, you would stay and everyone else would have to run, and I feel like she turned teammates against teammates and I really didn’t

understand her approach with ers looking to try out and by the that,” Donnells said. “One time end we only had 14, and that’s I messed up on one pass and I how many made the team,” Donhad to sit out and watch my team nells said. “So there were that run. I asked her, ‘I need to run many that decided not to play.” with them – it’s my fault, it’s not Junior Maddy Wallace, who theirs. I’ll run and they can sit,’ played GBHS volleyball her (but) she wouldn’t let me and it’s freshman year, is one of the not right.” former players who didn’t try out Donnells said there were also for the varsity team. She said she other improvements that needed didn’t have any interest in trying to be made to Ingram’s coaching out because of what she’s seen style this year regarding clarity from Ingram’s coaching style in issues from last year. the past when Ingram would help Ingram acknowledges that her the freshman team on occasion. coaching style hasn’t been fluid “If someone made a mistake, during her years here at Granite she would (call) that person out Bay High. and make them stand next to “We’ve tried everything,” (her) and make the team run for Ingram said. “Each year has been that person’s mistake, (which) different and obviously it’s difmade you feel like she was ferent between college and high pitting the whole team against school and between Granite Bay you,” Wallace said. and the rest of the region, really. When asked if Wallace tried to It’s very intense both academireach out to Ingram to resolve cally and athletically, so the past this issue or any other issues, three years Wallace said we’ve tried she didn’t a number think it would of different have made a I think it’s still things.” difference. good to run for Donnells “I didn’t said one area contact her conditioning, but that needs because I it’s not good to improvedidn’t want to ment is clear have anything run to waste time communicato do with or demoralize tion between her,” Wallace coach and said. “Once people. player. volleyball was “People over, I wanted – Kristin Kurpershoek, get frusto go home trated that and carry on GBHS junior she’s not with the rest very reliable of my day.” and if you When asked talk to her about a problem, it’s about this, Ingram said the best good that she offers help, but approach to resolving conflict she’ll say stuff that doesn’t make was having the players come to sense and work her way around her directly with any issues so the question, (so) people decided they can talk about them playerto quit,” Donnells said. to-coach. Donnells said this frustration, “My personal philosophy has along with their concerns about been the same from Day 1,” their future in the sport, contrib- Ingram said. “I’ve been fortunate uted to the number of athletes enough to get an opportunity who tried out for the team. to work with some great young “Last season and this season, ladies. I hope to instill in them we lost three players who had some life goals, some maturity, already made the team because (and) to try to mold them. Volthey quit, and this summer we leyball is how I’m able to do started out with roughly 23 play- that.”

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C6 Sports

Friday, December 16, 2011 w The Granite Bay Gazette

AT A GLANCE

Senior tight end Spencer Briare, far left, outstretches to receive the touchdown pass of senior quarterback Branden Keeney at the Sac-Joaquin Section Div. I championship against Pleasant Grove High School on Saturday, Dec. 3. After the game, Keeney, above, looks out at his fellow teammates as they partake in a prayer circle. Junior Katrina Reeves, left, attempts to score off a jump shot during the Thursday, Dec. 8 game against Bear River High School. Below, junior Scott Romuk dives on the ground to recover the basketball during a game against Bella Vista on Monday, Dec. 12.

Gazette photos /RACHAEL VASQUEZ

Stats at a Glance:

Boysâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; basketball

Girlsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; basketball

Wrestling

Record as of 12/9/11: 3-2 Upcoming Matches: 12/16 vs. Hoover 12/17 @ Clovis North 12/21 @ Fairfield

Record as of 12/9/11: 0-3 Upcoming matches: 12/21 @ Sheldon 12/30 vs. Whitney 1/4 vs. Oakmont

Record as of 12/9/11: 0-0 Upcoming matches: 1/4 @ Nevada Union 1/11 vs. Roseville 1/14 @ Vacaville

green screen. The Gazetteâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s art and entertainment guide December 2011

Get advice on what to buy your loved ones this holiday season Pages 10 & 11

New Droid phone competes with iPhone Page 12

Discover how the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s religions celebrate the holidays Page 5

Page 2

In this Issue Page 3

Music reviews

Page 4

Dance show drama

December 2011

Calendar. SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

december 19

FINALS 1,2: Tuesday 3,4: Wednesday

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

Winter Concert

start of winter break Dec. 22

Christmas Day

Page 5

Jehovah’s Witness/ alternative wrapping paper

Page 6&7 Lights guide

Page 9

Winterball dresses/ Ice skating guide

Page 10&11 Gift guide

Page 12

Droid vs. iPhone

Page 13 Cafe food reviews

Page 14

Christmas movies guide

Page 15 Christmas desserts

Page 16

The end of the world

Page 18&19 Movie reviews

January SCHOOL IS BACK Jan. 10

Wrestling VS. Roseville

Boy’s basketball VS. Woodcreek

Gazette illustrations/HAYLEY MCAVOY

Problems with Christmas music Some artists shouldn’t ‘Jingle all the way’

There is so much to love about the holiday season: Christmas trees, candy canes, ice skating and hot chocolate. But the best thing by far is Christmas music. Although holiday music is usually on the radio frighteningly early, sometimes even before Halloween, I still love hearing it everywhere I go. But after two solid months of “Jingle Bell Rock” and “Deck the Halls,” I love hearing songs by artists other than Bing Crosby and Frank Sinatra. I love Michael Buble’s album, Christmas and I can’t help but sing along to Glee’s The Christmas Album. I will even admit to liking Justin Beiber’s Under the Mistletoe. But, by the time I heard Aly and AJ, the Cheetah Girls and Ashley Tisdale trying to put a new spin on the song “Last Christmas,” I just couldn’t take it anymore. Let’s just be honest: some people should really not try to sing Christmas songs. Some artists seem to be making holiday albums simply so they can cash in on the festive season. And because most of us are distracted by all the holiday cheer, we somehow get tricked into thinking that the Cheetah Girls can actually sing a decent Christmas carol. Madonna, Simple Plan, Jessica Simpson, Basshunter and Green Day are just a few of the artists that I can think of who should never try to sing a Christmas song, yet they do. It is just plain wrong when Madonna tries to sing a classic Christmas song while dressed in a unitard. It ruins the holiness of the holiday. Lady Gaga’s “Christmas Tree” is by far the worst. Let’s just say Lady Gaga and Christmas should NEVER mix. They are like oil and vinegar together.

Commentary

michaela monaghan mmonaghan.gazette@gmail.com

If you doubt this at all, just take a look at some of the lyrics from her Christmas song: “Ho ho ho, under the mistletoe, we will take off our clothes, yes if you want us to we will.” It gets worse. “Oh, oh, a Christmas. My Christmas tree’s delicious. Space Cowboy, Lady Gaga, Lady Gaga.” If that’s not enough to scare you away from Lady Gaga’s holiday song (if you can even call it that), I don’t know what is. Artists like Lady Gaga should take a hint from Glee and Michael Buble. If they really feel the need to publish a Christmas song or album, they should at least just re-make an old classic, instead of trying to write a new holiday hit. Because obviously, “light me up, put me on top, let’s fa-la-la-la-la” is not exactly the makings of a new Christmas classic.

December 2011

B-

Music.

The Roots Undun BY CROSBY ALLISON

callison.gazette@gmail.com

he newest album by The Roots, Undun, was released on Dec. 6th. The band has been releasing a new track from Undun every Tuesday. These leaked songs include “Make My,” “Stomp,” “Sleep” and “Tip the Scale.” This is the tenth in-studio and overall thirteenth album produced by the rock and hip-hop group. Most of the album’s subject content is serious, regarding growing up with nothing in an urban community. The songs tell the story of Redford Stephens, a character the band created. Redford is a down-on-his-luck kid who’s become involved in crime. Though not outright revealed, the protagonist of the music videos that were leaked with the

El Camino was released on Dec. 6

Skip to: Gold on the Cieling

guitar riff in the background and the multiple layers of voices meld together well, though the lyrics have obscured meanings. “The OtherSide” has an easily addictive chorus, and the verses are determined in their tone. The Roots have maintained their defiant DGC RECORDS outlook and their neo-soul sound is ever present. The track “Lighthouse” sounds decidedly Undun was released more mawkish, like something a pre-teenage on Dec. 6 girl would listen to rebelliously. The drum loop is not as compelling as other the band’s songs. Skip to: The final three tracks of Undun are instrumental, and, though they are interesting to Tip listen to, they seem to be irrelevant to the rest the of the album. This album is definitely rich with emotion and Scale excellent composition. Fans of The Roots will assuredly enjoy each song.

The Black Keys El Camino BY JOEY PUHALA

T NONESUCH RECORDS

songs could be Redford Stephens. “Make My,” a single released before the rest of the album, has a poignant video on YouTube. The song itself is supposed to be about Redford Stephens’s view of his own life and is rather melancholy. “Stomp,” another pre-release, has a lot of energy and feeling. The melody is impressive, with a resonant guitar riff that is hard to forget. “Tip the Scale,” a third pre-release, describes the difficulty of trying to succeed in the face of inherent hardship. The soul of the group is evident in every lyrical line, and is in the insistent drumming. Many featured artists are on the album, as they are on many other of the band’s albums. Big K.R.I.T., Dice Raw, Truck North, and Greg Porn are several artists on Undun that have previously played with The Rand. The song “Kool-On” features an interesting

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he black Keys are back with their 7th album release since their start in the early 2000’s. The band’s raw blues flavor that their fans know and love is kept intact throughout this album. El Camino features 11 full length tracks. Despite a few exceptions, most of the tracks seemed eerily similar to their most successful album, Brothers, which debuted in 2010. Although it was very much alike their previous album, that was not necessarily a bad thing. I mean, if fans enjoyed the last album, why change it up? Of the album, there were a few distinct songs that stood out from the rest. First, is the opening track, “Lonely Boy.”

A typical Black Keys’ sounding guitar introduction starts off the song and for that matter, the whole album. A few seconds later, it’s joined by drums, then a catchy-sounding keyboard riff, and eventually an even catchier chorus. The vibe of this song is defiantly unique track, with a bluesy sound, and a more contemporary singing style. Another standout track is “Gold on the Ceiling.” This song is just great all around. Catchy in almost every aspect, it is exciting to listen to. This is easily one of the best tracks on the album. “Little Black Submarines” follows directly after “Gold on the Ceiling.” The first half of the four minute track is played acoustic, which is a different sound for the band. About halfway through, it switches from acoustic to full-on instrumental almost as if they were two completely separate tracks.

As far as the actual musical appeal of the song, it’s not their best, but I applaud the originality. As for the tracks I found unique or interesting, that’s about it. The rest of the album is filled with mediocresounding, repetitive tracks that just seemed to blend in to one another. Specifically, “Sister” was the weakest song of the album. It started off with a typical guitar lead in, but only got worse from there. As for the overall quality of the album, I would say this band is progressing to a whole new level. The music of El Camino seemed to be a sort of evolved version of their last album, with muchneeded catchy twist. Tracks like “Lonely Boy,” “Gold on the Ceiling” and “Little Black Submarines” were extremely promising tracks that showed a lot of talent of the band.

David Nail The Sound of a Million Dreams BY RILEY MACMILLAN

Page 3

rmacmillan.gazette@gmail.com

avid Nail’s newest CD, The Sound of a Million Dreams, is based on songs about love, family and women. At a first glance, the album’s cover art is colorful and has a light feeling to it, which is exactly the feeling that the music portrays. I was first drawn to listen to the song “Let It Rain,” Nail’s biggest single off this his new album. This song has proved popular for country lovers, myself included. The song is about a man who cheated and is now being left by his lover. The song’s chorus has a more powerful feeling, with the background instruments picking up. This leaves the feeling of a big transitional moment of facing the pain endurance and the regret of cheating. This is a song that I can not get out of my head. The beat, the lyrics and the mood all plays out to be a good song. It would be safe to say this is my favorite song on the album. From looking at song titles, one could tell

that this album has a good portion of the songs focused on women. Two song titles are the names of girls and other songs are directed towards women. One of these songs includes “That’s How I’ll Remember You,” a sad love song. A slow tempo to create a mood of longing in the melody. The lyrics in this song are about memories of a girl who seems to be in the process of leaving. This song has a similar feel to it as “Let it Rain” another song on the album. The deep feeling and longing in it stir my feelings. “Let it Rain” is the hit single off this album, and probably the song that Nail is known for right now. I could not stop listening to this song after I first heard it. It has now been deemed my favorite song. I spent one weekend listening to this album constantly and I didn’t get bored. This music gave me a feel good feeling that few artists can provide me. An introduction piano starts off the song

that is also the title of this CD, “The Sound of a Million Dreams.” This song is about how music is made of people’s stories and their voices are put to a melody. One of my favorite lines in this song is “pour my soul into stories of life hoping someone will hear one tonight”. For many people, music is an outlet that they can pour their soul into and this is exactly what Nail sings. The song is light with a mellow feeling to it. This song also talks about how a song can bring you back to a place because the memories of the song are held between the notes. Another song on this album that I adore is “Songs For Sale.” It has a lot of imagery of a southern town and the people living there. I really like how the guitar sounds in the background of this song. Overall on this album the guitar sounds good, however I especially like it in this song. I look forward to future albums from Nail. His feel good music and the emotion in his songs keep me coming back for more.

B+

UMG NASHVILLE

The Sound of a Million Dreams was released on Nov. 15

Skip to: That’s How I’ll Remember You

Page 4

Shimmy.

December 2011

Dancing the night away...

The Granite Bay High School dance program presents its fall show BY OLIVIA CORNELL

ocornell.gazette@gmail.com

Every year, Granite Bay High School’s dance program puts on a fall dance show. This year’s show consisted of many different varieties of dance. The theme was “Collaboration,” which means every song had more than one artist or it was a remake. At the beginning of the dance show process, the theme was not what Mrs. Milburn, the dance teacher, had originally hoped for. “I didn’t feel like the kids were really buying into it, so it’s funny to hear that this was one of my best shows, because it didn’t start out that way. I was really surprised,” Milburn said. Milburn is very happy with the way the dance show turned out. “I don’t think there has been a show I haven’t been happy with,” she said. “This show is different because I by far have the most boys (and) there are so many great dancers.” However, dance isn’t all fun and games; it’s also a lot of work. “If they want to be in (the program) they have to work hard,” Milburn said. “People say it looks good but that is because of a lot of work and practice.” Sophomore Alyssa Whitney dances outside of school as well as in the school dance program. Because of her dance experience, she is in the advanced dance class and choreographed a tap dance for the show. “In class we definitely put in a lot of effort,” Whitney said. “There was a lot of variety (in the dance show) and I really liked doing the tap dance.” She thinks fondly of the whole show, as well. “I loved being in the dance show. Our dance class is like a family (and) we are really close,” Whitney said. “My favorite dance is “Lights.” It was way different. Hearing everyone screaming was exhilarating.” But what the audience sees is not everything. When the dancers are not performing, they are backstage getting ready for their next dance. “It’s not that intense; sometimes we’ll have dance parties (and) we get ready and get pumped,” Whitney said. However, Chasteena Determan, a senior in the intermediate dance class, believes that backstage can be more hectic. Gazette photos/OLIVIA CORNELL

“Backstage can be chaotic, especially (for) the guys (because) some of them are in 11 dances,” Determan said. “The girls probably get three to five at the most (so) we just hang out and take pictures together (backstage).” Determan has loved practicing for the show, “My favorite dance that I’m in is “Feedback.” I put in a lot of work after school because I choreographed (the dance),” Determan said. She also enjoys when she gets to see all her hard work come together on the night of the show. “It makes you have this huge rush of adrenaline,” Determan said. Determan also feels passionately towards her dance class. “I love it. It’s probably the most exciting part of school (and) I feel like I’m more involved now that I’m in the dance program,” she said. “My favorite part of dance is that it’s really awesome (to) get into this class with people you have never talked to before and (then) become really good friends.” She recommends dance to all students. “I think everyone should do dance at least once in high school,” Determan said. “It’s an experience you don’t want to miss out on.” However, on the second night of the dance show, there was an incident. Mrs. Milburn took this seriously. “(Three girls) were intoxicated so I contacted (Brent) Mattix and he escorted the students to the front office,” Milburn said. “They were not allowed to perform in the dance show Thursday or Friday night and were suspended for five days.” Despite the complication, the students in the beginning class dealt with the loss of the dancers well. “I was just so impressed with my dancers,” Milburn said. “I was worried that they were going to be freaking out but I was so impressed with their problem solving.”

December 2011

Page 5

Winter.

different take on holiday faith

Exploring the religion of Jehovah’s Witnesses during the holidays

BY KRISTIN TAYLOR

ktaylor.gazette@gmail.com

inging has always been a big part of senior Sharron Vaupen’s life. However, with each introduction to a new choir teacher, she must explain that she will not be participating in the holiday songs. Vaupen is one of a few Jehovah’s Witnesses at Granite Bay High School. Globally, Jehovah’s Witnesses make up less than one percent of the population. Jehovah’s Witnesses are a denomination of Christianity, but differ in that they interpret the Bible directly and are known for holding stronger practices in their beliefs. To them, Jehovah is God’s name and Jehovah’s Witnesses are God’s witnesses. Like Vaupen, junior Kelsy Green is also a Jehovah’s Witness. “We base all of our beliefs on the teachings of the Bible and not on human tradition,” Green said. “When we look at holidays, we find that they are not supported by Bible teachings.” Jehovah’s Witnesses don’t participate in holidays because they believe them to have pagan origins. Dec. 25 was an ancient celebration for the pagan sun god. Therefore, they do not celebrate Christmas. Due to her family’s rejection of the validity of the Christmas holiday, Green had to keep the “Santa secret” from her friends as a child, along with all the other holiday characters. Neither Green nor Vaupen have ever believed in Santa, the Easter Bunny or the Tooth Fairy. They also have never celebrated Thanksgiving or Valentines Day. Another activity Vaupen is unable to partake in is the Pledge of Allegiance. When the pledge is said over the intercom second period, Vaupen stands in respect but does not recite it and neither does she put her hand over her heart. Jehovah’s Witnesses don’t pledge their allegiance to the nations

Capturing unforgettable Capturing unforgettable moments. The Gazette.

they live in. Their only allegiance is to God. Jehovah’s Witnesses also don’t believe in blood transfusions because the Bible says that blood is holy. They also refuse participation in armed services. Jehovah’s Witnesses are neutral and, if they fight, then they are fighting for their individual countries. They don’t believe in taking human lives and, because they are a universal religion, they don’t want to kill fellow Jehovah’s Witnesses. Vaupen was confronted with aspects of her religious beliefs when earlier this year, in her Government class, she was asked to define the kind of voter she is. After class, Vaupen explained to her teacher that her religion made her a nonvoter and her teacher, fascinated by her answer, asked her to explain her choice to her classmates the following day. Christians congregate in churches whereas Jehovah’s Witnesses gather for religious services twice a week in a place they call the Kingdom Hall. Donald Bryant is a Brother of the East Carmichael Jehovah’s Witness Congregation. “We are guided by God’s word and we are very particular about our belief structures,” Bryant said. Because there are only 7.5 million Jehovah’s witnesses and they have beliefs that most people don’t understand on the surface, Jehovah’s Witnesses don’t always receive

positive responses to their practices. Something common that Vaupen’s Kingdom Hall participates in is going door to door on Saturdays and encouraging strangers to read their Bibles. The Jehovah’s Witnesses non participation in holidays is viewed as odd by some people, but most don’t take the take the time to find out why they do this and the reasoning behind this choice. With friends who almost all celebrate Christmas, Vaupen and Green receive some curiosity. Each year, Jehovah’s Witnesses all over the world come together in their communities for a religious convention, almost taking the place of a Christmas celebration. This year the convention happens to fall on Christmas day, so Vaupen and Green will be participating in this while the majority of students open presents around the Christmas tree. Although Jehovah’s Witnesses are small in number and have a belief system that Gazette illustration/CHASE EVANS is unique from most, they hope people who don’t practice their same religion can accept them. Vaupen may have to sit out of the Christmas Carols, but she doesn’t want people to view her as being different. “We (Jehovah’s Witnesses) are just normal people,” Vaupen said. “We’re not a cult. We’re just people with a really strong faith that want to set a good example.”

Page 6

Illuminate.

December 2011

‘Tis the season for bright Twinwood Loop Roseville, CA 95678

2204 Thurton Drive Roseville, CA 94747 This solitary house showcases two “mega” trees on either side of its lawn. Its light show is tuned to KLVB/FM 99.5 and is run everyday from 5:30 -10:00 pm and 5:30-10:30 pm the week of Christmas and Christmas Eve. Song selections include: “A Mad Russian’s Christmas” by Trans Siberian Orchestra “Carole of the Bells” by David Foster “Christmas in Sarajevo” by Trans Siberian Orchestra “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” by Brenda Lee “Music Box Dancer” by DJ Shwede “Christmas Don’t be Late” by Alvin & the Chipmunks “Winter Wonderland” by Alexia Phillips “Carole of the Bells” by Monique Danielle “Wizards in Winter” by Trans Siberian Orchestra “Christmas Canon” by Tran Siberian Orchestra “Deck the Halls” by Manheim Steamroller “Do You Hear What I Hear” by Spiraling

Striker Court Roseville, CA 95661 Go and see the four houses beautifully decorated along Striker Ct. One house features a huge Christmas tree covered in lights and a light show.

Dovewood Court Orangevale, CA 95662 A section of the neighborhood here goes all out on this special occasion. With countless houses illuminated, it’s no wonder why this area attracts hundreds of people each year. At the end of the court, volunteers are present to collect canned food and donations for the “Food For Families” Charity.

Wonderfully decorated houses are all along this road, but the most notable ones are addresses 509, 517, 525 and 533. These houses have a light show tuned to KDEE/FM 97.5. The sidewalks are arced with Christmas lights and candy canes perfect for a walking tour of the street.

December 2011

Page 7

Illuminate.

lights and twinkling sights A guide to the perfect holiday displays BY HAYLEY MCAVOY

hmcavoy.gazette@gmail.com

4906 Charter Road, Rocklin 95765 This particular house goes above an beyond the normal decorations. It is equipped with ballerinas, an evil mouse king and a valiant nutcracker - in short, The Nutcracker Suite. Shows play between 7-10 pm starting on Dec. 4 and going through Dec. 31. The family provides hot drinks for observers. Also, they collect canned foods for the Roseville Salvation Army Food Bank.

Pebble Creek Drive Rocklin, CA 95765 Along Pebble Creek Drive and Strand Road are countless impressive holiday displays. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s recommended to walk along the sidewalk rather than drive in order to receive the full effect of the presentations. Some include sound, animations and life-size displays. Before entering Pebble Creek Drive, park on the left, if desired.

5620 Onyx Drive Rocklin, 95677 In total, this house alone has about 20,000 lights in its display. These shows are synchronized with 12 different songs played over KCYC/FM 104.7. The display was built and designed by the family.

607 Falcon Way Roseville, CA 95661 An explosion of light is present here. With over 28,000 lights on the property, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a display that would make Clark Griswold proud. It is complete with moving reindeer, nativity scene and even Santa on a tractor.

Gazette illustration/HAYLEY/MCAVOY

Page 8

December 2011

Artsy. Kalli

e Fer guso n

Q: What instruments do you play? A: I play piano, the guitar, the Native American flute, the harmonica, I play all sorts. But, my favorite instruments are the piano and the guitar.

BY OLIVIA CORNELL

Recently...

ocornell.gazette@gmail.com

The Sacramento area music scene has been lively, as always, this past month. Many different types of genres and artists have been performing, including popular bands like The Airborne Toxic Event, Cage the Elephant, All Time Low, Mary J. Blige and The Devil Wears Prada. One wildly popular concert was the 107.9 the End’s Jingle Ball at the Power Balance Pavilion on Dec. 1. The con-

Coming Soon...

cert’s line up included Selena Gomez, Gym Class Heroes, Cobra Starship, Jo Jo and Breathe Carolina. Many Granite Bay High School students attended the event. Cage the Elephant’s concert at Ace of Spades on Dec. 9 was a part of their 2011 tour unveiling their new album Thank you, Happy Birthday. The band’s unique sound rocked the event and left listeners wanting more.

- Reel Big Fish and Streetlight Manifesto- Ace of Spades (Dec. 17) - Kreayshawn- The Regency Ballroom (Dec. 31) - Dynasty, Messengers, Redeemer, Kublai Khan and more- Club Retro (Jan. 7) - Fitz & The Tantrums- The Regency Ballroom (Jan. 26) - Wilco- Mondavi Center for the Performing Arts (Feb. 1) - Attack Attack!- Ace of Spades (Feb. 1) - August Burns Red- The Regency Ballroom (Feb. 5) - Circa- Mondavi Center for the Performing Arts (Feb. 12)

Q: How long have you been interested in music and why? A: Since the moment I was adopted, I started playing with cereal boxes and sticks and just made a rhythm out of that. Afterwards, I would sing and dance in front of the mirror, on and on and drive my mom and dad crazy. Music has inspired me for quite a long time. Q: What inspires you to make music? A: I write my own songs, and I love playing for everyone else, entertaining them and inspiring them with my music. I guess I just know that I make other people happy when I play, which makes me feel amazing. And, the sound of music is beautiful. If it’s beautiful, I hope I’m not failing to help everyone else recognize that. Q: Who are your favorite musicians and what kinds of music do you like? A: Celine Dion – she’s got an amazing voice, Martina McBride, Faith Hill and I love Toby Keith – he’s got a good voice. Q: What sort of themes do you address in your music? A: My life, my past, romance, love. But, mostly about how there are struggles and difficulties in life and how to deal with that. Q: Do you plan on pursuing music after high school? A: I actually do. I actually had invitations to record music last year. Q: What else do you do with your music besides making your own songs? A: Right now, I’m teaching two of my friends how to play guitar.

-compiled by Becky Massil

Dangerbird Records

1965 Records

p U p Pum ixtape M A playlist perfect for getting in the zone BY BRAD WONG

bwong.gazette@gmail.com

Reel Big Fish

Columbia Records

“Lose Yourself” by Eminem One of the rap classics of all time, this song sends chills down anyone’s spine. This can definitely pump anybody up. “Wings” by Macklemore This artist is known for his inspirational songs. Macklemore’s lively rhythm and meaningful lyrics make someone want to do something extraordinary. “Shambhala Mix” by Excision For those electronic lovers, this is an hour-long mix of intense bass blasting beats. This song is always a go-to for workouts and gives a surge of adrenaline.

Gazette photo/KRISTIN TAYLOR

“When I Look At You” by Emalkay This is one of the most intense and energizing dubstep songs. The dramatic drop and packed bass line can help inspire someone to get in the zone for running. “Riot maker” by Tech N9ne This rapper puts together a song with some incredible rhymes. This will definitely get someone’s head bobbing with its perfectly synced lyrics and fast paced beat. “We Will Rock You” by Queen One of the most classic songs of all time, this song makes dominating the other

team seem easy. The pounding drums and crowd vocals are perfect to pump up energy levels and confidence. “Till I Collapse” by Eminem Another spine-chilling classic by Eminem, this one will keep a workout going strong. The inspiring lyrics will make someone want to do something just as great as the song. “Timebomb” by Laidback Luke This electro song is strung with heavy bass and a fast paced beat. The vocals amp up the energy level and make for a great pre-game or workout song.

Happy holidays from green screen.

December 2011

Page 9

Winter Wonderland.

Dress Dilemmas

The many mishaps of finding the perfect Winter Ball dress BY DORIEN JOHNK

djohnk.gazette@gmail.com

Some girls do a lot of work and research to find that one perfect dress to wear to Winter Ball. Others just shop leisurely until they find something that they’re satisfied with. Senior Sydney Mendenhall is one of the many girls at Granite Bay High School who tries to find a dress away from home. “I went to Los Angeles with some of my friends and we all went shopping down there,” Mendenhall said. When shopping, she tries her hardest to find a unique dress. “It honestly depends where I get my dresses (for dances). I always try to look away from Granite Bay because I don’t like to have the same dress as anyone else,” Mendenhall said. “But typically it doesn’t work out.” That same mentality is shared by junior Chiyoh Arai. Usually, she finds her dresses at the mall, but this year, her dress came from a different country. “I got my homecoming dress from Japan,” Arai said. “I look online for clothes and dresses in Japan every year, and I found one this year that I really liked.” After formal dances, Arai doesn’t do anything special with her dresses.

“Half of my closet is dresses, so my cousins borrow them (and) my friends borrow them,” Arai said. There are also many girls at GBHS who have gone through a lot of trouble to get dresses. Sophomore Kennedy Mac Millan bought her Winter Ball dress online. She decided to buy online so no one would have an identical dress. However, she had trouble as soon as she received the dress. “A (few weeks) after I ordered it, I got it in the mail and as soon as I took it out I noticed it was the wrong color and wrong (style),” Mac Millan said. Mac Millan then decided to go look for dresses in El Dorado Hills. After three hours of searching, she found a few dresses she liked, but they were all out of her price range. She then went to Macy’s and found a cheaper dress that she liked. “It was really annoying because I loved the picture of the online dress... and it was really disappointing to not have it be cute,” Mac Millan said. “Then to go to the store in El Dorado Hills for so long and end up in Macy’s and find my dress in half an hour, it’s just annoying.” Although she went through a lot of trouble to finally find a dress locally, Mac Millan would do it all over again

if she needed to. When Winter Ball comes around there are always a few couples excited to take the formal attire to the next level. One of these couples this year is senior Rachel Pae and her date who are dressing in the spirit of the holidays. “I wanted to be different this year now as a senior… and since my dress is green, I decided to be a Christmas tree,” Pae said. “I want to put ornaments on me…and make my hair look like a star or an angel.” Her date, Pae said, will be dressing as Santa Claus. “I think that (at Winter Ball) I will be the most (crazily) dressed person,” Pae said.

Somewhere to Skate A guide to the best ice skating spots this winter Skatetown

BY MICHAELA MONAGHAN mmonaghan.gazette@gmail.com

One of the best things about winter time is ice skating. Somehow, strapping on skates, stepping onto the freshly-Zambonied rink and hearing the blades scrape across the ice just symbolizes the holiday season. Throughout the Sacramento area, there are lots of great places to enjoy this holiday tradition.

Promenade on Ice

A perfect way to take a shopping break, the Promenade on Ice at the Galleria is a great place to skate. Surrounded by Christmas trees and lights, the outdoor rink provides a great atmosphere for a fun afternoon. Although on the smaller side, the Promenade on Ice is right in the middle of great shopping areas, including Forever 21 and Urban Outfitters Admission is $9 for adults and $5 for children, with skate rental costing an extra $4. The rink also offers skating aid rentals for $5. The Promenade on Ice is open until Jan. 16.

Skatetown in Roseville contains two NHL sized-rinks and offers hockey lessons, skating lessons, and group skate options. They also offer curling and broomball leagues. Because Skatetown is located indoors, it provides a perfect place to skate regardless of the weather. Skatetown also provides a store stocked with skating gear, as well as a café. Admission is $7.50 for adults, $7 for kids, and an extra $3.50 for skate rental. A sled aid rental costs $10. On Wednesdays, Skatetown offers Family Night, where admission and skate rental together cost $8. The rink is open year-round.

Downtown Sacramento Ice Rink

The Downtown Sacramento Ice Rink provides a great atmosphere to skate in. Located at 7th and K Streets, the outdoor rink lies in the center of Sacramento, close to the State Capitol, Old Sacramento and the Westfield shopping mall. Surrounded by colorful trees, the Downtown Sacramento Ice Rink is a beautiful place to spend an afternoon. This rink offers many special events, including Family Skate Night, Twitpic Thursdays, I Love the ‘90s Night, Ugly Sweater Day and Luau Day.

Admission for adults is $8, while kids four and under are admitted for free. Skate rental is an extra $2. The Downtown Sacramento Ice Rink will be open until Jan. 16.

Union Square Ice Rink

For anyone willing to take a day trip, San Francisco is the perfect place to skate. Located in the center of Union Square, this rink is in the heart of the shopping district, directly across from Macy’s, Tiffany & Co., Jessica McClintock, Neiman Marcus and Sak’s. Also near the rink are Zara, Louis Vuitton, Ghiradelli Chocolate, American Apparel and the Apple Store. The Union Square Ice Rink is the perfect place to experience the holiday cheer. Right next to the rink is an 80-foot fir tree covered in over 21,000 lights. Admission is $10 for adults and $6 for children, with skates costing $5 to rent. The rink also offers group discounts for parties above 15 people. The Union Square Ice Rink will be open until Jan.16. Gazette illustrations/HAYLEY MCAVOY

Pages 10 and 11

December 2011

Give.

f o n o s Sea

g n i v Gi BY LENA EYEN

leyen.gazette@gmail.com

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MAN CAN Candles are a traditional accessory for the holiday season. And yet, cherry blossom and brown sugar isn’t the ideal scent for everyone’s taste. Man Cans bring an inviting scent into an environment that is more savory than sweet. Created by a 13 year old boy who wondered why there weren’t any scented candles that he liked, Man Cans come in a variety of unique scents like Bacon, Campfire, Hot Cocoa, Coffee, Dirt, Fresh Cut Grass, Grandpa’s Pipe, New Mitt, New York Style Pizza, and Sawdust.

Price: $9.50 per can www.man-cans.com

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Page 12

December 2011

Technology.

DROID

Competition arises among the newest technology BY JOEY PUHALA

jpuhala.gazette@gmail.com

ith all of the hype over the new iPhone 4S, there is now more competition than ever between iPhones and Droids. One key aspect that differentiates the Droid from the iPhone is that the Droid has a much wider variety of phone models to chose from, each with its own pros and cons. This is a positive because it gives users more options when selecting a phone. As a result, Droid interfaces to the specific user. Even so, the iPhone seems to be a much more tailored and well-rounded phone. The iPhone uses a series of icons to display the applications, whereas the Droid uses a slightly less user-friendly system. Both can be equally productive, but the iPhone is typically easier to figure out. “I think the reason why people like the iPhone is because of how user-friendly it is,” sophomore Alex Cooney said. “Anyone can pick one up and know what to do with it.” Another differentiating factor between the two types of phones is their ability to multi task. The iPhone has a convenient layout that can be accessed while using an application, while on a Droid the user would have to exit the application he/she’s in. One element of the Droid that surpasses the iPhone is the screen size. Since there are so many models, the Droid has a number of different screen sizes. “Some of the screen sizes get so big that they make the iPhone’s look small,” sophomore Blaise Nasri said.

sophomore Austin Pink said. “The Droid keyboards are always so hard to figure out.” When someone is buying a smartphone, speed is usually a main priority. And between the iPhone 4S and Droid phones, Droids have proven to be notably faster. While the iPhone 4S can deliver just 5.5 megabits per second(mbps), the Droid phones have been shown to deliver over 10 mbps, almost double that of an iPhone. This can be overlooked, though due to its eight megapixel camera. “I love my iPhone’s camera,” junior Megan Zabrowski said. “I use it all of the time.” Although the iPhone features a more powerful camera, Droids offer more editing options, such as panoramic photos and burst shots. Both devices feature application stores, but the iPhone’s application store is much larger, and features more device-specific applications that can only be obtained through Apple’s application store, such as Instagram, a site used for uploading Gazette illustration/ HAYLEY MCAVOY and organizing your photos. Another bonus that the iPhone has over the “They have all sorts of sizes, depending on what you’re Droid is that the iPhone 4S has Siri, a voice recognizing looking for.” “assistant” that will run applications, set up reminders, Although it may have one standard screen size, the and even send messages. iPhone 4S uses a much higher resolution in the screen for crisper imaging. Another device-specific bonus of an iPhone is that The iPhone features a touch keyboard, and although since there is only one edition of the phone that sells at surprisingly effective, some people may tend to find any one time, there is a far wider selection of cases and it cumbersome and annoying to work with. The Droid accessories that work for the iPhone. The Droid’s wide features a number of different keyboard styles dependrange of models limits its accessories. ing on the model, as well as additional styles that can be “I think that both make great phones,” sophomore Jackdownloaded from the application store. son Rodriguez said. “When it comes down to it, it’s just “The iPhone touch screen keyboard is easy to use,” a matter of personal preference.”

iPhone iPhone

vs.

Droid Droid

Adding that Special Touch Be innovative with gift wrapping this holiday BY SAM SPARGO

sspargo.gazette@gmail.com

Gazette illustration/SAM SPARGO

Shelve the tired, store-bought wrapping paper this season, and instead use one of the numerous alternatives to add personality to that special present. Promote the trend of “going green” by using old newspapers to wrap gifts, instead of wrapping paper. This will save trees and money. The possibilities seem endless. Creativity is the key for this simple act to make the gift extra special. “Normally wrapping paper is coated, so it’s more difficult (and expensive) to recycle,” said Jack Denledy, the business development manager for local Recycling Industries. “There is more process involved with recycling wrapping paper than uncoated sheets of paper because there are more chemicals used.” The process for wrapping a gift with newspaper is practically identical to traditional wrapping. The only difference is the paper that is used. Simply take one’s favorite section of the newspaper, like the Sunday comics or advice section, and wrap the present as one would with regular wrapping paper. This method is not only green, but also personal. One can choose pages that will make the recipient smile. Take the thoughtful wrapping one more step further

with the newspaper theme and create bows by cutting colorful newsprint into strips. Fashion a traditional bow by tying the strips together, or feather them to make a fluffy topper. Craft enthusiasts with a little bit of time on their hands can easily create their own wrapping paper. “If you take your ordinary wrapping paper and put lace over it, it looks really cool,” senior and art student Mara Sackman said. Try pairing parchment-style wrapping with off white craft lace from Michael’s or Joann’s Fabrics. Simply attach the lace to the wrapping with fabric glue or a hot glue gun, then wrap away. Michaels manager Pam W. suggests using duct tape or other colored tape, instead of wrapping paper to wrap a box. Remove the lid from the box before beginning to tape, so that the lid is not accidentally sealed to it. The surface can be covered with endless possibilities such as tissue paper, construction paper or any other flat and thin objects capable of sticking to the box. “Cover a box and make it a self-decorated box,” Michael’s manager Pam W. said. “You put the lid on and it’s already decorated.”

December 2011

Page 13

Sip.

A cup of joe We check out local coffee shops

Jericho Coffee BY SYDNEY KAHMANN

skahmann.gazette@gmail.com

Previously, in the winter, the only coffee place I usually frequented was Starbucks. That is going to change this season. Jericho Coffee is a Christian coffeehouse that welcomes all who love a good cup of coffee. The minute you walk into Jericho, you discover a quaint coffeehouse with a community feel. In addition to coffee, the shop also features a cute boutique filled with Christian books, jewelry and other items which would make great gifts. Jericho has comfy couches, a soothing water fountain, soft music and an interesting menu. The menu makes just about anything sound good. For example, the Holy Cow and Holy Choco Cow are creative names for milk and chocolate milk. The first thing I tried was the Jericho Mt. Caramel, which is basically a caramel frappuccino. And when I say caramel, I mean caramel. The drink was really strong and I would recommended it only to extreme caramel lovers. The Mexican Spiced Mocha was better than the Mt. Caramel, so much so we returned for another the next day. Imagine your typical mocha, with whipped cream and a bit of cinnamon to finish it off. Finally I tried the Jericho Black Forest, which came highly recommended by the barista. The Black Forest is a frappuccino with espresso, chocolate sauce, whipped cream and a hint of cherry. It was absolutely delicious! Drinking the Jericho Black Forest is like

Bloom eating two black forest cakes, but crammed into one sixteen ounce cup. This is both good and bad. It’s difficult to eat two full pieces of rich cake in one sitting, and this drink was just as difficult to finish off. I was unable to drink the entire frappuccino and ended up storing it in my fridge so I could enjoy its chocolate splendor at a later time. Though this drink is very rich, I would still recommend giving it a try. Jericho Coffee also offers a few soups, salads and sandwiches for those who want a quick meal with their coffee. To compliment their coffees, I’d recommend their pastries and desserts. They serve chocolate chip pumpkin bread, snicker-doodles, croissants and best of all, the Mississippi Mud Cake. They serve the Mississippi Mud Cake warm with a melted chocolate glaze and whipped cream. Jericho’s service and cost impressed me just as much as its menu. The worker was very friendly and helpful, and the cost was less than Starbucks. Next time you want a coffee, give Jericho a try.

Gazette photo /SAMANTHA SPARGO

Jericho Coffee is located off of Sierra College Boulevard

BY JOEY PUHALA

jpuhala.gazette@gmail.com

Traditional café’s are somewhat of a rarity in modern America. With a convenient Starbucks on every corner, Bloom seems to be a hidden gem. Upon entering the café, the first notable aspect of the shop is its truly unique atmosphere. The walls are painted a soothing color and adorned with various pieces of contemporary artwork. Music plays softly as you go about your coffee ordering business. When glancing over the relatively bare menu, it becomes evident that Bloom offers the essential coffee-house staples, but not much more. In a way, this lack of choices makes ordering a drink relatively simple, and far less overwhelming than many other places. I ordered a hot chocolate and a latte, and waited patiently while the barista crafted my gourmet drinks. When I received them, I was thoroughly impressed with the beverages’ quality. The latte had me in love with it before I even had a taste. The warm aroma seemed to fit hand in hand with the cool design crafted out of milk that I found on top of my drink. The flavor was even more impressing than the foam artwork.

The warm, smooth, delicious drink couldn’t have been more satisfying. I could immediately tell that the quality of the coffee was far superior to that of other, more mainstream, cafés. The hot chocolate was also incredibly well done. Although it might be slightly too rich for some, any chocolate fan would be impressed with its bold, creamy flavor and smooth texture. Bloom is full of positives, but unfortunately, it also had its fair share of downsides. The first, and possibly most important, is the cost. My latte was four dollars, a price that seems unnecessarily steep for just one drink. The other downside is that, although very unique, the atmosphere may seem a tad intimidating to some people. This is because, if you don’t seem to be “up to par” with the hipster atmosphere, you may feel terribly out of place. Overall, the pro’s vastly outweigh the con’s at this unique coffee shop. The music is relaxing and the atmosphere provides a nice, cool feel, and is definitely a place that every coffee aficionado should check out if they want a quality beverage as well as a break from the overwhelming atmosphere you might find at a Starbucks or Peet’s.

Origin BY CHASE EVANS

chevans.gazette@gmail.com

Origin is a coffee shop in downtown Sacramento that has volunteer workers and uses all profit to buy women out of sex slavery. They also hold church services in the shop on Sunday mornings with a worship band and two head pastors. Even with volunteer baristas, Origin produces quality coffee. I had a fantastic mocha made by a twenty year old college student. The volunteer baristas pride themselves on making great beverages and they outdid themselves with my

mocha. It was far and away better than the hundreds of mochas I have had at Starbucks or other similar coffee shops. I bought a delicious, buttery scone to go with my mocha and ended up trying a handmade orange cream soda as well, simply because it looked so exotic. The orange cream soda was one of the best things I have ever had to drink. I have no clue how they made it but it was totally amazing. It had the right amount of fizz, cream and orange flavors, all mixed perfectly into one fantastic drink. While the drinks and scone were amazing, what really

astounded me was the décor. Every month or so, an artist volunteers to display his or her art and tastefully change the ambience of the room. I visited Origin once when there was a brilliant rainbow and sun collage on the wall, then returned a few weeks later to find a new set of darker paintings of people without faces. Along with the artwork, the vibe and overall feel of the coffee shop is refreshing. The room feels warm and inviting – full of life, yet not too busy.

Page 14

December 2011

Watch.

Festive Films

The best movies to celebrate the holiday season BY CROSBY ALLISON

callison.gazette@gmail.com

Ch Nat rist ion m a as

A favorite of many Disney fans, The Nightmare Before Christmas is a holiday-blending film that depicts the alternate reality of many beloved holiday characters. This film was made in 1993, yet was based off a 1980s poem. The main cast is made up of Halloween-themed creatures, whose mission is to create their own “spooky” Christmas. This movie is appropriately themed for the months between Halloween and Christmas. Even more interesting than the storyline is the fact that the entire film is comprised Touchstone Pictures of a chain of still pictures. In total, there are 109, 440 individual frames that together make the movie. Finally, Tim Burton’s peculiar and imaginative direction lends a magical air to the film.

The 2000 version of Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas features Jim Carrey as the famous antagonist who tries to thwart Whoville’s celebratory Christmas feast and ruin the holiday. This movie is particularly nostalgic for people who were children around its release. The movie has both mature and childish humor and can entertain all audiences. The live-action version of Seuss’s book is much more extraordinary than the unrealistic cartoons, and Jim Carrey lends the movie his particular brand of Universal Pictures zaniness. The movie eventually celebrates all of our common ground and provides a great message, showing that any one can enjoy Christmas, even if their heart is “three times too small.”

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National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation is filled with Chevy Chase’s sardonic quips and National Lampoon’s scornful humor. Christmas Vacation is a 1989 release, but its humor is as Warner Bros. Pictures modern as any current movie. The lure of a traditional Christmas brings the entire Griswold family together, and they eventually resolve their differences. It paints a realistic picture of the stress families feel to put on a memorable Christmas for their relatives. In a way, it’s the most honest holiday film, while still retaining its hilarity. In the end, it didn’t matter how hard the Griswolds tried to please the rest of the family, just that they were all together.

White Christmas is a classic film from 1954. It details the career of two soldiers post-World War II, and emphasizes the importance of being with those one loves. It also features the song named after the Paramount Pictures movie, “White Christmas.” The production features dancing and is very entertaining. It also has a meaningful message beneath the storyline. The film does not contain many special effects, which shifts the focus of the movie to the plot and overall message. Plus, one of the main characters is Bing Crosby, who is the physical embodiment of Christmas, next to Santa Claus. Even grandparents will enjoy White Christmas, making it a great family film for the holidays.

h c in r G e h t w Ho

December 2011

Page 15

Yum.

Delicious Christmas Desserts

Take taste on the wild side with these new and different twists to traditional holiday treats BY RACHAEL VASQUEZ

Eggnog Cheesecake

rvasquez.gazette@gmail.com

1 cup graham cracker crumbs 2 tablespoons white sugar 3 tablespoons melted butter 3 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened 1 cup white sugar 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour 3/4 cup eggnog 2 eggs 2 tablespoons rum 1 pinch ground nutmeg

vasquez

1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C). 2. In a medium bowl combine graham cracker crumbs, 2 tablespoons sugar and butter. Press into the bottom of a 9 inch spring from pan. 3. Bake in preheated oven for 10 minutes. Place on a wire rack to cool. 4. Preheat oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C). 5. In a food processor combine cream cheese, 1 cup sugar, flour and eggnog; process until smooth. Blend in eggs, rum and nutmeg. Pour mixture into cooled crust. 6. Bake in preheated oven for 10 minutes. 7. Reduce heat to 250 and bake for 45 minutes, or until center of cake is barely firm to the touch. Remove from the oven and immediately loosen cake from rim. Let cake cool completely before removing the rim. allrecipes.com Gazette ph

oto /Rachael

Yule Log Cake 5 eggs, room temperature

Peppermint Brownies

achael

3/4 cup vegetable oil 2 cups sugar 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 4 eggs 1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour 1 cup baking cocoa 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon salt 3/4 cup crushed peppermint candy, divided Glaze: 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips 1 tablespoon shortening

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1. Line a 13-in. x 9-in. x 2-in. baking pan with foil, grease and set aside. In a mixing bowl, beat oil and sugar. Stir in vanilla. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. 2. Combine the flour, cocoa, baking powder and salt; gradually add to mixture. 3. Set aside 2 tablespoons peppermint candy for garnish; stir remaining candy into creamed mixture. Spread into prepared pan. Bake at 350 degrees F for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool on a wire rack. 4. For glaze, melt chocolate chips and shortening in a microwave or heavy saucepan; stir until smooth. Spread over brownies; sprinkle with the reserved peppermint pieces. allrecipes.com

vasquez

For filling: 2 1/2 tablespoons all-purpose flour 1/2 cup milk 1/2 cup sugar 2/3 cup sugar 1/2 cup butter, softened 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa 1/2 cup chopped walnuts

Mocha butter cream frosting: 1 cup butter, softened 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa 1 teaspoon strong coffee confectioners’ sugar Chopped nuts

1. In a large mixing bowl, beat egg yolks at high speed until light and fluffy. Gradually add sugar, beating until mixture is thick and light-colored. Add flour and cocoa, beating on low speed. 2. In another bowl, beat egg whites until soft peaks form; fold into batter. Mix until no streaks of white remaining. 3. Grease a 15-in. x 10-in. x 1-in. pan; line with waxed paper, and grease and flour paper. Spread batter evenly in pan. Bake at 350 degrees F for 15 minutes or until cake springs back when touched lightly. Cover with waxed paper and cool completely on wire rack. 4. Remove paper; invert cake onto an 18-in. long piece of waxed paper dusted with confectioners’ sugar. Trim edges from all four sides of cake. 5. For filling, combine flour and milk in a saucepan. Cook over low heat; stirring until thick. Cool. In a mixing bowl, cream sugar, butter and vanilla. Add flour mixture; beat until fluffy. Fold in walnuts if desired. 6.Spread on cake; roll up, starting from one short end. 7. For frosting, beat butter until fluffy in a small bowl. Beat in sugar, cocoa and coffee. Spread over cake, using a fork to create a bark-like effect. Sprinkle with confectioners’ sugar and nuts if desired. allrecipes.com

Gazette photo /Rachael vasquez

Page 16

It’s coming.

December 2011

How to survive:

The

END

of the

BY HALEY MASSARA

hmassara.gazette@gmail.com

On Dec. 21, 2012, the world is, quite regrettably, coming to an end. This has been proven beyond a shadow of a doubt. Not only does this date mark the end of a cycle of the ancient Mayan calendar, but it may be linked to galactic alignment thought by some astrologists to be the cause of mass extinctions. Others have predicted a cataclysmic shift in the Earth’s poles or collision with a foreign planet. Still others believe that the year 2012 will bring with it the Rapture of Christian believers up to heaven. Clearly, to deny the ensuing calamity is to ignore absolutely logical, irrefutable proof. And with so many apocalyptic scenarios, there can be little certainty about exactly what kind of doomsday mankind can expect.

W OR L D. But there’s no need to worry. The Gazette has taken the liberty of compiling a guide to surviving several of the most likely catastrophes. While this list is certainly non-exhaustive, it should help readers prepare for the end of the world.

Hurricanes and Floods

Earthquakes and Tsunamis

Though Sacramento is at a far lower risk for serious earthquakes than other areas of California, preparation for such an event - apocalyptic or otherwise - is often prudent. The best way to survive an earthquake is to head outside and avoid buildings. If indoors, victims should drop to the ground and grab onto the underside of a table or desk. Falling objects and debris are as dangerous as the earthquake’s actual shaking. It may be smart to preemptively stabilize large household items in case of such an event. After the quakes have subsided, be wary of fires and electrical hazards. If the earthquake was – as would be expected in an apocalyptic scenario – of a very high magnitude, structural damage may be widespread. A tsunami may be more dangerous than the earthquake that created it. Be familiar with the sea level of your area, and head towards high, inland ground if there is high risk of a tsunami. After the wave hits, avoid water-damaged buildings, and do not attempt to rescue others without proper equipment. Since the apocalypse will be a global phenomenon, there may be no professional help available.

Sacramento’s levee system has been the subject of much concern since the catastrophic post-hurricane flooding in New Orleans, and, in the event of a global, cataclysmic climate shift, Sacramento may be very vulnerable to such floods. During a hurricane, Ready.gov recommends barricading oneself indoors. Alternately, if infrastructure is still present, determine if and where evacuation is necessary. As this is the apocalypse, however, there may not be any designated safe zones. If flooding occurs – perhaps, even, of Biblical proportions – avoid crossing flooded areas, and stick to high ground, as a person can be swept off their feet by as little as six inches of water. Try to wash off anything that gets wet, as floodwater can contain sewage and other chemicals.

Rapture-Like Phenomena, Mass Panics and Extraterrestrial Visitation

When doomsday arrives, tragically, not everyone will be prepared. Ideally, some local or federal authority will still be present, but if a large portion of the population is raptured to Heaven – or simply ceases to do their jobs – survivors will be largely on their own. Riots, whether political or sparked by demand for supplies, will likely occur, and it is important to remain with friends and family. Avoid unnecessary conflict with other survivors. Regardless of what dangers exist, resist the temptation to panic. Even Satanic or supernatural dangers – demons, monsters and the like – can be thwarted, or at least avoided, by logic and precaution. In the event of alien visitation, try to quarantine loved ones from the species until officials confirm whether or not it is dangerous. Aliens may harbor unknown diseases or be hostile towards humans. If forced to interact with a sentient alien species, be obedient and polite, but seek safety as soon as possible. Gazette illustrations/HAYLEY MCAVOY

Tips for Surviving Other Disasters The apocalypse may include several of the scenarios outlined above, or it may be unlike anything mankind has witnessed before. Regardless, there are things every survival-minded person can do to ensure their safety when the end arrives. Sleeping bags, candles, canned goods, batteries for flashlights, solar chargers for electronic devices and bottled water are among the supplies biology teacher Scott Braly recommends keeping on-hand in case of emergency, cataclysmic or otherwise. Braly also recommends keeping a first aid kit nearby, and being familiar with its

contents. Survivalists should certify themselves in CPR if they have yet to do so, and consider making a basic disaster survival plan with their families. But Braly said he believed it would be very difficult for most people to adjust to life after a global disaster, regardless of how ready they believed themselves to be. “Just be prepared,” he said. “Most of us aren’t going to fill our garages with canned food and water because (disasters) could happen. We can be prepared on a reasonable level without being doomsday, crazy people.”

December 2011

green screen.

Page 17

20th century

walt disney pictures

the muppets: C+

By: Crosby Allison callison.gazette@gmail.com

onah Hill has been a part of many hilarious comedy films, including Superbad, Get Him to the Greek, Knocked Up and countless others. Maybe, as appears to be the case in his latest movie, The Sitter, Hill has been in so many humorous movies, he has run out of new ways to make one laugh. Directed by David Gordon Green, also the director of Pineapple Express, The Sitter is a cliché story of a college dropout baby sitting three children. Noah Griffith (Hill) immediately realizes the challenge when he meets the very unique characters of the Pedulla family. Slater (Max Records) is an anxiety-diagnosed teenager who is dependent on medication, while Rodrigo (Kevin Hernandez) is a recently adopted child who speaks next to no English and is all about causing mayhem. Last but not least is Blithe (Landry Bender), who is a preteen diva, caught in the fads of makeup and being a celebrity. The plot picks up when Griffith’s girlfriend asks for some drugs in return for her sleeping with him at a party. The movie then turns into a night in which Griffith must find a way to balance babysitting three crazy children and running away from a psychopath drug dealer all before 1 am. This formulaic plot is so similar to the most recent Harold & Kumar, in which the entire movie is a night full of mishaps and adventures. Despite this, Griffith managed to say a few punch lines that got some chuckles out of me. Many scenes would only happen in a movie, totally ignorant of the outcome in reality. The theme of the movie made me feel awkward based off of how unlikely it emerged from the chain of events. Even if the plot was cliché and the humor was mediocre, the characters were comically characterized. In addition, there were many moments full of irony and scenes that made me laugh due to their weirdness and wittiness. Overall, The Sitter did not meet my expectations of a knee-slapping Jonah Hill movie, like Superbad or Knocked Up. The Sitter may be better seen on DVD or Netflix with a few friends ready for a few decent laughs.

Rated: R By: Brad Wong bwong.gazette@gmail.com

the sitter: B-

hile watching this movie, I had two thoughts surfacing and resurfacing in my mind: why are these once-lifeless arts-and-crafts projects becoming aware, and why don’t the human characters realize they’re only toys? In fact, throughout the movie, the script playfully jests at the Muppets’ own faded popularity. However, while watching the movie, the cast felt a bit outdated. For those who watched the show several decades ago, these felt-made characters may still have their rustic charm, but their legacy may be lost upon the current youth. Although Kermit has been an icon of popular culture, it’s not necessarily assured that the younger demographics will relate to his amphibian affability. In the movie, two humans dwell amongst the animate puppets: Amy Adams (Enchanted, The Fighter) and Jason Segel (Freaks and Geeks, Forgetting Sarah Marshall). They basically serve as two additional “human Muppets,” and their performances are very quality. However, they play minor parts in comparison to the Muppets themselves. The protagonist is a newly-introduced Muppet by the name of Walter, who tries to fit in with his talented friends. He’s a likable character, although his role in the plot isn’t very plausible. Walter is a Muppet fanboy who seeks to reunite his fallen heroes, a task that leads him to Kermit the Frog. The plot of the movie is the resurrection of the Muppets in response to an evil oil baron who wants to purchase the Muppets’ old studio, to drill for oil underneath. Walter helps Kermit, Fozzie and friends to put on a last ditch effort to save their studio and the nostalgia it imparts. Several songs are included in this semimusical film, and are quite entertaining. The humor of the movie at times seems to be clichéd, but the comedy is light-hearted and doesn’t seem to be the focus of the plot. Overall, The Muppets is a family-friendly film for fans of appropriate humor. Those who welcome our puppet overlords will certainly enjoy this film.

Rated: PG

December 2011

Film.

WARNER BROS PICTURES

ith a combination of eight Academy Awards nominations in the cast of New Year’s Eve, you’d expect the movie to be filled with amazing acting. Instead, lines come across as cheesy, and the characters don’t create any emotional attachment with the audience. The director, Gary Marshall, tried to create a movie like the only ensemble-cast movie I’ve ever liked, Love, Actually, but Marshall’s effort came across as more like, Really Terrible Movie, Actually. The movie revolves around people in New York, where the New Year promises each of them a new start. First of all, that’s ridiculous. Just because a clock strikes midnight on a new year doesn’t mean that everything in the past disappears. Plus, if the movie really shows how 2012 is looking, we’re not off to a very promising start. The movie didn’t develop any of its many story lines, and I couldn’t have cared less about any of the characters. I don’t even remember any of their names, because the movie jumped around so much that it was hard to get invested in the story. The movie was filled with ridiculous Hollywood clichés, including the couple who have never met but who get stuck in an elevator together and walk out in love. Plus, the couple in the elevator was played by Ashton Kutcher and Lea Michele, who had absolutely no chemistry together, no matter how much the producers tried to shove their cuteness down our throats. Besides the always hilarious Sofia Vergara, the movie didn’t garner any laughs. I think people in the theater laughed more during the previews than they did during the actual movie. In fact, many of the twominute previews were better than the entire movie. I just didn’t find the movie to be believable at all. A clog-wearing Sarah Jessica Parker turned into Carrie Bradshaw 2.0 (incredible pumps included), and Josh Duhamel played a former serial-dater who randomly decided he wanted to get serious. The movie really seemed to be telling viewers that all you need to have a happy New Year is a man. Oh, especially if there is a kiss at midnight. The movie was a cynical melting pot that, instead of encouraging me about what the New Year will bring, made me apprehensive. Despite a cast that should be fantastic, New Year’s Eve is basically a cheesy Hallmark card. Something sappy without any real meaning. It has a cute cover, but there is no substance.

Rated: PG-13 By: Shannon Carroll scarroll.gazette@gmail.com

new year’s eve: D

Page 18

PARAMOUNT PICTURES

hugo: A+

SUMMIT ENTERTAINMENT

sony pictures

hile walking into the movie theater to review this film, I was about as far from excited as could be, and prepared myself for a movie way below my interests. For that reason, and probably that reason alone, I wasn’t disappointed. It was a cute, little kid’s Christmas story, but definitely not the typical movie a high school student goes to see. The story centers around the fictional character of Arthur Christmas, the second son of the current Santa Claus. In the movie, the job of Santa Claus is passed down from generation to generation. If I had any impression that Santa still flies around in his sleigh all of Christmas night to deliver his presents, the beginning of the movie would have shattered that belief- not because there is no Santa, but the operation has been modernized. Santa has become a figurehead for the operation, and only hand delivers a few presents. The rest are attended to by a veritable army of elves, who fly around the world with Santa in a giant, engine propelled ship named the S-1. The entire operation is now organized by Steve, Santa’s eldest son and Arthur’s older brother. Arthur, the clumsy but passionate one in the family, mostly stays out of the way and responds to letters from children in his father’s stead. But at the end of Christmas night, Arthur and an elf discover that one child has been missed, and together with “Grandsanta” they set out to deliver the gift in the fabled sleigh pulled by descendants of the original reindeer. Plenty of mishaps happen along the way (shocker, they still needed some kind of struggle, even if it is just a kid’s movie) and it turns out that Arthur is the only one who really cares about the spirit of Christmas for every last child, while the rest of the family is satisfied with having a nearly perfect Christmas. Long story short, everything ends well, but just in case you somehow can’t guess what happens, I won’t ruin it for you. Overall it’s a very cute Christmas story that is a bit original and has very little to knock, but it doesn’t break from the mold enough to be win any awards in my opinion. Rated: PG By: Kyle Pawlak kpawlak.gazette@gmail.com

arthur christmas: B

ased on the novel The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick, Hugo is a compelling and heartfelt story which transcends any expectations of it being merely a “children’s film.” The critically acclaimed film director, Martin Scorsese, captures each scene beautifully, and unravels each character’s back story with sincerity and relish. The film boasted stunning cinematography, visual effects and a phenomenal cast, starring Asa Butterfield (Hugo), known for his role in The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas, and Ben Kingsley (Méliès), from Schindler’s List, just to name a few. However, the story of Hugo was the most impressive aspect. The movie focuses on a young boy named Hugo, who has an innate knack for fixing things and lives at a train station, winding the clockwork from day to day. Hugo’s back-story is revealed as such: one day his entire life fell apart when his father, who taught him everything he knew about mechanics and clockwork, died in a fire. From that point onwards, he spends his days in loneliness, despair and fear of being sent to an orphanage. The only memento left by his father is a dysfunctional automaton, a self-operating robot that can write and draw. Hugo desperately struggles to fix the contraption, in hopes of revealing a secret message or perhaps a last will from his father. Through a young, eccentric girl named Isabelle (Chloë Moretz), Hugo is lead to the original owner of the automaton: Georges Méliès (Ben Kingsley), a well-respected filmmaker in his day, who had lost all hopes of fulfilling his dreams of his works being widely known and appreciated. It is here, when Hugo realizes that he not only has the ability to fix broken objects, but broken people as well. Through a poignant journey, Hugo is able to move forward in his life, as he realizes that he is no longer alone, and has both a purpose and a place in the world he lives in. Throughout the movie, the underlying themes of loss, loneliness and hope are brilliantly weaved through each scene. All in all, this film is a refreshing, mesmerizing, innovative spectacle that everyone should definitely consider seeing. Rated: PG By: Chris Pei cpei.gazette@gmail.com

Page 19

Film.

he team Jacob, team Edward dispute continued with the release of the latest Twilight Saga installment Breaking Dawn, Part One. The movie continues the story of Bella and Edward’s forbidden romance as a newly married couple. The honeymoon, a stereotypically joyful event, turned chaotic with the seemingly impossible conception of a half vampire, half human child. The baby adds conflict to the already hostile relationship between the almost always shirtless werewolf clan and the vampires. Poor human Bella is stuck between it all. Compared to previous Twilight movies, this one excelled by far. However, it was still a Twilight film, so our expectations weren’t high to begin with. The acting improved and Robert Pattinson has definitely made his American accent more realistic. However, he speaks very little due to the lack of dialogue in the movie. Most of the movie consists of Bella and Edward staring into each others eyes, trying to create tension for dramatic affect, but instead causes the viewers to be uncomfortable. Kristen Stewart still lacks emotion in her facial expressions, but does express agony well in the gruesome scenes. Oh yes, the gruesome scenes. There was far too much blood and guts, even for a vampire movie. Another inappropriate aspect was the honeymoon scenes. They were too graphic for PG-13, especially due to the fact that most Twi-hards are tweens. The digital effects were the best part of the movie. Bella’s emaciated body looks almost too realistic. The wolves are also very realistic. Another improvement was the lighting of the movie. The first Twilight was far too gray and dreary, and this new one was more accepting of color and brightened the scenes for a more lighthearted and less I-want-to-kill-myself mood. The movie was very dragged out and they overused dramatic scenery, making it almost comical. Many scenes left us in a bored haze due to their length. You almost become detached from the movie. If you have to use the bathroom during the movie, go. You won’t miss anything. What we did like was the constant lack of clothes on Taylor Lautner’s body. Although it doesn’t help his less than Oscar worthy acting skills, his body leaves the girls swooning. In the end, this movie gets a C+ due to its never lacking romantic appeal. Edward and Bella’s undying, unbreakable love is what every girl dreams of. Rated: PG-13 By: Olivia Cornell and Kristin Taylor ocornell.gazette@gmail.com ktaylor.gazette@gmail.com

breaking dawn: C

December 2011

Page 20

December 2011

Movies.

Walt Disney pictures

The Muppets

C+

20th century

The Sitter

B-

warner bros pictures

New Yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Eve

In Theat ers

A+

Hugo

PARMOUNT PICTURES

Tinker Tailor Solider Spy

sony pictures

Breaking Dawn

summit entertainment