May 2013 issue

Special Ed students run school café

Local restaurants offer delicious eats

The Oracle explores ways to stay healthy during the summer

PG. 13 FEATURES

PG. 25 ENTERTAINMENT

PG. 14-15 CENTERFOLD

THEORACLE

Palo Alto Unified School District Henry M. Gunn High School 780 Arastradero Rd Palo Alto, CA 94306 NON-PROFIT ORG U.S. Postage

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Henry M. Gunn High School

http://gunnoracle.com/

Monday, May 20, 2013 Volume 50, Issue 8

780 Arastradero Road, Palo Alto, CA 94306

Dave Zhu

The Oracle looks beneath the surface of body image issues Lawrence Chen & Nabeel Chollampat News Editors

As a part of beauty product company Dove’s new “Real Beauty” campaign, the Dove Self-Esteem Fund released various statistics pertaining to girls and their body image. One, for example, stated that seven in ten girls believe that “they are not good enough, or do not measure up in some way.”

Recently, comments made by clothing company Abercrombie and Fitch’s CEO Mike Jeffries in 2006 have resurfaced, in which he summed up the retail store’s sales strategies as “exclusionary.” In response to these facts, The Oracle decided to investigate the prevalence of body image issues at Gunn.

Mental Impact According to school nurse Bill Palacio, many students who have body image issues perceive their bodies to be very

different than what they really are. “Even though they’re at a in the mirror, they start focusing on what they see as flaws really healthy weight, a lot of them still have that image; they and what others may not even see as flaws.” look in the mirror and see something bigger than they actuHébert also recounts psychological studies that suggest ally are,” he said. “So, of course that many women do not accurately they want to get skinnier, tinier perceive what men find attractive. and even though some of them In one such study, a group of men “A lot of people tend to hear are really small, they still just can’t were shown a series of body figures body image and think, ‘feget that out of their heads.” of varying sizes and asked to choose Advanced Placement Psycholthe most attractive one. A group of female students’, but there ogy teacher John Hébert believes males were then posed the same quesare a lot of male students the body image issue is becoming tion with the same figures, but they increasingly widespread, largely tended to choose figures much skinwho are affected by it too.” due to western cultural practices. nier than what the men had chosen.

—School Nurse Bill Palacio “In our country and many westYet, according to Palacio, females ern-influenced countries, body images that are sort of perfect aren’t the only ones affected. “I see a lot of males who want and ideal are projected all the time,” he said. “Women, and get muscles and this bigger, stronger look,” he said. “A lot of to a lesser degree, men develop this idea that when they look BODY IMAGE—p.1

If you or someone you know is suffering from an eating disorder, you can reach out to these sources for help: National Eating Disorder Referral and Informational Center

1-(858)-481-1515

»

National Eating Disorder Association

1-(800)-931-2237

Bulimia and Self-Help Hotline:

1-(314)-588-1683

Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Eating Disorders

1-(847)-831-3438 Help Now Hotline:

1-(800)-435-7609

2

News

Monday, May 20, 2013

NEWS BITES Library wins Follett Challenge

In early April, the library received news that its video, titled “Voices from the Idea Lab” and created by Librarian Meg Omainsky, had won $60,000 in the Follett Challenge, a competition designed to recognize innovation and promote programs that teach the 21st century skills students need in order to be prepared for life after high school.

This year, over 100 schools participated and Gunn won one of two available grand prizes. In order to participate, schools had to send in both a video and a written explanation of one of the school’s programs.

The video that Omainsky submitted highlighted how the Gunn library promoted collaboration and creativity within the community and showcased several student activities as well as events like TedX. Omainsky attributed Gunn’s victory to both the hard work and effort of the students and the fact that Gunn offers a very unique set of conditions to the competition. “I think we won because I feel our program is very creative and promotes cooperation,” Omainsky said.

As a result of the contest results, the entire district, including the middle and elementary schools, will receive $60,000 worth of books and other educational materials from the Follett Challenge sponsors.

Omainsky noted that although she will not be participating in the challenge in future years, she still wants to improve the Gunn library and encourages students to bring their ideas and feedback to her.

Tim Wang

VEX Robotics team takes part in World Championships event The Gunn VEX Robotics Team attended and competed in the VEX Robotics High School World Championships in Anaheim, California on Apr. 17. After starting off in the competition with two wins and one loss on the first day, the team ultimately placed 70th out of 600 teams after competing in a grand total of 10 matches.

In the “Sack Attack” challenge, robots scored by putting sacks in a trough. The challenge, which had competitors put as many sacks in the trough as possible in a given time limit, tested the efficiency and speed of the robots.

According to junior club president Margaret Qian, the team engineered a specific, three-component design in order to complete the task. “There is an intake system to ‘eat’ the sacks, an arm that lifts the sacks into the trough, and a drive base so the robot can move around,” Qian said.

The competition saw a high international attendance. High schools came from many different countries to compete in the World Championships.

Among the several teams that competed against Gunn’s VEX team were schools that flew in from Singapore and Puerto Rico.

“We saw many really amazing robots,” Qian said. “It was a good learning experience.”

Leon Cheong

Gunn Confessions page removed Lucy Oyer Managing Editor

Many students agreed that taking the page down was the right move. “I didn’t really care about it personally On Apr. 21, in response to the Gunn Confessions because I wasn’t on it but a lot of people were hurt by the Facebook page, Principal Katya Villalobos sent an posts and it caused unnecessary drama,” junior Avery email to parents and students alerting them about the Sredanovich said. “Some of the posts were funny but page as well as sharing a new LibGuide developed by some went too far.”

Some students, however, felt the school administraLibrarian Meg Omainsky about cyber-bullying. Gunn Confessions received hundreds of “likes” from students tion’s response was too strong. Junior Thomas Rasmusand alumni before it was taken down. The page offered sen, who himself used the page a couple of times, agreed a link to a form through which one could submit an that the posts about the specific staff member were out anonymous confession about anything or anyone. Al- of line but did not think that the entire page should though the page’s administrators initially claimed they have been taken down. “I still think that if the admin would not post any negative confessions about specific had simply said the specific quotes had to be taken down or that they need individuals, a numto express a disclaimer ber of posts attacking that the page was not a Gunn staff member “I still think that if the admin had affiliated with Gunn, drew sharp criticism. simply said the specific quotes had as opposed to asking Gunn’s administration that the page be taken was made aware of the to be taken down or that they need down, that would have situation, but since the to express a disclaimer that the page been more appropriate,” Gunn Confessions adwas not affiliated with Gunn, as opRasmussen said. “Gunn ministrators had not can’t control what kids technically violated posed to asking that the page be say to each other outside any school rules, the taken down, that would have been of school so it doesn’t school’s response was make sense for them limited to requesting more appropriate.” to control what we say that the students take —Junior Thomas Rasmussen on Facebook outside of it down. school.”

Unlike most features Despite this, many students enjoyed Gunn Confeson Facebook, the Gunn Confessions page allowed students to write anything they wanted with complete ano- sions, as evidenced by the hundreds of “likes” some nymity. Initially, posts were generally light-hearted but, posts received at the peak of the page’s popularity. Supaccording to Villalobos, as the page’s popularity grew, porters believe the page was not only protected by the posts became much more sensational and offensive. First Amendment right to free speech, but it was also Within a week of Villalobos being informed, the page a useful outlet for students who wanted to have fun. “I was removed from Facebook. “There is a certain power thought it provided a forum for students to say things that people get from a sense of anonymity and they feel that they were thinking online in a way that didn’t they can write things to an individual that they would threaten anyone personally,” Rasmussen said. “I felt like never say to their face,” Villalobos said. “Even though I it was completely ridiculous that people were angry over didn’t have a real jurisdiction over Gunn Confessions, the concept of the page, when most of the things on the I was very disappointed because it didn’t match what I page were jokes or things that people found funny, or maybe a relatable confession.” know our students to be.”

Teachers receive 3 percent pay raise

once at least every three weeks.

According to Superintendent Kevin Skelly, this part of the Teachers in the Palo Alto Uniagreement was the most debated. fied School District (PAUSD) “We don’t want [the students or will get a 3 percent pay raise and parents/guardians] to treat their a 1.5 percent bonus retroactive grades like bank accounts, where for the 2012-2013 school year in they know what’s in them every an agreement that the Palo Alto second, every minute,” he said.

Educator’s Association (PAEA) While most teachers do regurecently ratified. larly update grades w it hin a A pay raise has been issued for three-week period, the biggest numerous reasons, according to question in the agreement is the Principal Katya Villalobos. “[Our philosophical reasoning of postdistrict] has not seen a pay raise ing them so frequently. “It’s not so in quite awhile—since 2007,” she much that people don’t think [the said. “In addition, our district agreement] is good; some will vote historically has had a practice to support and others will not,” of making sure that we keep up Villalobos said. “But is it really within the top range of salaries necessary to have kids check their to make sure we are grades every single day?” compet it ive in atFurthermore, teachers tracting teachers.” must also participate in According to 18 hours of professional “I hope that the community recVillalobos, the ecodevelopment over two ognizes this as an attempt to recnomic decline of preyears. Teachers can earn ognize our teachers’ perseverance vious years slowed these hours by taking adthe district’s hiring ditional classes or attendthrough a difficult economic downof teachers. Recent ing workshops approved turn.” stability at the local by the district. level, however, has Skelly believes that —Superintendent Kevin Skelly allowed the district the contract showcases to become competithe hard work PAUSD tive once again in the teachers’ is always innovating on the fore- teachers put in. “I hope that the market. front of education and that other community recognizes this as an This recovering local economy districts look to for guidance, ac- attempt to recognize our teachers’ has allowed the district to begin cording to Huizing. “We can only perseverance through a difficult compensation for PAUSD teach- be a lighthouse district when we economic downturn,” he said. ers. “In the economic decline, [the have the highest quality people According to Huizing, the condistrict] was essentially tightening working here,” she said. tract has been met with generally belts and making sure that [the Included in the contract for a positive response with regards to teachers] have sustainability for a 3 percent pay raise is a provision the teachers. “Personally, I think long period of time,” PAEA rep- stating that teachers are expected it’s a step in the right direction,” resentative Jordan Huizing said. to update their students’ grades she said.

Mitch Donat Managing Editor

“With this sense of recovery, we don’t have to plan for a disaster or endless rainy days, and the district can begin to take care of us as a community.”

Ac c ord i n g to Vi l l a lob o s , neighboring districts such as Mountain View, Los Altos and Sequoia recently have had salary scales larger than that of PAUSD because they are solely high school districts and have fewer employees. These reasons all contributed to the feeling that the salaries of PAUSD teachers were “falling behind” compared to rival districts, according to Villalobos.

PAUSD c on sider s it s el f a “lighthouse district”—one that

News

Monday, May 20, 2013

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THEORACLE 780 Arastradero Rd. Palo Alto, CA 94306 (650) 354-8238 www.gunnoracle.com

Editorial Board Editor-in-Chief Catalina Zhao Managing Editors Mitch Donat Lucy Oyer News Cooper Aspegren Nabeel Chollampat Lawrence Chen Forum Ben Atlas Leon Cheong Klaire Tan Features Rebecca Alger Chaewon Lee Danielle Yacobson Centerfold Rachel Lew Stephanie Zhang Sports Lena Campbell Alvin Wang Erica Watkins Entertainment Samantha Acker Misheel Enkhbat Noa Livneh Photo Audey Shen Graphics Jasmine Garnett

Audey Shen

Left: Teachers gather in staff lounge to partake in the Staff Appreciation Week lunch. Top middle: Lemonade is available to teachers.

Bottom middle: A cake by Paris Baguette was customized for the occasion. Right: Teachers pick from raspberries, blackberries and other fruit.

PTSA

Kush Dubey Reporter

hosts

On May 9, the Parent Teacher Student Association (PTSA) hosted the annual Staff Appreciation Lunch in the staff lounge. It treated Gunn administrators and teachers to a restaurant-style lunch, which distinguished this year’s lunch from that of previous years.

According to Staff and Teachers Appreciation Lunch Chairman Rami Madan, the most significant goal of the lunch served to recognize and celebrate the hard work of staff members. “This is an effort to show [teachers and staff] that we truly appreciate their work and influence on the students of Palo Alto,” he said. “My main goal is to put a smile on every face. When the teachers leave the lunch with a positive mindset, it will reflect on their students in the classroom, so

everyone benefits.”

The luncheon event was sponsored by La Boulange Bakery, Paris Baguette, Four Seasons Hotel, The Menu Restaurant and, for the first time, Pinkberry, as well as many other local businesses. According to Madan, the Pinkberry manager Esther Chun came on board after meeting him when she answered a concern about paper wrap sticking to an ice cream cone.

After consulting Madan, Chun recognized the full magnitude of the lunch and expressed her desire to become the main sponsor. “Esther Chun was busy with work, but realized how much commitment was going in the lunch that she decided to dedicate some of her time to make the lunch an even better experience,” he said. “When it comes down to our teachers being appreciated, almost all restaurants and even franchises volunteer.”

Staff Copy Anuva Ganapathi Kavya Padmanabhan Tim Wang Tech Pooja Belur Roy Shadmon

Staff

Appreciation

Guests, including Gunn teachers and faculty, Terman staff and Palo Alto Unified School District construction workers, were served freshly cooked fish, chicken or vegetarian dishes. Smoothies and lemonade also complemented the spring theme.

According to Madan, lunches from previous years were bought and served from restaurants, so he wanted to serve staff members homemade recipes to make the experience more appreciative. “We designed the menu to create a special luxury six course, five-star meal with full table service, restaurant style,” he said.

Kitchen supervisor Veronica Arias and 60 parent volunteers worked for over seven hours the day before the lunch to set up the event. Math teacher Cristina Florea believes the diligence and dedication of the volunteers caused the

INBOX

The Oracle strongly encourages and prints signed Letters to the Editor and Comments. Comments are generally shorter responses, while Letters are longer pieces of writing.

Please include your name, grade and contact information should you choose to write one.

Letters to the Editor and Comments and ideas for coverage may be sent to oraclegunn@gmail.com or posted on our Facebook page.

These letters need not be from current students.

Sometimes I feel The Oracle puts in unnecesary articles just to fill space. Perhaps a comic or cartoon section or sudoku puzzle would be an interesting change.

Patricia Lin, 10

Photographers Stephanie Kim Anthony Tran

I like the front page and the coverage on the Guidance Advisory Committee. I would like to see coverage of more student involvement on campus, like what they would think about life on the campus or what obstacles they face.

Ramji Digumarthi, Parent Volunteer

Reporters Shawna Chen, Aayush Dubey, Kush Dubey, Lisa Hao, Emily Kvitko, Christine Lin, Alex Man, Henry Siu, Andy Zhou Adviser Kristy Blackburn

April 8, 2013 The quality of the articles improved. I feel more interested in this issue because it covers a wide range of news on campus. My favorite article was the one about prom tickets being overly pricey. It’s an important issue that a lot of people have been talking about.

Sadaf Rizvi, 12 I liked the two pages on gardening because it’s a change from all of the wordiness on the other articles.

Kirsten Wei, 11

lunch to be an extremely memorable overall experience for the staff members. “The sit-down, restaurant catering contributed to making the whole staff feeling greatly appreciated, and many teachers and I believe this has been one of the best staff lunches ever,” she said.

“The atmosphere was very friendly, welcoming and warm because of all of the wonderful volunteers and teachers.”

According to Decorations Manager Nilofer Mukkaram, volunteers were creative even with a limited budget. “Despite a minimum budget for decorations we could make the teachers and counselors feel the appreciation they deserved,” she said. “There was a lot of care and love put into the decorations and food, and teachers even sent us emails explaining their happiness and acknowledgement of our efforts.”

Letters and Comments may be edited to meet space requirements and the writer is solely responsible for the accuracy of the content.

Business/Circulation Erica Lee Shireen Ahsan (Asst.)

Matt Niksa (Asst.)

Regina Tran (Asst.)

Graphics Artists Paige Anderson Alexandra Gong Anton Oyung Carolyn Zhou Dave Zhu

Lunch

My favorite section covered the block vs. rotating schedule of Gunn and Paly. The supporting and opposing viewpoints tend to interest me the most.

Wyatt Eberspocher, 12 I thought this issue was interesting as usual, and acceptance on campus related to NIOS week, and the figures were interesting as well.

Emily Cao, 9 I would like to see more public opinion, and enjoyed reading the article about teachers’ salaries changing.

Danny Golovinsky, 10

My favorite segments were the Prom-related articles, especially since Prom was the same week. The astrology chart was also really interesting, and it was fun reading them for my friends and “predicting their futures.”

Sara Ameri, 11 I would want to see more entertainment articles and graphics. There were great fashion articles, cool gardening tips, as well as funny horoscopes.

Kastania Dahlen, 10 I would like to see more sports in The Oracle, like updates on the standings of the professional sports teams. This issue, I thought the teacher and student “Final Four” predictions was enjoyable to read.

Shai Mohan, 10 I think the new issue of The Oracle was good. It was interesting reading the articles in it, but would want to see more student opinion.

Deeksha Kumar, 10 There were a lot of interesting articles relevant to both the school and Palo Alto.

Nicole Cahlander, 11

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News

Monday, May 20, 2013

ASB election results: get to know your officers for next year Officer

What is one change that you hope to make next year?

What personal qualities will help you the most next year?

What do you think the hardest part of your job will be?

What is your favorite thing about Gunn?

I hope to have more communication between Student Executive Council (SEC) and the student body.

Roles in Youth Community Service (YCS) and Link Crew have allowed me to build strong leadership skills.

Doing as good a job as [Harrison Waschura] has will be an accomplishment. He did an incredible job.

My favorite part of Gunn is the first day of Homecoming. I love to see all the classes dressed in their colors.

My goals are to make incoming freshmen feel welcome and Titan 101 more enjoyable.

I’m nice, funny and weird.

I think that I am also easily approachable.

The hardest part is going to be the speaking. I’m not great at talking on the fly and I sometimes stumble.

I like walking around and seeing the ladies.

My biggest change would have to do with Spring Fling. I want it to be almost like a second Homecoming.

I am very enthusiastic and approachable.

Getting people enthused will probably be the hardest part of my job.

I love spending time with my friends and talking to people.

I really want to make Spring Fling as competitive and exciting as Homecoming.

I am very comfortable with public speaking, which is always important. I am [also] organized.

I think that getting everything done will be hard.

Homecoming is a huge group effort.

I love the spirit and atmosphere at Gunn. You can be whatever and whoever you want.

I hope to bring more awareness to lesser known sports.

I’m pretty hard working.

I’m also easygoing and believe that a team comes first.

The hardest part is definitely going to be getting people to attend games.

I love hanging out with friends. We do a lot of YCS events.

I want to increase the spirit overall. I’m planning on making Spring Fling a competition like Homecoming.

Being a new student helps me bring perspective, but I know the system since I went to middle school here.

I think the hardest part will be getting people to follow through with what I ask them to do.

I would like to get a lot of feedback from students so we know what they like.

I am really organized and can talk to people easily.

The hardest part will be getting students to help clean up after dances.

President

Justice Tention Vice President

Michael Chen Special Events Commissioner

Justin Yoo Special Events Commissioner

Michelle Zhang Sports Commissioner

Dillon Hu Spirit Commissioner I just like hanging around with everyone I know.

Everyone at Gunn is very friendly and welcoming.

Calvin Wang Dance Commissioner

Anna Cabot

I get really excited about Homecoming week because everyone has nonstop fun.

Compiled by Pooja Belur

Classes take part in disability-based anti-bullying lesson Lisa Hao

Reporter

On May 3, Gunn teachers led a school-wide lesson on disability-based bullying during an extended E period in their respective classes. The prepared lesson highlighted three principal points: the definition of disability-based harassment, how to prevent bullying and how to report it as a witness.

The Office of Civil Rights required the entire Palo Alto Unified School District to conduct this lesson after the parents of a bullied, disabled student filed a lawsuit.

The staff hopes that the lesson raised awareness and taught Gunn’s campus to be more conscious in their actions. “As simple as it sounds, we all want to create a world that is nice and kind,” English teacher Kathryn Pomilia said. “A lot of bullying is invisible and the lesson made it visible by raising awareness and promoting kindness.”

For some students, the lesson did succeed in its goal. “I thought it was informative and good for people to be aware of [disability-based harassment],” senior Ben Sampson said.

Since the focus of the lesson was specifically about disability-based harassment, it was different from other lessons. “I think raising awareness about any underrated community is imperative,” Pomilia said. “It raised awareness about a problem that is persistent but also invisible.”

The extended period started with distribution of a paper guide listing how to report bul-

lying, the consequences of harassment and California law regarding bullying. Teachers presented PowerPoint slides about the reasons for having the lesson, as well as the definitions of disability and disability-based harassment. The lesson included videos from the Department of Education and six discussion questions, ending with the difference between an upstander and a bystander and how the law deals with bullies.

Although bullying can result in expulsion depending on the severity, freshman Andre Augustin believes that the district does not enforce discipline harshly enough. “The most surprising part was that it took someone to be crying for the policy to be changed,” Augustin said. “I thought that the school policy would be stricter.”

Regardless of the policy, the adminstration believes that Gunn already harbors a safe, inviting environment. “[Students] feel safe, they want to be here and they’re welcomed and that’s the culture we want to keep,” Villalobos said.

The lesson should help foster an inclusive atmosphere. “[Gunn] feels like a very supportive community,” Pomilia said. “Hopefully this lesson helped students learn to be even kinder.”

News

Body image issues affect Gunn community

the experience of models who become BODY IMAGE—p.1 people tend to hear body image and think, ridiculously thin and not particularly ‘female students,’ but there are a lot of male attractive,” Hébert said. “But because we have made modeling some sort of glamstudents who are affected by it too.”

The pressures of one’s own perception of orous profession, there are even young body image do not come alone and can have women who are not satisfied with what an adverse impact on one’s mental health. most young men would consider a nice According to Palacio, students’ academic young figure, and they are convinced performances can be severely hampered by that they’re too fat.”

Over time, with the advancements of such issues. “They’re so fixated on that mental health issue,” he said. “It stems from their photoshop and related computer generated effects, perception of their the media has body, and then from developed certain that they can’t con“The way I think of it is that life body images that centrate in school.”

F e e l i n g i n a d - is a box, and when you have have had impacts on those equate with one’s body is of ten t he an eating disorder, it kind of with body image precursor to more closes in on you and traps you.” problems, and has also caused much serious health issues, insecurity in such as mental dis—Anonymous Gunn student people. “If you go orders like anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa. People who back forty to fifty years and look at films, suffer from the former have an abnormal you can look at the romantic leads and fear of gaining weight, and consequently see that they had pretty thick waists, they severely limit their eating habits. Bulimia didn’t have six packs,” Hébert said. Acnervosa is an eating disorder characterized cording to him, the ideal of attractiveness by consuming large amounts of food and has shifted toward a skinnier physique, subsequently trying to purge it. Up to 24 and those with leaner bodies are considmillion people of all ages and genders suffer ered the model these days.

According to Schroeder, the pressures from an eating disorder in the U.S., according to the National Association of Anorexia do not discriminate by gender. “Every teenager, not just girls, encounters presNervosa and Associated Disorders.

A female student at Gunn, who had sures to be a certain way, and that can be suffered an eating disorder earlier in high hard regardless of how good your sense school, recounts her story. “At the beginning, of yourself or your self-esteem is,” she there were just a lot of negative feelings, and said.

The anonymous student says her supthey all had to be directed somewhere,” she said. “I thought that being skinny and los- port system was strong throughout her ing weight would solve all my problems and struggles, which was really helpful. “You kind of find out who your friends really ultimately make me happy.” are,” she said. “It’s Four months afalso really imter the start of her portant to have a disorder, a check-up revealed that she “But the truth is, it’s not only good relationship had an extremely skinny people, girls, teenag- with your parents, they have low elec t roly te ers, white girls; it’s much more because to care for you and count a nd hea r t rate. The student far-reaching than we think.” understand why you’re struggling.” was subsequently —junior Hope Schroeder hospitalized for ten Pa lacio ag rees days. that helping those who suffer these issues The Gunn community has taken steps to depends on making them feel appreciated. address the topic. Student Executive Council Secretary junior Hope Schroeder helped “We need to let them know that they’re not implement the nationwide event, National alone, that there is help out there,” he said.

Another anonymous Gunn student who Eating Disorders Awareness Week, during had suffered from an eating disorder agreed Not in Our Schools Week this year. Titan that support from friends stands as the most Broadcast Network for the first time ran important aspect for situations like this; for a public service announcement about the her, the greatest source of strength came dangers of body image perception during from a friend who quietly made herself that week. In addition, Communications, available for her.

“She didn’t stick her hand a freshman-year English class which will in my life, and she didn’t force her support,” be offered next year, spends time in the she said.

“Nothing changed with our friendcurriculum to detail the impact the media ship because she treated me like a normal has on body image. person.”

According to her, when people The anonymous student wants people to have problems, if others keep focusing on understand that eating disorders are solely them, they will not help solve the issue at all. illnesses of the mind. “The way I think of Body image issues are much more it is that life is a box, and when you have prevalent than many people imagine.

Acan eating disorder, it kind of closes in on cording to Palacio, the topic needs to have you and traps you,” she said. “It really is an illness of the mind, and it can happen more coverage at Gunn. “These issues don’t come up too often, but often enough where to anyone.”

English teacher Diane Ichikawa, who it needs to be addresses,” he said.

Sch roeder a lso a g rees t hat body also teaches Communications, believes the i m a g e c o n s e q u e n c e s a r e v e r y f a rmost important step for Gunn to take is to reaching.“Usua lly when you t hink of simply bring it out into the open. “Opening eating disorders, you think of starving the doors to conversation is the first step, models, actresses, ballerinas, things like just because so many students are not given that,” Schroeder said.

“But the truth is, it’s the opportunity to talk about their body not only skinny people, girls, teenagers, image,” she said. white girls; it’s much more far-reaching than we think. You only have to scratch Feeling Insecure the surface to realize all the people whose With media and society constantly lives have been impacted, whether it be setting new highs for one’s body image, people that have dealt with eating disorders insecurity is a prominent issue for those themselves, have family members who have with distorted body image perceptions. dealt with them, or who don’t have strong “There’s a perception problem created body image in general.” by media and film, and you also have —Additional reporting by Utkash Dubey

Monday, May 20, 2013

5

California Ave. housing project scheduled Kush Dubey Reporter

250 houses will be built in mid-2014 along El Camino Real and California Avenue for Stanford University faculty and low-income residents. This construction will result in an influx of students in Nixon and Escondido elementary schools for the 2016-2017 school year, according to Chief Technology Officer Ann Dunkin. In addition, the Palo Alto Unified School District (PAUSD) will receive additional revenue from more homeowners paying property taxes, which Dunkin says will supplement possible state funding losses.

The PAUSD administration is also discussing plans to develop another elementary school to balance school populations for the K-5 students planning to enroll in the district.

Demographers for the PAUSD estimate a total of 98 students entering the district between 2015 and 2016, a 5.5 percent increase.

PAUSD is divided into clusters, with Barron Park, Briones, Nixon and Escondido elementary comprising the west cluster where the developments will be constructed. Despite the increases in enrollment, the district does not anticipate that the maximum capacity of Palo Alto schools will be exceeded before the next elementary school opens. Additional rooms will be available at Fairmeadow in the fall of 2013 and Duveneck in the fall of 2014. “[The construction of houses in Stanford] won’t have a tremendous impact relative to the overall size and growth of elementary, middle and high school enrollment district wide,” Dunkin said.

Dunkin also says additional classrooms will be constructed in middle schools to maintain a leveled class size. According to Principal Katya Villalobos, PAUSD will also

hire more faculty including an administrative staff and teachers to make up for the influx of students from the Stanford houses. The district will also expand resources for specific courses, especially in elementary schools.

Villalobos believes these components will contribute to introducing a new school environment for PAUSD. “Overall there is a positive impact because a different group of teachers and students will offer talents and a whole new culture to the district,” she said.

“Increases in enrollment also say something about us as a district because we offer great education and extracurricular programs which benefit a variety of students.”

Villalobos says another elementary school will have a fiscal influence on the district. “In this case, we’re looking at a new elementary school, which is a financial commitment, in addition to the staff,” she said. “It is necessary for the district to implement a monetary investment in the coming years when the 13th elementary school is built.”

According to PAUSD Fiscal Services Manager Yancy Hawkins, if a new school is needed for these students, a mix of developer fees, state bond support and local bond funding would likely be the source for construction costs. For subsequent years, year-to-year allocations will be given on the same basis as all other elementary schools. A definitive amount for the incoming revenue, however, cannot be determined at this point.

In addition, because PAUSD is a basicaid district, state funding to public schools will depend on California’s economic status in 2016. “The increases in enrollment and property taxes do not necessarily mean an increase in profit for the PAUSD, but revenue will increase in accordance with property taxes and state funding,” Villalobos said.

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Forum

THEORACLE

EDITORIAL: The Opinion of The Oracle

New state standardized tests are necessary and will be superior to STAR tests In August 2010, the California Department of Education (CDE) replaced the original standards for English Language Arts and mathematics with the Common Core State Standards (CCSS). However, the CDE has continued to assess schools using the same Standardized Testing and Reporting (STAR) tests for the last three years.

This January, State Superintendent Tom Torlakson called for California to finally adopt a new statewide testing system more aligned with CCSS, to be rolled out in the 2014-2015 school year. Only with the adoption of a CCSS-aligned assessment system can the state accurately comprehend how California is measuring up to its new standards. These new tests will eventually help California achieve CCSS’s original goal of producing more college-and-career-ready student and ensure that California is providing quality education.

Along with 45 other states, California adopted the Common Core Standards as part of the CCSS initiative to unite the entire U.S. education system under new standards and increase student-readiness for colleges and careers. However, after adopting CCSS in a well-intended move, the state failed to follow up with this decision by effectively assessing the efficacy of these standards. California’s transition from the STAR program to a CCSS-aligned testing system will finally allow CDE to do so. Delaying this change in standardized assessments will simply stall California’s efforts toward achieving CCSS’s goal of preparing students for the real world.

According to Torlakson, the new computerized assessments to be designed by the Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium (SBAC) will also measure school and student performances more precisely than the current STAR tests do. Consisting of

only multiple-choice questions, the STAR test allows generous room to guess a question correctly. Consequently, students can earn higher scores, which inaccurately reflect their actual level of academic knowledge. In return, the CDE, which receives these results and writes reviews accordingly, sends improvement tips to schools which fail to address the true gaps in their students’ knowledge. The negative impact of this failure is apparent in California’s poor education grade of 75.5 percent, according to “Education Week.” This corresponds to a state education ranking of 35th in the entire nation.

The new computerized assessment designed by the SBAC will address the failures of the STAR test with its unique computer adaptive testing (CAT) program.

According to the SBAC website, the computer program adjusts the level of difficulty according to a student’s capabilities.

When a student answers a question correctly, CAT, which is designed to identify a student’s skill level, will respond accordingly by giving a more challenging question. Furthermore, the new assessment test will include more free-response portions that will require testtakers to actually display their knowledge rather than filling in a bubble. For example, the English Language Arts test will include an essay portion that requires students to analyze a passage of text. With the inclusion of the CAT program, the open response sections and a reduced reliance on multiple-choice questions, SBAC tests will measure a student’s performance more precisely than the traditional STAR tests, ultimately allowing the state to provide more helpful and accurate feedback to schools. With reviews that truly pinpoint their weaknesses, schools will finally be able to make

the long-awaited improvements to student education.

Despite the pressing need for improvements to the education system, the necessary transition in assessments may be halted by the daunting $483 million price tag, an obvious burden for California in its times of financial woe. Currently, schools do not have the funding or computerized resources to allow each student to take the digitally-administered CCSS test. In addition, the state’s education system has long been a victim of chronic underfunding, further aggravated by the nation’s and California’s struggling economic state.

According to Torlakson, more than two million students attended a school in financial jeopardy during the height of the financial crisis. That accounts to one out of every three children. However, with the passing of Prop 30, intended to provide $6 billion to the education budget by raising state sales tax and taxes on the wealthy, the state has managed to overcome the worst of its school funding crisis. Even more so, the approval of Prop. 30 proves that Californians are willing to invest in education at the cost of personal sacrifice.

Furthermore, 45 other states have already adopted the same CCSS California has. 24 of these states have also joined the SBAC, which has been entrusted with designing a new assessment system for California.

This unity in state standards and test system means that while the costs of adopting a new test may hinder the state now, California will be able to reap the financial benefits of lowering costs by sharing assessments with fellow states later.

—Unsigned editorials represent the majority opinion of the staff (assenting: 36; dissenting: 0; abstaining: 6)

Titan 101 needs reform to become an effective program Shawna Chen It is common to hear freshmen complain about Titan 101 after a long school day—common to the point of becoming routine. It has been two years since Titan 101 was first implemented, and the sentiment surrounding the program remains highly negative.

Titan 101 was created to help freshmen transition smoothly between middle school and high school, but the program has become ineffective and unproductive due to inexperienced student leadership, poor planning and uninteresting lessons that create a boring atmosphere. Despite these flaws, the concept of Titan 101 is a good one, albeit one in need of improvement. 67.4 percent of this year’s freshmen still disagreed with the statement, “Titan 101 helped me with my transition to high school,” in the program’s end-of-the-year survey. For Titan 101 to succeed, it is imperative that administrators address its flaws.

Link Crew members and Titan

101 teachers make up the team be- eight sessions, the “4-year PlanFurthermore, Titan 101 seshind each session, but they gener- ning/Course Select” was the only sions themselves can be dull and ally accomplish far less than they lesson voted “very beneficial” by uninteresting. If Titan 101 wants aim to. A survey taken at the end the majority. Four other sessions, to help students connect with of this year showed that 52.2 per- “Freshman Survival Skills,” “In- the Gunn community, then Stucent of freshmen disagreed with tro to Guidance,” “Homecom- dent Executive Council (SEC) the statement, “having Link Crew ing Bootcamp” and “Not In Our must implement more interacleaders in my Titan 101 sessions Schools” (NIOS), were selected tive events aimed specifically at was helpful to me.” Because Link as “somewhat beneficial”, and the freshmen. The current system Crew is comprised largely of up- the remaining three, “How is forces freshmen to sit through perclassmen uninterested in les- Gunn Going For You?”, “Time yet another hour of lectures and sons targeted for freshmen, talks, which feels like Titan 101 is often taken less too much of a chore for seriously than it should be Titan 101 was created to help freshmen many students. Titan by both Link Crew lead101 also shapes lessons ers and freshmen. Further- transition smoothly between middle more around the indimore, Link Crew leaders of- school and high school, but the program vidual rather than the ten pay less attention to the has become ineffective and unproduc- community. These leslesson than do the freshmen sons, such as “Time Mantive due to inexperienced student lead- agement” and “Making because lessons are aimed at freshmen. As a result, ership, poor planning and uninteresting Informed Decisions,” fail side conversations often lessons that create a boring atmosphere. to create a closer freshemerge. Although interacmen community. 60.5 tion between leaders and students Management” and “Making In- percent of the freshmen surare encouraged, too much inter- formed Decisions,” were deter- veyed did not feel connected to action can encourage freshmen to mined “not beneficial at all.” other freshmen within their Tistray from the lesson completely. For students, time is precious tan 101 group. If the program is Ultimately, Link Crew leaders and should not be wasted on ac- to be successful, students’ desires will need more extensive training tivities that are “not beneficial at for interaction need to be taken as well as emphatic reminders to all.” Rather, the program should into consideration. An exchange stay focused on lessons at hand. execute lessons that appeal to event for freshmen to meet new Unfortunately, sessions lack freshmen. For example, the level classmates will always be more more than just strong student of interest in guidance indicates enjoyable than watching a Powleadership; they lack organiza- that more guidance-based les- erPoint presentation. Although tion, structure and the ambition sons should be included for ses- Homecoming Boot Camp and to accomplish set goals. Out of sions to become “very beneficial”. NIOS were voted “somewhat

beneficial,” a more systematic approach to the Gunn culture can encourage active participation in Titan 101. By incorporating Gunn’s traditions and diverse background into the lessons, freshmen can feel more familiar with Gunn’s annual events and even engage in these activities.

From its inception, Titan 101’s goal was to introduce freshmen to Gunn and aid in the transition from eighth to ninth grade. If the program continues for next year’s freshmen, reforms will be necessary. Link Crew leaders will need to prepare themselves for stricter codes of conduct during lessons with freshmen. Titan 101 sessions will need to be thoroughly written out and consistently implemented so that the topic really hits home. Program planners will need to create a more interactive scene rather than classroomdesignated lectures. The ideal program would help freshmen get to know Gunn while reducing stress. Titan 101 can become this ideal program, it just needs that final push to integrate itself in the Gunn community.

—Chen, a freshman, is a Reporter.

Monday, May 20, 2013

7

the gunn library was right to participate in the follett challenge

PRO

Ben Atlas During the month of January, the Gunn library participated in a competition known as the Follett Challenge. Gunn, along with nearly 100 other schools, submitted a video detailing the innovative features of each library. Gunn’s video placed first, winning a $60,000 gift certificate with which the library can buy materials from the company Follett, such as electronic books. The certificate will be shared between various different schools of the Palo Alto Unified School District (PAUSD).

Gunn’s victory in the Follett challenge sparked a great deal of online controversy.

Critics asserted that it was wrong for Gunn to participate in the Follett challenge because it denied other, less well-off schools the opportunity to improve their libraries.

These critics rely on flawed and hypocritical reasoning. The Gunn library should be lauded for winning the competition because it uses a well-earned reward to better the school’s academic resources.

Modern economic thought is rooted in capitalism and competition. If everyone competes against one another for the same job, or to create the best-selling product, everyone works as hard as they can. The job is done in the best way possible, and the best possible product is created as each individual strives to outdo the other.

Gunn won the Follett challenge for a reason. Gunn’s library was judged to be the most innovative library competing. Thus, the hardworking library staff was rewarded for their efforts to raise money and put it to good use. The intention of the Follett challenge was not to aid the needy or to help failing schools.

It was to spur innovation and new ways to teach and learn. Gunn’s library demonstrated

The challenge is an opportunity for educators to help promote their programs that teach the 21st century skills students need in order to be prepared for life after high school – no matter whether they go to college or enter the job market.

Educators who are designing programs that develop critical thinking, communication, creativity, and collaboration between students and among educators are invited to apply. ~Description of Follett Challenge according to website the ability to do just that—and was justly rewarded for its skill and hard work. It is only fair that—as in any competition—the best man should win.

Furthermore, it seems odd that this specific competition should be scapegoated as the single instance in which Gunn is obligated to sacrifice its own well-being for another school’s. Gunn maintains a high standard of academic and athletic excellence—but Gunn continues to look for grants for sports teams and academic institutions. There is no obligation for the school to give up these goals to allow other schools to pursue the undoubtedly limited supply of donations and grants.

Critics respond to these points by pointing out that the library does not “need” the money from the Follett challenge. Gunn does not “need” a high-achieving basketball team, any sort of robotics organization or even a school newspaper.

However, Gunn’s excellence in these areas should be and is incentivized and pursued, not stunted by citing other schools who “need” donations and funding more. The Follett Challenge is simply one more case of Gunn—like all other schools—working to further its own interests.

The idea that Gunn should not participate in the Follett Challenge because other schools need the funding more is ridiculous.

Gunn won fairly and was rewarded for presenting the most innovative library. Just as Gunn would not sacrifice its basketball team to give extra dollars to a poorer school, or forego grants for the Gunn Robotics Team, the library should work to further the interests of its own students.

Ultimately, the culture of the school and the country involves competition and meritocracy. The best students get to go to the best schools. The best workers are the ones who get the most pay. The best library should be awarded the prize funding—it is hypocritical to suggest otherwise.

—Atlas, a junior, is a Forum Editor.

CON

from a company like Follett. PAUSD has the means of supporting its libraries to a more significant degree; many other school districts lack these means. Even though the Gunn library’s annual funds of $6,500 could Cooper Aspegren and should be augmented, it is safe to assume that libraries in many other school districts There is no question that Gunn—as a have a much steeper hill to climb in terms community of students, parents and staff of finances. members—can do much more to support It is true that many of the books, includits campus library, in terms of care and es- ing several focused on scientific inquiry, pecially with regards to finances. However, on the Gunn library shelves are currently engaging in the Follett Challenge outdated, published in the 1990s or even proves a less than desirable course earlier. While resources from Follett can of action with regards toward ful- help alleviate this concern, they are hardly filling that goal. The Follett Chal- necessary. The Gunn library’s substantive lenge is a program that grants arsenal of high-tech computer technology $60,000 to the li- more than makes up for that kind of defibrary that proves ciency. With its wide assortment of laptop most effective in and desktop computers, Gunn can already provide as much information, if not more, to the student than would any addition of books to the library catalog.

While the effort towards compiling enough votes to win a Follett Challenge prize proved a benCourtesy of the Follett Corporation eficial means of “preparing students for the demands of the achieving unity within the com21st Century.” Without a doubt, the Gunn munity, other efforts would have proven library deserves the top prize that it won. more effective in achieving that goal. Setting However, alternative efforts would have up a fundraiser or series of fundraisers could proved far more beneficial and far more have brought the community together to a commendable in providing the support of greater degree. Even setting up a film screenwhich the library proves worthy. ing or series of film screenings could have There are hundreds, possibly thousands proven useful. By pursuing this course of of school libraries that require the assis- action, Gunn would also garner a far greater tance of $60,000 in the form of goods to level of appreciation for its library within the a more significant extent than the Gunn community. library does. With Palo Alto ranking as The library’s efforts to win a well-deserved one of the most affluent centers of living grant from Follett should be acclaimed as in the nation and quite possibly the world, much as they have been rewarded. However, it is understandable to assume that a high alternative courses of action would have school library in East Palo Alto or Oakland, been far more beneficial to pursue. among other schools, prove far more needful of monetary support in the form of a grant —Aspegren, a junior, is a News Editor.

Faces in the Crowd

Should Gunn have participated in the Follett Challenge?

“No, I think that the money from the Follet Challenge should have gone to a school that was struggling with finances and could greatly benefit from the money. ” Brian Hill (9)

“Gunn has enough money, and I think that the prize money from the contest could have gone to a school that needed it more.”

Emma Kearney (10)

“It made sense for the Gunn to participate in the Follett challenge because we are a library, and it makes sense to try to get funds to get more projects done.”

Thomas Rasmussen (11)

“There’s nothing wrong with entering in the Follett Challenge. Even though Gunn is very affluent, the library is only allocated a certain amount, and that might not be enough.”

Paymahn Mofidi (12) —Compiled by Stephanie Zhang

8

Forum

THEORACLE

Back off, Piers Morgan

North Korean threats must be taken more seriously Rachel Lew

Ben Steinberg Dear Mr. Morgan, Any viewer of Piers Morgan Live on CNN knows that you love to talk gun control–background checks, limitation of fully and semi-automatic weapons, Sandy Hook, Aurora, Virginia Tech, Columbine, the elusive rhetoric of the National Rifle Association (NRA). Your statistics comparing gun-related deaths inside and outside of the U.S. are endless. Boy, firearm opposition sure is your bread and butter.

As an avid supporter of gun control, I agree with all of your arguments, and will go so far as to say that I might call for even more radical measures to prevent gun violence. However, your argument is not the problem. You are the problem, Piers.

I am a patriot, but I am not a nationalist—and I am by no means a jingoist. I have the utmost respect for England and its culture, and for any culture in the world, for that matter. But the areas of our country with large constituencies of Republicans and gun control opposition happen to believe that the U.S. is the greatest thing that ever happened to the world. In their eyes, we’re destined to step over every inferior country (every country, really) and rule Planet Earth.

So do you really think they’re going to listen to a chirpy little Brit in a blue tie?

No, they aren’t, no matter how many statistics you throw at them, no matter how many guests you bring on to your show, no matter how passionate you are about the issue. It is a sad fact biased individuals will often judge the speaker more than and before the content of his speech. But these are the people that you’re trying to reach. The gun control supporters are already on your side. The hardcore gun nuts will never be on your side. But let’s assume there is a middle ground—say, an educated Republican family in Missouri that owns only two or three guns. If you want to reach them directly, you, Piers, have to drop gun control and let an American spokesperson take the mic.

I can imagine it right now. Our Missourian family reclines around their tube TV on a Sunday night.

An American flag blows in the wind outside. They’re watching CNN—not improbable, as one-fifth of CNN viewers are Republican. And then you prance on, with your hoity-toity accent and your comments about how “Our lives in Britain are so much more carefree without the fear of a gunman hiding around every corner.” The Republican family either changes the channel, or points at the screen and breaks into uproarious laughter. You’re an eccentricity to them, a psycho, a cavalier alien. You are to American liberals what Rush Limbaugh and Bill O’Reilly are to conservatives. You aren’t helping us. You are hurting our cause.

Many of the Americans that oppose gun control, and I might argue all Americans at some level, don’t want to hear how other countries are better than ours.

They want to hear that our country is the best in the world, and that it should remain the best by enforcing stricter firearm policies. And they want to hear all of this from an American.

So back off, Mr. Morgan. End your editorial chatter and retreat to unbiased journalism. If you actually cared about gun control and the price of human lives, and didn’t just want to glorify yourself as America’s small screen savior, you would make the move. An anti-gun control spokesperson from a demographic that typically opposes gun control might garner more sympathy. Maybe even an American from a typically pro-gun control population group would do the trick.

Any demographic representation would be more effective than a foreigner’s.

So back off, Mr. Morgan. Step down and take a big bow. Don’t worry: you’re welcome to stay in America.

Just please don’t divide it any further.

—Steinberg, a senior, is a guest columnist.

The recent increase in the severity and number of threats put forth by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (North Korea) has given media site-users ample material for jokes. For example, in a political cartoon from the Los Angeles Times, a comically fat baby-version of Kim Jong Un dressed in a diaper bangs a nuclear missile against the ground. “Give me attention or I’ll blow up Los Angeles!” reads the speech bubble above Kim’s head. However, the military and political tension between North Korea and the countries it has threatened, including the United States, must be considered a legitimate issue.

It may seem to some people that discussion of this issue is simply a formal gesture that does not imply importance.

But what this assumption fails to acknowledge is that discussion of North Korea’s nuclear testing is what brought the information to the public in the first place. As part of the United Nations (UN), the U.S. has a responsibility, if not a moral obligation, to defend its allies. Even if North Korea does not have the ability to attack the continental U.S., it is capable of landing missiles in closer areas, such as Japan, South Korea and U.S. military bases in Hawaii and Guam. According to an article from CNN, written in 2013, “since 2005, two former Defense Intelligence Agency chiefs have raised the possibility” of North Korea “being able to deliver a

nuclear weapon on a ballistic missile.”

A desire to lessen international hostilities may play a part in the federal government’s decision to tread lightly about the situation. If the federal government was to openly mock the young dictator’s threats as openly as the majority of the American public has, Kim Jong Un might be angered enough to actually carry out an attack that his country’s resources can sustain. Given the relative nascence of North Korea’s nuclear missile technology, this would likely not be a nuclear strike on the U.S., but a raid on South Korea or other neighboring countries. In the past few decades, North Korea has attacked other countries multiple times by bombing buildings, hijacking a South Korean plane, assassinating the wife of the South Korean president and shelling the South Korean island Yeonpyeong, an attack that killed 45 South Koreans. Clearly, the situation and its potential for loss of lives is not a laughing matter.

Stating or implying that North Korea poses no threat at all to any country is ridiculous. The fact that North Korea is incapable of launching intercontinental ballistic missiles does not imply that is incapable of perpetrating other acts of

violence. If the country had no power whatsoever, this situation would not be considered an issue. In fact, according to CNN, “the top U.S. commander in the Pacific called repeated North Korean violations...resolutions forbidding the ‘building and testing’ of...missiles and nuclear weapons ‘a clear and direct threat to U.S. national security and regional peace.’”

Currently, the U.S. aims to lessen tensions with North Korea after Kim Jong Un’s threats intensified in response to a UN Security Council vote to tighten sanctions on North Korea. The situation remains a matter of national security and thus should not be mocked.

This is not Dave Zhu to say that every American should treat Kim Jong Un’s possibly empty words as an extreme threat. However, by poking fun at North Korea, we deride the U.S. government’s efforts to ensure the security of America and other countries.

—Lew, a junior, is a Centerfold Editor.

Gun control advocates fail to consider key factors

Leon Cheong Given recent events, the gun control argument has become a warzone in itself.

Members of the National Rifle Association (NRA) continue to vehemently defend their self-proclaimed duty as “diligent protectors of the Second Amendment.” Legislators, journalists and protesters, in the meanwhile, are crying out for a ban on “assault weapons.” They reprimand the NRA for promoting their own pro-gun agenda at the risk of innocent lives being more vulnerable at the hands of deranged gunmen. However, their proposal to issue an assault weapons ban is irrationally unfounded.

Granted, it may seem like common sense that the most straightforward solution to the gun crime problem is to ban civilian ownership of guns. However, the issue is in reality much more complicated than that. Gun control cannot be seen in such a black-and-white manner.

Never mind the violation of the Second Amendment, making firearms illegal will not just magically elimi-

nate gun crime. In a country where, according to a Jan. 28 issue of Time magazine, 49 percent of the population has a gun readily available in their household, reacquisition of civilian firearms would not only be costly and inconvenient, but would most likely be impossible. Even if such a program were put into effect, the only people who would comply with such a law would be law-abiding citizens. Guns are righteously used in selfdefense over 180,000 times a year, according to Time.

Clichés are true for a reason: gun control takes away guns primarily from good people who would otherwise be able to potentially protect others from those who would keep them. Criminals and gang members would have no reason to turn in their weapons, rendering innocents more vulnerable and less prepared in terms of self-defense.

Of course, members of Congress are not currently advocating for this action.

As aforementioned, many instead call for an assault weapons ban, which they believe would effectively reduce the number of mass shootings.

There are several problems with this line of thinking.

For one, what determines an “assault weapon” is not even clearly defined. This ambiguous term could potentially

encompass any weapon that could be used to “assault” someone. If gun control advocates were trying to push for an assault rifle ban, the parameters would be much more clear. But as it is, the legislation they are attempting to enact would label assault weapons very broadly and could potentially give more power to the government than needed.

Politicians are also taking the wrong approach when it comes to trying to quell gun violence. The argument is a classic example of people trying to regulate what they know little about. Still, the perception is understandable; it would make sense to try to restrict weapons engineered for the very purpose of harming someone. But the logistics of weapons tell a different story. On the issue of purely firearms, people are deceived as to which ones have more potential to cause harm. Right now, legislators are trying to ban primarily assault rifles, guns with high-capacity, automatic-fire capabilities. For the most part, they are leaving firearms like pistols and hunting rifles, which do not have the selective-fire option, alone. The trouble with this logic is that the latter is actually much more dangerous than the former. Hunting rifles such as the popular Rem-

ington 700, unlike automatic rifles, are designed to take down big game such as deer or elk, which are much heavier than humans. Many pistols are designed for similar purposes, such as the high-caliber Israeli Military Industries Mark I Desert Eagle. These guns can carry ammunition as heavy as 40 grams, which has the potential to tear a human being in half. On the other hand, the most common civilian rifle, the AR-15 M16 variant, carries 5.56mm NATO rounds that weigh in at about only four grams, ten times less than that of the Remington 700; if a human being were to be hit by this kind of bullet, survival would be much more likely.

Of course, this is not to say that the solution is for the government to start taking away every gun in sight.

Rather, this demonstrates that many who advocate for heavy gun control are currently too uneducated about guns to make an appropriately calculated decision as to which types of firearms they should be restricting. Congress will not be ready to take another large step in gun reform until they consider all of the factors and come up with a well thought-out plan of action.

—Cheong, a junior, is a Forum Editor.

Features

Monday, May 20, 2013

9

The Hunger Games: editor volunteers as tribute Junior Rebecca Alger challenges herself to five days living off $4 a day, the same amount 15 percent of Americans receive for food.

Monday—Entering the Arena

I was excited to try something new and challenging that I didn’t have any prior experience with. I started with a bowl of plain oatmeal with half a banana for breakfast, which kept me full all the way until lunch. Lunch was a peanut butter sandwich and baby carrots. I got hungry in the afternoon so I ate one of the hard-boiled eggs I made on Sunday evening after I came home from my trip to the grocery store. Dinner consisted of plain brown rice with some more baby carrots and another egg for protein.

Tuesday­—Making Camp

Day Two was a lot harder than I had expected. I live off caffeine—particularly coffee—so after staying up a good part of the night to study for my Art History exam, I wasn’t feeling too great. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner all ended up being the same for simple lack of resources. I did cheat right before my exam though with a granola bar from the vending machines, but I think I can chalk that up to nothing more than a sacrifice for my future.

Wednesday—Fighting for My Life

I ended up sleeping about ten hours Tuesday night, which if you ask any second semester junior, is quite a bit. I could have been tired from staying up late the night before, but I think part of my lethargy was due to not getting the same amount of fruits and vegetables that I normally get. I had oatmeal once again because that was the only food that I specifically allocated for my five days over the challenge. I got a break from my peanut butter sandwich with a hot cup of creamy soup. Dinner was—you guessed it—brown rice and carrots.

Thursday—Struggling for Survival

The fourth day of the challenge was probably the hardest. My oatmeal spilled and made a mess in the microwave and my third peanut butter sandwich of the week got smashed to smithereens in my bag, so I didn’t end up eating much. After school a few of my friends were going out for lunch, but of course since I was on the challenge, I went home instead of sitting there and watching them eat. The majority of us at Gunn don’t have to worry about going out for lunch every once in a while because we have the money, but it is a real problem for a lot of people that can make them feel even more isolated.

Friday—Light at the End of the Tunnel

Jasmine Garnett

I woke up excited for the last day of the challenge, hoping to maybe try and make something exciting for breakfast with the rest of my food. After I looked in my basket of food for the week though, that plan went completely out the window. There really isn’t much you can make with some peanut butter, eggs, bread, and rice—at least not anything even slightly scrumptious. Despite my inability to cook up something new, I made it through the rest of the day without a problem.

Faces in the Crowd

If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be?

“Taco Bell’s Burrito Supreme without onions or lettuce.”

Jyotin Hayes (9)

“Potatoes.”

“Steak.”

“Miso soup with rice.”

Maran Palaniappan (10)

Alicia Cardell (11)

Marissa Kanemoto (12) —Compiled by Pooja Belur

Rebecca Alger

Just because Macklemore can get away with “poppin tags” at the thrift store doesn’t mean that the rest of America can get away with ripping price tags off the food at their local grocery store.

Instead, 15 percent of Americans depend on food stamps to help maintain their family’s livelihood.

As of March this year, 47.8 million Americans rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)—one out of every seven people.

California has the second highest number of monthly participants, a total of 3.96 million adults and children. Enrollment in SNAP has surged 70 percent since 2008, mostly due to the recession.

Unfortunately, just because the unemployment rate is slowly but surely shrinking, the number of people living below the poverty line isn’t decreasing at the same rate. Despite the number of people who rely on SNAP, the House Agriculture Committee may cut $2.5 billion a year from the $80 billion program.

In honor of California’s Hunger Action Day on May 17, I took part in the food stamp challenge for five days. The average American on food stamps only receives $4 per day for their three meals so people across the country take the challenge to spend the same amount of money on food that people on food stamps have. Hundreds, if not thousands, of people have taken part in order to educate themselves and their communities about poverty and hunger in our own backyard.

The day before the challenge I headed over to Safeway, where I figured I would be able to find better deals compared to Palo Alto’s popular Whole Food Market and Piazza’s. The trip took a lot longer than I was expecting it to because I was forced to calculate exactly how much each item would take out of my budget. Typically when I go shopping, I have the luxury to be more spontaneous and lax with my money, particularly when it comes to foods such as fruits and vegetables.

Unfortunately, my math was off by about three dollars once I got to the check-out, so I had to take items out of my bags when the cashier told me my total. Not only was I embarrassed that I couldn’t pay, but the faces of the tired, exasperated cashier and line of people behind me sure didn’t help my comfort level either. I can only imagine the kind of shame families who go through this situation on a regular basis feel.

Throughout the week, I got much more tired and irritable than normal due to the fact that I was eating the same bland foods everyday. And despite my best intentions, I most certainly didn’t get the daily recommended five servings of fruits and vegetables. Normally I eat a lot of fruit, but it seemed more important to buy foods like peanut butter and eggs that would keep me full longer.

Near the end of the challenge, I started thinking about what I would get to eat once I finished the challenge. It wasn’t until then that I realized that the end had always been in sight for me—it’s easy to get through tough days when you know next week will be different. That’s not possible for those who are actually on food stamps.

I’m positive that living on four dollars a day for less than a week cannot even begin to compare to what real people working for minimum wage and living below the poverty line actually go through, but it certainly made me much more grateful for all that I have. You can read about people in the news, but it’s hard to make a personal connection to a situation until you’ve at least attempted to walk in that person’s shoes.

—Alger, a junior, is a Features editor.

10

THEORACLE

Changing-course: “Teaching geometry to sophomore and freshmen boys is always entertaining, especially during the unit on compass constructions. There’s something about the word ‘circumscribed’ that gives the immature ones a fit of giggles.”

Mitch Donat Managing Editor

Audey Shen

Amelia Lombard Math Teacher

One hour here and one hour back: that’s how long it takes math teacher Amelia Lombard to commute to Gunn each day from her home in San Francisco. After four years of making this daily commute, she has decided to take a temporary leave for the upcoming school year and look for teaching jobs closer to home.

“My first years of teaching were in L.A.,” Lombard said. “I miss the urban population and urban teaching, so I’m excited to get back into that.” If she lands a new teaching job in San Francisco, Lombard is qualified to teach any mathematical class because of her credentials, but undoubtedly prefers geometry. “[It’s] a love of mine—isn’t geometry the best?” she chuckled. “But I’m open to teaching whatever.”

After spending the majority of her teaching years at Gunn, Lombard has a few worries involving the adjustment to urban teaching. “My expectations have been set so high from teaching at Gunn,” she said. “It’s always scary starting something new.”

Lombard has always recognized the great Palo Alto neighborhood and will miss many of its distinguishing features such as the education system. “It’s almost too much to ask for to find a school in San Francisco with the same community of teachers and students [you can find] here,” she said. “However, I’m ready for a change.”

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y “My most memorable moment at Gunn was winning our first CCS title in school history for girls’ basketball. In that game, we beat Paly which made it that much sweeter.”

Klaire Tan Forum Editor

For Athletic Director, Physical Education (P.E.) teacher and varsity girls’ basketball coach Sarah Stapp, the 2012-2013 school year at Gunn has definitely been a memorable one. Most importantly, she led her basketball team all the way to NorCal semifinals. However, this year will also be Stapp’s last at Gunn. After this summer, she will be moving back to the Sacramento area to turn over a new leaf.

According to Stapp, Sacramento has long been her home. For thirteen years, Stapp lived in California’s capital, first as a Sacramento State University student, then as a basketball coach and eventually as a P.E. teacher. Now, when she returns, Stapp will be assuming a full time P.E. teaching position at Ponderosa High School in the El Dorado Union School District. In addition, she intends to continue coaching high school girls’ basketball to some capacity.

This transition will mark a new chapter of her life. “This is a chance to get back home, buy a house and be closer to family,” Stapp said.

However, for Stapp, the eight years she has spent at Gunn are unforgettable. “Thinking about all my kids, my basketball players, just makes me cry,” she said. “I know how special this place is. This has been a good experience for me. I’ll never forget it.”

Courtesy of Sarah Stapp

Sarah Stapp Athletics Director

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 “I had a student who was writing an essay about dance, and right from the get-go, I could tell she was using a translating machine. So I read the first paragraph, second paragraph... and all of a sudden, the third paragraph was all in Portuguese! She had pushed the wrong language button!”

Danielle Yacobson Features Editor

Anthony Tran

Carole Stroud Spanish Teacher

After twenty five years at Gunn, Spanish teacher Carole Stroud is retiring. Now that she won’t have to spend her weekends grading papers and correcting homework, Stroud is looking forward to being able to pursue some of her other passions. “It’s strange to be thinking of quitting after all these years, but it’s time to start traveling during the off-season,” she said.

Stroud has always loved to travel and believes that now is the time to take the opportunity while she still can.

Some of the voyages on her list include hiking across El Camino de Santiago in Northern Spain, visiting national parks in South America, and re-discovering her Scottish roots by walking across West Highland Way. As a non-native Spanish speaker, Stroud understands what it feels like to be most of her students. “I think I’m a good model for students to show that I started [learning Spanish] in ninth grade and became fluent, and they can do that as well,” she said.

“I will miss being around so many delightful, funny, smart and wonderful young people, but I’m hoping a few will stay in touch with me through Facebook,” Stroud said.

Monday, May 20, 2013

11

teachers-bid-adieu “When we read The Raven and I felt we needed to create the scene in [Poe’s] dingy room so I moved around the room and I read the poem and impersonated the blackbird perched above the door. It was pretty funny. The students enjoyed it.”

Tim Wang Copy Editor

At the end of this school year, English Language Learners (ELL) teacher Rick Jacobs will be retiring after a forty-year-long teaching career and 20 years of service at Gunn.

Jacobs did his best to keep his students engaged by using surprises, making funny noises and asking silly questions, making his classroom into a sort of a stage. “If you don’t capture [students’] attention you can’t teach anything,” he said.

Jacobs plans on retiring without any regrets but with a lot of great memories. He recalls his most memorable experiences as simply working with the students each day. He recalls thousands of funny moments in his class, especially when he tried to impersonate different animals.

Jacobs loved every moment of his work and even though he is retiring from the academic schedule, he still plans on living an active life. After retiring, Jacobs plans on devoting more time to his family, exercising, learning new languages and diving into music.

As a final word of wisdom to his students and fellow teachers, Jacobs said, “Whether you are a teacher or a student, you need to always focus on family and be engaged. Always find something productive to do.”

Stephanie Kim

Rick Jacobs ELL Teacher

+ - = ≤ π ≥ √ x + - = ≤ π ≥ √ x + - = ≤ π “When we were studying animal behavior, Mrs. Moser would pretend to be a bee performing its dance. It just made the topic so much more fun.”

-Katherine Berry, junior Christine Lin Reporter

Courtesy of Katherine Moser

Katherine Moser AP Biology Teacher

After eight years at Gunn, AP Biology teacher Katherine Moser is retiring from her third and favorite career after working as both a research biologist and a senior manager of a medical group. According to Moser, she had been planning her retirement for a while. “You have to consider the economic prospect, pensions, part-time work,” Moser said. “This was just the right time.” She chose teaching as her career path because it allowed her to continue her passion in science while managing a family at home. “I love science, I love teaching and I love being able to inspire young people,” Moser said.

Moser says that Gunn holds too many good memories to count while she reminisces about the highlights of her career. “Two years ago, I sponsored the Science Olympiad group when they went to States,” she said. “That was a really life-changing experience, and I was glad to have been a part of something so big. The other memory would probably be when I brought a group of students to Costa Rica for research. Being able to approach biology hands-on is a completely different experience from what you do in the classroom.”

After retirement, Moser plans to work part time, continuing her passion for biology as a tutor while simultaneously satisfying her enthusiasm for exploring the world as a travel agent.

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y “I really like the times that a student who is very distressed would come in to talk to me on their own. I also like it when a friend brings in their friend who is very distressed to talk to me or a counselor.”

Regina Tran Assistant Business manager

School psychologist George Green will be retiring at the end of this school year after working full time at Gunn since 1995. Green did not originally plan to work in schools. “I didn’t intend to stay [in school psychology] that long,” Green said. “[I was] probably thinking more in terms of going into private practice. However, I liked working with high school aged students, and so I’ve worked mainly in a high school setting for 20-plus years.”

Green finds that the best part of his job is being able to help students get the guidance that they need. “It’s never been a boring job—let’s put it that way,” Green said. “Every day is a little different, I like that. There is always something new that I need to understand, and I like that challenge.”

Green had a few words of advice to students before his departure. “Whatever vocation or work experience they go into, I think that it is important to go into a field that you have an interest in,” Green said. “Money is also important. I think everyone understands that. It is a balance of whether you can find a field that offers you the kind of living standard that you want as well.”

George Green School Psychologist

12

Features

THEORACLE

freshman charms with jewelry Katherine Zhu Reporter

Unlike the majority of teens who are on the While designing a piece of jewelry, Waldconsumer side of jewelry retail, freshman Emma spurger pays close attention to a few specific Waldspurger is on the producer end of the deal. aspects of the process. “Colors and textures are She makes and sells her own jewelry on Etsy, an online the most important, but I also like having symwebsite where handmade goods exchange hands from metry in my jewelry,” Waldspurger said. She also takes creator directly to buyer. apart vintage jewelry in order to reuse its beads and Waldspurger was introduced to jewelry crafting four transform the original piece of jewelry into something years ago at Camp Galileo, a summer camp for of her own. kids. She later turned to teaching herself more Although on the surface crafting jewelry complex techniques such as bead weaving, may seem easy, there is much more to it than where multiple strands are used. Soon after just stringing beads onto a chain. “The her first class, she participated in her middle most challenging aspect I’d say is balancschool’s craft fair, where students sold handing out the sizes and colors of the beads,” made items. After a few years of contributing to Waldspurger said. “You need to have the her school’s annual fair, Waldspurger decided right sized beads and I am really picky Emma Waldspurger to turn her entrepreneurship into a full-time about the color. If the bead is not the affair in by selling her jewelry online. Last year, she opened right color, I won’t use it.” up a store called EmmaMini Jewelry Designs on Etsy at Waldspurger receives the most satisfaction when the recommendation of her friend. “At first business was someone purchases her work. “It feels great knowing kind of slow, but now it’s picked up,” Waldspurger said. that people like my stuff enough to buy it,” she said.

An important aspect in jewelry-making is the limit- “It feels amazing that someone would care about it less possibilities. Rather than shopping for the perfect enough to buy from a ninth grader.” necklace, Waldspurger can string together her Through the process of designing, creating own. “I have a lot more control over the pat- and selling jewelry, Waldspurger has learned terns,” Waldspurger said. “If I have an outfit that hard work really does pay off. “Taking that I like, I can make a bracelet to go with your time is really worth it,” she said. “I it. By making my own jewelry, I’m just know when something comes not limited to other people’s out right, and I’ve learned to ideas.” be proud of what I do.” s n a rso

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K. P aige

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Artist of the Month: junior Mark Ling The Oracle: What led you to pursue orchestra music?

Mark Ling: I was introduced to music when I was five, and I didn’t really have that many other interests. I love music because it makes me feel more relaxed when I’m stressed out and helps me focus on just playing. Overall, it really helps my stress.

TO: In your opinion, why do you think orchestra is an important class at Gunn?

ML: Orchestra is one of those classes where freshmen and seniors can both take it together. Two seniors are assigned to a number of freshmen, helping the whole group really connect with each other. Everyone works together in orchestra, something that is important and something I like.

Audey Shen

TO: What is your favorite genre of music?

ML: My favorite genre of music is classical music and pop, but nowadays whenever there is a “hot” song on the radio I listen to it. In general, I listen to mostly classical music.

TO: What is your advice for novice musicians or those who feel like quitting music?

ML: My advice is to never quit playing an instrument because it’s really hard to pick it [music] up again. Do not try to limit yourself to one instrument early on, and never give up your dream of becoming a musician. I also advise you not to play a single genre of music, but to play different styles like jazz, classical, dance, etc. It is also a lot more fun if you play with friends.

TO: What are your parents’ opinions on you going into music?

ML: My parents have definitely been my biggest supporters and have supported me every step of the way. They don’t pressure me to practice or force me to play, and they just want me to try my best. My parents have always encouraged me to keep playing, have watched my concerts and have seen me perform. If it wasn’t for my parents, I would probably stop playing music.

TO: How many hours do you spend on orchestra?

ML: I usually dedicate four to five hours a week, all after school. To me, it has become kind of a routine.

TO: What instrument do you play? Why is it your favorite instrument to play?

ML: I play the violin because it was my very first instrument. The violin is easy to carryaround, stylish, and I can play a variety of genres of music with it.

TO: When you graduate from high school, will you pursue orchestra as a career?

ML: (Laughs) Definitely not as a career, no.

However, I do not want to give up on music altogether. Maybe I will call my friends and start a band with them or join an adult music group. It will be very hard to find time to play music after high school, and if I do have time I will try new styles and continue to practice.

–Compiled by Matt Niksa

Features

Monday, May 20, 2013

entertainment. “We could play volleyball and badminton,” Do said. “It’s just a great way to spend time with your friends.”

On May 11, many students participated Some of the events also included a variety in the annual Relay for Life event sponsored of entertainment groups. Junior Maytal by the American Cancer Society (ACS) to Abramson believed that these groups were raise awareness for cancer, remember those very intriguing. “They had belly dancers who lost to cancer and honor many who and music groups that had a Jamaican feel fought the disease. Each year the Youth to it,” Abramson said.

Community Service (YCS) club According to Hernandez, each brings members to participate in event in previous years has had the event. some sort of bad occurrence. “The During the event, there were running joke is that every other many ceremonies that honor those year, something bad happens,” who have fought and survived Hernandez said. “This year was cancer. The event began with the nice since nothing of the sort hapcelebration of survivors and their pened.” caregivers, where cancer surviHernandez is quick to stress that vors spoke about fighting cancer. the event was as encouraging as it is The survivors then walked a lap commemorative. “It is not a totally around the track as participants somber event,” he said. “There are cheered them on. Many activities certainly powerful moments but occurred between each ceremony. also good chances to have fun and The “Jeopardy” activity tested the time to reflect. This year was very participants’ knowledge of cancer. mellow which was something that I Whoever answered the questions liked. It gave me time to just reflect correctly earned some sort of prize. on myself.”

Another annual activity was the Junior Nicolas Diken felt that Stanford band playing a variety the schedule of activities had fair of songs. Food companies such as organization. “It seemed like there Hobees, Yogurtland and Coupa were a few fun events there,” Diken Cafe catered to the participants said. “Kickball and ‘Jeopardy’ had Stephanie Kim throughout the event. Participants Top left: Students sit outside on the field listening to a cancer survivor. Top right: Informational posters are to be the most fun out of the rest.” with friends and relatives who sufGeneral advice for all particispread out across the field. Bottom: Cancer survivors walk laps around the track to symbolize their struggle. fered from cancer also created bags pants may be to pace themselves and placed candles along the track lanes after the Luminaria ceremony really lets you time for myself and walk a few miles and throughout the event and enjoy having a during the Luminaria Ceremony which reflect how deeply cancer affects the world.” think about a lot of things,” Hernandez said. fun time doing fun activities with friends. commemorated all those who have fought Junior Dillon Hu, who lost both his Despite the emotional aspect of the “Sometimes people get frenetic and forget against cancer or are still battling it. At the grandfather and aunt to cancer, also felt it charity event, many students felt that this to enjoy themselves with all their friends end of the event, the Fight Back Ceremony was a touching and inspirational experi- year’s fundraiser was fun. Many activities around,” Hernandez said. “It is always informed participants of measures they can ence. Having gone to last year’s Relay for such as a talent show, yoga lesson and Super good to see friends get together and have take to prevent cancer.

Life, Hu felt that this year’s event was more Smash Bros. tournament were available for a fun time.”

Alex Man

Reporter

According to YCS advisor Mark Hernandez, the experience was an emotional one for many participants who have been affected by cancer in some way.

Junior Stephanie Do felt that being able to support such a cause was a touching and inspirational experience. “I felt truly compassionate about the cause because I lost my grandma to cancer,” Do said. “The silent lap

13

fun with more friends around. “My friends and I had cookies and milk past midnight and we played tons of knockout on these inflatable basketball courts,” Hu said.

Hernandez recounts that Relay for Life served as a cathartic experience for him after the death of his mother a few years ago. “It had been a year since my mother had died, so it was a chance for me to take some

Futures program students sell food at Titan Café at brunch people who come very regularly and I have made new friendships with them.” In addition to working at Titan Café, Mui Copy Editor also works at local restaurant Tommy Thai as a waiter and helps Every day of the week, from 10:20 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., Titan to clean up afterwards. “Working at Tommy Thai has helped Café offers breakfast and brunch items that the students in the me at Titan Café,” he said. “It’s easy now.”

Futures program make and sell. The Futures program consists Though Titan Café does make an effort to reach out to as of students who require special assistance and who work on many students as possible and serve as large a client base as they improving their communication skills with other students can, Gunn’s rotating schedule often proves to be a hindrance to and adults. Titan Café is a student-run enterprise that benefits this goal. The changing times makes it difficult to have a fixed the students by enabling social schedule for Titan Café. “The hardest interaction in a work type enpart is time management, given the vironment. “The students have rotation schedule,” Parry said. “Not responsibilities to prepare, serve all of our café menu items require and then clean up,” student aide the same amount of preparation, Nicholas Parry said. “It simutime and effort, and it is difficult to lates a work environment, while balance the different menu items. If at the same time promoting soall the students had the same schedcial interaction in a familiar and ule every day, Titan Café could be friendly school setting.” Among run more efficiently with focus on other responsibilities, students further development of each of the also maintain inventory and students’ individual skills.” keep track of weekly sales, with The program has been around the help of student aides in the for five years, and the students and classroom. staff who run it have been making Stephanie Kim steady changes to improve its funcThe students work together to prepare different snacks and The sign welcomes customers into the Titan Café. tionality each year. Right now, their interact with their customers in an effort to establish new main focus is to expand their program and make it available relationships. Senior Donald Mui, who has been working at to more people.

Titan Café for the past two years, says that he enjoys making This year, the Titan Café members are hoping to form a sandwiches and that Titan Café has become easy for him over more solid client base, and attract new customers. “We have the past two years. With the help of his aides and classmates, our regulars, but we could reach out to more,” Parry said. “We Mui has become a prominent member of Titan Café. “I’ve met could even set up a mobile coffee delivery and sale system, or a lot of new staff members and teachers,” Mui said. “We have sell small food and drink items in the quad during brunch.”

Anuva Ganapathi

Stephanie Kim

Stephanie Kim

Top: Futures program student Ryan Russ-Navarro and student aid Jessie Laurence make pancakes.

Bottom: Russ-Navarro sits at the cash register.

14

Cente

Quick ways to stay fit over summer Polymeric exercises are great for cardio and increasing strength and endurance.

Burpees specifically target the lower body and help increase your heart rate to burn off extra summer fat.

Healthy Substitute: Watermelon popsicle

For those summer daytime snack cravings, try this nutritious alternative to

fat-heavy, unhealthy ice cream. Watermelon popsicles are rich in vitamin C and potassium and contain lots of water, which can help you stay hydrated and healthy during the summer.

Ingredients:

Th m

Small cups (Dixie cups) Popsicle sticks 1/3 of a regular sized watermelon 2/3 cups water 3 tbs honey

Directions:

1. Remove the seeds from the watermelon, cut it into smaller pieces, and blend the pieces.

2. Combine the water and the honey, and microwave until syrupy.

3. Mix the watermelon and honey-water thoroughly.

4. Fill cups 1/2 of the way and place a popsicle stick into each cup.

5. Put the cups in the freezer and Wait for your popsicles to freeze.

1. To start, stand straight then quickly drop down into the push-up position.

—Compiled by Erica Watkins

2. Slowly bend your elbows, lowering your body until your chin is five inches from the ground.

This summer's Must-Have's and Top Brands Roy Shadmon Tech Editor

For this summer, The Oracle Recommends...

3. Pump your knees into your chest and go into a frog position with bent knees.

Ray-Ban sunglasses are an expensive option for sunglasses, but they are worth it for their polarized lenses. Polarized lenses most effectively protect your eyes from the sun, but having anything that darkens the sun’s luminous light can have an effect as well. For a cheaper option, most clothing stores sell sunglasses at a fair price.

Neutrogena UltraSheer sunblock is the number one der-

matologist approved sunscreen.

It is waterproof, leaves your skin dry and goes on sheer. Sunscreen will prevent the sun’s rays from mutating your skin and prevents cancer. Regarding sun protection factor (SPF), anything above 15 will do a good job.

New Era snap backs are the

hats to flash this summer. If you are not looking for a sports cap, look at clothing stores’ hats; both will do the same job of shading your face from the sun.

McDonald's McC

The Jewis h Community Center features both an out-

smoothies that high in and give you a great fr freeze. For two to fiv you can buy a fruit sm iced coffee. That type will surely quench yo during the blazing sum

Burt's Bee's chapstick is a fantastic chapstick to balm your lips with. It comes in a variety of flavors, while providing a smooth moisturized feel. It has sunflower oil which will keep your lips hydrated and ready for a fun summer.

Crocs , are great v shoes that keep your from athletes foot du days. They can be bou and in most shoe sto range from as little as t on the clearance rack dollars for the newes Crocs feature a closed will still keep your feet

door pool for laps and an indoor pool with a water slide. Membership costs 50 dollars per month, but it also includes a basketball court, weight room and showers.

4. Jump as high as you can and land with your feet shoulder width apart.

—Compiled by Alex Man

Speedo sells racing for both genders, bikin mal board shorts. The you should make sure o fits and will not fall off jump off the diving bo

Graphics and Photos by Jasmine Garnett and Anthony Tran

15

erfold

Monday, May 20, 2013

Stay Healthy under the summer sun

Easy tricks to get and stay toned Glute exercises are great for toning and firming your derrière. This exercise is perfect for achieving the perfect bum this summer.

The Oracle compiles a set of tips and tricks that can help you maintain your health as well as have fun throughout the summer.

Healthy Substitute: Avocado shake

For those who want to build some muscle mass over the summer, and for those who

wish to go “all natty, bruh,” this all-natural protein milk shake will help put on that extra bulk. Avocados are high in fifiber, which is beneficial to the digestive system. Milk

1. Lie on your side on a towel or mat and place your feet at the edge of the mat.

is high in protein and calcium, which together help repair muscles and strengthen bones.

The milk and ice will keep you hydrated, your joints lubricated and your muscles elastic and relaxed, while honey is a natural sweetener. Overall, the shake is a great, healthy substitute for artifificial, sugary protein bars.

Ingredients::

1 large avocado 2 cups milk 1 cup ice 2.5 tbsp honey

Directions:

Blend all the ingredients together and enjoy.

2. Lift your upper leg at an angle that is 45 degrees from your other leg and turn it so that it faces out.

—Compiled by Henry Siu

g swimsuits nis and noronly thing of is that it f when you oard.

Cafe sells

n nutrition rosty brain ve dollars, moothie or of bargain our thirst mmer days.

3. Slowly lower your leg so that it is in front of you.

ventilating feet free uring humid ught online ores. They ten dollars k to thirty st design. d back, but t cool.

4. Continuously raise and lower your leg 20 times, then repeat the same process on your other leg.

—Compiled by Samantha Acker

16

Features

THEORACLE

Chris Har t

Gunn alumnus and Japanese-pop singer Louise Christian Hart-Banks, better known as Chris Hart, visited the school on May 8 to catch up with his former Japanese teacher Yuki Hikida and perform for her students.

After graduating from Gunn in 2002, Hart moved to Japan in 2009. There, he uploaded covers of popular Japanese songs and original lyrics to YouTube. Over time, Hart gained many followers who helped him get onto and win the popular Japanese show “Nodo Jiman Za! World!”, on which amateur singers from around the world sing before a nationwide audience.

After winning the competition, Hart was introduced to a producer at the label Universal Management. His first album, “Home,” debuted on May 1 at No. 8 on the daily charts and No. 13 on the weekly charts.

Courtesy of Yuki Hikida

Japanese teacher Yuki Hikida and Gunn alumnus and Japanese-pop star Chris Hart reunite after eleven years. Hart visited for a day before performing in New York’s Japan Day.

The Oracle: Did you grow up with a musical background?

Chris Hart: I was heavily involved in the music programs throughout school. My family is all singers, so I never sang in front of them because it was embarrassing. I had some Japanese friends here that supported me with music. From 19 on, I began doing rock bands here, singing in Japanese.

TO: What songs are on your CD? CH: There are three cover songs, generally about family. Appreciation is a very big theme in Japan. The first song is about home from a father’s perspective. The second song is about expressing your love for someone. The third one makes me cry the most. It’s a song about a father who passes away and before he dies. He’s thinking about if his family is happy and expresses his gratefulness for spending time with them.

TO: What is it like being a professional singer?

CH: I was semipro for a long time, but to become a full-time pro musician is quite a bit of work, especially in a different language. It’s a lot of interviews.

TO: How did you become fluent in Japanese?

CH: I studied Japanese for five years in school, but I was not the ideal student. When I moved to Japan I got a job, buckled down and spoke Japanese everyday.

TO: How did your singing career start?

CH: Since I was young, I loved doing music. I was a shy kid, so I didn’t anticipate becoming a singer.

When I was doing rock it was all about making people head bang, but now, the lyrics are very key to the performances, so a lot of people cry to these songs. That takes a little getting used to because I never perceived myself as the kind of singer that would or could do that.

TO: Why did you decide to go to Japan?

CH: When I was 12, I started studying Japanese. Japan was a pretty prominent influence at the time, and it just kind of stuck with me.

I went for a two-week homestead to Japan in 1999, and when I came home, I wanted to go back to Japan.

Eventually I was like, if I’m going to be serious about this, I better just go.

TO: Do you want to stay in Japan?

CH: I would like to stay in Japan for the rest of my life, but that depends on my wife. She’s Japanese, but she loves singing in English. She kind of wants to live abroad.

TO: Are you recognized on the street?

CH: As much as possible I like to pretend that I’m not well-known, but when I walk down the street, it’s just like, “I saw you, I know you,” people asking for my autograph.

TO: How difficult is it to sing in another language?

CH: It’s very hard singing in Japanese. Before, it was easy because I was freestyling and the lyrics weren’t important. But when I got to Japan, seeing their culture and how they view their music, it became much more difficult to do because just singing doesn’t matter. You could be the greatest singer in the world, but if it doesn’t hit them or connect with them heart to heart, it doesn’t go well. Until I could understand the culture and sing from the Japanese perspective, I wasn’t as well received. ­— Compiled by Catalina Zhao

5

Sports

Monday, May 20, 2013

17

Steps To Catching A Wave with senior Alex Beroza

1

Know before you go. Be sure to check out the surf report— you don’t want to arrive to a flat ocean with no waves.

2 3

Before you go out, watch the waves and learn how often the big ones come.

Look for a swell (large wave) coming towards you. When it arrives, turn the nose of your board around and paddle with the swell.

4

When you feel the wave pushing up, then you pop up quickly and don’t hesitate.

5

Look down the face of the wave towards where you want to go. This will lead you as well as warn you of anything that might cause you to fall off.

—Compiled by Tim Wang Michael Wu

18

Sports

THEORACLE

2

1

3

3

Stephanie Kim

4

Stephanie Kim

5

Stephanie Kim

Stephanie Kim

Stephanie Kim

1. Junior Rachel Mock swings on the parallel bars. 2. Freshman Brian Lei takes a breath during breaststroke. 3. Junior Lena Bacon prepares to score against the goalie. 4. Freshman Robin Peter takes a leap over a hurdle during practice. 5. Junior Anson Cheng follows through with his shot.

Spring sports wrap up seasons and look forward Girls’ Lacrosse:

The girls’ varsity lacrosse team has always been strong, and it has proven its consistency this season. The Lady Titans finished third overall in the Santa Clara Valley Athletic League (SCVAL) after losing to St. Francis on Wednesday, May 8.

According to varsity player junior Anna Cabot, the team’s strength comes from their cohesion on and off the field. “We all get along really well, which makes it easier for us to communicate on the field and during practice,” Cabot said. This effortless teamwork is evident in their records: 11-6-2 overall and 9-5 in league.

The team finished last year’s season in relatively the same place and hopes to improve even more for next year.

“Our goal at the beginning of the year was to make it as far as we could in SCVAL, and we accomplished that goal,” Cabot said. According to Cabot, the team shows extreme promise and will continue to improve during the off-season and throughout next year. Although they may have individual goals, as a team their main goal for next year is very simple. “As next year will be my senior year, I can sum up our desire in two words: beat Paly,” Cabot said. With their excellent communication skills and fluid plays on the field, accomplishing their goal for next season is more than likely.

Boys’ Lacrosse:

The boys’ lacrosse team has a very talented group of players, but has had a hard time with getting the members to work together efficiently. Ending the season with a record of 3-7-1 overall and 3-6-1 league, the team looks to regroup and come back stronger next year.

The team has several things it wishes to improve on, but, according to junior Sammy Nio, its main focus for next season is communication. “Our weakness is not being able to cooperate with each other on the field,” Nio said. The basic skills and techniques come easily to the players, but teamwork on the field is key to doing well in leagues and advancing to CCS. The team’s goal for next year is to work harder during practice. While the loss of seniors may set the team back, it is optimistic about a new team and a new season. The team plans to work on improving over the break. “Hopefully next year we will have new and fresh talent, and players will have practiced over the summer,” Nio said.

Swimming:

After competing at both the De Anza League and Central Coast Section (CCS) competitions, the swimming teams returned home with varying levels of success.

For the first time since 1985, the girls’ swimming team took first place in league. “I think [they did so well because] they were used to success,” coach Mark Hernandez said.

“Breaking through CCS last year made a big difference.

They really started holding themselves to higher standards and worked hard to get want they wanted.”

According to senior Richard Wang, the entire team made sure to show its support for the girls’ team as it competed for the league title. “We really cheered on the girls a lot, because we all really wanted them to win and we knew they had a shot at it,” he said. After winning leagues, the girls went on to place fifth in CCS. On the other hand, the boys’ swimming team placed third in league and sixth at CCS. According to sophomore Jeffrey Leu, the team is happy with its league result as it moved up eleven places from last year, but it feels that it could have performed better at CCS. “We wanted to be in the top scoring spots, but some people who were hoping to make finals [for CCS] just missed the cutoff and some of us didn’t swim to our full potential,” he said.

According to Hernandez, both teams did considerably well in light of the many talented seniors who left last year.

“We could always use more depth,” he said. “In many ways, this was a rebuilding year for us. But we’re moving forward, and we’re in pretty good shape for next year.”

Boys’ Golf:

The golf team finished second in SCVAL. It placed third in its league tournament and is looking forward to new challenges. “We are hopeful to qualify for CCS through a so-called wild card spot,” senior Curran Sinha said.

According the Sinha, the team’s main problem is its consistency. “Our problem tends to be that we do not all play well at one time,” Sinha said. “During some matches, a few people will shoot very well and some others will do badly.” The team hopes to prove themselves at CCS. Looking back at the whole season, Sinha feels that the team hasn’t reached its top level of performance. “Overall, we are a very strong team,” Sinha said. “We just haven’t lived up to our full potential.”

Gymnastics:

The gymnastics team has had a good season overall in the northern league. “The season has been going great,” head coach Michaela Guillory said. “Every meet the girls achieve a personal best in at least one event.”

However, even with the good season, the team still needs improvement in particular areas in order to become a stronger team for next year. “Our technical weakness would be that we do not have four gymnasts to qualify as a real team,” Guillory said. “We also don’t have the strongest all-around team.” Despite these setbacks, the team has its spirits up and team members’ effort is definitely present during practice and at meets. “We care, we train our hardest, and we strive for personal bests and perfection of our abilities,” Guillory said.

The gymnastics team has high hopes looking forward to the end of the season. “Overall, I think our team has gained a ton of power,” Guillory said. “Our goal is for everyone to qualify for CCS.”

Track and Field:

The track and field team finished its spring season well with its outstanding performance in SCVAL. Many of the runners will be moving on to CCS to compete.

“I’m really proud of how everyone competed,” junior Justice Tention said. “We all just tried our best and it turned out great. A lot of people set new personal records this season and it always feels like a great accomplishment when you do.”

Although the team is very proud of their season, it is still looking for ways to improve next year. “I want to see more participants in the events,” Tention said. “We have a very great and talented team but if some of the people don’t participate in events, then we are not using the team’s full potential.”

While some think of track and field as a race against opponents, Tention believes track and field is a race against oneself. “My goal was to just improve myself,” Tention said. “I wanted to set a new personal record for myself by the end of the year and I did. I improved my 800 meter time to 2:05.”

According to sprints coach Curtis Liang, the team performed very well despite the leaving of ten seniors. Liang believes the team has a lot of potential for next year.

THEORACLE

Monday, May 20, 2013

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Anthony Tran Anthony Tran

Anthony Tran

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Stephanie Kim

Stephanie Kim

Stephanie Kim

6. Senior Kevin Sharp readies his bat for an incoming baseball. 7. Junior Michael Xiong flicks a backhand smash on the birdie. 8. Freshman Jason Steinberg performs a backflip into a reverse dive. 9. Senior Claire Klausner pitches a fastball during a home game. 10. Junior Alberto Leale powerfully swings to return the tennis ball.

to future competition in Central Coast Section

Boys’ Tennis:

Baseball:

Diving:

Softball:

The boys’ tennis team is ready to move on to CCS championships after an outstanding, near-perfect performance. “The team has been doing extremely well,” junior singles player Mario Khosla said. It is looking forward to its first CCS match even though it knows it will be facing some tough opposition.

Over the season, the team has acquired some new skills. “Some strengths of the team are that we never give up and train hard at practice,” Khosla said. According to head coach Jim Gorman, the singles team this year is very strong and has had time to improve.

Despite working diligently at practice, the team still has a major f law. “We’ve had days when only four of 15 people showed up to practice,” Khosla said. “Despite practices being great, we could use some more commitment.”

Gorman has high hopes for his team’s future performance. “I hope we win our first CCS match,” Gorman said. Khosla hopes to go even further and win the CCS division champion title. “It will be hard, but I think we can pull it off,” Khosla said.

With double the number of members from last year, the diving team made a solid contribution to the swimming and diving teams’ combined point total.

Four divers—freshmen Jason Steinberg and Vivian Zhou and seniors Miko Mallari and Emma Wiszowaty— qualified for CCS competition, with Zhou placing third out of 48 contestants.

According to coach Brien Arakaki, the team did very well against most teams, except for Palo Alto High School (Paly).

Many of the team’s members were underclassmen completely new to diving. According to Arakaki, these new divers’ greatest accomplishment was simply being able to compete each week. “[Being able to] dive itself is an improvement,” Arakaki said. “You need to learn new dives all the time, and you have to be able to keep those dives consistent.”

Now that the newer divers have gained experience, Arakaki has greater aspirations for next year. “The team has a basic understanding of diving now,” he said.

The baseball team has had a rough season; it lost a few players due to grades, injuries and sickness. The record this season was 1-13 in the De Anza league, and 8-22 overall.

Apr. 17 was the first league win, against Santa Clara with a 10-2 victory. Head coach John Harney reports that senior Kevin Sharp pitched excellently and batted three hits. On Apr. 26 the Titans lost 5-8 against Los Altos. Despite tremendous efforts by seniors Dante Sweat and Sharp, the team lost 5-9 in the playoff game against Los Altos which took place on Apr. 30. Senior Chris Rea batted three hits that game. On May 2, the Titans lost to Los Altos 9-3, with Rea again batting three hits.

Harney is hopeful that next year the sophomores who are already on varsity this year will be stronger players next year because they have a year of experience already. “The team definitely needs some work, with the seniors gone next year,” sophomore Ravi Levens said.

“We are going to need some JV players to step up, but [improvement] is definitely possible.”

The softball team’s season has come to an end, with a record of 8-4 in the El Camino Division and an overall record of 12-11. According to head coach Matt Maltz, it was a young team this year but it pushed through.

The season’s had some tough competition and memorable wins. On Apr. 26, the team took on Lynbrook and won 6-3. Senior Claire Klausner had 15 strikeouts, and senior Casey Maltz batted in three runs and hit two doubles. The most anticipated game of the season was held on Apr. 11 against Paly, whom the Titans beat for the first time in four years, in extra innings, 3-2. “It was a really exciting game, we were a lot more pumped up them we usually are,” freshman Katie Garvey said.

On senior day, May 3, the team played Mountain View and had a 10-0 mercy rule victory in the fifth inning.

Coach Maltz is excited for next year, as he feels he has a strongly bonded team, “Next year I’m anticipating a good team, they’ve learned a lot of things, [including] my expectations, and they are really starting to build confidence,” Maltz said.

Badminton:

Although the badminton team has had a slow start this season, it has started to gain its momentum. “We’ve won all of our scrimmages and beaten Paly­— I think overall we started off a little bit slow but I think it’s been starting to pick up a little bit,” head coach Marc Tsukakoshi said. Powerful plays by sophomore Angela Lin and seniors Koji Habu and Martin Hung have contributed to the team’s success. “They’re playing in the number one spot, so they’ve been doing pretty well,” Tsukakoshi said.

The team has developed numerous strengths over the season. “There’s a lot of cohesion,” junior Michael Xiong said. “Badminton is an individual sport but we’re still a team.” Despite badminton being an individual sport, practices are very integrated and coordinated. Some junior varsity athletes stay back for varsity practice to receive additional help. According to Tsukakoshi, Gunn’s players are far more fit than those from most schools, which provides a good starting point to work off of.

Despite its many strengths, the badminton team still has some f laws. “I think confidence and game experience may be a bit of a weakness,” Tsukakoshi said.

Tsukakoshi believes that the players get too creative on the court and would like to see them apply what they practice directly in their games. Most of the team are freshmen who have not had very much, if any, experience playing badminton. “We’re very fresh still,” Xiong said. “We haven’t had lot of time to hammer out the skills.”

Because the team is mostly comprised of freshmen, Tsukakoshi’s goal for the season is to help the players improve. He wants to give them good exposure to the game this year in hopes of them leaving with a positive outlook. “I’d like to see them improve to be able to compete in some of these local tournaments, league finals,” Tsukakoshi said.

—Compiled by Shireen Ahsan, Lena Campbell, Lawrence Chen, Chaewon Lee, Henry Siu, Alvin Wang

20

Sports

THEORACLE

A’s achievements overshadowed by those of the Giants

2012 marked the second World Series championship for the San Francisco Giants within three years, and Gunn students evidently took notice. The day after closer Sergio Romo landed the strike fastball that ended the game, the series and the season, a storm of orange and black seemed to devour the Senior Quad and the surrounding corridors. As a long-time fan of the Oakland Athletics, the Giants’ rival by proximity, history and annual interleague play, I received taunts and derision for my team’s failure to win a World Series Championship within the past 22 years. Some quietly expressed their condolences, out of sympathy for the A’s inability to overcome the Detroit Tigers in a five-game Division Series.

I have no axe to grind with Giants fans, and I’d never be one to equate rooting for my Bay Bridge rival with rooting for Paly.

However, I express no shame in professing and asserting my allegiance for the A’s, and I’m far from alone. Contrary to what the staunchest Giants devotees believe, the A’s fan does not stand as an extinct species within Gunn’s campus. However, the Oakland Athletics rank far underappreciated in comparison to the San Francisco Giants. The average Giants fan believes his or her team stands superior to the A’s for

faced greater competition in their division with World Series favorites Texas Rangers and Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. The A’s overcame much more than the Giants in their quest for their first division title since 2006, with a myriad of injuries and a group of untested players. This effort stands as one that all fans of baseball, and even all Gunn students, can fully appreciate.

Jasmine Garnett

Cooper Aspegren

a number of reasons—a “better” history, ritory, one can see the true heart and soul a “better” stadium and “better” players. of baseball in the Coliseum. The true heart However, the A’s actually surpass the Gi- and soul of baseball does not rely on fancy ants in those three areas. perks and amusement features that distract from While the overit is true t h a t Contrary to what the staunchest Giants devo- all game, much like the Gitees believe, the A’s fan does not stand as an the ones ants have at AT&T won two extinct species within Gunn’s campus. However, Park.

Wo r l d the Oakland Athletics rank far under appreciThe noSeries tion that ated in comparison to the San Francisco Giants.

C hampi the 2012 onships within the past three years, their domi- Giants were better than the 2012 A’s and, nance in this regard is almost unprec- by extension, the 2013 Giants are better edented in their 140—year history. While than the 2013 A’s is ludicrous. Both teams the Giants did win two in a row in the early finished with a record of 94 wins and 68 1920s when they were in New York, the A’s losses, not to mention the fact that the A’s boast a longer World Championship winning streak, as recent as the early 1970s.

The A’s—in Philadelphia, Kansas City and Oakland—have won two more World Championships in their history than the Giants have in their history in New York and San Francisco. In the last World Series the A’s won, the team that emerged the loser was—you guessed it—the San Francisco Giants.

It is undeniable that AT&T Park is a state-of-the-art baseball field. The stadium boasts 68 luxury suites, a Cove, a giant baseball mitt and a giant Coke bottle, for crying out loud. In contrast, O.co Coliseum—yes, that’s actually what they call it now—is a dump. But it is the quintessential baseball fan’s dump; if one looks past the dirty stair steps, ridiculously unnecessary upper deck seats and unreasonably expansive foul ter-

Sports Varsity athlete: Will Catlin Senior Will Catlin has been an avid athlete for the lacrosse team ever since his freshman year in high school. This year, Catlin was the defensive team captain and led his team to many victories. Throughout the season, Catlin picked up a total of 75 ground balls, forced 20 turnovers, scored one goal and most importantly, kept the team motivated and energized.

Catlin believes that teamwork is one of the most important factors to his success this year. “Teamwork is huge in lacrosse, if you don’t have teamwork, everything is a mess,” Catlin said. Over the summer, Catlin attended a variety of different lacrosse camps in which he was able to perfect his footwork and stick skills. “I just try to be the best lacrosse player I can be,” Catlin said. “If the other guy is better than me, then I just have to work harder.”

Monday, May 20, 2013

Junior Varsity Athlete: Grace Robinson

MONTHLY AWARDS

Mitch Donat

Varsity game: Softball vs. Mountain View In their senior game this season, the Gunn softball team crushed the Mountain View High School Spartans 10-0. The game was dedicated to the seniors on the team as appreciation. During the game, senior Claire Klausner scored three hits and freshman Katie Garvey, sophomore Natalie Ota and senior Roya Huang each made two hits. Throughout the whole game, Klausner pitched a no-hitter except for one error. The game ended in a mercy rule because the Titans were ten runs ahead of the Spartans by the fifth inning.

Teamwork was especially evident throughout the game and everyone worked together to finish the season strong. “I don’t think that there was one specific play that turned the game around,” senior Laura Tao said. “We just came out in the first inning strong and everyone consistently got hits.”

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Contributing greatly to the junior varsity lacrosse team’s wins, sophomore Grace Robinson plays a tremendously important role in the team. In the team’s last match against Los Gatos High School, she scored over half the team’s goals, leading them to victory with a final score of 11-5.

According to Robinson, the first time she held and used a lacrosse stick was during freshman year. As she continued to improve her skills, Robinson felt determined to master the sport. “I loved playing on those teams especially at moments where I felt my technique and skills improve every day,” she said.

Robinson is a strong believer in perseverance. “I’ve loved being a part of the team this year and of course I’ll be playing next year,” she said. “Lacrosse is something I am passionate about and playing on this team has only reminded me of that on a daily basis.”

Junior Varsity game: Swimming vs. Homestead This season, the junior varsity (JV) girls’ swim team went undefeated, powering through with a total of six wins. The girls smashed Homestead High School 13155, more than doubling their score. After a long week of intense training, the team was fired up and ready to compete. “The meet against Homestead High School was in the same week as our meet against Paly, so we were practicing all the right techniques and getting in the right mindset to go after both teams,” sophomore Aditi Gupta said.

According to JV coach James Nusse, the girls put sweat and tears into working together as a team. “We routinely see athletes achieve beyond their expectations because their teammates are depending on them and encouraging them,” Nusse said. “This is the mentality we have tried to create, and the junior varsity team has really bought in.”

Audey Shen

Michael Wu

—Compiled by Emily Kvitko and Stephanie Zhang

22

Sports

THEORACLE

E

Freshmen Showcase Self-Defense O

Karate: Luma Hamade

Karate is more than just a fast paced stadium game.

Instead, according to freshman Luma Hamade, it requires patience and strength.

Hamade has been practicing karate for four years at Prodigy Martial Arts in Los Altos. She is a brown second belt, one test away from a brown first belt and two tests away from a black belt.

Hamade became interested in the sport because her brother, senior Nabil Hamade, practices it himself. “I started because my brother was doing it and it looked like a lot of fun,” she said. According to Luma Hamade, Nabil Hamade has ceased to continue with karate after gaining his black belt. Growing up with a brother in karate has made Luma Hamade strive to continue with the sport.

“It motivates me to go all the way to the end and not quit until I’ve reached my goal,” she said.

Hamade’s love for karate stems from many reasons.

According to Hamade, it is useful because it is a great workout and always a good time. “I think the best part is the workout you get,” she said. “You become physically stronger and you get more endurance.”

Hamade’s coach Raul Fabela has known Hamade since a young age. “I have seen her have a good time laughing with her training partners, and then when it comes time to spar, she goes at it while staying focused,” Fabela said.

Fabela’s admiration for Hamade’s commitment has only grown stronger. “The fact that she has continued with her training, even when she feels frustrated is something that I admire,” Fabela said. “This is a journey that many begin, but not everyone finishes.”

A typical practice varies for Hamade. During a private lesson, she will spend more time perfecting her form, while in kickboxing she practices drilling and punching. According to Hamade, steady commitment is a requirement in order to get a black belt. “There’s a lot of stuff you have to remember because you need to learn a lot of techniques for your black belt,” she said. “But it’s worth it.”

Although she does not plan to do it in college, Hamade is thinking about doing the sport later in life because it has changed her throughout the years. “It’s made me stronger and I’ve made new friends,” she said. “I’m less afraid of stuff too.”

— Kavya Padmanabhan

Taekwondo: Maila Kuelker

Courtesy of Maila Kuelker

The judge raises his hand to signal the start of freshman Maila Kuelker’s taekwondo round.

Fencing: Samuel Kwong His nimble feet dazzle the audience with complicated footwork, as his mind calculates his next move. He lunges and his saber flashes. The crowd roars as he snatches another win.

Freshman Samuel Kwong is a nationally ranked saber fencer. He is number one in the men’s youth-14 age group and second in under-17. Of the three types of fencing, saber centers largely on agility. “Saber is a lot quicker paced, and you have to be very good at sprinting and capable of taking big boosts of energy,” Kwong said.

After starting the sport at the age of seven as a result of his love for sword-fighting, Kwong eventually competed at national tournaments, the first of which he won when he was thirteen.

Kwong was recently awarded the gold medal in the youth-14 category at the North American Cup, held from Mar. 15 to 18. In February at the Junior Olympics, Kwong won bronze in the under-17 category. Last fall, Kwong competed at his first international tournament, the European Cadet World Cup, in Poland, also in the under-17 age group. Twenty fencers were selected to represent the United States, of which Kwong was the youngest. There, Kwong received the bronze medal.

“At the World Cup, I just tried to make good use of it,” he said.

“That day, I was in a really good mood, and everything went according to what I wanted. I fought hard and I got results.”

Courtesy of Luma Hamade

Freshman Luma Hamade shows off her brown belt.

Taekwondo started out as a hobby but soon grew into a serious commitment for freshman Maila Kuelker. Ranked nationally since the age of 10, Kuelker won the U.S. Open for taekwondo in 2009.

Kuelker took taekwondo classes and learned the basics at the Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA) on her seventh birthday as a birthday gift. “It was something I wanted to learn, but my parents only wanted it to be an afternoon activity,” Kuelker said. However, the sport became more serious when Kuelker switched taekwondo schools a year later and started entering competitions. Kuelker wanted to do taekwondo for various reasons. “I just thought that it would be really different, and I wanted to learn how to prepare myself if I ever needed to,” Kuelker said. Although she initially began the sport with self-defense in mind, she hasn’t had to use it so far. “I’ve never had to fight anyone, but it definitely played a part in others not wanting to mess with me, which I think has been beneficial,” Kuelker said.

One of the most challenging aspects of the sport for Kuelker is concentration. “The hardest things are discipline and trying to stay motivated, because there are a lot of times where you can just get bored,” Kuelker said. “It’s a lot

Kwong fences at the Cardinal Fencing Club at Stanford University under the tutelage of Olympic gold-medalist George Pogosov. “Samuel deserves the best words and praises as student,” Pogosov wrote in an email. “He is willing to work for hours to learn all coach’s tasks.”

Three times a week at the fencing gym, Kwong practices footwork, does regular bouting and has private lessons with his coach. On the other days, he cross-trains at home. “Samuel trains a lot and he works very hard,” freshman Kenny Chui said. “[Fencing at Samuel’s level] is very tough and you have to work very hard to be able to do that.”

The aspects of fencing that attract Kwong are that it is quick-paced, intense and less mainstream. “Fencing is like physical chess,” Kwong said. “You’ve got to plan ahead, and be a step ahead of your opponent. It’s 50 percent mind game, 50 percent physical game. There’s a lot of techniques and tricks you’ve got to learn to set up your game.” Kwong finds the hardest part to be maintaining the balance between the physical and mental parts. Kwong’s role models, such as his coach, push him to work harder. In addition, he looks up to his teammates, especially the ones older than him. “The way they persevere and the way they’re always ready are very inspiring,” Kwong said.

Fencing has greatly shaped Kwong’s character. “The most useful thing I’ve learned is that you always have to have a fire in your heart,” he said. “When your opponent is in front of you, you have to be 100 percent ready.”

Kwong hopes to fence in college and the Olympic Games. “Samuel is very perspective fencer,” Pogosov wrote. “He should get into Cadets’ National Team next year and our goal is National Olympic Team 2020.”

Whenever he fences in a bout, Kwong always tells himself to focus and have fun. “I tell myself to enjoy the moment,” Kwong said. “Focus on the moment.” ­— Catalina Zhao­

of repetition, a lot of drills and mostly just fighting all the other teammates and helping them.” The weeks before the competition season, Kuelker trains four to seven hours a day.

The discipline she learns from taekwondo translates into the other sports that Kuelker plays, including the junior varsity basketball team. She also trains in other martial arts like jiu jitsu and mixed martial arts. “It’s really played a part in building a high stamina and just strength-wise,” Kuelker said. “It’s helped me discipline myself so I’m not slacking and I can stay focused.”

The time and effort she put into taekwondo has paid off through the friendships she has formed. “Becoming a family with all these people on the team, but ultimately just improving, getting results, and winning makes it really enjoyable,” Kuelker said. “I think it’s a great feeling to wear a gold medal around your neck, and have all the experience you can get.”

In the future, Kuelker plans to continue improving and achieving a few goals that she has in mind. “I hope that I could get another chance to make the U.S. team, travel for competition, and maybe even make it to the Olympic games one day,” Kuelker said.

— Katherine Zu

Courtesy of Samuel Kwong

Top: Nationally ranked freshman Samuel Kwong (on the top right) receives an award for his fencing skills.

Bottom: Kwong (on the left) strikes his opponent with a fierce parry to win a point for the round.

Monday, May 20, 2013

23

Swim coach receives recognition for exceptional season an award, the standard notion is that it team,” junior Rachel Wong said. “He makes them less competitive. However, definitely deserved this award bethis is not the case for Hernandez. “It’s cause he puts all of his effort into it.”

Swim coach Mark Hernandez has a made me Junior Fiona hefty schedule: aside from being a marmore moHon admires his ried father of two, he teaches Advanced t i v a t e d ,” coaching style Placement English and coaches water he said. in which he inpolo and swimming. Over the years, “Now I’m cludes everyone Hernandez has led his teams to mulwalking on the team. tiple league titles and a Central Coast around “He treats evSection (CCS) championship, but now with a eryone the same, he has some personal hardware to target on whether they’re add to his trophy case: the 2013 CCS my back. a star swimmer Honor Coach award for swimming.

I have or just out there The award is given out once a year to Swim Coach Mark Hernandez to show for fun,” she said. one coach for his contribution to that that I deThis year, sport at the interscholastic level, acserve it, and I have to work even harder.” Hernandez’s swimming team placed cording to the CCS website. Hernandez Not only does Hernandez have to de- fifth in CCS and hopes to do even betacknowledges the award to numerous fend the honor coach award, but he people. “I’d must also defend the credit it to girls’ CCS title from the swimlast year. Despite the “It’s made me more motivated. mers in our challenges, he has toprogram, the “He makes it a point to tal faith in the team Now I’m walking around with club coaches have a personal connection and its ability to come a target on my back. I have in the area with every single person on out on as victorious. to show that I deserve it, and who consisthe team. He definitely de- “The last couple of I have to work even harder.” tently deliver years we’ve been the us excel- served this award because he big dogs,” Hernandez Swim Coach lent swim- puts all of his effort into it.” said. “But now, there Mark Hernandez mers, the are teams that are elite coachJunior projected to win CCS ing staff I Rachel Wong above us. As the under- ter next year. “We all came out, tried work with dogs, we’re more com- our hardest and competed really well,” and the parfortable and it’s more fun for us.” Hon said. “Next year, we’re all going ents who help create a nice culture,” Athletes trained by Hernandez feel to train a lot harder to regain our he said. “In addition, my wife Melinda honored to swim with him and his place as number one on the podium.” helps with a lot of the organization of Look forward to seecoaching staff on the sideline. “He the team and administrative work.” makes it a point to have a personal con- ing Hernandez and the water Many times when an individual wins nection with every single person on the polo team this upcoming fall.

Mitch Donat

Managing Editor

Courtesy of Mark Hernandez

The marquee congratulates Mark Hernandez for winning the Honor Coach award.

PowderPuff Results: May 2 Freshmen/seniors vs juniors/sophomores Juniors/sophomores won 3-2 Key Stats: -Junior Zoe Zwerling scored 2 points -Junior Camille Steger scored 1 point -Senior Sarah Klem scored 2 points

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THEORACLE

Sports

Entertainment

Monday, May 20, 2013

25

The Oracle tests out local under-rated food spots Bamboo House Cafe 3 G’s Casa Lupe Erica Lee Business Manager

Misheel Enkhbat Entertainment Editor

On the corner of Rengstorff and Central sits a small Chinese restaurant called Bamboo Garden, which serves delicious Mandarin and Shanghai cuisine. A group of fish tanks facing the door eagerly welcome you in when you enter the restaurant. The atmosphere is quiet and calming. I have been to Bamboo Garden many times, and each time I have had a wonderful experience. This time around it wasn’t too crowded, but the place often fills up quickly. I recommend going earlier rather than later in order to beat the crowd.

I brought a group of friends with me who have never experienced the wonders and joys of Bamboo Garden. Although the surrounding area and the decor inside does not look particularly remarkable, the food completely makes up for it. After some heavy contemplation, we ordered the house special smoked duck, glutinous rice with pork in bamboo, green onion pancakes and Mongolian chicken. The smoked duck was the clear winner. It was chewy and moist with a crisp skin. We expected the Mongolian chicken to be covered in spice, yet somehow it ended up not being spicy at all. The green onion pancakes were delicious and we craved for more after they were gone.

Because we went late, some of the food we wanted to order ran out, so we had to order something else. It worked out because all the food was delicious. If you do decide to give Bamboo Garden a try, remember to go there early.

Erica Lee

Mon-Sun: 11a.m. - 3 p.m. 5 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.

Fri-Sat: 5 p.m. - 10:30 p.m.

Sitting on a corner in the hustle and bustle of downtown Mountain View, Casa Lupe is an easily overlooked yet sensational restaurant that serves authentic Mexican food at an affordable price. When my friends and I arrived, the restaurant was moderately busy but our server, a sweet middle-aged woman, swiftly rushed to guide us. Although we were initially seated indoors, she was more than happy to oblige when we opted for outdoor seating instead. Once the initial excitement bubbled down, we ordered our drinks After indecisively bouncing ideas back and forth, I settled on a Mexican rice drink named Horchata, which was shockingly refreshing and sweet.

I decided to order the grilled chicken burrito because I was ravenous, while my friends decided to order the enchiladas entomatadas and the plato de tres colores. Just as we had ordered, the restaurant started to flood with people. To our surprise, our food came out promptly. My dinner, the grilled chicken burrito, turned out to be a gargantuan burrito far bigger than I’d anticipated. I’m never one to leave food on the plate, but this burrito truly had me beat. Likewise, the enchiladas entomatadas were enormous, they consisted of chicken enchiladas topped with hefty amounts of salsa, sour cream and parmesan cheese.

The plato de tres colores consisted of ground beef, cheese and chicken enchiladas topped with red sauce, sour cream, guacamole and cheese. This dish was hands down the best one. The red sauce was flavorful while the ground beef and chicken balanced perfectly with the other toppings. Finally, as our stomachs were filled, my friends and I thanked our waitress, uploaded our food pictures to Instagram and vowed to stop by again. If you’re looking for some variety to your usual repertoire of In-N-Out or Five Guys, head on over to Casa Lupe for mammoth portions and delicious cuisine.

Misheel Enkhbat

Mon-Sat: 11:30 am- 2:30 pm, 5:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m.

Sunday: 5:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m.

Noa Livneh Entertainment Editor Away from the bustle of downtown Palo Alto, Cafe 3 G’s, a Bolivan restaurant, is located on Cambridge Street right off El Camino. This cafe seemed perfect for an afternoon snack with friends. I started my meal with a chicken saltena, which was basically chicken pot pie filling wrapped in white dough. The taste was alright but I’ve had better. Next I ordered the ham sandwich on wheat bread and it was surprisingly satisfying. For dessert I decided to try the Mango Batidos smoothie, which was amazing. It was definitely one of the best smoothies I have had in a really long time. My friend ordered the raspberry one and it was just as delectable.

The smoothies were a perfect after-school spring treat.

Alongside the smoothies, we got Alfajores, which were very crumbly cookies. The cookie had a thin layer of caramel in the middle and coconut shavings on the side.

For someone who doesn’t like coconut, I was surprised to find that it was one of the most delicious cookies I had ever had.

The atmosphere was peaceful at the cafe. It would not be a good place to come in a large group, however, considering the place only has about five tables in total. There is an adorable patio in the back that feels like an escape. The ser vers were incredibly sweet and the place felt very home-like.

I a m c om i ng back again and I recommend t his place to a nyone who wants to try a delicious cafe with a Latin flair.

Noa Livneh

Mon-Fri: 7:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Sun: 8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Best books, destinations, songs for summer 2013

Carolyn Zhou

Books 1. The Fault in our Stars—john Green 2. Gone—Cathi Hanauer 3. The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy—Douglas Adams 4. The Kite Runner—Khaled Hosseini 5. The Outsiders—S.E. Hinton

Destinations 1. Half Moon Bay 2. Shoreline Country Concert 3. Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk 4. Haight-Ashbury street in San Francisco 5. Foothills Park

Songs 1. Just Give Me A Reason—P!nk (feat. Nate Ruess) 2.Young and Beautiful—Lana Del Rey 3. Can’t Hold Us—(feat. Ray Dalton) Macklemore & Ryan Lewis 4. I Love It—(feat. Charli XCX) 5. Cruise—(Remix) [feat. Nelly] Florida —Compiled by Misheel Enkhbat

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Entertainment

THEORACLE

Staffers reflect on best, worst summers

Dave Zhu

Courtesy of Andy Zhou

Top: Dave Zhu poses with his brother at the Air and Space Museum in D.C. Middle: Andy Zhou serves during the National Hardcort Championships. Bottom: Zhou practices his volleys.

ly G

Courtesy of Andy Zhou

Al

Courtesy of Dave Zhu

Over summer, you could put on hundreds of pounds by participating in eating contests, become a Wii Bowling professional, do laundry, drink tea or maybe even snooze through all three months of freedom. As exciting as the above plans sound, my ideal summer consists of something a little more ambitious. Since the fetters of schoolwork and our short holiday breaks during the school year chain us students to the confines of the Bay Area, what sense does it make to not spend your summer abroad?

For me, last summer satisfied my traveling itch. My brother, a graduating senior, was moving away for college, and obviously, my parents weren’t going to have that happen without spoiling him a bit. But how? A two week-long tour of the East Coast.

As soon as we exited the airport, the clammy heat consumed me like flaming mayonnaise. Soon, I was sweating like I was in a sauna with a full-body Halloween costume on.

Baltimore was interesting like shady neighborhoods filled to the brim with drug-influenced gangsters. Still, I kept

my hopes high for our next destination, Washington D.C. The heat problem was even worse in the capital and there was a massive construction project in the middle of the National Mall. It looked like a scaled-up version of every three-year-old boy’s sandbox dream, complete with the construction trucks. However, this distraction did not affect my experience with the main attraction: The Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum. After buzzing around for hours, my feet felt the repercussions of my curiosity, and my body temperature was, once again, within human parameters.

We made our next stop in Philadelphia, where we visited both Pat’s and Geno’s for a cheesesteak comparison. Next was Manhattan, where we visited the Guggenheim, ate genuine New York steak and pizza, posed with the Charging Bull, and, on Wall Street, were attacked by ravenous mascots who demanded we take pictures with them.

After making some stops for college visits, we finally made our way to Boston. My dad and I said our goodbyes to my brother, who was leaving for college with my mom. On the flight home, I felt a connection that I had hardly ever noticed before. Walking in that monstrous heat and brushing shoulders with thousands of other Americans, I couldn’t help but feel a sort of integration into the East Coast culture. It was an understanding that I hadn’t felt before on the habitually empty streets of Palo Alto.

When it comes to having fun during summer, there’s no beating a trip out of the Bay Area bubble. Wherever you go, make it a point to breathe the air, see the sights, and eat the foods—make the most of whatever your destination has to offer. Perhaps you’ll find yourself having more fun than you would as a Wii Bowling professional. on g

Best: East Coast Adventure

Worst: Tennis Mishap

Andy Zhou

The summer of 2011 got off to a great start, which then fell faster than the music industry. I had just graduated from eighth grade and was looking forward to a new environment to complain about the same old academic problems: high school. First, however, I had to deal with a group of hot-headed tennis jocks during the seasonal summer tennis swing.

As a United States Tennis Association (USTA) player, I travel around the country to face other tennis players seeking to raise their ranking in the endless college recruiting race.

That summer was special because I was headed to the National Hardcourt Championships, which is equivalent to playing in the Super Bowl. Inspired, I signed up at a prestigious tennis academy near the tournament and trained there for a week.

Training started with waking up at 6:30 every morning to do fitness training for an hour. Afterwards, we were served a breakfast of deformed eggs that looked like mating sea cucumbers with bread so stale it tasted the same way the boy’s locker room smells (sweat and deodorant along with other unmentionables mixed together).

We played ten n i s i n 10 0 deg re e weather from 7:30 to 12:30, ate a lunch no better than the breakfast, and got

—Zhu, a sophomore, is a reporter.

an hour of rest before we toiled back onto the courts for another four hours of tennis. My body began to retire to a condo in Florida. The bones in my spine became thinner and thinner and the hours I was putting in caused them to crack. I had an L5 vertebral stress fracture, an injury that, if not treated, could result in paralysis. When I started competing, however, I was unaware that I was in danger of losing my ability to walk. I was playing well until a twist I made during my third match caused a lightning bolt of pain to shoot up my back. I later succumbed in the semifinals of the tournament.

The af termat h of t his injur y was quite disastrous for me. I was subjected to multiple MRI scans, after which I underwent three months of absolute torture: no running or jumping and physical therapy twice a week.

My company during therapy was a motley band of seniors five times my age. They gave me tips on what I should do for recovery. One elderly woman misunderstood the nature of my injury and told me that duct tape was best for warts.

It was a very tough time for me because I could not be physically active and couldn’t get rid of my extra energy.

As we are all taught to look on the bright side of things I will say that I am appreciative that I didn’t fracture my back and become paralyzed, and that I am fully able to compete again. I am physically mobile and I had the opportunity to compete at a level few ever get to experience.

So at the end of this complaining session (which was very therapeutic), I want to give thanks for what I still have (namely, my back).

—Zhou, a sophomore, is a reporter.

Entertainment

Monday, May 20, 2013

Rejecting someone without added drama

Danielle Yacobson Let me just start off by saying that there is no way to reject someone “nicely.” For someone who has been building up the courage to ask you out and suddenly has a fleeting moment of bravery, being let down is not easy to overcome. That being said, there are a few ways to avoid completely crushing your admirer’s heart and sparing him or her at least a fragment of his or her self-esteem.

The first thing to keep in mind is that he has actual feelings and emotions, so don’t forget that running away and screaming will most likely traumatize him for the rest of his lives.

Next, acknowledge that he is putting himself in an extremely vulnerable situation over which he has almost no control.

Rejection is a terrifying concept. Don’t be the one who is responsible for ruining his game in years to come. And, at the very least, be flattered that you have an admirer.

Although she might be completely brainwashed by your dashing looks and irresistible charm, she won’t be completely oblivious. Throwing her excuses like “my parents won’t let me date” or “I have a girlfriend in Iceland” will eventually backfire when the person whose feelings you (unsuccessfully) tried to spare discovers your dishonesty, which will just hurt her even more.

Instead, try to be as short and to the point as possible, while at the same time

leaving no room to think that you might reconsider her offer.

This ties into my next point: do NOT lead him on. Yes, the attention that he might be showering you with can be flattering, but this will only lead to tears and heartbreak. You might think that your innocent flirting is just that, but it’s hard to tell when another person’s feelings escalate to a deeper level.

In reality, some awkwardness is unavoidable, but the situation is only as uncomfortable as you make it. Instead of finding a way to excuse yourself, try to act as if nothing out of the ordinary happened. Yes, you might be freaking out on the inside, and chances are the person you rejected is completely crushed, so the more positively you can spin the situation, the better. Both of you will want to forget this exchange ever happened, so moving forward will be your best bet.

Let’s face it, at one time or another, all of us will be in neither of these positions. Just remember that neither one is particularly pleasant. In the least cliché way possible, I have a dream in which the pain of the “rejection” process is nullified from a third-degree burn to a paper cut.

You can practice your “rejection speech” in the mirror as much as you want, but when that dreaded moment comes, your mind will most likely go blank. Having a nifty phrase up your sleeve can save you from blurting something stupid like, “I’m moving” or “I’m saving myself for Justin Bieber.” Your best bet might be to simply say, “I’m not looking for a relationship right now,” and leave it at that.

—Yacobsen, a sophomore, is a Features Editor

27

Sam’s Tips: First date edition

1. Smell good. Make sure to brush your teeth before leaving and don't forget to bathe and spray on perfume or cologne.

2. Talk to your date like they are a friend.

Be casual and don't over-analyze any situation.

3. Guys, don't order for your date.

4. Girls­, actually eat something. No one wants to waste money on a perfectly good meal.

5. Have a mutual understanding of the dress code. Make sure you know if it's casual or formal.

6. Guys should be gentlemen. Chivalry is key!

7. Tell the truth about yourself.

8. Go into the date open-minded. You don't have to get married on the first date!

—Compiled by Sam Acker Choir showcases talent in spring concert Shawna Chen Reporter

“The Place Beyond the Pines”

Derek Cianfrance’s “The Place Beyond the Pines” brims with the ambition of a 1970’s crime film and the refinement of the recent batch of Academy Award winners for Best Picture. The film diverges into three narratives, involving a circus-performing motorcyclist turned bank robber (Ryan Gosling), a rookie cop turned crooked politician (Bradley Cooper) and the event that tears both of their worlds apart. The effect of this approach proves too powerful to be spoiled.

With brilliant acting from Gosling, Cooper and co-stars Eva Mendes and Dane DeHaan, “Pines” ranks among the top films released so far this year for its compelling, artfully crafted screenplay.

“Pain and Gain”

While highly entertaining in its build-up—no pun intended, given that this film that focuses on bodybuilders— Michael Bay’s “Pain and Gain” devolves into levels of tastelessness far too low.

The bodybuilders in question, played

by Mark Wahlberg, Dwayne Johnson and Anthony Mackie, embark on a bizarre and all-too-gruesome kidnapping and killing spree. Like Bay’s other works, this movie seems to celebrate and romanticize stupidity rather than condemn it, and the fact that the effort is a comedy stands as an insult to the victims of the actual crime. In the end, “Pain and Gain” is a film that reflects badly on America.

“Iron Man 3”

Shane Black’s “Iron Man 3” is self-indulgent, commercialistic junk far more flawed than the original 2008 film by Jon Favreau. Robert Downey Jr. returns once again as Tony Stark, psychologically (and bizarrely) traumatized by the events covered in “The Avengers.” As a new terrorist threat emerges, Stark must wrestle his inner demons and learn to fight bad guys effectively—without his normal arsenal of advanced technology. Black—and Marvel Studios, for that matter—wastes an intriguing premise by prioritizing awesomeness over substance.

As a result, Iron Man 3 has little of worth to say and brings nothing new to the superhero genre and Marvel canon.

—Compiled by Cooper Aspergren

On Thurs., May 23, the choir will perform in the Spring Choir Concert in Spangenberg Theater at 7:30 p.m. The concert will feature a range of tunes, including foreign, classic and spiritual music. “The main goal of the spring concert is to show everything we’ve learned throughout the year,” freshman Camilla Samuelsson said. “The choir is going to sound better than the first concert because we’ve been working on our voices and the quality of our tones.”

According to choir teacher Bill Liberatore, the spring concert will be a preview of the choir’s European tour program, which it will take to France and Spain from May 31 to Jun. 9.

Liberatore says that the choir has been a terrific group. “It’s been a great year,” he said. “[They are] very talented, super motivated, and willing to work very hard.”

For Samuelsson, preparation for the concert has been challenging but educational. “It’s a good experience to learn how to harmonize, sing in front of audiences, a n d pronounce [words in] different languages,” she said.

A Latin piece titled

“Salmo” is one reason why Samuelsson thinks students and staff should come to the concert. “[Salmo] shows off a lot of harmonies,” she said. “It’s really fast and [the result] is going to be interesting.”

Rehearsals during A and E periods are steadily progressing, according to junior Samir Ghosh. “We’re still working out the kinks and balance overall,” he said. “We’re perfecting dynamics and blending.” The concert will also serve as a farewell to graduating choir members.

“We’d really like to say good-bye and appreciate our seniors,” he said.

Although the fall and winter concerts featured contemporary and original music respectively, the spring concert will consist of Latin repertoire, gospels and songs from the 1300s. “It’s a lot of music you’d hear in cathedrals, beautiful music that’s really sophisticated,” Samuelsson said. “It’s something we want to share with the community.”

Ghosh also believes that the concert will show different sides of the choir with its own little flair. “It’s great music,” he said.

“You’ll get to appreciate the amazing things we can pull off as a high school choir.”

28

Entertainment

THEORACLE

PROJECT RUNWAY:

Students create designs based on their interpretations of runway fashion

Edible Necklace Made of Limes

A Smoke-like Headdress Industrial Trenchcoat

Money Belt for the Rich Only “You Never Know When You Might Get Thirsty” Purse The “Garden of Eden” Skirt

Killer Heels

Capitalist Boots

Runway ready EMILY KVITKO

MATT NIKSA

My design portrays the wild, fun and well…the hot side of spring. Step into a garden full of giant flowers, juicy limes and some fluttering butterflies. Inspired by dear Mother Nature, I was excited to create this magical garden full of secret wonders. Yup, that’s right, it’s paradise over here.

The upside-down skirt emulates a factory plume, with the cotton balls on the head representing the smoke escaping from the factory. Covering the skirt is a gray trenchcoat, offering comfort and style. The bottom is another pencil skirt, in a similar gray color.

The color is definitely at a premium for this costume.

Fashion Critics in the Crowd

“I don’t like the stuff on his face and hers doesn’t look bad.

It’s spring-y and I like it.”

Alex Gil (9)

“I just like feminine clothing and it looks like something a model would wear.”

Natasha Naqvi (10)

“I think the cotton balls elaborate the airy, creative spirit that Gunn students need to succeed.”

Trevor Nielsen (11)

Emily

Emily

Emily

“Which outfit is more ‘runway-ready’?”

Matt

Runway disaster

“I like her heels. I think they would make me look taller. It looks very 50s.

YOLO right?”

SooYoung Chung (12) —Compiled by Noa Livneh