The Oracle (Dec. 2008)

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Monday, December 15, 2008

Issue 4

Henry M. Gunn High School 780 Arastradero Road Palo Alto, CA 94306 Palo Alto Unified School District

http://gunn.pausd.org/oracle 780 Arastradero Road, Palo Alto, CA 94306

Recent burglaries occur in Palo Alto

New classes to enrich future course catalogs Alvin Man

Jon Proctor & Tenny Zhang

Reporter

forum editor & Managing editor

New courses will be added to the 2009-2010 class catalog including Model United Nations (MUN), Introduction to Engineering and French Civilization and Culture Honors. Some are extensions of classes that are already in existence while others are completely new.

“Some of these classes are to fill the gap between middle and high school,” Principal Noreen Likins said. “Quite a few of middle school kids take classes at middle school and when they come to Gunn, they do not find similar programs available to 9th and 10th graders.”

One such class is Introduction to Engineering. The class is from an organization called Project Lead the Way, which focuses on science, engineering and engineering technology.

The class was introduced to Gunn’s catalog because many middle school students take classes that are not offered at Gunn such as Industrial Technology. “Lots of middle school kids do engineering in middle school, and when they come to Gunn we have no [freshmen] engineering classes to offer them,” Likins said.

Science teacher Bakari Holmes will be heading the two classes.

MUN is one of the new social studies courses being offered to sophomores, providing them a choice between Contemporary History and MUN. “I would take this class,” freshman Ilya Ryzhik said.

“I enjoyed the MUN club and expect the class to be just like the club.” Social studies teacher Lauren Cory will be teaching the MUN course.

French Civilization and Culture will be replacing the AP French Literature course that College Board eliminated. “French Civilization and Culture will let students continue French studies,” Likins said.

Unlike in AP French Literature, AP French Literature teacher Anne Jensen will decide the material taught in French Civilization and Culture. “French Civilization and Culture will have a thematic look at culture, literature, movies, and novels,” Jensen said. The class will have a much more relaxed structure as it will not focus just on France French Civilization and Culture has a much more relaxed structure

In the wake of difficult economic times, schools in the Palo Alto Unified School District (PAUSD) have fallen victim to many thefts of computers and laptops. Burglaries at Terman Middle School and Addison Elementary School are just some of the most recent in a string of robberies of nine PAUSD schools this year.

Four laptops were stolen from the Terman P.E. offices on Nov. 11. “The laptops were in a locked cabinet inside a locked office in a locked building,” Terman Principal Carmen Giedt said. “I don’t know what else we could have done to prevent the theft.” According to Giedt, only one of the stolen computers has been recovered by the police, but it is being kept as evidence. “We’re not likely to get anything back soon,” she said. No windows or doors were broken by the intruders, and in addition to stealing the computers, the perpetrators broke into Terman’s Cafeteria, but nothing was taken. “I was very disappointed when I heard about the burglary because it is a school,” Geidt said.

Two 21-year-old Palo Alto men, Frank J. Taylor and Kyle Hopkins, were arrested for the theft. Kyle Hopkins, the son of deceased Academic Center Coordinator and active community member Albert Hopkins, graduated from Gunn in 2006 and Taylor in 2005. In addition to the laptop theft, Hopkins was also charged with possession of a large capacity magazine for a handgun that the police found while searching his house. Due to the ongoing nature of the investigation, however, no comments can yet be made about Hopkins and Taylor by school officials who knew them.

NEW COURSES—p.4

CHEATING : How far are students willing p.3 to go?

BURGLARIES—p.2

California’s public universities cut back on admission Melissa Chan reporter

In the nation’s current financial crisis, the University of California (UC) and California State University (CSU) college systems have found themselves at the short end of the stick.

A $48 million cut in state funding will result in a drop of 10,000 students in enrollment for the next fall’s school year.

The state funding per student has fallen nearly 40 percent since 1990. In addition to the $48 million decrease for the current fiscal year, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has proposed another $65.5 million in mid-year cuts for UC campuses and $66.3 million for the CSU system, both of which are yet to be approved.

“Because the state is unable to provide re-

sources needed to fully fund demand, we are forced to make this difficult decision,” CSU Chancellor Charles B. Reed said, according to the California State University website.

The 23 CSU and UC campuses will cap admissions at about 450,000, turning away as many as 10,000 students. “I think it’s already competitive enough,” senior Kanika Khanna said. “I’m just scared I may have to go to one of my backups instead of the schools I really want.”

Next fall will be the first time CSU has not been able to offer a place for everyone who meets the admission requirements. “Hopefully this doesn’t affect what schools I get into,” senior Ahmad Fayad said.

The demand to attend a CSU has risen almost 20 percent from last year. “We know that students turn to higher education when the economy is in a downturn, but the CSU

is experiencing unprecedented admissions demand while having to reduce our enrollment,” Assistant Vice Chancellor for Student Academic Affairs Allison Jones said in the

CUTS—p.2

Check us out online at www.gunn. pausd.org/oracle

2

The Oracle

The Oracle 780 Arastradero Rd Palo Alto, CA 94306 (650) 354-8238 http://gunn.pausd.org/oracle

Editorial Board Editor-in-Chief Libby Craig Managing Editors Noah Johnson Tenny Zhang News Beth Holtzman Jocelyn Ma Carissa Ratanaphanyarat Forum Maya Itah Jon Proctor Features Joyce Liu Niki Mata Centerfold Amarelle Hanyecz Amy Yu Entertainment Danielle Edelman Veronica Polivanaya Sports Aviel Chang Wen Yi Chin Mari Ju Copy Editors Sophie Cheng Emily Glider Sarah-Jean Zubair Photo Ivan Yong Graphics Brian Phan

Staff Reporters Melissa Chan Eugenah Chou Shaya Christensen Dana Li Joseph Lin Alvin Man Jeffrey Wang Bauer Wann Business Managers Anne Hsiao Ryan Tan Circulation Managers Ann Abraham Danielle Aspitz Photographers Matthew Lee Henry Liu Maverick Mallari Philip Sun Cosmo Sung Graphics Artists Dan Buckner Kimberly Han Nathan Toung Adviser Kristy Garcia

The Oracle is published by and for the students of Henry M. Gunn Senior High School. The unsigned editorials that appear in this publication represent the majority opinion of the editorial staff and The Oracle's commitment to promoting students' rights. The Oracle strongly encourages and prints signed Letters to the Editor. Please include your name, grade and contact information should you choose to write one. Letters may be edited to meet space requirements and the writer is solely responsible for the accuracy of the content.

Letters to the editor and ideas for coverage may be sent to gunnoracle@yahoo.com.

These letters and ideas need not be from current students. The Oracle publishes 10 issues annually. Subscriptions are $40/year.

News

CSU, UC confront steep budget cuts n CUTS, from p. 1

Turlock Journal. Administrators must make sure to not become overwhelmed by students they do not have the resources to teach. They are being forced to set academic priorities such as cutbacks on faculty hiring, prioritizing course offerings, expansion of class sizes, extended limits on student services and eliminating courses with low enrollment—all of which are factors that could potentially disrupt students’ progress to a timely graduation and will impede the growth of the schools.

“I’m worried about opportunities that I might lose,” senior Tyler Knapp said. “But in the end I don’t feel like it will affect it so drastically that it will keep me from a good education.”

Maintaining a balance between offering a quality education and offering it to as many students as possible is important to the school systems, especially in this time of financial turmoil. “We need to preserve access and affordability to the greatest extent possible,” UC President Mark G. Yudof said on the University of California web site. “We also need to ensure that we’re providing students access to an education of high quality they expect of a UC.” The UC and CSU systems’ regents’ finance committees have approved operating budget requests for additional funding from the government for the 2009-10 fiscal year. UC has made a request for $815 million more than the current core operating funds of $5.4 billion. CSU trustees have approved a $5.1 billion request consisting of $3.5 billion in state funding and $1.6 billion in student fee revenue. Both plans leave the door open for student fee increases.

The cost to attend a UC is about $25000 per year, while a CSU costs on average $15000

Kimberly Han

including the main fee and campus fees, however this number could potentially increase about 10 percent, if these budget requests are not fulfilled.

“I believe students, who more or less would have chosen to attend private colleges, or universities are going to end up going to their UC or CSU backups based off of the fact that those privates are not going to reduce or cut their fees,” College and Career Information Specialist Leighton Lang said. Lang predicts the deeper effect of the budget cuts will be UC and CSUs who in the past would keep enrollment open if it was not highly impacted will be sticking to their established application deadlines. Many Gunn students are in a better position to enter UCs and CSUs than out of state students. “I truly believe the budget cuts aren’t going to hurt our school,” Lang said. “In the bigger picture they will hurt

Palo Alto thefts n BURGLARIES, from p. 1

Most of the other school-related burglaries focusing on technology were committed over weekends or at night. “The best way to protect yourself, no matter who you are, is to not leave stuff out in the open where people can see it,” Terman Assistant Principal Steven Gallagher said. “Don’t showboat your things.”

Addison Elementary suffered the same fate as Terman on Nov. 8, when a teacher noticed six laptops missing. Principal John Lents informed the school community in an email, stating that parents, teachers and school administrators are all keeping close eyes on school equipment, and are taking extra precautions to keep students safe. The school is considering installing security cameras to prevent and detect future incidences.

Many parents are equally concerned about their children’s safety as the security of school technology.

Following the string of burglaries, Palo Alto Police Agent Dan Ryan said in The Palo Alto Weekly, “This trend is not something that should scare the parents.

We have had an increase in residential and school burglaries and vehicle burglaries. Everyone in town should be extra careful at locking things up and checking things twice.”

Gunn has not experienced any major burglary incidences for four years, according to Likins. A previous incident involving a break-in at the Student Activities Office (SAO) prompted the school to implement security measures, which may be a reason why Gunn has not been hit lately.

“Someone had removed the safe from the SAO and drilled into the top-back of it,” Likins said.

“Thankfully not all the money was in the top shelf where he drilled into. We installed alarms in the computer lab, the Main Office and the Student Activities Center to prevent further incidences.”

Anyone with further information regarding the recent burglaries can call the Palo Alto Police Department at 650-329-2413.

Stay safe for the holidays pg. 15

students who don’t submit their applications ontime to meet the enrollment deadlines.”

Students who are not happy with the outcome should make an appointment to see their counselor. “We often have ideas that are worth considering. [National Association for College Admission Counseling] also publishes places that have openings so that students can consider a late application, but they may not be in California,” counselor Linda Kirsch said.

This is also true for students who become wait listed to a place they have a strong interest in attending.

“We’re fairly lean in the way we operate and the way we provide this remarkable educational product to students in California,” University of California Los Angeles Chancellor Gene Block said on the University of California Today Web site, “but that’s being challenged right now.”

News

Monday, December 15, 2008

3

Cheating and plagiarism cases present on campus Recent and past incidents of academic dishonesty bring issue to light, question students’ integrity and call for proper punishment

Johnson said that when he catches a student cheating, in adEmily Glider & Carissa Ratanaphanyarat dition to a reduction in points on the assignment or test, the

Copy editor & news editor culprit loses his trust.

Based upon the data about cheating and plagiarism, the Academic dishonesty is an issue present in schools world- administration does not think that cheating is as serious of a wide, and Gunn is not an exception to this problem, with situation as students perceive it to be. According to the informacheating incidents in both the past and present. tion entered into computers, seven students were filed for forgA recent cheating incident occurred in social studies teacher eries and 12 for academic dishonesty last year. “It’s probably Phil Lyons’ Advanced Placement (AP) Economics classes not as bad as it might be,” Winston said. “[But] we might be when several cheaters making some false gave out the answers assumptions. If we for a test. use the data, then T h e ex a m wa s it’s fair to say, the given out and adissue is small since ministered with the we have over 1900 usual procedures, but students.” However, increased test score others think differresults in two of Lyently. “I think that ons’ classes led to st udents cheat as suspicions of cheatoften as there are ing. “Scores jumped tests,” junior Tyler dramatically on one Ziebelman said. of the tests,” Lyons Some also claim said. t hat cheati ng ocAccording to Lycurs more at Gunn ons, the culprits were because of the acacaught, but refused to demic pressure. “I confess. “The most would have to say disappointing thing that maybe I’ve nowas that they lied ticed cheating more even t houg h t hey here [than at Pioneer were caught,” he said.

High School],” John“I find it repulsive.” son, who taught at Students agreed. “EvPioneer High School Cosmo Sung prior to Gunn, said. eryone, including Mr. Lyons and the adminis- One way students cheat is by writing test information on water “Maybe greater acatration, knew who the bottle labels. Many other methods slip away from teachers’ eyes. demic pressure. This cheaters were but lacked any proof to apprehend them,” an feeling that it needs to be done in order to fit in and suranonymous source said. vive.”

As a result, a new pop test that covered the same material Johnson also said that he hears students bragging about was administered to Lyons’ AP Economics classes, with the cheating on occasion. “Some people brag about how often exception of A Period. “Everyone’s grade went down, and they they cheat,” Johnson said. “I walk around and hear and see are all upset about it,” Lyons said. “The people who complained things. In a way, it’s sad that people think that it’s the way to to me were the people who hadn’t cheated. The people who do things.” went from a 50 out of 50 to a D didn’t come talk to me.”

However, Winston said that he thinks that cheating at Gunn The test scores upset the students because of the way they happens more because of students and families overscheduling. receive a semester grade. “We only have four tests and a final “[Students] think that they need to take the hardest classes, to in our grade this semester,” senior Ishan Bhadkamkar said. get great grades in order to get into the college they want to Lyons and the administration were unable to apprehend go to in order to be happy and have a fulfilled life,” Winston the students because of the lack of evidence of their conduct. said.

“We assess [the situation’s] validity,” Assistant Principal Phil Some faculty members are not surprised by the perceived Winston said. “Plus, we don’t want to falsely accuse people.” rise in cheating because of the professional world surrounding Though students acknowledge that the administration students. “The business and financial worlds, in the areas of believes that what it was doing was right, some think that the CEO compensation and public payouts for private risks, and in wrong message was sent. “Despite what the administration had the political arena from personal wrong-doing to war crimes, intended, they ended up sending a message that you can cheat, make high school cribbing seem like a performance enhanceget caught and get away with it,” an anonymous source said. ment strategy rather than a moral lapse,” social studies teacher Similar cheating incidents have occurred in the past. AP John Fredrich said. “The modern world as a general rule is not Biology teacher Katharine Moser experienced a similar situ- doing a very good job of role modeling, wouldn’t you say?” ation a few years back. “I had an incident with theft of an old exam,” Moser said. A student who was planning to take AP Biology at a later date stole a biology exam. While the student did not distribute the test to others, another student who 1. Writing test answers or equations on: erasers, rubber bands, inside of had heard about the theft reported the incident. water bottles, calculators, rolled up inside pens, pencil pouch, bill of a “I do believe it’s rare,” Moser said. “I consider hat or body parts. my students to be great kids.” Nonetheless, she now locks exams securely and keeps track of all 2. Looking at a neighbor’s test, going to “ask the teacher a question” and copies. “I don’t want a test where I can’t closely looking at answers on the way there or copying a neighbor’s test and writwatch it,” she said. “I don’t want it ‘wandering ing his or her version if it is a multi-versioned test. off.’”

When a student is caught cheating, he or she 3. Stealing the test beforehand, getting last year’s test from older siblings is taken to the administration or the student’s or upperclassmen and talking to people who took the test beforehand. counselor, depending on the situation. According to Winston, the goal is to further educate 4. Having a smart friend go to the bathroom and write answers on the the student about cheating. “There are a number bathroom wall, and then going to the bathroom and memorizing them. of cases where students have to be taught,” he Or leaving a textbook in the bathroom and looking at it there. said. “With the discipline that happens at Gunn, it’s usually a one-time thing.” Winston also said 5. Making up a secret code with a friend. For example: Coughing once that students usually are not punished the first would be A, clearing your throat would be B…etc. time around because the situation can be used as a teachable lesson. “People think that it’s an 6. Calling in sick and taking the test later. assessment of the person’s character,” Winston said. “[But] there’s usually more to it.”

—Compiled by Jon Proctor However, some staff members, such as social studies teacher Chris Johnson, are less lenient.

Common ways students cheat

Cheating in the area

The Costano School The Costano School in East Palo Alto was awarded national recognition for achieving high scores on state exams in 2000—one of the relatively few high-poverty, high-minority schools to do so. Yet in 2002, after 11 former students admitted they had been helped by teachers on the tests to a reporter of the San Jose Mercury, further investigation yielded many erased marks on Costano School student tests. Though teachers took a role, they did not seem to be the originators of the scheme: a former Costano teacher also admitted to the interviewer that he had been encouraged to cheat by a school administrator.

Palo Alto High School One would expect that the leaders of the student body—and speakers at graduation— would be prime examples of model students.

But YouTube revealed that Palo Alto High School’s (Paly) two-year student body president Mohammed Abid and Baccalaureate speaker Malini Veerappan plagiarized parts of their graduation speeches in June 2008. Parts of Abid’s speech was surprisingly similar to Mountain View High School’s Lance Jabr. Both Abid and Veerappan’s speeches were similar to online videos, according to Paly graduate Andre Keiser. Others parts of Abid’s speech were found on www.CollegeHumor.com.

Chapel Hill High School Four students at Chapel Hill High School in North Carolina were suspended in March for academic dishonesty on a social studies mid-term. A stolen master key passed down from former graduates was the source of the cheating ring, which included a group of more than 20 students. Recently installed security cameras revealed the four students, though more students knew about the cheating and kept silent.

Saratoga High School In 2004, two juniors at the academicallyacclaimed Saratoga High School were suspended for stealing and accepting an Advanced Placement (AP) U.S. History test. One of the students was seen studying the test in the library. The other said he had stolen the test for his friend, who had lower grades. Though neither student expected to be caught, those who saw them in the library turned them in to a teacher, who then approached them. Both students confessed, and within 48 hours, school officials asked classmates to write anonymous notes about any other academic dishonesty they had seen go on.

—Compiled by Jocelyn Ma

Punishments for cheating: First offense: -Student receives grade of F on exam or assignment -Notification of parents -Discussions with teacher and counselor about cheating -Student referred to administration if cheating incident is a serious one -Name filed into computer database Repeated acts of cheating: -Receive grade of F for assignment or exam -Can be docked one full letter grade in a quarter -If cheating occurs in the same class, student can be dropped from class with an F -Suspension for 1-5 days -Requirement to write a paper on the topic of integrity —Compiled by Carissa Ratanaphanyarat

4

News

The Oracle

New courses available for next year’s students n NEW COURSES, from p.1

Photos courtesy of flickr user Pan-African News Wire File Photos and RubalJain

Left: Smoke billows from one of Mumbai’s most prominent hotels, the Taj Mahal. Right: Homes are destroyed by the attacks of Islamic guerrillas. The terrorist acts occured over a three day period and left over 170 dead.

Terrorist attack in Mumbai devastates many Eugenah Chou Reporter

While Americans were celebrating the holidays last month, citizens of Mumbai were giving thanks for something else—their lives. Nov. 26 marked the beginning of a three-day siege on India’s largest city, which resulted in the deaths of over 170 people, including 22 foreigners. After entering the Mumbai coast via ship, a group of unnamed terrorists began their attacks. The first assault on the Indian public occurred when masked gunmen entered a congested train station and began firing into the crowd. Terrorists targeted at least ten sites in Mumbai, including two upscale hotels, a hospital, a popular restaurant and a Jewish center before being overpowered by Indian security forces. “I was shocked that such attacks could have take place in such an important city,” junior Vivek Sainanee said.

Azam Amir Kasab of Pakistan was the only man arrested for a role in the November massacre. He is also the only survivor of the perpetrators, and confessed that he planned on murdering 5,000 people and taking American and British tourists hostage. Though the killing spree was halted before this chilling ambition could be fulfilled, the attacks have exposed the necessity for strong infrastructure.

Although repeated acts of terrorism during the past year have kept

India’s government on its toes, the most recent attacks are indicative of Mumbai’s external turmoil. The repercussions of the November attacks have shocked officials on both a national and international level. “They came with the explicit aim of killing large numbers of innocent civilians,” Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said.

“They sought to destroy some of the best known symbols of our commercial capital.”

Tension has escalated between Pakistan and India because many of the terrorist attacks on Indian targets have been connected with Pakistan. Since it was revealed that the July bombings of an Indian embassy were ordered by Pakistan’s Intelligence Agency, tension has continued escalating between the two countries. While Pakistan’s government insists on maintaining a friendly relationship with India, these events may disrupt their fragile relations.

Some students at Gunn have a more personal connection to the bombings. Senior Karishma Jadeja has multiple family members living in Mumbai. “Personally, I am very angry that politicians are unwilling to take responsibility for this incident,” Jadeja said.

Despite the fact that both Pakistan and India are considered allies to the United States, Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice claims she has “no doubt” that the attacks were planned out in Pakistan.

“Help from the US would be greatly appreciated,” junior Daljeet Virdi said.

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as it will not focus just on France. In French Literature Jensen could only teach what she was offered, but now she is able to go beyond that previous barrier. “In AP French Literature, the College Board had to approve of the syllabus, yet in French Civilization and Culture I get to choose what to teach,” Jensen said. “The course will study all French spoken areas such as Canada, South Africa and Carribbean and be based on student interest.”

In French Literature AP, College Board must approve of the syllabus yet, because French Civilization and Culture is an honor course, she has no requirements.

With an increasing student population, Gunn must look to advance. New classes in the 2009-2010 school year offer more opportunities for students to learn and choose from.

Upcoming Bake Sales 12/15 - 12/18

Mon.: Cheerleading Tues.: International Justice Club Wed.: Gunn Cheer Thurs.: Pandora’s Box Fri.: Gay-Straight Alliance

Q&A with

Brenda Stern

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The Oracle: How do I help a friend who is a frequent drug user?

Brenda Stern: This depends on the situation.

Your opinion as a friend carries a lot of weight and it does take a lot of courage to try and steer users away from drugs. Of course, there is importance in being a good friend and trying to help others out, but if there is even the slightest chance that you could be tempted to try drugs yourself, you should stay away from these people. Safety is first priority.

TO: I know I won’t get addicted. Why can’t I try drugs?

Stern: Even when taken in small portions, drugs can affect you on physical, spiritual and emotional levels. No one plans for an addiction, and they tend to sneak up on you. Even users who smoke “just a little” find themselves relying on drugs as a crutch, and end up going back again and again for more.

TO: I have an addiction to drinking. How do I stop?

Stern: The first step towards recovery is acceptance of your problem. After acceptance comes asking for help. There are many places where teenagers can find support, and sometimes just knowing that there are other people going through the same thing helps. 12-step meetings, or Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous meetings for young people, are an example of this. These meetings are completely confidential, and shared

information will in no way be used against you. Treatment programs and counseling will help put you on the road to recovery.

TO: What happens if the school catches you with weed or alcohol?

Stern: In Palo Alto, students caught either under the influence or in possession of illegal substances or paraphernalia, such as scales, bottles or pipes, will face five days of suspension. The suspension can be reduced by the school reffering you to ACS-ASAP for a three session evaluation for recommendation of the families TO: Why is the drinking age so old?

Stern: Drugs and alcohol hugely affect the frontal lobe, which is not fully developed in teenagers. The frontal lobe is in charge of making decisions, and deciphering right from wrong. Furthermore, drinking has long-term effects on the human body, and affects the pancreas, liver, brain and heart.

TO: Can I drink responsibly?

Stern: There are other ways to alleviate stress. Whether it is a proper sleep, exercising, balancing your schedule, meditating or just doing something you love, there are always healthier alternatives to the use of alcohol.

You can contact Brenda Stern at (650) 3294910.

—Compiled by Eugenah Chou

News

Monday, December 15, 2008

5

Opening the door to Obama’s cabinet President-elect Barack Obama said he will act with “deliberate haste” in the transition period, but he wants to “emphasize ‘deliberate’ as much as ‘haste.’” True to his word, Obama has been continuously rolling out picks for future cabinet and White House Staff members since shortly after his election. Here, The Oracle takes a closer look at the roles of six White House Staff positions and the political histories of the people selected to fill those roles.

Secretary of State - Hillary Clinton

The Secretary of State is the head of the Department of State, which is concerned with foreign affairs. The Secretary is the highest-ranking cabinet secretary and fourth in line to become president. The Secretary of State drafts proclamations, replies to inquiries, negotiates with foreign representatives and instructs U.S. embassies abroad.

She also serves as a principal adviser to the President in the determination of U.S. foreign policy.

Obama surprised many when he and future Secretary Hillary Clinton agreed to work together in the cabinet.

Clinton, known globally as the First Lady when Bill Clinton was president from 1992 to 2000, also ran for the Democratic Presidential nomination earlier this year against Obama.

Clinton was the junior Senator from New York prior to her nomination. She brings years of foreign policy experience from her years as first lady, traveling to over 79 countries as one of the most prominent international figures of the nineties.

Secretary of Energy - Steven Chu The Secretary of Energy oversees the Department of Energy. The Department’s mission is to further developments on five fronts: energy security, nuclear security, scientific discovery and innovation, environmental responsibility and management excellence.

Steven Chu is the current director of Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory as well as a professor of physics and biology at UC Berkeley. He is the former chair of physics at Stanford University. Chu was awarded the Nobel Prize in 1997 for his research on cooling and trapping atoms. He is known as an advocate for renewable energy and the reduction of greenhouse gases. As Secretary of Energy, Chu will be responsible for activating President-elect Barack Obama’s plan to combat global warming emissions and increase efficiency in the national energy system, though officials warn that the energy team will face opposition from the oil powerhouses. Chu is familiar with the Palo Alto community, as he is uncle of Gunn senior Jason Chu.

Secretary of Defense - Robert Gates The Secretary of Defense leads the department that oversees the armed services and other military matters. The Secretary of Defense is the principal defense policy adviser to the President, and he is responsible for creating a general defense policy.

Robert Gates is the incumbent Secretary, having served under Bush since 2006. Prior to his work on Bush’s cabinet, Gates was recruited for the CIA in 1966, which he worked for intermittently until 1974, when he joined the National Security Council. Gates has had a close relationship to George W. Bush, but now he faces a new challenge, as Obama plans to withdraw all troops from Iraq within 16 months.

Gates’ other primary priority is to review U.S. foreign policy for the new administration and reassess the strategy in Afghanistan.

White House Chief of Staff - Rahm Emanuel

The Chief of Staff is the second highest-ranking member in the executive office. Roles include overseeing the actions of the White House staff, managing the president’s schedule, negotiating with Congress and deciding who is allowed to meet with the president.

Born into a Jewish family, Rahm Emanuel worked as a senior adviser to former president Bill Clinton from 1993 to 1998. He was elected to the House of Representatives in 2002, representing Illinois. He organized the Democratic takeover of the House in 2006. Emanuel is known for his straightforward and sometimes combative approach to politics, earning him nicknames like “Rahmbo” and “the pitbull politician.” Political analysts say that his aggressive tactics offer contrast to Barack Obama’s calmer attitude.

Attorney General - Eric Holder

The Attorney General leads the Department of Justice and manages legal affairs. The position plays the chief law enforcement role in the United States. The Attorney General also acts as the chief lawyer of the United States government.

It is the only cabinet department head not given the title “Secretary.”

Eric Holder will be the first African American Attorney General. In 1988, former President Ronald Reagan appointed Holder as the a judge of the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. In 1993, former President Clinton appointed him as the U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia. In 2007, Holder joined Obama’s presidential campaign as a senior legal advisor. He favors closing Guantanamo Bay Detention Camp, opposes the Patriot Act and is critical of the U.S. torture policy. He has criticized the Bush administration’s “disrespect for the rule of law.”

Secretary of Commerce - Bill Richardson

The Secretary of Commerce is concerned with business and industry. The Department of Commerce states its mission to be “to foster, promote, and develop the foreign and domestic commerce.”

The Commerce Secretary also leads the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, which governs a number of organizations, from the National Weather Service to fisheries management.

Bill Richardson is the governor of New Mexico and previously represented New Mexico in Cong ress for 15 years. Richardson served as the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations under former president Clinton in 1997. From 1998 to 2001, Richardson served as Clinton’s Secretary of Energy. He ran for the Democratic presidential nomination during the election cycle against Obama and Hillary Clinton. Richardson’s primary responsibilities will include building a clean-energy industry, creating more domestic green jobs and ultimately reducing the United States’ dependency on oil, according to Obama.

—Compiled by Libby Craig and Tenny Zhang

Photos courtesy of flickr users eschipul, blueintheburg, jbenson2, Ana June, and Scott Abreman

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The Oracle

News

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7 CSUs and UCs buckle under budget cuts

Forum

Monday, December 15, 2008

Increasing enrollments and reduced funding will likely induce a crisis

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ducation is the backbone of the American economy. To cut funding for education now, in this time of financial crisis, is shortsighted and irresponsible.

America’s economic roller coaster is playing havoc with California’s budget, and public education is paying the price. A possible shortfall of $24 billion for California’s budget by mid-2010 has forced Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger cut governmental spending in all areas—including a $66 million chop to the California State University (CSU) budget. While this cut may help tip California’s finances out of the red for a short while, education is essential to California’s economic future.

California’s budget needs to be balanced, but ensuring a quality education system should be a high priority. Cutting education is like killing a chicken—although you may eat well tonight, you will have no more eggs for tomorrow.

Decreased funding has caused an already strapped CSU system to raise its tuition by a shocking 10 percent. This increase places an extra burden on students, especially those from low-income families. Increased school fees may force these students to spend more time working than studying, making it more difficult for them to succeed academically. In addition, students may accumulate large sums of debt that can limit their choices after college.

On top of that, with the economy as slow as it is, finding jobs to pay for school is more difficult than ever. Public education was designed to be the great equalizer that makes the rags-to-riches dreams of Americans come true. Increasing tuition, however, may pull college financially out of reach for some students from lower-income backgrounds.

In addition to raising tuition, CSUs and the University of California (UC) system is cutting back on the number of undergraduates admitted. This year, 10,000 qualified students will be turned away by the CSU system as

the admission requirements rise. This means 10,000 fewer college graduates to run California’s future economy. According to a 2002 U.S. Census Bureau report, the average college graduate earns $900,000 more in a lifetime than the average high school graduate. Multiplied by the 10,000 students, that’s a total of $9 billion in taxable income lost by refusing these young adults’ access to a college degree. Education is a valuable investment that pays the state back generously in the long run. By cutting educational funding now, we are depriving California’s future economy of a knowledgeable workforce.

The timing of these cutbacks could not be worse.

An unstable economy is pushing more students than ever to seek the affordable prices of public education.

As admissions fall, enrollment applications are skyrocketing—this year, there are almost 20 percent more applicants than there were last year.

This disparity between educational supply and demand causes increased competition in an already stressful college application process. The CSU used to be a safe backup for most students with a B average or higher; according to an article in the San Francisco Chronicle, however, that security is dwindling as well.

Cutting admissions and raising tuitions, are not enough to balance California’s public education budget. Professors’ salaries are in jeopardy, fewer classes are being offered and class sizes are being dramatically increased. Shallower pockets could mean unhappy teachers, and fewer classes limit the depth to which students can explore their interests. At UC Berkeley, for example, 11 reading and comprehension classes were cut from the English department and two fall survey courses were canceled in the science department.

Some classes have been cut so much that it becomes difficult to even get in—possibly postponing graduation for some unlucky students who still need to fulfill requirements. Californian students are being charged more

The Opinion of The Oracle

Kimberly Han

money for a worse education—a raw deal from anyone’s standpoint.

Schools are stuck between a rock and a hard wall; if they raise their prices, it will hurt the students, but if they do nothing, they’ll drown in a deep sea of debt. The only way to keep California’s universities afloat is to increase funding for public education by raising taxes, borrowing money from the federal government (if they can spare $25 billion to bail out American automakers, they can surely fork over a couple hundred million for schools) or cutting excess spending on accessories like the most recent $9 billion high speed train. Just do something—it may be difficult now, but in the long run, the returns will be great.

—Unsigned editorials represent the majority opinion of the staff (assenting: 33; dissenting: 0)

Cheaters set themselves up for failure in the long run

Jocelyn Ma With regards to cheating, or the educationally preferred euphemism “academic dishonesty,” most of us have probably heard nothing but negativity directed towards the topic. But as expectations to perform in our high-pressure cooker of a community have risen, more and more students have opted out to take the easy road to good grades.

With Duke University’s 2005 survey statistics stating 75 percent of high school students admit to cheating, we have to wonder if the future of our country is destined for more Enron and Watergate scandals. It’s often been said that “cheating only hurts the cheater”—but is this necessarily true?

The truth is that cheaters aren’t only detriments to themselves. Academically, the repercussions of low integrity can affect a whole group of students, specifically the others also taking the same exam. While this occurs in curved classes when grades are based on overall student performance, it is not the only situation in which cheaters’ poor judgment has led to mass consequences.

In July, 690 Advanced Placement (AP) tests taken by students at Trabuco Hills High School in Orange County were voided because of the cheating that was going on via text messages and study aides. The up-

roar that ensued was justified—a massive retake was scheduled the August before seniors started college—giving the cheaters ample time to study and another chance at taking the test while forcing everyone to prepare for the exams again long after the school year had ended.

Cheaters succeed without learning the material, a fact that should scare us all. If a student makes a habit out of being academically dishonest, it is unlikely that he or she will discontinue his or her ways unless caught at some point. According to the Educational Testing Service, cheating in colleges and universities has soared because it no longer carries the stigma it did in the past. Though students generally feel like they aren’t affecting anyone else, they are bound to run into issues if their performance does not match the degree. No one wants to be protected by police who used notes on a CPR exam or a Coast Guard marine who cheated on his federal pilot’s license, yet both examples of cheating have been reported.

But the real question is what to do when a cheating situation arises. We can’t count on cheaters to turn themselves in, just as a murderer probably wouldn’t go down to the station to take a voluntary mug. A cheating scandal requires investigation. When a student at Saratoga High School was accused of hacking into a teacher’s electronic grade book, his laptop was searched. The officials found that the student had used KeyStrokes, a system that records the keys that are hit, which was utilized when the teacher

Kimberly Han

punched in her password.

Cheating plants a seed for a future of lies and deception. A 2001 study published by the Journal of Education for Business found that students “who engage in dishonest behavior in their college classes [are] more likely to engage in dishonest behavior on the job.” If cheating leads to crime, then it should be evaluated in the same way.

Our legal system makes one thing clear: protection of the rights of society takes precedent before condemning any criminal. If evidence is found illegally, it is not allowed into court because the way it was obtained threatens the rights of the alleged criminal—and when one person’s rights are

violated, it threatens the foundation of our democracy. Apply this to situations of academic dishonesty, and we’ll see that the rest of the students should be protected over the punishment of the cheaters. If the cheaters can’t be punished based on lack of adequate proof, then it makes even less sense to punish the entire group of students.

Trabuco Hills High School student Jina Lee said, “I don’t see how just because the administration didn’t do their job in making sure these guidelines were followed, the student body should be punished.” Neither do I, Jina. Neither do I. —Ma, a senior, is a News Editor.

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Forum

The Oracle

How to make the most of lunch on campus Joyce Liu Tasty turkey at the Turkey Feast, gratifying gelato during International Week, scrumptious sausages at Oktoberfest and those oh-socoveted crêpes at Crêpe Fest—are you salivating yet? One generalization that can be made about the Gunn population is that we are a bunch of foodies. Remember spring 2007? A student yelled, “Ice cream truck!” and pointed to the gym. A mob followed and ran—yes, ran—towards the area in search of the truck. Considering this enormous demand, students should be able to sell more food on their own.

According to the Associated Student Body (ASB) Accounting Manual, the food sale laws are intended to help the food service remain financially sound. One law limits the number of “free-for-all” food sale days during lunch to four per year, in which all student organizations can sell food. During these days, if fewer students buy lunch from the food service, it loses money if it prepares the same amount of food as on a regular day. To reduce losses, the Student Executive Council (SEC) tells food service about food sales ahead of time so that it can plan accordingly.

Events such as Oktoberfest have proven that students clearly prefer what food clubs sell over the lunch line. With this fact in mind, laws should allow for more student food sales. The food service would then take on a smaller role in providing food, but would still exist for any mishaps that may occur with student food

The case for an alternative grading scale

Danielle Edelman It’s finally here: the day you get the grade for the project you worked so hard on. Here it comes.

It’s a…B minus? This confusion occurs frequently in schools, with students unsure of how their letter grades are calculated. In some courses, a letter grade is a representation of a numerical score, but other curricula are not so easily converted to quantitative assessment. The A to F scale is an inaccurate system that must be reevaluated.

Letter grades do not show how points are lost on assignments. Math problems are easy to deduct points from because they can only be right or wrong, but how can teachers standardize essay grading?

One teacher may find a student’s style creative, while another may think that it is confusing. These two teachers may give one essay two different grades.

There is no reliable way to quantify style and effort.

In those areas a grader may as well give a “smiley” or “frowny” face to rate the student’s work.

Students often feel that a poor grade ruins their

sales. The ASB manual states that food sold by student organizations must meet health requirements and cannot be prepared on campus. These regulations are well-intended but not well-thought out. The calorie limit is unrealistic because students could easily buy more than one entrée.

Furthermore, food service sales have decreased since the implementation of these rules. Cup of Noodles and hot chocolate, which once raked in profits for food service, were banned as a result of these laws.

The regulations are intended to help the food service, but in reality they hurt its business and cause lay-offs.

The underlying reason why students cannot prepare food on campus is to meet California State Health Code Regulations and avoid potential lawsuits for food poisoning. At Gunn, this regulation resulted in the removal of the microwave in the Students Activity Center because using a microwave

Brian Phan

academic records. To combat this, many colleges, such as Reed College and New College of Florida, have decided to opt-out of mandatory A to F grading in favor of an assessment-based system. Their students receive extensive written critiques each term. This system provides feedback to students and creates a written record throughout their academic careers. Even if schools simply pair the A to F system with written assessments, the assessments would give students an open-ended approach to school.

Students may wonder how written evaluations affect their acceptance to college. Far from hurting their chances of being accepted, written evaluations may improve students’ prospects. Written critiques not only show good work ethics, but would also note exemplary behavior and achievements. The fact that these critiques are seen by admissions officers would discourage students from getting comfortable with poor work habits and bad behavior in class.

In the end, it is up to teachers to enact grading reform. Educators can take steps now to ensure their students receive fairer evaluations. Although it would mean a more work for teachers, the benefits for students are clear. Hopefully educators will see that alternative evaluations are the logical solution and hop on the bandwagon.

—Edelman, a senior, is an Entertainment Editor.

is supposedly “cooking” without following the State Health Code. The Foods class makes food all the time— and those students aren’t vomiting or getting abdominal pains incessantly, so what’s the fuss about? In the end, it all comes down to money. Lawsuits are costly and food service doesn’t want to lose money. If the government truly cared about students’ health, it should focus on teaching students how to eat healthy, instead of confining student food sales with a laundry list of regulations.

Nonetheless, having a nice meal isn’t impossible. Have no fear: go off-campus and you’ll be clear. The laws apply only to sales on campus and during school hours. Selling food off school grounds is theoretically perfectly legal. However, there were fervent debates about selling “unhealthy” foods near campus, like the “Los Altos High School Taco Truck” incident. Selling food 30

minutes before school started or after school ends, also legal, works out well for most clubs. In addition, one club may sell up to three food items per day during lunch—although three different flavors of ice cream counts as three items. With this One-ClubPer-Day rule, one club could sell food each day, giving students an alternative besides the banal lunch line.

Beautiful things happen when clubs sell food on campus. The school becomes more unified, clubs can fundraise and students get to enjoy some good food. The crippling food regulations limit club food sales during lunch and should be loosened or thought over again. In the meantime, each club should exercise its right to sell food during lunch. While playing by the rules, students can still have food done their way—but don’t get crazy.

—Liu, a junior, is a Features Editor.

Why print at home?

Veronica Polivanaya It’s a typical Monday and your printer is low on toner for the third time this month, which puts you in quite a predicament, as you have no other means of printing out your eight-page “Grapes of Wrath” essay. Perhaps if you hadn’t used up your cartridge on the countless worksheets that could have been passed out during class, you might not have gotten into such a sticky situation. Forcing students to print material out at home rather than at school does nothing to aid the environment.

Teachers shouldn’t force students to print material out at home rather than at school, as there is essentially no difference. It does nothing to conserve paper, because the same amount of paper is used up in the process. If anything, students waste more paper printing material out at home; not everyone has access to the double-sided copiers that the school is equipped with.

To a teacher, having his or her students print out one handout may not seem like much of a burden, but once you factor all of their other classes into the equation, the amount of paper and time spent does add up. There are greater paper-wasters out there that should be targeted, such as tests. If the school really wants to conserve paper, then perhaps teachers shouldn’t give out one-sided 50-page tests that contain only one or two problems on each page. Switching to online testing could be considered as a viable option, as there is a wide variety of websites that offer that alternative.

—Polivanaya, a senior, is an Entertainment Editor.

Forum

Monday, December 15, 2008

Organ sales sound scary, save lives Maya Itah Selling your organs? It sounds sinister, like something out of a morbid science fiction novel. But it could likely save countless lives.

While thousands of Americans wait desperately for organs, current laws force organ donors into two very specific categories. To provide the sick with life-saving organ transplants, the United States currently uses an opt-in system, in which people can choose to give their organs away after death. Few people are willing to give up their organs without incentive, and the donation process itself is a hassle—in other words, a person must be either extremely altruistic or unusually well informed to donate. It should therefore be no surprise that an average of 17 people die waiting for a transplant every day.

Other countries have tried to deal with this problem by implementing an opt-out system, in which people’s organs are automatically donated unless they request otherwise. But instead of solving the problem, the opt-out system merely slaps a bandage on it. It still provides very little motivation for average people—people who aren’t saints—to give their organs away. To shorten organ waiting lists, lawmakers must look beyond conventional means. In other words: we need to start selling our body parts.

A government-regulated futures market would raise transplant rates exponentially.

This market would allow people to safely sell the right to their organs; a doctor would collect the organs only after they passed away, hence the term “futures.” Still, most of America greets the idea of organ sales with fear and disgust. The response is understandable, but before lawmakers write off the entire plan based on visceral reactions, they must rationally consider its enormous benefits. Unlike the donor system, a futures market makes economic sense. Faced with the prospect of money in exchange for very little work, people would be far more willing to sign away their precious body parts. In turn, the supply of organs would increase, and demand would cause prices to settle at a reasonable place.

More people would receive the organs they

A thespian comments on play attendance As a member of both the cast and the crew of The Visit, I’m grateful that so many Gunn teachers support the drama program, and glad that so many of them liked the show. However, I wish some of them had expressed their appreciation in a slightly different manner.

Some teachers liked the show so much that they didn’t just encourage their students to go see it, they actually offered extra credit to students who attended. This seems like it would be a good way to utilize a teachable moment while simultaneously boosting our

need—and on top of that, more people would actually be able to afford them.

Many lawmakers still refuse to legalize organ sales on grounds of inhumanity. Yet such a stance suggests dire ignorance to the current state of organ sales: they may be illegal, but that doesn’t stop the wealthy from obtaining organs through dangerous black markets. Countless patients have turned to countries such as Turkey and South Africa— where laws are extremely relaxed—for their medical needs. But the outsourcing of organs leads to dismal complications, ranging from low organ quality to horribly botched surgery.

And the harm doesn’t stop with Americans: in South America, so-called kidney villages crookedly satisfy the organ demand that the United States cannot handle. Impoverished villagers sell their organs under uncertain conditions, for nothing more than a year’s worth of meager salary.

But if the government was allowed to recognize the sales, it would also be able to regulate them. People who had previously turned to the black market would opt for safer surgery in the United States, where legitimate doctors screen organs and safely handle transplants. Likewise, organ vendors would receive rights through documentation and contracts; if something were to go wrong, they would be able to sue. As counter-intuitive as the idea may be, organ sale legalization is the most effective way to promote humane medical practices.

Additional doubts about the humanity of the practice bring along the million-dollar question: should we be allowed to assign prices to our bodies? Some say yes, some say no—but both answers are irrelevant. Immoral as the situation may or may not be, it is already perfectly legal to price our bodies according to quality. What else is prostitution, which is legal in two states? And there are other examples: men sell their sperm to sperm banks, while women sell their eggs

ticket sales—two educational birds with one stone. Honestly, though, this didn’t really work in anyone’s favor. The offers resulted in many students coming who saw the play as nothing more than an easy way to earn a bit of extra credit, and who felt no qualms about behaving badly. An audience member who is just there for a few extra points, and doesn’t actually care about the show, is an audience member who can easily ruin the experience for everyone else. These audience members are the ones who fill our sound system with static and our house with glowing screens by keeping their cell phones not only on, but fully employed. They are the ones

to infertile couples. In fact, eggs are priced purely on quality, as couples often pay significantly more for the eggs of a physically attractive woman with a top tier education.

How is selling one’s DNA any more immoral than selling a kidney? Both situations are completely voluntary. The only difference between them lies in social stigma.

Many pundits paint gruesome pictures of a world in which organ sales are legal, a world where criminals trap innocent victims and mercilessly steal their body parts. But that picture belongs in a comic book. Organ theft is much more impractical than people assume; it’s simply not profitable for thieves to go through the painstaking process of first finding a recipient, and then randomly attacking victims in the hopes that one of them has organs to match. Even seeking out a specific person does not simplify the process: to get the stolen organ past the hospital’s screening process, one would have to hire a certified surgeon. In short, a thief would have to be insane to steal someone’s kidneys. Most thieves would rather stick to jewelry.

America is blessed with top grade medical schools and ground-breaking technology.

Yet in 2002, there were 80,000 people waiting for mere transplants. It’s not simple to alter human behavior; no matter how much Americans try to drive up donations, it remains obvious that most people will simply not part with their organs unless they are given monetary incentive. Perhaps the idea isn’t exactly ideal—but neither is an 80,000person waiting list.

—Itah, a senior, is a Forum Editor.

Kimberly Han

who spend their time chatting with their friend in the row behind them, forcing the cast to compete with them for everyone else’s attention. They are the ones who snap up all the tickets before friends and family of the cast can even get to school, then disappear during intermission, because they have enough information to convince their teacher that they learned something.

Obviously not all students who received extra credit for attending acted so badly, but it was clear that the offers of credit resulted in many more instances of disruptive behavior than would normally have occurred.

I doubt this kind of situa-

tion is really all that useful to the teachers, either. The Visit was chock full of discussion topics and food for thought, but someone who is only there to get credit won’t feel the need to focus on the intricacies of the moral dilemma presented in the play. The students who cause problems for us are likely learning minimal amounts at most. I don’t mind at all when teachers verbally encourage their students to go—I really appreciate their support—but I’d rather our audience came to see us out of genuine interest, not because of an academic incentive. It’ll be better for all concerned.

—Senior Shaina Davis

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Materialism trumps spirit

Sarah-Jean Zubair The holiday season conjures thoughts of friends and family converging to share time together. And the anticipation of the material gifts we love to receive is a given—we don’t even think twice about receiving during the holidays. With a warm generosity inside, we all strive to make the too perfect ending of Frank Capra’s film It’s a Wonderful Life a reality. But honestly, that’s not realistic.

If I told someone that making Capra’s film was spurred by material desires, I’d probably get some verbal abuse that might include, “You’re such a Scrooge!” But filmmakers have bills to pay too. If they didn’t, they wouldn’t be shooting movies they know will appeal to the public in order to make money.

And there’s a point where the idealism in the media gets to be too blatant to ignore.

I’m no Scrooge—I enjoy the holiday spirit as much as anyone. But how much holiday idealism is natural? How many of those expectations have been shaped by genuine human sentiments and experiences rather than monetary interests?

Films, advertisements, after-holiday sales—they’re all spurred by corporate money-gluttons. But if there wasn’t a demand, would corporations be as powerful as they are? We, the consumers, are responsible for our own enslavement to capitalism. By placing materialism before values conceived by mankind centuries ago, we diminish our humanity.

We forget what is really important.

Let’s think back to the olden days.

With no televisions displaying scenes of aesthetically pleasing people exchanging gifts, people were able to create their own ideals, traditions and memories. Rather than synthetic ideals, they used imagination and genuine love for family and friends to create their pictures of perfection. That’s what I call holiday magic. It’s not bought from a department store opening at 4 a.m. It is not a group of models pretending to be untouched by anxiety, financial worries and the burnt mess that is the product of five hours of kitchen labor gone awry.

Bare sentiment shapes our humanity, not aspirations to replicate false ideals.

It seems like that’s becoming forgotten in this capitalist, aesthetic frenzy that is the modern world.

Maybe I’m old-fashioned, but I think we can all learn something from any pre-20th century society. Just to start, they didn’t have television. So instead of drooling over the commercials promoting the latest iPod this holiday season, try this: shut off the television. Recycle all of the advertisements and catalogs.

Then, do something that reminds you of your values, your humanity. Perform an act of charity. Analyze materialistic urges—do you really need more stuff?

Reach out to selflessness and brush off the cobwebs. Don’t know where to look?

Hint—do some soul searching and deep thinking. Because you’re not going to find it in your Fendi wallet.

—Zubair, a junior, is a Copy Editor.

10

Forum

The Oracle

Is racial profiling ever justified? there is little to no possibility of crime data influencing the investigation process. Specific evidence for a crime, not general statistics, leads to arrests. In the case of the former Palo Alto police chief, her instructions to approach African-American men were in response to Danielle Aspitz pressure from the community to solve 16 recent street robberies. The suspects in most of these robberies were African-American.

She may have phrased her orders in a manner Race is a broad unification of people that appeared racist, but based on her history based on geographical and ethnic origin, of working to eliminate racial profiling, it containing a large group of people with does not appear that her motives were based varying personal traits. While race is on personal prejudice in any way. It is unfair sometimes a valid characteristic in deto make judgments based on statements scribing a person, using race to clump taken out of context, especially when an an entire group of people individual’s record of conduct refutes is completely uncalled those judgments. for. While racial profilIt would be extremely naïve to say ing may help the FBI that all incidents of racial profiling pinpoint suspects, are misunderstandings. There are it promotes the still many incidents of racism in the belief that evlegal system that lead to harm and eryone within distrust on both sides. However, a race behaves both the legal system and the i n t he sa me community must make changmanner. es if the problem of unfair Pa lo A lto profiling is to be eradicated.

P o l i c e C h i e f Ly n n e The police department can Joh nson com ma nded start by confronting the her squad to watch for issue head-on and removA f r ica n-A mer ica n ing personnel who exhibit men, especially those racist behavior. wearing do-rags. However, At the same time, suspects ranged from Latilaw enforcement ofnos to Pacific Islanders to ficers must be more whites—Johnson had no right upfront with the public to isolate African-Americans. with regards to why they How was the police force so take action against spesure that the robber was an cific people. If the public Afr ican-Amer ican? Should understands that the poAfrican-Americans fear being lice have reasons behind suspected for crimes solely betheir searches and arrests cause of their race? besides prejudice, there Pigeonholing African-Ameriwill be fewer misundercans as criminals will only create standings in the future. In enemies for the police force. Acorder for Palo Alto to be cording to law, police can stop a safer community, there people in the middle of the must be trust between those street to interrogate them.

Nathan Toung who enforce the law and those This law is often exploited who follow it. by police because causes for suspicion are not difficult to come up with.

Questioning innocent people and probing —Edelman, a senior, is quizzically through their belongings is very an Entertainment Editor.

CON

PRO

Danielle Edelman When former Palo Alto Police Chief Lynne Johnson claimed to have instructed officers to stop and question African American men on Oct. 30, she inadvertently set off the latest scandal in the long history of racial profiling. Although Johnson has since apologized and retired from the force, questions remain as to whether or not her original remarks were appropriate. Racial profiling is a hot button issue in many areas of society, but nowhere is it as constantly debated as it is in the context of the law. It is true that racism exists within the justice system, but not every mention of a suspect’s ethnicity is a display of bigotry. When applied in a reasonable, unprejudiced context, racial profiling is not a weapon of bigotry, but rather a tool to aid the justice system.

If one takes a moment to put things in perspective, one realizes that many supposed incidences of racial profiling within the legal system are not actually acts of racism at all. Law enforcement officers working on a criminal investigation often come across evidence that the perpetrator belongs to a particular ethnicity. Because this information can aid in identifying the suspect, it would be foolish to disregard it out of fear that searching a specific racial demographic might lead to accusations of racism. In addition, if the police only have a physical description to work on, they must follow that lead. If not, they are forced to seek blindly for a new one, or worse, abandon the investigation all together.

Statistics show that some crimes are committed more often by certain demographics.

For example, according to the California Criminal Justice Statistics Center, 88.1 percent of people arrested for homicide in California in 2006 were men. When it comes to race, however, people often mistake crime statistics for prejudice. Pure data is incapable of targeting anyone; statistics can never replace actual evidence for a crime, so

uncomfortable and stifling. The suspicion the police force casts on African-Americans causes lasting damage, such as lack of confidence and a mentality of inferiority.

Members of targeted races often develop resentment towards the police and lose respect for the law.

The problem with demographic studies lies deeper than their unjust statistics of innocent people. Demographic studies measure the rate of crime per race, but they forget to acknowledge what the criminals are facing. Conditions between races have improved from a couple decades ago, but acts of hatred are still far too frequent. Of course, racial tensions do not justify criminal acts, but they do present a reason that shoots down the premises of a race having “criminal genes.” The more conscious we become of racial hatred, the better we can diminish it and lower crime rates. Quite simply, racial profiling is another term for discrimination. If the public, schools and workplaces work so hard to eliminate discrimination, then why is it ok for the FBI or the police–who are considered to be the pinnacle of justice–to discriminate freely?

If the justice system discriminates against targeted racial groups, what are the people of the race supposed to think about themselves? According to the Law Library, reasons for committing a crime include greed, anger, jealously and revenge.

Each of these emotions stemming from insecurity can be induced by telling people of a certain race that they are criminals. If a person within a certain race thinks he is already thought of as a thief, it is that much easier for him to become one. In fact, the idea of “a criminal” may be so hammered into a person’s mind that he or she feels that crime is the only path available.

Racial profiling may simplify the process of gathering suspects for a crime, but the gain does not outweigh the harm of categorizing an entire race. Long ago, the United States learned slavery was wrong, and that everyone should be treated equally.

Now, for the sake of time efficiency, we are compromising equality again. It is still wrong.

—Aspitz, a senior, is a Circulation Manager.

Israeli ‘apartheid’ misportrayed by the global media Beth Holtzman Over the past few years, the antiIsrael movement has developed a new strategy: comparing the current situation in Israel to that of apartheid in South Africa, which ended in the 1990s. However, this analogy is completely flawed.

Apartheid was the racial separation and discrimination that plagued South Africa from 1948 to 1980.

Blacks were prohibited from voting, and their lives were regulated by the deplorable apartheid system.

Many anti-Israeli activists claim that like the apartheid South Africa, Israeli law and society discriminates against those of an indigenous population, the Palestinians. Therefore, these activists believe that the solution is to remove the “Jewish Domination,” the State of Israel, just as the

white domination was eliminated from South Africa.

Many critics continue to claim that Israel uses apartheid because of the pervasive issues of citizenship, land ownership and human rights.

This analogy stems from historical and legal issues including skewed versions of the 1948 war and Arab discrimination. Additionally, because Israel is a Jewish state, it has been incorrectly asserted that all gentiles are discriminated against.

Contrary to that belief, Israel’s democratic constitution states that it “will uphold the full social and political equality of all its citizens without distinction of race, creed or sex; will guarantee full freedom of conscience, worship, education and culture.” Israeli law applies to all citizens including Muslim and Christian Arabs, who make up one fifth of the population. Additionally, during apartheid in South Africa, blacks had no rights, while in Israeli Arabs have the same political rights as Jews and can vote and participate in the Knesset, the Israeli Parliament.

Currently, an Arab Israeli, Salim Jubran, is serving on the Israeli Supreme Court. Outside of politics, Muslim and Christian Arabs also have social rights such freedom of religion, which is rare in many other Middle Eastern countries, such as Saudi Arabia, Iraq and Pakistan, where Islam is the only permitted religion, and other religions fear prosecution. Finally, Arabs make up a significant portion of the students and professors of Israeli Universities, including Haifa University, where the student body is 20 percent Arab.

Another common misinterpretation is that Israeli involvement in

the Gaza Strip and the West Bank reflects apartheid. However, this claim is entirely untrue. First, it is evident that Israel does not want to rule over the Palestinians in this region because it has hindered settling in the West Bank and completely evacuated the Gaza Strip. Additionally, Israel signed the Oslo Accords in 1980 which permitted the establishment of the Palestinian Authority. In South Africa, over 12 million blacks were forced into Bantustans, poor homelands lacking economically viable land. Despite deeming Bantustans independent and granting limited rights, these regions were not

recognized by other foreign governments like Palestine has been. Israel has publicly accepted the idea of a self-determinating Palestinian State, as long as Israel achieves its necessary security. Palestine is recognized and financially supported by foreign powers, and ruled by its own leaders, not Israeli puppet governments like the Bantustans were. It is evident that the Israeli presence in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank is the antithesis of what some extremists believe to be a new generation of Bantustans.

—Holtzman, a senior, is a News Editor.

Brian Phan

Features

Monday, December 15, 2008

How to:

11

make your own holiday gifts Spray Painted T-Shirts Materials: Spray paint ($7 to $10) Posterboard (for stencils) Cardboard (an old box) Exacto knife Latex Gloves Plain shirt ($1.00 to $20)

Instructions 1. Draw stencil on posterboard or use letter stencils.

2. Use exacto knife to cut out stenIvan Yong cil or punch out letter stencils.

3. Slide cardboard piece in between the shirt layers so paint won’t bleed.

4. Lay shirt flat in well ventilated area (preferably outside).

5. Lay out stencil or letters on shirt in desired pattern.

6. Put on gloves for safety.

7. Spray a light layer over the stencils (too much will bleed through), holding the can about 8-12 inches from the shirt.

Directions vary per brand or paint type, so check the back of the can for specific directions.

Take Note: Selection: Don’t ask the assistants at the craft store to recommend a spray paint for fabric. They will tell you not to use spray paint, and recommend a fabric paint. I like spray paint much better because it gives the shirt more texture and vibrant color.

Purchase: You must be 18 or older to buy spray paint.

Washing care: For the first washing, hand wash the shirt separately. For subsequent washings, wash inside out with like colors.

Guitar Pick Earrings Materials

Earring hooks ($2.99 for 60) Guitar picks ($.25-$1) Drill Needlenose pliers

Instructions 1. Secure the smallest drill bit into drill.

2. Drill one small hole in the middle of the broad end of each guitar Shaya Christensen pick.

3. At the bottom of the earring hooks, there is a small circle to attach things to. Using needlenose pliers, carefully unbend this wire circle, making it just wide enough to fit through the guitar pick hole.

4. Fit the guitar pick onto the wire and use the pliers to bend the earring end back into a circle around the top of the

Where to buy: Guitar picks are really cheap at Gryphon Strings or other music stores.

I’ve found good, $1 plain T-shirts at Target, but American Apparel has good quality, plain shirts.

Gryphon Strings 211 Lambert Ave. Palo Alto, CA 94306 (650) 493-2131

Michaels 2415 Charleston Rd. Mountain View, CA 94043 (650) 968-8698 —Compiled by Shaya Christensen

Q&A with senior artist Anastasia Ionkin

Anastasia Ionkin (12)

The Oracle: What is the art piece about?

Anastasia Ionkin: My a r t pie c e wa s inspired by a photo a friend took of me [while I was wearing a pink-haired wig]. I was pretending to be a Russian spy, looking out on the viewer.

TO: How long did it take to finish the art piece?

Ionkin: About nine hours.

TO: What is the medium?

Ionkin: A vectored photo, drawn in Photoshop 3.

TO: What is the significance of this art piece?

Ionkin: This piece was done to show a more humorous side to self portraits.

TO: How does the art piece reflect your style?

Ionkin: My love for colors and curves is very much present in the work, as well as the smooth feeling to the art. ­­­—Compiled by Bauer Wann

Cente

The Oracle

St some How Monterey far north an San Francisc Their meet which in Spani Settlement in cross mark at th to Santa Clara.

In 1835, the a Francisquito Cree ranch. However, i After the end major permanent destined by the A Nevertheless, 1886, Leland St near Mayfield’ Stanford’s pro As a resu 1887 with versity an Palo Alto on

Administrator reminisces about Gunn experience Picture students wearing tie-dye and pooka shells from Hawaii—that was Gunn High School in 1976, Assistant Principal Kim Cowell’s senior year. Despite the deceptively laid-back fashions, Gunn has always been an academically rigorous school. “The first question is not if you’re going to college but where you are going to college,” Cowell said.

Cowell attended Loma Vista Elementary School, now known as Juana Briones, and the old Terman Junior High School. At that time, elementary school consisted of kindergarten through 6th grade. Junior high school spanned 7th grade to 9th grade, and senior high school encompassed 10th through 12th. One of the highlights of her time at Gunn was being the setter for Gunn’s CCS Championship volleyball team her senior year. “If you look up on the gym walls where the CCS champions are recorded you can see it,” Cowell said.

Athletics aside, the basic Gunn courses were very similar to today with a few slight differences; there were no AP classes and there was only a three-year social studies requirement. In her senior year, Cowell took a year of World History II instead of Economics. With college as the goal, most Gunn students hadn’t realized their potential until after graduation.

“It’s a really rigorous school and I had a genuine intellectual curiosity, which is still true,” Cowell said. “However I didn’t learn how smart I was until after I got out of high school.”

As an assistant principal, Cowell is able to compare the Gunn of the past with the one of the present. “Parents were more willing to allow students to fail and pick themselves up,” Cowell said. “[Now] changes in college acceptance have greater implications for how parents deal with their children around administrative issues.”

Gunn was not always all work and no play. In addition to 1976’s bicentennial status with plenty of patriotic celebration, there was also a memorable incident with the infamous Horticulture Club. In an effort to parody spirit rallies, the club had a “beat ‘em, bust ‘em, that’s our custom” rally. “They did a dance on the quad…the finale was to drop their pants and show the letters of the motto,” Cowell said while laughing. However, this release of inhibitions contrasted with a stricter dress code. The consequences for that kind of behavior are now more severe. “I would have been sent to the office if I had worn pajamas to school,” Cowell said.

Indecent exposure was not the only distinguishing factor of the class of ‘76.“We had snow for one of the first times,” Cowell said. “A bunch of guys went up to the hills with their pick-up trucks and brought back snow. We had snowball fights out on the amphitheatre.”

The Palo Alto community has also changed over the years. Housing was more affordable and people were less affluent overall. There were also more families who had lived in the city for generations. “It’s always been a community that’s been involved,” Cowell said, “That’s a wonderful feature of Palo Alto.” Palo Alto has kept the tradition of the May Fete parade. She participated in the parade when she was five, dressed up in a majorette costume stitched by her grandmother.

Palo Alto continues to have many endearing quirks. “There used to be a law [that said] there could be no alcohol served within a mile of the campus,” Cowell said. In order to save downtown Palo Alto in the 1980’s recession, the law was repealed.

Qu

1. How many schools ar Alto Unified School District a. 11 c. 17 b. 12 d. 19 2. What does Palo Alto mean in Spa a. tall stick c. rich land b. land of gold d. long river 3. What is the total population of Palo Alt a. 30,000 c. 51,000 b. 47,000 d. 59,900 4. How many miles of bicycle lanes exist in Pa a. 27 c. 39 b. 30 d. 55 5. How many libraries does Palo Alto have? a. 3 c. 8 b. 6 d. 11 6. How many students are enrolled in the PAUSD a. 6,888 c. 9,892 b. 8,456 d. 13, 312 7. What is the maximum capacity of the gym at Gu a. 1266 c. 1482 b. 1400 d. 1650 8. Which Gunn sport has won the most individua a. boys’ tennis c. girls’ tennis b. wrestling d. gymnastics 9. Approximately how many whiteboards are school? a. 75 – 125 c. 175 – 225 b. 125 – 175 d. 225 – 275 10. Which of the following was not a seni tempted at Gunn? a. cups filled with water were placed so they entire choir room’s floor b. a VW bus was placed on the roof o brary c. hundreds of grasshoppers were r the main office building d. the Bat Cave was filled and koi fish

4) b

5) b

6) c

7) a

8) d

—Compiled by Mari Ju

3) d

10. Cars don’t own the road—bikers and pedestrians do.

9. It’s not Dunkin Donuts…it’s Happy Donuts.

8. People are willing to stand in line 20 minutes for frozen yogurt, even when it’s cold.

7. Nobody follows the 25 mph speed limit.

6. Flip flops are sported year-round, not seasonally.

5. We all practically go to Stanford; we go to its sports games, its mall and wear all its clothes.

4. We celebrate diversity by having tons of random days off of school.

3. Everywhere you look there seems to be a silver Prius.

2. There’s a movie based on high school life here, but nobody’s seen it.

1. We are the hometown of Facebook and proud.

2) a

top ten reasons to love Palo Alto

Quiz answers:

—Ann Abraham

1) c

9) b

10) a

11) c

12) d

13) b

14) d

15) a

16) c

17) a

18) a

19) c

20) b

12

erfold

Monday, December 15, 2008

Palo Alto history exposed

Long before it became known for its technological industries and tanford University, Palo Alto was simply a barren lowland, inhabited only by e flora and fauna and a few Ohlone settlements in the area. wever, things began to change in 1769. History has it that while searching for y Bay, Gaspar de Portola with his expedition of 63 men and 200 horses traveled too nd overshot their destination. Due to their mishap, Portola and his men discovered the co Bay and by chance, camped around the Palo Alto area. ting point for reconnoitering parties was a tall tree, which they nicknamed El Palo Alto, ish means “the tall stick.” The area came to be known as Palo Alto. n the area, however, took a while to grow and prosper. In 1774, Padre Palou erected a he tree’s base, designating it as a site for a proposed mission. The mission was later moved

area was developed when Spanish settler Rafael Soto and his family settled near the San ek near present day Newell and Middlefield Roads, where he sold goods to travelers at his it would not undergo major expansion until two decades later. of the Mexican-American War in 1848, Palo Alto had another opportunity to become a t settlement. Mexican land grants became the targets of American settlers. Despite being Americans to be an early settlement, it was denied due to its low creek levels. , in 1855, the township of Mayfield was formed in what is now South Palo Alto. Later in tanford arrived in Mayfield, interested in founding his university and creating a train stop ’s downtown street, Lincoln Street (now California Avenue). However, the city rejected oposal due to Stanford’s condition—banning alcohol from the town. ult, Stanford came to form the city of Palo Alto, originally called University Park, in his friend Timothy Hopkins of the Southern Pacific Railroad. Soon, Stanford Unind a University Avenue train stop were established. o Alto soon grew to the size of Mayfield and on July 2, 1925, the city of Palo o voted to annex Mayfield. The two communities were officially consolidated n July 6, 1925, forming present day Palo Alto. That is why to this day, Palo Alto has two downtown areas, one along University Avenue and the other along California Avenue.

—Ryan Tan

uiz Time!

re in the Palo t (PAUSD)?

11. How many National Merit semi-finalists were there this year for Gunn? a. 24 c. 31 anish? b. 29 d. 44 12. In what year was Gunn founded? a. 1949 c. 1961 to? b. 1953 d. 1964 13. How long has principal Noreen Likins been at Gunn? alo Alto? a. 5 years c. 12 years b. 11 years d. 16 years 14. What is the total number of students enrolled in choir at Gunn? a. 55 c. 201 b. 147 d. 214 D? 15. What is the most popular item in the cafeteria? a. cookies c. bagels b. chips d. milk unn?

16. Who is Palo Alto’s current Mayor? a. Yoriko Kishimoto c. Larry Klein b. Yiawey Yeh d. Peter Drekmeier al CCS titles? 17. What is Gunn’s most popular elective course? a. choir c. auto b. foods d. art spectrum e there in the 18. Who has been teaching the longest at Gunn? a. Mr. Farrell c. Mrs. Peters b. Mr. Tuomy d. Mrs. Hilal 19. How many students are on the Yearbook staff? ior prank at- a. 19 c. 27 b. 24 d. 36 y covered the 20. How many college representatives visited Gunn last year? of the old lia.

143 c. 96 b. 109 d. 74 released into Check your answers in the grass below. d with water

13

Independent film delivers déjà vu In the wake of the classic movies “Chicago” and “Casablanca,” films that are odes to the city they are set in, comes “Palo Alto,” an independent film based in Gunn’s hometown. The first screenplay by fledgling filmmakers and Palo Alto natives Brad Leong, Tony Vallone and Daniel Engelhart, the plot of “Palo Alto” follows four college students on their last night home of Thanksgiving break. The four friends visit old hangouts and delve back into the lives they left behind.

Fans of shows such as “The O.C.” and “Veronica Mars” will be excited to see popular actors Aaron Ashmore, Johnny Lewis, Justin Mentell and Ben Savage in the main roles as old high school friends and Palo Alto High School graduates. The camera follows the intertwining stories of the four characters as they meet with old friends, reminisce about their teenage years and reconcile themselves with their pasts. There is a clear touch of nostalgia, but the overall message is one of development and learning to move on.

For Palo Alto residents, much of the movie’s thrill may stem from being able to see familiar locations on the silver screen. Though many scenes were filmed in neighboring Menlo Park, director Brad Leong captured vital shots in the genuine Palo Alto environment. Observant viewers may recognize some of the houses shot, many of which belong to residents who willingly opened their homes for the film. Other lucky Palo Altans who heard about the project through wordof-mouth volunteered to act as extras and can be seen in the background or even partying with the main characters in house-party scenes.

Students who are interested in discovering the movie’s appeal for themselves and are willing to travel to view it can look up the dates of public film festival screenings at the film’s blog, www.paloaltothemovie.com.

Others who choose to wait until the film is officially released may have several more months to wait. After wrapping in July 2008, the filmmakers are now in the crucial stage of locating a distributor.

If they succeed, the film will most likely be available in select theaters next year. Regardless of its monetary success, however, “Palo Alto” is sure to be a hit and a lasting classic for local residents.

—Dana Li

—Compiled by Amarelle Hayencz

Nathan Toung

14

Features

The Oracle

Senior volunteers during holidays Sophie Cheng Copy Editor

In 2005, people across the United States watched as the tragedy of Hurricane Katrina struck New Orleans and devastated coast areas around the Gulf of Mexico. Many donated food and supplies to the survivors, but there were other volunteers like senior Beatrice Strnad who actually went to the affected areas and directly helped out.

During the summer of 2005, Strnad stayed at a refugee camp in New Orleans with her

Places to Volunteer ‘Tis the season for giving, and with winter break coming up, why not dedicate some of your time to the poor and needy? The Oracle staff takes a look at some of the places to volunteer over the holidays.

Soup kitchens Volunteers to help provide meals to the homeless, the elderly and recovering addicts are invaluable at soup kitchens.

Bread of Life East Palo Alto 1852 Bay Rd., East Palo Alto, CA 94303 (650) 326-9796 Palo Alto Urban Ministry/InnVision 400 Mitchell Lane, Palo Alto, CA 94302 (650) 853-8672 —Volunteers under age 16 must be accompanied by a parent or chaperone and those under age 18 must have a signed permission slip.

church youth group, The Vineyard. “We weeded gardens and tore down houses that were molding,” she said. “We also talked with people and prayed with them.”

Strnad described the missionary work she performed in New Orleans as a truly humbling experience. “It was amazing,” she said. “A lot of really strong people came out of that horrible hurricane. It’s really hard to describe how you can experience such a devastated area and come back to Palo Alto and the Silicon Valley.”

Back home in Palo Alto, Strnad is also Homeless shelters

Volunteers are always needed to provide, prepare and serve food at local homeless shelters.

Other jobs include packing food boxes, interviewing clients and sorting food and clothing.

Volunteers can try to get to know some of the people at homeless shelters by sitting down and talking with them.

Palo Alto Urban Ministry/InVision 400 Mitchell Lane, Palo Alto, CA 94302 (650) 853-8672 ­­—Volunteers under age 16 must be accompanied by a parent or chaperone and those under age 18 must have a signed permission slip.

Alpha Omega Homeless Services 204 Stierlin Rd., Mountain View, CA 94043 (650) 968-0836 ext. 111 —Volunteers from age 12 to 16 are accepted with a signed parental waiver and those from age 12 to 15 must be accompanied by an adult age 21 or older. Six months of volunteering is a minimum commitment for new volunteers.

—To volunteer, contact Alison Hopkins at (650) 964-4630 or ahopkins@csacares.org.

St. Anthony’s Padua Dining Room 3500 Middlefield Rd., Menlo Park, CA 94025 (650) 365-9664

actively involved in community service. On the last Sunday of each month of 2004 and 2005, she volunteered at a soup kitchen with the Palo Alto Baptist Church, working seven shifts. “We prepared meals from food that local markets donated,” Strnad said. “We served the food and made bag lunches for whoever showed up at the soup kitchen.”

Strnad first got involved at the soup kitchen after her youth minister encouraged her entire youth group to volunteer there. While Strnad said that church members tend to do a lot of community service, students do not have to be Ecumenical Hunger Program 2411 Pulgas Ave., East Palo Alto, CA 94303 —Contact the volunteer coordinator Donald Hunter at (650) 323-7781 ext. 25 or donald@ ehpcares.org.

Nursing homes As the trend of sending older family members to nursery homes continues, an increasing number of seniors are forced to spend the holidays alone. Visitors can sing holiday carols, read stories by the fireplace or play board games with them. Volunteers are often needed to help serve meals or drinks and help out around the nursing home. Those with expertise in entertainment, such as music, dance or acting are also appreciated.

Palo Alto Nursing Center 911 Bryant St., Palo Alto, CA 94301 Casa Olga Intermediate Care Facility 180 Hamilton Ave, Palo Alto, CA 94301 Arcadia Health Care 451 Sherman Ave., Ste 105, Palo Alto, CA 94306

religious to volunteer. “If you’re interested in that kind of stuff, then it’s a good experience,” she said. “It’s nice to escape from school and your social life.”

Strnad also recommends that those interested in volunteering look to community service clubs available at Gunn. “Community service clubs like [Youth Community Service/Interact] and Key Club can always hook you up with day cares or small businesses that need help,” she said. In addition, Palo Alto City Hall also has volunteer opportunities and surveys that students can fill out.

Lytton Gardens 437 Webster St., Palo Alto, CA 94301 656 Lytton Ave., Palo Alto, CA 94301 649 University Ave., Palo Alto, CA 94301 —Contact Alison Dichter at adichter@lyttongardens.org. Contact Lytton’s volunteer department at (650) 617-7367 or volunteer@ lyttongardens.org. Potential volunteers must attend orientations and those under age 18 require a parent signature.

Food banks Even if you don’t have the time this holiday to volunteer, you can still donate to a food bank.

Second Harvest Food Bank (Santa Clara County) 750 Curtner Ave., San Jose, CA 95125 (408) 266-8866 Milpitas Food Pantry 196 S Main St., Milpitas, CA 95035 (408) 946-5564

Graphic by Kimberly Han

­—Compiled by Sophie Cheng

ODFL holds fundraiser for third world education Sarah-Jean Zubair Copy Editor

From Nov. 17 to Nov. 21, Gunn’s studentrun branch of the non-profit organization One Dollar for Life (ODFL) held its third annual fundraising drive. ODFL was founded in 2006

by Los Altos High School teacher Robert Freeman. The organization works with Non Governmental Organizations (NGOs) to work on small-scale infrastructure projects in third-world countries that promote selfsustainability.

“We are a non-profit organization that asks high school students to give just $1 to go towards development projects in third-world countries,” junior Robyn Freeman, daughter of Robert Freeman, said.

“I believe that the connection between America students and students in developing countries is an important one to nurture,” junior Julia Reichelstein said. “I think that ODFL fosters a sense of unity and giving that connects students around the world.”

Each year, ODFL holds a week-long drive at high schools across the country. ODFL members place boxes in classrooms in which students can donate “just one dollar” to the cause. Occasionally, drives for other donations besides money are held. “This drive always involves putting ODFL boxes in all the classrooms, through which we collect money,” junior Rachael Clark said. “In previous years we have done other drives such as a Wheels of Wonder drive in which we collected bikes.”

The organization’s mission is to “Engage the world’s teenagers to improve the quality of life for all of the world’s people,” according

to the official ODFL Web site. With donations of $1 from high school students nationwide, ODFL is able to collect millions of dollars each year to fund projects in developing countries such as Kenya, Malawi and Nepal.

“I truly believe in the idea of a large number of people giving small amounts of money,” Reichelstein said. “I think it makes a strong statement—everyone can contribute and be a part of something to help the greater good.”

The projects include building schools, irrigation systems and water wells. These small projects are generally low in cost, but have the potential to change people’s lives. “Most of our projects focus on education,” Clark said. “For example, we have built schools in Kenya and Nepal and did a bike drive so that the children in Kenya could actually get to school. We have also provided desks for a school in Malawi and have bought cows for an orphanage in Kenya. This year, the money Gunn raises is going towards building another school in Kenya. ODFL is also building a school in Nicaragua and possibly Indonesia as well.”

ODFL is very successful at Gunn, according to Robyn Freeman. By spreading information about ODFL through in-class visits from club members and other ways, the ODFL drives both this year and last raised over $1000 each. “I believe that our methods of promotion were effective,” Clark said. “We posted over a hundred neon fliers across campus and had video announcements. Next year we could improve our video announcements by varying them; if we had several different announcements students would be more likely to pay attention to them.”

Si nce it first started fundraising at Gunn, ODF L has ra ised over $4000. The club’s longterm goal is to have all Gunn students donate $1 each, which would amount to a total of about $1907.

Cosmo Sung I n addition to donating, Juniors Julia Reichelstein, Robyn Freeman and Rachael students can Clark collect ODFL donations from students during school. join ODFL to further their involvement in the cause. “Next being in the club—I’m helping spread educayear, we hope to have more members join our tion and I know that my actions are genuinely club and have continued increasing support impacting students across the world.” from the teachers,” Robyn Freeman said.

Reichelstein said it was great to be on “We are always looking for ways to improve both ends of the proces: first, the fundraising. and always welcome new ideas.”

Then, helping to finish the project. According Each year, ODFL members interview new to Robyn Freeman, ODFL’s nature as a huNGOs in developing countries to help facili- manitarian organization makes participating tate their projects. Members travel to these a rewarding experience. “One of [ODFL’s] countries to put their funds to work. Last sum- most unique aspects is its emphasis on helping mer, Freeman, Reichelstein and Clark worked not only people in other countries, but also the on building a school in Nepal. “This past teenagers who participate in the drive,” she summer I was fortunate enough to go to Nepal said. “We empower the youth of America and with a group of students involved in ODFL,” help them see that they can change someone’s Clark said. “Living with the families there life with just one dollar. Though we cannot all and seeing the money I helped raise put to ac- travel to third world countries, my personal tion was an amazing experience,” Clark said. goal is to give others the feeling that they truly “Traveling to Nepal reinforced my reasons for have made a difference.”

Features

Monday, December 15, 2008

Staying safe

during the holidays The Oracle offers tips on protecting yourself and your home

For yourself:

For the home:

• Trust your instincts. Your intuition, combined with your common sense, can help get you out of trouble. If you suddenly feel like you’re being watched, your intuition telling you something. Your common sense tells you that it’s a good idea to get back to where there are more people around.

• Light up the front, back and side of the house plus the garage area with motion detector lights. Few homes with such lighting are ever hit by burglars.

• Travel in a group when going out at night. Remember, strength in numbers.

• Don’t wear excessive amounts of jewelry or flashy clothes that attract attention.

• Beware of locations where you are vulnerable to crime, such as dark parking lots and secluded walkways.

• Sliding doors are used frequently by burglars to enter the house. There should be two locks on such doors. You can also put a sliding board or broom handle braced inside the track to prevent the door from opening from the outside.

• A barking dog at night is a signal that someone may be prowling.

• Put computers and computer games away from the windows and prying eyes

• Understand your surroundings. Walk or hang out in areas that are open, well-lit and well-traveled. Pay particular attention to places where someone could hide—such as stairways and bushes.

• Close all of your windows whenever you leave home. It does not matter how short of a trip you are going on—all doors and windows should be locked whenever you leave home.

• Turn the other cheek. A common ploy of the mugger is distraction. Often they will work in pairs, with one asking the mark for the time, and then another approaches you from the blind side. Train yourself to look away and be aware of what and who is immediately around you.

• Do not display your name on the mailbox. A burglar will be able to locate your telephone number from it and call your house to see if you are home.

• Lock your car and close the windows, even if you are only gone for a few minutes.

• It’s also a good idea to get help from your neighbors. Ask them to keep an eye on your home while you’re away.

• Try not to put large displays of holiday gifts visible from windows or doors.

—Compiled by Joseph Lin and Joyce Liu

Q&A with Dan Ryan

Palo Alto Police Agent The Oracle: How would you protect your house from burglaries?

Dan Ryan: By locking your doors, locking your windows, getting proper security systems, alarm systems within the house [and] motion sens[itive] light outside, around the back and around the front doors. It is always worth replacing broken stuff immediately. Also, by trimming trees and bushes—it helps reduce coverage and gives less space for the bad guys to hide behind.

TO: What should we do if we encounter a burglary? Or if we walk into the house with a burglar in our midst?

Ryan: Yell ‘Go Away! The Cops are coming!’ Try and scare him away in order to protect your house. Then get out, if possible, and call 911 immediately.

TO: What are the police doing to

prevent these burglaries?

Ryan: We are constantly patrolling the neighborhoods and also trying to get the word out, [in order] to get more homes secured.

TO: How should you react to a mugging while walking home? How do you protect yourself then?

Ryan: Try to cooperate and give them what they ask for. Unless you are specifically trained, you should cooperate, to reduce risk, and be a good witness so you can describe the criminal to the police.

TO: What do police do after a burglary is reported?

Ryan: We investigate the scene to get evidence, for example, fingerprints, to catch the burglars.

TO: What are some trends that you see in the burglaries?

Ryan: [The burglars] this year hit

neighborhoods and move from hit to hit, striking about once a month.

They move when people are at school or work. The main trend this year is electronic devices—flat screen TVs, computers.

TO: Why do you think there is an increase in burglaries this year?

Ryan: It’s an up and down cycle. I’m not sure why it got higher this year than last year.

TO: Do you have any current leads on the recent burglaries?

Ryan: We are currently working on several leads.

TO: What do you do to protect your home?

Ryan: [laughs] I also have an alarm system, and I cooperate with my neighbors; we look out for each other.

—Compiled by Joseph Lin

15

The perfect Palo Alto bubble bursts

Niki Mata Is Palo Alto really the “safe and secure” residential community we think it is? Just this year, a series of robberies occurred, and one of them, I am still shocked to say, happened in my very own home.

In the city of Palo Alto, one rarely expects a major crime to occur. We live our daily lives nonchalantly, under the impression that no incident will ever compromise the security that is supposed to be a defining characteristic of our town. When someone in another city hears of a robbery, it probably does not have the same impact it has on the people living here. This new “trend” in Palo Alto is certainly one that has negatively affected many residents and has taken away the strong sense of protection we once felt within our Palo Alto homes.

The unexpected robbery that took place in my house happened on a typical Wednesday afternoon in March. Fortunately for me, my mom was coming home early that day, so I did not have to face the unfortunate event alone. Upon arriving home after school as I did every afternoon, everything appeared normal at first. However, soon after, it was clear that there was no longer any semblance of normalcy in the house. My mom and I saw that all the drawers in the first room we entered were open. Further down the hall, more disarray was apparent. Immediately, we knew what had happened and were clutched by a sense of shock and fear. The adrenaline rush that came with discovering that someone had broken into our home forced us to rush outside and call the police.

When the police arrived, they made sure no one was inside the house, and then led us through each room while they inspected the damage that had been done. Every room was turned upside down, and we soon realized that the robbers had taken a significant number of our belongings—our game system, laptop, iPod and camera, among other things.

The police deduced that the robbers gained entry into the house through the garage, but the robbers’ methods were not perfectly clear. They informed us that burglaries were becoming increasingly common in Palo Alto, but I was truly surprised to hear that. I had never heard of any robberies occurring before this event, and never would have thought that such an incident would repeatedly occur in a seemingly secure residential community such as Palo Alto. When the police left, I recounted to myself all that was stolen, and could not help but feel melancholy.

I no longer feel as safe under the same roof that I had once thought was a safeguard against everything threatening. Even though I knew that robberies happen all the time to many people, the fact that it had happened to me was something that I could not grasp immediately. I could hardly fathom the fact that strangers had traipsed through my home and had taken away my personal belongings—items that people had thoughtfully given to me, and that were highly valuable. How could someone be so inconsiderate? I simply could not get over my misfortune. More to my dismay, the robbers were never caught.

It’s been nine months since and, in retrospect, it sometimes feels like it wasn’t a huge deal. But I still think about it whenever I am home alone, and the memories still continue to make me feel unsafe. If there’s something I’ve learned from this event it’s that, as cliche as it may sound, anything can happen, even when one least expects it. I encourage everyone to forget the fact that Palo Alto is known to be a safe community, and to take precautions by being extra vigilant in securing their homes, because even if you think you’re safe, it doesn’t hurt to take extra measures to ensure that you truly are.

—Mata, a junior, is a Features Editor.

16

Features

The Oracle

Amigos creates volunteer opportunities for students

Participants travel to Latin America to experience cultural exchange and spend time with new families Wen Yi Chin Sports Editor

Every year, high school students across America have the opportunity to volunteer their service for a variety of Latin American communities through Amigos de las Americas (Amigos), a national non-profit organization that requires extensive time and training.

Six students from Gunn are part of the Amigos program this year, including senior Annika Christensen, juniors Mackenzie Ruehl and Rachel Wittenauer and sophomores Shaya Christensen, Anna von Clemm and Russell Savage. Annika and Ruehl are both part of the training staff, which is a group of returning Amigos volunteers who prepare the newcomers for their trip.

“Amigos is an organization that promotes community development, youth leadership and multicultural understanding,” Ruehl said. Volunteers spend six to eight weeks during the summer in their host community.

Host communities vary from year to year, but are usually in Mexico, the Dominican Republic, Costa Rica, Panama, Nicaragua and Honduras.

The volunteers live with a host family that is responsible for their safety and well-being, and work with communities in groups of two or three other Amigos peers.

The process starts in October with recruitment. The training staff is responsible for sending mass e-mails and giving presentations to Spanish classes to try to attract potential volunteers. “I thought it was an interesting opportunity, but I wasn’t able to find time over the summer this year,” junior Kevin Shin said. “I think, however, it is a fantastic opportunity because it allows the student to leave the comfort of their own homes.”

mer, helped the village to build three bus stops.

In addition to the CBI, they are also assigned another job, such as teaching classes in Spanish about health or environment. “ My l e a s t favorite part of Amigos has to be the first couple of weeks [in the host community],” junior veteran volunteer Audrey Buatois said. “You have to adjust to being where you Courtesy of the Ruehl Family are because you Junior Mackenzie Ruehl poses with a class in Mexico in the Amigos program. were just suddenly thrown Students who are interested in the “My favorite part [of Amigos] is into a new culture and language. program must attend several meet- getting to know the culture,” Ruehl But after you get used to it, it’s great.” ings and an interview before being said. “It’s rewarding to help people Buatois went to Mexico this summer admitted to the program. but the main purpose is to experi- as part of the Amigos program.

“It becomes pretty apparent in ence the culture of another country Prior to the actual trip, the volthe interviews how interested the at a level that is rarely understood. It unteers are required to undergo students are and what their commit- changes your perspective and gives extensive leadership and language ment level is,” Ruehl said. “And this you an important multicultural vision training because the locals in rural year we picked such a charismatic that helps us become responsible hu- Latin America generally only know and energetic group—it’s great. We man beings.”

Spanish. While fluency in Spanish have a great diversity of volunteers While service projects vary from is not required, all volunteers must and you can really tell that these community to community, the volun- have taken at least two years of people are willing to give [Amigos] teers have a purpose to accomplish by Spanish. their best effort.” the end of their stay. Within the first “It was really frustrating to have Once selected to be an official week of their arrival, all volunteers to speak Spanish all the time at Amigos volunteer, the training be- are required to call a town meeting first,” Ruehl said. “I was using the gins and lasts until the actual trip to discuss what the villagers would classroom Spanish that I knew and in the summer. Volunteers fill out a like to see worked on. This is called I was shy. I completely lost my abilrequest form, rank which communi- the Community Based Initiative ity to communicate effectively and ties they would like to volunteer in (CBI), for which the volunteers ap- eloquently when I went to Mexico. and submit it to the Amigos office in ply to the host country’s government I’m fluent in English but I’m still a Houston, Texas. The country assign- for funds. For example, Ruehl, who big time student when it comes to ments are not released until March. was in Michoacán, Mexico last sum- Spanish.”

The training program for Amigos is separated into three periods: fundraising, service learning and multicultural understanding.

According to Ruehl, the cost of this program is $2500, which is paid in monthly installments. As a result, volunteers are required to sell 50 boxes of grapefruits for $20 per box and 75 poinsettias at $13 per plant. “[Volunteers] need to have the ability to fundraise in order to successfully implement their project,” Ruehl said.

As a part of the service-learning portion, volunteers have to facilitate a class for two Saturdays at Castro Elementary School. By teaching other children who, according to Ruehl, speak mostly Spanish, it forces the volunteers to practice their communication skills.

“It was a growing experience for me because I became more independent,” Buatois said. In addition, it helps the volunteers design and implement a lesson plan successfully.

While the idea of volunteering and culture immersion might be appealing to some, others are skeptical about the trade off. “I think that many love the challenges, but others are deterred by them,” Shin said. “I wasn’t too crazy about the fact that not only is it over the summer, but it’s also time-consuming. You’ll have to live apart from your family and speak in a different language.”

However, Buatois had a positive experience with Amigos. “It’s a oneof-a-kind experience, and being a part of Amigos is probably one of the best decisions I’ve made,” she said.

Students can help support the 2008 Amigos group by purchasing a box of grapefruits or poinsettias from Shaya Christensen, Savage, von Clemm or Wittnauer.

Bathroom stall graffiti makes its way around campus Joseph Lin & Veronica Polivanaya

Reporter & Entertainment Editor

Each time you venture out on a bathroom break, the first thing that captures your attention is undoubtedly the bathroom graffiti. From huge eyes that seem to watch your every move to scratched-out derogatory terms, bathroom graffiti is anything but boring. But who draws these creations, and what are the motives behind them?

Sometimes, students engage in conversations with other students on bathroom walls. Popular conversation-starters range from “I was here” and “I love cake” to opinions about teachers, students or Gunn in general. “Some [graffiti] is stupid, some is mean and some is bad because a lot of people insult each other,” sophomore Julia Tang said.

On the other hand, graffiti can prove to be meaningful and even inspirational at times. “This one time someone wrote ‘The meaning of life is to persevere in spite of hardships’ in one of the boys’ bathrooms and someone underneath it wrote ‘that’s deep,’” senior Aurelien Chu said. Bathroom graffiti serves as an art palette as well as a public forum.

“I’ve read some inspirational stuff and I’ve read some stuff or less removable, but if it is not, the custodians have that made me laugh out loud,” sophomore Kevin Gao said. to file a report to the district in order for the wall to be “It’s like a form of art for the public to see.” repainted.

Although sometimes positive, the majority of bathThe “Echo” movement consisted of several seniors room graffiti tends to lean towards depressing, negative who, as a prank, wrote the word “Echo” in a creative manand inappropriate statements. “Back when the library ner throughout the school campus. The movement began bathrooms were nice and new, someone spray painted a at the end of last year and spread like a virus throughout perfectly stenciled ‘The government doesn’t care about Palo Alto bathrooms. “I have seen ‘Echo’ before on camyou,’” senior Jeffrey Coonen said. Some students even go pus, but I never totally understood what [it] meant,” Gunn so far as to deck out the walls in poetry, either self-written alumnus Helen Guo said. “I remember hearing about Echo or previously written by another author. “I saw [a poem] through students gossiping. I thought it was a good joke that said something along the lines of ‘If I die tonight, it and then I saw it in the bathroom later.” will all be okay because I have no one to remember me by,’” senior Yana Vashchenko said.

Bathroom graffiti can be irritating at times, but for the most part, students view it as a form of creativity rather than a type of vandalism. “I don’t think it’s that big of a problem, just a bunch of kids trying to express themselves through a bathroom wall,” Gao said. “Now if they broke the toilet, that would be an issue. But, in terms of just a few words here and there, I don’t mind at all.” Although creative at times, bathroom graffiti can also seem useless and completely unnecessary.

“I think, like so many forms of expression, it’s a double-edged sword—it can be great and entertaining, except then sometimes it just says ‘your mom,’” Coonen said.

Although students may see little to no harm in drawing on bathroom walls, the custodians are greatly affected by the damage. “We try our best to clean [the Philip Sun bathrooms] every day, especially when Bathroom graffiti is an annoyance to some and it’s gang-related,” custodian Luciano a form of entertainment to others.

Hernandez said. Usually graffiti is more

Entertainment

Monday, December 15, 2008

17

Fashion vs. function: A flurry of warm winter styles Cute in the cold

Radiant in the rain

Wonderful in the wind

Photos by Matt Lee, Henry Liu, Maverick Mallari, Philip Sun, Cosmo Sung, Ivan Yong

Sudoku Puzzle

top ten things to do on a rainy day

10) Leave Facebook video posts for friends 9) Sort your wardrobe by color 8) Jam with your buddies on Rockband 7) Have an all-day movie marathon 6) Leave your car out for a good free wash 5) Puddle hop 4) Dance in the rain 3) Hibernate 2) Find out how many licks it takes to get to the center of a Tootsie Roll pop 1) Slip and slide in the mud

—Compiled by Matt Lee and Eugenah Chou

See the solution on page 20

1) Hey Stephen — Taylor Swift 2) Ain’t no Reason — Brett Denen 3) Cold Hands, Warm Heart — Brendan Bensen 4) Commissioning a Symphony in C — Cake 5) Designer Skyline — Owl City 6) Reaching — Jason Reeves 7) Hello Sunshine — Super Funny Animals 8) Song for You — Alexi Murdoch 9) Life on Mars — Seu Jorge 10) You, Me and the Bourgeoisie — The Submarines —Compiled by Nathan Toung

Courtesy of http://www.opensky.ca

18

Entertainment

The Oracle

The case for synth Maya Itah

This month, I want to talk about hurtful stereotypes. Forget about ethnicity, religion and nationality. Forget about high school labels. Fellow students: I may listen to electronica, but that doesn’t mean I have no soul. I don’t spend my weekends tripping on Ecstasy, I don’t have neon green hair and I most certainly do not dream of a world ruled by cyborgs.

In fact, I wish I could say I’m that interesting, but I’m really not. I’m just an ordinary high school kid with a deep love of Daft Punk.

So how do I defend this oft-pigeonholed genre? I could summarize electronica’s complex history, but attempting such a feat in this humble column would be like trying to detail the finer points of health care policy in a comic strip. Instead, I’m going to take on the most common misconceptions—and I’m going to do it point by point.

1. Electronica is for cold, robotic recluses.

False. The Eurythmics’ “Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)” is one of the most expressive songs I can think of; the singer’s voice sends shivers down my spine, and the synthesizer accompanies her rich, emotive singing perfectly. A more popular example is Soft Cell’s “Tainted Love,” an electronic cover of an old soul song that adds edge to the original version’s passion. There are plenty of songs that sound distant and impersonal, but they embody just one style. There is so much more out there.

2. Electronica requires no skill. I could make a hit song in five minutes if I wanted to.

I’ll admit that using a drum machine demands less work than meticulously playing a cello, but like with any other genre, a good electronic song requires talent and contemplation. So, let’s be honest—chances are, you couldn’t. A haphazard collection of beats won’t cut it; to make a true hit, one must have the ability to create that specific mix of sounds that gets people going. Take a look at Justice’s most recent album, “Cross.” There’s no artistry of the instruments-and-sheet-music type, but it’s fairly clear that there is thought to the gritty beats and insanely catchy hooks. In any case, you can bet the album was made in more than five minutes.

3. There is only one good electronic song, and it’s “Sandstorm.”

Kindly step out of the previous decade. “Sandstorm” is the title of a song that DJs always seem to play at school dances. It’s usually the only example of techno played, and to make matters worse, it’s not even that great. For modern examples of electronic dance music, check out artists like DJ Tiesto and Felix Da Housecat. The fast, energetic songs will get you on the dance floor as swiftly as any popular Rihanna single—and unlike both “Sandstorm” and “Disturbia,” those songs aren’t overplayed.

4. Electronica is only good for six hour dance marathons.

Some electronica, like house and trance, is made for that purpose. It’s fantastic music, the kind that calls for moves that are more creative than grinding the nearest stranger. Though some of it is jarring and angry, like metal, some of it is as soothing as any good Sufjan Stevens song; listen to “Flim” by Aphex Twin and try to tell me otherwise.

5. Okay, but still. I don’t do hard drugs.

What a coincidence—neither do I! Are all Grateful Dead fans acid junkies? Of course not.

Many simply appreciate a good rock song. On that same note, no one needs to pop pills to love a good beat.

Now that I have hopefully tackled your most prevalent objections, I would like to end this column with an ancient proverb: don’t hate. Appreciate.

—Itah, a senior, is a Forum Editor.

Melissa Chan Reporter

Since its appearance in 2001, iTunes has emerged as a staple in the lives of millions worldwide as a revolutionary way to purchase and listen to music.

The ability to offer digital music over the Internet has existed since the early 1990s, but in recent years, iTunes has taken this technology to a new level. Just one click away from the music library, the virtual store offers a huge selection of music, movies, television shows, audiobooks and games. iTunes sales total 3 million songs per day.

After five minutes of casual browsing you can be introduced to hundreds of new songs through its wide selection of musicians and genres. Updated daily, the top 100 songs, albums and ring-tones can give you an idea of what music has been topping the charts lately. “It introduces me to new music,” freshman Tiffany Miller said. “I can buy it right away after listening to some of it.” iTunes has acted as a catalyst for many lesser-known bands to experience a sudden rise in popularity. A feature known as “Single of the Week,” gives customers a free download every week.

The single is usually from an unknown band with a promising sound whose genres vary from rap and hip-hop to folk and country. Metro Station, The Ting Tings and Sara Bareilles released Singles of the Week in the 2007 and with the circulation of their hit songs on iTunes, these bands gained nearcelebrity status.

“Genius” is a new feature that was introduced to the 8.0 version of iTunes.

By simply choosing a song from your library, a playlist forms with songs that are similar. “Genius is a great new feature,” freshman Gavin Kerr said. “It introduces me to music from less popular bands that I probably wouldn’t have found on my own.”

Surprisingly iTunes does not hold the music monopoly. “Wal-Mart is the number one seller of music in America,” economics teacher Phil Lyons said.

“Looking specifically at online sales [iTunes has], they only have between 70 and 80 percent of market share.” Walmart offers singles for the price of 74 cents, which is a definite draw for many customers.

Music retailers have felt a hard blow as a result of iTunes’ widespread success. All downloads begin instantly after

the purchase, saving time that you might otherwise spend going to a store to pick up a CD. “Ever since I started using iTunes, I haven’t had the need to continue to purchase hard copies of CDs,” junior Charlie Wang said. The online store is able to offer the tracks of entire CDs for less than the retail price. Tower Records, a dominant figure in the retail music industry, filed for bankruptcy in 2004. HMV closed all its US stores in 2004, in the same year Virgin Megastores reported a steep decline in sales.

However in a way, iTunes has revived the music industry. “Illegal file sharing was killing CD sales,” Lyons said.

“Legal downloads provided a growing revenue stream to help off-set declining revenues. iTunes just passed the five billion mark for downloads; that’s billions of dollars worth of revenue for the music industry.”

As for the future of iTunes, Lyons predicts that the products will become more diverse. “Music downloads are currently the bread and butter of iTunes but TV shows and movies, as well as educational podcasts will eventually take over,” he said. “User-generated content will also be a driving force in the future.”

Choir concert showcases originality Tenny Zhang

Managing Editor

Following the success of last year’s original-composition winter choir concert, “December Moon,” choir director Bill Liberatore is renewing the tradition this year. “This Winter Light” will showcase original Gunn-based compositions by students, staff, parents and alumni on Dec. 18 at 7:30 p.m. in the Spangenberg Theater.

Because the idea for an original composition concert was new last year, Liberatore only requested optional compositions from members of the Gunn community. This time around, he made composition submission mandatory for all choir members. “I started the Gunn Composer’s Project last year with a group of 30 to 40 student composers and lyricists with no technology whatsoever,” Liberatore said. “I am excited to see the project unfold again this year on an even bigger scale, with all 150 plus choir students composing and some valuable technology resources in place to support the creating, posting and sharing of ideas.”

Liberatore wants students to take advantage of the available music composition technology in their pieces. His essential question for the Composer’s Project was, “How can technology enable every student to compose an original, expressive piece of vocal music?” Using computer composition software, such as free Finale Notepad, composing music can be much easier.

“Composition can be a rewarding form of creative expression,” Liberatore said. “With the help of technology, a great song can come from any student, regardless of their musicianship or level of experience.”

The project stresses inclusiveness and requires choir members of all different musical backgrounds to participate.

“Composition is one of our main content standards for music

in the State of California, yet few teachers attempt to teach it,” Liberatore wrote on the choir website. “Using technology, I plan to emphasize the creative act of composing, as opposed to the technical skill of reading notes or notating pitches. Many great composers do not read music, and many musicians who read and play well are incapable of writing a song and sharing it.”

Students were given three levels of composition to choose from, depending on scales of musicianship. Level 1 was “Inspiration,” for the students without the technical skills to write out a song, but who could still compose in an improvisational environment, such as in a recording. Level 2, “Collaboration,” was for students who could notate music and wanted to work in a team. Level 3, “Motivation,” was for the more experienced composer who could work on his own and submit a fully notated work. Pieces from all levels were assessed based on four musical components: use of melody, use of harmony, use of rhythm and overall form.

Senior choir members McKay Daines and Calvin Latour submitted a piece titled “Hear the Bells.” Daines plays the piano and the tuba, and has been in choir for two years. Latour plays the guitar, and he took Advanced Placement Music Theory last year. “We wrote it as a guitar melody at first,” Daines said, “but it is being performed by the Chamber Singers.”

Daines said pieces range from eight bars of single note melodies to fully arranged four-page pieces. “There were a lot of excellent ideas,” he said. “We’re practicing a lot of them in choir right now, but Mr. Liberatore will pick ones for the concert very soon.”

“This Winter Light” is not only a holiday concert. “This concert embodies celebration, not just Christmas,” Daines said. “There are lots of songs even about Obama. It should be very inspiring.”

Entertainment

Monday, December 15, 2008

19

Kitchen serves Oaxaca’s finest

Family opens The Oaxacan Kitchen on California Ave., teaches Oaxacan cooking classes Shaya Christensen Reporter

At the Oaxacan Kitchen, tradition runs deep. The restaurant is small (1,000 square feet) and most of it is dominated by an open kitchen. Pots steam with seasonal soup and the cooks press fresh masa (corn) into tortillas. To owner and head chef Ron Kent, father of senior Caroline Kent and sophomore Andrew Kent, the scene is reminiscent of a Mexican fonda, a small restaurant in the middle of a marketplace.

A layer of low glass separates the steaming pots and the working staff from the counter seats where customers can dine. “This is the best seat in the whole place,” Mr. Kent said, pointing to a stool at the counter. “It’s really all about the kitchen.” Many of the cooks come from Oaxaca, and Mr. Kent said, “You can see that the customers are very happy—the ladies make the food right in front of them and just hand the food over the counter to them.” Mr. Kent and his wife Zaida, an Oaxacan native, opened the restaurant in August.

The small restaurant’s brightly colored walls are filled with photographs of Mrs. Kent’s family as well as people, food and festivals in Oaxaca. Mr. Kent remembers the first time he experienced Oaxaca.

Four months after he and Mrs. Kent

married, they took a trip to Oaxaca to meet her family. “We drove all the way down there, so we really got a taste of Mexico,” Mr. Kent said.

The couple teaches Oaxacan cooking at Palo Alto High School (Paly), Whole Foods Market and Sur La Table. In 2004, the Kents opened a stand at the Farmers’ Market in downtown Palo Alto selling móle, a regional Oaxacan sauce made of more than six different chilies with sesame seeds, peanuts, garlic, onions, raisins and Oaxacan chocolate, which is served with chicken and other meats or used in enchiladas or tamales. “That’s really the root of Oaxacan cooking: móle. Negro, colaradito, verde,” Mr. Kent said, listing traditional sauces, each made of a unique blend of ingredients and flavors.

“Oaxaca is known as the land of the seven móles,” he added. “We serve four at all times in the restaurant, and run the others occasionally as specials.”

Soon, the couple added chocolate and tamales to their Farmers’ Market products. They continued to expand their business, selling at six different Farmers’ Markets within two years. In 2006, the Kents decided to pursue their dream of opening their own restaurant. Finding a location for the restaurant did not take long, and the family quickly renovated the building. Mr. Kent designed the restaurant, including the tile work, and built the booths,

Matt Lee

The Oaxacan Kitchen on 2323 Birch Street is a refreshing retreat into the traditional Oaxaca culture. The family atmosphere lends cheer while the farmers’ market roots give it charm. chairs and tables himself, adding to the authenticity and homemade feeling of the restaurant.

The Oaxacan Kitchen is truly a family business. Andrew Kent spent his summer working as a cook alongside his dad, and he works at the Farmers’ Market stand on Sundays. “You can’t have a conversation in the family without talking about the Farmers’ Market or Oaxaca,” Andrew Kent said. “I feel pretty excited because I spent

so much time in Oaxaca. It’s nice having a piece of something you love so close to home.”

The Farmers’ Market lives on in the kitchen too. “It’s nice to be out in the markets and meeting a lot of the farmers,” Mrs. Kent said.

With these connections, the Kents produce seasonal dishes with fresh ingredients every day. “We don’t open any cans,” Mrs. Kent added.

“It’s really nice to actually know what you’re eating, to know what

ingredients we’re using. That’s really important.”

The fresh, homegrown style is deeply connected to its Oaxacan roots. “Food in Oaxaca is very good and very organic,” Mr. Kent said.

“As a Farmer’s Market business it is really important to keep it fresh as well as authentic.” These farmers’ market roots are clear throughout the restaurant, as are the roots of family that give the Oaxacan Kitchen its warmth.

Teen clubs hit Bay Area How to wrap a present Dana Li Reporter

For Gunn’s dance lovers and party enthusiasts, the Bay Area’s burgeoning teen club scene is shaping up to offer all of the scintillating social scenes and bass-pumping entertainment in new, high school-friendly events.

In the past year, new teen clubs or instituted “teen nights” at adult clubs have become increasingly more common throughout the Bay. Clubs and restaurants like Sunnyvale’s The Glow or Palo Alto’s Illusions Fayrouz Dining and Entertainment have begun to offer these occasional teen nights to meet the rising interest amongst high schoolers for large social events outside of school.

“Teen clubs are popular because they are a really new thing for kids,” junior Madeleine Traver said. “Teenagers are always looking for fun new ways to socialize and this is a perfect opportunity for them.”

Sophomore Kate Parkinson agreed that clubs offered an appreciated fresh scene outside of school. “There’s more freedom away from your school that let’s you be more independent,” Parkinson said.

Just like their over-21 counterparts, teen events offer high schoolers a venue at which they can mix, mingle and dance to pounding bass beats. What sets these youth events apart, however, is the distinct lack of alcoholic beverages and the strictly enforced PG-13 regulations. Most Gunn students cite this relatively safe environment as a major incentive for their trips.

“Teen clubs are really tame compared to adult clubs,” Traver said. “There’s high secu-

rity to make sure no one gets hurt so there’s no alcohol or drugs and the kids are just trying to have a good time.”

Other Gunn students are skeptical of the entertainment value of structured clubbing.

“I think for high schoolers, clubbing is something you do if you’ve got nothing else to do,” junior Alex Berenfeld said. “Why not wait until you’re old enough to get into a real club?”

Still others state that despite rules, the club scene can edge towards being too rowdy.

“I only went to The Glow once, but that night there were at least three fights,” Parkinson said. “It may have just been a bad night, I don’t know, but I didn’t go back.”

Students who did not have negative experiences also recognize the need to be cautious in a club, even one that is controlled.

“Just be safe,” Traver said. “A lot of the guys can be sketchy which is something you have to look out for. Plan a ride home.”

For those willing to make the effort to have a night out, one of the more popular venues amongst Gunn students is the Mediterranean restaurant and sometime-club Illusions. The events are labeled “All-Peninsula Under 18 Parties” and, as their name suggests, are open to students of any school who meet the age requirement. Events are usually planned and publicized largely through word-of-mouth and coordinators’ Facebook pages.

Tickets for events at Illusions can be found at www.brownpapertickets.com, where they sell for $15 apiece. Regular entrance tickets are also available at the door for an additional $10, as are $35 VIP tickets that offer unlimited non-alcoholic beverages. Illusions is located on 260 South California Ave in Palo Alto.

1.

3.

2.

4.

Ann Abraham 1. Cut your wrapping paper to the proper size.

Widthwise it should cover the face, left, right and back sides. Lengthwise it should cover the top and bottom.

2. Fold the paper over the package. Use one piece of tape for the middle.

3. Fold the corners down into triangles and then fold them into the middle.

4. Fold the remaining lip upwards and tape the center of the triangle. Repeat steps 3 and 4 with the other side.

5. For extra points use ribbons and bows.

• When packaging an awkwardly shaped gift such as a Martinelli’s bottle (A) don’t bother with an elaborate wrapping scheme. Save yourself the heartache and use a bag (B). Fluff with tissue paper.

—Compiled by Ann Abraham

5.

A.

B.

20

Entertainment

The Oracle

Dan Buckner

From fun day trips to unforgettable evenings, these seasonal date ideas are sure to inspire

Winter Lodge

Drive-in Movie Theatre Capitol Drive-In, 3630 Hillcap Avenue, San Jose

3009 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto, CA, 94306

Treat your date to an old-fashioned drive-in. Many movies that are shown in normal theaters are also displayed here, but you and your date will be able to watch from the comforts of your car. The price is $6.25 per person and you have to tune to a radio station in order to hear the movie. Make sure you park far enough away from the screen so that if you get bored, you and your date can play around with the stations and tune into another movie nearby. The concession stand can also deliver all kinds of food, from pizza to nachos, right to your car. Since drive-ins are more intimate than regular theaters, avoid any awkwardness that may arise by holding off on this setting until you and your date are really comfortable with each other.

Amarelle Hanyecz

Ice-skating is a great way to spend time with a date during a winter evening.

Even if neither of you knows how, sliding around on ice makes for great laughs.

Fake snow and twinkle lights create a romantic winter atmosphere. The attendants are friendly and quick to help with any of your needs. Ice-skating would make for a great date activity whether you go with a long-term “hubby” or on a first time out with someone. Winter Lodge would be a good place to go on a group date as well.

Have fun making up a game to play on the ice as well as hanging out on the picnic tables. The rink is open from 6 to 10 p.m. and costs $10 per person.

Sk yline

Amarelle Hanyecz

Christmas in the Park

Palo Alto, CA, 94306

Plaza de Cesar Chavez, Downtown San Jose

Christmas in the Park will be open everyday from 9 a.m. until 12 a.m. between November 28 and January 1, and is free of charge. This festival is filled with food, entertainment and elegantly decorated Christmas trees. Animated displays of Santa, the North Pole and other Christmas scenes are adorable and make for conversation starters. Take your date out for dinner in the area, then walk around the romantic set up and enjoy the holiday spirit!

Amarelle Hanyecz

If you and your date enjoy the outdoors, consider a date at Skyline Ridge. It’s located one mile south of the Page Mill Road/Alpine Road and Skyline Boulevard (Highway 35) intersection and is free to the public. With miles of beautiful trails and a gorgeous view, this park is perfect for a hike followed by a picnic by the sunset. The only downside is the long and curvy trip required to reach it. Also, make sure to bring a blanket, since winter evenings are chilly!

Sudoku Answers

Solve the puzzle on pg. 17

Amarelle Hanyecz

—Compiled by Amarelle Hanyecz

Sports

Monday, December 15, 2008

Q&A with Travis Cottle

Sports Announcer The Oracle: When did you begin announcing events?

Travis Cottle: I started doing morning announcements at JLS (Jane Lathrop Stanford) in eighth grade, but I started announcing Travis sports at Gunn during Cottle (10) the winter of 8th grade with the frosh-soph basketball.

TO: What first attracted you to announcing?

Cottle: What got me into announcing was that Mr. Froli, the frosh-soph football announcer, knew that I was good at announcing becase I did the morning announcements. He knew I was interested in sports from scorekeeping, and asked me if I was interested in announcing sporting events at Gunn and I took the offer because I thought it would be fun.

TO: Do you plan to continue after high school?

Cottle: I plan to announce through high school, but I’m not sure what will happen once I graduate. I would like to keep announcing, but I’m not sure what opportunities would be available to me.

TO: How do you prepare for what to say?

Cottle: Before every game I prepare a

Girls’ Cross Country

sheet about what to say leading up to the game. This is the only thing that I prepare beforehand for the announcements as well as bringing the rosters of the teams. I use styles of announcing from listening to Mr. Froli and Trevor Felch, former Gunn Announcer, to help me out in announcing.

Boys’ Cross Country

­­­­­ TO: If Gunn is losing how do you keep the enthusiasm going?

Cottle: This is the toughest part of announcing. When Gunn does something really well I will announce that with great enthusiasm. I try to play some music to pump people up in the next timeout or break in the game.

TO: Are there any things you must say as announcer and what are they?

Cottle: There is an announcement that I have to say before each game about sportsmanship and not having any illegal possessions at the game. Also, whenever Mr. Horpel or another administrator gives me something to say I have to say what they give me. Otherwise I decide what to say.

Boys’ Water Polo

MVP: Alex Berenfeld (11), Spencer Jones (11) MIP: Ben Hendricks (10) CA: Kevin Oyama (11)

Football

Girls’ Tennis

—Compiled by Alvin Man

™ Check out PASportsOnline.com and Express, our new e-daily

from Palo Alto Online and the Palo Alto Weekly. You can sign up now to receive Express via e-mail ever y weekday morning for free.

Express provides the per fect quick-read digest of local sports, news and events in our community from the last 24 hours to the next.

Sign up today to try at www.PaloAltoOnline.com

™ Express is a trademark of Embarcadero Publishing Company ©2008 Embarcadero Publishing Company

MVP: Lauren Ding (12) CA: Jill Lau (12), Karen Scrivner (12)

Outstanding Defense: Nikko Jackson (12) Outstanding Offense: Jermy Chamo (12)

MVP: Christine Juang (12), Monica Chu (12) MIP: Allana Booth (10) CA: Emily Zheng (10) —Compiled by Jeffrey Wang

PASportsOnline.com is your most comprehensive source for the latest on Gunn Sports.

Today’s Sports, News and Hot Picks

Weekday mornings via e-mail

MVP: Paul Summers (11) MIP: Tommy Huang (11) CA: Ethan Glassman (11)

MVP: Jenny Anderson (11), Elizabeth Anderson (9) MIP: Casey Lincoln (9)

WE COVER GUNN SPORTS LIKE NO OTHER SOURCE.

24/7 online

Most Valuable Player (MVP): Allegra Meyer (12) Most Improved Player (MIP): Lisa Fawcett (11) Coaches’ Award (CA): Tara Saxena (12)

Girls’ Water Polo

Girls’ Volleyball

TO: What are the requirements of being an announcer?

Cottle: There are no actual requirements, but I feel you need to have a great knowledge of the sport as well as a good public speaker.

21

Fridays in print

22

Sports

The Oracle

Niki Mata Features Editor

Consistently ranked as one of the top teams in the Central Coast Section (CCS), the boys’ varsity soccer team proved they are ready to do the same this year by kicking off the season with a 3-0 record.

“We started off on the right foot like our coach told us to,” junior Greg Albrecht said.

“He said that as long as we keep our shape and play our style of game we would win every game.”

Coach Fred Ferugut, senior captains Joseph Welch and Ryan Wood and junior captain Michael Starr are leading the team this year. The team won against Scotts Valley High School, 3-0, Homestead High School, 2-1 and Hillsdale High School, 2-1. During these games, the team was missing nine key players due to injuries and club commitments.

“Most of the players that are out were our returning varsity players, and the fact that we’ve come together without them and gone 2-0 [prior to the scrimmage] is good,” Wood said. “The other players have really stepped it up with minimal substitutions.”

The absent players all returned in time for the 2008 Winter Soccer Classic, a tournament from Dec. 1 to Dec. 6 in which the team tied their first game against Monte Vista High School in Danville 1-1, and lost their second and third games against Richmond High School and San Leandro High School, 0-3 and 1-3. The last game was tied against Newark Memorial High school, 1-1.

Despite the return of the team’s main players, the team lost 12 seniors last year and only has eight returning varsity players. However, according to Starr, the team will not suffer greatly from these losses.

“It won’t affect us that much this year,” he said. “We had good new players coming in and I think we’re a solid team this year. And our coaching is certainly very good.”

Two of the new players this year are freshmen Jorge Salazar and Cameron McElfresh; the team and its new members hope to win the league championships so that they can attend the CCS Championship in mid-February.

League play begins on Dec. 17 against Milpitas High School; the game against rival Palo Alto High School (Paly) will immediately follow on Dec. 19.

According to Assistant Athletic Director and previous soccer head coach David Burgee, the league schedule will be challenging because the De Anza Division of the Santa Clara Valley Athletic League has many strong teams and is one of the most competitive leagues. “My hope is that Gunn will be one of the top teams in league competing for a league championship against the other favorites such as Los Gatos and Palo Alto,” Burgee said. “This is a team that can compete with anyone and should advance to the CCS tournament. How far they go in the tournament is up to them. They are an extremely talented group.”

Gunn needs to score victories against Paly and Los Gatos if the team wishes to have a good league record. Gunn defeated Paly for the first time in five years last season.

Los Gatos High School is the current defending league champion.

In order to achieve its goals, the team will continue to practice hard and frequently, according to Starr.“We’ll keep on doing what we’re doing now by training and practicing, and our good team chemistry will manifest itself on the field,” Starr said.

According to Starr, the team’s physical and mental strengths this year include its overall team chemistry and its goal keeping. According to Burgee, another strength is that the team plays posessionstyle soccer and does a good job of utilizing everyone on the field.

As part of its training, the team participates in drills that represent posession and control of the ball during daily practices. The team has also started a ritual this year of holding a joint pasta feed with the girls’ soccer teams.

“The goal for this team is to compete at the highest level, dayin and day-out—to play a style of soccer that is entertaining, attractive and effective.” Burgee said. “If this takes place, the wins will come naturally.”

Maverick Mallari

Maverick Mallari

Philip Sun

Left: Senior Ryan Wood clears the ball down the field. Right: Junior Greg Albrecht attempts to beat his man down the sideline to get Gunn posession in Santa Teresa territory. Bottom: Junior Renzo Ortiz battles a Santa Teresa mid-fielder for control.

Santa Teresa converts on empty goal to beat Titans 0-1 On Dec. 8, the varsity boys’ soccer team suited up in the cold air to face-off against opponent Santa Teresa High School of San Jose. The Santa Teresa Saints started playing aggressively, and the Titans never managed to catch up, dropping the match 0-1.

In the first five minutes of the first half, the Saints converted off of a chaotic run. A Saints forward had control of the ball near the Titans’ goal. Senior goalkeeper and cocaptain Joseph Welch came out of the goal for the ball and was kneed in the head in the process. “The whole play was really chaotic,” junior Scott Baer said. “We all saw Joseph

was down, but it was hard to see exactly what happened.” The collision involved multiple Titans and Saints, and a Saints forward was able to gain control of the ball and score on an empty Titan goal to make the score 0-1.

Welch was taken out of the game with a suspected concussion. Freshman Cameron

Spotlight

Mari Ju

Sports Editor

McElfresh replaced Welch in goal for the remainder of the game.

The rest of the first half flipped back and forth between Gunn and Santa Teresa, but neither team managed to score again. The first half ended with an exciting play for the Titans. Senior Timo Schneider crossed the ball to junior Enzo Cabili, who then headed it to junior Paul Morimoto for a shot that bounced off “We want to be more physical the upper post. and control the clock.”

Santa Teresa — Konrad Guizinski (11) and Gunn battled it out neck-

What are your goals for the game against Paly?

and-neck in the second half. Both teams had many close runs, but every shot was blocked by the goalkeepers. “I was really impressed with our back-up keeper [McElfresh],” senior co-captain Ryan Wood said. “He played on his injury and made many key stops for us.”

The game ended without another goal, giving Santa Teresa the 1-0 win. “The game was a little disappointing for us,” Wood said.

“We played well but unfortunately couldn’t put the ball in the net. In the end, we were just unlucky.”

The Titans’ loss to Santa Teresa puts them at a season record of 3-2-3 as they near the beginning of league play. They hope to not only finish on the top of their league, but to also beat Paly for the second year in a row.

Sports

Monday, December 15, 2008

Danielle Aspitz Circulation Manager

Maverick Mallari

Maverick Mallari

Philip Sun

Top: Senior Nikki Bahlman runs the ball down the field while keeping it safe from the other team. Bottom left: Junior goalie Brooke Binkley catches the ball to save a goal.

Bottom right: Sophomore Diana Wise gives her opponent a run for the ball.

A new coach, playing field and division has set the girls’ varsity soccer team off to a new start.

After losing four players from last year and gaining two this year, the team is comprised of 18 players.

Juniors Sarah Simonetti and Brooke Binkley are the newest additions to the team. “We might need to pull up junior varsity players if any of us get injured,” senior captain Megan Clendenin said.

Seniors Emmiliese Von Clemm and Clendenin are the co-captains this season. Out of the 18 players, 12 girls have been playing together since freshman year. Additionally, most of the girls compete in club teams during the fall and spring then unite to play for Gunn in the winter. “We are all tight even though we are enemies during club season,” Clendenin said.

Simonetti seconded Clendenin’s claim. “Our strength is how well we get along,” she said.

The team’s strongest assets, according to coach Ed Cervantes, are its skill level and coherence. This year, the team moved down from the De Anza league to the El Camino league. “Our goal is to do well in El Camino league and get promoted to De Anza, and I think we are in a good position to do that,” Cervantes said.

“Playing together for so many years provides for a very unified group—the girls complement each other pretty well. Everyone has strengths and weaknesses, and they balance each other out.”

The first pre-season game was Nov. 22 against Burlingame High School, where the girls showed prominent

23

potential, according to Clendenin.

“You always get nervous before the first game, but we pulled through nicely to win and the game looked very promising,” Clendenin said.

The team also played in a tournament over Thanksgiving break. The girls won one game and lost two. “We played the winners from last year’s Central Coast Section (CCS), so the competition was tough, and yet the girls put on a great fight,” Cervantes said.

Cervantes coached Gunn soccer from 2000 to 2003, prior to returning this year. “The girls are still getting adjusted to me as a coach, the new style,” Cervantes said. Simonetti agreed. “Ed is prepping us really nicely, but we are still adjusting.”

Cervantes has noticed the girls play a great passing game, hold good possession and work with one another really well. He said the main target for this season is to stay consistent with their strength and stamina. “We have a high chance of getting to CCS, but I don’t want to jinx it,” Simonetti said.

Despite the fact that Palo Alto High School (Paly) and Gunn are now in different leagues, the girls played Paly last Friday. The girls all wanted to play them “because they are our rivals, and it was a close game the first time we played them last year,” senior Sabina Sood explained, referring to the 1-2 score.

Paly lost Theresa Noyola, a strong player who graduated last year, but according to senior Libby Burch, Paly still has a very strong team. “It’s an unwritten law that we have to play Paly,” Burch said.

Games continue through midFebruary, and the first round of CCS will take place on Feb. 17.

Girls’ soccer holds strong against Los Altos Copy Editor

On the evening of Dec. 10, the Los Altos Eagles defeated the Titans 2-1 in the varsity girls’ seventh match of the season. Coach Ed Cervantes said that although Los Altos took the win, Gunn played well.

“I’m happy with the way we played,” Cervantes said. “We knew it would be a tough game, and the fact that we were able to end it two to one shows how much we’ve improved. The last time we played Los Altos, we lost by a large margin.”

The game began with the ball in Los Altos’ possession. Gunn played good defense, but pressure on the Titans forced them to kick the ball out of bounds on several occasions to keep the Eagles from scoring.

During the first 10 minutes of the first half, Gunn mainly controlled the ball on offense. A series of quick passes allowed the Titans to move deep into Eagles’ territory, but the Los Altos offense made a comeback and scored 25 minutes into the game, making the score 1-0.

Los Altos continued to dominate until the Titan defense rebounded to take possession of the ball. The Titans made three failed attempts to score and ended

the first half ended with Los Altos in the lead 1-0.

During the beginning of the second half, both teams were at a stalemate. But five minutes in, a deep drive by the Titans allowed sophomore Erin Robinson to make a pass through the air to senior Libby Burch.

Burch delivered a header to score for the Titans. With a tied score of 1-1, Gunn and Los Altos went into a battle of defenses.

Later in the second half, senior Emmiliese von Clemm was injured by a trip from a Los Altos opponent. Just five minutes later, a small break in Gunn defense allowed Los Altos to score its second goal.

Los Altos’ offense continued to keep the Titans on a close defensive watch. Gunn’s final attempt to take back the game during the final two minutes of the game allowed senior Beatrice Strnad and Eleanor Greely to make two close attempts to score, but to no avail. Los Altos emerged victorious over Gunn with a score of 2-1.

“We’re definitely making progress,” Cervantes said. “Los Altos is a good team. We purposly scheduled our Los Altos match early in the season to prepare us for the league games.”

The Titans will compete against Archbishop Mitty today at 6:30 p.m.

Henry Liu

The girls wait their turn to warm up for their game against Los Altos High School on Dec. 12. Gunn lost to the Eagles 1-2.

Spotlight

Sarah-Jean Zubair

What were your goals for the game against Paly?

“Score first so that the pressure will be on them rather than us.”

— Erin Robinson (10)

24

Sports

The Oracle

Taking advantage of the snow Hitting the slopes runs in the family Sophie Cheng Copy Editor

Some grandparents enjoy bragging about the achievements of their grandchildren, but how many teenagers can say that they have a former Olympic team member for a grandfather? Junior Lizzy Burhenne grew up in a family with a strong skiing tradition that began when Lizzy’s grandfather, Hans Joachim Burhenne, who made the German ski team for the 1940 Winter Olympics, which was cancelled due to the onset of World War II. Despite this setback, Hans Joachim has published a book, “Sierra Spring Ski-Touring”, on one-day tours of 28 different ski peaks. A ski run on Mt. Walt in Yosemite National Park was also named in his honor.

According to Lizzy, her entire family inherited her grandfather’s love of skiing. The Burhenne family skiied at Lake Tahoe every weekend while Burhenne attended elementary school. She competed in slalom skiing, in which skiers swerve around bright orange flags.

Her older sister Catharine enjoyed powder skiing, while her younger sister Marie participated in mogul skiing, in which skiers pass between bumps called moguls. Catharine, a 20-year-old junior at Scripps College, taught kids how to ski at Alpine Meadows as part of the ski patrol during high school.

Burhenne first started skiing at age four, and began practicing with the Alpine Meadows ski team at age seven. She started at bronze level, but at age eight she raced at silver level just a few seconds away from gold, and the following year, she reached gold.

Burhenne participated in races every Easter and Christmas, and also paid to enter other race through-

out the year. She won first place in a Christmas race at age nine and she placed her fastest time in an Easter race when she was 13 years old.

As Burhenne grew older, she gradually lost interest in skiing after discovering soccer and lacrosse in middle school, and quit skiing competitively in her freshman year. However, she still skis with her family for fun.

Burhenne said the most enjoyable aspect of skiing is the speed that she can reach while skiing. “It’s really fun,” she said. “You can attain speeds that are only otherwise possible while you’re riding in a car or plane. Other than car racing, I can’t really think of a sport that is faster, and that’s when you’re in a car. In skiing, your own body attains the speed.”

Burhenne described skiing as almost like “flying, but on the ground.”

Due to her skiing experience, Burhenne was able to learn how to snowboard in three days. While she respects snowboarding and considers it a fun sport, she believes skiing is more difficult. “I love snowboarding, it’s great—but when you’re snowboarding, if something goes wrong, you can just sit back on your butt and rest,” Burhenne said.

“When you fall while skiing, your skis go everywhere. Skiing is also faster, and plus, you have poles to deal with.”

Burhenne encourages anyone looking for a new form of exercise to take up skiing. “I would totally recommend taking up skiing because it works out muscles in your body that you don’t use for walking or running,” she said. “You can also get up to speeds that you can’t reach by running.”

The Oracle recommends premier ski locations outside of California Whistler

Two-time consecutive winner of Luxury Travel Magazine’s “best overseas ski resort,” the Whistler Blackcomb ski resort in British Columbia, Canada, is definitely worth the trip. Whistler contains more than 200 trails that make up over 8000 acres of skiable terrain. It has two signature mountains, Whistler and Blackcomb. The weather is usually stable and boasts a large annual snowfall, providing smooth slopes for all skiing abilities. For the non-skiers, Whistler offers a busy nightlife, as well as shopping, tours, mini golfing, sleigh riding, zip trekking and many restaurants to grab a warm bite to eat.

Aspen

Aspen, a European style ski village in Colorado, came in second for the “best overseas ski resort” at the Luxury Travel Magazine Gold List awards and is a popular skiing town for many celebrities. Aspen’s quadruple peaks, or as locals call it, “The Power of Four,”

comprise Snowmass, Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands and Buttermilk. Together, the four mountains offer over 5000 acres of terrain. As the most popular terrain, Aspen Mountain offers constantly recycled and groomed snow for steep and bump runs for intermediate to expert skiers and snowboarders. In addition to skiing, the resort also offers a wide variety of in town activities, including an open nightlife, theater and film festivals, shopping, dining and family activities.

Deer Valley Resort

Named the number one ski resort in North America

by Ski Magazine four times in the past eight years, the Deer Valley Resort in Park City, Utah prides itself on its customer service and quality skiing, and offers more luxurious facilities with classier five-star hotels.

The resort offers six mountains, each with elevations of 8000 to 9000 feet for uninterrupted downhill skiing and snowboarding: the Bald Eagle Mountain, Little Baldy Peak, Bald Mountain, Flagstaff Mountain, Empire and

Lady Morgan. Each mountain offers paved and unpaved terrain for different experience levels and allows skiers and snowboarders to gradually progress between easier and more difficult slopes. Though not as open to nonskiers during the winter, the area offers shopping and places to grab a quick bite to eat.

Stowe Mountain Resort

Though not as well known on the West Coast, the Stowe Mountain Resort is popular on the East Coast for its lengthy intermediate and advanced trails on Spruce Peak and Mt. Mansfield. Located on the front side of Mt. Mansfield, Vermont, Stowe’s “Front Four” steep runs—National, Goat, Satyr and Liftline—are known as some of the toughest runs terrains on the East, with tricky paths and unmarked obstacles. Stowe boasts softer and smoother slopes, which is rare for the East.

For non-skiers, Stowe offers mountain and dogsled tours, shopping and various dining locations.

—Compiled by Jeffrey Wang Graphic by Nathan Toung