January Issue

Valentine’s Day Grams

Prove your love in our next issue. The Highlander will be publishing Valentine’s Day grams for students and staff members for only $4. Be sure to include a short message, who it is from, and who it is for. Send the gram to jraisner@seq.org or drop by Mr. Raisner's room in A14. The personalized grams will appear in the February issue which will come out just before Valentine's Day. All grams will be designed by the Highlander's graphic design team.

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Carlmont High School Newspaper Volume I, Issue iv - January 2009

Carlmont football -

Why don’t we win?

By Christina Belasco Entertainment Editor

Blogging - the new news

By Laney McGrew

2009 Flashbacks

According to varsity captain David ZepedaC a m p o s , "There was a lot of conflict.

There were Carlmont can’t quite keep up with the fights between opposition during the Homecoming players and game. raised all the money for the parents. The new jerseys all by ourselves. team wasn't close together."

No sports team will ever The school had nothing to win if their minds aren't do with the lights." He also fully focused on winning. added that "If the school was As varsity girls basketball more involved it would help coach Ms. Irene Olivera says, convert to wins."

When the administration "You'll only go as far as the player who wants it the least." was asked about this, But Zepeda-Campos also Administrative Vice Principal suggested that drama wasn't Ralph Crame pointed out, the only issue this year. "We See Football on page 10

By Noele Pennington and Daniel Rubinstein Staff Writers

As most of our school knows, our football team lacked in wins this year. But not having talent couldn't possibly be the problem News Editor many of the players have been scouted and are going to Whether it be Perez see what's been happening. play in colleges.

So if our team had all Hilton or Coilhouse, blogs With easily accessible blogs the talent in the world, have become increasingly like TMZ, people can find out influential in the news realm "information" and continue why couldn't we produce of today's society. on to spread it around their consistent wins?

This year there has been How often is it that you pick school or workplace. within the up the newspaper to find out "People can find out about controversy football program, starting what's going on in the world? entertainment news easily But, then again, why should because it's all in one place, with the loss of head coach you even bother? It's much and people don't need to pay Mr. Dylan Shelley, and things only went downhill from easier to just go on the internet there. and check the latest blog to See Blogging on page 10

News & Opinions Drill, Baby, Drill

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January 2010

The Maverick Motto?

By Arik Schoessow Staff Writer

Throughout the past several decades, America has become dependent on foreign oil sources on a drastic level. Recently, thanks to such mavericks as Sarah Palin, the prospect of drilling for oil off the coast of Alaska has reached stunning levels of popularity and has built up a movement. Like a snowball tumbling down a hill, this spring of interest in offshore drilling has been founded on false hopes and doublespeak, which have slipped false notions of success into the minds of many Americans.

There are several problems with offshore drilling, many of which are things that seem so simple and blatant that it is almost hard to believe that people have beliefs stemming from the “truth” of these fallacies, quite a contradictory statement.

To begin, many people believe that offshore drilling will greatly improve America’s capacity for production of oil.

In fact, a poll was conducted among 50 anonymous students at Carlmont that asked them if they supported offshore drilling and why with the result of an eighty percent turn out for supporters of offshore drilling. Of those who supported the prospect, 40 people justified their support by claiming that offshore

drilling would give the United States a self-sufficient supply of oil. This poll sadly demonstrates the naivety of many students who will soon be of age to vote on such matters.

One major problem of the program is basic underproduction and lack of result, demonstrated by the fact that the current American rate of consumption for oil is 20.7 million barrels a day, meaning that the oil gathered (10 billion barrels) would last just sixteen months before being completely burned up.

Another major problem with the idea of offshore drilling is that the time it would take to bring the oil harvested off the coast is way beyond what most Americans in favor of the plan would probably find acceptable, the problem is…they don’t know that.

According to the Department of Energy, it would take around fifteen to twenty years for the oil gathered to make any impact in the economy of the United States, by which time the engine of American politics shouldn’t be so dependent on oil anyway, right? It should be running on the increasingly popular virtue of nonfossil fuel production and implementation.

Unfortunately for the seers of factuality, the couriers of logic and the heralds of honest truth, their views cannot be taken seriously due to the image potentially cast upon them if their ideas are to be made public. Today, anyone who is against any program that could possibly aid the country and slightly benefit the wealth of the nation is either a socialist or a sexist, making any group of intelligent and aware thinkers a group of male supremacists bent on converting America’s economy into a closed and government-run machine, sounds very frightening and imposing, and of course very un-American.

Politicians need to start being real. It seems that nobody is getting tired of politicians having their way due to lack of resistance, in turn due to fear of retribution. The American political engine needs a smog check, not to rid it of adamant supporters of detestable policies, but to rid it of the attitude taken by some of justifying actions based on hypothetical results and deluding people into becoming supporters of a mindless cause. As famous French author Georges Bernanos once said, “The first sign of corruption in a society that is still alive is that the end justifies the means.”

Equality

By Ashley Dierolf Staff Writer

Almost 50 years ago, Martin Luther King Jr. stood before people of all different races who had come together in order to support the equality for African Americans. There he preached his dreams of freedom for all and for the end of discrimination and injustice.

His speech would go down as one of the greatest civil right acts in American history.

Although African Americans and Caucasians can now eat in the same restaurant, sit next to each other at the movie theater, and even receive the same education in a shared classroom, equality still seems to be a big step for American s o c i e t y.

There’s no denying that racism has become less accepted and improved since the 1950’s, but it still may not be as progressed as it should be.

Racial slurs continue to pour down the school hallways, but are now directed at more groups than just African Americans. Almost every race has their own stereotype: Asians are experts at calculus, Hispanics come from only Mexico, African Americans are basketball players, Caucasians are snobby and rich, and Middle Easterners hate America.

Even though it is obvious these claims are false to the majority of the chosen group, people all around America are still saying them in order to feel superior to the other race. As one of the most highly developed nations in the world, there should be no reason for this kind of ignorance to still exist. Many try to blame racism on the way they were raised as children, but by a certain age, there is a clear distinction between right and wrong.

With the country in a rescission, one would think that Americans would be more caring to each other, and join together to try and to lift the country

back onto it’s feet. However, even in times of need, racism is still strongly present. According to a graph by The New York Times, the unemployment rate of African Americans is almost double compared to those of whites, despite having the same educational level. Could this be because of a favoritism towards Caucasians, or simply a result of the lack of jobs present?

America is one of the few countries that can be considered a melting pot of different cultures, religions, and skin colors. Many look at America’s diversity as a positive quality, however, it may be the reason as to why racism and discrimination is still present. Each group creates their own little community, whether it be a private school focused and based around only one type of religious belief, or the cliques that make up a high school. Carlmont itself is full of many groups, but by looking around campus at lunch, one could see that in a way people of the same race still hang out with each other, rather than mixing with students of another ethnicity.

Not only are people discriminated against racially, but almost everyone has a quality or trait that at some point can be used against them as an insult; someone could be discriminated against just because of their sexual orientation, weight, height, intelligence, wealth, religious belief, and even attire.

As human beings, it is natural to be judgmental in certain situations, however, there is no reason discrimination should be accepted in modern society.

“America is one of the few countries that can be considered a melting pot of different cultures, religions, and skin colors.”

News & Opinions

Teen Suicide

Gunn High School deaths raise concerns

By Jenna Chambers Staff Writer

Someone commits suicide every 16 minutes making teen suicides the third leading cause of death among adolescents according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

There are several different factors that may cause a teenager to take their own life but the leading cause is depression and most often under diagnosed depression.

People who are depressed are often trying to escape a problem or situation that may seem impossible to deal with or live with.

Depression and feelings of hopelessness, as well as the lack of coping mechanisms and feeling trapped in a life with unattainable problems, are also contributors to suicidal feelings and beliefs that suicide is the only solution.

Other causes that may contribute to teen suicide include problems at home, school or friends, feelings of worthlessness and rejection, drugs and alcohol abuse, or not knowing how to grieve the death of someone close.

Most attempts at suicide are cries for help. Suicidal people do not want to die; they are more likely looking for ways to escape their overwhelming feelings and emotional pain.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported in October of 2009 that an estimated 500,000 teenagers attempt to escape the inflicted pains by suicide, though only about 5,000 a year actually succeed.

According to The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, suicide is more likely to affect adolescents ages 15-24 and it is continuously becoming a growing issue.

Gunn high school in Palo Alto feels the effects of this growing issue as four students from the school took their own lives within the last eight months.

Each of the four young high school students commited suicide on the Caltrain tracks at East Meadow Drive intersection in Palo Alto.

According to a train passenger “We’ve got another suicide” was announced by someone believed to be conductor of Caltrain just after 16-year-old Jean Paul Blanchard took his life by walking in front of the south bound train on the morning of May 5th.

The death of this Gunn High School student, marked the beginning of the rash epidemic of teen suicides from the high school.

Following Jean Paul Blanchard’s death, soon-graduating 17-year-old Sonya Raymakers who was fatally struck by a train at the same intersection on the evening of June 2nd.

A few days after the second tragic death, another 17-year-old student from the high school was wrestled down by onlookers after he attempted to end his life under the steel tracks of the Caltrain.

For the student body at Gunn and the entire community, the last months of the school year were filled with lots of sadness and sorrow, but the school’s tragedies didn’t stop there.

On the evening of August 21st, just days before starting her freshman year at Gunn High School, Catrina Holmes became the third student to commit suicide at the same railroad crossing as the previous two.

After her death, officials began calling the three suicides a “cluster” of suicides also known as a suicide contagion. Though suicide clusters are not a new phenomenon, they are rare.

A study conducted by the Suicide and Mental Health Association International, showed that every year in the U.S. 100 to 200 teens die by suicide clusters.

According to the Suicide and Mental Health Association International, suicide clusters have involved prison mates, marines and religious sects. But in the U.S they are found to be predominantly among friends or acquaintances from a single school or church.

Though officials had begun calling the suicides a cluster because of the similar ways in which each teen died, none of the victims were friends.

In order to prevent suicide clusters, The Centers for Disease Control recommend delivering speeches to avoid glorifying the idea of suicide and give counseling to the close friends of the suicide victim.

While students at Gunn High School continued to cope with all three of these horrifying suicides, the next one sent feelings of helplessness and shock throughout the whole community.

The latest addition to the suicides at Gunn is 16-year-old William Dickens who marked the fourth death on the evening of October 19th after he stepped in front of train at the same location as the three other students.

Each individual was dealing with their own issues and the train tracks became the easiest way for the teens to end their pain.

The Gunn tragedies have made the community more aware of depression, and the cluster of suicides has shed light on a very real issue.

It is important that people are aware of warning signs that may indicate depression in the people around them to minimize suicides. Some of the warning signs include: poor performance in school, lack of enthusiasm or motivation, withdrawal from friends and activities, sadness or poor self-esteem.

Other warning signs that may suggest suicide include: teens talking about death or suicide (even in a joking manner), showing dramatic changes in personality, showing signs of depression, withdrawing from interactions with family or friends, losing

January 2010

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Highlander Staff

Editor-in-Chief Dylan Coyne News Editor Laney McGrew Entertainment Editor Christina Belasco Scots Scoop Editors Sarah Biklen Savannah Jack Sports Editors Nicci Betteo Dana Bloom Noele Pennington

Staff Writers Hannah Abney Ashley Dierolf Joseline Diaz Lexi Friis Daniel Rubinstein Arik Schoessow Jenna Chambers Graphics Design Daniel Rubinstein Faculty Advisor Mr. Justin Raisner

Staff Blogs

Check us out on online at facebook and carlmonthighlander.ning.com The Highlander staff has started up blogs that will be updated weekly. Below is Daniel Rubenstein’s blog - browse over to our site for more.

NickToons Nostalgia Pt 1 : Rugrats What do you get when you combine brave babies with a world full of adventure? Besides a gnarly mess in the diaper, you get the captured hearts of America.

In August of 1991, Nickelodeon aired the first episode of their 3rd "nicktoon" called Rugrats. The show revolves around a group of toddlers getting themselves into mischief based on their own interpretations of the situations and occurrences that affect them.

Most kids born in the early nineties can share a common memory of sitting around in tidey-whiteys, eating dunkaroos, and imagining we were actually palling around with the gang while we engulfed ourselves in the glorious Sunday morning cartoon. Tommy Pickles is the audacious protagonist of the show, sporting a full four hairs on his head. Phil and Lil are twins and you could tell them apart only by the pink bow on Lil's head, as they both permanently wear matching jumpsuits. Chuckie Finster is the oldest of the bunch, but he isn’t nearly as adventurous as the rest, and spends most of his time convincing the rest of the crew that their ideas are scary and unsafe. His red hair and glasses only foreshadow his eventual development into a star wars nerd.

As if their lives weren't hectic enough, there's Angelica, Tommy's evil and b****y older step cousin. She routinely ruins the babies' plans of adventure and does all she can to keep them from having fun. Her polka dotted tights show that she means business. No matter the obstacles set forth, Tommy and the rest of the rugrats will continue to persevere in the interest of babies everywhere, "cause a babies gotta do what a babies gotta do." Stay tuned for more Nicktoons Nostalgia. - Daniel Rubinstein interest in things that they use to enjoy, beginning to give away possessions or has attempted suicide in the past.

One Carlmont student has personally felt the effects of teen suicide. Monika Skinner’s 17-year-old cousin, a senior at Carlmont at the time, commited suicide, a tragedy that would forever affect the family.

When asked what advice she would give to teens contemplating suicide, Skinner responded, “Think about how its going to affect others around you and talk to people because there is always someone there for you.”

Often, preventing suicide includes treating teens for depression which is generally done by getting professional help such as counseling. Counseling offers depressed teenagers coping mechanisms or alternative ways to cope with life and gives ways to handle situations all the while diminishing their urge to end the pain.

If you know someone who is battling depression and contemplating suicide, you must not keep it a secret. It is crucial that you tell a trusted adult and try to get help.

Furthermore, there various suicide hotlines that are available 24 hours a day for anyone who is depressed or having suicidal thoughts.

Sequoia Teen Wellness Center 650.366.2927

California Youth Crisis Line 1.800.843.5200.

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January 2010

Entertainment

Dress to Impress - how and where to shop for formal

By Hannah Abney Staff Writer

Winter wonderland? Formally wondering what to wear land.

Winter formal is just weeks away: on January 23.

By then ladies must have a fabulous dress that no other girl will be wearing, while boys must abandon their dirty band tees and fit themselves in a crisp

place to start. The Great Mall in Milpitas is well...great. They’ve got a tuxedo warehouse with special suit, that hopefully they’ll manage price breaks for students. There’s to keep clean all night- ladies don’t also Burlington coat factory that has just about everything, its rumored dress too provocatively.

But most students don’t have the that they even sell puppies on isle money to spend hundreds of dollars five, ( this urban shopping myth has on an outfit they’ll probably wear for yet to be proven). And for those with more expensive tastes, there’s a Saks only three hours. So... what to do?

Well, shopping at outlet malls or off Fifth and a Neiman Marcus Last discounted stores is usually a good Call, which feature premier designer clothing at reduced prices- not a bad place to look for a stunning formal gown or fierce pair of heels, or even a nice tie.

For those set on not arriving at formal and seeing three, two or of stress. Just try to keep in mind even one girl/boy wearing the same that summer vacay is all the more dress, heels or rental suit, there’s two cardinal rules to follow: migrate close. and don’t reveal sources! Shop as Aquarius - Winter formal will far away from Carlmont as possible be a great destination to discover and never ever tell anyone, even a candidates for your valentine. best friend, where they can buy that fabulous ensemble.

Leo - This new year has Change Boys, there’s always Men’s written all over it for you Wearhouse to try; and ladies there’s a lovely dress shop called Nicole’s Libra - Last year at Tanforan mall which has dresses priced as low as $80. you faced many But if $80 is too over-exceeding on challenges but the budget, don’t be discouraged. The it seems that

Horoscopes

What’s your destiny?

Pisces ­­- Leftover Poinsettias from the holidays will bring good luck to your family and home.

Gemini - Sick of having that old Santa sweater laying around? Donate it to a local charity or a thrift store and it will leave you feeling great.

Cancer - A trip to the snow is in your near future...

Taurus - You should purchase your formal dance ticket as soon as possible. Otherwise, your night could end up being a disaster.

Scorpio - Scarves are in! Trendy, comfy, and cute. They may just be the completion needed for your outfit.

Capricorn - Trying to get back into the swing of things after winter break may cause a wave

those challenges will clear up for you this semester

Aries - With a little more studying your semester grade will jump way up from last semester Virgo - Warm shoes, gloves, and hot chocolate will make this winter the perfect one Sagittarius - Whether you’re a freshman or a senior this January will be a great kick start too 2010

photo by Dana Bloom

Freshmen Backpacks

These enormous backpacks that look more like they belong on a pack mule than a student are among the telling signs of who is a Freshman in the halls of Carlmont.

dresses at forever 21 and H & M, if selected carefully, can be great formal dresses, just be sure to visit a larger store, like the forever 21 at Union Square in SF and the H & M up the block, they’ll have a larger selection to choose from.

There’s also always thrift or vintage stores. To be truly unique, boys can wear a vintage 70s suit, much like the tacky corduroy ensembles seen on “That 70’s Show.” Ladies, it’s in style, and it’s fabulous, try and find an 80s dress at the local thrift store, that’d be a way to make an unduplicable statement.

Either way, whether the look is $50 or $200, the real way to have a killer look is to WORK IT! Ladies own what you wear. Know the look is hot and wear it that way.

Men, whether the tuxedo, suit, whatever, is rented or not, get a suave walk going, not a Tyra Banks model walk, but maybe try a masculine take on the sort-a Tyrone Banks model walk so to speak.

Any look, no matter where it’s been purchased or how much it costs, can’t be pulled off unless it’s worked well.

So ladies and gents, go shopping, get dressed, and strut onto the dance floor.

Confessions of a Shopaholic

By Hannah Abney Staff Writer

Calling all shopaholics: be brave and anonymously admit to having a disease.

Shopaholic-ism, although not yet recognized as a disease by the American Medical Association, is a serious problem.

Shopaholics, people who find pleasure in shopping and purchase more than they can afford on a regular basis, meet more frequently than any other anonymous group. Unlike AA (alcoholics anonymous), whose members generally meet for a few hours once or twice a week, Shopaholics meet everyday for hours on end at the mall and the hundreds of stores surrounding it.

As a certified Shopaholic, this subject is one that is very close to heart. It’s truly tragic that doctors will not acknowledge Shopaholic-ism as a disease, nor will they prescribe prosaic or morphine to dull the pain of shopping withdrawals;which can be horrendous, entailing hours upon hours of shaking, and the inescapable need for new merchandise.

Bottom line: shopping is fabulous. The purchase of new clothing, or new See Shopoholic on page 8 video games even, new anything- can feel

Entertainment How To: Keep up with the times

By Sarah Biklen

January 2010

Page 5

Event Calendar

By Ashley Dierolf Staff Writer

Local Shows

Staff Writer

2010 has finally come, and with it’s arrival so have many changes as well as questions. The Oughts or Naughts (which were common terms used to describe the 2000s decade) have ended and have we embraced the tens? The twenty tens? The tweens? I guess it is up to interpretation.

Speaking of language, there seems to be a rise of new trendy technology terms that have appeared recently. Apparently it is grammatically acceptable to take the name of a Website and add “ing” to it, forming a verb. Facebooking, Youtubing, Blogging, Twittering-some of these are popular words in our vocabularies. What is the fate of the dictionary if these terms continue to generate buzz? We’ll just have to wait to find out.

Another recent breakthrough among teens is sexting. According to Wikipedia, “sexting is the act of sending sexually explicit messages or photos electronically, primarily between cell phones.” Sexting was recorded as early as 2005 but there has been a recent outbreak since the end of 2009 and it has not Weezer slowed in the new 7:30 PM on Saturday, era. It is estimated that 80% of teens January 9th at the Bill 13 - 17 and 93% of Graham Civic Auditoyoung people 18 24 use cellphones, rium in San Francisco according to USA Today, and out of those around Switchfoot 48% of teens and 8:00 PM on Saturday, 64% of young adults have been January 9th at The Reinvolved in some gency Ballroom in San form of sexting.

Well, those 48 percent better be careful, because there are serious legal Francisco consequences for minors. Unknown to many teens is that it is considered child pornography to create, transmit, or even possess a nude, semi-nude, or sexually explicit image of a minor. It can lead to prosecution on the state Sonic Youth or federal level and can even lead to having to register as a sex offender.

8:00 PM on Sunday, Advice? Keep the texts PG. Not all new breakthroughs in language will lead to federal prosecution. January 10th at the FillA new fad among teenagers is talking as if you are texting. Words such more in San Francisco as ily (pronounced ill-ee, to signify “I love you” without all the emotional attachment that usually comes with the phrase) and omg (pronounced oh-emgee to mean “oh my god”) have made the leap off of the phone screen and into Ying Yang Twins our word banks. We might as well be called the Convenience Generation.

As far as fashion goes, it seems moccasins are coming close to Uggs on the 9:00 PM on Thursday, roster of most comfortable shoe. Moccasins are much easier to slip on and off January 14th at the Voothan Uggs and there are a greater variety of styles and shapes- among these are leather moccasins, fleece moccasins, suede moccasins, calfskin moccasins, doo Lounge in San Jose and sheepskin moccasins; and that is just the beginning. Pea coats and leather jackets have also come in style this winter. And, if you are still stuck in summer and don’t mind a mild case of hypothermia, you can probably still purchase the popular high-waisted skirt.

Also pertaining to fashion, it seems that many teens, mainly girls, have embodied the “just got out of bed style.” You are bound to see at least one person walking around in pajamas or sweats with fuzzy slippers on his or her feet during the school day. Another trend is loose or messy buns, in which a girl lazily folds Everything Your Soccer Player Needs and twists her hair into a hairband. It seems that comfortable is the latest fashion statement.

As through all generations, there are trends among teens that remain the same. Parties still go on almost every weekend, music tastes vary, teens spend much of their time social networking, and homework is the enemy. Hopefully 2010-2019 will be a great decade for all of us, but if not, at least you know how to keep up with the times.

Styx 8:00 PM on Sunday, January 17th at The Warfield in San Francisco Slayer and Megadeath 7:00 PM on Thursday, January 21st at the Cow Palace in Daly City Cold War Kids 9:00 PM on Saturday, January 23rd at the Fillmore in San Francisco Arch Enemy and Exodus 7:30 PM on Monday, February 8th at The Regency Ballroom in San Francisco

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January 2010

Scot Scoop

Monthly Quad Snapshot The Never-ending

Food Drive

People are still hungry after the holidays end

By Joe Pak ASB President

A cart leaves the Carlmont Campus full of waste picked up by loyal servers of detention. These humble students can be seen at lunch, beautifying the campus so that all of the rest of us can enjoy our days here at Carlmont just a little bit more.

Talk Back “Voluptuous, because it feels like a really curvy year.”

Chelsea Biklen ‘10

If you were to define A lot of stuff 2009 in one “Cool. has been happening.” word, what Brandon Fields would it be? ‘13

The fact that 1/10 households in America either goes hungry or does not know where to find their next meal is eye-opening.

Often times, these facts seem so unreal to us that it is difficult to visualize and understand their realities.

The stark reality is this: there are students and staff at Carlmont High School that don’t have a home to live in, warm food to eat, and a loving family to spend time with.

How can we help? How can we make a difference? Well, every year, many schools use organizations like the Second Harvest Food bank to help give back to their communities Our goal is to collect as much food possible so that Carlmont High School students and staff in need can take what they need to be able to have food to eat.

“Vivacious, because I’m a senior...duh.”

“New, because I went from 8th grade to High School.”

Hector Prado ‘13

This year, Carlmont ASB in partnership with other clubs and organizations on campus and in the community plans to hold a Never Ending Food Drive.

What is the Never Ending Food Drive? It is a food drive that is year round. There will be key collection dates.

Food can be dropped off in 4th period classrooms or specific, designated bins placed around campus. 4th period classrooms with the most food on the collection days will receive a pizza party. All foods need to be nonperishable.

“In 2007, 37.3 million people (12.5%) were in poverty.”

“1/10 households in America goes hungry or is threatened by the possibility of hunger.”

These are some staggering facts.

“Boring, because I’m waiting for 2010.”

Edgar Andrade ‘11

Jeff Wilfong ‘10

Carlmont students sort cans collected from 4th period classrooms

Scot Scoop

January 2010

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CARLMONT ALUMNI SHARE COLLEGE TALES

By Dana Bloom Sports Editor

Recent Carlmont graduates shared some stories about their first college experiences. These Carlmont alumni shared their likes, dislikes, and recommendations for and about college.

Nathaniel Berger, a 2009 Carlmont graduate is currently attending Syracuse University in New York. When Berger applied and was accepted he did not know anyone who would be attending with him. Berger mentioned, “It is hard getting used to living in New York,” he later added, “I live in the middle of nowhere.” For Berger, the greatest difference between high school and college is the difficulty of classes and living on his own.

When not in school, Berger likes to swim, hang out with friends, and play on intramural sports teams. Berger plays softball and tennis, which he enjoys very much.

He decided to go to Syracuse University because of the strong program for his major (political science) and he loved the campus. Berger has a special job at Syracuse University - he is on the community council. This means that he is a floor president, and every month he meets with other floor presidents and they plan events. This has helped Berger get more comfortable with the school. He said,” It helped me meet people. I am glad I did it.”

Jeanne Pastore, another 2009 Carlmont graduate, is now happily attending the University of Oregon. Pastore decided to go to University of Oregon because she fell in love with the campus when she visited and was awarded a scholarship to the journalism school. She also appreciates that everyone who attends Oregon is school-oriented and that Oregon is a PAC10 school.

Pastore loves going to school in another state; “I feel like I have so much more freedom, I can experience the different climate (rainy weather), and I get to know people who are mostly from Oregon.”

The University of Oregon is very large, with a total of 21,507 students. Pastore has joined a sorority, Chi-Omega, and absolutely loves it. “The sorority life is amazing.

My favorite thing about being in a sorority is making a difference for people in the community, and I will never regret joining one.”

Although Pastore believes that sorority life is amazing, she hated the rushing process, which she didn’t think would be so terrible. The rush process consisted of waiting outside of houses in extremely long lines, having 30 minutes to make a good impression, and then waiting to see if you were accepted. This process was longer than just one day which made rushing a drag. However, she is very glad she did it and got into the sorority that she hoped for.

Pastore loves the school and city and commented, “I love Oregon. I have met so many nice people and I love my roommate.” The only downside to Oregon for Pastore is the small dorms and disgusting bathrooms, otherwise Pastore loves college life.

Jodie Bloom, a 2009 alumnus of Carlmont attends Chico State where she majors in Kinesiology.

Bloom decided to go to Chico after visiting the school; the campus and surroundings made a big impression on her, “It’s just a cute place and it is a small town. Downtown is right next to campus which is really nice.”

Bloom lives in a triple (three people in a room) which was hard getting used to for her, but now she enjoys it. Her advice for anyone who struggles with roommate troubles, which she did in the beginning of the year is, “Be neutral.”

Bloom loves the college life and her hardest transition between high school and college is having big breaks between classes, Bloom added, “You don’t have class from 8a.m.-2p.m. You can go to class, go back to the dorm and sleep, and then go to your next class.”

As many people know Chico State is considered the party school and when Bloom was asked if that bothered her she replied, “Yes, because Chico students party no more than any other school. Chico is a great school and should not be judged on how it was years ago.”

The most important thing though is that Bloom absolutely loves Chico and has no dislikes.

College is a very different experience and can take a long time to adapt to. Getting involved is something recommended by the Carlmont alumni. This helps students ease into the college life and is a great way to meet more people.

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Features

January 2010

Letter to the Editor Editor, I was deeply saddened to read the article about school lunches by Ashley Dierolf in the Nov/Dec edition.

While I did agree to be interviewed

by Ashley and did provide her with information about the food program at Carlmont, some of my statements were misinterpreted and the article contained some inaccurate information about school meal programs.

While I truly value Ashley’s opinion, I would like to clarify some of the points made in her article: Public school districts are mandated to serve meals to all students and must follow the guidelines of the National School Lunch Program to receive reimbursement for meals provided to needy students. Program eligibility requirements, nutritional content, portion sizes, meal service accountability and food safety are just some of the many federal and state requirements that must be met.

Sequoia District uses the “Traditional Food Based Menu Planning” method, which requires foods from five “component” groups (protein, grains/bread, fruits, vegetables and fluid milk), be offered with each meal in the correct portion size for

high school age students. High Schools are required to use the “Offer versus Serve” system when serving, which means foods from each of the five component groups must be offered and the students must select at least three components. All of entrées offered in the school lunch program consist of at least two components (protein and bread/grain) and students must select at least one more component from the other three groups – fruit, vegetable and/or milk.

The $3.50 meal price includes any one of 12-14 different entrées offered each day, plus a fruit, a vegetable and a carton of milk. All items offered on the school lunch program meet federal and state requirements for nutritional content and appropriate portion size.

Food items are prepared daily in the District’s Central Kitchen Facility and are transported to each school’s on-site kitchen, where the site staff prepare additional items to be served. District Food Service staff prepare and serve an average of 2,500 lunches and 1,500 breakfasts each day. In order to prepare and serve so many meals in a short period of time, some “convenience” food

Shopoholic Plaza Florist and Gifts continued from page 4

uplifting and exciting. The mall can become a whole new world where one can reinvent oneself and unleash their inner creative genius.

Although the disease isn’t limited to girls or shopping for clothes, it preys mainly on the spirits of women.

Shopping is an art form, each person treks across the mall uniquely and searches stores in an individual way. More often then not, there are hundreds of copies of each article of clothing available for sale, which each person wears differently. It’s the art of expression.

The new artists of the day aren’t painters like Pablo Picaso, they’re designers: drapers and constructors of clothing, like Zac Posen or Vivienne Westwood.

Shopping is a collection of art; however, this collection becomes dangerous when credit cards decline from over usage and under payment of bills, forcing many to resort to “Confessions of a Shopaholic” star Isla Fischer’s remedy of freezing her own credit card. Having tried this, know that it doesn’t work, with the push of a button the bank can be called to issue a new card; which is what any die hard Shopaholic will do after an hour at the mall without one; especially in the mists of holiday sales.

Be brave Shopaholics, this paper, and the world understands and knows your disease, keep shopping and hope that one day we’ll find a cure for this addiction, or at least prescribe some sort of medication.

items are used – quality chicken and beef patties, sliced deli meats and pre-made burritos are used, along with a variety of fresh fruits, vegetables, breads and rolls which are delivered daily. A variety of weekly and monthly specials offer students an opportunity to try new things or revisit old favorites.

Snacks and beverages sold on campus must also comply with an entirely different set of regulations.

As of July 2009, carbonated beverages can no longer be offered during the school day. Food items and snack options that are not offered as part of the school meal must meet strict calorie and fat content guidelines.

Food Services is always working to serve students foods that are tasty, healthy and fresh. We value student input and appreciate your ideas and suggestions on how better to serve you. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or concerns.

Sincerely, Tracy McGuinness Food Service Lead, Carlmont High School

Carlmont Academic Foundation looks for volunteers

By Lexi Friis Staff Writer

The Carlmont Academic Foundation is a non-profit organization made to raise funds for the educational environment at Carlmont High School.

By fund raising through events and campaigns, the Foundation raises money to pay for essential educational programs which helps the quality of students’ education.

The Carlmont Academic Foundation helps expand and introduce programs to promote educational experiences and career exploration. To become involved, you can donate or volunteer to the Carlmont Academic Foundation. They meet every fourth Monday at 7:00pm in the Faculty lounge, and anyone can come to contribute ideas or just listen.

Administrative Vice Principal Robert Fishstrom adds, “It is a fantastic organization and it provides a solid effort in moving our school forward.”

The Real Heroes Among Us

By Dylan Coyne Editor in Chief

Society often labels heroes as super star athletes, musicians, soldiers and entertainers, people who do extraordinary things with their lives in ways that everyone can see. While those people might fit society's typical definition of a hero or a role model, often times the real heroes and extraordinary people are those who fall beneath the radar, acting courageously without ever being noticed. Senior Adam Louie and freshman Miranda Santana are two such people. Since high school began, both Louie and Santana have experienced loss and tragedy but are finding a way to bravely move forward and keep the memory of their loved ones alive.

Freshman year was exciting for Adam and Mitchell Louie. The identical twin brothers were looking forward to starting a new stage of life and especially about starting it together. Everything was going great until one of the brothers, Mitchell, who was on Carlmont's freshmen football team, began experiencing neck pain at practice. What was thought to be just a sore neck from football practice turned out to be Glioblastoma Multiforme, the most aggressive of the primary brain tumors, according to eMedicine.com.

Not only was the diagnosis a shock to his family but it also confused the doctors since it was extremely rare

for someone who was only 14 to develop this kind of cancer.

Needless to say, the Louie's lives would never be the same. Adam, Mitchell's brother, took it the hardest. "To me it was all kind of, I can't really say a dream, I can't really say a nightmare. The world didn't seem real," Louie recalled.

Throughout his treatment, Mitchell Louie put up an incredible fight but unfortunately lost his battle with cancer on November 12, 2007. After Mitchell's death, his brother Adam Louie had to overcome a lot and it is his battle to move forward and create positives out of this tragic event that make him extraordinary.

"Surprisingly, there's been a ton of positive things out of this. It's bitter sweet. He's not here, that's the bitter part, but the sweet part is that he's taught me more about life and what to expect out of it. It's opened me up to the world of the needs of others that are going through the same thing I've gone through...I know I'm doing stuff that I never would have done if Mitchell hadn't passed away. I feel the need to give back to the community because they helped us so much," said Louie Since Mitchell's death, Adam has done a lot to keep his brother's memory alive and to support other See Heroes on page 11

Features Did You Know...

By Lexi Friis

* Hamsters blink one eye at a time * A-1 steak sauce contains orange peel and raisins * Michael Jordan makes more money from Nike annually than all of the Nike factory workers in Malaysia combined. * The Hawaiian alphabet only has 12 letters * Grapes explode when you put them in the microwave * A goldfish's attention span is 3 seconds * Flamingos are pink because they eat shrimp * On average a human will spend up to 2 weeks kissing in their lifetime

Teacher Contest Winner and Answers

A) Evan Fitch B) Wesley Gough C) Sam Stockwell D) Harkrit Gujral E) Daniel Rubinstein (me) F) Kevin Bertolli

Congratulations to Joe Pak who had the most correct answers from our quiz last month. For winning the contest, Pak has won a free burrito gift card from Chipotle. Enjoy.

1. Ms. Ramroth 2. Ms. Cho 3. Mr. Nichols 4. Ms. Humes 5. Mr. Kauffman 6. Ms. Faupusa 7. Mr. Waller 8. Mr. Kelly 9. Mr. Miskelly 10. Mr. Selli 11. Mr. Guzman 12. Mr. Fishstrom 13. Mr. Raisner

Staff Writer

Around the world there are children with special needs; some are diagnosed with autism, Down syndrome, cystic fibrosis, among other illnesses. These kids require special attention such as helping them with day to day activities but more than that they need a friend to make them feel like they are accepted. One person making a difference in his community is Avi Vigdorchik.

Vigdorchik is a sophomore at Carlmont High School who is involved with a Jewish organization called Friendship Circle. Friendship circle is a non-profit organization where young adults are partnered with a buddy to befriend them and make them feel like they have a friend.

Vigdorchik is partnered up with eight year old Max, who is diagnosed with autism. “He’s just a big fluffy ball of love,” Vigdorchik said about his buddy Max. On Fridays and Sundays Vigdorchik heads over to Max’s house where they hang out. At first Max didn’t know who Vigdorchik was and wasn’t very excited to see him but once he

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2.1_BW_11x8.5_D21 © 2009 DriversEd.com

Page 9

By Joseline Diaz

Staff Writer

NOVEMBEARD ANSWERS from page 7

January 2010

proved himself to be a friend the two formed a strong bond. During their time together they like to go to the park and play tag or just sit at home and have a “lazy day” and play video games. But, their favorite thing to do together is baking. They bake cookies among other delicious pastries.

“It makes me feel good about myself that I’m helping someone else out who is less fortunate. It makes me feel happy, that [Max] is happy,” Vigdorchik said. He plans on participating in Friendship Circle all the way through high school and majoring in psychology. One day he wants to be able to open his own organization and be able to work with autistic kids.

And, if you’d like to know more about Friendship Circle and would like to volunteer, please visit www. bayareafc.org. If you or anyone you know is going out of their way to make a difference in the community or anywhere else, please let us know by stopping by room A14 or emailing us at jraisner@seq.org. Tell us, YRU Here.

Page 10

January 2010

Blogging

Extras

Football Continued from page 1

Continued from page 1

for it," said senior Sasha Trofimova.

Blogs are not only free, but have become more efficient than newspapers. According to the New York Times, bloggers have used wireless internet from their iPhones to update their postings from wherever they are. At the scene of a tsunami in Jaffna, Sri Lanka, blogger Fred Robart posted a photo of a blue boat smashed against a palm tree, stating, "every house and fishing boat has been smashed, the entire length of the east coast." Having the ability to access the web immediately and inform the public of current events gives blogs a major advantage over newspapers.

Due to a recent rise in environmental concerns, blogs top newspapers in terms of being eco-friendly. Blogs don't use excessive amounts of paper or toxic chemicals, causing them to generally be favored among environmental protection groups.

Although they provide similar content to newspapers, blogs appear to be growing more and more popular, specifically among the youth. Is one truly better than the other?

"It really depends on what you're looking for," explained Zoey Richter, junior. "Blogs are more biased while

newspapers are just trying to get the facts out."

Senior Devon Fernandez commented, "I enjoy the personal aspect of blogs.

They allow people to be creative and freely express themselves. If others don't like it, they can just get the hell out; it's not their blog."

Some people dislike blogs because they are "non-traditional" and don't fuel memories of waiting for the morning paper with your cup of coffee.

"I'd rather have a newspaper than read a blog," stated senior Kyle McKee. "They're easier to transport.

I can't bring the internet with me everywhere I go."

However, much of the youth appears to have an opposing view on the issues.

"Everything now is online," argued Richter. "I don't truly think the older generation understands the blogging realm, so they're the only ones who will still be reading newspapers. In about no more than 20 years, I think, blogs will be where people get the news from and newspapers will be gone."

"[Athletics Director] Patrick Smith did a lot of work securing the lights and making the arrangement for bleachers. A lot of the funding came from parents because the school can't afford it without their support in this economy."

Although loaded with talent, the team still faltered to a 3-7 overall record this season. This was in spite of players like running back Dylan Mendiola who has been offered a scholarship to play at Augustana.

Tenshow Streets was scouted and is talking to Hawaii and UC Davis about scholarships while quarterback Nick Passanissi is talking to Cal Poly.

Mr. James Liggett is the last football coach Carlmont has seen stay for more than two years at a time. "Since Mr. Liggett, the last time Carlmont went to the playoffs was when Ben White was the coach 6 years ago," said Mr. Crame. Although this year had internal drama but solid support from the school, the football team been able to produce consistent wins since the 90's and early 2000's. The answer may lie in solid, consistent coaching.

Mr. Liggett said that he started teaching at Carlmont in 1967. He was the frosh-soph coach until 1971

and the assistant coach on varsity until 1977 when he became the head coach. He remained head coach until 1991 and won seven championships in that time.

Carlmont alumnus Zack Mariscal said when he attended Carlmont from 1999-2003, "The football team was good to mediocre. I remember our team getting some big wins and some humbling losses. School spirit is like the weather; when teams are hot people get behind their teams.

When they stink people avoid them like the flu. That's how it was for us."

It is a tradition for high schools across the nation that don't have lights to play their games on Saturday afternoons. They do this so that all students, parents, and other supporters can attend, not just the percentage of the school that doesn't have 7th period and parents that are lucky enough to get the time off work to go.

If our football program is to return to its old reputation and play like they are capable of playing, we need consistency.

Heroes

Continued from page 8

children who have experienced loss.

"I'm going to be in a documentary that's being made about saving a George Mark Children’s House. I've been in S.O.S and shared my story with freshmen. I was also just interviewed for a T.V. program about kids that have lost brothers and sisters," he said. Louie can also be found in Ms. Shelley Bustamante's office helping other kids at Carlmont who have recently lost a family member.

One of the students that Louie helped was Carlmont freshman Miranda Santana, whose mother passed away on November 12, 2009, coincidentally the same day that Louie's brother, Mitchell, passed away two years earlier.

In July 2009, Santana's mother was diagnosed with Chronic Myeloid Leukemia after her spleen unexpectedly ruptured. "I was shocked because you don't usually think it's going to happen to you," said Santana.

There will be much to overcome before Santana can begin to heal but the optimistic and cheerful disposition of Adam Louie two years after his brother's death gives hope. When asked what has helped her to get through such a hard time Santana answered, "Being with my family and talking to Adam Louie."

With time, things can change. With time, people can move forward and begin to create something positive out of their pain. Why not redefine society's definition of a hero? A hero is someone who takes life's unfair circumstances and uses their experience to help others. This way, everyone has the opportunity to be a hero.

Extras

January 20

Page 11

Applying for college a senior’s quest The do’s and don’ts and the stress involved

By Hannah Abney Staff Writer

College apps, acceptance letters and decisions, Oh my!

The dreaded process of college applications starts for most high school seniors at the beginning of their senior year; which despite all its hype of being easy breezy, is really just crazy exhausting.

Most seniors have hardly any free time. In addition to swimming in a sea of college apps - trying to avoid paper cuts at every turn- seniors must also maintain their grades and attempt to stay healthy, as the epidemic of senioritis is looming.

To go to college or to live in mom’s basement for all eternity becomes the question, as the process of applying and waiting for letters of acceptance or rejection can feel rather hopeless.

Not only is applying difficult, as there never seems to be adequate time to complete an application(even after hours of work they never feel done, and there’s always some piece that needs last minute fixing), the chances of getting in are slim, while the cost is high.

Nowadays, many seniors are leaning towards the more financially appealing option of starting off at a community college and then later transferring into their desired school.

However, because more and more students are choosing this college route, many community colleges are becoming overpopulated, making getting into college even more difficult.

So what’s a senior to do?!

Well, the first thing is to breathe.

No one can go to college if they’re a corpse: the school would be unimpressed with their lack of effort in class, while the other students would complain about their bad b.o.

Realize that no one is perfect, and no application is either. In fact... that should be the point of a school: to learn. In an ideal world a student presenting the most learning abil-

ity, rather than existing knowledge would be accepted; making the getting into college process much easier for most.

If only life were so simple.

Put colleges on the spot, it’s students and their grades, not to mention their money that makes a campus prestigious, so students should make colleges apply to them.

And if students receive a somber rejection letter in return for their hours of blood, sweat and tears, and their non-refundable processing fee, well show some gratitude and send a return letter, a “thank you” so to speak. A nice bag of dirty underwear for the colleges to use as air freshener for their tacky offices that are no doubt filled with the smell of the drying blood and millions of ancient tears of rejected students.

College hopefuls don’t give up.

Overly priced colleges such as privates, UCs or CSUs, aren’t for everyone. What’s really important is for students to find a way, any way, to achieve their goals; whether CSM, UC Davis or mom’s couch is the solution, so be it.

Page 12

Sports

January 2010

JV Girls Basketball player Janelle Shiozaki goes up for a pivotal shot against a San Mateo player.

Photo by Nick Long

Photo by Dana Bloom

Photo by Dana Bloom

Freshman Natalia Manzanares fights her St. Francis opponent in order to snatch the ball away.

Photo by Nick Long

Photo by Dana Bloom

Suhail Mohammadi shoots under pressure against a San Mateo defender.

Sophomore Torika Ramulo skillfully dribbles around a St. Francis player.

Sophomore Liam Vickerman breaks defenders and goes up for the layup during a crucial moment in the game.

Sports Calendar Season Opener

By Nicci Betteo

Sports Editor

1/29

Sports Editor

Winter sports: basketball and soccer. The boys and girls who play these sports are hoping to take first place for their school this winter season. Many of the teams this season are looking to bring Carlmont down, but that will not stop the athletes from doing their best. Carlmont players always like a good challenge and hope to succeed.

The soccer teams have big competitors this season, but hope to bring them down.

Record: Girls Varsity Basketball- 0 wins - 1 loss Girls Frosh-Soph Basketball- 1 win - 0 losses Boys Varsity Soccer- Boys Frosh-Soph Soccer- Girls Varsity Soccer- Girls Frosh-Soph Soccer-

By Dana Bloom

0 wins - 0 ties - 2 losses 1 win - 0 ties - 1 loss 1 win - 0 ties - 2 losses 0 wins - 2 ties - 1 loss

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