Lorem Ipsum

LASA Ezine Spring Edition

May 2010

LOREM IPSUM

Austin Lifestyle Unraveled

Why Austinites love this city and no other.

MEGAN DEVINE

WOMEN SPORTS:

The extreme discrimination layed out on the table

*Her career, style and everyday life reveled

ALSO: METAL MUSIC VIEWED IN A WAY LIKE NO OTHER!

components of lorem ipsum

The Case For Heavy Metal Apperciation Or Degradation?

Mellow!

Our Own Korea Town Hardin’s Harmony Perfectly Normal Unwrapped: Rocio Keeping LASA Weird The Art of Friendship Snot Fuel Short Freedom Letter From The Editors

1 3 5 7 10 13 17 19 21 27 29 31 32

10

3

19 1

27

13

STAFF MEMBERS ONLY Sierr a First is 15 ye a L and d ady. She rs old and l r her f aw on peo ikes to da is an LBJ a n p on an vorite obj le’s hand ce, run, s e y s i idol i thing and ct and sh . Glitter ng is s e loves Britney S everythin throws i t g f that ootball a pears. Sh . Sierra’s ’s all n you n d living in e also rea eed t l o kno Austin. Y ly eah, w.

.

A a r ier

S

.

ho kid w d l o ear a 14 y imate and ed in s i r e Walk crosse, ult en involv s la be an plays t. He has de and pl ile. a e h r p trum ince 6th g ay for a w tal s w e music stay that ypes of m t o t na on it oys certain ome alter ng s i j He en long with he isn’t do , a e n c music ds. Whe sse practi n a ro tive b ork or lac found 360. w ly home is probab ying Xbox he pla then TV or g n i watch

R

is e n e a

h

a C.

R Walker

Ra e kid neish spo who a is a r gol ts inc enjoy 14 ye fa lud s pla ar o n gu ld yin ita d so ing Hig r. S ftba bas g ma k enr hscho he at ll as w etbal ny t l o o e l l n lled she an ds ell as , d L i a A s i sa s cu SA par n’t d f eve ticipa oing reshm rrent l n jus ts, sh ting i home en. W y t re h w n e en or ta sp thi l ng ax an kes t ortin k or s in h g d e life enjo time . y th t e fi o ner

point of interest: metal

The Case For Heavy Metal

Why it's Not What Your Parents Say it is.

Article By Walker R.

G

o! Thy tide float I am guilt and I am god. The lecture that crap your flesh. The whores that trace you. The blood reflecting white. The curse of your heart. Eternity.” That is what Infernus of the Norwegian band Gorgoroth sang on their fifth album. If you think this is what metal is about, then I think you are wrong.

If you take a look at heavy metal, you’d see there are people who listen to heavy metal that don’t head bang, and bands that don’t rely on their bass pedal for a rhythm section, and that not all of them praise the devil. I know some people would call me out and tell me to Google-search heavy metal bands like Gorgoroth and I would see that they really do praise the devil openly in their songs and other bands really do rely on the same rhythm, just with a different distortion. I’d just like to point out some proof that not all heavy metal praises the devil, is followed only by head bangers and uses the same rhythm.

That last thing I mentioned, about the rhythms, is also true. The drummer for the band TOOL, Danny Carey, rarely uses blast beats (when a double bass pedal is used to deliver a 16th note rhythm with a snare and/ or crash symbols on the beat, normally). There is one band I want to point out that uses excellent use of the double bass pedal and that is Slipknot. Their drummer Joey Jordison’s style I think is great. Usually his drumming includes starting with a blast beat, but he starts it from the bass drums and it moves into his toms. I understand if you start to think that things start sounding the same, but there are only so many simple rhythms out there. There are also bands like System of a Down who integrate other cultures into their metal, in their case Middle Eastern/Central Asian influences.

“If you think this is what metal is about, then I think you are

I’d like to point out my first fact. The metalcore band As I Lay Dying, when asked about whether they’re a Christian band or whether they are a group of Christians in a band reply that there is no difference between the two. They pull influence from their religion, along with the other things from their lives, and let it flow into their music. If you took a look at the lyrics for most metal bands, I see almost no way to actually pull a religious theme from it at all.

In the end I think there is more reason to believe metal is actually complex and stays away from the religion scene almost completely. Metal isn’t followed completely by head banging, moshing metal heads who think they are different from everyone because their music is different and metal definitely doesn’t use the same rhythms.

You might also notice that I said heavy metal isn’t all about head banging. I think I’m proof. I love metal, especially more recent metal, and I don’t head bang and I’d like to think that I don’t come off as one who does. There is also my friend Phillip Hawkins, and he loves old school metal like Iron Maiden and Metallica. Colin Ryan also loves extreme forms of metal like Deathklok.

2 Lorem Ipsum Spring 2010

point of interest: women sports

Appreciation Article and Art

By Raeneisha C.

H

er helmet is blistering and her hands constrained. Sweat drizzles down the side of her face as she enters the batters box.

Nervous as could be and their last hope, she steps up to the plate. “Batter up,” the umpire yells. Awaiting the first pitch, her coach sends her signs one by one. As she receives the final signal, the first pitch is thrown, then the second. Both strikes. With two outs in the bottom of the sixth she only has one more chance, one more chance to be the hero and one more chance to win the game. Just as the third pitch is thrown, a loud “You suck! Women can’t play this manly sport” comes from a male fan in the stands of the opposite team. The game ends as she was caught watching. At this point, you have come to recognize that your efforts are truly unappreciated.

I, for one, participate in many sports and understand the male point of view on the topic (seeing that I have a sports crazed older brother and competitive father).However, I don’t think men should receive any more notary acknowledgment or appreciation, athletic wise, then women.

Too many times have I seen male discrimination towards female sports. The minds of men judging the skills, adaptability and perseverance of female athletes who strive just to enjoy themselves, and in most cases, compete in the same frolics a man would. These days, with the athletic world broadening in terms of choice that an athlete has, it’s very unlikely not to find a dominant female influence in any sport, wherever you go. Yet there are a handful of men putting their unworthy and negative beliefs out into the world, which demonstrates their lack of knowledge, and respect, not only for themselves, but for others. Female sports are much less popular than men’s and fewer people will tend to watch them.

However, two wrongs will not make a right. Furthermore, female sports receive an acute amount of less money, resulting in smaller audiences, thus meaning, smaller profit. It’s hard to believe that after so many years of subordination, as well as cruel disparage, there is still a battle of the sexes in our so-called advanced society. Male athletes receive ridiculous salaries versus that of female athletes and it is not okay, even when considering the underlying factors such as the popularity of male sports which may support why they are paid as graciously as they are. The minimum three-year salary for a NBA player is no less than $826,000 however, that of a WNBA player is no more than $51,000, says Sports Illustrated.

According to a school-wide survey directed to LASA students, 100 percent of the responses to questions such as ‘would you attend a baseball or softball game’, resulted in most attending a baseball game. Furthermore, 100 percent of those who took the survey argued that the male counterparts of both male and female sports receive more financial support.

For most of history, sports have been regarded as a masculine affair, however with the shift in what society accepts, women participation in sports has risen.

OR

Degradation?

When women were first introduced into professional sports, audiences were enthusiastic about attending them; to view the best of the best of athletes competing in headto-head, nail-biting action that showed their determination, as well as what all they had to offer. Lately, things have changed as women sports are not nearly as appreciated as before.

In order to get this dilemma eradicated, we have to simply recognize more female sports, by getting the names of those role models and successful athletes out into the media and the general public so that we further become aware of who they are, what they do, and why as an audience, we should care.

In order to achieve such a task, it would take an enormous amount of energy by promoting these athletes in a positive way. Otherwise, things will never change. With the emotional attachment of younger viewers, an urge for appreciation would be greater, thus producing positive results.

I understand that female athletes will probably never make as much as their male counterparts, or attract such large audiences.

But give me a break; if playing an entire season earns you as much as a garbage man would make, and there are fewer people at your game then at an ice cream parlor, I don’t think I want to play any sport, anymore, period, as it shows that no one takes an interest in what you do.

It shames me to think this is how far female sports have come in the last century.

Taking the wrong attitude or a negative take on female athletes towards female sports is growing phenomenally, as the situation clearly needs more attention.

Women have always strived to do their best in athletic competition, despite constant belligerent remarks, judgments and assumptions of the general public that propel the media to talk down on what it is professional women athletes do both for fun and in some cases, a career.

Furthermore, we should learn to appreciate those who participate in such they enjoy, no matter their sex.

MELLOW Mellow Mushroom has been making people happy for years now with their great atmosphere and awesome pizza.

Its is about time that you give them a try! It really is the best pizza you will ever eat. So go on, try it.

By Sierra A.

5 Lorem Ipsum Spring 2010

“We call 10 inches small,” says the 22 year old student standing behind the counter. “To us, size is everything! Nobody wants to eat something small,” he continues to joke. Get your mind out of the gutter, we’re discussing pizza! Large, cheesy, steaming hot pizza.

The Mellow Mushroom is quite possibly the best pizza you will eat in this town. The thing that makes it really special is its unique style.

The pizza is not New York, Chicago, or weird vegan flourless stuff from Whole Foods. It’s a pizza of its own and does not copy any other recipe.

Since there is no set template for how the pizza is to be modeled and cooked, some say there’s nothing good about it and it’s a waste of money. Yes, they’re correct. There IS no basis for the design of the pizza besides itself.

But this doesn’t necessarily make it bad at all. The fact that it doesn’t copy any other pie makes people, like myself, want to go back. “We design with the human health in

mind,” Melissa the manager states. “Using Spring water instead of gross city tap water gives our pizza the fresh flare that bursts in your mouth the minute you take a bite.

That’s why we taste so different. It’s the water,” she goes on explaining the uniqueness of the pizza. If you notice within chain pizza restaurants (i.e. Dominoes, Pizza Hut, Little Creaser’s, Papa Johns) it’s all basically the same crust taste. A soft, floury, instant baked crust that doesn’t have a wheat-crunch to it. Toppings are toppings, but the crust truly does add the jazz to the pizza. Another ingredient that really packs a kick into every bite is the molasses used.

Yes, I know, a pancake topping in a pizza? Nonsense! It’s true though, they throw in molasses. Melissa let me in on a secret (which I’m about to ruin, but hey she’ll never know): soft sugar is outlawed at Mellow. This means that the sugar we throw in coffee isn’t used in their products. The substitute is molasses which makes the crust thicker, richer, and softens the spices of the toppings to create perfect harmony in every bite.

If it’s family night on the town and you’re all in the mood for pizza, some would say “Stay away from Mellow Mushroom. It’s encouraging drug abuse”! Well, if you really want to get technical on what influences drugs, let’s observe some other products and compare. Starting in the late 1960’s the clothing style “tie dye” hit it big time when the decade came to a close. “Hippies” began wearing the multi-color style and soon it trickled down to big fashion companies across the globe. Still, the ‘60s influence clothing still plays a big part in today’s fashion industry. Where did the rainbow colored print idea come from? A trip on acid. Still, parents allow their children to wear cute little dresses with a rainbow swirl. So what’s the heat about going to a place called the Mellow Mushroom? Answer is, there shouldn’t be an issue! So what, the place is represented by a lazy-eyed yellow mushroom holding a pizza.

And sure, their slogan might be “Stone baked all day”, but this doesn’t mean that they want you to go out and munch on some ‘shrooms! The staff there is most friendly and always willing to serve you the best pie in town. Totally coherent and not under the influence. In fact, the pizza shop has some of the smartest folks in town! Students that attend the university right next door work there to pay off

point of interest: pizza

Oh, by the way, The address of the Mushroom is: 2426 Guadalupe Street Austin, TX 78705

Give them a call!

(512) 472-6356

Visit them during: Mon-Thur 11AM-Midnight Fri-Sat 11AM-1AM Sun 12PM-Midnight

Check out the site! www.mellowmushroom.com

AND...

“

That’s why we taste so different...its the water.

”

their college bills, so the chances of them throwing away their life through drugs are slim to none. There are no posters, objects, or items that mention the use of drugs or promote their many “wonders”. So really parents, take a breath! If you’re that concerned about your kids getting a slice of pizza, you might wanna take The Beatles off their iPods.

Another reason the Mellow Mushroom is a really awesome place is the lively atmosphere. Since it’s located on Guadalupe street which is commonly referred to as “The Drag”, there’s tons and tons of people walking the strip daily. Most of the people include of students and tourists. The restaurant has an open feeling to it. No walls that close in personal booths or private rooms. It’s one large room that has booths along the wall and tables cluttered in the center. The laid back feel really helps add a relaxing and welcoming feel and makes the person want to just hang out all day long!

All in all, The Mellow Mushroom is in fact the greatest pizza place in all of Austin. With a combination of original pizza and stellar atmosphere, who could go wrong? If it’s going to be your first time visiting, I suggest trying a simple pepperoni with a Greek salad. Best combination you’ll ever try. I promise.

-They deliver! Call in for details.

-Don’t wanan sit down? There’s a window for slices only.

hall of fame: albert

Donggeon albert nam

7 Lorem Ipsum Spring 2010

O

n July 4th, 2007 Albert N., at only 12 years old, flew to the United States of America for his first time and was welcomed by fireworks.

“They were shooting fireworks underneath me [when I was] in plane” Albert remembers, “It looked like they were welcoming me.”

Touching down around 11:00 p.m. in Dallas, Albert started his first day in the U.S., leaving everything in Korea behind and starting anew.

Albert came to the U.S. because his dad was offered to research psychology at the University of Texas under a foreign exchange program.

He started his American education in 7th grade at Small Middle school and continued 8th grade there. He was extremely nervous to start because he “couldn’t speak freaking English!” The learning experience was also awkward along with nerve-racking for Albert because he was still learning English at the time. “I was really [the] weirdo and [stereotypical Asian]. I couldn’t talk at school ‘cause it would just make things awkward.” A teacher would ask him a question and he would just kind of stare. After this experience he knew he needed a school where no one knew him.

“One of the other reasons I came [to LASA] was ‘cause I needed a restart.”

Coming to LASA wasn’t just for a restart though; he also came to LASA to take full advantage of coming to the U.S. so the sacrifices of friends and money weren’t in vain. He uses LASA, especially the LBJ Jaguar Band, to immerse himself in the American culture and he wants to adopt the culture as his own, instead of being considered an immigrant. “[The American culture] has a lot more diversity [than Korea]. In the Korean culture, if someone stepped out of line, then they were looked down on. I like the American culture because everyone is accepted and you aren’t in trouble if you are different,” Albert says. When Albert looks back, he didn’t really like parts of Korea, like the attitudes. The kids in Korea didn’t have as much respect for every one and were mean to those who weren’t like everyone else. “If there is an odd one out, every one makes fun of him [and] puts him down,” Albert says. Still, every once in a while he wants to go back and vacation in his homeland, which is lucky for him because he owns a few different houses.

9 Lorem Ipsum Spring 2010

He does keep in touch with his Korean origins though. At home he speaks in Korean only with his mom (his father went back to Korea after his exchange program expired) and he has said that he wants to keep, if anything, the food of Korea because it is “really good and [has] really big [servings],” along with a special phone his uncle gave him so that he and his mom could make long-distance calls to

he really didn’t have an idea for the way kids in the United States would act like or look like, but he did expect more fat adults and for McDonalds to be more popular among the masses.

In the end, Albert is a pretty cool guy.

He is nice and won’t get mad unless you make fun of his accent. He also has an interest in the trombone. “I love trombone, but I can’t make a living out of it.” He has the idea that he wants to leave Austin.

He wants to go to New York City because it is such a diverse city. He is glad he is in the United States because he says he isn’t as much of a jerk anymore and he is more open to diversity. “I think I’m gonna stay here, but I can always go back to Korea whenever we want.”

By Walker R. Photos by Walker R. and Katie J.

Korea without the phone bill coming back extremely high. Some people even want to experience his culture, like Griffen R., who in band camp was constantly demanding Korean food from Albert for lunch. There are still some jokes about his accent though, which is still pretty thick.

Albert has an excuse though: he learned English by watching a lot of Nickelodeon.

When Albert came to the United States

hall of fame: sophia

Hardin’s Hardin’s “I have been riding my whole life. Ever since I was a little kid, I loved doing anything that had to do with horses.” ~Sophia Hardin

Harmony Harmony Article

By Raeneisha C.

W

Photos Courtesy of Sophia H. 11 Lorem Ipsum Spring 2010

ith the power of his sight slowly fading away, a quarter-horse by the name of Casey Jones led LASA Sophomore Sophia Hardin on to a trail near their ranch. As they steadily walked along a narrow path, an inconspicuous leaf fluttered along his left side, immediately startling him, as he then stepped into a cactus. Without any intimation, Sophia was vigorously thrown forward off of his back and to the ground, scrapping the skin off of her nose.

This was the very first injury Sophia suffered which had a major impact on her decision about whether or not she would continue riding.

“If I have a bad week, I can always count on my horses and jumping to make everything better, even if it’s just for the hour or two that I’m riding,” Hardin said.

When Sophia was a child, she had almost all things to do with horses, whether it was toys, posters or movies; her devotion at a young age progressed to spark her renowned career in horseback riding, jumping and equitation today.

Hardin never took formal lessons until her fifth grade year; before then, she just rode when possible. However, her fifth grade year was truly the launching pad which shaped her adolescent pursuit, as she went on to learn many different riding styles, including dressage, hunter-jumper and cross country.

From that point on, Sophia’s determination carried her passion for riding on, for another few years which conviced her to ride competitively.

“It [horse jumping] is just perfecting everything; there is so much that you have to think about when jumping,” Hardin said. To prepare for a race, Sophia trains and perfects her jumping on her family’s 130 acre ranch out in Gonzales, Texas.

“You have to think about keeping your heels down, legs back, back straight, head up, letting your body move with the horse, giving the horse support with your legs around bends, counting strides so you get your placement right when jumping, making sure you keep your stomach tight, keeping your knees constantly on the horse, and looking pretty,” said Sophia. All of which are the little aspects of jumping which no one considers; these careful, cautious and necessary actions are not the least of a riders’ worries, as they have yet to see the course they are racing until the competition, let alone remember it before they jump, Hardin mentioned.

“It really is a team sport, the best rider can’t do well unless they have a horse that works for them and the best of horses won’t place well unless they have a decent rider,” Sophia said. continued on to say. Hardin mentioned that the sport is extremely intense and takes a lot out of you, despite what others may think.

In the end, Sophia asserted that the only way to prepare for a race was just to practice; that’s really all you can do to prepare. Just make sure you can handle the jumps and that you look good doing it.

“There are so many things you have to remember to get together [before a competition] and it’s a disaster if you forget things,” Hardin said.

The night before the race, Hardin explained that a riders’ boots, saddle, pad, grooming materials, riding tack, and uniform must be put together and accounted for before heading off to a race.

“Its just a mad scramble to get all your stuff together and to the show,” Sophia said.

At a competition, each rider acquires their number and competition event name. Before the events begin, all riders gather in the arena and are announced. When the events begin the officials call you in one at a time to do an opening circle,

a 6b c d e f g h i a

perform your eight jumps and then release you and your horse to exit the arena.

Sophia recalls performing her first show with her thoroughbred by the name of Duncan. “It was a disaster. He and I had just started riding together and it was his first show and he was freaked out by one specific jump. Every single time we went over it, he would land and then start bucking and bolting; I was thrown five times.”

Although the frolic seemed tough, Hardin was not seriously injured which is why she continues to ride today. “It got to the point that after the fifth fall we decided we probably shouldn’t participate in this show because he wasn’t ready, but it was definitely a learning experience and despite the falls, I gained a lot of experience and knowledge from my trainer and my horse,” Hardin said.

“Nothing else matters and you block everything else out and you just try to do your best.”

threatened her jumping career, but high school volleyball career as well. When Sophia was lunging Jake around a practice pen, he grew moody and upset, resulting in Hardin being brutally kicked in the leg. “I got a huge bruise that turned black and blue and was about the size of a grapefruit”, Hardin said. Although this took place years ago, Sophia still has an indention in her leg where she was kicked and the tissue in her leg was scarred.

Despite her injuries and the ups and downs Sophia endures while riding and competing, she expects a lot out of the sport. “It is a great way to get away from everything, relax and it teaches me so much; it teaches me that hard work honestly does pay off and that when you fall off the horse, you just need to get back on because things will get better”. Without horse riding and jumping, Sophia asserted that she probably wouldn’t stick with a lot of the activities that she currently does. Although all sports Sophia has played have been challenging, horseback riding has taught her to persevere through the toughest of times.

Sophia hopes to continue to ride her entire life, however, she does not plan on riding competitively in her older years. “The feeling of getting a jump right is completely worth it, it’s just thrilling and you feel amazing. Your body and the horse’s body is one and everything just feels right. When you get a jump or a course just right, you can hardly keep from smiling and the ribbon at the end is just icing on the cake.”

Sophia is currently trained by Stephanie Svatek. Svatek rode for her college and was ranked fourth in the nation in one of her shows. Svatek teaches Hardin how to jump and helps her correct her horses when they act out. Furthermore, Svatek also goes to shows with Hardin to make sure she knows what to do, considering that she is relatively new to jumping, equitation and overall competition.

Aside from an injury acquired by Casey, Sophia has also suffered a vicious injury from her Morgan named Jake; it not only

a1qrstuvwx

12 Lorem Ipsum Spring 2010

PERFECTL NORMAL

hall of fame: megan

megan devine She’s gorgeous, smart, and only 15. On her way to the top, Megan Devine has already starred in over 40 advertisements, commercials, and a few movies. How can she stay so down-to-earth with all the strobe lights in her eyes? This young Gisele tells all in her exclusive interview with Lorem Ipsum.

Interview and Article by Sierra A.

LY L

Y

“Yes, I would model nude,” fifteen-year-old model Megan Devine beings. “I have morals to stick to!”. Skin, to her, is very beautiful. And if used correctly, she says it could be very tasteful. But as of right now, modest swimwear is as far as she will go.

At fifteen, this girl is on the rise. Starring in over 40 productions of movies, advertisements, and commercials, this girl is proving to the world that there is no stopping her in perusing her dreams of becoming something brilliant.

Megan has been involved with the entertainment business since she was 9 years old. She asked her parents to enroll her in an agency that would determine whether or not she was worthy of being sponsored. Her first and current representatives are “Agency Talent” and Erin Franklin is her personal agent. As popular and perfect as this girl may seem, turns out she’s quite the normal gal.

“Before I say this, I want you to know that I mean this in the most humble way possible,” Megan says. “It’s hard for me to stay single for more than a week…boys almost attack me with themselves!” she jokes. Of course she gets the guys.

What’s not to want?

She’s blond, tall, thin, and has been known to have a very open personality. But even though she could have any guy she wants in the blink of an eye, she’s not the “hit-it-and-quitit” type of girl. From what she said earlier, she has morals. No matter how far Devine climbs the ladder of fame, she knows to keep her head out of the clouds. “I think it helps knowing how to direct those comments straight to my confidence rather than my head,” she explains. Confidently, this lady knows how to stay classy on and off the set.

“I am just like everyone else,” Devine would like us to beileve. But as most can see and what has been proven through her modeing gigs, her looks have gotten her to a higher place than where any normal kid stands. “My looks are something that can be gone in an instant. I’m very lucky to have what I have,” she comments. “But looks are only a small factor about someone. It’s what’s inside that matters,”Devine finishes. Being greatful for what she’s been blessed with, Devine has a clear understanding that you can’t get everywhere in life just by your looks. It turns out that her family and friends seem to agree that she has a deep personaity. “She’s extremely open hearted and always wanting to help others. I can’t even add up the community work she’s done! There’s far too much,” her best friend Camille comments.

For being such an eye-pleaser, it makes one wonder how strict her parents must be to keep this young teen on the right track. Since Megan, like any other teen, has many opportu-

nities to stray into the alley of party-life and drama, she keeps strong by heavily involving her parents in her decisions and social life. “My parents and I have always been very open with one and other; I have always told them everything and vice versa,” she says. “They let me do what I want to do, as long as they know every detail.” Devine believes that the strongest bonds are with family and yourself. Her younger sister, Kristen, is also involved in the entertainment business. “She wanted to be just like her big sister,” Devine proclaims very proudly. By having her whole family interact with her favorite modeling, Devine believes that it maintains the strength of the family.

Her education is something that she has not let out of her grasp. Ever since Megan began the first grade, she’s had on line lessons and even online teachers. Her work load is monitered by herself and not specific due dates. She gets the month to complete the assignments given and as long as they’re turned in, she will get the appropriate credit. Since her early school years, she’s kept a straight-A report card and is currently going through the tenth grade. Keeping her options open, Megan says that she can always “say no” to her modeling at the moment if she decides to attend a college.

Currently, she’s not sure about what the future has to bring. “I am just ready for anything,” she says. She feels that at the rate she’s modeling, she could not make a very strong living off the amount of money she gets per shoot. “It can range from 50 dollars to over 500. “But by living in Austin, I have little work,” she explains. Keeping her GPA as high as possible and getting her schoolwork done is just as important to her as having a clear complexion on camera.

When some people see her, they’re star struck.

“They treat me like a celebrity... like ask to take pictures with me and take pictures of me when I’m not looking. That sort of thing,” she confesses. However, despite how people might look at her, she’s never had a hard time fitting in or making friends. “It’s never been a struggle interacting with other people,” she says.

“I like to think I’m pretty normal.”

“My looks are something that can be gone in an instant.”

16 Lorem Ipsum Spring 2010

hall of fame: rocio mondragon

unwrapped

Rocio Mondragon is everything but you’re avarage popular girl, she’s got 42 girls under her wing. by sierra a.

WHAT IS ROCIO BEST AT? She’s got the best attitued on the team. She’s amazing at welcoming new people and comforting the old. No matter who you are, when Rocio is around, you automatically feel at home.

- Ronja, Jr. Officer

^^

Rocio shows off her beauty and girly sense of fashion during 8th period Drill Team.

THE STORY OF Rocio Mondragon begins with lessons in “Baile Folklorico”. Her dancing career began two years before she entered high school here at LASA. But from the minute the drums began to sound at a football peprally, Rocio knew she wanted to be apart of the excitment. To spread her spirit all over the school she tried out and made the LBJ dance team known as “The First Ladies”. After her first year as a rookie dancer, she developed the skill to become a junior leiutenant which gave her a taste of leadership. Now, in 2010, she was recently elected the new captain of the First Ladies in replacment of current captain Jessica Zeron. “I’m honored to have the opportunity to call 42 talented girls “my girls”. The feeling is just really amazing,” she comments. Rocio feels that being given this role means being given a years worth of extra responsibilty, but in the good way of course. “I’m pushed to go even further and to be even better,” she says. While Rocio is in office, everyone expects nothing less than perfection from her. Whether she’s pioretting on the field or chatting in the halls, Rocio has the experience and drive to be the best girl she can be.

WHAT IS HER BRIGHTEST TALENT? Hmm...she’s honestly just the flippin’ best. I can’t think of one thing wrong with this girl. She’s so sweet and such a honey. I’m glad that she’s our new captain. It’s gonna be a fun year.

- Sarah, Jr. Officer

HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT ROCIO BECOMING CAPTAIN? She’s really going to be amazing.

I have no doubt that she’ll do a great job leading all these girls. Her spot as captain is well deserved and will be put to good use.

She’s not bossy,

demanding, prejudice or stuck up. Rocio has all the qualities that one would want: brains, beauty, and serious dance skills. I’ll miss seeing her succeed on the floor and on the field. It’s been a pleasure leading her.

-Jessica, former Captain

WHATS IT LIKE WORKING WITH ROCIO? It’s a blast. I don’t think I’ve ever had this much fun at school. Her energy bounces off the walls and inspires all of us to dance our hearts out. She’s such an inspiration to me and a lot of the girls on the squad. Leading the girls side by side this year has transformed me

in to a better and more understanding person. It’s cute actually, we balance out each other. She’s the spunky and loose captain and I’m the 1st leiutenant on the side snapping her back to focus. We get along great and we’re in for one heck of a ride.

-Grace-Kathrine, 1st leiutenant

individual creativity: klw

Keeping

LASA

Weird

By Raeneisha C.

Max H.

Alexa E.

Alison S. Lisa T.

Jefferson R.

Things 1,2,3 and 4

Makala K.

Hannah R.

Kason T.

Ellen D.

Nate H. and Albert N. Sam K. and Makala K.

individual creativity: the art of friendship

THEARTOF

FRIEND

F

DSHIP

< < (from the left) Aiden, Sebastian, and Bonnie enjoy LASA lunch together everyday. From fighting to napping, these three are inseperable the minute they walk out to the courtyard.

photo essay by Sierra A.

Sometimes itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a wonder how such a sweet girl could be friends with such vicious boys...

Then again, Aiden does love his daily fix of girl talk....

Bonnieâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s boyfriend, Chris, likes to join them, too. And a little piece of sanity is restored...

But not matter how confused they make each other, they still love one another. vv David McNeil conveneintly

made a guest â&#x20AC;&#x153;jumpâ&#x20AC;? in the photo as it was being taken...

THEEND

individual creativity: short snot freedom

Hot Snot

Funk-metal that S’not For Your Parents

By Walker R.

W

ith Lynn Strait screaming in the first few seconds of their one and only release, Snot is the band that combines funk and metal to make a perfect combination. The dual guitars split, one taking the funky, wahpedal laced part, while the other takes the chunky, distorted cord. In the part that could be dubbed the “chorus” of their eponymous song, the guitars meet becoming a normal metal sound to play more of a funky rhythm. Their late vocalist, Lynn Strait, could hardly be called a singer, but he still makes the music interesting, blending another genre of music, punk, into the mix by shouting his lyrics as if he were trying to carry a conversation with someone across the street from him. The drummer, Jamie Miller, has a very “in the pocket” 27 Lorem Ipsum

style of drumming, keeping the beat with his ride cymbal, but playing the upbeat of the third beat on the snare and making it all sound like its within one long drum fill.

Last of all, the bassist, the heart and soul of funk, keeps it funky. In their eponymous song there is a breakdown where the Miller has a drum fill, then the bass comes in, playing with the drummer and almost leading him and this goes on, with Strait joining in, for about forty seconds.

Their song Stoopid just shows their genre.

The song starts with a lone wah-pedal guitar, and then the whole band joins, playing some calm funk. Strait delivers his lines in a spoken word format, but when the chorus is hit though the song turns into a quick pocket for metal heads to give themselves whiplash to the shouts of Strait and

the banging cords of the combo of Sonny Mayo and Mike Dolling. Their song Joyride just screams, literally, thrashy, moshing song. With drum rolls, a high tempo, and the simple backing vocals where the rest of the band sings a vowel o. You can even tell how the song is going to be because it starts with the growl of a car engine being turned on and ends with the car crashing.

Snot is a rare band, combing the calm, collect, coolness of funk with the loud awesome-ness of metal, though there is a more metal undertone. If you like Snot you should probably check out some songs by another band, Infectious Grooves. One might also look at some early Korn if they are interested in hearing some slap bass.

Snot is the band that combines funk and metal to make a perfect combination.

Above: The “coat of arms” for Snot Opposite: Album cover for Get Some, Snot’s first and only album Left:The tribute album for Strait, who died in a car crash

28 Lorem Ipsum Spring 2010

individual creativity: fuel

A Blackout Poem

By Walker R. This balckout poem really started because I couldn’t think of anything to do, so I just picked something, but then I thought, “Why not use some song lyrics.” I was listening to some Metallica and the song Fuel off of their album ReLoad and its a fun song. I looked at the lyrics and just kind of turned them into what I think is a look into a pyromaniac’s mind.

29 Lorem Ipsum Spring 2010

Fuel Give me fuel, Give me fire, Give me that which I desire, Ooh! Yeah!

Turn on, I see red Adrenaline crash and crack my head Nitro junkie, paint me dead And I see red One hundred plus through black and white War horse, warhead F^*! â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;em man, white knuckle tight Through black and white Ooh, I burn, Fuel is pumping engines, Burning hard, loose and clean

w

And I burn, Churning my direction, Quench my thirst with gasoline So give me fuel, Give me fire, Give me that which I desire

Yeah, lives way too fast Yeah, lives way too fast, fast, fast woah Ooh on I burn, Fuel is pumping engines, Burning hard loose and clean And on I burn, Churning my direction, Quench my thirst with gasoline So, give me fuel Give me fire, Give me that which I desire, Ooh yeah!

White knuckle tight!

Give me fuel Give me fire My desire Ooh, on I burn, Fuel is pumping engines, Burning hard, loose and clean And on and on, Churning my direction, Quench my thirst with gasoline

Yeah!

Turn on beyond the bone Swallow future, spit out home, Burn your face upon the chrome Yeah, oh yeah!

Give me fuel, Give me fire, Give me that which I desire, Ooh Oh I burn!

Take the corner, join the crash Headlights, headlines, Another junkie lives too fast

30 Lorem Ipsum

individual creativity: short freedom

Short Freedom

By Raeneisha C.

Freedom

is

off course

simple

pasty white hairy

and not pleasing.

This may be true, but it would not only be selfish, but un-American to say.

Let us not think of short as limted

for

reasons

not suitable.

Remember not to

feel shame.

Contrary to popular belief, the times have not changed.

short

short

short

Why? Because we can.

short, how liberating?

The beast in you encourages you to let it all hang out

GO WILD!

The tame inside of you reminds you, â&#x20AC;&#x153;You are civil, well mamnnered and reserved.â&#x20AC;?

Let

it be known that you will not be letting it all hang out --so speak.

Letter From The Editors

Thank you for reading the first issue of the Lorem Ipsum magazine. The words Lorem Ipsum have Latin origins, meaning filler text, which is what our magazine is all about; however, Thank you for reading the with first issue of theinformation, Lorem Ipsum words Lorem Ipsum have not just filling your head irrelevant butmagazine. rather withThe legitimate opinions providing Latin origins, meaning whathave our been magazine is allotherwise. about; however, not just filling an insight into subjectsfiller and text, ideaswhich whichismay unknown your head with irrelevant information, but rather with legitimate opinions an insight

The staff of Lorem Ipsum is highly interested in Austin culture,asproviding our magazine mainlyinto subjects ideasaspects whichof may have We been unknown otherwise.The staffinofthe Lorem Ipsum is highly evolvesand around Austin. hope you found some interest articles within this interested in Austin culture,as our magazine mainly evolves around aspects of Austin.

We hope you magazine. found some interest in our articles.

Now Leaving Austin