Febuary Issue

ML Mavlife News

r La Costa Canyon High School

05

10

Band Performs in London

1 Maverick Way, Carlsbad, California 92009

Surf Team Dominates

Volume 5 - Issue 5

Spread The Love

February 2011

The Valentine Issue

Vale nt Day ine’s Quiz P. 7

rom F s ote s N e t Lov tuden S P. 9

Battle of the Sexes: Will Jones and Danielle Calder Debate the Value of Valentine’s Day

p.8

ove?

L e h T g n i l t Fee

No

End of the world in sight?

p. 15

Valentine’s Day Spread p. 7-9

Tragedy Th e

ater

Thespians Perform Macbeth

p. 13

Editorial

Editorial

MavLife Co-Editors In Chief: J.P. Horrigan and Hunter Vurbeff Managing Editor: Sean Bentley News Editors: Cara Connor and Alex Ham Sports Editors: Sean Bentley and Andrew Murray Entertainment Editor: Ally Allen Opinion Editor: Liliana Alaniz Staff Writers: Kristen Adams, Jake Barnes, Jordan Bernard, Kenya Caines, Danielle Calder, Kiely Doherty, Trace Dimeff, Steven Fahy, Cassidy Feeney, Jordon Freiler, Maggie Hammock, Rachel Hutchison, Will Jones, Demi Kellenberger, Brenna Lyles, Breonna Mabry, Lisa Mazzone, Tara McQueen, Alex Meeks, Lauren Sonken, Jessica Stevenson, Rebecca Sykes, Tanner Taguchi, Nick Theriault

Adviser: Suzi Van Steenbergen Cover Illustraion by Hunter Vurbeff

The opinion of the editorial team

Freeing the Press

In the recent light of the tur-

moil in Egypt we as Americans have been thrust into the debate over the value of free press.

Long has our country argued over the responsibilities and liberties of the media. From yellow journalism to the red scare era censorship in the media has not only brought controversy to light but has also been the source of it.

The crisis in the Middle East centers around the call for President Mubarak, who has ruled Egypt for more than 30 years, to resign. Images, videos and stories that have filtered through to the American audience depict scenes of terror, bloodshed and destruction. Many of us who go home with the assurance of safety cannot process the conflict occurring continents and oceans away. Yet it is pivotal that we take time to reflect not only our good fortune but also the basis of government and the right of the free press.

Our founding fathers thought that freedom of the press was so pivotal to a free democracy that they inserted the right into the first amendment. Centuries

later, that amendment has kept an essential status as a check and balance to our government.

From Watergate to Wikileaks, this right has been tested and has held firm against numerous assailants.

Egypt, however, has had no such luck. From the early signs of protests in Cairo, mass government censorship erupted throughout the country. Egyptian media was stricken from their power over the airwaves. Before Mubarak shut down access to the Internet, journalists used social media sites such as Twitter and Facebook to penetrate the journalistic blackout throughout the state.

One might say that if the news was interrupted for a few weeks it would give everyone a much more positive light on life, but unfortunately media plays a large role in our society. Without journalism, we as citizens are left blinded and dumbed by those in power. Without an external watchdog checking every move of politicians and world leaders, one can only imagine the amount of misuse of power. Imagine if the genocides

in Africa were never brought to light or if the Nazi concentration camps stayed forever hidden; these atrocities would continue and their perpetrators left to go free.

Thus one must realize that our right to the freedom of the press without prior restraint is momentous to keeping order and balance to our nation. Our district understands the gravity of this and has established a first amendment policy that mirrors that established in our constitution. We as students have not let this vital opportunity go to waste, our school was one of three recipients in the nation of the First Amendment Student Free Press Award. We at Mavlife find that our right as students to publish content without prior restraint of administrators is essential to keeping a balanced and transparent high school where there are no hidden dealings or unfair situations. We press for this to be continued in the years to come and implore that surrounding districts and our nation as a whole give students back the right to publish their voice once again.

1 Maverick Way Carlsbad, CA 92009 (760) 436-6136 ext. 6020 email: MavLifeNews@gmail.com

www.LCCNews.com Mav Life is the student newspaper of La Costa Canyon High School. La Costa Canyon High School student media products are public forums for student expression.

Students are responsible for their work in print publications, online content and video broadcasts, as well as in other products, none of which are subject to administrative approval. Students make all final content decisions. Media programs follow educational best practices as defined by the National Scholastic Press Association, Journalism Education Association, and Student Press Law Center. In addition, student media programs work to follow all copyright laws and avoid libel, slander, and infringing upon the rights of others.

Unsigned editorials represent the opinions of the newspaper staff, while opinion columns represent the writer’s perspective. Advertisements do not necessarily represent the newspaper’s viewpoint. MavLife, an open forum, welcomes signed letters on pertinent issues from the community, which may be submitted to room 804, via e-mail or to Suzi Van Steenbergen’s mailbox in the administrative building. Letters may be edited for length and clarity.

2 | MavLife | February 2011

The MavLife 2010-2011 Editorial Staff.

News Heavy Rains Flood Band Room District blames poor workmanship

Kiely Doherty Staff Writer

usual for our very sunny, warm winters in Southern California. The heavy rain provided a shocking twist to the holiday season. Over winter break, the campus experienced continual rain, which resulted in flooding. On December 23, campus custodians arrived to find about two inches of rain on the band room floor.

The drain pipes had clogged near the side door of the band room, leaving a pool of rain water that

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been packed in the classroom in preparation for the trip to London.

“The classroom has had some leaks before but not on that scale,” Mattison said.

According to Tom Hernandez, a district facilities and maintenance technician, there have been problems for years, especially in the 800’s, due to the initial workmanship of the buildings. Thin paper and cracked roof tiles cannot withstand the recent rainy weather and result in leaks.

There have been problems, especially in the 800’s, due to the initial workmanship of the buildings. Thin paper and cracked roof tiles cannot withstand the recent rainy weather, resulting in leaks.

overflowed under the door and onto the carpet. Custodial staff caught the problem quickly and brought in fans to dry out the soaked carpets.

“The custodians reacted quickly and appropriately handled the situation so there was no huge concern,” Doug Kamon, Assistant Principal, said.

There was no apparent damage done to the band room carpets or walls. The building has been checked for mold, carpets have been appropriately dried and the drains have been unclogged.

“Luckily, all instruments were home with the kids,” Carissa Mattison, Band Director, said.

No damage was done to the instruments and the uniforms, which had

- Movie in the Meadow

February 16 at 6:30 pm on the

meadow (Despicable Me) - Food Fair

February 24 at lunch in the

Student Center - Speech and Debate Fundraiser

February 24 at 7:00 pm in the

theatre

Upcoming Events:

{

This December proved to be un-

Hernandez’s job is to find the source, repair the tiles, and search for any mold damage.

As for the band room, mold in the walls or carpet would be the longterm concern. Mold would be problematic since the band “does a lot of breathing,” Mattison said.

“The roofs can usually withstand [some rain] but the recent rain has been too heavy... there is only so much we can do,” Hernandez said.

No long-term damage from flooding has been found. Custodial staff have handled the leaks quickly and effectively. The fundamental issue is that the structural strength of the classrooms simply isn’t adequate for the continuous rain that happened this winter.

- Registration for Fall Classes Begins

February 28

- Arts Week

March 21-25

- Comedy Sportz Game

March 3 at 7:00 in the theatre

- WASC Visit

March 21-23

- Senior Burger Day

March 9 at lunch

- Freshmen Orientation

March 24

- Late Start

March 15-16

- MORP

March 26 in the gym

February 2011 | MavLife | 3

News

Fall Review

MavLife reviews the controversies, issues, and successes of the first semester Jessica Stevenson Staff Writer

September

October Homecoming Court

Student Arrested at Football Game

After multiple students were nominated for the Homecoming Court, Kaitlin Connors won Homecoming Queen at the game when seven students paraded across the field at halftime in body suits spelling out her name. Alex Felder was crowned Homecoming King at the dance, themed “Mavericks on the Big Screen.”

After reckless behaviors involving public drunkenness, a minor was arrested at the football game versus San Clemente High School.

ASB Senior Shirt Controversy

November

What started as the senior shirt tradition turned into a “supposed lawsuit” fueled by rumors and misunderstandings.

Cross Country Surprises Football Disappoints The football season ended without achieving a CIF Championship. However, the team finished with a record of 7-5, and beat rival Torrey Pines on their home turf.

Girls’ Cross Country ranked first in the state and fourth in the nation after taking down Great Oak at the Mount Sac Invitational. The boys moved their ranking up as well to tenth in the state after a third place overall finish at the Stanford Invitational. The girls were invited to Nike Cross Nationals in Oregon where they placed 16th in the nation.

December

White-Out Basketball Game Arsenic and Old Lace

Torrey Pines Survivor Game A competitive and entertaining game against our biggest rival ended again in controversy when Torrey Pines was accused of cheating.

The Fall play, Arsenic and Old Lace, is a story about the Brewster women, Abby and Martha, crazy old ladies who poison two old lonely Battle of the Bands men.

Nender Tips wins Battle of the Bands 2010, after performances from multiple bands.

4| MavLife | February 2011

The stands were overflowing when LCC defeated Torrey Pines with a score of 51-50.

News

Band Performs Abroad The Maverick Brigade has the honor of performing in London Kiely Doherty Staff Writer

Though winter break usually

means snowy ski trips, chilly afternoons, and lazy days, 66 of the 78 band members spent the last eight days of their winter break in London, England. This travel to the UK was for the band to perform in the 25th Anniversary New Year’s Day Parade.

After being invited to march in the parade, the band began to raise funds. Though most of the money was individually raised, the band did earn funds by selling wrapping paper and coffee and doing an e-waste drive.

Normally, the band would continue practicing after the competitive season for the Encinitas Holiday Parade, but this year’s parade was on a much larger scale with about 250,000 viewers on a two mile course in a country nearly 6,000 miles away.

“It was really fun! We ended the performance in front of Parliament, which was amazing. It was a big honor and it was cool to travel with friends,” Cassie Brady, member of the band’s color guard, said.

The large scale parade and impressive audience cannot compare to previous venues. In addition to the

The band perfomed in the annual New Year’s Day parade in London.

Photo courtesy of Carissa Mattison.

New Year’s Parade, the band played at a concert in Cadogen Hall. The two performances were huge honors for any band.

“This is the biggest prestige for our band and all the bands in the district,” Carissa Mattison, Band Director, said.

Of the 50 bands that attended, our

school’s band was relatively small.

Riverside Community College brought 300 members compared to the 66 members from our school. However, size does not necessarily dictate strength. The size of our band looks cleaner and easier to synchronize and the tight friendship among the musicians is easily translated to their performance.

“Smaller bands are not as loud or exciting but we played cleanly and technically,” Mattison said. The band practiced extensively and proved their skills in the parade, providing a strong reputation for our school.

This prestigious trip should certainly bring a great deal of attention to the band program in general. Mattison explained the program to incoming freshman at Choice Night with the hope that they would be taking a trip like that in the future. This excitement should reflect a growth in the program’s participants and activities.

“I hope that the trip brings more attention to our band program. I hope it gets bigger,” Mattison said.

The trip was a huge honor for the band members and the reputation of our school.

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February 2011 | MavLife | 5

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6 | MavLife | February 2011

Valentines Day

Love Quiz

Day Plans

Romantic or Cynical?

1. Valentine’s Day is coming up, your significant other hasn’t brought it up yet, you: a.) Already have set plans for a candle lit dinner at the beach b.) Make last minute reservations at a cute dinner place c.) Maybe, send a cute little text 2. Hold up! Valentine’s Day is here, but you don’t have a date, you: a.) Ask the special person you’ve been flirting with out b.) Hint to the hot kid next to you that you don’t have a date yet c.) Wait for someone to ask you out 3. Your significant other has a special surprise for you, you: a.) Willingly give him or her your heart and go along b.) Beg them to tell until he or she does c.) Refuse to go because you hate surprises 4. What do you think about Valentines Day? a.) It is perfectly romantic and I love it b.) It is cute, but only if you have a date c.) I hate it

Special

n

o m e m i Je t’a our am

If you answered mostly A’s you are a hopeless romantic who loves Valentine’s Day. Your color is red and represents your passion and love for this holiday. You and your significant other are sure to have a wonderful V-day!

s i y t i c i l p m Si Key

If you answered mostly B’s you are semi-romantic. You like the idea of Valentine’s day, but you are just not sure what to do or who to be with. Get your confidence pumping and don’t be scared to go for your crush! Good luck!

If you answered mostly C’s your cynical side comes out this time of month, if you just take it easy and lighten up love may come and find you this year.

Some might find themselves overwhelmed making plans for Valentine’s day, hoping to match the expectation of their love. However, there is no need to stress as long as you get your homework done in advanced and you plan ahead.

All you need is a simple idea; one that you know you can do. Details can be improvised as long as you have something to go off of. A romantic day out can be exciting or relaxing depending on how you plan it. Spend some time on the Moonlight Beach and walk over to the relaxing Self Realization Fellowship gardens and then get some gelato at Bubby’s in the Lumberyard for a calm afternoon.Or for an exciting night, relive your childhood and go laser tagging. If all else fails you can file out and watch a movie together.

In the end, as long as you are together, Valentine’s Day should be a very special day for you and your special someone.

De qu ux co i s’ aim eurs en t

February 2011 | MavLife | 7

Special

Battle Of The Sexes Cupid is Dead

Wll Jones Staff Writer

Danielle Calder Staff Writer

As February comes around, when people flood to buy over-sized bouquets and proclaim their love for each other, I can’t help but think one thing: how disgusting. To many, Valentine’s Day is a romantic holiday; a time to spend with your loved one and show how much you love them. And that is the horrible part.

Of all the days to tell each other how we feel, we choose this fabricated holiday. The red heart-shaped decorations put up at many stores somehow make people believe a 99¢ card from Hallmark passes as an appropriate way to express love. The chocolates, flowers and pre-written cards many give away on this holiday are such a betrayal of love.

Valentine’s day serves more as a distortion of a couple’s affection than a celebration of it.

If you want to sincerely express your love, you shouldn’t just gift material things that have been discounted for the holiday. A gift should have more reasons than that there was a Valentine’s Day sale for it. Give her something that really comes from you; something that has importance to her. Not something you picked up quickly from the 99¢.

Many girls are offended when their boyfriends fail to celebrate V-Day the way they want, as if such a failure means “I don’t care about our relationship.”

Often, the only reason people feel it’s necessary to celebrate Valentine’s day is to not feel left out. But why not any other day in the year? If there is any day you should celebrate Finding the middle ground is no easy task.

Photo Courtesy of Physcalit.com especially with your loved one, it should be your anniversary. Your anniversary is probably the only day worth celebrating, considering it actually marks an important milestone.

And, of course, it’s unique from every other couple and expresses a truer love than the -Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind counterfeited love of Valentine’s Day. So, this year, don’t so readily give in -Pride and Prejudice (2005) to this holiday. If you find it so necessary, at -The Notebook (2004) least celebrate it without the cliché gifts. Cel-Titanic (1997) ebrate your relationship another day, one that represents your relationship rather than the -Gone With the Wind (1939) commerce of selling chocolates and flowers.

-A Walk to Remember (2002) And for those who are single this Valentine’s -Wall-E (2008) Day, go ahead and treat yourself to a box of discounted chocolate. You might just need it -Valentine’s Day (2010) to cope with the nostalgia.

-P.S. I Love You (2007)

10 Romantic Movies

-Pretty In Pink (1986)

Its truly unknown how the origin of Valentine’s Day ended up on February 14, however its said to be derived from the Christian and Roman tradition of the festival of Lupercalia. Lupercalia happens on February 15. Both the Protestant theory and the Catholic theory claim that Saint Valentine was a bishop who provided secret marriage ceremonies. Valentine refused Claud II’s orders of banning marriage and secretly married the young couples who were hopelessly in love. Now Valentine’s Day is the time for couples to express their love and gratitude for each other.

-Tara McQueen Staff Writer

Origin of Valentines Day

8 | MavLife | February 2011

(2004)

Just Love When I think of Valentine’s Day, I think of the commercialized, sappy, and often stereotypical gifts and traditions.

Some people love the holiday, often the optimistics, while others dread it. Despite the cheesiness of it all I must admit, I am a fan.

Seeing the red roses, chocolate, and teddy bears in stores reminds me of all of my past Valentines and Valentines Days.

It brings back entertaining memories starting as early as elementary school.

My Valentine’s Days have all been fun because I have made them so. The key is to act- don’t just wait to be acted upon.

The success of the day does not solely lie in others’ hands but also in your own.

For the optimistic and daring it’s easy, Valentine’s Day is a day of expression and possibility. It gives guys and girls the chance to be romantic while allowing them to be straightforward with their feelings. It’s easy to stop by the store and grab some chocolate or a card and write a note to your special someone. Even if the affection is not returned your efforts are sure to brighten someone’s day and put a smile on his or her face!

But remember the best ways to express love do not come in boxes or plastic; they come from genuine honest.

Make sure to express true, heartfelt emotions and feelings.

For the cynical and often single, this day may require more creativity. I mean you could sit by yourself, watch T.V. and eat leftover candy, but where is the fun in that? Instead of feeling sorry for yourself in your lonesome, make it a goal to do something thoughtful for someone else!

Valentine’s Day can be a day for all to express positive feelings of love and gratitude.The Greek gods described love in four different ways. There is Eros love (meaning intimate love), Agápe (brotherly love), Philia (intimate friendship), and Storge (affection and gratitude for family).Express love in whatever form is applicable, to a friend, teacher, or to a parent.

Weather you spend the day alone or with your significant other, Valentine’s Day can be enjoyed by anyone who is willing to make the effort!

5 Love Songs

1. Transatlanticism

- Death Cab for Cutie 2. Yellow - Coldplay 3. Forever and Always - Taylor Swift 4. Stand By Me - Ben E. King 5. Unchained Melody

- The Righteous Brothers

Love Classifieds

Special

To: Daphne Delgado

To Smurf:

To: McKenna Kurz

To: My Best Friend

I love you my little Hawaiian Blossom, and that will never change! I am going to miss you so much you have no idea! We will always be there for each other through thick and thin ‘till the end!

You are the perfect girlfriend and I couldn’t be happier with you! I’m the luckiest guy in the world and I feel blessed for each day that I get to spend with you.

Since I laid eyes on you, my world turned upside down. I couldn’t eat or sleep knowing you didn’t realize I existed. I’ll get the courage to talk to you one day, until then know I love you!

You are an awesome friend! Have a super day!

From: Colby Snow

From: Gir

From: Your Bestie

From: Anonymous

To: Boy with the neon shirt

To: Rebecca Sykes

To: The guy with the ripped jeans

To: Girl who sits next to me

During break, as I was walking to English you walked past me. My world froze. I can’t describe how you made me feel. Maybe this can turn into something real.

I love you forever and always babe!

No matter how far away we are, we will always stay best friends forever, no matter what happens! Life will always be amazing with you on the ride! 1, 4, 3!

On Halloween night, we made out in the dark. I didn’t know who you were but your warm embrace spoke for itself. You come up all the time in my dreams in the form of denim jeans.

We’ve hung out before, we held hands, I thought you were the one for me. I guess you had other plans.

From: Colby Snow

From: Girl in nurse costume

From: Anonymous

From: Anonymous

To: Girl in glasses

To: Sydney Francis

To: Girl

To: Michelle

I saw you from across the library.

Your blond hair shone like a lighthouse in an ocean full of sorrow. I sound over dramatic, but there is noting theatrical about my feelings for you.

I am so lucky to have a best fried like you. You mean the world to me and that will never change! You are so real and honest and crazy and I love you so much! Forever and always babe!

Every time I see you, my heart skips a beat. You’re way too busy, even for someone like me. You seem to be sick, once too often. Maybe I’m not taking the hint. Even if it’s true, it’s worth it, every time I see you stare.

You’re so pretty. Have a great day.

Go to the movies and eat chocolate.

Sorry you have a test today.

From: Boy on the computer

From: Quinn Snow

To: Colby Snow

To: Quinn Snow

I am going to miss you so much! You are going to be missed so much! Love you forever and always!

I don’t even know what I am going to do without you! We have had so many crazy, wonderful memories together! I am so lucky to have such a close best friend. We will be sisters forever!

From: Rebecca Sykes

From: Anonymous

From: Me

From: Sydney Francis

Dear Guys, Man up and ask some girls out! There are way too many single people out there at this school. If you don’t take risks, you won’t be happy. Live life to the fullest. Go MAVS! Sincerely, The Single Ladies

February 2011 | MavLife | 9

Sports

Making A Splash Surf team finds motivation through head coach’s leadership Steven Fahy Staff Writer

In the cold, early hours of a

Sunday morning, most members of our school’s sports teams lay fast asleep.

All of them, except for those on the Maverick surf team, that is. A highly dedicated squad containing some of the best young surfers in the county, the surf team can be found in the water at any opportunity.

“Our team practices every Wednesday at Pipes. However, even though we only meet one day a week, the kids are out there practicing every day,” Randy Giusta, surf team coach, said.

Giusta, who has been with the surf team since the school’s beginning, now coaches with his son Ryan Giusta, who teaches Spanish on campus. Often called “Papa Giusta” by his surfers, the elder Giusta has shown his true love of the sport through his willingness to spread his passion far beyond his own team.

“In 1998, we took the team to the Philippines, where we stayed in Daet. We donated 24 surfboards to some of the locals, taught them how to swim and surf, and started a surfing program in the Philippines,” Randy Giusta said.

The surf team continues to shine today as one of the top teams in the area.

“In a surf competition, riders are sent out in heats, with six people in a fifteen minute heat.

Normally, they will need to catch around ten waves in that time, and they are scored on tricks, length of ride, difficulty of maneuvers, and, like gymnastics, the landing. Their top two scores are added up, and the person with the highest score wins,” Randy Giusta said.

In competitions this season, the surf team has yet to fail to rise to the occasion. The mens’ short board team has thus far gone undefeated, including in their most recent showing, a sev-

en point margin win against Torrey Pines at the Oceanside Pier on January 23rd. Anchoring the team are key surfers Sam Zaiser, Alec Macauley, and Tommy “Tommy-grom” Wehsner, recent champion of a countywide competition in both long board and short board. Much of the team’s success can be attributed to the unique way the team practices.

“We practice in fifteen minute heats, like the competitions. It teaches them wave selection, timing, and landing, and trains them to surf competitively,” Randy Giusta said.

Just as plentiful as the surfers’ successes however, is their love for the sport itself.

“I think their favorite part of it is the contests. Just being together and cheering each other on,” Randy Giusta said.

It is within this very spirit and passion that true athletes are made, as they continue to carry on the highly acknowledged school tradition of surfing.

Senior Sam Zaiser (above) came in first in the longboarding event at Oceanside Pier against Torrey Pines. Photos courtesy of Kim Garland.

Twirling to Triumph Nationally ranked baton twirler marches in her mother’s footsteps Maggie Hammock Staff Writer

Kelly Simek, senior, has been keeping crowds

entertained with her unique talent for nine years.

Simek, a nationally ranked baton twirler, got involved with twirling through her mom, who twirled for the University of California at Los Angeles in her college years. She has remained active with the sport, teaching various lessons and classes. Growing up with a mom who knows the ins and outs of baton twirling has helped Simek improve, and has made her a valuable addition to many school events, including assemblies and sport games.

Many students have seen Simek twirling her baton at halftime at football games, but that is not nearly the extent of her twirling experience. Last year, Simek had the privilege of being the baton twirler for San Diego State University. She attended many of SDSU’s sporting events, and was thrilled at the number of fans who enjoyed watching her perform.

“I loved it,” Simek said. “I loved the band and the people I was with, and being in a huge stadium with thousands of people watching me was so cool. It was a great experience.”

Simek has the opportunity to get a baton twirling scholarship to a major university. San Diego State is high on her list of schools, as is University of Oregon.

Simek spent two weeks twirling in Peru over the summer. Photo courtesy of Kelly Simek.

Most of all, Simek hopes to follow in her mother’s footsteps and be the baton twirler for UCLA. Simek counts twirling for thousands of spectators

10 | MavLife | February 2011

at college games as one of her favorite parts of being a baton twirler, but one experience with twirling stands out to her as her most cherished memory with the sport. After placing in the top ten at Nationals, she was invited to spend two weeks in Peru over the summer, traveling the country and twirling at various festivals, orphanages, and prisons.

“Being in Peru was an absolutely amazing experience. Probably the best two weeks of my life,” said Simek. “We were treated like celebrities! People would come up and ask for my autograph and everything; it was awesome.”

Kelly’s extensive experience with twirling means that she rarely suffers from major nerves before events.

“Sometimes I still get nervous before twirling. But not for school events, like football games. For major competitions and Chargers games, though, yeah I do have some nerves before events like those,” Kelly said.

Nerves or no, Kelly has been an integral entertainer at school events during her high school career. She is certain to be missed when she heads off to college in September, but students can look forward to seeing her do big things with her baton twirling talent.

Sports

The Price of Improvement Student athletes seek improved skills through costly training centers Brenna Lyles Staff Writer

H

arder, better, faster, stronger- when it comes to athletics in today’s society, this is the motto that students tend to live and train by.

High school athletes are constantly looking for ways to improve their strength and skills, yet at times, interscholastic sports programs do not entirely fulfill this goal. That’s when athletes turn to outside training facilities and clubs seeking further development. Although many such programs have proven to be effective, are they worth their steep price?

Pole vaulter Nik Gorishek, junior, says, “I go to Foundation’s strength training run by the husband of my coach at school. It is definitely tougher [than school practices] because in track there are no weights that we can use, so we never lift, and what strength training we do is pretty easy.”

Training centers such as Foundation Health and Performance, Velocity Sports Performance, and Athlete’s Edge are specifically designed to better speed, strength, and individual sports skills. Sports clubs offer advanced, specialized team training during the off-seasons of schoolrun athletics. Whether a volleyball player or a track star, a personal workout program complete with knowledgeable trainers will be designed to fit your athletic needs. That is, if you’re willing to pay. A month of such training

ranges from around two hundred to four hundred dollars, all depending upon how many times you plan to workout. Comparatively speaking, an hour long personal training session can cost up to eighty dollars.

Student athletes agree that training outside of school is worth the price for a number of reasons.

As Dillon Flood, junior, who participates in one-on-one weight training and also competes on a club lacrosse team called Shrederz explains, “The people who come out and help us are extremely knowledgeable and really do help.”

A trainer other than one’s team coach serves as a source of insight on the various approaches towards preparing to reach peak performance.

Furthermore, an athlete can expect to see the results they are looking for upon working out under such a program’s instruction in a short period of time. As one’s strength and speed develop, an athlete can expect to actually feel improvement during practice and games.

“I have seen an improvement because I just started up again since not vaulting for 8 months. I’m still getting back into

Collage by Brenna Lyles. it. I’m sure by the time track season starts there will be a lot more improvement though,” says Gorishek.

While some feel that this “price of improvement” is a bit too steep, it is crucial to realize that not only do these programs target performance but also promote healthy living and lifelong exercise habits. Rather than funding a video game obsession for example, outside athletic training develops a healthy body

and prevents sedentary lifestyle choices. With school-run athletics and outside training on top of numerous hours spent in school and working on homework, students will also learn priceless time management skills for a busy, productive life.

Ultimately, price is a determining factor in any investment, so it is up to you to decide whether the benefits of extensive training outweigh the costs.

Student Spotlight

Soccer player stands out with his speed I

Nick Theriault n order to succeed in soccer, one must have exceptional agility. The Staff Writer varsity soccer team contains some impressive running talent. However, the speediest player of them all is sophomore mid-fielder Ben Lee. Number seventeen for the varsity team has top notch soccer skills and dominates the field. His dribbling is near perfect and his passes are astoundingly accurate. Each year he plans to be more competitive and score more goals. As a junior varsity player last season, he scored twelve goals. He has one goal so far this season.

“I plan to continue playing for the school team and get better each year,” Lee, sophomore, said.

Lee has been playing soccer since he was five years old and has been training harder than ever this year. His dad encouraged him to start and helped him master the fundamentals.

“I just practice every week,” Lee said.

All the hard work is paying off as Lee starts most of the varsity games as only a sophomore.

Even when he’s not starting, he is usually subbed about 15 minutes into the game. Over the upcoming summer, Ben Lee plans to travel to Texas for a soccer showcase, so colleges get a better look at him.

With lots of soccer talent, Lee has a bright future. As a sophomore playing on varsity and controlling the field, colleges are expected to take a closer look as he continues his high school soccer career. This rising star strives to be a perfect soccer player and hopes to be greeted at colleges’ doors with a soccer scholarship.

Photo by Nick Theriault.

February 2011 | MavLife | 11

Entertainment

The Golden Globes Award season starts off with a bang

Maggie Hammock Staff Writer

January 16th was a night to remember in

Colfer seemed genuinely surprised by his win and gave a heartfelt acceptance speech that brought many in the audience to tears. Photo courtesy of HFPA.

Beverly Hills, as scores of celebrities descended upon the Beverly Hilton Hotel for the 2011 Golden Globe Awards. The annual awards ceremony is put on by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association to recognize the best of the best in the entertainment industry and to honor outstanding achievements in film and television.

The 68th Annual Golden Globes was hosted

by British comedian Ricky Gervais. Gervais kept the audience laughing throughout the ceremony; audience members, such as Alec Baldwin, were literally crying with laughter over his delivery.

Some of Gervais’ comments, however, were more full of venom than wit, borderline offensive even, and the people he was poking fun at did not find his comments as funny as the rest of the audience.

In all, though, Gervais kept the ceremony moving along at a good pace.

The night was full of both surprises and certainties. The high school show Glee was chosen for Best Television Musical or Comedy. While many were pleased to see the young cast get some credit, other viewers were disappointed to see shows such as Modern Family and 30 Rock shunned. Best Animated Feature Film went to Pixar’s Toy Story 3.

The possibility of an award had been hyped since the release of the movie over the summer, and had it not won, many would be up in arms over the upset. Inception, which had been nominated in several categories, left with no awards, a blatant

snub that caused some confusion among viewers and celebrities alike.

One of the most memorable moments of the night was Chris Colfer’s acceptance speech.

Colfer, who won Best Supporting Actor in a TV Series for his part of Kurt on Glee, seemed genuinely surprised by his win and gave a heartfelt acceptance speech that brought many in the audience to tears. On the opposite end of the spectrum was a speech made by Robert DeNiro after accepting the Cecil B. DeMille Award. DeNiro’s speech started off strong, but soon turned into an awkward series of un-funny jokes.

Overall, the night went off without a major hitch. The event had both the awkward and appalling moments that now seem common to modern awards shows, but also numerous touching moments that made the uncomfortable ones worth it. The Golden Globes kicked off awards season 2011, and if they were any indication, the Academy Awards on February 27th should be a very entertaining event.

Golden Globes Wrap-Up

Best Motion Picture (Drama) - The Social Network Best Motion Picture (Comedy or Musical) The Kids Are Alright Best Animated Picture - Toy Story 3 Best Television Series (Drama) - Boardwalk Empire Best Television Series (Comedy) - Glee

Production Triumphs Jordan Bernard Staff Writer

Buying tickets for Macbeth marks

the beginning of the play. The ghostly white faces of the actresses in renaissance clothing stare off blankly, murmuring undetectable words. Entering the black box takes one from a 21st century evening to a dark, dreary night in Shakespearean times. The entrance is draped with black curtains, hiding from view the intricately built set until it can be seen fully. Once inside, one’s sight is met with a two story castle that wraps around the perimeter of the black box. Chairs line three sides of the black box, ensuring that each audience member will experience a different view of the play. In the middle of the black box stands two lines of 5 girls in each. Like the characters from the theatre entrance, they murmur to themselves softly. After fifteen minutes of waiting and watching the actresses not fail once to crack a smile or step out of character, the lights dim, signifying another step into the journey of Macbeth.

The atmosphere created by the theatre department could in itself make the play incredible. Because of the plays location in the black box, the audience is embraced fully into the

All female cast wows audience

production and are surrounded by the set.

“It was a much more intimate setting than the normal plays in the theatre. It brought a new aspect which definitely moved the play up to above and beyond.” Nicole Gilbert, senior, said.

However, the true strength of the play came from the acting. Lauren Mercier, playing Macbeth, despite her high voice and small frame, tricks the audience into believing she is a man suffering by his desire for power. Paige Santangelo is perfectly insane as Lady Macbeth. She embodies the power hungry, heartless woman that wishes to be “unsexed” with great vigor and emotion. However, she is quickly able to transform into the fragile, suicidal basket case that in the end meets a fatal departing.

The fight scenes in the play hold nothing back. The audience is left holding their breath and digging their fingernails into their palms as they watch brutal murder and combat scenes. And because the actors are literally surrounding the entire black box, the audience members are just more soldiers fighting for the fall of Macbeth in Dunisinane.

12 | MavLife |February 2011

The true strength of the play came from the acting. Lauren Mercier, playing Macbeth, despite her high voice and small frame, tricks the audience into believing she is a man. Photo courtesy of LCC Thespians.

The only advice to make the play better would to, as a member of the audience, brush up on your knowledge of Macbeth before hand. Only because, as students living in 2011, it is harder to follow the plot line laced with language so foreign to us. If time prevents one from “spark noting” Shakespeare’s famous play, no worry should be shed,

the actors and atmosphere create entertainment enough, even if one is a bit lost on the plot.

The theatre department really knocked this production out of the ballpark. Every aspect; the set, the lighting, the sound, the acting, the time; contributed to another success for our thespians.

Entertainment

The Rise of Synthetic Talent Breonna Mabry Staff Writer

Auto-Tune becomes more prevalent

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At first, Auto-Tune was primarily used as a subtle way to cover the mistakes of a vocalist off their game; smoothly sliding the pitch to the correct note. Now, this technology is sweeping the entertainment industry, masking the entire vocals of new artist on their tracks. Photo courtesy of Dynojet.

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s the technology of the auto-tune program becomes more and more prevalent in the entertainment industry, many have come to debate whether the tool stands as a breakthrough for the field or the suppression of true artist talent.

“Auto-Tune is everywhere and is completely changing the music we listen to,” Ursala Chan, senior, said. “It’s taking the world by storm. They even have an application for it on the iPhone.”

Interestingly enough, when Antares Audio Technologies engineered the automated pitch-correction and audio-processing software in 1987, they had no idea that the technology would be used to manipulate entire tracks the way it does now. At first, Auto-Tune was primarily used as a subtle way to cover the mistakes of a vocalist off his or her game, smoothly sliding the pitch to the correct note. Now, this technology is sweeping the entertainment industry, masking the entire vocals of new artists on their tracks. The ubiquity of the new technology has become overwhelming.

“It’s super popular,” said Chan, “and sure, it takes away from an artist’s true talent, but it’s just so much fun.”

Fun - that’s how many of America’s teens have come to see the program. Auto-tune is noted to be used in some of 2010’s top billboard tracks, including Ke$ha’s “Tick Tock,” Far East Side Movement’s “Like a G6,” and Taio Cruz’s “Dynamite.” But when it comes’s down to it, the reality is that this new program is completely taking away any necessity for true vocal talent.

“It’s kind of cheating,” Eden Morsac, sophomore, said. “It’s not even their real voices. Anybody can talk into a computer.”

Many, like Morsac, prefer the music of the

It’s super popular and sure, it takes away from an artist’s true talent, but it’s just so much fun.

-Ursala Chan (12)

good-ol-days: the days artists’ songs portrayed their true talent and CDs were full of minor glitches in vocal pitch. To this group of music lovers, flaws are valued - flaws are what makes an artist real and

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possibly more appealing.

Some artists are standing up and vocalizing their opposition to Auto-Tune. Jay-Z titled a song on his album The Blue Print 3 “Death of Auto Tune,” in which he speaks of his disgust with the synthetic talent it represents. Also, indie rock band Death Cab For Cutie wore ribbons protesting its use at their latest concert.

In the end, the auto-tune program has left its listeners split. While some may argue that music is about sound and fun, there will always be opposition to the idea that the art of music should only be presented by those who have achieved a given level of talent through hard work and dedication. Regardless of the feud Antares Audio Technologies has created, this program is here to stay and changing the music industry day by synthetic day.

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February 2011 | MavLife | 13

One is Enough

Jordan Bernard Staff Writer

We often seem to fall in love with mov-

Sequels are usually disappointing

ies, wishing that they could stretch on forever, providing a plot line that never gets old. That’s why when I’m sitting at the movie theatre and a preview for a sequel to one of my favorite movie comes on, my heart starts to beat and I lock the date down in my mind.

I spend the next months, weeks, days emotionally preparing myself for the epic-ness and building the movie up in my head. When the release date finally comes, I’m either at the midnight premiere or the first in line to see it at regular day time hours.

After countless movies, numerous buildups, and several midnight premieres for movies that follow movies that I watch on repeat, I still have not learned my lesson. Sequels, are rarely even worth seeing.

Original movies tend to be above par because they are original, innovative, and unique. All of these adjectives contradict the idea of a sequel. Good movies end with a happy ending that could be followed with either an additional movie about the loveydovey, finally-got-together couple having kids or a resurface of the bad guy that everyone thought was dead.

Great movies, however, end with an audience contemplating on the ultimate outcome of the main characters. Of course cliff-hangers are never fun and leave the audience irritated.

But when perfect love is implied and not necessarily shown or the hero questions his own

morals and ends with a blurry line of wrong and right, the audience falls in love.

A perfect example of this unclear outcome is The Graduate. I would bet money that there is not a single soul who actually disliked this movie, and of course this movie ends with Ben Braddock (Dustin Hoffman) and Elaine Robinson (Katherine Ross) together. Yet, the main characters are not tricked into believing that they will live happily ever after, as is shown by their solemn faces as they depart for their honeymoon. A sequel to this movie would have been a disgrace, erasing all the realism and greatness the movie portrayed.

Of course, there are exceptions to this rule. These exceptions usually come in the form of sagas and series that existed in book form before they were turned into cinema magic. However, these movies, like Harry Potter and The Lord of the Rings, are actually really 10 hour long movies when put together and are only separated for the purpose of time and cost.

Sequels are a lot like fool’s gold: they seem perfect but in turn actually are not that great. Adding another movie to a great plot-line means that there is already a high standard for the new addition and if it isn’t equal and/or greater than the first one, people will hate it.

Upcoming Sequels

-The Dark Knight Rises -James Bond 23 -Underworld 4 -Tranformers 3 -Star Trek 2 -The Hangover 2 -Pineapple Express 2 -Pirates of the Carribean 4 -Spiderman 4 (Reboot)

Opinion

-Sherlock Holmes 2 -Avatar 2 -Twilight: Breaking Dawn -Scream 4 -Wolverine 2 -The Ring 3D -Paranormal Activity 3 -The Hobbit -Ghostbusters 3

14 | MavLife | February 2011

Collage created by Ally Allen

In Support of Minor Holidays Tanner Taguchi Staff Writer

Americans love Holidays.

Among these holidays is St. Valentine’s day, and it’s finally here.

Valentine’s Day is a day in which couples exchange gifts and show their love for each other. Some consider this a major holiday; at least the people who are married or currently have a significant other do.

Unfortunately, for those love lorn souls who despise Valentine’s day there are many other holidays to enjoy. In fact there are so many holidays to celebrate that most days of the year are holidays, some are just more well known than others. Sure, Christmas gets the full month of December virtually to itself, but there are also other minor holidays that deserve their fair share of respect.

The most important of the minor holidays is Guy Fawkes day.

In England, February 5 is time to celebrate Guy Fawkes. In 1605, the British governments held antiCatholic sentiment. A man named Guy Fawkes and four other men conspired to kill the protestant King James by destroying the Par-

liament building with a gun powder explosion. The group planned and worked for over a year and a half tunneling underneath the Parliament building, planning to ignite the black powder while Parliament was in session. Unfortunately for the conspirators the fear of killing catholic members of Parliament drove them to send letters to all Catholic representatives.

The word of the plot eventually leaked.

Guy Fawkes was taken by British authorities and was tried for treason, then tortured and burned at the stake. People today drink and burn effigies of Guy Fawkes in remembrance of that day. What is the significance you may ask?

As you may know King James the First sent the settlers of Jamestown to America. If King James was killed that day in Parliament, America would have never been.

So, my question is why don’t we get Guy Fawkes day off?

The bottom line is if you can’t stand a heart-shaped card, fill up your year celebrating these holidays.

Opinion

The Plague, The Plague, I Say!

Breonna Mabry Staff Writer Let me begin this article by refuting the editors’ decision to publish this piece in the “opinion” section of this paper. All events mentioned in this article are factual restatements of actual occurrences.

A

s peculiar events of Biblical proportions begin to occur in lands both domestic and abroad many are beginning to prepare for the end of times.

For those of you who aren’t yet keen on keeping updated with current events let me brief you on a few happenings that have occurred since the strike of the new year. If you were to log on to CNN today you would see the following headlines: “Forty Thousand Velvet Crabs Washed up on the Coast of Great Britain,” “Penguins Dying and Littering the Beaches of New Zealand,” “Crows Falling Out of the Sky in Sweden,” “Eight Thousand Turtle Doves Falling Dead to the Ground in Italy,” and, finally, a little event where nearly two million dead fish washed up along the shores of the Chesapeake Bay. Not only this, but the tectonic plates of

Extraordinary events signal the end

the earth are shifting violently and unusually beneath our feet, resulting in earthquakes and oceanic disturbances of “biblical proportions”. And for those of us who fear not these calamities due to our current distance on the map, find worry in the knowledge that meteorologists are now predicting a forty day rainstorm in southern California in the near future.

Are these not clear markings of the end of times? I believe 2011 will be a year of signs from heaven above and earth. There is a Jewish proverb that states, “accidents are not kosher.” The earth is the Lord’s and nature is God’s system — full of warnings and signs of the time. Absolutely nothing of human life is without cause or purpose. These queer episodes are not a “coincidence” or “another cycle of the earth’s system”. Nature does not exist out of God’s control but in a system of balance and design. Whatever is in our Creator’s plan is played out on a daily schedule. Jesus Christ warns us of man’s failure

Illustration by Breonna Mabry

to discern the signs of the time.

He stated, “And in the morning, It will be foul weather to day: for the sky is red and lowring. O ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky; but can ye not discern the signs of the times?” (Matthew 16:3).

I’m not suggesting that all must seek redemption from the God that I believe in, but I am publishing these words as a warning to all

Lauren Sonken Staff Writer

that the end is indeed nearing its curtain call. Be not the man that fails to discern. Whatever you believe in, let your beliefs grow fond and true. This is not a time to have doubt in yourself, or in your heart.

For as the chaos grows rapid and the nations begin to fall, faith is all that you will have to rely on. So find faith in something, and whatever you do, don’t be deceived away from your heart.

How We Are Seen

Upon entering LCC as a senior,

the first thing I always notice is diversity. On campus, there is on wide range of races, styles, and ages. This visual diversity paves the way for a certain perception of the school all Mavericks attend.

As a young, confused, eighth grader, I remember weighing the reasons as to why or why not to choose various schools. I desired a place where I could receive a complete “high school experience,” something I had believed involved football games and large groups of friends. So I decided to attend LCC, and ended up receiving a mixture of both aspects.

Because of our strongly advertised sports programs, I think that many perceive our school to be solely competitive and athletic oriented. I think this idea scares many introverts, because they feel they cannot be accepted or enjoy themselves if they are not spirited or into athletics. This perception makes our school unattractive to those who desire to take extra courses or focus completely on academics, for

they possibly fear an unfocused environment. Additionally, due to our location in the heart of La Costa, outsiders feel as if most of the staff and students are extremely wealthy.

This casts a spoiled stereotype on our school’s attendees, something that is very far from the truth in most cases.

What I think many incoming students fail to realize is that LCC is more than simply an “athletic” or “academic” school. Those perceptions are extremely black and white. In reality, nothing is that simple. Each person involved in the school works strenuously to allow students to design their own individualized future here. If a new student desires a purely one-sided experience, that is not likely to happen here.

A closed off incomer will be pleasantly surprised when sherealizes how much diversity our campus possesses. It is almost impossible to attend LCC without being exposed to its numerous offerings.

This makes room for new experiences and interests, things our school always invites.

February 2011 | MavLife | 15

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Surfing School Pride

Sports

Check out surf coverage on page 10. Photo Courtesy of Kim Garland

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