Mavlife New Beginnings

s g n i n n i g e b w ne Changes in administration and ASB are helping to reshape the Canyon.

pg. 9 - 12 la costa canyon high school

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1 maverick way, carlsbad, california 92009

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volume 2 - issue 1

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November 2009

adviser Christopher Greenslate cover photo: JP Horrigan

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

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A former student looks back on her trip to Uganda and her participation with Invisible Children.

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editor in chief Rachel Scepanovic managing editor Jordynn Harris copy editor Katherine Dwyer editors Alexa Simpson, Kayne Friesen, Hunter Vurbeff lead photographer JP Horrigan staff Liliana Alaniz, Hayden Anderson, Jake Barnes, Allison Beach, Sean Bentley, Aaron Berkowitz, Nicholas Bernier, Shannon Brunetti, D.P. Bullington, Makenzie Cohen, Elan Conlin, Cara Connor, Ximena Cruz, Nena Farrell, Sarah Favreau, Reina Garcia, Emilia Gonzalez, Joseph Goodman, Alex Ham, Rebecca Hammock, Amanda Knef, Joshua Kong, Sebastian Langkilde, Drew Linkogle, Andrew Murray, Taylor Olson, Nicholas Reynolds, Warren Rodriguez, Danielle Roel, Kasie Shahbaz, Quinn Snow, Alec Thornburgh, Erica Turnbull, Megan Walsh, Patrick Walsh, Katherine Wells, Karissa Workinger, Sophia Zeno

The latest online activity, Farmville, serves as a major distraction for students.

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staff:

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Natalie Hagglund shares her story at the International Volleyball World Championships in Turkey.

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 1304, via e-mail or to Christopher Greenslate’s mailbox in the administrative building. Letters may be edited for length and clarity.

2 | MavLife | june 2009

[November] TP vs. LCC Football Game

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18 Blood Drive Fall Break

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{news} Librarian Position Eliminated The Educational Services Department has eliminated the librarian position for next year, leaving many staff and students unhappy with the loss of Sharon Talmadge.

Rebecca Hammock and Liliana Alaniz Staff Writers

After five years of working as the teacher-librarian, Sharon Talmadge will not be returning next year due to partial budgetary reasons and district opinion.

Unfortunately, unlike most retirements during these current economic difficulties, the decision was not her own. Rather, it was the choice that the San Dieguito Union High School District’s (SDUHSD) Educational Services Department made for all high schools in our district.

“If we cut her job, we cut our grades and success rates and with that, we can kiss any kind of scholastic grants goodbye.

Then we lose more funding. It’s a cycle, and were being sucked in,” Aly Rosenberg, junior, said.

The reasons for the librarians’ dismissal are still unclear and Rick Schmitt, Associate Superintendent Educational Services of SDHUSD, did not respond to requests for an interview. This leaves room for much speculation but a leading factor in this decision is the money. The budgetary cuts have hit education hard in California and it was deemed necessary to eliminate some costs. According to salary.com the average yearly income of a librarian is $55,610 a year, compared to the district budget, which is roughly $79 million for the 201011 year, a relatively low amount.

“It is important for the public to under-

stand that Rick Schmitt is not the villain, he had some tough decisions to make as to where to cut costs. Now, that doesn’t mean everyone will agree that he made the correct decision,” Matt Cunningham, ELD and AP English teacher, said.

Many teachers and students have formed opinions about the budget cuts affecting the library, and in most cases, they seem to mirror each other. To most students, the budget cuts are something they hear about often.

“The education budget cuts are ridiculous. I fully understand that we have a budget crisis, but education is the wrong place to take funding from. How can we afford to fund over $10 billion for overcrowded prisons when we can’t fund the education of the future adults of America?” Jonathan Barsky, junior, said.

The librarians at Canyon Crest Academy and Torrey Pines High School are already gone, since the district no longer feels it is necessary for them to be around.

Instead of qualified librarians running the library, “library technicians” will take over.

One would think that these individuals will have the same training as a librarian, however, these “technicians” will not be required to have teaching credentials or any experience. The technicians are not even required to have attended college.

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ited duties, students and English teachers will be burdened with more tasks than they already have.

“She showed me where everything is located,” Courtney Caldwell, senior, said.

“She showed me how to set up my account on the computer. Also, I’ve had discussions with her about books and she really inspires me to read more. It’s going to be hard for everyone to lose her.”

This decision, will affect all the students on campus, especially low income students. Most students stay after school in the library to do homework and many of them to have the choice to use the internet. Next year with no librarian, students will lack the support that she provides in navigating online resources, finding books, and aiding research.

“I don’t know the exact amount of money saved, but in my view, it is not worth it given the dramatic negative impact on student learning, student achievement, and developing a culture of academic inquiry and exploration,” Suzi Van Steenbergen, English teacher, said.

As for a reaction against this, teachers are not sure what their next steps will be, but there is talk that the English department is trying to put a presentation together to warrant a reconsideration. Van Steenbergen created a Google document where students and teachers can add experiences in which Talmadge has assisted them. This document is full of praises and positive comments on Talmadge’s attitude and work ethic. It also expresses a need that our school has for an experienced librarian. If anyone is interested in adding to

“I’ve had discussions with her about books and she really inspires me to read more. It’s going to be hard for everyone to lose her.”

-Courtney Caldwell

and 6th grades, and in a museum. She has a Masters in Library and Information Science, and a Library/Media Services Credential, as well as a regular teaching credential. Though “library technicians” are trained in some library skills, they have not been trained to act in place of a librarian. In addition, if the hired technician is absent, the library will be closed for the duration of their absence. As a result of the technicians’ lim-

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Librarian Sharon Talmadge and student teacher Tim Woolfstron organize the lab room schedule. Photo by Liliana Alaniz.

“They probably won’t be able to help students around the library as much as a librarian could,” Talmadge said. “Also, they probably wouldn’t have read very many books in the library. When I order new books, I tend to read a lot of them first.”

Talmadge’s duties include teaching information about finding data and literacy skills, book talks, ordering new books, updating catalog, planning other programs/fundraisers, freshmen library orientation and organizing the computer lab schedules and book fair. She exceeds her job description by ensuring that every book is not only appealing to our student body but that it also has “appropriate” content by reading it before putting it on the shelfs.

She also gives reviews on any book that a student might want to check out and guarantees it is within grade level.

For all the students that can either not afford a book or just don’t want to purchase one, there is a wish list in the library and once purchased the book is dedicated to the person that suggested it. Talmadge constantly multitasks to help as many students as possible when it comes to technical computer problems, copy machine problems, identification cards, and simply locating a book.

“She is a remarkable person and an asset to the learning experience of students,” Cunningham said, “She’s as important to the English department as any English teacher.”

Next year will mark Talmadge’s fortyfirst year of teaching and her sixth year as a librarian.Previously,she has taught 2nd,4th, 5th,

this Google Document they contact Suzi Van Steenbergen.

“The library is the literal and figurative center of our school--our school, which is supposed to be an institution of learning.

It is the heart of our campus, and Ms. Talmadge is the life-blood. Without her, the library would just be a room with books,” English teacher, Erika Wanczuk, said.

november 2009 | MavLife | 3

g n i n e p hap

Student Rep Visits Uganda

After becoming a winner in the national “Schools for Schools” book drive, Alex Bernatz was chosen to see our efforts first hand.

Sean Bentley Staff Writer

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Alex Bernatz and a group of students in Uganda. Courtesy of Alex Bernatz.

deserves to have a clean, safe environment to learn in,” Bernatz said.

Bernatz represented the class in a trip to visit schools in northern Uganda over the summer. The trip was sponsored by the non-profit organization Invisible Children, after Social Justice collected over 49,000 books, 29,000 deemed saleable, and placed second in the Invisible Children and Better World Book’s “Schools for Schools” book drive. The $1.2 million raised from the nationwide drive went towards helping educational programs in northern Uganda. Sacred Heart School

“We just wanted to dress up as Indians for fun because Indian New Year was the following day.”

-Krutik Patel

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traveled to Washington D.C., where she participated in the “How It Ends” rally as part of lobby days at the nation’s capital. The event, which took place in late June, intended to raise awareness and urge Congress to pass the Lord’s Resistance Army Disarmament and Northern Uganda Recovery Act of 2009.

The bill, yet to be passed, would involve the United States in creating peace and stabilizing Uganda and all areas affected by the Lord’s Resistance Army. The United States would fund relief efforts and support eliminating the threat of the rebellion army.

Bernatz told a senator during the lobby days, “We have the ability to change the world.”

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Photo by JP Horrigan.

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School went mostly towards improving sanitation. New latrines for the bathrooms, and water pumps for fresh, clean water were among some of the renovations made possible by the book drive.

“Looking around at the schools and seeing some of the old buildings compared to the new buildings, you could just tell they really needed the help,” Bernatz said.

Invisible Children is an organization that tries to raise awareness and money for children in northern Uganda because of the 25 year old war that has ravaged the north. The Lord’s Resistance Army, led

by Joseph Kony, often abduct children and use them in their army as child soldiers. In the spring of 2003, three young

students celebrate Diwali, bringing some flavor to campus

Photo by JP Horrigan.

Student Spotlight:

“I don’t think anyone deserves to learn in the conditions they do.

Everyone deserves to have a clean, safe environment.”

-Alex Bernatz

“We always wanted to wear our Indian clothes for a special occasion.

There’s no better day than Indian New Years.”

-Nirav Mehta

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Parasite and bacteria infested water mixed with brown and green scum. Old, musty, patched up, and run-down brick buildings. Bathrooms in disrepair with the foul stench of rotting sewage.

These were once the circumstances for girls of Sacred Hearts Secondary School in northern Uganda. Alex Bernatz, a senior last year in Social Justice, witnessed firsthand how the situation was improved thanks to the efforts of our school’s book drive.

“I don’t think anyone deserves to learn in the conditions they do. Everyone

men, Jason Russell, Bobby Bailey, and Laren Poole, went to Uganda and made a film about this tragedy titled, “Invisible Children: Rough Cut,” and founded the organization soon after.

In another part of the trip, Bernatz

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was the sister school assigned to the Social Justice class, and our campus.

“I was in such awe of what was done, just with the money everyone raised,” Bernatz said, “The girls were so grateful.”

The fundraising for the Sacred Heart

{news}

Austrian Exchange Students Visit Campus Twenty-one Austrian exchange students came to visit for two weeks, experiencing a different culture.

Erica Turnbull and Nick Bernier Staff Writers

Eva Luschinsky, Vinzenz Kellerer, and Tobias Reinthaller, enjoy a night at Moonlight beach for a bonfire put on by ASB. Photo by Rachel Scepanovic.

Austrian exchange students shadowed their hosts in class for a period of two weeks in October. The students, considered juniors, traveled here to experience America and it’s school system.

“We do not have to participate in class activities here, but we are missing two weeks of school at home and we have to make up the work and tests when we return,” Eva Luschinsky said.

In addition to shadowing their hosts, they attended some trademark attractions such as Universal Studios, Disneyland, and Beverly Hills. They also were given the opportunity to go to the beach and shop. Additionally, host families took them to other places like downtown San Diego.

“My favorite part of the trip was going to Disneyland with the people from my

class,” Tobias Reinthaller said.

They also expressed their joy with the shopping because they were able to strike deals. They visited the mall and shopped at the same stores as they did at home, but were able to receive better prices for items.

“The dollar is worth almost half as much as the euro,” Vinzenz Kellerer said.

Because of the difference of worth in the two currencies, they were able to get more for their money and enjoyed getting a deal on items.

“It’s weird because we live in two different places, but we are so much alike,” Lauren Mynderse, a junior host, said.

She explained how through their

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common interests and life styles they were able to find a common ground and create a friendship. Mynderse shared that if she had the opportunity to visit her exchange student, Verena Drexler, Austria, she would gladly accept the opportunity.

“I think America is a great place to visit and vacation, but Austria is the most beautiful place in the world,” Kellerer said.

Although they had a great time here, they were anxious to return to their families and friends.

“It was a great vacation. Two weeks was just the right amount of time, but I’m very happy to be going home,” Kellerer said.

“My favorite part of the trip was going to Disneyland with the people from my class.”

-Tobias Reinthaller

Students Question Red Ribbon Week Many students question whether or not Red Ribbon Week helps reduce Drug and Alcohol use.

Reina Garcia Staff Writer

Does Red Ribbon Week influence your decisions concerning drug and alcohol use?

72% 28% 112 students were surveyed.

Now that Red Ribbon Week has come to an end, many students have different opinions about its effectiveness on our campus. Although it seemed to have a lasting effect on students in elementary school, the opinions about its current influence have changed.

“I don’t think wearing a red bracelet is going to persuade kids to not drink or do drugs. What does that really do?” Philip Walters, senior, said.

Although the campaign’s efforts are strong, mav life showed 72 percent believe Red Ribbon Week did not influence them concerning drug and alcohol use. In fact, many students believe that the practice is actually counter-productive.

“People just don’t really take it seriously and I feel like it’s a waste of time,” Alex Jayne, sophomore, said.

According to the survey results, it seems

that students are going to need more than red rubber bracelets and signing a poster pledging to be drug-free to alter student behavior.

Because of the recent death of a Torrey Pines student involving drugs and alcohol, many teachers believe that we should bring back the program “Every Fifteen Minutes” so students will truly realize the consequences of drug and alcohol use while driving. However, the power to resurrect the program lies within the district so Mr. Ruggles or any other faculty do not have the authority to make those decisions.

“If they want to get the message across, I think having an assembly or a guest speaker would be a good idea and it might be more effective,” Megan Weber, senior, said.

Tommy Valois is one of the few students who is excited by the Red Ribbon Week bracelets. Photo by Cara Connor.

june 2009 | MavLife |

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d u o l t u talk o Not Ready to Say Good-bye Librarian Sharon Talmadge has been part of the Canyon community for five years. The budget has stirred up some issues, and it seems the only way to make anything affordable is by cutting excellent staff, including Talmadge.

We find that the budget cuts are eliminating staff that is valuable to the success of students on campus.

Talmadge along with many others, who were “pink-slipped” last year, should not have been chosen to leave. We understand that there are cuts that need to be made, but what we don’t understand is that teachers and staff who have been inspiring and motivating students are being forced to leave.

Talmadge has contributed in making life easier for teachers and students. She teaches information about finding data and literacy skills, she has book talks, orders new books, plans fundraisers/programs, organizes the lab room schedule, as well as the book fair. She gives reviews on books for students and ensures that it

is right for their grade level. For those who have trouble affording books, she has created a wish list, which gives students the opportunity to read the books of their choice. In so many ways, Talmadge has made each day at school run a little bit more smoothly.

The technicians aren’t required to have teaching credentials or any experience taking her place, so it is strange how our school is allowing the technicians to replace someone who has done so much for our community.

The library is a place where students can go to for support and be provided with all the resources they need to be successful. These resources have been made possible by the help of our librarian.

The library is such an important part of our school, and with her absence, the school won’t function as efficiently.

The library will not be the same without her support and contributions. Staff and students will strongly miss having her around, and we wish her the best of luck.

Illustration by Lizzie Marco

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{opinion}

My Life with Swine Flu One student’s experience with the global epidemic.

Nick Reynolds Staff Writer

Nick Reynolds wearing a mask similar to the one he wore when he was quarantined.

Photo by Kayne Friesen

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verbial sun of my mental state, slowing my thoughts down while speeding time up. I wandered zombie-like from room to room, only able to prepare for the school day on autopilot, and finally the day began. Little did I know, the sickness lurked in a dark, shadowy corner of my body, licking its wounds and planning its next attack.

As I sat in a close friend’s garage and stopped yet another alien race from destroying the world, the beast that lurked within the recesses of my body reared its ugly head and struck. In a matter of minutes, a storm materialized and descending

“I would soon learn my ailment was the legendary swine flu that was sweeping the nation, and had chosen me as its next victim,” -Nick Reynolds

Pendulum’s ‘The Other Side’ blared from my bedside table, jolting me out of sleep and back into consciousness. But this day was a step off the beaten path of my normal school day morning, for the usual morning slowness was reinforced by a metaphorical cloud that seemed to drift through my brain, inhibiting it from working at its full potential. The cloud would cover the pro-

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For five days, I was confined to one bedroom, a hallway, and an open loft, under the medical protocol known as quarantine. For an entire week I had slowly fallen into sickness as my unknown disease assaulted my immune system, making a nest from where it could unleash its full potential. I would soon learn my ailment was the legendary swine flu that was sweeping the nation, and had chosen me as its next victim. Each day it threw a new, terrible experience at me to suffer through.

It was Friday, and the monotonous school routine began as the chorus from

to shroud my very being. I dissolved into a state of constant sneezing, and a torrential downpour emanated from within my nose.

Whatever disease it was that plagued me had returned and far stronger than before.

I could no longer function, and the storm was no longer tolerable. The beast had become resistant to the few drugs that could help me.The last of my energy slowly faded

out and my body sank so far into the chair it looked as if it had swallowed me whole, and the beast had won. All it could do was let it run rampant, and luckily I faded into a welcome respite of sleep.

I returned home in order to prepare for a soccer game later that day, and halfway through it realized I was in no condition to play soccer whatsoever. I told my parents I needed to go to the doctor and found my bed. A bed sounded much more welcoming than a dirt and grass field, and I fell asleep the moment I lay down.

For 26 hours I stayed in that bed. The cloud had had completely enveloped my brain, driving up my temperature to 103 degrees and limited my mental capacity.

I couldn’t move. For all I tried I couldn’t muster the will to get up and move around the space I had. Something was wrong.

Turning onto my side, I blinked, and the world changed. Colors dissolved into red and blue and objects blurred. Was I dreaming? No, I thought, I must be wearing 3D glasses. I reached up expecting to pull them off and found nothing. There was no way to explain the hallucinations I was experiencing, and I was scared. I was not in control and there was nothing I could do about it. I blinked.

Now it was night, and now I was soaked in sweat. I assumed I must have been hot, so I removed the cover. I was instantly too cold, and when I put them back on I was too hot. There was no relief. At least it was dark.

I awoke to a series of tremors that shook my bed. In seconds that it wasn’t the bed, it was me. Still shaking, I curled up underneath the covers thinking I must be cold, and realized I was covered in sweat; I couldn’t stop. For what felt like hours I was reduced to violent shakes and shivers, unable to do anything. I don’t remember falling asleep.

The beast had gained complete control, playing hell with my body and mind making me suffer as it saw fit. I was only a puppet.

It was Sunday, and I still haven’t seen a doctor.

The trip to the doctor was finally arranged, and I managed to drag myself into his office. Once he looked me over and did a few tests, it was determined that my beast’s name was swine flu, and I was given the proper means with which to alliviate my symptoms. I was put under quarantine for a total of five more days. My mom was even given the same antibotic I was taking to avoid catching the virus, and I couldnt

come in contact with anyone else. We returned home, and I retired to the couch I ended up occupying for most of the next five days.

The antibiotic I was given finally started to take effect, and I felt the clouds slowly lifting off of my mental state. The fever had finally burned itself out, leaving me with an overall feeling of congestion.

I had regained the ability to function, and the hours spent laying on the couch grew more and more monotonous.

It was not until Friday that I felt perfectly normal, and I had begun pacing the small area I was limited to out of pure boredom. The quaratine was to be lifted on Saturday, and the day dragged on to no end. It marked end of a long, painful stuggle between my body and nature, and for that I was grateful. My release could not come sooner.

november 2009 | MavLife |

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d u o l t talk ou

llustration by Sarah Favreau

Student obsession with Farmville serves as a major distraction.

Student’s are stressed out. They find themselves balancing too many activities, too much homework, and the pressure to get in to a good college. This stress causes them to look for ways to unwind or distract themselves. For many students on Facebook this distraction has become Farmville.

Farmville is an online game where users plant, harvest, and sell crops in the hopes of making more Farmville money and expanding their farm. While this game seems harmless it appears to have an addicting component that has many of it’s 51 million monthly active users logging on at least once a day to check their crops. When Farmville is abused it can be detrimental to one’s life just like any other addiction.

This game though fun when played over summer or on occasion, could have a devastating effect on student’s grades and sleep schedules. Farmville users who finds themselves avoiding homework to harvest their crops or staying up extra late to milk their cows have gone beyond the point of playing Farmville for fun and are quickly slipping in to an obsession.

This obsession is often caused by the pressure one feels to connect with friends over the fad. Students receive Farmville requests from friends and see the status updates regarding Farmville and are convinced to try it out. While students are taught to ignore peer pressure in the context of drugs and alcohol they fail to see the other parts of their life it can affect.

People want to connect with each other and to have things in common so, despite the early hesitation to play, people agree to try Farmville to see why their friends are spending their spare time farming artichokes and collecting ugly ducklings online.

Taylor Olson Staff Writer

“Well a while back my step bro started playing and I thought it was super lame but three weeks ago everyone was talking about it so I made one and got addicted,” James Harr, junior, said.

Harr is just one of the many so called Farmville addicts who was hooked by friends’ talk and posts. Rachel Brandon, senior, who started playing back in July, recalled joining Farmville after seeing a bunch of notifications from friends pop up in her status feed. Just like Harr she was convinced to try Farmville out because of it’s popularity.

“I started playing because one of my friends was playing it at my house and it looked so lame it might be fun and I’m not really sure what’s fun about it it’s just really addicting making money and getting all the ribbons,” David Baker, senior, said.

The addiction to Farmville goes beyond the desire to connect with others and relies in part on the human desire to compete with others and to achieve simple goals.

This desire to succeed causes users to become obsessive about the level they are on and the amount of money they have.

Farmville is something they can excel in quickly. The ease of success makes it much more encouraging for students to spend their time working on Farmville than doing homework that they get no immediate reward for.

“I think we play because it’s something that gives us a chance to create and replicate success,” Harr said.

Success in Farmville requires little skill or ability. The speed at which one accomplishes goals at on Farmville is dependant on how much time one spends on it. Making it easy for users to lose hours of their time simply trying to get those last 500 hundred points to get to the next level. This

8 | MavLife | november 2009

desire to succeed is enhanced by competition between friends and the desire to see what one receives on the next level.

“It’s a competition to get to higher levels and to get more money than your friends who are doing it,” Rachel Brandon, senior, said.

This mystery and competition has users logging on anywhere between 2 times a day to every other day. While this may seem like a lot of time to spend on a fake farm, users say it has become nothing more than a part of their Facebook check routine.

“I go on whenever I’m on Facebook, so about every other day,” Baker, said.

While most users believe Farmville is simply a fun way to pass their free time, they have to be careful to not let their habit develop into an addiction. They need to monitor their playing of the game and to make sure the free time they are playing in, is really their free time and not time that should be devoted to more academic pursuits or rest. Farmville players need to make sure they don’t lose themselves to the world of online farming.

Down on the Farm FarmVille was launched in June 2009.

With over 63.1 million users, it is the most popular game application on Facebook.

FarmVille generated a revenue of 150 million dollars for its creators Zynga, this year.

FarmVille started as a duplicate of another Facebook farming game, Farm Town.

{opinion}

Reckless Driving One student looks back on an almost fatal collision.

Cara Connor Staff Writer As the school year begins, students on campus will once again witness the collection of reckless drivers that one may see swerving through the lanes in an exasperated effort to reach and depart the school.

No matter how much a young driver may try to debate it, he or she usually tends to be irresponsible and inexperienced on the road. So far this year, many accidents have occurred around the campus area.

If one was leisurely commuting from their house to work one morning, and happened to cross paths with Camino de Los Coches,(Notice how the word “coche” is the spanish equivalent of cars; possibly a relationship to the excessive amount of cars that barrel through the street?) they would see drivers “flooring it” in an attempt to get through the green light and through the congested traffic. They would see vehicles jutting in and cutting off the drivers behind them. They would hear the music of different sounding horns reverberating throughout the canyon, or they could possibly witness an accident.

Unfortunately, it is not hard for me to defend the common title given to teens

Illustration by Jake Barnes

Illustration by Nena Farrell

when it comes to drivers. I would not consider myself experienced on the road. In the past week I have come close to getting in accidents twice, and here is when the commonly-used cliche comes in: “the third time is the charm”.

About a week ago, I was driving home from my friend’s house who lives deep in Rancho Santa Fe. In ease, I was coasting through the windy curves at the speed limit or lower. Around the sharp curves, there are usually special speed limits so that there is minimal chance of veering off the road. Since I am a novice to the windy roads of Rancho Santa Fe, I drove as safely as possible. Suddenly, a silver beamer comes barreling around the same curve I was executing, and cuts into my lane. In angst, I slam on the brakes and swerve into the dirt. The driver of the beamer didn’t even stop.

Another incident happened just a few days later, as I was driving to school going east on Rancho Santa Fe Road. Instead of turning right on Camino de Los Coches, it is also possible to turn right into the Henry’s parking lot to get ahead of the mainstream

traffic. I decided to take the shortcut, when immediately I heard a screech of tires from behind me. Two cars-a Honda Civic and Toyota Camry-were racing each other and jockeying through the traffic.They both turned into the Henry’s parking lot, and both cars went on either side of me. I am guessing that there was only a few inches of space in between me and the two cars.

There was a huge chance that one of them could have hit me–if not both.

Again, only a few days later, I was driving on Rancho Santa Fe Road, heading towards the intersection of Rancho Santa Fe Road and Calle Barcelona. I was about 50 yards away from the light when it flickered yellow. Going at about a 50 mph pace, I had to brake, more abruptly than usually. Just as the light turned red, and I was no longer in motion, my head felt as if it whipped off my neck, and my car jutted forward; the brakes clicking from underneath my feet.

Looking into my rear view mirror, I see the hands of a shocked student clasp her face. We both pulled over to the side of the road, and it turns out that I had a small dent on the right side of my bumper.

After exchanging insurance information, I realized that her rear-ending me, wasn’t entirely her fault. I could have braked more smoothly to give her a warning. However, the driver should have been paying more attention to my actions.

After this experience, I have intentions of driving more safely. There have been so many accidents in the San Diego area in the past month. Although I received a rude awakening on Oct. 5, I’m very fortunate that I wasn’t injured or the other student who rear ended me wasn’t injured. I’m even more lucky that my wake up call wasn’t a fatal one, like one that occurred recently involving the Torrey Pines students.

Even though most of the students driving to school every morning are still speeding, swerving, and cutting people off, I have learned to drive in a more relaxed manner. There’s no difference between getting to school three minutes later than I used to. Those accumulating minutes are more valuable than totaling my car or getting myself into a fatal accident.

november 2009 | MavLife |

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10 | MavLife | november 2009

{special section}

Illustration by Joseph Goodman

With the new school year rolling along, our campus has changed. We have new clubs, administrators, and rules. Take a look at what students are saying about these changes. november 2009 | MavLife | 11

s g n i n n i new beg

Photo illustration by Joseph Goodman.

The Shape

of Things to Come

Sebastian Langkilde Staff Writer This school year, students have been working under a new administration and student government who have begun to settle issues on campus.

Many students were skeptical as the school year began due to a new cast of administrators and a new Associated Student Body adviser.

Former Principal Craig Lewis resigned, as many in the community felt that Lewis’ leadership had been ineffective. Lewis had been the seventh principal in the last 12 years.

As last school year closed, Superintendent Ken Noah, made an investment for the future by hiring Kyle Ruggles, principal, from Hidden Valley Middle School in Escondido.

Ruggles meets all the gaps that former Principal Lewis could not fulfill; he is charismatic and here to stay.

“The vision is very important,” Ruggles said, “Our shared vision is powerful to connect the school.”

Ruggles has always wanted to be a high school principal and working as one now is a dream come true. He started in the Escondido Union District in 1991 as a physical education and mathematics teacher and in 1998 became principal of an elementary school. In 2003 Ruggles be-

A student’s history of change at the Canyon. came Hidden Valley’s new principal.

“We want to be the best. I want LCC to be the best. Have the best teachers and students,” Ruggles said,“We want to be the school everyone wants to go to.”

Ruggles is excited to be part of the school culture and wants to celebrate student diversity on campus, and create an environment where students, and staff, feel valued at school and want to be part of its culture. He has an intense focus on the academic improvements of the school and on connecting and being visible to everyone on campus.

“I know LCC has gone through some principals in the last few years, but I’m here to stay,” Ruggles said.

While Ruggles was selected as principal, many crucial leadership positions were still empty and need to be filled. Mark Van Over and Bjorn Paige were selected to take over as assistant principals and work with Assistant Principal Doug Kamon.

Asistant Principals Mark Van Over and Bjorn Paige are both jokesters. They both, like Ruggles, have charisma.

Van Over came from Canyon Crest Academy. He was born and raised in Poniac, Ill. and then moved to Phoenix when he was thirteen to begin high school and later attended college there as well.

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“I got tired of the desert. There was just something about San Diego that really appealed to me,” Van Over said, “If I don’t move now, I never will. So I thought it was now or never.”

Van Over hopes to make a difference on campus, and change it’s “climate” a bit.

He’d like the school to be great, always different and never boring. His main goal for the school is to be number one: if there is a definition of a number one public school.

Van Over wants people to feel empowered to be the best and to move forward.

“This isn’t a typical school,” Van Over said,“Capitalize on it! We are not evil people in an office,” Van Over said,“They think it’s weird that we joke or interact with them and I guess they don’t know how to take it.”

Assistant Principal Bjorn Paige has been working as a teacher and administrator in the Bay Area for the last ten years. Paige was hired in August.

“I don’t know much about the last administration, but it’s a new day,” Paige said.

Paige has a lot of optimism thus far; he wants to earn the respect of students and staff. The transition from the bay to Encinitas has been smooth for him. Paige has been building relationships on cam-

pus and has been getting to know everyone. Paige is looking forward to being part of the “LCC Team” and not the “New LCC Team.”

The administration was built but Saltsman, former ASB director, left in the summer. The vacancy required Ruggles to pick a successor, and he chose Kaitlin Richardson had been in ASB all four years of high school and during college.

Richardson is still adjusting to the culture, the transition, and getting her feet on the ground. This is all a learning experience for her this year as she tries to be flexible, different from previous directors, and she is letting the ASB students lead the class.

“I’m trying not to stress about everything,” Richardson said, “I think it’s more about how we do the process rather than the final product.”

Mark Trocchio, former assistant principal, transferred to San Dieguito High School Academy at the end of last school year. Marsha Pink retired as an assistant principal after many years of working in the district. Andrew Saltsman, former ASB director, went to work as assistant principal and activities director for El Dorado High School in Placentia, Calif.

{special section}

Welcoming a New Counselor Rebecca Hammock Staff Writer Rik Napora, counseling veteran of fifteen years, who worked at Torrey Pines High School and was the first counselor at Canyon Crest Academy when it opened, has now made this campus his home.

However, before counseling, he worked as an English teacher.

“I became an English teacher because of my love of reading, but I wasn’t really able to find out about the kids. I realized that I was more interested in the kids’ lives and stories than in teaching them participles,” Napora said,“I knew that counseling is where I should be.”

But that wasn’t the only factor that led to his decision to be a counselor.

“When I was growing up, I had a counselor who really didn’t pay any attention to me,” he said, “I think I talked to him twice.

I was one of those ‘at risk’ kids, pretty misguided, and that led to a series of deadend jobs before I really knew what to do.”

Napora loves being able to talk to kids not only on an academic level, but also on

Counselor Napora impresses staff and students. a personal level. Each counselor got an extra hundred students added to their list this year because there’s one fewer counselor.

“I think he brings something new we’ve never had before,” Randa Fast-Medley, counselor, said, “I’ve only been here three years, but he brings so much experience we can benefit from that I haven’t seen before. He’s an unbelievable techno-wizard.

He really gets it and is able to explain it.”

After fifteen years of practice, it makes sense that Napora would be good at what he does. His students are adjusting welleven though some of them have had three different counselors in many years, but they are pleased by Napora’s arrival.

By the overwhelming positive reaction from students and counselors alike, it seems many look forward to getting to know him in the years to come.

“I haven’t met him yet, but I heard he’s super energetic and friendly,”Tiffany Brock, freshman, said.

Rik Napora getting some work done. Photo by Rebecca Hammock.

Club Strives to Bring the Campus Together “Be the change you wish to see in the world.”

-Ghandi Sean Bentley Staff Writer

Steven Glathe and members of Be the Change club gathered for their first picnic on Oct. 26 Photo by Rachel Scepanovic.

Andrew Hayden, Steven Glathe, and Ashlee Kildiszew, seniors, have found a way to bring the Canyon community together, by making the Be the Change Club.

The club meets every Monday in room 300 in hopes of uniting the school community. Their goal is to bring together all different kinds of students to spread love throughout the campus.

“Everyone deserves the right to be loved and treated with respect,” Glathe said.

The idea for the club came to Hayden, Glathe, and Kildiszew after they all participated in Challenge Day. A program that promotes communication, connection, non-violence, and holds events at schools all across the nation. They came

to this school last year with workshops and games designed to teach students the importance of celebrating diversity and expression.

“I learned how anger, repression, and judging hurts people more than we know,” Glathe said,“so we created the club because that all needs to end.”

According to Glathe, their club has the same vision as Challenge Day, “every child lives in a world where they feel safe, loved, and celebrated.”

The club is still in its early stages, yet Glathe and Hayden already have some plans in the works to pursue this vision.

They aim to create fun, bonding experiences for their members through events such as picnics and laser tag.

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s g n i n n i g e b w e n

Friday Night School With Saturday School being cut, the District decided to find a new and more affordable alternative.

Karissa Workinger Staff Writer Friday Night School is the new punishment for breaking school rules and having more than five tardies. Friday Night School has replaced Saturday School because it is more efficient and saves money.

Last year, the state gave money based on the average daily attendance of the students in class. This year the district has changed from Revenue Limit to being Basic Aid District. Based on last years attendance record, the district has changed the amount paid toward the schools and the money is a set amount. This means that schools would have to pay a teacher to teach Saturday School and the district does not pay that fee.

The problem our district faces now is how to deal with students that don’t follow school rules. Doug Kamon, assistant principal, said that Saturday schools are now changed to Friday night School.

“When they are already here for school we can always go and get them,” Kamon said. Friday night School started Oct. 9 and will be held twice a month from 2:40 p.m. to 4:40 p.m.The time is shorter by two hours and the school will save money.

“To avoid getting what is now Friday Night School, do not cut class, do not be tardy, and follow all school rules,” Kamon said.

How is Friday Night School compared to Saturday school?

“It was better than Saturday School because it’s right after school, “ -Chloee Harle, sophomore

“You don’t have to wake up in the morning. It’s more convenient since it’s right after school?”

-Ashley Altenbern, sophomore

Coffee Break: TAP Students Serve it Hot Erica Turnbull Staff Writer

The special education class is bringing smiles to staff by serving hot beverages in the mornings. Sorry students, you’re out of luck.

Every Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday morning at break Elizabeth Engelberg’s special education students can be seen selling coffee, tea, ice tea, hot chocolate and hot apple cider to our teachers and staff. For one dollar, any teacher or staff member is able to enjoy a nice morning refreshment in front of the Media Center.

“Unfortunately we are not allowed to sell anything to students, only teachers or staff members,” Engelberg said.

She and her students are disappointed to not be able to sell to students especially because of so much student interest with the coffee express cart.

“There are often times anywhere from five to seven students want to buy something, but we have to tell them no,” Engelberg said.

To increase their profits, Engelberg and her students have decided to make their coffee express mobile; making it much easier for teachers to be able to enjoy the drinks.

“Soon we will be able to take the coffee and tea right to the teacher’s classroom,” she said.

Bill Vice, Jill Lenc and Doug Heflin are just a few of the coffee cart coustmers on most mornings.

“I come as often as I can and I really enjoy the the interaction with the students,” Vice said.

Lenc said her favorite part about the coffee cart, “These guys [referring to the students].”

The purpose of the coffee express is to teach special education students about work experience and business. The students work to advertise the coffee cart by designing, typing up and passing out flyers. They also prepare all the drinks and set up the sugar and creamers.

“Every day the students rotate their job responsibilities so everyone in the class will have a chance to do every job,” Engelberg said.

The money that the students earn will be used to buy more supplies and products for the cart.

“If there is any money left over when we are finished, we will probably plan a field trip at the end of the year,” Engelberg said.

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History teacher Doug Heflin, thanks students for starting his morning off right with a cup of coffee. Photo by Nick Bernier.

{entertainment} books Nena Farrell Staff Writer

As if “Angels and Demons” and “The Da Vinci Code” weren’t thrilling enough, Dan Brown has brought back his bestseller character, Robert Langdon, into his latest novel—”The Lost Symbol.”

Brown’s classic mix of science and religion play a large part in “The Lost Symbol”, using the Freemasons of America and a fictional branch of science he calls “Noetic Science.”

The novel revolves around Langdon the main character from both of Brown’s past writings and the leader of Noetic Science, trying to save Landgon’s friend Peter Solomon, a prominent Freemason, and uncover the secrets he is supposedly being held captive for.

“The Masons” are one of “The Lost Symbol’s” largest focus. Fans of the National Treasure series would be very interested in the story.

Brown’s take on this most recent novel is much more science based than his previous novels. While it is fictional science and evidence, it is extremely compelling. Brown gives the soul a weight and explains the power of thought all through the novel. With all appearing to be factual evidence, it’s hard to remember The Lost Symbol is fiction.

music

Devendra Banhart “What Will We Be” Reprise Records Rating: A-

Deadmau5 “For Lack of a Better Name” Ultra Records Rating: B-

Ben Harper and The Relentless7 “White Lies For Dark Times” Virgin Records Rating: C+

AIR “Love 2” Atlas Studio Rating: C

The first reaction to “What Will We Be”, Devendra Banhart’s most recent contribution to his cultish following, is the distinct clarity that past albums have lacked.

Unlike “Smokey Rolls Down Thunder Canyon”, “What Will We Be” doesn’t overwhelm itself with instrumental-experimentation but is arguably Banhart’s most “calm” album yet.

Through the newly sprouted techno rave culture, one figure has recently stolen the hearts or countless youth with his second full length production of rich, clean, and simple progressive electro house music. Sporting his giant, neon red mouse head, Joel Zimmerman (aka Deadmau5) takes home the “Best Progressive/Electro House Artist” for the second year in a row. “For Lack of a Better Name” is by far one of the best techno albums of the year.

The freshman album of a California grown musician and his “relentless” band start their magnificent album with an intense mixture of blues inspired riffs and drum fills with a hard rock twist. As the album progresses, the mood begins to slump into a slow depressing mesh of regrets and troubles with songs like “Skin Thin” while still containing a few tracks of computer-produced rock jams.

“Love 2” is a enjoyable thirteentrack album stringing soothing melodies that would remind one of a nap in a meadow.Opposed to AIR’s previous albums, “Moon Safari” or “Talkie Walkie”,“Love 2” has less lyrical content and has more instrumental based tracks. If you are a fan of electro, then this is a nice purchase, but otherwise you’ll have to consider an album that you most likely won’t revisit.

Jake Barnes

Sebastian Langkilde

Kayne Friesen

Joseph Goodman

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y k n u f t ge

Indie Band ‘Cracks’ Interest in San Diego

Dirty Projectors play for rambunctious hipsters at the Casbah.

Kayne Friesen Editor Though much excitement was built over the soothing, yet out-of-whack, Dirty Projectors, one had to wonder “what they were smoking”?

The Casbah in downtown San Diego is known for their steady booking of indie shows, or whatever appeals to the hipsters now-a-days. However, the headlining act, the Dirty Projectors, was one that truly will be memorable due to the large amount of scarf wearing, vest fashioning, and overall dirty hipster kids.

By no means was the show terrible.

In fact, it was quite enjoyable. The Dirty Projectors seemed to go for that Morrissey meets Vampire Weekend sound.

Except in this case, if Morrissey had a tad higher pitch and if Vampire Weekend was more intricate and less English. So really, the performance was fairly interesting to watch, as one would imagine.

“It was the second time I’ve seen them perform live. It was just as amaz-

For more information regarding this topic, go to www.lccnews.com

ing as the first time, if not more so because of the smaller, more intimate venue,” Abby Franzwa, Junior, said.

Opening for Dirty Projectors was even more indie band, Light Green Leaves. Picture a three-man rock group, two with beards and the other with a psychopathic smile that would normally only be seen on the face of some villain in Batman. Regardless, the sound of Light Green Leaves was mediocre at best, taking their time to bore audience with their screeches and moans; it’s always a shame to see potential of a good band die.

As for Dirty Projectors, their set was reasonably tolerable. For an hour and a half, Dave Longstreth, Amber Coffman, Angel Deradoorian, and newest member of the band, Haley Dekle, serenaded the audience in vocal harmonies.

At times, the ambiance could get a bit repetitive, nonetheless, watching the hipsters dance awkwardly, not to men-

tion how much energy they were putting into it, was quite entertaining all by itself.

The more fascinating aspect of the show is the fact that they only played songs from their most recent album, “Bitte Orca”, rather than returning their eight other albums. This may have been a better move on the band’s half, being as most of the audience seemed more familiar to this anyway.

A third of the way through the show, the Dirty Projectors began an acoustic set of some of their more upbeat songs such as “Remade Horizon”. To start their acoustic set, the band stepped aside for Longstreth and Deradoorian to play the softer “Two Doves” which proved a more cute and sweet side of the band.

The Dirty Projectors are a band that would be worth seeing again, if you’re not busy watching other indie bands at the local coffee shop or book store, of course.

Illustration by Aly Rosenburg.

Rave Lights Up Halloween Hard Haunted brings many to Los Angeles.

Nick Reynolds and Joseph Goodman Staff Writers Throughout Los Angeles, ravers of every kind and color flooded the streets of South Central, with outfits ranging from almost no clothing to teletubby costumes. They congregated at The Shrine to attend the sold out event know as Hard Haunted Mansion, a Halloween themed rave featuring techno legends such as Justice, Deadmau5, Basement Jaxx, The Bloody Beetroots, and many more. Even before the doors opened to the public, a line had formed blocking entire intersections from being used.

Police cars and policemen were never out of eyesight, adding to the yellow-jacketed security provided by the event. The security process was long and maze-like, including a black light check for the design on the back of the ticket, a pat-down search, and a ticket barcode scan.

Once these obstacles were passed, it seemed as if a threshold was crossed that opened into another dimension, a part of time and space that almost seemed unaffected by reality. After crossing that border the concept of negativity disap-

peared; erased by the music, drugs, and driving bass.

Throwing down with the best set of the night, Justice delivered what they promised. The duo Gaspard Augé and Xavier de Rosnay combined the perfect setlist with dazzling lights, making every one of the 6000 people at the Hard Stage jump to the beat from the start of “Genesis” to the end of “We Are Your Friends” Deadmau5, born Joel Zimmerman, came in at a close second, proving why he has been voted the ‘Best Electro House/ Progressive Artist’ for multiple years in a row. He featured many songs from his new album, ‘For Lack of a Better Name’ and then surprised the crowd by throwing in some of his classic hits.

Deadmau5 also interacted with his fans by donning a ghost costume and running around the venue before he was set to perform, trying to promote two of his new songs, “Ghosts ‘n’ Stuff” and its twin “Moar Ghosts ‘n’ Stuff”. However, the songs seemed to need no promotion, for the entire shrine shook with the force be-

16 | MavLife | november 2009

hind the songs.

The Bloody Beetroots spun the 3rd best set of the night, donning their matching ‘Venom’ masks and entrancing the crowds with their own unique, sinister sound. Bob Rifo and Tommy Tea brought all of the most popular songs from their new album, ‘Romborama’, a twenty-two

song epic disc of pure evil. They collaborated with many other acts, such as Steve Aoki, to combine together in order to produce a sound that has never been replicated.

“Hard was the best Halloween ever and one of the greatest experiences of my life,” Max De La Fuente, Senior, said.

Raver at Hard Haunted Mansion “throwing lights”. Photo by Joseph Goodman.

{entertainment}

The Material Local band speaks about their music and the meaning behind it all.

.

hts? g u o h t r u yo What is your opinion on current day music?

Kasie Shabaz Staff Writer

“I think it’s turning into lots of complaint. Sometimes what’s good is hard to find. Everything is dead.”

Katie Gillespie, sophomore

Courtesy of The Material Currently returning from a United States tour, San Diego’s very own rock marvel, The Material, is gaining popularity with their upbeat tempos combined with the mellifluous melody of Colleen D’Agostino’s voice. Throughout both albums, sound textures are dabbled with to create a euphoria of minor riffs, catchy beats, and a full, highpitched female voice. This emanates an emotional experience and ensures goose bumps to the listener.

“Female fronted rock with a darker edge. We get a lot of comparisons to Evanescence and Flyleaf but I think that is because they are the only heavier bands with female singers that most people know. A good way to describe our music is 30 Seconds to Mars meets Circa Survive meets Kelly Clarkson,” Roy Elam said.

This darker edge is apparent throughout some of the melancholy story-telling of their lyrics, written mostly by D’Agostino.

Ranging through many personal experiences, her lyrics are intimate and easy to identify with.

“I love the whole story line of ‘Before This Ship Goes Down.’ The song follows a couple who desperately want to make a change in their life, “I know you’re scared, but so am I. If we never leave then we never tried.” I get chills thinking about it because it closely reflects the decision making process for my wife and I to drop everything and move to San Diego to pursue a better life,” Elam said.

The main themes that stream throughout their lyrics and the feeling their music are sadness and hope. Their first studio al-

bum, “Moving To Seattle,” passes through individual and relationship ups and downs, but their music definitely does not exclude all types of inspiration that life supplies to them.

“We tend to be inspired by everything around us. You take what is happening around you at any given point and use it to drive your creativity. We have songs dealing with depression, love, hope, and the struggles of everyday life. In the end we hope that we inspire others with what inspires us,” Elam said.

Make sure to catch them at Soma, San Diego for the homecoming performance on Dec. 5, 2009. Visit LccNews.com to hear more from THE MATERIAL.

“The music of today is focused around materialism and the pursuit of physical achievement such as wealth and power instead of emotion and personal fulfillment.”

Cory Ziegler, junior

“I think it’s good. I like the different varieties of it.”

Bridget Courtney, freshman

It Might Get Loud Review Director Davis Guggenheim brought together three legendary guitarists of rock together to share their personal stories, talk about their love and passion for the electric guitar, and have one mind-blowing jam session. “It Might Get Loud” is definitely not the usual rock ‘n roll documentary.

Revealing the person behind each legend is the goal of director Davis Guggenheim.

Planting the audience into the minds of Jimmy Page (Led Zeppelin and The Yardbirds), The Edge (U2), and Jack White (The White Stripes, Raconteurs, and Dead Weather), the film offers a remarkably personal experience with three

Sean Bentley Staff Writer

of rock’s most iconic guitarists.

“It Might Get Loud” centers around January 23, 2008, a day where the three met for the first time in a Hollywood studio to have a conversation about each of their special relationships and unique experiences with the electric guitar.This discussion is then intermixed with one on one interviews, concert clips, and other rare videos of each of them, such as playing small local shows as teenagers before they started making names for themselves.

The film follows Jimmy Page to his home in London, The Edge to his personal recording studio and home in Dublin, Ireland, and Jack

White to his country farm and makeshift studio in Nashville, Tennessee. Each one of them is able to offer a unique perspective coming from three different generations and backgrounds.

For three men who have such a profound impact on the rock world, it is interesting to see their lives through their own eyes and discover how they found and developed their passion for rock.

“It Might Get Loud” reminds us just how legendary they truly are, which is easy to forget when we lose ourselves in their conversations, as if we’re sitting there with them.

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l a c i s y get ph Kenny Stills Plans Early Departure Andrew Murray Staff Writer

Star wide reciever seeks early graduation in order to start football in college right away.

Wide receiver Kenny Stills, senior, is set to leave high school in the first week of December for college, pursuing more lucrative opportunities in football. But Stills has yet to select which college he will enroll in.

“I’m doing this so that it shoots me into my career,” Stills said, “I feel it gives more opportunity to be accomplished and I get to be a part of the team earlier.”

Thus far he has received scholarship offers from twenty five Division 1-A schools; fifteen of which he is considering enrolling in. The list of schools includes University of California Los Angeles, and Stanford University.

“I’ve visited all the California schools.

I’m excited to use the six extra months that I have to become a part of a team and play with people that love the game as much as I do,” Stills said.

Stills uses current University of Southern California starting quarterback Matt Barkley as an example. Barkley graduated from high school on December 18, 2008 in order to pursue his football career earlier.

Stills stated that he feels closest to USC and the Uniersity of Oklahoma. Both these schools’ recruiters have spent the most time talking to Stills. However this does not finalize Stills’ decision of which school he will attend.

“My mind probably changes once or twice a week towards which school I want to go to,” Stills said, “I mean it’s great that they are trying to recruit me, but just because the school is close to me doesn’t mean I’m drawn only towards them.”

The attention that Stills has recieved from recruiting coaches from around the country has served as a distraction from his regular life. Stills has often recieved calls during class, forcing him to step outside and tell them politely to call back later.

“Generally the coaches talk to me about football first. They usually ask how the family is doing and treat me like I’m a family member of theirs. They emit a positive enrgy flow and sometimes they use girls as a motivation for me to attend their university,” Stills said.

Kenny Stills walking off the field after a game. Photo by JP Horrigan.

Many scouts and football coaches from the National Collegiate Athletic Association have scouted Stills and his wide range of talents. One of the coaches, UCLA offensive coordinator Norm Chow, traveled from Pasadena, California to watch Stills and the team take on Santa Margarita High School.

In Stills’ mind however, the attention he receives should not solely be directed at him.

“It’s great to get looks and to showcase my talent in front of those who are watching, but I want people to see the other talent that’s on our football team. I’m more focused on our team winning a championship than leaving school early,” Stills said.

Educational opportunities are also a big factor in Stills’ decison of which college he chooses to attend.

“First of all, it’s about education,” Stills said. “then comes the team and your fam-

ily. I want the team to be a family and share a bond with them. I don’t want one guy being a dictator and controlling the team.”

Stills is aware of the ramifications that surrond his decision and realizes the responsibility that comes with it. The process has not been as easy as he has hoped for.

At times indesicion has tried to tear down Still’s dream of reaching football stardom.

“Some days I love the attention and others I just wish all the publicity would go away. But overall I appreciate the experience I get from it and I thank God every day for giving me this oppurtunity,” Stills said.

Despite the oppurtunity that Stills has been given, people have generally shown a lack of support to his decision to depart High School early into order to reach college earlier.

“I get a lot of trash from my friends about it,” Stills said, “People usually ask ‘Why would you ever think of doing that?’

They don’t understand that this can make or break my career. Either I start towards it now or I’ll never get there.”

Stills’ teammates will be disheartened to see him leave so early. Many of them are his friends and are dissapointed they won’t finish the rest of the year together.

“It’s sad to see him go,” starting quarterback Garrett Krstich, junior, said, “But at the same time it’s his choice whether he wants to leave or not. He’s a good friend and we’ll miss him.”

Teammates, fans and coaches have been in awe of Stills’ potential since the day he stepped on campus, but even Stills is willing to admit his game has room for improvement.

“I mainly want to work on my size, strength, and weight. I also need to make sure I keep the right attitude and help my team win a championship,” Stills said.

Stills hopes to get a return trip to Qualcomm Stadium and win another CIF Championship. His friends and teammates are ready to turn this dream into a reality in what would be a fitting end to Stills’ high school career.

Outlook on the Season “We’re kickin’ butt. We just need to keep it up and win.”

Mikey Moore, senior

18 | MavLife | november 2009

Garret Krstich, junior

“We take it one game at a time.

Hopefully we can win at Qualcomm Stadium and play for the state title if we go undefeated.”

“So far, so good. They’ll win the CIF title.”

Ian Hare, senior

{sports}

Star Volleyball Player Goes Global Natalie Hagglund, senior, travels to Alayna, Turkey representing the United States in the International Volleyball World Championships, and comes home with a global perspective.

Natalie Hagglund Guest Writer

As I stepped off the congested industrialized plane, I immediately realized that I had stepped into a third world country.

Over two hundred foreign eyes gazed upon me and became fixed upon the colorful red, white, and blue flag which fluttered across my fitted v neck t-shirt My blonde hair and tan body seemed to be a subject of deep curiosity. Those who stared spoke to each other in Turkish, a language that included words that I couldn’t understand, words that sounded like terrible insults.

It was two o’clock in the morning, and outside of the old airport it was pitch black. The lights were florescent and barley lit up the airport. They hung high above the dirty white floor and frequently flickered. The thirty-two hour travel seemed everlasting however I couldn’t help but smile, thinking that the best volleyball experience was standing one hundred feet in front of me. I gathered my luggage and gazed upon the crowd in search for seven other teenagers who were above the height of six feet. I spotted my team and hustled to the van where they were packing their bags.

“Welcome to Turkey,” a masculine voice hollered. I took one step outside the

airport, looked up at the orange rising sun, and smiled.

As we drove, I stared out the window

{

“I went to Turkey with a full focus on volleyball, and came home with a new outlook on life and the world.”

-Natalie Hagglund

in a daze. I dreamt about the two months of intense beach training that had occurred before the trip. I was one out of eight teens-four girls and four boys- in the nation who were chosen to represent the United States in the Under 19 Federation of International Volleyball World Championships in Turkey. Representing the United States in an international volleyball tournament had always been a dream of mine, however I never dreamt of making it so far at such a young age.

Our first game started in two hours.

At that moment, I realized that I was in Turkey, a beautiful foreign country that was waiting to be explored.

When I got up off the sand, and looked beyond volleyball, I instantly fell in love with the people and the country. I went to Turkey for a volleyball tournament but came out with more than just the experience on the volleyball court. I learned that volleyball was a big priority but not the most important thing in my life. I realized that it was more important to learn through different experiences. I met with players from other countries and learned to respect the different cultures. By asking questions and developing friendships I was able to get a better understanding of the enormous world we live in.

I now know that it is an important characteristic to be able to get along with others and respect the way they live. I was fascinated by what I learned about the other countries and how different and how similar they are to America. I not only learned about countries such as New Zealand, Kazakhstan, and Ukraine, but I realized that traveling and learning through experience is critical to my education.

It forced me to look outside the American culture and learn about the world around me. I went to Turkey with a full focus on volleyball, and came home with a new outlook on life and the world.

{

After a match against Poland in Alayna, Turkey. Partner and friend, Dalas Dodd (left), Natalie Hagglund (right). Photo by Dalas Dodd.

My partner Dalas and I had jet lag, but that was something that we expected.

The Polish team on the other side of the court was tall, dark, and skinny with muscular bodies and brown slicked back hair. We could not speak to each other so we shook hands; we smiled, they glared.

The stands around us filled up quickly with people. Our crowd began to increase because our red, white, and blue bathing suits and USA tattoos attracted foreign watchers. Dalas and I began to feel nervous, however lucky for us, we were trained to play under pressure.

The whistle blew and the Poland team served the first ball. Dalas launched forward to receive the serve however it escaped her path and landed untouched.

The Polish crowed went crazy and beat against the stands like wild animals. The next ten points went to the Polish team as well.

We were down three to twelve and our future in Alanya, Turkey looked as if it were destined to be over. Our crowd was disappointed and the stands began to empty. I turned to Dalas and told her, “If we are going to lose, let’s have fun doing it. Let’s lose with pride…for our country.”

She smiled and agreed. Unfortunately our comeback was not strong enough and my volleyball dream of winning the gold medal in Turkey was over. I was angry

and disappointed in myself because losing had always been unacceptable.

Dalas noticed my anger, looked at me and told me that there is more to life than winning and being in Turkey without having to worry about playing was going to be an unforgettable experience.

“Winning makes you feel like you have already accomplished everything, losing makes you feel like you want to accomplish more. You will learn from this and will become a better player and person,” Volleyball Tournament in Manhattan she said.

Beach, CA. Photo by David Hagglund.

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Kendall Polan Earns a Place at Yale Reina Garcia Staff Writer

Kendall Polan goes up for the kill. Photo by Jake Barnes.

While most high school seniors are just getting adjusted to the rhythm of their last year on campus, Kendall Polan has big plans for her future.

Imagine beginning your senior year already being committed for volleyball to the third best college in the nation, Yale University. Most seniors are stressing about college applications, but Polan has already gone through what most seniors are just starting up.

Polan, a 5’10” setter, has been on the varsity team since sophomore year, with two CIF Division I titles and a California state championship under her belt. The volleyball team is currently ranked number one in the United States with expectations to remain at the top. Polan was named Durango Tournament MVP, CIF State Championship Match MVP, in addition to being on the All-Avocado League

First team and S.D. Union-Tribune All-San Diego Section first team.

“Playing volleyball has really taught me about communication and how to work as a team because nothing in this sport is individual,” Polan, senior, said.

For most high school seniors, choosing a college is a stressful time, but Polan already underwent the tiresome process months ago. Having finished off her junior year with a 4.5 GPA, Polan seems to be ready for a distinguished school like Yale.

“I chose Yale because I wanted to go somewhere where I would be challenged and I know that it will be a great fit for me. I’m definitely going to miss the beach and of course all my family and friends over here. And I think I’ll be really cold!”

Polan said.

Polan’s biggest inspiration is her older

brother, Kellen, who got her interested in volleyball. Polan has only been playing for five years but has already been recruited to play on the Israel women’s national team after high school. Polan says she would love to play for Israel, but would like to focus on this year and college before making any big decisions like that.

“I’ve met so many people through volleyball and gained some of my closest friends. It’s made the whole high school experience so much more fun,” Polan said.

Amelia Herring Makes Her Way to Stanford A talented student is given a full-ride scholarship to the prestigous Stanford University.

Alex Hamm Staff Writer Stanford recently recruited senior Amelia Herring for a full tennis scholarship. Following a wrist injury, Herring could not play for most of her junior year making this a surprising turn of events. In terms of being recruited, junior year is the most important, as colleges begin looking for prospective team members. Herring managed to pull through and get her scholarship confirmed only a few weeks ago.

Starting at age four, Herring remembers playing most of her youth. Her dad introduced her to the sport and has always been her unofficial coach. Her parents have both always taught her to take everything in stride and to focus on the positive. She can’t even recall a bad memory from playing. Throughout her life, tennis has taught her many skills she uses on and off the court.

“In life you win some battles and you lose some. Tennis prepares me to deal with these situations and accept them,” Herring said.

The minute she felt the soft grip of her first tennis racket in her hand, Herring felt an inherent need to play. With a passion for competition yet unfaltering sportsmanship, she was destined to go far. As of now she practices four to five days a week with tournaments most weekends. Coached by Larry Stefanki since age 11, she has won

a many titles including the Golden Ball in the Easter Bowl Double, a national championship. Recently she has begun playing in a few professional tournaments, her favorite experience so far.

“My favorite memory so far is Playing in the Qualifying of the Acura Classic Open, a professional women’s tennis tournament, and seeing my friends and family come out to support me. I played on an outer court with a small stadium but the experience was one to remember,” Herring said.

Anyone who has talked to Herring knows this scholarship is one she dreamt of from a young age. Stanford University, a Division 1 school, is thirteenth in the nation and competes in the Pacific 10 conference. This conference includes other big schools such Berkeley, University of Southern California, University of California, Los Angeles, Oregon State and others.

She made her official visit in early October and she recalls knowing then that it was the perfect school for her. Due to the academic reputation, tennis program, and good meeting with the coaching staff and girls on the team, Herring can’t wait to start next fall.

“I’m really looking forward to competing at the college level and with a team that has so much motivation and drive to do the best every day,” Herring said.

20 | MavLife | november 2009

Amelia Herring steps in for a low volley. Photo by Sandi Schroeder.

l a c i s y get ph Tudor Awarded Scholarship to Penn Erica Turnbull Staff Writer

While lacrosse may not be a popular national sport, it’s still provides opportunity to its best players.

Reid Tudor shows his vim and vigor on the field. Photo by Gordon Tudor.

Reid Tudor, senior, was accepted to the University of Pennsylvania in September.

Penn is known to be a highly regarded academic school as they require high GPA’s among acceptance. In addition to being

a stellar athlete, Tudor’s high GPA and lacrosse success gave him the edge to being accepted. Tudor is hoping to receive an academic scholarship from Penn in addition to being recruited for the lacrosse team.

In seventh grade, Tudor was introduced to lacrosse when his friends convinced him to play.

“I got tired of baseball and my friends played so I wanted to try it out,” Tudor said.

Ever since, Tudor has loved the sport and has devoted a lot of time to it.

Tudor has been on the varsity lacrosse team since his sophomore year.

“Being a sophomore on varsity had really helped me to learn what I needed to work up,” Tudor said.

Tudor mentioned how having a solid strategic understanding of the game gave him an edge. He explained how understanding lacrosse mentally is an important benefactor to his success.

“Reid is a wizard on the lacrosse field and an even better student,” Dillon Flood, sophomore, said.

“My parents have been a big motivation in my life and very supportive with lacrosse,” Tudor said.

He explained how his parents have been supportive and accepting of costs

recent results Sport Girls’ Volleyball Football Cross Country Girls’ Golf Boys’ Water Polo Field Hockey Girls’ Tennis

Team V V V V V V V

Date

Opponent

Sat, Oct. 31 Fri, Oct. 30 Fri, Oct. 30 Thu, Oct. 29 Thu, Oct. 29 Wed, Oct. 28 Tues, Oct. 27

Santa Barbara Trny Escondido Torrey Pines Mission Hills Escondido Escondido San Pasqual

Location

Score

W/L

Santa Barbara Escondido Torrey Pines Mission Hills Escondido Escondido San Pasqual

3-1 44-24 0-4 322-220 7-16 2-0 12-6

W W L W L W W

upcoming games Sport Field Hockey Field Hockey Boys’ Water Polo Football Cross Country

Team JV V V V V

Date

Time

Opponent

Location

Wed, Nov. 11 Wed, Nov. 11 Thu, Nov.12 Fri, Nov.13 Sat, Nov. 14

4:30 6:00 TBA 7:00 TBA

Torrey Pines Torrey Pines CIF Playoffs Torrey Pines NC Conference

La Costa Canyon La Costa Canyon TBA La Costa Canyon Guajome Park

For more, go to www.lccnews.com

and traveling expenses that came along with being involved in lacrosse. ”My parents have helped me to be able to attend all the summer camps on the east coast which is a big part of being recruited and recognized by schools,” Tudor said.

He elaborated on how important these camps are in order to ultimately be noticed by colleges.

“Lacrosse season is actually a better time for me as far as school goes because I’m forced to manage my time,” Tudor said.

Tudor is working hard to balance his academics and athletics. ”During lacrosse season, you only have a small window to work on homework so having that has taught me that you can get a lot done in a short amount of time,” Tudor said.

Tudor is looking forward to going to college on the east coast and experiencing a change in scenery.

“I’m excited to go and being on a team full of students will make it a lot easier to make friends.”

By the Numbers

27 October 27, 2009, Girl’s Volleyball coach Pat McDougall was named San Diego CIF Coach of the Year for 2009.

6 Field Hockey has reached the CIF Finals in six of the past ten years.

november 2009 | MavLife | 21

{get the money}

22 | MavLife | november 2009

e f i l t n stude

Photos by JP Horrigan.

november 2009 | MavLife |

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k n u r t e h t n i k jun

teacher vs. student

Complete the Sudoku puzzle so that each and every row, column, and region contains the numbers one through nine only once.

Carissa Mattison vs. Kasey Korbacher 1. What part of the ear helps maintain balance?

Mattison: Inner Ear Korbacher: Eardrum Answer: Semi-circular canal. The semicircular canals are part of the inner ear.

Mattison takes the round! 1-0 2. What is a phillumenist?

Mattison: A bad student Korbacher: A love specialist Answer: Someone who collects matchboxes. Neither of them got it correct. 1-0 3. Who has won the most US Ryder Cup matches?

Mattison: Jack Nicklaus Korbacher: Tiger Woods Answer: Arnold Palmer. Neither of them guessed the correct golfer. 1-0 4. In which continent is Libya located?

Mattison: Africa Korbacher: Africa Answer: Africa. Both correct! Mattison is still in the lead. 2-1 5. What 80’s band had the one hit wonder “Tainted Love”?

Mattison: Soft Cell Korbacher: ACDC Answer: Soft Cell. Mattison takes another round! 3-1 6. How many hours of sleep does a cat have on average per day?

Mattison: 20 Korbacher: 20 Answer: 16-20 hours. Both answers are in the range! 4-2 7. True or false: The Neanderthals’ brain was bigger than ours.

Mattison: Oh, for sure.

Korbacher: True Answer: True. Both score! 5-3 8. What year was Diet Coke invented?

Mattison: Late 70’s, Early 80’s Korbacher: 1990 Answer: 1982. The exact date was not answered,

Photo by Liliana Alaniz

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neither received a point. 5-3 9. How many years old was the youngest Pope?

Mattison: 27 Korbacher: 18 Answer: He was Benedict IX and only 12 years old. Score remains the same. 5-3 10. What is the only food that never spoils?

Mattison: Not twinkies, i’ve tried. Pork rinds.

Korbacher: Honey Answer: Raw Honey. Although Mattison is still in the lead, Korbacher finally starts to advance. 5-4 11. What is the only planet in our universe named after a female figure?

Mattison: Venus Korbacher: Venus Answer: Venus. Both females score! Once again leaving Korbacher only one behind Mattison. 6-5 12. During the filming of what movie did Brad Pitt chip his tooth?

Mattison: Thelma and Louise Korbacher: Mr. and Mrs. Smith Answer: Fight Club. Neither of the two got it correct. 6-5 13. Can babies see color when they are born?

Mattison: I don’t see why not. Yeah.

Korbacher: Uh, no.

Answer: No, they are colorblind.We have reached a TIE! 6-6 14. During what age do adults start to shrink?

Mattison: Let’s see, how old is my mom?

55-56.

Korbacher: 40 Answer: 30. Neither got it correct so the tie remains. 6-6 15. What rank is Carlsbad as the nation’s safest cities?

Mattison: 173 Korbacher: 37 Answer: 13 We end with a tie! It