April 23, 2004

The Force of Creation

T Vo ol. 11, No o. 6

The

Magnet

R I B U N

E

April 23, 2004

Vidal M. Tre eviño o Sc cho ool of Co ommunic catio ons & Fine e Arts, 1701 Vic cto oria St., Lare edo o TX 78040

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Our 2nd decade of service to VMT

Dancers win their parade category

page 2A Students succeed in various endeavors

pages 8-9A Society, section B.

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LISD high schools to remain open campuses

BY JESSICA RODRIGUEZ AND MELISSA VAZQUEZ MT STAFF WRITERS aredo Independent School District Superintendent Dr. Jerry Barber as well as the board members have decided to not close the three LISD high school campuses.

“We have been studying the advantages and disadvantages of closed versus open campuses,” he said.

For now, Barber plans for all LISD high schools to remain open campuses due to many contributing factors. Barber explained one of the reasons this decision was made was the impracticality of the prospect.

“It’s like many other things that they’re good and they’re bad, but I just think you need to be practical, and it doesn’t seem like a very practical thing to do right now in Laredo ISD,” said Barber.

When news of the prospect of becoming closed campuses became widespread many questions arose with concerned students and teachers. One of those questions was how would the schools be able to insure the safety of all the students. After talking with several students Barber considered the possible problems that could arise, regarding gangs, from closing the campuses.

“The kids I’ve talked to have said you have to look at this right now. We have gangs.

They keep their differences off campus for the most part.

At noon one group will go down here and another group will go down there. If you have them all on campus and you can’t go anywhere it’s much more likely in their opinion to have these groups challenging one another during lunch when we have much less supervision,” said Barber.

Teachers and students were also concerned with

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how the schools would be closed and how long it would take.

B a r b e r explained since J.W. Nixon High School is so spread out, it would take time and a lot of reinforcement to close the school in an accessible manner. He referred to hiring additional MT photo by Jessica Rodriguez s e c u r i t y The top picture was taken in front of the ROTC building through a rustic wire guards while a fence, focusing on the Freshman Annex at J.W. Nixon which does not have a fence would fence. Below is a map of the NIxon campus, which covers an area five blocks by be erected. two blocks.

“You don’t decide on Monday no one can leave school, you have to eat lunch here. You got to have a way to police it, to see if you can enforce it. Also you would have to have fences and also the way our schools are built, you’d need two or three entrances,” said Barber.

Barber reassures magnet students they would not be affected by the closed campus prospect. He also showed his concern towards the family businesses near the schools that cater to the students during lunch.

“If we closed the campuses that would put the businesses out of business,” said Barber.

After Barber and the board members studied everything carefully they came to the decision that closing the schools wasn’t the best thing to do right now. Barber said he had the best of intentions for all students when he planned for the schools to become closed campus.

“At this point no recommendations have been made toward becoming closed campus,” he said.

Source: Excavation Route, 2003-2 2004 MT graphic by Jose Gonzalez

The Magnet Tribune on the Internet at http://my.highschooljournalism.org/tx/laredo/vmt

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The Magnet Tribune April 23, 2004

Visual Art students shine in recital hall class exhibition

BY PRISCILLA SANCHEZ MT STAFF WRITER Bright colors dazzled many visitors of the art exhibit by senior Selene Lozano and junior Martin Gonzales at the Recital Hall in the Urban Building on Feb.12.

“Art, it has a life of its own and can be expressed in millions of ways,” Lozano said, who seemed to impress a lot of people by her talent in drawing human life.

She said she has been drawing since the age of 4. She would sketch and draw and in seventh grade when she had her first art class. Once she entered high school she signed up for VMT, and that’s when she met art instructor Jorge Vasquez .

“He opened me up to express myself more,” explained Lozano Lozano enjoys drawing because it’s a way to express herself. She usually gets inspiration from what she sees and experiences in her life as well as the way people express themselves around her.

Gonzalez was introduced to art in middle school. He also enjoys draw-

ing because he gets to play around with it.

“There is no right or wrong way towards art,” said Gonzalez.

Gonzalez said it is hard to understand art.

“Really there is no way to understand art. Maybe it’s something you live for,” he explained.

Vasquez told Gonzalez to relax and to express the way he feels. Martin tends to get his inspiration by the brightness and darkness of colors, mostly anything that catches his eye.

“You can easily tell by the art of the students by the way the teacher teaches,” both said.

Vasquez’s technique to teaching his students is to go “crazy”. When he first met Martin and Selene he would describe them as “shy”.

His first reaction towards Selene and Martin’s work was that he was mainly pleased. He is proud to be their teacher; he doesn’t feel like if he made them what they are, but is someone who can guide them in their art work.

MT Photo by Jorge Negrete Martin Gonzales left, and Selene Lozano stand in front of an art work with their instructor Jorge Vasquez, during an art exhibit Feb. 12.

Vasquez gave some advice for Martin and Selene for the future.

“Just to follow their dreams and to use their talent towards anything they plan to do in the future,” he explained.

They explained their plans for after they graduate from high school.

“Well I plan to take my basics at LCC then transfer to UTSA and major in art education with a minor in vocals,” said Lozano.

Martin wants to attend Texas A&M University in College Station and pursue a career in art.

Dance students awarded first in WBCA parade

BY LUIS HERRERA MT STAFF WRITER VMT’s ballet folklorico and flamenco students won first place in the dance squad division in the Feb. 21 Washington’s Birthday Celebration Association parade.

Alicia McKinnis, dance instructor, said the students performed well and showed how talented they were.

“It was a surprise because we knew there were dance squads with a lot of experience entered in the parade,’’ McKinnis said.

McKinnis said the students practiced very hard every day, and that their efforts paid off with this award.

“The students danced to several types of music which included swing,’’ McKinnis said.

One dancer who participated was Aimee Guzman.

“It was a great experience for us because it was our first time participating in the parade,” Guzman said.

“We are proud because we showed our pride and our talent; we were surprised. It was unbelievable. Our teacher told us that our championship was announced in the newspaper, and that it was a great win for our first time.”

Manuel Granado, MIDI instructor, also had a part helping the dance department. He was in charge of

audio, which is the music.

“The students from the MIDI department were instrumental with the music aspect of the performance.

They helped first by recording and editing all of the music and then by compiling and burning all of These are some of the ballet-ffolklorico and flamenco students the selection birthday parade and received first place in their dance division. onto a CD. VMT’s Art Department also particThey also helped by setting up the sound equipment on the vehicle ipated. Mario Teniente, art aide, crewhich was used in the parade, and ated a banner with the name of the also engineered the sound through- school on a 3-foot-by-12-foot canout the parade,” Granado said. “The vas.

“Students gave good ideas on how students used technology to improve the canvas would look better, and I sound quality.

“Some of the recordings were of really appreciate their help,” poor quality, and the students’ task Teniente said. “I feel comfortable was to edit, and make these record- helping and supporting the ings presentable to listeners. This school.”

VMT’s nurse, Irma Cepeda RN, was made possible by utilizing and integrating, some of our music tech- also collaborated with the dance nology software programs,” department.

“Ms. McKinnis asked me if I Granado said.

MT photo by Luis Herrera who participated in the Washington’s

could help them in the parade, and I was very pleased to help, especially because I am very attached to the dance students,” Cepeda said.

“My part was preventing possible injuries to the students, and to act fast in case of an emergency, such as using cold packs in case they sprained an ankle or fell,” Cepeda said. “I knew they were going to get first place.”

McKinnis also gave special thanks to School Director Blas Martinez for his support.

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The Magnet Tribune April 23, 2004

Viruses create problems for computers at district schools

BY MIGUEL CASTRO AND JESSE HINOJOSA MT STAFF WRITERS Surfers on the LISD Web site might have noticed the virus warning the district has been giving out lately.

This virus has been infecting computers all over the district.

Since February Win32/Netsky has been infecting district computers. It came from peer-to-peer systems like Kazaa (a software download site).

It spreads by first landing on a hard drive then looking into the address book. From there it takes an e-mail address and sends an email to the user of the computer, using that address to trick the user to open it.

Once it is opened it sends the user a .zip file attached to the e-mail. The virus is inside the .zip file.

“I first noticed it in February when

one of the computers had caught it,” technology trainer Scott Roberts said.

But according to Roberts the Netsky virus is not alone. In fact it is two viruses helping each other.

“The two viruses are the Netsky and the Beagle viruses,” he said.

According to Roberts they have different actions.

“The Beagle virus does all the ‘spoofing’ of the e-mail addresses, and the Netsky is the hidden .zip file.

Once the .zip file opens the Netsky does its job. It fills up the computer with so many useless files so that the computer can time out and crash,” Roberts said.

Although he does not have an exact number of computers infected with these viruses, he made an estimate from the campuses he has visited.

“Out of the three campuses I have looked at, I’d say 25 to 35 computers are infected.”

While the virus spreads quickly, there is a way to fight it, according to Roberts.

“You can go to the McAfee Web site to download the Stinger, a program that removes viruses and virus infected files,” he said.

Netsky may be in the district, but it’s spreading to local homes, too.

“Users who have the Netsky virus who send e-mails to other users outside the schools will give them the virus too,” Roberts said.

Also, according to Roberts, the damage that the Netsky can do can be serious.

“If the damage is not fixed and the virus is not removed in time, the damage can be permanent,” he added.

The Netsky virus is the latest virus people have to worry about, but others since September are still in the district.

“The Nachy and the Mydoom viruses are still loose,” Roberts said, “and the Nachy is the one we need to worry about.”

“The last time the Nachy virus hit the district we had to reformat all of our computers,” he said.

The only way to prevent the virus from infecting a computer is to not open suspicious e-mail with attachments. The e-mail may look like it came from a friend, but it really may be the Netsky virus waiting for you to open it.

--Download Stinger at: http://vil.nai.com/vil/stinger/ Another helpful antivirus site: www.symantec.com

Communication students visit university campus for activities

BY FRANCISCO CABRIALES MT STAFF WRITER Communications students visited the campus of Texas State University in San Marcos for one day of Communications Week activities.

When the 36 students and one teacher arrived on March 24 Texas State instructor Kym Fox and several university students-mentors greeted them. She told students they would be able to tour the communications facilities and would listen to guest speakers.

Fox was coordinator for the visit.

Students first heard from an alumni, Mike Rein, chief of NASA’s Public Communication Division at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

Rein talked about how his department handled news of the Columbia disaster and the changes NASA made in the space program.

After Rein finished the mentors took one group to take a tour of the university radio station, KTSW, and the newspaper, University Star.

The next speaker, Paul Danitz, market manager for Amigo Broadcasting in Austin, explained how the growing number of Hispanics in the United States influence him and other radio station managers to open more Hispanic radio stations around the country.

The mentors then took students to eat lunch at the LBJ Student Center.

VMT students were entertained by live performers, sponsored by KTSW, and visited shops run by the university to buy souvenirs to take home.

Students then heard Macarena Hernandez, San Antonio Express-

News reporter, tell about how one of her stories was plagiarized by Jason Blair, a former New York Times reporter.

She also explained on how the Express-News was letting her write a book about South Texas ranching communities which she said were fading away.

Afterwards mentors took the students to the library for a tour of broadcasting facilities and a still photography exhibit in a gallery on the top floor.

When it was time to leave Fox gave students goody bags.

“I think some of the speakers the students heard presented interesting and important information,” Fox said.

“The Treviño students were an impressive bunch. They were so knowledgeable about the media, especially about the radio station.

The university students who hung out with the group for the day were all talking about what a promising group of students Laredo had to offer, and they were really excited at the prospect of some of the Treviño students possibly attending Texas State in the future,” she said.

“We thought the best way to expose high school students to college life was to bring the students to campus. College is more than books and classes but is a thought-provoking environment where learning and living is inseparable,” Fox explained on why she decided to invite VMT students on this trip.

“Next time, we will set up a general information session so we can

MT photo by John Hinojosa Mike Rein, chief of NASA’s Public Communication Division at the Kennedy Space Center, addresses both college and VMT students about how his department handled the media after the Columbia shuttle disaster.

offer more information about the university and answer questions about scholarships, financial aid and campus life. We will probably just have one or two speakers and spend the rest of the time touring campus media and in the general information sessions,” Fox said on what she would do differently.

VMT journalism instructor Mark Webber said he thought it was a great experience for students to go on the trip.

“It exposed students to university level media studies, and to what the

university can offer them in terms of preparing for a career. I think a lot of them found out they are already performing at the level needed for success in a university program,” Webber said.

“I appreciate the Mass Communication Department for inviting us to spend the day,” he added.

See TRIP, page 16A Jim Moore, Laredo National Bank executive, and his wife treated students to dinner at a Pearsall restaurant.

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The Magnet Tribune April 23, 2004

Math instructor uses Web site to help teach classes

BY CRISTINA MARTINEZ MT STAFF WRITER Beware students — no more, “My dog ate my homework.” Those days are gone.

About a year ago math instructor Juan Gonzales created a new Web site to benefit the students in their studies. The purpose of this Web site is for students who are absent or missing an assignment to make up the work, as well as other projects and make-up quizzes.

It also includes photos of the activities and the events that take place at VMT. The Web site address is www.mypeople.com/members/mem egon/sigmaMath/index.html Students who are or will be taking math class with him will find the assignments and exams are linked to the textbook.

The advantage about the site is that work is at the convenience of the students, in which they don’t have to stay after school to finish, or even miss out on another class.

Another quality is that the parents can also visit the site and e-mail the instructor in case they are not able to meet with Gonzales due to their jobs.

Although it has many great benefits it does have a bit of a disadvantage because in case a student needs to make up a quiz, they visit this site and they can receive their grade as soon as they finish. If they are not satisfied with the outcome they can

easily redo it even though they will only receive a 70 for any make-up quiz or test.

Willie Gallegos a former student of Gonzales, stated, “The reason for my grades improving was because of this Web site. There was a time were I was struggling with math problems and this site help me understand what I really needed to do in order to solve equations.

Not only will it benefit for me, but for others as well.”

Overall it’s a helpful creation because of the resources provided for the stuMT photo by Cristina Martinez dents, he said.

Math instructor Juan Gonzales shows third block student Daniela Prado an assignment on his Web E v e n t u a l l y site, www.mypeople.com/members/memegon/sigmaMath/index.html Gonzales said he work or at home. will add new features, like being for the students.

He also wants to have a web cam “This Web site is powerful if it is able to listen to music while working on assignments, as well as for all the parents who are working used the right way,” Gonzales voices to explain the notes to the and would like to check in on their said. assignments that’s provided there son or daughter while they are at

Journalism students display photos at Center for the Arts DENISE MARTINEZ MT STAFF WRITER Journalism students had an exhibition to display digital images and black and white film photography.

The opening reception took place on April 3, at the Laredo Center for the Arts.

“I had a picture that showed a variety of people walking through the streets of downtown,” journalism student Robert Tenorio said. “There was a lot of people (at the reception) and different kinds of work on display. It was a great success.”

The instructor discussed the purpose of the show.

“It allows students an opportunity to exhibit their work in a gallery setting. There were 37 students participating in the show,” Mark Webber journalism teacher said.

“Students prepared by choosing from their digital images and used a laser printer to print them in color.

As for the black and white they chose their negatives and printed them in the darkroom,” Webber said.

“The themes of most digital pictures are events that go on in school, mainly used in The Magnet Tribune.

The black and white pictures were more fine artoriented, things that are of interest to the students,” Webber said. “I also had my work on display in the show.”

In addition, a guest artist had photos on exhibit.

“We had a former student, now MT photo by Mark Webber attending Texas State University, Journalism students Diana Moreno and Manuel Martinez, who were exhibiting photographs in their contact us. He show, look at a painting in another gallery during the opening reception April 3.

The show closes May 1. sent two of his pictures that are on the Arts to let us have an exhibit there. They gave us a month to display, also,” Webber said.

“I really appreciated the Center for exhibit our photos,” Webber said.

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The Magnet Tribune April 23, 2004

Art, dance, music students exhibit at Center for Arts

Letters to the editor

BY CLAUDIA AMBRIZ AND MAURICIO GARZA MT STAFF WRITERS Why were art, dance, guitar, steel drums, piano, and sculpture students together for a recent event?

Friday and Saturday, March 26 and 27, V.M.T art students got their chance to exhibit their work at the Laredo Center for the Arts.

The first day was VMT art students’ chance to exhibit in the upstairs gallery, Jorge Vasquez, art instructor, said.

The next day was the Second Annual LISD Art Festival, at which district middle and high school students displayed artwork or performed dance and musical numbers. It was held on the patio in front of the center.

While students exhibited their drawings, paintings, and sculptures, piano, guitar and steel drum students set the tone by playing favorite melodies.

VMT students heard plenty of compliments from the spectators; it gave their confidence a boost, one student said.

One of the expectations, Vasquez said, was for parents to show up and support their talented children.

“It’s important that we showcase student work. Basically it’s not just work, but there’s a meaning to it,” Vasquez said.

Art students said they enjoyed displaying their work over the two day period.

“The second day exhibition was an intriguing and exciting experience for me. I felt as if I was an accomplished artist having an exhibition in a New York gallery,” art student Selene Lozano said.

Everything from VMT’s Friday show was moved outside to the courtyard on Saturday. Outside the activities involved music and dance students, also.

“It was pretty nice. A lot of events were going on,” Vasquez said.

In the afternoon, the dance department did the finishing touches by adding a hip-hop dance routine to entertain the crowd.

A lot of students were motivated by this event, such as Lozano.

“I hope that in later years that I come to visit V.M.T, and more people will be lucky enough to see this creative institution flourish.”

“We wish to thank all the departments that participated, that made this event so successful,” Vasquez added.

To the editor: My name is Kevin Olivas. I am the Parity Project director for the National Association of Hispanic Journalists (NAHJ).

NAHJ is a non-profit organization that acts as a support group for professional and student journalists who work in the English and Spanishlanguage print, photo, broadcast and online media.

NAHJ has a Web site at http://www.nahj.org.

I noticed on The Magnet Tribune Web site that quite a few staffers have Spanish surnames. If any of these students truly want to become journalists, then NAHJ wants to help them, especially since Hispanics remain woefully underrepresented in mainstream U.S. newsrooms.

Among other things, NAHJ holds an annual scholarship competition that opens in October of each year. NAHJ offers several scholarships.

But one of them in particular is open to current college-bound high school seniors. That would be the NAHJ Ruben Salazar Scholarship.

Please do not hesitate to contact myself or NAHJ at any time and have others do the same.

Concert review

Aerosmith, Hilary Duff rock Laredo during Spring Break

BY ROBERT TENORIO MT STAFF WRITER There were two shows in Laredo during the Spring Break week that bought thousands of people to the Laredo Entertainment Center.

Aerosmith rocked the arena on March 17.

The show, which drew a crowd of 10,000 people, was a sellout.

The group performed a number of fan favorites. From “Crazy” to “Sweet Emotion,” the crowd had a great time.

Lead singer Steven Tyler did several stunts including a quick swing over the crowd. Many wondered, how can a 56 year old do that kind of stuff?

Fans were trying to get a hold of him when he would go near them. Two men wanted to touch him so bad that they even got on the stage. Security was tight though, so they didn’t get a chance.

On March 21, Hilary Duff performed in front of 9,500 young and old fans.

Duff sang songs like “Come Clean”, “Why Not”, and “So Yesterday”.

Duff attracted not just younger ones, but also teenagers and even adults.

The floor area was general admission (which meant there were no seats).

Duff even got off stage and started shaking people’s hands.

Although the concert was short because this is her first album, I think she is going to make it big because she is getting more successful. She can be the next Britney Spears, in my opinion.

She is looking at a great future. Hilary must be a very lucky girl to be in such a great position.

Hispanic journalist group offers help

Kevin Olivas kolivas@nahj.org

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Reader compliments MT’s online edition To the editor: I want to compliment The Magnet Tribune staff on a well-done online newspaper.

I am a former newspaper editor and reporter, now an English teacher in Rolla, Missouri.

I am currently taking classes for my master’s degree at the University of Phoenix online. As part of a search for student Web sites, I found your newspaper. It is well-written and current, and all the links are active. I enjoyed reading about your school and its activities.

You are doing a great job!

Cynthia H. Felts chfelts@email.uophx.edu chfelts@fidmail.com

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Israeli organization wants copies of paper To the editor: I am writing on behalf of The Shalem Center, an institute for Jewish social thought and Israeli public policy in Jerusalem.

The center supports academic research, conducts courses for graduate students, and publishes a journal of philosophy, history, and politics, Azure: Ideas for the Jewish Nation.

We are interested in receiving copies of your last three or four issues to use as a model for high-schools in Israel that will be starting student newspapers for the first time. I would like to ask that the student newspapers be forwarded to Shalem’s address in Hauppage, New York.

Alexandra Landman The Shalem Center alexandral@shalem.org.il

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VMT teacher sees site for the first time To the editor: This is the first time that I have read your online newspaper ... outstanding!

John Reimund Low brass instructor

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The Magnet Tribune April 23, 2004

MT photo by Xavier Castillo Victor Osorio rehearses in the theater building for an upcoming theatrical performance.

Theater Arts student is finalist in Scenarios USA competition XAVIER CASTILLO MT STAFF WRITER

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Osorio’s ideas and brainstorming stemmed from observing his friends and people at his school.

When he was ready to begin work, it took him a relatively short time to complete.

“This might sound weird,” Osorio says. “But I timed myself and did around three to four hours of actual work.”

According to Osorio, this did not include the time he would get distracted and play video games or chat online with friends.

After turning in his work and being selected as a finalist, Osorio and his parents were surprised and proud.

“I was shocked [that I had been selected] because so many people had entered the contest,” Osorio

Brothers becom

BY MANUEL MARTINEZ MT STAFF WRITER

ictor Osorio, a VMT sophomore in Theater Arts who also attends Cigarroa High School was a finalist in the Scenarios USA contest “What’s the Real Deal”.

In fall 2003, many VMT students submitted work to Scenarios USA, a non-profit organization which started the “What’s the Real Deal” contest. Students wrote scenarios, stories, or even scripts to promote healthier and safer decisions about sexual responsibility. Last fall, 433 teenagers in south Texas and Florida participated.

Christopher, left, and Johnathan Melendez stand recent Boy Scout Troop 192 meeting. These brothe

said. “My parents were very proud of me and they told me to thank Mr. Vernon Carroll (dean of Theater) for showing and giving me the basic elements of script writing.”

In the future, Osorio wants to become a lawyer and is in Theater Arts because it helps to develop speaking skills and helps to do away with a fear of talking in front of large groups of people.

“Ever since I was a little boy, I’ve always wanted to be a lawyer. I even made my mom buy me suits and ties. In the future I want to become a lawyer and represent actors and film directors for contracts and so on,” Osorio said.

The contest has students submit work and after the deadline has passed winners are chosen. The winners are paired with a Hollywood director and work together to create a short film based on the students work. Some of the directors that participated included Jamie Babbit, who directed “But I’m a Cheerleader and Popular.” Another director was Ben Younger, who directed “Boiler Room” Osorio offers the following to anybody who wants to pursue writing: “Have fun with it and remember, if you are bored writing it then so will the reader when he/she reads it.”

J

onathan and Christopher acquired the rank of Eagle S program.

They joined in February 2001 because friend of theirs wanted a patch.

“A friend of ours wanted his recruiter patch so w joined and we decided to stay because we had a of fun at the camp out,” Christopher said.

There are many of ranks in boy scouts: Scou Tenderfoot, 2nd Class, 1st Class, Star, Life, and t highest and prestigious, Eagle.

“Just being mentioned among the ranks of the people, (Eagle Scouts) who have accomplished much is an honor in itself,” Chris explained.

Making this rank was no easy task, they explaine They had to endure knot memorization, 5-m hikes, compass courses, first aid training, wilderne survival, and fitness training. Chris and Joh explained their biggest and probably most difficu requirement, their Eagle project.

An Eagle Scout project is actually a service proje that must be planned by the scout in every possib aspect, and must only benefit the community. must span at least over a period of seven hours.

For example, Chris had his project at the Sacr Heart Children’s Home and entertained the childr with a wide variety of contests and games.

“They played such games as egg toss, sack relay

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The Magnet Tribune April 23, 2004

MT photo by Ivana Martinez Rolando Santos taped some of his latest project, ‘Coolision’, in the Magnet Tribune classroom. Behind him is Ysela Santos, who is the editor of this issue.

MT photo by Manuel Martinez ntion while the Pledge of Allegiance is recited at a recently attained the rank of Eagle Scout.

Television student inspired e Eagle Scouts by watching ‘Jurassic Park’

BY JOSE A. RODRIGUEZ MT STAFF WRITERS

ndez are brothers who recently in the local Boy Scouts of America lloon shaving contest, Jello eating contest, and ts and crafts,” Chris explained.

We also had a moonwalk for the kids to jump in, d food was catered by Quizno’s subs,” he said.

His brother Johnathan and the rest of Troop 192 sisted.

Jonathan’s donated his time and energy into helpg out at the Bethany House, a shelter for poor and ungry people and families. His brother and the oop also assisted.

After much hard work and effort their goals came a reality. Last December 23 Christopher and nathan Melendez officially became full-fledged agle Scouts.

Chris explained that he and his brother would main as active members even as adults and that ey had set new goals.

I am now working to make Vigil Honor, which is e highest honor in the Order of the Arrow. It is a y Scout-affiliated organization for people over the e of 14 and above the rank of 2nd Class and under e age of 21,” he said.

Chris, John, and others will be honored with a cereony at St. Augustine Church. They will receive wards for their work and, of course, bragging rights.

AND

DELIA J. DIAZ

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fter watching “Jurassic Park”, junior broadcasting student Rolando Santos said, “Dude, this movie rocks! So with my aunt’s camera, my brother and I made a movie, but the camera broke, so we never got to see it…”

This was one of Santos’ first inspirations to pursue TV and filmmaking.

Santos says he has no specific “job” but he is the leader and provides order to the class. He is the director/ producer in most of his projects, but said he can’t do it without his assistants, Selina Garcia, Maria Bedarte and Juan Herrera, who help him out a lot.

They help him develop his ideas; they also act and suggest their own ideas and opinions, such as his most recent project, “Coolision” “Coolision is about three VMT students who collide with each other in a sequence of accidents, which causes them to go to the principal’s office. A phone call delays their punishment so the students try to figure out what their punishment will be,” Santos explained.

His newest assistant is Selina Garcia. Although she is new to the second block, she came from third

block and helps Santos a lot.

“Right now she is working on a new project.”

Santos said. She is working on a process in which scenes are arranged to have a time sequence.

Santos uses Avid software on a Dell workstation to edit his productions.

He said their ideas originate as jokes, but they begin to realize that they are possible to do, so from there they develop.

“I just make them up on the spot,” like in an earlier project, “D-Day”.

The purpose for D-day was to test the equipment.

So Santos designed a story that would involve plenty of editing, scene changing, time lapsing, and other techniques. He said that for his first project, “It was actually pretty good, but there’s lots of room for improvement.”

Once Santos leaves high school he would like to continue pursuing communications; however, should that fail, he would like something to fall back on, “Plan B”. So he’s taken an interest in business.

8A

The Magnet Tribune April 22, 2004

‘Kikaider’ seems like the 1970s; ‘Serial’ is much darker Kikaider Adult Swim, known for its anime shows, aired Kikaider awhile back. When I first saw the preview on Cartoon Network I got a different impression, but then when I saw it, I was a little disappointed with it.

Kikaider is an awesome show, but the plot is a little clichéd if you ask me. It’s about a robot named Jiro who is part human in some sort of way, I guess. He has this odd little chip called Gemini. It makes him more human but it needs to be fixed; well something like that.

The story itself bores at moments, but I tolerated it, and the animation is ok.

Some of the characters look

Anime 101 by

April Magaña like something out of a 70’s anime. Don’t get me wrong, the animation looks cool sometimes, but I think some people prefer animation that doesn’t remind you of the 70s. But that’s my opinionplease resist throwing tomatoes at me.

The battles are ok; the villains are sort of typical: an evil guy who wants to take over the world and that’s all he has left in his evil life! He was cool and all, but he could’ve been way better

than the way the creators made him. The other main character named Jiro is ok.

Like the previous character, he could use some work in his appearance.

All in all Kikaider is a cool show but sometimes it can become clichéd and boring.

Only diehard anime fans should give this anime a look.

Serial Experiments Lain Now this show is somewhere along the lines of Boogiepop Phantom, it’s very serious and it’s freaky, if you

can call it that.

It’s about this girl who dies and contacts a character by the name of Lain Iwakura by email. Then a string of deaths follow this and most of the deaths are young teens. This show is actually kind of weird and trippy, and not trippy in a 70’s kind of way. It’s weird in the sense that it will confuse you and maybe scare you.

The other thing- it’s a computer lover’s show. If you can appreciate the appeal of a powerful computer, or the feeling of urgency associated with needing a new one, you’ll like this show. If you live a good percentage of your life online, this show speaks to you. If you feel amputated every time you visit

home because there’s no Ethernet, the makers of this show understand. Better than any other anime I’ve seen, lain examines our networked society and discusses the implications of our humanity becoming increasingly “wired”.

I’m a computer person and I loved this show. It’s dark and it draws you in deeply.

To conclude this anime review, I will leave saying watch this anime if you love dark and ominous anime like Boogiepop Phantom. It’s worth the money and you guys are in luck, this anime is now considered a Signature Series and is sold between $15.00 and $20.00.

Go out and get it.

‘The Passion’ shows the last 12 hours of Jesus Christ’s life The movie “The Passion of The Christ” shows the true meaning of being true to your religion.

The movie, which stars James Caviezel (Jesus Christ) and Maia Morgenstern (Mary), explains the last 12 hours of Jesus life.

Jesus Christ had an intent to save people from the devil and from other types of harm. Many people back then did not support Jesus Christ and his ways of teachings. The public also

Coming Attractions by

Robert Tenorio did not believe he was the Messiah. They persecuted and executed him.

Pontius Pilot did not want to persecute Jesus because he felt he did not do anything wrong. Pilot just sent him to be punished. He was whipped and got a rose bush stem full of thorns.

When he is bought back to Pontius Pilot and the crowd, Pilot gave the public a very important decision. They chose to free the criminal, Barabbas, and for Jesus to be crucified. Fearing that the public would rebel, Pontius sent him to be crucified that same day.

Jesus Christ was carrying his cross with thousands of people following him, including his family. He fell several times because the army was hurting him and because of the weight of the cross. But, he then gets some kind of relief. A local man helped him carry the cross.

Once he reached the site, he was laid down on the cross. The army got nails and started to nail him on to the cross. His mother was crying and was devastated.

Once he died, a huge

storm rolled in and the ground shook. Also, a temple had fallen to pieces. It is right there, that some started to believe that he was the Messiah.

They placed him in a tomb, where he rose from the dead three days later.

I give this movie a 5 out of 5 because it is a great movie and because it shows you how Jesus died for us. He wanted to save us from all the evil that was going on.

Sophomore finds creative outlet in sculpture Interviewee: Luis Mondragon, sculpture student Q. How long have you been at VMT? A. I’m a sophomore, but this is my first year here at VMT. Q. What do you think of this campus in general?

A. Well, I can say this much, it’s a lot better than my home school.

Partly because there are not so many rules and it seems to be more of a college environment.

Q. Do you believe that VMT is different from any other high school?

Why? A. Oh yeah, definitely, because here they encourage you to use the artistic talents that you have to their fullest potential. They focus on your artistic talents and help you use them and they just don’t use what they cram into your mind. It’s a lot more liberal. But that’s about the only difference that I can see.

Q. What were/are your opinions towards the possible relocation of VMT? A. I think that it’s a totally lousy idea. Because if it’s anywhere near

The System by

it’s abstract.

Q. Do you have exhibitions for your artwork?

A. Well, we just had one at the Laredo Center for the Arts on Friday and Saturday (March 26-27). Basically, you just go and exhibit your best artwork so that the public can see what’s going on at VMT. Q. Can you walk us through the process of creating a sculpture?

A. There’s not really one perfect formula for doing it because everyone has a different method of doing it.

For me there are three steps. Step one; visualize what it is that you want to sculpt. Step two, don’t just think about it but actually work into it. Don’t just stare at it because nothing is going to happen. Step three; make sure it means something to you because it will never come out right if it is meaningless to you.

Q. Have you had any difficulties creating something so far?

A. Yes. Because the things that I have done have all been assignments

John Hinojosa our home schools, it really wouldn’t be that much of a college campus anymore. Mainly because the principals of your home schools will try to implement the same rules at the magnet schools.

Q. So has sculpture been your only fine art so far? If not, what other fine art have you taken?

A. I took guitar last semester. But, I changed to sculpture this semester.

Q. Out of all the fine arts offered at this campus, why did you single out sculpture?

A. Mainly because I know a lot about cars, so I use that to my advantage to sculpt and mold the clay into objects.

Q. What types of things do you do in class?

A. Well, we do very abstract things.

We do certain things such as sculpting animals or what-not. But mostly

MT photo by John Hinojosa

LUIS MONDRAGON

and not really something that I want to do.

Q. Do you have any final comments?

A. Express yourself freely and never submit yourself to anyone because the only person that will defeat you will be yourself.

9A The Magnet Computer Tribune expert discusses how much he hates them 23, how 2004 Did I ever April mention much I hate computers?

I find myself in a very irritated and in a cheesed off position whenever I’m sitting in front of this strange hard plastic board filled with letters, numbers, and characters. need them now for almost Yet, it’s so ironic because I everything, but I wish they know a lot about them, I mean were a lot more reliable. … I built my own machine and They tend to break down a I’ve been using computers ever lot, maybe even more often since I was about 5, but there’s than cars something about them that I think there has been a just annoys me and makes me point in a computer user’s want to run for the nearest life where the computer up hammer and start whacking it. set them completely for The only thing a computer about 15 minutes, making seems to do is to give people the person just unplug the problems. Sure, they are whole machine. Then after a extremely useful and we while, they give the comput-

Outlandish Outtakes by

Joey Gonzalez er a second chance, plug it back in, and turn it on. I don’t know what happens during this process, but while this is happening the computer usually does something very, very bad or performs an error. So as the person tries to get back to whatever he or she was doing, an expression of shock and fear fills their entire face.

Yup, the computer got ’em

back and off go the dozens of phone calls to computer stores, technicians, or any family members who know a tad bit more about computers than they do.

I have no idea why some people think that computers can suddenly either blow up, or turn off and never turn on again.

Well, a computer can never blow up unless it’s rigged with explosives and the only way that the computer turns off and never turns on again is if the power supply fails so you’ll have to buy a new one.

Almost everything is fixable unless you get a hacker who hacks into your

machine, turns off all the devices and hardware on your PC’s B.I.O.S. and gives it a password. Then you have a problem.

I remember when I was younger, I would be very curious so every time I would see a computer I would start playing with the keyboard. It didn’t matter if the computer was turned off I would just mess with that keyboard and type pretend sentences. Every time I would do this I would usually have an older person come up to me and shout, “DON’T DO THAT” to me!

‘By the Sword’ is part of the exciting Valdemar series “By the Sword” by Mercedes Lackey, published Daw Books Inc., is another installment of the Valdemar series.

Kerowyn, granddaughter to the sorceress Kethry, begins the story at 15 and running her father’s household because her mother died a few years prior. She has been taking on the duties of lady of the keep (a fortified mansion).

Kerowyn begins when she is in the kitchen directing all the hired hands in her last duty as lady of the keep because her brother is getting married and his wife Dierna is going to take over all of Kerowyn’s duties, leaving Kerowyn to do what she desires most — hunting and riding.

Bookworm by

Ernesto Cavazos But all her hopes were shattered in one instance when she and the rest of the servants heard screaming and Kerowyn used her ability (which she has long regretted having) to see other people’s thoughts, to find out their keep was being attacked by raiders.

Kerowyn gets over her panic quickly to get the cook and her father’s friend Wendar to help keep the raiders from getting into the kitchen.

They were able to keep the raiders from entering the

kitchen, but they were not able to help the other guests in the main hall.

As soon as they believe the raiders to have left Kerowyn and the others leave the kitchen quickly to help who they can among the injured guests, but many die before they can be helped. Kerowyn does what she can until she finds her brother injured and her father dead.

As soon as she gets a good account of what happened she finds her brother’s fiancé was kidnapped. She knows

that Dierna’s uncle, Lord Baron Reichert, a land-hungry lord who uses family insults to add to his lands, will take the kidnapping of his niece whether he really cares for her or not as an insult. He will call a blood feud to take their lands and kill her and her brother for it.

So thinking quickly and knowing the raiders have a mage with them she decides to ask her grandmother for help. She sneaks off and gets her brother’s castoff armor and a sword of his and heads off to her grandmother’s tower on her horse.

Before she reaches her grandmother’s tower she meets up with Tarma, her grandmother’ sworn sister.

Tarma tests Kerowyn’s will

and determination to rescue her brother’s fiancé. Kerowyn being in a hurry heads out quickly enough wondering in the back of her mind who that was.

She finally arrives at her grandmother’s tower to find her grandmother and tell her what happened back at the keep, finally giving in to the tears, which she held back.

Her grandmother helps to calm her granddaughter and to discourage her from continuing her rescue attempt but Kerowyn stubbornly won’t back down.

Kethry, seeing her granddaughter’s determination, decides to see if Need (a magical sword that binds itself to women who are in dire need See BOOKWORM, page 16A

Toby Lightman’s song seems confusing; Ben Arthur’s music is better Artist: Toby Lightman the pop/blues she’s in the the ladies they were with!

Rock review Song: Devils & Angels business of music, but to me -Label: Laval Records Ratings: 2 kicks out 5 Web site: www.gomoxie.org.

I didn’t fall into her song as much as I thought I would. I do like the title she put to her song “Angels and Devils,” she sounds to me as a right down blues girls.

I didn’t quite understand the meaning of her music video. The only lyrics I understood of her music were that she was trying to take out devils she has in her life. I think she should try kicking them out of herself instead of trying so hard the way she does. For sure I know that they won’t be bothering her anymore if she tried putting more kicks into her music. Oh well, as

by

Veronica Cruz you can see her song was confusing to me.

-Artist: Ben Arthur Album: Edible Darling Label: Bardic Records Ratings 3 bites out of 5 Web site: www.benarthur.com Ben’s album is all about his love happenings and he expresses his feelings for that someone he refers to darling.

He reminded me of Jewel but in a guy version, so to me he’s not that bad, he’s all right to me.

He’s in the light side of music, and I in a way like it a little. You can simply tell from his music of his emotions are in his heart, so he doesn’t hide. If you’re into music like John Mayer and other artists like him, you would surely like Ben Arthur.

-Artist: Jojo Song: Leave (get out) Label: Universal/Motion Records Ratings: 2 respects out of 5 Web site: www.JoJoonline.com She has a good voice for

she is more an R&B singer.

Her song represents the girlhood she was in. Her song tells of her rights to tell off guys on what to do, and she does it proudly in her song, “Leave (get out)”.

You can immediately tell from the song it was an experience she once had.

I didn’t really like the beat but I did like the way she sang and how she made it sound off.

The command she had on whomever she was telling off that message in her song. I thought it was pretty funny because she reminded me of those girls from the movie “Friday,” man! If you did not listen and respect them did those guys get it bad from

Artist: Jennifer Marks Album: It turned me on Label: Red Kurl Records Ratings: 2 lies out of 5 Web site: www.jennifermarks.com Jennifer has a mixture in her album, sounds with of country along with soft/blues tunes.

I like the way she put into her music used her imagination to the way she lives. She is unique than most singers I’ve heard of so far.

I liked the song “Live” and some other ones, but all sounded odd, most of her lyrics paid off.

Fre eebe ees--p poste ers, bo ookmarks, mo ore e in The e Magne et Tribune e classro oom!

10A

The Magnet Tribune April 23, 2004

Four successful students show everybody can achieve their goals On pages 8A and 9A of this issue are four Magnet School students who have received recognition and awards for outstanding work in pursuits that interest them.

Victor Osorio, Rolando Santos and Jonathan and Christopher Melendez have done a great job in showing students they have achieved their goals. All of them have received positive influences from teachers, at home, or from other people or places.

Rolando Santos was “blown away” by the movie Jurassic

EDITORIAL

The Magnet Tribune urges students to set goals and work towards achieving them.

Park. Since then, he has been inspired to create his own movies as class projects.

Victor Osorio has always wanted to become a lawyer since he was child, and now he is in theater, acting in front of crowds, preparing for his profession.

Chris and Jonathan

Melendez became Eagle Scouts, a high rank in scouting.

Those who don’t yet have goals shouldn’t give up. They should look at these four students, who are examples that reaching a goal is the result of hard work and considerable effort.

Having goals and staying positive is a great start for anybody’s future.

Nowadays many students don’t take advantage of all the time they have, when instead they could be planning their

future. In contrast, the four students featured on pages 8 and 9 have showed pride and determination — that one can do whatever one wants when putting his mind to it.

Building a future or reaching a goal may seem hard at first but if these students can achieve theirs, then anybody else on this campus can.

The Magnet Tribune reminds everybody there are endless opportunities out there, waiting for us to take advantage of what we can offer the world.

Students tell if satisfied with their accomplishments this year V.M.T. students were asked, “The school year is almost over. Do you think you could have achieved more this past school year, or are you satisfied with what you have accomplished?”

“I think I could have achieved more than I did.

Though for my first year I think I did ok.” Denize Solis, The Magnet Tribune The Magnet Tribune is a publication produced by students in the Newspaper Production and Photojournalism classes of the Vidal M. Treviño School of Communications and Fine Arts, (also known as Treviño Magnet School and VMT), Laredo Independent School District.

This publication’s intent is to provide readers with information relating to the school and its students, provide students a lab for producing a newspaper using professional-level computer software and offers an open forum for student opinion. The MT is published and distributed free of charge seven times during the regular academic year.

Blas Martinez Director and publisher

Mark E. Webber Journalism instructor and adviser, The Magnet Tribune

Vol. 11, No. 5; April 23, 2004 Editors of this Issue: Ysela Santos; Editorial Board: Adriana Aun (Oct. editor), Melissa Vazquez (Nov. editor), Sara Rodriguez (Dec. editor), Ivana Martinez (Feb. editor), Ysela Santos (April editor), Daniela Romo (May editor), Luis Herrera (Web site manager).

Name plate shows the bronze statue south of the Harding Building, “The Force of Creation,” designed and created by former art Instructor Armando Flores in 1993-94.

Production is by VMT journalism and photojournalism students using Microsoft Word, QuarkXPress and Adobe Photoshop on a networked Member: Dell and Macintoshes.

National Printed at Alice Scholastic Press Newspapers Inc. Association Copyright ©2003: Vidal M. Treviño School of Communications and Fine Arts and The Magnet Tribune

freshman “No, I am not ok with what I have achieved.” Ricardo Alvarez, freshman “I think I achieved a lot of stuff so far. I made V.M.T.!”

John A. Treviño, freshman “Well, it’s been fun and I’m going to miss everybody so Good Morning, and ADIOS!” Efrain Aranda, freshman “I believe I could have achieved way more, but unexpected events have happened. Also, this is my senior year and there are a lot of activities going on. I am satisfied with what I have accomplished but I know I could have done much more.

If I only had TIME!” Daniel B. Alejo, senior “Well I am only a junior but I am still sure of my accomplishments and I think they are satisfying enough. I mean I am a little nervous becoming a senior and a lot of more things I have to achieve. Though I am still satisfied with my achievements so far. Anonymous, junior “Well, being my senior year I feel I have accomplished more than I expected. Every day that passes is another day closer to graduation, so that is a little scary/exciting.” Kike Rocha, senior “No, I am not satisfied. I think I could have done more but, I guess time passes really fast. Maybe next year I can achieve more than I did this year.” Claudia Martinez, freshman

“I think I could have achieved more this year though I didn’t. I really hope that the magnet school stays the same next year.” Andy Flores, freshman “As a senior I believe I have. Though, I have many more things to accomplish in my life as in college and pursuing my career as a pediatrician.” Nelly Longoria, senior “The year has gone by too fast in my opinion. No, I am not satisfied with my achievements but I am not sure if I could have done

A Penny for your Thoughts by Irma Hernandez anything more to make it satisfying for me. Lucy Speer, senior “Well I think I have not accomplished a lot. I was hoping I would have achieved more but I didn’t.

The year just went by so fast and it was like I didn’t have a lot of time to achieve all of the goals I had set for my

self. Though I guess I’ll just try harder next time.”

Anonymous, sophomore “Well I achieved a lot of things this year but I also didn’t achieve some of the things I wanted. Next year I am going to try to achieve all of the things I want. Eliud De La Cruz, freshman

Waffle Iron by

Joey Rodriguez Only 50c worth of gas?!

Yeah, it should be just enough to get us to the cheaper gas station!

11A

The Magnet Tribune April 23, 2004

The road to a relationship has many ups and downs For some reason, lately some of my friends have been telling me how they’re having problems in their guy/girl relationships; this happens almost on a daily basis. Being that the case, I decided to base this issue’s Bug around that topic.

One of the usual dilemmas in a relationship is the everso-popular jealousy bit.

Either the guy gets angry because the girl talks to her opposite-sex friends or the girl gets angry with the guy for talking to his girl friends.

From what my friends have told me, and from my past experiences, it’s usually the guy that begins with the

whole jealousy-deal first; but I’m not generalizing or anything like that. I admit that sometimes we girls are the ones to get jealous over nothing too; it’s just that some of us are better at hiding our anger than others.

The simplest little thing can set it off and that’s when the arguments and fights begin. For example, if the girl talks to one of her guy friends on the phone and the boyfriend finds out about it, he immediately jumps to conclusions that shouldn’t even be made in the first place- I mean, come on, give us a break guys, it’s only a phone call.

Then when the guy is talking to a girl, the girlfriend right away thinks that he’s cheating on her with that particular person. I know it might look like it, but not every guy is out there to cheat on us.

Which brings me to my next point: the dreaded question if whether your significant other is seeing someone behind your back or not.

I know we all hate it when we start having doubts and when we start questioning our partner’s faithfulness, and even though we might not want to think about it, the thought still crosses our

The Bug by

Adriana Aun mind at one point or another. But thinking that our ‘significant other’ is cheating on us isn’t the worst part; the worst part is finding out that your suspicions are true -- and not just finding out, but finding out from someone else other than your partner.

This in turn brings up the matter of forgiveness.

Sometimes it might seem that our partners have sunk

so low that forgiving them is completely and totally out of the question. This, of course, all depends on each one of us.

Although it may seem that relationships in high school are all a pain and all about problems and fights, it is not so. Yes, there are problems and discussions, but every relationship is like that; they have been and always will be that way.

Surviving a school relationship is an accomplishment Having a relationship in high school can be tough. If a relationship survives during high school then you and your partner have accomplished a lot. I give you thumbs up. Everything that tests a relationship is in high school. You’ve got to deal with jealousy, rumors, and sometimes ex-boy/girl friends.

Relationships at first are funny to me because both you and your partner don’t act like yourselves. I mean, think about it, basically in every relationship everything in the beginning is nice and dandy. The couple’s call each other every five minutes, they go everywhere together, and say, “I love you,” “I want to spend the rest of my life with you,” “You are the one for me,” and stuff like that.

Yes there are some who do mean it, but wait until you get into your first fight. Now that’s where everything really gets interesting. That’s where a relationship truly gets tested.

Usually what happens is during the first fight they say hurtful things to each other

Editor’s Commentary Ysela Santos, April editor The e Edito or’’s Co omme entary re epre ese ents the e opinio ons of the e edito or, and sho ould no ot be e unde ersto ood to o re epre ese ent the e vie ews of the e ne ewspape er staff, fac culty and administratio on.

then they don’t want to be together anymore and break-up. Typical. That makes you think if what they were saying in the beginning was true. I mean, come on, after one lousy argument you are willing to throw everything away? Please!!!

That shows how much you are willing to go through for that other person so that you two can solve things and be with each other.

Then suddenly they don’t want each other talking to certain people of the opposite sex and they start arguing over the dumbest reasons in the universe. That’s where the jealousy comes in and ruins the moment. They start asking, “Why are you looking at her?” “Why were you talking to him?” “Why are you doing this?” and “Why are you doing that?”

‘96-97, ‘97-98, ‘98-99, ‘99-00: ‘02-03 First Class Award ‘00-01, ‘01-02 Second Class Award

Shut up and get over yourselves. You don’t control each other. You are not each other’s dog to be saying what you can and can’t do.

I understand that sometimes you don’t want your boy/girl friend to be talking to his/her ex. I understand completely. I sometimes have to deal with my boyfriend’s ex’s, but of course I don’t let it get to me.

You don’t know exactly what they had in the past and that kind of intimidates you.

That’s another thing, in high school you even have to deal with “The ex.” Out of nowhere “The ex” wants him/her back. Yeah right, like that’s ever going to happen. Yeah it’s funny because you know that he/she won’t

get him/her back, but still sometimes “The ex” really wants him/her back that they want to throw it down. In other words, he/she wants to fight.

Funny!!!

Before, during, or after the whole “Ex” situation, the rumors come along. You start hearing from your friends or maybe by people that you don’t even know that your boy/girl friend was with this other person at this particular time.

Maybe people tell you something that really bothers you and questions your boy/girl friend’s faithfulness. If you know for a fact that your boy/girl friend will not do anything like that to hurt you, then why think about it? If he/she truly loves you then they wouldn’t do that to you.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying that having a relationship during high school is bad or that it’s

“

... they don’t want each other t alking to certain people of the opposite sex and they st art arguing over the dumbest reasons in the universe.

Ysela Santos, April editor

”

going to be something that you will regret. No, I’m not saying that at all. Actually, I think it’s something that will make a relationship stronger.

See, if your relationship could survive high school, and I’m not saying survive as in getting through high school with a relationship See EDITOR, page 16A

Letters to the editor are welcome, on any topic of interest to students. The Magnet Tribune staff reserves the right to edit them for length, clarity of expression and libel. Send to mt_writers@hotmail.com, bring by The Magnet Tribune classroom or by postal mail.

‘97-98. ‘98-99: Staff hon. mention, ‘99-00, ‘01-02: Staff Superior ‘02-03, ‘03-04: Staff Excellent

ILPC--’97-98, Award of Honor; ‘98-99, ‘99-00, ‘00-01, ‘01-02, ‘02-03 Award of Achievement

How to respond to The Magnet Tribune: By e-m mail: mt_writers@hotmail.com On the Internet: www.my.highschooljournalism.org/tx/laredo/vmt Address: Vidal M. Treviño Magnet School, The Magnet Tribune, 1702 Victoria Street, Laredo, Texas 78040 In person: Journalism classroom/darkroom, or Mark Webber box in the attendance office.

“It is the policy of the Laredo Independent School District not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, limited English proficiency, or handicapping condition in its programs.”

12A

The Magnet Tribune April 23, 2004

Sporting world in full swing in major leagues Haven’t been up to date with your sports news? Take your pick and read on.

Football The NFL draft is still the big talk in the media world.

Before the draft had even taken place, there were rumors of quarterback Eli Manning (the number one projected pick and also the brother of Peyton Manning of the Indianapolis Colts) was already pleading that he did not want to be drafted by the San Diego Chargers. If he was, a trade would have to take place or he would sit out the season. Talk about drama.

Manning did end up being drafted the number one pick by the Chargers, but he was traded to the New York Giants for Philip Rivers.

Chargers also received New York’s third round pick and two future first and fifth round picks in 2005. The Manning family goes down in NFL history as the first family to have three players selected in the first round of the draft: Archie Manning (father) in 1971, Peyton (older brother) first overall in 1998, and now Eli first overall in 2004. Not too bad.

Other picks were Robert Gallery who went second overall to the Oakland Raiders. He’s said to be the best offensive line prospect since Orlando Pace got drafted in 1997. Wide receiver Roy Williams who played for Texas just last year was taken by the Detroit Lions.

He’ll be a good match up with

VMT Sports Corner by

Kassie Navarro Charles Rogers. Washington Redskins took safety Sean Taylor who is looking to start instantly next season. This is just a bit of the 255 picks and 28 trades that happened on draft day. For more information, check out NFL.com.

Baseball Probably one of the best rivalries in sports history – Yankees and Red Sox. Yankees usually have the upper hand in every Red Sox meeting, but that was not the case in their latest. Boston swept the Yankees in a three game series at Yankee Stadium.

The Yankees kind of remind me of the Lakers big name players (Jeter, ARod, Giambi, etc.), huge money contracts ($183 million to be exact), and constant drama. Even their captain Derek Jeter got booed (and by his own fans) as he stepped up to the plate. He went hitless after going 0for-4 with three strikeouts.

And that didn’t stop there; the batting trend seemed to spread to the rest of the team. The Yankees were 0for-6 with runners in scoring position and were hitting

a .132 (9-for-68) average.

Scary if you ask me.

Credit also has to be given to the Sox. Boston’s bullpen had an amazing 24 consecutive shutout innings in the whole Yankees series. Manny Ramirez has also had a spectacular year so far. He’s carried the team with his .280 batting average while Nomar Garciaparra and Trot Nixon have been on the injured list.

You can also thank him for the 2-0 homerun winners that finished off the Yanks in the last game.

It might still be too early in the season to make any valid predictions, but I can assure you this won’t be the end in the never ending Sox/Yanks drama. It keeps fans interested so make sure to keep up.

Basketball NBA playoffs – ah, my favorite time of the year. The first round has already been quite exciting and this is just the beginning. The first round match ups are Lakers vs. Rockets, Spurs vs.

Grizzlies, Timberwolves vs.

Nuggets, and the Kings vs.

Mavericks. In the east, it’s the Heat vs. Hornets, Celtics vs. Pacers, Pistons vs. Bucks,

and the Nets vs. Knicks.

Three teams have already managed to sweep their opponents.

The Spurs, Pacers, and Nets will all have a long rest between their next series.

The Lakers and Rockets series have been quite a match up. Yao Ming has showed Shaq he’s not such a dominate force in this league anymore. The truth hurts Mr. O’Neal. Even though the Lakers lead the series 3-1, the Rockets have had their chance to steal two games.

They could’ve had this series at 2-2, but the Lakers playoff experience shined through.

Careless mistakes made by the Rockets in crucial minutes might have eventually been the pitfall of this series.

My call is that the Lakers will end up winning this series 41 and move on to play the San Antonio Spurs. Lakers still need to get everything together in order to dethrone the defending champs. It doesn’t matter if they have four future hall of famers. If you’re not playing solid ball, you won’t be going anywhere. Well, the only place they might be going is home.

Four future hall of famers and all.

Timberwolves vs. Nuggets – I’ve really enjoyed this series.

Timberwolves obviously have more talent team wise, but the Nuggets play with a lot of heart. With the combination

of Carmelo Anthony (who should’ve been the Rookie of the Year) and little Earl Boykins, they’ve really made the Timberwolves work for their playoff position.

Timberwolves will end up winning this series, but the Nuggets have made a great improvement from last year.

Don’t count them out next year.

Sacramento vs. Mavericks – Shooting, shooting, and more shooting. Defense, what? Same old’ story with these teams. Sacramento will win it, but they’ll be knocked off pretty soon in the playoffs.

Spurs vs. Grizzlies – Spurs swept this series. Too much talent and experience for Memphis. Although, the Grizzlies did improve greatly this season. Jerry West and Hubie Brown (Coach of the Year) turned this organization finally into a basketball team. They’ll have big cap room for next season, so don’t be surprised if they pick up a superstar during the off season. Keep an eye out.

Eastern Conference – It’ll be the Pistons and the Pacers in the end. I pick the Pacers.

Well, now that you’re up to date with the three major respective sports it doesn’t mean nothing else is happening in the sports realm. Keep your eyes peeled because the sports world is non-stop.

TRIP, from page 3A Jim Moore, Laredo National Bank executive, and his wife treated students to dinner in Pearsall.

Students thought it was worthwhile to visit Texas State.

“It was interesting because I have not been on a university campus

before, and it taught me what to expect at a university,” Claudia Ambriz, journalism student, said.

“It was cool in the sense that they have a good program in radio broadcasting. That helps you since you receive hands-on instruction in multi-tasking,

preparing for the next task while a song or commercial is already underway. There is also a variety of cultures, and these people are very accessible to talk to,” Martin Espinoza, radio student, said.

BOOKWORM, from page 13A of help and skills they don’t have) would take her. Need binds itself to Kerowyn and Kerowyn is sent off by her Kethry to find her brother’s fiancé and save her while she goes to help the wounded at the keep.

This is just the beginning of Kerowyn’s story, though she has many challenges to face as well as having to fight Need’s control over herself whenever it decides to take

over.

I thought “By the Sword” was an excellent book and shows Kerowyn’s progression from the girl she once was to the great fighter that she becomes.

There are many other things I liked about the book including and especially the ending because it surprised me. I also liked the way it tied in so well to the rest of the

series because most of “By the Sword” takes place before Arrow’s of the Queen and far away from Valdemar even though Valdemar comes into the picture way later on in the story.

I think anyone who has liked the genre and the Valdemar series should get it. It is awesome from beginning to end, in my opinion.

said, “Don’t question a relationship on who you could live with, but who you can’t live without.”

I LOVE my boyfriend very dearly and I know he feels the same way about me. Yes we argue the same as any other relationship, but we always talk things out and get through it together. I can say

that my relationship is strong because we both know that no matter what comes our way we will survive.

If you know something good will come out of your relationship, then hold on tight. Don’t let the littlest thing ruin what you have or could have.

EDITOR, from page 15A school while playing the break up to make-up game. I’m saying survive as in getting from beginning to end in every argument and every fight through conversation and not yelling and screaming.

My aunt told me something that has stuck with me every time I think about a relationship. She