Feb 27, 2009

The Magnet Tribune

Vol. 16, No. 3

February 27, 2009

Vidal M. Treviño School of Communications & Fine Arts, 1701 Victoria St., Laredo Texas 78040

A state- and nationally recognized student newspaper Force of Creation

Students watch the inauguration

page 2

Dancers again perform The Nutcracker

page 3 Valentine’s Day brings out the smiles

pages 4-5 Seniors whisked to the Winter Ball

page 6 Recruiting puts on quite a show

Message of love from Taiwan

BY DAVID CONTRERAS MT STAFF WRITER

F

ourteen performers from Tzu Chi College of Technology, Taiwan, used Asian and modern methods to communicate the ideas of love, respect, and kindness at the Recital Hall on Feb. 11.

The performance was titled “Love Transcends the Skyline.”

Act I, “Gratitude to Your Parents,” consisted of two performances. One of them was about parental love and the other was about children’s wrongdoing, disobedience, and rebellion.

The last part of Act I was a video clip about repaying kindness to parents.

From there, they skipped to Act III. “Buddhist techniques” gave a video clip of one of the performances they’ve done. After the clip, which displayed text in Chinese and English, the students performed two dances “Cultivation in the World” and a sign language dance.

The last part of Act III was a sign language opera titled “Love and Care for All.” In this part of the performance the dancers believe that sincere prayer will make things better in the world.

The last performance was about children’s drama, “The Legend of Happy Forest.” The performance See MESSAGE, page 2

MT photos by Melissa Cadena Students from Tzu Chi College of Technology in Taipei, Taiwan visited V.M.T on Wednesday, Feb. 11.

Above, students perform a sign language opera, “Love and Care for All.” Left, a scene from their interpretation of “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.”

Tapestry staff writer awarded

Dancer is Head of Class for Dec.

BY ANA GONZALEZ MT STAFF WRITER

BY NATALIE CASTILLO MT STAFF WRITER

Excitement filled Maria Rivera’s face when she was informed she was Head of the Class for November, an accomplishment that isn’t easy to achieve.

“I was pleased to hear of this recognition. I was so glad and happy,” Rivera explained.

Rivera, who is on the Tapestry staff with Lilia Castillo and who also attends Nixon, felt honored.

“Head of the class was especially honorable to receive because of the many applications submitted,” Rivera said. “I was lucky enough to be chosen.”

Rivera explained what she had to do to apply for this award.

“I had to submit an application, write an essay, and a photograph,” she said.

AP English III instructor Gerardo Flores nominated Rivera for Head of the Class.

See RIVERA, page 3

A dance student received Head of the Class for December.

“I feel honored and proud in receiving the Head of the Class for December 2008,” said Kassandra Cardenas, a dancer with Mary Ellen Leyendecker.

Cardenas, who also attends Martin High, said she feels good about herself this year.

“Having this award has given me great confidence and has made me and my parents very proud of what I have accomplished throughout my high school years,” she said.

She is very thankful for her parents for everything they have taught her.

“My parents were extremely excited and proud of me for receiving such scholastic award. I would like to thank both my mom and dad for everything they have taught me, given me, and most importantly for always See CARDENAS, page 3

MT photo by Natalie Castillo At left is Maria Rivera, November Head of the Class. At right is Kassandra Cardenas Head of the Class for December were sit outside the Harding Building.

Winning dish served a trophy

RTV wins awards at Crimestoppers

BY KEILA GRANADOS MT STAFF WRITERS

BY JON COX MT STAFF WRITER

page 7 Valentine’s Day pages 4-5 Columns, pages 8-9 Opinions, pages 10-11 Music students do well, page 12

VMT on the Internet

http://vmt.elisd.org The world’s link to you

E-mail The Magnet Tribune mt_writers@hotmail.com

VMT won third place at the 2009 Menudo Bowl cook-off on Saturday, Jan. 9.

The 13th annual Crimestoppers Menudo Bowl took place at the Laredo International Fair and Exposition grounds.

The event is one of the main sources of income for the rewards that Crimestoppers gives out on tips, leading to arrest.

The festivities this year included a silent auction, car and motorcycle show, live music (including VMT’s Jazz Guitar Combo) and the main event, the Menudo cook off.

This year the school partook in many activities at the Menudo Bowl.

“The school had a menudo entry in the cook-off,” BCIS instructor David Blumberg, Crimestoppers representative for the school.

He coordinated the school’s efforts.

A school club also assisted.

“Quinta Essentia had about 30 volunteers overseeing the kiddy rides,” said Gerardo Flores, AP English teacher.

The school entered in the open division of See MENUDO, page 2

MT photo by Frank X. Treviño Library aide Gary Valleza holds the thirdplace trophy VMT received at the Menudo Bowl in January.

AND

ROSALINDA TAYLOR

RTV students won awards for their Public Service Announcements at the state Crimestoppers’ convention in College Station.

The conference offered a series of speakers who spoke about different topics like K9 dogs, gang violence, and more.

“We learned how to run a crime stoppers organization, and how they raised the K9 dogs to sniff for drugs and various illegal items,” said David Blumberg, BCIS instructor and Crimestoppers coordinator. “This information will help us improve our organization in our campus, and allow students who went to be aware and be able to prevent crime.”

Jamin Teran, radio/television instructor, said the two awards her students received recognized one each radio and television public service announcement.

She described her reaction when she found out they did well.

“I was happy. I think that that’s what you strive for. It’s a self motivation and you’re happy because the students won a state recognition,” Teran explained.

See RTV, page 3

Read The Magnet Tribune on the Internet: http://my.hsj.org/tx/laredo/vmt

2

School News

The Magnet Tribune February 27, 2009

Juniors, seniors see history in the making

BY NIDIA GOMEZ MT STAFF WRITER Juniors and seniors saw history in the making when they watched Barack Obama take the oath of office on television in the school board room on Jan. 20.

Students saw the inauguration then returned to their classes.

Social studies teacher Matias Arambula explained why it was important for students to watch the inauguration.

“First of all, it was historic. Our first AfricanAmerican president was inaugurated.

Students need to understand that they were part of history just by watching this even on television. Second, students need to be more aware of what is happening in our country and with our government,” he said.

Arambula feels there are two things that make President Obama’s election different.

“First, that he was one of two candidates for the Democratic Party’s nomination. The other, as we well know, was Hilary Clinton.

The second thing, was that of the ‘race card.’ The fact that people from all races, colors, religions, and sexual

orientations, were able to come together and get a man of color elected to the White house was astounding,” he said.

He said the students were attentive and interested in watching Obama’s inauguration. He was amazed at the students’ comportment and reaction to the inaugural speech.

However, he said many students haven’t talked about Obama’s presidency with him since the inauguration.

“In my AP Government classes, President Obama is not really discussed.

They are aware of his stimulus plan to help get the economy back on track.

However, they seem to be more concerned about the economy.”

Arambula thanks Dean of Social Studies Christina Dancause for having given VMT students the opportunity to witness this event.

The school director discussed her impression of students while they were watching the inauguration.

“I think they understood the moment and the significance it had for our nation and the world. I thought the students were very interested and excited about the opportunity to witness his-

tory. Students at this campus are very informed and I felt so proud to be there with them and to see their expressions as they watched President Obama being sworn in,” she said.

Villarreal also talked about how Obama’s presidency will benefit public education.

“President Obama is very knowledgeable about educational trends and has very innovative ideas on how to improve education.

He understands the value of integrating a strong arts program into a rigorous academic curriculum. He is a staunch supporter of the arts in education.”

Choir student Dorian Delgado talked about her reaction when Obama won the election.

“Honestly, I though ‘WOAH!’ I mean the general vote was for him, but I actually thought McCain would take the presidency,” she said.

She said she’s paid attention to Obama since he first announced he was running. She explained why she felt inspired while watching the inauguration.

“He is the first AfricanAmerican, and in his inauguration speech he mentioned so many different things and he delivered it well.”

MT photos by Valerie Briseño Top, school Director Dr. Martha Villarreal speaks to students before the showing of the inauguration. Above, Senior Azahy Ayala records the inauguration of President Barack Obama as Ashley Solis, junior, watches.

Steel Drum Band student Luis “Beebo” Balderas said he is not happy about Obama winning the election.

“I wasn’t surprised, but I

wasn’t looking forward to it,” he said.

He added he was amused while watching the inauguration, and that he’s been paying attention to Obama

since his inauguration in January.

“Can Obama come up with a different strategy to improve the economy?”

Balderas added.

Students react to Obama’s inauguration

BY CLAUDIA ALBA MT STAFF WRITER Freshmen and sophomores saw at least part of the inauguration of Barrack Obama in the Recital Hall on Jan. 20.

English instructor James Buckley explained why Obama’s election is historic.

“I think having a half black president is important, if only because it paves the road for more hyphenated Americans to be president, for example Mexican Americans.”

Sophomore April Ayala

agreed with Buckley.

“I think that it shows that any race can become president if they set their minds to it,” she said School director Dr. Martha Villarreal agreed with Ayala and Buckley.

“Obama represents hope to this nation and to the world,” she said Buckley explained what most impressed him about the inauguration.

“What most impressed me about the inauguration was the benediction, the preacher’s charisma, but mostly Obama’s bulletproof suit,” he said.

Ayala explained that Obama’s quotes were what most impressed her.

“What I liked the most were the sayings he said.

The one that most impressed Ayala was, ‘I am willing to reach out my hand if you are willing to unclench your fist.’”

When asked how the students were reacting around her, Ayala explained they seemed to be very excited to see Obama.

“At the beginning they were waiting for Obama to come out, and when he did, they seemed excited and started clapping.” she said.

Buckley agreed with Ayala, and said some students seemed to realize it was a historic event.

“The students were paying attention, some seemed to realize it was an important event, but others were just there to see if something bad happened to Obama,” Buckley said.

Ayala said students were really eager to see Obama being inaugurated.

“The rest of the students reacted in a very eager manner. All they wanted to see was Obama, and I mean who wouldn’t?” she said.

Villarreal agreed.

“I think they understood the moment and the significance it had for our nation and the world, and I thought the students were very interested and excited about the opportunity to witness history,” Villarreal said.

Buckley said the speech Obama gave was not one he could believe in, and that he liked the benediction better.

“I think (the speech) wasn’t genuine, and I stopped listening when I realized it was too practiced and didn’t seem to come from the

heart. What I did like was the benediction because it seemed more extemporaneous and more real.” he said.

Ayala agreed with Buckley, and said his message sounded like the other speeches he had given before. She was looking forward to a more powerful speech.

“I was looking forward to more solutions to our nation’s problems, and I was hoping for a more powerful speech because like I said, I had heard that speech before.” she said.

Class takes virtual field trip to Fort Worth museum

BY LISA VALDEZ MT STAFF WRITER David Blumberg’s morning students went on a field trip to Fort Worth. Well the truth is that they went to the school library.

The students did go on a virtual field trip to Fort Worth though, to the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History. They were the first students to test Distance Learning.

Blumberg, BCIS instructor, and a lady named Anne Herndon, assistant director of School Services for the museum, set up the video conference, held on Wednesday, Feb. 11.

“I think it was successful but you should ask my students,” said Blumberg of the video conference.

“It was very fun and informative,” said Isaac Garcia, junior steel drums student, when asked about the video conference.

“It was a very educational conference,” said Nubia Alfaro, junior steel drums student, about the conference.

Herndon from the museum spoke to the students about the new exhibit called CSI: The Experience.

It will be open fall 2009 through spring 2010. At the moment the exhibit is portable. Workers are

building the exhibit in the museum.

Herndon showed the students a video about the exhibit and also showed a little about Ron Singer, Tarrant County Crime Lab supervisor.

After the video the students got to talk to Singer about Forensic Science.

While Singer spoke he showed the students a PowerPoint presentation, about Forensic Science. He explained many things such as why insects are important to a crime scene.

When asked why Blumberg chose the exhibit he said, “I really just wanted to show the distance learn-

MT photo by Tanya Salas Students took a virtual field trip to the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History on February 11 from the distance learning center at the library. On the screen is Ron Singer, Tarrant County Crime Lab supervisor. ing, but I thought it (the video conference) was interesting.”

There will be a video conference with distance learning for Blumberg’s after-

MESSAGE, from page 1 portrayed the children’s story “Snow White & the Seven Dwarfs.”

“The White Horse Prince,” “Doctor Owl and the Evil Witch” were also presented in this performance.

These little performances had a big message: hygiene and keeping everything around you clean.

After the performance school official talked about recruiting. They recruit students early January and only have a week to learn all the performances before touring.

After all the performances Dr. YuMei Tsai, director of the General Education Center, explained the meaning in their performances.

“There are a lot of messages in these shows like peace, happiness,

noon students, and other teachers are interested in using it, he said.

MENUDO from page 1 joy, care, and love,” Tsai said.

She discussed places they were going to visit when asked about their stay in Laredo.

“We arrived at Laredo on Friday, Feb. 6 to give a big performance at TAMIU. The next performance was at VMT From here we are going to the Laredo Rotary Club and from there we are going to Alexander High School. Tomorrow, we are performing at the Laredo City Club, From there we are going to take a historical tour of Laredo, and on Friday, February 13 we are spending a day at San Agustin,” Tsai said.

Freshmen Music student Jessica Hernandez thought the perform-

ance was good.

“I think it’s cool that they came here so that we can learn about other cultures” Hernandez said.

One of the messages she thinks they were trying to send is gratitude towards parents.

“I think they were trying to make us to appreciate our parents.”

Dyara Ramos, Martin freshman, said the messages were inspiring and touching. “They were important to me because some students or young adults treat there parents or families bad.

“Taiwan students that came have wonderful personalities and are very nice and friendly people,” Ramos added.

MT photo by Melissa Cadena

A student from Tzu Chi College of Technology in Taipei, Taiwan performs at VMT on Feb. 11.

the Menudo cook-off, and out of 22 teams VMT took third place.

“The school team for the Menudo Bowl won a third place trophy and 100 dollars,” said Gary Valleza, VMT Library clerk, who was the head Menudo cook.

The winning team consisted of teachers Lily Castillo, Juan Gonzalez and Gregorio Garza and <None>students Maria Salas, and Yessenia Gomez, Creative Writing, and Cristel Rodriguez, art.

3

School News

The Magnet Tribune February 27, 2009

UT presents session to communication students

BY NEREYDA SERRANO MT STAFF WRITER Students were asked, “How many of you are familiar with the Ralph Lauren logo?”

Everybody raised their hands.

“How many of you are familiar with the Nike swoosh?”

Everybody raised their hands.

“These logos are the work of the people working at advertising agencies creating a unique brand for their products,” Rhonda Barnett, academic adviser III said.

This was the scene at the school board room when the University of Texas in Austin the College of Communication officials discussed the advantages they offer during the visit to the school Dec. 10.

The College of Communication has been coming to VMT since 1997.

“I feel very excited that I came to visit the magnet school in Laredo,” Darrell D. Rocha, assistant dean for Students Affairs said.

His purpose was to convince students to go to the University of Texas at Austin to study in a communication field.

“There’s such a demand for people certified in (Communication Science) fields that they can pretty much write their own ticket.”

Rhonda Barnett, University of Texas in Austin He told radio-television, print–photojournalism and creative writing students about internships for the state’s newspaper, magazines, radio and television station, internships for the athletic departments and other university departments, student media at University of Texas, such as radio and television stations, yearbooks, magazines and daily newspaper.

He also told of how UT alumni, such as actors Robert Rodriguez and Matthew McConaughey, speak to classes and hire students to work in their movies.

UT also has a semesterlong internship, called UT in LA, which allows students to take classes in Los Angeles and work as production assistants for movie studios.

Burnt Orange Productions on the UT campus has

made four movies, such as “Cave Man Comedy,” Annabel and Elvis” with a fifth untitled, in production, Rocha said.

Bachelor of Science program provides various sequences to prepare the students for their future career in advertising. Texas public relations are a degree plan designed to prepare students for careers in the broad field of public relations.

Communication sciences and disorders encompass a wide variety of problems in speech language, and hearing. Areas covered are audiologist, deafness studies and speech language and pathology.

“There’s such a demand for people certified in these fields that they can pretty much write their own ticket,” Barnett said.

Undergraduate work in communication studies is organized around three

MT photo by Nidia Gomez Rhonda Barnett, academic adviser III for the College of Communication at the University of Texas at Austin, talks to students about studying for careers in Communications fields during a visit to VMT in December. tracks: corporate communication, human relations and political communication.

Bachelor of Journalism offers courses in print journalism, broadcast journalism, photojournalism, and multimedia journalism.

Bachelor of Science in Radio-Television-Film offers film production,

screen writing and media studies.

“Be bold. Fulfill your dream at the University of Texas.” Barnett said.

A morning student liked what she heard.

“I thought it was really cool to hear that a lot of amazing directors have visited the school. I was expecting it to be a little

more exciting, like pictures of the classes of famous people other than that it was good,” sophomore journalism student Tanya Salas said she is still undecided what she’ll do after graduation.

“I learned that there are a lot of interesting things I can do in my future,” Salas said.

Dance students again perform ‘The Nutcracker’

BY FRANK X. TREVIÑO MT STAFF WRITER The handsome prince once again rescues the girl in VMT Dance Department’s “The Nutcracker.”

“The Nutcracker is a beautiful, magical Christmas story of a young girl that dreams of a handsome prince who rescues her from evil,” said Mary Ellen Leyendecker, VMT dance instructor and also head of the Laredo Ballet Theatre.

Leyendecker liked how The Nutcracker turned out.

“The performance was good,” said Leyendecker.

“I’m proud of most of the dancers; however, I still think there was room for improvement. Although we rehearsed a lot, we did not get the entire group together to rehearse with each other until the last week before the performance.”

Leyendecker thought the party and battle scenes were the strongest points in the play, although she said the production was not perfect.

“The students’ conflict of schedules was the root of the problem because so

many of them had other activities that conflicted with our rehearsals. It has always been a problem, but this year seemed more challenging,” she said.

“The fact that the cast was one of the largest was challenging alone. I really missed performing at the UISD Student Activity Complex Auditorium because the dressing rooms are more accessible to the performers and myself, and I can oversee details a lot easier,” she said.

“Overall, it was a good performance, and I am proud of everyone,” Leyendecker added.

“I saw a lot of parents and a lot of kids from the school,” she said.

It was performed at the Laredo Civic Center together with the Laredo Ballet Theatre on Dec. 18 and 19.

Orlando Gonzalez, sophomore dance student, agreed the Civic Center was really full and thought it was a good performance.

“The performance was good. There weren’t any mistakes and if there were they didn’t really show,” Gonzalez said.

Another student thought the performance went well.

“Well. let’s just say our hard work paid off,” said Myran Verduzco, sophomore, about the performance.

“Orly (Moreno) and Azahy’s (Ayala) teamwork was incredibly awesome, like totally!” added Gonzalez.

The dancers started practicing in mid October and practiced many hours a week, according to Leyendecker.

The Nutcracker was playing back in 1989 with a small group of dance students that formed the Laredo Ballet Theatre in conjunction with the Laredo Children’s Museum.

In 2002 was when Leyendecker started putting on The Nutcracker with the Laredo Ballet Theatre and the VMT Ballet department.

This year the production is slightly different.

“This one has more cast members than in the past.

The dancers are from different schools, ages and backgrounds,” Leyendecker said.

For Gonzalez and Verduzco, sophomores, it’s their second time performing this production.

They both play party gentlemen, Arabians, and courtiers.

For Verduzco The Nutcracker is a great piece and he enjoys doing it.

Gonzalez thinks the production is as awesome as the Broadway shows.

“I think it’s a great piece and I enjoy doing it,” said Verduzco Both Gonzalez and Verduzco practice a lot in school. Gonzalez also practiced on Sundays.

“It is not hard, it’s different,” said Gonzalez about The Nutcracker.

Leyendecker is already looking forward to another performance “We will do the production next year if the cast is completed,” Leyendecker said.

there,” Teran said.

She explained that it was a group effort combined with morning and afternoon students.

This is the second time her students have received these awards.

“It is a privilege to have this award. It’s our second year to have won the radio state award, and first time

with a state TVPSA. It motivates me and the students to do better every year,” Teran said.

Blumberg explained the purpose of Crimestoppers.

“My overall impression on the Crimestoppers organization is to allow our students to take ownership and responsibility to what happens and help prevent

crime,” he said.

Blumberg said the students who went were very well behaved. LISD won six awards from the state, and two were directly linked to VMT. “We had the opportunity to learn about other programs like K9 units, cyber bullying, and other sessions we attended to,” said

Jerry Cadena, junior art student.

“I’ll benefit from this information by knowing what other law opportunities are out there, and also how lucky we are to have Crimestoppers in our campuses.”

Cadena added.

Students stayed at the Hilton Hotel in College

Station, where the conference was held, from Nov. 912.

Cadena felt grateful he was chosen to go to this convention.

“I’m grateful that Mr. Blumberg took me. I was able to learn about many things, and also I met a lot of new friends from different regions.

medals for both crosscountry and track. I was recently crowned Miss Laredo Crime Stoppers 0809”, added Cardenas.

“Perfect Attendance Award from kinder till present (haven’t missed a single day of school), National Who’s Who Among National High School Students Award, USAA National Leadership and Service Award and more.”

Cardenas also visited Europe during the summer.

“This past summer I was

selected to explore England and France for three weeks as a Student Ambassador with the People to People Student

Ambassador Program,” she said.

Cardenas will stay in Texas for college.

“I’ll be attending the

University of Texas at Austin to major in Accounting in the Red McCombs School of Business,” she said.

plishment. They encourage me to keep trying my best and to try as hard as I can to succeed,” Rivera said.

Rivera doesn’t just see this award as an accomplishment, but also as something that is going to help her in the future.

“Through this award I am able to become a little more

accredited on scholarship applications,” Rivera said.

She also sees this award of great help for her, academically.

“Having this award on my resume doesn’t just strengthen it, but it will also have a positive impact on my future academic career,” Rivera said.

MT photo by Paola Hernandez Ballet students who were in The Nutcracker perform during recruiting at Cigarroa Middle School. From left, Isabel Gonzalez, Amanda Garza, Azahy Ayala and Alyssa Rodriguez.

RTV, from page 1 She described her students’ reactions as they found out they won.

“Its very hard to notice reactions sometimes but most of them were happy,” Teran said.

Teran explained what work went into producing the TV and radio spots.

“We went to the LISD Fixed Assets and filmed

CARDENAS, from page 1 believing in me,” Cardenas said.

A teacher nominates each student for this award.

“My nominating teacher is someone who once was my health teacher, but had always been my varsity cross country coach since day one of my freshman year, Mrs. Delia Peña.

Coach Peña, I thank you for always pushing me to go beyond my expectations when it comes to my running and all my academic areas,” she said.

A Martin High School teacher told Cardenas about her award.

“I was told during my second period in AP Government class by my wonderful teacher and class sponsor, Ms. (Cristina) Segura,” she said.

Not only was Cardenas awarded for head of the class; she has several more awards.

“Being active in and outside of school has given me the opportunity to be awarded countless times. I have more than 20 varsity

RIVERA, from page 1 This award isn’t her first one, she explained.

“I have received a number of awards including the recent recognition of National Hispanic Scholar,” Rivera said.

Rivera explained the reaction of her parents.

“My parents were thrilled and happy of my accom-

4 Someone might have a secret crush on you Valentine’s Day

WHO DO YOU HAVE A SECRET CRUSH WHY? Juan Olivares – lol j/k – to me, he’s cute and smart, He’s a HUGE dork! I get along with him awesomely. He’s super cool, don’t get me wrong, it’s not an OMGSH I love him-type of crush but yeah he’s cute =D ;) Eddie Rodriguez. I love his curls Iris Santos, I love her.

Robert Pattinson Edward Cullen because he can kick some serious butt.

I love Orlando De La Cruz because he’s the sweetest boy ever!

I have a crush on Krystle Salinas. She’s funny, and fun to be around. She’s very cute too!

I have a crush on Andy R. cuz he’s like so amazing and well every time I would kiss him I felt like I could fly.

I have a crush on “floor” hehheh (that’s his code name).

I like JJ from Cigarroa because he’s super cute and he’s HOTTTTT!!!

I have a HUGE crush on Ricky Macias because he is everything, nice, sweet, funny and just so GORGEOUS!!!! <3 I have a huge crush on Krystal B. She is the one person I would like to have in the world… I want her to be my everything. She’s just super beautiful.

I have a crush on Keila cause she is super pretty! :P I have a huge crush on Pedro Ramos because he is so mysterious and sexy.

I have a secret crush on Jorge Garza because he is such a dork, and super smart.

I have a secret crush on Hector Pescador because he’s sweet, funny, sincere, and easy to be around.

Jordan from Martin because he is cool and has awesome hair.

I have a secret crush on Roland Chamblee because he’s sexy and I love his hair.

Richard V. Nereyda Serrano because she is very pretty.

Hector Benjamin Lozano. I have a crush on Hector because is a trombone player. He makes me feel happy and CRAZY in love. I am most attracted to his sexy long wavy brown hair.

Ricardo Cardenas because he makes cricket noises.

Gilbert Perez.

Martin cause he’s so HOT! Ivan because he has beautiful

ON?

The Magnet Tribune February 27, 2009

Orlando Moreno cause he is a good dancer.

Juan (journalism) because he is really cute.

My secret crush would be Clayton Garza. He is an incredible, amazing guy. I’ve known him for four years.

I have a crush on a boy named Juan, who happens to be my boyfriend.

My secret crush would be Rafa.

He is such a cool person to hang around with.

I have a crush on Frances J., she’s a steel drum player. I care about her and I like her a lot.

I have a crush on a cutie cowboy that everyone knows, he is super cute and nice, I love him a lot, by the way his name is Mike-O. I have a crush on this girl, MT photo by Shaula Rocha Claudia Alba, that is super cool Sixth-seventh period Creative Writing students Linda and I want her to know that I love her with all my heart.

Rodriguez, Melissa Lopez, Janette Avila, and Maria Salas My secret crush would have to be John Gonzalez because he is David, and I want him to know eyes and is so sweet! super cute and overall has a great Janie cause she’s weird, funny, that I love him a lot. personality.

I have a crush on Michael It’s pretty, and really nice. There’s a My secret crush would be lot more things about her but I because he’s really funny and Michael from RTV because he’s cute. would need much more space.

I have a crush on this one guy. really cute.

Daniel Ernesto. He’s simply I have a crush on Alan Fdz. awesome!! I love everything about He is conceited but I think that’s way hot (weird I know). He is so because he’s a honest and sweet him!

Moisés Ignacio García. He’s a good looking that he makes all the person with a great personality.

I have a crush on Juan David boys here look ugly (sorry. boys). cutie pie.

Benjamin Medina is such a Plus he sings, writes songs, Martinez from Cigarroa because dresses awesome and has a sexy he is so fun to be with, really nice, stud. super adorable, he has a great Miguel Olivas is handsome, well voice, sadly he doesn’t go here. ) I have a crush on this guy personality, and he is charming mannered and fun.

Saul Garza is sexy and also named Bobby from Alexander and handsome.

I have the world’s biggest crush H.S. (: he is fun to be with and knows how to have fun!

Krystal Battistata. Cuz she has plus he’s hot and has sexy hair! on Karina Y. Martinez because she’s smart, has a beautiful perThat’s never bad! LOL nice legs.

Joel Martinez because he is sonality and not to mention she is Gabriel Zamora is the most GORGEOUS! kind and loving person in the really outgoing.

I like Luis Rodriguez, he is Oscar Treviño because he is world. He’s a sex symbol.

Alexander Esparza. He is the real handsome, very outgoing, HOTT and fashionable Kennia Lopez and talkative. best. I love him.

I have a secret crush on Luis Edgar Mendiola because he is Cristina Vasquez. She is super cute and he knows how to Mario Rodriguez because he sexy means the world to me un like dance.

Jehu Correón, He’s PERFECT! Alex Villarreal because I like his kennia Lopez!

Ashley Morales cuz she’s fun to I have a crush on Luis eyes and he is super nice. talk to and be with.

Kendra Guillan because she is Rodriguez por que es mi vida.

Kassy because she’s nice and I have a crush on Samantha different from everyone else. she’s caring Benito Camela, he’s really cool. Hawkins.

Anna Santillano is the best.

I have a secret crush on Kari Karina Mendoza because I like Frank because he has nice Lopez because she has amazing her personality and because she shoes. head bands!

Tanya Salas, I think she’s nice. is pretty.

I have a secret crush on Rafael Edgar Mendiola because he is James ‘cause he’s super sweet.

Lopez because he is a great guy. I I have the biggest crush on this funny. love him!!!

Orlando Moreno because he is girl name Ale Martinez! She is so San Juana ‘cause she knows all pretty and easy to talk to. I really funny and knows how to dance. my songs and is madly in love Miriam Hernandez because she like her!

There’s this girl I really like. has a good personality and she is with me!

Luis Rodriguez because he’s an Karinna Lopez. She’s so gorgeous pretty.

Rafael (CHS senior) because he amazing person. and smart.

My secret crush is Dafni Well I have a huge crush on is good looking.

Villarreal.

My secret crush is Roy Ramos.

My secret crush is Karla Tello.

Chris Waylan…HOTT!!

Sergio De Los Santos.

I think Chris Avalos is way sexy.

I’m in love with my best friend and she doesn’t know and her name is Aida. I’ve been in love with her since sixth grade :) Chris Whalen is so HAWT! Danii is my Asian sensation!

I have this huge crush on Hector Perez because I love it when he does the caterpillar move!!

I like Ale Mtz. I like Chris I like Kari I like JUAN O!!! D: We have a HUGE crush on Chad White!!

Nick Jonas is so sexy. I like his voice, his body and hair :) I have a secret crush on Ashley Segovia since my freshman year I really like her a lot there’s nothing about her that I see wrong of her I have a crush on Michelle Cavazos since I met her I like everything about her, I love her smile and her eyes. She got me going crazy. The only thing is that I wish that she could only let me get to know her better but other than that I love her.

Myrna Castro because she is awesome.

Jake White because he is sweet.

Jose Alfredo Perez Jr. because he loves me.

Jonathan A. because he is so cute and tall. He is a dream!!!

I have a not so secret crush on my boyfriend of 1 year and almost 6 months, Oscar!!!

Jesus Ramos because of his sense of humor.

I have a secret crush on Mario Flores because he can dance.

I have a secret crush on Tannya Benavides Leslie Cortez because she’s my best friend!

Jenni Bird because she can never tell a funny joke.

Berlyn Vasquez because she can always put me in a good mood.

Stephanie Peralez because she always makes me laugh.

Adrian Garza because he is cute, awesome, funny, sweet, random and adorable.

Oz because he’s a great guy and listens awesomely.

See all the answers on The MT’s Web site!

Awkward moments on dates are embarrassing TELL US ABOUT

YOUR MOST

EMBARRASSING MOMENT ON A DATE.

One of the most embarrassing date that I had with my boyfriend was mostly every single one because for some weird, apparent reason bad stuff would happen to me like slip, fall, or bump into people, hit myself and all of these happened by accident. Not kidding! Oh well! Now I’m used to it. I’m not as embarrassed as I used to be, and I love him.–V.E. The most embarrassing date I’ve ever had was when I went to the park with my boyfriend and my mom didn’t know I was going out with him. But she found out and went to the park and embarrassed me in front of him.–C.A. I went to the movies with this guy and when he tried to grab my hand, I sneezed and a big green monster came out. He didn’t try to grab my hand for the rest of the night. He wouldn’t stop looking for another green monster in my nose and it felt really uncomfortable because I kept thinking he was grossed out by me.–R.M.R. This one time, me and my GF were at Peter Piper Pizza and we decided to play DDR together. (This was back when we were in eighth grade, BTW). So we picked a random song—me on standard mode and my gf on light. We hit it off all awe-

MT photo by Shaula Rocha Afternoon ninth grade Pre-AP World Geography students of Cindy Hernandez. some (hah…) when all of a sudden I tripped and nearly fell on her!! I got SUPER red… other people saw me hit the metal dance pad…

She just laughed at me, and then we ate pizza. It’s all good in the hood…–L.o.L One time I was at the park with my crush and I was riding his bike, trying to show off I went faster but then I lost control and crashed into the fence. All I heard was him laughing at me.–R.C. I was at the movies and I was taking a Coke to my babe when all of a sudden I spilled it all over her pants.–anonymous

I was trying to open the door and it said “Exit”. I was pushing and pushing until my boyfriend began laughing and I noticed it was an exit.–V.M. My most embarrassing date has to be when I went to the movies with my ex boyfriend. We were getting popcorn and I didn’t see the spilled soda and slipped on my butt. He giggled but helped me back up and I got extremely red.

–Anonymous My most embarrassing moment on a date was when my ex and I went to a party. I went in a dress and when I got there I went to

the restroom because I needed to go and 30 minutes after dancing I noticed that part of my dress was inside my underwear.

Everybody saw my undies and didn’t even tell me anything.–E.L. My most embarrassing date was when my boyfriend and I were making out and then we heard a knock on the window and it was a policeman, who told us to leave or he would give us a ticket.–C.A. My ex-boyfriend and I were making out in a dressing room at the mall, and all of the sudden people walked in to the dressing

room. –M.H. My most embarrassing date was when my cousin was hitting my boyfriend.

–G.R. This girl that I was getting to know and like called me on the phone and asked me out to the movies. Well I didn’t want to go by myself so I asked my brother to come along. I noticed she was talking to my brother more than me and I asked, “so are we going out” and she said with her eyes wide open, “O I thought he was you!”

Well my boyfriend was taking me to London on his dad’s private jet to have a romantic candle light dinner by the ocean when suddenly I saw I was wearing the wrong dress with the wrong shoes. It was so embarrassing!–P.H. The most embarrassing date I had was just recently.

We were about to kiss when he took a step back and started laughing that I had a booger hanging from my nose.–P.P. Being a teen these days, your first date is always important. My first date was completely embarrassing. As I was eating a chocolate cupcake I had forgotten I could stain my teeth. I gave the guy a huge smile, and then he told me I had chocolate between my teeth! Embarrassing! –L.R.?

So far the most embarrassing date I ever had was when we were at the small carnival by Burlington. We

were walking around, talking and eating about what ride we would get on and well I dropped my bag and when I bent down to get it I farted and my date heard me and started to laugh at me!

We were at the movies waiting in line when my boyfriend Andy farted and laughed while people stared at us.–J.G One time I was on a date at the mall, anyways I ended up getting kicked out of there.–Roland S. One time we went out to eat and I ended up spilling soda all over my pants and shirt –T.B. We had just eaten and the food gave me an upset stomach. I had to use the restroom, but there wasn’t one around so I had to hold it for about an hour until I got home. –R.J.B Oh my god, where do I start? My most embarrassing moment was when Christian Ramos and I went to the mall and took some pictures. I came out really weird and Christian laughed at me all the way home.–Delia Malacara My most embarrassing date was when I was with my boyfriend and I accidentally burped. –C.A. We were at Dr. Ike's and he threw up.–D.B I threw up at Dr. Ike's while on a date with my girlfriend.–H.P (LOL! A date at Dr. Ike’s!)

5

Valentine’s Day

The Magnet Tribune February 27, 2009

You + me = favorite love-themed movie WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LOVE-THEMED MOVIE? The Sweetest Thing, the story of my life.–R.M Pearl Harbor and P.S. I Love You.–M.DLC The Notebook because it’s rare that you fall in love with the same person again and again.–C.R. A Walk to Remember and The Notebook because I’m kool like that.–R.C. P.S. I Love You because even though her husband dies he leaves her letters to remind her that he loves her.–N.H. Titanic because it really shows you the sacrifices you have to make for someone you love.–M.C. Enchanted cause it’s a love story about two different realities.–A.N Anger Management because the dude is crazy and ends up receiving help and falls in love.–H.P Benjamin Button because even though he aged differently she still loved him.–M.N The Notebook because it’s a beautiful movie. I love the part where they meet at the carnival! Noah climbs up the Ferris wheel and he

MT photo by Melissa Cadena Carmen Rodriguez, Selina Castillo, and Marielle Balderas are friends and morning students. hangs there ‘till Allie agrees to go out with him. LOL! –J.A. A Walk to Remember because death is not an obstacle for their love.–M.C. The Notebook, it’s pretty.

–A.G. The Notebook, it’s romantic.–R.C. The Curious Case of Benjamin Button.–B.A. Happily N'Ever After because it has a classic

story and reminds me of Cinderella.

Just Friends cause its funny and very random.

P.S. I Love You because the guy shows how much he loves the girl.–V.M The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, its just so good.

Garden State, it’s so wonderful–M.M. Love Don’t Cost a Thing because of all the things he

does just to get the girl.–V.M P.S. I Love You because it’s super romantic to watch with your bf/gf A Walk to Remember because it’s super pretty P.S. I Love You because it shows how far love can go.–A.M.S WALL-E because I loved watching it with my boyfriend and it’s super cute!–J.M The Sweet Things, just

because.–V.S The Dreamers because it’s super pretty.–D.B Super Hero because of the wind thingys.–F.R “Grease”–Kassy Rocha “A Walk To Remember.” I believe it’s a true love story and it’s quite adorable. I can never get tired of it.–I.I.L. “Sweet Home Alabama.”

This is because I love telling my girlfriend “Why do you wanna marry me for anyhow?” and for her to answer me, “Because I can kiss you…anytime I want.”

(Then We Kiss–C.R. “A Walk to Remember” because it shows the things you’ll do for love.–R.F. “Pride and Prejudiced” because it shows how sometimes the one person you think you hate can sometimes be your true love.–T.B. Pride and Prejudice because it is forbidden love and the couple ends up together in the end.–Tata Lady and the Tramp because the two dogs fall in love.– J.A WALL-E because I had such a great time watching it with my girlfriend.

“50 First Dates”–G.

The Wedding Singer, City of Angels, and P.S. I Love You.–A.M.?

P.S. I Love You because it’s such a cute movie and it’s funny also. It makes you cry and it makes you laugh at sometimes, too. When her husband dies, he reminds her that he loves her every single day.–V.M. The Notebook because it’s romantic.–F.T. Twilight.–Anna J. Rivera Titanic because the love of Jack and Rose survived.

–Wendy Judith Garcia Just Friends because it’s funny.–G.R. Twilight because it’s about vampire love.–K.Q. Tristan & Isolde because it’s such a pretty movie.– V.I.M. Moulan Rouge because it’s super cute.– A.C Interview with a Vampire.–-F.H. The curious case of Benjamin Button.–K.P. Moulan Rouge because their love is just too strong so he promises to write a story about it.–Paola Hernandez.

See all the answers on The MT’s Web site!

See MOVIES, page 9

Everybody has their unique type of guy/gal WHAT IS YOUR TYPE OF GUY/GAL? Someone that can make me laugh.–T.F A real manly man. Someone that’s older, and is respectful.

–R.M My type of guy is Orlando.–M.DLC Chris Brown, he eats my heart with his angelic voice.–A.P I like girls who have a pretty smile, who have a nice personality, laid-back, and shorter than me (not too short).–Roland S. IDK…some guy with emo-looking hair, dresses nice, has a nice personality… you know caring… and that has an attitude…–C.R. My type of guy is someone that is not jealous, takes a relationship seriously, random, and doesn’t care about beauty or hotness. –J.A. My type is a very shallow guy with a hot body.–S.M My type of guy would be romantic, funny, and an awesome personality.–D.R. My type of guy is confident, easy to be around with, sweet and smart–I.D. My type of guy is really tall, fit, skinny, and nice long hair with sideburns. This guy must know how to dress, of course. Big noses are a turn on. Oh and it’d be great if he had a bushy, sweet

MT Photo by Shaula Rocha Friends Hector Perales and Ilse Ayala pose during AP Government with Matias Arambula. beard. –I.A.G. My type of guy must love movies and music and also has to be very open minded, caring, compassionate, sweet, understandable, funny and fantastic personality! –R.C. I like guys that are nice and fun to be around. Someone who is also sweet, caring, and will always be there for me.–L.T.

Big, tall, built, colored eyes and sweet.–J.M. Someone funny, and outgoing, attractive and has good hygiene!

–Krystle S. Good sense of humor, good looking, nice, and outgoing.–A.R. A girly girl but knows how to have a good time.–R.A.D. He has to be a gentlemen and a sweet heart, someone who

understands girls and he has to be really cute.

My type of guy is confident but not cocky; He’s sweet, smart, funny, and sincere.–L.R. I would want a girl that is sweet, mature, funny, and faithful. –David Ahedo He has to have a great-awesome personality and gorgeous eyes. –Kassandra As long as she makes me laugh and is nice to everyone (not being selfish).

I like a guy who is wild.–K.S. I like a cool girl. I’d really go for personality, jk. It’s all about body for me!–S.L. My type of guy is the one who knows how to joke around without getting mad. Also someone that I can talk to and knows how to treat a girl, someone who shows me how much he cares for me. –A.G. Someone that is honest, patient, and someone that understands me.–S.M. Dark, tall and built.–A.S. Tall, not too dark or light, and ghetto.–R.C. Likes the music I like.

The perfect guy for me is someone who jokes around and friendly.–G.S. Hugh Jackman’s body with Will Smith’s charisma and Matt

Damon’s face. ;)–Mary S. ;) A guy that will fight for the pants (in the relationship).–C.C. My type of guy would be my guy Oscar. He is everything I like and want for me.–V.G. My type of guy is someone who can make me laugh and someone that I can have a real conversation with.–Rosa H. My type of girl would HAVE to be funny, pretty, have a fun attitude, and share a few interests with me. (Yeah, I’m picky… :P) Well I’m picky when it comes to guys. I like my guys to be smart and veryyyy HAWT. Handsome isn’t too shabby either. Also gentlemen never go out of style. I want someone that would care for me but not be with me all the time. I also love it when they have an Indie style and they can sing. That’s so hot!

Personally, my type of guy is someone smart, funny, HONEST, and in general someone who I can talk to easily. He must also love music, and be a gentleman. Oh, and if he gives me butterflies, that’s a plus!–A.M. Someone who can respect me and can take me seriously.–D.S.M See all the answers on The MT’s Web site!

Imagining your ideal date can be a lot of fun CREATE YOUR IDEAL DATE. Olive Garden and roses =DDD –T.F A date with a really manly man.–R.M A date at the beach, have a picnic by the shore, then play in the water and watch the sunset.

–M.DLC Hanging outside talking at night looking at the stars.

–Roland S. Just hanging out together… you know, talk about things, hold hands maybe… and watch a movie together.–C.R. I would take her to the movies, and after that, to Olive Garden.

–R.C. In an earthy place like the park or the forest where it would be calm, while having a picnic with romantic music, looking at the stars, and let’s not forget the chocolates and roses.–V.E. Somewhere beautiful and romantic like the beach. I would walk by the shoreline with my guy holding hands until the moon appears.–J.A. Having dinner in the middle of Yankee Stadium. Then he would get me on my feet and we would dance. Later on in the date fireworks start coming out. But during the whole date he tells me sweet things.–Lisa Garcia

MT photo by Claudia Alba Melissa Cadena, junior, and Rafael Lopez, junior, pose in the art/communications courtyard To start music, then a romantic dinner. After a walk in the park.

And when its all over a goodnight kiss good night at the door!–Mr. Buckley My ideal date would be to go to the beach with candle lights and dinner. We would also just lay down and look at the stars.–Aly. D My ideal date with a guy would

be at anywhere but the movies or mall. I would like it to be something very casual like hanging out somewhere or going for a walk so that we look at the stars and a dinner.

My ideal date would be to spend the night at an abandoned house with candles and scary stories.–Lulz

I would create my ideal date making her cute, sexy, and funny and I would take her to a field full of flowers.

Popcorn at the movies, like from a romantic novel.

Dinner at the beach and have a nice walk after. On the drive home and a small peck on the lips to remember each other.–G.A.V My ideal date is a picnic at night in the park. With Hugh Jackman, of course;)–M.S. A lovely romantic dinner at McDonald’s. It’ll be a reserved table for two, with red rose pedals leading to my seat. Oh, and don’t forget the tall lit candle and the pianist! *sigh*–j!

We would go to Peter Piper Pizza and play arcade games and I would want him to get me a teddy bear. Then we would go to the movies.

I would take my date to eat dinner in space.–Isaac We would go to Disney World and spend the whole night there.–Katherine We would have dinner on a cloud.–J.C I would play video games with her, and we would watch movies.–R.O My perfect ideal date would most likely be a nice romantic dinner at the most fanciest restaurant in

town, followed by a slow walk in the beach with champagne and rose pedals everywhere. We would probably talk and share a romantic kiss along the way.–A.R. A romantic dinner with roses all around and a walk at the beach.

A walk at the River Walk at nighttime!

My ideal date would be a nice summer night on a boat having a romantic dinner with nice music and candlelight. After dinner we would dance under the bright moonlight.–R.F. My ideal date would be a day at the beach with my boyfriend (Juan) have a barbeque, walk along the water then watch the sun set by a campfire.–A.S. I would have a romantic dinner overlooking the ocean and eating Italian food. After dinner we would go walking next to the ocean holding hands and enjoying the beautiful moonlight.–A.M.S. We would go to dinner then we would go for a walk & just talk.

–S.M. Go to a place with a lot of trees and have a picnic.–B.G Spend all day together. Go to the movies, lunch and then go dancing.–G.S. See all the answers on The MT’s Web site!

See IDEAL DATE, page 8

6

School News

The Magnet Tribune February 27, 2009

Seniors dance the night away

Dancers form the letters to the song YMCA.

Photo gallery on The MT’s Web site at http://my.hsj.org/tx/laredo/vmt

MT photos by Mark Webber

A couple poses for the official Winter Ball photo taken.

Special theme is enchanting

BY AMY PEREZ AND NATALIE CASTILLO MT STAFF WRITERS

T

he Class of 2009 had a spectacular night at their Winter Ball on Feb. 7 at Palacio de Los Presidentes.

Creativity and originality shone through with an amazing theme, “Mid-Winter Night’s Dream,” based on Shakespeare’s “Mid-Summer Night’s Dream,” It was also the first Winter Ball with a winter theme.

“Oh, it was just amazing. Everybody went out there and had a spectacular time, and I was glad to see the seniors so happy,” said Shaula Rocha, afternoon president.

Most seniors gave the Winter Ball a thumbs up, while some thought it wasn’t as expected.

“It came out better than I could have ever imagined it. A lot of the seniors hadn’t seen the place and weren’t too sure about how the theme was going to come out, but in the end it was just fantastic,” said Rocha.

A senior from Nixon doesn’t think the same way as Rocha.

“I was expecting it to be more fun. It was okay but it wasn’t that big of a deal,” said Ilse Ayala, dance student.

A class officer from Nixon agrees with Rocha.

“I thought everything came out really nice. The entrance when you walked in was very well decorated.

The food and music was good too,” said Cindy Garcia, afternoon secretary.

The Winter Ball had fantastic features to go along with the great dancing music and delicious, authentic food.

“The music played at Winter Ball came from a list Photo courtesy of Luis Balderas we’d put together by asking other seniors for songs they’d like to hear played at Winter Ball. There was a lot of variety, and not just one set genre for the entire evening like at most events. It worked out very well,” said Rocha. “The food was delicious. I gobbled almost everything on my plate… almost.”

Garcia heard songs she really liked.

MT photos by Ricky Soliz

“The music was good because they played a couple of my favorite songs,” Garcia said.

The food was enjoyable for the teachers, also.

“It was well-prepared and well-served. It was nice to have all the students sit down and have nice, elegant dinner with teachers,” said Matias Arambula, Senior Class sponsor and AP Government instructor.

Seniors helped in decorating the ballroom. It took hours for it to be completely done.

“Definitely-Winter Ball has been one of the Senior Class’s main goals, specifically making it as wonderful as we possibly could. The other officers and I had to go through a lot, especially the week of Winter Ball. I’m personally glad that the stress from planning and making Winter Ball happen is all over and done with, but in a weird way, I’m going to miss working hard,” Rocha said.

Arambula had good officers to help out.

“Anything of size is always hard to plan for.

However, having good officers facilitated a lot of the planning,” Arambula said In total, more than 160 or more students and teachers, including guests, attended. The Winter Ball cost more than $6,000. Planning started in September and ended in early February.

Many teachers supervised the ball, also.

“I supervised, but I got help from all the teachers present. Present at Winter Ball 2009 were Mr. Mark Webber and his wife, Mr. James Buckley, Mr., David Blumberg, Mr., Vernon Carroll, Ms. Alejandra Rodriguez, Mrs. Lily Castillo, Ms. Jassie Rios, Mr. Gene Granado, and Mr. Armando Hinojosa. My wife, Patricia, was also present,” Arambula said.

Blumberg took pictures of all the couples that wanted to be photographed.

A lot of seniors were surprised at how well the Ball turned out, also including teachers.

“The first time I went to the reception hall, I was so proud of my officers. They tried their hardest to explain to me how it would look. I was pleasantly surprised and amazed at their work,” said Arambula The seniors spent a special night event that will last forever, one said.

“The Winter Ball was a night to remember. I’m going to remember that night because I was with all my friends having some fun,” said Garcia.

Several seniors and teachers had amazing things to say about the ball.

“I just want to thank everybody who came out and not only attended Winter Ball, but helped decorate, too. Both the morning and afternoon officers worked very hard and it definitely wouldn’t have been possible without the help and support of the teachers, especially the art department. Our sponsor Mr. Arambula definitely earned a vacation after putting up with all of us, too,” said Rocha.

Arambula singled out several people he said were especially supportive.

— Dr. Martha Villarreal, school director, for her support of the Senior Class and Winter Ball.

— Visual Arts department head Armando Hinojosa and art specialist Mario Teniente for their help with decorations.

— Gene Granado, MIDI instructor, for helping students Ruby Muñoz and Anna Medina put the music together.

“I appreciate their excellent work,” Arambula said.

School News

The Magnet Tribune February 27, 2009

7

Recruiting puts on quite a show

BY KEILA GRANADOS MT STAFF WRITER Recruiting was different this year, according to a music teacher who coordinated this year’s effort.

“As a district all schools went together the same days,” explained Melissa Hinojosa, woodwinds

instructor. “Before the magnets used to go whenever they liked.”

She explained the performances VMT gave.

“We gave the same show, but with different music each time,” she said.

“Everybody was able to participate.”

Hinojosa said each group

had about three minutes to perform.

Hinojosa thought this year’s recruiting effort was effective. “(The departments) collected a lot of applications from people. Music usually recruits again later and that’s where we get a lot of our people.”

MT photo by Juan Olivares Music instructor Billy Thatcher plays the guitar with student Gilbert Perez at Memorial Middle School.

MT photo by Juan Olivares Clarinet players (from right to left) Amelia Amana, Stephanie Perales, and Kendra Benavides at Memorial Middle School.

MT photo by Juan Olivares Philip Balli. left, and Victor Figueroa at Memorial Middle School.

MT photo by Karinna Lopez Nicco Crofford and Amanda Garza at Christen Middle School.

MT photo by Ana Loera Azahy Ayala and Alyssa Rodriguez at Cigarroa Middle School.

MT photo by Juan Olivares Jehu Carreon and Klarrisa Aguerro perform with Sound Town at Memorial Middle School.

8

Columns

The Magnet Tribune February 27, 2009

Circus, Fearless are full of chart-topping hits Circus Britney Spears ««««« Circus is the sixth studio album by American pop singer Britney Spears.

The album sold over 505,000 copies in the U.S. in its first week, and debuted on the Billboard Top 200 at number one, making it Spears’ fifth number-one album – a feat that made Spears the only act in history to have four albums debut with 500,000 or more copies sold.

The first sing l e , “Womanizer,” (produced and co-written by the Atlantabased production team The Outsyders) became Spears’ first number one single on the Billboard Hot 100 since her debut “…Baby One More Time,” almost 10 years prior.

Released on Sept. 26, 2008, the track became a commercial success, topping charts in several countries.

The track is very retrofuturism, and takes a roller coaster ride via snappy staccato beats crafted

by The Outsyders and

What’s on my iPod

Hear, say

By Ricky Soliz throws the chorus into a brand new realm of amazingness.

The second single and the title track of the album, “Circus” is a rampaging monster of a song whose chorus kicks off with a Timbaland thump.

“If You Seek Amy” is a stomping robopop number with clattering kettle drums.

Britney sings about the opinion she holds of herself.

“Love me, hate me say what you want about me but all of the boys and all of the girls are begging to if you seek Amy.” You can figure that subliminal message out for yourself.

Recently the song has been targeted by The Parents Televison Council because the title and lyrics essentially say the “Fword” and “Me”.

A Jive-edited version of the song excises “k” from “seek,” thus “If You See

Amy” (which is pretty much still the “F” word) Meanwhile, I’m still trying to wrap my head around why the PTC would complain about what’s on the radio. They should be more concerned with getting “A Real Chance of Love,” ”Rock of Love” and other reality shows with more sexual content.

Fearless Taylor Swift ««««« Fearless is the second studio album by American country pop artist Taylor Swift. The album, released on Nov. 11, 2008, debuted at number one on the U.S. Billboard 200, U.S. Billboard Top Country Albums, Canadian Albums Chart and Canadian Top Country Albums and has been certified two-time platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America.

The first single to chart was “Change.” It was released on Aug. 8, 2008,

1. My Life Would Suck Without You – Kelly Clarkson 2. If You Seek Amy – Britney Spears 3. Party In Your Bedroom – Cash Cash 4. You Belong With Me – Taylor Swift 5. Trouble – Britney Spears 6. Right Now – Akon 7. We Break the Dawn – Michelle Williams 8. Dreamgirl – Tay Dizm featuring Akon 9.Superhuman – Chris Brown featuring Keri Hilson 10. Watch Me Move – Fefe Dobson

as part of the compilation album “AT&T TEAM USA Soundtrack.”

Swift was quoted on the AT&T Blue Room site saying she had originally written the song “the day after she won the CMA Horizon Award... about being on a small record label in this huge music industry.”

She said it has an “alternative meeting for competi-

tion...in the Olympics you either make it or break it, and this song encompasses that.”

“Love Story,” the first offical single from the album, is one of Swift’s best singles to date.

The complications and difficulties surrounding her affair are just as grave as Juliet’s.

“White Horse,” the album’s second single is a beautiful, understated ballad that showcases her skill with lyrics and shines a spotlight on her signature tender, heart-on-hersleeve vocals.

The song is a rebuttal to her previous single’s happy-ever-after ideal, down to shared references of grand staircases, princesses, and fairytale romances...

Although Swift has dealt with themes of rejection and loss before, the results have never been this mature or realistic.

“I was a dreamer before you went and let me down, Now it’s to late for you and your white horse to come around” David Archuleta David Archuleta (Self-Titled album) «««

David Archuleta is the self-titled debut album of American Idol season seven runner-up.

The first single, “Crush,” was released on Aug. 12, 2008. Its first week it debuted at number two on the Billboard Hot 100 with 166,000 units sold. The single has sold over 1.4 million copies in the United States, making it the most c o m mercially successful song by a seventh season contestant thus far.

Chuck Taylor of Billboard praised it for being a suitable match for Archuleta, citing it as a “hummable, age-appropriate midtempo pop ditty for the 17-year-old, showcasing his fine mass-appeal vocal stylings with creamy harmonies and some nice falsetto effects.”

He also predicted chart success for the song, saying “‘Crush’ is likely to put its money where its title is on the charts.”

Songs like “Crush” are great because they sound as if the radio immaculately conceived them.

Book turned into movie gets a thumb’s up he’s just not that into you «««« The flick based on the self-help selfnamed book written by Greg Behrendt and Liz Tuccillo educates otherwise smart women on how to tell when a guy just isn’t that into them so they can stop wasting time making excuses for a dead-end relationship.

The novel is based on a popular episode of the HBO series Sex and the City, “He’s Just Not That into You.” The phrase inspired Behrendt and Tuccillo to write what eventually became the best selling book.

The movie’s all-star cast includes two Academy Award winners.

“He’s Just Not That Into You” tells the stories of somehow-connected 20-something-year-old women living in Baltimore.

The women navigate their various relationships from the shallow waters of a relationship to the deep waters of married life. They try to read the signs of the opposite sex and hope to be the exception, rather than the rule.

The opening scene is the typical childhood crush. The boy pushes the girl around to cover-up the feelings he has for her.

Gigi (Giniffer Goodwin), the center of all the stories, misinterprets the signs that men give her. She is rejected by Conor (Kevin Connolly) and later receives advice from Alex (Justin Long), the manager of a local bar and a friend of Conor’s.

All Gigi wants is a man who says he’ll

Cinematic

By Samantha Hawkins Upcoming movies February 27 Jonas Brothers: The 3D Experience Street Fighter: The Legend of Chun-Li March 6 Watchmen All About Steve March 13 The House on the Left Miss March Perfect Getaway

Race to Witch Mountain March 20 Duplicity I Love You, Man Knowing This Side of the Truth March 27 12 Rounds The Accidental Husband Adventureland The Haunting in Connecticut Janky Promoters Monsters vs. Aliens

call when he says he will. Alex advises her to stop waiting by the phone for a call she will not be receiving.

Beth (Jennifer Aniston) wonders if she can end her “singlehood” relationship of 7 years with her boyfriend Neil (Ben Affleck).

Neil does not believe in marriage and as a result, Beth breaks up with him.

Neil also believes that there isn’t anything wrong with their relationship and that there is no need to get married.

Janine (Jennifer Connelly) on the other hand, is not sure if she can trust her husband, Ben (Bradley Cooper), who can’t trust himself with Anna (Scarlett Johansson).

Anna can’t decide who to go with, the sexy and married Ben, or her straightforward, no-sparks guy, Conor, who can’t get over the fact that he might not ever have her.

Then there’s Mary (Drew Barrymore) who works for an advertising agency with many loving, supportive men, who all just happen to be gay. All she needs to find

is one who’s straight.

The movie itself is pretty hurtful to women in the sense that it basically tells you the facts you really do not want to hear.

To those individuals who can take a joke, this movie is for you. To others, however, this movie may seem a bit offensive.

For example, some individuals do “hookup” on MySpace. In the movie they state it as a so-called “booty call.”

“My sister said that MySpace is the new booty call,” said one Mary’s co-workers.

Another example is when Alex states if a guy is really into a girl he would make it

happen in any possible way.

There are people out there who are too shy to even try. They give up on things they’ve left unfinished.

If you’ve been sitting by your phone waiting for him (or her) to call because he/she said he/she was, or if you’re wondering why your relationship isn’t going to the next level…He (or she) is just NOT that into you.

Mary: “Things have changed. People just don’t meet organically anymore. If I want to make myself more attractive to the opposite sex, I don’t go get a new

IDEAL DATE, from page 5 Being in a deserted island with rose peddles to lead us to a cabin along the shore with the best Italian food and champagne and for desert some strawberries with melted chocolate would be good.–RF My ideal date would be he whole cloche walk down the beach.–M.G. My ideal date would be to go camping and having a picnic with my boyfriend.

–K.M.T My ideal date would be a kiss in the rain, we wouldn’t spend money at all, and all I would care about was to be with him.–L.V. To be in a park under a tree, just holding each other. –M.H My best magical date would have to be with the one I care about, Christian Ramos, on a magical carpet flying across the ocean heading towards the moon to look at the shooting stars.–Delia Malacara My magical date would be a romantic dinner with my

boyfriend on the roof of my house, so we can look at the stars.–Wendy Garcia A walk on beach with that special guy, just holding each other until the sunset appears.–C.A. If I could create an ideal date it would be to go to Paris and eat in a fancy restaurant. It would be at night and the stars would be bright. When we were done, we would slowly stroll the streets, just looking into each other’s eyes.–Yessy Me and my date spend the whole evening talking about each other!–Chris A. It would be at the beach, windy, and with a picnic.–D.M Me and my girlfriend talking and walking through the forest and walking back to my beach house and move on to the porch and with the waves moving the porch side ways we watch the sunset and rock to sleep.–R.C Dinner then go to his home watch a movie and

cuddle. Then go home and fall asleep while on the phone with him.–K.Q. My ideal date would start off with a trip to the movies then we would go for a walk together, just talking and laughing and having the best time possible. Then maybe we’d go to eat some sushi.– A.M. My ideal date would be for my boyfriend to take me to New York to go shopping for a Chanel dress and two purses. After we are done shopping we would go to his Upper East Side home, talk and then go have dinner at The Red Cat restaurant and order the Pistachio Semifreddo, yum:)–K.M. I would love to go to Hawaii and dance.–A.C I would like to be on the moon and have dinner, and well just be by ourselves.

–J.A Have dinner together watching a movie, play around together. I want to be with him alone, spending time together.–J.M

Who knows you better?

Andres

Marielle

Ashley

By Melissa Cadena

Two friends of senior Mariell Balderas compete to see who knows her better.

Her friends are Andres Martinez and Ashley Media.

Andres What is the one thing that gets her mad?

When you ignore her.

What is her favorite store?

All of them What is her favorite movie?

I don’t know What place around the world would she like to visit?

Paris What was the name of her last pet?

I don’t know What does her family call her?

I don’t know Does she prefer vanilla or chocolate?

Vanilla

Marielle What is the one thing that gets you mad?

When people are fake What is your favorite store?

Kohl’s What is your favorite movie?

The Lake House What place around the world would you like to visit?

Spain What was the name of your last pet?

Coco What does her family call you Mylo Does you prefer vanilla or chocolate?

Chocolate

Ashley What is that one thing that gets her real mad?

When people are fake What is her favorite store?

Kohl’s What is her favorite movie?

The Lake House What place around the world would she like to visit?

Spain What was the name of her last pet?

I don’t know lol What does her family call her?

Mylo Does she prefer vanilla or chocolate?

Chocolate

9

Columns

The Magnet Tribune February 27, 2009

Apple’s iPhone 3G...let us count the apps Hey everyone [: Bad news — I’m not going to write anything video game related. Instead, I will write about the phone everybody wants: the iPhone 3G! What is the iPhone 3G? (What isn’t the iPhone 3G is more like it…)

It’s a 3G cell phone. It’s an iPod. It’s a super-fast computer. It’s a crisp 2.0 megapixel camera. It’s your personal entertainment center. It’s a store.

It’s a smart GPS navigation system. It’s the stock market. It’s your personal weather broadcast. It’s a radio. It’s your new best friend.

Well, you get the idea…

Whatever you need, and I pretty much mean anything, most likely at the App Store. Now, what is the App Store you may ask? It’s a place where you purchase whatever you want, from owning your own mini photoshop for your pictures, to the useless virtual lighter, to the

Game Break

By Juan Olivares

All these apps I’ve mentioned are FREE!!! About half of the stuff at the App Store is 100% free, no joke! famous Tap Tap Revenge (or the newest Tap Tap Dance, on sale for $3.99 at the App Store. TTR 2 coming soon!)

All these apps I’ve mentioned are FREE!!! About half of the stuff at the App Store is 100% free, no joke!

OK, about the features, they are what make up the iPhone.

The camera?

Insane! It has a huge 3” by 3.5” screen, so you can have an awesome view, and they come out so crisp and clear! It works as good as a The GPS system is outstanding! It works just

as well as any GPS sold over $300; It pin-points your exact location via satellite. Cool, huh? It even shows you other cool countries like Spain or Japan, and view its streets (not in realtime..)

Another cool feature that comes with the phone is the iTunes store— this gives you access to millions of songs, videos, and podcasts you can purchase for your iPhone. Each song costs 99¢, or an album ranging from $3.49 $9.99. Podcasts are free of charge, and music videos

be replaced by AT&T. Like any good cell phone, there is always a few flaws here and there, for example, once you own an iPhone, you MUST treat it like it your own child because every customer gets one iPhone every 2 years. That means once you break or lose your iPhone within the contract period, it’s game over for you. Now, I’m not one hundred MT photo by Ale Martinez percent sure, but I think you can buy Columnist Juan Olivares displays his iPhone 3G another iPhone for are $1.99. broken” iPhone 3G, and full price. Take care of it!

I highly recommend this It’s my life! Lol =b Buying sturdy cases and spectacular phone to all OK, this phone sounds shield protectors is a AT&T customers.

It’s too good to be true, right? MUST! everything, for use for It comes with Apple Care iPhone 3G is available at business to play around. for 1 year. Apple Care will the Apple store, AT&T, You will NOT get bored guarantee your iPhone Best Buy, and Wal-Mart. 8 with this phone. (I know fixed if it ever encounters GB black iPhone for $199 I’m not!) a virus or many glitches or 16 GB Black/White I own a black, 8 GB “jail- and such, but it will not iPhone for $299 + tax.

Embarrassing dates and perfect gentlemen Ana: Hey have you ever had an embarrassing moment on a date?

Sandra: Pff ...yeah J well once I was with this guy and then everything was going great.. I noticed the guy was just staring at my teeth but then he said, “you have a piece of meat between your teeth” I was super embarrassed.. it wasn’t the same after that.

What about you??

Ana: ROFL!! Lol!! Well once I went to the movies with a guy and then we were about to kiss when all of a sudden I sneezed. lol!! That totally ruined the moment J

Let’s Talk

By Ana Loera and Sandra Minjares Sandra: J lol that sounds really embarrassing…. Well now that we know our embarrassing dates... how would your ideal date be? I mean I am sure there won’t be anything embarrassing happening to you on that date. J Ana: Well, I would like for my boyfriend to take me for a walk in the park and then it would start

raining. Then we would end up kissing in the rain.

What about yours?

Sandra: Well, that sounds really romantic like out of a movie. Y Well I think I wouldn’t go too fancy... We would go to dinner at some really fun place like Peter Piper Pizza and then we would play the arcade games and at the end we would go walking home eating

ice cream. Y Ana: That sounds like a really perfect date. Y I wonder if there is any guy that would be up for our cheesy romantic dates? Y Sandra: Well a perfect guy for me would be up for anything... he would have to be outgoing and not scared to try anything… also he has to be really patient with me… lol I can be really stubborn sometimes…

Ana: LOL well my perfect guy would be smart, outgoing, respectful, and caring. I really don’t mind the looks.

Sandra: You know that

sounds like Y_Y Taylor Lautner... my celebrity crush... He is going to come out in New Moon...

Playing Jacob Black...

Who is your celebrity crush??

Ana: Woo! Taylor Lautner!! Y Oh mine is Kellen Lutz!! He plays Emmett Cullen in the Twilight Movie. Man, he’s HOTTTTT!!

Sandra: LOL… I agree with you on that one. Well talking about movies what is your favorite lovethemed movie?

Ana: Titanic!! I just love how Rose remembers her love towards Jack even

throughout all those years…

Sandra: Ooyy that’s true… that movie was super cute... It made me cry at the end. Well my favorite movie would be 7 Pounds I like how the guy actually gave his life for the girl. That to me is real true love. Y Ana: Aww!! Yeah I liked that movie also. I thought it was cute. Well hopefully your Valentine’s Day was really romantic and you spend it with the people you care about. Have to go... Bye! J Sandra: Good bye!

A new year means new hair styles for women Along with a new year come many changes in our life. So why not start with a new haircut?

Hairstyles for 2009 are going to be a great year for long hair. A big trend this year is hippie styles: long and curly. Many celebrities rocking the long and curly are Miley Cyrus, Paris Hilton, and Taylor Swift.

Another very popular style this year is bold bangs with sleek and straightened hair like Cristina Aguilera and Camilla Belle show off.

But don’t think you have to spend half of the year waiting for your hair to grow. There are also many new styles for all you short haired girls. And instead of curling all you hair, try curling it on the ends only, to give it a more natural look.

Another trend for the New Year is the 20s inspired braided updos that celebrities like Lauren Conrad, and Jessica Alba do.

Feel the need for a color change? A big color trend for 2009 is reds/coppers, and blacks. But be sure to get the right hair color that goes with your skin color.

Light skinned girls should stick with any kind of brown or medium blonde (kind of like beige).

For Warm skinned girls their colors are any kind of brown, bright coppers, and kind black, medium blonde (kind of beige).

Fashionista extras

ll a H

Want to keep your hair always in check?

Visit www.hairpedia.com for all your hair questions.

Fashion Runway Tanya Salas, Nereyda Serrano

Beyonce Knowles has her hair styled in a simple ponytail with curls, very easy to do for a girl on the go.

Photos from MTC Campus, The Magnet Tribune’s wire service Jennifer Aniston also made Melissa George wore her hair Vanessa Hudgens looked the choice to go simple. to the Oscars with a pulled- stunning in an up-do with Jennifer‘s hair has a nautral, back half ponytail with natu- curls on the corners of her face. straight style. ral-looking curls .

Dark skinned girls should try and kinds of black, or dark

brown.

If you think your hair needs a

little something more, try accessorizing your hair with head

bands or flowers like celebrity Katy Perry does.

MOVIES, from page 5 “The Notebook” because I can relate to it. Well not the getting married part but you know what I mean.–N.T.L. The Notebook. I think it’s the greatest love story ever!

–A.P The Notebook cause it’s a really good movie of a man waiting for his wife.

Titanic because the ending is surprising.

The Notebook because it’s a love story and it shows that you need to wait for love.–D.S.M My favorite love movie is Twilight.–R.R. Titanic because no matter what love survives. C.A. The Notebook because it’s romantic.–M.S. Titanic.–A.C. “The Notebook” because it’s what many people

would want in their love life.–Orlando de la Cruz My favorite love movie is The Notebook. It’s a beautiful movie that reminds me constantly of how love is greater than anything in the world.–Delia Malacara Twilight!!!–T.F I Love Twilight!?(: Titanic–R.O The Notebook. It’s amaz-

ing, and beautiful and PERFECT! Who doesn’t want a Notebook romance?–L.M? Shaun of the Dead, Titanic.–Chris A. The Notebook A Walk to Remember.–P.D.P Pretty in Pink because it’s like the story of my life.–G.P. A Walk to Remember

because its really sweet and sad. They were so meant to be with each other until the very end.

Wuthering Heights. I think it’s a beautiful movie even when they were apart, they still loved each other.–Liz Sanchez John Tucker must DIE! Because though it may be “love-themed” it’s still a pretty interesting

movie.–S.H. Nick and Nora’s Infinite Play List! It’s an awesome dorky teenage movie that adds love in a weird way.–Natalie Padron The Lake House because the guy and girl like each other even though they never met and do whatever possible to meet.–Ophie Perez

10 Stimulus package should benefit the country Opinions

Comments? Write us at mt_writers@hotmail.com

The $787 billion, two-year stimulus package signed by President Obama on Feb. 17 is designed to stimulate the economy.

The overall goals of the bills are short-tern job production and longer-term economic development.

The economic stimulus comes through infrastructure projects (road and bridge repair/rebuilding projects), health care and renewable energy develop-

EDITORIAL The Magnet Tribune believes the economic stimulus package will benefit the United States, but also urges our leaders to spend responsibility. ment and conservation.

There are specific benefits for people, including our parents: a $400 tax break per year for two years for individuals, an $800 tax

break per year for couples, $250 for Social Security recipients, and a tax credit for college students.

People buying a house for the first time will receive an $8,000 incentive, and there is a sales tax credit for those buying a new car.

For unemployed people, an extension of benefits and suspension of taxes on those benefits will run through 2009.

Also, there will be greater

The Magnet Tribune February 27, 2009

access to the child tax credit for working poor and expanded earned-income tax credit to families with three children.

Education especially benefits from the stimulus package: --$54 billion to school districts and states.

--$21 billion for school modernization.

--$17 billion to boost Pell Grants (funds for college).

--$13 billion for Head

Start, and --$12 billlion for special education programs.

While The Magnet Tribune agrees with the stimulus bill and believes it will bring jobs and a much-needed boost to the economy, we also urge Obama to practice fiscal responsibility, as it will be us who are teens now who will face the debt resulting from these expenditures.

Information compiled from news wire services.

Take chances; don’t ask yourself, ‘What if...?’

There comes a time in a person’s life when they reach a crossroads and must choose between the lesser of two terrible, terrible evils. Vindication, dissolution. Unmask, unmask, ye hideous beings.

Whatever, moving on.

Here on one side, the road to another life, to becoming another person, to leave everything one knows behind and embark on a journey into a future where the grass is greener on both sides, where the only burning question at the end of the green mile is gonna be, “What if…?”

Eventually we look towards the other side, on

The Bug

By Shaula Rocha which lies the option of pursuing an impossible cause, to travel down the road whose ultimate destination remains unknown. A hell of sorts where the crowds are tough, the gong's rough, and the hearts cracked and battered.

Some people never realize that what they’re looking for at the end of the rainbow isn’t going to be there.

There is never an assurance that what we set out to

look for in the first place is what we’re going to find in the end. After all, life is static, changes at the every flap of a butterfly’s wings.

We’re so persistent.

That’s human nature for you, I guess. Deprived so suddenly of what we once had, we reach desperately for it without means, just because it made us happy at one point because we can’t live without it.

Eventually, if we’re lucky

enough, our struggle goes rewarded. More often than not, however, we emerge from the circle even more screwed up than we were before, jittery little ants full of hurt and nostalgia. But, hey, can we really help our nature?

Ever the brave soul, William Faulkner once said, “Given the choice between the experience of pain and nothing, I would choose pain.”

True that, Mr. Faulkner.

I’m with you, boooooy, am I. I chose a path to follow and chased the line obsessively for two long years – maybe more, no, definitely more.

It’s odd; I have no regrets.

Despite all the trouble this has caused me, I know I won’t be the one looking back, wondering about what could have been.

Really, and I mean, really, I would rather be the person looking back on a valiant struggle to recover something lost and coming out the failure in the end than the person that never took a chance and regret it forever.

Eventually, I emerged from my own deep, dark path. I’ve come out none the better, maybe a little more worse for wear, but I can promise you that I’m certainly the wiser. I sure didn’t find the end of my

rainbow, but at least I’m here.

Luckily, I’m happy with the simple things. At this precise moment jubilance is right here, just me typing away, thoughts racing in the opposite direction, always to that one person, place, thing. I never linger, though. I found salvation scratched into the earth like a message, and it really worked a charm on me.

I confess that in some small way, I do get kinda sad about what’s going on with the pieces I left behind before taking a trip down the rabbit hole. I’ve got a lot of things to work out, but it See THE BUG, page 11

A few lame love songs, some break-up songs What a better way to say I love you than to dedicate a love song to that special someone, right?

I’ve got some really nice ideas, backed up with my own opinions and the dont's as well. What is a better way in ending the relationship than a good break-up song as well?

Let’s start with the song I despise, which is one by the Pussycat Dolls, “Stick with you.” These girls have beautiful voices and are gorgeous as well but come on, is it me or are these girls really lowering their standards by saying “nobody’s going to love me better” and to top it off, it sounds to me like they 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, 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 distributed free.

Dr. Martha Villarreal School director and publisher

really have to stick with the person with this line, “I must stick with you forever.”

Come on people, enough is enough with the alwaysand-forever line. These girls remind me of the many walking zombies out there using those cheap lines and writing on the bathroom stalls with the whole “Juan and Juanita forever,” once again … get a life! Lets change the mood for a bit for the broken hearted that just want to get the girl back … or guy I guess but girls. Not many guys are into getting songs dedicated to them.

Tony Rich Project is known for his yearly song

Observations

By Jennifer Garcia that many love, “Nobody knows.” If you don’t know the song, where the heck have you been, really? Now he has this one quote on there that many should think about because really, during the end of a relationship, no one really says it all. There is always left something unsaid and well, that should never happen.

“Why didn’t I say the things I needed to say?

How could I let my angel

get away?”

This is an example of some one who probably needed to remind the other he still loved her and well, his “angel” got away.

Please, no one is an angel; we’ve all got our secrets.

For the ladies, if you have the rage of getting dumped, being cheated on etc. this just might be the perfect song for you.

No Doubt had some really good songs but nothing

every girl will one day, sooner or later, be an/the next ex-girlfriend.

A good song to roll down the windows from the car and sing from the top of you’re lungs to, it’s good for the heart … what? It helps with the mending process.

For the guys who got cheated on, believe me, you’ll love this song. I know a couple people (close friends) that do.

Try Megadeath for a change. “1000 times goodbye” includes a “Pirelli,” (small play between the songs) with the girl trying to explain she doesn’t love him anymore, and she’s See OBSERVATIONS, p. 12

Waffle Iron

Whatever

Story by Nidia Gomez, art by Lisa Valdez

By Krystal Battistata

Faces Love is ignoring the melted chocolate in his hand

Mark E. Webber Journalism instructor and adviser, The Magnet Tribune Vol. 16, No. 3, Feb. 27, 2009 Co-Editors of this issue: Ricky Soliz, Shaula Rocha 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.

Newspaper redesign upperclassmen in August 2008.

Production is by VMT journalism students using QuarkXPress and Adobe Photoshop software on Dell computers.

Printed at Laredo Morning Times Copyright ©2009: Vidal M. Treviño School of Communications and Fine Arts and The Magnet Tribune

Some material courtesy of American Society of Newspaper Editors/MCT Campus High School Newspaper Service.

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.

compares to both “Don’t Speak” and “Ex- girlfriend.”

Both my favorite and well, “Don’t speak” happens to be a rather popular one.

“As we die, both you and I, with my head in my hands I sit and cry.”

I like the whole head-inhands thing. You can almost picture it and well, we’ve all been through it once or twice. Right?! Now about the other song, “I find myself trying to change you if you were meant to be my lover I wouldn’t have to.”

This is the part of the “exgirlfriend” which I believe was a good song and that every girl should have this because no matter what

First Class Award: ‘96-97, ‘97-98, ‘98-99, ‘99-00: ‘02-03, ‘03-04. ‘04-05, 05-0, 06-07 Second Class Award: ‘00-01, ‘01-02

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

As a younger child, I would think of trivial things and wonder why such things took place and how it happened. Rarely would I wonder of what, whether good or bad, kind of consequence it would result in. But now I ponder on every single action that immediately surrounds and affects my being. I think I may be paranoid.

Over the last couple years I tried to identify with people who were unlike me or too much like me: boring people, funny people, nice people, fake people, and people like you. I believe most of the conversations were oneway, in either direction.

All of these people have had an affect on my life. A profound memory I involuntarily play at the sight of their face, a quick reminder of who that person is. Faces I remember quite well. Faces I’d like to forget.

ILPC

In each of these people, I have found certain behaviors that I despise, and qualities I may need to learn for the better.

For example, in many newspapers some writers choose to use perfectly good column space to complain about irrelevant and uninteresting topics.

On the other hand, some individuals choose to let their true colors show, and are creative and respectful.

I have created a persona to set me apart from them, that creates me; a façade which echoes towards my personality reciprocally and reflectively.

People, I believe, are very unique in the way they try to blend in and mesh with what and who surrounds them. I often find myself wondering how their personal lives are lived. Not to be nosy, but to see them out of the workplace, out of school, out of whatever See WHATEVER, page 12

Award of Distinguished Merit: ‘05-06; ‘06-07 Newspaper Star rating nomination: ‘06-07 Award of Achievement: ‘98-99, ‘99-00, ‘00-01, ‘01-02, ‘02-03 Award of Honor: ’97-98, ‘03-04, ‘04-05

Contact The Magnet Tribune: By e-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: TM-23, (Journalism classroom/darkroom), or Mark Webber’s box in the school office.

Opinions

The Magnet Tribune February 27, 2009

11

There is somebody special out there for you Broken hearts hurt – a lot. I think that I, of all people, would know that ‘cause I just so happened to have nursed one back to health for two years...or was it three? Whatever, I don’t care. It was a long time ago, way too long of a time.

Everyone and their mothers already know about that drama that surrounds me, which is a simple enough story once it’s abridged and heavily edited. Trust me; there are some chunks of that story that shouldn’t be in there

(Schindler’s List, anyone?).

Anyway, simply put, I fell madly in love with someone and we had a wonderfully simple, deliciously neurotic relationship … until I screwed up.

That, by the way, is something I’ve only come to confess and accept recently. I did mess up, I did! I spent a long time playing the good girl, but, nope, I’m bad. Terrible, awful, horrible, beastly, ad infinitum…

HA, whatever.

I’m not going to make this seem like I was the

Editor’s Commentary

By Shaula Rocha co-editor of this issue The Editor’s Commentary represents the opinions of the editor, and should not be understood to represent the views of the newspaper staff, faculty and administration.

bad person because I wasn’t.

Things happen.

Destiny, divine intervention, or maybe just something like meeting the person you were supposed to be with all along and pretending denial until it was

no longer possible.

You know something funny? I’m glad I wasted all that time trying to get you back. I’m glad that you ignored my calls, tore up my letters, and insulted me on various occasions

that increased in frequency over time. I’m glad the majority of your friends don’t talk to me anymore.

I’m glad you played that stupid Chris Brown song at your concert and that I spend the whole night crying over it.

Why, you ask? Because it’s taught me more than I could ever learn from anybody else. With you as my muse, I’ve output some of the greatest writing I’ve ever done. With you as my incentive, I’ve become a better, wiser person.

What are you taking

from this when you head off to whatever lies ahead of you? Hate, loneliness, pointlessness? I’ve got my pride, my life, my heart back, and I’ve given it to the greatest person in the world.

Here’s a word of advice for you heartbroken types: Put yourself above the relationship, and if it doesn’t work out, walk away smarter. There are 6 billion people out there, and one of them is yours. It just takes a while to sort the flowers from the weeds.

When it comes to love we all have a lot to learn The pain of a broken heart is unlike any other pain. It is a deep emotional wound, a blunt, forceful blow to the very core of the human psyche and frankly put, IT SUCKS! So what can you do to make the pain go away? When you find out let me know.

If you read my last editor’s commentary you’re probably saying “Get over it Ricky,” “What’s with the emo-ness?”, “Why do you let **** get the best of you?”

Well, I’m going to use this as my way to take a breath and let it out. I’m not trying to single anyone out. Wait, maybe I am. Either way, I hope that at the end of this

it will be the last time I’ll let you break my heart.

I guess I only have myself to blame for this. I fall for you over and over and over again. You’re like my first bad habit, and I can’t live with out you. Even though I know its trouble in the making, I keep coming back for more. I can’t say enough is enough.

I can’t stop being so attached to you. All the wounds that my heart has are self-inflicted--I constantly let myself fall head over heels for you. For some reason, my heart tells me it’s okay to still care about you so much.

Just tell me why it’s so hard to forget you; you

Editor’s Commentary

By Ricky Soliz co-editor of this issue The Editor’s Commentary represents the opinions of the editor, and should not be understood to represent the views of the newspaper staff, faculty and administration.

were never really mine, so why can’t I face the truth?

Seeing you everyday is a constant reminder of how big of a failure I was.

I always thought that having you as a really good friend was better than nothing, that if I let things develop, things could change. But really?

Is better than nothing

what I was going for? I hoped for at least a lot better than nothing...or at least something.

Even though I asked questions, they weren’t fully answered. I still don’t understand what was wrong with me. What did I do wrong? Maybe I could have tried that much harder to get you to feel the

same way about me.

Once this school year ends I’ll be losing you forever. Maybe that’s what has to happen to move on. It’s going to hurt, but it will be worth it … I hope.

After three years of trying, I’ve learned that you can’t make people like you.

Personally, when I’m picking friends I like the ones who don’t make me cry myself to sleep.

I hope you can forgive me for all the times I made you look like the bad guy. Be patient with me, I’m just trying to make things go my way, but honestly …. my life would suck without you.

Then it hit me, you just

didn’t see me like that. The evidence was right in front of me. I just kept dodging what was in plain sight because I didn’t think I could handle it.

You love being my friend and what we have. Why would we ruin that?

I would like to think of this as an epiphany and a change of how I see things.

For people that are reading this and feel the same I can honestly say that it will indeed get better. All you need is time.

So as I bid farewell, keep this in mind: If you love someone and they break your heart don’t give up on love. Just have faith and restart.

Gifts...teddy bears, roses, chocolates, balloons Valentine’s Day…aww…a day when your sweetie shows you how much he loves you by showing his affection and making this day special for the two of you.

First your honey takes you out to eat at a nice restaurant and then to the movies to watch a romantic comedy, and finishes your date with a sweet kiss.

Then there are the gifts: the heart-shaped boxes of chocolates, the roses, the balloons, and the teddy bears that say “I love you”.

And here in the U.S., we express gratitude and love not only to sweethearts, but also to parents, brothers and sisters, teachers, and friends. Children cele-

brate V-day with great enthusiasm too. We may remember this from when we were in elementary school, when we used to make gifts and cards for our loved ones. Or when we would have classroom parties and each of us would decorate a box to put all our valentines in. All in all, V-day is an extremely popular holiday here and in Canada too.

Did you know that in other countries, people celebrate V-day a little bit differently?!

In Britain, children sing special songs related to Vday and are rewarded with gifts like fruit, candy, or money; they also express their love for their loved

OH-EM-GEE

By Veronica Medellin and Melissa Cadena ones with gifts like the ones we give and receive, such as cards, chocolates, and flowers.

In Italy, V-day was celebrated as a Spring Festival.

It used to be held in the fresh air, where teens would gather in brightly decorated gardens to listen to music and poetry. But this custom hasn’t been done in a long time though.

Instead, today Italy celebrates V-day as we do with

the exception that they do not exchange gifts with their family members and friends.

V-day is seen to be exclusively for lovers only.

Couples usually go out for dinners at pizzerias or restaurants, and they end the day with the lovers giving gifts to each other.

One popular V-day gift in Italy is “Baci Perugina”—a small, chocolate-covered hazelnut that has a small

slip of paper with a romantic poetic quote in four languages. Aww…!

The love day is mainly a day for the young in Denmark. The couples send each other a “lover’s card”. These come in the form of transparent cards which reflect the picture of a lover handing over a present to his valentine.

Nowadays, new cards have come up and every year before V-day, shops all across the country have colorful and musical lover’s cards with cute messages.

Another one of their customs is sending pressed white flowers called Snowdrops to friends.

Some guys have fun by sending their girls a form of

valentine known as a “gaekkebrev” (or “joking letter”).

This is kind of a romantic letter that has a poem written by the guys themselves.

The fun part to this is that the letter doesn’t have the name of the guy; instead he signs the message with dots…one dot for each letter in his name. If the girl guesses his name, he rewards her with an Easter egg during Eastertide.

In Japan, V-day lasts all the way from February 14 through March 14, which is known as the “White Day”. On the very first date, on Feb. 14, women present chocolates or gifts to the men they love. Chocolates See OH-EM-GEE, page 12

The little things in life Story, art by Sarah Reyes Aww I love you 2!

Happy Valentine’s Day, babe!

Love you more!

You do know I’m still here right?

No I love you more!

No I do!

Awwwww...

No I...

Hey!

*Throw*

The End (click!)

THE BUG, from page 10 was worth it. Here’s a little of what I learned: Evolve. Keep learning from what’s going on in your world. Disconnecting from everything and everyone isn’t going to help you at all.

Feel, as in really feel. Try to understand your emotions instead of stupidly tricking yourself into believing in something that isn’t there. Don’t ever let your feelings get a hold of you too tight.

Interweave. Try to connect the dots of your life. Don’t run blindly from one thing to the next, unless “next” involves a totally great night with your friends. ;) Surprise yourself. Always keep your mind open to change. Don’t be set on doing things a certain way; life is a crazy trip we can’t ever be positively positive about.

Achieve what you set your mind to doing. Get things done. If you want some-

thing so bad, don’t just sit there and talk go get it. Who cares what the world thinks? Chase your dreams. Follow your road.

Mentally remember who you are. Don’t forget yourself. Some people let themselves become warped by adversity. Don’t be this person.

Understand that things won’t always go your way. Life is about acceptance.

Sometimes we just can’t have what we feel

we need. It’s okay. Move on, there will be other, better things ahead.

Simplify all your troubles. Step out of the picture. Take a break, there’s no need to freak out. Chilax, what’s the rush?

Too many things to do, so little time, haha! Enjoy your Valentine’s Day, guys. Do me a favor: be absurdly happy. Love like there’s no tomorrow. Most importantly, don’t let anything get in your way. I’m outta here.

12

School News

All Region winner’s goal is to become professional singer

BY JUAN OLIVARES MT STAFF WRITER A junior choir student who made All Region hopes to become a professional mariachi singer someday.

Alexis Reyes, who also goes to Martin, told how it feels how to tops in the region.

“I feel blessed even though I had to overcome many challenges; I succeeded, and it felt really good that I had the support of my family, friends, and fellow classmates,” Reyes said.

Reyes explained how he prepared for the competition.

“I had to memorize three songs: “La Muerte De Un Gallero,” “Las Capetonas,” and “Abrazeme.” I had to make sure I sang on time, had to practice rhythms, pitches, intonation, and harmonies,” explained Reyes.

Reyes overcame difficulties during the competition.

“My challenges were my classmates, who have more

experience than I did. I also had to overcome my nervousn e s s .

Also, I was n o t REYES acquainted with the songs and I had to overcome my own voice changes,” said Reyes.

Reyes explained his reaction to winning.

“I was really excited when I found out that I had made it. I was really proud of myself for making it and so was my family and teachers. I couldn’t believe that I won over other experienced singers,” Reyes said.

Reyes describes what he wants to be in the future.

“I’m considering to becoming a professional mariachi singer or making my own professional mariachi group. I’ve also thought of becoming a band/mariachi director,” said Reyes.

UIL Solo & Small Ensemble Contest United H.S., Feb. 7 Dr. Mary Grace Carroll, instructor State qualifiers Name Class Selection Armendariz, Abraham 1 The Juggler Rodriguez, Noe 1 Mazurka Barrera, Carlos 1 Mazurka Other participants Plasencia, Gladys 2 2 Gymnopedie Strings Studio Bobby Compton, instructor UIL results Solo UIL State Name Class Rating Solo Alvarez, Enrique 1 1M x Balli, Philip 1 1M x Briseno, Jonathan 1 1M x Cisneros, Eddie 1 1M x De La Cruz, Itzamara 1 DNA De Los Santos, Sergio 1 1M x De Luna, Rebecca 1 1M x Garcia, Gabriela 1 1 Garza, Leilah 1 1M x Martinez, Gerardo 1 1M x Ortegon, Noheli 2 1 x Palacios, Gabriela 1 1M x Rodriguez, Noe 1 1M x Romero, Brandon 1 1M x Rosales, Monika 1 1M x Santos, Alyssa 1 1M x Vazquez, Luis 1 1 x

Composer Toch Chopin Chopin Satie

State Ens. x x x x x x x x x x x x

Rating 1C 1C 1C 1

The Magnet Tribune February 27, 2009

MT photo by Mark Webber

Board recognition

The district’s three National Hispanic Scholars, Raoul Moreno, Maria Rivera, and Shaula Rocha, all VMT students, were honored at January’s board meeting.

Pictured after the a brief ceremony are, from left, Oscar Perez, Cigarroa High principal; Guadalupe Cortez, Nixon High principal, John Montalvo, trustee; Daniel Rigal, board secretary, Shaula Rocha, Maria Rivera, George Beckelhymer, vice president, Dr. Martha Villarreal, VMT director, Choir Studio UIL solos/ensemble comp.

United HS, Feb. 7 Alejandra G. Rodriguez, instructor Name class rating Crofford, Nicco 1 1st De Hoyos, Estefania 1 1st Delgado, Dorian 1 1st Escobar, Valerie 1 1st Esquivel, Lyanne 1 1st Flores, Cristal 1 1st Garcia, Cindy 1 1st Garza, Julissa 1 1st Hernandez, Janet 1 1st Prieto, Ruben 1 1st Reyes, Alexis 1 1st Robles, Manuel 1 1st Rodriguez, Tanya 1 1st Torres, Cristina 1 1st Villafranca, Eliza 1 1st Ayala, April 2 1st

Raoul Moreno, Jose A. Valdez, board president; Jesus Martinez, trustee, Garay, Lupita Gonzalez, Erika Martinez, Rene Reyes, Samantha Morales, Gloria Morales, Joanna Ensemble group Ayala, April De Hoyos, Estefania Escobar, Valerie Esquivel, Lyanne Flores, Cristal Garay, Lupita Garcia, Cindy Garza, Julissa Gonzalez, Erika Hernandez, Janet Morales, Gloria Reyes, Samantha Rodriguez, Tanya Torres, Cristina Villafranca, Eliza

Trevino Karina, 3 Childrens Pieces Rodriguez, Alma 3 2 Preludes Valdez, Belinda 2 Sonata op. 49 Reyes, Stephanie 2 Venetian Boat Song Dominguez, Krystal 2 Invention No. Garza, Emily 2 Bagatelle, op. 119 Paez, Nicole 2 Traumerie Sanchez, Baali 2 Invention No. Perez, Priscilla 2 Waltz Rangel, Jesus 2 Bagatelle no. 2

Low Brass Studio John Reimund UIL results Name Rating Inst.

State qualifiers: Bruno Gutierrez, 1, tuba Anthony Olivares, 1, euphonium Francisco Moreno, 1, tuba Other results Jessica Cuellar, 1, trombone Francesca Hernandez, 2, tuba Ricardo Macias, 1, tuba Juan Ramos, 1, tuba Juan Saldivar, 1, trombone Hector Lozano, 1, trombone Luis Rodriguez, 3, trombone Denisse Luna, 1, tuba Jose Gonzalez, 1, tuba Marivel Moncayo, 1, trombine Manuel Rodriguez, 1, tuba David Blores, 1, trombone Juan Morales, 2, trombone

2 2 2 2 3 3

1st 1st 1st 1st 1st 1st

1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1

1st 1st 1st 1st 1st 1st 1st 1st 1st 1st 1st 1st 1st 1st 1st

Kabalevsky Vandall Beethoven Mendelssohn JS Bach Beethoven Schumann JS Bach Grieg Tcherepnin

2 1 1 1 2 1 2 1 1 1

High Brass Studio UIL Solo and Ensemble Feb 7, 2009, United HS Robert M. Lopez, instructor Name Instrument Rating Patrick Carroll Trumpet, Superior Alexander Esparza Trumpet, Superior Diego Gonzalez Fr. Horn, Excellent Alejandro Guerra Fr. Horn, Superior Luis A. Martinez Fr. Horn, Superior Martin Rodriguez Trumpet, Superior Manuel Rojas Trumpet, Superior Daisy Espinoza Trumpet, Superior Victor Figueroa Trumpet, Superior Barbara Montoya Fr. Horn, Superior Jose Luis Nunez Trumpet, Superior Jesus Reyes Trumpet, Excellent Jose L. Salvador Trumpet, Superior George A. Vasquez Trumpet, Superior TMEA All State Band: Martin Rodriguez Trumpet

University plays in recital hall, outdoor stage

BY SERGIO LUJAN MT STAFF WRITER The Music Department hosted professors and students from University of Texas at Brownsville in the recital hall on Jan. 8.

Two events took place at VMT. One was the faculty woodwind trio master class, and the student band performed on the outdoor stage.

“The groups present were

OH-EM-GEE, from page 11 are the most popular gift in Japan though.

Most Japanese women believe, however, that storebrought chocolate is not a gift of true love. Instead they tend to make the chocolates by hand all by themselves.

But it’s also common for women to give chocolates to any man close to them like co-workers and guy friends. This kind of chocolate-gift is called “girichoco” which means chocolates given because of obligations.

Men who receive gifts on V-day are supposed to return the favor to the women on March 14, exactly one month after the love day.

This is known to be the “White Day,” the time when men are to give back a gift

to the women who gave them gifts the month before. This tradition started back in the 1960s by a marshmallow company.

Korea also follows the similar traditions as celebrated in Japan, the only difference being that the “White Day” here is a V-day in its own right because many young men confess their love for the first time to their sweeties on this occasion.

And finally, in Germany, their celebrations are nearly the same as ours. They spend the day with their sweethearts and give gifts to each other like we do.

But the best thing about Germany is that V-day is not the only day that they give gifts to their loved ones; they do this on any occasion of joyous nature.

WHATEVER, from page 10 Of course I never tell them this; they would probably call me weird. I am happy to what a young adult I’ve become. I do not think of myself as better or worse than people I relate

to, but I don’t place us at the same level. I hope that choices I will soon make and recently have made will add to the positive outlook of my future; not simple, but not impossible.

OBSERVATIONS, from page 10 found someone new whom she has been cheating on him with. If you don’t end up liking it, I shall personally go up to you and say,

“it’s no wonder you got cheated on.”

It’s also a total must to rock out to this song.

the wind ensemble, jazz, Dixieland, traditional and band music,” Carroll said.

She explained why the university visited.

“They came to showcase their music program and interface with the students,” Carroll said.

She said about 200 VMT students attended the performances, and that they seemed enthusiastic.

Carroll said follow music instructors Carlos Torres,

Melissa Hinojosa, Robert Lopez and John Reimund assisted during the visit.

A student said he liked how the wind ensemble performed.

“The way they played was uncommon, I never heard wind ensemble like that. I really enjoyed their performance, and by the looks of it they have a good department at U.T. Brownsville,” said Peter Sanchez, piano student.

and Veronica Guerra, Ph.D., superintendent.

Rocha and Rivera also

attend Cigarroa High, and and Moreno also attends Nixon.

Music competition results Competition results were compiled from information submitted by Music instructors on the school’s Web site, http://vmt.elisd.org, or through e-mail.

Mario López Villarreal 2824-B E. Bustamante St. Laredo, TX 78043 Tel. 235-8098 337-4799 mariolopezvillarreal@hotmail.com

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