Jan 5, 2010

THE MAGNET TRIBUNE A state- and nationally recognized student newspaper

Vol. 17, No. 2 January 5, 2010 Vidal M. Treviño School of Communications & Fine Arts, 1701 Victoria St., Laredo Texas 78040

17 take Dual Enrollment

Force of Creation

BY KIMBERLY LUNA MT STAFF WRITER

Backpacks can cause health problems

page 2 Lawyer battles hate speech on Facebook

page 3 School celebrates Hispanic heritage

Seventeen VMT students are part of a group taking Dual Enrollment classes in English, history, and math at LCC this school year. Dual Enrollment is a state-mandated program required of every school district in Texas. According to Economics/ AP Government Instructor Matt Arambula, juniors and seniors are given the opportunity to take classes at the college level and earn high school and college credit, hence the name Dual Enrollment. Arambula was assigned to mentor 13 juniors taking history in the fall. AP English IV instructor Diana Lopez mentored four other students taking freshman English. “I ride the bus with the students to LCC, attend class with them, take notes like they do, read the chapters on my own time -- in effect I’m like a college student,” Arambula said. On days in which they don’t go to class at LCC, the students and their mentors remain at VMT, to compare notes, discuss the professor’s lecture, and go over passages in the book that the students do not understand. “The hardest part of this experiment is making the students realize that college/university is not an extension of high school. It is a completely different world. Students have to

MT photo by Jennifer Garcia Eddie Gallegos, left, listens to AP Government/Economics instructor Matt Arambula at the end of the fall semester, in Arambula's classroom. Gallegos is one of 17 students in Dual Enrollment at LCC.

Note to readers: Due to benchmark testing in December, publication of this issue was delayed.

quickly accept the fact that there is a lot of reading involved in these courses. All the reading is done on their own time, not in class. By the time you go back to class, students should have read the complete chapter. If they don’t, they will be completely and totally lost,” Arambula said. The 13 juniors passed the class and will get their dual

credits. All 17 earned As and Bs, he said. A student agreed reading is important. “The hardest part is that you don’t have anyone pushing you to read your chapters. In high school if you don’t read, your teacher will probably give you another day but in college, if you didn’t read you’re failing the quiz and good luck.” Natalie

Padron, junior theater arts student, shared. Padron took freshman college history in the fall on Tuesdays and Thursdays. “I’ve always hated history, but (Dr. Miller) makes the lectures very interesting and less boring…I’ve always been pretty responsible, but this class has opened my eyes on managing my time See COLLEGE, page 10

Dancers perform ‘The Nutcracker’ BY FRANCESCA HERNANDEZ CRISTINA GUEVARA MT STAFF WRITERS

AND

pages 4-5 Teamwork important in new game

page 7

VMT on the Internet

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Dance Instructor Mary Ellen Leyendecker always looks forward to the screams of joy from the audience as they watch The Nutcracker. “It makes doing the performance worthwhile,” Leyendecker said. This year’s annual “The Nutcracker” by her VMT dance students and the Laredo Ballet Theatre took place Dec. 17 and Dec. 18 at the Laredo Civic Center. VMT dance students spent many hours during school and weekends practicing “The Nutcracker,” Leyendecker said. Having 70 cast and crew members, roles are chosen based on the students’ ability and right level of training. Leyendecker gave as an example two of the roles she cast. “I have a young (11 yearsold) girl and an older girl (19) to play Claire. A.J. is the right partner for the 11 year old and Peter is the right partner for the 19 year old,” Leyendecker said, of the students who play the role of the Prince. Leyendecker discussed the challenges of the performance, one being getting everyone to practice. “Having the Battle Scene is the most challenging because of poor attendance; it becomes very stressful when half the cast doesn’t come,” Leyendecker said. Students who have already performed The Nutcracker have an easier time, she said. “First timers are a little confused, while the older

MT photo by the team of Adrian Reyna, Frank Treviño and Matthew Castañeda

These dance students performed in “The Nutcracker” in December. From top to bottom, Kassandra Ortiz, Amanda Garza, Alyssa Rodriguez and Rebekah Balli. students understand the ballet,” Leyendecker said. Leyendecker hoped everybody, especially VMT students to attend the perform-

ance. “If you haven’t seen the play you should really come. The costumes are wonderful See NUTCRACKER, page 3

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See more photos of the dancers.

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SCHOOL NEWS

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The Magnet Tribune January 5, 2010

Weight can create problems BY TANYA SALAS AND REBEKAH RODRIGUEZ MT STAFF WRITERS Do you think your backpack is too heavy? According to the American Chiropractic Association, wearing a heavy backpack for an extended period of time has been shown to cause pain in the back, joints, and neck. Heavy is defined as more than 10 percent of body weight. "My nephew is 11 years old and he carries things I’d find difficult to carry, and I’m three times his height and five times his weight," English teacher James Buckley said. When asked if he and his fellow teachers would want to do something about this problem, he said they absolutely would but that it can’t be done. "The students should have lockers, and keep textbooks in the classroom or in file cabinets," he said, "but the district is afraid of kids abusing the lockers." English teacher Gerardo Flores agreed with Buckley, and thinks teachers should help out students. “In a perfect world, the district would go paperless, each student would have his or her own laptop or kindle, and having the textbooks converted to CDROM and installed on a device would ease our students back pain," Flores said. Soon, Flores snapped out of his perfect school dream and said since nobody’s in a perfect world, "Students should check out a textbook they could use at home for homework, and the teachers should have a class set available for class use. This would alleviate

almost every class in her backpack. "Two binders, a file organizer for my papers, two notebooks, a case for pencils and pens, a sketchbook, and a textbook for my college course," she said. C i s n e r o s believes teachers should try to do something about heavy backpacks. "Teachers should let us leave our binders in class if we have no need for them at home. Maybe even lockers should be introduced," she said. Since this cannot be done, preWith both straps properly adjust- Wearing an overloaded backpack on cautions can be ed and worn on both shoulders, only one shoulder can lead to neck taken. American weight is more evenly distributed. spasms, poor posture and shoulder Chiropractic Also note this backpack is not too pain, according to the American Association literfull, making it easier to carry. Chiropractic Association. ature says backpacks should MT photos and graphic by Rebekah Rodriguez; weigh no more Models: Cristina Guevara, left; Savannah Peña, right than 10 percent the need for students to for ROTC." around slouched without of one’s total body weight. carry any texts books at Moreno also thinks teach- the backpack. I also have For example, for a 150 all." ers should experience what shoulder pains every now pound individual, the backJessica Moreno, a fresh- students have to carry and then," she said. pack should not weigh man in creative writing, around. Cisneros, like Moreno, more than 15 pounds. agreed students carry a "(They) should also stop thinks students carry too Another way to prevent heavy load. asking us to carry so many much in their backpack. injury is to wear a backpack “I carry a bunch of use- things," she said. "Many people carry too correctly. less stuff, extra pencils, Moreno, who said she has many books and other stuff A backpack worn more extra books, old graded back problems, said that a in their backpacks. I think than four inches below the assignments, notebooks, heavier backpack will only students carry things that torso or hangs too low can and binders," she said. increase her back pain. are unnecessary, but teach- increase weight on the Moreno, who’s also in Kelly Cisneros, a junior in ers also make us carry shoulders, causing poor ROTC, said that along with sculpture and jewelry mak- things that are unnecessary posture or slouching forher books she carries ing, has also experienced sometimes too," Cisneros ward while walking, ACA necessities for after prac- back pain. said. literature says. Also, not tice. "I used to have really Cisneros, who is also using both straps can "I have my MP3 player, painful back problems, but enrolled in a college class at cause inappropriate weight makeup, deodorant, a hair- they’ve gone away now. Laredo Community College, distribution, leading to brush, and an extra shirt Instead, I notice I walk said she carries a book for uneven shoulders or hips.

Backpack Dos and Don’ts

Oh, yeah!

Oh, no!

Cuba native recalls his country BY JENNIFER GOMEZ SAVANNAH PEÑA MT STAFF WRITERS

AND

The father of a freshman student, Christina Salazar, visited Cindy Hernandez’s classroom to talk about Cuba. “My goal was for the students to see Cuba from a different perspective, rather than the stereotypical view most people get when they hear the word ‘Cuba,’” Hernandez, World Geography instructor, said. The speaker, Rolando Fernandez, who was born in Cuba, talked about the culture, music, food, religion and government, on Nov. 12. Hernandez explained the impact the speaker had on the students. “Students were 100 percent focused. They learned a lot of more, and asked many questions. Even I learned more about the country,”

Hernandez explained. “I learned to appreciate and value things that we have in the U.S. because in Cuba they don’t have things or have food we have,” Salazar, a freshman dance student, said. Christina Sanchez, freshman piano student, explained what she learned about Cuba. “What most interested me about Cuba was the land, the warm weather, and the beautiful ocean that surrounds it. I also learned more about the culture, and how it’s very different than ours,” Sanchez said. Hernandez explained her reaction to Fernandez describing his country. “It amazes me how the speaker described and loved his country. I hoped this reached out to the students as a way of saying to never forget where you come from,” Hernandez stated.

MT photo by Savannah Peña World Geography instructor Cindy Hernandez, left, and Rolando Fernandez, born in Cuba but now living in Laredo, spoke about his native country to her fourth period class, on Nov. 12.

B. Dalton Booksellers closing in Jan. BY SARAH JO REYES MT STAFF WRITER While it’s well known B. Dalton Booksellers is closing Jan. 16, groups are working hard in hopes of attracting a new bookstore. Xochilt Mora, a public information officer for the City of Laredo and is one of a group of people who are working to attract a new book store at Mall De Norte said

“It’s a devastating impact for the community. A bookstore encourages knowledge, literacy, and curiosity. It may affect us a lot,” she told The Magnet Tribune in a telephone interview. Already, students have been feeling negatively towards the news. “I think it’s extremely sad the bookstore is closing. I don’t have anywhere to buy books now, and I never have time to go to the public

library,” Lisa Valdez, sophomore Magnet Tribune staff writer and sometimes book reviewer, states. “With the bookstore closing I will probably be reading a lot less.” Mora said she has been coming up with ways to help attract a new bookstore to Laredo. “Currently I’ve been working with a college. We can come together to move forward, invite people (who are in charge of bookstores) to

Laredo and show we can be loyal customers who want a bookstore back,” she said. Chris Avalos, the columnist for The Book Look column in The Magnet Tribune, is deeply excited about the news. “I’m really happy; I hope it’s bigger than the old one. I hope it’s more spacious and has a lot more books,” Avalos said. But while where this bookstore future location may be

is unknown or the name of it for that matter, B. Dalton has already begun to show signs of closing. In December mall shoppers probably saw a 40 percent discount sign on all books, in front of the store. “First, it’s kind of sad that the only bookstore in Laredo is closing but it’s cool that there is a 40 percent discount….if you have money”, Aileen Terrazas, a junior art student, said.

SCHOOL NEWS

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Lawyer, Facebook in speech fight BY ROLAND CHAMBLEE MT STAFF WRITER If Facebook were a country, it would be the fourth largest in the world, Dallas attorney Brian Cuban said. Facebook, like many countries, includes those who hate others. “People use Facebook to start a group and to express their hatred, even though it violates Facebooks’ Terms of Service,” Cuban told VMT and university students. This was one of several sessions Communication students attended at VMT’s day at Mass Communication Week at Texas State University in San Marcos, on Oct. 21. The sessions included tours of KTSW-FM, television broadcasting studios, the University Star newspaper, and two sessions on media topics. One, "Social Marketing: Offline Behavior and Online Conversation," was by Tim Hayden, owner of an advertising company. He said while technology advances, so must advertising. For instance, he said, nowadays advertising includes buying ads in newspapers but not on TV, and getting people to promote products and events through online methods like Web sites and social networks. Hayden’s company creates ways for consumers to

MT photo by Jenette Avila Attorney Brian Cuban discusses hate speech and First Amendment rights at Mass Communication Week at Texas State University in San Marcos, on Oct. 21. receive and disseminate information, to receive advertising messages and to control the content on what they pass on to friends through social media, such as Facebook, Twitter and text messages. The company looks at ways to get as many people as possible to see an advertising message for as little cost possible. “Traditional marketing is dead. The audience is in charge of what they see, do and watch,” Hayden said. For instance, he said, at one of Justin Timberlake’s

concerts, people were sold tickets near the stage. They were allowed to tape activities at the concert with their cell phones, so there was much user-generated content created from people who were putting the taped things online, on Facebook and other sites like Twitter. The other session was “The 1st Amendment, the Internet, and Hate Speech,” with Cuban. He told students how the Internet can be used to promote hate groups and incubate someone’s hatred to do something bad. He said

people use online sites to broadcast these beliefs. One of the biggest downsides, Cuban said, is that people can go online and find out how to make weapons. For instance, a person can create a cell phone bomb using information found on Web sites. He also discussed his ongoing battles with Facebook over hate sites. One of the students who attended was Javier Soliz, a print journalism student. "I didn’t realize how much hate was around," he said.

Soliz said that he has an older brother who attends the university. He said he learned a lot from this trip and would want to go again. During the students' tour of the university, they also visited a dorm room and the bookstore. Some purchased items. At the University Star newspaper, students spoke to one of the editors and saw the paper’s video studio. Students also visited studios at the university’s radio station KTSW 89.9 FM, and also visited the library. On the top floor were photo exhibits called the Wittliff Collections. At lunch and dinner students heard more people speak. At lunch, former Magnet Tribune editors spoke about their experiences at Texas State. They were Monica Garcia, Ricardo Soliz, and Sandra Ramon. During dinner in Pearsall, employees from BBVA Compass bank talked about how the bank can help with college expenses. Information on Mass Communication Week, with a slideshow on VMT's day, is found at www.txstatemcweek.com. The slideshow is near the top. More online at http://my.hsj.org/tx/laredo/vmt

See additional photos of Mass Communication Week.

Students take a lesson in politics BY ASHLEY GALVAN MT STAFF WRITER AP Government/Economics instructor Matt Arambula finds himself asking his students more challenging questions after the Student Legislative Session. "I've been more eager to throw more thought-processing questions at my students," Arambula said. He and three students in his Economics classes went to Austin for a learning experience on Nov. 20. "Representatives of other (legislative) districts get together and host this ses-

sion, and it allows high schools to take students to experience how laws are made," Arambula explained. He chose the students he was taking out of his senior Economics classes for different reasons. "Katharine Pollard is a born leader. I chose her due to her leadership skills, Francisco (Dominguez) on the basis that he always has something to add to the class, and Patrick (Carroll) because he always contributes with something above the call of the class. He's very well informed." Arambula gave a brief

description of what the legislators talked about. "It was divided into 10 categories, for example, dealing with problems here on the border, public education, safety, and environment," Arambula explained. Arambula said he really enjoyed the experience. "It gives us an opportunity to see what's going on out there," Arambula said. Arambula said he would like to take his students again next year even though this was the school's second year attending. Arambula thanked the school principal for sup-

porting the trip. "I would like to thank Dr. Martha Villarreal for allowing me to take students again," he said. One of the students was thrilled about her experiences there. "It was very exciting. We got to experience what it was like to be in the legislative session, and it felt pretty real," said Pollard, a senior broadcasting student. Pollard agreed with Arambula in thinking the session had an impact on the students. "I've noticed that they're more involved with their

Economics classes," she said. Pollard found she liked politics more than what she thought. "Now that I've experienced this session I would like to pursue a career in politics, and maybe even become a legislator one day," she said. She said she would like to experience something similar in college, perhaps, and despite the fact it was six hours long she insisted the session was fun. "If anybody is ever asked to do it, I advise them to do it. They'll have a good time."

NUTCRACKER, from page 1 and colorful. I would like more students to come and see it,” Leyendecker said. An experienced and a beginning dancer bring their perspectives to the role of the Prince. Alonso Flores described the type of character the Prince has in the play. “In our production he is leading the main character, Clara, taking her to different places. He is kind of like a narrator,” Flores said. Flores said he enjoyed the first part of the performance. “I think its cool how in the first act everything comes to life. Everything turns life size from the nutcracker to the little girl’s dolls, and even the mice,” Flores said. The scene he liked best had the dancers portraying snowflakes. “My favorite part is the scene called snowflakes because it’s very fast, and all the ballerinas are supposed to be individual snowflakes. Just like snow, all of them are going everywhere just the way it is choreographed,” Flores said. Flores explained the most challenging part about his role. “Compared to last year I didn’t do any lifts and now that “The Nutcracker” is more demanding I have been working on my upper body strength and working with

MT photo by the team of Adrian Reyna, Frank Treviño and Matthew Castañeda

These dance students performed in “The Nutcracker.” Top row, from left, Priscilla Martinez, Alyssa Riojas, Samantha Mancillas, Ashley Cervantes, and Samantha Perez. Bottom row, Ashley Morales, Violeta Ruiz, Dalia San Miguel and Ashley Segovia. my partner,” Flores said. This is not the first time Flores participates in this ballet, but it is his first time playing the role of the Prince. “Before I played the role of

Fritz, who is the main character’s little brother. He is the one who breaks the nutcracker, which starts the whole thing. Year after year I had been busting my butt off

and now Ms. Leyendecker finally gave me the responsibility,” Flores said. Flores added how he really liked the responsibility he was given.

“I really like how we are given more responsibility. I know that Ms. Leyendecker looks at all her students. The ones that have been working hard year after year, and I think I have proven myself to have this role. I really worked for it and I hope it shows if you guys go see the production,” Flores said. Peter Gonzalez had a different point of view about his role as the Prince. “The prince is very charming, and he loves the little girl Clara,” Gonzalez said. Gonzalez found parts of the ballet to his liking. “I found the music, the dances, and the different characters like Chinese and Russians, very interesting,” Gonzalez said. Gonzalez said the physical parts of the ballet are his favorite. “I enjoy doing the turns and jumps,” he said But so he can do his role there is something challenging he must accomplish. “The challenging part of playing my role is getting over stage fright,” Gonzalez said. This is the first time he has played a role in “The Nutcracker.” “This is my first year playing the role of the Prince because this is my first year in the V.M.T dance department,” Gonzalez said.

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COLUMNS

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Paramore brings meaning to lyrics BY ALE MARTINEZ Let me start off by saying Happy New Year to all our readers! :D We made it to 2010 guys. As you expect, with the new year comes some new music. Some great, and some questionable. ONE TIME (SINGLE) – JUSTIN BIEBER I’m sure you’ve all heard this guy’s name tossed around over the past couple of months. He’s been all over MTV and apparently has even been on Nickelodeon. Even before all that, Bieber had over 20 million views on his YouTube channel (which happens to be where he was discovered). If you’re a fan of his reading this, don’t expect an adoring review. In my opinion (and this is a part of the opinion columns section), Justin Bieber is yet another generic preteen pop star. The song starts off with the usual pop hooks, repeated vocals over a childish club beat, unnecessary hip-hop influence, etc. Then Bieber’s voice comes into the song and you’re left with the impression that you’ve just heard a twelve-year old girl soprano. The lyrics lack in depth (Which is great if you’re, what? Twelve? Thirteen?). The thing is, though Bieber’s cutesy love song has a certain sickening charm, it’s nothing new. It’s the same old preteen puppy love song, rehashed to be a mainstream mediocre melody. LOST IN PACIFIC TIME (EP) – THE ACADEMY IS… For the next item in the review, I have chosen The Academy Is…’s latest work. I had the chance to hear some songs off of it at their acoustic set when I saw them on the Alternative Press’ Fall Ball Tour as an amazing birthday gift. So, after hearing said performance

I simply HAD to get my hands on it. I was not disappointed. By Ale Martinez and The album Sharron Bird has all the things that City and Colour make The •Ale’s top five 1. Goodnight Moon 2. In Fear and Faith Academy Is… Shivaree Circa Survive great: sweet, 2. If I Fell The Beatles 3. Cemetery Say sincere, and 3. Electric Feel MGMT Anything p o e t i c . W h e t h e r 4. A Fault Line, A Fault of 4. Oh Martha - The Battle Mine - Underoath Royale W i l l i a m 5. Hurt - Johnny Cash 5. What happens if I can’t Beckett’s -check my myspace when singing about •Sharron’s top five we get there - Attack love, or a 1. Hello, i’m in Delaware - Attack! haunting past, you’re guaranBY SHARRON BIRD teed to like it at TEGAN AND SARA – SAINTHOOD least a little. Sainthood, Tegan and Sara’s sixth Songs like studio album, was released in “Sputter,” “New October. Tegan and Sara’s last album, York (Saint in the and most popular, “The Con” showed City),” and “In the a more mature side of them. However, Rearview” stay with you long after this album is quite you give the EP a listen. different. It has more The guitar part at the beginning of an innocent sound of “Sputter” is lovely. That aside, the to it, which explains whole song has the feel of somethe album title. thing you tried to work at (specifiTegan and Sara are cally a relationship), only to see it two twin sisters and fall apart. they have an indie pop/rock sound. As for “New York,” a song about a Sainthood starts off with “Arrow” couple being far apart, and trying to not one of the best songs off the keep their relationship intact while album, but it has a nice beat to it. dealing with the fact that they’re sep- “Sentimental Tune” and “Alligator” arated, it’s charming and the riffs are are the first songs off Sainthood that wonderful. You certainly get a sense I have found myself singing along to. of missing someone, and a little They are great songs and sound just regret at leaving in the first place. like another song from Tegan and Now, “In the Rearview” is a song Sara, but in a good way. It shows all about someone you’ve tried to that they’re changing, but not too erase from your past coming back. much. “Alligator” is the first song I The song’s lyrics pretty much say it heard off Sainthood and I can honall: “and I was feeling just content to estly say that once I heard it I knew forget you; I’ve found that skeletons that sainthood was going to be a grow stronger when kept in the great album. light.” .... “The Cure” is another great song off the album and really shows what this More online at album is about. It also has some of the http://my.hsj.org/tx/laredo/vmt easiest lyrics to understand. “I know Read the entire Hear, Say column that bad’s got to fix itself, correct over online time. And I know ‘cause I’ve got the

Hear, say

cure, I’ve got a cure for your crimes” “Northshore” is a surprising, fast, and up-beat song from Tegan and Sara. It’s a different sound for them, but it’s also a good sound. The album ends with “Someday” a happy song, perhaps about the future, and I don’t think they could have ended this album any better. It has a catchy background melody which reminds me of MGMT. This song also has my favorite lyrics off the album and ends perfectly with the lyrics “Mark my words, I might be something someday” There is no way that I could pick my favorite song from this album, which is what makes it so good because there’s more than one song that I absolutely love. PARAMORE – BRAND NEW EYES –The first single off this album was “Ignorance”, and the second single was “Brick by Boring Brick”. Both of them are strong songs with a lot of meaning. “Brick by Boring Brick” contains some meaningful lyrics and they are also related to the album art, “She's ripping wings off of butterflies” In fact I think this album contains Paramore’s strongest lyrics yet. As soon as I heard “Looking Up” I had an idea of what the song was about. In early 2008, Paramore was having some problems and many people thought the band would break up and Hayley Williams was skeptical about writing another album, but as we all know they didn’t break up and the album is here. You can see how these lyrics relate: “God knows the world doesn’t need another band, .... More online at http://my.hsj.org/tx/laredo/vmt

Read the entire Hear, Say column online

Story brings tears to moviegoers During the holiday season, the movies are running a bit dry. Not too many “family” themed movies or Christmas movies out. But one movie in particular has been a real tearjerker and a perfect movie for the holiday season. “The Blind Side” starring Sandra Bullock, Tim McGraw, Quinton Aaron, Lily Collins, and Ray McKinnon is a true story of Michael Oher, a right tackle for the National Football League’s Baltimore Ravens, who is homeless at age 17 from a broken home. Oher is a “gentle giant” growing up in a tough neighborhood in Memphis, Tenn., who is later adopted by a southern well-to-do white family, The Tuohys. After he finds his place on the football field he works hard on his studies and on his skills with the help of his tutor and his coaches. “The Blind Side” brings much sentimental value to the audience. The boy is

Cinematic By Samantha Hawkins

MCT Campus photo In the true story of "The Blind Side," a rich housewife (Sandra Bullock) takes in a homeless teen (Quinton Aaron) with a promising future in football. homeless and the family who takes him in helps him succeed. Honestly, how many

wealthy families do you know that will do such a thing? Sometimes life is stranger than fiction.

This movie just gives you those warm feelings. Well, it did for me -- warm feelings and a knot in my stomach with tears forming in my eyes. It basically sweeps you off of your feet with its charm. A mixture of both laughs and tears. Bullock as well grew into her role as Leigh Ann Tuohy. She means business and will not take no for an answer. But, she has a heart of gold. It also helps people realize some things about race, compassion, and to never look back. A white family adopts an African American boy. But, aside from all that the movie has a balance between sport achievements and family love. Though you may say it’s a “rags-to-riches” movie, it has so much love and success. Think about it, Oher went from being a homeless teen to a rookie for the Baltimore Ravens from the University of Mississippi. All in all, the movie is a

real crowd pleaser looking to embrace the audiences with warm hugs and hearts of gold, all by a gentle giant. MOVIE SPOTLIGHT: Robert Downey Jr., Rachel McAdams, and Jude Law star in “Sherlock Holmes,” which opened on Christmas Day. Holmes and Watson are both on their latest challenge. Holmes will battle like never before to bring down his new nemesis and unravel a plot that could potentially destroy the country. Sherlock Holmes is directed by Guy Ritchie. The film is not yet rated. UPCOMING MOVIES: January 15 - The Book of Eli - The Spy Next Door January 22 - Extraordinary Measures - Legion - Tooth Fairy January 29 - Edge of Darkness - When in Rome

Newly invented machines caught on video The YouTube Hit list is getting off to a slow start, mainly because this is barely the second issue. My teacher gave me the idea to organize it better by making a topic for each list so for this issue I am compiling a list of “Home-inventions,” inventions that people made at home that are amazing, funny, or even bloopers of inventions! Since this is yet the second issue, and the first for the new system, I have picked some videos I liked and some videos my friends liked. 1. STUPIDEST GREAT INVEN-

YouTube Hitlist By Roland Chamblee TION FOR DOGS

Out of all the videos I saw about home inventions, this video was the most funniest and cutest! I’m not going to tell you much about so I don’t spoil it, but all I can say is that it’s very worthwhile! 2. BEST

INVENTION EVER

FUNNY

Do you like “Tom and

Jerry?” Well, remember the cool thing where jerry would trip on a string and activate a whole bunch of things like, ”the string pulls a marble, marble slides down slide, hits a boat, boat has a pole attached to it and hits a button, and activates a washing machine.” We’ll it’s something like that, very amazing; worthwhile!

3. MARBLE MACHINE 1

IN

ACTION

I’ve always liked looking at water fountains. Well, this is better than one! It’s like a marble fountain! Part 2 of the video even tells you how to make your own! 4. FLEXI’S MACHINES-HD If you’re a percussion player you’re going to love this great musical invention 5. RIOT WHEEL (RE-INVENTION OF THE) WHEEL This is an amazing invention! It’s a motorcycle except with only giant wheel! I’m spoiling it to you in words

but only because words can’t describe the sight of this! The theme for the next issue is going to be on sports, mainly things that were unbelievable, funny, or also bloopers. Remember, show me something that would be parent approved, nobody getting seriously hurt. Questions? Comments? Suggestions? Hook me up! My e-mail is G_1_Z_M_0_@hotmail.com! At the end of G_1_Z_M_0_ there’s a zero at the end not an “o.”

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COLUMNS

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Left for Dead 2 has much excitement

H

ello, fellow gamers! In case you didn't notice, Left 4 Dead 2 is out now. Have you guys played it yet? Please say yes… The demo for L4D2 was released on Oct. 27, only when pre-ordered at GameStop and other retail stores -- released to the public about a week later. Yes, I pre-ordered it months ago, hah, and got my hands on the demo. I wanted to die of excitement! My thoughts on the demo? DANG!!!!!!!!!! Took a few minutes and just WOW! I was blown away with the new characters, special infected weapons, AI Director, and campaigns. Seriously, for a demo, I was instantly hooked. This was all I had until the official release, Nov. 17, and I was not complaining. Okay, now for the real deal. I will obviously talk about L4D2. I totally blew off school just to pick up my copy on launch day. HOW EXCITING! I picked up my copy at GameStop -- with an exclusive in-game baseball bat -- at Mall Del Norte. I got home and popped in the game on my new Xbox 360. I played along my sister, who also loves Left 4 Dead, and played for 11 hours straight -- no breaks what-

Game Break By Juan Olivares soever. We finished the darn game! And we got a chance to check out the new Realism mode (which is my favorite) and Scavenge mode. L4D2's campaigns now link up to each other, starting with Dead Center and ending with The Parish. In Dead Center, you start on the roof of an ordinary hotel with three other survivors who you don't know. You get to experience the apocalypse through their eyes, not knowing what lurks around every corner. The main characters are Nick, Ellis, Rochelle, and Coach, not in any particular order. They each possess the same ability, so they are all fair. They do not know each other at the beginning of Dead Center, for they are typical survivors. They get to introduce themselves on their way down the elevator, where they can catch a breather from all the zombie killing. They learn to trust each other throughout the game, which is the least they can do. Nick is a conman and a

gambler; you'd think they would trust him? They have to! Team work is a MUST in this game -- it's the main purpose. I must say, Valve, the developer of Left 4 Dead 2, really outdid themselves. I am impressed! I love how the characters act like your typical, everyday people. They talk to each other about the situation, plan what to do, and even joke around from time to time. The campaigns on this game are simply fun! I love The Parish! It's too much freedom, but that's just the way I like it Hard Rain is something. 20 witches in one stage?! INSANE! I can't forget the three new special infected: the Spitter, Charger, and Jockey. The Spitter is an ugly, long necked woman who, well, spits! She spits burning acid, and if you make contact with the goo, you will get burned! The Jockey is fun, and a bit annoying. He looks like a hunchback who jumps on your head and "steers" you into danger. They are

smart, too; they will also lure you into a group of zombies, fire, a cliff, in a puddle of burning goo, and next to a witch! Last but not least is the Charger -- a big hillbilly with a massive arm who, you guessed it, charges at you at super fast speed! It grabs you with its big hand and pummels you to the ground, leaving you helpless until a teammate helps. Oh, and let's not forget the new, more variety, weapons! There are three times more weapons than the original Left 4 Dead. One of my favorites is the Combat shotgun! Banned in over 25 states, according to in-game subscription, its multi-shot can kill a group of infected in no time. Another favorite is the assault sniper rifle. Unlike

the hunting rifle, this sniper rifle holds 30 rounds in one clip, and its design is just beautiful. Other weapons that are brand new to the series are the Grenade Launcher, Desert Eagle magnum, and a new set of pistols. The graphics are phenomenal, in my eyes! It looks like you're watching a movie, honestly. The characters are very detailed, and their facial expressions look, well, realistic! Even their lips syncing to their words are perfect. The music has a southern twang in this one. The game takes place in South America, so Valve obviously went a little western with the game. Killing zombies while listening to jazz? How lovely. Left 4 Dead 2 deserves a 9.75 out of 10 and is drastically better than its predecessor. I recommend purchasing this game ASAP. Don't bother renting it -you'll want to keep it. Thanks for reading and hope you love this game as much as I do! Don't forget to follow me at twitter at www.twitter.com/EternuSj for upcoming gaming events, and other information! Until next time!

Readers disappointed by ‘New Moon’ Sandra: Hey did you already watch New Moon? Ana: Yeah I went with you, don’t you remember!! (: Sandra: Ha! Yeah that’s true. I forgot… what did you think about it? :D Ana: I still think the books are A LOT better. Sandra: No doubt about that! Ana: I know in my opinion the visual effects were not that good? Sandra: Well that’s true, but also remember the last movie….I think the effects were better in this movie. Ana: What was your favorite part? Sandra: I would have to say every time Jacob came out. I just loved him! Na jk I think it has to be when Jacob and Edward were about to fight. Ana: Oh that was towards the end. I hate the ending! It was super simple. “Marry me.” I really expected more of them. Sandra: Lol that’s true. What was your favorite part? Ana: My favorite part was

Let’s Talk By Ana Loera and Sandra Minjares when Bella slapped Paul and then he got mad and turned into a werewolf. Then afterwards Jacob ran to her and transform into a werewolf to save her. Sandra: Oh yeah that was so cool! I think the werewolves were pretty attractive ;) but yet again I am Team Jacob and I am more into warm-blooded creatures. Ana: Well I’m Team Switzerland! I think they are both hot! Sandra: Well, over all I thought the movie was pretty boring! Ana: Yeah, it was! I think the only part that kept me awake was when Bella was cliff diving. I really thought that was so lame of her to do. Sandra: Yeah but that’s what happens in the book, also. Although I imagined

the cliff a lot higher. Lol the only part that kept me interested was when Jacob came out. Jk. It was when Edward was fighting with the Volturi. Ana: Oh well, I thought that part was kind of interesting though in my opinion they could’ve added more effects or something. Sandra: Well yeah that’s true. But hey you do know that it made $140.7 million on opening weekend. Ana: Wow! It made more than the first movie which in opening weekend made $70.6 million. Sandra: ha! I thought it was super funny how everybody was making a big deal because Dakota Fanning was going to be in the movie and she only had like a few lines, and only appeared in a few

MCT Campus photo Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart star in "The Twilight Saga: New Moon." scenes. they were okay, but I had a Ana: I know! Well I think better vision from what I my hopes of watching Eclipse read. already went down. I prefer Ana: I bet we will! Well it the books a lot more they give was nice talking to you, gtg. you a lot of more details. But Bye! anyways I’ll still go and watch Sandra: Bye! Eclipse now that we don’t have to wait another year for Hey guys let us know any its release. topic you want us to talk Sandra: Yeah it will come about. We are open to suggesout June 30, but yeah I’m tions! Comment at pretty sure we will be let http://my.hsj.org/tx/laredown like the past two do/vmt (: or mt_writers@hotmovies. Don’t get me wrong mail.com

Characters hit the road to find themselves toHey, you guys, how yah been? I’ve missed you. Well I bet all of you have been anxious at what book I’ve been reading, and if you’re not well then too bad because this is my column and :P. Tell me, do you love books with tragedy, with manipulation, with twists and turns, and deception and of course the wisest people you’ll ever meet: Drag Queens? Well then this is the book for you. If you read this book, “don’t expect this to be the kind of story that goes and then, and then, and then. And you really, really need to get used to that feeling, here, on the freeway, at work, in your marriage. This is the world we live in. Just go with the prompts.” This wonderful and exciting quote comes from the book “Invisible Monsters,” by Chuck Palahniuk. I read this book and was just dumbfounded. I couldn’t believe how amazing it was.

The Book Look By Chris Avalos This is a book where you have to read everything to understand everything. This book has so many twists and turns, it’s an intense story. “Invisible Monsters” has many points of view; I mean it’s all said by one person, but you can actually know what the other characters are saying in their own unique way. Shannon McFarland, who is the narrator through the whole story, had an amazing life. She had a career as a commercial model, and she had a cute fiance who was a detective. Her life was good, but it went bad in moments. As Shannon is driving she gets shot by a rifle right in the jaw. She remembers how she drove to the hospital and how

the nurses were trying to clean up all the blood, and how police officers PALAHNIUK were trying to get pictures for evidence. As she comes to, she has no jaw. Everything was blown off; They couldn’t save any bone pieces because they were eaten by birds. While in the hospital she meets Brandy Alexander, who is a transvestite trying to become a big time star. Brandy is the only person in the hospital who doesn’t care about Shannon’s feelings. She actually asks her what happened to her “god

Hold this image of “Invisible Monsters” upside down to see a different view of the cover. awful face.” At that moment Brandy and Shannon become great friends. Shannon tries to tell Brandy about her gay brother who died because of a hairspray explosion and how her parents don’t care about her, just her dead brother. But Brandy doesn’t care

about past lives; she’s running away from them. She just likes to move on and create a future. So Brandy and Shannon and a guy named Seth set out to create a future by going on a road trip to find themselves. There are more characters in the book like, Evie who is Shannon’s best friend (she’s also a model but not as good as Shannon), her parents and also her fiance Manus. This book is amazing. I would love to tell you guys more but the more I tell you, the more I could ruin the story. Remember, this story will make you laugh, hate, and cry at the same time, and I think this story is great. So, goodbye my readers and have a wonderful day. I hope you get to read this book. If you want to learn more about Chuck Palahniuk then visit him at http://chuckpalahniuk.net/.

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SCHOOL NEWS

http://my.hsj.org/tx/laredo/vmt, http://twitter.com/Magnet_Tribune

The Magnet Tribune January 5, 2010

SCHOOL NEWS

http://my.hsj.org/tx/laredo/vmt, http://twitter.com/Magnet_Tribune

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Fun, food, entertainment Students celebrate Hispanic heritage at the 17th annual event BY MARIA HUERTA MT STAFF WRITER

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huge crowd formed in front of the stage, and people who were not part of the performance started dancing where they stood. The audience was surprised, excited, and thrilled to see “Thriller”. The performance was part of the school’s 17th Annual Hispanic Heritage Festival on Oct. 29, which allows students to celebrate Hispanic culture. School Director Dr. Marta

MT photos by Cynthia Garza, Nidia Gomez, and Samantha Hawkins

Villarreal said those attending seemed to have fun and enjoyed themselves. “I love it. It’s a great festival. Everyone seems to be having a great time,” she said at lunch time. A theater student said she also enjoyed the festival. “It’s cool; I love the decorations at the Hispanic festival. I also like it because I get to hang out with my friends,” Erika Martinez, a freshman, said. A former music student liked the festival but for a different reason. “I love the music and food. It’s a

great cause for the community and to raise money,” said Carlo Torres. A steel drum student said it could have been more fun. “The people at the beginning should talk less. It could have more attractions, like more booths,” Eduardo Gallegos, a junior, said. A Hanon Society member said the festival was something he enjoyed. “It shows a lot about our heritage. I like how much I participated,” Jesus Rangel, a senior, said. A senior said he liked one of the food booths.

“It’s better than last year. I like the food, and the taco booth is my favorite,” Juan Rosales, a guitar student, said. A junior art student found almost everything to her liking. “It’s quite fun, like everyone is here to help. I like the games and music, and my favorite booth is the margaritas,” Kelly Cisneros said. Laura Rios, attendance clerk who was on the organizing committee, explained why it is important to celebrate Hispanic culture. “It is part of our heritage and it makes us proud. I mean, our

ancestors were born in Mexico, and we are continuing VMT’s tradition for the past 17 years. She personally liked seeing student’s participate. “It shows our students expressing their talents and representing their school,” Rios said. She explained what went into staging the Hispanic festival. “A lot of hard work to organize likes the different departments and the planning of the plaza. Besides the entertainment, the variety of food and entertainment was to make sure everybody had fun.”