Issue 5 of 2008-2009

www.mcsun.org INSIDE

MT. CARMEL

SUN

dance concert features: read a comparison between A girl’s and A boy’s morning routine. page B7 entertainment: which mall is your favorite? read the best qualities about each mall around san diego. page a5 FRIDAY, December 19, 2008 VOL. 36 NO. 5 | MT. CARMEL HIGH SCHOOL, SAN DIEGO, CA 92129

news: the winter dance concert, ‘explosion of emotion,’ entertained MC last week. page a3

matt coffelt | photo editor

Jared Card (11), Caelob Grabowski (12), Nima Rouhani (11), Abbas Mamdani (11) put together bikes in the auto shop that were donated by Bikes for Kids to be given to families in need through the Adopt a Family program. The head of Student Services, Edna Mailey, has been coordinating this program for the last ten years. The Student Services department has been raising money for a variety of charities.

Student Services gives back through Adopt a Family program Angela Kim Staff writer The Adopt a Family program has been a trusted charity at MC under Student Services head Edna Mailey for ten years now. The project provides needy families with not only necessities, but also gifts that they can enjoy and cherish. Most families in the project are local and some even have students attending MC. Mailey usually finds families by “word of mouth.”

“I get to know [the people] because they’re coming in first,” she said. “I get to know them because their parents are here…sometimes it’s teachers. This year, because of the economy, I’ve got some parents who come in and talk to me.”

Mailey got into Adopt a Family simply because she wanted to help.

“We wanted to do something for young people,” she said. “We wanted to do something for senior citizens, we wanted to do something for animals, and we wanted to do something for the rest of the world.”

After starting the program eight years ago, she doesn’t think the program is trying to “save the world.” “…We wanted to be able to help,” Mailey said. “Saving the world isn’t realistic…We wanted to do something humanitarian, and we got involved with all these projects. We started out with…seven families and this year we have 45.”

A side project she is working on also involves donating blankets made

by MC’s very own Life Management class.

MC’s Adopt a Family also participates with “Bikes for Kids,” an organization in which donations buy new bikes for needy children. The organization gave away 175 bikes at first, but now they plan to donate 2000.

Cofounder of “Bikes for Kids” Deb Pollakov founded the organization with her husband Bill Pollakov seven years ago, inspired by her husband’s childhood memory.

“We started this organization because when my husband was in third grade he wished for a bike and didn’t get one,” she said. “He promised himself that when he grew up, he would make sure that lots of boys and girls would get bikes for Christmas.”

Girls water polo donates books to Becky’s House Nicole Bustamante staff writer On Dec. 23 the varsity girls water polo team will be delivering books to Becky’s House, accompanied by their coach.

“We started our team donation last year when we put together Thanksgiving meals for the families at Becky’s House,” coach Jon Au said.

However this year they missed their chance to help out during the Thanksgiving holiday so they took up the opportunity to help during the Christmas season.

“I was bummed when I heard we missed our window of opportunity to put together meals for people in need,” senior Vanessa Evans said. “But I’m glad we are helping people in a different way this year.”

Each girl on the team is donating one or more books that made a difference to them.

“Giving something that made a difference in our life or that has a special value to us to others might have an impact on their lives too,” senior Christina Webb said.

Webb will be donating the children’s book “Green Eggs and Ham” because it is the book her grandfather taught her to read with. She hopes it will

Inside the SUN:

impact another young child in a special way.

Junior Emily Bell will be donating “Goodnight Moon” a popular children’s novel that she was introduced to as a child.

“I’m giving it because I want other people to enjoy the book as much as I did,” Bell said. “It’s been one of my favorite books since I was a little kid.

Plus it makes me feel really good to give back.”

For junior Mojon Malakapor it’s not the first time she has had the great feeling of giving back.

“I do something similar when I give clothes to the poor children in Mexico and I get to see their expression which makes me feel really happy,” she said. “I feel that by giving these books away it will fill me with the same warmth that I get when I donate my clothes.”

The team along with their coach feel that it is an important part of life to donate to those who are less fortunate.

“We are a team of girls, and it’s mostly women and their families who are utilizing Becky’s House/The YWCA to escape domestic violence and start over,” Au said. “We are just trying to stay mindful that there’s a big world out there outside of our day to day lives and there are plenty of things we can do to make it better.”

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Bikes for Kids works by calling for a school assembly for third graders and then distributing the bikes.

“The most moving part of this is when we surprise the children with the bikes,” Pollakov said. “The children think that one student is going to win a bike for working hard. We then open the curtain in the multipurpose room and surprise them. The look on their faces is beautiful.”

Pollakov gladly participates with MC because of its students’ sincerity.

“Mt. Carmel has always been a recipient because they make sure the bikes go to the right children,” she said. “It is also wonderful that [auto teacher Tim] Hazell’s class assembles the bikes. We are always so pleased that Student Services finds the chil-

dren in need.”

Student Services also donates money to the Wheelchair Foundation where a sum of money buys a wheelchair for someone in the world and later, a picture of the recipient is sent.

Some charity programs like Adopt a Family can be very personal goodSamaritan experience, even though anonymity is guarded carefully.

“I think the [families] that move me the most are the refugees,” Mailey said. “We have families that come here…from Afghanistan, Kenya, Somalia, and they arrive in this country and all they have are their clothing.

And they’re so happy to be able to have a new life.”

Adopt a Family doesn’t just work during the holidays; the program can

also provide help with furniture, shoes, and school expenses, such as school uniforms.

Many students also take into consideration the perspective of a no-income family and choose gifts for the family members. Freshman Shriya Chhabra plans to buy a teddy bear for an eight-year-old in her class’s adopted family.

“I think it’s better not to just give money,” she said. “I mean, eight-yearolds, what would they like? Teddy bears and stuffed toys. Just something to comfort them.”

Adopt a Family has grown in the school and as a national program and will continue to reach local families in need as long as there is a need and a generous heart.

Key Club spreads holiday cheer; various activities help elementary school students, community Paresh Dave Web Editor Cookies and other delectable sugary treats are probably being enjoyed in an elementary school classroom right now. There may be a handful of parties across MC’s campus today, but they will not be quite how the youngsters do it.

Last week, however, some high schoolers did get to enjoy the fun that many have long forgotten.

Key Club members volunteered at Sunset Hills ESS after school last week.

From decorating cookies, to making picture frames and ornaments to constructing gingerbread houses, Key Clubbers organized events to help the elementary school kids celebrate the holidays.

“This is the most exciting time of the year to be a kid, and they are incredibly excited about [the Key Club activities],” Sunset Hills ESS Lead Assistant Layne Walter said.

“They talk about it all day. Anything with sugar, they pretty much love.

We really enjoy having the [Key Clubbers] here.”

Key Club picks up the costs of all materials while providing kids with an interactive activity that goes

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beyond the normal games they play.

The arts, crafts and treats are only a part of the club’s community service efforts this holiday season. “[Key Club] gets really excited about the holidays,” the Key Club president, senior Komal Shah, said.

“For us, it’s a time to go through a lot of different outreach programs and contribute in so many more ways than usual.”

Throughout November and until last week, the club held a clothing drive at MC to benefit the organization Stand Up For Kids, which helps steer homeless teens in Oceanside down the right path.

Key Club members also helped the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society wrap gifts for children that will be handed out for Christmas.

Tonight, members volunteer at the Wild Animal Park’s Festival of Lights. At one of the club’s most popular events, students will help with face painting, cookie decorating, games and other crafts.

Club members also serve food monthly to the homeless at St. Vincent de Paul’s shelter.

In order to publicize the world hunger crisis and encourage people to donate canned food so people like those at the shelter can have a

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Photo courtesy of Jennifer culanag

Vivi Tran (10) and Tina Thi (10) wrap presents for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Key Club has been volunteering around San Diego including decorating cookies and crafts with students at Sunset Hills ESS. Tonight members will be helping out at the Wild Animal Park face painting, decorating cookies, and other crafts.

Christmas meal, the club has also chosen to participate in an upcoming 30 Hour Famine.

Finally, some students will travel to Pasadena Dec. 29 to assist Rose Parade participants in decorating their floats.

Meanwhile, the elementary kids in their second week of break will probably have forgotten about their

Section B: Sports..........1

gingerbread houses and ornaments.

However, club communications officer senior Jennifer Culanag said the feeling of impacting the kids will stay with her a little longer.

“They kind of go crazy, but they really like it,” she said. “You’ve made a difference in their day, and maybe made them just a little bit happier.”

On the web: www.mchskeyclub.org.

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News

Mt. Carmel SUN

December 19, 2008

Festive night delights audience at Madrigal Dinner KATELYN CUTTS STAFF WRITER The halls were decked at the Doubletree Ballroom as the MC choir hosted their annual Madrigal Dinner on Dec. 8.

The night was filled with a three course meal that was introduced by a trumpet fanfare and 11 songs, sung by the choir.

Over 220 people sat down to the meal and were entertained with a script performed by the choir members.

“We buy the scripts from a company that makes them,” senior Forrest Ehbrecht said. “We have auditions for the roles. All the actors have British accents and it’s a very festive night.”

The students auditioned about two weeks before Thanksgiving break and had a little less than a month to prepare for the event.

Ehbrecht played the role of the jester.

“My favorite element of the Madrigal [Dinner] was definitely playing the part of the jester,” he said. “I have had the role for the last two years. I am funny and help make everyone MATT COFFELT | PHOTO EDITOR enjoy the night.”

Brian Stoops (11), David Fan (11), Josh DuBois (11), and Forrest Ehbrecht (12) perform during Choir teacher Marti Martinez finds the humor of the the annual Madrigal Dinner. The choir students prepared for about a month for the festive night. script to be one of the highlights of the dinner.

One of the highlights was the “slap-stick humor” in the script acted out in between the 11 songs.

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“My favorite part of the dinner is watching the audience’s reaction,” she said. “There is a lot of slap-stick humor throughout the evening, and the choir always wonders if the script will be funny; it always is.”

Tickets cost $37.50, which went to paying for the evening.

The rest of the money went towards to the choir booster.

“All the money raised goes to the general choir fund,” Martinez said. “The money we earn at concerts goes toward the choir operating costs and scholarships for students.”

The Madrigal Dinner contained 11 songs that were performed by all three different choirs, including the classical choir. “[The songs] are in some way holiday related,” Ehbrecht said. “My personal favorite was ‘Coventry Carol.’ It is a beautiful arrangement and very moving. I loved singing it.”

The Madrigal Dinner was a night of festive that kept its 220 guests entertained through the art of music and humor.

The three course meal of chicken and the location added to the choir’s amazing performance and songs that helped raised money for later events.

The choir will be featured in the Winter Assembly today and will perform their Valentine’s Day concert on Feb. 13.

Individual debaters exceed expectations; prepare for state through local tourneys

PARESH DAVE WEB EDITOR Propped up by a strong base of novices to complement a handful of varsity debaters, the MC Speech and Debate team has fared well in its first three tournaments.

At San Diego’s largest tournament at La Costa Canyon High on Dec. 5-7, public forum debaters senior Sarah Fan and freshman Laura Slusser reached the octafinals while Congress speakers junior Eddie Brann, sophomore Billy Watson and sophomore Shayon Said advanced to the semifinals.

“This year’s team has

been terrific, beyond my expectations,” head coach Judge Victor Bianchini said.

Though he did not compete at LCC, senior Jonathan Smith had compliments to share after watching his teammates debate on topics such as whether social networking sites benefit society or harm it.

“For a novice debater, Slusser really put herself out there, and the way she and Fan presented themselves was absolutely amazing,” he said.

A few weeks earlier at a novice tournament at Helix Charter High, Brann, Said and freshman Vandana Bhairi, all competing for the first time, finished 14th,, 12th and 7th, respectively, out of 16 finalists in the Congress debates.

In the final round at Helix, Brann said he had a “beautiful” beginning to his speech before coming to a sudden stop and, consequently, losing his spot on his notes.

He started shaking and did not finish as well as he would have liked.

After the LCC debates where he presented his opinions about cell phone driving laws as well as Russian-American nuclear policy, Brann offered similar thoughts.

“I stuttered in spots where I was hoping I wouldn’t,” Brann said. “It wasn’t that great, but I’m definitely setting goals [for the rest of the season] to get a top five finish.”

Time limits, nuanced rules and fear of embarrassment

PARESH DAVE | WEB EDITOR

Billy Watson (10) addresses the judges during the LCC tourney. Watson and two other debaters advanced to the semi-finals and placed in the top 15. are among the things that the young speakers and debaters say have led to “nerve-wracking” moments in their nascent careers.

Nonetheless, according to Bianchini, at Helix’s Congress tournament, the young team finished second to only LCC, which has the largest debate team locally.

The team meets as a club Fridays after school.

“We don’t have a lot of time to do a lot of practice,” Bianchini said. “So the team members get thrown in the water and they have to learn how

to swim on their own.”

Already brimming with confidence, Slusser, Brann and Bhairi shared their joy with how the season has unfolded.

“I started out shaking a lot, but I got over it,” Slusser said.

“It was really exciting [to win a trophy] my first tournament,” Bhairi said. “Voice is power and with a strong voice you can get wins.”

The team plans to continue to building confidence by participating in a couple more tournaments ahead of the February state qualifiers.

News

Mt. Carmel SUN

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December 19, 2008

Dancers express their ‘Explosion of Emotion’ through artistic movement

CSU reduces admission rates due to budget cuts

The music was blaring and the lights were bright, matching the vibrant smiles that were on all of the dancers’ faces.

“Krazy” by Pitbull blasted through the speakers and the girls moved in unison to the beat of the remixed song.

Different from the concerts in the past, this one was held before the winter break.

“The hardest part about putting on this concert was getting all our dances done and looking ready to perform in time,” senior Leiana Swanson said.

“Usually the past years that I have been at Mt. Carmel our dance concerts have always been in January, a week after Christmas break so we had a month extra time to prepare. This year we decided to get it done with before break so that was pretty stressful because there wasn’t as much time as usual.”

Their hard work to make the concert top notch was carried on during the last after hours.

“Because of that we were pressured to finish choreographing, teaching, and cleaning our dances so they would look good,” senior Soraya Ewing said. “On the Sunday before concert week a bunch of us had to scramble to finish our dances so people were at Hilltop from like 9 in the morning to 3:30 that afternoon. It was kind of chaotic.”

Despite the short amount of time to prepare, the girls pulled through and made the concert something to remember. Different from every concert before, this Winter Concert featured all male hip- hop team. This dance was originally performed at the MC vs. WV peprally and football game.

“Explosion of Emotion” was the

A student goes to his mailbox, and sees an envelope made out to him from his dream school. After months of anticipation, he opens it up in hopes of solidifying a spot on his dream campus for the next four years of his life. A pleasant smirk suddenly turns into a tragic frown as he tries to bear the news.

Rejection.

Unfortunately, this will be the case for many students hoping to attend a CSU campus in fall 2009 as the system will be cutting back on admission rates and bumping up tuition costs.

The CSU system is proposing a “system wide impaction,” which will eliminate about 10,000 admission spots to all of its campuses across the state.

Earlier this year, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger proposed cuts on education funding, meaning the CSU system faced a $312.9 million cut for this school year. The looming effects will continue to last much longer.

Senior Arnie Elicerio is one of many MC students who now face the growing burden of having to resort to other options due to CSU’s admission decline.

“It’s terrible because I applied to several CSU schools,” Elicerio said. “Now this means I might have to go to a junior college or do a late application to another school.”

At San Diego State University, undergraduate admissions declined from 9,813 in 2007, to 7,022 just this fall. Those numbers are expected to get even lower in 2009.

KAVERI GYANENDRA FEATURES EDITOR

theme for the Winter Concert and the girls focused on making their songs and dance moves correspond with the emotions that come out while listening to the song.

“To get our dances to match the theme we just named it how we felt when we listened to the song or danced the dance,” Ewing said. “Amy Nelson choreographed a dance to the song “Sitting on the Dock of the Bay” by Justin Nozuka and named it Lonely because it talks about how a guy left everything and has nothing to live for anymore.

The song just makes you feel kind of sad and alone.”

Senior Jenna Smith matched her hip-hop dance to the feeling of craziness while listening to the song.

“To match the theme of the explosion of emotion we listened to a variety of music and matched what emotion that they brought us,” Smith said. “[The] hip hop I choreographed was much more upbeat and had the emotion of craziness. It’s all about how the song and the dance evokes an emotion that is apparent to the audience.”

While portraying a certain expression, the girls all feel different emotions while they are on stage.

“Dancing for me is a way to escape from the stresses created in my life,” Ewing said. “Dance allows me to take on as many different characters or feelings that I want and it lets me release any pent up worries or thoughts or feelings that I have at that moment. Whether I am in the room dancing or on stage performing dance becomes my safe haven.

My dance coach, Laurel Darcey, said that we in a little snow globe and we are untouchable when we dance. Nothing a person says or does to you can affect how you feel when you dance.”

MATT COFFELT | PHOTO EDITOR

Kareshmeh Kabiri (11), Kalina Swanson (9), and Jenna Smith (12) performs choreography during the winter dance concert. The theme of it was “Explosion of Emotion.” It was chosen because of the emotions the dancers feel while they perform.

VINCENT PHAM STAFF WRITER

In addition to declines in admission rates, tuition costs are expected to go up about 10 percent at all 23 CSU campuses.

Undergraduate fees system wide have drastically increased from $1428 annually in 2001 to $2772 today, which does not include room and board, books and supplies, or personal expenses.

Senior Ton Vo Ngo considers tuition costs a very important criterion in selecting colleges and is disappointed about the sharp increase recently.

“It’ll be harder because I’ll be on a tighter budget,” Vo Ngo said.

“My family’s income isn’t that great, my parents are working hard, and now it will be even more difficult for me to afford college.”

Another effect that students will face is that boundary restrictions will limit access for any students who live outside the boundary of the CSU to which they applied.

Vo Ngo thinks the idea of accepting kids within campus boundaries who meet minimum standards before selecting the higher caliber students is unfair and unjust.

“It’s a bad idea,” Vo Ngo said.

“Schools should select from an open field of students and not limit themselves to just their area to begin with.”

Other affects that students can expect from CSU schools next fall is an increase in class size, which will make teacher-to-student assistance even more difficult; not to mention, a decrease in course offerings.

This will make class scheduling more strenuous as students will get “flexed out” of a flexible schedule.

Students participate in annual Class Comp; hope to earn class points toward cruise ADITI PAI STAFF WRITER Anakin, the well known hero, accompanies a senator across the galaxy to protect her from the assassination attempts. As they travel across the universe they uncover a clone army that they then use to defeat the Jedi traitors. Sound familiar? Well, it would for one who watched Class Comp yesterday in the gym.

This scenario is enacted by the sophomore class. Their spin on a longtime favorite movie will be performed alongside the three other classes for a chance to win class points. Justin Nguyen, the organizer of the sophomore Class Comp looks forward to another year.

“I did it last year and had a lot of fun,” Nguyen said. “I decided if I took charge I could do a lot of new things to make it better.”

Among the changes included bigger backdrops, more money for funding props and a laid out schedule on the calendar so they could pace their time and finish their performance unhurried. The class of

’09 and winners of last year’s Class Comp look forward to this year with a little apprehension but all the same optimism as the year before. They are led by senior Geoff Barba.

“I did it last year and it was fun winning,” Barba said. “It was a great accomplishment. We are looking great.

Last year there were 50 people who competed with us. This year there are 30. Overall show wise we are looking good.”

Instead of choreographing with a group of friends like the sophomores, Barba created a panel of friends who do different choreographies for different parts of the performance.

Through a compromise, the seniors decided to do a combination between “Breakfast Club” and “High School Musical”. While the story line originates from “Breakfast Club”, the songs come from the latter.

As Class Comp is a big points factor for the winning class, dancers ask students to come out and support their class as they dance to win.

“This year has been a lot of fun,” Nguyen said. “We hope people will come out and support us.”

ANA ALVAREZ | PHOTOGRAPHER

Jay Caparino (12), Caitlin Jae Valencia (12), and Steven Moreno (12) practice their routine in preparation for Class Comp. The seniors based their performance on the movies “The Breakfast Club” and “High School Musical.” All four classes performed during lunch Thursday.

Holiday spirit showcased through winter assembly

JORDAN UGALDE STAFF WRITER Today was the winter assembly, where the band, the Wind Ensemble, and the Classical Ensemble (top choir) performed, in addition to some lucky teacher kissing a pig.

Aside from the pig kissing and the decorations, the performing arts put together this assembly all on their own. But while one might expect that a lot of extra work was required to make this happen, according to choir director Marti Martinez, the songs performed have already been performed multiple times.

“This is music we’ve been preparing for all of the festivals,” Martinez said. “They’re highly trained, highly prepared musicians.”

As for the band, they are prepared and glad to play at the winter assembly according to sophomore

Garrett Slack who plays the French Horn for the band.

“We play a lot of the classics and it’s fun to see everyone in the audience enjoying it,” Slack said.

Slack’s calm demeanor seems to be justified, since according to Torns, the band has been working on more complex songs than the ones presented at the winter assembly for a winter tournament.

He says this assembly is somewhat of a break for them and is mostly a way of showcasing the talents of some of the performing arts.

“A lot of students don’t get to hear just how good our choir and band are,” Torns says.

If two past Grammy’s and this year’s goal for a third are any indication, the band, Wind Ensemble and choir are quite talented.

This morning was an opportunity to see this talent in action.

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Mt. Carmel SUN

Mt. Carmel SUN

December 19, 2008

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Veggie Tales Going Vegetarian:

Perspectives on veggie lifestyle Con Pro “Don’t get me wrong, I love animals, I just love to eat them more. Fun to pet, better to chew.”

This quote from comedian Jim Gaffigan makes a valid if somewhat blunt case of why not to be a vegetarian.

Gaffigan is saying that animals can be interesting and fun to play with, but in the end, their deliciousness can be overpowering.

However, there are more logical reasons to eat meat than simply because it tastes good.

For example, meat products are often more accessible than vegetarian meals.

PUSD’s lunch menu is a great example of this. Entrees with meat in them outnumber those without two to one.

And if one is looking for something with protein for sports, then there are even fewer choices in PUSD, since only one or two of the entrees have significant amounts of protein.

Of course, committed vegetarians could always bring their lunches from home if they want some variety and many do.

One of the reasons that a vegetarian would be willing to make this effort could be that they don’t want to consume an animal that lived a miserable life in tightly-enclosed areas only to be eaten.

Admittedly, animals are often subject to horrendous living conditions, but in California, with the passing of Prop 2, animals will now at least given room to be comfortable.

But as bad as it may sound, there are downsides to giving these animals this freedom.

Since animals now will be required to have more personal space, the number of livestock per farmer will decline and as a result, fewer people can be employed per farm and people will lose jobs.

Also, the cost of the production of these livestock will increase because of these improved living conditions which could make farmers move to other states where they can keep their expenses low.

The result of this would be a significant drop in tax revenue for our already struggling state.

It’s understandable that people care about animals since we too are animals, but there are valid reasons to still eat meat, whether it be to support our economy, accessibility reasons, or simply a desire to eat meat.

I made the choice to be a vegetarian in the first grade. Out of the blue, I made a pivotal choice on a subject that most first graders probably don’t even think about.

Based on my decade as a vegetarian, I think of myself as an authority on the pros and cons of the lifestyle.

Usually, the first reaction when I tell someone is immediately: “How can you live without meat?”

Then, once the shock wears off, the inquisition starts: “Are you secretly Indian?”

“Is your whole family vegetarian?” “What are you trying to prove?”

It’s uncanny how the simple choice to be a vegetarian can launch seemingly normal people into vegetable-hating tirades.

It’s as if some people believe that my own personal lifestyle choice somehow gives them license to lecture me about why I am horribly wrong.

People seem to think that the vegetarians of the world unite and secretly plot to convert everyone to our lifestyle.

This couldn’t be further from the truth.

Any vegetarian who doesn’t accept those with different lifestyles is truly a hypocrite.

Living without meat honestly isn’t hard.

Sure, there’s times when it’s rainy outside and chicken noodle soup starts to smell mighty good.

Being a vegetarian is no longer a sad life confined to a strict diet of tofu and vegetables.

Although, vegetables are an integral part of any vegetarian diet. Veggies don’t deserve the bad rap they get from the media.

Cooked the right way, they can be delicious. Don’t believe me? I have two words for you: garlic broccoli.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m not implying being a vegetarian is all a piece of cake (Maybe a piece of tofu is more appropriate?).

I’ve certainly heard the stereotypes enough: commie, hippie, and some that I’d rather not repeat.

In case you’re wondering, I don’t wear Birkenstocks, tie-dye everything in sight, or listen to Grateful Dead, honest.

I would hope that someday our society can move past these stereotypes.

So go ahead and eat all the meat you want. All I ask is to afford the same respect to those who are vegetarians. After all, it’s just more meat for you, right?

>> Jordan Ugalde

>> Kylie Baranowski

Fast food options IN-N-OUT BURGER -Grilled Cheese -Veggie Burger PANERA BREAD -Tomato Soup -Garden Vegetable Soup RUBIO’S -Grilled Veggie Burrito -Bean and Cheese Burrito -Quesadilla SUBWAY -Veggie Delite Sandwich

WENDY’S -Baked Potato -Deluxe Garden Salad PAT & OSCARS -Greek Salad -Margherita Pizza CHIPOTLE -Vegetarian Fajita Burrito (Ask for black beans; pinto are flavored with pork) BURGER KING -BK Veggie Burger

Staff writer endures week without meat December 4, Thursday The first day was an interesting one. I had the tea eggs I ate for breakfast prepared the night before, so I would have protein in the morning. At lunch, I was surprised to see how little vegetarian food there was on the menu that wasn’t just pastry. The school really isn’t accommodating vegetarian and vegan students very well. Dinner was hearty.

Overall, today I feel satisfied. I’m off to a good start.

December 5, Friday Breakfast was okay today. Lunch, yet again, had very limited options. What ever happened to those veggie burgers they were selling last year? Dinner was pretty much the same as the day before. My mom has been really supportive, but my dad taunted me with meat at dinnertime. He’s so immature.

“Nutritional” soymilk is really gross, but it’s supposed to give me the protein I’m missing.

I haven’t really craved meat at all, though.

December 6, Saturday

ALL PHOTOS BY ALLISON ROGERS | PHOTOGRAPHER

Staff Writer Dennis Sun (10) weighs his vegetarian options in the produce section of Vons.

MC Vegetarians enjoy the benefits of health A greater knowledge of the smoke-filled, sweat-drenched slaughterhouses that are the focus of countless PETA documentaries, and a more tuned fixation with healthy intake is pushing more people, especially young, high school age people, to consider dropping meat from their diets.

“Vegetarianism was something I felt morally compelled to do,” senior Meagan Crumpley, who has been a vegetarian since freshman year, said. “When I really sat down and thought about consuming meat, I knew I couldn’t do it anymore.”

The vegetarian foods market in the US has been increasing at a rate of 111.3% per year since 1998, according to Mintel International’s Vegetarian Foods report. It topped $1.3 billion in 2003.

There is a greater consumer demand for healthier alternatives and an increasingly diverse shelf of vegetarian options.

Whereas ten years ago it would’ve been hard to find a decent veggie burger at your local Albertsons, today you can get processed tofu in five different flavors.

General attitudes towards herbivores are also evolving with the times.

There are still those who

judge, and vegetarians will Kevin Cartwright, who has been always have a hard time to some a vegetarian for one year now, degree. said.

“I work at Chilis, and the TheMeatrix.com showcases people that I work with give me a an outline of the negatives of lot of trouble for being vegetarian,” a diet dependent on meat in a Crumpley said. series of award-winning animated And yet, people in general are shorts. becoming more informed. Peers Among those negatives are are becoming more open-minded personal health and ecological and tolerant. The question is devastation. no longer “Why would you be According to John Robbins’ vegetarian?” but rather “how do The Food Revolution, vegetarians you do it?” and vegans live, Students on average, six to are often ten years longer “When I really sat down and than meat-eaters. unsure as to whether they thought about consuming They are also at would be able meat, I knew I couldn’t do it less of a risk of to maintain anymore.” heart disease, a healthy diabetes, and -Meagan Crumpley diet as a obesity, although vegetarian. it may be difficult “I take a lot of supplements to maintain a diet with all the to make sure I’m getting my necessary protein and nutrients. vitamins,” Crumpley said. “I try to Environmental activists, in eat a lot of protein and iron rich addition to the traditional animal foods. Meat isn’t the only food rights advocates, are pursuing with protein contrary to popular vegetarianism to further their belief.” cause.

Needless to say, personal According to a 2006 United morals against animal cruelty Nations report, the meat industry remain the number one reason is responsible for greenhouse people become vegetarian. gases equivalent to that of all the “I wanted to become planes, ships, and SUVs in the vegetarian after being exposed world combined. to what really happens in those In fact, the head of the slaughterhouses and what the Intergovernmental Panel on animals go through,” senior Climate Change (IPCC) has been

urging meat-eaters to lay off the bacon and double cheeseburgers once a week in order to stagger the devastating carbon footprint their manufacture leaves on the planet.

“Give up meat for one day [per week] at least initially, and decrease it from there,” he told Britain’s Observer in Sept. “In terms of immediacy of action and the feasibility of bringing about reductions in a short period of time, it clearly is the most attractive opportunity.”

That is also the course that animal rights organizations like the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) suggest to prospective vegetarians as opposed to a cold-turkey approach.

Starting as an occasional vegetarian would allow you to ease gradually into what can be an extremely drastic life style change.

“It can be hard to begin, but it becomes an everyday thing that is almost no different than anyone else,” Cartwright said. “There are tons of vegetarian substitutes out there, you just have to go and get them.”

>> Melanie Dickinson

Mushrooms and tofu look like they are going to be a large part of my diet, to my satisfaction. Grocery shopping today yielded many vegetarian food options, like prepackaged soup, fruits and veggies, and more kinds of bread. I’m still feeling good, but hunger is slowly starting to set in. I feel like I’m not eating until I’m satiated, like I normally would, which is probably a good thing.

December 7, Sunday Well, I’ve already started eating a lot of the things I bought yesterday, all of which are very satisfying. At lunchtime, we had guests at our house, and I felt a bit left out, eating pancakes on my own, while everyone else ate shrimp dumplings. But I still don’t crave meat, which is good. I hope my willpower will hold.

I’ve already lost three pounds, surprisingly.

December 8, Monday Due to a lack of options on the school menu, today I decided to bring lunch in a Thermos. It was pretty good, and still warm.

I’m not very hungry, but I haven’t been able to eat until when I’m full with this vegetarian diet. That might explain why I’ve already lost four- pounds.

December 9, Tuesday My week is very close to being over, but I guess I really wouldn’t mind staying vegetarian if I absolutely had to. I’ve started to look at meat a bit different. I guess I really ate too much meat before, so maybe that’s a bad thing. I don’t intend to have a splurge of meat the day I get off of the diet.

December 10, Wednesday Today was the last day, and I had to eat at school for lunch yet again because my sister decided to steal the Thermos. I guess it’s kind of a resolution, starting off eating school lunch and ending eating school lunch. Still, not many options. Ending is bittersweet; this has been a very interesting experience. I like to try new things. But, I don’t think I would do this again unless I had to.

Final Thoughts Being a vegetarian was, invariably, a very interesting experience. I was able to experience new kinds of food, and I learned that meat is something that should be eaten in moderation, not excess.

Lack of meat, as well, is not really very healthy; I lost five pounds in this process.

But, truly, being a vegetarian is somewhat of a challenging thing.

I respect the vegetarian view, their persistence, but I can’t say that, even after this intriguing experience, I could be one, myself. >> Dennis Sun

Opinions

A6

Mt. Carmel SUN

December 19, 2008

Glued to a screen

Paresh Dave

Bitten by bugs, new appreciation discovered When Yogurt World started carrying Eggnog-flavored frozen yogurt, the weather became to cold to enjoy without three layers of clothing, and families on my street started decorating their houses with lights, I knew the final stretch of the year had arrived.

It’s during this period, that we tend to cuddle up into our beds under extra layers of blankets with the heater blazing or fireplace burning.

When camping in the mountains, snowboarding on the slopes or hiking up a hill, we tend to take a moment to absorb the sights and surroundings of the different world around us.

But back at home, rarely do I find myself appreciating the house, let alone the room, I live in.

Recently, three of the four bedrooms in my house, including mine, have been terrorized by bedbugs.

Nocturnal blood-sucking bed begs.

As a result, I have had to abandon the only bed in my house that I have ever known since moving out of my parents’ bed as a child.

I mean, I could I have stayed. But that would have meant dealing with itchy bite after bite.

During a period of three nights, I suffered 17 bites. The choice to relocate was easy.

Since being displaced from my room, I have had to try and make my living room couch a comfortable sleeping quarters.

The experiment that I had no desire in conducting has not gone extremely well thus far.

My second-story bedroom is always the warmest area of the house.

My first-story living room with a high, vaunted ceiling is usually the coldest area. My bed is not big, but my couch is even smaller.

My bed offered me the opportunity to watch television and read at the same time.

The way the light illuminates my living room combined with the room’s lack of a television makes it hard to do either.

I really had no idea how difficult it was to leave something that I had grown so accustomed to for an extended period of time.

My bed was the ultimate resting spot. I could click away on my computer, and if my eyes started wavering, I could take a quick nap.

Now, by the time I walk down the stairs, the sleepy feeling has evaded me.

After my parents purchase a new bed for my room and it’s placed in the perfect spot in my perfect room, I won’t think twice about appreciating what I should have started to cherish long ago.

Change is good only as along as you are comfortable in the new experience.

I used my bed daily, but I never really sucked in a moment to appreciate its delicate pliancy.

Having the bed pinched out of my life has given me an opportunity to reflect on the years I have spent in my room.

During this holiday, we usually reflect on our past year’s highs and lows.

At this moment, I’m considering the past few weeks that I have gone to sleep frozen, woke up with runny noses and been unable to nap as one of the sad times of the year.

This moment itself will be one of the happier moments of my winter because I am realizing I need to start appreciating what I have grown used to for the past 17 winters.

Staff Editorial

Holidays lose meaning; joy found in selflessness Keeping with tradition, the holiday season How much time and energy is spent stressing kicked off with a bang thanks to Black Friday over what too give and if things will be Think outsales. side the gift box. Give these gifts instead: Thousands of Americans hit the malls early To your enemy, forgiveness.

November 28 eager to take advantage of astoundTo an opponent, tolerance. ing markdowns.

To a friend, your heart.

In the rush to hit the aisles first, shoppers at a To a customer, service.

Palm Springs Wal-Mart trampled a man to death.

To all, charity.

Talk about holiday spirit.

To every child, a good example.

Sadly, stories like To yourself, rethis are not unheard of, spect. and as society grows Even Charlie even more materialisIt is a time to put aside our selfish pride Brown pondered why, tic, the reason to the in a time of presents, and concerns so that we may better put season is becoming candy and decorations, forth the needs of others. Love, joy, peace, his mood always fell less significant.

As Bill Water- faith, gratitude. That’s the meaning of the short of happiness. son observed, “How His worries were holidays.” touching it is to have finally calmed with this the meaning of Christidea. mas brought to us by When angels hercola, fast food, and alded in the birth of beer. Who would had Christ, they proclaimed have ever guessed that product consumption, pop- a message universal to all. “...On Earth peace, Good ular entertainment, and spirituality would mix so will toward men.” harmoniously?”

That’s the real meaning of the holidays. It is a No matter your religious beliefs, the holidays time to put aside our selfish pride and concerns so are a time to recognize deeper things than iPods or that we may better put forth the needs of others. jewelry. The gifts we give are manifestations of love Love, joy, peace, faith, gratitude. That’s the and friendship for those around us. meaning of the holidays.

“

Alyssa Surmillon | Artist

Terrorist attacks challenge victims to turn other cheek, retaliate peacefully

Virginity’s value reduced to ordinary; real love achieved with communication

Kylie Baranowski Centerspread Editor

sara shantz staff writer

They’re calling it India’s 9/11. They’re calling it one of the worst terrorist attacks ever to hit India. They’re calling it mass murder.

On November 26, 2008, a series of coordinated terrorist attacks were executed throughout the city of Mumbai, India. Mumbai is to India something close to what New York is to America.

The attacks were truly appalling the deepest sense of the word. Any loss of human life is a most unfortunate twist of fate.

These attacks have the potential to divide India even further between Muslims and Hindus. There is widespread fear that this attack could even provoke India to retaliate against Pakistan.

However, Americans should refrain from making sweeping generalizations regarding people of a certain nationality or religion.

Certainly not all of Pakistan condoned these horrible attacks. In fact, Pakistani leaders were quick to condemn the attacks wholeheartedly. An extremely miniscule minority of Islamic extremists concentrated in Pakistan planned and carried out these attacks.

It is an injustice to brand an entire religion as terrorist just because of a small minority.

If the same standard were applied to any religious fundamentalists, they would be equal-

ly deserving of being labeled as terrorists.

Americans and people throughout the world should be mindful of the conclusions they draw about any group of people based on stereotypes. We should never forget the mistakes made shortly after 9/11, when many people received suspicious looks and unfair treatment based on their race.

The past can teach us lessons that otherwise must be learned the hard way, with real repercussions and consequences.

Americans truly rallied together with patriotism after 9/11 to try to heal a country in mourning. We did, however, make many regrettable mistakes in our handling of the crisis.

Attacking a largely unrelated country and branding an entire religion as extremist led our country into an unpopular and destructive war.

India can learn from both our triumphs and mistakes in their handling of the tragic attacks on Mumbai.

It is all too easy to blindly retaliate with brute force when attacked. It takes a far bigger person to turn the other cheek and retaliate peacefully.

Thus far, the Indian people have taken a page out of the book of their great leader Gandhi and stuck to peaceful means of condemning the terrible attacks on their homeland.

Virginity just isn’t valued anymore. According to LifeSiteNews.com, a 2006 study showed that 40% of teens in the US lose their virginity by age 14.

That’s an atrocity. Not only are 14 yearolds not mature enough for sex but they don’t know the facts about it either. Sex education isn’t even taught in depth until most teens’ freshman year of high school. No wonder 750,000 to 850,000 teen girls experience pregnancy in a year, according to advocatesforyouth.org.

The times of waiting until marriage for sex are long gone. Now kids are losing their virginity just because they are sick of being virgins, and they feel like they’re missing out on something. Virginity is being treated more like a burden than a blessing.

Instead of waiting for the right person to give their precious flower to, more and more teens are just giving it away when the first opportunity presents itself.

Often girls feel pressured by their boyfriends to “take their relationships to the next level.” Their boyfriends will say something like, “If you really love me then you’ll sleep with me,” and, in fear of losing their boyfriends, the girls give in.

Usually girls in that situation end up los-

ing him anyway because once he has what he wants, there’s no reason for him to stick around.

One should lose their virginity with someone they love and feel 100% comfortable with. They shouldn’t have any doubts about it and afterwards should feel no regret.

Sex is supposed to be something special between two people who love each other unconditionally, but relationships shouldn’t revolve solely around sex. Relationships should revolve around communication and trust.

Sex is becoming meaningless. “Making love” has transformed into casual sex, and hook-ups are replacing long lasting relationships.

It’s not uncommon for couples in high school to say “I love you” after dating for just a few weeks. Soon after that they begin the sexual part of their relationship.

A couple should be dating a lot longer than a few measly weeks before they say “I love you” and start becoming intimate. It’s a big commitment, and both parties involved need to be ready.

That doesn’t necessarily mean that one should wait until marriage to have sex, it just means that sex isn’t something to be taken lightly. Teens these days need to slow down and stop trying to grow up too fast.

They need to start respecting themselves and learn to value their virginity.

Unused staff parking spaces produce problems for students arriving late Megan Ashworth Business Manager

Alyssa Surmillon | Artist

The other day I had a doctor’s appointment. Unfortunately, it was during a school day. I had to leave, go to the doctor, and return to MC. When I did return, I went about my business trying to find a place to park.

Wow that row was completely full of cars!

That next row was too! I began to think this unrealistic thought that every student must have been excited to go to school today. Another full row; I can’t believe all of the spots in that row were full!

After I had done a complete loop of the parking lot, going up and down every row, I was shocked and sat in the middle of a row stalled (me that is, not my car).

Where was I to park? Sophomore Hill?

I guess so, that’s the closest

The MC SUN welcomes any letters to the editor. If you wish to send us your opinion, we will gladly print your letter in the next issue. The letters must be signed. We reserve the right to edit the letter for any reason, including, but not limited to, clarity and length.

Please try to keep the letters fewer than 250 words and submit them to Mr. Mercurio in room N9 or email them to businessmcsun@yahoo.com. Also, MCSUN.org encourages comments on all articles. All online comments are respected, and select comments may be reprinted in the SUN.

other location to MC where there is student parking available.

Although, I did notice there were some spots available in the parking lot that day.

Many spots in fact.

However, I was not allowed to park in them.

They are “teacher” parking spots.

I find this frustrating because I was late returning from my doctor’s appointment, and did not want to be later because of a long walk from off campus parking.

I do not suggest integrating the teachers and students parking areas, but maybe adding a few more student spots.

Nearly every day after school when I walk out to my car I see empty spots in the teacher section.

This is because several teachers park behind the school in a small lot designated for them and closer to their classrooms. Also, other teach-

ers ride motorcycles and smaller vehicles that they fit in other general parking areas.

These teachers who choose to park in other areas to avoid parking lot traffic kindly leave spots available for others. Sadly, students do not get to enjoy those spots, they just go unused.

I would like to recommend converting the last four teacher parking stalls in every row to student parking spots.

The last few teacher-parking stalls are usually always empty and could be put to good use.

This would not impact the teachers, because they will still have plenty of spots to choose from, and they arrive at MC early anyways, when most students are just beginning to pull on their shoes.

MC students who park in the lot would certainly be thankful and appreciative of new student parking spots.

Opinions

Mt. Carmel SUN

A7

December 19, 2008

street smarts CORDELL HUNTER STAFF WRITER Imagine you and your friends were having such a great time hanging out that you lost track of time.

It’s now pitch black outside, and you have to walk all the way home in the dark. You say “see you later” to all your friends and start walking down the road toward your house.

Y o u hear a shout and turn to find a group of big, angry gangsters following you.

Beginning to panic, you realize that you’ve spent too much time working on that 4.6 GPA to prepare yourself for a situation like this.

Street smarts, or the ability to stay safe in an urban environment, are more important than book smarts because they are the skills necessary for survival.

Spending too much time absorbed in schoolwork results in good grades, but could also result in being “street dumb.”

In other words, those who cry when they get a B on a test and then walk around by themselves at night might as well be wearing a big, flashy sign around their neck reading “beat me up.”

A person who is “street dumb” basically has no common sense. He thinks that nothing could ever happen to him and consequently, finds himself in tight situations that he can’t get out of.

Someone who is street smart, on the other hand, has enough common

sense not to cuss out buff guys twice his size.

When a person with street smarts does happen to find himself in a tight situation, he is able to “read” his assailants and know exactly what to say to make them leave.

Along with common sense, street smarts are also leadership skills and selfconfidence, as well as the abilities to work hard, think clearly under pressure, communicate effectively and get along well with others.

These are the skills necessary to both survive and achieve in life.

Unlike book smarts, street smarts are gained through real life experiences that are hard to comprehend just from reading about them.

You may believe breaking your arm hurts really badly because people have told you about it, but you will not truly know how painful it is until you have experienced it firsthand.

Some people confuse streetsmart kids with gangbangers and think that street smarts are the abilities to steal, cheat and murder without being caught.

Contrary to that belief, street smarts are not the abilities to commit crimes, but the common sense to avoid becoming a victim of a crime.

Although both street smarts and book smarts are necessary to succeed, street smarts are imperative for survival in an urban environment.

Book Smarts

vs.

SHAYON SAID STAFF WRITER

Do you think street smarts or book smarts are more valuable?

The true question when approaching success is how to get there. Which would get you farther: studying hard in school or learning the tricks of the street?

In reality, academic intelligence is much more reliable when faced with problems in life.

A human with street smarts may know how to get around a problem, but an academically confident person is able to hit it face on and get through.

W h y ?

Because in true intelligence, the best way to get past an obstacle is completing the obstacle, and street smarts will never demonstrate the logic to notice that.

You won’t ever see someone use their street smarts to get a 2200 on the SAT’s.

That comes straight from knowledge gained through academics.

In truth, the only way one will ever be able to excel, is to first academically excel because the more skill you have, the less luck you will need.

The stories of people with an actual sense of book smarts have also proved to be much more successful.

Roberto Goizueta graduated with high honors from Yale University with a degree in chemical engineering.

From there he went to work for Coca-Cola and because of him, their market cap grew to $146 million.

54%

STREET SMARTS

23%

23%

BOOK SMARTS

UNSURE

*243 students polled

Basically, he’s the reason many people drink Coke.

Even Donald Trump divided contestants on his show “The Apprentice” into those with academic degrees, and those without. An academically intelligent contestant ended up winning.

One with street smarts will have the ability to “talk” with people; however, book smarts also create the ability to communicate to one through logic and reason that are often not learned through the “street.”

It’s very useful to have the knowledge of knowing how to communicate because, and street smarts are the only way to attain that knowledge.

It’s similar to the creation of a corporation.

The book smarts are the foundation and the street smarts are the building; whereas the building isn’t necessary for the company to survive but it would fall apart without the foundation.

Street smarts are just the basic ability to survive; therefore, they won’t contribute to success because their limit is the knowledge of how to get by, not to excel.

In the end, book smarts apply to all things learned which therefore allow them to apply to all principles and aspects of life.

In truth, it’s safe to say that book smarts are the true reason for success.

They’re the same reasons smart people are picked on, and they’re the same reasons that we end up working for those intellectuals.

ALL CARTOONS BY ALYSSA SURMILLON | ARTIST

Sundevil Perspective

Do you think street smarts or book smarts are more valuable?

DANIEL THAN | PHOTOGRAPHER

Freshman

Sophomore

Matt Leiva

“Street smarts, because you need to know how to get around. ”

Junior

Senior

Teacher

Kimberly Scroop

Erin Buchner

Sam Bratt

Profe Cashion

“Book smarts, because you can get more with that.”

“Street smarts, because you need to be able to know your common sense.”

“I’d say street smarts because you have a better spectrum of opportunity with them. ”

“In life, street smarts, basic common sense, will keep you alive, but book smarts will give you a better life.”

MT. CARMEL SUN Mt. Carmel High School 9550 Carmel Mtn. Rd. San Diego CA 92129 (858)484-1180 ext. 3211 rmercurio@powayusd.com http://www.mcsun.org Our mission is to provide the MC community with an informative, accurate and respectful student-run publication. The SUN seeks to stimulate the discussion of issues in order to promote a more aware student body.

Whether informing, voicing opinion, or entertaining, the SUN strives for standards of balance and good taste.

Melissa Roadman Editor-in-Chief Rick Mercurio Advisor Catherine Jaravata Assistant Advisor Craig Racicot Photo Advisor The Mt. Carmel SUN is the official newspaper of Mt. Carmel High School, published by its Journalism 2 students. The views expressed in the SUN do not necessarily represent the opinions of the Mt. Carmel High School administration or PUSD Board of Education. Unsigned editorials reflect the beliefs of the SUN editorial board. The SUN is a student open forum, and all final content decisions are made by its student editors. Letters to the Editor are welcome and should be signed. For advertising rates and information please call, email, or write the SUN at the address above.

Editors Katelyn Cutts News Kylie Baranowski Center Rachel Martin Opinions Mackenzie Lance Sports Kevin Lage Entertainment Kaveri Gyanendra Features Paresh Dave Web Cathy McDermott Copy Matt Coffelt Photo Staff Writers Nicole Bustamante Erica Byerley Sarah Carrigan Melanie Dickinson Lauren Hall Cordell Hunter Angela Kim Karen Michel Aditi Pai Vincent Pham Shayon Said Sara Shantz Dennis Sun Jordan Ugalde Sean Williams Staff Photographers Ana Alvarez Allison Rogers Daniel Than Kyle Covey Artists Christian Jun Alyssa Surmillon Business Manager Megan Ashworth

We’re almost at the half point of the school year. I can almost see graduation on the horizon.

Kiss the pig was today. I’m so glad no one paid to have me kiss one.

This is Bush’s last full month in office. Best Christmas present ever.

-Sean Williams

-Katelyn Cutts

-Jordan Ugalde

Finals are coming up. That means less homework and more time for cramming.

We’re approaching another new year. I wonder how long it will take me to forget all my resolutions.

Thumbs The top ten hits on SparkNotes are currently being read at MC. Way to support the growth of modern study habits.

- Sarah Carrigan

-Lauren Hall

-Vincent Pham

Opinions

A8

Mt. Carmel SUN

December 19, 2008

Courts should not allow minors to be charged as adults for crimes

Sixteen better age for voting; many teens care about country’s decisions

ave ht h r g i m athe t. It adul hot his f n a s s oy a and RLE Y nd E old b ed a .22 .

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Just adul

Age restrictions in movies beneficial in multiple ways, created for our well-being SHAYON SAID STAFF WRITER It seems that a lot of the fun stuff in life is restricted. Movies are no exception. Teens have always desired to see movies like “Wanted,” “Superbad,” and “Pineapple Express,” but just one thing stands in the way, age.

It’s hard to count the amount of times students complain about a good movie being restricted because of its contents. In truth, however, we really complain way too much about it.

Age restrictions in movies are beneficial in multiple ways, and we’re actually lucky that it’s only at 17.

First things first. Movie theater age restrictions were created for the well-being of humans because of the evidence that shows the effect that R-rated movies has on under-age patrons.

In a study done by Dr. James Sargent, a pediatrics professor at Dartmouth Medical School, he surveyed 2,596 teens who never smoked. After two years he contacted them again and found that 14.3% of the students who consistently watched R-rated movies had begun smoking.

Even 7% of the students who only occasionally watched R-rated movies also started smoking.

Using a statistical analysis, the researchers said those teens that deliberately saw R-rated movies were nearly three times as likely to start smoking as those who followed the movie-rating law.

In another study done by HealthScout News, it was found that 46% of students allowed to watch

what they want had tried alcohol, compared to 16% of those with partial restrictions, and 4% of students with complete restrictions.

Through this evidence, its been proven that age restrictions benefit teens. If all they do is help, then we have no right to lower them.

The only way we could actually change the current age law is by making the restriction 18 because even at the age of 17 teens are still subject to influence.

It doesn’t matter what kind of influence it has, the simple fact that it has an influence that makes it R-rated is the reason that it shouldn’t be seen by minors.

Of course, being the teenagers we are, we think we’re mature enough to deal with a bad influence. Sadly, if that was true then there would be absolutely no reason for any age restrictions on anything.

However, since it has been scientifically proven that maturity won’t change the fact that humans are influenced, age restrictions on movies are mandatory.

All in all, it would be asking for way too much if we’re asking to lower the age restriction on movies because all they ever do is protect a teen’s well-being.

CORDELL HUNTER STAFF WRITER Election day. For many 18 year olds, this is when they finally get to influence their country’s future. For those under 18, it’s just another boring day in their life.

In 1971, when the voting age was lowered to 18, politics didn’t concern those under the legal age. But times have changed.

Many people against lowering the voting age further have made the assumption that politics still don’t interest teens under 18. But with more and more political ads being aired on shows teens watch, it is hard not to get swept up in the political debate.

Schools have also taken an active role in politics, with teachers asking for students’ opinions on the issues and some even holding mock elections. For many teens, this increases the anticipation and makes them wish they could vote for real.

Others wishing the voting age to remain where it is have said that those under 18 are less mature than 18 year olds. Although many teenagers are immature, there are still those who truly care about their country and would like a chance to influence its politics.

It seems wrong to keep the 16 year olds who are concerned about our country from voting just because some teens don’t care at all.

As for the worry that ignorant teens will screw up elections, it’s more than likely that those who don’t care just won’t vote.

Since 16 year olds can legally work, those who do will begin paying income tax. It’s ironic how the country that rebelled because they were being taxed without representation decided to do the same to members of its own population.

In the words of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., “A law is unjust when those who are affected by it don’t get to vote on its passage.”

Drinking age should be lowered to 18; problems like binge drinking would decline JORDAN UGALDE STAFF WRITER Since the 1930s, the alcohol drinking age limit has been set at the age of 21 in California. However, just because that’s the way it’s been for over 70 years, doesn’t mean that’s the way it should be. The placement of the drinking age above the ages required for driving, smoking, and voting implies that drinking alcohol

ALL ART BY DENNIS SUN | STAFF WRITER

requires more maturity than other important privileges.

It is unreasonable that one can be allowed to take part in forming the government while at the same time be prohibited from consuming alcohol, which will not necessarily affect other people.

Admittedly, over 5,000 people under 21 die as a result of underage drinking according to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism.

However, when compared to the over 400,000 deaths of all ages caused annually by tobacco, which is permitted before alcohol, the mortality rate of alcohol is miniscule.

Among teenagers specifically, though, motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death according to the Department of Health and Human Services. Since alcohol consumption has neither the social impact of voting, nor the death rate of smoking, and isn’t the leading cause of teenager mortality, there is no logical reason why drinking alcohol should be forbidden until after gaining these other privileges.

By making alcohol seem so important, it has become a forbidden fruit in

our society.

The excess of desire for alcohol is created by simple reverse psychology, and if drinking alcohol wasn’t considered taboo, minors wouldn’t feel the desire to break the taboo.

Of course alcohol would still be drunk, but if it was introduced in small amounts and without its current importance, then the probability of alcohol related problems such as binge drinking would most likely decline drastically. But some limit must be put on alcohol consumption so that children don’t start becoming drunkards.

If the drinking age were lowered to 18, then it would be a significant enough amount of time after being allowed to drive so as not to mix the two.

Also, it would come with the ability to vote and the ability to smoke, so the importance of maturing to that age would be spread among three privileges.

T herefore,18 years is a logical choice for the minimum alcohol drinking age.