SDA Mustang May 2016

5.6.16

Volume 20 Issue VI

T H E

M U S TA N G

INDEX

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FROM THE CONTROL BOOTH A message from your editor in chief.

With only five weeks left of school, summer is on the horizon. With such little time, it feels like things should be winding down. However, school is still in full swing. AP tests are halfway through (Three down, two to go!) and finals are coming up right around the corner. There are plenty of fun events left, too—Exhibition Day is in late may, as well as prom at the House of Blues. (Check out “Say Yes to the Prom Dress” on page 20 for a preview.)

The campus continues to change, and students will begin to see some major headway on the mud pit formerly known as senior court. (construction photo on page 3) It may look messy now, but it’s starting to shape up, and soon we’re going to see the first new building. Well, the underclassmen will. The seniors and I will have graduated by then, which is too hard to wrap my brain around.

Along with construction, much more art is popping up around campus. The plywood walls surrounding the construction site become more and more elaborate every day, and several students are constructing permanent murals too. Go to page 15 to see what they’re making. Cartooning is also on the rise, with Jeremy Wright’s zany annual 24-hour comic event. The 24 hour comic cartoon on page 8 gives you an inside scoop.

Art is the most visible symbol of SDA’s creative spirit and the talented students who call it home.

However, students also participate in many other phenomenal activities. From sports (“Boarding In and Out of the Water” on page 22) to writing (“Thirty-one Days of Writing” on page 17) to music (“Almost Famous” on page 18), SDA students are following their passions, promoting this school’s dynamic, engaging environment.

I’m so proud to go to a school that has such a strong reputation for excellence, and I hope that we are doing our part to contribute. The Mustang works hard to be informative, funny, and creative, and we try to convey the spirit of SDA in every issue. See if we did in this one.

-Carina Julig

SOPHIE HENRY Cover Artist

Sophie Henry, senior, has enjoyed art her entire life, but only began painting freshman year. Her work comes from personal parts of her own life, and this piece is no exception.

“I like this painting because of all the good memories that go with it... We just came spontaneously after school looking for a little adventure and escape from the usual monotonous life stuff. I remember standing close to the edge of the cliff feeling really free…”

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ROLL CALL The Mustang Staff EDITOR IN CHIEF/OPINION EDITOR Carina Julig NEWS EDITOR Julia Shapero

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FEATURES EDITOR Mary Ford DESIGN EDITOR Maxine Richter ARTS EDITOR Mona Karimi SPORTS EDITOR Cydney Melton

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ONLINE EDITOR Kate Sequeira PHOTO EDITOR Allie Manis ASSISTANT PHOTO EDITOR Patrick Hall GRAPHIC ARTIST Sophia Hurley BUSINESS MANAGER Hana Chen

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PATRICIA RIVERO Backpage Photographer Patricia Rivero, senior, has “liked being behind the camera ever since [she] was really little.” However, she discovered her passion for film freshman year when she first worked in the darkroom.

Rivero prefers to shoot with film, because “[she loves] all the aspects that can allow you to express yourself creatively.”

When people view her photos, Rivero wants them “to be reminded of not only the beauty of nature but of all aspects of the world through [her] perspective.”

STAFF WRITERS Jacob Aere Rosy Alvarado Lucas Aiden Brady Amber Cruff Andrew Davidson Bailey Dempster Alyssa Fisher Layla Gantus Rilee Grau Jack Hauser Sarah Hernandez Sophie Hughes Jason Kesler Lane Levin Elizabeth Loren Julia Lucero Erin Maxwell Andrew Naimark Veronica Ness Derek Sleet Katherine Tarangelo The Mustang is the student newspaper of San Dieguito Academy. Advertisements do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the newspaper. The Mustang is an open forum which welcomes letters. Letters can be submitted to room 16, emailed to sdamustang@gmail.com or mailed to the address below.

San Dieguito Academy Room 16 800 Santa Fe Drive Encinitas, CA 92024

NEWS

The Mustang

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CONSTRUCTION CONTINUES

Steel arrives onto the construction site of the former Senior Court, where the framework for buildings will begin to go up at the end of this school year.

Photo by Katherine Tarangelo.

IT’S NOT JUST WATER VAPOR Family forum educates students and parents on the dangers of vaping and its expanding presence in SDUHSD. Story by Julia Shapero.

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any believe kids are only inhaling water vapor using vape pens.

However, Joe Olesky, representative of the READI (Recovery Education Alcohol Drug Instruction) program for SDUHSD, spoke to parents and students last week in the media center on the dangers of vaping on the teenage mind and the quickly expanding issue of vaping in San Diego county, focusing on contradicting the common belief that “it’s just water vapor.”

Olesky warned that vape pens can be used in conjunction with a large variety of drugs, including but not limited to mari-

juana, heroin, and prescription pills, all of which lead to serious health issues.

E-cigarettes were originally advertised as a method of quitting traditional cigarettes; however, given that most vape pens now contain nicotine, among other chemicals, they have little value in this sense. Besides containing the highly addictive nicotine, vape pens also may contain fomaldehyde, lead, or silicate particles, said Olesky.

Olesky also highlighted the dangers of the limited regulation of vape pens and possible low quality. The vape pens have been known to blow up, causing burns on the mouth, face and throat, Olesky said.

The “juice,” which is put into vape pens, may also be inconsistent, containing higher amounts of nicotine than stated on the bottle, he added.

Results of the Healthy Kids Surveys from past years show large growth in incidents of vaping in SDUHSD over the past

few years. From 2011 to 2013, lifetime use of e-cigarettes increased from 8 percent to 27 percent and use of e-cigarettes in the past 30 days increased from 2 percent to 10 percent, according to Olesky.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, e-cigarette use among high school students increased from 4.5 percent in 2013 to 13.4 percent in 2014.

“I know at the bottom of this is something that you don’t want to acknowledge, but we have to talk about it and be open about it,” said Olesky during the presentation. “In San Dieguito Union High School District, we have the highest number of kids vaping and using vaping products.”

Olesky attributed these large numbers to wealth in the area, as well as easy connections to buy items such as hookah pens, vape pens, and modifiers. “The reality is that [vaping] is abundant down here. Did you know that per capita we have the most vape stores in the United States right here in Southern California?” asked Olesky.

In response, parents have begun taking larger initiative to prevent the use of drugs.

At the meeting, parents said they had used random drug tests on their kids and their kids’ friends in order to ensure that drugs were not being used.

“We need you to go through your kids’ rooms...If your kids drive, look in their car.

If you’re seeing anything funny, please call us. Come by and see us...It’s all of us work-

ing together as a team,” said Olesky on parent intervention.

The READI program was also discussed as an alternative to help with substance abuse. This SDUHSD program gives students a two day intensive course on drug and alcohol education, coupled with counseling and other follow up services.

Students can be referred to the READI program for being caught in possession of drugs and/or alcohol, drug and/or alcohol paraphernalia, under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol, or through parent or student referral.

Olesky warned that advertisers for vaping often target kids with additional flavors, ranging from gummy bear to wedding cake, along with the idea that it is better than traditional smoking. “It’s promoted as a healthy alternative,” said Olesky. “It’s not.”

NEWS

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SENIOR INVOLVED IN SANDERS’ CAMPAIGN Senior Nate Neumann is Feeling the Bern and is part of Senator Sanders’ grassroots effort in Encinitas. Story by Jason Kesler.

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Nate Neumann (far left) has been involved in phone banks and registration rallies for the Bernie Sanders campaign. Luke Pakter (middle) is the Sanders campaign manager for Encinitas. To the right is SDA sophomore Kyriana Tarr. Photo courtesy of Nate Neumann.

WHO ARE SENIORS VOTING FOR IN THE PRIMARY?

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ith the California presidential primary coming up on June 7, seniors are abuzz over the fact that many of them can vote for the first time. The primary carries substantial weight in 2016; Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton need to win to get their respective parties’ nomination, and Bernie Sanders and Ted Cruz need to win in order to gain enough delegates to be viable picks at their respective parties’ conventions, if they are contested.

The economy, leadership skills, and immigration have been defining this election cycle since the beginning.

Sammy Mead, a senior, said she is voting Republican because “economic issues are probably most important.” Conversely, senior Logan Feinberg said the reason she’s choosing Bernie Sanders is because Sanders’ policies “will greatly improve the standards of living for many Americans.”

Immigration

Immigration was also an important issue for seniors. Justin Levin, a Republican who is supporting John Kasich, said that he likes how Kasich “doesn’t want to deport all the immigrants” but at the same time “he wants to prevent [illegal immigration] in the future.” On the other side of the

aisle, Tommy English, a senior who is supporting Bernie Sanders, said he is supporting Sanders because “he’s not Donald Trump… and he doesn’t want a wall.”

Extremism in Politics

Moderate policies were praised by seniors. Levin said that a positive trait of Kasich is that “[Kasich] is more moderate than the rest of the Republicans” and how he has worked across the aisle before on issues like the budget. In both parties, seniors blasted extreme candidates such as Trump or Ted Cruz. Andrew Kenney, a senior, said that he’s more of a moderate candidate so he’s “not attracted to extremes.” In politics, Kenney said it’s less about extremism and more about “meeting in the middle.”

Experience

Experience was also an important issue for many seniors. If Sanders is not the Democratic nominee, Feinberg she would still vote for Hillary Clinton due to Clinton’s “basically unmatched foreign relations experience… She seems like she knows she knows what she’s doing.”

Levin said Kasich’s background in government was important: “I feel like he has the experience from being Governor

Seniors are going from taking a government class to being involved in politics. We spoke to them about who they’re supporting in the California Presidential primary.

Story by Jason Kesler.

[of Ohio] for many years, and he has a high approval rating there.”

Political Involvement

Many seniors expressed their excitement to vote and be involved in the political process. Kassandra Besset, a Bernie Sanders supporter, emphasized the importance of voting: “It’s my first year so that’s pretty cool. I wanted to do it [even though] some people don’t.” Levin said, “I feel pretty excited that I can actually vote for somebody and be a part of the political process.”

Not all are thrilled with the political process. Feinberg said, “I think it’s pretty gross how few people vote… and I’m not a huge fan of the Electoral College.”

Francisco Perez said that he filed as an Independent because “doesn’t consider [himself] attached to any one party” due to extremism on both sides.

Some seniors have chosen to not get involved in the political process. Cameron Lucian said, “I’m avoiding politics until it’s one hundred percent necessary.”

If you haven’t registered to vote and will be 18 years old by June 7th, 2016, you can register to vote in the California Primary and the General Election at http:// registertovote.ca.gov.

ow are you doing? Are you registered to vote for Bernie?”

These lines are thrown around thousands of times a day by political volunteers at the Bernie Sanders booths at the Encinitas Street Fair, during phonebanks, voter registration rallies across San Diego county, and rallies. The Bernie Sanders Campaign’s grassroots effort is hard at work across the country, and in Encinitas, it’s being headed

by SDA students.

Nate Neumann (pictured to the left), both seniors at SDA, are spearheading the Encinitas branch of the Bernie Sanders campaign; Another Senior, Luke Pakter coordinates with the national campaign and regional managers as the head of the Bernie Sanders Campaign’s Encinitas branch, while Neumann is the Canvassing Captain and Data Captain and focuses on the local campaign’s tasks, like voter registration and outreach. Neumann describes his goal as “to reach out to all potential voters in Encinitas, talk to them about registration, [and] talk to them about Bernie.”

According to Neumann, what makes Bernie Sanders interesting to people, especially young people, are increasingly averse to establishment candidates. Young people, also, are not “adamantly partybeholden” and tend to be “more candidatebased and issue based.” Moreover, young people like Bernie Sanders because he speaks to the issues concerning younger voters, and younger voters “like being welcomed into … in the political sphere, instead of being shooed off.”

Neumann says he has converted 25 undecided voters and has registered about 70 new voters for Bernie Sanders, many of whom are SDA students. Pakter and Neumann have invested a significant portion of their time campaigning around SDA. “We’ve focused on voter registration, because so much of the campus is already fired up for Bernie.” On top of campaigning around SDA, Pakter and Neumann are going to neighboring high schools to register Seniors to vote. Neumann says the primary challenge when it comes to campaigning on high schools is finding Seniors who will be eligible to vote. Due to this, “outreach at SDA has had to take a backseat to work geared towards the primary.”

Regardless of political party, Neumann takes pride in getting people involved in the political process. “[I]t feels great getting people excited about a candidate and about American politics, because it’s people being involved in the political process that keeps our democracy working for the people.”

OPINIONS

The Mustang

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he past year has seen some wonderful changes for LGBT people living in America, with the Defense of Marriage Act being repealed in June, legalizing gay marriage across the country.

However, a great deal of pushback remains, with discriminatory legislation in North Carolina (a law blocking the creation of anti-discrimination bills to protect LGBT people) and Mississippi (a bill protecting people’s right to discriminate against LGBT people on religious grounds) attempting to fetter the strides the nation has made in its treatment of the LGBT population.

The religious right has played a large role in supporting this legislation, and many other previous efforts to decrease LGBT rights.

Due to this, many people assume that religious institutions are unilaterally homophobic. However, this simply isn’t true.

One of the biggest misconceptions from both the left and the right is that being gay and being religious are mutually exclusive.

National media rarely focuses on religion except when it is dwelling on its intolerance (terrorist attacks, anti-gay lobbying, etc.) , so perhaps this isn’t surprising. But the truth is that there are many LGBT people who are actively involved in their religions,

and whose faith is a huge part of their lives.

This is certainly true for me.

My LGBT identity and my identity as a Christian are both integral to who I am, and when I was struggling the most with my sexuality it was my faith and my community at church that kept me afloat.

Religious institutions vary in their stances on LGBT issues.

I am lucky enough to belong to the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, which truly practices the Bible’s message of welcome for all, and has allowed the ordination of gay pastors since 2009.

The Episcopal Church and the Presbyterian Church also ordain gay people as pastors, and some branches of Judaism accept gay rabbis.

But even within religious groups that are officially opposed to homosexuality, gay people have always been present. It can be difficult to exist within a faith when it doesn’t feel like you belong, but LGBT Christians, Jews, Muslims, and other religious practitioners aren’t going anywhere.

That’s why it’s so affirming to see religions slowly change their views on homosexuality. When my church voted in 2009 that gay people were allowed to be pastors, not everyone was happy—

SDA NEEDS MORE

SDA’s sports games are poorly attended, but that should change.

By Erin Maxwell

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SCHOOL SPIRIT

The normal lackluster attendance at track meets consists mainly of the atheletes’ parents. Photo by Katherine Tarangelo.

DA is not a sports school.

That’s perfectly clear. We don’t have a football team, and we don’t have cheerleaders.

Our mascot makes the rare appearance at a sports game, but more often than not, that stuffed mustang costume pops up around

Religion and LGBT rights are typically seen as polar opposites, which leaves those of us who believe in both with no place to stand. By Carina Julig.

some people even left because of it—but it was well-received by most of the congregation, and it helped make us stronger.

By the media, and by people who aren’t religious themselves, religions are often viewed as a monolith. Religion is an easy scapegoat for everything that is wrong in our society, from homophobia to terrorism to anti-intellectualism. But this portrays an extremely narrow view of what religion is, and it doesn’t do justice to the vast diversity that exists in the religious world.

Blaming religion for all of the homophobia that exists in our society does nothing to help those of us who are both religious and LGBT, and who find support in our faith. We know our religions aren’t blameless. But we want you to understand that they matter to us, and not turn your backs on them completely.

school somewhat randomly and unrelated to sporting events.

The majority of our school gets way more excited about Comedy Sportz than any traditional athletic event. Ironically, we have a beautiful new sports field, and it’s actually used all the time by athletes. The new field even came with beautiful new bleachers too.

But really, how often are those actually used by students?

I am perfectly fine that SDA doesn’t focus on sports. I like how SDA’s culture doesn’t revolve around football jocks and competitive sports rivalries. I would even go so far as to say that SDA’s culture partially revolves around the fact that sports aren’t a big deal.

However, even though athletics aren’t SDA’s main focus, a large part of the student body still plays on a school sports team.

SDA prides itself on its accepting atmosphere and its efforts to include everyone, so I think this mindset should be extended to the athletic arena too. The athletes are part of our school, and we should support them in their interests any way we can. Such as

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LGBT AND RELIGIOUS: WE EXIST

A Bible and a pride flag might not seem to have much in common, but they’re more compatible than you think. Photo by Allie Manis.

actually watching their games.

Ever since “High School Musical” came out during my first grade year, I had been waiting for a high school experience where everyone sings, and where the whole school seems to attend the same resort for summer break. I was waiting for a fun, peppy, and spirited high school career.

Now I know that “High School Musical” is obviously unrealistic (I mean, even at SDA you couldn’t get the whole school to sing without thinking it’s dumb, although you could come closer than most schools). Anyways, I don’t particularly want to go to a school where a person such as Sharpay can have such power over the student body. But that traditional high school ideal stuck with me, and I still can’t get the fun Wildcat’s basketball games out of my head.

I know most of you are thinking, “If you want sports, why didn’t you go to LCC?” But here’s the thing; it’s not that I want a school like the one in “High School Musical,” where athletes rule the school. I just simply like the idea of school spirit, and attending a

sports game with your friends, huddled under a blanket and loudly cheering for the athletes.

Or, as an athlete myself, I like having the motivation of a large crowd of my friends and peers encouraging me to succeed from the sidelines.

I don’t want to force people to watch sports if they really dislike them, but I think that if we’re going to support our peers in all their academic and social endeavors, why not their athletic ones too?

I will be extremely disappointed if SDA ever becomes a “sports school”, because that would mean it’s lost some of the culture so often preached. However, I think there’s a difference between a sports school and a school with students who attend sports games. We don’t have to let sports take over and allow a hierarchy with athletes on top to emerge. I would just love it if I could go to a sports game knowing that the bleachers will be somewhat full and that SDA’s special vibe had found its way to one more venue.

OPINIONS

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5.6.16

BROOKE’S DECLASSIFIED SCHOOL SURVIVAL GUIDE

T Upperclassman know-it-all, offering unsolicited advice. Listen up. By Brooke Russell.

o whom this may concern: My name is Brooke Russell and I am a senior, therefore, I have, for some reason, deemed myself qualified to offer advice to all of those who aren’t due to graduate this year.

High school is a time of change, with such vicious ups and downs it may even come to resemble a tumultuous rollercoaster ride. One of the most important lessons to learn, however, is that when your life goes awry, things will get better. To the freshmen: Congratulations on (nearly) completing your first year of high school! Don’t worry, you’ll grow!

Probably!

Also, being surrounded by older kids may make you want to grow up more quickly. Now, I know that you are eager to break away from the hoards of your short brethren — to stray away from the pack. Your bucket list endeavors include running a mile of your own volition, rather than under the scrutiny of fresh-

man P.E., and ultimately, discontinuing your lunchtime strolls to 7-Eleven.

Keep fighting a good fight, freshmen, and try to enjoy the time you have now.

Inevitably, you’re going to make mistakes, but you’re also going to have a lot of fun. Take the mistakes as what they are: a learning process. We are all a work in progress.

To the sophomores: if you have had your license for three days, I don’t suggest you cram 12 of your friends in your compact vehicle. Most importantly, just know that your value as a person is greater than the grade you got in chemistry class.

To the juniors: I’m sorry.

You’re probably starting to question if you actually enjoy any of the activities you are doing, or if your life has been overtaken by the sole endeavor of improving your college applications. These activities may include: volunteering for an obscene amount of

hours, “joining” that club that you only show up to for the yearbook photo, and namely, depriving yourself of sleep every night to meet the demands of your seven A.P. classes. Going forward, you hope that senior year is going to be a breeze.

Admittedly, senior year has its perks. Checking yourself out of school, participating in individual senior ditch days for no reason and getting accepted into colleges, just to name a few things.

On the other hand, applications, senioritis and the eternal waiting game for colleges to accept or reject your life’s work won’t be a walk in the park.

Each year of high school has its own allure. Freshman year is when there is endless possibility: maybe you will be president, maybe you will get a perfect SAT score or, most remarkably, maybe you will finally get 300 likes on your instagram photo.

Sophomore year is when you start to become solidified with

your placement in the high school jungle. Junior year is when you are pushed past the point of no return — you realize you could operate on less sleep than ever before. But, more importantly, you dawn upon the epiphany that you are greater than the obstacles you face.

Then, there is senior year — the ever elusive crowned jewel of your high school existence. You perfect the craft of just how long you can put off doing your work until your teachers threaten to fail you, and ultimately, you become independent. Your strength in character is no longer derived from the presence of others, but rather, you are self assured enough to embark on your own journey.

Whether you have three years of high school left, or a graduation countdown of just over a month, we are all going through remarkably similar trials and tribulations. Remember that you are not alone.

DON’T SHUT UP CONSERVATIVES With a liberal majority on campus, Republican students are often denied equal opportunities to speak up. By Madison Vance.

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or the politically inclined teenagers among us here at SDA, it’s common knowledge that there is a general consensus on many issues.

However, agreement doesn’t mean unanimity.

Political discourse around SDA is overwhelmingly liberal; with this heavy tilt to the left, many people are hostile towards Republicans or conservative thought (referred to as right-wing philosophy).

Family friends, close relatives, and classmates of mine have groaned at the word ‘Republican.’

They have lost interest in individuals or the conversation simply because of differing political beliefs. For a school that

considers itself accepting, there is a lack of inclusivity for opinions that don’t follow the SDA norm.

Part of this tension is rooted in stereotypes surrounding Republicans and conservatives.

People assume Republicans and conservatives are, among other things, sexist, racist, or homophobic. These stereotypes are painted on Republicans and conservatives with a broad brush.

Countering this stereotype is Republican student sophomore Michael McQuarrie. McQuarrie explains how “all people should be treated with equality, regardless of gender, race, or any other of the incredible quality that makes people who they are.

Frankly, I resent the fact that people think that Republicans are racist, for we simply believe in spending a little less money and in giving people a little more freedom with the money that they earn. All people should be treated equally, and that’s that.”

What’s more important is that

McQuarrie isn’t alone on this.

Sophomore Keaton Boddicker, who is also a Republican, said, “the general depiction of Republicans has become quite misrepresented.” Being of the right wing, having conservative views, or being a Republican doesn’t and shouldn’t imply that one is racist, sexist, or homophobic. People on the left are often too quick to pejoratively label an entire group of people who simply have different values and political opinions than them.

As abolitionist Frederick Douglass said, “To suppress free speech is a double wrong. It violates the rights of the hearer as well as those of the speaker.”

There is so much one can learn from different types of people and their opposing opinions.

Healthy discussion among people who have opposing political beliefs help instill patience and tolerance. Don’t judge a person solely based on political views— learning to agree to disagree

can save and allow for the development of relationships.

If we as high schoolers aren’t continually hating on other for whatever the reason, political or

otherwise, we could have much more productive conversations and continue to sustain our secure learning environment.

Subject to harrassment for having opposing opinions, Republicans can become hesitant to speak up again. Illustration by Sophia Hurley.

The Mustang

OPINIONS

BODY IMAGE OR ILLUSION? Today’s society holds women to an impossible-to-reach standard of physical perfection. Story by Mallika Seshadri.

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mages of “perfection” are ingrained into society’s distorted views of female beauty by the fantasy world of fashion. Likewise, in ballet, emaciated young women concentrate their minimal weight onto a few battered toes to appear ethereal.

However, these gaunt depictions of models and ballerinas propose false hopes to many young women, amplifying their struggles, for in adolescence, we long to be grounded.

In this time of self-discovery and maturation, girls and young women are swamped with popular ideals regarding body image, which at times seem obligatory to abide by.

Sadly, for many, this comes at the expense of individuality and self-assurance.

Throughout history, women, without individual identities, have served as props intended to decorate their husband’s status, permitting men to sculpt and mold the idyllic feminine body. While today, young women do not wear corsets to shrink the size of their waists or have their feet bound, they do, often unconsciously, fall victim to societal expectations regarding body im-

age.

I remember asking a younger girl, who is greatly enamored by celebrity culture, why she is such a fan of Taylor Swift. I was saddened to hear that the only reason why Swift proved her favorite celebrity and musician is because of her looks: slender, tall and blond.

In the appearance-obsessed world in which we live, media distorts the image of the female body, making young women self-conscious and desperate to meet society’s unattainable ideals. Body image, or one’s mental representation of their physical appearance, causes vulnerability in young women with regards to the way they see themselves. Living in southern California, the impact of celebrity culture, enhanced by our close proximity to Hollywood, definitely seeps into the mindsets of many individuals. In some cases, celebrities can be a positive source of inspiration.

However, in my observation, adolescent girls tend to compare themselves against celebrities, under the misconception that

these popular idols are perfect, despite the help of Photoshop. It is not surprising that when young women compare themselves to others while striving towards perfection, they are often overwhelmed with notions of perpetual inadequacy.

Certainly, we have all seen women models on advertisements for fashion designers and companies. Often times, in stores like Abercrombie and Hollister, found at UTC, women models are carbon copies of each other, each fulfilling the same criteria of body image and body type. Interestingly, amongst the recurring traits of women models, especially for surf companies promoting beachwear and bikinis, the women being personified are not just lean, but have a more muscular physique, a trait more commonly associated with masculinity.

This proposes an odd juxtaposition given that, while being “girly “ and going with fashion trends, girls are also expected to embody ideals attributed to young men. In our society where we are “sexualizing the heck” out of young women, according to the president of Barnard College, Debora Spar, along with this promotion of a more muscular build, young women are progressively seeing their bodies as a means to appeal to others, rather than embracing it for what it is and the amazing things it is capable of.

Furthermore in our Encinitas beach culture, where girls get skimpily decked out in bikinis, issues of body image are accentuated. In fact, men often define society’s perceptions of what makes a girl “hot” or “sexy”. However, seldom do young women realize that abiding by the status quo, they are essentially endorsing the ideals of beauty presented by the fashion industry,

07 which are often demeaning and objectifying. This exacerbates the challenges young women face while promoting the norm set by our patriarchal society.

Tragically, as a result of such pressures, many young women find themselves with eating disorders: most commonly anorexia and bulimia. According to the South Carolina Department of Mental Health, eating disorders have the highest mortality rate of all mental illnesses. Furthermore, a study by the same organization found that about 95 percent of the individuals suffering from eating disorders are between 15 and 25 years old, and of the 8 million Americans with eating disorders, 7 million are women. Poignantly articulated by the director of the Yale Center for Eating and Weight Disorders, Dr. Kelly D. Brownell emphasizes the idea that “It’s very hard to find a woman who really likes her body. Even if she likes the shape… There’s always something wrong.”

The sadness in these statistics, aside from the obvious societal obsession in conforming to a set body image and body type, is that young women clearly place so much emphasis on their physical appearance.

I understand that looks can and certainly are, for many, a form of self-expression, as promoted by the capitalistic and conforming nature of our society. However, the sadness lies in that it comes from a place of pressure and a desire to appease others while lacking acceptance of our natural imperfections that make us unique. Hopefully, one day, girls and young women will be empowered to be strong, intelligent, capable and independent women, who are also accepting of their physical appearance.

San Dieguito Academy Class of 2016 – Best You’ve Ever Seen!

Friday, June10th 8pm-2am $75 until June 9th

d a G2r016 Nite

Food Pizza, sushi, pancakes, snow

cones, desserts, coffee cart & lots more!

Photo Booth Sumo Wresting

Games Zorb ball races, climbing wall, laser tag,

For more information, stop by the Foundation Office

Lots and Lots of Raffle Prizes

Music, Dancing, and Karaoke

Extreme Air, bungee run, game booths, caricature artists & more!

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F E AT U R E S

5.6.16

The Mustang

F E AT U R E S

TWO DUDES EATING MEAT

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Jacob Aere and Andrew Davidson venture through North County with open minds and open mouths.

Dinner date: Experimental Dine-in:

Fish 101

Yellow Deli

Address: 1468 N Coast Hwy 101, Encinitas, CA 92024

Address: 315 E Broadway, Vista, CA 92084

Foods Eaten: Calamari - $9.95 Baja Shrimp Tacos - $10.95 Baja Fish Tacos - $10.95

Foods Eaten: Deli Lamb Sandwich - $8.25 Deli Rose Sandwich - $8.25 Cream Cheese Pie with Strawberries - $4.50 Banana Milk(s) - $2.75 X 2= $5.50

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ut past the small vacuum shops and odds and ends stores in Vista lies a true treasure. Its name: The Yellow Deli. Its purpose: to serve its customers with delicious food and provide a relaxing and welcoming atmosphere. The Yellow Deli isn’t your run-of-the-mill restaurant. We were informed by our waiter that it’s a restaurant run by a tight knit, religious community of people who live life simply and fully, and aim to live like the apostles.

Upon entering, our worldly perceptions changed. As far as style went, we were thrown back in time, to the mid-1800s, but the vibe given off by the workers felt like that of the 60s hippie movement. To say the least, it’s a little confusing for Deli virgins.

The entrance looked like the front of an upscale restaurant; it’s very formal and has a lovely patio. We didn’t even mind waiting due to such a pleasant atmosphere. As you move deeper into the restaurant, we realized it’s out of the ordinary. It looks out of the western-themed Frontierland from the happiest place on earth. Each room is different and provides a varying atmosphere.

The Yellow Deli is old-school: it has personable, polite employees, a manual rope elevator to get food to the second floor, and a classic brick-fire oven.

We were seated on the second level, and sat at a table made entirely out of leather. The menu had a wide variety of drinks; papaya juice, mango mate, and “green drink” to name a few. We opted for the banana milk as we heard it was a local favorite. It was exquisite - the perfect texture and mix of milk, bananas, coconut, and honey. Next we ordered our sandwiches, The Deli Rose and The Deli Lamb. In between our drinks and meal, one of the workers, Yacov, told us about the origins and ideals of their community.

Twice a day, workers attend services where they pray and reflect on their lives, he said. During this time, others members replace the old workers so that the restaurant remains open 24/5 in order to keep their interconnected, peaceful community running, he added. After a gentle smile and a few reassuring pats on the back, Yacov went to bring us our food.

The delicious aroma of cooked meat and fresh bread led us to believe our sandwiches were prepared as perfectly as they were served. Attention to detail was clearly shown in each ingredient, and to put the meal another tier higher, it was accompanied by some greasy and crunchy chips that give off a homemade aura. Between the tangy resonance of the Deli Rose, the refreshing simplicity of the Deli Lamb, and the reassuring crunch of the potato chips, the meals possessed a quality that surely even the big man up top would deem holy.

But we weren’t done yet. The pièce de résistance was the cream cheese pie.

Wow. With a flaky crust resembling that of a carrot cake, and a filling combining the best qualities of whipped cream and cream cheese, truly we felt blessed with each bite.

While it may overwhelm some, or take people out of their comfort zone, the Yellow Deli is differently delicious, and we highly recommend it.

L

aid back, funky, and lively are proper words to describe the eatery of Fish 101. Seemingly all hours of the day, the restaurant is full of crowds ranging from teens to elderly couples. Yet inside, the restaurant is a balanced blend of sleek steel and rustic carpentry.

Parking and seating may be difficult; however, once seated, the busy character of Fish 101 provides a young and hip attitude that well suits a newer Encinitas restaurant.

Group seating on both the front patio and inside the restaurant provides an uncommon and perfectly suited way to dine and meet other interesting Encinitians.

Choice is what also keeps Fish 101 a favorite. The restaurant keeps a rotating three-fish menu, from which sockeye salmon, mahi-mahi, and albacore were available when we dined. We ordered calamari, Baja shrimp tacos, and a plate of Baja style mahi-mahi tacos. Although the food was presented beautifully, the fried mahi-mahi was a mistake as the soft, rich fish didn’t mix well with the crumby, battered outer shell.

We openly take the blame for ordering too much fried food, and do agree that the calamari, served with greens and a lime, was pretty tasty. On both main entrees, the inside of the three corn tortillas consisted of fried shrimp or mahi-mahi, cabbage, white sauce and salsa fresca. Guacamole and sweet salsa verde were also put on the side of each plate, so each taco connoisseur could individually dress their tacos to some degree.

Unlike the mahi-mahi, the shrimp tacos were big, juicy, and very good.

When ordering at Fish 101, a good rule to live by is to get grilled. Their fish is tasty on its own, and the Baja style detracts from where the money is really being put.

Overall: 7

Overall: 9 A Yellow Deli employee pouring fresh-squeezed glasses of juice, one of the restaurant’s many specialties. Photo

by Jacob Aere.

F E AT U R E S

10

day Trip

5.6.16

With good friends and a backpack full of snacks, student trailblazers set out to Cedar Creek Falls in Ramona on a day hike. Story and photos by Hana Chen.

While jumping off them is illegal, the cliffs and the waterfall are a sight to behold after the three-mile trek there. Photo by Lucas Vilicich.

The natural swimming pool at the end of the hike was refreshing and a good way to cool down quickly.

I

t was 9:30 in the morning and the sun was already beating down.

After roughly an hour long car ride to Ramona filled with Flume and Scandinavian Swimmers (Trader Joe’s gummies. Try them if you haven’t, please), my four compadres and I were ready and eager to tackle the 6-mile round trip hike to Cedar Creek Falls, also known as the Devil’s Punch Bowl, and back.

All set with ample water and snacks in our backpacks, we checked in with a woman on the trail staff who verified our hiking permit (mandatory to hike this location), and jokingly told my friends that they should look out for me in the case that I encounter a rattlesnake. She waved us goodbye, and we began our descent into the lush, green valley.

Ten minutes into the hike, the Scandinavian Swimmers were

already being brought out, along with tasty trail mix and water.

I don’t know if we would’ve survived this hike without our snacks to munch on.

At about the halfway mark to the falls, we decided to take a shortcut and diverged from the main trail. A large group of pompous, obnoxious French tourists, clad in hiking boots and holding walking sticks, scolded us for “disturbing the vegetation,” which I have to admit, we rolled our eyes at. With the bees and butterflies surrounding us, we pushed on.

Throughout our hike, every member of our group fell victim to loose rocks and dirt on the trail.

Each of us slipped and slid at least once, so it’s a fair warning that athletic shoes with good traction are a necessity. Don’t be trying to complete this hike in any heels or flip flops.

As we got closer to the falls,

we had to cross several shallow streams by hopping on rocks across. I like to think of this as a game of “don’t touch the lava.”

At last, the sweet sound of running water hit our ears, and our eyes widened at the sight of the breathtaking Cedar Creek Falls. We made it! An extremely friendly ranger greeted us as we clambered up the rocks surrounding the swimming hole and made sure we were aware of the fact that cliff jumping here was illegal.

Due to the fact we were all sweating profusely, the cool water seemed to call and beckon us to jump in. After the initial plunge, we surfaced, calling out the infamous “Cedar Creek Squeal,” a term told to us by the ranger.

The natural pool was colder than expected, and our bodies instantly reacted to the frigid temperature as we shiver-swam our way to the rock ledge on the other side. We

A solid leg work out, the trail featured slippery dirt and loose rocks, making it not a hike for the faint-hearted.

slowly adjusted to the coldness and it began to feel refreshing to our skin on this 80-degree day.

Swimming in this pool is not something to miss.

After spending some time swimming and adventuring near the waterfall, we headed back, ready to climb three miles of uphill ascent. With two miles to go, I remember saying, “Hey, we’re doing well! This isn’t bad at all.” I definitely spoke too soon. The last two miles uphill absolutely killed my legs, and it didn’t help that I was carrying a 5,000-pound backpack. When we finally got to the end, my jelly legs collapsed as I doused myself with cold water.

All in all, this hike is an adventure in nature that you need to experience for yourself.

You may slip a few times, but with friends to help you up, it’s all worth it. Bring people that are willing to protect you in the case of a rattlesnake encounter, that will pig out with you on snacks, that can withstand a good leg workout. Because as we all know, what makes a great day trip is not just the places you go, but the people you’re with.

F E AT U R E S

The Mustang

11

A DRAWN-OUT CONVERSATION: with April Llamas, SDA attendance clerk

Please draw what you look like.

What is your favorite clothing item?

Blazers.

What is your most prized posession?

Solar powered turkey.

What do you do in your free time?

Go to Disneyland.

Who is your favorite Disney character?

Evil Queen (from Snow White).

What was your first job?

Tutoring.

What did you want to be when you grew up?

Secret Agent.

Who would you want to play you in a movie?

Chewbacca.

What would you buy if you won the lottery?

A new headset.

What is your favorite food?

Mac n’ Cheese.

What scares you?

The full moon.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

Getting another degree.

Attendance clerk April Llamas illustrates her repsonses to these questions.

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12

Originality

Is In

5.6.16

Two SDA students are proud to show their unique style. Story

by Amber Cruff.

S

enior Will Fletcher describes his fashion as “vintage, modern, retro, chic.” His go-to outfit is platform shoes, black pants, and a velvet coat over a turtleneck. He accessorizes with rings and a hat.

Fletcher models his style after the free spirited 70s, disco 80s, and grunge 90s time periods and says he looks like an “upscale suburban mother meets New York deli owner.”

The high school senior draws inspiration from movie characters such as Ducky from Pretty in Pink and from his friends.

Fletcher’s environment also influences him and he says, “being in theater has helped

me accept myself and allowed me to expand my fashion horizons.”

Some of his favorite stores include Hospice Resale, Flashbacks, Etsy, Forever 21, and Target. He reveals that he is “definitely a bargain hunter” and “never spend[s] more than twelve dollars on something… except for shoes.”

Fletcher explains that sometimes he receives judgment from others but he says, “this is me” and “if they don’t like me, then they are boring.”

Kaminski showing off her leather jacket, printed tshirt, jean shorts, and flats. Photo by Amber Cruff.

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ophomore Olivia Kaminski says that she has an “eclectic style” and her “fashion is versatile.” Her favorite outfit is high waisted blue jeans with a leather jacket because they “make you look cool” and feel as if you can “take on the world.” As for shoes, Kaminski says, “converse are an essential.”

The high school sophomore often shops at H&M, Urban Outfitters, and borrows clothes from her friends’ closets.

She draws inspiration from a wide range of sources such as the show Friends, the actress Vanessa Hudgens, and the French blogger Caroline De Maigret. She says, “I’m really into listening to music…

and I love making and looking at art where I get a lot of inspiration from, and I love spending time with my friends whom all inspire me through their own senses of style.”

Kaminski takes pride in her fashion because she says it is an “outward expression of what I like and who I am.”

She advises people to “do whatever feels right to you and don’t be afraid to experiment and try new things.”

Fletcher modeling a long green coat, turtle neck, black pants, and sunglasses. Photo by Amber Cruff.

F E AT U R E S

The Mustang

Back In The Groove Vinyl is back and here to stay.

Story by Kieran Zimmer

Lou Russell of Lou’s Records, a major pillar of the San Diego vinyl scene. Photo by Kieran Zimmer.

“P

eople are back into the physical world” says Joe Schmidt, an employee of M-Theory Music, amidst a swarm of vinyl collectors and music fans. Minutes before, local psychedelic rock band Earthless had finished a riffheavy set in, in a smoke-filled, sun-drenched the alley directly adjacent to the store. It’s Record Store Day, an event held on the third Saturday of every April, allowing vinyl junkies to celebrate their passion. On this unusual holiday, record stores fill their shelves with many ultra-limited releases, which, in M-Theory’s case, left many collectors waiting in a line that stretched halfway around the block.

One would assume that events like this would be overpopulated by older folks trying to relive the glory days of sex, drugs, and rock ‘n’ roll, but this is not the case. The majority of the concert attendees and record shoppers were still in their teenage years. Earthless guitarist Isaiah Mitchell was deep in conversation with a large group of young surfers in the back, as several other teenagers dug through crates in search of their favorite releases in the store.

In moments like this, it’s astoundingly clear that vinyl is

back in a big way. Stores like M-Theory, Taang! and Lou’s Records are at the forefront of this cultural resurgence, stocking shelves upon shelves of records, ranging from classic rock to jazzy hip hop to avant-garde ambient.

Vinyl records were, at one time, a revolution in the field of music. Before vinyl was invented, music could only be heard in a concert setting, or sometimes on the radio. Records changed the music landscape forever, making it possible for listeners to hear recorded music from the comfort of their own homes, without the preparation and cost of a concert. However, the advent of the digital age pushed vinyl into the shadows, making it relevant only to audiophiles and diehard collectors.

That is, until now. With over $12 million in sales in the US alone last year (Nielsen US Music Report), records are making a dent again. Retailers such as Urban Outfitters and Amazon (the two largest vinyl retailers in the world according to Billboard) have expanded their selection to accommodate vinyl records, making it easier than ever for fans to purchase physical music. Furthermore, nearly every label has invested heavily in vinyl records,

“I really like to have a physical copy of the music, because you get a whole sense of what the band is about” - junior Jed Jirak with some making colored vinyl variants available for nearly all of their releases. This is the first time in years and years that records have been so widely available, the first time since forty years ago when your mom and dad were first getting into music.

Although vinyl records might not have hosted as big a revolution as the American or Industrial ones, something has to be said for the popularity they have achieved. Not only has vinyl made a dent globally, but locally as well. Within San Diego alone there are many independent record stores, with a huge selection of genres including rock, pop, folk, blues, punk, garage and psychedelia. Anyone could, if they wanted to, spend hours upon hours flipping through the latest releases at Standards, Spin, or Folk Arts trying to decide which one to take home.

Many music fans have turned to vinyl to change the way they experience music, to add a physical and human element to some-

thing that has so long been rigid and one-dimensional. “I really like to have a physical copy of the music, because you get a whole sense of what the band is about by the way they package it, what they give you in it. It’s just a whole ‘nother element in addition to the music” said Junior Jed Jirak.

The physical element of records isn’t their only appeal. Talk to any music enthusiast and they could lecture you for hours on just how much better an analog record will sound than a compressed file. Furthermore, for anyone who wants to listen digitally as well, every indie and major label also includes a download code for your device.

“I like to buy records because I think it’s cool to have a collection of music from artists I like that I can actually see and touch” said sophomore Aden Parker. “It sounds better, plus records usually include extra stuff like photos or posters or something...and even a digital download so you have the best of both worlds!”

13 With all the bonuses of vinyl presented, what’s not to like?

In addition, vinyl is collectible and special in that it means something different to everyone, and every fan has a story. Unlike an mp3, records hold sentimental value. “My dad got me into records” said junior Carley Fischer, “he gave me a record player and a Zeppelin IV vinyl for my birthday one year and I’ve loved records ever since.”

Another important question is how records achieved the popularity they’ve gained. How can something so antiquated overcome Spotify’s monopoly on the music industry? Truth is, the answer might not be as mainstream as you would think….

Hipster influence in contemporary culture has been a staple of western life for a long time, whether we choose to acknowledge it or not. The success of stores like Urban Outfitters has to be at least somewhat attributed to an underground and vintage aesthetic, the same one that brought records back into many people’s lives. Chances are your friend’s “vintage” Polaroid was purchased not too far from a rack of the latest vinyl releases. As Parker said, “it could be because old school or vintage stuff is the new hip thing.”

It is also apparent that many prominent artists have devoted themselves to the vinyl cause.

Jack White fans will probably remember the “Ultra Vinyl” release of his 2014 outing, “Lazaretto,” which featured a record that played from the inside out, had alternate sets of grooves in one song, and even a hologram that one could see with a flashlight as the record played. This, even for someone who doesn’t collect records, was really cool. It certainly turned a lot of heads, and exposed a lot of people to something they had thought was long gone from the music industry.

When people make the trek to a record store and look for a record, “they can hold it and look at the art and see this whole grand idea of the artist” said Schmidt.

“They can talk to people, get recommendations from people, and I think with art, art deserves a little bit of ritual. Because when you just download an mp3, it’s just easy to delete it...they don’t have an idea about where it’s coming from. People are back into the physical world.”

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5.6.16

The SDA track team never wastes an opportunity to cheer on a fellow teammate. Photo by Allie Manis The girls lacrosse team break their timeouts with a ceremonial raising of their lacrosse sticks. Photo by Patrick Hall

Sports

And Friends!

The side of SDA’s sports teams that you haven’t seen. Story by Layla Gantus.

JV volleyball went on to defeat Sage Creek after three games. Photo by Allie Manis

F

or athletes, teamwork is a big part of the driving force behind their success.

The baseball coach, Carlos Fletes, talked about how he builds up his team and how they celebrate a win saying, “[I am] always pulling out quotes, old quotes, coaching quotes from past players and great coaches like John Wooden… they all go have a team lunch or dinner or whatever it maybe.”

Other teams also have rituals to celebrate wins. The boys basketball team goes and gets pizza together after every game win or lose.

“We are all just really close friends,” says junior Devin Gaan about the basketball team.

Even when not participating in a team sports, kids are still really supportive of each other.

The track and field kids support each other even if they don’t all compete in the same events. “[Everyone is] super supportive. Everyone’s rooting for each other to PR, and the team just generally has a pretty relaxed vibe that makes it really welcoming,” said junior Kyra Benowitz about the track and field kids.

“Everyone’s there to support each other and everyone

JV softball players Taryn Faull (left) and Tori Corder (right) take their sports very seriously, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t time for laughs. Photo by Patrick Hall watches the four by four at the end. We’re always congratulating people; we always make sure to cheer people on,” added freshman Simmone Stearn.

The Mustang

F E AT U R E S

Behind the Image

Walking down the halls, students frequently pass by murals, observing their day-to-day progress.

What will these paintings look like in the future?

Story by Mona Karimi.

D

espite the construction, SDA has maintained its signature artistic atmosphere and creative vibe with the various art pieces recently appearing all around campus. This school leaves no blank wall or wooden fence untouched, from paintings of Pepe the Frog to an Hawaiian Airlines aircraft.

Students have been getting more and more creative with the placement of their pieces, since many sections of the school will be demolished in the future. The main struggle for these artists is finding a canvas that will last for years to come.

Seniors Sophie Henry and Bekah Sullivan used large planks of plywood to create their mural in the school’s art room, allowing for easy set-up and take-down.

Inspired by the beauty of nature, the two painted a large landscape, featuring a variety of endangered animals. “It’s important to realize we are all interconnected on one small planet and we must remember to make room for the other animals that we share it with,” said Henry. They hope the mural will inspire other students to be more self-aware of the impact they leave on the world around them.

Alternatively, senior Serina McKendree planned to create her mural in the weight room, dedicated to the different athletic teams. Her painting will depict a large mustang head and a representation of each sport along the side. “In that room I always see this huge white wall that has nothing on it, so why not paint something on it?” said McKendree. She always wanted to create a mural because she “wanted to give something back to the school.”

As for senior Reiko Inoyue, she created her piece in the hallway south of the

library, in an area that would be left untouched by construction. Her mural will feature two silhouetted figures engaged in shallow conversation with thought bubbles hovering above their heads. With her interactive piece, students will be given freedom to write about anything they want in these empty thought bubbles. “[My] piece is intended to be a safe, censor-less space to prompt people to talk and think about real life issues, not the meaningless, habitual conversations we lean towards,” Inoyue said.

Senior Reiko Inoyue painting one of the two silhouettes for her mural after sketching the outline for her piece. Photo by Allie Manis.

Seniors Sophie Henry and Bekah Sullivan pose together with their three-panel piece, featuring a variety of animals who fall victim to human invasiveness. Photo by Allie Manis.

15

HUMOR

16

Which SDA Building Are You?

5.6.16

A very serious quiz to determine your SDA spirit location.

Quiz by Mary Ford.

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The Mustang

THIRTY-ONE DAYS OF WRITING

Seniors Eva Weissig (above) and Chloe Hergeshimer (right) presenting their poetry at an open mic. Photo courtesy of Austin Dilley

T

hroughout the month of April, several SDA students have challenged themselves to write something every day as part of Camp NaNoWriMo. Camp NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month), an offshoot of NaNoWriMo (an annual month-long event in November where writers set out to write over 50,000 words) kicked off on April 1 and lasts throughout the entirety of April. Unlike NaNoWriMo, writers are able to pick the number of words that they hope to reach.

NaNoWriMo was started in 1999 as a way to encourage writers to complete novels. Over time, this has shifted to include a wider variety of genres. Camp NaNoWriMo is hosted on campnanowrimo.org, however writers don’t need to sign up on the website in order to participate. Writers who do choose to sign up online can join “cabins.” Writers can choose to be placed into cabins randomly or they can choose to join cabins with people that they know to get encouragement throughout the month.

Students decide to participate for a variety of reasons. Senior Serina McKendree said, “I saw my sister’s friend doing it and I was like ‘that seems very cool.’ I’m in creative writing, which is perfect.

I can write something everyday

Several SDA students accept the challange of writing every day for the month of April. Story by Elizabeth Loren.

and it doesn’t have to be perfect every single time.”

Senior Rebecca Lim said, “I decided to participate because I’m experiencing a lot of changes in my life, from moving houses to committing to college, and I felt that the month-long challenge would serve as meaningful selftherapy and reflection. I’ve never attempted the challenge before, so this was the perfect year to start it off!”

Writers can write a variety of things for Camp NaNoWriMo, from poetry to prose to plays.

Though most people write stories, poetry is becoming more popular. McKendree said, “Almost every single [piece] is poetry.”

McKendree doesn’t have a word count goal: “I do however much I want for that day and they’re really short so it’s probably not that much.”

Writing comes with its challenges. “The most difficult part is trying to let everything go and not making it so perfect, to throw all the words on the page,” McKendree said.

Time constraints are another difficulty that writers come across. Said Lim, “The most difficult part about achieving my goal was consistency. Because some of my days were packed with events and others were quite free, it was difficult to set aside a time to write for each consecutive day. I wish I had all day to write!”

Though many writers plan out what they will be writing ahead of time, some writers don’t. “I just went for it,” McKendree said.

“I didn’t plan anything because I was already a day behind. I didn’t realize that the thing was going on until a day after it started, so I didn’t come in with a plan, but it’s been working out so far.”

The next Camp NaNoWriMo happens in July. While the process is different for every writer, writing everyday is a good way to improve writing and connect with other writers.

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FEAR THE BLACK SCREEN Will this article end on a cliffhanger too? Find out for yourself by reading it! By Aiden Brady.

T

he only sounds entering the passages of your ears are that of a pounding heart and a blaring television. With each ticking moment, the overwhelming feeling of anticipation thickens within the already-tense atmosphere. The action and drama playing before you on the screen reaches with ease to the cusp of film perfection. And then...

Fade to black.

Just like that, your favorite show comes to a screeching halt at the climax of the plot. You, and the millions of other viewers glued to the broadcast, have been duped for the sake of future ratings.

The dreaded cliffhanger...

One dictionary definition of the loathsome noun is “an ending to an episode of a serial drama that leaves the audience in suspense.” But it doesn’t take more than a single experience with this sort of conclusion to realize that the alleged ‘suspense’ is routinely alternated with animosity.

Left steaming, those same fans tend to bring out a much more vocal side of themselves.

Take the latest season finale from AMC’s “The Walking Dead” as a rudimentary example.

Spectators of the franchise turned into heated fountains of unfiltered anger, primarily aimed towards the writers and directors. But could you really blame them?

It doesn’t end there, though. It’s nearly impossible to forget the infamous endings for “The Sopranos”, “All My Children”, and countless other beloved shows that have all faced similarly atrocious conclusions.

Excuses will spew from all defendants of said show, but the truth of the matter is that there’s only a single reason why such underhanded tactics play out -- ratings. No matter how big the talked-about series is, writers will continue to claw for viewers until the show takes its’ last breath. However, what they fail to note is they may be infuriating their current audience to the brink of them ceasing their viewership.

As a fan of numerous television shows, I can say from first-hand judgment that I’ve never stopped watching a single one as a repercussion of a cliffhanger. However, what I did lose was my enthusiasm to tune in. The weariness rarely sticks around to the point where I can’t outlive the nightmare of horrid television endings, but every time I sit down on my living room couch to continue, it comes with a heavy reluctance.

So please, heed my warning. A poorly timed cliffhanger will

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ALMOST FAMOUS Junior Cole Clisby gains local recognition for playing the guitar in the band, Almost Monday. Story by Hana Chen.

5.6.16

ANIME IS NOT JUST FOR KIDS Anime’s real approach on society draws viewers of all ages. Story by Jenna Weinhofer.

C

Junior Cole Clisby, on guitar center, with his band, Almost Monday, at a local show. Photo courtesy of Cole Clisby.

C

ole Clisby has proved himself to be a man of many talents.

This SDA junior is a member of an up-and-coming local band, aptly named Almost Monday.

This band exudes a refreshing Encinitas vibe, combining distinctive acoustics and vocals in original songs as well as a few covers.

For Clisby, an interest in music began at a young age. “I’ve always enjoyed listening to music and playing as well,” he said. “I started playing the guitar in fifth grade, and I grew up with a lot of musicians.”

As he pursued this passion, his love for making music also grew through friendships. Hanging out with surf buddies Dawson Daugherty and Luke Fabry, fellow members of Almost Monday, helped forge the foundation for their band today.

Almost Monday has relied on the local community to grow its support and popularity. “We’re just kind of starting out,” Clisby said. “We’ve played at The Studio Encinitas a couple times as well as some other surf events.”

When asked what he loves most about being a part of this band, Clisby answered, “I just like playing

in front of people and putting on a good show. That’s the best part-just hanging out with everyone, writing music, and having fun.”

However, being a musician and a student at the same time is never easy, as the band practices at least twice each week. “Having to write songs pretty fast is hard sometimes, but for the most part I can manage the balance of academics,” he said.

“Regarding the future, I guess I just want to keep working hard with the band and play everywhere we can and grow our fan base. We’re looking forward to expanding and hopefully getting to play some shows at SOMA,” Clisby said.

For those wondering about Almost Monday’s style and genre, Clisby said, “I would say we’re alternative-rock, but I guess you have to come see and find out for yourself.”

oming home with my head fried from school, I grab a snack, fall onto the couch and eagerly wait for my computer to boot up. Once it turns on, I quickly open up Netflix and click on a new anime series to watch. Next thing I know, I have been sitting on the couch for hours, crying and screaming at every intense moment, and singing along with every theme song (even if it is in Japanese). This is anime.

In comparison to other media, anime stands out as its own unique thing. The outgoing characters and immersive storyline keep you guessing, and the exaggerated emotional expressions and gestures keep you laughing even in the saddest moments.

But from the countless number of times my friends or I have broughten up anime to another person, they have been dismissive and claimed it to be “childish,” when in fact, most animes are geared toward adults. With anime even becoming more popular, there are an abundance of different genres and plots to choose from.

Amber Tse, freshman, said, “Sometimes I get weird looks from people when I talk about anime so I hide it from other people other than my friends.”

Anime talks about personal problems such as depression and death.

Freshman Ken Yamasaki said, “There are a lot of problems in anime. . .like stress. . .but there’s also so much you can learn from, too, like how to make friends and be confident with yourself.”

Also, anime shows the faults in society such as racism, sexism, and society injustice. Anime does consist of magical powers and monsters, but it does not take these important morals lightly, rather it goes against it and gives it positive attention.

“Reality TV is basically fake [personalities] having fake problems for the camera and attention,” said Tse. “Anime shows real problems to its viewers to bring attention to horrible problems [but] hopefully change what they think. . .I really like that about anime.”

Behind the crazy hair and big eyes viewers start to see how anime highlights the idea of fixing these personal and societal problems in a real way. They do not censor the facts of reality and rather challenge them.

They show the importance of relationships when dealing with tragedies, and they show the power of courage in long, hard battles.

Yes, some animes do appeal to kids, but not all. Finding the right anime to enjoy is all that it takes to become connected to it and, most importantly, learn from it. Anime is much more than an interesting show; it is relatable, and that is why I keep coming back to watch more.

The Mustang

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F E AT U R E S

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5.6.16

SAY YES TO THE PROM DRESS From Facebook pages to thrift shops, students at SDA find ways to ease their prom dress stress. By Sarah Hernandez.

I

t’s almost impossible not to feel the excitement as the prom date approaches, Saturday May 21st. Prom is known to be one of the most exciting events in high school, which is why many students put so much thought into how they prepare for it.

Not only is it a chance to have a good time with friends towards the end of the year, but it is a chance to show off your style as well. It can be challenging finding the right outfit for prom, especially when it comes to dresses.

There are factors that come into play when choosing the right dress, like color, comfort, and price.

To reduce a little bit of the stress, a student from SDA created a Facebook page where other students can post photos of their dress to make sure nobody wears the same thing.

It’s nothing new for students to create pages like these, but admin Alex Spooner explains a little more on what the idea was behind it. “It’s there so you don’t wear the same thing as someone else, that can be a

Thrifty Treads stacks the racks with dresses for prom-goers during prom season. Photo by Sarah Hernandez.

big controversy for girls. It’s also there just so you have your own style and have a dress to call yours,” Spooner said.

The page consists of 247 students from SDA , who post pictures of what they will be wearing to prom. Some students use the page as a source for feedback if they are having trouble choosing between dresses.

A lot of social media sites seem to have more of a negative feeling around them, since anyone can post negative comments or controversial opinions. The prom dress Facebook page, however, is full of nothing but positive comments and helpful advice from peers.

Girls who post pictures of their dresses receive good feedback and get nothing but compliments. Senior Lindsay Alter found the page to be a positive experience. “The support gives me such a warm and happy feeling,” Alter said.

Although the dresses are flattering and elegant, it’s typical that they are only good for one use, which seems ridiculous given the prices some people spend on them. Senior Gabrielle Gregg explained how these dresses shouldn’t be limited to a one time use. “If you spend $5 on a shirt, you’re going to wear it more than once. So if you’re spending up to a couple hundred dollars on a prom dress, you should be able to do the same and get your money’s worth,” said Gregg. She also uses the Facebook page to sell old dresses to girls who might still need one.

Since prom dresses are so pricy, students have found alternative ways to shop for their dresses, such as thrift shops and online shopping.

Senior Emma Daughters didn’t see price as an issue since she found her prom dress at a local thrift shop in Encinitas. “I found my dress last summer at Flashbacks,” said Daughters, “I tried in on and it fit nice. The

process was really easy and not stressful at all.”

Buying dresses at thrift shops is a good way to save money and also find something unique. Although most thrift stores don’t prepare for prom season, Wilma Romero, owner of Thrifty Threads in Encinitas, said that usually customers shopping for a prom will find what they are looking for. “Most of the time when shopping at a thrift store you will find something less expensive, but the real benefit is finding something vintage and unlike anyone else would have,” said Romero, “There is a lot of diversity, especially in the costume section that usually will provide what the customers are looking for.”

But what’s it like on the other end of the spectrum? For guys who wear suits or tuxedos, the most stressful part is figuiring out what color the tie and vest should be.

For senior Justin Alcaide appearance is important, but not something to stress over. “I definitely think girls stress out more about their outfit just because they want to look their best and they’re are a lot of things to consider. It’s not as simple as a suit, but I think they should care less about their outfit and focus more on having a good time in these last years at prom,” said Alcaide.

Aside from the stress, the whole proccess is actually fun for many girls: shopping with friends, and the amazing feeling of finally finding the perfect outfit to complete the perfect night. “I think it’s important because the uniqueness in our style kind of represents who we are,” said senior Kassandra Bessett.

< From top to bottom: Seniors Alyssa Buchanan, Helaina Baes-Erbs, and Griffen Bartholomew. Photos submitted by the individuals.

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UNDERCLASSMEN NOT UNDERDOGS P

ressure rides on their young shoulders as they face new and higher expectations. However, with an increase in demands, freshmen on varsity teams gain quicker improvement and an exciting experience.

For freshman, competing in athletics at the varsity level isn’t an easy task. In interviews many freshman athletes agreed that it takes a greater amount of effort and dedication; however the overall experience and results are well worth the hard work.

Pressure:

Varsity sports teams have a competitive atmosphere that can sometimes place a higher level of pressure on the youngest team members. As a field hockey player and ambitious athlete, freshman Alexis Price felt the stress of playing at the highly competitive and skillful level of the other varsity girls. “I feel like I have to be the best out of all the JV’s,” said Price, “I feel like I have to work a lot harder.”

Freshman, Gaby Vonder on the varsity field hockey team, also experienced the high pressures of playing with varsity. “As a freshman on varsity, you feel like every single time you step on the field you have to prove yourself...everyone kind of already looks down on you,” she said.

Improving

Ian Dewart (top) was the only freshman competing in the Varsity 300 meter hurdles at Mission Hills High School on April 21.

Photo courtesy of Ian Dewart.

Freshman Alexis Price (middle) plays midfield for SDA while competing against Mission Vista High School on Oct. 28. Photo courtesy of Alexis Price.

Freshman Gaby Vonder (bottom) takes a swing as she plays defense for the SDA varsity team during a field hockey home game. Photo courtesy of Gaby Vonder.

Playing on a varsity team freshman year may mean fulfilling more challenges and dedicating extra effort. As a result, these young athletes have set themselves up for a season of quick improvement. Many of the older athletes enjoy helping to improve their younger teammates’ skills. “They always coach me and give me constructive criticism,” said Price. “They’ll tell me to hit the ball harder or smoother...and then they’ll model the motion.”

With company and support of his teammates, freshman Ian Dewart was able to push harder and keep up with the older runners on his varsity cross country and track team.

He said his older teammates would take him under their wing and push him to keep up with the group. “They help me to work harder. They’ll say, ‘Come on, Ian, pack it up’ or ‘Stay with us’ and it’s really helpful,” Dewart said.

Vonder felt that some of her teammates were more experienced, and this led to her improvement. “You’re improving a ton...and playing at higher level,” she said.

Vonder felt that she was surrounded by players who knew the game very well and played more maturely.

Prep for Varsity:

Many freshmen athletes kept their skills up in the offseason. Vonder plays club field hockey year-round for a U-16 and U-19 level.

In between cross country and track, Dewart keeps himself busy doing pre-season running and training with a running coach.

Sophomore Nathan Conger, varsity water polo player,

Freshmen athletes find themselves challenging older players to earn top team positions. Story by Yarisette Sequeira and Sophie Hughes. is also constantly working towards improvement. Conger started playing varsity water polo during freshman year.

Because Conger played competitive water polo prior to high school season, he was able to make varsity freshman year. Conger continues to work hard during the off-season by playing competitively.

Freshmen aren’t just granted a position on a varsity team; they first dedicate the extra effort it takes to perform at the expected competitive level.

An Older Viewpoint:

“I fully support freshmen on varsity teams,” said Joseph Landers, junior on varsity track. Landers was on varsity track in his freshman year. “Age shouldn’t define speed.”

Serina McKendree, senior, was a part of varsity field hockey, varsity soccer, and varsity track throughout this year. “I think freshmen deserve to be on varsity teams if they show that they work hard and are dedicated, “ said McKendree.

Playing With and Against Older Athletes:

Neither Vonder nor Price experienced a playing time gap between themselves and the senior players. “I played the entirety of every single game,” said Vonder. Price agreed: “We didn’t have a lot of subs.”

For the younger team members, playing against older and possibly more experienced athletes can be challenging.

“Everyone’s taller than you, everyone’s bigger than you, everyone has at least one more year of experience,” said Vonder.

Vonder previously played school field hockey in eighth grade and had a completely different experience between her middle school and high school season. “It’s a lot different, going from playing eighth graders to playing seniors,” Vonder said. “That was quite the jump.”

“It’s downright scary!” said Dewart. “You know you’re not going to get first but you try hard and it makes you feel good because you’re like, ‘I just beat a bunch of juniors and seniors.”’

Conger felt that playing with and against older people was also challenging during water polo. “It’s sometimes hard to really do anything or to move around a lot, but it’s definitely fun and a good experience,” he said.

Freshmen on varsity can be a force to be reckoned with. Many are determined to show the coaches that they deserve the spot they were given and will work tirelessly to show how much they care.

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STUDENT ATHLETE SUPERSITIONS

BOARDING IN AND OUT OF THE WATER

Surfing and skating are very important aspects to the SDA community. A couple students share about their passion for their independent sports. Story by Alex Read.

S

enior Karla Killeen emphatically believes that surfing is a sport despite many opposing claims. “For some it’s a hobby and others a lifestyle, but it’s definitely competitive enough and gnarly enough to be a sport,” said Killeen. “Those [surfers] that compete on any scale take it very seriously.”

Killeen herself began competing when she was 13 years old. “I went surfing in Hawaii for the first time in eighth grade and I ended up playing with sea turtles when they were swimming below me, so that was magical for sure.”

Lakey Peterson, a professional surfer ranked #3 by the World Surf League, served as a role model for Killeen because of the adversity Peterson faced when people doubted her desire to surf for a living.

Since then, she has fallen in love with surfing because of the satisfaction of simply being in the water, even if she doesn’t catch a wave.

Some of SDA’s athletes confess what they do before games to prepare.

Story by Julia Lucero and Alyssa Fisher.

M

ost athletes either have a superstition or routine that they do before every game. Whether it is ridiculous or not, they all perform these rituals because of their love for the game. For example, freshman Liam Horan who plays JV soccer said, “I never wear shin guards in my warm ups before a game.

I have been doing this for five years. It helps my shins feel superior to all other shins.”

These athletes each have something special they do to help them get in the mood for their game.

Senior Samantha Mead who plays varsity soccer said, “I always put on everything with my right side first and then my left.

I have been doing it since I was about 10 and I think it helps me mentally prepare for games and gets me focused.”

“I have anxiety, so…before games I always talk to my friends to take my mind off of my nerves.

I usually have my closest friends make me laugh and I forget about the game,” said freshman Kira Anderson who plays JV lacrosse.

Anderson has been using this routine even before she started playing lacrosse for musical theater and before tests, she said.

Sophomore Nadia Haghani who is on varsity track and soccer said, “Listening to music gets a song stuck in my head throughout the whole game, and it gives me good motivation to keep running. It calms me down, yet gets me excited for playing.” ¨I take a huge lefty swing when I’m on deck,” said freshman Brendan Crow who plays JV baseball.

He has been doing this for four to five years. “It loosens my arms and relaxes me; it takes my mind off anything bothering me,” said Crow.

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Senior Karla Killeen stepping out of the water after her heat. Photo courtesy of Kira McKesson.

W

ith over 115,000 followers on Instagram, sophomore Tom Schaar already serves as a role model within the skating community. “It just kind of happened over night,” said Schaar.

However, Schaar began his skating career just like any other kid. “I began skating because my older brother skated and I just followed him from park to park.”

Since then, some of his favorite memories have been of him skating with his brother and other friends. His talent for skating developed when he was younger, as Schaar was able to learn tricks very quickly.

“The most memorable trick I’ve ever landed was the first backside air I made.

I was probably like eight… and I finally made it and it felt so good; I can’t explain it,” said Schaar. “I love skating and I hope to continue skating as long as I can.”

Sophomore Tom Schaar performs a backside ollie in Bondi Beach, Australia. Photo courtesy of Mike Blabac.

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S P O RT S

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COMMITTED TO THE GAME SDA student-athletes explain how their favorite sports stars have influenced their approaches to the sports they love. Story by Andrew Naimark and Jack Hauser.

Photo courtesy of Tatiana Kulitat.

Girls Tennis: Jennifer Kerr, Junior: Roger Federer (Professional Tennis Player), “I would say Federer because of how calm and considerate he is on the court and I’ve aspired to be like that on the court.”

Photo courtesy of Sarah Colla.

Girls Volleyball: Sarah Colla, Sophomore: Amanda Colla (Sister), “I have been watching her play since I was little, which is actually what led me to play. Just from watching her, I think I have learned how to play the right way and improved a lot.”

DESERVES EQUAL PAY

EQUAL PLAY

Becky Sauerbrunn (left) and Meghan Klingenberg (right), both members of the USWNT, run a victory lap after winning the FIFA Women’s World Cup. Photo courtesy of Nicki Dugan Pogue.

Photo courtesy of Joshjdss.

Girls Soccer: Jenna Templin, Sophomore: Alex Morgan (Forward for US National Team) “She is so talented and has worked incredibly hard to be where she is today. I watch a lot of US soccer and her play style is really amazing, which I try to incorporate some of into my own game.”

The two US National Soccer Teams have a major difference in wages, and it must be changed.

Story by Sylvia Young.

F

ive players from the US Women’s National Soccer Team recently filed a complaint against the US Soccer Federation because of the large gap in salaries between the men’s and women’s soccer teams. Despite its success on the field, the women’s team is paid much less than the Men’s National Team. This is a serious problem because it is not at all fair for women to be paid less for playing the same sport.

The US Women’s National Team (USWNT) won last year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup, while the Men’s National Team lost in the round of 16 during the most recent Men’s World Cup in 2014.

Boys Basketball: Devin Gaan, Junior: Stephen Curry (Guard for Golden State Warriors), “I think I have watched almost all of his highlights on Youtube which helps me learn new moves that I can at least try and work on. His story is also motivating because it shows you don’t have to be the most athletic or biggest to achieve success.”

Boys Soccer: Jonathan Sabouri, Junior: Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Soccer Player for PSG), “He inspires me because he worked so hard to reach all the success he has had. Knowing that he was raised in a Swedish ghetto motivates me because it shows that anything is possible as he is now one of the highest paid soccer players in the world. I try to translate a lot of his skills and leadership into my own game.”

Boys Baseball: Shay O’laughlin, Junior: Mike Trout (Outfielder for Los Angeles Angels), “I have followed Mike Trout since his time in high school. Seeing what he has accomplished and how he carries himself on and off the field with a humble attitude has definitely influenced how I try to play.”

However, according to FIFA, the organization that pays players’ salaries, the men’s team earned $9 million while the women’s team got only $2 million. The women’s team also gets much less payment in bonuses, receiving $1,350 for winning a friendly match, versus the men’s $8,166 for a win, according to the New York Times.

This is not simply because the men’s team generates more profit.

According to the US Soccer Federation, the 2017 projected profit for the women’s team is $5.2 million, while the men’s team is expected to have a $1 million loss. Additionally, the Women’s World Cup Final broke the record for the most viewed soccer game in the US, with almost twice as many viewers as the previous recordholder, a men’s game.

Additionally, the USWNT has been a driving force in inspiring girls both inside and outside the US to play soccer, as well as other sports. Until recently, in many countries, women’s soccer has been discouraged and looked down upon, while the men’s teams have been celebrated. But

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Photo courtesy of Noah Salzman.

Photo courtesy of Frankie Fouganthin.

Photo courtesy of Keith Allsion.

now women’s soccer is becoming more popular and gaining respect worldwide, largely due to the influence of the USWNT. Although the situation in the US is much better than the rest of the world, there’s still a lot of room for improvement, which is why it’s so important that the USWNT takes a stand.

This issue is not exclusive to sports, because women are paid less than men in just about all lines of work. The problem is societal, but that does not mean that it cannot change. The leaders of women’s soccer are making a big contribution by taking on this battle at a time when they’re at the center of attention. By using this opportunity, they’re making a move not only for women’s soccer, but also for women’s wage equality in general. Although they shouldn’t have to ask to be paid as equals, it is necessary that they do and an important step in changing the way women are treated.

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BOYS VARSITY BASEBALL RANK

SCHOOL

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STANG STATS

RECORD

1

San Marcos

8-1

2

Mission Hills

7-2

3

Esondido

7-2

4

Del Norte

3-6

5

SDA

2-7

6

San Pasqual

0-9

Latest standings for spring sports at SDA. All teams are participating in either the Avocado League East or Valley league. Stats updated as of May 3, 2016. By Jack Hauser. Statistics provided by maxpreps. com. For the latest sports scores, visit sdamustang.com.

Senior Cristian Hendriks up to bat at an away game against Oceanside High School.

Photo courtesy of Victor Pisacane.

GIRLS VARSITY SOFTBALL RANK

SCHOOL

RECORD

1

San Marcos

6-0

2

Escondido

5-1

3

Del Norte

4-2

4

Mission Hills

2-4

5

San Pasqual

1-5

6

SDA

0-6

The girls varsity softball team in game day jerseys on their home field. Photo courtesy of Nicole Ramirez.

RANK

SCHOOL

RECORD

1

Valley Center

4-0

2

El Camino

1-1

3

SDA

1-1

4

Fallbrook

1-3

The boys varsity lacrosse team in game day jerseys on their home field. Photo courtesy of Quinn Sakihara.

GIRLS VARSITY LACROSSE RANK

SCHOOL

RECORD

1

Ramona

4-0

2

El Camino

4-0

3

Sage Creek

3-2

4

SDA

2-4

5

Fallbrook

2-4

6

Valley Center

0-5

Sophomore Leah Haverkamp cradles the ball and dodges her opponent. Photo courtesy of Tom Hoff.

BOYS VARSITY VOLLEYBALL

BOYS VARSITY LACROSSE

Senior Grant Sippel jumping up to spike the ball with the assistance of the setter, senior Jake Roberts.

Photo courtesy of George Stimson.

RANK

SCHOOL

RECORD

1

SDA

7-1

2

Sage Creek

7-1

3

Orange Glen

5-3

4

Fallbrook

2-5

5

Valley Center

1-5

6

Mission Vista

1-7

S P O RT S

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SURFER

V.S.

SKATER Surfer Janie Overland and Skater Koston Ayala trip up and defeat this columnist. No wonder the press is so hated.

Columnist sounds a lot like Communist.

L

eft Twix or right Twix?

Surfer: “No Twix. I’m a vegan so…

Skater: “Both. They’re the same thing.”

Wow, surfer. Way to evade the question with your third party principles. Gosh, everywhere I go, I hear about veganism. I don’t want it and my relationship with ham is fine as it is. As Homer Simpson once wisely said, “I’d be vegetarian if bacon grew on trees.” Anyway, what do you eat?

If you are trying to get in a fight with another vegan, do you still want beef? Do you say that you have ‘tofu’ with someone? Can you even eat tofu? Also if you became a zombie, what would you eat? Grains instead of brains?

My heart goes out to your dietary restrictions. Plus eight points for the number of letters in veganism.

This is not the truth Skater.

There is an obvious dissimilarity between left and right Twix. If there wasn’t, I wouldn’t have asked you the question, right?

Right? While many people have thought this left vs. right Twix campaign was just a marketing ploy, it turns out they are all

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mistaken.

The democratic government has secretly been infiltrating our Twix bars and tracking which side the everyday Twix consumer bites into first.

If it’s the left side, they’re a democrat. If it’s the right side, they’re a republican and the government puts them on the totally real CIA watch list which all teenagers with a cliche sense of irony love to say they’re on.

You better watch it the next time you eat a Twix bar. Ooooooo... spooky! You’ve won 286 points, the number of calories in a Twix bar.

When does partly become partly sunny?

cloudy

Surfer: “When the clouds look like fishbones, it’s gonna start raining. My mom said that.”

Skater: “When you change your attitude.”

Surfer, I’ve heard many a statement in my life, but I’ve never heard that much wisdom in ten words Although I don’t see how your answer can be derived from that question, I’m in a state of shock and awe. I’d try to argue with you, find some flaw in this armored logic, but you finished

up by saying you got this wisdom from your mom. And we all know and recognize with a burning passion that moms can never be wrong. Never. Plus 500 points in case my mom is reading this. I love and respect you, Mom. How philosophical, Skater! It’s true, that everything depends on perspective. Just like questioning if the milk glass is half-full or half-empty. And when it spills over, as it will eventually do (thanks, Obama) you can choose to cry over the spilt milk or not.

But will you cry? Will you express genuine human emotion? Or will you remain the robot humanity has turned you into? Damn Daniel, that got real deep, real fast. I’m gonna have to reel (pun points for me) in those thoughts for the time being. Thanks for the positive vibes. Much appreciated.

I hope the readers get as much out of your answer as I did. I don’t even know how many point you have earned. Do you?

Surfer: 508 points Skater: Who knows?

This columnist doesn’t know who won. Do you?

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The Mustang

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