The Mustang Nov. 2012 by The Mustang Newspaper

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Mustang

11.16.2012

issue 2 volume 17

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Mustang 11.16.2012

How To:

Here’s the deal

Peruse this perfect periodical

1 Read each and every article. the articles labeled “How To” for specific 2 Find instructions on how to accomplish your lifelong

the Health section to learn how to burn 4 Revisit the calories from the hot chocolate.

14 Centerspread

Battle of the Bands

Which current SDA teacher crashed a Bill Clinton fundraiser and shook the former president’s hand?

Here’s an insight into the agony of college essays.

Laurel Sorenson hits the studio to get a great workout and show off her Zumba dance moves.

yourself a pat on the back and a cup of hot 3 Give chocolate for reading all those articles.

Teacher Tidbits

Dear College,

Gym Buff

dreams of getting your driver’s license (page 13), getting a job (page 18), writing a fantasy novel (page 24 ) and being really, truly happy (page 21).

Opinions

Health

To find out, visit www.sdamustang.com

What about farmers markets?

How to write a fantasy novel

Backpage

Arts

SDA bands perforned during lunch in the hopes of making it into the finals.

“Everyone’s strategy for getting a book out of their brain and onto paper is

different 16

Taking control

Raising the (An)bar

Features

Arts

Students talk about birth control, where they get it, and the attitudes people show toward teenage sexuality.

Read more about our cover artist, Yonadav Anbar, inside this issue.

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/NEWS EDITOR Laurel Sorenson

HEALTH EDITOR Austin Kasselmann

STAFF WRITERS

ARTS EDITOR Caroline Glass

BUSINESS MANAGER/CAF EDITOR Lily LeaVesseur

DESIGN EDITOR/STAFF ARTIST Avery Finden

ONLINE NEWS EDITOR Nicole Smith

OPINIONS EDITOR Molly Kovacs

ONLINE ARTS EDITOR Emily Hall

FEATURES EDITOR Kelsey Navis

ADVISOR Tim Roberts

Kira Elliott Nicole Greene Taylor Knudson Joleyne Lambert Max Lundberg Dana Shin Becca Von Zweck Andrew Walker Sam Winter

PHOTO EDITOR Tacy Manis

and that’s okay. As long as you end up with a story

you’re proud of you’re doing it right.”

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 98, emailed to sdamustang@gmail.com or mailed to the above address.

San Dieguito Academy / Room 98 / 800 Santa Fe Drive / Encinitas, CA 92024

Jodi Meadows Author of “Incarnate”

Mustang 11.16.2012

Protests over teachers’ association president’s salary A local group is outraged that SDUHSD pays the teachers’ union president a full teacher’s salary while he works full-time on association matters. laurel sorenson

San Diego anti-tax group wants to take legislative action to stop the San Dieguito Union High School District from paying the teacher’s union president’s $124,500 teaching salary when he is doing union business, instead of teaching. SDUHSD Superintendent Ken Noah said this practice saves the district money and creates an environment in which the district can work with its teachers’ union instead of against it. The group Stop Taxing Us is against SDUHSD’s practice of paying the salary of the San Dieguito Faculty Association’s president Bob Croft while he is working for the association, and not in the classroom. “Many parents feel this agenda is not something they approve, where all parents would approve of teachers educating their children. Further Mr. Croft’s pay is based on his qualifications as a teacher, not a union rep,” said a Stop Taxing Us representative in an email to The Mustang. Croft, a physical education teacher for Earl Warren Middle School, works full-time on association matters while his classes are taught by a year-long substitute, Noah said. According to Noah, it is a normal practice in this school district for teachers to be paid a teacher’s salary while performing other tasks. Other teachers in SDUHSD are paid to do other tasks like helping create programs and doing research on how to improve technology in classes. Croft said the district pays his salary because he is doing work that benefits them in contributing to SDUHSD’s ability to work with its teachers instead of against them. According to Croft, his salary is paid by the district because the work he does is to help the district. “I’m not doing union work. I’m doing district work that benefits our members. It takes every ounce of our energy to create this culture of collaboration. You don’t get that when you’re starting tired at four o’clock,” said Croft. Stop Taxing Us believes that Croft cannot work as both the association president and a teacher. “The function of the Union Presi-

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dent is to serve the Union, while that of a teacher is to serve the students. The two are not to be confused. Unfortunately, the union is all too quick to use our children as pawns in their chess game to control, rather than improve educational outcomes,” said the Stop Taxing Us Team. The practice of a school district paying the teachers’ union president’s salary is not unheard of in San Diego County, though other districts receive compensation from the teachers’ unions for the time their presidents are outside of the classroom, San Diego County Office of Education Chief Communications and Public Relations Officer Music Watson said. Cultivating a symbiotic relationship between SDHUSD and the teachers’ association takes a lot of time and effort, but is worth it to create an environment in which the teachers can feel safe enough in their wages and benefits to focus on teaching, Croft said.

Stop Taxing Us doesn’t believe tax dollars should go to the salary of someone who is serving the union. “Mr. Croft should return to the duties he is paid to perform and if the union needs a President to serve the Union’s need, then the union should pay for it,” said Stop Taxing US. According to Noah, paying Croft’s full time salary and hiring a long term substitute to teach his classes saves the district more money than if they made Croft stay in class and take release time. The current method is cheaper and allows Croft’s students to have continuity with the same substitute all year, Noah said. Croft thinks Stop Taxing Us has the notion that all unions are bad and doesn’t see the way in which the San Dieguito Faculty Association is different. “[Stop Taxing Us] doesn’t see behind the label. There’s value in the simple dollars and cents that we saved the district. I don’t think they’ve ever seen a union they’ve liked. They paint every school bond and every union with the same brush. They think they’re all the same, all bad. It’s not about politics, it’s about what’s best for the district,” said Croft.

visit the newspaper online at

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Mustang 11.16.2012

Burnin’ down the house Leader singer of Indie band The Burning of Rome (who performed at SDA last week) shares where they came from, where they’re going, and the stories from along the way .

caroline glass

ising indie stars The Burning of Rome performed during lunch in the Mosaic. the Oceanside-based band is on the brink of stardom, having just released a popular single “Norman Bates” and music video. Consisting of 4 members-Adam Traub, Joe Aguilar, Aimee Jacobs, and Lee Williams-, the band originated about five years ago, after the members were introduced through friends. “We were linked through mutual friends across San Diego. Our drummer built a recording studio in Oceanside and we would hang out together amidst a mountain of instruments and gear -- it made sense to make some noise and start a band,” said Traub, lead singer. But their influence to really start a band was due to popular demand. Said Traub, “The music was originally conceived as a recording project. Friends were enjoying the project and asking for shows, so we formed a band for a live rendition.”

And thus, The Burning of Rome ( a reference to the fires of Nero) was born. Gaining their inspiration from a unique group of artists including The Flaming Lips, Radiohead, Animal Collective, and Fantomas, the eclectic mix gives each of their songs a distinct, diverse sound. “Much like abstract art it just comes from within. Spontaneity is the biggest inspiration for our songs,” said Traub. They have taken several tours, including one where they lost their manager. Said Traub, “We accidently left our manager in Tucson, Arizona once. We were about an hour out of the city when we realized we forgot him. We wound up getting him a cake the next day that said ‘sorry for leaving you in Tucson’ in frosting.” They have also played in large venues such as Qualcomm Stadium, which has hosted famous names such as MGMT. With their unique sound, raw talent, and motivation, they are sure to go far. And you can never go wrong with a band that describes their style as “pop music possessed by banshees.”

The Burning of Rome shows their musical talent during lunch. Photo by Caroline Glass.

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Mustang 11.16.2012

Learning the hard way: the dangers of dehydration After two members of the SDA baseball team are hospitalized, the school takes a closer look at sports teams’ hydration procedures. kelsey navis

wo players from the SDA baseball team ended practice with trips to the hospital during the heat wave this past September. “It was a combination of dehydration and muscles being over-exerted,” said Ryan Yee, SDA athletic director. Though this was an unusual case, following the players’ successful recovery, the school has increased emphasis on hydration and awareness during practices. “What happens, is that your muscles basically start to eat themselves…[and] the kidneys are working harder,” said Kristina Frederick, a physician assistant who cared for one of the injured players. “If it’s not caught in time, the kidneys can actually fail, and then, worst-case scenario, people have to go on dialysis….That’s oftentimes reversible, especially when people are healthy….If we catch it in time, usually we can just give lots of fluids and

monitor them,” said Frederick. During the summer, the baseball team has a six-week summer program, for which outside trainers were hired because, like other school teams, they “want to bring in experts,” said Yee. However, Yee said “those activities weren’t school baseball, but rather club activities.” Because baseball is a spring sport, the trainers were hired during off-season. “There are out-of-season protocols. Any team that wants to do out-of-season activities has to follow those protocols,” said Yee. Following the incident, he reminded the coaches about the hot weather hydration protocols, which can be found on the official CIF (the California Interscholastic Federation) website. CIF outlines requirements for “Adequate Hydration,” which calls for athletes to be vigilant about their own hydration and provides guidelines for the number and length of water breaks. For practice in the heat, the website asks for “Gradual Acclimatiza-

tion,” providing the “intensity and duration of exercise should be gradually increased over a period of 7-14 days to give athletes’ time to build fitness levels and become accustomed to practicing in the heat.” Each month, Yee meets with the athletic council, on which each school team has a representative who is the liaison between the foundation and the sports team. These representatives were asked to remind the players to come hydrated. Jack McDowell, the varsity coach of the baseball team, said, “They [the players] had a water break about every 10 minutes during the workout.” In addition, these CIF protocols require research and background check to be done on any outside trainers that are brought in, which, McDowell reports, was done. This kind of medical issue, said Frederick, is not prevalent “in high school players because I think the coaches are pretty considerate of what the kids are doing and they watch them…I’ve never seen another kid

from this school come in with that, or even any of the other high schools that I know of.” “It’s hard because we encourage athletes to persevere and push on, but at the same time, we want the parents to recognize when the student has reached that point and the students to speak up,” said Yee “I talked to the kid from the school here, and the way he described it, it didn’t sound like it was over the top. Maybe he wasn’t hydrated enough and it just got the better of him… I think the coaches are pretty cognizant of not overworking the kids,” said Frederick. Also, Yee recognized the fact that it can be difficult for students to keep hydrated throughout the school day because of classes. “It has to be the perfect storm for it all to happen. The athlete has to be under hydrated going into their workout, don’t hydrate enough during and then don’t hydrate after,” said McDowell. As a result, said McDowell, “the

program wasn’t changed really. We made everybody aware to stay hydrated and make sure they hydrate all day and hydrate after, but the program stayed the same.” In addition, Yee said he has “asked the coaches to be the voice of reason,” and thinks in these events and in part by the families of the players, a “level of awareness is brought up so that we never have this experience again.” Frederick said, “I think it’s good that people are aware of it because it can definitely be something that’ll happen, particularly when the weather gets hotter.” Principal Tim Hornig recognized the result of these events as a “lesson, how [the school] has to be involved in off-season training.” Similarly, Frederick said, “I think the medical community is trying to educate people, who are in charge of kids in particular, how not to have them at risk for these illnesses and accidents, and just try to keep them safer.”

THANKS FOR HELPING TO MAKE THE MAGIC HAPPEN! t

The San Dieguito Academy Foundation wishes to thank our participating donors for helping to make the recent fall fundraiser “Endless Summer” a great success. Thank you to all of the parents, teachers, administrators, community members and businesses who supported the event. Please be sure to thank them for supporting our school! 333 Pacific 3rd Corner Wine Shop & Bistro Allen’s New York Pizza American Sport Bike Andersons La Costa Nursery Art N Soul On 101 Ashley Phillips Baker & Oliv e Belly Up Tav ern Biggs Harley Dav idson Bill Herr Borrelli’s Restaurant California Center for the Arts California M usic Studios Carl Brandt Carlsbad Dance Center Cedros Gardens Cedros Soles Christy Patnoe Conny Joel Courageous Conv ersations Cox Communications CRDG M arketing Del Rancho Pools Dirty Dogs Donna & Greg Vela Dream Dinners Dreaming Tree Productions EmbroidM e Encinitas School of M usic Eureka Rev iew Gail Killeen Gibson Lighting Hansen Surfboards HIS-M ike Zambetti Icons Fashion Inc

In-N-Out Burger James & Risa Lauth James & Sue Cutri Jeffrey Strauss Joanne & Al Lighton Julie Karlo KFM B & Barbara Lee Edwards Leucadia Cyclery Lisa Kaufman Designs Lockwood Table M alia Lafleur M assage Heights M ission Federal Credit Union M oonlight M usic M ov in’ Shoes Noodles & Company Outrageous Rugs Pacific Coast Grill Pala Casino Pamplemousse Pandora’s Pizza Peachy Treats PM M /Adeline Records Potato Shack REI-Alyson Wright Reuben H. Fleet Science Center Robert & Pamela M acPhee Sammy's Woodfired Pizza-Ladeki Grp San Diego Jazz Fest San Diego Air & Space M useum San Diego Ballet San Diego Natural History M useum San Diego Padres San Diego Repertory Theater San Diego Symphony San Diego Zoo & Safari Park

Sandra Kay Artistic Photography SDA Principal – Tim Hornig SDA ASB – Rod Keillor SDA Chemistry – Russell Dav idson SDA Culinary Arts – Scott Huntley SDA English – Blaze Newman SDA Photo – Susan Coppock SDA Physics – George Stimson SDAF Board – Kyle & Suzanne Duncan SDAF Board – Rhea & Scott Stewart SDA Chemistry – Russell Dav idson SDA Culinary Arts – Scott Huntley SDA English – Blaze Newman SDA Photo – Susan Coppock SDA Physics – George Stimson SDAF Board – Kyle & Suzanne Duncan SDAF Board – Rhea & Scott Stewart SDAF Board – M ary & Art Page SDAF Board – Grady & Patricia Floyd Shere Johnson Solid Rock Gym Spragueland Studios – Peter & Stef Sprague Stone Brewing Company Succulent Gardening Tina Zucker Susan & Richard Scott Sylv ia Hom & Jeff Nelson Temecula Oliv e Oil Company The Comedy Store – La Jolla The Huntington Library Tinleaf Fresh Kitchen Total Woman Gym TRE Boutique Union Kitchen & Tap Div inity Salon XOXO Studio – Carole Ferrelli and

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06 School board race

SDUHSD School board incumbents re-elected.

Joyce Dalessandro and Beth Hergesheimer were re-elected to the San Dieguito Union High School District board of trustees in the Nov. 6 election. The incumbents ran on a promise of loyalty to the schools instead of to a political agenda, citing their years of experience with SDUHSD. Their opponents, one of which was affiliated with the Tea Party, were both in favor of fiscal conservatism. “I believe that the number one deciding factor was that Mrs. Dalessandro and I have a strong track record of participation and responsible leadership in this district, and that a very large number of people throughout this community were willing to speak to that experience on our behalf by endorsing and supporting us in any way that they could,” said Hergesheimer. School board candidate Steve McDowell thinks his loss in the election was partly due to false information being spread about him. “I believe boards are stronger when there is a diversity of skills and perspectives. I was looking forward to helping the district and working with Mr. Noah and his staff. If I was to run again, I would try and communicate that message better and respond quicker to some of the false statements that were said about me,” said McDowell. Graham Ledger, their other opponent, hoped to add what he called “fiscal sanity” to the district. Ledger and McDowell were also opposed to the school bond proposed to modernize SDUHSD, whereas both incumbents were in favor of it. Dalessandro and Hergesheimer plan to use their time on the board to reduce the achievement gap and to support the programs for technology and the arts.

Students lounge by the updated memorial. Photo by Tacy Manis.

Changes made to memorial Student organizes modifications for veterans memorial to honor those who served our country. Junior Nick Post noticed that the veterans memorial in front of the school needed some changes to it to make it less skateboard friendly and provide a place for students to sit. The memorial is dedicated to former SDA students who were killed in war. “I wanted to do something for the military because I have a lot of family in the army, and people like to sit and skateboard on the memorial,” said Post. A lot of work went into fixing the memorial, so Post had help from many different people, with the project totaling about 15 to 20 hours. “First I had to get approval from my scout master, the committee chairmen and Principal Tim Hornig. Then I made all the arrangements for the work and fundraising, raising money through Facebook and material donations from companies that I bought items from. I had help from members in my Boy Scout group, my dad who has experience in construction, middle school and adult volunteers and underclassmen,” said Post. The changes to the memorial include benches, offering somewhere for people to sit other than on top of the memorial, and stones set into the cement in front of the memorial to stop skateboarders from skating across it disrespectfully. -becca von zweck

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Mustang 11.16.2012

School Bond Prop AA results still undecided. The results of Prop AA are still unknown. Prop AA, a bond to modernize schools in the San Dieguito Union High School district, is still being decided as absentee ballots across the county are being counted. If passed, the $449 million bond would provide SDA with the funds to rebuild parts of the school and upgrade classrooms. SDUHSD School Board President Joyce Dalessandro is confident that the bond will pass “Considering the upward trend that we have been experiencing, I am confident that we will achieve the necessary 55% favorable votes to pass the bond,” said Dalessandro. According to Dalessandro, if the bond passes every campus in the district will receive upgrades that state funds haven’t been able to cover. The bond only requires 55 percent approval to pass, and as of Wednesday it had 54.87 percent. -laurel sorenson

Adopt a family Students to donate gifts to families for the holidays. The holiday season is approaching and with that comes the tradition of giving. Participating in Adopt a Family is one way that students at SDA can help others and also get into the holiday spirit. “Adopt a family is where… homerooms and clubs donate supplies and things [families] need for the holidays and everyday living,” said sophomore Arielle Michaelis, ASB member. This year, 30 groups of students, including 28 homerooms, are providing for families. Each group is responsible for a small, medium, or large family. The families will be sent gift wrapped presents and giftcards in response to their respective wishlists. -nicole smith

Junior Lucas Savoy gets blood drawn. Photo by Nicole Greene

Blood drive Great turnout for American Red Cross’ Blood Drive at SDA. Approximately 90 students over 16 years of age volunteered to donate their blood to the American Red Cross on Thursday, Nov. 8. Blood donation appointments ran from 8 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. Students trickled in over the course of the day, excused for hour-long appointments which involved finger pricks, health-related questions, and ultimately their blood donation. Senior Sidney Hougland, unperturbed by the tube protruding from her inner elbow, commented, “I’m happy to feel like I’m making a difference. Even though donating doesn’t seem like a big deal, I could save someone’s life.” Volunteers were given water, food, and a 15-minute rest period after donating, as well as an American Red Cross T-shirt. During their 15 minutes of recovery, donors were waited on by ASB members, who were glad to provide Cheese-Its and sandwiches. Some volunteers were deferred—although they had good intentions, the American Red Cross has certain requirements. Volunteers who visited countries in recent years that had outbreaks of disease, such as Mad Cow Disease in the United Kingdom in the 1980s, were unable to donate. By the end of the day, however, the American Red Cross succeeded in collecting 54 pints of blood. -nicole greene

Graffiti on campus Graffiti cleaned off of San Dieguito Academy’s walls Tuesday morning.

Graffiti gets cleaned off of SDA. Photo by Sarah Graciano.

San Dieguito Academy is occasionally subject to graffiti and vandalism, and on Tuesday morning, graffiti was found on the library as well as other locations such as the air conditioning unit on top of the 100’s building. The graffiti was promptly covered up. “[We either get it] cleaned up as soon as possible or ask the sheriffs, but the drawback with that is that it is left on campus. Some look gang related, but some look like imitations. So involving police is sometimes necessary. They like to document this kind of thing. Ideally, we like to cover it up as soon as possible,” said Assistant Principal Ryan Yee. According to Yee, initial clean up consists of scrubbing and then spray paint to cover it up. Then a district painter will match the original paint color to restore the integrity of the original paint job. -nicole smith

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Mustang 11.16.2012

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Mustang 11.16.2012

Staff Editorial Presidential election President Barack Obama’s victory sparked relief in the Mustang. Looking back at the fiery campaigns, though, both parties have gone a little too far. For example, it seemed that most issues the candidates fought over were regarding social problems. The President is certainly a figurehead, but how much power does he or she have over issues like gay rights and abortion? Arguably, not too much. Certainly one thing to ponder: we will have a Supreme Court justice retiring in the next couple years. With a nice balance of four conservatives, four liberals, and one independent, who will President Obama appoint to fill the void? Besides judiciary politics, Obama has a lot on his plate: the economy, domestic social issues, and the war, just to name a few. Now that he is in office for another four years, we hope that he will use his momentum to get even more done for our country.

How does the Mustang feel? (circle all that apply)

Prop 37

AA bond

When it comes to this food-labeling measure, we are mostly happy to see it brought to a halt. Regarding consumer rights and health guidelines, we definitely have a right to know what is in our food. However, this just wasn’t the right bill. The labeling exemptions were indeed confusing—why label soy milk, but not cow’s milk? Plus, the law would place a potentially devastating financial burden on small businesses. We’d like a clearer proposition in the future, perhaps one approached with more financial awareness, and less perplexing exceptions.

After all the hype, we can’t help but feel disappointed that the school bond may not pass, especially by the sub-one-percent margin. (As of this writing, absentee ballots were still being counted; results were not technically final.) Looking forward, though, perhaps the future isn’t as dismal as we made it out to be. Do we really need a two-story math and science building? It would be nice, but so long as there are desks and a roof, we can get the education we need. Smaller improvements over time will come naturally, without uprooting San Dieguito Academy’s unique, historic culture.

Illustration by Molly Kovacs

Word Count: 509

Prop 30 In light of Prop 30 passing, the Mustang feels an overall sense of relief. We recognize the worry over whether or not the $6 billion dollars added to California’s budget would actually go to education. However, because the largest portion of California’s money is currently spent on education, in these trying economic times, it would have been the first program to take a hit. Logically, the money from this tax measure will play a primary role in saving California schools from these budget cuts. We never take taxes lightly, but we see the proposition is a necessary buffer against looming losses to educational funding.

Did you know? Staff editorials are the collective voice of the Mustang staff on a particular issue. After moderating a class-wide disscusion, the opinions editor tries to reach a general consensus and articulates the staff’s dominant opinions.

Done with homework and after-school activities? Want to rest? NOPE. With college app deadlines approaching, it’s time to essay. dana shin

ear College Admissions Officer,

After hours of formulating a nonclichéd topic to your clichéd prompt, an idea has finally hit! Do you see my sweaty fingers and blotchy eyes? I’ve downed black coffee, but even that’s wearing off. I’ve even tried the blanket-over-the-screen remedy. So, what was a life-changing moment in my life, you ask? I once read “The Giving Tree.” And then the tree gave the little boy her branches. And then she gave him her bark. And then he made a boat with the bark. Oh, and then... Wait, scratch that. Stop trying to be so creative. Also, must show, not tell. Ah! 500 word limit! I’ve already used up 100 words, but I’m still not to the point. Okay, so more about me…. I want to… WAIT! I haven’t written a firstperson essay in a while - every “I” statement makes me shudder. In 500 words, I have to package myself in a Christmas box and ship my entire existence to your office. Simple. I have to think outside-the-box and stand

This article was written in 509 words. Illustration by Emily Hall out from the trite, look-at-me essay. Easy. I can’t be pompous, yet I’ve got to polish myself and sprinkle some pizzazz. Done. WRONG. Officer, this is what one sentence requires (one!): Backspace. Hair! Facebook. One word.

Backspace. Sigh. “IT’S ALREADY TEN O’CLOCK?!” 24 hours and it’s still not done. And by the way, what does this essay even say about me? Do you see me as creative or psychotic? Okay, Mr. College Man, Woman, whoever’s judging the past four years

of my life. I’ve been told to be concise, honest, a unique individual in my essay. But if I had spent 9k on a trip to Africa to help build houses over the summer, according to HuffPo and other college-tip blogs, you would’ve already read the “Mother Teresa” essay.

Be witty or sound “smart” in our essays, but not too much. Write metaphorically about a piñata or the colors of ice cream, but make sure to “extend” it to our personal lives… just not too much. Where’s the medium?! Sigh. Officer, I’m exhausted, and like most seniors, I want to yell “JUST LET ME IN!” But I get it. The essay is supposed to weed out the students (like me) who sketch out (a college nono) their personal statements to dump them into the reject pile. Great. Advisors say that it should just be a truthful personal narrative, but when the essays ask questions like, “Why Us?” or “What has led to your academic interest?” I wonder how my essay on such a dull topic can possibly stand out from the 70,000 applicants’ applying to the same school. As a University of Chicago pamphlet (a buddy in this time of need) advises, it’s best to close the computer, go outside, and run. It’s best to be proud of accomplishments, and have “fun” with the applications. Oh, and apparently peanut butter cookies help. Get real. Okay, I’ve got this. Re-focusing on the essay. Crap. I’m over by nine words.

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Mustang 11.16.2012

Busy work bull $#*% Years of busy work have pushed students too far. Students have grown tired of being told an assignment has a purpose only to realize it is pointless. austin kasselmann

usy work. Two of the most hated words by students. Nothing drives us crazier than hours of mindless work, with no point to it in sight. Even though normal class work and homework are hated, busy work takes this hate to an all new level. A night or class full of busy work is akin to sitting in a swamp in Louisiana catching mosquitoes: it does no good and is a pain in ass, both literally and figuratively: “I love working for hours on pointless assignments” said No One Ever. For example, 30 of the same math problems are of no help; we get the concept after 10. Annotating countless articles that are mostly irrelevant, is....well, irrelevant. Doing activities with connections to the actual topic being learned in class, which are so weak that even Sponge Bob could

break them, is pointless as well. “Doing all these things helps me learn,” said that one kid in class. (Everyone knows that certain someone in every class who I’m talking about.) However, I’m sure teachers have a very different view of busy work. Some even deny its very existence. Every start of a new year, one bold student always asks the teacher, “What is your philosophy on busy work?” The teachers almost always deny that they will assign busy work and promises that everything has a purpose. We are all elated to hear this answer, but unfortunately, it is usually the same story every year. These teachers, in effect, hand us a cookie and then take it away. More likely than not, we will later find ourselves doing hours of busy work per week: “Busy work, is useful in the development in our learning experience,” said....wait...yeah, nobody. The teachers who assign busy work

after assuring us that they won’t, claim that all that work has a purpose. However, we see it very differently and believe that it would be hard for Sherlock Holmes to find the usefulness of these assignments. It is more likely than not that the only purpose this work truly has, is to keep students busy or simply to have homework. Busy work alone is a heinous crime against the health and wellbeing of our student body. However, it is unspeakable if you claim you don’t assign busy work and then do. In the political realm, this is called flip flopping, it is not okay there and here, well, it’s not okay either. Don’t assign busy work, it does nothing for us, and if you are going to assign it, at least admit it. Sincerely, EVERY Student

It’s time to talk

Illustration by Avery Finden

It may be confusing now with all those hormones rushing around inside you, but don’t worry. Here’s some titillating tidbits about teen sex. Read up kiddos. max lundberg

want to start out by asking you all to do something, just one small favor. I want you to look up from the paper for a minute and take a gander at those around you. No more than a glance. Now, to make things simple, we’ll pretend that you’re currently surrounded by an equal proportion of young men and women. Statistically, three out of four of those who are currently in your company have masturbated, and two out of four do so on a regular basis. My guess is that this new information makes you feel quite uncomfortable. But, considering how prevalent it is, why should it be upsetting? Even if it’s only at most talked about in hushed words with those you trust the most, the truth is—as with many things regarding sexuality—it is completely normal. Everybody’s doing it. Yet, that feeling of discomfort lives on because we live in a country that’s just as conflicted as we are. How weird is it to live in a society where fast food chains (I’m looking at you, Carls Jr.) use near-naked women and abundant sexual innuendos to market their food, how media’s “successful guy” is the kid who can get the most tail, and how a girl is “prude” if she doesn’t put out. Meanwhile, across the country, schools use scare tactics, teaching

Max Lundberg sits down to have a little chat with America about teenage sexuality. Photo illustration by Nicole Greene.

abstinence only. This would be fine if teens were sexually inactive; the truth is, we’re not. According to the Guttmacher Institute, 70 percent of teens have had sex by age 19. Since we’re so sexually active, but feel like we can’t get information from authority figures in fear of ridicule, we instead must turn to our possibly ill-informed friends. This is where the problems lie. By promoting sexuality on one end, and denying its existence on the other, we do the worst thing ever. We make sex a big deal.

Why is this such a problem? Well, let’s compare us to Europe, and us. Now, I can’t tell you why we’re different, as Europe and the United States both sexually progressed very slowly over the last hundred years, but I can tell you the effect that their outlook versus ours has on our safety as teens. In much of the EU, especially in the Nordic countries, sexuality is just not a big deal. It’s understood that teens are buckets of raging hormones. Like it or not, kids develop a sexual identity. Because it’s ok to talk about, teens get

that important information they so desperately need. The United States, on the other hand, is so focused on telling us why abstinence is the only way to go, many forget to mention the important things. In much of Europe, teens are taught by their parents the importance of discretion. Finding healthy relationships and stressing the importance of compatibility is often a bigger priority than simply waiting until one is married. Teen years are seen as a time for kids to learn from relationships, instead of going into the dating scene at eighteen cold turkey. In accepting that teens are sexual, parents and educators are able to communicate with teens so they feel comfortable enough to come to them before it’s too late. In the United States, I find many are not told that brinkmanship actions like blowjobs are just as dangerous as intercourse because STIs can still be transmitted. I guess parents figure by telling children what they need to know about safe sex practices, we’ll start having it. Too often do I hear fellow students talking about how they don’t use birth control because they’re afraid their parents would destroy their social life. Too often I hear parents refusing to give their kids Gardasil shots for fear that it would give their children the message that sex is ok. And while European teens are having just as much sex as we

are, their teen pregnancy and STD transmission is much, much lower than ours. It’s embarrassing. Especially since the solution is so damn simple. All we have to do is talk, and accept that teen sexuality, whether we like it or not, is inevitable. A young woman should never feel like she has to risk not using birth control because of the fear of what her parents would do if they found out. Teens should not feel like they have to become sexually active because of pressures from the media, or because they were never taught what a healthy relationship meant. No teen should become infected with an STI because they didn’t feel like they had access to protection. If we could all talk about sexuality in a mature and honest way, the issues parents fear the most, like pregnancy, disease, and poor relationships, wouldn’t be an issue. There will need to be a lot of change before we can talk about sex in a public forum, with our parents, educators, or friends. Change is slow, especially for something people don’t want to discuss. In the meantime, I can’t stress to you all enough the importance of being safe. Contraceptives are a must. There are resources out there that will help you get what you need in a private way. Places like Planned Parenthood have everything you need to know. I urge you to read the article in this issue about birth control, and make it your duty to be informed.

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opinions

Mustang

Univers(al opportun)ity 11.16.2012

College is a tremendous opportunity and a privilege, an idea sadly forgotten in the frenzy of SDA’s college application season. molly kovacs

he linens would be gray and seafoam-green, I decided. For a popped accent, I might add a bright orange pillow or two. On the desk, maybe a multi-colored lamp… I get giddy just thinking about it. I have been planning my future college dorm room since freshman year. Recently, however, I received a much-needed, face-in-the-bucket-ofcold-water refresher on what college actually means. Incidentally, it doesn’t have anything to do with accent pillows. Jack, 21, moved here last year from a village in the Philippines. We work together at La Costa Glen, and on our dinner breaks, he always finds me studying. In September, as I was struggling to write one of my college essays, I told him of my dreams to get into Stanford. He smiled in recognition. “I know Stanford!” he said. “That’s a university. I want to go to a university someday. Like Harvard,

right? Is that what it’s called?” I nodded, but he looked at me expectantly, like he was waiting for me to laugh. “What?” I said. “That’s a joke,” he said. “I could never go to a real university.” “Of course you can!” I said, armed with fierce, childlike conviction. I recited it, just as my parents, teachers, and friends had drilled into me. Everyone goes to college. Everyone. “Well, how would I even start?” he inquired, raising his eyebrows. “Well, I dunno, you can ask your school counsel—?” I stopped myself midway, and he nodded, knowing that he had made his point. Embarrassed, I remembered him telling me doesn’t have enough money saved to even go to community college. A big chunk of guilt settled itself at the pit of my stomach. Why do I get to be so lucky? Here I am, working part time at La Costa Glen, thinking nothing of it but as a way to make some gas money. Yet he might work here all his life. This is

his career. I am so worried about my “college life” that I have lost the true significance of college. Just driving up California’s coast, you will find dozens of top-notch universities—universities that our school system has been preparing us for since we were five years old. Jack has not been so conditioned, though. While I was falling asleep atop the umpteenth chapter of “Traditions and Encounters,” he was on a plane to America, excited just to have the chance to work here for minimum wage. To him, college is not a guaranteed venture. It is the highest degree of education, knowledge, and opportunity in the world. And what are we going to do with a college degree? Find a job, make some money, yeah? Live the good life, make it big? I just hope that we also give back to the system that has helped us get this far. You never know—maybe, just maybe, we can use our collegiate knowledge to spread the love, and

When it comes to higher education, we’ve got the whole world - musical pause - in our hands. Photo by Tacy Manis.

expand our system to give everyone equal means to success. Now, I have complained about college application essays as much as the next senior, perhaps even more. My mom and I worry every day about the costs of attendance, or how much financial aid I will get from each prospective college. But just by being at San Dieguito Academy, I know that

college is a totally feasible option. I wish we could all appreciate how much our schools have helped get us here. And I would like to think that someday we can use our higher knowledge to create a college system that lets every single person have the same amazing opportunities that we have before us now. Even Jack. Especially Jack.

Empty boots Guest writer, SDA senior McRae Lawrence, urges America to respect and appreciate the sacrifices of its soldiers. Treat them like they deserve.

About the author:

mcrae lawrence

s a plane carrying our country’s heroes’ lands, many wait in anticipation. Spouses will soon embrace their soldiers and families will be reunited. Emotions of joy are abundant as the long wait for the return of their heroes is over. Dressed to serve, they walk by, a round of applause arises. The men and women just wave and keep on walking, but do you really know what is going on in their mind? What battle is replaying, or how close they came to death? They give it all so that we can live free. They are soldiers, fighters, protectors of our freedom, and how do we treat them? They fight a battle every day just hoping to stay alive, just hoping that they will be able to see their loved ones again. But, for every returning soldier, there is always one who will not return. And do they get the respect they deserve, or do they go unremembered, lost in the world we live in because of our ignorance? Because of our lack of

On Aug. 2, just two days before turning 18, senior McRae Lawrence signed up for the United States Marine Corp’s Delayed Entry Program. He trains with the recruiting station, RSS Poway, in anticipation of the day he ships (Jul. 15, 2013). After his Basic Combat Training in Pendleton, he wants to be deployed either late 2013 or early 2014 to the infantry.

These are Lawrence’s standard-issue boots and uniform, given to him by his cousin a couple years ago. He will use them for boot camp and training. Photo by Avery Finden.

knowledge? Do we treat the living with the utmost respect or do we treat them like the deceased? Most of the time, we are just ignorant and don’t pay attention.

Just tonight my friend had no clue that the gun in boots topped with a helmet symbolizes the death of a soldier. It is not that he doesn’t respect the military. He just didn’t know. We live in a world where we take

our freedom for granted. We live each day like nothing is wrong. We think a life or death decision is when we have to pick what movie to watch or where we are going to take the kids for the day. In war, all you are thinking about it what bullet has your name on it. When you see a solider on the street, thank him for everything he has

done for your country. There is more than what meets the eye. They are still fighting, and it will stick with them till the day they die. Imagine your best friend right next to you. For a split second you look away, and he is blown into a million pieces. You’re standing there with your friend’s blood all over you. What do you do? Panic? Fall over crying? Or do you suck it up and keep on fighting? The rows of crosses that line the field of peace make us remember the cost of freedom. The line of empty boots with a gun and a helmet and the flag at a half mast symbolize the men and women that lost their lives in the fight for our freedom. The men who are veterans from World War II to this day go through so much. It is our duty to keep them honored and remembered as the men and women who laid their lives on the line so that we could sleep in peace. How can we respect the living if we can’t correctly respect the deceased?

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opinions

Mustang 11.16.2012

How To: Have an opinion

ords fly from his swiftly moving lips along with globs of spit landing on his unsuspecting victim’s face. His quick tongue rapidly refutes any inferior opinion unfortunate enough to be trapped by the Sassmaster’s bat-like ears. Once finished devouring his victim’s opinion, having ripped each idea into small pieces of a once relevant argument, he turns his attention to his new target. The poor, unsuspecting boy doesn’t stand a chance. His “X-presidential candidate” sticker, he has pasted to his binder makes the Sassmaster’s mouth water at the thought of disagreement. He gets ready to pounce. He purses his lips, bares his teeth, and springs onto his prey’s opinion. “DID YOU KNOW THAT-“ is all the victim hears before he finds himself gasping for air. The Sassmaster’s shoves his opinion down his victim’s throat faster than the boy can open his mouth. He falls to the floor, succumbing to Sassmaster’s bizarrely detailed opinion on the upcoming election. To avoid being like the Sassmaster or his opinion-deprived counterpart, follow these steps.

Don’t be an opinion bully

Many students find themselves in one of three categories: the opinion bully, the opinion novice and the opinion connoisseur. The bullies leave others offended as their thoughts are extinguished with an ambush of uncalled for arguments. This is repellant and often represses other opinions, defeating the point of having a view in the first place. Many get so caught up in justifying their side that they forget that the exchange of views is imperative when developing ideas. If everyone agreed, all the time about everything, the world would be a dull and gray place. Imagine if Romney got up to debate with Obama and said, “Yeah, no, Barack, you’re totally right. I think you have done a great job in the past four years.” Constantly imposing ideas onto people rarely changes their opinions. Take PETA for example. Apparently incorporating campaigns of naked Kardashians and throwing animals’ blood on fur coats is supposed to make people to support animal rights. However, it just makes people uncomfortable and a bit nauseous.

Too little opinion

Juuust right

Too much opinion

Taylor Knudson, much like the protagonist in the story Goldilocks and the Three Bears, finds that creating an ideal balance is essential. Photo by Tacy Manis.

Don’t be an opinion novice

On the opposite end, opinion novices are often either hidden by a wall of ignorance or just plain indifference. Both stifle the exchange of knowledge and rob themselves and others of academic opportunities. Clashing beliefs broaden views and create a better understanding of different topics. When people force their opinions upon others or refuse to take a stance, they take the enlightening and often fun parts of controversy and toss them aside. While taking a stance often leads to uncalled for arguments and sassy comments, choosing to be indifferent halts the creation of a valuable educational forum.

Understand

Take a stance

Not all fall under the categories of opinion bullies and opinion novices. Some are opinion connoisseurs. In order to master the art of ideas, you should first do your research. Listen to others’ thoughts to build upon your own. Staying huddled in your own isolated igloo of opinions leaves your beliefs cold, dark and undeveloped. Avoid being an opinion eskimo.

It’s time. Take your stance and stay secure in your beliefs while also keeping your mind open to other views. Having an educated, well-rounded opinion is the ultimate defense against the Sassmasters and opinion-bullies of the world. Watch as they retract their claws and retreat to their dusky dens at the sight of your opinion prowess. -Taylor Knudson

How To:

Survive awkward family gatherings

or some reason the holiday season is the highlight of everyone’s year. The weather gets mildly colder, the mornings grow darker, and classmates who begin coughing and sneezing are ostracized as “holiday season” becomes synonymous with “flu season.” But with all the illness and red fingertips and the suffering we endure as we wrench ourselves from our warm beds to trudge to school and work on cold mornings, there’s still this soft ring in the air. It’s the sound of the register as you buy last-minute gifts, it’s the oven timer as the turkey turns golden brown, and most importantly (if anything can be more important than presents), the doorbell as relatives arrive for Thanksgiving dinner, bearing gifts and new wives and deeply -rooted psychological problems. Aside from the holiday cheer and the green-and-red film that begins to cover everything like a thick layer of dust, there are the family reunions we are supposedly most thankful for. You must endure your aunt

asking about “that nice boy” who broke your heart three months ago, your drunk uncle breathing in your face as he tells you about that one night “we passed out on a beach in Tiajuana,” and your Harvard-bound cousin’s face as you tell him that your after-school activity is “Facebook and… homework?” With all the familiar strangers we are forced to deal with because miraculously we all came from the same womb (or something) some 500 years ago, it can be difficult to make the most of these winter months. Here’s how to avoid the awkward moments so that you can enjoy your happy holidays (Some kids have lots of things going for them. They are president of ASB, they play on the soccer team and spend their summers in Africa building homes, and are great storytellers with social skills. Good for them. They can ignore these tips. The rest of us have social problems and hate confrontation. This is for them): -Lily LeaVesseur

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If you have nothing interesting to say, lie. You only see these people once a year.

If someone particularly boring starts making their way across the room to start up a conversation with you about the recent return of their hemorrhoid, or how their cataract fell out, it’s ok to make a quick escape to the bathroom. You’re allowed to sit there for a minute or thirty as you wait for the storm to pass.

Take advantage of the people who are obligated to love you. If you need a favor or want to utilize your rich and successful uncle’s connections, just ask. Listen to their wisdom and advice. You don’t have to use it.

Be accommodating. Your family might not end up doing all the activities you insist upon. Or maybe you rather hang out with your own friends than stay in with the eight-year-old twin cousins, who just came in all the way from Ohio. But everyone has to make sacrifices to enjoy limited time together as much as possible.

In the movies: awkward families You are not alone—here are some quotations from movies where families reveal just how not normal they really are. “Nicko! Don’t play with the food! When I was your age, we didn’t have food!” - Maria, “My Big Fat Greek Wedding” “Thank you for all the material possessions that we have and enjoy. And for letting us white people kill all the Indians and steal their tribal lands, and stuff ourselves like pigs, even though children in Asia are being napalmed.” -Wendy, “The Ice Storm,” saying grace “Oh my God... Everyone, just... pretend to be normal.” - Richard, “Little Miss Sunshine”

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CAF

Mustang 11.16.2012

Courtesy of Wikimedia user Mark Robinson

AIRLINE FORCES VULTURE TO CHECK CARRY-ON story on B$

Courtesy of Wikimedia

SCIENTIST SAYS VOIDS DON’T MATTER story on A**

Courtesy of Wikimedia user Wing-Chi Poon

San Dieguito Sentinel

CORPS FOUND AT BOTTOM OF FISCAL CLIFF story on C2

$0.00

Newsy News

sdamustang.com

Starbucks declares Energy Saving Tips bankruptcy, country faces economic crisis

SDA’s SEE (Students for Energy Efficiency) club provides tips on how to preserve your health, as well as the earth’s. But mostly your own.

by Lily LeaVesseur

The country is still reeling after the quarter-of-aquadrillion dollar coffee chain Starbucks declared bankruptcy yesterday. The company began facing trouble soon after its announcement that it would no longer be serving pumpkin spice lattes, due to the fact that everyone drank so many, draining the world of pumpkin syrup forever. World-famous chemist Sien Cee explained the sudden syrup extinction: “You see it’s all about the electrolytes.” Starbucks has tried to make up for the loss by serving blended-gourd frappuccinos and turkey-flavored cake pops, but customers are not satisfied. “I don’t know what I’m supposed to do if I can’t start my morning with a pumpkin spice latte. I can survive the rest of the year without it, but if I don’t have my pumpkin spice during the holidays, there’s basically nothing else to look forward to,” said former customer Holly Day. According to an authoritative report somewhere, the lack of pumpkin syrup is also reflected in a sudden rise in numbers of those suffering from depression and other mental disorders, as well as drops in job performance in every occupational area. “My employees are coming in tired and upset each morning. They haven’t been able to make a sale since Starbucks got rid of those lattes. One guy ended up falling asleep at the paper cutter and cutting off his hand,” said office supervisor Sara Ly. In addition to the decline in American morale, the nation’s economy is entering what

many smart people are calling “a Psychotic Depression,” said to be 3.14 times worse than whatever happened in the olden days. With all Starbucks stores being shut down, former employees are out scouring the job market, raising the unemployment rate to 69 percent. “Hey, it wasn’t me,” said President Obama. Stockholders invested in the company also suffered great loss. Those in the top 1 percent of the country held millions in Starbucks’ stock, but now everyone is in the bottom 100 percent. Experts say that socialism is not an unrealistic possibility for America’s future. “I think this is what our country needs to get back on top,” said Peet’s Coffee employee Cathy Nate. With cities being referred to as “ghost towns” now that they lack a Starbucks on every corner, the controversy is beginning to reach an international scale. The British female pop group, Spice Girls, has added a new member in honor of the lost Starbucks drink. Pumpkin Spice will now be touring with the girls, who released a statement saying, “Latte is what I want, what I really, really want.” Eight sightings have been reported of an undisclosed amount of remaining bottles of pumpkin syrup in northern California. It is expected that some kind of gold rush/ drug trade/murderous riot will result as news of these sightings spread. “It’s every man for himself and I’m not resting until I get those bottles. I read the ‘Hunger Games,’ I know what’s coming,” said syrup addict Sike O. Path.

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It’s best to use Styrofoam cups, paper towels, and plastic bottles rather than resuable products. By throwing away items such as these after each use, you help prevent the spread of harmful bacteria.

When you’re riding in your car on a hot day, make sure you roll down all of your windows when you turn on the AC. This is the most efficient way of maximizing air circulation.

Achluophobia, the fear of the dark, is a serious phobia plaguing our nation. This phobia applies to most living creatures, including household pets. In order to act against the spread of Achluophobia, do your part and leave your lights on in your house when you leave for long periods of time.

Everyone knows the benefit of hot water on your skin when washing your face in the morning. It’s been scientifically proven that the average sink needs at During winter, wet hands are least 2-3 minutes to head up to its ideal temextremely susceptible to frostbite. perature. Be sure to leave the water running To avoid loss of any limbs, it is best to use while you brush your teeth and get dressed at least two feet of paper towel to ensure in order to maintain that healthy skin. that your hands are completely dried after washing.

School uniforms cause drop in SDA student population by Tily Manesseur

Two hundred SDA students have transferred to LCC after the October announcement that school uniforms must be worn. This dramatic 12 percent decrease comes as a response to what students are calling a “violation of all the amendments!” The drastic change in school policy from the administration came as a response to the excessive dress code violations. The uniforms, which will arrive in January, have now been modified to cover the entire body. The goal is to leave only the eyes, ears, mouth, and nose exposed. Students are outraged. In addition to the 200 students who have already transferred schools, an estimated 400 more plan to leave after the first semester in order to avoid the uniforms. “It’s like Kim Jung Il was reincarnated as the administration and is trying

to turn us into robots. This is America! Not North Korea,” said freshman Soshi L. Ogi in a surprising moment of global awareness. Despite the students’ outcries, the administration is standing firm on its decision. “We understand that the uniforms are not popular with the students, but they’re the only way to take care of these dress code violations,” said school board member Dick Tate. When asked about how this decline in students will affect SDA, they revealed that many teachers would have to be cut to balance the staffstudent ratio, “It just doesn’t make sense to have teachers in empty classrooms.” To try to keep this staff cut from happening, SDA is allowing transfers at the second semester. There are also plans to introduce new features to the school that would attract more students. “The school

board has been brainstorming about what could be done to increase student population again,” said Tate. “There are talks of a Ferris wheel in front of the PAC, or even hiring only scantily-clad staff to entice new students.” Some students have expressed interest in the uniforms. “It actually sounds like a good idea! It just seems more convenient. I won’t mi,“ said junior Otto Kast, before being stoned by his peers. However, the majority of students express frustration, and if transfers continue at this rate LCC will inevitably become a better school than SDA. “LCC is a school of Mavericks! They get to wear whatever they want. SDA is suppressing me as an individual. That’s why I’m transferring out of SDA and following all my friends there,” said freshmen Wanda Bee.

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How To:

Mustang 11.16.2012

Pass the Driving Exam

Practice Exam Answer these questions based on illustrations from the DMV’s California Driver Handbook. Match each photo to the correct caption.

he perils of the DMV’s driving exam are fast approaching. Yet the freedoms it offers is well worth the challenge the test presents. Living in fear of this life-altering event? Check out our step by step instructions for a great score. Story by Sam Winter.

Practice makes perfect

New found freedom comes with responsibility, argues “Teen Road to Safety” driving instructor Andrew Wunderlich. In his view, it is actually learning how to drive that is important, not your score on the driving exam. “There is this misconception involving the issue of eligibility vs. readiness,” Wunderlich cautions. “Many people take the test when their six months is up, regardless of whether they are ready or not.” He worries that students and parents spend too much time focusing on the process of obtaining a driver’s license, ignoring the advanced techniques necessary to create the safe drivers of tomorrow. He does, however, acknowledge the importance of preparing for the exam and offers his advice for passing: “Parent involvement is essential; fulfilling the 50 hours of training is the best way to prepare yourself for the test.” Licensing Registration Examiner (LRE) Dawn Mariani, of the Escondido field office, agrees: “Experience will help you pass,” she said.

Know the test

Practice, however, isn’t always enough. Many students, like junior Blake Spangenberg, didn’t pass due to an unfamiliarity with the scoring of the test. “When I entered the left turn lane, I checked my mirrors, but didn’t look over my shoulder,” he said. Unfortunately for Spangenberg, this was considered an automatic failure, meaning his otherwise perfect score was for naught. Like many first time drivers, he encountered the critical error, a mistake the DMV considers unforgivable. Before taking the driving exam, be sure to review the DMV’s California Driver Handbook; it offers the DMV’s view of what’s important.

Critical errors

Commiting any of these violations means instant failure. 1. Cause the examiner to intervene in any way 2. Strike any object 3. Disobey a traffic sign or signal 4. Disobey safety personnel (fire truck, ambulance, etc.) 5. Dangerous maneuvers (passing on blind curves, etc.) 6. Unsafe speeds (10 mph over or under the speed limit) 7. Auxiliary equipment use (Fail to use turn signals, etc.) 8. Lane violation (crossing the double white line.) Errors Courtesy of the California Driver Handbook

Relax

An issue that many test takers must deal with is testing day anxiety. Shaky hands and shortness of breath can lead to silly mistakes, said Mariani. She offered her advice on dealing with the jitters: “Don’t tell your friends you are going to the DMV; it adds to the stress. Turn off your cell phone. You don’t want any distractions… Make sure that you have all your paperwork ready when you check in for the evaluation. Read your permit, it tells you what you need to bring.” Another way to relax is arrive prepared. “Make sure everything is working,” she said, “the horn, turn signals, and brake lights.” Schedule the test in the morning, when traffic is less extreme. This helps to reduce anxiety by lessening the time you have to stress: “If you make an appointment late in the afternoon, you will have all day to worry about it,” she said. Mariani recommended arriving early, so that you don’t feel rushed.

A: Do not go under or around lowering railway gates. B: Save time and gasoline by avoiding the wait at railways. C: Race trains to railway crossings (be careful; even if you tie, you lose).

Be kind to your examiner

Everyone has heard the horror stories associated with the behind the wheel exam. As an examiner, however, Mariani has actually experienced them. She has seen it all while testing, from being hit by cyclists, to having her photo taken by red light cameras. On multiple occasions, Mariani’s students have been pulled over by law enforcement for violating traffic laws. Fortunately, not all exams end in disaster, she explained: “There was a time I took a kid out and everything that could have happen did. A car pulled out in front of him, a bicyclist turned in front of him, a kid chased a ball out in front of his car, and a fire truck came up behind him with lights and sirens on,” she said. “He passed because he remained calm and handled everything without any help from me.” The examiners really do want you to pass, Mariani explained. “People assume because we don’t talk to you during the evaluation we don’t like you. Truth is we don’t engage in conversation because we have a lot of responsibility.” She explained that their job is not to teach or instruct, but to observe and, if necessary, prevent you from making unsafe decisions. LREs have a specific scoring guideline to follow, ensuring that testing is fair. Mariani said that a failing score is ok, too: “We would love if everyone would pass their evaluation the first time. It would make our day easier. But everyone learns at a different pace… One person took the test six times before passing. If you don’t pass it’s not the end of the world.”

A: Gently remove lane offenders from the middle of the road. Warmly guide them to their respective lanes. B: When passing cyclists, be sure to leave enough room. C: To attract that special cyclist, casually engage electromagnets. He won’t know what hit him!

A: Stay flexible while driving by practicing proper aerobic techniques. B: In the event of systems failure, hand signals can be used in place of turn signals. C: Please, keep your hands and arms inside the vehicle at all times. Thank you.

Photos Courtesy of the California Driver Handbook

Answers: A, B, B

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centerspread

Mustang 11.16.2012

HOW ‘BOUT SOME TOAST WITH THAT JAM? In the past weeks, you saw 10 student bands drop some bass, raise some roof, and lay down some fat beats. Welcome to Battle of the Bands. Story by Molly Kovacs. The agitated click of the hi-hat. The excited scream of an electric guitar. The awesome crash of sound-waves against thirsty air. And so it began once again: the battle of the bands. The raw voices and plucked strings dance together, held together by unfathomable harmony. Move closer to the stage, and the humming oral cavity finds itself on a face, a student, maybe a friend. Move even closer, uncomfortably close. See the hope, anger, love, fear, courage that flashes through their pupils. Watch their pulses thump beneath the carefully chosen canvases of their shirts. Feel the music devour the air, wrenching the heart of the student body from its pulpous guts, and…Okay, this is getting graphic. Battle of Bands. It happened from Tuesday Oct. 22 to Friday Nov. 3. Students came together to listen to music, eat lunch, and watch their peers compete for the ultimate title. King Lord of the Bands? Supreme Ruler of the Musical Universe? Something like that. Congrats to all who competed! The Mustang asked all of the bands a question, and here are their responses:

“out of all the bands, yours is/has the most...” “...enthusiastic”

“...estrogen”

–guitarist and vocalist Matt Hutten (Strange)

– guitarist and vocalist Elly Oltersdorf (Decibella)*

“...swag”

“...testosterone-driven”

–singer, producer, and lyrical wordsmith Zane Timpson (Enaz)

–guitarist and vocalist Riley Rowe (Melting Pot of Human Emotion)

“...original creations” –producer and songwriter Mark Kaplan (Imported Effects)

“...fun and original” –guitarist and vocalist Powers Berry (The Strangers)

“...likely to be the next Jonas Brothers” –drummer Max Zikakis (More Sound for All)*

“...ridiculously attractive kids” –guitarist Ross Cooper (Eagle Scout Project)*

“...facial hair” –bassist Tim Greene (Kelp)*

Scott Linquist on the violin and Drake Peters on the drums performing with Eagle Scout Project. Photo by Caroline Glass.

Marisa Mathis (left) and Elly Oltersdorf (right), members of Decibella, perform on stage. On her favorite aspect of being in the band, Oltersdorf remarks “I love band practice. This usually consists of an hour of actual practice and around three hours of talking and eating toast.” Photo by Molly Kovacs.

* designates the finalists, who were scheduled to perform Thursday Nov. 15.

Betty Huang adds a rich, unusual color to Decibella’s sound with the cello. Photo by Molly Kovacs.

Battle of the bands draws a large crowd in front of the Performing Arts Center’s ampitheater. Crowds are a large part of the musical experience. “I love to entertain people,” said Powers Berry from the Strangers. Photo by Caroline Glass.

“My favorite part of being in a band is playing music with other people and feeding off the energy they bring to it,” says Ross Cooper, musician of The Eagle Scout Project. Photo by Caroline Glass.

Taking Control the

Mustang 11.16.2012

features

SDA students talk about their experiences acquiring birth control and the judgment sexually active teens face. Story by Caroline Glass and Laurel Sorenson.

Illustration by Avery Finden.

n a sunny Saturday in September, an SDA senior steps out of her friendâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s minivan and into the parking lot in front of a Planned Parenthood. It is wedged between a Souplantation and a Dollar Tree in a strip mall in Oceanside. Although the clinics attract public attention for their abortion services, many more girls, including this senior, visit the clinics to obtain birth control and contraceptives. She chose to visit Planned Parenthood rather than a personal doctor to receive these services due to her parentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s negative views on sex and birth control. She opens the door of the discreet, beige-colored building to find what looks to be a regular doctorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s office. The waiting room is almost empty, save for a young father holding a newborn baby and a nervous looking teenage girl. The girl waits for about 10 minutes before she is admitted into the back, where she asks and answers questions, fills out paperwork, and discusses financial ability before receiving the pill. As she walks out the door back into the sunlight, she is relieved that

she is able to protect herself without risking the judgment of her parents and peers. This girl is one of almost 10,000 teen girls who obtain birth control from Planned Parenthood in California every year, according to Jennifer Coburn, director of communications for Planned Parenthood. Whether it is for financial or personal reasons, girls know that they can come to Planned Parenthood for another option to be given information and services regarding birth control and family planning. This is a needed option. Lack of knowledge about how much they are supposed to contribute to staying safe, and not having relationships with their parents that allow them to talk about getting birth control, causes many teens to risk unprotected sex. Forty seven percent of teens are sexually active, and of those teens, 14 percent of girls do not use any form of birth control, the Centers for Disease Control said. The reason for this, some say, is that girls are scared of being (cont. on pg 17)

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features (cont. from pg 17) judged by their peers, parents, and teachers for being sexually active. “There’s a taboo about being open about [sex], especially in our age range. [People] see you differently. People think if you have sex you’re stupid because it’s your form of fun. People think you have sex once and you’re a bimbo,” said an anonymous senior girl. Said another senior girl, “I think people are reprimanded for having a sexual identity in high school because you can be labeled a slut.” Planned Parenthood makes birth control available to girls who fear the repercussions of these negative stigmas. When the senior girl called to make her appointment, the representative made it clear that her privacy and safety was their number one concern, noted the girl. They asked who they should say they were if they called her home, because they know that for some girls, telling their parents they are on birth control could be punishable by extreme consequences, according to Coburn. “I would need to hide the fact from my parents until I know their stance on the issue because I don’t want them to freak out, considering that they are

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very conservative. My parents are very reserved, because of their culture, so we as a family never had ‘the talk’,” said a senior girl. For those whose parents are not as open with them about sex and methods of protecting themselves from STDs and pregnancy, there are other ways to find information. Counselor Ann Nebolon said she has had kids come to her and ask about their birth control options. She tells them about local resources like Planned Parenthood, and provides an environment for students to get information without being judged. “It’s never negative. A teenager has a right to access birth control. I think it’s a great thing that teenagers can access those resources on their own. The ones who are on birth control are responsible,” said Nebolon. One senior girl advised sexually active girls to take measures like this to protect themselves instead of trusting guys to take care of them. “I’ve known girls where it was dark at a party and the guy said he had a condom on and he didn’t,” she said. Others are of the opinion that both people must be playing an active role in protecting themselves. “I wish that guys

took more of a responsibility in the matter because they think there’s an easy way out, letting the girl deal with it. They should have a talk with their partner,” said the second senior girl. Some guys believe that their contributions can be made by buying condoms, but that’s as big a role as they should have to play. “Girls just don’t use birth control to control birth, they use it to control cramps and [stuff] so we shouldn’t have to pay for that, but we can buy condoms,” said one anonymous junior boy. An anonymous senior boy agreed. “If it’s birth control then it’s up to the woman,” he said. Regardless of who’s responsibility it is, Nebolon feels that although kids can access birth control on their own, they should always consult a knowledgeable source beforehand. “The thing that worries me the most is misinformation. When kids rely on each other, they think they know everything. Be sure to ask your questions of somebody who truly knows, whether it’s a parent or a counselor, or somebody from a local resource.”

More thoughts... SDA students sound off about birth control, sex and the stigmas that surround them. “I don’t know many people who are sexually active. In any high school setting if you show any affection outside of the norm you’re instantly labeled.” “I would never hide it from my closest friends because I have no reason to hide it from them. However I won’t be prancing around school telling my classroom buddies that I am on birth control because it’s none of their business.” “I wish that guys took more of a responsibility in the matter because they think there’s an easy way out, letting the girl deal with it. They should have a talk with their partner. In high school nobody talks about it, or is supposed to talk about it because they could be labeled a slut.”

Some facts 76.7% of high school girls did not use birth control pills or Depo-Provera [a birth control shot] to prevent pregnancy the last time they had sex 39.8% of high school students did not use a condom the last time they had sex More than 400,000 teen girls aged 15–19 years gave birth in 2009 Planned Parenthood prevents 600,000 pregnancies a year

Data courtesty of Centers for Disease Control and Jennifer Coburn

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Get a Job

ntering the work force can be a difficult and daunting task. So whether it’s for gas money or that new pair of must-have boots, your fellow SDA students and local employers lend their advice and experience in the job search and application process, providing an outline of what you can do to better your chances of being hired. Story by Kelsey Navis.

Dress Nicely

No Distractions

Before even starting to apply for work, you must find somewhere to apply. The best place to start is hitting the pavement like senior Jessi Goralski. “I pretty much walked up the 101 asking every diner and shop if they were looking for extra help,” she said. “There’s a lot of applications you can do online too, like Starbucks and most grocery stores.” Use all your resources; even job opportunities can travel through word of mouth. “Ask your friends where they work and see if there are any openings,” said senior Katherine Fidel. Remember, as a high schooler, you have limited time in which to commit to a job. “Look for bigger places because…the bigger the place, the more flexible it is,” said George Mueller, manager at E-Street Café. Don’t limit your chances, said senior Melanie Ryall. “Apply to as many places as possible and keep an open mind because you are most likely not going to end up with your first choice.” Applying is only the first step. “You have to be persistent after you turn in your application, keep going in and talking to the managers. You need to let them know you’re very interested in the job and that you would be their best candidate,” said senior Michelle Mealy. And, “most importantly, make sure you really want the job your applying for,” said senior Abby Sullivan.

Show Past Work Ethic

Focus on Your Interviewer

Start the Search

Building your Resume

Employers want to see that “there’s signs of life prior to actually getting a real job,” said La Costa Glen manager Wes Gordon. He, and other employers, are “trying to draw work ethic from your athletics or the classroom.” At Cold Stone, “we understand it’s hard to get a job when a requirement is you have to have had a job before,” said manager Henry Obispo. Employers want to see what you have been doing with your time that requires responsibility, like “working with babysitting, dog walking, maybe helping a family business or a family friend’s business,” said Gordon. “I want to see that they have shown academic prowess throughout their school career so I can depend on them to be punctual and on their feet,” said Mueller. “We’re looking for positive energy and a willingness to give great customer service,” said Angela Morales Alvarez, who is in charge of Human Resources at Whole Foods. When deciding what to put on your resume, said Goralski, “one thing I would suggest is to make sure you are confident in all the abilities on your resume.” “It’s also very important to be honest because if they ask you a question that you don’t know how to answer… the story will crumble,” said Mealy.

Making Yourself Available

In addition to school, a job can command a considerable amount of your time with working hours. “When it comes with teenagers, a lot of the times, I’m looking for availability,” said Mueller. Commitment to the job is what employers want in potential candidates, said Obispo. “If you really don’t have time for a job, maybe you shouldn’t be applying for a job.” “In the matter of priority, we’re somewhere in the mix of family, relationship, college prep; there’s all these school responsibilities, so if the young person’s not successful and can’t have that balance in their other focus areas, they’ll probably have a hard time being balanced and focused with us,” said Gordon.

Making Yourself Presentable

Recognize that the work place has a professional atmosphere, said Mealy. “Look presentable, dress nicely, neat hair… you’re trying to impress these people, you want to leave a lasting impression on them.” From an employer’s perspective, “you always want to dress almost to be matching that of the person that’s sitting across the table from you,” said Gordon. “If you come into an interview and you’re wearing your tattered jeans and a t-shirt, I’m not going to give you very much chance,” said Mueller. Meet, or exceed, the expectations, said senior Dara Albanese. “Dress how the employees dress plus a tad bit more; no sandals, t-shirts, and tuck in your shirt,” he said. During an interview, managers are gauging how you act, said Gordon. “We try and determine what kind of personality the person [has],” he said. Senior Lindsey Rowland said, “I think the best advice I got before my interview was to really be myself, but a professional version of myself.” How you present yourself can change the opinion of the interviewer; confidence is always something they are looking for, said Gordon. “There’s got to be a bit of eye contact, the ability to simply answer questions beyond one word answers,” he said. Be aware of how your potential employer is viewing you, Obispo said. “It’s more about a potential employee’s attitude because, honestly, it doesn’t take a genius to scoop ice cream,” he said. ”So we want someone who’s out-going, we want someone who has a positive attitude.” “Be confident, have good posture, no slouching, keep eye contact; you’re basically show casing yourself, so show them the best of you…I went into all of my interviews with confidence and optimism…because if you go in unsure and doubtful, you will doubt what you’re saying. It’s noticeable and will hurt your chances,” said Mealy.

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Mustang 11.16.2012

How NOT To: Get a Job

1 Eating and Wearing Sunglasses

Navigating the Interview

Whether your interview is singular, group, formal, or informal, “it’s just a conversation,” said Gordon. “What I’m trying to do is discover what [your talents and abilities] are because, ultimately, prior to [the interviewees] sitting down, I have no idea who they are,” he said. At Cold Stone, an interview favorite is the question, “What kind of ice cream would you be and why?” Obispo said. “People need to be creative, always remember that going into an interview because they’re going to throw curve balls at you like that.” Preparing can be a good idea, said Fidel. She added, “I come into an interview prepared with possible questions that management could ask me. Like ‘why do I want to work there’ and ‘what qualities do I have that could improve the work environment.’” In an interview, there are, ultimately, “no trick questions,” said Goralski. “We ask them general questions like ‘what are your short-term goals for your life in terms of schooling,’ ‘if you’ve ever had another job,’ or ‘what you hope to accomplish here,’ and ‘what will you bring to the team,’” said Obispo. Questions can vary depending on where and to which position you are applying. For example, “Whole Foods is known for stellar customer service, so questions will often focus on a candidate’s ability or experience with providing great customer service,” said Alvarez. The interview is not only a place for the employer to learn about you, but for you to learn about the job, said Gordon. “We explain the operation, the function of the role that we’re interviewing them for,” he said. If you are nervous before an interview, “YouTube has a lot of interview coaching advice and are free,” said Albanese. If all else fails, “just be yourself and try to connect with the interviewer personally,” said Fidel.

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“We had cookies and these refreshments set up at a job fair and this one candidate was way unqualified…and he just kept eating chips, just crumbs and he had sunglasses on…very aloof; he’s looking away, he’s eating, looking, wandering eyes. It was really a waste of time because he clearly wasn’t that focused and serious enough to present himself well,” said Gordon.

2 Promoting Yourself as ‘Plain’

“One of our favorite questions to ask is ‘what kind of ice cream would you be and why?’… For this question, and it happens all the time, someone will say ‘vanilla, just plain vanilla.’ ‘Why?’ ‘Because I’m pretty plain. I’m a pretty plain person.’ Not an answer, nothing wrong with being plain, but not an answer we want to hear in an interview, when we’re trying to give you a chance to separate yourself from the group,” said Obispo.

3 ‘I like to Skate’

“The responses were flat and unemotional… I asked him ‘what are some things you’re involved in, as far as, extracurricular, any achievements in addition to school that you’re involved with?’ And he just said, ‘I like to skate.’ And he kept saying skateboarding and skateboarding and skateboarding, and that’s all he talked about,” said Gordon.

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Have fun with science

he concepts that students learn in science classes have many applications in various careers and “real life” situations. And, as a nifty byproduct of our education, we obtain the ability to perform, well, really cool party tricks. Story and photos by Nicole Smith.

How To: make science goo

After a chain of unfortunate events in a day, it is nice to have a simple polymer recipe to fall back on to make you and your friends smile until your troubles Argon.

Sophomore Madeline Marko-Martinez plays with a polymer goo.

1. Gather the following materials: Borax, Water, Elmer’s Glue, Cup, (Food Coloring Dye), and Popsicle Stick. 2. Mix glue and water in a cup in equal parts. 3. Mix in a small pinch of Borax. Very little Borax is needed and it is easiest to work with if it is mixed into water. 4. Optional: Add a drop or two of food coloring dye. 5. Mix until everything is fully integrated. 6. The mixture should thicken into a polymer goo.

How To: extinguish a candle using science

Any Boron day can become a fun day when you know how to perform this fun science trick. Even Heisenberg would be certain that this trick is Gold. 1. Gather the following materials: Matches, Matchbook, Candle(s), Vinegar (Acetic Acid), Baking Soda (Sodium Bicarbonate), Tall Glass, and Friends. 2. Light the candle(s). 3. Pour five teaspoons of vinegar into a glass with tall sides.

How To:

4. Pour one teaspoon of baking soda over the vinegar into the glass. Loosely cover the top of the glass with your hand to trap the gas in the container. 5. An endothermic (heat absorbing) reaction will occur. The reaction will release gas. The gas that will be produced is Carbon Dioxide. Carbon Dioxide is dense, so a large amount will remain in the container. 6. Tip the glass over the candle so that the liquid remains but the gas pours out of the container over the candle flame(s). 7. Watch as your friends look impressed. The Carbon Dioxide will smother the flames and the candles will be extinguished.

Meet a band

eeting your favorite superstars requires some finesse, planning, and a little luck. Here are our tried and true tips for brushin’ shoulders with the pros. Story by Caroline Glass and Emily Hall.

Dress up

They say you should dress to impress, and that goes for meeting your favorite artist too. When senior Kelsey Taylor went to the Taylor Swift concert with nine of her friends, they had no idea they would have a chance to meet her. But their enthusiasm and homemade shirts reading SPEAK NOW! (the title of her album) got them backstage and admitted to the “T-Party,” a special party just for Swift’s biggest fans. “We were dancing around and had a lot of spirit so we got noticed easily by Taylor’s manager,” said Kelsey Taylor. And it was definitely worth it. “She was so sweet and made each conversation with us really personal even though it was short! And she was so perfect, even prettier than in magazines. I told her she was my idol and she smiled really big and hugged me,” said Taylor.” So if you want to be noticed, and possibly given a chance to meet your favorite artist, make sure to show your enthusiasm. Make signs, dress up, scream the entire time, and your excitement might just get you backstage.

Senior Kelsey Taylor (far right) and friends got the chance of a lifetime thanks to their enthusiasm and creativity. Photo courtesy of Kelsey Taylor.

Use your best stalking (or waiting) skills

You can get to the concert early to see if you can find a side door where the musician might be hanging out, as they do sometimes prior to shows to walk back to their tour bus or get some fresh air before the show. Art teacher Mr. Glasgow did just this, having the opportunity to meet Patti Smith by waiting near the stage door prior to her concert. Glasgow described the experience as being a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and even received a “Banga” button, the title of the singer’s new album, from Smith herself. Glasgow said, “I felt like a little kid getting to see their idol.” Another option besides this, if you’re more of a late arriver, is to wait around after the concert is over in a lobby or outside area: bands often come out after the show to give autographs and talk to the dedicated fans that have waited.

Go to smaller venues

This method usually only applies for fans of “indie” bands, but occasionally bigger stars will appear at smaller venues as well – The Loft, the tiny venue located on UCSD’s campus, has held shows for artists including the now famous singers of “Daylight,” Matt and Kim, and even Young the Giant. Other small, intimate venues like this that almost guarantee a conversation or at least an autograph from a band are the Irenic (a church recently converted into a music venue located near downtown San Diego), and sometimes Soma (also located in San Diego).

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How To:

11.16.2012

Be Happy

Keonhee Kim, Milo Deihionno

Kelsey Taylor, Colleen Haynes

Kimia Jalali, Evveia Gonzales

Erika des Jardins, Sean Hyslop

Patrick Lopez, Kyle Adams, Jared Davis

Niki Nordstrom, Sarah Carlos

hrill, joy, love, peace, giggles, cheer, pride. These positive emotions work together to boost a person’s happiness. Increasing the amount of positive emotions we feel in each day can alter our perception of life. Barbara Fredrickson, a professor of psychology at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill reports in her book “Positivity,” that those who feel more positive emotions have closer relationships, fewer aches and pains, appreciate more in their life, and keep an open-mind. To do this, Fredrickson believes you need to keep at least a three to one ratio of positive emotions for every negative one. However, three is only the “tipping point”, people should aim above to a four-to-one, five-to-one, or six-to-one ratio. In recent years scientists have turned their attention to investigating positive emotions, happiness and well-being. They have focused on what it is that makes a human happy, how happiness connects to a person’s well-being and how a person can increase the amount of happy feelings in their life. Happiness correlates with a healthier and longer life so it is important for a person to build up their happiness. San Dieguito Academy psychology teacher, James Hrizina, emphasized the contributions of three scientists who play an immense role in the research of these subjects. They include Martin Seligman, the founder of positive psychology and the director of the Positive Psychology Center at the University of Pennsylvania; Barbara Fredrickson a psychologist who has spent over 20 years researching the role of positive emotions; and Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, a professor of psychology who has focused in on the importance of “flow,” or the moments in which one spends their time completely absorbed in an activity. Through research and study these psychologists have found ways to improve and increase happiness in a person’s life. Below are some of their research proven tips, techniques, and ways YOU can become a happier, healthier and more joyful person. Story by Joleyne Lambert

Make a “Gratitude Visit.”

Seligman believes this is the most effective way to boost your well-being. This means to either write a letter or mentally prepare a ‘thank you’ to someone who has given you a reason to be grateful. Then visit this person-whether it be a grandparent, teacher, or friend-and recite to him or her, what they did for you, how they affected your life, and why you appreciate them. Seligman reports in his book “Flourish,” “When we feel gratitude, we benefit from the pleasant memory of a positive event in our life.” Seligman found that people who did this just once were still happier a month later; however, the increased happiness was gone after three months. So continue to share your feelings of appreciation every couple of months!

Pay attention to your own kindness.

Think about how you can make someone smile, or help someone out, it could be baking your elderly neighbor dessert or complementing a stranger’s hair. Fredrickson found that just being more aware of the times you do something kind can make you a more positive person.

Go outside.

People who spend at least 30 minutes outdoors, when the weather is nice, report an improvement in their mood, Fredrickson reports of her student, Matt Keller’s findings. So when the sun is shining and the air is fresh, be sure to spend some of your time under the bright blue sky.

Nurture personal relationships.

Those who have one or more close relationships report being happier. “My own Open Heart Study suggests that you don’t particularly need to be or act outgoing; cultivating loving concern for others seems to be enough. People who made regular efforts to cultivate such tenderness and compassion pulled more positivity out of their ordinary exchanges with others than did those who lived life as usual,” says Fredrickson. People need to feel as if they belong, and they need to love and be loved. Scientists consider social relationships a necessary condition for flourishing reports Fredrickson. So be sure to take care of all your relationships-between friends, parents, and lovers. Your happiness does not depend on the amount of friends you have, but on the closeness, trustworthiness, and comfortableness in your relationships.

Find Flow in your life.

Flow is the act of losing yourself in an activity that truly engages you. Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi discusses in his Ted Talk: Flow, the Secret to Happiness, the importance of flow in one’s life. Flow is what happens when you become so absorbed in an activity that nothing else matters around you. It is an activity that uses your strengths and talents which captivate your attention and emotion all into this one activity. One might experience flow while engaging in a sport like running or dancing or as they write a story or paint a portrait. Increasing the time you spend in a state of flow can increase your experiences of losing yourself in activity.

Savor your pleasurable moments.

Fredrickson says to fully take in and reflect on a feeling, taste, or sight that delights you. Pay attention to the mesmerizing colors of the sunset or the succulent taste of your sweet strawberry. Let these instantaneous moments captivate your mind and appreciate them for their existence and the simple feeling of ecstasy they can bring to you in a single moment.

Focus on the present.

Just Smile!

Fredrickson says people spend too much time worrying about what’s in the past and what will be coming up in their futures that they don’t focus enough on what is happening in the moment. However, most moments are positive, and by paying more attention to the past and future we let positive opportunities pass us by. So don’t let thoughts and what ifs keep you from noticing the positivity around you.

According to the AP pyschology textbook, “Psychology Themes and Variations,” Facial Feedback Hypothesis says that the movement of your skeletal muscles plays a role in regulating emotion. So when you smile, your brain will recognize you as being happy, therefore improving your mood. Whether you’re angry, lonely, or let down smiling can give you a boost of happiness.

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Mustang 11.16.2012

Actually, you are not a hobbit Going barefoot is a dangerous habit for us common folk. Spit, gum, dog feces, trash, bugs, and rusty nails—of all the things that hit the ground, your bare feet should not be one of them. In early September, social science teacher Kerry Koda begrudgingly let a shoeless student use the bathroom, but required a thorough sanitizing routine before that student could step foot in her classroom again. Was she out of line? As it turns out, not so much. There is a part of San Dieguito Academy’s Dress Code that requires shoes, and for good reason. “There are illnesses that can be contracted through open wounds in the foot,” says assistant principal Dr. Jeanne Jones. “Given the fact that we have so many people in one place, there are germs and feces and what-have-you on the ground…It is our responsibility to enforce [this rule].” Koda and Jones know what’s up. On the ground, there are bacteria and parasites that use the foot as a passageway to infect the body. Dangers include hookworm infections, which attack the digestive system; ringworm infections such as athlete’s foot, which have nasty consequences for the infected area; and bacterial infections like tetanus, which attack the muscular system. Whatever the reason—a fashion statement, a genuine distaste for shoes, or anything else— the fact that San Dieguito Academy students are going shoeless brings up some major health concerns. Koda is worried, Jones is worried, and maybe you should be, too. --Molly Kovacs

features The snack food wonder In Poway, there is an all-natural potato chip, sunbaked especially for hikers.

No ordinary rock, Potato Chip Rock is named so for obvious reasons. This precarious looking slice of stone rests on the top of a sun-baked Poway mountain and could easily be the snack food of the gods. The requirements for reaching the rock are simple: a four-mile hike up a sunny trail and the bravery to stand on something so thin as a potato chip. This hike is not for the faint of heart or a summer-time activity. Woodson Trail begins on Lake Poway and winds four miles up the mountain, in direct sunlight. It is recommended that this adventure be undertaken anytime from November to May as the summertime can reach excruciatingly warm temperatures that are not conducive to hiking long distances. Remember to never hike alone, bring lots of water, and have fun. --Kelsey Navis

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LITERARY NUTRITION 11.16.2012

Attention writing community of SDA: Outside of school there are opportunities to read your writing, listen to poetry, shout, sing and make a ruckus. Story by Andrew Walker

he art of spoken word, of poetic verse, is a craft rarely seen at SDA outside of the creative writing course and the Writer’s Block club. So neglected is the writing culture of SDA that the only real showcase of student writing tends to be confined to a periodic Slamboree. With that in mind where are the writers of the Academy to go to nourish literary compulsions left unfulfilled all too often or those perhaps, who are looking for an outlet, an opportunity to put a pen to paper and write creatively. Encinitas at first glance isn’t the accumulated mush pot of creative energy that is essential for a strong poetic community; however with the right amount of effort there is chance to uncover an open mic/poetry reading two to three times a week. The Freak For Alls’, WORD, The Ruckus at Ducky Waddles, Glassless Minds, Elevated to name just a few are some of the many spoken word events that span Encinitas, Oceanside and all the way to down town San

Diego as well. The folks at Glassless and those of Ruthless Hippies, the organizers of most poetry reading type events in Encinitas a.k.a The Ruckus, WORD and The Freak For All collectively form what Roland Tizueala, founder of Oceanside’s Glassless Minds, refers to as a “Poetron.” The members visit and perform together in order to build a community and a “network” that supports each other that advocates of pure expression. The name Glassless refers to the saying “Is the glass half empty or full.” However, the poetry group rejects seeing the glass as half empty or half full, but instead values what’s inside the glass. When I asked Roland what it was like to perform in front of an audience he responded, “Exhilarating, like a weird form of being an adrenaline junkie, being up there metaphorically naked; it’s liberating.” The spoken word attendees are very close knit a family of sorts that aim to support their performers at their “most vulner-

Junior Celine Parker reads one of her poems at SDA’s Slamboree. photo by Andrew Walker

able form” as they share, “a piece of themselves to an audience at their most vulnerable.”Tizueala continued. Soon the questions led him to reminisce about the writing he did in high school and it was interesting that his inspiration for writing at the time was what you’d expect the general high school student to write about on impulse, “Ninety percent was love angst,” he said. “That’s where it started.” He talked about how much of his writing today originated from his troubles, the

day to day struggles of his life and others. What’s exceptional about these poetry readings is not only this opportunity to perform but also the chance to meet people of all ages that are willing to show a part of themselves that can be downright bizarre or writing created with enough effort that they elicit intimate feelings between the audience and the performer. For a few hours one can empathize completely with another. You can hear a 65-year-old

fisherman sing poetic folk songs about lost loves or interactive performance pieces by a man in a rash guard and tutu miming his story. Every event is peculiar is such a way that makes coming back compelling since even if that day you don’t feel like performing, there will tend to be aesthetically pleasing individuals, maybe in costume, maybe not. You may have jaw dropping reactions, or experience shock value poetry that doesn’t drive away an audience but rather reels them in for more. Junior Kendra Brust is one of the few student attendees of these events. She admires the poets honesty and their ability to say it so beautifully, referring to the annual Full Moon poet event at the La Paloma Theatre. She explained, “I had no idea there were such talented people in our community.” So the advice to give would be, go out there, look for these types of opportunities, because you’ll have a real chance at being blown away.

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Mustang 11.16.2012

Write a successful fantasy novel

riter’s block? Many students who are aspiring writers can have trouble getting their ideas onto paper, getting it to turn out the way they want. Here are some successful authors who shared their strategies and thoughts on how to write a book. Jodi Meadows is an author of Young Adult science fiction and fantasy. Her book “Incarnate” is about a girl who lives in a world where souls are reincarnated over and over, keeping memories and experiences from their previous lives, but Anna is the only who has never had a previous life. The sequel “Asunder” will be released Jan, 29. Jennifer L. Armentrout is a bestselling writer of Young Adult paranormal, science fiction, fantasy and contemporary romance. “Cursed” is a standalone novel about a girl whose sister brings her back to life after a car accident, leaving her with the power to kill with a single touch. “Half-Blood” takes place in a world where people are either pure or half-blood descendants of the Greek Gods. “Obsidian” follows a girl named Katy who moves to West Virginia to find that her new neighbors are aliens. The third book in the “Half-Blood” series called “Deity” came out Nov 6th. “Opal,” the sequel to “Obsidian” comes out Dec, 11. Lauren Oliver is an author of Young Adult and Middle Grade dystopian and mystery and thriller. She wrote the popular bestselling books “Before I Fall” and “Delirium”. In “Before I Fall” Samantha, a popular girl who seems to have it all is given seven chances to relive the day she died and unravel the mystery surrounding her death. “Delirium” surrounds a society in which love is considered a disease and teens are “cured” of it once they turn 18. The third and final book in the Delirium trilogy, “Requiem” will be released on March 5.

The basics of writing a novel

Q: How do you write a successful fantasy novel? Tip: Be persistent and try and connect to the readers to make it more believable! Jodi Meadows: “There’s no secret to writing a successful novel. For me, the main ingredient was persistence. Hands on keyboard. Type words. Revise words. Revise again. And again. And again.” Jennifer L. Armentrout: “I think the key to writing any novel, especially fantasy, is creating a world that is believable and true to the characters. If you can do that, then readers will believe in a world where aliens are living in West Virginia or the descents of Greek gods are running amuck. In the end, fantasy and paranormal worlds need a good dose of reality to make it believable.” Lauren Oliver: “By writing every day and being open to revising and editing! Always keep in mind the characters wants and needs. The story will fall flat if they act without motivation!”

Jodi Meadows

Useful strategies to try

Q: What are some examples of strategies you think are successful when writing? Tip: Write, write, and write some more and revise again and again! Jodi Meadows: “You’ll hear as many processes for writing a book as there are writers. The one thing they all have in common is that they write. And they revise. Everyone’s strategy for getting a book out of their brain and onto paper is different, and that’s okay. As long as you end up with a story you’re proud of, you’re doing it right.” Jennifer L. Armentrout: “I started using a timer when being a full-time writer ended up meaning I was spending about eight hours goofing off on the Internet. There’s just something knowing you have all day to write that makes you, at least me, procrastinate. So I used a 25 minute timer on mytomatoes.com and for those 25 minutes, I do nothing but write.”

Jennifer L. Armentrout

Lauren Oliver

Getting started and arranging scenes

Additional advice for aspiring writers

Q: How do you decide to begin the book? Do you write the scenes in order or arrange them later? Tip: Start with the hardest part; chapter 1, then you can continue from there with whatever you come up with first! Jodi Meadows: “The best advice I ever received on beginnings was “start with a change.” Lots of people say to start with action, but action doesn’t necessarily equal change. And action is often difficult to ground the reader into, especially at the very beginning of the book. Change is movement and promises of the story to come.” Jennifer L. Armentrout: “When I start a book, I always start with Chapter 1. That’s the hardest part, knowing where to start to the story, because you have only chance to engage your agent. Usually when I get about 60% done, I start jumping around in scenes.”

Q: What other advice do you have for aspiring writers? Tip: Read and write every day, practice makes perfect! Jodi Meadows: “Don’t give up you’ll hear lots of stories about people who get their first books published when they’re twelve years old or something. Ignore those. You hear about those because they’re exceptions. Most of us don’t get our first books published. Or even our second. Most of us don’t get huge deals. The very best thing you can do is read a lot, write a lot, and never give up. The authors who succeed are the authors that don’t give up. That is the truth.” Jennifer L. Armentrout: “Keep writing. Practice does make perfect when it comes to writing. And write what you want. Don’t write trends. By the time you have the book finished, have been accepted by an agent and are ready to submit it for publication, that trend will be long gone.” Lauren Oliver: “The best advice I ever got was to write every day and read as much as you can!” -Becca Von Zweck For full interviews and interviews from additional authors visit: sdamustang.com

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How To:

Master the waterfall braid

Have you ever wanted your hair to look like those gorgeous braids on Tumblr? You tried to copy it, but just couldn’t figure out how? Follow the steps below and you too could become Tumblr famous with your fairytale braid.

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Start by taking a section of hair from the front of your hairline. Then divide it into three sections, and braid it a couple of times normally. Take a loose piece of hair from the top and conjoin it with the top section of the braid. Cross the joined sections of hair in between the other two parts of the braid (like a French braid). After braiding the added section, completely drop that section from the braid. Pick up a new piece of hair from the top and let it take the place of the section you dropped. After braiding it once, between the two other sections of the braid, drop this new one. Pick up another new section of hair and repeat steps until you’ve made the braid as long as you’d like. Finish by either braiding your hair until the end or tie with a rubber band. Story and photos by Joleyne Lambert

Mustang 11.16.2012

Assassin’s Creed Master the art of stealth in this new action game. “Assassin’s Creed 3” is not your grandma’s video game, but maybe took place during your grandma’s lifetime, if your grandma is really old. Like 300 years old. Recently released, the new action game is set during the American Revolution, and allows players to navigate the streets of 1700’s Boston and New York while completing various missions and battles. The game is groundbreaking in the sense that it allows players a more realistic gaming experience – the movements of the characters, are less staccato and stiff than characters in previous games, and allow for quick, fluid combo moves more reflective of real-life fighting. Besides being a technically interesting game, “Assassin’s Creed 3” allows for free gameplay – “Not a lot of video games allow you to randomly kill civilians,” says Kenny Roys, sophomore. Another strong point of the game is that it involves more than just battles; it also is embedded with many historically accurate plot points. Patrick Cunzio, freshman, says, “The series does a good job of blending historical conspiracies with realism.” If you enjoy an action-packed video game that also serves as a mini history lesson, “Assassin’s Creed 3” is the game to turn to. “My favorite part so far is jumping from rooftops and killing Redcoats,” says Roys. If you want a chance to do so yourself, then pick up the game and settle in for a wild ride. -emily hall

Reaching new bytes For all those future famous musicians out there, the PAC now offers professional grade recording technology to help you get that million dollar contract. Got music? Cool. Want to do something with it? Now you can. Thanks to some new musical software in the Performing Arts Center’s MIDI lab, including Protools 10 and Reason Essentials, San Dieguito Academy students—like those who just competed in Battle of the Bands—can start taking their music to a more professional level. “We’re trying to get the lab to a point where the equipment is comparable to that used in a professional studio,” said musical director Jeremy Wuertz. “It’s new for all of us, so there will be a learning curve, but I think the whole process is very exciting.” Given the right technological knowledge, student bands can start recording their demos and music. That’s a pretty big deal. While the room has yet to receive professional technological mentorship, Wuertz is available in the PAC during lunch or after school to talk about present recording capabilities. The room has a great acoustical environment, top-notch microphones and amplifiers, and basic musical software, so some small recording projects may already be possible. The PAC is close to being the ultimate resource for SDA’s student body. “My long-term vision for the PAC is to provide the infrastructure, or the facilities, for student bands to record demos into the after school hours,” says Wuertz. “Maybe someday San Dieguito Academy music will have its own record label, and that students will be able to produce an original album from start to finish. There is a lot of enthusiasm surrounding the possibilities.” -molly kovacs

Husband and wife Marci (Brooke Mitchell) and Phil (Ben Ellerbrock) attempt to rekindle their romance through iceskating. Photo by Nicole Greene.

Almost, Maine No questions about it, ‘Almost, Maine’ was not just ‘almost’ a success; it definitely was. “Almost, Maine” was a must-see for its lighthearted entertainment value and its demonstration of our school’s acting program’s flexibility and innovation. The snow globe-like stage served as an intriguing backdrop, encompassing the effervescence of a novel world that’s a little shaken up. “Almost, Maine” ran on November 8, 9, and 10 and featured a series of vignettes that take place in a remote corner of Maine on a cold, clear Friday night in winter. The residents of this small town find themselves tangled in complicated romantic relationships, and each episode features a new dramatic and often comedic situation. Actors in the Drama Productions class doubled up on roles, as only very few characters reappeared a second time on stage— many actors reappeared onstage as a completely new character multiple times. In addition, the class makes excellent use of a rotating circular stage to smoothly transition between scenes and settings. -nicole greene

Raising the (An)bar Senior Yonadav Anbar brings his newfound passion for art alive on our cover. “I’ve always liked doing some art here and there, but it has only been these last few months that I’ve been doing what you may call “legitimate” artwork.” Although he’s new to the game, senior Yonadav Anbar shows a real talent for “legitImate” art. Using his favorite mediums- graphite, chalk pastel, and watercolors- he captures the spirit and style of his inspirations, which he finds in the work of other artists such as his mother and SDA art teacher Neal Glasgow. “My style of art...it’s emerging, but it mainly just reflects whatever artist I’ve been looking at lately that I’ve liked,” said Anbar. The subject of his art ranges depending on how he is feeling and which artist he is emulating at the time. His favorite subjects include portraits, such as the piece featured on the cover, but done in a more abstract way, using bright colors, exaggerated features, and wavy lines. And although these portraits are not meant to depict a concrete message, other pieces of his do. Said Anbar, “Some of the art I do has a message. I just did a painting of the western wall in Jerusalem, and some may say that has a message.” -caroline glass

Senior Yonadav Anbar’s paintings are a mix of abstract and realism

26 Gym Buff Zumba “All right everybody! Leave your inhibitions at the door! Woo! There are no mirrors in this room to show you how silly you all look and there’s no judgment allowed in here! Owow! Let’s do some Zumba!” cried the peppy instructor. A mash-up of every Top 40 song known to man blasted from the speakers, and Senior Laural Sorenson the crowd of senior citizens, middle-aged women, and a few teenagers scattered here and there began to gyrate to the beat. We clumsily mimicked the Zumba instructor’s movements, • Offered at Magdalena swiveling our hips in circles Ecke YMCA, Dance North County, 24 Hour Fitness, and booty popping in ways Extend Barre Encinitas that endangered those with • Official Zumba slogan is recent hip replacements. “Join the party.” “Okay now if you’re going • Zumba means “to move to sing along, you have to fast” get the words wrong like me!” said the instructor as she danced along to the music, leading us in moves that I thought surely belonged in a night club or a rap video. Zumba, a workout comprised of moves from Latin dances, is a workout designed to be fun and engaging while also burning calories. According to Zumba instructor Shelby Novell, the most common misconception about the workout is that it requires dance experience. “You don’t have to know how to dance to take a class. You just have to leave all your embarrassment and have a good time,” said Novell. -laurel sorenson

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Mustang 11.16.2012

Got legs and a chair?

A workout for the athome gym-junkie. Whether you’re a 24-hour 24 Hour Fitness member or frequent the couch more than you visit the Y, the basic chair squat is one way to get strong, fit, and fine. The Basic Chair Squat: Target Areas: Hips, glutes, and thighs. How Much: 2 to 3 sets of 15 to 20 repetitions. What to Do: 1. Stand in front of a chair with feet shoulderwidth apart and keep your arms horizontally in front of you like a lift.

Senior Alejandra Budar

2. Contract and keep the abs tight as you bend knees in a 90 degree angle and squat towards the chair. Do not sit on the chair!

3. Make sure that your knees are behind the toes as you squat. 4. Fully extend the legs as you return to standing position. 5. Repeat. -dana shin

Introverts versus Extroverts It’s second period. The teacher is leading a class discussion, and while a good majority of the students are listening in and saying a word here and there, there are a couple of students whose hands are always in the air. The air around them seems to vibrate with their energy – they thrive in the spotlight. These are the extroverts. Then there are the students who sit, slightly slumped in their seats. They listen, but do not speak, wary of joining the animated discussion. They’re not lazy, necessarily. They are simply introverted. While the talkative students draw their energy from interacting with others, the quiet ones are drained little by little. They are perfectly happy just to listen in. When it comes to group work, Vangie Akridge, SDA’s school psychologist believes that individuals of similar traits will work together. The two different personalities can become an issue if extroverted individuals are forced to work with introverted students. When working with the opposite personality, Akridge advises that you don’t take it personally if the introvert or extrovert you are working with doesn’t behave the way you expect them to. Simple acknowledge that that’s who they are and work with them to understand the situation. If they seem uncomfortable, ask, “Is this working for you?” Akridge highly recommends clarifying the situation and opening dialogue instead of assuming the worst. Finally, Akridge concludes that students should be able to learn from each other, communicate, and respect who the other person is and their different personality. So when you work with that student who sits slightly slumped in their seats and barely says a word, or with that student who is jumping out of their seat to join the discussion, understand that that is who they are and do your best to figure out how to comfortably work with each other. -kira elliott

Local Eats Try this delicious favorite from Blue Ribbon

Butterscotch Pudding

Blue Ribbon Pizza: 897 S Coast HWY 101 Ingredients Pudding: 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons dark brown sugar 1/2 cup water 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt 3 cups heavy cream 1 1/2 cups milk 1 egg 3 egg yolks 5 tablespoons cornstarch 5 tablespoons butter 1 1/2 tablespoons dark rum Caramel Sauce: 1/2 cup heavy cream 1/8 vanilla bean, scraped 2 tablespoons butter 1/2 cup sugar 2 tablespoons corn syrup 2 tablespoons water Garnish: 1/4 cup whipping cream 1 1/4 teaspoons fleur de sel Directions To prepare the pudding, combine the brown sugar, water, and salt in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Cook to a smoking, dark caramel, about 10 to 12 minutes. (The sugar will smell caramelized and nutty and turn a deep brown.) Immediately whisk the cream and milk into the caramel to stop the cooking. The mixture will steam and the caramel will seize, but will become smooth again as you whisk. Bring the mixture to a boil and reduce the heat to medium. In a medium bowl, whisk together the egg, egg yolks, and cornstarch. Temper the hot caramel cream into the egg mixture by adding a cup of caramel at a time, whisking constantly. When half the caramel is incorporated, pour the egg mixture back into the remaining caramel, and boil while whisking constantly until the custard is very thick, about 2 minutes. Remove the custard from the heat and whisk in the butter and rum. Strain the custard through a fine mesh strainer to remove any lumps and divide among ten 6-ounce ramekins. Cover with plastic wrap and chill for several hours, or up to 3 days. To prepare the caramel sauce, heat the cream and vanilla in a medium saucepan over medium heat until simmering. Add the butter, turn off the heat, and set aside. In a large heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the sugar, corn syrup, and water. Cook over medium-high heat, swirling the pan just slightly to gauge the caramelization, until the sugar becomes a medium amber color, about 10 minutes. Remove the caramel from heat and carefully whisk the cream mixture into the caramel. Be very careful—the caramel will steam and bubble. Whisk to combine. Place the pan in a large bowl of ice water to cool. To serve, whip the whipping cream in a chilled medium bowl until it begins to thicken.. Spoon 1 tablespoon of the warm caramel sauce onto each pudding, sprinkle with 1/8 teaspoon of fleur de sel, and add a dollop of whipped cream. Serve with a few cookies on the side.

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Surfer vs. Skater Juniors skater Mary Gibbs, right, and surfer Sarah Schwab struggle to answer questions while breaking the glass ceiling in the first ever all-female Surfer vs. Skater (at least that this author can remember. She’s probably wrong.) Story by Lily LeaVesseur.

Photo by Nicole Greene

If a picture’s worth a thousand words, what is a picture of a picture worth? Surfer: Wouldn’t it be like double? 1000… so that’s like 2000. Skater: The square root of sixteen. Skater, according to my calculator, the square root of 16 is 4. You seem to know a lot of math terms. And four is a very specific answer so you must have done hours of calculations to reach that conclusion. I bet you’re right, a picture of a picture is not worth 10002 words, but a measly four. Photographs are boring anyways, plus 42 points. Surfer, unlike your mathematical genius counterpart, it seems that you pulled your answer right out of the air. There are too many zeroes in 2000 to be accurate. If I wanted you to guess, I would have written a vague question. However, since we can’t blame my concrete journalism skills for your answer, we have to blame you. Minus 57 points for how many words it took for me to explain that to you. Why do you bake cookies but cook bacon? Surfer: What’s bacon if you can’t hear it sizzling? Cook that stuff! Skater: Because I’m a vegetarian. Surfer, when I order my father to whip me up a batch of bacon, I don’t worry about the process. I just worry about bacon on my plate in the next five minutes. Hell, it could be made out of human flesh and I’d be happy if it were crunchy enough. So as long as my parents are at my every bacon call (get it? Like beck and call?) and I’m consuming something that looks and tastes like bacon, I don’t care about the sizzle. Bacon is an entity unto itself. Minus 7 points for how many pieces of bacon I can eat in a sitting (I’m not a fatty, they’re small pieces.)

Skater, although this is a column where you face overly-personal attacks on every fiber of your being, we don’t need to know any real aspects of your personality. Let’s keep this simple so that I don’t develop any attachment. Minus 5 points for making this coldhearted robot feel feelings. What do vegetarian zombies eat? Surfer: They’re probably gluten-free too, so they attack grass. Skater: They could still eat people, right? At least they’re not cows. Skater, are you a species-ist? Does human flesh not make the list of nono’s for vegetarians? Well it makes the list of no-no’s for the LAW. Like, cannibalism. I’m pretty sure that’s illegal. But if you’re a zombie I guess giving a hoot about the long arm of the law went out the window when you started eating arms. This didn’t directly address the question. Or your answer. Turns out I’m not a literary genius, who knew? Let me distract you with this clever reference to pigs and stuff: All animals are created equal, but some animals are more equal than others! So are humans less equal than cows? I don’t know. Where’s PETA? We can ask the naked actors. Minus 10 points for all the signatures I won’t get for being “creepy.” Surfer, I’m glad you are considering ALL living things in your answer, grass and gluten-free eaters alike. Here at The Mustang we commend that kind of all-inclusive thinking. We don’t want anyone to feel like life is greener on the other side. We couldn’t get you a Nobel Peace Prize, so here’s 20 points. Surfer: -44 points Skater: 27 points Yay Skater! You win nothing.

Mustang 11.16.2012

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Mustang 11.16.2012

Farm fresh T

he sweet smell of fresh tomatoes and peaches danced through the air as the warmth of the afternoon sun blanketed the Leucadia marketplace. Kids played and laughed as their parents enjoyed the live music and freshly prepared lunches. Everything was blissful, and everyone was happy. This experience can always be found at the local farmers markets. These markets provide a fun outing and an opportunity to support local businesses while buying food that’s absolutely delicious and good for you, too. One of the best reasons to go to the market is to taste the amazing food they have to offer. From fresh vegetables and fruits to sauces and smoothies and baked goods, there’s always something that will make your taste buds melt. But what exactly makes this produce taste better than the food offered at chain grocery stores? Well, Kenny the Mushroom Man, who sells his Escondido grown mushrooms at the Leucadia farmer’s

market, thinks there is no doubt that “fresher is better.” He later explains that “even though all these farms are local, and they will be suppliers of your local stores, usually there is a distributor involved [when supplying to the stores].” So, the same food they are selling at a farmer’s market could also be found at the grocery store, but several days or weeks later, he says. It’s also clear that the customers like the taste of local food better. At the Leucadia farmers market, a group of Encinitas locals enjoyed their Sunday morning outing. One of the husbands, Kevin, immediately proclaimed that “the apples here are way more delicious than Vons.”Another regular teen customer, Rel Berrend, who says she goes every weekend, left it short and simple: “Yeah, I can taste a difference.” However, this food isn’t just delicious; it’s also great for your health. It’s fresh and straight from the farm. At the La Costa Canyon market, Bree Watson, a vendor from Smit

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Get the scoop on why farmers markets are the perfect idea for a fun, healthy outing. Story and photos by Avery Finden.

Orchards, said, “At the grocery store, the apples are sometimes… old. They refrigerate them. That’s why they’re kind of grainy.” On the other hand, Bree claimed that her apples were never kept as long as grocery stores, but instead brought to the local markets as fast as possible for their customers to enjoy. Being fresh also means they are full of nutrients. Chris Munoz, a vendor from Kalaver Hills selling at the Rancho Santa Fe market, elaborated on the topic: “When they come from your ground, they have the nutrients from when they’re freshly picked… It’s ripe and ready to eat.”

Local Markets and Times: Encinitas Station (Wed. 4-7) 620 Vulcan, Encinitas CA, 92024

Leucadia/Encinitas (Sun. 10-2) 185 Union Street, Encinitas CA, 92024

La Costa Canyon (Sat. 10-2)

One Maverick Way, Carlsbad CA, 92009

Rancho Santa Fe (Sun. 9-1:30) 16079 San Dieguito Rd, Rancho Santa Fe CA, 92067

The day is filled with warm weather and great produce as families stroll down the LCC Farmers Market. Here, you can find fresh foods like the green beans and tomatoes shown above.