the broadview
october 31, 2008
convent of the sacred heart high school | san francisco, california
SF Ballet trainees perform
vol. 13, is. 2
Economy strains college funds COLLEGE & THE ECONOMY
the financial strain on students trying to pay for college. lauren jung “My mom invested my college fund editor in chief money into the stock market,” said a stuTomorrow marks many universities’ dent who asked not to be identified. “So early action application deadlines. But as when the stock market went down, we lost students scramble to turn in their paper- most of the money we had saved. Now I work and online forms, the stress isn’t will probably get a job for the summer to only about getting into the college of their try and save some money.” All plans and investments, stocks and choice anymore — it’s figuring out how to bonds included, are pay for college in the being affected by the midst of a dwindling economic situation economy. according to financial “My mom is a adviser Sarah Man at real-estate agent, and Smith Barney. the houses she is try“Families that ing to sell aren’t selling have saved in stocks and clients are backing will see their savings out,” said senior Maxgo down,” said conine Gaspar. sultant Pierre Jospe “The market is education money from College Funding really slow right now Strategies. “A lot of because of the global families have been recession, and we have encouraged to buy to tap into our reserves 529 plans, which are to pay for everything tax deferred investwhile we have to wait ments in the market, for buyers to make to grow money for transactions close,” THERESA GRANUCCI | the broadview college. But because said Arlene Gaspar, Maxine’s mother. “The The current financial crisis has some of the market, they money and savings we students rethinking their college have gone down in have are slowly being options as stock values have reduced value and the families used to pay for our ev- the values of college stock portfolios have lost some of the eryday needs like gas, and more students compete for college money they have put aside.” food, lights, water and loans. Home equity phone bills. All of our savings that were for college are drained lines, which in the past have served as solid resources for families to tap into just trying to keep up.” The stock markets in the United States for college, are no longer as valuable as and abroad are still suffering and dropping before. “With the current sub-prime mortdespite the U.S. government’s efforts to curb the economic recession with a $700 gage crisis, home equity loans are harder billion bailout of the mortgage industry to get and aren’t worth as much because authorized by the Emergency Economic homes have been devalued,” said Jospe. see economy p. 5 Stabilization Act of 2008, compounding PART 1 OF 2
RENA HUNT | the broadview
San Francisco ballet trainees Koto Ishihara (left) and Dylan Ward perform one of six dances at Breakfast Club on Oct. 23 in the Syufy Theatre. The dancers, aged 16 to 19, returned the next night for a Supper Club event. The 12 trainees come from San Francisco, San Jose, Orange County, Brooklyn, Italy, New Zealand and Japan.
Taking precautions can minimize robberies, crime jovel quierolo sacred heart editor
in brief ▶ U.S Poet Laureate Kay Ryan is scheduled to come and speak at CSH on Nov. 17. “Since San Francisco is such a creatively diverse city, it is important for us to interview as many people in the creative arts as we can,” said English teacher, Theresa Padden. Ryan has been on the Board of Chancellors for the Academy of American Poets, a nonprofit organization that supports American poets, since 2006. She was awarded fellowships from The National En-
dowment for the Arts in 2001 and will be taking on a program that provides individuals with time in which they can work and write with as much creative freedom as possible. Ryan’s awards include the Union League Poetry Prize, the Maurice English Poetry Award, an Ingram Merrill Award and three Pushcart Prizes. Her work has been published in The New York Times, The Atlantic and The Yale Review. Her poems have also appeared in annual anthologies including The Best American Poetry. — Emily Bloch ▶ Team Convent of the Sacred Heart and Stuart Hall holds the title of first place for the 2008 Komen Race for
“The best thing to do is travel with people you know and trust. Safety is in numbers.” Looking over strangers and knowing the area are crucial to staying prepared and aware of suspicious activity in any environment. “Make a practice of looking at people up and down,” said Tomioka. “If you talk to strangers, remember what they look like — height, weight, mole, scar. We always tell our officers it’s better to be a good witness than an officer that doesn’t get a lot of action on duty.” Students should act no differently
see staying p. 5
the Cure in the largest team educational division and second place for the race’s overall largest team. CSH, who organizes the event, has been active for the past 15 years in the Komen San Francisco Race for the Cure and has been competing against Chevron for the title of largest team for the past five years. “I know that over the last 15 years everyone who is involved with the Komen foundation knows CSH is a serious force in Race for the Cure,” said Dean of Students Celine Curran. Susan G. Komen for the Cure raises funds for research and awareness for breast cancer. — Anjali Shrestha
THERESA GRANUCCI | the broadview
Senior Xan Saborit was on the 22 Fillmore bus one afternoon heading back to school. Sitting near the back exit, she watched as two men got on. One sat down at a seat across from her. The other stood. Both watched her, eying the iPod in her hand. “When the bus stopped, the guy sitting nodded to the guy standing,” said Saborit. “One of them grabbed it right out of my hand. I pulled back for a minute, but wasn’t sure what they would do to me.” They took the iPod, with little re-
sistance. Other people on the bus did nothing to help. “I was upset,” said Saborit. “I was in a state of shock, but what surprised me the most is that no one did anything.” San Francisco is one of the safest tourist cities in the world, according to Lyn Tomioka, Public Information Officer for the San Francisco Police Department, but locals and visitors should still be cautious and careful wherever they are. “Crime and criminals can be found anywhere, even in broad daylight,” said Tomioka, former patrol supervisor of the Richmond District.
Police advise keeping iPods hidden to help avoid being robbed.
the broadview Convent of the Sacred Heart HS Schools of the Sacred Heart 2222 Broadway San Francisco, CA 94115
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Scripted TV shows:
TV dramas can have negative effects on teenagers.
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Being “PC”
The American culture is affected by political correctness.
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Archaeology month: Archaeology stresses the importance of history.
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Service outreach: Students help around the city.
Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Permit #90 Santa Clara, CA
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op-ed
october 31, 2008
Political comedy should not be taken as fact
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ith the coifed hair-do, dark-rimmed glasses, bright red blazer and twanging “You Betcha”s, Tina Fey’s impersonation of Republican vice-presidential candidate Sarah Palin on the sketch comedy show Saturday Night Live (SNL) has already become an icon in this year’s presidential campaign. Yet, viewers who watch political comedians such as Fey or Stephen Colbert of The Colbert Report and Jim Stewart of The Daily Show should be tuning in for laughter and entertainment, not for legitimate news coverage. Being an informed listener to jokes that poke fun at Sen.
McCain’s old age, Palin’s apparent avoidance of reporters, Sen. Obama’s constant “change” mantra, or Sen. Biden’s “tough” childhood in Scranton, Penn. is as important as and virtually synonymous with being an informed voter. A recent spoof on SNL of the now infamous Katie Couric interview with Palin serves as an example of why viewers should research the facts for themselves. It may have been hilarious to watch Fey in her eerily dead-on impersonation of the governor try to dodge questions posed by Couric (played by a very pregnant Amy Poehler) with little winks to the camera, but Ameri-
cans simply cannot consider themselves educated voters or even qualified to make legitimate criticisms of Palin if they didn’t even bother to view the original Couric interview for themselves on www.nbc.com or search for it on YouTube. Making hasty conjectures about candidates or political issues in general based on spoofs and satires without getting the facts, whether one identifies his or herself as a Republican, Democrat or “declines to state,” isn’t simply being lazy, it’s being ignorant. Both the Republican and Democratic parties have also come to recognize the significance of shows like SNL in terms of
molding voters’ opinions. Sen. Obama as well as Gov. Palin have both made cameo appearances on SNL, revealing a sense of humor and ability to poke fun at themselves, as Palin recently bobbed her head to a rap song about her with beep-boxing eskimos. The candidates’ willingness to appear on comedy shows such as SNL that have literally made a career out of mocking high-profile figures such as themselves proves the influence impressionists like Fey hold upon the election. Yet political comedians have always held a prominent place in the United States presidential campaigns, from Lincoln to George W. Bush. And that’s
not necessarily a negative thing. They allow Americans to chuckle and guffaw at politics and can often reveal as much of the ridiculous as of the truth about muffled tensions between candidates or what really may be going on in the minds of politicians who are skilled in twisting words, dodging bullets and flashing dazzling white smiles. However, viewers must never forget that, above all, these comedians are portraying caricatures, characters as exaggerated as Kramer on Seinfeld or Goofy from Walt Disney cartoons. And as much as Americans love to laugh, serious issues call for serious research.
vantage point lauren jung
Voting is a right, obligation of citizens
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hile watching random videos on YouTube, I came across a “Declare Yourself” ad in which a number of Hollywood personalities like Leonardo DiCaprio and Ellen DeGeneres spent the first full minute telling me, “Don’t vote.”
The real message doesn’t the guide our crumbling domestic come across until a full minute and economy back into the green. a half into the commercial when Voting is one way of “being Halle Berry says, “Don’t vote — heard,” but it isn’t the only one. unless you care.” Even though many of us are not Now there’s the right senti- old enough to vote, myself inment. cluded, there are still many ways Voting is a right, a sacred we can get involved. “rite” of democracy. In the words We can stay informed, volunof President Abraham Lincoln’s teer for political campaigns and Gettysburg Address, the U.S. gov- join politically-affiliated clubs ernment is one “of the people, by like the Democratic Club or the the people, Republican for the peoClub. We Voting is a right, p l e . ” Ye t , can read in the 2004 the newsa sacred “rite” presidential paper and of democracy. election, catch the only 64 peroccasional cent of the Colbert Revoting population 18 and older port or Saturday Night Live skit voted. With the efforts of such as a late-night study break. We campaigns like “Declare Yourself,” can discuss with our friends and that number is expected to increase teachers about what’s going on in as record numbers of people have the nation and around world. With registered for this coming elec- the presidential election in a few tion. short days, that’s one of the most The way our city, our state, important things we can do. our country runs will be decided at By being informed, we can the polling stations. Voters’ ballots start up discussions at the dinner will determine issues ranging from table and perhaps influence our decriminalizing prostitutes to the parents and the people around us continuation of single-sex mar- in their votes, giving us an indiriage. As other countries’ leaders rect say in how our government have called for “regulated capital- is headed. ism” in an attempt to salvage the Pretty soon, we’ll be in those receding global economy, the next voting booths ourselves and castpresident’s policies will have to ing our own ballots.
Corrections The following errors were made in the Sept. 19 edition: In “Summer faculty Network trips foster concern” on Page 9, the schools Theresa Padden visited were reported to be in Jinja, Uganda. Kyamusam-
sala Primary School and St. Charles Lwanga Kalungu Girls Training Center are both in the Masaka district of Uganda. The environment was incorrectly assumed to be desert but it has lush vegetation.
Hit me, baby, one more time...
THERESA GRANUCCI | the broadview
1. SNL ratings are the highest in 15 years. 2. Coit Tower celebrates its 75th anniversary. 3. It’s Halloween! 4. Important issues are on the California ballot. 5. Countries work together to address economic crisis at international summit.
the broadview convent of the sacred heart high school 2222 broadway san francisco, ca 94115 broadview@sacredsf.org lauren jung editor in chief rebecca kelliher editor in chief
1. Can people distinguish between comedy and reality? 2. Few locals have actually been up there. 3. Seniors still have the SAT tomorrow. 4. It’s not all about Obama and Palin. 5. Global financial institutions are still melting.
reporters emily bloch | sarah hegarty | emma herlihy meghan helms | sara kloepfer | susie lee zoë newcomb | isabelle pinard colleen scullion | anjali shrestha theresa granucci illustrator tracy anne sena, cje adviser
gracie hays a & e editor ina herlihy news editor rena hunt photography editor jovel queirolo sacred heart editor sophie gilchrist sports editor amanda james web master Unsigned pieces are the opinion of the editorial board. Reviews and personal columns are the opinions of the author. Letters to the broadview should be 400 words or less and are subject to editing for clarity and space.
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op-ed
the broadview
Wildfire season extends to economy jovel quierolo sacred heart editor
D
isturbance and death are as crucial to nature as growth and development. Similarly the economy’s fluctuation — the boom and bust — should not be disrupted. America has held back the economy’s natural cycle. The avoided disturbances have added up. The forest has not been allowed to burn. The economy is overgrown and beginning to smoke. During former President Bill Clinton’s time in office, the economy was in for some minor dips,
but he skirted sparks by outsourcing jobs to foreign countries — introducing the dangerous species known as foreign workers to the economic environment. A 2004 report for a bipartisan Congressional commission documented 48,417 U.S. jobs outsourced — 48,417 jobs stolen and lost. In 1995, Congress passed legislation lowering the requirements for mortgage loans. Today, the country faces a subprime mortgage crisis built on years and years of overeager investing. The market was allowed to boom and boom. It has finally violently burst. As the local species of this forest, citizens are required to maintain their habitat by paying for improvements with taxes. But that crucial income is being drained into highly unpopular wars. According to a GOP pollster Neil Newhouse, only 22 percent believe the country is on track. America’s relations in the
Middle East with Afghanistan and Iraq have grown. They are sucking the forest’s resources dry. The Iraq War’s projected $3 trillion cost leaves very little for maintenance of this country’s forest. The tensions and net loss are just big matches waiting to set the economy on fire. Fire would otherwise be good, but the forest is overgrown with hot-burning weeds paid for by “We the People.” Economists have warned against prevention of necessary busts. Protecting the economy has ultimately held back the little disasters that would have otherwise prevented the current devastation. Economists have theorized ways to stabilize trade cycles and prices but, according to William Rees-Mogg of The Times Online, no theory can stop vital recurrent booms and busts. All the government can do now is carefully monitor the econ-
THERESA GRANUCCI | the broadview
omy’s raging flames. America may be one of the most powerful
nations in the world, but it cannot fight nature.
Country needs qualified president rather than relatable one
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sophie gilchrist sports editor
mericans have always looked for a president who relates to them, searching for the common American. But the next president has to deal with so many issues — the economy, the war, the healthcare system — that we need someone who has the education and the knowledge to lead the country and not just be another “average Joe six-pack.” As candidates for their party’s nominee, Senator Hillary Clinton mocked fellow Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama about his eloquent style of speaking. “The heavens will open and
the clouds will part and celestial choirs will sing and there will be light,” said Clinton. Yet, it is perplexing why anyone would ridicule a person for his or her proficiency in speaking. One wonders if the country really needs a president who uses his words just to speak with a southern drawl or a folksy accent to connect with the people, rather than a president who uses his words to inspire a nation. Although both Bush and Kerry attended Yale, an article in USA Today said “Bush comes off as less pretentious and more
Nation’s greatest pastime reveals American dream
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’ll be the first to admit that aside from peanuts and Cracker Jack I know absolutely nothing about baseball. Yet, hearing about the comeback-kid of the World Series known as the Tampa Bay Rays couldn’t help but intrigue me. Like the rest of America, I can’t resist a Cinderella story. Having been one of the worst baseball teams last year, Tampa Bay started this season with a payroll lower than almost every other major league club besides the Florida Marlins, but has suddenly and inexplicably shot to the top of the pack — pumpkin-carriages, fairy godmothers and all. The team may not have had the ranking or the money, but they had the dream. As cliché as it sounds, they had the American dream. Maybe it’s a bit odd, but I remember the exact moment in my eighth grade United States history class when I first learned about the rags-to-riches mentality of the American dream. I felt a surging swell of pride for my country at the realization of opportunity. Nothing seemed too far of a reach for me in that moment. It may have been a ridiculous thought, but we are a nation founded on ridiculous thoughts, ludicrous expectations, overzealous passions, outrageous
dreams and unyielding hope. We were the first rebels, the first underdogs, winning our independence from Britain, the strongest empire in the world, in the 18th century. It’s this mentality embedded within us that makes America the land of opportunity. Even as we look at the current presidential and vice-presidential candidates, each one has a Cinderella story. Sen. John McCain,
Like most of America, I can’t resist a Cinderella story. the Vietnam prisoner of war; Gov. Sarah Palin, the Wal-Mart shopping hockey mom who has risen to political prominence; Sen. Barack Obama, the man who was raised by a single mother; Sen. Joe Biden, the widowed father who came from small-town America. This is no coincidence. As Americans, we thrive on underdogs. We love the ultimate David versus Goliath story, whether you’re a Mexican-American, IrishAmerican, Italian-American or a Chinese-American. It doesn’t matter.
down to earth. Kerry sounds like he is lecturing people rather than holding a conversation with
them.” Similarly, in a Zogby/Williams Identity Poll that came out in September of 2004, 57 percent of undecided voters said they would prefer to have a beer with Bush than Kerry. Four years later with Bush at a 26 percent approval rating, these undecided voters are probably regretting voting for a president because they would rather have a beer with him. Even history reveals how Americans may want a president who they can picture bringing potato salad to their barbeque, but the result isn’t always as ideal as it sounds. President AnTHERESA GRANUCCI | the broadview
just a thought rebecca kelliher
As the daughter of two immigrant parents, I understand how purely American it is that a person who has fought her way to achieve some sort of success, monetary or not, is not just valued as much as but more than a person who hasn’t had to struggle to get where they are in life. Whereas some cultures look down on you because of your humble background, in America you become a symbol of your country. Even though the American dream may just be a dream, a mere product of our own minds and our own fantasies, it is the source of something much stronger, whether the dream becomes reality or not. It is the source of our cultural identity, the source of our hope. If we really are on the verge of another Great Depression, now is the time to indulge in the same ridiculous thoughts, ludicrous expectations, overzealous passions, outrageous dreams and unyielding hope that founded this country. The American dream is not dead. Cinderella will live happily ever after with her prince. David will defeat Goliath. The Tampa Bay Rays beat the Phillies, and don’t tell us any different because it won’t matter. We’re Americans and thus dreamers.
Q:
drew Jackson, the first “common man” president, who was elected in 1828, came from a log-cabin in South Carolina, but became nicknamed as “King Andrew I” due to his excessive control over the nation. This demonstrates the unpredictability inherent in voting for a president based on his or her association with the people and not on the persons ability to fix the nation. The president should be more educated and qualified than the average American so as not to make the same mistakes that common people would. This country does not need a president to make any more mistakes.
Do politicians focus too much on being politically correct? “I think some politicians feel they need to convince the audience they are speaking to by conforming to their ideas. They recognize that the perfect candidate for the job is someone by the American people and should speak their true feelings on the subjects at hand.” — Brooke Thomas, freshman
“Yes, politicians tend to focus on being politically correct because they want to make themselves sound more professional and a step higher above then everyone else.” — India Pearce, sophomore
“Yes, I think that politicians focus on what people want to hear. They do not say what they really want to say and have a tendency to get caught up in their image.” — Alexis Otellini, junior
“Sometimes politicians try so hard to be politically correct because they want to please and appeal to all people. But sometimes by doing this it’s almost as if they’re not able to give their full opinion.” — Elisa Asdourian, senior — Compiled by Colleen Scullion
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features
october 31, 2008
Teen TV scripted dramas may influence viewers
In the teen television drama Gossip Girl broadcast on the CW Television Network, Blair Waldorf played by Leighton Meester (far left) and Serena van der Woodsen played by Blake Lively live in New York City’s Upper East Side and struggle with issues affecting teens. Seniors Annick BrettKearns (far left) and Maggie Johnson sit on the stairs into the Flood Mansion imitating a scene from the first season of the show. Episodes air at 8 p.m. on Mondays.
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zoë newcomb reporter
hile ads have long been a part of promoting television shows, TV networks have begun pulling out all the stops to grab the attention of potential viewers. Gossip Girl is promoting its new season with phrases like “Mind-blowingly inappropriate” plastered across a scantily clad couple embracing in bed. “Everyone wants to fit in, so they’ll adopt the over sexualized behavior and aggression,” said psychologist Katie Farhner, PhD. “The repercussions can effect adulthood.”
Gossip Girl photo WARNER BROS. WORLDWIDE TELEVISION MARKETING. PUBLICITY & TALENT RELATIONS | with permission photo illustration SUSIE LEE | the broadview
According to Farhner, dramas about teenagers are popular because the intriguingly unrealistic lives of the main characters involve just enough reality to allow teens to place themselves in their shoes. Senior Mollie Davis says she watches TV shows for another reason. “The hot actors and the drama,” said Davis. “As unrealistic as it sometimes, it is for some reason addicting.” Fahrner said that teenagers like Davis, who watch a minimal amount of TV and can laugh at it instead of taking the values to heart, will benefit from the relaxation. However, teenagers who look to TV shows as guides will be getting
information that sets them up to be disappointed in life. “Sometimes people don’t realize that it is not real,” said sophomore Monica Rodriguez. “It makes sex, drugs and alcohol normal. When the girl isn’t wearing a shirt on TV, its seems like an everyday thing.” Sex, drugs and alcohol have become the new social norm for teenagers in today’s society. The drastic change between television shows of teenagers today and the shows of their parents’ calls is into question the effects that teen dramas may have. Watching TV shows with sexual content causes teens to have sex at earlier ages, according to a
recent study by The RAND corporation. The findings suggest that the decrease of sexual exposure in media would drastically lower the number of teens having sex.
The wholesome image projected by the Brady Bunch is so different from almost anything on TV that it’s hard for some to believe that it only went off the air in 1974.
“In the Brady Bunch they have the perfect life — it’s not real,” said Rodriguez. “At least Gossip Girl is realistic with the fights and rivalry.” But it’s exactly the fights, rivalry and other values that teens get from TV that will hurt them,
says Farhner. “Life doesn’t fall into place like it does on TV,” said Farhner. “Teens are tantalized by information that doesn’t promote healthy development. Fahrner said that the quality of TV could hurt teenagers in the future, but the involvement of parents in helping their kids analyze what they see is important. “Its idealized, it looks nice.” said Fahrner. “Adolescence is a tough time, and kids want any tips they can get from watching TV shows. Hopefully television will begin promoting some good quality shows, instead of promoting overexposure.”
Poli sci major helps women-run businesses grow
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lauren jung editor in chief
egan Markoff (‘04) graduated from UCLA in May with a bachelor’s degree in political science and now works as a project team leader at Women Impacting Public Policy (WIPP), a national bipartisan public policy organization that advocates for women and minorities in business. MARKOFF Markoff’s current project is WIPP and American Express OPEN’s “Give Me 5: Education and Access for Women in Federal Contract” program, a national program that will educate women business owners on applying for and securing federal contracts. “Federal contracting represents a huge opportunity for women business owners, particularly in this tough economic time, with over $6 billion to gain in revenue when the 5 percent goal is achieved,” said Markoff. The Equity in Contracting for Women Act in 2000 stipulates 5 percent of all federal contracts go to women-owned businesses, but women business owners only receive 3.4
percent of federal contract dollars according to the Small Business Administration figures for fiscal year 2006. “Give Me 5 is designed to educate and engage women in federal procurement, beginning with enrolling business women on the CCR [Central Contractor Registration, a large database managed by the Department of Defense — in which a business must be first registered in order to participate in federal procurement contracting],” said Markoff. As a member of Give Me 5, Markoff attends women’s business conferences across the country to reach out to women business owners and is helping develop a series of webinars and teleconferences led by WIPP members who are experienced federal contractors, simplifying all aspects of federal procurement as much as possible. As a political science major, Markoff learned about international political systems, varying power dynamics of a country, how systems of government are developed and how policy is implemented. “Gaining an understanding of policy is important because it has such a powerful effect on your life and the world around you,” said Markoff. It was interesting learning about the people’s role in various countries’ political systems to gain a better understanding of myself within the U.S. and the global economy.”
As a political science major you would • study different political ideologies • study the systems people set up to organize their societies, from neighborhoods to nations • examine the process, systems, and political dynamics of all countries and regions of the world • write papers on current topics, such as the economic crisis or homeland security Typical courses in college • American political campaigns and elections • Politics of developing areas • Public policy analysis • Politics of ecological crisis
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“Public Opinion and Voting Behaviors was one of my favorite Political Science classes at UCLA. We studied the how public opinion is shaped, the varying degrees of the informed — or misinformed — electorate, and how Americans process the news they hear, see or read. The media educates the electorate on issues and politicians; however, the way the information is presently greatly affects how we vote. “
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“This class made me more aware of the electorate’s political conscience, distinguishing voters in the primary and general election, and how Americans vote based on certain ideas they’ve heard in the news, which is often not a comprehensive evaluation of the candidate or policy.”
Classes at CSH to help prepare you • AP Comparative Government and Politics • AP U.S. Government and Politics • AP U.S. History • AP World History
Careers you might pursue • government service • journalism • public administration • nongovernmental organizations law
For more info • American Political Science Association (APSA) http://www.apsanet.org
news
the broadview
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Historian reflects on former First Lady Economy limits college options, costs for students from economy p. 1 “There is less home equity to claim, and therefore less money to be taken out as a loan for college.” Some universities, like Harvard University, have factored in devaluing home equities and have eliminated these from their criteria in their financial aid decisions. Record numbers of students are applying for financial aid amidst rising college costs, layoffs, home foreclosures and high living expenses. “Tuition rises every year, that’s nothing new,” said Jospe. “What has changed, though, is the economic situation, and the number of people applying for financial aid are increasing.” Nationally, 8.9 million students filed federal student aid forms during the first half of this year compared to 7.7 million students in 2007 over the same time period according to the data College tuition according to the U.S. Department of Education. In California alone, 999,594 students requested federal financial aid during that 2008 period, accounting for an almost 20 percent increase over the number of students who applied in 2007. Some private universities, like Stanford University, have multibilliondollar endowment funds, which they are using to help many of their students in need of aid by eliminating tuition for students whose parents earn less than $100,000 a year. “Many colleges are aware that this is a tough economic time for their applicants,” said Jospe. “The institutions will do as much as they can, but those colleges that don’t have substantial endowments will probably see their enrollment affected. It’s going to get much more competitive in the admission process. Since colleges are also affected by the economic situation and have less money, they are going to be more selective with whom they extend their money to.” With the current economic situation changing from day-to-day, it is hard to say what exactly lies in the future. “If people were to look 10 years ago, no one would have guessed that college tuition would be upwards of $50,000,” said Jospe. “We can’t really say what will happen in the next couple of years but the best thing students can do is to concentrate on their studies and get the best grades they can because higher education is a very competitive market.”
RENA HUNT | the broadview
Allida Black (far right), Project Director and Editor of the Eleanor Roosevelt Papers, a project aimed to teach, preserve and apply Eleanor Roosevelt’s writings and discussions of human rights and democratic politics, talks to students including freshmen Kristen Kennedy, Rehyeuh Dabis Loy and Katie Ghotbi (left to right) in the Mother Williams Library about Roosevelt’s impact on history. As the first First Lady to have a true public role in the White House, Roosevelt is credited with many public policies still in effect today and was already warning citizens about their dependence on foreign oil.
Student celebrates Italian heritage in local parade emma herlihy reporter Sophomore Tori Balestrieri was a ladyin-waiting in Queen Isabella’s Court at the Italian Heritage Parade on Oct. 12. “I always wanted to [be in the parade], but I thought that it was one of those things that everyone wants to do, but only few people get to,” said Balestrieri. Balestrieri said her cousin, who has been on the float for the past two years, knew there was an opening and encouraged her to apply. “[The parade] is important to the Italian community because it reminds the Italians
about their roots and where we came and started from,” said Queen Mother Ester Bermani Schaukowitch. “It brings you back to your roots.” The selection of the court is based on applicants’ eye contact, poise and their ability to speak well, according to Bermani Schaukowitch. “Before the interview I was so nervous,” said Balestrieri. “They asked me about school, my extracurriculars, my family and where in Italy I am from.” The highlight of the Italian Heritage Festivities is the coronation of the new queen at the Grand Ball and Banquet at which the court wears gowns with hoop skirts and
bodices embroidered with jewels. Italian Club members attended the parade that begins at Fisherman’s Wharf and travels 2.4 miles to St. Peter and Paul’s Church in North Beach. “My mom was in the parade when she was our age, and it is refreshing to see girls who are our age get involved in the Italian community,” said Italian Club head Elisa Asdourian. Balestrieri found the experience rewarding, having learned more about herself and her culture. “I never realized how proud I was of my Italian culture,” said Balestrieri. “This is where I am from. This is who I am.”
AP awards presented to distinguished students at assembly The College Board has honored 10 seniors and members of the Class of 2008 for their success in Advanced Placement classes last year. Morgan Kendall, Nora McGovern, and Stephanie Rotter, all members of the 2008 class, have been named National AP Scholars for receiving an average grade of 4 or higher on 8 or more AP Exams and an average score of 4 or higher on all exams. AP Scholar with Distinction is awarded to students with grades of 3 or higher on 5 or more AP Exams and an average score of 3.5 on all exams. Current students that received
this award were Jocelyn Friday and Kristie La. Graduated students that received this award are Kelly Cheung, Alicia, Daleiden, Melissa DiDrande, Brittney Fong, Isabel Jones, Morgan Kendall, Hillary Lyons, Nora McGovern, Allison Pang, Neema Patel, Stephanie Rotter, Sophie Skinner, Mary Slattery and Diana Wendel. AP Scholar with Honor is awarded to students with grades of 3 or higher on 4 or more AP Exams and an average score of 3.25 of higher on all exams. Current students that received this award are Kat Eaneman, Maxine Gaspar, Alana Jesse, and Arendse
Lund. Graduated students that received this award are Sara Decker, Reilly Dowd and Allie Kruse. AP Scholar is awarded to students with grade of 3 or higher on 3 or more on AP Exams. The current student that has received this award is Rebecca Kelliher. Graduated students that have received this award are Genevieve Fish, Larkin Grant, Elizabeth Gruber, Katrina Jew, Mari Mazzucco, Ari Riordan, Madeline Sery and Kaitlin van Zandt.
easily controlled, according to Tomioka. Students who take the bus or walk to school should watch for crime, but should also know that they are being watched and protected. “When you’re on the bus late at night, people are always looking at you and I feel defensive because it seems like the police are never there,” said junior Qiyamah Hameed. There are also plain-clothes officers around the city to watch for pick-pockets and Muni is equipped with video cameras, according to Tomioka. “We don’t tell you things to make you hypersensitive,” said Tomioka. “You have a little freedom as a teenager, but teenagers
forget their parents were teens too. They’re not nagging when they say ‘Have fun but, be careful’.” The most dangerous mistake high school students make is not looking both ways before they cross the street, according to Tomioka.
posed in New York City due to multiple deaths by car accidents. Pedestrians in big cities should be wary of texting or talking when crossing the street. Practicing common sense and staying aware are the surest ways to stay safe.
— Sarah Hegarty
Staying safe, being alert on the streets of San Francisco from taking p. 1 whether they are entering a part of the city well known for suspicious activity or walking around “safer” neighborhoods. “Know your surroundings, walk with friends when you can, and don’t go around flashing iPods and laptops,” said School Resource Officer Tom Deely. At some point in life, most people are going to be victims, according to Tomioka. “We all want to stand up for ourselves, but don’t let that moment cost you your life,” said Tomioka. “Whatever they want, give it to them. It can be replaced. Human life cannot be replaced.” Crime, however, cannot be predicted. Rates go up and down in a cycle but are not
“You think the driver sees you,” said Tomioka. “You forget people may be distracted or might sneeze while they’re driving. Pedestrians may have the right of way, but unfortunately that’s not always the case. Always try and make eye contact when crossing.” Last year, a ban on iPods, cell phones and MP3 players on crosswalks was pro-
“Don’t go jogging at 10 anywhere,” said Tomioka. “At 10 at — night male or female — it is not safe to be out alone. If you’re with people, it’s better if you know them. That’s just common sense.” Xan chose not fight the two men. She let them take her iPod. “I’m glad I did what I did,” said Saborit. “Who knows what they would have done to me?”
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news
october 31, 2008
Bein
rebecca editor
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Your election ’08 AMANDA JAMES | the broadview
Selected propositions for the California General Election Proposition 2 requires farm animals to be out of cages for most of the day, with the ability to move their entire bodies. Proposition 4
changes the California Constitution by outlawing abortion for minors until 48 hours after the guardian is informed.
Proposition 7
mandates government-owned facilities to create 20 percent of their electricity from re-useable energy by 2010, to produce 40 percent by 2020 and 50 percent by 2025.
Proposition 8
terminates the right of same-sex couples to marry, and acknowledges only marriages between a man and woman in
California.
Proposition 10
provides $5 billion through the sale of bonds to consumers who purchase alternative fuel vehicles, and creates a fund for exploration of re-useable energy and different-fuel vehicles.
Proposition 12
issues a $900 million bond for farm and home assistance for California veterans. Source: California General Election Official Voter Information Guide — Compiled by Ina Herlihy and Emma Herlihy
ANA
imply by surfi cans are conf she-said deba ing at nearly every heightened sensiti correctness may m thoughtful about many Americans dissatisfied with th being “PC” rather honest. “Political corre positive and negativ said political activ “From a positive pe an unnecessary of a certain ethnic, re entation group by sensitive before sh or beliefs. From a it causes people to share their true bel One of the ma of political corre AP American Go Michael Steinbrech dency to prompt qu people. “On the nega has caused people said Steinbrecher. “ civil rights but not f you’re racist. If yo you’re sexist.” Yet, there still r political correctnes “Of course, I t sitivity is necessa sense,” said Steinb to be things in our c so overtly racist. P kind of language t use today. Ever. So political correctness racial slurs and tha Yet, when tak political correctne groups apart, crea nation as a result o “To me the gr becoming too frag
Selected propositions for the City and County of San Francisco Proposition A gives $887.4 million to San Francisco
General Hospital and Trauma Center for construction and earthquake retrofitting.
Proposition F changes all City elections, aside from special elections, to even-numbered years after the November 2011 election.
Proposition H makes the City of San Francisco the primary provider of electric power, and meets energy requirements through renewable sources, creates a new Office of the Independent Ratepayer Advocate to make suggestions about utility rates to the City’s Public Utilities Commission and permits the Board of Supervisors to distribute income bonds to pay for public utilities without voter permission.
Proposition R renames the Water Pollution Control Plant by the ocean to the George W. Bush Sewage Plant.
Proposition U allows the chosen representatives in the
United States Senate and House of Representatives to vote against additional funding for the deployment of the United States Armed Forces in Iraq, with the exception of funds to withdraw troops. — Compiled by Ina Herlihy and Emma Herlihy
Source: City and County of San Francisco General Election Official Voter Information Guide
Senior Kat Eaneman organizes phone numbers as she prepares to call registered voters and persuade them to vote Eaneman has volunteered over 300 hours for the Obama campaign to date.
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news
the broadview
ng ‘PC’ may stifle honesty
a kelliher r in chief
ALYSIS
fing YouTube, Amerifronted with he-said/ ates and analysts picky word or phrase. This ivity due to political make politicians more their responses, but remain increasingly he strong emphasis on than on simply being
ectness can have both a ve impact on politics,” vist Clemetine Clark. erspective, it prevents ffense to someone of eligion or sexual oricausing people to be haring their thoughts negative perspective, o be dishonest or not liefs.” ajor negative aspects ctness according to overnment teacher her, Ph.D., is its tenuick judgments among
tive side, [being PC] e to almost overact,” “If you say you’re for for affirmative action, ou say you’re pro-life,
remains a necessity for ss. think heightened senary. It’s just common brecher. “There used country that were just People would use the that we would never o I think in that sense, s is good in preventing at sort.” ken to drastic levels, ess can tear different ating a more divisive of quick labeling. reat fear is that we’re gmented,” said Stein-
brecher. “Someone starts to think of themselves as a Mexican-American, an Irish-American, an Italian-American, a blue-collar American, a white-collar American — what happened to being an American?” Even by referring to stereotypical working-class citizens throughout the election by such names as “Joe the Plumber” and “Joe Six-Pack,” Americans are becoming more polarized as the strain placed by political correctness on categorizing each other takes its toll. “After awhile, Joe the Plumber and Joe Six-Pack will stand up and say ‘I don’t like you making fun of me,” said Steinbrecher. “Yeah I drink beer and eat Velveeta, but does that mean that I’m unsophisticated?’” The pressure placed not only on citizens but also on political candidates in particular to be PC has caused an equally negative side effect, according to senior Maxine Gaspar. “It limits the things politicians can say,” said Gaspar. “PC seems to mask the actual tone within politics. It can make people seem stoic and just not real.” It has become more difficult to get a sense of the genuine opinions and views of a candidate with analysts and political correspondents ready to pounce on any “politically incorrect” slip-up to post on YouTube. Within the current local elections, the instant labeling of Mayor Gavin Newsom as the face of “Yes on Proposition 8” reflects the downside of an over-emphasis on PC on the campaign process as well. “Political correctness affects the entire campaign process,” said Steinbrecher. “We’re just so quick to categorize each other that it makes it difficult for Americans to see past all the labels and focus on what really matters.” Yet, political correctness forces politicians to be more
thoughtful and can thus be beneficial to citizens. “Thanks to tools like YouTube and other interactive Web sites, there is more inclusion and transparency which forces leaders to be thoughtful and sensitive before saying something entirely inappropriate,” said Clark. “It is all about respecting one’s differences without being offensive.” Although being PC has led to a more attentive and sensitive environment in terms of recognizing the diversity of Americans, when taken to extremes most agree that political correctness is not always beneficial. “I think it’s like anything where it’s just so easy to take something too far,” said Steinbrecher.
2008 presidential candidates on the issues
OBAMA
MCCAIN
ECONOMY
Sen. John McCain’s economic plan involves creating workplace flexibility for families, providing financial relief for families, reforming the government, supporting small business, creating cheap and clean energy, having better health care, creating more fair taxes and having lower barriers for trade. Sen. Barack Obama’s economic plan gives the middle-class families a tax break, creates more jobs, assists small businesses, protect homeowners, works to resolve the mortgage crisis, reforms bankruptcy laws and creates a balance between work and home.
ENERGY
McCain plans to expand the domestic oil production, allocating $2 billion yearly to further the use of clean coal. By 2030 he envisions creating 45 additional nuclear power plants with the goal of eventually creating 100 new plants. Obama plans to have 1 million plug-in hybrid cars on the streets by 2015. He sets a goal of 10 percent of electricity consumed is renewable by 2012, and 25 percent of renewable energy by 2025.
HOMELAND SECURITY
McCain plans to immediately secure the country’s supply of water to avoid contamination. Obama plans on increasing airport security measures and reforming the terrorist watch list.
HEALTH CARE
McCain advocates the health care credits should go to the insurance company of an individual’s choice. No one should be denied health care because of any condition. Obama’s health plan requires children to be covered with health care. His plan costs $65 billion yearly. — Compiled by Ina Herlihy and Emma Herlihy Photos: INA HERLIHY | the broadview; JOHN MCCAIN 2008 - www.JohnMcCain.com
AMANDA JAMES | the broadview
Teen supports voter participation in elections “D
ina herlihy news editor
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ude, are you excited for the presidential election?” Democratic Club head Kat Eaneman yells over the microphone at Principal’s Meeting. “I’ve always liked politics,” said Eaneman. “It started when I was 10- years-old because I wanted to save the animals, and I discovered politics was behind it. Politics is related to everything that happens because everything has to answer to politics in some way or form. Why are parents pushing their kids to apply to UCs and CSUs? It is because of the economy.” Eaneman began campaigning as a freshman for congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter (NH, D), Gov. John Lynch (NH, D) and state senator Maggie Hassan (NH, D), by phonebanking, canvassing and promoting visibility while she attended Phillips Exeter Academy. “I learned that people have different opinions than me and why that is not a bad thing,” said Eaneman. “It made me realize as a liberal that one of the things I champion is diversity, and that includes political diversity.” As head of the school’s Democratic Club, Eaneman says she tries to raise an awareness of volunteering and phonebanking opportunities. “I wanted Convent students to know more about the Democratic Party, and to get involved with it,” RENA HUNT | the broadview said Eaneman. “I want people to get involved in the e for Senator Barak Obama. whole process of the elections and democracy. We have corruption on both sides of the spectrum, but
’08
we are America and we want a better system.” Junior Qiyamah Hameed volunteered at Sen. Obama’s headquarters several times at Eaneman’s invitation. “I didn’t know that I could volunteer at all,” said Hameed. “I thought it was something that only people who had connections with political people could do.” Eaneman began volunteering for Obama every Saturday last summer by making Obama’s name known through registering voters and phonebanking, volunteering 10 to 20 hours a week during the primaries. “Phonebanking works and even if it is in small numbers and pretty inefficient, people have to do it,” said Eaneman. “Out of every 20 calls you make, 15 won’t pick up, three of them will either be family members and inform you that the people you want to talk to isn’t home or scream at you, one person will be a staunch supporter in the opposite in what you are campaigning for and one person will either be undecided and want to talk to you about the issues, or want to be a supporter for your cause.” Calls can be humorous and even surreal according to Eaneman who is a phonebanking captain at Obama for President headquarters. “This one time I called a girl at the University of Nevada, and she said that she was voting for John McCain because Cindy McCain had a better fashion sense than Michelle Obama,” said Eaneman. “There was a guy who wanted to know if Obama was finally going to acknowledge extraterrestrial contact.” Eaneman learned how to sign people up to vote
faster than many adults, according to phonebank coordinator Susan Pfeifer who has volunteered with Eaneman since last summer. “She is very good at talking to strangers, and you need that in politics,” said Pfeifer. “She has a good grasp of the issues and her warmth and friendliness translate over the phone to the voters that she is working with.” Eaneman recently cut back on volunteering to concentrate on senior year. “Now I only volunteer about three to four hours a week,” said Eaneman. Eaneman registered to vote in September, when she turned 18-years-old. “This was my coming of age ceremony, since I’ve been involved in the political process for so long,” said Eaneman. Students such as fellow phonebanker sophomore TaLynn Mitchell admire Eaneman’s accomplishments. “It is inspiring to see a young person excited [about politics] and it makes me excited,” said Mitchell. “I see her so willing and enthusiastic about politics.” Eaneman’s early interest in politics developed into a fervor. “I’ve always been fascinated by the political process,” said Eaneman. “I am passionate about issues, and this is how I fulfill my passion. Some kids are really into drama, some kids are really into sports, some kids are really into art, and I’m just really into politics.”
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a&e
october 31, 2008
Metallica drummer Lars Ulrich muscles through 9th album; muses about path to the stage
RENA HUNT | the broadview
A
gracie hays a & e editor
fter 27 years of head banging tunes, Metallica’s latest album not only sold over 1.162 million copies in less than two months, but also maintained the number one position on the Billboard 200 charts for more than three consecutive weeks. Even after all this success, drummer Lars Ulrich still does not believe he has mastered the drums. “To me, I don’t think I’ve ever reached a point where I could look myself in the mirror or tell anyone with a straight face I have learned to play the drums,” said Ulrich in an exclusive interview. “I think it’s an ongoing process that hopefully continues to evolve, finding new ways to reinvent itself.” Ulrich received his first drum set at 13, but it wasn’t until after Metallica had released its first album Kill ’Em All that he started taking “serious” lessons. “I hadn’t taken any lessons or anything until we started recording the second album Ride the Lightning,” said Ulrich. “Kirk
[Hammet] was taking guitar lessons from Joe Satriani and I was taking drum lessons from Joe Satriani’s drummer.” Ulrich’s approach towards drumming has evolved since he first started drumming with Metallica. “When I was really young, it was a lot about ability; it was a lot about speed and trying to one-up the next guy with your technical ability, but that stuff doesn’t interest me at all anymore,” said Ulrich. “I think that’s where I’ve gained a lot of ground during the last few years is just understanding how the drums work in the context of a Metallica song and understanding when it’s necessary to push, when it’s necessary to pull back when it’s and when it’s necessary to over play or under play.” Top-ranked tennis player As the son, nephew and uncle of three professional tennis players, Ulrich cultivated his love for music while growing in the competitive, stiff world of tennis. “I was playing a lot of tennis when I was a kid and my escape was drumming and music,” said Ulrich.
Metallica drummer Lars Ulrich bangs out the chorus of “Harvester of Sorrow” at a special rehearsal show Oct. 17 in the Cow Palace. More Metallica show photos are available at http://broadview.sacredsf.org
Although he was among the top 10 ranked tennis players in his age group while growing up in Denmark, Ulrich did not choose to follow his relatives’ path in pursuing a career in tennis. “I just didn’t inherit enough of their talent,” said Ulrich. “I had to work at it and after a while I realized I wasn’t disciplined enough. You know, you’re 15-years-old and you’re starting to grow a little bit of hair on your chest and on your lip and your hormones are changing, and I just didn’t have the patience to stand out there and hit tennis balls up and down the court six hours a day. When I was 16 and I quit playing tennis drumming became a full-time thing.” The band meets through an ad A year after quitting tennis Ulrich formed Metallica in Los Angeles with guitarist James Hetfield after Ulrich placed an ad in a weekly paper. “The Recycler was sort of an early version of Craig’s List where people would try to sell cars or furniture or offer to cut somebody’s lawn,” said Ulrich. “After I put in the ad I got a storm of phone calls and James [Hetfield] was one of
the guys that called. He was into a lot of the same things I was into, and we had the same kind of music tastes, so we decided to give it a shot.” Juggling family life Metallica started touring shortly after its first album was released in 1983. As the band gets ready to embark on a new tour promoting its ninth album Death Magnetic, Ulrich admits that touring doesn’t hold the same allure as it did in his younger days. “When you’re 22-years-old, there’s no more fun place to be in the world than on tour in a rock band,” said Ulrich. “It’s like the safest place in the world. You’re just playing shows and having fun. You’re uprooted, but you’re not tied to anything, you’re just traveling around, playing music with your buddies and just having fun. When you’re 44-years-old and you got a couple of kids at home, touring isn’t quite the same.” Having worked with producer Bob Rock for almost 20 years, Metallica chose to take a new direction with Death Magnetic and connected with Rick Ruben. “Our producer [Ruben] felt
that Metallica had never really been on a record that captured the energy that happens when we’re playing live,” said Ulrich. “It feels to me like he really nailed that. It seems that everybody’s got different favorite songs. There seems to be no ‘I really like this song and everybody thinks this song sucks.’ It feels like it’s probably our most complete record at least since some in the ’80s. I’ve been listening to the record on and off a couple times in my car and I like what I hear. I think it sounds great. It’s certainly making me get to where I’m going faster.” Ulrich advises young musicians to stay patient while in the process of starting a band. “Learn your craft,” said Ulrich. “Take your time. Stay with it, but don’t expect anything in six months or a year. Follow your emotions and instincts. Don’t get too concerned about what other people think. Always go with your gut and stay with it and never be afraid of taking chances. If you’re talented and if you have something to offer it will happen at some point. You can’t suppress talent.”
Modern approach to ‘R & J’ takes spotlight in Syufy Theatre
T
sara koepfer reporter
he fall play After Juliet combines classical and contemporary elements to create a unique continuation of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. Set during the aftermath of Romeo and Juliet’s deaths, the story is centered around a trial that determines who is to blame for the young lovers’ demise. The plot focuses on Rosaline (Rebecca Kelliher), who is mentioned in Romeo and Juliet as the woman whom Romeo loved before Juliet. “The play is interesting in that, even though they’re dead, you see a completely different side of Romeo and Juliet through other people’s perception of them,” said sophomore Tori Balistrieri, who plays Rosaline’s friend. “You also get an explanation of what happened to everyone else, because Romeo and Juliet wasn’t just about two people, it was about two families. The play goes in depth about what happened to both of those families in contrast to Shakespeare’s play, which only tells you what happened to Romeo and Juliet.”
The play includes movement work, directed by Amy Foley, in which a group of Capulets and Montagues represent the ongoing conflict between the two families through dancing and motion. “Movement is used to convey some of the key themes in the plot, rather than using dialogue,” said junior Sonia Morris, who plays a Capulet/Montague. Huli Curry (SHHS ’07) is writing and performing music to accompany the movement. “Huli has an interesting part,” said director Pamela Rickard. “He dictates the action through the music and acts as a non-partisan observer, almost as the conductor of the play.” Rickard said she chose the play because of its universal message, portrayed through the use of Shakespearean verse mixed with contemporary prose. “The most interesting aspect of this play is that it could take place at any time —in the 1500s when Romeo and Juliet is set, or now, in 2008,” said Rickard. “I feel that it resonates with teenagers because it portrays what it is like to be in high school. It’s about trying to find your own truth, what you believe in, and live by it. It’s
RENA HUNT | the broadview
SHHS senior Sam Catapano (center) throws a prop sword to Alexa Collins druring a rehearsal for After Juliet. Tommy Kaufman (far left) and Everett Dong await the election of the new Prince of Cats in the scene. about struggling to be seen, to be noticed for who you are, especially by someone you love.” The play’s setting combines both traditional and modern visual
aspects.“The set will be mostly scaffolding, to simulate balconies,” said senior Hallie Young, who plays Rosaline’s friend. “The costumes are going to emulate
‘Elizabethan-punk’ and the makeup will follow suit.” After Juliet plays in the Syufy Theatre on Nov. 20 and 21 at 5 p.m. and on Nov. 22 at 2 p.m.
city life
the broadview
Lab digs up ruins in SF Presidio Senior Achaeologist Eric Blind uncovers a current excavation site in San Francisco’s Presidio, dusting off colored pieces of tile from the roof of a chamber of the old fort belonging to an officer or an enlisted man. A number of small holes in Pershing Square in front of the Officers’ Club provide archaeologists with clues and artifacts for where and when to dig next. INA HERLIHY | the broadview
T
jovel quierolo sacred heart editor
hick black paint markings run up and down the parking lot in front of the Officers’ Club in San Francisco’s Presidio National Park. Most people just drive over the patterns — and the old Spanish fort buried beneath the pavement. The U.S. Army discovered the fort’s set of stone foundations beneath the Officers’ Quarters — now the Officers’ Club — in 1993. Archeologists were brought in and the Presidio Archaeology Lab was established in 1999 near Crissy Field for research of the old fort. “There is potentially 200 years of history here,” said senior archaeologist Eric Blind. “Once the Presidio became a national park people started wondering, ‘is that old fort still there?’” There is evidence from historic records of Spanish settlers who founded El Presidio de San Francisco in 1776, according Coordinator of Education Programs at the Presidio Archeology Lab. “This is where the Spanish first settled — the birthplace of San Francisco and from here missions and pueblos were established throughout the Bay Area.” Archaeologists at the lab show people what lies beneath the ground, according to Blind. “Some of the recreated architecture you see may harken back to colonial culture, but we work with the real thing,” said Blind. It is a responsibility of archaeologists to share their work, according to Ahern. “Through partnerships with local universities and organizations, the lab conducts field work investigations to answer research questions and to educate,” said Ahern. “We can use history as a springboard to connect people with the past.” At the Officer’s Club, visitors can
look at U.S. Army artifacts, pottery pieces and other materials from the 1840s to the 1890s from excavations. The artifacts are gifts to be preserved, according to Blind. “Many of them are important for subcultures,” said Blind. “Spanish colonial descendants come back every year and have ceremonies. Groups really care about these sites.” The lab not only teaches its visitors about the history of the sites, but also provides a window into the field of archaeology. “We use experimental archaeology — speculation of how things were manufactured and made — to get students involved and interested,” said Ahern. Students and visitors, with an appointment, are shown through the lab where real archaeologists are hard at work surrounded by walls of fridges full of artifacts shovels, tools, boxes and piles of plastic bags for archiving. “I get to play in the dirt enough to keep me happy, but I maintain about halfa-million artifacts and am responsible for knowing where everything is,” said Collection Specialist Liz Clevenger. Visitors to the lab get to see what the archaeological workplace looks like. A typical day for Blind might include answering e-mails and attending meetings — but no Indiana Jones-style dartdodging or bull-whipping.
“Other days we’re out there digging a site uncovering artifacts,” said Blind. “It’s mentally challenging and physically challenging, not really like Indiana Jones, but I like a job with that kind of physical challenge.” As a former participant with Teach for America with majors in anthropology and Spanish language, Ahern does much office work planning and building the program while pursuing her interests. “Anthropology helps you think about the world in the present — not just the past,” said Ahern. The lab, funded by the federal government and various philanthropy, is currently in a planning phase. As a part of education and outreach efforts, the lab will be participating in the Expanding Your Horizons Conference this November, a program that “nurtures girls’ interest in science and math courses to encourage them to consider careers in science, technology, engineering, and math,” and high school students can sign up as volunteers. Back at the lab, teams of archaeologists are planning future excavations plotting which pieces of the paint-marked parking lot would be prime excavation sites. “People have been supportive of moving parking if excavations are decided upon so they would not be parked on top of archeology sites,” said Blind.
INA HERLIHY | the broadview
Molding mud bricks patterned after those used to build the historic Spanish fort beneath the Presidio parking lot is part of the educational programs at the Presidio Archaeology Lab.
PULSE
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roll over, beethoven gracie hays
Punk club offers teen party-goers some quirky fun
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urnished with couches covered in Sharpie-signed slogans and graffiti-ridden ply-wood walls, many consider Berkeley’s 924 Gilman to be the Mecca of punk rock.
In an era where all-ages venues in the Bay Area are of a dying breed, Gilman is an anomaly. While other clubs have focused their attention towards beer prices, Gilman has remained dedicated to its original goal in providing a violence, alcohol and drug-free environment for kids to have fun. Though the rowdiness and free-for-all spirit of the club sometimes make it seem lenient with rules, Gilman makes a point of kicking out anyone who brings in illegal substances or starts a fight. Completely volunteer run and non-profit, one might wonder how this independent punk club has continued to operate for 26 years. What sets Gilman apart from other clubs is its Do-ItYourself attitude, which is so strong it makes the crowd seem less like anonymous audience members and more like a family of multi-colored teenage punks. If the trash overflows or the toilet clogs at Gilman, there are no janitors who will come to the rescue. Instead, the responsibility falls upon all the members of the club — which is anyone who attends a show. Everyone is required to purchase a $2 membership card that lasts for a year and allows audience members to participate. Members who volunteer for a show — be that running the sound system, booking bands, collecting money at the door, or sweeping up trash afterwards — receive free admission. Lined up outside with teens covered in studs, spikes and piercings, it is easy to be deceived into believing that Gilman is just a tough club full of Strong Man Humphrey, punkerthan-thou, I eat-hippies-like-you-for-breakfast kind of crowd. However, this is not the case at all. Once past the exterior, a sense of quirky fun only found within the walls of Gilman rises. I can’t think of any other punk club that would willingly have a limbo contest in the middle of a circle pit or play the soundtrack from “The Little Mermaid” on the loud speakers in between sets without giving any explanation. Occasions like these are what make people skip out on sold-out stadium concerts in favor of going to a Gilman punk show instead. Gilman isn’t about being the toughest, most punk kid around; it’s about being yourself, finding your own voice and making your own decisions. 924 Gilman has shows regularly on Fridays and Saturdays with acoustic shows on Thursdays. Membership costs $2, admission $5–$10. www.924gilman.org
What’s pumping in the halls
Presidential election 2008 gear
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1- Obama/Biden button, $3 (www.store.barackobama.com) 2 - McCain/Palin button, $1 (www.johnmccain08store.com) 3 - Obama “Rock” T-shirt, $25 (Urban Outfitters) 4 - Obama for Change T-shirt, $20 (street vendor) 5 - McCain/Palin button $1.75 (www.johnmccain08store.com)
10 sports On The Sideline sophie gilchrist
october 31, 2008
Tennis captain learns from dad zoë newcomb reporter
School takes top priority
O
ver the field of Surf Cup, one of the most selective high school soccer tournaments in the country, hangs a banner that reads “Through these gates walk the best of the best.” These are the players who get the sports scholarships, the ones who have a chance to make a career out of their talent. Last weekend I worked on the school newspaper instead of participating in a tournament which my team had been preparing for all year. Academics will always come before sports in my life. If I have a big exam I will skip practice to study for it. Other than that I am dedicated to my club soccer team. As spring and the school soccer season approach, I am starting to worry about the five-day-a-week practices affecting my schoolwork. My future depends on my participation in the classroom, not on the soccer field. In the United States, there are over 10,000 female soccer players. That means more than 10,000 girls competing for college soccer scholarships. The National Collegiate Athletic Association only allows 12 full-ride scholarships for every Division 1 soccer program for women according to www. athletic-scholarships. You have to be an incredible soccer player to get a sports scholarship to college, so I realize that there is a good chance I will not get one. The reality is that the odds are against the majority of high school athletes. I don’t play soccer to get into college. I play as a way to escape the stress from school. The only time I don’t have to think about school is twice a week during my two hour practices. Ultimately, where you go in life will not be determined by scoring the winning goal or making a slide tackle to save the game. It is determined by your education.
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arsity tennis captain Danielle Sabalvaro began learning tennis from her father at the age of four so that she would have someone to play with. SABALVARO “I grew up with my father’s teachings on how to play sports,” said Sabalvaro. “Tennis was just one of those sports until I decided to stop playing golf and volleyball.” Sabalvaro began competing in tournaments through the United States Tennis Association (USTA) at the age of 11. Since then, she has been top 25 in both singles and doubles, and was named MVP freshman year. “I decided to play tennis because I had already devoted so much time to it, and because I love playing tournaments,” said Sabalvaro. Sabalvaro says she spent almost every week over the summer competing in tournaments, and that tennis takes up a lot of her free time. “When I got into more tournaments and started meeting more people [tennis] just became my life,” said Sabalvaro. As team captain, Sabalvaro says her role is to lead practices, organize team meetings and to “provide support and encouragement to the team.” Team practices last an hour and a half, but during off-season Sabalvaro plays two to three hours everyday. Practices consist of conditioning, drills and playing full games. “Her up-beat spirit is really motivating,” said sophomore Sophie De Lancie. “She makes sure the team keeps working.” Next year in college Sabalvaro says she hopes to focus on her academics, but still continue playing tennis on a more relaxed team. While she does not intend to continue playing at the competitive level , tennis will still remain an important part of her life. Sabalvaro isn’t sure why she enjoys playing tennis; she says it’s the thrill of the game that drives her to compete. But even without competition, she will continue to enjoy playing. “I’ll keep playing with my dad,” said Sabalvaro. “He’s still trying to beat me.”
INA HERLIHY | the broadview
Senior Danielle Sabalvaro hits a forehand at tennis practice. Sabalvaro has been playing tennis since age four and has been competing through the USTA since the age of eleven.
TENNISTERMS Ace: A serve that is not received or touched by the opponent, winning a point for the server. Deuce: The score when both players have reached forty points.
SPORTSWRAPUP Most Recent Result: Oct. 24 against Marin Academy and lost in 3 games. Record: 2-8 Grace Milligan, Captain: “We’ve gotten really close as a team. It’s hard starting out the season playing with people who we haven’t played with for a year. We are a new team but we’ve adjusted well and grown together.”
volleyball
Most Recent Result: Oct. 27 against Marin Academy, 3-4. Record: 3–4 Emily Boshwitz, Captain: “This season we were a lot better than the past two years. We made it to the playoffs. It is bittersweet because we had such a good season but the end is here.”
tennis
Love: A score of zero Volley: Hitting the ball before it bounces
Source: www.tennis.sportsdictionary.org — Compiled by Rena Hunt
Compiled by Colleen Scullion, Emily Bloch & Sophie Gilchrist
Most Recent Result: Oct. 20 against St. Ignatius. Scramble; 5 strokes behind S.I. Record: 3-1 Maggie Johnson, Captain: “We had a lot of new players and they all got a chance to learn how to play golf and develop their skills. We ended up sending two girls NCS which was good for them to get that experience.”
golf
Most Recent Result: Oct. 21 raced in the BCL meet. Record: N/A Claire Cannon, Captain: “Despite seasons this season the team has done really well with a lot of people fulfilling their personal goals.”
x-country
11
health & fitness
the broadview
Music influences athletic performance
view
cising provides a distraction from thinking about the
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hether it’s the hard rock of AC/DC or the Disney tunes of The Jonas Brothers, listening to music can improve the effectiveness and enjoyment of workouts. “Music sets the tone for my classes,” said Annie Thatcher-Stephens, group exercise coordinator at the Richmond District YMCA. “If I want to concentrate more on doing a really intense high energy workout, I will put the music a little louder and put something really intense on.” The beat of music acts as a distraction into exercising longer. “If I like the music, then I am not paying attention to how long I am exercising,” said junior Kelsey Vickery who attends a weekly
Pilates class and owns a stationary bicycle. Workouts are more likely to be enjoyable by focusing on music while exercising. “[Music] increases motivation to work a little harder, or a little bit longer,” said Jennifer Romanini, fitness manager at The Sports Club/LA on Market Street. “If someone is enjoying what they are doing, they will do it a little longer. Music helps the experience be more enjoyable.” Music can also be a motivator in exercising for a longer period of time. “You can say, ‘I am going to run until the end of this playlist,’” said varsity volleyball captain Grace Milligan. “Maybe this song can push you harder when it has a connection or meaning to you.” Listening to music while exer-
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ina herlihy news editor
task at hand, placing the focus on something else. “For running you don’t want to think that ‘It is so hard, I am never going to finish,”’ said ThatcherStephens. “[Music] makes the time pass faster.” In spinning classes, music helps participants to maintain a constant rhythm. “In the cycling class you can match up your peddling to the rhythm of the music,” said Thatcher-Stephens. “It will help you stay at the same tempo.” Music does not have to include upbeat songs, since they determine the direction of the workout. “[The song] determines how fast your movements are going to be,” said ThatcherStephens. “It is really important that the beat is really consistent. How fast
the beats per minute are determines the intensity of the workout. For different exercises you have different beats per minute.” Music also helps athletes to synchronize their movements. “For a lot of endurance athletes, especially runners, the beats of the song sometimes match their cadence, how many steps they run,” said Romanini. “A lot of runners will keep pace with a song.” Listening to a slow pace song can be a gradual way to end a fast paced exercise session. “At the end of a class you have a cool down, which is relaxing music,” said Thatcher-Stephens. “You are trying to focus on stretching, breathing and bringing your heart rate down. You have to mentally bring your mind down. Slower music helps people mentally unwind.”
Energy drink obsession is harmful to the health of drained teenagers
S
susie lee reporter
he trudges back home after club volleyball practice, pushing her backpack and equipment off her sagging shoulders onto the floor with a thud, and drags herself towards the fridge. She reaches in and grabs a Rock Star, gulping down its sugary and caffeinated contents — it is her third energy drink for the day. “I occasionally will have an energy drink after I work out [because] it makes me feel better that it replenishes and recharges my body,” said freshman Kimberly Wong. While more teens rely on energy drinks for a quick “boost” of energy, many teens fail to recognize how these drinks can harm the body. “People react to caffeine in different ways, and these drinks have to be treated carefully because of how powerful they are,” said Greta Glugoski (’85), a chemistry and physics teacher at St. Mary’s
Academy in Englewood, Colo. “Energy drinks have stimulating properties that can boost a person’s heart rate and blood pressure, dehydrate the body, and cause sleep depravation.” Regularly drinking a can of Red Bull makes the body dependent on stimulants like caffeine, prompting the body to produce more adenosine receptors, which regulate heart rate. As the body gets used to caffeine, greater amounts of caffeine are needed to produce the same stimulation effect, a������ ccording to Margaret Stafford, M.D., a family physician at San Francisco General Hospital. “We call this tolerance,” said Stafford. “It also means that if you have been drinking caffeine regularly for a while, and one day you don’t have any caffeine, you will be more tired than you would have been on an earlier caffeinefree day.” It takes the body several days to restore the normal number of receptors after caffeine ingestion. “For the body to recover slow-
Battle of the cans
Serving Size 8.3 fl oz Servings per Container 1 Calories 110 Fat 0 g Sodium 200 mg Total Carbohydrates 28 g Sugars 27 g
Serving Size 8 fl oz Servings per Container 2 Calories 140 Fat 0 g Sodium 40 mg Total Carbohydrates 31 g Sugars 31 g — compiled by Sara Kloepfer — photos by Rena Hunt and Ina Herlihy
ly, you need to cut back on energy drinks,” said Science Department Chair Ray Cinti. “It’s like a teeter totter; the less you consume, the more the body recovers.” Some question the validity of energy drinks, saying products like Monster and Rock Star use the term “energy” for marketing purposes. Energy drinks have stimulants like caffeine and sugar that hype up the body for a few hours, but after the substances wear off, the body shuts down. It is healthier to eat nutritional foods and fruits that provide lasting energy, according to Cinti. “‘Energy’ is a vague word that beverage companies are using more for marketing than to tell you what the drink actually does,” said Stafford. “In reality, you don’t get much increased alertness or concentration from sugars, so the use of ‘energy’ here is a bit of a misnomer.” Many companies sponsor national sporting contests, like Red Bull’s 2008 Red Bull Soapbox Race at Dolores Park, to increase sales and boost their products’ popularity. “We’re like animals – We have to be in the group,” said Cinti. “Red Bull has been able to infiltrate and market energy drinks without a backlash because it establishes something that’s ‘cool’ and ‘trendy’ that appeals to teens.” The taste of energy drinks and the notion that they “energize” the body also appeals to some athletes like sophomore Sophie De Lancie. “I started drinking energy drinks when the whole fad began a couple years ago,” said De Lancie who plays on varsity tennis. “But I always knew they were unhealthy, so I started drinking them only when I needed energy.” Although energy drinks gives the body a quick boost, exercise and sleep are healthier ways of heightening the body’s energy levels. “There is no substitute for exercise or sleep,” said���������������� Stafford. “Caf����� feine can help in the short term, but we develop tolerance fairly quickly and so in the long term it is not a helpful solution.”
Lay flat on your back and put your hands behind your head Bend your knees to a 90 degree angle Repeat this motion while breathing in and out so your abs are active the entire time, giving the full workout Twist your body so your left elbow touches your right knee as you extend your left leg
Twist your body so your right elbow touches your left knee as you extend your right leg Source: www.exercisegoals.com
— compiled by Isabelle Pinard
— photo by Rena Hunt
12
sacred heart
october 31, 2008
School gives service around the city S
meghan helms reporter
tudents and faculty participated in the annual Community Service Day on Oct. 14 by working in parks, painting a mural and visiting senior citizens. “Community Service Day is meant to deepen our understanding of our community and to exercise our compassion,” said Community Service Coordinator Paul Pryor Lorentz. The Freshman Class sorted through produce and packaged split black-eyed peas at the San Francisco Food Bank while some sophomores worked at the San Francisco Botanical Gardens in Golden Gate Park on the other side of the city. “It was a great opportunity to work with my friends in a way that was productive and helpful for the community,” said sophomore Nora Wilkinson. While some groups were toiling out in the sun, others were serving the community in a less strenuous way. “I didn’t get to physically work,” said junior Jessica Peterson who played piano and sang with the choir for the residents at Kokoro AssistedLiving community. Community Service Day is an important event because it fulfills Goal Three — to have “a social awareness that impels to action,” according to Pryor Lorentz. — photos by Ina Herlihy and Anjali Shrestha
Junior Annick Brett-Kearns sorts clothes at Saint Vincent de Paul Help Center (above). Clockwise from the top: Sophomores Lindsey Eng and Ronella Rosenberg weed at the San Francisco Botanical Gardens. Freshman Lauren Arnold folds laundry at Koret Family House. Freshman Kim Wong packages apples at the San Francisco Food Bank. Senior Alex Casserly and sophomore Frankie Incerty check the size on a pair of pants before hanging it up for distribution at the Saint Vincent de Paul Help Center. Freshman Sophia Redfern checks carrots for freshness at the San Francisco Food Bank.