Nov. 2, 2007 by The Broadview

the broadview november 2, 2007

convent of the sacred heart high school | san francisco, california

vol. 12, is. 2

Intersections pose dangers to pedestrians rachel forbes a&e editor

INA HERLIHY | the broadview

Crossing guard Ali Nasser helps students and parents cross Broadway Street just after dismissal. Pedestrian accidents with cars are on the rise in San Francisco, even in crosswalks.

San Francisco car accidents are occurring more frequently this year with busy intersections being the most dangerous parts of the street for drivers, pedestrians and bikers. An average of one death a week due to car accidents is the highest the pedestrian fatalities have been in over a decade. By August, the city had as many accidents as in all of 2006 according to InjuryBoard.com. “One of the problems of San Francisco is there is a greater concentration of vehicles per square foot than anywhere else in the United States, except for New York,” said SFPD officer Chris Springer. see intersections p. 4

Election: Mayor has little competition elizabeth gruber news editor

ANALYSIS

he number of candidates for the Nov. 6 mayoral election has gone down to twelve people since the Aug. 10 filing deadline, because Mayor Gavin Newsom’s solid support in the polls has discouraged other qualified candidates from putting in the effort, money and time required for running. “I think it’s the record and the vision for the future,” said Newsom during a recent sit-down interview. “It’s the willingness to acknowledge my mistakes, willingness to take our biggest challenges

and to try and hit them head on and acknowledge where we’re weak and where we’re strong and never give up, and people see that we’re sincere in our desire to do better and to do more.” Supervisor Chris Daly even tried to find someone who could actually challenge Newsom by holding a daylong Progressive Convention in June, but in the end, former Mayor Art Agnos, Supervisor Ross Mirkarimi, Matt Gonzalez and Daly removed their names from the ballot. Newsom’s competition includes people such as Grasshopper Alec Kaplan, 37, the vegan taxicab driver who has

been arrested on numerous occasions for assault and trespassing, and George Davis, 61, who enjoys campaigning nude. The mayor has managed to uphold his popularity against his competition, even after an office romance with his friend’s wife and an admission of a drinking problem. Newsom said this is because he didn’t allow these dilemmas to affect the office. “There’s not many, you know outside of my own personal challenges, issues and scandals that tend to dominate within the mayor’s office as it relates to planning decisions see newsom p. 4

Musical coffee: Haight street coffeehouse offers live music.

6-7

Food: Learn about Veganism, Vegetarianism and toxic food products.

High tops: Flashy shoes become a new trend among teenagers.

RENA HUNT | the broadview

Jan. 8, 2004 Inaugurated as SF’s youngest mayor in a century, at age 36.

Feb. 12, 2004 Ordered city clerk to issue same-sex marriage licenses.

July 1, 2004 Implementation of “Care Not Cash.”

Sept. 10, 2007 Asks over 100 staffers to resign. — Source: www.mapreport.com

Art show features 4-school teachers Art teachers from the four schools will display a collection of paintings, work on paper and installations �� beginning next week in the Syufy Theatre lobby. “[The art show] is an opportunity for the four schools to build as a community and encourage the

development of new ideas from seeing the works of other artists,” said SHHS art chair Patter Hellstrom, who is coordinating the show. “I believe it show will help the students grow and become actively imaginative.” The artists are not restricted to follow guidelines and are encouraged to speak their minds freely through their work.�� The �� show�� will� highlight�� the visual arts program and artists in the four-school community. The opening reception is Nov��.� 1��3�� at �� 6 �� p.m. and the show runs Nov. 9–19. — Susie Lee

Mayor Gavin Newsom speaks to volunteers over the summer at his campaign headquarters at Van Ness Avenue and Sutter Street. He thanked and encouraged them before they traveled around the city to collect signatures for his campaign.

Honors awarded for AP test scores The College Board has announced its academic testing awards, with senior Morgan Kendall being named a National Merit Scholar semi-finalist as she tested in the top one-half of 1 percent of California students taking the PSAT. Seniors Hillary Lyons, Allison Pang and Kaitlin Van Zandt were named as Commended Students for testing in the top 5 percent of see news in brief p. 4

the broadview Convent of the Sacred Heart HS 2222 Broadway San Francisco, CA 94115

Breathing deeply: Yoga helps to relieve stress through stretching Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Permit #90 Santa Clara, CA

op-ed

staff editorial

november 2, 2007

Mayoral election offers little choice

ith some seniors having blown out 18 candles on their latest birthday cakes, they are eligible to vote in the San Francisco mayoral election just four days away. But, with the lack of credible candidates opposing incumbent mayor Gavin Newsom, they face an election offering limited choices.

Candidates include ex-convict Josh Wolf, erotic nightclub owner Michael Power and homeless taxi driver Grasshopper Kaplan, among other inexperienced contenders. Although there are candidates who have political experience and plans for San Francisco, none have

as much public, political or financial support as Newsom. Newsom improved the City through programs including Care Not Cash and Project Homeless Connect but has also had his faults, like a failed Golden Gate Park cleanup. San Franciscans deserve

1. Convent of the Sacred Heart High School (CSH). 2. Golden Gate Bridge District rejects advertising proposal. 3. Sudan’s government agrees to cease-fire. 4. College deadlines are delayed for applicants affected by SoCal fires. 5. Spice Girls reunite for world tour.

more choices in their mayoral candidates — someone who can bring different ideas, plans and opportunities for greater success to this city. The situation is so seemingly ridiculous that the San Francisco Examiner even has a humor blog listing various candidates that have a chance of taking on Newsom. It includes figures from musician Bruce Springsteen to the infamous O.J. Simpson to University of California, Berkeley football star, DeSean Jackson — each profile is complete with “qualifications” and predicated odds for winning. But the mayoral election should not be taken so lightly.

2. San Francisco is commercialized enough as it is. 3. They still need to come to terms with 11 other rebel groups. 4. Application deadlines are coming up for everyone else.

Whom would you vote for?

5. Tickets cost too much, and the Girls’ latest single is a flop.

TRACY KUWATANI | special to the broadview

on another note kelly cheung

convent of the sacred heart high school 2222 broadway san francisco, ca 94115 broadview@sacredsf.org

kelly cheung editor in chief morgan kendall editor in chief

ather than being cheerily welcomed by the colorful Google logo, my new homepage is my new “ f a v o r i t e ” We b s i t e : AdmissionsAdvice.com.

rachel forbes a & e editor elizabeth gruber news editor gracie hayes columnist lauren jung feature editor rena hunt photography editor mary slattery sacred heart editor leslie wu sports editor ina herlihy asst. news editor rebecca kelliher asst. feature editor larkin grant layout and design sophie skinner senior reporter amanda james web editor reporters sophie gilchrist | sara kloepfer | rebecca krasnoff susie lee | zoe newcomb | jovel queirolo anjali shrestha | sofia stephens

tracy anne sena, cje adviser

“The only sin is not fighting if you believe strongly enough,” said blogger and candidate H. Brown. More potential candidates should follow this advice. Newsom’s monopoly over the election does not reflect prized American values. A teen’s first election shouldn’t be full of candidates that have no chance. In history classes from fourth grade to AP Comparative Government, we’ve always been taught America is the land of the free. There’s no democracy right now in this supposed “Land of the Free” — a real anomaly in a city known for freedom of choice in any and all personal decisions.

1. Convent High School (CHS).

the broadview

dominique sheth illustrator

The lack of opposition Newsom faces may be easy to joke about because it seems so obvious that he will be the winner, yet there is a far more serious side to the election. Democracy is being challenged by the lack of choice voters have. More qualified candidates may be waiting for their chance to run when Newsom’s term limits expire but that is not a valid excuse. With determination and a little special “oomph,” a well-qualified candidate can win an election. Candidates shouldn’t wait around until somebody like Newsom is forced out of office, but should rather challenge him now.

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.

AdmissionsAdvice by Carolyn Lawrence is a college admissions blog that has little tips about filling in all those daunting applications and how to handle the whole process. I go to College Counseling class every week and put in time each weekend working on all those essays, but that early deadline continues to creep and crawl closer and closer with each passing minute. If it were any other time in my life, I’d be freely surfing the

Applications make seniors indecisive

Web, checking out the latest YouTube video or giggling about what Britney’s done now. Instead, I’m reading Lawrence’s blog like my life depends on it. When I read this blog, it’s slightly reassuring — for a little while. After I finish my bi-weekly browsing of the entries, I go back to the reality of things: I actually have to do what Lawrence suggests me to and even do more. I get so caught up in obsessing over if I wrote the school code correctly or if I nailed the parallelism in my short answer that it’s easy to forget why I’m really doing this. The most important part of this entire process is finding somewhere that’ll match me. I see prompts on how I can fit in with the college, when I’m looking for a place where the college can fit me. If I’m devoting $40,000 a year and

four years of my life, I want a place where I’ll be happy. In 13 days, I’ll submit the forms that decide those next four years and ultimately, the rest of my life. My years in undergraduate school will be some of the most formative of my life — I’ll use my schooling as a launch pad to my first career and learn lessons through a certain lens that will dictate how I live the rest of my life; yet, I don’t think I’m ready to make that kind of decision. I’m only 17 and all these admissions officers wrongly think I can easily pick and choose where I want to go, but I’m changing my mind all the time — whether it be over a decision as simple as Frosted Flakes or Cocoa Puffs or as intense as X University or Y College. Carolyn, help me out here.

3 Google knows where you sleep op-ed

the broadview

With the development of new technology, your world-wide neighbor is a little closer than you think.

Google’s Street View too close for comfort sophie skinner senior reporter

oogle’s new Street View feature on its popular map site may have been intended as a helpful resource for lost tourists and potential homebuyers, but the up close and personal photos cross the line between public and private space. The new application, which allows users to zoom in onto just about any address in selected cities, features many photographs that zoom in so close, viewers can see right into people’s living rooms. The New York Times reported that one woman, upon searching for her address discovered a picture of her cat sitting in her window. Other photographs featured are not only close up but embarrassing. The San Francisco Chronicle reported one photograph shows two girls sunbathing on the Stanford campus and another shows a man outside an adult bookstore. Such photographs have quickly attracted the interest of Internet browsers looking for a good laugh and more than a few Peeping Toms. Entire Web sites are devoted

to finding and voting for the “best” Street View images. Although Google will remove any requested photographs, by the time an individual has seen or heard about her photograph, the harm has already been done. People featured in these photographs weren’t asked to have their pictures taken and posted all over the Internet. They were minding their own business when the Google Street View van rolled by and took a few choice photographs. The broader implications of this type of surveillance are potentially frightening. Images will only get clearer and better as the technology improves, and in the near future images may become live video. Although video surveillance isn’t new to San Francisco — over 150 cameras are currently installed in Public Housing developments — this footage is only available to city officials. Google Street View is available to anyone with access to the Internet. Google Street view potentially invades everyone’s personal privacy. Its convenience does not outweigh the cost to privacy.

Global warming — more than politics

s the daughter of an environmental science teacher, I was pleasantly surprised by the recent award of the Nobel Peace Prize to Al Gore and the United Nation’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. My mother’s environmental consciousness has instilled in me an appreciation of the delicate balance existing in nature and a consequent desire to help preserve through whatever means, whether by composting or recycling. Yet, like many others, I was nonetheless shocked and frightened by the images I saw and the statistics I heard when I watched An Inconvenient Truth, Gore’s Academy Award-winning documentary on climate change. Accustomed to the liberal bubble of the Bay Area, I idealistically assumed everyone would be motivated to work together to combat this human-caused problem facing the Earth. But over a year since the movie first debuted, the issue of climate change has become embroiled in political and scientific controversy and nothing has really changed. So much for the unifying movement I envisioned.

We’re bombarded with news assigning blame, whether to the Clinton or Bush administrations for not signing the Kyoto Treaty or to scientists for exaggerating their findings for mere shock effect. But this divisive and bitter conflict must stop if we want to achieve real progress. Granted, it is an election year and politicians are building their reputations on their capacity to criticize others. But everyone, not only United States citizens, should look beyond these attacks to the bigger picture. Environmental protection isn’t a religious, partisan or political issue; it’s an issue affecting everyone, regardless of his or her social class or citizenship. As such, it deserves widespread attention and cooperation. Knowledge and education, though obviously good, are merely the first steps of the process. Real progress will be achieved only when we actually change our habits because of that knowledge. Taking action does not have to be anything dramatic like running a house completely on solar power or buying an expensive hybrid car.

AMANDA JAMES | the broadview

Earth views spread awareness elizabeth gruber

news editor

ith an easy-to-use tool bar of map navigation buttons right on the Google Earth frame, this new resource for geographical, political and social data is helping to raise awareness about both environmental and social problems. By merging the powers of satellite imagery and the Google search-engine, anybody with Internet can gain access to maps, terrain, 3D buildings and other pieces of the world’s geography. A user can simply check one of the boxes under the “Places” and “Layers” sections in the sidebar and explore the far corners of the world. Google Earth is useful for charities and non-profit organizations because it spreads knowledge of environmental concerns

life as we know it morgan kendall

We can help the environment just as much through simple means, whether by taking shorter showers, recycling or reusing plastic water bottles, shutting off electronic devices when not using them or buying compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs that use less energy. The use of only one CFL bulb in every American home would save the amount of greenhouse gases emitted by more than 800,000 cars, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. My generation especially must make such straightforward practices routine as part of our ongoing transition into adulthood, because it is our future that will be affected. It is certainly not fair that we must make up for prior generations’ damage to the environment. But largely successful movements against destruction of the ozone layer and elimination of endangered species should provide us with hope that we can actually make a difference. Hopefully, the Nobel Peace Prize will draw more attention to environmental issues, but it’s still only the starting step towards greater consciousness.

such as deforestation through its 3D maps. Since Google Earth was founded, users have been creating their own KML files, also known as content overlays, in order to share information. The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) created one such overlay that combines high-resolution satellite imagery and detailed information to illustrate about 100 areas of extreme environmental degradation. This helps to raise public awareness, considering anybody can physically see problems with their own eyes that they would usually only hear or read about in news coverage. One of the more popular features is the icon that allows anybody to view the status of the genocide in Darfur. The userfriendly zoom, tilt and rotate nav-

igation buttons create an easy way to access numerous photographs, videos, stories and testimonies of various individuals, families and villages in Darfur. In addition to opening the eyes of people all over the world about different situations, Google Earth also contains overlays such as the Discovery Networks World Tour, which enables users to view major landmarks and cities. This enables anybody with access to the Internet to take a virtual tour of the world without leaving their house. Google Earth is available for download with the click of a button on earth.google.com and it immediately connects anybody to all the Google’s servers and gives users admission to all its geographical, political and social data.

How do you like the new block schedule? “I love it because the homework load is much more manageable.” — Brittney Fong, senior

“I like it because there is more time to get involved in the classes.”

— Natassia Pearlman, junior

“I like how it doesn’t give you a lot of homework at night, but during school, I find it very hard to sit still and concentrate for 80 minutes straight.” — Scarlett Kirk, sophomore

“I really like it because it allows me to focus more on each particular subject at night, rather than rushing each homework assignment to complete them all in one night.”

— Annalee Porter, sophomore

“It seems to give us more time to focus on one class, rather than waste time rushing from room to room.” — Theresa Granucci, freshman — Compiled by Sophie Gilchrist

news

november 2, 2007

New block schedule brings mixed reviews kelly cheung editor in chief

Students no longer have to rush between classes every 40 minutes after the implementation of the longer blocks four days a week. Some students, especially those who have learning differences, find advantages in meeting for longer times. “Both my sister and I both have learning [differences],” said junior Caroline Rosetti, who has dyslexia and short-term memory issues. “Even though I can read pretty fast, I just miss some elements. Math is also hard for me cause I can’t get it right away. During the blocks, we can go over it for a longer period of time so I can take my time to get it.” English teachers like Rachel Simpson have also embraced the change because it allows them to deepen their class breadth.

“Obviously for English [classes] it makes the reading assignment slightly longer for longer discussions,” said Simpson. “Students can concentrate during class periods because there’s less moving around and having to adjust to different course disciplines throughout the day. It’s both more focused and in-depth.” But some students with attention difficulties may not find longer blocks advantageous. Twenty-five percent of students with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder have other learning problems according to ADDitdue. “The key is how the longer periods are being handled by teachers,” said Craig Pohlman, Senior Clinical Scholar at All Kinds of Minds. “If it’s just an 80 or 70 minute lecture, then it’s going to really make it a lot harder for somebody who has attention problems. To solve this problem, teachers have

to structure the class the right way by shifting activities and using different types of teaching.” Even students who don’t have learning differences may find the longer blocks too long. Most teens are multitaskers who perform about three to four tasks simultaneously, according to a study by Yahoo and OMD advertising agency. “By sitting in the same class for 80 or 70 minutes, I might find it harder to pay attention knowing I have 80 minutes of the class lying ahead,” said senior Stephanie Rotter. “After a certain length of time, discussions, such as in English class, become simply repeating what people have already said.” The block schedule was implemented with hopes of lessening students’ homework and allowing teachers to go more in-depth with their teaching, according to Head of School Doug Grant.

RENA HUNT | the broadview

Junior Ashley Eisenman checks the new schedule in the junior/senior locker room. Implemented in the second cycle, the schedule will be reviewed in January. “Our topic for that morning [at the faculty retreat] was how can we do a better job supporting student learning,” said Grant. “If it’ll help students learn we should do it now.” The blocks spread homework out over two nights rather one. “Students have a more balanced work-load in the sense that rather than having one night’s

Newsom almost assured 2nd term

from election p. 1 or building construction permits,” said Newsom. Instead, Newsom maintains his focus on the city’s problems, such as homelessness. “Well, we just got our latest numbers, literally. Coincidentally they’re right here,” said Newsom as he grabbed for a piece of paper on his desk. “Two thousand sixty-two people can attest to Care Not Cash’s success. That’s 2,062 human beings that have the dignity of a key lock, a door and a house because we have the courage to change the way we are handing out cash.” Care Not Cash is Newsom’s program designed to decrease the amount of money given from assistance programs to homeless people in exchange for shelters and other services. Since the city implemented programs such as Care Not Cash, 6,288 people are off the streets and there is a 38.8 percent decline in the street population, according to Newsom. “Of course that’s not 100 percent, which means thousands of people are still

out on the streets and the sidewalks, but it’s thousands less than when we started,” said Newsom. “And for the first time in 30 years, I mean the numbers of people on the streets have always gone up, it’s the first time, in literally decades it’s starting to go down, but we need to do more.” Students agree with Newsom that it is evident that homelessness is still a significant problem that needs to be solved. “Although Project Homeless Connect [PHC] is getting more and more publicity throughout the city, homelessness continues to be a vast problem,” said senior Tanaya Macheel, who serves as the Government Affairs Officer on the Mayor’s Youth Commission. “When I met with Judith Klain, the director of PHC, I learned that sure, a lot of homeless received all the necessities, but afterward the statistics showed that they only got one homeless woman a job, which is great, but we could be more effective.” Along with his focus on homelessness, Newsom is concentrating on greening San Francisco. “We’re already one of the greenest

cities in the United States,” said Newsom. “We are the pace car for other cities, but that’s not good enough. I think we can do a lot better. And of course, we will focus on greening our streets and cleaning them. It’s not just about repaving streets, it’s about re-imagining streets, alley-ways, great streets and boulevards.” Newsom concurs that there are always more improvements to be made. “There is no having made it,” said Newsom. “I’ve always said that success is not a place or a definition, it’s a direction. I think in politics you understand that. You can’t just turn your back and say the job is done on any issue, particularly on the issues of crime and violence and poverty.” It is this attitude and approach toward making the city better that Newsom believes is a major component in his popularity. “I think that there’s an expectation that we can do better maybe that’s the simple answer,” said the Mayor. “People believe we can do more and people are willing to give me a chance to do better and do more.”

Intersections dangerous to pedestrians from intersections p. 1 A majority of dangerous intersections are related to Highways 1 and 101. Because the highways run through city streets, more accidents take place near them, in the Sunset and down Park Presidio. One of San Francisco’s most dangerous intersections is Sloat Boulevard and 19th Avenue. In October, Sandy Kim, 21, was pinned by an SUV and killed at the crossing, becoming the 13th person to die at the intersection since 2000, which has seen 873 injuries. State Senator Leland Yee is making a legislative effort for a double fine zone for driving infractions along 19th Avenue. However, Matt Ketring, an employee at Fresh Air Bicycle doesn’t think this will solve the problem. “Doubling fines doesn’t seem to work. Accidents keep happening,” said Ketring.

Other attempts by the city to prevent accidents include red-light cameras, more countdown signals, brightening of crosswalk paint and increased law enforcement on dangerous streets. Springer, who is frequently stationed at Fillmore and Eddy Streets, has noticed a lot of accidents on Geary. “Geary and Steiner — as well as Geary and Webster — are both very large intersections with unusual design,” said Springer. “This makes it difficult for citizens to walk and drive there, so we have to increase enforcement in those sections.” Pedestrians aren’t the only people feeling the affects of careless driving and risky intersections. In September, a female bicyclist was hit by a truck making an illegal right-hand turn at one of the most dangerous intersections for bikers, Octavia and Market Streets.

The accident caught the attention of the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition who held a demonstration later that week demanding the design of the intersection be improved. “Traffic issues aren’t just an enforcement problem,” said Springer. “Sometimes it is the structure of the intersection.” While the layout of intersections may be a cause of accidents, the biggest cause is unsafe speeds, which killed eight people and injured 242 this year so far, according to the San Francisco Police Department Monthly Traffic Report released in October for the months of January through August. The SFPD is using programs such as the San Francisco Traffic Offender Program and School Safety Patrol in order to not only decrease the number of accidents, but to increase safety education.

turnaround time for assignments they have an extra day to complete their work and get help/clarification,” said Emily Edwards, Learning Resource Teacher at Stuart Hall High School. Administration will survey student and faculty feedback at the end of the first semester and decide if the new schedule will be permanent.

AP scholars announced from news in brief p. 1 students taking the PSAT. Senior Rachael Hurd was also named a Special Recognition Scholar. Other recognized students are AP Scholars, students who receive grades of three or higher on three or more AP Exams, Kelly Cheung, Reilly Dowd, Genevieve Fish, Isabel Jones, Sophie Skinner, Mary Slattery, Diana Wendel and Leslie Wu and 2006 graduates Tatyana Alfaro, Sara Bannerman, Cecilia Coyne, Daniele Dominguez, Margaret Owens, LLuvia Rodriguez, Gabriela Seplovich, Allison Sloan, Rosie Stevenson and Seghel Yohannes. AP Scholars with Honor, students who receive an average grade of at least 3.25 on all AP Exams taken, and grades of three or higher on four or more of these exams, are Alicia Daleiden, Hillary Lyons, Allison Pang and Kaitlin Van Zandt and 2006 graduates Katie Flannery, Tiffany Melvin and Lillian Mirviss. AP Scholars with Distinction, students who receive an average grade of at least 3.5 on all AP Exams taken, and grades of three or higher on five or more of these exams, are Melissa DiGrande, Larkin Grant, Morgan Kendall, Nora McGovern, Neema Patel and Stephanie Rotter and 2006 graduates Libby Brittain, Michelle Gantos, Tara Garnett, Claire Hill, Andrea Koenker, Molly Lynch, Elizabeth Moore and Amy Woodrum. Gantos was also named National AP Scholar. She scored an average grade of at least four on all AP Exams taken, and grades of four or higher on eight or more of these exams. — Kelly Cheung

Schools place 2nd in ‘Race’ Susan G. Komen for the Cure announced last week that Team Convent & Stuart Hall was the second fastest and second largest team in the 17th annual San Francisco Race for the Cure in late September. “Race for the Cure is a great cause,” said sophomore Joumana Abdulmassih. “As a runner it was a motivational event for me to run.” About 1.3 million people participate in 115 races around the country each year supporting breast cancer awareness and research. CSH, the first high school to support the San Francisco race and fun-walk, has participated since the inaugural year, with the other three Schools of the Sacred Heart joining in recent years. “It was an empowering experience to be able to walk with my aunt who will be a one-year survivor in December,” said junior Elisa Asdourian. “It is uplifting to be part of such a successful and positive community.” — Jovel Queirolo

features

the broadview

Long-time employee coordinates catering for school gatherings

LAUREN JUNG | the broadview

REBECCA KELLIHER | the broadview

Kitchen coordinator Elsy Bran cleans strawberries (left), sets up cereal boxes (middle) and prepares coffee (right) for the Sacred Heart faculty and students. Bran has been working on Broadway for 37 years. She was first attracted to working with nuns at the Schools of the Sacred Heart because of her childhood dream to enter a convent.

lauren jung

feature editor

t’s 4:00 a.m., and although the sun has yet to rise, the day has already begun for kitchen coordinator Elsy Bran. Despite the empty hallways and eerily silent Main Hall, the kitchen is alive with light fixtures humming, coffee machine brewing and faucets running. The petite, red apron-clad woman hustles around to prepare breakfast for teachers who are still fast asleep at home. Bran’s main job is to help coordinate school events, such as receptions and traditions like Senior Tea, Board of Trustees meetings, and weekly breakfasts for the three schools on the Broadway campus. “A lot of the hard work she does gets overlooked,” said Extension Director Tara Kaiser. “If I’m a little side-tracked or am running around last-minute, she’s always willing to help me out. If I forgot to pick up juice for the kids, she’ll give us some of her juice for them. She definitely goes out of her way to help me.” “She provides morning refreshments for the parent volunteers at the Hoffman Library Book Fair,” said librarian Tevis Jones. “I get to school at about 10 of seven in the morning, and while I’m busy setting up and

hauling the books around, I hear a ‘squeak squeak’ and there she is with the cart, with coffee, sweet rolls and a smile on her face.” Bran was born in San Miguel, El Salvador, one of five children. Her father died when she was 6 years old, and her mother worked at an insurance agency. “When I was young, the thing I wanted to be the most was a nurse nun,” said Bran.

She’s like a golden thread that helps weave everybody in our four-school community together . – Tevis Jones “When I was in school, I sang in the choir and I liked to be in church and I never missed masses, but my mother did not want me to be a nun.” Although she did not enter a convent, Bran did become a registered nurse in El Salvador. “In my country, to be a nurse means to know how to do everything,” said Bran. “You have to be able to deliver babies, stop bleed-

ing, work in operating [room] — because in war, you don’t know what may happen.” The civil war in El Salvador, which stemmed from years of political unrest before it erupted in the 1970s, was tough on Bran’s family. With encouragement from her mother, Bran came to the United States in 1969. “It was really hard for me because I didn’t know anything,” said Bran. “I didn’t know how to speak English, and I didn’t know if I was going to find a job.” Bran started working at the Schools of the Sacred Heart in 1970. She was first assigned to clean the top floors of the Stuart Hall for Boys building and the Flood Mansion, but was later asked to work in the kitchen. “I am so grateful because even though I didn’t speak English, the nuns gave me an opportunity — and I’m still here,” said Bran. Bran became a U.S. citizen in 1980. “[Former Director of Schools] Sister Hoffman and Sister Ronconi were my witnesses — I didn’t have anybody else,” said Bran. “So I took them to the immigration center at seven in the morning. The person who did my test looked so funny at me and said, ‘Two nuns?’”

In 2004, Bran received the Esther Rossi Excellence Award, a highly respected award given to one Sacred Heart School employee who commits himself or herself to educate to the building of community as a Christian value. “She’s so dependable,” said Jones, who was a member of the 2003-2004 Faculty Staff Development Committee that reviewed the nominations. “She’s like a golden thread that helps weave everybody in our four-school community together.” Of all the days in her 37 years on Broadway, the annual Senior Tea is the one Bran looks forward to the most. “Senior Tea is my favorite day because I can see all the girls, some who started in kindergarten, in the white dresses,” said Bran. “I like to see them in the white dresses because it means that they are going to be somebody after that.” As the sun peaks over the horizon, students’ voices echo around the Main Hall and the hallways fill with backpacks, books and noisy chatter, Bran pushes her cart back to the kitchen to prepare more food for the day’s meetings. She won’t go home for another eight hours.

How to have a successful college interview 3. 1. 4. 2. Always show up on time to the interview and dress appropriately, avoiding clothes that are too tight or that show too much skin.

Be familiar with typical inter view questions beforehand, especially those relating to your interests or your potential to contribute to the college.

Be engaging and talk positively about yourself, but also discuss any personal circumstances that have challenged you or led to a downward trend in grades.

Prepare your own questions to ask the interviewer in order to show an interest in the college.

Source: http://www.collegeboard.com — Compiled by Morgan Kendall — Graphic by Dominique Sheth

Follow up with a thank-you note to your interviewer.

features

november 2, 2007

Trendy diets from detox to veget have diverse effects on overall he Vegetarian diets need supplements mary slattery

sacred heart editor

n a world of processed foods, saturated fats and obesity on the rise, vegetarianism can be a healthier eating practice, if practitioners find other ways to meet their daily nutritional needs. Many vegetarians lack protein in their diets, despite its variety of available forms. “Beans, legumes, nuts, soy and tofu contain high amounts of proteins,” said Alloway. “Tofu is a great source of protein, and it can be flavored in so many different ways.” A sub-category of vegetarians, vegans, who do not consume any animal products, can have a deficiency of calcium, protein, zinc, iron and vitamin B-12. “Most calcium is found in dairy products, so it might be necessary to take a supplement if you are not receiving an adequate amount in your diet,” said Andrea Alloway, Registered Dietician at Kaiser Permanente Nutrition Clinic. “Iron in meat, rather than in vegetables, is easier for humans to consume. The trick is to combine foods high in iron and foods high in Vitamin C, which increases our body’s absorption of iron.”

Without a sufficient amount of B-12 and iron in their diets, all types of vegetarians are at risk for developing anemia. But B-12, abundant in animal products, can be difficult to find in vegetables and grains. “The only vegetable that I know to contain B-12 is seaweed, but I don’t see too many vegans eating seaweed,” said Alloway. “Because zinc is so hard to find in fruits and vegetables, I would recommend a multivitamin supplement.” Ve g a n i s m i s considered a more ext reme diet, which can sometimes be difficult to follow. “It is common for vegans to go back and forth between vegan and ovo-lacto-vegetarian,” said Alloway. Ovo-lacto-vegetarians consume eggs and dairy products, but not meat, fish, or poultry.

Multivitamin supplements can provide vegetarians with nutrients they may not be getting from their limited diet. Twenty three percent of vegans say they always take a vitamin supplement or tablet, while 25 percent say they take one sometimes, according to a 2003 survey conducted by the Vegan Research Panel.

“I take folic acid and Omega 3 fatty acid supplements in addition to a multivitamin supplement,” said junior Theology teacher Paul Pryor Lorentz, who is a vegan. Adhering to a vegetarian diet can be beneficial in creating a healthy lifestyle.

“There are few vegan sources of saturated fat, which is the cause of high cholesterol,” said Alloway. “A vegan diet is also high in fiber and lots of whole grains, fruits, vegetables and ‘heart healthy’ fats which can reduce the risks of colon cancer and heart disease.” Health concern is only one of the reasons for becoming vegan. “I’ve found two main reasons why people become vegans,” said Alloway. “One reason is that they maintain a certain position on animal rights and don’t want to contribute to a harmful treatment of animals by consuming or buying animal products. The second is for health reasons.” Seventy seven percent of vegans in the United States are vegan for moral or ethical reasons, while 19 percent are vegan because of dietary or health concerns, according to the Vegan Research Panel. Pryor Lorentz falls into the latter category. “My wife and I both went vegan three and a half years ago after reading Diet for a New America by John Robbins,” said Pryor Lorentz. “We were, and still are, looking forward to having children. We wanted to ensure that they would have a healthy development.”

Degrees of vegetarianism

Semi-vegetarians eat some meat (i.e. chicken and fish), but abstain from all other meat.

Pescaterians abstain from eating all meat except fish.

Ovo-vegetarians eat dairy products, but abstain from eating meat and eggs.

Lacto-vegetarians eat eggs, but abstain from eating meat and dairy products.

Vegans abstain from eating meat and all animal products.

Source: http:// www.theveggietable.com photos by ALI CLOPTON | special to the broadview

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features

the broadview

tarian ealth

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slie wu

orts editor

foods, even ones with gins contain harmful s that cause adverse time. mmon toxins found in re hydrogenated oils, ogenated fat and trans ldmeier, a dietetic asition in San Francisco. oods are very low in any at all.” aise cholesterol levels,

increasing the risk of heart disease, stroke and type two diabetes, according to the American Heart Association (AHA). When making health-conscious decisions, consumers are advised to look at labels. Trans fats are sometimes tagged as partially hydrogenated oils on nutrition labels. “When you look at the nutrition label, avoid things that have hydrogenated oil,” said Seldmeier. “Make sure that the total fat intake is pretty low, especially the amount of trans fat. The amounts of total fat and total carbohydrates should

not be coming from sugar.” Trans fats are created when hydrogen atoms are added to vegetable oil to make them more solid. They are used because they are inexpensive to produce and last a long time, according to the AHA. They are found in all foods, but especially in fried and baked goods. Saturated fats occur naturally in many meat and dairy products. These foods tend to be high in cholesterol, so they raise cholesterol levels even higher. The American Heart Association

recommends people minimize their saturated and trans fat intakes to seven percent and one percent respectively. Consumers should be eating varied fruits, vegetables, grains, legumes and lean meats. Even if consumers switch to organically-grown processed foods, they may not be better for the body. “Organic doesn’t necessarily mean it’s good for you,” said Seldmeier. “It can still contain high amounts of saturated fat.”

ox diets can help cleanse impurities

l queirolo

reporter

at a bland, lifeless bowl ce on a Friday night, can’t help but think riends are guiltlessly er favorite restaurant. his for a week and a ders how long she can

hose was very strict,” boni (’06). “No trans foods. You had tofu and brown rice only. ck on sugar and salt. , but I gave up after a

re misunderstood bese by celebrities who lose weight instead of y of impurities. ern foods contain simple carbohydrates, ttle nutritional value,” afford, MD, a family at San Francisco Gene most healthy type of tes simple sugars, proaffeine, leaving mostly ts and vegetables.” opularized by celebriell, Beyonce Knowles

and Robin Quivers, can be injurious to one’s health. Diets like the Master Cleanse Diet consist of 10 days of drinking salt water in the morning, then a mixture of lemon juice, water, maple syrup and cayenne pepper during the day, then taking a laxative tea at night. Likewise, Martha’s Vineyard Detox Diet

Detox diets are not meant for weightloss, but to cleanse and rejuvenate. Even so, they are beneficial to a normal diet if applied correctly. that is based on juices, vegetable purees, and herbal teas. Its goal of losing 21 pounds in 21 days is unnatural to the body and lacks in protein, essential fatty acids and fiber. “You’re not getting enough nutrients, so your body goes into starvation mode and your metabolism slows down,” said Stafford. “If you’re trying to lose weight, the plan backfires because you can’t burn as many calories

with a slower metabolism. They’re just unrealistic; you’d get extremely hungry. They’re dangerous because of lack of nutrition.” Like her friends, Siboni tried a safer detox diet. It was less dangerous because she was getting vital nutrients. “There’s a big loss of variety,” said Siboni. “What really got to me was not having salt or sugar because you couldn’t flavor your foods. The first meal I ate afterwards was the best meal I’d had in a long time.” Although Siboni wasn’t able to stick to the diet and gained two pounds, features of the detox diet helped Siboni in the long run. “Some aspects of it allowed me to eat healthier. I ate more fruits, vegetables and whole grains.” Detox diets have different results for people depending on the reasons for which they are applied. “I did it for my allergies to find what I was allergic to,” said administrative assistant Jeanne Asdourian. “I had to cut out everything except 10 things to eat or drink.” Asdourian’s allergies disappeared and she could taste, smell and breathe

again. Her headaches and grogginess were replaced by loads of energy. “I was a whole new person,” said Asdourian. “It made a huge difference.” Detox diets can be safe if they are regulated and controlled. It is important to know a particular diet’s effects before deciding to follow one. “Before deciding to go on a detox diet, it’s important to talk to an adult who knows something about nutrition, whether it be a teacher or parent or doctor,” said Stafford. “If you’re not getting the proper nutrition, you’re not going to be able to concentrate in class and then your grades suffer. For athletes especially, fad diets that include periods of fasting leave you with no calories to burn.” Detox diets are not meant for weight loss, but to cleanse and rejuvenate. Even so, they are beneficial to a normal diet if applied correctly. In a world obsessed with weight loss, Stafford emphasizes that losing weight is a long process. “There’s no magic formula to losing weight despite ads for miracle diets and other fads,” said Stafford. “Eating right and exercising enough to burn the right number of calories is the best thing to do. Be careful and listen to your body. If you get tired or can’t do the things you need to, then you need to stop.”

Whole-grain bread products contain twice as much fiber as all-white breads.

Apples and other high fiberous foods help detox dieters stay full longer.

Artichokes provide a lowcalorie, high-fiber snack. Source: http:// www.detoxdietmenu.com

a&e

november 2, 2007

Café offers space for acoustic music Live music I at local cafés gracie hays columnist

t’s 10 p.m. on a Thursday night and the only sound heard down the quiet residential street is the rapid strumming of an acoustic guitar. Empty mugs vibrate on wooden tables as coffee drinkers clap vivaciously to the rhythm. It is a typical night at a San Francisco coffeehouse where artists flock to perform for an audience poised to notice every note and word. Originally a Haight Street hotel built during the turn of the century, the Red Victorian is among the many local coffeehouses

that offer live music. “It’s just a community that offers [solo musicians the chance] to play and since it’s all ages no one is excluded,” said Ronnie Cato, promoter and booker of The Red Vic. “It’s a low key, mellow, relaxed kind of atmosphere. Obviously there are different degrees of musicians and different ways of achieving your sound, but we’re not like American Idol or anything, so we’re not going to vote you off if you play.” Though the Red Vic has been in existence for 40 years, the operators have only been booking shows on a regular basis for

photo illustration | RENA HUNT

Originally constructed as the Jefferson Hotel in 1904, the Red Victorian became a popular place for flower children to stay at during the Summer of Love in 1967. Today the Red Vic is a hotel with a café featuring live music.

the last two. The Red Vic has gained a steady following of musicians and audience members since 2005, when Cato started working there. “I think in the past they had music, but it wasn’t consistent,” said Cato. “The first six months after doing it, the word got out that you could play music here and then musicians would tell each other. It sort of just spread that way.” Chico singer-songwriter Geoff Baker has toured as far as London and Berlin, but for the past 18 months since he moved to the Bay Area, he has only been playing locally and discovering how the Bay Area coffeehouse music scene differs from others. “It’s really diverse musically and I don’t mean that in the simple way of there being a lot of musicians with different styles, but that in each musician or songwriter, there are loads of different influences playing off each other,” said Baker. “In the Bay Area you don’t have the sort of canned automatic anger or jadedness that seems to be big in New York City or London.” In addition to being distinct among coffeehouses in other cities, the atmosphere is much different at a coffeehouse show as opposed to a show in a bar. “Generally, people in a coffee shop are either there to listen attentively or to just read on their own,” said Baker. “Either way, it’s usually nice and quiet, and so there are quieter songs I can play in a café that I would never try to play in a loud bar.” The ambiance is more peaceful and directed more towards the music in a coffeehouse, but financially there is more opportunity at a bar or club that sells alcohol. “If you work at a bar, you have an advantage because bars sell alcohol and you can charge way more than it costs to buy it and there’s always a profit margin there,” said Cato. “In a bar you can keep alcohol for a long time and it doesn’t get old as opposed to food, which you can not. The hard part about a café is that the main thing being sold is coffee, which is cheap.” Many musicians feel that coffeehouses

Velo Rouge Café 798 Arguello Blvd. www.velorougecafe.com Brainwash 1122 Folsom St. www.brainwash.com Mama’s Art Café 508 Haight St. www.mamasf.com Hotel Utah 500 Fourth St. www.thehotelutahsaloon.com Café International 508 Haight St. listed on Yelp.com Bazaar Café 5927 California St. www.bazaarcafe.com give them the freedom to experiment with original material in ways that is not always possible in a club setting. “I’ve always felt a strong connection to the minimalism of just a guitar and a singer. A song just means more when it’s written by the performer,” said local solo artist Randy Yee, known as Randit. “I think it’s more important to pay attention to the more introspective side of music because those are the songs that usually resonate with me. When it’s just a singer and an instrument, the writing possibilities are practically endless.” Teenagers who are hoping to break into the music scene also have plenty of opportunities in the Bay Area. “Just go for it and have fun,” said Yee. “You probably spent a lot of time and effort on your craft, so that means you believe in your music. As long as you believe in your music, there’s no reason to not play for people. You’ll probably make a fan or five.”

Dancer competes despite frequent injuries ina herlihy

asst. news editor

t’s 9 p.m. and senior Kaitlin Van Zandt has just returned home limping after a three-hour Irish dancing practice where she landed on her ankle the wrong way after a jump. “I have broken several toes and bones in my feet,” said Van Zandt, who has been dancing for 15 years. “I have had shin splints and lots of sprained ankles. It takes a big toll on your feet and your legs.” Van Zandt has suffered injuries despite classes being structured to mitigate damage through stretching and warm-up exercises. “My goal for Kaitlin is to keep her very strong to prevent injuries,” said Alisa Ranum, assistant teacher at Healy Irish Dance. “We do this by doing lots of drills, stretching and pushing Kaitlin to try her hardest in every class.” Dancers at the highest level, like Van Zandt, dedicate a large part of

Irish Dance Terms

their formative years to practice and competitions. “On average I spend 15 hours at the studio a week,” said Van Zandt. Van Zandt said the mental toughness she has developed through competition carries over into everyday life. “Senior year is so stressful that I like to have the release,” said Van Zandt. “Dancing makes me forget because it takes so much focus.” Other dancers, like Tierney McBride (’06), admire Van Zandt’s perseverance. “Some dancers, when they don’t do as well as they thought they should have, lose motivation,” said McBride. “But Kaitlin always comes back with the same effort.” Judges in solo competitions look for pointed toes, straight posture, hands by the sides, dancing across the whole stage and feet crossing to form a diamond shape as well as the dancer’s flexibility and appearance. Traditionally girls have their

Rally: to brush the the foot, in hard shoes, on the floor making a two-tap sound

Treble: three rallies in a row with a hop at the end

hair in curls — usually a hairpiece — and a custom-made $2,500 dress. “These technical parts are what separate champions from everyone else,” said Van Zandt. “When you get to my level of Open Championship, your appearance is so important in competition. When I am in my dress, makeup and tan, I feel confident and like a champion.” Van Zandt will compete in the Western Region Oireachtas on Nov. 18 in Los Angles, a Worlds’ qualifying competition drawing dancers from around the globe. “My goal is to place top 10 at the Oireachtas, which qualifies me to compete in the Worlds,” said Van Zandt. Van Zandt said she has no thoughts of retiring from Irish dance just yet. “I want to dance until my injuries keep me from dancing,” said Van Zandt. “I’ll be sad when that happens because it is such a huge part of my life. I won’t know what to do with my extra time.”

Toe-walk: dancing on point in hard shoes

Shape: to turn the toes out and cross the feet

INA HERLIHY | the broadview

Senior Kaitlin Van Zandt placed third at the East Bay pre-Oireachtas feis. She first danced in a group competition, then individually in a series of three dances.

sacred heart

the broadview

Community reflects, focuses on Goals elizabeth gruber news editor

he four schools are currently undergoing a process of reflection and examination of the Five Goals and Criteria in relation to today’s world, as part of requirements set by the National Network of Schools of the Sacred Heart. This process of reflection, which occurs every five to six years and lasts two to three years, is also a process of re-revision. “The goal of the SHCOG process is not to evaluate each school,” said Ellie Pollak, Chair of the SHCOG Steering Committee, “but rather to provide each school with the opportunity to take a look at themselves and determine what they do well and what they can do to improve within the context of the Five Goals.” The Network Committee is composed of two heads of school, trustees, middle managers, teachers and members-at-large from above constituencies, as well as one member of the Religious of the Sacred Heart Provincial Team and the Executive Director of the Network of Sacred Heart Schools. “SHCOG actually involves the entire community,” said Pollak who teaches Latin at SHHS, “but the Steering Committee is

made up of representatives from each constituency of our school community.” Committee members are currently meeting once or twice a month. “At these meetings we brainstorm ways to bring the community together for discussion and we determine what those discussions will be about,” said Pollak. “We also use this time to divide responsibilities and analyze the pages and pages of data we have received from surveys and discussions. [Currently], our meetings deal primarily with composition of the reflection document.” Pollak said this document will summarize all the discussion the committee has had all year. It is a record of the process and will be submitted to the Provincial Team’s SHCOG, the organization within the National Network of the Sacred Heart which governs this process. “In every aspect of our lives there is always room for improvement,” said Pollak. “SHCOG provides the opportunity for each of us to reflect on our roles at the Schools of the Sacred Heart and how we can better live out the mission of the Sacred Heart. And while this process isn’t exactly an

RENA HUNT | the broadview

The Sacred Heart Commission on Goals Committee works on the self-study in the Adam Room during a semi-monthly meeting. Pictured are CES math teacher Brenda Davis (left to right) Ellie Pollak, Steering Committee Chair, SHHS Senior theology teacher Raymond O’Connnor, and History Chair Michael Stafford. evaluation, our membership in the Network depends on our earnest participation in the process and our sincere commitment to living out the five Goals.” History Chair Michael Staf-

ford, who represents the CSH faculty on the four-school SHCOG Committee agrees with Pollak in that the Goals and Criteria shape the schools. “Part of what makes this

school different from other private schools in San Francisco are these goals,” said Stafford. “[SHCOG] is absolutely integral to our personality and it really is the essence of our school.”

SHCOG 5-year cycle School names Steering Committee and begins self-study reflection.

School continues Self-Study reflection to submit self-study on Dec. 1. Schools host visit in February.

SHCOG writes response to action plan.

Year 1

Year 2

Year 3

SHCOG reflects on self-study, writes review and appoints visiting committee. Provincial team reflects on self-study and writes provincial team letter.

School submits action plan on October 1 and implements action plan.

SHCOG trains Steering Committee. Provincial Team appoints new members to SHCOG.

Provincial Team reviews action plan.

School implements action plan.

Years 4 and 5

—Source: www.sofie.org

Alumna overcomes dyslexia, works for Clinton mary slattery

sacred heart editor

espite not learning to read until third grade and a lifelong struggle with dyslexia, Amanda Coffee’s (’04) resumé already boasts her current positions of Associate and Local Media Liason for Hillary Clinton for President at San Francisco Headquarters, External Vice President for Public Relations at Cal, as well as past Public Relations internships at Burson-Marsteller, at Weber Shandwick Worldwide & Current Lifestyle Marketing. Come June 2008, she will add University of California, Berkeley graduate to the list. Coffee struggled to get into Berkeley because of her learning differences, which made standardized test-taking difficult. “SAT scores are supposed to predict how well you will perform in college,” said Coffee, “but mine were below those necessary for Cal.”

Instead, Coffee attended Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles for two years before transferring. “As it turns, out I outperformed my SAT score,” said Coffee. “Even though I am now at UC Berkeley, I still believe that one should not tie their selfworth to SAT scores, Coffee grades or anything of that nature.” Coffee learned about the job opportunity with Clinton for President from an on-campus recruiting event. “I chose to support Hillary Clinton because of her experience. She has spent 35 years in politics, in the White House and currently as a senator,” said Coffee. “I promised myself as a young girl, if a woman ever ran for president, I would

support her.” Coffee trains volunteers and fundraises two days a week in the San Francisco office. “Currently, I am planning a young professionals mixer that will be an educational and fundraising cocktail party in the Embarcadero,” said Coffee. Coffee, a mass communications major, credits her work as former editor in chief of the broadview with determining her occupational interests. “the broadview empowered me to express my opinion in my senior-year column ‘Seventeen in the City,’ as well as local investigative news pieces,” said Coffee. “the broadview is in large part the reason I have chosen to pursue communications and journalism in my career.” Coffee said she is grateful for her experiences during her years at Convent. “There were a lot of once in a lifetime experiences at CSH that

I will always remember. I got to meet Madeleine Albright, former Secretary of State,” said Coffee.

“Going to Convent made me feel comfortable being around strong women with great ideas.”

INA HERLIHY | the broadview

Presidential candidate Hillary Clinton speaks at the Club 44 Rally in Oakland in October joined by U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif. (far left), and State Sen. Jackie Speier, D-San Francisco, San Mateo (center) and other local supporters. Amanda Coffee (top right in white T-shirt) works for Clinton’s San Francisco campaign office.

10 city life

november 2, 2007 roll over, beethoven gracie hays

onl y i n Elderly women fight over carton of oranges and shoving each other and yelling at each other at the top of their lungs — all while squeezing and sniffing the oranges. Two minutes after the scuffle began, the women dispersed. When my friend and I looked in the box, only one orange remained. Only in San Francisco would one see elderly women aggressively fighting for oranges. — Megan Choi, sophomore as told to Lauren Jung

Casanova cab driver dotes on furry pet rat

called a cab from Hillsborough to the City and the cab driver arrived. I do this a lot because I usually can’t get a ride from my mom, but this experience was the strangest I’ve ever had. The cab driver got here and my friend and I got in, and to our surprise, he had a pet rat sitting in its cage in the passenger seat. He told us it’s his pet rat and best friend. “Do you wanna play with him? He’s really friendly,” said the cab driver. “Not really, I’m not a big rat person,” I said to him. He looked really confused when we rejected this seemingly “un-rejectable” offer. We got on the freeway and he took the rat out of the cage and started stroking it. My friend I were absolutely disgusted. It was a huge grey rat that looked like it just crawled out from the

pulse sophie skinner senior reporter

igh-tops — the shoes of choice for just about everyone from Magic Johnson to Iggy Pop — are once again back in style. First made as basketball shoes in 1905, high-tops became a wardrobe staple in the 1950s, featured on TV shows like Leave it to Beaver. In the ’80s the shoes were popularized by the rap group Run DMC, and in the ’90s by the Grunge group Nirvana. High-tops are a classic look. “High-tops are timeless, they do not just fade in and out with the seasons,” said senior Brittney Fong. High-tops are versatile. With so many

sewer — it wasn’t even a cute white furry mouse. The rat conversation wasn’t over yet. “Every morning I go to this café in Noe Valley,” said the cab driver. “Women always come up to me and ask me about my furry little friend. He attracts all the ladies. Then we end up talking so much about [the rat] that we go on a date. He’s so useful.” I really didn’t have anything to say to this — but he kept talking. “You know, it gets lonely as a cab driver, but he’s always here for me,” the cab driver continued. “Sometimes, when there aren’t any nice passengers to talk to, I get to talk to him. He’ll always listen to me.” Only in San Francisco would a man think a rat attracts women.

acts. On occasion, I’ve had to steer clear of tipsy audience members, but this shouldn’t be all that shocking. After all, it is a bar. At this point you’re probably wondering, “But, what do fiddle solos and bolo ties have to do with me?” Nothing and everything. It’s probably safe to say that no song about the railroad brake man is going to help release any teen angst, no matter how loud it is yodeled. By no fault of their own, the majority of urban teenagers will never have a real heartto-heart moment with country music simply because of the hectic city lifestyle. Even if the adventurous high school listener is able to appreciate music legends like Hank Snow, I think it’s safe to say that even Snow’s most well-known songs will not be requested at high school dances. Which is just my point. When I’m sitting in Thee Parkside as the sun sets, the Saturday night punk club is transformed into a quaint Southern truck stop in Anytown, USA and my jaded city-slicker persona fades away for a few hours. The clothes I’m wearing and the tests I have on Monday don’t matter anymore. And for just a few hours I am completely absorbed by the nameless flannelled man that sings about the lady mule-skinner from Tennessee who’s been working at a greasy spoon down in Georgia.

Postcards from San Francisco

by Dominique Sheth

Here, Otis!

— Camilla Cotchett, senior as told to Kelly Cheung

High-top shoes are timeless colors and varieties, the shoes can fit almost any style or outfit. “High-tops are appealing because there are so many different looks that could work,” said junior Grace Milligan. “They could be sassy, trendy or even European-looking.” Even the classic black and white look — popular in the ’90s with the likes of Kurt Cobain — is distinctive. The shoes, whatever color or style, stand out. They provide a unique look that is classic yet individual. “High-tops have a certain quality about them that I like to think exudes a unique personality,” said senior Madeline Sery. “When I wear them I feel like I take on that personality.”

Shoes by makers such as Converse, Nike and Reebok usually cost around $40. They can be found at most department stores and sports stores. “They are so popular because they are more than shoes, they are a statement,” said Milligan.

Nike high-tops are sold on Haight Street and come in a wide variety of colors.

RENA HUNT | the broadview

ne afternoon I was walking with a friend around Chinatown and came to a vegetable and fruit stand where a bunch of old Chinese women crowded, just standing and talking and yelling at each other in Cantonese and waving their hands in the air. We knew something was going on, but we didn’t know what. After about five minutes, one of the shopkeepers came out with a huge cardboard box of oranges. The old women attacked the box, pushing

he last place I’d expect to find a ho-down would be in the fast-paced city of San Francisco. Surprisingly, Thee Parkside in Potrero Hill hosts all-ages “Country Twang” shows every Sunday evening featuring local acts that play a wide range of country western, folk, Americana, bluegrass, and rockabilly. Driving by 17th and Wisconsin Streets on a Saturday night, it’s not unusual to behold hordes of menacing punk rockers smoking cigarettes outside the bar in between sets. The naive showgoer who attends a Twang Sunday, anticipating another punk show, might think she is being guided by delusions as a man in cowboy boots taps his foot to the frantic finger picking of a banjo, accompanied by the distant sound of a hollow-body lap steel guitar. Country Twang Sundays have a crowd of about 25, which creates a mellow, laid-back vibe. Smaller crowds not only make for a gentler and more accepting atmosphere — dogs are sometimes seen napping by the feet of their owner — but also create more seating space with open barstools, booths and benches on the outdoor patio. Often times seen thanking crowd members individually as they leave the club, performers’ sincere gratitude is a refreshing change from the jaded kiss-my-feet-andshine-my-shoes-rock star attitude that is far too common even among lesser known local

City ‘twang’ adds diversity

sports

the broadview

Sports bars may be too high in calories leslie wu

sports editor

or people who need an easy way to fight off hunger and replenish their energy, energy bars are an easy but perhaps a too-high calorie option. Many people are drawn to the convenience of energy bars, which pack in energy despite small sizes. “I bring them to eat during basketball tournaments, just so I don’t get hungry,” said senior Grace Bishop. “I also eat them as a snack.” But experts advise people to eat them only after rigorous car-

diovascular exercise. “Athletes should eat energy bars after aerobic exercise, after working out for 90 minutes,” said Jeff Kotterman, director of the National Association of Sports Nutrition. “They’re easy to carry,” said senior theology teacher Julia Arce, who participates in triathalons. “I can have one in the middle of a big bike ride, so I don’t have to eat as much before an event.” Energy bars are a blend of carbohydrates, protein, fat and fiber, according to POWERBAR product information, allowing

2 seniors reach BCL semi-finals

eniors Sara Decker and Genevieve Fish reached the semi-final round of the BCL championships, despite varsity tennis’s record of 3-8 this season. Coach Bill Jepson said that although the team lacks competitive experience, he is pleased with their improvement and effort. “This year we have many girls who have never played competitive tennis before, but the girls still work hard.” said Jepson, “The difference between the bottom girl and the top girl is very small. But next year, I would like to see the girls win a little more. They have great sportsmanship, but I would like some more competitive spirit.” Team members are also proud of their effort, but disappointed with the outcome of the season. “It’s okay to lose, we tried our best,” said freshman Maya Sycip. “But it is sad because we feel like we’ve let the team down.” — Zoë Newcomb

athletes to rebuild their energy after workouts. However, many people are mistakenly eating energy bars as meal replacements, according to Kotterman. “There is too much sugar and too many calories, so it is an inappropriate snack,” said Kotterman. “Your body reacts to the extra sugar, storing these calories as fat.” Kotterman recommends lower-calorie alternatives like almonds with fruit and cottage cheese. “[Alternatives can be] carboy-

drates like Gatorade or Powerade,” said Kotterman. “Athletes should be consuming these drinks after a long workout. They are more balanced compared to whole food.”

Common energy bars such as Clif Bars are a popular choice for a quick snack. But these energy bars can contain up to 250 calories.

CSH runs in 1st for 3rd year

or the third consecutive year, a Cub was first to cross the finish line at a BCL cross-country meet. Captain Claire Cannon joins Michelle Gantos (’07) and Morgan McGovern (’06) as winners of the race. For most of the runners, however, their biggest victory this year is having the majority of the team healthy. With a handful of injuries last year, the team has lessened the intensity of practices to keep the runners strong. “We are very excited to have a large team that hasn’t had a lot of injury,” said coach Julia Arce. The team’s 18 members are split into two types of runners. “We’re trying to build a more encourRENA HUNT | the broadview aging environment, for people who want to Junior Gabby Tringali practices at compete, and for people who just want to Alice Marble. The team ended the run,” said Arce. Instead of the entire team running at season with BCL championships.

5 simple rules: field hockey There are 11 players per side, including the goalkeeper. The ball must be passed or dribbled down the field by only the flat side of the stick. If the rounded side of the stick hits the ball, a foul is called and the other team receives a free hit. The ball cannot hit a player’s body nor may a player shield the ball using her body or stick. Dangerous play, swinging the stick riskily or hitting the ball above knee-level in an uncontrolled manner is prohibited during the game. A goal is scored only from inside the semi-circle surrounding the goal. The team scoring the highest number of goals wins. TRACY KUWATANI | special to the broadview

RENA HUNT | the broadview

— compiled by Sofia Stevens

meets, about 12 to 15 of them do, while the rest still come to practice for the workouts. “I think the focus this season is getting everybody excited about running and being part of the cross country team,” said Cannon, who is a junior. Cannon is also very pleased with the team’s turnout. “We have a lot of new runners this year so we are trying to work at building the team up,” said Cannon. “The freshman are doing really well and have been really good about coming to practice and working hard.” The league has a 3-5 record in league meets. “Even if we’re not as fast as we have been, we have a fun group of girls with a lot of energy,” said Arce. The team’s next meet is Nov. 6, the time and place has yet to be announced. — Rachel Forbes

end of the quarter leslie wu

Athletes’ morals doubted

thletes are no longer the same idols of a generation ago. With a trials and news of drug scandals, many athletes are looked over in the search for role models. In the 1971 Book of Lists, boys and girls from fifth grade through high school named O.J. Simpson as their number one hero. Since then, Simpson has faced murder charges and more recently, assault, burglary and armed robbery. When athletes are publicized for what they do wrong, the problems end up engulfing the sport itself. The spotlight is on the scandal, not on the game. It is not a way to introduce kids to a sport. Although Simpson may be an extreme case, there are other athletes with scandals that would make a parent turn their kids away. Olympic medal winner Marion Jones has recently admitted using steroids after denying allegations for years. Drug scandals have tar-

nished once honorable sports, where the focus was on individual merit, not fame and fortune. With the use of performance enhancing substances, the thrill of game is overshadowed by the desire to break records. Even athletes who deny steroid use do not reach home scot-free. Barry Bonds had his recording-breaking 756th home run baseball branded with an asterisk by Marc Ecko, the man who bought the ball at an auction. Ecko then sent it to the Hall of Fame, as a reference to Bond’s possible steroid use. Drug scandals puts a damper on the achievements of the individual athlete and influences the student athletes to think their goals are only possible with drugs. Hopefully sports will regain their once pristine image if the scandals die down. If not, sports are going to lose the individual achievement factor and gain the status of a solely fame-based game.

sports

november 2, 2007

Yoga calms nerves through stretches rebecca kelliher

asst. feature editor

n today’s fast-paced world students are constantly bombarded with stress from homework, tests, projects, games and practices. Yet, yoga can relieve this everyday tension by simply reminding people to breath. “[Yoga] is a wonderful way to ground and center one’s self while releasing tension and stress, and revitalizing the body,” said Hillary Bergman (CES ’91), co-manager of The Mindful Body, a yoga studio on California Street. Rooted in the Sanskrit word “yogi,” meaning “breath,” basic Hatha yoga classes involve slow, controlled breathing and meditation. “Being still, breathing and listening helps us to practice focusing and invite a meditative quality to our awareness,” said Maile Sivert, a Mindful Body yoga instructor. Sivert teaches Hatha Flow and Astanga yoga, two types that are more physically demanding than basic yoga classes, but incorporate

similar methods. Other forms of yoga include Hatha Focus yoga, a more demanding form involving flexibility and concentration, Yin yoga, a passive form targeting the hips, pelvis, and lower spine; Restorative yoga focusing on gentle, relaxing poses and Viniyoga, a slightly slower and more in-depth form of Hatha yoga. “Some [types of yoga] are slow and gentle, others are more vigorous,” said Sivert. “Certain forms can have the benefits of exercise, by which I mean an aerobic workout where your heart rate is raised for a sustained period. Other forms don’t. They are intended to do the opposite, to calm and soothe the nervous system and replenish the immune system.” Bikram yoga, also known as hot yoga, is considered one of the most difficult forms and is only offered in Bikram-licensed facilities. “Bikram yoga is practiced at a temperature of 120 degrees, so it’s very difficult,” said junior Maggie

RENA HUNT | the broadview

Restorative yoga aims to induce deep relaxation through a series of gentle, supported poses. The Mindful Body also offers other yoga classes, ranging from Viniyoga to Hatha Focus yoga. Johnson. “You sweat so much that you actually lose weight. They make you drink a lot of water afterwards to replenish yourself.” All types of yoga focus on clearing the mind to ease stress. “Usually when we are stressed we are moving around quickly, trying to do too much, thinking about the future and all of the things we need to do,” said Sivert. “Slowing down, breathing, and observing our bodies and breath take our mind out of this stressful state, as well as calm the body and the

Golf team improves records

Yoga Studios in San Francisco

The Mindful Body 2876 California St. Drop in: $14

Satori Yoga Studio 405 Sansome St. Drop in: $16

Supper Club: Yoga with Jennifer Durand Mondays • 5:30–6:15 p.m.

5499 California St. Cost: Free

V-ball handles injuries sophie gilchrist

anjali shrestha reporter

he eight-person golf team ended its season with two wins and two losses, which players consider an overall improvement from last season. “It is the same people from last year, besides the freshman [Katie Carlson], so we had more time to work together practice skill and help each other,” said junior Maggie Johnson. “Practicing at the driving range improved our long game and helped a lot in the score.” CSH was the only school in the league that had a full team of at least six people, but still played with other high schools with smaller teams from around the city including The Bay School and Saint

nervous system.” Faculty member Allison Faison, who currently teaches Hatha yoga at the Blue Sparrow Pilates Studio in North Beach, considers yoga to be both soothing and challenging. “The stretching coordinated with breathing relaxes as well as challenges the whole body, so it becomes calm, aware, and balanced in normal physiological functions,” said Faison. “I recommend this for anyone, especially teens, as life moves so fast and furiously.”

ANJALI SHRESTHA | the broadview

Junior Maggie Johnson tees off at a match on Oct. 24. The golf team considers their season an overall improvement from previous years. Ignatius College Preparatory. The team practiced four times a week and usually had a nine-hole match every two weeks with an occasional 18-hole tournament. “When we went to the range, we worked on our drives and full swing, and then went to the putting and chipping area,” said junior Ali Clopton. “I like to practice put-

Upcoming games Tennis Season completed

ting because it is really important in a match.” Team members who plan to return to the team year are already planning their training. “Over the year I plan to continue practicing my golf by taking lessons and going out the driving range in preparation for next fall,” said Carlson.

Cross Country 11.06 Lindley Meadows 4 p.m.

Golf Season completed

Volleyball 11.03 Varsity playoffs TBA Check http://www.sacredsf.org for TBA games

Basketball 11.20 v El Camino at CSH JV 4 p.m.•Varsity 5:30 p.m. 11.28 at ICA JV 4 p.m. • Varsity 5:30 p.m.

reporter

ith the North Coast Section (NCS) around the corner and a league record of 4-5, varsity volleyball wants to end the season with a bang despite obstacles that have hindered the team. Illnesses and injuries have impacted the season. The team had three of its six starters out in its match against Urban. “It seemed as if once one girl got better, another one would get injured or sick,” said junior Grace Milligan. With captain Molly O’Shea back from a three-week injury, the team has more hope. After a win against Lick-Wilmerding, the team has high expectations in their game winning mode. “Everyone got really into it,” said sophomore Caitie Sullivan. “We have good chemistry

and we can beat the other teams as long as we stick together and play as a team.” “As the season progresses we’ve been able to work better as a unit,” said Coach David Moreno. “Having so many illnesses and injuries has forced the team to be more adaptable and to play in other positions and more positions that we may have not anticipated.” Sullivan said the team’s biggest accomplishment was its win against Crystal Springs. “We were down two games out of five and we came back and won the last three straight,” said Sullivan. Varsity is scheduled to compete in the first game of the NCS playoffs tomorrow, Nov. 3. The time and opponent was not available at press time. Check the school’s site http://www.sacredsf.org/chs for information.

Sophomore Caitie Sullivan practices serving at a varsity volleyball game. Varsity volleyball begins playoffs tomorrow. INA HERLIHY | the broadview