The Vista View: Volume IX, Issue III

MARCH 9, 2012

VOLUME IX, ISSUE IV

VISTA MURRIETA HIGH SCHOOL

28251 CLINTON KEITH RD., MURRIETA, CA 92563

(951)894-5750

Senior Coffee House showcased the Class of 2012’s best talent CASEY CONTRERAS Staff Writer

S

enior Coffee House is annual event that highlights the talents of our graduating senior class. As the year is steadily coming to an end, our Vista seniors brought out their guitars, mics, and poems to perform in front of a crowd of students, parents, friends, and teachers. Twenty-two acts auditioned for a spot to perform at the coffee house and only a lucky fifteen were chosen to take the stage.

“The Senior Coffee House is an event where not only the entire student body, but the community is welcome to come see the talent that is within our senior class,” said Senior Class President Mandy Speed. “They also have the opportunity to enjoy unlimited coffee and hot chocolate and some sweet treats” remarked Speed, 12.

Along with Speed, the Class of 2012 had worked diligently upon this event since the beginning of this semester and had the date of the event set since summer.

With the help of a committee of five people, the senior class put on a show of singing, poetry, and monologues all for the low price of

“Twenty-two acts auditioned for a spot to perform at the coffee house.”

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$3. Coffee, hot chocolate (available for different flavored additions), and treats like cookies and rice crispies were all served at this event.

“I was impressed, however, I was not surprised because many of the people who came to tryouts have taken part in other activities that showcase their talents, there are some pretty talented people in our class” remarked Speed on the level of talent coming from our senior class.

Among these talented seniors was Chelsea Rychener who sang a beautiful rendition of “Back on the Dock”. Even our very own class advisor, Mrs. Lappierre had her own take on one of Clement Clarke Moore’s famous works, renaming it “Twas’ the Night Before Graduation” giving us just another reminder that graduation

is upon us. Marissa Jerry, 12 recited a personal poem, giving us a passionate tribute to her savior, Jesus Christ. Among the performances were a number of singers and musicians.

Performers were chosen by a panel of judges based mostly on their preparedness and their ability to interact with an audience meaning not being afraid to perform for big crowds and move around to make the performance more interesting. There was a great turnout for this February 22nd event, especially for a school night.

If you missed this event there are plenty of events coming up including the Knott’s Berry Farm trip on March 14th, Grad Night on May 31st, and a few other possible ideas being brainstormed.

New program offers incoming Freshman a chance to adapt to High School SAM GOATS Staff Writer

Academic Seminar is an innovative new course that gives incoming freshmen a better chance to succeed by helping them transition and supporting them in core classes.

The results have been nothing less than positive. The overall decrease in the amount of failing grades is sixty percent, which is something this school has never seen in its history of freshmen classes. For example, in English 1 there were forty fails during the previous freshmen classes first semester; with Academic Seminar this year’s class only had nine fails.

Principal Darren Daniel, with the help of many other staff at Vista Murrieta, created this program. It has just been implemented this school

year. The goal of this program is to “inspire academic success through support” explained Daniel’s.

The purpose of Academic Seminar is to reach out to incoming freshmen and help them transition from middle school to high school. Many students in this program do not have the right learning environment at home, and Academic Seminar provides it along with a slower pace, as well as a lot of support.

With this program, students take all of their core classes with various academic seminar teachers. However, not everyone in these classes is in academic seminar.

During either sixth or seventh period all of the teachers have an Academic Chart by Kerrie-Ann Beke Seminar class with only those students in the class. The student can go and get help from any of their teachers in any subject during that time.

There are nine teachers involved with the

program, from all core subjects; Math, Science, Language Arts, and World Languages. “It [their participation] was voluntary,” said Daniel’s about how he chose the teachers, “They all have the heart for it.”

Scott Kosters, one of the Academic Seminar teachers, described his role in the program as more of a “facilitator or coach than a teacher.”

At this time there are about 200 students in this program. The criteria to decide which students would be involved were generally those with lower grade point averages, who could use the extra support.

“We added more students during the second semester who had requested the class,” said Daniel’s “[they] recognized that they needed the extra support and took responsibility for it.”

The program is based on AVID principles, and AVID teacher Matthew Bean also helped also helped with the training.

Daniel’s described the program as being in “pilot phase” right now. It is being considered whether the program should be continued for sophomores as students move forward.

“The program helps incoming Freshmen transition.”

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

2012 Fashion Advice

Check out our “Do’s and Dont’s” Fashion guide and dress to impress this Spring.

Pg: 09

Watch Mad Men!

Read all about AMC’s hit-series Mad Men -one of the best shows on American TV. Pg: 19

Potter vs. Twilight

The heated debate between Potterheads and Twihards still rages on.

The Back Page

02

MARCH 9, 2012

NEWS

Anna Lopez, 12, reminisces upon the Australian students short-term visit

Once the school week started “I feel like part of the family!” she squealed as we packed her a lunch to take on her outings. The nights consisted of Guitar

On Thurs., Jan. 12th, you probably noticed Hero in turbans as we took turns taking showers some new faces wandering VMHS. About fifty and playing video games, and watching “Pay TV” channels that Americans Australians stayed with technically don’t pay for. students, and I had the While mornings were pleasure of having an filled with grumbling and Australian to share my grabbing garlic bagels home with for ten days. as we ran out the door.

With their red

Casey couldn’t wait travel jackets, the Aussies for Thursday; she was so arrived at Vista in a large excited to go to school. I can tour bus, as they all climbed say though that excitement down out of the bus I went away when my first waved to Casey. Climbing two classes were Algebra over suitcases Casey and II and Anatomy, she wasn’t greeted each other with an too excited for dissecting excited hug. Casey and I cats before lunch. had previously connected

Eventually came on Facebook excited to the last weekend we had... meet each other when we spent it shopping she came. The next day even more, to get her last Casey was ready to shop, souvenirs and get all of we decided we would her promised gifts. It was spend the day taking her Tuesday morning and shopping and showing her when we got to school I around Murrieta. I think spent the first hour crying we spent around seven and hugging all of the hours in the mall; she had Courtesy of Anna Lopez Aussies I met. It was such a field day because the prices are so much lower AUSSIE- Casey Perkins, 10 and her host, Anna a wonderful experience to meet all of them, which here in America. At least Lopez, 12. caused an embarrassing two of the seven hours were spent in Forever 21, and in just one half of the store! I flow of tears when they left. Neither Casey nor I would see Casey walk into the dressing room with a knew we could get so close in ten days. It was a great pile of clothes in her arms then leave with a few items experience to have Casey stay art my house for those left, grab some more clothes and do it again until I ten days and I hope to host more exchange students had to tell here there are more stores than Forever 21. in the future.

ANNA LOPEZ Staff Writer

Newsline A quick look at events happening on campus.

VMHS Open House

Broncos and their parents are invited to attend Vista’s 9th annual Open House on Mon., Mar. 12th, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM. There will be interactive activities and performances.

CAHSEE Testing

The California High School Exit Examination (CAHSEE), a test which all high school students must pass to earn a high school diploma, will be administered to the Sophomore students from Tue., Mar. 13th, to Wed., Mar. 14th.

VMHS Barnes & Nobles Library Fundraiser

Support your school’s library by heading over to our local Barnes and Nobles and purchasing some new reading materials! Wed., Mar. 14th, from 8:00 AM to 11:00 PM. MVUSD High Schools’ Mulligan’s Dance & Fun

Meet up with students from other Murrietaarea high schools and have a night of fun on Fri., Mar. 16th, from 6:30 PM to 11:00 PM. See the bookkeeper for more information.

AP Test Payment Deadline

Pay for your AP tests by Fri., Ma. 23rd, before 12:00 AM. Each test is $87, fee reductions are available. If you do not purchase an exam, you will not receive college credit for any AP courses you are enrolled in (college applicants who listed an AP course must take the exam).

Dual Enrollment Info. Night

Confused? Parents and students should come to this event for clarification on “Dual Enrollment.” Wed., Mar. 28th, from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM.

-Compiled by Cameron Tu

Annual Senior Citizens prom a great experience for participants because 110 senior citizens came and 70 high school students came as well. The high school students from

ASB and Student Senate from Vista Murrieta the leadership groups interacted and High School and Murrieta Valley High School put socialized with the senior citizens. on a fun and memorable Senior Citizens Prom for Before the event, Student the seniors in the community and grandparents of Senate and ASB were taught the the students that dances that the senior was held at Vista. citizens know and grew up

T h e with. Marty Quisenberry, prom was on counselor, has had a long Friday Jan. 27th background of dance so and was put he taught the students the on by seven dances. Quisenberry taught co-chairmen us salsa, foxtrot, waltz, that are part of and ramba dances. At first the leadership these dances were difficult groups who to learn but with practice Photo by Natalie Hadweh were Viviene and Quisenberry’s patience KING AND QUEEN- Manuel Zamora and Catherine Emery Photo by Natalie Hadweh Nguyen, 10, the leadership share a dance.

Vassilisa Ellis, 12, groups learned seniors will always remember” Garcia said.

Aaron Ruth, 10, them and.

The senior citizens prom had a prom king Miranda Aguilar, The dance started at 6:30 and queen. The prom king was 9, Melanie p.m. but Manuel Zamora and the prom Allum, 10 and some seniors queen was Catherine Emery.

Mackenzie were so

“The most exciting part Wright, 12. excited that for me was seeing the interaction

“ W e they showed between the high school students mailed off 110 up at 5:30 and the senior citizens. Often there invites to senior p.m.

The are never events held where our citizens who last dance two different generations are able come every was around to socialize, but this was one that year, and we 9:30, which allowed both the students and seniors publicized in e n d e d to leave a genuine impact on one local businesses, the night. another,” Garcia happily admitted the Murrieta “I believe Courtesy of Natalie Hadweh

The senior citizens prom Senior Center, that the has always had a lasting impact and different d a n c e retirement homes,” explained Renata Garcia 12. was a success. All the students put in a lot of on not just the seniors but also the students, which

This event was a great success especially effort and made it a spectacular event that the encourages them to come back every year.

NATALIE HADWEH Staff Writer

“The most exciting part for me was seeing the interaction between the high school students and the senior citizens.”

MARCH 9, 2012

NEWS

03

MARCH 9, 2012

VIEWPOINT

04

Say “goodbye” to your droopy eyes and “hello” to sleep and your mood swings around like a piñata at a child’s birthday party. No wonder everyone is anti-social these days; we’re all running on five hours of sleep.

Yes, I understand that homework is Sleep. The average human needs at least eight hours a night to function. Teenagers between thirteen important and yes, I’ll admit, I too have put off sleep and eighteen years of age need ten. You’ll die from for school. But really, teenagers in high school need sleep more than anyone else. We’re sleep deprivation (ten days) before still growing; our minds are still starvation (two weeks). When trying to soak up knowledge. Can we sleep our bodies regenerate you really afford to get sick with themselves, fixing broken cells, all the stuff life has to offer to you? recharging the brain, etc. When I’m not suggesting school we sleep, we dream. Those who get pushed back later in the day, don’t ever dream generally have although that would personality disorders (this is a be nice, wouldn’t it? proven fact). Even blind people No, I’m not trying to can still see images when they change the system. dream. We can only dream about I’m trying to reach faces we’ve already seen, whether out and say ‘Hey, we remember seeing them or not. you there. You need Twelve percent of people dream some sleep, dude.’ in black and white. Within five I just think minutes of waking up, fifty percent that if the homework of your dream is forgotten. Ninety and the computers percent is gone after ten minutes. and the iPods and And after all that, the the parties and whatever else average teenager stays up until people have that keeps them three in the morning doing from getting a full eight hours of homework only to wake up at six good ol’ REM (that’s Rapid Eye in the morning to go to school.

Movement, the state of deep sleep These crazy sleep where you dream), maybe that schedules really aren’t healthy. could go away at, say, nine o’clock.

Staying up all week and crashing You heard me. all weekend isn’t just hurting your images.fastcompany.com I’m suggesting a bedtime. social life, it’s hurting your body too.

Your muscles begin to weaken. You lose weight that Bet you didn’t see that one coming, huh?

Yes, a bedtime. Your day already has you didnt necessarily want to lose. Your immune system is weakened. Your brain doesn’t run as well a starting point; the minute you set that alarm

CARALINA LAWLESS Staff Writer

clock, you’re setting a point that you want your day to start from. Why not have an end point too?

It may be childish and reminiscent of kindergarten, but it worked. Elementary school was easy, wasn’t it? Life wasn’t as hard and rough as it is now; it was simple and fun. And a large part of that was because every night you came home and you did your homework at the kitchen table and at 8 o’clock Mom sent you to bed.

It was simple. It was sweet. It was almost ten full hours of sleep. Doesn’t that sound beautiful?

I know, homework needs to get done and your room needs cleaning and your dad’s yelling at you to take out the trash, but if you can manage your time, juggle things wisely, if you know what needs to be done when, you can make a little room in your schedule for a little extra time to just relax and sleep. Dream. Be inspired. You’ll be healthier and feeling better in no time.

It’s been proven that children with set hours of sleeping have better time management skills and are more consistent, traits that all high-schoolers need. Consistent sleep patterns are also proven to decrease depression. Adolescents and teens with strict bedtimes of 10 p.m. or earlier were less likely to be depressed and to have suicidal thoughts than kids who stayed up till midnight or even later.

Life is hectic and chaotic, and people rarely have time to do everything that needs to get done in the day, let alone take care of themselves properly at night.

A good night’s sleep, however, should take priority, as should your overall health. You’ll be less stressed and more awake later on, and it really helps in the long run. Bedtimes aren’t just for little kids anymore.

“[Bedtime] is childish and reminiscent of kindergarten, but it worked.”

An enlightened reader’s analysis of the hit teen-series Twilight

droidforums.net

ANNA LOPEZ Staff Writer

With the Twilight novel recently in the process of becoming movies, more and more people have fallen head over heels for the books. About 883,748 people around the globe have read the entire series online; this is the equivalent to the eleventh largest city in the America, Jacksonville, Mississippi.

From this simple fourbook series, female teens and adults have become obsessed with what is essentially an inappropriate and poorly written novel.

The Twilight books have caused much controversy over whether or not they can be truly deemed as quality reading. Sure, many readers speak of how the series caused them to pick up the book, and unable to put it down, finish it within a few days. And it’s great that there is a book series enjoyable to such a broad variety of age groups. However one might find it

“Female teens and adults have become obsessed with [...] a poorly written novel.”

odd that a novel originally written for teenagers, is written at a fourth grade reading level. Scholastic gives Twilight a surprising 4.4 grade reading level.

Although, what really grabs the attention of many avid readers of the Twilight series is Edward Cullen and Bella Swan’s perfect relationship.

The main attraction to these books is not actually attractive at all. The relationship between Edward and Bella is somewhat disturbing; Edward is over one-hundred years older than Bella.

Not only that, but he follows her around town and watches her sleep. Personally, I wouldn’t want a 100 year old man stalking me and watching me sleep at night, sadly the series has put into many teens minds that it’s okay if someone does this. The books give out many inappropriate themes and have thus become a negative influence upon society. In the book New Moon, Bella jumps off of a cliff merely to hear the voice of her beloved Edward.

Not to mention the fact that she also blatantly ignores the fact that he is a dangerous being. Also in Breaking Dawn, Bella, at nineteen, gets married and planned on birthing her half vampire child, and thus foregoes all her goals regarding attending college. Supposedly, Meyer believes it’s perfectly alright to teach girls that an attractive rich vampire will always be there to fulfil all of their needs.

The literacy of Twilight is undoubtably questionable. The main character, Bella, is a “MarySue” character, in which she has no flaws. Many protest this fact by claiming that she is clumsy, but you never see any characters complain about it in the book.

Instead her clumsiness seems to become more of a convenient reason to swoop in and save her all the time. Not only does Bella appear completely flawless to a fault, but her character is so under developed that any girl can put herself in her shoes. Perhaps this is the main reason these books so outrageously popular.

Seemingly a complete contrast, there is Edward.

Stephanie Meyer can’t seem to get enough of describing his marble abs, perfectly styled hair, or beautifully sculpted face on every other page.

Edward is another character gone awry, he is perfect, kewjk.pl sparkly, and the most we know about him is how muscular he is.

Twilight at one point in time had a place in everyone’s hearts, but now it’s time to move on from this poorly written and childish series. This generation needs to learn that there is no loyal werewolf or flawless vampire boyfriend out there, waiting to sweep them off their feet. It’s time to face reality, find some actual quality literature to read, and leave Twilight on the bookshelf to collect dust.

MARCH 9, 2012

VIEWPOINT

05

Martial arts is about so much more than just fighting NIKKI CARTER Viewpoint Editor

Kiai!

Our generation was raised watching movies like “The Karate Kid” and recognizing actors like Chuck Norris, Jackie C h a n , and Bruce Lee. I’m sure many of us can recall at least one instance as a child, when we pretended we were professional fighters or even ninjas, and ran around kicking random objects and punching invisible opponents only we could see. Yet somewhere along the line, our idolization of martial arts turned into ridicule.

Somewhere, we came to think of martial arts as a joke.

I’ve been in martial arts for nearly my whole life, yet whenever I tell others this in casual conversation, I’m often met with mockery.

For a time I never told anyone I was in karate, because I was afraid of being made fun of, but then I realized that those who joked and poked fun at martial arts were people who had Cartoon by Irenz Afable never even studied before.

Like the old expression, those who talk don’t know. I came to realize that the people who used to tease and even harass me about being in karate didn’t know the first thing about it. Basically, they were trying to bash something that they

do not truly understand. So, for those of you out there who think of martial arts as a joke, or have previously mocked those who study it, this is directed at you.

First off, martial arts in not about picking fights, breaking people’s arms, or about killing anyone who irks us. You’d be surprised how often people truly believe that martial arts practitioners are relatable to murderers-in-training.

Well, now that we’ve gotten past that slightly irritating misconception, let me tell you what martial arts is really about. Martial arts is all about self defense, flexibility, strength, determination to improve, and respect.

Another common misconception is that martial arts is all about fighting. This is completely untrue. The word “art” in Martial arts actually means something. There’s an amazing aspect to martial arts that is far too often overlooked: forms. Forms are basically choreographed defense maneuvers against multiple attackers, and take up a large percentage of study. These forms not only teach martial art students balance, but how to implement their flexibility and strength as well. With this, comes the sport aspect of martial arts, many martial art schools hold tournaments in which students compete by showing how well they’ve grasped their form, by how well they can envision the attackers, and by how well they can apply all the skills they’ve learned through their lessons.

Finally, my all-time favorite misconception, martial arts does not make one violent. If I had a penny for every time a parent or even a peer has asked me if martial arts taught students to be violent, I would be set for life. Again, martial arts put huge emphasis on the self defense and art aspect, rather than the “fight ‘til you’ve got bloody knuckles” idea that some can’t seem to get out of their minds. If anything, martial arts teaches teens, and all other ages, to be more confident. And let’s face it, when you’re more confident, bullies are far less likely to pick a fight with you, thus actually decreasing the need to “brawl” at all.

Martial arts isn’t about beating people up. It isn’t about picking fights with our friends or even bullies. It’s about becoming more than you ever thought you could be.

Through martial arts, you gain confidence, flexibility, strength, and friends who go through the same training as you.

So, let’s see if we can slowly turn our generation’s backs. Let’s see if we can finally see martial arts for the beautiful thing it is, rather than criticize it and ridicule those who actually take the time to study it.

“You’d be surprised how often people truly believe that martial arts practitioners are relatable to murderersin-training.”

“Martial arts does not make one violent [...] if anything, it teaches teens, and all other ages, to be more confident.”

“Martial arts isn’t about beating people up. It isn’t about picking fights. It’s about becoming more than you ever thought you could be.”

It’s almost 2019: Do humans dream of electric sheep?

CAMERON TU Editor-in-Chief

When considering just how intertwined with, and dependent on, technology our generation has become, one must ask, do humans dream of electric sheep?

To understand what I’m getting at, we must first go back thirty years. In the early 1980s a book by the title of, “Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep,” by Phillip K. Dick, was published. The title was a not-so-subtle nod to the notion that humans “count sheep” to get to sleep. Dick suggests that if, then, androids are meant to be human, they probably “count electric [android] sheep” to get to sleep.

Five years later, the novel was adapted into a screenplay, and released in theatres as the now sci-fi cult film known as “Blade Runner.”

In both the film and novel, near-perfect human replicas, known as replicants (androids), have infiltrated mainstream society. In short, they represent a dire threat to the human lifestyle.

In a literal sense, we have not been infiltrated by replicants. Rather, we’ve infiltrated ourselves and have, effectively, become the replicants. What do I mean by this? Well, basically, with the growth of social media and the sheer amount of technology we surround ourselves with we have allowed ourselves to be “uploaded” into the digital domain. Whether or not this is a threat is open to interpretation; however, it really cannot be denied that we are faux-androids.

Effectively with the growth of social media, and the sheer amount of technology we surround ourselves with, and depend on, we have effectively

m a d e ourselves replicants.

This is the precise reason I ask, again, do humans dream of electric sheep?

However, one must really question the necessity of efficacy, particular when we are, essentially, allmoviephoto.com g i v i n g o u r s e l v e s LOS ANGELES 2019- The (fictional) world is plagued by human replicas. Are we? to circuit boards, and computer servers. Facebook became posting pictures, status updates, and the likes. This is an IPO last month; this means that they are now when Facebook really rakes in the cash. For example, an openly trading company on the NYSE (New if you make a post about your experience with an York Stock Exchange). Currently, Facebook shares airline, moments later the ads on the sidebars will are worth a total of $47 billion. But, exactly, what miraculously change to advertise “Delta” or “United.” gives Facebook so much net worth, let alone any?

That’s creepy, right? Now, consider that They don’t make product, they collect product. everything you do on the Internet is monitored— Like the corn harvesters of the medieval ages, Google remembers your searches—and is, likely, they harvest our personal information, sometimes sold off to some multi-billion dollar company, so unbeknownst to the average Facebook user, and that they can garner cheap, easily accessible, market sell it. In a world where advertising is the root of all research. This selling of information pervades every spending, personal information really is worth a lot. aspect of our lives. Even my Android phone (oh, the For starters, when you sign up for Facebook, it asks irony) asked me if I wanted to report usage data to for a decent amount of information. Then you start T-Mobile and Google. Uh, no thanks.

VIEWPOINT

06

MARCH 9, 2012

Future of handwriting is uncertain in a technological world CARALINA LAWLESS Staff Writer

“With so many opportunities to type, translate, and Google information, the hand-written word is quickly getting pushed aside.”

With the end of the holiday season, people are celebrating not only their friends and family, but all the new gifts too. Many high-schoolers are now the proud owners of the latest in technology; iPods, cameras, computers. But with all the hype about the new tech, our old technology has gone to the wayside. And by old, I don’t just mean last year’s version of the iPod Touch.

With so many opportunities to type, translate, and do a quick Google search for information, the hand-written word is quickly getting pushed aside. People don’t want to write things that they can just download or copy and paste from the internet. Even some typing software have ‘auto-finish’ so you don’t even have to finish the word. It’s a sad thing when people are so consumed with technology that they can’t make the effort to pick up a pencil or pen and write a note.

Handwriting has outdated buildings, outlived civilizations.

Even cavemen were trying to communicate using nothing but a writing utensils and a blank canvas.

Should we really get rid of something that has been around since before the birth of Christ?

Yes, people can argue that there are many disadvantages to writing things down.

After a while it hurts the hand, sometimes it’s harder to read, and it takes a longer time to write things down. But these are not valid reasons to allow for the complete eradication of something that has been part of humanity ever since we rose out of the primordial ooze.

Photo by Cameron Tu Over time, RARE SIGHT- A person uses a once-common Bic black-ink pen to write a letter. handwriting has evolved. The rock became the stick. The stick became we dress and present ourselves is. … Handwriting is a quill. The quill turned into a pencil and a pen. a means of expressing language, just like speech, and Each evolution has brought new and better ways of it also leaves a lasting trace. Some call it ‘Language writing, from cursive to brail. But today, penmanship by Hand’. It is a physical way of expressing thoughts classes are being canceled. The and ideas and a means of communicating with pencil will be gone completely, the others.”

But technology is turning handwriting into a pen even before that, and the beauty blank and dull thing. It’s taking away the personality of handwriting will be gone.

Handwriting is the only and originality of writing, taking its character.

To think that with the advent of the age of thing that’s totally unique to every human being, and has been since technology, people grow lazier and refuse to use the beginning of time. Even twins’ that great gift that is the written word. This new writing isn’t the same. Handwriting technology is supposed to make life easier, but is changes with you, becoming losing one of the few things that are uniquely ours slanted when you’re angry, clear really worth an easier life?

I know I myself am a hypocrite. I stop writing when you’re calm. As you grow and evolve, it does too, a literal when my hand begins to hurt. I give up when the expression of one’s inner growth. According to pen runs out of ink. I’m typing this article now. But the UK’s National Handwriting Association, “Our in the long run, I never feel satisfied until there’s a handwriting is very personal, a part of our self-image pen in my hand and it’s pressed against a piece of and an expression of our personality, just as the way paper, ready to write.

“Our handwriting is very personal. [It is] a part of our selfimage and an expression of our personality.”

Child development class seen as both beneficial and necessary ALEJANDRA FUENTES Staff Writer

“I am now one hundred percent sure that being a teen parent is one of the most difficult things a person can do.”

Teen pregnancy has become a major issue in our society. Modern families often suffer the consequences of sexual activity among teens. In order to make a difference, schools have taken action.

Some public schools provide birth control; other schools provide a class called “Child Development.”

In both cases, some parents believe that these two methods promote sexual activity among Photo by Alejandra Fuentes teens more than they promote sexual abstinence.

Kay Mueller, the instructor of Vista Murrieta’s child development class, said, “I really hope that this class [will promote] abstinence, but I am also very realistic. I know that some of my students come to my class already sexually active or with the curiosity

to become a sexually active person.”

However, most, if not all, of the teenagers that become p r e g n a n t while, or soon after, taking Ms. Mueller’s course become p r e g n a n t because they may not have foreseen the consequences of their actions.

I have been Mueller’s student since uhpawprint.com the beginning FAKE BABY- Dolls like these are used to introduce teenagers to parenthood. of this year and I have to say that now more than ever, I am one such feelings, some parents are reluctant to let their hundred percent sure that being a teen parent is one children take the class.

Needless to say, it is not the class that makes of the most difficult things a person can do. After going through the “Baby: Think It Over” project, teenagers make the decision of becoming parents at an twice, I cannot imagine having to go through that for early age, but the irresponsibility of each individual. “[My] students come from different years. Although it was a fun project and backgrounds and beliefs, that is the more different than anything I had ever truth,” said Mueller. done, I could not wait for my teacher Perhaps parents should educate to take the baby and free me from the themselves more on the statistics tormenting moments I lived with baby. of individual teenagers who have

The project is very realistic as prevented from becoming young well. The baby has the same reactions parents. So parents should not blame that a real child would have. Waking the class their child is taking or the fact up at three in the morning for a that some schools give birth control; diaper change or a feeding was a very difficult thing to do, but it was also so real that in the purpose for these actions is to prevent teen some students, it can awake a feeling of curiosity for pregnancy among young people, the usage of these maternity or paternity. Because the project can create resources are the responsibility of each individual.

“I could not wait for my teacher to take the baby and free me.”

MARCH 9, 2012

VIEWPOINT

07

Two underclassmen opinions on the 2013 Senior Exit Interviews ALEJANDRA FUENTES

EMILY ANNE ESPINOSA

In 2009 it was announced that the graduating Class of 2013 would only need 230 required credits to graduate, twenty credits less than the graduating Class of 2012. However, it was only during this year that the Juniors found out that another requirement was added to our plate. The Murrieta Valley Unified School District decided to adopt a method to create conscience in students’ minds about the future.

“We are not making students choose their careers right now, that is not the purpose of this process. What we want is for students to at least have an idea of their future,” said Howard Dimler, assistant principal and coordinator of the Senior Exit Interview program on campus.

However, the worry that most students have with this new requirement, is that some of them don’t have any idea about what they want for the future.

And thus, they hassle about having to be judged in front of a panel of teachers, community members and students.

Personally, I think that this process will allow students to not only be aware of the careers we can pursue or about how much money we will make, but also about the reality of the potential of each career and about how each career will affect society. We have to recognize that very rarely we are provided with opportunities like this; opportunities that allow us to use logical and critical thinking to try to secure our future.

Especially since the economy has suffered so much these last few years, we have to choose careers that are truly productive; it will help society, and will be productive. So, it is a good idea to start thinking seriously about our futures and the future of our careers.

However, this interview is not only about starting to think about our careers, but also about our passions. 21st Century students are expected to be productive citizens for the nation. We hold the responsibility to create more opportunities for future generations.

“We want students to be successful and a good way to achieve that is by helping our students find what they are truly passionate about and what their strengths are,” said Char Gempeler, English teacher.

We should be glad that this new requirement was added. Perhaps, in the future, we will be the most successful generation of the 21st Century because we had the opportunity to look at our future and prepare for what is expected by society.

Starting with the graduating class of 2013, the Murrieta district Valley Unified School District made a new requirement. Going hand in hand with the change in minimum graduation credits, the Senior Exit Interview is now a mandatory requirement which all students must complete in order to graduate.

“It’s more than just talking. It’s about the process,” stated Howard Dimler, one of Vista’s Assistant Principals. The exit interview puts everybody through a process where they have to research and learn about possible career choices, and the steps needed to get there. Freshman year, we were all required to take a “Computer and Careers” class. This class was the start of a process which prepares us for our future.

We learned about salaries, different careers, secondary education choices, and the steps needed to be taken in order to get there. As a sophomore, I will have to go through writing the reflective essay and prepare for the presentation. Since I’ve already started the research about learning about my career and have benefited from it, I think that the exit interview will have a positive effect on the students. A lot of people complain about how making us decide on a lifelong career choice in high school is a decision that puts too much pressure on our shoulders, murrieta.k12.ca.us especially since we’re still young and are unsure of our future. But by putting us through this process, we’ll actually learn how to prepare for that future. The Interview allows us to explore possible career paths that we could take and gives us the information we need to help decide on what we want.

I think that the presentation is important since it puts our speaking abilities and communication skills to the test. Both traits are essential to our future careers and occupations after we graduate. Whether we go to school, get a job, or join the military, verbally communicating is something we need to be comfortable with in order to succeeed.

The “Senior Exit Interview” will help prepare us for the future by allowing us to learn about what we could be, how to get there, and having us put our public speaking skills to the test. The process of researching lets us learn about information that is crucial to our success after high school. By having this interview the as a mandatory requirement for all students working towards a diploma, it allows all of us to get the chance to really think about and consider our career choices. With the exit interview and the process leading us there, most of us will graduate from Vista Murrieta with an illuminated path to success.

Staff Writer

Staff Writer

Editing Staff Editors-in-Chief Cameron Tu and Emily Brown News Editor Cameron Tu Viewpoint Editor Nikki Carter Sports Editor Frank Cuccia Life/Fashion Editor Alisson Schoffner Weekend Editor Alysha Fontaine

Writing Staff Facebook (for ideas, suggestions) Like “The Vista View 2011-2012” on Facebook!

Advisor Ellen Filar The views expressed in The Vista View are not necessarily those of the entire staff, advisor, or the administration of Vista Murrieta High School.

Feedback on any aspect of The Vista View is welcome via letters to the editor. We will make a reasonable effort to publish all thoughtful letters we receive.

Please send your feedback to thevistaview@gmail.com.

Please note that we reserve the right to edit letters for length and clarity. The advisor, Ellen Filar, can be reached at: (951) 894-5750 x6601 or efilar@murrieta.k12.ca.us.

Staff Writers Kerrie-Ann Beke Casey Contreras Emily Anne Espinosa Alejandra Fuentes Farid Ganime Samantha Goats Natalie Hadweh Baylei Harbour Caralina Lawless Anna Lopez Elisabeth Mosiej

08

VIEWPOINT

MARCH 9, 2012

Sony’s new “PS Vita” appears to be more promising than “PSP” CAMERON TU Editor-In-Chief As early as July 7, 2009, there were rumours of a true successor to the “PlayStation Portable” (marketed as the PSP) that would utilise new cutting-edge technologies and perform on par with the original “Xbox” game console. One year later, at the 2010 Penny Arcade Expo (colloquially known as the “PAX”), Mortal Kombat’s executive producer Shaun Himmerick confirmed that, indeed, a “PSP2” was in the works. At the time, details were vague but it was explicitly stated that the new PSP would be a powerful machine.

Ignoring the silly “Vita” name (the Latin root for “life”), the PS Vita actually looks promising. Unlike its predecessor, there may actually be a reason to buy it. Spec-wise, it blows the PSP out of the water. It has 512 MB RAM, 128 MB VRAM, a quad-core processor (the ARM Cortex-A9 MPCore, capable of clock speeds between 800mHz to 2000mHZ), and a quad-core graphics chip (for techies, the PowerVR SGX543MP). On paper, these specs should translate to gorgeous graphics (for a portable, anyways) and, thus far, released gameplay videos (mostly of Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune) are very, very promising. A factor contributing to this is the fact that the PS Vita’s screen is not only larger (5” as opposed to the PSP’s 4.3”) but also better. This time, rather than being a standard TFT LCD display, it’s an “OLED” (Organic LED). Basically, this affords denser pixels (pictures are crisper) and better, more vibrant, colours.

Of course, specs and screens don’t really mean much to the average consumer. What about gameplay?

Well, gameplay looks like it will be much better with the PSP. A huge issue I had with the PSP was, actually, how big the screen was. It was hard to reach over 4.3” to get the little hardware buttons on the bottom. With the PSP Vita, all of those hardware buttons have been re-allocated to the sides. Oh, not to mention, it has a capacitive touchscreen and track pad (located on the devices’ rear). The mere inclusion of a touchscreen improves the PS Vita, arguably, tenfold over it’s PSP predecessor. Text input and menu navigating was a painful, tedious, process on the PSP. With the PS Vita’s touchscreen this issue is obviously gone. From gameplay videos I’ve seen, using the rear track pad appears quite intuitive, colours seem crisp (blacks are black and not gray, thanks to the OLED screen), and lag, if there is any, is not visible. In addition to a touchscreen, the PSP Vita has two analogue sticks (something PlayStation fan boys have been crying for) and a six-axis gyroscope. The addition of a second analogue stick makes the PS Vita experience more similar, if not identical, to the PS3 experience allowing you to strafe with one finger and aim with the other, concurrently.

The PSP was terrible because you had to move your character around, and then aim (if you didn’t die yet). So, what does this mean? It means that, in conjunction with its excellent specs and all sorts of new features, Sony has created a device, which should deliver an entertaining, and near-seamless gaming experience. Basically, just

mobiletechreview.com imagine the PSP Vita to be a hardcore iPod Touch, or much improved PSP, with two touchscreens, a better gyroscope, the capability to more precisely control your character, and much better graphics all in a package that costs the same $250… or not.

The folks at Sony always like milking money out of you. They are notorious for creating all sorts of special plugs and ports. My stupid little Sony Cybershot (purchased for an excursion into Spain) still holds the pictures I took from two years ago. The reason being I lost the special USB cable that only works with that particular camera and because the memory card (actually a “Memory Stick Pro Duo” which costs more $/ MB than normal SD cards) requires an adapter-sleeve-thing (that costs money too). I had these issues with PSP as well. Guess what? The PS Vita has the same ones—and Sony has gone through the whole “let’s make new ports” process again. So, again, you’ll have a bunch of different cables for

products made by the same company.

Another gripe I have with the PS Vita is how childish it’s OS looks.

It has the same, cool, PlayStation Network wave going on in the background but gone is the simple and clean text UI. It’s been replaced with bubble icons (according to Sony, they’re not “icons”). Bubble icons that can’t be re-arranged and look very cheap. Generally speaking, the whole PSP UI follows this stance on design.

It just seems like the folks at Sony decided on what looked cool and threw it into the device. Again, this is why people like Apple Computers— they have a consistent approach to GUI and other visual elements.

But, despite all my issues with Sony and their UI/OS, I’ll probably be one of the few people actually interested in playing around with the PS Vita. It has great graphics, a huge and loyal fan base, and a decent pricepoint. Hopefully, this will translate to better sales than the failure now known as the Pretty Small uhh… Performer.

Which is better: modern “e-books” or the original printed word?

CARA LAWLESS Staff Writer With the advent of the new century, a new question has been raised: will books live to see the next one? Kindles and Nooks are fighting battles in sales, but are paper-printed books the casualties?

It seems like traditional books are on the decline, as new e-books, in their various forms, bombard readers with all their new technological advantages. And while books are the more traditional route, the truth of it is that e-books do have quite a few perks. Kindles allow one to easily browse books from the comfort of your own home, and there’s even a selection of free books to be found in Amazon’s store. The use of the built in dictionary allows one to easily define hard-to-understand words, and the cursor allows a highlighting, annotating, and bookmarking feature.

As an added bonus, the new Kindle 3 weighs only 8.3 ounces, and the Kindle 1 and Kindle 2 weigh 10.2 ounces, much less than most hardcovers, with the added bonus of being able to hold over a thousand books.

With all these advantages, it’s a wonder everyone’s not running out to buy one. However, there’s one thing that few readers realize: you can’t throw a Kindle. C’mon, you readers know what I’m talking about.

In every young reader’s life there

comes a point where the book you’re reading frustrates you to the point of wanting to throw it at the wall (Mockingjay anyone?). You can’t do that with a Kindle, obviously.

Many readers prefer the actual physicality of books as opposed to the more fake e-books, the feel of the weight of the book, the pages, the ability to scribble in the margins if you wanted to.

And while devices like the Kindle attempt to simulate this feeling as best they can, the fact is, technology can’t just fake the smell of a new book.

As senior Gus Sjobeck, an avid book collector, states “The feel of holding a book by the spine, the feeling of flipping the pages of a book, and the feeling of owning a physical book creates no doubt in my mind that real books are better than e-books. Half the pleasure of reading is the book itself.”

While not all have such determined opinions, many students feel much the same.

“Real books, in my opinion are better. Not only do you not have to recharge a book, but when you turn the page, it’s as if you accomplished something,” said Katelyn Breneman, 10.

I personally have a vast collection of books, as well as a Kindle. And while I’m more likely

blogcdn.com to bring my Kindle everywhere due to its portability, I still love to stop in Barnes and Noble to buy a new book. Many of my books I originally bought as an e-book, but bought the sequel in paperback. The reason?

I like the ability to ‘play with’ my books, as it were. I get involved with the characters, and feel what they do.

When they’re angry or frustrated, I throw the book at a wall. When they’re sad, my tears crinkle the pages.

When they’re anxious, my sweaty palms frantically turn pages. None of this is possible with merely a Kindle.

Bonnie Bellah, 11, says, “Although Kindles may be far more

convenient for the average student, I prefer the feel and smell of good-ol’ paper books. You can trust them more than technology. If your computer breaks down, the book will not be lost.”

Similarly, freshman Brenna Doyle says, “Real books give more reality, I guess, to the book.

Flipping the pages of a book give the illusion that you are reading the book the way the author intended you to. But I guess in some ways e-books are somewhat convenient.”

While Kindles are great devices and enormously useful to avid readers like myself, they just can’t beat books themselves.

MARCH 9, 2012

FASHION

09

The do’s and dont’s of 2012 Spring Fashion (for both genders!)

FARID GANIME

T

STAFF WRITER

his spring will be different; this might be the spring where men start to dress better. Guys this year will be original, not just copying what they see on MTV. Every man this spring will hopefully look like they care how they look.

Spring is always an interesting time when it comes to dressing. Spring decides how the year will look, in 2008 light colors where emerging in places like Los Angeles, and Brooklyn, in 2010 neutral colors came back from last being seen in 1997. 2012 will be about a combination of grays and blacks with blues and greens. 2012 will also be a year of broadcasting your ideas with clothing, meaning if someone likes Obama for example he will wear an Obama 2012 Tee, if someone is rooting for the German long distance team he will wear Team Deutschland 2012 Tee. One thing is for sure Cargo pants are dying; well they never really lived in places outside suburbia.

Instead of the average solid tee, the average day will be light colored sweaters without shirts under and the sleeves rolled up, with dark blue jeans

and leather belt. Another option would be tan and light gray jeans with a dark dress shirt (buttoned half way up) and cool colored shirt under. What someone shouldn’t be wearing is army cargo shorts, anything bright pink, orange, or yellow, and never just a wife beater.

2012 is a new year, and the spring is a great time to change a style or just revamp it. Introducing new objects such as hats or scarves makes all the difference. It was an incredibly hot winter and spring will be even hotter.

Buy a pair of sunglasses that match your iPhone, but when it rains, make sure that the trim-fit parka is ready and can be layered over your weekend gear (modern parkas have a thin fit, and are not long like trench coats). For shoes, find a pair of modern Jordan’s, or the vintage looking leather vans.

Never forget a good watch, something that has actual hands, like an aviator’s watch or diver’s watch. When trying new things in a wardrobe, if it doesn’t seem like it matches, it’s because it does not. Also, don’t just completely change your style over a day, but slowly transition into what you want to become.

A

ALISSON SHOFFNER LIFE/FASHION EDITOR

sense of warmth will be tapping at the door, could it be that we have approximately only twenty weeks of school left, or the season of Spring? This season of love and new beginnings is fast approaching and along with it, new fashion.

Spring is a chance for a fresh start and a new, a.k.a. organized, wardrobe. Maybe you aren’t too fond of Winter, because you tend to revert back to that old faded hoodie and yoga pants. Or Summer, which brings out the best- deranged ponytails and the shorts you‘ve kept and love so dearly since Summer of ‘10. Then devote yourself to Spring when it isn’t too hot or too cold and of course, that coincidental breeze magnificently blows your hair back as you stride from class to class.

As I have walked the halls my last four years at Vista Murrieta I have noticed two things- couples who need to get a room and not do ‘that’ in the hallway, and of course clones. Our school has a population of approximately 3,400 students and the only ones who really seem to make a statement, or stand out, really shouldn’t.

Matching your outfits with the color in your hair is not okay- I mean purples, candy apple red, and neon green.

So back to clones. Our school is like a herd of sheep (everyone looks the same), but it isn’t just at Vista,

it’s everywhere! Even Hollywood is consumed with clones, and I guess you can blame it on them. This month’s NYON magazine came out with an article titled ‘think different’ and a slice of it went like this, “pretty much every [Hollywood] girl looked the same… glossy, ombre-dyed curls framing faces made up with a smoky eye and nude lip… opaque tights and vertiginous red-soled, high-heel boots…”.

Which brings us to situation numero dos. Everyone plays it way too safe. Girls prefer to follow a trend than to show individuality and take fashion risks. No one wants to be judged, so people go for the ‘acceptable look’ which is boring; all of the fun of dressing up is gone.

Personally, my preferred style is the ‘Vintage’ look. It is a risk, but well worth taking. It does not hurt to wear red lipstick or high waist jeans every now and then. A huge ’no-no’, in other words: what makes me cringe, is when girls wear formal heels and common clothes. Formal, dressy heels are meant to go with gowns or formal dresses, you do not wear them with a pair of jeans.

Instead of coming to school in a discolored sweater, why don’t you grab a jacket, a matching scarf, some earrings, and add some gloss to those lips; it will really make a difference because when you look good, you feel good.

Melissa Jones: Get her autograph while you still can

EMILY-ANNE ESPINOSA STAFF WRITER

​Melissa Jones, 12, is blessed with an opportunity that most girls could only dream of. At 18, she’s already been signed by a modeling agency. ​ Jones was scouted by Jim Jordan, a world-renown photographer who’s worked with celebrities from all over the globe. Jordan, who is now Jones’s manager, signed her on to a five year contract to work with the company White

Cross Productions. With her contract, Jones will model and act as a commercial model for beachy, California-type looks and sporty athletic ads. ​ “I think all girls would love to be a model,” shared Jones, “but I didn’t think I was pretty enough or skinny enough to be one.” ​ Growing up, Jones used to feel really self-conscious about her height. But now, with modeling, she isn’t so embarrassed because of the huge advantage her height does for modeling. But with modeling, Jones has to worry more about other things beside her height. ​ “I was once called fat,” Jones admitted. “Personally, I wouldn’t really categorize myself as fat. But this lady, [the clientele], honestly thought that I was over-weight.”

Modeling, since its main focus is on social image, puts a lot of attention on body image.

After getting signed onto her contract, there were new rules Jones had to abide by as a model. ​“I can’t pluck my eyebrows. I can’t cut my hair, dye my hair, or get tattoos. I can’t gain weight, or get plastic surgery without telling my manager. I can’t do anything without my manager’s consent,” stated Jones. ​ Signing her modeling contract brought a lot of changes to her life. Besides the guidelines and rules she has to follow, Jones had to experience a change in her school life, as well as social life.

Jones stated that, “You have to put a lot of time into modeling. They [modeling agencies] give you a date and a job, and if you don’t take it, then they’ll find somebody else. You have to be flexible towards their scheduling. I’ve actually had to miss a couple days of school because I had a job to do.”

Modeling has taught Jones many things.

Like time-management, commitment, patience, and who you’re true friends are. After getting signed, Jones has been faced with the challenge of figuring out who was being a true friend, and who was taking advantage of her being a model. ​ “Friends aren’t always around when you succeed,” explained Jones. “But real friends are always around when you fail.”

True friends are always there for you, regardless of what you’re currently going through and the mistakes you make. When you’re getting opportunities and appraisal, like what Jones has been receiving, it gets hard to tell if the people around you are there for you because they care about you, or if they’re just simply impressed by your success.

Jones stated, “I’m really thankful for this opportunity. I’m so thankful for my manager, who’s always helping me and taking care of me but not pushing me to do crazy stuff. I’m thankful for the support I get from my family, my boyfriend, and my friends, my real friends, who didn’t stay friends with me because I’m a model but because of who I am.”

Photos courtesy of Melissa Jones

10

LIFE

MARCH 9, 2012

Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No, it’s Colin Scott Cassady!

ALEJANDRA FUENTES Staff Writer

It is a very intricate task to balance out school, athletics, and extracurricular activities at the same time. However, with a cumulative 3.45 GPA, Colin Scott Cassady, 12, has been able to accomplish outstanding academics and athletic achievements while gaining the appreciation and respect of his friends, teachers, and coaches.

“I’m in Link Crew, AVID, I did soccer for three years, and track [for four years],” shared Cassady.

However, his center of attention for the last four years has been pole vault.

“I really want to go, at least, to Olympic trials for pole vault. That would be really cool,” said Cassady.

With his determination, dedication, and

astonishing personality, Cassady has become one of the best at what he loves to do the most. He secured his position as number one in the varsity pole vault team and a California state rank of fortysix in his sophomore year by reaching a one foot, five inches jump in pole vault.

Cassady’s expectations for himself go far beyond what he has accomplished thus far.

“ [ B e f o r e graduating from Vista] I’d really want to set the county record for pole vault at sixteen feet,” Cassady said.

Conversely, while his main focus is pole vault, his performance in other activities has made him shine in more than just sports. ` H i e n Nguyen, Link Crew coordinator, said, “My first impression of Colin three years ago, when I first met him in my Algebra II class [as a sophomore], was that he [was] a very friendly, very vocal student. He is not afraid to share his views and participate in class. He is very good at communication and I’m sure his generosity with his freshmen has been substantial throughout this time.”

Cassady has built incredibly solid bases with many people on campus. His friends appreciate him for his generosity and talent to make every situation fun.

“In all the sports and clubs I do, just getting to know people and keeping them as friends is special. Friends and family mean a lot to me. They are the ones who are always there for you. All my friends and family, they never neglect me,” Cassady confessed, “Both of my parents are [my biggest influence]. They taught me how to do everything, be the person that I am, and treat others with respect. And I’d just like to tell my friends ‘Thank you for being there and I love you all.’”

With the prospect of attending Colorado State College, Cassady hopes to be able to participate in pole vault and eventually become a professional pole vaulter.

He also plans to pursue the career of archeology.

“I love to just flip on the National Geographic channel and just watch it for hours,” revealed Cassady.

Cassady has set major records for the varsity pole vault team, but he has also left a radiant mark in the lives of people who will never forget his good sense of humour and dazzling personality.

Photos courtesy of Collin Cassady

Creativity has no bounds for Froilan Tam, 10, graphic designer

TYPOGRAPHY- Portrait of the “Mamas and the Papas” a famous band in the 1960s.

FARID GANIME Staff Writer

“Creativity has no bounds when it comes to design [...] it’s my chance to freely express myself [...].”

Froilan Tam designs art on the computer, anything from typography (aka “word art”), to motion-graphics comparable to the ones seen in many Hollywood Films. Even though he is only a sophomore he was chosen to do the public service announcements for many of the announcements seen on Bronco News Network.

“I started doing graphic design way back in the sixth grade; one of my earliest designs was Warm Springs Middle School’s television station logo,” said Tam.

The logo that he made and the ones he would replace with it, changed the news station from a common middle school station, which would have been a pixilated picture of the school’s logo with the name of the class in some stock Windows 95 font.

His designs changed the image of the station from a cliché to a recognizable image to which Vista’s BNN

would be proud.

Also the speed in which he learned and upgraded his design, was alarming. The students at Warm Springs and now the students at Vista know that he’s got talent. Also on top of that talent, his ideas are creative and original. So original that I recall people trying to find a design that he could have copied, but they never could because the designs were truly his and only his.

“My favorite part of designing is the creative process.

Creativity has no bounds when it comes to design, so it’s my chance to freely express myself in my work,” stated Tam.

Froilan’s creative process is fueled by determination and soy foods. He spends hours tweaking the minutest details, for even the smallest products. Like many have sports, and are motivated by a coach, Froilan is motivated by his own desire to express himself, and the fulfillment of art.

His large variety of style has many forms from his design on the “Mamas and the Papas,” he drew the four faces in detail using words about the “Mamas and Papas,” such as song titles and lyrics. He also designed a train and a winning slogan that seemed like an ad one might see on a billboard. Also his currency redesign was modern, yet still held on to America’s cherished past.

“I hope to become a motion graphics designer, making movie title sequences, kinetic typography videos, or even branching out into animation,” said Tam.

Froilan and all the talent that he possesses is quite remarkable, and the possibility that Froilan might work with John Lasseter from Pixar, or Spielberg’s Dreamworks is in realm of possibility. In 10 years be sure to look for his name in the credits of the hottest blockbusters.

Graphics courtesy of Froilan Tam

MARCH 9, 2012

LIFE

11

Sarah Howard ,12, is a noteworthy High School student Honor Society), former ambassador of Student Relations in Interact Club (2010-2011), and the Operations Officer of AFJROTC, she has proven that she is a true leader, a title not many can carry.

Nicole Paragas, 12, the President of Interact Club, stated that “we were so lucky to have her on board because she is one of those girls that you could always rely on. Regardless of what you asked, you knew that if you asked her to do something, Sarah would get it done and she would get it done right.”

In addition to her Courtesy of Sarah Howard involvement in school clubs and programs, she also EMILY ANNE ESPINOSA performs ​exceedingly well in sports and academics.

Staff Writer With a 4.2 overall GPA, 6 C.L.A.S.S. awards, a 3 Sarah Howard, 12, has accomplished more year membership in both CSF and NHS, formerly in her high school experience than what most of us serving as the Liaison Officer of CSF (2010-2011), and can ever dream of. With her involvement in multiple participation in Track and Cross Country, it’s clear “ I clubs, sports, and organizations on school campus, to see that Howard doesn’t limit herself.

Howard has displayed her commitment, dedication, was always fascinated by the military. I want to be part of the military experience, and hard work in school, the challenge, and to be able AFJROTC, Student Venture, and to serve the country and be Sports here at Vista Murrieta. a leader,” shared Howard.

Linrun Li, 12, one of

Howard plans to attend the Cadet Commanders of the Naval Academy, the Air the AFJROTC program, said Force Academy, or Westpoint that, “she [Howard] is able to Academy. Getting accepted look at situations in different into a Military Academy is not perspectives, and is a great an easy feat, not only do you leader. Sarah is very thorough have to reach the physical and in what she takes on, and can academic requirements; you also be trusted to perform her best have to receive a nomination at any job that she is given.” from a member of the US

When Howard gets Congress. Receiving acceptance involved in something, not into the Naval Academy alone only does she give 100 percent is an amazing accomplishment, effort, but also beyond that. and Howard has proven that She takes part in a lot of school with her abilities and her activities, but unlike many determination to improve, she high school students, she also is able to accomplish anything takes the initiative to make that she sets her mind to. that club or program better.

Col. Eugene Matera, Because of this, she’s been given Courtesy of Sarah Howard the Senior Aerospace the responsibility of holding Instructor of the AFJROTC high positions in multiple organizations. As the president of Student Venture Program, stated that, “the neat thing is that and of the Kitty Hawk Air Society (AFJROTC Sarah Howard pursued her high school career

with this outstanding character and enjoyed her experience. She was her own person, and at the same time, she always had her peers in her heart.”

Howard wasn’t one of those students who signed up for a club or partook in an organization just because it looked good on her applications.

When she got involved in something, she did it because she wanted to, not just to seek the benefits. She has proven that by trying to incorporate her ideas into the program and taking action​ towards improvement.

“What Sarah has learned in the classroom, the athletic fields at VMHS, and what she has learned about herself have well prepared her to succeed as an officer in our military services. She had goals, she succeeded and failed, and in the end her tenacity and persistence ensured that she was successful,” shared Matera.

“Getting accepted into a Military Academy is not an easy feat [...] you have to receive a nomination from a member of the United States Congress.”

Courtesy of Sarah Howard

Briana Ramirez, 11, is a successful musician with a busy AP schedule

Ramirez is in Wind Symphony work done as I can.” Ramirez stated.

Ramirez is currently enrolled and has been in band for her entire high in three school AP classes, c a r e e r w h i c h so far. include AP Through Calculus b a n d BC, AP she has English, learned a n d a lot of APUSH, valuable as well lessons the as Dual she can apply Enrollment to her own life.

ASL. Her These lessons favorite subject influence the is math, and things she does she believes and the way that out of all she does them. of them it is the Band has given most useful and her a better important skill understanding to have in any of teamwork, good career. leadership, and Academics are guided her way very important of thinking, to Ramirez including the who, although development of undecided a perfectionist about exactly m i n d s e t . what she wants

“ A t to major in, times balancing knows that she school work Courtesy of Briana Ramirez wants it to fall and band does get difficult, and I need to use every into the field of mathematics. Career spare time I have and get as much wise she has considered becoming a

“Band has given her a better understanding of teamwork, leadership, and guided her way of thinking.”

Courtesy of Briana Ramirez KERRIE-ANN BEKE Staff Writer

Briana Ramirez, 11, has a passion for music. She has three years of band under her belt, and seven years of experience playing both the flute and the piano.

“I love to make music and get away from the academic classes.

I love playing my instrument and learning something new everyday.”

Ramirez said.

math professor, a forensic scientist, a lawyer, and an ASL interpreter.

Besides music, Ramirez also has a liking for literature, explaining that in her free time she loves to sit down with a good book. Some of her favorite books include My Brother Sam is Dead by James L i n c o l n “Ramirez Collier, And is currently Then There Were None enrolled in

by Agatha three AP Christie, and A Tale courses, which of Two Cities

by Charles include AP D i c k e n s . Calculs BC, Although she has a AP English, v a r i a n c e and AP US of things which she History. as c o n s i d e r s well as Dual her passion, she loves Enrollment playing her ASL.” instruments a n d would never want to give it up, explaining that her passion for music has always been there.

“I like a lot of things. I like being involved and I like getting a new experience from everything I do.”

12

MARCH 9, 2012

SPORTS

Mens Varsity basketball pummels TVHS Steve Perez, JV Soccer and Track coach, exemplification of C.L.A.S.S. halves we’ve had all year,” Rucker said.

TV also deserves praise for their performance that night as well. Going into the second half, TV was

The basketball game between Temecula still trailing Vista by 25 points after a 37-12 second quarter.

However, Valley (TV) and Vista when the final quarter Murrieta’s (VM) varsity was drawing near, basketball teams on TV mustered their the 31st of January audacity and battled far surpassed all fearlessly against VM, expectations that anyone dodging each player had about either team. in their way and

The 57-44 making some lay-ups victory that VM pulled at the hoop, regardless out over TV certainly of being blocked by surprised everyone in Bronco bodies and the gym because no hands. Rucker also one honestly knew offered his praise what to expect from towards the highly either basketball team defensive Broncos. that night. The game “Our defense itself was fun to watch was very, very because TV put up more good,” stated Rucker. of a fight than anyone “Honestly, the whole thought possible. After team impressed me.” the first jump ball, VM VM takes home took control of the ball another victory for and the first quarter, the basketball team, dropping shot after shot but it was not without (and even a few threestruggle from TV who pointers) before even managed to break allowing TV a chance the 20-point gap. The to collect their thoughts final was 57-44, which and counter VM‘s showed that TV is not to 20-point lead. By the end be taken lightly in any of the first quarter, VM situation. After such a was ahead 24-4, but the Courtesy of Mark Fitzpatrick fantastic show of ability game was far from over. sportsmanship, Andy Rucker, head Anthony White, 11, dribbles down the court in pur- and VM can look forward coach of Bronco’s boys suit of a successful basket for Varsity Basketball. to gaining the “Number basketball, shared his opinion about VM’s performance during the first half. One” spot in the valley with thanks to Temecula

“[It] was one of the best first Valley.

FRANK CUCCIA Sports Editor

Parade of Champions a worthy celebration of Vista’s accomplishments SAMANTHA GOATS Staff Writer

On Sunday, Jan. 14, hundreds of Bronco families cheered from the bleachers and on the streets at Vista Murrieta’s first ever “Parade of Champions” to celebrate our varsity football teams CIF win, and all the hard work of the fall sports programs.

T h e Golden Alliance, ROTC, Bronco B l e a c h e r Creatures, cheerleaders, varsity football team, and more paraded down Clinton Keith.

Kicker Tyler Rausa, 12, held the 2011 CIF Championship Plaque as the team passed by.

Preceding the parade was a ceremony to congratulate the success of girls golf, boys water polo, volleyball, cross country and marching band as well as the football team’s first CIF champion win in our school’s nine years of being open.

Principle Darren Daniel opened the ceremony with a motivational speech and officially named the rally “Vista Murrieta High School’s Ceremony of Success.”

He explained that on the night of the CIF win Steve Rausa, freshmen football coach, decided we would have a celebration parade. They did not expect

many people to show up, and were proven wrong the day of the ceremony as the bleachers filled up.

Mark McAlister, 11, attended the event and commented, “Our school definitely showed its motto of CLASS by taking the time to appreciate and celebrate the football teams CIF championship.”

Mayor Doug McAllister, and Superintendent Dr. Stan Scheer followed Daniel and gave a few words commemorating our school team’s success.

2 0 0 7 Alumni Tim Taplan-Ross, who now plays for the Dallas Cowboys, congratulated the football team for their hard work.

C o l e y C a n d a e l e , varsity football coach, followed sharing a few motivational Courtesy of Mark Fitzpatrick words and was named Coach of the Year for his guidance leading the team to victory.

During his speech, Candaele stated that at the beginning of the season they were thinking “I hope we win a game this year.”

Despite the obstacles the team had to face, “We chose to succeed,” Candaele concluded.

The ceremony closed with the Vista Murrieta Alma Mater and fight song. Broncos showed their school spirit by celebrating the hard work of all of its fall sports teams and their coaches, and the first ever CIF championship.

Photo by Alejandra Fuentes ALEJANDRA FUENTES Staff Writer

Coaching for a high school sports team in the afternoons is a very admirable task for most teachers; however, coaching a high school sports team while you are a student yourself, is more than that, its is venerable. Steve Perez, JV soccer and track coach at Vista, is a living example of this.

“I graduated from this school in 2007; I wanted to come here and coach the soccer team because I was bored during the winter time, so I came and asked the coach if I could come out and help. So I started off coaching the JV reserved squad, [but] my first year I got promoted to coach JV so I was pretty honoured,” said Perez.

Only 22 old, Perez has become a crucial staff member at Vista Murrieta. He has a long career in the field as well as experience. As a student, Perez played since he was a freshman and throughout high school he maintained and amplified his passion for soccer.

“I just love doing sports, and watching soccer is my favorite part about coaching. I just want to teach these guys a thing or two about soccer. [But] for them [the team] to be their best, I have to be my best as well,” shared Perez.

With the prospect of graduating from Cal State San Marcos with a major in History and a minor in French, Perez hopes to continue his coaching career in both soccer and track.

“I started coaching soccer five years ago; three years ago I started coaching track. And I’m a sports kind of guy so I like all sports,” confessed Perez.

Perez has also been able to build a solid relationship with the team players.

Marco Morales, 11, shared, “I like coach Stevie because he has a lot of enthusiasm for soccer and he is a great coach. He has a great love for sports.”

Michael Sakar, 11, also said, “Our coach lets us have fun doing soccer.”

And Jeremy Ferderkson agreed, “Coach Stevie’s repetition motivates me. He’s an awesome coach.”

Perez hopes to be able to coach the Varsity team someday. With the support of his team plus the experience, talent, and passion he has for soccer, he will lead Vista’s soccer team to more victories.

“[W]atch-

ing soccer is my favorite part about coaching.”

13

MARCH 9, 2012

SPORTS

JV Soccer celebrates a successful year Color Guard performs final show, leaving audiences stunned that both players and audience filtered in the air was felt and shared by everyone on the stadium.

“They [the Rams] want to win and they are playing for it, but we have been practicing for

The end of a successful era has come for one this game. Coach of the most Stevie always exciting makes sure we sports of give our best,” said this season.

Marco Morales, The JV 11.

Under the soccer team training of Coach achieved Steve Perez, the victory on team has proved their last to be one of the game of best Vista has seen. this year’s

“Coach season as Stevie lets us have they played fun when we a g a i n s t practice, which Murrieta makes it easier to Mesa High focus onwinning,” School in continued Morales. a battle

Although that kept the team lost their everyone at previous game the edge of Courtesy of Annie Nguyen against Great their seats.

Oak, this decisive

The JV Soccer team smiles for the camera in light of their victorious victory proved As the ball afternoon. that the team will was passed achieve wonders on their following years, as Perez from one player to the other, the spectators cheered out their excitement. They wanted more and more continues to direct them. The Bronco soccer team action, and the players satisfied them as they will continue to collect successful wins with their fought for victory. The entire game was a battle team work skills, leadership, and camaraderie.

Perez also said, “We wish we got more that both teams were determined to win. But as support.

Soccer is a beautiful sport; people would in all battles, only one was successful; the Broncos really enjoy it.” defeated the Rams with a final score of 1-0. The ALEJANDRA FUENTES Staff Writer

stadium was full of supporters that screamed their favorite player’s name. The passion and exhilaration

Girls Polo revels in final win of the year swam as another player in the pool. The hard work and dedication of both teams was apparent to everyone’s eyes. Both teams gained each other’s

Once again a splashing victory was respect by the end of the game. The final score achieved by one of the most endowed sports team was an outstanding victory of 17-2 for the Broncos.

“I have to admit that I was confident we of its season. The girls varsity water polo team would win,” said Marylyn Castro, 10. Castro is a close closed their thriving season with an extraordinary friend of some of the team members, and a devoted conquest against Murrieta Mesa High School. fan of the sport.

“I know that There was everyone on the team nothing worked very hard remotely to win this game. It related was really important to lack of for everyone to willingness accomplish another to win triumph.

I know this game. [it] isn’t just about Both teams competition for seemed them, and [it] isn’t reluctant about personal to accept accomplishments, a a loss. The triumph for ne means Broncos a triumph for all,” had to face continued Castro. the ferocity

Even though Vista of the Rams, has had a few loses in throughout the past, this season’s the entire Courtesy of Alejandra Fuentes games were full of g a m e .

E v e r y Girls Varsity Water Polo fights for control of the ball to get into scor- excitement, passion, and dedication. p l a y e r ing position.

The Broncos were from the competing with tremendous teams that wanted guest team gave a remarkable performance, however, the Broncos never gave in, and they to take successful wins to their record, but Vista fought to the end to keep on the winning side. accomplished many more successes than loses. The Both teams were supported by their correspondent combined skill of team work, Dedication, friendship, schools; the Broncos also had the varsity cheer respect, leadership, and above all, CLASS, was a squad to help them obtain more motivation. recipe for success throughout the entire season.

With each point gained from either team the crowd of spectators, which included students, friends, parents, and teachers, cheered out their excitement. Positive energy from the audience ALEJANDRA FUENTES Staff Writer

ANNA LOPEZ Staff Writer

Courtesy of Anna Lopez The VMHS Color Guard lines up in formation, eagerly awaiting the judge’s ratings.

On February eighteenth Varsity Winter Guard competed in a Guard Show at Vista Murrieta. It is one of the many Winter Guard performances against many other high schools.

Winter Guard’s competition piece is called Blue Shades, a high-energy jazz routine. In red embellished outfits, they took fourth place in the competition,

“We only had half of a routine, which really knocked points off,” explained Color Guard Captain Jenna Condino, 11.

“I think we did good though, considering we crammed in the routine and learned so much at once.”

Winter Guard’s next performance is in two weeks at Great Oak High School.

Once band is done competing. there is no longer a need for Color Guard until winter and spring come around again, then things get into full swing. Winter Guard consists of shows set to music combined with choreography which is constantly being perfected. “My favorite part of Winter Guard is the practices and when the team exchanges gifts before a competition, mainly team bonding.” Said Condino.

With three hour practices three times a week Winter Guard practice to perfect choreography and techniques using their flags, sabers, and rifles. “It gets intense depending on the competitions and high schools we go against.” Condino tells. To gain the perfect sync and movement Winter Guard must work as a team, “Sure there is tension because it is an all-girls team with one guy, but we always work it out.” Condio states.

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MARCH 9, 2012

SPORTS

Sjobeck, 12, uses ideals to support his cause CARA LAWLESS Staff Writer

Gus Sjobeck, a distance runner on the JV team, sheds some light on the track and field world and his own experiences with the sport.

“Track is very family oriented, but very split up,” said Sjobeck, 12. “Everyone has their own little group because there are so many events. They’re all different and they all have different talents and you have so many different people that join.”

Sjobeck’s experienced a lot through track, but he says that it’s really the people that make it memorable for him.

“It’s not the memories themselves it’s the people, because when I think of the people, I think of the memories that came along with them. We’re a huge family.”

Sjobeck admires other track stars as well, looking up to people who are right here on this campus, as well as people that have made it big in the track world.

“On the personal level, I do idolize people like Porter [Reddish] and Omar [Solis]. Years back, there was Nick Roth, who did high jump, and he was really good. It’s people like that that I admire…Then there’s people at the huge level, people like Prefontaine, and things like that.”

Sjobeck said that there are a lot of reasons he enjoys track.

“[I enjoy] the possibility for growth. And the people, the people are very fun. I [also] enjoy the feelings of success that is attributed to finishing a run or a workout.”

According Courtesy of Cara Lawless to Sjobeck, track is a large part of

his life. It’s something that he enjoys and has changed his day-to-day life.

“It definitely has changed how I live because it’s something I do every day. Although it’s not something that I would say defines who I am, it is something that I enjoy doing and will continue to enjoy doing, however long I end up continuing doing it.”

In terms of his future, Sjobeck says that his experiences through track will definitely help him, even if he doesn’t continue with the sport.

“I’m not planning on running in college because it’s a lot of time and energy, but I know that the lessons of dealing with the pain taught to me by the sport will help me later in life.”

Sjobeck’s belief is that in order to succeed in track, one must be willing to take the pain.

“I was never skillful,” he joked. “You can succeed in track by being willing to put yourself in a position to be hurt, and knowing that by enduring the pain, you will come out stronger on the other side. Also, practice makes perfect.”

Overall, track has been a good experience for him, and the memories and lessons he takes from it will benefit him further in life.

​

​

Girls Basketball: “they’re strong to the finish” starting games they’ve played. The Pumas, a team filled with sharp shooters, brought dozens of threepointers to the game. But the broncos delivered them right back. Left and right, three pointers were scored Vista’s Girls by both the V a r s i t y Broncos and Basketball Pumas. It was team brought a beautiful their game in sight to see, their last home but the Pumas game of the prevailed winter season. with one Playing against three-pointer Chaparall’s too many, Pumas, it was taking the a tough match a d v a n t a ge that both lit at 15-19. hopes and The second broke hearts. q uarter, Starting their however, was 3rd quarter tied a struggle. and coming in P l a y e r s strong, the lady on both broncos played teams were their hardest delivering until the last few steals and minutes of the r e b o u n ds, clock, ending causing both the day’s score sides of the 49-53, falling gym to either shortly behind scream with the Pumas. pride or displeasure.

At the Balls were sight of them, d r o p p ed, there was a shots were clear difference missed, and between the lay-ups were Broncos and incomplete.

Pumas.

The There was Pumas towered definite over the Broncos, frustration with female the Courtesy of Mark Fitzpatrick when players tall and s e c o n d strong.

But q u a r t e r Vista doesn’t A Girls Varsity Basketball player lays up a shot for a successful basket. ended with a let a height score of 26-32. d i s a d va n t a g e

After halftime, it was unclear on how Vista’s affect them. Although they’re not the tallest team, they brought something more valuable than height girls would play. Although we still had hope, there to game. They brought teamwork, and they don’t was definite frustration in the air. But right when let anyone stand between them, no matter how tall. doubt began to developed, the broncos extinguished

Starting the game off with the first point, it by taking the ball in their hands and closing the gap the Broncos played strong in one of the most intense between the teams. If they weren’t already showing teamwork before, they were definitely showing it EMILY-ANNE ESPINOSA Staff Writer

now. An aspiring quality about Vista’s team is their ability to keep the ball going. They never hesitate, and pass the ball all around to every player on the team. No favoritism and no hesitations. Just trust between every player on the team, passing it to whomever they can, confident in each other’s abilities.

Closing the gap between the broncos and pumas, Broncos brought the competition with beautiful shots, free-throws, and a couple of layups that stole the audience away. With every three-pointer and steal, the crowd yelled out in the bleachers with excitement. In the last few minutes of the game, 1 minute off the clock, a beautiful play was performed by the broncos. In the last minute, the Broncos finally closed the gap with a tie, head to head with Chaparall’s Varsity team with a score 40-40.

The quarter ended with excitement and anxiety, with everybody in the gym buzzing about which team will win. By seeing how both the Pumas and Broncos played, the victory could have gone either way. The pressure of the last quarter was apparent in the players’ performance. Fouls and jump-balls were called, with players from both teams hustling for the ball. Everybody was after the ball, and doing whatever it took to take possession.

Within the first 3 minutes of the game, a gap began to form between the scores. The Pumas were ahead, 4349, fighting their way to victory with three-pointers being shot from numerous players. But the Broncos fought back, working well under pressure, scoring a three-pointer, free-throw, and a lay-up.

Although the game ended with the Pumas taking the lead, 49-53, it was still a beautiful play for the Broncos. That Tuesday night, on February 7th, victory may not have been celebrated by the lady Broncos, but their teamwork and perseverance was definitely praised. ​

​

MARCH 9, 2012

WEEKEND

15

One Tree Hill ‘s Final season brings a bittersweet feeling to all who watch

Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy is a great thriller

ALYSHA FONTAINE Weekend Editor

KERRIE-ANN BEKE Staff Writer

We have all heard the name of the show, One Tree Hill at least once in our lifetime. However, for most die hard fans, this season will be one of the last times to talk about new episodes that air on the Cw. One Tree Hill is now on its final season after nine memorable years of exhilarating plots and moving characters that come to life and make you feel similar to them. With last episode airing on January

11, 2012, the audience got the sense that this season would not resemble any other, but exceed past episodes by being extra dramatic and suspenseful.

One Tree Hill takes place in the state of North Carolina and follows the lives of town residents and the struggles and thrilling lives they lead.

Main characters, Haley Scott, Nathan Scott, Brooke, Julian, Clay, and Quinn, to name a few, all grew up in the small quaint town of Tree Hill and most of them even went to the same high school. However, it is not all fun and games in the lives of these residents; dramatic twists, betrayals affairs, drugs, addictions, car accidents, stalking, kidnapping, secrets, steeling, and even killings. According

to spilled secrets from recent news reports, this season has all of these dramatic stories combined.

In the first episode of season nine, Love the Way you Lie, old residents return back to One Tree Hill and bring tension towards the main characters.

Brooke, meets up with her longtime distant father who returns to visit her after her two twin sons are born. At first, Brooke is ecstatic to see him, but soon becomes disappointed when the plans they made fail, because her father had let her down and fails to attend their lunch date. Secrets start to brew, when one town resident, Clay, begins to sleep walk without knowing it, and ends up finding themselves in different spots around Tree Hill.

However, his girlfriend, Quinn, suspects that he is hiding something much deeper, because of a past that still haunts him. Also, Nathan’s hated father, Dan, comes back to town while Nathan is away to offer help to Nathan’s wife Haley, in her café, however, both are showme lins .info hesitant, because of what he had done long ago. With these different stories developing between the cast, this season is bound to be intense.

Ever since the beginning, One Tree Hill has always been an immensely successful and amusing show to watch. Growing up with the show has been an electrifying experience; witnessing each episode and the different stories it has brought has truly been amazing. With the powerful first episode, season nine is bound to blow the socks off of millions of viewers who enjoy the series, and although countless people will miss it, the characters and plots will always hold a very special place in fans hearts.

Jane brings fashion to all viewers NATALIE HADWEH Staff Writer

Jane by Design is the newest ABC Family channel television series that first aired on Jan. 3.

This drama and comedy television series is one that you do not want to miss because of its diverse cast and great story line.

The main character named Jane Quimby ( Erica Dasher) is a high school student who finds herself taking on a job at Donovan Decker as an assistant for a fashion designer. She does not only because she likes fashion, but also to help support her and her brother Donovan Decker is a trendy fashion house where she works for a woman named Gray Chandler Murray (Andie MacDowell). Jane does whatever it takes to try and please her boss with anything that she throws at her. She has to survive the competitive world of fashion while keeping her identity a secret. While working at the fashion house she has to also balance her high school life by maintaining good grades and balancing her friendship.

Her best friend Billy Nutter (Nick Roux), who she has known sinse elementary school, helps her with anything she needs when trying to juggle both worlds.

Complications arise when Jane finds out that her best friend is dating one of her middle school enemies. Not only does she have do deal with that, but she also has to deal with the fact that her dad died and that her older brother Ben Quimby ( David Rogers) has to try and support both of them.

Since her brother is having a hard time supporting both of them, her job is definitely another reason why she wanted it. The only way he can is by taking an assistant basketball job at Jane’s high school. At work she also has to deal with a mean coworker named India de Beaufort (India Jourdain) that dislikes Jane, because she used to be Gray’s assistant before she fired her. This great show appeals to mostly high school and college student, because anyone can put themselves in Jane’s shoes.

Overall, this is an intriguing show that is entertaining and fun to watch, especially all the thegloss.com/ crazy things Jane has to do to please her boss and manage school.

Thomas

hollywoodtheatre.com

Alfredson’s latest work, Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, hit silver screens here in the U.S. in January 2012, and on September 5, 2011 in the U.K. With too many sub-plots and flash backs, I found the movie slow and a little confusing, although, it did have an intriguing story line.

Based on the 1974 book by John le Carré , the Tinker Tailor’s screenplay was written by Bridget O’Conner Peter Straughen, and produced through the British company Working Title Films. For three consecutive weeks, the film was the highest grossing film at the British Box Office and received three Academy Award nominations. The film stars Gary Oldman and co stars Colin Firth, Tom Hardy, John Hurt, Toby Jones, Mark Strong, Benedict Cumberbatch, and Ciaran Hinds.

The movie follows a retired British Intelligence agent, George Smiley (Oldman), who is investigating a mole who has made his way into the most exclusive of circles within the agency. At the top of British Intelligence, also known as The Circus, is Control (Hurt), who heads the most exclusive circle made up of all the senior members of The Circus.

George Smiley sits as Control’s right hand man. After an operation in Hungary goes wrong, Control and Smiley are forced into retirement. Smiley is pulled out of retirement when Oliver Lacon (Simon McBurney) asks him to investigate an allegation made by Ricki Tarr (Hardy) that there is a mole. Smiley enlists the help of a man named Peter Guillam (Cumberbatch) to be his eyes and ears inside the Circus. From there, the film flashes between the other senior members revealing both their actions of the past as well as of their present.

With each member having their own subplot, which flashed between past and present, the movie was difficult to follow at times. However, overall one could figure out what was going on throughout the majority of it. The film definitely makes you think and try to put the clues together on your own, although what was meant to be thought provoking ended up being very slow as there was very little action throughout the film. The script writing, on the other hand, was done quite well with the dialect being consistent with the time period.

Overall, I felt Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy was too slow and had too much confusion for me to consider it a good movie. If you are considering watching it I won’t discourage you form seeing it and coming up with your own conclusions, but be warned it does get its R rating for a reason.

WEEKEND

16

MARCH 9, 2012

Beach Boys return with a tour for the beachy season CASEY CONTRERAS Staff Writer

It was announced that the Beach Boys will be reuniting for a summer tour in the coming year.

This reunion comes just in time for the band’s 50th reunion, and to commemorate one of the world’s most legendary bands, Capitol Records will be recording a new album with the remaining five band mates.

Beginning in April, Brian Wilson, Mike Love, Al Jardine, Bruce Johnson, and David Marks will join together for a fifty-date international tour which will span from Berlin, Germany to California.

To many individuals who grew up during the sixties, the Beach Boys reflected the Southern California culture of cars, summer love, and of course, surfing.

Among the best known Beach Boys hits are “Good Vibrations“, “I Get Around“, and “Fun, Fun, Fun“.

Beach Boys fans around the world have recently picked up the Beach Boys’ latest album SMiLE, which contains songs and recordings that had been salvaged from the late sixties and re-recorded in Brian Wilson’s home studio. Although a dramatic change from the normal Beach Boys sound, SMiLE is a wonderful addition to the vocally talented band’s hits.

For those unfamiliar with the legacy of the Beach Boys, they were originally a five-piece boy

band formed in 1961 in Hawthorne, California. The American rock band went on to sell what critics believe were the greatest album and single of all time, Pet Sounds and Good Vibrations( released in 1966). In 1988, The Beach Boys were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and in 2001 the group won a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.

For those who love the laidback sixties

inquisitr.com beach rock and roll sound that has come to be known as the Beach Boys, make sure to check them out as they begin their tour in April. Ticket prices ranging from the upper 90’s to almost 300 dollars, this tour is an expensive one. However, for the lucky few who get to attend, make sure to get an autograph, because I have a feeling this may be the last tour the remaining Beach Boys will ever perform.

Bachelor captivates hearts while finding love of his own NATALIE HADWEH Staff Writer

The Bachelor came back on channel ABC in January 2012 with the familiar face of Ben Flajnik, who was on the last season of The Bachelorette. Flajnik had fallen in love for the third time with Ashley Hebert, at which time he proposed, and subsequently got rejected.

Flajnik was disappointed and hurt by this, but the 28 year old bachelor is now ready to put all that behind him and try to find true love. He is a successful businessman and is a family oriented person; he defiantly charmed the 25 girls he met on episode one.

The whole goal of The Bachelor is to introduce 25 young single women to a bachelor looking for love. In each episode, a group of women are chosen to receive a rose in the Rose Ceremony. The women that receive a rose are the lucky ones that get to stay for another week. If someone does not receive a rose then they are eliminated and sent home. The way Flajnik gets to spend time with the girls is different every week. Some times he gets to take some on individual dates and other times he chooses certain women to go on a group date. Whatever the case may be, the dates are always exciting, romantic, suspenseful, and even

sometimes dramatic. Every week they are taken to a different place to spend time with Flajnik. A lot of the different places are chosen by the bachelor himself.

The women always end up doing whatever it takes to make an impression and to spend time with him. The competition gets crazier every episode

which causes drama to arise between the girls fighting for his love. This season of The Bachelor is so suspenseful and romantic that it should not be missed when aired. I recommend everyone watch it because anyone can get sucked in right away. Every week I look forward to another episode because any time I watch it my eyes are glued to the screen.

Every fan has a favorite contestant that they hope she will not be eliminated that episode. Not only will there be favorites, but least favorites as well. Most of the time there will be contestants that are absolutely despised by the viewers.

Unfortunately, they end up being culture.com loved by the bachelor himself, because of how love can be so blinding.

The Bachelor is definitely a show to watch because of the drama, suspense, and romance portrayed in each episode. By the end of the show, the audience is emotionally attached.

Phantom Planet brings an alternative feel to listeners CASEY CONTRERAS Staff Writer

thisisalbatross.com

An official twitter account was created by Phantom Planet that stated that the band would be reuniting in 2012. This is following a near

four year hiatus during which time each band member went on take part in different bands such as Operation Aloha and The Californian.

Phantom Planet is best known as a Southern Californian alternative rock band who formed in 1994 while the band members were still in high school. Phantom Planet originally consisted of Alex Greenwald, Darren Robinson, Sam Farrar, Jeff Conrad, and Jason Schwartzman. Some may say that the band is best recognized by “the band that actor Jason Schwartzman drummed for” and that may be true. However, Schwartzman left the band in 2004 to pursue his acting career and may now be seen in HBO’s original series Bored to Death. As a typical LA boy band made up of young teens trying to make it big, Phantom Planet began their first gig at The Troubadour in Hollywood.

It was at this same music venue that on Dec. 12th, 2008, Phantom Planet performed their last show before going on a break, mentioning several times during the show that they would be going on an indefinite hiatus but were not breaking up.

Although claiming several hits and appearing on multiple television shows,

Phantom Planet never really gained the momentum they needed to become a wellknown band. Perhaps their best-known hit would be “California,” the theme song to the popular 2003 television show The O.C..

The band had much more success appearing in television and movies, having cameos in both Bad News Bears and various commercials.

In 1998 Phantom Planet is Missing was released and in 2004, they released their self titled album. In the band’s fifteen years they released 4 albums including The Guest and Raise the Dead. Each album has something different to offer and a unique sound/vibe varying from pop to garage rock.

If you are looking to reconnect with the late alternative rock band, their first show is on June thirtieth, but is now sold out. However, a second date has opened up at The Troubadour on June, 14th for a meager 15 dollars. All of those who love alternative rock, or just need a reason to listen to great music make sure to check this one out.

MARCH 9, 2012

WEEKEND

17

Woman in Black provides cheap thrills The Vow falls short EMILY BROWN Editor-in-Chief

Daniel Radcliffe has always been known as Harry Potter for his role in the Harry Potter series, which lasted for a good decade. Although Radcliffe will always be known for his character Harry Potter, he is creating a new name for himself, one in which is independent of the wizarding world.

Since the end of the series, Radcliffe landed one of his first major role outside of Harry Potter in a Broadway play, How to Succeed in Business Without Actually Trying.

He is now jumpstarting his movie career with Woman in Black, which came out on February 3rd. During its opening weekend, the movie grossed well over 20.5 million dollars.

There’s no doubt that the reason the movie made so much money in such a short amount of time was solely because Radcliffe was the star.

Nevertheless, the movie was still very good.

Woman in Black is about Arthur Kipps (Radcliffe), a single father to his son Joseph (Misha Handley) and lawyer, who travels to a small town for business matters. While he is gone, the nanny (Jessica Raine) takes care of Joseph. The film starts off on a horrid and depressing note, as it shows three girls jumping out of a window to their deaths. As Mr. Kipps stays in the town, he realizes that something is very off.

The people who live in the town are afraid of him and want him to leave immediately. Someone reveals to Mr. Kipps that the paperwork he is doing for a house is a house in which is haunted; it is the home of the woman in black. The tale goes that whenever

she is seen, a child dies. Mr. Kipps encounters this woman several times, each time resulting in the death of one of the children from the town.

As Mr. Kipps goes to the house, he encounters the woman in black several times, as well as numerous dead children outside in the yard. As he discovers why the woman keeps taking the children of this town, he and his right hand man Mr. Bentley (Roger Allam) venture out to stop the woman who was terrorizing the small town.

Woman in Black was pretty scary whn I watched it the first time. I’m not going to lie, I had my hands over my eyes on several occasions during the movie. The movie wasn’t frightening in a demented way, but because it had a lot of random pop-ups of the woman’s face and of children, but once you watch it more than once, you shouldn’t be scared.

In my opinion, the directors and screenplay writers could have made it a lot scarier.

Radcliffe was superb, as always. This role of a single working dad from being a teenage wizard shows that he can play any role. I will admit though that anyone could have played his role just shockya.com as well, for it lacked depth and action. The whole movie was him basically walking around the haunted house and running around outside whenever he saw the woman or a child standing in the yard. Even though this was a simple role, Radcliffe still did a superb job.

Radcliffe’s role as Mr. Kipps in the Woman in Black was just a stepping stone role of his new career in the movie industry. I’m sure that he will be in future films, playing a diverse amount of roles and characters.

Overall, the whole cast and crew acted amazingly, and this movie is sure to make you jump.

I would recommend it to anybody, but after viewing it about two or three times, the magic of the horror will be lost.

of expectations SAMANTHA GOATS Staff Writer

The Vow became a big hit on its opening weekend as hoards of women dragged their dates to the theatres. Many had high expectations for the movie, which starred two big romance movie actors: Rachel McAdams and Channing Tatum.

Though the movie was decent, I have to say it did not live up to its expectations. After seeing the two main characters star in hits such as The Notebook and Dear John, it was easy to conclude that The Vow was not up there as far as romance movies rank.

The movie was about a young couple in love who gets in a car accident and the wife (Paige, played

by Rachel McAdams) suffers a head injury and loses her memory. The husband (Leo, played by Channing Tatum) sets off on a mission to make her fall in love with him again.

I went into the theatre carrying tissues in my purse expecting to inevitably tear up at some point in the movie, but that did not end up happening. There were sad parts, but they weren’t sad. The Vow just was not emotionally compelling enough as it had the potential to be.

The acting was good, but it felt like the plot was under-developed. The movie went through flashbacks explaining the couple’s past when it could have benefitted from going deeper into their past and how the two fell in love. If the plot was more coplex, the actors and actresses would have have acted even better than they already did in the film.

For example, while watching The Notebook, you couldn’t help but cry as your heart broke along with the poor old man as he watched the love of his life wither away. Even in Dear John it was hard not to feel depressed when the father died or John left for duty.

Those movies, with the same strong leading actor a The Vows, elicited emotion from the audience.

Your heart would break as the characters heart would.

On the other hand however, The Vow did not create that type of response. The under developed plot and inability to relate made the movie a disappointment.

It was a good movie, but it was not as good as it was expected to be.

Florence’s new album captures the emotions of listeners ANNA LOPEZ Staff Writer

nme.com Florence Welch recently came out with her newest album Ceremonials. The album is an explosion of powerful sounds, from the drums and back vocals she uses is what draws in crowds that enjoy her music.

Not only can one person relate to her music, but many can actually relate to, making it all the more popular.

Florence found her talent by singing in her bedroom, pubs, and at other events. She admits most of her songs are all about boys, love, and relationships giving a theme many can relate to. In Ceremonials Welch conveys her ideas of inner conflict and learning from mistakes through powerful music.

Not only was it the catchy tunes but the different style that no had ever heard before, Welch has her own genre of music. Her second single “The Dog Days are Over” from her first album Lungs is what started

the Florence + The Machine rage by making number 21 on the US Billboard Hot 100.

Ceremonials has a similarity to Lungs considering that it has the same drama and cascading vocals, although I found the album to have many of the same sounds through the songs.

I thought Welch might have come up with more impressive and different songs compared to her previous album but sadly I was slightly disappointed when I started to listen to her new songs and felt like I had heard them before.

However the theme of the songs hadn’t changed, they are all about love and being bold.

Welch’s music is every unique, every time I listen to it I find a new sound effect or stream of vocals that

freecodesource.com

I hadn’t really noticed before. One of my favorite Qualities of Welch’s music is her powerful voice which she uses many times such as in Shake It Out, and No Light. The main attraction to me music is the drama and theatricality of her music filled with conflicts, stirring emotion and drama within her music.

There is always some loud drums, eerie sound effects, and amazing vocals to be expected when listening to Florence + The Machine, it is always a new experience to listen to what Welch will think and then sing next.

I think the album Ceremonials is a great album although it is not as diverse as Welch’s

first album Lungs was. I believe that it is a well put together album and it was very enjoyable, Welch is a miraculous artist who has some real talent and a mind full of creative ideas to be portrayed through music.

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MARCH 9 , 2012

NY Times Bestsell- Breaking Dawn: Part 1 leaves audiences eaer sequel, Clock- gerly awaiting Part 2 and future adaptations to suffer for Bella, until he realizes that her love for work Prince, lives ALEJANDRA FUENTES Edward and the “demon” she is carrying is beyond Staff Writer his understanding. Then the unexpected happens, up to expectations Thousands of fans lined up outside the theater Jacob turns his back on his family in order to

mundiessource.net KERRIE-ANN BEKE Staff Writer

Cassandra Clare’s beloved characters, Will, Jem, and Tessa, are preparing for round two against Mortmain and his clockwork army in the second installment of The Infernal Devices trilogy. The plot thickens and you’ll end up loving all her characters all the more, if that’s possible.

The Infernal Devices is the prequel trilogy to The Mortal Instruments Series. It follows a young American girl, named Tessa, who moves to London to live with her older brother, but is met with a nasty surprise. While in London she discovers that she has the ability to change her shape. She falls into the company of the shadowhunters of the London Institute. Half angel and half human, shadowhunters, also called nephilim, are a race of people who have been charged with protecting the earth from and hunting down demons. Clockwork Prince continues the story of William (Will) Herondale, James (Jem) Carstairs, and Theresa (Tessa) Gray.

Normally, I’m a skeptic when it comes to sequels, but there couldn’t have been a better follow up to Clare’s astounding introduction to the series.

Clockwork Prince picks up where Clockwork Angel left off. At the beginning of this novel, all the characters are dealing with the psychological and emotional fallout from the confrontation against Mortmain.

This novel digs deeper into Will’s past as well as the past of other significant characters. At the same time, Tessa is caught between her love for tall, dark, and handsome Will, and kind and gentle Jem.

Clare does a fantastic job developing the back story of her beloved characters. While both boys compete for Tessa’s affections, Clare manages to keep their brotherly friendship intact.

She also, amazingly, is able to mix a myriad of romantic relationships into the story without them managing to take over the central good versus evil conflict of the story. Her suspenseful writing technique and affection for interrupting a pivotal moment with a red herring drives the action and allows the passion to simmer between characters.

Clockwork Prince lives up well to the expectations of a follow up to Clockwork Angle. With the stakes raised in both Tessa’s relationships with Will and Jem, as well as in the fight against Mortmain, this sequel is even more intriguing than the first.

to wait for the doors to re-open for the midnight showing of the fourth and most anticipated movie in the beloved Twilight series, “The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part One.” The entire town seemed to have been dragged from their beds and into the theater parking lot. The place was surrounded by devoted fans that had waited nearly four years for this chapter in the world wide phenomenon. The enthusiasm and excitement filled the air as one walked by the groups of friends and the families that waited with anticipation for the show to begin.

After waiting nearly one year and six months since the majestic release of Breaking Dawn’s predecessor, “The Twilight Saga: Eclipse,” every fan was nervous to see how it was possible to achieve a better result than what everyone had witnessed in “Eclipse.”

I sincerely believed that this movie would not be as good as the last one, fortunately, I was very wrong. I had been a devoted fan of the books and the movies since Twilight was published, and even though I have always found the books better than the moviesonly because of better description and more detail- I have found the movies quite acceptable.

Therefore, I knew that I could not expect more than the novel had offered me, but I was ready for what was about to begin.

When the camera started rolling and the first image appeared on the screen everyone screamed, no one could believe the time had finally arrived.

The story begins with Jacob (Taylor Lautner) running away from home to escape the painful realization that his long-lost love Bella (Kristen Stewart) and Edward (Robert Pattinson) are going through with their promises of spending the rest of eternity together as husband and wife, and immortal vampires.

As time moves on, and the big day for Bella and Edward arrives, Jacob decides to show up to their wedding in a last failed attempt to change Bella’s mind about immortality.

Then after a long and beautiful honeymoon, Bella realizes something everyone thought impossible; Bella becomes pregnant. Edward immediately shuts out all possibilities of letting Bella have their baby, because he fears losing Bella forever. However, Bella had other plans for her and the baby’s future. Meanwhile Jacob continues

protect Bella from the wolves of La Push. The story continues to develop until the most unexpected and bizarre event happens. Jacob’s life turns upside down, changing his entire view about the beautiful “demon” girl Bella and Edward call Renesmee.

It is obvious that the story line is not the cheesy and corny typical love story that most people who haven’t read the books or seen the movies believe it is, but rather an exciting story that was brought to the big screen by a wonderful cast and crew.

`Every single actor has gotten better and better in each movie and they have all given their characters a personality that is significant to the story. Pattinson was simply amazing. It can be said that his performance in this movie has been his best, so far, even though I am sure that the next movie will be a thousand times better, since he has proved that he fits Edward’s shoes to perfection. Once again, he moved people to tears with his ever-moving performance.

Every gesture was directed towards the love his character holds for Bella.

Stewart was also fantastic. She fulfilled every aspect of Bella’s characteristics, especially her appearance, which had to be altered with especial effects since her pregnancy leaves her in merely bones. However, not only was her appearance drastically changed, her acting was, as always, superb.

And Lautner was, well, he was simply joreview.com outstanding. In every scene he was in his character’s role and he went beyond my expectations as he proved he could move on from being the jealous friend to the understanding, caring, and loving friend that Bella always saw in him.

In general the entire cast was wonderful.

All the actors gave each character a new look and their own touch.

There were funny moments as well as heart-melting scenes.

There were dramatic parts as well as action scenes. This movie can be categorized in many genres.

Overall, Breaking Dawn was simply amazing. It succeeded in reaching the expectations of all culture.com its true fans. People had happy smiles on their faces and even higher expectations for the next and last movie of the series, Breaking Dawn Part Two. And even though none of us want this love story to be over, we can’t wait for the final adventure in this heartthrob series.

And now that the DVD is available, every fan will be able to enjoy this masterpiece every time they want to revive Bella, Edward, Jacob, and all their favorite characters.

MARCH 9, 2012

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AMC’s hit 1960s period-drama Mad Men exemplifies all that an American cable television strives to become CAMERON TU Editor-in-Chief

Upon carefully observing Mad Men’s title sequence, you will some text imprinted upon a vodka glass; it reads, “Enjoy the Best America has to offer.” Sure, it is probably referring to the drink, but, perhaps, the little line may actually be a tonguein-cheek reference to the show itself. Mad Men is, arguably, one of the best shows contemporary television has ever seen. Yet, to many, it’s “just another cable drama.” To understand what makes Mad Men so special you really have to step back and see the show for everything it is—or, rather, is not.

So, what is Mad Men? It’s a show produced

by Matthew Weiner, who has won accolades for producing and directing that other hit period drama The Sopranos. It’s a show that has received 125 nominations and won 48 awards since it’s first season. It’s an authentic show. It’s an entertaining show. It’s everything television should be— immersive, deep, and captivating. Simply put, in the words of Don Draper himself, it’s a time machine.

Mad Men throws its’ audience into the 1960s to follow account executives during their daily forays and conquests at a fictional Madison Avenue advertising firm, initially known as “Sterling Cooper.”

Producer Matt Weiner uses his 1960s Madison Avenue lens to capture nearly every aspect of the era—namely sexism, racism, nonstop drinking, non-stop smoking, bigotry, and afternoon trysts (Inland Empire Magazine). This, by itself, is nothing new or revolutionary because many History Channel series aptly capture the era. What is new and revolutionary about Mad Men is, once more, best summed up by the words of Don Draper:

“ Te c h n o l o g y [in this case, a “time machine” that travels backwards] is a glittering lure, but there is the rare occasion when the public can be engaged on a level beyond flash. If they can form a sentimental bond with the product.”

Basically, Mad Men is a show that combines historical authenticity with a captivating story, gorgeous and well-performing actors, delectable 1960s music (including “Telstar,” by The Tornadoes, and “Early in the Morning,”

by Peter, Paul, and Mary), and much, much, more.

Mad Men is enjoyable on so many fronts, and that is what exactly what makes it so good. The fact that the show is the recipient of 125 nominations and 45 awards from many organizations and guilds, including the American Film Institute (AFI), Emmys, British Academy of Film and Television Arts, Art Directors Guild, Casting Society, and

Directors Guild of America really helps to support this notion.

The awards the show has received range anywhere from “Best Ensemble in a Television Series” to “Outstanding Writing, Directing, Art Direction and Cinematography.”

Additionally, it is the only in cable television show to ever win the “Emmy Award for Outstanding Drama Series,” a feat it has repeated four times (one awarded for each season). In total, it’s won fifteen Emmys and four Golden Globes. What does this mean? It means that Mad Men is a well-rounded show, and whoever you, whatever you like, it’s likely that Mad Men has something to offer you. That being said,

let’s just take a quick look at the very best asepcts of Mad Men. First of all, the show accurately depicts the 1960s era in which it’s set. All the mannerisms are on-par to the 1960s. The secretaries are all subservient women, and the men are all bigots with over-inflated heads donning business suits no matter what the ocassion. Additionally, everyone in the show, male or female, drinks and smokes excessively (by today’s standards). To some this may raise questions, but personally as someone who will never smoke it’s a necessary part of the show. The show strives to be accurate, and it can’t be accurate unless it shows the main characters smoking and drinking on constant basis. That being said, with health in mind, director Matt Weiner only supplies the cast with herbal cigarettes and dyed water (they’re not really smoking and drinking).

Another huge aspect of the show is how beautiful all of the set-pieces are. Be it Draper’s office with his sharp-edged furniture, some obscure downtown bar, or an airplane, everything is visually accurate. As an aviation buff, who despises Pan Am (ABC’s period drama which fails to meet Mad Men’s hype), I can vouch for the accuracy of the airplane cabins depicted. In the 1960s Pan Am and TWA jets did have those particular upholsteries, the flight attendants did wear those particular uniforms, and they did serve those specific food items. Heck, even the windows and cabin sidewalls are accurate to a true-1960s Pan Am Boeing 707 Clipper. Not a single set piece in Mad Men is wrong. Fonts are all to date, fashion is accurate, and the ads depicted within the series were all real ads. The show isn’t about airplanes (like Pan Am) yet it depicts airplane travel better than Pan Am. The show isn’t about fashion, advertising, furniture, or drinking and smoking, it’s about the 1960s. And, boy, the show really is the 1960s.

I can go on and on about Mad Men, it’s just that good. You’ll just have to take my word for it: the show has something to offer you no matter who you are, so try it. Mad Men seasons one through four are available on Netflix and season five will premiere with a 2-hr episode on Sun., Mar. 25th, at 9:00 PM on the AMC network.

-Photos from amctv.com

Head-to-Head:

“Potterheads” defend their turf against “Twihards.”

“Harry Potter is in an entirely different league than Twilight. Thus, as avid readers we should not even attempt to compare the two.”

NIKKI CARTER Viewpoint Editor

Adventures filled with magic, the search to destroy evil, the discovery of one’s own strength, loyalty, friendship, and unconditional love. These are all the amazing aspects that make Harry Potter among the best series ever written. Despite these amazing qualities, people are constantly comparing it to the teen supernatural romance series: Twilight.

Firstly, characters in Harry Potter display amazing traits, such as bravery in the face of adversity, loyalty, love, intelligence, and determination to improve. On the other hand, the Mary Sue characters of Twilight only seem to depict traits of hopeless infatuation, seemingly flawless beauty, and unnaturally good personalities. Between the two series, the characters from Harry Potter are far more believable, far more relatable, and thus far outstrip the one-dimensional characters of Twilight.

Secondly, the most important aspect of a book: the plot. Let’s face it, Twilight has very little original plot, basically the same story of: girl meets boy, they fall in love, something threatens to tear them apart, a friendship is betrayed somewhere in that time frame, and in the end love remains. Sure there are some sprinkles of supernatural happenings, but truly, it is in essence the same as every other teenage romance novel. The Harry Potter novels on the other hand, not only appeals to female teenage readers, but to both genders and all generations. This is so, because of the rich quality of writing in which Rowling puts forth numerous genres and has created a completely original story, full of in depth characters, unheard of before adventures, and believable love. Another impressive feat accomplished in the Harry Potter series is the very development of the plot itself. In year one, the whole mood of the book is exciting and somewhat playful, and throughout the years, the mood becomes darker and more intense as the plot develops. This is a prime example of the striking contrast with Twilight, which retains a monotonous mood throughout all four books.

Thirdly, the second most important part of a book series, the end. With the Deathly Hallows, last novel of the Harry Potter series, the author successfully stitches together a happy ending, not by making everyone live happily ever after, but by tying all ends and addressing all unanswered questions. For example, she mentions the fates of each of the characters. Again on the flip side, Twilight does little more that create the sickeningly over-used “happily ever after” by not satisfactorily resolving all open ties, instead leaving the readers to question: “What just happened?”

So, let’s face it. Harry Potter is in a completely different league than Twilight. Thus, as avid readers, we should not even attempt to compare the two. Twilight will only seem shallow and cliché with every attempt to make it match up to the strides that Harry Potter series has taken in the literary world.

“Twilight always has a new and exhilarating conflict to be solved, which keeps audiences at the edge of their seats.”

ALEJANDRA FUENTES Staff Writer

Often times I have heard people make negative comments about Twilight. Most of the people who say these things are fans of the Harry Potter series. They seem to have a necessity to always compare the two stories saying that Harry Potter is better and that Twilight is a “chick story,” while Harry Potter can be enjoyed by everyone. However, I can’t help but wonder; if the devoted Harry Potter fans love the story so much, then why do they have to compare it with Twilight? In my opinion, the only reason they would want to compare the stories is because they are trying to diminish Twilight to the low level of Harry Potter.

The truth is that Harry Potter is a false image of himself. In the story, Potter is supposed to be the hero. He is supposed to be the one who saves everyone from the wickedness of the evil Lord Voldemort; however Potter seems to always need everyone else to fight for him. Many characters died at the hands of Voldemort in order to save him.

So how is he the hero?

Well, the truth is he is not a hero. He is merely a boy that got the best of popularity in his world, a popularity that, by the way, was given by his mother. Therefore even that was given by someone else; he could not even achieve that on his own. The themes of this story are also very complex; they seem to foment aggressiveness and revulsion.

In a completely different way, the hero of Twilight, the handsome and lovely Edward Cullen, is always ready to fight for the love of his live, Bella Swan. Not only is Edward the true hero of the story, he is always willing to make sacrifices for the ones that he love. Aside from being such a desirable character, Edward is also a more believable character, even though he is a fictitious character.

He is what anyone would want, he is loving, he is loyal, and he is a complete gentleman. Aside from the superb main character of Twilight, the rest of the characters also have more realistic personalities than in the J.K. Rowling allfantasy-based story.

And of course, let’s not forget about the extremely squalid plot of Harry Potter. The storyline is so complicated that there always seems to be a disappointing continuation of a conflict. Contrasting this, Twilight always has a new and exhilarating conflict to be solved, which keeps audiences at the edge of their seats, whether while watching one of the movies or reading one of the books.

Twilight might not be everyone’s favorite, but it certainly is the best of these two stories. Plus it counts with the most devoted fans; people who would stay up until late hours at night to be the first to see the movies’ premiers, or buy the DVD’s release. There are no fans more devoted to any story, including Harry Potter.

Hopefully, Harry Potter fans will stop trying to condemn Stephanie Meyer’s story by comparing it with their dreadfully complex series.