Staff
Editors In Chiefs: Roberto Manjarrez and Elizabeth Tompkins
Reporters: Emma Buck, Shanine Fischle Joshua Fritz, Ashley Gebo, Marixsa Godinez, Cora Kendrick, Jennifer Mertel, Danielle Rinker, Matt Swope, Nikki Vinson
Creative Director: Alexendria Stolze Text Editor: Carl Little “What we have done for ourselves alone dies with us; what we have done for others and the world remains and is immortal.” -Albert Pike (1809-1891) The Ep.i.graph- [ep-i-graf] – noun: A News
Staff Advisor: Mr. Scott Kennedy
Magazine for the Yucaipa High School Community Images not given photo credit do not belong to the epigraph
Letter From The Editors “All About The Unseen�
What deserves recognition in our society? Who decides what deserves attention? Is it mass appeal to the public, or the influence of large and powerful icons in the media? Whatever it is, we all have our own ideas on the matter. We all have an opinion on what needs to be noticed, and who needs to be appreciated. What about those people and things that avoid the spotlight, overlooked in the grand scheme of things? Our theme this issue focuses on just that; things locally, nationally, and even globally that get passed over in favor of situations more brightly colored and appealing. These things are people, ideas, places; both close to home, and far away, but each has a reason to be seen. While we all have our own perspective, opinions, and view points, there is always a way to broaden our horizons. So take a moment to see through the eyes of another. What has changed? What do you notice? When we all give ourselves a chance to experience and really see what those around us see, we get an entirely new world. This issue - our first – The Epigraph has decided to take action. We are giving attention to that which is overlooked: a coffee company, a clothing store, an experience, different places, different people, and different stories. We have decided to give the needed, yet ignored aspects of society a spotlight: We are highlighting just some of the things that deserve recognition.
-Roberto Manjarrez Editor in Chief
-Elizabeth Tompkins Editor in Chief
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Fall. 2009.
A Modern Day Rocky
The Infallible Hype of Kimbo Slice by Carl Little
Waterpolo Team
Why this Season Promises to be an Exciting One by Jennifer Mertel and Danielle Rinker
Athletic Highlight
Courtney Brown by Matthew Swope
Student’s Survival Guide
A Teacher’s Point of View by Roberto Manjarrez and Elizabeth Tompkins
Features Technology of Tomorrow The Amazon Kindle
by Matthew Swope
The Green Thumb Environmental Boundries
by Marixsa Gordinez
Chill Out by Roberto Manjarrez
Haphazard Hero
Breathing Life into the Music Industry by Alexandria Stolze
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Columns OpinioNation
Body Modification by Emma Buck and Matthew Swope
An Attempted Twelve Hours at Vons The Trouble with Craigslist
Why the Infamous Website is Getting Backlash by Nikki Vinson
iPod Touch Left Out of the “Click”
Why the iPod Touch Has No Camera by Ashley Gebo
COVER STORY See No Evil, Speak, No Evil Hear No Evil A Social Experiment
An Adventure in the Least Likely of Places by Roberto Manjarrez
News Digital Reality
How Science is Changing Our Near Future by Cora Kendrick
California Quakes and Fires A History of Natural Disasters
by Josh Fritz
The Baby Turtle Massacre How an Act Love Turned Deadly
by Emma Buck Current News
What is Happening in the Society of Today
Entertainment
The Vampire Diaries
We Sink Our Teeth into a Juicy New Show by Josh Fritz
Alice in Wonderland A Very Merry Unreview by Emma Buck
Welcome to the Arkham Asylum A Video Game Review
by Carl Little Hats Off to the Movies What the Theaters Hold
by Josh Fritz 90210 is Back Then and Now
by Marixsa Gordinez
A Modern Day Rocky
The Infallible Hype of Kimbo Slice.
by Carl Little
From YouTube street fights to Octagon contestant, a dream comes true. Marketing made him a legend before he even stepped in the ring. Kimbo Slice was for a time the Muhammad Ali of UFC fighting. Backed by the president of the league, Dana White, his near perfect internet record built him up as a giant. Slice, better known at the time as Kevin Ferguson, was not always fighting. For a time he attended the University of Miami under a sports scholarship, studying criminal law. He tried out for the Miami Dolphins, making it into the pre-season squad but ultimately not the team. But his scholarship left, along with his house, when Hurricane Andrew destroyed his home and hopes for a simple life, and thrusted him into homelessness.
He struggled, moving from job to job; bouncer, body guard, limo driver. Nothing seemed to bring in enough money to pull him and his family out of poverty. His redemption came in the form of fighting. He was never a bully, better known for his calm and friendly demeanor to all who deserved it. He was remembered more as a bully beater which came through in his first taped fight in an unnamed backyard. A well built muscular man threw punches at Kimbo, the big man not even bothering to block them as he calmly stepped forward to rearrange the appearance of his opponent. 3000 dollars earned from that fight as well as the nickname “Slice” after the huge gash on his opponent’s face. From that point on, he became an internet sensation, winning underground prizes, fight after fight, pulling him out of poverty and into a semi-normal life. Dozens ofi wins against any odds thrusted him into the Mixed Martial Arts spotlight. The company Elite XC picked Kimbo off the streets and put him in the ring. Headlining as the MMA fighter of the decade he entered his first professional bout against Bo Cantrell. Kimbo made the night with a nineteen second knockout win. Two more wins and it seemed he was a sensation to the sport. First round knockouts in less than a minute again and again. The fall came abruptly and painfully as a seemingly simple fight against Seth Petruzelli ended in disaster. Fourteen minutes into the fight Slice hit the mat, a shot to the jaw sending him down in a shocking and disappointing upset. The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation investigated the match as rumors flared but ultimately found nothing. A few months later EliteXC filed for bankruptcy sending Kimbo back into jobless obscurity. Kimbo’s unemployment did not last long. Slice’s fans continued to cheer for him and Dana White, the president of the Ultimate Fighting Championship took notice. A second chance was apparent, and his hype grew again. Instead of a world crusher now he is an underdog backed by Dana White. On a new season of the ultimate fighter made especially for Slice he fights now, trying to earn his endorsement. It will not be an easy road for him but he has overcome far greater things. Now his fans eagerly watch as he dukes it out and is trained by the best.
Yucaipa Water Polo Written by Danielle Rinker and Jennifer Mertel
Photographed by Danielle Rinker
As the members Yucaipa High School water polo team slip on their blue and gold Speedo’s, the family-like team is ready to practice. Practices are Monday through Friday, from 3:00p.m. to 5:15p.m. Morning practices include hard training, treading water, and working on their swimming techniques, not to mention, all this hard work is done in chilly temperatures and ice cold water. As for after school, their practice is just a good work out and practice passing medicine balls. Although there is still “a lot of learning to do”, their “goal is to build to the top” as said by Coach Carpenter. This year’s has two major players to boast: Todd Ferguson, who happens to be the best offensive player had this is to say about his fellow team mates: “ We are close friends, and we do this thing called team bonding , go to each other’s house, and hang out and go to dinner”. Kyle Tossetti, who is not only said to be the best defensive player but is also the Captain stated his opinion about water polo “I love water polo because, I love the contact, I love playing the sports, it’s all around an awesome sport, and I like to wrestle around with men.”. These two players, along with the teamwork of the the rest of the players, make up a formidable opponent in the water. “This is a great team this year, and there are great kids competing for the Yucaipa High School water polo team” says Coach Carpenter. “It’s a very hard working group. I think they’re also a deep group... It’s deeper that some of the other teams I’ve had and we should be pretty good by the end of this year.” With the dedication these water-treaders show, this year promises to be an exciting and thrilling one.
Sports/Co-Curricular
Since the age of four, she has been blowing her opponents out of the water. When she gets up to pitch she brings uneasy feeling to her batter. Courtney Brown is a one of a kind: With her great antics either during a game or while practice is on, she uplifts her whole softball team. Her freshman year at YHS-9 she was quickly moved up to a varsity position and has kept it ever since. Going into her third varsity year she will become the star pitcher, pitching at a blinding 60 mph. On and off the field Courtney is a high-spirited soul, that is never down. Her rhythmic cheers and peppy attitude make her visible in any game in the dugout or in the middle of her game. No matter the sport Courtney is always sitting in the spirit section cheering the loudest. She brings to the table a vast ammount of charisma and maintains amazing grades, while still devoting her life to softball. No matter the day, Courtney Brown is the life of the party, game, or crowd.
photography by Matt Swope
Athletic Highlight
by Matt Swope
Courtney Brown
“She is an amazing player always has a good attitude on the feild and is an awesome, fun friend off the field” Ali Reykdal “Courtney Brown is the best. She always brings a smile to my face and a winning attitude on the field. She is always determined and keeps her team up with her charm and fierce swagger, and I love her.” Adriana Llaurado
Student’s Survival Guide Four Female Teachers that have Exceeded Above and Beyond in Impressing
Mrs. Heinze IF YOU COULD TELL YOUR STUDENTS ANYTHING, WHAT WOULD YOU SAY? Mrs. Heinze - To have respect for yourself. If you don’t have respect for youself how can anyone else have respect for you. ARE THERE ANY TIPS YOU WOULD GIVE TO SOMEONE WHO WANTED TO SUCCEED IN LIFE? I would say to regret the things you do, not the things you don’t do, within reason. I mean obviously don’t do boneheaded things. IF YOU COULD BE ANYTHING OTHER THAN A TEACHER, WHAT WOULD YOU BE? I would be a professional ice cream taste tester. A skinny ice cream taste tester.
Mrs. Mitts
WHEN YOU MEET A NEW TEACHER, WHAT ADVICE DO YOU FEEL LIKE YOU NEED TO GIVE THEM? Mrs. Mitts - Fake it until you make it. Even if you dont have the confidance. WHAT OPINION DO YOU THINK YOUR STUDENTS HOLD FOR YOU? Maybe overwhelmed in the beginning, but first impressions aren’t reliable. After the first thirty days, I think the students perceptions are different. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ACTIVITY TO DO WITH STUDENTS? The fish bowl game; it’s fun, and competative. ( The fish bowl game is an activity which involves trivia, jumping up frantically, and calling out loudly.)
Features
A Teacher’s Point of View their Students, by either Teaching Styles, Personality, or Actions.
Mrs. Derby HAVE YOU EVER TAUGHT ANYTHING BESIDES FRENCH? Mrs. Derby - Well I also taught Spanish for a while, but I probably won’t teach that again. YOU ALSO TAUGHT IN ARKANSAS, HOW DO THE KIDS THERE COMPARE TO THE ONES IN CALIFORNIA? The kids there are more respectful and the class sizes are smaller. 25 kids to a classroom out there. WHAT’S THE MOST ENJOYABLE PART OF YOUR DAY? [She pauses] I would say taking roads home.It feels like you’re floating on air. It’s just very calming.
Mrs. Saline
WHAT HAS BEEN THE HARDEST CHALLENGE YOU’VE FACED WHILE TEACHING? Mrs. Saline - The variety of different learning [styles]. You have to get to know the kids and the way they learn otherwise you end up thinking they are lazy, when they’re really not WE ALSO HEAR YOU GREW UP IN CHINA, WHAT WAS THAT LIKE? It was really fun. I was a kid. I feel like it was more adventurous because when you’re a kid you create your own [fun]. WHAT WAS THE BIGGEST TRANSITION YOU HAD TO FACE WHEN YOU CAME HERE? Probably the language. I picked it up quickly though. English is easy to grasp but hard to master.
Amazon Kindle by Matt Swope
[Photo by Matt Swope and Amazon.com]
Nothing really replaces the smell of a book, or the way the smooth pages feel beneath your fingers, but the Amazon Kindle provides an instant alternative for books all over, while being green and cost efficient. The Amazon Kindle is the new way to read all of your favorite books, magazines, and text books all in one slim device. With a six inch, 16 shades of grey display, the Kindle brings an immense amount of user friendly and helpful options to the table. The is a sleek device with a large amount of it’s dimenion being taken over by a screen and a full QWERTY key pad. The kindle also offers free 3G internet service for purchasing and downloading book from the Amazon library. The device has the ability to read the passage or entire book to you, or when a word stumps you, just select the word and it will give you the definition and other information on the word. This Kindle can out-store any backpack, holding about 1,500 books or assorted newspaper and blog subscriptions, JPEG images, as well as documents for viewing only. Mp3 playback and ACC playback is an awesome addition to the device, and it is also capable of audio book storage and playback.
One big thing brought by Amazon is the green factor. With no paper used from buying a book each time, it is also cost effective. Books, magazines, and newspapers on the Kindle range from about two dollars to almost twenty dollars. The prices also include subscriptions prices to magazines and newspapers as well. Many schools are adopting the Kindle and dumping all of the heavy text books: The idea is cost effective and green. Without any lockers at our school, text books either have to be in class or brought back and forth from home. With only one device, you would not have any books to carry. Also, if a teacher assigned a book for a reading assignment you could purchase the book right in class. The idea seems preposterous, but it is truly not out of our own reach. Our own principal, Mrs. Smith is an owner of the Kindle, her first reaction to the device, after her husband had bought it for her, was an uneasy and reluctant relationship. After only a couple of uses, she found it to be a worthwhile product.
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Chill Out
A New Way to Recycle Water Bottles by Roberto Manjarrez
Environmental Boundries
Ecological Dangers We may be Violating by Marixsa Gordines Temperature on earth is rising, and climate change is threatening planet earth in an overheated mess. From what we know according to 28 leading scientist, greenhouse gas pollution is one of nine environmental factors critical to humanity’s future. If their boundaries are stretched too far, Earth and our environment can be gone. Three of nine environmental factors have already been broken, and by seeing how things are looking now many more will be broken. Earth will look different t hen it did for the last 10,000 years, unless humans push the limits. “The Earth of the last 10,000 years has been more recognizable than the Earth we may have one hundred years from now. It won’t be Mars, but it won’t be the Earth that you and I know,” said Foley. “This is the single most defining problem of our time. Will we have the wisdom to be stewards of a world we’ve come to dominate?” The panel for climate change says should keep Earths average temperature from rising by more than four degrees. Also species loss is a problem right now, which the scientist set to ten per year per million species, and nitrogen use, pegged at 35 million tons per year. The current extinction rate is ten times higher than it was before. The use of nitrogen, which is needed for fertilizer, but causes oxygen-choking algae blooms, is nearly four times higher than recommended.
These days it has become increasingly difficult to find water fountains in any public place. It is almost as hard as finding a pay phone. Although with things like cell phones and water bottles out there, there is an ever-decreasing need for fountains and pay phones. However, lately it seems like water fountains are starting to come back on the scene. Only this time, there will be a slight difference to what we are used to. After a town in Australia banned the sale of water bottles, a tourist visiting the said town of Bundanoon installed refilling stations, which dispense filtered water provided by Culligan. Culligan is a water filtration company. Now, London is starting to test similar devices around museums and bus stations. London’s trial run is being run by Britain’s biggest water utility, Thames Water, with the help of the city’s government. The refilling stations, or “HydraChills”, can fill bottles of up to seventeen ounces with chilled water and are being installed at the Hammersmith bus station and at the Tower Bridge museum. However this water refill is not free. The service charge is roughly cents and the profits will be donated to an environmental nonprofit agency known as “Water Watch” The principle behind these installations is to test them on the public. If they are well received, London will make them permanent in the test areas and also in different stations all across the city before the 2012 Olympics arrive. The trial is all part of an effort by London’s government to reduce the amount of single-use water bottles in its waste stream A new water sensation is springing up just outside of London in Hyde Park. However, instead of “water vending machines” the new system in Hyde Park is a water fountain that doubles as an art sculpture. In this case one does not need to have a reusable bottle to acquire the benefits. If this new system catches up in the United Kingdom, how long will it take for this to reach the United States? Especially considering how quickly the “green movement” is spreading. So keep a plastic bottle around the house, you never know when you might be able to refill it at a nearby “HydraChill” station.
The New Haphazard Genius’ of Music How students will breathe new life into the music industry
by Alexandria Stolze
Most students never realize the talent of fellow classmates. We hear of the few who actually put themselves out there. This is a story about a small group of those people. Three extremely talented students who I have known for several years recently came to my attention. I knew that they have been playing music for years, but I have never realized how amazing they really are. Garrett Peters, Cody Smith, and Torrey Rotellini are Haphazard Hero. When I first came to watch them, I had no idea what to expect. I knew each of them were talented, but I had no idea what they would sound like together. Garrett and I sat at the kitchen counter, eating quesadillas and talking about music while we waited for Cody to arrive. Once he got there, I knew it was time. They headed out into the backyard ready to practice. All I saw was a rather large trailer and the guys disappearing behind it. Torrey walked out of the trailer and beckoned me to come inside. I climbed up into Torrey’s trailer, sat down, and waited. Cody began the song with the keyboards and Garrett and Torrey soon joined in. Haphazard Hero is not a band that can be put into a certain genre. They say that their music inspirations are Death Cab for Cutie, Silversun Pickups, Modest Mouse, and The Killers. When I first listened to them, the first bands that came to my mind were Anberlin, Modest Mouse, and The Arcade Fire. If anything, they can be known as your typical grungy-alternative group with a twist of techno. After they had played for a couple minutes I had gone off into my own little world. I was not only listening to the music at this point, I was actually feeling the music. That feeling is something everyone should experience when they are listening to music they enjoy. With Garrett on drums, Cody on keyboards, and Torrey on guitar and vocals, they make such a thrilling sound that just sucks you in. Haphazard Hero first started in June of 2009. It also helped that these boys have known each other pretty much their whole lives. Garrett says, “We’ve have always had an ear for music since we were kids. Our parents always knew there was something special about us”. Torrey is the lead guitarist and
singer, Cody plays keyboards, and Garrett is on drums. For Garrett, Torrey, and Cody, these were not the only instruments that they knew how to play. What is the meaning of Haphazard Hero? How did they come up with this name? Garrett says that Haphazard Hero means “we are reckless heroes”. Why? He says that “we just found something that represented us, and that is what it is.” These three boys will go far, I know it. They already have gigs set up in places all over Yucaipa and Redlands. They are currently recording a demo which they are planning on sending to Dangerbird Records. They have even met up with the woman who signed Death Cab For Cutie and she told them that when they get their music recorded to send it to her and she would consider them. Even if they do not get signed by her, getting constructive critism from the record label that signed one of their inspirations would be more than accommodating. Mainly they play at parties but their first big gig coming up is at the Yucaipa Little Theatre on the first Friday and Saturday of November. “We are looking forward to hearing about places to play and if there is anyone that wants a band to play, whether it be a party or whatever, to let one of the three of us know and we would be happy to. Our ultimate goal is to get big, and with the encouragement and help from our friends and family, it is a huge possibility. We couldn’t be half as good as we have been without the help from many of our friends and family. We would like to thank the past bands we have been in for helping us get better and for being accepting of Haphazard Hero,” say the members of Haphazard Hero. It is exciting to think about how some of the kids you grow up with might possibly be famous one day. Especially when you actually know them. If they stick with this, they will probably go far in this industry. They have been playing music since they were kids, so they know what they are doing. Cody was not always in the same band as Garrett and Torrey. He just recently left another school band, Awaken The Nameless. Torrey and Garrett have been with each other in the same band for as long as I can remember. Back in middle school, Garrett and Torrey would change their name practically every month. I remember once that the name was Eternal Damnation, and then they went from that to The Vampirates. I can not tell you how many times their name had changed since then or how many people have gone in and out of their bands, I just know that Garrett and Torrey stuck through it all together for years. With Cody as a new addition, they are the perfect trio to make Haphazard Heroes.
Photography by Alexandria Stolze
Wild Goose Coffee Co. For every bag of coffee sold, Wild Goose Coffee Co. donates enough to purchase 5 lbs of food at a local food bank.
For more information on how you can help those in need, go to www.wildgoosecoffee.org
The Cause: To use coffee as a means to give back to the community. The Coffee: The best-tasting, fresh-roasted coffee in the Inland Empire The Result: Over 12,500 lbs of food donated to a local food bank!
l, i v e o n k a e p s , l i v e . o l i n v e e e o S n r a e H A Day with a Disability; a Day in the Life of Someone Else a social experiment
We all have moments where we stop and and try to appreciate all the things we are lucky to have, our health, our possessions, our friends and family. This special time usually takes place right around Christmas, or after a major disaster. Though we breath a sigh of relief, and hug everyone, how are we truly appreciating what we have? The saying, ‘the grass is always greener on the other side’ applies here, but in reverse. We are on the greener side, and three of our students here at Yucaipa High decided to truly test the other side of the grass patch, each choosing to live a day in the life of someone with a disability.
Deaf The day I chose to give up my hearing was eventful. Losing just one of your senses is supposed to sharpen the others, right? Well, maybe that takes time, because being unable to hear shaped my day into one of the clumsiest I have ever experienced. I ran into doors, people, stationary objects, all with the grace of a elephant on valium. Getting through my classes seemed like it would be easy, but I found that, as much of a visual learner as I claim to be, it all held false when I was faced with the task of getting through a day of classes. I have never before realized exactly how much shorthand my teachers use in their notes, and without audio, it is extremely hard to understand. Granted, if I were truly deaf, I would probably be in a specially suited class, but regardless, the experience definately made me appreciate my hearing. The hardest thing to live without was probably music. Twenty-four hours without a song is hard, especially to a music lover. Away from all the noise that normally blinds our hearing, I noticed a sound that normally gets ignored by most people; The sound of my heartbeat. Had I truly had this disability, I would not be able to hear it, but I can, and did, and it brought another thought to mind. No matter your disability, your heart tells the
story behind every situation. When I talked to a certain boy, my heartbeat would become faster, more erratic, or when I was speaking to a friend with a certain problem, the caring I felt for them would cause a gentle pounding. When a teacher calls on you, it automatically speeds up, nervousness threading through your veins, even if your unaware. One could be blind, or mute, or deaf, but if you place a finger on your pulse, you can experience life beyond the senses.
Mute “One never really appreciates what they have until they are forced to cope without it.” While this statement may be cliché, it holds a lot of truth. Take a step back from the life you have grown accustomed to living, and put yourself in someone else’s place. Have you ever thought about what it might be like to be them? For this social experiment, I had the experience of living without my voice for a day. It was difficult to say the least. It started off easy enough; the mumbling, the hand motions; all in an attempt to get my point across to those around me. These attempts gradually became harder and harder as my responses grew more complex. It seemed like the harder I tried the more I came across as an idiot. Even explaining the situation was an ordeal. The only thing I had to offer as an explanation was a small piece of paper that read “please excuse him from speaking. He is doing research for the Journalism class”. This was not enough to even scratch the surface of what was going on. As the day wore on I found myself getting more and more frustrated with the situation. I was unable to contribute to the conversation, offer my take on things, or even add my own little humorous one-liners. Anything anyone said had no choice but to go in one ear and out the other. I could not even respond. The worst of it all was I was unable to even express how frustrated I was. Taking a look back now, I realize how difficult it is to be put out of your comfort zone. Imagine, something you rely on everyday suddenly becomes unavailable to you. For most of us, that would be something like a phone or an ipod. While these things may be difficult to cope with, there was a time when we did not have them. We managed to get along without that at some point. However, what if you lost something that you have had since you were a child? Go a day without the use of your legs, arms, or hands and you will realize that living without a certain function is twice as difficult as living without a phone, an mp3 player, or an accessory. Now I take you back to the beginning of this piece. The cliché phrase of “you never really know what you have until it is gone”. Think about this for longer than just a minute. Picture going through your day without something, and consider what that would be like. How would you cope without it and what would you do as a substitute? When one contemplates these questions, that is when the appreciation comes in. That is when you begin to realize what you really have.
Blind Six hours of darkness. The loss of such an important sense for such a small amount of time seems insignificant. My time without eyes felt like days. After the experience was over I had gotten just a little closer to the world of a blind man but still so far away. Over the course of the day it became clear to me that I would also learn how mean high school students could be. More than anything else this has been a social experiment; a social evaluation. That morning I had no knowledge of the task at hand. Normal morning, normal alarm, normal shower, normal breakfast. My phone rang, the obnoxious tone rattling on my desk. “Hey Carl, I’ve got a huge favor to ask you.” In less than a minute my day was decided. First the idea struck me as intriguing almost fun. I was naive enough to think it would go smoothly with people displaying courtesy at its best for a blindfolded man. Five minutes after the blindfold was on, I started to think otherwise. Getting my bearings for walking around was difficult, and for the first twenty minutes I felt like I was performing helicopter repairs with a baseball bat. Smashing into random objects as well as people as I blundered about. Midway through my first period, someone thought of the genius idea to throw a pencil at me. The rest of the period was spent trying to help people around the class and fruitlessly trying to type on my computer. Most notably I had a toy car placed on my head and was pinched in the back by a person still unknown to me. As the bell rang and passing period started, I began to worry what the rest of the day would be like. After being helped to class, second period went smoothly, by far the most accommodating of the day. I was helped around and treated well. By this time my other senses started to become more refined, I could get about decently and could hear my way around a room. Between second and third period things started to take a downturn. I stood waiting in a clearing for my friend to guide me. A few snickers from people around were audible but
ignorable but then came the push. I don’t know who but an abrupt shove left me bitter and annoyed only to be followed by someone trying to knee me. I swung my hand out to try and catch the attacker only to look like a fool. My friend soon arrived and took me along to my next class. English went awkwardly for obvious reasons. My teacher was not in the least pleased at the surprise and lack of warning. I could understand because not much warning was given to me either. A few failed attempts at writing later, and fourth period was upon me. Finding my guide was not a problem seeing as we shared classes but the walk to fourth period was troublesome to say the least. As I was lead around, people started to attack me, some playfully some brutally. In the crowd, a kidney shot was put in by an unknown source and a smack or two was received. Someone I did not know attempted to shove a banana in my mouth but was deflected and attacked by my guide. I would like to think that he was maimed and murdered but I suspect he got away. Fourth period had a group project focused around pictures and interpretation so I was of no use at all. Class went by alright with tales shared of my experienced hardships. The period ended and we left class, regardless of my lack of vision I continued my tradition of jumping over the ramp rail albeit rather awkwardly. Lunch ranged from fun to enraging. Determined not to change my daily routine I crossed the school stopping by groups of friends .Around the third group, problems arose. By lunch my hearing was attuned quite well so I heard people approaching me. I braced myself as I heard someone run towards me. I managed to keep my footing as a friend, that I will leave unnamed, attempted to tackle me. By all means it should have been easy to tackle a blindfolded man, but he failed miserably. In seconds I managed to throw him down and emerge like a champion, and he will never hear the end of it. Thinking past the shenanigans I wondered why? What justified so much harassment of one who could not see? Walking to my next class I had the conversation with an old friend of mine. “You can see tomorrow” was his reply, simple yet true, but does that make it any better? Regardless of circumstance it is still picking on someone who cannot defend themselves. It just scares me that so many people can justify it.
Photography by Alexandria Stolze
Campus Life
Jocelyn Fletcher:
Ricky Sosa:
Hardcore. It’s about standing up for your beliefs. It’s where you care about something so much that the only thing you can do is scream it to the world.
Depression. We all know what it’s like to feel empty inside, and drugs, alcohol, sex, even money doesn’t permanently fill the emptiness.
Gianni Biasetti:
Leadership. It should be recognized more because whether it’s for a sport or class, there are team players and make everything run smoothly.
“What Do You Think Should Get More Recognition In Our School?”Interviews and photographs by Alexandria Stolze
Amber Salmon:
The arts. People recognize sports, but why not the arts? The arts are for everyone. Try choir, band, or theatre. The performing arts welcome you.
Lexi Martin: Chad Sumners:
Everything. I think everything should get equal recognition.
Campus Life
Water sports. Swimmers and poloists should get more recognition since they work harder than most of the other sports.
Sea Of People
photographs by Alexandria Stolze
“Our Actions, Words, and Ambitions Leave Our Mark on the World.”
Opinionation: Matt Swope Anti-Modification
MODIFY : “make partial or minor changes to (something), typically so as to improve it or to make it less extreme� Body Modification: The simple tattoo that isn’t seen by or shown to everyone; an ear piercing at the end of the lobe, one, two maximum; many women even get their navel pierced. All of these things are normal things, not self-mutilating, and in many ways, not modifying the body to extremes. On the other end of the spectrum, there are people stretching their ears, piercing their faces, sexual organs, and other unimaginable places. Some get tattoos all over their body for the world to see, ones that are sometimes regretted after the person grows up. These things are sometimes considered unattractive, and they can also create huge health problems, not only at the time of the procedure, but days, months, even years later. Tattoos may seem cool at first, but can be regrettable. Things that seemed cool when you were in high school and early adult hood can seem to change as the years pass. It is one thing to get a tattoo where it is not easily seen and is covered up by normal every day clothing, but face, neck, full or even half sleeve tattooscan often lead to the wrong impression. Towards the age of fifty, the skins starts to loose its elasticity and begins to sag or droop, and that is what starts to happen to the tattoos as well. Blood borne diseases are another huge factor in getting a tattoo, such as AIDS, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, Tetanus, Syphilis, tuberculosis and others. Many of these diseases are transmitted through unclean tattoo guns and even on the chairs themselves. In my opinion, piercing is one of the worst things to do to your body. The ear and nose are not that terrible, but the stretching of the ear lobe and the piercing of the face is often considered unnattractive, and can damage the nerve endings and skin. An oral piercing can not only cause the chipping of teeth, but a choking hazard if the back of a piercing came out, as well possible nerve damage and even scar tissue. The person piercing you, being professional or not, could also contract diseases such as AIDS, Hepatitis B ,C and many others by not having a clean needle thereby causing the temporary piercing to become unclean as well. I believe the whole modifying of the body looks horrendous, it is dangerous and is sometimes irreversible. While many people are willing to take the risk of doing something that seems cool at that date and time, it is almost with out a doubt changes that can become a regret and mistake The definition of modification says to improve and to make less extreme. Now in my opinion and many others, putting spikes in your head, piercing two columns down your back and criss-cross braiding it all the way down with fabric, or stretching parts of your body to the max seems a little bit extreme to me. The whole thing does not make much sense. The reason why most people get them done is because they feel they are not known or recognized for something, so they have to mutilate their body for attention. A good thing to be know by, right?
Columns
Body Modification Emma Buck Pro-Modification
MODIFY : “to make basic or fundamental changes in often to give a new orientation to or to serve a new end”
Any extreme is questioned and hardly ever fully understood. In regard to your body, I think that piercings, tattoos, stretching/ stapling, suspension and surgeries are fully up to the person wanting to receive the procedures. No limits should be put upon selfexpression and no person should be allowed to stand in the way of another’s pursuit to happiness. For each individual, modification is not always done for the same reasons, however, the most common are: aesthetic, health, spiritual, and for personal pleasure. No matter your reason, modifying yourself is a very personal and serious decision. There is a very wide spectrum of body modification, which begins on a very low end with things such as: haircuts, hair color and ear piercings, and graduate to more extremes like: branding, scarification and amputation. The limits are undefined and as long as imagination, safety, and technology can keep up with your vision, it is your body to do with what you please, in my eyes. In many cases, those who are not modified are more apt to judge and jump to conclusions. As humans, things we do not understand we often fear and reject. With a more open mind and creative, daring side the door opens to all sorts of paths to expression, enlightenment, and aesthetics. Everything you do with and to your person can be labeled correctly as a modification, if it was not originally designed that way, you’ve modified it. Now, in regards to body modification, that definition tends to be more geared towards more permanent fixtures, such as ink (tattoos), metal (piercings), gaps/holes (stretching or punching), scars (scarification and branding) and even removal (amputation or splitting). Some of these things may sound very extreme, I believe it all depends on your mind set as to whether you are modifying or mutilating. To modify in my eyes is to beautify, and as a general rule the lighter of the body modifications are done for aesthetic reasons and to make the wearer feel more themselves. Nothing is more beautiful than a person in total comfort with themselves. However, body mutilation is when you attack or harm yourself with no intent to benefit from the procedure and in no way better yourself. As a general statement, those who pierce or stretch or tattoo, or whatever it is they may do, they do to please themselves or receive a rush that only that provides, and perhaps they do it to feel uplifted and more in touch with themselves. Most commonly, people are intrigued by modification to attract the eye to a feature they already like, which clears up why so many teenagers pierce their bellybuttons and their lips. This also explains the desire to add imagery to parts of the body, i.e. tattoos on bulky biceps. These things are all modifications that are commonly acquired to be more comfortable in your own skin; however you choose to design it. There are also lots of people who are firm believers in modification for spiritual and enlightening reasons. People who follow this belief tend to be into suspension, which is a procedure where hooks are installed into your skin and they suspend you in the air by them, hence the name. It is rumored as being the ultimate enlightenment and realization that boundaries are a mental obstacle. Also, the people who have partaken in this activity usually claim to no longer have boundaries of pain and feel less inhibited and restrained. Modification in this form is not hurting anyone and in most cases is said to enlighten and teach, never to have wound or emotionally-scar the human involved. Of course there are other motives to change and sculpt your body how you see fit, I just am a strong believer in that your body is just that; yours. In many religions it is said, ‘your body is your temple’, and in my temple I decorate the way I please. I see absolutely no issue that should be brought up for discussion on this matter, no one is being harmed against their will and just because someone does not agree leaves them no room to inhibit others freedom. Body modification, no matter the grandness on an extremely long and interesting scale, is an art form and is purely expression, not mutilation. Try stepping outside of the box an admiring the beauty from another’s point of view, it may just lead you to a major modification.
The Trouble with Craig's List Why the Infamous Website is Getting so Much Backlash by Nikki Vinson The internet, these days, is a huge collaboration where one could literally find just about anything they are searching for with just typing a few keys and a click of a mouse. However when one stumbles upon a site that is less than repuatable, it can get ugly. Craig’s List, one of the most popular “find-whatyou-are-looking-for” sites, is a place where people can sell or buy a variety of things. It has been described as an underground eBay. However because of the loose terms of selling and buying, it is sometimes a sitaution where the buyer and seller meet up somewhere to complete the transaction, causing this to be a place where much underground and illegal business has happened. Photograph by Alexandria Stolze
iPod Touch Left Out of the Click Why The iPod Touch Does Not Have A Camera
by Ashley Gebo
The Apple iPod Touch is a portable media player, personal digital assistant, and Wi-Fi mobile platform designed and marketed by Apple Inc. Apple’s decision to not include a camera in the iPod Touch is surprising. By not adding a camera to the iPod Touch, Apple is hoping to boost sales of it’s iPod Nano. If the iPod Touch included a camera, people would be knocking on the store doors right now to buy one, along with the 64GB ready to be be occupied with its owner’s photos and videos. So it looks like the Nano will be the one to hold the camera. The Nano’s video camera was first introduced with reference to Flip’s, no zoom camcorder, What is one of the Flip’s key features? The simple one-button recording. The Nano’s recording is just as easy to use. Another new element in the new generation Nano is the FM radio. But one question is in the air. Why all of a sudden would Apple put an FM tuner into an iPod, which it has refused to do for almost ten years? Perhaps the answer lies with the iTunes- Tagging feature. This feature allows the listener to tag a song played on the radio for feature itunes download. Of course, the fact that the new Zune HD has an HD radio inside may have influenced Apple’s decision. So now do we buy a new Touch to replace the current model, or get the Nano with its video camera? That decision is one made through personal preference.
Prostitution, scams, drugs. Nearly every section including bargaining for sexual favors. These are a few of the not-so-hidden secrets of craigs list. As mature young adults, several of the kids on this campus may not be bothered by this, but think of the young and elderly. Has society gone so corrupt, that we are no longer affected by that wich is obviously crude and offending? What is amazing, with all these sordid events, is that Craigs list still beats out all of its competators on the web. Monster, Careerbuilder, and Yahoo’s hot jobs are frequently set aside in search of the easy to use Craigs list listings. Sites like these have been prophesised since the birth of the internet, and we can all agree that there is much worse content out there, Craigs list being mild in comparison, and accepted. But the real question is, how far will ‘the acceptable’ escalate?
An Attempted Twelve Hours in Vons An Adventure in the Least Likely of Places by Roberto Manjarrez
Alright, so after reading the title you may be wonder “Why?” Well thinking back, it was really not my best idea. An experience piece on what one could do inside this well-established grocery story seemed like a good idea at the time. Until I actually got there, that is. It was eight o’clock when I set foot through the automatic doors. I was armed with a backpack of entertainment value and some cash in my pocket. I set up camp in the Starbucks alcove and began riffling through my backpack for something to pass the time. As it turns out two magazines, a book, and some homework (yes, homework), are not enough to kill a twelve hour time period. Ater approximately a half an hour, I decided to walk around the store for a bit. When I was asked what I was doing in Vons for so long, I simply answered, “I’m doing a story for the school magazine” this seemed to satisfy the Starbuck’s employees question but they soon asked, “What are you going to be doing in here for twelve hours?” The only response I had to that was, “That is was I’m trying to figure out.” After another hour of boredom, one of the employees suggested I see how many times I can make a lap around the store. I told him to time me. So, using the Starbucks kiosk as my ending point, I made my way to the outskirts of the store. Passing the bakery area, the smell of fresh baked French bread accosted me. After a quick battle with my will to make good time I entered the meat department. Blindly going passed what I can only refer to as killer ground beef, evil slabs of steak and rolls of sushi, I made it to the promise land of produce. I kept walking past the potatoes and came across an obstacle in the shape of devious watermelons. It was tricky getting around them but thankfully there was a tiny space between the case of fruit and the wall. Making my way through it, I was but a few brisk seconds from the kiosk. To think this whole little adventure took an estimated one and a half minutes. Repeating this escapade for another long while, I decided that no new encounters would be made, so I went back to my post to regroup. After looking through my magazine’s for the hundredth time, I looked at the clock and saw only a few more hours had passed. I was still quite a ways away from finishing the project, so I settled on using my last resort; counting things. By the way, Vons has roughly forty-four different varieties of sodas, excluding diet. They also sell 31 different flavors of Starbucks coffee, alone. And my final count of the day was original Yoplait yogurt. This particular yogurt has 20 different flavors on its own. Keep in mind this was not counting the flavors featured in whipped, thick and creamy, or low fat form. Overall my experience in Vons turned out to be a bust. A total of six and a half hours and all I have to show for it are a few number facts and some really tired legs. Want to know the sad part? I was still unable to get my homework done.
Hats Off to the Movies by Josh Fritz
Rated: PG-13 This summer’s romantic drama starts off with a Chicago Librarian, Henry DeTamble (Eric Bana) who has an abnormal genetic disease which compels him to randomly shift through time, causing him to live his life on a shifting line. Despite these issues, he persists to pursue the love of his life, an artist named Clare DeTamble (Rachel McAdams). This movie is sure to be a tearjerker and memorable for years to come. A great date movie!
Rated: PG-13 Set in the near-future, arms manufacturer James McCullen (Christopher Eccleston) has invented a whole new form of weapon; nanotechnology. In the film adaption of beloved children’s cartoon and action figure series, Stephen Sommers steps up to the plate to bring this fast-paced, high tension action movie of the summer. Go Joe!
Rated: R In the world of Zombie apocalypse mayhem, a young man has come up with a set of rules to stay alive, but when he meets up with an older country-born boy and then two sisters who are all trying to stay alive as well, the four heroes - Columbus Ohio (Jesse Eisenberg), Tallahassee Florida (Woody Harrelson), Wichita (Emma Stone), and Little Rock (Abigail Breslin) {they insist on not using their real names in order to say detached to one another, and instead going by names of destination or just random cities} – must decide which option is worse; relying and befriending each other, or becoming zombie food. This October’s horrifying comedy is sure to be a great for a laugh, as well as some jumps of surprise and even fear.
Entertainment
Rated: PG-13 This September’s comical drama starts with Tyler Perry’s famous character Madea (Tyler Perry) finding a young teenage girl Jennifer (Hope Olaide Wilson) and her two brothers breaking into their house. After the children explain their troubles with their aunt and her boyfriend, Madea feels bad for them and feeds them in her house. The next morning, she takes them home to their aunt April (Taraji P. Henson) who lives with her shady boyfriend Randy (Brian J. White), who’s married and has his own children. The last character to come into this mixing pot is Sandino (Adam Rodriguez), a handsome Colombian immigrant who is sent by a local church to work and live in April’s basement. Together with the help of Sandigo, Jennifer, and even Madea, April begins to change for better, learning to be less selfish, and how to truly love. This comedy by the hilarious Tyler Perry is sure to be a memorable story with an unforgettable truth to tell.
Rated: R The 2009 horror/thriller blockbuster, Jennifer’s Body, revolves around two high school students; the quiet, reserved bookworm Anita "Needy" Lesnicki (Amanda Seyfried), and the popular, conceited cheerleader Jennifer Check (Megan Fox), who are, despite their differences, the two ‘best of friends’. However, after a catastrophic fire at a local bar when Jennifer leaves with some suspicious men, some of the male students from the high school begin to disappear and Needy begins to wonder about her friend’s mysterious changes and sets out to stop the girl before it reaches her own boyfriend Chip (Johnny Simmons). This dark chiller is sure to be one of the best movies of the season, with amazing performances from some talented actresses and a brilliant design by director Karyn Kusama.
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by Josh Fritz
“…Today will be different. It has to be. I will smile, and it will be believable. I will smile and say ‘I’m fine, thank you…” we all feel like this some times, when life gets us down or just doesn’t seem to be working the way we want it to, but for High School student Elena Gilbert who lost both her parents in an unfortunate car accident, this is both the philosophy for her new school year and the beginning of her story, formally known as ‘The Vampire Diaries”. This new show aired its pilot on the CW September 10th at 8:00 PM, filling the Thursday spot previously held by the critically acclaimed ‘Smallville’, and receiving mixed reviews. Directing this new fantasy teen drama is none other than Dawson’s Creeks’ very own Kevin Williamson after a long period of silence from the young director. Many cite this new show as the next Twilight, when in truth, Vampire Diaries, which is also based off a trilogy of books, came out long before Twilight, being published in 1991, too early for even most seniors to remember. However, this reviewer personally found the 40-minute television show to be much more enjoyable than 120 minutes of Twilight (sorry Cullen fans!) for many reasons. The show revolves around a vampire named Stefan who has returned to his hometown of Mystic Falls after an X amount of time, due to some mysterious event that caused his retreat. The other lead role is the completely human Elena, whose parents recently died, leaving her and her younger brother, Jeremy, living with their Aunt Jenna. Of course the two inevitably meet up, followed by dreamy romance music and unavoidable flirtation, and all seems normal, until it is revealed that Stefan once had a lover way back in the golden days of 1864… who looked just like Elena. Then again, it would be simple if she knew, but of course it’s impossible for her to even guess that her knight in leather jacket is actually a blood-craving denizen of the night. Things complicate even more as Stefan’s brother Damon shows up to harass his sibling and stir up some classic vampire conflict. But that’s all you get about the plot itself, if you want more you’ll have to catch the show yourself. One thing to note however are the effects of Stefan and Damon actually being Vampires. They seam pretty loyal to classic vampire description, with a few added benefits. Of course they have the given powers of strength, speed, and stamina, but Damon at least also seems to have the spooky powers of controlling fog and crows as well, and of course they need blood to survive, with Stefan on a strict animal only diet that leaves him considerably weaker than the human-gorging Damon. Oh, and as for that whole aversion to sun detail, they’re ok as long as they wear a special ring. Which is much easier to swallow than having a bad disco-ball reflection taking place on their skin. Altogether, I think that the show definitely has some potential, and I’d recommend giving it a shot to anyone, especially those of us who love fantasy and vampires, but couldn’t deal with Twilight.
Alice By: Emma Buck
in
Wonderland
A Very Merry Un-review
A classic story with a modern twist, this formula for an upcoming movie has been used time and time again. The question is, will it work with Tim Burton’s creative view and the timeless curiosity of Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland? Looking at Burton’s past successes, especially with The Nightmare before Christmas, his innovative and darker sense of directing is foreshadowing a spectacular rendition of an already mad Wonderland. As to be expected with such a visionary director, some important changes are expected to be made; Burton has come up with an outrageous cast, peculiar plot twist, and fresh eye for the feel of the film. Tim Burtons partner, the films’ screenwriter, Linda Woolverton, has mingled the two epic stories Carroll wrote, Alice in Wonderland, and Carroll’s less popular sequel, Through the Looking Glass and What Alice Found There. Burton and Woolverton have taken the film in a new direction by portraying Alice as a seventeen year old girl running away from a fancy proposal. In her hopes to escape the stuffy situation, her inquisitiveness drags her back down the rabbit hole as it had so many years before. The catch you may ask? Alice doesn’t remember ever being there before. Back down the crazy road the rabbit leads her; where she is approached by old and forgotten friends. Burton has a very distinct vision for this film that leaves us all quite curious to what Alice learns this time in Wonderland. However, as a terrific addition to an already enchanting plot, the handpicked actors are bound to only add further intrigue to this twisted yet timeless classic. In Burton’s remake, Alice is played by aussie actress Mia Wasikowska. The rest of the cast is filled with familiar favorites. Johnny Depp has been cast as The Mad Hatter, inciting a very interesting set-up, this is Depp’s seventh time working with producer Tim Burton. Burton has The Mad Hatter placed to be the narrator, and seeing as the pair works so well together it should be an interesting product. Burton has also cast Depp in Corpse Bride, Edward Scissorhands, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Sleepy Hollow, Ed Wood, and Sweeney Todd, all of which the two saw eye to eye and turned out a stunning result. Also cast in this latest project is Helena Bonham Carter as The Queen of Hearts, her favorite line being noted as “Off with their heads!”. Helena Bonham Carter has also been a regular on the big screen, working in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Sweeney Todd, Fight Club and many more memorable motion pictures. However, seeing as the two (Burton and Bonham Carter) are romantically involved; the question atop our minds is, was she cast for talent or convenience? The rest of the cast holds just as much potential, though it seems Burton is stealing the Harry Potter crew; in addition to having Helena Bonham Carter play in his new creation, he has taken hold of another Harry Potter villain, Allan Rickman. Here, he is presented with a bit of a different interpretation of evil to reveal; Rickman has been cast to play the wrathful caterpillar. Last, though certainly not least, the ever-so-mad Cheshire cat has been recreated with the voice of Stephen Fry, who should bring an interesting edge to the evaporating cat Alice counts so much on throughout her heroic journey to stay sane in Wonderland. As if Burton hadn’t added enough of his own twist, Alice in Wonderland comes out in 3D. He has not only influenced the cast and encouraged tweaking the plot, but has now found a way to reinvent the classically colorful and sensory world of Wonderland. His new angle hopes to achieve a feel that the viewer is pulled in just as Alice has been. Burton is shooting it in his signature gothic and twisted feel, and most of the movie is allegedly in cartoon, as an updated original. The costume make-up and attire is big and bold as he often makes things, the vibe for the film being very loud and peculiar, just as Burton likes to do things. All in all, the film appears to be very well thought out and should prove to be a phenomenal remake of a pre-existing favorite among many. You’ve got very important date, March 9, 2010.
by Marixa Godinez Season 2 of Beverly Hills 90210 has just started on September 8th 2009, and it took less than a second to fill up with new drama! From breakups to makeups, sex, lies, and murder, this new season is hanging out all the dirty laundry of the past season. Drama drama DRAMA this season on 90210, so be excited, be ready, and be home at 8 p.m. every Tuesday night to watch Beverly Hills 90210. 90210 has one of the most attractive casts on television, with returning actresses like Jenny Garth, and some new faces, such as------On September 2, 2008 they decided to made a new season. “Directors did take a big risk, but it all turned out well and the episodes are great. They did an excellent job.” Said Brittney Rivera.They had an entirely new set of characters, but brought Kelly and Brenda back. “It was a good idea bringing Brenda and Kelly back, but it might have been better if they would have also brought Donna Martin (Tori Spelling) back.” Said senior Javier Rodriquez. Directors are expecting more high school drama, and rankings have gone up; Beverly Hills 90210 is back and better than ever. It has done so well with every episode conclusion, that most cannot wait for the new episode to air the following week. 90210 has gathered many viewers and fans,proving the ratings of this refurbished show to ring true.And with the new season that aired on September 8 people are definately following the trend. 90210 isobviously now a very popular show and will probably have the same shelf life of its predecessor ,Beverly Hills, 90210 which first aired on October 4, 1990. The show is about of rich teenagers living the Beverly Hills lifestyle, attending West Beverly High School. The show started getting popular in the summer of 1991, when FOX aired a special “summer session” of the show, while all other series on FOX were reruns. Beverly Hills 90210 became one of FOX’s top shows when it began its new season. The show increased in viewers so much, Jason Priestley and Luke Perry became teen idols. The show ended on March 24, 2000. Most people were shocked it was over, after being such a TV hit. Most people thought it was the last of it. Eight years later, it has been resurrected, and seems to have been given a second chance.
photos by Marixsa Gordinez
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batman game w e n e h t d in dmitte
Starting this game, my expectations did not exactly run high. The caped crusader’s video game outings have consistently met with lack of sales and last minute movie tie-in’s. After a nearly fifteen year binge of bad breaks, a fresh start was in order, and Batman sure got one. Picked up by a fresh development team, Rocksteady games and publisher Eidos, life sprung fresh in production. Rocksteady spearheaded the revival by hiring Paul Dini, the original writer of the entire Batman animated series, to write the plot. Unlike many of the recent games, this Batman would be entirely based on the comics, with no relation to the movies despite their box office success. With the stage set for a comeback I hurried down to Gamebreak to play it. Excitement was at a fever pitch as I was handed the game and promptly sat down at a station, the start screen simple; a moonlit silhouette of the Dark Knight overlooking the eerie night. The intro movie is deceptively calm, the battle already won. The bat mobile speeding down rain slicked roads, Joker tied and captured in the passenger seat, maniacal laughter echoing regardless. Personally escorted into the Asylum by Batman and a myriad of guards: all seems well. I could control Batman’s walking and motions through this interactive movie clip of sorts, credits Batman is forced to stay behind as Joker is taken by two orderlies further into the facility, the Dark Knight watching from behind reinforced glass. With a purposeful trip Joker falls to the floor, suddenly bashing a guards head with his own and freeing himself from his shackles as he charges past the security door. During this, Batman bashes the window repeatedly in a rage, until breaking through it to pursue his nemesis. Joker stands safely behind an electrified hallway, laughing hysterically at the now trapped Batman being surrounded by inmates. “I’ve set a trap and you’ve sprung it gloriously!” and so the game begins.
Presentation is simply top notch, the animations run-
by Carl Little
ning smoothly and wonderfully from the graceful, yet erratic walk of the Joker to the steady, even steps of Batman. Nothing feels truly repeated and each important character looks unique and alive in every action they do. Graphical quality as well is unbelievably high and no detail is spared, right down to bits of grime and rustling newspapers, this game is a feast for the eyes. Storytelling quickly took hold as the strong point, with each piece of dialogue masterfully written and recorded, from the cold and impersonal voice of Batman to the thick Brooklyn accent of Joker’s assistant Harley Quinn. Each character is carefully modeled and developed into living, breathing entities that you interact with as the game goes on. It cannot be denied that you fight plenty of generic shirtless thugs throughout the game. At first glance, there isn’t much differentiation when it comes to enemies or the cannon fodder that makes up the prison guards. But if you stop and listen, they all have different habits and personalities. The stealth focus of many sections of the game displays this in full. At first it comes across that Batman is a superhuman powerhouse and by action and example it may seem so. In reality, that is as far from the truth as it gets. He is human, just like everyone else in the room. You will not find yourself bursting into a room filled with armed thugs and making it out alive. In this game, the art of fear is what carries you through. In an area resembling a hotel lobby I encountered around ten escaped prisoners, all of them armed to the teeth with the Joker’s select weaponry. First instincts send you charging in, Baterangs flinging and punches flying. As wonderful as this sounds, it left me with three goons unconscious and a chest full of bullets. With much trial and error such a strategy could work with, but on the next try, I took to the rafters, and was met with success and entertainment. In my opinion, some of the best times I had was terrorizing the well equipped and surprisingly intelligent minions of the Joker. Perched on a gargoyle, I would snatch an unwary man and string him up upside down far above the ground. His
screaming and thrashing movements drawing his colleagues into a trap, as they run to cut him down I detonated the explosives placed, causing debris to pulverize the unwary criminals into unconsciousness. Their final companion, alone and fervently running around the room, screams frantically as Joker laughs in glee at his underling’s misfortune. Every action performed is scrutinized by the Joker and he frequently lets you know in the most devious, as well as strange, ways. The action sequences are masterfully done. Those same groups when unarmed become virtual bowling pins for Batman to smash through as you brawl in brutal, but efficient style. With a little skill and reflex you can get through many fights without even a scratch. That is not to say it is easy; carelessness will spell the end of you. The game works on a free flowing fighting system that greatly rewards timing with complex and entertaining counters while punishing button mashing with immediate beat downs or very close fights. Nothing truly compares or prepares you for the mind games that are masterfully implemented in this game. Most notable are your various encounters with one of Batman’s Iconic villains, Scarecrow. You never truly know when he will strike; there is no tip off to inform you, no warning sign, just the gradual, sometimes sudden transformation of the game into a surreal nightmare of impossible situations. To put a little perspective on it, the first “mild” attack sets you on a decrepit collapsing pile of brick and concrete, suspended in what can only be described as a apocalyptic flame-filled hurricane. Playing a lethal game of cat and mouse with a terrifyingly large Scarecrow (I am talking about hundreds of feet tall mind you) that is out for your life is but one of the larger than life challenges you will face. This brings me to the only real shortfall that I found. While it may seem ridiculous, the interaction and personalities of the super villains are so well thought out that it makes any other enemy almost seem stale, but I honestly would not have it any other way. There are around eighthundred collectables and challenges hidden throughout the game, and each one brings you a unique new perspective of the Batman universe. The Riddler is your guide to the secrets to the game; his mocking voice and riddles range from confusing to downright impossible. I am tempted to go back and replay the game just to collect all the character biographies, interview tapes and other hidden items because of how interesting each tidbit of information given is. The previously mentioned interview tapes are six part audio logs for each character, that show a different side of each super criminal in question, the quality voice acting clearly replaying scenes in different context, ranging from solemn and serious to utterly hilarious. If reading is not your forte, then nearly every collectable can be read back to you while you are playing voiced in a classic semi scratchy tape recorded format. Batman: Arkham’s Asylum has broken the losing streak that has lasted over a decade, and the result is this masterpiece of a game. Not only did they exceed expectations, but they also reached the ever-so-lofty point of perfection that only a handful of games share.
9.9 Out of 10
California Quakes and Fires
A History of California’s Disasters, and What To Do When They Erupt.
by Josh Fritz
California is known for some of the worst natural disasters in the United States, notorious for the worst earthquakes on the continent and the highest number of wildfires per year in the U.S., but just how is this great state effected by these disasters and how are we, as citizens effected? To discover these answers, we have to go as far back as the early 1900’s, and as recent as this past August of 2009. On Wednesday April 18th, 1906 at approximately 5:12 AM one of the worst earthquakes known to man, and probably the worst known to California struck somewhere near offshore of San Francisco. Measuring somewhere around 7.8 on the Moment Magnitude Scale, it was so strong along the San Andreas Fault line that is caused the shaking to be felt all the way from San Francisco to Los Angeles and even parts of Oregon. Approximately 3,000 casualties were recorded in San Francisco from the earthquake, and resulting fires caused about $400 million (equivalent to $8 billion in 2008 dollars) dollars in property damage and loss. Between the death toll and property damage, the 1906 San Francisco earthquake is one of the top three disasters in the U.S., having more deaths than Hurricane Katrina and even the 9/11 attacks. Since then, California has suffered from other major earthquakes, such as the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake, scaling at 6.9 (on the moment magnitude scale, the difference between 6.0 and 7.0 is that 7 is thirty times) with sixty-three deaths, 3,757 injuries, and six billion dollars in damage. Since then, there has not been any earthquake of that severe a magnitude. However, there is no doubt to seismologists that more are to come in the near future. Everyone remembers the wildfires last August, this past year, and even this September, but how many know the major causes and effects of these ‘natural’ disasters? Every year with the fall comes these pretty little natural occurrences called the ‘Santa Ana’ winds, blowing through the Inland Empire with their hot, dry nature these winds escalade the danger of wildfires and the spreading of them by as far up as 75%, causing dread in public safety officials and property owners alike. The dry wind has two terrible effects to the situation, the first of which being that with the dry air plants are sapped of all moisture, turning them into highly flammable kindling, just waiting for a simple spark. Secondly, the dry, high-speed winds are fast
to spread embers from pre-lit fires, causing a moderate, contained wildfire to spread into a more volatile, dangerous situation for both the land and the fire fighters on job, and just think of what it can do to a more hazardous, uncontained blaze. The Santa Ana Winds are a dangerous wild card to natural disaster in California, and unless we’re prepared and cautious, wildfires will continue to grow more and more volatile. Millions of more property will be damaged and more homes will be destroyed. Wildfires can start from dozens of different reasons, but the only truly natural cause is lightning, which although has happened, you can guess is less than frequent in Southern California. More commonly, fires are started by human negligence such as casually flicking away a cigarette or a unattended campfire, and even by criminal arson. So try your best not to act out in a way that could unintentionally cause a fire, be sure cigarettes are properly extinguished, and try to dispose of them in safer environments, and never start an illegal fire, even if you have no criminal intent behind it. Police and criminal investigation forces do all they can to catch and try arsonists, but you can help by reporting suspicious activity and trespassing near high-risk areas. In the end, California has some of the worst natural disasters known to America, and is definitely not the place to live for the faint of heart, but there’s no need to go packing your bags in order to flee right away, there are ways to protect yourself from these tribulations. For one, a handy earthquake kit is a necessary for any citizen of the Golden State; just some cans and bottled water can do wonders in the event of a disaster. Be aware that the FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) recommends about one gallon per person for each day and typical estimation is from 3-6 days needed. Every household should also have a fire extinguisher handy at all times as well, and always make sure your smoke detectors are up and running, ready to alert you of danger. And last of all, always remember to stay calm and keep a clear head, your chances of safety are much improved by just staying composed during an emergency event, we all want to mess our pants, but just remember these three words: Do not panic.
Illustrations provided by Anna Contrares
Music Levels in Europe Leveling Out by Cora Kendrick On new portable music devices in Europe, they are making a default noise level to save your ears from getting damaged. One in ten people who use portable music devices will suffer permanent hearing loss. If you listen to music for an hour a day for five years at a high volume you may get permanent hearing loss, but scientists found that people listen to their music at loud volumes on daily basis. The commission came to the fact that if you set your volume at eighty decibels you could listen to your music for forty hours a week, but if you set it to eighty-nine decibels you should only listen to it for five hours a week. While walking down the street while listening to music, people tend to turn up the volume because they can’t hear it. Even if you can’t hear the music and you turn it up it will damage your hearing. It will take a few months before certain companies make it manufactured with a default sound level, but for now it is a personal practice.
Women Gets Revenge with an Appetite for Fish by Jennifer Mertel According to N.B.C news, In Texas, a recently divorced couple had a disagreement on some jewelry matters. He wanted to keep the ring he once gave her, but she wanted it back. Soon after, Vance Mitchell, the divorced husband, called the police to explain his bizarre and unusual story about his ex-wife stealing his gold fish, from his apartment. The gold fish were bought earlier on in the marriage during happier times. When authorities arrived to her home, to their surprise they found four fried gold fish on the woman’s plate. When asked about the other three, she explained that she had already eaten them. This was a civil matter, no charges were made. He kept her ring. She ate his gold fish.
Current news illustrations provided by Anna Contrares and Josh Fritz
High School Dropouts Cost CA $1 Billion by Shanine Fischle If you cut the dropout rate in half, it will prevent 30,000 juvenile crimes and save more than half a billion dollars a year in taxpayer money. Addressing the problem would improve public safety and it would help with the state’s budget. California representatives say that about 20 percent of kid’s dropout, but university studies show that it is double that. The state is doing a bad job of getting to the bottom of the dropout rate. Cutting down the dropout rate would have an effect on gang numbers, property crimes, burglaries, car thefts, and the amount of violence. More people would be successful in life and have jobs and money, not to mention, the number of homeless would be cut down as well. Roy Smith was only 17 when he dropped out, and he is now trying to get a GED, but before that, he was selling drugs to survive. "My family was struggling, there wasn't nobody working and stuff, I had to try and make money to eat, it's not like I wanted to do it," Roy Smith said. Based on this evidence, California is trying to get more kids to stay in school, to help the state and to help themselves.
Always Bring a Throw Pillow to a Bear Fight
A grandmother in Vail, Colorado, was in her room when she heard her door open, thinking it to be the family dog
by Joshname Fritz (whose is Yoo-Hoo for some strange reason) she turned around, to find a 300 pound mother black bear standing in her doorway.
Panicking, the grandmother Sally Rebehn grabbed the only thing nearby, a decorative pillow on her bed. She threw it at the bear and hit it, which apparently scared it, causing it to turn around and leave her bedroom. Her son, Brian Hoyt was in the other room when a small cub bear passed by his door, think ‘rationally’, he grabbed a large towel he planned to use to wrap the bear in and take it outside, but when he turned the corner he realized that; “The Bear had somehow grown five feet and three-hundred pounds!” (Brian Hoyt, CNN.com, joking about the incident with the news crew afterwards) The young man then continues to close himself in his room and dial 911. While the two frightened relatives hid in their rooms waiting for help, the bears ransacked the kitchen, eating food and destroying much of the house. Emergency forces soon arrived, and the bears were taken away, both the mother and the cub who were in the house along with the two cubs who had been hiding in a tree outside.
Text Message Saves People from an Earthquake by Ashley Gebo An earthquake survivor was trapped in a collapsed hotel in western Indonesia sent a text message saying he and some others were alive, triggering a frantic rescue operation, but hopes faded Saturday as sniffer dogs failed to detect life. Padang’s police chief said voices were heard from survivors buried in the Ambacang Hotel since Wednesday’s 7.6-magnitude quake, which killed at least 715 people. After several hours of digging through blocks of concrete, steel and bricks, rescue workers gave up. Padang police Chief Col. Boy Rafli Amar told reporters, “So far rescuers have found nothing.” Three thousand others remain trapped or missing. That number could rise as four villages were wiped out from earthquake-triggered landslides, where 644 people are feared buried. More than 20,000 houses and buildings were destroyed and 2,400 people hospitalized across seven districts, On Thursday, rescuers pulled out two women — a student and a teacher — from the Foreign Language School of Prayoga. She was conscious. Only her legs and fingers are swollen because she was squeezed. Military and commercial planes shuttled in tons of emergency supplies, although rural areas remained cut off due to landslides that reportedly crushed several villages and killed nearly 300 people. Landslides had wiped away roads and there was no sign of outside help. Wednesday’s quake originated on the same fault line that spawned the 2004 Asian tsunami that killed 230,000 people in a dozen nations.
A Ten Year Old Girl Sells Granny on Ebay. by Nikki Vinson Zoe Pemberton, a ten year old school girl, decided to sell her grandmother on Ebay. She described her as “rare and annoying and moaning a lot” and she said she was very cuddly, loved word searches, and enjoyed drinking tea. Her grandmother was sixty one years old, and she tried selling her for three thousand five hundred dollars, but people put up bids for more than that. There were twenty-seven bids up on the website for Ms. Goodall, but ever since then, she was withdrawn from the website. The reason of putting her granny up for sale was because she was annoying her. “She was moaning at me when I wrote down that her favorite food was curry — she said could I change it to Chinese. Apart from that she didn’t seem to mind.” People were wondering how she got online without permission. Well she was visiting her father, Thomas Pemberton, and her granny when she started with that mischievous online offer. The Ebay representatives were impressed to see a total of twenty-seven bids for the old lady. This isn’t the first time someone was trying to sell on Ebay, a guy named Brit William from Ireland offered his dad’s ashes on the website for being an abandoned as a child. He said: “Here are the ashes of my father, Kenneth, an adulterer who left a wife, two children and just $40 in her pocket.”
The Baby Turtle Massacre How an Act of Love Turned Deadly by Emma Buck
A newly engaged couple enjoying a celebration at the beach in Hilton Head, South Carolina, unintentionally murdered sixty baby sea turtles. Apparently, the new couple and some friends had set up a seemingly harmless and beautiful arrangement of around 150 white luminarias (paper backs holding tea light candles) in the shape of a heart on the beach a symbol of their recent union. They had planned to display their love in a pure and stunning display for all. What they hadn’t planned on, is the baby Loggerhead turtle hatchlings to be around and about during the publication of their newest commitment to one another. Impulsively the hatchlings had followed the moonlight toward the ocean where they are to go shortly after their birth. Officials have come to the conclusion the candle-light most likely confused the new turtles and they were apt to follow the luminarias in the dazzling water. Sarah Skigen, who is a Hilton Head associate and had been earlier been taking her turn on turtle death-prevention duty, had noticed the turtle tracks in unusual directions approaching the luminarias where turtles lifeless bodies had been found, or parts of them. Some Loggerhead lives were claimed by ghost crabs in the candle infested waters, this is still traced back to the couples’ lit display of passion, for the turtles path would have never crossed hungry ghost crabs without the luminarias in dangerous waters. Skigen has this to say on the matter, “The people were regretful, they’d just gotten engaged and were bombarded with a lot of people yelling at them.” After the mayor of the town caught wind of the recent casualties, he announced his shock and opinion on the terrible events that had occurred, “We need to be doing everything we can to minimize the chance of having this happen again.” Hopefully after the attention brought to this tragic case, these poor and precious creatures won’t face such confusion and have it end so unpleasantly in death and serious injury.
The Digital Reality...
How scientific break throughs are changing our near future.
by Cora Kendrick
In the future, imperfect vision will be a thing of the past. Gadgets are being invented to give you eyes of a cyborg. Why stop at glasses and contact lens when we could invent something phenomenal? Augmented reality, which is the digital enrichment of the physical world, is already showing up in some present technology. Some technology such as Smartphones, toys, and games has augmented reality. Augmented reality in phones is now a popular thing, for example, you can point the camera on your iPhone at a restaurant and view the restaurant’s menu. Now Eye surgeons, scientists, and professors are developing a contact lens with built-in LED that is wirelessly powered with radio frequency waves that has augmented reality. According to Babak Parvis, a University of Washington professor of bionanotechnology, “The eye is our little door into the body.” With the contact lens, you can find enough data on the surface of an eye to perform personal health monitoring. Being able to immediately read your cholesterol, potassium, glucose, and sodium level would help out with catching problems within the human body. There would be no more need for blood tests; the contact lens can measure most of the data that you would be able to see from having one. Other than being able to monitor your health, they are aiming on making it a multipurpose contact lens. Imagine being able to see photographs, charts, and words in front of your eyes. All by using miniature antennas, control circuits, an LED and radio chips they had built from scratch. Augmented- reality will be seen in glasses before contact lens, cramming such technology in a small object is extremely difficult. The contact lens must go through a large amount of testing before it will be approved by the Food and Drug Administration. They use live bunnies to test the contact lenses to see if any side affects happen and if the product is safe to come into contact with eyes. The bunnies successfully wore the contact lenses for twenty minutes at a time without any problems or side effects. Although it may take a long time to fully develop this, it will be well worth it.
Photography by Cora Kendrick
Last Look
There are things that happen at school that not many people pay attention to. Try to look for those things that need to be recognized in our high school community. You might find something impressive within our campus. Written and Photographed By Alexandria Stolze