december 2008
DESCRIPTION
Volume 47, Issue 4TRANSCRIPT
Rio Americano • Sacramento, Calif. • Volume 47, Issue 4 • December 18, 2008
iradathe
“The student voice”
VS
Great Sco*! Rio wins tourney, faces Jesuit
Test your holiday knowl-edge <<Pages 10-11
CIM brings together teach-ers and students<< Page 20
Senior guard Mardell Johnson goes over an Oak Ridge player to score in the championship game Jack Sco* Tournament at Rio Dec. 6. Rio won the game 77‑67. Junior forward James Moore of Jesuit shoots over two Grant players at home Monday night. Johnson and Moore, who leads the Mauraders in scoring, are expected to play big roles in the 7 p.m. Friday match up at Rio. See story on page 17.
Alex McFall/Photo Editor Alex McFall/Photo Editor
News02 12.18.08
In an economy where jobs are becoming sparser by the day, there are still some things people are not willing to com‑promise. For senior Claude*e Linzey, it was working in an environment where she faced moral controversy.
APer working at Leatherby’s Family Creamery at 2333 Arden Way since June, Linzey quit her job because of Leatherby’s sup‑port of Proposition 8.
“I can’t work somewhere that openly supports that prop‑osition,” Linzey said. “I think it’s discriminatory.”
The Leatherby family do‑nated $25,000 to the campaign Yes on Prop 8 campaign. The proposition, which passed 52.7 percent to 47.3. percent in the Nov. 4 election, amended the state constitution to remove gay marriage.
Co‑owner Alan Leatherby told the Mirada Monday that he does not regret supporting the proposition. However, the family was not aware the dona‑tion was not going to be anony‑mous.
“I would not have made it public if I had known,” Alan Leatherby said, “My family made the donation, not the em‑ployees.”
Proposition 8 was a contro‑versial issue and bringing it into the work place created an extremely uncomfortable situa‑tion for some of the employees, according to Linzey.
APer the news of Leatherby’s donation appeared in the Sac‑ramento Bee, the Leatherby’s work environment became cha‑os. Arguments about personal beliefs broke out between the employees.
People against Proposition 8 protested outside the store. Ac‑cording to Alan Leatherby, gay and lesbian websites have sent out an email boyco*, trying to convince people not to come to the store. Some costumers, however, said they came in to show their support for Prop 8.
A manager had to always be available to answer the phone, as many calls came in concern‑ing Prop 8 by both supporters and dissenters, Linzey said.
Linzey found it annoying to answer the phone when people called concerning politics rather than ice cream.
“At least five people called and I couldn’t be rude so I had to just let them say how they agree with Leatherby’s,” Linzey said. “They kept saying ‘we’re glad you support that’ even though I definitely don’t.”
Linzey said the donation may be bad for business.
“I definitely don’t think that
work
should be mixed with politics and especially religion,” Linzey said.
As far as business goes, the donation does not seem to have too much of an effect.
“So far it hasn’t hurt, in the long term it could,” Leatherby said.
Some customers complain that by donating to Proposition 8, Leatherby’s is supporting in‑equality.
Leatherby said this is not the case.
“It has nothing to do with hate” Leatherby said. “We have men and women’s bathrooms; are we being discriminatory?”
Leatherby said that there are clear differences between men and woman and marriage is a way to define that special rela‑tionship. “Marriage is a beauti‑ful thing,” he said.
Linzey said she hopes Prop 8 will be reversed because for her “marriage is between two people who love each other.”
Homegrown teacher cultivates knowledge
For new teacher Katrina Chapralis, Sacramento isn’t all that new of a place.
Growing up in East Sacra‑mento, Chapralis a*ended Sac‑ramento High School. Her AP U.S. History teacher, and later her first history professor at UC Davis, inspired her to want to be a history teacher herself. Chapralis’ mom’s experiences as a teacher prompted Chap‑ralis to want to follow in her footsteps.
“She always had great sto‑ries,” Chapralis said. “She was able to make great connections with her students.”
APer a*ending UC Davis, Chapralis received her teach‑ing credential at Sonoma State. She went on to student teach at Roseville High School and then she was a long‑term substitute teacher at Wilson C. Riles Mid‑
dle School. Chapralis’ first impressions
of Rio are mostly positive.“Parents are a lot more in‑
volved and all of my students work really hard,” Chapralis said.
However, she’s disappoint‑ed that there is a “big li*ering problem” on campus that’s “pre*y gross.”
Chapralis, who teaches World History, Psychology and AVID, has especially enjoyed teaching AVID.
“I can have a different re‑lationship with the students,” Chapralis said. “I get to see them grow a lot.”
Chapralis employs pop cul‑ture as a way for her World History students to relate to the events they’re learning about.
“Laundry lists of names and dates are deathly boring,” Chapralis said. “I like to use a lot of primary sources, like pictures, movies, speeches and music, which makes history re‑
ally relevant.” Chapralis’ approach to teach‑
ing is to remain relaxed.
“I make fun of myself a lot,” Chapralis said. “That’s a good teaching style.”
Prop 8 donation churns conscienceMeryl Balalis Mirada Staff
College. The most stress‑ful word for high school se‑niors. On top of the normal college applications worries, this year’s seniors also have the plunging economy to con‑sider.
Despite the hard times, the number of early admission applicants does not seem to have decreased. In fact, they have increased.
According to the New York Times writer Tamar Lewin, the number of early admission applicants at Wesleyan Uni‑versity has risen by 40 percent from last year. Many other private colleges have had at least a 10 percent rise in early admission applicants this year as well.
Applying early decision is convenient because the schools usually get back to you by December; however, some require a binding con‑tract, meaning you promise to a*end that college if you are accepted early.
Unfortunately, the cur‑rent economic situation has made a*ending a private col‑lege less practical. Applicants might tend to lean towards public universities rather than private.
“We have noticed they have decreased in numbers,” counselor Christine Brown‑field said.
Private schools do have scholarships and financial aid to give out.
“In recent years the schools have been trying to be more generous with helping with tuition” Brownfield said.
The weak economy has also made applying to public colleges intimidating. With less funding for the Califor‑nia State Universities, they are being forced to cut many deserving students for lack of room.
“The CSUs cu*ing so many applicants is very intimidat‑ing,” senior Megan Valsecchi said.
College applications are competitive. Although the economy could be making it worse, it is not stopping ap‑plicants from applying.
Meryl BalalisMirada Staff
Soft economy increasesearly apps
Kate FinegoldMirada Staff
Claudette Linzey, 12
Chapralis assists freshman Brittany Dunning in her fifth period World History class. Chapralis’ teaching style is a hands-on ap-proach, using pop culture connections and a relaxed tone.
Alex Kleemann/Mirada Staff
Leatherby’s personal $25,000 gift prompts employee to quit her job
Should people boycott a business over how owners spend profits?Although it is a legal right, diminishing a business’s income and livelihood, while convincing others to do the same, seems to be more of a personal attack.-Joey Samuels, 12It’s Leatherby’s right to spend their money on what-ever causes they choose, but it’s also my right to not spend my money there. I don’t have to indirectly fund a cause I don’t support.-Lauren Saria, 12A person is right in boycot-ting in a business when he or she believes that the business is doing something morally wrong. There is a dif-ference between a company that donates to a political party one may not like and a business that acts in ways that may not be illegal but are nevertheless wrong. Protesting a loggin company for destroying the environ-ment of boycotting a fast food restaurant for buying meat from animals that were cruelly treated makes more sense than doing the same to a business that you simply do not agree with.-Justin Davidoff, 12
News 0312.18.08
Every kid or teenager wants that perfect holiday with many presents and great moments, but not everyone is able to have it that way.
There could be many reasons for not having the ideal holiday, but most of it is a*ributed to the current economic crisis af‑fecting families everywhere, es‑pecially those who weren’t too well off to begin with.
The Toy Drive, which is set up by AVID and CIVITAS, wrapped and delivered toys to around 675 children of Howe
Avenue Elementary School in order to brighten their holiday season and help those kids who may not receive any toys.
All students were asked, if able, to bring in giPs for the children during their third pe‑riod class.
There was a contest to see which class could collect the most toys, said Gina Costello, AVID teacher.
“As of Thursday, Dec. 11, Gary Blenner’s class is leading with 47 toys,” she said. “Janis Guissi’s class is in second with 36 toys. Gabby De Lasse’s class is close in third with 34 toys. Also, Jennie Sco*’s class has do‑nated $130 to aid in buying toys and other giPs.”
The AVID classes bring pres‑ents every year to Howe Avenue and give them to students from Kindergarten to fiPh grade.
The CIVITAS classes adopt‑ed three kindergarten classes to donate toys to. This year’s CIVITAS Toy Drive was orga‑nized by Will Hawley as his CI‑VITAS senior project.
“I wanted to help the kids,” Hawley said about why he chose this for his senior project.
Each CIVITAS student was recommended to bring at least one toy in to benefit the toy drive.
CIVITAS classes have gone over and personally delivered the giPs, presents, and toys.
Different toys were request‑
ed for different gender and age groups, resulting in a wide variety of toys sent to the chil‑dren. Some common toy selec‑tions were sports balls, board games, dolls, action figures, and books.
The CIVITAS classes also made extremely large stock‑ings to fill with candy and other items to bring over to the classes.
Although the AVID and CIVITAS Toy Drive probably won’t give the kids of Howe Avenue Elementary School the perfect holiday, it will likely brighten their holidays with the give them some toys and giPs they need in their childhood.
Class that keeps on givingJeremy KingMirada Staff
Left: CIVITAS students (from left to right) Emily Ose, Mikala Parker, and Darcy Nishi partake in the holiday spir-it by wrapping presents for Kindergar-ten kids at Howe Avenue Elementary School. Top: Sophomore Alex Powell finishes up wrapping Candyland for a Howe Avenue student. The CIVITAS class delivered the presents to the Howe Avenue children Wednesday the 17th.
A recent study called the Digital Youth Project found that online social networking teaches social skills to young people.
Many teenagers appreciate the Internet as a major source of social networking, but to teach‑ers and parents, the Internet is not only a potential danger, but a major distraction.
However, these sites are a large part of modern technol‑
ogy. It may be that those kept away from Internet commu‑nication are being deprived of twenty‑first century culture.
Since the Internet is the most common source of communica‑tion, a lack of online skills, can leave people without means of communication and a potential lack of social skills.
Research scientist Mizuko Ito conducted the Digital Youth Project at University of Califor‑nia Irvine.
“Children who don’t have access to some of today’s most
popular online diversions risk being social outsiders lacking some of the basic skills neces‑sary to function in the Internet age,” said Mizuko.
The study, starting in 2005, observed teens online, to show how they learn and interact over the Internet.
The research concluded that keeping children from using the Internet could disrupt their ability for social interaction by eliminating an important activ‑ity of this generation. This puts them at risk of being ignorant to
suitable interaction not only as adolescents but also as adults.
Senior Grey Smith does not agree that online communica‑tion is a vital part of the teenage social environment.
“They might find it harder to fit in with certain groups, but Myspace and Facebook aren’t an imperative part of life so people can go without it.” Smith said.
As far as gaining extra skills from time spent online, students do not seem to be learning as much about the internet as nec‑essary for it to be considered
helpful. “My typing speed had great‑
ly increased, as aside from that nothing new.” Smith noticed.
The Internet contains both danger, pleasure, and education and while people may disagree as to whether it is a necessity, one thing remains certain: it is the dominant form of commu‑nication in modern society and show no signs of decreasing in the future.
Myspace vital for teenage growth, study saysMeryl BalalisMirada Staff
Esteban Nunez, a 19‑year‑old Rio grad and son of for‑mer Speaker of the Assem‑bly Fabian Nunez, stands accused, along with three of his friends, of allegedly stab‑bing 22‑year‑old college stu‑dent Luis Santo to death near the San Diego State Univer‑sity campus.
Nunez transferred to Rio from Christian Brothers as an upperclassman and not many seem to recall his en‑rollment. American History and Government teacher Gary Blenner said that Nunez did make an impression.
“He was… not a very aca‑demically‑inclined student,” Blenner said in an interview with the Mirada. Blenner said he did not know Nunez was the son of the Assembly speaker until the class was studying state government and Nunez told him, “You know that state assembly thing? Well, my dad’s on that.”
Economics and Psycholo‑gy teacher Curt Casazza said Nunez was “polite, quiet,” and that “he was respectful towards me whenever we talked,” which usually con‑cerned make‑up work.
Nunez and his associates are also accused of stabbing two others. According to press reports a*orney’s for the men say they acted in self‑defense.
He is currently out on $1 million bail.
Murder suspect re-membered as quiet student
Tyler AllenMirada Staff
News04 12.18.08
Alumni shed light on life after high school
What has your experience in college been so far?“I have learned to love the new‑found independence of not having my parents around all the time to tell me what to do and when to do it. This, however, has made me grow up and take responsibility for myself. All the things I was told about college were true, except your seminar teachers do take roll, and if you don’t show up to class, you’re not going to pass.”‑‑ Chelsea Pra*, CSU Long Beach
“I love being able to choose my classes and revolve them around my major. For example, I’m not even in a math class this year. Also, learning to be independent and self‑reliant has been interesting, too.”‑‑ Layne Partington, John Hopkins
“We have some of the best academics that I’ve ever heard of with a 50‑50 split of military and civilian professors. As an Arabic major, all of my professors are of Arabic descent. Also, I have opportunities to study for a semester in Egypt or Jor‑dan and various other places during the summer, all for free.”‑‑ Brook Stevens, Naval Academy
What makes your college the best school for you?
“It has really specialized programs and it’s a relativly new school so there is a lot of building going on, a brand new library that is state of the art just opened.”‑‑Gaby Hawkins, CSU Monterey Bay
“I think a lot of people who want to go to school far away fail to realize just how much they will miss their family and home. I have a few friends that went away to school out‑of‑state and ended up ge*ing really homesick. I feel really thankful that I stayed close. I don’t go home that much, but it’s nice to know that I can.”‑‑ Brigi*e Driller, UC Davis
What did you wish you’d known when you were applying to college?Club photos are being taken on Friday in the Cafeteria. Make sure to swing by and show ev-eryone how involved you are!The photo times are as follows:
8:00 Peace Club and Big Sis Lil Sis8:10 Mock Trial8:20 GSA and Quidditch Club8:40 Chess Club9:10 Academic Decathalon and Spanish Club9:30 Newspaper9:40 Science Olympiad and Fri- day Night LIve10:10 Invisible Children Club
10:20 Mongolian Barbeque Club and Rowdy Raider Club10:40 Rugby Club10:50 Inconvenient Youth and Greek Club11:20 Reader’s Theater and Rio Republicans11:30 Science Bowl and Jewish American Culture Club11:40 Not of This World Club and Student Government11:50 Key Club12:00 Yearbook and Radio/TV
More photo times will be posted Friday
Club photo times
Rio graduates will soon be returning to their home school to council junior and senior students on everything from college courses to the trials and triumphs of living away from home.
For an event known as Alum‑ni Day, they will form a panel in
the Be*y Miller Theater where they will discuss their colleges and the college experience in general. The students will also answer questions from the up‑perclassmen who a*end.
The moderator will be alum‑ni Ryan Alverson’s father and he will defer questions about academics and college life to the various panelists.
Although only upperclass English students are being in‑
vited to Alumni Day, many oth‑ers are curious about their ex‑periences. So, the Mirada has gone out and go*en the scoop on Alumni Day.
These college kids have given us a general preview for what is to come. And for those who are destined to miss out on the exclusive experience, may‑be this li*le taste can hold you over till next time.
Kate FinegoldMirada Staff
The state’s financial crisis is not the economic issue that stu‑dents will notice directly affect‑ing their lives if Gov. Arnold Sc‑warzenegger cuts funding from the University of California budget, according to UC Presi‑dent Mark G. Yudof.
Starting next school year, the University of California will im‑plement a newly resolved plan created by the system to curtail the freshman enrollments if the state does not provide the suf‑ficient funding. The plan states that the UC system will be forced to raise their student fees.
Junior Hanna Spano is afraid that if the freshman enrollments are curtailed, she may not be ac‑cepted into UC campuses that she currently has a good chance of ge*ing into.
“I’m scared, because I’ve worked really hard to get good grades, but I know I’m not the top of the class,” Spano said. “So with all of the cuts, I don’t know if I’ll be able to get into a good college.”
Currently, the UC system ad‑mits 10,000 more students than their budget allows, costing the campuses $120 million. How‑ever, if the state continues to fall into financial debt, and if Gov. Schwarzenegger cuts from the UC funding to balance the bud‑get, as planned in his budget proposal, these students would not be accepted.
If Schwarzenegger’s intend‑ed cuts from the school system occur, the UC system will lose $65.5 million.
Although only a sophomore, Kelly Rodgers is worried about the possibility of this proposal
being passed. “Well, obviously, this is bad,”
Rodgers said. “The competition is already hard enough. By the time I apply to college, it’s gon‑na be a lot tougher to get into colleges I was hoping to get into freshman year.”
The UC system is requesting millions of dollars to improve each of the campuses. Their budget proposal includes $122 million in order to reimburse the system for a 2.5 percent growth in the current enrollment.
Also, the UC system wishes to obtain $31 million for instruc‑tional equipment and new li‑braries, $228 million in order to increase faculty and staff sala‑ries and enough money to begin the building of a UC Riverside medical school.
If the state continues to de‑crease its amount of funding each year, the state’s spending per student for UC education will also drop. The funding allowed per UC student has dropped almost 40 percent, from $15,860 in 1990 to $9,560 today.
“The UCs are the best pub‑lic schools in the nation, and right now, you’re ge*ing a bet‑ter price going there instead of a private school,” junior Ben Egan said. “However, this definitely makes me want to go some‑where else.”
If the UC system is forced to raise their student fees, the cost of a*ending one of the cam‑puses will be about the same as a private school, leading many students to consider applying to more private colleges.
“People will just give up by the time they have to apply for the UCs, because there’s so many people who will be cut anyways,” Rogers said.
UC budget falls, fees rise
Molly IngramMirada Staff
With winter break here, it’s the perfect time to go enjoy a new shopping experience in spirit of the hectic holiday season.
The Westfield Galleria in Roseville has recently been renovated with 50 new retail‑ers. Some existing stores were also renovated.
According to the West‑field Group website, this $240 million project has made the Westfield Galleria in Roseville the largest shopping center in the Sacramento region.
These new stores offer new and unique options that you wouldn’t have the opportunity to explore at any other nearby mall.
One anticipated addition to the galleria is H&M clothing store.
Previously, H&M’s closest location was San Francisco.
“It’s a good addition to the area because H&M specializes in styles that other stores gener‑ally do not have,” junior Aaron Goodrich said. “I’m pleased that they opened this store. Now it’s a lot more convenient for me to go to H&M.”
This new H&M store is particularly large with multiple rooms of women’s clothing but lacks a bit in the men’s selection of clothing.
“If I were a girl, I would be
very pleased,” Goodrich said, “but I was kind of disheartened when I finally went because the guy’s selection is one li*le corner in the store.”
Another new store to the Galleria is Delia’s, a women’s clothing store for teens that also sells room decor.
With only one other Cali‑fornia location about 50 miles
away in Brentwood, between Concord and Stockton, most probably know this store by its mail catalog and online buying.
“I didn’t know about Delia’s until my friend showed me the catalog that she got in the mail,” junior Briana Ezray said. “Now I receive the catalog, too.”
Now, shoppers don’t have
the inconvenience of ordering products.
“Instead of just ordering and hoping that I will like what I or‑dered, I can actually try things on now, “ Ezray said.
With a stylish mature look for high school girls, the store is sure to a*ract a lot of a*ention.
Another new store worth visiting is Anthropologie.
“Antropologie has a huge variety of stuff,” senior Claire Neves said. “Everything from clothing to jewelry to bedding, bath products, furniture shoes and books.
This is yet another store that is now much closer to home, thanks to its addition at the Galleria.
“Anthropologie is one of my favorite stores; I always go to the ones in Berkeley, San Francisco, Carmel and L.A., so I had to check this one out,” Neves said.
The Galleria’s diverse new additions include No Fear, a clothing store that stocks moto‑cross gear; Lush, a handmade cosmetics store; The Counter, a “custom built burger” restau‑rant and UFood Grill, a healthy alternative to dining.
“I like that there are so many more stores to shop at,” Neves said. “In the future, there should be more ATM machines!”
The Westfield Galleria has made great strides to become the region’s largest shopping center.
“The Galleria is so big now, I literally got lost in it,” Goodrich said. “The Roseville Galleria will definitely become one of the most popular places to hang out for teens.”
MoneyPage 5
12.18.08
The Mirada
Galleria gains 50 new storesAlexis ShenMirada Staff
Christmas trees: paper or plastic? It’s time again to get into
the holiday spirit and enjoy the family fun of decorating a Christmas tree.
However, people are faced with a dilemma.
They either go out and get the traditional Christmas tree from one of the local suppliers, or buy a fake Christmas tree from a grocery store.
Although there are benefits for both types, the tough deci‑sion is deciding which one is the right choice.
Real Christmas trees are obviously the classic way to do
things. Many people think it is fun
going out with their family and picking out the perfect tree.
The tradition involves pull‑ing out all the old Christmas decorations from storage and decorating the tree with family.
And you can’t forget the sweet smell of pine, as only a real Christmas tree can carry.
“I like real Christmas trees so much be*er, because it’s a tradition in my family to have a real one in our house. Also the smell of the Christmas tree, that’s unforge*able,” sopho‑more Spencer Jepma said.
Though real Christmas trees are great, they are time consuming for some families
with busy schedules and more expensive.
So, if you’re not quite up for the trip, but you still have some holiday spirit, fake Christmas trees are the right choice. APer all, fake trees are great because they can last up to 10 years.
If you’re one of the fake tree buyers, but you still love the sweet pine tree smell you can always buy the fragrance, ap‑ply it to the tree, and enjoy the sweet smell of Christmas that everyone loves.
Christmas trees can be pur‑chased at Mikey’s Christmas Tree Lot, which is located on El Camino and Eastern.
Tate RountreeMirada Staff
Many shoppers flocked to the Roseville Galleria after the recent opening of 50 new stores, including the H&M store located upstairs above Pottery Barn. Before, the closest H&M was in San Francisco.
Meryl Balalis/Mirada Staff
MERYL BALALIS/Mirada Staff
Sophomore Christine Balalis ponders over a tree in the Christmas tree lot in front of Rite Aid. She couldn’t decide whether to buy a tall tree or a short tree.
Senior Mac Diggs is making his mark in the art of pen making. His handmade wood and acrylic pens have become popular on campus.
“Everybody likes the pens; they like to see every new one I make,” Diggs said.
Diggs transferred here last year as a junior from Placer when his family moved into the area.
“Transferring in the middle of high school is very bad. It was like going back to freshman year,” Diggs said, “though this year is much be*er.”
Along with a new high school, Diggs started woodshop for the first time last year. His choice for an elective worked out pre*y well: it turns out he has a real knack for working with wood.
“I like woodshop because, aPer Woodshop 1, you can make anything you want…such as long boards, night stands, custom cabinets, and in my case, mostly pens,” Diggs said.
Diggs began making handcraPed pens last year, and it has been a hobby ever since. Constructing these pens is the basis of Diggs’ woodshop career; he was first introduced to them by a movie he watched in woodshop class.
“It was last year in the middle of the first semester in Woodshop 1; we were shown the process of pens,” explained Diggs about how he was introduced pen making.
With the help of his woodshop teacher, Diggs began making $2, slim‑line pens. Eventually, he started buying his own materials and making European style pens.
“The $2 pens are called slim‑lines because they are thin and cheap. The European pens are $5.50 and are thick and more complicated to assemble,” said Diggs about the difference between the two pens.
By second semester last year, pen making consumed most of the time Diggs spent in woodshop class.
“All I did was make pens and sell them to teachers and students,” Diggs said.
Pen making still occupies much of his time.
“Making the pens can take up to one and one‑half hours depending on how complicated it is…sanding for a ripple affect can take longer then smooth,” Diggs said.
Diggs buys most of his supplies in bulk from Hawaii.
“I start with an acrylic block, pre‑made with swirls in it, which makes it pre*y; then I make a hole in the block and glue in a gold tube...I spin it on a lathe and use tools to make it the right depth and size,” Diggs said about the procedure of making the pens.
Diggs most enjoys the variety and uniqueness of all the pens he makes.
“APer severe sanding and polishing, it’s interesting to see how all the different acrylics turn out,” Diggs said. “They’re all unique, no pen ever turns out the same, there is no mass production here, every one is handmade.”
Diggs’ pens are not restricted to acrylics; there is a wide variety of possible materials.
“You can use basically any material,” Diggs explained, “Acrylic takes a lot more sanding
because there is no finish, like stain, oil or wax, that’s for wood.”
APer working with such a wide variety of mediums, Diggs has found a few favorites.
“The best one I made was made of snake wood; it cost $12.99 just for the li*le block of African snake wood that has a snake like pa*ern and I used it with a $5.50 European pen kit,” Diggs said.
Diggs is now considered an advanced woodshop student and is a teacher’s assistant for John Agostinelli, the woodshop teacher.
“I T.A. because I’m the best,” Diggs said. “I pre*y much do any crazy task requested by Mr. Agostinelli.”
Diggs not only uses his wood working skills in shop class, but also builds sheds and paints and renews decks as a part‑time job.
“I basically do anything that needs to be done,” Diggs said.
As far as the future goes, Diggs plans to a*end American River College next year.
“I’ll go to ARC until I know what I want to major in,” Diggs said. “I want to actually specialize in something when I go to college.”
Diggs foresees the pens as merely a hobby or a part‑time job.
“Making pens all day, five days a week, would be like si*ing and shredding paper, it gets pre*y repetitive, not to say I don’t enjoy or that it doesn’t take skill, but I think it could get boring aPer a while,” Diggs said. Diggs does not plan on his skill going to waste though; he has an idea to setup a website to make a good profit off his pens.
“I would like to start a website to sell my pens,” Diggs said. “All I have to do is set it up so that the website will let you choose your design and material with prearranged prices; I could get all the orders easily and I won’t have to go from business to business for deals to sell them.”
Diggs is optimistic about future business.
“I figure they’d go for around $50 to $70; even though people here think $15 is expensive, but the more you pay, the more you’ll appreciate the craPsman’s work and the more you’ll use it,” Diggs said. “People will be surprised how many pen collectors there actually are.”
Diggs based most of his predictions on the price and success of pens he sees in stores or on the internet.
“I’ve looked around and seen manufactured pens, massed produced, sold for over $100. I figure the more people that want them, the higher I can price them, and eventually, I can even start a business where I teach others how to make pens in my style and sell those.”
No one knows what the future will hold, but for now, Diggs’ handmade, custom pens are becoming a huge success on campus, and his creative plans and ideas will only aid him in expanding his success to an even larger market.
“These kids will be surprised how many pen collectors there actually are,” Diggs said.
Pen maker makes his mark
Alex KleemannMirada Staff
Above: Senior Mac Diggs teaches a woodshop student in fifth period how to make a pen. Diggs guides the stu-dent while he uses a lathe to shave the body of the pen. Below: Diggs shows off his hand-crafted pens, which he sells for fifteen dollars each. He dedicates his time and effort whenever he makes a unique pen.
ALEX KLEEMANN/Mirada Staff
MONEY06 12.18.08
OpinionPage 7
12.18.08
The Mirada
The MiradaRIO AMERICANO HIGH SCHOOL
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Photo EditorAlexander McFall
Graphic ArtistsEmily KimSarah Vaira
Online EditorAlex Kleemann
Staff WritersCaroline FongJeremy KingJessie Shapiro
Katherine CaseySarah Vaira
Savannah Sterpe‑MackeyTate Rountree
Business ManagerMolly Ingram
AdviserMichael Mahoney
The Mirada is the indepen‑dent voice of the students and a forum for diverse ideas pub‑lished by Rio Americano’s news‑paper class.
The Mirada welcomes story ideas, comics, le*ers to the edi‑tor and opinion pieces. Submit articles and le*ers to the box in A3 or the main office. Unsigned editorials represent the views of the Mirada editorial board.
Opinion articles and le*ers to the editor are the views of the in‑dividual writer and not necessar‑ily the views of the Mirada or Rio Americano High School.
Contact the business manager for information on advertising. We welcome advertising, but re‑serve the right to refuse any ad.
The land of the budget-conscious
The country has been in a reces‑sion for a year. The state has atleast an $11.2 billion
budget shortfall. GM, Ford and Chrys‑ler are close to bankruptcy. The federal government is bailing out Wall Street, homeowners are under water, and now the Federal Reserve is bailing out foreign governments as well.
Clearly, small but irritating items now seem relatively unimportant, like the same pothole in the road that you drive over on your way to school every day, or the garbage that seems to accu‑mulate along the windblown fence, or the local football coach who has only one football to use for the whole team. What can be done about all of these an‑noying, trivial items that, when taken care of, make the days go smoother?
As people have become more bud‑get‑conscious and busier in just trying to survive, the lesser problems accu‑mulate. However, instead of feeling depressed by all of the bad news and si*ing with glazed eyes staring at the Dow Jones and business losses on the internet, we should remember what it was like back when immigrants trav‑eled to America and when pioneers struggled to inhabit the new lands
west. Now we must harness the old “yes we can” spirit that motivated the pioneers and founders of this country. They ba*led with untamed lands, no insurance and a shorter life span, yet they seemed to get where they were going and not fall prey to self‑pity.
From the pilgrims to the Revolution‑ary War to the Oregon Trail adventur‑ers and on through the first and second world wars, our American ancestors had bigger burdens and less insur‑ance to protect themselves. Yet, they were able to start each day and move forward, making life as we know it possible.
Now is the time for us to perform positive acts, no ma*er how small, and to stop complaining about all of the things that have or will go wrong. So from now on, take your personal energy, not your money, and use it to improve something. Pick up trash along a stretch of road without a thank you or a sign posted saying you spon‑sor that stretch of land. Go through the garage and look for items you will not use and give them to someone who needs them. Maybe the local junior
high coach can use that old football just collecting dust, yearning to be thrown once again. Call around to
some of the care homes or the local aPer‑school clubs and find out their needs; it may be as simple as crayons and binder paper. Keep doing some‑thing generous every time you hear bad news or hear someone complain. Think of what the world would be like if, for every bad thing, something nice, however small, was done to counteract it.
Also, while important for subsis‑tence, money does not, or should not, make up our whole world. Despite what the internet, Gossip Girl and your friends impart to you, not everything is about money. If the adventurers and founders of our country can survive without credit cards, a retirement plan, or insurance, and if over 80 percent of the world survives day by day with‑out clean running water, then maybe, just maybe, we can get stronger and happier just by using our kindness and energy, moving forward in a positive way. Each time you hear someone complaining, think of it as a bell ring‑ing in your head, signaling that it is time to do something positive.
OUR VIEW
Emily Kim/Graphic Artist
Opinion08 12.18.08
Where, oh where, did our spirit week go?Facebook event invitations,
flyers around the school and the incessant reminder on the Raider Rundown all invite us to watch our boys’ basketball teams play against Jesuit in an epic ba*le for victory tomor‑row.
Last year, our boys varsity team defeated Jesuit in the last four seconds of the game. In an instant, a huge swarm of green and gold dressed fans flooded onto Jesuit’s court from the bleachers, celebrating the fact that our team beat Jesuit in their own house.
However, during the week leading up to the game, Jesuit pumps up their players with a whole spirit week devoted to the hopes of beating our basket‑ball team.
Because of our intense rivalry with the school down the street, the annual basketball game against the Marauders probably a*racts the largest crowd of all the games played in the season. Jesuit and Rio
students, as well as a consider‑able amount of alumni and parents, a*end the game.
It’s easy to see how they could feel envious of our school. Aside from school uni‑forms and tuition that’s through
the roof, we have everything they have and more. Excellent teachers, involved students, strenuous academic rigor, ardent cheerleaders and notori‑ously rowdy Raiders.
We have everything except a
basketball spirit week.So why not? If Jesuit can
praise their players for a week, why can’t we?
Since we have a spirit week for every major school dance, it’s hard to see how the basket‑
ball game versus Jesuit is less important. Both the game and the dance are considered top school events that have every‑one talking, even the teachers.
In fact, the game is probably more student‑friendly than any semi‑formal dance. Tickets are cheaper, frilly party dresses and dates aren’t required and there’s no chance of being kicked out on account of overly sexual dancing.
Our basketball players do their absolute best to represent us in a positive light on the court against other schools. In return, we should at least have the decency to take five days out of the year to show them our support.
So even though our senior players this year will have to forgo a spirit week, maybe Student Government and the Rowdy Raiders could collabo‑rate in forming an awesome spirit week for next year’s varsity basketball players.
That way, our team can boast to Jesuit next year about just how much we love them as well.
Molly Ingram Mirada Staff
Emily Kim/Graphic Artist
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR:
Taylor Swift, parking lot,‘Oysterboy,’ dance APer reading news editor
Tyler Allen’s review of Taylor SwiP’s recent album “Fearless,” I was absolutely horrified. His claim that SwiP’s music is only “pop music featuring a South‑ern drawl” is grossly incorrect. This purist, outdated idea of “country music” is the real prob‑lem, not the music of the fresh, young, talented, beautiful artist who has, in fact, won recogni‑tion in both country and main‑stream music award shows.
I apologize to you, Mr. Allen on behalf of all modern country fans for not being able to relate to songs about life on the farm and rodeos. But just because Taylor’s songs are about contemporary themes does not make them any less country. Her music features typical country instruments and
her musical roots are still firmly country.
But all this aside, “Fearless,”country music or not, is much more than a “barely de‑cent” album. The review seemed to me to be less of a review and more of a rant against the pro‑gression of modern country mu‑sic.
Maybe next time, Mirada writers can try to review art‑ists that they aren’t predisposed to dislike and more likely to be able to relate to. Don’t take out your anger on Taylor, Tyler. She never did anything to you.
Lauren Saria, 12
I completely agree with your recent article about parking lot etique*e. I’ve lost count of the
times I’ve feared for my life while leaving school. Thanks for bringing it to everyone’s at‑tention.
Jeff Pollock, 12
I love that you interview big groups of people like you did for the “What are you thankful for” article. That’s my favorite part of the paper!
Morgan Soriono, 10
I thoroughly enjoyed the Reader’s Theater play “Oyster‑boy.” The costumes were excel‑lent and the laughs were end‑less.
Julia Sakamoto, 12
The Reader’s Theater play was amazing! It was so original and provided a lot of laughs.
Megan Barlow, 12
You guys are doing a fan‑tastic job in newspaper. I com‑mend your ability to juggle schoolwork, the newspaper, col‑lege applications, and senioritis with finesse. Seriously though, I think the newspaper has im‑proved since last year.
Fleur Marfori, 12
Although the dance turnout was very low, and was made up of mainly senior girls, the Back‑street boys and Britney Spears music was an awesome blast from the past and the ‘80s bright
colors and spandex were enjoy‑able as well.
Taylor Lambert, 12
Thank you so much for the ar‑ticle about the parking lot. I still don’t understand why people don’t know how to make lanes entering the lot. And also, how can the parking lot be both on campus when we arrive, then as soon as we step foot onto the as‑phalt, we’re off campus? Either way, thank you for a*empting to diminish our morning rou‑tine.
Lexi Spoto, 12
Submit your le*ers with your name and grade
to room A3 or online at
Opinion 0912.18.08
Although all of this year’s UC ap‑plicants have hopefully submit‑
ted their applications already, the UC system seems to have remained a hot topic in the college‑admissions world.
The University of California’s Board of Regents recently established a com‑mi*ee to revise its minimum admis‑sions requirements. The major impetus behind this movement is to encourage more minority and low income students to apply. As Dr. Mark Rashid, the head of the commi*ee which proposed the revisions, stated, “The idea is to get away from a rigidly enforced policy that is rendering some high‑achieving students invisible to the university.” Cur‑rently many applications are not even read simply because a student does not meet some of the unfairly harsh requirements. The proposed changes include loosening course requirements, lowering the minimum GPA and dropping SAT subject tests all together.
If such changes were ad‑opted each applicant would be “entitled to review,” meaning that every applicant would be guaranteed that more than their grades and test scores would be considered before an admissions decision was made. And who doesn’t want that?
The UC system was founded on the idea that Californians should have access to higher education of the highest qual‑ity. The reason that UC tuition is so much lower than that of its private school competitors is to give every qualified student the opportunity to a*end a top‑ranked university. So the idea that the UCs are hoping to increase the enrollment of low‑income and minority students should not come as shock, as it follows the system’s com‑mitment to providing a great educa‑tion to high caliber students without discriminating on the basis of affluence.
The revisions are not a form of af‑firmative action, because they simply a*empt to view UC applicants more holistically, as opposed to adhering to a rigid eligibility policy that may unfairly discriminate against those who do not have the proper guidance in the admis‑sions process. Reforming the require‑ments would allow admissions officers to view and consider the applications
of high‑achieving students who may have otherwise been entirely rejected because of their situation. It has been shown that some lower income stu‑dents do not meet the UC requirements simply because they were not given the opportunity to do so. However, it has not been proven that the current requirements necessarily correlate to success in the UC system. The SAT subject tests, especially, provide UC admissions officers with very li*le information of how well a student will
perform if accepted. It seems then that requiring such tests would only serve to prohibit some, otherwise qualified, students from being considered.
By revising their minimum require‑ments UC’s would take a much more holistic approach to admissions, look‑ing at the whole student as opposed to relying solely on test scores and grades. Such an approach is used at private schools, and has even been ad‑opted by some large state universities, resulting in great success in retention rates. Every student has the right to be considered as more than an accumula‑tion of grades and test scores, and it is encouraging to see that the UC system feels the same.
The University of California system is lowering its minimum
admission requirements, with the intent of leading to a broader variety of stu‑dents receiving an education through the many UC campuses.
There is nothing wrong with trying to a*ract more students into applying for a higher education. However, once
the UC starts lowering their require‑ments and expectations, where does the push for students to do well go?
Many students know that they have to work very hard to keep a high GPA and to take many more classes than required for a high school degree.
The students constantly push themselves and strive for the best and brightest grades and classes, but why would they need to push themselves as hard anymore when they can do less to still be admi*ed into the UC?
The UCs plan on dropping the SAT subject test requirement and lowering the minimum GPA, but if the students can give a li*le slack in those areas, will they really be prepared for the tough world of college, where the expecta‑tions are much grander. Won’t these
requirements actually hurt the students because they will start thinking in the mind set that they can get by with lower standards and that they don’t have to do their best to succeed?
Although the lowered requirements are giving way for bright students turned slackers, they are great for the students who try their best and cannot meet up to the tough UC standards. So in that respect, it is a good idea for the requirements to be lowered. However, it shouldn’t turn into an easy way out
for students who can preform at a higher standard, but end up slacking because the lower standards allow them to.
Bending the requirements and the stiff standards may turn into a new wave of change and maybe the schools will go even lower for their standards.
These schools strive for the best and brightest, but the lowered standards may let in students who are not really will‑ing to give it their all and then students who really want to at‑tend the UC school will end up having to choose another school or will have to be placed on the wait list.
Students striving for a higher education and wanting to dedi‑cate their time to preforming at their best are the students who should be accepted into the UC schools. Unsure students who want to party and spend their time napping on the couch in the lounge should have to make a different choice, but since the requirements are lowered, many slackers may be making their way in.
Yes, lower income students and students who try their best
but still barely make the minimum requirements should be accepted into UC schools.
No, students who are just trying to get by on the lowered minimum requirements and just want to a*end a UC school for bragging rights and then end up taking up the limited admis‑sion should maybe be making other arrangements for applying to other schools.
College is for those who want to fur‑ther their education and make a future for themselves. Lowering the admis‑sion requirements for the UCs may be le*ing more of those students in, but it may also be le*ing in a lot of students who are taking their education oppor‑tunities for granted.
THE DEBATELower UC admission requirements?Yes: Looking at more than
scores and grades would add
diversity to campuses
No: Reducing required GPA
would open doors to slackers
instead of scholars
Ruthie OliverGuest Writer
Carly McCuneMirada Staff
Photo Illustration/ Carly McCune
?
Aholiday
trivia quiz Test your knowledge of Christmas, Hannakah,
Kwanzaa and everything
in between
1) Who wins the decorating contest in “A Charlie Brown Christmas”? a) Linus b) Charlie c) Snoopy2) What is the Grinchs’ dog’s name in “How the Grinch Stole Christmas”? a) George b) Max c) Doesn’t have a name3) What does Kwanzaa mean in Swahili? a) First Life b) First Fruits c) New Fruits
13) What does Disneyland use to make it “snow” during the holiday season? a) bubbles b) Disney creates its own snow c) a white edible substance14) What is one, if not the only, real element in Disney’s Haunted Mansion Holiday? a) the snow in the graveyard b) the gingerbread creatino in the ballroom c) Zero’s pile of dog bones 15) What did the Maccabees fight for? a) a free country b) riches and wealth c) for the right to practice Judaism
4) How did the wise men find the manger where baby Jesus lay? a) Followed the Star of Bethlehem b) Read a map c) Were guided by the wind5) What Christmas icon was banned from t‑shirts in the 2005‑2006 year at Rio? a) Santa Clause b) Jesus c) Snowman6) What comes on the 11th day of Christmas? a) lords a leaping b) ladies dancing c) pipers piping
10) Who was the first U.S. President to decorate the White House for Christmas? a) Franklin Pierce b) Franklin D. Roosevelt c) Herbert Hoover11) The tradition of the Gingerbread House originated in what country? a) Holland b) Switzerland c) Germany12) Hanukkah is also known as... a) Feast of Dedication b) Feast of Starlight c) Feast of God
7) Which beverage company was the first to use Santa Clause in a winter promotion? a) Pepsi b) Tollhouse c) Coca‑Cola8) What holiday special appears on TV more than any other? a) It’s a Wonderful Life b) A Christmas Story c) Miracle on 34th Street9) Christmas became a national holiday in... a) 1856 b) 1870 c) 1900
21) In what year was Mrs. Claus, Santa’s wife, introduced to the world in the book “Goody Santa Claus On a Sleigh Ride” by poet Katherine Lee Bates? a) 1889 b) 1902 c) 192922) In the 1964 TV special “Rudolph the Red‑Nosed Reindeer,” what did Hermey the elf want to be? a) a psychologist b) a magician c) a dentist
Answers: 1c, 2b, 3b, 4a, 5c, 6c, 7c, 8a, 9b, 10a, 11c, 12a, 13a, 14b, 15c, 16b, 17c, 18b, 19b, 20a, 21a, 22c, 23b, 24a, 25c
23) For people who live in the Canadian prar‑ies, the Christmas season traditionally begins with a shipment of Japanese... a) rice wine b) oranges c) teas24) Reveillion is a meal eaten aPer _ in France. a) Midnight Mass b) Sunday Sermon c) Boxing Day25) In Sweden, the “tomte” is a ... a) Christmas elf b) table centerpiece c) Christmas gnome
16) In Norse mythology, Balder, the god of summer sun, was killed by an arrow made of a now popular Christmas leaf. Which one was it? a) Poinse*ia b) Mistletoe c) Pine needle17) The Scandinavian barbarians held a festival called Jiuleis to celebrate the solstice. Can you guess what popular custom came from this feast? a) the Julienne method of preparing meat b) serving egg nog, a Scandinavian drink c) the buring of the Yule Log
18) During what ancient festival did masters temporarily serve their slaves? a) Lupercalia b) Saturnalia c) Floralia19) Which department store createed Rudolph? a) J.C. Penney b) Montgomery Ward c) Macy’s20) What actor starred as Ebenezer Scrooge in Jim Henson’s “The Muppet Christmas Carol”? a) Michael Caine b) Jack Nicholson c) Patrick Stewart
Designed by Editor‑In‑Chief Willie Robinson‑Smith. Photos by Willie Robinson‑Smith, except Rudolph, menorah and Balder statue. Drawing of Mrs. Claus by Sarah Vaira.
FeaturesPage 12
12.18.08
The Mirada
Showcase showdown
Clockwise from left: 2005 Porsche Boxster Volkswagon Beetle 94 Jeep Wrangler 97 Toyota Land CruiserYamaha R1 (motorcycle)Honda CR450 (motorcycle)
Auto Show Winners:Best Student Car - Jake SemaBest Teacher Car - Aaron the CustodianBest Motorcycle - Matt PetersonBest Sound/Video Systems - Erin Tierien Best Detailed - Darren HotstettirBest Junker - Auto 2Best Bicycle - Mark Ryan Gon-zales
The best in bay area coutureHidden among a plethora of
tourist shops in San Francisco’s Union Square lies a jewel called Torso Vintages. Bursting with vintage clothing, Torso houses a variety of pristinely preserved pieces of fashion history. Wheth‑er one simply enjoys browsing ball gowns, has a passion for historic fashion or is a vintage collector, Torso is the perfect place to visit.
The store has been in San Francisco for two years, but Tor‑so has been around for 16 years.
Torso originated in Portland, Oregon, but relocated to San Francisco. Luckily for those liv‑ing in Oregon, Torso will even‑tually be reopening in the area.
Owners John and David have been collecting vintage clothing for 16 years from a variety of different places, such as estate sales. Torso Vintages also pur‑
chases clothing from their pri‑vate clients. The items are dry‑cleaned aPer being purchased in order to ensure the best qual‑ity of vintage clothing.
“We’re very selective,” em‑ployee Shaun Lor said.
Customers can find cloth‑ing and jewelry from anywhere between the Victorian era up to
the 1980s. “Technically, I think vintage
has to be 30 years or older,” Lor said.
There is a plethora of vintage designer clothing worth more than the asking price.
“There’s a 1960s Dior ball gown with star paille*es,” Lor said. “It’s Dior couture.”
Torso a*racts a wide range of customers, and is frequently visited by tourists. The typical Torso shopper is anyone from the age of late 20s to early 50s, but is also popular with teenag‑ers. Many San Francisco area girls from affluent families like to purchase their perfect prom dress at Torso.
Also, celebrities are big fans of Torso Vintages.
“David and Posh Beckam, the Olsens and M.I.A. have all been here,” Lor said. “John and Da‑vid are really good friends with Lenny Kravitz, and we styled his South American Tour.”
Despite the country’s eco‑nomic problems, Torso is doing be*er than ever.
“The economy has not hit us at all,” Lor said. “We’re dou‑bling our numbers from last year.”
Lor especially likes working at Torso Vintages because he gets to learn the history behind
the merchandise. “We get our hands on things
that are amazing,” Lor said.Aside from the pleasing aes‑
thetics of elaborate fur coats, a zebra rug and red‑carpet ready vintage cocktail dresses, the employees at Torso are incred‑ibly friendly and helpful. The store has a welcoming feel that many department stores lack. So next time you’re in San Fran‑cisco, don’t forget to stop by Torso Vintages and have a look around, even if your visit is purely to admire the historical, one‑of‑a kind clothing.
“It’s high‑end couture,” Lor said.
Molly IngramMirada Staff
Torso stands among surrounding stores in Union Square.MOLLY INGRAM/Mirada Staff
Torso Vintages is open everyday272 Su*er Street (at Grant) San Francisco, CA 94108Call: 415‑391‑3166
INFO
One by one the contestants slowly piled into A3 for the annual cookie contest, but the excitement didn’t start until sophomore Suzanna Akins shouted “I’m gonna win!” The cookies on the table seemed to glow with the obviously high amounts of sugar.
The Chocolate Surprise Macaroons, made by Laura Anderson, was one of the four entries. The exterior seemed to be fairly suspicious and questionable, but the inside was filled with the taste of surprise and chocolate.
“I’m afraid to try that one,” senior and Mirada staff judge Tyler Allen said concerning the macaroons.
Some of the more beautified cookies were the classic sugar cookies baked by sophomore Kenny Tripp.
Although the basic cookie underneath looked the same as the other sugar cookies, the frosting varied differently from cookie to cookie.
A few of them had red hots place in the shape of eyes and a smile on a snowman, while others were decorated with red
frosting and others with white. The appearance was very
cute, but the cookie itself was a li*le powdery.
“It’s hard to go wrong with frosting and the li*le thingies on top,” Darren Miller, the teacher guest judge, said.
“You mean the sprinkles?” Tripp said.
On a plate nearby sat the Chocolate Gooey cookies baked by Akins. They were large chocolate cookies topped with a large helping of powdered
sugar.“I was up until one last night baking these cookies for today,” Akins said.
The Chocolate Gooey cookies were the first to be finished off, but they were the only cookies to arrive in such a small amount.The last contestant,
senior Taylor Lambert, offered up some No‑Bake Peanut Bu*er Oatmeal Cookies.
They were extremely plentiful and many “yums” and “mmmms” could be heard throughout the judging panel and the visiting students.
APer all of the tasting and paperwork was completed, the judges gathered around the desks to determine who would be this year’s cookie contest winner.
“I’m swearing in on a tray of cookies,” Miller said to announce that the judging could finally begin.
A few calculator clicks and pencil marks later, it was determined that Lambert and her No‑Bake cookies were
the winners of this year’s competition.
“People are surprised that these cookies are vegan and still delicious,” Lambert said.
Cookie contest judges, senior Tyler Allen and junior Christian Oldham talk to senior Sydney Ly about the cookies entered into the contest.
HANNAH SHAPIRO/Mirada Staff
Oat cusine wins cookie contestCarly McCuneMirada Staff
Winning recipe
Mix the following in a large pan over medium heat on the stove and stir for a few min‑utes:
‑2 cups of sugar ‑1/2 tsp salt ‑1/2 cup organic margarine ‑1/2 cup soy milk
Remove from heat and add the following while stirring con‑tinuously: ‑1/2 cup peanut bu*er ‑2 1/2 cups oats Spoon cookie sized/shaped pieces onto wax paper and let cool.
Taylor’s No-Bake Peanut Butter
Oatmeal Cookies
This movie wins the ‘million’
While many question the reality of fate, an 18‑year‑old named Jamal Malik’s life seems to be pre‑wri*en.
“Slumdog Millionaire,” stars Dev Patel as Jamal Malik, Mad‑hur Mi*al as his brother Salim, and Freida Pinto as his long‑time friend Latika.
This movie is a true repre‑sentation of the typical life of young boy in the slums of In‑dia. Growing up in Mumbai, life was always hard for Jamal.Every experience in his life was an obstacle he had to overcome by various means.
APer winning a spot on the show “Who Wants to Be a Mil‑lionaire,” Jamal answers every question correctly, surpassing
every previous contestant on the show, including doctors and lawyers.
Nobody believes that an uneducated teenager has the ability or intelligence to win. But, with his win he gives the
other underprivileged people of Mumbai the hope to escape their lives.
There are four answers to the question of how he won: either he is lucky, a genius, he cheated or it’s fate.
As the movie progresses the answer to the questions clearly presents itself.
This movie is action packed, and I was on the edge of my seat the entire time.
Also it is extremely powerful and makes you appreciate what you have.
Not only does it give a view of life for a “slumdog” in India, but it is also a love story.
However, the movie does have some disturbing images, so don’t eat before you watch it.
But I would definitely rec‑ommend this movie for those of you with strong stomachs.
Natalie BlackmanGuest Writer
Akin to Rin Tin Tin
Even though the demographic for the new movie“Bolt” is young kids with willing parents, it also appeals to the inner child of everyone else.
“Bolt” is the story of a TV‑star dog named Bolt, who is thoroughly convinced of his super powers, and faces reality when he escaped his Hollywood set one day.
Bolt soon acquires real life sidekicks: a cat named Mi*ens and a balled‑in hamster named Rhino. They make up a lovable trio that makes a cross‑country trip from New York to Hollywood to rescue Bolt’s owner, Penny. Along the way, they discover truths about themselves and build their
friendship.“Bolt” is an adorable
animated film that should not be passed over because of any preconceived notions about kids’ movies.
And a note to all of you fellows: I was taken to this movie on a date, and there is nothing more a*ractive in a guy than him willing to pay for a movie with a cute hamster. Take your girlfriends.
Molly Glasgow Editor-in-Chief
Features 1312.18.08
Filled with beautiful and lush drones, Garrick Arthur’s, aka Stag Hare, album “Black Medicine Music’” carries listeners to a magical place. The songs have a wondrous sense of instrumentation, with a combination of tablas, guitar, various electronics and a plethora of different bells and chimes. As soon as Arthur’s voice kicks into the songs, the listener becomes entranced.
Usually the pa*erns and rhythms made with the drums can be quiet hypnotic, almost lulling listeners to sleep.
Arthur’s quiet, meaningless whispers sound as though voices whisper all around the listener, enveloping them in a blanket of soP sounds. Even though this album is only five songs, it is 40 minutes long.
Mastered by Adam Forkner, of White Rainbow fame, this album is quite possibly one of
the most magnificent pieces of meditative music released in the past few years.
The rhythmic drumming of “Holy Quinn” soon fade out to the next song, “Yert Yah Maatreearchy,” a song filled with the aforementioned bells and chimes that almost sound like a forest deep in the Amazon, filled with mysterious yet calming high pitched calls and noises.
“Crystal Dust Dream” is
the strangest combination of instruments, but sounds fantastic. A flute continues to play as harmonica, tabla and various percussions make a steady rhythm.
Strange synthesizer follows in the background like a humans shadow, always there but not quite noticeable all the time.
Chants are delayed and looped underneath the harsh sounds of the harmonica that plays frantically over the slow‑rhythmic song.
The last song, simply titled “Oz,” is a 12 minute masterpiece that starts with what sounds like two fog horns slowly looping.
Adam Forkner’s mastering truly comes into play in this song, along with his guitar playing prowess that makes a great impression later on in “Oz.” Arthur truly has a masterpiece on his hands with this album that has only has printed 350 copies.
Fans of the progressive/mathcore band The Fall of Troy have been patiently waiting four and a half years to a*ain the latest addition to TFOT’s discography, “Phantom on the Horizon.”
“Phantom…” is a rerecording of a collection of demos the band recorded as “The Ghostship Demos.” The original demos consisted of Parts I, IV, and V; Parts II and III were only played live and pieces of them played were constantly changed for improvisation.
One of the most exciting things about “Phantom” is the inclusion of a recording of the infamous Ghostship Part III (now named Chapter III: Nostalgic Mannerisms). The once “live‑only” played track now features its final version that has operatic vocals, extra vocal melodies, more chord shredding breakdowns and
more passion soaked lyrics. The Fall of Troy has planned
an East and West coast tour with the band The Number Twelve Looks Like You. Fall will be playing “Phantom” in it’s entirety along with a couple songs from their upcoming 2009 album.
If you’re wondering what to get someone for Christmas, make it Phantom on the Horizon and a ticket to one of The Fall of Troy’s shows. The recipient’s mind will be blown wide open.
TV on the Radio’s newest album, “Dear Science,” is an exhibition of the band’s creativity, imagination and innovativeness, while still appealing to mass audiences.
The band does a splendid job of blending melodies with unexpected pounding beats and the unique vocal style of the singer, Tunde Adebimpe.
TV on the Radio stays true to their inimitable style while still incorporating a new feeling to their record.
This is a definite contender for best album of the year, nearing the top of the Bilboard charts.
Old fans of TV on the Radio and new ones alike should give “Dear Science,” a listen as it is, in all aspects, a great CD.
‑Molly Glasgow
SIDE B
Jack SheldonMirada Staff
You’ll ‘fall’ in love with this album
Stag Hare works ‘black’ magic with new album
Mini music reviews for your listening pleasure
Christian OldhamMirada Staff
SIDE A
Strangely named Oneohtrix Point Never release one of their best releases on tape through the newly formed label YOUNG TAPES. The tape features four songs clocking in around 20 minutes. The first song, “Gates of Saint Vacui” has beautiful arpeggiators and eagle calls. The second song, “Actual Air,” has darker and stiffer rhythms that are soon followed by the best songs, “Ruined Lives,” and “Ships Without Meaning,” which both take the listener to a new dimension of solitude.
This release stays true to Oneohtrix Point Never’s obsession with older, analog synthesizers that create mystical and dream inducing sounds through his mastery with arpeggios. Overall, this release is beautiful and not to be missed.‑Christian Oldham
Britney Spear’s sixth album “Circus” is an acrobatic performance for your ears. Spears experiments with a different sound this time around, describing “Circus” as “more urban.”
Although Spears fails to properly describe the genre her album belongs in, there’s no denying that each song has its own toe tapping beat.
However, with the exception of the breathy ballad “Out From Under,” Spear’s voice is so synthesized that it’s hard to tell who’s singing, and gives the album an artificial sound.
Yet, “Circus” is a major improvement from the previous album, Blackout. It’s apparent that Spears put more of her personal feelings into her lyrics, something that her loyal fans are bound to appreciate.‑Molly Ingram
Quirky electronic masters Jona Bechtolt and girlfriend Claire L. Evans are back for more as YACHT with their “Summer Song” EP. Although not released in summer this EP is definitely for that time of year, and pre*y much any other time for that ma*er. While these songs are great, lyrics in YACHT songs, although fun, possess li*le importance. The last song, “It’s Boring/You can Live Anywhere you Want,” easily overshadows the previous two. This song features great instrumentation that gets you in the mood to sing along and dance around crazily, just like Bechtolt and Evans do at their live shows. This EP is a great introduction to YACHT and will make fans more eager for the release of their early 2009 album “See Mystery Lights.”‑Christian Oldham
Adam Forkner, man of countless musical projects, and well known for his releases, returns with another killer album. “New Clouds” has only five songs, yet is over an hour long. The first, “Tuesdays Rollers and Strollers,” is a 23 minute song that stays strong the whole way through.
“Major Spillage,” the second song, starts off slowly but quickly builds to become one of the best songs on the album. Forkner’s music is well know for layering and looping, and his expertise really shines through here. You could find yourself driPing through this album due to the beauty of the well craPed songs. This album is especially amazing, knowing that most of these songs were recorded in one take.‑Christian Oldham
Features14 12.18.08
After 25 years this ‘white’ hasn’t faded Anonymous food review by Tyler Allen
In the middle of the hustle and bustle of the school day, a lunch‑time pick‑me‑up can be just what you need to get you through the day.
But all the choices of food for sale can be confusing, so I’ve taken it upon myself to test vari‑ous edible products available here at school and report it to the masses.
This month’s delectable is the spicy chicken sandwich, a hot li*le number wrapped in a come hither foil package.
I squirted on some mayon‑naise and prepared to dig in. I bit through the flimsy buns, the warm condiments, the grainy breading and the processed meat and entered into pure bliss.
While the sandwich isn’t huge, it packs a lot of flavor.
The “spicy” isn’t so much heat as it is extra taste, so it tantalizes your taste buds without burning your mouth.
And it’s a great deal, what with all the goodies that go along with it.
For only $2.50, you can buy
this sandwich, a side salad, fruit, milk, juice and chips.
I like to get creative and use my sides with the main entrée when I don’t exactly feel like eat‑ing them by themselves.
For instance, I take le*uce from my side salad and add some fresh crispness to brighten up my bites.
You can even dip the sand‑wich in the salad’s ranch dress‑ing.
However you care to con‑sume it, I would sincerely rec‑ommend this cheap eat for any lunch time.
This month will be the 25th anniversary of The Beatles’ “White Album.”
When it comes to the “White Album,” fans’ opinions are greatly divided.
Some see it as one of the band’s worst efforts due to the album’s consistency, while others believe that it’s one of their most glorious masterpieces.
The first time you listen to the songs on this behemoth Beatles album, you may find the music eccentric and unorthodox considering that their main genre is rock.
However, aPer you give the album a second spin on your stereo, you may just get hooked.
This album is well known as the album where The Beatles began to truly explore new sounds and break genre defining lines.
They wrote outlandish
songs such as “Savory Truffle,” which is about eating sweets, and “Why Don’t We Do it in The Road?”
Tunes like “Good Night” include a symphonic accompaniment that accentuates the depth and the message that the artist intended.
Another song that follows this formula is “Honey Pie.” This track sounds like it came out of a time machine that arrived here from the 1930s.
The Beatles, of course, wrote some serious songs to balance out the genre defying album.
More catchy yet solemn songs include “Long, Long,
Long” and “Happiness is a Warm Gun.” Here, there are strong elements of emotion and storytelling.
“Long” is a song of heavy hearted joy of a returning lover who had previously been fleeting. “Happiness” expresses the story of a withdrawing heroin addict. The song features sexy guitar riffs that sound straight from a detective movie’s ominous soundtrack.
Songs such as these show that the Beatles was a band way ahead of thier time. Many instruments, besides the generic guitar/vocals/bass/drums rock band recipe, make guest appearances in nearly all of the songs.
The piano, trumpet, trombone, big cymbals, basically all symphony‑related instruments and more are on the instrument crew list of the “White Album.”
This is a fantastic album that any musical artist or even normal person shoudln’t miss.
Jack SheldonMirada Staff
Bringing the holiday spirit home
Immediate left: This house is on the corner
of Marconi and Avalon and features many
blow up creatures, includuing Santa Claus
riding a motorcylcle on the roof, snowmen,
candy canes, elves, reindeer and a train. Far Above and far left: This house is at 961 Fair Oaks Boulevard by San Ramon Way. It features more than 15,000 lights, a life-size nativity scene, flying Santa and reindeer, a Christmas tree and reindeer forest, ginger-bread men, Nutcrakers, and angels.
KATHERINE CASEY/Mirada Staff
HANNAH SHAPIRO/Mirada StaffKATHERINE CASEY/Mirada Staff
WILLIE ROBINSON-SMITH/Mirada Staff
Features 1512.18.08
Jenna Scoggins,9What would you get that special someone?A hug and some candy.
What do you look for in a guy?Hands...and personality.
What is your dream guy supposed to look like?Humm… taller than 5’4”; funny, and smart.
What’s a turn off in a guy?When guys try too hard to impress a girl.
What do you think your best feature is?My hair.
‑Katherine Casey
Arjun Singh,10What is your dream date?Take her on an expensive plane while she eats expensive food.
What’s your favorite pickup line?Does you daddy work at a soup kitchen? ‘Cause you are mmm mmm good.
Do you like bruneDes or blondes beDer?I like them both a lot. What do you think your best feature is? My cheeks.
‑Katherine Casey
Name: Aaron Corona What kind of car is it? 2002 Monte Carlo SS. Where did you get it? Mike Daughtry Chevrolet How have you modified it? I have put 20” chrome rims. sound system, and on‑star.
What kind of car did you drive in high school? 1972 Monte Carlo What is your favorite thing about the car? Pu*ing my golf clubs in the trunk and heading out to play 18 holes of golf.
What’s your favorite thing to do with your car?Drive to Bodega Bay.
Why did you buy it?I bought it to drive out of town on vacations and for fun.
Bachelor and Bachelorette
Sweet ride of the issue
WILLIE ROBINSON-SMITH/Mirada Staff
Features16 12.18.08
The third year in a row saw the boys basketball team tri‑umph in the renowned school‑sponsored Jack Sco* Tourna‑ment.
The tournament was nerve‑wracking to the end as each game saw the team barely come out on top by a few points. They defeated Cordo‑va, 65‑60; Center, 57‑55; and in the championship game, Oak Ridge, 77‑67.
However, many have for‑go*en the true story behind the tournament which all ties back to the sign dedicated to a man named Jack Sco*.
Sco* was a P.E. teacher that started at the school in 1963, at the age of 37. Along with being a teacher, he was a head coach of many of the sports at the school which included football, basketball and baseball.
In 1971 Sco* retired from coaching, but remained an ac‑
tive member in the district by becoming an administrative assistant.
His work ethic reflected his hard working and affectionate nature, which made him a role model for students, athletes and colleagues.
However, in 1975, shock was brought upon the whole com‑
munity when Sco* died due to a plane crash.
Remembering Sco*’s dedi‑cation to the students and the program is important not be‑cause a tournament is named aPer him but instead due to his influence on the lives that were his responsibility.
Get ready for the most awaited basketball game of the season; the one that deter‑mines this year’s champions of the American River area. To‑morrow, Rio’s boys basketball team will face their biggest ri‑val, Jesuit.
At this same game, last year, Rio slipped by with a win, beating Jesuit 59‑57.
An equally exciting and close game is easily antici‑pated for tomorrow’s match. The teams’ current win to lose records are 3‑2 for Rio and 4‑3 for Jesuit.
Rio’s strong points include scoring, the average at 66.4, eight above Jesuit’s at 58.0, and rebounding, the average at 29.8, four above Jesuit’s at 25.6.
Rio will be challenged in a few areas. Jesuit’s strengths
include blocks, the average at 3.2, 2 above Rio’s at .8, and steals, the average at 2.2, one above Rio’s at 1.4. The teams averages in assists are very close, Rio’s at 3.4 and Jesuit’s at 3.8.
The Raiders will rely a lot on Kyle Odister, the team’s strong point in scoring, assists and steals; his scoring average is seven points above Jesuit’s highest scorer, James Moore. Pierce Burton will also be key to a Raider success, being the main rebounder, with an aver‑age of 11.2, five points above Jesuit’s main rebounder, James Moore with an average of 6.5.
No doubt it will be a close game, each team playing their hardest for nothing but pride and reputation.
All in all, a very intense game is foreseen for tomor‑rows match up.
Smith retires as football coachAPer 23 years with the Rio
football program, Mike Smith has resigned as head coach of the varsity team.
In a speech delivered at the end‑of‑season football banquet, Smith stated that he would be leaving the position for good. He had “resigned” in 2003, but returned aPer a one year hiatus.
Principal Rob Hollingsworth said he was aware of an ar‑rangement between Smith and the football program.
“He approached me and said that he would coach for the next three seasons, and then resign,” he said. “That was four years ago, so it isn’t a surprise to see his resignation.”
However, his resignation stunned the team.
“I couldn’t believe he was leaving,” junior and defensive lineman Mahyar Kamalinafar said. “There’s no coach who could possibly take his place.”
Assistant coach Jason Wallace was as surprised as his players.
“I had no idea,” he said. “I was saddened, because he is a great coach, is great for Rio and great for the kids.”
In the coaching community, Smith was both a valuable asset, and an indispensable force who drove his players to success.
Smith declined to be inter‑viewed for this story, saying he did not think his resignation was newsworthy.
But players and assistant coaches say he made a big im‑pact.
“I see him as a teacher, with a very gruff exterior,” Wallace said. “But I know that deep down he is a very loving person,
and he cares a lot about his kids. That’s the bo*om line.”
Players agreed.“It’s a sad thing for the pro‑
gram,” senior tackle Joe Portale said. “But he’s done a lot for this sport, and he deserves time to relax.”
Smith’s last year as coach was one of the most successful in over a decade. The team was second in the Capital Athletic League behind undefeated sec‑tion champion Casa Robles and reached the playoffs for the first time since the 1990s.
But Smith did not measure success by wins.
“The true record of a team is how successful they are later on in life, because that’s what mat‑ters, not a high school football record,” Smith said in an earlier interview with the Mirada.
Alex McFallMirada Staff
SportsPage 17
12.18.08
The Mirada
Alex Reinnoldt/Mirada Staff
Coach Smith, while he is retiring as head football coach, will con-tinue to teach physical education at the school.
Senior Kyle Odister defeats a player from Oak Ridge during the championship game of the Jack Scott Tourney on Dec. 6, scoring 29 points throughout the whole game. He was also awarded MVP.
Alex McFall/Mirada Staff
Alex KleemannMirada Staff
Tourney three peat! Jesuit repeat?
Jessie Shapiro andSarah VairaMirada Staff
The game will be at Rio onDec. 19 at 7 p.m.
Team wins 3rd straight Jack Scott title
Repeating win over Jesuit among biggest challenges of the season
Please see > SMITH pg 19
Sports18 12.18.08
PREPS Plus MARIE
ESPINAL, 12 varsity basketball
L listening to and observing the interactions of people has made me notice the things that work between them and, in most cases, what doesn’t work. In this time of the year, especially with all of the negative imagery that floods over us, such as the economy, Pakistan, job loss etc, it is hard not to feel overwhelmed or selfish in order to get through all of the negativity. Yet, in measuring the value of a giP, maybe the best giP to others is simply being supportive and considerate of one another. When we truly look at it, finding strength in knowing that there is someone there to listen can be the thing that gets us through these hard times without the feeling of being alone.
It was during the time when I was running and watching the California International Marathon that several observations brought this idea to my mind. Some of the runners struggled mightily to make it to the end, harming themselves, I am sure, but wanting to conquer the marathon beast. What was interesting was when the family came over to help the fatigued runner at the end, no words were exchanged, just a helping hand. As I watched this, it struck me that even though there was only silence between them, the support that they gave the runner with their presence was still truly meaningful.
Likewise, this feeds into the final stretches of this semester as we all head to the finish with finals. We know what we go through and maybe we do not have to give details to our family or friends, but just a word of encouragement can be enough to keep us headed to the next test.
One example of negativity came at a recent basketball game between a parent and daughter. The reason it stuck in my mind was due to the fact that the parent was explaining the measure of failure she felt because the daughter had only scored two points in the game. With this, I had to ask myself whether or not the parent truly understood the amount of effort the girl goes through with practices, studying and fatigue from effort put into the game. I know the feedback is well‑intended, yet in the big scheme of things, it seems myopic.
We are responsible for ourselves and how we accept criticism and challenges which sometimes can overwhelm us. That is why in this season of giving, maybe the giP of support and understanding of someone else is the best giP possible, without having to put a price on it. I see people much older than us, especially aPer watching them at the marathon, quietly at peace with their friends next to them, having accomplished something on their own but enjoying the encouragement of those around them. Support and understanding, what a very simple giP yet so hard to wrap.
Junior proves talent on varsity
Balancing family, friends and rigor‑ous honors and AP classes with Varsity basketball may be too much for some students to handle, but not for junior Zach Nathanson.
“I manage these things by having a stress‑free approach to everything,” Nathanson said. “I don’t stress out too much about a big test or even a big game; I try to stay calm and collected.”
Nathanson, who has been on the bas‑ketball team since his freshman year, is currently on the boys Varsity team.
“(I’ve been playing) since I was three months old.”
Among all others sports, Nathanson chose basketball because he liked how fast the game moved.
“It’s exciting and is non‑stop ac‑tion.”
Like most athletes, Nathanson puts his full effort into practice with his teammates, practicing two hours a day during the school week.
Since teamwork is a vital part to win‑ning a game, it’s important for Nathan‑son that the team frequently plays and spends time off the court together.
“They make the game really easy to
play. We go to Round Table lunch buf‑fet aPer practice and stuff.”
Nathanson also practices for an hour or two before or aPer team practice, and even dedicates some of his week‑end time to basketball.
“This year, being on Varsity, the
game is faster, the players are bigger and our opponents are tougher.”
Therefore, Nathanson already has a list of goals he wants to achieve this season.
“I want to win the Jack Sco* Tourna‑ment, win league and make it to Arco.”
Luckily for Nathanson, he and his teammates already won the Jack Sco* Tournament this year, so his first goal has already been accomplished.
In fact, in the game against Center High School during the tournament, Nathanson made the final three‑point shot that won the game, 57‑55, allowing them to move on to the championship game against Oak Ridge.
Nathanson was honored with the title of all‑tournament player, and re‑ceived a plaque in recognition, along with senior Pierce Burton and MVP player of the year, senior Kyle Odister.
In the past, Nathanson has been known to gain a lot of points for his team.
“I scored 32 points against Sacra‑mento High last year and 36 points against Mira Loma during my fresh‑man year.”
Although Nathanson is quite the tal‑
What is your personal motto for basketball? The rewards and hard work of practices will be reward-ed in games.
Do you have any pre-game rituals? I normally end up re-tying my shoes a bunch of times
because I like them to be perfect.
Why did you decide to play basketball? When I was little, I grew up going to my dad’s basketball games and Kings games and I loved the movie “Space Jam.” The three were very influential.
What is your favorite aspect of the sport? The feeling after a hard practice, worn out and satisfied of all your hard work.
Do you plan to play in college?No way. I think I need to grow about six inches and gain about 30 pounds just to look the same as those girls.
What is your greatest achievement in basketball?Being the only player on the Varsity basketball team who has played all four years.
What do you like about your teammates? My teammates are really close to one another. I think that makes us a better team. Although we may fight in practices, we get over it and in the end it makes us better players.
Support - simple yet meaningful
- Molly Ingram
What is your personal motto in regards to basketball? Beast mode
Do you have any pre-game rituals? I go to the gym and shoot, then I eat fruit (bananas, strawberries,
pineapples, etc.) and then I listen to Lil’ Wayne, T.I., or The Game.
Why did you decide to play basketball? It’s all I know and have ever known.
How long have you been playing? My whole life; since the day I came out of the womb.
What is your favorite aspect of basketball? The intensity; I like how pumped up you get.
Do you plan to play in college? Hopefully, but I don’t know where.
What is your greatest achievement in basketball?I’m not really sure; I just love the game.
What do you like about your teammates? They back me up on anything, except for K.O. Haha
Is there a basketball player you look up to?Magic Johnson, cause he was a baller.
Molly IngramMirada Staff Alex Reinnoldt
Mirada Staff
ABELEIBOVITZ, 11 varsity basketball
Junior Zach Nathanson dribbles the ball through the Oak Ridge defenders in the Dec. 6 championship game of the Jack Scott Tournament.
Molly Ingram/Mirada Staff
- Molly Ingram
Molly Ingram/Mirada StaffMichael Mahoney
WINTER
RESULTS
Please see > JUNIOR page 19
Hollingsworth said that the school has adver‑tised the position.
Wallace, who is also stepping down to spend more time with his children, said that he hopes assistant coach Christian Mahaffe applies for the vacated position, because he is “a great coach, and very deserving of the opportunity.”
While he may be stepping down from coach‑ing, Smith will continue to be a part of the school staff as physical education teacher and will con‑tinue to see the football players when they take his well‑known weights class.
Three new coaches are pumping up the basketball program. Former assistant Chris Jones is now head coach of the varsity boys, while the girls’ junior varsity and fresh‑man teams are headed by Shawn Steck and Stan Taylor.
Jones is no stranger to the boys’ varsity program. He played for and coached un‑der Brian Davis, who stepped down at the end of last season but continues as a physical ed‑ucation teacher. Jones played basketball at Rio before gradu‑ating in 1998.
“We won league my junior year in 1997,” Jones said. “I have coached for four years under coach Davis whom I also played for in 1998.”
Jones has high hopes for the team, which started strong by winning Rio’s Jack Sco* Tour‑nament.
“My hopes for the season are league championship, a section title and, of course, to beat Jesuit,” Jones said.
Steck and Taylor are also new to the basketball program. Steck is head coach of the girls JV team, while Taylor is coach of the freshman.
Steck was first introduced to the program aPer a brief teaching job at Rio.
“I taught at Rio last year for a few months , and really enjoyed my time there,” Steck said. “I contacted the AD to see if there were positions available within the girls. I was put in contact with Coach Dula (varsity girls), and start‑ed helping a few days later. I coached through the summer and fall, and have had a great time so far.”
Having been a teacher for the past 10 years, Steck teaches at Caesar Chavez Elementary in the Sac City District.
Steck has li*le experience with high school basketball, having played only recre‑ational for two years as a kid. However, he is no stranger to competitive sports, his main passions being soccer and hockey.
“I mostly grew up playing hockey and soccer and played both until I went to college,” Steck said.
Steck has a lot of experience coaching, and has coached basketball for a girls parochial league for a few years.
“I coached youth soccer U‑6 through U‑12 for 6 years, and then I coached middle school girls basketball in the Parochi‑al Athletic League for the past four years,” Steck said.
Steck, as any good coach, hopes for the team to try hard and work together.
“My main goal is to get the girls to play as a team, and to have each player reach their true potential,” Steck said.
Steck has done a great job of fulfilling this goal by se*ing up a few team gatherings.
“Coach Shawn set up a team bonding party for us one Friday instead practice, it was fun and helped us get to know each other be*er,” sophomore JV player Sarah Brown said.
Steck realizes he has a strong team with a lot of po‑tential to do well.
“We are young but very fast and physical. The girls move the ball effectively and play well together,” Steck said.
Overall, the newest basket‑ball coaches are a great addi‑tion to the program.
With a young team consisting of two sophomores, seven juniors and only two seniors, the girl’s var‑sity basketball team has already sur‑passed last season’s record.
“Even though the season has just started, I can tell that we play really well as a team, which I know will take us very far this year,” sopho‑more center forward and returning varsity player Mariah Maxwell said
With the excitement of the boy’s season just beginning, the girl’s team is oPen overlooked. However, with the great amount of talent this year, this should not be the case. The girl’s varsity team is one to look out for.
‑ Jessie Shapiro
SPORTS
BRIEFS
Girls Basketball
WINTER
RESULTS
Varsity Boys BasketballDec. 2 at Sacramento L 55-69Dec. 4 Cordova (Jack Scott) W 65-60Dec. 5 Center (Jack Scott) W 57-55Dec. 6 Oakridge (Jack Scott) W 77-67Dec. 9 Fairfield L 65-73Dec. 16 Rocklin 7:00Dec. 19 Jesuit 7:00Dec. 20-23 Mission Prep Tourney TBADec. 27-30 Trogan Toss Up TBAJan. 6 Dixon 7:30Jan. 8 at Foothill 7:30Jan. 10 Newark Memorial 5:30Jan. 15 Mira Loma 7:30Jan. 20 at Bella Vista 7:30Jan. 22 at Del Campo 7:30Jan. 27 El Camino 7:30Jan. 29 at Casa Roble 7:30Feb. 4 at Mira Loma 7:30Feb. 6 Bella Vista 7:30Feb. 11 Del Campo 7:30Feb. 13 at El Camino 7:30Feb. 18 Casa Roble 7:30
Date Opponent Time
Varsity Girls BasketballNov. 24 at Encina L 51-62Nov. 25 at Victory Christian W 53-23Nov. 29 at Amador W 39-29Dec. 3 River City W 53-51Dec. 6 at Waldorf L 41-51Dec. 8 Vista del Lago L 41-47Dec. 11 Oakmont Tournament 7th placeDec. 17 Monterey Trail 7:30Dec. 18 Granite Bay 7:30Dec. 22 at West Campus 7:30Jan. 5 at Rosemont 7:30Jan. 7 at Mira Loma 7:00Jan. 9 at Casa Roble 7:15Jan. 14 at Bella Vista 7:00Jan. 16 Loretto 7:00Jan. 21 El Camino 7:00Jan. 23 Del Campo 7:15Jan. 30 Mira Loma 7:00Feb. 3 Casa Roble 7:15Feb. 5 Bella Vista 7:00Feb. 10 at Loretto 7:00Feb. 12 at El Camino 7:00Feb. 17 at Del Campo 7:15
Varsity WrestlingDec. 6 Mc Nair 5:00 am at Stockton Dec. 13 Nighthawk Duals 6:00 am at NatomasDec. 26 Marty Manges Invite 6:00 am at Casa RobleDec. 27 American River Classic 6:00 amJan. 2 No Guts No Glory 6:00 am at Hiram JohnsonJan. 7 Bella Vista 4:00 pmJan. 10 El Camino Invite 5:00 am at SacramentoJan. 17 Mark Fuller Invite 6:00 am at Lincoln High SchoolJan. 20 at Casa Roble 4:00 pmJan. 22 Mira Loma 4:00 pmJan. 23-24 Tim Brown Memorial 6:00 am at Memorial AuditoriumJan. 27 at El Camino 4:00 pmJan. 29 Del Campo 4:00 pmFeb. 7 Section Dual TBA at RosemontFeb. 14 CAL Championships TBA at El CaminoFeb. 20-21 DIII Sections TBA at BeneciaFeb. 27-28 Masters TBA at UOPMar. 6-7 State Championships TBA at Rabobank Arena, Bakersfield
Wrestling
JV player Cynthia Do dribbles the ball down the court in the game against Vista del Lago.
Michael Mahoney
New enthusiasm brought to basketball programs
Alex KleemannMirada Staff
New varsity boys basketball coach, Chris Jones, goes over new plays and previous game stats for the team with assistant coaches during practice.
Alex McFall/Mirada Staff
ented player, considering his past achieve‑ments and the inevitable success he will have this season, he remains undecided on whether he will play basketball in college or not.
“I’d like to, but I might not because it’s hard to play. [College basketball] is elite.”
When it comes to basketball, Nathan‑son lives by the mo*o of Steve Buzzard, “Be a good sport, play hard, have fun and always remember it’s just a game.”
Junior: Named all-tourneyContinued from pg 18
Follow your teams online at: http://my.highschool
journalism.org/ca/sacramento/rio
On Dec. 9, the wrestling team had a dual against Inderkum and Mc‑Clatchy. Rio won against McClatchy 51 to 17 and lost against Inderkum 35 to 39.
On Dec. 6, at the McNair Tourna‑ment, the players Gabe Fuentes, Rob Chambers, Trevor Lanthier and Gabe Lanthier all placed. Gabe Fuentes at 160 lbs. placed seventh, Rob Cham‑bers at 171 lbs. placed third, Trevor Lanthier at 135 lbs. placed fiPh and Gabe Lanthier at 152 lbs. placed fourth.
This year the team has two girls, sophomores Callie Senna and Court‑ney O’Ferrall. The team hasn’t had any girls on it for two years.
“When were on the mat were con‑sidered the same as any opponent. Were not looked as girls,” Senna said.
O’Ferrall unfortunately dislocat‑ed her elbow during a match on Dec. 6 and is going to be out all season, but says she will definitely wrestle next year.
‑ Caroline Fong
Sophomore Callie Senna im-proves her wrestling moves by practicing on a teammate.
Caroline Fong/Mirada Staff
Smith: Continues as P.E. teacherContinued from pg 17
Sports 1912.18.08
Students, teachers, alumni continue support of CIM
The California International Marathon (CIM) truly was, as the Kenyans for the men and the Russians for the women took the winnings, but the majority of people were there with one goal in mind: fun.
The marathon is an annual event for many students, teachers and alumni, and participation ranges from run‑ning the marathon or relay to volunteering to cheering on the runners. However, enthusiasm and fun joined everyone together that early Sunday morning of Dec. 7.
Beginning in Folsom at seven in the morning and fin‑ishing at the State Capitol, the 26.2‑mile course follows a historic gold miners’ route. This year was the 26th annual CIM, with over 9,000 participants and more than 2,000 vol‑unteers.
The CIM is a great opportunity not only for runners to get a personal best time, as it is a net‑downhill course, but also to get a qualifying time for the Boston Marathon or for the Olympic Marathon Trials.
Last year, two Rio teachers, Curt Casazza and Antonio Losada, ran qualifying times for the Boston Marathon, an accomplishment which both repeated this year. Casazza finished this year’s marathon with a time of 2:58:51 and Losada finished at 3:25:56.
Another long distance runner from Rio, Adam Farreira, the autism teacher, is the current record‑holder for the Sac‑ramento Cowtown Marathon that takes place in Feb. With a time of 2:20:31, he broke the previous record in 1982. While he took time off to play golf and does not run as much as he used to, Farreira has run a couple of times with Casazza and Losada for 8‑mile runs.
They were not the only Rio runners participating,
though. Senior Samantha Adair ran the whole marathon as well. Phillip and Jill Montbriand, chemistry teacher and counselor at the school, both participated in the CIM relay. Also, a group of students, including senior Alisse Baumgar‑ten and juniors Aaron Goodrich, Alex Reinnoldt and Gavin Moler, ran the relay as team Rocinante. All four are mem‑bers of the cross‑country and track team, and they placed seventh out of 26 coed high school teams.
“I thought it was a great experience,” Moler said. “It’s a cool thing to accomplish something like that and have other people to share it with.”
All four agree that their achievement outweighed the cold weather and fatigue of the race.
“Ge*ing up early in the morning, running in the cold, and feeling like the blood in your limbs is going to freeze was not so fun,” Goodrich said. “But, when you finish you feel pre*y great, and seeing your friends at the finish line is very worth it.”
B a u m g a r t e n agreed that the race was a “great bond‑ing experience.”
Alex Reinnoldt and Kate FinegoldMirada Staff
Left: Many runners were seen wearing tin foil around themselves to retain heat after their run. Right: Senior Cashel Barnett plays the drums in his band to entertain the runners.
Left: Bikers also joined the runners in the race. Right: Onlookers and run-ners were amazed by one man who stood out due to his lack of footwear dur-ing the entire marathon.
Left: Rio 2006 graduate Michael Simpson waits for his teammate at the third relay point. Many Rio alumni have continued running in the marathon after high school. Above: Volunteers from the Interact Club pass out water and pretzels to the fatigued runners passing by on Fair Oaks Blvd. and Stewart Road.
Left: Teachers Antonio Losada and Curt Casazza pose for a picture at the end of the CIM. Above: Junior Alex Reinnoldt passes the time chip off to teammate ju-nior Gavin Moler at the third relay point in the marathon.
courtesy of Denise Reinnoldt courtesy of Denise Reinnoldt
courtesy of Denise Reinnoldt
courtesy of Katelyn Peterson
courtesy of Denise Reinnoldt
courtesy of Denise Reinnoldt
courtesy of Denise Reinnoldt
Alex Reinnoldt/Mirada Staff
Start
Finish
Policemen ride along the streets during the CIM to make sure the roads stayed clear for the runners.
Relay Runner #1
Relay Runner #2
Oak Ave.
Fair
Oak
s Bl
vd.
Orangevale
Citrus Heights
Folsom
Fair Oaks
Carmichael
Man
zani
ta A
ve.
Relay Runner #3
Fair O
aks B
lvd.
H St.
J St.
Sacramento
L St.
Capitol Park
Relay Runner #4
courtesy of Katelyn Peterson
Sports20 12.18.08