Embed Size (px)
DESCRIPTION
Rancho Bernardo High School's student-run newspaper, The Silver Spur. Issue published December 21st, 2012.
Citation preview
Read us online atthesilverspur.org
CONTACTTHE SILVER SPUR!SEND EMAILS TO:[email protected]
• Dec. 21: Benefit Concert• Dec. 22-Jan. 6: Winter Break• Dec. 8: December ACT• Jan. 15-17: Finals Week• Jan. 26: SAT• Feb. 9: ACT
Look Inside For...
Wreck-It Ralphpg. 8-9
Boy’s Soccerpg. 11
Photo by Gautam Gupta
Cartoon courtesy of the University of California
UC Logo changes
Photo courtesy of http://psucollegio.com.
pg. 2
Upcoming Events
Did you know...
Put a phone flashlight under a water bottle to turn it into a lantern of sorts.
Use a can opener to cut the plastic on tough-to-open blister packaging.
Turn on your car’s seat warmer to keep pizza hot while driving home.
Broncos give back
3 ways to help out during the holiday season
1. Donate clothes or food to a local charity, food
bank, or canned food drive.
2. Volunteer at a soup kitchen.
3. Send a care package.
Charity Spotlight: A look into the Make a Wish Foundation
Often time, the best way to give back is not to donate tangible items or money, but to give time.
Once the holiday season begins, charity organizations and homeless shelters often put together canned food drives for people to give away canned foods. They often accept oth-er items, such as gifts, toys, and food.
Send letters and gifts to a soldier sta-tioned overseas. Programs like “Any Soldier” provides addresses and wish lists for people to donate packages as they wish.
easy
for the holiday seasonBowen Du (10) volunteers at Old Poway Park’s annual “Christmas in the Park” event.
DECA is participating in an Ikea fundraiser this year. For the fundraiser, Ikea is going to donate one dollar to UNICEF for every toy that is bought from its store.
DECA wants to generate another positive benefit from the Ikea fundraiser. When DECA buys the toys from Ikea, they plan to then send those toys to a local children’s hospital.
“Anybody can participate in this program, whether they are in DECA or not,” senior Keith Bonus said. “And they can also either give money to us to spend at Ikea, or they can go and buy the toy themselves and then give it to us.”
“Rancho Bernardo DECA is partnering with RB Key Club for a special community service project,” senior Dyan Khor said. “Both clubs will contribute money to purchase soft toys at Ikea, which is having a campaign for UNICEF and Save the Children, where for each toy purchased, a dollar will be donated to either organization.”
This is the first year that DECA has participated in such a fundraiser with Ikea, though they try to participate in at least one fundraiser every year. This year, the charity is in association with the Make a Wish Foundation.
“After purchasing these toys,” Khor said, “they will be donated to a children’s hospital, where RB DECA will talk to the staff and some children about the Make a Wish Foundation (California
DECA’s state service initiative).”“We wanted to do it to help out
the children,” Bonus said. “Since we do a fundraiser like this every year, we wanted to continue to do it this year.” Khor said that DECA is also doing the project as a part of its community service campaign, and also to raise awareness for the Make a Wish Foundation.
According to the UNICEF website, the Ikea fundraisers are very impactful.
Ikea has been helping out UNICEF for the past ten years with various forms of donations that amount to around 200 million dollars.
The UNICEF website also says that Ikea has taken a personal interest in the lives of the children that they help, and that they have a genuine care and concern for
those lives.According the the Ikea website,
“By the end of 2012, funding from the IKEA Foundation will have enabled UNICEF to help over 74 million children in India create a better future for themselves and their families. The IKEA Foundation’s investment in India helps to promote children’s rights to education and protection, and supports the improvement of child survival (by combating
RB DECA participates in IKEA fundraiser for UNICEF’s campaign “Save the Children”By Grant NoeStaff Writer
Photo by Gautam Gupta
Granting over 228,000 wishes, a wish approximately every 40 minutes, to children with life-threatening conditions, the Make -A-Wish Foundation has made its mission, according to the foundation, “to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy” by fulfilling these children’s dreams and wishes.
The journey begins with a simple question: “If you had one wish…if you could go anywhere, meet anyone, be anything, or have anything you most wanted… what would you wish for?” The child, along with his or her family, and a Make-A-Wish team then embarks on an unforgettable journey creating memorable experiences for the child to treasure.
These fortunate candidates, who are referred to the foundation by a friend, family member or medical professional, must be not only be
children between the ages of two and a half and eighteen at the time of the wish, but they also must be diagnosed with a potentially fatal medical condition, as determined by their medical physician. A team of Make a Wish volunteers then helps determine the wisher’s one true wish, and through the help of the community as well as philanthropic individuals, make these wishes come true.
Originally founded in 1980 with a single wish granted to Chris Greicius battling leukemia in Phoenix, Arizona, the Make-A-Wish Foundation has developed into one of the most illustrious international charities.
Much of their support comes from the contributions from local businesses as well as the enthusiastic work from dedicated volunteers. Approximately 76 cents for every dollar is spent on their mission, and more than 250,000 volunteers across the nation help make this mission
come true. To support this cause, volunteer opportunities as committee members, fundraisers, event planners, wish granters, as well as various sorts of activities are available, and can be scheduled through their website, by telephone or even in person at the San Diego chapter of the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
By Lynn BiStaff Writer 1
2
3
1. Oklahoma’s “Make a Wish” foundation’s photo2. Toy at local elementary school festival; photo by Susan Shen3. Tristan Caparas helps elementary school kids with crafts at local festival event; photo by Gautam Gupta.
malnutrition and improving water and sanitation conditions).”
If you’re interested in participating, the fundraiser will continue through December. See local IKEA store for more information.
THE SILVER SPUR - DECEMBER 21, 20122 NEWS
Rancho Bernardo High School13010 Paseo LucidoSan Diego, CA 92128
(858)485-4800 [email protected]
Melody HuangStacy Luu
Michael RupicEditors-in-Chief
Liz WinnAdvisor
Melody HuangGopika Mavalankar
News
Stacy LuuMelody Huang
Features
Michael RupicOpinions
Jenny JeongKathy Rudkin
Sports
Angela HwangRaj Ukani
Entertainment
Gautam GuptaWebmaster
Stacy LuuBusiness Manager
Kathy RudkinGautam Gupta
Copy Editor
Ibrahim AliKyle Apfeld
Lynn BiHana Bradshaw
Ashley CarmichaelJay Hernandez
Erika KimJulie Kim
Claire KwonMaxwell LataGeoffrey LuJack MiaoGrant NoeSophia Tao
David Wang
Gautam GuptaPhotography
Amy MaLuke Verayo
Cartoons
Mission Statement:
The Rancho Bernardo High School Silver Spur is a student run organization on campus dedicated to providing accurate news and stories to the student population. In addition, the Silver Spur strives to educate its staff members on the innerworkings of journalism and prepares its students for the real world of reporting,
media, and communications.
Editorial Staff
Staff Writers
Photography and Art
Silver Spur Editorial Policy: The opinions expressed in the Silver Spur are not necessarily the opinions of the staff, administration, or the students of Rancho Bernardo High School. They are not representative of the opinions of the Silver Spur staff as a whole. The Silver Spur is a public forum for students to
express their individual opinions.
Want to be a part of the Silver Spur? We take submissions from any students, whether it be articles, op-eds, short stories, photographs, or cartoons. Each submission will be reviewed by our editorial staff and will be published, space and time permitting.
For more information, [email protected].
TAG Program to be replaced by altered transfer program in fall of 2014
Starting fall of 2014, community college students will no longer have the option of Transfer Admission Guarantee Program for UCSD, but instead, a new program called the Link Program.
Available to students enrolled in an accredited California community college, the Transfer Admission Guarantee, most commonly known as the TAG Program, guarantees admission into one of seven UC campuses, including including UC San Diego, UC Irvine, UC Davis, UC Santa Barbara, UC Santa Cruz, UC Riverside, and UC Merced.
While each of the UC schools has its individual different requirements of GPA, prerequisites and coursework in order to be eligible for the program, UCSD’s TAG program specifically had requirements of a maintained minimum GPA of 3.5, as well as the completion of 60-90 UC-transferable credits while meeting specific deadlines and other course requirements.
However, despite new policies and increasing academic requirements narrowing the accessibility for this guarantee, due to the increased number of applicants and only a limited number of available spots as well as severe budget cuts, the UCSD Committee of Admissions voted on December 8, 2011 to terminate the UCSD’s TAG Program, effective this fall of
2012. Hence, this 2012-2013 year will be the last year for qualified community college students to hold the option of participating in UCSD’s TAG program.
However, despite common misconception, this termination of the TAG program is not necessarily tantamount to the termination of all viable options of transferring to UCSD. In fact, students will still have that option to apply and transfer to UCSD without the TAG Program; however, this transfer admission will not be guaranteed. Additionally, in replacement of the TAG Program, the Link Program will effectuate
and take its place. While the Link and the TAG Programs are in fact two different programs, their purpose is still similar: to provide an option for qualified community college students of a guaranteed admission to UCSD.
According to Becky Rzewuski, the college and career guidance tech at RB High, however, “[the Link Program] is better because you hook up with a counselor there at UCSD and you work with them while going to Palomar. You have a connection to UCSD right away. It’s a better transfer program. There will be more help.”
While several aspects differ, such as the required minimum GPA (3.0 GPA in the Link Program as opposed to the TAG Program’s 3.5), several aspects of the perquisites remain the same. For example, each student must have completed the same 60 UC-transferable credits as well as meet certain deadlines.
“If a student is interested in the guarantee program, they have to be diligent to go right away and meet with the transfer office,” said Curry. “They have to make sure they’re taking the right classes in the time they need to take it because there are very specific rules. There are deadlines to meet, and students must stay on top of it.”
However, according to Curry, the Link Program will also provide an easier path to transferring.
“It’s much better and easier for kids to access.” said Curry. “The requirements are also lower.”
While certain details of the Link Program remain unclear, both Curry and Rzewuski recommends interested students to contact the community college transfer office with their questions. In addition, they also recommend students to search which universities their community colleges have agreements with and plan accordingly.
“Palomar couldn’t give us any definitive answers because they weren’t given any definitive answers from the Chancellor’s office,” said Rzewuski.
However, as Curry said, “This is still a viable option for students interested in going to UCSD…but changes are constant, so stay tuned.”
AP Calculus students dedicate lab periods to tutoring algebra students
By Lynn BiStaff Writer
As the semester comes to a conclusion and students are worrying about their grades, it’s nice to know that the AP Calculus students have got your back in at least one of your subjects--math.
The program was originally initiated by Thomas Farber, an AP Calculus teacher at RB High, when he noticed that some students had not yet acquired or could not access the tools necessary for their success in math.
“Originally in the beginning of the year, while conferring with other math teachers, we noticed that certain students need more one-on-one attention than they normally get, especially with the large class sizes,” said Farber. “So I said a good way to solve that would be to pair up our most advanced students taking AP Calculus BC with those who are at the beginning stages of their math learning in Algebra. With this system, students can gain important time with the students who understand the concepts of math most clearly.”
Farber also points out that the students and tutors share a mutually beneficial relationship with each other.
“It’s really a win-win situation. The students who are receiving aid get role model to look up to and individual who personally tutors them,” said Farber. “However, our Calculus students also learn how to teach and, really, teaching itself is a learning experience.”
“We try to help them understand and help them with their problems,” said tutor Bahar Salehi. “It’s just that they need one-on-one explanations, and if they had it then they would be able to perceive what they’re doing wrong and hopefully, improve on it.”
Matt Devlin, another tutor looks at it, not only as an opportunity to give back but most importantly to help his peers.
“We can help with whatever concept of math that they’re struggling with,” said Devlin. “Whether it be multiplying and dividing fractions or even going back to adding and subtracting integers.”
The students give up their own time to help others; but as Devlin points out, “In the end it’s all about helping our peers.”
By Ibrahim AliStaff Writer
University of California’s logo change sparks petition
During the 2012 election, California voters voted with a 55 percent majority in favor of increasing the state’s sales and income tax to support the education system. The sales tax increased from 7.25 to 7.5 percent and created four new taxable income brackets for those who earn over $100,000 annually. The wealthiest Californians, those who make up the top 1 percent, are expected to pay 78.8 percent of the tax due a personal income tax increase. The tax increase is directed at the top five percent wealthiest Californians and was championed by state governor Jerry Brown. Prop 30 is estimated by the Legislative Analyst’s Office to raise between $6.8 to $9 billion by the end of 2013.
Without Proposition 30, the California State Universities (CSU) and public schools would have faced drastic tuition hikes or budget cuts. The Cal State Chancellor
Charles B. Reed rescinded a planned tuition hike after the Prop was passed, and students will receive refunds from last year’s nine percent tuition increase.
Ryan Jones, a previous RB High student who is currently studying at CSU San Marcus, was an immediate beneficiary of the Prop’s passing.
“It let me up my maximum units and gave me a refund from last semester,” said Jones. “To say the least, CSU students are very relieved and happy.”
Annual tuition is expected to go back to the previous tuition of $5,472, and CSU’s are expected to avoid a $250-billion budget cut. The prop allocates temporary tax revenues that divide 89 percent of funds to K-12 schools and 11 percent to community colleges.
The University of California (UC) system has canceled a midyear tuition hike that was expected to increase the cost by approximately $2400 per student. If the Prop had not passed, the UC School’s would have had their third tuition hike in a row.
“I was really excited when it passed because I don’t
get any real financial aid right now,” said previous RB High Alumni student Shannon Stoffel. “We could tell it was really important to our school (UC Davis) because
school officials kept emailing us and teachers discussed it in class.”
While colleges have already started making plans, the proposition will begin to take effect in the 2013-14 school year.
“We won’t know the effects of the Prop until the coming year, so the passing would
not have affected this particular year,” said vice-principal Martín Casas. “A lot of public high schools had an immediate trigger clause that if Prop 30 hadn’t passed, they were going to receive pay cuts this year, so that will not occur now.”
Proposition 30 does not increase the budget for public schools but prevents further budget cuts from occurring. Previous occurrences like the massive teacher layoffs in 2010 will not occur anymore due to increased funds from more taxes. San Diego Unified will not suffer from a $40-million midyear budget cut and will not have to redact its school year any further.
“In the beginning of the year, many teachers had contracts that stated they would have pay cuts,” said Casas. “If Prop 30 had not passed, they would have had pay cuts and furloughs at the end of the year too.”
For many students and educators, the tax increase is worth the cost because it lowers tuition and allows teachers to maintain their current jobs.
”“If Prop 30 hadn’t passed,
they (public schools) were going to receive pay cuts
this year.
After it was falsely rumored that the University of California was planning on changing their logo, hundreds of students signed petitions to object to the alleged changes, prompting a statement from the UC’s senior vice president for external relations, Daniel M. Dooley:
“While I believe the design element in question would win wide acceptance over time, it also is important that we listen to and respect what has been a significant negative response by students, alumni and other members of our community.”
By Gopika MavalankarNews Editor
What Prop 30 means for college students and taxpayers
Dana McArthur does a problem on the board in her Algebra class. Photo by Gautam Gupta
Carolina He (12) studies hard. Photo by Gautam Gupta
THE SILVER SPUR - DECEMBER 21, 2012 3NEWS
On the evenings of Dec.18 and Dec.19, the RB High Choir performed a series of songs celebrating the upcoming holidays
The Choir, consisting of the Beginning Women’s Choir, Advanced Women’s Choir, Concert Choir and the Madrigals, has been working rigorously in class during sectionals and in their free time, with each singer rehearsing more than twenty songs. In addition to practicing, the Choir has become more adept at performing after caroling various times at Vons and other events. With such an enormous effort put forth by the Choir, the ultimate product of their work resulted in an extraordinary experience for all during this winter concert.
“The Madrigals have to learn about 22-25 songs just for the month of December and our winter concert,” said senior Madrigal Zach Manlapid. “It’s a lot of work, but having so much variety to sing and being able to pull it off is very fulfilling.”
As a winter holiday concert, their song selection mainly focused on the imminent holidays, including songs such as the “Carol of the Bells,” “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen,” “The Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy,” “Merrily Sing Noel,” as well as several other traditional pieces.
However, these traditional songs were interpreted into beautiful renditions, creating a unique spin on holiday
CHOIR PUTS ON IMPRESSIVE SHOW
RB High’s music programs put on annual winter showsRB’S ORCHESTRA AND BAND:Winter concerts are a huge success.
favorites. For example, when performing the traditional “Deck the Halls,” rather than its original 4-4 time, the Choir performed it in a 7-8 time, creating a different and more upbeat experience.
On a different side of the spectrum, aside from the holiday songs, the Choir also performed extremely beautiful interpretations of advanced choral pieces, riveting and enthralling the audience.
“Some of the songs we are singing are very difficult for high school level choirs to pull off, yet somehow we manage,” said Manlapid. “Songs like ‘Lux Aurumque’ and ‘Lully Lulla Lallay’ are able to strike a deep emotional chord and create an ethereal experience while other songs are able to bring about bubbling joy and happiness for a time.”
During the concert, the Choir attempted to interact with the audience in order to connect the music to them.
“We try to bring the experience of the concert out into the audience,” said Manlapid. “We have a piece, ‘Lully Lulla Lullay,’ where we turn off the lights and hold candles as we surround the house seats.”
With the entire choir performing together, a deep bond among choir members has also developed.
“The concerts are a great bonding experience,” said Madrigal singer Samantha Geier. “I enjoy spending time with close friends as well as performing pieces for family and friends.”
The winter concert provided an opportunity for the choir to showcase the results of its persistent work and unrivaled talent.
By Lynn BiStaff Writer
RB Madrigals pose for a picture Photo courtesy of Renata Rose
RB High’s Band and Symphony Orchestra (RBSO), long renowned for its outstanding quality, has been working hard to present its winter concerts, which took place in the past week.
At its Dec. 17 concert, the band performed many winter pieces, such as “Hanukkah Festival” and “A Festive Christmas.” To the audience, the pieces looked effortless; the musicians adeptly navigated the multitude of rhythms, notes, and dynamics, providing music that was both interesting and pleasing to the ear. “The band has improved significantly over the course the semester,” Otani said. “As older members graduate, the younger members must step up to
fill the shoes of key musicians and leaders. Each year, the students in band are given increased challenges and always rise to the occasion. They work hard to reach and maintain the high level of quality that our music program is known for.”
The RBSO also presented several engaging classics at its Dec. 20 concert, including the Mozart “Magic Flute Overture” and selections from Tchaikovsky’s “String Serenade” and “Nutcracker.” The Orchestra has seen drastic improvement since the beginning of the year, and the musicality of the students was apparent during the concert, where the audience was taken on a skillful musical journey.
According to Junior David Kyle, who is Assistant Principal Cellist and Vice President of the Symphony Orchestra, “We’re a constantly growing orchestra, and it is fun to
see our improvement by the time of the concert. Mrs. V, the orchestra director, has done a great job in helping us improve.”
Band and orchestra members regularly spend time after school rehearsing their pieces during sectionals and additional practices. In order to improve, the musicians are also required to practice outside of school.
“Band is mentally and physically demanding, but in the end, it is a lot of fun,” freshman trumpet player Matt Marcus said
With this kind of devotion, it is not a surprise that the performers have seen such an outstanding record during competitions. The orchestra has received numerous “superior” rankings from various festivals. Year after year, the band has also consistently placed near the top at regional and state competitions.
By Geoffrey LuStaff Writer
“
THE SILVER SPUR - DECEMBER 21, 20124 OPINIONS
November and December are the typical months for giving. They also signify the time of year when joy is in the air and the desire to give is prominent; however, with national business “holidays,” such as Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, Cyber Monday and Giving Back Tuesday, it is easy to confuse the true meaning of this time of year with our natural instinct to want more, even when we should appreciate what we already have.
It seems that when we were younger, we held the holidays close to our hearts because of the idea of receiving gifts and being surrounded by family and friends. The excitement of waking up Christmas morning and finding gifts under the tree is a flashbulb memory that most children remember for the rest of their lives. This creates a love for the holidays, but recently, the holidays have been focused on gifts instead of giving. This is because of the multiple “holidays” that many Americans buy into.
This time of year is aimed at targeting kids. From a young age, kids are conditioned by advertisements to want not one Barbie, but all the Barbies in the collection. It seems that we the consumers fall for everything that the advertisers put out, and it has become such a part of our lives that we don’t notice its effects.
The first holiday of this season is Thanksgiving. The point of Thanksgiving is to recognize and appreciate all things and people in your life that you are thankful for. This concept of Thanksgiving is challenged when the very next day you are constantly bombarded by advertisements for Black Friday, the biggest shopping day of the year and the official beginning of holiday shopping.
Contradiction within the season: superficial illusions of the holiday spirit inside of stores
By Stacy Luu
Editor-in-Chief
It is ironic that during a time when we are supposed to be grateful and appreciative, materialistic Americans trample each other to get the last TV or that rare action figure. It extends even further than Black Friday: directly after Black Friday is Small Business Saturday, which was established in 2010 to encourage shoppers to support small and local businesses. Then on Monday, there is Cyber Monday, an online version of Black Friday where consumers rapidly snatch up the last of the deals before their Christmas shopping.
Lastly, there is Giving Back Tuesday, the newest of all these “holidays,” which charity organizers put together to encourage Americans to once again give back, volunteer, or donate to charities. This succession and back-and-forth game of holidays ranging from appreciation and materialism contradict each other, leaving us with an unsettling question: can appreciation and gratefulness come without the need of instant gratification and reward?
Christmas is coming up, and as much as the holidays are a time to give rather than receive, it is somewhat ironic that it is the biggest shopping time of the year. It is fueled by the companies who cut prices to encourage consumers to buy, buy, and buy.
We often lose the meaning of the holidays through our impulsive and greedy want for more. These mini shopping “holidays” make an impact on consumers being constantly surrounded by the latest products and gadgets. Americans are brainwashed and conditioned to think they need the newest version of the iPhone or Nook. It has become an unhealthy obsession, and this has taken away from the spirit of the holidays. With all of that activity, it leaves little room and time to go out and help those who are worrying about getting the bare basic necessities.
Shopping “holidays” like Black Friday, Small Business Saturday and Cyber Monday have left a big mark on the perception of the holiday season and what it really means.
Cartoon by Amy Ma
A high school letter is a prestigious award handed out to only select students. But over time its image as an athletic achievement has disappeared as many new and interesting clubs and classes are getting letters for meeting the requirements.
Letterman jackets are traditionally worn by students at RB High as a symbol of school spirit as well as to display personal awards earned in various activities. The letter earned by the student is usually put on a jacket, and is commonly known as a letterman jacket.
The student’s name is embroidered on one of the letters on the jacket or is embroidered on the jacket itself. The owner’s graduation year usually appears on the right sleeve or just above the right pocket. The school logo and symbols representing the student’s activities may also be sewn on the jacket.
The letters are earned through hard work and dedication. Some sports such as field hockey require a player to participate for an entire season on the varsity team in order to earn a letter.
“Earning a letter is tough,” said field hockey coach Kate Rudkin. “A lot of hours go into earning one, and students who do intense extra-curricular activities work hard to earn them.”
However the controversy of whether a letter should only be a sports-related privilege is slowly starting to fade away as more and more non-sports-related activities are participating in this tradition.
ASB advisor Terri Rogelstad explained, students involved within ASB go through a rigorous process in order to qualify for their letterman.
“One must serve in ASB for one year. Along with that, they have to fulfill requirements such as after school and before school hours,” said Rogelstad. “A lot of after-school activity is involved and it’s just an overall tough route through
which they [ASB Students] go through.” But in the end, as Rogelstad explained,
the hardships are well worth it. “For us it is a remarkable thing [a
letterman] to have,” said Rogelstad. “Our students work hard to excel in their particular field of interest, and for them the reward of a letterman is well deserved.”
While differing clubs at our school do receive letters, the image portrayed by the jacket is commonly associated with sports and athletic activities.
“While I do think they are typically associated with athletics, I think it is a bit close minded to think that only athletes work hard enough for our school to earn the honor of a letter/ letterman jacket,” said Rudkin said. “I feel that marching band, color guard, cheer, TDF, drama and ASB are all deserving of letters if those kids fulfill the requirements (this includes being academically eligible, like athletes).
RB High’s Athletic Director, Peggy Brose, has similar feelings about the extension of lettermans.
“I don’t necessarily feel that the lettermans should be restricted to only sports,” Brose said. “I think that organizations such as band and choir that do go to competitions and do compete have the right to earn a letter representing their school. With that being said, I believe that there should be established rules and criteria to go along with that as well. Bottom line is that all these organizations are representing Rancho Bernardo High School, so why shouldn’t they be able to wear that jacket with the same pride an athlete does?”
In the end, the similarities, or rather interpreted similarities, between sports and academics should not be perceived as a hijacking of each other’s traditions but rather as a spreading of them. The letterman in this case should be extended to all clubs and activities because in the end they all strive to make themselves and their school proud by competing, each in its own distinct manner.
Status is everything in high school...
“Jocks” are not necessarily the only ones who can display their letters on jacketsBy Ibrahim Ali
Staff Writer
Walking through a department store during the Christmas season usually means a lot of red and green holiday decorations and stocking stuffers; this has been going on since as early as October, and it’s ruining the season.
Christmas creep. No, that’s not the tag of a guy who stalks people on Christmas. It’s the name for all of the holiday merchandise and sales starting way before December. Target, this year, started its holiday shopping hours on October 28th and even began airing Christmas ads in mid-October. By advertising Christmas so early, stores destroy not one, but two holidays. They draw all the attention from Halloween, and by the time the holiday season actually rolls around, everyone is sick of snowflakes and hearing “Merry Christmas.”
But if you’re reading this thinking that you don’t remember seeing any Christmas commercials during October, there’s a reason. This year was an election year. The airwaves were monopolized by presidential, mayoral and prop campaign commercials. Next year, the television airspace will be dominated by Christmas advertisements like the election did this year.
Of course, the whole reason Christmas creep exists isn’t for us, the consumers, but for the retailers. According to Bob Phibbs of Retail Customer Experience, an online site centered on business, all stores should be putting their Christmas supply out this early time. Phibbs’ thinking is that the consumers have a certain amount of money set aside in their head to spend on Christmas. All the retailers are competing for this money, and if they don’t get to it early, someone else will. If one store starts, they’re ahead, and the rest of the stores are behind, so it’s up to them to level the playing field.
There has even been a poll on when it’s acceptable for stores to start decorating and promoting Christmas. The study, conducted by Consumer Reports National Research Center from over a
million consumers, yielded some interesting results.
Although over half of the people polled agreed that only after Thanksgiving is it okay for stores to begin, 36 percent said between Halloween and Thanksgiving, 5 percent between Labor Day and Halloween, and even 1 percent before Labor Day. Years ago, it was unheard of to start before Thanksgiving, but if the trend continues, the holiday season will be so focused on commercialization that Christmas will have almost no meaning.
The standard American philosophy: is there an easier way to get it done?
According to a recent time-use survey conducted by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Americans are working less (26 minutes less than 2007) and more time partaking in leisure activities.
Although the statistics effectively reflect our decline in productivity, the commercial market does a better job highlighting the condition of the general populace through the audience they cater for.
Inventions such as “lazy cookbooks,” T.V. dinners and drive-thrus all serve the idle masses. Companies such as Netflix now offer services in which movies can be set directly to your mailbox. Online shopping has been on the rise. Even the popular artist Bruno Mars celebrated laziness through the catchy “Lazy Song.” Non-productivity has become so common that it has become an integral part of our culture today.
All this stirs a single question: is America becoming a lazy nation?
The answer lies in the manner in which people choose to spend their spare time. The nation is parted into two divisions. Those divisions consist of people who use their spare time for self-improvement and people who use it for self-indulgence. But which group prevails? The answer lies in an examination of our culture.
The mere existence of technology was brought about in order to get more done while doing less. The most brilliant inventions were born through people who sought to avoid work. The person who invented the sail wanted to avoid the strenuous task of rowing. The water mill was invented by a person who wanted to avoid grinding wheat into flour by hand. Even the person who decided to hitch a horse onto a cart wanted to avoid pulling the load himself. In the last century, many of the technological advances were primarily designed as time saving devices. The washing machine, the microwave, and the dishwasher all save the average American hours a day, leaving a person a substantial amount of spare time.
Today, technology has evolved to
By Sophia Tao
Staff Writer
accommodate more than simply basic needs. It quenches the desire to indulge in activities of relaxation. And instead of using all the freed time for productive work, most Americans choose to spend it lounging on a couch, staring blankly at a glowing screen.
According to the Department of Labor, the average American spends 2.7 hours a day watching television. Technology has advocated counter-productivity. The bulk of the hours that a person saves through using time-saving technologies is wasted on engineering that not only fulfills our leisure, but also depletes our productivity.
“The improvement of technology has made us lazy,” said junior Tamae Sugiura. “The term ‘couch potato’ references to society and how lazy we are.”
But laziness draws its sources from more than just technology. Culture is another factor. “Parents don’t care as much (for productivity) as generations before,” said sophomore Mili Merchant. “They eat out a lot more, which causes physical laziness.”
According to United Press International, the average American family eats out around five times a week. Most families choose to dine outside the home solely for the convenience, not necessarily for the taste. In fact, the advent of drive-thrus further reflect on the nation’s value of time efficiency and productivity.
Like technology, fast food saves time for other activities due to the fact that it frees hours that normally would have gone toward meal preparation. Nevertheless, the free time is spent in idleness.
This idleness is reflected in the growing rate of obesity among Americans.
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, more than one-third (35.7 percent) of American adults are obese, but only one percent of that number is obese due to medical conditions. This statistic effectively indicates that the bulk of an average American’s time is spent doing sedentary activities.
In attempt to bring about more productivity, time-saving technologies were born. This freed more time for people to do as they wish. But instead people have chosen to spend that time in idleness, digging themselves into a pit of counter-production in the process.
“Each time you give a gift this holiday season, take a moment to note your own increase in happiness and decrease in stress.” —Anonymous
Cartoon by Amy Ma
Christmas and the holiday season fall victim to today’s capitalistic society
By Max Lata
Staff Writer
The holiday season will be so focused on
commercialization that Christmas will have almost
no meaning.
”Showing off those high school accomplishments...
com·mer·cial·ize (verb) — to emphasize the profitable aspects of , especially at the expense of quality; to offer for sale; to make available as a commodity
“Commercialization has obscured the meaning of Christmas and the holiday season. The commercial on the screen and the thing man needs to sell has become more important than the season.” —Anonymous
Shopping is not the only way to celebrate the holidays...
“
THE SILVER SPUR - DECEMBER 21, 2012 5OPINIONS
Regifting during the holiday season: is it crude and rude or simple and resourceful?By Stacy Luu
Editor-in-Chief
Every year during the holidays, billions of gifts are bought, exchanged, and surprisingly enough, regifted. This ongoing matter of regifting is heavily disputed morally: is it okay to regift something received from a family member, friend, or teacher?
Is it justified to do because the gift would be more useful with another person? There are a lot of exceptions, but I believe that regifting is a rejection of the giver’s consideration, and it should be avoided if at all possible.
Regifting is not just a fad—it got turned into a national holiday! National Regifting Day is on December 18th. It has become a worldwide accepted form of giving. There are many motivations to regifting, and there are many people who believe that it is okay. One popular reason is that people do not want to physically go out and take time from their busy schedule to buy gifts. Instead, many people turn to giving a gift they received years ago or recently as a plausible solution. In a sense, it is the lazy alternative to thinking about what the person wants and actually going out to get it in a store. There also is that factor of indecisiveness or uncertainty: the person’s interests, likes, dislikes and needs are mental checklists givers go through before selecting a gift.
The fear of buying the wrong gift or a gift that offends the receiver has crossed the mind of the giver multiple times before the purchase. This could fuel the need to regift a simple gift card or general universal gift that everyone can put to good use; however, it does not replace the consideration that is necessary when giving presents to people during the holidays.
A more popular argument for regifting is that the gift was of no use to the receiver in the first place. So why not regift it if the person whom is receiving it next will make
Happy holidays: summarizing Christmas, Hanukkah, New Year’s, etc. in one phraseBy Sophia Tao
Staff Writer
As the holiday season is here, retailers everywhere are displaying their enthusiasm. Wreaths are mounted; lights are hung; Christmas trees are on display; presents are everywhere. The decorations are so overwhelming in some cases that a festive joy is forced onto onlookers. All this suggests an enthusiastic preparation for the holidays, but there is a discrepancy. Although the lights and decorations suggest a Christmas aura, the actual word “Christmas” is evaded. Instead, businesses have opted for the more generic “Happy Holidays.”
Over the course of many years, Christmas has become less of a Christian-centric holiday, shifting to more of a generic cultural holiday. Today, it is celebrated by many non-Christians in various ways, eliminating the religious connotations of the holiday. Instead, Christmas has become more of an over-commercialized celebration of festive peace, love, and joy.
The cause of the occurrence is attributed to the growing religious diversity of the nation. There are many religious holidays that are celebrated at this time of the year. Celebrants during the holiday season, including those who celebrate other holidays besides Christmas, also expect the same respect that Christians want. By switching to “Happy Holidays” businesses are striving to encompass all people of all religions rather than exclusively favoring one religious group.
But some feel that the secularization of Christmas has gone too far.
In 2005, the American Family Association boycotted Target, claiming that they had failed to include the word “Christmas” in its advertising. Following suit, the Catholic
League boycotted Wal-mart due to how its website treated search results for the word “Christmas.” Bill O’ Reilly, a Fox News anchor, launched the campaign “Christmas Under Siege,” which protested the diminishing religious value of the holiday.
These defenders claim that the traditional values of Christmas are under attack; however, they are rewriting history through their actions.
In colonial America, Christmas celebrations were reviled due to the fact that the Puritans felt that it took away from the religious piety of the holiday. In some colonial settlements, the celebration of Christmas was even outlawed. According to Time magazine, showing festive spirit for the season could earn you a fine of up to five whole shillings.
Christmas only began to gain popularity as a domestic celebration after the publication of Clement Clarke Moore’s “A Visit from St. Nicholas” in 1823. This publication depicted a red-faced, white bearded man who distributed gifts to children, popularizing the image of “Santa” in the United States.
This image sparked a new wave of Christmas controversy: commercialism. Beginning in the 1920’s, the retail industry began to include Christmas in its advertising campaign, advocating the purchase of gifts for the festive season. In hopes of drawing a larger consumer market, “Christmas” was replaced by the word “holiday” instead. By using generic terms, the retailers sought to cater to a broader consumer base, since “holidays” placed no specific favor on a single demographic.
Religious leaders strongly objected. In 1953, a Methodist sermon was broadcasted on NBC, lamenting over the fact that Christmas had been exploited by businesses, thus turning the sacred holiday into a “profit-seeking period.”
While it is logical that Christians wish
to preserve the religiosity of the holiday, Christmas has become a widely practiced secular celebration. In a secular society, it is futile to publicly promote religious aspects. Under the First Amendment, the establishment of a national religion by Congress is unconstitutional. Thus, it is within the rights of big businesses to strip religion from the idea of Christmas in their subliminal advertising.
While religious organizations are grieving over the loss of the traditional meanings of Christmas, many non-Christians feel that religious Christmas was pressed on them.
In 1906, a Committee on Elementary schools in New York City banned Christmas hymns in a school after 20,000 Jewish students expressed discontent by boycotting the songs. The action of the students was backed in 1946 when the Rabbinical Assembly stated that it was an infringement of rights to force a Jewish person to sing Christmas songs.
By forcing the commercial industry to allot the holiday season as the “Christmas season,” organizations are pressing forth their religion on those who differ in beliefs. This is a fragment of history that has been continuously repeated for generations. There will always be discontent. And one group will always search for dominance.
The religious aspect of Christmas continues to wane. Companies have replaced “Christmas parties” with “Holiday parties.” Schools use the terms “winter break,” instead of “Christmas break” out of respect for growing religious diversity.
The war on Christmas will never be won. As the saying goes, “Please all and you will please none.” If you try to please the masses by secularizing Christmas, anger will spike from the religious groups. On the same coin, if you try to please the advocates of a more religious Christmas, a conflict will flare from those of other beliefs.
better use of it? If that is the case and the gift genuinely does belong in better hands, then there still needs to be some sort of etiquette involved in the regifting process. Regifting done with no consideration for the individual is a waste and the giver might as well not give a gift.
And this is where regifting gets its notorious background; so many people regift for the purpose of opening up space or cut the time and stress of having to pick out a gift. Regifting has now claimed a infamous legacy among the gift givers of today’s society.
When regifting, it’s best not to open or use the gift if it’s in a box or packaging. It is also courteous to rewrap the gift for the next receiver and add a personal card or letter to show that the deed wasn’t completely done with ill-intentions and that it has a
meaningful touch coming from the giver. Regifting should be avoided if possible to the best of the giver’s ability, but if it is truly necessary, then it should be done with dignity and class.
The Christmas season is here to remind us to be grateful for the ones we love and the ones we care about. Gifts are just the cherry on top of the ice cream; they aren’t necessary, but it is a step up to showing someone that you are thinking about them during the holidays. No matter what gift is given, regifted or not, it’s the thought that counts. It’s not the gift that matters—it’s about showing appreciation towards someone who has made life a little brighter.
Not only is the holiday season a time of gift-giving and story-sharing, but it also a moment for reflecting on the simplicity of living a meaningful life.
By Geoffrey Lu
Staff Writer
Actions speak louder than simple words...or do they?By Grant Noe
Staff Writer
Cartoon by Amy Ma
Speech and Debate is one of the more beneficial clubs on campus. Along with the many community service clubs, and academic clubs, Speech and Debate tests the limits of a student’s personal wit and skill. Truly teaching life skills, this is a club that should really be considered by both those who are excellent speakers, and those who need help speaking.
There is a wide range of events available to those who wish to join, as people certainly have varying interests. Class clown? Perhaps humorous interpretation is for you. Sob story? D r a m a t i c interpretation may be your gig. Good at making things up on the spot? You would work well in impromptu. You watch the news? Perhaps extemporaneous speeches are for you.
Now perhaps you are not a huge fan of making speeches, and you would rather argue with someone. You like to work with another person? Parliamentary debate would be perfect for you. Oh, you like proposing and amending bills? Perhaps Congress would be best for you. You fly solo? Lincoln-Douglas is your home.
All the events that I have named are just the tip of the iceberg! There are many more events that you can test out to see if it suits your preference.
And now for the walkthrough on the benefits: In addition to Speech and Debate looking fantastic on a college application, (especially if you have held a leadership role), it is truly a class that will benefit you for life. I was speaking recently with a lawyer who said that of all the classes
and extracurricular activities that he chose to take part in when he was in high school, Speech and Debate was the most beneficial. It helps with public speaking, and in-class speaking. It helps develop logical prowess, and the ability to think on your feet. Even if all of this does not appeal to you, it is extremely fun, and the feeling that you get after winning a round is unparalleled.
However, this is not to be taken lightly. You should realize that the people in Speech and Debate mean business. They are all about helping out and assisting you in improving yourself, but they do not play around. Speech and Debate cannot be entirely learned in a classroom—it requires some level of dedication and practice to be a part of.
As of now, Speech and Debate is a 6.5 period class and a school club, but it has an elective c o u n t e r p a r t called “Oral Interpretation.” If you are looking to join Speech and Debate but you cannot find time
after school, then the elective class may be perfect for you. The additional in-class practice practically ensures that you will do well at tournaments. This class is also worth a fine art credit if you still need to fulfill that. It is meant to be a full-year class, but you can join for one semester at either the beginning of the year, or at the start of second semester.
All things considered, whether or not you should join Speech and Debate is a no-brainer. Consider becoming actively involved in one of the school’s most influential on-campus organizations and think about participating in something that will not only benefit you in high school, but will also improve your professional career. I strongly recommend that you go and learn more about it and its impact on students at school today!
Several generations ago, learning a foreign language was relatively useless as far as real-life applications were concerned. Today, some people still think that learning a foreign language is a waste of time. Unfortunately for those select few, speaking a foreign language is an invaluable skill for a variety of reasons.
Advances in communication such as the internet and smart phones have made our world figuratively smaller. As we all know, sending an email takes a matter of seconds, in comparison to the eternity a letter takes to reach its destination. Thus, information can travel around the globe very quickly, and no longer encounters g e o g r a p h i c a l limitations when we communicate or collaborate.
As a result, speaking a foreign language is remarkably useful. Melanie Knoy, a German teacher at RB High, said that the mastery of a foreign language can improve one’s success in the job market. Knowing a foreign language can additionally make it easier to get hired. Additionally, speaking a foreign language can also increase one’s chances for promotion. Since many companies operate on a global scale, a foreign language has many applications.
Knoy also said that part of the reason why she feels so strongly about the importance of learning a foreign language is the fact that understanding different cultures is crucial in today’s worldwide environment.
“You gain so much more than the ability to speak a foreign language,” said Knoy. “Learning a foreign language teaches you
a different culture and opens your mind to other people. It changes peoples’ mentality and grows acceptance toward cross-cultural differences.”
Most people enjoy and dream about spending time in other countries, and the understanding of different cultures can also make these vacations more enjoyable. An understanding of culture and the basic ability to comprehend one’s surroundings is essential to truly experiencing a foreign country. On the other hand, ignorance of the local language and customs could possibly turn a dream vacation into a nightmare.
While you may grumble and pretend that you have no intention of leaving American soil, learning a foreign language will still
benefit you. A study conducted by the National E d u c a t i o n A s s o c i a t i o n shows that there are many positive effects to learning a foreign language, like an improvement in thinking
skills, as well as better performance in other classes.
Many students studying foreign languages certainly realize a better grasp of other subjects. Freshman Omid Rooholfada said that learning grammar in Spanish class has also improved his understanding of grammar in English.
Thus, no matter how hard you try to deny it, knowledge of a foreign language is very useful. That is why the next time you struggle while conjugating verbs or perfecting your pronunciation in a foreign tongue, it is best to suppress your desires to go back to reading English and think about the doors it may open in the future. Learning a language is simply the smart thing to do in today’s diverse society.
“A gift that keeps on giving contains a valuable lesson, allows the receiver to gain wisdom and insight, increases self worth, or results in a new-found self confidence, self-reliance and independence.” —Anonymous
“If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head. If you talk to him in his language, that goes to his heart.” —Nelson Mandela
“I am sure there is a right way and a wrong way in today’s life; there are many different rules of being politically correct.” —Mike Singletary
Learning a foreign language will benefit you....
Many students studying languages certainly realize
a better grasp of other subjects.
”
“Speech and Debate is all about helping out and
assisting you in improving yourself.... It requires some level of dedication to be a
part of.”
Learning a foreign language in school es muy importante
‘Tis the season of giving...some good quality presents
THE SILVER SPUR - DECEMBER 21, 20126 FEATURES
Due to the year-long sunny weather and the absence of snow in the winter, San Diego is known to be one of the best places in America to live in climate-wise. Yet there are those inhabitants who do not mind this weather, but oftentimes wish for a milder summer and a colder winter.
Contrary to common belief, the majority of San Diego is a chaparral not a desert region. The lack of snow and constant sunny weather can be attributed to this fact. Blueplanetbiomes.org states that the winter in the Chaparral climate is mild and moist, but the summer is very hot and dry. Chaparrals exist in a mid-latitude climate and lie in a belt of prevailing westerly winds, which is why the average temperature of the coldest months is 64° F.
According to rssweather.com the lowest temperatures occur during December and January, but even then the temperature is in the high forty’s. Students at RB High have to endure this non-fluctuating weather daily at school.
While some students enjoy the milder winter other students wish for a colder winter and more distinguished seasons. Snow is also often wished for in San Diego.
“Some snow would be nice,” P.C. Chauhan said. “It would be an amazing change to the monotonous San Diego weather that varies between 25 degrees year long.”
Although the weather generally stays constant throughout the year, there seems to be outbursts of extreme weather occasionally.
“I think San Diego weather is rather chaotic,” Aishwarya Vuppala, a sophomore said. “You never know when it’s going to rain or when the Santa Ana winds are going to attack risking us of fire.”
In accordance to the constant sunny weather, there seems to be no distinct weather seasons in San Diego. According to sandiegoweather.org the winter and summer temperatures barely fluctuate. The average daily temperature throughout the whole year is 70.5°F. “It seems like summer most of the time, and then we have winter which lasts for about two weeks.” Vuppala said.
Some students find this sort of constant weather appealing, while some wish for all four seasons.
“I like having mild temperatures year round,” Chen said. “In comparison to places with more defined seasons, I’d say we are very lucky.”
Despite the lack of snow and mild weather in the winter, many people can agree that because of San Diego’s climate, this area can be one of the nicest place to live in America.
Winter brings unpredicable weather to San Diego county By Jenny Jeong
Sports Editor
Salvation Army helps out for holidays
As the holidays approach, it is common to see streets lined with festive Christmas lights, houses decorated with Christmas trees, and hear Christmas music blaring in the stores and on the radio. With such a heavy focus on Christmas, it is common to misconstrue Christmas as the sole holiday of the holiday season; however, it is not necessarily Christmas that constitutes the entire holiday season as a whole, but rather a myriad of other diverse winter celebrations with rich traditions that blend together. With this said, it is according to both a person’s culture and religion that influences the holidays they choose to celebrate, as illustrated by the holidays of Hanukah and Kwanzaa.
Celebrated by Jewish people all over the world, Hanukah, also known as
Chanukah, has become a prominent and salient Jewish holiday. Hebrew for the word “dedication,” Hanukah commemorates the rededication of the Temple of Jerusalem by the Maccabees, as well as the miracle of a miniscule amount of lamp oil enduring for eight days. As the “Festival of the Lights,” an integral tradition of Hanukah includes the lighting the Menorah, a candelabra with nine branches. In addition, other traditions include playing the dreidel, eating fried foods such as latkes and Sufganiyot, as well as giving gelt, real or chocolate money. Celebrated for eight days and eight nights beginning on the 25th day of the Hebrew month of Kislev, Hanukah this 2012 year correspondingly began on December 8th and ended on December 16th.
“We celebrate our holiday in order to remember the stories that we believe in and to come together as a community and be with friends and family,” said junior Ben Cohen, who also celebrates Hanukah. “I enjoy being with my family and eating the good food, as well as preserving our traditions and just having a good time.”
In addition, from December 26 to January 1, Kwanzaa will be celebrated by millions of African Americans in the US and Canada. Conceived and created by in 1966 by Dr. Maulana Karenga, an American civil rights activist, the purpose of Kwanzaa was to celebrate and connect with the African American’s rich heritage. Translating into the “first fruits of harvest of the seven days”, Kwanzaa celebrates the principles of Nguzo Saba, as well as family and community. Similarly to Hanukah, traditions involve lighting a candle each successive day on the kinara, with each of the seven candles representing each of the seven principles. In addition to the lighting of the kinara, those who observe this holiday attire in traditional African American clothing and decorate their homes with fruits and vegetables. Contrary to Christmas and Hanukah, which are a religious holiday, Kwanzaa is a cultural holiday.
While these holidays excluding Christmas may be perhaps one of the more prominent holidays in the United States, it only grazes the rich surface of traditions in the nation as well as the international level.
An inside look at holiday traditions: “Christmas” for other cultures By Lynn Bi
Staff Writer
For some, Christmas is a time for helping out the community. There are always families in need, and around Christmas many volunteer jobs are available. In keeping with the spirit of Christmas, many will help out others in any way they can.
One well known volunteer organization is the Salvation Army. They are a non-profit organization whose goal is to help those in need. They have organized many Christmas events, such as the Red Kettle. This program has been in use since 1891, and it has helped countless people across America. The Red Kettle’s purpose is to raise money in order to help those who need financial assistance.
According to the Salvation Army, the money raised by this event will help feed hungry children, provide presents for the needy, and bless millions in need. You can start a kettle in your own community by making one online. Salvation Army’s goal is to raise $3 million. So far, America has raised
up a total of $447,665, and the fundraising will continue until Jan.3.
Another event the Salvation Army is hosting is the Toy and Joy shop, where volunteers help to repackage foods and toys and then give the gifts to families.
Besides the Salvation Army, there are other volunteer groups that also help families during the holiday season. The San Diego Rescue Mission is another non-profit homeless shelter and recovery center that has special holiday events. Every year they make a home-cooked dinner for the homeless people in the San Diego Community.
Yet another holiday based organization is the Samaritan’s Purse. Every year during Christmas they host an event called Operation Christmas Child. All the items are then put into a box, wrapped with Christmas paper, and then sent off to different parts of the world where people are in need of gifts. Last year, Samaritan’s Purse collected over 8 million shoeboxes, and they are hoping for a similar turnout this year.
All of these Christmas related events, and many more, can all be found in San Diego. Christmas is a perfect time to be helping out those in need and to be active in the “spirit of Christmas.”
By David Wang
Staff writer
Christmas is a time of great cheer. Gifts are bought, houses are decorated, and all treats are baked. Cookies, pastries, and baked goods of all kinds are produced in abundance when it comes to be December.
The history of holiday treats dates back to Medieval Europe. When modern ingredients were introduced to the west, people used cinnamon, almonds, and dried fruit to make their delicacies. By the 16th century, Christmas biscuits became popular across Europe. Other countries also started making their own Christmas treats. Lebkuchen was favored in Germany, papparkakor in Sweden, while in Norway krumkake was popular. But the pastry making tradition had not yet taken root in America.
In the early 17th century, the Dutch brought the earliest examples of Christmas cookies to the United States. Due to a wide range of cheap imported goods from Germany, American markets started selling
cookie cutters. With the introduction of cookie cutters, cookies rapidly started to be made.
Today, treats of all kinds are made in celebration of Christmas. Foods ranging from Christmas shaped cookies to reindeer donuts are produced and sold all across America.
Classic Christmas treats include cupcakes, brownies, fudge, and candy canes. Most of these goods are also decorated to fit the theme of Christmas. Snowman cookies, reindeer donuts, and Christmas tree cupcakes can all be commonly found anywhere.
Many countries have their own traditional foods for the holidays. For example, in Australia people make gingerbread, mince pies, and Christmas cake to celebrate the holidays. Apple cider, Christmas pudding, and other foods are associated with Christmas in Canada.
In the United States, our traditional Christmas treats range from fruit pudding to pies of all varieties. Other foods such as eggnog, fruitcake, plum pudding, and chocolate fudge are also made and eaten. The Christmas baking tradition has expanded from medieval cakes to cookies and goods of all designs.
Traditional holiday treats are baked
By David Wang
Staff writer
Tree with dreidel ornament. Photo by Gautam Gupta
For holiday treat ideas, go to foodnetwork.com
”“
THE SILVER SPUR - DECEMBER 21, 2012 7FEATURES
When you hear the words “Jersey Shore,” you either think of the nonsensical reality show on MTV called Jersey Shore, featuring ridiculous cast members doing ridiculous things, or you think of Seaside Heights, where the show is filmed. Little do people know that the cast of Jersey Shore is now striving to mend their tarnished reputations and give back to the community in a program called “Restore the Shore.”
Architecture for Humanity teamed up to call celebrities from all over the country to restore Seaside Heights, where Jersey Shore was originally filmed. Funds were collected from donors who wished to see the famous Seaside Boardwalk restored to its original form once more.
“A lot of people that have been down to the Jersey Shore have lots and lots of memories,” Ronnie Ortiz said, “For workers and residents of Seaside Heights, memories are all they have right now.”
All seven Jersey Shore cast members were present to take calls from anybody willing to donate a small amount to save the shore. Vinny Guadagnino, in a recent MTV interview stated that seeing the “Shore”
The Restore the Shore program aims to repair beaches, homes, and the lives of those who were affected by the super storm, Hurricane Sandy. The destruction and devastation brought by the storm brought horror and sadness to many, including the cast of Jersey Shore. They speak out with their condolences and grief for victims.
“It’s like nothing I’ve ever seen before. I’m looking at it and I still can’t believe it’s real. It’s just a happy place, and then to see it gone, it’s like, dead silence.” Said Paul DelVecchio, known as Pauly D in a Restore the Shore press conference.
The project was broadcasted live through a telethon on November 15th, when the two nonprofit organizations Red Cross and
destroyed, ripped his heart out of his chest, nthe chests of his cast mates.
“Its sad to see a place we made our second home be destroyed, but at the same time, we’re going to come together to rebuild it, and HOPEFULLY,” said Guadagnino “Next summer, we can go party. But for now it’s good that we all come together to rebuild.”
The “Restore the Shore” program not only reaches out to those specifically in New Jersey, but to states all across the East Coast, incuding New York and Massachusetts. The Restore the Shore program has received over $100,000 and continues to receive donations that are changing the lives of millions.
If you thought the cast members of Jersey Shore were irresponsible, stupid, and
TV stars lend a hand and contribute to Hurricane Sandy Cause:“Jersey Shore” cast helps victims through the “Restore the Shore” program
Important college advice is given from administration
For many high school students, much of the high school years are consumed with the inescapable dilemma of getting into college. High school students are obsessed with doing everything needed to get into their
desired college and to seemingly to secure their future. As a result, we often give little thought at times to what happens after you get accepted.
Choosing the right academic major to study is crucial. The major you choose will be the subject which many of your classes will be centered around, which has a big impact on your career choices. Thus, while
some students may not have thought of life beyond the acceptance letter, it may be worth considering.
There is no right choice when it comes to choosing a major, and often the best choice is the one you make for yourself. An interest in a specific field should be pursued early on. For those who are indecisive, Principal David LeMaster encourages students to pursue their own passions.
“I always encourage students to consider choosing a major that they are interested in and have a passion about,” LeMaster said. “There is a lot of pressure to go to college and get a good paying job. That is very important, but if you don’t love what you are doing, you probably won’t be very good at it. I say, follow your passions and aptitudes.”
While one may feel pressured to choose a major early on, that is not necessarily the best solution. According to counselor Matt
Hunt undecided majors are still the most popular going into college. Additionally, having time to explore may prove to be beneficial.
“One of the exciting parts of college is the opportunity to take many courses,” Hunt said. “One of these may be the spark that helps you decide the major you pursue.”
At the same time, it is important to keep in mind that while the choice of a major is very important, it is not set in stone and there still is room for flexibility. Principal LeMaster, who himself changed majors three times, asserts this flexibility.
“It [a college major] is important but not something that is permanent,” LeMaster said. “It is not uncommon for people to change their majors once they get to college.”
In our ever-changing society, flexibility is important. Principal LeMaster says that jobs constantly evolve with the times. Adaptable degrees, such as those in communication,
I always encourage students to consider choosing a major that they are interested in and have a passion about...If you don’t love what you are doing, you probably won’t be
very good at it.
attention seeking celebrities with no other passions than money, you thought wrong.
These celebrities aren’t all about partying and drinking all the time, as portrayed on their reality tv show. Though these stars are known for having no talent, and unhealthy drinking habits, their valiant efforts to change the shore touched thousands of Americans tuning in to the telethon.
According to MTV.com, the Jersey Shore cast collected the most funds in order to benefit the shore. Remember, in times of need, we humans as a race must band together to make a change. The East Coast needed our help, and these brave reality stars faced the facts and stepped up to the plate to make a difference.
As autumn retreats, and the winter season begins, the students at RB High are dressing in apparel that is keeping them warm and prepared for the cold winter weather. Stashing our summer clothing in the bottom of the closet and taking out all warm winter clothes often brings out the excitement of the upcoming winter season. There are many winter items that can get you equip you for the bipolar weather of San Diego, such as scarves, sweaters, beanies, and boots.
“I really love wearing thick sweaters and layering pieces together,” senior Evelyn
Cho, said. “I also really love wearing boots and being nice and cozy.”
“When it gets to winter, you don’t really need to care about how you look. You can show up to school in really comfortable clothes, such as sweatpants and hoodies,” junior Amber Hsu said.
If summer is a season of tight shorts and tank tops, winter is the season of boxy sweaters and hoodies. But due to the capricious weather, students often have a hard time deciding what to wear before school.
“I think the weather is a bit bipolar,” sophomore Lauren Gallagher said. “But I like it because you can still get away with light clothing when the sun is up, but it is always good to layer.”
With it often being a bit chilly in the morning and warm by noon, San Diego’s indecisive weather is always hard to predict in the winter. Gallagher recommends wearing layers.
Although getting the privilege of wearing warm and long-sleeved clothes, there are some downsides to winter fashion.
“Choosing the right attire for San Diego’s winter days and taking off the layered clothing gets annoying,” said Sunny Kim, a junior.
Unlike the simple options clothing that summer offers, winter fashion may be a bit monotonous for the people who favor the casual basic colors and forms of summer clothes.
Nevertheless, if you take a close look at the winter attires, they are full of different patterns and styles.
“The creative designs that pour into stores are the part that I like the most about winter fashion,” said Kim. “Since I layer clothing, wearing a shirt with an unique pattern under my favorite coat or jacket makes me feel great and ready for the cold.”
With winter there are variety of options of clothes, such as jeans, leggings, and sweaters which expand the variety of clothes that you can wear when it is cold, also helps to avoid wearing repetitive clothing.
Preparing and dressing for the cold weather brings you a peculiar excitement for the winter season itself. Make sure you gear yourself up well as you find a cute outfit for the bipolar weather of San Diego weather!
Winter Fashion: girls have many options for the winter season
Winter Fashion: boys can stay fashionable during the winter
In modern-day society, outward appearance seems to be the basis of superficial judgment of people’s personalities and the easiest mode of expression of individuality among fashion-forward people is through designing fashionable, yet functional clothing.
The fashion industry is stereotypically emphasized by the interests of women, but men are equally entitled to be involved in being updated in their fashion senses because of today’s open-minded and forward-thinking society. And the fashion trends for men during this upcoming winter
season definitely establish the sense of independence that men attempt to express in their collective wardrobe.
Because of the recent completion of the Summer Olympics, one of the fashion trends for men this season is the inclusion of specific England-like qualities in their clothing. This season for men is the stylistic features of the average fashion-male wardrobe includes patterns like plaids, checks, herringbone, and tweeds that are hopping the pond for a stateside splash this season. In order for guys to pull of this look, they need to be passionate about the trend of mixing patterns with one another; for example, a plaid or stripe with a stripe check works well together.
Embracing the hues of the fall leaves falling on the ground surrounding the fashion institutes, this season is all about color to these up and coming designers.
Considering the formal attire connected with the Homecoming season, dressing up in three-piece suits seem to be all the hype for guys this season. The versatility of wearing formal clothing in a casual setting includes either dressing the style up or down; in other words, the formal look can easily be stylish with simply a button-down shirt and a tie. Dressing up is a subjective style this season and can look as simple or complex as the guy desires.
With the seasons in the midst of changing from summer to fall to winter, dashing oversized overcoats and simplistic scarves simultaneously protect guys from the intensity of the natural elements and provide them with a noticeable sense of fashion. Starting with a V-neck sweater or vest held with suspenders, basic jacket, and neutral-toned scarf, a simple fashion accessory can actually add style to an ordinary outfit. The neutrality of these accessories helps highlight the majority of the shades of color in the ensemble and contributes to the overall bold-looking fashion statement that is an outfit.
Guys are usually not the ones who are interested in being informed of the latest fashion trends, but style is inclusive of both men and women as it transcends the gender lines and provides something for both sexes to appreciate. And the fashion trends for guys this upcoming season are based on the desire for guys to adapt to the changing seasons in a fashionable method.
By Geoffrey Lu
Staff Writer
By Claire Kwon
Staff Writer
By Michael Rupic
Editor-in-Chief
By Hana Bradshaw
Staff Writer
Holiday Fun Facts*:
-There are seven dif-ferent types of snow-
flakes and no two snowflakes are the
same.
-1.8 billion candy canes will be made
this year.
-More than 33 million real Christmas trees will be sold this sea-
son.
-Chionophobia is hav-ing a fear of snow.
-96% of Americans celebrate Christmas, 5% celebrate Chanu-
kah, and 2% celebrate Kwanzaa.
*Facts from candyusa.com
Evelyn Cho poses for Winter Fashion
business, engineering or marketing are solid selections if a good choice is not apparent.
“The difficult situation most students now find themselves in is that they are trying to prepare for careers that don’t even exist today,” said LeMaster.
There are also college students that agree that the importance of choosing a college major is relative.
“It is important to choose a college major wisely,” said San Diego State University student Jenny Tsai. “However, life is too short to worry about making as much money as possible. Find something you really love doing and are good at, and then find a career where you can continue doing what you love.”
In the end, the lesson to be learned is that decisions about majors and career choices should be made according to one’s own passions and interests, and not necessarily by money or the wishes of others.
Photo by Gautam Gupta Zach Manlapid poses for Winter Fashion
Photo by Stacy Luu
THE SILVER SPUR - DECEMBER 21, 20128 ENTERTAINMENT
B
Game
The new game takes place in the future in the year 2025. This is not too far in the future, so the game is still realistic as far as technology goes, but they do have some varying technological updates.
What is truly exciting, though, is not so much the campaign mode, but rather the multiplayer mode. The multiplayer create-a-class system is unlike any that has been used in the previous Call of Duty games. This time, they decided to use a “pick 10” system in which the player can choose a total of 10 items and perks to equip their character. For example, if you are a player that doesn’t typically use your secondary weapon, you can trade this for an extra at-tachment to your primary. Or, if you usually don’t use your primary at all, you can just stick with a secondary, and load out your perks. The wide variety of options with this new system is very appealing.
Another new feature in Blacks Ops 2 is the “score streaks.” In many previous Call of Duty games, the streak rewards had been based upon kills rather than overall score. Now, with the new score streak system, practically everything you do can add to your streaks—even the streaks themselves.
By Grant NoeStaff Writer
“I spend hours playing this game.”
-Grant Noe
Photo courtesy of itsalltech.com
Movie
revi
ew c
orne
rov
ervi
ews
of th
e la
test
re
leas
es in
ent
erta
inm
ent
By Claire KwonStaff Writer
Photo courtesy of deviantart.com
A
Typically, when a movie is adopted from video games storylines, it is often considered boring and very predictable. But the movie, Wreck It Ralph, breaks our common thoughts. Directed by Rich Moore, who is also known with his satiric TV series, The Simpsons, the movie starts with Ralph, who is voiced by John C. Reilly, introducing classic video game, “Fix It Felix”. Similar to the game Donkey Kong, Ralph breaks things, while Felix (voiced by Jack Mcbrayer) fixes the broken parts.
Every time the players clear the game Felix is awarded a golden medal, and Ralph gets thrown in mud. Once the game is turned off every night, Ralph remains as an outcast, dedicated to his role of being an villian. Sick of being tired and wanting to be a hero, he dreams of one day earning the medal just like Felix. Determined to prove that he won’t be appreciated until he’s gone and that he deserves to be treated like a hero like Felix, Ralph abandons his own game and embarks on a journey that takes him from one game to another, seeking the rare opportunity to be considered a hero. During his journey, he sneaks into the game, “The Hero’s Journey” with a simple plan - to win a medal, but
soon he wrecks everything, and accidentally frees a deadly enemy that threatens the game called “Sugar Rush” in the arcade. In the game Sugar Rush, Ralph encounters Vanellope, (voiced by Silverman), a young troublemaking “glitch” from a candy-coated cart racing game. Interfering in troubles with the Candy King, Ralph realizes that the price of being a good guy is not made from earning a medal, but just to be himself.
Despite some of its shortcomings, Wreck It Ralph, is a movie that I would highly recommend when having a family night based on its creativity and cheerfulness. It is quite amusing to see all the classic video games instead of games that are from modern days. However, the movie would have been much better if the storylines were more short and direct, the long storylines would bore the audience and some of the transitions in the story were not smooth, and did not flow well. But the colorfulness and the cuteness of the characters, the sweetness of the theme, and bringing back the ages of classic video games covers up the weak spots of this movie.
Through the journey of the villain of the classic arcade, Ralph, they learn a lesson form his trip. This movie deserves a grade of A. I highly recommend people to watch this movie. It is a great movie to watch when there is a family gathering, since its creativity and liveliness aims for all ages.
“The cutest movie that Disney ever came up
with.”-Claire Kwon
Also, objective maps have signifi-cantly changed. Now, doing the objectives actually counts towards your score, so it gives the players a little more motivation to do the objective maps.
The maps, in general, have become a little smaller. For Battlefield fans, this is a bad thing, but for anybody who loves a lot of action, the smaller maps are a fantastic improvement.
In addition to all of the things that come with the game when you purchase it, if you were to have preordered the game, it would have come with the added Nuketown 2025 map. For those who want this map but did not preorder, there is always that hope that it will become downloadable content in the future.
Despite being too time consuming, this game is an amazing stress reliever from the hectic life of school.
Overall, this is an excellent game. Treyarch has really done an excellent job with the creation of this game, and I feel that the new pick 10 create a class system is going to be a huge highlight of the game. There is really nothing majorly negative to say about this game, minus the bugs that are going to come with it, but this is a given. I give this game an A.
“Wreck It Ralph”(2012)
Call of Duty 2 (2012)
Antagonist in the popular Mario series, he has harassed Mario and Peach since the series’ incep-tion. He’s mean; he’s spiky, and he’s the king of the Koopas: he’s Bowser.
While he is your enemy in most games, in some you have the option to play as Bowser. In “Ma-rio Kart” you can put Bowser behind the wheel to throw shells and bananas on Rainbow Road. In “Super Smash Bros.” you can use Bowser’s mon-strous shell to grind opponents into a painful spiky mess or slash through other players with razor sharp claws.
He made his debut in 1985’s “Super Mario Broth-ers” as the villain who caused chaos in Mushroom Kingdom. From his first eight-bit form to the mod-ern form, he has always been a trademark of the game. Whether you’re battling against him or as him, Bowser is famous and here to stay.
Pac Man is one of the classic video games that one would have at least once played in his or her child-hood. It is still well known among people due to its simplicity of game rules.The game Pac Man was cre-ated in a company called Namco in 1979 and was originally named “Puck-man”. Due how closely it re-sembles to a cuss word, Namco renamed it. The pur-pose of the game is to eat all the dots using a character called Pac Man, without encountering the enemy, the ghosts. As the pac man consumes the dots, the level of the game rises as the Pac Man gets slower and the ghosts getting faster.
There are four types of ghost, Blinky, Pinky, Inky, and Clyde. Not to bore the players, creators of the game has created certain characteristics of the villains of the game. From the Ghost Land, the Spectrum Realm, the ghost monsters are regarded as one of the classic villains in the classic arcade games.
BOWSER
BLINKY
A
THE SILVER SPUR -DECEMBER 21, 2012 9ENTERTAINMENT
said it promoted partying and sex, and was not fit for the ears of young girls who tune into One Direction’s music. However, the majority of fans agreed that the song was actually about having a good time with friends.
After the hype around Live While We’re Young died down, it was announced from One Direction Headquarters that a new track would be released called Little Things on a British radio show. Regardless of the time difference, American fans tuned in online to hear the release of the new song. The reaction was dynamite. The beat is played acoustically on the classical guitar, which is contrary to other songs by One Direction. But with every great song, criticism follows. Little Things was heavily criticized for some of the lyrics. Critics claimed that some of the flaws that were mentioned would produce the opposite effect that they were originally meant to produce. This in turn would promote self-hate rather than self confidence. Nevertheless, the amount of love that the fans were dominant.
Overall, Take Me Home is full of head bopping rhythms, dance inspiring beats, and catchy infectious choruses to make anyone want to buy their album. Whether you liked the 90s boy bands or not, this 2012 boy band is sure to get you off your feet and on the dance floor.
Album
Since 2010, the British- Irish boy band, One Direction, have captivated the hearts of millions of teenage girls around the globe with their catchy tunes, angelic looks, and bubbly personalities. In September 2011, their debut album, Up All Night toppled previous record holders and rose to the #1 album in over 20 countries. Now, a year later, these five heartthrobs once again took over the world with the release of their latest album, Take Me Home.
Take Me Home features nineteen original tracks ranging from pop-rock, to ballad. One Direction’s music has been described as a pop-rock crossover, which was exemplified in Take Me Home. The majority of the group’s songs spotlight bouncy hip pop beats, though with the help of musical genius Ed Sheeran, the group produced slow, meaningful songs that touched fans’ hearts all over the world.
The groups brand new single for 2012, Live While We’re Young, was leaked in September on youtube. Since then, the song has received over one hundred million views and secured a place on Youtube’s Top 10 Videos. The song’s meaning was in heated discussion for its content, as some
By Hana BradshawStaff Writer
Take Me Home(2012)
“This album just makes me love One Direction all over
again.”-Hana Bradshaw
Photo courtesy of sinchronicitymagazine.com
ASBStudent
Store• Chocolate pudding
• Crunchy cheese cheetos
• Hot munchies mix
• Pirate’s booty white cheddar popcorn
• Peach cups
• Frosted strawberry poptart
Have you checked out the new items in the Student Store? Stop by and try the newest snacks! ALL profits from the Student Store go back to the students in the form of dances, sports, assemblies, clubs, etc.
• Strawberry Nutrigrain
B
Photo courtesy of studentsalike.com
By Max LataStaff Writer
“The Walking Dead has a very gripping plotline.”
- Max Lata
Characterized by its rough, gory niche in the television world, AMC’s The Walking Dead occupies a space as one of the most watched television dramas. Its third season kicked off on October 14th with one of its consistent good-quality episodes.
Based on Robert Kirkman’s comic series, The Walking Dead follows sheriff Rick Grimes and his band of fellow survivors in a world ridden with zombies or, as they call them, walkers. The cast includes a woman who takes on the post-apocalyptic world with her katana, a redneck who wields his crossbow and shoots squirrels and his evil brother who replaces his amputated hand with a metal stub that can hold a knife.
The zombies are enough to make anyone’s toes curl and are by no means the product of a job half done. The show has won one award for Outstanding Prosthetic Makeup and another for the Special FX Makeup Designer and Co-Executive Producer, Greg Nicotero. To show their worthiness of that prosthetic award, in one episode they created an entire torso of one character for a gritty scene that involves him sacrificing himself in order to save his friend.
Everything about the show is capable of
running a shiver through your spine. Even the theme song coupled with the opening credits is able to transport you to a world where survival is the only thing to think about. The instrumental music is violent and ominous, and the images in the opening scene are truly haunting.
In their first season, they were able to capture millions attention in only six episodes; the small number of episodes was attributed to the fact that the show was originally thought to not do well, but they were wrong. By the end of the sixth episode too many were hooked to leave the series at only six. Their second season came backwith a fire, and, very noticeably, higher resolution cameras. Because of their fame, the show was able to receive more funding.
The show’s writers definitely know the definition of dark humor. In the first season, their fourth episode was titled “Guts.” The episode starts with the main character running into a group of survivors and unintentionally trapping them inside a building. All seems lost until Rick has an idea: camouflage. They tear apart a dead zombie and drape the guts over him. The sadistic outfit allows Rick to blend in among the zombies, so that he can get a car to drive them to safety.
Whether you love zombies, you are bored or you are adventurous, give The Walking Dead a try. Tune into AMC Sundays at 9.
TV “The Walking Dead” (2012)
Many iconic games have clashing protagonists and antagonists; Mario has Bowser, The Legend of Zelda has Ganondorf and Kirby has King Dedede. Confronting Sonic the Hedgehog with his high tech robots,is Dr. Eggman, the iconic game villain since “Sonic the Hedgehog’s” release in 1991.
Dr. Eggman is a mad scientist with a whopping IQ score of 300, but despite his high intellect, he is terribly immature. Dr. Eggman throws temper tan-trums when he fails. He is the main antagonist in the best-selling game series “Sonic the Hedgehog.” Like typical villain would wish for, Eggman aims to dominate the world and create his own, which, again despite his high IQ, would ideally be named Eggmanland.
Eggman has made an appearance in Disney’s film, Wreck-It-Ralph as a bad anon along with the main character, Ralph. Eggman will never be for-gotten with his role in Sonic and Wreck It Ralph.
The recent release of the movie Wreck it Ralph, a computer animated comedy made by Disney animation studios has widely been considered the epitome for video game references. One of the most notable references is the wide appearances of char-acters from the Street Fighter franchise.
In the movie Zangief, voiced by director, Rich Moores doesn’t have much of a role. During the scene he gives an important line that served as one of the themes in the movie “Ralph you are bad guy, but that doesn’t mean you are bad guy.” This quote had summarized the Ralph’s goals in the movie and can be considered the moral of the film.
So in the end the writers knew Zangief wasn’t a bad guy he was just an example that good people sometimes did some bad things and this was one of the major things the writers were trying have Ralph and the audience learn.
EGGMAN
ZANGIEF
THE SILVER SPUR - DECEMBER 21, 201210 SPORTS
Roller Hockey skates its way to victoryA day in the life of a dual-sport athlete
By Kyle ApfeldStaff Writer
Students all over RB High participate in sports. Sports can be an amazing way to forget about the outside world and let go of frustrations. For many athletes, the sports they play are a major part of their lives and they learn life lessons that will affect everything they do. There are some students that go above and beyond in the athletic realm. These are the ones who do more than one sport; dual sport athletes.
Many successful professional athletes have done more than one sport. For example, Antonio Gates, Chargers’ tight end, played both basketball and football throughout high school and in college. It requires a lot of talent to keep up with the strenuous challenges that form when playing more than one sport. It can greatly increase an athlete’s stress, and it makes it much harder to balance school, family, and other priorities. It requires a lot of dedication to improve in both sports.
Playing more than one sport can really take a toll on an athlete’s body. Constant hours of hard work and not giving one’s muscles a chance to relax and recover can cause many injuries. Athletic director Peggy Brose has seen many athletes over the years experience injuries due to pushing themselves too hard.
“You don’t have as much time for recovery. Depending on what those sports are, there is a greater chance of injury,” said Brose.
Many of the skills that athletes learn in their respective sports give them new abilities that allow them to improve in other sports as well. For example, if a cross country runner runs in the spring, and they play soccer in the winter, it is likely that soccer will help them get faster for cross country. College coaches tend to recruit athletes who play more than one sport, because it shows that the athlete is diverse and multi-faceted.
After a strenuous practice, athletes return home and have to complete their homework and study for upcoming tests. This can be very stressful and many athletes have to stay up even longer than usual.
“I finish my homework very late at night,” said sophomore Kiyo Hachisuka.
This causes him, like other dual sport athletes, to not get enough sleep. Lack of sleep may cause him to be very tired during the school day. This may affect his academic and athletic abilities.
Another difficulty for the athlete can be choosing which sport to favor. Many times, games or meets interfere, and the athlete has to choose which event they will attend. Brose said some coaches do not allow athletes to attend another sport event. Other coaches let the athlete attend other sport events, however, there are always consequences. This decision making part for an athlete is one of the toughest parts of being a multi-sport player. Brose even believes that many athletes can lose a starting position on one of their teams for missing practices or games.
Dual sports may give the athlete many hardships, but it is also very rewarding.
“I think it is good for students to have the opportunity to participate in more than one activity,” said Brose.
She believes playing many sports allow the athlete not to become tired of playing only one sport. Dual sports give athletes unique experiences. The things that ahtlets learn can take them a long way in life and being apart of a sport really builds character. Athletes can get put into situatuons that make them learn how to adapt and react to adversity. It also allows the athletes to be in a wonderful physical shape. Overall, dual sports are difficult but very rewarding for athletes.
By Kathy RudkinSports Editor
The roller rink at Kit Carson Park comes alive at night with the sounds of our Broncos giving it their all and working hard. The RB High roller hockey team is off to an amazing start with its new season. The varsity team brings intense competitiveness to every game, and they are chasing big goals for this season.
So far, the players on the team have
earned an undefeated record for the regular season. Their biggest win has been against long-time rival Poway. For many years, the games between the Broncos and the Titans have been neck and neck in the rink. Last season the team’s goals were cut short in a close loss to Poway in CIF Semi-finals. This season the team is ready to redeem themselves, and they have high hopes.
Three-year varsity goalie Cameron Richards has been a major part of the success that the roller hockey team has bred. Roller hockey plays a huge role in
Richards’ life, and he has high expectations for the season.
“Our team is definitely very strong this season,” said Richards. “We are so talented and we have what it takes to go all the way. We have depth, and we are working hard to improve our team structure compared to last season.”
The team is determined to make it CIF Finals this season. They push themselves during every single practice, and they go into each game knowing how important every minute is. During every practice, head coach Pat Sagara pushes his players to get better and focus on their goals.
“At every practice, we get a ton of skating in and we work on drills that are directed towards what we need to work on the most,” said Richards. “We really refine our skills and learn from our mistakes in previous games.”
Just like in every team sport, a team’s chemistry is crucial to how well a team works together both on and off the rink. The Broncos seem to have a very tight bond this season, and the players are hoping it will contribute even more to their success. Another great player on the team, junior Geoffrey Sagara, believes that the team chemistry of this 2012 season will help them go a long way.
“This year’s roller hockey team is one of the strongest team we have ever had,” said Sagara. “We all get along pretty well, and we are hoping to go for a perfect season and win the CIF title. Many of us have been playing together for a long time, and we have many talented returners that will give us a great advantage over other teams.”
Many of the former powerful teams have lost many of their seniors. This leaves many of the Broncos’ rivals more susceptible to being defeated.
Every season, teams lose important players. This causes every season to be an entire different story. One season there could be a team at the top, and the next season, the exact same team could be at the bottom of the pack.
The team captains for the 2012 season are Cameron Richards, Geoffrey Sagara, and Zach Semonian. The captains are great leaders on the rink, and they make sure to encourage their teammates at all times. They battle through adversity and learn from tough situations.
Many times, Broncos don’t realize the significance of the sport to the players. Since it is not played on campus, it can often be overlooked. Our students need to recognized roller hockey and how much it can change the lives of the players. The sport captures a variety of sportsmanship and skill. Many sports don’t require the amount of physical strain that this sport demonstrates.
“Even on an off day, we need to be ready to play hard,” said Richards. “It is a physically and mentally demanding sport. We need dedication.ww”
The Broncos still have a long season ahead, and they are looking forward to some more tough rivalries and competition. Their journey towards CIF is set with games against strong opponents. According to Richards, one of the biggest rivalries may be Cathedral Catholic. Head Coach Sagara is getting his players prepared for many situations and keeping their minds set on their dream. Their dream reamins the same, to bring home a CIF title.
“Without Coach Sagara, we would be nowhere near where we are now,” said Richards. “He has taught us all so much about the game, and it would be absolutely amazing to win a CIF title under his coaching.”
Wrestling athletes fight for a title By Claire KwonStaff Writer
This year, RB High’s wrestling team began with a large success after beating its Carlsbad rivals. After a lot of hard work and practice, the Bronco boys placed fourth out of 30 other wrestling teams. For many years, the Broncos wrestling team has been a powerful force. They won a CIF title in their 2011 season, and this year they are planning to have a successful season as well.
The wrestling team is led by Coach Joe Eddie Terribilini, who has been involved in wrestling since age 5.w He spreads his passion for the sport by teaching young wrestlers his skills. His positive thoughts and supportive actions allow him to guide his team successfully. He is a coach who is dedicated to his team, and he remains a good role model for his wrestlers.
“He is very intense about everything we do,” said David Harceid, a junior on the varsity team. “He always pushes us to our fullest potential. The best part about him is that he wants to make sure that we will be successful and have no regrets.”
Harcheid believes this season will go
far, especially after the first match against Carlsbad.
“There has been many matches during the off-season,” said Coach Joe Terribilini. “We have beem improving and practicing our skills throughout the year.”
Since wrestling is not a sport that depends on weather, practice and matches were held
year round. As a result of the players’ off-season work, their wrestling skills have vastly improved. It takes an insane amount of extra practice and conditioning to be a great team. Every one on the team must be on the same page and working towards a common goal.
“The season is going well so far!” said
senior Nick Mendiola. “We have had a strong start but also have faced setbacks which will only make us stronger once they are overcome.”
With the influence of his dad, Mendiola has been dedicated to wrestling since the eighth grade, and as a team captain, he tries to lead the team with positive encouragement. Mendiola’s teammates look to him as a major leader on the team, and he does everything he can to make sure his team goes a long way.
“The team is very talented and young this year. We are currently ranked number 8 in the county and with this talent I believe we can climb to the top,” said Mendiola.
Currently setting a team goal to be in the top 2 and 5 in the masters category, the wrestling team looks to use its early-season wins to propel them forward to attain this goal. The team has a good combination of young and experienced players who are expected to live up to their potential.
“We are underdogs at both tournaments, but I believe we can make a statement this year,” Mendiola said.
As with a great start, a well prepared team, and a supportive captain and coach, the team has high hopes for remaining victorious this season.
Young team shoots hoops for success
For many years, the boys’ varsity basketball team at RB High has been a top competitor on the court. Coach Jim Choe has taught his players a lot about the game, and he continues to maintain a high level of play for the varsity squad. This season, the team is very young and they are ready to progress and have a very successful run.
Last season the majority of the team was composed of seniors who played a huge role in their contributions on the court. This year, the new team of younger players definitely has some big shoes to fill, and they are determined to do so. Junior point guard, Elijah Brown, is ready to step up as a leader. He has been playing basketball for much of his life and he is very excited to take on the challenges he may face.
“Since we are such a young team this season, we are very excited to progress and play up to our full potential,” said Brown. “I think we have a good chance of being a top
team in league and we can probably even take it all.”
In order for the Broncos to play up to their “full potential”, they will need to practice harder than any other team, and they need to keep their minds focused on their goals. Coach Choe teaches his players new things every practice, and he encourages them to give it their all at every moment on the floor. He holds the boys at high expectations and pushes them in order to raise their games.
“Coach Choe has really been doing a great job of coaching us this season,” said Brown. “He is improving his coaching style and he works really hard to help us get better. He teaches us a lot.”
Another important aspect of the team’s success is how well they get along and work together. The players are trying to get to know each other better and many of them are good friends off the court. Team chemistry is significant for improving and continuing to progress throughout the season.
“Our team chemistry this season is great”, said junior forward Dillon Wirkus. “We love playing with each other and it is an amazing feeling to fight hard in games
Goalie Cameron Richards gets ready for the shot. Photo by Cade Van heel
Jeremy Rubic pins his opponent down. Photo courtesy of ivpressonline.mycapture.com
By Kathy RudkinSports Editor
with some of your best friends. We have so much potential and I can’t wait to see where our season takes us.”
The Broncos have had a good start to their season and they have been showing glimpses of greatness. We will see where
their hard work takes them. “We are coming into league looking as
underdogs, but that’s the way we want it. Once we start rotating on all cylinders, there will be no stopping us. We want to surprise those who underestimate us.”
Photo by Jenny JeongDillon Wirkus (23) is ready for a free throw.
I think it is good for students to have the opporunity to participate in more than one activity.
”“
THE SILVER SPUR - DECEMBER 21 11SPORTS
Boys soccer kicks into a good season By Lynn Bi Staff Writer
With goals to advance to the CIF playoffs and obtain a winning record, RB High’s boys soccer team has been indefatigable in working to not only improve its technical skills, but also in developing camaraderie within the team.
In the past, as the former CIF defending champions, the team had been one of the strongest competitors on the playing field, intimidating many of the other teams with their superior skills. However, due to the loss of several key players that kept the team at its strongest, the progress of the team has remained relatively stagnant, resulting in a disappointing season last year that ultimately resulted in a league record of 1-9.
Nevertheless, these Broncos hope to reverse this unfortunate series of events and revive their inner champion, viewing last year’s record not as a setback, but rather as an opportunity to learn from their mistakes and come back fighting.
“We can come in and surprise people,” said Trecker, the team’s soccer coach. “In the past years, we were defending CIF champions, and we had a target on our backs. Now we’re not on their radars.”
In order to achieve this comeback, these Broncos have been working extremely
diligently to have a successful season, practicing at least five days a week and several hours each day.
“I put the team before myself…We’re going to improve by practicing every day and working hard,” said Luke Sidebottom, senior and varsity player. “Also, we need to
figure out what the problems are.”In addition, as many of the players have
varying backgrounds, there had been non-uniform levels of experience among the players. Thus, these Broncos have been working on building on its camaraderie to therefore improve communication on the
playing field and create a tighter bond off the field.
“The focus in the first few weeks will be on meshing as a group,” said Ryan Chelser, also a senior and varsity player. “We all come from club soccer and have the fundamental skills, but we have to get on the same wavelength to truly succeed.”
According to Trecker, the team’s greatest strengths appear in the team’s forwards and defense. Furthermore, through their persistent work and intense practices, the team has greatly improved their overall skills that constituted the foundation of soccer. As a result of the development of this foundation, the players will be able to do more complicated plays that ultimately will win them games.
“Our team’s strength is our overall technical ability,” said Chesler. “Every player on the team is comfortable with a ball at their feet and can place a pass.”
Despite the fact that all of the schools in the PUSD district, particularly Poway High, rank high among their rivals, their greatest rival is in fact themselves, according to Trecker. In addition, he adds that it is vital for the team to maintain a focused, competitive state of mind.
“For every game, we have to compete,” said Trecker. “Each guy needs to win his own individual battle. If they do that, we’ll be successful. We can’t get frustrated. If we get behind, it is go time…They [the team] must play their best and play hard.”
Tour de Force puts on memorable winter concert
Here at RB High, the Tour de Force dance team is an amazing group of young dancers who work hard every day to strive for excellence. Also referred to as the “Varsity” dance team, the girls practice a lot in order to perform at their best. This holiday season, the dance program performed a dance concert for its many fans. It was held on December 13th and 14th. It consisted of a huge amount of wonderful dances from the Varsity, JV, Freshmen, and Intermediate teams. A junior at RB, Amanda Franklin, has been a key part of TDF since her freshman year and she has made strides in the dance studio from the age of 5.
When Franklin started dancing, she was a little girl who was being forced into it by her mom. She did not want any part of dancing. However, once she stepped on stage in her first performance, she fell in love with the feeling and never looked back. She grew up dancing with many of her friends at the San Diego Dance Club, and she had always had her eyes on her dream of being a dancer on TDF at RB. Now, she has reached her goal and she loves everything about her experiences. Franklin is also on the TDF competition team, which is separate from the TDF team that only performs in school concerts. The competition team takes part
in competitions mostly all over San Diego, and every year they are always a force to be reckoned with. Competitions are intense, but they are also super fun.
“Competitions are pretty intimidating. You must always act a certain way, and you cannot look at other teams. You can only focus on you and your own teammates.” said Franklin. “You must always be really focused and confident in yourself. Even though there is always pressure and intensity, competitions are very fun as well.”
Over the years, Franklin and her TDF teammates have grown very close with one another and they are like a family. She has endured countless memories with them, and she has formed friendships that will probably last a lifetime.
“My favorite part about being on TDF is that I get to perform with my best friends,” said Franklin. “I love my team so much.”
The competition team works very hard to prepare for competitions throughout the year. They usually have two three hour practices a week and they learn an average of five or six dances for every competition. Franklin says that it takes about three or four months to completely know a dance and to “clean” their dances. Practices are grueling and involve making sure every single move is perfect and in sync. The dancers need to be articulate in everything they do.
Franklin and her teammates like to credit much of their growth and theor amazing skills to their dance coaches. Michelle
By Kathy RudkinSports Editor
Ling-Jacoby, a teacher and TDF coach at RB High, has impacted her life a lot.
“Michelle inspires me to be a better person all around, because she is always such an amazing person in everything she does. She is an inspiration.” Said Franklin.
The Winter dance concert was a great way to showcase the skills of the Bronco dancers. There were many different genres
of dance and it lasted for nearly two hours. Students and coaches choreographed the dances, and each team performed with grace and precision. Along with a special appearance by the Mens’ TDF and Hip-Hop teams, the concert was a hit and it kept viewers entertained the whole way through. The dancers worked very hard to learn their dances, and they put on a great show!
Tour de Force girls perfom “Country.” Photo by Sam Dickson
Donovan Diaz blocks the shot. Photo by Gautam Gupta
By Geoffrey Lu Staff Writer
Water polo endures morning practices
By Gopika MavalankarNews Editor
In order to be more competitive for their season, many water sports athletes are expected to attend morning practices. Morning practices allow swimmers and
water polo players to get in a full dry-land workout so that the players can focus on speed and technique in the afternoon practices. Even though morning workouts are beneficial to the athlete, are they beneficial for the athlete’s GPA?
Morning practices begin at 5:30 a.m. and last for one and a half hours. This year,
waterpolo players have to arrive at practice at 5:30 a.m. to warm up by running at least five times up and down stairs. After they are warmed up, they spend about 40 minutes doing a video cardio workout called Insanity. After a grueling workout, they spend the remaining 20 minutes swimming and working on waterpolo drills.
The athletes then are at school for eight more hours and then they return to the pool deck for another grueling two and a half hour practice. The athlete is at school from 5:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., for a total of 12 hours.
After a tiring day at school, the athlete then has to complete homework and study for upcoming tests. For water polo goalie Karen Chou, morning practice cuts down on her average six hours of sleep.
“Morning practice affects how I do in school depending on how many hours of sleep I get and how much homework I have,” said Chou. “I usually end up falling asleep in class after morning practices.”
For swimmer Tanner Williams, morning practices are more bearable as the season progresses.
“In the beginning of the season the workouts are brutal,” said Williams, “but after a while you get used to it, and the workouts give you more energy after a while.”
Williams considers morning practices
crucial for the team’s success because it allows him to improve his upper body strength in the shortest amount of time.
“Normally, our afternoon practices are spent improving speed,” said Williams. “Our coach normally focuses more on underwater leg workouts during afternoons, so we need the mornings to improve our overall strength.”
Morning practices also allow the coaches to discuss several key issues during a season, including team goals, individual aspirations, and how to maintain healthy throughout the season.
“The team’s top priority is to place for CIF’s, so mornings allow the coach to discuss his plan for us to improve and get better times each race,” said Williams. “He talks about goals and what times we want to get. We also discuss the strengths and weaknesses of our rival teams.”
Even though morning practices are mainly beneficial for sports, they can often improve a student’s performance during school.
Although morning practices can prove challenging, for both Williams and Chou, they are considered necessary for the team to improve.
“Even though morning practices are tiring,” said Chou. “I still think they are worth it. They allow us to get our physical workout done with so then we can work on our techniques and swimming faster.”
Water polo girls practice in the morning. Photo by Jennifer Chalam
With the competitiveness prevalent in high school sports, it is not surprising that many devoted athletes have chosen to take advantage of summer conditioning, which can utilize idle time that may otherwise be spent watching TV.
Summer conditioning and off-season conditioning is extra training an athlete does outside of the regular competitive season. The method this additional conditioning is done varies from sport to sport. For instance, according to Livestrong, a basketball player would not engage in long distance running, as this kind of exercise has no benefit towards the more sprint-like speeds they have to attain.
Extra conditioning is both beneficial and relatively easy to do. According to Livestrong, conditioning during the off-season provides an oppurtunity to enhance one’s competitiveness during the regular season. It increases fitness, endurance, physical strength, and an athlete also has the opportunity to increase skill in various techniques.
Many students at RB High put in this additional training in pursuit of becoming consummate athletes. Practicing almost daily, members of the Tour de Force dance team use summer and off-season time to increase their skill. According to sophomore Nini Liu, the dance team does many exercises such as sit-ups, push-ups, running, and stretches to increase fitness.
“We do this conditioning to stay in shape and increase our strength so we are better when we dance,” Liu said.
While many teams may use off-season time to gain an advantage, summer conditioning can also help keep the individual player in shape. Many sports, such as baseball, have off-season leagues. For instance, winter ball for baseball players is currently in session. If these kinds of programs are not available, athletes can train individually at home or at a local park.
How should this training be done? There are many components to off-season conditioning. Livestrong says that technique, endurance, and strength are all important elements that should be worked on while athletes are conditioning. Most importantly, exercises should all be tailored specifically for the needs of each and every sport.
Livestrong recommends a strong warm-up that, prior to more rigorous training, sufficiently warms the body enough and can include exercises such as push-ups and lunges. Afterwards, there are various other exercises that can strengthen many facets of an athlete’s abilities.
Strength training is beneficial towards most sports. Livestrong says that developing strength from weightlifting and other strength exercises is one of the most effective ways to boost performance in any sport. Based on the type of sport, the type of strength training used should be modified to suit. For example, according to Livestrong, soccer players should focus on faster movements instead of increased weight when weightlifting, due to the needs of their sport.
Increasing fitness and stamina is also very important. This can be done through long, sustained runs or other similar activities such as swimming and cycling. For sports such as basketball, Livestrong says that these enhancements can especially manifest themselves during the end of the game, when increased endurance can make the difference between victory and a loss.
Finally, increasing agility and speed may also be very helpful. When dribbling around opponents in soccer or basketball, agility and speed are an essential traits of any skilled athlete. Sprints or interval training can have many benefits to this end.
In the end, one should still remember that the off-season is a time to rest and recover from the strenuous exertion during the regular season. As a result, Livestrong recommends a lessened intensity during off-season workouts in order to let one’s body an oppurtunity to recover. After an off-season or summer of hard work, athletes can certainly expect to enjoy the many benefits the extra training will yield.
Off-seasonconditioning is crucial to athletes
![Nigeria Spur magazine [December 2013 edition]](https://img.pdfslide.us/doc/110x75/568c4c431a28ab49169f6fc2/nigeria-spur-magazine-december-2013-edition.jpg)
