the Roarthe student voice of Whitney High

18 February 2009 Volume 4, Issue 4

Mrs. Jennifer Reasner doesn’t just have her teaching credentials, she also has a black belt in Tae Kwon Do.

Feature pg. 8>>>

This generation has had the unique opportunity to witness memorable events; the election controversy in 2000, Sept. 11, and the election of the first African-American president. Promising to reform the corruption in foreign policy, revitalize the economy, and restore America’s respect in the world, Obama

Obama promises the start of change

KYRA EDDYstaff writer

CLEMENT PADURARUstaff writer

photo illustration/Bhre Blakley

Prioritize: Do your work based on what day the assignment is due, or when the test is. Also take into account your level of understandind. If you have a science and math test tomorrow, but you are confident in science, study math first.

Defeat procrastination: Block out the distractions, and focus on the

end result. Whether you are focusing on passing the upcoming test, or improving your GPA, think about your goals.

Ask your teachers: Not only is your teacher proficient in the

subject that you need help in, they also know what you need to know for the tests. Don’t be afraid to ask your teacher to explain the lesson again, and if you are afraid to ask in class, don’t hesitate to ask after class.

Put your ears on:Listen in class. You wont have to study as

much at home (while staring at you game cube, wanting to play), if you already know some of the information from class.

Time is everything:Set up a schedule; write down all of the things

you need to get done, and how long they should take you. Do not worry if you are taking longer than you expected, just be sure to set at least an hour for free time so that you can give your brain a break and eat something.

That’s what friends are for:When you are complaining about an

upcoming test, or a grade on a quiz with your friends, ask them questions you have on the material. If they are in the class they may understand that one topic that is pulling your grade down.

Understand to achieve:When you are studying monotonous

vocabulary or the periodic table of elements, make it fun! Don’t bore your brain and waste your time by repeating it one million times. Think about fun ways to remember it. For example; take out a syllable in the word and make it sound like another word that connects with the definition. Make up a story for the symbol and the atomic number along with the element.

Organize:If you find yourself wandering from subject

to subject, make separate folders or notebooks for each class. People learn better in color, so assign each class a color.

For more information, go to http://www.how-to-study.com/ and http://www.adprima.com/studyout.htm

has a lot of promises to keep over the next four years. Although he has only been President a short period of time, he has already had one accomplishment worth noting: energizing young Americans about politics. How long will these interests last? It is too early to tell, but impressive nonetheless. In fact, several students from this school became

active in the Obama campaign. On Nov. 4 a night full of hope, fear, excitement, and enthusiasm, Americans elected Obama as the next President of the United States. First-time voters fueled his campaign. “For me, the inauguration was very personal,

and I truly believe that every American, no matter what party, felt some sense of relief and optimism watching President Obama,” James Richie said. It would be difficult to miss how many people were present to watch Obama’s inauguration. Preliminary estimates put the crowd at possibly 2.5 million. It is too early to tell how many watched on TV or online, but we can assume the numbers are immense. Even at this school, many teachers took a break from their normal routine to watch the ceremony. However, not everyone is as optimistic about

Obama’s presidency. “As we have seen 43 times before, our new

president is unable to fulfill the promises he made before his term started,“ Jake Edwards said.

President Barack Obama’s plans create excitement among students

cutsBUDGETstate

California’s debt is putting school districts at a loss. In hopes to get out of this heavy debt we are cutting back on our spending towards education. There are many possibilites to help with this time of crisis.

from the worst to not as bad

1

3

567

4

2less staff and faculty

classrooms overfilled

less supplies and text books

no bus transportation

teachers with no prep

no summer school

less days in the school year

based on 194 students

Alexandria Smitheditor-in-chief

With only five months left of school, college is right around the corner for seniors. Many deadlines for college applications have already passed, UC and state schools’ deadlines were Dec. 1. However with the current economic crisis, students have to rethink their college plans. Many are trying to

find the most cost effective way to get a high education. One option is the junior college, Sierra College. Tuition for Sierra

College is only about $6,610 per year, based on a 12 unit year. Even students that have already applied and have been accepted are

rethinking their plans. Ryan Fitzgerald applied for Chico State and UC Davis, but is now

planning on going to Sierra College. “Because of the economy my Mother’s out of a job and money’s tight, so I’m going to Sierra instead [of the other schools] because it’s more cost efficient,” Fitzgerald said.

Some students are figuring out ways to save cash, but still leave

Rocklin. Kevin Rampas has plans to become an interior decorator, and believes San Francisco would be the best place to pursue that career.

“I wanted to go to San Francisco State but I chose to go to San Francisco City College instead of Sierra college. It’s a lot cheaper and a better environment to be in because I want to do something artistic,” Rampas said.

For the students who are set at going to a UC or state college, there are plenty of types of financial aid for any type of student. Applying for the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) would be the first step in determining financial status. Apply online for your FAFSA and you will receive on conformation letter in the mail.

The deadlines to recieve the intial awards for FAFSA in California is March 2. The deadline for community college is Sept. 2.

However for any other questions, head to the college and career center, where there is plenty of information on colleges and scholarships. Mrs. Bert Bryant has a list of scholarships that any student can apply for. Just pick it up, fill them out and turn them in to get free money for college.

JOSEPHINE PAHAL business manager

SHELBY STANICH front page editor

photo illustration/Aundria Recania

Economy changes college plans

To walk in theirshoes, walk without shoes

Seniors rearrange college plans in attempt to save money during the economic crisis

On Feb. 7 the TOMS club and outside participants walked a mile around the Roseville Galleria in their bare feet. The event was meant to draw awareness to the

TOMS cause and display the necessity of shoes while also promoting TOMS.

photos/Shelby StanichAlexa Acosta waves a sign promoting the event. Luke Benson walks with bare feet while Mitch Vandruff sports a pair of TOMS while waiting to cross the street iinto the Fountains.

TIPS TO HELPSTUDY

tips to help learn new material and to study for tests

2 news12 February 2009Volume 4, Issue 4

News Editor: Kiersti Hoguethe Roar

New touch screen phone comparisonPhone providers that have the right phone with the right features

The CAHSEE; also known as the California High School Exit Exam is something that all students have to take to graduate. If you fail you have to take it again and again until you pass the test. The test goes over two main areas; English, comprehension and mathematics. Teachers from both areas are helping students study and prepare for this exam that takes place during February.

“I felt pretty good about it because my teachers prepared me for it. I used the packets that my teachers handed out to me even though I heard it was really easy and that you shouldn’t even study,” Justin Martinez said.

“I haven’t even really thought about it because I have other more important schoolwork,” Sebastian Saba said.

He says that it’s not too important to him and he is not stressing about it because he thinks he will pass and thinks that he is already prepared for it. He says that he hasn’t talked to anybody about the test but it doesn’t worry him because he is very confident in himself that he will pass.

“I don’t usually get stressed about tests, I do pretty good around pressure, so I wasn’t really worried about the test,” Pix Mapanao said.

Elden Suratos is a junior that has already taken the test and has passed it. He says that it was easy for him but it did stress him out before the test because of the fact that it’s essential to be able to graduate from high school.

“I studied by taking notes, doing homework and being on top of things

for the test,” Suratos said. With this he passed the test and is one step closer to graduating high school.

“I just felt fine. I was a little nervous. I did some thing with my teachers, they really helped us prepare. I head it was easy but a lot of people had to do it over,” Veronika Coate said.

To certain people the CAHSEE was not a hardship nor even a problem.

“I had forgotten we had it. I wasn’t nervous. My teachers have us packets, but i didn’t know what they were for until I had to take the test,” Courtney Parra said.

CAHSEE stressDARRen GARCIA

staff writer

exit exam causes stress for students

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When can I see the play?The opening night is Feb. 26.

Who are the main characters?Joanna Scales will be playing Belle, Joe Samaniego plays the beast, Leigh Leonard is playing Mrs. Potts, Taylor Hughes is the mirror, Chase Merrell plays Cogsworth and Zack Ramos is Gaston.

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How did you feel about the CAHSEE?

I felt really confident because I heard it was really easy.

I felt overwhelmed because it determined if I can graduate or not.

I stressed about it because I thought it was going to be hard so I studied the practice books.

Alex Pennington

Kourtnee Hogue

savannah Gamwell

We have a really great cast and pieces of the set are going to be really amazing, because they actually move and pieces rotate and roll in and off stage. There’s also really great singers, Joanna Scales and Leigh Leonard are awesome singers and the whole cast is working really hard. Everyone’s dedication should make for a really great show.

Ticket PricingAdults $10

Students with ASB card: $7

Seniors age 55 and over: $7

Child under 6: $5

the

:A

Q:

photos/ Alexandria Smith

3 Feature18 February 2009Volume 4, Issue 4

Page Editor: Emily DuBoseThe Roar

Twenty-first century technology is more developed than ever. With the push of a button, you can access the internet, send a text message, call a friend or upload a video to YouTube.

But with the thousands of megabytes being used daily, something is bound to go wrong.

“One day I just turned on my Xbox and there were the ‘three bars of death’ flashing at me which basically means your Xbox is done for,” Zack Ramos said.

Companies like Apple and Microsoft usually offer warranties for new products, ranging from six months to two years.

“Microsoft knew that there had been a lot of problems with the new Xbox, so they offered to fix it for free. But I still had to wait a few weeks to receive the box to send it away in, and then another couple weeks for it to be shipped back to me,” Ramos said.

However, when buying the latest technological gadgets, consumers often assume they are paying a large sum of money for a reason, not to have to replace the item within a few months.

“I got the new iPod touch for my birthday, but then it started twitching out and some of the apps wouldn’t load, so it was kind of frustrating,” Carlos Parra said.

The problems with all the new technology continue to run and the faults disappoint the consumers.

“I paid $450 for the package deal which included the console, controllers and hard drive, just to have it break down on me, it was a total waste,” Ramos said.

In 2008 alone, Sony recalled 100,000 laptop batteries, Apple recalled their iPod nanos, and Microsoft issued a global recall of certain Xbox 360 devices.

Janitors—or custodians, as head custodian Mr. Jeff Pedroza likes to be called—aren’t necessarily the kings of praise around campus. these unsung heroes probably get a less than deserving amount of “thank yous” for all the work they put in. the two daytime custodians work almost non-stop for eight hours before

the night shift rolls in. But despite the lack of admiration they receive, they are proud of their work.

“We shine over the other high schools in the area,” Pedroza said. Pedroza has worked on campus for two years.

the services provided by the custodians are essential, and anyone who happens to look around after lunch will see why. trash covers the tables and the ground, as only a portion of the students actually toss their trash in their respective cans. It’s not hard—there are 51 cans on campus.

“I think they are under appreciated because people just throw their trash everywhere and don’t care who has to pick it up. It’s annoying to have to clean up after people. People need to stop being lazy and throw their trash away,” Giancarlo Chamberlain said. Chamberlain is a custodial aide and sometimes has to clean up after his fellow students.

rOBert ParKeronline editor

Custodial staff goes by unnoticed and under appreciated

New technology is not so picture perfect

SaMaNtHa VIGILlifestyle editor

Problems with technology leaves students frustrated

“Some kids don’t bother to pick up trash. they just depend on the janitors. Without them, [the school] would look like a dump,” Joe Mummelthie said.

this unnecessary cleaning up of trash detracts the custodians from doing beneficial work, like fixing, helping set up, or whatever the staff and administration might need them to do.

“Kids have the wrong mindset about their work, and won’t take responsibility for their actions. Janitors do like a thousand other things,” Mr. Jon Bryant said.

although we’d like to believe that everyone appreciates the custodians and their good acts, many just think of them as a part of the school.

But whether they are appreciated for their duties or not, they will always be there. to help lighten their load, solutions to the excess of garbage are preached by all—“if you see some trash, pick it up.” although students may not realize it, their actions dictate the treatment they get.

“Your environment represents the quality in which you receive,” Pedroza said.

So the next time you see a custodian, thank them for the countless hours put into working to keep the campus beautiful. Pick up a calzone wrapper while you’re at it.

Do you throw your trash away in the trash can?

“Yes, I throw my trash away because it’s the right thing to do.”

Dominic Pasquale

““At school, no, because they pay someone to do that and if everyone threw away their trash, the janitors would be out of a job. But outside of school I do.”

Steven Nelson

“Yes, because it’s disgusting to leave it out. It’s not the janitors’ job to pick up after people.”

Kristine Lynch

photo illustration/Emily DuBose

Q:

:A

One day I just turned on my Xbox and there were the ‘three bars of death’

““

4 opinion18 February 2009Volume 4, Issue 4

Opinion Editor: Avonlea Montguethe Roar

Editors in Chief:Aundria RecaniaAlexandria SmithNews Editor:Shelby Stanich

Sports Editor:Zachary Sobeck

Opinion Editor:Avonlea Montague

Lifestyle Editor:Samantha Vigil

Feature Editor:Emily DuBose

Copy Editor:Moriah Lashai

Business Managers:Natalie BrockmanJosephine PahalOnline Editor:Robert Parker

The Roar is a student publication planned and produced by the journalism classes at Whitney High School.

The newspaper is an open forum for student expression. Student editors make all content decisions. Columns represent the viewpoints of individual writers and are not representative of the opinions of the student body, faculty or administration of Whitney High School or Rocklin Unified School District. Staff members of The Roar practice ethical student journalism by providing fair and balanced coverage as determined by community standards. Students working to publish each issue strive to achieve accuracy by checking sources, spelling, and quotes as well as by obtaining a variety of credible sources. Students not enrolled in journalism classes who wish to serve as contributing writers, photographers, or graphic artists should contact the staff at theroar@rocklin.k12.ca.us and include name, grade, and area of interest. The Roar staff gladly accepts letters to the editor, either by e-mail or delivered to Room C-2. All letters must be signed by the writer and may be edited for length or content. Libelous or potentially harmful material will not be printed. Multiple letters about the same topic may not be printed due to space limitations. Letters must be submitted by the first of the month to appear in the next issue. For information about advertising, including rates, sizes, and discounts, contact The Roar at (916)632-6500 x6624 or e-mail a request to theroar@rocklin.k12.ca.us.

Staff Writers:Natalie BrockmanKyra EddyAshley FineDarren GarciaShelby GreerSarah HinesKelly MerdingerClement PadararuJosephine PahalRobert ParkerJasmine PattersonJonathan PoseySydney RodrigueraNeil SunseriSonya Song

theroarjust the way it is

So what? So what I you go to a party and get drunk? So what if your parents give you free reign over the alcohol in the cupboard at home? So what if your best friend’s parents give you alcohol? So what if your

parents let you drink alcohol at home because they’d rather you drink at home with their knowledge rather than sneak out, get drunk and be in an even more unsafe situation? So what if you stop reading this because it makes you uncomfortable or offends you? So what? So what do I care? Truth is truth, no

matter how much you disagree. Face the facts ignoramus, alcohol is dangerous even if your parents let you drink it. My ex-boyfriend (if he amounts to that, but

that’s a different story) had “relaxed” parents

KIERSTIHogue

keeps it cool

as he called them. They let him drink at home, and usually with them because they figured he was allowed to drink, he wouldn’t go out behind their backs to get it somewhere else. It sounds good in theory and may work

for responsible teenagers, but excited and curious teens aren’t usually responsible. It doesn’t matter if you agree or disagree with the practice, it’s illegal for parents to give alcohol to teens, even their own.

Alcohol is available at most high school parties or “kick-backs”. I understand that many parents aren’t physically giving their children alcohol, but they are providing it which is also illegal, in case you wanted to know. It is a parent’s responsibility to keep children safe and by providing alcohol for a party or to teens at all, they take on the responsibility for any danger that child puts themselves in. For example, if the teen drives home after the party and crashes, the parents can be liable for responsibility. That sucks.

There are too many 21 year olds’, (and obviously people older) who don’t drink alcohol responsibly, so it beats me as to why Mommy and Daddy let their kiddies have access to the alchy.

I think I found the reason: our parents want

to bestow as much trust in us as they can, but the truth is, some of us can’t be trusted with temptation.

Think about it; we like indulgence. We don’t know when to stop all the time. Alcohol is a strong drug and interrupts your sense of being without even drinking a lot. Who hasn’t gone onto MySpace and seen pictures of those girls and guys, half naked, with a bottle of who-knows-what with a caption saying “Faddddeeddd” or “I’m In Need Of Attention So I’m Going To Drink And Get Half Naked?”

It’s awkward having to go to school knowing you’ve seen some girl or guy prancing in their underwear on the internet because they’re drunk. It’s more awkward knowing that a lot of people at school have you seen you that way.

That seems like a fair enough worry, does it not? I know to many of you reading this, I may sound prudish and annoyingly motherly. But if you feel that way, it may be because you yourself haven’t accepted the risks that go along with your decision. If you disagree, I’m sorry that you’re so selfish and just know that you have a special little place in the hatred of my heart. Riddle me this, when was poisoning yourself something you do for kicks and giggles?

Staff editorial: WHS sports teams and clubs often go unnoticed in morning announcements

WASTED! Parents are illegally providing alcohol for teens at home

illustration/Erik Speer

Valentine’s Day, also known as Hallmark’s attempt to make our wallets even more empty... Cards, flowers and teddy

bears line the store’s shelves almost instantly after Christmas, just to remind us that there’s something else we need to spend our hard earned cash on; something to remind us an important holiday is just around the river bend. Valentine’s Day is a pointless holiday.

Now, that’s not to say that I don’t appreciate all the cute things my boyfriend does for me on that one special day a year, but why does it have to stop at that? Why does everyone feel so obligated to buy each other things that 1)cost more than they are worth and 2) will probably end up in your boyfriend’s/girlfriend’s closet two weeks later. Cute little gifts are always nice to get, but I don’t really see a need for this one day out of the year to have a special title. Couples should just do nice things for each other every day; buy a card just to say “I love you.” No matter how corny you think you sound, that means more than anything to anyone, just to know that there is someone out there thinking about them even if they

don’t have to. Screw Valentine’s Day! Hey, why don’t you go out and give your “significant other” a cute little gift on Feb. 15! If your love is unconventional, go against the brainwashed “holiday” of Feb. 14.

Don’t get me wrong here, my boyfriend and I still do the whole dinner, date and teddy bear exchange every year, but we do nice things for each other all the time. Fellas, have you tried giving her a single rose (or an entire bouqet) on her doorstep? Ladies, gave you given him a note telling him how much he means to you? Call me a love-sick romantic, but I love to love everyday because Valentine’s Day is not the only day you should show your man or woman you care, vice versa.

Here at school there are so many great achievements, academic and non-academic. And when a group of students succeed and do something excellent, they often want to be recognized for what they’ve done. But

when the achievements of certain groups go unnoticed it’s unfair to the students, coaches and all who put their time and effort into their sport or group. As a school we should congratulate every group equally. For example, not only going to all the boys’ basketball games but maybe going to a girls’ game. The football team and coaches deserve all of the praise they’ve worked so hard for. We hear about them on the morning announcements multiple times throughout

their season. Rarely do we hear about girls and boys golf? Or theatre winning medals at their weekend competition, Lanaea? Despite a misconception, it isn’t necessarily ASB or Broadcasting’s job to find out about these successes. However, we feel that it would be most approrpiate to support all of our Wildcats in the good that they do. For example, did you notice that Fight Song Friday ended with the football season? Why don’t we sing the Fight Song in support of our winter sports teams? Members and coaches alike of a group or team have the opportunity to make their successes known and have them broadcasted over the announcements by providing the following information to activities director Mr. Jason Feuerbach or broadcasting teacher Mr. Ben Branholdt. Every group on campus has many successes that should be shared and supported with

Unconvential love: Caring should be shared year round, not on a one day holiday

Adviser:Sarah Nichols

announcements or songs; school spirit should not be selective as it has seemed to many students. According to information provided by Feuerbach, the concern over Fight Song Friday and other school spirit events was decided upon at a summer meeting. Although it was held every Friday of a home game, Feuerbach assures that “during the months of December through May, Fight Song Friday will be held once a month.” To be announced, send Feuerbach an e-mail or Barnholdt with game information such as score and hightlights. To help with student concerns, students have been appointed to help deal with these situations in the springtime. With a little more effort from everyone involved, we can get each group the recognition it deserves.

AVONLEAMontague

knows what’s good

theroarjust the way it is

STAFF EDITORIAL

5opinion 18 February 2009Volume 4, Issue 4The Roar

Page Editors: Bhr’e Blakeley/ Kelly Merdinger

Where’s the best?• Ocean Nails - They have airbrush! Good

prices if your want to look good on a budget.

• Bellagio Nails - Great Colors, classy atmosphere. Fit for any queen.

• Cathy’s Nails - Great for Pedicures. Discounts to high school students and they serve drinks and play fantastic music.

• V.I.P. Nails - Great customer service.

Acrylic or natural? Acrylic or natural, you ask. Why not get

fake nails. There’s more designs and the colors and design that you get will end up lasting longer than if you just got your nails painted.

With just your natural nails painted you can’t really do airbrush, and rhinestones because there’s just not enough room on your nails to do so. You have naturally longer nails than most, then more power to you; get your design on girl! But why not embellish a little bit on your nails, they make your hand look pretty.

And for the natural ladies out there who choose not to get the acrylic, it’s all good. There are still plenty of other ways and tricks to make your nails look fabulous. There are still designs and rhintstones and colors galore to make them look good with any outfit in your closet.

Short or Long? So, now that you’ve decided to get

those fake nails; how long should you get them? The longer the better! With short nails sure they’re cute and professional and maybe not as annoying when it comes to

typing and especially texting. But if you’re pro at what you do with

your nails and how you use them like me, and many other DIVAlicious girls out there, then get your nails done right. And that means long and fabulous!

Do it up, get ‘em long; you can do even more with them when the time comes to designing. You can do more airbrushing, more colors, more bedazzling if you will; and just go all out like its nobodies business. Why not make your nails the star of your accessories show? Because you and I both know they’ll make any outfit that much better.

Designs? There’s many designs that you can put

on your nails. You can get anything from flowers to little girly embellishments to holiday motifs on your nails. There’s no reason to just stop at color. Sure it’s classy and professional but your young, get your nails they way you want them.

Now nails salons are making 3-D designs on nails of Hello Kitty faces and hearts and even famous Mrs. Pac Man. So if you dream it, it can and shall be done.

Color and paint is so bland, so plain, so... yesterday, go the extra mile; yes for a

few extra bucks but, in the end your nails with thank you and your friends will envy you.

Go for bright colors, glitter, airbrushing and everyone’s favorite animal print. But don’t stop there, show your girls that you know how to get Pro Nails and design your stuff with style, flair and passion.

Famous and Fabulous nails

Today celebrities are jazzing up their nails in everything, in every color, with everything on them. They are spicing up their outfits and music videos with their ten dazzling digits. And the crowds are noticing and loving every bit of it.

Check out these famous and fabulous ladies nails next time you see them struttin’ their stuff down the red carpet or singing their latest hits on MTV music videos:• Keri Hilson • Rihanna • Katy Perry and even Lily Allen Nails can be the simplest thing

when people think about them but in reality, we ladies can make them so much more than that. And I hope that we take pride in that and show the world how creative we are.

BHR’EBlakeley

keeping it brezzii

Get a handle on fake nails

News Flash:Edward Cullen isn’t real

Got economy issues?

“You’ll probably think I’m silly but I can’t help it. Whenever something big or emotional

happens in the book I cry. When Edward left Bella in New Moon I cried for half an hour. And then when he came back I was so happy that all my friends went ballistic. I talked about him all the time. It’s like this. I cry every day since the Twilight book came out, because I’m so in love with both Edward and Robert they’re soooooo hot! But I can’t have neither of them. I also cry whenever something new happens in the book. Because I love it sooo much and when I read the books I think of myself as Bella. And then every thing that happens, happens to me. Then all the feelings and everything affect me even more then if I just would have read it. I love Edward so much that I can’t control myself. I just talk about him, fantasize about him and think of him all the time. At day, at night and in TWILIGHT I’m just so Twilight/Edward/Robert obsessed! I absolutely lloooooovvee him<3333 Edward I all mine<3 luuv ya<3 and you can say hello to the future Mrs. Cullen”

-“Mrs. Cullen’s post on http://generalmumblings.blogspot.com/2008/06/bella-swan-edward-cullen.html

“OMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMG

THE JONAS BROTHERS??? :O really really really are Sooooooooooooooooo but sooooooooooooooo hot and sexy…. I love Nick Jonas… I so adorable…. I love him for the person that his is with all the fans… is so cute... the perfect boy that I need in my life… just I say you Nick Jonas… you have my unconditional support … I admire you and appreciation for you as YOU, not by what appears … be a rock star … you‘re really a person who is worth gold …. More than that, you could say was …

I love you Nick Jonas.”-“Lleana”’s post on http://justjared.

buzznet.com/2008/07/04/jonas-brothers-much-music/comment-page-2/#comments

On Jonas Brothers and Twilight fan sites, these kinds of comments are the norm. Every day, I see girls drooling over guys they have never even met, and why? Because they are famous. Their image fits that of an ideal male specimen. However, these images aren’t real people, characters are fiction, and performers are just that—performers.

We romanticize obsession. Twilight has made enormous sums of money from girls buying into the ridiculous notion that a bloodthirsty vampire showing up in a girl’s bedroom every night to watch her sleep is attractive. Maybe it’s just me, but that isn’t romantic and sweet, that is creepy. I’m pretty sure that if a guy showed up in my bedroom every night I would call the cops.

But no, millions eat this up and offer their self respect and wallets to feed this obsession. Even if one of these girls actually had a shot with Rob Pattinson or one of the Jonas Brothers or some other teen idol, in what universe is screaming “I love you” and crying at the sight of someone who has no idea who you are and knowing every detail about their life attractive?

In the past, performers were looked down upon because their work was not vital to the success and growth of the civilization. Today, sports stars are paid more than doctors. We have moved away from valuing substance to valuing excitement. We fill our lives with vapid entertainment to pass the time.

In our society, celebrities are demi gods. They are idolized for their talent. Real issues are slowly losing airtime in the media to what Eva Longoria wore to the Emmy’s. What is the name of the president of India? What is our current national deficit? What is the estimated

number of children in the sex trade industry in Cambodia alone?

Do you know? These aren’t random, obscure, insignificant questions. India is one of the most heavily populated countries in the world. Someday not so far out, that national deficit will be ours to pay off. And do I really have to justify why child prostitution is important?

Maybe these are some easier ones. What is the name of one of Britney Spears’s ex-husbands? Which Disney star had a scandalous photo shoot with Vanity Fair? What does the term “Brangelina” refer to?

If we focused all that energy on finding a cure for the AIDS virus or on our Anatomy grade, us as individuals and the world as a whole would be much farther along then we are now. And here is another ludicrous idea, what if we stopped drooling over boys in magazines who don’t have any idea who we are or wishing to be the girl in that Vera Wang ad and take a good look at the people around us? Honestly, those people in the magazines aren’t much more special or fascinating than they are.

So, has it affected you yet? If it hasn’t, it will. I’m talking about the economy. Yeah, I know, we’ve

all heard about it a million times and it’s getting a little old. The worst part about this whole economic downturn is the insane amount of stress that is derived from it. I hear my parents complain about it all

the time. They’re supposed to have it all figured out. So what’s all this about how my ‘college fund’ doesn’t really exist? And what about how my mom won’t even slide me an extra $5 for gas? Are things really this bad? It isn’t just in my family. Everywhere,

people are acquiring larger and larger debts by the month. Debt can be bad for parents, but knowing you’re a burden on your parents’ financial situation can be a worse punishment for the kids or young adults of the family. It can be easy to look at your parents’ financial situation and imagine how much better it would be if they didn’t have to buy you clothes, school supplies, food and everything else. All we young adults and kids really

want to know is that we’re going to be okay. Even those of us who thought we were immune to the financial downturn are slowly starting to see the changes in our lives. The real issue in this is whether parents should discuss their financial issues with their children or not. Truth be told, we already know what’s

going on with the country. Parents should inform their kids about what’s going on with them financially in their own household. Whether it’s to tell them that everything is going smoothly and there’s nothing to worry about, or to tell them things are rough and they are going to need to cut back on expenses, they need to know. Being naïve about your family’s money situation will only cause you to make stupid financial choices. Even though parents should in no way

lead their kids to believe their economic problems are their fault, teens should be well informed. Know what’s going on in your family. Sometimes a little stress about your parents’ finances is positive. Maybe you’ll think twice next time you open your mouth to ask for something you really don’t need.

MORIAH Lashai

it’s Moriah

time

Cameron Jones embraces his “true love” with the cutout of Zac Efron on Feb. 2 at Radio Disney.

photo/Kate Vasconcellos

artwork/Bhr’e Blakeley

KATEVasconcellos

Don’t hate on Kate

6SportS 18 February 2009Volume 4, Issue 4

Sports Editor: Zachary SobeckThe Roar

Judd recovers from injury sooner than expected

Gettin’ ready for spring

Chase Merrell uses his Ping putter to practice for this upcoming boys’ golf season.

A speedo swim cap as well as goggles are a necessity for free-style specialist Johnny Hamner.

Nick Law prefers a cutoff and running shorts while getting ready for track.

Varsity baseball coach Bret Hunter makes baseball hats mandatory for conditioning.

Knee pads make “bumping exercises” easy for spiker Jordan Wilson.

Diandra Shireman practices her backhand with this Babolot racquet.

Shin guards, as well as this Nike Total 90 ball, come in handy for defender Megan Kincaid.

Maroon and gold: these two colors not only define our school colors, but also now and the words that separate our two cheer squads. Looking at the cheer leading squad, it may not seem like there is anything divided about them. Look a little closer and you’ll find they have actually been split in two. Instead of traditionally having only a single cheer squad, they have been split into the Maroon squad and the Gold squad. “We split into two different squads. Varsity was split evenly in half with 10 girls on each squad. We were split up by our coach according to our stunt groups,” Gold captain Jocelyn

Foster said. The cheerleaders were split up so they could attend more games. The cheerleaders hold the responsibility of cheering not only at every boys’ game, home and away but cheering at all of the girl’s home games as well. If there was only one squad, this would likely be impossible with all the scheduling conflicts. “We all practice together and we do all the same sideline cheers just different half time routines. I am on the Gold squad, but I wanted to be on the Maroon because all my friends are on that one,” Kourtney Graham said. In addition to being on separate squads, cheering in different places and for different teams, the cheer practice schedule has also changed. The squads practice only one day a

EMILY DUBoSEfeature editor

Cheer splits into two, places first at Oakmont

As he dives into the stands and successfully saves the ball from going out-of-bounds, the crowd, as well as his teammates, give him the traditional applause for his extra hustle. His mother, on the

other hand, quickly rises to her feet in the stands, surveying her son for any signs of injury. Her uneasy expression is understandable, but only if you know the recent injury record of the unlikely varsity point guard. It all happened last summer on a scorching day in July. As a wide receiver on the varsity football team, Judd left his feet in an attempt to catch an overthrown pass during a seven-on-seven scrimmage against Woodcreek. Judd then collided with his opponent, falling to the ground, as his opponent fell directly on Judd’s head. “It was nothing like a concussion where you forget some of what happened. I remember the collision perfectly, which makes it that much scarier to reflect on,” Judd said. The result was two broken vertebrae in his neck. As disheartening as the scenario was for him, his family, and team, no one could change the fact that his last year of football would come to an abrupt halt. Although this would mean the end of his senior season before it even started, the injury was very close to ending something far more permanent: his ability to move his arms and legs. “The doctor explained to me and my family that 95 percent of the people that endure the injury become quadriplegic, meaning they lose all ability to move their arms and legs. I guess you could say I am a miracle child,” Judd said.

After being released from the hospital, Judd was bed ridden for nearly two months. Even the fact that his whole summer would consist of sleeping and watching movies didn’t break his spirit. Being a three sport athlete, Judd was determined to not let the injury affect more than the football season. “I wore my neck brace for four straight months to help me achieve a rapid recovery. The doctors told me that it would take me a year to completely heal my neck, but I was determined to be well enough to play basketball,” Judd said. Judd found ways to contribute to the football team, from filming games to taping teammate’s fingers and ankles. “I just wanted to help my team in any way possible since I couldn’t be out there on the field,” Judd said. As the football season came to a close, basketball conditioning immediately followed, and Judd was surprisingly more than ready. “I just went out on the court and gave it my all. I am proud to say that I earned the opportunity to contribute to the basketball program this year,” Judd said. At 16-6 with a 6-1 record in league, the

boys’ basketball team is off to an impressive start, holding a No. 19 ranking in the area according to the Sacramento Bee as of Jan. 20. According to head coach Bryce Newell, Judd can definitely be partially credited for the team’s recent success. “Judd is our spark plug. His role is to play great defense and is known for his hustle plays. We love to bring him off the bench because he plays super hard,” Newell said.

ZACHArY SoBECKsports editor

Left, shortly after neck surgery on June 26, Judd perfectly portrays his attitude toward his misfortune by showing a “thumbs up”. Right, Judd looks to penetrate the lane on Jan. 8 against Colfax.

photo/Liz Groverphoto/Linda Judd

week. This is a drastic change from their old practice habits, which had the girls practicing four days per week. Some cheerleaders are less than happy with these changes and hope for something different in the following years. “Next year I’d rather stay all together because I like big squads and we get to do more things with a bigger squad,” Taylor Stout said. Although these ladies are split for a majority of the season, they all come together to practice as a competitive team. On Jan. 24, the girls participated in their second competitive meet at Oakmont. The girls had practiced for two weeks, spending two hours a day on those blue carpeted mats, stunting, tumbling and sweating, just for those three

precious minutes on the competition floor. The team started off their routine with seven standing back tucks. From there the girls moved onto complicated stunts the girls did a heel stretch and pulled their hamstrings higher into a bow and arrow in the front. A bow and arrow is a one-legged stunt when your foot is pulled by your opposite arm to the side of your head. Other stunts included kick twists baskets. Despite the fact that the team placed first, the competition did not go completely as planned with juniors Breanna Bradford’s shoe flying off during the performance and flyer Julia Daniels breaking her thumb.

photo illustration/Zachary Sobeck

With a league championship already under their belt, the girl’s soccer team has been training since January seeking to build off of last year. The team has many returning starters this year including leading offensive scorer Rachel Walker as well as junior goalie Paige Transue. After losing in the first round of the playoffs last year the team has been training since January on and off the field. Ashley Jones is just one of the many players on the team that feels their main goal this year would be to win section title. “We have a good chance at winning league, and this year I want to make it past the first round of playoffs and hopefully to a section title game,” Jones said. The team this year has recently added boys’ soccer coach Rich Donofrio to their coaching staff. Midfielder Elizabeth

Girls’ soccer program looks to continue winning tradition with returning players, new coaching staff

Coach Donofrio and Jones address the team before conditioning on Feb. 3photo/Zachary Sobeck

JoNAtHAN poSEYpage editor

Grover felt surprised that they had a new coach, but also felt as though it was an opportunity for a fresh start to the ‘09 season. “Getting a new coach came as big surprise to me, but with a new coach comes new opportunities, a new style, and a different perspective which I am looking forward to,” Grover said. The team last year finished with an overall record of 11-4-4 and a league record of 8-2-2. Their only league losses for the whole year were against Colfax and Placer, but later beat them for the league title. The team is returning all of their players except for three graduates, Kathy Jones, Jordyn Ruff and Alexa Smith. The team looks to prepare, through conditioning, scrimmages as well as the traditional four-day a week practices, for their first league game on March 11 at home against Lincoln.

Determined varsity back-up point guard makes improbable comeback from a possible life-threatening injury

7 Community12 February 2009Volume 4, Issue 4

The Roar

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national level, and international level in open forms,” Reasner said.

Tae Kwon Do is, at times, a full-contact style of martial arts which means injuries often can occur. Even now, after participating in Tae Kwon Do for over a couple of years, Reasner still experiences pain, bruises, and even broken bones from time to time.

“I remember

8 Feature18 February 2009Volume 4, Issue 4

Page Editor: Samantha VigilThe Roar

NeIL SuNSerIstaff writer

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Difficult, rewarding, awesome; these are just three of the words used to describe the fire that fuels Mrs. Jennifer Reasner’s passion for martial arts.

It took a year of intense training at Robinson’s School of Tae Kwon Do for Reasner to achieve greatness.

“I originally started doing martial arts when I was in high school, practicing a Korean style of fighting called Tang Soo Do. Now, beginning April 2007 to present day, I practice Tae Kwon Do, another style of Korean martial arts,” Reasner said.

To Reasner, practicing is only preparing her for what she loves most; open forms.

“I absolutely love doing Poomse’s and board breaks. I also enjoy working with a variety of weapons I was trained to use,” Reasner said.

These weapons include Escrima sticks, Bow staffs, and Nunchucks.

Reasner’s skills in Tae Kwon Do do not just stay hidden inside her school, but extend outward into the competitive level.

Competing in tournaments located throughout various different Martial Arts schools, gyms, and auditoriums, Reasner takes her skills and uses them in a competitive state.

“I’ve competed on the state level,

Books aren’t the only thing she hitsWhen not busy grading Spanish papers, Mrs. Jennifer Reasner spends time breaking bricks and perfecting her Black belt status

my first tournament I sparred in, broke my ring finger and still somehow managed to get third place! Also during my blackelt test I broke my right hand trying to break a brick. It’s all good though, I broke the brick too,” Reasner said.

Betterhealth.com recommends warming up for at least 15 minutes before participating, in order to prevent injuries.

Your last impression is just a important as your first one

Some evolutions take millions of years, but the most recent of them has only taken seven: the iPod. In seven short years, Apple has managed to construct and improve upon one of the most successful inventions ever created. It all started when the entertainment industry was booming with camcorders, digital cameras, and the like. The only thing missing was a digital music player that wasn’t too large to be clunky or too small to be useless. Apple set out to develop one of their own, and completed it in under a year. It was released in October of 2001, and became instantly popular. Apple eventually made their new “Classic” gadget smaller, sleeker, and stronger, going from a measly five gigabytes (about 1000 songs) to a monstrous 160 gigabytes (about 40,000 songs). But with all this advanced technology, some say there are areas of improvement. Ronnie Eldabbagh wants even more memory; Lexi Ellison said it should have internet. “They should put a camera in it,” Matt Messa said. Messa owns the newest addition to

the iPod family, the iPod Touch. Unlike its close cousin, the iPhone, the Touch does not have the novelty of a camera or internet, but is still the same price as the iPhone, with both 16 gigabyte versions starting at $299. The way the company is moving now, many wouldn’t be surprised to see new editions with cameras or internet. However, there are some who worry that when the new version comes out, theirs will seem obsolete in comparison. It shouldn’t be for a while though, so breathe easy. “It’ll take about three or four years. They’ll just keep adding on to it,” said Eldabbagh. There isn’t much to complain about now anyways. An entire music library can fit inside a jacket pocket, and easy access and interaction allows one to listen to the song stuck inside their head immediately. Without the technology to have music literally at one’s fingertips, the world would definitely be a different place. “It’d be insane. It’s the only way to travel with music,” said Lexi Ellison. Maybe not the only way, but certainly the easiest and most popular way to travel with tunes.

Evolution of the iPod

rOBert ParKeronline editor

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Manager/owner name followed by title

Other tips:

• You don’t owe the business an apology for quitting. Say what you’ve got to say and thank the business for your opportunity

• Being polite comes in handy when you need to ask the business for a letter of reference in the future

Be brief and concise

Type your name and sign in ink after printing

aVONLea MONtaGueopinion editor

How to resign politelyHere are some tips to make those awkward moments a little less awkward

photos/Robert Parker

photos/Neil Sunseri

I absolutely love doing Poomse’s and board breaks. I also enjoy working with a variety of weapons I was trained to use. “

“