Issue of Nov. 21, 2003
Volume 87, No. 4
Click on a story title to view that story
News
Arnold takes off
Davis recalled....totally
Who'd like free money for college?Opinions
California, the laughing stock of the nation
Do guys respect women: No
Do guys respect women: YES
Ten minute rule
Infant Center a good thing
Does listening to music lead to violence?Features
Thanksgiving...
Are we eating what the Pilgrims ate?
El Pollo Grande Gobble Gobble
Oh, noble Turkey, we hardly knew ye...
The real story behind Thanksgiving
What does Thanksgiving mean to YOU? (Survey)
Coming to America (column)
Horoscopes
Sports
Brrrr....winter sports are coming...are you ready?
Girl's Golf
Tennis
Football
Action film star Arnold Schwarzenegger leaps into action as new Governor of California: what next?
by Sarah Hofman
Nov. 21, 2003Arnold Schwarzenegger is the governor with great plans for our state of California. We threw out our governor Gray Davis and now Arnold Schwarzenegger is our governor and we are all sitting around wondering what our famous movie star governor has on his agenda. On the website joinarnold.com it has Schwarzenegger's entire agenda for his role in office.
First on his agenda is to "Restore California's Economic Competitiveness." To do this he promises to develop a fair and competitive tax structure that encourages the growth and job creation. He would repeal the recent tripling of the car tax, oppose the $3 billion split roll property tax increase proposed by Cruz Bustamante, stop the 60% Unemployment Insurance Hike on Business, eliminate the waste, fraud and abuse that is costing honest hard working Californians more than $250 million per year, rationalize the eligibility requirements to ensure that those who draw on Unemployment Insurance contribute to Unemployment Insurance, and finally he will review benefits to make sure that they are in line with the state's needs.
Our future governor has also come up with a 6-point plan to solve California's energy cost crisis.
Schwarzenegger also plans on proposing a constitutional amendment that will guarantee Californians a constitutional right to information concerning the conduct of the people's business, including the Executive branch and the Legislature. And to not sign any bill that has not received a full and public hearing in policy committees of both houses of the Legislature.
The website also talks about all the rest of Schwarzenegger's plans for when he is in office. They range from "Action Plan for California's Environment" to "Eliminate Unnecessary Costs Due to Litigation, Fraud, and Abuse."
He has plans for all the elements of California, even us students.Under the title "Meeting the Needs of Students"
the website outlines Schwarzenegger's goals or what needs to be done for the schools of California. First off he is going to make sure that the schools have the tools they need to serve students' needs. He is also willing and wants the schools to make their decision and take responsibility. This will be achieved, he feels, by rolling back the laws and regulations that hold back the school leaders and limit student achievements. Schwarzenegger also says he will give principals authority for hiring qualified staff, managing their school's money, choosing instructional strategies and materials that work, and setting the class schedules. With our new governor we should be seeing more money for schools, because Schwarzennger says "too small a part of every California education dollar gets spent on the teachers and students in our classrooms. Money spent in the bureaucratic maze and for the consultants who get paid to navigate it in money not well spent." So not only will the students be getting better things, but the great leaders and teachers will also be benefiting.
It looks like California will be improving a great deal with our new governor elect Arnold Schwarzenegger. He has a lot on his plate and a lot of good things that he is willing and ready to put in affect to help our great state of California. So like Schwarzenegger's famous saying goes, it looks like California will be back and even better than before with our new governor Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Total recall on Govenor Gray Davis, how did California react?
by Danielle Morrow
Nov. 21, 2003So here we are California, we have our new Governor and a new start. We can try and move on from the tragedy and heartbreaks that were caused. The results came in from the recall election: 55% of Californians voted to recall Governor Joseph Graham Davis, Jr., 45% voted to not recall Governor Davis. California voted with 49% for Arnold Schwarzenegger, 32% for Lieutenant Governor Cruz M. Bustamante, 13% for State Senator Tom McClintock, and three percent voted for Green Party candidate Peter Camejo.
There are many different outlooks on the recall election, which affected many people in California. John Czach, Economics and P.O.D. teacher said, "I was very much in favor of the recall of Governor Davis. I signed the petition early on." Pamela Paulsen, English teacher had a different outlook on this issue. "I don't think it was used judicially. According to the theory of recall Governor Davis did nothing wrong, it was more like an 'I don't like what he's doing thing,' I don't think it was a wise decision on Daryl Issa, State Governor, and the voters it sets a poor precedence."
The reaction to this whole recall election was that many people thought that it was time to clean house. There were many different people who thought that Governor Davis did nothing wrong, but tried to help. Others thought that he was just worn out. The Governor tried to do what he thought was best for California at that time. He made a wrong decision that cost us a lot of money. So you can think of the recall election as late spring-cleaning. Some believed that the election was a good thing but others thought that Governor Davis did nothing wrong.
As for the fire situation in Southern California, some feel he is trying once again to make a right decision. Many people thought that when he went to the President and asked for federal funds, that it was a good decision. There is always two sides to everyone's opinions, for example, some people thought Governor Davis was trying to make himself look better in front of the state before he is officially out of office. Most of the California citizens were devastated by all of the damage that has happened to all the victims. Schwarzenegger accompanied Governor Davis on his trip to Washington D.C. and both spoke with the President about federal funds for the victims.
Schwarzenegger has also tried to help California in this time of need by taking the initiative in asking for aid for the state. According to ABC-7 news, the governor-elect began his day on Capitol Hill, meeting with Michael Brown, the director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency. During which he discussed the issues of California and how the state did not have enough resources to fight the fires. The meeting concluded with an agreement upon helping California with their resources.
As you Californians can see there are some big issues right now and you should feel lucky to have two governors on your side. They are both trying to help the state out and are both making the right decisions. There will always be a conflict of opinions so California was torn between governors, what will they be torn between next?
Who needs to go to college for free? Lots of aid currently out there
by Victoria Tuey
Nov. 21, 2003If college were free would you go? The most common reason that high school students do not pursue a college education is because of financial situations. Money becomes an important issue when considering furthering your education after high school. Thinking ahead and opening a college fund at your bank when you're still an embryo is definitely the most sure way of having the means to go to any university that may accept you. But what happens when your parents forgot about that section of your life and say, "College? Who needs college? You can come work at the lab with me, the world needs more dog-food tasters like us." The College Student Aid Commission (CSAC) has now taken these types of circumstances into consideration and are now offering student aid for virtually next to nothing.
"A college education is the best advantage you can have in life. Cal Grants make college financially possible." Or so says Diana Fuentes-Michel, the newly appointed Executive Director of the CSAC. Fuentes-Michel now administers a new twist of the Cal Grant program creating a merit- and need-based financial aid program. To qualify, just follow these quick and easy steps. 1) Fill out a Cal Grant GPA Verification Form and FAFSA, which can be obtained from your school counselor or online, and turn it in before March 2. 2) Wait for a response from the CSAC. The only catch is that you must have a 2.0 graduating GPA. What do you have to lose? Nothing, but you could gain $9,700 in Cal Grants. Which is money that you never have to pay back! We all need more of that.
To get a jump on you application process you can log onto www.fafsa.ed.gov and download an application. Oh an by the way, there are NO exceptions made for late forms and don't forget to renew your application every year to remain eligible. Now that you have that section of life taken care of, let's talk about marriage.
California: the laughing stock of America
by Sean Durdle
Nov. 21, 2003Does who are governor is say something about us? Let's not forget that this is not the first time that the people have elected an actor to a high political position. Do you know who Ronald Reagan is? He was an actor and then he became the President of the United States. Or how about the wrestler Jesse "The Body" Ventura? He seemed to handle everything okay despite what was said about him. Was this recall just a popularity contest or did we elect someone worthwhile? Some people voted for Schwarzenegger because they felt there was a lack of a real candidates. So what does Colton High think about him?
Junior Kristen Rodriguez states, "I think that I do not like it. It's just the idea of an actor trying to be governor when he does not even really know anything about the government." The majority of a group of about 20 students share similar opinions. "I think he's a great actor and all he did to become governor was act." says junior Phillip Salamanca. So how is it that Schwarzenegger became governor elect when he obviously doesn't have too much support from the people? Unfortunately most students don't have the right to vote, leaving our fate in the hands of those who can.
Students of Colton High are not the only people who have opinions, so I asked a few teachers and staff of what they thought of the while situation. English teacher Kay Downer says, "I think that Arnold has before him a task that is unattainable, especially in the three years with the budget he has." Those who know about the problems California faces would probably agree with her statement. "I wish him well though." she adds. "He has no political history," says Language Assistant Fran Durdle, "I'm a staunch democrat and I'm not too happy about him being our governor." It seems that most democrats have issues against Schwarzenegger (Republican) for many reasons. Not only does his political standing come into effect but his marriage to Maria Shreiver, who is a Kennedy. A lot of democrats disapprove of this because the Kennedy's are a highly democratic family.
Arnold Schwarzenegger may not be the best man for the job, but everyone is going to have to deal with it. It may seem like everyone is against Schwarzenegger, but he is the governor and apparently he is what the people want. We live in a place where you can lead a diverse life and leave an effect on people. A place where wrestlers and actors have the power to decide the fate of other people.
Pro- Do guys even respect women anymore?
By Paul Heredia
Nov. 21, 2003Along with life and the changing world we live in, the ways of "being respectful to women" has changed as well. Of course opening the door for a woman is very kind; still, however it is not necessarily something women look at as respect. In these days respect toward women is much more in depth and has a much greater meaning than just opening up a door, or letting the woman walk through first. The majority of men in today's world have that certain respect towards women, but it all comes down to what type of up bringing they had and what type of surroundings they were in.
Respect for women comes from a greater place in a man and he may have some difficulties knowing what it really is. The respect men have for women comes not from a natural ability one man has, but from his roots. The way one has been brought up has a huge effect on the respect that men have for women. Being raised with discipline and morals, knowing what right from wrong is, is of course preferable to being raised without someone to teach you what is right from wrong or knowing the ways of life. (I once heard a quote that seems to apply to men: "There are two kinds of light- the glow that illuminates, and the glare that obscures.") Respect should mean that much more to a woman, coming from man of such a background.
Along with the changing world, respect is shown by men on a much higher level. Men see women as their equals in academics, athletics, and in the business world. Men respect women for being who they are, and not letting anything stand in their way. Respect is on a much broader subject and has a greater meaning when men show it to women.
Do men still have respect for women? Yes. In a way that some women might not realize, men have given a much higher meaning to respect. Women might look at men in a way that they picture that "Hollywood Image" of disrespect it sometimes shows, and don't see the true man that is willing and has been showing them the respect that has come with the changing life times.
From day one men have showed respect in one way or another, and will keep on, whether men have to change with the world around them to do it. Just buy the thought of this opinion and the thought of even writing about such a subject shows how much men really do care about women and how much they respect them.
Do guys even respect women anymore?- con
By Lauren Young
Nov. 21, 2003Have guys lost all respect for girls? Well maybe not all respect, but they have lost most respect. Guys don't hold the door open for us anymore, they don't pull out chairs for us anymore, and this isn't even the worst part. Guys losing respect for girls has gone way too far, it goes way past just going to school with disrespectful guys. It happens all the time in real life. It seems like they understand that having respect for a girl is one of the most important things in life, and yes I know that you have to give respect to get respect, but it's just the little things that guys do that are very respectful and can make a girl feel very special. For one thing everybody knows that guys are not supposed to hit girls and now it is like they will hit a girl without any shame. They seem to think these days that they can hit us like they hit their guy friends because they think that it is playing, but it isn't playing to us. Yes, girls can make guys mad, and that is why sometimes they feel that they need to put their hands on us, but I don't care how mad you make somebody, guys do not hit girls because it is just way too disrespectful. And what about the way that they talk to us some of the things that come out of a guy's mouth-- is just really shocking. Guys could say the worst sexual comments to you that could really just hurt your feelings really bad. Guys seem to think that if you don't give them the time of day that they want, then they have to return with some kind of sexual comment that they know will be disrespectful and they don't care. Now don't get me wrong, not all guys are like this but the ones that are, don't even realize it anymore, they have gotten so used to doing it, that it doesn't faze them at all. Is there really a reason why guys can't use the things that their parents taught them, most guys these days have mothers that teach them how to be respectful to girls. They know that they are not supposed to play with girls' hearts, because they know that it hurts us. And then to make matters worse they will go and tell all their friends about it and even though there is really no way that you can help that, because guys are going to talk to their friends no matter what, but there can still be some things that they can keep to there selves. Because it is disrespect for them to go around and tell your business. So all that I am saying is that guys need to get some of the respect that they used to have for girls back, because if they want girls to show them some respect and give them the time of day, then they need to give us the same kind of respect.
Does listening to music lead to violence?
by Kyle McKnight
Nov. 21, 2003
"The music made me do it."
When have you ever said this? That is what I thought, you have not. Nobody ever says this when they're in trouble with the law, the office, or any other jerk flexing their authority over you, yet doctors and scientists are still saying that music is causing us to become perverse and violent. Well I personally feel that that's a load of crap!! If music is having such a negative effect on society then why are most people still listening? Well I'll tell you, because music is the core of most people the rhythm of life as it were, and most people are drawn to groups of people with similar interests so it seems that music doesn't stop life it enriches it.
Another thing having to do with this is that its those who listen to metal, death metal, acid rock, and the like who are responsible for violence, well if I had to choose I'd say that rap has a much more negative effect if any on those who listen to it. As it seems that all is spoken about their lyrics is drugs, guns, and sex. Not that there's anything wrong with these things, but seriously I don't care how many times you were shot at or what you had to do to survive growing up "in da hood," so to say, but I disagree.
I'm listening to music right now and I don't feel the urge to go behead someone. You know what makes me violent Tetris. That's right Tetris you've all played it, you know how annoying it is manipulating falling blocks in to small spaces to a background of soviet Russia? Its insanely annoying yet for a time your into then you get to level nine and oh man, god help you then. That's when I feel like going out and castrating some communists. You know what though be it classical, metal, punk, or rap music is always going to be around and it will never die as long as people still have thoughts in their heads, and a CD player in their backpack.
So those of you out there who think that your favorite music shouldn't be banned or censored, just because of what the adults who couldn't give a flying
whatever...
Infant Center: helping out where needed
by Julia Arenas
Nov. 21, 2003Today teens in Human Development classes are seen holding crying and shrilling babies with a key stuck in their back . But what if those babies were real? How would it feel to raise a baby with little or no help? At Colton, these girls are somewhat lucky; thanks to the Colton High Infant Center, here to help look after the little ones.
Back in the 70s, when my mother went to Colton High School, the school did not allow pregnant girls or mothers to walk down with their class on graduation; though this did not really matter, seeing as most dropped out of school.
This is not at all fair. Some disapprove of the infant center, because they say that it promotes sex. How does it promote sex? They do not set a sign out to the kids telling them to have sex so that way they can take care of your baby!
With or without the center teens will continue to have sex; it's the mystery of what goes on that has them venturing into the adult world, or they figure they can get away with it. What exactly does the girl get away with? She gets to keep the baby and go to school, all at the same time. Some parents say they need to learn from their mistakes; they need to know that there isn't always going to be help. That's kind of cruel, isn't it? True, there isn't always going to be help, but does that mean we need to take away the center, just to teach teen parents a lesson? It doesn't really help the situation. If the parents cannot find a baby-sitter what do they do? They stay home, plain and simple. Not quite so simple, they start missing school, pretty soon they just drop out because they are so far behind in schoolwork. That doesn't help the baby any, when it grows up and he or she needs help with homework and the mother cant help her or him. If only they hadn't taken the baby center out. All because of parents and their worries that it might promote sex. The baby center is a necessity and should not be taken out.
Is it 10 minutes yet?
by Lauren Young
Nov. 21, 2003Have you ever noticed that you can not control when you have to use the bathroom, or when you have an emergency that requires you to leave the classroom? So then why does the school think that we do have control over it? I mean all the people that work in the offices don't wait till ten minutes have gone by to do what they have to do out side of the office, because they can't control when they have to use the bathroom, or when they have something to take care of so why should we have to. They might say that, that is different because they are adults, but I don't see a difference in it. What about the girls that have children here? If something was to happen to there child are they going to have to wait ten minutes into class, or ten minutes before class ends? Having this 10-minute rule has done nothing but be a hassle, because when you are sitting in the classroom and you have to use the bathroom you have to wait until ten minutes of the class has passed or if you have to use the bathroom at the end of class you have to make sure that it is ten minutes before the class is over. That's just doing way too much if you ask me. I understand that they have this ten minute rule for a reason because of TNT, but that should not stop the students that did go to class on time just because they have something to deal with in the first ten minutes of class. What is the deal with not leaving ten minutes before the class is over? I mean if the security guards were doing there jobs then they would not have to worry about the students leaving class ten minutes before the class is over. They might even say it is because of safety reason but the whole school is fenced up so why do we have to stay in our classroom if our school is supposed to be so safe. When you leave your class for any reason you have to have a pink pass no matter what time of class it is, so then why can't they do that with the first ten minutes of class, because you have to go to class to get a pink pass don't you? So its not like we were ditching or anything like that. I know that there are some people that do think this rule makes a lot of since but I do not, because no matter how hard people try they can not control when things happen so why should they try to by making this ten minute rule?.
Are we eating what the Pilgrims ate?
by Sarah Hofman
Nov. 21, 2003
"Because it is good and there's lots of left overs," is the overall defining reason why Stacia Molina (below right) and others say about their favorite Thanksgiving food. After surveying twelve of my fellow classmates I came up with the following results:
Half of the student's favorite food included mashed potatoes. One of the six people was senior Mira Nunez "it is my favorite because I can mash it with my fork!" The others just stated that it is really good. Not all of the answers were traditional. For instance junior Cesar Valdez 's favorite Thanksgiving food is bananas. He eats it after turkey; "it makes me feel good!" is what Valdez said. Another not so traditional favorite is senior Anthony Smalls's (below) favorite homemade macaroni and cheese. He says it's his favorite because he just loves cheese.
The more traditional favorites were pumpkin pie, turkey, stuffing, and finally ham. Well it's evident to see that traditional Thanksgiving foods are loved by many, but new favorite food are being added to the long list of great. So I guess as the saying goes "to each his own." Maybe this is true for our taste in foods. It is a good thing to try new things and open up your mind to new foods and possibilities. Because who knows maybe once you try someone elses favorite foods its will become your own. It isnt writing in ink that we all have to like the same old turkey and ham the pilgrims ate so long ago. Its 2003 and we are a new generation that has new tastes and views. So whether turkey or macaroni and cheese all food is good. So go ahead and pig out on your favorite food. Thats what Thanksgiving is all about. Have a great and safe Thanksgiving and remember dont knock something till you've tried it
Coming to America
A foreign exchange student's journal of culture clash
by Justine Boenke
Nov. 21, 2003First I will tell you that I'm back. After four weeks my Host Mom is now again healthy and lively. She has the baby, it's a boy with the name Anthony Joseph. Sometimes a nurse comes to check the baby but we have a lot of fun with the new baby and with my host sister, and with time they become also ever more like my real family, and that is good because than I don't miss my family so much.
But now my story about the first school day. It is Monday September 8th The first school day for me. I'm nervous and feel sick. I miss my mom and my friends. I stand up at 6:00 a.m.; my Host Mom made breakfast and we ate. At seven was the time to go. I said 'bye' to the cats and to my Host Sister. Now I was on the way and I felt very sick I had a lump in my throat and a hole in the stomach (I belive the American expression is "butterflies") but it does not help everything I must go to school therefore I'm here. I thought of the time after this school year which will happen, and which goes rapidly . I remembered that I would see my Mom and my Dad, because they are coming to pick me up after this school year.
The school day was very strange in contrast to German schools. The teachers are nice and helpful and the students? The students are very nice and helpful too and everybody is very interested in Germany. If a new student comes into a German school he is very much on his own, since nobody there would help unless if the teachers say it.
It was good for the first time a good feeling that I can make it. So was the whole first school day for me. Nice people, nice teachers. Even if there were already times when people talk too fast for me to understand. Also, one of my teachers reminded me of one of my old science teachers back in Germany. What else was strange? The Keyboarding, because I learned the keys from the German keyboard and they are very different. I was also surprised at the lunchtimes. In Germany we have two lunchtimes for everyone.Here, only one. I really think we don't need to eat lunch at school at all. The first school day was good but I miss my friends and the German language.
Now I can tell you after two months that the time goes very fast. I have a few friends and I feel good, sometimes I become homesick, but not so often, because I have no time to think on Germany, my Mom or my cat or my friends. But there are with me and that is good. The school will be better, the language is a little better. I love my Family and I hope it will be a fast Christmas, because my best friend comes from Germany if she has the money for the flight. So that was for this month. The next column is about Birthday and Christmas.
El Pollo Grande Gobble Gobble, Who's doing what for Thanksgiving?
by Danielle Morrow
Nov. 21, 2003Thanksgiving here we come, dinner, family, turkeys, and a break from school. First we must think of the places, which are going to be helping people during this day. For example, the Hutton Center which will be serving thanksgiving dinner to the homeless from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Susan Rodriguez will be helping and is still accepting any donations; she can be reached at 370-3567. Also the Luque Center will be serving food for the homeless from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The Rotary Club is also having a senior thanksgiving dinner.
Most restaurants will be open but Pinnacle Peak Steak House will be closed and only a couple of other restaurants will be closed also. The Red Lobster will be closed so will The Old Spaghetti Factory, T.G.I. Fridays, and The Outback Steakhouse. So mostly the big name restaurants will be closed but all fast food will be open including pizza places. There are a couple of big name restaurants like Mimi's Café and Denny's that will be open with thanksgiving specials. If you are going to eat out for thanksgiving then there are a few places you can go. Hometown Buffet offers a Thanksgiving feast every year too for those too tired to cook or if you just want to give mom the day off.
Many people are trying to help out the homeless and just people that have no place to go for a good dinner. The people that are trying to help are the cities, restaurants, and clubs. But mostly the people that are behind all the cities, restaurants, and clubs are the ones who care enough to do these things.
Horoscopes by Madame Sandra
by Sandy Brown
Nov. 21, 2003Aries March 20- April 19
Success from a project you've been working hard on could have you wanting to go out on the town and celebrate. You might feel guilty about doing it, but go ahead.
Taurus April 20 - May 19
A subject that you've been studying for a long time might suddenly start making sense to you, or you could finally reach a point where you can make it work for you in a practical way. Your thinking at this time is especially clear, focused, down to earth, and efficient, so whatever you try or start today is likely to lead to success. Don't let occasional self-doubt stop you.
Gemini May 20- June 20
The thoughts and feelings of those closest to you are more apparent to you than usual, and you may tend to tailor your behavior towards them accordingly. Tonight: Spend a quiet evening with your loved ones. You won't even need to talk much!
Cancer June 21- July 21
Social events and group activities are on the agenda today. You may be introduced to someone who could prove to be helpful to your social life. A letter containing good news could come from a friend or partner.
Leo July 22- Aug. 22
Glowing health and an enthusiastic attitude make almost anything a pleasure today. Relations with friends and family alike are warm, congenial, and cooperative, and your day should go about as smoothly as you can expect. There is something you want to do in the afternoon that you're really looking forward to. In the evening: consider attending a class, lecture or workshop. Your mind is especially sharp right now.
Virgo Aug. 23- Sept. 21
A telephone conversation with someone who lives far away might have you feeling a bit sad, reflecting on how much you miss that person, and this can lead to general pondering about your life. You might question the direction in which you seem to be moving, and consider other options that could be possible for you.
Libra Sept. 22- Oct. 22
Although you usually are very responsible and try to keep the proper balance between your home life and your professional life, today your mind and heart are definitely going to be more focused on your home. A warm sense of unity with family members and close friends could make for a very pleasant day and an even more pleasant evening.
Scorpio Oct. 23- Nov. 21
A gathering in your community could unite the people around you in aiming for a common goal, and this could be a new source of interest for you. Warm and loving letters and phone calls could come from family, close friends, or from your life partner.
Sagittarius Nov. 22- Dec. 21
Delays in reaching your goals are over for the moment, so if you have a project you've been trying to complete, this is the day to go to it - especially if paperwork is involved.
Capricorn Dec. 22- Jan. 19
You're feeling especially sharp, and you are; your thoughts are more focused than usual and your mind especially penetrating. A promised get-together with friends or loved ones may have to be delayed somewhat, but will still take place
Aquarius Jan. 20- Feb. 17
Practical thoughts may be the result of unconscious impulses that are brought to the surface by events in the home. Release of old traumas and phobias could result - though you should take care not to dwell on them too much, or you'll reinforce them instead of getting rid of them.
Pisces Feb. 18- March 19
Your mind is likely to be going a thousand miles an hour today. Thoughts and ideas are pouring into your head like rain into the ocean. Some of them might be confusing and others contradictory though, and you might be tempted to puzzle over them until you literally give yourself a headache. Write them down and then look at them in a day or two. Your ideas are more likely to make sense to you then.
OH noble turkey we hardly know ye.....
by Kyle McKnight
Nov. 21, 2003Turkeys: what are they and where do they come from? Well not many of you know, but turkeys were once large carnivorous reptiles which ravaged the wastelands of southern Saudi territory until, eventually they were found out. We learned their secrets and exploited them, they hated steroids but we however loved them, so with our primitive drugs we broke their spirit, and thus the modern turkey was born. Okay, well, not really. Turkeys are actually flightless birds which vary in size and are often hunted for sport which doesn't seem much of a challenge for a bird who when it rains will often look up with its beak open and in the end drown from the rain, but I digress. The modern turkey is raised in scientifically designed, environmentally controlled barns, which provide maximum protection as well as comfort. Most turkeys are "free roaming" or "free range," which means that they are not kept in cages but allowed to walk and look about the barn and its outside as well, in order for the turkeys to be considered "free roaming" their "freedom" if you will must be demonstrated to the Food Safety Inspection Service or FSIS for short. Well contrary to my belief of turkeys being all hopped up and jittery on a steady diet of steroids, they're actually not. Modern turkeys are fed with a steady diet of corn and soybean meal, supplemented with vitamins, minerals and fresh water, real tasty. At times FDA-approved antibiotics are used to suppress microorganisms and help prevent disease. After these are administered the turkey must go through a withdrawal period between when the drug was given and when the turkey can be slaughtered.
So those are the raw facts on our friend the turkey, but for those of you who would like to think of it another way how about this: at night when the turkeys are sleeping cozy in their giant metal coffins the turkey fairy comes and magically beheads them sending their spirit to turkey heaven (a subsidiary of heaven) then in the morning the farmer comes out and harvests all their little bodies for our consumption. So before I conclude I would just like to say "you should all be ashamed of yourselves."
Thanksgiving: what's the real story?
By Amanda Nazzal
Nov. 21, 2003So everyone here at Colton High gets a few days off for the celebration of Thanksgiving. But, what is the REAL meaning behind the holiday? So many people just use the holiday season as both as an excuse to both eat excessive amounts of food, and spend excessive amounts of money on one another. But, how many people celebrate Thanksgiving because of their knowledge of what actually happened so long ago right here on United States soil? Well, if you don't know the real meaning of Thanksgiving yet, then you should by the end of this article!
So it all began when the Pilgrims arrived with the Mayflower at Plymouth Rock in mid-December 1620. After arrival, life during the winter months was devastating to the Pilgrims. Disease spread like wildfire, and food was scarce. Slowly but surely, the Pilgrim peoples began to die. By the end of the season the Pilgrims were left with half as many people as had originally arrived on the Mayflower.
The Pilgrims obviously needed help, so they went out and found it. Squanto, an English-speaking member of the Indian nation of Wampanoag decided to stay with the Pilgrims for the months to come to teach them how to survive. Squanto brought them food and material for clothing, ideas for housing, and many other skills needed for their survival.
The first harvest of 1621 brought much needed food, and the remaining colonists decided to celebrate this harvest with a feast. No matter how much people try to deny it, the celebration of this first Thanksgiving was giving praise to their God for providing them with such great goods. So in their celebration of giving thanks to God, the Pilgrims invited Squanto and his peoples to dine with them…creating the celebration of Thanksgiving!
For centuries Thanksgiving was celebrated on different days throughout the months of September through November. However, on October 3, 1863 President Lincoln proclaimed the last Thursday in November as a national day of Thanksgiving, setting the holiday in stone for future generations.
Now you all have the boring historical facts about how the celebration of Thanksgiving began. Hopefully now you have a better understanding of why you're stuffing your face with food on Thanksgiving Day! So while you have a slice of pumpkin pie shoved in your mouth, remember this one thing: if it weren't for the Pilgrims coming to this country, you would have nothing to celebrate!
What does thanksgiving mean to students at CHS?
by Sean Durdle
Nov. 21, 2003Thanksgiving was originally a time when people could come together in peace and have a good time. Today, Thanksgiving means a lot of different things to a lot of different people. For some people, Thanksgiving is a time when you get together with the people you love and stuff your face with a fat turkey dinner. For others, Thanksgiving is just another day we get out of school. Some people don't celebrate Thanksgiving while still others have their own style of celebrating it. For the most part, Thanksgiving is seen as a time of fun and peace.
To see what Thanksgiving really means to people, I asked students what they thought about it. Junior Heather Brown (lower left) says, "It's a time when friends and family come together to give thanks for what they have."
Junior Angela Gomez (below center) disagrees and states that Thanksgiving is "a time to eat, eat, and eat more." Can't we just agree that it could be a time for both of those things? I wish I could say that I agree with Heather, but I love turkey. If you love turkey as much as I do, I think you would understand.
For some people, Thanksgiving is more than dinner and getting together. Senior Alexandra Cooper
( far right), says that the day is, "Family, food, parades, fighting with my cousin for who has the better baseball team." This day can be a time when we celebrate life. It can be a time when we give thanks for all that we have and feel good about ourselves. Then again, for others such as junior Ben Deraz, "It means I get fatter."
What about vegetarians? Do they celebrate Thanksgiving with a turkey? Probably not, and unfortunately I couldn't find one to ask them about it. Thanksgiving is not about what you eat though, it's about the time you spend with others and how you use it. A turkey is not Thanksgiving, it's only a part of it sometimes. Besides, there are alternatives to turkey.
Thanksgiving isn't anything but what you make it. No one can tell you what it is or isn't, you have to experience it for yourself and make your own conclusions about it. If you do celebrate it, try and enjoy it and take it for all it's worth. If you don't, relax on your off time and enjoy that. You don't have anything else to do
Brrrr... It's Cold In Here!!
by Victoria Tuey
Nov. 21, 2003If you can't tell by the crisp bite of the wind, winter is at our midst bringing new sports seasons with it. The winter sports are basketball, girl's water polo, soccer, and wrestling. Coaches have high expectations for them all this year.
Members from the girl's basketball team say that, "this year the coach is really being selective about the team." Heather Moran quotes, "Coach Gage is kinda cut-happy this year." That means that the team is being chosen with very high standards. This may be because last year the team didn't do as well as Gage had hoped. Saturday November 15 the basketball team held a Midnight Madness dance to kick off the season and encourage the team with support from their fellow students. The dance went well and as a result the team seems to be ready for their season to start.
Soccer tryouts are also going well with many star players returning for another season. Some of those trying out include Michael Rivera, Jessica Isgett, Sandy Brown, Korina Fite-Zamudio, and Breanna Morales. Coaches have chosen to remain silent about the new teams until they have been finalized.
Last Saturday a large group of dedicated students known as wrestlers attended an off-season tournament. "Its good for practice before the season starts," says Greg Ferrer. He plans to wrestle and place in the finals this year. There were many rumors early in the year leading towards the idea of water polo being cancelled. Although the team had a rather low record, Colton has decided to compete again for the hopes of putting us on the board. Having a population of over 1000 freshman, the tryouts are uncovering many sparks of new talent. Hopefully, the year of 2007 will live up to their expectations.
Undefeated Yellowjackets win league football championship
by Paul Heredia
Nov. 21, 2003Playing stingy defense, the Colton Yellowjackets brought the first SAL Championship title in ten years back home with a thrilling 27-6 victory over last year's title holders San Gorgonio High. With an undefeated season (5-0 in league, 9-0 overall) the Yellowjackets go into the playoffs tonight against Canyon Springs as the No.1 seed in Division 5.
A 58-0 win over the San Bernardino Cardinals put Colton in a position they hadn't been in a long time, to win the SAL (San Andreas League) Championship. With a sure playoff spot the Yellowjackets only had the SAL title in mind going up against the Cardinals. In a convincing win over the Cardinals, Allan Bradford ran for a 158 yards rushing on 10 carries contributing to the 455 yards total rushing by the Yellowjackets. With 50 yards passing Senior Quarterback Mike Orem threw two touchdown passes to Senior Shammon Wright, and Senior Tory Kennard added to touchdowns adding to the 505 total yards for the Yellowjackets. With this win it put the Yellowjackets in the greatly anticipated game against the 2002 League Champs the San G. Spartans.
With the SAL Championship on the line and the No.1 seed heading into the playoffs, the Yellowjackets needed a win against the tough San G. Spartans. On the Spartans home field the, the Yellowjackets defense proved that defense can win games. With a 27-6 victory, the Yellowjackets defense held the Spartans to only 23 yards of total offense, with only 14 yards rushing. The Colton defense played strong sacking the Spartans quarterback 10 times, 6 of those coming from Defensive End Ryan Moon. The Yellowjackets points came from Allan Bradford with 169 yards rushing with two touchdowns, and Shammon Wright with two touchdowns to give the Yellowjackets a record of (5-0 in league, 9-0 overall) and the SAL Championship.
Going into tonight's first round CIF playoff game against Canyon Springs the Yellowjackets take the No. seed in Division 5, having a mind set on that CIF Championship.
Girls Golf goes out with a bang
by Danielle MorrowThe girls of Colton High are a big part of Colton High's sports, especially girls golf. As we all know the girls get to play with golf clubs and golf balls but they still have to apply themselves to every one of their games. When you think of girls golf you probably think boring but you're wrong. It is not boring, it is like any other sport out there; the girls that play golf are dedicated and work hard. They did pretty well this year, they are finished for the year but they finished it with a bang. The girls had a rough year but they stuck together and finished in fourth place. Rozz Rios and Davina Delgado, seniors and team captians, went to SAL Prelims in Yucaipa and had a blast. Rios finished in seventh place and Delgado finished in 11th place. According to Rios, " Our team was young but there were a lot of new players, and they will be better next year."
Next year the girls will be on the Citrus Leauge and that will be against bigger schools and new teams of girls. According to Rios " The girls will be better next year." There is going to be a lot of returning girls next year so they will know what they are doing when they get out there and play.
Delgado mentioned that some expectations for girls golf next year, " To try harder and try to place in the top three so we (girls golf) can go to CIF." So as you hear about the girls golf just think of them as a hard working sport just like any other.
Pong 3D: The future of tennis
by Kyle McKnight
With girl's tennis over it's almost time for boy's tennis to start up. Boy's tennis is set to start sometime in February. However with no coach the details are sketchy as to who will take the job. In this reporters opinion I think that one by the name of Urban should take the job, unless someone (and you know who you are) gets it instead.
According to assistant coach Ryan Urban returning varsity players include but are not limited to the following people: Jake Magant, Marc Castillez, Victor Viejas, Angelo Romero, Ryan Estrada, Guillermo (aka: Gizmo aka: Furby aka: pikmen) Oller, Johnny Ortiez, and Josh Haywood. "I really think our team is going to be good this year,." states assistant coach Urban. So really I mean tennis c'mon go watch really tennis and oh yeah before I go let us never forget our dear friend Pong,for without it there would be no basis for tennis (because when you think about it all tennis is,is just 3D pong) or any other game for that matter so never forget Pong.