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Holidays around the world
by Cindy Mey
    Do   you ever wonder how other families celebrate their holidays during this time of the year? Is the world all winter and cold like here in California? Is Christmas the only holiday celebrated, or are there several other traditional holidays going on right now? What kinds of traditional activities are involved in these holidays?
The truth is that we are not the only ones who celebrate Christmas. As a matter of fact the other countries do not only celebrate Christmas like Americans do. There are such holidays like Hanukkah, Ramadan, and Kwanzaa, which are the most well-known celebrated holidays other than Christmas.
    What is Hanukkah? Why is this holiday special? Why is it so different? Well if you don't already know it's "the Jewish Christmas". It's the twenty-fifth of Kilsev to the second of Tevet of the Jewish calendar. Hanukkah means "dedication", which is originally from the rededication to the Temple in Jerusalem after it was seized. "Dedication" to the Jews means giving themselves through faith and action, to the pursuit of high religious and human ideals, Judaism is strong. Having the authority to command or control, to strengthen their religion and their people, is very important during this time of the year to their generation.
     This year Hanukkah began on December 7. It is celebrated for eight days in honor of the Jewish victory and the miracle of the oil for lasting eight days to rededicate the temple. For eight days, Jews light a special candlestick called a Menorah, which is a special arrangement of nine candles. The candles are lit to shine at the windows to brighten the night. Each night a candle is lit from left to right and they recite special blessings. This reminds them of the miracle that happened long ago. It's like a Festival of Lights. Family and friends come and eat latkes (pancakes), doughnuts, play with a toy called dreidel, sing songs, tell stories and exchange gifts.
    What about Kwanzaa? It is a unique African American celebration of African values of family, community responsibility, commerce and self-improvement. It is not a political or religious tradition, nor an African Christmas. It is honesty, a time of acceptance of who you are. The word Kwanzaa comes from the Kiswahili phrase "mutunda ya kawanza", which means " first fruits of the harvest". The Black Cultural Celebration of the holiday season runs from December 26 thru Jan 1 and they have seven principles that tie into their holiday. The first one is Umoja (Unity) on Dec. 26, it means to strive for and maintain unity in the family community, nation and race. The second one is Kujichagulia (Self-Determination) on Dec. 27, it means to define ourselves, create ourselves and speak for ourselves. The third one is Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility) on Dec. 28th, it means to build and maintain our community together and make our brother's and sister's problems our problems and to solve them together. The fourth one is Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics) on Dec. 29th; it means to build and maintain our own stores, shops and businesses and to profit from them together. The fifth one is Nia (Purpose) on Dec. 30, it means to make our collective vocation the building and developing of our community in order to restore our people to their traditional greatness. The sixth principle is Kuumba (Creativity) on Jan 1st, it means to so as much as we can, in the way we can, in order to leave our community more beautiful and beneficial than we inherited it. The last principle is Imani (Faith) it means to believe in all in our heart in out people, our parents, our teachers, our leaders and our righteousness and victory of our struggle.
    The third most celebrated holiday celebrated during this time of the year is the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. This year it began on November 16, their ninth month of the holy calendar. During this month, Muslims take extra time for family, inner reflection and spiritual growth. Their "bible", the Holy Quran, states, "sent down from heaven, a guidance unto men, a declaration of directions, and means a Salvation." Muslims concentrate on their faith, worshiping and contemplating on their religion rather than their normal everyday activities. During this time they fast, also called the Fast of Ramadan, in which they eat small meals and drink before sunrise and after the sunsets. At the end of the day, the fast is broken by a prayer and a meal called the iftar. According to the Holy Quran:
    "One may eat and drink at any time during the night. " until you can plainly distinguish a white thread from a black thread by daylight and then keep the fast until night." It is also a fact that the fast can be destroyed if these top five things occur: telling a lie, slander, denouncing someone behind their backs, a false oath or greed and covetousness. It is most offensive during the Fast of Ramadan. Commonly for Muslims they go to the Mosque (Masjid) and spend many long hours of prayer and studying the Quran. In addition they recite the Night Prayer (Taraweeh prayer).
    Well at the end of the day we are still people. We stick to our original beliefs and cultures. It is very important that we at least learn unique things about other celebrations around the world so that maybe one day if someone ask you if you knew anything about Hanukkah, Kwanzaa or Ramadan you would probably say something like " Hey I know something about those things." Then you would look very smart. Life has many celebrations and your holiday should be is as special as anyone else's. Anyways, the point is that no matter who you are and where you are from or how you celebrate your holidays, you should be happy to know that you are different.

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Wood or plastic? Christmas tree tradition long and varied
by Julia Arenas

    "O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree! How are thy leaves so verdant!" Christmas trees; with their bright lights and decorations, where did they come from? Why do we use Christmas trees? What is the significance of the Christmas tree? Well, the Christmas tree tradition started in Germany in the mid 700's. It represents life. It is believed that it would bring good luck and fortune. It is the time of the birth of Jesus that we use Christmas trees; it represents the life of Jesus and how he still lives on. They were known then as the "Christ Tree," until they became known as how we know them now: Christmas tree. Christmas trees are not really thought of much, just the hassle of where we can get one good and cheap. People want a Christmas tree, but don't want to actually put it up and take it down. And senior Salvador Gonzalez is no exception. A Christmas tree, to him, is not that important. "All that matters is that we're with family." He doesn't think much about what kind of Christmas tree that he and his family get every year. It doesn't seem to worry him overly much. There are some people who do fret about what kind of tree that should be retrieved for that year, and there are others, as long as it's cheap its fine. Gonzalez goes on to say, " It doesn't matter but we prefer a fake tree, just with lights and brings cheer to my nieces and nephew."
    A fake tree with lights; how do lights "cheer up" a Christmas tree? How did people become to put decorations on their Christmas trees? It was actually a German man, Martin Luther, that it is said to be the first to bring a Christmas tree inside. Late at night he had been walking, and the brilliance of the stars took his breath away, and wanted his children to see what the stars looked like at night. He decorated a tree with candles, and brought it inside for everyone to see.
    Now to some teens, and not to mention some adults too, a Christmas tree is just that, a tree. But nonetheless, millions of Christmas trees are sold every year around the globe. Thirty-four to 36 million Christmas trees are produced each year and 95 percent are shipped or sold directly from Christmas tree farms. Oregon is the leading producer of Christmas trees with a staggering 8.6 million in 1998, with California, Michigan, Washington, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, and North Carolina trailing behind. If you are looking for the best-sold tree, you should be looking for Scotch pine, Douglas fir, Noble fir, Fraser fir, Virginia, Balsam fir and white pine. In case you are wondering, these are all real trees. So then why are people buying fake trees more and more? People don't want to have to mess with the pine needles and the watering, and the basic things it takes to care for a tree. In sophomore Ashley Morgan's case, "We don't get a tree every year. It's been two years since the last time we got a tree."

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BSN: Yes, Santa is real
by James Walker

    Is Santa real? Of course he is! Don't you see him all over the place during the Christmas holiday? I certainly do. Santa is at the stores, the malls, our front yards, on our trees, on TV; Santa is everywhere! Santa is just as real as we make him, and as a society we make him very real. Seriously, what is Santa? A jolly fat man with a big, white beard, and a red suit, and since that image is plastered all over the place he must be real. If he wasn't then he wouldn't be there, it's simple logic. Things that don't exist can't be there but if they are then they must therefore exist, and if they exist then they are real? Are you catching my drift here? Santa is real because we make him real because we believe and give him an image, and you'd have to be blind to deny it because I can almost guarantee that if you live in America you've seen Santa at some point or another. And what if you prescribe to the theory that you're too old to believe in Santa? Beh! Your puny disbelief cannot erase Santa! Santa owns you! You were raised by Santa, and he's central to your childhood belief in miracles. Most people recognize Santa as a child even before Jesus, before their parents in most cases, and during Christmas it's a very big part of your thought processes. And if you take that into my earlier message, then Santa is more real than you're parents! How can you deny Santa then? Will you deny your parents?! How could you, that's terrible!
    Don't be so pig-headed and just admit the existence of the fat man, and everything will be okay. I know it's hard to admit that you were wrong, but we all must admit it some time.
   Santa is real, and there's nothing you can do about it. You might as well get used to the idea now, because Santa is here to stay.

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BSN: Santa is not real
by Julia Arenas

    Rosy cheeks, white snowy beard, fatherly warm laughter accompanied by bear hugs. Who else could this be but Father Christmas himself, Santa Claus? Who wouldn't like to believe in him? He represents a happy and joyous time where family gathers to show how much they care about each other through how much money we spend on each other. Santa, with his stomach that shakes like a bowl full of jelly, is a wonderful thing to believe in! But that's all it is! It's make believe! Something that lives in your imagination; it's a world where everything can happen if only you believe. Just like Tinker Bell and Peter Pan, where you can stay a little boy and fly around saving the lost boys from the evil Captain Hook, and not die if someone believes you are real. But in this day and age, a kid's imagination slowly rots from the brain by the time you hit seven or eight, nine if you're lucky. There is just so much electronic stuff (i.e. Leapfrog story books and electronic numbers) that sucks the imagination from you. Why daydream when you can zone out with game boy or play station?
    I love the idea of Santa Claus. A magical place, the North Pole: a snow-filled world where it seems time can stand still and you can stand with your arms raised and watch the crystals fall to the ground. It would be a beautiful place to visit and forget that you have more pressing matters. But, after the initial happy warm thoughts, really think about it. I mean, really think about who Santa Claus is. He is a balding fat man with red cheeks, (maybe from something other than the cold), who watches you all year long, and knows when you're sleeping; being bad, or good, and if you're not good you get a piece of coal in your stocking! And where do all the presents come from? He has his little elves work all year long, from dawn until dusk to get the presents made on time. Then he has a competition to see who is the best to guide his sleigh, which makes you feel like you are not worth anything if you don't get picked. But hey there's always next year to feel like nothing, right?
    He has his choice reindeer and now he gathers up everything, everybody watching the big procession as he makes his way, working his reindeers in the dark to go from chimney to chimney until the dawn shades Christmas morning. Then he disappears into "thin air;" no one to ever see him. And what does he get in return? A few cookies and some milk? Isn't Mrs. Claus supposed to be, like, an awesome cook? (I mean to be able to fatten Santa up to that extent.) Just have her bake a few thousand cookies, which should be enough, right?

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Durd is the Word
by Sean Durdle

    There are not many things in this world that make me mad, but the ones that do really get under my skin. For example, I'm sick of hearing bands change their sound. There's nothing that makes me madder than going out to buy a CD only to find out it sounds nothing like their old stuff. I hate hearing bands justify themselves by saying "we wanted to take the band in a different direction." Come on, you are where you are because of the way you sounded, so stop trying to be something you're not. I'm tired of buying CD's from bands who used to be hardcore, only to find out I got ripped because they changed their style to emo or rock. Now I'm $13 poorer and have a worthless piece of plastic which I know I will never listen to. So to all the bands who changed their sound and became wussies and make crappy music, thanks a lot.
    Also, to all those stupid "Truth" commercials on T.V., just shut up. The people who have medical problems from smoking only have themselves to blame. They knew what they were getting into when they started smoking. So don't act all surprised when you get sick from breathing smoke. What did you honestly think was going to happen? "Jeez, I didn't know that I would get sick from smoking. Who knew it would be harmful, even though there's a warning on the package? Better blame it on the company!" Seriously people, get your act together. Don't get me wrong though, I'm not anti-smoking, O.K. Everyone can do whatever they want to do, it doesn't bother me. All I am saying is stop blaming other people for your crap.
    And another thing! No, I'm just kidding, I don't have anything else to complain about. Because I'm sure you would all love to hear me drone on and complain about how annoying babies in the supermarket are, how old people can't drive, how annoying people can be without knowing it, and all the lame laws that really don't matter, but I'll bore you some other time.

"Raise your fist and speak your voice, grab your chest and open your heart!"
    -Scars of Tomorrow

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"Education is the key to a future full of choices"
by Jacilyn Alcantar

    This statement is true for many. It came from Peter Goldkorn's mouth. Goldkorn is a U.S history teacher here on campus. He believes in this quote strongly and thinks that education is priceless and provides a wide range of options for you location wise. Goldkorn did all of his homework and received his Master's degree. He has also worked in real estate.
    Now what if you don't have a college education? This does not necessarily mean that you will not be as successful as someone who does, but it will limit the flexibility of your future choices.
    I couldn't agree with this quote more. When you have an education, your options are in fact more broad. Basically, the more years you put in, the easier it will be to obtain a successful job and live comfortably. I don't see this quote as only helping you out financially, but personally too. Yes, it costs a lot to attend college, but when it's over you can feel so proud of yourself for not giving up or settling for less. You can also brag about what degrees or honors you have under your belt to others. Overall it's a smart choice to go as far as you can with your education because it is worth it.

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Michelle's Manifesto
by Michelle Choiselat

    The Year 2004 is finally ending. Hopefully, 2004 brought you fond memories. If it didn't, then 2005 is just around the corner; you ought to make the best of it. That doesn't mean get into trouble (at least big trouble), but I'm hoping that you'll make a point to enjoy this year because it'll fly by before you can say "graduation."
    Freshmen, this year will pass you by so quickly that you will hardly remember being pushed around by the upperclassmen. You'll be too busy feeling relieved that you get to push around the class of 2009. Before you know it, in comes class of 2010, then 2011, and then you're graduating. It's kind of crazy how it happens so fast.
    Sophomores have to get serious. Freshman year was a chance to mess around, to feel around the high school atmosphere. Now, teachers are harder on you because you're supposed to "know better." But, like with everything else, there is a bright side. Since you've managed to get through Freshman year unscathed, you have probably also managed to make a couple of new friends. And, you've probably received a little more freedom. Ma and Pa aren't as sheltering as they used to be. Believe me, they're worried, but they can't hold on to you forever.
    As a Junior, more responsibility is pushed on you because you're an "upperclassman." So if you messed up your first two years of high school, you're trying desperately to make it up. Junior year is tough, but with all that responsibility that is so overwhelmingly thrown upon you, your parents are a little more trusting. You're probably in the process of getting your driver's license and that wouldn't happen if your parents were suspicious of your motives (although, they do have every right to be, you little troublemakers).
    Finally, I end with the Seniors. Being that this is our last year, the majority of us are celebrating our way into adulthood so we can get that final childish stupidity out of our systems. Thankfully, the workload isn't as overwhelming as it has been, and we've decided what we're going to do with our lives. Really, the only thing left to do is enjoy the company of the people we've met throughout the years because chances are slim that we'll stay in touch after graduation.
    I hope 2005 is a little better for you if 2004 was a horrible year. But remember, you can't blame someone else for your sucky year. Life is only what you make it, so I hope you make it wonderful.

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Are we too old to sit on Santa's lap?
by Sarah Hofman

As a senior the thought of sitting on an old man's lap and taking a picture is just a little odd. It's a little awkward that an old man finds pleasure in having little screaming kids sit on his lap and pull his beard to hear what they want for Christmas, which they will most likely not get. I understand that they do it to make the kids happy and that is all fine and dandy, but we are a lot older and the times are changing. On this topic I decided to not only report what my fellow schoolmates have said on the issue, but also tell you my theory on this topic. My theory: If there is a chance you may turn Santa on, than you are too old. Senior Claudia Tobing agrees with me when she says that " yes, we are too old to sit on Santa's lap because some of the Santas are nasty perverts."
Even though a few other students, such as junior Suzy Gentili and senior Phillip Salamanca, agree that we are too old, senior Karen Portillo says that " no, we aren't too old because you're never too old to believe in Santa and pass on that belief to kids. If we don't have dreams than what are we?" No matter what your opinion on the everyday mall Santa and the tradition of sitting on his lap, it isn't a good idea to take away the little kids' belief in Santa. It is fine for the kids to sit on his lap and tell him what they want. But we are older and more developed than little kids, and Santas are men too.

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What's the bestest gift you've ever received?
by Sarah Hofman

When it comes to Christmas time many of us like to reminisce about the gifts and cool or not so cool things we have received in the years past. To have a better thought about Christmas I asked my fellow schoolmates about the best gifts that they have ever received. Many such as junior Maria Gutierrez (above left) had a hard time thinking about it, but she finally says excitedly, "When I got a big Polly Pocket house, because I was wishing for it and finally got it." Another person whom I asked about the best gift they ever got was senior Cecilia Martinez ( right) who says the best gift she ever got was her big screen television and her computer. Senior Chi Ho also states that the best gift she ever got was her television: " My room had every thing but a T.V. and my brother-in-law surprised me with one." Its easy to see that some people remember the best gifts as being a toy like sophomore Angela Beers (below left) who received Barbie Jeep to necklaces senior Aaron Avila received from his best friend one Christmas. For some it isn't a material thing that they remember as being the gift they ever received. So, as you celebrate the holidays think about all the things that you do have and be thankful for all the things you get even if it isn't exactly what you want. Happy Holidays to all of you and I hope you get everything you want and more!!!

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    One of the worst things about Christmas, even more than the crowds at all the stores, is trying to find the right gifts for people. Luckily, you have the paper and myself for some minimal help in finding out what exactly is for sale this Christmas season, and hopefully this will help you make a few good choices. For you in this article I'll be mentioning, and somewhat reviewing, everything from CDs to movies to books to games. And now that I've listed it all I'll start.
    There usually aren't any major album releases in Christmas, so the best bet for new CDs are the box sets of the older ones or ones that came out in the previous two or three months. Then again, you could also buy the ones that they ask for, but we're striving for original gifts here! So, for major albums of the past few months there are these: in rock there's a few good ones such as the new Nirvana box set, but really there's not much else& There's not really anything mind-blowing now that I look at it (I'm looking at Wal-mart.com because it's ironically the best site, even if the store has horrible selection), so I suppose you're better off just buying from a Christmas list. Actually, just thinking about it, if you're feeling lucky and exotic you could probably check out the international and indie music, but unless you yourself are into that kind of stuff I'd seriously suggest straying from that idea.
    Next are movies, of which there are a great deal. There are so many ranging from holiday classics to new releases, and of course the latter is what you're going to buy as a present. So, here are a few of the new movies.
`    1)    Dodgeball - a hilarious movie about a gym that is about to be bought out         and shut down by an upcoming gym conglomerate. Doesn't really sound too         interesting coming from me, but have you seen the previews? It's great! Go         buy it!
    2)    Spiderman 2 - This movie got a lot of press, I thought it was great, and         no one I've ever spoken to had any kind of problem with it whatsoever, so it         must be a good buy.
    3)    Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban - I've seen this, and truthfully         having read the book and seen the other two movies I was disappointed.         Don't get me wrong, it's a good movie, but I had somewhat high expectations,         especially after they replaced the old director with some cheesy new talent. It         didn't come out very well at all. This guy had the animators make werewolves         look like "emaciated mutants" as a friend said. Good buy if you're collecting,         but as a movie overall I'd leave it to your discretion.
    Following my pre-ordained order, after movies come books. Unlike CDs and movies, this is an area with new offerings at all times. However, books something that very few people really buy for fun on a regular basis at this point in their lives, but there are some, and you might be buying for an older person so I'll bother to mention them. In the realm of fantasy there is a new book in the Thomas Covenant the Unbeliever series, Runes of the Earth, which is the first book in the last chronicles. It's gotten quite a bit of hype among fantasy fans, but I'm not entirely sure it will live up to its predecessors. For you romance/chick-book people there is a new book from Ann Rule, and for you people who like to read the books movies are made of there is the A Series of Unfortunate Events box set, which I heard is good. I don't think so, but majority rules.
    Lastly is another specialty topic of mine: games. There are a lot of new games out this Christmas season, as there is every Christmas season. Here are some of the games you can buy:
    1) Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas - This is the latest installment in the series, and there really isn't all that much different about it, or is there? I think         there is a significant difference in this game. For one, you get to play as someone other than some crazy white guy getting involved in the mafia, and         you go around blowing things up. The language is another nice touch, since         every other word in the game is a curse or insult. Almost everyone who plays         falls in love with it, so I'd say it's a great buy.
    2)    Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater - Another installment in this series.         According to junior Shayne Robinson, who has played it, it looks beautiful,         has good game play, keeps you interested, and the plot twist at the end is         awesome. From what I know you play as someone largely mentioned in all of         the previous games; quite interesting. It's fun stuff.
    3)    Killzone - Another piece of information from Shayne, "Killzone is PS2's         answer to Halo." That just screams greatness, at least for those who love         Halo, or hate it but love that type of game. The controls are simple; the game         play is fun, all action, multiple characters with different skills and even slight         changes in game's plot. It sounds good, so check it out?!
    4)    Halo 2 - Personally I despise this game, and since this is a long story I         can tell you that. I think the story is retarded, the game play is FAR too easy,         it's short with few possibilities. I had never intended to play it to begin with,         but a certain person with fading brown hair (you know who you are) pestered         me so I went to play it at my cousins house. I beat it twice before I went home,         so of course I was disappointed. However, everyone seems to love it so you         might too. I can't see what you'd see in it, but if you do buy it I don't want to         know.

    And I suppose that handles all of my reviews. You received some advice on how to buy CDs, a few major movie releases, a book or two (literally), and some games. What more could you ask for? Bah! Don't answer that question because you're not getting another word from me except for these: Happy Holidays!

Gift ideas for the giftically challenged
by Sandy Chhin

    The most important holiday is drawing near; you know, the one where the plump guy that's dressed in a red and white suit comes down your chimney? If you don't have a chimney, then he'll definitely come through your front door. If you don't have a front door&then I don't know what else to tell you.
    I'm sure a good amount of you went shopping the day after Thanksgiving to grab all the fifty percent of sales. I'm pretty sure that experience was pretty traumatizing. I can imagine furious housewives pushing and shoving through the front doors screaming and yelling at one another. "I was here first!" "No, I was!"
    Well, Maybe you weren't able to wake up at four o'clock in the morning to beat the morning rushes. How do you plan on getting you close friends and acquaintances   presents in time for the holidays? That's why I am here, to rescue you from your dilemma. Here are some quick gift ideas that will only take 4 minutes to buy and 30 seconds to wrap; and it will definitely fit your budget.
    Most of us adolescents are involved in sports, are in clubs or are just plain old sluggish; so most of us don't have the privilege of obtaining a job. This amounts to no tengo dinero. These quick gift ideas will only take about two weeks of lunch money (so you better start saving)
    Buy as many bags of individually wrapped holiday candy, such as: Hershey's Kisses, Candy Canes, Peppermint Candy, and Abba Zabba (by far; best candy ever invented). You're definitely not limited to any kind of candy at all or how many you buy. Go to a Big Lots, Pick n' Save, Dollar Tree or the 99 Cents Only store and buy little appealing baggies to put the candy into. While you're there, you can't forget to buy ribbon to tie the baggie up in a pretty bow.
    You say you're friends don't find candy appealing? Instead, buy a box of cards of about 25 - 50, they're only about 10 bucks at your local Rite-Aid. Then write a quick message in the card saying "Merry Christmas!" and all that good stuff. Seal it, sign their name on it and maybe for decoration, put a candy cane on it. Whatever necessities you cant afford, go for it, Santa Claus ain't stoppin' you.

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New Year's Resolution: Throw an awesome par-tay
by Sandy Chhin

    Ten, Nine, Eight, Seven, Six, Five, Four, Three, Two, One&.Happy New Year!

    Yeah, so we all know that 2005 is just around the corner with only sixteen days left. Was 2004 a memorable year for you? Just a blur? A year of regrets? Fall in love for the first time? Meet new people? However you spent the year, it won't really matter within the next sixteen days. Only because a new year means new beginnings and new promises!
    First off, how are most of you celebrating the New Year while counting down the seconds until midnight? Since you know, we are highschoolers, I would say that most of us would be out partying the night away and having an awesome time. Hopefully not getting into any mischief, or drinking or doing anything bad. Oh, and a reminder; no drinking and driving too&it kills.
    Put yourself into this scenario: What happens if YOU are held responsible for throwing a party; and you only have two house to plan it? Here are some huge necessities to make your party extra special.
    One huge necessity to a great party is party hats. Oh, and those really annoying little horns, streamers, balloons, soda, games, music. "And those things that go zoom - zoom - zoom - zoom, when you blow into them" says Junior, Alex Deanda.
    We all know that a party is definitely never complete without ice cream cake&! Because we all know that ice cream cake are party starters.
    All right kiddos, well those are my quick and fun tips to make your party extra fun and special. Have a safe and fun New Years and be safe.

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Staff Profile: Larry Pearce
by Shauna Pardo

    Larry Pearce, born on July 8, 1946 in Miami, Oklahoma. Yes, there is a Miami in Oklahoma. Went to Ysleta High School in El Paso, Texas, right on the edge of the Rio Grande River. Physics teacher extraordinaire at CHS.
      Pearce remembers his childhood back in Texas fondly. "We would be at P.E. and be able to throw rocks and hear splash in the Rio Grande."
      Pearce eventually made his way to the University of California, Riverside. With his southern accent and on the border of sanity, he describes himself as a super nerd. With all the things you could possibly think he would do in his past time he actually impersonates a television show called, "Myth Busters." That's right! He spends his time entertaining himself by discovering the truth out there.
      Pearce is a happy family man with a wife and four kids. He and his wife have two girls and one boy of their own. They also share an adopted son. His wife, who he claims wins the meanest teacher award every year, also teaches a science class for 8th graders. They both met while on an archeology dig . . . pretty romantic, huh? Besides driving out to the desert to shoot rockets and tormenting his students he also enjoys making things. For example, radios, rockets, and stun guns for his daughters in college. Even though this energetic Physics teacher, who has been teaching here for 12 years, seems very connected with physics, that wasn't always his passion. He actually majored in Archeology, and that lead him into Geology. He planned to be a geologist for quite some time.
    After college he got into the oil business, working for Inland Empire Environmental Services, and struck gold. He did so well he retired at age 45. Six months after retiring, he got bored and got into teaching, which brings us up to date.
    "Do something as long as it's useful" is Pearce's philosophy in life. This year for Christmas, this St. Nick look-alike plans to stay home with his family and enjoy the holidays. As animating as he is, he does get down to business, on occasion. Do not call his room, knock on his door, or speak when he's speaking unless it is absolutely necessary. Other than that Larry Pearce has led and is still leading and absolutely interesting life.

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Student Profile: Nichole Barrera
by Cindy Mey

    Do you know someone who knew what they wanted to be ever since they were a little girl or boy? Maybe you have heard them say, " I want to be just like her: smart, successful and happy." Inspiration is what drives people to accomplish many things that will soon benefit them in the future.
     A bright student who deserves to be recognized is Nichole Barrera, a senior at Colton High School and one of the top-most achieving students.
       So what is her motivation of getting her work in on time and making those A's? "I motivate myself because I enjoy overcoming challenges. It just gives me a feeling of satisfaction in knowing that I can do something." She may relate to many of the students here. Hard work pays off at the end. Many things aren't given; some people have to earn it.
    So whom does she look to when she is in a crisis? "My heroes are my parents because they worked hard to get to where they are today." She hopes to go to either UC Riverside or UC San Diego majoring in biology.
Nichole appropriately lives by the words," Shoot for the moon, even if you miss it you will land among the stars." What she is trying to say is that even if you try your best to do something and you don't get what you want the first time, you are not an under achiever because even though second place is not at good as first place, you still got something for trying your best.

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The Useless Column
by the Honey Team

Useless Facts
·    California has issued 6 drivers licenses to people named "Jesus Christ."
·    In Utah, it is illegal to swear in front of a dead person.
·    Salt Lake City, Utah has a law against carrying an unwrapped ukulele on the street.
·    It is illegal to hunt camels in the state of Arizona.
·    Denver, Colorado claims to have invented the cheeseburger
·    Michigan was the first state to have roadside picnic tables.
·    The official beverage of Ohio is tomato juice.
·    On a clear day, you can see five states from the top of the Empire State Building: New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts and Pennsylvania.
·    Montpelier, Vermont is the only state capital without a McDonalds.
·    Donald Duck Comics were once banned in Finland because he doesn't wear pants.
·    Every U.S. bill regardless of denomination costs just 4 cents to make.
·    Being unmarried can shorten a man's life by ten years

Things To Ponder
·    What is a question with no answer called?
·    What was Captain Hook's name before he had a hook for a hand?
·    Can you put a gay man in a straight jacket?
·    "Cute as a button" Is that supposed to be a compliment? Since when are buttons cute?
·    Why is vanilla ice cream white when vanilla extract is brown?
·    How come we say 'It's colder than hell outside' when isn't it realistically always colder than hell since hell is supposed to be fire and brimstone?

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What do you want for Christmas
by Jacilyn Alcantar

    Christmas is just around the corner and we are all hoping for that one special gift we've been wanting, or maybe a lot of good ones. After the break, students come back to school and show off their stuff to their classmates or complain about what they didn't get. We are all hoping to not receive that hideous sweater from our grandparents but still act like it's exactly what we wanted, then toss it in the closet where it will never see daylight again. So, what do the students here on campus want for this Christmas?
    Debra Revas, Senior-"I want a sexy Santa in a speedo." That just may happen but I'm sure we don't want to know how. Some people would like some questionable things such as Deonna Moreno, Junior- "I want a bunch of legos so I could build a house out of them for me and my boyfriend Matt to live in." Hopefully she has fun with that. Sara Sinohui, Senior- "I want Brandon Boyd wrapped in a red bow." Raymond Castillo, Senior-"I wish it would snow." (Not gonna happen buddy).
    So whether we get that famous sweater or something as expensive as a pony, which is what sophomore Ashley Taylor wants, we should be thankful because Christmas is not about getting gifts!
    It's about coming together and keeping the peace and all that sweet stuff.

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Yellowjackets spend Christmas in varied ways
by Michelle Choiselat

By Dec. 1st, you will find that at least one house on every street is decorated with colored lights. Two weeks later, more houses are decorated and people have probably purchased a tree. Inside, mountains of wrapped boxes are arranged messily beneath the tree, since little kids continuously pull out boxes addressed to them, and shake every one. As for those who aren't celebrating Christmas, gifts are still probably being exchanged "just because." The holidays have arrived with a bang.
     Since there are over 3000 kids at this school, chances are everyone celebrates the holidays differently. For instance, on Christmas Eve, my entire family meets up at my grandparent's house and open presents at midnight. Senior Mark Saldana says, "We make cookies, stay up until midnight to open presents, and then everyone finds out they need batteries."
Sophomore Marce Lopez, on the other hand, only opens one gift on Christmas Eve and her family makes cookies and leaves them for Santa.
     The aforementioned traditions are pretty typical, but there are definitely some strange ones.   "Me and my brothers play Butt's Up against each other every year on Christmas Day," says Senior James Lintern. "My mom buys my brother and I pajamas and [she] makes us wear them to bed on Christmas Eve," says Senior Jake Bachman. These may not necessarily seem like normal traditions, but it seems they are nonetheless held in high regard.
     During the holiday season, not everyone is gung-ho about the season. Some use their holiday break as just that; a well deserved break.   Senior Clifford Adikuono says he doesn't do much during the holiday season, "My life is kind of dull but I have nothing against it. So, it's just relaxing with the parents and younger sister."
     Those who are not celebrating Christmas season, because of their religion, still may exchange gifts, but they are not associated with Christmas or any other religious holiday. "Just Because" gifts are given from the heart and without the obligations Christmas tends to push on people.
     Whatever you choose to do this season, whether it is spending time with your folks or relaxing, have a good one. Nothing will better suit your mood than a well rested two weeks off.

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Boys and girls basketball
by Michelle Choiselat and Paul Heredia

    The boy's Colton Basketball team look to better their season this year, in their first season in the Citrus Belt League. Last season, in the SAL, they fought and struggled their way through coming out at the bottom of the pile.
    Colton enters their regular season with a 2-3 record looking to stay confident and come out strong in the CBL. They know it's a going to be a more competitive league, but they believe they can pull together as a team and come out on top. The basketball team has many returning players and they look to use their maturity and depth to pull out those close games. They know that if they can have that team unity they will have no trouble in league and making playoffs. Their next game is today at 3:15 at Fontana High.
    The girl's team is hoping to finish this season off better than in previous years.    They lost against REV, with a score of 69-31. Entering a tougher league, they've yet to win a game at press time, but these girls are ready to fight as hard as they can to pull off a good season. Lead by Senior captains Jessica Garcia and Marquita Edmond, the girls are definitely keeping their hopes up, especially with their upcoming game, today, against Fontana in the Hubbs Gym.

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Guys and Girls soccer head into the CBL
by Paul Heredia

Guys and girls soccer look forward to the start of the regular season, in their first year back in the Citrus Belt League.
Coming off a championship season in the SAL the guys soccer look to take that confidence into the CBL. Lead by senior captains Paul Heredia and Chris Chase the team knows that it is going to be a competitive season, but they look forward to the challenge and know they can make and impact in the league. Making it to the second round of the CIF Playoffs last season the guys know they should have gone farther. "We have a much better and mature team this year, and I believe we have a great season ahead of us," says Chase. Opening up their preseason with a strong 6-2 win over Bloomington, Colton showed their composure and strength to win games. With multiple players scoring the six goals with the majority of them coming in the second half, Colton got off to a great start. In their first regular season game, they tied REV 1-1.
Girl's soccer had a strong season in the SAL last year. Finishing off strong to make the playoffs the girls showed themselves that they have a good team to work with coming into the CBL. Opening up their season with a couple of preseason wins over King and Bloomington, and a strong run in the Don Lugo Tournament the girls have their eyes set on a strong run in the CBL. They lost to REV with a score of 4-2.

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Wrestling season begins
by Paul Heredia

    The wrestling team starts their season in the CBL, trying to make an impact in a new league. Wrestling won the SAL title last season and they look to bring that confidence into this season.
    Wrestling did not get out to a good start, facing REV in their first regular season match. They lost by a score of 54-24, but it is the beginning of the season and they still believe the can pull things together and come back strong. Lead by Senior head captain John Calderilla, senior captain Adrian Silva, and junior captain Greg Ferrer, they kept their team up and looked to have a good finish in the A.B. Miller Tournament. Placing eighth in the tournament the team looks to be back on track for league, and gaining some momentum heading into Colton's Christmas Classic Tournament. Calderilla says, "We some great wrestlers and when everyone comes together I know we can have a good run in league."
    Don't miss these upcoming matches!

12-15-04     Wed     Colton @ Fontana                                  6:00 p.m.
12-17-04     Fri     Colton Classic - Varsity                        3:00 p.m.
12-18-04     Sat     Colton Classic - Varsity                         9:00 a.m.
1-5-05     Wed     Yucaipa @ Colton                                  6:00 p.m.
1-8-05     Sat     Varsity @ Rim Tourney                         TBA
1-8-05     Sat     JV Colton Classic Tourney                   9:00 a.m.
1-12-05     Wed     Redlands @ Colton                               6:00 p.m.
1-19-05     Wed     Colton @ Eisenhower                           6:00 p.m.
1-26-05     Wed     Rialto @ Colton                                     6:00 p.m.
2-2-05     Wed     Colton @ Miller                                     6:00 p.m.

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