Issue of Dec. 19, 2004
Volume 87, No. 5
Click on a story title to view that story
News
API scores on the rise!
Burner named new Assistant Principal
When a friend is in trouble...you pray (Kristin Sulzman)Opinions
Both Sides Now: Separate Church and State? Yes
Both Sides Now: Separate Church and State? No
Couples on campus: what's the problem with affection?
Student teacher parking problems
Is homework killing our sleep time?
Free SpeechFeatures
Do you still believe in Santa?
Holiday Shopping at the mall
Horoscopes
How much to spend for Christmas?
Party Monster (film review)
Ramadan
Sara's Sentiment (column)
Shayne's World (column)
The Historical SantaSports
Football ends magical season with playoff loss
Wrestling
Cassie Orona
API Scores
December 19, 2003
Wait a second… hold up. API Scores? What is that? API stands for Academic Performance Index. The API Growth Reports are based on the STAR and Exit Exam results. This is a test to evaluate how students are learning and how teachers are teaching. Why is this so important? Principal Jerry Almendarez states, "Schools are held accountable from the government. They give us a number that we have to reach and obviously we surpassed that number." Does the improvement have more to do with students or with the teachers? Almendarez explains that it is a combination of two things. Teachers work hard to help students know the standards and students work hard to meet those standards. Almendarez also says that this is the best work that the school has ever done. We have made the most improvement in years.
I went around and asked students if they knew anything about the API Scores and what does it mean to them. Sophomore Josh Lomeli says," I know that we improved by 80 points this past year. This to me means that it shows that Colton High Students are taking school seriously and thinking more about the future." Senior Yesenia Garcia seems to agree as well, "I know that if you're in AP classes you take this test and earn college points for it. In my opinion, I think it's a good test and helpful for students too!" I asked Junior Morgan Artega if she heard about the API scores. She mentions that she heard that we were in the top ten, but does not really understand what it is all about. Freshmen Ann Yoon says the same: "I don't really know all that much about the API Scores other than Mr. Webb talking about how good we all did this past year." Webb states, "This is a test to judge whether or not schools were teaching appropriately. This is also a test to indicate whether or not students are making progress in education. Colton High is doing what we should and more. The one group in education that has the least say of what goes into education is teachers. To me personally, there is no reward for me. I have always pushed my students to learn and that is because I have always had high standards and have always taught the curriculum. If I do not prepare my students for the next level then how can I expect my students to learn?"
With the thought of expectations, I went to Almendarez to see how much he expected us to improve for next year. Almendarez said he does not expect a number, but for the students to try as hard as they can. I asked him if he was proud of us or does he think we could have done better. " I am more than proud. I am the luckiest person to have the greatest kids and staff in the county. I have visited other schools and it just wasn't the same."
Michelle Choiselat
New AP
December 19, 2003As you may have heard our own Activities Director, Chris Burner, will be replacing Dave Walters as our new Assistant Principal. Our principal, Jerry Almendarez says out of fifteen applicants, Burner got the job because, "he had a lot of experience with administrative duties because he was the Activities Director for the past two years. He knows policies and procedures in terms of administration. Plus, he has worked at Colton High School for the past nine years in the classroom and as a coach."
Toward the end of September, Burner decided to apply for the position. "I was looking to take the next step in my career, which was to get an Assistant Principal job and I figured that I'd be able to, you know, reach out and help more kids."
As Activities Director, he was already working among students and felt that by taking the "next step," he could be more involved with them. Now, as Assistant Principal his assignments include disciplinary action as well as activities. "I'll be working with ASB through the semester directly, and they should be getting a new advisor at the end of the semester. I want the opportunity to work with the new advisor in case they have any questions and so that they won't enter the job 'cold.'" Also, Burner hopes to build a link between the students and the AP office, to reduce the number of problems on campus. He states, "One of the biggest [problems] is attendance. We definitely have a problem with tardies."
However, Burner's main job is, "I support the other AP's and principal, in anything they need me to do."
Kristen Sulzman
Samantha Boscia
December 19, 2003You know you can be perfectly fine one day and the next you can be lying in a hospital bed. One of my good friends just turned 16 teen years old. And a week later she is lying in a hospital. She was perfectly fine, no health problems! NOTHING! On November 20,2003 Kristen was in the bathroom and she passed out, and feel to the ground. Luckily there were two other girls in the bathroom. One had to crawl under the stall into Kristen's and unlock the door. She had run for help, because she had seen that she was not breathing.
911 was called and within a short period of time the paramedics were there. They took her over to Arrowhead Hospital. There they ran a whole lot of tests on her. Poor Kristen was in a coma while this is all going on. Meanwhile at school everyone is talking about what happened. I heard rumors that it was an overdose or someone beat her up. But according to Principal Jerry Almendarez what happened to her was totally health related. He had also said if we known her and wanted to know what happened to Kristen, we could go and talk to a counselor.
So as soon as I heard that, I went to talk to a counselor. According to Fran Ochoa-Smith something was wrong with Kristen's heart. The doctors never knew, they just now found it. Ochoa-Smith also said that she was moved over to Loma Linda Hospital, because they have better heart doctors there. On that Friday after this all happened I called Kristen's sister Mandy to see if I could go and visit. Brianna, Kristen's best friend, answered the phone. So I asked her and she said probably not, because she wasn't doing well. But she said that she would call me as soon as Kristen got better and when visitors were able to visit.
Finally on Monday I went to see Kristen. I was scared. I didn't want to see her like that. I wanted to see her up and o.k. But I knew I couldn't. When I got there Kristen's family was in the lobby, waiting, And Brianna too. They had been there since day one. According to Brianna, the night before Kristen was really not o.k. The doctor had told the family to prepare for the worst. When she told me that, I didn't know what to say. I thought then that Kristen was going to leave us soon. But neither I nor her family was going to lose hope. That day when I got to the hospital Mandy, Kristen's sister, was in such a good mood and I was wondering: how can she be like this with her sister like that up there? Well come to find out Kristen had done something remarkable. Mandy had been in the room with Kristen, spending time talking to her, telling that she loved her and that she was there for her. Then Mandy told her to kiss her and show her that she loved her and could hear her. I guess after awhile Kristen opened her eyes real big and lifted her lips and gave her sister a kiss. Now that was a Miracle. The doctors couldn't believe it either. Because meanwhile Kristen was still in a coma. At that point every one knew that Kristen was strong and that she was going to make it. Later there was going to be a prayer vigil for Kristen at 7:00 pm. I stayed for that, it turned out nice. There were lots of people, and lots of prayers. It was also sad at the same time. But we need to be there for her, so that Kristen will be healed and all better. That same day Kristen remained in a coma, and still no change. They were giving her a 97% chance of dying and 3% chance of living.
According to the doctors Kristen was going to need a MIRACLE! On Wednesday I went down there to see if there was any change . There was a little. I saw Kristen's mom Laura sitting there with her sister. I guess Kristen had a MRI earlier that morning and they had the results back. According to Kristen's mom, Kristen has brain damage and it's all throughout her brain. She remains in a coma and according to the doctors Kristen's heart is okay. It's as good as yours or mine. They don't know why they were saying it was her heart. but it's not, its her brain. Kristen is going to live. But she may not be able to walk or talk. But they don't know yet. They need more tests. Kristen still hasn't woken up, she remains in coma.
So I ask you all to pray for Kristen. Pray that she will wake up and be o.k. Pray for her family, that all are really nice people and their little girl is sick. Only family are allowed to visit right now, but. you are allowed to go and take her flowers, balloons, or a card. There's a big poster in the lobby that you can sign too.
Please pray for Kristen Sulzman.
Liliana Aguilar
BSN: Church and State
December 19, 2003Should church and state be separated? Not necessarily, because it depends how you interpret the phrase. The phrase goes back to the days of Jefferson when he concluded that he would have to add it on to the constitution, to remove the fear that the state was going to dictate religion, as England was doing to its people. Back to our founding fathers: when they first signed the Declaration of Independence they all decided that this country needed a solid foundation. This foundation was the Bible since they assumed that this would be a Christian nation.Yet they in no way thought that this should dictate the affairs going on in the courts. Everyday in the congress they begin the morning with prayer, when Presidents are sworn into office the Bible is used to swear him in; likewise in the court system of America, when someone is being asked to solemnly swear to tell the truth again the Bible is used. This country is predominantly a Christian country, and so far no other religious peoples have complained much about the fact that the Bible is used, or that in a little town the Ten Commandments just happened to be outside the courthouse.
Too many people just trash the fact that yes, this country does have Christian principles. But it's not intentional. It is after all the first amendment that does give the people who don't believe or think it's constitutional to have the church in our government, which guarantees that they can open court cases against the fact and openly speak out against it. Hopefully one day someone doesn't think that free speech is unconstitutional.
Victor Valdez
BSN
December 19, 2003
In our nation today, we are supposed to have a separation of church and state under the first amendment. But is this really happening in our country? If you look at the dollar bill, it's a fine example of what I mean. "In God we trust," sounds pretty religious to me. In the pledge of allegiance the word "God" is also uttered. The problem with this is whose god are they talking about? If we are really separate, then this should be anybody's god, but then what if someone does not believe in a god? Then what do you do, eliminate it? You can't make everyone believe in one thing and they shouldn't have to.
If you look at our laws today, they read like the Ten Commandments. Whenever there is going to be a new law or something of that sort, people always bring in their religious beliefs into the system. People will say that they don't agree with that in their religion. Well here, I some news if you didn't already know: not everyone believes in what you do. If it was up to the Muslims of our nation, I bet that bacon you had for breakfast would be illegal. Or I bet a Satanist would rather have, "In Satan We Trust," on our money instead. Or how about those Voodoo practitioners, I bet they would want to shrink your head, right?
I am not saying that being apart of some kind of organized religion is a bad thing. You can believe in whatever you please. You are protected under law. You just don't have to bring it into every aspect of your life. You may offend someone for doing it. In this case it's a lose-lose situation you can't make everyone happy. The easiest thing is just to keep all religions out of the country's system, but even then you may offend somebody.
Samantha Boscia
Couples at school
December 19, 2003
Are couples actions too inappropriate for CHS? Students who may kiss or hug their boyfriend or girlfriend are the ones who may be considered to be inappropriate. I don't think that they are being rude or too inappropriate for school. They are just kissing or hugging and I don't see the big deal here! I think I could speak on the behalf of a lot of us and I know they would feel the same. That's not a big deal. Every day when I come to school all is I see is the couples holding hands and walking to class. They may also kiss each other good-bye. Now tell me another thing, why do the teachers (not all) and sometimes campus security make such a big deal of this? It's not making the school look bad. It happens at all schools. It's just a kiss, people. Yeah, it's not like its going to kill anyone! I was walking to class a few days ago and I saw this couple get yelled at for kissing each other on campus. They asked security what was the big deal, it was just a little innocent kiss good-bye before they went to class. I thought that was stupid. I saw no point in that. A kiss is a kiss whether it is on the lips or the cheek. I understand that some couples do sit there and eat others' faces. And that's not cute. Now those couples should be not allowed to kiss. The thing is that not all the couples do that. I think there are a lot of couples that know when to stop and what not to do, but a kiss good-bye, I don't see any wrongdoing.
So why are couples looked at as bad? Because they kiss each other I guess? Perhaps they feel it leads to sex. CHS has a child care center for the parents who need help. That's good and I see nothing wrong with that. But some may think differently, like it gives the message that it's o.k. to have sex. But kissing, is just a kiss and nothing else. We should be able to do it with out the adults messing with us.
Shayne Robinson
Student/ teacher parking
December 19, 2003The student teacher parking spaces have been an issue here for quite a while. You may ask your self o.k., why should I care? You shouldn't; it's a stupid subject with no real point. There are too many teachers parking in one place so they just switched the lots around. Teachers are now parking in the large lot that used to be reserved for students. There might be plans to enlarge the on-campuses parking spaces, but that is murky at this point. Now for those of you who drive and feel like it's hard for you to find a parking space, open your eyes, it's not. The only people who are really affected by the parking spaces or the lack of them are the teachers and staff. Some are forced to park at the end of the parking lot. Yes they are forced to walk all the way from the other end of the parking lot, how sad. If there were, or are, any problems with the parking lot they are being solved by your staff with the utmost precision. Let's hope that as this school gets more and more overcrowded we give some thought to both teachers and students who drive here. After all, we can't all walk or take the bus.
Elysa Arroyo
Does homework kill our sleep time?
December 19, 2003
Scientists say that teenagers are supposed to get between eight and a half and nine and a quarter hours of sleep a night, which most of us don't get. Actually, what most teenagers get is about five to seven hours a night, and that's if you're lucky. With all the homework, extra-curricular activities and jobs we all have, it's almost impossible to get the required amount of sleep before school starts at 7:30. And, if you have a zero period, you're pretty much out of luck.
There is a chemical called melatonin that is produced by our bodies in normal amounts throughout the entire day. After dark, it's supposed to increase to make you drowsy. However, in teenagers, studies show that the chemical production is increased later than it is supposed to be, due to the high levels of hormones in our bodies. Light and stress also make the chemical production lessen, making it seem as though we should still be awake.
If you're doing homework on the computer late at night, typing an essay or whatever, the light waves flow into a part of your eye called the retina. This sends signals to your brain that it's time to wake up, rather than fall asleep. So, even if you've finished your homework and are trying to fall asleep, you probably can't. And, what happens if you have a test the next day?
Pulling an all-nighter to finish your homework or cram for a test the next day is a very bad idea, although it is sometimes necessary. No sleep for more than 24 hours can seriously mess up your biological clock, making you extremely tired for a very long period of time. It messes up your eating schedule as well. And you really shouldn't drink more than one caffinated beverage every three hours. More than that will make you feel tired, rather than awake.
So how much homework do you get? Most students in high school get an average of four hours of homework a night, plus all of the other stuff they have to do. Teachers don't seem to realize that we have at least five other classes, and some of us have six, or even seven. So four hours of homework, plus one hour for dinner, plus one to two hours of cramming, plus one hour of chores, plus two hours of baseball practice and/or three to four hours of work equals going to sleep around midnight. Then, if you're like me, who has to get up sometime around 4:30 to be out of the house by 6:00 for a zero period, that means four and a half hours of sleep a night. So, does homework kill our sleep time? Yes, definitely.
Cassie Orona
Free speech
December 19, 2003
"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceable to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances." This is a direct quote from our U.S Constitution that basically states that Congress cannot make a law that says you have to be of any religion, or prohibit you from practicing your religion; it also guarantees us basic freedoms of speech. This does not, however, give you the right to make violent threats to anyone.
There was a case in September 2002 where a student in Pennsylvania, was taken court and tried for making threats. He created a derogatory web site that stated that one of his teachers should die. The Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruled that he did not violate the First Amendment and that the statement did not constitute a "true threat". This is just one of many cases brought to the Supreme Court in Pennsylvania. Does Freedom Of Speech exist at all? Yes it does. You just have to be careful of what you say. Junior Nina Acosta states, "Yes, we can say anything we want with limitations. I believe that everyone should have this right." In surveys conducted at 339 US colleges and universities, more than one-fourth of students and administrators did not list freedom of speech as an essential right protected by the First Amendment to the Constitution, the Washington Times reported last Friday. "If one thinks of the First Amendment as a foundation of American liberty, the ignorance and misunderstanding of it by administrators at our nation's colleges and universities is frightening, and the general ignorance and misunderstanding of it by students is quite depressing," said Alan Charles Kore, president of the Foundation for Individual Rights in Education in it exists much now because we all are in school and certain things you have to be careful on what comes out of your mouth, your opinion still matters. The basic line here is that you do have the right to say what you wish to say, but just be careful in how you say it and what you say. Some things can get you into trouble; so just watch what you say. Freedom of speech has limits.
Shayne Robinson
Do you still believe in Santa?
December 19, 2003
"Santa, I want a pony and a racecar and an Autococker for Christmas." Yes, the good old days. Sitting on a fat man's lap. Asking for all the things your little heart desires. Well, too bad! Santa doesn't exist and if you think he does you can have your say in this little article.
Our first non believer is Robert : "I don't think that it's very healthy for parents to scare their children into fearing a jolly fat man in a red suit (who probably smells of bourbon and whisky) who breaks into their house to leave gifts. If it were anyone besides that obese lawbreaker the cops would be down there in a heartbeat, beating the culprit to a bloody pulp. It's favoritism." Thank you psycho. With more people like that on earth we're all going to die.
Next we have a very nice young man who has been lied to his whole life and now loves fat red men. "What do you mean there are people who don't love Santa. You lie! You're all crazy. Santa is real and he's gonna kick your butt." After telling me this he ran around screaming. Our next guy I found on the street, I don't know why I put him in here I just did so, ha. "So Santa, eh, well, in reality he's just a hobo breaking an entering and robbing you of your food while you sleep. But really, I saw him do it; he went and took my half eaten watermelon. I've never been the same since. I can never find a watermelon that tastes as good as that one did."
Now some normal people. Junior Chris Stallings said, "I believed in Santa for a little while but my parents told me the truth when I was twelve. I think all kids need to believe in Santa for a little while." Well I have only learned on thing from all this; you are all crazy! Very crazy. Well if you think Santa is real or not you should all have a very nice holiday time. As you can tell I'm very p.c. thank you and good night.
Ilka Hernando
Holiday shopping
December 19, 2003
After Thanksgiving, Christmas sales smacked me in the face; dooming me to hours of accompanying labor, the "bag carrier." I watched as the greedy eyes of various people piled into stores that offered a bargain; some prices slashed to the bone. I squeezed though them trying to reunite with my own bargain hunters, up to their chin in 70% off shirts. It was hard not to breathe in another person's carbon dioxide in the enclosed spaces, the stores were packed, pushing the maximum limit of individuals allowed inside, that wouldn't exceed the fire safety hazard.
As the bitter cold bit into my strained fingers, carrying the bags that weren't made for people like me in mind, to trudgers of today, I sighed with relief as I threw the bags of purchased items in to the trunk and thanked God this only happened once a year.
If anything, you probably missed out on the sales, the opportunity to get your Christmas shopping done and at dirt cheap prices…I feel for you. For those of you like myself, dragged away from the comfortable bed and warm blanket at 3:00 a.m., just so you wouldn't hit traffic with all the other people that knew of the major deals at Cabazon, so you would get a good parking spot and not have to park a mile away… lost my train of thought as the horrible memories of shoppers and shopping, *shudder* I really don't want to live through that again.
Even if you did find something that was perfect, good brand, good price, you would come to find that the two hour wait in line might not be worth it. Especially with all the other shoppers bumping into you trying to find something under the table or around you… not very pleasant.
A little advice to take: if there happened to be a major sale around somewhere, be prepared to stand in line for hours (heck, bring a chair and donuts), don't bring young children (they run, they cry, they complain), scope the entire store and grab everything you want before taking a place in line (to avoid going back and starting all over again), or place someone (bless his/her heart) to take the stand in line for you while you look around (of course that might create a riot from the other impulsive shoppers behind you, so do with that as you will, it is at your own risk).
Shopping ideas: First of all, no matter how much people (kids mostly) hate it, clothes are probably your best bet. Clothes last, they are accepted by all people (whether it be half-heartedly depends on your taste), parents love them (cuts down the time spent in buying for their kids themselves, not to mention taking the money they would spend for a romantic getaway), and it's the easiest to come by (I mean, c'mon, with all the sales and all). So, as I leave you with my thoughts and advice about the Holiday season, I wish you a very Merry Christmas. Las Vegas rocks!
Ilka Hernando
Horoscopes
December 19, 2003
Sagittarius Nov.22 - Dec.21
Don't duck your head, keep your chin up and look 'em straight in the eyes, because you don't get reaction shots from the ground.Capricorn Dec.22 - Jan.19
You will be diagnosed with prostrate cancer, do not pass go, do not collect 200 dollars.Aquarius Jan.20 - Feb.17
Doom's day. You're going to explode with overload, take a break to breathe, that's right, in and out, good.Pisces Feb.18 - March 19
Talk things out, don't be too proud to ask for advice, someone is always there… if not, ask me ^_^!Aries March 20 - April 19
Live a little, you only have one life, why don't you make it interesting?Taurus April 20 - May 19
Don't choke on the carrot, bad experience, watch what you eat.Gemini May 20 - June 20
Excuse me while I kiss the sky.Cancer June 21 - July 21
Don't piss them off until you wash your clothes, that way when they kick you out, you have clean clothes.Leo July 22 - Aug. 22
Rah rah rah! Attend a football game, you might meet someone worth cheering for.Virgo Aug. 23 - Sept. 21
If all else fails, smile, it'll make things worse.Libra Sept. 22 - Oct. 22
Today your balance is out of wack, but don't worry, tomorrow it will be back!Scorpio Oct. 23 - Nov. 21
You will get wasted and fall in love with TMV, and an alien will take over the world this weekend.
Victor Valdez
How much to spend
December 19, 2003
Christmas is the season for giving. What this also means is that it is the season of spending. Here is what a few students are planning on spending on their holiday gifts:
" I plan to spend around $200, I planned to spend he most on my mom."
--Senior Jess Gonzales
" I am going to spend about $300."
--Junior Jessica Sierra
"I am going to spend at least $150. Most of it is going to be spent on my family."
--Senior Niko Carmona
" I was going to spend like $1000. I was going to buy a pool table and stuff like that. But I spent all the money I had saved up in the bank on myself.
--Senior Juan Rodriguez
Most people have a tendency to spend more money on their relatives rather than their friends. A lot of people also spend more money then they planned on spending in the first place.
Robert Campos
Party Monster Review
December 19, 2003
Money, Success, Fame, Glamour, and Drugs. The basic ingredients to a little movie called Party Monster. The movie is set in the hedonistic, drug-infested world of the New York City club kids. For these people, partying and club going are their only reasons for living. Nothing is to extreme…including murder.
The movie stars Macaulay Culkin, in his first role since Richie Rich in 1994, as Michael Alig. Usual story, grew up in the mid-west, didn't really fit in so he moves to New York. There he meets the club kids: James St. James (Seth Green), Christina (Marilyn Manson), Keoki (Wilmer Valderramma, AKA Fez from That 70's Show), and Freeze (Justin Hagan). He eventually meets a guy named Peter Gatien. Peter gives Michael a job at his club, Limelight, where he's basically paid to throw parties. Peter also buys Michael an apartment, pays his bills and sets him up with his own magazine. A little down the road Michael starts doing drugs and meets a drug dealer named Angel (Wilson Cruz). This is where all goes down hill for him.
He's fired from his job because his drug use is getting out of hand. Since he no longer has a job, he starts taking advantage of Angel and steals his money and drugs from behind his back. After awhile Angel finally grows tired of Michael's thievery and demands his money back. Michael claims Angel owes him money. Their argument escalates from verbal to physical and climaxes when Angel has Michael pinned up against the floor. At that precise moment Freeze walks in and, noticing Michael's dilemma picks up a hammer and gives Angel three swift whacks to the head.
But they're not done yet. After he's out, Michael retrieves some Draino from under his sink, fills up a needle previously used for heroin, and injects the acidic chemical into Angel's body.
Michael eventually confides what he did to James, who is in complete shock. He doesn't know what to do about Michael or how to help him. He thinks Michael has to pay for what he did but Michael is so deluded that he doesn't think he did anything wrong. James has two choices: he can either leave New York and forget about what Michael did, or he can take action and turn Michael in himself. He eventually goes on to write a book about Michael and the murder called Disco Bloodbath.
I thought the movie was very well made. Macaulay Culkin and Seth Green gave a very spirited performance. Party Monster has the perfect combination of suspense and comedy, and has a great soundtrack made up of 80's pop/rock and techno. I would recommend this movie to anyone with an open mind or an interest in true-crime.
Sara Robbin
Ramadan
December 19, 2003Ramadan in Islam is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar during which all Muslims must fat during daylight hours. It is considered one of the holiest months of the year. It was in 610 A.D. when the prophet Muhammad was said to have received revelations from Allah (God) that later became Islam's holy book, the Qur'an.
Allah says, "Ramadan is the (month) in which was set down the Qur'an as a guide to mankind, also clear (sign) for guidance and judgment (between right and wrong)."
By fasting, Muslims believe they can learn the discipline and self-restraint that Muhammad preached. Thus fasting is taken as a form of worship and time of empowerment.
The prophet once said, "Allah has no need for the hunger and thirst of the person who does not restrain from telling lies, and acting on his lies while observing the fast." This means that while you are fasting you must not lie, steal, or cheat. Indulgence of any sort is also forbidden during the fast. There are only a few who are exempt like soldiers, the sick, and the young. Ramadan is a time for inner reflection, devotion to God, and self-control. It is also a time of giving charity, purifying one's behavior, and doing good deeds. Because of the purely lunar calendar, Ramadan falls in different seasons. The holy season begins with the sighting of the crescent moon on the evening following the new moon and lasts for 29 or 30 days depending on the lunar cycle.
The final day of Ramadan, Eid al-Iftar, is celebrated by a day of feasting. Usually, it consists of a traditional Middle Eastern dish, depending on where you come from, then followed by a variety of sweets. The first revelation of the Qur'an is commemorated in this month.
Sara Robbin
Sara’s Sentiment
December 19, 2003For this issue, (for a change), I’d like to discuss a political matter. I am going to share with you my views about our “beloved” president, George W. Bush, Jr. Where do I start?
First of all, I’d like to know why our troops are still in Iraq, even though they are not wanted there. Moreover, I’d like to know why Mr. Bush requested $87 billion (which was granted), to “rebuild Iraq” (but we all know it’s to spend on killing more Iraqis as well as Americans). Not only that, he is making our deficit even larger than it is already. Like I said before, he claims to want that money to rebuild Iraq, but is that what’s really happening with our tax dollars? Speaking of taxes…so yeah, more tax cuts for the rich, huh? Not to mention we are in a state of a high unemployment rate. It really bugs me that he wants to build a democracy in another country when his own is collapsing! It also bugs me that he had to lie to his people about Iraq (having secret weapons of mass destruction) just so we can go to war.
Bush wants the whole world to obey his rules; even a certain foods name is subject to change because of his narrow mindedness and arrogance. For those of you who don’t know what I am talking about, I’m talking about the “FREEDOM fries,” not FRENCH fries. What’s next, Georgie fries? Or wait a minute, maybe it could be DUI fries! Did you know that Bush was arrested for Driving Under the Influence? BAD BUSH! (Shows how responsible he is).
Okay, enough of that, Bush is a great leader, and I support his every decision he’s ever made, even when he decided to back Israel with their fight against what is known to be Palestine. Notice how I was being sarcastic with that comment!
A part of me wants to continue the stories about how stupid our president is, but that will take forever. The other part of me wants to indulge you with a few words about Palestine. I figure I could keep informing you about Bush’s faults, which really isn’t going to make a difference, or I could tell you about how there are many people all over the middle east who are dead for really no reason. I thought I was going to stop, but it is too tempting. This is the only opportunity I get to make a statement about how I feel so I am not going to take it for granted. Anyway, I said what I had to say, and in case you didn’t catch it: I don’t think that Bush should get re-elected for a second term, he has already caused enough damage. I personally think Bill Clinton could have done a better job leading this country.
Shayne Robinson
Shayne's World
December 19, 2003
Hello and welcome to Shayne's world. A huge evil corporation or the IRS has bought out Shayne. Now prepare your self for the new revised version of Shayne's World. Brought to you by the letters S, U, K.
Shayne's world, Shayne's world party time excellent please stay in school. Hi, my loyal readers and test subjects. As you know an evil corporation has bought out my little column... so sad, too bad. (Don't do drugs.) So every so often you see little things like don't kill people or stay in school. It kinda sucks but you will get used to them, or else. O.k., first things first: now we kicked Gray Davis out of office because of all of the deficits, yes. O.k., so try this on for size: do you have any idea how much money our commander-in-chief has blown into a million pieces with his guns of war? Billions of dollars! So if any one has deficits its Bush. (p.s. Kyle thinks Bush has A.D.D. and those of you who have A.D.D. that's not the word "add." (Because we all know Bush can't do that.)
O.k. next, why is it that people DO NOT LISTEN? I mean I tell people something and I simply expect them to listen. O.k. that last sentence made no sense. So forget it.
Next, I think that I feel very bad right now. You see my column is a little on the late side, and I would just like to take the time to say I'm sorry. (Don't do drugs.) Now it's been a long time since we got a new governor and I know some of you may think badly of him. But, really he isn't all that bad. With him and Jesse Ventura the only person who needs to "get political" is the Predator. I can see it now: President Predator. Hey, the way I see it he'll be an improvement over our last two. Something else I think people should know. You have all seen the previews for The Last Samurai, is it just me, or is he white? I always kinda thought that the last samurai would be Asian. Well, that's it for today so you all have a very happy (insert holiday practice here). See you later.
Elysa Arroyo
The Historical Santa
December 19, 2003
Though there aren't many people in High School that believe in Santa anymore, he was actually a real person who originated as a bishop of Myra (In present day Turkey) in the 4th century. He was a devoted believer in God and a benevolent person who anonymously left presents of people's doorsteps. He did this at night, riding his white horse. As you can probably tell already, The anonymous gift giving is the strongest link we have to the current, commercial Santa Claus.
Bishop Nicholas normally donned the attire of a bishop, meaning the red coat lined with white ermine fur. He also wore the pointed top hat. So that, obviously is the origin of the way our Santa dresses.
Though he died in 350 B.C, his fame grew the most during the middle ages. He spread throughout the world and people everywhere began to imitate him. The Catholic church eventually christened him a saint.
The name 'Santa Claus' comes from the Dutch, who called old Saint Nick Sint Klaas. So now we call him Santa Claus. His white horse was traded in for a team of flying reindeer, who are later joined by Rudolph (that's another story), and a sleigh. His clothes have changed slightly, for Santa now dons a red a white trimmed suit rather than a red and white trimmed robe. His hat has also become more fashionable.
Though present day Santa has gone through many changes of the millennia, he still symbolizes (kind of) what he did before. He symbolizes the joy of giving, the joy of friendship and, above all, the joy of love. Of course now he is the Patron Saint of half-off sales at Mervyns.
Samantha Boscia
Football wrap up
December 19, 2003
With its magical season (and an undefeated record) on the line, the Yellowjacket football team faced off in the CIF quarterfinals against Santiago High in Corona. Winning would mean a trip to the semis and a continuation of their run towards the CIF title. But this night, in faraway Corona,despite an overflowing crowd of local supporters who traveled to witness history, it was not to be. Making too many mistakes too early, the team found it hard to bounce back against a tough Santiago squad, and despite a strong second half, were eliminated from the playoff hunt by a score of 55-38. Fumbles, miscues, and the season's first interception thrown by Quarterback Mike Orem did the team in. There was no one mistake that led to the defeat, and after the game several players commented that the team appeared to lack focus, at least in the first half.
"We didn't come out at the start and play the game we knew we were capable of playing," said senior fullback Tory Kennard. "We picked it up in the second half but it wasn't enough. Mistakes early killed us."
Despite the loss, the team has a wonderful season to look back on, filled with many outstanding individual and team performances. This was the first time since 1975 that a Colton football team had been undefeated for the entire season. They won their first playoff game at home against Canyon Springs 38 to 34.
According to junior Tackle Michael Taylor the team was disappointed with their loss. Taylor himself felt "crappy and mad," about not being able to make it all the way through the playoffs.
Senior running back Shamon Wright was philosophical about the season ending loss. "Sure, we were disappointed at losing the last game," Wright noted. "But you have to remember that we had a great run. One of our goals at the beginning of the season was to go undefeated all year, something that had not been done at Colton High in almost twenty years. We accomplished that goal. We won league and finished the regular season without a loss. We can be proud of that."
Eddie Ramirez
Wrestling
December 19, 2003
The Colton High School YellowJackets varsity wrestling team went 5-1 last year and are ready to go all the way this season. They took second in league last year and are ready for this year. This year they have a new head coach, Harald Strauss, our current varsity football coach, assisted by Science teacher Joe Trevino. His expectations for this year are to win the SAL playoffs. "The top teams to beat this year will be Cajon and Arroyo Valley", says Coach Strauss. The top players of the wrestling team are Robert Precie and Josh Perrer. Except for those graduating seniors, the team is filled with the same lineup as last year. They have eight matches and one tournament for this season and are ready to break through all of them. They will be having a tournament here at the Hubbs Gym tonight.