Issue of March 26, 2004
Vol. LXXXVII, No. 9
Click on a story title to view story
News
Colton High says goodbye to a legend..Al Schwartz
Wizard of Oz play warms hearts
Unsanitary restrooms...yuck!Opinions
Why can't we all just get along?
Do you believe in luck? Yes!
Do you believe in luck? No!
Growing up too fast
That little 2.0 requirement...
Wallet chainsFeatures
GSA and gay marriages
Horoscopes
Political apathy runs rampant
Shayne's World (Column)
The Passion of the Christ (movie review)
Spring Break Special section
How Spring Break began
How to have fun and not be stupid
Partying 101
Plans for Spring BreakSports
Spring Sports preview
Passing of Al Schwartz
Robert Campos
March 26, 2004
Former CHS coach, teacher, and trainer Al Schwartz passed away on March 7, 2004.
Schwartz worked here at Colton High for 24 years before retiring last year. He earned a Bachelor's of Science Degree in Sports Medicine and also earned a Master's Degree in Education.
Schwartz was a Korean and Vietnam War Veteran and was later active in many military organiztions such as the Jewish War Veterans, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Colton American Legion, and the San Bernardino Disabled American Veterans. He is survived by his wife Tobi of 46 years, his two children, two grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.
"He was an old coot but had a soft side," says Athletic Director and friend Kirk McVey. "He showed it to a lot of people but not everyone, you really had to get to know him to see the softer side of him."
Funeral services were held on March 11 and many faculty and students attented. A special Al Schwartz Memorial Scholarship is being set up to honor Al's legacy, and will be given to a deserving senior each year.
The Wizard of Oz
Alyssa Isgett
March 26, 2004
"The Wizard Of Oz," a musical produced by Stacey Jay and directed by Karen Romano, opened to acclaim on Thursday, March 18 at the Whitmer Auditorium and continues tonight and tomorrow night.
The lights dim and Dorothy Gale, played by Lexy Romano, runs across stage with her dog Toto. She wore a blue plaid dress and ruby slippers. Her hair was in braids. Her acting and singing was dazzling. She made her role seem real. The music directed by Jan Aldrich and costumes done by The Enchanted Attic and Lori Williams, made this musical come alive. The musical was performed with live singing and a pre-recorded CD. Through a lot of hard work and weeks of practice, the Colton High School Troupers and other students put together a wonderful performance of singing, dancing, and acting. Aside from a few and minor errors, this play was exciting and extremely close to the original movie we all know and love.
Glinda the good witch, played by Jessica Isgett, always enters with a pink bubble. Bubbles floating across stage demonstrated this entrance. Her costume was a big puffy pink dress. The Wicked Witch, played by Lori Rodriguez, entered with smoke and fog to show her wickedness. She was dressed in all black and her face and hands were painted green. The Wizard, played by Joshua Lomelli, wore a black and green suit with a white under shirt. He did an outstanding job acting out the role of being powerful.
The cowardly lion, played by Mark Lemus, was dressed in a lion costume. He did an excellent job acting and playing the role of a scared lion. The Tin man, played by Nicolas Daily, wore a silver costume and his face was painted silver. He did an outstanding job singing, dancing, and showing the audience his acting skills. The scarecrow, played by Tom Marcelino, dressed in a tan colored suit that had patches all over it. He also had straw coming out of his legs, hands and red hat. His wonderful singing entertained the audience all night.
Special effects, including lights and sounds, made the twister, the witch's castle, and the musical seem real. The twister was done with lights, sound, and convincing acting. The actors looked out into the audience and made it seem that there really was a twister. Making the sets and the mood of the place, foggy and dark, the witch's castle became gloomy.
Unsanitary restrooms
Cassie Orona
March 26, 2004
Here on this campus, bathrooms have become a bit of a problem. Sometimes you go to the bathroom and find that there is no toilet paper, or no seat covers or even soap or towels to help students keep clean with. California Educational Code 35292.5 says, "Every public restroom shall at all times be maintained and cleaned regularly, fully operational and stocked at all times with toilet paper, soap, and paper towels or functional hand dryers." All comes down to a safety and health issue. Let's say that you walk into a bathroom that has the toilets flooded. If you were to slip and get hurt, the school would be liable for your injuries.
"I think that the bathrooms here at CHS are really disgusting and unclean," freshman Kara Miers says. "The floor is all wet and dirty. We, as students and users of these facilities, should take better care of these."
But are students totally to blame for the deplorable conditions? It would appear that many of the facilities that we use, on this campus, are not properly taken care of as well. A student, who wishes to remain anonymous, says that he went out to use the restrooms and found every single one of them locked. When he finally found one, there was feces smeared all over the walls, no toilet paper or seat covers, and to top it all off, there was no soap or paper towels. The student basically said 'forget it' and waited until he reached his house. The Education Code states clearly that schools "shall keep all restrooms open during school hours when pupils are not in classes, and shall keep a sufficient number of restrooms open during school hours when pupils are in classes."
Sophomores Kendahl Martinez and Michael Placencia basically stated the same idea. "The bathrooms smell horrible and there is hardly any toiletries or even soap to wash your hands. All the bathrooms are flooded almost everyday."
So what is the school going to do about this, or what have they been doing about this situation? Principal Pam Pike says, "I have met with the campus plant manager and the district facilities manager in regard to the restrooms. There are some things that the site can do and things that students can do as well. We have made sure that funds are available to purchase paper goods. The campus supervisors here at school have been going through the bathrooms and checking them after every period. The students can help out by making sure that they clean up their own mess and leave the facility the way that they found it."
Students and staff here at CHS can help out too. The site will continue to monitor and identify vandalism and tagging. "We all need to understand that it's a shared responsibility," says Pike. "Treating your school with respect is school pride. It's basically your choice. You can choose to treat your school with respect or you can choose not to." She also adds that it's a two way street. They'll do their part to help out because it's their duty, but students and staff have to do their part as well.
Math teacher Bill Webb has noticed the problem as well. "In dealing with the cleanliness of the bathrooms, it would help if students would not dump paper towels into urinals, throw trash on floors, and do other disgusting habits. Even the well maintained restrooms are trashed by uncaring students."
Is it fair for teachers to have their own restrooms while we have to put up with these poor conditioned ones? Most of the teachers say yes, they should have their own, mainly because they take better care of them. But History teacher Robert Gerard says, "The teacher's restrooms are in the same conditions as the students are. They're not all clean as most of the students think they are."
It is clear that students need to all start to keep the restrooms clean. Again, this is a health and safety issue and it affects everyone. You could catch disease and germs from unclean bathrooms. If you're a mother on this campus and say you used a restroom that did not contain any of the materials mentioned, you can pass germs onto your child. You want something like that to happen?
Why can't we all just get along?
Ilka Hernando
March 26, 2004
The question in itself is irrelevant. It would be on the lines of "Why do we have war?" "Why do people do drugs?" "Why are we controlled by hate and revenge?"… Let's face it, we're humans, can't go back from that reality no matter how much we try (believe me, I have). It's all about choice. We can choose to have war, we can choose to do drugs, we can choose to be controlled… we can choose to get into a fight or not. What we all have too much of is 'pride'. Most people seem to 'have' to defend their ethnic pride (Brown Pride, Black Pride, White Pride). It's all a choice. We don't have to, but among our peers at school, we seem to be obligated to do many stupid things. There are some that just want to find a reason to get into trouble, mostly due to boredom, and others, well, someone always insists on getting with someone else's "guy" for some reason. All fights aren't a lost cause, some actually have to do with something important, but, then again, it might have just been opinions that are viewed differently which started out as an argument and just grew into a physical fight.
"Why can't we all just get along?" That's what everyone asks when another bomb drops in the Middle East, or when there is a riot in LA or a fight on campus at lunch… it's human nature to rebel. Everyone thinks they are correct, and it's very unpleasant to be proved wrong, resulting in violence. Maybe if everyone just stopped raising their voices and fists in time for everyone to get out their side of the story (one of my flaws, I have to get my point through), talk things out and shake hands on a compromise, than maybe the world would be a better place… but that's like saying cayenne pepper would become sweet when placed in ones mouth.
There are many views on this matter, if anything, "Why should we get along?" Many people would propose that saying the world would be so boring if we didn't flow with our hate, but those are probably the people who get into fights in the first place. All right, it would be too much to say everything bad is human nature, because if you really think about it, we started out so pure. It was the world and its hate that tainted us and made it our nature, or our way of things. No one can say they haven't felt that pang of hate or revenge, because with the way the world is, it's inevitable. The feeling that is hard to obtain is love and forgiveness, but maybe if we all sought out for those feelings instead of being led by our "nature", then maybe there really is hope for "getting along."
BSN: Do you believe in luck? Yes!
Elysa Arroyo
March 26, 2004
Do I believe in luck? Of course I do. I believe that luck is what makes you win at a game of poker, make a shot with a basketball with your eyes closed, to find a $10 bill on the ground. It is also luck that makes us trip and fall, lose money at that same poker game and lose a $10 bill.
The definition of luck is: The chance happening of fortunate or adverse events. That means that 'luck' and 'chance' are synonyms. Therefore, anything that happens by chance is luck, whether good or bad. Luck isn't some supernatural or metaphysical force like a god or a ghost. It can be pretty much figured out mathematically. Take Algebra II. You'll see what I'm talking about.
If you want to say that there is no luck and that you have good fortune (also another word for luck) because 'God' is looking out for you, then aren't you lucky that he is?
I don't believe in that superstitious nonsense . A four-leafed clover is not going to help anything. It's a leaf! It's got nothing to do with luck or chance. Carrying around a horseshoe can't be very fun (it's too big) and carrying a rabbit's foot is just icky. I think black cats are gorgeous. Something that pretty can't possibly be bad luck. That's just people wanting answers for questions. I believe in chance. I also believe that you make your own fate.
Just because there is such a thing as luck doesn't mean that you can't make your own. Luck isn't all powerful. It's just something that happens. You cannot spend your entire life avoiding ladders. It just doesn't work that way. You are in charge of your own life. If you are having bad luck, and make the best of it, then you can turn it into good luck.
Do I believe in luck? Of course I do. Luck is everywhere and in everything. I believe that everything that happens has something to do with luck. However, I also believe that luck doesn't have to rule your life just because it exists. There's a difference in believing and obsessing.
BSN: Do you believe in luck? No!
Ilka Hernando
March 26, 2004
Luck is something that we would say occurred when something out of the ordinary would happen, like winning the lottery, or making that basket, or picking the right number for the roulette wheel. But is it really "luck"? The definition for "luck" is simply: The chance happening of fortunate or adverse events. And that's just it, chance. For every day we go about living, there are "chances" all around us. There's no such thing as luck.
You know how the candy wrappers tell you that you could win that million-dollar prize? And when you rip the wrapper open to find out, they tell you that you didn't win and that if you buy another candy bar you have a 1 in 1,000,000,000 chance of winning the money. It's all chance, and there would be that one person in a billion to win that million-dollar prize… chance, not luck.
When people play poker, they would have a (assuming there are four players, all dealt five cards) 4 out of 32 chance of getting that single card that they need to get that straight or full house. People would say that the person was just "lucky", but in fact, it was all by the chance of the game. No one is truly "lucky." There may be a day when it would seem that way: a person having an extremely good day, getting that job he wanted, receiving that company car and driving away only to beat death by stopping to pick up that dime he dropped as a speeding car zoomed past him and crashed into the car that would have been his.
I wouldn't believe that was "luck" anyway, I like to believe in a higher power than "luck." If anything, I would believe that God was watching out for me, and just allowing the good things to happen, then sending down my guardian angel to save me (so sad for the other driver). When we can't explain something (your best friend being picked out of a crowd to go up on stage to sing with your favorite band) we immediately assume it was their "luck", but it's not, it was the chance of it all.
I guess you could say that we just needed something to say when "things" just happen, that we were lucky, and that's fine. But as the question asks "Do you believe in luck?" I would have to reply with a definite "No" because it isn't, its by chance (and isn't the 1 in 1,000,000,000th person lucky).
Growing up too fast
Michelle Choiselat
March 26, 2004
It hadn't been very long since I stepped foot in Abraham Lincoln Elementary School, my brother had only "graduated" the year before. However, it had been almost six years since I had actually attended, and I hadn't really thought about the age gap. Apparently, six years wasn't a very large gap since I noticed 11 or 12-year-old girls experimenting with blue and green eye shadows. I found this rather interesting because I had been experimenting with the same colors the night before. Are children growing up too fast? Oh, you betcha.
These days, it seems that kids are doing everything they can to be seen as mature and responsible. In doing so, they're viewed as silly and childish. Or, rather than trying to do mature deeds, they go out and do something incredibly stupid. (Does the name Columbine ring a bell?) Furthermore, the pressures of looking "good" and being popular have been implanted in the minds of girls in the fifth grade! Now, I don't know if boys are trying to keep up with the girls when it comes down to maturity, but they sure seem to do so in the way that they dress. As always, parents use the media as a scapegoat. Remember the good ol' days when a family had one black and white television set in the kitchen? Of course you don't remember! Our generation never had to deal with watching a black and white TV, though I'm almost positive that if you look in your garage you would probably find one. But, I digress. I do, however, have another viewpoint on who is to blame for this newfound maturity. Sure, it may be the media who is behind all of this, but what ever happened to censorship? Where are the parents when kids are watching this junk? I mean, I understand that parents can't always shelter their children; then again they have the power to control what their kids are doing at home. I imagine there are several viewpoints on why kids are trying to grow up so fast, but I believe that a combination of every argument accounts for this urgency to reach adulthood.
Human beings, in general are funny creatures. When we are young, we want nothing more than to grow up. When we are old, we would give an arm and a leg just to see our youth again. So, I leave you with this: you're only young once, and if you're not careful, the time will just pass before your eyes. Nothing is crueler than the passing of time.
The 2.0 GPA rule
Paul Heredia
March 26, 2004
The 2.0 GPA rule is fair. Is it really that hard to get a 2.0? Those students who cannot seem to maintain a 2.0 complain that the rule is not fair because it does not allow them to be involved in these activities. In order to meet the requirements all one has to do is show up to class regularly and put some effort into the work given. Students complain on how the work is too hard or their teacher is simply not teaching. It is not that one can't do it, it is some are too lazy to even look at their work and see if they can work it out.
Do those people really think that it is that hard to get a 2.0 in high school, which is the stepping stool to the rest of one's life? High school requires, and rewards, a 2.0 because it is preparing you for job opportunities and college where you have to meet the requirements or you don't get that job you want or you don't get into that college of your choice. Life is not like high school, where you can try to complain to your teachers that they didn't do a good job teaching you. If you don't meet the expectations in the real world then that is it, you can't put the blame on someone else. It is your responsibility to know these things and to fulfill your expectations to the best of your ability.
High school is a place where you grow, have fun with your friends, and enjoy your youth, but without the grades you have nothing to enjoy. In order to get a 2.0 GPA you don't have to be the smartest kid in class, or get A's on every single assignment, tests or quizzes. However, if you come to school with the mind set that you just don't give a damn, then you really don't deserve to be involved in any activities or participate in any clubs or sports. Students with that mentality are those that think high school is meaningless, that they are going to get a great job, and make tons of money. But in reality they are the people that are serving you at Burger King . Now, I am not saying that that is a bad job, but do you really want to spend the rest of your life flipping hamburgers?
Wallet Chains
Elysa Arroyo
March 26, 2004
My favorite thing in the world to wear is my wallet. It is embroidered with the name of my favorite singer, Ozzy. The only problem is that it has a chain and is not allowed at school. The wallet has quite a bit of sentimental value to me, because it was a Christmas present from my best friend.
For people who don't like to carry purses, like me, a wallet is a great way to carry most of the essentials. For people who lose things quite often, also like me, a chain that attaches to the belt loop of your pants makes it almost impossible to lose your wallet.
The problem with all of this, though, is safety. The school board decided to outlaw chains because they think we will use them to choke each other. God forbid anyone (including the majority of students) remember that we are teenagers fast approaching adulthood and should therefore act accordingly.
Okay, say you're going somewhere after school that requires a wallet attached to your pants. Since you can't wear it to school, you either take off the chain and put it in your pocket or backpack, or, you put the entire thing away somewhere. Now the chain is somewhere no one can see it. If you're one of those idiots who get into fights all the time and ruin everything for the rest of us, the fact that no one can see that you have the chain would make it almost impossible for someone to avoid being choked if they make you mad enough to get the urge to do so.
If the chain were visible, and attached to your belt loop, no one would miss you unsnapping the button or struggling to pull the wallet out of your pocket. If you had a gun in a holster on your belt where people could see it, they'd think twice about making you angry. I'm not saying that guns should be allowed, because they shouldn't. I'm simply saying that if the chain were visible, the safety issue would nearly disappear. I'm also not saying that we should be searched upon entering campus. People are going to break the rules no matter what consequences are imposed. All I'm saying is that it would be a lot safer if the chains were visible.
So long as people can act their age, there shouldn't be a problem. And to all the idiots who would ruin the chance for the rule to be lifted (you know who you are), shame on you. GROW UP! You're in high school now.
GSA and gay marriages
Jessicka Flores
March 26, 2004
On February 12, 2004 San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom issued marriage licenses to over 3,000 same-sex couples despite the fact that same-sex marriage is NOT legal in any state.
"Marriage is a sacred institution between a man and a woman," President Bush said in response to the flood of gay couples taking the plunge. "If activist judges insist on re-defining marriage by court order, the only alternative will be the constitutional process. We must do what is legally necessary to defend the sanctity of marriage."
However, in a recent poll, only 38% of people in America say they agree with changing the constitution to make same sex marriage illegal, 58% indicated that each individual state should make their own laws on whether it should be legal or not.
Here on the campus of Colton High School, the members of GSA (Gay Straight Alliance) have developed their own opinions.
"I think that gay marriages will be successful," says senior Stevie Bibiano, one of the presidents of GSA. "I do not think there is anything wrong with being gay or with gay people getting married. We wanna get married too!!!"
"I agree with same sex marriages but I do not think they will be successful because so many people are close minded," says sophomore Michael Cruz, the enthusiastic co-president of GSA. "Young gay people need to get out there and vote to get what we want. We need to tell people what we are about!"
Despite Michael's enthusiasm, not all gay teens are that outspoken. Many gay teens feel afraid to express their thoughts because of the majority of people against them. Homosexual teenagers have been murdered, harassed, and oppressed for being the way they are. Hopefully the movement in gay marriages will encourage more young homosexuals to get out there and fight for what they believe in.
"It is unconstitutional for the government and president to deny us the right to get married," says another member of GSA, senior Jessica Saldana." I think what Bush is trying to do, changing the constitution to define marriage between a man and a woman, is going to be unsuccessful."
Junior Timothy Guevara feels that if two people really love each other they should be able to show it. "There is nothing wrong with the way we are," he says.
The Gay Straight Alliance club meets every Tuesday after school in room 507 and all open minds are welcome.
Political apathy runs rampant
Shayne Robinson
March 26, 2004Elections: do we care? Why should we? Three fourths of us can't vote. So why should we take the time out of our busy lives of watching TV, talking to our friends and sleeping. It's not like we can do any thing about what happens in the world of politics, right?
Yes and no. I know the majority of us can't vote. So what can we do? Write the president and ask him real nicely to veto a law you don't want? (Such as the political hot bed known as gay marriage.) Well I tried that and I even had a cherry on top. All I got was "stop writing us, psycho." So then what can one person who can't vote do to change the government? Nothing.
No matter what your teacher's or parents told you, alone and not being able to vote you can't do any thing. So why care at all? We can't change it. We have to live with what ever they decide. What then is the point? Senior Jason Frick says, "I don't have enough time to care who is president or what stupid laws he wants to pass, we elected him we should trust in his choices." Of all the people I asked, if they care about politics or not the greatest response I got was "I care but I can't do any thing." Sophomore Aj Salazar says, "I don't care, not because I'm lazy or I just don't feel like caring, I don't care because I can't do anything."
But there are some young people at Colton High who feel that they CAN make a difference. The Young Republicans Club (a national organization with a chapter here on campus) is a group of politically aware individuals. The goal of the Young Republicans is to further the political understanding with Republican views leading as their base. So if you care or not, the world of politics will continue to progress. As a younger audience becomes the target of political propaganda, we will have to start to became more aware of the world of politics.
Shayne's World
Shayne Robinson
March 26, 2004
Shayne's world, Shayne's world, party time, excellent. Okay… okay. I know it's been awhile since "I" wrote my column. I only have one thing to say to all you losers who read my "gay" (and I say gay with all the loathing that one word can carry) stories. Stop reading this column now! If you keep reading your eyes will start to bleed and subliminal messages are going to start telling you to stay in school. Save yourself. Leave now.
You losers are still here? What's wrong with you? Man you people really suck. You actually like this column? (Sounds of gratuitous violence) I'm back and I've calmed down. Again and for good. I don't have a lot to say other then I hope you all vote for Bush or else we may never see nuclear war. I just can't wait.
You should all know that my birthday is on the 27th of this month. That's a Saturday. So feel free do buy me stuff.
You should also know that there is a revolution going on in Haiti. You guys (that's right, I said guys, because P.C. is a bunch of phooey) should check it out. I also believe that we as people have a great deal of potential, it's just that most of you are like me and have no need to apply your self to things that you don't really care about. Whatever, it doesn't matter. You should all go live your life. Forget what the media or your parents tell you. Only you know what you want. So go get it or shut the heck up. Not to sound offensive or any thing, it's just that a lot of people want to make some kind of grand change in society, but end up working at Burger King. Hey, and if that's what you want, cool. You know it's funny that I think anyone has really read this far. You all stopped at "party time, excellent."
Well that's about it.... bye? Okay, I also have a question. What is Straight Edge? I get the whole "no drinking no smoking" thing. And I guess it has some thing to do with music. But I still don't get it. Oh, and by the way. The man ran, he ran real fast, don't stuff the turkey you sick, twisted psychos. Ahhhhhhhhhhh I'm on fire! FIF!
And you leave my grandma out of this.
Horoscopes
Eddie Ramirez
March 26, 2004
Aries (Mar. 24 -Apr. 19 )- Today will be a good day for you to come out and enjoy your self for who you really are.
Taurus (Apr.20-May 20)- Today everyone will see you as a different person, but don't take it personally, just take their word of advice.
Gemini (May 21-June21)- Today your individuality will be a big thing for you today so show it off in way that makes you different and unique.
Cancer (June 22-July 22)- There's a new person in your life, which is a good thing because you will have many great and good things to come in the future.
Leo (July 23-Aug22)- To have a good time today you should go to popular places to show your self more.
Virgo (Aug 23-Sept 22) Today you will take more of a leadership role, so you should put yourself into positions were you could take a greater leadership role.
Libra (Sept 23-Aug 23)- Today don't spend to long making your decisions or hesitating on them either, an easy solution for this is to make your decisions is to make them quick, especially on unimportant matters.
Scorpio (Oct 24-Nov21)- Today you should try avoiding money, that's because judgments on money are below normal, but don't worry they will be back to normal tomorrow.
Sagittarius (Nov 22-Dec 21)- Today you will want to spend more time with some one you find special, because it is set for relationships to improve and mature.
Capricorn (Dec 22-Jan 19)-Today is the day that you will fulfill your goals; don't let anything get in your way and don't be scared to them either.
Aquarius (Jan 20-Feb 18)- When meeting people today, let your eyes and smiles express your true intentions.
Pisces (Feb 19-Mar 20)- Today is a great day to focus your time in favorite places, activities, and people.
"The Passion" movie review
Victor Valdez
March 26, 2004
It was a Sunday morning and the first time I had went to the movies since seeing Cabin Fever. On this occasion I went to see the movie that everyone was talking about, The Passion of The Christ. I went to go see this movie with my sister and my grandma. I heard that lots of people cried so I told them that they better not cry. The reason I went to go see this movie was because I heard it was really violent. I thought it was going to be all cheesy, but in the end it was a really good movie.
The movie starts with Jesus, played by James Caviezel, anticipating what is to come. He is praying with to his Father God because he knows that he is about to go through a great trial. In this same instance you see Lucifer. Judas (played by Luca Lionello) tells some guards where Jesus is hiding. After the Guards trap him they take in front of some rabbis. They want to get him for blasphemy because he said that he was the Son of God and the King of the Jews. He says that he will take the church down in one day and rebuild it in three. He is taken to King Herod. The people want to crucify him but the king does not. He says he will have him severely punished. This is where probably the most brutal scene happens in the whole movie. He is taken to a stone and chained up and beaten. Once with a normal whip and then again, after he gets up, with a whip with like nails or blades in it. The whip gets stuck in his side and is then ripped out only for the torturers to laugh at his pain. Blood is splattering everywhere. (This is where lots of people in the movie theatre started crying.) When he is being beaten, Satan appears behind the guards once again with some sort of mutated baby in his arms. Mary, (played by Maia Morgenstern) is also looking on as she weeps in a corner. He is then taken in front of the people again. They are given a choice, to release Jesus or a murderer. They pick the murderer. They then once again say that they want Jesus crucified. The king then gives in to save his head. Jesus is then prepped for crucifixion. They put the crown of thorns on his head and then hit him with a stick to lock it in. A tired Jesus is then forced to carry the cross on his back to the hill where he will be crucified. He drops the cross several times and at one point Mary runs over and talks to him. He makes it to the hillside and you see the stakes being nailed into his hands with blood pouring from his wounds, and the rest is history.
I was very surprised when I saw this movie. I didn't think that I would like it for a movie as a whole. In my opinion the acting in this movie was excellent. Even The Devil who said nothing at all was a great actor (Rosalinda Celentano).
This movie didn't have much dialog (and you have to read the subtitles at the bottom of the screen) but even with that it was great. I think Mary did a great job. I don't know what Mel Gibson's personal intentions were for making this movie, but it will probably make more people go to church. It is said to make people see what Jesus went through, but even if this were a normal person it would have been brutal. The people were so vindictive and did everything with no remorse. They beat him brutally and then the people in the town kicked and spit on him as he carried the cross. I even felt bad for the guy. I guess its true what they say then, actions speak louder than words.
How spring break began
Alyssa Isgett
March 26, 2004
When you hear the word spring break, things come to your mind such as "NO SCHOOL!" and "I wonder what I am going to do this week." Well, have you ever wondered how the tradition of Spring Break came about? It just so happens that Spring Break all began with the Ancient Greeks. As the winter weather faded and the air became crisp, thoughts began to occur. This change is like a new beginning.
Socrates then came up with the idea that a crazy and wild ritual would welcome the spring and enable young people to express their desires. The Greeks agreed and soon Spring Break was born.
Of course, after this, people complained that the youth was negative of their morals and caused excessive danger to the towns in which the festival was held. The people who made the complaints were gathered up and stoned. After this, Spring Break was looked down upon. The people who wished to participate wore bands around their arms in protest.
Spring Break wasn't serious until the 1960s. In 1970, Florida was the hit spot for Spring Breakers. Warm beaches and clear skies was the place to be. People would swing from balcony to balcony looking for a party to go to.
In the eighties, Spring Break improved. Not as dramatic as the seventies, but still a hit. In the nineties, MTV and Superclubs captured it all on film to show what really went on during Spring Break making reality television shows.
Today Spring Break is a widely known party week that people participate in all over the world.
Partying 101
Michelle Choiselat
March 26, 2004
Spring is just around the corner, and you know that means. Par-tay!! But, we're not talking those parties that serve cake, punch, and that end in singing "Happy Birthday." We are talking some hard-core-alcohol/drug-consumption-dancing type parties. Perhaps I am being a little too general. Not all shindigs are created equal. So, I implore you, pull up a chair, sit down, and see from the eyes of someone else. On the other hand, you could just throw your head back and laugh, because these are all ridiculous generalizations anyway.
Let's all go to the punk show. The elements of the famed "punk party" include a band, a mosh pit, and lots of alcohol. So, if you're interested in attending, wear your best "punk" attire, and prepare to jump around in the mosh pit as you listen to loud music.
We all need to kickback once in awhile; relaxation is not a crime. Why not head down to a "kickback?" So, as I am told, you'll sit in a circle, listen to the radio, and possibly experiment with marijuana. Let's not forget the amount of underage drinking that will be going on. All of this just so you can "chill."
If you're jonesing for some techno music and dancing with glow sticks, then head down, underground to the nearest rave. Here, you'll have a fine time with bright, flashing lights, and you'll be exposed to a lot of drugs. Let's not forget the infamous "sex bracelets" either.
Of course there are the "house parties," the most well known of the party family. Nothing says "festivity" like a plastic cup of beer, while you dance/lounge and listen to loud music.
Gothic shindigs tend to be more sophisticated. You'll drink wine or "vampire vodka" from a decorative goblet, and have quiet conversation as you listen to low, dark music.
Swing parties tend to be set in the "Greaser" era. Time to pull out your poodle skirt, leather jacket, and the brightest red lipstick you can possibly find. It doesn't hurt if you know how to swing dance.
Unfortunately, I am forced to conclude this here, exposé. Now, I expect, you'll either find yourself one of these parties to attend or perhaps find more out more about them. Either way, you'll still find yourself killing time over Spring Break. And, possibly a few billion brain cells that you'll never get back as well.
How to have fun, but not be stupid
Jessicka Flores
March 26, 2004
Spring break can be a really fun time if you know how to party in a safe way. That's right, that actually means not getting yourself killed by drinking and driving, doing drugs, having unprotected sex and getting in fights. What? You think all those things are fun? NO WAY!
Drinking and driving isn't even safe, how can it be fun? Sure! You can get drunk, even though no one in high school is over 21, but do you HAVE to drive yourself home after puking all over your friend's front yard? Nope, just walk and get hit by a car, at least it won't damage YOUR vehicle.
That's right, no drugs.
No doing lines, popping pills, smoking pot, or shooting up. Drugs screw up your head, mess with your judgment, you lose enough brain cells everyday anyway would you really want to lose 10 times more? Alright now, having safe sex has got to be one of the easiest spring break rules to follow, Condoms have directions, yes they sure do. AND if the condom you are going to use (because you ARE going to use one) feels like cotton and does not come with directions, it is probably a sock. Of course, as all the adults tell us, the safest sex is no sex at all. Well, I guess it works for them.
Okay, now, after all the fun has been taken away there is a lot of pent up energy and someone is going to come along and tick you off. Well, hate to break it to you but you can't even punch that person in the face and start a fight, because you could get carried away and just kill that person or get yourself killed. Tsk tsk tsk.
So now that you know all the rules of a safe spring break you can have tons of fun sitting in your room with a big of chips and a hundred empty soda cans. Have a great spring break!
Plans for spring break
Cassie Orona
March 26, 2004
Spring break is coming our way! You're probably wondering where the hot spots are, what's going to be happening and what people are going to be doing. Here's what some of your peers say about this. Freshman Kara Miers says, "On spring break, I am mostly going to hang out with my boyfriend and go the beach." Sophomore Aubrey Knapp seems to conquer with Mier's plans saying, "Spring break is going to be spent with my boyfriend as usual and probably going to the beach or to Reno. Spring break rocks!!!" Well it seems that all the hot spots this spring break are going to be at the beach with mates.
Hmmm, well, Freshman Brittany Metzger seems to say that the hot spots are always at parties. She's going to party from dawn until dusk and also during this time, she's going to the river and going camping. Go have fun girl!! Automotive teacher Rafael Negron and his wife are going to be moving into a new home closer to the school. Hopefully they can schedule in some fun for them as well.
Spring break is all about having fun. Students and staff, we all need to go out and have fun with friends, mates and family. Freshman Amy Pierce states,"Over spring break I will be sitting on my butt watching reruns of 'I Love Lucy' then spending some time with my wonderful boyfriend, Joey. Then I might hang out with my sister Aubrey and hopefully, for my number one goal, is to get some sun on my white self!"
On the other hand, senior Julie Green states that she will be going to the river, the possibly to Hawaii with her boyfriend or to Virginia. Aloha Ms. Green. Well it seems that we all have different goals that we want or need to accomplish this spring break. The idea is to go and have fun. With this thought in mind, have fun this spring break and don't do anything stupid. Be smart, have fun and be yourself.
Spring sports preview
Liliana Aguilar
March 26, 2004
Sport: Co-ed Track and Field
Coach: Wayne Weeks, Karen Lazurus
Season began: March 4 @ Kaiser
Top returning players: Mario Alvarez, Lisa Montgomery, Paulina Munoz, Adam Digby, Eddie Banuelos
Last season's record: N/A
Coach's/athlete's expectations: Coach Weeks says, "To do the best we're capable of being."
Sport: Badminton
Coach: Sandra Guidi, Ed Matanga, and Jacob Musharbash.
Season began: March 18 vs. REV
Top returning players: Pandu Budihardja, Anthony Flynn, Stephanie Mielke, John Suh, James Lintern, Amanda Carlstrom.
Last season's record: 64-0 overall in league in the past 4 seasons. 18-2 last year, including CIF semi-finals.
Coach's/athlete's expectations: " We believe we can have another undefeated league season. Since we graduated a lot of seniors last year we doubt we'll make it as far as CIF semi-finals, but no one in league will beat our boys," stated Coach Guidi.Sport: Boy's Tennis
Coach: Marvin Banegas
Season began: March 1 @ Kaiser
Top returning players: Jake Magnant, Victor Villareal, Mark Costilla.
Last season's record: Finished fourth in SAL.
Coach's/athlete's expectations: " We have a young group of guys, so we're trying to get experience in so we can do better as a team," says Jake Magnant.Sport: Co-ed Swimming
Coach: Rosa Booth
Season began: March 9 vs. Pacific
Top returning players: Gina Hernandez, Alice DeGroff
Last season's record: N/A
Coach's/athlete's expectations: "We hope to improve individual times, and beat Yucaipa," stated captain Sarrah Lake.
Sport: Baseball
Coach: Robert Montano, Teddy Sutton, and Steve Ornelas
Season began: Feb. 28 @ Bloomington Scrimmage
Top returning players: Saul Rios, Anthony Carrillo, Manuel Meza, Julio Aviles
Last season's record: 7-17
Coach's/athlete's expectations: "To win league and get to the CIF playoff's, and try to go as far as we can," said Ornelas.
Sport: Softball
Coach: Joe Montes, Kenny Villabobos, Jerry Rios, and Doug Jacobson
Season began: Feb. 28 vs. North (scrimmage)
Top returning players: Bionka King, Kim Jacobson, Rozz Rios, Jaclyn Logan
Last season's record: Second in league, eliminated in second round of CIF playoffs
Coach's/athlete's expectations: Senior Rozz Rios: "We have as good or better of a team than last year's. We should win league and go deep into the playoffs. Our hitting is better than any of the four years I've been at CHS."