Hunter S. Thompson: “Twins Day” Spring Sports reports Farewell to the and other and Winter Sports original “Gonzo” Spring Fling season wrap-ups, journalist, activities, Sports, Page 7 Entertainment Photo Essay Page 8 Pages 4-5

The Voice of the Wildcats ThThTheee GushGushGusheeerrr Since 1912 Vol. 92, Issue 4 Taft Union High School, 701 Seventh Street, Taft, CA 93268 April 5, 2005 Battle for MockFest rocks auditorium

By Christine Dunning “The most enjoyable part Staff Writer was the way all the Mock Rock con- testants supported each other and On March 11, nine groups rooted each other on,” said English of Taft High students gathered to teacher Caroline Schoneweis, who show off their lip-syncing, dancing was one of the Mock Rock judges. and air-guitar skills for Mock Rock Several teachers judged the 2005. performances. The judging was The theme of Mock Rock based one-third on lip-syncing, was Battle for MockFest. Mike one-third on choreography and Dobreski, CAHSEE Tutorial one-third on over all performance. teacher, and librarian Kathy The teachers chosen to McLaughlin teamed up to host, imi- judge were pleased to receive the Seniors Elizabeth Crum, Salina Veerasingham, Megan Coontz, Chtistine Dunning, Julie Willis, tating the very funny and extremely invitation. Malinde Hoffman and Mary Emfinger were awarded second place simply because “girls just wanna dysfunctional Ozzy and Sharon “The best part of being a have fun.” Photo by Ozella Mood/The Derrick Osbourne. judge,” explains Schoneweis, “was The participants of Mock knowing that I would be able to Rock worked hard for many hours watch the whole show. I also had Students protest termination on their skits. “We worked on our inside information that the perfor- choreography for about five hours mances were going to be excep- all together,” said Ronald Connell, tional, which made me even more of some probationary teachers member of “Aerosmith.” excited.” Even with the long hours, All the hard work and ef- By Justina Washington protested, wearing bracelets stat- lowing year. After a lot of thought the entire process of choreography fort from the contestants paid off, Staff Writer ing, “We support our teachers,” and and discussion, they do what they is an enjoyable experience. Salina literally. First place was awarded to some even attended a recent school believe is best for the school. Veerasingham, member of “Cyndi the performers of “Thriller,” who A controversy has erupted board meeting and told board It’s not a pleasant job to Lauper,” noted, “The best part of received $300. over the administration’s decision members how they felt about the make these decisions and inform the experience is making up cre- Second place went to to release some new teachers. situation. (See related story on page teachers of their non-reelection. It’s ative and unique dance moves and Cyndi Lauper’s “Girls Just Wanna Although it’s hard for stu- 2.) not any easier to receive the notice exploring new boundaries.” Have Fun,” which won $200, with dents to let go of some of their fa- “I was very proud of all the either, as some teachers noted. The audience was ex- third place going to Aerosmith’s vorite teachers, the procedure of students. They stood up for what “I was stunned, dumb- tremely receptive, cheering most “Dude Looks Like a Lady,” along non-reelection of probationary they believe is right,” commented founded and surprised,” said one. performances wildly. Most had with $100. teachers happens annually. There is one released teacher. The fact of teachers not be- their favorite parts of the show. Overall, the Battle for very little students can do to pre- Although students are able ing re-elected isn’t the only thing “The best part of the show was MockFest was an exciting and en- vent it. to exercise their civil rights and that makes students unhappy. They watching ‘Thriller’,” noted Connell. joyable show. Every year some first- or make themselves heard, another would like to be given a reason. second-year teachers are not re- teacher points out that, “They Superintendent Curt elected for the following year; in should do this fully informed about Dubost told the Midway Driller, “We other words, they are “fired.” This the issues and in a positive way.” are not at liberty to give the reason process occurs not only at Taft High During their first two for any non re-election,” and he is but also in high schools all over the years at a school, teachers are on absolutely correct. state of California. probationary status. They are Personnel decisions are Kayla Hillygus According to the California evaluated throughout those two confidential. Only members of the leads her zombies Teachers Association Legal Ser- years. They are watched closely to administration and the board of to first place in vices, “Probationary teachers may make sure they possess certain trustees have access to such infor- the Battle for be dismissed for any or no reason, teaching and classroom manage- mation. As a result, others are left MockFest with any time prior to March 15 of the ment skills. to try to figure out why a particu- Michael Jackson’s second year of service.” Sometime before March 15 lar teacher was non-reelected, and “Thriller.” Photo Disappointment and anger of the second year the administra- rumors are the result. by Stacy Schultz/ have arisen because of the dismissal tion discusses which teachers won’t It’s sometimes hard to ac- The Derrick of certain teachers. Students have be re-elected (rehired) for the fol- cept but it’s legal and common. TUHS meets state goals Parents, staff and students express in 2004 STAR testing opinions at emotional board meeting

The state department of 66 percent of California high By Cherokee Ingram a team and achieved their goals in dation to teachers who would re- education released on March 15 schools met the API growth tar- and Courtney Glendening “their eyes.” sign rather than fight their non-re- the results of last year’s STAR get, and only 48 percent met all Staff Writers “I feel that Coach Ruybal election. and CAHSEE tests. Scores from subgroup growth targets. has brought out the best in the kids “The board has the oppor- the two tests are combined to cre- Schools are ranked from The TUHS Board of Trust- on the team,” Chitwood added. tunity to step in temporarily, then ate a school’s API (Academic Per- 1 to 10 (10 being best) compared ees meeting on the evening Febru- The meeting then became when things cool off, step away,” formance Index). The scale runs to all other schools in the state. ary 22 was unusually eventful. The more solemn. The majority of the explained Kopp. from 200-1000, and the state has They are also compared to all chanting of “Out With Dubost,” spectators were waiting to speak English teacher Kevin set a goal of 800 for all schools. “similar schools” in the state and “Save Our Teachers!” could be about the “pink-slipped teachers.” Hughes recognized the positive Taft’s API for 2004 was (based on class size, percentage heard near the campus. Sherie Wolosz, statistics academics, athletics and clubs at 621, an increase of 46 from the of students who are English lan- These chants came from a and advanced algebra teacher, ex- Taft High. previous year’s 585. The goal for guage learners, ethnicity and so- group of approximately 30 TUHS plained that she felt she was very He also referred to a list of TUHS in this year’s testing, cioeconomic status, etc.). TUHS students picketing, taking action to skilled, but that she was not trained issues. One was that the adminis- which begins April 12, is 630. was ranked in group 3 in the express their opinions. for the advanced courses she was tration seemed to be willing to let Taft ranked sixth among statewide comparison and group The meeting was held in assigned to teach. go of older teachers or reassign 21 Kern County high schools, be- 1 (the lowest) in the “similar the IRC because of the large turn- “I leave knowing I gave them. Second, Hughes agreed with hind Stockdale (737), Tehachapi schools”category. out, which included concerned par- 110% of myself,” said Wolosz. Kopp on the staff morale concerns. (700), Liberty (689), Centennial However, many schools ents, teachers and students. Board The students clearly fa- After the discussion of the (648) and Kern Valley (640). in the “similar schools” category president Janice Ashley called the vored keeping English teacher Sara teacher “terminations” was over, The increase in Taft’s API (such as Ridgeview, Santa Bar- meeting to order shortly after 7 p.m. Pauga. Junior Franciso Topete read the meeting was once again back to is “a reflection of the progress bara, Oxnard, and Palm Springs Without delay, the public a letter to the board written by a a relatively tension-free mood. students are making and the hard high schools) don’t have much filled out cards listing the com- concerned student, a touching When the meeting re- work that teachers, the board, the in common with TUHS. Also, ments, suggestions and speeches speech for the “non-reelected” En- sumed, FFA advisor Teresa Taylor administration and the staff are Taft’s API appears to be in the they wished to make during the glish teacher and friend. proposed a school farm consisting doing to improve student learn- middle of the range of scores. meeting. Several people spoke of Topete also added, “She of portable barns and pens for the ing and help them achieve to The remaining local high issues that worried them. taught me not only to turn in all my FFA projects to make it more con- high standards,” said Principal schools’ scores were: Ridgeview James Chitwood, father of homework, but kindness.” venient and closer to the school. Marilyn Brown. (610), Bakersfield (605), Highland senior J.C. Chitwood, explained History teacher John Kopp The Board will take all TUHS met three state re- (590), South (587), Wasco (577), that it was unfair that boys basket- gave his opinion on staff morale. He these ideas into consideration. (Per- quirements: the schoolwide North (573), West (562), ball caoch Mark Ruybal might be stated that it had declined since the sonnel matters are handled in growth target (increase in the McFarland (562), Golden Valley replaced. October meeting at which he had closed session.) There wasn’t a defi- API), all subgroup growth targets (546), Foothill (543), Arvin (535), Chitwood emotionally told spoken. nite answer to everyone’s ques- and minimum requirents for East (531), Shafter (525), Delano how even though the boys didn’t He was concerned that the tions, but the meeting served the number of students tested. Only (521) and Cesar Chavez (497). win SSL or a majority of their games administration had allegedly of- purpose of letting everyone speak this season, they still improved as fered to give a positive recommen- their minds. Page 2 NEWS April 5, 2005 TUHS Academic Decathlon team exercises their brains in Kern County competition

By Melissa Woods social studies. well as getting to know students on Staff Writer “I was a little nervous,” a more personal level than in the admits Joplin. classroom, she had little time for The Kern County Aca- Then came the main event, anything else. demic Decathlon, a competition in the Super Quiz. This year the topic “It was really fun though,” 10 events from math and literature was astronomy. says Moe. to essays and speech, took place at Each group com- Bakersfield College in February. peted against all the This year junior David other schools at once, an- Hunter, a second-year team mem- swering a series of 10 ber, brought home a silver medal in questions on astronomy. math and a bronze in astronomy, “Our team was the Super Quiz subject. at a disadvantage be- “I was confident about get- cause we had such a ting something in the math cat- small team,” says Moe. egory,” says Hunter. “We would have done Each school organizes a even better if we had team of nine, with three students more members on our per category based on GPA: three team.” in Honors (A average), three in Finally, at the Scholastic (B average) and three in end of the day the win- Varsity (C average). ners were announced in Taft, however, had a each category for each smaller team: Jessica Morris and subject and given med- David Hunter displays intensity during Super Quiz questioning, as Keri Rushing in Honors, David als. Marty Fontes prepares for the next question. Photo by Jim Carnal Hunter and Marty Fontes in Scho- Trophies were lastic and Ashley Joplin in Varsity. handed out to the win- For months the team, un- Diego and to the Convention Cen- pared and impromptu speeches. ning teams in the Super der the guidance of coach Leslie ter Auditorium to listen to the “I was ready for the speech. I Quiz competition as well. Moe, studied and practiced for the Bakersfield Symphony. scored the highest on it,” says Mor- Bakersfield High won for competition. “They enjoyed every one of ris. the sixth time in a row. The AD team: (clockwise from In preparation they at- them,” says Moe. On February 5, the stu- This was Moe’s second, top): Ashley Joplin, Marty Fontes, tended seminars in Stockton and On January 27 the 18 Kern dents sat down and took individual and last, year of coaching Academic David Hunter, Keri Rushing, Jes- CSUB, as well as took field trips to County schools competed by writ- tests in the categories of math, lit- Decathlon. Though she loved all sica Morris and adviser Leslie the Palomar Observatory in San ing essays and giving both pre- erature, economics, music, art and the field trips and experiences, as Moe. Photo by Jim Carnal Ryan Hickman named Teacher of the Month By Jennifer Garner in Au- Staff Writer gust and he and Science teacher Ryan his wife Hickman was recently chosen as are ex- Teacher of the Month. He received pecting a polo shirt, balloons and a coffee their cup full of chocolates. first A ballot box is placed in the child in library to nominate teachers for this May. award and Hickman received sev- enteen nominations. Students told Mr. the Midway Driller that they thought Hickman Hickman should receive this award is also because he is funny, athletic and he the advisor of the Gamers Club. tells nice jokes. This club was created for students Hickman is originally who love to play video games. The from Indiana. He enjoys sports such organization does not have a spe- English and yearbook instructor Jim Carnal prepares to shoot, while as basketball, track and cross-coun- cific time and date set for meetings Kelly Federoff tries to persuade her donkey to follow her directions. try. This year he is going to coach yet due to Hickman’s coaching Photo by Alanna Wenzel/The Derrick pole vault and hurdles for the track schedule, but anyone who is inter- team. He recently finished coaching ested in joining should contact girls JV basketball. He was married Hickman for more information. FFA’s Donkey Basketball raises money A stubborn group of indi- mals tolerated having TUHS staff Staff members who partici- The Gusher TUHS website viduals took over the Mullen Gym and students as riders long enough pated included Jim Carnal, Mike Taft Union High School on March 15, and it wasn’t TUHS to play a unique form of basketball. Colen, Elaine Davis, Shawn 701 Seventh Street being updated students. No, it was a bunch of The crowd enjoyed watch- Holmes, Greg Davis, Gary Morris, Taft, CA 93268 By Christine Dunning donkeys, and we’re not using a eu- ing the players fall off their donkeys Kelly Federoff, Marsha Eubank, Staff Writer phemism for annoying people. and try to climb back on or pull the Teresa Taylor (FFA advisor) and (661) 763-2300 Donkeys made their way independent-minded animal in the Steve Sprague. [email protected] LRC supervisor Jodi Jack- up and down the hardwood floor right direction. FFA raised more than $200 son and English teacher Caroline as part of the FFA’s Donkey Basket- It was a close game until from the event. But the experience The Gusher is a publication of Schoneweis are working together to ball fundraiser. the end. The staff led 8-6 at the half of watching donkey basketball was the Journalism class. It is an update our school’s website These specially trained ani- and held on to win 16-14. priceless. open forum for students and (www.taft.k12.ca.us). TUHS was faculty of TUHS. Member one of the first schools to have a AR rewards to NSPA and Quill & Scroll. website and expectations have Students of the Month risen, so Schoneweis and Jackson Editor-in-Chief/ be given out at decided they would redesign the Layout Editor earn teachers’ acclaim website. 4/27 Ren Rally Mary Emfinger The page will take some By Jim Carnal By Christine Dunning time to redesign. “Right now I can Public Information Officer Editor-in-Chief/ Staff Writer only work on the site five minutes Entertainment Editor here and five minutes there,” noted Senior Mary Emfinger, jun- extremely responsible and does ex- Jessica Miller Do you feel your read- Jackson, “but Mrs. Schoneweis and ior Ari Matthews, sophomore Rusty cellent work in Renaissance class. ing ambitions are fruitless and I will get together in the summer McCord and freshman Jayme Lund She is self-motivated and is not Features Editor unrewarding? Now is the time and work on it.” were recently announced as the Taft afraid to stand up for what she be- Markie Johnson to not only exercise your brain, The new website will in- Union High School students of the lieves in.” but to win prizes for all your clude AR deadlines, activities and month for January. Students are Rusty McCord was nomi- Sports Editor extra AR points. matters of concern to students, nominated by staff and selected by nated by teacher Machelle Marci McKnight LRC Supervisor Jodi video clips and pictures from sport- Renaissance Committee students. Arrington. “He is attentive in class, Jackson is heading up the AR ing events and possibly a book club, The Renaissance program pro- asks questions and completes all his Staff Writers raffle for the Spring Renais- in which students and teachers can motes academics. assignments. He has worked ex- Karissa Adams sance Rally on April 27. post comments about the selected “Mary is a top performer in tremely hard. If all my students Vanessa Bowen Every student who book. all that she does,” counselor worked this hard, I might be out of Megan Chappelear reaches their AR goal plus an “A book club would be a Tammy Sutherland praised. “She is a job!” Ryan Coulter additional 25 points will have great way to encourage students to taking four AP (Advanced Place- Jayme Lund, also nomi- Christine Dunning their name entered into the read and also help them get a bet- ment) classes along with leader- nated by Sutherland, “was a great Courtney Glendenning raffle, and for every 25 points ter understanding of the selected ship, band and journalism. She re- addition to this year’s volleyball Cristina Gonzales beyond your goal, your name books by sharing and reading com- ceived a 4.43 GPA last semester team. She is very bright and an ex- Cherokee Ingram will be entered again. For ex- ments,” said Schoneweis. while being active in many school tremely hard worker — a good Justin Trout ample, if you reach your goal Students in a new class activities. She is an excellent citizen combination on the court and in the Salina Veerasingham and earn an additional 75 based on HTML will help keep the and student.” classroom,” Sutherland, the varsity Justina Washington points, your name will be en- site current next year. Ari Matthews was also volleyball coach, noted. Melissa Woods tered into the raffle three times. Anyone interested in help- nominated by Sutherland, co-direc- “As a result, she earned a The winner will re- ing Jackson and Schoneweis, or tor of the Renaissance Committee. 4.14 GPA in the first semester. She Adviser ceive a $150 gift certificate to who has any suggestions, should “Ari is a very hard is a great example of a true student- Bill Wolfe Barnes & Noble or Borders. contact either of them. worker,” Sutherland said. “She is athlete.” April 5, 2005 FEATURES Page 3 College Bound: Super seniors moving on

Amber Pease Adam Ohman Salina Veerasingham Dani Harris

University Brigham Young University Montana Tech San Francisco State University UC Santa Barbara (Provo, Utah) (Butte, Montana)

What are you most excited “Just all of the new experiences.” “Leaving Taft and not looking “Exploring new cultures and learn- “I look forward to meeting new about? back!” ing about myself.” people.” What will you miss the most? “My parents and the fun times I “My close friends and family, “My crazy friends who manage to “I will miss all of my friends, fam- have hanging out with my friends.” school teachers and thats it!” make everyday new and exciting.” ily, and my dogs and cats.”

Mark Ruybal II Jessica Graves Kelli Rafferty Mary Emfinger University San Diego State University Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo Chico State (CSU Chico) UCLA What are you most excited “Being by the coast and playing “Living close to the beach” “My friends and family” “Getting out on my own and about? college basketball.” showing the world what I can do” What will you miss the most? “My family, friends and Emily” “Friends and family and having “Being up there with my sister Tara “All my friends, who are really my Emily to hang out with” and being on my own” family and who encouraged me through everything” Taft’s own version of Farewell to Manzanar Japanese-American family sent to internment camp in Arizona during WWII; Lucy Ito awarded TUHS diploma 50 years later

By Markie Johson fore the internment. She was inter- family spent the remainder of the Features Editor viewed by local historian Pete war as prisoners-of -war. Gianopolous in October, for the lo- Pete Gianopolous, who During World War II, the cal public access T.V. show. worked for 17 years as a Director lives of many students of Japanese “They were well liked,” re- of Guidance at TUHS, heard Lucy descent were put on hold when members Gianopolous, who was Ito’s story at a class reunion in they were forced into prisoner-of- also a neighbor of the Itos. which he was the doorman in 1993. war camps in their own country. The actual internment was “The usual thing is to call In 1941, TUHS student unexpected to Ito’s family. They each graduate up to speak. Well, she Lucy Ito was sent to the Poston re- had thought since they were loyal got up and said she hadn’t gradu- location camp in Arizona. She was Americans, their citizenship would ated,” recalls Gianopolous. in her junior year of high school, not be jeopardized. They were also When Ito made it known thus preventing her from graduat- in disbelief about the fact that Ja- that she would have liked to gradu- ing. pan had attacked the U.S. ate and receive her diploma is when During the time she spent “My dad was so shocked. Gianopolous began to do what he enrolled in Taft Union High School, He said how could they do this? could to make it happen. Ito had Ito was a very good student. They don’t realize how big and been a student for three years, Lucy Ito, front center, with her homeroom class in the 1942 Derrick. Though her parents were immi- strong America is. And my brother Gianopolous had to make sure that The Ito family was sent to an internment camp a few months later. grants from Japan, Ito and her sib- insisted he would not be interned, she met the requirements to gradu- lings were born in the U.S. She and he would go fight,” says Grace Ito. ate before giving her a diploma. It took just under a year, Ito “It was given to her quietly, her family were popular among the They were interned after “I got authorization to look was presented quietly with her by mail,” says Gianopolous. mostly white citizens of Taft. They all, and Ito’s high school education at her records to see if she was long-awaited high school diploma. Now a graduate of TUHS, ran the local laundromat out of was put on hold. Her father tried elidgible,” he says. Though she was offered a ceremony Lucy Ito currently resides in Penn their home. to soften the blow for his children. During her stay at the for the presentation, she refused. Valley, California with her hus- “We were American citi- “He told us we were going Poston camp, Ito took high school The diploma itself was enough. band. zens who worked to do our duty,” on a vacation courtesy of the U.S.,” courses, though she never received explained Ito’s older sister, Grace, remembers Grace. a diploma. It was enough to meet Advanced Drama performs who had graduated two years be- So Grace and Lucy Ito and their the graduation requirements. Want the freedom of an adult? three shorts for students By Megan Chappelear guns from the play they were act- Staff Writer ing in, they all shot her. Maybe emancipation is for you The final performance was The Advanced Drama class “The Dancers.” It included Keith By Ryan Coulter, Staff Writer Though she likes being recently performed three skits in Jones as Horace, Alana Wenzel as and Markie Johnson, emancipated, she says sometimes it the auditorium. Mary Catherine Davis, Stacia Hall Features Editor makes life difficult. She says the The first performance was as Emily Crews, Salina hardest part is learning the new called “Variations on the Death of Veerasingham as Elizabeth Crews, rules she must live by. Trotsky.” It featured Aaron Floyd as Megan Coontz as Inez Stanley, `Emancipation, sometimes Healy believes that teens Russian revolutionary Leon Christine Dunning as the waitress, referred to as divorce from your should not become emancipated Trotsky, Christine Dunning as Mrs. Aaron Floyd as Mr. Davis and Chris parents, is a legally binding contract unless it seems to be the only way Trotsky and Keith Jones as Ramon Smith as Herman Stanley. that gives a minor the right to live out of a dangerous situation, such Mercades. The skit portrayed the “The Dancers” is the story independently and function with as abusive or drug addicted par- death of Leon Trotsky as a joke, of a young man, Horace, whose sis- the same responsibilities as an adult ents. showing him as he imagines his ter got him a date with the prettiest would. mission beforehand. If a minor Some frequently asked death. The death was reenacted on girl in town, Emily Crews. How- Many minors find it neces- wishes to join the military before questions about teen emancipation the stage while Trotsky was in the ever, Emily wanted nothing to do sary to welcome not only the free- being emancipated, or get married are: How do I become emanci- hospital, dying in a coma. with Horace, and she told him so. doms of adulthood, but also the before emancipation, consent is pated? Who can be emancipated? The second performance While at the diner, Horace hardships and extra responsibili- needed. Only after they have joined If I get emancipated, what rights was called “The Potboilers.” The started talking to Emily’s best ties. There are many reasons for a the military or become married are will I have? cast included Melinde Hoffman as friend, Mary Catherine Davis. minor to become emancipated, they legally emancipated. If you want to become Thomasina Sud, Crystal Waldie as Horace asked her to a dance, even such as, marriage, joining the mili- A parent can go to court emancipated, you, in conjunction Miss Wouldby, Melissa Hoffman as though neither of them could tary, or a living situation in which and protest the emancipation. On with your parents, must have an Mrs. Pencil, James Vernon as Mr. dance. Before attending the big the minor is not able to function the other hand, parents cannot seek “emancipation petition” signed, Pencil, Vanessa Bowen as Miss event, they practiced dancing out- happily or healthily. to emancipate their child. It is and recognized by a judge. If you Ivory, Megan Coontz as Mrs. Ivory side her house. To become emancipated meant to protect the child, not free go into the military, get married, or and Chris Smith as Mr. Ruler. The performances of Keith the minor must be 14 years of age, the parent of their responsibilities. if you are already living on your Thomasina Sud was a fa- Jones and Melinde Hoffman stood employed or searching for a job, Heather Healy, a junior at own and managing your own mous playwright showing a stu- out. They both seemed to get into and willing to live completely on TUHS, was married in the summer money, you can be emancipated. If dent, Miss Wouldby, how she their roles and they captured the at- his or her own. of 2004, which made her automati- you become emancipated, you can worked. Her cast acted for Miss tention of the audience. Though after the emanci- cally emancipated. purchase insurance, sue or be sued, Wouldby while the snobby play- These performances pation is made final the minor is “It makes me take on more buy or sell land, and sign legal wright yelled and interrupted. showed real talent. The cast did a legally their own guardian, some responsibilities,” says Healy of her documents without your parent’s At the end, the cast even- great job, and their hard work situations require the parent’s per- newfound adulthood. consent. tually got tired of it and, using their showed. Page 4 FEATURES April 5, 2005 SpringSpringSpringSpring FlingFlingFlingFling WeekWeekWeekWeek

Backwards Day

Seniors Mark Ruybal, Amber Pease and Jamie Hooker proudly show their school spirit on Backwards Day. Photo by Mary Emfinger

Twins Day

Seniors Dani Harris, Melissa McKay and Sue George continue their yearly tradition of dressing up as triplets on Twins Day. The resem- Sandra Solis and Mercedes Almanza have their doble look down. blance is striking. Photo by Mary Emfinger Photo by Mary Emfinger

Lunch- time MockFest Activities

Sophomore Emily Graves appears to regret participating in an eating contest. Photo by Mary Emfinger

Senior Derrick Hood takes on the role of Aerosmith vocalist Steven Tyler dur- ing a rendition of “Dude Looks Like a Lady”during MockFest. Photo by Ozella Mood/The Derrick

As part of her fundraising activities, piano and choir teacher Susan Yeasley sacrificed her green Honda Civic for a paint-splattering contest. She is still driving her car to and from school. Photo by Mary Emfinger April 5, 2005 FEATURES Page 5 SpringSpringSpringSpring FlingFlingFlingFling WeekWeekWeekWeek

Senior Tyler Beath steals the Omnikin ball in one of the rally’s many games. Photo by Mary Emfinger ASB girls in a “locker room” shot before the battle. Front: Kristen Meadors and Ashlei Bryant; middle: Julie Willis, Salina Veerasingham, Sandra Solis, Elizabeth Crum, Carissa Fisher, Amanda Houston, Grace Farewell and Keri Rushing; rear: Tiffany Payne, Mary Emfinger and Sarah Mead Battle of the Sexes rally Junior Jerry Laulusa and senior Barbara Laulusa work out their sibling Senior Andi Brown gets the fright of her life when C.T. Twisselman’s rivalry in public. Jerry looks like he might be having a little bit too head pops out from under a box. Photo by Mary Emfinger much fun. Photo by Mary Emfinger All for Fun

Two Wildcats try their hand at supersize boxing. Photo by Mary Emfinger

Freshman Dalton Botts shows he is not afraid to climb to the top on the Oooph! Now that’s a left hook (line and sinker). Photo by Mary Emfinger obstacle course. Photo by Mary Emfinger Page 6 FEATURES April 5, 2005 Visiting San Francisco: city of wonders and woes

By Jessica Miller Haight-Ashbury district. In the six- travel while in the city and kind of you for three blocks Co-Editor-in-Chief ties it was the place to be. Hippies fun, too. explaining to you from everywhere flocked there to Walking isn’t a bad choice that they aren’t ask- There are many good and live free, love, drop acid and listen unless you want to go to Haight- ing for much...they bad things about San Francisco and to music, including people like Janis Ashbury and your hotel is on Ellis just need your credit sometimes more bad than good Joplin, Jerry Garcia and Charles Street. Walking can be fun because card for thirty min- depending on whom you talk to. Manson. What remains now is a while you are making your way to utes. Also in this cat- Personally, I think San Francisco is dirty street lined with brightly your destination you can window egory are creepy great in week-long doses. After liv- painted houses and walls littered shop and dream of owning that God Freaks who ing in a small town for so long, with psychedelic graffiti, along wicked cute pair of Gucci sandals. walk around wear- sometimes it’s nice to get away to with trendy little shops filled with San Francisco is really fun ing the sandwich the big city and see what else is out unique clothes and trinkets. It’s in- at first but by the time the end of boards that say, “The there. San Francisco is perfect for teresting to see that this is the place the week comes I’m more than End Is Near,” shout- this. It has almost every cultural that used to be the place. ready to go home. After a while the ing that we are all experience you can imagine and San Francisco is such a big street people get to you and make going to Hell. The there is so much to do. change you feel re- thing with these There are so many different from Taft. ally guilty people is that they kinds of shops and every kind of The city is for spend- are everywhere. You restaurant in San Francisco, and huge. It’s ing nearly never know when that’s why it’s so great for the nearly $100 on they are going to economy. Tourists most often leave impos- r ecords. sneak up on you and San Francisco with their wallets a sible to That’s one start talking to you. great deal lighter than when they drive thing that So...beware and arrived. A lot of good shops can be anywhere is really guard your pockets found around Ellis Street and in because bother- and bags at all times. Union Square. There is a gigantic, the traffic some Then there five-story record shop on the cor- is so in- about San are the sincere bums ner of Ellis and Powell called sane. But Fran: the who truly are home- Rasputin Records. I spent an hour there is al- bums. less and don’t choose there just looking at vinyls. They ways the There are to be. These are the people who, Above: The Transamerica pyramid have every genre of music you can option of so many of when you offer to get food for them, dominates the skyline. Left: A think of and a decent selection in catching a them. And are so down for it. Most bums, if typical Victorian house, found all each genre. taxi; just did you you offer to get food for them, will over San Francisco. Across the street from hope you know that send you on your merry way. Rasputin Records is the awesome, get a sane some They’d rather get change from you It seems as though almost but expensive, Urban Outfitters. If driver people ac- to support their crystal meth habit every person who is living in San I could go on a shopping spree any- and a tually than get a nice warm meal. These Francisco thinks they are better where, it would be there. It’s a clean car. move to people typically reside around ho- than every person who walks past three-story store with women’s San Fran- tels and shops. them...tourist or not. People in gen- clothes, men’s clothes, furniture Of course, cisco just And we can’t forget the eral there aren’t very friendly. When and decorations. It’s unique in a there is to be bums ones who perform for their money. you walk down the street, they franchise sort of way. The clothes also the because This category includes musicians, don’t look you in the eye or give there are really comfortable and last option of they make artists and dancers. These people you a smile, they just smoke their a long time, and since the closest taking such a are the ones who are really worth cigarette and keep walking right on Urban Outfitters to us is in Los An- trolleys or riding the cable cars. good living from panhandling? you giving them your dollar, be- past you. Well, that’s life in the big geles, you know you’d be the only They typically run around the bay There are different kinds of cause, hey, at least they are work- city. one who has whatever you get. side of San Francisco, through bums, or street people or panhan- ing for it. You can find these people There is so much more than One of the many things Union Square and Chinatown all dlers. There are the scary, insane performing in Union Square, just this to San Francisco. I wish I you shouldn’t miss in your visit to the way to Fisherman’s Wharf. This ones that ask to borrow your credit Fisherman’s Wharf or any intensely could explain it all, but that would San Francisco is the infamous is a relatively inexpensive way to card for thirty minutes and follow tourist-populated areas. take a book. Polynesian Club makes its debut What you need to know about... By Justina Washington island theme with that island’s type Religious rights and restrictions at school Staff Writer of food.” A club without meaning is By Cristina Gonzales With the help of English useless, so advisor Sara Pauga and Staff Writer The Torah (Old Testa- teacher Sara Pauga, a lot of moti- the students wanted to develop the ment/Jewish scriptures), vation and some enthusiasm, the Polynesian Club so every member Have you ever won- The Koran (Islam), The Polynesian Club has finally been could benefit from it and actually dered what your religious rights Book Of Mormon, etc. established. learn more about the Pacific island are at school? Can teachers speak Students may read The “The idea of starting a culture. about religion in class? What is Bible in class, just like an Polynesian Club came up when Mrs. Pauga decided that permissible and what is not? AR book. They can pray Mrs. Pauga hosted a Samoan party there was no better way to do that The status of religion in silently in class, as some for us at lunch,” says senior An- than to visit the islands personally. school is a controversial topic. students do before they gelica Laulu. Starting this year the club Some believe that religion should take a test. They may talk “The question just popped members will be raising money to be banned from public school about their religious be- up and we decided to act on it.” The take a trip to the Polynesian Cul- campuses. Others believe it is re- liefs with other students club is now up and running with a tural Center in Hawaii next sum- ligion discrimination to forbid it. as long as they’re not in- good 27 members. mer. The conflict arises from terfering with class, the “It’s the first Islanders club Unfortunately Mrs. Pauga the First Amendment to the U.S. same as any other topic of ever to be formed at Taft Union won’t be able to join the fun trip to Constitution. The Establishment conversation. High School,” adds junior June Hawaii; she won’t be returning to Clause states that the government The rules for Faagau. teach at Taft High next year. (or any state agent such as public teaching religion in school The club’s goals and aspi- “We’ll miss her a lot; she’s schools) cannot “establish” (sup- are very strict. Teachers may “teach Under the Free Exercise rations are to “provide all students a real big help,” remarks sopho- port or promote) religion, particu- but not preach” about religion. Clause, campus religious groups with the opportunity to be exposed more Rusty McCord larly any one religion. The Free They must teach it without any bias must be allowed to use campus to the Polynesian culture and give Mrs. Pauga doesn’t want Exercise Clause guarantees indi- or partiality toward any particular facilities to hold club meetings. the Polynesian students a platform her departure to put the club to an viduals the right to practice their religion. Of course, this would be Students can promote their reli- on which to highlight their talents,” end: “I hope that fifteen years from religion freely. only in an approved curriculum, gious clubs but must only state says advisor Sara Pauga. today, the students attending this The Establishment such as World Civilizations or the facts about meetings and ac- Don’t be mislead; this new club will tell their children to join Clause has led to what is known World Religions. tivities. They are allowed to post and exciting club isn’t only for the Polynesian Club at Taft High,” as “separation of church and Teachers may answer ques- signs around school and remind- people of Polynesian descent. It is notes Pauga. state” and this is where the two tions about the religions they are ers in the school bulletin, but can- open to students of every race and It’s a club you don’t want clauses conflict with each other teaching but only for information not actively promote their religion ethnicity. Club meetings are every to miss out on, with the trip to Ha- Students are allowed purposes and to help students learn or proselytize (seek converts). other Tuesday at lunch in room 119. waii, parties and “yum yum food,” some religious freedoms in about a certain religion and corre- For more information, go “About once a month we remarks senior Ashley Lematua. school. They may carry The Bible, sponding culture. to www.firstamendment.org. have an island party,” comments So swing on by to check out Laulu. “Each time it’s a different the new club, and bring a friend. Alcoholic beverage companies sued for advertising to teens

By Salina Veerasingham adolescents and turn them into “malternatives.” Plaintiffs say sault, traffic accidents and lower Staff Writer life-long drinkers. these sweet-tasting beverages grades. Some hail the lawsuits as According to a recent are gateway drinks designed the beginning of a new weapon to Lynne Goodwin and her Los Angeles Times story, the al- to lure teens who are put off combat the marketing of the alco- husband, Reed, are plaintiffs in one coholic beverage industry de- by the taste of liquors or hol industry. of five law suits that seek to place nies targeting teens and says higher-proof alcohol. Like the suits against to- controls on the advertising of alco- the claims are groundless. The Underage drinking ac- bacco companies for their advertis- holic beverages. Their daughter, companies insist that they are counts for a significant por- ing, success for the plaintiffs isn’t who was attending a Texas college, trying to reach only adult au- tion of beverage makers’ likely to come soon if it ever comes was found dead when an 18-year- diences and they do not en- sales. A U.S. government re- at all. courage illegal drinking. They old drunk driver hit her car. Illustration by Markie Johnson port estimates that 12 to 20- “The courts may very well Other cases have been filed also claim to adhere to a vol- year-olds are responsible for say that the advertising is constitu- in the last 14 months in Ohio, Colo- untary code that restricts their ads drinking, train retailers to spot fake 11.4% of the alcohol consumed in tionally protected unless you can rado, North Carolina and Washing- to media in which at least 70% of ID’s and educate parents on ways the United States. show there was intent to get kids ton. They accuse the alcoholic bev- the audiences is 21 or older. Bever- to combat drinking. The lawsuits come at a time to drink,” says James F. Mosher of erage companies of releasing a age companies also say they have The suits take aim at the when there are growing problems the Pacific Institute for Research flood of provocative, raunchy ads spent tens of millions of dollars of company’s heavy promotion of fla- linked to underage drinking which and Evaluation, a health issues to exploit the raging hormones of their profits to promote responsible vored malt beverages called includes teen pregnancy, sexual as- think tank in Felton, California. April 5, 2005 SPORTS Page 7

Chris Semann, left, surges through the blue during a recent race. Stacy Taylor, above, displays admirable breast stroke form. Photos by Courtney Owen/The Derrick Swimmers dive headfirst into new season By Mary Emfinger Editor-in-Chief

The swimming and diving with 41. The girls followed the boys “Swimmers basically swim nitely know the definition of hard championship in a row, and the team has once again returned to the lead by crushing West (77 points) against themselves,” said coach work and dedication. girls’ goal is to make it into the top pool for a season of hard work and and East (56 points) with an impres- Mike McCormick, “Their goal is to McCormick explained that two,” McCormick said. well-earned victories. Three of the sive 179 points. improve their own thime each practice is necessary to be success- McCormick and Ken boys’ relay teams had already made Both teams continued their week.” ful. Because other clubs have year Anderson have both been teaching Valley qualifying times by the sec- winning streak by defeating Practicing every day from round swimming programs, the for many years. McCormick has ond week of the season. Ridgeview on March 11. The boys 3,800 to 4,500 yards after school and TUHS swimmers have to work ex- been coaching for 25 years, while The boys won the first meet won with 138-31 and the girls 1,500 to 2,000 yards in the morning, tra hard in order to be competitive. Anderson is in this 36th year. Both on March 4 with 141 points, fol- showed their ferocity with 113 and never missing a day for vaca- “I think the boys have the reluctant to call this their last year lowed by East with 80 and West points to Ridgview’s 54. tions or holidays, swimmers defi- ability to take their third league of coaching swimming at Taft High. Baseball team expects challenging season despite plenty of talent

By Christine Dunning and Cherokee Ingram Staff Writers

The varsity boys baseball on March 17, defeating them 12-5. Allan Miller team opened their season against The team expects a chal- injured his knee, but is Ridgeview High School at the lenging season. “Everyone is tough recovering rapidly. North High Tournament. Their op- in the league, says coach Russ Coach Emberson envi- ponents at the tourney included Emberson. He feels Tehachapi of- sions seniors Chase Liberty, Highland, South, Foothill fers the most competition. Blackwood and James and Stockdale. They finished out Many players on the team Donnelly, who are re- the tournament with a record of 2- stand out and show much talent. turning starters, as 3 Dalton Botts, the only freshman on leaders because of The boys won their first varsity, plays 1st, 2nd and 3rd their experience and league game against Golden Valley baseman. consistent effort. Junior Ryan Sexton displays strong southpaw form. Photo courtesy The Derrick Boys’ tennis team steadily improving Varsity boys basketball By Jessica Miller This season a lot of new Co-Editor-in-Chief wraps up difficult season players have stepped up, allowing the team to be divided into two full team that was limited as far as size By Marci McKnight Halfway through the sea- rosters. and total basketball ability,” Ruybal Sports Editor son, the Taft High boys’ tennis team They now have a varsity explained. “But they came out and has worked hard and shown their team coached by English teacher executed the fundamentals and dedication to the sport. extraordinaire Jim Carnal and a JV The TUHS varsity boys game plans like they did so they Now with Garces out of team coached by popular Spanish basketball team ended the season could compete.” their league and two wins and four teacher Mike Cowan. with a record of 8-18. Although to A few students delivered losses, the boys are battling Golden This year’s varsity team some this record may seem disap- standout performances this season. Valley and Shafter for fourth place consists of five seniors (Brian pointing, it was a rewarding year Mark Ruybal led the team in re- in league. Barrazza, Martin Alonzo, Jed to the team of 11 boys as well as bounds and assists, with eight re- “I hope we can get a good Lehman, Justin Owens and Matt coach Mark Ruybal. bounds and seven assists per game. place,” says number two player, Turner), two juniors (Danial Lewis “This team put out 110 per- J.C. Chitwood was the leading senior Martin Alonzo. “So it can and J.R. Paine) and one freshman cent effort every game,” Ruybal three-point shooter, with 40 three- reflect all the hard work our coach (Robert Terry). said, “The only way they could pointers overall. Andrew Carter has put into making us worthy “Robert is a real bright have done better is by giving 120 was the team’s leading scorer with players.” spot,” Carnal says. “And Danial per cent, which is impossible.” 267 points for the season. After intense practices, the and J.R. have developed into two This year’s team put forth This year’s MVP award players and coaches feel confident. good players. They are very serious much effort and had a heart for went to Mark Ruybal, the Top Gun “They have quite a bit of about tennis. They are always out competition. Although they weren’t award went to J.C. Chitwood, the Junior Danial Lewis is having an depth and are a strong team,” says here on weekends, after practice the strongest team in the league, Mr. Hustle award went to Andrew outstanding season with nine coach Jim Carnal. and off season.” they were the most determined and Carter, the Most Dedicated award wins so far. Photo by Ozella “We’re just trying to get The boys are currently in inspirational. went to Jude Ruybal and the Most Mood/The Derrick better week by week.” the midst of a candy sale fundraiser. “I feel the varsity boys Inspirational award went to Eric demonstrated more determination Jorgensen. This year’s team cap- than any team I’ve ever coached, “ tains were Mark Ruybal and J.C. noted Ruybal, “and I’ve coached for Chitwood. Girls JV basketball finishes with 20-2 record 14 years.” The team went 3-7 in con- Not only did the boys have ference and lost four games by a By Justin Trout Hickman said that the most im- “That was a reality check a heart for the game, they had a total of only 19 points. They could Staff Writer proved player this year was fresh- for us,” said Hickman. “The girls heart for their schoolwork as well. have easily been a 7-3 team rather man Lauren Schroeder. learned that they could be beaten Not once did the boys let their than a 3-7 team. With a record of 10-0 in When asked what the most and that they could still improve. grades fall due to practices or “After watching some of league and 20-2 overall, girls JV memorable moments of the season Losing adds character.” games. Academically the team av- the playoff games, I truly feel this basketball wrapped up another fan- were, Coach Hickman responded, Hickman has ambitious eraged a GPA of approximately 3.7. team was in the top eight teams in tastic season with a bang. “Every practice was memorable.” plans for next season. The team was friendly toward each the central valley,” commented Coach Ryan Hickman said, He also said that winning “I definitely would like to other on and off the court. Ruybal. “The season was excellent. Early on the Taft tournament against be SSL champs again and to beat “The boys represented Ruybal is very proud of his there was a little tension, but once Stockdale was quite memorable Centennial.” their school and team with class,” 2004-05 varsity basketball team, that was settled the girls bonded because “that really made the girls But for now, he’s enjoying Ruybal said proudly. and he has confidence that next and we knew our biggest enemy feel like they could do anything.” this year’s accomplishments. After this year we have year’s team will achieve even more was ourselves.” The two games that the “They were a fantastic much to look forward to in upcom- than this year’s team. The season MVP was team lost this year were against group of girls and I enjoyed having ing years. “This varsity team will be sophomore Maclane Cramer. Centennial. the privilege to coach them.” “It was so good to watch a better next year,” said Ruybal. Page 8 ENTERTAINMENT April 5, 2005 A fond farewell to a friend I never met: Gonzo journalist Hunter S. Thompson

By Jessica Miller Entertainment Editor

Although I have been writ- ing stories for most of my life, I never really thought about journal- ism. It wasn’t until I read ‘Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas’ by Hunter S. Thompson that I really desired to be a journalist. I read the book in a week and I thought...Good God, this man is a GENIUS! From then on I knew I wanted to write news- paper articles like Hunter S. Th- ompson, the father of “Gonzo” jour- nalism. Gonzo journalism is de- scribed as a novelistic approach to Cure for writer’s block? Thomp- writing a newspaper story. It also son takes out his frustration on his involves putting yourself into the typewriter near his Colorado article. Thompson was the master mountain home. of Gonzo. Reading his articles, you feel like you are old friends and he is telling you a story. It feels like he was just a favorite author of mine. into writing about politics and the lived a “fast” life, consuming copi- wrote the article just for you, to tell But, I got to thinking...he Hells Angels. The narration of these ous amounts of drugs and alcohol. just you the story. He was a gifted wasn’t just an author, he was my stories never changed. It was al- It was really amazing that he lived storyteller. role model, he was the whole rea- ways something wild and crazy as long as he did. In the last few Sunday night, February 20, son why I went into journalism. I told from his drug-distorted point years, Dr. Thompson had been very I was winding down from a good hadn’t lost my real father, but I had of view. ill and was in a wheelchair most of weekend. I walked into my parent’s lost my father of writing. My tears Dr. Thompson lived such a the time due to chronic pain. The room to get something and my were justified. varied life. He followed the Hells literary and journalism world has mom said, “Hunter Thompson shot Hunter Thompson, aka Angels around; he ran for sheriff of lost a great mind. himself.” Raoul Duke, was 67 years old. His Aspen, Colorado in 1969; he cap- Thompson describes him- I couldn’t believe it. It was life was more about quality, not tured life on the 1972 campaign trail self best: “One of God’s own proto- like someone telling me my father quantity. He wrote more than 10 with Richard Nixon and life on the types. Some kind of high powered had just died. I left their room in books, he wrote for Rolling Stone 1992 campaign trail with Bill mutant never even considered for tears. I was crying for him and I felt magazine and in the last few years Clinton. He did all these things and mass production. Too weird to live, stupid for it. I didn’t know this man, he contributed to ESPN.com. He wrote intense and detailed stories and too rare to die” he was not a family member or a spent the beginning of his career about his insane misadventures. Rest in Peace, Hunter S. friend or even an acquaintance...he writing about sports, then moved Dr. Thompson definitely Thompson. Book Reviews TV Review Mars Volta returns with ground- breaking Frances the Mute CD diers and civilians alike are trans- formed as a consequence of the war’s tragedy. Cold Mountain is not only an inspiring story, but also a tear-jerking, tragic love story that will embed itself into your heart and mind and keep you transfixed until the last page. -- Vanessa Bowen

Cold Mountain Charles Frazier Frances the Mute is on the word “long.” Coming in Readers who like to chal- The Mars Volta at 76 minutes, it is nothing to laugh lenge themselves, and push their at. Three of the five songs include mind to the farthest extent of their By Justin Trout several sequences and changes, imagination, should read Cold Staff Writer which in themselves could be con- Mountain by Charles Frazier. Point Pleasant sidered an entirely new song. Based on the local history Fox, Thursday 9 p.m. The duo who formerly led The CD starts off with the and family stories passed down by At the Drive-in has done it again in tumultuous “Cygnus.... Vismund Frazier’s great- great-grandfather, When Christina Nickson their new release, Frances the Mute. Cygnus,” and its four sections, with Cold Mountain is the heart-wrench- (Elizabeth Harnois) washes onto The Mars Volta have taken their audacious melodies and superb ing narrative of a wounded soldier, the shore of Point Pleasant, the once music to a brave new level with guitar work setting the tone. “The Inman, who treks away from the peaceful existence of the small sea- their refreshing use of anarchic psy- Widow” is the first single and is by desolate ruins of the Civil War to side community is turned upside chedelic soundscapes. Cedric far the best choice, since it is the his waiting sweetheart, Ada. Bad down. Bixler-Zavala’s voice is reminiscent shortest song at just under six min- Frazier divides the story Jean Ferris The hot local lifeguard of 70’s rock singers such as Robert utes long and seems the most radio- between Inman’s homeward Jesse Parker (Sam Page) brings Plant or the vivacious lead singer friendly. progress and Ada’s struggle to Being a teenager isn’t easy Christina to the local doctor and his of the MC5, Robert Tyner. Once Next comes “L’ via L’ make it on her own after her father for Dallas. Her mother died of an family, who immediately accept her again Omar Rodriguez-Lopez leads viaquez,” a hauntingly refreshing dies and she is left with a farm and overdose when she was only a tod- into their home for as long as she’d the way with his virtuoso guitar. song chock full of Mexican influ- no knowledge of how to run it. dler, and her dad thinks she is ex- like. He is supported by the soulful and ence. A rock band must be com- At the start of the story, actly like her mother, which doesn’t As she searches the town boisterous piano player, Ikey mended for incorporating such di- Inman is critically wounded in the help them to get along. She rebels for clues to the mother who had Owens (formerly of the Long Beach verse influences into their music, fighting outside of Petersburg and, against everything he tells her to disappeared from her life, Dub All-Stars). but then again The Mars Volta is not after a rough inspection, is “classi- do. Christina’s presence has a pro- Frances the Mute is doused an average rock band and so the un- fied among the dead and put on a Failing to stand up against found effect on the town’s resi- in despair and is the band’s defini- expected is really never unexpected cot to do so.” peer pressure gets Dallas into seri- dents, awakening repressed feel- tive album to date, showing their in their music. When his body refuses to ous trouble. After her best friend, ings, unlocking secret desires and ability to conceive a unique and “Miranda That Ghost Just comply, he is moved farther south her best friend’s boyfriend and her heightening the emotions of some unconventional sound. After creat- Isn’t Holy Anymore” is a monstros- to a hospital where he can recover boyfriend talk her into robbing a otherwise “calm” residents. ing such a revered album with their ity, with four interwoven pieces that at his leisure. During the long Jiffy Spot, she gets busted and sen- As Christina probes debut, De-loused in the Comatorium, could be an entire CD itself. Finish- months of his recovery, he struggles tenced to six months in the Girls’ deeper into the history of Point the boys have stepped it up and ing at just over 31 minutes, it is by to lose the hated numbness put on Rehabilitation Center. Pleasant, she comes to the realiza- have not fallen short of creating an far the most noteworthy composi- against the carnage he has seen in Dallas soon learns who her tion that she has never really utterly timeless piece with their tion on the entire album. Closing the war. true friends are. Life on the inside known her “real” father. She is, in new album. the album is the glorious five-part Inman also tries to hold on is much easier than the outside, and fact, offspring of the devil himself. As with their debut CD, “Cassandra Geminni.” Set in the to the shred of sanity that is left of Dallas learns to shape up her life While Christina struggles Frances the Mute follows a theme same despondent tone as “The his former self. and get her act together before she to control the demon inside of her, but is not a sequel to its predeces- Widow,” it brings forth a cataclys- Knowing that he would falls even further than she already and the powers that come with it, sor. The album is based upon a jour- mic and unnerving feeling that will soon be deemed fit to go back into has. the fight for her soul begins, and the nal former band mate Jeremy Ward have the listener on their knees as battle, Inman gathers up his few This book will make read- town of Point Pleasant is the battle- came across while he was working Zavala utters the last lines: “No belongings and heads for home in ers realize the consequences of their ground of good versus evil. as a repo man. The journal con- there’s no light, no there’s no time, the middle of the night. actions. It gives you hope and Watching Point Pleasant tained a life story, and the band you ain’t got nothing, your life was The circle of Inman’s makes you feel for all of the char- has so far proven to be a great way found that they could not decide just a lie.” homeward journey is skillfully bal- acteristics. It shows you how life in to spend time on Thursday nights. whether it was a true story or fic- Frances the Mute has placed anced by Ada’s growing sense of a rehab center differs from life in the Tune to Fox at 9p.m., and prepare tion. They took it upon themselves The Mars Volta in the annals of clas- herself and her connection to the “real world.” This book is so good for an exciting, sexy and fast-paced to recreate the journal in their mu- sic music forever. With an album world around her farm. you can finish it in a matter of hours program that will leave you anx- sic. such as this, people must take no- In this masterful work, without putting it down. iously awaiting the next episode. The album contains only tice of their revolutionary musical Frazier shows how the lives of sol- -- Karissa Adams -- Vanessa Bowen five long songs, but the emphasis vision.