Rafa Heredia Fall sports Halo 3 ODST, starts musical coverage, CD’s and more career, Sports, reviewed, Features, Pages 6-7 Entertainment, Page 4 Page 8

Volume 97, No. 2 Taft Union High School, 701 7th St., Taft, Calif. 93268 November 17, 2009 ASB honors nine staff members at inspiring Veterans Day assembly

By Matt Daniels Staff Writer Taylor says the Air Force played a major role in shaping him into the man he is today. The entire experi- Taft High military veterans were ence provided him with the disci- honored in a brief, but moving cer- pline to accomplish anything he sets emony on November 10, the school his mind to. He encourages anyone day before Veterans Day. The en- who lacks direction and discipline, tire faculty, staff and student body or who just wants to travel, to enlist packed the auditorium to pay trib- in the U.S. Air Force. ute to teachers Mike Colen, Sigi Art teacher Mike Colen was hon- Cruz, Mike McCormick, Doug Tay- ored next. Colen served in the Navy lor and Rick Woodson, as well as from 1966-1970, visiting 13 countries three BVHS teachers who were un- from the Arctic to the tip of South able to attend. America. His ship, the USS York- The ASB, under the guidance of town, was involved in the recovery The ASB held a special Veterans Day assembly to honor the veterans on the TUHS staff. From left, Rick advisor Eric Newton, came up with of the Apollo 8 spacecraft in the mid- Woodson, Gary Morris, Doug Taylor, Mike Colen, Mike McCormick and Sigi Cruz. Photo by Nicole Frost the assembly as a way to recognize dle of the Pacific after the crew made the veterans who work among us man’s first trip around the moon in every day, after having served their late December 1968. The ship was country. also used in the filming of the Pearl Taft community mourns loss of young The assembly began with an a Harbor movie, Tora Tora Tora! capella version of “The Star-Span- Counselor Mike McCormick gled Banner” by freshman Viviana served in the Navy from 1967-1969. student killed in hit and run accident Camacho. Her impressive perfor- He was in the submarine service, By Monica Solis mance received an enthusiastic re- serving on a Sturgeon class nuclear lease lime green and pink balloons Editor-in-Chief sponse from the crowd. Newton fast-attack submarine in the North Friday, Nov. 14 during Nutrition then provided some background Carolina Sub Group #8 for two Break. to the Veterans Day holiday, which years. The loss of a classmate and friend A Mass of Christian Burial was recognizes the armistice that ended Math teacher Sigi Cruz served in has stunned the TUHS campus and held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church World War I at 11:11 a.m. on Nov. 11, the Army from 1993-1996, stationed the entire community, which united on Nov. 15. Ramirez will be laid to 1918. at Fort Stewart, Georgia. In 1998 he in mourning for and celebrating the rest at Taft Cemetery. “Today we honor those men joined the U.S. Army Reserve, as- life of 14-year-old freshman, Odales An arrest was made on the morn- and women who are fighting, have signed to a transportation company Michelle Ramirez. ing of Nov. 11 in connection with her fought, and who sacrificed their that shipped packages all over the On the evening of Nov. 10, death. Police arrested Glenn Travis lives in order to ensure that we have country. His term ended just two Ramirez was walking northbound Russell, 46, after someone saw him our continued freedom in the great- months before 9/11, after which he on the east side of the intersection trying to remove parts from the est country on the planet,” Newton was called back to service in the Re- of Kern and Second Streets, and front of a white Jeep that resembled said. He then asked for a moment serve. Cruz reached the rank of E-5 was more than halfway across Kern the suspect vehicle. of silence for those who gave their Sergeant. Street when she was struck by a car continued on page 5 lives in service to their country. BVHS faculty members Scott just before 6 p.m. With stirring music playing qui- Bennett, Dale Newlove, and Willie According to Taft Police Sgt. etly in the background and a huge Stubblefield also served their coun- Mike Eveland, a vehicle in the slow American flag projected onto a try in the military. lane heading westbound stopped for screen at the rear of the stage, Taft Once all the faculty veterans were her, but the vehicle in the inside lane High’s veterans were called to the on stage together, they were given a did not. The suspect vehicle, a white stage one at a time to be recognized. rousing standing ovation by the ap- Jeep Cherokee, fled from the scene. First up was history and Oil Tech preciative TUHS community. Witnesses called the police imme- teacher Rick Woodson, who served Following the assembly, Tay- diately, but it was too late. Ramirez in the Navy from Sept. 1971-Aug. lor thanked everyone, “especially was pronounced dead at the scene. 1975 during the Vietnam War era. the ASB. That was an exciting and Shock and grief overwhelmed Next was MOT manager Gary memorable experience.” the community when word spread Morris, who served in the Army Woodson echoed Taylor’s re- of Ramirez’s death. Dozens of peo- from 1971-1973 during the Vietnam marks, saying, “The sentiment ex- ple, including friends and family, War. Morris was stationed in As- pressed, and the very well-behaved gathered in fron of Little Caesar’s chaffenburg, Germany, where he audience, made it a very special ex- Pizza for a candlelight vigil. was assigned to heavy transporta- perience.” “She was the greatest person in tion in the 1st Battalion, 7th Infantry Nancy Dyer, the Oil Tech Acad- the world,” said freshman Alondra Division. emy English teacher and a close col- Molina. Math teacher Doug Taylor served league of Woodson, added that “I The community came together Signing Michelle’s Memory Wall on November 12 was a step in the in the Air Force from May 1991 to was very moved by the assembly, on Wednesday, Nov. 11 to host a May 1996. He was stationed in Texas, especially since I was married to a grieving process for many students. Photo by Monica Solis car wash in her honor. A second, Arizona, Alaska and Korea as a crew veteran of the Vietnam War, and I larger vigil was held later that night, chief (jet mechanic) on F-16s. Taylor know servicemen returned to a na- where friends and family gath- was awarded “Best Crew Chief” at tion that did not respect their service ered in prayer and remembrance of his base and was rewarded with the to this country. I am proud that we Ramirez. A bake sale was held on opportunity to fly an F-16 Fighting paid tribute to all veterans.” Saturday, Nov. 14 in front of Save-A- Falcon. He visited the Demilitarized She also noted that “the young Lot Foods to help raise funds for her Zone between North and South Ko- lady who sang the National Anthem funeral. rea. was awesome!” Students wore lime green on Thursday, Nov. 12 in honor of their late friend’s favorite color. The bul- letin boards in the quad were plas- Bubbling Under: What’s Inside tered with green butcher paper, on which classmates and friends could FFA excels at County Fair Page 2 express their feelings. “She was a great friend,” re- AVID and Oil Tech updates Page 3 calls freshman Erica Montoya. “She 2012 urban legend exposed Page 3 would do crazy things to make us The truth behind CSI Page 5 laugh.” Grievance counselors were also Networking sites risk relationships Page 5 on hand to assist coping students. Students attached note cards to balloons in the hope that their thoughts Students gathered in the Quad to re- and wishes would reach Michelle. Photo by Sadie Burton Page 2 News & Opinion November 17, 2009 Lunchtime crowding in quad resolved with addition of more tables

By Taylor Pritchett Staff Writer

Students standing in the sun. Kids clustered on the steps. A short- age of tables. A congested cafeteria. This was what you would have seen if you had looked around the campus of Taft High at lunchtime Patrick Wilke shows off his prize-winning steer at the Kern County Senior Dustin Harlan (left center) was one of 66 people who gave blood last quarter. Fair. Photo courtesy of Teresa Taylor in the recent blood drive. Photo by Karissa Dixon Many people assumed lunchtime crowding was due to the large fresh- FFA members excel at Kern County man class this year. Blood drive collects 66 pints But, according to the Guidance Fair, win seven first-place awards Center, the difference in the number By Karissa Dixon of incoming freshmen between this Staff Writer decided to give blood is because my year and last is minimal. friend needed platelets, so I went to By Nicole Frost The overcrowding problem could The Blood Drive sponsored by Las Angeles to help him. The reason Staff Writer market steer. He not only won for also be due to the fact that fewer stu- The Key Club on Oct. 13 produced I continued to donate blood is be- the highest-placing animal but he is dents are eating off campus. 66 pints of blood for Houchin Blood cause I want to help out in anyway FFA members had one of their also the president of the FFA at Taft Campus supervisor Mary Miller Bank. I can to help people survive.” said most successful years at the recent High. He traveled to Indianapolis agrees that more students are eating Although 85 people signed up to Counselor Mike McCormick. Kern County Fair. Many students to attend the national FFA conven- on campus. give blood, 19 were unable to donate After a donor gave blood they and their animals placed at the Fair tion ,which was held from October “It’s just so expensive,” says due to various reasons. Some people were provided with a snack to get and seven of them raised first-place 20-25. Miller. had health issues, others had a new their blood sugar level back up so animals. “The convention was good,” said “And the food here really isn’t tattoo and, in a few cases, some peo- they would not faint because of loss “We had a lot more kids in the fair Wilke, “The National Convention is that bad.” ple failed to show up, possibly due of blood. this year and we did much better,” the highest point of FFA competi- Most parents just can’t afford to to fear of needles. Of the 66 blood “The doctor let me have three said advisor Teresa Taylor. “This is tions. Also, this year has been great have their students eat off campus donors, 55 were first-time donors, cheeses and two orange juices and our fifth year showing in the fair. We and FFA has really helped me up- every day in these difficult econom- an encouraging sign. told me that I was a brave soldier.” won many more prizes and this was grade my speaking and leadership ic times. “The reason I gave blood was be- said senior Jeremy Miller. the best year so far.” skills.” But, thanks to the MOT depart- cause it was a great opportunity for This was the first blood drive this Students who participate in the Another standout student, ment, a few more tables were added students to give back to the commu- year but there are still two more op- fair spend months taking care of Thomas Grauer, raised and showed in the quad, which has helped re- nity, and now that I am old enough, portunities for those who would still an animal to prepare it for auction. the reserve champion Hereford mar- duce the problem of crowded steps I thought that I should give back,” like to donate. The next blood drive Their animals are judged by their ket steer and placed first in the Se- But there’s really nothing that can said senior Chelsea Skinner. will be held on Jan. 12. weight, muscle and market value nior Beef Leather Lead at the fair. be done about the cafeteria. There Even though there was no exact “I thought the blood drive was and the showmanship of the student “We had a good year and did well just isn’t room to add more tables. goal for the blood drive, The 66 pints pretty fun and very organized, said presenting them. at this year’s Fair. We also did well Fortunately, the crowding prob- donated is a good result, Counselor senior Ashley Hartness. “They were “It went well. It was more orga- at Jackpots, conferences and compe- lem has been reduced by the addi- Mile McCormick hit the four-gallon very nice and caring about every- nized last year, but we won more titions. This summer we had a con- tion of the new tables in the quad mark. one. I just wanted to give blood so prizes this year,” said FFA reporter ference in Washington D.C. where And when the economy im- “I have given blood 32 times that maybe someday I could possi- Cristina Loza. all of the officers went to work on proves, more students will likely over the years but the reason I first bly save someone’s life.” One of the many standout FFA leadership skills,” said Grauer. resume eating at the local fast-food students, Patrick Wilke, blew every- Many prizes were won and a lot joints, reducing cafeteria and quad one away by raising the champion of money raised by the participants crowding. Kern-fed and bred market steer and in the fair. The 2009 fair proved to be the reserve champion shorthorn very successful for the FFA. The Gusher Taft Union High School 701 7th Street Taft, CA 93268 (661) 763-2300 On the Spot: What are you afraid of? Adviser: Bill Wolfe Survey and Photos [email protected] By Grecia Almaguer Staff Writer The Gusher is a monthly publication of the journalism class at Taft Union High School. The Gusher is an open forum for stu- dents, faculty and alumni of TUHS. The opinions and views expressed in The Gusher are the sole responsibility of the staff and do not reflect the views of either TUHS, the TUHS Dis- trict, or the Board of Trustees.

Editor-in-Chief/Layoutw Will Palmer Staff Writers Editor-in-Chief/Copy Editor Grecia Almaguer, Monica Solis Karissa Dixon, Nicole Frost, Shannon Gillespie, Editor-in-Chief/Photo Editor Mersadies Gunter, Freshman Lizbeth Figueroa Sadie Burton Julia Laguna, “I fear the Boogie Man, because he Sophomore Jessa Dahlgren Miranda Landreth, looks weird and lives under my “It bugs me when things are clogged. Features Editors Winter Martin, Devin Marie, Freshman Edtmer Medel bed.” It disgusts me.” Silvia Gervacio Jill Maxcy, Katarina Moore, “I fear snakes because they’re weird Krystle Holder Sarah Muro, Tina Perez, and they slither.” Taylor Pritchett, Nick Ramirez, Sports Editor Brianna Rowden Rod Sanchez

Sophomore Cristina Loza-Perez “I hate crickets! One time when I Junior Patricia Peterson Senior Kasey Stunteback was younger I rode a bike through a Coach Sprague Senior Chelsea Coke “I fear squirrels because they’re vi- “I fear the future because I don’t patch of grass and come to find out “I fear the bus breaking down so we “I fear shaving my ankles because of cious and will attack me.” know what it holds.” that it was full of them; they jumped can’t go kick the other team’s butt.” the way they feel with socks.” all over me with their disgusting legs!” November 17, 2009 News Page 3 Oil Tech Academy keeps students busy with career skills, activities

By Sarah Muro Staff Writer fall, followed by a geology tour of McKittrick Oil Seeps and Carrizo Oil Tech Academy is not only Plain at San Andreas Fault. about oil. It’s much more than that. The sophomores will be self- The Academy covers English taught marketing and continuing to write by Nancy Dyer, World History and work on interview techniques taught by Tim Greer, U.S. History at Oxy-Elk Hills. taught by Michael Goodwin, science “With 138 students this is our taught by Wendy Berry and Eric biggest group yet. We are very ex- Newton. And of course, the history cited about all three classes, and so of oil by Rick Woodson. far it’s been a smooth year,” said “I think that it’s pretty cool that Woodson. we’ve got really good teachers. They English expectations for grades are great at teaching us the history of 11 and 12 will be the same as last oil. I love it,” said Patricia Petersen. year. The seniors will be working on “I think the sophomores will be their senior project all year long. putting pressure on our other class- This project is the most important es,” said Dyer. They want to keep on thing they are doing this year. In top of things and are eager to com- April and May they will be give pete with past projects. Power Point presentations to Wood- Goodwin will be taking over son. The seniors will be job shadow- as the coordinator of the academy Students from the AVID senior class show off their new Netbooks, which were purchased with ing each semester. And taking field within the next few years. a grant from Chevron. AVID teacher Debra Popejoy (far left), Adam Alvidrez from Chevron trips to an offshore platform and a “The academy has really evolved (third from left) and principal Mark Richardson coordinated the trial program. Santa Barbara Channel boat tour of into an outstanding program,” he Platform Holley and the Oil Seeps. said. AVID students prepare for college admissions, success The juniors are working really U.S. History will be undergoing hard to make it to the T.H.U.M.S Is- changes with new technology and By Silvia Gervacio land in Long Beach Harbor. the basic curriculum. Goodwin is al- Features Editor “I’m hoping our juniors this ways making room to improve. The AVID program is in the midst Pepperdine this year. The academ- college admission and financial aid. year will get to go to Long Beach. “I’m trying to give them every of a busy and productive 2009-2010, ic focus this year is critical read- Popejoy and AVID counselor Tam- We didn’t get to go last year,” said opportunity to succeed in whatever the program’s sixth year at TUHS. ing skills. They took the PLAN test my Sutherland drove several se- Woodson. their career focus is. I provide them The year began with a generous (practice ACT) last month. niors to Monterey last month to visit With the help of Oxy-Elk Hills with the tools and expectations in donation, by Chevron, of $10,000 for “AVID sophomores are looking CSU Monterey Bay. They will also they will be taking a tour of produc- order to be a productive, tax-paying Netbooks. The AVID seniors will use forward to the college trips this year. be making a return visit to CSUB. tion and water plant facilities this citizen,” said Goodwin. them as part of a trial program to see Many of them have straight A’s and “Our year is going just fine. It’s if they improve students’ academic all are capable of actually attending just a little busy with getting our col- performance. these colleges,” said Cowan. lege applications done,” said Pope- “I really like the Netbooks,” said The AVID junior class is learn- joy. senior AVID teacher Debra Popejoy. ing how to conduct extensive re- This year the AVID t-shirt theme “They are less trouble and have their search and write a research paper is rock band tour shirts. own individual server.” with sources. The juniors plan to The freshman design features the Popejoy is also working hard to visit Fresno State, CSU Northridge, Aerosmith logo with the motto, “Get help the 50 freshmen adapt to the Loyola Marymount and UCSB. On Your Wings.” Sophomores got The program’s requirements, such as Nov. 7 the AVID juniors who made Rolling Stones logo with the motto taking Cornell notes and participat- 1st Quarter Honor Roll attended the “Satisfaction is being in AVID.” ing in twice-a-week tutorials. The UCLA vs. Washington football game The junior shirt design is based on freshmen will be visiting UCLA, at the Rose Bowl, which the Bruins the cover art from Journey’s Evolu- USC and CSUB, with a special class narrowly won, 24-23. tion album and includes the motto from English professor Michael “I thought the game was amaz- “Journey to Better Future.” The se- Flachmann. ing! It was very intense and energet- nior shirt features the four AVID The sophomore AVID class, ic,” said KasSandra Ramos. teachers dressed up as Kiss with the taught by Mike Cowan, will visit For the 27 AVID seniors, their motto “Rockin’ Out of High School CSUB, Cal Poly, Fresno State and last year is focused on applying for and Rolling Into College.”

Senior Anthony Carino and choir instructor Amanda Locke were Renaissance pleased with the evening’s performance. Photo by Devin Marie makes money First choir concert shows off with recycling wide range of vocal talents program By Devin Marie Staff Writer They started off with their ver- By Julia Laguna sion of the song “Bonse Aba.” Per- Staff Writer After the first choir concert of the fectly harmonized voices filled the school year, it is apparent that the auditorium with glorious music. The Renaissance team introduced TUHS choir is the pride and joy of The song featured a catchy, fun, trib- a recycling program on campus Taft High. al beat, with Heredia accompanying in mid-October. The organization The choir festivities kicked off on the bongos. In my opinion, it stole started the program with the hope with the men’s choir singing two the show. It was very impressive. of raising money. songs, “More Pretty Girls Than It’s no secret that the next solo- “I saw huge waste, and Renais- One” and “I’m Bound Away.” Both ist, Anthony Carino, can sing beau- sance was looking for ways to raise songs were brief but good. tifully. He lived up to his reputation money, so this seemed like a natural As a requirement to go to Fes- as he sang his rendition of “Vergin, fit,” explained advisor Greg Goos- tival, members of the choir are ex- Tutto Amor.” It was impressive to sen. pected to learn and perform an Ital- say the least. Renaissance students play vari- ian song. “I love singing. It makes me ous roles in this project. Cicely Evans The Meso-American Long Count Calendar used by the Maya suppos- Sophomore Cassie Pappas per- happy,” Carino said. was in charge of decorating the recy- edly predicts the end of the world in Dec. 2012. formed a solo “Caro Mio Ben.” She Not to be outdone, the chamber cling cans. Josh Mastrovito, Braxton did not disappoint. choir’s second song, “Steal Away,” Walters, Andrew Smith and Jordon Another soloist, senior Brianna was beautiful to the point of pro- Vermillion are in charge of collecting 2012 urban legend debunked Rowden, sang “Vittoria, Mio Core!” ducing tears. It was obvious that the cans and bottles. Students need After the two delightful solos, the choir was singing their heart out to pour out the liquid in their bottles By Will Palmer it was time for the women’s choir and having fun doing it. and put them in the recycling cans. Editor-in-Chief The theories of exactly how the which performed two songs, “The The chamber choir’s last and Goossen takes the recyclables to world will end vary as well. From a Song in the Air” and “I’ll Make the most interesting song was “And in various local recycling centers ev- December 23, 2012: A date which, planet (named Planet X or Nibiru) Difference.” In the latter song, fresh- the Evening.” The ladies and gen- ery two weeks or so. Where he takes to some, means very little. However, colliding with the Earth to a solar man Kayla Schuyler’s solo displayed tlemen that made up the ensemble them depends on the recycler’s to an entire following of people, flare caused by a galactic alignment her appealing and refreshing voice. pushed out a cart filled with crystal schedules, who’s open and who’s 2012 marks either the beginning of of the sun, Earth and the center of Once the women’s choir was fin- glasses on which select members not. the end or a realization of outside our solar system, it seems like any- ished, another Italian solo was ex- would “play” by encircling the rim They can earn up to $60 a day if forces on a global scale. thing and everything could happen. ecuted. of the glass with a finger. The unique students recycled enough. Renais- The 2012 urban legend started To add to the frenzy, Sony Film Soloist Rafa Heredia sang in music made by the glasses was sance does not usually take in that thanks to the Meso-American (Ma- Studios is releasing “2012,” a movie place of Beau Riddle, who was un- amazing and had a bell-like quality amount because students are not re- yan) Long Count Calendar. The glamorizing what could possibly der the weather. Heredia belted his to its sound. Soloist and senior Erica cycling as much as they could. Each calendar is based upon thirteen happen in 2012 in an action movie song confidently to the entire audi- Miller “played” the crystal glasses. bottle is worth 5 cents. “b’ak’tuns,” or cycles, until it ends. setting. An early teaser trailer for ence and awed everyone. His voice “It’s fun to be able to make music “Here on campus we throw away According to the calendar, the cur- the movie encouraged audiences was pleasant and delightful. with something as simple as dinner around $10,000 a year [in recyclable rent world began at the beginning to “find out the truth” by Google As if the talent in the previous ware,” said Miller about her unusu- materials], and Renaissance is trying of the first b’ak’tun (3,114 B.C.) and searching “2012.” Many officials choirs hadn’t expressed itself with al performance. to put an end to that,” said David will end on the thirteenth b’ak’tun, considered this to be irresponsible utter force, the chamber choir, also The choir’s next performance Dennis, who teaches the TV-video December 23 (or 21,) 2012. advertising and attribute the ad to known as the advanced choir, still will be the Christmas concert on production class with Goossen and Although current Maya scholars the overall 2012 scare. had to perform. Dec. 11. is a dedicated recycler. generally agree that even the Maya 2012 will most likely pass, just Goossen deposits the money to did not think the world would end like Y2K and many other apoca- the Renaissance account, and they on this date, mainstream media lypse scares in the past century. Just use it to recognize students for their have spread the fear of a doomsday in case, though, studying zombie positive attitudes and academic scenario based upon faulty evidence survival guides and learning how to achievement. and questionable authorities. preserve food may not be bad ideas. Page 4 Features November 17, 2009 True story of Thanksgiving more interesting than the legend

By Mersadies Gunter Staff Writer

Most people think they know about the original Thanksgiving and how it became a holiday. But they might be surprised to learn that they have a lot of it wrong. Much of what Americans believe about the Pilgrims and the first Thanksgiving is not historically accurate. In fact, the true story of Thanks- In addition to being a top tennis player and a good student, Veronica giving is much more interesting than Lehman is also a yearbook editor. Photo by Julia Laguna Senior Rafael Heredia is a talented singer-songwriter-musician who the stories we all learned in elemen- has already embarked on a recording career. Photo by Tina Perez tary school. Thanksgiving is traditionally a Veronica Lehman succeeds time to give thanks for the harvest Heredia turns his musical and express gratitude in general. It is celebrated primarily in the U.S. on and off the tennis court and Canada. talent into a career path Although the earliest recorded By Julia Laguna Thanksgiving celebration was on Staff Writer “She will be a good #1 player. Sept. 8, 1565 in what is now Saint She’s going to practice during the By Tina Perez Augustine, Fla., the traditional “first off season; it will help her get a lot Staff Writer thanksgiving” occurred at the site of She’s so fast you can’t see her. better,” he said. for his future. But with the help of Plymouth Plantation in 1621. When she hits the ball she nearly According to Carnal, she’s a Senior Rafael Heredia has his friends and teachers, he was able They wrote about the colony’s rips her opponent’s head off. She good leader who leads by example. achieved much in his young musi- to learn English in less than two first years and about there famous just won’t stop. Well, that’s an ex- In the California High School Tennis cal career. He not only plays the gui- years. repast. But they didn’t record its aggeration but junior Veronica Leh- Classic in Fresno she went 3-2, and tar, but he also plays the piano and Another unusual thing about date or call it a thanksgiving. And man has been #1 on the varsity ten- in the Lewis Cup in Bakersfield she sings. He began to play the piano Heredia is that he attended the in- they didn’t specify turkey as one of nis team for almost two years and again finished 3-2. nine years ago, and his grandfather auguration of President Obama last the dishes served. she is a force on the court. “She plays other #1 girls every- taught him to play the guitar. The January in Washington, D.C. Stu- The Pilgrims didn’t even intend Lehman started playing tennis where we go,” said Carnal. “She is singing just followed. He even sings dents and teachers were selected to for the Indians to join them in their her freshman year and has been the best player for her grade. She’ll in the choir at his church, Templo attend. Heredia was selected along feast. More than 90 Indian “friends” working her way up ever since. Her have a better chance of winning as a Agua Viva. with several other students from showed up uninvited. They hunted strengths on the court are her con- senior with one more year of experi- Heredia took his dream of being Kern County. deer, adding venison to the three- sistency and accuracy. Lehman had ence.” a musician and set it into motion. He “Mrs. Peavyhouse just picked me day feast that followed. 15 wins overall this season. Lehman’s plans for the future in- recorded his own Hispanic Chris- and I was like, ‘Wow’,” says Heredia. The menu also included fish and “It’s just fun. The girls are fun,” volve college. tian CD. With the help of his man- “I went alone so I was kinda scared, corn. Although pumpkin pie, sweet she said, of the tennis team. “I’d like to go to college and fig- ager and producer, Gustavo Lima, but I met a lot of people.” His trip potatoes and cranberry sauce are Lehman started off working with ure it out from there,” she said. he was able to accomplish his goal. to D.C. lasted one week, which he traditionally included in today’s coach Adeana Furman as a fresh- Lehman is interested in attend- “There are three words to de- spent sightseeing. Thanksgiving dinners, there is no man. ing the Air Force Academy or a col- scribe Rafa’s singing, a-ma-zing,” “Rafa has a real heart for mu- written evidence that they were in- “I just decided I wanted to play,” lege in California. She hopes to play says Heredia’s “pal,” senior Kathy sic,” says visual and performing arts cluded in the original feast. she explained. in college. Lopez. Lopez, who is a member of teacher Amanda Posey. “His love It wasn’t until the nineteenth Lehman has been working with “I’d like to continue playing,” the same church choir, knows first- for life shows through his music.” century that writers discovered the varsity tennis coach Jim Carnal for she said. hand of his musical talents. In addi- Posey describes Heredia as “a really actual 1621 meal, reintroducing it as two years. She uses a Wilson racket Lehman’s academic strength is tion to music, Heredia is able to stay cool guy” and an incredibly talented the “first Thanksgiving.” The key and said that the secret to becoming math, and she enjoys being a stu- on the Honor Roll, and he is on the student. person in this reintroduction was a good tennis player is “practice, dent aide. On occasion she plays swimming and diving team and the Based on his current success in Sarah Josepha Hale, a New Hamp- practice, practice.” piano. In her spare time she enjoys soccer team. the future is imminent. Heredia’s sire native who wrote the very well Lehman’s goals for this sea- hanging out with friends and going “By putting everything in God’s many talents and good fortune in known “Mary Had a Little Lamb.” son were to improve her serve and to the movies. hands, I hope to succeed,” he says. being able to get a head start in his She campaigned to turn this New take her game to the next level. She Lehman’s advice for other stu- When he arrived in the U.S. dur- career. England rite into a national holiday. practices for two hours after school dents who are trying to excel in both ing his sophomore year, he didn’t “Rafa is way different from your In the midst of the Civil War, and occasionally on weekends. Dur- athletics and academics is, “Don’t know any English and he was afraid average guy,” says Lopez. President Lincoln proclaimed the ing the week Lehman doesn’t hang overload yourself. Limit yourself last Thursday of November 1863 as out with anyone and tries to get her to only a few classes that you like. Thanksgiving. work done. Manage your time, school first. If Over the years Thanksgiving has Carnal sees great potential in Le- you have a project, don’t wait until come to be an annual celebration on hman. the last minute. Get it done!” the last Thursday of November. The Pilgrims might be surprised if they Halloween Rally highlights knew this.

Broad Horizons takes students on Jeremy Miller and Justin Uribe confuse Hannah Koerner, Devin Marie and Jordan the crowd as Anakin Skywalker and Darth Yarbrough pose as the Zombified Jonas field trips to a brighter future Photo by Sadie Burton Vader. Photo by Sadie Burton Brothers. By Silvia Gervacio Features Editor member Evelyn Garcia. “We wanted to get a lot of money to donate for Have you ever wanted to be in the scholarship.” a club where your goal is to go on The group uses the money for field trips? If so, Broad Horizons is field trips that would be a fun and the club for you. memorable experience. A few things Reading teacher Lisa Polk had they’ve done are bowling, ice- a student come up to her one day skating, pool parties and trips to the with great ideas he had learned beach. when he attended Chicano Youth “I really enjoyed our bowling Leadership. trip; it was fun,” said junior Jazmin “He guilted me into helping Camarillo-Flores. him create a club which introduced In addition to their field trips, them to things, hence the name they are planning to go to the L.A. Broad Horizons,” said Polk, the club Zoo and the Edwards Theatre in advisor. Bakersfield. The club earns money for their The only requirements to join trips by holding fundraisers such as Broad Horizons are to attend car washes, yard sales and the great meetings and must be involved idea of “Wildcats Forever” t-shirts; with helping the club raise money Cicely Evans attempts to discern a the club thought it was appropriate to make field trips possible. “body part” in one of the Halloween to donate their funds to the Shaye “Our club is fun. You learn Peter Galvan, Alberto Uribe, Andrew Rally contests. Photo by Sadie Burton Fields Memorial Scholarship Fund. and do things you might not have Arellano and Edgar Padilla as “terrror- “All members tried hard to sell as done before,” explained the always ists.” Photo by Sadie Burton many shirts as possible,” said club enthusiastic Polk. November 17, 2009 Features Page 5 How and why colors affect people’s moods

By Katarina Moore Staff Writer

In 1666, Sir Isaac Newton discov- ered visible colors when white light passed through a prism, thereby revealing different colors. He also found out that each color is com- prised of a single wavelength and cannot be separated any further into other colors. Most of the colors are divided The truth behind CSI into two different groups, warm and cool colors. The warm colors are red, orange and yellow, and the cool col- By Monica Solis ors are blue, green and purple. Dif- Editor-in-Chief analysis made by people with mini- mal credentials. ferent colors have different effects In fact, according to the American on people’s feelings and moods. With shows like the CSI franchise Society of Crime Laboratory Direc- Blue represents calm, harmony taking over nighttime television, tors, no advanced degree is required and trust and is known for slowing it makes one wonder, how much for a career in forensics. This can re- down the pulse rate, lowering body of the show is actually true? These sult in a huge problem if it leads to a temperature and reducing your ap- shows depict forensic examiners wrong accusation. petite. Blue is often considered to be unraveling difficult cases using cut- Also, submission rates to labo- the safest global color. ting-edge technology in a matter of ratories across the nation have gone Green is known to be one of the just a few days. up at a time when there are back- most popular colors. It represents Crime scene investigators, logs in staff. The National Institute nature, health, good luck, youth and dressed in fancy designer clothing, of Justice has estimated there are generosity, but also misfortune. In arrive at the crime scene and in just somewhere between 200,000 and some tropical countries green is as- minutes they determine whether 300,000-backlogged DNA samples sociated with danger. it was murder or not. They spend alone. People who watch shows like Orange is the combination of a few more minutes gathering evi- CSI, including cops and prosecu- yellow and red. It expresses energy. dence, ranging from fingerprints, tors, put a lot of pressure on the labs Orange brings up memories of fall Students in Kathrin Hueppi’s 9th grade class at Rapperswil Secondary hair, and skin cells to, in some cases, to produce results. This clogs up the leaves, pumpkins and Halloween. It School in Switzerland use The Gusher to learn more about American vomit, from the scene. labs even more. also represents warmth and enthusi- culture. Photo by Kathrin Hueppi All they do next is enter the in- A lot of people choose to go into asm and grabs attention. formation on a computer and in a forensic science because they be- Red is the color we pay the most few seconds they’ve got a hit, and lieve that it’s just like the show. This attention to. It represents love, the next thing you know they have leads people to choose this as their danger, desire, anger, blood and Swiss 9th grade class uses their first suspect. They then cut to college major. However, when they strength. Red can evoke a fight, raise a flashback scene that depicts some- actually start taking the classes, they blood pressure and pump up the thing that could have happened are disappointed to find out that it’s adrenaline. It wouldn’t be the right Gusher to learn English with that suspect. not what they expected. choice of color to put in psychiatric The show consists of an entire The reality is that one team does wards, prisons or hospitals. By Mersadies Gunter hour going through evidence and not solve the entire crime. Instead Yellow represents joy, happi- Staff Writer extracting DNA from a drop of there are different departments that ness, optimism, imagination, hope, “Writing is hard,” said Nicole. blood. In the end, it turns out to be specialize in a particular part of the betrayal, jealousy and inspiration. “The spelling and pronunciation are the last person they expected. Every case. Real CSIs don’t take finger- Also, the yellow rose is a symbol of Swiss students use The Gusher to different.” episode involves some type of chase prints, they don’t attend post mor- friendship; it’s less passionate than learn English The students said that they want scene, and the capture of the culprit tem examinations, they don’t take red roses. German-speaking students in to learn English because it is a world and finally his interrogation. photographs, examine fires, look at Purple is known to represent Rapperswil, Switzerland use the language. People can speak English The “killer” then explains why footprint marks or tire impressions. spirituality, royalty, nobility, mys- TUHS Gusher to help them learn everywhere now, and most of them he killed that person and a flash- A Medical Examiner (coroner) is tery, wisdom, transformation, cru- English. This English 9 class is would like to travel and speak with back sequence ensues. In the case of the only one who examines the body. elty and mourning. Purple dye was taught by Kathrin Hueppi. other people using English as a com- CSI: Miami, the episode ends with He then submits the report to other made from the mucous gland of a Hueppi discovered The Gusher mon language. Lieutenant Horatio Cane delivering investigators. There are those who snail. when her class did a pen pal ex- But perhaps a more important a tense one-liner and proceeding to specialize in collecting data from the Black is the absence of light change with Mr. Wolfe’s English reason to learn English was given put on his shades. scene, and then they submit a report and therefore of color. It represents class in 2000. She decided to use by Nicole: “To understand the songs Leaving the glitz and glamour so that other investigators can look power, sophistication, elegance, it in her English class because she we listen to.” behind, the real world of forensic at it to. After comprising all reports, wealth, fear, evil, unhappiness, sad- has always found it interesting and Hueppi was particularly pleased science is very different from what they get a better understanding of ness, remorse, anger and death. One because “it offers some genuine in- when the first Gusher of the year in- all those shows make it out to be. the case and try to recreate what of the most common superstitions sight into American school life and cluded a profile of Swiss foreign ex- Evidence such as bite marks, blood- happened at the scene. It can often is, “Don’t let a black cat cross your culture.” change student Catrin Reichmuth. splatter patterns, ballistics, and take weeks, months or even years to path.” Hueppi said that she thinks “I have prepared a few questions hair, fiber and handwriting analysis actually know what happened. White is what we see when all English is a good language for her about the article on Catrin, and my sound very compelling in a court- There are however, some posi- colors come together in perfect bal- students to learn because “it is the colleague Jenny will give them to room, but much of the “evidence” tive aspects of these shows. They ance. It represents purity, cleanli- language of worldwide communica- her class, too,” she said. “I will lend rests on a shaky foundation. This have raised awareness and interest ness, peace, innocence, youth, ste- tion.” her all the Gusher papers, as she and is because they are the product of in science. rility and marriage. In Japan, white Hueppi’s students have been her 9th graders are interested in it, carnations signify death. learning English for two to three too,” she added. So the next time you’re wonder- years. They view the U.S. as being Hueppi started studying Eng- ing why you feel so depressed or a “big and powerful” country. They lish at the age of 13, at her second- Social networking sites have like your adrenaline is pumping, expressed a variety of views on the ary (high) school. She studied at look around you and see what col- value of learning English and of the the University of Bern, where she consequences for relationships ors are in your environment. You’ll United States and American life. earned the equivalent of a Masters be surprised by how much colors “America is the land of bound- in Education for teaching in second- less possibilities,” said Nathalie. ary schools (which are for students By Miranda Landreth can affect your moods. The students enjoy American aged 13 to 16). She majored in Ger- Staff Writer “A few days later, Ms. White, For more information, see “Col- who graduated in May, updated her or Psychology” at www.about.com films and TV series, including The man and minored in French, and Facebook status, commenting that and “Colors and Moods” at www. Simpsons, The students view Amer- more than 10 years later went back With tools like social network- her favorite country duo, Brooks & iit.bloomu.edu. icans as cool, nice and a bit crazy. to the university and studied Eng- ing sites and smartphones, keeping Dunn, just broke up. Almost imme- They also think we “love” fast food. lish so she could also teach it in sec- updated with friends is effortless. diately, her roommate responded, “I like Americans. My cousin ondary schools. There is no longer a need to hang writing publicly on her wall: ‘Just lives in America and I like her, but Hueppi has visited the U.S. sever- out with friends to catch up or find like us.’ The two women have barely Michelle Ramirez she is very crazy,” said Dominic. al times, including going to the west out what’s new; you can just go spoken since then.” continued from page 1 Hueppi’s students find the most coast in 1984 for five weeks, to Phila- difficult and confusing aspect of delphia in 1986 for almost a year, to check out their recent updates on Online sites often bring out a Officers have obtained warrants English to be the grammar. They the east coast and Florida with her MySpace, Facebook or read their lat- different side of people. Individu- to search his home and vehicle. If find verb tenses, irregular verbs and family in 1994, and to Canada and est tweets. als can pretend to be anything they found guilty, he could face charges prepositions to be especially chal- the west coast in 2003. On the 2003 It’s just as easy to check up on want and they can also say anything of vehicular manslaughter with lenging. It’s not so much that Eng- trip her family visited Mr. Wolfe and your significant other with just the they want without being questioned gross negligence, felony hit-and-run lish is hard to understand or read, his family in Shafter and stayed at click of a button. Technology is be- about it. Most people seem to exag- and destroying evidence. Bail has but it is difficult to speak. his family’s house at the coast. coming more and more advanced gerate more over the Internet than been set at $37,500. and it seems to be taking a toll on face-to-face Ramirez will always be remem- relationships of all kinds. Others have become obsessive bered for her cheerful attitude and Social networking sites have both when it comes to updating their outgoing nature. Friends refer to good and bad qualities. It’s great if status and tweeting, sharing every- her as a “pocketful of cheer.” She you want to keep in touch with new thing from where they are and what enjoyed attending Friday night foot- and old friends, share your thoughts they’re doing every moment to what ball games and was planning to play or ideas, or even if you just want they are eating. for the school soccer team. something to do in your spare time. Social networking sites and She was a charismatic girl who On the other hand, too much online smartphones are definitely a good always wore a smile on her face. She interaction can hurt not only your thing. You can stay in touch with was very friendly and made friends relationships, but other peoples as people all over the world within sec- easily. well. onds. They have a lot of downfalls Ramirez is survived by her par- In a recent story in the Wall Street though. Talking to people through ents, siblings, aunts, uncles, cousins Journal, writer Elizabeth Bernstein texting and having social network- and many other relatives. She is also told a story of two friends who de- ing sites is great as long as you don’t survived by her many friends. Her Swiss teacher Kathrin Hueppi uses The Gusher in her Eng- veloped a problem due to the social overdo it or let it ruin your relation- family and all who knew her will lish class because “it offers some genuine insight into Amer- networking site Facebook. ships with other people. miss her dearly. ican school life and culture.” Photo by Kathrin Hueppi Page 6 Sports November 17, 2009 JV tennis has strong season, finishes fourth in league play

By Devin Marie Staff Writer

The girls’ JV tennis team has a lot to be proud of. Coming in at fourth in league, and the horde of girls that make up the junior varsity tennis team had a very strong season. “I’d be willing to commit anoth- er year,” says Nathan Usrey about coaching tennis. Matua Iakopo (23) breaks through Independence The junior varsity is made up of High tacklers in an early season game. Photo by many girls, all contributing to the Gary Rennie dynamic that is necessary for a suc- cessful Tennis Team. For example, Frosh football team surges to Geraldine Barrera moved up five ladder positions, Mariah Melton was virtually undefeated and Jessi- undefeated season, SSL playoffs ca Salazar and Trisha Adams were a dominating force as a doubles team. By Nicole Frost Junior Nicole Frost brought more Staff Writer to the team than just athleticism. highlights of the season was shutting “Frost was able to keep team out both Wasco and Tehachapi, two spirit and leadership skills alive,” The frosh-soph football team of the strongest teams in the league. Usrey reports. grabbed the attention of the Taft “We did well this season,” said Adrian Howell breaks a tackle and decides on his next move. Photo by The team lost against Tehache- High community with an undefeated quarterback Vaughn Richardson. Gary Morris pi 8-1 but picked it up on the next season. “We have a lot of good players and game, winning 8-1 against against “We’re doing great!” says coach are undefeated right now.” Shafter on Oct 6. Mark Hutson. “We’re 10-0 as of Hutson, who has been coaching They continued winning, scoring Thursday.” for 37 years, says that these guys Varsity football team, a 8-1 victory against Wasco on Oct Hutson says that it’s difficult are a great group and a lot of fun to 8. to differentiate among the players coach. Unfortunately, they lost their last because they’re all standouts. The frosh-soph team has shown league co-champions, to games against Arvin (6-3) and Ba- The defense has performed that they won’t accept anything less kersfield Christian (5-4) very well this season. One of the than victory. “I like playing tennis. Its always fun even if you lose. But winning heads for SSL playoffs is better,” laughs Juliana “JC” Yar- Cross-Country finishes strong brough, a freshman. By Sadie Burton There is no poor sportsmanship season, with Thompson in lead Editor-in-Chief on this team. As proof all of the girls are ready to improve their skills and By Nicole Frost knew messing up was something I come back next year. Staff Writer The varsity football season is shouldn’t do,” explained Royal. “I cant wait for next year! We’re level runners. At this race, the top coming to a close. The Wildcats have With support from his team and going to be awesome,” Yarbrough This season, the cross-country runners from Taft were Xancale and played well all season and only lost help from his coaches Royal has had gushes. team has run circles around the Thompson. two close games. a tremendous season and a great ex- “We had a really strong team competition. “Mount SAC was a great race,” The team was able to get over perience. that’s proving to be an excellent “This season’s been really good. said Greer. “Our girls took third in a their setback at Templeton at the “I’m glad I was able to accom- feeder program to varsity,” Usrey We have some really fast runners race of over 20,000 runners from 21 start of the season and went on a plish being on varsity this year. It says. and we did really well at SSL,” said schools.” winning streak until late October. was a big honor and I’m ready for junior Travis Morrow. Thompson finished seventh in On Oct. 16 they demolished Arvin next season,” said Royal. Both varsity teams consist of the the County Championship held at 65-6. Major knee surgery can’t stop a top seven runners; there are 24 run- Foothill High School on Oct. 31. Taft “We played with heat and emo- Wildcat, at least not Freddy Tuua- ners total. finished 11th out of 18 teams with a tion and it paid off in the end,” said malemalo. For the boys, top runners include total of 287 points. defensive tackle Derik Casparis. Last track season Tuuamalemalo Rocky Hestand, Devin Capela and The SSL contest was held on Nov. The boys continued to show their was injured while participating in Jeremias Xancale. For the girls, Me- 5. Xancale came in 9th place for the great strength and stamina when the high jump. He suffered from gan Thompson leads the team. boys, and for the girls Thompson they beat the highly anticipated extreme nerve damage and was One of their most recent races finished 2nd, Guitron 5th, Pedroza Wasco on Oct. 23. The game was told he would never be able to play was at the Buena Vista Invitational 9th and Shaela Alvarado 10th. The expected to be close, but the boys sports again. on Oct. 14. Several hundred runners team score was 42. dominated on both sides of the ball, After hard work and physical were present, with over 200 runners Two of the girls’ team’s most shutting out the tigers, 42-0. therapy, Tuuamalemalo is back on in the boys’ JV race. outstanding runners are Marina “We were ready for the game go- the field playing as if his knee were Xancale, Michael Hernandez Johnson and Lilibeth Pedroza. They ing in, played good and came out in perfect condition. and Ty Heiter earned the fastest are two of the very few that have with a win which is all that counts,” “My knee feels normal and I times out of the Taft High boys. Me- run in every race. They both main- said linebacker Blake Emberson. know I’m very lucky to be able to gan Thompson, Daisy Guitron and tain excellent GPA’s and know how The game of the season was play again,” said Tuuamalemalo. Marina Johnson earned the fastest to help out their team. against rival Tehachapi on Oct. The coaches have been a lot times for the Taft girls. “These girls are two out of the 30. The Wildcats took a trip up the of help with training and treatment. In addition to having the fastest five that have attended every race mountain for this important game They assist with working on his leg time for the Taft girls’ team, Thomp- and they are both great additions to They gave it their all but ended and don’t let him push too hard to son is the 2009 Valley Champion. our team,” said Greer. “They have up losing to the Warriors 16-7. Te- worsen the injury. “We did very well at B.V. and we really helped us out and gave us a hachapi was able to score at the end The boys are proud of the work beat a lot of bigger schools,” said good shot at Valley this year.” of what had been a very close game, they have done this season. The coach Tim Greer. “The girls took sec- “This season has been fun so coming away with a key victory. Wildcats definitely proved the point ond place in league competition and far. The team has come a long way “I was very confident going into that they are not a team that can eas- the boys took third place. Megan this year, and next year will be even the game and I believe we were the ily be knocked off their feet. Thompson was the top senior girl in better,” says varsity runner Daniel Members of the JV tennis team better team, but we just didn’t show “We had our off days but when the entire race.” Loza. up completely ready to play,” said we were on track we were unstop- celebrate at a recent tournament. The cross-country team has had Photo courtesy of Nathan Usrey Another recent race, at Mount quarterback Hunter Liljeroos. pable,” said running back Cody San Antonio College on Oct. 23, was a very productive season and they Throughout the season a few Shirreffs. the largest cross-country race in the expect a lot of achievement over the players were able to show tremen- The team wasn’t always given country with over 20,000 high school next few years. dous growth and overcome obsta- the best of conditions to play in with cles. the blistering heat, freezing cold and Underdog is an understatement the many injuries, but they were for the overachiever Brice Royal. always able to suck it up and push JV football team ends league season with big Not letting his age get in the way, through the pain. the sophomore running back/strong “We had to deal with the cards wins over Shafter and Bakersfield Christian safety has survived the season as the we were dealt and I think that we youngest boy on varsity. did a good job of that this year,” said By Will Palmer “I had to step it up mentally and Coach Steve Sprague. Editor-in-Chief “Overall, the season went re- physically,” said Royal. Even though the year is almost ally well,” agreed Jamie Gonzales. His coaches have been a huge over, the boys have high hopes for As the JV football season draws “The games that we lost were a bit help in keeping him up to speed the playoffs and an SSL title. As of to a close, the team can look back at disappointing, but we did well. [At with the other players. Although he press time they were in a three-way a mostly positive experience. Tehachapi] the team played well to- may be young and less experienced, tie for first place with Wasco and Te- The ‘Cats played very well gether. Even though we lost toward when Royal messes up he receives hachapi. against non-league opponents in the the end, it was a good game.” the same treatment as any of the “I’m glad that we were able to early weeks of the season. They got back in the win column other players. have a second chance at SSL, and I But JV had an up and down sea- with a victory over Shafter on Nov. “After being left in Hill’s think- am looking forward to the playoffs,” son in league, finishing 3-2. 6 and Bakersfield Christian, 14-7, on ing position for 20 minutes, I said kicker Ada Figueroa. “The season was a’iight,” said Nov. 13. quarterback Aaron Kolb. “The team worked hard,” said Fans got to see plenty of action They got off to a good start in Ricky Long. “We had a few bumps when they came out to watch the league play with a 20-6 win against along the way, but we pulled to- JV team. Photo by Sadie Burton Arvin. The team then lost to a tough gether as a team and did the best Wasco team, and a week later lost a we could. That’s all anyone can ask close game to Tehachapi, 37-32. for.” November 17, 2009 Sports Page 7

Girls’ golf finishes fourth in SSL

By Grecia Almaguer Staff Writer

As they approached the end of the season with only eight members, the girls’ golf team persevered and finished in fourth place in SSL. “We have a great group of girls and are moving in the right direction for next year,” said Coach Mike Cowan. Throughout the season the girls fought their way through tough competition showing great skill and improvement. One golfer in particular showed these characteristics. “Raveena Bhakta joined the team not being able to hit the ball,” said Cowan. “But as the season went on she became able to hit every single The freshman volleyball team has had a fantastic year, going 10-0 in one!” SSL play and reaching the playoffs. Photo courtesy of Athletic Dept. “I feel that I tried very hard throughout the season and it paid off in the very end,” said Bhakta. Freshman volleyball squad goes “I’m looking forward to the seasons to come.” undefeated in tough league play Haley Walrath (center) has helped lead the varsity volleyball team to a Bhakta is happy with the progress she has made and hopes to improve By Krystle Holder winning season. Angela Dickard and Karlie Twisselman provide sup- “Their girls were tough. They even more in the next two years. Features Editor port. Photo by Winter Martin could get the ball even when it was The girls’ golf team is composed down near their feet,” said Kendal mainly of sophomores, so Cowan is Casteel. “We underestimated them hoping to come back next year with The freshman volleyball team and had to work to pull it through.” Varsity volleyball makes it an even more improved team. has had a big season, taking SSL Though all of the girls were con- First-year golfer Tatiana Alvarez undefeated. They destroyed each of tributors, there were a few that real- made such significant improvement their opponents, ending league play to second round of playoffs ly stood out, namely Casteel, Sarah that she ended up placing fifth in with a 10-0 record. Scovel, and Iotoame. Sierra Melton By Rod Sanchez league. They used team skills, such as was the most improved, according Sports Editor “I was shocked to place fifth in working together and using com- to the girls. the league. It feels very surreal,” munication on the court, to help On Oct. 22 Taft lost to BCHS, 25- “In the beginning she was a little said Alvarez. them achieve their victories. With a record of 5-5 in SSL and 15, 26-24, 15-25, 25-27. scatterbrained, but by the end of the The team’s biggest competition “We would have group talks 26-8-1 overall, the varsity volleyball Taft again outplayed Shafter on season she was in the top five,” said was Tehachapi, which won the SSL. at every game, and afterwards we team has had a good season. Oct. 29, 25-21, 25-20 and 25-15. In Casteel. “She improved not only Taft finished with a round of would do the Wildcat spell-out,” The Lady Cats had a rough start the first set Shafter took the early physically, but mentally as well.” 650, with Alvarez scoring 123 and said Delelia Iotoame. when they lost the league opener to lead at 5-2 and 7-2, but Taft came The girls have the ability to con- sophomore Taylor Kurtz scoring a Though the girls had many dif- Bakersfield Christian on Oct. 6, 10- back to win the set. tinue their on court success with 124. ficulties in the begining, such as 25, 19-25, 25-19 and 12-25. Shafter took another early lead them being freshmen, they can look Girls who are interested in drama, they pulled through with Taft was in a close battle from the in the second set at 4-2. Taft then forward to more wins in the future playing next year are encouraged to victory after victory. start, tying BCHS three times. BCHS grabbed the lead at 14-9. Shafter as they continue to excel in volley- talk to Coach Cowan. Their biggest opponent was then took lead at 19-8, and only al- closed in to 22-20, but Taft scored Arvin. ball. lowed Taft one more point, winning three points and won the set. the set. Taft jumped out in the third set, BCHS kept their lead going in the 10-5. Shafter reduced the Taft lead second set at 8-4. Taft managed to by three before Taft went on to win Varsity girls tennis loses Valley get a lead at 14-13, but it didn’t last the game. long before BCHS came back at 20- On Nov. 3 the Lady Cats lost to quarterfinals after 13-12 season 14 before winning the second set. Wasco, 25-17, 17-25, 16-25 and 10-15. Taft took an early lead in the Two days later Taft lost to Tehacha- By Monica Solis third game at 6-2 before BCHS came pi, 25-15, 25-15, 25-20. Editor-in-Chief back at 8-4. After tying four times, Taft won the first round of the BCHS won the third set. playoffs against Woodlake on Nov. A n o t h e r After tying each other three 10, 25-17, 25-23 and 25-20. season has times, BCHS won the fourth set. In the first set Taft took the mo- come and gone, Taft then went on a three-match mentum early and kept going to but the varsity winning streak. 15-7. Taft strengthened their lead at girls’ tennis On Oct. 8 Taft won against Arvin, 21-10 and allowed Woodlake four team remains as 25-19, 25-19 and 25-19. Taft beat more points before winning the set. strong as ever. Shafter on Oct. 13, 25-18, 25-19 and Taft took another early lead in The Lady Cats 25-13. On Oct. 15 Taft defeated Was- the second set, 3-0 and 7-3. Wood- made it all the co, 27-29, 15-25, 25-16 and 25-18. lake bounced back at 9-8, but Taft re- way to quarter- “We played as a team, not indi- sponded at 12-9. Taft tied Woodlake finals of Valley viduals,” says senior Jordyn Gris- four more times before winning the playoffs, where som. set. they were elim- Taft’s winning streak ended on Like the previous sets, Taft had a inated by Ex- Oct. 20 when they lost to Tehachapi, fast start in the third set, 6-2. Wood- eter, 8-1 on Oct. 25-19, 25-14 and 25-11. In the first lake cut Taft’s lead to two but Taft 29. game Tehachapi took an early lead carried their lead to 19-7. Woodlake The road at 4-1 and kept it going to 14-6, be- started to make a comeback at 23-19, to the quarter- fore eventually winning the game. but the Lady Cats quickly finished finals was not Tehachapi took another lead in the game and match an easy one for the second set, 3-1, and went on to On Nov. 12 Taft lost in the second the girls. After win. Taft tied Tehachapi three times round of playoffs to Chowchilla. facing some in the third set before losing in the With a strong overall record and Trisha Moore jumps for joy at a tough competi- end. having made it to the second round tors throughout “We go into games slightly intim- of playoffs, the girls have a lot to be recent golf match. Photo by Mike Cowan their season, idated. We start off start slow then proud of this season. the girls found pick it up, but we couldn’t pick it up “It was a great season for se- themselves in this time,” said Angela Dickard. niors,” said Dickard. fourth place with a record of 4-6 in league. Taft finished Sophomore Kristen Coke moved up to varsity tennis Winter Sports Schedules 13-12 overall this year and held her own among the more experi- and 4-2 against enced players. Photo by Jim Carnal Division IV Boys Varsity Basketball Boys Soccer teams. Nov. 30 @ Maricopa Dec. 1 Independence In their match against Exeter, the Junior Veronica Lehman is seeded Dec. 8 @ Coalinga Dec. 4-5 @ Liberty Tournament girls met their toughest competitor No. 1, and sophomores Kristen Coke Dec. 10-12 @ Coast Union Tournament Dec. 8 @ Mission Oaks yet. In singles, Exeter’s top five girls and Trisha Adams at No. 4 and 6 re- beat the top five Lady Cats in indi- spectively. Dec. 19-23 @ Garces Tournament Dec. 11-12 @ Lemoore Tournament vidual matches. Taft got its only vic- “Overall, we had a good sea- Dec. 28-30 @ Wasco Tournament Dec. 18-19 @ Garces Tournament tory in the No. 6 singles match when son,” said Coach Jim Carnal. The sophomore Trisha Adams beat Ex- team finished fifth in Valley, behind Girls Varsity Basketball Girls Soccer eter’s Jay Jay Knapik, 6-4, 6-4. Taft Immanuel, Granite Hills, Wasco and also lost in doubles matches. Exeter. Nov. 30 @ Maricopa Dec. 1 @ Independence “It was a really tough game, but Although they will be losing Dec. 20-5 @ Selma Tournament Dec. 5 Taft Tournament we tried our hardest,” said senior some of their players after gradua- Dec. 8 @ South Dec. 8 Mission Oaks Paige Schoneweis. tion, the underclassmen players will Dec. 9-11 @ Porterville Tournament Dec. 9-12 @ Parlier Tournament Exeter played their top seven hold the team together next year. players, who all happened to be se- There will be a winter clinic for Dec. 28-30 @ Garces Tournament Dec. 18-19 @ Garces Tournament niors. Interestingly enough, some of any girls interested in playing tennis the top Taft players are not seniors. or who already do. Page 8 Entertainment November 17, 2009

people. They have a very unique Halo 3 ODST expands top CD REVIEWS and accessable sound that is both mellow and electric. The members of Parachute come series into new territory from Charlottesville, Virginia and are currently touring and promoting Ghosts” that show off Paramore’s their debut album, “Losing Sleep.” ability to be a dynamic band. By Rod Sanchez Since their graduation from college sa. After a quick tutorial, you begin Each of the songs, regardless of Sports Editor in May 2008, they have toured with your search for the other ODST’s. their differences, is obviously Par- artists such as O.A.R., Switchfoot, Level progression is different this amore. The mixture of catchy rock Duffy and 3 Doors Down. Halo 3 ODST is the latest entry in time around. Instead of just moving beats, meaningful lyrics, and lead “She is Love,” one of the hit sin- the Halo series. The game is less of a from one level to the next in a lin- singer Hayley Williams’ powerful gles from their debut album, is one sequel, but rather an expansion. ear path, you explore a hub world voice makes their songs recogniz- of their more popular songs. This That said, it might seem odd that as you make your way to the next able and undeniably theirs. Muse song has a very carefree feel and a the game sells for the same price clue, unraveling the mystery of your The band was formed in Frank- The Resistance romantic beat. It is definitely one of as a full game. You definitely get missing team. lin, Tenn. in 2004 and consists of those songs that can easily get stuck your money’s worth with this game, After finding a clue, you enter By Will Palmer Williams, Josh Farro (lead guitar and in your head. however. a flashback sequence in which you Editor-in-Chief backing vocals), Jeremy Davis (bass Another one of their songs, “Back The campaign takes place during play as another ODST. These levels guitar), Zac Farro (drums) and Tay- Again,” is more energetic and shows the events of Halo 2 and Halo 3. It are action-filled and are the bread Muse’s fifth studio album, The lor York (rhythm and lead guitar). a different side to their music. is somewhat short, taking about six and butter of the campaign. Resistance, is quite simply put, an Paramore’s name came from the Their songs tend to be catchy hours to complete when playing at a The story is well-written but too amazing album. Having never heard maiden name of one of their first bass and have good lyrics. In general, fairly progressive pace. brief to allow any character develop- the award-winning British trio be- players. After learning the meaning Parachute makes broad, stereotypi- The game features some changes ment. This is disappointing consid- fore, I must say I was pleasantly sur- of its homophone “paramour,” se- cal pop-rock music which makes in the usual Halo formula. ering you play as these various char- prised; the amount of influences and cret lover, they decided to keep the them a good band to listen to if you As opposed to acters throughout sounds heard in the album is incred- name and the unusual spelling. like a little bit of everything. previous games, the game. ibly deep and impressive. Brand New Eyes is a hit and has One my favorite songs, “The you do not play The game The album begins with the pop- the potential to be just as big as their Mess I Made,” is a more melancholy as the familiar also features a rock song “Uprising.” From here, previous CD, Riot! tracks off of their album. Master Chief new co-op mode you can tell the pattern in the lyrics; Parachute’s mixture of pop and or Arbiter. In- called Firefight. a quasi-rock-opera storyline begins rock music make them a band that stead, you play In Firefight play- to unfold. The album has an anti- anybody from ages 10-157 would as an ODST (Or- ers work to- authoritarian feel overall. love. bital Drop Shock gether to fight The theme continues on the title Trooper), who endless waves of track. Featuring beautiful piano and is referred to as enemies. a catchy beat, “Resistance” is one The Rookie. Firefight can of the best songs on the album. The ODST’s are be played over next song, “Undisclosed Desires,” is controlled the Xbox Live but where the album takes a turn for the same way as the there is no match- worse. The slow, mellow, almost sad previous protag- making for it. R&B sound clashes with the poppy, onists; however, This means that upbeat tone of the rest of the album. there are some you only play “United States of Eurasia” is the changes. with people on standout song on the album. I liter- The most no- your friends list. ally had to check the music play- ticeable change is This is a disap- list to ensure I was not listening to Mindless Self Indulgence that ODST’s have far weaker armor. pointment because Firefight is best Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody.” if As a result, you will find yourself in enjoyed with more players. The influence is blatantly evident By Brianna Rowden low health more easily. Halo 3 ODST includes a second and is quite a gutsy move on Muse’s Staff Writer There is no equipment as in Halo disc, called Mythic, for multiplay- part. The song is a good display of Brand New 3. Instead there is the VISR, which er. The disc includes every DLC the band’s talent. Daisy is like night vision goggles that also map released for Halo 3, as well as “Guiding Light” seems scattered “If.” If only they had ears. May- tell the enemy from an ally. In all three new maps that are exclusive to and incoherent compared to the rest be then Mindless Self Indulgence By Sarah Muro honesty, it’s useless. ODST. of the album. It is one of the few could actually hear what their mu- Staff Writer Also gone is the dual-wielding The Mythic disc is a nice addition poorly written songs on the album sic sounds like. Lead singer Jimmy function introduced in Halo 2. This to the game for those who don’t al- and seems like a sad excuse to create Urine hits high notes that not even a Brand New, the alt-rock band might seem like a downer at first, ready have Halo 3. a sing-along power ballad. “Unnatu- young female can manage. from Long Island, New York, initial- but after an hour or two of playing, Halo 3 ODST may not be of the ral Selection,” on the other hand, is a Mindless does indeed come to ly had a pop-punk sound with raw you’ll hardly miss dual-wielding. same caliber as others in the series, upbeat, almost beach/surfer-sound- mind when you consider how few and stirring lyrics up until their sec- The campaign starts with a cine- but its still a great game. The cam- ing rock song which rides from one instruments they play, and that their ond album, Deja Entendu, released matic opening in which the ODST’s paign is short, but Firefight and the catchy riff to another. songs have such simple chords that in 2003. The lyrics matured, moving are dropped into planet earth and Mythic disc more than justify buy- “7 MK Ultra” is a straightfor- a six-year-old could play them. The away from their earlier pop-punk land in a city called New Mombas- ing this game. ward alternative rock song, while music is repetitive and sounds like a sound to a more indie-alternative “I Belong to You” is a ballad sung in squirrel on fast-forward, to the point sound like their newest album, Dai- both English and French, showcas- where most of the words can barely sy. If you like Sunny Day Real Estate ing Muse’s unique talents. be heard. The song title “I Want a Lot and Manchester Orchestra then you Classic video La Bamba captures However, nothing on the album of Profanity” says it all. The words will most likely love listening to showcases their talent more than the are not only politically incorrect, but Brand New’s “brand new” sound. three-part “Exogenesis Symphony,” dead wrong. Some fans are disappointed that life and music of Ritchie Valens a 15-minute “symphony” that was Admittedly, the word play and the titles of the tracks are simple evidently “a few years in the mak- metaphors are very creative, includ- and short, unlike previous titles By Monica Solis ing.” This is not hard to believe, as ing their way of rebelling by laugh- like “Okay I Believe You, But My Editor-in-Chief the symphony is both intricate and ing at current trends and politics. Tommy Gun Don’t” and “Jude Law tive father doesn’t want her dating enticing, as well as very emotional. Mindless Self Indulgence cannot and a Semester Abroad.” But again, La Bamba is based on the true a Mexican boy and forbids their The Resistance may not be per- be placed under one genre. They are it shows maturity and growth for a story of Ritchie Valens, a young rock romance. After secretly dating for fect, but it is clear why Muse has a mix of techno, punk lyrics, rap and band that has been around for al- & roll singer who died tragically in a long period of time, he writes garnered so much attention over the screamo delivered with an industri- most a decade. a plane crash at the age of 17. The the song “Donna,” dedicating it of years. This album has made a fan of al sound. Urine describes it as “In- Opening track “Vices” starts with film, released in 1987, follows Ritchie course to his girlfriend. me, and I’m sure it will turn tons of dustrial Jungle...Punk.” a voice no one can forget. It makes from his days in Pacoima, Califor- Soon enough, he starts gaining listeners into fans as well. “If” is more “poppy” than their an otherwise unbearable track quite nia, where he and his family lived, popularity, scoring radio and con- other albums. It contains more hit enjoyable, despite the more screamo to his rise to cert success songs such as “Evening Wear” and edge this albums offers. stardom. The with hits like “I Never Wanted to Dance.” However, Daisy does have its film also focus- “La Bamba,” Many artists have found MSI such share of problems. Despite the more es on Ritchie’s “C’mon Let’s as Brokencyde, and have opened mature voice, the lyrics of these new friendship and Go,” and for bands such as Rammstein and songs aren’t as creative and don’t rivalry with his “Donna.” His My Chemical Romance. MSI con- hit as close to home as they did in older brother half-brother, sists of four members: Little Jimmy “I Will Play My Game Beneath the Bob and his re- Bob Morales, Urine, Steve Righ?, Lyn Z and Kitty. Spin Light” and “Tautou.” Despite lationship with feels resent- Obviously they don’t like their real Brand New’s development on this his girlfriend ment towards names. album, the songs tend to sound the Donna. Ritchie, be- Overall Mindless Self Indulgence same. Ritchie Va- cause his mom can be summed up with the title “If.” The truth is, after the band’s lens, played by has always en- As in it’s iffy on whether this is a hit three-year absence, any Brand New Lou Diamond couraged his album or not. is better than no Brand New. Fans Phillips, is the musical talent. who adore a sound more like their typical high When Ritchie Paramore 2006 CD, The Devil and God Are Raging Inside Me, will like the tone school Mex- starts making Brand New Eyes ican-Ameri- money, Bob re- and pace of this new album. But can boy with acts to his fame By Krystle Holder those who prefer the softer tone will dreams of one with vary- Features Editor be left with an empty feeling after day becoming ing degrees listening to this album. a famous rock of pride and Paramore’s new CD, Brand New & roll singer. envy. Especial- Eyes, is a fantastic album that feeds After playing with a local band, he ly when Ritchie is able to buy their the hunger of both long-time fans earns an audition with legendary re- mother a house. and their newer, vampire-inspired In the Next Issue cord producer Bob Keane. Tours follow his chart success un- followers. They achieve the perfect That is when they decide to til the fatal plane crash that claimed blend of both their previous CD’s change his name from Ricardo Va- the lives of Valens, The Big Bopper with the softer sound reminiscent Winter sports coverage lenzuela to Ritchie Valens. After and Buddy Holly on Feb. 3, 1959. of “All We Know Is Falling” and the Renaissance Rally spending time recording songs, he Interestingly enough, Valens had up-beat rocker style of “Riot!” Parachute Vampire book craze appears in an Alan Freed rock n’ roll a fear of flying, and feared that one The album features instant hits Losing Sleep Never Shout Never film, lip-synching his blistering re- day he would die in a plane crash. such as “Ignorance” and “Brick By By Nicole Frost Edwin Cazares profile corded version of “Ooh, My Head.” This tragic incident was memorial- Boring Brick,” that upon release Staff Writer The film also shows how Ritchie ized in the 70’s hit, “American Pie” could be heard on radio stations Edgar Padilla profile falls in love with a girl from school, by Don McLean, who called it “The across the country. It also includes New pop-rock band Parachute How to overcome test anxiety Donna Ludwigis, but her conserva- day the music died.” softer and underestimated songs features a smooth-as-silk style that John Hughes movie tribute such as “Careful” and “Misguided appeals to many different types of