INSIDE: Justice: Vigilante Justice (see page 13)

Serving the Archbishop Mitty Community Volume 20 Number 3 February 2011 The New Hall of Music By Maheen Ahkter and Katya Lohngoen Staff Writers Mitty’s Performing Arts Department has already brought a lot to the table and is now planning to expand its facilities to grow even further. With a continual infl ow of talent, the school faces the dilemma of being unable to support all the goals of the Per- forming Arts Department. Construction will begin in April 2011, and Mr. Brosnan and Mr. Kimont are hard at work hall, a dance studio, a recording studio, and an additional dressing room for dance classes and actors. The new dance studio is sure to be a big benefi t to the experiences and abilities of our dancers. It will take the place of the existing band room and include a professional dance fl oor, mirrored walls, and ballet bars. Ms. Moura, the school’s dance teacher and head coach of the Royals, can’t wait. “We will fi nally have our own space! We’ll have mirrors and our own dance fl oor.” In the past, dancers have often shared space with other classes or sports and even resorted to the cement outside of Aymar, which is terrible for their bodies. With the growing number of dancers, the renovations are certainly exciting. Hand-drawn visual representation of the upcoming Performing Arts Center. Another key aspect of the construction is a full-sized, tiered music hall. The concept of the new hall is to fi t all of music hall. The different levels will be able to enhance the Sophomore Ryan Ballard, a singer in Exodus, shares the school’s fi ve bands and three choirs in one area. blend of their vocals, and they will be able to see the choir his hopes. “Having regular access to a recording studio “The new hall will be two times the existing size of director and hear each other. will give us a leg-up on what it’s like in the actual music our band room and the space can also be used for concerts,” The music hall will also double as a recording studio industry.” says Mr. Brosnan. so the choir and bands can record themselves on stage and Because sending in recordings for pre-screening is The constraints of space are evident with the growing get instant replay. There will be a new recording studio with becoming a more common aspect of applications to perform- program, and the according volume of instruments and other three adjacent soundproof rooms for professional-level re- ing arts colleges, Mr. Brosnan and Mr. Kimont hope to aid equipment. Previously, each student was not guaranteed his cording, which will aid vocalists and instrumentalists alike, students with the addition of the new studio. These recording or her own locker. including Exodus, which previously had to travel to record studios will also be open to use for all other musical groups Junior Cassie Liu, a member of the Wind Ensemble, is its annual CD. or interested students. “really excited about the new concert area. The tiered seats The intention of the new technologies and facilities is The fact that this new facility is soon to become a real- will help the audience hear the music better, especially since to expose the students to a more professional environment ity ensures that all present Mitty students, as well as future it’s hard to hear me play my fl ute over the brass instruments.” and give them a glimpse of real life in professional show Monarchs, will thrive in music, dance, and theater in the Choir students are also awaiting construction of the business. years to come. Mock Trial Reaches Playoffs By Gwen Holst News Editor Congratulations to the AMHS Mock Trial team! These 28 students began preparing in September for their bi-weekly competitions at the Santa Clara Courthouse, which took place over several weeks in February. Dept. chairs Mrs. Nowell and Mr. Brazelton are key players in revamping the History and English programs. The team fi nished 3-1, with victories over Los Gatos, Mountain View, and Lincoln. Two of the team’s victories had margins of twenty-seven and Changes in the Humanities twenty-eight points, a decisive “slam dunk” in the By Payam Mirfendereski and Ryan Kapur realm of Mock Trial, according to teacher-coach Staff Writers Anne Nowell. Archbishop Mitty’s English and History Depart- suitable to third-year students. Thus, there will be no In the quarterfi nals the team lost a dramatic and ments are establishing a multitude of innovative changes World History courses offered on Mitty’s campus next hard-fought match to Lynbrook by just four points. regarding the courses and electives available to students year, as both juniors and sophomores will be taking For the past six years, Mitty has been one of the in the coming years. The goal of these changes is to American History. Classes, however, will still be sepa- twenty or so schools to sport a team and for the past enhance students’ learning experiences while creating rated by grade level to ensure that a solid introduction diverse courses that will be more enjoyable while tapping to writing elements remains an emphasis in both during fi ve has advanced to at least to the quarterfi nals. This the individual talents and interests of teachers. the sophomore year. is especially impressive given that Mitty is one of Foremost on the list of changes is the replacement of World History and WHAP courses will not be taken the few schools that double casts, offering as many World Literature and World History in sophomore year out of the history curriculum, but will return as junior students as possible the opportunity to both perform with American Literature and U.S. History, respectively. courses in the 2012-2013 school year. Mrs. Nowell, the in court before real judges while learning the work- Mr. Brazelton, English department chair, explains that Social Studies Dept. Chair, recognizes the importance of ings of the legal system. novels written by American authors and our common this modifi cation and feels that “the process of studying national history will likely be more accessible to incom- from Civics to American History to World History will Beyond the teams fi ve-year playoff run, the pro- ing sophomores. be more fl uid,” with a gradual increase in content and gram’s success is evident in that every year at least In the Social Studies Dept., the belief is that the workload. Mrs. Nowell explains that junior year religion two-thirds of the students are recognized for their wealth of knowledge taught in World History is more see CHANGES, page 16 outstanding performances. OPINIONS Opposing Viewpoints: Jersey Shore SNOOKI FTW AN ABSOLUTE ABSURDITY By Dillon Williams for its shock factor. By Sneha Singh would fall into the same category as Eleanor Staff Writer Jersey Shore allows people to live Staff Writer Roosevelt or Khaled Hosseini. This barely vicariously through the characters that fi ve foot tall woman can tease her hair, and So Snooki wrote a book that ended up they follow on a weekly basis, but more Before I begin commenting on the babble drunk and still make The New York on The New York Times Best Seller list. My importantly it teaches them exactly where absurdity that is our ever-changing world, Times Bestseller List? personal response: who cares? Seriously, we such vices can lead them. here are a few interesting statistics concern- Of all the people that should be on all know that this isn’t about Snooki. Some criticisms? The show displays ing books: this list, how on earth is it that some drunk No, it doesn’t even matter what she people getting drunk in public…and then •33% of high school graduates never managed to earn this coveted spot? It’s wrote. The questioning of her success is getting arrested. I don’t see any inaccuracy read another book for the rest of their lives. hard to understand how Snooki could have more due to the shocking nature of her here. •42% of col- even written a book, considering the likeli- background. Let’s try lege graduates hood that she has never read an entire book So why is this accomplishment being something else: never read an- herself. met with such harsh criticism? She hasn’t Jersey Shore other book after What really irks me is the fact that done anything revolutionary or even origi- shows people college. aspiring writers with brilliant stories and a nal; in fact, she isn’t even the fi rst person to getting punched •70% of U.S. real desire to have something published are write a book that many feel “doesn’t belong in the face in a adults have not sometimes never able to do so. on the bestseller list.” bar fi ght; and then been in a book- What kind of message does this send? A few years back, a book entitled I subsequently sued store in the last The strategy for success? Spray tans, eye- Hope They Serve Beer in Hell spent quite a and later arrested. fi ve years. liner, and parties. Apparently there is some few months atop the list and was met with Again, this is a I cannot be societal attachment with this small, teddy- constant degradation from critics castigating fairly accurate the only one who bear like person; otherwise, her excessive its raunchy content. So why didn’t it belong portrayal of what fi nds this depress- lifestyle would never have been deemed fi t on the list? sometimes hap- ing. Not only are for publishing. Was it because the content was unadul- pens in real life. less books being Snooki is certainly not the fi rst “ce- terated and crude? Because if that’s the case, So what ex- published on a then people fail to realize that this is the sole actly does Jersey lebrity” to make the seemingly effortless reason that the book was able to gain such Shore do wrong? yearly basis, but transition from television, to music, to instantaneous fame. If like me you are the quality has Hollywood, to politics, and to The New Maybe the critics are so shocked at the unable to answer also seen steady York Times Bestseller List. Lavish lifestyles unveiling of books like these because they this question but decline. and complete ignorance frequently result fail to accept human nature. The reason still fi nd yourself Apparently in publishing deals and millions of dollars. that these books become instant bestsellers hooked on these now, you don’t The media, sadly, is notorious for rewarding is not in spite of their content, it is because characters’ antics, need to have even those who should not be rewarded. of their content. then congratula- graduated from Perhaps there is some good that may People want to observe the vices that tions: we are just high school to come out of this awful situation. Maybe, they are too afraid to associate with them- like the hundreds of thousands of other publish a “successful” book. Not only is just maybe, teens will actually pick up this selves, and so stay away from—until given people who fi nd mindless television amus- America as a whole, losing its ability to read, book, and read it. the chance to experience such things vicari- ing without any harm done. but this nation also fails to produce many The only silver lining to the dark rain ously through the media. And as far as the infl uence of Jersey people who can actually write. cloud of modern literature is the fact that As I said before, this isn’t about Snoo- Shore? I fi nd no problem with going to the Nicole “Snooki” Polizzi is now known Snooki’s “success” as a writer will be short- ki’s book, it’s about her persona, and more gym or doing laundry; in fact I fi nd it to be for something other than towering hairdos. lived. Let’s all hope that Snooki is simply a importantly it’s about the show that she is a part of a healthy lifestyle. As for tanning, Never in a million years would I ever be- small pimple on the face of literature––soon part of, a show that, quite frankly is known not my thing. lieve that this oompa-loompa-esque woman to be popped.

VIDEO GAMES An Art to be Reckoned with By Eugene Woo with his past decisions– decisions that have no longer just a 2D fi gure with a ridiculous who have become blinded by good intention Staff Writer killed his men. Characters with depth are accent and bushy mustache in overalls and into doing things that perhaps have crossed much more poignant, so his comrades all a red cap that must hop his way to saving a the line. These are villains, and these are Video games are grossly misunderstood have tangible qualities. As you play through princess at the mercy of a giant fi re-breath- heroes that we could easily observe in our by much of society, and I’m reluctant to bear the game, you witness haunting fl ashbacks ing, spike-shelled turtle. world and our history. Games make state- the title “gamer” publicly because I know of gore, violence, It’s not even ments about society, about humanity, and well enough it wrongly evokes images of and killed men just a nameless, about history, among other things. the controller-toting, gore-loving Call of that drive you to faceless special- If one is to ever pass judgment upon Duty fanatic. the brink of los- ops soldier that gaming, he just needs to remember that The highest-grossing games aren’t ing hold over your must kill waves gaming is no longer just gaming. Games necessarily the best examples of the gaming mind. of inept enemies are as varied as books or movies, stretching market, which is a diverse and very deep Of course, to save various the genres, and even bringing them to new market with a widespread audience in all to sell copies, famous histori- places because of gaming’s unique ability age groups and cultures. Some of the deep- the game is also cal fi gures, land- to entirely create new universes that might est stories I’ve seen have come from video fun, but this isn’t marks, or the be limited by the technology of movies. games that probably sold less than 50,000 all the type of game world. Gaming then places the user directly into told. Besides the art of the great story, video where you fi nish There is the world it has created. games have mastered the art of simulation. the main story- a new trend in Gaming is too deep. To be honest, Why watch a movie about war, mob wars, line, and the world has been saved, and characters that has been observed. The trying to explain the facets of gaming to an or even crime-solving if you can vicariously you’re fi st-pumping the death of the bad guy introduction of imperfect and tragic heroes outsider, or even a gamer that plays nothing live the thrill through games yourself? from your couch. This is a story fraught with has greatly increased the depth of gaming. other than Halo and Call of Duty, is pretty For instance, one game, Brothers in insight, depth, experience, and character. Similarly, villains are no longer simple em- much impossible. To explore the beauties of Arms, follows a squad leader through vari- As technology has advanced, gaming bodiments of evil; many antagonists follow gaming, one has to truly delve into the world ous battles in World War 2 as he grapples is becoming a whole new beast in itself. It’s the literature or movie mold, being those that is gaming. February 2011 • Opinions Page 3 WIKILEAKS: A FORCE FOR GOOD By Tyler VanValkenburg 109,000 Iraqi deaths it has in fact, an American cable leaked by Wikile- Staff Writer caused, 66,000 of which aks in which the U.S. ambassador to Tunisia Citizens deserve to know the actions are civilian casualties. described the issues posed by the growing their government takes, and when these There is no reason, corruption in the nation’s government and actions are concealed, it is up to the news other than to hide the elite. While this leaked information was not media to unearth them. disturbing truth, for why new to Tunisians, hearing their frustrations Wikileaks describes itself as a “not- this data should have refl ected by a democratic nation’s ambas- for-profi t media organization” that accepts been kept from the pub- sador helped bolster their cause. And soon any “restricted or censored material of lic, as a nation should after Tunisia’s revolution, nearby Egypt, political, ethical, diplomatic or historical be aware of the con- inspired by its neighbor’s successful change, signifi cance…to bring important news and sequences of its wars, began to have protests of its own, demand- information to the public.” By creating this especially when these ing and recently achieving the resignation secure and simple way to leak classifi ed consequences include of its dictator Hosni Mubarak. information, Wikileaks has received and, over 100,000 dead. In this way, Wikileaks’ devotion to with the help of mainstream media organi- Yet if it had not been government transparency and freedom zations, published thousands of otherwise for Wikileaks all of this of the press has helped generate concrete secret documents that in the last year have information would likely change in parts of our world that need such revealed many signifi cant truths about the casually, almost as if playing a videogame. still be classifi ed, with the military still tell- change the most. U.S. and other nations’ governments. One can hear the gunner eagerly asking, ing us that they, as General Tommy Franks And in our own nation, Wikileaks has Here are just a few of the facts Wikile- “Can I shoot?” as he aims down at the un- put it, “don’t do body counts.” uncovered, in much greater detail, the hor- aks has revealed to the world so far: armed van, and later in the video proudly But one the most important aspects of rifi c consequences of our wars as well as the The leak that fi rst brought the site to boasting of his shot, “Oh yeah, look at that, Wikileaks was witnessed this very winter. government lies behind them. I have only the public’s attention was a video released right through the windshield! Haha!” In Tunisia, beginning in December 2010 touched on a fraction of what the organiza- in April, 2010, known now as “Collateral After the death of their two men in a collection of protests broke out across tion has revealed, but it should be apparent Murder.” The video depicts two U.S. attack Baghdad, Reuters had asked the US—which the North African nation demanding the by now that Wikileaks has provided the helicopters, from one of the helicopter’s claimed that there was “no question” that the resignation of its repressive dictator Ben modern world with a new alternative for point of view, killing multiple innocent, Iraqis shot at were a “hostile force”—for Ali, who fi nally left the country on Jan. exposing and fi ghting abuses of power after unarmed Iraqis and two Reuters journalists the video. However, the video remained 14 of this year. The revolution was rooted a decade of incessant government secrecy in a square in Baghdad. unavailable to Reuters (and the public) until mainly in the growing public resentment of and complacent mainstream reporting. For The video reveals the chilling detach- Wikileaks released it. the corruption among Tunisia’s elite, which this service we as a nation should be noth- ment with which modern warfare can be In late 2010 Wikileaks would go on to continued to prosper while the rest of the ing but grateful, remembering that what fought. Looking through their screens in the release the Iraq War Logs, a massive col- country suffered economically. Wikileaks does is little more than what all helicopters the gunners pick off the Iraqis lection of data on the War and the estimated Part of the fuel for this public rage was, real journalists do: uncover the truth. WE ARE ALL EGYPT The Freedom of Tomorrow By Isabel Sausjord through curfews, fi res of live ammunition, Opinions Editor beatings, and intimidation. They withstood These days, every tyrant in the world is tear gas (Made in USA), water cannons, and sleeping with the light on. Egypt’s successful an internet shutdown. Many protesters even anti-government revolution is an inspiration slept in Tahrir Square to keep the police from to freedom-seeking people around the world, closing it off. As time went on the demonstra- and a fright to dictators. tions grew, from tens of thousands on the Jan. It started on Jan. 25. The revolution began 25 Day of Anger, to more than 3 million in with youth protesting against the poverty, Cairo alone on Feb. 10 protesting Mubarak’s government corruption, and repression ex- refusal to give up power. perienced under President Hosni Mubarak’s Through all this, Mubarak stalled for SOLITARY CONFINEMENT nearly 30-year-rule, but the Egyptian populace days and days, insisting that Egypt would be soon joined together in a startling and beauti- unstable without him. Yet the popular pres- A Disgraceful Detainment ful movement for democracy, freedom, and sure was too large and fi nally, on Feb. 11, he dignity. stepped down. By Linda Nguyen The prob- As of right now, Opinions Editor lem in Egypt the military has Private Bradley Manning is a U.S. soldier who was charged in July 2010 with had been around taken control and allegedly disclosing classifi ed information to WikiLeaks, a non-profi t organization for a long time. fair elections are that advocates government transparency by providing confi dential data to the public. Mubarak had being planned. This includes a video of a July 2007 US helicopter airstrike in Baghdad repeat- been the US- The people of edly opening fi re on a Reuters photographer, his driver, and his rescuers. In exchange backed leader of Egypt are victo- for trying to make his government’s actions known for the public good, he has been Egypt for almost rious. detained in solitary confi nement for 23 out of 24 hours a day for over seven months three decades, The Egyp- (and counting) without trial. making him the tian Revolution For someone who has not been convicted of a crime, he undoubtedly is being country’s 3rd is a powerful condemned as a criminal. He sits in military prisons–fi rst in Kuwait; now Quantico, longest ruler in sign of hope in a Virginia–in strict isolation. Under constant surveillance, he cannot exercise and is 5000 years of his- world suffering denied the basic provisions of imprisonment, including pillows and sheets for his bed. tory, right after from repression According to Glenn Greenwald, such tactics are so extreme that Tunisia, an authoritar- Mohamad Ali Basha and the Pharoah Ramseis and complacency. It has animated revolu- ian state in North Africa, has pledged that “it will no longer place prisoners in solitary II. tionaries in Algeria, Bahrain, Libya, and Iran, confi nement for more than 10 days.” This treatment is the equivalent of psychological His years in offi ce were marked with cor- who are already picking up the torch and torture, and for what? Doing a public service? For letting people know of the atrocities ruption, sham elections, and torture. After so demonstrating against their own oppressive their government is committing? much injustice Egypt was ready for change, governments. In addition to focusing public anger on Manning and his alleged betrayal of the and on Jan. 14 the country of Tunisia lit the Egypt has shown the world the limitless Uniform Code of Military Justice, the government has also reprimanded Manning spark of revolution when they successfully power of the people, who when united can and WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange for exposing the murder of innocents in Iraq. ousted their autocratic ruler, Ben Ali. shake the entire world and unseat the powerful. As a military intelligence offi cial, Manning felt that it was his duty to report to Emboldened by the success of the upris- US-imposed “democracy,” as seen in Iraq, is the public some of the awful things he came across. To many, he is a hero who did a ing in Tunisia, Egyptians quickly mobilized. not needed – the Arab people have the strength service to his country, one who does not deserve the inhumane solitary confi nement Being a society increasingly dominated by to fi ght for their rights and achieve democracy that violates the Eighth Amendment, which prohibits “cruel and unusual punishment.” tech-savvy youth, it was through Facebook themselves. Last month, leading human rights groups Amnesty International and the Physicians and Youtube that demonstrators fi rst got out There is so much we can learn from for Human Rights both sent letters to the Department of Defense protesting Manning’s the word about their plans to protest. Egypt, and a great need for us to do so, as we treatment. They admitted that solitary confi nement is common in US prison systems, Plans spread through word of mouth and face a world wracked by the same corruption but almost unheard of in regards to prisoners who have not even been convicted of a social media, and on the appointed Day of and injustice that Egyptians fought against. crime. Despite President Obama’s politically calculated claim to have ended the use Anger protesters gathered in Tahrir (Libera- Let us no longer be immobilized by fear of torture by the U.S. government, Bradley Manning is suffering from one form of it. tion) Square to stand up for their dignity and and apathy. As the saying that has been fl oat- He is a brave American who is being unjustly tortured, helpless to form his own case. freedom as Egyptians. ing around the internet goes, “Yesterday we That is a disgrace to our government. The protests continued almost non-stop were all Tunisian. Today we are all Egyptian. for 18 days, with protesters in the streets Tomorrow we’ll all be free.” Page 4 Opinions • February 2011

THE PRINCESS COMPLEX OBSTRUCTION Lessons from Disney

Putting Politics before Jobs By Claire Chu cult of domesticity development, Snow White By Kunal Patel Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell Staff Writer was also awakened from unconsciousness by Staff Writer (R-KY) has explicitly said, “The single true love’s kiss. Amusingly, she had never most important thing we want to achieve Every year, Walt Disney World hosts crossed paths before with this apparent “true Before the midterm elections of is for President Obama to be a one-term their annual “Princess Half-Marathon Week- love” who only rescues her after being “cap- 2010, Republicans promised a radical president.” end” to, as the website tivated by her beauty.” reform to their “conservative roots.” Rather than focusing on creating jobs states, “bring women As the Disney With newly appointed Speaker of the as they said they would, the Republicans of all ages together to Princess Half-Mara- House, John Boehner, newly appointed in the House and the Senate have a new participate in a magical thon Weekend asserts, Republican National Committee chair, goal in mind: sabotaging the potency of event designed just for “The road to “Happily Reince Priebus, and Obama’s remain- them.” After Ever” begins with newly appointed ing term. Speaker Interestingly me.” House Majority John Boehner (R- enough, the promo- But are men, mar- Leader, Eric Cantor, OH) leads a point- tional poster depicts riage, and true love the face and agenda less campaign that a woman crossing the the only ways through of the Republican does nothing to ribbon at the finish which women can party have been set. get people back to line with the following achieve happily after The Republican work. Instead, he’s quote attributed to her: ever? Are how a wom- party promises to cut focused on scoring a “I learned a long time an looks, how beautiful spending, but create largely “symbolic” ago that a true princess she is, the only indica- jobs. They promise victory on health makes her own happy tors of her desirability to cut the national care, while planning ending. So I train. I to men? We need to defi cit, but lower tax- the end of Planned sweat. I succeed. That’s reevaluate. es. Republican ideal- Parenthood with the my fairytale.” Princesses convey ism wants change. proposed “No Tax- Since when did to little girls that all But Republicans also promise “no payer Funding for Abortion Act.” Disney princess movies they have to do in order compromise” in all aspects of their leg- These actions are “disrespectful” to ever teach that lesson? to escape the miserable islative policy, and as a result provideno American politics. However not ”disre- I actually remember Disney teaching the situation they have found themselves in and means to achieve the change that they spectful” in the sense of working through opposite: that princesses do nothing and are achieve true happiness, is to make sacrifi ces campaigned on. the Christmas recess on the “9/11 Health simply saved by princes. And that’s just one for conventional beauty and possess a me- The Republicans assure Obama and Compensation Act,” as Republican of the detrimental lessons Disney princess lodic singing voice. They are mere damsels in that his vision of America will become Senator Jon Kyl embarrassingly stated, movies teach little girls. distress who are rescued and whisked off into reality if he “works with the Republican but “disrespectful” as in proudly corrupt- Take Jasmine, from Aladdin. Through- the sunset on horseback by Prince Charming, party, like Clinton did.” Yet, Clinton’s ing the political process, by seeking only out the entire movie, she hardly does a thing to be married and live happily after. relationship with Republicans did not to score political points rather than effect to save herself from her diffi cult circumstanc- The messages behind the magical, stop his impeachment by the Republican real change. Republicans promised such es. Instead, it’s Aladdin who’s clever and fairytale storylines in our Disney-princess- Congress over a petty sex scandal. In change, after all. resourceful enough to save her at every turn. permeated world are far from empowering— turn, Republicans are hoping that this last By making it a central goal to ob- Likewise, Snow White voluntarily sub- under the guise of castles and glitter, they midterm election will mirror the Repub- struct signifi cant legislation and so harm jugated herself to sweeping for, scrubbing for, take the female empowerment movement lican Revolution of 1994 and its ultimate Pres. Obama, the change they promised and feeding seven untidy little men. Falling ten steps backward. realization in Pres. Bush’s fi rst term, when is a farce. directly into the pre-industrial Victorian Era’s Girls deserve better than that. Republican power was at its peak. Through their threat of fi libusters Republicans want to limit the ef- against all bills that stand in the way of fectiveness of Obama’s presidency for a Republican vision, it is clear that the the purpose of a Republican president in GOP does not have the nation’s agenda 2012. That’s the purpose of the strategy. in mind––just their own. SCHOOL SEGREGATION The Ongoing War on Racism By Pratyusha Javangula given that we so ardently support equality in GUN CONTROL LAWS Staff Writer other nations. To see the extreme effects of this segre- Ignorant and Forgetful. gation, consider the recent case of an African Limitations on Arms That is the unfortunate reputation that American woman, Kelley Bolar, who was By Katie Ericksen Opposing such legislation, freshman Americans are building themselves when jailed and sentenced to 80 hours of com- Staff Writer Senator Rand Paul of Kentucky argues faced with the issue of combating segrega- munity service for sending her daughters to that, “weapons don’t kill people; it’s the tion in society. the wrong school––a mostly white school. On January 8, at a town hall event, individual that killed these people.” In 1954, the Supreme Court finally Bolar lied on school documents, say- outside of a grocery store in Tucson, Ari- The fact of the matter remains even if ruled against ing that her zona, Jared Loughner shot Rep. Giffords Loughner had still managed to acquire a “separate but children lived in the head. He shot 19 others and six died, gun, had he 10 bullets instead of 31, and equal” segre- in the affl uent, including a nine year old girl. thus fewer people would have been killed gated educa- primarily Cau- Loughner was only stopped when he and injured. Also, Loughner would have tion in Brown casian school paused to re- had to stop to vs. Board of district. load his gun, reload earlier, Education. She lied, and luck- allowing the Why then, and later went ily, brave by- people to take even though to jail, but only standers took him down segregation so her children him down in sooner. has been un- could get the that moment. Ulti- constitutional quality educa- In the mately, gun for many years tion they were wake of the laws should in the United being denied. shooting and be enforced States, does it Are you attempted as- to keep still exist? kidding me? sassination of America Although segregation is no longer the There is absolutely no way we can preach Representa- safe. While law of the land, it is still very much present, equality if we jail women for wanting their tive Gabrielle the topic of as social and economic disparities lead to the children to be educated properly. Giffords in gun control is increasing hyper-segregation of communi- And we as Americans look foolish on a early January, the debate concerning gun a controversial, the tragic incident in Tucson ties, and thus, schools. grander scale for preaching that our country control has risen up once again. Politicians is a grim reminder of the consequences of Hyper-segregation, segregation that does not segregate on any basis. There’s no are submitting gun control regulations, lax gun control. ghettoizes demographic groups into certain segregation in America? Let’s think again. including a ban on knowingly carrying a Again, while the right to bear arms is a areas of a town or city, has remained preva- Do we want to be seen as forgetful of our fi rearm within 1000 feet of a high-profi le precious, fundamental right, we must bear lent in larger cities. It’s impossible for us history? If we want to be known as a people government offi cial. in mind that it is not an absolute freedom. to hold up equality as a national standard who can live up to the standards they’ve In addition to this law, Rep. Carolyn A balance must be struck between when we still see inequality and segregation set, this cannot continue to happen–for our McCarthy (D-N.Y.) has proposed a bill to safety and liberty, and these two laws would all around us. It makes us look ignorant and reputation, for justice. And for mothers and ban high-capacity ammunition. help to accomplish that. ultimately hypocritical as a nation, especially daughters like Williams-Bolar and her family. Arts & Entertainment And the Oscar goes to... By Michelle Martinelli and Thomas Soares Staff Writers WhileW expensive gowns and exuberant celebrity egos are an unde- son, cannot be ignored. Kidman’s struggle is touching at least, and her crumbling niable p from grief is equally as profound as Port- It’s the one event a year where recognizably brilliant performances man’s dramatic delusions. are appre fi lms and Likewise, the winner for Support- performaperformancesn to be acknowledged this year, we’re in for an evening of ing Actor will be near-unanimous. While anticipation Geoffrey Rush is hilarious and heart- Ladies fi rst! A rule of thumb: never underestimate supporting ac- warming as mentor Lionel in The King’s trtressesesses. In tthish category the majority of these women carry the success of Speech, nothing compares to Christian the fi lm. Suc The Bale as the addict brother, Dicky, in The Fighter, whwhoseo roles are of equal importance as that of Mark Wahlberg in Fighter. Bale is barely recognizable, his face hallow and teeth blackened, making ttermserms of crecreatinga a beautiful and memorable work. Nominated for her role his portrayal of an addict horrifyingly accurate. as the headst For Leading Actor, the competition is relatively slim for Colin Firth (The to be a worthy King’s Speech), but with his inspirational work, he would have won regard- endearing hero less of the calibur of his competitors. will Helena Bo The King’s Speech Firth brings history to life with Bertie’s iiss in her papalpable on-screen chemistry with Colin Firth–the two creating startling anger and realistic stammer, a deligh performing with incredible conviction oobligationbliga and duty. However, her tenderness and enormous range what is an extremely demanding role. will n The competition for Best Director is T stiff yet again. It’s hard to predict, but and po The Fighter. Her character’s excessive devo- Michelle’s personal hope is for Darron tion Aronofsky (Black Swan). His vision is undeniably unique and Black Swan is a v fantastic manifestation of his endless creativity. LLeo with unstoppable power—she is a force to be reckoned with. Last, but most certainly not least, Best Picture should go to The Social Network It’s unfair to be a nominee this year for Leading Actress. since it stands alone in portraying an entirely new aspect of our society. As rapidly There’s no doubt in any mind that we’re bound to see a very growing technology, business, and popu- p larity for social networking sites develops, aaward.wa Black Swan forced Portman into uncharted territory as she this fi lm will prove to be a landmark. The played the naïve and sheltered ballerina Nina. This grace, along with Social Network will not be the last time Nina’s mysterious alter ego and descent into insanity, contribute to a suspenseful Hollywood explores whether or not social spectacle that leaves critics begging for more. She also admirably conquered the networking will cause us to loose our hu- fi lm’s obstacles—such as a year’s worth of rigorous ballet training— as manity and communication skills entirely. well as the cinematography, demanding the camera to constantly Though these fi lms, actors, and direc- be approximately three inches away from her nose. tors are receiving acclaim for their artistic Although it’s inevitable that she’ll win, work, there are many who are just as deserving (such as Nicole Kidman) of an Michelle’s personal choice is Nicole Kidman Oscar. For example, Christopher Nolan, who was not even nominated for Best for Rabbit Hole. The sensitivity brought Director, deserves it the most because he was snubbed two years ago for The Dark Awardabout in her rendition Season of Becca, a Knight and he pushed the limits of fi lmmaking more than anyone else in 2010. former mother journeying Though Inception is nominated for best through healing from picture, the fi lm’s intricate and realistic the loss of her feel wouldn’t be possible without Nolan. The four-year People are also divided when it comes old to Best Actor. The Academy Awards get more Grammy The competitive every year as the 53rd Annual progression of technology Grammy Awards has given directors Awards: was held February 13, and producers 2011 and was full of both criti- endless possibilities to work with. hits and misses in terms cally ac- Though your favorites may not win an Highs of performances. claimed song, Oscar, you’ll know that someone truly The show opened “Cold War”. deserving of it will. with a tribute perfor- Next up was Justin and Lows mance to Aretha Franklin Bieber, and not even an army of By Andy Vo by Christina Aguilera, prepubescent teenage girls could have Staff Writer Jennifer Hudson, Martina saved him from the embarrassing mess. The McBride, Yolanda Adams, cringe-worthy performance began with Usher’s awful and Florence Welch of Florence and the Machine. Each of acting chops before Bieber went into a passable acoustic her the ladies’ extraordinary performances was a fantastic way rendition of “Baby.” However, he ruined any credibility he mar- to open the show. Christina Aguilera fortunately redeemed was earning with an army of ninja back-up dancers while riage to Rus- herself from her embarrassing Super Bowl mishap, only to performing “Never Say Never,” a blatant ad for his 3-D fi lm. sell Brand. Right trip and fall at the end of her performance. In an attempt to salvage what was left of his perfor- after the song was One of the biggest misses of the night was Lady GaGa’s mance, Jaden Smith, yet another musical spawn of the Smith fi nished, she made debut performance of her latest single “Born This Way.” clan, went into a rap and showed how the event was a family a seemingly ef- After building anticipation from her egg capsule entrance, affair with the cameras constantly fl ashing to Will and Jada. fortless transition the performance was surprisingly bland. Strong choreogra- Following his protégé, Usher suddenly appeared out to her smash hit phy, excellent vocals, and a Phantom of the Opera inspired of nowhere to perform the exact same routine of “OMG” “Teenage Dream”. piano section would have been considered an outstanding he has at every other award show in the last fi ve months. The second por- performance if anyone other than GaGa had done it. Where His vocals were embarrassingly fl at in the few moments he tion of her performance were the theatrics of her opening performance last year? actually sang live. For someone with as much experience featured the fun and Or her iconic bloody performance of “Paparazzi” at the as Usher has, there are no excuses for him to be unable to lighthearted Katy Perry 2009 VMAS? Unfortunately for GaGa, her over-hyped deliver a solid performance. Even Rihanna, who was sick that we’re used to. The performance fell short of expectations. with bronchitis, managed to give a beautiful rendition of excitement was so Following performances from Miranda Lambert and “Love the Way You Lie” with Eminem. infectious even Muse, the trio of B.o.B, Bruno Mars, and Janelle Monae gave Surprisingly the best performer of the night was Katy Nicole Kidman a performance worthy of their Grammy Award Nominee Perry. Known for her inconsistency during live performances, couldn’t stop titles. With Janelle on back-up vocals, B.o.B started off with Katy arguably gave the best vocal performance of the night. herself from a stunning orchestral rearrangement of “Nothin’ on You”, Her performance began with her on a swing singing a divine grinning followed by a charming doo-wop infl uenced performance of version of “Not Like the Movies”. Dismissing any rumors and singing “Grenade”, and ending with an energetic performance of the of divorce or separation, the screen projected footage from along. Page 6 February 2011 • Arts & Entertainment British Invasion By Christina Collins Editors’ Choice Staff Writer In honor of the recently passed Valentine’s The British are Coming! The British are Day, the editors have compiled lists of our Coming! favorite fi lms and songs that are perfect There is no doubt that America has a love mp affair with the UK. From the fashion, to the lingo, to our sometimes poor imitations of their distinctive accents, it’s clear that we Movies have an obsession with our friends across the pond. As of late, a new trend has taken 1 hold in American TV: adaptations of British Tiffany’s shows. Take a look at a small handful of the Audrey Hepburn. Enough said. successful, major-network shows you may not know are Cowell. actually UK exports: American Idol d since 2. Titanic Love is a timeless emotion; Skins: MTV’s newest controversy, Skins, is actually an it a couple days together can last a lifetime. adaptation of the British show of the same name. Originally 10th season on Fox, working with new judges Steven aired on UK channel E4, the show’s plot follows a group of Tyler, the lead singer of Aerosmith, and famous singer, actress, 3. Casablanca teenagers growing up in Bristol who face pivotal issues: eat- and diva Jennifer Lopez. ing disorders, drug abuse, and sexuality, among other topics. “Here’s looking at you, kid.” Strictly Come Dancing just While the pilot episode of the U.S. Skins stuck very true to the Dancing with the Stars: doesn’t have the same ring. Before Dancing with the Stars 4. Sixteen Candles original (the script was almost word-for-word), MTV prom- was a smash hit on ABC, it was a British talent show run Laying the foundations for most teenage movies, ises to give Skins an original twist by adding new characters on BBC One. The show’s format was essentially the same Sixteen Candles depicted and rewriting old ones. In the UK, the show received acclaim, for both versions; each was a talent competition for both the ideal high school romance. as critics felt it artfully depicted the struggles of teenagers, professional dancers and celebrities, competing for several portraying subjects that normally would be ignored. weeks while being scored by a panel of three judges. Dances 5. Love Actually In the U.S., Skins has stirred up a media hailstorm, As senior Paige Monk states, performed include the Cha Cha Cha, Paso Doble, Foxtrot rapidly losing nine of their sponsors. Yet ratings continue to “the vignettes allow everyone to enjoy realistic and Jive. Len Goodman and Bruno Tonioli, judges familiar hold strong as more than 1.5 million people tuned in to watch portrayals of different kinds of love.” to American viewers, worked on the fi rst season of SCD the third installment of the show. Time will only tell if U.S. before being exported to ABC where they currently work Skins can match the fi ve seasons run of its UK counterpart. 6. Say Anything with choreographer-cum-judge Carrie Ann Inaba. Like Idol, American Idol: Created by enormously successful John Cusack standing outside your window, Dancing became a worldwide phenomenon after being so holding a boombox. Who wouldn’t enjoy this? director Simon Fuller, both American Idol and its British twin successful in both the United States and Britain. In the UK, Pop Idol have experienced successful runs in both countries. SCD just wrapped up its 8th season, and in the US, Dancing 7. 10 Things I Hate About You Although Idol has made its way to several different countries with the Stars is scheduled to start its 12th season in March. —Australian Idol, Latin American Idol, Canadian Idol, and “I hate the way I don’t hate you.” is not your average vampire show. Indian Idol, just to name a few—Pop Idol and American Idol Being Human Adapted from the British show of the same name, Human stars 8. You’ve Got Mail are by far the most succ Aidan Turner as Mitchell, a vampire from the Revolutionary Sometimes the person you hate might just be of three judges, weeks of auditions and most important y, War. Oth the person for you. audience participation. In 2004 nie, a gh Pop Idol was replaced by TheThe a norma 9. When Harry Met Sally X Factor, a show produced its curre Being Human was extremely successful in One of the fi rst movies to raise the question, and starring U.S. and UK England “Can women and men ever just be friends?” nelnel anandd is currently in its fi rst season. Developers Jeremy Carver 10. A Walk To Remember When tragedy strikes, a relationship’s strength in nam is tested by the amount of love that had built it. Being Human has reached success in both England and the US, re sisincence Battlestar Galactica in January of 2005.1 Singles 1. “I Want to Hold Your Hand” By Chitra Marti The Beatles got it right Staff Writer with their heartfelt and innocent declaration of love. The possibilities of types of food are endless. And no matter type it is, food brings people together. 2. “The Way You Look Tonight” Two different clubs at Mitty have embraced this dual nature of The perfect wedding song sung by Frank Sinatra. food: The Culinary Appreciation Club and The Baking Club. Though they are different, they both share a common purpose: to foster 3. “At Last” interest in new things. Etta James captures the way the world changes The Culinary Appreciation Club has been on campus for a few when she’s with the person she loves. years now. As described by Co-President Brandon Roosenboom, “The purpose of the Culinary Appreciation Club is to get students 4. “The Way I Am” Ingrid Michaelson’s debut single, out into the world of food… to broaden their palettes and encour- which catapulted her into stardom. age them to act without hesitation when approached by a situation that is unfamiliar or strange.” 5. “Umbrella” The club often takes trips to local, unique, restaurants, to “You’re part of my entity, here for infi nity.” sample the cuisine and learn more about various types of food. Currently, the club has plans for trying all kinds of cuisines, 6. “My Girl” from Creole to Malaysian, as well as a “Vegan/Vegetarian” As one of The Temptations’ greatest hits, this adventure. By integrating cuisines that members are not usually song will let them know how special they are. exposed to, the Culinary Appreciation Club not only encour- ag 7. “ I Just Called to Say I Love You” whe Stevie Wonder’s testimony to how sometimes Br you don’t need a special occasion to say Mitty also has a new food-based club; this one is devoted to des- those three words. serts.ser The Baking Club, established by current sophomores Katrina Vokt 8. “Head Over Feet” andan Puja Subramaniam, had its fi rst meeting in January. Its purpose, “You held your breath, and the door for me,” Ala- as nis Morrisette’s song details the unspoken quali- sstudentst at Mitty who are interested. Our focus is to learn about baking ties that people look for in prospective others. ba The group has plans to take classes at a local Michael’s store, 9. “ L.O.V.E.” wh This anthem to love, performed by Nat King as tto donate baked goods to InnVision and to the faculty on Teacher Cole, has captured the word’s true defi nition. App The Baking Club allows students to act upon their interest and grow 10. “I Can’t Help iintonto mmore motivated bakers. And of course, the fact that there are cupcakes Falling in Love with You” and co As Elvis says, “some things are meant to be.” nung o February 2011 • Arts & Entertainment Page 7 Monarch Critics Rok Bistro 21 By Anushka Pushpala h Staff Writer Staff Writer

Within this small, cozy restaurant, the Staying true to the emotive qual- sizzling hot stones at Rok Bistro, at 124 South ity of her debut album, 19, Adele Murphy Street in Sunnyvale, bring in many fi rst takes her sensational voice to an even time customers eager to discover the origin of the sound. The source: volcanic rock being higher level with her new release, 21. heated for six to eight hours in a specially designed oven that can retain heat for at least an This album proves to be an impressive hour. Though the unorthodox method of cooking is intriguing, there is a long, unsatisfying showcase of her growth in the past two process before you can fi nally indulge in your meal. years—both as a singer and as a person. These hot rocks come to your table with your choice of raw meat or vegetables ready She admits, “I deal with things for you to essentially prepare your own meal. You have time to make good conversation differently now. I’m more patient, while your meat cooks to your preferred level until you have to quickly cut it into edible more honest, more forgiving pieces. In case the over-salted meat does not suit your taste buds, you can choose from the and more aware of my own vast number of oily dipping sauces to drown the undesired taste. In addition, the entrée flaws, habits and princi- comes with a choice of seasoned rice or garlic mashed potatoes, a measly fi ve or six white ples–something that comes beans and one green bean. One would clearly notice that the consumption rate of food is with age.” This transforma- pretty fast given the meager portions. tion is exhibited in the way The inattentive service and the smoky atmosphere don’t even compensate a menu she handles her music. Her that features Ahi tuna and chicken, the best dishes. The Ahi tuna is a fresh combination of perspective on love is more textures that lends itself to a soft and chewy fi sh that melts easily. The chicken is a Cajun mature, deep, and profound spiced and cooked briefl y to ensure it remains moist. If one chooses the chicken, care than it was when she was 19. should be taken to allow the spices to seep through the meat to prevent tasting a bland More of her songs in 21 discuss the pain of losing love and the effects of lasting love inner layer. instead of praising the fl irty and playful and whimsical aspect of it. She sings in “Love Even though this restaurant has fl aws, one thing they did do is save the best for last. Song,” “However far away, I will always love you; however long I stay, I will always love The desserts at Rok Bistro are something to look forward to. For any occasion, romantic you; whatever words I say, I will always love you; I will always love you,” representative or casual, the fondue pots are the way to go. Rok Bistro maintains an element of fun and of the enduring (not fl eeting) attribute of her love. surprise in the restaurant. However, it is lacking when it comes to its entrees. If manage- The album starts off big—the fi rst single “Rolling in the Deep,” which Adele herself ment observes the atmosphere they are providing and checks the taste of their entrées describes as a “dark bluesy gospel disco tune,” is an uptempo song that has taken over the instead of leaving it entirely up to its customers to decide when their meal is cooked, the radio. A testament to Adele’s ability to show her emotions through her songs and her voice, restaurant will be successful. this song leads to less fast-paced music and more ballads. Though she is not belting out her emotions in an up-beat, haunting chorus in these next songs, that doesn’t make them any less powerful. Adele continues to showcase her versatility Just Go With It through the incredible range of the songs. She can be tough and angry, but also soulful and somber without By Lea Kreck and Steffi e Ko losing her vocal talents in between. A direct contrast to Staff Writer, A&E Editor the opening song is her ballad, “Take It All,” in which her vulnerable side is most prominent. Every song in this compilation is worthy of recog- Just Go With It, Just Too nition, but those especially deserving of attention are CCliché. Not much can be “Set Fire to the Rain” and “Turning Tables,” which are said about the newest com- notably haunting. In these tracks, Adele discusses the edy alongside its puzzling loss of love through beautiful craft of lyrics. She sings, trailers. “So I set fi re to the rain, watched it pour as I touched It has all the ingre- your face. Well, it burned while I cried ‘cause I heard d it screaming out your name,” producing such a vivid image in the listener’s mind that one mmantic comedy: a slightly cannot help but be moved by her words. “Turning Tables,” a song fi lled with farewell and awkward man, a living hope for moving on, is similar, showing a stronger side of her underneath the song’s soft bbreathing Barbie, a ridicu- melody. l Adele’s genius is also shown in the way she organized the tracks on her album. She be starts from being in pain and angry, slowly segueing from anger, to sorrow, to more op- Sand timistic music about fi nding new love, as portrayed in “One and Only.” The next single who w from this album is “Someone Like You,” which is set to be released on April 1 of this year. to pick up women. He meets the This album is a hot must-have: Adele’s vocals are extraordinary, and her songs are gorgeougorgeous and charming Palmer expressive and contemplative. (Brookly nects w failed mmarriage—that is until she fi nds h Doña María assum By Megan Baggett cheaticheating on his wife. Staff Writer So tionshtionshipip with the young teacher he emp co-worker Katharine (Jennifer Doña María is a new Mexican res- Anniston) as well as her two young children to be his soon to be ex-wife and kids. taurant in Santa Clara that is defi nitely Slowly but surely the tangled web of lies grows, and so does the love between Danny worth a stop. Conveniently located right next to the Central Library, the restaurant allows and his fake family. The movie had its moments, whether it be Katharine’s two children’s diners to eat in or order food to go. shenanigans, Danny’s brother Eddie (Nick Swardson) pretending to be a foreign sheep- The décor of the interior is simplistic; the walls are clean and bare except for a few shipper, or simply those heartwarming scenes between the two main leads. Mexican paintings and sombreros, which add to the casual atmosphere. The wait staff While the plotline, adapted from the Broadway stage play, Cactus Flower, was a was very helpful and willing to serve, and they even brought another basket of —quite good attempt at originality, the fi lm falls short of a success. Led by comedy veterans tasty—chips and salsa to our table before we asked. Adam Sandler and Jennifer Aniston, Just Go With It seems to follow a string of formulaic Food is moderately priced, and my order was delivered to my table in a timely manner. movies that decrease with quality and interest as time passes. Aniston, whose career has I ordered the vegetarian tostada, which consists of a crunchy shell, warm beans, lettuce, seemingly been on a decline since the fi nale of Friends, manages to retain her charming, tomatoes, cheese, sour cream and guacamole. girl-next-door vibe while Sandler is continuously typecast in the same character roles. The dish was the perfect temperature when it arrived, and all the ingredients tasted Sadly, their chemistry is not enough to support the fi lm. The fi lm’s predictability fails fresh rather than from a can. However it did seem a bit greasy, as did the chips. The rest to distinguish the fi lm from other romantic comedies. Above all, the fi lm is undermined by of my family chose a combination platter for about ten dollars—a great choice when you the lack of depth in the plot. Dependent on the box offi ce stars and its plentiful celebrity just can’t choose from the menu’s numerous options. The menu ranges from a variety of cameos—Nicole Kidman, Heidi Montag and Minka Kelly—Just Go With It will do well burritos and tacos to seafood and breakfast items that are served all day. For dessert, we enough in the box offi ces, despite the many harsh reviews. decided to order the chocolate fl an. It was more of a cake than custard, but was rich and Just Go With It is cheesy and predictable. Yet, seeing how it is surprisingly one of the delicious with chocolate drizzled on top. few romantic comedies out this month, it may just be what people want this Valentine’s Overall, Doña María is a great new restaurant with plenty of potential. Next time Day season. you’re craving Mexican food, be sure to check it out! Staff Writers By Puja Subramaniam and Elena Georgieva

The iPa

Whether for its 200,000+ app revolutionary gadget in our ever- world full of various devices and interface, WiFi connectivity, tilt a projections. It can be used to brow communicate and project importa high convenience level as well du .5-inch wide gadget has captivate communication, pleasure, and bu Apple is constantly correctin its GPS system to minor errors in these shortcomings, however, the affordability as it fi nds its way in iPad may be utilized more freque facilitating the rapid exchange of economy. The iPad is, of course, used i multi-tasking capabilities, which versatile gadget will even appear wing have begun to experiment w With more than 4.2 million u the iPad seems inarguable.

If comp taking certai recen becom emula contr medic Ro the past few decades. Not only can they humans, but they can accomplish thing collecting and storing data from space f world, robots are occasionally used to p incisions and be more precise. As a resu for the patient is shortened and scarrin Ever since the fi rst robot was popul by Czech writer Karel Capek, robots ha everywhere, from theme parks to movie Whether depicted in the media or impl public locations, robots are more often in a favorable light. Some predict that in the next 25 yea rate of production of robots continues, outnumber humans. Their skills and co will render other technologies obsolete without jobs. Undoubtedly, robots have and entertaining, but if they really start in the workplace, it is time to pull the p ad Frenzy: Explained

Have you ever heard of a food printer? The team’s success so far includes ps or its large easy-to-use screen, the iPad is a Didn’t think so. Well, if all goes well for the creating cookies with embedded letters and growing world of technology. It’s essentially a virtual team at Cornell University’s Computational working with turkey meat. However, they d utilities such as a speaker, microphone, intuitive touch Synthesis Lab, food-by-printer will be the hope to make their designs and ingredient and accelerometer, printing support, and enhanced data norm in every household. list more complex. wse and send emails, search the Internet, read books, Cornell’s Computationalonnal SoSo whatwhat ddoo the team members ant business ideas, or play several exciting games. It has a Synthesis Lab has teamedd seessee inn tthe “food printer”? Dr. ue to its portability and large screen. This 1.5 pound and up with the Fab@Home, an JeJeffreyffrey Ian Lipton, who leads ed millions around the world as a source of socialization, ambitious project aiming ttoo ththehe prpproject,o says, “FabApps usiness. create an affordable printertere wowouldulu d allow you to tweak your g the fl aws of the iPad, from the inconsistency of that can literally print a fofood’so taste, texture, and n word documentation and organization. Despite variety of foods. The ototherth properties. Maybe you e iPad is likely to improve in both accessibility and latest design uses precise reallyrea love biscuits, but want nto a variety of settings. In the future of technology, the syringes to deposit tththeme extra fl aky. You would ently in business communications and transactions, thus food “inks” layer by changecha the slider and the f information and accelerating the growth of the global layer. An electronic recip n school environments, with its multi-touch screen and blueprint (the “FabApp” wouldwou adjust accordingly.” characterize it as a handy teaching aid. Perhaps this recipe), using computer- PeoplePeP without cooking r throughout Mitty—already, a few classrooms in the 600- aided design software, specieccifiese where abilityabillity wwould be able to with this device. the ingredients go. However, the raw download the recipes of master units sold and its popularity still growing, the success of materials that are the “inks” used to print chefs. The dietary restricted would be able the food are currently limited to anything to print out nutritious dishes recommended that can be extruded from a syringe: by their doctors. By Piyali Banerjee Melted chocolate or cheese, cake batter, Should they continue to achieve Staff Writer and liquefi ed cookie dough are common success, Fab@Home hopes to change the ingredients. future of food production.

By Kate Coffey Staff Writer

it were possible for robots to pletely replace humans in society––by By Katrina Vokt g our jobs, our families––they most Staff Writer inly would in upcoming years. But with nt technological advances, robots are ming assets to society: They not only ate human behavior and thinking, but ribute to modern conveniences and cal procedures. obots have risen in prominence in y carry out tasks more effi ciently than gs that humans are incapable of, such as for long periods of time. In the medical perform surgeries.s. They can make smaller ult, the recovery timtimee ng is limited. arized in the 1920s20s ave appeared es and TV shows.. lemented in than not featureded ars, if the currentt robots may ost-effectiveness e, leaving millionss e proven both usefuleful t to replace humansans plug. Page 10 February 2011 • Photography

Kalie Olenak How did you start your interest in photography? I grew up in a family with a strong passion for photography, which helped me gain interest in the subject.

Why did you choose the photos you submitted? I like to take pictures of objects that would seem ordinary to most people. It’s surprising how many familiar objects can be made unfamiliar through photogra- phy.

What do they say about your style? My photography does not really take on a specifi c style, but I like to photograph landscapes and nature the most.

What three words would you use to describe your style? Simple. Unique. Fun.

What intrigues you about photography? I like the fact that every photographer has the chance to express themselves in a unique way. Through the Lens: Monarch Photography

Edward Davalle How did you start taking pictures? I started taking pic- tures when I saw other peoples’ work around school and wondered if I could do it.

Why did you choose to submit these photographs? I chose these pictures because I feel that they are the best examples of my work and show the broad spectrum of my capabilities.

What do they say about your style? I really don’t think I have a specifi c style of photography; I like to change it up.

What three words would you use to describe your style? Lively. Appealing. Fun.

What intrigues you about photography? I like being able to capture a moment and save it forever. February 2011 • Photography Page 11

Above: “I always see these lamps around my house during the Indian festivals period of the year, and they remind me of where I come from. I always try to stay close to my culture and educate others about it as well.” —Anushka Pushpala, Junior Right: “I like taking portraits because they capture the person’s character and they’re a good display of natural lighting.” —Vanessa Morelan, Senior

Above: “I find the beauty in the simplicity of this single fl ower. This flower is still capable of beauty, even though it is missing a petal.” —Natalie Hinson, Senior

Left: “This wild photo represents the connection between the human and natural world, which is my artistic purpose. My friend’s pose on the rock is eerie but natural at the same time and has a slight playful edge through her outfi t.” —Kendall Mack, Senior

Like what you see? Want to be a part of The Monarch’s next issue? Send in a request to [email protected], and you could be featured in the next issue!

“No matter how much we plan and prepare for things, sometimes we still need to take chances.” —Amanda Le, Freshman Justice Awareness Profi les in Justice Girl Scouts: Beyond The Thin Mints By Jennifer Grich where I took many of my fi rst steps in life to becoming the Staff Wrtier person that I am today, and I recognized that the school When people hear the word “Girl Scout,” an image now needs my help. It receives very little money from of a small girl in a green skirt, carrying a box of cookies the state for necessary repairs, ones that are needed to might come to mind. And, while this stereotype might keep the children safe. be somewhat accurate for junior scouts, senior scouts all When I visited the preschool last summer, I saw over the country are exceeding this limited description. a leaky playhouse, a broken garden box with its sharp In general, the effects of girl-scouting are somewhat pieces tripping students, and a yard that needed to be Spotlight On downplayed. A girl scout is so much more than a uniform fi xed. This was a place where money and time needed and some songs around the campfi re: Girl Scouts promote to be spent. Tess Jacobs peace, friendship, and helping others in the community. I worked with outside volunteers to fi nd a way to By Heather Lee And, I am an example of this. I have been a Girl Scout fi x the preschool’s backyard, and after getting approval Staff Wrtier since the fi rst grade, trying to help others and live out the from the Girl Scout Gold Award Committee, it was time meaning of the organization. to start my work. Archbishop Mitty offers several immersion For the past few years, as a senior Girl Scout, I have Since the end of November, I have been working trips to further students’ knowledge of the world been working to help my community with my Gold with many volunteers, including fellow senior and girl around them and teach them the importance Award Project. A Gold Award is like an Eagle Scout proj- scout, Emily Campi , to build and construct a new planter ect for Boy Scouts—it takes many years to complete and box--one that can be used for educational purposes while of reaching out to those less fortunate. ends with a fi nal project that helps the marginalized in the still being safe for the students. And, after days of work, A senior at Mitty, Tess Jacobs, took this lesson community through work that will make a lasting change. it is fi nally completed. In addition to this planter box, especially to heart. After she returned from ECJ: The Gold Award requires presenting the project I am fi nding other projects to make the yard of Wilson India, she decided to follow up by creating her to a committee, fund-raising all of the money that is Preschool a safe environment. own website to raise awareness for the Dalits: necessary to complete the project, and fi nding the time This is just one example of the potential advocacy and volunteers to make this dream a reality for the com- projects in the senior Girl Scout community. I proudly a group of people marginalized by the caste munity. The work involves more than just completing recognize this organization as a sum of young women system in India. Tess, along with other ECJ community service hours; it’s about advocating for the who are trying to change the world, young women who India Mitty students, were later featured in forgotten communities that are the most in need, and not do not simply pass by those in need. And the Gold Award “Outsourced, Silicon Valley Students in India” just in the U.S., but all over the world. projects manifest this sentiment in a practical and help- on CBS5 for their work in India. So, what project did I embark upon? ful manner. Since I was a little girl, Wilson Preschool of Santa For me, Girl Scouts has far exceeded the initial con- Clara has been a second home to me. It was the place notations of cookies and campfi res. What was your inspiration for creating the website? “One day during the trip, we went out and learned about the group Insight, which was an organization set in Delhi,” explains Tess. ECJ: China “We met with Anoop Kumar, the founder, By Esha Joshi which was really inspiring.” Staff Writer Tess learned about victims of caste abuse, The trip will Dalits, from Anoop Kumar, adding, continue on to Yun- “The Dalits are a low group in society and are nan, a province in south- not part of the system. It began as job separation western China, which but [later] became social... They are forced will bring the student’s to work in spiritually unclean jobs.” attention to the projects for preservation of dams and Learning about such a marginalized group in the saving of endangered society, Tess felt compelled to “raise awareness.” species, such as the Yun- nan Gold Monkey. What do the organizations promoted by In the sum- After spending time mer of 2012, twenty to your website do to help the Dalits? looking into the ancient thirty lucky students will have the rare aspects of China, students “The organizations on my website are mostly opportunity of embarking on a journey will commute to Shanghai, grassroots movements centered around to China to explore its rich culture and which contains the two largest improving the lives of Dalits. I chose the Dalit different political government. buildings in China. Freedom Fund particularly because anyone Why has the ECJ China trip been added to the list Students will also trek the beautiful Hima- of trips offered for juniors? Over the past few years, Cam- layas and eastern borders of the Tibetan Plateau, where can donate small amounts of money to specifi c pus Ministry has taken note of the exponential growth in they will live among some who solely depend on “social projects which work directly with Dalits. maturity and curiosity among Mitty students; students responsibility, indigenous culture and ecologic sustain- These projects include anything from have aptly demonstrated a thirst for knowledge for the ability” to survive. By the end of the trip students are sponsoring a child’s education to providing world around them. As a result, this trip to China will encouraged to realize how China, a nation emerging as healthcare for Dalits living in rural areas.” provide further opportunity to expand students’ minds a world power, connects to their future lives. about foreign concepts. How is ECJ China different from all other ECJ Prior to the trip to China, via classroom activities trips? Within the government, China faces many diffi - What do you hope your website and discussion, students are expected to gain insight cult issues that are unseen from a tourist’s perspective: will accomplish? about pressing matters, such as the environmental impact China’s economic prosperity is largely due to its popu- of the rapidly-growing industrial nation, the abuse and lation; however, the gap between the wealthy and poor “My biggest hope for this website is to raise violation of human rights, and the slow transition from continues to increase. awareness about issues concerning Dalits and a Communist government. Tibet’s independence from China, which China re- the poor in India. I also want to link others The trip itself will begin in Beijing, the nation’s fuses to support, also poses an issue. Students will also to well-established organizations that are capital, where students will spend a great deal of time encounter China’s Tiger Leaping Gorge Dam, one of the looking at the quintessential sites of China—the Forbid- largest in the world, that is a threat to China’s landscape already doing great things to alleviate den City, for example, and Tiananmen Square. Students and environment. Such political, socioeconomic, and the social barriers that Dalits face.” will hike along the Great Wall of China, one of the Seven environmental issues make ECJ China a unique and Wonders of the World, and witness work dating back to cultural experience. To visit Tess’s website, go to: the Ming Dynasty. Students will also spend a few days *For more information about the ECJ China im- www.supportdalits.wordpress.com aiding others in volunteer centers, orphanages, health mersion trip, please visit Mr. Wesmiller, Associate for centers, and schools for migrant children. Immersion Trips, in Campus Ministry. Justice Awareness • February 2011 Page 13

San Jose Murder-Suicide Gun Laws to Blame in Tucson By Diana Pawell and Kaitlin Perrata By Makoto Lalwani Staff Wrtier Staff Writer

To observers and readers of the daily news, Wayne Sanchez was just another name January 8, 2011—Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords is standing outside a Safeway in a local headline. But in reality, he was a man made a murderer from resentment for the in Tucson, Arizona, holding a meeting with her constituents. Suddenly, a young man in the crowd, Jared Loughner, shoots Giffords in the head and begins a deadly rampage that lack of effectiveness in the justice system. culminates in six people dead and several others wounded. Wayne Sanchez’s name was fi rst seen in papers ten years ago, after the tragic and As details of the events leading up to the shooting unravel, one is particularly unnerv- unexpected loss of his sister, Jeanine, who went missing and was never found. ing: a few hours before the shooting, Loughner was able to purchase ammunition for his Sanchez, according to close friends, was generally gun at a local Walmart. Just like that, with no background check for potential illnesses a very non-violent person, but recently made head- or disorders, a killer was unleashed. The type of gun, a Glock 19, was also used in the lines in papers and on local news stations due to an infamous Virginia Tech massacre which claimed 32 innocent lives. The fact that Arizona unexpected and devastating confrontation in a Peet’s has an extremely lenient gun control policy does not help matters at all; it is no surprise Coffee at El Paseo de Saratoga between himself and that it has 1.5 times the number of gun deaths as the national average. In the end, these the prime suspect in the murder of his missing sister. details culminated in a shameful truth: Loughner, a mentally ill and unstable person, was Due to a lack of suffi cient evidence in the original able to get his hands on a dangerous weapon and use it to its full capacity. Clearly, major case, the suspect was never convicted—this inconclu- revisions must be taken in our safety regulations if we are to learn from this tragedy, so that the deaths of six innocent people will not be in vain. siveness motivated Sanchez to take matters into his Fortunately, people are stepping up to combat uncontrolled gun regulations and hope- own hands. fully curb the amount of gun-related violence that occurs in our country. Around nine o’clock on the night of Saturday, Republican Peter King, chairman of the House Committee on Homeland Security, January 15, Sanchez found Maurice Nasmeh, his has vowed to support gun control legislation, as has Democrat Carolyn McCarthy (whose sister’s suspected murderer, at Red Robin in El Paseo husband was killed in a shooting 18 years ago). de Saratoga. In an emotional confrontation, Sanchez However, the two major political parties remain, for the most part, split: Democrats accused Nasmeh of killing his sister. continue to campaign for more rigid gun control laws, while Republicans argue that the Nasmeh then proceeded to storm out of the res- shooting was the result of a mentally unstable shooter rather than the leniency of gun taurant, walking to the nearby Peet’s Coffee. A few Maurice Nasmeh, control laws. But this massacre cannot simply be blamed on one factor or the other: it is minutes later, Sanchez followed him and shot him Victim of murder the result of a culmination of botched compromises, of unchecked threats, and of past once before walking into the parking lot and taking mistakes returning to haunt us. The Tucson shooting was an unspeakable act of horror. Yet there is one “positive” aspect his own life. about it: it enables us to focus in on the problems that caused this massacre to happen, and to By the time police arrived on the scene, both men were already dead. Though Sanchez limit the chance such an event will happen again. Our representatives must focus on what is was armed, authorities have said that they do not believe Sanchez sought out Nasmeh, and best for the nation: stronger gun control regulations does not mean a “win” for the Democrats that this was a chance encounter. and a “defeat” for the Republicans, but should instead be viewed as a victory for the safety Sanchez’s frustration with the lack of action in response to his sister’s disappearance of all citizens of America. By putting safety fi rst and politics second, Columbine, Virginia seems to have caused him to take such responsibility ultimately into his own hands. Tech, and Tucson may all become mistakes of the past, never to be repeated. Vigilantism: romanticized crime By Angela Hodge families. In 2009, the average time spent between receiving In actuality, though, our moral and ethical standards as Justice Editor a death sentence and actually being executed was fourteen human beings drive us to a different conclusion. Sorrow and Vigilantism, as a concept, is seemingly heroic. It is a years. In 2004, a 74-year-old man in an Alabama prison fury are defensible. Frustration with perceived injustice is way for the everyman to take the law into his own hands, was executed for a murder he had committed in his forties. understandable. Murder is not. Vigilante violence bypasses and summarily beat the bad guys over the heads with it. all the paperwork and inconvenience inherent in the justice Everyone wants to be Batman. Or at least Guy Fawkes. Sorrow and fury are defensible. system, but in doing so, it also shoves aside the fundamen- Unfortunately, Batman does not exist. Nor does Guy tal concern for human rights that necessitates that caution. Fawkes. If you think Guy Fawkes exists, you have been Frustration with perceived It compromises the values that separate us from lawless, fooled by teenagers protesting against scientology. And injustice is understandable. primitive societies, and as hard as it may be for people in the sentiments propagated by thrilling works of fi ction that Murder is not. grief and anger to remember, the Sixth Amendment is an popularize the ideal of the one-man war against crime are instrument of justice, not an obstacle. about as realistic as a billionaire socialite rappelling around If we understand as a society that vigilantism is essen- Gotham punching clowns. A murder conviction means a judge or jury decides tially wrong, why does it happen? The cases above suggest The problem with taking the law into one’s own hands that suffi cient evidence has been presented to convict a two basic causes for vigilante violence. First, a sense of the is that the law is designed to fi t quite comfortably in the person. In the case of Wayne Sanchez, discussed above, the ineffectiveness or impotence of the justice system motivates hands of the justice system. Policemen, attorneys, and judg- alleged criminal, Maurice Nasmeh, was tried a number of the friends and families of wronged victims to take matters es are extensively trained and educated to bring criminals to years after the actual crime, and acquitted a number of years into their own hands – as in the case of Sanchez and Nasmeh. justice as fairly, safely and effi ciently as possible. Vigilante after that. In this situation and others like it, the anguish of Second, it is distressingly possible for a civilian to violence is motivated by the belief that the system is partly men like Wayne Sanchez – parents, spouses, friends, and acquire the means with which to exact violent revenge – as or wholly incompetent. That one man with a vengeance and children of loved ones whose likely murderers have escaped in the Tucson shooting. Does this mean that our government a pistol can accomplish what a state or federal court cannot. punishment – is understandable. There is a certain instinct, is responsible for the death and chaos that results from This is not an unreasonable proposal, if you consider perhaps rooted in the romantic heart of American culture, vigilante violence? Not expressly, but it is becoming clear murder an accomplishment. It’s true that America’s justice to empathize with and support vigilantes whose only desire, that steps must be taken to tighten gun control and address system can seem frustratingly slow to victims and their it seems, is to bring justice where there is none. the needs of civilians. SPORTS Underdog Victors: Soaring Their Way to Success Men’s Wrestling By Cameron Schott need to improve on if we are going to reach our goals. Two of the Staff Writer most important areas are our defense and our rebounding. We have By Kyle Payne Coming off a 2010 CCS title and a state-title run, the men’s had too many breakdowns on defense that have not cost us games, Staff Writer basketball team entered this season with high expectations. With their but will hurt us if we do not improve in this area. And we need to With Mitty’s multitude of recent athletic tri- 25-2 record and WCAL title, the Monarchs have not disappointed. continue to share the ball and run in transition. We are at our best on umphs, it is easy for some teams to fade into the The 61st ranked team in the coun- the fast-break and make it diffi cult on background, their achievements overshadowed by try according to Rivals.com and the 8th the opposing defense when we share the those of others. However, the Monarch Wrestling in California, the Men’s Basketball team ball because we have so many players team is not ready to accept a secondary role this has had an incredible year. who can score.” season. As electrifying sophomore for- The coach’s sense of urgency is Led by Head Coach Chris Curry and senior ward Aaron Gordon says, “It’s been a defi nitely warranted. In their second Michael Atondo, the Varsity team has impressed on its way to its most successful season in fi ve years. good year. The reason we’re winning meeting against St. Ignatius, the Mon- Talented junior Diego Gaxiola and second-year is because we are always there for each archs seemed to struggle against the sophomore Kyle Jackson have also played key other.” Wildcats’ 2-3 zone defense. St. Ignatius’ parts in the Monarchs’ ascendancy. Gordon has played a key role for ability to crowd the paint pointed out Atondo’s presence has undoubtedly played a the Monarchs. The 2010 Mercury News weaknesses in the Monarchs’ offense. huge role in this season’s surprising success. “He Freshman of the Year has experienced The Wildcats’ zone focused on both de- has been the backbone of the team. His understand- the same unbelievable success this year fending the middle and double-teaming ing of wrestling and ability to push his teammates as well. His 6’7” size makes him an Aaron Gordon. This strategy struck the has been invaluable,” Curry notes. extremely diffi cult match-up for anyone Monarchs to the core. Even though only 10-12 players compete for and has the home crowd primed for a Although Mitty pulled out the vic- the Monarchs, as opposed to the 14 on a full lineup, slam-dunk almost every time he touches tory after a late run led by Colin Wan, this has not slowed the team down. As senior Justin Evans put it, “This year we have fi nally begun to the ball. His astounding defense makes the game provided a good blueprint on come together as a team. We are now placing in the opposing teams timid to take the ball how to stop a seemingly unstoppable top ten at tournaments with only half of a team!” down in the post and his presence alone Monarch team. For the Varsity team, this banner year stems forces them to the perimeter. His play But unstoppable is exactly how the from the work and effort put forth by each member has deservedly earned him the WCAL Monarchs have appeared, as they’ve of the team. Senior Michael Swywk sums it up Player of the Year award. ridden a thirteen-game winning streak by saying, “This year, we have had more varsity However, even the best of players on their way to the WCAL title. wrestlers place in tournaments than any other year, can’t do it all alone. Junior forward Neil In the postseason the Monarchs which just goes to show that you defi nitely get out Vranicar attributes the teams success destroyed Valley Christian in the fi rst what you put in. In this case, we have put our time, to the “seniors’ consistent play. Brent round of the WCAL playoffs, 80-43. energy, and sweat into this season, and as a result, [Younger] and Connor [Gorman] have They then blew out Bellarmine, 63-44. we have been the victorious underdogs.” The title game was anything but Swywk’s words were confirmed with the played great night in and night out.” Photo courtesy of ProImage team’s results at the Cupertino Varsity tournament, In addition, Kyle Toth has been Sophomore Aaron Gordon slams the ball down. a blowout, however. The Monarchs where the Monarchs placed 3rd as a team. an exceptional perimeter player on of- dramatic and down to the wire 46-45 vic- The Frosh-Soph squad has also reached pre- fense, while senior Colin Wan has played the point guard position tory over Serra was led by Gordon’s stat-sheet fi lling 15 points, 19 viously unimaginable heights. They are currently to perfection. rebounds, and six blocks. And it was Gordon’s put-back in the fi nal undefeated in league play and look to be one of Seniors Brandon White and Brent Younger have also been huge minute that provided the margin of victory. the fi rst Mitty teams at that level to fi nish atop the contributors. Younger has found great success playing the post while The team will enter the CCS playoffs as the number one seed standings. Jackson’s fondest memory is of the per- White’s versatility is nearly unmatched. in Division II on their quest for a State title. formance at the Los Gatos Tournament. He com- Coach Tim Kennedy feels that, “We have all the pieces to be a Gordon said of the postseason, “We hope to go undefeated the mented of the experience, “Even though our team great team. We have multiple offensive threats, experienced players rest of the year and win the title.” consisted of freshmen and sophomores, our team and a group of guys who are just winners.” He proceeded to tap on the wall, saying, “Knock on wood.” won the whole tournament...that night showed me that character is more important than experience.” Even the best teams, however, have room for improvement. If the team performs as it has throughout the season, though, that As Coach Kennedy added, “There are a large number of areas we won’t be necessary. Athletes Speak What was the most crucial match of the season?

John Zdankus, Senior Connor Gorman, Senior “I believe we have had several great “Our most crucial game of the season victories this season including our was defeating St. Ignatius. After losing games against Santa Cruz, Bullard, to them in our previous game, we and Valley Christian. Thanks to our knew that we had to step up to the wins we will have over a 500 record, challenge and give it our all. Out of giving us a good chance of qualify- the gate we were ready to play, and ing for CCS playoffs since Santa were successful in throwing them off Cruz and Bullard will likely win their their game plan. We beat leagues.” them by over 10 points.”

Michael Sywyk, Senior Ana Marija Sola, Junior “In the Cupertino Tournament, I had “Our greatest victory this year would to wrestle someone from St. Francis have to be our 2-1 win against Valley who I had already beaten by a slim Christian. With only 30 minutes to margin of 9-6 earlier that day. I was go and down by one goal, we held it nervous and tired, but went out there together, and after two clutch goals and wrestled the best match of my secured the league championship and life, beating him 8-0 and making no yet another banner for the Women’s mistakes. Because I beat him by 8, it soccer program. Our performance in counted as a major decision, giving us this critical game was exhilarating and an extra point. Out of 36 teams, we displayed the heart and determination took 3rd place by that single point.” which our team possesses.” Compiled by Rebecca Casey Sports Editor February 2011 • Sports Page 15 Hard Work, Selfl essness Carry Women’s Basketball By Ariq Chowdhury Energy and athleticism are crucial for the fast-paced Staff Writer and hardworking team, especially in tough games against The Archbishop Mitty Women’s Basketball team has teams with similar up-tempo styles. The hard work put enjoyed a great deal of success over the last few years, and in during practice certainly pays off, as the players have is well on its way towards another banner season this year. enough left in the tank down the stretch to beat their op- Last year’s squad played dominating ball on their ponents late in games. Size and speed are two main quali- way to Western Catholic Athletic League and Central ties in a proven winning formula, and the multifaceted Coast Section titles, before falling in the California Inter- Monarchs have proven they have enough of both to be as scholastic Federation Championship game. The fact that successful as past teams have been. several key players from the team that went undefeated Coach Sue Phillips has led the Monarch Basketball in league play have graduated might seem an indomitable program admirably through the years, amassing over 500 impediment. However, this year’s Monarchs have proved wins, an incredible total. She has coached numerous star so versatile and deep that they are certainly capable of players in the past, and knows how to get the most out of eclipsing the triumphs of last year’s team. her team at any given time. The Monarchs just added another WCAL title with Repeating and exceeding last season’s success is cer- a 66-59 victory over arch-rival Presentation on Feb. 19. tainly no easy task, but Coach Phillips believes that with With a balanced attack led by 13 points each from senior heart, this team can defi nitely be a champion. Her belief guard Ashley Watson (just named WCAL player of the that “winning and losing are products of team play, focus, year) and freshman Kelli Hayes, the Monarchs shot nearly effort, and intensity” refl ects the prevailing ideology that 60 percent from the fi eld. she instills in her squad each day. Now 20-7 overall and having fi nished 9-3 in league All has not been rosy for the Monarchs this year, play, the team defeated Notre Dame-Belmont 57-34 in however. They have lost their fair share of heartbreakers, the WCAL quarterfi nals and blew out St. Ignatius 68-48 Photo courtesy of ProImage including a 61-60 defeat to Dougherty Valley. However, Sophomore Vanessa Garner scans the court. in the semifi nals. they have not fallen prey to adversity. Their veteran experi- Their regular season triumphs included defeats of championship teams, have offered invaluable leadership ence has helped to pull the team together as they look to Bishop O’ Dowd and St. Francis, two of the strongest to this year’s young squad. Watson not only leads the make a torrid fi nal run at the season’s end. teams in the division. Their most stirring victory, however, team in scoring with 14 points per game, but also runs Versatility and a repertoire of skilled players will be must be their overwhelming 28-point defeat of Valley the offense from the key point guard spot. Sophomore the most benefi cial assets to the Monarch women as they Christian in the last game of the regular season. guard Vanessa Garner and freshman Kelli Hayes are just seek to continue the tradition of winning that has become Simply put, the Monarchs know how to win. Seniors a few of the many players on the team who can put up big expected of Mitty athletes as part of one of the most deco- Ashley Watson and Vanessa Leo, veterans of multiple numbers any given night. rated sports programs in the nation. Balance Key to Men’s Success Women’s Soccer Scoring Big

By Neil Jariwala ceed in limiting our opponents’ offenses.” By Patrick Le and keep possession of the ball, while look- Staff Writer The success of balancing a potent offense Staff Writer ing to be dangerous in the attack,” as senior with a dominating defense was demonstrated midfi elder Kelsey Foo says. Even with their With its amalgam of youth and seniority, repeatedly throughout the season, in the Managing both sides of the ball is a vast success this season, the coach and play- the Archbishop Mitty Men’s Soccer team is Monarchs’ remarkable six shutout victories. challenge that plagues many great teams. ers are still striving for improvement in the on the move, looking to make a big statement However, the Monarchs do have room to This year’s Women’s Soccer team believes technical aspect of the game. A controlled, and compete for the CCS title. improve next season. Downey, who notched in accepting this challenge and, thus far, yet quick pace keeps opposing defenders off The Monarchs record at press time his 7th goal in the win over Serra, concedes has lived this creed out. The Monarchs are balance, but an organized backline helps to stands at 10-8-3, including a recent impres- that the Monarchs have been “somewhat notorious for their high-fl ying offense and protect their own goal. sive 2-1 victory over Valley Christian on inconsistent” at times. their ball-hawking defense. With the implementation of such Feb. 9 that closed out their regular season. Big early-season games against St. This has already proven a formula for techniques, the Monarchs seek to “simply The year was high- Ignatius and rival success, as the wom- dominate,” stated lighted by victories Bellarmine gener- en won the WCAL midfielder Ana against Valley and ated much respect playoffs for the fi rst Marija Sola. Fun- Archbishop Rior- for the team, but the time since 2008 with damentals and ex- dan. The Monarchs Monarchs have also a 1-0 vitory over St. ecution are key in also showed their been beset by tough Ignatius. producing tangible toughness and grit losses throughout the The Monarch results. Players give all season, winning season. Women’s Soccer their full effort ev- several close games Zdankus notes team looks to con- ery practice, which by a single goal. that certain weak- tinue its trek in the pays dividends in On offense, nesses have led to postseason where their on-fi eld perfor- the Monarchs have many “up and down” they fell just short mance. implemented a fast- games. However, the of bringing home Along with paced system with team has its sights set a banner last year. their veteran lead- a heavy emphasis on the future, and is After fi nishing last ership and strong on ball control. Ac- looking to fi nish the season with a 14-6- bonds among team- cording to senior season on a positive 3 record, the Mon- mates, there is one sweeper and cap- note. archs sought to dom- integral aspect that tain John Zdankus, While the club is inate in the WCAL the Monarchs unani- such a system al- mostly comprised of playoffs. Their 5-1 mously share: com- lows the Monarchs juniors and seniors, rout of Sacred Heart mitment. to “maintain strong Photo courtesy of ProImage Downey is quick to definitely made a Photo courtesy of ProImage Recovering possession and push Senior Evan Leedeman drives the ball. praise the work of statement at the time, Senior Michaela Matulich spins past defenders. from a devastating forward to score, wearing out opposing the team’s younger players. “We have a re- but the women lost to St. Francis in the MCL injury, Sooy said she “would rather defenses.” ally young team, with fi ve sophomores and semifi nals the next game, and a 1-0 loss to fi ght through the pain than have to sit out.” On the other side of the ball, Zdankus two of the youngest coaches in the league. Burlingame brought an end to the Monarchs’ Through and through, the team’s core of notes, the Monarchs pressure opposing of- Everyone has stepped up to do his job when fruitful 2009-2010 campaign. leadership is excellent. Sooy shows her drive fenses by “shifting players to have numbers needed to.” This Year, Coach J.T. Hanley aimed to when she states, “I would like to maintain up at all times,” allowing them to regain Center midfi elder Shane Luna, mid- improve overall performance in the team’s my determination to win every single game. possession and continue on the attack. fi elder David Escobar, and forward Connor game; they defi nitely hit the ground running. Ever since I was a freshman, I have always Up front, the Monarchs are led by se- Kurze are among the sophomores who have The Monarchs routed Antioch and Notre wanted to hang a banner up in the gym and nior forward Joey Dei Rossi (9 goals and 21 contributed signifi cantly to the team’s suc- Dame 7-0 and 6-0, respectively, on their way earn the respect women’s soccer deserves.” points), and senior midfi elder Zac Downey cess this season, combining for 23 points. to a 13-2-4 overall regular season record. Given the team’s performance, wom- (8 goals and 19 points). The Monarchs are As such, the future looks bright for the Players maintain that the equal emphasis en’s soccer undoubtedly will fi ght for a CCS anchored on defense by senior captain Evan Monarchs, who have overcome early incon- on offense and defense is one of the most banner to go along with their WCAL banner Leedeman, senior defenders Keith Rose and sistency to play a hard-nosed, competitive important parts of their astounding success. which will hang from the gym’s rafters. Joseph Chizanskos, and goalkeepers Edwin game that has only strengthened with each “We find a balance,” states senior The team’s leadership and drive to win Robbins and Anthony Moreno. match. With both offensive and defensive, captain Alana Sooy. The UC Irvine-bound is defi nitely evident in Sooy’s proclamation, First-year head coach Cesar Sanchez depth and versatility, the fourth-seeded Mon- defender promotes the values of team chem- “One goal that I know is on everyone’s mind has praised the success of his team on both archs hope to make a run in the Division II istry and hard work—clearly, the rest of the is to not only go to the CCS fi nals, but to sides of the ball, noting, “We have a balanced CCS playoffs, a goal most defi nitely within squad agrees. win it too. Winning in CCS would be the scoring attack on offense, but have also suc- reach of this tough, hard-working team. The mindset they share is to “stay calm absolutely best reward possible.” News • February 2011 Page 16

Not-so New Faces at Mitty: Transfers Changes continued from page 1 courses offered at Mitty also focus on global issues and implications; therefore, the two disciplines will By Omid Mirfendereski and Sankar Srinivasan able to pursue her love of water polo, believes that Mitty compliment each other. Staff Writers allows “students to express themselves by joining whatever The changes in the English Department will With the sheer number of Monarchs running around they want to.” mirror those in the Social Studies Department in that Mitty’s campus, some of our newer members, transfers, are The application process for transfer students can be World Literature classes will temporarily disappear virtually indistinguishable in the crowd. This diverse group quite difficult and stressful. Last year, there were about next year. Again, the American Literature courses is nonetheless important to our vibrant community. Many 100 applicants competing for a limited number of spots. sophomores and juniors will both be taking will be transfer students have discovered just how much Mitty They were screened not only for academic achievement, separated by grade, this time in order to create a ho- can give them in terms of both opportunity and life values. but also for extracurricular involvement, GPAs, schedule mogeneous atmosphere that is considerate of varying Many students had clear reasons, often stemming rigor, school records, and an interview. student creativity and knowledge. from Mitty’s pleasant and hopeful atmosphere, when they After being accepted around April and May, transfers Juniors of the class of 2014 will be eligible to made their decision to come to Mitty. From a wide range of attend Transfer Orientation (in August) to become familiar take two semester-long English electives—meaning sports to a huge variety of clubs, Mitty offers a spectrum of with the school. four total semesters of electives once those already extracurriculars. Junior Sarah Godwin recounted her experience trans- offered for seniors are added in—but the options Soph- ferring to Mitty. “Mitty made transferring very smooth for will be different for the two years. In addition, junior Transfer students: Nikki Panditi, omore me,” she remembers. “I was a very late transfer, so the electives will be designed to have an emphasis on Rebecca Koshy, Willie Olivas Rebecca process was sped up.” a specific geographical region, such as a course on Koshy, Ultimately, transfer students have seen that making British, Latin American, or Middle Eastern literature. who has it to Mitty was well worth it. “I have to say transferring “A plethora of choices,” in Mr. Brazelton’s been to Mitty was one of the best decisions of my life,” says words, will remind students that we live in a global Mariah Hallacy, who like many others, felt welcomed world and give them the opportunity to explore a after arriving . Transfer students see Mitty as, in their own subject they are passionate about. words, “supportive,” “excellent,” and “pivotal.” Mr. Robinson explains that “it is more interesting Adapting to Mitty has not been as difficult as it seems and exciting for students to choose their own classes,” due to the help and support from the community. Trying and that teachers will be able to teach material in which to print in the library and finding the 400 Wing are a few they are specialized, so lectures will be more accessible issues that have been quickly made simple by seasoned and entertaining. The specialization of courses will students. Differences in schedules and upgrades in cam- expose students to a greater variety of subjects. pus size may seem like daunting changes to the normal Other changes in the English Department include high-school routine, but in reality, many have found these a redesigned freshman class that incorporates tech- aspects refreshing. nology and exposes students to more writing styles, Sophomore Nikki Panditi emphasizes the importance such nonfiction, as well as incorporating rhetoric. of becoming part of the community and advises other trans- English courses will continue to include outside fers to “try an extracurricular activity at Mitty.”After joining reading, grammar, and vocabulary as parts of their the MICAH program, Nikki has found amazing friends that class curricula. she otherwise would not have met. myMitty.com will be extensively used and Transfer student Gabriel-Jaime Gonzalvez says, “It’s subscription libraries, newspaper articles, and other the people that make the places, and it’s the friends I’ve resources will be used to research information, which made at Mitty that have really changed the way I see and Mr. Brazelton explains, is significant because they carry myself.” “will be used in college and beyond.”

STUDENT CENTE(RED) Volume 20 Number 3 Student Focus: Carlisle Micallef Advisors By Alisha Dua costumes as if every day were Halloween, but she also Mr. Mick VanValkenburg Staff Writer had opportunities to visit rural areas and learn from Carlisle Micallef, a freshman who moved to cultures unknown to many. One such experience oc- & Mr. Craig Whitt California from Singapore in 2010, speaks fl uent curred in a provincial village of Northern Thailand, Mandarin, and has visited eleven countries. Her story where she met the Kayan people. News begins when she moved to Singapore after her dad’s The Kayans place rings around women’s necks, Gwendolyn Holst, Melanie Mascarenhas, promotion. What was supposed to be a three-year stay for the purpose of stretching them. Carlisle was able became five-years, making Singapore the country she to see this practice first hand while, for most people, & Sruthi Ramaswami considered home. such an experience is something of a fi ctional book. Among all of her experi- Opinions ences in Singapore and the sur- Manosai Eerabathini, Linda Nguyen, rounding countries, Carlisle’s most shocking and profound was Isabel Sausjord, & Sarang Shankar a school trip to Cambodia, where a recent civil war had ravaged Arts & Entertainment the country. Chaddy Georges, Steffie Ko, & Zoya Qureshy She visited torture chambers and killing sites that had been a Focus part of the genocide. In addition, she was able to help the commu- Taji Hutchins, Nhi Nguyen, nity by building houses for the Seethim Naicker, & Betsy Thomas Cambodian people. At one point, when talking Justice Awareness to survivors on the trip, she met a man with no face. She still viv- Olivia Bartz, Angela Hodge, idly recalls the pain and suffering Briana Saunders, & Elise Sudlow that were prominent in his voice. Carlisle now realizes that the What was key about Carlisle’s life in Singapore big picture is more important than the little problems, Sports was the fact that it was a “transit place,” as she calls and that we need to step out of our comfort zone to help Rebecca Casey, Anay Dattawadkar, it. Thus, she was able to “travel every chance [she] those around us who are less fortunate. After having got.” The openness of Singapore is what allowed her experienced the suffering in other parts of the world, Arjun Ravishankar, & Ayman Ullah to take multiple family expeditions to eleven different Carlisle has concluded that everything she has “has a countries: India, Cambodia, Vietnam, Burma (Myan- completely new meaning.” Photo mar), Indonesia, Japan, China, Singapore, Thailand, Carlisle epitomizes a worldly person after living Avantika Abhyankar & Nikita Nathan the Maldives, and Hong Kong. and visiting so many places. Her insight into religion, She not only visited Harajuku, an urban city politics, and culture reveals a maturity found in some- The Monarch is published for the students, where Japanese denizens come out at night in bunny one far beyond her years. faculty, and parents of Archbishop Mitty High School.