The Voice of the Wildcats The Gusher Since 1912 Volume 94, Issue 2 Taft Union High School, 701 Seventh St., Taft, Calif. 93268 November 30, 2006 Sen. Feinstein visits Taft, speaks to student assembly In her first visit to book, many plays, the debate “Only half of them went to team, and the first CSF club. school,” Feinstein commented Taft, the three-term After high school, he went on about her father’s siblings. senator tours the to become a successful surgeon. Goldman was one of the lucky Goldman is being considered ones. He eventually went on to school from which her for induction into the school’s attend UC Berkeley and became father graduated in new project, The Walk of Fame. Chief of Surgery at the UC Med- the 1920s, calling it a Senator Feinstein toured the ical Center in San Francisco. halls of the main building and The topic of Senator Fein- “roots trip.” visited the classroom of Karen stein’s motivational speech was Hillygus before going to the au- being the best you can be. By Lacey Chappelear ditorium for her speech. “Life gives you a lot of very Features Editor “I went into a classroom hard knocks,” Feinstein said. “I and it was interesting. I wonder believe you have to be a little bit U.S. Senator Diane Feinstein if my father could have been in like a phoenix to face the defeat (D - CA) paid a visit to Taft and that classroom,” Feinstein told after defeat life brings you.” Taft Union High School on Oc- students. Feinstein encouraged stu- tober 19. During her speech, Fein- dents to “find out what you “It is a roots trip,” Senator stein told the history of her fam- do best...read those books, bet- Feinstein commented in her ily. Her grandfather emigrated ter yourself, and become that motivational speech to the stu- from Poland and eventually phoenix.” dent body during 4th period found his way to San Francisco. Feinstein also talked about Her father, Leon Goldman, After the great San Francisco global warming and its effects attended TUHS in the 1920’s. earthquake in 1906, her grand- and possible solutions. U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein speaks to the TUHS student Goldman was an outstanding parents moved to Taft during At the end of her speech, body about fulfilling their potential during a 4th period assem- student, participating in sports, an oil boom and founded Gold- ASB President Ashlei Bryant bly on October 19. Photo by Megan Chappelear both the newspaper and year- man and Sons Supply. continued on page 3 Fall Renaissance Rally has fun honoring Top Cats and those with good attitudes By Nathan Lampkin participated in the first game of Staff Writer the rally. On October 25, the first Re- Students were given foam naissance Rally of the year apples, and the object was for made its “Hollywood” debut each class to get as many of the on the red carpet with Greg apples as they could into a trash Goossen, the new Renaissance can within the time given. The advisor, hosting the event. senior class crushed their oppo- The Renaissance Rally opened nents, making almost twice as The Homecoming queen candidates after the crowning. L-R: Sara Kidd, Emily Graves, Queen many as any other class. with the national anthem, sung Toni White, Ali Matthews and Kelsee Melton. Photo by Jordie Hood by the choir. Goossen then in- The Top Cats, students with troduced himself and gave a GPA of 4.0 and above, were Homecoming Week activities stir up spirit an inspiring, heartfelt speech recognized and awarded with By Sam Gonzales about succeeding in life by set- a trophy of appreciation. There nominees were Michael Gon- mores followed close behind in Staff Writer ting goals and accomplishing were 26 Top Cats all together. zales, Fernando Romo, Junior second, with freshmen in third them. Again, more hints were given Taft’s Homecoming Week Sefo, Taylor Unruh and Shawn and juniors in fourth place. Soon after, the local band to help people figure out who stirs up excitement throughout Wynn. Following the JV foot- Team momentum was at an Ferdinand the Bull took the the Staff Member of the Year the student body and awakens ball game the Homecoming all-time high as the varsity foot- stage in front of the jam-packed and Most Improved Student of school spirit all over campus. Court was announced, with ball team shut down the Wasco crowd, performing their own the Year were. The Homecoming football Toni White crowned Queen and Tigers in a 63-0 win. songs, such as “At the Bottom Finally, after one more set of game and dance on Friday Fernando Romo crowned King. Earlier that day the Home- of the Ocean,” “Last Train,” and hints, the mystery was revealed. night, October 27th were the The senior class prevailed in coming Rally was held in the “Keep on Runnin’.” Campus Supervisor Mary Mill- culmination of a week of activi- the float competition, with Gi- stadium. Rally commissioners Following a few hints as to er was declared the Staff Mem- ties. Nominees for Homecom- anna Hampton, James Yeley, Toni White and Ali Mathews the identity of the Staff Member ber of the Year and junior Chad ing Queen were Emily Graves, Josh Webb and Lacey Chap- got the crowd pumped up. The of the Year and Most Improved Cruz was awarded Most Im- Sara Kidd, Ali Mathews, Kelsee pelear making major contribu- football teams were introduced, Student of the Year, the students continued on page 4 Melton and Toni White. King tions to the senior float. Sopho- continued on page 3 Page 2 News & Opinion November 30, 2006 Superstar students earn 1st Quarter GPAs of 4.0 and above Seniors: Front row, L-R: Lacey Chappelear, Michelle Perales, Alexander Franzen, Raquel Garcia, Tanner Suthard. Mid- dle row: Kelsey Meadows, Malinde Hoffman, Amy Ma- gee, Patricia Unsoeld. Back row: Emily Graves, Gianna Hampton, James Pearson, Shiloh Mayfield. Not pictured: Sarah Cook, Alyssia Mat- thews, Aaron Payne. Photo by Jim Carnal. SENIORS

JUNIORS

FRESHMEN

SOPHOMORES Juniors: Front row, L-R: Matt Griffing, Jessica Hall, Allen Hickernell, Melissa Hoffman. Second row: Beatriz Aguilar, John Chamale, Selene Frausto, Jennifer Gonzales. Back row: Zakary Krigbaum, Jeremiah Twisselman, Maria Uriarte, Noel Zarate. Not pictured: Megan Chappelear. Photo by Jim Carnal Sophomores, L-R: Daisy DeLeon, Tyler Garrison, Loren Kolb, Jessica Mar- tin. Not pic- tured: Hannah Bozarth. Photo by Jim Carnal

Freshmen: Front row, L-R: Mayra Aguilar, Bryanna Bacot, Juliana Campos, Chelsey Coke, Chase Comfort, Angela Dickard. Middle row: Anthony Carino, Chesney Doak, Emmanuel Medina, Sarah Knox, Hannah Koerner, Monica Solis, Anthony Thompson, Karlie Twisselman. Back row: Jordan Mead, Blake Emberson, Melissa Miller, Paige Schoneweis, Eric LeClair, Alexis Long, Ma- rissa McMahan. Photo by Jim Carnal

The Gusher Letters to the Editor Taft Union High School When I read “Battle of the Sex- emerges before kindergarten, con- what to wear in high school. 701 Seventh Street es: Female Fashion” in the last issue tinues through ... high school, and I must also say that Jordie Taft, Calif. 93268 of The Gusher, I expected to see an becomes most acute at the college Hood made some excellent points (661) 763-2300 honest, well-thought-out opinion. level.” Thus, at this point, boys are in saying that girls shouldn’t take I was shocked to find it incredibly not as focused on school but rather so much time to get ready just for [email protected] contradictory, sexist and offensive. on the female body. This can cause school. School is for learning, mak- By pointing out specific people and tension and uneasiness. ing new friends and preparing The Gusher is a monthly publication of the journalism class at Taft calling them names, seeing women Girls should not be influenced yourself for the real world, not for Union High School. The Gusher is an open forum for students, faculty as people who should be pleasing by what guys think about how they finding a boyfriend or girlfriend. and alumni of TUHS. The opinions and views expressed in The Gusher for men to see and saying people should dress. Most girls are above In conclusion, I don’t see are the sole responsibility of the staff and do not reflect the views of dress for attention, but claiming to this. We don’t need short skirts, a problem with the way anyone is either TUHS, the TUHS District, or the Board of Trustees. want these same people to dress low-cut tops or other clothing that dressing if they’re abiding by the for the attention of the opposite has already been banned by the school Dress Code. I’m not looking sex, Aaron Rolls is definitely being school Dress Code to get boys’ at- for a life-partner, I’m here for the Editor-in-Chief/Photo Editor Sports Editor unfair. tention. Also, being experienced education. Jenny Gonzales Barbara Eveland in what I can or can’t wear, how I see this issue as a fairly easy Kt Parker I dress currently is in accordance one to solve. It is recognized that Junior Managing Editor Entertainment Editor boys mature later than girls and with the Dress Code. So whether Megan Chappelear Jordie Hood by the time we’re in high school, you are attracted to someone just To submit a letter to the editor, give the male population still has a lot because of the way they dress or a copy to any Gusher staff member, News Editor Staff Writers of growing up to do. In an article look is completely irrelevant. place it in Adviser Bill Wolfe’s mail- Joshua Webb Brianne Carroll, Sarai Espinoza, titled “Boys in Jeopardy at School,” As we are becoming mature box or email it to [email protected]. Lillie Gervacio, Samantha Gon- Kevin Wack and Beth Quimby, adults, we need to realize the fu- ca.us. Your name must be included. Features Editors zales, Billy Johnson, Jestin Kors- staff writers for the Portland Press- ture and plan for it. We need to be No anonymous letters will be pub- Lacey Chappelear gaard, Nathan Lampkin, Jessica Herald, state that, “The achieve- working hard towards success in lished. We reserve the right to edit Courtney Glendening Lemmons, Aaron Rolls ment gap between boys and girls life and not be so worried about letters for content or length. November 30, 2006 News Page 3

Top Cats: Students with GPAs above 4.0 in spring 2006 were honored for their accomplishments at the Fall 2006 Renaissance Rally. Photo by Jim Carnal Campus supervisor Mary Miller receives Staff Member of the Year award at rally By Lillie Gervacio Staff Writer In spite of the clues given Mary Miller, campus super- at the rally, being voted Staff visor, mostly known as “Mary” Member of the Year still came throughout the student body, as a pleasant surprise to Miller. was voted Staff Member of the “I was very surprised. I Year at the fall Renaissance Ral- thought they had said the ly in October. wrong name, that they had the Junior Chad Cruz and his family react to his award for Most She has been working at Taft wrong person and that it was Improved Student at the rally. Photo by Jim Carnal High for 22 years. Throughout a mistake,” she says, thinking the years, she has devoted her- back to the moment. Chad Cruz named Most Improved self to helping keep students on “I guess I didn’t believe it the right track. because I’m pretty stern.” Student at Fall Renaissance Rally “My favorite part about my “I think it’s amazing,” says job would be working around junior Ruby Moreno. “She really By Joshua Webb the students,” she says. “We try is a nice person, you know, ex- Mary Miller holds some of News Editor Once he realized that his low to help them, but we can’t save cept when she makes us change the goodies she received. GPA would prevent him from them all,” she sighs. our jeans,” she joked. The Renaissance program being able to participate in any Photo by Jim Carnal prides itself on honoring aca- sports program, however, Cruz demic achievement, especially became determined to rebound Feinstein visit students who greatly improve from his previous setback. continued from page 1 Homecoming their academic performance. “I just wanted to play style than usual, because it was Chad Cruz was named this sports,” he admitted. “So I had presented her with her fa- Week activities “Opposite Sex”day. year’s Most Improved Student to work harder.” ther’s senior picture and year- continued from page 1 Students brought out their at the Fall Renaissance Rally. The challenge for Cruz now book. cowboy boots and hats for He improved his GPA from 1.57 is to finish strong and keep his After her speech, Feinstein and the coaches described “Cowboy” day on Thursday. in the fall of 2006 to 3.43 in the grade point average at its cur- held a brief press conference how well their seasons were go- Friday brought out school spir- spring of 2006. rent level. That doesn’t seem to outside. She said she felt a ing. it with “Blue and Gold” day, “It’s because I was lazy,” be much of an obstacle for him, change is coming in Washing- Then the cheerleaders per- which was the most popular of Cruz said about his low GPA. however. ton. formed a dance routine. Other the Dress-up Days. “I just didn’t feel like doing the “It’s not a big deal,” he said. “I believe it’s happening activities included the Wildcat Senior activities during work.” “It’s actually not that hard [to right now. People want change,” Spell-Out, which the seniors Homecoming Week also in- get good grades].” she said. She also talked on the won, and a student participa- volve gender role reversals. U.S. government’s policy with tion game. On Monday night, senior boys North Korea. One of the most popular fea- were divided into Blue and “We need to sit down with tures of Homecoming Week is Gold teams for Tough Guy Coming in the next issue of The Gusher them,” Feinstein said. Dress-Up Days. Monday was Volleyball, coached by senior After a few more hand- “Dress Like a Famous Person” girls, with Gold victorious. On Winter sports coverage, girl bullying, cool cars, shakes and conversations with day. “Dress for Success’ was Wednesday night, senior girls Ferdinand the Bull, quinceaneras, teacher profiles, faculty and students, Senator Tuesday’s theme. Wednesday took over the football field for fascinating photos and much, much more Feinstein left TUHS for a lun- found young men on campus Powder Puff football, with the cheon at the Fort. dressed in a more feminine Blue team winning. Page 4 News November 30, 2006 AVID students demonstrate their skills at debut of Parents’ Night

By Jestin Korsgaard other group. Finally, the Cor- Staff Writer nell Notes seminar on how to take college-style notes in class AVID held its first annual and from reading was led by ju- AVID Parents’ Night on Oc- niors Brianne Carroll and Sam tober 9 to better help parents Gonzales for three of the four understand what AVID (Ad- sessions and by Cari McMillan vancement Via Individual De- and Leslie Saltiban in the fourth termination) program’s nature session. and benefits it offers. The night The AVID program was started with opening remarks started by an English teacher Junior Brianne Carroll teaches parents about Cornell Notes in by AVID teachers Bill Wolfe and from San Diego in 1980. The the IRC Lecture Hall. Photo by Alexcia Perales/The Derrick Debra Popejoy, as well as AVID program was designed to help counselor Tammy Sutherland. average to above-average stu- go on to college. some of the skills and strategies Afterward, parents were split Junior Cari McMillan makes dents prepare for college with AVID is in its third year at they’ve learned in AVID.” into groups to rotate among a point during Philosophical a rigorous curriculum and aca- TUHS. Approximately 145 stu- Popejoy, who is in her second four presentations put on by Chairs. Photo by Alexcia Perales/ demic support. AVID came to dents participate, with Wolfe year of teaching AVID, was very junior and sophomore AVID The Derrick Kern County eight years ago teaching two junior classes and excited about the outcomes of students. and is established in most junior Popejoy teaching three fresh- the event. “Parents were sur- A tutorial presentation using by Popejoy. The Philosophical highs and high schools. Recent men classes and two sopho- prised by how much their stu- college tutors and Socratic ques- Chairs discussion technique research shows that, of students more classes. dents must do in AVID. They tioning was led by head AVID dividing students into those who participate in AVID for “I’m pleased with how the realized they have much more tutor and TUHS alumnus Josh who agree with a statement and four years 95% go on to college, evening went,” said Wolfe. “We requirements” said Popejoy. Tofte in the library. The Socratic those who disagree. It requires with 81% going to four-year had a good turnout of inter- All of the parents who at- Seminar (learning to use group students to articulate their posi- universities, whereas only 35% ested parents, an the students tended were quite pleased with discussion techniques) was led tion in an effort to persuade the of non-AVID seniors statewide did a nice job of demonstrating the event. Band, Colorguard perform Science Fair winners move on to county competition well in recent competitions By Jordie Hood with my project and Entertainment Editor the overall turnout,” By Courtney Glendening says junior Tyler Gar- “They’ve made a lot of im- Features Editor Where do you find rison. provement and have came a a replication of the so- The contestants The Taft High Band and long way from Band Camp to lar system in a shoe- weren’t the only ones Colorguard have finished their here,” Howard comments. box, bridges made of impressed by their competition season, having “We did pretty good,” he popsicle sticks and a achievements. Fellow placed well, and are planning says of the season. “We could step-by-step exam- students also had pos- for future public performances. have maximized a little bit ple of how a murder itive comments about The Colorguard and band more, but overall they did very scene is investigated? the event. finished in first place at the Garc- well.” Taft High’s Science “The projects were es High competition on October On Saturday, November 18, Fair, of course. extremely impressive 28, while the drumline came in the band traveled to Fresno for This year’s fair Junior Robyn Roland explains her project, “Can this year,” says se- second place. The Drum Majors “Fresno State Band Day.” The had a wide variety of a Crime Scene Be Solved Using Only One Fo- nior Jessica Lemmons. took fourth place. At West High TUHS band performed during exciting displays. The “Those kids make me rensics Technique?” Photo by Jordie Hood on November 4, the Colorguard halftime of the football game, winners were chosen want to be a better placed second and the Drum- along with about 1300 other by teachers from the person.” line finished third. band students. They were able science department, with the 19 bobank Convention Center in The Science Fair is a great “The students played very to observe the Fresno State finalists moving on to the Kern Bakersfield on March 21. way to have fun and “experi- well. It was very competitive,” marching band rehearsing, and County Science Fair at the Ra- “It was fun. I was happy ment.” said Band Director Mark How- after watching the Bulldogs ard. defeat Idaho, viewed Fresno’s With the competitive season “61 Minute” post-game perfor- 2006-2007 Science Fair Winners over, the band is starting to pre- mance. Jordan Burell: “Testing the strength of wood” pare for a Christmas concert. “It was awesome,” said Jordan Mead and Cory Kidd: “Windex, the miracle cleaner” Howard enthusiastically. Ashley Lynch: “Nails for breakfast?” Renaissance Rally Nick Hickernell: “Do oranges gain or lose vitamin C after being picked?” continued from page 1 Freshman Jimmy Golden then Matt Davis: “How does a cell phone affect motor skills and reaction time?” proved Student of the Year. lip-synched Weird Al Yankov- James Gunter and Braxton Walters: “Relative strength of truss designs” The Taft High cheerleaders ic’s “White and Nerdy,” a par- Monica Solis: “What effect do soda, coffee, vegetable juice and water have on radish seeds?” performed a few routines, and ody of the hit song “Ridin’” by Anthony Carino: “Which plant creates the most oxygen?” students from the new dance hip-hop artist Chamillionaire. Melissa Hoffman: “What is static electricity?” class performed their choreo- A group of teachers conclud- Megan Jaske: “Is rusting endothermic or exothermic?” graphed steps to perfection. ed the rally by singing the 80’s Tony Anaya and Kt Parker: “What emits the most CO2?” Football players Tony Savaii anthem “We Are the World.” Tyler Garrison and Daisy DeLeon: “What type of water is more corrosive to nails?” and Junior Sefo sang a rap song Debra Popejoy and John Kopp Alexis Long and Erica Miller: “Which color affects the rate of evaporation of water?” in tribute to their grandma, who stood out as Tina Turner and Robyn Roland: “Can a crime scene be solved using only one forensics technique?” recently passed away. Kenny Rogers, respectively. November 30, 2006 Features Page 5 Faculty Spotlight for November: Science teacher Wendy Berry

By Billy Johnson Staff Writer

If you saw a roller derby girl skating around campus on Hal- loween, then you got an awk- ward glimpse of Taft High’s own Wendy Berry. Energy drinks may provide Berry has been teaching at Taft High for six years. “I sort of fell into the profes- more than students expect sion. I got my masters in marine By Barbara Eveland biology, became a substitute Sports Editor thinks you are drinking a “tall teacher and couldn’t really do boy.” This happened recently to anything else with it, so here I Many people have heard sto- one of our senior students here am,” Berry explains. ries about energy drinks being at Taft High. She graduated from Taft High unhealthy, even dangerous. Most producers of energy and attended many different Ironically, the rumors of danger drinks say that they knew teens colleges like Cuesta, Cal Luth- from drinking these beverages would find them “cool” and ern, CSUB and UCSD. only increases people’s desire think they are a great alterna- Berry has coached volleyball for them. They are popular not tive to alcohol or drugs. for three years, softball for four only among adults but teens, The problem is that energy and cross country for two dur- too. drinks are addictive, somewhat ing her teaching career. “I drink two or three a day like coffee. After the initial rush “I love coaching, but I’d most of the time,” says senior from drinking one, most people rather spend time with my own Alex Dewing, “because they get the craving for another. family,” she says. give you energy when you are Some physicians state that Berry’s latest achievement is- tired.” consumption of too many en- being hired as a college teacher. “I drink one about every ergy drinks can lead to kidney “I was offered a job teaching three months, when I want and bladder infections and also at Taft College. I’ve been teach- to stay up late. They keep me kidney stones due to the high ing over there for three semes- awake,” notes sophomore Tyler levels of both sugar and caf- ters and I like it because the kids Garrison. feine. who attend actually want to be Senior Robby Kimble admits “I don’t think they are bad for there. There aren’t any tests or to drinking one a day, some- you, nothing bad has happened state standards. I just teach.” times two. “I like the taste. They to me,” Kimble offers. Berry is happily married with are really good. Drink them,” “I think if you drink over a two kids. In her spare time, she he encourages. certain limit, then they can be enjoys running, hunting, scuba “I drink one about every bad for you,” admits Nearn. diving and spending time with two weeks. I just drink them “I drink them all the time and her family. Wendy Berry is well known for her willingness to dress up in because I like the taste,” notes nothing has happened to me order to show her school spirit. Photo courtesy of Janet Miller sophomore Mark Nearn. yet,” says Dewing. Most teens like to drink them “You have to know when for such reasons as weight loss, enough is enough,” concludes Winterguard aims for higher profile in ’07 increased endurance and the Garrison. sudden rush of caffeine, which Liz Applegate, a sports nu- By Lillie Gervacio some say is like a legal high. tritionist at UC Davis, recently Staff Writer place at the PPAACC competi- captain Selene Frausto, Katie Energy drinks are not rec- told CNN.com that she thinks tion, as they did in 2005. Dubois, Mereelle Bartlett, Jen- ommended to quench thirst or energy drinks are a bad idea for They perform with the band They placed second at the nifer Webb, Sandy Martin and while exercising. Short studies athletes. during halftime, they placed in last PPAACC competition, los- instructors Jennifer Harris and have shown that energy drinks “They should not be con- every one of their competitions ing first by only one tenth of a Danielle Hutchison, who them- can improve attention and ver- sumed during exercise,” she during their Colorguard season point. selves have been involved in bal reasoning. says. They’re too concentrated and yet still many times they “It really takes a lot of physi- Colorguard for many years. The three most popular en- in sugar. That’s going to slow go unnoticed or unappreciated. cal and mental ability,” says “Even though the guard is ergy drinks are Red Bull, Mon- down the body’s ability to ab- The Colorguard are working third-year member, junior Tina pretty small this year, they still ster and Rockstar. Many energy sorb water.” hard to raise their profile this Erdie. have potential,” says Hutchi- drinks contain arantine, cara- Cardiologists are concerned, year. The girls practice every son.” We’re constantly improv- tine, ginseng and taurine, all of too. The drinks can even cause During the Colorguard sea- Tuesday and Thursday from ing, but once you master one which can have side effects. “racing heart beat, elevation of son the girls placed second at 5:30 to 8 and frequently practice thing, soon you have something Another negative of energy blood pressure and even poten- the Simi Valley competition, on Saturdays. else to master.” drinks is that if you drink them tially a heart attack,” according first at Garces and second at the “It really is hard work when Throughout their Win- while you are driving, you may to Dr. Laurence Sperling of Em- West competition. you have to do run-through af- terguard season, they will be get pulled over if a policeman ory University School of Medi- But now that they have start- ter run-through. You need a lot performing to Cher’s version of cine in Atlanta. ed their Winterguard season, the of hand-eye coordination,” ex- “Walking in Memphis,” origi- girls have become determined plains junior Alyssa Alonzo. nally a hit for Grammy award to make the best out of this year Along with Alonzo and wining singer- Marc and strive to bring home first Erdie, the team is made up of Cohn. Page 6 Features November 30, 2006 HOMECOMING WEEK ACTIVITIES Dress-Up Days!

Opposite Sex Day Dress for Success Day Famous Person Day

Junior Casey Dean and senior ‘girlfriend’ Senior Morissa Fisher, freshman Andrew Smith, senior Don Webster Ben Cooper lovingly hold hands on Op- and junior Kristina Smith indulge their career fantasies. Photo by Jenny posite Sex Day. Photo by Brianne Carroll Gonzales

Senior Courtney Glendening as Nicole Ritchie. Photo by Bill Wolfe

Seniors Morissa Fisher and Amy Magee examine each other on Dress for Success Day. Photo by Jenny Gonzales

Seniors Maclane Cramer and Ashley Neal experience the manly feel of football uniforms on Opposite Sex Day.

COWBOY DAY Seniors Fernando Romo, Andrew Brown, Tyler Se- Junior Austin Gallegos and senior vedge and Ethan Morris (standing) get in touch with Erica Thompson as Johnny Knoxville and Jessica Simpson in The Dukes their inner cowboy on Thursday. of Hazzard. Photo by Brianne Carroll November 30, 2006 Features Page 7

All for Fun Blue and Gold Day

Senior Michelle Perales and freshman Chesney Doak strain to reach the circles during a game of Twister. All for Fun brought their super-sized activities to the San Emidio lawn during the extended lunch hour on Thursday of Homecoming Week. Photo by Bill Wolfe Juniors Brandee Garrett, Gina Higginbotham, Brianne Carroll, Andrew LeClair, Sam Gonzales, Colton Hudson and Andrew Matthews scream the Wildcat Spell- out at the Homecoming Rally. Photo by Billy Johnson

Homecoming Game Festivities

The Freshmen doing a penguin dance to Vanilla Ice’s “Ice Ice Baby” for their Homecoming float. Photo by Jordie Hood Students scramble to fill up their coffee cans using sponges during a water game at the Homecoming Rally. Photo by Billy Johnson

Toni White reacts with joy to being named Homecoming Queen, as Kelsee Melton, Shawn Wynn and and 2005 King Eli LeClair look on. Photo by Jordie Hood 2005 Homecoming Queen Kayla Hillygus returned from UC Santa Barbara to crown Toni White as her successor. Kelsee Melton, Fer- nando Romo and Shawn Wynn share the moment. Photo by Jordie Hood Page 8 Sports November 30, 2006 Megan Thompson, only a freshman, chases after cross-country records

By Nathan Lampkin Staff Writer

Freshman cross-country runner Megan Thompson has been a star athlete since she could tie her shoes. She ran for the Westside Recreation’s track team in long distance for two years and went all the way to the state championships during 8th grade year, placing tenth. “She’s the best girl cross- country runner I can remem- ber in my nine years here,” exclaimed Jim Carnal, TUHS Seniors on the Blue team get caught up in the challenge and Public Information Officer and excitement of volleyball. Photo by Jennifer Gonzales yearbook advisor from 1998- 2006. Believe it or not, this is her Tough Guy volleyball first year in cross-country. She placed first in 98% of her races gives senior boys some until she sustained a hip injury, which slowed her down only a little. “bumps” and bruises “She has done excellent,” says her sister, Taft High senior By Barbara Eveland them found out they didn’t Erica Thompson. “I wish I could Sports Editor even know how to bump, set or run like her.” Thompson leads the way in a recent race. Photo courtesy of The spike a ball! Thompson has already bro- Derrick On Monday, October 16th se- The boys played three games, ken a track record at Tehachapi nior guys got a taste of what the with the Gold team playing hard and set the first course record The first question that comes Thompson says she girls on the Taft High volleyball and winning the first one 25-14. at the Valley Rose golf course to mind when one thinks of wants to go to trade school and teams go through every year. The second game was a close against Wasco. She took second cross-country is who in their become an ultrasound techni- Some senior girls got togeth- one with the Blue team fighting at the Wolfpack invitational at right mind would want to run cian. er and showed the guys some back and winning 25-23. Hart Park. for pleasure. But Thompson re- Other than running long useful volleyball techniques, al- The crowd went wild as “She would have taken ally seems to enjoy what she’s distances, Megan likes to talk though most of the boys thought senior Alex Dewing made ten first,” says cross-country coach doing. on the phone, go out with her they already knew what they serves in a row, scoring for the Berry Jameson,” but she got “It keeps me in shape,” friends and hang out with her were doing. Gold team and winning the lost.” Thompson says. boyfriend. Reality hit when most of third game. Girls’ tennis standouts lead Senior girls clash in memorable Powder the way in transitional season Puff game, Blue wins close contest 14-12 By Courtney Glendening Features Editor By Billy Johnson Staff Writer ters, but the drive ended with a failed on both extra-point at- turnover. tempts, which left the score 14 The Lady Wildcats have plans to improve her serves and On Wednesday, October 18, Blue quarterback Jennifer to 12 when time ran out. played well and finished the backhands next year. the annual clash between Blue Ramirez scored another touch- Blue showed up prepared season with two standout per- “It is no surprise that the and Gold turned into one of the down. Ashley Neal scored a and had a successful game. By formers. two most dedicated and hard- best Powder Puff games in Taft two-point conversion in the sec- the time Gold came together, it The girls split their matches working girls on the team en- High history. ond quarter, making the score was a little too late. with Arvin and Tehachapi, de- joyed the most success,” Lady Shortly after Blue won the 14-0, which placed a heavy bur- “Practices were fun. The feating Arvin but losing to Te- Cats coach Mike Cowan told coin toss, running back Ma- den on Gold. But Gold running coaches were taking things too hachapi, on October 17. the Midway Driller. clane Cramer led Blue in for the back Megan Peters rejuvenated serious at first, but the girls con- Tess Robbins and Leslie The Wildcats ended their first touchdown of the game. the team’s momentum with a fronted them, so they loosened Cook extended their season an season with an overall record After Blue failed to run in the 63-yard run before halftime. up,” explains Caitlin Ray, who extra day by placing third in of 6-9 overall and 4-7 in league ball for the two-point conver- In the second half, Gold took was a player for Blue. the overall doubles competition action. sion, Gold took over, but got off possession and hammered Blue “Everyone had a good time, in the SSL Championships on “I’m really excited for next to a rocky start. They managed with several passes to tight end and that was the point of the October 19. year. A lot of the girls are play- to earn a couple first downs Kelsee Melton and receiver Em- game,” says Gold coach Taylor “The season went pretty ing tennis all year, in the off sea- with the help of running backs ily Graves. Sara Kidd ended up Unruh. “Milk did them bodies well,” comments Cook, who son,” said Cowan. Justine Stevens and Megan Pe- scoring two touchdowns. Gold good.” November 30 , 2006 Sports Page 9 Wildcats !nish second in SSL, lose close game in playo"s Close losses to Arvin down to end the game, making In a defensive battle, CVC the final score 25-17. This is the held Taft scoreless and man- and CVC end a great second year in a row that Arvin aged to score one touchdown, season on a frustrating has taken the title away from winning 6-0. The boys’ loss to note. the Wildcats. Never-the-less the CVC ended their season. Wildcats were seeded number “It was good season and I By Barbara Eveland two in the CIF Central Section really enjoyed playing football Sports Editor Division IV playoffs. with the seniors,” observed Junior and outside lineback- Spoonemore. The Taft High varsity foot- er Steven Spoonemore sums it Sprague enthusiastically re- ball team vanquished Wasco up well. calls that the most memorable on Friday October 20 in the “The Arvin and CVC games moment of this season was Homecoming game. Taft held were both really big disappoint- when, “we scored a touchdown Wasco scoreless through the ments. The better team didn’t in the last 15 seconds to beat whole game while racking up come out on top.” Tehachapi. The crowd went 63 points, thrilling the home “We were riding high on our nuts!” crowd. emotions and they caught us off “I think we had a really Taft fought hard in their guard,” says senior Matt Fuller. good team and we did good game against Bakersfield Chris- Coach Steve Sprague ex- this year,” says junior and wide tian on October 27, winning a plains, “We never had the lead receiver Tommy Halphin, “We close contest by a final score of in the Arvin and CVC games, started coming together more 24-17. and you’re a heck of a lot tough- and more as the season went Christian Ramirez breaks free for a run in a recent game. Photo November 3 was a hard day er when you have the lead.” on.” courtesy of The Derrick for the varsity football team. “We should have stayed fo- “We have an empty feeling Their loss to Arvin cost them the cused,” adds Fuller. because we didn’t achieve ev- SSL championship. The score The boys got a week off erything we wanted to achieve, Girls’ golf season reaches was 19-17 in the last few min- before playing their first play- but 8-3 is a pretty respectable utes but Arvin scored a touch- off game against Central Valley record,” Sprague concludes. Christian from Visalia. 18th hole in good shape By Brianne Carroll Staff Writer

Ending another season with high spirits, the girl’s golf team went undefeated in league, making them the SSL Champions for 2006, their fourth title in the past seven years. “Every single player worked really hard to get where they were, and it showed on the course,” junior Gina Higginbotham Junior Gina Higginbotham pre- notes. “We had a great sea- pares to make a putt at a recent son and hopefully next year match. Photo courtesy of The Derrick will be even better.” They won their match this season. “And everyone got at Arvin on October 17 while along, so it motivated us to go shooting a 587 as a team; Shafter out and do better every day.” came in second with a 642 and Taft competed next in the Taft and Arvin runners try to break away from the pack at a meet this season. Arvin placed third with a 695. Southern Area Championships Photo courtesy of The Derrick Ashley Neal shot the best on October 23 at North Kern score of the team with a 91, Golf Course and came away Cross-Country charges across !nish line her best score of the year. Ash- with a victory. On October 30 ley Young was second with a the girls ended their season at By Samantha Gonzales 105 and Gina Higginbotham the Rio Bravo Country Club in Staff Writer throughout the season, but the and I think I did pretty well,” next with a 120. Kayla Minyard Bakersfield, finishing third in team was not bogged down by Magee says. ended with a 130, Megan King the Valley Championships. Taft High’s cross-country this setback. The biggest struggle the team came out with a 135, and Shaw- Ashley Neal finished the teams finished the season on At the Valley Champion- faced was “having such a small na Crane ended the team scor- season as the number eight- a positive note. Runners pros- ship in Fresno on November 15 team, which made it impossible ing with a 158. ranked golfer in Kern County, pered throughout the season junior Melinda Magee finished for us to win anything,” notes Neal, Young, Higginbotham, and number 25 in the entire val- and showed immense improve- fifth out of 70 runners, while Magee. and Minyard all made the SSL ley. She also set a new school re- ment in continuing to push their senior Tanner Suthard finished Team morale continued to All-League Team by placing in cord with a one-over-par 73 at times down. 44th out of 113. be encouraging to members of the top 10 at the SSL Champi- North Kern. After a season of many strug- Magee also competed at the the team and motivated them to onships. Coach Robertson has a posi- gles and first-year runners, new State meet in Fresno on Novem- do the best they could. “Nobody had really played tive outlook. “Taft was a young additions proved to be crucial ber 25. Taft High runners ended up before but we all kind of just team with only one senior on to the team roster. Small num- “I think I placed around with a generally satisfying sea- caught on,” Minyard said of the 10-player squad, so look for bers continued to be a problem 114th out of at least 300 girls, son under their belts. her team’s accomplishments a strong season next year.” Page 10 Features November 30, 2006 Information Technology department keeps our high-tech campus online and in business gone this No matter By Jordie Hood year is the what, though, Entertainment Editor merger of on Thursday IT and Tech mornings you When most people think of S u p p o r t . can usually al- Tech Support, they usually think With both ways find the of it as the people who come to teams in one crew in line the rescue when their comput- room, it’s for the cinna- ers “stop working.” There’s so much more mon rolls that much more to it though. With- convenient the cafeteria out Tech Support, technology at when prob- workers pre- Taft High would cease to exist. lems arise, pare for the Two members of this tech- w h e r e a s faculty. nological entourage are Billy last year the “ C i n n a - Long and Tom Brown, whose two depart- mon roll day main jobs are keeping the serv- ments were is cool. That’s ers up and running and mak- located at my favorite ing sure the Internet is safe for o p p o s i t e part,” says the students. And yes, their ac- ends of the Jeff Miller. counts are filtered too. campus. One of Long is also skilled in sound “It’s nice the biggest Tom Harris, Jodi Jackson and Jeffrey Miller and lighting and recently ap- having ev- Janet Miller supervises the Tech Support side changes the take a break from technology to have some fun plied these skills in a school as- of the IT operation. Photo by Jordie Hood eryone to- department on Halloween. Photo by Jordie Hood sembly when U.S. Senator Di- gether. It anne Feinstein graced us with spent with technology. You all has under- her presence on October 19. know her from the work she m a k e s have their own desks and now The ladies of Tech Support has done in the LRC. t h i n g s have to share a table. are the little rays of sunshine for “I don’t miss AR days,” Jack- e a s i e r, ” “I miss my desk,” says Mill- the group. Stacy Meadows, IT son says with a laugh. says Janet er with a sigh. manager, oversees the depart- Janet Miller and Jacob White, Miller. Spending the day with Tech ment and makes sure things get like Brown and Long, share It does Support not only made me done when they’re supposed to. many of the same traits and have its laugh, but also made me see She also plays a key role in the tasks. They support classroom d o w n - that if even the smallest thing Aeries attendance program and technology and administrative s i d e , goes wrong, an entire day can maintains the student informa- servers. Miller describes herself however. be ruined. One glitch can delete tion system. as White’s first line of defense B e c a u s e hundreds of Milestone Essays Jodi Jackson is active in soft- when something goes wrong. both de- and leave students disappoint- ware support and, like Mead- And last but certainly not partments ed. Luckily, that hasn’t hap- ows, also helps maintain the least, there’s “the techies.” Jeff n o w pened yet, and it doesn’t look student information system. Miller and Tom Harris do a share one like it will if these folks have In her 10 years working at Taft little bit of everything. They fix, large of- anything to say about it. High, the majority of it has been transport and take inventory on fice, Har- Three cheers for the lifesav- computers all over the campus. ris and ers in Information Technology/ Jeff Miller Tech Support. no longer Jeff Miller puts a laptop back together after completing some computer sur- gery. Photo by Jordie Hood

IT/Tech Support at a Glance

Sta! members: 8 (six full-time and two part-time) Number of servers on campus: 31 Number of desktop computers on campus: approx. 700 Computer-student ratio: 1.3 : 1 Temperaturer in server room: 67 F Tons of A/C in server room: 7.5 Server backup power: 4 hours Fiber optic connections from Jodi Jackson is active in software support and, along with campus buildings to IT: 140 Stacy Meadows, maintains the student information system. Some of the more than 30 computer servers in the server Photo by Jordie Hood room, the IT control center. Photo by Bill Wolfe November 30, 2006 Features Page 11 Midsummer Night’s Dream production overcomes obstacles

By Jordie Hood Entertainment Editor

This year’s first drama pro- Crichton’s Timeline blends duction, Shakespeare’s A Mid- summer Night’s Dream, experi- past and future into thriller enced a rocky road on the way to opening night, but the cast By Lacey Chappelear arrived at closing night none Features Editor ing him is more difficult. Two the worse for wear. warring Lords want the infor- Guardian is latest in string The last-minute withdrawal The essence of many genres mation he has concerning a se- from the play of male lead Ryan can be found in Michael Crich- cret entrance, and both will do of Sparks’ romantic dramas Coulter, who transferred to a ton’s Timeline. At first it ap- anything to get it. Not to men- Bakersfield high school, forced pears to be science fiction. The tion the heroes make a startling, By Courtney Glendening him, and begins to initiate one the cast to find a replacement. primary topic of discussion is dangerous discovery: someone Features Editor with Mike. Freshman Mason Chapman quantum mechanics and how else is there from their time and Richard, unable to deal with saved the day. Robert Doniger’s company is has no intention of letting them If you like romance stories Julie’s rejection, starts to act “Taking his place was tough, using it. The story quickly turns go back. with a suspenseful plot, then more than infatuate with Julie. but fun because I got to meet into historical fiction as several But the problems aren’t lim- you’ll love Nicholas Sparks’ The She begins receiving mysterious new people,” said Chapman. “I history students and “The Pro- ited to feudal France. Back at Guardian. phone calls and feels as though think we did well with what we fessor” study the medieval for- the lab, the transit site was de- Twenty-nine-year old Julie she is being watched. had.” tress of Castleguard. stroyed. Luckily, they had been Barenson is widowed after her After a few more confron- “It was a challenge, but Abruptly, it shifts again into working on another, so they husband, Jim, passes away. Ju- tations with Richard, Julie re- we did the best we could. It the quirky combination of sci-fi, had most of the needed materi- lie receives a Great Dane puppy alizes that he is bad news and could’ve been worse,” says ju- history, adventure, mystery and als. But the glass tanks that hold randomly one evening with a could be her potential stalker. nior Monika Manuz. thriller that Crichton does mas- water, a safety precaution when letter from her husband, stat- Once Mike and Julie become an Performances ran from No- terfully. time traveling, are flawed. ing that he would always watch exclusive couple, she informs vember 9-12 in the auditorium The story follows Marek, David, another of the histo- over her with the help of this Mike of Richard’s compulsive under the direction of first-year Chris and Kate as they attempt rians who did not travel back in puppy to keep her company. behavior and they immediately drama teacher Kelly Morris. to rescue the Professor. The time, and the team of scientists Julie and Singer, the Great inform the police. However, “Mrs. Morris did the best team finds help messages from frantically try to arrange for the Dane, grow together and man- without enough evidence and she could with what she had the Professor...carbon dated to return and decide whether or age to become best friends. accurate background of Frank- available to her,” explained ju- be 600 years old. Doniger, the not the tanks will hold when When Julie is ready to start dat- lin, the mystery and suspense nior thespian Alexcia Perales. inventor of a quantum time filled with water. They make ing again, she meets Richard portion of the novel begins to machine, had sent him back in some last minute decisions and Franklin, a refined, attractive come into play. Coming up time. The three heroes are sent hope it works out. man who takes her on extrava- Sparks, a New York Times after him, with two of Doniger’s Meanwhile, the team in Cas- gant dates. bestselling author, has a repu- in the next issue people to protect them, making tleguard is desperately trying to However, Richard is not tation for appealing romantic their number five. return. They are in the middle the only one interested in Julie. novels that have proven them- of The Gusher Right off the bat, things be- of a massive battle with many Mike Harris, Jim’s best friend, selves and are well-loved. gin to go wrong. Two charac- people trying to detain them. becomes close friends with Julie Unlike Sparks’ other novels, Reviews of recent CDs ters die, and one more is sepa- However, only three of the ex- and falls in love with her. The Guardian is a deeply rooted by Incubus, rated from the group. To make pected six return to the present. After Julie detects some ob- love story that is overlapped and McFly, plus a review it worse, they have 37 hours to Timeline is a wonderful book sessive jealousy from Richard, with a dramatic, exciting thrill- get back to their own time. that leaves you on the edge of she decides to back away from er that provides entertainment of The Black-Eyed Peas Finding the Professor turns your seat, anxiously turning the starting a relationship with and emotional intrigue. in concert out to be the easy part. Free- pages. Advertisers target teens with alcohol ads, but many aren’t buying it By Jessica Lemmons audiences (ages 12 to 20) ex- the consequences can be seri- me about how crazy or wild English teacher Jane An- In September 2003, the Na- ceeding 15.8 percent. In fact, 25 ous. Alcohol plays a significant their weekend was,” says senior dreatta disapproves of teen tional Research Council and brands placed all of their maga- role in the three leading causes Anthony Wuco of students who drinking. “I think it’s very dan- Institute of Medicine recom- zine ads in such publications. of death among young people. engage in underage drinking. gerous,” she intones. “When mended an eventual goal of Nearly a quarter of the al- The average age at which “Drinking and driving is you drink you think you are removing alcohol advertising cohol ads on TV were seen by someone takes his or her first just stupid. If you’re going to better than you are, and you from TV programs. Fifteen per- audiences dominated by the drink is just under 13 years old. be lame and drink, then at least make wrong choices. When my cent or more of viewers were youth audience. Many of these What is so appealing about al- have the common sense not to daughter was a teenager, she underage. ads appeared on the perennial cohol? Students and staff offer a endanger other people,” says lost friends who were extremely More than half of the favorites of teenagers, sports variety of opinions on why they junior Alexcia Perales. close. It’s very dangerous!” money spent on alcohol maga- programs and sitcoms. oppose teen drinking. “If you’re going to drink, be So ask yourself: What are zine advertising could be found Aside from the fact that un- “It’s really stupid when they responsible!” reminds senior you getting out of underage in 24 magazines with youth derage consumption is illegal, come back on Monday and tell Vanessa Gonzalez. drinking? Is it worth the risk? Page 12 Entertainment November 30, 2006 The Listening Station Are these recent CDs worth downloading into your iPod? The problem? He can’t sing. energy, a bit like a more folky one thinks of Jet, one automati- The entire isn’t with- and mainstream Muse. cally thinks of “Are You Gonna out hope though. The first sin- “” focuses be My Girl”, “Rollover DJ”, gle off the album, “When You on California: “Folks from Cali- “Cold Hard B****,” and “Look Were Young,” is a youthful love fornia/ They can’t live with- What You’ve Done.” Those four song with some mysteriously out their sun/ They’ve actor songs from their first album Get haunting lyrics that hits all the politicians/ To infiltrate their Born put Jet under the spotlight right notes. in 2003 and still S e c o n d people can’t pull single “Bones” it out of the ste- is undoubt- reo. edly the best Well, those irony is that despite the dark Sam’s Town track on the al- people are going subject matter of the album, bum, stylishly to have to make most of the songs have an up- The Killers have come a long blending pop room for Jet’s beat and cheerful sound. way since the electro-pop sound with synth new album, Shine The album starts off, quite of their first album . horns and On. Anyone with ironically, with “The End,” a On their second album, Sam’s rock ‘ n’ roll. common sense somber story of the funeral of a Town, the quartet “Sam’s Town” can hear the in- young person complete with a has channeled classic rock’ n’ and “For fluence that the flat-lining heart monitor. Con- roll artists such as Bruce Spring- Reasons Un- Beatles, The Roll- tinuing the theme of moving in steen, and The Cars. How- known” also ing Stones and reverse, the next song, “Dead!” ever, the boys are unable to pull shine through. AC/DC installed picks up with a punk rock/pop off the rock-anthem sound of Sophomore in their minds. sound and heavy guitars that their inspirations and, as a re- album Sam’s When one lis- builds up to singer Gerard Way sult, Sam’s Town falls flat. Town is quite tens to “L’espirit breaking into a chorus of “la-la- The album starts off with the simply a filler D’escalier” or la’s.” title track “Sam’s Town,” which album com- “Bring It On “Teenagers,” one of the best has a sound identifiable to prised of a few Back,” they hear songs on the album (and the traveling towards a childhood excellent sin- the Beatles. “Put most controversial) expresses home: familiar and cheerful. gles surround- Your Money the frustration of being a young From there, the album goes ed by several Where Your adult in today’s society. “They to “Enterlude,” which of course c o m p l e t e l y young,” which seems to mock Mouth Is” recalls The Rolling said all/Teenagers scare/The has its counterpart at the end forgettable tracks. the Californian lifestyle. Stones. And “Stand Up” brings living $#!+ out of me/They of the album, “Exitlude.” The The key track on this album to mind AC/DC. could care less as long as some- song begins with the lyrics “We -- Jestin Korsgaard is “Jeremiah,” a depressing bal- Jet’s lyrics are typical for rock one will bleed,” shouts Way, hope you enjoy your stay,” lad. “Went off to another land n’ roll, songs about freedom, before guitarists Ray Toro and which sounds more suitable for this evening/ For to find some girls and good times. In “Stand Frank Iero break into a crescen- a hotel. The band attempts to inner peace/And to see a bet- Up” and “Rip It Up,” it feels as do of wails and screeches simi- slow down their sound on such ter way of living/ He only went though the band is encouraging lar to any rock guitar from the tracks as “Uncle Johnny,” which to try to change something/ people to be their own individu- 1970’s. becomes dreadfully repetitive His poor young life was pulled als, to be who they are and what “Mama” tells the story of a and dull. from under him,” are some of they want to be, to follow their young soldier furiously raging The largest problem with the mournful lyrics in the dark dreams. In “” against his mother, alternating Sam’s Town is lead singer, Bran- memoir based on the true story Jet asks: If you had the chance, between heavy modern rock don Flowers. While the other about a friend of the band’s. would you take anything back? and a Yiddish sound, “Fiddler three members of the band (gui- Starsailor Starsailor is now touring Overall, Jet’s work has been on the Roof”-type melody that tarist David Keuning, On the Outside with James Blunt. The band is energetic and relaxing at once. suggests the band respects the Mark Stoermer and drummer working hard and beginning to The quartet kept that attraction scores of Broadway musicals. Ronnie Vannucci) grasp the full When lead vocalist James show up on America’s radar. and recorded it on Shine On. Af- Liza Minelli, playing the part effect of their newfound rock Walsh sings “I don’t see myself -- Lillie Gervacio ter listening to their first single, of “Mama,” duets with Way on sound, when I look in the mirror/ I see “Put Your Money Where Your the track for two whole lines, Flowers drones away al- who I should be/ I don’t see my- Mouth Is,” you’ll find yourself only to be cut off by his cries of most nonstop on every track. self when I look in your eyes/ wanting more. You can either anger. Stoermer and Vannucci keep thank God for that,” in the first buy the album, or go to their The only song that doesn’t the beat going, maintaining a verse of “In the Crossfire,” the website to satisfy your curios- fit on the album is “This is How dance-like tempo throughout opening song on Starsailor’s ity. I Disappear,” which sounds the album, and guitarist Keun- new album On the Outside, you -- Billy Johnson more suitable for the band’s ing generate some excellent know that you’re in for a mel- sophomore album, Three Cheers guitar riffs. ancholic 43-minute ride. My Chemical Romance for Sweet Revenge. Flowers spends so much On the Outside is a bit more The Black Parade The Black Parade excels in tell- time vocally on each track that personal than the other Starsail- ing it’s story of death, pain and his lyrics become unnecessary or records (-2001 and Jet Emo/neo-punk band My sadness, still keeping their up- and cheesy: “My brother, he -2003). In contrast, Chemical Romance is back with beat sound to avoid being too was born on the Fourth of July,” the band had a change of direc- Shine On their third full-length album, depressing. Overall, it is one of “I woke on the roadside/In tion and put to rest some of the When one thinks of the con- The Black Parade. As a concept the best rock of the year the land of the free ride.” And piano that reigned throughout tinent of Australia, one auto- album that tells the tale of a and by far the best album yet by when Flowers isn’t droning on, their earlier songs and opted for matically thinks of rock n’ roll;: young man with cancer known the New Jersey quintet. he’s straining his vocal range at- aggressive guitars and organs AC/DC, INXS, Wolfmother as “The Patient,” the album tempting to sound rock’ n’ roll. instead, giving the music more and last but not least, Jet. When deals largely with death. The -- Jestin Korsgaard