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Santa Margarita Catholic High School
THE BLUEPRINT
THE BLUEPRINT Blueprint@smhs.org
VOL.21 NO.6
INSIDE Big Dog on Campus
By Denise Fernandez and Melissa Zornig
World News pg. 2
Ever wonder what the toy and is extremely happy
drug dog, Qwynn, actually
Is it Safe to Travel to know he did well.
does and has to go through Christine informed us
to Mexico? f o r p r o p e r t r a i n i n g ? We that she started to train
were lucky enough to inter- Qwynn when he was still a
view the head of the puppy at 8 months. The dogs
Interquest Detection Ca- usually take around 3 to 4
Features pg. 3 nines. Her name is Christine months to train until they are
and has been working and fully ready to work on the
New Prom Rules running this program for 12 job at schools.
years. She also told us how
Some basic informa- training a drug dog is much
tion she gave us was that more different than training
Qwynn is trained to smell a seeing-eye dog. With see-
Health pg. 4, 5 odors of illegal drugs, alco- ing-eye dogs they are never
hol, firecrackers, and pre- to be touched by the public
scription drugs. When the too much except for by its Qwynn, the drug dog, ready to go!Photo courtesy of
Medical Anomalies dogs are on the job they’re blind owner. The reason for Fernandez and Zornig.
trained to find these prod- this is because the seeing-
ucts like a game. The dogs eye dog cannot be distracted Are they trained dif-
she never allows her inside
search through the lockers, by anything other than help- ferently then seeing-eye
because she wants to al-
cars and backpacks at ran- ing their owners live their dogs?
Sports pg. 6,7 dom. Once they find some- life.
ways keep it “strictly busi-
ness” with Qwynn. Qwynn - Ye s , d r u g d o g s a r e
thing, of the odor they are Drug dogs are also trained to sniff drugs and al-
sleeps outside in a large ken-
Steve Fryer Interview trained to look for, Qwynn taught not to be played with nel to rest up for another cohol, while seeing-eye dogs
sniffs the subject again and a lot because the most fun are trained to guide people
long, busy day coming up.
sits quietly. He is trained to the dogs should have is on the who are blind.
We had the chance to
just sit there and not do any- job looking for the odors they Where does Qwynn
interview with Christine.
thing about what he has should be looking for. Chris- live?
What do drug dogs
Em/Liv pg. 8,9 found. As a reward to what tine even told us, when she detect? -He lives in my back-
Qwynn finds, he is given his takes Qwynn home with her yard in a kennel.
-Drugs, alcohol, medi-
Do you treat him like
Disneyland cines, and gun powders.
a regular, playful dog off
What do the dogs do
once it smells some- the job?
thing? -No, he cannot be in
-The dog will sit right the house having fun be-
next to the back pack. cause he needs to learn that
his job is the most fun he will
Entertainment pg. 10,11 How do you train
them? have.
Do you use different
Bamboozle -They start out with a
breeds of dogs?
cocaine toy and our trained
to sit once they smell it. -We try to stick with
What age do they the same breed because it is
start training to be a drug a hunting dog.
dog? How many different
Opinion pg. 12 -8 months. schools do you go to?
How long does it take - We g o t o m a n y
schools in 5 different coun-
Pokeman to train them?
ties.
-1 to 3 months.
Around what age do Where do kids get
they retire and why? caught the most?
-8 to 9 years old, usu- -Public schools.
Qwynn sniffing lockers with Christine. Photo courtesy of
Special Section pg. 13 Fernandez and Zornig. ally due to arthritis.
Technology
Team Robot at World Competition
By Karysn Kraft
The robot competed goes to Hailey Welch, Joe
On behalf of the
Campus Ministry pg. 15 SMCHS community, con-
with over 42,000 high school Norman, Dylan Normandin,
students and teams from S e a n B e e v e r, C o n n o r
gratulations goes out to the
forty-eight states in the Conzelman, Kevin Jain,
Senior Pilgrimage Santa Margarita Robotics
United States, Brazil, David Mittelstein, Mike Kim,
Team which includes mem-
Canada, Chile, Germany, Is- David Guevara, Tim Park
bers of SMCHS that took
rael, Mexico, the Nether- and Ryan Curran and Mr.
part in the formation of our
lands, the Philippines, Tur- Gary Fox and Mr. Rennie
very own SM robot, which
Campus Life pg. 16 advanced to the Atlanta
key, and the U.K. Stark, all is an award in it-
Although the robot did self.
First Robotics Competition
Special Olympics from April 16, 2009- April
not receive any awards, the Keep up the hard work
Robot made by SM students.
accomplishment of going to robotics team!
18, 2009. Photo courtesy of smhs.org.
this prestigious competition
2
WORLD NEWS
The March of the Penguins is Coming to an End North
By Alexa Kosco Pole Melting
The South American By Becca Caraveo
stitute for Space Research and weak to deal with these rough
coast is usually one full of miles a member of the UN’s Intergov- The dramatic loss of ice
conditions, which is endangering David Barber of the
of endless sand, crashing ernmental Panel on Climate in the North Pole is unfortu-
their health. Oil spills have been University of Manitoba says,
waves, tropical night life…and Change, points out that “sea cur- nately a terrifying consequence
a major problem to the penguin “We’re actually projecting
hundreds of dead baby pen- rents are a reflection of wind of global warming. This up-
population for some time now and this year that the North Pole
guins??? The sad truth is that patterns. This winter has started coming summer we can expect
the thousands of dead penguin may be free of ice for the first
dead penguins have been wash- earlier and, so far, has been more the ice cover to be 1 million
babies can certainly be credited time in history.” The ice that
ing up on the shore of South severe.” This means that the square miles smaller than the
to oil pollution. is pushing against the Cana-
American hotspots all along the common sea currents that pen- long term average. According
South Americans are dian continental shelf should
coast, including Brazil, El Sal- guins usually travel on are get- to the National Snow and Ice
stunned by the uprise of the dead survive this summer. This
vador, Uruguay and Chile. ting stronger and taking the birds Data Center, the ice extent is
penguins because locals as well pole is especially expected to
These dead penguins, mostly in different directions and at declining by 2.7% per decade.
as scientists are still perplexed show the greatest effects of
young, have been swept from stronger forces; which could po- Satellites have been used since
about the cause for such a tragic global warming. As the wa-
Antarctica’s icy shores and tentially explain why these birds 1979 to observe the diminish-
outcome. Although it may be glo- ter absorbs more and more
have been washing up along the are winding up on the South At- ing ice caps. This year the ice
bal warming or pollution or rough of the sun’s energy, the ice
tropical beaches, leaving many lantic coasts. caps have shrunk to 2.05 mil-
seas, we still don’t know for sure. will continue to melt. Unfor-
puzzled as to why this incident But why are the birds lion square miles which is
But although the cause of this tunately, 65% of the worlds
is happening. crashing through the waves and equivalent to the size of Cali-
heart-wrenching dilemma is un- ice cover was lost this past
Seeing about a few dozen winding up on the beaches… fornia and Texas combined.
known, the reality is that these year. “Scientists say the
penguins wind up dead on the dead? This is what Marengo re- Mark Serreze, senior research
penguins are still mysteriously record loss last year was due
beaches is typically the norm fers to as one of “the big holes scientist at the U.S. National
dying in ways that cannot be con- to a combination of warm
according to Brazilian coastal in climate knowledge” because Snow and Ice Data Center in
tributed to simply the cycle of life. ocean currents, fluke winds,
protection agencies. However, there is no scientific evidence as Boulder, Colorado, said, “The
this past year has reached ab- to why the baby penguins are sea ice cover this year has and unusually sunny
normally large numbers for dying in the first place. However, reached a new record.. It’s weather,” according to the
these poor penguins. A few ca- there are many theories regard- not just that we beat the old National Geographic. These
sualties among these penguins ing the penguin tragedies includ- record, we annihilated it.” unlikely conditions are not
are unfortunately unavoid- ing oil spills, rough seas, weak The arctic ice caps con- likely to happen again, yet it
able… but hundreds of penguins babies, and pollution. tinue to keep melting under the is possible. Just one of the
winding up on the same Pollution is lowering the effects of the infamous global many consequences of losing
beaches that many tourists animals’ immune systems, and warming and soon enough, it the ice in the North Pole is
flock to annually?? This heart- increasing their vulnerability to is believed that there will be the polar bears who live in this
wrenching fact leaves officials disease. Ocean currents are be- no ice left in the North Pole. region will either die or need
to conclude that global warm- ing affected and cyclones are The temperature of the water to be rescued before they did
ing and continual climate becoming more abundant, is expected to increase this so. Emperor penguins of Ant-
change is endangering penguins strongly contributing to the up- summer, all while the ice is arctica could find themselves
everywhere. rising in rough sea conditions. Penguins huddle together on a melting. Thus, the freezing of extinct if the sea ice contin-
Jose Marengo, a clima- Many baby penguins are far too piece of ice. Photo courtesy of the water in the fall is only go- ues to melt. TakePart.com
tologist of Brazil’s National In- Google Images. ing to create very thin ice. A mentions how more storms
Mexico Has Been Declared More Dangerous Than the Middle East! German expedition on the Po-
lar icebreaker, Polarstern, dis-
will be created as well as
higher water levels. There
By Morgan Brutocao
I have become more than well- covered that the center of the are many books and websites
For most of us, it is no longer experiencing the effects of the
informed of the drug cartels and ice cap is now only about three dedicated on how to do your
surprising to hear about the ex- current “war”. Baja California is
their malevolent plots. If you still feet thick, compared to six part during a time such as this.
treme outrage occurring in among the handful of states that is
are not convinced or frankly just years ago when it was 6 feet Do your part and take a look
Mexico. To the dismay of many, enduring the most hardship. The
do not care about what Mexico thick. Ice-less summers are at the following websites:
it is in fact true that Mexico is no Mexican government is doing
has to offer you right now, I expected to happen within the NSIDC.org TakePart.com
longer acknowledged as a desir- what they can to stop the drug car-
strongly believe your reaction will next 20 years says Mark NationalGeographic.com.
able vacation spot. Yet still there tels but the drug cartels have re-
sway tremendously after learning Serreze. Some scientists even And who knows, by simply
are still some daring travelers that peatedly proven that the
the following information. believe that the North Pole promoting awareness about
are willing to take their chances government’s authority is simply
What is occurring in Mexico may be ice free by this upcom- the environment, you may be
at making the trek to Mexico. not enough to cease their activity.
is presently known and/or referred ing summer, due to the dra- able to save a polar bear.
Earlier this year, I was ac- Back to the topic
tually thrilled to go to Mexico for to as “The Mexico Drug War”. ofvacations, I personally went to matic warming of the climate.
my first time, (Tijuana does not This “war” involves conflicts with Palm Springs this spring break and
count!). My plans were of course drug cartels and the Mexican gov- had the best spring break in all my
to visit, what else… CABO SAN ernment forces. The drug cartels four years of high school. Although
LUCAS! Is Cabo not the ideal have mostly been reported to be Cabo seemed to be the ultimate
location for a senior trip? I found using automatic assault rifles (AK- spot to be, I knew that I did not
myself beginning to plan my first 47’s), hand grenades, and a sur- want to walk on the fence, possi-
trip without parental supervision, plus of other weapons. Conse- bly exposing myself and other
several months before it was to quently, the death toll in Mexico is friends to dangerous situations.
even take place. skyrocketing. At a House of Rep- However, I do know some friends
Sadly, I had to remove this resentatives investigation on the that DID spend their break in parts
getaway from my calendar ever federal law enforcement’s reac- of Mexico and returned home
since the uproar in Mexico has tion to the brutality along the bor- completely safe. I guess it all
continuously escalated. Obvi- der, Representative John comes down to where you plan on
ously, I am aware of the danger Culberson of Texas stated that, staying while in Mexico and who
present within the country and of “there were more deaths in you are with (example: family).
course I am grateful that my par- Mexico than there were in Iraq.” We all can only hope and pray that
ents are concerned with my The death toll in Mexico during the drug war will soon come to an
safety. But am I the only soon to 2008 alone was 5,630 killed, total- end so that travelling to Mexico
be adult that would still be willing ing to a sum of 7,882 deaths linked can once again become a popular
to travel across the border? Ap- to the drug cartels since Decem- destination for vacationers, espe- The boundary between U.S. civilization and Mexican devastation
parently, I was the only one; af- ber of 2006. cially those in Southern California. is merely separated by a fence.Photo courtesy of Google Images.
ter reading recent news reports, The majority of Mexico is
3
The Blueprint The Student Newspaper of Santa Margarita Catholic High School April 2009
FEATURES
That Peeves Me Off! Literally
By Allison Le
Everyone has pet not know the words to. Here · People who don’t pick up your hot dog on a folded piece door open when they go to the
peeves – everyone. Even if you are a handful of the little after themselves of bread bathroom
are Ghandi himself, you will still things that bug us. Which one · Not washing hands after · People who use the · People that don’t list
have pet peeves. A pet peeve is your pet peeve? using the restroom phrase “110%” (or even more prices on websites, stores, and
is defined as a minor annoyance · Sick people who · The toilet paper that rips % sometimes). infomercials
that an individual identifies as cough near you /people who after you pull one sheet · When the host/hostess · People who always
particularly annoying to them, to don’t cover their mouth while · When you find a really at a restaurant totally underes- have to be right and have the
a greater degree than others sneezing or coughing cute piece of clothing on the rack timates how long a wait there last word
may find it (this definition is giv- · Noisy eaters and they have like twenty in size will be. · When people continue
en by Wikipedia because, as · People with bad ta- XS, two in size 3X, and not a sin- · When you score a goal to stare after they ask you a
Michael Scott[the Office] says, ble manners gle one in your size on yourself in foosball or air question, as if they need you to
“Wikipedia is the best thing · Vulgar talk at the din- · People who will write hockey. expand more on your answer
ever. Anyone in the world can ner table something borderline mean, but · Failing to take a back- · Annoying nervous
write anything they want about · Someone standing then follow it up with a smiley face pack into account when turn- (forced sounding) laughs
any subject, so you know you over your shoulder reading :) ing or backing into people · When you are hanging
are getting the best possible in- the computer screen · People who refer to them- · People putting their out with someone and they make
formation.” Do you agree? · How opening any selves in the third person feet out of car windows. plans to do something else right
Usually pet peeves cheap electronic item these · Ice cream with freezer · When you bite into a in front of you
originate from childhood expe- days, requires cutting up your burn jelly bean and it’s a different · When people scratch
riences that may have “scarred finger with an even more Well, if those bug you, then flavor than what you thought it their fingernails on a blackboard
you for life.” Having a pet cheap and impossible to open these will bug you even more! was These are only a few of
peeve is like having a virus. The plastic molding covering · When you will be talking · When people take the many pet peeves that the
virus starts within your family, · People who ride their to someone, and their replies seem healthy food and fry it up in world undertakes everyday! Did
then your friends, and then fi- bikes in the road when a side- to be limited to “ya”, “cool”, “ok”, butter and eat it because it’s you find yourself saying, “oh my
nally the entire world – until you walk is right there (even or “word” “good for them” gosh I hate that… and that …
finally burst and flip out on though they can’t ride on the · When you pull a string · Singing along with the AND THAT!” Well hello! You
some random person that is sidewalk) hanging from your shirt and it music when you don’t actually are an easily irritated person,
acting out your pet peeve. Here · People who clear doesn’t break, but only becomes know the words. nice to meet you. However, be-
is an article of comfort show- their throats in a disgusting longer. · When you ask some- ing an easily irritated person is
ing you that you are definitely way · People who write “Keep one a simple, straightforward not a bad case in this scenario
not the only one who has a pet · People that pop and in touch!” in your yearbook but question and the person spends seeing that all the pet peeves list-
peeve. smack their chewing gum never talk to you again. ten solid minutes rambling on ed are the most annoying things
The website · People who throw · Saying “Let there be about everything in the world known to man. Well, lets take
[www.getannoyed.com] lists cigarette butts on the beach light” every time any light switch EXCEPT the answer to your this article to heart and realize
pet peeves from seeing some- · Driving somewhere is flipped on. simple, straightforward ques- that the world is not perfect and
one blink twice in a row to and having the sun in your · When there are no hot tion that you probably have done
someone singing a song they do eyes dog buns left and you have to eat · People who leave the half of these bad boys yourself.
Major Prom-a-lama Drama Yo!!
By Kenna Crouse
Prom is just around the 1) Dresses that come 3) Dresses that are back- The following style of 3) Dresses that fall be-
corner and there are a few above the knee. less. dress is permitted at Prom: tween the knee and floor.
changes that have taken place. 1) Dresses that have a
You don’t want to be out of the modest neckline.
loop because disobeying these
rules will have some major con-
sequences.
Juniors are now allowed
to go stag to the dance! So grab
some of your friends and go!
BOYS: don’t be afraid to ask
someone, every girl wants to go
and will be flattered that you
took the time to ask them and
impressed you had the courage
to finally do it. 2) Dresses that have 4) Dresses with the slit
There have been some plunging necklines. above the knee.
changes to girl’s dress code and 2) Dresses that are strap- Make sure you buy a dress
if you don’t follow these new less, single strapped or double that abides by these guidlines.
rules you will NOT get in! Just strapped. Prom is going to be a great time
follow these simple changes and it would be horrible to ruin
and you will get in no problem, your night and not get into Prom.
don’t try to bend the rules be- There are so many great
cause they are going to be strict options if you are having trou-
.How much would it suck to ble finding a long dress. The
show up at prom and not be able BCBG outlets in Carlsbad have
to get in? A LOT!! gorgeous dresses for great pric-
The following style of es. Also checkout bluefly.com
dresses may not be worn to for super buys on designer
Prom: gowns!
4
HEALTH
As the health page editors at a school with the motto “Caritas Christi,” it is important for us to share articles that reflect such
“true love for all people.” Not only is it interesting to read about people who are much different than ourselves, learning about
health anomalies will help spread awareness and allow us to embrace differences that make us unique. Hopefully, you will emerge
with a sense of respect, and more importantly love, for these people.
Sirenomelia “Mermaid Syndrome”
By Alyssa Wolpin
Mermaid syndrome: it is ex- syndrome would be to monitor the a kidney transplant a couple of years
actly what it sounds like. The scien- glucose level during pregnancy. ago. There were complications with
tific name for this condition is The diagnosis for this disease can the surgery leading to urinary tract in-
sirenomelia. Sirenomelia is a very rare be made during the mother’s first fection and a blood infection. But Shiloh
condition, so rare that it only occurs in trimester through a sonogram. The continues to fight against the odds and
one out of 100,000 births. A person only treatment after the child has is thankful for her second chance at
with sirenomelia has legs that are been born with this condition are life.
fused together producing the same several surgeries. Milagros Cerrón was nick-
look as a mermaid. A person’s feet There have been a few ex- named Peru’s “miracle baby”.
can stick out on each side (like fins) traordinary cases of Sirenomelia. Milagros’ legs were fully separated on
or a person can have no feet at all. Milagros Cerrón nicknamed Peru’s “miracle baby”. Photo
Until TiffanyYorks, there had been September 7th, 2006. Milagros took her courtesy of Google Images.
Mermaid syndrome is a fatal disease. no survivors of sirenomelia. She is first steps at two years old. But, doc-
The Smallest Girl In
There have been around 300 now the oldest survivor at 20 years tors said Milagros would still need more
cases of children being born with old. Doctors told her parents that surgeries and 10 to 15 years fully re-
sirenomelia, only 3 cases in which the she had little or no chance or sur- cover.
child has survived. A child with
sirenomelia usually dies within one or
two days of their birth. It would seem
vival. After Tiffany endured many
surgeries, her legs were separated.
At the age of three, Tiffany learned
More research needs to be done
to increase the survival rate of
sirenomelia and there are always ways
the World
Michelle Loftus dial dwarfism to have a signifi-
like the cause of death would have to walk. What was once believed to help. Unfortunately, there are no Kenadie Jourdin-Bromley
cantly lower stature and weight
something to do with the patients legs to be impossible was defeated for foundations currently benefitting born February 13, 2003 seems
levels. Primordial dwarfism re-
being combined into one limb, but it is the first time. sirenomelia. If you are interested in like a normal infant, with just that
sults in some of the smallest
caused by the abnormal development The second girl to overcome this cause, visit information provided. What if
people in the world.
of organs like kidneys and bladders. mermaid syndrome is eight-year- www.madisonsfoundation.com , a we told you that she weighed
Some primary symptoms
There is no certain cause of old Shiloh Pepin. Shiloh was born foundation created to support parents just 2 pounds and 8 ounces?
occur in the womb. Pregnant
sirenomelia as of right now. Suspected with one partially working kidney, and families with children with rare Kenadie is one out of 100 people
woman will notice that her
causes are the following: maternal no lower colon and no genital or- diseases. Hopefully in the near future, in the world to be affected from
belly does not increase in size
diabetes mellitus, poor prenatal care, gans. Shiloh struggled with health research will find a better solution to the disease of primordial dwarf-
over the time. This is because
or possibly genetics. Prevention of this issues her entire life and received help these unique cases. ism.
of the failure of the fetus to
Doctors told Kenadie’s
Tree Man Infection
grow normally in the womb.
parents that she will most likely
The baby is born extremely pre-
not make it through the night.
maturely at only 35 weeks. Af-
By Lindsay Mortenson After eight months of continu-
contain the virus and it spread makes him unable to fight against ter birth, the child will grow at
ally defying doctors’ expecta-
Dede Kosawa is a man who drastically. Now, in his mid thir- the virus. The combination of the a very slow rate, with the head
tions, she was diagnosed with
suffers from probably the rarest skin ties, the warts devour his arms two result in a turmoil of dermatol- growing the slowest. The joints
primordial dwarfism. She will
disease ever discovered. His arms and legs in a branch like fashion ogy mayhem. Gaspari originally are looser, resulting in more dis-
not grow past 30 inches or weigh
and legs are contorted with wood- and are very heavy. He is un- thought that Kosawa might have the location of the hips, knees, or
more than eight pounds.
like structures protruding from his able to use his hands and has a AIDS virus due to a very low pres- elbows. Appearance will also
Kenadie is now 5 years
skin. He has become known as the difficult time completing regular ence of white blood cells, however, be altered among these indi-
old and is able to run, laugh, walk,
Tree Man of Indonesia. The struc- activities. Unable to keep a nor- that turned out to be false and it was viduals. They have distinct nose
and is beginning to learn how to
tures were found to be common mal job, Kosawa has resorted determined that Kosawa’s condition and eyes, as well as abnormally
talk. Her parents are proud to
warts caused by the HPV virus that to joining a local “Freak Show,” was even more rare. Despite his small or missing teeth. They
say that Kenadie omits a feel-
have grown at an extreme rate. and begging on the streets. It pro- unique immune system, he has may develop scoliosis or high
ing of happiness to others and
Researchers describe it as the “per- vides him with enough money shown very good health throughout squeaky voices.
that is her strongest achieve-
fect storm” of all skin diseases, which to support himself and his two his life and his family does not share Although this condition is
ment.
is when multiple viruses come to- children. the same problems as he does. extremely rare, most of these
This is a disorder in which
gether to produce one major defect. After taking many tissue Dr. Gaspari is confident that victims do not live past the age
growth is proportional but se-
Kosawa told American doc- samples, Gaspari did in fact con- the virus can be cured by taking of 30, being as there is no treat-
verely delayed, beginning in the
tor, Dr. Anthony Gaspari, that the firm that the welts and warts are regular doses of Vitamin A. He says ment for this disorder. Fortu-
womb. Because this disease
warts started when he was a teen- from the very common Human that Kosawa “may never have a nately, the smallest girl in the
originates so early, they have
ager after he cut his knee in an ac- Papilloma Virus. Kosawa also normal body again, but the warts world, Kenadie, is able to live a
very low birth weights. After
cident. They started out small, but suffers from a rare genetic blun- should reduce in size and he should normal life style with the ex-
birth, their growth rate is stunted,
after a while his body was unable to der in his immune system which be able to use his hands. I hope to ception of her petite appear-
causing individuals with primor-
improve his appearance and the ance.
quality of his life. Kosawa can also
freeze off remaining smaller warts.
He has undergone several surger-
ies that have removed about four
pounds of his root like appendages.
Kosawa can now see the outline of
his toes and can somewhat use his
hands.
This medical mystery was
solved through the dedication of
many doctors and researchers.
Hopefully with more commitment
and perseverance, Kasawa can live
a like he did before this tragic virus Kenadie Jourdin-Bromley gives her father kisses. Photo courtesy
Tree Man before his many surgeries. Photo courtesy of Google Images engulfed his body. of Google Images.
5
HEALTH
A Dummies Guide to Safe Piercings
By Gaby Duva and Lauren Vargas
I Hate Hiccups!
By Adam Enochs
We know that many teenagers get piercings, so we thought it pertinent to pass along this useful
information. Piercings have been around for years and have cultural ties to Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans. Almost any part of
your body can get pierced. The most common types are ear piercings, but there are several different varieties of piercings. Not to
mention the many different types of jewelry such as plugs, studs, and bars, to name a few. Here are some things to think about
before you get any type of body piercing.
Factor these risks before getting the piercing.
· Infections which can be caused by hepatitis,
It’s the question on everybodys mind!
HIV, tetanus, bacteria, and yeast Photo courtesy of Google Images.
· Allergic reactions
· Excessive bleeding Everyone gets them. Every-
· Damage to nerves or teeth one hates them. But what causes
Every person’s body is unique and healing time varies. these strange and obnoxious jolts
Here is a list of some expected healing times for in our bodies?
different piercings according to Center for Young Hiccups are caused by a
Women’s Health. sudden contraction of your dia-
Pierced Body Part Time it Takes To Heal phragm, which separates your
Ear lobe 6 to 8 weeks lungs and stomach. This in turn
Ear cartilage 4 months to 1 year causes your vocal chords to close
Eyebrow 6 to 8 weeks suddenly, making that annoying
Nostril 2 to 4 months “hic” sound. What you eat can
Tongue 4 weeks contribute to your hiccups. Spicy
Lip 2 to 3 months foods, soda and eating a large
This girl is a veteran when it comes to ear peircings! Photo meal very quickly can all lead to
Navel 4 months to 1 year courtesy of Gaby Duva a sudden outbreak. But how can
So now that you know some of the risks, the healing time, and you decided you really want that piercing, what’s next? Unless you get rid of them?
you’re 18 or older, mom or dad is going to have sign for you and give consent. Finding the right piercing salon is also key. Ask trusted There are no over-the-
friends or family members who have piercings for advice on a reliable location. Look around for things such as piercing license, counter medicines for a random
clean and sanitary work stations, clean gloves, and especially needle type. (Depending on the state, some piercers are required to outbreak of the hiccups. This is
have their piercing license). Make sure that all the instruments are either brand new and disposable or be sterilized in pouches, mainly because cases generally
Center for Young Women’s Health. Always be sure to strictly follow the after care rules for whichever part of your body is pierced. don’t last longer than an hour.
Good diet and exercise will help the piercing to heal. DO NOT move or play with your piercing-or you will suffer the risk of Ask anyone how you can get rid
infection. Remember, if you like it, leave it. of your case and the response
Breath of Hope Club Helps to Fight Cancer
will inevitably be the cure, fol-
lowed by “I swear it works. Try
it!” Here are the most common
By Aria Bendix
throughout the body, so there fundraising/kenbendix! This is home remedies.
What started off as a in some way.
small idea in a club meeting The fundraiser was held is no specific place to target. a cause that has touched my
Most importantly, since there heart and I guarantee that it will Holding Your Breath: This
turned out to be a huge by Dance Dynamics, a local
is no cure for this disease, all touch yours as well. It is my is a widely accepted cure. The
fundraiser that collected thou- RSM dance studio where my
funds collected must go to- hope that you can realize, just logic behind it is that holding your
sands of dollars. On March sister attends and helped to put
wards finding this cure and as I did, how easy it is to make breath prevents air from escap-
7, 2008 the Breath of Hope this whole event together. By
saving these precious lives that a difference in the lives of ing in the form of a hiccup. This
Club held its first fundraiser at selling tickets, baked goods,
have been forever changed by people who are hurting and how will not work though, because
St. John’s Episcopal School to and merchandise, my club was
mesothelioma. incredible it will be to see their hiccups have nothing to do with
raise money for cancer. This able to help raise over three
There are few people pain go away someday! air or your breathing.
club is new on campus and thousands dollars for one
helps to raise awareness, event, an incredible feat for who know about mesothelioma
in California, or even in Getting Scared: This oldest
funds, and advocacy for a rare our first fundraiser! My dad
America, but the Mesothe- trick in the book. The hardest part
cancer known as mesothe- spoke at the fundraiser, tell-
lioma Applied Research Foun- about this is getting someone to
lioma. As the president of this ing the audience and the danc-
dation is a growing organiza- scare you while you’re expect-
club, I knew that I wanted to ers to live each day to the full-
tion that is doing everything ing it. It may or may not work
make a difference for people est, since you never know
they can to help. The Breath since there is nothing triggered
and families affected by me- when it will be your last. I
of Hope Club supports this or- by being scared that would stop
sothelioma, but I had no idea know that my family and the
ganization and hopefully, the hiccup; however people have
how much of an impact I could Breath of Hope club are mak-
through this fundraiser, the stood by this cure for years.
make! With one single ing the most of each day by
fundraiser, the club raised helping to find a cure for such community will be able to
spread the word about this Pinching Your Nose While
$3,195, which will be donated a rare disease. A few of the younger dancers
growing disease. It’s impos- performing to raise money. Photo
Drinking Water: This is the only
to the Mesothelioma Applied It is estimated, however,
sible to know if someone you courtesy of Aria Bendix. cure used in my household.
Research Foundation to help that mesothelioma will start to
love or know will be affected Pinching your nose allows you to
find a cure for this disease. become more common in the
by mesothelioma, so start mak- stop breathing while the water
In 2006, when my dad upcoming years, especially in
ing a difference now! If you flows through your body relax-
was diagnosed with peritoneal the state of California. One
would like to join the Breath ing your vocal chords and dia-
mesothelioma, I knew my life of the primary causes of Me-
of Hope Club, please look for phragm- the causes of those
would not be the same. I fi- sothelioma is asbestos, which
our next meeting on ETV or pesky hiccups.
nally realized, however, that were found in old buildings in
my eyes had been opened to California and still have yet to talk to either me or Ms. War-
ren in counseling for more in- These common cures have
this rare and painful disease for be removed in many of them.
formation. To learn more all been practiced for years, and
a reason. The world needed Anyone who has been ex-
about mesothelioma or to do- whether or not they work all the
to know about mesothelioma, posed to asbestos is in danger
nate to the foundation, visit time they may work for you.
and I had to do something of contracting this disease and
www.curemeso.org or you Aria Bendix with her family after Next time you have those pesky
about it, not only for my dad, it may take many years for
can visit my dad’s page, the fundraiser. Photo courtesy of ‘hic’s, give them a try!
but for everyone who had the signs to even appear. Me- Aria Bendix.
been affected by this disease sothelioma can be found all www.curemeso.org/
6
2009
SPORTS
N O V E M B E R MONTHLY
Boys Baseball UPDATES ON
OUR FELLOW
Girls Softball SM TEAMS
Girls & Boys Swim
Girls & Boys Track
Boys Golf
Boys Tennis
Boys’ Volleyball “Sets” Off the Season
By Camille Del Carmen Captain Tanner Jansen believes
The Boys’ Volleyball team about this years team is that we that they will be able to make a
has started off this years’ sea- push..When the other team comeback when the Lancers
son very strong with victories left pushes us, we push back even come on to our own home court.
and right. This years’ team is harder.” The boys were excited The following day, the volleyball
considered a fairly “young” to be heading off to Las Vegas team redeemed themselves by
team, consisting of five sopho- where they competed in a two- taking home a victory from St.
mores and one freshman with day tournament. “Vegas was a John Bosco. The team was led
three of the sophomores and the lot of fun and we played the best by senior Tanner Jansen with 14
freshman starting. This years’ we could” says setter Taylor kills and sophomore Ryan Baine
team is lead by strong hitting se- Hammond. Our Eagles did a with 13 kills. Junior Michael
nior, Tanner “Big Bird” Jansen great job in the tournament, but McMahon contributed 16 digs
and in the middle, by sophomore unfortunately they had to forfeit to the Eagles win. The Eagles
Spencer Buckley. These young the last couple of games in or- attempt to make their comeback
Eagles have been proven to be der to rest up for the Orange in what is said to be the biggest
quite victorious with the team Lutheran game that had been game of the season, against
currently standing at 3-0 in league scheduled for the following day. number 9th ranked in the nation,
with victories over Servite, Bosco But due to the mourning Orange Lutheran. “It’s going to
and Mater Dei with the win of 3 of our SMCHS community, all be a tough one to win, but we
games to 1. games were canceled and the can probably beat them at home
This years’ captain, Tan- game was rescheduled to after if we get a good crowd to get
ner Jansen, has committed to play break. The boys headed over to us pumped”, says Spencer
for the USC Trojans next year Orange Lutheran on Wednes- Buckley. So come out and cheer
and shares a few words about day the 22th, but were unable on your Eagles, next Monday in Boys volleyball dominating Servite. Photo courtesy of Camille De
this years team, “The good thing to take home another victory. our very own gym! Carmen
Boys’ Golf Swings at the Tee
By Emily McCartney
The varsity men’s golf Chandler St. Louis, and Andrew
Eagles’ Track and Field Soars
By Lauren Guidice
team has been hitting their way Levitt. Senior Kyle Simomura The Eagle’s track and Daniel Glenn in the 400m. and 4:37. Scott Anderson pole
to success since the start of their says, “This year’s varsity golf and field team has had an im- Third place finishers were: vaulted over 14' which is a
season in February. As their sea- team is one of the most diverse pressive season thus far. John Tilton in both hurdle events new personal record. This
son is coming to an end, their 7- teams ever with 1 freshman, 2 The boys started out (110HH, 300IH), John Abowd places him amongst some of
2 record shows high hopes for a sophomores, 2 juniors, and 4 se- the season at the 13th annual (100m), Daniel Glenn (200m), the best pole vaulters in the
good placing in CIF. Senior niors and a multitude of person- Eagle Invitational. Mike Holcomb (800m), JD state . Simms took 3rd overall
Diwen Chen says, “We have had alities which combine to create Donnovan Sims, Dan Rocha (Discus), and Scott in the long jump and 7th over-
a really great season and I’m a really strong team”. The team Whisnant, and Jimmy Martin Anderson (Pole Vault). all in the triple jump.
hoping that we’ll finish strong as captain this year is senior Nolan all won events. In the El Toro At the Surf City Invita- At the Mater Dei Meet,
a team in CIF. I wouldn’t doubt Clark. He says, “Out of the 3 meet, Scott Anderson came tional, Eagle milers Mike 1st Place: Donnovan Simms
another CIF victory!” These years that I’ve been on varsity, I in first in the pole vault and Holcomb and Ryan Woods took first in long, high, and
men will begin their CIF journey am most proud to say that I am Ryan Woods won the 3200. both had incredible times of 4:36 triple jump. Jimmy Martin took
after the league tournament on part of this team. It is really an At this meet, Scott Anderson, 1st 300IH hurdles. The 4x400
Thursday, April 30. Their last CIF honor to be the captain of such Ryan Woods, Patrick Stege, Relay team of Abowd, Glenn,
win was in 2007, and another a great team. I’ll miss this next Derek Giemont, Daniel Stege and Martin were victo-
clench for the year 2009 would year”. Nolan is obviously very Glenn, Robbie Costa, Mat- rious.
be an awesome way to end this proud of his team. Wish the thew Graban, and Justin Pot- At the Trabuco Hills In-
season. The varsity men’s team men’s golf team luck as they ter all set personal records. vitational, Jimmy Martin fin-
consists of Nolan Clark, Diwen enter into the league tournament In the Irvine Track ishes 2nd overall in the 300m
Chen, Kyle Shimomura, Andy and hopefully a CIF win! Con- and Field Invitational, some hurdles with a new personal
Richard, Jordan Pierson, Steven gratulations men’s golf on a great of the selected competitors record. Donnovan Simms,
Remolacio, Kevin Dehuff, season! were: J.R. Pascual, Connor Ryan Woods, Connor Prior,
Prior, and Donnovan Simms. and David Oram all had strong
The eagles did very well in performances.
this very competitive meet. At the prestigious
In the first league meet Arcadia Invitational, runners
against St. John Bosco, first Scott Anderson, Jimmy Mar-
place finishers were: Jimmy tin and Donnovan Simms rep-
Martin (400m), Donnovan resented Santa Margarita.
Simms (Triple & High The girl’s Varsity team
Jumps), JD Rocha (Discus), started off their season on
Scott Anderson (Pole Vault). March 26 th. They defeated
Second place finishers were: Rosary 72 to 54. The girls
Donnovan Simms (Long then put in a great effort
Jump), John Abowd (100m). against Mater Dei. The girls
In the league meet against defeated J.Serra at both lev-
Servite, top finishers were: els. Also, Junior Varsity and
Andy Richard and Kyle Shimmy practicing their game. Photo Donnovan Simms takes 1st in Donnovan Sims racing for the long Frosh/Soph have also had a
Courtesy of Emily McCartney the long, triple and high jump jump. Photo Courtesy of SMHS.ORG great season.
7
2009
SPORTS
N O V E M B E R MONTHLY
Boys Baseball
UPDATES ON
OUR FELLOW
Girls Softball
Girls & Boys Swim SM TEAMS
Girls & Boys Track
Boys Golf
Boys Tennis
A Tell All Interview with Steve Fryer
By Ryan McGuire
Do you get the Orange You are in a very keen area, is very livid there. There were
County Register? Have you very competitive. no movie theatres around on
ever been on OCVarsity.com? RM: It seems like you every corner back in the day,
Do you know ANYTHING like to “bash” SM a lot in the so that was the place to be, and
about high school sports? If so, papers about how many people it still is. They are one of the
the name Steve Fryer has prob- we bring to our events. What, most well known combining
ably come up once or twice in in your opinion, is considered schools in the state.
a conversation. So, if you are to be traveling well? RM: Do you think it is
still confused, Steve Fryer is the SF: If they travel far, and possible to travel too well?
sports editor for the Orange show up to away games de- Possibly overkill the event?
County Register’s high school cently, I would consider that Most of us has heard of the
sports program. Fryer has been traveling well. I compare you Mater Dei-Servite basketball
known to bash Santa Margarita to [Long Beach] Poly, very game fiasco. Your thoughts…
for our “lack of traveling” poor traveling on your farther SF: It can be way over
(which is true) and he has also away games. Mater Dei and the top at some times. Things
Servite bring out a lot of their that happened in the basketball Steve Fryer speaks his mind. Photo Courtesy of google.com
been known to be on the nega-
tive bandwagon towards the alumni, SM doesn’t. game was unacceptable, and analogy. If St. Margaret’s were
Eagles. I took it upon myself to RM: Servite has this when the media gets control, cline, and therefore less talent to play Santa Margarita, or any
get the real truth of what he “brotherhood” at their school, it spreads like wildfire. than before. team in the Trinity League, it
and the whole group of writers and many of them attend sports RM: Why does the size RM: Bering off Santa would be like a grown 40 year
in the OCVarsity section about games. On top of the hyper- of the school matter in what Margarita and Servite for a old man playing a 10 year old
S.M. Here it unfolds… adrenaline boys that attend the division they play? SM has minute, what is your take on Saint kid in a basketball game. First
Ryan McGuire: What is games, their sister school, Ro- right around 1,600 students, Margaret’s? They are a division to 20, it would be 20-0 in favor
your true opinion about SM’s sary also brings out a lot of stu- and Servite has right around 12 team (one division up on a 7 of the man. The Tartans, in the
sports program? Do you and/ dents. This is one of the times 880? Nobody cuts players. on 7 league) and yet they are a Trinity League, would be an
or other writers think we are when the opposite sexes get to Why is this? D.3 quality team. They have won embarrassment, it would be no
overrated? “mingle” thus giving them more SF: I’ve even had trouble over 40 games in a row, and they contest.
Steve Fryer: There are of an incentive to come out. keeping up with the divisions. play teams that seem to pull to- After the interview, my
three big factors that can de- Therefore, Servite has even They change all the time. Its gether a squad last minute. thoughts changed about Mr.
termine success: coaching, more of an advantage com- not longer: Division 1, Division Knowing some people from Fryer. He doesn’t really hate us
great parental support, and the pared to SM. So why is SM 2, and so on. Some leagues are there, the Tartans think they are at all. In fact, after what I
great traditions you have makes compared to Servite when it now: the Sunbelt League, the the hottest thing since sliced learned, Steve actually is in high
you a true sports powerhouse. comes to traveling? Trinity league, etc. People and bread. Your thoughts on that. compliment of SM. If you really
[Mike] Jacot is a great coach, SF: Rosary and Servite experts simply compare them SF: Personally, I would think about it, Santa Margarita
he is truly something special. combine and act as one school. to D.1 caliber leagues now. want to see them play a more truly does have an AMAZING
And your basketball coach It has always been a huge so- The main problem though is the challenging non-league caliber of sports program, and other
[Jerry] DeBusk is always a cial event, even dating back to socio-economics. Private teams. I would love to see them schools and counties are notic-
Coach of the Year Candidate. my day (1970’s). The tradition schools enrollment is on the de- play J.Serra. Let me give you an ing.
Boys’ and Girls Swim Team Shocks Many Boys’ Tennis
By Karenna Soto By Karsyn Kraft
The Santa Margarita Delaney led the team by break- continually dropping time. Ac- boys are heading in the right di- Boy’s tennis is off to a
Swim Team has shown their ing two records so far this sea- cording to Mike Tran, The rections; making their goals be- great start this season! The
immense skill and teamwork to son; they broke the Capo main even is the 200 medley come accomplishments. boy’s team defeated Foothill 12-
all those who come to watch. record and our school record where the “dream team” is Come out and support your 6 and Irvine, 10-8, along with a
Since the beginning of the sea- in CIF. determined to break the ten eagles swim team as they com- Northwood defeat, 13-5. With
son, the team has advanced The boys are doing really year school record and is less pete against JSerra at 3:15 on league games beginning on
since their eighth standing. The well in league by owning than 1.5 seconds away. The Thursday, April 30th. March 24, the boys came out
team has impressed everyone Servite and St. John’s Bosco. victorious over first match of St.
especially since this year they They won first at the Capo re- John Bosco, 17-1. Our boys
are such a young team due to lays as well and showed great team has also beat Orange
the fact that they lost most of effort in CIF Relays by receiv- Lutheran 11-7, but fell to Mater
our seniors last year. Our school ing the title of ninth overall. Dei 13-5. Santa Margarita is
stands undefeated in league The boys’ main goal is to have 4th overall in the Trinity League
due to their defeat against St. at least 6 people place in CIF. standings with a record of 2-1
Joseph’s and Rosary by a con- Mark Reese is already on his (will change). This years boy’s
siderable margin. way with a county leading time varsity team is coached by
The girls stay strong by of a minute and 2 seconds. Doug Williams, with assistant
working extremely hard in Mike Tran is slightly behind coach Clark Hyman. Upcom-
practices and in meets. Their with a 54.9 in the 100 fly, which ing Trinity League games include
unbreakable effort showed by is 4th in school records. Tommy Mater Dei on April 28, Orange
dominating in relays. The team Jancovich, Eric Martin, and Lutheran at home on April 30,
won first place at the Capo re- Alex Lavayen are the team and ending the league season
lays and Cannon relays and sprinters looking to make CIF with a match against J Serra on
placed sixth in CIF relays. Sh- in the 50, 100 and Alex in the May 4. Possible CIF games are
annon Mack, Kellie Fecarota, 200. Garrison Nauman went a to be played starting May 12.
Alex Worthen, and Alex CIF time of a 57 and has been Shannon Mack swimming to the finish. Photo Courtesy of Karenna Soto
8
The Blueprint The Student Newspaper of Santa Margarita Catholic High School April 2009
Emily & Olivia
Emily Misses Disneyland Adventure
By Olivia Staffon, Karsyn Kraft, and Karlie Borzansky the motion of his spirit fingers. It
Last Friday, Olivia, Karsyn, in the summer at Disneyland. was the best presentation we’ve
and Karlie went to Disneyland for This summer, Disneyland is cel- ever seen. Then after a break for
a media conference. Emily could ebrating “Summer Nightastic,” food, we went to a “round robin”
not come because she was sick. which will showcase new shows conference in which we met six
So, we arrived an hour and a half and new lights, including the new Disney executives to ask them
late after trying to find the and improved Electrical Parade, questions. It amazed us how much
“Disneyland Resort Esplanade” Pixie Hollow Enchantment, a
(what even is an esplanade??). bolder “Fantasmic”, a night-time
Apparently, there is no resort and dance club in Tomorrowland, and
its some 400 feet gap between an innovative firework show.
Disneyland and California Adven- The presentation of the new fire-
tures. We got a sweet media host, work show was something else,
named Amy, to guide us to the to say the least. The passion that
place of the media presentation. the presenter showed for this
The two kids in the back somehow got us to the front of the space mountain
The presentation was a mock talk firework show was abundant.
line. Photo courtesy of Olivia Staffon.
show with various Disney execu- He basically performed the
tives explaining what is to come whole firework show through deal you should all take advan- llas, which were nasty as they
tage of! As for the rest of the were corn instead of the desired
day, it was time to play. We flour. We met some hunks in plaid
We got cupcakes at the conference! were able to walk right onto shorts and Hollister tees with k-
Photo courtesy of Olivia Staffon. all the __ attractions when we Swiss tennis shoes, and immedi-
all of these managers love their job flashed our awesome VIP ately knew they were from the
and work on a day to day basis with press passes (actually just east coast. We made friends with
so much passion for what they do. given fast passes, but who them because they had a pass to
We were informed during this ses- needs to know?). We met a get us to the front of the line of
sion about a special deal that sweet “cast member” (the Space Mountain; Liv worked her
Disneyland is offering this summer. word they use for an em- “I’m going to Harvard magic”
From early July to late August, ployee) who jumped over a and Karlie pulled the “It’s my first
southern California residents are rope and almost fell over in or- time at D-land card.” It worked.
able to visit both Disneyland and der to get Karlie an “It’s my After a three hour search for ice
California Adventure three times first time at Disneyland” pin cream, we were finally fulfilled
over this time period for only $99! (she has a season pass). We of our desire and it confirmed that
This sure look like a real street behind us, doesn’t it? It’s not. Photo Seeing that a one-day park hopper also hit up the Mission tortilla Disneyland is the happiest place
courtesy of Olivia Staffon. ticket is $95, this is a really great factory to get some free torti- on earth. Amen I say to you.
Top 12 Things to do in an Elevator
By Lauren Hundley and Kelsey Hummer Who is That Baby Momma?
By Kevin Avjian
Have you have been 9. Pretend you are a
bored in an elevator? These flight attendant and review Mrs. Stewart, expect- sin. My husband and I self or with your kids?
are some of the top 12 ways emergency procedures and ant mother, gives us the exclu- moved out to California -It depends on what and
to make things go from awk- exits with the passengers. sive on her life outside of eight years ago. where the vacation is- there
ward to extremely awkward. 10. Hold the Santa Margarita! 7. Do you prefer are definitely times when
1. Stare at another pas- doors open and say you’re reading to your babies having Ella along makes the
senger for a while, then an- waiting for your friend. Af- 1. How far along are or singing? trip so much more exciting.
n o u n c e , “ Yo u ’ r e o n e o f ter a while, let the doors you? -I read books every-
THEM!” and move to the far close and say, “Hi Greg. -As of this week, I’m 35 day to Ella, but I also sing
corner of the elevator. How’s your day been?” weeks along (a typical preg- to her. Most of the time
2. W h e n a r r i v i n g a t 11. Stand si- nancy is 40 weeks). I’m due we just make up silly
your floor, grunt and strain to lently and motionless in the June 3 rd . songs, but if she had her
yank the doors open, then act c o r n e r, f a c i n g t h e w a l l , 2. Do you know the sex choice in music it would be
embarrassed when they without getting off. of the baby and if so, boy or the Foo-Fighters- she’s a
open by themselves. 12. W h e n girl? big fan.
3. Stare, grinning, at an- there’s only one other per- -We did find out this time 8. How long have
other passenger for a while, son in the elevator, tap them (we didn’t with Ella), it’s an- you been married to
and then announce: I’ve got on the shoulder and then other girl! your husband?
new socks on! pretend it wasn’t you. 3. Do you have a name -My husband I have
4. When the elevator is picked out for the baby? been dating almost 15
silent, look around and ask is -Yes, but it’s a secret. years, but we’ll be married
that your beeper? 4. Do you have any for 9 years on June 3 r d
5. G r i m a c e p a i n f u l l y other kids, and if so, what (same as the baby’s due
while smacking your fore- is their name and age? date).
head and muttering: “Shut up, -We have a three year 9. Where do you
all of you, just shut UP!” old daughter named Ella- she like to take Ella on the
6. C r a c k o p e n y o u r is very excited to be a big sis- weekends?
briefcase or purse, and while ter! -Ella loves Dave and
peering inside, ask: “Got 5. How long have you Busters and the San Diego
enough air in there?” worked at Santa Margarita? Zoo. We also spend a lot
7. Say “I wonder what -This is my 8 th year at of time at the local park
all these do” and push the Santa Margarita. and hanging out with
red buttons. 6. Have you always friends. How cute are Mr. and Mrs. Stewart
8. H o l l e r “Chutes lived in California? If not, 1 0 . Wo u l d y o u with Ella and another girl on the way?!
away!” whenever the eleva- Awkward.....Photo courtesy of where else have you lived? rather vacation by your- Photo courtesy of Mrs. Stewart.
tor descends. Google images. -I’m a native of Wiscon-
9
The Blueprint The Student Newspaper of Santa Margarita Catholic High School April 2009
Emily & Olivia
U-G-L-Y, You Ain’t Got No Alibi, You Ugly
By Paige Glasser, Carly Rivera, and Clark Taylor
Have you ever seen an ani- small worms. It is nearly blind, ever, you can’t go wrong with initially scared of Sam, then thing.” However, Susie
mal and just thought to yourself, and uses its strong senses of the dogs…or can you? Most of us why would she adopt him? Lockheed grew attached to Sam
“That is probably the scariest and nose to detect where things are believe that all dogs are cute. I’m People usually buy dogs be- and still even sleeps with his fa-
most nasty looking creature I have in their pitch black and under- sorry to say that Sam, voted as cause they’re so cute! How- vorite stuffed-bear he picked up
ever seen!”? Well if you haven’t ground habitat. These moles three-time champion of the annual ever, as Sam soon became fa- and carried home one day.
ever reflected upon this, we are reside in marshes and swamps Sonoma-Marin Fair “World’s Ugli- mous, Lockheed became very Truthfully, we do not hate
here to do it for you. We have from Canada to Georgia, and are est Dog” contest, might change your attached to him. Unfortunately, these animals, they’re just plain
narrowed the animals down to extremely hard for humans to viewpoint on dogs. According to just short of his 15th birthday, ugly. We don’t know them on
what we find to be the most hor- catch a glimpse of. The Star- Snopes.com, the Associated Press Lockheed had Sam euthanized the inside though, but I bet they
rific land animal, sea animal, and Nosed Mole is definitely the ug- described Sam as “The tiny dog has after a veterinarian told her have extremely beautiful person-
pet. Really, we are not putting liest land animal, and its not too no hair, if you don’t count the yel- Sam’s heart was failing. Ac- alities. Just look at Sam, he has
these beings down because we far away! lowish-white tuft erupting from his cording to MSNBC.com, a good sense of humor about his
love all creations of God. We’re As for the ugliest water head. His wrinkled brown skin is Lockheed went on to say, “I looks. In the end, we all need to
just curious as to how these living animal, it is definitely, the covered with splotches, a line of don’t think there’ll ever be an- remember that everything is
things were created and what their Blobfish. It lives off the coast of warts marches down his snout, his other Sam…Some people beautiful inside and out…except
purpose is. Australia and can be found in the blind eyes are an alien, milky white, would think that’s a good for sometimes.
After doing some intense deep water. It has no muscle and and a fleshy flap of skin hangs from
research on looking for ugly ani- has a similar density to water so his withered neck. And then there
mals, we came to the conclusion it floats through the dark depths are the Austin Powers teeth that
that this large nailed, furry, almost of the ocean. It is by far the ug- jut at odd angles.” If this descrip-
eyeless, with finger-like tentacles liest animal in the water and pos- tion isn’t enough, then listen to what
for a nose creature is the most sibly in the whole world. It looks his owner, Susie Lockheed, said
hideous. You may be asking your- like white jello mixed with throw upon adopting him. According to
self what is this strange sounding up with a drawn on nose. I am MSNBC.com, “Lockheed said she
thing? It’s called the Star-Nosed pretty sure it has trouble mating initially was terrified of Sam when
Mole. According to with itself. Luckily it lives in such she agreed to take him in as a res-
livescience.com, the Star-Nosed deep water it is very hard to find. cue dog…his appearance repulsed
Mole can grab its prey and eat it If I were this fish I could not look her then-boyfriend and prompted
all in under a quarter of a second! at myself in the mirror. In water the man to break up with her.” It is
So you better watch out for those it looks more normal than it does sad that Lockheed lost her boy-
22 finger-like tentacles ringed out of water but it is still one of friend because of Sam, but come
around its nose. Actually, this the ugliest animals in the world. on…wouldn’t it kind of creep you
creature is harmless to humans, There are a lot of pretty out if your significant other owned
for it feeds on insect larvae and ugly animals in the world. How- this dog? Also, if Lockheed were Mmmm yeah. Photo courtesy of Google images.
You Go Here?!
By Kristen Pons and Lauren Meech
THE BLUEPRINT
Faculty Advisor Campus Ministry Editors Caroline Rivera
1.)Name and Grade? Ms. Rhodes Lauren Giudice Polina Romashkova
10.)School Food or
Logan B o r z a n s k y, Rhodese@smhs.org Kyle Richter Amanda Rooth
Packed Lunch?
Freshman School Food Derek Smith
2.)As a freshman, Editors in Chief World News/Health Editor Karenna Soto
11.)Denim or Cordu- Gaby Duva
how many detentions have Emily McCartney Noelle Sumner
roy? Olivia Staffon Co-Editor Cheyane Swarbrick
you received already? Denim Lauren Vargas Clark Taylor
12 12.)What are you Managing Editor Cody Webster
3.)Miley Cyrus or most looking forward to Samantha Toth Beginning Staff Writers Jake Whelan
Hannah Montana? sophomore year? Kevin Avjian Kevin Witt
Hannah Montana All the dances and ice News Editor Aria Bendix Melissa Zornig
4.)Will Ferrell or hockey Samantha Toth Karlie Borzansky
Adam Sandler? 13.)What’s your fa- Kevin Clark Advanced Staff Writers
Will Ferrell Features Editors Camille del Carmen Julia Boyle
vorite Pokémon and why?
5.)Cash or Gift Alexis King Caitlin Doud Morgan Brutocao
Squirtel, because he Adam Enochs
Cards? Laura Schmeltzer Becca Caraveo
makes funny sounds. Denise Fernandez Caroline Christ
Cash
Entertainment Editor Amanda Figueroa Kenna Crouse
6.)If you could be one
Ross Kirkbaumer Katelyn Finneran Spencer Feldmann
animal for the rest of your Paige Glasser Nicolette Fernandez
life what would it be and Sports Editor Kelsey Hummer Kerri Hall
why? Allison Acevedo Lauren Hundley Amanda Kiepe
Tiger, because they are Co-Editors Ross Kingsley Ashley Kotero
awesome Ryan McGuire Alexa Kosco Karsyn Kraft
7.)What’s your favor- Brian Sanvido Allison Le Michelle Loftus
ite thing about Santa Lauren Meech Melissa Merrill
Margarita so far? Opinion/Editorial Editor Dean Navarro Lauren Rodriguez
Alex Worthen Elizabeth Pinner
Our amazing pepsquad!
Co-Editor Kristen Pons
8.)Just Dance or
Niki Genthe
Poker Face?
Poker Face Campus Life/Photo Editor *Comments and editorial opinions expressed in The Blueprint are
9.)Ribbon Twirling or Lindsay Mortenson the staff’s and do not represent the position of the school, its
Steam Room Yoga? Logan playin’ it cool with his goggles administration, faculty or students.
Steam Room Yoga in science class. Photo courtesy of Special Section Editors
Karlie Borzansky. Parris Wells The Blueprint welcomes your comments and questions at
Alyssa Wolpin Blueprint@smhs.org.
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ENTERTAINMENT
What’s Hot This Month
Bambozzle Left 2009!!!!
By Melissa Merrill, Amanda Kiepe, and Nicollete Fernandez
highlights of the day. Saosin took the but sadly did nothing memorable
Saturday, April 4 th , to the stage as they played the Before we went to watch stage next, and put on an that made them stand out from
started the two-day music fes- upbeat rock song, “Run, Don’t the Rancho Santa Margarita awesome show (which is the pack.
tival known as Bamboozle Left. Walk”. Hey Monday’s perfor- based band, Stick to Your very typical of them). Com- Taking Back Sunday,
The Bamboozle festival origi- mance and the head banging of Guns, we stopped by a merch pared to their phenomenal the last band we caught on Sun-
nated in New Jersey, and has singer Cassadee Pope mirrored table to meet Hey Monday. show last November at UCI, day night, left us with one of the
now migrated to the west coast. the stage antics of Paramore. While we waited in line, we lis- their Bamboozle perfor- best memories of the weekend.
Over 100 bands played at the The band concluded their en- tened to the catchy music of mance wasn’t as energetic They performed hits from their
third Bamboozle Left festival on ergetic set with “How You All Time Low as they played and crazy and didn’t quite past albums like “Cute without
six different stages. In order to Love Me Now” and their hit on the main stage. meet our high expectations, the E” and “Liar,” and even
avoid sound conflicts between single “Homecoming”. Like most of the people but they put on an awesome threw in a couple new songs
bands, the stages were spread Next we squeezed our who were at the festival, we show nonetheless and even from their upcoming album.
apart on both ends of the festi- way to the front of the stage as raced to the main stage in the treated the crowd to a few But it was during
val grounds. Merch tables lined a rush of girls attempted to get hopes of seeing Metro Sta- new songs off of their upcom- “MakeDamnSure” that the
the pathways to and from all six as close as they could for the tion. Even though we could ing album. crowd was left stunned. Lead
stages. We had the pleasure of next band, nevershoutnever! barely see the members of the After Saosin, we singer Adam Lazzara is known
seeing a countless number of After waiting half an hour with band, we enjoyed the live show. split up to see The Used and for his wild stage antics like
bands play on both days of the no personal space whatsoever, Metro Station’s set featured the A Skylit Drive. The Used, swinging 20-ft long microphone
show. nevershoutnever! appeared upbeat and dance inspired which many people across cords around his neck, but for
To our surprise, a large on the stage to the sound of songs “Disco”, “Shake It”, and the internet have deemed this show, he took it all to a new
amount of kids arrived at the screaming fan girls. Christopher “Wish We Were Older”. We “The Best Band of the Day,” level. Halfway through the
Verizon Wireless Amphitheater Drew opened his set with his finished our day with the always put on a fun show that song, he climbed the column
grounds before any bands be- current single “Happy”. His heavier bands Parkway Drive really gets the audience in- supporting the roof of the stage
gan to play. After we waited in happy and feel good guitar and and Haste the Day. volved and makes the mosh and hung upside down by his
the mile-long line to get into the ukulele rhythms attracted Next we made our way pit brutal. They have an legs and sang from 20 feet
festival, we headed to the main people walking by and breathed over to the two main stages to amazing sound that is so loud above the stage.
stage to watch The Cab. The life into the audience. His ren- catch the end of Shwayze’s that the bass has the power The Bamboozle Left
crowd danced and bounced up dition of The Beatles’ “I Want set. Cisco and Shwayze really to make anyone’s ribcage was a fun-packed, memorable
and down as the band played To Hold Your Hand” made the got the crowd going, especially shake. At times it even gets weekend of music’s best acts,
the fan favorites “I’ll Run,” performance memorable. To the girls. The pair concluded hard to breathe! and will definitely be a yearly
“Bounce,” and their unique finish his entertaining set, Chris- their performance with While waiting for ritual for us, just like Warped
cover of Rihanna’s “Disturbia”. topher played the popular “Buzzin”, which definitely left Taking Back Sunday, we got Tour. Make sure you join in on
. After passing the merch “Bigcitydreams”. the crowd with the reminder to see Thrice. Thrice, an the fun next year when the fes-
tables and some band signings, Nevershoutnever!’s perfor- that summer can’t get here fast amazingly talented band, put tival hits the west coast again!
we caught Hey Monday’s set. mance was definitely one of the enough. on a musically great show,
The female-fronted band ran on
Human or Dancer?
By Cody Webster and Dean Navarro
In the entertainment There is no message we’re chorus was questioned whether or
world, the lyrics have been stirring receiving, Let me know, is your not it is, “Are we human or are we
up much controversy. Here are the heart still beating? Are we human dancers”, or “Are we human or are
words to a controversial song by or are we dancer? My sign is vital, we denser”? Truthfully neither of
The Killers called, “Human”. Read my hands are cold, And I’m on my these titles is correct. The way it
over the words carefully and try to knees looking for the answer. Are goes is, “Are we human or are we
find the true meaning. “I did my best we human or are we dancer? dancer”. After the lyrical confusion
to notice, When the call came down You’ve gotta let me know was out of the way there were ques-
the line, Up to the platform of sur- Are we human or are we tions on the true meaning. People
render, I was brought but I was dancer? My sign is vital, my hands used Google like water, and read
kind,And sometimes I get nervous, are cold,And I’m on my knees look- whatever blogs there were about the
When I see an open door, Close ing for the answer. Are we human matter.
your eyes, clear your heart, Cut the or are we dancer?” When the media got in-
cord. Are we human or are we The other day Dean and volved, they too started asking ques-
dancer? My sign is vital, my hands I got into a half an hour argument tions. They went to The Killers di-
are cold,And I’m on my knees look- when this tune came on in my car. rectly and asked them to clarify the
ing for the answer, Are we human This song not only has lyrical con- lyrics. No direct answer was given
or are we dancer? Pay my re- fusion, but the title is confusing in and they said a statement would be
spects to grace and virtue, Send my itself. In September of 2008, it de- made on their fan website within a The Killers guitarist sings “Human”. Photo courtesy Google images.
condolences to good, Hear my re- buted on the radio and became a week. The website states that Flow-
gards to soul and romance, They hit and was on the Top 10 on iTunes ers (the lead singer) is singing, “Are know what it meant, but was still a string letting other people control
always did the best they could,And downloads. We both agree this song we human or are we dancer” and growing in popularity. our every motion. If you like to dance
so long to devotion, It taught me ev- became popular very fast and we said it was inspired by a disparaging After listening and read- this is not trying to put you down
erything I know, Wave goodbye, have caught ourselves singing it in comment made by Hunter S. Th- ing very carefully, Dean and I came and say that you are not human. But
wish me well, You’ve gotta let me the shower on multiple occasions. ompson. The fans were upset about to the conclusion that words some- when you dance you just go through
go. Are we human or are we the confusion but most of all The times speak differently depending the motions without taking a second
dancer? Dazed and confused, people Killers. Flowers goes on to say, “It’s on the listener. We both believe that look at anything. Everyone has the
My sign is vital, my hands are were listening and singing up a supposed to be a dance song, [the when Flowers says, “are we hu- choice to decide if they want to be
cold,And I’m on my knees looking storm without even knowing the beat] goes with the chorus...If you man or are we dancer” he is ask- “human” or “dancer.” We hope this
for the answer, Are we human or true meaning of the lyrics. This can’t put that together, you’re an ing, do we let ourselves control our has cleared up any confusion on the
are we dancer? Will your system started an online controversy of the idiot. I just don’t get why there’s con- own lives and make decisions on matter. The next time the song
be alright, When you dream of origin of the song and how the fusion about it.” After these state- our own and live life without a plan, comes on listen to the words with a
home tonight, words go. First, the first line of the ments were made people still did not or are we puppets or “dancers” on new mind set.
ENTERTAINMENT
What’s Hot This Month
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Wolf Like Me
Spring Forward into New Fashions!
By Elizabeth Pinner
By Lauren Giudice With spring in full bloom, it casins are still fashionably accept-
really love. They put on a is time to start your annual spring able for spring. This necessity has
The Coachella music having a good time.
great show and had excellent cleaning and trade in those ‘last been seen last season, but is still
festival is a three-day concert I was incredibly ex-
dance moves. seasons’ to new stylish fashion developing into an even hotter
located at the Empire Polo cited to see TV on the Radio,
M.I.A was next on the trends for this year’s spring. Al- trend for this spring season.
Fields in Indio, California. On and they did not disappoint. It
list. This was the only perfor- though there are many hot fash- And finally, stealing flannels
April 18, my friend Erica and takes a lot to make me dance,
mance I was unhappy with. ion crazes springing up in widely and oversized jackets from your
I had the opportunity to expe- and TV on the Radio gave me
With her first post-birth gig, she read fashion magazines, some brother or boyfriend’s closet is
rience a day of the legendary no choice but to get my
performed only a few songs, well-liked fads are transitioning for a legitimate reason. Runaway
music festival. groove on. The band sounded
which did not impress. She was over to the spring season. Flan- shows featuring styles by Ralph
We started off the day almost exactly like their album
rambling on for most of the per- nel shirts, skinny pants, oversized Lauren are proof of the fact that
by witnessing Billy Talent. and the performance was a
formance and it was clear that cardigans, and Pocahontas-sy men’s trends are crossing over
Having witnessed their insane lot of fun. They were very
the audience did not enjoy her styles are still popping on fash- to the women’s fashions depart-
rocking before, I was not sur- enjoyable act to watch with
set. ion runways. However, new ments- with a small feminine
prised to see them going crazy one of the biggest audiences
Finally, it was time for trends that are appearing in world twist, of course. Spring is the sea-
on stage. Their performance of the day.
The Killers. They are my fa- renowned fashion shows are re- son of blossoming, so go restock
of “Red Flag” really got the Being a huge Blink-
vorite band, so we weaved our ceiving a lot of buzz and are ab- your closet with the array of new
crowd going. 182 fan, I needed to see
way through the crowd and fi- solutely closet-worthy. trends that will transform you into
We were super ex- Trv$DJ-AM (Travis Barker
nally made it near the front. Popular trends for this a new (or revised) you.
cited for Paolo Nutini’s per- of Blink-182 and DJ AM). I
Opening with “Human”, they spring are conveniently geared
formance. It is truly a plea- cannot even describe how in-
commanded the stage and the to all different types of girls.
sure watching a band perform credible it was. AM remixed
attention of the vast crowd. Vivid brilliant colors, such as yel-
that is clearly having a good many classic songs (including
Brandon Flowers is an amaz- low, blue, and pink were known
time: it can make a huge dif- “Enter Sandman”, originally
ing performer and continues to to brighten up the majority of the
ference in the experience of Metallica, and Queen’s
impress me with his stage runways. Other lady-like prints
when the performers are smil- “Bohemian Rhapsody”) that
presence and his effect on the that can range from butterflies
ing and dancing while they the entire audience knew,
crowd. They played a variety to watercolor floral are perfect
play, rather than just going while Travis drummed to
of older and newer songs. for spring’s dresses. Girly girls
through the motions. them. The tent was a huge
Closing with a powerful per- should take advantage of this
We then got some dance party and everyone
formance of “When You Were new fad, along with sheer cloth-
food and sat down for was having an incredible time.
Young” really ended the day on ing layered with sold tanks.
Michael Franti and Spear- Electric Touch was
a high note Day two of For those boho-chic girls,
head. Alternative Reggae is next on our list of must-see
Coachella was unbelievable. It a collection of strong tribal cloth-
not usually my style of music, bands. There is nothing like
was one of the best days of my ing is a definite must have for
but, looking around, it was being right in front of the
entire life, and I cannot wait your closet makeover. Feather
evident that the crowd was stage watching a band you
until next year’s festival. earrings, suede vests, and moc- Photo courtesy of Google images.
Summer Concerts
By Spencer Feldmann and Lauren Rodriguez
The Mayercraft Carrier!
By Caroline Christ
Summer is fast approach- will start the tour shortly, and has that night, John performed
ing, school children will be able several dates in the area. Be- John Mayer. 2,000 fans. After this, OAR performed
his last show of the trip and
to frolic, homework free,and cause singer Gwen Stefani Cabo San Lucas. Me. This in the lounge and Gavin
showcased his amazing gui-
teachers will go back to their broke off to pursue a solo ca- lethal combination is called Rossdale finished the night
tar talents.
“lives” as bus drivers, bouncers, reer, tragically No Doubt hasn’t the Mayercraft Carrier. with an amazing perfor-
I had the best birth-
librarians, or whatever teachers played a show or released an al- Last year I went on this mance which included his
day/week of my entire life!
do over the summer . With so bum in the last five years. Luck- cruise. Although I had an in- hit song, “Love Remains the
My dream of meeting John
much free time this summer, why ily for us, No Doubt will be tour- credible time, I never got to Same”.
came true! On my 19 th birth-
not dust off that old CD collec- ing this summer with Paramore, meet John. So I was deter- My sister and I got
day, you can be sure that I’ll
tion, and break out the Blink 182 and possibly Katy Perry. Other mined to meet him/make him special tickets to John’s
be sailing with John on the
and No Doubt. In case you have big concerts to look forward to mine this year on the MCC2! sound check… this was my
Mayercraft Carrier 3!
been spending all your waking this summer are Coldplay, Tay- This year, we left on chance. Once we got in-
time doing homework, allow us lor Swift, The Fray with Jack’s
th
my 18 birthday! This was side, John was standing on
to break the news, Blink and No M a n n e q u i n definitely my chance to find the stage nonchalantly with
Doubt are back. Yes, back as in We have devised a cal- John except for a few prob- Stratocaster in hand. He
playing, touring, recording and endar so that you can plan out lems: bigger boat, more se- played with the full band for
whatever else they can come up your summer concerts: curity, and more crazed fans. an hour. I made my way up
with. Blink 182 has officially an- No doubt with The ship set sail on March 27 to the stage with my hat and
nounced their reunion and a tour Paramore special guest: Katy from Long Beach. John picture to be autographed
coming in summer 2009. Yes, this P e r r y kicked off the day by coming quivering in my hand. He
summer. Their last album, self The Fray with Jack’s out onto the lido deck in a was right in front of me, the
titled, Blink 182 was released in Mannequin - Tuesday 7/28/09 mini sailors outfit and per- John Mayer, only a foot
2003 and would be the last al- Chula Vista, CA formed a special acoustic set. away! I tried to say some-
bum because of the hiatus. At the Taylor Swift with Kelli Pickler- He sang both older and thing, but nothing came. As
most recent Grammys, the three 5/22/09 Staples Center, Los An- newer songs. he was signing I looked up
members, Delounge, Hoppis and geles, CA. Or 5/24/09 at San During his intense at him and I finally said it,
Barker(NAME SPELLING Diego Sports Arena in San acoustic performance I, screeching “I love you John!
CHECK) announced they had D i e g o , C A . wearing my “It’s my 18 t h It was my birthday yester-
resolved differences and truly Coldplay- 7/18/09 at the Home Birthday Mayer Me” shirt, day!” He handed me my
were back. While exact tour Depot Center in Carson, CA yelled at John and pointed to stuff and looked at me, say-
dates have not been announced, Blink 182- not posted yet. my shirt. In response I got ing these beautiful words, “I
this band started in Southern Cali- Warped Tour- 6/26/09- the best “Happy Birthday” know, I remember”. After
fornia will surely make the rounds Pomona Fairplex I’ve ever received in my life, that it gets a little fuzzy be-
from my favorite person in cause I’m pretty sure at that One of the many performances of
locally, giving you plenty of op- Electric Daisy Carnival- 6/ John Mayer. Photo courtesy of
portunities to see them play. An- 26/09-6/27/09- LA Memorial front of 2,000 people, moment I fainted and my sis-
Caroline Christ.
other SoCal classic, No Doubt, Coliseum Youtube it, and I was dying. ter had to smack me. Later
12
The Blueprint The Student Newspaper of Santa Margarita Catholic High School April 2009
OPINION
Blast From The Past! Pokemon Is Back!
By Brian Sanvido
various times during school. cuss the secret behind with any of them because my
Game Boys, trading the game. The game can
It was motivation to play and Pokemon’s second coming. Pokemon are far too superi-
cards, Pokemon, and yoyos. be played thousands of
get your Pokemon the best. Blueprint: Why did or to theirs and my lineup
We are all familiar with these ways and you can capture
Also, trading these you start playing Pokemon can not become better.
f a d s o f t h e p a s t . L a t e l y, so many different Poke-
Pokemon was a big factor. now? BP: Do you battle these
these fads have made a mon making the fun never
Each of these creatures has Dustin Lane: I was friends then?
comeback. Yoyos have been ending.
a weakness, and you must inspired by the creation of Dusin Lane: Yes, I do
popping up around campus I found myself up at
have Pokemon that can ex- a new game. not too often though because
and some students are even night playing the game
ploit these weaknesses. For BP: Do any of your I destroy them with my pow-
striving to start a yoyo club.If while lying in bed. Also, on
example, a fire Pokemon is friends play the game too? erful attacks and it hurts to
you look around, you will see my plane rides over spring
very weak against water DL: Yes, some do. I see my friends fear me.
people with Game Boys play- break I was training my
Pokemon, so you want one only play with the ones who As you can see,
ing Pokemon. Pokemon. It was only once
good Pokemon of every want to be the very best there are many reasons that
They are trading and other friends of mine also
kind. though. Pokemon has sprung up
b a t t l i n g w i t h e a c h o t h e r, decided to start playing
To understand why BP: Do you trade with around campus. It could be
building their status in the again that real fun began.
other students started play- these friends to better your the new version, Pokemon
Pokemon realm. But what is My friends and I
ing, I sat down with a fellow lineup? Platinum, that was recently
the reason these games are started arranging battles
junior, Dustin Lane, to dis- DL: I tend not to trade released. It could be friends
popping up around campus during passing periods and
are playing and students
now? To better understand,
want to join in on the game.
I dusted off my Game Boy
The only thing that is for sure
and started playing Pokemon
is that this game fun.
Fire Red version.
Anyone who plays this
After I started play-
game will tell you it is fun and
ing the game, I was re-ad-
addicting. Its fun because
dicted in ten minutes. Right
other students are sharing in
from the beginning you have
on the game and this creates
a choice of three starting
a Pokemon community. If
Pokemon. You raise and train
you own the game, I suggest
these creatures to help you
that you go home and just
battle trainers. You recieve
play for a little. You will find
badges after defeating Gym
yourself locked in a world of
Leaders. After collecting
Pokemon that creates end-
these badges, you may chal-
less fun.
lenge the Elite Four to beat
Pokemon! Gotta catch ‘em all! Photo courtesy of Google
XM RADIO ROCKS!
By Kevin Witt and Derek Smith
cause they have a pop culture
Don’t you hate it when you’re theme. We sometimes find that the
listening to the radio and the same FM radio has some exciting com-
song repeats every ten minutes? ponents, but it has not achieved the
Well my writing partner and I dislike completeness that XM Radio has.
it very much. We also cannot stand XM radio is the way to
all the commercials that play on the go despite the subscription fee. It
FM radio. has commercial free talk, music,
Through our experience with and sports. XM radio is far superi-
radios, we have concluded that XM or to both the AM and the FM
radio (AKA Satellite Radio) is defi- because it cuts out the most an-
nitely the best. . AM Radio should noying part of the radio, commer-
not even be allowed to be thrown in cials.
to the mix because of all the nitwits Through our recent ex-
that are allowed to have talk shows. periment my partner and I have
AM radio offers little en- concluded that AM radio needs to
tertainment value. The reception is have less commercials and the talk
very poor, and talk show hosts are show hosts need to be more qual-
either hit or miss. There is no reason ified. FM radio, even though we
to listen to the AM except for sports like music, needs to have better
fans and political junkies. For every- music.
one else, the AM radio is merely a We hate it when the same
collection of boring talk shows and song plays three times within ten
static. minutes (KIIS FM is the worst of-
FM radio offers some en- fender of this annoying trait). It’s
tertainment value. There are a few like listening to nails on a chalk-
good stations left on the FM 102.7, board. XM radio is flawless; yes
98.7, 105.3 and 106.7. However, we both agree it is
these stations will play a popular song “flawless”.There are more enter-
to the point where you don’t even taining talk shows and much bet-
like it anymore. In the morning, FM ter music. Overall XM radio has
has talk shows like the AM, but FM no contest, so listen to XM radio…
talk shows are significantly better be-
13
The Blueprint The Student Newspaper of Santa Margarita Catholic High School April 2009
TECHNOLOGY
SPECIAL SECTION The effects of technology on
our generation.
BRAINWASHED!
mainstream of society and keep up
with its demands, you are going to
be trampled.
Technology has not only had
By Ross Kingsley
an effect on our minds and the way
For as long as humans things have come about by it, we think, but has had an effect on
have been around, technology but it is actually taking away newspaper companies worldwide.
has improved all aspects of so- from what humans are meant According to writer Duncan Riley
ciety. No matter how advanced to do: think. Patricia from “TechCrunch” website, news-
the technology has been, any- Greenfield, a professor of psy- paper revenue decreased $42 billion
thing new that is introduced into chology and director of in 2007. This was the biggest re-
society has had some effect on Children’s Digital Media Cen- corded revenue drop for the U.S.
the pace of life and the pace at ter in Los Angeles, has done a newspaper industry. With this being
which things get done. So, what study on how the rise of me- said, more and more businesses are
is technology? According to dia and technology have im- now turning to the internet and mod-
“Dictionary.com”, technology pacted the minds of nearly ev- ern technology to voice their prod-
can be defined as, “the branch eryone these days. As she uct and get themselves known.
of knowledge that deals with the stated in an article in “Science So as for students, what can
creation and use of technical Daily”; “Reading for pleasure, we do? Well, although we should not
means and their interrelation which has declined among Avid TV watchers. Photo courtesy of Google images.
stop using computers, watching tele-
with life, society, and the envi- young people in recent de- vision, and playing video games, we
ronment, drawing upon such sub- cades, enhances thinking and reflection, analysis or imagina- really no difference between should start challenging our brains a
jects as industrial arts, engineer- engages the imagination in a tion” states Greenfield. Although someone that was 25 and some- little more and prepare ourselves for
ing, applied science, and pure way that visual media such as we may think getting news and one that was 65. So, if technology the future. As Greenfield stated,
science”. However it is really a video games and television do information via the internet is go- has negative effects on us, why “Wiring classrooms for Internet ac-
collection of new inventions or not”. The way in which people ing to benefit us more than any- are businesses and people doing cess does not enhance learning”.
ideas that alter the normal are successful is not their reli- thing, it is actually going to make so much better than they did back With that being said, let us not be-
rhythm of everyday life. ance on technology and fancy our analysis and ability to think in the 1920’s? Well, it’s because come a bunch of technological ro-
Technology has always new devices, but how they re- decline drastically. Through so many people rely on technol- bots, instead pick up a book because
been a part of our lives and im- spond to problems they en- reading for pleasure, Greenfield ogy. The business world and the the world demands more than just
pacted what we do. Advances counter and how they think on states that, “Studies show that way humans do things is all run our ability to use a computer. The
in technology have helped us in their feet. However, it is also reading develops imagination, in- off of and dictated by the use of world demands brainpower and our
many fields such as: medicine, believed that all of our mod- duction, reflection, and critical technology. People have become ability to adjust to whatever comes
the military, automobiles, com- ern technology and media is thinking, as well as vocabulary”. used to going to the internet or tele- our way. Sure our world will con-
puters, and especially the not completely bad for us ei- A study conducted in vision to find their news and look- tinue to invent crazy devices and ex-
internet. However, as good as ther. “By using visual media, 1942 states that people’s visual ing to search engines and machines press new ideas, but if we don’t con-
technology may seem, it is ac- students will process informa- performance and ability to re- to get the work done faster. But tinue to be unique and use our own
tually more harmful than some tion better. However, most vi- act to things in their environment can you really blame them? Soci- minds, we will lose the essence of
of you may think. This is hard to sual media are real-time me- declined steadily from age 25 to ety demands a fast paced life. If character and intelligence which hu-
believe because so many good dia that do not allow time for 65. However, in 1992, there was you cannot stay on your feet in the mans are constructed upon.
INTEXTICATED
By Alexa Kosco and Camille del Carmen
6,473. As shocking as it “buttocks area” and con- relationships. Boyfriends and
is, that the average number of firmed that she had sent a girlfriends are often attached to
text messages that most teens text message to her father. their phone, busy communicat-
send each month. Texting mes- ing with each other all through- Texting is addictive on any phone. Photos courtesy of Google images.
Bail was set at $298. Not
saging is taking over the lives only was she publically hu- out the day. Texting can keep
their relationship alive, or in
COMMON SIGNS OF
of teenagers and has become miliated in front of her peers,
a main component of most but being arrested remains on some cases break it apart. The
infamous “Text Message
PHONE ADDICTION:
teen’s daily rituals. Checking her permanent record and
your phone the minute you have a possibility of affect- Breakup” is all too common
wake up, texting all throughout ing her future. Maybe a de- throughout many teenage rela-
science class, and sending mes- tention or Saturday school, tionships, and texting might even 1. TXT lingo: You understand AND utilize
sages instead of doing home- even being suspended would hinder couples from getting to the following text phrases: lol, brb, g2g,
work are all normal habits for be more appropriate for this know each other beyond the
phone. However text messag- wuts ^, nbd, rofol, c ya, lylas, ily, l8r,
students these days, but obses- case, but really? Being ar-
sive text messaging is becom- rested? Now that is pretty ing still remains an all too preva- OMG...
ing an a major problem for harsh. lent fad that has swept over the
teens all across the nation. For These days teens lives of teens everywhere.
Example, there was a case in
2. Texting Withdrawals: You feel a sense of
rarely make phone calls be-
Wisconsin in February, when a cause their favorite means of depression when you don’t have access to
14-year old girl was caught communication is texting of your phone. When it’s not with you, your
texting in class and refused to course. A women in Missis-
hand her phone over. She was sippi got fired for texting on
phone is constantly on your mind and it’s all
arrested for “disorderly con- the job, and a teen in Maine you think about.
duct”; for disrupting the class got her license provoked
and refusing to obey to the while texting and crashing.
teacher. Even when she was She was fined $137, but now 3. Social Isolation: You ditch your friends
obtained by the cops, the teen- many states have new laws
The addicting cell phone.
for your phone or text your friends when
ager refused to give up her restricting texting while driv-
Photo courtesy of Google you are sitting right next to them. Your best,
phone and kept it safe in her ing.
images. and most important friend is your phone.
pants. A female officer later Text messaging is also
retrieved the phone from her the backbone of many teen
15
The Blueprint The Student Newspaper of Santa Margarita Catholic High School April 2009
CAMPUS MINIS RY
The Senior Pilgrimmage: A Time for SMCHS Hosts the Special
Reaffirming Faith Olympics
By Polina Romashkova
By Alexa Kostco
“What was the most rewarding part of the Senior Pilgrimmage?”
Austin McAnena- “The most rewarding part was understanding Jesus’ sacrifice for us as we
walked 14 miles to the mission for Him.”
Allee Campbell- “The best part for me was that I walked for Kaydee, my sister.”
AJ Cruz- “I would say bonding with those around me on the pilgrimage, also arriving was a
pretty cool feeling.”
Natalie Hamill- “The most rewarding part was the feeling of accomplishment when you reached
the mission.”
Students having fun with their athlete partners
Lauren Donaghy- “The best part was forming closer bonds with classmates through a shared
experience.” On Friday, April 3rd, SMCHS held the 4th annual Spe-
Amanda Haynes- “The most rewarding part of going on the pilgrimage was walking in Mark cial Olympics on our football field. The event was organized by
and Zach’s memory.” Campus Ministry and was made possible by both adult and stu-
Christina Holzmann- “The most rewarding part was walking in honor of Mark and Zach, and dent volunteers. Athletes from 9 schools throughout Southern
talking to people I’ve never talked to before.” California arrived at our campus and were greeted by volun-
Chloe Manese- “The most rewarding aspect was pushing myself to finish the entire 14 miles for teers. The athletes were paired up with volunteers, who took
God because it was a sacrifice in itself, especially at a time of mourning and reflection that our them to their events.
community was experiencing.” First, the opening ceremony was held, where all ath-
letes from the 9 schools marched as they carried signs with their
school name. Prayers were said, followed by a word by our
principal, Mr. Dunne. Each school then prepared for their races
by stretching.
After each race, the athletes received ribbons accord-
ing to their place and got a chance to stand on a podium and
have their names announced. The students that volunteered built
bonds with young athletes. The experience helped SM students
feel like they were a part of something bigger than themselves.
Aly Pizzurro, a sophomore who participated in the event
Seniors tired after the long journey reflects on her experience, “The special Olympics was both fun
Kayla Saadeh- “For me, the most rewarding part was being able to accomplish something and touching experience. Just being able to see my athlete’s face
together as a class…especially with everything that happened this year. I think it really brought us when receiving their awards was rewarding enough, and I can-
together.” not wait until next year!” For those of you who didn’t partici-
Tori Salvatore- “Accomplishing a 14 mile walk and burning so many calories and being able to pate, make sure to sign up next year! Just listen for sign-up dates
walk so far because the destination was beneficial to my own journey in religion and finding around this time next year, and be a part of this extraordinary
God.” experience.
Ashley Wilson- “Walking with the whole senior class and meeting new people.”
Jenna Dato-on- “The most rewarding part was knowing that the senior class accomplished
such a difficult task with so much joy, spirituality and determination.”
Nicole Costa- “The most rewarding part was walking for Zach and Mark. It was a great way
for our class to join together in a prayerful environment.”
Nicole Johnson- “Bonding with friends and the sense of accomplishment that we all went through
it together and realizing we made I through 14 miles.”
Jordan Bellow- “It gave me an opportunity to reconnect with old friends and make new ones.”
We Remember...
Zach Raffety Mark Motley
December 15, 1991- April 7, 2009 July 23, 1990- April 7, 2009
16
The Blueprint The Student Newspaper of Santa Margarita Catholic High School April 2009
