Dragons Tale

Dragons slide into home page 11 Magic on stage page 4 Hello, Mr. Dragon page 9
By Grace Bon

www.sonomadragonstale.com March 2012 - Volume 21 - Issue 5 - Sonoma Valley High School

Cream and Puff page 5

After enduring its forced closure since Dec. 2011, Sugarloaf Ridge State Park re-opened for public access on Thurs., Feb. 16. The park, which was closed by State Parks ofcials due to budget cuts, is now allowing vehicle trafc to enter the park for day use. The campground, however, remains closed. This re-opening is largely due to the work of Team Sugarloaf, a collaboration of private and nonprofit park organizations that hope to manage the park.

Team Sugarloaf

News Slate 2 wins by four votes F l ash

Emotions of anticipation and excitement lled the air as students amassed in a transformed Golton Hall on the morning of Fri., Mar. 10, clad in state-appropriate attire and bearing the weapon of their vote. As the animated chatter subsided, Convention 2012 began with a bang as each Slate made their inaugural walk down the promenade and briey introduced themselves before the initial voting results were announced. The gures revealed that Slate 1 earned 29 percent of the vote; Slate 2 earned 26 percent; Slate 3 had 14 percent; Slate 4 earned 10 percent; and Slate 5 received 21 percent. The event was lled with one engaging event after another, all of which allowed the Slates to exhibit their ideas and proposals in a serious manner while still maintaining a lighthearted atmosphere. I thought all the activities were amusing, especially the Slates remixed songs, commented Oscar Ramirez, sophomore. It was an effective way to get their messages across to the voters. The rst round of voting ended in the

Sonoma spots Gaga

Lady Gaga, the pop culture icon and singer, was spotted last week in Sonoma with boyfriend Taylor Kinney. The pair dined royally at Catellis restaurant Saturday night, followed by a Sunday lunch at Girl in the Fig. Gaga is allegedly house hunting in wine country so Sonoma may become a long-term host for the celebrated star.

Photo by Jessica Marioni Matthew Charleston, Financial Advisor for Slate 1, speaks to voters from the stage at Convention. elimination of Slate 4, as suggested by with 30 percent. ing, Slate 2, with Jose Heredia as Stuthe preliminary results. Delegates were treated to a Sonoma dent Voice, Jamie Ballard as Student As the day progressed, the remaining Market pasta lunch, followed by a third Activities Director and Grifn Hill as Slates were asked a variety of ques- round of voting which ended Slate 5s Financial Advisor, was declared the tions regarding budget cuts, furlough bid for the win. Slate 1 remained the winner of Convention 2012, beating days, and the involvement of the stu- frontrunner with 40 percent of the Slate 1 by a mere 4 votes. dent body, to which each Slate offered vote and Slate 2 showed a strong 37 We look forward to getting to know a fresh and unique response. percent. With only two Slates remain- the students of the school and makSlate 3 was the next to be eliminated ing, the competition turned personal ing their voices heard while working after the second round of voting left with a confrontational debate as well closely with the faculty and leadership them with only 17 percent of the vote, as a discussion between Slate mem- class to leave the school even betjust two points behind Slate 5. The bers and the administration in which ter than it already is, remarked Hill. results also indicated that Slate 1 re- Slate proposals were evaluated by Mr. The thrill of hearing Slate 2 made mained in rst place with 34 percent Battaglini and Mrs. Summers. all the hours and hours of hard work approval, followed closely by Slate 2 Finally, after a fourth round of vot- more than worthwhile.

Remembering Ms. Peggy Feuer

By Sarah Summers An eye-catching, color-happy necklace, a welcoming and well-practiced laugh, and an impenetrable aura of creative zeal; memories of Ms. Peggy Feuer are as vibrant as she was in life. After taking an extended leave of absence in Nov. to undergo hip surgery, Ms. Feuer passed away at age 66 on Feb. 8 from a highly aggressive brain tumor, discovered while she was recovering. For 23 years, Ms. Feuer worked for various schools within SVUSD teaching both art and English as a second language. She transferred to SVHS in 2008 where she spent the remaining years of her career teaching Introduction to Art. However, Ms. Feuers role at SVHS went beyond teaching. The students and staff members who knew her best remember her as a cultivator, a nurturer, of love for art as well as love for life. She was a teacher that still really cared about her students, recognized Mr. Andy Mitchell, Photography and Yearbook teacher. She knew that her job teaching art was incredibly important. Valerie Barreto, senior, recalled with ease spending countless lunchtimes in Ms. Feuers bright classroom at Altimira Middle School. She let me come inside whenever I needed, recalled Barreto. She had a comforting tone to her voice. A well-attended memorial at the Vintage House and burial service at Valley Cemetery near Prestwood Elementary followed in the days after Ms Feuers passing. The wide variety of attendants close relatives and the Congregation Shir Shalom Jewish community; SVUSD staff and local artists reected the diversity of passions and connections Ms. Feuer fostered in and beyond Sonoma. In the Jewish tradition, as a part of the burial ceremony, mourners were offered the chance to place a shovel or handful of earth over Ms. Feuers grave, to symbolize closure and reverence for the deceased. I felt comforted knowing that there were a lot of people that loved her, remarked Hans Olsen, SVHS senior and fourth-year Ad-

Mock Trial
The SVHS Mock Trial team won its Napa County competition, chalking up wins over Napa High and New Tech. The young lawyers obtained a 3-1 record for their school, with the Prosecution winning both of its cases and the Defense splitting its two. The team is now preparing for the Mock Trial state competition in Sacramento, taking place in spring break Mar. 25 to the 27.

Winter Rally
The Winter Sports Rally, well attended by sports teams and slates alike, was held Fri. Mar. 2 in the gym. The rally hosted performances by the SVHS Dance Team, a duet with Daniel Fonseca, ukulele, and vocalist Heather Villasenor, and the SVHS intramurals dodgeball nal championship round. The ve slates and campaign managers were questioned briey by rally hosts Will Murphy and Tyler Johnson, seniors.

Photo by Sarah Summers Gabby Reed, freshman, draws outside Ms. Feuers classroom.

vanced Art student. Being a part of her burial was an honor. Olsen, along with four other SVHS art students, attended both the memorial and the burial to pay their respects to a teacher who provided a home for creative, often estranged, students like themselves. Olsen, smiling, remembered the time spent over four years in Ms. Feuers company. I met my girlfriend in her class freshman year. [Ms. Feuers] positive attitude put me in a good mood and I felt like I could always be myself around her. Mr. Owen Tuttle, fellow Art Teacher and close friend of Ms. Feuers, spoke for the entire Sonoma art community: Ill miss her very much. She was a special person quick to share her love and extreme knowledge of the ne artsa good mentor, spiritual guide, and best friend that has found a special place forever in my heart.

Opinion-Editorial

College Acceptance
By Gianna Biaggi Grade Point Average, AP classes, college enrollment - what denes you? As the urry of letters begin to arrive for SVHS seniors, it is easy for students to get caught up in the excitement of an Ivy League acceptance, and the fervor of potential admission. However, the college admissions process, which began as a simple foray into higher education, has now developed into a cutthroat competition for bragging rights amongst seniors from coast to coast. Now, more than ever, students have begun to dene and segregate themselves according to a letter of acceptance or a name on a sweatshirt instead of cherishing the special talents, personality traits, and ideas that are intrinsically unique to every individual. Increasingly, admittance into a prestigious university or Ivy League school can grant a student a hall pass for their behavior and attitude. Although admission to such schools may gain you a smattering of awed followers, and a blind eye from teachers regarding behavior, grades and attitude, spending four years in an impressive institution of higher education does not guarantee a stable future. Unfortunately, the opportunity for insecure students and overbearing parents to lord their accomplishments over students classied as underachievers is extremely relevant in a society of social media. Instead of competing academic study, sports, or recreational activities, students compete for acceptance letters, and the student who wins admittance into a prestigious university is often regarded as somewhat of a hero to teachers and administrators, a homecoming king with an Ivy League crest instead of a crown. Touting an inated sense of ego and self worth, these students feel they are good people, because they are going to attend a university where 27,000 will apply and only seven percent are accepted, or a college that receives audible gasps when people speak of admissions, let alone acceptance. But what really denes good? Does acceptance into a top university grant a student freedom from common courtesies, such as manners and respect, civilities which were taught at birth? In the classroom setting of erce academic competition, where students are desperately trying to claw their way to the top of the college acceptance ladder civilities are forgotten, and only the most competitive, and desperate, survive. This atmosphere segregates students into two categories - those who learn to gain knowledge, who study for the love of new ideas, and those who learn to gain enrollment at a college or university, studying only to compete with their intellectual equals. The fundamentals of education are fading in a society where learning is only to earn Ivy League acceptance, not for the enjoyment of expanding the mind and bettering the self through a battering of new ideas, philosophies and equations that can be found in any typical high school classroom. Education ceases to be benecial when the student studies solely for college admittance; the driving force behind knowledge should be personal gain, not college admissions. In a society that has long forgotten the benets of education and has transformed college admittance into a competition for good will among the public, it is easy to base self-worth and condence on your choice in universities. However, college is certainly not the deciding factor in future success, personal gain, or worth as a person. Dragons Tale

Infatuation, idolatry, Hollywood?

By Arianna Maysonave Our economy churns in a state of chaotic ux, our military engages in global combat, and our health care system faces irreversible collapsebut what continues to adorn the gaudy covers of every magazine and tabloid? Irrelevant, dramatized, celebrity nonsense. Does Lindsay Lohans story of substance abuse even concern her fans? Do we need to know the intricacies of Brad Pitts alleged affair? Is the regime that worked for Kim Kardashian guaranteed to provide results for the desperate teen dieter? Angelina Jolie, David Beckham, Britney Spears, Tom Cruise, Marilyn Monroe, Jessica Albaessentially divine idolizations of the starryeyed masses, these superstars are not only worshipped for their respective triumphs, but immorally cherished for their unparalleled beauty and promiscuous lifestyles. However, beyond the glowing limelight of Hollywood Boulevard these celebrities are as intrinsically human as the rest of us. The product of media magnication of epic proportions, those blessed (or cursed?) with fame and fortune are conveyed as superhuman beings. Their houses, their cars, their clothes, their relationshipsall over-analyzed and envied, the lives of celebrities are are just some of the documented problems that can result when we take the focus off our own lives and instead focus all our energy on the life of a celebrity. Being star struck is as old as pop culture itselfonly today, it is easier than ever to stay tuned in to celebrity gossip with the perpetual presence of technology in our daily lives. coupled with the expectation to perform often harbors drug and alcohol abuse, eating disorders, and relational tension. With singers like Amy Winehouse and Brittany Murphy tragically perishing in the wake of drug addiction, Mary Kate Olson falling victim to anorexia, Michael Jackson indulging in more than ten plastic surgeries, and Lindsay Lohan partying her way to rehab three times in one year, the sought-after notoriety of a life propelled on the world stage should become less desirable, but does it? The distortion of idolization is seeded in the very idea that these corrupted human beings are the trendsetters and role models for the next generationthe severity of their reckless binge-drinking and drug induced delight is gloried on magazine covers and Internet blogs, where young men and women relish in the risk of life on the edge. Fame, solely a result of public opinion, is especially detrimental to adolescents, who are already caught in the throes of hormonal instability and self-doubt. The tendency to compare oneself to the seemingly awless size zero super models can promote body image issues and eating disorders. According to the National Eating Disorder Association, most fashion models are thinner than 98 percent of American women, and thus striving to mimic the fragility of their frames is unhealthy and impractical. The American historian and educator Daniel Boorstin once wrote, Time makes heroes but dissolves celebrities, inferring that the athletes, actresses, and singers of today will merely fade into the ominous shadows of their predecessors as newer, hipper, more desirable icons strut their way to fame and fortune. True heroes are reghters, police ofcers, teachers, and parents--ageless role models who are revered for their courage, not idolized for their fame.

neither private nor perfect. According to an article by Christine Lagorio, the fascination with celebrities is often a substitution for real life depression, anxiety, and a decrease in self-esteem

Haze is the craze

By Maddie Connors How can you determine whether someone qualies to be your best friend if they dont audition rst? In one instance of sorority hazing, girls were asked to undress and line up in order of perceived attractiveness. By this time, when the girls were most vulnerable, boys from fraternities come in with sharpies and circle parts of the girls body that are unsatisfactory. Fast-forward, 30 years later and girls from the Sigma Pi sorority are sitting in a psychiatry ofce- emotionally scarred, low self-worth and body dysmorphia. Proud boys and girls claim that hazing is an ageold practice rooted to ancient Greek traditions. However, these harmless tests of character can be malicious to the mental and physical states of students, sometimes resulting in death. Women tend to internalize this psychological cruelty and suffer later in life from repressed trauma. Girls are insulted for weeks, forced to do other girls chores naked, and are subjected to emotional battery by males. Psychologists claim that patients with histories of sexual abuse, low-self esteem, and even post-traumatic stress induced by their hazing experiences often seek psychiatric assistance. Sororities prey on girls with low self esteem, and ultimately draw them into a pack, worsening their social anxieties. As if college werent challenging enough for insecure teenagers, their flaws are put on display at the cost of friendship. Any girl or sister that forces their pledge sister to stand vulnerable in front of her peers, capitalize on her self-consciousness or feel diminished by her looks is unlikely to be a friend beyond the confines of the illustrious sorority house. Males tend to nd pride in physical feats and sometimes pure acts of insanity. Countless have died as a result of forced alcohol consumption, sleep deprivation, and electrocution, leaving their families devastated and college communities in shambles. One student, Tyler Cross, was thrown into the back of a truck at midnight, forced to drink deadly amounts of alcohol and left to nd his way home. He experienced P o s t - Tr a u matic Stress Disorder and even decades later, is unable to shake the horrors he experienced that night. Fraternities at Yale University claim paddling, which often results in severe body injuries, is classic. Yet fraternities and presidents of social clubs continue to argue that it is a humbling experience that strengthens bonds. Not all traditions are worth keeping, and hazing is no exception. College can be a social, exhilarating experience but not when you are a victim to physical torment. After all the beer pong parties, breaking university law and humiliationwas it really that fun? Page 2

Whats in our DNA, as a social animal, is the interest in looking at alpha males and females; the ones who are important in the pack, says Stuart Fischoff, spokesman for the American Psychological Association. Humans are sociologically pre-programmed to follow the leader, he says, and notes that we are biochemical sitting ducks for the Hollywood star system. As awe becomes infatuation, this psychological phenomenon can erupt into an obsessive-addictive disorder psychologists deem Celebrity Worship Syndrome. This distortion can undermine ones own values, essentially causing one to remain a vacuous vessel in the pursuit of idealistic fame and fortune. However, happiness in its purest form is the fulllment of ones potential as a human beingtherefore, being famous, if not in accordance with ones nature, is worthless. Despite the plethora of luminous red-carpet scenes adorned with designer brand apparel and ashing paparazzi, critics often question the internal contentment of these idolized millionaires. The pressures of public scrutiny

Feds blunt, marijuana lighting up states

Editors Note: This is part two of a two part series focusing on the state and federal controversies with legalizing marijuana. By Weston Updegraff Signatures on a ballot coupled with cancer patients desperate for an escape from pain are no match for stone-cold constitutional fact. For the time being, federal laws can overpower that of states. Such is the case with the legalization of marijuana in the myriad of dispensaries and medical outlets available to the general public throughout California and the ten plus states in America. Over 50 percent of Americans support the legalization of marijuana; among those is Andrew from Indiana, he, by the age of 24, has been diagnosed with cancer twice. Marijuana is illegal in his home state so he was forced to use black market methods to acquire medicine. Andrew explains, Ive tried all the prescriptions for nausea and pain associated with chemo and they failed in comparison to marijuana. Increasingly, opponents to the legalization of marijuana have touted its medical use as a front for getting high. Nonetheless, there are people who rely on the drug as is intended, and thus the debate. But what if the debate didnt matter? Obama has fullled his 2008 campaign promise of slowing the federal armada against states rights to dispense marijuana; however, he has been thrust into a precarious situation as the Fed has increased its marijuana-related arrests tenfold. Legalization, and the ght for legalization in the states is fruitless if the federal government continues their current stance. The federal government maintains the power to arrest those afliated with marijuana. Theoretically, every time marijuana growers and supporters alike sign their name in support of marijuana or in a purchase or transaction for marijuana they are doing the equivalent of undermining the federal government and its laws. Under this context, millions of Americans could be arrested any year. This, in turn, begs the question, where does the debate go from here? The answer: nowhere. Legalization and the furthering of the dream of marijuana in your local drugstore will forever be just that, a dream, unless further steps are taken to change federal law, rather than just state law. March 2012

Opinion - Editorial

The Republican merry-go-round

By Connor Griggs-Demmin and Sean Hall In August of last year, when the debt-ceiling debacle threatened to defenestrate the nations economic recovery and fiscal integrity, the presidents chances of re-election were flagging. His approval ratings hit all-time lows and the chance of the Republican party rising from divisive shambles and taking control of the executive office seemed relatively high. However, Obamas reelection hopes have starkly improved with the advent of the new year. The American economy and jobs prospects have risen and growing optimism lies within most American citizens. His approval rating broke the crucial 50 percent mark for the first time in months in Jan. That extremist buffoons like Santorum and Gingrich are considered serious contenders for the presidency would be comical if it werent so scary. Santorum, a man whose social views hearken back to the 1950s, has won eight states; Gingrich, the family values candidate who has had more ex-wives than Romney, has won two. Nonetheless, Mitt Romney will most likely be the Republican nominee. Although there will surely be more bumps in the road, the mathematics of delegate allocation only add up to an eventual Romney victory. What the continued merrygo-round of the Republican nomination process offers remember his 1994 Senate bid, where he declared, I was an independent during Reagan-Bush; Im not trying to bring us back to Reagan Bush. Many Republicans distrust his true desire to uphold the conservative position on abortion, given that he was staunchly pro-choice governor of Massachusetts, only announcing his pro-life revolution during his first bid for the presidency in 2008. Recent populist movements such as Occupy Wall Street have emphasized that Romney is not just of the one percent; with his fortune numbering in the hundreds of millions, he is the one percent of the one percent. His attempts to connect with Americans battered by the recession have been humorously pitiful; he infamously offered, Im also unemployed, to awkward laughter from a Detroit audience. Presidential elections offer the American populace a special opportunity to serve as arbiters in the debate between two fundamentally differing visions of our republic. Whether the socially-minded, progressive approach of the Democrats is given a new mandate in 2012 or the traditionalist, small-government leanings of the Republicans triumph will change the course of Americas economic recovery, and, ultimately, its future. It would be to the detriment of the nation that Romney is pushed so far to the right to clinch the nomination that we are deprived of this debate.

Engendering armageddon in the East

By Liam Casey The relationship between Israel and Iran, which would come to be a focal point of international bureaucracy in the second decade of the Y2K era, began with the creation of the State of Israel and Palestine in 1948. Initially, the genesis of this relationship was embodied in the incentive to prevent soviet influence from seeping into the bureaucratic composition of both countries during the highpoint of the Soviet era in the early to mid-twentieth century. However, this utopian relationship never came to fruition, the reason being that discontent formed between the two states during the Israeli governments waging of the 1967 Arab-Israeli War, in which Israel seized the Gaza strip and the Sinai Peninsula from Egypt, The West Bank and East Jerusalem from Jordan, in addition to other crucial middle-eastern territories located amongst the Arab states. However, despite enmity toward the Jewish state, Iran secretly bought weapons from Israel after Iraqs invasion in 1980, thereby begrudgingly continuing a steadily deteriorating relationship. Flash-forward to present day, and the international coalition finds that Iran repeatedly ignores pleas and behests from global superpowers to cease its production of highgrade, weapons-worthy, uranium fuel. It is believed that Iran has multiple aims with its high grade uranium enrichment program, one of which centers around the anger engendered with Israels waging of the Six-Day war in June of 1967. Iran claims that it merely wants to develop a peaceful nuclear energy program with its enrichment of uranium; however, due to the tension between Iran and Israel, logic indicates that Iran will use its nuclear-enrichment program to wipe Israel from the northern hemisphere. Irans conservative president, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, voiced his intentions toward Israel in a prepared speech in which he said that Israel must be wiped off the map. In response to this outlandish claim, President Obama met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in an effort to ease tension. Obama voiced his concern regarding the violent nature, and potential world-impact the relationship between the two Arab nations, and their hate. Obama then continued to outline what he feared could escalate into a WWIII, be the relationship between the two nations continue unchecked. The world needs to be cautious in its regulation and subjugation of Iran. Iran is an animal that will lash out not with bared teeth, nor trembling claws, but rather with a formidable weapon: nuclear power. Iran is no timid nation; it is willing and capable of a nuclear attack on any of the world powers. Iran is a threat, and if left unchecked can precipitate into a globalcrisis that harks of WWII, and may in fact, be the catalyzing factor of a WWIII.

is the chance for Republican voters to fatally wound their inevitable nominee. As staunchly conservative candidates like Santorum and Gingrich have circuitously risen and fallen, Romney has been forced to shift increasingly right on issues like contraception and immigration that will alienate him from moderate voters come Nov. Republicans need to drop their search for conservative perfection and congregate around the former governor quickly if they are to have any chance of defeating Obama.

As the public views the endless Republican barrage of negative ads, Romneys negative ratings have steadily risen just as Obamas positives have. Romneys flaws may number more than his millions, but he will serve as an adequate standard-bearer of conservatism in Nov. Among Romneys perceived flaws are his tendency to flip-flop on significant issues and inability to connect with working-class voters. Romneys enthusiastic embrace of Ronald Reagan rings hollow among voters old enough to

By Adelia Gregory

Budget outlines recovery

the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act known as the stimulus package, and the consumer protection laws of the Dodd/ Frank Bill, the Affordable Care Act making health more affordable, as well as repealing Dont Ask, Dont Tell legislation, killing Osama bin Laden and more. Thus, his claim to halve the decit was unrealistic from the start, considering the extremity of the debt crisis George W. Bush left in his wake. In Obamas defense, he is guilty of nothing more than well-intended idealism. Fast forward to present day, where the White House ofcials describe the budget as the ofcial costs of the priorities stressed by Obama in the State of the Union Address. Americans and tax payers will be feeling the brunt of the budget in planned tax hikes on the rich, spending new money on infrastructure as well as education to ensure continued economic recovery. As Obama stated in his budget message, Our country has always done best when everyone gets a fair shot, everyone does their fair share and everyone plays by the same rules. The administrations budget is proposing a series of investments focused on domestic manufacturing and education, and infrastructure, including $30 billion to retain and hire teachers and rst responders. On the other hand, the budget details 210 sections where programs will be cut or eliminated, yielding savings of $24 billion in 2013 and $520 billion over a decade. However, spending caps enshrined in the Budget Control Act, which totaled around $1 trillion in discretionary spending over a decade, mean many programs will be cut. Every department will feel the impact of these reductions to free up more resources for areas critical to economic growth, Obama wrote. This cut includes mandatory spending on farm subsidies, federal employee retirement, health benets, as well as trimming $360 billion from Medicare and Medicaid, and vital health programs over the course of a decade. As a result of these scal cuts, discretionary spending will drop in order to make way for desperately needed reform of the

All US citizens, including students at SVHS, will be feeling the imminent change for economic recovery. The state of the American economy has been oundering in unfathomable debt since before George W. Bushs presidency. The decit has hovered near $1 trillion each year of Obamas presidency, according to CNN Money, which means that President Obama will not satisfy his promise in 2009 to halve the decit by the end of his rst term. However, the $200 billion difference between the original promise and Obamas budget largely stems from a misunderstanding of the depths of the nations economic woes in early 2009. The debt was $10.626 trillion the day Mr. Obama took ofce, and since then has hit $14.639 trillion, according to Business Insider. To not forget, Obamas accomplishments include the smooth management of small businesses and foreclosures through Bushs Troubled Asset Relief Program,

corporate tax code. Although Obamas budget will stabalize debt over the next decade, US Senator Pete Domenici and budget expert Alice Rivlin said in a joint statement, entitlement costs will spin out of control. Even with the Pentagon cutting $487 billion over the next decade, a tax hike of $1.5 trillion, and the buffet rule which ensures that the wealthiest pay a fair tax rate, the budget does require entitlement reform. However, the immediate impact to this generations upcoming workforce will be the reforming of infrastructure, education, and domestic manufacturing. Therefore, although Obamas budget request is essentially the outline of his scal priorities, its not to say he will neglect other pressing matters, namely entitlement costs. If the administrations forecasts for interest rates, economic growth, and unemployment prove to be close to accurate, it is likely that a formal federal budget for government agencies will be in place by Oct. 1, start of the 2013 scal year.

Dragons Tale

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March 2012

Culture

REVIEWS

Oscar makes 84th appearance

By Maddie Connors Winter brings snow, spring brings owers, and award season brings the Oscars. Celebrities and stars dress in glittering dresses and sharp tuxedos to bask in their glory. An estimated 71.45 million people tuned in to watch the glamour and award on display. Having Billy Crystal as host of the Oscars was a safe choice but also intelligentits hard not to crack a smile at his skits, songs and dances, especially when he calls on Justin Bieber to win the 18-24 demographics. The only time Billy Crystal was not leading the show is when Cirque de Soleil took the stage. How can someone discuss the Oscars without mentioning The Artist? Five Oscars later, it is the most talked about black and white, no dialogue lm of modern time. But like so many lms, it has become a victim to overexposure. Its been talked about to the point of redundancy even annoyance as people gush over the grand gesture of old movies. Robert Downey Jr. and Gwyneth Paltrow introduced an award with clever banter while Chris Rock took a more radical approach, cracking politically incorrect racial jokes. Of course, who could make it through the Oscars without frequent shots to George Clooney, Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt charmingly laughing and smiling at jokes. The Bridesmaid cast playfully announced awards while taking a shot of Vodka every time someone mentioned Martin Scorsese. Octavia Spencer, won supporting actress, for her heart-felt role in The Help, and gave a remarkable speech on the verge of tears. Colin Firth presented the best actress award to Meryl Streep, making it her third Oscar. Included in her speech was the mention of the friendships, love and sheer joy of lm makings. Other nominees included Rooney Mara for the Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, Michele Williams for My Week wit Marilyn, Viola Davis of The Help and Glenn Close of Albert Nobbs. Considering that Rooney Mara rose to fame in a matter of months for her breakout performance and Michelle Williams unforgettable transformation into the glamorous Marilyn Monroe, they were cheated. Yet Meryl Streep has seniority with the academy and gave a standout performance as Margaret Thacher. While most could expect a sure win for either Brad Pitt or George Clooney, Jean Dujardin won for his performance in The Artist, conveying a character without dialogue is not an easy feat. The biggest award of the night, Best Picture, was given to The Artist. Even though there was a language barrier during the speech, the winners charmingly Dragons Tale

Spring welcomes A Midsummer Nights Dream

By Sebastian Amara Cupids arrow flew through SVHS in the Drama Dept.s performance of A Midsummer Nights Dream. The show captured the essence of the classic Shakespearean play but with an unexpected 1960s twist as the cast rocked out to The Beatles. The play includes three intertwined stories. One focuses on four young Athenian lovers caught within a love rectangle. The second, involves a group of nine amateur actors attempting to create a new play for the wedding of the king and queen. The third plot follows the fairies who manipulate both the lovers and the actors. The fairies inhabit the forest in which most of the play is set. The performance successfully emulated the passionate desires of the four lovers, the ambition of the actors, and the mischievousness of the fairies. While the play itself was a triumph, there were actors that set themselves apart. John Wittbrodt and Sam Gegner, seniors, demonstrated expert wrestling skills within a hilarious brawl as they portrayed Helenas rival lovers. Senior Heather Villaseor drew all eyes with her flattering white gown as she played the imperious role of the Fairy Queen. On opening night, Maya Smoot, junior, embodied the

Photo by Rebecca Stone Titania, played by senior Heather Villaseor, caresses her beloved Bottom, played by Buster and Eugene LaHaye, juniors.

desperation of Helena with great zeal and energy. Her voice was stronger than ever, and radiated throughout the theater above all others. The cast of A Midsummer Nights Dream is fairly small, and thus many roles were double casted. Some roles, such as the role of Helena were triple casted. At times, however, the 1960s Beatles rock and roll seemed unfit for the dramatic scenes of the classic Shakespearian play. The

smooth rock denoted the intensity of scenes that they followed. The Drama Dept.s performance of A Midsummer Nights Dream has been their greatest success. The production showed both an improvement of each individual student as well as an improvement of their ability to work with each

other. Broadway can expect to see many of these SVHS actors in the upcoming years. The play ends with Puck, played by Olivia Donald and Samuel Gardella, as he tells the audience that the entire play might be nothing more than a dream; a dream of apathy and jealousy, of truth and trickery, of love and hate.

Discrepancies detract from Inheritance

By Arthur Morgan ing as a ll-in for a meandering and convoluted main storyline. The problem with a climatic end Though constant action is equalto a series is that it often leaves ly enticing, when the main plot is the reader longing for something sacriced at the hands of another more. Christopher Paolini has battle, it diminishes the impact. done his best to remedy this feelFans of the series will most ing in his latest 850 page romp of likely overlook these minute dean adventure story and tails in search for the tting nale to the Innal climatic battle heritance Cycle, Book scene, and thus the IV: Inheritance. resolution of both ErPaolini has come a agons quest and the long way since selfseries. publishing Eragon However, even the at 16, and so have his most entrenched fan This Months Pick: characters. In Inheriwill feel the need to Inheritance tance, Eragon and skip pages at time Saphira continue their by Christopher Paolini in a quiet revolution quest to vanquish against Paolini, a ralPub. Nov, 2011 Galbatorix and bring lying cry of get to the $27.99 peace to the land of Peace to Algaesia point already. Algaesia. Paolini and peace of mind - a In the nal hundred continues his world suiting nale to a pages of Paolinis tour much like he left it, memorable series de force one cannot distraught, oppressed, help but get the feeling and without hope. Now 28, of being rushed, as the myriad of Paolini has visibly aged in his side plots and questions are all writing prose and form, and his forcibly answered by Paolini in newest novel is full of sophisti- the hopes of satisfying the readcated detail and imagery. er. The bottom line: after 2500+ However, what fans look for pages of reading, a more drawn most in Inheritance, its long out conclusion would be much drawn out battle scenes and volu- more satisfying. minous length, may in fact be the Though a number of plot-renovels downfall. Paolini, though lated discrepancies detract from now an established writer, dwells Inheritance, the novel as a too long on insignicant details whole will satisfy the millions and storylines that go nowhere. of readers who have followed In fact, in trying to reach clo- the series since its conception. sure with Inheritance, Paolini The battle scenes, dialogue, has strayed farther from it, often and intense nale are enough starting new plots and ideas that to make it worth reading. Alare neither explained nor come though Paolini still has a long to a close by the novels end. way to come as a writer, the Midway through the novel, the book remains a splendid read main plot loses its sophistication, and an epic conclusion to what and many scenes and battles that has dened a number of childcould have occurred offstage hood memories for me, and fans take the place of the plot, act- of the series alike. March 2012

Generations intertwine in Grey Album

By Sean Hall From Bon Jovi to Marilyn Manson, musicians of all genres have undertaken the rite of passage of covering The Beatles. Hip-hop has long been an exception, despite its unprecedented explosion of popularity as of late. It would take a musician of exceptional caliber to splice the rhythmic energy of hip-hop and R&B with the smooth rock of The Beatles. It would take a magician to succeed. Brian Burton, better known by his stage name Danger Mouse, does just that in his 2004 release, The Grey Album. Danger Mouse places an a capella version of Jay-Zs Black Album atop select tracks of The Beatles legendary eponymous album, commonly known as The White Album. Thats right, Jay-Z and The Beatles. Restrain your cries of blasphemy; you will find the unorthodox pairing succeeds if you give it a chance. The Grey Album opens with Public Service Announcement, in which Jay-Z injects new life into The Beatles Long, Long, Long. Danger Mouse aligns the songs rhythms with a touch that feels wholly natural. The Beatles do not suppress Jay-Zs energy, but channel it into a medium better able to connect with those of the new generation left behind by modern hip-hop. Likewise, JayZs rapping brings The Beatles into the 21st century without compromising the fundamental beauty that defines them. Other notable tracks include 99 Problems, Jay-Zs famous ode detailing his female issues (or lack thereof), and Dirt off Your Shoulder, an animated track that somehow manages to be both more intense and inspiring when underscored with The Beatles Julia. It is not always successful. Jay Zs Encore, a powerful medley of triumph and redemption, seems forced set to the high-spirited Glass Onion and aloof Savoy Truffle. Occasional breaches of vocal and melodic harmony remind the listener that the two artists are of wholly different generations, genres, and backgrounds. While The Beatles are musical icons to listeners of all stripes, Jay-Z did not attain fame from any sort of cross-genre appeal. Nonetheless, The Grey Album manages to be more than an experimental dabble in mash-ups and copyright law; it asserts itself as music with an identity of its own. If you are a Jay-Z fan, you may find the Beatles melodies at times contradictory to JayZs directed passion. If you are a Beatles fan, you are almost certain to consider it an improvement to The Black Album. If you are a music fan of adventurous tastes and open mind, The Grey Album deserves a listen. Page 4

READ ON

Culture

By Arthur Morgan

High school spirit endures, reprobates

Photo by Buster and Eugene LaHaye Buster and Eugene LaHaye, juniors, play their roles of a corrupt sheriff and a man on the lamb from their lm Condemn and Forget.

Good clashes with evil in a Western epic

By Sebastian Amara After a year of construction, Buster and Eugene LaHaye, juniors, will premiere their Western lm Condemn and Forget. Eugene takes the role of John Ahriam. Ahriam is a sheriff; however, he embodies the villain of this western tale. Buster portrays Jack Huston, the protagonist, or good guy, as Eugene describes him. Although there are only these two characters, played by the LaHaye brothers, their near twenty minute lm is still lled with plot twists, fervor and violence. Their tale begins with Sheriff Ahriam, as he robs the local bank. However, he is found out by Huston. In an attempt to rid himself of suspicion, Ahriam frames Huston for his crime. While on a prison train through the desert, Huston escapes from custody. Yet he is now trapped in the desert. Ahriam pursues him after learning of his escape. This leads the lm into an epic chase that is Condemn and Forget. This lm emulates the classic theme commonly scene in western lms of good versus evil. The setting of the desert landscape in Death Valley and the Pinnacles, grasp the treacherous view of the 19th century wild west. One will journeys back to a world of danger, a world of death and triumph, with the LaHayes Condemn and Forget.

When the phrase Reprobates and Losers comes to mind, hard work and dedication are long since forgotten themes, but thus is not the case in senior Anthony Lucchesis magnum opus Reprobates and Losers, a film that centers around uncommon friendships and the celebration of differences. Reprobates will feel familiar to audiences as the themes and plot parallel that of The Breakfast Club, a film that Lucchesi admits, is very similar to his, but that he hadnt seen prior to production. At a lengthy 17 minutes, Reprobates is one of the longest movies in the Student Film Fest, which will take place on April 12 at the Sebastiani Theater on the Sonoma Plaza. The length, however, serves as an ode to the dedication and steadfastness of Lucchesi who claims he, spent too many hours to count on making the film. What he does know: that he began the script this past

August and began filming in January. Reprobates is the acquiescence of a student-produced film. The entirety of the film is filmed on campus at SVHS and all five actors, Lisa Barry, sophomore, Sam Gegner, senior, Jen Howlett, sophomore, Joe Wilson, junior, and Lauren Popenoe , senior, are students at SVHS. When asked what he liked most about filming, Lucchesi laughed, Working with the cast was the best part, and finally seeing an idea I have had for over a year

Photo by Anthony Lucchesi The cast of Anthony Lucchesis lm, Reprobates and Losers are doused in paint while lming a scene.

come true. Finally, Lucchesi hopes audiences will remember and enjoy his lm, explaining, [I] hope that they take the comedy and the message [of the lm] to heart, and lastly I hope that he audience is able to familiarize with the characters. Reprobates and Losers is sure to draw a large crowd enthralled to see a student-produced movie that serves as an enduring hymn to the High School spirit; problems, friendship, and the pursuit of the celebration of each others differences.

Ferrara creates Danish inspired film

By Sebastian Amara uent Danish. This box is vital to Dereks survival, and thus he A lm with a foreign twist is pursues it while it is in Sophies what Ghitta possession. Ferrara, senior, The rest of the captures with plot is very her newest complicated, work, Sankt Ferrara asHans Aften. serted, and she Ferraras indid not want spiration rst to give away came when too much. she began her Ferrara has senior project. been working At rst, it was on this lm intended to be since summer about the Dan2011. It exish language, ceeds twelve but it then minutes and Photo by Ghitta Ferrara was lmed in morphed into a lm set in Colin Wilson an Sophie Howard, seniors, portray the shady American and young ve different Danish girl. Denmark, with Hans Aften. locations. Ferrara added that actors speaking Danish. This package is intercepted she had the most difculty Sankt Hans Aften begins by Sophie, played by Sophie lming at Ocean Beach in San with a shady American gure, Howard, senior, and her uncle, Francisco. Throughout the Derek, played by Colin Wilson, played by Ferraras grandfa- lm both Danish and English senior. Derek sends a package ther, Eric Miller who speaks are spoken. to Denmark, and then searches for it during the midsummer celestial celebration called Sankt

By Ellen Angeloni and Chelsea Krouse

For the love of dance

As the lights dimmed, the music pounded, and the crowd eagerly waited in anticipation, a group of dancers emerged from the crowd and shufed to the center of the oor. They are led by Kylie DeMartini and Samantha Kyle, who not only have the pressure of performing well, but the pressure to receive a satisfactory grade on their Senior Projects. The purpose of the dance team was to broaden the performing arts program at SVHS, as well as the focus of their joint senior project. Joining the dance team

is an opportunity to express and display ones emotions and talent, asserted Kyle. Instead of the typical hip-hop or break dance performances, Pom was introduced- a combination of jazz, ballet and hip-hop. The rehearsals are held in Golton Hall every Tuesday and Thursday for nearly two hours. They are currently working on three or four dances for a showcase in May. Although the dance team is new to SVHS, there is a good chance it will remain an option to SVHS students. If enough students try out, Mrs. Regan volunteered to help carry on the team for its remaining years.

Indulge in pastry bliss

After the dough cools, and is lukewarm, stir in the beaten eggs. Create balls of dough, and lay out on a baking sheet a few inches apart. Beat 1 egg and 1/8 tsp. of salt together for the glaze, and with a pastry brush, gently spread the glaze on the dough. Bake for 15 minutes before reducing the oven temperature to 350 degrees, and bake for another 30 to 40 minutes, or until the shells are amber in color. Turn the oven off, but keep the shells in for another 10 or 15 minutes with the door slightly ajar, and then proceed to remove from oven and cool on a wire rack. For the whipped cream lling, combine the one cup of heavy whipping cream, 1/2 tsp. of vanilla and 1 Tbs. of granulated sugar, and mix with an electric mixer. Allow time to chill before lling pastries. And nally to create the nal masterpiece, split upon the pastry shells, and ll with whipped cream. Dust with confectioners sugar, and refrigerate until served. Page 5

Sonoma spotlights young artists

By Selena Caruso As she sang and strummed of heartbreak, toilsome English projects, and the horrors of high school, Sarah Summers, senior, proved to be the quintessential young artist at her recent concert. Fittingly, she was the rst local artist to be featured in the Sonoma Community Centers new Young Emerging Artist series. Summers took to the Community Center stage accompanied by her guitar, banjo, and some guests on Fri., Feb. 17. I like to support my students who are involved in the arts, remarked Mr. Alderson, English teacher, who was a part of the large, enthusiastic audience. The entire concert, in fact, served to support the arts. The proceeds from the concertand from the rest of the series--will benet the Sonoma Community Centers arts education programs. Summers was happy to give back to the town that has raised her, explaining that Sonoma is such a community-based town, which has proven to be a blessing and a curse, but the support Ive had from the community is immeasurable. I was surprised that there was such a large audience, lled with people who have inspired so much of my writing. Summers showcased both her singing and song writing abilities, stunning the crowd with original, self-written songs. On stage, Summers explained that several of her songs were created during the wee hours before an English project was due, inspired to turn the drudgery of high school work into a work of art. March 2012

Photo by Anneliese Koch Cream puffs serve as perfect s pring delights.

By Anneliese Koch For the choux pastry in these delightful cream puffs you will need: 1/2 cup of all purpose our 1/2 tsp. of granulated white sugar 1/4 tsp. of salt 1/4 cup of unsalted butter 1/2 cup of water 2 large eggs, lightly beaten Begin by preheating the oven to 400 degrees and lining a baking Dragons Tale

sheet with parchment paper. In a bowl combine the our, sugar and salt, and set aside. In a saucepan combine the butter and water, and at a medium heat, heat until it boils. After removing from the heat, quickly add the our mixture. Return mixture to heat and stir until mixture the dough begins to peel from the sides of the pan. In an electric mixer, stir the dough to release any remaining steam.

Convention 2012
By Ellen Angeloni and Lindsey Jasperse spirit in the community and school, as well as do what you love. I continue doing what I do because I love it, but dont be afraid to At 11 oclock, the roaring music change your mind. paused, the crazy dance moves and Derr related the experience of fuzzied faces took a break, and the turning challenges into opporoverhead lights faded on in artunities, and keeping an optirival of a more serious aspect mistic manner. of Convention. Following her own advice, Derr Born and raised in the Bay Area, changed her mind, and switched Marie Derr, the guest occupations. She left the pospeaker of Convenlitical world after four years of tion 2012, involved dedication and hard work, and herself greatly in joined the wine industry. Alstudent government, though she will always have the becoming class presigoal of working in the White dent for two years, House Republican Ofce, the vice president, and life of politics required extenthe president of sevsive hours with minimal pay. eral clubs. For the past fteen years, the After growing up wine industry has treated her in the heart of San well. She has worked in internaFrancisco at an intertional wine sales, marketing, and city high school, Derr currently works at Foley Famattended UCLA and ily Wines in Windsor. Regardmajored in political less, her center of interest still science and history. lies in the world of politics, as My high school she is currently the President was an old elementary Photo by Jessica Marioni of Santa Rosa Republican school, so everything Derr speaks to the crowd with enthusiasm about turning chal- Women Federated, as well as was miniature size. langes into opportunities. the Secretary of the Sonoma It was an interesting the election, and an Asian girl came County Republican Party. thing to be apart of while growing up to me, and told me that she had Derr has since taken all experiup, recollected Derr. voted for my opposition because of ences and opportunities in a posiWhile in college, Derr continued his race. It was then that I realized tive manner, never letting anyone to develop her interest in govern- that I could not let what was on or anything degrade her decisions. ment and politics, involving herself the surface define who I was, She has taken words and turned with the Bruin Republicans, The Orga- mentioned Derr. them into actions, motivating othnization of American Affairs in WashSince that dening moment, Derr ers to follow. As time moves on, ington D.C., the U.S. Department of has shared her life story with high I become less and less afraid of the State and several other organizations. schools throughout the Bay Area, word no. I want people to pursue While attending an incredibly ra- hoping to inspire them to get in- what they want to do in life, never cially diverse school as a teenager, volved in student government. The letting others decide for them. Derr was faced with an event that importance of the story is to take

Feature

Derr to achieve
she claims to be one of the most dening moments in her life, shaping her perspective on her own work in years to come. Although Derr may have been knowledgeable on the subject, and knew what she was doing, it took losing an election for student body president to realize that she could not always win everything in life. Later on that day, after losing

1.

2.

3.

Photos by Jessica Marioni & Matt Amatori 1.) Matthew Charleston, Financial Adviser for Slate 1, stuns the crowd with his Catwalk. 2.) Steven Montana and Greg Maggioncalda, members of Slate Caught, proudly represent their Slate. 3.) Sam Keechler, senior, preforms his glow-in-the-dark Bola routine.

By Ellen Angeloni and Lindsey Jasperse

Slate 2 rallies towards victo ry

capable of successfully interacting with and conveying the ideas of the students. DT: What are your three best, most diverse ideas on how to unify the student body? Slate 2: Ballard: We want clubs to be a focus at this school and we plan on attending at least one meeting of every club at the school in order to nd out what their status is, and see if theyre planning any events in which we can publicize. We would love to see more activities that bring classes together. The recent Pennies for Patients drive was a successful activity that demonstrated both in-class teamwork as well as some

While ve strong slates, composed of diverse, elite students, took their place on stage at the beginning of Convention, only one would remain by the end of the day: Slate 2. The Dragons Tale asked Slate 2 a variety of questions following their victory. DT: What made each of you want to join Slate? Slate 2: Hill: We had talked about Slate last year during the Slate election, and it just seemed like a really meaningful way to get involved in our school and proactively make it better. Ballard: We wanted to incite change in the world, in the community, and in the school. Slate is a great way to do that, and we are incredibly excited to have this opportunity to work within the Leadership class and the school to make changes happen. DT: What specic aspect of our school or campus are you looking to change the most? Slate2: Hill: We want to change the role students play in determining what goes on at the school through the implementation of the ideas we presented at convention, for example: surveys, open meetings, and one on one conversations with students. Ballard: When it comes to issues that directly affect the students, we want to ensure that student opinions are heard. We want to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to make their opinions heard. DT: What makes your Slate most qualied to make decisions for the student body? Slate 2: Hill: We represent a large portion of the student population and plan on including the students in the decision making process. We possess a wealth of leadership experience and have proven ourselves

friendly competition between classes. Ideally, activities like this will become more frequent. Lastly, we are going to attempt to bring Challenge Day to SVHS. Challenge Day is a program that addresses issues like bullying, gossip, negative comments, homophobia, peer pressure, and other issues that are unfortunately prevalent in high schools everywhere. Through the program, students are taught how to combat these problems and create a more positive school environment where students feel safe and accepted. The G.S.A. Club at our school has been interested in Challenge Day for a long time now, and we are excited to collaborate with them and nally make it a reality. DT: How did it feel when Slate 2 was called as the winner at the end of Convention? Were you expecting it?

By Arianna Maysonave

Activities at Convention 2012

From creative dance routines and runway shows to fuzzied faces and yo-yo extraordinaires, the day long activities at Convention 2012 stunned the audience and showed delegates a different side of SVHS. The slate candidates engaged in both an original dance battle and a lip-syncing competition, in which students mocked well-known bands such as ACDC, the Spice Girls, and the Black Eyed Peas while strutting the runway in true to character costumes.

Slate 2: Hill: Hearing Ben say Slate 2 sent an incredible thrill toward us which simultaneously put us into a shock and made the hours and hours we poured into our campaign worthwhile. After being in second the entire time, we were not exactly expecting it, but we were certainly hoping! Ballard: It was the most amazing feeling. I cant even adequately describe it. It was absolutely incredible to know that our weeks of hard work paid off. DT: Any last comments about your experience with Convention 2012? Slate 2: Ballard: The camaraderie between Slates this year was honestly one of my favorite parts of the campaign and Convention itself. Everyone was very amicable and honest, and I can only hope that other Slates felt as close to us as we did to them. Behind the scenes at Convention (in a tiny changing space), all of the girls were helping Page 6 & 7

Photo by Jessica Marioni Slate 1 challanges the competition with their choreographed routine to Bye Bye Bye, a classic song by N Sync.

Dragons Tale

March 2012

Social networking
Too much time wasted online?
By Weston Updegraff In a era when social media runs rampant, and more than 70 percent of teens use some form of digital communication, is it a communal advantage or is it an unhealthy obsession with a waste of valuable time? According to the Hufngton Post upwards of 70 percent of teens use some form of social media. These shocking numbers convey the severity of the technological world, and with 95 percent of children between 12-17 online, one must wonder about the adverse affects. Tales of colleges looking at perspective students Facebook and nding things they dont want them to see is threatening. The issue remains that you need to be careful of what you post. Connor Riley is a classic example. After getting a job and the prominent technology company, Cisco, Riley tweeted his recent hiring saying he had to, weigh the utility of a fatty paycheck against the daily commute to San Jose and hating the work. This mistake cost Riley his job opportunity. A study done by the Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse, CASA, showed that observing pictures of your peers using illicit substances on social media sights lead to an increased risk of users. Another issue regarding social

Feature

Why do you use Facebook?

Lindsey Slack Junior

Photo by Natalie Minuzzo Kamryn Barker logs onto her Facebook account to keep herself updated with the latest news.

To hit up my homies.

media is time consumption. Students are spending more time away from books and instead getting sucked into the Internet. On the other hand, some say that even though some time is lost, social media is a valuable networking tool. Students have the resource to communicate with peers

and teachers. When the world of media started, critics feared we would lose ourselves in our virtual lives, but time has shown the opposite. Aside from the occasional narcissist or the people that post mundane chores or activities, people are able to advance friendships from

their media outlets into their real lives, as well as increase their selfesteem. While an overuse of social media is detrimental, as is the overuse anything, there are of course advantages in the ability to communicate with peers, as well as overcoming social blockades.

To r n b e t w e e n s o c i a l n e t w o r k i n g
By Natalie Minuzzo From Twitter to Facebook, communication via the Internet has become a reliable resource for people. Whether youre sitting at home or on the go, these social sites are urging you to share with friends and followers through the web. An article in New Scientist states that, 42 percent of people aged over 50 in the US now use an online social networking site, nearly double the percentage in 2009. The cause of this growth stems from the opportunity to reconnect with old friends, make new ones and stay updated on the latest news. Bringing different social groups together in one place and letting them interact is what is so appealing about social networking sites. However, the dangers of sharing information online is often overlooked and ignored. Just like a coin with two sides, our addictive social networking sites has two sides to it.

Michael Perez Senior To talk with my friends and play Robot Unicorn Attack.

PROS Allow for creative expression through messaging, blogging, photo sharing, games, and event invitations. Create new relationships and reconnect with friends and family. Increased communication. Bring people with common interests together, offering exposure to new ideas from around the world. Social networking sites with a specic focus help introduce people to others who are dealing with similar issues and provide encouragement. Actors, musicans and writers can promote their work and keep their fans informed. People can promote their businesses online through advertisments as well as pages to keep their buyers informed.

CONS Entice people to spend more time online and less time interacting face-to-face. Teens may not be aware that what they post is public, and there could be consequences from oversharing personal information Social networking sites have no way to verify that people are who they claim to be, leaving people vulnerable to online predators. Cyber-bullying occurs online, making it easier to get bullied. Can cause personality and brain disDanika Hedley orders in children Senior A false sense of security may leave users vulnerable to security attacks and To talk with people I hacking. cant talk with at school These websites were created to make like family members. money. They gather information and track interests to show personalized ads.
page 8 March 2012

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News

Dragon of the hour

By Madeleine Connors Seven ventured out; but only one captured Mr. Dragon. Senior boys fought to the death over the title of Mr. Dragon and the prize of two free prom tickets at the SVHS Little Theater on Fri., Feb. 17. The contenders were accompanied by dates varying in age, height and gender. The contestants strutted in wearing formal outts before donning an array of swim suits. They also answered a variety of trivia questions, revealing struggles regarding knowledge of geography and fashion designers. During the talent portion, Jojo Sanchez painted a dragon with his toes; Will Murphy performed stand-up comedy and Sam Morgan impersonated Tom Cruises Risky Business skit. Sam Keechler performed a light show and Riley Clark had Olivia Donald sing a Justin Bieber duet that got the crowd cheering. It was followed by the karaoke performances in which Sanchez sang a rendition of Someone Like You by Adele, while other candidates performed classic rock songs in eccentric outts. Keechler sang Stuck on You by Elvis Presley, accompanied by a quartet of young boys in tuxedos. The audience responded well with applause, laughs, and cheered on each candidate to ease the pain of embarrassment. The soundtrack of the night was upbeat as the candidates serenaded some of the judges, including Mr. Battaglini. At the end of the night, Sanchez was crowned Mr. Dragon and received his two free prom tickets. Keechler came in second and Clark followed in third. Sanchez will bear the glory and privilege of Mr. Dragon after wearing a cheerleading uniform, singing Adele tunes, and painting with his toes.

Caught in Thought

Who is your favorite musician and why?

Photo by Madeleine Connors Mr. Dragon winner Jojo Sancheze proudly dispalays a dragon that he painted with his toes during the competition.

Cedric Hernandez, freshman I like Jason Mraz, because he has soft and mellow music.

Valley troubled by suspect at large

By Arthur Morgan Imagine youre thirteen years old again and youre excited to finally go home after a long day of school. As you walk out of school and depart from your friends, you are approached by an unfamiliar man who offers you a ride. Common sense, along with countless PSAs and pamphlets that you have been given your whole life dictate that you decline. But, the day is hot, and walking across the entirety of Agua Caliente seems like a galaxy away. So, you look up into the eyes of the man peering down at you and say, Yes. Its hard to believe a situation like the one above could happen in our innocent valley, but local police report that four like incidents have occurred in the past few months alone--and that only includes reported cases. The latest, on Fri., Feb. 24, involved a thirteen year old female student at Altimira Middle School. As she was walking away from the bus stop on Robinson Rd. she was approached by what she described as a Hispanic male in a red car whom asked her if she needed a ride home. Sonoma police said the man asked the girl a second time, following the first declination of his proposal, asking, Are you sure? When the young girl remained hesitant, the man drove off. Three similar incidents have occurred in the valley, twice at El Verano Elementary School, and once at Sassarini. Although police cannot determine if the incidents are related, varying descriptions lead to speculation that the perpetrators are in fact different people. When asked, Sheriff s deputy Scott Singleton noted that its really hard to say whether or not the several cases can be attributed to a common culprit. He went on to say that photo line ups have provided no further evidence but to rest assured that the Sonoma Police are still receiving tips and pursuing leads to see if anything pans out. The suspect(s) is described as a hispanic male, Photo courtesy of Sonomanews.com about 30 years old, with short Police sketch of the attempted kidnapping suspect hair and two stomach and shoulder area. parallel stripes Anyone with information shaved into his hair on one regarding the ongoing invesside. Witnesses have further described him as skinny, with tigation is urged to contact a wide nose, sporting a dirty the Sheriff s Office at 565red T-shirt with orange and 2121, or the Sonoma Police white bleach marks along the Department at 996-0632.

Kirsten Hodgson, sophomore The Black Keys are probably my favorite band because they have great pump up songs for soccer.

Carnage in Syria: terrors beyond the pump

By Adelia Gregory SVHS students will be feeling the extent of the violent-crackdown-turned-civil-war in Syria with the increasing prices of gas at the pump. Concerns over growing tensions in Syria and Iran alike have pushed oil prices signicantly above the $100 barrel mark, as futures traders react to potential supply disruptions and the reeling of oil security in the Middle East in response to the pro-democracy movement, the Arab Spring. To understand the origin of oil insecurity, Syria has been reeling from the civilian revolution against the authoritarian regime of President Bashar al-Assad. The Syrian uprising that started in Mar. 2011, which called for his resignation is part of the greater Arab Spring. The pro-democracy outcry has swept the Middle East into a tumultuous state of murderous upheaval. Furthermore, Syrian towns and cities have been under constant attack with soldiers terrorizing civilians door to door, destroying towns with their tanks and the continued shelling of neighborhoods. In a recent statement, United Nations human rights ofcial, Navi Pillay gravely stated, Crimes against humanity are likely to have been committed since Mar. 2011, to the expense of an estimated 7,000 murdered, according to the International Criminal Court. Credible accounts indicate this ongoing carnage is due to al-Assads regimes widespread attack on activists, residents, and civilians alike. Furthermore, the destruction by militaristic security forces on civilian infrastructure indicates approval or complicity by the authorities at the highest levels, Pillay commented. The fear of arrest and torture has prevented the wounded from seeking care at public hospitals. Scarce access to water, food, and electricity, has contributed to the humanitarian crisis. In response to al-Assads unhindered attacks, the United Nations General Assembly collectively voted to approve a resolution calling for the adoption of an Arab League proposal to resolve the conict. However, Russia and China vetoed the proposal, causing increased anger among democratic countries and the United Nations diplomatic inability to halt the chaos and siege in a country seeking liberation from a dictatorship. The lasting consequences of the tension is being felt in the rising prices of the gas pump.

Rose Greenberg, junior I like Foster the People, my favorite album is Torches.

Rab Byrd, senior Foo Fighters, because I love the alternative rock style. March 2012

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Sports Opinion

Brauns Blow-up
By Alex Conner In a new development in the on-going steroid issue in the MLB, it took on a new twist in the story of Ryan Braun. Recently, MLB slugger and reigning National League MVP Ryan Braun was found guilty of taking performance-enhancing drugs after his urine test showed a record amount of testosterone in his system. However, a MLB panel recently over-turned the hearing with a 2-1 vote due to procedure in the drug test that was found faulty. The collector of the sample reportedly collected it on saturday, could not find a FedEx office open to ship it out, and thus stored it in his basement until Monday, when he eventually shipped it out. None of the factory seals were broken and the fact that it remained in a basement for 2 days does not alter the chemical nature of the sample in terms of testosterone levels. Nonetheless, the sample is discredited and Braun was spared the 50 game suspension. There are two sides of this story that the baseball community should identify. For one, Ryan Braun was still on steroids and the poor handling of the substance rid him of his guilt. The handling did not change tbe contents of the sample, Ryan Braun still had an obscene amount of testosterone in his system. He is guilty of taking steroids and will walk. That does not send a good message to a sports community crippled by performanceenhancing drugs. Secondly, if the MLB is trying to rid itself of the steroid era and appreciate the clean players, then it should have a drug testing system that is completely flawless. The notion that an innocent player could fail a test is bone-chilling and would ruin any justification to be a clean player. It is even more frightening that Ryan Braun could get away with steroid use because of faulty testing. If the MLB wants to continue to restore its players credibility, they better make sure that their testing restores its own credibility. Ultimately, the Ryan Braun saga is a step back on the progress the MLB ad the players have made away from the steroid era.
Dragons Tale

Dragons dive deep into NCS

was 70-36, which left the Lady Dragons in fourth place at the end of SCL, while they awaited their NCS Division 3 draw. The NCS opening night took place at home, against Hercules who ended up as the ninth seed while the high-ying ladies were eighth. Seniors Annie Studdert and Arianna Schill lead the team to victory with the help of frosh recruit, Mackenzie Albrecht. The win--with a nal of 62-39-- impressed many and lead the team to Oakland play Bishop ODowd who was the NCS top-seed with a record of 23-3 at the time of the game. The quarter-nals were located in Oakland and the game was expected to be a struggle, as it had been in the previous two years. The nal was 80-28 which left the Lady Dragons hanging their heads as they left the gym. Schill reminisced, The end of the season was sad and almost unrealistic. I could not believe it was over. There was a part of me that was glad it was over, but Im really going to miss the team and my love for the game. Wrestling Just as the weather began to give way to the spring warmth, a quartet of Dragon wrestlers heated up and fought their way to prestigious NCS berths and once there, they did not let down. Three juniors - Aidan Lacy, Giordi Serani, and Sam Denning - as well as senior rst-year standout Victor Virgen competed in the tournament at Newark High School on Feb. 24 and 25. I thought I could have done

Photo by Gabby Petersen Senior standout Annie Studdert resets the Dragons offense at the top of the key.

By Gabby Petersen Connor Griggs- Demmin Girls Basketball Despite the shortcomings of the boys basketball team, the Lady Dragons kept Pfeiffer Gym alive during the winter sports post-season this year. However, the girls were bumped down into the fourth seed for SCL with a disappoint-

Colts release mangled Manning

Denver Broncos, and the New York Jets. In a whirlwind of information circulating the Internet about Mannings decision, it has surfaced that Manning has demonstrated enough interest to visit the Denver Broncos, the Arizona Cardinals, the Tennessee Titans, and the Seattle Seahawks over the past week. The Seattle Seahawks are trying to secure a visit from Manning. The choice to release Manning was made by Colts owner Jim Irsay. After Manning sat out the season, the owner saw their 1-15 season as an opportunity to utilize the number one pick in the draft on Stanford QB Andrew Luck. Heisman Trophy winner Robert Griffin III from Baylor is also said to be a consideration. Manning plans to make a decision within a week about his future team. Mannings press conference after the announcement of his release constituted of mixed emotions.
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ing loss against El Molino, which ended up placing the Analy Tigers in the desired third position. They then had to play a tough game and try to upset the rst seed, Casa Grande. In past games, the Dragons have played well against the Lady Gauchos up until difcult third quarters; however, the game was not as close in the postseason rematch. The nal score

slightly better, but I was still incredibly happy with how I nished, remarked Lacy. Sonomas standout junior translated his impressive regular season successes into an equally impressive seventh place medal in a strong eld of opponents coming from many schools around the Bay Area. I simply wasnt strong enough to stop the guys that I lost to, added Lacy, commenting on the high level of physical conditioning needed and displayed in the nal rounds. Nevertheless, Lacys performance throughout the season was beyond impressive. Serani was also very happy with his laudable eight place nish fueled by a 3-3 record. When I was behind I realized I hadnt come this far to lose, said a determined Serani. I would like to place higher next year, he added. The other two Dragons performed admirably but were unable to receive the prestigious NCS medals obtained by their teammates. Denning returned home sporting a solid 3-2 record but suffered a tough elimination loss to one of the top seniors in the state. Virgen, remarkably, only began wrestling this season but managed to nish with a 1-2 record in the ever-difcult heavyweight class. The hard work of these studentathletes certainly paid off on the highest of stages, and this years young team now has even higher expectations for next winter. With a lot of hard work and strength building, I can go to the state meet next year, concluded Lacy.

By Alex Conner In an unexpected twist of events, the reliable Colts quarterback Peyton Manning was released by the Colts. The decision was the culmination of talks between ownership and Manning, starting in early Feb. I have been a Colt for almost all of my adult life, but I guess in life and in sports we all know that nothing lasts forever, remarked an emotional Manning. The Colts decision was made after Manning missed the entire 2011-2012 season due to a debilitating neck injury. Without Manning, the Colts went 1-15 and earned the first pick in the 2012 NFL Draft. With news of the release, several teams have already contacted Mannings agent and expressing interest in the Pro Bowl quarterback. Among the frontrunners are the Arizona Cardinals, Washington Redskins, Seattle Seahawks, Miami Dolphins, Kansas City Chiefs,

It truly has been an honor to play in Indianapolis. I do love it here. I love the fans and I will always enjoy having played for such a great team reected a melancholic Manning. Mannings release is another development in the recent sweepstakes of big name free agents choosing to change

teams. Among others are Lebron James and Albert Pujols, both changing teams in the wake of complicated trade talks and uncomfortable goodbyes between legends and the organizations that they rose to prominence under. Like the Cardinals and Cavaliers, the Colts are facing an uncertain future without Manning.

Photo from Google Images Peyton Manning commands his former offense, a trait many teams want from Manning

March 2012

Sports

Sluggers steal pre-season

By Alex Conner Connor Griggs-Demmin Gabby Petersen

Put me in Coach,Im ready to play

By Selena Caruso The days of grin and bear it, theres no crying in baseball, and a hard slap on the shoulder pads are far from non-existent in youth sports today, but there are certainly more coaching styles now than the one referred to as old school. Many new types of coaches have emerged in this generation that may instruct differently than those that coached in past generations. Joining this list of coach personae are the casual coach, democratic coach, and co-operative coach. These SVHS spring sports athletes shared which coaching styles scored the most points with them:

Softball
The Lady Dragons are starting the season off swinging with a preseason record of 2-2. Decency along with great things are anticipated for the season, claims Ashley Vail, junior. Our sophomore Michelle Stovall has been a stand out at second base. They are expecting a rebuilding year with a team that is much more cohesive and fun in comparison to the past.

Baseball
Boys baseball is sprinting into a much anticipated year. We expect the NCS Championship as well as the SCL Title, Ryan Matteo, senior, explained.. Juniors Jonah (Son) and Jaxson (Strong) have really been stepping it up. They are already leading off with a 6-2 record with more wins to come.

Track
The Dragons boys and girls track squads opened their season with tough losses to local powerhouse Rancho Cotati. The girls came up just short (55-61) but were paced by Sarah Summers three rst place triumphs in two hurdle events and the triple jump. Meanwhile, junior Laura Amador won the 800 meter event and junior Elizabeth Biersch triumphed in the discus event. The Dragon men fared slightly worse, but still had some impressive showings. Junior Greg Maggioncalda won in both the 110 and 300
Photo by Jessica Marioni

Jonah Son, junior, slides into third base after an impressive triple versus Washington on Feb. 18th.

meter hurdles, while sophomore Owen Ljung won the 16,000 with an impressive 4:41 time. Juniors Conor Johnston and Daniel Dwyer also won in the 800 meter and pole vault events, respectively.

burg. The Dragons are led by senior Rab Byrd and sophomore Dario Minatta.

Swimming
The Dragon swim teams have begun this season under a new coach with fairly positive results. The boys lost to a large Petaluma team 73-90, but handily beat the El Molino Lions. The girls have posted a 2-0 league record by edging Petaluma 86-83 and easily beating El Molino as well.

Leading the boys in wins is junior Chase Campion, while the girls have been paced by seniors Chloe Hubbard and Ghitta Ferrara.

Boys Tennis

Boys Golf
Led by longtime coach Tom Hickerson, the golf team started off their season struggling, losing to perennial powerhouse Cardinal Newman and league rival Healds-

The boys tennis team is led by junior Sean Hall and junior Stephen Montano. The Dragons have started well, beating Windsor 4-0 in a rainy match and Healsburg 6-1. They lost to Casa 2-5 to leave them with a 2-1 record.

I want a coach that wants to help the children succeed in that sport; one that doesnt care so much about winning but wants kids to improve. I appreciate constructive criticism. -Kaden Cable, freshman, Frosh Baseball

Signing seniors score big schools

chose Clemson because its really spirited within its sports programs. The education there is great, too. It was my goal to play in the ACC, and when I walked on campus I just knew it was where I wanted to go. At SVHS, Studdert played varsity soccer and basketball. She has received numerous AllLeague titles and has been named captain of her teams as well. She is also on the swim team this year for the rst time in order to help stay in top shape for her upcoming season. Conner was also recognized in May of his junior track season. He went through an extensive recruiting process in order to chose the college of his choice. He narrowed his selection down to either Brown University or Yale University, ultimately choosing Yale, a decision based mostly on his potential team. I got a much better vibe from the Yale campus. The coach and team were great, young and talented and by the time Im a senior there, I expect the team to be outsanding, claimed Conner. While at Sonoma, Conner played golf for two years, as well as basketball as a freshman. However, he made the transition to Page 11 track his junior year and ran cross country for three years. He made NCS for track and cross country where he made it all the way to state and placed sixth. Wilber, who is a four-year varsity soccer starter in the goalie position, has chosen to attend University of Mississippi, where she will be diving into the program, along with eight others. Most of the other newbies come from the south, so when asked why she chose Ole Miss, she stated, My mom grew up there and went to Mississippi State, and my grandparents still live there. Ole Miss is super spirited and everyone there is proud to be a part of the festivities. Its such a college town and a beautiful environment. During her soccer career here, Wilber made MVP of her team all four years and also made rstteam All League for two years. She plans to follow an intense workout plan in order to stay in shape before her season starts. For future recruitees, Studdert says, Call coaches and say you are interested. Keep communication. You can get recruited by random colleges but in order to go to the one you want, recruit the school before they recruit you.

As a distance runner, I like a coach that doesnt want their athletes to slack off. A coach should be hard and push athletes, but should also show compassion if youre hurting. -Steven Wedell, senior, Track & Field

Photo by Maddie Connors Alex Connor and Annie Studdert and Emily Wilber (not pictured), seniors, smile about their athletic acheivements.

By Gabby Petersen

While most seniors anxiously await replies from their dream schools, three SVHS outstanding athletes have kicked, blocked, and sprinted their way into their respective Division 1 colleges. Alex Conner, Annie Studdert, and Emily Wilber are all heading east to play soccer and run cross-country. Dragons Tale

Studdert was spotted by Clemson University, located in Charleston,Virginia, as a junior and has verbally committed to them since then. Clemson is a well-known football oriented school; however, their girls soccer program is rebuilding with Studdert as well as ve other incoming freshman from across the nation. Smiling, she explained, I

I like a coach to be very open, kind, and understanding of our busy schedules. They should be strict but not so strict that the fun is taken out of it. - Leanne Woods, junior, Swimming
March 2012

Dragons Tale

Dragons Tale

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March 2012