March Edition
Transcription
March Edition
March 2006 Skyline High School Vol. XLIV, No. 6 Track team succeeds Skyline’s exchange Teachers will not strike Sports Features Opinions Take the Bully by the Horns is in full effect By Robin Higgins Social living presentations started on Monday, March 13 and will end Thursday, April 6. The first two weeks is the presentation “Take the Bully by the Horns,” by the 3rd period class, and the second two weeks is “Faces in the Crowd... a Threat” by the 2nd period class. On Friday April 7, both classes, leadership, and any interested students will march on campus during lunch to protest bullying and mob mentality. “Take the Bully by the Horns,” was created because of the numerous attacks on students during the beginning of the year. The workshop is intended to educate students about the different types of bullying and how harassment can be found everywhere. Eight four-person teams are presenting to fifty-five social studies classes over the two-week course. The presentations are for all grades and take the entire class period. Senior Jackson Stearns, a presenter for “Bully” says the presentations, “raise awareness on how to avoid and prevent bullying.” The presentations begin with an icebreaker designed to help the students realize what life would be like with constant bullying. The rest of the presentation is a mix between video clips, a skit, a game, and question and answer sessions. “I think it’s very useful, you get to see it yourself, actually visualize it,” says freshman Rina Yahya. The presentation’s slogan is “Step back or I’ll tell Ms. Mac,” and the class made sweatshirts, T-shirts, buttons, ribbons, and pamphlets to raise awareness. They have been working on the presentations for four months. The presentations count for the participating student’s senior projects, and the class will present on two new topics next year. There’s a fiddler on Skyline’s roof By Ben Dalgetty This year, the Skyline annual spring musical is Fiddler on the Roof. The musical is a story about Tevye the milkman and his family who lived in a small Russian community. Unfortunately, Russia begins imposing harsher rules upon the town and in response, dissent and rebellion begin permeating the town. Tevye is forced to grapple with the social changes occurring in his village. The Skyline production is a mixture of old and new faces with musical novice, junior Daniel Fields, playing the lead as Tevye. Fields is joined by sophomore Phred as Golde, his wife, and as his daughters sophomores Anna CohenPrice, Julianna King, Veronica Rose, and Monica Holm. Other characters include the husbands of the two daughters, sophmore Elisabeth Devereux as the Rabbi, and sophmore Tyler Stansbury as Motel. “There are really great songs in Fiddler, and traditional values which we don’t talk about enough today,” said director Jan Hunter. The musical premiered on Broadway September 22, 1964. It was based on the story Tevye and his Daughters written by Sholom Aleichem, in 1949. The musical has been on Broadway a total of four times, the most recent in 2004. It was also adapted to film in 1971 by director Norman Jewison. Junior Daniel Fields and sophmore Phred Sugarman perform a scene from“Fiddler on the Roof.” Katie Hauser- Staff Senior Jackson Sterns presents “Take the Bully by the Horns” in front of a class. Upcoming Events “Mr. Allen (Skyline’s musical director) feels that it is the perfect year to do this musical because the band has the necessary people,” said Ms. Hunter. The challenging songs that this year’s band will be able to perform include “Tradition,” “Do You Love Me?” and “Far from the Home I Love.” “It’s a struggle to get the homework done but it’s worth it in the end,” said musical veteran junior Nick Johnson, who plays Mordcha the innkeeper. This year, the theatre department also has two class of 2005 alumni returning to assist with the production, Jose Gonzales and Megan King. Jose is currently attending San Jose State University and is working the musical as an internship required for one of his classes. Megan is helping out with the theater craft aspects such as lighting, and helping design publicity materials such as programs. Cast and crewmembers have been staying until 5:30 or 6:00 every day in preparation for the March 29 premier date. Skyline hosts Oakland’s third annual Orchestra Festival By Tiffany Luong Oakland Unified School District music teachers and the Oakland East Bay Symphony MUSE Program hosted the third annual Oakland Schools’ Orchestra Festival on March 9, 2006 at the Rawley T. Farnsworth Theater at Skyline from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Skyline and Oakland High were the only high schools to attend this affair; however, middle schools Bret Harte, Edna Brewer, Montera, Roosevelt, and Westlake sent orchestras. “It was good to hear people cheering and screaming for classical music,” said Jonathan Stein. Each school played two pieces from its repertoire. Then, all the schools played together for the encore performance conducted by special guest conductor Michael Morgan, the Music Director and Conductor of the Oakland East Bay Symphony. “The Orchestra Festival will raise awareness of school music in Oakland,” said Mr. Allen, the Skyline music teacher. Michael Morgan, a leading classical musician in Oakland has raised over two million dollars for the Oakland Unified School District music programs. “This program reminds people that kids are actually interested in music,” said Michael Morgan. Brittany Chenier-Staff Skyline played Bacchanale by Saint-Saëns and Lord of the Dance, by Larry Moore. For the grand finale, all 180 students came together and played Danny Boy by Harry Alshin and Rondeau by Vernon Leidig. “I was present for all three of the annual Orchestra Festivals, and this was by far the best,” said senior Mondrian Hsieh. March/April Wednesday 03/22 -Skyline’s Baseball vs. Castlemont @ 3:30 p.m. Thursday 03/23 -Skyline’s Softball vs. Oakland High @ Jones Field, 3:45 p.m. Friday 03/24 -Skyline’s Swimming vs. Oakland Tech @Oakland Tech, 3:30 p.m. Saturday 03/25 -AP English Language Practice Test @Skyline’s 30 building, 8:30 a.m. Tuesday 03/28 -Skyline’s Golf vs. McClymonds @ Lake Chabot Municipal Golf Course, 3:00 p.m. Wednesday 03/29 -Skyline’s Badminton vs. McClymonds @ Skyline, 3:45 p.m. 03/29-04/01 -Fall Production, Fiddler on the Roof, 7:30 p.m. Friday 03/31 -Cesar Chavez Day, NO SCHOOL Saturday, 04/01 -SAT Test Date, 8:00 a.m. Wednesday, 04/05 -OUSD Women’s Soccer Jamboree at Spunkmeyer Field Saturday 04/08 -ACT Test Date, 8:00 a.m. 04/10-04/14 -Spring Break, NO SCHOOL SKYLINE ORACLE 2 OPINIONS Top 5 Reasons Oakland school teachers will never go on strike By Loyola Landry With all of the attention being paid to national politics recently, local issues simply aren’t getting the coverage they deserve. Here, in an effort to combat this problem, is the Top 5 Reasons the Teachers Won’t Strike! 1) Teachers are lazyEveryone knew from the beginning (whether they admit it or not) that the strike was never going to happen. Sure, it seems like a feasible idea when someone says “we’re going to strike if things do not change.” But when, after waiting months for any sort of leader to organize a legitimate stike, nothing has happened, then it’s about time to stop hoping. After all, if the teachers were motivated enough to strike, they would never have let their salaries drop so low in the first place. 2) No papers to grade- If the teachers were to strike, they would not be able to assign work to their students. And with no papers to collect and grade, what would lonely teachers fill their evenings with? A strike takes away the primary teacher past time and leaves these educators nothing to do on the plentiful boring nights. The teachers know that without anything to fill up all the extra time they would have during the strike, they would not be able to hold out for long. 3) Built up rage- From all of the frustration regarding Doctors unwilling to perform execution, judge orders halt to all death penalties. By Ho-Hin Choy Lauren Carney their dealings with Dr. Ward, most teachers have an inordinate amount of built up rage. Without the students on whom to release anger and frustration in the form of pop quizzes and needless upbraiding, the teachers would lose it. Crowds of wandering teachers would line the streets, foisting innumerable essays upon hapless pedestrians. In order to avert this horrible situation and in order to maintain their sanity, the teachers must continue teaching. 4) Too much to ask for‑ Lets be honest with ourselves. Between getting off at three and taking summers off, teachers have it pretty easy. Teaching was never meant to be a cushy job, so why do these idle instructors think they need more than $40 or $50,000 for relaxing most of the year? Pampering our educators thusly only encourages them to ask for more! 5) Afraid of WardPicture the scariest monster you have ever seen or imagined, be it a mummy, zombie or whatever. Now picture it sitting behind a desk telling you that your pay is getting cut. The teachers cannot be blamed for shying the strike; after all, isn’t Ward secretly the man of whom we are all afraid? may sometimes be considered ‘speech’ for the purpose of receiving First Amendment protection.” According to an online free expression center, www.Tjcenter.org. It has been my understanding that school is a place for students to grow and learn, to form a sense of self identity and self worth. Our school is hindering students from expressing who they are and what they believe in. One of the rules in the dress policy is that not “all cleavage” can be shown. I am wondering what “all cleavage” means? Does that mean that when we arrive at prom they will find out whether they are shown too much cleavage or not? The administration is being too vague. They shouldn’t be able to penalize someone for showing cleavage if cleavage is undefined. Students attending senior prom will soon be or already are 18, and the administration needs to realize they cannot be treated like children. They can vote, join the armed forces and get into rated R movies. If you are going to try to work with students, you have to actually work with them and compromise, just wagging your fingers at them and telling them what they can and cannot wear. At the top of the flyers handed out at the assembly it states “In supporting students, we have developed a DRESS CODE POLICY for ladies and gentlemen to adhere to as you plan your attire for the prom.” Though the administration claims to be supporting them, they are violating democratic principals and are misleading them. Students did not go knocking on administrations doors saying, “Please don’t let us wear what we want.” I have seen some of the administrators with tattoos around campus, so if an administrator can show off their tattoos then why can’t we wear them to prom? “Students were shown pictures [by the administration] and were asked to point out which were appropriate,” said Vice Principal Keisha Green. Green was hesitant to say exactly how many students were asked while conducting this focus group, and I have yet to find one student who was involved. What happened to democratic rights? Why weren’t students allowed to vote on this? This is a student prom, not the administration’s. Is their job to educate or control? January 2006 The execution of 46 year old convicted rapist murderer Michael Morales was postponed indefinitely on Tuesday, February 21st because of prevailing ethical issues. Morales was sentenced to death in 1983 for killing 17 year old Terri Winchell, who was raped and left to die. State officials postponed the execution because they could not comply with a judge’s order for a medical professional be present to administer the lethal injection. Prison authorities failed to find a doctor, nurse, or other medical professional to give the lethal injection and were forced to call off the execution. Two anesthesiologists backed out because of ethical concerns. “Any such intervention would clearly be medically unethical… as a result, we have withdrawn from participation in this current process,” stated the unidentified doctors whom were asked to assist in the execution. The death penalty has been a controversial issue that has touched both emotional and The judges’ ruling brought up many of the issues that have complicated the debate over the death penalty in the past. The postponement of Morales’ execution has renewed ethical debates over the proper role of medical professionals in executions and the appropriateness of lethal injections. Capital punishment puts citizens in situations they are not equipped to face. The Morales case forced doctors into a tremendous ethical dilemma. The Hippocratic Oath, which doctors must swear by, states “…to please no one will I prescribe a deadly drug nor give advice which may cause his death.” The government is asking doctors to ignore the Hippocratic Oath and therefore their morals and conscience as medical professionals. The American Medical Association, the American Society of Anesthesiologists and the California Medical Association all oppose doctors’ participation in executions as unethical and unprofessional. In all senses, the death penalty is wrong. Not only is it riddled with ethical issues, it also Prom dresscode violates students’ civil rights By Annaque’ Dean For four years students wait in anticipation of the Senior Ball, the purpose of which is to have fun and make memories. That all changed on March 3, when the administration had the audacity to gather every student of the junior and senior class to tell them what they can and cannot wear to prom with no notice or consultation. Apparently, the administration is upset about how some “young ladies” have been dressing at prom. But unless something is obscene then students deserve the right of free expression and have a right to a voice in their own activities This time, the administration has gone too far. The limitations they are setting are too extreme. I don’t see why showing a non-offensive tattoo is not allowed at prom as long as the artistic expression meets community standards of morality. Is the administration sidestepping the issue of offensive tattoos by preventing all tattoos from being shown? Tattoos are a way for people to express themselves and the first amendment of the constitution states that citizens have the right to freedom of speech. “The supreme court has held that non-verbal expression California Department of Corrections moral fibers. Few issues have incited such enraged passions on both sides. Much like the abortion issue, people are both impassioned and intrigued by the debate over capital punishment because it is a matter of life and death. “With the rise of DNA evidence, we are seeing more and more cases with DNA evidence being introduced years later and we have situations of wrongful convictions,” said Chris Kelly, a social studies teacher. raises a serious question as to how much power the government has. Why should the United States punish murder with murder? What are we as a society teaching the American public? That killing is right and morally acceptable as a punishment. That to deal with murder we must commit murder ourselves. The death penalty asks doctors to abandon their role as medical professionals to assume the role of executioners and it is something we cannot condone. Opinions 3 March 2006 Interracial dating By Brittany Chenier Frank Luong What causes senioritis in students? By Richard Yu Midway into March, Skyline seniors have started relaxing in classes as graduation looms over the horizon. The yearly tradition, dubbed “Senioritis,” began for some at the start of senior year, but for most in midMarch and early April. Some teachers are worried about the effects of Senioritis on student performance, especially as teachers begin reviewing and preparing students for the upcoming Advanced Placement tests. Many teachers were furious with last year’s seniors and their dismal AP test scores, which they blame on low attendance. I guess teachers just do not get the message—seniors have other things to do! We have scholarship applications to fill out, sleep to catch up on, fifteen pounds to regain from junior year, and a half dozen tasteless TV melodramas to finish. We are Photo courtesy of Amol Shelata people for crying out loud, not a bunch of computers without hobbies or personal lives. Teachers ask: what about the free college credit that comes with passing the AP exams? Sadly, many colleges do not accept AP credit, despite what their pamphlets and websites say. What about high scores like 4’s and 5’s? Consider the students with these scores. They will be attending the nation’s top colleges and universities, guaranteed to reject any score for any major. Realistically, higher scores simply make the AP tests all the more irrelevant to students. AP teachers, have a heart. Some of us have been cramming for tests since middle school, some maybe even since elementary school. That is twelve years of math, geosciences, physical sciences, life sciences, English, three or four languages, music, physical education, arts and crafts, US history, and government and politics. We have been acting like little robots for more than ten years of our life; will the world really end if we loosen up for just a few weeks? MySpace becomes property of Rupert Murdoch’s giant media conglomerate By Spencer Fang I think it is unfair that Tom gets all the social status on MySpace when entertainment mogul Rupert Murdoch is the one who runs the show. Sure he may be seventy four years old and not nearly as hip as Tom, but he paid good money for MySpace’s parent company and he deserves a little recognition. Unknown to many MySpace members, Murdoch’s News Corporation (NC) acquired MySpace’s parent company Intermix Media for $580 million last July. According to a NC press release, “The acquisition of Intermix … underscores News Corporation’s commitment to expand its internet presence by offering a deeper, richer online experience for its millions of users.” They are not joking when they say they want to expand their presence, considering that NC already owns Fox Television, publications around the world including the tabloid The New York Post and TV Guide, not to mention a third of DirecTV Group. I see their acquisition of MySpace as just an expansion of corporate dominance. With over 58 million users and as the fifth most visited English language site on the web, MySpace can generate serious revenue displaying ads. MySpace’s privacy policy states that it reserves the right to log profile information and share it with third parties “to provide more relevant services and advertisements to members.” In other words, it sells personal information to advertising firms. Just like other big corporations, MySpace had its share of scandals. When a rival online community site, YouTube, gained popularity among its users, MySpace blocked all references to it on its site. This meant users could not embed videos from YouTube onto their MySpace pages. The block was lifted only when many users joined together and threatened to stop using MySpace altogether. MySpace is hardly “A place for friends,” as its slogan suggests. In fact, MySpace is sometimes downright dangerous. In February, an El Cerrito High student was stabbed at a party that was posted on MySpace. It was originally planned for students from Albany High, which the murdered student had attended, but because the party was posted publicly, it quickly grew in size attracting strangers. And to MySpace users who think their profiles are safe from parents, think again. The San Francisco Chronicle ran an article titled “Wise parents peek in kids’ Myspace” that lists instructions and tips on how to find and view all personal pages. In fact, at Bishop O’Dowd high school, a private Christian school, vice principal Joeseph Salamack and other members and other the administration scour MySpace profiles of students for dates and locations of parties. MySpace should be treated like a public space, because it can be accessed by anyone at any time: parents, teachers, even law enforce officials. In fact, a student in Denver was arrested because of pictures he posted of himself sporting handguns on. So, unlike an actual public place, where one can check the surroundings before acting immaturely, things posted on MySpace stay on MySpace, waiting for prying eyes. Looking at the culture of American society today, many would say that we have progressed greatly. We live in a world far more accepting than the one in which our grandparents or parents lived. We enjoy the freedoms of our birthright: the freedom to vote, the freedom to speak our minds, and the freedom to love with no boundaries-even the boundary of race, right? Wrong. There may not be any laws prohibiting interracial dating, but there are still many who are not ready to try it out just yet. “For me, it is not about race; it is more of a cultural thing. I need to feel like I can relate to the person I am with. We need to share a commonality when it comes to life in general,” said senior Morgan Frazier. During a recent class discussion about interracial dating, this sentiment was echoed. Out of a class of about thirty, almost every student asked about their feelings towards interracial dating said they did not have a problem with it, but they felt they would never date someone outside of their race. I was one of those students that shared this view. I do not think interracial dating is wrong; it is just something I cannot see myself doing. In fact, I think what really keeps me from trying interracial dating is not the concept but some of the people that involve themselves with interracial dating. I have read many magazines and seen many shows on interracial dating with people giving their reasons for doing it. Most of these reasons are good ones like not limiting oneself or experiencing different cultures. However, there are a few reasons I have encountered that have turned me completely off of the idea like guys who only date black girls because black women have fiery attitudes, or guys who only date white or Asian women because they are apparently pushovers, or women who only date white men because supposedly they have lots of money. These are not acceptable reasons. People in the world who have this sort of mentality make me uncomfortable with interracial dating as a whole. I am not saying that people should not have standards; this is fine. I think a line is crossed, however when those standards turn into the stereotyping or categorizing of any race or person. Once this happens, people are objectified and reduced to nothing more than objects. Interracial dating is something should be experienced with an open mind; you should be willing to try all things, and not stereotype people if you are going to date people of another race based on stereotypes. Then as senior Amber Dixon (in an interracial relationship) said, “What’s the point?” Skyline Oracle Staff ***Volume XLV, No.6, March, 2006*** EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Robin Higgins ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR NEWS EDITOR Annaque Dean Simone Strunin FEATURES EDITOR Jaredt Hunter, Rachel Scott OPINIONS EDITOR Ben Dalgetty SPORTS EDITOR David Okikawa BUSINESS MANAGER Damon Mok IT MANAGER Spencer Fang PHOTO EDITOR Katie Hauser COPY EDITORS Ho-Hin Choy, Daniel Ha, Raymond Lo, Peter Wong, Richard Yu PHOTOGRAPHERS Geoffrey Bantilan, Brittany Chenier STAFF WRITERS Ebony Campbell, Nga Chan, Brittany Chenier, Denise Dang, Loyola Landry, Tiffany Luong, Nelson Ma, Damon Mok ADVISOR Tim Jollymore The Oracle welcomes signed letters to the editor concerning timely issues. Letters may be edited for length and clarity. Opinions expressed in the Oracle reflect the views of its writers and not necessarily those of any other member of the Oracle staff or the Skyline High School Community. The Skyline Oracle is published monthly by the students of Journalism/ Publication class. Subscriptions are available at an annual rate of $35. Advertisements welcome. 12250 Skyline Blvd, Oakland, CA 94619 (510) 879-3060, Ext. 144 skyline_oracle@yahoo.com Copyright © 2005 Skyline Oracle SKYLINE ORACLE SPORTS CENT 4 Men’s Basketball Team falls short in Homecoming game By Peter Wong Skyline’s Men’s Varsity Basketball team lost to the Castlemont Knights in a close 4th quarter defeat at the Skyline Basketball Homecoming game on February 17, 2006. Skyline won the tipoff, but did not score until 1 minute 43 seconds into the game. The first quarter ended with Castlemont leading 17-8. Castlemont led the game until a short jumper made by Skyline senior forward Lloyd Redding with 5:19 left in the second quarter to tie the game at 17-17. Skyline then with 4:49 left took the lead at 17-20 with a 3-pointer by Skyline senior forward Devanae Leach. Skyline led most of the time in the third quarter by making extra passes to each other. Each team had 41 points at the end of the third quarter. Castlemont led 50-49 halfway through the quarter, but the Titans put defensive pressure on the Knights throughout the court to stay close with the score. Castlemont led in most of the fourth quarter due to turnovers by Skyline. Leach was fouled in four field goal attempts and By Justin Amey Devanae Leach gets fouled made 5 out of the 8 free throws to help Skyline slowly catch up to Castlemont’s lead of 60-57 with 1:18 to go. Skyline senior Guard Robert “Choo” Owens drained a 3-pointer at the top of the arc with 24 seconds left to help Skyline stay close, 65-62. As time wound down, Skyline fouled Castlemont with 20 seconds left, and Castlemont made both free throws to bring the lead to 63-68. Owens was then fouled attempting a 3-pointer with 16 seconds left and was David Okikawa - Staff awarded three free throws. He made all three to get Skyline 6866. At Skyline’s last possession, Owens missed a 3-pointer at the buzzer that would have tied the game and sent it into overtime. Skyline lost the next game to Fremont and then to Castlemont again in the playoffs. The Titans were eliminated from the playoffs when they lost to Castlemont in their last game of the season in Laney College on Tuesday February 28, 2006. They finished with a record of 7-3 in the league. Athlete of the Month: Ottilia Schafer Ottilia Schafer (above), swimming at Dimond park (right) By David Okikawa Name: Ottilia Schafer Sport: Swimming Birthday: July 26, 1988 Class: 2006 Ottilia Schafer, captain of the Skyline Women’s Swim Team, has been swimming competitively for five years and plans to continue in college. She started swimming when she was just eight years old. She would frequently visit the YMCA and swim around the pool just for fun. In the seventh grade, she joined her first team, The Barracudas. She joined Skyline’s swim team her freshman year, and has swum for varsity ever since. Her favorite event is the 100-meter backstroke and Skyline Invitational dominate Twilight R the 200-meter freestyle. Her personal record (PR) for the 50meter freestyle is 29.53 seconds. This year, Schafer is one of the four team captains of the Skyline varsity team. “I definitely think we are going to win the championship this year,” said Schafer. “The team has many strong swimmers, and has grown a lot since last year.” Dedication is one of the duties of a captain, and Schafer has been so dedicated that she flew home early last year from a Jazz Festival in Reno to make it home in time for the OAL finals. Although swimming has been her prime sport, Schafer has experimented with other sports as well. In eighth grade, she tried water polo. “I really liked water polo, but swimming was Katie Hauser - Staff a better fit,” said Schafer. Schafer has already been accepted to Smith College in Northampton, Massachusetts, a Division 3 school, and has plans to swim competitively on its teams. “I definitely plan on trying out for the swim team along with the synchronized swim team and the diving team,” said Schafer. Even if Schafer does not make the teams, she plans to continue swimming on an intercollegiate team and possibly try out water polo once again. “I think I have a pretty good shot at making the swim team,” said Schafer. Schafer is always looking for new swimmers to join Skyline’s team. Practices are Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at Dimond pool from 4:00pm- 6:00pm. meter relay team, consisting of Meosha Chase, Dantia Hudson, Ada Nwadugbo, and Freshman Skyline Track, the Asha Treadwell, won with a defending O.A.L champions for time of 49.72 seconds, beating men and women, will defend their O’Dowd’s 49.73 second run. “Our 4x100 relay team is titles in a very competitive league. After the second annual Skyline young, but we work well together Invitational and Twilight Relays, and know each other’s moves. the track team has begun to prepare As a team, we have to put our for O.A.L. and State competition. negative energy aside and focus “I am pleased with on track,” said Dantia Hudson. Skyline left a serious the team’s effort and progress, especially during this meet impression at the sixth annual (Skyline Invitational). Also, Twilight Relays at San Rafael Cameron Island and Dantia High School in San Rafael. Hudson had two of the top times for Skyline won the Girls Sprint Medley (1:50.89), last week,” said the Boys Distance Coach Cooks Medley (11:06.8) Bishop and the Co-Ed O ’ D o w d , 4x200 meter Oakland Tech, relay (1:41.24). Hayward, The Girls Sprint and Eureka, Medley time along with 15 of 1minute and other schools 50.89 seconds set participated a new Twilight in the Second Relays record. Annual Skyline The Titans placed Invitational. fourth in the Girls Bishop O’Dowd Distance Medley placed first and (13:48.1), third in Skyline second. the Co-Ed 4x800 Senior meter Relay Camer Cameron Island (9:45.8), and Skyline opened the tenth in the Boys spring season Sprint Medley by winning the (1:44.18). The 100 meter dash Sprint Medley (10.77 seconds), has a 100mb e a t i n g 100m-200mSenior Bobby 400m format Guillory’s and the Distance time of Maya Velez David Okikawa - Staff Medley has a (11.14seconds). runs the 800 meter 1200m-400mIn the 200 meter format. dash, Guillory returned the favor, 800m-1600m The winning Boy’s beating Island’s 22.08 to his 22.09. “I owe most of my Distance Medley Relay consisted success to my family, teammates, of Willie Godfrey who ran the and coaches. I have a better 1200 meter leg, Cameron Island chance of winning at State who ran a incredibly fast 400 (100 meter) because I have meter second leg, Sean Purcell more confidence and more running the 800 meter, and experience,” said Cameron Island. Andrew Sylvester who ran the Andre Junior Dantia Hudson closing 1600 meter leg and won the and S and Senior Meosha Chase also race in the last two meters of the won key events. Chase won race. Skyline track aims to build the 200 meter dash (26.73 off their success in the Skyline seconds) and placed 2nd in the Invitational and Twilight Relays. 100 meter (13.05 seconds). With the football players coming Hudson dominated the 100 for the spring season, the boys meter Hurdles (15.07 seconds) will increase their depth. Also, Other Skyline athletes former PTs (Pre-Titans) Asha placed high in this meet as well. Treadwell and Cheron Amey are Senior Ella Franklin tied with being prepared for track stardom. Look for an exciting Juniors Eva Terry and Whitney Nazel for first place in the girls battle for both O.A.L. titles this high jump (4-04 feet). In the girls track season. Talented O.A.L. triple jump, Junior Ada Nwadugbo teams such as McClyomonds placed second (33-09.50 feet). and Castlemont will give Skyline In the boys 1600 meter a run for their money. O.A.L. run, Senior Willie Godfrey Competition will be fierce. For (4:42.19) and Sophomore Andrew complete coverage and stats to www.dyestatcal.com. Sylvester (4:44.20) placed third and go The first O.A.L. fourth respectively. Junior Gavin Cooper (111 feet -06 inches) came meet is Wednesday, April 16 in third in the boys discus throw. at Oakland Technical against Dantia The girls 4x100 Oakland Tech and Oakland High. TERSPREAD March 2006 a success; Titans Relays in San Rafael ron Island wins the 100m dash in 10.77 seconds at the e Invitational ew Sylvester(left) David Okikawa - Staff Eva Terry ties for first in the high jump Sean Purcell (right) run the 1600m a Hudson (lane 4) set for the 100m hurtles Health and Fitness: Six packs for spring and flu fighting foods By Geoffrey Bantilan Exercise: The Bicycle Jake Walter pitching against Bishop O’dowd Geoffrey Bantilan - Staff Titan’s Baseball Team struggles in pre O.A.L. By Ho-hin Choy David Okikawa - Staff Skyline’s Men’s Baseball team is preparing for the upcoming Oakland Athletic League (OAL) season that starts on March 22nd. The team is planning to improve on their 14 - 10 record which they won the OAL. Though they lost the Transbay Series to Lincoln High of San Francisco. “Last year, we played pretty well in Transbay, but we came up short, which told us we needed to work harder to win Transbay this year,” said junior catcher Arturo Aguayo. Led by coach Howard Gamble, the team has been training since September. They have participated in preseason baseball during the Fall and Winter, all to prepare David Okikawa - Staff David Okikawa - Staff them for the official season which starts in Spring. Players can be seen practicing everyday, and on Saturdays on Skyline’s baseball field. The players have been practicing game situations and batting, preparing themselves for the upcoming season. In the mornings, the team has been conditioning. “We have done a lot of conditioning running. We have run sprints and done workouts in the morning. All to help us achieve our goal physically and mentally,” said Aguayo. So far in the preseason, the team has lost exhibition games against San Leandro 104, San Francisco’s Washington High 6-3, Bishop O’Dowd 81, and Newark Memorial 9-4. Most recently they beat Pittsburgh 4-0 putting their preseason record at 1 win and 5 losses. In a close game against Northern California powerhouse Bishop O’Dowd, the team held its ground trailing 2-1 through five innings. But after committing some errors and giving up key hits to an experienced O’Dowd team, Skyline lost the game 81 giving up six runs in the sixth. “O’Dowd’s a good team and they got some key hits when they needed to. Except for one inning of letdown it was a pretty good game,” said pitcher and team captain senior Jake Walter. While the team lost most of their preseason games, players are still optimistic about upcoming OAL play. Their first game is on March 22nd against league rival Oakland Tech. Last year the team lost all of its preseason games but went on to win the OAL. This year the team strives to win the league title again and win the Transbay series. “Our goal this season is to win OAL, move onto Transbay, and win Transbay,” said Walter. As spring approaches, the weather starts to warm up, and the sun begins to shine. Skyline students are going to want to wear summery clothes and show some skin. But before they can show off that skin, student must make certain that their excess layer of winter warmth is burned off and they are ready to expose those rock hard abs. The exercise, commonly known as “the bicycle,” is a terrific exercise that stimulates and tones the rectus abdominis and the oblique muscles, to get those six pack abs. 1. Lie on you back with hands interlocked behind your head. 2. Bring your left leg up towards your chin. Keep the right leg extended straight. Lift your right shoulder blade off the ground twisting to the left towards your right elbow so your elbow meets your left knee. 3. Repeat the same motion for the opposite leg and arm, continuing in a pedaling motion. 4. Continue the exercise for 1216 repetitions. Foods that boost the immune system With the recent wave of sickness at Skyline, everyone could use some foods which can boost the human immune system and help fight off commonly encountered viruses and bacteria which linger around in winter. These foods do not just help the immune system, but prevent cancers and help the heart. Vitamin C- increases the amount of white blood cells in the body and is commonly found in Oranges, Strawberries, and Guavas. About 200mg are needed per day. Vitamin E- stimulates the production of germ and cancer destroying cells. Vitamin E also reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease. Vitamin E can be found in seeds, vegetable oils, and grains. 100 - 400mg are needed a day. Carotenoids- Beta carotene increases the number of infectionfighting cells, natural killer cells, and helper T-cells, as well as being a powerful antioxidant that mops up excess free radicals that accelerate aging. Carotenoids can be found in carrots, pumpkins, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, and other deep green, yellow, orange, and red fruits and vegetables. SKYLINE ORACLE FEATURES 6 March 2006 Rotary sends for Scholar By Simone Strunin Katie Hauser-Staff Mindy Bach, Manuel Moran and Frank Velasquez reading in class Skyline is currently home to new exchange student Manuel Moran, who arrived recently from Argentina. He is part of the Rotary, a club in which many countries of the world are involved. One major part of the club is the foreign exchange program. Manuel is residing with former student Craig Turner’s family. Turner attended Skyline last year as a senior and traded places with Manuel. Turner is currently staying in Argentina with Manuel’s family. “ I love Skyline. The people here are very friendly and accepting. I also really have been enjoying the Leadership activities on Friday. I loved Spirit Week,” said Moran. In many respects, Skyline is similar to his school experience in Argentina, people listen to similar music, play sports, take part in the same curriculum, but it is also noticeably different to him. “In Argentina, we have one class that we attend for the entire day, and there are only eighty people in my entire school. There is also a much larger selection of sports at Skyline that we do not have in Argentina,” said Moran. Manuel has also noticed changes in the way people greet and socialize with each other at Skyline in comparison to his school in Argentina. “People in Argentina are warmer than the people in California. When we greet one another, we kiss on both cheeks. We show much more physical affection in casual situations,” said Moran. He has picked up on the cultural differences as well. “The U.S. is much more organized than Argentina. People here have more respect for rules. People in Argentina do not really follow traffic laws. Many people just run red lights. I also noticed that every one at Skyline has a cell phone. Not nearly as many people in Argentina have them. The food is entirely different also,” said Moran. Although Manuel has been enjoying huge amounts of attention from the ladies, the rotary rules do not allow him to have a girlfriend, so he has said that will be staying single for the duration of his time spent in California. Manuel will be residing in California until February of next year, at which time he and Craig will return to their families. Viva Cesar Chavez By Raymond Lo Californians will celebrate the 6th annual Cesar Chávez Day on March 31st. First approved by Governor Gray Davis in August 2000, Cesar Chavez Day recognizes Chávez and his work as a civil rights activist. Chávez is best known as the founder of the National Farm Workers Association responsible for the 5 year Delano Grape Strike in 1965. He also protested against the inhumane unloading of pesticides while farm workers were in the vicinity. “He has really benefited immigrants and given them the support they needed to rise up and fight against these injustices. Tell a FRIEnd about Planned Parenthood and... IT’S EASY: 1. Go to www.ppgg.org and print out Tell-a Friend cards. 2. Write in your information. 3. Give the cards to all your friends. When a friend comes in for an appointment and turns in your card you get 2 free movie passes. It’s that easy! Get EE 2 FR e i Mov s! et Tick Come to PPGG before April 30th and enter to win an iPod! 1-800-967-PLAN www.ppgg.org Planned Parenthood Golden Gate Hayward s Oakland s San Francisco s San Rafael s San Mateo s Redwood City s Rohnert Park I am very happy to see he was able to stop the use of pesticides and protect farm workers,” said Skyline’s Bilingual Typist Clerk, Ana Burgos. Chávez is the first and only Latino American to be honored by a state-wide holiday. This day is also celebrated in seven other states and dozens of cities and counties throughout the United States. “Being Mexican myself, I am extremely glad that someone with my heritage is being recognized,” said Burgos. After his death on April 23, 1993, the Cesar Chávez Foundation was formed by Chávez’s relatives and friends to educate the youth to carry on the values and ideals of a better world and to educate people about his life and work. In 1994, he was posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest honor for a civilian in America. Chávez never owned a house or a car nor did he ever go to college, but his legacy as an American hero will be honored on this holiday and for generations to come. “Sí se puede! – It can be done!” Ms. Cory Hendrickson in room 55. Katie Hauser-Staff Ms. Henrickson 101 By Annaque’ Dean In this month’s edition of the teacher feature, we at the Oracle chose a unique, caring and open-minded teacher. Spanish 2 and 3 teacher Ms. Cory Henrickson invites students to a fun, loving and safe environment. Every Monday, she starts off the week with a community-building circle. In this circle, students are able to express anything that may be on their mind from problems at home to the everyday pressures of being a high school student. Henrickson’s outstanding teaching methods and background truly make her one of a kind. To get to know Henrickson a little better we asked her a few questions and these were her responses. Oracle: How long have you been working at Skyline? Henrickson: Two years. Oracle: What made you want to teach? Henrickson: My love for youth and desire for change in society as well as the world and a love for the language. Oracle: Where were your previous jobs? Henrickson: I was a camp counselor for about 8 years and I taught for one year at a private school in Minnesota. Oracle: Where did you grow up? Henrickson: I was born in Korea and was adopted by a white couple who lived in Minnesota where I grew up. Oracle: How did you get involved in what you teach and why did you choose to teach Spanish? Henrickson: In my high school the only foreign language that was offered was German so other than English all I knew was German. One year, my class went on a trip to Mexico and all of us were trying to speak German to Spanish speaking people; that’s when I decided that I wanted to learn the language. In college, I was a German major, but I had enough time to also major in Spanish so I did but I did not really have a love for the Spanish language until I lived in El Salvador for two years and loved it. Oracle: What is the most rewarding aspect of teaching? Henrickson: Watching students grow personally and academically. Oracle:Why do you like working at Skyline? Henrickson: The most rewarding part of working at Skyline is the diversity of the school and my students. I love watching them grow together and form a bond. I love how my students can just talk with each other and be open, honest and are able to support each other in a positive way. Henrickson has had a positive mark on our school and has given many students the confidence they need to succeed. Features 7 March 2006 A Holiday for Saint Patrick By Nga Chan Wilma Rudolph, Jane Addams, Marian Anderson, and Emily Dickinson www.avidmediacenter.org By Daniel Ha To address the lack of reporting on women’s history in American schools, Congress and President Ronald Reagan in 1987, declared March as National Women’s History Month. Every year, the National Women’s History Month has been held, there has been a theme of focus. In 2004, the theme was Inspiring Hopes and Possibilities, and in 2005, the theme was Women Change America. This year’s theme is Women: Builders of Communities and Dreams. It is to honor those who have given their time and energy to bring communities together and to those who have given hope in the face of impossible odds. “It is great that there is a month dedicated to the achievements and accomplishments of women. I have always believed in women’s power. That is why I admire my grandmother and mother; for they have shown me so much that a woman can accomplish,” said Vice Principal Heidi Green. The National Women’s History Project chose ten honorees to represent this years theme. The honorees include Aileen Hernandez, who has committed herself to worldwide justice and met with women around the world to discuss humanitarian issues; Mary Aloysius Molloy, who first developed a challenging fouryear undergraduate curriculum for a women’s college that was comparable to the curriculum that educated men; and Mary Tsukamato, who became a dedicated teacher and a leader who worked tirelessly to secure an apology from the U.S. and compensation for those who suffer during the Japanese internment camps. “I’m glad that women are finally getting recognition. I admire Eleanor Roosevelt for A Big Cheesy Treat By Loyola Landry www.cooksrecipes.com/sidedish Do you ever find yourself hungry, but are unsure about what to cook? Well, if you are ever out of ideas for what to cook, some simple mac n’ cheese is always a good choice. Stove top mac n’ cheese is easy to make, and it can be made differently each time with a little creativity. Ingredients: ½ lb macaroni 4 tbs butter 2 eggs 6 oz evaporated milk (it tastes like cream but is not as rich, so it is healthier!) ½ tsp hot sauce (more if you like spicy food) 1 tsp salt ½ tsp black pepper (adjust to your taste) ¾ tsp dry mustard 10 oz sharp cheddar Preparation: 1. First, boil some water for the macaroni. 2. While the water is heating up, grate the cheddar. 3. Once the water is boiling, add the macaroni and turn the heat down to medium. 4. Crack the eggs into a large mixing bowl and add the milk, hot sauce, pepper, salt, and mustard. 5. Stir, then add the cheese. Stir the cheese in, but not a lot because it will begin to clump together. 6. When the macaroni is ready, put the butter on it and let it melt stirring to get an even distribution. In a large frying pan, fry the cheese mixture and macaroni until the cheese is melted. Let it cool for about 5 minutes, then serve! For variety, you can try adding some meat or vegetables. her strong attitude. She served as a representative for the United Nations, and fought for civil rights,” said senior Betty Shum. The effect of National Women’s Month is increasingly reaching out to many girls and women. The National Women’s History Project- which is a nonprofit organization that set up the events for National Women’s History Month, reported that many volunteers and donations have been given to them to expand its activities. Their goal, to spread women’s awareness, have inspired girls and women that they can do anything if they put their effort and time into it. “I’m proud that there is a month dedicated to women’s achievements. It allows girls and women to know that they can do great bolder things without anyone stopping them. I feel positive role models are good for women.” said senior Amber Waterford. Saint Patricks Day is celebrated on the 17th day of March in honor of the patron Saint of Ireland, Maewyn Succat, better known as Saint Patrick. While many people celebrate the holiday few know its history. Succat took the name St.Patrick when he became a priest. Succat was born 385 A.D, not far from Dumbaryon in Scotland and served as a Christian missionary the Apostle of Ireland. St. Patrick’s Day is a popular holiday because it occurs just a few days before the first day of spring. People celebrate St. Patrick’s Day by wearing green, the color associated with spring. Also, according to the www.kate.net, green represents Ireland and the shamrocks since they are all green. www.embellishments.us/ Leprechauns are also connected with St.Patrick’s Day mainly because they are Irish myth. St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated on March 17th because that was the day when the three-leaf clover opened, and it was also the day of Saint Patrick’s death. St. Patrick was famous for banishing all the snakes out of Ireland. Overall in America, the most popular way Americans celebrate St. Patrick’s Day is “the wearin’ o’ the green,” which prevents anyone from getting pinched by their peers. “The wearin’ o’ green,” is a widely known short poem that tells a story about what people usually do to emphasize St.Partick’s Day. It stresses how important family and friendship are all year . ENTERTAINMENT Skyline Oracle 8 Skyline’s Closet By Jaredt Hunter and Ebony Campbell This month Skyline’s Closet is taking it back. This month’s style of dress is Retro/Vintage. This style has an old tinge with a new flare. Vintage tees, ripped jeans, designer polo’s, legwarmers, track jackets, pompadours, and mo hawks: these accommodations and many more contribute to the highly popular style. Two students who best represent the retro/vintage lifestyle are seniors Veena Bui and Victor Valenzuela. Kattie Hauser- staff Senior Venna Bui Oracle: Where do you do most of your shopping? Venna: The downtown Flea Market and garage sales. I don’t really shop at malls too much, they are usually really crowded. O: On average, how much do you spend on one shopping trip? V: Ummmmm (she ponders) usually like two [hundred] fifty. For two [hundred] fifty, I can get like six or eights shirts and maybe some jeans. Or like some accessories [belts, ear rings, braclets]. O: Most people want to just buy what they see at the price they see it, what about bargains? Are you a bargain person? V: Oh definitely. Most of the stuff I wear was on sale, the clothes are just as cute and much cheaper O: What is your favorite article of clothing in your closet? V: These jeans I’m wearing now [Levi jeans]. They’re so comfy! I’ve had them for six years and they have holes in them. They are all worn out, but I love them. Brittany Chenier- staff Senior Victor Venezuela Oracle: Where do you do most of your shopping? Victor: Nordstrom, Oxford, Dr. Jays, and Up against the Wall. O: How much do you spend? V: For about sixty, or eighty bucks I can get like three shirts. O: Do believe in bargains? V: Of course. O: How long have you dress this way? V: Since ninth grade. In eighth grade I was into the “skater style.” O: Which celelebrity best represents your style, or the way you dress? V: I don’t think there is any that celebrity that represents my style. I am an individual, and I am unique. So there you have it, two of skylines hottest seniors dishing out the dirt on their closets. Next time, Skylines Closet will feature skater style. So until then, Catch ya’ on the flip side! 3/06 The BAY Going Nation Wide By Geoffrey Bantilin During Skyline’s rallies, dances, and parties and in the parking lot, E-40 and Keak Da Sneak’s “Tell Me When To Go,” is often blasted at high volume. For the past three years much of the mainstream hip-hop artists seen on BET and MTV hip-hop shows, have come from Atlanta and New York. The Bay Area is not recognized as a hip-hop area, not since the days of Too Short and MC Hammer. As the southern rappers use the word “Crunk” to describe the music from that area, rappers from the bay area use the word “hyphy” to describe their unique “feelgood” sound. “Tell Me When To Go” is Bay E-40 Area anthem to the “hyphy movement” and is gaining national popularity on mainstream TV stations. The bay area has many local artists like Keak Da Sneak and Mistah FAB, but if you travel to Los Angeles or to another state, these Oakland and Bay Area artists are unheard of. However, this is beginning to change and the Bay BET’s 106 & Park. Local radio station 106 KMEL helped promote the song and help it be voted for on the top video shows. The majority of the video was filmed at various “landmarks” in Oakland. To the students at Skyline this is an important recognition of Oakland and its residents. Because of the popularity of Bay Area music, MTV produced “My Block: The Bay,” which premiered on March 5th. The show displayed local artists, the birth of the “hyphy movement,” and the genuine excitement of the national recognition. The show described the unique musical culture that Oakland has www.yahoomusic.com had since the early 90’s with let fans preview their music and p o p a r t i s t s M C H a m m e r. “It is nice to see people get a glimpse at the Bay Area from the Bay who have been life style. The new E-40 album, co- making good music for years finally produced by rap tycoon Lil’ Jon, getting national acknowledgment,” My Ghetto Report was released said Senior Zachary Scott. Many skyline students on March 14th. The first single from the album, “Tell Me When are glad that Oakland music, To Go” music video debuted on culture and fashion are finally MTV2, MTV’s Direct Effect and p u t o n t h e h i p - h o p m a p . Area has begun to gain more popularity for the music produced. This movement is, described by some, as the “Hyphy Movement.” The hyphy movement is readily available at local record stores and Myspace.com, where artists ASK SATIE By Satie Hi guys, I know its a cold hard world out there, and sometimes you feel lost and alone. But dont worry, I am here for you. I can be your bright light in this dark world. So bring me your quesions and I will help you through it. Dear Satie, How can I get the boy I like to notice me? Sincerely, Hopelessly Crushing Dear Hopelessly Crushing, You should try to engage in activities that he enjoys, showing him that you two share some common interests. You could also try to include him in some of your own group activities like going to the movies so that you can get to know him better. Or, if you are really brave, just ask him for his number. A boy loves a girl who goes after what she wants. Good luck, Satie Dear Satie, I have this girlfriend who, when things are going well suddenly pulls away. What can I do to stop this from happening? Do I just ignore it or and act like isnt happening Please help me Sincerely, Confused boyfriend Dear Confused Boyfriend, You should talk to her, it sounds like this girl is afraid of commitment. She may have had some problems in her previous relationships that make her so skittish. By talking to her about what’s going on and being honest, you will build more trust and make her less likely to run off. My advice is be open, and it all should turn out for the best. Sincerely, Satie