InFlight #5 March 2012

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in flight

AU B U R N R I V E R S I D E S T U D E N T

VOICE

March 27, 2012 VOLUME 17 ISSUE #5

Exploring the secret passages of Riverside. See page 10.


OPINION

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3/27/12

Homosexuals are homosapiens

“straight” couples. So why is it that straight men and women are fighting the laws? They are not the men saying “I do” to another “ONE MAN, ONE WOMAN” man, the woman donning a white “CHILDREN NEED A MOM + DAD” dress for another woman. They are “GOD CREATED ADAM AND EVE, not the ones marrying someone of NOT ADAM AND the same sex, and yet, still, they STEVE” are trying to shut down the law, These hateful and intolerant slogans and take away the ability and opstreak poster boards across America, proportunity for people to be happily testing gay marriage, rallying the people, married. conforming to an idea created long ago, Was it not a social norm for in a time...less free. men to oppose women’s sufIn opposition, gay couples ask, DID frage at first? Was it not looked WE VOTE ON YOUR MARRIAGE? And state down upon for African Americans that there are NO LAWS ON LOVE! to marry Caucasians when the It’s borderline ridiculous that people concept was first introduced? As are still fighting and opposing gay martime passed, it became widely riage in the world...in America...in accepted for women to vote and Washington...here at our school. People for bi-racial marriages to occur. should be allowed to marry for LOVE, When we look at and dissect these without discrimination based on age, examples, we deem it intolerant gender, race, religion, favorite color or for people to have opposed the “insert other ridiculous standard here.” two. It was just a matter of time Just a little while back, a woman for those two acts to be accepted married a building. According to King 5 by the world. In my opinion, it is News, Babylonia Aivaz married a 107inevitable for gay-marriage to be year-old Seattle building to save it from accepted. It is not a question of if, demolition. It was a warehouse on 10th but a question of how long will the and Union on Capitol Hill. A woman in intolerance last. India married a cobra in a traditional Alas, there is hope, though! A Hindu marriage and had over two thouchange is showing in the different sand people attend the wedding and generations. Only 5% of Riverside support their holy union. Amy Wolfe from students polled are against gay Pennsylvania married a roller coaster at marriage. In simple math, this PHOTO COURTESY CREATIVE COMMONS LICENSE, FLICKR.COM Knoebels Amusement Park, according to means that 95% of students supGay marriage is an inevitable truth for the future, so let’s get used to it . The Sun News. Were people protesting port gay marriage. Of those same it? No. Because in all honesty, who was it students, though, only 50% of their hurting? The answer: nobody. A marriage is a partnership parents support gay marriage. 38% were against, 8% of their that two people must endure and deal with. That is why it “offending” the religious folks, the fact of the matter is that parents had one parent who was for and one parent who was is a husband and wife at the altar, not a husband a wife and to have civil unions and marriages separate is discriminatory against and 4% were unsure of where their parents stand forty-thousand strongly opinionated strangers. and exclusive. It is inherently discriminatory to have a substi- on the issue. There is a large jump in acceptance just from If you can marry yourself. Someone dead. An inanimate tute for marriage which is often thought of as unequal. Just parent to child. As the years pass, we can look forward to a object. A character from a video game. A dolphin. Logic says as it was wrong to have a “blacks only” drinking fountain, broader acceptance of gay marriage, and hopefully this will that you should be able to marry someone of the same gender and a “whites only” drinking fountain. Time and time again come sooner rather than later. without opposition or protests or wild accusations stating we have learned that separate is not equal. Homosexuality is extremely common now; it’s a part of your union-ship caused the death of two small children (See: But hey wait! Wasn’t gay marriage just legalized in life. Marriage should accommodate these people, instead Westboro Baptist Church). Washington? Effective this June? Yes, yes it was. But already, of being a little kid’s clubhouse where “NO BOYS ARE ALI understand that arguments are out there stating that people are trying to get this liberty taken from people. LOWED,” and exclusion is expected and embraced. We all “a marriage is a holy union and the Bible specifically states “If you’re against gay marriage...don’t get ‘gay- need to look back on How I Met Your Mother and realize that homosexuals are sinners” and thus they should only be married,’” senior Braden Mast said in defense of the right that a successful marriage is between two people who love allowed civil unions. Despite the fact that most argue civil to marry someone of the same sex. Light-hearted as the each other. It is based more on finding someone who loves unions are essentially the same institution as marriage with quote may be, a serious lesson is within Mast’s words. Gay pickles and will eat yours for you than finding someone of all of the legal rights and responsibilities, and they avoid and lesbian couples are the ones affected by the law, not the opposite sex. Gender is arbitrary.

KELLEY PICKETT Staff Reporter

in flight

Editor-In-Chief Staff Reporters Shayla McGinness Mackenzie Brown Danielle Chiriguayo Business Manager Jaymes Fleury Lisa Gray Lisa Gray Photographer James Hornbuckle Devon Yoxtheimer Karlee Johnson Dylan Johnston Cover Photo Kelley Pickett Devon Yoxtheimer Mollie Ridge Alice Roup Adviser Devon Yoxtheimer Patrick Swenson

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Greetings from Newspaper

Newspaper bonded at the 3rd annual Rockathon


OPINION

3/27/12

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State assistance supports lavish lifestyle Washington enables overly common abuse of taxpayers’ dollar Gifted educational programs at risk of being tossed out of country’s already stretched-thin budget SHAYLA MCGINNESS Editor-in-Chief “Is this all ma’am?” asks a random Orange Julius employee ringing up a large strawberry banana Julius smoothie. “That’s everything,” replies a faceless customer as they hand over cash from an EBT card. Ummm, are you confused, miss? Sorry, but that little piece of Washington state property is clearly misused here. Let me explain fellow students: EBT cards are state funded cards that provide cash and food assistance. The problem: misuse of Washington State funds. If you look hard enough on the DSHS website, it lists what you can and cannot use cash/ food benefits towards. Hot and prepared foods, alcohol, and cigarettes are included in items not allowed. The issue though is there is not a limited time on EBT cards. Cash can be pulled from the CARTOON BY KELLEY PICKETT account, zero restriction on name brands, and the program relies on the honor system. It’s Thousands scam and abuse the Welfare and EBT system daily, purchasing items that could easily be argued as unnecessary and frivolous. Not only are almost comical reading the rules and regula- they living above their state-provided means, many trade support for various items that are not purchasable with state provided assistance. tion on state assistance. The DSHS website is so garbled with gray information it’s difficult to conclude a straight answer. card, which isn’t regulated. It’s also very easy to scam system. Clearly, that is not a good policy because a majorState assistance, although necessary in these economi- the system. Even now, our school has students who have ity of people will try and get as much as they can even if cally difficult times, is a big portion of Washington State’s over a $10,000 car, live an extrememely nice house, with a that means lying. Selling EBT cards is also rampant. Another case where budget. boat and extensive garage/hang out area, yet are on food Speaking of the budget—wait what’s that noise? stamps. Is this just the seemly common American lifestyle Washington state uses the awesome method of relying on Thump…thump…thump….RRAAWWRRR. GET OUT NOW, IT’S of living above their means or just a selfish idea of taking everyone to be honest citizens. Maybe lawmakers, or whoever is supposed to regulate the state assistance programs, IT’S…oh it’s just Washington State legislature in gridlock. didn’t realize if relying on the honor system was a good Just kidding guys, nothing to see. Keep it movin’. idea then we wouldn’t need police officers or courts, or Oh yes, it’s that time of year again. When Democrats even laws. and Republicans come out to argue—I mean discuss and reMany things are prohibited from purchase with EBT vise the current budget. cards and state funded money. But, the EBT cards allow This fiscal year comes with even more budget cuts and money to be taken withdrawn. There is no way to regulate a $5 billion budget shortfall. what people are spending state funds for when they can According to Linda Shaw, an education reporter for take it out as cash. The Seattle Times, there have been talks on cutting money This year is going to be an extremely difficult year for meant for education, even the $12 billion off-limits to cuts. legislature, particularly because of a $5 billion dollar gap. In fact, about $1 billion is from various educational proTo fill this, many programs and funding will be cut. Intergrams. This could include gifted kids programs, after school estingly, enough, education is on the top list to cut funding programs, high school electives, and tutoring aid. This also and not health services. It seems redistributing and actucould mean increasing class sizes. ally regulating where resources go would be a great money I find this exceptionally ironic. It seems legislature is state funded money from those who don’t live as lavishly? looking to cut more educational programs but not social Not only is this taking from those who really do need saver. Let’s also remember that if legislation keeps cutting services. Some parts of social services could definitely be food assistance, it’s also against the law. Everyone must trimmed, whether by actually regulating them or cutting be accounted for when applying for any state assistance. education repeatedly, they will eventually make it virtually them. This means everyone in the household must be account- impossible for youths to receive a good education and conTake the various food programs. In Washington, citi- ed for and how much income the household brings in as tinue on to college. Youths are the future, we can all agree zens don’t have a limit on how many programs they can a whole. If people aren’t being honest on how much the on that. If they are not provided with the necessary tools be on. Take food stamps/EBT cards for example. They can household is bringing in then they will receive more. That’s to compete in the world economy, then our country and withdraw cash out of the cash account portion of the EBT a big problem though; Washington state relies on the honor society will be left in the dirt. Destitute and uneducated.

Everyone must be

accounted for when applying for any state assistance.


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OPINION

Reality TV lowers standards ALESSANDRA ROUP Staff Reporter Think back to the last time you watched MTV. What was the show about? Chances are it included at least one scantily clad woman, a dramatic fight over something insignificant, and a lot of tears and running mascara. These are the tell tale signs of a reality show. Now think back again. Why were you were watching it? Was it because of an interesting and coherent plot line? Maybe a good message or even good graphics? No, I can assure you, you were not watching it for any of these reasons. I know this because there is not a reality show out there that has any shred of quality or morality. Let’s use Jersey Shore as an example we are all familiar with. Among the most infamous of the characters are Snooki and the Situation. In recent news, Snooki has been banned from a local wine shop where they have started to realize that she and her posse are bringing embarrassment to their store. They even went so far as to put up a sign saying “No Snooki.” As embarrassing as that is, it is nothing compared to when the Situation so spastically tried to start a fight that he ended up running into a wall and knocking himself out. I am both shocked and appalled by these facts. Has the human race really digressed this far? I feel ashamed to be associated with these people, and I hate to admit, they are not an anomaly. There are numerous reality shows on TV today; in fact, if you turn on the TV to a random channel,

you are likely to find one within the first few channels. Why are there so many of these shows? Why is it that we continue to support such stupidity and embarrassment? I wish I could blame the big corporations who usually culpable, but unfortunately, we are the ones causing the problem. We, the general public, are the ones who watch these shows and throw our money into paying Snooki to drink until she stumbles into a stranger’s bed. Not only do these shows exhibit the poor quality of society, they also create a world where we put the immoral on a pedestal. This false sense of honor devalues those who work to live ethical lives and sets new standards for what is acceptable. Our society is already so far down the drain that I question how much farther it can go before we have regressed completely back to caveman times. It is creating a lower moral standard, and honestly I don’t think our moral obligations to each other could reduce to be any less. We already find it completely acceptable to allow one person starve as another buys that pearl necklace in the window. We already rate people by their income and appearance. We already show very little interest in helping others, we only consider ourselves when we make decisions. I’m not even saying these people are actually like that since most times they are just acting extra crazy to make good TV, but it’s the TV networks and producers and public that is really pushing it. We are the ones watching it, we are the ones creating these shows and we need to step back and look at the consequences.

PG-13 is not the new R KARLEE JOHNSON Staff Reporter Sex scenes, more violence, horrible language and nudity: a typical PG-13–movie. Does this sound right? Is this really what PG-13 is becoming? Why should PG-13 movies cover for what should be rated R? PG-13 movies are supposed to be something that young teens can watch without parental supervision. More movies are coming out and they basically have all the things you wouldn’t typically watch with your mom or dad. Honestly, something as little as having to watch a movie with someone you brought because you thought they could watch it. When in actuality they have to close their eyes because the commercials forgot to show you the things that you want to see. I am talking about young “Tweens.” They haven’t quite learned about all these things that we teenagers know a lot about. It makes me so mad because we spend money on those movies so naturally you shouldn’t have to get up and leave because it’s inappropriate. All people care about these days is money, so that means if a movie needs to be rated PG-13 because it will make money, that’s what big companies will do. PG-13 movies and rated R movies have different meanings and I think that before a movie comes out they should read the definition that the movies are supposed to go by. So what does PG-13 mean? PG-13 means that it has to be suitable for children under the age of 13, and they can be able to watch the movie. The movie should not have nudity, or at least very little. So why are people making

their own definitions for PG-13? It obviously has its meaning for a reason. Now what does rated R mean? Rated R means that people over the age of 17 can watch the movies because of certain material used in the movie. Sure, as teenagers get older, we learn more about this stuff but it doesn’t mean we still don’t get disgusted or even embarrassed a little bit. So seriously, what is the real reason that more PG-13 movies are covering rated R material? Students here gave similar answers: “When movies are made out to be PG-13, they automatically make more money,” sophomore Shardannay Adams said. Since we can’t control the ratings on movies, we can start to remind people that these rating have their definitions for a reason. We shouldn’t really change something that we didn’t make. I want to be able to see a good PG-13 movie with my little sister without having to close her eyes because it has something in it that shouldn’t be there. So some advice for the people making these movies: maybe you could actually make a good PG-13 movie that little kids, such as tweens, can watch. Stop covering up the things that we all know should be rated R.

3/27/12

Senioritis kills big time DEVON GONZALEZ-YOXTHEIMER Staff Reporter It is 7:59. You wake up groggy and apathetic. You look at the calendar. It’s Monday. Slowly, you get up, look at your door, stare longingly at your bed, and then back to the door. Finally, you give in and collapse onto the bed where you slip into unconsciousness for the next three hours. What ailment is this that sucks the very will to live from your veins and destroys all motivation for the future? ’Tis the notorious Senioritis! The illness has been running rampant through high schools for as long as there have been seniors, leaving a wave of disheveled students and undone homework. It has taken even the most studious of the senior class and it’s hungry for more! Many current seniors have felt the dragging effects of this phenomena and have found it hard to find the energy to do much of anything to do with high school. Symptoms include: Unexpected laziness, sleeping in without remorse, extreme procrastination, frequent periods of “zoning out” during lectures, and a lack of concern for the future. This is by no means an all encompassing list, and seniors have experienced a multitude of other effects. However, the most obvious sign of senioritis is the severe drop in GPA. Many straight A students find that after being accepted to college they have nothing left to work for. Suddenly, the motivation to study for that test becomes so weak that it is easily overpowered by the urge to play video games, hang out with friends, or flat out do nothing. I speak from personal experience when I say this and for the first month of the second semester I have had a total of three F’s. This is because I have quite literally done nothing for any of my classes. I am fighting against the malicious disease and at the moment, I’m losing. I used to be a “good student,” getting only A’s and B’s. I had never had an F until this year. This only just set in when progress reports came out and I realized that I had passed that fine line of procrastination and was actually blowing off my classes completely. Even the most diligent of students fall prey to serious lack of motivation. This probably stems from the belief that second semester doesn’t really matter. However, not all seniors get infected with the monotony. Senior Rory Creigh has managed to stay motivated and said, “I don’t think I have it. All of my classes are too much fun to procrastinate in.” Granted, in some ways, second semester doesn’t really matter like the other semesters do. Most seniors have already applied to colleges and even been accepted, so there really isn’t as much pressure to do well. Also, honor cords are calculated from first semester grades and before, so even if you bomb your second semester classes completely, you can still wear even the most honorable of cords. However, many colleges do look at second semester grades, and colleges hold the right to cancel an acceptance letter if the applicant’s grade takes a nosedive. Scholarships are also often contingent on GPA, so if you’re planning on being able to keep your acceptance and then be able to pay tuition, second semester grades do, in fact, matter a lot.


3/27/12

NEWS

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GOP’s March Madness: the race continues have a subtle role making it a more consumer-based market rather than a government program. As for foreign policy, he would advocate ordering “a full interagency assessment of our military and assistance presence in March 3rd marked the day of the Washington state Afghanistan to determine the level required to secure Republican caucus. Caucus meetings were held around our gains and to train Afghan forces,” according to the state and after much deliberation and discussion, mittromney.com. He also plans to bring federal spending Mitt Romney was declared the winner. Votes were below 20% by the end of his first term by cutting funding close though, with Ron Paul coming in at a close secfor the National Endowments, the Arts and Humanities, ond with 24.8% of the votes and Rick Santorum next the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, and the Legal with 23.8%. Services Corporation. Ron Paul’s platform includes a focus on free marRick Santorum would like to allow patients to kets to structure the healthcare system in hopes that purchase their own healthcare coverage with pre-tax it will lower medical costs. He also wants to “change dollars. His foreign policy plan is based on supporting the tax code to allow individual Americans to fully Israel and “reinvigorating human-intelligence apparatus deduct all health care costs from their taxes,” accordin the Middle East so we can better understand who and PHOTO COURTESY CREATIVE COMMONS LICENSE, FLICKR.COM ing to ronpaul.com. As for his foreign policy, he wants where are enemies are,” according to ricksantorum. to focus on “secur[ing] our borders, safely bring[ing] com. As for taxing, he would like to cut the corporate From left to right: Republican hopefuls Rick Santorum, Newt Gingrich, Mitt Romour troops back home, and finally overhaul[ing] the tax and institute a flat-tax rate of 17.5%. ney, Ron Paul intelligence apparatus in cooperation with intelligence It was an interesting year for Washington, and the professionals rather than political opportunists.” Regarding candidacy was still up for grabs since none of the Presidential the economy, Ron Paul takes a hard stance on income tax, Gingrich plans to give incentives for math and science so our runners were in a strong lead. This meant that Washingciting it as “the most degrading and totalitarian of all pos- “Armed Forces always have the most advanced and powerful ton votes actually “mattered.” However, this short-lived sible taxes.” weapons in the world at their disposal.” He thinks we need importance was overshadowed by the ten states that held Newt Gingrich’s solution to the healthcare system is to strengthen the dollar by returning to the economic model their caucuses on the following “Super Tuesday,” where Mitt the use “of a generous tax credit or the ability to deduct used in the Reagan era and that the best method if stimulat- Romney won six of the ten states, Santorum won three and the value of their health insurance up to a certain amount,” ing our downturned economy is to draw in new businesses Newt Gringrich won one. according to newt.org. He would also like to allow purchas- with a “bold series of tax cuts.” Mitt Romney continues to pull the lead with Santorum ing insurance across state lines to increase competition and Mitt Romney, the forerunner for the election, has his following as we wait to see who will be get the ultimate move Medicare into the private sector. As for foreign policy, own healthcare plan in which the federal government would nomination for the Republican party.

ALESSANDRA ROUP Staff Reporter

Same sex marriage passes, faces challenges AR hosts first choir DANIELLE CHIRIGUAYO Staff Reporter

As of February 13, same-sex marriage is legal in the state of Washington. With a vote of 55-43, the State House approved the legislation for same-sex marriage and the bill was passed to Governor Christine Gregoire, who signed the bill into law. Washington is now the 7th state in the United States, not including D.C., to completely legalize same-sex marriage.

PHOTOS COURTESY CREATIVE COMMONS LICENSE, FLICKR.COM

Both a referendum and an initiative are planned by opponents to overturn Washington’s same sex marriage bill.

Although this is a big step forward for same samesex couples and civil rights activists, two threats loom on the horizon. One being Referendum 74, which would threaten the new-found ability for same-sex couples to marry. The ballot requires 120,577 signatures by June 6

from registered voters in order to certiied in time for the November election. A referendum, AP U.S. Government teacher Patrick McKeehan explains, is “when a government puts a law to the vote by the people.” Besides Referendum 74, there is the “Proposed Initiative to the People,” Initiative 1192. Stephen Pidgeon, a lawyer based out of Everett, is the primary sponsor to this initiative, and if certified, will be put to a vote during the November election. It would “define marriage as a civil contract between one man and one woman and would prohibit marriage for same-sex couples,” according to sos.wa.gov. In order to make it on to the ballot, however, the petition must contain at the minimum 241,153 signatures from registered voters. An intiative, said McKeehan, is when a law is put up to a vote by the citizens of a certain area. If Initiative 1192 and Referendum 74 do not pass the certification process by June 6, same-sex marriage will come into full effect on June 7.

solo & ensemble

JAMES HORNBUCKLE Staff Reporter Riverside held the choir solo ensemble contest for the first time in history. It was held March 3, all day, and many schools came to participate and view the soloist and ensembles. Students from Riverside’s choir and private voice lessons also participated in the day’s competitions, but few freshmen were. Many schools came to perform, such as the Kent schools, Auburn schools, Enumclaw schools, and many more. Ensembles are when two or more people sing together in a group, and a soloist is when only one person sings. There are many types of soloist and ensembles: sopranos, altos, and mezzo sopranos. Sopranos are singers with a higher voice range. Altos have low voice ranges but can sometimes also have high which are also Mezzo sopranos, both low and high voice ranges. There were no tryouts for this event. Anyone in choir and private voice lessons could participate. The winners of the event can go to State, and Riverside’s men’s choir goes to State almost every year. (This year, 19 band members are going to State to perform.) On March 3, many people watched the soloists and ensembles in the 400 hall classrooms. Each room had a different type of singer or singers and judges. Solos and ensembles are ranked by a score, a 1,2 ,3,or 4. A score of “1” is superior, and a 4 is below average. Scoring a “1” rating were junior Zane Nuttal and senior Andrew Lantz. Also, the Symphonic and Men’s choir scored a “1.”


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Before it was cool... JAYMES FLEURY Staff Reporter With big glasses, a purple cardigan, old-school checkered vans, a plaid scarf, and Macbook pro in hand, one word may come to mind. Hipster. A style that may seem strange at first, but is starting to make quite the emergence. Some may say that it’s not about the clothes students wear; it’s the music they listen to. It’s not the music, it’s their taste in movies or Mac products or even their facial hair. These are just a few of the things that may make a hipster, but perhaps these ideas are too mainstream. This mysterious style is shrouded in colorful controversy and heated arguments. Everyone seems to have their own definition of a hipster. Some see the word as a derogatory term, or just plain insulting. Others embrace the label, even though calling yourself a hipster is considered un-hipster. So what exactly does make a genuine hipster? When asked, students imagined someone in something sold at Urban Outfitters, “fake RayBan glasses,” and constantly saying “I did that before it was cool.” But when asked if there are any hipsters in our building, a few names came up quite a few times. Among the suspected is sophomore Rizelle Rosales. “Sometimes I feel like the epitome of hipster,” Rosales said, while strumming her ukulele. Rizelle understands that she stands out in a crowd, and she loves it. However she says she wouldn’t go as far as calling herself a hipster. In fact she (and many others) believe that “true” hipsters do not try to be or call themselves hipsters. This again is hard to say because we have yet discovered a real definition of this mysterious social trend. That was, until suspect number two was interviewed. “I wouldn’t call myself a hipster, no way,” senior Olivia Bidleman said. But Bidleman does understand why people would suspect her of being such a social trendsetter.

FEATURE

3/27/12

The Raven Ruling InFlight staff votes on culture

...DEFINING THE modern hipster “It’s probably because I wear old ugly sweaters,” she said. “But because I actually enjoy wearing them!” She has given the clearest definition for this shrouded group, a definition that finally goes beyond ironic T-shirts or Macbooks. Bidleman’s genius definition goes like this: “The stereotype is really silly, but true. It is so prominent in society, yet so obscure at the same time. A hipster is somebody who enjoys conformity in their non-conformity.” Eureka! Finally a general outline or at least some common ground found within all hipsters. They don’t do something because no one else does it, they do those things because they enjoy doing it. It just happens to be different than the social “norm.” “Real hipsters don’t call themselves hipsters,” Rosales said with another strum

A hipster is somebody who

enjoys

conformity in their

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—Olivia Bidleman, senior

of the ukulele. “People who try to be hipsters are contradicting themselves.” This is an interesting point, because no real hipster would call themselves a hipster because that would put them into a stereotyped bubble. With this in mind, we may now have an answer to this conundrum. It turns out hipster is not a dirty word. Anyone can use the word, but remember, the true hipsters don’t.

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The theme for this year’s prom is City Lights. It is a generally pleasing theme due to the fact that prom is held in the EMP, located in Seattle. As with any decision, you can never please anyone. We are happy to say this decision pleased most.

Star Wars

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The Star Wars movies are being re-mastered into 3D. Some fans are excited to see the saga on the big screen once again. However, many are tired of seeing the same old movies being thrown on screen with 3D cover-up.

non-conformity.

GRAPHIC BY JAYMES FLEURY

Prom Theme

Frozen Yogurt

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Many love it because it’s a healthy alternative to ice cream. However, for those passionate about ice cream, frozen yogurt is no substitute. Here at InFlight we aim to keep our strong opinions equal (at least when concerning the topic of frozen dairy).


3/27/12

When: April 28th Where: EMP, Seattle Time: 8 pm to 11 pm

What to Bring

Fast Flats (Dr. Scholl’s) Camera Extra cash (for parking) ID (Without it, no entrance)

Pictures

-Before prom -Poses provided to hide dance contract bracelets -Sign up with ticket purchase

FEATURE

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City Lights Save money: Dance contracts! -Have the limo pick you up & drop you at Riverside Get them done the off-Trade shoes with friends -Go to simple restaurants week before! -Trade dresses -Rent a dress -Online dinner coupons


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FEATURE

3/27/12

International days of celebration make way LISA GRAY Staff Reporter Everybody knows and celebrates the main holidays. New Years, Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter, and whenever these days come around, stores fill with holidaythemed goodies. But did you know that every single day is a national holiday? It’s true. It could be a food, an animal or even a piece of clothing. For example, National Milk Day is January 11, and May 15 is Dinosaur Day. There are not only national days but there are also national weeks and months. For example, April 15-21 is National Volunteer week and March is Dolphin Awareness Month. Do you have a favorite activity or sport? Most likely a holiday exists for that, too. July 30 is National Dance Day and the week starting July 28 is Hacky Sack Week. According to www.tfdutch.com, today is National Spanish Paella Day. Spanish Paella is a rice dish from Spain that has become very popular and is known around the world. It originated in the fields of a region called Valencia in eastern Spain. Valencian people prepared the dish with whatever ingredients they had on hand — rabbit, snails and vegetables. Today paella has spread to every

region of Spain, using just about any kind of ingredient that goes well with rice. According to holidays.net, today is Quirky Country Music Song Titles Day. Freerepublic.com has a list of quirky country songs if you are really that interested and can’t think of any. These days are not technically holidays. On actually holidays such as New Years and the 4th of July, most people get the day off from work. According to www.un.org, the purposes of these days is to promote awareness of and action on important political, social, cultural, humanitarian or human rights issues. They provide a useful means for the promotion of international and national action and stimulate interest in United Nations activities and programs. For international years and decades, the UN Secretary General takes action to establish the preparatory process, evaluation and follow-up procedures. These days are for fun and for genreal awarness. These holidays can make a boring day into a celebration of a certain thing.

The month of March is full of interesting days, with something to celebrate every day.

CALENDAR BY LISA GRAY


3/27/12

FEATURE

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Versatile math teacher inspires students MACKENZIE BROWN Guest Reporter Known throughout school for raising bunnies and being a wizard with calculus, physics and statistics, Ernie Zeiger sets a new standard for teaching. Constantly working to be sure students find success, he’s a very important and also interesting teacher. Living on a five acre farm, Zeiger had a very different childhood than most kids. “I spent my time running around the woods,” Zeiger said. Oldest of seven siblings, he had a lot of kids to look after. While growing up, Zeiger didn’t really have any ideas as to what he wanted to be. After attending Washington State, Green River, and graduating from Pacific Lutheran University, he had an idea. “I always liked math but I have a business degree,” Zeiger said. He took a job here, mainly because he wanted to coach wrestling, but also to become a math teacher. Now he teaches AP Stats, AP Calculus, Physics, and is the adviser of the chess club. Zeiger has four children, all very suc-

cessful. His father was a principal for 43 years and now has a school named after him, Zeiger Elementary school in Puyallup.

something common in his family. By the third grade, he could properly butcher a rabbit. After his childhood, he gave up the habit of eating rabbit, but ten years ago he picked it up again. According to Zeiger, he and his wife own three adult bunnies that he uses to raise litters, which he then eats. Not only is he interesting with his food habits, but Zeiger also has many fun and exciting hobbies, like climbing mountains. He’s climbed Mt. Rainier 14 times and with determination and focus he has even climbed it in one day, when it is said PHOTOS BY DEVON GONZALEZ-YOXTHEIMER to take at least two. He loves readBesides instilling math knowledge, Ernie Zeiger is also the adviser ing and playing chess and checkers of the chess club. as well as trying sports like basketball and wrestling. For over a year follow the rules you get the right answer.” now, Zeiger’s been bike riding. He He’s been married for 39 years to his wife, Zeiger’s grandfather, who he believes to be even participated in the Seattle to Portland who owns a candle business and helps him “one of the five smartest people” he knows, bike ride, which is 200 miles. raise his bunnies. is a huge inspiration to him because of his Zeiger’s students really look up to him, Zeiger’s grandfather would tell him success. including senior Alex Nieman. “He’s very that “if” is the biggest word in the English One of the things students of Zeiger find smart and he’s witty,” Nieman said. dictionary. This is one of the main reasons most interesting about him is his experience His attitude clearly puts a good effect Zeiger teaches math. He enjoys the fact with bunnies. At a very young age, he began on those who know him, which is why Zeiger that “[math] explains how things work. If you butchering bunnies because butchering was is an important addition to the staff.


FEATURE

10

Secret MOLLIE RIDGE Staff Reporter

Passages

the

You’ve heard of Hogwarts and the Room of Requirement. We have yet to find Riverside’s Room of Requirement, although we have searched many times. Principal Dave Halford gave us an inside look at some other secrets in our school. In math teacher Ed Rosin’s room, for example, there is a door that goes all the way to the 800 hall, main staircase, and to the roof. Up above our heads in all the hallways is one large catwalk that connects the 200, 400, 600 and 800 halls and the main staircase. These are the secret passageways of our school! These are used mainly to keep the school’s heating and cooling systems clean. “Most of these catwalks connect to small closets,” Halford said. “These we use for storage such as desks and computer tables.” Many students say there are “passageways” and “secret hallways” only for janitors. Most don’t know that these are actually bridges that connect across the school. “I’ve heard many students talking about secret

passageways,” history teacher Patrick McKeehan said. “I’ve never actually heard about them being real.” Many teachers have explored the school thinking they had searched it all, but the upstairs catwalk remains elusive. Some students who have been here since their freshman year still don’t know about them, but they’ve heard upperclassmen talk about them. Even teachers have not known about these. Halford knows now. “Once I became viceprincipal,” Halford said, “I made sure that I got to go up there!” Would the newspaper staff be allowed up to the skywalks? The answer was yes, but a requirement to go up there with photographer Devon Gonzalez-Yoxtheimer was that we had to be blindfolded so we didn’t know where the entrance was. Halford and vice principal Nola Wilson led us on a wild goose chase to say the least. We went in the elevator, and neither of us could tell if we went up or down, although we believe that we went up, being led all the way to the catwalks, which is really the location of all the heating, AC, and technical wires.

Off came the blindfolds. Halford explained that only a couple students have ever been up there. As we walked, it became more and more like a labyrinth with many different passages that led to all different parts of the school. Before too long we got to the end of the skywalks and Wilson said, “These run about a quarter of a mile around the school.” So, if you saw two people walking around school blindfolded, well that would be from the newspaper staff! One of Rosin’s students, freshman Jennifer Giovanetti, had asked us “Why the heck did you walk out of a supply closet blindfolded with the principal and the vice-principal?” We explained that the “closet” we walked out of was really an entrance/exit to the elusive secret passageways of Riverside.

Bottom right: Halford and Vice Principal Nola Wilson gave Ridge and senior photographer Devon Gonzalez-Yoxtheimer exclusive access to the skywalks. Bottom left: Some of the passages Ridge walked through were small and cramped. Nearly a quarter of a mile worth of these passages run above the school. Left: Ridge, as well as Gonzalez-Yoxtheimer, had to be blindfolded in order to go up to the skywalks.

e

Right: Principal Dave Halford leads Ridge down the narrow skywalk. Many students are unaware that these passages exist.

sid

of River Upper right: Reporter freshman Mollie Ridge looks over some of the old school blueprints that still remain in some of the passages above the school.

PHOTOS BY DEVON GONZALEZ-YOXTHEIMER

3/27/12


3/27/12

A&E

11

Inflight Staff’s Favorite Movies THE AVENGERS DYLAN JOHNSTON Staff Reporter

Monty Python and the Holy Grail JAYMES FLEURY Staff Reporter

The Avengers was a fantastically made movie. Of course it was the animated version of the beloved comic, but I think the story is better in animation. I’ve been a Marvel fan for a long time and this one Marvel animated movie stood out the most to me. The movie brought together great heroes such as Captain America, the Hulk, Thor, Iron Man, Ant Man, and many more. I highly recommend this movie to any Marvel or DC fan. I give it a 4 out of 5 because it only caters to a younger crowd and leaves adults without a suitable source of entertainment.

Possibly the most quoted movie of all time happens to be the closest to my heart. The comedy genre is brimming with excellent films, but few can even compare to the wit and hilarity of the British Monty Python troupe. The movie follows the tale of King Arthur and his fellow knights in their epic quest to find the Holy Grail, a quest bestowed upon them by God. None of the brave knights are willing to stop in the face of danger (except maybe Sir Robin), even if danger includes the not-so-triumphant Black Knight, evil rabbits, and rude Frenchmen. If this movie is new to your ears, escape from that rock under which you live and find this movie!

HORRIBLE BOSSES

STEP BROTHERS

KELLEY PICKETT Staff Reporter

JAMES HORNBUCKLE Staff Reporter

Horrible Bosses is a new age comedy with a twisted take on the age old tale of...planning a murder. Not just one, but three deaths are planned by Jason Bateman, Charlie Day, and Jason Sudeikis, the award-winning cast. I love this movie because the three pals have honest intentions to better society. Day’s character deals with unwanted attention in the form of sexual harassment by his boss, Julia (Jennifer Aniston). Bateman’s character deals with a power-hungry, oppressive and downright mean old man (Kevin Spacey). Sudeikis on the other hand, lucks out with a caring and conscientious boss…who happens to die suddenly and leave his company to his incompetent cokehead son (Collin Farrell). The misadventures of the three buds as they try to gather information on murder and better yet, try to actually commit their triple-homicide, will keep you laughing until you pee your pants, make you run to your room to change your drawers, and fall down laughing as you make your way back to the couch.

Step Brothers was one of the funniest movies of the year in 2008, and is a personal favorite of mine. Step Brothers is a movie about two middle-aged men that still live at home with their single parents. When their parents meet and marry they are forced to live with one another. Thinking they have two totally different personalities, they fight very often, but they soon realize they are more a like than different. This movie will have everyone laughing until it hurts! Main actors Will Ferrell and John C. Reilly play their characters perfectly. See why people call it hilarious yet heartwarming and watch it as soon as you can!

Dodgeball MACKENZIE BROWN Staff Reporter The movie Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story is about a group of amateur dodgeball players making an attempt to save their gym from being bought out by Global Gym, a larger, more popular gym. In order to save their home, they must get $50,000 and the only way to get the money in time is by entering a National Dodgeball competition. This is definitely my favorite movie because it’s absolutely hilarious and surprisingly has a strong plotline. It also includes some of what I believe to be the best actors like Vince Vaughn, Ben Stiller, and Justin Long. It’s exciting throughout the whole movie with plenty of surprises. It’s a classic good guy bad guy story with Global Gym vs. Average Joe’s Gym. My favorite part of the movie has to be the strange characters though. It’s absolutely a movie worth watching.

Rent

MOLLIE RIDGE Staff Reporter

The movie Rent is based on a group of friends, 4 of which are gay, and 6 of which have AIDS. The two main characters, Mark and Roger, live together in what used to be a music producing studio. Roger has AIDS, was a famous musician, and is just coming back from half a year of withdrawal. Mark is a struggling Jewish filmmaker, whose ex-girlfriend just dumped him. Their ex-roommate Tom Collins has AIDS also, and his boyfriend, Angel who is a drag queen and also has AIDS. The friends struggle to overcome a close friend’s death, and not let their small family die along with him. Maureen and Joann are together and also have AIDS; Maureen is protesting the removal of the small tent city next to Mark and Roger’s building. Benny, who used to be Roger and Mark’s roommate, owns the building Roger and Mark live in, he is trying to eliminate the tent city next door.

How the Grinch Stole Christmas LISA GRAY Staff Reporter How the Grinch Stole Christmas is a family friendly movie about the Grinch who lives uphill from the small town of Whoville. The Grinch lives with his dog, Max, who is the Grinch’s henchman. The city is celebrating Christmas, and the Grinch hates Christmas. So, he comes up with a devious plan to destroy the town’s celebration. He creates a plan to steal all of the town’s presents and decorations so the town can’t celebrate Christmas! The actors in this film present a humorous energy and this movie is full of laughs and smiles all around.

Night at the Roxbury SHAYLA MCGINNESS Editor-In-Chief Night at the Roxbury...D-d-d-d-duh duh d-d-duh daduh d-d-duh. “What is love? Baby don’t hurt me, don’t hurt me. No more.” Definitely a movie to be watched OVER AND OVER AND OVER AGAIN. This movie stars two odd, yet lovable, brothers (Will Ferrell and Chris Kattan) who are avid club hoppers. Fake flower shop cashiers by day, awkwardly funny club creepers by night. Their goal is to make it into the famous Roxbury night club, but a strict list hinders them. A car crash, hot celebrity, and possible lawsuit later, the brothers step into the Roxbury on the prowl. Trance-induced by the “hottie overload,” the brothers eventually meet the club owner and some slick gold diggers. By the end of the movie you’re left with a satisfied feeling of triumph and a sore abdomen and face.

A Walk to Remember KARLEE JOHNSON Staff Reporter A Walk to Remember is one of those movies that just captures your heart. When I first saw this movie it was my all time favorite and it still is. It’s one of those love movies that you just bawl your eyes out during, or it touches your heart and you wish nothing like that ever happens to you. It’s about a rebel teenage boy, named Landon Carter (Shane West) who eventually falls in love with a girl known to be a church freak, named Jamie Sullivan (Mandy Moore). They fall in love but what he doesn’t know is that she is sick and that there is absolutely nothing he can do except be there for her. Can you say romantic? It’s an absolute fairytale and that’s exactly why I fell in love with this movie.


12

A&E

3/27/12

Once on This Island tells touching story LISA GRAY Staff Reporter The Auburn Riverside Theater Players presented Once on This Island with a bang. The play was based on the novel My Love, My Love by Rosa Guy, the book and lyrics by Lynn Ahrens and music by Stephen Flaherty. This is a story of life, pain, love, grief, faith and hope. For those who didn’t see the play (and maybe for those who did, who were not quite able to understand exactly what was happening), the plotline is based on a Caribbean-style The Little Mermaid, but set on an island divided between two classes, the poor peasants and the rich “grands homme.” The play starts with a thunderstorm, and gathered around a fire are people who tell the story of Ti Moune. In this play the Gods rule the fate of the island people. They create a car accident with a rich man named Daniel (played by senior Andrew Aguilar). Ti Moune (played by sophomore Rizelle Rosales) finds him and keeps him alive with her love. When Pape Ge, The God of Death, (delightfully played by senior Kyle Stocker) comes to take Daniel’s life, Ti Moune stops him with her undying love and trades her life for Daniel’s. Daniel gets taken back to his side of

the island and Ti Moune follows due to her devotion, the Gods helping her on her journey to find him. Eventually, she reaches him and helps heal his wounds, and they eventually fall in love. During a ball, a family friend of Daniel named Andrea (played by talented senior Jade Swepston) tries to make Ti Moune look bad in front of the Grand Hommes by making her dance. The plan backfires because Ti Moune’s dance wins the admiration of all the Grand Hommes. Soon after, Ti Moune figures out that Daniel was promised to Andrea when they were children; Ti Moune is devastated. Then Papa Ge reappears and reminds her that she still owes him her life. The rest? Well, just in case you someday find yourself with the opportunity to see a production of the musical, I’ll not talk about the end. Everyone in the play acted with a ton of energy. Their emotions and actions were spot on, and their singing was also very pretty. The songs were upbeat and emotional. The small orchestra most of the time were on key and I didn’t really notice them, which is a good thing, as they blended in nicely with the whole performance. The set design was a positive aspect of the play. It was colorful, and inventive. This was musical director Karla Seman’s own de-

sign. Her direction made an unusual and unconventional musical come alive. But, just like everything in the world, there were negative aspects of this play. Although the singing was excellent, I found it hard to understand, especially since there was very little talking in the play and the majority of the singing told you what was happening. As always, the students persevered in performing a challenging musical not once, but on at least seven different occasions. During a rehearsal, sophomore Rizelle Rosales is surrounded by senior Katia Pawlak and junior Bryce Publow. Rosales had a lead singing role. Pawlak and Publow played her parents in this Carribean-style musical.

PHOTOS COURTESY KATIE CARSON

Marquez dedicated to unique metalsmithing KELLEY PICKETT Staff Reporter

Throughout Riverside, many students are captivated by the art of metalsmithing, and are grateful to have Wendy Woldenberg to teach jewelry making. One student in particular is growing into an amazing jeweler. Senior Kenia Marquez is at the highest level of jeweling offered at Riverside: six semesters spent slaving over a jeweler’s work bench, metal in hand, honing her creativity. Marquez has been in Woldenberg’s class since her second semester of freshman year.

Her least favorite part of making jewelry is running into bumps in the road when making a piece. “Sometimes I have to change my ideas because they don’t work out or I don’t have enough time,” she admits. She doesn’t let this get her down though, as she strives and continuously spits out amazing jewelry. Her favorite piece, she said, was her fish necklace. Woldenberg added that her special memory with Marquez was creating artwork for the exhibition “InMotion” together. Marquez looks up to Woldenberg, and named her as her role model. “She’s really successful,” Marquez said. “She has her own website and sells her jewelry through it.” Her parents support her PHOTOS BY DEVON GONZALEZ-YOXTHEIMER passion, thankfully. “They The jewelry class has given senior Kenia Marquez the tools needed to win awards at state competitions. want me to keep doing it after high school and start selling Marquez won second place at Passing Her favorite part of the craft is “Making the Torch, the statewide metalsmithing it,” Marquez said. designs that are unique and aren’t really competition. She dedicates a large amount She plans on going to either a technical seen anywhere else.” Her designs are the of time to her artwork. She spends lots of fun school or community college to study weldessence of unique; they are intriguing and hours after school working on her projects ing. “I just want to work with metal,” she innovative. and creations, dedicated to the core. In her said, quick to express her love of jewelry Woldenberg described Marquez as “Ab- spare time, though, she likes to spend time making. solutely right on.” with friends.


A&E

3/27/12

13

Lucas adds to films... again DEVON GONZALEZ-YOXTHEIMER Staff Reporter It’s 1977, and the town is buzzing with talk of a new movie coming out at the local theater. People crowd to see it, and then come back to watch it again and again. What is this ground-breaking movie that has shaped the future of all of sci-fi culture? Star Wars became a hit, sparking a wave of nerd-ism that could only be rivaled by Star Trek and Doctor Who. The wave continues to roll as people of all ages are introduced to the classic series. However, this well-known film has received a makeover with the new and improved George Lucas remakes. He decided to go big and redid the whole series and also put it into 3D. Many of these changes were made in order to make the series to be more like his original vision. Some of the changes are small, some are a little more noticeable. For the most part, changes consisted of adding or removing things to make sure that it is continuous throughout the film. In the more recently released installments (Episodes 1-3) the changes were not really big, just adding depth to characters and more CGI. These changes were received with mixed feelings among the fans.

GRAPHIC BY JAYMES FLEURY

The large changes took place in the original trilogy (Episodes 4-6), where whole scenes were added, and placing things not in the original cut. One of the scenes that has been added would be in Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back where Lucas will be adding a wampa scene when Han Solo runs away from the Imperials. Mr. Lucas hopes to replace all of the old copies of Star Wars with these newer renditions, saying that they are not

finished and that the released films are just “rough drafts” and that the modified films will be closer to the “final cut.” Lucas hopes that by making these changes there will be a more constant feel throughout the films. These changes don’t change the story line of the films at all, but it does change the feel of it and the memories that Star Wars fans have of the original trilogy. But it would be nice to see the trilogy remastered in High Definition.

New Final Fantasy a dream DYLAN JOHNSTON Staff Reporter I think this game is a great continuation from Final Fantasy XIII. I give it a 10 out of 10 for amazing gameplay and good story. Final Fantasy XIII, Part 2, begins in Valhalla where the players start the game as Lightning. In Valhalla the game runs you through some of the basics of the game, a tutorial of sorts. Valhalla is in a war with a guy named Caius Ballad. He is the new villain. The game continues three years after Final Fantasy 13. Serah believes that Lightning is alive while everyone else in the village thinks she died or is in the crystal protecting cocoon. Then one night monsters attack New Bodhum, and then Noel Kreiss saves Serah from the creatures attacking her. Then afterwards you must find a temporal rift to open up a time gate. A temporal rift is where you have to solve a puzzle like problem, or a paradox in the world. The players go through the time gate and end up in the Historia Crux, where they get to choose what world to go to next. The worlds are all in different times, like 400 years in the future, or 400 years

in the past. At which point the game truly begins, with no more tutorials and stuff like that. There were many new things added to the game. For example, there are improved graphics. The developers also added in a live action trigger to the game, which is where when you are in a cutscene sometimes you can choose what the character says. They have added the mog clock into the game as well, and monsters no longer roam around the map. The downside of the game is the confusing combat; it’s not like the turn-based action we are used to in the older Final Fantasies. Instead, the game now uses the active time battle, also known as the command synergy battle system, which makes use of the paradigm shift system. A paradigm shift is where you choose what all of your teammates are doing. For example, you can make one person use magic and another use melee or ranged, and you can switch paradigms as well. Once you get used to the combat, it’s a lot easier to play the game. I highly recommend you get this game, but play the first FF13 so you can understand the story.


14

A&E

3/27/12

Sub Zero ice cream simply sub par SHAYLA MCGINNESS Editor-In-Chief Sub Zero is a hip little ice cream and yogurt shop located in Federal Way by The Commons Mall. I heard about it from a staff member, whose sister claimed it had the best ice cream around Western Washington. Being a dedicated fan of Baskin Robbins, I was highly suspicious of this. Looking upon their website, it was very impressive. They had their whole menu on their site, with an explanation of how their crazy method of madness works. Sub Zero has a four part method. Frst you choose the base. The base options are premium (14%), custard (10%), low fat (5%), yogurt (0%), and soy/rice milk (0%). I choose a yogurt base since I heard the yogurt was the best around. My partner in crime choose the custard. The next part was choosing the flavor; this was very difficult since they have a multitude of choices. Being a chocoholic, they generously provided three different varieties of chocolate: fudge, sweet chocolate, and white chocolate. The fudge was supposed to be a supercharged thick and rich chocolaty concoction, versus the sweet chocolate that was supposed to taste more like Hershey kisses, more creamy and not as condensed. Blackberry was the flavor for the custard

PHOTO COURTESY CREATIVE COMMONS LICENSE, FLICKR.COM

Sub Zero uses nitrogen to freeze your ice cream.

ice cream. When the gentlemen at the counter asked for my base of choice, he poured the liquid yogurt into this big cake batter bowl. After choosing the fudge for my flavor, he picked up a bottle (one of the many colored squirt bottles filled with colorful yet dubious looking liquids) that emitted a jet of brown fluid. This mixture of yellow and brown broth was not appetizing. The blackberry flavoring just looked like food coloring, almost like purple drink.

The third step was choosing an addin (first one is free) out of over 25. These choices range from nuts, candies, and cookies. Chocolate almond ice cream being my favorite, I went with the almonds. Disappointingly, they were sliced, not whole, so I couldn’t taste them what-so-ever. At this point he passed the bowl into another Sub Zero staff member’s station. “How would you like your ice cream, Teeth Tingler, Numb Tongue, or Brain Freeze?” random Sub Zero employee said.

These were just clever terms for soft serve, scoopable, and frozen solid. Feeling silly, I mumbled “Numb Tongue.” Switzerland would have been so proud. This was definitely the highlight of the experience. With a flip of a switch, liquid nitrogen came blasting through the pipes of a ten feet high, five feet wide nitrogen tank. Oh yeah, did I mention the HUGE nitrogen tank in the corner of the dining area? From a pipe above the counter, nitrogen blasted into the bowl, and after, the questionable liquid was fantastically frozen! Eyes glazed over in amazement at this incredible feat, I realized at that moment the true importance of science. What came after? Disappointment. The blackberry ice cream was terrible! It could have possibly been made from some sort of blackberry, but the concentrated flavor was foreign. I’m not sure if it was the flavoring or the yogurt base, but in my bowl, chocolate was not what I tasted. It was a comme ci, comme ça flavor. Maybe something daycare would try to pass of as “ice cream” to all the little kids. Well, Subzero, you can’t fool me. Word of advice to all the die hard ice cream and frozen yogurt fans, save your money! Not only is this place expensive but it’s also not very good. I will always be a Baskin Robins lover. Subzero=zero. Baskin Robins, WE OUT.

Rennels models her talent Sci-fi film chronicles superpowers JAYMES FLEURY Staff Reporter

MACKENZIE BROWN Staff Reporter

Many aspire to be one, few make the cut. But inspiration can be found with junior Shelby Rennels, a model with Seattle Tal- Junior Shelby Rennels ent. At Seattle Talent many people audition for movies, commercials, and modeling. Rennels has been modeling since she was five years old and modeling at Seattle Talent for a short five months and has recently auditioned for a commercial. Rennels has a true ability to sell the product. See the photos yourself—tough to compete with. Striking facial features, fit physique, and sleek blonde hair make quite the amazing package. Outside of the camera lense, Rennels enjoys to sketch and draw in her free time. Rennels’ favorite class is her first year German class with Frau Bardsley. Rennels plans to continue her career even further. In fact, she is pretty confident that she will be with Seattle Talent “100 percent, all the way!” She recently did a photoshoot that can be seen on her Facebook account along with her other PHOTO COURTESY SHELBY RENNELS work, such as her fashion show with a Fashion Design College and a fashion line Junior Shelby Rennels uses pictures from photoshoots for the Seattle Seahawks. such as this one to audition for commercials.

Chronicle is the first really good movie I’ve seen so far this year. The setting starts off with a socially awkward kid who carries around a camera to videotape his life. When he, his cousin, and another friend explore a mysterious hole in the ground, they gain superpowers. The friendship quickly turns bad when one of the characters turns power crazy. Although I doubted the movie before I saw it, it turned out to be pretty entertaining. Despite how it looks, it’s pretty funny. Of course, the movie isn’t meant to specifically be a comedy, but that doesn’t mean you can’t laugh. It turns more serious later in the movie, but for the most part, the beginning is quite humorous. After the main characters start getting too strong it gets more serious though. The whole movie seemed very realistic, including the fact that they could fly, which was strongly supported with cool effects. The movie never failed to surprise, and what I definitely enjoyed were that the previews showcasing the film didn’t give away

any key information (which I find happens all too often in movies). The whole movie was fun to watch, but the plot was fairly weak. The same things seemed to keep happening, and although some of the characters progressed in the story, some didn’t. Also, the movie didn’t introduce any new characters along with the exception of maybe two. It was the same three main characters over and over. Then when they brought in a few characters, they just disappeared without continuing through to the end of the story. I believe that the movie was definitely a good one to see, and despite the fact that it had a few flaws, its special effects and surprises still make it a valued use of time and money.


SPORTS

3/27/12

15

Clarke captains team with heart and skill DANIELLE CHIRIGUAYO Staff Reporter She’s a leader on and off the field. Senior Breanna Clarke is not only a fastpitch captain, but one of Riverside’s star players. As an outfielder, she has found her calling in a sport that is as much about skill as it is about hitting. She started out on the team as a sophomore, and almost immediately fell in love with the sport. Even now, two years later, she has stuck with the sport and is more successful than ever. Last season, Clarke was voted as one of the “second team” players in the SPSL South League, a great honor to any fastpitch player. The SPSL (South Puget Sound League) is the “largest 4A classification interscholastic sports league in Washington State” according to its website. To be chosen as a team player by the SPSL, according to fastpitch coach Chris Leverenz, is a big honor, and shows that Clarke is a definite contribution to not only her team, but to the entire league. Besides playing for Riverside, Clarke also plays for an independent league in Federal Way. She plays for the USSSA, and has been a part of the organization for two years, the same amount of time she’s been with Riverside’s team. Playing for two years, in both a league and for Riverside, Clarke admits that fast-

pitch is one of the best parts of her day. Although the entire sport is quite enjoyable, her favorite part is going up to bat. “I love it,” Clarke said. “Hitting is my favorite part.” Although it seems as if fastpitch has always been the sport for Clarke, it wasn’t always that way. As a freshman, and during a portion of her sophomore year, Clarke competed on the JV soccer team. But after trying out fastpitch for fun, she immediately left soccer, and decided fastpitch was the sport for her. Besides fastpitch, Clarke also belongs to the the varsity swim and dive team. Last season, Clarke and her teammates went to league, and although she enjoys swim very much, fastpitch holds a place close to her heart. After high school, Clarke is hoping to play “ball” in college as well. She hasn’t exactly made up her mind, but as of right now, she is hoping to attend UPS or Pierce College, and play for either of them. The idea of playing fastpitch in college, Clarke explained, seems very exciting, although very tiring, considering that at Pierce, they

PHOTO COURTESY BREANNA CLARKE

Senior Breanna Clarke switched from soccer to fastpitch and quickly fell in love with the sport.

have practices from 2-7 p.m. Besides playing sports, in college, Clarke is hoping to major in sports medicine, and become a physical therapist later on in life. Which makes sense, since here at Riverside, she is a part of the Sports Medicine club. Outside of sports, Clarke also belongs to Raven Crew and R.A.K.E. Originally, Raven Crew didn’t call to her, since school

and fastpitch were priorities in her life. But eventually, Clarke and her close friends joined Raven Crew, and since then, she hasn’t regretted the choice. “You get to meet a lot of people you normally wouldn’t meet,” Clarke said. Breanna Clarke, captain of the fastpitch team, Raven Crew leader, and future physical therapist; a standout person in every area.

Dedication steps up to bat: Grentz gives blood, sweat and tears KARLEE JOHNSON Staff Reporter

Dedication is something all athletes need. Dedication to the team, themselves and whatever comes with it. Sophomore Mitchell Grentz shows all his dedication to his most prized sport, baseball. As the year goes by, all Grentz

PHOTO COURTESY MITCHELL GRENTZ

Sophomore Mitchell Grentz lives and breathes baseball.

looks forward to is baseball season. He not only plays for the school but also on a select team outside of school. Little League was what really inspired him to continue playing baseball. Little League is a chance for kids to learn the basics of baseball and it just so happened that Grentz had more talent than expected. To continue with this he needed lots of support and right now he gets that from sophomores Skyler Erben, Toni Villa, Brady Cummings and family. Grentz gives at least 14 hours each week of the month just playing and practicing. When baseball season comes around Grentz gives up time that can be used to be with his family or friends. Baseball to him is like a cell phone and a person, so attached that you can’t pry them apart. When he is on the field, he feels like an inspiring American. He plays 3rd base, catcher and pitcher, and since these are really important positions, Grentz is a very important player. We all have these big dreams, but it just so happens that Grentz has a bigger dream: to become a professional baseball player. He knows it is going to take a lot of hard work, and to him, it’s worth it. Baseball

is not something that he is going to give up anytime soon. When he dedicates his time, sweat, blood and tears, he knows that this is something he can’t just give up. He has to stick with it. That’s exactly what he is doing, and he plans to keep pursing this dream and go through any obstacles that come in his way. Being on a select team, he considers his teammates to be like family. They support each other and learn off each others mistakes. Each game brings them closer together whether they win or lose. Around school Grentz is typically the guy seen with all the guy “jocks.” If you went up to him and asked “Hey, what do you do in your free time?” he would straight up tell you “I spend most of my time giving my life away to baseball.” Grentz does not play any other sports only because it would just get in the way with baseball, and recently he just quit skateboarding. “Baseball is an amazing sport,” Gretz said. “It gives you that rush in your body and lets you be the best you can be.”


SPORTS

Sports Update

16 Girls Tennis The tennis team has yet to have a match, although Coach Bruce Diehl has faith two of his seniors will make it to State this year. Only two varsity starting players returned, seniors Jessica Lancaster and Susan Suznevich. Their next match is today, March 27.

Girls Water Polo The Water Polo girls are back and better than ever, with their season starting at 2-0. Their top players are Kate Wallen, Katia Pawlak, Payton Gray, Marissa Rydzewski, Karlee Rogers and Kayla Clarke. The goal of the season is to get 1st in state and beat Gig Harbor, which happens to be their biggest competition. Beating Gig Harbor would be amazing for them because they have always beat the Ravens in State. Earlier in the season, they played Auburn High and destroyed them, 22-4.

Boys Soccer Riverside’s varsity soccer team is starting up again and it is better than ever. They had their first game last Tuesday at Kentlake and it went great; both teams played very well. The goals of the team this season are to have the best season possible and with top players juniors Mark Kavanaugh, Gio Gonzalez, Mason Norgard, and Dylan Vickers and a lot of hard work it could be possible to go to State.

Baseball The boys baseball team is getting a fresh start under new coach Jon Aarstad. The team’s goals are to get better every day, return to the playoffs, build off of last year and go to state. The team’s best players are Justin Jacobs and Cameron Boardway. Obstacles to overcome include the mental grind of 6 days a week for 8 weeks. The team hopes the weather will work with them. So far they’ve defeated both Auburn and Auburn Mountainview. Today they take on Kentlake.

3/27/12 Fastpitch The fastpitch team is starting the season off with optimism and looking forward to many wins. The captain of the team, senior Breanna Clarke, says the girls have a lot of fun and are a great group of athletes. Unfortunately the team lost six seniors last year, all starters. They’re working hard at practice, and Coach Chris Leverenz is sure to get them in shape. They play Kentlake today at Game Farm Park.

Track and Field The track team’s season officially started on March 21. The team has been successful so far due to the help of atheletes James Senyonga, Andre Zadneprovskiy, Korey Krotser, and Trevor Love. At their last meet, the team competed against Seattle Academy. Riverside came in first out of the girls teams and second out of the boys. Their goal is to get their top athletes to State.


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