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Major step forward as combat roles are opened to women for the first time.

volume lii, issue no. 6

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Black Student Union hosts dance competition

by Kira Brenner news editor This time were gonna get funky cha cha real smooth. Turn it out, are a few of the iconic phrases from the Cha Cha Slide, which blasted from the speaker system and kicked off the Black Student Union (BSU) Dance Competition, held in Aragons theater on Sat., Feb. 23. At the start of the competition, the host, junior and BSU member Akil Hamsath, invited all the dancers at the competition to come onto the stage and dance the Cha Cha Slide as a collective group of dancers before the formal program began. Dancers came running, jumping, and turning from all corners of the theater to hop up onto the stage, filling it almost completely. The number was accompanied by a cheering and clapping audience as each dancer brought a personal flair and attitude to the staple group routine. Beginning at noon and lasting roughly two hours, the continued on page 12

Through the lens: five ways cameras have changed the world in the past decade.

Aragon students analyze their vote on the death penalty in last years mock election.

ragon Outlook
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900 alameda de las pulgas, san mateo, ca 94402 march 7, 2013

Left: Christa McAuliffe Middle School collects the Spirit Award trophy after the competition. Top: The Mercy High School dance team performs their competition choreography. Bottom: The Bret Harte dance team freestyles during break.

photos by sam alavi

Final rehearsals for Laramie Project Aragon prepares for

by Jordan Kranzler news staff This March, Aragon students will put on a production of The Laramie Project, a play that follows the community reaction to the 1998 murder of Matthew Shepard, a gay student at the University of Wyoming in the town of Laramie. The story of Matthew Shepard has since grown from a tragic news event into a rallying cry for those in the movement of fighting hate crimesor violent crimes directed at a person due to actual or perceived membership in a certain group, such as sexual orientation, race and gender identity. The production follows a group of filmmakers from the Tectonic Theatre Project, a New York-based theater company, as they interview various community members and try to understand more about the recent death and its causes. Says director Shane Smuin, I love the fact that [The Laramie Project] takes theater and really changes the way it is presented, meaning, first of all, none of it is fiction; it's all real people. It's all their words, and it's around a real event. So it's the closest thing you could possibly get to a documentary on stage. Senior Jared Dilibero agrees, Something great about this play [is that] instead of a person sitting down and writing a script and making up characters, these people are real; these are the words they have said. And with that, you have descriptions of Matthew Shepard and you get glimpses of his life. Its a beautiful thing because you have this horrible accident but you get to see this great continued on page 2

biennial career day

by Monica Mai news staff

Robotics team places first at CVR

by Kira Brenner news editor The Aragon Robotics Team (ART) went to Madera from March 1 to March 3 to compete in the Central Valley Robotics Regional (CVR). In the competition, each school was paired with two other schools and competed against another team of three schools. The robots had to shoot frisbees across a 27 feet by 54 feet field. The second task of the competition gave teams the chance to earn 10, 20 or 30 points; robots had an allotted time to try to climb as high as they could on a pyramid set up on the field. Forming an alliance with Team 1678 (The Citrus Circuits) and Team 295 (Renevatio), ARTs alliance won first place out of the 38 teams. The team took a pit crew and general members of the team to Madera. However, not all ART members came to the competition. Junior and ART member Yuki Chin, who did not attend the event, says, I watched the competition through a live stream. It is still so surreal. I have to keep reminding myself that we actually did it. Senior Lauren Chan says, We had a really consistent shooter, so as long we could get into the correct position to shoot, we dominated in scoring. Because the Aragon Robotics Team qualified at CVR for the FIRST Robotics Competition Championship held in St. Louis but did not win an award, they would be expected to pay a $5,000 registration fee. In addition to the $5,000 already paid for the Silicon Valley Regional (SVR), the team hopes to raise another $5,000 in order to go to championships. Additional reporting by Sangwon Yun and Annika Ulrich

This issue was sent to the printers before Career Day. Two days ago, on March 5, students at Aragon were given the opportunity to explore a vast array of jobs and professions. Offered every two years, Career Day enables students to explore career fields in which they may be interested. This year, Career Day was adjusted in several ways. Career Day was coordinated by co-chairs Sue Blockstein and Michele Bronstein. Says Blockstein, The first thing is that we tried to get different speakers. Even if we were using the same professions, we tried to get different speakers. Last time, the doctors were the same as they were two years prior to that, so we wanted to bring new ones around 80 percent of the speakers are new. In order to select the presenters, the career day committee reviewed the 2011 student evaluations. We used personal connections from the co-chair and myself and we ask people we know and things like that, says Blockstein. In addition to new present-

ers, the planners decided to take a different approach on assigning students to the professionals. This year, students were asked to indicate their preferred presenters via a Google Docs form available through SchoolLoop. Blockstein says, I hope that they get a chance to see a career theyre interested in and just learn about it. I hope they get some ideas about opportunities and to see what its like. Based upon the students responses submitted via Google Docs, the Aragon Outlook highlighted seven presenters with greater popular demand: Alicia Petrakis, chef and coowner of the Astaria Restaurant, shared with students how she got involved in the food industry and did a demo with former Aragon student, Reynaldo Montes. Many Aragon students were interested in this profession, and Petrakis says, It is something most everyone can relate to: food. Everyone goes out to eat, and most young people end up working in some type of food establishment while in school. Video game developer Kristina Tomalesky lent insight on the continued on page 1

NEWS

volume lii, issue no. 6 thursday, march 7, 2013

Major changes Rally premieres video based on in standardized Batman trailer, The Don Rises testing lie ahead
by Brianne Felsher news staff Every April, Aragon students fill in the customary bubble sheets known as STAR tests, anticipating brunch muffins and lunchtime raffles as they answer the questions. Whether deplored, accepted, or simply tolerated, STAR tests are a familiar part of spring at Aragon. However, this years April may be the last to see the traditional Math, English, History and Science STAR tests. California Superintendent Tom Torlakson has proposed a large scale restructuring of state testing. If the proposal is passed by the state legislature, STAR tests will disappear, to be replaced by new tests designed by the Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium, starting in the 2014-2015 school year. These testing changes are a response to the Common Core State Standards (CCSS), a new series of educational guidelines that California, along with 44 other states, has adopted. The CCSS adds a focus on literacy and critical thinking to Californias state standards. Cynthia Clark, director of curriculum and assessment for the San Mateo Union High School District, says, You will see much more writing across the curriculum. The new tests will represent a departure from the customary #2 pencils and erasers of STAR testing. Instead, the tests will be largely computer-based. If computerized testing were implemented, Assistant Principal Jim Coe says, It would have to be kind of a rolling two or three week period of time where students would [be] brought in on a particular day [or] a particular period to take the test. In addition, the new tests will reduce the number of multiple choice questions, replacing them with student responses and short answer. Sophomore Lillian Bahribek says, [Short answer] shows more of what you know, but multiple choice is easier, because it kind of narrows down your answer. Junior Dogukan Ucan would rather have multiple choice tests. He says, Multiple choice questions are good because, basically, they test if you directly know it, because theres only one answer. With a short answer, it can be interpreted many different ways. If Torlaksons proposal is passed into law, starting next year, the number of students who have to take state tests will decrease. In high school, only 11th graders will be required to take math and english standardized testing. Clark says, [Junior] year is critical because youve now had three years of instruction. So you should have an idea of whether students are ready for college or career. Science standardized tests may also be given to 10th graders only. The California High School Exit Examination (CAHSEE) may also be discontinued. Freshman Jacob Garrison suggests that underclassman take practice tests and says, If you practice it you have a better idea of what you need to know and what you dont need to know. The California Department of Education Assessment Division says that the CCSS encourages the critical thinking skills required for colleges and universities. Ucan says, Critical thinking will apply to you more in daily life, so I think thats more important to test than straight facts. Principal Pat Kurtz thinks that the changes to state standards and testing are positive. Kurtz says, It creates more of a team concept as we look at teaching now. Clark adds, Its a very exciting time for education. For teachers, [education is] no longer so memory [oriented] and by rote. Its more creative. Aragon departments are also adapting to the new standards. Andrea Gould, math teacher and District Math Coordinator, says, The standards for mathematics are about how students use mathematics and not just learning more rote skills like [the ones] you use in elementary school. But actually how to be a user and consumer of mathematics, and standards are built around that. Initially, the Advanced Placement (AP) math classes will be less affected. AP Calculus BC Teacher Rich Serrao says, Well try to do lower classes first. Eventually Common Core may have more of an effect on the AP classes. Holly Dietz, English Teacher and District English Coordinator, describes the effect on the English curriculum and says, [The curriculum will be] a little bit more skill based than content based I love the idea that state assessments will be more complex than simple multiple choice tests. On the other hand, Social Studies Teacher Cristina Trujillo says, I think a lot of the Common Core Standards are already done in some way in most social studies classes. Theyre just things we logically do. The future of state testing is still largely uncertain. The new tests, if they are approved by the state legislature, will not go into effect until the 2014-2015 school year. Gould says, The unknown about what CAHSEEs going to be replaced with is up in the air. Kurtz says, It should be interesting. Were all waiting.

Students watch the trailer for The Don Rises during the winter sports rally.

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by Matt McHugh news staff On Friday, Feb. 8, the latest rally video, The Don Rises, was released at the annual winter sports rally. The video was written, edited, performed and produced by seniors Ian Barrie, Keaton Moe, Jared Dilibero, Parvir Aujla, and junior Patrick Lin. Aragons varsity basketball team won 58-43 against Hillsdale shortly after the video was released. The game was completely sold out. The Don Rises was based off of the trailer for The Dark Knight Rises, released on July 20, 2012. In the video, the Don, portrayed by Ian Barrie, is initially defeated by the Knight, portrayed by Jared Dilibero, and a series of clips of the defeat of Aragon sports teams follow. Then, the don rises to de-

feat the knight, and clips of Aragon teams victories are shown. The Don Rises is the third Aragon rally video. Last year, the same group of leadership students made a music video, Chillin with a Don, a parody of the Lonely Islands Im on a Boat. In 2011, Donception premiered at the winter sports rally as the first Aragon rally video. Barrie says, Nobody had ever done anything like it before, and we chose to parody the trailer because it summarizes the plot in an appropriate time span. The first stage in the video making process is the brainstorm. We normally spend about a day brainstorming ideas together, says Barrie. For The Don Rises, there were more sports scenes than previous rally videos. Moe says, We use the sports scenes as a substitute for explosions in the trailer.

Not only are there no explosions in the videos, but there are no swords or any type of weapons either. Aujla adds, A lot of censoring goes into these videos. There are about four or five meetings with administration about censoring content. Adds Barrie, [Administration] was more lenient with the censoring this time around. [It is] probably because they trust us more after the last two videos. Since Lin is the only video creator who will not graduate this year, the legacy of the rally videos could be in jeopardy. However, Moe says, Patrick is very intent on keeping the videos around next year, and hell probably get others involved as well. For additional content, including exclusive online articles and photos, please visit aragonoutlook.org.

continued from page 1 character of this person. The costumes worn by the actors will be very minimalistic, only consisting of a few pieces to ornament an all-black outfit. Explains sophomore Savanna Cyr, Usually clothing and appearance can show who a person is. Especially at school, you can look at a person and their clothes and see who they are. But with [this play], there are little set pieces so you can really look behind the clothes and see the character itself through the emotion and their actions and how they portray this character. Youre focused more on the actor than being distracted by the clothing. Adds senior Eli Mayerson, The concept of the play is that it is set in blank performance space and its purely the actors that bring the show to life. In an unusual change, all cast members will be on-stage and visible to the audience at all times, even during scenic and costume changes. Remarks Smuin, Its

Laramie to open on March 21

sort of like taking the mask off of theater and exposing it in its rawest form. Despite the horrifying event the play is based on, it still manages to feature an element of positivity. Says freshman Nathan Tolfa, who plays Aaron Kreifels in the play, [Aaron] was the boy who found the body of Matthew Shepard. He just feels very bad that he wasnt able to save him. He continues, He doesnt really think of things as gay or straight; hes just about how its a boy that died out in Laramie. Adds Tolfa, A lot of people that I have heard have been talking about how it was a sad and tragic play, and while thats true, its also very hopeful in talking about what good can come from something as terrible as what happened to Matthew Shepard. Smuin agrees, There is a character named Doc OConnor. He is a limo driver in Wyoming who took Matthew Shepard to gay bars in Fort Collins, Colorado, so he knew him. And he

got the impression from [him] that he was a positive-thinking kind of person and an honest, sincere kind of guy, and that even though he was brutally beaten to deaththe outcome of this crime he would want to have positive change come out of it, explains Smuin, noting this change is recognition that it was a hate crime and recognition that they must be put through the justice system. Mayerson concludes, Statistics show that annually there are twenty killings solely due to the fact that the victims were LGBT. Last year the number was twice that. Hate crimes of all natures are a serious problem in our country and Laramie Project is a great way to combat that. By presenting a broad range of real reactions to a serious hate crime, the audience gets a full picture, and education is a primary component of activism. When more people recognize the problem, more people want a solution and policy changes.

volume lii, issue no. 6 thursday, march 7, 2013

NEWS
interested in how they make their movies. With our new building and new classrooms, we feel that hopefully by next year we can get enough interest to build at least one section, Carrillo says, And really thats all were shooting for, one section. We dont want to start too big. Were going to start in steps. In addition, juniors and seniors will be given priority to take the class for the first year. About 19 sign-ups are needed for the class to start next year, and there are no prerequisites to take the class. One potential problem for the new film class is cost, as both software and cameras are expensive. While this problem is still being considered, it is most likely that five to ten cameras will be shared among students of the class, and students will work in groups on their film projects. The film class fulfills a Career and Technical Education (CTE) requirement that will be added to the districts graduation requirements. Starting with the class of 2016, Aragon students will be required to take a technology or vocational class for one year. Due to the 10 credits needed for the CTE requirement, the elective credits required for graduation will be reduced from 50 credits to 40. Gomez thinks that the CTE requirement is a positive change and says, [The CTE requirement] could be really good, so that you could be more diverse [in choosing classes] and learn... something new. One of the attractions of a film class is that it provides development for career-oriented skills. Carrillo adds, Career Technical Education prides itself on getting students prepared for the work force, and I feel like this class can be a brief introduction into fields of employments and industries that really are invaluable. Liu explains his reasons for wanting to take the class, saying, [I want to take the class] to get a [better] sense of what film is and different aspects of film: the editing process, the outlining process. The class is both technological and artistic. The curriculum includes composition, aesthetics,

Digital photography teacher brings film to Aragon

by Brianne Felsher news staff Next year, future film producers and film enthusiasts will be able to explore video through a new Aragon class: The Art of Video. The Art of Video is a film production class to be taught by photography teacher Nicholas Carrillo. The course will focus on a wide range of topics from storytelling to editing. Carrillo explains, We felt like we werent up to par in terms of the other schools and...it was simply the class the kids wanted. Since Ive had the posters up, Ive been getting a lot of interest in here. Film classes are already taught at three other San Mateo Union High School District schools: Capuchino, Burlingame and Mills. Some Aragon students who have taken film classes in middle school have expressed interest in continuing to learn about film. Freshman Scott Liu says, I took two film classes in middle school, so I have some kind of background, but Id like to take a high school film class. In middle school, Liu particularly liked making silent horror films. He says, I think dialogue distracts you from what the film is trying to conveyeven though it can add something. Freshman Anjanette Gomez says, Ive always been interested in movies and things on YouTube since I was younger. When I see peoples videos on YouTube, I get design, editing, camera angles and use of the equipment. Students who excel in English may like the course because it also teaches storytelling and script writing. Carrillo says, A lot of students feel like, I cant draw. Im not a good artist. But really, artistry comes in many forms. And so, a lot of these kids have never even tapped into their film or their artistry as movie producers.

preston harry

New elective courses to be offered for 2013-2014 year

by Angela Solis news staff While students still have about three full months remaining in this school year, March is marked by course selections. Already, students are being asked to make careful decisions about their schedules for the 2013-2014 school year. In addition to traditional graduation requirements and electives, Aragon will possibly be offering The Art of Video(detailed separately), AP Music Theory, Yoga/ Pilates, Peer Helping, Personal Finance, and Career Choices. AP Music Theory, an intensive year-long course for juniors and seniors, will be making a comeback after being absent from this years course roster. It will be taught by band conductor and music teacher Troy Davis. However, AP Music Theorys return is not based on student popularity, but on tradition. Davis comments, Weve been offering it every other year. We have a certain number of spaces based on the materials we have, but I also need to have a minimum number of students in the class to make sure it will run. Junior Chelsea Victor, who plans on taking AP Music Theory, comments, I want to be a singer when I grow up. I think its good for me to know music theory and to know the history behind music. I think theres a lot of students here at Aragon who are dedicated to music, so I feel like those people would take AP Music Theory. Many students have expressed excitement over a new yoga and Pilates class that will be taught next year by current health and PE teacher, Barbara Beaumont. According to Beaumont, the semester-long class will be titled Mind, Body, Fitness. Beaumont comments, Students have always said that it would be good to have this [yoga] type of class. The PE department is really supportive about it. Im going to cater the class to however the students want it. If they say they want two days of yoga and two days of fitness, then Ill do it that way. Junior Laurel Machak explains, I really would like to do yoga outside of school, but I dont have time for it. Im really excited to be taking yoga during school. Although the class will be new to Aragon, yoga and Pilates classes are available in other schools in the San Mateo Union High School District already. Continues Beaumont, I used to teach a class like this at Hillsdale, but it was an aerobics class. Because it already exists in the district, it didnt need to be written up as a new class. Efforts to bring a peer helping class to Aragon have been headed by teachers Vince Bravo and Cristina Trujillo. The semesterlong course, similar in parts to one at Mills High School, aims to teach students valuable skills in communication and problem solving while also preparing students to be leaders in the Aragon community. Explains Trujillo, After completing a semester of training in the fall, students can apply to be either peer helpers, peer tutors, or peer educators. This will allow them to help in mediation, tutor in classes, or pursue projects that they think will help the Aragon community. Even if students are not interested in being a part of the peer helping program after completing the semester-long course, Trujillo encourages students to participate to hone the skills that the class helps to teach. Says Trujillo, Other schools have had programs where students participated because the class offered communication skills. Some graduates come back to teachers and tell them that they use the peer helping skills in the workplace. Theyve had to work with people that have very different personalities or belief systems, and sometimes that gets touchy. Its good to have those kinds of skills to listen, communicate, and be openminded. Adds counselor Steve Allekotte, Peer helping is a fantastic course for students who are interested in becoming counselors or psychologists. Next year, seniors will exclusively have the opportunity to take two individual semester courses titled Personal Finance and Career Choices. The classes will both be taught by teacher Julie Suess of the special education department. Additional reporting by Annika Ulrich

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NEWS
by Brandon Yan news staff

volume lii, issue no. 6 thursday, march 7, 2013

Online activists Combat roles opened to women suicide ignites piracy debate
by Murray Sandmeyer features staff Well-known computer programmer and co-founder of Reddit Aaron Swartz committed suicide last month. After his alleged download of copyrighted academic articles from subscription provider Journal Storage, or JSTOR, the Justice Department prosecuted Swartz with the threat of up to 50 years in prison. Faced with an enormous punishment because of alleged copyright violations, Swartzs internet activismin both life and deathstrikes a chord among tech-savvy Aragon students. Todays youth, armed with free information as a result of the internet, often sees illegal downloads as a non-issue. I dont think piracy is wrong at all, says freshman Alton Olson. Its a natural thing right now, and its not something you can stop very easily. Companies like to view every pirate as someone who is taking away their profit, but thats not true. Swartzs ambitions, in fact, were centered around his goals for free information for the world. According to the Los Angeles Times, Swartz believed the information in JSTORs academic articles belonged to everyone. After Swartz conducted the raid on JSTOR at MIT, the university blocked a plea bargain that could have allowed Swartz to receive no jail time. Following the suicide, however, Gregg Housh set up a blog surveying MIT professors on their opinion on the case. According to Housh, one anonymous professor said, All academic work should be open to all, while another was quoted, I am sympathetic to his goals, but disgusted by his methods. Swartz was helping people learn, says sophomore Gilliana Lau. People who dont have money to buy textbooks can get it for free that way. Its like he is creating his own library. Illegal downloads, however, are not always of a scholarly nature. The Department of Justices shutdown of Megaupload in early 2012 reminds internet users of the heavy-handed punishments that can arise from copyright violations. Megaupload hosted all kinds of files, ranging from video games to music. The site generated millions of dollars in profit while simultaneously harming the revenue of copyright holders, according to the Federal Bureau of Investigation. If extradited to the United States, Megauploads founders face a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. The issue of peer-to-peer sharing often smears the blame in some copyright cases. Both Napster and the Pirate Bay operated on the platform of users distributing information from computer to computer instead of utilizing a centralized server, which creates challenges for prosecutors. Junior Richard Shu says, Theres a difference between piracy and peer-to-peer sharing. Piracy is intellectual theft, like what happened with Megaupload. Peer-to-peer is where everything is made free [by users]. By current copyright laws, users of the site as well as site owners can be held responsible for copyright infringement, since the website merely acts as a platform for distribution. Even though both sites attempted to distance themselves from punishments using the peer-to-peer argument, both came face to face with legal repercussions. Opinions differ among the Aragon student body about whether or not Swartz truly committed any wrongdoings. What he did is wrong since he broke into the systems computer at MIT, says sophomore Jeremiah Rondeau. I suppose both parties were in the wrong. The prosecutors were wrong morally, but Swartz was wrong morally and legally. Documents were made available to specific students, and should not have been published [by Swartz]. Lau agrees. [Swartzs actions] were wrong, but at the same time I support him because piracy is convenient and its free, she says. Although internet users know, to an extent, that heavy punishments exist for piracy and the illegal distribution of content, to some the consequences remain unclear. Says Lau, It really isnt clear. Tons of people pirate things and share them, but I dont think people realize you can get sent to prison. Some believe that Swartzs notoriety as an activist and a programmer would assist the prosecution for publicity goals. The prosecutors are trying to make a name for themselves, says Rondeau. Its a publicity case, and people know that, but now everyone knows that they bullied him too far. In light of recent events, the Justice Department has been heavily criticized for its actions. Some believe that the suicide could have been prevented with less aggression from the prosecutors. Others, however, think that the situation should be left alone. I dont think piracy is the biggest problem in the world, says Lau. There are other things we should be worrying about, especially if pursuing this leads to a suicide. Today, General Dempsey [Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff] and I are pleased to announce that we are eliminating the direct ground combat exclusion rule for women, said United States Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta. On Jan. 23, Panetta gave this statement overturning the 1994 Pentagon rule barring women from holding combat roles in the military. According to the Defense Department, this decision will open an additional 14,325 positions to women, who currently comprise about 15 percent of the approximately 1.5 million active U.S. troops. However, women will not be able to serve in Special Forces such as Navy SEAL Teams. Despite the new policy, U.S. servicewomen have witnessed combat in the past, only under non-combat occupations. In modern warzones such as Iraq and Afghanistan where the front lines are often unclear, women have often found themselves engaged in battles alongside their male counterparts. As the American Civil Liberties Union points out, some non-combat military units such as Female Engagement Teams have engaged in combat on numerous occasions. In addition, their contributions to the country have come with much sacrifice; more than 130 have died so far serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. Panetta says, Female service members have faced the reality of combat, proven their willing-

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ness to fight and, yes die to defend their fellow Americans. Junior and Naval Sea Cadet Matthew Lanthier expresses approval towards the recent change. Lanthier says, I think its definitely a step forward for equal rights in the military and I support it. Its similar to something recent that has happened in the navy. The navy is now allowing female sailors to serve as submariners in the submarine service. The greater inclusion of women could benefit the military in a variety of ways, including a wider pool of people from which to choose the most qualified can-

didates. Sophomore Kelsey ODonnell says, I think that by keeping women out, theyre decreasing the number of people they can have as well as decreasing the skill sets. I think that it will overall improve the military. The path to this historic decision includes several notable pushes, such as the Nov. 2012 filing of a federal lawsuit by the ACLU challenging the ban. One of the arguments presented involved the exclusion of women from numerous leadership positions due to lack of combat experience. For instance, Major Mary Jennings Hegar, a Purple Heart recipient, cannot compete with men on Air Force combat and special operation positions. More recently, Dempsey sent Panetta a letter on Jan. 9 with the Joint Chiefs of Staffs agreement that the combat exclusion rule should b e eliminated. While these a c t i o n s did not directly lead to the policy change, they represent important pieces that pushed the military to implement new changes. The move towards equality in the military has been gradual. Two years prior to this announcement, the Dont Ask, Dont Tell Repeal Act of 2010 passed Congress and allowed openly gay individuals to serve in the military. Soon afterwards, calls for gender equality escalated, which played no small role in pushing for Januarys announcement. United States Marine Corps Private First Class Richard Leung, an Aragon alumnus, has trained with women in the marines and reports no issues in his experiences. While supportive of this change, Leung raises a concern. If a male marine was faced with the decision of having to save either a female or a male marine, even with the mindset of not leaving anyone behind, he will instinctively go for the female first [before] the male. Leungs concerns will be just one of many that the military must address in the three years it will have to implement new policies that reflect the inclusion of women in combat. It will ultimately be up to individual military branches to develop policies that reflect an inevitable change in the demographic composition of the armed forces. Furthermore, the Defense Departments directive could have effects beyond the armed forces. Lanthier adds, By overcoming obstacles in a profession deemed one of the most masculine in the world, women can prove themselves just as capable as men. If they can succeed here, it will serve to break down bias in other professions such as law enforcement and medicine.

volume lii, issue no. 6 thursday, march 7, 2013

OPINION 5
ly discriminatory. In the U.S., primary education is compulsory, like the draft. Imagine a law that criminalized truancy for only one gender while the other was free to leave school as they pleased. This would strike most as outrageous, yet the draft currently has double standards that parallel this model. Consider that some day, an engagement may be equally likely to be initiated by either party. This will strike a sour note for many; after all, the old ways hold a sentimental value that we have been raised to cherish. If this is the case, how will equality ever be achieved? Well, customs often wane, losing their meaning like the words passed along in a game of telephone. Thus, true equity may be achieved through evolution. Alternatively, there is rebellion. Social norms have been cast aside before with dramatic results. The civil rights movement challenged hundreds of years of prejudice in a radical step towards freedom. Selective Service for women lies in a comfortably moderate position between these two models of growth. It bends rules, but does not break them by promoting equality. It is true that women have often been historically and universally excluded from war by custom and societal norms. However, women must accept the freedom to serve following the Pentagons policy change with the responsibility of Selective Service. If the ultimate goal of our society is to attain social equity amongst citizens, then these archaic double standards must be systematically eliminated. Vietnam War, capture is always an everpresent threat. Women are particularly threatened as POWs because they are vulnerable to a wider range of abuses. Historically and in various countries around the world, rape is utilized as effectively as any weapon, and numerous analysts regard it as a tactic of oppression. Fear of being captured, while among one of the largest concerns of any soldier, is a close second to fears of sexual abuse within the U.S. military. Approximately one-third of all female soldiers are sexually assaulted during their service, and about 4% report an actual or attempted rape, which is ten times the rate of civilians. Women are more than one hundred times likely to be sexually assaulted than killed in Iraq and Afghanistan. 139 women were killed since the invasion of Afghanistan in 2001, and in 2011 alone there were 877 reported incidents of sexual assault. The Pentagon also estimates that 80-90% of all incidents go unreported. While the military is taking steps to curb this epidemic, one as notorious as its ballooning suicide rates, the issue is deeply rooted, and such scandals reflect poorly on the military since many instances of rape are merely dismissed. In the event of a large-scale draft, countless young men and women would be forced to interact, and chances are that because of the influx of undisciplined recruits, rape would be as prevalent of an issue as ever. Creating a situation like this is inopportune for everybody. A significant reason for lifting the combat ban was that women were too often blocked from advancing their military careers because they had no experience in combatexperience that they were never allowed to earn. Allowing these women, as volunteers, to fight in combat is definitely a step towards equality. Opening other options for advancing a military career for both men and women would prove beneficial in the long run. However, thrusting some untold amounts of young women into combat is an unsavory idea, and in the event that there is a requirement for Selective Service for women, they would likely be relegated to mostly logistic and support roles. This could cause quite a bit of grumbling and resentment among young men, who in turn would probably be sent to combat roles they might have otherwise been lucky enough to avoid. By giving women an active presence in selective service, it seems to follow that women should represent half of the military. This conclusion is obviously flawed because, as of this year, women only account for about 15% of active military personnel. Since there wont be a draft to suddenly bring the ratio of men to women to equilibrium, chances are that any aspirations of eliminating sexism among male soldiers are destined to fail. Regardless of whether or not women are required to enter into selective service, this is a missed step towards equality because it will change nothing. Since Selective Service would hardly cause a sudden spike in female enrollment, the military is likely to remain mostly the same as it has been. Nobody likes the idea of being forced to fight, but initiating a draft is done out of desperation and necessity, so somebody has to do it. Women should be allowed to fight if they want tobut leave them out of Selective Service.

Should women be required to enlist in Selective Service?

by Andrew Schilling features editor

by James Murray features staff

YES. This year, women have made one large step towards equality with the Pentagons opening of combat roles to both genders. True equality requires sacrifice and the elimination of double standards. For this reason, I believe that both men and women should be required to enlist in Selective Service. Double standards may often appear benign. For example, simple chivalrous gestures such as a man holding a door open or pulling a chair out for a woman do not carry the same glaring repugnance of sexual harassment or gender discrimination. However, beneath the skin of gentility lies a skeleton of chauvinism. This unequal treatment, however goodnatured it may appear, hails from an antiquated regard of women as a weaker sex. While the death of chivalry is often lamented, the hatchling equity that has emerged from its ashes should be celebrated. Before it may take flight, America must continue weeding out its antediluvian rituals and unspoken laws. The standing double standard regarding the draft has the superficial appearance of being within the best interest of women. After all, there are very few individuals who would gladly serve after being drafted; such zeal is typically reserved for those who are serving voluntarily. The draft may be unpopular, but it currently exists as a contingency plan. While I harbor my own doubts about the fundamental efficacy and fairness of the draft, I find it overwhelmingly evident that any system of conscription can no longer discriminate against women. Although it is relatively unlikely that the draft will be reinstated in the near future, this issue is still important because of the symbolic value of the U.S. military. Trumans desegregation of the armed forces in 1948 and the Dont Ask, Dont Tell Repeal Act of 2010 were both significant victories in the battles for civil rights and LGBT rights respectively. The U.S. military is a manifestation of our government. The discriminatory policies of the military directly reflect upon our nation as a whole. I will concede that this legislation could create moderate logistical strains. A universal draft would have to create new exemptions for pregnancy and prevent both parents from being drafted. Currently, adult males can be charged with a felony, fined up to $250,000, and denied federal financial aid for college if they fail to enroll in the draft. While felony charges are essentially never prosecuted, this legal jeopardy is high-

NO. Traditionally, wars have avoided dragging in women and children. With the exception of the Greek Amazons, the initial reaction is that women and war should have nothing to do with each other. Under the current status quo, only men are required to serve under the draft. This requirement was ruled constitutional in Rostker v. Goldberg, a 1981 Supreme Court case. Very few men who arent in the military want to be, so a draft isnt exactly ideal. Some people might want to incorporate women with a cynical twist on equality, but women wouldnt want to serve either. Drafts are out of apparent necessitytheyre rare enough that requiring women to be involved is frivolous. While the number of prisoners-ofwar has constantly decreased since the

Size of Armed Forces Over Time

Total Active Duty Personnel Number of Inductions via Selective Service

Number of women versus number of men on Active Duty

Men
Women
Army Marines Navy

Air Force Coast Guard

FEATURES Seniors say college Blogging in Aragon classes: interviews are not as Teachers encourage student discussion of current events stressful as they seem
by Samantha Wong features staff admissions officer, senior Jessica Ding says. In a lot of my interviews, they were like, This isnt a high stress kind of thing, just for you to learn more about our school. Some colleges state that these interviews are optional, smaller, private colleges say that they are strongly recommended, and others actually reach out to students for an interview, including many Ivy League universities. However, schools with significantly larger applicant pools such as the UCs and CSUs often do not have an interview process for most undergraduate admissions due to the resources required. From an interviewers standpoint, Zhang knows that a bad review does affect the chance of admission. From a score of one to five, a five doesnt guarantee, but it can be enough to put you over the edge, he says. For senior Skylar Assaf, her interviews for Chapman and Westmont were incredibly important in the admissions process, as she auditioned live in front of the schools professors. Performing well at the auditions is essential for receiving scholarships, as well as getting accepted into the music program of the school in order to pursue the music major, she explains. Despite her nerves before the audition, where she sang a total of four songs, Assaf believes she would have been more nervous had it been just an interview itself. Im not very good at being eloquent, or just with words in general. So singing a pre-written song instead of conversing with a daunting college interviewer feels much safer, she says. Others also believe that college interviews are just as important, if not more important, than the other steps in the application process. Wong comments, Essays have word limits and you cant always get what you want to say in such limited space. No senior applying for college wants to be examined as just a set of test scores, grades, and typed words. Wong adds, Interviews allow the admissions officers to find out who you are as a person, and give them a glimpse into your personality.

volume lii, issue no. 6 thursday, march 7, 2013

While first semester seniors are desperately completing college applications and fretting about their grades, SAT scores, and personal essays, second semester brings them much needed relief from the burden of applicationsor so it is commonly assumed. There is one more step that seniors can take, even after applications are submitted, to demonstrate that they are not just another number in the application pool: attend a college interview. Most students erroneously believe that all college interviews are the same, consisting of a one-on-one process that decides whether or not you get into that college. In reality, the kind of interview and the questions asked depend wholly on the college itself, and most of them are actually not intended to intimidate prospective students. For instance, Cornell University calls their interview an informational meeting and gives the applicant the opportunity to ask the interviewer his or her own questions about the college. Harvard holds interview nights for applicants living around the same area. At senior Samantha C. Wongs interview night, all of the interviewees waited together in one room before being called into separate rooms. It was pretty scary for me at first because I didnt know what to expect, says Wong. Some people were sitting with their friends and having a good time, but I didnt really know anybody there, so it was just kind of awkward. When it comes to college interviews, anything awkward never seems to be a good sign. However, in Wongs case, once the interview actually started, her nervousness went away. It went like a normal conversation, she explains. I remember he asked me this one question which he thought was so clever because he made it up himself. He asked, If you were an Apple app, regardless of if it has been created or not, which one would you be? Senior Bruce Zhangs father, a Columbia alumnus and volunteer interviewer himself, says, There is no real fixed format; its mostly just to get to know the student. There is some kind of fixed guidance, but it depends on the interviewer [who] does not even have access to the application. The interviewers are people, just alumni for that college. Their job isnt the same as an

MARIA MENSHIKOVA

by Nick Tolfa features staff Trending on Twitter. Gaining followers on Tumblr. Social media is designed around the goal of becoming popular. At Aragon, blogs have evolved to serve a more educational purpose. Blogs were first introduced to Aragon by AP Government teacher Scott Silton. Siltons idea was to create a forum for his class to discuss current events outside the classroom. Originally, Silton took everyones email and formed a listserv, which is a way of forming mass email chains for discussions, but this was more cumbersome than necessary once Silton learned of user-friendly hosts like blogger.com. I want my students to get both an academic textbook and a civic education. There are all kinds of Gov and Econ that show up in the news, and current events can reinforce [whats being taught in class], says Silton. Students choose a week to make posts on the blog and comment on other students posts throughout the year in order to get points for their grade. Some raise concerns that a point-for-comment sytem encourages students to emphasize quantity over quality of comments in order to improve their blogging grade. Silton, however, believes that there has to be a grade involved with the blog. Explains Silton, Its hard to get students to see the value in reading something they wont be tested on in the next week. [Commenting] should be seen as easy points. Superficial point getting does happen when students just agree, but grading [the blog] monthly lets me see the whole picture. Junior AP U.S. History teacher William Colglazier just started using a blog with his history classes this year after attending a tech conference that suggested new teaching techniques. Like Silton, Colglazier thought that there werent enough current events being covered in class, which inspired him to start using a

MARIA MENSHIKOVA

blog. Says Colglazier, I thought blog, he says. this was a great way for students From Siltons perspective, the to engage in current events with blog is successful, as students each other rather than engaging grades dont hinge on whether or with the teacher. not they comment, while it is still An issue many students have a way of getting more points and noticed with Colglaziers blog learning more about the world. is a lack of discoursestudents Says Silton, I do think [the blog] comments tend to agree with achieves its basic objectives over the ones above them to an ex- the long run. tensive level. There has indeed But how well do the blogs been a large amount of passive meet their goals from students agreement on perspectives? Colglazier s I thought this was a great Junior Edblog, as stugar Tenorio way for students to engage dents just try agrees that to get points. in current events with each the blog helps Explains Col- other rather than engaging them learn glazier, If with the teacher. about current you put [the events. Says William Colglazier Tenorio, students] in a I AP U.S. History teacher learn [about] room, thered be a level of some of the agreement and of disagreement. current events I hadnt noticed. Still, Colglazier believes the blog Junior Alex Garcialuna agrees, accomplishes its purpose. States saying, Its important for us to Colglazier, I think that more stu- know whats happening in the dents are more aware of current world. But while many agree events. that the goal of the blog is met, English teacher Victoria Dan- a good length for commenting is iel also uses a blog to teach stu- yet to be set. Says senior Aaron dents, but has a different way of Yen, Three to five sentences is dealing with points. Because she a good comment. But some kids teaches English, she posts ques- post whole essays, and Im like, tions to her blog for her students No, Im not reading that. Juto respond to for extra credit. nior Liam Richardson adds, A However, Daniel doesnt just comment is too long when they give credit for commenting on try to state all the background inthe blog. Says Daniel, Its not formation. just completion points. [Students] So while the blog does achieve get counted down for spelling. its goal, how long a comment Daniels blog also differs from should be is still under debate. Siltons because students dont Silton himself concedes that post articles, they respond to the brevity is not his strong suit, but prompts she gives them. believes that there is value in getAnother benefit to the blog is ting your point across quickly. that it gives students an opportu- Explains Silton, [In the] original nity to speak if they are normally version, there were grotesquely shy during class. But there are long posts. I use them as a model problems with commenting from for what not to do. behind a computerfor instance, As the trend spreads, the outintense arguments or flame look for class blogs seems hopewars. Thankfully, the flame ful. As students warm up to the wars that were common when idea, class blogs are progressively the blog first started have died becoming interesting forums for out according to Silton. Maybe the discussion of current events at its the current generation, but our Aragon. students are more respectful than a Washington Post blog, says For exclusive online content, Silton. Colglazier is similarly including additional articles and encouraged. [Im] very pleased photos, visit aragonoutlook.org. with the amount of respect on the

volume lii, issue no. 6 thursday, march 7, 2013

FEATURES
Scan this QR code on your iDevice to download the new app.

Burlingame student releases SMUHSD app

by Tony Wang features staff BHS senior Sebastian Shanus recently released an iPhone app that includes a daily planner, a bell schedule, and a browser that accesses the SchoolLoop mobile site. Originally designed exclusively for BHS students, Shanuss app recently became available for all students in the district, with full support for all six regular high schools. Currently available in the Apple App Store, the app is supported by most mobile Apple productsfrom the iPod touch to the iPadand comes completely free of charge. The apps functions are wrapped up in a simple-to-learn, self-explanatory interface that is conveniently accessible on a mobile device. Students were eagerly waiting for an app that could consolidate all the necessary information in one area, says Shanus, And over time, I noticed this trend and decided to make the app just because I like developing applications. Shanus has been developing applications since before his freshman year. He recalls, When I was younger, I was always into computers. The Christmas during seventh grade, I got an iPod touch, and started wondering: How do they create these apps? I became curious, Googled a bit, and soon got my first app runningone that displayed Hello World. And hes been developing ever since. I released my first appa fortune cookie app near the end of the 8th grade, he chuckles. It was the first fortune-cookie app toothat is, before the big com-

panies started working on their own versions. But Shanus is set apart from these big companies in that he is able to create applications almost entirely on his own. While the top corporations often hire entire teams to divide up the work into small workable subprojects, Shanus does everything from the design to the actual coding himself, a very tedious and difficult task. Aside from the occasional graphic that Ill have my artistic friend design, I do most of the designing and make most of the [user interface] myself. However, he explains that he is not entirely on his own: A really big help is actually Apples own IDE, or Integrated Development Environment, which comes with a lot of nice pre-existing designs since theyre the type of company that wants all their products and apps

Alex FuruyA

Burlingame student and creator of the new app, Sebastian Shanus.

to look and feel really nice. Shanus, who plans on attending college next year, explained, Im thinking about majoring in computer science and economics. However, Im also thinking about eventually getting an MBA, since Im really captivated by the business angle of all of this. Its good since already having a computer science background really helps

with working in the tech industry. The future looks promising for Shanus and other individuals like him, with the smartphone market estimated to be worth over 150 billion dollars by 2014. Needless to say, it is their efforts that will bring us the next Temple Run or Angry Birds. The future of the mobile industry is theirs to shape.

Virtual relationships redefine modern romance

by Virginia Hsaio features staff Though the scandal involving Notre Dame linebacker Manti Teo is weeks past, it revealed a startling disconnect in the way relationships are viewed. For many, the scandal, albeit extreme, looked like the stereotypical tale of an adult predator masquerading as a young female. The story again highlighted the potential dangers of virtual relationships, which may have devolved into accepted stereotypes about the nature of communication through technology. And yet the prevalence of these new modes of communication are changing public perspective on relationship customs. When you are on the internet, you can say things that you might be too shy to say in real life, says Freshman Gerardo Gonzalez. Its so much easier. Social interaction with someone miles away is a phenomenon that couldnt have happened and planned meetings, she conyears ago, says history teacher tinues. I met one of my best friends James Smith. Anonymity of social interaction online can be a through Tumblr and Twitter, good thing, but predators with an- says freshman Anahita Ghajaronymity can represent themselves rahimi. We liked the same band, and I got to know and trust her. in any number of ways. Everyone thinks talking to In contrast, senior Sally Hostrangers is a sokawa notes bad thing, but the similariWhen you are on the as long as you ties between long distant internet, you can say things play the game and relationships that you might be too shy to smart safe, it can of the past say in real life. and the virGerardo Gonzalez be so much tual relationFreshman more, adds Ghajarrahimi. ships of the There are so present. They are kind of the same many people out there that like thing because you dont see the the things you like. Its not like other person face to face, but the school where its hard to find long distant one is more roman- people with these same interests. Its also easier because you can tic, says Hosokowa. My parents met once at a talk with Twitter friends from the business party. My dad went comfort of your laptop. Because virtual relationships back to America, and my mom stayed in Japan. They stayed in are relatively new, the stages of touch through letters, and the the relationship are not as clearly little things grew to phone calls defined, as the classic physical relationship. Some relationships, which start purely over communicating through social media, move to the physical world. I met my boyfriend through Instagram, says Gonzalez. We Kik messaged and got to know each other. Later, we talked on the phone and met in person. I was kind of scared because I was not sure if he was who he said he was, but we have been going out ever since we met. Still, Gonzalez acknowledges that the virtual factor limits the physical interaction that a physical relationship encompasses. In a virtual relationship, you might not actually get to know the person fully or do cute things like going out to dinner or hugging, Gonzalez continues. When you have an online friend, you cant hold them or physically be there for them, adds freshmen Jenny Zhang. The legitimacy of a virtual relationship also remains subjective, as intimacy becomes limited. As many people adopt a different persona, their true nature may not come out through virtual interaction. Since when did flirting become a virtual poke? questions junior Jenise Williams. People are so insecure about their own human persona, so they change themselves online. In a real relationship, you need physical contact, so you know who the person really is and get to know them. Relationships are hindered by social networks. They stunt relationships because people get so caught up in the superficial, virtual relationship. They dont see that virtual relationships are not set in stone or set in reality, because you never know for sure who is behind that screen, adds Williams. Gonzalez agrees, saying, I think if it just stays online, its not really a relationship unless you take it a step further and meet each other in real life. If they still actually like each other, then it counts as a relationship. Whether or not virtual relationships are considered legitimate, they will continue to exist as they have the ability to overcome distance with modern technology. Linking together compatible individuals through social media, individuals can find similar people with whom to interact. While the anonymity of the internet remains questionable, it provides safety as well. Consequently, as virtual relationships become more prevalent, the concept of intimacy maintained through a screen has come to challenge previously held social conventions. Undoubtedly, the very meaning of a relationship is evolving.

Preston HArry

Please visit our website at aragonoutlook.org to read web-exclusive content and view past issues.

Changes in the Photography Industry

In his chilling novel 1984, George Orwell depicts a hand in hand with decreased privacy. On public world in which citizens are constantly monitored by property, citizens have essentially no legal protection from being photographed. While the 2004 Vidcameras on ominous telescreens. While the chilling world of Orwells Oceania may not reflect the eo Voyeurism Prevention Act outlaws the filming of world today, the ubiquity of cameras has created an a person naked without their knowledge, the right environment in which all individuals are on camera not to be filmed naked is the only right retained in for an unprecedented amount of time. As cameras public places in regard to photography. Many public figures can attest to the lack of continue to get smaller, their range continues to grow larger, privacy that comes with camCameras are arguably more and a mixture of negative and eras and the popularity of mass positive extras have risen from prevalent in the privacy and photo sharing (see examples the paradoxical increase and security of everyday life than below). In addition, further priOrwell could have ever vacy complications are posed decrease of accountability that predicted. a constant visual record of daily by the immense photo sharing capacity of social media, espelife provides. The most obvious benefits have been to security. Besides secu- cially among teens. True to the idea that necessity rity cameras, cell phone cameras have proven to is the mother of invention, Snapchat, a photo sharbecome a powerful tool in the fight against crime. ing app that destroys images sent after a few secIn New York and Indiana, police departments are onds, is often used for exchanging indecent phointroducing a system wherein civilians can text in tos. However, whether a user is just making a funny pictures of criminals or license plates, as well as face or actually sexting, privacy cannot be guarphoto-evidence of actual crimes being committed. anteed; although it does notify the sender, opened Notable crimes caught on cell phone cameras were photos can be screenshot. In a world where social the shooting of Oscar Grant by a BART police of- media has the capacity to create a personal data ficer and the aftermath of the 2005 London sub- trail, cameras have significantly magniway bombings. However, increased security comes fied the issue of online privacy.

More Security, Less Privacy in the Private & Public Sectors

Ways Cameras Have Changed the World

How access to and the distribution of digital photography in the past decade has shaped our politics, economy, and lives

A Revolution for International Citizen Photojournalism

greatly revolutionized by widespread access to the portable camera. As Discovery News reports, This kind of citizen journalism is what inspired Mark Malkoun, of Lebanon, to create an app called Signal, [which] allows its users to upload photos or short headlines along with a geo-tag of their location to share with others. Overall, however, the democratization of journalism leaves the equity of access at odds with the integrity of the media. As PBS cogently pointed out, With the power of the media now in the hands of every citizen with a smartphone, questions about ethics and accuracy are working their way through the journalism industry Who are the media watchdogs for a form of journalism rooted in unedited immediacy?

Since the Arab Spring, citizen photojournalism has further established itself as a prominently emerging aspect of media consumption and production. Indeed, the head of Al-Jazeeras citizen media service Sharek noted, Post Egypt, in places like Libya, Yemen and Syria, citizens posting online have been the primary lens through which people have been able to see what is happening on the ground. He adds, Now our main stories are driven by images captured by citizens on the street, its no longer just a supporting image. In most cases, citizens capture the breaking news moments first. The Arab Spring was really the tipping point when it all came together. The spirit of journalistic activism has been

2011 Throughout the Occupy Movement, citizen

photojournalism played a key role in spreading the message of the protests. The citizen level taking and posting of photos at real Occupy Movements shows that those participating are accessible and any average American can not only take photos of Movements, but also participate in them themselves.

Dec. 5, 2008

Nov. 2012 Police fired teargas at protesters in Tahrir Square in Cairo, Egypt. Pictures and videos circulated through both the local and international community. The images that depicted brutal reality received much empathy, and the attention they garnered informed many of the force used against those protesting President Morsi.

Obamas chief speechwriter, Jon Favreau was caught jokingly groping a cardboard cutout of then-designated Secretary of State, Hilary Clinton. The photo appeared on Facebook for a few hours before it was taken off. An Obama spokesman issued a statement claiming that Favreau had apologized to Clinton. Favreau remained Obamas speechwriter for the remainder of his first term.

May 27, 2011

Up-and-coming U.S. Congressman Anthony Weiner posted picture of himself on Twitter in tight briefs revealing his well, his wiener. Later, more images began surfacing, revealing his questionable correspondence with several women. Weiner came clean in a public apology to his constituents and wife and announced his resignation from Congress on June 16, 2011.

March 2011

Almost a year ago, Facebook bought Instagram photographer from the Bay Area, Mangin defends for $1 billion, aggravating outrage amongst social his use of the iPhone 4s to create his photos, saying, critics who claim that photography as an art form I fell in love with the special effects and social nethas become degraded. Instagram, one of the most working aspect of working with Instagram. Another prominent photo editing and sharing apps, has example is Jethro Mullen, a news editor of the CNN popularized photography by integrating it with ev- Wire in Asia. As he travels from Hong Kong to Thaieryday life. However, critics say it has caused pho- land, Mullen keeps his Instagram account handy; tography to become stale and repetitive. In light of from landscapes to random people on the streets, Instagrams millions of archetypal photos depicting Mullen photographs and shares with his 330,000 food, sunsets, and flowers, the critics are justified followers what he finds interesting. Mullen jokes, to some extent. It is true that with a single touch of People seem to pay more attention to me on Insa button, a photo taken this weekend can be made tagram. With the widespread presence of portable to look like a vintage polaroid with a time stamp smart phones with cameras, there is no doubt an inno personal touches, no real editing, just a shortcut creasing number of people are beginning to explore of preprogrammed mechanical the field of photography. The Many photographs can be manipulations. However, this sheer accessibility of photogdoes not degrade the quality aesthetically appealing, but it raphy technology, which was standard for good photography. takes more than a nifty filter to unheard of less than a decade Many photographs can be aes- make a well-composed image. ago, has prompted interest in thetically appealing, but it takes a field that was once so exclumore than a nifty filter to make it a well-composed sive. Indeed, Instagram has a level of simple intiimage. Factors such as texture, tone, highlights, macy that appeals to the masses, but it is not going and shadows have to be taken into consideration. to ruin photography any more than the instant PoJust as with professional photo editing applications, laroid did. In fact, it may have begun a new era and mainstream, portable editing applications such as style of photography, and just as with any other arSnapseed, Aviary, and Photoshop Express also re- tistic trend, professionals may personally embrace quire skill and effort to create a high quality image. or reject it as they please. Regardless, Instagram Additionally, for professionals, Instagram can be does not kill photography or degrade it as an art used to market products and services, share good form. It is simply a tool to make it easier. As techphotography, and experiment with new ideas. And nology improves, boundaries will shift, things are for novices, Instagram allows people to explore the going to change, and people will have to adapt. basics of photography without any promise of suc- Photographers who labored to learn the basics of cess or threat of failure. Besides the shallow pho- photography years ago do have the right to feel tos, there are photographs on Instagram that are le- indignant, but not threatened. Just like with sports gitimate. For example, Sports Illustrated published (and most other worthwhile endeavors), photograsports photographer Brad Mangins Instagram pho- phy is not based on the equipment, but rather the tos of a Giants baseball game last year. A freelance skill and effort put into making the shots.

Nov. 6, 2009 A fellow partygoer snapped a picture of American Olympic hero Michael Phelps cradling a bong. Phelps handlers attempted to kill the story multiple times to no avail. U.S. swimming officials suspended Phelps from competition for three months. His major sponsor, Kelloggs, also chose to drop him.

Redefining the Art of Photography

A note from the photography editor

Also known as the millennial generation, Generation Y has been marked by an ever-increasing use of digital technology, media, and communication. Some equate the values of this new generation with narcissism, ungratefulness, and entitlement, attributing these qualities to the pervasiveness of new technologies. Specifically, social critics cite the widespread use of portable photography sharing, often characterized by the cliche selfie, as evidence of this trend. Jean Twenge, a San Diego State professor and the author of the books Generation Me and Narcissim Epidemic: Living in the Age of Entitlement, has sparked at least some controversy with her books statements about increasing narcissism in our society. But while social commentators attempt to define this rebellious group under a single, umbrella, those being deoverarching fined also offer their opinions:

Photos and videos of the destruction the earthquake and subsequent tsunami in Japan caused pulled at the heartstrings of many. After seeing countless images and video clips posted by those suffering in the disaster, aid flowed into Japan from across the world. The tragic nature of the content was at times, graphic, but uniformly compelling.

Characterizing our Generation

eople verywhere, p re cameras e ve parwe k cameras ha Before there rors, but I thin chnolomir ustomed to te would look in at... Were acc reotypes. d th their own ste tially replace erations had gen ra, Junior gy. Previous Joe Talave

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Data collected from PetaPixel & Instagram Press Center

10

FEATURES
by Regina Wen features staff Last November, California voters voted against Proposition 34, a proposition which would have reduced the death penalty in California to a sentence of life in prison without parole. The proposition was voted against by a margin of 52% to 48%. The practice of capital punishment has sparked a long-running controversy throughout the United States. Currently, 35 states permit the death penalty for crimes such as first-degree murder and treason. In 2012, the United States executed 43 prisoners. California has 724 prisoners on death-row, the highest population of deathrow inmates out of all the states in the U.S. However, California has not performed an execution since 2006. At Aragon, opinions over the controversy are mixed. the legal system can cost both time and money. According to the DPIC, California has spent approximately $4 billion in expenses related to capital punishment proceedings. Sophomore John Graham says, When someone is put on death row... there has to be a really intense investigation for every prisoner put to death. Theres a lot of paperwork, and you have to hire lawyers to protect them in court, so thats our money that the taxpayers pay. Junior Chelsea Victor says, I think [the death penalty] is a waste of money and time. The government could be using that money for more important things, like fixing the economy. FALLIBILITY In 1992, The Innocence Project, a non-profit organization, was created to investigate and exonerate people who were wrongfully convicted of a crime. Since its establishment, The Innocence Project has led to the release of 214 people, 16 of which were previously on death row. In addition to the efforts made by The Innocence Project, 108 other prisoners were exonerated from death row between 1977 and 2007 due to newly discovered mistakes with witness testimonies, suspect lineups, police investigations, and other faulty or misconstrued evidence, demonstrating the many possible pit-falls of the justice system. Victor says, Theres probably a bunch of people on death row who dont deserve to be killed at this point. Theres probably a bunch of people who are innocent. MORALITY Many students recognize a moral argument against capital punishment. If people live out their sentence, they have more time to think about what they did wrong, says Diba. Junior Claire Luong adds, How is killing a killer solving the problem? I believe in life in prison, not the death penalty. Graham concludes, I feel like that is a really beautiful thing to show mercy to someone who didnt show mercy.

volume lii, issue no. 6 thursday, march 7, 2013

RESULTS OF ARAGONS 2012 MOCK ELECTION ON PROP. 34

Yes 43%

Aragon students evaluate death penalty

ARGUMENTS FOR
DETERRENCE & SAFETY The argument can be made that the mere existence of death row may serve as a deterrent to potential future criminals. In addition, perhaps due to depressed conditions and less emphasis on rehabilitation in prisons, criminal recidivism criminal acts that result in rearrest or reconviction after a prisoners releaseposes a worthy consideration. The Bureau of Justice Statistics reports that, among 300,000 prisoners released in 15 states in 1983, the rate of recidivism was approximately 63%. By 1995, that estimate had risen to approximately 68%. Many argue that capital punishment serves as insurance against the threat of rising recidivism. Sophomore Regina Vuna says, The money is definitely worth it. First of all, were not just protecting the innocence of people on death row, but were also protecting the people who live in our society. Vuna continues, If were trying to keep our society safe, I dont think finances really matter. I think we should be able to invest in something that really protects our community. VALID DUE PROCESS Despite the many complications of the justice system, technological improvements in the past 20 years serve as evidence to support greater confidence in the validity of the system and its determinations. DNA testing, for example, is perhaps the most convincing example of reliable prosecution evidence; in many instances, it can effectively assure that capital punishment convictions are based on certainty beyond reasonable doubt. In addition, all death penalty states have DNA access laws, allowing most inmates the right to DNA testing, which can aid in ruling out (or proving) innocence before execution. Furthermore, unreliable techniques such as suspect line-ups have been recognized as unreliable, further supporting the claim that prosecutions are more likely to be accurate now than ever before. Vuna says, Nobody should be executed until their crime is proven. I think the reason so many [convicts] have been found innocent in the past is because the death penalty was taken so lightly back then. Random murderers were just put on death row, but I think if we took the time to investigate each case, the death penalty could work. MORALITY & JUSTICE Moral considerations can support the argument for capital punishment as well. Many believe that the death penalty is simply justice being carried out. Others argue that it can give a sense of closure to the family of the victim. Vuna says of her experience, If we have the power to go to war and take other peoples lives and thats not looked down upon, then why cant we do it for good? Why cant we take peoples lives to protect our society?

No 57%

Yes: 463 votes No: 603 votes

In Aragons mock election of November 2012, Proposition 34a bid to repeal the death penaltyfailed to pass. While the proposition lost by a landslide margin of 14%, it is important to mention the confusion regarding the vote at Aragon. Many mock voters believed that voting No, was a vote against the death penalty, while in reality a No vote was a vote against repealing the death penalty in California.

ARGUMENTS AGAINST
DUE PROCESS FLAWS The reason for the overwhelming number of death-row inmates and underwhelming number of executions is the time and money needed to approve the death penalty. Due Processthe legal process prisoners must go through before being executedhas repelled many students away from the idea of capital punishment. Due process consists of a series of supposedly-exhaustive trials and investigations examining the crimes the prisoner has committed. However, concerns about the due process system persist. For instance, there is evidence suggesting that race too often plays a role in capital punishment convictions; the Death Penalty Information Center (DPIC) reports that almost 80% of death row defendants have been executed for killing white victims, even though in society as a whole, African Americans account for about half of murder victims. Sophomore David Diba says, The appeals process is just ridiculous, and I feel if there was just a life sentence, everything would be smoother and easier. COST These multitudinous systematic complications and flaws in

CONCLUSION
In light of many valid arguments on both sides, many Aragon students take a more ambivalent or undetermined stance on capital punishment. Junior Marcy Landes says, For me its really difficult to simply say that the death penalty should be legal or illegal. Theres so many parts to it that make it justified and unjustified. What Ive gotten out of my English class after talking about the death penalty was that, yes, it does kill people that have committed crimes that are so gruesome that there is no punishment that would rightly fit them except for death. But at the same time, how is it justified to kill another human being? Religion can also bring new nuance into consideration. Graham, a member of Aragons Christian Club, adds, I feel like law and justice is very separate from religion. If someone was to go through the death penalty, I would deal with them both spiritually and lawfully, but those two things would be separate from each other. However, he concludes, Although Im against the death penalty, I do believe one day there will be a system that will allow us to execute people without there being so much controversy.

International Trend Away From Death Penalty

Amnesty International reports that the global trend has been moving away from the death penalty, citing that only four countries in the G20 performed legal executions in 2010: Japan, Saudi Arabia, China, and the U.S.

Students Opinions on Capital Punishment

I have no moral obligation towards the death penalty. My reasons are purely economic... I took Law and Society, and before that, I was a complete supporter of the death penalty. [But] once you look at all the factors, its ridiculous why its still legal. - Stephen Schick, Sophomore I think it (the death penalty) is an extreme punishment, but I think in some cases, it is necessary. Serial killers, for example, I think really deserve the death penalty. - Regina Lisinker, Freshman

the Aragon Outlook

faculty adviser
SCOTT SILTON

The aragon outlook staff publishes a monthly newspaper created for the students to express themselves on issues of interest and importance to them and to provoke thought and discussion within the aragon community.

news editors
ANNIKA ULRICH KIRA BRENNER SANGWON YUN

news writers
ANGELA SOLIS, BRANDON YAN, BRIANNE FELSHER, CLEO WIENBAR, EMILY SHEN, ISAAC WANG, JORDAN KRANZLER, MATT MCHUGH, MONICA MAI, RYAN CHEONG, VICTORIA YAN, WENDY YU

features writers
ANNIKA OLIVES, IAN BARRIE, JACQUELINE TANG, JAMES MURRAY, MURRAY SANDMEYER, NICK TOLFA, REGINA WEN, SAMANTHA WONG, SHANNON THIELEN, TONY WANG, VIRGINIA HSIAO, WYATT COOPER

co-editors in chief
OLIVIA MARCUS PANIZ AMIRNASIRI

features editors
ANDREW SCHILLING BRANDON LIU JACK HERRERA TAYLOR WESTMONT

centerspread editor
SHANNON BODEAU

photo staffers
ALEX FURUYA, BRITTNEY CHEW, CRISTINA ASHBAUGH, MELISSA MOY, SAM ALAVI, SAMANTHA SOON, STANLEY KRZESNIAK, VALERIE PEREZ

arts & graphics staffers

EAVAN HUTH, KYRA FUNG, MARIA MENSHIKOVA, PRESTON HARRY, TINA PAI, WENJIA CHEN

centerspread copy
OLIVIA MARCUS

photo editor
JASON MAI

business editor
PANIZ AMIRNASIRI

arts & graphics editor

SHANNON BODEAU

media editor
JONATHAN STARYUK

media contributor
KENZO MAKITANI

visit the aragon outlook at www.aragonoutlook.net, or email the editors at aragonoutlook@gmail.com

volume lii, issue no. 6 thursday, march 7 , 2013

Grammy-nominated Albums
the musical inspiration behind their success
Blunderbuss

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT 11

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JACK WHITE
Blunderbuss is Jack Whites first solo album that is to say, the first album on which hes not backed by The Whitestripes, The Dead Weathers, or The Raconteurs. Blunderbuss wasnt just nominated for Best Rock Album at this years Grammysit was nominated for Album of the Year. Whites first album under his own name is an expression of self that is uniquely Jack White. In his classic style, its seems as if hes taken the sound of nails on a chalkboard and turned it into an award-winning album. The popular single of the album, Love Interruption, is an excellent summary of Whites latest tour de force: angry, emotional, and chaotic, but, at the same time, tender and vulnerable. The version of Blunderbuss sold in Japan includes a cover of U2s Love is Blindness. Jack White took the track from the the classic Achtung Baby album and packed it with screeching guitars and screaming choruses (interesting tidbit: the song is featured in the new Gatsby movie). But while U2s track isnt on the American version of Blunderbuss, U2s influence on the album is more than apparent. The Edge, U2s lead guitar player, is a pioneer of the pedal-effects for the electric guitar. White utilizes effect-heavy guitar riffs on almost every song on the album; a great example is the surreal On and On and On, in which an echo-filled guitar plays along to a charming piano melody.

THE BLACK KEYS

El Camino
Upon release, El Camino was dubbed the Black Keys rise to rock stardom. Their sixth album, Brothers, won them two Grammys, but El Camino beat out top acts such as Muse, Jack White, Mumford and Sons, and Bruce Springsteen to nab Best Rock Album. While many criticized the album for straying too far from the Black Keys original blues roots, stating that the producer Danger Mouse brought too much pop and not enough soul, guitarist and vocalist Dan Auerbach disagreed completely. In an interview with the NY Times, he said, I dont think many people understood, from the beginning, what we were into. Everybody thinks were a blues band. Pat [Carney] hates blues music, and I havent even listened to a blues record in a long time.

MUSE
The 2nd Law
The 2nd Law, Muses operatic sixth album, was highly experimental and a significant divergence from their more recent works. The title is derived from the Second Law of Thermodynamics, which states that in an isolated system, entropy can only increase. Since many of the songs have a stripped down and raw feel to them, The 2nd Law is a paradox of intentional regression. The album was described by Muses Matthew Bellamy as Christian gangsta rap jazz odyssey, with some ambient rebellious dubstep and face melting metal flamenco cowboy psychedelia. Indeed, the song variety is quite clear, ranging from lullabies to jazz funk and stadium rock to orchestral melodies. Thematically, the album was heavily influenced by American and British politics, with several allusions to immoral Wall Street activities. It focuses on the dreary concept that humanity has become arrogant and wasteful, as well as the inevitable decline of civilization. Muses latest album draws from the iconic art-music superstar, David Bowie. Like their fellow Englishmen, Muse have a sense for the theatrical. Thus, The 2nd Law features dynamic songs that are energetic and zestful, while at the same time remaining in-depth and moving. Bowie is famous for his savant-like ability to draw from modern trends in music and fashion and create unique, timely albums and songs. Like Bowie, Muse drew heavily from modern musical trends in The 2nd Law. After being influenced by DJ superstar Skrillex, Muse decided to incorporate the ultra-popular EPM-styled Dubstep, in their album. This German composer has filled John Williams shoes as the goto for film scores. His award-winning work ranges from the tribal drum beats of The Lion King to the exhilarating melodies and concussive resonance of Inception. Zimmers score for The Dark Knight appears to have influenced Muses newest album the most with frantic strings and unnerving dissonance. The two titular songs that conclude the album, Unsustainable and Isolated System, could easily pass for film scores, with Isolated System being the conclusive exit music. Another trio, Rush first began making what has come to be called prog in 1974. Progor progressive rockis a subgenre of rock that describes bands and musicians who attempt to break down barriers in rock and innovate new styles of music. Like The 2nd Law, Rushs music involves complex compositions, high-level musicianship, and lyrics based in philosophy (many lyrics in The 2nd Law hint at commentary on the worlds economic systems).
some analysis obtained from time magazine, billboard, musewiki, new york times, electronic musician, rolling stone magazine and esquire magazine.

U2

THE CLASH

A British punk rock band formed in the 70s, The Clash have been cited by many as one of the greatest rock bands of all time. They combined rock & roll with elements of reggae, rockabilly, and funk, among others. Rolling Stone Magazines Will Hermes notes The Clashs influence: that influence is evident in the increased zip of the grooves, and in the group hug between roots music and rock spectacle. Hermes elaborates on the choppy guitar chords and the dubby, uptight, reggae pulse in the Keys Hell of a Season.

DAVID BOWIE

THE CRAMPS An American punk rock

BOB DYLAN The title track of the al-

bum, Blunderbuss, is undeniably Dylan-influenced. A country-esque, plugged-in folk song, Blunderbuss includes moaning guitars, playful pianos, and folksy lyrics. Like Dylan, White sings emotion-wrought rhymes that illuminate a deeply troubled artist and tell a story of lost love and broken hearts. While melancholy, White like Dylansomehow keeps the song charming and hopeful.

band formed in the 1970s, the Cramps focused on rockabilly but are noted for helping create the psychobilly genre, a mixture of punk and rockabilly. One of the first garage punk bands, the Cramps also inspired many early goth rock bands. In an interview with Electronic Musician, Patrick Carney said, Were just borrowing little elements from everything. Guitar tones from The Cramps, drum sounds from Stax Records. Indeed, a Cramps-style rhythm is evident in songs such as Dead and Gone and Money Maker.

HANS ZIMMER

QUEEN Take Me With You

When You Go opens with a single piano, throws in drums, and crescendos into a shimmering chorus. If only White had any of the actual singing ability of Freddie Mercury, Take Me With You When You Go, might as well be a Queen song. Like some of Queens most famous tracks (the iconic Bohemian Rhapsody for instance), Whites song changes style countless times in its four-minute run time; it switches between vocally-driven climaxes, power-ballads on electric guitars, and falsetto-filled choruses.
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This year at the Grammys, the Black Keys took home three awards for their work on the album El Camino. The song Lonely Boy won Best Rock Song and Best Rock Preformance. The album itself won Best Rock Album.

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12

FEATURES

volume lii, issue no. 6 thursday, March 7, 2013

Can fake news shows BSU dance competition returns in new theater actually have news?
By James Murray features staff America Again: Re-Becoming the Greatness We Never Werent has swept through bookstores across the nation. The book, written by satirist Stephen Colbert, pushes the key point, Its high time we restored America to the greatness it never lost! This definitively cavalier attitude towards the United States as a whole is emphasized in Colberts popular show, The Colbert Report, which is often hailed as a the main source of truthiness for all things political and everything else as well. Despite the news attitude, programs such as The Colbert Report and other satirical news shows such as Jon Stewarts Daily Show are often vilified as poor sources of information. The Colbert Report is notorious among true conservatives for its noticeably liberal bias. It also receives criticism for playing on Comedy Central, but some people feel that this is not a problem. I believe it delivers important news, says Senior Eli Mayerson. Its both entertaining and engaging, so that can help get the point across. Obviously it has comedy and stuff in it but it has current events too. Senior Shafer Smith concurs. It can be called news because he talks about current events, but its not necessarily the most accurate [because of his bias], he says. Between the two, The Daily Show seems to have more of a news-like feel. Senior Jessica Ding explains, Its kind of a form of news, its not made up. Its just making fun of all other kinds of news. People like it because its funny. As far as the differences between the two shows, she explains, Colbert is more satirical than The Daily Show. [Stewart] will make jokes too, but its mostly making fun. Its pointing out peoples faults like, Really? Smith says of the shows, They make light of bad things by making them funny and entertaining. Satire has been a useful tool in political discourse. Popular comedians such as Louis CK, Demetri Martin, and the cast of Saturday Night Live, as well as numerous writers such as Jeffrey Frank and Joel Stein, utilize satire for various purposes. According to Lance Holbert, a professor at Ohio State University, Satirists provide a unique perspective to whats going on with elite decision-makers. Theyre holding them to the fire a bit. There are discussions to whether they can be too powerful, but those discussions have been around for a long time, and their influence ebbs and flows. As far as influence goes, the two Comedy Central hosts have been notorious for their outspoken criticisms of politicians. Colberts segment Better Know a District, in which he interviews sitting U.S. representatives, became so damaging that Nancy Pelosi, a California Democrat and former Speaker of the House, suggested that no representatives agree to appear on the show. As for The Daily Show, Stewart frequently ridicules statements made by politicians in various segments, such as Crisis in Israfghyianonanaq and America to the Rescue. The dynamic duo also hosted a Rally to Restore Sanity and/ or Fear, which (intentionally or not), pointed out the ridiculousness of a rally hosted by Bill OReilly a little time before. Both The Daily Show and The Colbert Report draw comedic content from OReilly, as Colbert bases his as a satire off of the OReilly Factor, and Stewart frequently debates OReilly on each of their shows. People often believe that The Colbert Report tH Hu and The Daily an av E Show walk the line too closely between satire and parody. The differences are significant. As Freshman Vicky Hoznek describes, Satire is more mocking and parody is meant to be funny. Like, Animal Farm is a satire. Mayerson notes, The way [Colbert] delivers his comedy, its evident that hes being facetious. The satirical nature of The Colbert Report can be summed up with the Colbert Report Drinking Game. The rules are, according to Colbert himself, Take one drink every time Stephen criticizes America. Thats right. He never does. Stay sober and vigilant, America. The two shows, for all the criticisms they receive, are brutally honest, if a little biased. Regardless of any drawbacks the shows may have, they make politics easier to discuss and help to alleviate the traditionally dry dialogue. For the most part, they highlight the flaws in American politics, with everything from Colberts SuperPACAmericans for a Better Tomorrow, Tomorrowto Stewarts Your Moment of Zen segment. Overall, the shows have a positive effect. Check out aragonoutlook.org for exclusive photos, content, and previous issues. continuEd from pagE 1 competition had a total of six groups performing. Despite the events competitive spirit, only three groups participated in the competition based portion of the event. The noncompetitive groups consisted of the San Mateo Park and Recreation Departments performance troupe, Jazz Ma Tazz, Aragons Asian Pop Club Dance Team, and Bret Hartes Dance Troupe. San Mateo High Schools Dance Team, Mercy Burlingame High Schools Dance Team, and Christa McAuliffe Middle Schools Step Team competed for first, second, and third place. Two years ago, CMMS took home first place; this year, Mercy won first place, with San Mateo and Christa McAulliffe receiving second and third places, respectively. The BSU has hosted the competition seven times, although last year the team did not have the event due to construction on the theater and gyms. The event serves as a fundraiser for the BSU. Junior and BSU President Devon Hughes says, We give the money to My New Red Shoes, an organization that provides clothing to homeless and lowincome children. We will be giving at least 50 percent of our profits from the competition to the charity, if not more, adds Hughes. Tickets were $5 and the event had an estimated 100-150 in attendance, excluding performers. The audience, in addition to the number of teams at the competition, was smaller than in previous years. Many point to the absence of a competition last year as the cause of a smaller turnout. BSU adviser Don Bush says, Since the first [competition], the event has gotten bigger and bigger each year, and more teams competed in the past. At the last minute this year two teams decided not to come out as well. That made the event smaller too. Bush reflects, We could have done more to publicize and advertise the show, but next year it will be bigger. Although the Asian Pop Club danced at the event, the Aragon Dance team did not. The dance team has never performed at the competition before even though we invite them every year. I think the reason has been because they didnt want to lose, says Bush. Aragon Dance Team member junior Emily Pereira says, Someone on the team said they thought it would be too biased if we competed [because Aragon was hosting]. San Mateo High Schools Dance Team and the girls from Christa McAuliffe were noted as the most enthusiastic and supportive participants in the event, with the latter given the spirit award. A crowd favorite for the afternoon was the dance-off, where a student from each group and school came on stage and was given twenty seconds to show off his or her best moves. The highlight of the miniature competition came when team captains Jasmine Mallory, from Mercy, and Ben Lim, from San Mateo, had their own dance-off. Mallory initiated the individual face-off by grabbing Lim by his orange and black crewneck and pulling him center stage, at which point the two went back and forth, rapid fire, demonstrating their unique moves. The heated showdown ended with the two embracing in a hug and demonstrating the supportive atmosphere present throughout the competition. Although breaks in the formal routines were peppered with freestyle dance breaks and lyrics competitions, Lim says, Performing here is different from a rally because its more about cleanliness and technicality. Mallory says, I find it really refreshing to just lay my heart out on the stage I felt like it was a lot stronger competition than before...We bumped up our routine and everyone had such strong elements The stepping was fabulous and the stunts for San Mateo were really good. Leah Maes, a third grade student from Bret Harte, reflects, I loved [the competition]. I got to do my own moves. Whether you win or lose, you still get to celebrate.

volume lii, issue no. 6 thursday, march 7, 2013

FEATURES 13
Aragon students weigh in on cheating, copying, & plagiarism in high school

Academic dishonesty

Revisited fairytales embrace the dark side

by Annika Olives features staff Once upon a time, there lived a young, beautiful princess named Snow White. Her evil step-mother then locked her in the castle dungeon for many years... until Snow White escaped into the Dark Forest. She makes an unlikely friend, the Huntsman sent to kill her, and he turns her into a warrior powerful enough to overthrow the Evil Queen. This is not your average fairytale. In the movie Snow White and the Huntsman, actress Kristen Stewart portrays a dark, violent version of Snow White, a far cry from the innocent girl who sang to birds in the Disney cartoon. Recently, Hollywood has been producing these darker fairytales with increasing rapidity, and teens seem to love them. While these darker adaptations may seem new, fairytales were often originally morbid. In 1812, Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm (the Brothers Grimm) published a book containing 86 fairy tales. The stories, known as Grimms Fairytales, were the basis of many well-known fairytales. Their stories included the early Hansel and Gretel, Rapunzel, and more. But one thing separates the Brothers Grimms stories from the renowned Disney movies years later: their stories were dark. In the original version of Cinderella, when the prince comes to Cinderellas home to see if anyone fits the slipper, Cinderellas step-mother tells her daughters to cut off a part of their foot with a knife so the shoe will fit. The prince sees the blood, though, and returns back home to let Cinderella try the slipper. It fits, and at their wedding, the two stepsisters get both their eyes pecked out by birds for lying to the prince and are blind for the rest of their lives. Just a few years ago, many lighthearted Cinderella stories were being made, such as A Cinderella Story and Ella Enchanted. Yet, in the past year or so, much darker fairytales have made their way to the big screen. Some people believe the blockbuster Twilight saga may have had an impact on this trend. The Twilight franchise was one of the first to touch on the idea of dark creatures and magic, with just a touch of romance. The darker side is popular because its easier to get emotion from frightening things than a happy movie, freshman Sasha Menshikova says. In addition, it is much simpler to recreate old characters that already have a story than it is to make an entirely new character. Theyre good storylines, and people like violence. Theyre mixing them together, freshman Marly Miller says. Freshman Emma Mester suggests, People like classics, so theyre bringing them into a grown-up world. Author Seth Grahame-Smith is a master at this. He has written many popular novels, including Pride and Prejudice and Zombies, and Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter, which later became a movie. He takes stories or people that already exist and creates a sort of mash-up combining the existing story with an idea of his own. In an interview with Flavorwire, Grahame-Smith explains where Vampire Hunter came from. A couple of years ago, right before the Lincoln bicentennial, it seemed like there was a new Lincoln biography coming out every week... As it happened, this was also about the time that Twilight was beginning to blow up. So inevitably, thered be a table of vampire books right next to that Lincoln table... And it got me thinking what if these things tasted even better together? Grahame-Smith and the rest of Hollywood were correct. Teens fell in love with dark movies, and even like them better than the Disney adaptations that once stole their young hearts. Its a new take, freshman Emily Howing says. The darkness makes movies interesting, since nobody watches happy things. With the upcoming releases of Jack and the Giant Killer and Hansel and Gretel: Witch Hunters, Hollywood has made it official: dark movies are here to stay.

tina pai

by Jacqueline Tang features staff Ever since tests have been administered, measures to prevent cheating have also been enforced. In grade school, students attempting to cheat would be dissuaded by walls consisting of two folders stapled together that would act as a barricade to prevent wandering eyes from receiving unauthorized aid. However, while such preventative measures are eventually removed, cheating is not forgotten. In fact, it seems that students learn more sophisticated ways to cheat as their schooling progresses. Academic dishonesty is something that happens all the time no matter which school you go to, says San Mateo junior Michael Chiang, I have been to three different high schools and yet the results are the same. There are people either cheating on tests or homework or any other assignment. Indeed, the prevalence of new technology and its integration into the classroom curriculum appear to have opened new avenues for academic dishonesty. People help each other on Facebook; they can take a picture [of their work] and send it. Also, people excessively message you for help and answers, says sophomore Anthony Kalife. English teacher Victoria Daniel adds, Well, clearly, it mostly has to do with technology. In fact I just caught a student the other day who had taken a picture of his friends quiz and came to make up the quiz at lunch with me and was on his phone when I wasnt looking, looking at a picture of that quiz, and his friend had done pretty well on it. So, I do not think thats new, its just that he got caught. One anonymous student says, Overall, I dont think that [technology] has influenced the cheating scene that much. Most of the cheating occurs in between classes when students are rushing to cram for a quiz or finish an assignment before the next period. Compared to that kind of academic dishonesty, plagiarism and other ways of cheating online are rather rare. Although academic dishonesty ranges from homework help

to plagiarism on essays, most students agree that unwarranted homework help is the most common form. When teachers assign busy work that doesnt require much actual thought, its tempting to just copy the assignment from someone else. They say that every assignment has some value, but in certain cases Id beg to differ, says the first anonymous student. For example, whats the difference between copying notes from a friend and taking them from the book? Getting them from a friend saves the time and energy that would have been spent wading through essentially unimportant informationtime that could have been spent working on an important assignment for a different class. I guess for [people that cheat on homework] its nothing that bigits just an opportunity to get your points. But if it actually counts, then Im going put my [own] work in, reflects freshman Nicholas Tong. Tong notes that cheating on homework seems more common than on tests and says, Occasionally, I notice someone asking for the answers during a test from neighbors, but its very rare. It just doesnt seem like that big of a deal [if you say] Oh like study this extra. If youre giving exact questions and exact answers then thats cheating, but if you ask, Oh what should I study in third period before the test then I dont really think its a big deal, says a second anonymous student. A third anonymous student notes several repeated instances of cheating in a particular class, saying, When a teacher leaves the room, the students all turn to one another and ask each other for answers on a test. I dont think its particularly surprising [that no one tells them to stop]. I think some students try to shush the class, but peer pressure keeps them from really stopping it from happening. Other students tend to just keep their nose down, but the majority of the class goes right ahead and shares answers. Most students dont go to the teachers because theyre too afraid for, one, their own grade and, two, the class grade. If a teacher found out that the

whole class had cheated, everyone would receive a zero, including the person who told them. Unlike homework and tests, papers are subject to review by Turnitin.com. Turnitin is the main reason that no one cheats on papers anymore. Because, why would you how could you plagiarize if theres that chance that this website can catch you no matter what you do, says the first anonymous student. The first anonymous student continues, I think cheating is motivated primarily by personal ambition, rather than any competitive desire. Everyone just wants to do their best and get into a good college. Its kind of sad that we are under so much pressure to be successful that we so willingly sacrifice moral values. Cheating is misguided, but understandable. Daniel avoids harsh punishment and says, To me its a sign of desperation. Desperation or laziness, but usually it takes some effort to cheat, it really does. So I think it is symptomatic of a larger issuelack of confidence, [feeling] overwhelmed. Regardless of the consequences, people generally cheat because theres that possibility of doing better on a test or a quiz. And that, in most peoples eyes, makes cheating worth it, reflects the third anonymous student. Instead of cheating, its checking answers or helping a friend out. Since they know that others do it, they justify their own actions and believe that its alright, says the third anonymous student. Mills junior Noah Seto brings a different perspective. Its so competitive at Mills, and so many people want to succeed. Its not a lack of moralsbut [a] compromise of morals. I think also because of the way we were raised, its either success or bust, so people dont want to compromise morals but sometimes they feel like they have to in order to get what they want. Apparently this logic speaks for itselfa moral justification is unnecessary for cheating. The anonymous sources in the article were granted anonymity based on the nature of their information.

Eavan HutH

14

Pastor, alum and father: Biennial career day Basketball coach Sam Manu sets teams

FEATURES

volume lii, issue no. 6 thursday, march 7, 2013

returns to Aragon

moral guidlines and high expectations

cOntinued frOm Page 1 entertainment industry. She says, There are few jobs that require fun as part of their day to day focus. Defining that fun is one of the hardest but most rewarding parts of working in game development. I believe that desire to create something fun is why so many people are drawn to and interested in joining the industry production as a discipline fits within the larger body of game development. Dr. Eric Morgenthaler, a clinical psychologist, informed students about the educational requirements needed to become a psychologist. Morgenthaler says, Psychology as a field is the study of human behavior. As such it relates to how we as individuals act, think, and feel. Clinical psychologists diagnose and treat mental illness, problems in living, and problematic behavior. Morgenthaler stressed the specifics of his individual practice, which is the diagnosis and treatment of mental illness, behavioral disorders and neurocognitive disorders. He concludes, Many people are interested in helping others and clinical psychology is a helping profession. Photographer Pat Johnson returned to Aragon to present a few portfolios of his work. Johnson says that with the proper motivation, you can be anything you want to be, including a photographer, without being born wealthy. Alger Chapman, a pediatrician, covered all the different aspects and responsibilities of being a pediatrician. Chapman says, I hope students will get a practical idea of whats involved in being a pediatrician and how one gets there. I assume most students have seen a doctor and have an idea of the work environment but may not know the broader picture and day to day aspects of being a pediatrician. He adds, More importantly, if they are interested in this kind

of career, I hope to give an idea of what they can do to make it possible and encourage them to pursue their passion and not be dissuaded if they are not a 4.0+ GPA student and valedictorian. Regarding why students find careers in pediatrics appealing, Chapman says, It is fulfilling to be helping others, especially children, and at the same time be able to make a reasonable living. Digital Artist Megan Mendelson showed students how she found her way into visual effects. Mendelson says, Its hard not to get a little thrill from the thought of working in movies, plus visual effects is really where all the magic happens where would Harry Potter be without his wand, right? Says Mendelson, [I hope] students will leave the presentation with a better idea of how many different people and skills it takes to get these movies made. Mendelson concludes, Designing and creating beautiful and fantastical images for the world to see is a wonderful way to spend the day, and though it can be hard work and long hours, you can see the results of your efforts quite clearly. Finally, Joel Dabisch delineated the career of an FBI Special Agent. Dabisch explains why his career was many of the students top selection, saying, This popularity also come from the fact that FBI agents are often portrayed on television as working in an exciting, fast-paced world, solving the most serious of crimes, including terrorist acts, kidnappings and bank robberies, usually in an hour or less. I want to ensure that students contemplating a career in the FBI realize that the FBI they see on television and in the movies is often very different from the FBI that exists in reality; while a career as an FBI Special Agent is certainly exciting at times, it also requires hard work, attention to detail, patience, creativity and, most of all, integrity.

Sam Manu sings with his congregation at Parkside elementary school.

Paniz amirnasiri

game that week It was very worry, be happy feel, so its really quite easy with our culture. emotional. Most coaches wouldnt And actually, I think the team has Having completed his second do that, says Frankel, whose kind of adopted that, which is reyear as Aragons boys varsity grandfather had passed away. ally cool, he says. basketball coach, alumnus Sam He called time-out, and it was Still, having family members Manu reflects on his return to a big thing, and everybody was on the team, some of whom are Aragon. Its kind of like coming hugging me It was a moment starters, can be a challenge. His full-circle. Its an honor to come I wont forget, and it was really younger son, junior Alex Manu, back. says, Its really hard having him cool. But beyond coaching the team Senior Skylar Assaf, one of as a father, a coach, and a pastor to a 20-7 record this year, Manu many Aragon students who at- because you see this good side in is also a pastor for many Aragon tends Manus him, but when students. Manu holds weekly ser- services, says, hes coachvices each Sunday at Parkside El- Its ing hes really really One of my major ementary School. Numerous stu- cool to see philosophies is that we work hard on you, dents and many members of the your church as a team and that we are so its a big basketball team attend as well. pastor so in- a familynot just say that, transition, but Pastoring is really the same thing volved with but really do it. you just have as coaching because the primary your school Sam Manu to deal with it thing that youre dealing with is and with the Basketball Coach because thats relationships, says Manu. They student body. what coaches have so many different things godo. Senior Aris ing on in their lives, some good, Payan, a dance team member, At the same time, however, some tragic, some just in the mid- has attended all of the basketball Manu says, It lends to how we dle. So theres a wide spectrum, games. She says, Sam being a compete, too, because we say and pastoring is really the same pastor brings the team closer, it whether we win or we lose, we do thing, I take the same approach gives them peace. I see the way it together. We do it as a family. and really try to be with them they play, usually basketball Manu attests to the growth of where theyre at. players are more aggressive and his players: Ive seen the kids Senior captain Nick Frankel more violent, but I see that they who are now seniors really step says, Hes can control up and take it seriously, and even a really, ret h e m s e l v e s start coaching during games. ally nice and its really cool to see your There was a really important and not get u n d e r s t a n d - church pastor so involved angry. Theres play when we were playing Mills, ing guy. with your school and with the a big differ- and it was a close game and we Hes a pas- student body. ence in their had an out of bounds play, and tor so theres Skylar Assaf t e a m t h e y my captain, Trevor, said Coach this whole Senior are so close we should run this play, and we and affection- should put Nick in this position so no swearing ate towards he can run down and [Trevor] thing. If you do, like I have before, he takes one another. basically coached it through. And Manus son, senior Rex Manu, I stopped and listened and said, you out of the game, or if you do it in practice you have to run agrees, Youre not allowed to Alright, you guys heard what sprints. Hes really big on the talk about God at school, but it Trevor said. Lets do it. And shows in the way he handles him- we did it, and it was perfect. He team chemistry aspect. Manu adds, One of my major self and the respect that he gives passed it to Nick, who was wide philosophies is that we work as a to all of us and to the cheerlead- open in the corner, shot a 3, made team and that we are a family ers. Like, the cheerleaders dont it, and that was a huge play. So not just say that, but really do it, have a place to practice, so we its really rewarding for me to not he says. Case in point, last week always open up the gym if they only teach it. You can never say one of our team members grand- need a place to come in. you taught it until you have seen fathers passed away He told me Manu has also brought his own it done by those you are trying to that he was 76 [when he passed], cultural flavor to the team. Ton- teach. So that was really rewardso the team decided that we were gan culture is really laid back. Its ing for me, Manu said. going to score 76 points at our that warm weather, relax, dont by Shannon Thielen features staff

volume lii, issue no. 6 thursday, march 7, 2013

NEWS 15
ness on the base paths, the Dons are planning on keeping up their good pitching as well. Davis says, Weve got great pitching. Our staff is very deep, and that will be an advantage to us as the season goes on. The teams schedule generally becomes much tougher as the season progresses. After going 16-11 (10-4 PAL) in the Ocean Division last year, they have moved up to the Bay Division for this season. Souza says, We are the toughest team in the division. Nobody will beat us. If we lose, its because we will have beaten ourselves. We are capable of beating any team on our schedule. Adds Souza, Our goal is a league title and to get into the Central Coast Sections (CCS) and do some damage. Moving forward, Souza says, We can get our fielding percentage up. We are a little young. The fact that we dont have an old, deep senior class might hurt us later on. Despite the excellent pitching from the Dons, Davis says, We still need to work on our pitching because we will be facing better hitting teams later on. Ching thinks that the team is making good progress. He says, Were getting there. We just got some players back from basketball and soccer, and our pitchers are still getting stronger. We have a 14-15 man junior class, and our roster was not nearly as big last year, says Souza. Ching sees the depth as a very positive thing and adds, We have players that can play many positions, so we can fill any spot. But the entire team still has a similar goal. Junior and infielder Victor Elmashni says, This season, its CCS or bust. The next home game is on Monday, March 11 against Sacred Heart Cathedral at 3:15 p.m.
Above: Members of the baseball team watch a team member at bat. Below: Junior Chris Davis pitches a fast ball during the first inning.

Baseball team aspires to maintain undefeated record

by Matt McHugh news staff On Thurs. Feb. 28, the Aragon Dons varsity baseball team shut out Mills in a 6-0 win. This win kept the Dons undefeated at 3-0, although all of their games thus far have been non-league. Junior Chris Davis was the starting pitcher against Mills, and he struck out five batters in just three innings. Davis got into a one out, bases loaded jam in the first inning, but after a mound visit from Head Coach Lenny Souza, Davis struck out the next two batters to end the inning. Souza says, I wanted [Davis] to simplify things and make an adjustment. Obviously hes more than capable of getting it done out there. Davis three shutout innings were followed by two perfect innings from junior Steven Hughes and two scoreless innings from senior Aldo Severson. Hughes and Severson combined to throw seven strikeouts. The Dons bats were led by junior Brennan Careys 2-2 day. He drove in two runs and stole two bases as well. Senior Connor Ching was frequently on base as well, with two walks, a single, and two steals. Says Ching, Our pitchers threw a lot of strikes, and our batters were tracking the ball well. We put the stuff we worked on in practice to use, like working on using both sides of the field and taking good approaches at the plate. The team stole five bases throughout the game, while Mills stole none. Davis says, Aggressive base running should be a normal thing going forward. Souza agrees saying, We will [keep pressuring] every game, day in and day out. Unless people stop us, well keep it up. In addition to their aggressive-

Stanley KrzeSniaK

Lady Dons softball wins 13-3 when umpires enact mercy rule
by Isaac Wang news staff The Lady Dons softball team started off their season with a bang. On Tues., Feb. 26, the Dons beat Kings Academy 13-3. The Dons seemed a bit shaky when the game first started. Kings Academy threatened to score in the top of the first inning when the first three players all hit singles. However, freshman pitcher Sophia Cerreta struck out the next two batters. With two outs and the bases loaded, Ceretta managed to get the sixth batter to ground out to first base. Then, the Dons proceeded to score 11 runs in the bottom of the first. They took advantage of multiple hits, passed balls, walks, and errors to achieve their eight runs. Kings Academy responded by stringing three hits in a row and scoring three runs in the next inning, but it was all that they could muster against the Dons. Pitchers Sophia Ceretta, Sarah Nelson and Jessie Doss shut down Kings Academy for the rest of the game. The Dons scored twice more in the third inning, running the score up to 13-3. By the time the fourth inning rolled around, the umpires called the game due to the mercy rule, which is when a team beats another team by ten or more runs. Pitcher Cerreta had a good game, both defensively and offensively. She started the game pitching and managed to escape a no out bases loaded jam in the top of the first inning. On offense, she hit a grand slam, contributing to four of the Dons thirteen . This big win will help the Dons transition into the new season. After five years of coaching, the former coach Bill Laskey decided to retire from coaching. Coach Joe Sparaco has stepped into the new coaching position this season. Sparaco is immensely experienced, having coached for over 35 years. He was the assistant varsity coach at Palo Alto High School and head frosh-soph coach at Menlo Atherton prior to taking this job. He says, I love coaching and teaching kids to play all kinds of sports, and thought this would be a challenge because of the great coach they had just lost. I love the kids and coach for the love of the game, hoping to leave a positive lifetime legacy of sportsmanship, citizenship, and character building our young players. I love this team and have a tremendous respect for the young ladies of the team. I am hoping for a very successful season at Aragon. Senior Kaylyn Mejasich says, Softball this year is much better than two years ago... Soon we will become a family. In order to prepare the Dons for the season ahead, Sparacco says, We do drills every day to make us a faster team. We move our feet in a positive direction and train ourselves to never make a negative movement away from our anticipated target. We do a lot of running, hitting, and work on defense. These drills make us very dangerous to our opponents. The strength of the team is the balance of talent amongst players. Sparaco says, I put the most aggressive players up first and play the girls defensively according to their strengths. We dont really have any weak players on our team, so when I replace somebody, I can feel confident that making a change doesnt weaken our team in any significant way. The Dons lineup will be tested against the rival Hillsdale Knights. Mejasich says, Hillsdale will be the hardest team we will face this year. Not only are they our rivals, but they force us to bring our game to another level. Im looking forward to the big game against Hillsdale because its going to be a good competitive game. Mejasich also looks forward to the Hillsdale game, saying, That game will be our senior night game, and we have been playing with most of the Hillsdale girls since we were eight years old. However, the Dons must take the season one game at a time. Sparaco says, Every game is played with the anticipation of winning, and being fully prepared gives us courage to face anybody who steps onto our field to play us. Were not afraid of anybody!

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16

SPORTS

volume lii, issue no. 6 thursday, march 7, 2013

Dons escape from Alcatraz triathlon in SF

Badminton succeeds in preseason

by Emily Shen news staff On Feb. 28, the Aragon badminton team defeated Woodside High School in an unofficial preseason scrimmage. The official season will open on March 12 against MenloAtherton High School. This season, the team is facing two main changes: a loss of key players and a new gym. Says coach Linda Brown, Were younger; we graduated a lot of seniors. The new gym has greatly improved the productivity of practices. Brown explains, Players will have more practice time because theyll have more courts. The gym is bigger, eight courts instead of six, which means more people can be practicing, though we still have two practices... Notable players this season include seniors Nicky Tao, Jaehee Park, and Sam Bunarjo in addition to sophomore and 2012 CCS girls singles champion Candy Zhang. Says Brown, They work with the other players and walk around and help with drills. They demonstrate, and they help with strategy. Says senior Sam Bunarjo, When we were freshmen, the older people helped us with technique, so we try to do that now. Like in tennis, there are two styles of play in badminton: singles and doubles. Says Brown, When you play singles, you have to rely on yourself. Doubles is much faster. One [player] is strong in a certain area, and you have to learn how to move on the court and play to your teammates strengths while maximizing the opponents weaknesses. Theres a lot more strategy. However, despite the similar natures of tennis and badminton, they have different rules and require different abilities. While tennis requires full use of the arm, badminton relies mostly on wrist movement. Brown says, Its good if you have good eye-hand coordination, but if you cant learn how to relax your wrists then you lose power. Senior Jaehee Park adds, A lot of athletes on this team play multiple sports, so were all in pretty good shape, but badminton is about using unique muscles that you have to break in. When I have soccer, my thighs get sore, but in badminton, its all the wrists. The Aragon badminton team has been undefeated for the past two seasons, and the teams goal this season is to continue that winning streak. Additional reporting by Annika Ulrich and Sangwon Yun

jason mai

samantha soon

jason mai

Left: Senior Landon Hart races to the finish line in the final leg of the triathlon. Upper right: Landon Harts parents cheer Hart to the finish line. Bottom right: AP U.S. History teacher William Colglazier walks to greet family after the race.

by Wyatt Cooper features staff Senior Landon Hart and Aragon U.S. History teacher Will Colglazier dove into the icy waters of the bay from a boat next to Alcatraz on March 3 at 7:30 a.m. The initial jump off the boat was so cold it was hard to breathe, says Hart on the start of the race. But you gotta move fast. After the beginning, the swim got better. The waters are so cold that use of a wetsuit is required. You basically have to wear one since the water is like 50 degrees, says Hart. Colglazier comments, You have no warm up for the swim. You jump right in, which is a daunting thing. The swim is naturally the most dangerous part of the triathlon, considering drowning and hypothermia are risks. Many swimmers need to have assistance early on in the race due to the conditions in the water. Tragically, a person died this year during the swimming portion. The conditions on the day of the race were tough. The combination of wind and current made it a rocky swim. It was hard to get a rhythm, says Colglazier. The swimmers have to swim from Alcatraz to the shore, totaling about 1.5 miles in distance. They had to

swim at an angle in order to go in the right direction against the current. This necessary strategy actually worked against Colglazier time. He says, I was too aggressive in the way I angled my swim, so I ended up having to take a perpendicular route. Landon and Colglazier completed the swim, the shortest leg of the entire race, in approximately 40 minutes. Colglaziers swimming time was seven minutes slower than his previous swimming split when he did the Escape race three years ago, which goes to show how comparing times year to year can be untelling of true performance. While Colglazier finished one minute slower than he did three years ago, his running was at a 7:30 pace compared to an 8:15 pace last time, and he finished 111th overall as compared to in the 300-400s last time. After the swim, the race continued with an 18 mile bike ride in the scenic Marina Green, accompanied with views of Alcatraz and the Golden Gate. Hart says, The bike was hilly, but I felt fine through it. The bike starts on Marina Boulevard near the Golden Gate and eventually goes around Golden Gate Park and back. After returning to the Marina Green where the bike began, the triathletes began the run

portion of the event. The run was eight miles, longer than the standard Olympic distance and made even tougher with the 400 step Equinox Sand Ladder, a trademark aspect of the run on the Escape course. Hart says, The runs first four miles were fine, but then you hit the sand ladder and that takes a lot of energy. I felt low on energy the last 2 miles, but I was relieved and happy to finish. The run took about an hour for Colglazier and Hart, who wavered between a 7.5-8 minute mile pace across the hilly course and Sand Ladder after already having raced for at least an hour and a half. The race includes every range of skills, bringing people from all over the world, both amateur and professional. Colglazier says, One of the cool things is you get to race alongside the professionals. There is no staggered start, so everyone starts at once. You get see the pain on their faces and hear them breathe as they go by you on their way back on the circuits. On the topic of training for his race, Colglazier says, I [did] 2 workouts a day, either a bike and run or a swim and lift. Some days I [was] in the pool by 5:45, doing a workout before the workday starts. Colglazier explains

how training works alongside his teaching and family responsibilities: My triathlon competition goes third on the list, behind my family and career. For example, Colglazier does his biking workout, which can take up to an hour and 20 minutes, after his son goes to bed. Hart and Colglazier had a prerace collaboration as a result of their student-teacher relationship. Hart says, I was really happy that Mr. Colglazier was competing. He gave me advice for the triathlon. He told me how to race the course since hes done it before, like where to look on the swim in the distance so the current doesnt pull you off the line. He gave me some training tips too. Colglazier finished impressively in a time of two hours and 49 minutes at approximately 10:30 a.m., a great feat for a time of the day when many people are still sleeping. Landon too accomplished the heroic feat, finishing at 10:50 a.m. with a time of 3 hours and 16 minutes. Landon took 564th in the whole race and 4th in the 17-19 year old division. Colglazier took 111th place in the whole race and 16th in the 30-34 year old division. 1580 individuals and many groups completed the race, representing more than 35 countries.