*Senior Issue* New Block Scheduling Plan for 2009-2010 School Year by Jenny Heath News Editor The rumors are true. Next year LGHS will have a block schedule. Though it may seem sudden, the school’s administration has, in fact, been planning a block schedule since the fall of 2007. They started planning even before Saratoga, which now has a block schedule. A scheduling committee was formed around Thanksgiving last year, and meets every three weeks to plan the school’s transition to this major change. The type of block schedule is still undecided. The committee’s goal is to reach a final decision before Thanksgiving. by Adrienne Blaine Graphic Designer “At Saratoga High School the janitors are close to us. Some of them are our biggest fans,” said Kathleen Roberts, a senior at SHS. She, like many students at their school, was shocked to hear that thirty-eight year old janitor, Jaun Edmundo Morales Jauregui, has been missing since San Jose police attempted to arrest him on Jan. 23 for alleged child molestation. Editor-in-Chief On Mon., March 9, LGHS students first learned about the missing status of Cycor-McMillan; search and rescue teams had been searching for hours to find him after he and friend decided to swim out to a huge rock in the bay where they were having a barbeque. The rescuers suspended the search around midday on Monday, and turned the case over to the Sheriff as a “missing-persons” issue. So far, no trace of Cyncor-McMillan has been found...(read more) President Obama Puts Economic Stimulus Plan into Action by Ben Rosenberg Sports Editor President Barack Obama and his administration certainly are not wasting any time in the White House, as leaders of the Senate and House of Representatives negotiated a new economic stimulus bill on Feb. 12, calling for a 787 billion dollar package. Such a large sum is intended to give money back to everyday citizens and companies, which the government hopes will spark job opportunities and catalyze a dynamic economic recovery. However, both the House and Senate originally proposed a larger budget, which was cut by over 30 billion dollars in order to gain three necessary Republican votes. The Democrats were forced to compromise, and decreases were mainly to education and health programs. As a result, the bulk of the package is based on tax cuts, which were already focal points of the plan prior to the reduction of other programs...(read more)
by Kathleen Whalen Zabasearch.com is a Threat to Personal Information
by Ben Rosenberg Vincent Moon on YouTube by Adrienne Blaine
by Adrienne Blaine Meet Karan from Kenya Starbucks, Sarcasm, and Sufi by Kylie Webb by Jessica Fee Boys' Basketball Shoots to Win
NEWS:
New Businesses in Los Gatos
by Aneesa Vaez-Iravani
Webmaster
With the closing down of a several companies, including a restaurant serving the best home-made pies, an innovative electronic store known for its large leather massage chairs, and several take out restaurants as well as unique art galleries, several new restaurants have recently opened in these vacant spaces in downtown Los Gatos... (read more)
Town Council Elections
by Kimia Pakdaman
Opinion Editor
Seeing the campaign posters on lawns that read “Peggy” or “Rice” for town council signals that the Los Gatos Town Council elections are approaching. There are four candidates running for two seats on the council. The candidates are Michael Kane, Barbara Spector, Steve Rice, and Peggy Dallas, who all have experience in community service and local government. Spector is the only candidate who is rerunning for her previous spot on Town Council, so Los Gatos is bound to... (read more)
New Sophomore Classes Offered at LGHS
by Aneesa Vaez-Iravani
Webmaster
This year LGHS is offering three brand new classes for 10th grade sophomores to fulfill their social studies requirements. Introduction to Law, Psychology, and Sociology allow students to expand their understanding of history beyond 20th century events formerly taught to sophomore students. This year they are given the opportunity to learn the studies... (read more)
by Bryn Taylor
News Editor
In San Francisco and across California, boxing clubs are using children to provide high-society entertainment. Wealthy adults don black-tie attire and head to boxing clubs where they are served fillet mignon and dessert- all the while illegally gambling on boys as young as eight fighting each other in the ring.
Big money is being made by the private clubs and their sponsors that host the amateur boxing events. Legally, youth sports are not allowed profit any private citizen- if money is made, it is supposed to go back into the sport for the kids. In this case, the boxing clubs are taking in thousands of dollars from the elite viewers who can afford to see the amateur fights, and putting the...(read more)
Saratoga High School Janitor Arrested for Alleged Child Molestation
The thirteen-year employee has been under investigation since Aug. 2008. San Jose Police followed a tip from the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children that someone in their jurisdiction was downloading child pornography.
The NCMEC is a private nonprofit organization that provides nationwide services for families and professionals for the prevention of abducted, endangered and sexually exploited children...(read more)
LGHS Faces the Loss Of Dennis Cyncor-McMillan
by Shasta Webb
NATIONAL:
Hurricane Gustav and Ike Produce Devastating Results
by Ben Rosenberg
Sports Editor
President-Elect Names Cabinet and Declares Policies
National Unemployment Levels Are Rising
by Shasta Webb
Editor-in-Chief
The national unemployment level, as released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, is currently 8.1 percent. In the last four months, over 2.4 million citizens have lost their jobs, and the rates of unemployment are only increasing. However, the unemployment is distributed quite unequally across the country; some states are breaking records with numbers of jobs lost, while others seem to be maintaining a comfortably low rate of joblessness. The most severely hit areas include the West Coast and the Southeast, as well as Michigan and areas dependent on major automobile manufacturing.
California: Currently California has the fourth highest unemployment rate; approximately 10.1 percent of Californians are without jobs, and the statistics has been growing at a frightening rate. The first sector to feel the effects of the economic downturn was residential construction, but soon jobs in finance and wholesale and retail trade began to dwindle as well. Economists reporting for the LA Times ecently stated that the jobs cut have extended to healthcare positions, teaching, and other government posts...(read more)
EDITORIAL:
On average, Ivy League Schools have a 12.3 percent acceptance rate. As society views, attending one of these schools will likely boost one’s résumé in future years. Thus, students are more likely to decide that a prestigious school is the right college for them. But isn’t there more to college than just prestige? Shouldn’t students pick a college based on the job they want or the campus environment that it provides? The El Gato staff believes that, while attending a reputable college may be a nice bonus, students should select a school based on other priorities. There are many more aspects of a school to consider... (read more)
Inform Yourself Rather Than Blindly Donating Money
by Kelsey Appleton
Parent Gossip Often Has Consequences for Teenagers
by Clark Kissiah
Culture Editor
When discussing the high school rumor mill, it cannot be denied that fingers are more often than not pointed at underclass girls and their relentless smack talking about each other and rival groups. In truth, everyone is guilty of exchanging information, whether it is positive or negative, deliberate or accidental. What we over look, however, is the role parents’ play in rumors and the consequential formulation of forever lasting, and often hurtful, impressions and opinions. It is one thing for high school students to gossip about each other; at least it directly deals with their demographic. Parents, however, have absolutely no reason or excuse for gossiping about students a generation beneath them. In the high school world, sad as it is, rumor spreading and gossip...(read more)
Americans Should Be Spending More Time Outdoors
Center Editor
Last week, I loaded up my gym bag, hopped in the car, and drove the few blocks from my house to the athletic club. I circled the parking lot a few times, hoping to find a spot close to the front entrance. I noticed several other people using the same strategy. After wasting five minutes, I settled on a spot a grueling 50 feet farther from where I had hoped to park, and went into the facility to begin my workout.
This situation, which seems to be not only my own experience but many of my peers’ as well, got me thinking—why was I driving my car to a building where I would go inside and run or ride a bicycle, surrounded by artificially circulating air? Judging by the simplicity of the question, the answer should be easy; unfortunately, it is not...(read more)
Do Not Pass Judgement on the Death of Teenagers
by
Like most other LGHS students, I first heard that Dennis Cyncor-McMillan was missing through the announcement made by Mr. Ramezane after fifth period on Monday, March 9. I made my way slowly to class, where my close friends were as completely confused as I was. When I got home that afternoon, the first thing I did was log on to the Mercury News website, where I hoped to find an updated story. I read the rather inconclusive news that was available, and then saw the comments at the end of the article.
On this virtual, faceless, anonymous website, adult users were posting some of the most blatantly insensitive and aimless comments I have ever seen. I sat on my couch sobbing as I read comments calling Dennis “garden-variety stupid” and “a Darwin Awards recipient.” My misery evolved into a sort of fury as I registered for an account on the website to respond to the posts...(read more)
OPINION:
Presidential Candidates Ignore Major African Issues
by Emily Bays
Editor-in-Cheif
The presidential campaign is in full swing at this point. The vice presidential candidates have been chosen and the attack ads are airing nonstop as John McCain and Barack Obama try to win over likely American voters. Both candidates have addressed the War in Iraq until they were blue in the face. We have enough knowledge about the candidate’s proposed economic and social policies to know their general beliefs. They have addressed North Korea, Iran, and Russia. So what are we missing?... (read more)
Sports Editor
Imagine walking into your local coffee shop on the average Sunday morning. You’re one of the usual customers and you often pay with a credit card, so the guy behind the counter knows your first and last name. This time, however, he knows your birth date, home address, marriage and divorce records, likely relatives, phone numbers, neighbors, land ownership history, former and current jobs, and has an aerial view of your home via Google Maps. All of this information is just a click away on Zabasearch.com for a small fee, and if you’re willing to pay more, the information doesn’t stop there...(read more)
Prostitution Should be Legalized to Keep Prostitutes Safe
by Jenny Heath
News Editor
Prostitution. The word generally has a negative connotation, and as a profession, it is and always has been looked down upon. It implies a lack of morals, or mindless promiscuity. It also calls to mind women who have fallen into extreme poverty and have no other choice, which is typically the case.
Prostitutes often have little protection or rights, socially or legally, especially in countries where prostitution is illegal. They are the victims of criminal assault and abuse, and are frequently arrested for their practice. Other dangers of prostitution include health risks such as STDs. Working conditions are generally terrible, and wages are not good. Many prostitutes, including most American ones, are forced to...(read more)
Stimulus Package has More Pros than Cons
by Aneesa Vaez-Iravani
Webmaster
As I made my approach to the glass door entrance of Boarders Book Store during the early hours of Jan. 21, a large display of political magazines with covers featuring Barack Obama was all that I could see on the other side. It appeared as though the morning following the inaugural celebration of our first African American president brought not only sentiments of change to millions of our compatriots, but it had also managed to engulf almost every form of print media.
It is irrefutable that the Bush administration has left the country in shambles. With 4, 236 US troop fatalities in Iraq, a near $800 billion of US taxpayers’ funds approved for or spent toward the six years of war on terror, and a continuing economic crisis that has left 10% of US citizens unemployed, the President has...(read more)
Students Should Have Basic Financial Literacy Prior to Entering College
by Michelle Aranovsky
World Editor
Can you balance a checkbook? Manage a credit card? College is creeping up upon us all, and with it comes an increasing amount of financial independence and responsibility. Before you step out the door to your new future, however, you should have some basic financial literacy.
Our generation has been unofficially dubbed “Generation Broke,” and this is not because we are incapable of earning money. Young adults aged 18 to 34 make up the second-highest group of bankruptcy filers in the nation. The average debt of a young adult has increased more than 55 percent since 1992, while the demographic spends about one quarter of its income trying to alleviate its debt.
One reason for this increase stems from the fact that young adults today carry double the amount in student loans than they did ten years ago. However, there is more than one root to the problem. Many young adults, including those coming from Los Gatos, treat money as a replenishable resource without limits...(read more)
WORLD:
Denmark Provides Free Education for its Citizens
The US often prides itself on its supposed equal opportunity for all. However, the increasing cost of a college education is becoming an insurmountable barrier for many middle- and low-income students and their families, decreasing the opportunities for these students to obtain degrees. With the cost of tuition and room and board at the University of California reaching about $100,000 over four years and the costs of many private colleges exceeding $150,000... (read more)
Rape in the Congo Becomes a Worsening Issue
by Kimia Pakdaman
Opinion Editor
Since the end of the Rwandan Genocide in 1994, when Tutsi and Hutu groups violently killed each other to achieve ethnic “purity,” Tutsi and Hutu armies have occupied the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), setting off tensions with local Congolese militias, especially in the east. The most prominent weapon that the Tutsi, Hutu, and other terrorists have used against civilians in the DRC has been mutilation and rape. Clashes between the Congolese government and Laurent Nkunda have raised hostilities between the two countries. Nkunda, a Tutsi general, said that he is protecting the eastern Congolese Tutsi population from Hutu militias, but it appears that his militia is not just protecting, but also terrorizing the Congolese people. The Tutsi and Hutu people do not only originate from Rwanda, but also the Congo...(read more)
Iftikhar Mohammed Chaudhry Returns to Oakistan's Supreme Court
by Catherine Soulé
News Editor
March 22 marked the return of Islamabad’s top judge, Iftikhar Mohammed Chaudhry, to Oakistan’s Supreme Court after being fired by former Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf. Chaudry was responsible for routine duties prior to his removal, including approving hearing dates and appointing panels of jurists. He was fired in 2007 after the indepently-minded judge began looking into cases that had the potential to embarrass the Pakistani military leader or posed a threat to Msharraf’s election for a second term.
Following his dismisal, many protests ensued, led by activist lawyers who encouraged the former president to resign. The newly elected president, Asif Ali Zardari, delayed in bringing Chaudry back as a justice because of fears that he himself would be examined or prosecuted for corruption claims. Zardari gave in when activists marched to the capital, planning an indefinite sit-in at Parliament. Prime Minister Yousef Raza Gilani announced the return of several other justices fired in 2007 under Musharraf should be imminent, in addition to the release of activists arrested over the past week...(read more)
CULTURE:
Graphic Designer
Sufjan Stevens singing from the rooftops of Cincinnati, Arcade Fire performing in a cramped elevator, and Man Man using the streets of Paris as their stage. The man behind all these and many other fantastic adventures is twenty-seven year old Parisian filmmaker, Vincent Moon, also known as, Mathieu Saura, the creator of “The Takeaway Show.”... (read more)
by Kathleen Walen
Utilize Your Time Asleep
Graphic Designer
Humans spend as much as half of their lives asleep. Refusing to let their lives be cut in half, a small percent of the population has found a way to make use of the hours they spend sleeping. These remarkable multitaskers facilitate lucid dreams in order to remain conscious even during their slumber. As Tibetan Buddhist Tarthang Tulku said, “When we make good use of the dream state, it is almost as if our lives [are] doubled…”
A lucid or conscious dream is a dream in which a person is aware they are dreaming while the dream is in progress. These oneironauts, or explorers of the dream world, become active participants in their dreams. Many explore the dream environment or learn to manipulate the imaginary experience to face their fears, gain insight into their subconscious emotions or...(read more)
New Music Artist Profile: Animal Collective
by Catherine Soule
News Editor
Animal Collective’s ninth full-length album debuted in stores on Jan. 20, quelling much hype preceding its release. Produced by Domino Records and recorded at Sweet Tea Recording Studio in Mississippi, Merriweather Post Pavillion features a blend of eclectic songs written by both singers, Dave Portner (aka Avey Tare) and Noah Lennox (aka Panda Bear).
It has earned much praise already, not only because of the complementary duo of vocals but also for being a fulfilling compilation of the various sound styles that the group has explored in the past. Singer Panda Bear agreed, saying that the CD is the band’s best-recorded album so far. Dave Simpson of The Guardian describes it as, “a joyful, transcendent record somehow reminiscent of kids let loose in a musical sandpit.” (read more)
PEOPLE:
by Adrienne Blaine
Graphic Designer
“It’s kind of like a large social experiment: my life,” senior Karan Mangat laughingly admited. Born in Kenya, with a dual British-Canadian citizenship, many are puzzled to find that Mangat is actually Northern Indian and has never lived in either Britain or Canada.
Mangat’s grandparents, forced out of Northern India due to religious and political persecution, were given the choice of fleeing to Kenya or Fiji. They chose Kenya and as a result Mangat was born and raised in Kenya’s capital city, Nairobi. It wasn’t until Mangat was... (read more)
by Jessica Fee
Editor-in-Chief
“Every teacher puts on a persona. When they’re in their classroom, that’s their façade,” said teacher Kevin Rogers.
He is a hilarious, cynical AP Comparative Government and Economics teacher. She is a strict, sarcastic English 12 AP teacher. Paris De Soto and Rogers met as two of the only new teachers 11 years ago, and bonded over their shared love of literature, teaching, and Starbucks.
De Soto and Rogers live in a house with their one child, Sufi (part shepherd, part American Indian sled dog), in Campbell where they are free from...(read more)
Hyunsoo!
by Kathleen Whalen
Center Editor
When asked what kind of animal he would be if given the chance, Hyunsoo Kim replies, “a wolf, because they are cool.” However, this funny and personable senior clearly has little in common with the ferocious animal. Known around campus as much for his dance skills as his helpfulness, Kim has made his mark here at LGHS.
After living in North Seoul, Korea, for 16 years, Kim moved to Los Gatos three years ago with his mom and brother, Ian, a sophomore. He describes LGHS as the antithesis of school in Korea. There, the students stayed in one class, while the teacher rotated. “I didn’t like education there,” remarks Kim, “I just studied for finals.” At LGHS, he takes a much more active part in his schooling. His affinity for math makes him...(read more)
Taylor Kamsler Turns Shoes into Wearable Pieces of Art
by Aneesa Vaez-Iravani
Webmaster
Instead of throwing out her old shoes or placing them in a forgettable place, senior Taylor Kamsler turns them into wearable pieces of art. Using shoes and supplies she already has at home, Kamsler's latest hobby has captured the eyes of many of her friends and several students around campus.
Kamsler was first introduced to the methods of sketching and acrylic painting in the fourth andfifth grades in an after-school art class taught at Casa Di Mir Montessori. “It was probably my first experience learning real art techniques and I really liked it; I think that was probably one of the reasons that I started to become more seriously interested in art.” Kamsler noted, “I really just take art classes because I like to create things, which I do all the time even when I'm not in an art class. Especially in ceramics class this year, which I have both fifth and sixth period, I try to challenge myself all the time to make things that I don't think I'll be able to pull off; so far that has worked out pretty well.” Kamsler is currently working on carving a wooden block, which will...(read more)
HUMOR:
Humor Editor
You have probably heard her quoted countless times at lunchtime, walking through the halls at school, or in small gatherings with friends. Everyone seems to know her. She is the most high-profile gossiped about girl in our school due to her inappropriate, attention-hungry, un-classy flirting behavior towards men. I cannot tell you how many conversations have been completely ruined because I accidentally said something that she apparently had already said. She has played a major role in tainting the minds of youthful people just trying to... (read more)
KidzBop Scandal
by Kylie Webb
Humor Editor
America just can not seem to get enough of KidzBop these days! With the popularity and customer satisfaction ratings at an all time high, there is no doubt that you haven’t already heard about the musical revolution sweeping the nation. The 15 original albums, which feature relatively young children singing along to new, hip songs, have all been in the top ten on the billboards for months.
In addition to the 15 original collections, there are many other genres available, such as the “KidzBop 80’s Gold Collection” and “KidzBop Country” albums. There is a KidzBop for everyone! Not only children are enjoying these musical masterpieces, but teenagers, parents, and celebrities too. It was recently reported that talented Nickleback members Chad and Mike Kroeger, hit teen skateboarder Ryan Sheckler, and...(read more)
SPORTS:
Editor-In-Chief
“I played soccer for a while, but I wanted to switch sports, so one day I went home and looked at the LG [Parks and] Rec. magazine and I saw fencing…I thought, ‘ok, that looks like fun.’ And that’s how I started,” explained junior Luc Ginestet regarding the beginning of his fencing endeavors.
At age 16, Ginestet has only been fencing for six years, but has already surpassed both the local and national level of competition... (read more)
by Jessica Fee
Editor-in-Chief
After a stellar season last year with LGHS’s boy’s varsity basketball team making it to quarter-finals in CCS, all eyes are on this year’s team to succeed once again this year.
Tryouts in November lasted for three days and were filled with competition and high energy. The varsity team is comprised of eight returning players (five of them seniors), and six new players from last year’s JV team.
This season marks a new challenge for the varsity team, because four senior starters graduated last year. However, head varsity coach Sean Cummings remains optimistic about the team: “They’re all good kids. They don’t get angry, and they stay levelheaded no matter what the result. They’re not emotional, up or down.” It is this attitude, he believes, that will...(read more)