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The Caiman Crimson Issue NumberDateSchool Name

LOGO CrimsonIssue No. 1April 25, 2012Classical AcademyHigh School

By Madeline Taylor

When an average American thinks of the Bill of Rights, the first thought that comes to mind is usually freedom of speech. And

it makes sense - after all, it is the very first amendment for a reason. The essential human right to express opinions free from fear of government censorship is vital to the composition of a functioning democratic society. But the amendment doesn’t stop there; it continues to list the other rights of self-expression that Americans possess. One of these is closely, almost intrinsically, linked with freedom of speech: the freedom of the press. Thanks to this provision, the government is prohibited from censoring the written publications of American citizens, as long as they do not cross the boundaries of libel, defamation, or copyright infringement. In some ways, this right is almost more powerful that the right to free speech, for without the written word, speech often loses its power over time and eventually fades from memory, no matter how inspiring it was at first. Through the power of the press, citizens have a right to report the world’s stories, to inform the public about crucial events, to make a claim and support it, to try to persuade an audience, to move people to action. Along with these rights comes a colossal responsibility to uphold truth and report ethically, not stooping to hasty fact-checking or shoddy research or inflammatory excesses of language. Sadly, in a large percentage of today’s media, these latter qualities are too readily found. The decline of American journalism in all its forms - radio, television, print, and online - is a significant problem in a culture where news is often slanted to an extreme and media companies are more concerned with forcing their own agenda and hurling ad hominems at political opponents than reporting the facts with carefully researched, balanced opinion.

But amid all this media turmoil, there are still those who strive to uphold the responsibilities as well as the rights of journalists. Some seek to use the gift of the First Amendment for the edification of the public, rather than abuse it for their own gain. That is the goal of the publication you hold in your hands. This is not a manifestation of today’s media spirit; rather, it is an effort to inspire and instruct the next generation of Americans to appreciate the true power of the press. You may laugh, and toss this paper aside, and ask what a high school newspaper in Escondido can do to change the prevailing attitude of the media. Well, perhaps it doesn’t seem like much, and in the scheme of things, maybe it isn’t. But the power of the press is an individual liberty. It is a right and responsibility that is granted to each and every American to use in the way he or she sees fit. It starts with the people. It starts small, and it grows from there. No, this short high school publication will not circulate to every home in America, nor will it contain ground-breaking original stories or master works of scholarship. But it will report responsibly, coherently, truthfully, and equally. Its mission is to give young writers - the journalists of tomorrow - a starting point for a future of excellence in journalism, and to give the audience - you - an example of how the power of the press can work, little by little, to improve the world. Maybe just the world contained in the few buildings and a sidewalk of CAHS, but change has to start somewhere. So take a few minutes out of your busy day and enjoy this newspaper, knowing that in doing so, you are preserving a legacy - not merely a nice tradition for this school, but a legacy that began with the First Amendment and will continue, as long as Americans will preserve it, until the end of time.

Hot off tHe PressCAHS LAunCHeS ItS FIrSt Student newSpAper

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Editorial

A Robotic Dove Told Me...By Aimee Hanna

Many claim that love is the most powerful force in the world. Is it still the same when it is wired through a computer screen?

Now Facebook forms the connection between people and social networking is redefining the nature of friendship. Is this a good thing? One shouldn’t be too quick to assume so. Is technology of the 21st century not developing into something very different than the past of human interaction? An alternate universe, essentially. Many social lives are developed and maintained through the Internet. It is no longer essential to go out, smell the fresh air, and wave to new people you see walking down the street. All this can be accomplished from the power of the computer, and as a result, the ability to befriend people from around the world becomes a more realistic and far simpler task. No longer must you pay for a thousand dollar plane ticket to catch up with relatives, or call upon a dove to send a traditionally written letter; it can be done through a swift sweep of a keyboard and sent within seconds. Technology obliterates the barrier that money creates in order to escape from the “real world.” Perhaps this is not a bad thing; perhaps it is just different. It is a powerful force in the advancement and development of the economy, but the question of impact upon our social lives consists of many different factors. Thus, technology does indeed take away from society in many aspects; however, we mustn’t be hasty and conclude technology itself is entirely at fault for these detriments to our social spheres. The first question is whether we are using technology explicitly for the benefits of society, or whether we are just taking advantage of it. What things, then, benefit society? I am not saying to be a Thoreau and isolate yourself in the woods to be away from all of the “inessentials.” However, he was a very intelligent man and there indeed comes a point when advancement has advanced too far. In this case, that point is taking advantage of technology and using it far more than necessary. The concept of want is being confused with need. The distinction

between the two concepts is becoming increasingly thinner as teenagers continue to text during potentially the most crucial moments of their lives, disrupting education, personal relationships, and more. Many fictional books feature stories about technological devices being attached to your brain and thus controlling your being. These were once considered fiction - but really, how different is this than what technology is becoming now? Technology often becomes the puppet master of our lives, controlling our morals, our beliefs… our individuality. And in this way, technology causes a negative and even destructive impact on lives. These is a second question to be considered: who is really at fault for this destruction, technology or our lack of self-control? Surprisingly, many would agree that technology has a negative impact on lives, yet they do not stop it from overpowering themselves. Society surely isn’t changing despite its claims of negativity towards it. Therefore, self-control indeed becomes a crucial factor in the determination of just how monstrous technology is. I admit I do acknowledge the unfortunate fact that with Hulu shows, movies, and so on, I have an alternate world within my laptop, but I still maintain many traditional values. I do not believe in eBooks and Kindles, and will always remain a firm believer in the power of an actual book. I prefer writing and making my own letters versus spending two seconds of my precious time to slap a “happy birthday” on someone’s Facebook wall. However, self-control is decreasing as the use of technology is increasing. Reliability upon technology is now increasing to the extent that it is almost impossible to avoid it. Consequently, I propose a middle or neutral ground. Learn to discipline yourself so technology does not become your puppet master. Go outside and look at the stars instead of browsing through the dramatic lives featured on Facebook. Find yourself. Do not immerse in the massive waves technology generates. Do not drown. Time is of the essence in this ever-quickening society of technology, but I ask with Thoreau, “Why should we live with such hurry and waste of life?” Thus, I conclude with one last question: will you find that neutral ground?

Students weigh in...Communication & Connection: For Better

or Worse? Today’s society is filled with communication and connection. We have cell phones, texting, Facebook, Twitter, television, the Internet… the list goes on and on. No matter where we are or what we’re doing, we’re always connected, whether it’s to other people or to the technological world at large. Some believe this is helping society as a whole – after all, there are some almost indisputable benefits to the advances that communications technology have made in the past couple decades. However, others see a downside to the situation and think that our dependency on technology makes us lazy and cheapens the connection between human beings. Others remain on the fence, looking at

the grey area and weighing both sides.

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Our Extra LimbsBy Jared Taylor

Computers, televisions, cell phones, email, iPods, the invaluable Internet—these are some of the most influential and profitable

collections of wires and circuits ever created by mankind. Just think about the innumerable uses of these delightful bits of technology. Cell phones provide quick, long-distance communication, iPods allow us to enjoy the music we love on the go, and the World Wide Web provides us with an inestimable wealth of information at our fingertips. Technology has been an amazing gift to the human race. However, there is a very thin line that runs between use and abuse. Technology is a wonderful and positive thing when used properly, but when abused it can cause unending amounts of laziness and a lack of basic knowledge. Technology can provide both a benefit and a curse to society. It is difficult to imagine in our technologically flooded age, but there was a time when people actually had to send letters in the mail and wait more than three seconds for a response. Crazy, right? That’s practically Stone Age. The innovations of email and texting have made it possible for us to contact one another swiftly and efficiently, and they have provided news a much faster way to travel. These are the things that make text and email profitable. However, when people aren’t satisfied with how fast texting is and choose to speed it up through pathetic and ridiculous abbreviations, it results in a huge step backwards. When we cease to spell correctly and leave punctuation in some forgotten pit on the other side of space, we are horrifically abusing technology. “Lol” and “brb” demonstrates the laziness technology can inflict upon humans, and by the time we got to “fosho” and “totes” (spell check doesn’t even mark that as incorrect), there was little hope for the future of a coherent human race. But what about the Internet? Computers have been nothing but useful to society, right? The ability to find information with the click of a button is incredible and should be admired. The Internet

is an excellent resource when a difficult question needs answering (or when the urge to watch a music video involving absurd Mick Jagger impersonations strikes), but alas, the Internet too has its drawbacks. When we have such a wealth of knowledge so close at hand, we tend to put less effort into learning things for ourselves and rely solely on Google. And finally, the iPod —what a glorious contraption. Without it, how could we enjoy our ever-growing music library? iPods, with their better quality and drastically increased portability, are responsible for sending CDs to their well-deserved life sentence of imprisonment in museums. iPods and the like allow us to listen to our favorite songs whenever and wherever. Later models even have the ability to play games and access the Internet (oh look, the Internet – there it is again). But now that all of our music is in one place and only a tap away, we listen to it almost constantly, tuning out the rest of the world as we are absorbed in the sounds of the Beatles, Eminem, or Justin Bieber, depending on the kind of music that strikes our fancy. However, even something as wonderful as the iPod is dangerous when overplayed. Communication through text, the information gold mine that is the Internet, and Steve Jobs’ iPod are all excellent and help to improve society when used correctly, but cause serious consequences when abused. Technology has benefited mankind, there is no doubt, but it can cause problems as well. When we depend on it so much that more important things fall by the wayside and are eradicated completely (VCRs and vinyl, may you rest in peace), we are heinously misusing technology. It is sad to hear the phrase “I feel as though I am missing an arm” spoken by someone who has left their precious laptop at school. Such a phrase demonstrates the dismal extent to which we rely on technology. So, in conclusion, technology is extremely helpful and beneficial to society when used correctly, but the line between use and abuse is paper thin. We must be careful not to cross this boundary unless the doom of the entire human race is the desired outcome. Control technology, don’t let it control you.

Yo, seniors! Almost outta here, but, have you...☐ secured your yearbook? ($59 until May 1 – $65)☐ completed your 150 community service hours?☐ purchased your photos for grad announcements? (Rehmphotography.net)

☐ do you even have your grad announcements?☐ purchased your prom tickets? ☐ written your senior-will for the newspaper? ($5 for 100 words – see Klein)

☐ contacted your senior project teacher in the last 48 hours?☐ told your mom you love her?☐ registered to vote?!?!?

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Starving for ApprovalBy Anzy McWha

Whether they realize it or not, girls today

are being bombarded with dangerous statements about beauty, perfection, and self-worth. Not only are these statements causing self-destructive behavior in many girls, they are tolerated and even encouraged by society. The media technology of today’s world is one of the principal mediums for spreading these messages, and the Internet has only increased their power. Through new technology and the availability of destructive images and words, the chatter of spiteful opinions has grown into a deafening roar of disapproval surrounding girls every way they turn. Considering the intensity and abundance of these statements about beauty, it’s not surprising that many girls find themselves trapped in a downward spiral of trying to achieve perfection through unhealthy habits. Eating disorders should not be a marginalized issue; nearly half of all Americans personally know someone with an eating disorder, and 95% of those suffering from an eating disorder are between the ages of 12 and 25 (state.sc.us/dmh). One anonymous CAHS student says that she “has struggled on and off with bulimia for two years. Many kids don’t realize how many of their peers have struggled with these disorders.” This problem is prevalent everywhere, especially in high schools. If so many people are aware of the problem, why is it continually gaining more power? The answer is that many people refuse to acknowledge it as a problem. Weight loss in young girls is encouraged by the media; it’s presented as a form of self-control and hard work. “It made me feel more in charge,” says an anonymous student. “It made me feel perfect.” The vast majority of celebrities who supposedly represent girls are at least 10 pounds underweight. The celebrities with other body types, such as Adele, are marginalized even further, as evidenced by a recent People Magazine headline (“Adele: Slimmer and in Love!”). “There are multiple TV shows that parade fat people around like some form of entertainment. [These shows] may seem like they are about positive body images.... but [shows like this] just make me feel disgusted with myself,” says one student. Fashion is designed primarily for underweight girls, and larger sizes are seen as some kind of embarrassment, even if the girls wearing them are

within the healthy weight range for their height. “I try on dresses for [school] plays and I cannot fit in some... it’s crazy how much relies on having a good figure. Many stores cater mostly to those without extra flab on their body. It makes people like me feel so left out,” says another CAHS student. Magazine articles and websites include millions of tips on how to drop pounds quickly and effectively, with no public outcry. These messages, though they seem harmless,

are actually condoning unhealthy eating habits. If losing weight continues to be presented as an ideal form of responsibility and independence, what is stopping girls from taking it to the extreme? The 10th “Thin Commandment”, a list of creeds used by anorexics to maintain determination says it more clearly than anything else: “Being thin and not eating are signs of true will power and success.” The Internet is one of anorexia’s main sources of power. There is an online movement known as “pro-ana” which actually encourages anorexia in young women, presenting it as the ultimate form of self control and strength. These sites blatantly feed harmful words and images to their hungry followers, creating “thinspiration galleries” full of pictures of skin-and-bone models and writing “Ana Creeds” with rules for girls concerning how to maintain their deadly habits. Not only are these sites targeting emotionally unstable girls with anorexia, they are also condoning other eating disorders by offering tips on how to hide bulimic behavior or binge eating. It’s important for girls being exposed to these messages to support each other. Although it may be impossible at first to change the way the media represents young women, girls have the power to change the way they represent themselves. Simple actions like ending self-deprecating phrases and habits (“I’m so fat...” or “you’re so lucky you’re skinny”) can go a long way towards ending the allure of extreme weight loss. Developing a healthy, well-balanced diet and learning to enjoy exercising are a maintainable way to become healthier. Most importantly, if someone you know is exhibiting self-destructive behavior and may be suffering from an eating disorder, don’t hesitate to alert an adult who can help, such as a counselor or an organization such as the National Eating Disorders Association. If they aren’t stopped, these negative images and statements about self worth will consume our culture.

Opinion

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CommunityThe Hunger Games: May the popcorn be ever in your flavorBy Anzy McWha & Madison Lindsley

The novel flew off shelves. The story captured the imagination of thousands. Tickets to the midnight premiere sold out weeks in advance. It’s not

surprising that when The Hunger Games finally hit the big screen, the abundant number of fans answered the call by slinging their little brother’s bow over their shoulder, rushing to the movie theaters, and setting up camp to ensure a good spot at the midnight opening on March 23. Crimson reporters attended the midnight premiere at the Edwards San Marcos Stadium Cinema. Small bunches of die-hard fans were standing in line by 8:00 p.m., half-heartedly toying with their i-gadgets or guzzling caffeine in preparation for the evening. By 9:00 p.m., the line had started to grow fatter as more fans, most elaborately dressed in costumes, found their shivering, self-sacrificing friends and joined them in line. At 10:00 p.m., the parking lot of the movie theater was nearly full of half-crazed groupies trying to control the buzz of artificial energy. Excitement reached an extreme high as the giddy fans were corralled into the theatres where they anxiously waited with eyes fixed on the screen. As the movie began, a hush fell quickly over the auditorium. In those final seconds of anticipation, there was one question on everyone’s mind: could the movie ever live up to the book’s high standards? The answer is yes. The script, co-written by book author (and former screenwriter) Suzanne Collins, was effective in conveying most of the information in the novel; the actors themselves, especially Jennifer Lawrence

as Katniss, did an excellent job of portraying subtextual information that only a true fan might notice. The excellent costume design by Judianna Makovsky added new dimensions to the characters and suggested the brooding history of socioeconomic divides between the upper and lower classes. Overall, the original integrity of the story was preserved. Some fans, however, cried out in disappointment after seeing a few absent pieces of information in the film. One of the most common sentiments from viewers was that the full extent of the relationship between Katniss and Peeta was not developed enough; the last scene in the book was an important turning point for the characters, which was unfortunately missing from the film. Another letdown for many fans was the final climatic scene, which many imagined as being more scary and intense. The cinematography also proved somewhat distasteful and overused for most; the editors’ excessive use of ad-hoc editing and free camera techniques gave the movie a raw atmosphere, but made the action difficult to follow at times. It is important to keep in mind that while the film did not meet every towering expectation the dedicated fans imagined before they entered the theater, it was effective in providing a gripping action film that set itself apart from other films of its genre due to the excellent character development and deeper political commentary. The director’s steely attention to production design and quality made the film stimulating both visually and intellectually, and the actors accomplished an excellent job of projecting the nature of the characters clearly. Ultimately, The Hunger Games is an outstanding action movie that will leave audiences of all ages hungry for more.

The Value of ServiceBy Sarah Aten

Francis of Assisi stated, “It is in giving that we receive.” In order to graduate from Classical Academy High School, students must meet

a specific community service hour quota. 150 hours over the course of four years. Often, students view this as a potential burden; after all, the hours of community service are in addition to an ever-increasing load of homework, extracurriculars, and social activities. In many students’ heads, the 150 hours are viewed with distaste, seen as time away from finishing homework or taking a study break. Despite the frequent oppo-sition, students complete their obligatory community service, opting to volunteer at churches, homeless shelters, humane societies, or local librar-ies. Students complete their hours, have a supervisor sign off their form, and they are done, right? How many of us actually think about the impact of what we do? Are we willing to do a good job and show our commitment to the com-munity, or are we simply going to finish our hours and never look back? Philosopher Albert Camus once said, “There can be no happiness if the things we believe are different than the things we do.” If a random person was asked whether or not they support giving back to the community, they would most likely reply enthusiastically with a “yes”. Yet when they would be asked whether or not they would actually spend a weekend at an animal shelter or take a couple of hours to clean a beach, most people would be hesitant to exert the effort to accomplish the task. There are many causes that people support, but only up until the time when they have to actually act. This is the same with community service. People point out the positive aspects of helping the community, until they have

to adhere to a community service requirement and complete hours. A question people should ask themselves is “why do schools assign commu-nity service?” or “why do colleges care so much if a student volunteers?” The answer is not simply because it shows that students are hard workers. People who have volunteered have not just given back to the community; they have given back to themselves. Community service demonstrates ap-preciation for the community and even when it is a requirement, students are able to develop an understanding of the way the world works. They learn that people have to work hard in order to accomplish something and that most of the time in life you have to do things you don’t want to do. Community service reveals that a student has experienced something ed-ucational outside of school, something that has impacted them. Commu-nity service really isn’t the burden it has been made out to be. It is a chance to help others, while at the same time grow-ing as an individual. It benefits us just as much as it benefits the com-munity. People should start recognizing the potential community service has in store and going beyond complet-ing a task to fulfilling it - making the most of every assignment, put-ting everything into it, in order to see a reward.

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Book Review: The Hunger GamesBy Emily Drake

Do you know that feeling when you start an addicting game and

can’t seem to stop playing it? Well, The Hunger Games will be sure to give you that feeling (but with three fantastic novels rather than three hundred games of Angry Birds). They are the type of book that will keep you in the house for days and leave you with bags

under your eyes due to long sleepless nights of intense reading. The Hunger Games is the number one New York Times best-seller of 2012. Though written for a teenage audience, the book is fascinating enough to grab the attention of a wider age range. The book is about twelve Districts that are controlled by the government. Each year, two teenagers (one boy and one girl) from each district are chosen to enter the infamous “Hunger Games.” But these are not just your ordinary games. It is an evil gladiator battle where twenty-four tributes are forced to fight to the death until only one remains to be crowned victor. This adventure-filled, engrossing book series drags you in and refuses to let go, holding your attention to the very last sentence. I am not a huge reader myself, but I was told several times that I should read The Hunger Games. It has now become my favorite

book. This book was like an addiction to me, keeping me in the house for days; I didn’t want to go anywhere until I finished it! The author, Suzanne Collins, is very descriptive in her writing and creates fantastic characters who are easy to care for and love. This book is highly recommended.

Fashion Spotlight: PromBy Kenner Johnson

Ladies, there are countless prom dresses, but which is the perfect one? Which dress flatters and embodies your personal style? And

gentlemen, how do you compliment her style while remaining suave and unique? Well, allow your minds to be enlightened; you will see three great looks with tips that are sure to make your date and yourself the couple of the night!

Artsy: Do you find yourself drawn to bright colors? Do patterns inspire you instead of frighten you? Then a fashion-forward artsy look is the perfect way to show off your ability to coordinate patterns and colors. Here are a few helpful tips to remember while shopping. Choose at most four major colors to play with; color is wonderful, but too much can be overwhelming. Also, remember to choose a dress with a defined waistline - you don’t want to be swallowed alive by too much print. Lastly, don’t be afraid to rock a daring shoe! Floral print and color block shoes are bold, fun, and easy to find! Tip for the gents! Don’t be afraid to play with color! A bright bow tie or tie contrasting against a black tuxedo makes a bold and confident statement. A hat is another great accessory that will leave a lasting impression.

Edgy: Does your everyday style consist of cooler colors and a more

daring vibe? Then why change for prom? Be yourself and do an edgy look! Try wearing a short dress - why not? It’s totally unexpected and modern. Black, sliver, and gold are great colors and easy to pair with some rocking accessories. A little bit of glitter or sequins may also add a pop to an unexpected look. You’ll be the center of attention all night long! Tip for the gents!A skinny, angular tie is a great choice; it offers a traditional concept in a modern and unique way. Try a daring color such as silver or gold. Or, if going with a date, match her on a more subtle scale. Choose an accent color in her dress along with a matching tie.

Vintage: This century has some good fashion, but the decades prior did it the best, right? Are you attracted to the delicate colors and charming looks the 40s and 50s had to offer? If so, a vintage ensemble is perfect! Lace is a great fabric, along with silk and even velvet. Soft or deep jewel colors truly capture the essence of the 1950s. Ruffles elongate one’s figure while creating a sweet style. However, accessories are what truly take a dress back in time. Hand gloves, bold necklaces, earrings, and a fur will add the finishing touches to a timeless look. Tip for the gents!Bowties are a perfect way to take a simple tuxedo back to the 1950s! A vest paired with a printed bowtie (polka dots, stripes checkers, or plain) remains a timeless and classy piece.

Entertainment

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By Noah Campbell

On March 21, 1963, the infa-mous San Francisco prison

Alcatraz closed and the prisoners were transferred off the island… or were they? According to a hit new TV show called Alcatraz, history doesn’t speak the truth about the fate of the island prison. The show depicts the worst prisoners coming back not a day older

than when they disappeared. As the thriller plays out, Detective Ma-son (Sarah Jones) and Alcatraz expert Dr. Diego Soto ( Jorge Garcia) assist the federal agent Emerson Hauser (Sam Neill) in tracking down each prisoner who reappears. They work hard to understand what happened to these former prisoners who are reappearing, in hopes that they can prevent their violent rampages. Every episode, airing Mondays at 8 p.m. on FOX, releases surprising twists that draw you back the next week. Fans are eagerly waiting to discover the future plot complications and exciting events of this intense, captivating show.

By Ree O’NealStory line:

If one were to summarize the basic story of the movie John Carter, it would sound extremely cheesy, but it is surprisingly not cheesy at all

when watching it. The main character, John Carter, played by Taylor Kitsch, is accidentally sent to Mars where he is captured by martians. He escapes and embarks on a mission with a princess to get back to Earth. He ends up falling in love with the princess and saving the entire planet. Despite sounding a bit silly on paper, the story line plays out well in the movie and it is extremely enjoyable to watch.

The Particulars:ActingThe acting in this movie is tolerable, but it could have been much bet-ter. Kitsch’s performance as Carter lacked depth. While his perfor-mance was not exceptionally compelling, he could have expanded his characterisation beyond the simple recitation of the lines put before him. The character of the princess, Dejah Thoris, played by Lynn Col-lins, was mediocre at best. Her acting is often overly dramatic. While her passion is commendable, it has the undesired effect of puncturing the fourth wall between the audience and the film. I was no longer engrossed in the story line as I was too preoccupied with her poorly executed portrayal of a dynamic and complex character. Also, Edgar, John’s nephew (Daryl Sabara) has a minor part, but he is a marvelous actor.

GraphicsThe graphics are fantastic, drawing in new depth to a very desolate landscape. I felt as though I were truly setting foot on martian soil. The only scenes which I felt bordered on cliché were the shots of the arena, where John Carter fought strange animals. It appeared as an exact rep-lica of the magnificent landscapes featured in Star Wars: Episode II, Attack of the Clones. The martians were computer generated. As I have never seen a real alien, I do not know what they are supposed to look like, but they seemed convincing to me. There was also flying ships and explosions that were wonderfully done.

Wrap UpJohn Carter is an overall good movie; the plot was ingenious. The acting could have been better, but the graph-ics were remarkable. There wasn’t too much garbage, and it was exiting! In a few places the incredible story could have been portrayed a little better, but like I said, it is still a fabulous movie that rates high in entertainment value.

By Madison Lindsley

It has become the unofficial anthem of the young generation

of 2012 by somehow embodying the spirit of youth and empowerment. “We are Young ft. Janelle Monáe” by Fun. has impacted hundreds of the young adult crowd. Nate Ruess came from his dismembered band The Format to join talents with Jack Antonoff and Andrew Dost of Anathallo and

Steel Train. With Ruess as the main singer, Antonoff taking over the guitars and trumpet, and Dost backup vocals and drums (and more),

they created a new music group - Fun. By 2009 they produced their debut album, Aim and Ignite. In February 2012, Some Nights came out, including the song which quickly hit number three on the Billboard Hot 100. The album is a unique combination of youthful alternative pop music with just a dash of old age rock. Ruess possesses a clear voice (that bears a strange resemblance to Queen’s Freddie Mercury) that slides easily over the catchy beats and original melodies. Since the release of Some Nights, “We are Young” has appeared from national car commercials to the American favorite TV show Glee. The band accomplished a task seen as near impossible by somehow managing to capture the ageless and yet youthful charm of the teenage generation.

TV Review: Alcatraz

Music Review: Fun.

Movie Review: John Carter

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SportsCatching Up with Caiman BaseballBy Drake Senter

“If you build it, they will come” (Field of Dreams). Much like the players in the movie were seeking a field, the students at CAHS

were waiting for a baseball team, and this year their dream is becoming

a reality. Throughout its rookie season, the Caiman Baseball Club has been improving and progressing rapidly. Even though the team is not yet CIF certified, the focus and drive between teammates is nothing short of competitive. Like other already-established sports teams, the bonding between many of the players is best classified as “camaraderie.” Along with this bonding, there is active encouragement that provides a strong, team-centered environment. When any player is injured (or, in baseball lingo, “beaned”) while up to bat, he shakes it off and makes his way to first base, knowing that sacrificing himself will help the team succeed. This determination exemplifies the true meaning of “taking one for the team.” Multiple experiences thus far have strengthened the bond between teammates. There is no better feeling than stepping onto a freshly groomed field and smelling the spring air with a hint of infield dirt and outfield grass. The crowd is roaring and eager to see the game that all athletes present have practiced so hard for. The memories this far are ones that no team member would easily forget, including plays such as Cooper Peltz’s headfirst rolling slide to second and Austen Nelson’s comical crash into a tree at practice. Now that the team is assembled and prepared, the players have come and baseball is off and running.

Track & Field for TenderfootsBy Celeste Carillo Salado

What is track? What’s a field? And what on earth is a tenderfoot? If you have ever been interested in this well-

known sport, read on! Firstly, a tenderfoot is an inexperienced beginner. So, this is an article for all you tenderfeet out there. Now, for anyone interested in Track and Field, here is the 101 description. Let’s define some of the basic terminology, shall we? Track: This is the red synthetic rubber professionals call “tartan”; this softer-than-grass material allows less pressure on the ankle and knee joints than normal turf or dirt while sprinting off (for the finish line, of course)! This allows runners to attain their maximum speeds during events. Field: This section of the sport includes sprinting, jumping, and throwing different field and track items. During jumps, athletes create great feats by throwing their bodies quickly up in the air, against gravity’s natural will, and flying up, coming down with grace and power. Distance: The distance used in track and field is the meter, a metric unit of measurement. To understand this length in our terms, a meter is a little longer than three feet. Put them together, and you produce a wonderful sport full of gutsy spunk, speed, and dignity! Now for a few different track and field events. Under track, we have sprints, middle distance running, and long distance running. There are also obstacle events, including the hurdle races, relays, and

steeplechase events. The actual running distances include anywhere from the 100 m sprint to the 10,000 m run. In the obstacle events, the hurdle races can be 80 m to 400 m. The steeplechase is a 3,000 m event, and the relays are from 100 m to 400 m, in which each team’s participant (four total) race one length of that race once, before passing the task onto the following teammate. A hurdle is an upright frame-like fence, anywhere from 3-4 feet tall, in which the runner jumps over while racing. The steeplechase race is a competition of immense stamina, flexibility, and strength to be able to run long distance, while jumping and overcoming obstacles such as hurdles and a jump over water. In the field department, the field events of athletics will include long jump, triple jump, high jump, pole vault, shot put, the javelin, discus, and hammer throw for both men and women. These event competitors need flexibility to maneuver their bodies over a high bar using long poles (approximately 12 feet in length), skill in fine tuning the technique required for using the pole vault, and power to thrust heavy objects over great lengths. Now that you have a slight idea of track and field, and if you enjoy running or the thrill of flying through the air, you are bound to find something you like. Go out there, have fun, and discover your hidden talents!

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Caimans Gone GolfingBy Jakob Woo-Ming

Playing on a beautifully landscaped environment, the CAHS Varsity and JV Golf teams have been more successful than

ever in their second year. Due to its portrayal in the media and its slow, calculated techniques, many are quick to stereotype golf as “worthless” or “a waste of time,” and maybe even believe that it “doesn’t deserve to be a sport.” But they’re judging a book by its cov-er; after all, most of those people haven’t even tried it and realized the complexity of this sport. There are many factors that make the art of golf deeper and harder than other mainstream sports like football or soccer. Golf takes plenty of patience, knowledge of diffi-cult rules, precise technique, and a trustable set of clubs. Despite all of these tricky attributes, the game of golf is handled magnificent by our CAHS Golf teams. With 23 members holding an unbreak-

able bond and love of the game, the team improves greatly with every game thanks to the expertise of their talented coaches. When asked about how he has improved over the season, Noah Campbell replies, “On a scale from one to ten, I have improved exceptionally.” Clearly, the future of golf at CAHS is bright.

SwimBy Celeste Carillo Salado

Swim. Water, sun, waves, and fun in the sun. This sport of defy-ing the natural element of water and allowing it to move with

them is the CAHS Varsity Swim team’s specialty. These dedicated students start their day at about 6 a.m. to wake up, grab their things, eat a quick bite, and drive to practice, hoping to arrive on time! The team then goes to meet their committed coaches, Jo-seph Breda and Sammy Elbanna, grateful for their coaches fervent persistence in keeping this team in shape early in the morning, and creating a fun environment to learn skill and continue talent. With four meets down and two to go, Valley Center and Ramona will determine the hopeful victory of the team. The athletes have

wonderfully increased in talent and skill, giving their school great pride. The team is positive in finishing the season hard, with only a few weeks to go. The team’s athletes have formed a great cama-raderie and have thoroughly enjoyed the swim team experience. Swim fast, aquatic Caimans, and the best of luck!

Upcoming Sports Events

Swim: May 4th Invitational @ Ramona 3:15

Track:April 26th @ Helix 4:00

Golf:April 30th @ Tri-City Christian 3:00

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On CampusCut Loose!By Nathalie Hodge

The 1984 musical Footloose is about a rebellious teen named Ren. He tries to convince the town to have a school dance, even though

dancing has been banned because of tragic cases of teens drinking, dancing, and then driving. After a recent remake of the original film, the students at CAHS are ecstatic to present their own version of the Footloose musical. At this point, the cast members are working hard in rehearsal so the show will be ready for fantastic performances when they move into the theatre. All the performers have their own personal goals for the show. When asked what goal she has for this stage in her acting career, Alyssa Burlingame replies, “My goal for the show is to be motivated and get other people motivated, and to make it the best show I have ever done.” But it is not just the cast who works hard; the director, Mrs. McCormick, sacrifices long hours to make this show a success. When asked why it is important for the director to be so involved with the cast, Mrs. McCormick responds, “The director is like a coach. A good coach motivates the team to strive for excellence and to play together

as a team.” Clearly, with this combination of talented students and fan-tastic leadership, the show is bound for success.

Footloose will be held at the Center for the Arts in Escondido (across the street from the school) on May 24-27. Ticket prices are either $9 or $11 depending on the day. The tickets may be purchased from a cast member or the front office until May 18; after this point, they can be purchased at the door. For more information, email cahs.playtickets@gmail.com. The cast and crew all hope to see you there, dancing in your seat!

Jacob McDonaldInterviewed by Chase McCarthy

Q. Do you actually like McDonalds? A. “No; I think that they are over-rated and low quality. Except for the Chicken nuggets.”

Q. How is CAHS different from Coastal?

A. “The classes are more demanding and you have more than one teacher.”

Q. Pick one thing that represents you. A. “Trees, because they start out as young, fragile saplings and grow into tall, strong, and powerful beings.”

Q. What is your favorite thing that you own and why?A. “My eyes. Without my eyes, it would be a dark and lonely place.”

Q. If you could spend a day with anyone, dead or alive, who would it be? A. “I would spend the day with James Cameron because he is cur-rently in a submarine diving down to the deepest depths of the ocean. I sincerely wish I was in his presence.”

InterviewsKamea GeseInterviewed by Tannar Mandak

Q. How have you changed since fresh-man year?A. “I’ve matured, and because I was home schooled until freshmen year, it was an eye opener to see more of what the real world was like. Not that I didn’t already know, but I hadn’t experienced it

yet.”

Q. What do you think you want to become out of high school?A. “Probably an author. I love reading and one day hope to write a book that millions of teens all over the world can connect to. There’s power in words. There have been so many books that have helped me get through my daily life and have reminded me of important life mes-sages. I hope to give that to someone too, one day.”

Q. How do you plan to survive junior year?A. “With lots of prayers and guidance from God and a couple of friends to have my back.”

Q: What’s your favorite quote to explain your life goals?A. “‘I want to leave a mark, but the marks humans leave are too often scars’ ( John Green, The Fault in Our Stars).”

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Chandler’s ChatterEveryone has a boyfriend/girlfriend but me! I feel like a loser! Help!You just haven’t found a good enough boy/girl for you! Take heart and know that you are not alone in this feeling. Although it may seem like the whole world (or campus) is coupled up, it isn’t. This may sound harsh, but by watching friends in relationships you can learn from their mistakes and hopefully have stronger relationships later with less heartbreak. It may seem like a downer now, but just wait, it’ll get better soon!

How do I maintain homework when I have SO much other stuff going on?Multi-tasking is something that you learn rather quickly in high school. There are times when you feel like you have taken on way too much and there is a rather large chance that you honestly have, and that’s when you have to step back and look at your priorities and choose which things you need and really want to

do. Priorities are a major issue as well in high school because you learn that you can’t always do everything that you loved doing in middle school purely because of homework or practice. Learn to balance and prioritize as well as not procrastinate, and take breaks! Weekends usually have homework but they are also made to allow you to relax; use that time wisely and good luck!

My friends are fighting, and I keep getting in the middle and trying to resolve it, but it’s not working. What do I do?Stay out of the middle. If it’s not your business, then try your hardest to stay out of it. There is nothing harder than two of your friends fighting but unless it involves you personally; try your hardest to let them resolve it by themselves. It will be extremely difficult, but ultimately good for your relationship with friends because they will have had to work it out with each other and not through you.

Monica SoberonInterviewed by Kenner Johnson

Q. How does it feel to be apart of the first ever CAHS Track and Field team?A. Awesome! Even though we are a small team, we make up for that in skill.

Q. Do you believe sports are an impor-tant part of a students life? Why?

A. Absolutely, it’s very important to build discipline and to keep active. We all say we will exercise on our own, but let’s face the facts, we don’t.

Q. Do you have any advice for students who are interested in sports and hard school classes?A. You can have two of the three things in life: sleep, good grade, or a so-cial life. Social life includes sports. Therefore choose a social life and good grades. You don’t really need sleep.

Heather ForemanInterviewed by Grace Taylor

Q. What are your favorite hobbies out-side of school?A. “I like sports. Football is one of my favorites. I also like being outside, riding my bike, and stuff like that.”

Q. What advice would you give to under-classmen?A. “Just breathe. It gets easier.”

Q. What was your most memorable class at CAHS? Why?A. “Pre-calculus with Ms. Lieber. I always smiled in that class and I always felt like I was learning. It finally made math enjoyable.”

Q. As a graduating senior, what are you going to miss most about CAHS?A. “I really love the teachers, and that’s what drew me to this school—the personal connection students get with the teachers.”

Questions? Comments? Praise? Concerns? Make your voice heard! Write a letter to the editor. Email letters to Madeline Taylor at mtaylor9394@gmail.com.

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Fun Zone

The Crimson EditorsEditor-in-Chief: Madeline TaylorLayout and Design Editor: Brandon KirklenPhotography Editor: Chandler PayneGraphic Design Editor: Devon RojasAdviser: Ms. Corie KleinSpecial thanks to Mr. Cameron Curry for his support

Staff: Sarah Aten, Benjamin Burkley, Noah Campbell, Celeste Carrillo-Salado, Emily Drake, Nathalie Hodge, Makenzie Johnson, Madison Lindsley, Tannar Mandak, Chase McCarthy, Anzy McWha, Ree O’Neal, Anice Richter, Madison Seling, Drake Senter, Grace Taylor, Jakob Woo-MingStudent Contributors: Aimee Hanna, Jared Taylor

By Ben Burkley

The Adventures of Soup Kitchen Larry

Across2. What state did Mr. Sherwin have his wedding in?5. What sport did Mrs. Z participate in during high school and college?7. What is Mr. Benattia’s first name?8. What is Ms. Klein’s dog’s name?9. What is Ms. Minto’s phobia?

Down1. It just takes what it wants. It doesn’t care.2. What is Mr. Shields’ middle name?3. This teacher doesn’t allow her classroom to be above 40° F!4. What state is Mr. Stephenson from?5. Does Mr. Van Sickle prefer cats or dogs?6. What is Mr. Montgomery’s obsession?

Fun Facts