9/11: Ten Years Later New Tech Exhibit Receives Animosity ...

Pioneer High School 1290 Blossom Hill Road San Jose, CA 95118
Pioneer High School’s Student-Run Newspaper
9/11: Ten
Years Later
9/11 attacks left many communities
robbed of extraordinary individuals
By Nashra Anwer
Editor in Chief
What happened on that late summer day in 2001
goes without much to be said aside from the pain felt by
the deaths of the near 3000 who died. Ten years later,
remembrances of all who died can be seen around the
world; vigils we’ve held from Australia to England, the
Philippines and many other countries.
The 9/11 World Trade Center Memorial was open to
the victim’s families on the 10th anniversary. Huge pools
that never filled, complete with waterfalls, marked where
the towers once stood and the final resting place of many.
The sides of the pools were inscribed with the names
of those who died, with people who were friends or had
other relations next to one another in tribute to those
victims.
President Obama visited the memorial in New
York on the 10th, and the memorial in Shanksville,
Pennsylvania on the 11th, where flight 93 crashed. He
met with families of those victims on the flight who
had succeeded in thwarting efforts made to crash into
Washington D.C. One of those on the flight was a
Pioneer High School alumni, Nicole C. Miller, from the
Class of 1998. Mrs. Kline recalls having Miller in her
U.S History class. “She had a smile that could light up a
room,” said Kline. “She was a hard worker who learned
to be well organized and used those strategies.” Miller
had played on the softball, swimming, and diving teams
while at Pioneer. “She was a team player,” Kline recalls,
“I remember her standing in the dugout cheering on her
teammates that were up to bat, and always lending a
helping hand to those who needed it.”
As mentioned earlier, flight 93 crashed into the
Pennsylvania field instead of hitting the nation’s capitol
because of the passengers who resisted against hijackers.
“Her voice doesn’t show up on the tape, but I’m sure she
was one of those who resisted. She met every challenge
she was faced with, I’m positive she met the challenge
presented to her that day,” said Kline.
On the evening of the tenth anniversary, the “Tribute
in Light” shot up straight into the sky, marking where the
towers once stood, a visual reminder of that fateful day
and the innocent lives lost.
The Pony Express Staff
Editor in Chief
Nashra Anwer
Copy Editor
Alissa Yum
The Pony Express
Flickr
Staff Writers
Joey Esposito, Allie Hillsbery, Yasmin
Hussein, Amy Lowe, Evie Lui, Jenna
Murphy, Steven Raczkowski, Tuba Siddiqui,
Tiffany TranNguyen, Nick Vincent, Alex
Whiteman, Gianna Zamora
Page 1
strated the mechanics of birds’ wings during flight.
New Tech Exhibit
Receives Animosity
By Nashra Anwer
Editor in Chief, Senior
On September 3rd, the Tech Museum began hosting
an exhibit that displayed Islamic scholars’ discoveries
and advancements in medicine, mathematics, and
astronomy, among other subjects. The exhibit featured a
time line that compared scholar’s discoveries to that of
Western and European advancements. What is described
as the Golden Age of the Islamic World, where most of
the scholars’ breakthroughs were made, were during Europe’s
Dark Ages. For instance, cotton was successfully
grown in Arabia in 630 AD, whereas it was not grown in
Spain until 775, nearly a hundred and fifty years later.
The exhibit featured other breakthroughs, such as
Al Khwarizmi’s contributions to geometry, algebra, and
trigonometry, which included the additions of tangent and
cotangent to trigonometric ratios and Al Jazari’s works,
which included irrigation systems, water wheels, and the
Book of Knowledge of Ingenious Mechanical Devices—a
detailed account of fifty mechanical devices—are the
basis of modern-day mechanical engineering. Abbas ibn
Firnas at the age of seventy was the first to take a successful
flight in a glider made entirely of wood and silk
nearly a thousand years before that of the Wright Brothers
and for a longer period of time. Pharmacies were
established four hundred years before that of Europe, and
created the processes for distillation and crystallization of
drugs, which were included in hospitals that established
protocol for sterilizations, training for doctors, and use of
surgical tools.
The Tech Museum has received numerous emails from
local Muslim communities and Bay Area residents, that
have expressed gratitude for hosting the touring exhibit.
Unfortunately, the amount of hate mail the Tech has received
steadily outweighs encouraging responses. Emails
sent to the museum have displayed intolerance towards
the museum, including threats to never return, claim
support “for a religion founded by a pedophile and based
on a foundation of hate,” and accusations of advocating
terrorism.
Roqua Montez, Director of Public Relations of the
Tech Museum, has described the positive responses it has
received as steadily outweighing any animosity. “It was
imperative to bring this exhibition, which has cultural as
well as scientific and technological aspects, to the Silicon
Valley,” says Montez. “We at the museum are charged
with engaging people of all ages and backgrounds in
science and technology experiences that educate, inform,
provoke thought, and inspire action. Islamic Science
Rediscovered, we feel, fits that mission quite nicely.”
The exhibit is expected to be hosted through the end
of the year at the very least. Tickets can be bought online
or upon entrance to the museum.
Welcome Freshmen!
One thing about high school—it’s never easy. The
transition for some can be full of sleepless nights, worrying
parents, and the constant struggle to fit in. The truth
is, high school really is different from middle school.
The classes are harder, and with great power comes great
responsibility.
High school also presents a myriad of opportunities
to approach life with a new perspective. Do not be afraid
to express yourself in a new light while being creative.
Be yourself and having fun doing so. Do not hold back;
Volume 51, Issue 01 September 2011
Photo by The Tech Museum
A section of the exhibit is dedicated to Islamic contributions to aviation and included this model, which demon-
Don Feria, Tech Museum
Traveling exhibit makes it’s West Coast debut in San Jose—
along with some negative comments from residents
Some words of wisdom for the
Class of 2015
Club Advertisements page 2
Student Spotlights page 4
Sports Updates page 5
Current Events page 6
Student Opinions page 7
Travel/Entertainment page 8
by Amy Lowe and Nick Vincent
Staff Writers, Seniors
embrace every opportunity you are presented with during
these four years. High school is a chance to start over
or change nothing at all—it’s a personal decision. The
choices each student makes in high school will affect
them for the rest of their academic careers.
With high school comes great responsibility and with
responsibility comes more freedom, new friends, and
endless fun. Here are helpful tips for the Class of 2015
to make their freshman year, and in turn the rest of their
high school career, nothing but wonderful.

Campus
Let’s Go
Clubbing
There is something for everyone at
Pioneer’s Club Rush
by Tiffany TranNguyen
Staff Writer, Junior
Pioneer’s annual Club Rush was held in the Quad at
lunch on Thursday, September 8th, 2011. Club Rush
gives students a chance find where they belong at
Pioneer, and mix and mingle with other people with
a common interest. Over fifty different clubs were
represented at Club Rush. This year, many new clubs
made their first appearance, like Seagull Survivor Club
and Asian Student Union, as well as a many returning
clubs, such as Key Club and Green Team. If you did not
get a chance to sign up for any clubs, it is not too late. All
clubs are thrilled to welcome new members.
Check out a few club advertisements that you may
have missed on the side!
Times Have
Changed...
Literally
Well-liked changes to the Pioneer bell
schedule
by Allie Hillsbery
Staff Writer, Junior
Odd start times such as 7:26 have been a thorn in
the side of the student body for many years. Abnormal
increments, like 58-minute classes make it very difficult
for students to remember when classes begin and end.
Thankfully, this year’s schedule is set up a little more
rationally, with all bell (or bell-less…) times ending in
simple zeros and fives. Classes on regular days last an
even 60 minutes, and classes on “S” and “C” Period a
manageable 50 minutes.
Thanks to a recent amendment to the Pioneer
schedule, the addition of the “C” Period, Thursdays
have become the favorite weekday of many young
Mustangs. The altered Thursday is basically the reverse
of “S” (Service) Period on Mondays. “C” stands for
“Collaboration,” in which teachers from each department
now have allotted time during their regular work
day to meet and discuss relevant issues pertaining to
curriculum.
When the start time is moved up from 7:25 A.M.
to 8:25 A.M. to accommodate the teacher meetings,
students reap the benefit. Most utilize their extra time
by getting some extra sleep. Others come to school
at the regular time, likely to study and do extra credit
assignments. Or, because they just forgot.
Page 2
DON’T GET MAD, GET POLITICAL!
Political Debate Club meets on Mondays and
Fridays at lunch in Ms. Kline’s room P3.
Amnesty International
Working to protect human rights.
we offer community service events and opportunities
to protect those whos rights have been violated.
Meetings on Tuesday at lunch in Mr. Holm’s
room 200
Animal Club is dedicated to raising money for
the Humane Society. We are also planning
calendars, blanket, and towel drives.
This club also provides great community
service opportunities for those working against
animal abuse for the Sophomore Project.
Meetings for Animal Club will be in Mr.
Shull’s Room 203 every Wednesday at Lunch.
Asian Student Union (ASU) is a student organization
established to promote awareness and
understanding of Asian American cultures. Come
join us for Chinese New Year, the Obon Festival,
and many more events.
You DON’T to be Asian to join. We welcome
everyone.
We have a great year planned, so don’t miss out!
Meetings will be on Thursdays in Room 454 at
Lunch
PINK CLUB
Join Pink Club and work to end breast cancer!
Come participate in breast cancer walks such as
Relay for Life and fundraisers for the American
Cancer Society.
Meetings on Wednesdays in room 454
FOR MORE INFO JOIN THE PIONEER PINK CLUB
2011-2012 FACEBOOK GROUP
Outreach Fair
Service Learning is “Taking small steps to a bigger change.”
by Joey Esposito
Staff Writer, Senior
In case you missed it, Pioneer’s Service Learning
class hosted the annual Outreach Fair on September 7th.
This year, however, the time was changed from its usual
7:45-11:45 to 9-12:30 to allow students to visit the fair
during lunch, opening up a larger portion of time for all
students to visit the fair. The continuing goal of Outreach
Fair has always been to extend the awareness of students
interested or in need of any and all community service
opportunities whether it be for sophomore project or
just simply to earn volunteer hours. Every year there are
multiple organizations and clubs present to offer community
service, such as Green Team, and Key Club and
organizations such as Breathe California, Journey Church
Volume 51 Issue 1 September 2011
Are you interested in being a lawyer? Or do you
just love acting? If you said yes to either one of
these questions, then join Mock Trial!
Mock Trial allows high school students to experience
the courtroom in a hands-on role. In Mock
Trial, students learn exactly what role each of the
different people in a court (judges, lawyers, witnesses,
etc.) do in the judicial system.
For more info, contact Mr. Bernhardt in Room R6
(NATIONAL ALLIANCE FOR MENTAL ILLNESS)
Help us fight against discrimination toward
the mentally ill and raise funds to aid NAMI.
SUPPORT THOSE WHO ARE STRUGGLING
WITH MENTAL ILLNESS AND BE SUPPORT-
ED AS WELL!
Meetings in Mr. Holm’s room 200 on Thursdays
at lunch
Key Club International is the oldest and largest
service program for high school students. Key Club
members perform acts of service in the acts of
service in the community such as park clean-ups,
collecting clothing and organizing food drives.
Join us for some exciting evens, like spirit battles
at Fall Rally North (FRN) at SIX FLAGS!
Come visit at Lunch on Wednesdays in room 350!
Dragon Boat Club
1 boat. 20 paddlers. 500 meters.
Dragon boat racing is a competitive
water sport focised on endurance,
synchronization, mental focus,
and, most importantly, a true
bond with your team.
To learn more, contact Chris
Helms, Kenneth Truong, or Alissa
Yum via Facebook.
No experience required!
and The American Cancer Society. In addition to these
groups there are also four theme tables set up by Service
Learning. Also, a technology table focused on the Service
Learning class itself was set up in an effort to promote a
new Twitter page as well as a Facebook fan page.
Due to the success of past year’s Outreach Fairs, Mr.
Burrell (Pioneer’s Service Learning teacher) along with
Yasmin Hussein and Shane Kim (Outreach Fair coordinators)
are hoping to put on another Outreach Fair in January.
This proposed second fair would be the first Outreach
Fair hosted in the winter and the first year Service Learning
has hosted more than one fair the same school year.
Photo by Tiffany TranNguyen

Campus
For Whom Freshman
Bells Toll
Unpopular resolution to bell debate
Survival
101
by Allie Hillsbery
Staff Writer, 11
The most notable change so far for the 2011-2012
has been to our bells. At the beginning of the year, they
were non-existent. Mild confusion was common on these
abnormally quiet school days, where students actually
had to pay attention to their watches in order to arrive to
class on time. However, after the installation of the new
bell, fresh from Canada, many students and teachers
were thinking fondly of the days before its arrival.
The new bell has been compared to a dying duck, a
dying giraffe, and a dying tuba (?). Evan Hitchcock, a
junior, thinks that, “it sounds like a prison bell,” and that
the mono-tone blast might as well be saying, “Everyone
head to your next cell.” When asked his opinion of the
new bell, sophomore Ryan Nozaki replied, “We have
bells again? I thought someone was taking care of the
seagulls.” Many have also commented that the new
sound is reminiscent of some kind of natural disaster
warning, which is a rather harsh parallel to everyday
academic instruction.
Many students and teachers were hoping that the lack
of bells would become a permanent change. Mr LaCaille
explained that he likes not having bells because, “I don’t
have to mark kids tardy if they arrive a few seconds
late, less students pack up before I’m finished with my
lesson, and in the long run I think it will increase student
responsibility.” Students are in favor of bell-less days
because, as junior Andrew Martin put it, the days are
“more peaceful.” Another junior, Dylan Miller agreed,
saying, “I feel less rushed.” The anti-bell argument
basically emphasizes that the new environment is both
calmer and more respectful of student responsibility.
Moderates believe that the few bells that did exist
(before school begins, after break, and after lunch) were
sufficient reminders during high-traffic times and that no
additional bells are needed.
A major complaint on not having bells was that
teachers did not release students from class on time.
Katelyn Frugoli elaborated: “I hate it [not having bells]
because, when I see a limited amount of people on my
way to class, I can never tell if I am early or late.” The
P.E. department wanted the bells back because, without
them, students took their time arriving in the locker
rooms and loitered there when they should have been
leaving, causing P.E. teachers to have to stay longer
in the locker rooms to supervise students who were
changing and primping. Dr. McDonough, a math and
science teacher, is a major voice for the bell advocates.
When asked why, she answered, “I would like the bells
back because we now have three different schedules and
figuring out what time class lets out distracts me from
my teaching. It takes class time away and I don’t want
to have to argue with students on whether or not class is
over.”
A committee of Pioneer staff was established for
deciding the fate of our unfortunate-sounding bell.
When asked last week what their deliberation was, one
member, Ms. Martin commented, “No decision has been
reached.” However, Principal Walker has decided, “The
reduced bell pilot has proven to be a distraction for some
of our staff, so we’ll end the pilot for now and bells will
resume, beginning Monday. We can always revisit the
pilot at a later date if there proves to be interest.”
Page 3
Upcoming Events
Oct. 1 SAT
Oct. 7 Pioneer vs. Leland football game (HOME)
Oct. 12 PSAT
Oct. 13 Freshmen Academic Planning
Oct. 14 Pioneer vs. Live Oak football game (HOME)
Oct. 17 Presidential Service Learning Awards
Oct. 17-21 Red Ribbon Week
Helpful tips will get you through the
aches, pains, and joys of your first year in
high school
By Amy Lowe and Nick Vincent
Staff Writers, Seniors
•Teachers in high school want you to ask questions; so do
not be afraid to ask for explanation or clarification
•S-periods, lunch periods, and after school are all a great
time to make up a test.
•Clubs, sports, and other extracurricular activities are a
great way to make new friends.
•Pioneer is a very spirited school, so don’t be scared to
take part in the massive spirit days.
•The Homework Center (located in the library) provides
free tutoring Monday through Thursday.
•Procrastination will never improve your life.
•Use your homework planner! Organization is key in
high school. Time management will allow you to get your
homework done without destroying the other aspects of
your life.
How have the upperclassman
been treating you?
“Amazing! I love them!”
-Maura Williamson
What major differences do
you see between Pioneer
and your middle school?
“The people are more
mature and you get much
more freedom.”
-Austin Hanna
Bad Poetry
Eye Floater
by Matt Hively
Hello eye floater,
I see you there dancing at
the end of my retina,
Are you afraid eye floater?
Why is it that I can’t see
you face to face?
Whenever I attempt to look
at you
You move away
Oh eye floater you’re a
tricky little fellow
But I will catch you someday…
Someday
Meditation on My Appliances
by Eric Noordam
There it stands,
Beautiful.
Only that describes its
state,
Wonderfully full.
The refrigerator.
I’ve emptied it.
But my ceramic circles cry.
They must be cleaned, I
admit.
I fill you up.
Have fun dishwasher.
Your job isn’t too bad,
You don’t have to swallow
underwear.
Those can’t taste too rad.
Unfortunately it’s needed,
Sorry washing machine.
Now they’re wet.
Thank you for that,
But we’re not done yet.
Time to suck the moisture
out.
Dryer, your job sucks.
Volume 51, Issue 01 September 2011
Freshmen working diligently in Mr. Peterson’s class
Photo by Amy Lowe
•Keep to the overhangs when birds are swarming.
•If you are a victim of seagull feces bombs, bathroom
between the library and the PAC has the best mirror for
clean-up. Teachers will understand tardiness in these
cases.
•Get to the lunch line in the first five minutes of lunch to
save yourself a great deal of time.
•If you are going to buy lunch from the cafeteria, as opposed
to the student store, you need to bring your I.D.
card or schedule.
•Taking advanced classes in your years as underclassmen
can be very beneficial later on in life, especially when
applying for colleges.
•Try your hardest not to fail any classes, even as a freshmen.
Each year, making up credits just gets harder as
summer schools lose funding.
•Check your grades often—sometimes teachers make
mistakes.
“Suck the marrow out
of life.” -Mr. Holm
Do you think any of the
boys or girls at Pioneer
are cute?
“I’ve seen three cute
freshmen!”
-Trinity Joroski
Mr. Peterson’s AP Literature classes share their intentionally awful poetry
Ladybrow
by Lauren Wolf
Oh unibrow,
Your hair, so fine
How many nights I wish
You were not mine
Your figure; bushy
like an etch-a-sketch trace
Like a woman’s figure on
my face
Your bosoms, full lumps
That obscure my vision
Your curves, hairy lines
With little precision
So I pluck and wax
And bleach and tweeze
Until I want to scream
“OH JEEZE!”
But if you, fine lady, must
stay on my head
I suppose I shall wear a
long hat instead
Stares
By Morgan Glynn
Stairs,
Up
Down
Glares
Left
Right
Pears
Up
Down
Left
Right
Munch
Munch
Munch
Up
Down
Left
Right
Crunch
Crunch
Lunch.

y Gianna Zamora
and Yasmin Hussein
Staff Writers, Seniors
STUDENT SPOTLIGHTS
This will be Mr. Holm’s second year teaching at Pioneer.
“I am so thrilled to be back at Pioneer High School and
am ecstatic to be teaching Physics this year!”
Sean Vanwoerken is new to our Pioneer community this year. Being a freshman on
this entirely new campus, these first few weeks have been very eye opening for him.
Sean really enjoyed the whole rally experience and described it as “super loud, fun, and
intense.” His favorite games were, “the scavenger hunt and the beach ball activity,” and
he “really loved supporting his school.” When asked about his goals for the next four
years, Sean didn’t hesitate to reply, “I want to challenge myself this year and get ready
to take AP courses in the future.” He the decided that if he could sum up the entire week
in three words it would be “A great time.”
This fine young Mustang just so happens to be your ASB president here at Pioneer
High School. Austin McLaggan loves being involved in Pioneer’s school spirit and
uniting the Pioneer community. She is in both the ASB leadership class and the Service
Learning leadership class. So far, Austin has really fallen in love with all her classes this
year. Currently, her favorite teacher is Mr. Holm because he “has the ability to always
make the subject of physics exciting and engaging.” Austin described “his energy” as
something “so unique.” When asked to sum up her first week as a senior, Austin stated,
“The time here goes by fast so I’m really going to enjoy it.”
STAFF SPOTLIGHTS
Page 4
words from the wise
This is going to be Ms. Campiotti’s first year teaching at
Pioneer. She previously taught in Woodland and Reno.
“The staff is very caring, the students are ready to learn,
and we have really good resources here for learning.”
Volume 51 Issue 1 September 2011
What your fellow Mustangs
love most about Pioneer
“Lunch is by far the best part of my day.”
Luc Brubaker, Senior
“Mr. Burrell is definitely my favorite teacher and I think
that Ms. Bowman is very funny.”
Natalia Thompson, Junior
“I love not being the underdog and finally reaching the
top of the totem pole.”
Taren Sindorf, Sophomore
“I love the big campus and the fact that we get to wear
free dress.”
Kyra Williams, Freshman
This will be Mr. Chavarria’s first year teaching at Pioneer.
He previously taught in Chicago and at Oakland Tech.
“Nunca te rindas (Never give up).”

Volume 51, Issue 01 September 2011
Fall Sports Preview
Tennis
Girls’ tennis team hopeful about season
by Steven Raczkowski
Staff Writer, Senior
Pioneer’s girls’ tennis team is gearing up for the season,
as they look to make a racket in league play. Team
captain Kallan Sheehan is entering her 4th season on the
squad, and spoke to the Pony Express about the upcoming
season and her progression since freshman year. “I
have been playing tennis for four years and I am proud
of my accomplishments. As a freshman, I started out in
JV tennis and now, as a senior, I am team captain. It is
amazing to see what my all my hard work brought me.”
said Sheehan. After losing 10 seniors to graduation off
Photo by Allie Hillsbery
of last year’s team, there are plenty of fresh faces on this
year’s roster. Sheehan mentioned her enthusiasm for the Pioneer’s defense lines up across from Mitty’s offense in Sept. 2 game.
Football season begins
new season by stating “I am looking forward to seeing
how the girls play out this season. Since the tennis team
is different every year, it is always exciting to meet and
collaborate with new teammates. Good luck to the tennis
team this year as they shoot for another strong season. The Mustangs look to rebound from last year’s disastrous season
X-Country by Alex Whiteman
Staff Writer, Sophomore
In the intense ninety degree heat, the Pioneer Mustang Dominic Barnes (5’10, 180) and Russel Neeley (5’9, 175)
Cross country runs towards success varsity football team takes the field. Hard-charging both will attempt to continue their success at running
by Steven Raczkowski
running backs Curtis Tanquary (5’11, 190) and Sean back and defensive back. The only sophomore on the
Staff Writer, Senior
Nelson (5’10, 175) spark visions of previous great runners varsity squad is Joseph Londre (6’3, 200), a varsity
Pioneer’s cross-country team hit the ground running at Pioneer. Quarterbacks Drew Fryhoff (6’3, 175), Dillon basketball player, who will be playing tight end as well
this season as a number of Mustang runners took part in Borrego (6’0, 190), and Zeno Forbes (5’8, 175) take as defensive end for the Mustangs this year. Football at
the 2011 Earlybird Invitational at Toro Park in Salinas on command of the huddle as if it is their very own army. Pioneer this year has been presented with a fresh start to
September 10. Roy Blume finished 63rd out of a field of The defense looks as stout and stingy as a brick wall, replicate 2009’s championship season. Although Pioneer
190 runners in the freshman boys’ division of the event. seemingly unstoppable in practice. While last season’s was dealt a crushing blow by losing to Archbishop
In the junior boys’ category, Andrew Biscardi finished record may suggest otherwise, the varsity football team Mitty High School 54 - 14, they were set to rebound
exactly halfway through the field of 240 runners, bring- has a new spark. Number fifty-one Tommy Fickett (6’3, quickly in week 2. Pioneer made the trek down to
ing home a 120th place finish. Senior Robert Macias 220) is the strong leader that the varsity football team beautiful (okay, not really) Salinas, to do battle with a
delivered an 83rd place finish out of 177 entrants in his needs. Starting at offensive tackle and defensive end strong North Salinas football team. The Mustangs fared
category. The female half of the team also did well, paced displays the qualities that make Fickett an elite player. much better this game, as they opened up a can on their
by the trifecta of top 20 finishes in the sophomore girls’ Ronald Gezzi (6’0, 213), also plays on both sides of the unsuspecting foes, coming home victorious in a 54-7
category by Jeanine Noordam, Bethany Tom, and Katie ball, starting at offensive guard and middle linebacker. romp. Pioneer’s defense was the star of the game, coming
Wilkerson. Olivia Vega came home 24th out of all 135 This year’s juniors have made a name for themselves up with four interceptions, two of which were returned
freshman girls, and Olivia Lindorfer finished 27th out of with great football talent. Ethan Stanton (6’0 210) will for touchdowns. After a 34-27 victory against Terra
170 junior girls. In the combined team totals, Pioneer’s be playing fullback and trying his best to destroy his Nova, the team’s record is now 2-1. Pioneer will look to
girls finished 11th out of 40 entrants.
older counterparts at linebacker. The returning duo of continue their success throughout the season.
Water polo aims for 1st
Senior Riley Negrete prepares to shoot
for a goal during practice.
Volleyball
preview
Pioneer’s girls’ volleyball team attempts
to overcome last season’s struggles
by Alex Whiteman
Staff Writer, Sophomore
Page 5
Photo by Allie Hillsbery
Everyday after school at 2:30 sharp, the girls’
volleyball team takes the court. Volleyball is not one of
the most prestigious sports at Pioneer, but it deserves to
be, as it is one of Pioneer’s strongest sports.
In a scrimmage against San Jose High School earlier
in the year, the Mustangs dominated in terms of talent
The water polo teams look to maintain strong records from past years
by Steven Raczkowski and Alex Whiteman
Staff Writers, Senior and Sophomore
The Mustang girls’ water polo team started their
season with a bang, as they placed 4th out of 32 teams in
the Clovis Invitational tournament.
Pioneer’s latest and greatest girls’ water polo team
features a veteran-laden roster that consists of 12
seniors (Alex Armacost, Sami Christensen, Sara Smith,
Adrianah Ramirez, Emily Mickela, Michelle Berry,
Katie Short, Kingsley Hill, Serena Clark, Riley Negrete,
Jordan Booke, and Michelle Dunn) who will look to use
their experience to guide the team to victory throughout
the season. Non-tournament action begins for Pioneer
on September 27th, when they take on Live Oak, which
kicks off the team’s league schedule. The Pioneer
community wishes the team luck as they look to build
off of the momentum provided by their strong season-
and depth. Standouts have yet to be established, but
every player on the JV volleyball team seems to have
infinite upside and potential. Freshman Rachel Edwards
(standing at only 5’2”) can rocket the ball over the net
with ease. The players on the team look to impress new
coach Tony Lien, who played high school volleyball at
Branham. While four freshman are on the JV team, three
freshman were placed on the varsity volleyball squad
beacuse of their obvious talent and drive. Anna Craig
(5’9”), Janna Rezzonico (5’2”), and Victoria Jones (5’6”)
hope to make a strong impression on the coaching staff
and prepare to be the future of Pioneer volleyball.
The Varsity girls volleyball team also has a strong
leadership core consisting of Katrina Rojko (5’1”) who
plays opposite hitter and defensive specialist, and Alayna
Stuck (who is the tallest player on the team at 5’10”)
playing middle blocker and middle hitter. With all the
progress and talent that both Pioneer volleyball teams
have shown, a strong season is not outside the realm of
possibility.
opening performance.
The Pioneer boys’ water polo team has held tournaments
against fierce opponents, and have delivered wins
on many occasions. Joseph Grimaud, captain of the JV
water polo team, is the new leader of the Mustangs. Players
respect Joseph, but more importantly, they all respect
each other. On top of the water, the volleyball shaped
balls fly across the water, but under the water is where the
action happens. Kicking, scratching, and fighting occurs
under the surface of the water, not unlike an episode of
Jerry Springer. Water polo is an Olympic sport and produces
some of the best athletes in the world.
Photo by Allie Hillsbery
The volleyball team practices after school

Current Events
Libya’s New Start
Libyan rebels end the tyranny of former leader Gadhafi and begin to establish a
democratic Libya
by Tuba Siddiqui
the rebels faced the problem of trying to restore order
Staff Writer, Senior
and services to Tripoli while Gadhafi’s whereabouts were
Libya, known as an oil rich nation in North
unknown. Guma El-Gamatay, the British based coordina-
Africa, has been under the dictatorship of Moammar
tor for the Rebel’s National Transitional Council (NTC),
Gadhafi for forty-years before pushing for a revolt and
believes that Gadhafi is either hiding in Tripoli or has fled
toppling the Libyan Regime. For about six months, a
to Chad, Southern Libya, or Algeria (countries that still
poorly trained rebel group, with the motivation to rid
support him) but El-Gamatay claims that he is most likely
Gadhafi from rule, successfully came through with their
in Libya but was not able to extrapolate on his claim
goal last month. However, the road to their accomplish-
since the information proving this statement is classified
ment came with a plethora of difficulties.
as secretive. Former U.S. diplomat Nicholas Burns said
On February 2011, a group of anti-government
that it is imperative that Gadhafi “be found quickly and
opponents organized themselves in the city of Benghazi,
the fighting must be brought to an end.” More so, the
where their movement ultimately spread to the capital of
International Criminal Court has issued warrants for the
Tripoli where Gadhafi responded with extreme violence
arrests of Gadhafi and his son Saif al-Islam Gadhafi.
and referring to the rebels as “very small groups of
Libya wants to create a functioning democratic
people who are collaborators with the imperialists.” In
system. Libya is in need of an interim in order to begin
response, the citizens of Libya created a makeshift army
writing a constitution, initiate elections, and establish
and portrayed itself to the West and other Libyans as an
democracy. The rebels have also set up checkpoints
army willing to end Gadhafi’s repressive rule. However,
around public buildings in order to promote public safety.
the rebels faced a possibility of being outgunned and
Reports have shown that loyalists to Gadhafi took off
outnumbered in their fight for civil rights. The United
their uniforms and have blended in with the crowd and
Nations Security Council authorized military action in
are hatching a plan to strike again. The NTC stabilization
order to make sure that the rebels could not be defeated
team has asked Arab states like Qatar, United Arab Emir-
by Ghadafi’s loyalist forces. On March 19, Americans
ates, and Jordan for a force of several hundred people
and Europeans began to create strikes against Gadhafi’s
(troops) to help protect the new installations established
government and got their point across through the use of
in Tripoli. The NTC has also set up a timetable for the
warplanes and missiles. Also, rebels were aided by NATO
new government: a fifteen person panel will draft a
airstrikes under a United Nation’s mandate to protect
constitution over forty-five days. The constitution will be
citizens. By August, the rebel forces began to make sig-
voted on a national referendum and legislative elections
nificant gains in Libya’s eastern and western territories.
will be held four months afterwards. Two months later,
By the night of August 21, rebels inundated Tripoli and
a presidential election will be held. NTC officials say
began to spread resistance and celebrate their accom-
that this process will take anywhere from ten to fifteen
plishments as they overran his compound and finally
months. The U.S. is working with the United Nations to
gained control on August 23.
release $1 billion to $1.5 billion to the NTC for hu-
Even though they ridded Gadhafi from power,
manitarian purposes and to help make certain that Libya
establish a secure and stable government.
In Case You Missed It...
by Amy Lowe and Nick Vincent
Staff Writers, Seniors
Apple Has Done it Again
With the release of the new Apple iPhone 5 on
the way, Apple lovers are eagerly anticipating its arrival.
After the hype surrounding the iPhone 4 there was
an anti-climatic down turn once the phone was lost in a
German pub. Once again, an Apple employee has lost the
new phone that is to be released this fall. This time the
phone was lost in a Mexican restaurant, and reportedly
sold on craigslist for a mere $200.
Page 6
New Goodies for the iPad
Logitech will become the next big contributor
to add new gadgets to the iPad. The company is releasing
a joystick and fold-up keyboard for the iPad 2. The
joystick will attach to the iPad with suction cups and
hopefully help make it more versatile for gamers. The
keyboard works only with the iPad 2 and will attach via
bluetooth. Both are available in September. The joystick
will cost $19.99 while the keyboard will sell for a whopping
$129.99.
Volume 51, Issue 01 September 2011
College Tuition: The Price is Not Right
University of California System might raise tuition costs by 16%
by Tuba Siddiqui,
Staff Writer, Senior
“This is ridiculous. The state government
should be doing more to
help out the UC system because the
UC schools are correlated with the
state.” -Jordan Booke, 12
Due to a state budget crisis, the University of
California (UC) system considered increasing tuition
up to 16% in the fall of 2012 and planned to increase it
over the next three years, nearly doubling tuition, if state
funding falls short. In fact, the UC system has lost $650
million in state funding this fall after lawmakers reduced
a budget shortfall from $26 billion to $5 billion. The UC
Board of Regents considered a four-year plan that will
help ease their $2.5 billion budget shortfall by 2015 to
2016 through the use of tuition increase of 8% to 16%
if they are unable to stimulate their financing. However,
to avoid this drastic increase, the regents have fostered
alternatives to the tuition hike.
In San Francisco, members of the UC Regents
System gathered around to plan possible means of obtaining
the increase in financing they needed to avoid higher
tuition rates for students to pay. These ideas included
holding a ballot initiative to raise taxes, raising revenue
from private sectors for scholarships, organizing a public
service campaign financed by Google or another firm
about the UC system’s contribution to the state, and
working with state lawmakers on securing more public
funding. The regents did not want to increase tuition
as Dianne Klein, spokeswomen for UC President Mark
Yudof, stated “we do not want to raise tuition and we do
not want to compromise quality.”
The four year tuition increase proposal has
provoked a negative response from students who claim
that they will not be able to pay off their tuition with this
increase. Leaders of the University of California Student
Association argued that this increase is effectively ridding
middle class students from gaining a higher public educa-
Prop 8: Bat-
tle Persists
by Evie Liu
Staff Writer, Sophomore
On Tuesday, September 6, 2011, there was a
hearing in San Francisco over the state’s ban on same-sex
marriage that was ruled unconstitutional by Chief US
District Judge Vaughn R. Walker in 2010. At the hearing,
the California Supreme Court was to decide whether the
sponsors of Proposition 8 have the legal standing to appeal
the ruling.
This case came up when first Governor Arnold
Schwarzenegger and then Attorney General Jerry
Brown refused to appeal to Walker’s ruling. To this
the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals asked if a conservative
religious coalition called “Protect Marriage” could
represent a state’s interests in the appeal arguing that the
Governor and attorney general should not have the power
to second-guess the majority of Californians. .”rotect
Marriage.”is eager to claim a right to appeal because
without a standing, there is no case and that could mean
a possible resumption of same-sex marriage. Arguing
against “Protect Marriage,” same-sex couples and the city
of San Francisco say that California has given its attorney
general the right to appeal, settle, or concede defeat in
cases involving the state law. They also argue that cited
in a 1997 US Supreme Court ruling, doubt was expressed
over the authority of initiative sponsors to represent a
state in appeals involving the state law.
The case is a very complicated one and is more
than a debate over whether Proposition 8 is constitutional-it
is an issue over who has the right to argue a law.
The California Supreme Court remains undecided on this
case, they have 90 days to decide whether “Protect Marriage”
has the right to appeal to Walker’s ruling. If the
right is upheld, the case will go to the US Supreme Court
to decide whether Proposition 8 is constitutional or not.
tion. They claimed that if the proposal were to occur,
they would begin to protest against it. UC students must
pay $12,200 in annual tuition, but the total cost reaches
$30,000 (including books, supplies, transportation, etc).
For Universties such as UC Berkeley and UCLA, the
total cost reaches almost $40,000. This four year tuition
increase would bring tuition to about $22,110 by fall
2015.
Yoduf’s office claimed that “a bold new approach
is necessary to save the university from an
irreversible decline into mediocrity.” Furthermore, the
board’s finance committee stated that “a multi-year plan
would provide a stable and predictable framework by
which the university can meet its base budget needs, even
as the state’s fiscal situation continues to be immensely
unstable.” However, if the state is unable to increase
funding next fall beyond $2.37 billion, the UC system
will have to resort to the 16% tuition increase. If the state
is able to increase UC funding by 4% next year, the proposed
tuition increase would be 12%, and the fee increase
would be 8% if state funding were also raised 8%. These
tuition proposals are valid for the next three years as well.
Goldilocks
Scientists recently discovered a new “Goldilocks”
planet 31 light-years away from Earth, orbiting
an orange dwarf in the constellation Vela. Much like the
porridge Goldilocks picks in her story, this planet is “just
right” in terms of size and heat. It has a circular, stable
orbit; the only caveat is that it may or may not have a
suitable atmosphere for life. Until our instruments improve
or we find a way to travel 31 light-years, we’ll just
have to wonder if there is life out there.

Volume 51, Issue 01 September 2011
News & Opinions
Budget Cuts’ Effects Student
Recent budget cuts in public school funding have forced schools from Georgia to
California to change up their routines
by Evie Liu
Staff Writer, Sophomore
Responses
Schools Cut the Week
Changes to four-day school weeks has probably
gotten the most attention from the media. Four-day
by Tuba Siddiqui and Evie Liu,
Staff Writers, Senior and Sophomore
school weeks are not a new idea, they have been used for
“It is a long overdue fight for civil liberties against a
decades in western states such as Wyoming and Idaho to
heartless tyrant whose rule has gone on 42 years too
save money on energy. In the recent 2011-2012 school
long. The UN forces should be playing a more active role
year, more than 120 school districts in 20 states from
in preventing any further crimes against civilians from
Georgia to South Dakota have switched to the four-day
occuring rather than timidly standing by waiting for the
week. Having school Monday through Thursday saves up
success of the rebels while maintaining their forces on
to $50,000, but is also a concern for many parents. Even
two other outdated Middle Eastern conflicts.”
though each school day is lengthened by 30 minutes,
parents worry that cutting the school week will affect
-Justin Shacher, 12 (on Libya’s civil war)
the quality of their children’s education and where to put
“My friend in Rhode Island lost power and said that a lot
their kids on Fridays while they are at work.
of trees had fallen down around his neighborhood while
Schools Expand schedules
he was asleep. He could not leave his house for a few
More than 1,000 schools around the nation have
days either. I was scared for him but thankfully he was
chosen to extend the school year by 30% in response to
not severely affected by the hurricane.”
the budget cuts. Instead of just giving up on a better public
education, schools are trying to improve the quality of
its education. In order to achieve this, they have chosen
-Nicole Grimm, 12 (on Irene’s effect on her)
Islamophobia
Intolerance of Muslims rises in the U.S.
by Nashra Anwer
Editor in Chief, Senior
Following the attacks on September 11th, the
media began to portray Muslims as those who should be
held accountable for the attacks that day and subsequent
attacks around the world. Hate crime steadily rose, as
did racial discrimination towards those that resembled
extremists in physical features and attire.
Lo and behold, Islamophobia was born.
Anti-Muslim hate crimes shot up 50% between
2003 and 2004 when the United States began to deploy
soldiers to Iraq and Afghanistan. Crimes included, but
were not limited to, desecration of the Quran, vandalism
of mosques, and general harassment. A study from CAIR,
the Counsel on American-Islamic Relations, cited 1552
cases of acts illustrating prejudice against Muslims, most
of which were concentrated in New York and, surprisingly,
California. One 2003 California case in particular
involved a bathroom at San Jose State University vandalized
by a written threat to shoot those of the Islamic faith
on campus. On the other side of the country, Muslim Yale
Administrator Raphael Soifer was spit on by students
in the dining hall. The CIA aided the New York Police
Department in keeping Muslim communities in particular
under deliberate scrutiny. The lawfulness of these actions
is currently undergoing investigation by the CIA’s Inspector
General.
Rhetoric that influenced and encouraged intolerance
from talk shows, politicians, and comments from
both news networks and the Internet have added fuel
to the fire. Herman Cain, a GOP presidential candidate,
advocated the idea that “communities should be able
to prevent mosques from being built.” As a result, hate
crime targets extended to those not of the Islamic faith
as well; Sikhs endured discrimination and ethnic assault
on multiple occasions, as did Hindus. Both were attacked
for misconceptions about their religious affiliation based
entirely on their attire and facial features, as they are
commonly mistaken for Arabs. Muslim women who don
the traditional head scarf have been discouraged from doing
so by family members and employers alike in fear for
their safety. Despite continuous efforts from both Muslim
communities and peace organizations, prejudice persists
and worsens.
Last September, media turned their attention to
Student Input
One student raises their voice on an issue near to their heart
“Dear Pony Express,
You have asked for input for the newspaper and I would
like to put forth a problem at our school you may not be
aware of. Every day the bike racks at Pioneer are overflowing
with bikes; some people have to lock their bike
to a nearby pole instead of on the rack. Many days this
is not because there aren’t enough bike racks, no there is
another cause. Many obnoxious bicyclists lock their bikes
to the rack by putting it in sideways instead of putting the
front tire in the provided slot. I’m not sure why they do
Page 7
to add hours to each school day, create smaller classes
and replace most administrators with teachers. This way,
funding is spent more on education and less on extra
school activities. With more time in school and more
private attention, students are able to better understand
the material.
Maxwell Unified Combines Junior and High School
Maxwell Unified School District in California
has made a last minute decision to combine middles
schools and high schools due to declines in revenue and
staffing.Middle school and high school students will still
have separate events - sports, dances etc. The only difference
is that middle school students have to go to the high
school campus to take classes.
Crowded Classrooms
The majority of schools have resorted to laying
off teachers and increasing class sizes. Many districts
throughout the country have closed and consolidated
schools. Textbooks and technology will not be updated
and there will be extra furlough days shortening the
school year by up to ten days. San Jose Unified has
leaned towards this policy, as Pioneer had a week of
furlough days last year.
Pastor Terry Jones and Park 51 (commonly referred to
as the “Ground Zero Mosque”). The opposition to the
construction of an Islamic center two blocks away from
Ground Zero was appalling and extreme; plans were
made to burn a copy of the Quran and to prevent the
mosque from being built. The majority of people did not
bother to find out that the planned center was also to be
an interfaith community center as well as a memorial for
the 9/11 attacks. In an act of overwhelming ignorance,
Pastor Jones ignored the input from Americans all over
the country, including President Obama, to forgo burning
Quran because of Park 51 and executed his plan in March
of this year.
Similar opposition to the building of mosques
has risen around the country. Some claim that construction
of Muslim places of worship will result in the imposition
of Sharia Law in the United States and are breeding
grounds for “home grown terrorists.” This exact argument
has been used in Murfeesboro, Tennessee, where
the construction of a 520,000 square foot Islamic center
was violently opposed. Public backlash in the small Tennessee
town included arson of construction equipment,
drive-by shootings, and a public hearing trying to prevent
the center’s construction.
The biggest shock of this endemic is how un-
American it is. This country was built on doctrines of
life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness—the lack of
which was one of the very reasons colonists separated
from England hundreds of years ago. Denying less than
one percent of the entire American population the ability
to live without oppression from higher figures or even
ordinary citizens is neither constitutional nor humane.
In a recent Pew Research Study, Muslims that were
polled found life to be more difficult in the United States
because of their religious affiliation, but have firm beliefs
that there are more friendly people in the U.S. than there
are bigots.
There is hope; a recent CBS News/New York
Times Poll showed that 78% of polled Americans
believed that Muslims were being singled out unfairly.
Obama is the epitome of the principles Americans should
hold for all belief systems, including the Islamic faith:
“America and Islam are not exclusive and need not be
in competition. Instead, they overlap, and share common
principles of justice and progress, tolerance and the
dignity of all human beings.”
this. Some claim that their bike is safer like this because
they can chain the frame of the bike to the rack as well
as the tire, however I use the bike rack in the manner
intended and am amble to lock both the tire and the frame
everyday with no difficulty, rendering this argument
invalid. The only valid argument I can come up with is
that parked like that the bike won’t get knocked over.
Now this may be true, but if people were more courteous
and careful when removing their bikes this wouldn’t be a
problem at all and at present it isn’t too prevalent. Other
“My family that lived in Rochester, New York (but were
not there at the time) still had to evacuate for two weeks.
Their windows were nailed shut for two days. I was nervous
that something could have happened to them.”
-Nicole McDougal, 11 (on Irene’s effect on her)
“I really like the idea of four day school weeks because it
saves a lot of money that can go toward extracurriculars,
which can motivate students to get good grades. Sports
require a certain grade and that should be the case for
other extracurriculars so students are motivated to get
good grades.”
-Jacquelyn Quach, 10 (on schools’ budget cuts)
“I really dislike the Maxwell idea of combing middle and
high school because people might not get along. I think
the four-day week is a good idea.”
-Michelle To (on schools’ budget cuts)
“I like four day weeks because I’d like to have shorter
school weeks. I would not like to have expanded schedules,
many students are already unmotivated, being unhappy
with extra hours at school will only make it worse.
I think the Maxwell plan is really bad.”
-Kayla Critchfield (on school budget cuts)
“I like the idea of four day weeks. I would not want an
expanded schedule because I don’t want more school.”
-Chris Yamamoto (on school budget cuts)
“I feel like this is ridiculous. The state government should
be doing more to help out the UC system because the UC
schools are correlated with the state. However, this does
not make me want to go out of state for college. I know a
lot of people who are determined to go to a UC school so
I believe they will not go out of state for college as well.
Even though the price has hiked up, it is still less than a
lot of private schools tuition cost.”
-Jordan Booke, 12 (on UC system tuition hikes)
“The rising cost would mean that i would have to pay
more money, which I really do not want to do. However,
it does not make me want to go to college out of state
because out-of-state students have to pay more for tuition
anyway so it’ll probably end up being the same amount
anyway.”
-Desi Marrone, 11 (on UC system tuition hikes)
reasons people may have for abusing the bike racks may
be to show off their bikes (most of them aren’t too great
looking though), they enjoy irritating others (it truly is
irritating, obnoxious, etc), or through a lack of understanding
of how a bike rack works (which is pathetic
considering the majority of people provide an example).
Please spread the word about this issue. I know it only
affects a minority of students, but to those it does affect it
is meaningful.
Thank you,
A Cycling Mustang”

Entertainment
Sweet
Nothings
Delicious treats to satisfy your root beer
and sugary craving at the same time!
by Alissa Yum and Allie Hillsbery
Staff Writers, Juniors
Root Beer Float Cupcakes
Makes: 24 cupcakes
Prep Time: 35 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Cupcakes:
1 (18.25 ounce) package white cake mix
2 cups root beer
1/4 cup vegetable or canola oil
2 eggs
Root Beer Buttercream Frosting:
4 cups powdered sugar
1/3 cup butter (softened)
1/8 cup milk
1/8 cup root beer
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
Cupcake Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350ºF. Place cupcake liners in a twelvehole
standard muffin tin
2. In a large bowl, combine cake mix, 2 cups root beer, 1/4
oil, and 2 eggs. Scrape down side of bowl and beat for four
minutes with electric mixer on medium speed.
3. Using a spoon or rounded ice-cream scoop (helps with
uniformity of cupcake size), fill each liner about 3/4 full
of batter.
4. Bake for 19-22 minutes, or until cupcakes are a golden
color and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out
clean. Cool for 1 minute in the pan, then remove
and allow cupcakes to cool for 15 minutes.
Wish You Were Here:
Summer Edition!
Santa Barbara, CA
visited by Tiffany TranNguyen, junior
During the silent film era, Santa Barbara
was a bustling “Northern Hollywood.”
Today, popular shows such as Psych are
filmed there.
Page 8
Photo by Alissa Yum
13 Reasons
Why
The NY Times best-seller has captured
hearts of young adults across the nation
by Jenna Murphy
Staff Writer, Senior
Clay Jenson, an average 16-year-old boy gets home
from school and discovers a package with 7 cassette tapes
with the voice of Hannah Baker, a girl from his school
who had recently committed suicide. These tapes exhibit
the feelings that Hannah had that caused her to commit
suicide.
Suicide by bullying is an epidemic that has recently
been publicized across the United States. 13 Reasons Why
captures the emotion that bullying victim Hannah experiences
and ultimately lead to her unfortunate death.
The book was unrealistic and sadly, quite boring. There
weren’t any stand out scenes or attention grabbing characters.
The plot was original but it wasn’t displayed in an
entertaining matter. The fact that it almost glamorized suicide
isn’t necessarily a moral subject for teenagers who
have low self-esteem or are going through rough times.
Suicide is a sensitive subject and I feel Asher didn’t do a
good job expressing the fact that you don’t come back to
life when you die, as Hannah Baker’s tapes made her out
to be.
Overall, save your money. It isn’t worth it since it isn’t
very entertaining. The fact that the author took suicide for
granted made the book seem demoralizing and almost encouraging
people to glamour suicide.
Switzerland
visited by Kathryn Stutz, junior
Fact: The average Swiss eats 23 lbs. of
chocolate per year, compared to the 11
lbs. the average American eats.
Photo by Book Twirps
by Allie Hillsbery and Alissa Yum
Staff Writers, Juniors
Fenway Park, NY
visited by Zoe Beaman, junior
Fact: No ball has ever been hit over the rightfield
roof at Fenway Park.
Volume 51, Issue 01 September 2011
The Help
Photo by Editors’ Guild
Movie tells story of young girl who
publicizes the struggles of African-
American The maids Help whom she befriends
by Jenna Murphy
Staff Writer, Senior
The Help, featuring Emma Stone, Viola Davis and
Octavia Spencer, is an inspiring tale of a young journalist
who has the idea to interview the African-American
maids in her community and writing an anonymous book
revealing the secrets of the white people who had these
maids.
The movie, based off of a novel of the same title,
was a great chick-flick with lots of comedy and scandal.
Since the film takes place before integration, the maids
were afraid of revealing these secrets with the consequence
of being caught and arrested. When Emma’s
character, Skeeter, convinces them she doesn’t have
enough stories for her publisher and tries to recruit others
who refuse.
The historical influence of the movie made it very
original. From the costumes, sets and cars, everything
was pretty dead on. I would rate this movie 4.5 out of 5
stars for its impressive acting and plot. The lack of real
romance in the movie was disappointing. When Skeeter,
the main character, gets her first serious boyfriend it was
a “little tacked on and ended abruptly,” says critic Marco
Duran from the website TheCriticalCritics.com.
Truthfully, the movie is worth its money. I would
see it again if I had the chance because of its original plot
and good acting. This is definitely one to keep your eye
on in your local Red Box or Netflix.
The Globe Theatre
visited by Mrs. Mckenzie, teacher
Fact: In the original Globe Theatre,
a cannon was set off to mark the entrance
of the king in a performance
of ‘Henry VIII’ and it caught the roof
on fire, burning the entire theatre down.