A Collection of Thoughts from Black and White
By Tanya Padgaonkar, Special Sections Editor
A Perspective from a Chaperone…
Hey everyone, Mr. Mumper here. I’ve dreaded it for all of October, and now it’s finally here. Black and White. Someone please rescue me? Actually, no, it’s alright. I can do this, with this handy-dandy checklist in hand. Okay, so…
Flashlight: check.
Detention slips: check.
Protective gear…? Er, check?
I think…I think I’m ready.
But the moment I walk into the Hollywood themed gym, I know I’m in for a long night filled with sweaty teenagers, but (hopefully?) maybe a little bit of fun for myself too. I’d have to say though, the coolest thing I’ve seen all night was the crowd of boys and girls jerking and break dancing to the song “You’re a Jerk.”
Well, I guess people seem to be having fun. Standing atop a large ladder with a flashlight isn’t exactly my ideal Saturday night… I wish there was some Hawaiian music on. But at least the kids seem to like the DJ since they are singing along with almost every song. I’m not sure why the majority of the people seem to be in the middle of the gym though, since the foyer has spiffy looking card tables and there are refreshments outside. CI and NAHS really managed to incorporate the Hollywood theme into everything, from the decorations to the movie of old Hollywood films in the background, they thought of everything.
But apart from that, the whole experience is making me a little bit sad. I’m not in high school anymore! I can’t dance or even go to these things without a legitimate alibi. You know, I’m actually pretty impressed with all of these girls though. I’m supposed to be checking for drugs, alcohol, etc. and I haven’t found anything! Hey, these are actually some pretty good quotes. I’ll have to be sure to keep these and other positive Pres-related thoughts in mind in case one of those yearbook or newspaper students comes to interview me. Mr. Case warned me about them before I left. Now, where’s that checklist of mine?
By Angelia Tran, Business Manager
A Perspective from a Pres girl’s date…
Name: Jonathon Stutchman
High school: Saratoga High School
Grade: 12
Mission: Black and White Charity Ball at Presentation High School
Thoughts: Presentation is a typical private school, small, only females, and not too exciting. The dance will be kind of boring, not many people will be dancing, and there will be chaperones patrolling. But I told Ivy Nguyen I would go since she’s a senior and it’ll be her last Black and White.
October 24th 2009: It begins…
Preparation: 30 minutes to get ready and dressed. I must remember to wear something that matches lots of things to be safe since Ivy isn’t sure which dress to wear.
Mission begins: We are meeting at one of Ivy’s friend’s house for pictures and such. Perhaps I will meet other dates. I have a feeling I’ll be with them for the rest of the night. Then time for dinner! Ivy says we’re splitting the bill at Pasta Pamadora.
7:45 PM: Dinner is done and now at Presentation. The beginning of this dance is awkward since no one is dancing. This is typical of dances though, so, hopefully, things will improve. For now there are other things to do, like take professional pictures and play blackjack. How nice.
9 PM: For the most part, the music is pretty good. The DJ isn’t too amazing, but I’ve been to dances with much worse. Actually, this dance isn’t too bad and not too different from the ones I have gone to before. The only difference is, typically at schools like mine, there aren’t so many cops…and the chaperones usually aren’t so strict about the dancing.
11 PM: Time to leave. Wow, they really want us off campus fast. That’s different.
Notes: I didn’t think that the gym would be so big, and didn’t know that the school was really nice looking. Also there was a lot more sports awards in the gym than I thought would be at a private girls school. I really like the people though; they weren’t at all how I pictured. They seem a lot more real and fun than previously thought. Also there were more of them than I had thought.
A Perspective from a Police Officer…
Matt Christian and his brother are police officers, but their high school alma mater is Mitty. Still they came to Presentation, teenage stereotypes put aside, to chaperone the Black and White Charity Ball, the first for Matt who has only chaperoned other Presentation events such as the Mother-Daughter Breakfast. Unlike his experiences at Mitty, Matt found the Bellarmine boys to more well-behaved than he had thought and the Pres girls pretty decent. He was even further impressed with the charity aspect of Black and White as the proceeds of the night are given to Sacred Heart. Also, there were no incidents as he checked the parking lots and the rest of the campus for any criminal activity, critical or minor, to keep those on campus that night safe. The only safety breach came when some local neighborhoods kids hiding out at St. Chris managed to soak some students with water balloons as they were leaving the dance. While he and the other officers had rushed over, there was no one there. So, sadly, while the night had gone well otherwise, there was a casualty that night – a girl’s chic dress.
Eating With Five Stars: Black and White Restaurant Suggestions
The Black and White Ball is coming up! Date? Check. Dress? Check. Shoes? Check. Dinner? Um…good question. One of the most important parts of Black and White is making sure you and your friends are energized and ready to dance the night away. Are you in a food rut? Check out some of these restaurants for some pre-Black and White food that definitely come with a good time.
Kyoto Palace:
Party of 8? Right this way. Party of 16? Even better. Kyoto Palace is always kicking with people, but never backed up. Parking is not a large problem unless it is during dinner hours of 6:30-8 p.m. Up on the second floor of the Pruneyard, the waiters keep you satisfied with constant water and green tea upon request. This is the perfect restaurant for pre-Black and White dinners for you because you are kept entertained by the talented chefs tossing food around the burning stove hoping a guest will catch a piece of chicken from mid-air. The price is around $20 or $30 per dinner, but the servings are very large. Once one orders, the wait is around 20 to 30 minutes, and eating takes another 30 minutes. Make sure to get a reservation to the most poppin’ Japanese restaurant in Campbell by calling (408) 377-6456. One last tip is to bring a cover-up. A breeze blows through the restaurant throughout the night.
Elephant Bar:
Feeling adventurous? The Elephant Bar in Campbell is a great place for you, your friends and your date to eat before the big dance. The restaurant has a “safari” theme circulating throughout with model animals, bamboo fans and fake trees. The menu is a never-ending list of exotic foods, from Japanese to Italian to American. There is surely something for everyone to eat, no matter what their taste buds please. This is all for a reasonable price as well! Your date will not be empting his pockets to pay for your meal and you do not have to choose the smallest item on the menu. However, one downside to this restaurant is the parking lot. The lot is small with tight parking spaces; prepare to squeeze your vehicle in a spot, park a little farther, or get dropped off. 499 E. Hamilton Ave (408) 871-8401.
Yo Yo Sushi:
Get your mood up like a yo-yo prior to Black and White by choosing the right restaurant. At Yo Yo Sushi, you are guaranteed great service, affordable prices, and perhaps the best sushi in Santa Clara. The waiters and waitress are incredibly friendly and generous. There is a bar where you can get sushi served right in front of you. It is a great place to go if you want to go with your date and a group of friends because there are individual booths and it’s fairly private. There are all kinds of foods ranging from appetizers to sushi. The prices range from $4 to $12. The interior is decorated with lanterns hanging down from the ceiling as well as vivid colors. It is sure to bring up your excitement and mood for Black and White. Yo Yo Sushi is opened from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and it would be a great idea to make an appointment to avoid waiting. It is located at 3958 Rivermark Plaza in Santa Clara. Call (408) 236-9696 if you want to get more information or make a reservation.
Bucca di Beppo:
Looking to join a traditional Italian family? More realistically, looking for some “mama-styled” delicious Italian food? Then head over to Bucca di Bepo in the Pruneyard with a huge group of people for some Pre-Black and White fun. With exotic statues and funny pictures covering every wall and filling up every corner, you’ll never run into a dull conversation. The mismatched plates, forks, and chairs all jammed together gives you the feeling of a traditional Italian home. Your mouth waters as the smell of the delicious food permeates the room. The servers treat you like family, making sure you have everything you need. Also, all the food is served family style, with each $10 plate big enough to serve 4 or more people. For reservations, call (408) 377-7722 ASAP! So stop by for a meal you’re sure to remember!
BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse:
If you’re looking for a chill place to hang out for some pre-Black and White fun and food, head over to BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse on Blossom Hill. You’re immersed in a relaxing and “chill” atmosphere. With sports stations on every TV screen, you and your friends can cheer on your favorite teams or recap on the day’s Shark’s game. No need to worry about a long wait as the friendly staff is quick and efficient. Plates are around $10 to $20. Some of the most popular dishes are the Balsamic Glazed Chicken, served with veggies, mashed potatoes, and crispy onion strings; and the Barbeque Chicken Pizza. Whatever you order for a main dish, it’s absolutely necessary to order the one-and-only Pizookie for dessert! A delicious, freshly baked giant cookie piled high with vanilla ice cream is the most amazing treat you will ever taste. If you are sensitive to cold, autumn breezes, make sure you’re at an inside table. Even though you have a great view to people watch and the heat lamps are set up, it can get chilly sitting on the patio. Call 408-284-4260 for reservations! And because this restaurant is right in the middle of Oakridge Mall, be prepared to valet, park a fair walking distance from the restaurant, or get dropped off.
Loading ...
