BAY MAGAZINE WINTER 2008/2009 by Bay Magazine

bay

winter08/09

magazine

as warm as

WINTER

a magazine written for and by the bay area youth.

staff:

editor-in-chief: T.T. Tu Associate editor: Lyka Sethi Eat editors: Felix Tuan Sonali Dujari give editor: Christina Lim green editor: Michael Huang go editors: Neyha Bhat T.T. Tu listen editors: Jonathan Vu Kathy Koo watch editor: Tiffany Wang think editors: Mabel Hsu Kelsey Dang wear editor: Lyka Sethi photog: Alyssa Hoffman ad managers: Heraa Hyder Yeun Byun Satomi Ishikawa contributing writers:

Tara Fatemi Smitha Gundavajhala Jenny Heath Stacy Ku Alicia Lee Maggie Lin Veronica Lynn Tiffany Mo Mary Mykhaylova Catherine Wang CONTRIBUTING ARTISTS:

featured photo >>katie wang

Katie Wang Grace Wu Yvette Young

Bay Magazine is a free quarterly publication printed by Diamond Press & Printing, 900 Rock Avenue, San Jose, California 95131.

what’s inside

This magazine is distributed throughout the lower Bay Area. NO PART OF THIS PUBLICATION MAY BE REPRODUCED WITHOUT THE EXPRESSED WRITTEN CONSENT OF BAY MAGAZINE. Designed and printed in the Bay Area For any additional information about advertising, writing for the magazine, or sponsoring us, email us at baymagazine@gmail.com or check us out on the web at www.baymagazine.org.

Mail us a letter at 01 editor’s thoughts P.O. Box 35667 Monte Sereno, CA 95030. 02 Cupertino fall fest would like to give a special thanks to the following people 03 hot tickets and albums of the season We and places: 04 before balance & where am I? The Los Altos Community Foundation Willow Street Restaurant 05 community support Courtside Club Dr. Daniel L. Hall 06 on the big screen Round Table Pizza in Los Gatos Los Gatos Family Dentistry 07 sorceress of the himalayas Universal Media Group Wave Magazine Jennifer Chung 08 green holiday tips and glide youth Fred Flare 09 west san francisco © 2008 Bay Magazine. All Rights Reserved. 11 what’s on for winter 12 q&a with jennifer chung 13 holiday gifting with fredflare.com 15 peppermint bark & Homestyle Clam Chowder Recipes 16 transcontinental connection, boxing day, & new year’s resolutions 17 wintry fun & play right here in the bay 18 9 things to look forward to in 2009 & this restricted Christmas 19 cafe pomegranate & pinkberry 21 fashionably challenged 22 bloc party 23 hungarian holidays 24 ready to wear 27 submit

editor’s thoughts

* 01

Winter proves to be an interesting time for the Bay Area Youth. Autumn passed faster than those last couple of minutes of the SAT’s and before we knew it, Macy’s already put up their holiday decorations. Winter brings on a new perspective to the feeling of being “rushed.” Once you hit that Thanksgiving break, you’ve reached the top of the roller coaster and all that’s left is for gravity to pull you all the way down until you end the year with a bang. For our Class of 09’, it’s that final stretch for those college applications. By now, the UC app has been shipped off to the Admissions Offices and all that’s left to worry about are the private schools and the scholarships. Not to mention, finals and for those “on the ball” juniors and “squashed by the ball” seniors,

December standardized testing always adds at least ten pounds on to the already mountainous loads of work. Aside from the stresses of Academia, socially, it is also a very pressing time. With the holidays coming up, the “gift-getting” list just seems to be getting longer and longer and even with the amount of work, friends still seem to have time to force you to go see a movie. Oh and by the way, since most schools have some sort of a Winter Formal, you’ll need to start snooping around for that date. Now, if you’re still up for more after that, your extracurricular activities probably have multiple holiday functions including but not limited to orchestra and band concerts, dance recitals, the winter musical, sports championships, and other various events that your activities like to combine

with the holidays. Just to make your life more fun, of course. Think that’s the end? What about community service? What about wrapping presents for less fortunate kids at the orphanage? What about caroling at the senior center? What about feeding the hungry at the soup kitchen? How about working the night shift at your job? What about-ALL RIGHT, THAT’S ENOUGH! Take a deep breath and calm your nerves. This may or may not be your life, but somehow, I think this probably comes pretty close to describing it. Our lives seem to be so packed with all these things that we forget to realize what winter really is. It’s a frigid season and we need to share in the warmth of our friends and family. Winter may be a slightly overworked time in your life but you’ll get through it; I mean,

you’ve made it through all the other ones. It’s all going to be okay; just grab yourself an acclaimed Starbucks seasonal beverage and before you know it, the roller coaster will be on the uphill, just waiting to come crashing back down again.

Thinking of relaxing waves and the blue ocean,

T.T. Tu Editor-in-Chief & Founder

Photo courtesy of T.T. Tu

remember?

cupertino fall fest

september 13-14, 2008

Come out and visit us at other bay area events. Look out for the bay magazine canopy! :)

listen

KATY PERRY- JANUARY 28, 2009

+METALLICA

>> Jonathan Vu

Still going strong after two and a half decades, legendary heavy metal group, Metallica will be embarking on its “World Magnetic Tour”. They will be promoting their recent album, “Death Magnetic”, at the Oracle Arena for all of their head-banging fans to hear. The Oracle Arena, Oakland, Sat, Dec 20, 2008 07:00 PM, 59.50-79.50

+LIL WAYNE W/ T-PAIN & KEYSHIA COLE

Grammy-nominated rapper, Lil Wayne arrives at the Oracle Arena accompanied by T-Pain and Keyshia Cole for his “I Am Music” tour. This mega collaboration of R&B soul and Rap will be sure to electrify the stage. The Oracle Arena, Oakland, Tue, Dec 23, 2008 07:00 PM 43.50-85.50

+JOHN LEGEND Soulful and sensual, R&B crooner, John Legend comes to Paramount Theatre in Oakland to warm up the winter season. His velvety voice and piano artistry are sure to keep us cozy and relaxed on that chilly January 9th. Paramount Theatre, Oakland, Mon, Jan 12, 2009 08:00 PM 50.50-76.50

+katy perry

There’s nothing “Hot n Cold” about this blossoming talent. Katy Perry is all hot and so are her tickets. Firing up the stage at the Fillmore, she’s sure to give us a dynamic show. The Fillmore, San Francisco, Wed, Jan 28, 2009 08:00 PM, 20.00

+ADELE Acoustically sound and exuberating the voices of jazz singers like Etta James and Ella Fitzgerald, Adele brings her blues roots to the Warfield in San Francisco. Emanating from the streets of London, she is definitely a spectacle not worth missing. The Warfield, San Francisco, Thu, Jan 29, 2009 08:00 PM, 21.50

Courtesy of Universal Music Group

Courtest of Chapman Baehler 2008

hot tickets

ALBUMS OF THE SEASON

** Love, Save the Empty N >> Jonathan Vu

New artist, Erin McCarley will release her highly anticipated debut album, Love, Save the Empty, on January 6th. With her songs already featured on popular prime time shows such as Grey’s Anatomy, Privileged, One Tree Hill, Ghost Whisperer, and Kyle XY, McCarley shows great potential for an extraordinary debut. Additionally, her smash single, “Love, Save the Empty” will also be featured in next February’s major motion picture He’s Just Not That Into You, which stars Jennifer Aniston, Ben Affleck and Scarlett Johansson, among many others. With uplifting lyrics and pop beats, Erin McCarley is on her way to superstardom.

OTHER ALBUMS Avant – Avant – December 9, 2008 Fall Out Boy – Folie a Deux – December 16, 2008 Erin McCarley – Love, Save the Empty – January 6, 2009 Bobby Valentino – The Rebirth – January 27, 2009 The Fray – The Fray – February 3, 2009 Red Jumpsuit Apparatus – Lonely Road – February 3, 2009 Lily Allen – It’s Not Me, It’s You – February 10, 2009

MUSIQUE NOUVELLE

Where am I?

Photo courtesy of Jeremy Borer

think you know your bay area? Well here’s your chance to show off how skilled you are at identifying places. For Each issue, I will be out and about throughout the bay looking for cool and interesting spots to take a snapshot at. Then, I’ll put the picture in the magazine and all you have to do is guess where I am. Try to be as specific as possible. (Don’t say, “Uh, T.T. is in the Bay Area) The winner will get their name posted in the next issue and will also receive a special prize from us, here at Bay Magazine. Send your responses either to our email, whereamI@baymagazine.org or play online at www.baymagazine.org. Good Luck and I hope to see you out and about, getting to know your bay area a little better. :] Happy Travels, T.T. Tu

BEFORE BALANCE

>> Lyka Sethi

From bands like The Last Goodnight to musicians like Ben Gibbard, artists are always trying to find ways to switch up their sound. Similarly, up-and-coming band Before Balance was created when New York City singersongwriter Jeremy Borer felt a desire to expland his musical scope. Borer had previously released some solo albums and worked as the frontman and co-writer for the band Letters Lost, but felt that his new vision needed a new home. After scouring New York City’s indie music scene, Borer joined forces with musicians Brian Wolfe (drums), Chris Tarry (bass), and Steve Elliot (guitar) to embody this “fresh feel that begged for a fresh sound.” The lyrics written by the group are influenced by icons Tom Petty and Paul Simon, and modern bands like Coldplay and The Fray. Before Balance’s music style is incredibly unique, ranging from classic groove inspired by the 60’s in “The Rundown” to smooth ballads like “Can I Go Home” and “Saturdays.” After releasing a 4 song EP this January that was mixed and mastered by Grammy award winner Scott Jacoby and Emily Lazar, the band has been performing at venues in NYC such as The Knitting Factory and in Los Angeles at venues like Hotel Cafe. The aspiring band also sparked interest in MTV music supervisors, who featured some of the band’s songs in The Hills and The Real World. Since then, the band has enjoyed much success through creating new material, playing gigs in New York City, and promoting their music online and on television.

ER!

SW N AN

AUT

LOS ALTOS

thanks for all who participated :)

give

Photo courtesy of Project Linus San Jose

the ladies behind Project Linus

*Community support 05

During this holiday season, do your part and give back with these various organizations .

>>Mabel Hsu

It was finally formally announced. America is in a recession and has been since last December. Though, if you had simply asked any grocery shopper, he could have told you the same just by looking at the recent bread and milk prices over the past year. This is currently our twelfth month in the recession—longer than any past occurrences. With budgets tighter than ever, it’s crucial to remember that those affected most are the volunteer and nonprofit organizations. Businesses have seen their profits fall dramatically, and as a result, have also begun cutting back on what they see as unnecessary spending. This includes the number of grants and donations made to volunteer and nonprofit organizations. The increase in layoffs will also greatly affect the individual donations usually made. Hand in hand with the recession is also December, a time of many holidays. And while the majority of the Bay Area will be celebrating their respective holidays, there are many individuals and families that find themselves in a tight spot this time around. Volunteer organizations that would normally be available to help people in these situations are suffering. At a time when hopes and festive cheer are so widespread, or at least supposed to be, lack of support and funding will affect many and result in countless disappointed people. There are countless volunteer establishments available to the public and worthwhile nonprofit organizations. BAY Magazine hopes to impart the importance of helping and giving this holiday season.

>> Catherine Wang

With the cold season and winter holidays upon us, many are in need of warmth and care. In need of hope and love, children who are gravely ill, traumatized, or just in need are lucky to have Project Linus to care for them. Striving to make these children feel loved, the San Jose/South Bay chapter of Project Linus has many “blanketeers” who hand-knit and crochet blankets and afghans as gifts for these unfortunate children. While the average teen spends the holiday season focusing on gifts and shopping, Bay Area teens can volunteer for Project Linus in a hands-on way and know they are really making a difference in a child’s life. Project Linus is a unique way to give back and help is always needed. To learn more about this project, please contact Dolores Wright at sjlinus@sbcglobal.net or visit their website at www.sjlinus.org.

>> Jenny Heath

Another way for those of us from more affluent communities to give to lower income families is to help them find things to give. This can be done through the Salvation Army’s Toy and Joy Shop. Volunteers can sign up to escort a family through the shop and help parents choose new toys and gifts for all pre-qualified children. This is an extremely good opportunity for students who speak Spanish. Volunteers can sign up at http://www.salvationarmynw.org/volunteer/toynjoy.asp

waltz with bashir Dec 25, 2008 Waltz with Bashir opens with an old friend of director Ari telling him about his frequent nightmares during which he is being chased by 26 dogs. The two men decide that the dreams have something to do with their Israeli Army mission during the first Lebanon War. Ari is surprised when he realizes that he cannot remember anything about that time in his life, so he travels the world to reconnect with his old comrades. As Ari’s memories begin to surface in surreal images, he discovers a truth about himself that will haunt him for the rest of his life.

watch

valkyrie Dec 26, 2008 It is 1944 Nazi Germany. You are a colonel fighting in the chaos of World War II on behalf of Adolf Hitler. This is the position of Colonel Claus von Stauffenberg (Tom Cruise), who has helped Hitler devise Operation Valkyrie, a plan that would implement a shadow government when Hitler dies. Stauffenberg, whose character and situation were based on a heroic true story, collaborates with the German Resistance to turn Operation Valkyrie on Hitler to assassinate him and then make an alliance with the Allies. Leading the mission, Stauffenberg even makes it his mission to take out Hitler himself.

gran torino Jan 16, 2009 Clint Eastwood stars in his selfdirected drama, Gran Torino. The film follows racist Korean War veteran Walt Kowalski (Eastwood) and his journey to overcome his own lingering prejudice. As Asian families gradually start moving into his neighborhood, Kowalski becomes increasingly upset, especially when one Asian teenager, Tao, attempts to steal his prized 1972 Gran Torino as part of a gang initiation. Tao is then forced by his family to work for Kowalski, resulting in the development of a friendly relationship between the two neighbors.

Photo Courtesy of Berry Wetcher/Twentieth Century Fox

marley and me

confessions of a shopaholic Feb 13, 2009 Based on the best-selling novels by Sophia Kinsella, this movie tells the story of Rebecca Bloomwood (Isla Fisher), who just completed graduate school and is on the move to Manhattan in order to get a job with a New York magazine. Bringing with her a large amount of credit card debt, she (ironically) becomes a financial help columnist. She attempts to cut back on spending but when that fails, she tries making more money and fails again. Rebecca eventually succeeds in discovering a story and exposing it, which grabs the attention of a male colleague. Drama ensues as Rebecca tries to simultaneously pursue her attraction toward the co-worker and pay off her growing debt. This adventurous comedy will have the audience enthralled until the very end.

Dec 25, 2008 Based on the novel by author John Grogan, Marley & Me follows newlyweds John and Jenny Grogan (Owen Wilson and Jennifer Aniston) as they leave behind Michigan and start new lives in West Palm Beach, Florida. They find jobs as journalists, buy their first home, and start thinking about having a family. John, unsure of his readiness for a baby, confides in a friend who has the “perfect” solution, a puppy. The Grogans go on to adopt Marley, a cute, twelve pound ball of fur who grows into a 100-pound Labrador with abundant energy. Marley fails obedience school and wrecks the Grogans’ home but nevertheless, Marley stays with the couple through their ups and downs. A story about “the world’s worst dog,” “Marley & Me” will prove to be a perfect movie for the family.

the tale of desperaux

Photo Courtesy of Universal Pictures

Dec 19, 2008 Based on Kate DiCamillo’s novel by the same name, The Tale of Despereaux is an animated modern fairytale that would be great to take a young sibling to. It tells the story of a brave mouse, Despereaux Tilling (Matthew Broderick), a self-proclaimed “gentleman” who stands out of the crowd with his enormous ears and dauntless nature. Watch as Despereaux and his human friend, Princess Pea (Emma Watson) take on the unforgiving world to save their kingdom, Dor.

on the big screen >> Tiffany Wang & Tiffany Mo

read

the sorceress of the himalayas >> Mary Mykhaylova

Many teens may enjoy writing during their spare time, but Saratoga High senior Ketaki Shriram took her aspirations to the next level in the successful pursuit of publishing her novel, Sorceress of the Himalayas. What started out as a story of a young girl’s journey which Shriram felt compelled to finish, with time, bloomed into a full-length novel. “At one point, I was so excited about writing Sorceress that whenever I had free time, I would write more of the story because I was curious to see how it turned out. ” she said. Shriram’s interest for writing showed itself even in her childhood. After entering the Young Authors’ fair in elementary school, she commenced her first long-term fiction novel, which she finished in eighth grade. She then began to write Sorceress of the Himalayas, and completed the first draft after six months. At first, Shriram had no intentions of publishing her book, but her friends encouraged her to give it a try. Her first

courtesy of Ketaki Shriram

obstacle was proving to her parents that she was determined to show her writing to the world. “It took me an entire year to convince my parents I was serious about publishing my novel, but I’m glad I didn’t quit when they told me no the first time,” she said, “If I hadn’t kept persisting that they read the book, I would have never been able to publish it.” The next difficulty was finding a large publishing house which would read her manuscript. “Although I was originally discouraged, I chose to continue with the publication process by creating my own company, Crystallius Press, and independently publishing my book,” Shriram said. She came so far due to her undying motivation in pursuit of her ambitions. Setting goals and working hard to achieve them, or get as close as she can, has made Shriram the published author which she is. “I stay motivated by imagining the end result of my efforts to achieve my dreams. It is important to me to have a goal, and to envision that goal as often as I can,”

she said. “When I think about what I might be able to achieve if I stay motivated, it helps me to keep working in order to fulfill my wildest dreams.” Similarly to Tien Ming, the heroine of Sorceress of the Himalayas, Shriram herself had endured quite a journey in the process of publishing her book. “Anyone can be successful at something if they have the determination to carry it through, even at the high school level. Never give up if you really want to succeed in something and keep working until you achieve it,” she said. Shriram is grateful to have the opportunity to have her work read, and hopes that this isn’t her last published novel, since she is currently working on her second one. Instead of waiting for a source of inspiration, Shriram finds comfort in her writing. “I find that as long as I have something I want to say, writing is something I have to do in order to express my feelings,” she said. “The people and events in my life inspire me continually because they have a great impact upon me.”

Baby, It’s green outside Tips to make your holidays both eco-friendly and enjoyable.

1. Going off to get a fake tree for your living room? Don’t bother. Fake firs are made from petroleum and are not biodegradeable. Get a real tree for that authentic holiday feel and refreshing pine smell. 2. Want to adorn your house and become the brightest thing that hit the neighborhood? Use strings of LED lights; they last way longer while using 80-90% less the energy. 3. Planning on spreading the holiday cheer through hundreds of greeting cards? Send e-greetings instead! They are becoming more popular with our ever-advancing community. 4. After the holidays, instead of tossing away all that wrapping paper, bows, and ribbons, save them and wrap some other presents with them or cover your textbooks with them! Paper that’s only used once is still reusable. 5. Don’t drive your Cadillac Escalade all the way to Valley Fair to buy gifts for your friends. Shop online instead. You save a lot of time while also helping the environment.

green

glide youth group Youth in San Francisco help the environment through rooftop gardening

>> Michael Huang

Over the past summer, teen volunteers at Glide Memorial in San Francisco have transformed the rooftops of the building into a “local, urban, sustaining, Do-It-Ourselves” vegetable plantation. While most consumers grow vegetables in the ground, these volunteers have employed a practice known as hydroponic gardening. By using pre-diluted mineral nutrient solutions to hydrate the plants, hydroponic gardening does not require soil. Also, due to the lack of dirt, less water and space is needed for the plants to grow. In addition, hydroponic gardening can increase percent yield by up to ten-fold. This is because the artificially lit gardens aren’t dependent on the seasons of the year, so plants that grow during spring can also thrive during winter. Volunteers at Glide have been able to reduce water waste by 55% by using this technique. The smaller pots allow water and nutrients to be recycled, and are thus more beneficial to the environment. In addition to conserving water, hydroponic gardens also require as little as 1/4th the space of soil gardens. As a result, many farming companies have become interested in this method since the land available for farming steadily decreases every year. Other than using hydroponics, the project “Graze the Roof” also uses more conventional means of gardening. For example, worm compost systems are used to produce fertilizer for the garden beds made from shipping pallets and milk cartons. These have been steps toward promoting teen activism and participation in their community.

850 AM We got up bright and early this morning. Can’t afford to miss a beat when it comes to San Francisco. Today, however, is different because for one, we’re taking the Caltrain, not BART, and two, because we aren’t going to Union Square. This fine morning, we have decided to trek along the unbeaten path and explore the west side of the San Francisco Peninsula. We’ve got our cameras, our maps, our money, and I think we’re all set. It’s not actually as cold as we expected but you can’t be too sure. San Francisco is not really known to be very hot around this time of year.

1045 AM After a food break and a long MUNI ride, we finally arrive at our first destination: Ocean Beach. The misty clouds, the ocean spray, the smell of the seagrass; what a completely different feel! The only other glimpse of ocean I’ve gotten in this city is at Pier 39. We always seem to forget that San Francisco is surrounded by ocean and that there has to be other beaches... Anyway, there’s a nearby eatery called Java Beach and it’s that typical neighborhood restaurant where all the locals come to discuss their lives. It’s a really friendly and laid-back environment around here. Nothing like downtown and actually, i think that’s a good thing. A slice of “Santa Cruz” right here in busy, busy San Francisco. The path is so beaten right now that it’s turned to sand.

go 1230 PM The beach has been nice, but we want to see more of what this new area in San Francisco has to offer. The next stop on our list is Inner Sunset. Inner Sunset is only about fifteen blocks away from the ocean and it reminds me of a place I would visit after church.... With its rustic restaurants and neighborhood boutiques, this is definitely a family-friendly place. It is a great place to do Sunday brunch or take a stroll and shop among locals on Irving Street. Inner Sunset has a little bit of everything; it has friendly shops, cute cafe style restaurants, yoga places, and even a Jamba Juice, for those of us who can’t resist that cup of commercialism. Nevertheless, a small town feel right smack dab in the middle of San Francisco--who would have known?

240 PM We venture onward and find ourselves tumbling into Cole Valley and the Haight Ashbury District. I believe that the two are different areas but the way I see it, they seem to melt together. Walking up and down Haight Street makes me feel like I’ve been blasted into the the “Hippie” era of the 60’s. The buildings around here are vintage looking but the spirit of this area definitely oozes with the power and voices of the new generation. Cole Valley/Haight is the place for vintage clothing and the latest fashions. On almost every block, there are at least five vintage clothing stores and ten different cafes. The culture here is very artistic and eclectic; it is an area not worth missing.

450 PM It’s getting late and I guess it’s time to go home. As we rush back to catch the MUNI back to the Caltrain station, we already start to miss the distinctive aura of the “West Side.” By the end of our trip, we reached the conclusion that West San Francisco is not for everyone. It doesn’t have the supposed “necessities” of a trip to San Francisco like a bowl of clam chowder or a picture of the Golden Gate Bridge, but it’s something different. People need to be exposed to new things, and this alternative face absolutely fits the mold as a distinct experience. A walk along the unbeaten path and a checkmark next to another fun and exciting trip to San Francisco; I think today was a good day.

west san francisco Escaping downtown to see a different face of San Francisco Photography by Lyka Sethi & T.T. Tu

watch

what’s on for winter lie to me

Courtesy of Joe Viles/FOX

>> Tiffany Wang “Lie to Me” is based on the real-life work of Dr. Paul Ekman, an expert in physical and psychological signs of lying. Cal Lightman (Tim Roth) is a human lie detector, a great asset for his job at privately contracted government agencies, but causes trouble at home as he often hears more information about his friends and family than he wants to know. His work team consists of Ria Torres (Monica Raymund), a natural untrained “lie detector”, Gillian Foster (Kelli Williams), a psychologist who looks for the bigger picture in life, and Will Loker (Brendan Hines), a researcher who hates lying so much that he always says what’s on his mind. This mix of interesting characters will make this show a must-see. PREMIERES JANUARY 21, 2009 on FOX.

the grammy awards This year, we wanted to give the Bay Magazine opinion on the Grammy’s so we decided to give you our prediction on the winners. Catch the 2009 Grammy Awards on February 8, 2009 on CBS. ALBUM OF THE YEAR Coldplay – Viva La Vida or Death and All His Friends Lil Wayne – The Carter 3 Ne-Yo – Year of the Gentleman Robert Plant & Alison Krauss – Raising Sand Radiohead – In Rainbows

RECORD OF THE YEAR Adele – Chasing Pavements Coldplay – Viva la Vida Leona Lewis – Bleeding Love M.I.A. – Paper Planes Robert Plant & Alison Krauss – Please Read That Letter

Courtesy of Randall Slavin

SONG OF THE YEAR Estelle ft Kanye West – American Boy Adele – Chasing Pavements Jason Mraz – I’m Yours Sara Bareilles – Love Song Coldplay – Viva La Vida

BEST NEW ARTIST Adele Duffy Jonas Brothers Lady Antebellum Jazmine Sullivan Courtest of Lauren Dukoff

Courtest of Tom Sheehan

Courtesy of Bil Zelman

listen

Q&A WITH

Photo Courtesy of Jennifer Chung

JENNIFER CHUNG >>Kathy Koo Bay Area’s own Jennifer Chung talked to BAY Magazine about her love for singing and life in front of and behind her webcam.

KK: How did you start singing? JC: “I come from a very artsy family for a Korean American. My dad sang in Korea and my mom was a dance teacher. I just grew up

singing a lot, and music was a big influence on me. I’ve been singing since I was nine. My mother noticed something in my voice. Ever since then I’ve been singing at talent shows and stuff. “

KK: If you weren’t a singer, what else would you be? JC: “Something [that] has to do with communicating with people. I’m pretty personable. I get along with a diverse group of people. I

like meeting people and interacting with them and hearing their story. I love how people help each other. I’m really interested in stories [and] directing, like plays, movies and stuff like that.”

KK: What do you like most about the Bay Area? JC: “Milbrae [because] It’s like homey and relaxed and the Bart [since] it’s really convenient. I didn’t grow up with the pressures of

being ‘fancy-smanshy.’” I could just wear my North Face backpack. I actually like the cold weather and wearing big jackets and stuff. It’s one of the things I miss about the Bay.

KK: How did you get started on youtube? JC: “One of my friends told me to sing “We Belong Together,” because it was her favorite song, and put it up on Youtube because

they wanted to hear my voice. Within a month people that I didn’t know started commenting on my singing. It was pretty cool that people that I didn’t even know actually cared. In the first month I had over 200 subscribers. I was really amazed! I entered the contest ‘Give Us Your Voice’ which gave me a lot of exposure. People from all over the world submitted, yet I was the one that was chosen to go to New York. Opportunities are out there. You are capable of doing anything if you have the support of the people and meet the right people.

KK: Was it hard to move from the webcam to the actual stage? JC: “I started on the stage. It was harder to work on the computer because the camera is hard to get energy from. It’s kind of weird

that they were watching me from the camera. I don’t have a good [mic] from my computer so I really have to control my volume. It’s fun though.”

KK: Who do you look to for inspiration? JC: “Music: Indie Arie, Mariah Carey and Jason Mraz. Life: my mom [because] she brought up me and my brother all by herself and being an Asian-American. God has been a big influence on my life, every blessing has happened thanks to him.”

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for the avid toy enthusiast

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PHOTOS COURTESY OF FRED FLARE

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eat >> Maggie Lin & Alicia Lee

INGREDIENTS: 2- 12 oz bag of Ghiradelli white chocolate chips 1- 12 oz bag of Ghiradelli semisweet choclate chips 1/2 tsp peppermint extract3 1/2 tbsp whipping cream crushed candy canes a medium-sized pan covered with aluminum foil

Photo courtesy of Alicia Lee

PEPPERMINT BARK INSTRUCTIONS: 1. Use a double boiler to melt the white chocolate. Make sure to stir constantly and scrape sides of bowl until it is smooth. 2. Pour chocolate into pan and spread it evenly. Refrigerate until hard. 3. Repeat step 1 for the semisweet chocolate but add 3 1/2 tablespoons of whipping cream and 1/2 tsp of peppermint extract. 4. Pour semisweet chocolate over the white chocolate and sprinkle a layer of crushed candy canes. 5. Repeat steps 1 and 2 with a third layer of white chocolate. 6. Sprinkle a final layer of crushed candy canes over top of white chocolate. 7. Place whole pan into refrigerator until hardened. 8. Cut peppermint bark into variety of shapes. 9. Enjoy!

>> Michael Huang

homestyle clam chowder >> Michael Huang

Ingredients: 1 Large red onion (sliced) 1 Potato (diced) 3 6.5 oz canned clams 5 Strips of bacon (sliced into small pieces) Â˝ Cups of water Âž Cup of half-half cream 3 Tbsp butter* 3 Tbsp flour* *butter and flour for roux, the thickening agent Photo courtesy of T.T. Tu

Instructions: 1. Brown bacon on medium heat for 5 minutes 2. In same pot, put onions in with the water; cook for 5 minutes 3. Pour in clam juice from cans; simmer for 8 min. 4. Add clams; simmer for 6 min. 5. Make the roux: melt butter in a different pan, mix in flour when melted. 6. Add roux to bacon, onions and clams; simmer for 5 min. 7. Add half-half cream to mixture 8. Simmer for additional 8 minutes, then serve!

think transcontinental connection >> Veronica Lynn

The leaves are all gone now, but not long ago the trees were beautiful in vibrant red and gold. That’s one thing I love about New England - the changing of seasons. You don’t get that in the Bay Area. Still, I can’t help but be nostalgic. I live in Amherst, Massachusetts now, but I spent most of my life in Los Gatos, California. When I first moved here, I felt as though I’d arrived on another planet. Although both are small towns, they feel completely different. Los Gatos, like much of the Bay Area, tends to have closely-spaced houses with fenced-in yards. There’s very little of that out here. Houses are usually pretty spread out and fenced yards are rare. Amherst is very rural, so seeing crops, cows, and horses is commonplace – there are even nearby bison and alpaca farms. The Bay Area has some of that, too, but it’s much more developed as a whole, whereas Amherst is still mostly woodland and agriculture. The Bay Area is more densely populated as well. There are five colleges within twenty minutes of here, so it gets pretty crowded at times, but during the summer it’s completely dead. The start of summer is always strange – going from having thousands of college students running around to having the town be practically empty. Inevitably, people out here are curious about life on the West Coast. One of the first questions I was asked was “How’s Hollywood?” as if I regularly made the 6+ hour drive down there. It’s hard for them to grasp the idea of a state as large as California – here, we can drive anywhere in the state in a few hours, and reach ten other states in under six. Then of course there’s the stereotype that California is nothing but beaches and palm trees. While there’s plenty of those, there are also other things – redwoods, Tahoe, lots of mountains – and to be honest, I remember those more clearly than I remember the beaches. It seems like a lot of the differences between here and the Bay Area are due in part to the simple fact that we get snow. For one, schools are entirely indoors – there’s no walking between buildings, and during the colder months, everyone is forced to eat inside. In California, it’s possible to stay tan year-round, but here, turning pasty pale during winter is inevitable. Very few people have pools; instead, we seek out ponds and lakes to swim in during the summer and skate on in winter. And of course, spontaneous snowball fights and snowman-building are a given. Still, I have to admit that they aren’t completely different. My friends here are just like my friends in California, but maybe just a little bit better at skiing. Both feel like home to me, and I love them each for their differences and their similarities. I definitely couldn’t say that one is better than the other – they’re just different, is all.

the truth about boxing day >> Kelsey Dang

Boxing Day is not a sports holiday. The name refers to the boxes that gifts are placed in. On December 26th, most people in Australia, Great Britain, New Zealand, and Canada celebrate the holiday by giving presents to less fortunate individuals. The precise origin of Boxing Day is unknown, but it may have started with priests distributing the church’s charity boxes to the poor as early as the Middle Ages. Today, those who celebrate Boxing Day donate gifts or money to needy individuals and organizations. They also make an effort to appreciate their friends and family. So on the day after Christmas, you can choose to recognize Boxing Day when you share your time, money, or whatever you can offer to someone who needs it!

5 Ways to KEEP New Year’s Resolutions

>> Kelsey Dang

1.Make your goal realistic and specific. Instead of vowing to “eat better,” decide to make an effort to choose water over juice, seek out whole-wheat instead of white breads, or resist processed snack foods and choose fruit instead. 2.Work with a buddy. If you and a friend both agree that some aspect of your lives needs improvement, carry out the resolution together! For instance, if you both wish to improve your history grades, initiate weekly study sessions. A friend’s support will encourage you to stick to your goal. 3.Reach out. On the topic of friends, direct one resolution away from yourself and decide to improve your relationships with others. Call up an old friend, offer a warm smile, or deliver a genuine compliment to someone. You will find yourself uplifted as a natural result. 4.Track your progress. In order to integrate your goal into your life, be creative with your approach to the resolution each month. Celebrate new developments that are a result of your goal! 5.Be kind to yourself. If you find that your determination to carry out your resolution is causing more anxiety than positive change, lighten up! This may mean reworking or even completely abandoning your original objective. Remember that the only reason you made a list of resolutions was to improve--not diminish--your sense of self.

go wintry fun & play right here in the bay >> Satomi Ishikawa and Stacy Ku

Open from 9AM to Midnight everyday through January 1st; COST: FREE; Located at Plaza de Cesar Chavez in Downtown San Jose; For more information, visit them at www.christmasinthepark.com.

Downtown ice

Open from 6PM to 11PM through December 31st; COST: $15 per car; Located in Vasona Lake County Park at 333 Blossom Hill Rd, Los Gatos, 95032; For more information, call them at (408) 355-2000.

Do you love ice-skating? Then grab a scarf and some mittens and head on out to Downtown Ice, right across the street from Christmas in the Park. It’s a circular rink under lit palm trees with some hip music playing in the background. There are also rides like a carousel and two Ferris wheels along with some carnival games nearby. This venue is for amateurs and professionals alike so glide on out to Downtown Ice! Open through January 11th; COST: $13 for 12 & under and $15 for 13 & above, NOTE: ,you need a signed waiver if under 18 years old;located at 120 S.Market St, San Jose, 95113. For more info and hours, visit www.sjdowntown.com/DowntownIce.html

Photo courtesy of T.T. Tu

Fantasy of Lights is a 1.5-mile drive-through holiday light spectacle. Sponsored by major Bay Area companies and local restaurants, it provides a luminous winter wonderland, a perfect getaway for friends and family. Bring food and games for the car ride in the event that the line to get in gets too long. Regardless, this very popular attraction is definitely worth the wait.

christmas in the park Photo courtesy of Stacy Ku

Photo courtesy of Stacy Ku

Christmas in the Park is a great place to spend some time with your friends and family. The decorations are spectacular: over fifty trees (decorated by the community), a 60-foot community giving tree, animal and doll exhibits scattered around the park, all topped with gorgeous light displays. Kids can enjoy imitation snow, classic holiday tunes, and take a picture with Santa Claus. It’s something you don’t want to miss!

fantasy of lights

Photo courtesty of Barack Obama

think

OBAMA FAMILY INAUGURATION

KIRBY WII GAME

2009 honda hybrid

Jan 2009, Orpheum Theatre, SF

britney spears world tour

Photo courtesty of ABC

greenfair silicon valley april 25, 2009

WICKED THE MUSICAL

free birthday disneyland tickets

2009 SENIOR OLYMPICS SAN FRANCISCO

18 the napkin pc

9 things to look forward to in 2009 >> Lyka Sethi & T.T. Tu

this restricted christmas? Photo courtesy of T.T. Tu

Since when are red and green considered colors worth banning? A festive candy cane can’t be considered dangerous, so is it really worth it to take the time to forbid its distribution? Though many holiday traditions may have religious origination, they have evolved into a part of American culture and are no longer meant to convey a substantial meaning. I doubt the majority of people realize that candy canes are meant to symbolize the canes of the Three Wise Men who visited Jesus on his birthday, according to the Christian faith. However, measures were taken to attempt to ban the distribution of candy canes in some schools for that reason. Other schools have gone to the extreme of banning Christmas colors, carols, and even mentioning the holiday to students.

>> Mary Mykhaylova

Simultaneously, teaching about the plethora of other holidays has been deemed acceptable. Chinese New Year is always celebrated in schools, and foreign language classes always educate students about holidays in the countries in which the languages are spoken. The same school in which the candy cane conflict arose encouraged the distribution of dreidels. I’m not saying there’s anything wrong with acknowledging a variety of holidays–on the contrary, I am probably one of the most accepting people you will ever meet. But I do think it’s unjust to disregard the presence of Christmas on a cultural level. The holiday season is meant to be a time of cheer and love, so there shouldn’t be discrimination against gingerbread houses, Rudolf, Starbucks peppermint mochas, or mistletoe!

eat Photo courtesy of Cafe Pomegranate

Photo courtesy of Pinkberry

cafe pinkberry pomegranate >> Lyka Sethi & T.T. Tu

>> Felix Tuan

A popular frozen yogurt chain from Southern California, Pinkberry, has finally reached the North. Its Bay Area debut will be at the end of December at Santana Row in San Jose. Along with this event, Pinkberry will be serving its newest holiday flavor, pomegranate. Be sure to stop by at the new Pinkberry to enjoy fresh, delicious yogurt at one of the South Bay’s finest destinations.

The expected store design of the new Pinkberry at Santana Row.

In recent years, fusion restaurants have been springing up all over the Bay. People have found themselves flocking to restaurants that offer a wide range of unique dishes. However, there is one restaurant that has proven to be different from all the rest. Cafe Pomegranate, which opened in June 2003, offers its customers a mix of Mediterranean, Persian and American food. The cafe was built in the early 1900’s across from San Jose State University. Because of its rich history, it gives off an undeniably homely and comfortable vibe. The restaurant doesn’t threaten its customers with expensive dishes, but instead its prices range from $5 to $10. With its affordable prices, great service and excellent food, it’s no wonder that this restaurant is so popular. Open only on weekdays, it’s a great place to go grab a coffee and relax after school.

Photo courtesy of Pinkberry

57 N Santa Cruz Ave Los Gatos, CA 95030-5916 Phone: (408) 354-7520

wear

fashionably challenged 21

Photo courtesy of Lyka Sethi

a love for fashion is finally put to the test when a bay magazine editor is given the chance to work at a professional fashion show >> Lyka Sethi

Music blared through the speakers as six-foot tall models adorned in beautiful garments sashayed down the brilliant runway. The audience was enamored by the stunning view before them. As I heard the periodic roar of applause between models, my heart pounded within my chest. I was surrounded by clothes and shoes strewn every which way, models and their dressers frantically searching for their next outfits with no way of knowing the designer’s or the audience’s reactions. I was backstage at the Maitri Capital Campaign Gala Fashion Show. Maitri, an organization located in the Bay Area that supports battered women and children, organized this show to raise money and bring awareness to their cause. After being approached by a friend who knew of my interest in—or rather, obsession with—fashion, I agreed enthusiastically to be a part of the exciting event. Upon arriving at the venue, I was immediately awe-struck. The enormous ball room was filled with tables and chairs adorned with flowers and decorations surrounding a long runway. Models were perfecting their walks as they did a run-through of the show with their coaches. I walked with my friends to the green room and was blown away. There were tables stacked with jewelry, make-up and hair supplies accompanied by numerous hair stylists and make-up artists, racks of gorgeous clothes and rows of sparkling shoes. I stood around awkwardly, waiting for someone to direct me to my responsibilities, yet no one approached me. The room buzzed with energy as people completed last-minute tasks and readied the models for the show. I decided to lay low and stay out of the way until someone asked for my assistance. Finally, about an hour later, a flustered woman came up to me and paired me up with a model who I would be dressing. I was to ensure that everything was pinned up and fitted perfectly with the assigned accessories. I also needed to assist the model with each change she had to make throughout the show. I shrugged and confidently went on to complete my duties, feeling sure that it would be a smooth ride to the end. Wrong. In short, the “smooth ride” entailed searching frantically for missing shoes and scarves, tripping over clothes and shoes as they were thrown around the room, and almost missing call time on several occasions. However, I had never felt better when, during one of the most chaotic moments, one of the organizers of the show turned to me and said, “I wish we had more people like you here. Thank you so much for all your help!” I swelled with pride when she said those words to me, and even though I was exhausted from running around in 4-inch heels all night, I was fully motivated to finish out the show with my model perfectly dressed. And that I did.

fresh&foreign BLOC PARTY listen

Photo courtesy of Steve Gullick

>> Tara Fatemi

from the UK to the bay, bloc party takes the 22 music scene by storm

“War, war, war, war/ I want to declare a war,” are the first lines of “Ares,” which opens up Bloc Party’s new album, Intimacy. The record, released this October, reflects Bloc Party’s signature sound mixed with a fresh electronic feel, differentiating it from the band’s previous albums “Silent Alarm” (2005) and “A Weekend in the City” (2007). The East London band’s cryptic lyrics sound intense when combined with front man Kele Okereke’s unique voice, which is described by Rolling Stone Magazine as “a strange instrument” that he “chops up and drops into the mix.” Along with Okereke, band members Russell Lissack (guitarist), Gordon Moakes (bassist), and Matt Tong (drummer) contribute the individual qualities of their instruments to create an addictive sound. After Bloc Party got its big break in 2003, radio stations across the UK caught wind of its talent by playing its EP, adding to the group’s budding fame. Since, the band’s success has been apparent on both sides of the Atlantic as it has repeatedly played sold out shows across the United States and Europe. Bloc Party played at the Oracle Arena in Oakland on December 11th along with The Killers, Death Cab for Cutie, Jack’s Mannequin and Franz Ferdinand.

Photos courtesy of Mabel Hsu

Hungarian Holidays in Budapest

When most people think of Europe, their minds immediately jump to cities like Paris or Milan. Eastern Europe, however, offers a different feel of beauty. A visit to Budapest, Hungary is a must when touring the country, as travelers will gain a whole new perspective on Europe after spending a few days in the medieval city. Travelers may feel overwhelmed by all the city has to offer at first, but City Segway tours will immediately solve their problem. These tours cover a majority of the city’s historical sites in an fun and interesting fashion. Within three hours, a friendly tour guide will take visitors to the St. Stephen’s Basilica, the Hungarian State Opera House and the Grand Boulevard of Andrassy. The guide will also take travelers through Vörösmarty Square and the Vaci Walking District. The tour finishes with a visit to Vigado and Danube Promenades, the Chain Bridge, Roosevelt Square and possibly the Castle District and numerous cafes. Tourists should keep an eye out for a few of these sites, including the St. Stephens Basilica, the Danube Promenades, and the Chain Bridge. The beautiful Basilica is Budapest’s largest building and encompasses much of the city’s history as it was built over a period of 54 years and completed in 1905. The Danube Promenades is a series of beautiful hotels and

>> Neyha Bhat

plazas at the edge of the vast Danube River. Nearby lies the Chain Bridge which runs over the river, connecting Buda and Pest. At the time of its construction, it was considered one of the seven wonders of the world. It has created a huge significance in the country’s economics and life. The Chain Bridge immediately came to symbolize national advancement and a link between the Eastern and Western parts of the country. If travelers become tired of a set agenda, they can relax in a number of places. The Westend City Center, the biggest shopping center in Eastern Europe, is perfect for a day of fine shopping and dining. Past the busy city is the beautiful Margaret Island to which tourists can take a short boat ride over to the Danube River. The medieval ruins include an exhibit in which visitors can learn about its history and importance in the Middle ages as a religious center. Travelers can enjoy a recreational day of walking through the many gardens and viewpoints. Budapest has become the perfect mix of ancient history and modern day culture. Travelers can expect to see both worlds in this exotic city. So the next time adventurers plan a trip to Europe, they should make Budapest their number one destination.

wear

ready to wear this winterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hottest fashions

styling by Lyka Sethi photography by Alyssa Hoffman

wear

ALYSON: SWEATER DRESS, H&M; TIGHTS, CAPEZIO; HEELED ANKLE BOOTS, URBAN OUTFITTERS GABI: GREY MILITARY JACKET, URBAN OUTFITTERS; AQUAMARINE T-SHIRT, GAP; JEANS, NORDSTROM; MUSTARD FLATS, URBAN OUTFITTERS ZAKIR: PLAID SHIRT, URBAN OUTFITTERS; JEANS, LEVI’S; SLIP-ONS, VANS.

ALYSON: FLORAL DRESS, URBAN OUTFITTERS; LILAC TIGHTS, CAPEZIO; MOCCASIN BOOTS, MINNETONKA. GABI: PINK V-NECK T-SHIRT, GAP; SCARF, H&M; SKIRT & BLACK LOAFERS, URBAN OUTFITTERS. ZAKIR: MILITARY JACKET, MACY’S; SKINNY BLACK TIE, GAP.

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home for the holidays

>> a short story by Smitha Gundavajhala, Cupertino

“Look, Mamma! It’s snowing!” Chloe cried. It had been so long since snow had graced the hills. In sunny California, it rarely ever rained, let alone snowed. Now, for the first time in ages, it was a white Christmas. “I know, Chloe,” said Mrs. Walker. “Come set the table. Your brother will be home soon.” She glanced over at the calendar on the wall. Today was the 24th of December. “I still can’t believe he’s coming home after 2 years fighting,” said Chloe, folding each of the napkins into a little bird. “I wonder what he looks like.” “He looks like all the other young men in the army.” I hope he’s safe, Mrs. Walker thought. Just as Chloe finished putting all the plates on the table, the doorbell rang. “It’s him!” Chloe squealed. “I’ll get the door.” “No, you won’t. Fill up all of the glasses,” said her mother, unable to contain her own excitement. “I’ll get it.” It was Mr. Walker. “Sorry to disappoint, but it’s just me.” He stepped inside, closing the door on an icy drift. “I’ll bet Jeremy’s coming home soon.” Chloe’s father hung up his coat. “Why, you’re drenched!” His wife exclaimed. “Snow,” Mr. Walker said sheepishly. “I had to push the car. Radiator froze.” “What did I say about the antifreeze?” Mrs. Walker chided. “Sorry, dear.” After the preparations for dinner were over and all the food was out on the table, the Walkers sat down. Everyone was dressed up. Chloe had been forced into a rather frilly dress, and Mr. and Mrs. Walker were decked out in their finest. The clock struck eight. Everyone looked anxiously at one another. Chloe was the first to speak up. “I thought Jeremy would be here at 7:20.” “Maybe there’s traffic,” Mr. Walker suggested. They all agreed that must be the reason and began to eat. Eight-thirty, nine, and nine-thirty all passed with no sign of Jeremy. Nothing. Now it was 10 PM, and the family had finished with dinner a while ago. Chloe, who sat curled up on the couch, sighed. “Where is he?” Said Mrs. Walker, now worried. The phone rang. Brrring! Brrring! Mr. Walker picked it up and put it on speaker. They all listened anxiously as the automated voice came on. “We are sorry to report that your son, Jeremy Walker, will not be returning home for this holiday season. “He is currently being transferred to Afghanistan. Your support is valuable to us, and we appreciate the sacrifice. Jeremy is fighting for a good cause, and we hope you will understand if your son does not come home for the holidays this year. Again, we offer our apologies. Thank you and good night.”

roots >> artwork by Yvette Young, Saratoga

>> a photo taken by Grace Wu, Saratoga

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* * * * * ** * * * happy holidays from bay magazine!

* ** **** ÂŠ 2008 bay magazine

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