BAY Magazine Winter 2009 - 2010 by Bay Magazine

winter09/10

go for the gold a magazine written for and by the bay area youth

2009-2010

14 20

10 26

editor-in-chief T.T. TU head editors BRIAN KIM ANNIE LEE MAGGIE LIN eat editor MAGGIE LIN

BAY Magazine is a free, independent teen quarterly publication. BAY Magazine is also available online for viewing at www. issuu.com and for purchase at www.magcloud.com. 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. For any additional information about advertising, writing for the magazine, or sponsoring us, visit our website at www.baymagazine.org or mail us at PO Box 35667, Monte Sereno, CA 95030. ÂŠ 2009 Bay Magazine. All Rights Reserved.

green editor JENNY HEATH go editor ANNIE LEE listen editor TARA FATEMI read editor MARY MYKHAYLOVA think editor MAGGIE LIN travel editor T.T. TU watch editor BRIAN KIM wear editor TIFFANY MO copy editor ALICIA LEE web editor ANTHONY SUTARDJA managing editor TIFFANY MO contributing editors LYKA SETHI JONATHAN VU CATHERINE WANG staff ANNIE SHUEY EVA CHEN JACKIE BARR KAREN LYU MANSI PATHAK PIA MISHRA SONIKA SINGH TIFFANY HU

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editor’s thoughts:

Where did 2009 go? It seemed like just a minute ago, I was sitting on my bed, looking at my computer screen as

it read, “Congratulations! Welcome to UCLA!” That was a day to remember. You know that feeling you get when you’re just so consumed with emotions that you can’t breathe, and if you dared to take just one breath, you would only be making yourself tear up? Yeah well, unfortunately, that was me.

Anyone could tell you, hands down, that T.T. loved UCLA. I mean how could you not? Centralized in Westwood,

with all that wonderful brick, and that warm and inviting Southern California weather; UCLA was where it was at, and honestly, when I got that acceptance email, I was ready to send in my Statement of Intent to Register (SIR) right then and there. I didn’t though. I was still waiting for one last UC to respond and then eventually, one thing led to another -- I think you can predict how the story ended.

So yes, if you didn’t realize, I chose UC Berkeley. It’s funny how these things work out, isn’t it? As much as I had

longed for Los Angeles and the glamorous life that it led, I knew in my heart that it just wasn’t going to work out. I had gotten into UCLA as an electrical engineering major and even though I didn’t like the major, I was willing to compromise my willpower and sanity for the school I loved. UCLA was my dream; how could I have let it go when I could already feel it sitting idly in my hands? But as I sat there in the beautiful Royce Hall at the UCLA Engineering Welcome Weekend and listened to the dean talk about mass calculations and differential equations, I realized that the engineering life was not for me. It was that day that I decided to go to Cal. I mean, people tell me all the time that I could always change majors and stay in Los Angeles, but in my mind I wanted to do business, and what better school for business than Haas itself?

So what’s the verdict? Do I regret my decision? To be honest, I still ask myself sometimes why I chose to go to

a school that’s ridden with homeless people and doesn’t have access to a Pinkberry or Hollywood, but who wouldn’t? If you loved something that much, why wouldn’t you wonder about the possible life you could have had, had you chosen to walk a different path? I let my mind go back to that place sometimes, but I don’t regret my decision one bit. Berkeley has given me so much this past semester, and it didn’t occur to me how much I liked it here until I wrote this. So here’s my advice to all of you who just applied to colleges: what you wanted today, may not be what you get tomorrow, but if you take it slow and consider everything with tender care, you may find yourself in a completely opposite direction, and that’s perfectly okay! I’m stuck here at Berkeley for the next four years, and granted it’s no Westwood, it still makes me happy to walk down Sproul Plaza every day, knowing that life had thrown me this opportunity, and I caught it and loved it. Plus, that also means that I’m still in the Bay and that’s always a good thing. Bound and happy, T.T. Tu Editor-in-Chief and Founder of BAY Magazine

green PHOTO COURTESY OF VANOC

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gold goes green by BRIAN KIM

In the spirit of the Winter Olympics, it’s expected that athletes “go for the gold.” With a new decade comes a new

concept, however, and as a result, Vancouver has now set the standard of going for the green.

The 2010 winter games will be one of the first to take an environmental approach to the way the world competes by

replacing the traditionally-awarded medals with new ones produced from recycled e-waste, such as old computer parts and circuitry. Fueled by Teck Resources in Canada, Olympic officials have not only switched up the medal’s components, but also redesigned the medal’s appearance as well.

For the thousands of environmentally-friendly medals currently being produced by Teck Resources, the design is no

longer flat, consisting of undulating curvature throughout the metal body. The uneven surface of the new medals represents the mountains and waves of the Canadian West Coast.

Also to be noted is that no single medal will be identical to another. Each will feature a cropped segment of a grand

piece of artwork depicting an orca and a raven, which most significantly represents how each medal winner will connect to those of other categories in the grand scheme of the Olympics.

All-in-all, Olympic officials have taken steps to make this upcoming season one of innovation, and from the redesign of

the medals, it is clear that the Olympics has made room for globally technological advances. As of 2010, the Olympics will no longer solely be about going for the gold.

green 06

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by JENNY HEATH One of the many ways to reduce your impact on the environment is to stop using throw-away plastic water bottles. Of the three R’s (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle), the ones that help the most are the first two. Though recycling is better than throwing away, it is not as efficient as reusing, which reduces production in the first place. This holiday season, get a reusable water bottle for yourself or as a gift. They usually range from $10-$30, and while this may seem pricey, it will actually save money in the long run because metal bottles last far longer than cheap plastic ones. We’ve given you a few brands to choose from. (Reading customer reviews online is always a good idea too)

ECOUSABLE

GOODLIFE

5 sizes: 16 oz., 10 oz.,

Two sizes: Venture bottle (1000ml), Go bottle (500 ml); sleek shape is more like a normal plastic bottle than other brands of reusable bottles; available in a variety of colors (all with logo)

Stainless steel

Wash by hand with

design 18 oz., 25 oz., 33 oz.; variety of colors and designs

material

cleaning warm water and soap;

for more thorough cleaning, rinse with distilled vinegar or baking soda

Ring and sport caps

cap available; also: Ech2o bottle has filtration system Do not put hot bever-

functionality ages in these as all of

them are single-walled; do not put in freezer; fine for all kinds of beverages

bpa* content

None

KLEAN KANTEEN

SIGG

NALGENE

Two shapes: classic (available in 8 colors and 4 sizes) and wide (brushed stainless finish only and available in 5 sizes); wide mouths (fits ice cubes)

Shapes and sizes: lifestyle, classic, wide mouth, sports, thermo bottles, kids; endless variety of colors and designs

9 varieties; Cylindrical shape available in wide and narrow mouth; new Oasis bottle is round (yes, like a balloon); variety of colors (for plastic bottles)

Stainless steel (higher grade than Klean Kanteen and Ecousable, and with dual wall)

- Food grade stainless steel - Lead-free acrylic paint

Aluminum with inner coating (new EcoCare liner made of Griltex® polyester)

All are plastic (some of which claim to be bpa free) with the exception of the new stainless steel bottle and the Oasis bottle (also stainless steel)

Dishwasher safe because dual wall provides more durability (but more weight); cap must be hand washed

Some are dishwasher safe, but all are easy to clean by hand because of smooth curves and wide neck

Dishwasher safe, however, cleaning by hand is recommended (rinsing will suffice, but if you want to be thorough, you might need a specially shaped Sigg brush)

Dishwasher safe (may increase leaching of bpa and other chemicals)

Round cap looks like a metal version of plastic water bottle caps (no ring)

Wide selection: 6 for classic design, 3 for wide

4 kinds (depending on bottle)

Each shape of bottle has a different cap, material of cap depends on bottle

Same rules apply as other stainless steel bottles

Good for hot and cold drinks; some kinds can be put on the stove but do not put any in the freezer

Fine for all kinds of beverages (juice, alcohol, etc.); Sigg hot and cool bottles or thermo bottles recommended for hot beverages

Hot beverages not recommended for plastic bottles (stainless steel- same rules apply)

None

None in new EcoCare liner; old liner contains traces

Whether Nalgene’s new stainless steel bottles and plastic bottles are supposedly bpa free is still under some debate

*BPA stands for bisphenol A, a toxic chemical found in polycarbonate plastics and the resinous lining of food cans

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fresh and foreign:

CŒUR DE PIRATE by SONIKA SINGH

Gold isn’t the only thing on this pirate’s mind.

19-year-old Béatrice Martin, Canadian singer and artist behind the Cœur de pirate alias, is all the adventure of an overseas voyage waiting in your iTunes library. A prodigy who has already been playing the piano for 16 years and is fresh out of music school, Martin is taking the world by storm.

Having completed six concerts and Myspace

serving as her agent, Cœur de pirate has recently signed a contract with Grosse Boîte records. The sprightly combination of whimsical piano notes and occasional violin strings hook you in, and the French

MUSIQUE NOUVELLE:

E-603

lyrics are anything but a barrier to those who don’t understand the language. Cœur de pirate’s hit single, “Commes De Enfantes,” combines Indie rock with funky piano-pop with a playful French twist, making it the

by SONIKA SINGH

perfect addition to any playlist.

Scheduled all around Europe for the next eight

According to Webster’s English dictionary, genre

months and seven songs into her first album, Cœur de

is defined as a category or class of artistic composition

pirate is soon to sail into the international scene.

marked by distinctive style, form, or content. Enter Ethan Ward, more commonly known as E-603, and kiss the concept of genre goodbye. With a new single, “Money and Girls,” which features The Killers, Guns N’ Roses, Beck, Lil’ Scrappy, and Coldplay, E-603 is a mash-up artist new on the scene, but one definitely here to stay. E-603’s music is like

PHOTO COURTESY JACK LODONO AND CŒUR DE PIRATE; E-603

nothing you’ve ever encountered before; rather, everything you’ve ever heard tastefully manipulated into an eccentric harmony. All your favorite beats are impeccably sliced to perfection, creating a mix tailored to enchant all who listen to it. E-603’s more than just the next up-and-coming titan of the music industry, however, as his albums are offered completely free online. He supports the belief that music is a lifestyle, one to be enjoyed and shared. Take a listen to E-603 and experience music as you’ve never before. So, indulge. Rejuvenate your senses. Mix things up–literally, with E-603’s newest album, Torn Up, available at www.E-603. com.

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listen

codeine velvet club CODEINE VELVET CLUB

december 29

WINTER ALBUMS

by JONATHAN VU

alicia keys THE ELEMENT OF FREEDOM

december 15

motion city soundtrack MY DINOSAUR LIFE

ke$ha ANIMAL

january 19 january 5

lil wayne REBIRTH

february 2

robin thicke SEX THERAPY

corinne bailey rae THE SEA

eels END TIMES

katharine mcphee UNBROKEN

mary j blige STRONGER WITH EACH TEAR

four tet THERE IS LOVE IN YOU

vampire weekend CONTRA

lifehouse SMOKE & MIRRORS

december 22 january 12

january 26

young money WE ARE YOUNG MONEY

los campesinos! ROMANCE IS BORING

you me at six HOLD ME DOWN spoon TRANSFERENCE

owen pallett HEARTLAND

midlake THE COURAGE OF OTHERS

mudvayne MUDVAYNE lady antebellum NEED YOU NOW

COURTESY OF J RECORDS, INTERSCOPE, MATRIARCH, YOUNG MONEY ENTERTAINMENT, SONY BMG, BELLA UNION, ISLAND RECORDS, WICHITA RECORDS, RCA, DREAMWORKS/GEFFEN, VERVE FORECAST RECORDS, XL RECORDINGS, VIRGIN RECORDS, DOMINO, EMI, COLUMBIA, CAPITOL NASHVILLE, VAGRANT, MERGE.

january 9th SWITCHFOOT The Regency Ballroom, San Francisco @ 8:00pm, $20

COURTESY OF ATLANTIC RECORDS

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concerts by JONATHAN VU

december 15th KID CUDI The Regency Ballroom, San Francisco @ 8:00pm, $30

january 14th YING YANG TWINS Voodoo Lounge, San Jose @ 9:00pm, $20-$25

february 11th ALICE IN CHAINS Fox Theater, Oakland @ 8:00pm, $40

ZERO 7 The Warfield, San Francisco @ 8:00pm, $25

january 17th STYX The Warfield, San Francisco @ 8:00pm, $40-$65

february 18th BRAD PAISLEY WITH MIRANDA LAMBERT AND JUSTIN MOORE Save Mart Center, Fresno @ 7:30pm, $30-$60

december 19th ROBIN THICKE The Warfield, San Francisco @ 8:00pm, $40-$60 december 20th SELENA GOMEZ Palace of Fine Arts, San Francisco @ 6:30pm, $30 december 31st THE ROOTS The Warfield, San Francisco @ 9:00pm, $70-$100 january 9th WEEZER WITH JACKâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S MANNEQUIN & MOTION CITY SOUNDTRACK Bill Graham Civic Auditorium, San Francisco @ 7:30pm, $50

january 20th and 21st REBELUTION Fillmore, San Francisco @ 8:00pm, $21 january 26th NEVER SHOUT NEVER Starline, Fresno @ 7:00pm, $12 january 30th NICK JONAS AND THE ADMINISTRATION Zellerbach Hall, Berkeley @ 8:00pm, $40-$50 february 6th THE ANVIL EXPERIENCE The Fillmore, San Francisco @ 8:00pm, $20

february 19th LOS LONELY BOYS The Fillmore, San Francisco @ 8:00pm, $30 february 22nd WE THE KINGS The Regency Ballroom, San Francisco @ 6:30pm, $15 BON JOVI HP Pavillion, San Jose @ 7:30pm, $30-$140 february 26th MARIAH CAREY Oracle Arena, Oakland @ 8:00pm, $60-$130

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SHERLOCK HOLMES DEC EMBER 25

Arthur Conan Doyle’s famous mystery-solving dynamic duo head back to Baker Street in director Guy Ritchie’s rendition of Sherlock Holmes. With a lengthy history in Hollywood, the fictional detective team pursues its most action-packed film yet, and this time around, both Sherlock Holmes and Dr. John Watson come with a “brawns before brain” quality rarely emphasized in past movies. With Robert Downey Jr. as Holmes and Jude Law as Watson, the film runs on the schematics similar to a movie straight out of Disney’s “Pirates of the Caribbean” series. Downey brings a witty sense of humor in the face of danger, while Law takes on a grounding character to his co-star. Rachel McAdams joins in as the illusively charming Irene Adler along with Mark Strong as the villainous Lord Blackwood, suspected of sending England down a road to catastrophic danger. What sets this film apart from other renditions is its emphasis on the action. From large scale barbarians with sledgehammers to hairpin knife fights in the bedroom, Ritchie’s interpretation surprisingly stays truer to the original stories than the films that shined the spotlight on Holmes’s legendary noggin. Author Doyle portrayed his protagonist to be strong both physically and mentally, and in the upcoming feature, Holmes just might get the proper portrayal he deserves. Be sure to catch this action-packed rendering of the famous detective series, Warner Bros’ Sherlock Holmes, in theaters on Dec. 25, 2009.

PHOTO COURTESY OF WARNER BROS

by BRIAN KIM & MANSI PATHAK

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THE IMAGINARIUM OF DOCTOR PARNASSUS - DECEMBER 25 The 1,000-year-old Doctor Parnassus, most renowned for his miraculous Imaginarium traveling show, could manipulate imaginations, bend reality, and send his audiences into an unearthly playground. His immortality and supernatural control, however, branched from a dark deal with the devil, Mr. Nick, who has come back to retrieve his end of the bargain: Parnassus’s 16-year-old daughter, Valentina. Along with the help of his fellow Imaginarium experts, Parnassus enters the obstacle course beyond imagination to rescue his daughter from the devil and correct his long-burdened past. Director Terry Gilliam rounded a peculiar casting for his newest fantasy film, bringing together Christopher Plummer as Parnassus, Tom Waits as Mr. Nick, and Lily Cole as Valentina. The most interesting role, however, lies within the mysterious recruit to the rescue team: Tony, played by late-Academy Awardwinning actor Heath Ledger. After his enthralling performance in Warner Bros.’s The Dark Knight, Ledger closes the curtains with this as his final performance. Although most of Ledger’s scenes were already filmed by the time of the actor’s passing, Gilliam made the decision of incorporating fresh ideas that involved the transformation of Tony. Assembling a team of actors to play as Ledger’s stand-ins for the additional scenes, Gilliam turned his original production into a tribute. With Johnny Depp, Collin Farrell, and Jude Law joining in as Tony and his multiple forms through the mystical Imaginarium, Gilliam made it clear that the show must go on. Be sure to see Lionsgate’s The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus, in theaters on Dec. 25, 2009.

YOUTH IN REVOLT - JANUARY 10 Young actor Michael Cera has always played the innocent kid who can never seem to get the girl he wants. Since his days as George Michael on FOX’s “Arrested Development” to his role as Evan in Judd Apatow’s Superbad, Cera rarely catches a break, and in director Miguel Arteta’s Youth in Revolt, he’s finally doing something about it. 16-year-old Nick Twisp, played by Cera, is constantly surrounded by people getting in on some action, and when he finally meets the girl that just might be the one, he gets shafted. After meeting Sheeni Saunders, played by Portia Doubleday, on a family vacation, Twisp goes in for the kill , that is, until Saunders breaks the news to him that she has a boyfriend. At that point, Twisp becomes determined to win over the girl of his dreams and flips his world over to do so. Realizing that his current nice and innocent persona won’t cut it with Saunders, he takes on an alter ego: Francois Dillinger, who also dons a mustache. From igniting the city of Berkeley to fleeing the country in the midst of his pursuit by the police, Twisp, or more appropriately, Dillinger, flaunts the “badass” mentality. What has this film going is the dramatic change in Cera’s

role. Watching the young actor, who once sang a duet with Ellen Page to the end credits of Diablo Cody’s Juno, send a moving sedan bathed in gasoline into a fiery collision sets Cera in a new element. Save the date and see Cera do a 180 in Dimension’s Youth in Revolt, in theaters on Jan. 10, 2010.

THE LOVELY BONES - JANUARY 15 Renowned for his recent box-office hit, District 9, director Peter Jackson takes Alice Sebold’s bestseller to the silver screen. But there’s something different about The Lovely Bones. For those unfamiliar with the novel, Susie Salmon, played by Saoirse Ronan, finds herself exploring the in-between, a world that delves deep into a slew of imagination and recollections from her short life. Her absence leaves scars on her family as her father, Jack Salmon, played by Mark Wahlberg, sets off to uncover the mystery behind his daughter’s disappearance. Between Susie’s adventure through the fantasy version of her hometown in Pennsylvania and her family’s struggle amidst the unnerving presence of her eery captor, George Harvey, played by Stanley Trucci, Jackson takes his next CGI approach to portraying an enthralling interpretation of a motion picture not only centered around a murder, but also a binding love between a family. As the trailers and posters suggest, the story crosses the innocence of a teenager and the darkness of her murderer. This film is a mere weeks away from introducing some of the most beautifully mystifying eye candy Jackson has created and is sure to provide the heart-knotting story about the 14-yearold girl, Susie Salmon, from down the street that the original had readers raving about almost eight years ago. Don’t miss Dreamwork’s The Lovely Bones in theaters on Jan. 15, 2010.

DEAR JOHN - FEBRUARY 5 Based on a novel by Nicholas Sparks, the romantically -driven author behind The Notebook and A Walk to Remember, Dear John is a film that captures the essence of a torn young love. Channing Tatum and Amanda Seyfried diverge from their respective musical backgrounds of Step Up and Mamma Mia! to come together in this romantic drama and tell a story about a young man who falls in love with a girl while on leave from the army. While in the peak of their relationship, John, played by Tatum, has to go back, leaving Savannah, Seyfried’s character, back at home. To make the distance between them seem smaller, the smitten couple decides to write back and forth to each other constantly to maintain their relationship. But even with their strong feelings for one another, time and space will truly put their love to the test. The plotline of this movie is quite simple, but director Lasse Hallstrom focuses on the emotional journey John takes through the pangs of love, war, and acceptance. Although this film is a tad cliché and a bit reminiscent of Nicholas Spark’s past story lines of a starcrossed romance, Dear John is sure to bring out the hopeless romantic in all of us. Just in time for Valentine’s Day, this movie will come out on February 5th.

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short films by BRIAN KIM

In order to get big, directors start small. Since the migration of TV shows and movies to the Internet, video-streaming sites like Youtube and Vimeo have become the go-to spots for independent filmmakers trying to catch their big breaks. Their short films act as their calling cards, showing what they’re made of. And as we kick off the next big decade of the 21st century, we guarantee that cyberspace is crawling with plenty of undiscovered talent. Check out these noteworthy quick flicks from directors that are on their way into the film industry.

VALIDATION

Free parking never felt so good, especially with Hugh Newman, played by TJ Thyne from FOX’s “Bones,”

running the validation booth. Directed by Kurt Kuenne, “Validation” presents the story of a young, bearded man, Newman, who sits at his parking validation post, giving a little more than a ticket stamp to each of his visitors. He dwells in the utmost positive environment and gives everyone a couple words of encouragement.

Newman becomes the talk of the town and, shortly after, the talk of the world, as his legendary smile and

flattery send him down a road of uniting war-bent nations, proving that a simple compliment can go a long way. As extreme as it sounds, the black and white film, released in mid-2008, satires current world issues, mending them with the words of a kind, bearded fellow working at a validation booth.

Once the fame of his compliment-driven success subsides, however, Newman resumes his own life with the

next thing off the top of his to-do list: getting his driver’s license photo taken.

Legend has it that nobody smiles during their mugshot at the DMV, but Newman is geared toward changing

that, especially when a love interest becomes involved—one that happens to disapprove smiling.

With a casting of quirky personalities, Kuenne made “Validation” into a piece that most everyone will enjoy

because of its interesting presentation as a morality tale. The 17-minute short film, hands down, will do the least of making its viewers smile.

SIGNS

We all have had our bad days, when the world seems to be working against, around, but never with us.

Unfortunately, for this guy, he’s constantly inhibited by the feeling of loneliness. Everyone around him seems to look past him no matter the situation, which leads to an awfully saddening road of rejection. As he maintains a daily routine that results in his solitary office space stories above the ground, he finds a friend in the most unlikely of places.

Released in early 2009, “SIGNS” presents a story about communication and the way people value its many

forms. Directed by Patrick Hughes, the short film takes an unusual, yet creatively heart-warming, approach to reimagining the means by which people express emotion, whether it be through simple conversation or suggestive flirting. Hughes does so by the combination of felt tip markers and paper, most familiarly known as signs.

The film kicks off with a pathetic look into a man’s inability to gain the slightest bit of attention. He remains

silent because he can’t find the words to say as his head nods and winces fail to catch any eyes. Later, he finally meets a girl a building over in her office behind a glass window, which leads to the two’s written conversation—the first conversation he has had in a while.

With their intentionally silent roles, the main actors find their way through the barriers of physical speaking

and stir up the “Aw” factor. Without going into too much detail about how the story pans out, we’ll leave you with the impression that this film just might leave you speechless.

READ www.baymagazine.org

Smart and charming, Ronnie captures the reader’s attention in

Nicholas Sparks’ latest novel, The Last Song. For fans of The Notebook and The Wedding, this book is comforting and witty, produces laughs and tears, and has all the characteristics of what I would call a good read.

The story is about Ronnie and her brother Jonah, who are sent

to live with their father in a small beachside town in North Carolina. Ronnie has not talked to her father in three years, refusing to forgive PHOTO COURTESY OF HACHETTE BOOK GROUP

him for walking out on the family. Despite her father’s efforts at the beginning of the story, Ronnie continues to ignore him. As the story goes on, she falls in love with a local boy and has the best summer of her life, experiencing love and rebuilding her relationship with her father. She finds that her father is much different than she imagined.

It’s the tale of first love, a parent’s love, and most importantly,

the love a child has for his or her parents, something that is often forgotten in today’s society. Family drama and summer relationships are experiences everyone can relate to. Most significantly, the book is

review:

not only about love, but it’s about allowing yourself to move forward, as Ronnie did when she realized that despite her behavior towards her father, his love remained unconditional. The Last Song was refreshing in that Sparks decided to shy away from his usual all-about-romance

<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< by KAREN LYU

review:

THE LOST SYMBOL by GRISHMA ATHAVALE

novels and focus on love from a different perspective.

Finally after six years of waiting, it was here--The Lost Symbol. After the reading Deception Point, Digital

Fortress and of course, The Da Vinci Code, I was in search of a new thriller book to occupy my summer boredom. Unfortunately, it took me longer to find it, for the release of The Lost Symbol was conveniently in September, the start of junior year--great.

As an avid Dan Brown fan, I had high expectations for The Lost Symbol as I was pleased with his other

books. After waiting patiently (a whole 2 months), I finally convinced my mom to let me buy it at at the local Costco.

When I started reading The Lost Symbol, I found myself entrapped in the intricate web of the different

story lines, all coming together at a frightening and surprising truth. Brown uses his knowledge of American history along with his talent for suspense writing to create a heart-beating race through an entanglement of codes and astounding revelations. The villain in the novel unexpectedly reveals a shocking truth near the end of the novel, that leaves the reader shocked, but having a clear understating of the predicament.

Set in Washington D.C, The Lost Symbol encompasses advanced science institutions and new meanings

of the oldest sculptures and paintings of America’s history, giving the reader insight into the premeditated foundation of America.

Readers all over the world enjoyed Angles and Demons and notably The Da Vinci Code. His latest

book does not disappoint, for it makes readers think and be more watchful of any plot twists and shocking revelations. If anyone is in search of a good thriller, Dan Brown’s The Lost Symbol will not dishearten even the most consummate reader.

PHOTO COURTESY OF FRAZER HARRISON/ 2009 GETTY IMAGES

think 14

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by MAGGIE LIN Disney channel stars are just like us, except they can all sing, dance, and act. Kind of. Everyone judges how much real talent these stars possess, but one thing people cannot dispute is how successful these tween stars are. While we complain about how they have “no talent,” they still make more money by the time they are 18 than we’ll probably earn in a lifetime. It seems pretty ridiculous how much money Miley Cyrus makes through her concerts, movies, and well, concertmovies. Clearly, the Disney treatment is working for her and no matter what controversial pictures of her surface, she

remains a tween idol. The most genius part of Disney is that for the past couple of years, they’ve used the same formula to launch all these idols into superstardom: 1) Debut them as a character on a hit TV series or put them in a musical. Miley Cyrus in “Hannah Montana”, Demi Lovato in Camp Rock, and the newest Disney star, Bridgit Mendler in both “Wizards of Waverly Place” and “JONAS.” 2) When they get their own zitcom (athough they don’t have acne) they sing the theme song for and win audiences over with their semi-comedic timing, good looks, and average acting ability. Somewhere along the line, they will make time to record a remake of a Disney classic, often butchering it in the process. 3) Release an album and tour with other Disney stars. With just three easy steps, Disney creates idols for little

kids across the nation. There’s just one problem that Disney faces and that is their general audience. Lately they’ve been creating tween idols year after year--for girls. To combat their primarily female audience, Disney recently purchased Marvel to reel the boys back in. With this acquisition, Disney now has access to a large number of comic book characters, such as Spider-Man, X-Men, and the Fantastic Four. I don’t know how I feel about this. On one hand, Disney deserves credit for getting the boy demographic back, but now they are pretty much one step away from world domination. In Spiderman, Uncle Ben said to Peter Parker, “With great power comes great responsibility.” Disney should take that to heart because, after all, they own Uncle Ben now. They have the power to influence all of the youth. Well, at least the ones with cable.

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PHOTO COURTESY OF GOOGLE

is google wave the wave of the future? Although the tool has its merits, Google Wave and its difficult maneuverability discouraged me, and I am sure many others as well. I agree with those who believe that though their new creation has made breakthroughs in communication and collaboration, Google has a long way to go. My only credential is being a teen of the digital era. I don’t fancy myself as particularly tech-savvy, yet I am not technologically challenged either. As a user of many other Google products (Mail, Documents etc.) I was quite excited when I received my invitation to catch the Google Wave. I was soon disappointed, however because of the counter intuitive nature of the program. I’m not going to lie—it took me over an hour to figure out how Google Wave works. After playing around with it for a while I will now dissect for you the coolest and not-so-cool parts of Google Wave. When opening Google Wave for the first time, you will be greeted with instructional videos that gives you a preview of what to do and ideas for how to use Wave. For example, there are group reports, picture sharing, invitations etc. Starting a wave: A wave is essentially the basis of everything you do. It can be whatever you want: a place to store files, have group presentations, work on projects, etc. Once you create a wave, you can invite people, add files or pictures, or add Robots. Blip: A blip is where you type your information or add any media that you want. The only annoying part is that you have to click “done” after typing and click “again” if you want to edit what you type. Another issue is that other people invited to the wave can also edit what you say. Robots?: Yes, robot--essentially, they are programs added by email address. By clicking the person, you can add any Google Wave address you want. You can add a person or you can add a robot. There are robots for various different functions. Once added to the conversation, the robot will reply telling you its capabilities. For example, when you add wikifier@appspot.com to your chat, the added robot will make it so that Wikipedia links to articles will appear directly in your wave. If you make a blip saying <wikidef election> and then click “done,” the robot will post the definition of election straight from Wikipedia. Other Robots allow you to play games such as hangman or even update

and keep tabs on Twitter.

by JACKIE BARR

Adding files: Possibly one of the simplest parts of Google Wave is to just drag and drop. Pdfs, pictures, documents, .htm files, all of it can be added to a wave for others to view and download. An option for viewers is to make the pictures into a slideshow to view at a larger size. Gadgets: By adding a gadget via URL, Wave has added capabilities. Similar to robots, the gadgets allow you to play chess, create iframes, and use many other features that developers have added. When adding gadgets, a new blip is required for the options to pop up in the bar between the people in the chat and the body of text. By forcing myself to figure out what Google Wave really is, I have concluded that it is a fairly useful mechanism. Its versatility from playing games to writing collaborative papers allows for potential. There is a fatal flaw, however. People have to check google wave. For this to be useful, it has to be an integrated habitual process like checking your email. If someone pings (similar to an IM), you have to be online and have the tab open to be able to see it. If someone adds you to a wave, they have to be looking at the screen to realize it. If more people have Google Wave, it would be easier and more convenient to use for some activities. But for things like hangman, there are other sites that make playing hangman a lot more fun. The problem with Google Wave is that although you can do many things, it doesn’t do any other of them better. The benefit is that it combines many things together, but the drawback is that the lack of driven purpose makes it hard to focus in on what to do. Do we really want to check Wave for our Twitter updates? Why not go to on Twitter itself? Do we want to play sudoku on Google Wave? There are other places that do it better. In fact, some of Google’s other tools do it better than Wave. Why do a collaborative document on Wave when you can do it on Google Documents? Don’t take my word for it. Check out google wave for yourself. Google Wave is currently invitation only. Go to https://services.google.com/fb/forms/wavesignup to request an invitation and then allow about two weeks for processing. When you are invited, Google Wave gives you eight invitations so that you can invite your own friends, too.

think

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Looking to experience some real holiday cheer? These houses definitely know the meaning of a holiday celebration! Come out and see some of the best ligh displays of the bay!

PHOTO COURTESY OF DAVE SEVERNS

E R E H T LET 375 LOS PADRES BLVD, SANTA CLARA A 10-year winner of the annual holiday decorations contest in Santa Clara, this house will once again be transforming its yard for their annual show of thousands of lights flashing synchronized with music. Last year, the lights reached a stunning number of 50,000 and this year promises to be even more exciting with visits from Santa Claus himself. Although the pictures on the website boast a beautiful display, nothing can describe how exhilarating the actual decorations are. Be sure to visit! For more info and more lighted houses, visit www.lightsofthevalley.com

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SEVERNS-PEASE CHRISTMAS DISPLAY 1164 &1168 TANGERINE WAY, SUNNYVALE

by ANNIE LEE & KAREN LYU

Starting out in 1995 as a few lit up trees, this Christmas display has come a long way. While its main goal is to do something for the community, this local showing of Christmas spirit is also in collaboration with the Second Harvest Food Drive, collecting donations of canned foods and monetary donations, that of which will be matched by The Severns Family Foundation. Over 75,000 lights are synchronized with music. Panoramic pictures are available on the site’s photo page. Make this a place to visit on your checklist this holiday season. Showtimes are Sun-Sat, 5:30 pm-10 pm. For directions or more information, check out www.severex.com

! T H G I L BE by ANNIE LEE & KAREN LYU

liday displays! ho st be s y’ ba e th of me So

PHOTO COURTESY OF LIGHTS OF THE VALLEY

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FANTASY OF LIGHTS Come celebrate even more lights at the 11th Annual Fantasy of Lights at Vasona Park in Los Gatos! This year, they have 3-D displays and will hand out free 3-D glasses! It only goes until December 31st so make sure you get your light fix this year!

Holiday Lights at Gilroy Gardens in Great America Kick off the holidays with an evening at Great Americaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Gilroy Gardens. The Theme park will be lit up with more than a million lights and will include everything from themed rides, ice-skating, a holiday feast, visits from Santa and more! Stop by the Holiday Lights at Great America from 4-9pm any day in December for a great night.

San Francisco Mime Troupe Show Tired of watching movies? Change it up with the San Francisco Mime Troupe for a holiday show as it celebrates its 50th anniversary. Head to the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts Forum on Dec. 10 at 7:30pm for a show that is sure to impress. For more information, visit www.ybca.org.

Bill Cosby at DeAnza College Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to meet Bill Cosby! Bill Cosby will be coming to our very own DeAnza College on Jan. 9 at 5pm. To purchase tickets, visit www.ticketmaster.com.

Plus Art Elves Workshop Behind on your Christmas shopping? Visit the Plus Art Elves Workshop at the Montalvo Gallery in Saratoga to make something for a special someone in this holiday art workshop at noon. Tickets are now on sale for $15 at www.ticketmaster.com.

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WHERE IS TT? 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 his/ her 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 answer directly on our website, 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

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for the loud and proud listener

bay’s favorite things by TIFFANY MO & SONIKA SINGH

Shopping during the holiday season can be such a hectic and tiresome ordeal. This year, why not shop within the comforts of your own home? Do your shopping online with Fred Flare and we’re sure he’ll help you find that perfect gift for just about anyone! All items can be found @ www.fredflare.com

for the pretentious eco-activist

for the in-class doodler

for the indie filmmaker

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for the retro cowboy

for the iconic hipster

for the classic girl next door

for the old-school gamer for the unartistic artist

for the metallic music-lover for the in-your-face photog for the lovable baker

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for the arcade deprived

for the fashionable diva for the green caffeine junky for the aspiring warhol

for the obnoxious comedian

for the rebel at heart

for the traveling pop-star

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for the visual documenter

for the master of disguises

for the crafty cardmaker

for the obsessive baker for the cutesy green teen

for the peace-promoting chef

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by CATHERINE WANG

A natural, historical, and cultural gem of the southwest, this city is like

no other. As the second oldest city in the country, Santa Fe is filled to the brim with history. It became a Mecca for the arts and a mélange of world cuisines. A Native American vibe runs through the city, adding spice. Pay Santa Fe a visit at this time of year and enjoy its wintry festivities.

During the holiday season, the city of Santa Fe is covered with farolitos,

which are paper bags filled with sand and upright lit candles. These beams of light add holiday spirit to buildings and trees on Christmas Eve. Winter Markets display the abundance of hand-made traditional Spanish art from wood carved saints to jewelry and furniture. The Santa Fe Convention Center’s Winter Spanish Market houses the largest collection of traditional art forms in the country.

At the center of the city, the Plaza offers a shopping experience filled

with the influences of Indian and Spanish cultures. Visitors can also relax at Cathedral Park while learning about the history of this rare city and walk through the Allan Houser Sculpture Garden to see the flowers encircling the exquisite sculptures. For the holiday season, cider and carols can be enjoyed at the Plaza adorned with 1000 farolitos.

A favorite stop for visitors is the Chocolate Lover’s Odyssey, which is

renowned for the truffles, chocolates, and other treats. The famous hot cocoa with Chimayo red chile and the chocolate chile pinon are a few of the wonderful treats that have a Spanish flair.

The Sangre de Cristos Mountains, stretching across Colorado and New

Mexico, hold most of New Mexico’s ski resorts which open around the second week of December, providing a New Mexico style skiing experience on one of the longest mountain ranges in the world.

Santa Fe offers so many different activities that anyone could enjoy,

from painting pottery at Aspects of Clay to spending an evening at the Santa Fe’s Opera House. For the athletically inclined, there is skiing at Ski Santa Fe, hiking, horseback riding and ice-skating. To wind down, spas like the Absolute Nirvana Spa Tea Room & Gardens provide a rejuvenating and relaxing experience.

Santa Fe is an extraordinary place filled with everything one could

imagine, all surrounded by history, a mixture of cultures, and great opportunities to relax.

PHOTO COURTESY OF PALM SPRINGS VISITORS CENTER

travel

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by TIFFANY HU

Right in the heart of the California desert, Palm Springs is 354 days of sunshine and 365 days of solace and

recreation. Located in the Coachella Valley of Southern California, Palm Springs is a seven hour drive from San Francisco and has a little taste of everything for even the pickiest of travelers. A few years back, Palm Springs used to be the getaway spot for Hollywood celebrities. Nowadays, one won’t be able to find many celebrities strolling the city’s streets, but truth be told, Palm Spring’s retro, early 20th century style and naturalistic vibe attracts enough tourists on its own.

Noted for the vintage architecture, Palm Springs is full of houses and buildings built in the 50’s and 60’s. Mostly

single story, many of these buildings have eccentric quirky designs that hint at its renowned history.

Sport zealots who are tired of skis and snow are in luck when they come to Palm Springs. Often dubbed the “golf

capital of the world,” the city has an abundance of world class golf courses. Whether one is a golf pro or a golf first-timer, there is sure to be a fit course for everyone.

A must-do in Palm Springs is its very own Aerial Tramway. Passengers get a chance to ascend almost three miles

to observe an immaculate wilderness on the World’s Largest Rotating Tramcar. The ten minute ride takes you between the alpine wilderness of Long Valley and Mount San Jacinto State Park. There, visitors get the opportunity to walk along one of the many nature trails where the gorgeous view up top can stretch northward all the way to the lights of Las Vegas.

For those who want to bring back souvenirs, maybe even a holiday season’s worth of Christmas presents, have no

fear because shopping in Palm Springs is as easy as leaving your hotel. Just go down Palm Canyon Drive where you can find dozens of unique stores lining the streets up and down.

Palm Springs has a multitude of resorts, hotels, inns, and home rentals. To switch things up, a best bet for an

enjoyable stay is a vacation rental (which includes condos and luxury estates) suited specifically for tourists. Bask and revel in privacy, as some of these rentals come equipped with private pools and tennis courts, all the while admiring the true beauty Palm Springs offers. For a more traditional and inexpensive approach to bunking, check in at the Chase Hotel. Scoring Trip Advisor’s Travelers’ Choice Award for Best Bargain 2009, the Chase is not so hidden anymore, but nonetheless, a true gem.

With so much to offer and good weather to boot, there is no reason why anyone would not be able to have a down to

earth merriment of a winter vacation—so go out there and seize that Palm Spring sunshine!

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PHOTO COURTESY OF THE CITY OF VANCOUVER

INTERNATIONAL ACCOUNT:

by T.T. TU

The first time I ever went to Vancouver, or even out of the country for that

matter, was when I was in fifth grade. Vancouver didn’t really seem much different than home, other than the fact that some of the signs were French, and outside my hotel room, I saw a Canadian flag, and not the typical red, white, blue one that I was so used to. If I remember correctly, it was the first major trip that my family had gone on since my sister, Vivianne, was born a year back. We were ready for an adventure beyond the confines of California.

I only remember a little, since it was so long ago, but from what I do remember,

there were definitely some fun memories I had of Vancouver. I went during the summer, and it was really weird because it would be 11:00 in the evening, and the sun would just start to set. Talk about daytime, all the time! There was also this really good ice cream place called Cows Ice Cream that was across from our hotel. Unfortunately, now you have to go to Whistler for it, but man, talk about an ice cream shop! If you know me, you know that I am a die-hard fan of ice cream, and even at that age, I thought I had just died and gone to heaven. Some things never change. The minute you walked in, it was like diving into a sea of almond-scented waffle cones and cherry vanilla ice cream. We ended up going there every day!

Besides Vancouver, there were also a lot of other fun places to go to just outside

the city. I remember drinking raspberry tea on a ferry to Victoria, going to the top of Grouse Mountain in a t-shirt and jeans, and playing hide and seek at the Botanical Gardens, which is located in Stanley Park. Oh, and don’t let me forget the Capilano Suspension Bridge! This rickety bridge is 450 feet long and towers above the Capilano River at a mere 230 feet. No big deal, right? Wrong. Of course, we hadn’t come all the way to Vancouver for nothing, so I had to cross the bridge. So as I basically crawled my way across the shaky bridge, my other, more daring sister, Tiffany, crossed the bridge with ease. She was so comfortable that at times, she would skip and even jump her way to the other side. It was funny because she would shake the bridge so much that the park ranger in the security tower would look and then screech into the loudspeaker: “Little girl in the red sweater, please walk across the bridge!” Tiffany ran across that bridge at least seven times that day. T.T, on the other hand, had gone to the other side and back, and that was enough adventure for him for one day. Again, some things never change.

Vancouver is such an exciting city. There’s just so much to do and now with the

Winter Olympics being held there in February, Vancouver will have that much more to see and explore. Vancouver has given me so many pleasant memories, and I can only hope that if you get the chance to go one day that you will be able to discover the greatness of this Canadian city.

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for the health nut HOLIDAY UNSCOTTI Spice up the holidays without the extra calories. present the mix in a batter bowl with all the fixings: syrup jar, cinnamon shaker, 1/4 cup measure and colorful hand towel so your recipient can make a guiltfree holiday breakfast

CINNAMON WHEAT PANCAKE MIX FOR 3 BATCHES OF 6 PANCAKES 3 5 2 2 1

cups all-purpose flour teaspoons ground cinnamon 1/4 tablespoons white sugar tablespoons baking powder 1/4 teaspoons salt

Whisk together all ingredients in a bowl until combined. Store in an air-tight 1/2 liter jar. Keep in a cool, dry place up to 6 months.

CINNAMON WHEAT PANCAKES MAKES 6 PANCAKES 1 1/4 cup dry pancake mix 1 cup milk 1 egg 2 tablespoons vegetable oil Combine milk, egg, vegetable oil. in a bowl. Whisk in 1 1/4 cups dry pancake mix until moistened but still lumpy. Heat a lightly oiled griddle or pan over medium low heat. Pour about 1/4 cup batter onto the griddle for each pancake. Brown on both sides and serve hot with syrup and a dash of ground cinnamon.

MAKES 20-24

2 cups all-purpose flour 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder 3/4 cup sugar 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest 1/4 teaspoon salt 2 large eggs 3/4 cup pistachios, coarsely chopped 2/3 cup dried cranberries 8 ounces cocoa candy melts

Something sweet to go with the daily coffee fix. Package in a festive tin and if youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re feeling extra generous, including a gift card to your gifteeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s favorite coffee house.

for the coffee addict Whisk flour and baking powder in a medium bowl to blend. Using a mixer, beat the sugar, butter, lemon zest, and salt in a large bowl to blend. Beat in the eggs 1 at a time. Add the flour mixture and beat just until blended. Stir in the pistachios and cranberries. Form the dough into a 13-inch long, 3-inch wide log on a large piece of parchment paper. Wrap the dough and chill for at least 2 hours so it will be easier to slice. Place the log on a cutting board. Using a sharp serrated knife, cut the log into half inch thick slices. Arrange the cookies on their sides, on the baking sheet, 2 inches apart. Bake at 350 degrees for 30-40 minutes or until lightly golden. Transfer the biscotti to a rack and cool completely. Place the cocoa candy melts in the microwave in 30 second intervals at half power, stirring after each interval, till melted. Dip the biscotti into the melted chocolate. Gently shake off excess chocolate and place on wax paper for the chocolate to set. Refrigerate until the chocolate is firm, about 35 minutes. The biscotti can be made ahead. Store in an airtight container up to 4 days, or wrap them in foil and freeze in resealable plastic bags up to 3 weeks.

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by JENN YEE

HOT COCOA MIX

PEPPERMINT SWIRL COOKIES

FOR 4 CUPS OF COCOA

MAKES 24

for the chocoholic

Cozy and comforting, this hot cocoa will keep you warm all winter. Give with a cello bag of marshmallows and chocolate spoons for the ultimate chocolate creation.

1 package (15 oz) refrigerated sugar cookie dough 1 teaspoon red food coloring flour for rolling granulated sugar for garnish pinch of ground cinnamon for garnish materials: freezer bag

/4 cup powdered or dry milk 3 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 3/4 cup sugar 1/2 cup cocoa powder 4 ounces semisweet chocolate

Divide the dough in half. Form each half into a mound. Take one half, wrap in plastic wrap and set in the fridge to chill. Place the other half in a heavy duty freezer bag. Add a teaspoon of red food coloring into the bag, seal securely and knead until the food coloring is completely distributed. Wrap in plastic and place in the fridge and refrigerate both doughs for at least 6-8 hours, preferably overnight.

Combine all the dry ingredients in a large bowl and mix well. Roughly chop the chocolate till chunky but consistent in size. Mix well with a wooden spoon and store in an air-tight 1/2 liter container. Include the following hot cocoa instructions:

Then roll out each dough on a lightly floured board to a quarter of an inch in thickness. Form each into an 8.5 x 11â&#x20AC;? rectangle. Place one sheet of dough on top of the other and from the shorter side carefully roll into a log. Place in plastic wrap and chill overnight.

Cup of Hot Cocoa Add 1 cup of hot water to 6 tablespoons of cocoa mix. Stir with a chocolate spoon and serve with marshmallows or whip cream.

CHOCOLATE SPOONS

Place the cocoa candy melts in the microwave in 30 second intervals at half power, stirring after each interval, till melted. Carefully (it will be hot) pour the chocolate into a corner of a heavy duty freezer bag. Seal the bag closed and snip the tip of the bag to create a piping bag. Lay the lollipop sticks on wax paper about 3 inches apart. Pipe the chocolate at one end of the stick into an oval to create a spoon shape. Chill in the refrigerator for an hour till set.

Bake at 350 degrees for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are slightly golden. Sprinkle with a mixture of granulated sugar and cinnamon for extra sparkle. Tis the season for feasts & get -togethers. These colorful cookies are perfect for the busy host. Wrap and ribbon the log-shaped dough for the host to slice and bake or make them ahead and bring them as favors made to look like peppermint candies using clear cellophane and silver string ties

for the party host

ocoa candy melts C Lollipop sticks, 6 inch size materials: freezer bag

Remove the dough from the plastic and slice cookies about a quarter inch in thickness and place on an ungreased cookie sheet.

eat 30

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recipe:

NO BAKE CHEESECAKE

ingredients: 8 oz. pkg. cream cheese, softened 1/2 cup of sugar 1/8 tsp. salt 1/2 cup of milk 1 tsp. lemon juice 1 tsp. vanilla 1 1/2 cup of Cool Whip Graham cracker crust Fruit pie filling - optional

directions: 1. Beat cheese and sugar 2. Add salt, beat. add vanilla, beat. add milk, beat. add lemon juice, beat. 3. Fold in Cool Whip with whisk 4. Pour into pie shell 5. Chill at least 3 hours. 6. If desired, cover with fruit toppings.

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recipe:

BUTTERBEER ingredients: 1 cup (8oz) club soda or cream soda (we chose vanilla cream soda) 1/2 cup (4oz) butterscotch syrup (ice cream topping) 1/2 tbsp butter directions: 1. measure butterscotch and butter into a 2 cup (16oz) glass (the bigger the glass the better). microwave on high for 1 to 1 1/2 minutes, or until syrup and butter are bubbling together. 2. stir and cool for 30 seconds, then slowly mix in club soda. donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t add too much because it will overflow! (it happened to us) 3. serve in two coffee mugs or small glasses- a taste of Hogwarts at home!

eat

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head stylist: TIFFANY MO photographer: TERESA MATHEW models: JENNI CAVE and KRISTIN WRIGHT Hair and make-up: WILSON’S SALON

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JENNI: TEAL SWEATER , GAP; SCARF, URBAN OUTFITTERS; JEANS, OLD NAVY; BLACK OVER-THE-KNEE BOOTS , FOREVER 21 KRISTIN: SWEATER DRESS , FOREVER 21; SHEER TIGHTS, NORDSTROM; PURPLE ANKLE BOOTS, FOREVER 21

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JENNI: JACKET, FOREVER 21; BLUE LACE TOP, FOREVER 21 KRISTIN: BLACK JEWEL TOP, FOREVER 21

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JENNI: NUDE DRESS, URBAN OUTFITTERS; GOLD CHAINS, NORDSTROM; BLACK ANKLE BOOTS, JESSICA SIMPSON

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wear 38

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This winter, enhance your wardrobe with detailed gold, silver, and bronze accessories, courtesy of www.modcloth.com. FROM LEFT TO RIGHT, TOP TO BOTTOM: THE AN-JEWEL-IC NECKLACE, TRIBAL FUSION NECKLACE, BALI HA’I EARRINGS, AGE OF INDUSTRY RING, THE TEELA BANGLE, THE MODERN WAYFARERS (GOLD AND SILVER), GALAXY CANTINA RING.

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WINTER LOVE AFFAIR an essay by EVA CHEN

Spring is supposedly the season of new-found romance, but this winter I find myself already entan-

gled in a new and eager relationship: my college application essay and I have held an ongoing affair for two months. We are still going strong, though I admit that our relationship often proves unhealthy.

Demanding at least ninety minutes of my precious time every day, my essay strains me emotionally,

prying at my values and sizing up my interests, searching for the passions, pursuits, and influences in my life. More strenuous are our intellectual discussions, during which I profess my academic inspirations and flaunt what I know (or elaborate on what I don’t know, according to one school’s essay prompt).

The physical challenges in our relationship are exemplified through our sleeping arrangement. At

night, in the form of a paper pad and pen, my essay snuggles next to me on my pillow, threatening to poke my eyes out. Overwhelming is the fact that my essay hovers over me even when I close my eyes and try to dream of getting into college. Sure, writing college essays is one crucial step on the road leading to higher education, but the fact that it supervises my sleeping makes me feel like a prey to its omnipresence.

My essay preoccupies my thoughts and constantly runs through my mind throughout the day. Like a nor-

mal couple, we share a rollercoaster ride of ups and downs. Though I complain about its difficult demands (that I convey how cool I am without stating “Hey I’m awesome”), it is my sole confidante to which I express my true self (an individual of apparent clichés). I know this relationship won’t last for much longer, but hopefully my dedication will be rewarded in spring when colleges release their decisions. Perhaps then, during the season of romance, I will reflect on how much I owe to this current love affair with my essay.

a watercolor piece by VICKIE HUANG submit section

Would you like your chance to be featured in BAY Magazine? Submit a photo, poem, artpiece, short story, anything! If it can be printed into a publication, then it is welcome! To submit, please send your piece to submit@ baymagazine.org today! a photograph by NATHAN KIM