Issue 5 - The Prospector - 2015

F RI DAY, F EB RUA RY 27, 2015

Dance: more than just movement

50 Shades of Abuse

FLIP SIDE page 12

The Prospector Student Newspaper of Cupertino High School

CHSPROSPECTOR.ORG

expectations

grades

Sports page 11

FEATURES pages 6 & 7

OPINIONS page 8

VOLUME 56 NO. 5

A new start for girls’ basketball

Geoffrey Tourette: champion fencer

academics

peer

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press

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colleg s

ission

Stress

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vs.

10100 FINCH AVENUE, CUPERTINO, CA 95014

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Depression

An exploration of the distinctions between the two

social media

parents

mood swings

standardized tests

of depression medications. Although stress does not always correlate with depression, it is often the main factor in triggering the illness — which isn’t surprising, considering the fact that depression is the most common mental illness among teens.

Smith, who requested that her name be changed for privacy purposes, has suffered from clinical depression for six years.

“Most people think that depression is sadness,” said Smith. “It’s not really sadness. It’s not caring. It’s not being able to care.”

DIANA KRUZMAN editor-in-chief

SERENA NGAN photo editor

JESSICA SHIN editor-in-chief

“Everything just feels kind of grey.”

So describes student Emily Smith, whose effusive manner and warm smile would never lead a casual observer to conclude that she is anything other than a typical, happy teenager. Smith, however, has been battling depression for all of her high school life — and the stark contrast between her outward appearance and her inner conflict only serves to highlight the misconceptions that most observers have about the illness.

The line between being overwhelmed by stress and suffering from depression may at times seem thin and hard to define. Many teens accused of exaggerating their stress levels are not properly taken care of when their cases do indeed constitute mental disorder. Others, faced with pressure from school or work, jump straight to a depression self-diagnosis, leading to the possibility of drug overdose through the use

Depression vs. Stress According to the National Library of Medicine, depression is “a mood disorder in which feelings of sadness, loss, anger, or frustration interfere with everyday life for weeks or more.” The crucial aspect of this definition is the fact that it categorizes depression as a mental disorder — one that is beyond the control of the person experiencing it.

A person can’t choose to not be depressed, in the same way that one can’t choose not to have any other disorder.

Stress, in contrast, is defined as “routine” and “related to the pressures of work, family, and other daily responsibilities.” The emphasis Stress versus depression, continued on page 2

Main Street Cupertino An update on the multi-use project across from the school ALLAN WU lifestyles assistant

Situated across Stevens Creek Blvd. at an optimal distance from the school, Main Street Cupertino is a mixed-use project that aims to serve as the central gathering place for the city of Cupertino. With room for around twenty stores and a town square that will serve as the social center of the project, Main Street Cupertino will feature a unique blend of restaurant, retail and public space. The 17-acre site was purchased by Sand Hill Property Co. around 8 years ago and has been undergoing construction and development for the past few years. Over 30 meetings with various community groups helped determine the needs and expectations of Cuper-

suicide

Talent Show Revival THU DAM

tino residents.

Although not yet finished with construction, Sand Hill Property Co. has already contacted and drawn the

We’re very excited to be close to [the school]. We’re excited to be a place for people to come and hang out - Sand Hill Property Co. Portfolio Manager Mike Kramer attention of numerous restaurants, some which have already signed leases with the company. One of the first Main Street Cupertino, Continued on page 3

COURTESY OF MAIN STREET CUPERTINO

MAIN STREET CUPERTINO | Main Street Cupertino will offer residential, commercial, and retail space.

TGT | A promotional poster for the event aims to revitalize student interest.

BRIAN ZHONG news editor

Tino’s Got Talent, which will take place during the first week of March, provides students with an opportunity to showcase their abilities. Two acts will be performing in the quad during brunch each day from Monday, March 2 to Friday, March 6. Interested students signed up on a Google Form and had to submit an audition video to prove that their act is legitimate.

Senior Sayali Kakade and her team members are tasked with the running of the event. Said Kakade, “Last year, there weren’t enough acts to [run the event] in the theater so it didn’t really work out, and no one really seemed interested in attending the event... This year, we are doing it differently because we’re having the performances at brunch... so it’s better because the people who are performing will get more viewers.”

The purpose of Tino’s Got Talent, according to Kakade, is “for everyTino’s Got Talent, Continued on page 2

2

News

The Prospector

S TA F F 2014-2015

Cupertino High School Established 1958 Vol LVI, No. 5 | 2015 editors-in-chief diana kruzman jessica shin news editor brian zhong opinions editor laura shkouratoff features editor isabel lin lifestyles editor maithilee kanthi sports editor nikita devdhar flip side editor delanie medina online content editor jay shroff copy editors anirudh pai joyce ye photo editors thu dam serena ngan business manager marvin wang media liasons alex shieh jeremy xue news assistants

neil mcclintick rishi nair myung ju song

opinions assistants

anisha dangoria michelle pyke

features assistants

shalmali patil stephanie shi

lifestyles assistants

melissa silva allan wu

sports assistants

daniel fertelmeister marvin wang

flip side assistant

peter martin

online assistant

melinda sun

photo crew

jason munoz

adviser ann peck

Editorial Policy “The Prospector” is an open forum of expression for student editors to inform and educate their readers. It will not be reviewed by or restrained by school officials prior to publication or distribution. Advisors may and should coach and discuss content during the writing process.

The staff of “The Prospector” seeks to recognize individuals, events and ideas and bring news to the Cupertino community in an accurate, professional and unbiased manner. “The Prospector” will not avoid publishing a story solely on the basis of possible dissent or controversy.

If you believe an error has been made or wish to have your opinion expressed in “The Prospector,” please contact us via mail or email. Letters sent become the sole property of “The Prospector” and can be edited for length, clarity or accuracy.

“The Prospector” editorial board reserves the right to accept or reject any ad in accordance with its advertising policy.

Contact Us The Prospector 10100 Finch Avenue Cupertino, CA 95014 prospector.chs@gmail.com

The Prospector Dear Editor: In the last issue of The Prospector, Mark Wang wrote an article about Obama’s recent push to increase the minimum wage. Personally, I disagreed with the article, and the minimal amount of evidence presented made his argument difficult to support.

Immediately I noticed that the amount of evidence was scanty at best, so I did some research and found the U.S. Department of Labor’s website. The Secretary of Labor has an entire page dedicated to debunking myths about increasing the minimum wage. A quick look was all I needed to confirm my belief in a higher minimum wage. According to the article, small businesses would not be able to handle an increase in the minimum wage, forcing them to hack away at hours and jobs to stay afloat. If this were true, 3 out of 5 businesses wouldn’t support a federal wage increase, but it is indeed false, as businesses do. Furthermore, out of sixty-four studies, not one was able to find that an increased minimum wage would affect employment as was argued.

The article follows up with claims that consumers will suffer from collateral price increases. Historically, this has been proven untrue. The federal minimum wage has been increased 22 times since 1938; GDP per capita has also shown increase over the same period despite such often wage increases. Clearly, the people are doing just fine and will continue to if minimum wage is raised.

Besides the frequent, unsupported arguments, I also felt that to an extent the article lacked some comprehension of the real world, a quality that seems to come with existing in the bubble that is Cupertino. I am particularly addressing the article’s resolution. It asserts that “a low-wage job should just be a step on the ladder of career progression,” an ideal that doesn’t even survive past the gates of Cupertino High.

We are a bunch of upper-middle class teenagers, so yes, having a low-wage job is where we start on a hopefully successful life journey, but that’s not at all true to the U.S. as a whole. 88 percent of workers living on a minimum wage are 20 or older. There are millions of people who will never be able to obtain jobs that pay higher than the minimum wage. We live in a capitalist society and unfortunately, that means that there are an infinite number of cracks at the bottom of the melting pot that people have to fit into all the time. I admit, the idea of in-the-job training that is mentioned, to guide career progression, is appealing, but it does not fix the ultimate problem: in order for the rich to exist, there also must be the poor. The jobs that those newly educated people would be leaving will still exist and that gap will always be there to fill by someone. Nothing will be done about this because the rich have power and they like being rich; there can, however, be something easily done for the quality of life that the lower class experiences, and the wealthy have supported it plenty in the past: a higher minimum wage.

Sincerely, Celine Washington

Tino’s Got Talent

continued from page 1

one to get the opportunity to showcase their special talent and let the school see what they can do. I know that our school is academically oriented but a lot of the people have tons of different things that they’re good at. I think it’s special and it gives recognition for the people who enjoy performing or singing, dancing or whatever they enjoy doing.”

Ultimately, Kakade hopes that the event will be ingrained in the minds of Cupertino High School students. Noted Kakade, “It would be nice if for future years, it was an event that became known at [the school] and it compelled people to sign up for it or it interested people to watch the event as well.”

February 27, 2015

Stress versus depression continued from page 1

is on the everyday nature of stress, indicating that it’s a temporary condition, usually easily remedied by taking a few days to relax and regenerate.

Although stress, in its chronic form, can also lead to adverse health effects, the root cause is more personal than medical, and can be relieved by removing the stressor from one’s life.

Dr. Leslie Bacon, who has worked as the school psychologist for 15 years, says that although stress can be created by pressures such as school activities, any feelings of unhappiness or apathy that last for two weeks or more are considered signs of depression.

“Students come [into my office] with depression and anxiety,” Bacon said. “The stress of numerous AP classes, extracurriculars and family stresses add to [the overall pressure], and many times students feel pressured to try to do more.

About 80 out of every 100 students that I see have depression or an anxiety disorder.”

A Larger Problem Although the actual number of students in the school suffering from depression is classified information for privacy purposes, the high incidence of student depression is reflected in the dozens of individuals that see Bacon every year. According to Bacon, many students seek out help on their own — however, she and other staff members also receive referrals from teachers, family or administrators, and at times they even reach out to students who appear to need help.

With resources from teachers to family to staff members such as Bacon, students have nu-

The Student Experience Many of the misconceptions around issues of stress and depression arise from a lack of knowledge concerning the symptoms, causes and remedies of both. Smith describes depression as a condition over which she has no control, which can cause even stronger feelings of frustration.

“When everything around you is going so fast, it can be really hard to keep up with things,” Smith said. “And as that mounts, things are still going too fast and you just keep falling farther and farther behind and it gets to a point where it’s like, ‘what’s the point of even trying?’”

Studies have found that adolescent depression increases the risk of substance abuse and educational underachievement in affected individuals. The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine lists suicide, the largest risk of depression, as the third leading cause of death among people aged 15 to 24. These effects of depression make recognizing the signs — and working towards a solution — imperative, for the health and safety of students and their friends and loved ones.

Solutions For high school students suffering from depression, the most accessible way to cope with the disorder is to talk about it with close family or friends.

Said Smith, “I think one of the most validating things when I’m having a bad day is if someone says ‘I don’t know what it’s like to be

14

80% of teens with depression do not receive help

Nearly 1 in 5 students reported hurting themselves on purpose

Students who will experience a major depressive episode during high school

20% 27%

Students who felt sad or hopeless for 2+ weeks 0%

5%

10%

15%

20%

25%

30%

The average age of depression onset

3X

Rate at which youth suicide rates increased in the second half of the 20th century

SOURCES: FAMILYAWARE.ORG, MASCONOMET.ORG

merous channels through which they can receive the care that they need. However, despite these assets, depression levels have been rising — according to the National Institute of Mental Health, the number of students suffering from anxiety and depression in the United States has drastically increased over the past decade. In response, the school has stepped up its efforts to improve students’ mental health and well-being.

“The Well-Balanced Student”, a seminar hosted by Stanford’s Graduate School of Education, took place at school on Feb. 3, and was targeted towards parents in an effort to raise awareness of the detrimental impact of high-stress situations on students. The workshop, which was attended by a crowd of parents, teachers, staff and administrators, emphasized the damage done by the “culture of competition” found at many schools, and offered solutions for all members of the community.

While high expectations for academics have been a large factor in the increased incidence of depression, they aren’t the sole causes. Many students suffer from the pressures exerted by peers because they feel the need to impress others through social media. Issues such as cyberbullying constitute another facet of student depression, along with medical causes such as student diet and exercise patterns.

“I recommend that students balance their diet [in order to reduce stress],” Bacon said. “Junk food like chips and candy can give students energy in the short term, but they’re eventually running on empty.” This lack of energy can lead to mood swings, trouble concentrating and the type of long-term stress that triggers depression.

there but I still support you and… I’m going to help you through it.’”

However, schools are working to provide students with different ways to treat their mental disorders. Bacon believes that eliminating many of the stressors that exacerbate depression in students would reduce the incidence of this condition, leading to a healthier school environment overall.

“The school should offer opportunities for students to make up a test — not just give it one try and [be] done,” Bacon said. Ultimately, this more lenient attitude reduces much of the anxiety that students feel when knowing that they have only one chance to do their best, leading to lower stress and better performance overall. She also emphasized the importance of relaxation through non-academic activities such as clubs and sports, which can provide a much-needed reprieve in the midst of a hectic life.

Oftentimes, conversing with a doctor, school psychologist or counselor can be very helpful with sorting out one’s thoughts and notifying teachers of one’s condition.

Said Smith, “To anyone who might be dealing with depression, there are people out there that are willing to listen and who are willing to help you. It’s amazing what people are able to do if you just give them the chance to help you. We’re only as alone as we choose to be in the end, and it can be really easy to isolate yourself from the people around you and say, ‘No one cares.’ The truth is that most people our age don’t know how to deal with this stuff, but it helps a lot with a patient support group that will stick with you through it all.”

News

The Prospector

February 27, 2015

PooL reopens after months of disuse ANIRUDH PAI copy editor

MELISSA SILVA lifestyles assistant

Earlier this week, the school repaired its pool’s broken heater, one of a series of issues with the pool facilities. Up until Feb. 23, the school’s swim team had been holding its swim practices at Lynbrook High School’s pool.

“We just [had] to deal with the issue of losing our main training facility,” said swim coach Michael Jarvis.

“We [had] been working hard to get the athletes the practice they need for the upcoming season, with a mix of dryland workouts focusing on fitness, strength and flexibility to complement the workouts we have in the pool.”

Lynbrook’s pool is large enough to accommodate both teams, at alternating times. Neither space nor time were issues for either school, but this change in practice location did mean that the swim teams could no longer have morning practices. One more inconvenience was the fact that swimmers had to go to Lynbrook for practice instead of just staying at school.

“Personally I [found] it quite annoying having to go all the way to Lynbrook just for swim practice,” said varsity swimmer Joshua Park.

The pool was drained earlier this year in order to fix structural problems, unrelated to the broken heater.

The inner layer of the pool had become old and started to crack, creating a leak. This is a common problem that happens in many pools. The pool was drained, and the problem was taken care of, with a new finish inside the pool. Soon after, the heater started to shut itself off before it could properly and effectively heat the pool, creating a new problem, which forced the team to practice at Lynbrook. According to Jarvis, the crew that installed this new heater has been working to fix the issue; they could not have fixed it while the pool was drained since

there was no way of knowing that the heater wouldn’t work.

As of Feb. 23, the team was back in its own pool, thanks to the recently fixed heater. Over the break, the crew worked to fix the problem and succeeded by the time school started again.

These numerous issues may raise the question of whether the swim team has been able to come up with the money to support the maintenance of the pool.

However, since the pool is a school facility, it is not the swim team’s responsibility to fund the construction and

The teams [have worked together well] in this adversity and hopefully we will look back on this and attribute it to paving the way to a strong season

- Swim Coach Michael Jarvis

work being done on the pool.

The swimmers on the team have been remaining positive, despite the major change in training location.

Said varsity swimmer Kelvin Fang, “It’s a sport, and in sports, you’re expected to deal with challenges.”

This change did not seem to affect the team’s performance, either. In fact, swimmers and coaches for the team anticipate a great season ahead.

Said Jarvis, “The varsity girls are looking to have another good year...The boys varsity team has four new promising freshmen on the team, looking to give that group a boost. The teams are working together well in this adversity and hopefully we will look back on this and attribute it to paving the way to a strong season.”

Measles spreads across state JAY SHROFF online content editor

What started as a measles outbreak among seven people who visited Disneyland in December has spread to more than 26 individuals, as an unvaccinated Californian woman transmitted the virus through airports and the theme park, California health officials said.

State health departments in California, Colorado, Utah and Washington have confirmed cases of the extremely contagious virus, the Los Angeles Times reported on Jan. 14.

Taken together, the cases account for almost 12 percent of the expected measles cases for the entire year; there are 220 cases per year on average, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Once considered an “eliminated” disease,

of all childhood rash/fever illnesses”. Measles is a virus that lives in the nose and throat of those infected; it causes fever, rash, red eyes and coughing. The virus is highly contagious, as it can live for up to two hours on surfaces and is transmitted through an infected person’s coughs or sneezes.

“Measles is so contagious that 90 percent of the people close to that person who are not immune will also become infected,” the CDC reports. Though an estimated 20 million people worldwide contracted measles last year, the CDC only expects about 225 cases in the US. American public health officials reduced the spread of the virus through the Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) triple vaccine, which children older than one year are recommended to receive two doses of, and all public school students are required to take before

77%

of cases were linked to Disneyland in California

154

cases reported in 17 states from Jan. 1 to Feb. 20, 2015 SOURCES: CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL, LOS ANGELES TIMES, HUFFINGTON POST

measles is making a comeback due in part to declining vaccination rates. Health officials continue to recommend that children, unless they possess an impaired immune system, get vaccinated, and that adults check with their doctor if they’re unsure about whether they are vaccinated for measles. According to FUHSD district policy, students enrolling in any FUHSD school are required to have two vaccinations against measles.

The CDC calls measles the “most deadly

starting kindergarten.

The vaccines are said to be 99 percent effective, but a recent anti-vaccination movement in the U.S. has attempted to link autism to the vaccines. Scientists have constantly decried the claims as false and misleading to Americans.

Nevertheless, many have linked the movement to the record number of measles cases in 2014.

Last year, 644 cases were confirmed, accounting for a nearly two-decade high.

3

Main Street Cupertino continued from page 1

known tenants, Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar, signed its lease with Sand Hill Property Co. over the summer. The casual, family-style restaurant is known for its made-from-scratch menu. Eureka!, an American restaurant, will be situated next door to Lazy Dog and is well known for its burgers and fun environment that will include music, sports and other entertainment.

A couple of global restaurants have also signed leases with Sand Hill Property Co. One notable foreign concept restaurant that will be opening in Main Street Cupertino is Panino Giusto, a panini cafe from Milan, Italy that will be found on one end of the town square. Although Panino Giusto is fairly well-known in Europe, its Cupertino location will be its first and only one in the United States. Meet Fresh, based in Taiwan, will be opening its first store in Northern California and will be found near the park — another key feature of Main Street Cupertino — and will serve traditional Taiwanese, all-natural, handmade desserts and drinks. Another Taiwanese-style restaurant, Guppy Tea House, will be opening in Main Street Cupertino and will serve boba tea, fruit smoothies and Asian pastries.

Joining these foreign concept restaurants will be four already popular food and drink places in the area, two of which are in Cupertino. Philz Coffee will be opening its second location in Cupertino and will be found on the opposite end of the town square portion across from Panino Giusto. Also opening its second location in Cupertino is 85 Degrees, a bakery based in Taiwan that serves Asian pastries and drinks. An already popular restaurant in Palo Alto, Life Kitchen has also signed its lease with Sand Hill Property Co. and will serve reasonably priced, healthy, high quality, locallysourced food. Rootstock, a wine bar currently in Los Gatos, will be opening its second location.

Sand Hill Property Co. is currently undecided on the future of Vallco Mall, which it also owns, and has been reaching out to the community through community groups to gain a better understanding on how to develop it. Sand Hill Property Co. and many community groups have all expressed interest in redeveloping the site.

Main Street Cupertino’s close proximity to the school will ensure that when the multi-use complex opens, it be an integral part of the daily lives of students upon completion.

“We’re very excited to be close to [the school],” said Sand Hill Property Co. portfolio manager Mike Kramer. “We’re excited to be a place for people to come and hang out.”

Opinions

4

February 27, 2014

FIFTY SHADES OF

ABUSE

LAURA SHKOURATOFF opinions editor

This Valentine’s Day, the movie version of the popular erotic novel “Fifty Shades of Grey” came to theaters across the nation. The book alone has sold over 100 million copies worldwide; it follows the life of Anastasia Steele, a young woman who is seduced by the powerful, wealthy Christian Grey. Though the movie was not as successful as anticipated by the film industry, it still gained a large amount of attention, especially from the female population.

Much of its appeal stems from its portrayal of the “unique” sexual habits of Christian, including bondage and role play.

Though there is nothing wrong with the idea of a sexual film, the romance and abusive behavior presented in “Fifty Shades” is completely unacceptable. The relationship between Anastasia and Christian is clearly detrimental, both physically and emotionally, but the novel, as well as the movie, fails to recognize it, and instead romanticises an abusive and toxic relationship.

The abuse in the story is not to be confused with acts of BSDM. Although BDSM (bondage, domination, sadism, masochism) is often portrayed in a negative light and associated with abuse, in reality it is completely consensual sexual behavior. However, the line is crossed when the behavior is not mutually consensual and one partner goes too far. In “Fifty Shades”, Christian does this multiple times when he does not stop after Anastasia uses her “safe word,” which is a word used by BSDM couples to indicate that they are no longer comfortable with the situation

SHALMALI PATIL features assistant

Over the course of the last ten years, international adoption rates have plummeted by half, while the number of orphans continues to grow. Although the number of people prepared and willing to adopt has not decreased, the severe rules and regulations in place for the adoption process have discouraged multiple prospective parents. International adoption agencies need to relax their rules because their abrasive standards are only hurting those that they set to aid.

Most international adoptions can cost anywhere from $25,000 to $50,000, and depending on where the child is from, the process can take anywhere from one to four years and multiple visits to the child’s home country. Some of these high costs result from countries and adoption agencies trying to create a profit from unnecessary fees purely because adoptive families are willing to pay extra.

Looking beyond the time and money that international adoption requires, the process is entirely hypocritical. When a couple has a child biologically, there are no social workers who come to their house to make sure everything is babyproofed, while this is what occurs for soon-to-be adoptive parents. Simply because a child is not one’s biologically does not immediately imply that an adoptive parent does not understand how to raise a child responsibly.

In order to ensure a safe home, the social workers administer there are home visits, where they inter-

and would like to stop. By doing this, he disregards the rules of BSDM and the sexual activity that takes place after that is no longer consensual, but is actually rape.

The ideas in “Fifty Shades” are especially concerning when considering the amount of people who are stuck in or falling into relationships that are either physically or emotionally abusive, yet audiences around the country find themselves intrigued by the story. Many are not aware of the red flags, or warning signs, of such a relationship, which include humiliation, controlling behavior, picking at faults and manipulation.

“Fifty Shades” is not alone in this accusation. Abuse is portrayed in many movies as well as on TV, but the issue is rarely addressed. Abusive behaviors are never actually recognized as signs of abuse, which is terrifying because most people do not realize that these characters in the media are in abusive relationships. To make matters worse, the novel as well as the film end the story with Anastasia marrying Christian, making her tied to this toxic man for the rest of her life. The story could have taken a very

different turn and ended with Anastasia becoming aware of what their relationship had become, identifying the issue and bringing to light the harsh reality of those who suffer abuse.

Though “Fifty Shades” is definitely not the only film to blame for romanticizing abusive relationships, the story is a powerful reminder of how today’s media tends to portray these often horrifying stories in a positive light. On the other hand, there are a few networks that are now working to change what people think about domestic abuse. “The Fosters”, a relatively new ABC Family show, depicts one of the brothers of the main character in an abusive relationship. The show demonstrates the consequences of his abusive relationship and how he effectively gets out of it.

“The Fosters” serves as an example and sets a good expectation for how the media should really be portraying these toxic relationships. A long path lies ahead, yet there is hope for improvement in the near future. For now, let’s just hope the film industry does not make a sequel for “Fifty Shades” any time soon — the world has already seen enough.

view the potential parents about their childhoods and hobbies, perform a thorough background check, ask for personal references and inspect the house for anything that can be deemed unsafe.

These home visits occur often, after every renovation or major change in lifestyle.

Undoubtedly, not everyone who is interested in international adoption is necessarily qualified to raise a child; however, the conditions in many orphanages around the world are worse than those of a potential future home. Due to the large number of orphans, the ratio of caretakers to children is one to 25 on average, which is clearly unsafe and potentially neglectful. The underfunded and overcrowded conditions of orphanages are not uncommon in many parts of the world; therefore, if adoption agencies really had the children’s best interests in mind, they would fix the bad conditions in orphanages before turning away prospective parents for having the wrong stove or an unfenced pool.

While requiring a safe environment for children to grow is an indisputably reasonable and imperative request, disregarding perfectly fine parents from adopting due to insignificant infractions will not provide the best possible life for the child, especially when the adoptive parents’ home is a far safer home than orphanages are. Children should not be recklessly handed out, but withholding them from what could have been a happy, safe and prosperous life because of unrealistic expectations for the

“perfect” home is unfair for both the child and the parents.

Although prohibiting people from adopting due to unsafe homes can occasionally be in the child’s best interest, the fact that multiple people are discriminated against and banned from adopting is unjustifiable. Gay couples in states such as Mississippi and Florida are not allowed to adopt, while countries such as Kenya restrict gay couples from adopting as well. Single parents, too, have faced discrimination and are banned from adopting in countries such as Thailand. There is still controversy surrounding the question of whether or not interracial adoptions should be allowed. Those opposed to interracial adoption argue that taking children away from their home culture and into a new one is harmful. The new parents, supposedly, will not be able to understand and relate to their adopted child as well as people who share the same racial background. This assumption is unjustified and is not working to improve the lives of adopted children. A difference in racial background from their adopted child should not be a factor in adoptions because it does not appropriately gauge whether the parents will be able to adequately care for and love their child.

Due to the harsh rules in place for adoption and downright discrimination, adoption rates have been falling over the years, and unless the international adoption process becomes more moderate and harbors the children’s best interests as its top priority, the rates will only continue to drop.

international adoption typically costs between

$25,000 &$50,000

145,000,000

orphans worldwide.

U.S. international adoption rates have declined by

69% since 2004

every

18

seconds

a child becomes an orphan

international adoption

Opinions

The Prospector

February 27, 2014

5

tino’s cell phone tower would having a cell phone tower on our football field really be as bad as it has been made out to be?

JEREMY XUE

EDITORIAL CARTOON

media liason

A handful of parents are rallying against Verizon and the school board in protest of the proposed Verizon cell tower, which is scheduled to be considered by the city planning committee in August. Voicing their views both online and at board meetings, they cite issues such as health risks and safety hazards.

Those against the construction of the tower state that there is currently not enough research about the dangers of the radiation emitted by cell phone towers. They raise concerns that the exposure to radiation will cause cancer; however, according to the American Cancer Society, RF waves, the radiation emitted by cell phone towers, is a form of non-ionizing radiation which is not strong enough to break the chemical bonds in DNA, and therefore cannot lead to cancer or related illnesses.

Despite arguments from a reputable source as the American Cancer Society, however, opponents of the tower choose to believe small news sources and conspiracy websites that utilize fearmongering in order to achieve more page views. The sources linked by the “health risks” section of the movement’s website are

all from outdated, inconclusive studies that do not draw a clear link between cell phone towers and cancer. During the Feb. 3 board meeting, one parent even stated that “just like we can’t be sure that vaccines don’t cause autism, we can’t be sure that cell tower radiation doesn’t cause cancer.” These are the same people that see one falsified study about vaccines leading to autism from a researcher who had his license to practice revoked, and believe it over the hundreds of scientific studies that say otherwise. If parents are so concerned about radiation from cell towers, they should look in the pockets and backpacks of their children, who possess cell phones that are in much closer proximity and potentially pose a much greater radiation risk than that of the cell tower.

Another common argument is that the tower will pose a safety hazard to the students at the school. However, the tower is not a new building in its entirety — it is simply the addition of 6 antennae on an existing light pole on the football field, and if it were to fall in the event of an earthquake, it would have fallen regardless of the added antennae. Another concern is the “explosive

JOYCE YE copy editor

hazard” of the generator used to power the tower; however, there are similar generators all around the school, one of which is used by the Marching Band to power floodlights used in their performances. If anything, the cell phone tower would improve safety around the school in the event of an emergency. In the event of an earthquake, landlines are often knocked out, leaving cell phones as the only option to reach loved ones. When the phone lines are jammed due to thousands of students trying to reach their parents, wouldn’t students rather have a cell tower that can push that call out to tell emergency crews that they are trapped under the rubble of a collapsed building?

Parents should not be worried about the installation of the Verizon cell phone tower. The fear of radiation is refuted by varous sources, such as the American Cancer Society. If anything, the tower is a benefit to the FUHSD community, offering $3,000 per month through the lease paid by Verizon, which is distributed to schools across the district, and a stronger signal in the case of an emergency could have the potential to save lives.

one with the same height and weight who rarely exercised and often ate fast food simply because muscle weighs more than fat.

Because of its misleading nature and potential for causing bullying and triggering eating disorders in self-conscious children, BMI screening should have no place in schools. The only real reason to include BMI testing in schools is that levels nearly two thirds of U.S. of obesity are rising in the U.S., which can cause an increased adults are overweight number of diseases such as high Nearly one third of blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, cancer and more. IgnoU.S. Adults are rance is a huge factor in this, as obese the majority of obese parents will not notice anything wrong if their children are obese, and many athletes who have a 70 percent of obese children will Large muscle mass are grow up to become obese adults. considered obese or overTherefore, California public schools send letters to parents to weight when using bmi inform them of their children’s potential weight issues; however, it’s not certain that sendthe formula to ing this information home will determine bmi is 2 2 even make a difference. Madsen, along with a team of other qualified scientists, conducted a thorough study in this area, and found that there was no difference in obesity levels in households which had been sent letters as opposed to those which had not.

Even if body composition tests had been shown to be beneficial, there are many other forms of tests that can be taken in place of BMI which are more accurate and breed less erroneous body hatred, such as the waist circumference to height ratio test. This test is just as simple, if not more so, as the BMI test, yet much more accurate. It runs on one basic rule: a person’s waist circumference should be kept to less than half of his or her height. Everyone who abides by this principle is said to have a higher life expectancy than those who do not, whereas the same cannot be said for the BMI test, as someone can have a normal BMI while being very out of shape.

In schools, where body insecurity is rampant, it is important to raise awareness about the harm that obesity can cause, yet it is even more important to go about it in such a manner that the information provided is accurate and as non-disruptive as possible to students’ mental states. The BMI system is not living up to those standards, so it’s past time to replace it with a more accurate and comprehensive test.

THE PROBLEM WITH BMI

A teenage girl stares despondently into the mirror, meticulously scrutinizing her body, saddened eyes lingering on invisible folds of fat. In her mind, a number has been jumping around all day, stabbing her every thought. The culprit? Her underweight healthy overweight obese BMI, or Body Mass Index. This bmi defines weight status using the is the system that takes a student’s height and weight meaparemeters above surements, and then spits out a number which supposedly correlates to his or her body fat levels. This is also the system which 95 percent of California schools, this school included, use to assess a student’s body composition for the FITNESSGRAM, a comprehensive fitness exam which tests a student’s aerobic capacity, muscular strength, muscular endurance, flexibility and body composition. Because of its nationwide acceptance, many students have adopted it as the norm for determining their overall health, while in fact, it is often deceptive and should not be used in public schools.

The FITNESSGRAM is required in California, and with it, body composition screening, often in the form of BMI. Unfortunately, many schools also choose to notify parents of their children’s test results without explaining what BMI or a body fat score is. When students become aware of their scores without sufficient explanation, it is common for them to develop unhealthy body images, which leads to insecurity and sometimes even depression.

In reality, BMI is not even an accurate representation of students’ health. According to Kristine Madsen, an assistant professor at the UC Berkeley School of Public Health and the UC San Francisco Department of Pediatrics, roughly half of the children whose BMI labels them as overweight (but not obese) are healthy, with no increased risk of diabetes or other conditions commonly associated with overweight individuals. This is in part due to the fact that the number is based solely on a person’s height, weight and gender, and does not take into account his or her muscle mass, bone density and racial differences. For example, a bodybuilder would have the exact same BMI as some-

<18.5 18.5-24.9 25-29.9 >30

though diet plays a large factor in BMI,

exercise is just as important.

weight (kg)

height (m )

6

Features

HIP-HOP PETER MARTIN flip side assistant

Junior Chris Zamora is president of the Hip Hop Club and a talented breakdancer. Before Hip Hop club, however, this was not the case.

“I joined the club with no experience to try and start dancing.” Zamora said. “I was inspired by videos I saw online, and one of my friends started dancing before me and I thought it was something I wanted to do to. It was like competition.”

He says that the club has definitely helped him to improve his dancing, along with allowing him to meet many new people. Zamora’s involvement with Hip Hop club isn’t just dance, however.

“I’m the president, so I regulate how people organize things and try to bring people to events more, along with attending rallies.”

He is also in charge of coordinating the club for different events.

“The events are usually dance competitions or large dance practices that are held around the Bay Area,” Zamora said. “I try and get people to go and further increase their experience. For the dance competitions I usually battle (dance against people who also break dance). It’s usually one-on-one, or I compete with groups.”

Lots of preparation goes into an event like this, but skill and quick thinking is vital.

“We do a lot of practice beforehand, but when it’s in the moment it’s always improvised,”

Zamora said.

T h e Hip Hop Club also does choreographed performances, which Zamora and his club must plan ahead of time.

Said Zamora, “I just find time to dance and try to make up as many original moves as I can.”

Music is also an important component of any routine.

“I do dance with music, but it depends what mood I am in,” Zamora said. “It can really be any music. Different music gives you a different feeling, a different vibe, so that changes the moves I do.”

However, Zamora stresses that the Hip Hop club is not entirely about dancing.

“The club is not just all about dancing or rapping or any of the other hip-hop aspects,” Zamor a said. “It’s a group to get people to come together. Having [this] experience creates other things in common so people can relate [to each other]. Anyone can join.”

BALLET

PHOTO BY JASON MUNOZ

JASON MUNOZ photo crew

The idea of a ballet conjures images of tutu-clad bal- is not the pursuit of recognition or a career, but lerinas gracefully leaping across stages. One might think her desire to do her best and her passion for ballet. that it’s always beautiful and glamorous to be on stage in Said Serrano, “It takes effort, hard work, determinathe spotlight. In reality, sophomore Alejandra Serrano tion, persistence, and it takes your love for dance. You knows that there’s much more to being a ballerina than need to love it and enjoy every moment of it. Even just looking pretty on stage. if you’ve had a bad day and you don’t want to go to “At first I wasn’t interested in ballet,” Serrano said. class, you still have to feel it and enjoy to be a good “Everyone thinks of ballerinas as just dainty girls [who dancer.

Enjoy what you’re doing dance] in fancy dresses, but being a ballerina takes all the time.” strength, flexibility and much more work and effort than you’d expect. A lot of dancers go through [difficulties] with injuries; it’s like a sport.”

For Serrano, ballet is not only an activity that didn’t interest her at first, but it’s also one in which she struggled to excel. Initially compelled to learn ballet to accompany her sister, who was interested in ballet classes, Serrano eventually developed her own interest in ballet.

Said Serrano, “I didn’t really think I had a talent for ballet [at first]. Some girls have natural talents [but I didn’t pick everything up quickly]. For example, I wasn’t able to do my splits until I was twelve. A lot of girls can do it even when they’re only four. So I did have to work for it; it’s not something that was natural for me. Sometimes I would think that I could never do this move or that move, but I worked hard and I improved.”

Ultimately, what drives Serrano to improve and conPHOTO BY JASON MUNOZ tinue her lessons

February 27, 2014

DAN

NCE February 27, 2014

Features

The Prospector

7

K-POP ISABEL LIN

features editor

In 2014, Youtube reported that online viewership of Korean pop, or “KPOP”, music videos grew from 700 million in 2010 to a staggering 5.5 billion. Indeed, the flashy, eye-catching and at times outlandish KPOP videos, featuring riveting, unexpected choreography, have compelled viewers to take a closer look at the forms of dance that come with the music. For senior Samuel Kang, a self-proclaimed “KPOP dance enthusiast”, KPOP dancing is truly one of a kind.

Kang’s interest in KPOP dance developed from Korean Club, which he insists has been hugely influential to his dancing.

Said Kang, “My interest [in KPOP dancing] would not have started without Korean Club.”

Kang began learning KPOP dance last April; while practicing, he also began choreographing Korean Club dance performances.

Reflecting on his first experiences dancing and choreographing, Kang remarked, “I never learned dancing [professionally]… so [KPOP dancing] was a very new experience for me. It was really scary [choreographing] without any experience dancing... [I often thought], ‘Does this even look good? Does this even make sense?’”

Kang added that although he initially faced challenges with choreographing, the setbacks only motivated him to work harder to i m prove. Korean Club’s performance in last month’s Winter Sports Rally featured a dance segment choreographed solely by Kang.

“I really liked the outcome of [my choreography],” Kang commented. “I am really proud because [it] was quite last minute [but] took less time and effort compared to my other [projects].

Kang’s growth as a choreographer has paralleled his growth as an individual.

“I’ve become even more confident […] since in dance [...] you have to act confident even if you’re not actually confident,” Kang said, looking back on how dancing has changed him.

Kang also stated that dancing has served as a personal method of expression.

“As an art enthusiast and artist, I have to be versatile with [expressing] myself [through] different mediPHOTO BY JASON MUNOZ ums... and [dance] is a way of expression,” Kang said.

Kang’s advice for beginning dancers stems from his own experiences as a relative newcomer to KPOP dance.

“Don’t worry about messing up; it’s all about having fun and being confident,” Kang said. “You [could] know the routine perfectly, but without having fun and being confident, it would look like just a plain old routine.”

BHANGRA STEPHANIE SHI features assistant

Individuals often strive to stand out among their peers, and this can be seen often in solo performances that highlight the dancer’s talent. However, Bhangra, a style of traditional dance originating from the Punjab region of Pakistan and India, is heavily reliant on teamwork due to its group nature. For junior Sajan Sawhney, an interest in Bhangra developed at a very young age.

“I started dancing [Bhangra] when I was about three years old,” Sawhney said. “At first it was more [about making] friends in a community, but because I made so many great friends, I [began to love] it.”

Bhangra consists of energetic moves accompanied by a

PHOTO BY JASON MUNOZ

beat. The dance has expanded beyond its traditional roots and has modernized; now, rap and trap music can often be heard along with traditional music in Bhangra mixes.

Having choreographed since he was 12 years old, Sawhney is familiar with mixing the old with the new.

“There are almost no limitations in Bhangra,” Sawhney said. “From the basics, you can create anything. You can incorporate other dances such as hip hop [with Bhangra] because it just looks really cool.”

Sawhney has also choreographed rally dances, which has brought him much attention for integrating Bhangra into the moves.

“In school, people know me [for dancing],” Sawhney said. “So many people come [up to me] and say, ‘I like how you dance.’ It’s so cool to just see people really interested in my interests.”

Bhangra has also had a large influence on Sawhney’s personal life; it has granted him characteristics that he believes will last him throughout his life.

Said Sawhney, “Bhangra has given me confidence and the ability to socialize with other people.”

Because of Bhangra’s dependence on coordinating with fellow dancers, Sawhney has also learned and been able to practice important teamwork skills.

“You learn certain steps, you coordinate with your group members, and the dance only looks good when you do it as a group,” Sawhney noted.

In the future, Sawhney plans on continuing to compete in Bhangra in college as well as to teach people Bhangra.

“We used to have a Bhangra club at school, but we don’t anymore,” Sawhney said. “Come to me and [I’ll] teach you how to dance so we can perform!”

Lifestyles

8

February 27, 2015

when to toss old makeup

ingredients

KILLER COSMETICS MICHELLE PYKE opinions assistant

Despite the innocuous appearance of the vast array of beauty products found on store shelves today, the ingredients inside these cosmetics may not be as harmless as their labels claim.

Recent studies show that even simple products used daily, such as deodorant, may cause breast cancer later on due to long exposure to toxic chemicals.

Even more shocking is the fact that some chemicals, which have been labeled as possible carcinogens by either the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) or the National Toxicology Program (NTP), are rampant in common cosmetic products, and yet are not listed in ingredient tables. Carcinogens are substances that are known to cause cancer; however, in the United States, the cosmetic industry is permitted to include these synthetic chemicals due to loopholes in federal law. Some

of the most common chemicals allowed include phthalates, lead and ethylene oxide.

Phthalates are absorbed through the skin and have been identified in samples that later grew into breast tumors. They are widely used in creams, lotions, and ointments, meaning that they are in constant contact with a person’s skin. Lead has been linked to learning, language and behavioral problems, and yet it is found in products including sunscreen, foundation, nail colors and whitening toothpaste.

Additionally, ethylene oxide has been identified by the NTP as a known human carcinogen and is used in shampoos and body washes as well as for sterilizing surgical instruments.

These are only three chemicals cited by the Breast Cancer Fund website; however, despite the danger, the government has taken no measures to prohibit their use. The United States seriously lacks appropriate measures for dealing with the use of these

deadly chemicals in consumer products. For example, formaldehyde is a chemical used to help protect cosmetic products against contamination by bacteria; the NTP reported that formaldehyde is a carcinogen and is a major concern for those who work under conditions with high or prolonged exposure to the chemical. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration places no restrictions on the use of formaldehyde in cosmetics.

Yet, in Japan and Sweden, formaldehyde-releasing agents have been banned. In cases like this, the United States should follow the footsteps of other countries in order to create a healthier and more trustworthy market for consumers. However, since there are almost no laws preventing possible carcinogens from being available in the market, Americans must bolster their own knowledge of the chemicals in their cosmetics if they want to work towards a solution.

to

watch

out

phenoxyethanol

mascara

can depress central nervous system

3 months

found in: Burt’s Bees baby lotion

l i p s t i c k

Aveeno daily scrub

1 year

Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream synonyms:

SCANDAL

2 years

M I N E R A L

ALUMINUM POWDER

18 months

human nervous system toxicant

found in: Nar’s eyeshadow Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On eyeliner Yves Saint Laurent Everlong waterproof mascara

S A F E BRANDS

synonyms:

RMS BEAUTY

ALUMINIUM FLAKE; LB PIGMENT 5; PIGMENT METAL 1; A 00; A 95; A 995; A 999

contains minimum ingredients and used by VS models

“fragrance”

AQUARELLA

could cause allergies, dermatitis, respiratory distress

water-based nail polish brand that forgoes toxic fumes

found in: St. Ives Apricot Scrub

AUBREY’S ORGANIC

Chanel face cream The Body Shop lotion * fragrance is an umbrella term often used to preserve a company’s “secret formula” COURTESY OF ENVIRONMENTAL WORKING GROUP

Sherlock Holmes has been a literary classic for over a century, interpreted through various adaptations and spin-offs over the years.

Most recently, the British channel BBC created a contemporary series imagining Sherlock’s adventures in modern-day London. Each season contains three episodes and each episode is 90 minutes long. This film-like format allows the writers to present and develop the “weekly crime” in a unique angle, unlike most other crime dramas on TV. Many critics have praised the chemistry between Sherlock Holmes, played by Benedict Cumberbatch, and his sidekick, John Watson, played by Martin Freeman.

English teacher Sean Bui said of the show, “More than anything, it’s the bromance between those two that I’m interested in. The plots

“Modern Family”, a sitcom centered around the lives of a suburban Los Angeles family, features members of each family addressing the camera directly in an honest and realistic representation of family life in America. Unlike most other family-based shows, “Modern Family” does not show the typical family unit. The show instead follows more complex relationships, with remarriages, adoptions and nontraditional families. Audiences have often praised the sitcom for its episodes about the struggles faced by a gay couple, Mitch and Cam, as well as those of a non-native English speaker, Gloria. While maintaining a level of hilarity in each episode, the show also manages to tackle some of the pressing concerns of modern America.

Although he can’t remember why he first started watching it,

EYESHADOW

2-HYDROXYETHYL PHENYL ETHER; 2-PHENOXY- ETHANOL; 2-PHENOXYETHANOL

TEACHERS! SHERLOCK

for

COURTESY OF GLAMOUR

THEY’RE JUST LIKE US! MAITHILEE KANTHI lifestyles editor

DELANIE MEDINA flip side editor

change every week but [Sherlock and Watson] grow as friends I enjoy that part more than their individual romances.”

Similarly, sophomore Sudarshan Kannan noted, “Sherlock isn’t exactly sane and then Watson isn’t quite right either, but those two work well together anyways.”

Bui went on to say that the show is much like “close reading” in that Sherlock explicitly said at one point,“You look but you don’t see”.

Both Kannan and Bui claimed that one of the best aspects of the show is the way in which Sherlock solves his cases.

“His mind works so fast and he’s so brilliant that the killer is never who you think it is,” Kannan explained. “The story is always wellthought-out — it can’t be plugged into a formula.”

teacher Gavin Goes believes the show is “really funny for a lot of different reasons” and that “it appeals to a lot of different people.”

Similarly, freshman Saloni Dangoria recalls being drawn into the show by her friends.

“I like how the show has so many different storylines,” Dangoria said. “Each week there’s at least one story [I] can relate to.”

Of the large cast, Goes said, “Phil’s my favorite because even though it doesn’t always work out for him, he’s always trying. He’s very earnest.”

In contrast, Dangoria said, “I love Gloria because she’s the funniest of all of them. She’s always making jokes no matter who she’s with, so she makes me crack up.”

“Scandal”, a political thriller show, stars Kerry Washington as Olivia Pope, a former White House employee. The show focuses on Pope’s crisis management firm, Olivia Pope & Associates, as well as people at the White House, including the President, his Chief of Staff, and the First Lady. Many critics have noted the show’s combination of conspiracy thriller and soap opera is what makes it so popular, drawing a reputation as a reliably exhilarating hour every week.

Junior Tara Abtahi says she first got hooked on the show after “a teacher recommended it to [her], and [she] had friends who watched it too.” Since its premiere in 2012, “Scandal” has captivated the lives of millions of loyal viewers.

Teacher Allison Vernon began watching “Scandal” after “[all her

the green tea sunscreen is void of carcinogens found in other sunscreen brands

M O D E R N F A M I L Y

friends] were watching it and [she] had nothing to say when they talked about it.” The show features several powerful characters and although their lives are often much more dramatic than most, viewers are easily able to relate to the difficulties they face.

Said Vernon, “Abbey [is my favorite character] because when Olivia left and everyone fell apart, she actually did something with her life.”

Although relatability is certainly an important aspect of the show, many viewers are drawn to the show because of its cast members and several on-screen romances.

Said Abtahi, “Jake’s my favorite because he’s really attractive and because no matter what Olivia does and no matter what mistakes she makes, he’s always there for her.”

H O L E W A L L CROSSROADS Whether you’re looking to sell your used clothes or buy great clothes at even greater prices, Crossroads Trading Co. is the place for you.

The racks, organized by color and size, showcase a great selection of secondhand clothes in a variety of styles from a collection of well-known brands. If you’re interested in shopping for more than just shirts and sweaters, Crossroads also offers gently used shoes, socks and other popular accessories such as belts and bowties. Only a short drive from Santana Row and Valley Fair Mall, Crossroads is sure to please even the most picky customers.

ACADEMY AWARDS DANIEL FERTELMEISTER sports assistant

While the winners and losers of the night are technically those that walk home — or do not — with a statue, any veteran knows that some of the most important wins aren’t declared officially.

WINNERS:

Animal-Human Hybrids The biggest winners of the night were, undeniably, anyone and everyone that had anything to do with the movie “Birdman”. The movie won two of the Academy Awards’ four biggest prizes: Best Picture and Best Director for Alejandro González Iñárritu, in addition to Best Cinematography and Best Original Screenplay. The film follows the story of a washed-up Hollywood superhero as he attempts to regain his past glory while slowly losing his sanity. Unexpectedly, the movie racked up

swag bags Select actors and filmmakers who did not win an Oscar still walked home with swag bags worth up to $125,000, including...

9

DELANIE MEDINA flip side editor

THU DAM photo editor

in th e

t h e

Lifestyles

The Prospector

February 27, 2015

ROCKET FIZZ

A sanctuary for book lovers, Recycle Bookstore in Downtown Campbell has been open for over 40 years and currently offers a collection of over 10,000 carefully chosen books at affordable prices. Customers can buy, sell, and

trade books of all genres in a comfortable environment filled with friendly cats and a welcoming staff. In a world as hectic as ours, it’s important to take a moment to relax in a quiet space and Recycle Bookstore is the perfect place for it.

R e c y c l e d bookstore THERAPY

more awards than all other movies at the awards with the exception of “The Grand Budapest Hotel”, also a winner of four.

“Birdman” and “Grand Budapest” weren’t the only big winners, however, as all eight Best Picture nominees went home with an Oscar in hand.

Emotions This year’s acceptance speeches did a great job getting people’s emotional juices flowing. First was Best Adapted Screenplay winner Graham Moore’s speech – in which he referenced his own attempted suicide as part of a plea to today’s kids to “stay weird.” He connected this beautiful testament to the power of individuality to the main character of his movie, “The Imitation Game”, who eventually committed suicide due to homosexual persecution. The speech touched many and contributed greatly to the emotions of the event. He was followed up by Best Supporting Actor J.K. Simmons, who finished his speech by telling viewers to call, not text or email, their parents and tell them that

they love them in what was the best feel-good moment of the show.

Music Music performances at the Oscars have a mixed history – sometimes beautiful, sometimes painful. This year’s performances, however, were notably good. They were led by a stripped-down performance by a surprisingly normal-looking Lady Gaga and an inspirational rendition of “Glory” by John Legend and Common. Gaga took the stage and showed the world that she’s more than a pop music machine, showcasing her powerful voice and delivering a moving tribute to “The Sound of Music”. She was topped only

by Common and John Legend, who delivered “Glory” with help from a live choir and a realistic set from the movie “Selma”.

Their performance – which included a crowd of singers both black and white – brought many audience members, including “Selma” star David Oyelowo and Chris Pine, to tears in one of the show’s most powerful moments.

Train ride through the rockies Stars get to travel aboard the award-winning Rocky Mountaineer, through the Canadian Rockies: a package worth $14, 600.

The expression “kid in a candy store” really isn’t just an expression here. Stepping into the store, the shelves are lined with retro tin posters, an assortment of sodas (cactus flavor, anyone?), and every type of candy you could ever imagine. The wooden baskets of colorful taffy bring back childhood memories, and the scent of mingling artificial fruits is enough to make your mouth water. Located in the heart of Downtown Campbell, there are enough familiar candies to bring back the past, but just as many unique treats to have your own little adventure.

From hamburger print socks to tongue-in-cheek greeting cards, Therapy has gifts for anyone you could ever think of. It’s hard to put a label on the place because it’s so eclectic, and you’ll find yourself unable to stop touching all the little knick-knacks and random home decor. Ever wanted a stuffed animal unicorn head for your home? They have it. Prices do range from very affordable to very unaffordable, but you’ll never know what you’ll end up finding in the cute little shop in Downtown Mountain View.

LOSERS: “Best and Whitest”

As Neil Patrick Harris hilariously pointed out at the beginning of the broadcast, the Oscars were almost a celebration of Hollywood’s “Best and Whitest.” The nominees for Best Actor, Actress, Supporting Actor, or Supporting Actress were all white. Despite being nominated for Best Picture, none of the members of “Selma’s” mostly-black cast were nominated for individual awards.

The movie’s director, Ava DuVernay, who many expected to be the first black female director to be nominated, didn’t even appear on the ballot.

However, the Academy redeemed itself, to an extent; Mexicans Alejandro González Iñárritu and Emmanuel Lubezki won Best Director and Best Cinematography, respectively.

Common and John Legend, both African-American, won Best Original Song. Finally “Big Hero 6”, touted as Disney’s most diverse feature, took home Best Animated Feature.

“American Sniper”

The movie that came into the awards with the most buzz – and the heavi-

CUSTOM -DESIGNED FURNITURE Architect Elena Focolli offered to create a unique and exclusive piece of furniture to each nominee, such as a bookcase opening into a hidden room: worth $25, 000.

est pockets – left the awards unexpectedly empty-handed. The war film, which has been met with much praise and equally as much controversy, came in with 6 nominations – including Best Picture and Best Actor – but left with only the award for Best Sound Editing.

Time Management

The show was three and a half hours long. Of course, 24 awards plus acceptances, performances, monologues and nominee presentations take a lot of time. But parts of the show seemed to go from a commercial to a teaser for an upcoming performance to another commercial.

The show should be shortened if it wants to attract more viewers.

John Travolta

John Travolta just can’t catch a break at the Oscars. A year removed from his infamous butchering of Idina Menzel’s name, Travolta again took the stage with “Adele Dazeem” in an encounter that ended with him awkwardly cradling her face. This was in addition to his creepy attempt to kiss Scarlett Johansson on the cheek.

As Harris stated, “I guess we should expect him to return next year to apologize for the face touching.”

LIGHT THERAPY FOR FAT The celebrities could choose to lose up to 9 inches of fat from Ventura’s “noninvasive LED light technology” procedure: worth $4,100.

COURTESY OF US WEEKLY

Sports

10

February 27, 2014

international R E C r u i t m e n t As athletes are imported to win big, has the spirit of the Olympic games been lost?

MYUNG JU SONG news assistant

The first Olympic Games were held in Athens, Greece in 776 BC as a way for city-states to peacefully resolve conflicts while competing for honor and glory. Since the beginning of its formation, the game of sport has served the purpose of uniting tribes, groups and nationalities by condensing individuals’ various aspirations into the single goal of a group. By winning, entire nations experience camaraderie and rejoice in the glory that their athletes have brought them. However, as international sports have gained more media attention and become monetarily profitable, some nations have taken cheating in sports to new heights by essentially “buying” athletes to win.

The first of what are now called “passport Olympians” or “Olympic carpetbaggers” came about in the 1920s when the British ice hockey teams were made primarily of Canadians. In recent years, with the relaxation of international boundaries for citizenship, professional athletes have taken passport-swapping to a higher degree. For instance, the Russian gold medalist

for men’s short-track speedskating in the 1,000 meter category during the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics was Viktor Ahn, who was originally a South Korean skater. Similarly, during the 2012 London Olympics, the British faced stiff international criticism for recruiting top-tier athletes from Cuba, Germany and the United States to compete for the Union Jack in track and cycling.

International sports competitions have gained tremendous media attention with advancements in technology and globalization.

The start of the modern Olympics in Athens in 1896 drew a crowd of only 80,000 in its opening ceremony. By contrast, the opening ceremony of the 2012 London Olympics was watched on television worldwide by about 900 million spectators. The 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics were the most expensive Olympics yet, costing the Russian government $51 billion. With increased attention and honor placed upon the athletes, nations have actively recruited the top athletes in different categories to heap laurels in their country’s name. Sports have become monetarily profitable as well; sports clothing and equipment brands from multiple countries use the international attention for advertising, making millions of dollars each year by having the

athletes run in their equipment and clothing.

As these recruited foreign athletes start to dominate international sports competitions, many are expressing their disapproval for these so-called “mercenary-athletes.” In fact, some even question the motive of having the Olympic Games when there are mercenaries working for different countries for monetary gains. After all, the Olympic Games were originally intended to foster cooperation and friendly competition between nations — not bribery, money or sore emotions. At home, athletes who were not given the opportunity to play for their own country are also furious.

Their chance to play in the Olympics has severely been limited, as world-class freelancers take the few remaining spots to compete.

The contempt for modern sporting events, which are now dominated by capital, is understandable, and athletes’ frustration in losing their spots to compete in the Olympic Games is justifiable. However, it is necessary to change the prejudice towards foreign athletes who play for different nations.

Ironically, the United States is one of the world’s biggest nations to partake in international carpetbagging despite also making the

loude s t complaints against other countries. In fact, the U.S. typically imports golfers and tennis players and exports runners, skiers and basketball players.

Bernard Lagat, a Kenyan long-distance runner who won the World Championships three times and holds numerous other medals, was received warmly when he decided to represent the United States in the 5000-meter race.

In contrast, when United States-born figure skater Kaitlyn Weaver won the silver medal for Canada in the 2014 World Championships, there was an outrage against the change of nationality and recruitment. Such hypocrisy and bias when looking towards recruited athletes for other nations only proves the country’s unreadiness to embrace international harmony.

Athletes will always continue to identify and play with the country that chooses to support them. If nothing else, such rewards will prompt athletes to further strive to break old limits and set new records, fulfilling the Olympic motto, “Citius, Altius, Fortius,” Latin for “Faster, Higher, Stronger.”

ALWAYS eN GARDE Sophomore Geoffrey Tourette is a nationally-ranked fencer who shows that, through patience and hard work, anyone can excel at something they’re passinate about

ALEX SHIEH media liason

days with his fencing coach. At these private lessons, he learns new tactics and areas to improve in fencing. Twice a month on Sundays, Tourette participates in competitions, a time where he can put all of his hard work on display. Through the hours of practice, Tourette shows his commitment and dedication towards fencing.

“It’s mostly keeping your head in the game as well as keeping up physically,” said Tourette. “You have to always be in shape since the fencing season is long in comparison with other seasons.”

Currently, Tourette is ranked You have to be patient. You second in the need to work in order to United States for While many high the under-17 age school athletes particilearn everything and you group of fencpate in sports teams ofneed to practice everything because it’s ing and third in fered in school, sophothe world for the a lot of repetition.

So if you’re fencing, more Geoffrey Tourette same category. attends a sport that’s a don’t give up if you don’t succeed at first” Over the past four little more unique: fencSophomore Geoffrey Tourette years, he has won a ing. total of 11 national Fencing is a sport of titles and one internationswordplay that incorporates skills PHOTOS COURTESY GEOFFREY TOURETTE al competition.

In addition, Tourette recently such as agility, strength, coordination, and competed in the 2015 Junior Olympics, a national champitiming. The goal of the game is essentially to strike the opponent and onship held in Richmond, Virginia.

At the competition, Tourette not get struck. Fencers receive one point per strike until someone obtains placed first in the under-17 category.

15 points.

At such a young age, Tourette has a bright future in the sport of At age six, Tourette moved from France to America, where he found fencing.

In April, Tourette will be traveling to Tashkent, Uzbekistan to athis passion for fencing. After nine years of training, he now consistently attend the fencing World Championship. As Tourette continues to pursue his tends fencing practices for three hours a day, five days a week. During these passion for fencing, he offers his advice to any other fencing athletes who weekday practices, Tourette trains with his teammates. are struggling with the sport.

Said Tourette, “It’s a lot of conditioning, and just repetition — a lot of Said Tourette, “You have to be patient. You need to work in order to learn footwork and jumps to get us physically fit, since fencing is a lot about being everything and you need to practice everything because it’s a lot of repetition. [able] to outlast your opponent.”

So if you’re fencing, don’t give up if you don’t succeed at first.”

Along with weekday practices, Tourette attends private lessons on Satur-

Sports

The Prospector

February 27, w2014

11

What goes into maintaining

track equipment?

RISHI NAIR news assistant

In 2013, many of the school’s athletic facilities were renovated, which most recognizably includes the replacement of the old loose-sand running track with the new rubberized all-weather running track. Additionally, sand pits for track and field long and triple jump athletes and a safety cage and concrete pad for discus and hammer throwers were added. The team gained other equipment such as hurdles, runners’ starting blocks, shots for the shot put, discuses, stationary bicycles, the high jump pit and small cones used for training drills. Track and field’s equipment expansion reflects the school’s general trend towards improvement of its athletic facilities, and promises to continue to excel in the future.

Much of the track and field equipment is stored in a large storage container, safe from the elements. The hurdles, starting blocks and high jump pit, all stored under the bleachers, are susceptible to damage by rain, and so all are covered by tarps. Additionally, the lines marking distance thrown from t h e safety cage for discus and hamm e r throws are smeared and washed away when it rains, and thus need occasional remarking. After a day of heavy rains, the track is generally regarded too slick to run on until

it dries; otherwise, it is unaffected by weather.

One of the most important pieces of equipment for a track athlete is the uniform; singlets and shorts and apparel for warmups all constitute the uniform budget.

“The team’s current uniforms were bought ten years ago by cross country and track parents who funded them,” said Assistant Coach Shani Armstrong.

The team also utilizes Athletic Boosters donation funds to go toward uniforms.

“It’s just up to the kids to clean their uniforms during the season,” said Armstrong.

Like all track and field equipment, the track, sand pits and other facilities must also be taken care of and kept well-maintained.

“The track itself does require some regular maintenance, because, over time, the all-weather rubber material it’s made of gets blown off the surface of the track,” said Armstrong.

“The sand pits also need to be raked regularly to contain all the sand, especially under windy conditions. We also cover them with tarps to shield them from rain.”

All of these facilities are shared not only by the track and cross country teams, but also by other athletic teams that feature running as part of practice or conditioning as well as the surrounding Cupertino community. The track is susceptible to wear from such use, but that is not as problematic as the littering problem and other such neglect shown for the athletic facilities by some students.

“Not all of the students take good care of the track and football field,” said Armstrong. “We find a lot of trash, and the plants near the track get stepped on. We have to remember that the school had to pay a lot of money to get what we have today. But there are also a lot of people from the community who sometimes ride bikes and bring their dogs with them on the track, leaving messes.”

Despite these issues, it is evident that the regular maintenance and care for the school’s athletic facilities ensure that its athletic programs are well-supported.

F IN IS H

DIETS AND SERVING SIZES Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: Servings Per Container:

Amount Per Serving

Calories:

Calories from Fat: % Daily Value

Total Fat

Saturated Fat Trans Fat Cholesterol Sodium Total Carbohydrate

Dietary Fiber Sugars Protein

Vitamin A Vitamin C Calcium Iron

MAITHILEE KANTHI lifestyles editor

Oftentimes, dieters make the mistake of cutting back on their daily meals in order to lose weight. However, research has shown that simply cutting back on all foods is not enough to lead to a healthier body.

Instead, dieters should target which foods to eliminate and which to increase, so as to eat all the nutrients their body needs.

Although most people are familiar with the food pyramid, few can identify what constitutes one serving of the suggested food group. The USDA recommends at least 50 percent of one’s plate to be made of fruits and vegetables; similarly, the food pyramid suggests three to five servings of fruits and vegetables every day. A half-cup of fresh vegetables accounts for one serving, and a half-cup of juice counts for one serving of fruit. A handy tip is to compare the serving to a fist; if the fruit or vegetable resembles a fist in size, it constitutes one serving. A majority of one’s daily vitamins and nutrients come from fruit and vegetable intake, so don’t skimp out on the salad.

Although a typical American tends to eat a lot of carbohydrates, they are often served with fatty sides or preservatives. It may seem difficult to obtain the right nutrients from carbs without all the side effects, but simple diet changes can make all the difference. Try whole wheat pasta with vegetables and a light red sauce rather than the typical fettuccini alfredo. The USDA suggests six to eight servings of carbs every day. One slice of bread, half a cup of grains, and an ounce of dry granola are all examples of one serving.

The majority of one’s protein comes from meat. While there are substitutes for vegetarians and vegans, such as nuts and lentils, meats are the most direct source of protein. The USDA recommends two to three servings of lean meats, poultry, and seafood every day. Three ounces of cooked meat or seafood, about the size of a computer mouse, equates to one serving.

Calcium, protein, and Vitamin D are all necessary nutrients that dairy provides. Examples of healthy dairy include low-fat yogurt, reduced-fat milk, and fat-free cheese. One cup of milk or yogurt, and one and a half ounces of cheese, equal in volume to six stacked dice, translates into one serving. The USDA recommends two to three servings daily, in order to keep a healthy bone density and stable weight.

While it is impossible to cut out the junk food from one’s life entirely, through dedication and attention most of the harmful side effects of junk food can be avoided. The human body obtains of its necessary sugars from fruits and carbs. Dieters don’t even need to cut out treats altogether; it doesn’t hurt to have a slice of chocolate cake once in a blue moon. Just make sure the body is properly nourished and rested every month to have the healthiest outcome.

Flip Side

February 27, 2015

12

FEBRUARY IN PHOTOS THU DAM

JASON MUNOZ

THU DAM

THU DAM

COURTESY OF DON NAGAMATSU

SERENADES | Science teacher Al-

CONSOLATION GAME | Sophomore COMEDY HOUR | Armen Turmanov GIRLS BASKETBALL | Kristen Naga- HALFTIME SHOW | Bar Kimchi leaps lanah Ujifusa receives a serenade from Courtney Chan runs the ball in the and Amruta Talwalker perform a game at matsu dribbles down the court at the onto the back of Joseph Lou during the the Boy’s Beginning Choir on Valensophomore versus freshman powderpuff Comedy Hour’s first show of 2015. girls basketball game.

Junior Jaguars half-time show. tine’s Day. game.

A Well-Read Staff

THU DAM

Founded in the summer of 2014, the school’s teachers’ book club was created due to a common interest in reading and academic discussion. Many teachers hailing from numerous departments have joined.

The group has convened several times and has discussed Susan Cain’s “Quiet”, a lengthy Longforms nominated article, and the investigative podcast “Serial”. This is a question-and-answer session with the group’s founder, Mr. Tkach.

Q: How did the group start?

A: The Cupertino Book Club started off last summer, because last spring we an-

nounced our Summer Merit Reading List, which included the book “Quiet: the Power of Introverts in a World that Can’t Stop Talking”. [The book] interested a lot of staff [members, so] we decided to read it over the summer. A couple [of] weeks into the school year, we met as a group and brought snacks and talked about it like students do.

Q: Do you see it as a good opportunity for teachers to socialize outside of the professional dynamic?

A:

I think it’s nice to be able to interact with teachers outside of professional collaboration. We teachers are readers and human-beings as well. It’s fun to be doing the same thing students are doing sometimes because the truth is we are learners as well.

Q:

Do you have a lot of different teachers who come from different departments?

A:

It’s nice to interact with teachers from different subject areas, and it brings in a variety of different perspectives.

Q: Do you feel like you’ve learned anything interesting from the collaborative effort?

A: It really reminded me that many teachers here on campus genuinely like to read.

We didn’t do it for the grade or because we had to. We did it because we wanted to read and discuss.

Q: How has selection worked?

A: [Selection is] pretty informal, and we are always looking for suggestions from

teachers and even students. Maybe we could meet about a TV show. It’s kind of just an amorphous group. It’s organic.

COMPILED BY NEIL McCLINTICK

NEXT MONTH: MARCH Masterwork Concert

Friday, March 6

Spring Rally

Monday, March 16

Spring Play

Friday, March 21

Teacher Work Day Junior Prom

Friday, March 21

Friday-Saturday, March 27-28

COURTESY OF TAYLOR PAK

A FRESH START NIKITA DEVDHAR sports editor

Lately, I’ve been remembering a game our basketball team played my first year, against Los Altos, the best team in our league. Our captain told us that two years ago, our opponents had been in the same position that we were, and they struggled to win even a single game. She gave us the hope that we could also be first in the league in two years’ time, just like they were. Although many of us probably did not believe it at the time, our old captain’s prophecy rang true; from going 0-12 my freshman year, we rose through the ranks to become undefeated league champions that we are today.

Most basketball teams take years to turn their program saround, which left me wondering how we managed to accomplish our goals so fast. I realized, however, that building a good team is like building a good car. There are many different parts that all have to come together to make one functioning machine, and oftentimes, you don’t realize the significance of each part until you’ve put it all together. When we were conditioning in the hot April weather or wheezing in the locker room after running for miles around the city, we didn’t realize that day by day, we were slowly getting stronger and faster.

When we were struggling to do pushups after missing a bad pass, we didn’t notice how our minds subconsciously changed to understand the importance of teamwork. Our team had all the right parts: our calm and collected coach, who always had faith in us, our newly acquired speed and, ultimately, our determination to win and play hard. So we built our car, and we were off to the races.

If there’s anything I’ve learned from the experience, it’s that you have to suffer through bad times so you can really savor the good ones. I remember a time when we hoped to win even one game in the league, let alone a spot in CCS. I remember when our goal for the game was to focus on basic passing, not run a fast-paced offense. I remember when we struggled to break through the full-court pressure of the other team, not when we forced that same pressure on others. I remember when we only had our faithful parents watching in the stands, not when they were joined by screaming classmates and observing scouts. In the future, however, when I look back on my days in high school, I will remember something different. I will always remember the time when our basketball team changed the long-standing status quo.