MISSION SAN JOSE HIGH SCHOOL
Around the world with MSJ
Page 1: find out about the new principal, assistant principal, and counselor at MSJ Page 2: Construction Update: P-Wing Building Opens
Where: Beijing, China When: June 24-July 19 What: Laura interned at the English newspaper 21st Century, a branch of China Daily, and wrote a column about life in America. Most memorable part: “Although I’d visited China many times before, this was the first time I’d immersed myself so deeply in its culture that after a certain point, I no longer felt like an outsider.”
•Learn about Mrs. Tevlin’s participation in the annual Running of the Teachers, an event created to provide affordable supplies for teachers
•Explore the new two-story building from the comfort of your computer •Cast your vote for the next student to be featured in the Student Spotlight
FOR MORE COVERAGE GO TO
THESMOKESIGNAL.ORG
MSJ makes changes to Administration By Sanjay Sreekumar Opinion Editor The start of the 2013-14 school year has brought a flurry of changes to MSJ, most notably to the current administration. MSJ’s principal for the past several years, Sandra Prairie, has retired and former Vice Principal Zack Larsen has been promoted as principal. Joanna Jensen, one of MSJ’s temporary counselors last year, will stay as a permanent member on MSJ’s staff. Finally, Jeff Evans, MSJ’s Social Science teacher for eight years, has become one of the three assistant principals on campus. The process for selecting an assistant principal is very similar to the one used to select a principal. Evans applied and was selected for the position after an extensive review process that included evaluations by various other administrators, teachers, parents, and other faculty in the FUSD. Being an administrator has always been a target for Evans, even though he misses the day to day classroom experience that he had as a teacher. Evans’ main responsibility this year is to supervise the current 11th grade class and the 9th graders with last names from A-L. He will continue to supervise this group as they move through high school, making sure that all their individual needs are met. Other duties include helping administer the Physical Education and Math Departments, ensuring school safety, and helping students with schedule changes.
Where: Tamkang University in Tamsui, Taiwan When: July 2–August 12 What: Jacinta was one of 200 selected international students to participate in OCAC SCLP 2013, a government sponsored camp that gives students from all over the world the opportunity to live in Taiwan and learn about Taiwan, the Chinese language, and the culture. Most memorable part: “I made so many memories, friends, and had so- much fun, I kind of wish it lasted longer!”
Jacinta Chang, 10
•Check out the new Online Exclusive series, Humans of MSJ, created to spotlight the uniqueness of our student body
September 27, 2013
41717 PALM AVENUE, FREMONT, CA 94539
Laura Chen, 11
Where: Göttingen, Berlin, and Dresden, Germany When: June 19-29 What: Dustin was one of the 13 students who traveled to Germany for a cultural exchange program organized by Ethnic Studies teacher Risha Krishna and Computer Science teacher Charlie Brucker. Students were each paired up with a different German host student and family to experience daily life in a German setting. Most memorable part: “I built amazing new friendships, saw incredible landmarks, and I’ll never forget how delicious German meats are.”
Dustin Chiang, 11
By Genevieve Huang, Nina Krishnan, and Catherine Wang
Staff Writer, News Editor, and Opinion Editor From Taiwan to Germany to Palo Alto, these are how some MSJ students spent their summers. If you have a story to share, contact the editors at news@thesmokesignal.org.
Where: MakeGamesWithUs When: June 17-August 10 What: Keshav interned at a Y-Combinator backed company called MakeGamesWithUs, where he developed ObjectiveC coding skills. He then developed an SAT turn-based vocabulary game that will be released in October. Most memorable part: “I met and talked to Alexis Ohanian, the Reddit cofounder. He inspired me to take action on the things I love to do and to embrace failure because there is nothing to lose.”
Where: UC Davis Young Scholars Program When: June 23-August 3 What: Krishna conducted his own research with a professor. He used Perl Script and DAVID software to help map out the human genome and predict which sections of the DNA sequence was activated. Then he analyzed cow embryo cells to better understand how they matured on a physiological level and some biomarkers to determine when a cell could become a stem cell. Most memorable part: ‘Waking up at 3 am and rushing to the lab with my lab partner to vacuum egg cells out of cow ovaries.”
Krishna Bharathala, 12
VOL. 49, NO. 1
Keshav Rao, 10
See OFFICE NEWS Page 2 graphics from www.moddb.com, photos courtesy keshav rao, krishna bharathala, dustin chiang, staff writer jacinta chang, web editor laura chen
2 News
www.thesmokesignal.org
The Smoke Signal
Friday, September 27, 2013
Construction Update: New P-Wing Building Opens
a&e editor peter xu
The new two-story building has opened for the school year, featuring benches around the building, bathrooms on the first floor, and ten classrooms.
By Tammy Tseng A&E Editor After close to a year of construction work, the new P-wing building is finally up and running for the 2013-14 school year. Portable classrooms P1, 2, 3, 4, 12, and 13 were torn down to make room for the twostory building, which lies between the remaining old P-wing classrooms (P8 through 11, and P5 and P6). The building houses a total of ten classrooms, four more than previously on campus: original room numbers P1-4 on the first floor, as well as new rooms P21-26 on the second floor. Classes held in the new building range between health, special education, world language, English, and U.S. history, serving a mix of students from all four grades.
OFFICE| Changes continued from page 1
One of the major goals for Evans is to change the textbook system at this school. School textbooks used to be checked out by students through individual teachers, and teachers were the ones responsible for making sure that students returned their books back to the classroom. This year, FUSD has implemented barcodes on every textbook in the district. The purpose of the barcodes is to make the checkout process much easier for teachers by associating every textbook to a student. Administrators attempted to scan barcodes in September, but due to difficulties securing Wi-fi connection and glitches in the operating system, book scanning is postponed. Evans is expecting that next year, books will be scanned during Maze Day when students are getting their schedules.
The traditionally open feel of MSJ’s campus is maintained in the new building’s layout. The building is not completely closed off, but instead has open hallways that cut through each floor, through which students enter the classrooms. The second floor can be accessed by either a flight of stairs on one side or a wheelchair-accessible ramp on the other. The classrooms themselves have new LCD projectors mounted in the ceilings and are considerably cleaner than the old rooms, but otherwise, there are no huge changes in room layout or technological equipment between the new P-wing rooms and other MSJ classrooms. The P-wing building also features new bathrooms on the first floor. The removal of P12 and P13 has made space for new benches to be placed on the newly extended concrete between the twostory building and old rooms P8 through
Some of Evans’ other goals include working with students on an individualized basis, especially those with a wide variety of needs. His experience as an assistant principal so far has been extremely positive and quite the learning experience. Evans considers his background as a social science teacher and as a someone who’s worked at MSJ as helpful tools for the job. “The positive is that I’ve been at the school for eight years so I know the students, I know the environment, and I know the standards at this school.” In terms of his future plans, Evans is content with his job right now, but he hopes that someday he might be a principal at a school. A final message that Evans has for MSJ is that he wishes that all students will enjoy their years in high school. It’s important that students maintain good grades, in his opinion, but we should also try to experience the many other different activities available at MSJ. ▪
sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com
Compiled by Staff Writers Katrina Cherk, Grace Dong, and and Abby Wong
P11. As well, construction work has changed the parking lot; there is now a drop off zone near the new building for students who take specialized transportation to school. Once irrigation is installed, the area around the Pwing will undergo landscaping. Feedback from students taking classes in the P-wing building has been positive thus far. Junior Nisha Ramesh says, “I really like how the new building’s so big and has quite a few classrooms. I’m excited that it has a second floor because that’s something that’s never been seen on campus before.”The Pwing teachers also have high praise for their new classrooms. “I love it. It’s very modern,” says Health teacher Cate Ruebling, who previously taught in temporary portable P13. English teacher Nina LaRosa says, “I am so grateful to be in the new building this year! Who wouldn’t want a sparkly new classroom with a mounted LCD and speakers.”
The addition of the new building and the four extra classrooms means the potential for more class sections available to MSJ students. And the likelihood of all the old wings on campus being renovated in a similar fashion? Not as impossible as one might expect. “I hope one day we’ll be able to replace each wing with similar buildings to meet the needs of today’s learners,” says Principal Zack Larsen. In the wake of the success of the new building and the ease of adding more classrooms thanks to the second story, it’s possible that by the time current students gather back for a twenty-year alumni reunion, MSJ will have become a different campus altogether. ▪
FOR MORE COVERAGE GO TO
THESMOKESIGNAL.ORG
a&e editor peter xu
The new classrooms feature LCD projectors mounted in the ceilings.
The Smoke Signal would like to welcome our new administrators and counselor to their new positions! Zack Larsen, Principal
Jeff Evans, Assistant Principal
Joanna Jensen, Counselor wallfive.com, photos by web editor laura chen
abcnews.com
MLB fans will undergo thorough security checks at games.
Nina Davuluri, crowned Miss America 2014.
Oakland A’s implement new security measures Beginning Thursday, the Oakland Athletics will be implementing a new walk-through metal detection system for fans entering the Oakland Coliseum. Ticket-holders will undergo security checks similar to airport security, such as having their bags searched. According to officials, these changes are due to a new Major League Baseball league-wide mandate that requires all MLB teams to implement a league-wide system corresponding to the existing system for all NFL and NBA teams.
Controversy over Miss America 24-year-old Nina Davuluri was crowned the first ever Miss America with Indian heritage on Sunday, September 15. Social media users lead an instantaneous outcry against the native New Yorker’s victory, with some referrering to Davuluri as an Arab and a foreigner. Many people rose to Davuluri’s defense in response to the hate mail, saying that America is a country of diversity that should be accepting of the many existing cultures. Davuluri brushed off the negativity in her first news conference after winning her title.
US and Russia agree on Syria plan.
theyeshivaworld.com
Plan to eliminate Syria’s chemical weapons established The United States and Russia have established a plan to eliminate Syria’s stockpile of chemical weapons on Saturday. September 14, after three days of heavy negotiation. As specified under the agreement, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad must provide“a complete list of the types, quantity and locations of his country’s chemical-weapons stockpiles”by next Friday, the Wall Street Journal reports. The U.S. government claims that action will be taken if Syria fails to acknowledge this demand.
Friday, September 27, 2013
the
www.thesmokesignal.org
The Smoke Signal
Opinion 3
Smoke Signal
Mission San Jose High School Est. 1964 Vol. 49, No. 1 | September 27, 2013 www.thesmokesignal.org
Wang
Feature Vivian Jair, Anjali Kanthilal Centerspread Tingting Bi, Lindy Zeng A&E Tammy Tseng, Peter Xu Sports Leah Feuerman, Ishan Goyal Graphics Shirby Wang, Anna Zeng Web Laura Chen, Supriya Yelimeli Tech Peter Chew, Peter Qiu Business Aamir Rasheed Circulation Hannah Shih Ads Genevieve Huang, Tiffany Huang Events Irisa Lee, Hairol Ma Writers & Photographers Anand Balaji, Jacinta Chang, Kevin Chen, Alice Cheng, Katrina Cherk, Grace Dong, Purvi Goel, Michael Hsiu, Vivian Liu, Arti Patankar, Melissa Peng, Iyesha Puri, Tanvi Raja, Apoorva Rajanala, Nithya Rajeev, Megan Ren, Katie Sun, Andrea Tam, Hanson Wang, Abigail Wong, Rebecca Wu, Lillian Zhao, Madeline Zheng
Advisor Sandra Cohen Send letters to the editor to opinion@the smokesignal.org. Letters under 300 words
may be considered for publication and must include a full name and school affiliation. The Smoke Signal reserves the right to edit for clarity and length.
To advertise in the Smoke Signal, e-mail ads@thesmokesignal.org. Advertising that is included on the pages of, or carried within, the Smoke Signal, is paid advertising, and as such is independent of the news and feature content. The Smoke Signal’s right to freedom of speech and press is protected by the First Amendment of the Constitution.
Nothing to Rap Home About
Building School Spirit
41717 Palm Ave. Fremont, CA 94539 (510) 657-3600 Editors-in-Chief Jin Peng, Grace Wu News Nina Krishnan, Kerrie Wu Opinion Sanjay Sreekumar, Catherine
Sanjay Says
The Cat’s Meow
By Catherine Wang Opinion Editor I’ve always been a bit embarrassed by our campus’s appearance. MSJ seems to have been built upon a low-lying ditch by the side of the road – many of the unsightly classrooms’ roofs look practically level with Mission Boulevard. Or, perhaps, generations of heavy academic workloads have pounded the buildings lower into the ground. But what a refreshing sight the new P-Wing building is! The two-story, tenclassroom structure has given our school unprecedented bragging rights: of all the educational facilities in FUSD, our P-Wing building is the newest among the tallest and the tallest among the newest. Therefore, we are obviously the greatest. FUSD was even advocating the construction in the San Jose Mercury News’ Fremont Bulletin last August. You know times have changed when the local media recognizes MSJ for outstanding facilities rather than outstanding academics. Strangely enough, my dad didn’t seem all that impressed. He’s a fanatic believer in Chinese proverbs, and his response to the construction was this: “‘A mountain need not be tall; it will be famous if a god lives on it. A sea need not be deep; it will have vigor if a dragon lives in it.’” In all seriousness, my dad brought up an interesting point. We don’t have a stunning campus yet, but MSJ has a reputation for hardworking, committed staff and students that gives it vibrancy on its own. Our school spirit should be more valuable to us than the addition of a shiny new building. Encouraging that school spirit creates a deep,
long-lasting bond between students, a bond that can outshine the appearance of lowquality facilities. Many of us students feel pressured to conform to the “Mission stereotype”: sleepdeprived pupils slaving away under the thumb of the College Board, with a deplorable lack of healthy social interaction. It’s ironic, then, that we also happen to be the most spirited, enthusiastic teenagers around during Homecoming, an event far removed from GPAs and test scores. No one who sees the yearlong effort that students put into those colorful activities would take us for the Mission stereotype. The deco projects festooning the horseshoe would make the dullest campus shine. We students can’t always enact plans for constructing new buildings, and the best of campus renovation efforts, though admirable, progress slowly. On the other hand, cultivating school spirit in everything from athletics to Homecoming should immediately concern all of us. MSJ’s reputation is a reflection on its student body, and a supportive campus atmosphere will keep our academic and extracurricular achievements growing each year. Of course, I whole-heartedly support our school’s efforts towards campus beautification. But MSJ has an incredible reputation despite our relatively poor facilities. That’s hard to come by. Other high school students may boast of their schools’ well-manicured athletic fields or digital-blackboard-fitted classrooms, but I figure the P-Wing building is good enough for me. ▪
By Sanjay Sreekumar Opinion Editor “Make your death wish cause I’m too fresh/ Cause I’m fresh to death/Cause I’m fresh to death.” These brilliant lines of poetry uttered by DeAndre Cortez Way (more commonly known by his stage name Soulja Boy) highlight many of the societal ills faced by young Americans today. Soulja Boy is warning us that we should all make our “death wish” because, he, like many other rappers, are too “fresh”. “Fresh” in this extended metaphor is money, and Soulja Boy takes it on himself to play the role of the villain tormenting the dreams of the less fortunate. Sadly, everything that I said earlier about Soulja Boy’s rapping is completely wrong. His song “Trigger Finger”, like the vast majority of hip- hop today, is completely meaningless. The rise and increased popularity of electronic music such as auto tune and dubstep has coincided with a dramatic decline in the quality of writing for rap songs. People do not want to sit down and think about their music anymore; instead the new song with the catchy beat is the one everyone is talking about. Songs such as “Rack City” by Tyga and “I’m Different” by Two Chainz lack any creativity whatsoever, but sell millions of copies because young people want to dance, (or even “twerk”), to these trashy songs. Artists such as Mackelmore didn’t become established icons because they rapped about social issues, (such as when he talked about same-sex marriage in his song “Same Love”),
but when they made catchy pop songs such as “Thrift Shop”. While there are some rap artists that try to produce thought provoking tracks, they never get as popular as their mind numbing counterparts. I am definitely not a fan of the current state of hip-hop today. What makes rap enjoyable to hip-hop enthusiasts is how unique it really is as a music form. By taking poetry, which many consider to be one of the most powerful mediums to bring about feelings, and expressing it verbally through the use of urban beats, many young kids are introduced to concepts and ideas that they wouldn’t normally listen to. Rap is enticing to young people because it talks about the real world and not how things should or will be. Back in the 90s, when teens sat back and listened to classic songs from rappers such as Nas, Biggie, and Tupac, they heard the screams and shouts of a new generation that was sick and tired of the violence in the communities that they were living in. Nowadays, our youth are listening to “twerking” tips from Lil Jon and how to count stacks of cash from Rick Ross. One of my all-time favorite songs comes from the rapper Biggie Smalls in his song “Juicy”. Here, Biggie raps about his sudden rise to fame and how much his life changed. The song is powerful because it is the epitome of the American Dream. Biggie used to be a former criminal lounging in poverty, but through hard work and determination he turns his life around and achieves his dreams. During such difficult economic and social times, we need more rappers to talk about topics that actually matter to us today. ▪
EDITORIAL: A Needed “Stretch” for MSJ PE The Opinion of the Smoke Signal Editorial Board It’s a ritual for MSJ students to stand by the track in the December wind, shivering in the standard issue uniform while waiting to run the weekly mile in the class known as Physical Education, more commonly referred to as PE. While the vast majority of these students are underclassmen, others are seniors who opted to complete the last year of required PE later in their high school careers. A fraction of students participate in Independent Study Physical Education, but changes to the Independent PE policy implemented this month have significantly reduced the number of these students. This recent change emphasizes the severely limited PE options at MSJ. The previous Independent PE policy allowed students to replace physical education at school with 15 or more hours of physical activity per week overseen by a certified instructor. A FUSD letter written in April this year informed parents and students that Independent PE “will only be available to students enrolled in programs which are designed to cover all California Physical Education Standards.” Many of the MSJ students who once opted out of PE class participated in an intensive year-round sport, such as swimming, badminton, and dance, which, according to the letter, do not “address the full spectrum of skills and knowledge of the content standards at grade or course levels and are therefore out of compliance.” These athletes who did not get the chance to obtain enough credits before the policy change must now attend PE class every day, in addition to hours of physical activity outside of school, wasting both valuable energy and time. All students are pressed for time as well. Because the purpose of PE is to ensure movement, activity, and good health, junior varsity and varsity athletes should be exempt from taking the classes. Students who participate in marching band all four years of high school are exempt from PE. Sports involve much more strenuous activity, and therefore it is only logical that participants in those sports receive the same exemption. Student athletes practice almost every day while in season-often for two hours or more. Even off-season athletes participate in summer leagues, conditioning, and club sports to keep in shape. Why can marching band students, who practice for one semester two or three times a week and perform at parades and competitions, be able to opt out of PE class when
three-season varsity athletes who train after school every day and compete over the weekends cannot? If marching band can take the place of PE, then athletics should be able to as well. Other high schools in FUSD offer solutions to this question, increasing the flexibility of PE requirements. At American High School, athletes who are in grades 10 or above and participate in at least one school sport take sixth period PE, known as “Athletic PE.” This system ensures that students leaving early for a school sport won’t disrupt other classes. James Logan High School allows some of its sports teams to hold practices for their players as 7th period PE. Irvington also offers a zero period PE option, which allows students to fulfill the PE requirement before school starts and leave room in their schedules for other classes. These neighboring schools demonstrate the wide variety of choices students are able to make regarding physical education that MSJ students are not. While the decision to create more flexibility in its Independent PE policy rests with FUSD, MSJ also has the power to ensure that students will be able to complete their physical activity requirements in a more efficient manner. PE classes at MSJ have become overcrowded because almost all underclassmen are now required to take this class for two years. However, if students were able to replace PE with school sports, zero period classes, or year-long physical activities, PE class sizes would decrease significantly. Students will also be held accountable for missing athletic practice, because it would count as an actual class. This could easily remedy the attendance problem for some of the bigger teams on campus, such as cross country, badminton, or track and field. Increasing the criteria to qualify for Independent PE only hinders the possibilities for students to receive a full physical education and brings to light how much focus is paid to the standards and not the physical exercise itself. We, as the Smoke Signal Editorial Board, support implementing more flexibility into MSJ’s Physical Education requirements, in order to increase the efficiency, convenience, and fairness of the program. ▪ Send letters to the editors to opinion@thesmokesignal.org
staff writer shirby wang graphics editor shirby wang
staff writer irisa lee
Ad 4
www.thesmokesignal.org
The Smoke Signal
Friday, September 27, 2013
Friday, September 27, 2013
www.thesmokesignal.org
The Smoke Signal
Opinion 5
What defines our “Millennial” generation ? We’re the Best By Tingting Bi Centerspread Editor
Look at this newspaper. Now look up. How many students are on their phones, pruning their hair, Snapchatting, or Instagramming? Though seemingly second nature, these actionsserve as marks of vanity, a constantly criticized characteristic of the Millennials: people born between 1980 and 2000. Everyday, new studies emerge lamenting the lazinessand selfishness of young adults. The question remains - is this criticism really deserved? True, narcissism seems to be on the rise. After all, it’s not hard to find people who pine for likes on their profile picturesorselfies that dominate newsfeeds. However, critics exaggerate thedramatic increases in narcissism. Young adultsnaturally seem more self-absorbed than others, mainly because they constantly seek to understand themselves. An essential aspect of growing up, self-examination proves extremely valuable as an individual begins to develop a sense of identity. People from any time period show signs of supposed narcissism. Case in point: Generation X, consisting of our parents, was dubbed the Me Generation, after studies arose concerning the rise of a narcissistic culture. The narcissism of the Millennials is merely more pronounced as a result of available technology, social media services, and changing forms of communication. Ironically, the same people once labeled as self-loving teens are now accusing young adults of being self-centered. Criticizers also accuse the Millennials of overly relying on their parents. However, take tuition and
student loads into account. In 2012, moderately expensive private universities charged around $43,289, with continuously rising costs each year. Even if students were to enter the more affordable UC system, they would still be at least $128,000 in debt four years later. Factor in rent, food, and transportation expenses, and we have a major problem. With crippling student debts, can the Millennials really be blamed for needing support from their parents? By lessening the burden of debt, young adults can focus instead on building successful careers. Living at home isn’t laziness; in fact, it shows practicality, frugality, and prudence. The Millennials fear nothing and accept all. Unlike previous generations, our generation takes risks. The events of the Arab Spring show the unstoppable force of the Millennials, who toppled regimes with their protests and perseverance. We’re open to a variety of new ideas and opinions. According to Pew Research Center, support for same-sex marriage among Millennials is the highest across all age groups and more than double that of people ages 68 and older. When the Supreme Court ruled in favor of same-sex marriage, thousands of same-sex couples shed tears of happiness for one of the happiest moments in their lives. That’s our doing – the Millennials’. Our support, our voices, and our efforts brought immense joy into the lives of others. By understanding ourselves and making wise monetary decisions, we’re prepared for the future. Believe it or not, the Millennials are changing the world for the better. ▪
Me Generation By Hairol Ma Staff Writer
When asked to list a talent of mine, I am often at a standstill. The array of skills and abilities I have accumulated over the vast fifteen years of my life cannot be put down in one word on one sheet of white paper. Surely it would take at least 3,248,729 sheets to document my glorious history and my innumerable achievements. Such is the average mindset of your average Millennial today. We are Generation Y, money loving, lazy, narcissistic individuals. And yet, we wouldn’t change (unless, of course, we were offered a large sum of money: did someone say Versace?) According to the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, college students had placed being financially very well off as number eight in their life goals prior to 1982. However, after 1982, money quickly became number one. Kids today are rarely seen without wielding a smart phone or some latest technological device. Spoiled by parents, Generation Y has built up a high dependency on money, thus becoming materialistic and far from frugal. For many, luxurious items such as iPhones are part of an everyday lifestyle. To match the standard, the value placed on money has risen tremendously. Those who can’t afford the lifestyle they covet end up borrowing money from banks, producing a new group of debt ridden young adults.
From a survey of 80,000 high school kids in the US conducted by the Treasury Department and Department of Education, the financial literacy of young adults today is 69%: a disturbing number that correlates with spending patterns exhibited in Generation Y. Though we love money, we are too lazy to earn it as well: we want the world handed to us on a silver platter. Employers have built up a dislike for Generation Y. Described as lazy and demanding, an average Millennial employee is described as a child clothed in an adult’s body, left for employers to babysit. According to Jason Dorsey in 60-Minutes, Generation Y demands “office parties and workplace nap rooms.” Generation Y places family and friends first and work as a side obligation. Though both are important, companies complain that too little effort is being exerted in the workplace. Another defining quality of Generation Y is blatant and rampant narcissism. Growing up being taught that we were “special individuals” and that “no one else in the world is like us,” we’ve developed the mindset that we’re impeccable, and deserve no less.. Further data from the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology show that we’re less likely to donate to charities and less aware of environmental issues. The reason? Why spend money on others when you can spend it on yourself? Why worry about the environment when you haven’t found a prom dress yet? Surely global warming won’t strike before you land on the perfect dress. We’ve been classified as selfish, egotistical bums and unfortunately there are statistics toback it up. And frankly, we wouldn’t change: it’s the world that needs to. ▪ clipartof.com
Transgender rights take necessary first step By Irisa Lee Staff Writer
This past August, Governor Jerry Brown signed a bill into law that makes California the first state to protect the rights of transgender students. Thanks to AB1266, students now have the right to participate in sex-segregated programs and activities, and use facilities “consistent with his or her gender identity, irrespective of the gender listed on the pupil’s records.” Supporters of the bill say it will reduce discrimination and stress for transgender students, who suffer bullying and discomfort in places such as locker rooms and bathrooms. Detractors of the bill, however, are worried about privacy invasion for the other cisgender students (cisgender people perceive their gender as the one they were born with). Brad Dacus, president of the Pacific Justice Institute, released several statements to the media protesting that, “No 13-year-old girl should have to worry about a 16-year-old boy entering showers where she’s showering on the pretext that he is a she.” He also raised questions about reverse discrimination if students are cut from a sports team “because someone from the opposite gender took their place.” However, based on California school districts that already had transgender protections before AB1266, including San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Oakland, such situations are unlikely. Officials did not report any problems on the issue. In addition, opposition over the privacy of cisgender students seems to disregard the fact that the bill is a huge step forward for transgender youths, who are no longer confined to the wrong gender or to being “it”s with special facilities in their schools. MSJ’s Gay-Straight Alliance co-president
Michael Liu, 12, supports the bill, saying, “The fact that transgender students all across California are now legally able to participate in school based on their gender identity, and not just their biological sex, sets the foundation for a society where such people can be accepted, and not stigmatized.” MSJ currently has separate shower facilities and sex-education classes based on gender, but there are no special facilities for transgender students, nor are there rules against such students. In fact, FUSD’s discrimination policy states that district activities will be free of discrimination based on “actual or perceived” gender, sex, or sexual orientation. Hopefully, AB1266 will foster more understanding towards transgender peers. Current opposition, for example, seems to reflect a misunderstanding of transgender people in general. They are not tomboys or tomgirls who do not follow society’s gender images, but people who do not identify at all with their biological gender. Apart from his body, a transgender girl is as much of a boy as the other boys in his locker room. GSA’s other co-president Sonia Prasad, 12, says “It has been difficult for transgender students to succeed and feel comfortable in school, as they were denied the right to explore options traditionally only available to the other biological sex. Whether it be enabling students to participate in certain sports teams or letting students use a bathroom of the gender they identify with, all students deserve equal opportunity and dignity.” ▪
Voices of MSJ What are your thoughts on the bell schedule?
“I like the 9:00 start on Wednesday because I can sleep in. Also, I like the shorter class periods, but I dislike how there’s no read so I can’t do my homework. Plus, the seven minute passing periods and four minute break are pretty awesome.” - Kevan Mathis, 9
“I really like the new bell schedule because I have so many people that I need to work with during the day that I can’t see because they’re all in class, so on Wednesdays we get together and we can talk about things that we need to talk about. The ability to have our meetings in the morning rather than after school when everyone is tired is just a really good idea.” - Jean Dotson, English Teacher
“The new school schedule is inconvenient for those that participate in sports because we miss more class time for competitions and in general it confuses our sleep schedules.” - Elizabeth Hu, 10
“I like it because I have peer resource in the morning, and it gives me more hours of sleep. I think it was worth losing a couple minutes of lunch and extending school.” - Asmita Gaggar, 11
wired.com photos by opinion editor catherine wang, clipartof.com
Ad 6
www.thesmokesignal.org
The Smoke Signal
Friday, September 27, 2013
Friday, September 27, 2013
The Smoke Signal
www.thesmokesignal.org
Feature 7
By Ishan Goyal Sports Editor This sometimes tongue-in-cheek, but mostly serious, guide is meant to help freshmen survive their first year of high school.
N-Wing: Since the inception of MSJ, there has been a tradition that freshmen congregate within the N-Wing. This often works to your convenience because most freshmen classes are held in close proximity to this area and many of your peers will gather here for lunch. Freshmen are, however, encouraged to explore the school and mingle with other grades. Beware of seniors rushing to and from cars at lunch. The whole school is available for you to roam, but your safest bet and refuge from the upperclassmen has always been the N-wing.
Friendships: The people in your classes are going to stick with you for the next four years so making nemeses is the last thing you want to do. Try to be chill with everyone and have your own pals with whom you can share your deepest secrets. Lastly, befriend all your teachers because they are always there to help you and answer any questions you may have. Avoid setting poor impressions because the last thing you want is your freshmen year teacher telling all your future teachers about how you were a class clown or how you were always late.
Clubs/Organizations: Most freshmen are lured into to joining clubs because their parents or peers have advised them to do so. Many attend a few meetings, lose interest quickly and end up not actively participating in any clubs. You are highly encouraged to dedicate yourself to a couple of organizations that you are willing to pursue throughout your high school career. The people in these organizations will become part of your family and will help expand your network while the club will help you discover your passions and what you want to do after graduation.
Homecoming Tips: Homecoming is one of the most exciting festivities and traditions of MSJ culture where classes show spirit and unite for the homecoming football game. Over the course of the week, each class has one day where they showcase a skit and various performances during lunch in the amphitheater. The four categories of homecoming are: decorations, airbands, skit, and behavior. Freshmen often get last place in each section, but there are a few simple ways to change this trend. The easiest way to help out your class is to cheer at the appropriate times and wear as Classes: much blue attire as possible while adhering to the dress code. For example, when a character says 2017 or makes Some of the most fundamental indicators of your high school performance are your academic achievements and grades. a freshman reference, gather your pompoms and holler Make sure that you start with an A because banking on a test at the top of your lungs. On the contrary, if other classes or begging a teacher to bump your grade isn’t the wisest of mimic or mock freshmen tendencies, do not cheer them on. Lastly, one of the most fundamental ground rules of decisions. Countless freshmen weep in misery at the end of the semester when they are stuck with an 89.9% and their teacher homecoming is to pay utmost respect to other classes. Thus, stay clear of the Senior Lounge, which will contain just refuses to give them an A. This one tenth of a point difference could easily be avoided if you just do the homework a sea of red-clad Seniors, and never ever deface, tamper and turn in all your assignments. Another way to excel in your with, or remove another classes’ decorations. classes is to come prepared and on time. Since you guys aren’t seniors yet, show up to each class period five minutes early With these tips in your back pocket, you with a backpack and writing utensils. Don’t rely on SparkNotes should be able to survive your first year of for English and don’t fall back in math because these habits high school and have a general idea of what will hurt you down the line. Lastly, even though academics are to expect for the next four years. important, make sure to enjoy your time in high school and participate in extracurricular activities you enjoy.
graphics by graphics editor shirby wang
Brian Mi
By Laura Chen Web Editor
An avid insect and fish enthusiast, Junior Brian Mi spends his spare time raising and observing species that most people would consider uninteresting or dangerous. This issue, the Smoke Signal had a chance to sit down with Mi to learn more about his unique hobbies.
Smoke Signal: How did you begin to be interested in insects? Brian Mi: I always liked insects when I was little. They’re really underappreciated in my opinion. People don’t stop and look at them and they’re easily missed, and they just appreciate them enough. In all honesty, if people paid more attention to insects, they would be just as interested as me because they’re really fascinating animals. SS: BM: ago, tank,
When did you start raising fish? I started raising fish four years I think. I had a little 10-gallon that was the first fish tank I had.
Mill Creek Academy
It was disastrous, everything died every two weeks. I ended up pulling through and stepped up my game, and I now have a 55-gallon aquarium in addition to the original tank.
Where Learning Begins and Thrives!
SS: How did you start keeping fish? BM: You know how everyone’s first pet is the obligatory goldfish that dies after a couple of weeks? That happened with me too, but again, I’m more interested in these things than most people, so I went and did some research and discovered that fish can actually get very interesting if kept right. That’s where I decided to take this hobby very seriously.
SS: What do you like the most about raising insects and fish? BM: They’re for different reasons. I don’t raise insects as pets, more like, I keep them so I can observe their natural behavior. On the other hand, I like fishkeeping because it’s just so complex. When you keep most pets, like a bird or a turtle or a dog, you’re just taking care of one animal. When you have an aquarium, you don’t just “take care of the fish”. You have to raise the plants that oxygenate the water; you have to raise the invertebrates like the shrimp and the snails; you have to raise the nitrogenfixing bacteria that live in the gravel and in the filter. Of course, the fish themselves are equally diverse. You basically have a miniature ecosystem in your hands, and you have to keep it perfectly balanced, or else it just collapses. ■
We proudly celebrate 15 years in providing students a personal enrichment in writing, reading comprehension, analysis, SAT preparation, math and science tutorials. We offer outstanding instruction with a talented faculty. Our small group settings are unique. Come join us for our upcoming session where academic success begins and thrives!
Mi ll Creek A c A d e m y, L L c
www.millcreekacademy.com Email us at directors@millcreekacademy.com 1544 Washington Boulevard, Fremont, CA 94539
courtesy brian mi, photo by staff writer peter qiu, tutsking.com,
3.bp.blogspot.com
2nd Annual Art Club Exhibition Bay Street Coffee Submissons open October to all
Food for Thought
Chocolate Tasting October 11 Room P6 Membership Fee: $5
t o
G u
Watching Theatre Adaption of “Macario” Mexican Heritage Plaza Theater Junior October 10-20 Statesman Tickets available of America at meetings Join the Movement Evening
i
Awareness Club for Endangered Species
d e
m s j
Endangered Animals Art Contest May 17, 2014 Proceeds go to World Wildlife Fund
Tec ha nd Ro bot ics
California Scholarship Federation
Reverse Trick-or-Treat Handing treats to elderly in retirement homes October
C L U B S
iKnit
Scarves for St. Anthony’s Charity Program Knit and crochet scarves for San Francisco’s homeless From present to Winter Break Donated 79 last year
Model United Nations Berkeley Workshop November 9 UC Berkeley $10
Future Business Leaders of America
Bay Section Conference Homestead High School. March 1
By Vivian Jair, Anjali Kanthilal, Kerrie Wu, Anna Zeng & Lindy Zeng Feature Editors, News Editor, Graphics Editor, and Centerspread Editor
courtesy tech and robotics, ubuntu athletics, msj debate, food for thought, medcorps, mission: sos, picture perfect photography, iknit, mormonshare.com, clker.com
s
The new school year is just starting, and many MSJ clubs are gearing up for their future events. The Smoke Signal has compiled and categorized the numerous on-campus clubs, as well as picked a few major events to spotlight. Each club’s contact information can be found on the ASB website at msjasb. org. For information and explanations on even more upcoming club events, visit www.thesmokesignal.org or scan the QR code below.
orp
Food For Thou gh t
Annual State Leadership Conference Includes Biomedical Debate, HOSA Bowl Late March
edc
MSJ Debate
San Francisco Chinese Chess Association Open Competition October
&M
etics Athl u t un Ub
Chinese Chess Club
HOSA
Spanish Honors Society
Saturday, November 9 Free
MSJ Science For Youth : SciFY Scientific Activites for Young Children Past topics: Electricity, cell biology, water properties Fremont Main Library
Mission: SOS Stanford Challenge Success Conference October 4 Stanford Free for Members
Friday, September 27, 2013
:S OS
National Art Honor Society
The Smoke Signal
on
Universal Performers Fall Play Alice in Wonderland Evenings November 8, 9, 15, 16 Price as listed on website
ssi
www.thesmokesignal.org
Mi
8 Feature
Picture Perfec t Pho togr ap hy
ry Magaz ine d Litera t an r A x i oen Ph
iKnit
, webdesignhot.com, sweetclipart.com, leaf.usegrid.ne, polyvore.com
Friday, September 27, 2013
The Smoke Signal
www.thesmokesignal.org
Ad 9
10 Centerspread
www.thesmokesignal.org
Friday, September 27, 2013
The Smoke Signal
Stephanie Randazzo joins the MSJ physical education staff this year teaching four periods of freshmen and one of sophomores. Born and raised in Fremont, Randazzo loves fitness and has been a runner since kindergarten. Randazzo taught for five years in Campbell before coming to MSJ; one of her greatest goals as a teacher is helping kids learn how to relieve stress through fitness and set individual fitness goals for themselves. What she loves most about teaching is learning how to adapt to everyone’s individual personalities and abilities and getting to know all her students. She will also be coaching track and cross country at Washington. Randazzo loves to shop as well as run, is excited about just having gotten a dog, and looks forward to hopefully many more years at MSJ.
Ryan Taylor
Daniris Smith has been teaching Spanish for 13 years. Seven of these years were in Colombia teaching elementary to high school, and the other six were in Redwood City, where she worked to improve bilingual classes and prepared students to reach ELD standards. She will be teaching Spanish 1 and 2 this year, and her main goal is to help students use Spanish freely and communicate their thoughts with Spanish as well. Among her interests are Caribbean music and novels by the Colombian writer Gabriel Garcia Marquez.
Herveline Sartori
Sujata Singh
Sujata Singh has been a special education teacher for many years, first in India at a free school she founded in a low-income area, and then in America when she moved here. Active in the Indian community, she has been working as a correspondent for The India Post since 2006. She loves spending time outdoors and working in special education, implementing what she learned in India and America to provide the best of both worlds to her students.
Herveline Sartori currently teaches three levels of French: 1, 2, and AP. She was born in France and used to be a public accountant before moving to the United States in order to be a French teacher. Sartori has taught students in elementary school, middle school, and adults before, but her favorite group to teach is high school students. One interesting fact about Sartori is that she actively participates in outdoor activities such as rock climbing and marathons. She also used to play, and now coaches, rugby.
The Smoke Signal
www.thesmokesignal.org
Taylor is a new special education teacher at MSJ. Before he found himself at MSJ, Taylor was a long-term substitute special education teacher at Centerville Jr. High for two years and a paraeducator for two years before that. Having coached for all divisions of MSJ football from 2005 to 2011, he isn’t completely new to the school. This time around, he wants to help his students reach their goals. Taylor enjoys learning about history and is interested in the card game, Magic the Gathering. He owns two decks, one red and one blue-red. Although his blue-red deck has never won, he once placed fourth in a tournament with his red deck.
Calculus Teacher Yunor Peralta, previously from Kennedy High School, is no stranger to math. Having previously taught all honors and non-honors math courses from Algebra 1 to Calculus AB/ BC, he has extensive knowledge in mathematics and loves to teach the subject because it’s not only fun, but rewarding. However, his pet peeve is students talking during his lectures. Peralta also enjoys the study of language; he is fluent in Spanish and Italian and is currently studying Arabic and German. His main goal is for all of his students to pass his class, and he looks forward to making a difference in the math department at MSJ.
Yung Feng Chiu
This year, Yung Feng Chiu joins the MSJ community as a new Chinese teacher. She has six years of teaching experience, having taught at Bellarmine College Prep, Junipero Serra High School, among others. When she isn’t sleeping, dancing, swimming, or hiking with her younger son, she inspires students in N3 to make learning the Chinese language a lifelong experience. She loves thinking of creative strategies to engage students, helping them appreciate the Chinese language and actively dig into the culture.
Jeffery Alves
Jeanne DiPaola is a special education teacher subbing in for Lynda Hounshell for the first six weeks at school. Before she came to MSJ, DiPaola was a math teacher for a number of years before moving into special ed. She taught that subject at Irvington High School for three years and consequently decided to stop teaching for a while to have a family. She came back later on as a sub, bringing her right to MSJ. In her free time, she loves to coach ice hockey and baton twirling.
Tyler Robinson Tyler Robinson is an Honors Algebra II /Trig and Geometry teacher, longboarder, and gamer. He comes to MSJ after five years of teaching Algebra and Pre-Algebra at Bret Harte Middle School in Hayward. With the lofty goal of making rocket scientists out of his students, Robinson is ready to take off at MSJ. In his spare time, Robinson enjoys a wide variety of activities. At home, he enjoys gaming, especially role-playing and strategy games. Snowboarding, paintballing, and biking are also big on the list. Last summer, Robinson biked from Vancouver, Canada to San Francisco over the course of 26 days.
By Laura Chen, Genevieve Huang, Peter Qiu, Aamir Rasheed, Sanjay Sreekumar, Tammy Tseng, Peter Xu, & Shirby Wang Web Editor, Staff Writers, Opinion Editor, Arts and Entertainment Editors, and Graphics Editor
Loren Chuse
Jeffery Alves comes to MSJ with seven years of teaching history to seventh and eighth graders in Newarkso transitioning to teaching freshmen Geography/Reference Skills here at MSJ is a smooth step. Alves hopes to work to establish a 1:1 student to computer ratio in Geography as well as other classes so that students have more chances for online learning experiences in class. In his spare time, he enjoys hiking, running, and hanging out with friends and family. He loves that as a teacher, every day is different and there’s never a dull moment--and there’s always opportunity for student and teacher advancement.
Jeanne DiPaola
Centerspread 11
Yunor Peralta
Daniris Smith Stephanie Randazzo
Friday, September 27, 2013
Qian Zhang
Kim Mathis
Lane Melcic
World History Teacher Kim Mathis is currently in her 13th year of teaching but has taught math throughout her career. She has a BA in History and a supplement Math credential; this year, however, she is teaching World History due to changing needs in departments. Ms. Mathis plans on approaching World History from multiple angles to engage every student in the class. She enjoys playing soccer and supports Gonzaga University, where she graduated. Go Zags!
Lane Melcic currently teaches five sections of Honors Biology. He received his master’s degree in teaching from the University of Southern California and has taught biology at American High before arriving at MSJ. Melcic has been trained to teach the Common Core Curriculum, (a policy that will be implemented at MSJ in the next year). Outside of school, Melcic is known for the numerous pairs of shoes he owns and for his love of snowboarding and traveling.
Qian Zhang is no newcomer to MSJ; for the 2012-13 school year she was a student teacher and helped teach Band alongside Monica Kraft. A music composition major who fell in love with Chinese culture, she continues to help with band and also teaches Chinese in N1 in hopes that her students will be able to gain a level of mastery that will help them practice Chinese effectively wherever their future takes them. On the side, she loves to play the piano, listen to music, and hopes to find time to travel someday.
Christine Gharibian
After relocating to Fremont and MSJ from teaching at Salinas High School, English Teacher Christine Gharibian is excited to bring her past experiences to a new school. She wants to teach freshmen and sophomores how to think critically and communicate through writing. In addition to her enthusiasm for teaching, Gharibian enjoys cooking, dehydrating foods, and blending smoothies in her spare time. Her hopes are high for the new year: “I’m looking to just grow as an educator, to be able to work with a student population that’s high-performing, and just to get to know the culture here,” said Gharibian.
With her experience studying in France and Spain and teaching at other schools in the Bay Area, new French Teacher Loren Chuse is looking forward to a creative first year at MSJ. Although she loves to interact and share her love of language with her students, Chuse also enjoys traveling, gardening, and playing music. In anticipation of the new year, Chuse said, “I’m looking forward to my classes going really well, getting to know my students and my colleagues on the faculty, and having a really wonderful, creative year.”
Yumi Konishi Born and raised in Japan, Japanese Teacher Yumi Konishi hopes her students can enjoy learning the Japanese language and culture. She has substituted for Japanese Teacher Julia Madsen and Japanese Teacher Mariko Okamura before, and taught English in Japan before coming to America. Konishi loves spending time with her family, such as watching a silent movie with live music together. She recently began running 5K races with her son and husband after her husband gave her a pair of running shoes for her birthday. Konishi looks forward to meeting new students, teachers and staff of MSJ.
photos taken by web editor laura chen, staff writer genevieve huang, feature editor vivian jair, staff wrtiers hairol ma, peter qiu, aamir rasheed, opinion editor sanjay sreekumar, graphics editor shirby wang, arts and entertainment editor peter xu, & graphics editor anna zeng. graphics from designmeetscomfort.com, fanpop.com, ashmoreconsulting.com, wholesafetypins.com, sourcingmap.com.
12 Ad
www.thesmokesignal.org
The Smoke Signal
Friday, September 27, 2013
Friday, September 27, 2013
Wake Up for ‘AM’
The Smoke Signal
www.thesmokesignal.org
Arts & Entertainment 13
Some Scares In-sidious
From Here to Now to ‘A’ By Catherine Wang Opinion Editor
By Sanjay Sreekumar Opinion Editor
Most American audiences haven’t had the chance to experience Arctic Monkeys. Seemingly more British than crumpets and tea, Arctic Monkeys have had a ravenous following in the U.K, but this success has not carried to the international level. With their new album AM, however, this indie rock band has produced a work of art sure to appeal to rock enthusiasts everywhere. The highlight of the album is definitely the song “Do I Wanna Know?”, which features lyrical content and an aesthetic style similar to their previous works. The feature here is the guitar riffs, and guitarist Jamie Cook does a great job in balancing the notes against the powerful lyrics sung by Alex Turner. There are two more singles released for AM, “R U Mine?” and “Why’d You Only Call Me When You’re High?”, but they sadly aren’t as phenomenal as the first single -- both songs try to use their instruments to cover up a mediocre lyrical performance. Unlike many albums recently, AM does a good job of making their songs cohesively flow together. All the songs get equal attention here, and with more and more artists focusing just on their hit singles, it’s refreshing to see a group go back to the basics. From their powerful intro “Do I Wanna Know?” to the album’s powerful conclusion “I Wanna Be Yours”, Arctic Monkeys are telling a psychedelically beautiful story of love and music that we are lucky enough to listen to. AM isn’t without faults however. The songs are very similar in comparison to each other, and there’s something to be said about taking risks when making signature albums. If the Monkeys hope to expand to international audiences, they should focus on producing a risky rock ballad that can promote them to true stardom. AM seemed like the perfect opportunity for the band to diversify, especially considering that the band played last year at the London Olympic Games to millions of people worldwide. In the grand scheme of things, its easy to disregard the flaws of AM. Arctic Monkeys has done seemingly the impossible, produce five great, critically acclaimed albums since its inception as a band. For any rock enthusiast, or any fan of music really, AM is a definite must buy. ▪ Rating: A-
metro.co.uk
aceshowbiz.com, collider.com
By Shirby Wang Graphics Editor
Insidious Chapter 2 returns to give closure to the plight of the Lambert family who’ve had the misfortune of being targeted by malevolent ghosts ever since they discovered the ability to astral project runs in the family. Directed by James Wan, many fans returned to the theatre in anticipation of the same horror-imbued atmosphere but found themselves in for a different type of scare. New watchers may find themselves confused as the sequel draws heavily on the first. Scenes that flash back to the first movie thrill old viewers by giving it a new spin but may be a bewildering distraction to those who do not recognize them. The overall meaning may be some-
what dampened without knowledge of the prequel, but new content and twists keep the plot engaging and not just a rehash of its prequel. In comparison to the first Insidious, the scare factor is rather lacking. With much of the horror already revealed, Wan scrambles to find new ways to renew the chill of the ghostly presence, some more successful than others. He makes use of interesting camera angles and the perspective of a hand-held video camera to capture the ominous spirits, and a more physical and macabre element is introduced as the spirit world crosses into the living. However, in other scenes, the audience sees any insidious move approaching from miles away. The overall horror pales in comparison to the scream-inducing moments of its predecessor.
Wilson nails the portrayal of the possessed father in his interactions with his wife and sons as well as his inner struggle between himself and the evil spirit. Meanwhile, both new and old characters fill the film, sometimes making it hard to keep track of exactly what is going down. Because screen time is chopped up to contain the large cast, the audience has a harder time connecting with each character, despite their interesting stories and portrayals. Insidious Chapter 2 adds creativity to close the Lambert family’s story, though cheesiness seems to have replaced some of its original horror. The film seems to revolve more around the plot than the scare, but is still entertaining to fans of the first movie. ▪ Rating: B+
‘A’ Line To Remember
whogottherole.com
By Aamir Rasheed Staff Writer
The comedy experience is brought into your living rooms with the 2013 rebirth of game show Whose Line is it Anyway?, where “everything is made up and the points don’t matter.” Five performers (Ryan Stiles, Colin Mochrie, Wayne Brady, a rotating cast member, and a guest star) are given various scenarios from the host (Aisha Tyler) or the audience and must improvise to act them out, earning points for the quality of their performance. The true joy of the experience, however, comes from the spontaneity of the talented performers and creativeness of the suggested scenes. Whose Line Is It Anyway? was originally conceived as a 1988 British radio program that read credits in a hilarious manner. It was then developed into a teleplay before it made its way to ABC television in 1998. Low
ratings caused the show to be canceled in 2003, but episodes continued to be re-aired throughout 2005 and 2007. In July 2013, it was rebooted on The CW with the current cast. The new look, original humor, and the wild card of a guest star, such as Walking Dead’s Laura Cohan or Glee’s Kevin McHale, keeps each episode fresh and entertaining. The show usually warms up with assigning each performer a character description, such as “Love Robot Recharged by Kissing People,” followed by the four performers acting out their roles together. It’s a perfect way to warm up for the show, as it raises the bar for the performers but still leaving room for the complexity and innovativeness. One of the most entertaining games involves the guest star, where he or she acts out a scenario with three of the other performers, but cannot speak. He or she must improvise actions as the fourth performer speaks
lines for them. In one show, guest star Maggie Q from the TV Show Nikita is an assassin attempting to seduce a senator, played by Stiles, in a hotel room. Mochrie voices Q’s lines and Brady plays her ex-boyfriend, walking into their scene at an inopportune moment. The hilarity that ensues, mostly engineered by the lines Mochrie provides for the assassin, causes not just the audience but Q to burst out laughing multiple times during the scene. It’s memorable moments like these where the genuineness of the actors and rawness of the humor shines through. All in all, Whose Line Is it Anyway? is fun, unpredictable and guaranteed to keep the audience on the edge of their seats. The producers have done an amazing job reinventing the show to woo newcomers and satisfy old fans. The show airs every Tuesday from 5:00-5:30 PST on The CW. ▪ Rating: A
Picture a tropical island getaway: swaying palm trees, chilled lemonade, and sand between your toes. Imagine the background music that accompanies such a scene, and you’d have the essence of Jack Johnson’s latest album, From Here to Now to You. The influence of the Hawaiian native’s environment is obvious throughout the album. Johnson accompanies his vocals with guitar, Dobro (a type of resonator guitar), ukulele, drums, and clapping, giving a homey beachside feel to each song. The harmonizing and whistling in “I Got You” sound especially calming. One of the most interesting elements of the album is Johnson’s gift for insightful songwriting. As a surfer, filmmaker, and environmentalist, Johnson draws his lyrics from an eclectic background. Though many of his tunes are about nostalgic love, he still weaves in his trademark comments on societal issues. Johnson also draws from personal experiences for inspiration. In the cheerful number “Tape Deck”, he tells an amusing story about the failures he and his childhood friends faced in starting a band. “You Remind Me of You” is Johnson’s ode to his daughter; he wittily notes that she inherited her neat side from her mother and her messy side from her father. Johnson mixes poetry and prose, mixing snippets of his everyday life with larger social questions. Since the instrumentals and overall style are similar throughout, the album could have easily turned into an overly mellow collection of beachside lullabies. Instead, Johnson varies the pace, interspersing soft romantic tunes with dance-along, sing-along material. The album’s catchiest song by far is “Shot Reverse Shot”, which pairs a choppy list of upbeat phrases with clapping and guitar-strumming. The tune is clearly rock-based, but still sounds soothing. Unlike many short-lived, mainstream pop hits, Johnson’s creative songs promise to engage listeners for years to come. Even though he builds a solid foundation upon Hawaiian-based folk rock, Johnson doesn’t close himself off from the rest of the world. Providing us with a view of Johnson’s art, lifestyle, and beliefs, From Here to Now to You is definitely a worthy trip to take. ▪ Rating: A
lahiguera.net
14 Ad
www.thesmokesignal.org
The Smoke Signal
Friday, September 27, 2013
Friday, September 27, 2013
The Smoke Signal
www.thesmokesignal.org
Arts & Entertainment 15
A Day To Remember House Party By Peter Qiu & Melissa Peng Staff Writers
It really was a day to remember. The atmosphere before the concert on September 20 hummed with anticipation, as a two block long line of restless fans waited outside. Fans stormed into San Jose State University’s Event Center when the doors opened, and Wonder Years kicked off the marathon with a few songs, a few shout-outs, and some on-stage antics. Though the first set was pretty crazy, fans were still trickling in, and the event center was only half full. The concert definitely picked up as All Time Low (ATL) took the stage. Crowd involvement peaked with All Time Low’s performance; when ATL played “Time Bomb”, two lucky fans were selected for a dance party onstage, and they later watched the rest of the set backstage. Fans bounced with the beat, and everyone joined in singing songs such as “Dear Maria, Count Me In” and “Backseat Serenade”. But the concert was just getting started, and after ATL, the stagehands wheeled out three huge letters, “P”, “T”, and “V”, initially hidden underneath a black cloth. When the next band took the stage and these letters were unveiled, the cheers were absolutely deafening. It became obvious that most fans came to the concert for Pierce the Veil. Vic Fuentes, the lead vocalist, was almost drowned out by the fans’ cheering. Emotions were also high, and two girls cried during “Bulletproof
The 20/20 Experience Part 2/2
Artist: Justin Timberlake 9/30/13 The 20/20 Experience Part 2/2, will be released on September 30, 2013. The first half of The 20/20 Experience was featured as number one album on Billboard with 968,000 in first-week sales.
Love”. However, A Day to Remember, the headlining band, had yet to play. After Pierce the Veil, around 15 minutes were set aside to prepare the stage for A Day to Remember, and an actual cutout of a house was brought out. Alex Shelnutt, drummer, rolled onto the stage on a platform, and the rest of the band walked out of the garage to thunderous screams. As their act went on, pyrotechnics replaced light shows, and columns of flame and sparks lit up the stage. Fans were fist pumping and dancing, and a few had to be taken out by security. Ringing ears and a racing heart were all that remained after the concert, a five hour party with mosh pit maelstroms in a sea of crazed fans. Overall, the concert had amazing sound quality, light shows, and execution in general. At the end, it felt like a sweaty mess, but was a load of fun nonetheless. ▪ Rating: A Want to attend an awesome concert like this one? The Smoke Signal is raffling two free tickets to the Scream It Like You Mean It concert featuring rock band Story of the Year on October 16th at the Regency Ballroom in San Francisco. Stay tuned to www.thesmokesignal.org for more information! staff writer peter qiu
Tattoos
Artist: Jason Derulo 9/20/13 Jason Derulo’s third studio album, Tattoos, was revealed on September 20, 2013. The album’s lead single, “The Other Side,” reached eighteenth place in the Billboard Hot 100.
Gravity
AE UPDATES BOX By Hannah Shih Staff Writer
PG-13 10/4/13 Starring Sandra Bullock and George Clooney, Gravity will premiere on October 4, 2013. The film follows the struggles the single survivor of a failed space mission faces trying to return home to Earth.
Web of Murder
Venue: Broadway West Theatre Company Web of Murder, a sinister murder mystery written by Jonathan Tray, will be performed on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights, as well as the occasional Sunday matinee. It will play until October 12. Visit broadwaywest.org for more information. glenwj.wordpress.com
Alumni Spotlight: Nicholi “DJ Technick” Reece By Hannah Shih Staff Writer
photo courtesy nicholi reece
The Smoke Signal sits down with Nicholi Reece, a 2013 alumnus who has been avidly DJ’ing since eighth grade. He recently performed in El Paso, Texas at the 3rd annual Sun City Music Festival. Smoke Signal: What motivated you to start DJ’ing in the first place and how did you learn? Nicholi Reece: I started DJ’ing near the end of eighth grade. My dad played a record for me that featured Herbie Handcock scratching. After hearing this, I thought to myself, “I want to try that”. Luckily my backyard neighbor used to DJ for MC Hammer and Too Short so he quickly took me under his wing. After learning the basics from him it was countless nights on YouTube an0d DJ blogs learning everything I could about the industry. SS: Other than the Sun City Festival, what other events and locations have you DJ’ed at? NR: I have DJ’ed with artists such as Steve Aoki, Armin Van Buuren, Adventure Club, Sage the Gemini, and Clyde Carson, and at venues such as Epic Club in Boracay, Philippines; San Jose Civic Center; Avalon in Santa Clara; Impala in San Francisco; and Illusions in Palo Alto. SS: What did you most enjoy about the Sun City Festival? What was the experience like?
NR: To prepare, there were a lot of emails and calls to the management team; called Disco Donnie, and SMG events. [They] helped me set up my hotel, transportation, and other event details like set time and stage choice. I got to take two of my best friends, Michael Lindsay and Waylan Khuu, and they were given backstage VIP passes with me. On the day of the event, I arrived early to do soundcheck, and it was super hot out. The whole time I was worrying about my computer overheating. I DJ’ed the Main Stage, and after I got to hang out on stage and back stage with some of my favorite artists...It was a crazy weekend. SS: What would be your advice to people who want to try DJ’ing or are trying to find opportunities to expand their knowledge and experience? NR: My advice to aspiring DJ’s is to stay humble. Putting another DJ down only hurts you. And also, NETWORK LIKE CRAZY! To start my network, I played events for free and cut deals with a lot of clients in order to build my relationships. Experience wise, learn your equipment and don’t be intimidated by all the knobs and faders. Keep practicing, and you’ll eventually get it. YouTube is your best friend. Plus, I’m always open to answering questions and helping out upcoming DJ’s so hit me up! Don’t miss DJ Technick at the Homecoming Dance on October 18! Search “Technick Tuesday” in iTunes to subscribe to DJ Technick’s podcast. Like his Facebook page and follow him on Twitter and Instagram: Facebook.com/djtechnick1 Twitter.com/djtechnick1 ▪
16 Ad
www.thesmokesignal.org
The Smoke Signal
Friday, September 27, 2013
EXCEL TEST PREP
Prep Courses for the SAT/PSAT, ACT & SAT Subject Tests 48820 Kato Dr. Suite 500B, Fremont, CA 94538 Phone: (510) 490-7000 Fax: (510) 354-3828 info@exceltest.com www.exceltest.com
We have been offering the best SAT prep courses in the Bay Area for over 10 years, as evidenced by the fact that over a hundred of our students have received perfect scores, along with countless thousands of students that have improved their scores by 300 points or more!
“I knew most of the stuff on the SAT already because I’ve been getting good grades in school, but Excel was able to give me that extra step to get the [knowledge] that only the SAT asks for.”
Josh Bollar
Perfect 2400, January 2012
“Excel’s tactics will get you a 12 [on the essay section of the SAT]. It just depends on whether you follow those tactics or not.”
Ashvin Swaminathan Perfect 2400, January 2012
UPCOMING 4 WEEK, 40 HOUR SAT CLASSES Course #
Starts
Ends
Days and Times
SAT-1309803-FMH
10/1/2013
10/29/2013
Tuesday 6pm to 9pm, Saturday 2pm to 5pm, Sunday 2pm to 6pm
SAT-1310703-FMH
10/31/2013
11/28/2013
Thursday 6pm to 9pm, Saturday 10am to 1pm, Sunday 10am to 2pm
SAT-1312003-FMH
12/3/2013
1/14/2014
Tuesdays 6pm to 9pm, Saturdays 2pm to 5pm, Sundays 2pm to 6pm
SAT-1312504-FMH
12/21/2013
1/5/2014
TWO-WEEK XMAS CRAM COURSE - Sunday through Saturday 10am to 1pm, (Days Off for Christmas & New Years)
UPCOMING 4 WEEK, 39 HOUR ACT CLASSES Course #
Starts
Ends
Days and Times
ACT-1311102-FMH
11/5/2013
12/3/2013
Tuesday 6 pm to 9 pm, Saturday 2 pm to 5 pm, Sunday 2 pm to 6 pm
ACT-1401102-FMH
1/7/2014
2/4/2014
Tuesdays 6 pm to 9 pm, Saturdays 10 am to 1 pm, Sundays 10 am to 2 pm
UPCOMING 15 HOUR SAT SUBJECT TEST CLASSES - FOR DECEMBER SUBJECT TESTS Course #
Subject
Starts
Ends
Days and Times
FM-M2-3175
Math Level 2
10/25/2013
11/22/2013
Fridays 5 pm to 6 pm, Saturdays 10 am to 1 pm
FM-BI-3174
Biology
10/25/2013
11/22/2013
Fridays 5 pm to 6 pm, Sundays 2 pm to 5 pm
FM-CH-3173
Chemistry
10/25/2013
11/22/2013
Fridays 5 pm to 6 pm, Sundays 10 am to 1 pm
FM-PH-3172
Physics
10/25/2013
11/22/2013
Fridays 5 pm to 6 pm, Thursdays 6 pm to 9 pm
All of these classes are held at the Excel Test Main Office located at 48820 Kato Road Suite 500B, Fremont, CA. Call (510) 490-7000 or email info@exceltest.com for information on other locations and classes happenning all year round.
Friday, September 27, 2013
The Smoke Signal
By Leah Feuerman & Ishan Goyal Sports Editors
Is Defense Breaking or Faking? The Oregon Ducks are fun to watch. It might be because they wear different uniforms almost every game in colors ranging from forest green to neon yellow, or it could be because their mascot is, you guessed it, a giant duck. But what makes them one of the most exciting college football teams in the NCAA is the intense fast pace of their offense that leaves their opponent’s defense scrambling. Oregon’s offense takes pride in their ruthless onslaught of plays from the moment that play clock starts ticking. They don’t huddle, they don’t take their time snapping the ball, and they certainly don’t wait for the defense to set up. Every dead moment for them is a wasted moment (and a chance for the defense to get in a substitution). In a game that more than occasionally suffers from long periods of stops, they keep the play going no matter what, and keep us on the edge of our seats. And who doesn’t love a more exciting and fast-paced game? The answer: the defense. Quick plays and a fast momentum are great to watch for those of us sitting at home on the couch, but for the defense, this kind of game play puts them under extreme stress and causes exhaustion in an already physically taxing sport. As Alabama’s head coach Nick Saban said to the New York Times last year, “I don’t have anything against no-huddle...It’s a tremendous advantage to the offense. So I don’t blame any offensive coach for wanting to do it, and taking advantage of it, deceiving the defense with the pace of the game, whatever you want to call it. But I just think that someone should examine: is this
where we want this to go for player safety?” Saban referred to the ongoing argument that these types of offenses allegedly cause more injuries because they hinder player substitution and force the defense to play at a quick pace for long periods of time. Of course, he was under the impression that he was likely to play Oregon in the national championship at the time. So, what does this argument have to do with what is going on in football right now? Well, it now seems like Saban was right in some ways: more defensive players are appearing injured on the field. The question is, how many of
nfl.si.com
Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo accuses the Giants of faking injuries in order to slow down the play.
these injuries are faked? Former Chicago Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher recently admitted in an interview with Fox Sports that the Bears used to teach their players to fake injuries in order to slow down these fast offenses. “We had a guy who was a ‘designated dive guy,’ so when the coach would [signal], he’d get ‘hurt.’ He’d be the guy who would fake an injury,” said Urlacher. He also said that it was not uncommon for other teams to do this as well. In a Dallas Cowboys victory against the New York Giants, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones accused the Giants defense of faking injuries in an attempt to slow down his fast-paced team. When Dan Conner
This year, MSJ’s JV football team has a new coach: Jimmie Russell, a long-time football player and coach who has played in the European Football League. The Smoke Signal sat down with Russell to talk about his past career and his plans at MSJ.
JR: My goal is to win. People say you can learn a lot from losing. Well, I don’t like to teach that kind of thing. I like to win; I don’t like to lose. My goal is to make these guys better, wellrounded men. Mature men, with respect for people, and positive role models throughout the school.
Smoke Signal: What was your football career like before you came to coach at MSJ? Jimmie Russell: I’ve been playing football now for 24 years. The last six years I’ve been in Europe: Finland, France, Austria, and the last three years I’ve also been in France. Football for me was a way of life. I moved from California and Georgia, and you know in the South, football is bigger than everything except church. SS: When and how did you start playing in Europe? JR: I started playing in Europe in 2008 when my college coach asked me my senior year of college if I wanted to play and travel to Europe for free. SS: What positions did you play, and for what teams? Did you go to any championships? JR: I first played in Pori, Finland; then Thonon les Bains, France; then Vienna, Austria; and then Bordeaux, France for the last two years. I have been in two championships and won one last year and I have lost the semi-finals three times, so I have a tradition of winning in Europe. I play quarterback, and I am 51-11 as the starting quarterback. I have played in the Eurobowl [the final game in the European Football League] two times and it was a great experience. SS: What are your goals for this season?
went down to a neck injury and Cullen Jenkins apparently suffered a shoulder injury on two consecutive plays, Jones couldn’t help but object. In a game between the Philadelphia Eagles who adopted the Ducks offensive style and the Washington Redskins, the league faced another case of faked injuries. The up-tempo Eagles ran 53 offensive plays in the first half alone, leaving the Redskin defenders scrambling to their positions. This frantic pace caused several defenders to drop to the turf suffering apparent cramps. Eagles receiver Desean Jackson said in a post game interview with the Washington Post “Not sure how serious the injuries were and things like that, but as far as the offense, we’re like, ‘Come on, let us keep going.” This presents a real problem to NCAA and NFL football. There are no official rules in football designated for faking injuries during the game. Although the league sent out a memo to the 32 teams before the regular season that there would be disciplinary action for faking injuries in games, neither the Giants nor the Redskins were given any form of punishment after their losses.With what appears to be a new trend in the use of this kind of tactic, there may be a need for an official regulation very soon. The rule should be this: if a player on defense is injured, and they return to the game afterwards, it should cost that team a timeout if the official determines that player was faking. If the player has to come off and cannot play the rest of the game, there should be no penalty. This may seem harsh considering all the real injuries that do occur in football, but it might become a necessary measure if this trend continues. Relying on a referee’s judgment as to whether a player injury is real or not is not a new concept to sports. In soccer, where feigned injuries have become an expected part
Sports 17
of the game, referees are expected to make the judgment of whether the play should be continued in spite of a fallen athlete or, in extreme cases, if the “hurt” player should be given a yellow card. Making the same determination in football should not be much different. In the end, it is important for some kind of new rule regarding faked injuries to be put in the official rulebook. This kind of practice slows down the game and compromises the integrity of the players. It is a form of cheating and should not be tolerated by the NCAA or NFL. ▪
Season Preview: Girls’ Tennis
: r e n r o C Coach’s l l a b t o o F By Irisa Lee Staff Writer
www.thesmokesignal.org
europlayers.com
Jimmie Russell gives an interview as the quarterback for the Bethune-Cookman Wildcats.
SS: What are your thoughts on the upcoming season after the first game? JR: Wow. It was a bit of a shock. [I] was definitely not expecting that but it’s something that we can build on and learn from. [We can] take what we’ve done good in this game and apply it to the next game, and take what we’ve done bad in this game and make corrections this week so we’ll be better the next game. SS: Why are you coaching MSJ now? Do you plan to pursue a career in coaching? JR: Yes, I plan to have a career coaching. And I’m at MSJ because they are a team on the edge of great things, and with the leadership of Coach Baugh and the other coaches we will restore this team back to its glory days.▪
By Hairol Ma Staff Writer With fall sports bringing back the usual buzz and excitement to counteract the sudden stress of the school year, it’s easy to see that Girls’ Tennis is filled with amazing potential for this season. With 11 new members to replace last year’s seniors, the team is sure to secure many wins for MSJ this year. Last fall, Girls’ Tennis placed second in the league. With a school record of 12-2, MSJ remained undefeated, second only to Logan. After placing second in MVALS, they were eligible to compete in NCS. “Although we would have liked to win MVALS, we managed to get 2nd place after Logan,” says Co-captain Sheryl Cherian. “We had a doubles team that got as far as the finals for individual MVALS, where they lost to Logan.” Throughout the history of MSJ, Logan has always proved a formidable opponent. “Our team qualified for NCS, and we fought valiantly, but didn’t go past the first round,” Cherian concluded. The team lost to Redwood City High School after putting up a memorable fight. The team had two doubles teams that remained undefeated last year, an impressive feat. Cherian herself hopes to maintain her remarkable undefeated record from last season. “We also had a doubles team make it to the finals of the doubles division of individual MVALS,” Cherian says. “NCS wasn’t as successful as we would have liked, but we definitely put up a fight.” With the loss of many important seniors, the team hopes to remain as solid as ever with their 11 new recruits. “We lost many of our players this year, so we accepted 11 players onto the team,” Cherian explains. This year, the team hopes to brainstorm and execute new strategies that will help their solid doubles team continue to advance in rankings. “We are all trying to improve our own game individually, which will ultimately
help the team as a whole,” says Co-captain Akshaya Thananjeyan. “I personally hope to improve my game strategically and also work on my consistency,” she adds. “We are focusing on improving our consistency and aggressiveness,” says Cherian. Danny Yee, the Girls’ Tennis Coach, is an encouraging mentor. “Coach just wants us to play our best and have fun on the court. As long as we give it our best he is always happy,” says Thananjeyan. “He wants us to win MVALS, but he’s happy with the result, as long as we try our hardest,” says Cherian. With goals to win MVALs this season and improve in NCS, the Girls’ Tennis team is looking at a promising start. Though expectations were not fulfilled last year, they hope to achieve their goals this season, with hard work and motivation. “I feel like the team continues to improve every year, and I can’t wait to see how well they perform this year,” says Emily Hou, Cocaptain from the 2012 season. Girls’ Tennis will be having their next match against Logan on Tuesday, October 1.▪
sports editor ishan goyal
Girls’ Tennis captains Sheryl Cherian (left) and Akshaya Thananjeyan (right)
18 Ad
www.thesmokesignal.org
The Smoke Signal
Friday, September 27, 2013
Friday, September 27, 2013
The Smoke Signal
www.thesmokesignal.org
Photo 19
photos by events manager hairol ma, circulation manager hannah shih & photo editor shirby wang
20 Photo
www.thesmokesignal.org
The Smoke Signal
Friday, September 27 , 2013