February 2011

Volume 59, Issue 6

February 2011

Arcadia High School 180 Campus Drive, Arcadia, CA

CA Budget Cuts Hitting Home at AUSD

In this issue:

Photo courtesy of RONALD LEE

PERFORMING ARTS pg. 8 PA Love: Members and directors tell us why they love what they do.

Graphic by LEO CHUANG

CALIFORNIA DEFICIT CLOSING IN As Governor Jerry Brown announces the reduction of funds allotted for

education for the 2011-2012 school year, AUSD finds itself in yet another financial crisis.

Photo courtesy of WORDPRESS.COM

FEATURES pg. 11 Disneyland’s Secrets: From exclusive clubs to indoor gynasiums, Disneyland plays host to a multitude of secret perks.

Graphic courtesy of ALLFREECRAFTS.COM

CENTER SPREAD pgs. 12-13 Notes from the Heart: Sentimental, candid, and ironic letters written in honor of Valentine’s Day. Have a question, comment, or concern about the Pow Wow? E-mail the Editors-in-Chief at editorsinchief@apachepowwow.com or find us online at apachepowwow.com.

By APOORV CHAUDHARY & VALERIE YU Staff Writers

Over the years, other states have faced drastic financial crises that have severely affected educational funding. Recently, the Arcadia Unified School District (AUSD) has begun to feel the tremors of California’s dire state deficit. Ironically enough, as our nation bounces back from the recent recession, AUSD may be trudging into harder times.

Though it may be one of the last districts to feel the choking grasp of budget cuts, AUSD will definitely be facing a series of cutbacks next school year. Along with the many other local school districts in California, such as Beverly Hills (whose average class size has mounted to 40) and Los Angeles (which has a $408 million budget deficit), AUSD has commenced preparation for the worst.

Required by the state to draft a balanced three-year budget, AUSD is now struggling to balance a $2 million deficit, a figure that will soon increase by $3 million should California’s new tax bill not pass in a special election this June. California Governor Jerry Brown

has drafted a balanced budget on the assumption that the bill will pass, allotting special funds for education. However, as Principal David Vannasdall explained, this assumption is an unsteady wager because whether or not the bill will be added to the ballot is still in question. Just as the passage of this bill would be ideal, having consistent funds for education would be even better. Principal Vannasdall continued, “Constant [financial support] would definitely be preferred over ups and downs in funding.” But how much would be added to the deficit in the case that this bill fails to pass? According to Ms. Kerry King, an Arcadia Teachers Association (ATA) Bargaining Team member, “this would be a $349 per student cut, which doesn’t sound too bad until you multiply that by every student in the district—that’s $3.1 million more.”

With the current budget matching the one in 2007, the district administration has begun drafting plan after plan, preparing for worst-case scenarios until a confirmation this July, after the turnout of the special election in June. In that worst-case scenario, according to Principal Vannasdall, “life as we know it at AHS will change drastically.” Thus, as AUSD

begins adjusting to the swiftly changing climate that the budget crisis has instigated, those infamous pink slips are circulating once again, as mandated by state law. Nearly 42 pink slips will be passed out to staff members at AHS alone by Mar. 15 as notification of the possible lay-offs. The process used to determine which teachers will face these possible layoffs is based on seniority. In the event that the bill for extended taxes is not passed, up to 21 staff members from AHS may be laid off this summer, and over 65 jobs may be lost in the district. These pink slips come after numerous alternative attempts to stave off the crisis. Just two years ago, all AUSD administration members and teachers agreed to a 1.25% cut to their salaries as a temporary fix to the district’s financial crisis—but there are still more cuts and reductions in the future. Ms. King stated that “teachers will definitely make concessions,” but what these concessions will be is unknown as of now.

As the distribution of pink slips has foreshadowed, ramifications of the budget cuts may soon become reality for many here at AHS. continued on pg. 6

NEWS

2 Chaos in Egypt: One of Many Middle Eastern Revolutions

By EVAN DELGADO

Staff Writer

The greatest series of anti-government revolts is making history in the Middle East.

Youth-led revolts began in January in Tunisia, forcing the country’s president to flee and establishing a unity government three days later.

Soon after events in Tunisia, protests broke out in Egypt. On Jan. 25, a protest against the government’s infringements on civilian rights in front of the Egypt Supreme Court building turned into a much larger protest with bouts of violence. Thousands of protesters took to the streets calling for former President Hosni Mubarak, who had ruled Egypt for over three decades, to

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solidate the government’s power, shutting down internet access on the first day of the protests for over a week. Journalists were also harassed by the regime’s supporters, eliciting condemnation against Mubarak from the Committee to Protect Journalists, European countries, and the United States. For most of the protests, the United States walked a fine line, especially because it had supported Mubarak for 30 years, but when it became apparent that his days were numbered, the White House spoken out more openly in support of democracy in Egypt.

On Feb. 11, Mubarak stepped down from power and named Ahmed Mohamed Shafik, formerly a member of the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces and former Civil Aviation Minister, the new Prime Minister. The revolt succeeded in removing Mubarak from power. Shafik has promised fair elections, the release of 222 political prisoners, and assurances that the government would do what it could to find persons reported missing during the protests.

Freshman Isaac Klipstein stated, “I Egyptian think that what we s celebra ted their can take away from freedom n ewfound on Feb. 1 this is that newer 1, after fo Presiden rmer generations are adt Hosni M ubarak re hering to ideals of signe

step down. Mubarak was accused of rigging elections and falsely accusing and imprisoning critics of his regime. There had been protests in the past, but these were aided by the Internet and other new media technologies, used by protesters, many of them young people, to organize the protests.

Although the main revolt had taken place in Cairo, there were marches and protests in many major Egyptian cities, such as Alexandria, Luxor, and Mansoura. The overall death toll exceeded 150, mainly due to clashes between the protesters and Mubarak supporters, including security forces under the guise of civilians. The Egyptian government also cracked down on the media in order to weaken the protesters and con-

n Egyptia ing an s is k r nstratroteste , demo ptian p ts y g io r E e n th A ce. during officer r violen e v o e police of lov power ing the

d.

EPA’s Efforts to Clean Our Water

Staff Writer

When you look in a glass of water, chances are you won’t see toxic chemicals floating around amongst the ice cubes. Despite its pristine appearance, however, our drinking water contains many pollutants that are harmful to our health. While this is news to many, this knowledge has been circulating government agencies for years, yet no publicized efforts have been made to put an end to it. Until now.

In early February, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) took actions to curb the amount of toxins present in drinking water in addition to eliminating the formation of further contaminants that could be harmful if ingested. One of these contaminants is perchlorate, which threatens the health of infants, children, and pregnant women. A salt derived from perchloric acids, perchlorate is naturally found in stores of groundwater and manufactured in anything explosive. However, more and more perchlorate is finding its way into our water stores. When ingested, it can obstruct the production of hormones necessary for human metabolism, efficient mental functions, and infant developmental processes.

Research by the Food and Drug Administration reveals that perchlorate contamination has been found in the drinking water of at least 20 states in the United States. The most heavily affected regions in California have been Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino, Orange, and Sacramento counties.

Soon, however, there will be no reason to fear perchlorate due to the EPA’s progress.

The EPA hopes to regulate the perchlorate level in drinking water to a mere six micrograms per liter, and lower the amount of perchlorate by as much as 94% within the next two years.

Perchlorate contamination is a likely consequence from industrial users dumping their waste in unlined landfills that do not isolate biohazards. The toxic chemicals leach downward through the soil and enter stores of water underground, making it unfit to drink. Environmental safety is a major concern, and therefore, bills and regulations are being proposed to counter the threat that pollution like perchlorate-dumping poses.

freedom and democracy. This is truly the embodiment of the age-old struggle between the people and the government, and the people always get what they want.”

This type of phenomenon may be the beginning of a trend in the region. Senior Janna Singer-Baefsky said, “I think it’s interesting to see how after Tunisians revolted against their government, Egypt did as well. I think it’s great to see people questioning their government’s actions. I support those who want fair elections and a democratic government.” Already Egypt and Tunisia have gone through massive rebellions, and it may only be a matter of time before another country follows. In the aftermath of Mubarak’s departure, the military has dissolved the current parliament and suspended the constitution. In these times of reconstruction, the people of Egypt have invested their hope in the military instead of the politicians reminiscent of a hated government. Many forms of art were censored under Mubarak, and after the revolt began, many songs began being created that would have been banned before. Hiphop groups such as the Arabian Knightz wrote songs that were sung in Tahrir Sqaure. Film studios were no longer constrained, and even created documentaries detailing the protests.

From the massive growth of artistic expression and the changing nature of Egypt’s government it can be discerned that the newly sovereign nation will remain free for a long time. edelgado@apachepowwow.com Photos courtesy of LATIMES.COM and DENVERPOST.COM Graphics courtesy of ACADEMICTECH.COM, ALEXANDRIA ETHRIDGE, and YOUTHEDESIGNER.COM

The Future of Abortion Rights

The World Around Us:

By JUSTIN PARK

February 2011

jpark@apachepowwow.com

Graphics courtesy of CNN.COM and CLIPART.SILHOUETTEGUIDE.COM

By KERRY WANG Staff Writer

What is considered life? How valuable is free will? Combine these unanswerable questions and you have the kindling for the fiery debate on abortion. The bill that is currently being debated pertains to cutting the federal budget for abortion funding. Two House of Representatives (House) bills have been filed with Republicans at the helm, but Democrats and pro-choice activists have vowed to not let them pass.

The House committees viewed two similar bills Feb. 7 to 11. New Jersey Representative Chris Smith’s No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act (H.R. 3) goes after every federal fund concerning abortion. However, Pennsylvania Chairman Joe Pitt’s Protect Life Act (H.R. 358) is more conservative and only seeks to close loopholes in last year’s health overhaul that can permit federal funding for abortions. Both of their goals, however, are to forbid public funding of abortion through health care and federal taxes. Some of the measures include eliminating the tax advantages that come with the health insurance that covers abortions, preventing individuals from using their health-saving accounts for abortionrelated services, and barring individuals who accept federal health care,

available starting in 2014, from purchasing health insurance that covers abortion in any way.

The proposed changes will push America in a new direction, a direction that many disagree on. Republicans say that the new measures are needed to make sure no federal money is used on abortion. House Majority Leader Eric Cantor said this is necessary to be “consistent with cutting spending.”

Potentially millions of dollars can be saved by backing away from abortion. That, however, comes at a cost. Under the new bills, a woman in a life-threatening situation could potentially be turned away from hospitals if her case called for an abortion. Millions of people would also be affected because most private insurance covers abortion, but if there is federal curtailing of abortion in health care, many companies will drop abortion coverage altogether.

The first week of hearings is over, but there are sure to be many more weeks of debate ahead.

Republicans truly believe in their new path for America, while Democrats are for preserving the abortion rights of women. Washington Senator Patty Murray hopes for us to “not to go back in history.” kwang@apachepowwow.com

Graphics courtesy of PLANETWARE.COM and SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

news@apachepowwow.com

February 2011

Saving Lives– The Apple Way

By MICHAEL PAI Staff Writer

With a vast number of applications (apps) already available for its users, it seems that there is nothing an Apple Inc. product can’t do. A recent addition to its repertoire, however, suggests that the minds behind the revolutionary gadget aren’t done yet. A medical imaging software was recently approved by the Food and Drug Administration for use as an Apple product app. While this app may not be quite as entertaining as Angry Birds, it is certainly more impressive considering that it can save lives.

Created by MIM Software Inc., this app has the ability to view images ranging from MRIs and CTs to PETs and SPECTs. The software can help doctors make medical diagnoses such as identifying fractured bones among other things. While remarkable, the app is not without limits. It is only to be used when a workstation is unavailable, and is unauthorized to assess xrays and mammograms. Despite its restrictions, this incredible advancement in technology suggests that there will be more to come.

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mpai@apachepowwow.com Photo courtesy of SWEETWATER.COM

Raves: Problematic Parties?

Staff Writer

On Jan. 25, amongst a solemn and divided Congress, President Barack Obama delivered his second State of the Union address, urging Republicans and Democrats to unite for the sake of America’s advancement. Presenting his plan to “win the future,” President Obama set goals to spark innovation and augment America’s prominence in the world.

A somber cloud hung over the room as President Obama stood at the podium, every Congress member donning a black and white lapel ribbon to honor the Tucson shooting victims. In further remembrance, Democrats and Republicans sat intermingled, leaving a seat empty for Representative Gabrielle Giffords.

The President began his speech by acknowledging the gradual recovery of the economy, yet pushed for more—more improvements, more advancement, more eminence in the rapidly rising global economy. “The world has changed,” he announced. “But this shouldn’t discourage us. It should challenge us.” President Obama named China and India as the United States’ main competitors in the world and encouraged America to surpass them. His proposal includes a bill to investing in clean air technology, creating jobs, and establishing America as the

A SMILE FOR AMERICA

3

By ALISON FU

the Los Angeles Colliseum and Sports Arena, causing many to support the Staff Writer raves, if only for the funding.

Dancing, music, drugs, and alcohol Recent discussion about raves are four typical characteristics of raves, was sparked by the announcement of all-night dance parties that often result in the possible return of the Electric Daisy hospitalizations, sometimes even death. Carnival. According to event managers, As the popularity of raves increases, so the dance, if approved, would be condoes the number of people who are begin- siderably safer and more closely monining to scrutinize these gatherings, leading tored than it had been in previous years. to growing Promises controversy and preabout whether cautions, or not raves however, did should be banned not satisfy opfor good. ponents of this Not only prime and other raves. opportunities for young In a response to the adults to illegally abuse carnival’s likely redrugs and alcohol, raves turn, University of Photo courtesy of TUMBLR.COM are also events Southern Calithat affect the lo- PARTYING SAFELY? Raves, fornia President cal community, giant dance parties noted for excessive C.L. Max Nikiusually filling up drinking and drug use, oftentimes pose as sent out a lethospitals with in- dangers to underage minors. ter to students, toxicated party-goers and requiring police warning them about the effects of drug to control the dances instead of patrolling use and discouraging them from particresidential areas. Though most have age ipating in raves. “They’re too dangerrestrictions, security oftentimes does not ous,” agreed junior Joanna Liao. There enforce the rules, allowing underage teen- are “always people who get injured or agers to participate in drinking and drug arrested.” use; last June, Sasha Rodriguez, only 15 While the number of people inyears old, died of a drug overdose at a rave jured or hospitalized due to raves is deknown as the Electric Daisy Carnival, the creasing, debate about the subject is inlargest two-day dance music festival in creasing and will most likely continue America. However, raves are also a sub- until some sort of resolution is found. stantial source of income for event centers, making up about 28% of the revenue for afu@apachepowwow.com

Winning the Future, One Step at a Time

By ALISON FU

NEWS

world leader in innovation.

Reforming education was another important point on the President’s list; he criticized the current system and emphasized the importance of improvement.

Expanding his focus to colleges and universities, he reiterated a goal set two years ago: making America the nation with the highest proportion of college graduates by 2020. In order to do this, he explained, expectations must be raised, and higher education must be accessible to all.

President Obama’s solution to America’s fiscal crisis is to freeze non-defense spending for five years, end tax cuts for the richest 2% of Americans, and simplify the tax code. His plans for a more efficient government through reorganization and consolidation, however, did not satisfy many people’s concerns about the current economy. Furthermore, President Obama highlighted America’s triumphs in the wars overseas, mentioned the upcoming removal of troops from Afghanistan in July, and explained the necessity of healthcare law as well as his readiness to work with Congress to improve it.

Response to the speech was mixed. “It’s more important to spend money fixing our own national issues” than to invest in new technology, exPhoto courtesy of CNN.COM Graphic courtesy of TINYPIC.COM

President Barack Obama’s goals for the rest of his presidency include educational and economic reforms.

pressed senior Rachel Rosenbaum in response to the President’s plan for innovation. Junior Amy Wen disagreed, believing that “investing in the economy is a short term solution,” whereas “technology...can benefit [America now and] later.”

President Obama stirred up pride and patriotism with his compelling oration. “We do big things…[we] dare to dream,” he proclaimed. “That’s how we win the future.” afu@apachepowwow.com

t a f f s Editors Editors-in-Chief Managing Editor News Editors Opinion Editors Performing Arts Editors Student Life Editors Features Editors Sports Editors Academics Editors Center Spread Editor Calendar Editor Campus Focus Editor Advertisement Editors Executive Copy Editors

Kristie Tom and Christine Xu Melissa Ma Ashley Chi and Alexandria Ethridge Kaitlyn Jeong and Elaine Tsui Eileen Chow and Rhiannon Yee Grace Song and Nancy Xiao Katherine Bay and Jenny Li Regina Liu and Victoria Tran Sally Chung and Yejean Kim Alwyna Lau Beverly Chen Cherry Mo Becca Lu and Shannon Ng Rachael Tang, Elbert Wang, and Josie Yang Photography Editor Elliott Lee Webmaster Leo Chuang Fundraising Chairs Lena Kalemkiarian, Anna Naran, and Jessica Sunkamaneevongse

Writers News Staff Ariana Arzani, Christopher Cho, Evan Delgado, Alison Fu, Michael Pai, Brandon Pang, Justin Park, Kerry Wang, Jasmine Wu Opinion Staff Mya Ho, Yejean Kim, Utthara Rameshbabu, Melissa Song, Sophia Tang, Josie Yang, Valerie Yu Performing Arts Staff Annie Huang, Karina Laigo, Stacey Ng, Carrie Qiu, Christina Zhou Student Life Staff Edward Chao, Evan Delgado, Courtney Hang, Karina Laigo, Sophia Tang, Elbert Wang, Rita Wang, Valerie Yu Features Staff Ellison Chen, Mya Ho, Raphael Lu, Laureen Ma, Carrie Qiu, Sarah Quon, Rachel Thai, Rita Wang, Michelle Zhang Sports Staff Edward Chao, Stephen Chu, Belle Chuang, Stacey Ng, Andy Qin, Christine Sun Academics Staff Apoorv Chaudhary, Christopher Chen, Andy Qin, Rachel Thai, Elbert Wang, Shibo Zhong Center Spread Staff Valerie Yu, Vanessa Yu Calendar Staff Christopher Cho, Karina Laigo, Brandon Pang, Michelle Zhang, Sue Wang, Christina Zhou Campus Focus Staff Courtney Hang Advertisement Staff Arnav Chaudhary, Apoorv Chaudhary, Belle Chuang, Leo Chuang, Ryan Hajiheshmat, Annie Huang, Chris Lee, Laureen Ma, William Tzeng, Kenneth Vuong Photo Staff Ellison Chen, Tommy Liao Copy Editing Staff Courtney Hang, Utthara Rameshbabu, Elbert Wang, Josie Yang Adviser Mr. Johnny Lee Publication Information: The Apache Pow Wow is a student publication distributed monthly throughout the school year. The paper has been continuously published since Arcadia High School opened in 1952. Unsigned articles appearing on the opinion page reflect the opinion of The Apache Pow Wow editorial board. A student’s work does not represent the views of Arcadia High School or the Arcadia Unified School District. Address letters to the editor to: The Apache Pow Wow, 180 W. Campus Drive, Arcadia, CA 91007. To place an advertisement in the newspaper, email ads.powwow@gmail.com. Advertisement rates vary from $30 for a business card advertisement to $250 for a full-page black and white advertisement, with quarter-page, half-page, and advertisement insert options available.

Graphics courtesy of LAYOUTSPARKS.COM and BIGBUBBLEWANDS.COM

4

Opinion

In Defense of Ink and Paper

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Gossip: Rumors of a Cooked Goose

By SOPHIA TANG Staff Writer

By JEANNE KUANG Staff Writer

I am a huge fan of the Internet and am reasonably impressed by technology. I also love books; I love real books—the kind that I can insert a bookmark in, that I can put proudly on a shelf of cherished volumes, that I can hold open in my lap when I curl up on a quiet night. E-books and online news are convenient, environmentally friendly, and all in all good ideas, to be sure. But there’s something special about a printed, bound, ink-and-paper book, and that makes it something worth keeping around.

The development of writing is one of mankind’s crowning achievements, and the invention of paper ranks pretty high on the list as well. Both pretty much define history—all the important works of the past have been preserved on paper. When I see ink on paper, I can believe that someone once took a pen and an idea and wrote it down, and there’s something beautiful about that.

Of course, we’re moving into the age of technology, when nearly everything is on a screen and everything is portable, and we must adapt to the new advancements of electronic everything. But reading, for me, has always been an escape from the world, at least partially. When I open a book, I feel like a child, or someone who doesn’t have to care about online applications being timestamped to the second, or spending a quarter of her waking hours slaving away before a computer.

Technology is amazing and helpful, and I wouldn’t be able to write this article or see so many things in print without it, but it brings with it countless burdens as well.

We are expected to constantly be wired to knowledge, and everything we do is being upgraded to an exhausting stream of lightspeed perfection and crystal-cut accuracy.

And I’m stubbornly unwilling to give up what I read to the mass of electronics, because real books and real newspapers deserve that precious small amount of time we reserve for them at home. They take time; they are tangible; and yes, they are fragile.

They are, in essence, human. They’re a link to the parts of us that haven’t been taken over by the suffocating swarms of every trivial update, every new event, every possible way to battery-power and AutoCorrect our lives. Fans of technology say books are outdated, but books are the very things we need to keep us grounded and to make sure that, in our addiction to electronic fads, we don’t lose ourselves in the sea of gadgets and applications.

Call me old-fashioned, but I love books the same way some people are devoted to vinyl records or black-and-white films. They remind us of a different era, an era of stunning creation and dedication to the kind of art that stands the test of time. The only difference is that books haven’t left us, and I hope they don’t become things of the past.

In this new era of instant communication and overwhelming information, this brilliant simplicity is something I’m not ready to let go of. jkuang@apachepowwow.com

February 2011

school, then we know how hurtful and risky gossip can be. Whether we were in the mushpot before, or just lucky enough not to be, we have some insight on how badly this game is played. Everyone takes turns being the hunter, and sometimes with power in our hands, it can be used in the wrong direction. We single out people and put them in the mushpot where they are vulnerable to everyone’s acidic tongues. Instead of being an exhibit, it should be a warning. We’re all sitting ducks here. All of us are vulnerable to hurtful gossip.

True, spreading gossip ruins other people’s reputations, but it ruins yours too. By targeting a goose who had no line of defense, the hunters were showing really bad sportsmanship. Each and every one of us possesses the power to hurt someone every day, but we often refrain because we also possess morals and self-respect for ourselves. Yet when a vitriolic rumor is passed into our hands, we often shed all these morals and join in the game. How can we do that when we know the cooked goose can always be one of us? We can at least try to suppress our inner hunter, the one always on the prowl inside us.

Thanks to Duck, Duck, Goose back in elementary school, we now know gossip is a game that shouldn’t be played Graphic by MICHELLE ZHANG more than once.

degrading it was to be in the mushpot, but that didn’t stop us from singing the taunting chant.

Poor, singled-out kid—the goose was cooked and burnt.

Passing on a rumor or a few words about someone doesn’t always start out with malicious intentions. It usually starts out as entertainment, when we get bored or need a break from our own stressful lives. During dull and somewhat dismal times, we will unknowingly do anything for a sufficient diversion. But fun and games shouldn’t end in tears and hurt reputations, so gossip shouldn’t be played either.

If we remember playing the dreadful Duck, Duck, Goose game back in elementary

A rumor here, a whisper there...who would care? In reality, gossip can not only tear apart other people but also destroy a person.

Gossip is too often played as a risky game in the hands of spiteful people. There is no way to defend them by saying that they had no idea what they were doing, because we’ve all experienced the hurtful outcomes of the gossip game back in elementary school.

In its earliest stage, gossip takes the form of Duck, Duck, Goose. Everyone starts out as a sitting duck, unsuspecting of anything more than a fun game played in circular, cross-legged formation. But once one student is granted the power to select someone as the goose—we ducks all become vulnerable and the circle is no longer the ring of fun and games we had expected. We all remember holding our breath as the hunter came around and sighing inwardly in relief when we were not called as the odd one out. The goose was usually chosen at a disadvantage, like he or she was sitting in a bad starting position or was just oblivious to the threat.

There was enough humiliation in being called a goose, but when the true target was met, down went the goose into the mushpot, isolated and stared GOSSIP GAME Duck, Duck, Goose parallels toat by all the kids. Everyone knew how day’s incessant high school gossip. So learn from it.

stang@apachepowwow.com

Getting Your Artistic License Revoked

By UTTHARA RAMESHBABU Staff Writer

whimsical or meaningless. For example, when Lady Gaga premiered in both the music and fashion industry with her offbeat songs and less-than-practical outfits, the industry erupted with questions about the meaning behind her actions. Diving into the possible religious, political, and cultural motivations behind her weird ways, the world threw aside the entire idea of artistic license and read further into this than even she did.

It seems that creative license simply does not suffice as an explanation for today’s art.

Just creating things for the sake of catharsis, expression, or simple entertainment is looked down upon as a waste of our precious time and

resources in our very pragmatic society. Our technologically-inclined generation thinks so logically that it needs numbers and theory to justify every last thing it encounters. But art is one of those things created to romanticize the parts of life that are beyond numerical expression; it is made to give those who aren’t conventional thinkers an outlet to articulate themselves and others like them. Demanding a stern, strict explanation of music and art is depriving a generation of the creative outlet it deserves. Slowly, we are tearing down an industry that is blossoming with new ideas and styles by telling it that it does not make enough sense.

If we continue analyzing today’s art to such excruciating extents, we run the risk of not having a generational hallmark to be remembered by. We will have discouraged our young, creative, unorthodox musicians, spray-painters, and gamers so much so that our entire culture will go malnourished. Slowly, our interaction with the arts is becoming sterile—a cold, functional interplay between the media and our senses, and we don’t feel any of the emotional attachment that makes art so alluring. Bottom line, the shades of gray that exist when interpreting art are far more beautiful than stark black and white; they make what’s interesting interesting and leave the Graphic by CHRISTOPHER CHO rest for us to figure out, and that’s music to my ears.

I was once a great artist. No, really. Almost every week, I received brochures from this art center, telling me I was the reincarnation of Picasso. Imagine, only seven years old and I was already creating some provocative masterpieces, statements about society, profound fusions of color that captured the complexity of human elation, pain, and desperation in a few meager brushstrokes. Yes, those 14 purple rabbits I drew in that month were my claim to fame in the modern art scene.

I can’t say I intended for all this while I was drawing—I was more interested in the color on my fingers than on the canvas. But looking back at the plainness of those pieces, I had to add some deep intellectual aspect, else they could hardly be called art, now could they? I had to extract some obscure meaning from them so that they’d have real purpose—without a purpose, why would I have made them in the first place? Clearly, art, music, and other forms of personal expression ought to be logical, never made, god forbid, just for fun! Truly, there is no reason for all art to be explicable, and the recent attempts at it are eating away at modern culture.

The arts are now a science, prodded and squeezed for analytical juice, no longer just for romantic admiration.

It’s really quite a paradox that the media we once valued as an escape is MASTERPIECE If we save fun for later and miss out now being scrutinized for being too on opportunities now, our lives will pass us by.

TCID:

urameshbabu@apachepowwow.com

February 2011

Opinion

opinion@apachepowwow.com

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Sibling Warfare is for the Best

By VALERIE YU Staff Writer

Siblings, who could hate them? Whether it’s that cute little sister or that idol-like, always-here-to-help older brother, we love them.

Right? Excluding the only children, most of us may be vigorously shaking our heads “no”, maybe to the point where our heads spin off and roll to the floor. Many of us may think that, no matter what, we can’t get along with our siblings—they’re just too bothersome and annoying, and that applies to both younger and older ones. I have always believed that, but lately, after some time to reflect on my past experiences with my three younger sisters, I find myself begging to differ; siblings, I’ve come to discover, are really blessings—believe me.

Through the years of being stuck in a family of six—my parents, myself, and my three younger sisters—I believe I have earned the right to say that I’ve had my fair share of responsibilities,

quibbles, tirades, and fits. Whether it’s a hairpulling match, a screaming contest, an I’mtelling-Mom threat, a full-out fist/slap fight, or a battle riddled with I-hate-yous, heartwrenching sniffles and sobs, and door-slams that shake the house to the point of collapse, I can say that I’ve been through it all. We even fight over the stupidest things. I am mortified to admit that once, not too long ago, one of my sisters and I had a fight over a new shirt that my mom had just bought, and I cried for hours while my sister pouted and refused to give up the article of clothing.

Honestly, if I tried to count off all the fights and heated arguments that always result in someone crying over some physical injury or something more fuss-inducing, like wounded pride, I could literally take days.

And that’s not only because there are so many but also

SIBLINGS Whether we love them or hate them, siblings will always be there for us at the end of the day.

Beware of Chia Pet Relationships

By JOSIE YANG Executive Copy Editor

So, another Valentine’s Day has just passed. For some of us, it consisted of camping out in front of the TV watching Jack and Rose in Titanic while consuming vast amounts of ice cream (not that I’m speaking from experience, of course). But for many people, Valentine’s Day was all about spending time with a significant other. Those are the people I’m writing for today. Yes, plenty has been said about how to deal with Singles Awareness Day, but I find that sometimes it is the couples that need the most advice in the aftermath of this holiday. Teenage couples have an unfortunate tendency to live every day like it is Valentine’s Day, spending all their time and money on each other. And yes, this sounds all fine and dandy (free chocolate, hello?), but people get so wrapped up in their relationships that they forget about other people in their lives who are just as, if not more, important.

It’s an all too familiar pattern of behavior in adolescent romances: boy meets girl; girl seduces boy, or the other way around; he and she become “them”; they start to spend less and less time with their friends in lieu of sharing those few precious moments with each other. And it’s only natural that we like our girlfriends or boyfriends more than we do other people—that’s kind of the point. So when they find that special someone, people in relationships often skip out on trips to the mall with friends because they have found something better. This mainly comes from that deep-down insecurity that not giving the other person enough attention will lead to a breakup. There’s always a little bit of doubt in early relationships, so adolescent couples

TCID:

because I would forget what we fought over in the first place.

Which brings us to another point. Sure, there are those really memorable fights etched in our memories with all sorts of emotions— hatred, pain, and so on—but there are also those for which we remember the fight but not the reasons for those tear-streaked faces and pointed, dirty looks. Literally the very next minute amid an argument with my youngest sister, I had forgotten the reason we had started the dispute in the first place. Maybe it’s because there’s an unspoken rule that becomes almost natural—not staying mad at family for long—or the fact that staying angry can take up a lot of energy, but no matter which, we always make up with each other afterward or just never bring the matter up again. Sometimes, we can even look back and laugh at those hairtearing explosions and temper outbursts.

Speaking of laughter, lately, I’m also starting to believe that the good times we have with our siblings outnumber the fights and hair-raising screaming fits. Sit down with your sister or brother sometime and have a conversation about the past. I bet the talk will be riddled with remember-that-time-whens.

Having said that, no matter how many

tend to stick closer together than the lovebirds who super-glued their hands together on that one episode of Grey’s Anatomy. We tend to think that if we form a personal, concrete attachment to that special someone, nothing else will ever go wrong.

But then something does go wrong, and the couple suddenly breaks up. It could have been anything that split them apart. Perhaps a guy bought his girlfriend a Chia Pet when she wanted a teddy bear. The two might not have had much in common. And sometimes, the couple may have simply gotten sick of each other after constant phone calls, texting, or webcamming. I’ve seen so many people get together, attach themselves at the hip for a few weeks, only to break up over the phone before the relationship has even taken off. This could have been easily avoided if the two people involved had had the good sense to take some time away from one another. The sad fact is that most high school relationships are fleeting, so it is important not to isolate the people who have been there since before you were even interested in romance. Even if Cupid has gotten a hold of your heart, you need to remember to take some time away from teen romance. This helps maintain a healthy relationship because you don’t forget the very traits you like about each other. And more importantly, it ensures that if you do break up with him or her, you have other shoulders to cry on.

So to all those couples that do not want to celebrate Feb. 14 as Singles Awareness Day, keep a few things in mind: 1) sisters before misters and pals before gals, and 2) don’t ever buy your girlfriend a Chia Pet. jyang@apachepowwow.com

Graphic courtesy of FREE-EXTRAS.COM

times or with how much intensity we say those hurtful words, spit out those horrid names— fatso, slowpoke, etc.—channel all our blinding hatred toward him or her, throw that punch, or pull that hair, I believe even sibling rivalry and jealousy don’t amount to the love we really do harbor in our heart of hearts, even if it’s really deep down—for some of us, really, really deep, deep, deep down. Though it does sound cheesy, siblings are forever. It’s something that can’t be changed, an inexplicable force captured by the saying “blood runs thicker than water.” No matter what, we just can’t give up on them because they’re a part of us. Whether it’s in our darkest hour or happiest, top-of-theworld times, we know there’s always a person to talk to or lean on. And yes, even when we go our separate ways, we’ll always share those special memories and secrets.

As an individual who has three siblings, I know that in the heat of the moment, I might say that being an only child is the best way to go. However, truthfully speaking, having siblings to count on—and even fight with—is so much better, so much more interesting, and so much more fun than being by yourself.

The perks of having siblings! Hard to remember while your sister is screaming bitterly at you, but still oh so true. valyu@apachepowwow.com

Graphic courtesy of TIFFANY LAI

Life as a Word Document

By MELISSA SONG

Staff Writer

Mistakes happen. They always do. It’s inevitable to everyone, everywhere. And whether it is spilling Coke on that new shirt or making the wrong choice when it comes to picking classes, we’re forced to live with the consequences, some of which can be a tad unpleasant at times (especially walking around in a splotchy shirt). Naturally, when things get hard, we find ourselves regretting our decisions. We start wishing that life would just be a gigantic Microsoft Word document in which we could highlight, delete, and rewrite whatever we want…as if the past were never there. But if this were really true, we’d spend our whole lives writing and editing, deleting and rewriting. We’d aim for perfection, and we all know that perfection can’t be achieved.

Besides pinning our eyes on an unachievable goal, there’s the fact that nothing in life would be worthwhile anymore, which kills the point of living. So really, life shouldn’t be a Word document that can be edited whenever we want; life isn’t about thinking and regretting decisions made in the past—it’s about living in the present, enjoying the good things, and coming to terms with the bad things.

Yes, we’ve grown up with the idea that “nobody’s perfect” out of fear that we would eventually become self-conscious and get hurt when we didn’t achieve perfection. Everyone has a few flaws and everyone makes mistakes, but we all feel comfortable with that because everyone else is that way, too. Life should be lived the same way. Sure, at times the memories of humiliation or failure continue to haunt us as we live our lives, but aside from the occasional bump and sharp swerve, our lives have been pretty steady. If we had the ability

to fix our lives, cut out and add new decisions, then all we’re doing is aiming for perfection.

Rather than spending time living in the present, we’d be wasting our lives by trying to fix things that we’ve already gone and lived through. It would be so much more productive and, in the long run, gratifying, to focus on making each second worthwhile now instead of debating how best to fix the past.

Perhaps I’m being hypocritical right now; I admit that several times I find myself wishing I could turn back time, press Ctrl+Z, and undo whatever bad decisions I made, or “select all” and delete certain bad memories. I know now, though, that when life is opened up to editing, nothing is permanent; bad times and good times are all changeable. It’s because life is a one-time deal that we appreciate every good moment, knowing that we can never relive it. But if we had the chance to change things, we’d make the bad good and the good better, so what used to stand out as shiny beacons of happiness would be lost amid all the newly shiny memories.

This whole article is really just a gigantic metaphor because we all know that life isn’t a Word document. If it were, it wouldn’t be something to rejoice about because even with the opportunity to go back and fix things about the past, we should be focused on living each day with passion, whether we’re having the time of our lives or making mistakes. msong@apachepowwow.com To Our Readers: In our January 2011 issue, we erroneously attributed two articles, “All Hail the Hallyu Wave” and “What’s Next? Silly Snuggie Pods!”, to Arnav Chaudhary. “All Hail the Hallyu Wave” was written by Valerie Yu and “What’s Next? Silly Snuggie Pods!” was written by Josie Yang.

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February 2011

CA Budget Cuts Hitting Home at AUSD, continued

With fewer staff members in the district returning next year, higher class sizes, fewer course offerings, potential cuts in the Advanced Placement programs, and reduction of Regional Occupational Program (ROP) classes are just several of the many conditions that the budget cuts demand. Yet more alarming stands the fact that state-funded summer school may also have to go. With the exception of rising seniors, students who fail or earn a D grade in core classes will no longer be allowed to make up grades in summer school. Instead, these students may have to retake the course they failed in the next year, simultaneously driving class sizes even higher. The rising seniors that have earned an F grade will be offered a free summer school course that will be subsidized by the district.

Furthermore, the number of electives offered at AHS may be cut short and performing arts programs face potential funding cuts also.

This means that the number of periods for these groups may be greatly reduced. Thankfully, Principal Vannasdall assured, “I don’t think we’ll cut entire programs—but reducing the number of classes will be inevitable.” As for which areas will be impacted the most, the principal can literally say “all”.

In the opinion of Arcadia Educational Foundation Vice President Lisa Lucas, “the state should completely restructure educational funding” to ensure that school districts never have to face this drastic of a crisis ever again.

When asked her take on the budget crisis, Mrs. Nicole Zaidi, an ATA Representative, summarized the situation as “devastating, not only to teachers and administration, but to everyone in the education system.” Mrs. Zaidi added that “firing teachers is not the answer and the state

Photo by RACHAEL TANG

as usual. Though it may appear to be an untimely endeavor amidst such tight times, construction and its funds are legally protected by Measure I and allotment of these funds to anything other than construction is prohibited by law.

The deadline to add a tax increase onto the June ballot is Mar. 10, a date that seems even closer as the stalemate in Sacramento continues. The Taxpayers Caucus, a Republican group formed to discourage further tax hikes, says it may be willing to lend the four Republicans needed to add the tax increase measure to the ballot if a propsoal that gives voters the choice to cut taxes by the same amount is also added.

If the proposed measure to increase taxes is indeed added to the ballot, it will be absolutely necessary for parents, teachers, and community members alike to vote in June in favor of more educational funding in order to help alleviate the pressures of the state deficit and ensure that California’s school districts are able to keep faculty members. Until then, we all need to come together in support of our district, our administration, and our teachers and convince others to take up the cause in order to continue the tradition of excellence associated with AUSD. Though come Apache Days we may not be peering down at ideal schedules, take to heart that there’s always a silver lining. Tired-eyed yet earnest while sporting a pink dress shirt in acknowledgement of the current distribution of pink slips, Principal Vannasdall remarked, “The budget cuts are hard on everyone. It’s sad that we don’t have control over this and I know it’s hard, but together, we will pull through.”

have donated to AEF to help alleviate the current budget crisis were delivered lawn signs as a token of schools’ appreciation.

apchaudhary@apachepowwow.com valyu@apachepowwow.com

needs to make cuts with a scalpel, not a sledgehammer.” Ms. King and Mrs. Zaidi both agreed that “students could find that their class sizes increased dramatically, with at least 40 students per class.” When asked her priorities as a teacher, Ms. King responded that “we need to keep class sizes in check so that teachers can…well, teach!” Another point stressed by Mrs. Zaidi was the need for all of us to take a proactive role in fixing this situation. “All of us, students, parents, and teachers need to mail our governor and our senators pleading against budget cuts [to educational funding],” she stated.

On a brighter note, if the tax extenders bill to help fund education does pass, the damage will be less severe. Similar to the budget cuts in 2007, six to eight staff members from AHS may be laid off, a small number compared to the 21 of the worst case scenario. Still, however grueling and slightly alarming this ordeal may be, rest assured the school administrators will be doing their best to accommodate for these budget cuts. In an effort to maintain jobs, Ms. King stated that she “begged board members to dig every last penny from the budget.”

Construction, nevertheless, will continue

ARCADIA EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION Community members who

February 2011

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PERFORMING ARTS

Singing to a Different Note

By CARRIE QIU Staff Writer

By KARINA LAIGO Staff Writer

“I love ADD mainly for the relationships built with fellow actors—it’s like a family.

And I think it’s popular because people are impressed with the productions we have put on.”

- Keith Harmel, 10, Advanced Drama Department (ADD)

“I have been teaching at AHS for 32 years and the one thing that is really neat about Band is that the people help you experience new things that you never might have been able to and raise you to your full potential. Here, everyone has to work hard to get an A, so it’s not about the individual anymore, but the group.”

- Mr. Tom Landes, Band Director

TAKING CHANCES Chanteurs go for the gold at their competition.

cqiu@apachepowwow.com

February 2011

Roses are Red, Violets are Blue...PA, I Love You!

Photo courtesy of DANIEL HAN

Many are familiar with the ancient adage, “If your life is free of failures, you’re not taking enough risks.” Indeed, taking chances is a daunting experience and every beginning has its hurdles. AHS’ show choirs, Chanteurs and New Spirit, both underwent big changes this year. As the season started with Chanteurs’ first competition at Diamond Bar on Feb. 4, and New Spirit’s at Burbank on Feb. 12, their months of hard work were put to the test.

On Feb. 12, New Spirit and Chanteurs attended the Burbank Blast 2011 competition, an event that ran from 9:30 a.m. until 1:00 a.m. the next day. After the show at Diamond Bar, where Chanteurs broke the record of sweeping top three, the members worked hard to perfect their performance for the upcoming Burbank competition.

This year, Mr. Rick England took over for Mr. Rollie Maxson as Choir Director and steered the show choirs in a new direction. He wanted his students to use music to communicate powerful messages to their audience. But as a result of a time crunch, the two groups were not able to fully prepare themselves in choreography and were at a disadvantage at the competitions, where other schools’ performance quality outshown their musicality.

Competing against five other schools in the Advanced Mixed AA division, Chanteurs performed four pieces including, “Put on Your Sunday Clothes” from the play Hello Dolly, “I Wish” by Stevie Wonder, “Where is Love”, the ballad from the musical Oliver, and Josh Groban’s “You Raise Me Up”, which was rearranged by Mr. England. Overall, AHS placed 4th in their division.

Chanteurs scheduled countless lunch and evening rehearsals to get ready for show choir season. Despite their hard work, senior Vania Wang expressed regretfully that “we took risks but the judges didn’t like the changes we made this year.” Senior Daniel Duan commented that “even though we didn’t place as well as we hoped, we performed our best show and enjoyed the experience.” Ending the show choir season before going to Florida in April with their last competition at Brea Olinda High School on Feb. 18, Chanteurs and New Spirit learned much from this year’s experiences and will strive to make next year an even more amazing competitive season.

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“What I love about Pep are the people you meet and the lessons that Mrs. Erickson teaches us. [It] isn’t just about Cheer, Song, or Flags, but about life as well.”

- Christina Nguyen, 10, Pep Squad

“I love Chanteurs because I can share my passion with great people who want to further improve their skills just like me. We get a challenge out of the music and competitions and through those same challenges we grow closer and become a true family. The student body loves to hear our music and watch our choreography which makes being a part of the group even better because pleasing an audience is always rewarding.”

- Jazmin MadellaChan, 10, Chanteurs

This Valentine’s Day, our Performing Arts (PA) members have a lot of love in their hearts for the groups they are a part of. Although they remain busy with school and other activities, PA members still dedicate time to focus on their passions. Let the directors and members show you why they love their PA groups!

“Before I started teaching at AHS, I was a professional drummer and the best thing that I see now as a teacher, ten years later, is that there are students that are learning about the instruments that they’re playing. We always have big projects going on, so it’s fun to see it come together and see the actual end product.”

- Mr. Kevin Sherrill, Band and Percussion Director Photos by ELLIOTT LEE and KARINA LAIGO Graphics courtesy of FRONTIERNET.NET and SITE.DESPAIR.COM

“Orchestra is a place where students can pursue their musical talents in an atmosphere of both seriousness and fun. I believe the AHS student body appreciates the hard work of all our musical groups and enjoys the wide variety of music performed by our groups.”

- Ms. Pin Chen, Orchestra Director

“I love Colorguard because it’s a very fun and worthwhile ride...[and] it gives you a feeling of accomplishment when you catch a toss.

When [we] finish a show and perform, everyone can see all the hard work we’ve gone through.”

- Catherine Huang, 9, Colorguard

“As much of a commitment as it is, I love waking up, getting to school at 7 a.m., and getting to dance with my Orchesis Dance Company members. It’s a beautiful thing to come together from different backgrounds and be so passionate about something that we all have in common. I think it’s appealing to the school because dance is a universal language. Anyone can enjoy [dancing], and I would hope so, especially when we put so much passion behind it!”

- Erin O’Mara, 12, Orchesis Dance Company (ODC)

klaigo@apachepowwow.com

PERFORMING ARTS

9 Colorguard Prevails at First Winterguard Competition

February 2011

performingarts@apachepowwow.com

By CHRISTINA ZHOU Staff Writer

Competition season for many Performing Arts groups is starting to heat up, and for Colorguard, it isn’t any different. Last week, Colorguard members performed their shows during their first competition for the 2011 season at the Orange County Invitational, winning a 1st place trophy.

During the fall field show season, the entire Colorguard performs as one with Band.

However, when Winterguard season comes around, Colorguard divides into two teams, “World Guard” and “A Guard”, depending on each individual’s skill level. The two teams compete at different levels, but only World Guard gets the opportunity to travel to Dayton, Ohio, and compete at the national level in Winter Guard International (WGI).

All the Colorguard members have put in a lot of time and effort to make this a successful season. “They’ve all been working hard since Thanksgiving and all through their winter break. These young ladies and gentlemen put in countless hours of rehearsal time in order to

excel in this activity and it’s really empowering watching them improve and embark on this new adventure,”

a remix of “Hammertime” and “LAX” with Pablo Neruda’s poem, “Tonight I Can Write the Saddest Lines” layered

A CLEAN PERFORMANCE

on top, World Guard will tell a heartwrenching tale of loss, and unrequited love symbolized by the moon and the ocean. A Guard’s theme, however, is the complete opposite. Set in the post-apocalyptic future, A Guard will personify the struggle of “survival of the fittest”, all the while performing to Linkin Park’s “The Catalyst”.

For the first 2011 Winterguard competition, A Guard and World Guard did not disappoint.

Colorguard members lay it all on the floor as they practice their routine in the gym.

said Colorguard instructor Mindy Cobb.

New adventure is right, as this year’s themes for Colorguard’s shows are “The Long Goodbye” and “The Catalyst”. Performing to

Earning the scores of 73.1 and 61.8 respectively, Colorguard easily took the gold. “It’s really rewarding to finally be able to perform in front of an audience after practicing for so long,” said sophomore Jessica Hsu. “After watching other colorguards perform at the Debut Show in South Hills High School, I got really...excited for our time to shine.”

On a side note, if you see any World Guard members today, wish them good luck! Because tonight, World Guard members will be busy packing their belongings to perform at a WGI regional in Ceres, CA, and will be competing against the number one high school colorguard in the nation: James Logan High School.

Just one competition in and our Colorguard is representing our school with pride, skill, and ease. Of course, there’s still a long way until championships, but with the way things are going, this year’s Colorguard Winterguard season will be the talk of the town. czhou@apachepowwow.com

Photos courtesy of RON LEE Graphic courtesy of MCDERMOTTLIGHT.COM

Orchestra Serves a Table for Two Toddlers in Tights: Orchesis Edition

By STACEY NG Staff Writer

Attempting to travel around the world in 80 days? How about in a few hours? If so, Orchestra’s 17th annual Benefit Dinner on Feb. 26 will provide you with just that. Themed “The World on a String”, the dinner is a chance for attendees to take a voyage across the globe through music, and it gives Orchestra a chance to exhibit its finely tuned talent. In addition, all profits from the event will go toward supporting the Orchestra program.

With musical preparation commencing in January, select ensembles and individuals auditioned and then were chosen to perform at the Benefit Dinner. Orchestra Director Ms. Pin Chen commented that “the students have been working hard” and anticipates that “they’ll perform beautifully”.

Attendees are to arrive at 5:30 p.m. when hors d’oeuvres will be served and they will be given the opportunity to bid on items such as celebrity autographs, tickets to the Los Angeles Philharmonic, and even bicycles at the silent auction. Shortly after, entertainment will be provided by student chamber ensembles handpicked by the Orchestra directors themselves.

Dishes from a multicultural menu will be served, staying true to the theme. An hour into dinner, ten ensembles of AHS’ finest musicians will treat guests to a culturally diverse listening experience, during which each piece’s style will differ depending on the choice of each ensemble’s music.

As the strings of the last ensemble come

to a finish and the last lingering notes fade to a close, the audience will ready itself for this year’s guest artist performers: The Backbeats.

Having placed 3rd in a nationwide singing competition, The Sing-Off, seven members of the vocal group will take time out of their demanding schedules to put on a highly anticipated performance at the dinner. Orchestra Treasurer junior Lawrence Bai admitted that the performance is among his favorite every year and that he is always eager to see “how the professionals are doing it.”

Although the evening will eventually come to a close, Orchestra would never leave an audience without presenting an absolutely breathtaking finale. With all 360 of the program’s musicians, the students will surround the tables, chairs, and audience while performing A NIGHT OUT WITH six distinct musical ORCHESTRA Orchestra a r r a n g e practices diligently for its ments—all upcoming Benefit Dinner. from memory. Audience members will take a mini-expedition around the world as Orchestra performs “The Circle of Life” in representation of Africa, “Sakura”, a traditional Japanese piece, and “Waltzing Matilda”, to symbolize the Outback. Additionally, songs such as Europe’s “Celtic Fiddle Tune”, the South American “El Choclo”, and “Rocky Top” of the United States will be played. Guests will be treated to a truly tremendous, live performance.

With a delicious menu and superior performances all to support a great cause, a worldly evening such as this is sure to be among the best. stng@apachepowwow.com Photos by STACEY NG Graphic courtesy of BEYONDBORDERSONLINE.COM

By ANNIE HUANG Staff Writer

ing their routine, performing with character and a carefree spirit. The third group was composed of fifth and sixth graders who danced their hearts out in their routine to the song “Car Wash” by Christina Aguilera. The last group included the oldest kids there: the seventh and eighth graders. These girls showed off their abilities in dance and certainly got a taste of what being in ODC was like. They performed their routine to the catchy and fast song, “Let Me Think About It” by Ida Coor.

It was exciting for the ODC members to have so many of the young kids look up to them as role models. Senior Adriana Benevento said that the “kids had such positive attitudes” and were so cooperative and eager to learn. At the end of the day, the parents assembled in the Little Theatre, anticipating their children’s performance. The young dancers were all excited to share what they learned with their parents. It was rewarding for ODC and the parents to see such a fulfilling performance from these kids who only had a couple of hours to learn their routines. Dance Day proved successful as every dancer that attended this event left with a newfound appreciation for dance. Who knows?

Maybe these kids will be the future ODC members at AHS.

Have you ever wondered what the Orchesis Dance Company (ODC) would look like if it were comprised of young kids? That was exactly what happened when ODC held its Dance Day event on Feb. 5. Participants ranged from kindergartners to eighth graders who all shared the same strong passion for dance.

The morning began with kids swarming into the studio with wide grins on their faces. The members of ODC fed off of the kids’ endless energy and were excited to begin teaching them.

ODC President senior Wendy Wu said that she was “surprised to see that so many of the kids learned so quickly and passionately.” The children were split into four separate groups to learn their routines. The kindergarten to second grade group learned a routine to the song “Rockin’ Robin” by the Jackson 5.

Though these kids were the tiniest ones there, they had the most pizazz. The second group, composed of third and LITTLE DANCERS fourth grad- ODC members and kids ers, danced enjoy a fun-filled day of dance. with attitude to the popular Jonas Brother’s song “Play My Music”.

This group showed how much they loved learn-

ahuang@apachepowwow.com Photos courtesy of VANESSA QUINTERO Graphic courtesy of 123RF.COM

Features

10 *Censored* Talk to the Hand ‘Cause My Gestures Say It All

By ELLISON CHEN

By MICHELLE ZHANG

Staff Writer

Staff Writer

Censorship of literature, such as the latest Huckleberry Finn ordeal, has commonly been practiced at a school district level to shield the minds of innocent children. But at what point do we draw the line?

Little Red Riding Hood: In 1989, an illustrated version of Little Red Riding Hood was banned because parents believed that appearance of wine and its role in healing the grandmother promoted intoxication. Technically, wine was used as medicine in the past, and thus this scenario would actually be promoting kids to take medicine. Besides, it was the grandmother who was drinking it; it’s not like Little Red Riding Hood started chugging it down herself.

Captain Underpants: Purposely misspelled words, slang, and mischief were the chief reasons parents banned this book. And even though the main character was fighting evil for the common good, it didn’t seem to matter; the parents felt that the words “poo” and “fart” were highly inappropriate and caused hysteria, characterized by giggling fits in children. Though it has caused a ruckus in the classroom, it is rare that children get so excited about reading.

The Witches: Parents rallied against the blatant sexism of portraying all witches as evil, hideous females in this classic children’s story. Roald Dahl notes that his critics have overlooked the fact that the boy’s grandmother is a very wise and caring figure in the story. In the book, witches may be female, but it is implied that all ghouls are male, and that neither are really human to begin with. Besides, every coherent story needs a villain, which will inevitably portray something in a negative light. Even Twilight caught on to that.

The Harry Potter Series: Rated by the American Library Association as the most commonly banned series of the past decade, Harry Potter is often shunned for witchcraft, presenting dark images that depict death, and encouraging kids to be disrespectful of authority. Ironically, a conservative reading group suggests reading the tales of Hans Christian Anderson instead. His story, The Little Mermaid, consists of murder, a girl who defies her father, blood, a witch, and death. If people were truly concerned that reading of an action inspires people to do it, they would ban Romeo and Juliet for promoting suicide, and Hamlet for endorsing homicide. mzhang@apachepowwow.com

Photos and graphics courtesy of FANTASTICFICTION.CO.UK, and SHOCKYA.COM

Sometimes not everything can be expressed with words.

Instead, many emotions are conveyed through one’s body.

Up to 93% of communication is nonverbal.

Whether it be slumped shoulders or eyes looking down, your body says so much more than your lips do. On the other hand, your body may not be accurately reflecting your thoughts or mood, sending your peers inaccurate, if not completely wrong, messages. As a result, knowing how to read and understand body language is essential for effective communication.

The most obvious reflection of your current mood is your general body language.

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Are your arms always crossed or by your sides?

When you extend your arms out and open up your body, you are indicating that you are relaxed and welcoming conversation. Conversely, hunching over with your arms crossed reveals that you are reserved, uncomfortable, or trying to hide something. While interacting with others, you can tell if they are engrossed in what you’re saying or interested in establishing some close connection with you if they mirror your body positions. Similarly, if you want to show your interest, try mimicking their posture.

Besides the positioning of your body, the distance you allow between you and someone else reveals your opinion of that person and vice versa. Usually, people keep an arm’s length, about two feet, between one another. The closer you are physically to a person, the warmer you feel toward him or her. However, if they move slightly away when you get closer, they probably don’t want to interact at a more personal level; whereas if they stand their ground, it means that they are receptive and feel comfortable getting close to you. Who knows, maybe that guy who you have been crushing on since the fifth grade feels the same way about you after all!

Little gestures, such as brushing hair back and pushing up glasses, hold special meanings as well. When girls brush back their hair with their fingers in front of the opposite gender, it is a sign of affection. However, when combined with raised eyebrows, it can also mean possible disagreement. If someone constantly pushes up his or her glasses with a small frown, he or she may be disagreeing with what you are saying.

Alternatively, lowered eyebrows demonstrate

February 2011

that the person is trying to comprehend what is said with some skepticism.

Even though reading body language is a good indication of someone’s true attitude toward a subject, it is also very easily misread.

Before jumping to conclusions as to whether someone enjoys being around you, watch for baseline gestures that the person does regardless of external conditions. For example, someone that habitually frowns whenever he or she pushes up his or her glasses does not necessarily mean to show disagreement. Moreover, crossed arms can just mean that the person is simply cold. So, make sure to consider the gestures in context and don’t overanalyze them.

Now that you know about how your body communicates your thoughts, can you determine if you are conveying your feelings correctly? Perhaps it’s time to finally show people how you really feel. echen@apachepowwow.com

Graphics by MICHELLE ZHANG

February: Time for Food and Junkies to Unite

By LAUREEN MA Staff Writer

When thinking of February, people often think of Valentine’s Day as the only exciting event. What people do not know is that not only does February contain Valentine’s Day, but it is also Canned Food Month, Celebration of Chocolate Month, National Fondue Month, and Great American Pie Month. Here are quick recipes on how to celebrate these holidays all month long.

For Great American Pie Month, all you have to do is celebrate by eating pie. One way to make this more exciting is by baking your own pie and not just buying it from a store. The most popular flavor would have to be apple pie, hands down. Though I can’t teach you how to make a pie, this would be a great activity to do with family and friends of all ages.

Now, Canned Food Month is pretty self-explanatory, so let’s get started on Celebration of Chocolate Month! Most people think that consuming chocolate is sinful, but there are multiple benefits to helping yourself to chocolate a couple times a week. Treating yourself to chocolate can reduce high blood pressure as well as increase metabolism. It can also boost your mood when you are feeling down and give you energy when you are feeling fatigued after a long day. Since February is the Celebration of Chocolate Month, why not celebrate by remembering why chocolate is essential in your diet and treating yourself to a piece of chocolate once in a while?

There are multiple ways you can go about celebrating National Fondue Month. The two most popular methods are by melting cheese or chocolate. The first step is getting a fondue set. It gets easier from there on out. Simply melt the cheese or chocolate in a pot and start dipping vegetables or fruits into it. If you do not want to purchase a fondue set, you can just melt cheese or chocolate in a pot and enjoy. Food that people typically dip into the cheese fondue include bread, broccoli, carrots, and potatoes, and for the chocolate, strawberries, marshmallows, and bananas. So grab a couple friends and enjoy National Fondue Month!

lma@apachepowwow.com

Photos by ELLIOTT LEE and courtesy of EHOW.COM, LINDTUSA.COM, and RUTHYS.COM

February 2011

features@apachepowwow.com

Allergies: “Snot” So Bad

By RAPHAEL LU Staff Writer

Finally, the long, harsh “winter” of Southern California is over, and spring is here to plant blossoms upon the earth. But what’s that you hear? Sneezes and sniffles run rampant through AHS. It’s not flu season, but the dreaded allergy season. Nothing’s worse than having to blow your nose every ten seconds or crash into trees because your eyes itch so much that you can’t see where you’re going. But have no fear! Here are a few ways to avoid and treat the seasonal allergies.

Your first reaction would be to open the cabinets and swallow a Claritin pill; however, it is only a temporary relief, and over time, it will increase the body’s dependency on medicine.

Many home remedies offer the same effect and in the long run, are much better for the body.

First, let’s focus on what causes these terrible allergies. Most of the symptoms of season allergies are caused by the body’s production of histamines when allergens such as mold, pollen, and dander enter the body. These histamines trigger inflammations throughout the body, causing the symptoms we associate with allergies. One of the easiest ways to reduce spring allergies is by in- creasing the

consumption of Vitamin C, because it naturally reduces the amount of histamines in the bloodstream. Eating more citrus fruits such as oranges and taking some Vitamin C pills is fine. Not only will you reduce those sniffles, but you will also make the farmers in Florida very happy.

Remember when you were a little kid and your grandmother kept telling you to drink plenty of water? Well, she was right all along!

By drinking eight to ten glasses of water a day, you can reduce your allergies. Drinking plenty of hot liquids will help too. By inhaling the steam of a hot beverage, you can break up mucus and clear your nose. So hop down to the nearest Starbucks and splurge on all the Ethos water and Quad Venti Caramel Macchiatos you can get your hands on. Or, if you’re up for the challenge, you can make your very own beverage. It costs less and is a more creative solution to your pesky problem.

Every spring we are forced to suffer through the allergy season, but with these easy tips you are now armed to stay sneeze and sniffle-free. rlu@apachepowwow.com

Photo courtesy of ANUMBER1AIR.COM

Features

11 Baby, Never Say Never!

By SARAH QUON Staff Writer

He’s got his own platinum album, millions of fans, and a movie, yet this boy is only 16 years old. Who is this? He’s none other than Justin Bieber! On Feb. 11, Bieber released his movie—Justin Bieber: Never Say Never. This movie takes you on a 3-D adventure into Bieber’s past and present. It includes clips of some of his past home videos and his 2010 My World Tour.

The movie takes place at Madison Square Garden—his first sold out concert—and during the concert, including biographical parts.

Justin Bieber: Never Say Never may seem like a choppy movie because of the change of scenes—from concert to biographical moments, but it is still an inspirational movie. This documentary shows how Bieber is not just another teen star that has it all, but that he is also a kid who understands what it is like to have nothing.

Even if you are not going to see the movie, you still may wonder what his background is.

Bieber was born on Mar. 1, 1994, to Pattie Mallette and Jeremy Bieber. He has always had an interest in music; however, it wasn’t until he was 12 years old when he signed up for Stratford Idol, a small singing competition in his hometown was he able to surprise his family and himself when he placed 2nd overall. In 2007, Bieber put up videos on YouTube of him singing for his family to see. Little did he know that thousands of other people, including his future manager, Scooter Braun, were also watching. Braun then took him to Atlanta, Georgia, to meet recording artists Usher and Justin Timberlake, and ultimately, Bieber was signed by Island Records, owned and directed by Usher.

This teen sensation’s career has started to bloom since he was a little boy, and from the looks of his fans, he will continue to thrive.

Where will JB take us next? squon@apachepowwow.com

Photos courtesy of MOVIESMETER.COM and ONLINEMOVIESHUT.COM

Do You Know Disneyland’s Many Secrets?

By RACHEL THAI Staff Writer

Through the eyes of a child, Disneyland is the happiest place on earth. However, there’s more than meets the eye when it comes to this magical kingdom. Deep within places unseen by the average visitor are secrets only few would know; however, continue reading and you too will learn these secrets.

Gum and alcohol are not sold anywhere in Disneyland except for one place—at an exclusive club called Club 33.

It has a 14-year membership waiting list and a $10,000 admission fee. The entrance of the club is located next to the Blue Bayou Restaurant at 33 Royal Street and is recognizable by an ornate mirror-backed plate with the number 33 engraved on it. It has been debated where the number 33 for the club originated, but it actually comes from the street it’s on: 33 Royal Street.

Security cameras are EVERYWHERE, and by everywhere, I really mean every-

where. They look for people using drugs, causing chaos, or acting inappropriately in the park.

If you are caught, security guards or cast members will come within minutes. Disneyland also monitors the pictures taken on Splash Mountain. A surprising amount of visitors flash or flip off the picture-taking camera on the ride and these pictures are not published at the picturepurchasing station at the end of the ride.

Did you think this mountain only contained a ride? If you did, you were wrong.

Within it, there is a basketball court; however, this area is only available to cast members. When Walt Disney was building the Matterhorn, the ride only encompassed about two-thirds of the mountain ,so he asked his employees what they would like on the top. They said they would like to have a basketball court to play on, hence its existence.

Walt Disney had an apartment within Disneyland that still remains there today. It is easy for those who don’t know where it is to miss it—right above the fire station on Main Street.

During Disneyland’s construction, Disney resided there with his family to oversee the building plans. He planned a second apartment, but he died before it was completed and it is used today as the Disney Gallery. The light of the Main Street apartment has been kept on in his memory and the apartment has been preserved the same way.

Next time you walk down Main Street, make sure you keep an eye out for the lit window.

There was not enough land to create access to all the different kingdoms in Disneyland so the builders designed and built a network of corridors that winds through the entire park.

The land was too low to dig u n d e rg r o u n d , so Disneyland is actually two stories tall—the first being the corridors and the second the park.

The corridors allow cast members to come up in their costumes to the appropriate themed area so that you’ll never find a character out of place.

These are just a few of the thousands of secrets that lie beneath Disneyland’s exterior—the mysteries that keep it magical and people coming back. Now that you know a few, perhaps you’ll look at Disneyland with an open eye because, as you might have guessed from this article, it’s not what it seems. Be sure to look out for these hidden secrets and more next time you go. rthai@apachepowwow.com

Photos courtesy of COLDDEADFISH.NET, DISNEYORAMA.COM, FLICKR.COM, and MOJOSIMON.FILES.WORDPRESS.COM

12

VALENTINE’S DAY r, comes nea ntine’s Day le a V r e th re.

As ano truly since for you are s g n li nture. e fe My iting adve xc e n a n o you future.

I plan to ask ears in the y r e b m e e can rem ile, For a day w ht, broad sm e your brig se I e m ti an a mile.

Every for more th e m rd a w It shines to p in love, I’m so dee h g u o ove. th s I feel a gn from ab ing for a si it a w st ju Now I am , nd propose with this a u o y sk a to blows.

I planned e definitely it u q m e o ’s old p gether, But Arnav nnot be to ca e w ogether. is th f anyone alt t c Because o ra tt a n s ca m he write ds, For no poe wn to shre d original o is h d e rn heads. p p I ri actually tu n ca ft le is hat ar, And now w for next ye ve to wait a h ear. st ju l il sing to the I guess I w more plea m e o p n w my o rite— And write d him to w hen I aske w g in k ld delight. in g that wou at I was th h in w th e w o m n so k duce I didn’t e could pro thought h I se o p p I su not rely, a fruit fly, know I can But now I on span of ti n e tt a e guy with th , On such a lling short love, for fa y rt, m e iz g everly spo I apolo ntinue to cl co n ca e w , t love I hope tha world our n show the ca e w r e ious of.

Togeth can be env e n o ry e v e t A love tha

apachepowwow.com

February 2011

To The Love of M

It is my favorite tim sing songs that are ohto show everyone my u flimsy paper cards and is more important in so And who can forget th box of high-calorie, cav is the day I get to buy other people can see yo After all, the most impo Love, Your Ego

P.S. I love you, my s

In sparkling wisps of

pink-perfumed

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g.

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nds.

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of heartfelt so

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nds.

y the make this Valentine’s Da armed with a purpose: to p a sho and er es, flow ros the red h into wit I dashed my arms filled nd e. Shortly after, I emerged, fou eon be to som l s cia wa t spe sen a pre for t the very bes queness of ates. However, the true uni first sight. heart-shaped box of chocol fallen in love with you at had I is, tter ma the of t fac e ryday, yet Th d. eve car you years and seen in the page-long I have known you for 17 e. lov y lly show onl fina and to t up, firs s my fes You were I was determined to ay tod but , led s cea con t h ability to read eac other’ this love was in large par aningful conversations, me g lon like r re Ou . we I you and for my appreciation ed my love for you. You for each other only deepen ys to help you. minds, and compassion ays, and I found little wa alw ost alm me of e car en I needed it. Though past a dynamic duo. You’ve tak and helped me whenever , live to be s son rea , life r would, without a doubt, You even gave me ly uneventfully, this yea fair l nt cia spe n spe bee this e o hav wh g ys rin Valentine’s Da may be wonde ferent. At this point, you dif it ke ma uld wo I . ent differ of course. someone is. My mother,

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I’m sure in thought And sure at heart My love for you flows

, undying.

Photo courtesy of VINTAGETEXTURES.NET, MERCURYHALL.WORDPRESS and graphics by ALWYNA LAU

February 2011

POETRY 13

centerspread@apachepowwow.com De seeker ar of my

My Life,

me of the year again, my dear. The time when souls unite in harmony and birds -so- sweet (like those autotune love songs we hear so often). It is the day I get undying love for you. Seriously. I wou ld die for you. It is the day I get to crea te d buy those incredibly useful heart-sh aped grams to show you my love. Not hing ociety than hearts cut out from constru ction paper you buy from Office Dep ot. hose boxes of chocolate? It is the day I get to immortalize my love by buy ing a vity-inducing sweets because nothing says L-O-V-E like cheap C-A-N-D-Y . It you balloons and flowers that deflate and wilt by the next day. But as long as ou with your songs and cards and cho colate and flowers, it will be all wor th it. ortant person in the world is Me. Hap py Valentine's Day to Me!

so-not-narcissistic self.

d swirls,

roses,

ongs,

colates,

aughs,

ght,

,

affecti ons, There are 365 sentim e d n a t y s? Sure s in a y need a ,V e any da special occas alentine's D ar; why mus t ay is a y shou i o n t o someth ld be s tell som specia you ch l p i n e day, an e c g o ial. Yo ne you on Feb oose th say "H d the u sh .1 lik i like m ey, it's Valen 4 though, yo ould be sayi e them? If y flowers are l s one to decl e, righ tine's D o n u o are you u g vely, b l o r s e o o all k m t? Prov e it. Sh ay, I might a like you're ju ething out of y, truly have ut why? Do r s m o yo f t e w h w me t And w hat you ell!" rather ping on the b e depth of th elings for so u really h than ta meone o a 're wil applies ile we're on n s e d wag feel ke , ling to t be pote the risk on on. It's much ings. If you s compa even more. I his topic, fo a r ay nies to n t s n t 's a t h i o f a o r e r lly em se of y Do jew make a idiculous barrass dinary day. H r when you c ou ed, on an e y the nee elry and flow healthy pro that you nee who are alre , you any oth d fi a er day really and vic d to make a b ers really me t, to remind an arbitrary dy with som of the an eo ea da e ig year. concen versa. If you deal out of anything an ch other of y y, now an ev ne (just in c a this ho ymore trating o aren't w e s e u n r t I f a s o f a f l r ? y i e so muc d c O c i y h a l t l r e i y ocolate o s), this ? You are the h effor ing to mak shou and y sim ns through e t once So no, a year. that little ge ld always kn ply bought material fri card I won't v sture o b o be you don't b f affec w that the o ecause you olities. rV eli feel ther pe tion ev feels tr eve the expr alentine. No rs ery day ession ue. , you s on loves you s are. Mt because I d houldn , on't be aybe y 't be lieve y ou sho With l o u u r ld try a ove, gain, b feelings are ge ut next time, j nuine, but be A rom ust say c antic it when ause I ever it

HIGHRESOULTIONTEXTURES.COM

By VANESSA YU

Staff Writer

February, one of the most widely anticipated months of the year, soars into our lives with aromatic flowers, delectable sweets and of course—the pleasant fragrance of blooming love. Almost everyone is involved in the captivating love business one way or another. Everywhere we go, people are busy presenting extravagantly romantic gifts, sending simple yet charming Valentine’s Day cards, and incessantly hoping that their loved ones would return just as much love. But, wait! How could we forget about the infamous love poems, not to forget, the love letters? These enchanting love poems and/or letters become notorious for popping up just about everywhere!

As February continues to drift into our lives, we come across yet another popular event on the same day—Singles Awareness Day, ironically abbreviated SAD. This day is dedicated to singles and to celebrate their single status with activities associated with being solo. Some view it in a negative sense, a rebellion to the traditional Valentine’s Day, expressing bitter and petulant poems.

Here at AHS, students certainly don’t disappoint both affairs when they reveal their poetic sides with one-of-a-kind poems and letters, whether it’s about a secret crush, Valentine’s Day, or in celebration of Singles Awareness Day—anonymously, of course. vanyu@apachepowwow.com

14

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February 2011

Science Bowl Buzzes Its Way to Nationals

By SHIBO ZHONG Staff Writer

A total of 115 brilliant minds entered the Regional Science Bowl competition on Jan. 22.

Only one team of five emerged victorious. Our very own Science Bowl (SB), consisting of seniors Derek Chou and Jessica Liang as well as juniors Alfred Zhang, Travis Tu, and Andrew Wang, took home the 1st place trophy, and will advance to Nationals on Apr. 28.

AHS’ “fiercest opponent,” according to Captain Derek Chou, was the team from Troy High School. Throughout the course of the competition, SB had both won and lost a round to the team from Troy and was matched against Troy in the final. With only one question left in the final round, AHS was behind 118 to 122. A wrong answer would be the end for SB. What was the question? “In order to replenish the supply of steam at the geothermal plant called The Geysers, which of the following does an underground pipeline deliver? W) waste water X) river water Y) ocean water Z) rain water”. Derek, who remembered “reading about that very topic the night before,” deci-

sively secured victory with the correct answer: “waste water”.

“Our bodies were flooded with epinephrine,” said Andrew, who, along with his teammates, will receive an all-expense-paid trip to Washington D.C., where the team will compete in the National Science Bowl Finals. When asked to succinctly describe the event, Jessica summarized nicely with one word: “epic,” truly a fitting adjective for such a close and hardfought victory. For the first time in 14 years, SB will be competing at Nationals for two consecutive years.

SB had prepared for that very moment many months in advance, as far back as the summer of 2010. From then on, the team had regularly met on Wednesdays and weekends for group study sessions.

It would be safe to say that while the rest of us are enjoying our spring break, SB will be diligently studying for the national competition a few weeks after the week-long break. Tryouts for SB are currently planned to be held around mid-May in room S-106.

Photo courtesy of JPL.NASA.GOV

RIGHTFUL REWARD Adviser Mrs. Cherryl Mynster and SB members (from left to right), junior Alfred Zhang, senior Derek Chou, juniors Andrew Wang and Travis Tu, and senior Jessica Liang pose proudly as the winning team in the Regional SB competition.

szhong@apachepowwow.com

OSB Makes the Splash of Its Season

By CHRIS CHEN

consolation bracket and the teams that lose in the consolation bracket have to drop out of the competition. Although OSB defeated Santa Monica in the Round Robins, it lost to the team in double elimination, failing to steal the final question and win the match. OSB then defeated North Hollywood to come out on top of the consolation bracket. OSB then had to challenge Santa Monica once again. However, in the final round, AHS lost to Santa Monica, whose team hadn’t lost once during the double elimination round. OSB came in a close 2nd behind its toughest competitor, Santa Monica. Overall, OSB more than held its own in a tense series of competitions and did not fail to add prestige to AHS’ name.

Staff Writer

While carnal embrace may imply something not-so-school-appropriate, past AHS Quiz Bowl (QB) members derived the name from a play called Arcadia by Tom Stoppard, in which a curious girl named Thomasina asks what a “carnal embrace” might be. AHS’ QB team hosted the tournament Arcadia Carnal Embrace V on Jan. 15.

Because QB was the host, it did not compete, but the team was assigned tasks that included score-keeping, question reading, and keeping round statistics. In order to qualify for the High School National Championship Tournament (HSNCT), 12 teams vied for the top two spots. Many of the top schools had already qualified one team of four or five for the HSNCT, so

some schools organized their top members into two equally strong teams in order to attempt to qualify one more team for the HSNCT. At the end of the tournament, there were three teams tied with a win-loss record of 10-1.

However, the tie was broken by points per game, and La Jolla’s Team A and North Hollywood’s Team A placed 1st and 2nd, respectively. Although Rancho Bernardo’s Team A ended out of the top two qualifying spots, Lucas Brown from Rancho Bernardo took the top spot for having the most individual points per game.

Brown was the top-scoring player, but also had the most “negs” for answering the most questions incorrectly, highlighting his strategy of taking risks to potentially earn more points.

For being the “neg king”, he was jokingly given a California High School Exit Exam study guide book.

Staff Writer

Other high-scoring players chose from books such as John F. Kennedy’s Profiles in Courage, a couple of Jane Austen novels, and the classic story of Jane Eyre.

Advisor Chris Schultz felt that QB was “quite successful in organizing and running the tournament.” Ultimately, QB made about $500 that will go toward future tournaments. Adviser Schultz also explained that future goals include “placing in the top 20 nationally,” as QB placed 43rd out of 202 teams last year.

QB also competed at Triton Winter at UC San Diego on Feb. 19 with four teams. Future tournaments include Rocket Surgery at La Jolla High School on Mar. 19 and the West Coast Invitational at University of California, Los Angeles on Apr. 3. ewang@apachepowwow.com

dke@apachepowwow.com

cchen@apachepowwow.com

Photo courtesy of JEREMY KAO

Quiz Bowl Hosts Carnal Embrace V Executive Copy Editor

By DAVID KE The 29 black jackets, backs emblazoned with stars, stripes, and the words “ARCADIA CONSTITUTION TEAM” huddled close in the cramped room.

During the first week of February, I had the grand opportunity to compete at the California State Finals as part of the AHS Constitution Team (Gov Team). During the three days away from school, we toured the State Capitol building and Sacramento to take in the sights. We visited Old Sacramento, ate chocolate covered crickets and saw the history of the city, getting lost along the way.

But of course, we were there to compete.

Gov Team is comprised of six units, each with its own specialization. Each unit has three questions containing four minutes of prepared response and more time for open questioning.

On the first day of competition, each unit delivered two of three questions to a panel of judges, speaking poetically during prepared response and firing back answers during open response. There was a constant tension in the air as the competing units were mere feet away from the judges.

Still fretting over what-ifs and shouldhaves, everyone sighed in relief and excitement as Gov Team was announced to go on to finals for the 23rd straight year.

On the final day of our competition, each unit gave a great response to its last question, and the rest was left to the judges.

Not seeing the other schools and not knowing the standings from the previous day kept everyone on edge.

After all was said and done, Gov Team placed 3rd in the state of California.

Although Gov Team is disappointed at not repeating a 1st place finish, senior member Jackie Chen said, “we are still champions… we will always be champions. We all did our best and we loved it.”

AHS’ Ocean Science Bowl (OSB) competed in the regional competition of the National Ocean Science Bowl competition at University of Southern California on Feb. 5 against 17 other high schools from around the region. The team did remarkably well, having been rebuilt with only one returning member on Team A, the five members OSB selects to compete. Captain senior Samuel Zeng, juniors Andrew Sung and Hanson Ton, and sophomores Eric Cheng and Natasha George swept the preliminary Round Robins, winning five matches and losing none. This qualified AHS as one of the eight schools to compete in the double elimination tournament, in which each team can only lose TIME FOR CELEBRATION OSB embraces its 2nd twice; teams that lose a match go to a place win at Regionals with a cheerful group photo.

By ELBERT WANG

Gov Team Upholds Tradition at State

February 2011

academics@apachepowwow.com

ACADEMICS

Tiger Boy: Why Singles on V-Day Are Superior

By ANDY QIN Staff Writer

I’ll be very surprised if you haven’t heard of me already. You’ll probably be shocked to discover that I’m not only a renowned expert on parenting, but also an expert on healthy interpersonal relationships. Many people wonder how I maintain my successful relationships in addition to sustaining exceptional grades in difficult courses. They wonder how one can possibly balance both school and a relationship, despite the two being counteractive to one another. During my relationships, my partner and I agree to: -Have no dates -Never attend any dances together -Focus on our schoolwork -Not spend money on one another -Not really care for one another -Not have a relationship Frankly, the best way to have celebrated this Valentine’s Day was not with a partner who consumed one’s time, money, and attention, but rather to have had a date with what matters

to us high school students now: studies. Contrary to popular belief, a calculus textbook gives just as warm a hug as does what is so inappropriately referred to as “that special someone”, but without the constant, nagging liabilities.

VALENTINE’S SHMALENTINES Even a romantic like Shakespeare doesn’t need a Valentine, so why do you?

Too often is the idea of a relationship romanticized to be the solve-all for our problems; it supposedly provides us a chance to find our soulmate, or the person who was destined to be

with and support us through our trials and tribulations. Bah humbug, I say. If we quantifiably grasp this ‘‘soulmate’’ concept, we can see that the odds against finding that special person on a single day of the year and within one’s high school are astronomical. We are all better off at home taking a couple practice tests for that upcoming March SAT test date.

After all, a high score is the partner that constantly gives and expects nothing in return.

What we need to understand is that the feeling of being unwanted after looking into one’s Valentine’s Day card box only to gaze into an empty void can be easily avoided by being single. We don’t have to risk any failure to receive any Valentines’ tokens if we’re single, right?

And as we all know, we should never attempt anything if there is even the slightest risk of failure. Oh, who am I kidding?

I’m alone. aqin@apachepowwow.com

Graphics courtesy of KARYNLEWIS.COM and MARYAMNASIM.COM

Healthy Habits Series: How to Avoid the New Semester Slump

By RACHEL THAI Staff Writer

Hello, it’s nice to meet you—my name is Rach M.D. (yes, there’s an M.D. at the end of my name). According to my research, around this time of year, students tend to slack off on school work as summer approaches. Well, I’m determined to maintain our API score and help you scholars get back on the all-nighter locomotive you had at the beginning of the school year.

In this new series, I’ll teach you tricks according to the month to help you stay focused. Just follow my healthy habits, and you’ll be back on track to performing well in school.

It can be hard to focus on books during February with Singles Awareness Day, Valentine’s Day, and Chinese New Year going on— even after all these holidays have passed. For this first issue after the holiday blitz, I will give tips on how to not fall too hard, romantically and academically.

Singles Awareness Day If you celebrated Singles Awareness Day this year, I assume that means you’re in a slump. Well snap out of it and get’cha head in the game (but that doesn’t mean start breaking out in song). It’s the beginning of the second semester and that means you need to focus now more than ever. If you’re a junior like me, then think of it this way: it’s your last chance, and I really mean your last chance, to impress colleges, since most don’t see the first semester of your senior grades when they are accepting you.

Transfer all of your energy into something productive like studying, and you’ll forget about your depression and get better grades as well.

Besides, books are better than relationships

anyway; they’ve been more loyal to me than any man I’ve ever met.

Valentine’s Day If you celebrated Valentine’s Day this year, then I assume that you’re in a relationship, or I hope you still are, anyway, since it’s been only 11 days since. You may be elated (I’m glad at least someone is) about what awesome thing your boyfriend or girlfriend did for you this year, but don’t let your head float too far into the clouds. Don’t let your newfound (or old-found) relationship dominate your life. If you do, it could ruin your GPA, and that’s something you can never redo. After spending a whole day with your loved one, try not to communicate with them when you get home. That way, you focus on your homework instead of spending five hours on the phone debating who should hang up first.

Chinese New Year I know not everyone celebrates Chinese New Year, but many of us Arcadians did. If you did, you are now probably a richer person, your friends are going to want to go out with you all the time, and you’re suddenly going to become tremendously popular and not have time to study. Stop! Before you begin this downward spiral, donate your money to the needy (like me) or put your money in your bank account to save up for college now that tuition prices have increased. If you do, it’ll help you from getting distracted with shopping or going out too much, and assure that your parents will be able to afford your college tuition.

Super Bowl Sunday Because Super Bowl has just passed, your room might be a mess. You probably replaced your AP Biology book with The Ultimate Super Bowl Book, your honors certificate with Steel-

ers pennants, and your periodic table bedspread with a Super Bowl comforter. Perhaps you have a giant pile of tissues next to your trashcan because the Steelers lost or are constantly watching Super Bowl commercials on Youtube (I know I am. The Darth Vader Volkswagen one is my favorite!). But the fun is over now, so let’s get down to business (but again, don’t break out into song). Strip off your bedspread, tear down the pennants, retrieve your AP Biology book from the dumpster and get to work. To keep focused, try to download the Distraction Blocker extension on your Google Chrome browser so that you can stop watching that Doritos commercial with the cute pug in it.

President’s Day Everybody loves President’s Day, no matter who you are. It’s a day to catch up on sleep!

However, your teachers probably gave you tons of homework during this weekend and you only did the half that was due the Tuesday after.

Don’t procrastinate any longer. Make a list of what is due first, and this coming weekend don’t go out and actually do the work!

Groundhog Day This little-known holiday can be academically disastrous for Groundhog lovers. If you are one, don’t get caught up with saving or looking for these little critters. There aren’t any in Arcadia anyway, so you’d be wasting your time. Instead of researching ways to save groundhogs, research World War II for your history project.

Instead of reading All About Groundhogs, read The Great Gatsby for your English class.

With these tips, hopefully you’ll be able to pull your grades up this semester and get into the college of your dreams. rthai@apachepowwow.com

17 The Cure for Senioritis

By SHIBO ZHONG Staff Writer

Ahh...the joy of senior year. With first semester spiraling down the drain, there’s nothing to do but wait for summer break. Off-campus permits, relaxed classes, and little pressure from standardized testing are perks that seniors enjoy. What is this “homework” thing we’ve been stressing over for the past three years? I’ve forgotten completely. It seems to have something to do with reading textbooks and grades. Whatever. I’m too cool and tired to care anyway.

This, sadly, has become the mentality of more and more seniors. I myself succumbed to “senioritis” during the summer of junior year.

Even as we float dreamily across the ocean of senior year, it would be wise to note that cold waves of reality will hit us until we get our act together. It is vital to avoid this fatal disease because as seniors, it is our responsibility to help our underclassman brethren by setting good examples and sharing our knowledge.

During the past three years, we’ve always looked up to our section leaders, team captains, and club presidents. Due to their patient guidance, we learned how to thrive in our various classes and activities. Now, many of us are in the positions we admired. We have big shoes to fill, and very little time to do so.

With only four months left in the school year, it’s time for us to leave our final impressions on our soon-to-be alma mater. It’s time to find the energy to give back to the school that has supported us for four years. It’s vital to overachieve this year than in previous years.

And it is most important that seniors follow this advice. ‘Cause then if I slack off, everyone else will still be working hard...right? szhong@apachepowwow.com

Speech and Debate Retraction

By SALLY CHUNG & YEJEAN KIM

Academics Editors In our January 2011 issue, we erroneously printed the results of Speech and Debate’s Spring Debate. The results of the tournament are as follows: Novice Congressional Debate: Johnny Perliss - 3rd Ronald Mak - 7th Ryan Liu - 8th Novice Parliamentary Debate: Evan Delgado and Austin Wallick (undefeated) Novice MVP: Albert Gianatan Varsity Lincoln-Douglas Debate: Albert Gianatan - 4th Varsity Public Forum Debate: Ray Chao and Patrick Han - 2nd Varsity Parliamentary Debate: Amit Akula and Greg Chang - 1st Andy Qin and Evan Delgado - 3rd Utthara Rameshbabu and Oishee Shemontee - 6th

Student Life

18

Food Cravings

By RITA WANG

Staff Writer

With so many food stores open near AHS such as El Pollo Loco, 7-Eleven, and My Place Convenience Store, AHS students are fortunate to have such a wide variety of foods to choose from.

“I’d say my favorite food is ensaymada, a Filipino pastry. It’s my favorite because it’s sweet and really good. Every time we buy a dozen, I would eat five of them in one day.”

- Katrina Villacisneros, 9 “My favorite snack would be Hot Cheetos because I love spicy food; [they’re] yummy, and I’ve had an obsession with them since I was little. In sixth grade, my friend bought me a 50bag pack of them from Sam’s Club. Anyway, I eat them once a week or several times a month randomly.”

- Michelle Tseng, 10 “My favorite snack is a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. It’s my favorite because I have been having it since I was in kindergarten and it was the only food I knew how to make for lunch. I have it every day of the school week.”

- Bobby McDaniels, 10 “My favorite food is Cheez-Its. It’s the greatest thing ever. I love cheese, and I can eat a whole box in one day. I can never get sick of them.”

- Fannie Chiang, 11 “I’d like to say that Oreos are my favorite kind of snack. I consider it to be a good ‘on the go’ snack not only because it’s so compact, but also because it’s simply delicious! For me, anytime is a good time for Oreos but I usually have a few at breakfast with my milk.”

- David Le, 11 “Boba is my favorite craving because it adds some chewiness to my drink. I can always mix it up and have it with various kinds of teas or milk teas, so it’s not always the same thing every time. And I can add it to shaved snow so it can be part of a dessert or a drink. I think I usually have boba once a week.”

- Nicole Benipayo, 12 “I don’t necessarily have a favorite food, but at the moment, I’m craving French onion soup. I haven’t had good French onion soup in over a year, so I sorely miss the taste of rich caramelized onions, savory beef stock, and the delicious browned cheese that tops off the bowl.

It’s not very often that I get to enjoy delicacies like this.”

- Joshua Lu, 12 Though these favorites range from typical junk food snacks to appetizers to toppings on drinks, these students, as well as most others, certainly have some cravings that they just cannot get enough of. rwang@apachepowwow.com

Photos courtesy of ASIAN-CENTRAL.COM, COMMONSENSEWITHMONEY.COM, FILGIFTS.COM and SOGOODBLOG.COM

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February 2011

Valentine’s Day: How it All Began

By EVAN DELGADO Staff Writer

What do we think of when we consider the celebration of Valentine’s Day? From a highly romanticized holiday to a commercialized opportunity for companies to sell cards and chocolate, Valentine’s Day is truly open to interpretation. Coincidentally, sophomore Jeffrey Wu stated, “Valentine’s Day is right around my birthday, so it serves as another reminder that I am growing older and maturing. As time passes, I see that the defining factor of Valentine’s Day is that it is a holiday devoted to the most powerful emotion in our lives.” We often take things for granted, and do not take the time to put things in context; such is the case with the history of Valentine’s Day. The history of Valentine’s Day is not set in stone, and there are many theories surrounding its origin. February has been a month of romance for a very long time, shrouded with the vestiges of Christian and Roman traditions. An important figure linked to the holiday’s conception is Saint Valentine, though no one is sure of his life story or who he was. Today, the Catholic Church recognizes at least three different saints named Valentine or Valentinus, all of whom were martyred. One legend says that Valentine was a priest who decided to marry young lovers despite an unjust decree by Emperor Claudius II who decided that he wanted to hold on to his potential crop of new soldiers. Valentine

was supposedly put to death for his defiance.

According to another legend, Valentine sent the first “Valentine” greeting to his love while in prison. The card was signed “your Valentine”, and the expression supposedly stuck. Other stories suggest that Valentine may have been killed for attempting to help Christians escape harsh Roman prisons where they were often beaten

and tortured. Although the truth behind the Valentine legends is murky, the stories certainly emphasize his appeal as a sympathetic, heroic, and, most importantly, romantic figure. It’s no surprise that by the Middle Ages, Valentine was one of the most popular saints in Europe.

Even nowadays, Valentine’s Day is a large part of our society. The U.S. Greeting Card Association estimates that approximately 190 million Valentines are sent each year in the U.S. Half of those Valentines are given to family members other than one’s husband or wife, usually to children. When you include the Valentine-exchange cards made in school activities the figure goes up to one billion, and teachers become the people receiving the most valentines.

Disregarding the rich history of Valentine’s Day, it carries a special meaning as a day when love can be requited and connections can be made and strengthened. Valentine’s Day stirs up mixed emotions, all depending on your relationship status.

The rise of Internet popularity at the turn of the millennium is creating new traditions.

Every year, millions of people use technology to create and send Valentine’s Day greeting messages such as e-cards, love coupons or printable greeting cards, but the magic of this holiday still remains. For sophomore Clay Brockmeyer, “Valentine’s Day will always be a holiday for the romantics. It’s the day you can tell someone you like them.”

What we can learn from Saint Valentine’s mysterious figure and the history of Valentine’s Day is that love will always be a central concept in our society, our culture, and our lives. edelgado@apachepowwow.com

Graphic courtesy of THE ORIGINOF.COM

All the Babbit is About Rabbit

By VALERIE YU Staff Writer

Blossoming in cherry red and regal gold on Feb. 3, the Year of the Rabbit has officially commenced, harkening the uniquely grand festivities of a 4,000-year-old cultural tradition— Chinese New Year, emperor of traditional Chinese holidays.

From one individual to another, Chinese New Year may represent a range of different things, but for many students here at AHS, it is a wondrous, culture-defining family tradition that marks new beginnings, family reunions, feasts, parades, lion dances, and that coveted Chinese New Year money.

Also known as Spring Festival, Chinese New Year calls for big-time celebrations and festivities within Chinese communities and households, complete with characteristic new clothes and haircuts. As it may sound, “new” is the key word. For senior Mindy Yan, Chinese New Year is always “a time for [her] to ‘restart’ [her] life with luck and a brand new attitude.”

Every lunar new year, she enjoys “shopping for new clothes and [getting] red envelopes from family relatives.”

But of course, it wouldn’t be Chinese New Year without a feast to end all feasts. As part of her family and cultural tradition, Mindy added, “My family usually settles down for a traditional reunion dinner on New Year’s Eve.” For junior Jaki Liu, New Year’s Eve dinner has to

include fish, one dish of many that holds symbolic meaning. He said, “My mom cooks two fish, but we must leave one untouched for the next day as the Chinese phrase ‘may there be surplus every year’ is phonetically similar to ‘may there be fish every year.’ We are also not allowed to flip the fish, but must eat from one side directly.”

Junior Lexy Pang also appreciates the insight into her Chinese heritage that new year traditions provide. She said, “Every year around this time, my family and I will usually go out to a big, fancy banquet to see all my uncles, aunties, and cousins, a really great and meaningful family gathering.” Lexy then detailed the traditional dinner as a “ten-course meal [beginning] with appetizers such as red pork and jellyfish,” continuing with “main entrées such as shrimp with walnuts and Peking duck,” and finishing off with “red bean soup, nian gao (rice cakes), and luo buo gao (turnip cakes).” A traditional lion dance brightens the dining atmosphere—one that, according to Lexy, entails “the story of the lion guardians who drive away evil spirits if offered

lettuce.”

Let’s not forget one of the hallmark customs of the New Year—red envelopes! A custom that has become one of junior Priscilla Leung’s favorites, red envelopes are passed out generously by “the adults [coming] around and [presenting] the children with hong bao filled with money.”

She added, “I am able to see all the cousins, whom I don’t see very often, and get the upside of receiving more money, so I can’t imagine anyone disliking it!”

Putting aside the lion dance and feast extravaganza, some people look beyond the materialism associated with the new year to other aspects of the celebration.

For junior Victoria Lu the new year’s revelry is all about family. “Chinese New Year is about celebrating the fresh new start of the year with family, since Chinese culture is mainly centered around family. We get to eat great food and spend time with each other,” she said. The festivities are just beginning, shining a bright, lucky light on the Year of the Rabbit, and bringing promises of prosperity and pots of luck. As Mindy chimed with a laugh, “Xin nian kuai le!” Have a wonderful rabbit year! vyu@apachepowwow.com

Photos courtesy of HOMESEASONS.COM

February 2011

studentlife@apachepowwow.com

Student Life

Time for Television

By ELBERT WANG

Executive Copy Editor

With so many television shows to choose from, it’s hard to decide which to start watching. Whether it’s drama or comedy, let’s examine some of the favorites of our peers.

Sophomore Andrew Sun’s favorite television show is Modern Family, which depicts the lives of three modern couples: the “average American couple” Phil and Claire, the “adopting and same-sex couple” Mitch and Cameron, and the “older man and beautiful younger wife” Jay and Gloria.

The show chronicles their adventures, such as being stuck inside a bathroom during an earthquake. Andrew explained that by depicting modern families with their flaws, “we can not only relate to their adventures, but also see many aspects of our own families in them.”

Bones, a show that involves forensic anthropology and archaeology, is a favorite of junior Lawrence Bai. Similar to the Crime Scene Investigation series, the characters use their

knowledge of “reading” bones to solve crimes.

Lawrence said that he enjoys the show because “the characters are likeable and relatable, and the situations are realistic.” In addition to the valuable life lessons it addresses, Bones has also taught Lawrence a lot about forensics and how dangerous it can be.

In contrast to sitcoms and dramas, sophomore Mary Zhang enjoys watching educational shows, specifically a show called Pawn Stars. Mary explained that “Pawn Stars is about the Gold and Silver Pawn Shop’s encounters with strange yet historically significant items that people had sitting in their garages, such as a Russian nuclear launch key or a glass sword.”

Mary enjoys the show’s educational, as well as entertainment, value.

For many, watching television on Friday is a reward for successfully getting through the week. Sometimes it’s just nice to plop on the couch with a bag of chips and watch television after a long week of hard work. ewang@apachepowwow.com

Graphics courtesy of HSS.STATE.AK.US and 2ESOE2011.WORDPRESS.COM

Spirit: Stars or Suck

By KARINA LAIGO

Staff Writer

With numerous assemblies, Spirit Week dress-up days, and rally court games sprinkled throughout our school year, AHS’ only shortage is of the student body’s school spirit. The electricity only seems to occur when asked of us students, yet on a daily basis we are meandering about, not supporting our school.

According to sophomore Katrina Tao, “School spirit is very important [because] it shows that you’re proud of what school you come from.” School spirit is what keeps our athletes, sporty and academic, from giving up. And while at times we want to throw in the towel, we must push through and carry on. School spirit is the support a n d cheer students have for their respective schools.

They wear school colors and support the school athletic teams at their games.

It is the passion that seems to be lacking.

Sophomore Diana Kwok, a cheer-

Classroom Brouhaha and Hoopla

By SOPHIA TANG

Junior Jenny Wei was introduced to a whole new classroom environment in her sixth grade English class. Her teacher created a “hands-off aura”, allowing the class to read novels in red beanbag chairs. Dispelling her original expectations, Jenny learned many important lessons from her teacher, including the idea that separating oneself “from a social norm can be more

inspired in her. Although she had to stay up many nights finishing essays, she always knew there were at least ten other people staying up Some of our “dull” classes have surprised with the same struggles. Ms. Cordero’s class let us by becoming our favorite school memories.

Emilie appreciate literature and helped her “deWe may not be able to calculate or comprehend velop abilities to analyze and read between the why our enthusiasm soars when we step into lines.” Junior Amit Akula also loved Ms. Cordthose classes, but we always remember them. ero’s class, describing it as “a product of careSeveral AHS students recall ful thought.” Due to her imaginative their favorite classes and the class activities, such as “re-enacting memories that accompany Othello with light sabers,” Ms. Cordthem. ero’s students were always “proud of Junior Albert Hu althe class…no matter its difficulties.” ways looked forward to Ms. With her “multi-faceted approaches Christina Chow’s Chemistry to teaching,” she made English come Honors class for the “crazy alive for all her students. experiments done by a selfSophomore Lindsey Cota liked proclaimed pyromaniac” and how everyone in Ms. Cynthia Wong’s “the constant energy.” An exBiology class came together like a periment in which Ms. Chow “big family”, especially when studipped a rose into liquid nidents came together to raise money trogen and then smashed the for the White Mountain Apache frozen flower onto a desk fundraiser. Ms. Wong stood at the “epitomized the class itself: front of the room, shaking the monfun, exciting, and spontaneey jar as kids came forward one by ous.” Chemistry became a one with pocket money. Before class subject that Albert grew to started on the second day, they had love, because of the “pure enalready raised over a hundred dollars, ergy and heart poured into [it] ensuring a class pizza party!

by Ms. Chow.”

Everyone has had a class that A devoted speechie, HOMEROOM HOEDOWN The life of the party is the plant. leaves great lasting impressions. Only freshman Yufei Wang said, “I when the class is gone do we reallook forward to Speech each day because it’s powerful than following a road that has already ize just how much fun we had. So, don’t take where I can do what I love with amazing and been paved.” memorable classes for granted—live and laugh unique people.” In class, speechies critique othJunior Emilie Ho knows without a doubt while you learn. ers’ performances in preparation for the tourna- that her favorite class was Ms. Charmaine Corments, in which speechies compete with their dero’s Sophomore English Honors because of stang@apachepowwow.com polished speeches.

Graphic courtesy of TECHTCHR2.COM “the passion and enthusiasm for learning” it Staff Writer

19

leader, understands that school pride is showing your love alongside 4,000 other students and how spirit “should not be competition between different teams.” Although we might get frazzled, we need to be solid in our belief in others, just like with school spirit.

With so many avenues we can use to reach our fullest potential, we can sometimes become lost and therefore not even want to try to be spirited. Regarding the confusion of spirit days, junior Jason Ouyang suggests “making the dress up days easier to follow,” and with this simple change, there would probably be a boom in school spirit. While our school might never comprised of face-painting, tailgating football fans, it is possible for us to actually attend one of AHS’ away games, even if we are not P e p Squad or Band members.

L e t our school spirit manifest through the expression of our dress code and athletic events.

Go Apaches! klaigo@ apachepowwow.com Graphic courtesy of ZUMU.COM

Into the Blue

By COURTNEY HANG Staff Writer

On Feb. 18, Key Club hosted its annual blue-themed semi-formal dance, Into the Blue (ITB), from 7:00 to 11:00 p.m. at the Arcadia Community Center. ITB not only offered food, music, and fun, but also an opportunity to help raise money for a charity, as proceeds went to Pediatric Trauma Prevention.

The blue decor mixed with the blue attire created an awe-inspiring effect, as different shades of the color bathed the entire room. From dark blues to baby blues, no shade was absent at the event.

ITB served as a great meeting place for old friends, new friends, and enjoyable entertainment. Junior Cindy Chien from San Marino High School “was really excited to attend because [she] got to see [her] friends from AHS, many of whom [she hadn’t] seen for a long time.” Chien feels that “it’s really cool that we could have fun while raising money for a good cause.” Sophomore Chris Nguyen thought “it was a great way to experience new things and just to express [himself] without holding back.” Whether it helped people reconnect with old acquaintances or to meet new ones, ITB was perfect for all of one’s social demands.

Did you miss this year’s event? There’s always next year! At $15 pre-sale ($20 at the door), this dance is too good of a deal to miss! chang@apachepowwow.com

Graphic courtesy of KEYCLUB.WEBS.COM

20

Sports

apachepowwow.com

Girls Soccer: So Close, Yet So Far

By EDWARD CHAO Staff Writer

By EDWARD CHAO & ANDY QIN Staff Writers

The ritual—it’s an integral part of any athlete’s means by which he or she can enter his or her zone. Once in “the zone,” the athlete’s mind is impenetrable to any distractions, or any forms of intimidation. The star athletes at AHS are no different, as they disclose below exactly the various behaviors and rituals they undertake before attacking the playing field.

“I have to wear either my black or lime-green sports bra. I can’t step on the lines before a game. I have to put on my right stuff on before my left stuff. I have to wear black sliders. If I do well on a certain game with certain pre-ops, like a bow or hairstyle, I have to do the same for the next game. I have to listen to the same song for every game, especially if I did well the previous game. If stuff works for me one game, I just do that ritual until it stops working, and then I pick up different rituals.”

Chloe Torres (Girls Varsity Soccer) – 12

“I have to eat honey. I listen to the same song before every race. I always have to walk around before each race to calm myself down. I do the same prayer, and after I do my prayers, I don’t talk to anyone else. I wear the same spandex for every race.”

Ammar Moussa (Boys Varsity Cross Country) – 12 “For good luck, I always take a pre-game nap. I always lay down on the field or the locker room and just fall asleep because whenever I wake up, I feel refreshed and ready to play. I always have to put on my two armbands that have my number on and a headband on. I always wear my headband upside down and to the side so that I can have some swag like [Rajon] Rondo, because he is my idol.”

John van den Bosch (Boys Varsity Football) – 12 Graphics courtesy of COMMONS.WIKIPEDIA.COM and IMAGEENVISION.COM

February 2011

it.” Having played against the 2nd place team of another league, the Girls Varsity Soccer team had put up a fight worthy of notice, but it just wasn’t enough.

Although the season began with a rough start, the girls have improved tremendously, as they have developed “better chemistry” and have “come together as a team,” according to junior Hayley Greep. It is through this way that the girls epitomize the word “team”. Chloe went on to add that “it took us a while to connect as a team, but once we did, we dominated and were able to keep up with any team.”

In terms of improvements for next season, Coach Paul Miles felt that although the team does not necessarily need any improvements, consistency would be something that the girls should maintain. Their inability to mantain a consistent season resulted in a unsuccessful season.

And with that, the Girls Varsity Soccer team’s season has been wrapped up, with an overall record of 11-6-5. Once again, our girls have proved themselves to be some of the finest athletes this school has to offer, and we sadly say goodbye to seniors Chloe, Sydney Dreves, Pamela Photo by ELLISON CHEN Joseph, and Vanessa Nassih, and thank soccer Senior them for helping the team progress.

overtime. And within the first three minutes of the first overtime, Newbury Park scored a heartbreaking goal on the girls, ending the game with a final 0-1.

When asked to describe the game against Newbury, Co-Captain senior Chloe Torres said that the girls “worked hard with a constant fight from everyone,” and felt that “the time [Newbury] scored was a slight moment of weakness from the girls, and [Newbury] capitalized on

As winter comes to an end, so must the season of every high school Girls Varsity Soccer team. Unfortunately for some soccer teams their season was over before they played their last game; our girls, on the other hand, put up a fight until the very end, and in a way, emerged victorious.

On Feb. 10, Girls Soccer played the last game of its league season against Crescenta Valley (CV). This game was the game that decided whether or not our girls would move on to CIF. It was a game of struggle and perseverance, but in the end, the girls won 3-0.

In regards to the game against CV, sophomore Shelby Dreves said, “As soon as the kickoff started, I immediately knew that we were going to win, because the intensity was really good, we were playing our best, and the energy was high, which caused us to win.” Also, it just so happens that our girls were the only team to beat CV. But with league season now done, it was time to move on to CIF. The Girls Varsity Soccer team was matched with Newbury Park on Feb. 17.

Both teams clashed against each other, and it was hard to say which one was superior. However, at the end of the regu- girls lar time of 80 minutes, the score was tied Sydney Dreves clears the ball and at zero, and they went into sudden-death sends it to her teammates.

echao@apachepowwow.com

Coaches and Athletes Upholding the Apache Name

By STACEY NG & CHRISTINE SUN Staff Writers

Girls Tennis & Coach Jerry Dohling As a team, the girls of Varsity Tennis have proven to be a deadly force; as individuals, they have proven to be nothing less. When the season came to a close, the girls came home to a champion’s welcoming.

Defending her title as Pacific League Singles Champion, sophomore Francis Dean once again captured this impressive title for the second year running. Teammate sophomore Annie Tung praised Francis for having “an unbelievable season,” as she went undefeated not only in league, but also in team CIF. In addition to her many accomplishments, Francis also made the First Team for the Pasadena Star News and was awarded the Athlete of the Week award.

With all the hard work Francis has put into this season, this award comes as no surprise.

When the season began, junior Caroline Young and Annie weren’t quite sure how playing doubles would work out for them. Caroline recalled that they “struggled a little in the beginning,” but despite this early setback, Annie and Caroline proved to be the doubles team to beat, as they not only went on to beat AHS’ top-seeded sophomore Elizabeth Lieu and Team Captain senior Michelle Zhu, but also became the surprise finalists in the Pacific League Tournament. As Caroline reflected on all their accomplishments this past season, she stated that “it was amazing to see how far [they] progressed.” In retrospect, we can say without a doubt that all their hard work practicing hours on end definitely paid off as both girls were chosen to be on First Team,

a noteworthy accomplishment especially for a exceptional season. Its four spot leap in league pair that has had no past experience together. marked an astounding comeback from last year, For Michelle and Elizabeth, playing dou- and not only was it recognized for its excellence bles as AHS Apaches for the last time together in performance, but also, its prestige in leadership when Coach Jon Dimalante was was definitely motivation for them to give named Pacific League’s Coach it their all. These girls have won of the Year. In addition to the several titles together, and both title, he also achieved his made First Team. Michelle, 100th win that season. a four-year veteran, noted Receiving the that though the many Coach of the Year title awards are great, the is no small feat, but “best feeling comes receiving it five times not from getting an over is another mataward, but from finter entirely. Coach ishing a good play or Dimalante dedicated outlasting the other his achievement to team in a long rally.” his team and assistant Coach Jerry coaches as he said, “I Dohling has been the owe it all to the playman behind the sucers and coaches. They cess for many years, won it and deserve it.” and it’s no wonder that Decided amongst our tennis team proves Graphic by MICHELLE ZHANG the league’s coaches, to be stronger year after year.

That’s why the Pasadena Star News awarded Coach Dimalante is honored to receive the him with the Girls Tennis Coach of the Year award, and “to have the respect” of the other award as the season wrapped up this year. In coaches. Contrary to his determined and conone sentence, Caroline summed up our senti- centrated demeanor often seen on the football ments, stating that Coach Dohling “is defi- field, Coach Dimalante was extremely warm, nitely a valuable asset to the success of Girls welcoming, and kind during the interview.

To his team and fellow coaches alike, Varsity Tennis.” We couldn’t agree more.

Coach Dimalante has proven to be a motivatcsun@apachepowwow.com ing and inspiring figure. Coach Dimalante is bestowed with an “ability to motivate playCoach Jon Dimalante ers that is second to none,” said Coach Ryan Having been named league champions Press, as senior Andrew Alvarez touched on and boasting several chosen members of the Coach Dimalante’s “outstanding [capability all-league team, Boys Varsity Football had an to] bring out [the team’s] full potential.” An-

drew reminisced, “Everyday, he would push us harder into becoming a great football team.”

His compassion is another aspect that sets him apart from the rest, as senior Jonathan Wong said that he “cares for his family.” But his comment refers to a community far greater than his blood relations. Jonathan elaborated, commending Coach Dimalante for his compassion toward “players and students he brings up as a coach and teacher.” Senior Alexander Martinez also made note of Coach Dimalante’s “remarkable allegiance to the community, school, and his players,” while Coach Press recognized Coach Dimalante as “one of the most unselfish people [he] knows.”

If football knowledge is all you think the team took away from this season, you could not be farther off-point. Junior Ryan Campbell said, “He’s taught me to always push myself and give my 110% effort in everything I do in life.”

In addition to pressing students to reach their full potential, Coach Dimalante instills qualities in his players of insurmountable value. Senior Victor Wei said, “He has helped me mature exponentially throughout high school. I would be nowhere near the person I am today without [his] consistent guidance.”

Through his obvious impact on his team and staff and his success in statistics, Coach Dimalante is no less than an exceptional coach. And through his outstanding character, Coach Dimalante is no less than absolutely deserving of the Coach of the Year title as senior Everett Frazier concluded, “Coach [Dimalante] is outstanding, and cannot be described with any other word.” stng@apachepowwow.com

February 2011

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Sports

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Boys Basketball’s Glimpse at Victory

By STEPHEN CHU Staff Writer

of the next eight games. Playing the majority of the season without All-Pacific League Second Team player junior Taylor Lagace, whose shoulder suffered from an injury, the team has had a tough time finding players to fill in the gap. Coach Jay Ryan said, “If you look at our record, we pretty much are who we are. We have competed and played hard, but there have been moments of mental lapses that have cost us a couple of games.”

With flashes of mighty potential combined with sequences of unexpected losses, the Boys Varsity Basketball team finished with an average season. However, there is no doubt that the

Throughout the history of AHS, the sports programs have maintained a reputation of hard working, hard hitting, and tenacious players that dedicate themselves to their respective teams. The Boys Varsity Basketball team has done exactly that, setting a valiant example for future years to never give up and play until the buzzer sounds. Although the boys have a league record of 6-8 in league, this Varsity team truly puts on a show every game with highlight plays that leave the fans in awe.

The 2010-2011 Varsity team contains a quality that is always present: its ability to always have a good time. Through pressured games against the likes of Hoover and Muir to unspeakable losses to Crescenta Valley (CV) and Burbank, the players know how to encourage and protect each other, just like a band of brothers. For seniors Kiran Koneru, Ronnie Han, Kevin Lee, Michael Trolley, AJ Rail, CJ Perez, Brandon Lum, and Chris Severo, this is their last season as Apaches, and for all it’s worth, they deserve to go out on top. With a recent win against Burroughs (52Photo by TOMMY LIAO 43) and a loss against Burbank BOYS BASKETBALL Senior (52-63), this team showcases the Kiran Koneru finishes his drive with primary problem that has bothered a leap toward the basket. it all year: inconsistency. Junior Jeff Radzwill said, “Our team really bonded and this future is bright for the AHS basketball program. helped us on the court. Playing on this team real- Coach Ryan said, “This group has the potential ly helped me a lot because we competed against to be special.” With many experienced returning underclassmen on this year’s Varsity squad, some of the toughest players in league.”

Beginning the season with a record of 2-0, next year’s team will be the team to beat. “The the team hit a midseason slump, losing six out season went by way faster than I expected. I

learned a lot about myself and the game of basketball,” said Jeff.

With only two games in February, the boys fought to reach the average mark, and the winning percentage of .500. On Feb. 8, the boys traveled to Muir to face a very skilled team; the game was close to the very end and ended with an overtime win for the Apaches (55-52). The final game of the season against rival CV and the final high school game for class of 2011 seniors featured crazed fans and a persistent intensity. The boys took the lead with three seconds left on Kiran’s jump shot, but a CV player hit a three-pointer as time expired to win the game (67-68). Coach Ryan said, “The defense was good and from the angle I had, I thought it was off to the left. But, he hit [the shot] and that’s how it goes sometimes. I’ll be seeing that shot in my dreams for a long time coming.”

After making it into the CIF playoffs by a granted waiver, the Apaches played at Highland Park on Feb. 18 in the first round of CIF. The boys played a solid game but could not overcome the stifling defense of the opposing team, losing 71-77.

The 2010-2011 season was full of ups and downs, bumps and bruises, but these boys showed that they could withstand anything and still play together as a united team. The players share a close bond on and off the court, which, at times, can translate into unparalleled success.

Although this season can only be deemed average, the boys played together as brothers, and have set a high bar for future years’ teams to meet.

Boys Varsity Basketball Overall: 12-15 League: 6-8 Girls Varsity Basketball Overall: 14-12 League: 6-8 Boys Varsity Soccer Overall: 2-11-3 League: 1-6-1 Girls Varsity Soccer Overall:11-6-5 League: 5-3-2

Girls Varsity Water Polo Overall: 5-9 League: 1-6

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Girls Basketball Ends First Round Drought with CIF Win

By BELLE CHUANG Staff Writer

There is no “I” in team, and that is exactly the mindset of our Girls Varsity Basketball team.

One of the key ingredients to the team’s success on the court this season has been teamwork.

As Coach Don Young commented, “this year the girls have done a great job of getting along with each other.” These girls have really taken on a “team first” attitude, whereas in the past years, ego had been a problem. The unity that the team has achieved not only helps the girls on the court, but also fosters relationships for a lifetime.

“Our team works well together. We all get along and I think that shows on the court. We always encourage each other,” said senior Danielle Lee. It had been 20 years since the Varsity team beat Muir, but the losing streak was broken on Jan. 21. “Arcadia is not known as a basketball school and at times this year it showed,” Coach Young said. Nonetheless, this season has been one of much improvement for the Varsity team, as it now holds a league record of 6-8

and an overall record of 14-12. The girls have really improved their game defensively, and according to Coach Young, they “press and trap a lot, which is atypical of [AHS] teams.” On Feb. 4, the Varsity team triumphed against Burbank, ending the game 41-22. The following Tuesday, Feb. 8, the team admitted defeat to Muir with a dismal score of 34-59. Lastly, the team played Crescenta Valley on Feb. 10, shooting down the Falcons with a 4233 win. With the

records this year, the Girls Varsity Basketball team won an automatic bid to CIF this year.

On Feb. 17, the girls set new records with their 58-49 win against Santa Fe in the first round of CIF. Senior Dana Yamada recalled, “This year has been great for us! Not only did we win the first round of the CIF game, but it’s also been over 22 years since that has last happened.” It was truly the win of the season. However, on Feb. 19, luck wasn’t on the Apaches’ side when the Varsity team played in the second round of CIF, suffering a loss to Edison. Nonetheless, it was a commendable effort on the girls’ part, as it has been over two decades since they have

made it so far in CIF. For the seniors, the season is quickly coming to a close, as is their high school basketball career, and they are keen on going out with a bang. At the annual senior game, the seniors were given a chance to shine as leaders of the pack. It’s become a tradition here at AHS, with the seniors starting off the game. This event recognizes the seniors on the team as well as their parents. Danielle recalled, “The senior game was a game to remember.” All the seniors were set on winning the game so as to end their basketball careers on a high note, and they did.

However, the senior game was not just all about the seniors; the underclassmen were involved too, continuously cheering on the leaders of the team. “They made shirts for all the seniors and are such great teammates,” gushed Danielle.

Next year, the underclassmen will be left to uphold the tradition and the feeling of family within the team.

In the coming year, the team will have to live up to the reputation that this year’s team has left. With up-and-coming players who “can shoot, defend, and get to the basket,” Coach Young expects the Girls Varsity team to be among the top three team in league. Most importantly, teamwork will be the ultimate contributor to the girls’ success on the court. After all, it takes teamwork to make a team work. bchuang@apachepowwow.com Photos by ELLIOTT LEE

GIRLS BASKETBALL The team plays with determination and concentration in every game.

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Melt Your Lover’s Heart with Dinner at Yojié’s

By GLUTTON GIRL Staff Writer

On the 14th Day of February my true love gave to me: 14 “I love you” texts, 13 frosted cupcakes, 12 ruby roses, 11 Valentine cards, 10 Facebook pokes, 9 cups of “sweethearts”, 8 pairs of earrings, 7 movie tickets, 6 pounds of chocolate, 5 teddy bears, 4 new CDs, 3 kisses, 2 warm hugs, and a romantic night at Yojié’s!

Although Valentine’s Day is long past, it’s never too late to treat your sweetheart to a special dinner for two. And instead of ordering another boring medium-rare steak or plate of chicken alfredo like any other date, why not heat up your relationship via fondue? Chew on this! Yojié’s Japanese Fondue and Sake Bar is a restaurant that only serves shabu-shabu and sukiyaki, along with chocolate fondue for dessert! And because it’s lo-

Photo by GLUTTON GIRL

not your typical japanese restaurant

Yojié impresses with its contemporary exterior and interior design. cated on 501 W. Olympic Blvd. in downtown Los Angeles, you and your significant other won’t have to worry about being “accidentally” caught by your paparazzi friends following you around!

Now Yojié’s isn’t exactly your traditional Japanese restaurant. Glass walls create a circular dome for the restaurant, and the interior features Asian elements such as live bamboo along with modern paintings and art. The dimly lit atmosphere brings a serene aura, and the thumping beats played create a calming peace.

Yojié specializes in shabu-shabu and sukiyaki, which is the process of cooking thin slices of meat in boiling water (shabu-shabu) or a sweet soy sauce broth (sukiyaki). The name shabu-shabu is Japanese for the “swish-swish” motions used to cook the meat, and sukiyaki is the name of the sweet soy sauce base used in the shabu-shabu spinoff.

Hungrier than ever, my friends and I decided to sample the $17 Toriniku combo of chicken and beef sukiyaki, the $22 Sakana combo of salmon and beef sukiyaki, and the $10 green tea chocolate fondue dessert. But if you’re low on dough, no need to fret! During lunch, Yojié offers lower prices on its most popular selections like $18 for 12 oz. of sliced certified Angus beef instead of the usual $23. If money’s no problem, Yojié also offers authentic Kobe beef for $28. Granted, Yojié may be a bit pricey, but the experience and food is worth the price.

After waiting for the broth to reach a boil, I dipped my thin slice of beef in the broth and watched it cook in seconds. Then dipping it in my beaten pasteurized egg, I garnished my piece of beef with some fresh vegetables and ate it with my

steaming bowl of rice. First impression? Simple perfection. The light sweetness of the sukiyaki complemented the flavors of the beef, and the pasteurized egg enhanced the collision of savory and sweet to the maximum. Just one piece, and I was hooked—and I wasn’t the only one either. Within five minutes of receiving the beef, nearly all the pieces were resting happily in all of our stomachs.

Shabu-shabu and sukiyaki is traditionally done with red meat; however, Yojié offers fresh sashimi-grade salmon and chicken breast, too. But after experimenting with the non-traditional meats, I realized what made red meat such a classic staple for shabu-shabu. The chicken, when cooked, became too stiff, and the broth and pasteurized egg didn’t infuse with the chicken, leaving a flat taste.

The salmon was a pain to cook, and would have been better off sold as sashimi. Once set in the hot broth, the thin slice of salmon started to fall apart, leaving small pieces of salmon floating around in the broth. And if you managed to cook the salmon without it falling into pieces, you’d only be awarded with the overwhelming taste of fishy fish.

And finally, it was dessert time. My friends and I chose to sample Yojié’s signature green tea chocolate. And trust me, green tea powder infused in white chocolate has never tasted so magical. The entrée came with fresh strawberries, bananas, and variations of cake. The sweetness of the chocolate balanced out the bitterness of the unsweetened green tea powder, and when paired with fresh fruit, the green tea fondue really put my mind at ease and finished the meal off with a high note. But if you’re hesitant about trying green tea chocolate, I’m pretty sure the red velvet chocolate will suit your fancy just fine!

February 2011

Tap Tap Revenge

BY MICHELLE ZHANG

Stupid Cupid

BY CHRISTOPHER CHO

Photo by GLUTTON GIRL

SHABU-SHABU Individual pots

full of boiling water are placed over an electric stove for cooking sliced meat, vegetables and fresh seafood.

Yojié Japanese Fondue and Sake Bar easily won me over. The exquisite battle of savory and sweet from the sukiyaki stole my heart, and the green tea chocolate fondue sent my taste buds into a state of pure bliss. Overall, I really enjoyed Yojié; its food was excellent, and the calming environment can easily please a group of friends or make a date with your significant other even more special.

I’m willing to give Yojié a solid eight out of ten; it may be a tad more expensive than shaved snow at Tasty to Go, but Yojié will provide spectacular service and a tranquil environment. Until next time!

And who am I? That’s a secret I’ll never tell! You know you love me, XOXO, Glutton Girl. gluttongirl@apachepowwow.com

Graphics courtesy of AJSVINYLDESIGN.COM, ETC.USF.EDU, FLICKR.COM, SHUTTERSHOCK.COM, and YELP.COM

February 2011

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Q A Q A Q A Q A Q A

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What is a good subtle way to say “be mine”? - Smitten Kitten There isn’t a subtle way to make known how you feel about someone. I know it might be scary putting yourself out there, but if the person is worth it, then you shouldn’t want to be subtle about anything. Just talk to them, if they care about you they will accept your feelingslike mature adults, and maybe even reciprocate them.

What are girls supposed to do for guys on Valentine’s Day, or are we even supposed to do anything for guys? - Tender Loving but Confused Even though Valentine’s Day is marketed toward women, it doesn’t mean that special man in your life doesn’t deserve some tender loving care. Try doing something they enjoy for a change, like watching a sports game with them, or the latest gory action flick. Maybe buy them a massive chocolate bar, but refrain from writing some sappy message on it, and the both of you can spend Valentine’s Day content and happy.

What should I get my girlfriend for Valentine’s Day? - Novice Boyfriend Get her something that is specific to who she is and the relationship both of you have.

While the standard chocolate and flowers are nice, giving a specialized gift will mean much more to her, and might be easier on your wallet.

Since I’m single, how do I make Valentine’s Day more bearable? - Not so Forever Alone Firstly, don’t view Valentine’s Day as a holiday that you have to bear, but just as another holiday where everything is draped in red and pink and all of your favorite desserts and fancy chocolates are on sale. Secondly, remember that Valentine’s Day and Singles Awareness Day both fall on Feb. 14, so celebrate being single with a bunch of your friends, and relish the fact that you are in charge of your own life. If you’re looking for suggestions on how to spend Valentine’s Day, try watching a movie or do something out of the ordinary.

What do you do if someone asks you to be their Valentine and you don’t want to be?

- Subtle Letdown The crucial thing is to tread lightly, being turned down is bad enough, but add some unneeded indifference and harshness will only add insult to injury. But before you say that all powerful “No” think about why you don’t want to be their Valentine, and once you think it through, respond with a caring and non-pitying “No” followed by applicable reasons why. If the both of you are mature enough, this will go smoothly and the both of you can go back to your lives being friends.

Eccentric Aquarius (Jan. 20 - Feb. 19)

By SUE WANG Staff Writer

During the month of February, when the scent of love lingers in the air, you spunky Aquarians will reign as busy social butterflies as you exchange ideas with others and make new connections with your fellow classmates. However, with so much activity around you, it’s good to take a moment to relax and retreat to a quiet area in order to gather all your thoughts.

Generally, you are an unconventional and sometimes eccentric free thinker who marches to the beat of your own drum and is not inhibited by the traditional societal norms and expectations. As opposed to pragmatists, you tend to be more of a thinker than a doer, and you take pride in doing everything the untraditional way, sometimes offending your more conservative peers.

What makes you the perfect friend is your welcoming personality because you readily accept other people’s flaws and overlook their imperfections. Look around you and you will probably notice that many of your friends are Libras and Geminis because these two horoscopes are the ones you are most compatible with.

You are known for your eclectic way of viewing the world and perceive situations in a

new and interesting light. As an idealist, you shy away from reality and dream about everything and anything. Creativity is one of your greatest strengths, and you will often produce original and unusual ideas that will stimulate everyone around you. You are a progressive thinker who is a great communicator, and you conjure up radical ideas that may be useful, if only other people could actually find a way to implement them in reality. Famous for thinking outside the box, you share your sign with Oprah Winfrey, presidents Abraham Lincoln and Ronald Reagan, and Charles Darwin.

Because you are continually trying to discover new ways to do things, your greatest enemy is boredom, and you find many ways to combat it, such as engaging in heavy physical workouts and participating in many extracurricular activities. In 2011, the big project you are occupied with will either succeed or fail. If it doesn’t come to fruition, you can begin the new year with a fresh start by finding new projects to work on. swang@apachepowwow.com

Puzzle courtesy of WEBSUDOKU.COM

Valentine’s Day Word Jumble

Check your answers at apachepowwow.com

Unscramble the given letters and write the answer in the boxes below it. Then using the letters in the circles, unscramble them to get the solution to the puzzle.

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