The World is Our Campus Volume 56, Issue 4
Arcadia High School 180 Campus Drive, Arcadia, CA
December 2007
Orchesis Steps into the Holiday Season
In this issue:
Photo Courtesy of GLORIA LIOU
CENTER SPREAD pg. 12-13 Winter Holiday Memories: AHS Students share their special holiday memories.
Photo by ASHLEY JOHNSON
DANCING FOR A CAUSE The members of AHS’s Orchesis Dance Company prepare for an already sold-out performance in order to help cancer patients this holiday season. By JOANNA CHUANG Photo by JANHVI JOSHI
STUDENT LIFE pg. 14 The Ultimate Ping Pong Showdown: Mr. Mynster and Mr. Vannasdall face off in the ping pong game of the year.
Photo Courtesy of GOOGLE.COM
ACADEMICS pg. 20 The Official Guide to Geeky Gifts: Find the perfect gift for your favorite nerds this holiday season.
Staff Writer
With the theme of “better give than receive” reigning over every holiday season, the students of AHS have a chance to give back to their society this year with the annual Charity Show, taking place in the North Gym on Thursday, Dec. 20. Fifty percent of the proceeds earned from this event will be donated to the American Cancer Society. This year’s show will feature impressive performances from various dance groups on campus, including Orchesis and Colorguard, as well as several guest dancers. The Charity Show has become an AHS staple over the last fourteen years. The idea originated with dance teacher Ms. Liza Tedford’s hope to teach the students of AHS about the importance of giving to society. Initially, the admission fee for the show required everybody to bring canned foods. However, the donations were soon changed to simple admission fees since this proved to be a more efficient way to give back. Although putting
on the show each year has proved to be a lot of hard work, Ms. Tedford believes that it is all worth it. “The evening always ends up so spectacular that when my students come back the next day and tell me how much fun they had and that they want to do it again, everything feels worth it. It helps to know it was all done in the spirit of giving.” The show will begin with Symphony Orchestra and Orchesis Dance Company and will continue with performances by Orchesis and the AHS dance classes. Orchesis president, Senior Jasmine Chao, says, “I’m excited to show the entire school what we’ve been working on since the beginning of the school year. It’s a great way to showcase the various dancing styles Orchesis embraces and performs.” According to Junior Daphne Tan, a member of Orchesis, the show will also “reflect the passion of every single Orchesis member and the pride we take in dancing.” The show will also feature Colorguard and four students’ reenactment of OK Go’s A Million Ways dance. AHS alumna Ashley Li, who is ranked fifth in the nation among Latin ballroom amateurs, will be performing with her partner Ricky Sun. However, the Charity
Show offers more than just performances from AHS students. Professional dance companies of varying dance styles including hip-hop, jazz, and Middle Eastern will be taking the stage. Also, one hour prior to the show, the privileged early audience members will be given the opportunity to meet-and-greet with the night’s special guests, the Los Angeles Laker Girls. These renowned cheerleaders will be available to sign autographs and distribute photos to these few early arrivers. With a family member who has undergone a mastectomy and a friend with lymphoma, Ms. Tedford feels personally connected to the cause and hopes to play her part in the fight to cure cancer. “The struggle of cancer teaches us that life is worth living and while we live it, we better enjoy it. The theme of the show is that ‘cancer touches each of us’. Since everybody knows somebody with cancer, this theme is really close to the heart.” Although the show is currently sold out, students can still give to the needy this holiday season through various different charities and organizations. At a time like this, it is increasingly important to remember that giving is always better than receiving.
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NEWS
Murder at Osaka Ya By CELESTE CHEUNG & CHRISTINE XU
theapachepowwow.com
December 2007
Holiday Home Decoration Awards By JENNIFER CHANG Staff Writer
Staff Writers
Jason Wei, the owner of Osaka Ya Restaurant, died from a bullet wound in the torso shot by an unidentified gunman on Sunday, Nov. 25. Surveillance cameras show that around 9:30 p.m., a man in dark clothing and a beanie entered through the back door of the restaurant with a handgun. After he harassed three employees, he then demanded money from Wei and his wife, Susan Yin. Although the couple willingly handed the man a sum of money, he still fired at Wei and then fled on foot. After Yin called the Arcadia paramedics, life support was performed on Wei, but the help was not enough to save him. Wei was then transported to the Methodist Hospital of Southern California, where he later died. Yin relays that the assailant made off with just $200, despite the fact that he had the entire restaurant at his hands. Authorities state that the plaza is situated in a quiet area and does not cause much trouble; calls to police are mainly for shoplifting incidents and rarely for homicides. Freshman Melissa Ma said, “Normally, when you hear news about homicides, it’s about faraway places, but to have one occur right where we live is scary.” Police believe that the murder was random, but have not ruled out the possibility of an organized crime or involvement of an Asian mob. As for leads on the murderer of Jason Wei, Detective John Bonomo said, “We are following a few people who have been tipped off by telephone.” The Tomato Bank in Arcadia is collecting money to start a fund for Jason Wei’s family. Information about the fund has been released on major news stations in addition to Asian news channels and periodicals. The bank hopes to collect at least $10,000 to support Wei’s wife and children in their time of need.
With the holiday season approaching, Arcadia residents have already begun to decorate their homes in hopes of winning the 2007 Holiday Home Decoration Award. The competition is sponsored by the Arcadia Beautiful Commission, which consisted of seven Arcadia residents who host various events throughout the year, including an Arbor Day event and Spring awards. Members of the Arcadia Beautiful Commission began preliminary judging on Dec. 3, critiquing homes based on how well they capture the holiday spirit. Entries are not necessarily limited to merely Christmas themes; residents can adorn their homes with anything festive, ranging from winter themes to Hanukkah celebrations. “It’s great how the Award brings people together and gets the community into the Christmas spirit, but the presents should go to the needy- people who really need it,” said Senior Stanley Yang. Judges divide the city into 7 areas, with one commissioner judging one particular sec-
Photo by ELAINE CHANG
christmas lights Houses all over Arcadia light up the city with glowing decorations and bright figures. tion and all the judges gathering together to make the final decision. The competition aims to promote both unity and holiday spirit in the community. Sixteen homes are chosen by nomination and winners are notified by mail. Winners were decided on Dec. 17 and will receive various gifts as well as a visit from the Santa Squad Sleigh, which includes Santa Claus, the mayor, and members of the Arcadia Beautiful Commission. With an innovative style,
the Santa Squad made an appearance in a newly designed sleigh--featuring reindeers, lights, and presents. “We stop at each property to hand out the yard signs, certificates, and gifts. This year we will be unveiling our Santa Sleigh, complete with reindeer and snow which will visit each winner as well. It should be very exciting for the residents,” said Ms. Connie Schacatano, one of the organizers of the award.
Video Games Take a Toll on Teenagers By ALLISON ZHENG Staff Writer
Over the course of just a few years, teenagers have developed a close affinity for violent video games, evoking a more aggressive nature within teens. The production of video games like Grand Theft Auto, Hitman, and Halo 3 have more than tripled in the past decade, mainly due to its natural allure to teenagers and adults. Video games are also becoming the second largest division of entertainment, right after television. However, studies have shown that the violence in games and movies
may be one of the major contributory factors to children’s poor health. A recent survey indicates that the exposure to brutality initiates aggressive behavior, thoughts, and anger amongst our youth. This will lead to greater psychological issues concerning the sanity of each decision and actions made. Not only so, cruel video games teach teens irresponsible behaviors, showing acts of onslaught without any means of consequences. Arguably, video games hold more weight and blame on the combative behaviors of teens than movies and television. According to a CNN article about school
shootings, psychologists, and researchers unanimously point to video games as one of the possible major conductors, stating that kids who play savage video games on a regular basis are more fierce and aggressive than those who do not. Lieutenant Colonel David Grossman, a psychologist and specialist at the Arkansas State University, said, “willingness to kill another person is not a natural behavior, but one that has to be taught by repeated desensitization and exposure to violence.” Typical American children by the age of 18 have witnessed more than 40,000 murders, and 200,000 acts of violence.
Don’t You “Ho, Ho, Ho” Me This Winter Holiday Season derstand ‘Ha, ha, ha,’ than ‘Ho, ho, ho.’” Students and parents have spoken out against this new policy. Maybel Lopez, a mother of a five-year-old, hopes that her daughter can grow up hearing the traditional Christmas greeting. Sophomore Raymond Tsai said, “I don’t think that should happen because it’s Photo Courtesy of bbc.co.uk one of the signature things BOOT CAMP Santas learn the new that show it’s Santa. Withtechiniques to be an ideal Santa Claus. out ‘Ho, ho, ho,’ all they’d ask them to be mindful of keeping their voices to a be saying is ‘Merry Christmas’ which then wouldn’t lower level. Kids are probably more inclined to un- be anything special but a man in a red costume
saying it.” Two Santas-to-be have already left Westaff because of this new rule. Many have come out to express their disbelief over the “nonsensical” ban. The spokesperson of Family Council of Victoria, Bill Muehlenberg, said, “Potentially any big guy in a red suit with a white beard is scary but I don’t think him saying ‘Ho ho ho’ would damage a child’s psyche.” According to Eileen Yoon, sophomore, “It’s a tradition and anyway, ‘Ho, ho, ho’ is not ‘Hoe, hoe, hoe.’” This new policy has made international headlines, some arguing against it believe that it’s a ridiculous rule while others believe that it is best for the children. But who knows, our very own Santa Claus at the Santa Anita Westfield Mall might even be saying “Ha, ha, ha” this holiday season.
1/10 PSAT Workshop - 6:30 p.m.
1/19 Band Spaghetti Dinner - 4 p.m.-9 p.m.
1/14 Minimum Day (Staff Development)
1/21 Martin Luther King Holiday - No School
1/31 Finals for semester (Periods 4, 6) - minimum day
12/24-1/6 Winter break begins through Jan. 6
1/14-1/19 Advanced Drama Production “You Can’t Take it With You”
1/26 SAT & Subject Tests
1/1 Color Guard & Marching Band perform in the Rose Parade
1/18 Orchestra Movie Night
By JENNY LIN Staff Writer
“Ha, ha, ha, Merry Christmas!” Imagine a jolly Santa Claus saying that phrase instead of the traditional “Ho, ho, ho.” Seem odd? Well, that might be the future saying of Santa Clauses worldwide. Westaff, a recruitment firm that supplies hundreds of Santa Clauses in Australia, recently requested their Santas-in-training to not say “Ho, ho, ho” because it frightens children. The softer tone of “Ha, ha, ha” would not only lessen the offense on women but encourage little children to approach the jolly, red man. Glen Jansz said, “in some cases the little kids can get a little bit scared of the deep ‘Ho, ho, hos’ and we
NEWS BRIEFS 12/20 Charity Dance Show - 7 p.m. - North gym
1/30 Finals for semester (Periods 5, 2) - minimum day
2/1 Finals for semester (Periods 3, 1) - minimum day 2/1 End of first semester Compiled by the PTSA
December 2007
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Arcadia’s Winter Wonderland By JANHVI JOSHI Staff Writer
Sliding down icy slopes, bringing joy to others, and crafting beautiful holiday decorations – yes, all of this is happening in your very own home town of Arcadia. On Saturday, Dec. 8, the city of Arcadia hosted its annual winter festival at the Ruth and Charles Gilb Arcadia Historical Museum and Arcadia Community Center. The day began at noon when people of all ages came to celebrate the season’s glorious holiday spirit with an ornament-making workshop. This event included crafting Christmas tree decorations, painting different ornaments, and sharing holiday stories with others. From 12 p.m. to 2 p.m., the organizers of the workshop taught people how to make a variety of holiday decorations at a very low cost. Sheryl Stevens, the event coordinator, said, “The city of Arcadia offers so many amusing activities such as this. But it is our duty to go out and look for the information. The Arcadia Monthly is a great way to find out the latest in Arcadia events.”
Simultaneously, the Holiday Snow Festival, for which were imported forty metric tons of snow from the San Gabriel Mountains, took place at the Arcadia Community Center. Every year, this popular occasion attracts a wide variety Photo by JANHVI JOSHI of people because of its diverse activities WINTER WONDERlAND Children of and appealing atmo- all ages enjoy the snow for the first time. sphere. Residents played in the the snow, watched their it, boxes from “Operation Hometown children journey on sled rides, rode Heroes” were placed around the Snow on train tours, created crafts, and en- Festival. The organization will send joyed live entertainment. People also donated items to the troops overseas. took free pictures with Santa Claus Police officers stood by the boxes and and enjoyed freshly baked goods and antique firetruck to appreciate donators flavored kettle corn. The Assisteens, and wish people a happy holiday. Afterwards, the Arcadia Public Lior Arcadia junior volunteers took care of different stations and kept the day brary hosted a magical Toys in Toyland moving forward. With stations such Christmas celebration. Toddlers and as “Sandy’s Edible Art Shop” and free young children sat around a stage and tattoos, there was much to do at the watched a live Toyland performance. event. A shuttle provided transporta- Busy with free holiday goody bags and tion to the venue along Huntington reading books, the children had a splendid time. Drive. All in all, the day was a fabulous In an effort to display Arca- success; residents came together and dia’s giving spir- shared a memorable holiday.
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Staff Writer
With the increase of gang activity in Arcadia, the police department has decided to take matters in their own hands by developing the Arcadia Gang Enforcement Team to work at curbing gang activity and violence. The police department is currently specifically targeting Asian gangs that have grown in numbers throughout the years in Arcadia. The Gang Enforcement Team notes that “several [gangs] have members residing in Arcadia.” Pressing the difficult task of identifying members of these gangs, the police describe that many members of the gangs usually do not portray themselves as gang members by their attire, unlike many of the gangs the police department has dealt with before. The Gang Enforcement Team describes that members of these Asian gangs range from 12 to 20 years of age. The team also notes that members 30 years or older usually cause major criminal activities. The Gang Enforcement Team includes gang detective Officer John Bonomo and several other Arcadia police officers and detectives. The Team generally meets once a month and decides to target a specific gang hangout with a goal to prevent crime and collect intelligence. They constantly monitor crimes that are associated with Asian gangs and closely observes the rapid changing memberships of these gangs. In the hope of curbing gang activity in schools, the department has placed Officer Larry Peralta at AHS and Officer Luis Vicuna at the local middle schools. They work to locate gang members within the schools and inform the administration of their activities. The police department has already noticed the decrease in loitering throughout the school campuses after the placement of the officers in the schools. The Arcadia Police Department notes that the day and nighttime curfew laws in Arcadia were initially established to monitor gang activity throughout the city. The San Gabriel Valley Asian Task Force also works on tracking gang membership on databases to keep a close eye on people who have already been in jail due to gang activiy. Officer Bonomo notes that though all this work takes up a lot of time“ the Arcadia Gang Enforcement Team has successfully dropped the amount of violent crimes which occur as a result of gang activity.”
Santa Claus’ Toys for Tots
Opinion Staff
Entertainment Staff Student Life Staff
By JENNY LIN
Features Staff
Staff Writer
KB Toys helped sponsor the 2007 Marine Toys for Tots Foundation between October and mid-December. A box was placed in front for the store for those who wished to donate new, unwrapped toys for the disadvantaged children in Arcadia. The Toys for Tots Foundation began in 1947 when Major Bill Hendricks’ wife, Diane, urged him to make an organization that gave needy children new toys for Christmas. He did and it soon became a nationwide campaign. Their initial objective was to “bring the joy of Christmas to America’s needy children.” Toys for Tots hopes that through the shiny, new toys, the needy children will be motivated to grow into “responsible, productive, patriotic citizens and community leaders.” They want to remind the children that there is someone in the world that cares. The foundation also hopes to unite member of local communities together through the distribution of toys and to help build better communities in the future. The Marine Toys for Tots Foundation has become the Santa Claus for needy children nationwide due to their role in the increase of toys distributed each Christmas. In 2006, Toys for Tots delivered more than 19.2 million toys to 7.6 million children through donations. Nevertheless, they hope for more donations this year since there are 13 million children living in poverty in the U.S. The year 2007 marks the 60th anniversary for the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation. Former Marine Gunnery Sergeant Tim Shepard recalls a time when he was seven years old and a Marine dressed in blue uniform gave him his only Christmas present. “Seeing a Marine in uniform and getting those toys from him stuck with me and when I was old enough, I joined the Marine Corps,” he said. This Christmas, give hope to an underprivileged child’s life by donating an unwrapped toy at KB Toys.
Kyle Jacobsen and Hanan Kamal Lisa Chang and Jay Zhang Iris Jong and Gretl Lam Veronica Lim and Emily Rueter Mimi Kamal Cora Ormseth and Lily Wong Laura Kelly Melissa Chen and Jacqueline Yue Poonam Mantha Mitalee Khilnani Daphne Tan Elaine Chang Kayla Pang and Ivy Yang Hannah Gallaher Celeste Cheung and Christine Xu Roya Falatoonzadeh and Jennifer Hang Minda Wang Hannah Mathews-Ward
Staff Writers News Staff
Gangs in Arcadia By AKHILA RAO
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Sports Staff
Academics Staff Calendar Staff Campus Focus Staff Advertisement Staff Copy Editing Staff
Center Spread Fundraising Staff
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Adviser
Victoria Bian, Jennifer Chang, Celeste Cheung, Jennifer Hang, Janhvi Joshi, Akhila Rao, Christine Xu, Allison Zheng Tiffany Chang, Aisha Elmasri, Arthur Huang, Kathleen Kao, Yan Man Brianna Beckman, Roya Falatoonzadeh, Angela Meng Michael Chen, Joanna Chuang, Jenny Lin, Scott Lyou, Parvin Shakib, Angela Shen, David Sun Rachel Cheong, Kristen Murakami, Christine Pao, Linda Wang, Erica Win, Chloe Yuan Hannah Gallaher, James Hernandez, Christine Howard, Mitalee Khilnani, Frank Lam, Hannah Mathews-Ward, Minda Wang, Gregory Zajac Kevin Kim, Grace Kwong, Tracy Lee, Daphne Tan Victoria Bian, Veronica Lim Sarah Lin Michael Chen, Chris Liang, David Sun Melissa Chen, Cindy Huynh, Grace Kwong, Tracy Lee, Yan Man, Kristen Murakami Chris Liang Brianna Beckman, James Hernandez, Christine Howard, Ashley Johnson, Janhvi Joshi, Poonam Mantha, Akhila Rao Ashley Johnson, Hannah Gallaher
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. All others represent those of their respective authors. Address letters to the editor to: AHS Apache Pow Wow, 180 W. Campus Drive, Arcadia, CA 91007. To place an advertisement in the newspaper, call (626) 821-8370. Advertisement rates vary from $30 for a business card advertisement to $380 for a full-page black and white advertisement, with quarter-page, half-page, and advertisement insert options available.
Opinion Perspectives on the Holiday Season 4
theapachepowwow.com
December 2007
‘Tis the Season- the Politics of Gift-Giving
By TIFFANY CHANG Staff Writer
Christmas, they tell us, is a time of giving, of family and friends. But let me unveil a little secret, heard through the grapevine from Santa’s little helper himself: the all too cliché “it’s the thought that counts” or “it’s not about getting, it’s about giving” maxims have additional clauses that actually have been omitted, intentionally or not. What it should really read is “it’s the thought that counts… but I just spent a whopping $25 on your present so you better think hard— hard and well.” And “it’s not about getting, it’s about giving… but according to the law of conservation of gift-giving, you owe me one.” Don’t get me wrong, I love Christmas. I love the lights, the songs, the fully decked-out Starbucks stores, the candy canes, and all the reds and greens that come hand in hand with the holiday season. What irks me is the concept of buying gifts. It’s not that I’m a modern day Scrooge, eager to hoard what little money I do have— it’s the way people treat the idea of buying these Christmas presents. The Christmas holiday has materialized into something beyond familial festivities and holiday cheer. Now, it’s all about the presents, and not just giving them, either. When the typical process before splurging on presents includes
evaluating who has been naughty or nice to you and distinguishing those privileged few into separate lists, something is wrong. There are the definite present-getters, those besties who you know for a fact will be giving you a gift as well, the short-and-sweet-getters, friends whom you’d feel guilty about not getting anything for yet don’t want to spend much on, and the maybes, those acquaintances whom you converse with daily but are ambivalent about because you might not be on their lists, and, in your view, if they aren’t going to spend any money on you, then neither should you on them. Everything, then, begins to revolve around a sense of obligation, an I’ll-get-you-something-if-you-do-too mentality. Why do you think, when we receive a gift from someone, but have nothing to give in return, we are overcome with guilt, falling back on those cliché cover-up lies— “I’ll give you yours later” or “I left yours at home, sorry!” Again, curse that sense of obligation. I do, however, know of people who buy presents for friends, regardless of any reciprocity. I know of others who make meaningful Christmas videos and distribute them to a wide circle of friends or bake cookies or pass out candy canes. And then there are friends who understand that Christmas is not about the money or presents under the tree, but about simply hanging out together, watching movies with a cup of hot chocolate and reveling in the joy of each other’s company. It’s about
listening to holiday songs on the KOST while cruising down the streets to look at the bright lights against the dark of the night. There are no presents, no lists, no subtle implications, no obligations— simply the joy of each other’s presence. So, not everyone buys presents because they feel it’s their duty, and not everyone has forgotten the real significance of the holiday season. But the majority of us have. As the holiday season approaches, take a step back from all the glitz and glam. Take time to appreciate. Let us not be consumed by the gifts under the trees but remember the more important things— that a little can go a long way. Hold the door open for a stranger or cook breakfast for your parents. Call a friend up for lunch or rekindle a past friendship. Write personalized Christmas cards. Bake cookies, watch movies, sing carols; laugh, play, and smile. A broken toy or new wallet can be replaced, but the time spent during this holiday season is but a transient moment, a soon to be memory of your past. So don’t fret over what to give your best friend or whether you spent enough money or whether you’ll receive a gift in return. Calm these incessant tribulations and familiarize yourself with the more momentous things this holiday. Forget the unnecessary obligation, and remember what it was like before the world and its materialistic obsession interfered with simple holiday cheer. Let this Christmas truly, truly be a time of family and friends, of giving and sharing and love.
Dear Santa, Let Me Believe in Others By ARTHUR HUANG Staff Writer
Dear Santa,
Graphic by GRETL LAM
MIXED FEELINGS As always,
the holiday season is under the limelight of cynicists, but let’s take a break from our pessimism and enjoy the holidays, shall we? TCID:
You know, I’m not typically the type to keep track of debts and whatnot, but you, sir, you are really toying with my patience meter and, may I say with indignation, getting quite on my nerves! You have ignored my wish lists for years! From the simple ones of little red fire trucks and bricks (yes I played with bricks) to the more expensive, modern-day alternatives of Xbox 360s and 50-inch plasma televisions, not once have you fulfilled the simple and innocent desires of a boy, simply in search of a little happiness during the holiday seasons. In fact, I’m almost starting to think that you don’t even read all of my mail. My e-mail address is probably already on your spam filter list, but that’s fine. I’m especially prepared for incidents like this: I have 11 more e-mails just like it, from santabby02@gmail.com to santabby12@gmail.com. You can block one, you can block two, and if your secretary isn’t lazy you can block three, but I will make two more for every one you ignore. I’m like the Hydra of Gmail; can’t stop me, son, just can’t stop me. Honestly, though, your set of rules regarding who is “naughty or nice” is quite the fun deterrent. Half the fun of being a kid is growing up, acting immature, and not being held responsible for stupid things that are done just because kids do stupid things. And then you had to introduce your system of getting gifts only if one makes it on the “nice” list. What is that,
man? But this is beginning to sound too much like a rant. I should probably start on my wish list this year. Mind you, this year is special. I’ve kind of grown up a bit, made quite a few more mistakes, learned a few things. I won’t ask for games. I won’t ask for toys. I won’t even ask for money. I don’t need a wrapped gift this Christmas. Don’t need the holiday hats, the trees or the lights. But still, grant me this wish. Something of the metaphysical, something truly magical. You probably don’t even believe my wish is possible, but nevertheless I, and maybe you, can cling onto a sliver of hope of a better world. It’s not anything extravagant. It’s not world peace; it’s not a cure for cancer or a solution for world hunger. But it would be nice, for all of us, if you would just indulge me with this treat, for we all need a little sweetness in our lives from time to time. My wish is for people to apply a little more thought to what they say, what they blurt out. I wish for people to really consider the weight of their words. For them to actually say what they mean and do what they say; bring back the days when a promise from the mouth is a promise to be honored, needing no signature, needing no eyewitnesses, simply words and a handshake. Every day there is so much chatter, so much meaningless chitchat that doesn’t mean a thing. From vicious gossip to rumors, from who the latest celebrity married to who wore a mismatched outfit, the talk is incessant and the buzz of wasted words constant. Sometimes what they utter is utterly ridiculous. Does it fill and hurt your head as much as it pains mine? Sometimes silence really is preferable to the talk, and this is the pre-
cise reason I spend hours of the day plugged into some form of music device. It’s my sanctuary, my escape. And yet I’ll be the first to confess that I have often neglected to really consider the weight of my own words and its effect on others. So often have I held the belief that people don’t care enough for my words to be offended, but slowly have I come to the realization that others can care little for my words and my opinion and still be offended by them. Words that offend, I have spelled out; words that insult, I have blurted without care; words that hurt, I have so often said for laughs, yet when directed back at me, they are words that inflict more pain than amusement. A little reflection on my own part and a little bit more guilt on my conscience force me to ask you for such a gift, one perhaps too magnanimous for this earth. A little peace and quiet is all I can ask for. For them to stop their talk, halt their words. And try listening, for once. Santa baby, cure me of my insensitivity, cure the world of its mindless chatter. Your most loyal (and nicest) fan, Arthur Huang P.S. I have one last wish for this Christmas this year, if you will allow me a little selfishness, Santa: give me something to love, something to cherish with everything I have so I can finally learn what it means. I am void of emotion. Am I without the capacity for such a sensation; am I to remain so placid and uncaring and unable? Indulge my curiosity. Quell my doubtful and cynical thoughts. Let me believe. Dear Santa Claus. Let me believe.
December 2007
Opinion
theapachepowwow.com
Things We Love About the Holiday Season 1 5
Christmas is an excuse to indulge in more than one cup of hot chocolate. It’s a time when friends can’t criticize me for splurging at Starbucks because it’s all in the holiday spirit. Besides, it’s hot chocolate, not coffee. -Tiffany Chang
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Directions become marvelously simple- all it takes is a phrase such as, “Mine is the house three doors down from the one with the huge inflatable snow globe, a nativity scene, and a tree draped in garlands of lights in fifty assorted colors and silver tinsel.” Ah. We passed that one just minutes ago. We’ll be there in no time. -Iris Jong
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All through December, I can wear those ridiculous socks patterned with snowmen and Santa Clauses. This time of year, my mismatched socks look as though they were coordinated rather than hastily thrown on. I can even wear colors that don’t normally go together, like red and green, as well as cheerfully tinkling necklaces and earrings without appearing obnoxious and attention-seeking. -Aisha Elmasri
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Only around this time of year do thousands of positions- asking people to pose as jolly St. Nick or one of his elves - become available. Christmas increases the employment rate by at least 500 people each year, which works out to around 0.00017%. Go Christmas. -Yan Man
The holidays allow for a precious two weeks off to do the same worthless activities I do during school days, but with less of the guilt and annoying burden of homework. The holiday also allows for sleep- naps at random times in the day and waking up at weird hours. It’s like the weekend, but multiplied by seven. Homework- six-page essays and lab write-ups and such- can wait until the last two days: one day to complain and the other to really hustle while complaining. -Arthur Huang
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It’s the perfect reason to indulge in the soothing pastime of making paper snowflakes, with the assurance that my handiwork will not be tossed away. No one can stop me from putting my festive decorations up, and even better, only during this miraculous time of year will friends who are less inclined toward paper crafts join me as I happily cut snowflake after snowflake. -Gretl Lam
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If you think about it, Christmas has enormous potential to disguise a crime: No one’s going to ding you if you climb down someone’s chimney with a knapsack, or if you have an enormous bag of god-knows-what slung over your shoulders. As long as you’re masquerading around in a red suit and beard, roaring “ho-ho-ho”—oh, excuse me, “haha-ha”—everything is all good and well. -Kathleen Kao
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Sincerely (Not Really) Yours By AMANDA KALLIS Guest Writer
This holiday season, you will receive a good many tidings- not only from fortune cookies, but also from cards. But is there a point to writing these cards, apart from mere propriety? Is it nothing more than an irritating expenditure of time spent trekking through the card-carrying stores of your local mall, a practice of flowery handwriting strategically enlarged with elaborate flourishes to fill up space, a loss of a well-earned bundle of money? Do any of us really need the likes of Hallmark this holiday season? Sure, receiving a card revives a forgotten nostalgia and writing one evokes a pleasurable knowledge of how much sophistication you are displaying. Nevertheless, cards are traditional and predictable, beginning with a large, stately, “Dear so-and-so”, containing a body of shameless flattery and concluding with an insincere “Sincerely yours.” And if you don’t possess enough eloquence to produce the bouts of praise necessary to fill at least a quarter of the card, Hallmark can do it for you; they sell an abundance of wittily charming poetry and puns; in a Hallmark store, a flood of adorable visuals conveying whatever sentiments you wish are at your disposal. But even on the most lavish card, the originality of your sentiment is there, albeit buried beneath troves of meaningless fluff. Even the least sincere of cards begins with a clear purpose. People never buy 41cent stamps to dash off a quick, “wassap?” though they pay $30 a month for unlimited texting. Whether your mother made you write thank-you cards for your birthday gifts, or forced you to send an obligatory holiday greeting to a relative you don’t even know or
like, cards ultimately show effort and purpose. And flipping through a plethora of bills and ads and coming across an envelope addressed exclusively to you is exhilarating- the recognition that someone had to rifle through their address book to copy down your city, your street, your zip-code- it’s a highly rewarding surprise. Receiving a letter is an event that requires you to actually wait. This envelope took a journey, enduring mailboxes, carts and couriers’ hands to arrive safe and sound in your own hands, and all of this took time. An event that takes time to happen? That is quite an anomaly these days. Equipped with iPods, e-mail, pay-per-view and Pop Tarts, our generation is obsessed with instant gratification: whatever we want, we want it right now, bundled in streamlined packaging, sleek, smooth, slick. But when a real, tangible letter arrives, eager fingers rip- or precisely tear, if a letter-opener is handy- open an envelope to find, to grasp a kind of message that has become foreign to us in the advent of e-mail, AIM and texting. These words are palpable, etched onto the surface of the paper, the emotion evident in the dash of ink, authenticated with a concluding signature. You would think a generation that uses dictionary.com more frequently than an actual dictionary doesn’t have time to look up a zip-code, much less write a real letter. But if we took some time off from saying “wassap” through multiple forms of technology, we would be able to find enough time to physically write something short, sweet, and sincere. Pixels and slang, in all their ambiguity, can be deceiving, but there is nowhere to hide on empty parchment. In the end, if people are uncreative, it will show; if people don’t spent time, it will show; if people are genuine, it will show, in an unaffectedly heartwarming manner. This holiday season, be brave- leave caution for keyboards and write a real card. Maybe even try one without Hallmark training wheels.
Yeah, Yeah, Merry X-Mas. Now Where’s My Present? By KATHLEEN KAO Staff Writer
When you hear the radio warbling Christmas carols in the middle of fall, you know something isn’t right. Since when did Christmas begin a week after Halloween? I thought Christmas was in December—you know, the month after October and November. Somehow, jolly old Saint Nick deemed that one month wasn’t enough and decided to infiltrate the other months that belong to our beloved jack-o-lanterns and turkeys. Now I see signs of it nearly everywhere I go— the reindeer lawn ornaments, the inflatable Santas, the nets of Christmas lights swallowing houses and trees whole—before we’ve even eaten our turkey dinners. The holiday season is beginning earlier and earlier each year, and I fear that quite soon, at the rate it has infected other months, we’ll soon be having carolers on our doorsteps in the middle of June, sweating under the hats they stole from Santa. At first, it’ll be weird, but with the way things are going, we’ll probably end up naming it Christmas Part II. I bet you’re waiting for me to growl “Bah, humbug” right about now. Don’t get me wrong. I love Christmas, and not just for the presents, but for the spirit and that warm, fuzzy feeling you get around this time of year. I just don’t like what we’ve done with it. Everything is completely ruined when people
start staking out storefronts before Thanksgiving, clanging their bells and eyeing customers with greedy, almost predatorial gazes. The corporate presence tainting the holiday season has gouged away the real purpose of celebrating Christmas. We watch television, listen to the radio, and read the newspaper, all the while hearing the same “Buy! Buy! Buy!” war cry companies have emblazoned, both vocally and visually, throughout the programs we were trying to enjoy. And it’s not just that. The holiday rush is ridiculous. Its very existence more or less proves our superficiality, our insincerity. The holiday season has become the season of sales, a time when people essentially fall for advertisement gimmicks and purchase Christmas instead of celebrating it. So apparent and so obvious is the deterioration of Christmas that the lights, which used to represent the spirit of the holiday season, now look more like gaudy, pretentious Vegas lights, promising nothing but more corporate profits, rampant materialism, and ironically, the fall of Christmas. Businesses have chiseled all the spirit out of Christmas, replacing it with festive commercials and cheap ploys until customers begin to confuse the joy of the holiday season with the joy of finding sales. As I’ve said, I love Christmas, I really do. But rather than wishing people a Merry Christmas and actually meaning it, we’ve replaced our good thoughts with gifts, because it seems we never have the time to really stop and talk, because it’s just so much easier to
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Graphic by IRIS JONG
ALL WE WANT We might as well
give people money for Christmas, and save ourselves the trouble.
purchase friends a Merry Christmas rather than thoroughly express heartfelt wishes to them. In the end, too busy or too indifferent to send bona fide greetings to even our closest friends, we toss them gaudily dressed packages with some hastily scribbled “Happy Holidays”, or maybe a gift card if we’re feeling particularly lazy. Gee, why don’t we just throw money at them? There’s something wrong with our way of celebrating Christmas if our goal this year is to receive enough presents to stock the Salvation Army. There’s something wrong when the saying “it’s the thought that counts” no longer means anything to us because we don’t really believe it anymore. Because it really is the thought that counts. And it doesn’t even need to be represented with presents or big, colorful boxes. We don’t have to fall into those flashy corporate traps. We don’t need presents or sales to make our Christmases brighter or happier. I know that by the end of next year, the presents that my friends get me will be collecting dust somewhere in my closet, but the cards that they write me, the only presents that are filled with their thoughts and sentiments and good humor, will be stored neatly in a box that I plan to take to college. And the presents that came with the cards, you ask? Well, there’s really no reason to take them, because, as clichéd and as sappy as it sounds, they will fall apart and rust with time, but the thoughts, memories and spirits, preserved within the envelopes, will last forever.
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Opinion
Junior Year? No Cheers Here.
By VERONICA LIM & EMILY RUETER Staff Writers
Since we were freshmen we’ve looked with awe and respect at the hardworking juniors, god-like in the way they balanced exhausting workloads. The infamous glamour of junior year, however, wore off within a week that we entered our own third year of high school. Reputation reflects reality in this case. Junior year is the notorious, most dreaded year of high school—and for good reason. Not only do we have to juggle studying for SATs along with our daily multi-AP workload, we also have to deal with sports games, practices, club activities, volunteering and new responsibilities. Sure, we’re used to the whole high school routine. But does that really even matter? How hard is it to get from point A to point B? The true essence of junior year is the horror of the workload. The ridiculously time consuming, unreasonable workload. Classes alone are more than enough work. Between AP English, AP US History, AP Physics, and AP Calculus, when is there time to sleep, much less have fun? We spend grueling hours each night slaving over endless piles of homework. With so much to do and so much pressure to do it well, we ignore friends, abandoned for the sake of a grade. Our social lives slowly die as we fall victim to the perpetual expectations to succeed. Even though it is two years away, college is still looming. It is ever present as we strive to create the “perfect” record that will impress admission officers across the country.
We are driven by the fear of rejection letters arriving from the colleges of our dreams. Everyone knows, or at least thinks, that this is our year—this is the year that you make it or you break it, and that fact alone is enough to keep us working till the wee hours of morning. Caffeine is the main component of our daily diet. There aren’t enough hours in a day to sleep when you’re at school eight hours a day and have a soccer game until 6 p.m., only to go home to a backbreaking load of AP homework and SAT preparation. Caffeine is a way of life, a means essential to our very survival. It’s not just coffee either. Try a 16-ounce super-sized can of artificial, chemical death. Monster and Rockstar energy drinks, with their revitalizing effects that last through the night and well into the next school day, are especially popular among juniors. Unfortunately, this artificially-induced energy only lasts so long, and when it’s faded, what’s left is a horde of angry, overstressed teens whose tempers are on edge. Here’s where it gets messy. Try filling a classroom with overachieving, competitive AP students all battling for the teacher’s attention and their own success- egos swell and insults fly as we try to come out on top, leaving many trampled and hurt in the process. We look back at our wasted freshman and sophomore years, wondering why we didn’t work harder. We’re past the halfway point in our high school careers, and we begin to wonder what we’ve done that defines us. We’re still trying to define ourselves and find our true personalities, but how can we, when we’re so pressured to work hard, fit in, and be the best and greatest at everything we do?
To Those Who Doubt Love By TIFFANY CHANG
Staff Writer
To be in love. Sometimes I can only imagine it, with romantic songs and movies and novels as all I know. So I imagine. I imagine it as the soft haze of a spring day or a glowing red fire in the winter night. I imagine that the feeling is too great, the love too strong, that even the heavens will do no justice— that no summer day will ever be of worth. It is something that makes one bid to another “a thousand times goodnight” or something “like a first kiss, except everyday you feel like this.” I imagine that, spark by irreplaceable spark, the feeling ignites into a brilliant blaze. It is enough to drive two strangers to trust in fate’s good company; enough to compel matrimony despite fatal ends. Love is when you dance without music. It is when you sit out all night to witness the fire of stars and when you fall asleep in each other’s arms. It’s a message in a bottle, a glimmer of hope, an altering force. All this I can imagine, because it’s what I’ve been told. But if these layers of what I hear and see and read about are all stripped away, no longer acting as a barometer of love, will I still recognize it? Sometimes I believe that it will never happen. I’ll never feel it. And should chance allow me to stumble across it, I question whether I’d really know that’s it. What if the feelings are of infatuation, out of lust, or in lonely frustration? And can I really trust myself when my heart flutters with every pretty face or male dancer that comes my way? In a world so full of broken homes, in a time of divorce and one-night stands, of infidelity and deceit, fairytales are hard to believe. We doubt the screenwriters and think that nothing good can last forever, not even a love we once felt transcended the grounds of this very earth. We hate the tales and songs of love for implementing a false hope, but at the same time, wish and pray that love will somehow, someday, in some place, find us. We’re left
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clinging onto that fragment of light, dimmed by the doubts of us ever really finding love, of ever really knowing that’s what it really is. But when I look around and stop daydreaming about these fairytale endings, I realize that we are already living in a world so full of love. You and I both are already in love with so many different things, but we don’t realize it because it’s not the same kind of love featured in the books or songs or movies. Maybe you’re in love with the touch of chapstick to your lips, a balm of relief; I know I’m in love with dance and my family and friends, all of which are like ointments that soothe my qualms. Maybe you love the building suspense and excitement of a rollercoaster ride before that perilous plunge, the way I love it when my favorite song plays on the radio. Perhaps we’re most in love with the night, when we’re under the warmth and security of our blanket. These types of love we never question; what we most often question is love that involves another human being. But I don’t believe that they are very different. There are things in this world that will always be our refuge from the trials and tribulations of the world, the way the songs sing of peace and serenity when with our significant other; there are things that excite us and bring us joy, the way love is said to do in the books; and there are things that we will always feel safe with, the way lovers feel in each other’s embrace. That is not to say that I believe the feelings are equivalent— one may perhaps be more profound than another. But just as we don’t question the things we love and need in our lifetime, so we shouldn’t betray our emotions and doubt ourselves. To be in love is not a fairytale too good to come true; it is not a reverie too elusive to be attainable. It is something to believe in, full-heartedly and without reservations. How do you know it is love, you ask? It’s like knowing your favorite color or food. It’s like a favorite quotation, show, or book. It’s like knowing who your best friend is. No explanations, no theories, no evidence. When the time comes, you’ll just know.
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December 2007
What is Life But a Game of Tetris?
in Tetris, we are forced to deal with that unwanted block, to acknowledge it and work around it. We must continue with the game. Staff Writer Sometimes, block after block, nothing seems to fit, and we feel overwhelmed, or as if When I was younger, I’d always find refwe are plummeting faster and lower than ever, uge in Tetris. The game became a sort of batowards a dark abyss. In the event of a grandrometer to me; I had myself convinced that if I parent’s death, a sports injury, an earthquake, a played long enough, if I could just pass a cerflood, a broken friendship, a pile of essays, or tain level, all my troubles would melt away— even a parent’s divorce, we feel as if nothing my lost teddy would find itself, my best friend could ever be right again. We feel a little off would talk to me again, my dog would return course, a little off balhome, and all would be ance, helpless, scared, sunshine and rainbows. and anxious at the same As naïve as it sounds, the time. The trick, howgame Tetris and my skill ever, is to not stress over at it were telltale of how such happenings, to not all my troubles would or lose focus, and to not let wouldn’t resolve themthe blocks pile up. A lot selves. Though I no lonof us, when unwanted ger rely on such tactics to situations stumble into dictate a fated destiny for our life, tend to get overall my troubles, I now see whelmed. One bad thing a resemblance between and everything— a lost life and the game of Tetris. ID card, homework As in Tetris, Life forgotten, a pop quiz presents blocks that we failed— begins to pile may not always need, or up and weigh us down, want, for that matter. We dampening our spirits, may wish and hope and dimming our light of dream for one thing, a hope. What many forcertain shape that would get is that in the game be the perfect fit, the perof Tetris, though we fect solution for another don’t always receive the line or two to clear, but block we need most, if end up receiving just what Graphic by DANIEL YAMANE we just deal with that we dreaded, a figure that doesn’t fit into our life’s WORK AROUND IT Whatever block for a while and set puzzle, one that only obstacles come your way, you it aside without feeling overwhelmed, we will complicates the situation. Maybe it’s something must always work around them. soon find a counterpart for that unwanted block that fits neatly and as trivial as homework: you feel so weighted perfectly. Tribulations will be resolved and down by all the assignments and all you’re all will be well again. Maybe some don’t anwishing for is one deadline to be postponed; ticipate their parent’s divorce and are taken by instead an essay or a test you only have a day surprise. But rather letting this event, howto study for is assigned. Perhaps when playever tragic, take hold and affect the rest of ing Blackjack, with a face card on the table, their lives, people should accept it and move you hit and pray for an Ace so that you may on. The disposition of our life is in the matter score that elusive twenty-one but receive a of the player’s hands, in our hands. How we five instead. Whatever the scenario, we will react to those unwanted, unneeded blocks in always find ourselves in situations where we our lives determines whether we win or lose. hope for one thing and get another. But as
By TIFFANY CHANG
Open Your Mind, AHS
By ALLEN CHEN
Guest Writer
The last I checked, I had a sense of humor. Sarcasm came easily to me, and I had no problem responding with witty quips. The Office is a comedy, and Lost is not—I get it. So I don’t know what you’ve heard, but when did the phrase “Gay-Straight Alliance” become a joke? You’ve all heard it: “Dude, wouldn’t it be funny if we joined GSA?” Is that where the prerecorded audience laughter is supposed to come in? Because I have never understood why people think it would be funny to join such a club. I am not a member, but judging by its title, I’m pretty sure it’s not a “knock-knock” joke discussion group. Last month, the students of Davis High School in Northern California nominated two boys to be their Homecoming Prince and Prince—two boyfriends, to be exact. What is surprising, however, is not the fact that the school’s students were so accepting that they would elect a gay couple, but that the school’s administration had nothing to say about it, surprisingly, and actually supported the decision. More close to home, Pasadena City College’s latest Homecoming King was a transgender student, and PCC students protested fervently when administration almost overturned
the decision. Here, at Arcadia High School, two boys cannot even attend a formal dance together, even if they are merely friends. I have always thought of Arcadia High School as a relatively liberal school: we don’t fly the Confederate flag and, for the most part, individualism is celebrated. Upon closer inspection, however, maybe we’re not as openminded as we think we are. Why aren’t there currently any male members on any of the cheer teams? Why aren’t there any males on Color Guard—a sport that originated in the all-male ranks of the army? And why have we submitted the Gay-Straight Alliance—perhaps the most courageous amongst the legions of mindless volunteer service clubs–down to being the butt of jokes? Chalk it all up to fear—it is a fear of being judged. A fear of being victimized. While many can say “don’t let what others tell you bring you down,” the hate crimes and harassment cases speak for themselves. So before you consider yourself an open-minded citizen, think again: does the fact that you oppose our nation’s administration, that you have no qualms with ankleexposing clothing, really make you a liberal? I would highly suggest you put some serious thought into this, Arcadia High. Because a boy with pom-poms? Someone please alert the administration.
December 2007
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entertainment
Rockin’ Around the Lovely Rockettes
By BRIANNA BECKMAN Staff Writer
Very few are not familiar with the famous Rockettes, a highly acclaimed and diligent dance company, consisting of a 36-member line of notoriously leggy young women in petite skirts. As soon as the old “Jingle Bell Rock” tune kicks in during the holiday season merriment, the Rockettes begin their eight-week long run at the annual Radio City Christmas Spectacular at the Radio City Music Hall at the Rockefeller complex in New York, and can be expected to attract an estimated 2.1 million spectators each year, making it the most-viewed performance in the U.S., as this sell-out success continually breaks box office records. The very first 16-member kick line, formerly admired as the “Missouri Rockets,” originated in St. Louis, Missouri, in the mid1920s. The Rockettes’ novelty and showy flair was soon uncovered a few years later in 1927 by Samuel Roxy Rothafel, and consequently the group was relocated to NYC, opening the doors to further revelation and opportunity. Under the name “Roxyettes,” their first NYC debut was in Rothafel’s own Roxy Theater on 50th and Seventh Street. It wasn’t until several years later on Dec. 27, 1932, that the Rockettes were finally moved to their current location at the Radio City Music Hall. You might assume that maintaining such toned, slender legs, beautiful faces, and brazen smiles is an easy task—however, the Rockettes are often vastly misconceived. An average itinerary of five shows per day, seven days a week, 365 days a year is hardly considered “easy.” As a matter of fact, an estimated 100,000 young women audition each year with the hopes of joining this prestigious line of dancers while only a small division are accepted. For the sake of uniformity, the dancers are required to measure between 5’6 and 5’10 ½ inches tall and are arranged in accordance to their height—the tallest in the middle and shortest at the ends. They must also be proficient in jazz, tap, and ballet, and must perform homogeneously with the other dancers at all times. However, not all women were granted the opportunity to partake until the latter-mid-1980s. Surprisingly enough, this wasn’t necessarily due to racial discrimination or favoritism, as many people assumed during the time. The Rockettes’ original policy wanted to preserve the dance’s group constant and unvarying image. Of course, as times have changed, such a policy is not longer permissible. The Rockettes have continued to exhibit their inspiring aptitude during performances at numerous events such as the annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, The Columbus Day Parade, America’s Thanksgiving Parade, and even at the NBC Rockefeller tree-lighting ceremony. These notoriously brilliant ladies really know how to rock it!
December 2007
Holiday Video Game Wrap Up By MICHAEL CHEN Staff Writer
Photo Courtesy of google.com
theapachepowwow.com
2007 was a pretty phenomenal year for video games, but it’s been pretty hard to believe that so many excellent titles have been released in the past few months. Realistically, it shouldn’t be so difficult to pick out a gift for a gamer this year. Here’s a quick rundown of the top games to pick up this holiday season. Rock Band – XB360/PS3/PS2 Genre: Music Rhythm It’s too bad that most retailers don’t accept returns on games because Rock Band trumps Guitar Hero in the awesome department. The “special edition” comes bundled with a Stratocaster guitar controller, a faux drum set, and a microphone. While it’s very possible to play the game individually and still have a reasonably good time, the real magic lies in the multiplayer. When four players are brought together, something really amazing happens that no other game is able to replicate. $170 for the full package is a bit hard to swallow, but it’s a fair price for what is arguably the best game of 2007. Honorable Mention: Guitar Hero III (XB360/ PS3/PS2/Wii/PC) Call of Duty 4 - PC/XB360/PS3 Genre: Shooter Apparently, Nazi Germany is the ultimate video game villain because it’s been around in polygonal form longer than they it has been in World War II. Storming Omaha Beach again and again is definitely starting to get tedious. Fortunately, the Call of Duty series has made the right move in changing the setting to mod-
ern warfare, retaining what made Call of Duty 2 phenomenal, and introducing a slew of new features. Enlist now because Call of Duty 4 is the definitive shooter to be playing this holiday. Honorable Mentions: The Orange Box (PC/ XB360/PS3), Halo 3 (XB360), Crysis (PC) Super Mario Galaxy – Wii Genre: Action Super Mario Galaxy is the only Wii game on this list, but it makes up for this by being the most ground breaking Mario title since Super Mario 64. The game sports brilliant level design and introduces some new gameplay mechanics made possible by the Wii’s motion sensing control scheme. Make no mistake, this is the game that Mario fans have been craving for since eternity2 (which comes after this eternity). Honorable Mentions: Ratchet and Clank: Tools of Destruction (PS3), Assassin’s Creed (XB360/ PS3), Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune (PS3) Mass Effect – XB360 Genre: Role Playing Mass Effect takes the concept of influencing how a game plays based on a player’s actions and expands it tenfold. The game successfully combines a third-person shooter with RPG elements and incredibly in-depth conversation system for a cinematic experience that is comparable to the original Star Wars trilogy. There isn’t a giant block of scrolling yellow text at the beginning of the game, but Mass Effect is perfect for anyone who enjoys that “galaxy far, far away.” Honorable Mentions: The Witcher (PC), Final Fantasy Tactics: The War of the Lions (PSP)
hot gaMes Call of Duty 4 (PC/XB360/Ps3), $59.99; Super Mario Galaxy (Wii), $59.99; Mass Effect (XB360), $59.99; Rock Band (XB360/Ps3/Ps2), $49.99; Assassin’s Creed (XB360/Ps3), $59.99; Halo 3 (XB360), $59.99.
Photos Courtesy of amazon.com
Surviving the Holiday Movie Marathon By ANGELA MENG Staff Writer
Every Christmas, huge production companies such as Paramount Pictures or Universal Studious come up with several cash cow holiday movies meant to warm the hearts of our nation and jump straight to the top of our box office. Sadly, not every Christmas movie is destined to become a classic such as How the Grinch Stole Christmas or A Christmas Story meant for annual reruns and family gatherings. For every classic, there is an equally bad film to balance it out. So here’s a guide to surviving the holiday movie marathon. 1. Christmas with the Kranks – This movie is only laughable in effort. The Kranks are about to celebrate their first Christmas without their daughter, Blair. They decide to go on a cruise instead, and the decision led to a battle between the Kranks and their neighbors. However, Blair calls and informs her parents that she is actually coming home this Christmas, ending this movie with the message that the cruel methods the neighbors use to stop the Kranks from going on the cruise are actually justified. The worst part is that the script actually tries to inject some pathos in the last scene. Did the producer actually think people would believe Luther’s conversion into a sympathetic, loving softie? This movie
serves as proof that even a bestselling novel can turn into jingle hell. 2. Deck the Halls – Danny Devito, Matthew Broderick, and Kristin Davis literally “decked” our brain cells in the most unoriginal movie ever made. Maybe the producer was trying to get Danny Devito out of being “type-casted” and Matthew Broderick out of unemployment; either way, this movie has got to be the most predictable, boring, and corny movie of all time. A perfect candidate for ruining someone’s Christmas. 3. Jingle All the Way – Ho! Ho! NO. Perhaps people should watch this movie out of the pure desire to see the governor of California dashing through the snow in pursuit of an action figure for his son on Christmas Eve. However, though Schwarzenegger’s role in The Terminator series earns him some positive reception, he is just plain comically disabled. 4. Santa Claus Conquers the Martians – The epitome of bad Christmas films. If you can fall asleep during this piece of science fiction, consider yourself lucky. In this movie, Santa Claus is kidnapped by Martians to cheer up the children of Mars. What? Case closed. Despite the bad films that can ruin our Christmas, Christmas is also a time of year for some great movie-making. There are many decent Christmas films out there, films that con-
vey the Christmas spirit without leaving you drenched in saccharine. 1. Love Actually – Eight delightful story lines and a cast filled with experienced actors and newcomers intertwined into single movie can never go wrong. There are different situations, some of them touching, others very funny, sometimes dramatic but never corny. This movie is made for everyone: the old, the young, the middle-aged, the cynical, and the optimistic. This heart warming film will make anyone believe in love, actually. 2. Elf – In a cheerful display of innocence, Will Ferrell stars as a man raised as an elf who goes to New York City in search of his father. Ferrell, standing at 6’3”, actually manages to pull off the naïve and ignorant characteristics of Buddy the elf. His childlike performance truly brings out the kid in all of us. Hilarity ensues as Buddy purchases lingerie for his father, thinking that it is for “someone special.” Although this film is obviously not an instant classic, it is definitely worth watching. All in all, the holidays are a perfect time to gather around with friends and family to watch that perfect holiday movie. And whether your definition of a perfect movie is heart warming, dramatic, funny, or just plain bad-ass, I hope that this list has helped you gain at least a little inspiration.
December 2007
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entertainment
Top Technology for the New Year By ROYA FALATOONZADEH Staff Writer
For this holiday season, there is a variety of electronics available on the market. While their prices may vary greatly, this does not prevent AHS students from pulling out their wallets to pay for the gadgets. LG Voyager: Cell Phone LG has designed and produced a cell phone that will be in direct competition with the iPhone. This phone has two screens, a touch screen that can be viewed when the phone is closed, and another screen on the inside of the phone. The second screen is equipped with a QWERTY keyboard, perfect for students who love to keep in touch with their friends through text messaging. The LG Voyager has highspeed EVDO Internet connection superior to that of the iPhone. The Voyager is also supplied with Vibetouch technology, making the phone vibrate when the screen is touched in order to simulate pushing an actual key. Price starts at $299.99. iTouch: Digital Music Player One of the electronics that grabs many students attention is the new iPod Touch, or “iTouch,” a product of Apple Inc. This digital audio player weighs approximately 4.2 ounces. The iTouch has the same interface as the iPhone, with dimensions measuring at 4.3 x 2.4 x 0.3 inches. The iTouch comes with either 8 or 16 GB of flash memory. Price starts at $299.99.
Sony Cybershot-Compact Camera This pocket-sized, 4.1-ounce and 7.2megapixel camera seems to embody the idea that a camera can be stylish, practical, and portable. With a 2.5-inch LCD screen display, 3x optical zoom, and 56 MB of internal memory, the Sony Cybershot is the perfect camera for any photographer. Price starts at $159.99. Wii: Video Game Console Despite the fact that this popular Nintendo product sold over 13.17 million game consoles worldwide, Wii advertisements can still be found on the floor of the Santa Anita mall. This system has 512 MB of Internal flash memory and can be operated using a remote control sold by either Wii or Nintendo GameCube. With Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and backwards compatibility with Nintendo GameCube, the Wii is sure to be on the top of many AHS students’ wish lists. Price starts at $149.99. Webcam: Computer Accessory Many students who wish to keep in touch with friends have considered the option of buying a webcam. These small cameras attach to most PCs and enable people to have a conversation via the Internet. What separates webcams from talking on a cell phone is that this product allows people to see the person they are talking to. Each person using a webcam is given the opportunity to get a peek into the other person’s life, whether they are at home, at school, or at work. The quality of the picture depends on the brand name and video capture resolution. Price starts at $19.99.
hot gadgets LG Voyager Cell Phone by LG, $299.99; iTouch Photos Courtesy of google.com
by Apple, $299.99; Sony Cybershot by Sony, $159.99; Nintendo Wii by Nintendo, $249.99; Webcam by Maplin Electronics, $19.99.
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Download This: “My Christmas List” -Simple Plan “White Christmas” -Goldfinger Goldfinger “Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays” -Nsync “Yule Shoot Your Eye Out” -Fall Out Boy “Pokemon Christmas Bash” -Pokemon Christmas “Eight Nights of Hannukah” -Silly Music Presents “Santa Is a Psycho” -Dan Hart “Chanukah: the Latke Song” -Jill Moscowitz “Oh Santa!” -Veggietales “Disco Santa” -Holiday Express “I Won’t Be Home for Christmas” -Blink-182 “The Chanukah Song” -Adam Sandler “Kidnap the Sandy Claws” -Nightmare Before Christmas “A Long December” -Counting Crows
Daring > Dangerous Wickedly Entertaining
By GRETL LAM
Staff Writer
Six months after the publication of The Dangerous Book for Boys, its highly-anticipated counterpart, The Daring Book for Girls, was released. Now this charming blue book is out, about and achieving bestseller status by numerous counts – think Photo Courtesy of the New York Times, amazon.com USA Today and Amazon.com bestseller lists. In turn, this sweeping success has elicited that one curiosity-driven thought in many: I wonder what’s so great about it? Well, if you are part of that crowd, you might like to know that the answer to your puzzlement is simply yet another question: What’s not to like? From the irresistibly sparkly title to the fun how-to’s to the intriguing tidbits of information, this book will strike chords with girls of all ages…and that means you. Yes, even though this book has been classed into the children’s section and is recommended for girls in elementary and
middle school, don’t snob this book off as something written for a more immature audience without taking it for a spin; it will leave you pondering indignantly who those stuffy book reviewers think they are to leave us high school girls out of the fun. Because timeless fun is precisely what The Daring Book for Girls is all about. Whether you are a tomboy, a girly-girl, or a happily balanced medium somewhere in between the two extremes, this book has something for you. Peruse the pages on favorite childhood activities like playing Chinese jump rope and making cootie catchers. Take a beginner or refresher course on knotting friendship bracelets and/or on folding paper airplanes. Or learn something entirely new. Care to craft a real quill pen, anyone? Each activity is neatly contained in a couple easy, illustrated pages. This means that when you are sick and tired of writing your essay and your hair is being nuisance, you can take a break and learn how to put your hair up with a pencil by following a series of detailed diagrams and then get back to work without too much delay. Don’t balk at the idea of having to read a book; The Daring Book for Girls isn’t the like the rest of the English-class-required novels on your to-read (or to-Sparknote) list. As exclaimed previously, this delightful collection of treasured activities and factoids is pure fun. But don’t take my word for it; go see for yourself!
By EMILY RUETER Entertainment Editor
With its stunning special effects, breathtaking singing, eye-catching costumes, and enthralling storyline, Wicked, the popular Broadway play, could not possibly be better. I mean, it’s just that: wicked (totally awesome). Wicked has gained incredible fame since its premier on Broadway in 2003 and continues to thrill audiences worldwide. The play follows the lives of two witches, Elphaba and Glinda, and reveals the unknown story behind The Wizard of Oz. Audiences are exposed to the true origins and identities of the witches of East and West as well as some other familiar faces including the Tin Man, Scarecrow, Cowardly Lion, and those strange winged monkeys. The play is suspenseful throughout with a complicated love triangle shadowed by betrayal and the utter complexity and mystery surrounding the characters of Oz. Although I was skeptical of the high ticket prices (usually ranging from $100$250), the moment I saw the stage, I knew
the show was going to be worth it. Crowned with a moving, smoke-breathing dragon, the stage was covered with a huge map of the Land of Oz radiating a green glow. But the special effects and stunning backdrops didn’t stop there. With moving electronic backgrounds and shining lights of all different colors, I could barely focus on the story without being distracted by the dreamlike stage. Let’s not forget that Wicked is, after all, a musical. The actors’ voices were amazing, giving me chills and inspiring thundering applause after each number. Accompanied by a booming orchestra, the lyrics of the songs also contained witty humor that moved the theater to uncontrollable laughter. When the play was over, I had to buy the soundtrack and still find myself humming along to its catchy tunes. Watching the play was definitely memorable, and I found myself in a state of suspended happiness and awe days after I had seen it. With action, romance, and a twisted storyline that keeps audiences on the edge of their seats, Wicked is a must-see play for all ages.
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Features
Winter’s Cold and Flu Beasts
By MS. ASHLEY NOVAK Guest Writer
Staff Writer
LEY NOVAK
sy of MS. ASH
Photo Courte
By MR. RAY MYNSTER Guest Writer
I suppose all kids in elementary school wanted to believe that there was a Santa who would reward our good behavior. After all, it was expected by our parents. Where is the reward in that? So, I clung to Santa like a leprechaun to his gold. It was in third grade that I heard kids talking about Santa being a myth. I refused to believe it because I very much wanted to believe that my reward came from someone who was not always critical or punishing me for my misdeeds. Don’t get me wrong, I love my parents, but I felt I always should have my dessert, regardless of the cleaning chemicals I was mix-
Everyone knows of generic Christmas foods like pudding, eggnog, and candy canes. That’s why this holiday is a good opportunity to experience a different perspective of the holiday season with the unique foods and beverages of other cultures. Brighten up Christmas parties with diverse foods and add some international festivity to make this holiday merrier. The tamale is a unique Christmas food that is quite popular everywhere from Latin America to the Caribbean. It is a traditional
Y WON
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ing that afternoon as I pretended to be a scientist. My belief in Santa Claus was shaken then and my brothers tried to convince me later that those kids just never had Santa come to their houses because they were bad. But I s u p p o s e that is when the realization hit me about Santa. Yup... U NDA W he liked me f AMA o y s e Court best. Photo
Guest Writer
I remember the day I stopped believing in Santa Claus. On Christmas Eve, I brought out my sleeping bag and slept by the Christmas tree the whole night, trying to catch a glimpse of Santa.
A YD FUJIWAR
of MR. LLO oto Courtesy
Holiday’s Yummy Cultures Staff Writer
I was six when the myth of Santa became a reality. If any kid were a true believer, it was I. I believed body and soul when my parents told me he could see me when I was sleeping. He Photo k n e w by LIL
By MR. LLOYD FUJIWARA
Ph
By SCOTT LYOU
December 2007
Santa Claus’ Ex- Little Helpers
By JOANNA CHUANG Blowout holiday sales, jolly Santa Claus, the annual family dinner, countless weeks of leftovers after dinners, and of course, the highly anticipated winter break filled with joyous holidays coming around the corner. These familiar and cheery images of the winter season sound a bit too perfect, right? Many individuals overlook the downsides of winter, which is the year’s peak time for potential victims to contract the common cold and flu. Meet the “common cold monster.” Almost all students are probably already familiar with it, having been attacked at least once in their lives. There are approximately over 61 million cases of colds in one year alone. The “common cold monster,” consisting of one of over 200 viruses, causes symptoms such as nasal congestion, sneezing, sore throat, and runny nose. However, don’t get him mistaken for the “flu beast,” which is another virus many confuse with the “common cold monster.” The “flu beast,” which is an influenza virus, attacks the cells in one’s respiratory system and causes more severe symptoms than the common cold, including high fevers, fatigue, headaches, and dry coughs. The flu is a more serious illness than the common cold as an average of 20,000 people die in the United States from the flu annually. The common cold and the flu are both highly contagious illnesses that spread when an uninfected person inhales or comes into direct contact with the virus, like from a sneeze or a cough. Ways to prevent the spread of the common cold and the flu include washing one’s hands several times throughout the day, avoiding the sharing of food utensils with others, and keeping a safe distance away from infected people. An annual flu shot is another method that helps prevent catching the flu. Beware of the “common cold monster” and the “flu beast” this winter as they attempt to creep into our school, homes, and bodies. Good luck fighting against them this winter, and may the force be with you.
theapachepowwow.com
Native American dish that consists of a steamcooked corn meal often filled with meat, cheese, or chili. Another tamale that is sweeter than usual is called “tamale de dulce.” Christmas tamales in the southwestern United States consist of spicy meat fillings such as shredded beef or pork. They are best served with a “chili con carne” sauce.
Photo
by COR
A ORM
SETH
Pfeffernüsse are small, hard, round biscuits. Literally translated as pepper nuts, this spicy treat is popular in Germany, Holland, and Denmark. The dough is rounded into a ball and made with a chocolate base. Variations of pfeffernüsse are based on nutmeg, ginger, or cardamom. As the name implies, most recipes also require black pepPhoto by HANNAH GALLAHER per. It is baked during DELICIOUS Some of the most the the Sinterklaas feast delicious dishes, such as tamales, on Dec. 5 for children. originate from various cultures. Christmas would
when I was awake and most important of all, he knew when I was bad. They would “call” him on the phone and detail my most recent temper tantrum; it was my aim to be angelic for at least the entire month of December so that I would be rewarded. When I learned of the truth, it was as if my entire life were flashing right in front of me. The cookies that he “ate.” The notes that he “left.” I distinctly remember hearing him tinkering around while he left massive amounts of presents for my cousins, sister, and me. Well, I do recall some “coincidences,” if you will. How was it possible that he had the SAME wrapping paper as we did? My parents finally decided to tell me the devastating truth: Santa was not real.
Photo Courte
sy of MR. RAY
MYNSTER
He never came. That night alone convinced me that the jolly old man was fake. After that year, I never believed in Santa again. As a child, I was raised as a Buddhist and my family only celebrated the commercial version of Christmas. Yet, what did happen to me after realizing that Santa was indeed just a myth has to do with one of my neighbors who lived around the corner from my house. He was one year older than me, so I just assumed that he already knew the news about the fake Santa. It turns out he didn’t. I ended up getting in trouble for breaking reality to him! To this day, it comes up at family functions of how I ruined Christmas for this kid. It was 45 years ago! So 45 years later, I hope this neighbor of mine has come to reality now. not be complete without a festive drink. Try celebrating this holiday with a cup of wassail, a warm punch flavored with spices. Wassail is an extremely popular drink during winter celebrations all over northern Europe. Its name is derived from the Old Norse word “ves heill” meaning “to be in good health.” It closely resembles warm cider except that it is flavored with sugar and cinnamon. Traditionally, this beverage is known to ward away evil spirits and welcome a prosperous new year. Try something different this holiday season with friends and family to find new ways to celebrate the holidays. With such tasty and interesting foods, it’s impossible not to enjoy the holidays from a different perspective.
Features
theapachepowwow.com
December 2007
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The Most Bizarre Holidays of the New Year Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
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2 Happy Mew Year for Cats Day
3 Memento Mori, “Remember You Die” Day
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10 National Cut Your Energy Costs Day
15 Humanitarian Day
New Year’s Dishonor List Day 6
7 Thank God It’s Monday Day
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14 National Clean Off Your Desk Day
20 National DJ Day
27 Holocaust Memorial Day
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Friday Trivia Day
Saturday 4
Fruitcake Toss Day
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12 Penguin Awareness Day
16 Appreciate a Dragon Day
17 18 Customer Winnie the Pooh Service Day Day
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21 Squirrel Appreciation Day
22 23 Celebration of National Pie Day Life Day
24 25 Belly Laugh Day Fun at Work Day
26 National Peanut Brittle Day
28 Bubble Wrap Appreciation Day
29 Free Thinkers Day
Show and Tell Day at Work
30 Inane Answering Message Day
31 Inspire Your Heart with Art Day Graphic by CORA ORMSETH
Deck the Halls With Holiday Icons By RACHEL CHEONG & KRISTEN MURAKAMI
quietly dropped three pouches of gold coins down the chimney. The pouches coincidentally landed in the stockings that the girls hung Staff Writers up by the hearth to dry. The next morning, the daughters were surprised and joyous to see the The smell of peppermint and the sight of gold coins. Christmas lights mark the beginning of the holBefore electricity was established, small iday season. These common Christmas items, candles were used to light up Christwhich originate from various customs mas trees. The candles were glued across the globe, come together to crewith melted wax or attached with ate the perfect atmosphere for holiday pins. But by 1882, the first Christmas celebrations. tree was lit by electricity. Edward Mistletoe derives its name from Johnson created the first string of the ancient belief that mistletoe came electric Christmas lights, consisting from bird droppings. This concept of 80 small electric bulbs. His crewas related to the idea that life could ation became a sensation when he lit spring spontaneously from dung. In the first Christmas tree in New York the past, people noticed that mistleCity. In 1890, Christmas lights were toe would appear on a branch or twig mass-produced for American famiwhere birds left droppings. “Mistel” lies and by 1900, department stores is the Anglo-Saxon word for “dung,” started to use the newly created and “toe” is the word for “twig.” Christmas lights for their seasonal Therefore, mistletoe means “dung-ondisplays. a-twig.” The tradition of kissing under Poinsettias are red beauties nathe mistletoe was first associated with tive to Central America, especially in the Greek festival of Saturnalia and a region of southern Mexico called later with primitive marital ceremoTaxco del Alarcon. Poinsettias blosnies. Mistletoe was also believed to som during the winter, giving them have the power of bestowing fertility. their popular usage during the winter The correct etiquette for mistletoe is Photo by ASHLEY JOHNSON holidays. The ancient Aztecs called for a couple to kiss under the plant. The man should pluck the berries one STOCKINGS One of the most representative icons the flowers “cuetlaxchitl” and used by one and as the last berry is removed, of the Christmas season is the stocking. These huge them in numerous ways. The colored leaves were used to make purple dye the couple’s kiss should end. socks are known to be packed with tons of goodies. for clothes and cosmetics and the Some people have given relimilky white sap was used to make a medicine many myths and tales about how the stocking gious meanings to the shape and form of the to treat fevers. came to be, but the most common legend is candy cane. Its shape is said to be like the The poinsettia became well-known due about a kind nobleman and his three daughletter “J” to represent Jesus. It is also in the to a man named Joel Roberts Poinsett. Poinsett ters. The nobleman’s wife, who died from an shape of the shepherd’s staff, symbolic of how was the owner of several greenhouses in South illness, left him to care for his daughters. WithJesus, the Great Shepherd, watched over his Carolina and on a trip to Mexico, he became out a stable source of money, the family lived lambs. Because the candy cane is classified as interested in the unique red plant. He immedia life of misery. St. Nicholas, a generous man, hard candy, its solidity represents the impenately sent some of the poinsettias back to his decided to help the family anonymously. One etrable foundation of the Church. Lastly, the home, where he then began to grow and intronight he rode up to the family’s house and havpeppermint flavor, which is the original flavor duce the red beauties to the American culture. ing noticed that they had all fallen asleep, he for candy canes, is similar to that of a plant called hyssop. In the Old Testament, the hyssop, a member of the mint family, was used for moral cleansing and sacrifice. The peppermint flavor symbolizes the purity of Jesus and the sacrifices he made for mankind. Christmas stockings are an integral part of Christmas holiday traditions. There are
By CORA ORMSETH & LILY WONG
Features Editors
As 2007 comes to a close, January’s calendar of random daily holidays will help usher in 2008. Revel in the mirth and good cheer of the new year on Jan. 1, for the month takes a somber turn on Jan. 3 with Memento Mori, “Remember You Die” Day. Still have a stash of fruitcakes left over from the holidays? Put them to good use on Fruitcake Toss Day on Jan. 5. Don’t forget to trudge back to school on Thank God It’s Monday Day, Jan. 7, the much dreaded day back from winter break. On Jan. 12, celebrate the birds in tuxedoes on Penguin Awareness Day. Four days later, on Jan. 16, commemorate all the Hungarian Horntails and other fabled fairy tale creatures on Appreciate a Dragon Day. Indulge that obsessive-compulsive desire and pop those bubbles on Bubble Wrap Appreciation Day on Jan. 28. On Jan. 30, have fun making an obnoxious answering machine recording because it’s Inane Answering Message Day.
Gifts That Give Back By CHRISTINE PAO Staff Writer
It’s a pity how many useless gifts teenagers give and receive each Christmas—stuffed animals collecting dust, notebooks gone years unfilled, and unopened bottles of lotion. Students wring their brains dry trying to think of the perfect Christmas gift, yet they always seem to turn to the same old “standard” presents: clothing, boxes of chocolate, and gift cards. But what if a gift could mean aiding a person or animal in need, ending world hunger, or even saving Planet Earth? It’s possible, and it’s been done. This holiday season, to make a difference in someone else’s life, consider charitable gifts on this year’s Christmas list. Charitable gifts are much like regular donations, except contributions are made in someone else’s name. The giver gains the satisfaction of putting his or her money towards a good cause, and the recipient, in turn, recieves a gift that benefits the world. There are countless charities to choose from. Through Gaiam, crucial funds are donated to The Conservation Fund’s Go Zero program, which aims to reduce the amount of carbon dioxide in the air. Best of all, each tree costs only $2, and 100% of each purchase goes to the organization. Visit www.gaiam.com/retail/product/37-0000 to give someone the opportunity to save the Earth. If helping animals seems to be a higher priority, consider sponsoring a friendly creature. A minimal donation can help ensure that an animal in need receives proper care and attention. With every sponsorship, the recipient receives a certificate, photo, and personal story of the animal. Go to www.bestfriends.org to view the vast selection of animals and read the touching stories.
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Winter Memories
theapachepowwow.com
December 2007
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December 2007
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Winter Memories 13
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STUDENT LIFE
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The Ultimate Ping Pong Showdown By KRISTEN MURAKAMI Staff Writer
Dressed in extreme athletic wear consisting of green goggles, black capes, and shiny shorts, AHS principal, Mr. David Vannasdall, and AHS statistics and computer science teacher, Mr. Ray Mynster, went head to head in a ping pong challenge on Dec. 7 in the North Gym. With a crowd of enthusiastic students and teachers cheering on both sides, the two fiercely battled it out, trying their best to rally the ball back and forth with great precision and technique. “It was entertaining to watch Mr. Vannasdall and Mr. Mynster hit the ball over the net,” said sophomore Connie Yu. The idea for the tournament came up one day during lunch between the two. “Mr. Vannasdall was saying how he’d destroy me if we played, so, of course I challenged him,” said Mr. Mynster. The ping pong tournament, which was scheduled to take place in the rally court, was moved indoors due to the unexpected rain. The
first game was close, but Mr. Mynster took the lead. As Mr. Mynster started to incorporate difficult serves in the second match, Mr. Vannasdall said he had to “reach down deep and bring out the best to beat him.” The final score for
Photos by ASHLEY JOHNSON
PING PONG Mr. Vannasdall and Mr. Mynster rally the ball.
ORCHESTRA vs. BAND Orchestra and Band have faced off. Here are the top 10 reasons they believe they are better. Read from left to right, one number at a time.
By DEAN LEE
By CALVIN HSIAO
Guest Writer
Guest Writer
1. We have two awesome music directors. 2. We take less time to play in tune. 3. Our audience doesn’t get their ears blasted. 4. We perform at Disneyland. 5. We have more fun at music camp. 6. We get to sleep in. 7. We have a lot of trophies and awards. 8. We don’t need extra help. 9. We play at graduation.
1. Ours are taller. 2. We make sure we play in tune. 3. Our audience doesn’t fall asleep. 4. We perform at football games and parades. 5. It’s band camp. 6. We practice vigorously at morning rehearsals. 7. Our trophies are bigger. 8. We have marching instructors who come and help us every Wednesday 9. We...we do too.
10. We represent Arcadia!
the match was 11-7, resulting in a win for Mr. Vannasdall. “He really played awesome during the third game. I made some serious mistakes in the second game, but I could not have beat him in the third game without some luck,” said Mr. Mynster. Mr. Mynster, who has been playing ping pong since junior high school, has played against many levels of talent, including the Canadian national champ. Mr. Vannasdall has also had some experience in ping pong, playing on a daily basis while in high school. “We didn’t have a team or anything, but the competition got pretty fierce at lunch,” said Mr. Vannasdall. Because the game was so close, both Mr. Vannasdall and Mr. Mynster want a rematch, which will be held either in the second semester or next year. “I had a great time and I hope to get some more teachers involved,” said Mr. Mynster. The ping pong tournament drew quite a bit of attention from students and teachers alike. “It was a great match, filled with action and laughter,” said Ms. Cherryl Vorak.
Recycle Bins
By DAVID SUN
A Sense of P Belonging
h o t o o f t h e
Staff Writer
Recently, new blue recycling bins fitted with locks placed around campus. Where did they come from? What is their purpose? It turns out ASB and the Student Council have begun a campaign of recycling throughout campus. Remember the days of throwing away your bottle in the ordinary trash cans? Activities Director John Tung said, “ASB, in conjunction with the new Facilities Manager, Ms. Patterson, set out to bring a sustainable recycling program on campus. It is now up to the students and staff to show their concern for the environment and go that extra step to recycle their bottles and cans. Together we can make AHS a greener, more beautiful campus.” ASB Treasurer Audrey Cheng said, “It’s another method of keeping the campus clean and it also helps the environment!” Students often throw away potential recyclables in ordinary gray trashcans because there are no other options available. However, with
December 2007
m o n t h
Photo Contest Winner: Gregory Zajac Some people think Cross Country is no more than a bunch of skinny guys running around in short shorts. But it is so much more. It’s running together, fighting together, and laughing together. It is mustering the mental strength to keep the pace when your whole body is telling you to slow down, and your teammates yelling at you to go faster. It is sharing a sport nobody else understands, and loving every minute of it. With my team is where I belong. Second place: Ruby Wang Third place: Amanda Kallis Find this month’s top three winners’ color photographs and more details at www.theapachepowwow.com. The next month’s theme is “This is My Escape.”
this environmentally friendly opportunity available, do your part and throw away your litter in the right containers to keep the campus clean. Non-recyclables to the gray trash cans and bottles and cans to the blue recycle bins, please.
Hope Can Cure Cancer Band Wraps Up the Season Spreads Holiday Spirit By JOANNA CHUANG
By SCOTT LYOU & PARVIN SHAKIB Staff Writers
The Hope Can Cure Cancer Club (HCCCC) members are devoting their holiday spirits to help cancer patients throughout December. Club members are doing activities to promote cancer awareness and raise funds for local hospitals. On Dec. 18, HCCCC will host a Christmas Feast at lunch in J-7. Club members will bring a variety of festive cancer-preventing foods like spaghetti with tomato sauce, fruits, vegetables, and chocolate dishes. The antioxidant-rich foods are healthy and perfect for celebrating the holiday season with friends and family. Then on Friday, Dec. 21, the club will be traveling throughout north Arcadia and Sierra Madre to sing classic Christmas songs and collect donations. The next morning, club members will visit local hospitals and carol to cancer patients. Handmade Christmas ornaments will also be handed out. “Caroling is not only fun to do, it
lets me spend time with friends as well as spread the holiday cheer to those who might not be as happy as we are,” said senior Amy She, publicity commissioner of HCCCC. The club will also offer volunteer hours for members who make decorative Christmas cards. The holiday cards will be distributed to local hospitals and given to cancer patients. “By visiting and caroling to them, we hope to spread joy and hope, and it shows them that we care,” said co-president junior Christine Shen. HCCCC will also be teaming up with Orchesis at the Charity Show as some of the proceeds will be going to the American Cancer Society. HCCCC will participate in the finale of the show as a tribute to cancer patients. They will present posters, pictures, and poems in the holiday spirit for cancer patients. When asked about their purpose, senior co-president Crystal Tsoi said, “Cancer isn’t just a statistic but a disease that affects the lives of many individuals. Going to the hospitals with club members and getting to see patients puts a human face on this disease.”
Staff Writer
On Dec. 1, the Band concluded its victorious season with second place in the Southern California Band and Orchestra Association (SCSBOA) Championships. Before the season began, Band spent tiresome days preparing for their upcoming band season in the “strongly encouraged” music camp. After the season took off, they diligently practiced every Wednesday night and during sectionals. They had home football games for their field show and practices on Saturdays. All to compete against other schools’ parades and field shows. In the morning preceding SCSBOA Championships, which officially marked the end of the season, the band practiced two hours in preparation for the competition and then headed to Long Beach City College. They then held marching rehearsals, performed their field show, and were rewarded silver medals in the awards ceremony. Band President senior Jimmy Chang said, “SCSBOA was a good representation of our whole season and how hard we worked.”
Photo Courtesy of THE ARCADIAN
FIELD TOURNAMENT Band performs their show music.
Even though season has officially ended, the experience of being in band has greatly impacted upon the seniors having taught them many life lessons. Senior Amy She, section leader, said, “It has taught me, through the years, the difficulties of perseverance, commitment, patience, and that practice does make perfect.” Senior Kenneth Cao said, “It has made me manage my time more carefully and make friends that will last a lifetime.” Band’s upcoming events consist of participating in the highly anticipated Rose Parade, the Spaghetti Dinner, and concerts.
December 2007
STUDENT LIFE 15
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ADD’s You Can’t Take It with You PROFILE RENA WANG
By VICTORIA BIAN
Staff Writer
From Jan. 15-19, the Advanced Drama Department (ADD) will be performing their winter drama production of the Pulitzer Prize-winning comedic play You Can’t Take It with You in the Little Theater. Written by Moss Hart and George S. Kaufman as an orginial Broadway play, the comedy centers around a humorous encounter between a conservative family and the crazy household of Grandpa Martin Vanderhof. Idiosyncratic individuals amuse the audience with slapstick physical antics and their wholehearted pursuit of happiness. The play is set during the Great Depression, and begins with Alice Sycamore, the daughter of an odd and eccentric
I Believe... By SABRINA CONSIGLIO Guest Writer
I believe in speed, That a Corvette will take me where I want to go… faster. I believe that the sun will shine tomorrow, Even if it is raining today. I believe that the world Photo by HANNAH is mostly good, GALLAHER Despite the evils we encounter. I believe in friendship, That true friends can overcome the worst of enemies. I believe in drums, That the pounding rhythm is the pulse of life. I believe in love, That it can conquer the world. I believe in truth, That honesty is the only way to be. I believe in me, That I can believe what I want. But above all, I believe in us, That we can do anything, together.
household. However, the family is loving and humble. At her office, Alice falls in love with Tony Kirby, who happens to be the vice president of the company. The tension level rises when the two families meet and realize that they come from two different worlds, one of poverty and the other of wealth, and that it will take an immense deal of persuasion and luck to give this play a happy ending. The play spills endless chaos onto the stage with pandemonium from beginning to end and the witty one-liners and balanced construction of the play’s three acts receive admirable praise. Although You Can’t Take It with You is undeniably an “escapist” theater play, which prompts immediate enjoyment rather than the need for complex analysis of plot, it is a clear portrayal of American comedy about a loveable family getting into scrapes and overcoming obstacles through a heart-warming and belly-laughing experience. “The play is a slap-stick comedy because the Sycamore family is just so eccentric and hilarious, I guarantee we’ll humor you,” said senior Brian Poladian. The play will feature 18 actors from the ADD cast. Chief characters in the performance include seniors Kassandra Zamanis as Penny Sycamore, Taylor Jansen as Donald, Matt Burstyn as Tony Kirby, Brian Poladian as Boris
By ANGELA SHEN Staff Writer
Photo Courtesy of MR. STEVEN VOLPE
DRAMA STUDENTS ADD ac-
tors rehearse for their upcoming months. Kolenkhov, Nikki Caiello as Gay Wellington, Jake Melton as Mr. Kirby; juniors Hanna Lee as Reba, Derek Tran as Paul Sycamore, Trent Vasconcellos as Mr. De Pinna, Matt Delellis as Ed, Andres Delgado as Martin Vanderhof, Iris Guo as Alice, Shae Palic as Mrs. Kirby, and Rose Fisher as Olga. In addition, minor characters also include sophomore Isabella Urrea as Essie, Britney Chu as Henderson, Alex Roussat and junior Torie Jee as G-Woman. Performances will begin Tuesday, Jan. 15, at 7 p.m. and will last for approximately two hours.
SPL S-p-e-l-l-i-n-g B-e-e
By ANGELA SHEN
Staff Writer
“C-a-t-a-c-h-r-e-si-s, catachresis”. Junior Sachin Raghunathan let out a nervous breath after spelling what would be the winning word of Student Promoting Literacy’s (SPL) first spelling bee. As he anticipated the sound of the bell, President junior Photo by JAMES H. Jack Ching replaced the dreaded “ding” with an impressed “Congratulations, you are the winner of the 2007 SPL Spelling Bee!” The participants applauded respectfully, as Sachin was crowned the ultimate speller. However, trailing not far behind were juniors Christine Shen (second place) and George Dewey (third place).
“I think it would have been more fun if more people showed up, but it was still good,” said Sachin. The competition began on Nov. 20, attracting many interested students to take a preliminary written test comprised of 11 challenging words, such as “glissando” and “surveillance.” The semi-finalists then reconvened for a verbal spelling round during lunch on Nov. 29. In the end, nine students remained to battle it out in the final round, which took place on Dec. 6. From “poinsettia” to “vinaigrette,” the spellers demonstrated great persistence in the journey to the final two. Leaders of the club are expecting to host the spelling bee again next year, with hopes of “an even bigger turnout with more students involved next year after they hear about our first successful spelling bee,” said Jack. The club, which is currently held on Tuesdays in D-6, is headed by SPL adviser and AP English teacher Ms. Nicole Tucker.
The birdie flew through the air, barely missing the net trap before colliding with a racket. This is a familiar scene to junior Rena Wang when she plays her favorite Photo Courtesy of RENA W. sport, badminton. Her passion has carried her far– she was one of the 12 junior U.S. representatives at the Junior Pan American Championships the summer of 2006. Rena brought home two gleaming gold medals and a silver medal from her team and individual events (U17 Girls Singles, Mixed Doubles, U19 Girls Doubles), contributing to the United States’ total of 16 medals. “I usually get really nervous before going into competition, but once I get onto the court I guess that feeling just disappears because the adrenaline rush and excitement just overcomes it,” said Rena. Reflecting on her experiences thus far, Rena states that her proudest moment was winning the Pan American Championships “because the games were more strenuous than ever, but I amazingly was able to still come out on top.” She will consider playing in national collegiate badminton competitions in the future, but school is still her top priority. Rena’s interest in badminton first began through backyard badminton games with her little sister. According to Rena, the sport started casually, “but transformed into a really competitive and serious sport.” Amidst the hectic and busy life of junior year, Rena still manages to balance badminton and schoolwork. Although international competitions are usually competitive and intense, Rena said, “It’s a friendly atmosphere, you get acquainted with the most funny and charming people.” After playing badminton for five years, the accomplished player feels that the sport has really helped her grow as a person and learn the lessons of hard work and persistence. For Rena, “The stuff you learn on the court is applicable to aspects of daily life.”
By MICHAEL CHEN Staff Writer
1- What film involves a plan to kidnap “Sandy Claws?” 2- What does your true love give to you on
BONNIE LUI freshman C 1- The Nightmare Before Christmas X 2- Um… X 3- No idea!
Score: 1/3
the first day of Christmas? 3- In Charles Dicken’s novel “A Christmas Carol” who is known for the line “God bless us, every one!” Every month, the Pow Wow will find a student from each grade level to fight off random
questions. They’ll each be graded and their answers will be published right here. Think you could handle these? Send an email to apachepowwowads@gmail.com with the subject line “Three Lives” with your name and grade.
Key X = incorrect C = correct
MICHELLE sophomoreMAK
NICHOLASjunior CVJETKOVIC
LAUREsenior FLAPAN
X 1- I don’t know, Mr. Grinch? C 2- A partridge in a pear tree C 3- Tim? Little Timmy? Score: 2/3
X 1- The Santa Clause X 2- Money C 3- Timmy
X 1- Umm... Santa Clause? C 2- A partridge in a pear tree C 3- Little Tim
Score: 1/3
Score: 2/3
Photos by MICHAEL CHEN & JAMES HERNANDEZ
Trivia Challenge Questions: Christmas Edition
16
STUDENT LIFE
theapachepowwow.com
December 2007
PROFILE Biotechnology’s field Trip KASHIA BUKOWSKI
By JENNY LIN & KAYLA PANG
Staff Writers
Photo by ASHLEY JOHNSON
GUITAR HERO GAMERS Stu-
dents and Mr. Mynster enjoy a game of Guitar Hero.
Guitar Hero Tournament
Dr. Nandita Pal and her Biotechnology students went on an all-day field trip on Dec. 5 to Ultraviolet Products (UVP), and the Keck Graduate Institute in Upland. “The purpose of the field trip was to expose students to the two important arms of the biotech industry that work together. One is the research arm and the other is manufacturing arm,” said Dr. Pal. When the students reached UVP, Dr. Sean Gallagher, the Vice President of UVP and the Chief Technology Officer, gave a lecture about how UVP products function and how mercury and ultraviolet (UV) lamps were commonly utilized in research labs. According to sophomore Philip He, “We walked around the factory and
looked at how they were building parts.” After spending a whole morning at UVP, Dr. Pal and her students were treated to pizza for lunch at the Keck Graduate Institute. There, the students learned how proteins are related to DNA and were shown short clips about vaccines. They also went into a proteomics lab and were allowed to take pictures of the electrogels. They took pictures of the electrogels using machines, thus, producing a UV product. They ended their trip with gel analysis. Senior Gigi Wong said she most enjoyed getting “to handle protein gels and understand how precise and patient every scientist has to be.” Students experienced the true work environment of biotechnologists. According to Dr. Pal, “I want students to see all the opportunites that are available.”
By MICHAEL CHEN Staff Writer
From Dec. 3 to the last few days before winter break, students flooded the north gym to see guitarists compete in a competition for pride and glory. However, the “axes” that they used were not made by companies like Gibson or Fender; they were plastic Guitar Hero controllers that do little more than make clicking noises on their own. But when connected to a Playstation 2, these faux instruments draw in huge crowds of eager students. The Guitar Hero games aim to simulate playing rock music using guitar controllers. Players must hold a fret button and hit the strum bar in tune with the music in order to score points. Hitting a series of consecutive notes will multiply the score until the player misses a note. The tournament took place in a single elimination fashion, meaning that the loser of each match was immediately removed from the competition. Each of the contestants began at the medium difficulty level and played at higher difficulties as the tournament progressed. Instead of determining the victor through score alone, the player with the higher percentage of notes played correctly advanced to the next round. Although the competition suffered from some technical difficulties, contestants made sure that they spent every last minute rocking their hearts out. “My hand kept hitting the start button, but I still had a great time” said Sophomore Nathan Castro. Unfortunately, it wasn’t possible to get the results of the tournament in.
ALUMNA PRINCETON By VERONICA SHI Guest Writer
Gothic buildings, bell towers, sweeping lawns and cocktail parties–Princeton is everything one would expect an Ivy League school to be, except without snobbery or pretense. The University –or, Photo Courtesy of as we students affectionVERONICA SHI ately call it, Old Nassau– is a dreamland. Its ornate
Photo Courtesy of BONNIE LEE
Ultraviolet Products Students stand outside the UVP factory.
Clubs Pave the Way for a Cleaner Environment
Aluminum cans, plastic bottles, batteries, papers and computers are just a few of the many things that can be recycled. Although many students know about recycling, they don’t take the time to go and stick every bottle and can into a recycling machine. Responding to these concerns, clubs at AHS are organizing events that will allow students to recycle with convenience. Not only has Recycling Club been promoting recycling, but Leo Club and Sierra Club as well. The Leo Club is currently setting up black recycling bins for bottles and cans in several classrooms around campus, giving students the ability to recycle at the tip of their fingers. “I had some water bottles today and I
found that I could just drop them off in the new recycle bins. It was really time-saving; I loved it!” said sophomore Tiffany Huang. In addition, the Student Sierra Club hosted their annual E-Waste Drive on Dec. 1 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., which was a one-day event for students to drop off old, used, or unwanted electronics such as television sets, monitors, computer parts, printers, copiers, telephone equipment, cell phones, and DVD players. The purpose behind this E-waste drive was to protect the environment from toxic wastes that come from electronics such as batteries. With the law regulating what can and cannot be thrown away in the trash, the E-waste drive offered an opportunity for residents of Arcadia to dispose their electronic wastes without traveling to designated locations. In addition, proceeds from recycling these materials went to the Student Sierra Club and helped to support the club on campus.
halls seem to rise out of another era; the pace of life is stately in its slowness. In all things that you do– rushing in and out of paneled lecture halls, listening to the distant, icy chords of carillons from a library carrel, or watching eightman boats sprinting down Lake Carnegie– you feel you are living in that same timeless world of F. Scott Fitzgerald and James Madison, a world entirely separate from reality and impervious to change. This is not to say that we are detached from reality. Princetonians –professors and students alike– are incredibly down-to-earth, affable, and approachable. At first the parade of intelligence and accomplishment is intimidating: you attend a ten o’clock lecture by a Pulitzer-prize-winning historian, sit down to lunch with a nationally-ranked athlete who’s training for the Olympics, head to your Western Civili-
zation class to hear your professor sing verses of Homer in Ancient Greek from memory, and do your English reading in the evening only to realize, after consulting Wikipedia, that your poetry professor is the author of ten published anthologies. But there are surprisingly few barriers –intellectual or social– between people here. Walk into the local Starbucks on any given afternoon, and you will find professors and students lounging about, laughing, joking and discussing the latest twist of policy in Iraq between sips of machiatto. Life here is hard: effort alone will not earn you the grade. But grades are never the subject of conversation here, or the goal of our existence. We all know this marvelous world is one we must leave eventually – and so, with genuine academic camaraderie and headlong pleasure, we live in it.
By VICTORIA BIAN & CHLOE YUAN Staff Writers
By VICTORIA BIAN Staff Writer
S e n i o r Kashia Bukowski has had a passion for horses as long as she can remember. Starting from the age of 10 at the L.A. Children’s Riding Center in Sun Valley, Kashia pursued her passion by attending Photo Courtesy of KASHIA riding schools in BUKOWSKI the United States and in Poland. For Kashia, riding horses isn’t simply a childhood hobby. She is very committed and determined towards the sport, believing that it “builds character, establishes good balance, and strengthens [her] physical stamina” while being “a stressreliever where [she] can free [herself] from the academic world and just relax.” Kashia currently owns three horses: Diva (16 years old), Rio (10 years old), and Aladdin (5 years old). “The three horses are very different: Diva, the eldest, lives up to her name because she has an attitude and is very hyper and a flaunter; Rio, on the other had, is calm. He is very spoiled and always pats me down for carrots. Lastly, Aladdin, who’s still in Poland in right now, is a very young horse and still learning.” With the combination of her affinity for horses and her interest in biology, Kashia is currently considering a future career as a veterinarian, because “I couldn’t possibly live without horses in my life; I would be so bored and unhappy.” As a passionate horse rider, Kashia has competed in many horse shows and in the course of her four years at Flintridge from the age of 14, Kashia has accumulated 32 first place ribbons, 15 second place ribbons, 6 third place ribbons, 4 champion ribbons and 8 reserved champion ribbons. “Even if some competitions don’t go well...I try to improve, and not be so disappointed—the importance is to not get discouraged.” In addition, Kashia not only competes and places in advanced level tournaments, she is also a trainer at the Flintridge Riding Club in La Canada four times a week. Yet despite all her accomplishments, Kashia hasn’t had an all-smooth journey. In the beginning of her freshman year at AHS, at one of her morning practices, her first horse, Junior, bolted across the field. In trying to avoid crashing into trees, Kashia pulled on his reigns, and slipped with the horse in 200 feet of mud (the ground was muddy from the pouring rain from the day before). Junior tried to get up, but fell again and rolled over Kashia, causing her to lose consciousness. Luckily, her fall was cushioned by the mud. Recently, this past October, Kashia suffered her second most severe injury when Rio fell over, causing her to fall onto her trainer’s walkie-talkie and fracture her hip. Nevertheless, her optimistic attitude is simply, “if you are well enough to get back on, get back on.” Reflecting upon her passion for horse riding, Kashia realizes that, “I can’t live without riding. I can’t live without horse shows. I can’t live without horses.”
December 2007
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ADVertisements 17
18
SPORTS
theapachepowwow.com
December 2007
Girls Soccer Season Kicks Off Strong Boys Soccer Starts on the Right Foot of soccer are hoping for an incredibly rewarding season. Senior Varsity player Kristi Kettle reassures a potentially promising exStaff Writer perience: “I think that we are going to have Having already prevailed in their first a great season. We have a fairly older team scrimmage, Girls Soccer is kicking off to consisting of mostly seniors- athletically an impressive start this season. For many of talented ones at that.” Having tied with an these players, particularly those seniors on the overall score of 2-2 in their preseason prevarsity squad, this is their last opportunity for liminary game with Hart, which according to Kettle has “a really good team”, and defeatagile ascendancy in their athletic careers. Every day, while those of us who don’t ing South Pasadena, who is ranked second in participate in sports and other extra-curricu- Division II, with an overall score of 3-1, it’s safe to say that the lar activities are girls are already on reclining in the an amazing roll. seats of our sixth While CV continperiod classrooms, ues to be their most these girls are obvious and major jogging at least rival, over these past four laps around couple of years, Pasthe football field, adena and Burroughs doing countless have definitely upped stretches, pushtheir game, becomups, and sit-ups, ing equally prevaas well as shootlent rivals: “These ing drills, offense two are the toughest and defensive exPhoto Courtesy of MR. NICK TANGORRA games in our league ercises. “Practices are actually really GIRLS SOCCER Junior Ann Marie and really test our true potential,” said demanding. The Tangorra sprints toward the goal posts. Emily. moment we step With a whole host of returning Varsity out on the field, Coach Frandsen expects us to be out there working hard and with intensity,” players and a decent handful of talented new said senior and Varsity Captain Emily Van players, “everyone can contribute positively den Bosch, “We run like crazy, because Coach to the team,” and “we don’t really have any Frandsen believes that we need to be able to weak players, and so I think that we’re going defeat teams both physically, as well as with to be extremely strong and tough to beat this our skills.” With this kind of tedious running year,” said Emily She continued to explain, and other extensive conditioning workouts on “I’m really excited about this season. The a daily basis, these girls are relying on their girls all get along really well and our chemgreat athleticism to guide them down the path istry is great this year.” With an incredibly strong foundation of victory. After all, practice makes perfect. Yet despite the verity that they haven’t and spectacular skill, these girls are more graced the playing field in many preseason than likely going to exceed everyone’s exmatches due to a shifting schedule, the girls pectations during this ‘07-’08 season.
By BRIANNA BECKMAN
Coach’s Corner By LAURA KELLY Sports Editor
The Pow Wow asked Janice Clark, the Girls and Boys Varsity Water Polo Coach, and Ben Smith, the Girls and Boys JV Water Polo coach to reflect on the differences between coaching girls and boys. Janice Clark answered with the following: “I have found that the specific members of a team are more important to the experience of coaching that team than is the gender Photo by ROYA F. of the players. Of course, there are some gender specific differences such as girls’ teams being more interested in getting team shirts and apparel and boys’ teams always needing to have a ball in hand to throw at each other. But I have had years when the boys’ team was very focused, hard working and coachable and
the girls’ team was very annoying with girls having multiple reasons to miss practice and subsurface dramas happening. Other years, the boys have required major patience in dealing with lack of attention and focus, while the girls have been the models of discipline and hard work. I have had many wonderful seasons with both boys and girls--it just depends on the players of that year and what they are willing to bring to the team.” Ben Smith answered with the following: “Boys and Girls Water Polo are somewhat different. While the rules are the same, the Girls game has more finesse. While Photo by ROYA F. our Boys team took a lot of shots from outside the 5 meter mark, the majority of the goals for our JV girl’s team are scored inside the 5 meter. Thus it is very important for the girls to drive, rotate, and run plays, which makes coaching them a lot of fun.”
to 3-1. Eric said he was happy to win after the disappointing Rancho Cucamonga tournament and said that the victory showed that “we still Staff Writer have a lot of potential.” The AHS Boys Varsity Soccer team At 5:15 p.m. on a 54 degree December played four games with eight players missing night, Arcadia played its first home game of in a largely unsuccessful tournament in Ranthe season against La Salle. Shivering parents cho Cucamonga between Nov. 28 and Dec. sitting up in the stands covered in blankets saw 1. Despite a rocky start to the season, head their sons start the game with a very aggressive coach Jason Franz believes Arcadia will “be offense that never let the ball cross onto their considered a league favorite” and said that on side of the field for the first five minutes. Dilthe last night of the tournament “we played lon Short scored with an Eric Guo assist early two games, and even in the game, and though we won one and a dynamic duo lost one, we played much of senior Julian better than we had played Valenzuela and the previous two games.” freshman Daniel Offensive midfielder Ortiz scored four Eric Guo could see that more Apache improvement on the field, goals that night. and said, “For the first It was another couple games, we were Arcadia win, just a bunch of individuals with a score of playing. Now we are start5-1. ing to mesh together, startOf his boys’ ing to click, touch the ball work ethic, Photo by GREGORY ZAJAC Coach Franz said around, and make some passes and ultimately get BOYS SOCCER Senior Andrew Ma soccer is “a huge goals.” The Apaches lost keeps the ball away from his opponent. commitment, it’s to Don Lugo 2-3 and to a lot of work. But Bonita 1-4. They then won against Damien 3the guys that we have are good people who 0, but then lost to Vista Murrieta 1-2. want to work hard,” and “it’s a sense of pride The team then boarded the bus to play for them to do something good for themselves another pre-league game, this time against La and the school.” Cañada High School. As the Apaches warmed With their first league game against Pasaup, P.E. kids running on the track said “Man, dena just around the corner, Coach Franz is these guys are pretty good.” They were about careful not to set his eyes too far ahead, and to be proven right. instead has them planted on the league chamEric Guo kicked the ball into the net two pionship. He said, “I don’t think we talk too times with assists from center midfielder Dilmuch beyond that. If you win league, you set lon Short and defensive midfielder Kyle Jayourself up for a good playoff run. But you cobsen before La Cañada could score even have to win league first. That’s the most imone goal. The game closed with an unassisted portant thing, and if you think anything beyond goal by Dillon Short, bringing the final score that, then you find yourself in trouble.”
By GREGORY ZAJAC
PROFILE NANCY PULCIANO By MITALEE KHILNANI Staff Writer
Nancy Pulciano is the captain of the JV Girls Water Polo team and has been noted as the “person to watch.” She is talented, dedicated, and passionate for water polo and everything it entails. From the long pracPhoto by ASHLEY J. tices to the exciting games, Nancy cannot get enough of this competitive sport, since it is “by far the best sport to play.” Water polo is a challenging sport in which players are responsible for keeping in shape by performing drills, learning plays, building upper body muscles, and swimming repetitions. The Girls Water Polo team practices five days a week until 4:45 p.m. and are required to attend early morning practices twice a week as well. In order to remain in the best condition possible throughout the season, Nancy makes a conscious choice
to eat healthy before games. As captain of the JV team, Nancy prohibits the other girls from eating junk food. Also, she encourages them to eat food that will provide the team with energy such as peanut butter and honey sandwiches. For the last two years, Nancy Pulciano has been an active member of the JV Girls Water Polo team. This year as captain, she has the responsibility of keeping the entire team on task and focused during each game. Even though Nancy enjoys laughing with her teammates, she stands firmly by her “no fooling around” policy during practices and games. With 11 new players and only three returning members, the team is off to a “rough start,” states Nancy. Regardless, the JV Girls Water Polo team is working relentlessly to meet their goals of winning the league title. Even though the season only started two weeks ago, Nancy has already scored 39 goals, making her a “star player.” Nancy is definitely an asset to her team, since she is one of the only players who remains in the game for all four quarters. “I couldn’t do any of this without my team. We have an incredible family bond,” explains Nancy. Nancy is interested in playing water polo in college at either Stanford or UCLA, both of which have a Division I Women’s Water Polo team. “I love everything about water polo and my life wouldn’t be the same without it,” says Nancy Pulciano, who is excited to continue her water polo career.
December 2007
theapachepowwow.com
SPORTS 19
Girls Basketball Dribbles through a Rough Start Arcadia with a final score of 44-32. Glendora was well prepared to play against the Lady Apaches, while Arcadia was still catching up. “The girls did not get to play in the summer and the fall league we were scheduled to play in got cancelled,” said Girls Varsity Coach Don Young. “However, the girls have been practicing extra Photo by CHRISTINE HOWARD hard, and sometimes GIRLS BASKETBALL Senior Brittany Chu attempts to twice a day, to get up drive in a layup while being supported by teammates Catherine to speed.” Unfortunately, Ngai and Caitlyn Leahy. the way the girls By CHRISTINE HOWARD played against the Morro Bay Pirates didn’t seem to accurately display all of this hard work. Staff Writer Although the score was tight during the entire The most anticipated sound in any basket- game, the Lady Apaches seemed nervous, ball game is the pleasant “swish” when some- greatly affecting their playing ability. It apone scores a nice, clean basket. Sadly, the Lady peared that the Pirates did not want their fourApaches were not the ones making this sound hour drive from Morro Bay to be in vain. The in their game against Morro Bay on Friday, Apaches could have easily defeated the Pirates Dec. 7th. if they had played with confidence. Morro Bay The Lady Apaches Basketball team be- relied on their outside shots and finally beat Argan their season last week with a tough game cadia with a score of 42-32. against the Glendora Tartans. The Tartans beat Even though the Lady Apaches’ record is
currently 0-2, Coach Young has confidence in his girls. “I truly believe these girls can finish in the top four in league and make playoffs. That is the goal we set as soon as I got hired, but to be honest, Muir should win it all. They have three Division I prospects on that team. After Muir, it’s going to be a battle.” Coach Young is new to AHS, having previously coached basketball at Foothills Middle School. He is altering the way Arcadia basketball is being played by bringing with him new Girls Frosh/Soph and JV coaches. Their goal is to get their girls ready for playing on the Varsity level, and they appear to be doing just that. Although the Varsity team just started their season, there are already strong bonds between all of the players and coaches. As anyone who knows anything about sports can tell you, good teamwork is the most important thing a team can have. “I am blessed to have such a good set of girls. Instead of having midnight madness to start the season, I gave the team the weekend off. And one of the days was spent on team bonding. Then, prior to the Thanksgiving Holiday, I took the team out (along with the coaches) for dinner at Casa Del Rey. We all had a blast and I think it’s good that we (the coaches) and players got to spend some time away from the stress of practice and games,” said Coach Young. This coming season looks bright for the Varsity girls, so in the words of Coach Young, “Come out and support the team!”
Boys Cross Country Sprints to Success at Nike Nationals By MINDA WANG Staff Writer
senior Daniel Yamane and senior Nicholas Shar were held out by Coach O’Brien to rest up. Continuing the emerging tradition from last year, the Apaches were once again invited up to Portland, Oregon to compete in the Nike Team Nationals open race. Our talented and accomplished Apache harriers competed against the top teams in the country, as well as, lining up with and racing against the Kenyan National team. The Kenyans, who dominate distance running around the world,
and enduring the freezing cold and snow flurries, all the while jumping over hay bales and navigating moguls, it seemed as if nothing could stop our team. Despite all the adversity, the team placed 5th in the race (4th American team). Finishing with an awesome time of 87:13 on a difficult 5k course, this years’ team improved upon last year’s standard by 91 seconds. Kris reasserted himself to lead the team, finishing an impressive 13th in 17:02 with Renaud right on his heels in 14th at 17:03.
Three weeks ago the boys Cross Country team qualified for the CIF State Division 1 Championship held at Woodward Park in Fresno. They raced their hearts out against the best teams in the State and in the deepest Div. 1 race in State Meet history. The course was a tough 5 kilometers, the competition was fierce, and when the dust had cleared, our Apaches rallied from behind and finished with a strong kick to place eighth in the state. Our “team time” finish was 80:25, which is the second fastest in AHS school history. Going into the CIF Finals race, the team was ranked 9th in the Southern Section but finished 7th to qualify for the state meet. The All-State rankings prior to State had Arcadia sitting in 10th, yet we placed 8th. The team was led by junior Renaud Poizat, 14th overall, finishing at 15:35. Renaud now owns the #1 and Photos Courtesy of MR. JIM O’BRIEN #2 fastest times at Arcadia. Next, was senior Ryan Ernst, BOYS CROSS COUNTRY Left: Freshman Ammar Moussa sprints past the competition. Middle: placing 20th overall at 15:43. Sophomore Bryant Chan sprints in the midst of rain at Nike Nationals. Right: Junior Renaud Poizat Renaud claims 2nd Team All- persists on the lengthy course at Nike Nationals. State honors, while Ryan is on the 3rd team. Senior Will had a great performance as our third man in Kris Romero was 60th overall in 16:11, while se- placed 1st by posting a perfect score of 15 points. “Their domination is awesome to watch and a 29th place at 17:25, as Ryan closed the show in nior Will MacNeil shadowed Kris, to finish 79th at 17:28 (31st). Again, Ammar was our 5th man at 16:21. Freshman Ammar Moussa ran a superb race, great experience for our U.S. athletes who aspire to future international greatness themselves,” said 18:15 (52nd). Bryant and Daniel rounded out the finishing as the 5th man in 16:35, placing 109th in scoring at 18:31 (62nd) and 18:46 (68th) respecthe race. Senior Bryant Chan was 126th place at Coach O’Brien. Coming off their strong finish in state, the tively. Nicholas finished at 18:53 (74th). Con16:47. The 7th Apache was junior Matt Swanson gratulations on another stellar season of high level who ran 17:19 to close out the scoring. With the boys ran “lights out”. Battling the deep mud, fightperformances. upcoming Nike Team Nationals race in mind, both ing off the fatigue of a season of high level races,
PROFILE EMILY VAN DEN BOSCH By FRANK LAM
Staff Writer
From the beginning of sixth period until 5:00 p.m. each day, girls soccer practice is in session for Emily van den Bosch. Since starting to play soccer at the age of five, the senior curPhoto by ASHLEY J. rently plays as the right defender for the Varsity team. In order to prepare for her final season this year, Emily played club soccer at Laguna Hills Eclipse during the summer. With the start of a new season now underway, her focus is solely on the success of the team. As captain of the team and Varsity player for 4 years, Emily believes that, “With 11 returning players from varsity being seniors, and 3 really great freshmen coming from tryouts this year, the starting line up is complete. These factors all contribute to a great team.” Ultimately, “There is no drama on the team. In the past years, girls soccer has always had a lot of drama, especially since it has girls. This year, everyone gets along really well. We all respect each other.” Varsity Coach Ashley Frandsen describes Emily as “a really diehard player when it comes to soccer. She is always out with a smile on her face. There are a few complaints here and there like all kids do, but she is a good kid. When the whistle blows, she is ready to play. She is good at keeping the girls focused on their game.” With their daily practice routine being “a jog of four laps on the field, stretching, ball work, long ball, push-ups, sit-ups, shooting drills, offense exercises, defense exercises, and shooting groups,” this is not an easy sport to take part in. As captain, Emily feels that she must set the example. In order to do that, she “makes lots of runs up and down the field to help offensively and defensively during practice.” It is “the whole atmosphere of working together as a team. The adrenaline rush when you’re playing and the satisfaction in yourself after you win” that continues to inspire Emily to play soccer. When asked what she felt the team’s greatest strength is, she said, “Our bench is just as solid as our starters, so when we sub someone, they’re just as strong. We have an amazing field. Many of the girls are just so talented. Our midfield has amazing shots and that really helps us. We are strong everywhere. Our defense and offense is strong. We’re good forwards and backwards on the field.” With a victory and a tie on their two preseason games so far, and college acceptance letters not too far off. Emily hopes to go to either the University of Redlands or Aurora University to continue her soccer career. Even though they are not Division I schools, she is confident that everything will fall into place. With this being her final year at AHS, Emily hopes that the future Varsity players will “remember the kind of atmosphere we had this year so that they will keep up the hard work.”
20
ACADEMICS
10 New Words Inducted into the Dictionary By TRACY LEE Staff Writer
1. Abdominoplasty n. a surgical operation involving the removal of excess flesh from the abdomen. Ex. “Maggie is one of those chicks who dream of losing weight but refuse to exercise, so she is getting an abdominoplasty for her extra tummy fat (before she goes back to the streets). 2. Aerobicized adj. toned by aerobic exercise, referring to a person’s body Ex.“Celebrities like Jessica Alba are all aerobicized these days, almost to the point where it becomes an unrealistic ideal.” 3. Agroterrorism n. terrorist acts intended to disrupt or damage a country’s agriculture. Ex. “Did you hear about those agroterrorists who set a bunch of locusts on that field? It’s time for the seagulls to step up and save the country’s agriculture.” 4. Bahookie n. a person’s buttocks. Ex.“Ernest has been sitting on his bahookie for so long that it’s sore now.” 5. Mesotherapy n. in cosmetic surgery, a procedure in which multiple tiny injections of pharmaceuticals, vitamins, etc. are delivered into the mesodermal layer of tissue under the skin to promote the loss of fat or cellulite. Ex. “In order to be proactive before the onset of old age and dimpled thighs, Anna K. is getting a mesotherapy.” 6. Obesogenic adj. tending to cause obesity. Ex. “The cultural and societal allowances that they make for Emily are becoming quite obesogenic, as evidenced by her exponentially inflating waist line.” 7. Plank n. a stupid person. Ex. “Myshkin, contrary to popular belief, is no plank, but rather a man of average intelligence.” 8. Radge n. a wild, crazy, or violent person. Ex. “Alcohol tends to turn Faust into a maddened radge rather than a pensive or gloomy drunk.” 9. Retronym n. a new term created from an existing word in order to distinguish the original referent of the existing word from a later one that is the product of progress or technological development. Ex. “The Colonel dislikes using retronyms in reference to his music because he claims to love all guitars—electric and acoustic— alike.” 10. Therapize n. subject to psychological therapy Ex. “Had Humbert only been therapized in his youth, his tragic and sordid relationship with Lolita may never have happened.” *Definitions courtesy of the Oxford English Dictionary
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December 2007
The Official Guide to Geeky Gifts By MELISSA CHEN & JACQUELINE YUE
Academics Editors
With Christmas just around the corner and Arcadia High’s nerd population still at large, here are some ideas to consider when purchasing a gift for the geek next door. For the caffeine-addict: a 24-pack of Red Bull. First concocted in Thailand for latenight taxi drivers, Red Bull contains roughly the same amount of caffeine as a cup of coffee. What gives this drink its energy-boosting quality is taurine, an amino acid that effects a sense of awake-ness. Red Bull comes in sugar-free varieties, too, for the healthconscious. The flying alarm clock is the ideal present for your techie. Purchasable at Brookstone, this device shoots a propellered key into the air. The only way to turn off the shrieking banshee of an alarm is to leap out of bed, chase after the flying key, and return it to its proper place. By the time this task is accomplished, your techie will be wide awake. Perfect for the math nerd, MATLAB is a “highlevel language” program that “enables you to perform computationally intensive tasks faster than with traditional programming languages” such as C++ (mathworks.com). It’s quite a far cry from the 30-day, free-trial MathType students have been downloading for writing review handouts for class. E v e r y good writer needs a commonplace journal for recording his or her responses to movies and editorials, as well as pieces of writing that exhibited admirable style. The Metropolitan online gift shop sells artistic notebooks perfect for such purposes. And the gaming geek? With hours devoted to trying out Halo 3 and Guitar Hero, who has time to go out for sleep? or showers? or, more importantly, food? With no time
to go out for meals, would be happitwo of frozen Joe’s sells a healthful, wavable t h a t keep
the gaming geek est with a box or meals. Trader variety of microgoods will
your gami n g friend in good shape while giving him or her the time to keep playing. Photos Courtesy of google.com History buffs around the world will
jump to get their hands on the Oxford Atlas of the World, 13th Edition. Revised every year, this atlas features hundreds of detailed, colorful maps that reveal anything from the general physical features of Europe to the sprawling highways of Tokyo. Since the language-o-phile loves to experience different cultures, what could be better than an ethnic cookbook? As a suggestion, The Ethnic French Cookbook by Charlotte Puckette and Olivia Kiang-Snaije provides an interesting perspective to French cuisine, offering scores of recipes from French colonies and advice for good corner shops and markets. Ah, the robotics man—got a friend who loves building things? MAKE magazine, first published in 2005, is a quarterly publication that features do-it-yourself projects that can be done with computers, electronics, wood, robotics, and more. Materials for such projects are generally inexpensive and thus accessible to anyone. For the science enthusiast, cafepress.com, a site that sells unique T-shirts and other curiosities, is the perfect stop to find a nerdy present. You can purchase a shirt depicting a wanted sign for Schrodinger’s cat, the molecular structure of caffeine, or a taunt involving binary numbers. The New York Times Guide to Essential Knowledge is the essential addition to any trivia zealot’s bookshelf. Providing over 1,300 pages of information on anything ranging from Norse mythology to the properties of lettuce, this hefty encyclopedia will provide months of entertainment and good reading. Although tastes may differ from nerd to nerd, your Academics Editors humbly hope that this article will convince you to stray away from those all-too-common Rubik’s Cubes, dull gift cards, and packets of AA batteries.
Crushing the Constitutional Competition By MELISSA CHEN Academics Editor
On Saturday, Dec. 15, members of the Constitution Team, also known as Gov Team, participated in their first competition of the school year at the United States Federal Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit at Pasadena Court House. The team beat Montclair High School and qualified for State competition for the 20th year in a row, taking its first step towards attending Nationals. The team consists of 24 members and six units, advised by Mr. Kevin Fox. Each unit focuses on studying one aspect of the Constitution. Unit 1 studies the foundations of democracy, Unit 2 studies the creation of the constitution, Unit 3 studies how
the constitution shapes institutions, Unit 4 studies the extension of Bill of Rights, Unit 5 studies the protection of rights, and Unit 6 studies the role of citizens. E a c h unit receives three questions for the competition weeks beforehand for the team to prepare their At Chloe-Rose Crabtree remarks. the competition, judges ask one of the three questions and each unit is given four minutes to respond. Then there is a spontaneous, six-minute questioning round where the judges ask questions regarding
“We went in with the pressure of knowing that if we lost, it would be the first time Arcadia didn’t win in 19 years.”
current and historical events. “The difficult part is figuring the right balance of speaking time among members. Everyone has to participate, so the hardest part is knowing when to go forward and when to hold back,” said Unit 2 member Jennifer Lin. Though the team was well prepared, there were still mixed feelings and anxieties before the competition began. “We went in with the pressure of knowing that if we lost, it would be the first time Arcadia didn’t win in 19 years,” said Unit 1 member Chloe-Rose Crabtree. Unit 6 member Crystal Tsoi said, “I was scared that I would freeze up. But when it came time for Unit 6 to present, it was absolutely mind-blowing.” The team is now busy preparing for their state competition in Sacramento next year.
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December 2007
ACADEMICS
Quibbling for Third at Trojan Wars By KEVIN KIM Staff Writer
The University of Southern California (USC) Quiz Bowl (QB) held a high school tournament, Trojan Wars V, on Saturday, Dec. 8. Arcadia’s QB team competed in a field of 20 teams and against its longtime rivals Santa Monica and Rancho Bernardo. Arcadia took all three Teams A, B, and C, to compete at USC, coming in at third for Team A, 15th for Team B, and sixth for Team C. Santa Monica and Rancho Bernardo’s Team As took first and second respectively. Team A, composed of senior Jeffrey Kwok and juniors Sean Maroongroge, Derek Sun, and Jacqueline Yue, lost to Santa Monica’s undefeated Team A in the final round, finishing with a record of 9-2 at Trojan Wars. Junior Sean Maroongroge said, “The success of our A-Team at the USC tournament shows promise for the future, considering it consisted of mostly juniors. Our other teams also had impressive records, so things are looking up for our upcoming tournaments.” The competition was an official NAQT tournament, with timed nine-minute halves and a minimum of 10 games for each team. According to rank and school, teams were randomly distributed into two brackets: Achilles and Hector. It began with some round robin matches, in which teams faced all the other teams only once. Afterwards, there was a reseeding among teams to determine which teams would compete against each other in the final round, which would determine the final overall placing of the team.
Staff Writer
On Dec. 8, Arcadia Speech and Debate competed in its fifth competition of the year, Fall Varsity, which is one of the larger annual tournaments of the year open to novice, JV, and Varsity members. Hosted by Arroyo High School, the competition had more than 13 high schools participating, including San Marino, Alhambra High, and Gabrielino High. The competition consisted of six rounds of
College Profile: Middlebury By GRACE KWONG Staff Writer
Photo by JEFFREY CHEN
QUIZ BOWL FUN (from left to right) Seniors Calvin Hsiao, Neiman Tan, and Jarita Ta warm up before their first round of competition. Team B consisted of co-captain senior Jarita Ta, junior Jeffrey Chen, sophomores Alex Wang, Stanley Yuan, and Timothy Zheng, and freshman Patrick Han, while Team C was made up of seniors Calvin Hsiao, Sunil Pedapudi, and co-captain Neiman Tan, and juniors Justin Chu, George Dewey, and Tracy Lee. Teams B and C were able to finish off with a 3-8 and 7-4 record respectively, but unfortunately, Team C was not able to make a top-three finish to qualify its team for nationals. “Our performance at USC revealed that we
had more depth than previously envisioned and we will be very excited to build and improve upon this performance in the next few months. Overall, every individual put on a stellar performance; they should be proud of what they accomplished....I am confident that our showing at USC was in some respects overwhelmingly positive; however, as always, there is certainly room for improvement,” said Neiman. The next QB competition, Carnal Embrace II, will be hosted at Arcadia High in February of next year.
Oratorical Showdown at Fall Varsity By VICTORIA BIAN
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a rotation of category “A” events, such as Oratorical Interpretation (OI) and Dramatic Interpretation (DI), and category “B” events, such as Original Prose and Poetry (OPP) and Duo Interpretation. The six preliminary rounds lasted from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., and postings for members who advanced to finals were announced at approximately 7 p.m. “The weather was ghastly cold and competitors who had props for their event were scared that it would rain,” said sophomore Ruodi Duan. “Fall Varsity this year was really competitive—the cumulative points needed to qualify for finals were ridiculous. Competitors literally had to place first or second in all three rounds,” said senior Cammie Steimle. Despite the aggressive competition, seven members from
Photos Courtesy of VICTORIA BIAN
WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS, MY FRIENDS (from left to right) Proudly sporting their trophies, sophomores Derek Ha and Jamie Griswold sit beside senior Jennifer Lin shortly after Fall Varsity.
Arcadia’s team were able to advance to finals. In individual events, sophomore Virginia Ma placed first and junior Pauline Yang placed sixth in Oratorical Interpretation; in Original Advocacy, senior Jennifer Lin placed first, sophomore Derek Ha placed fourth, junior Christine Shen placed sixth, and sophomore Jamie Griswold placed seventh place. Lastly, in Dramatic Interpretation, junior Tara Sardesai placed seventh in the event. “As a novice, it was really exciting to compete in my first Varsity tournament and see how more experienced members were able to bring their speeches together,” said junior Veronica Lim, whose “Woman in Refrigerator” speech covered misogyny in superhero comics. Overall, Arcadia High placed fourth in sweepstakes from the Southern California Debate League. “Despite that the competition was fierce, I’m really proud of our team; we did astonishingly well,” said sophomore Bonnie Tam. The next tournament will be Spring Debate on Jan. 11-12 and will take place at San Gabriel High School.
AND WE’LL KEEP ON FIGHTING ’TIL THE END (from left to right) Beaming, junior Pauline Yang and sophomore Virginia Ma eagerly flash their OI prizes.
Middlebury College is a private liberal arts college located in Middlebury, Vermont. A highly selective college, Middlebury has only 2,406 undergraduates (as opposed to UCLA’s 25,432 or USC’s 16,729 undergraduates). U.S. News & World Report ranks Middlebury as the fifth-best liberal arts college; it is behind Amherst, Williams, and Wellesley but ahead of schools such as Pomona and Bowdoin. Middlebury is well known for its foreign language, writing, international studies, and environmental studies programs. Its study abroad program is particularly prestigious. Because it wants to offer its students a chance to fully immerse themselves in the languages they are learning, Middlebury offers programs at 21 locations. The programs are located in various places such as Spain, Russia, and France. The athletic programs at Middlebury have also earned national success. Its men’s and women’s ice hockey teams have won three consecutive NCAA Division III National Championships, an accomplishment no other college has achieved. Other teams that have garnered national success at Middlebury include its tennis, cross country, and skiing teams. Students participate in various activities throughout the year. Many have taken to playing the “muggle” version of Qudditch, the famous game in the Harry Potter series. In this game, there are traditional seekers, beaters, chasers, and even keepers who must, as a standard rule, have a broom in hand while playing. The snitch, an elusive golden ball in the books, is a player who can run fast enough to evade capture. “Muggle” Quidditch, unlike the “real” Quidditch from the books, is earthbound, meaning that the brooms, of course, don’t really fly. Middlebury students are also active environmentalists. Students organize and participate in projects that frequently involve trips to the state capitol, where they help bring national attention to problems such as global warming. Students even tend their own organic gardens, which account for more than a quarter of the food consumed in the dining halls. Some facts about Middlebury: -Average SAT scores: Critical Reading: 630-740 Math: 640 - 740 -ACT composite: 29-32 -Percent of applicants admitted: 22%
Photo Courtesy of USA Today
RECREATION Students at Middlebury enjoy a game of Qudditch.
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CALENDAR
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December 2007
Christmas Wishes Around the World By CATHERINE CHAN
“Santa Claus” is Coming to Town... By CHRISTINA HUNG
Don’t get frightened when a fat man breaks into your house, stuffs you in the bag, and kidnaps you!
cos-cos, I told Santa I wanted you for Christmas!
X-ray vision spectacles
Attention: “Wii” Trespassers Wanted By STEFANY CHEN
“Wii” would like to play
We appreciate your cooperation.
Those two have been trespassing on private properties across the country.
Glad we could help
December 2007
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December 2007
Holiday Concert Spreads Holiday Cheer By SARAH LIN Staff Writer
In the spirit of the holidays, a number of Arcadia High School’s talented musicians hosted their annual Holiday Concert on Thursday, Dec. 13, from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. The lineup for the show consisted of Chanteurs, New Spirit, Concert Choir, Treble Choir, String Orchestra, and Symphony Orchestra. Organized by Choral Director Mr. Rolland Maxson, and Orchestra Directors Mr. Rick England and Mr. Thomas Forbes, the show’s program was made up of a variety of holiday songs, including “One Bright Star” and “Welcome the Holiday.” The songs ranged from ballads to jazz pieces and catered to the different tastes of audience members. Hosted at San Gabriel Civic Auditorium, all proceeds went to the performing groups in order to fund their future competitions and shows. The three hour concert took more than 100 hours of practice from the performing groups combined. Rehearsal for songs began as early as September, and choreographing the dances for the choral groups started soon afterwards in midOctober. Senior Chanteurs member Shaylyn Richcreek commented on the amount of work required for the performance, noting that there was an “enormous amount of dedication required to put together a show of such great diversity.” Orchestra rehearsed daily and had night rehearsals for the two weeks before the Holiday Concert. Since several Band members also participated in the concert, senior Orchestra member Jacqueline Chan said that the collaboration raised slight difficulties because Band and Orchestra “don’t play with each other everyday.” The overwhelming amount of rehearsal paid off, however, and each group performed beautifully. Participants of the Holiday Concert expressed hope that their performances not only helped to spread the holiday cheer but also encouraged more students to tryout for their groups in the coming years. As senior New Spirit member Jenyi Ariel Chang put it, the Holiday Concert was a perfect way to “celebrate the holiday season.”
Photos by GREGORY ZAJAC. Graphics courtesy of GOOGLE.COM