February 2010

Volume 58, Issue 6

Arcadia High School 180 Campus Drive, Arcadia, CA

February y 2010

Mirai: Arcadia’s Ice Princess

In this issue:

Graphic by BEVERLY CHEN

OPINION pg. 4 XOXO, Miss Understood: Here are the frustrations of mixed signals on Valentine’s Day.

Photo courtesy of TEAMUSA.ORG FIGURE SKATING STAR Former AHS student Mirai Nagusu received a score of 63.76 in the ladies’ short program in the

2010 Winter Olympic Games and will advance to the free skate, which will take place tonight, Feb. 25.

By JASMINE WU Staff Writer Photo courtesy of FRANK HUANG

CENTER SPREAD pg. 12-13 Gov Love: Constitution Team wins first at the state competition for the first time in 13 years.

Photo by DEBBIE JONG

STUDENT LIFE pg. 19 Sadies 2010 Will Be Off the Pages: Learn the details of this year’s Sadie Hawkins Dance, and girls, start asking!

Like your average teenage girl, she loves the color pink, eating sweet and spicy foods, and hanging out with her friends. But on top of that, she has placed at the top in national and international figure skating competitions, qualified for the 2010 US Olympic Figure Skating Team, and is competing in the 2010 Vancouver Olympic Games. This is Arcadia’s very own Mirai Nagasu.

On Jan. 23, at the 2010 US National Figure Skating Championships, Mirai placed second overall and was nominated for a position on the 2010 US Olympic Figure Skating Team. After marching in the Opening Ceremony in Vancouver on Feb. 12, Mirai returned home, trained for a week, and then flew back on Feb. 19. On Feb. 23, Mirai competed in the ladies’ short program, and despite a bloody nose in the middle of her routine, received a score of 63.76. This put Mirai in sixth place and qualified her for the free skate, which will be held tonight, Feb. 25.

Mirai began ice skating when she was five but became more serious about the sport

at the age of eleven, winning the Southwest Pacific Regional Championships in 2005. In 2008, Mirai won the US Figure Skating Championships and would have gone on to the 2008 World Figure Skating Championships, but she was 14 at the time—too young, according to the rules, to compete in the international competition. Mirai acknowledged that the International Skating Union (ISU) had its reasons for enforcing the rules. “I think these restrictions are good because they give us the chance to let our bodies grow,” Mirai said. “We develop into our mature bodies, our bodies get stronger, so we’re more fit for the bigger events.”

Later on that year, she competed and won the 2008 World Junior Figure Skating Championships.

Despite being a fun and spirited teen, Mirai is able to show her focused side on the ice.

Mirai left AHS in 2009, opting for an online schooling program that better fit her skating career. Also, not too long ago, Mirai proved her commitment by stepping it up for the 2010 US Championships. Mirai knew she had to work hard to land a spot on the US Olympic Figure Skating Team. In an interview, Mirai described herself as “talented but lazy,” stress-

ing the need to push herself. Thankfully, Mirai came through with her hard work and placed second at the US Championships, earning a spot on the US Figure Skating Team.

But of course, preparing to represent America at the Olympics can be stressful, to say the least. When asked what she felt was the hardest part about competing, Mirai said, “It’s the waiting between the six-minute warm up and the time you get on the ice to skate your program. This is the time that you have to believe in yourself the most because your nerves can take over.”

Mirai said her parents are her greatest external source of strength. “My parents are the reason that I’m able to get myself out of bed and ice skate—literally,” said Mirai. “If they weren’t there to support me and help me every step of the way, I’d have probably slept through half of the excitement.”

Tonight, Feb. 25, at 8:00 p.m., the US and AHS will have our channels turned to the Olympics to support Mirai as she prepares to finish the 2010 Vancouver Olympics with flying colors. jwu@apachepowwow.com

2

NEWS

apachepowwow.com

February 2010

Historically Black Universities: Controversy in the South

Believe It...

Or Not

By ANDREW LIN Staff Writer

1. In Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, a court ordered a man and woman to pay four buffalos and a pig to the local community after being found guilty of having an affair. The man’s wife caught the two red-handed at the man’s second home last year, at which point the man claimed that they were just “best friends.”

2. On Jan. 28, in Houston, Texas, an inflatable gorilla was found to be the cause of a shopping center fire. It had apparently deflated and fallen on a row of lights, leading to the blaze. No one was injured, though the same can’t be said for the primate.

3. A Rhode Island doctor recently published a book on Oscar, a nursing home cat that can allegedly predict patients’ deaths within hours. As the story goes, the cat snuggles alongside the soon-to-be deceased. The doctor explained that the cat has made upwards of 50 correct predictions over the past five years. The doctor likens Oscar’s ability to sense death and perhaps chemicals given off by dying bodies to certain dogs’ abilities to detect cancer.

4. On Jan. 31, a man took out an order of protection against his father. The father, a pastor, threatened his son with a pistol during an argument over church attendance.

The father allegedly brandished this weapon because of his son’s poor record of church attendance.

5. Late last month, Shanghai hosted the 15th Paris Salon du Chocolat fashion show, in which models flaunted dresses and outerwear made entirely of chocolate. According to the designers, the chocolate generally won’t melt at room temperature and the chocolate is indeed edible.

6. Taco Bell admitted that its so-called “Drive-Thru Diet” wasn’t an actual diet, despite one 27-year-old Christine Dougherty’s claim that eating items from Taco Bell’s menu allowed her to lose 50 pounds over the course of two years.

7. A Polish boat found and rescued a dog stranded out at sea late last month. An ice floe had apparently acted as a raft that carried him more than 100 miles up a river and out to the Baltic Sea. A crew member explained, “As we got closer to the ice floe we saw that it was a dog struggling not to fall into the water.” And considering that temperatures out on the Baltic Sea reach about -31 °F at night, the crew’s timing couldn’t be better.

8. On Jan. 27, a priest was accused of shoplifting butter and a sofa cover and of switching the bar code on a memory foam mattress, which cost $145, so that it was only scanned to cost $31.

9. In Knoxville, TN, police arrested a woman for cocaine possession. She, however, claimed that the white powdery substance on her mouth was residue from a doughnut.

10. Early this month at the University of Tennessee, in an ultimate twist of irony, a cow tipped a man and then proceeded to step on him. Fortunately, the man was largely all right and suffered only minor injuries. alin@apachepowwow.com

made clear to the state that they wish to retain their independence, and worry about the effects consolidation will have on the quality of education. Students attended a college board meeting to voice their protests, but found no discussion

er. The club’s president, Ashley Ethridge, said, “The quality of education will surely be affected if this goes through, and if they’re going to do it In 1837, the nation’s first historically black to HBCUs then they need to do it to other colcollege was created in Pennsylvania with the leges. It’s an insult and an outrage.” Mr. Carter purpose of educating African Americans.

Spruill, the club’s advisor, said, “We need to do Now, more than 100 historically black colall that we can to preserve our history, [which leges and universities (HBCUs), stand as includes] HBCUs. If you look at the HBCUs a symbol of an ethnicity’s endeavors in that state, they have been under-funded... to rise above the stereotype of the which tells you that they have been overignorant African American. Howlooked all along.” ever, the Misssissippi state govAffected by the merger is the ernment is proposing to merge Obama administration’s plan to have three HBCUs into one, creatthe highest proportion of college ing a tense atmosphere in a graduates in the world by 2020. state with a history already Because of its enrollment of rich in violent civil-rights many low income students and movements and outrage minorities, HBCUs would over lack of HBCU help achieve this goal. funding.

However, by combining Photo courtesy of WORDPRESS.COM, FLICKR.COM, and WIKIMEDIA.ORG them into one university, The reason behind the plan HBCU MERGERS Angering the public, Mississippi released plans to merge three of the education of young to merge HBCUs its historically black colleges (represented from left): Mississippi Valley State University, African American adults Jackson State Uni- Jackson State University, and Alcorn State University. may decrease in quality. versity, MissisJohn S. Wilson, execusippi Valley State University, and Alcorn State on the topic. Other students have begun peti- tive director of the White House Initiative on University, is to save money by “reducing ad- tioning in protest of the merger, saying that it Historically Black Colleges and Universities, ministrative costs and eliminating academic “undermine[s] the uniqueness of the black col- has said, “Would [the merger] result in a great duplication.” Governor Haley Barbour’s plan leges and how far [they’ve] come with the little institution? I think that’s unclear.” would not close any of the colleges, which all resources [they] have.” The common belief of The future of Mississippi’s HBCUs is curare within 100 miles of each other, but instead politicians opposed to the consolidation of the rently unclear, but students of the schools in merge them together. “Restructuring could save HBCUs is that it is not fair to treat them dif- question are fighting to maintain their schools’ $35 million dollars out of a $5.5 billion budget ferently from other universities by considering individuality, and surely will have an effect on them first for budget cuts. for the fiscal year,” said Barbour. the decision of the state’s legislature.

At AHS, the Black Student Union voices Many have voiced their opposition to this merger. The presidents of the universities have its disagreement with the proposal of the mergaethridge@apachepowwow.com

By ALEX ETHRIDGE

Staff Writer

Mourning the Passing of Jim “Jimbo” Ellsworth Coach Ellsworth during his high school football career, commented, “There are so many ways to describe Coach. I think the best thing The end of a glorious era for Arcadia Foot- about him was his honesty, though. He always ball, rich with victorious celebrations and fond told you how it was and made all of [his] playmemories—one of which was of a 2000 vic- ers play better. I will always remember Coach tory in the Pacific League Championship—was Ellsworth and everything he taught me.” Coach sadly marked by the recent passing of beloved Jon Dimalante, AHS’s current football coach former football coach, Mr. Jim Ellsworth. After and Coach Ellsworth’s replacement 15 years a valiant battle ago, said, “Friendagainst smallships are meant to cell cancer over be cherished. I will the course of forever cherish my several decades, friendship with Jim Coach EllsEllsworth.” worth passed on Coach EllsThursday, Feb. worth’s admirable 19 surrounded bravery in the face by friends, famof personal conily, and loved flict will always be ones. a major part of his After sucunfading memory cessfully beatin the hearts of all ing lung cancer Apaches. Through in 1966, Coach his larger-than-life Ellsworth retired Photo courtesy of CAROL ELLSWORTH personality, he has from coaching HOW ‘BOUT THEM APACHES? Jimbo Ellsworth made a lasting imfootball in 1995 was a motivational figure for the Apaches, and he will pact at AHS. And when his cancer be remembered for his dedication to his team. so, in memory of returned. Folthe gentle giant lowing treatments, he was pronounced cancer- who made us laugh, cry, and believe in what we free up until 2006, when the cancer appeared can achieve together, we say, “How ‘bout that once again. Through all of his chemotherapy, Ellsworth?” blood transfusions, and radiation treatments, Please join the Arcadia faculty in collectCoach Ellsworth notably kept up his cheerful ing to funds to help Coach Ellsworth’s wife disposition to the very end.

Carol Ellsworth cope with her loss. A card and To those who knew him, Coach Ellsworth box for much-appreciated donations will be was a tough and passionate leader that many available in P-22 this week only. students looked to for guidance and support.

Alumnus Forrest Reed, who was coached by aethridge@apachepowwow.com

By ALEX ETHRIDGE

Staff Writer

News February 27

BRIEFS

- Orchestra Benefit Dinner 6:00 p.m.

March 1

- Junior Parent Meeting 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. N. Gym - Grad Night Meeting 7:00 p.m. Cafeteria

2

- Sophomore Parent Meeting 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.

3

- Freshman Parent Meeting 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. N. Gym

4

- ELD Parent Meeting 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. Cafeteria

18

- PTSA Teacher Appreciation Lunc ncche heon Luncheon

23-25

- Thirdd Qu Q arter Fi ar F n ls na Quarter Finals

24

Vertical Concert - Orchestra Orcchest s raa Ver V e tical Conc n ert 77:00 7: 0 p.m 00 m. Cafeteria p.m.

27

- Orchestra Benefit Dinner 7:00 p.m. Comm munitty Center er Community

31

- Theater The h ater er S p ing Mu pr M sical Spring Musical 77:00 7: 00 p.m.

Graphics courtesy of CENTRALFPD.COM and DREAMSTIME.COM

NEWS

apachepowwow.com

February 2010

3

J.D. Salinger, America’s Silent Star

99 Ranch

much speculation surrounding the trove of unpublished works remaining at his Staff Writer house. As predicted, the public is now hungrier than ever for the publication of J.D. Salinger was a man of myshis later works. The coveted documents tery. Shying away from the media’s consist of manuscripts. Salinger once spotlight and what would be considered declared, “There is a marvelous peace an author’s dream life, he spent most of in not publishing...I write just for myself his life in recluse after authoring few but and my own pleasure.” It is likely that influential works. When Salinger passed he may have destroyed away on Jan. 27 all his manuscripts at the age of 91, and journals before the literary world he passed away. Even mourned. if such archives were Salinger found, there is also is one of the the matter of privacy most substantial that Salinger wanted. figures in the Soon, the issue may literary world, come between socifamous for not ety’s respect for the wanting to be author’s wishes and famous. He was their own desires. For born and raised now, Salinger’s literin New York, ary agents are strictly attended a miliadhering to the code of tary academy in privacy Salinger set.

Pennsylvania, J.D. Salinger’s siand enlisted in lence and emblematic the US Army.

However, he suf- Photo courtesy of WORDPRESS.COM resistance to money, fered a nervous AN ENIGMA J.D. Salinger fame, and adulabreakdown four relinquished the fame he received tion acted as buffers against the fast-paced years into ser- in favor of privacy from the world. world most of us live vice, and started in today. Looking back, the silence he publishing short stories in various newsheld was a reminder to the rest of the papers and magazines. After receiving world that a life in the spotlight may not much acclaim and attention for his bestalways be enjoyable to everyone. As the selling novel The Catcher in the Rye and world waits to see if Salinger had indeed unwillingly accepting the prominent staleft behind unpublished manuscripts, we tus he attained, Salinger retreated from must remember that writing was Salinthe world. Salinger himself said that the ger’s “escape from the hostile world.” only people he could truly connect with were children. achi@apachepowwow.com Now that Salinger is gone, there is

By ASHLEY CHI

Robberies

By BRANDON PANG Staff Writer

The crime rate in Arcadia is relatively low compared to those in other areas of California, so it came as a surprise when three robberies all occurred at the 99 Ranch Market— one on Jan. 20, another on Jan. 22, and the third on Jan. 27.

The first robbery on Jan. 20, involved two men who pushed a woman carrying groceries to her car to the ground. They continued to kick her and took her purse before leaving the scene.

Fortunately, the woman’s purse was recovered, but contents were found missing. On Jan. 22, a different woman was strolling in the parking lot when a burgundy sedan pulled up next to her. A male passenger leaned out of the car and grabbed the woman’s purse and the driver drove off quickly. In the last robbery on Jan. 27, the purse of a woman was also forced out of her hand by a petty thief, but she refused to give up her belongings. She was dragged 30 feet behind a moving car before she released her purse. All three of these women suffered minor injuries.

Although these recent local robberies at a presumed safe environment will no doubt continue to frighten Arcadia residents, hopefully, new vigilance from the community will deter any possible robberies in the near future. bpang@apachepowwow.com

Having Hope: Hearts Around the Globe Go Out to Haiti

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COM LY. AI AD

Ph ot

LGEOG IONA RA AT P

When an earthquake hit Haiti on Jan. 12, everyone around the world felt the tremors that disintegrated the impoverished country into bits and pieces. In 30 seconds, a catastrophic 7.0-magnitude earthquake reduced the nation of Haiti to unidentifiable rubble.

Losses of loved ones, shortages of supplies, and an ever-present lack of HELPING HANDS food are eminent in the city. An estimated (right) Earthquake 200,000 people have been either killed devastation has left in the earthquake or lost in the rubble in thousands homeless the cities of Leogane, Jacmel, and tesy of CH while (left) various aid r u IN o nce. Over one million Port-au-Prince. groups have reached o Haitians have out to provide food and ft been left shelter to Haitians. homeless, forced to about 15% of donations rely on was given via text meshomesage. Another event that m a d e raised money for Haiti tents and was the “Hope for Haiti rations Now” N telethon, which aired handed out ut on Jan. 22. Many big names

by United Naperformed perform onstage, and about 130 ials. More tions officials. celebrities showed their support by than 50 aftershocks ershocks of magnianswering telephones and accepting tudes 4.5 and greater have hit the ispledges for Haiti. land in the month after the earthquake.

While there are many ongoing efThe earthquake has left devastation forts taking place around the world to in Haiti’s streets, but its people’s cries for provide the Haitian people with relief,

some of the efforts have come from our very own school. On Feb. 12, Red Cross and Key Club set up booths around Old Town Pasadena where passersby doHaiti recovery efnated money for Hait fort. From Jan. 25 to Jan. 29, ASB packed two courtesy o pa oto f N cars’ worth h P of shoes for a program hosted

by Sport Chalet and the organization Soles4Souls.

S ASB is also planning to host an event with Alhambra High School and other schools in the area to raise money for Haiti.

Through this difficult time miraculous stories of survivors keep our sense of hope alive. There are those who have survived days of isolation, hunger, and dehydration, with only their faith to keep them going. There are dedicated search rescuers and compassionate countries that give their time and effort for those in need. These little flickers of light are what empower us to help one another through desolate times.

OM

Staff Writers

aid have been heard all over the world.

Various organizations and individuals have stepped up, sacrificing time and money to make sure aid reaches the ican Haitian people. The American Red Cross has raised moree than $30 million for Haitian relief efforts thanks to people who donated $10 to the Red Cross by texting “Haiti” to 90999;

C.C HI

By ASHLEY CHI & JASMINE WU

achi@apachepowwow.com jwu@apachepowwow.com

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

Jennifer Hang and Kayla Pang Joanna Chuang Michelle Chien and Christine Xu Eleana Chiang and Cora Ormseth Melissa Ma and Sammi Wong Velinda Liao and Kate Trinh Elaine Tsui and Emily Yang Kristie Tom and Victoria Tran Jenny Lin and Joe Tian Lauren Wong Melanie Yuen Alwyna Lau Michelle Mak and Bonnie Tam Debbie Jong and Joanna Shen Elliott Lee Carl Trigilio Laureen Ma

Writers News Staff Andrew Chang, Ashley Chi, Evan Delgado, Alex Ethridge, Andrew Lin, Raphael Lu, Brandon Pang, Justin Park, Jasmine Wu Opinion Staff Andrew Chang, Ashley Chi, Kate Harwitz, Tiffany Gu, Derek Ha, Kaitlyn Jeong, Nuria Mathog Performing Arts Staff Katherine Bay, Eileen Chow, Pamela Huynh, Hana Rudolph, Christina Zhou Student Life Staff Debbie Jong, Lena Kalemkiarian, Esther Lin, Anna Naran, Jade Shao, Rhiannon Yee Features Staff Katherine Bay, Theresa Lee, Amy Leong, Jenny Li, Ryan Liu, Joanna Shen Sports Staff Katherine Bay, Alex Ethridge, Joyce Liao, Andrew Lin, Regina Liu Academics Staff Christopher Chen, Sally Chung, Derek Ha, Joyce Liao, Oishee Shemontee, Nancy Xiao Calendar Staff Beverly Chen, Eileen Chow, Kate Harwitz, Theresa Lee, Cherry Mo Campus Focus Staff Kaitlyn Jeong Advertisement Staff Theresa Lee, Kevin Liu, Raphael Lu, Shannon Ng, Brandon Pang, Kevin Yuan Photo Staff Evan Delgado, Maurice Ip Copy Editing Staff Ashley Chi, Lena Kalemkiarian, Joanna Liao, Regina Liu, Hana Rudolph, Oishee Shemontee, Nancy Xiao Fundraising Staff Alex Ethridge, Lena Kalemkiarian, Becca Lu, Raphael Lu, Anna Naran, Shannon Ng, Cora Ormseth, Brandon Pang, Jessica Sunkamaneevongse, Nancy Xiao, Rhiannon Yee Web Staff Sally Chung, Alex Ethridge, Elliott Lee, Andrew Lin, Ryan Liu, Emily Litvack, Nuria Mathog, Lauren Wong, Sammi Wong Adviser Mr. Johnny Lee Publication Information: The Apache Pow Wow is a student publication distributed monthly throughout the school year. The paper has been continuously published since Arcadia High School opened in 1952. Unsigned articles appearing on the opinion page reflect the opinion of The Apache Pow Wow editorial board. A student’s work does not represent the views of Arcadia High School or the Arcadia Unified School District. Address letters to the editor to: The Apache Pow Wow, 180 W. Campus Drive, Arcadia, CA 91007. To place an advertisement in the newspaper, call (626) 821-8370 ext. 1148. Advertisement rates vary from $30 for a business card advertisement to $300 for a full-page black and white advertisement, with quarter-page, half-page, and advertisement insert options available.

Graphic by CHRISTINE XU

4

OPINION

OMG! I Like Monkfish, Too

By TIFFANY GU Staff Writer

There’s an age-old saying that goes a little something like this: “Just because someone likes the same bizarre crap as you doesn’t mean that he/she is your soulmate.” Until recently, I really didn’t think there was a whole lot of truth behind it. I’m pretty sure love and whatnot can only come from a certain degree of compatibility, and for many years, I always thought the higher the compatibility, the more likely love would occur. And compatibility, of course, is derived from liking the same things, right? Right. But now I’m pretty sure that having similar interests really isn’t everything.

In fact, the more obscure things you have in common, the less likely you are to be soulmates. Mates in the Australian sense, sure, but beyond that point in the road is where the inherent problems with logic spring up.

In a relationship, do you truly, honestly want to be with someone with the exact same interests as you? Sure, some general things to have in common are good—necessary, even.

Things like a general interest in showering daily and changing underwear and brushing teeth, these interests…well, they’re good to have around. And maybe a little more specific interests provide some degree of usefulness—a preference in eating cereal dry and coffee black saves some strange stares and about $3 every week in milk purchases. But delve a little deeper and there are things about yourself that you find unique. It might, at first, seem like destiny to find someone who’s as absolutely crazy about narwhals as you are, or someone who loves Holden Caulfield as much as you do, or someone who puts on their right sock first all the time.

And even if you both have had dogs named Peanut that ran away and an undying obsession with monkfish, how much depth would that add to your relationship? You could just as easily have had a cat instead. And liking the same things as you doesn’t make your potential “soulmate” a good person by any means. Someone with the endearing habit of taking pictures of the night sky might sound perfect and idealistically wonderful—because you do it, too—but sharing this won’t make up for the fact that, in reality, they’re a horrible, lying, cheating person. But in the haze of having things in common, we often overlook the glaringly bad qualities in someone that would have smacked us in the face if we weren’t blinded by a fold of interest. Believing that things as countable and almost tangible as a person’s inclinations are synonymous with love—well, that’s just destined to bring about heartbreak when we find that this person simply isn’t right for us.

I’m not saying that soulmates don’t exist, because I’d like to make myself believe that they do, somewhere. But finding someone who laughs at the same jokes and loves the same movies and eats dumplings with ketchup is much more important in a friend than someone of that level of interest. And wouldn’t it be boring to be with someone who was exactly like you? You might as well date yourself! tgu@apachepowwow.com

apachepowwow.com

February 2010

XOXO, Miss Understood

By KAITLYN JEONG

Staff Writer

I couldn’t believe how selfish she was being: first, she refused to share her chili fries with me, then she completely denied my request to catch a ride home. I believe I made it pretty clear that I was starving after eyeing those fries like the hyenas from The Lion King, and after school, I loudly grumbled that my mother was stuck in traffic. Anyone could have picked up on those signals; they were so obvious that I figured no words needed to be spoken. Sure, I didn’t verbally say anything, but in my mind, I was shrieking, mostly about how hungry I was. I thought that perhaps by thinking loudly, the person in question would receive my telepathic messages and understand what I was saying thinking.

Was there something wrong with my form of communication? I spoke with others about this conspiracy (aloud, mind you) and it seemed as if they had dealt with the same things. Their boyfriends/girlfriends y ri asked them what they wanted th ffor Valentine’s Day, aand they replied, in the traditional mushy fashion, Yo u . ” “Y They g o t w h a t they asked for…and nothi nothing else. Needle less to say, the people I

spoke to were able to change their Facebook statuses to “single” for the first time in a month and a half. We all sat together, scratching our heads and each other’s heads, hoping to figure out why our messages were misinterpreted each time we thought we had made them clear. One of my friends complained that her boyfriend had given her “the ugliest necklace in the history of jewelry,” quite the opposite of the pendant she had widened her eyes and gasped inaudibly at. I was shocked: how was it possible that her boyfriend hadn’t picked up on her choice? Another one of my friends was obsessing over a text message his crush had sent him. He stared at the screen, wondering in agony why she had placed a smiley face in the middle of the sentence rather than at the end.

Did this mean she didn’t like him the way he liked her? Didn’t he make it apparent with his choice of font (Arial) that he had a huge crush on her?

For days afterward, I pondered these strange incidents, and then, suddenly, it hit me. Maybe (and this was just a crazy notion) if we said exactly what we were thinking, things would run smoothly: I would get my precious chili fries, and the people I talked to would get their desired pendants, Godiva chocolates, teddy bears, or whatever it was that they wanted for Valentine’s Day. Just dropping hints about what we wanted wouldn’t get us anywhere, and subtle implications meant absolutely nothing. If we applied the same tactic to other areas, maybe then we’d get what we wanted, instead of the drama and fights that inevitably followed.

With this epiphany, I felt inspired to use

my new ideas to my advantage and take control of my life. Suddenly, the world became a brighter, happier place. In previous lunchtime situations, for example, I had willed the lunch lady to give me orange chicken, and was told each time that I was holding up the line and given teriyaki. One day, I mustered up my courage and finally spoke the fateful words, “orange chicken,” and to my surprise, there I stood holding a bowl of orange chicken. Receiving that chicken was both a shocking and humbling experience, for never before had I considered the possibility that my double blinks or head-tilt toward what I wanted was imperceptible to the untrained eye. I had no idea that I had been sending mixed signals to the people around me, and that people weren’t being rude or insensitive when they ignored my “obvious” requests, but were simply confused by the messages I was sending.

From that day forward, I promised to make what I was saying clear and prec precise, pr so that others wouldn’t misinterpret what I was trying to say. I vowed to be aware of y my actions, my body language, my font, and my strategically placed smiley faces. If someone misinterpreted this article as a confession of love, for examly ple, that would :) truly tion be a miscommunication with disastrous results.

like these come with reciprocal obligations for people in relationships to show how much they care. On a day when giving expensive gifts is the norm, men are left with no other option than to express their love with some sort of gift, for fear of being called insensitive or unloving. A mandatory contest of “who can spend the most money” is quite the opposite of what a holiday should be. Fortunately for us, pancakes are incredibly cheap, and if you want

mushy-holiday-turned-profit-motive, it’s quite obvious that the preferable choice of holiday comes in the form of National Pancake Week.

For pancakes are the favorite breakfast item of many that represents what America truly loves: warmth and comfort—Mom, home, the family, a full stomach. Pancakes are reminiscent of many different things for many different people, but apart from the occasional freak accident, none of these differing interpretations of pancake imagery take a negative spin.

And who knows? National Pancake Week may even be able to achieve the same end goal as Valentine’s Day. After all, a stack of pancakes begins with a bowl of batter, best mixed and prepared by two—and a breakfast so tediously prepared wouldn’t taste half as good without someone special to share it with.

On a larger municipal level, citywide pancake breakfasts have the ability to bring people together from all around the city to partake in a shared delight. Look no further than Arcadia’s own Firefighters Association Pancake Breakfast. And on the international level? IHOP’s celebration of National Pancake Week brings the world together to support local children’s hospitals in exchange for delicious, fluffy pancakes.

So in the battle between broken hearts and raising money for heart disease, the latter has to be the victor. The happiness inherent in Valentine’s Day is fleeting—short-lived at best. And it represents everything that America doesn’t need: another well-intentioned, horribly applied corporate holiday.

kjeong@apachepowwow.com

Pancakes Are Batter Than Love

By ANDREW CHANG

Staff Writer

Ah, Valentine’s Day. The one day of the year when online dating services see a 15% spike in revenue and everyone ends the day in a drunken frenzy of chocolate gorging. Love takes its turn in the spotlight when residents of the estimated 27 million single households cringe inwardly and when couples worldwide force a bit of obligatory affection. Fortunately, this year, you have the opportunity to take into consideration a lesser-known holiday similarly known for its sweetness—but without the characteristic harms of a relationship. I present to you National Pancake Week.

National Pancake Week, running this year from Feb. 14 to 20, is preferable to Valentine’s Day for two reasons. First, the universal appeal of pancakes means that everyone can be satisfied. It is critical to realize that love brings quite a cornucopia of suffering—with the divorce rate climbing steadily over 50% in America, it’s no wonder that we’ve lost that loving feeling as a society. Valentine’s Day theoretically rewards those with relationships, but it suffers the unintended effect of punishing those without them. Instead of trying to celebrate what brings us the most pain, we ought to celebrate that which brings us the most joy. This is where pancakes are clearly the desirable option.

But secondly, we also need to realize that the corporatization of love may in fact punish those who are in love most. It’s too quick an assumption to make that Valentine’s Day is a haven for couples. Quite the contrary, days

TCID:

Graphic by CHERRY MO

FROM FLAPJACK, WITH LOVE My heart flips for pancakes. to opt out of National Pancake Week because of monetary concerns, you probably won’t get in trouble.

In the end, the only thing that’s massively important is that we stop tricking ourselves.

Even if you’re not categorically opposed to a

achang@apachepowwow.com

February 2010

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In-N-Out or Dim Sum?

By DEREK HA

Staff Writer

It seems to defy every Asian stereotype, but Chinese American children actually learn earlier that money is not the solution to all of our problems.

We would know, because we tend to end up with quite a bit of it every Chinese New Year when our parents and grandparents stuff Washingtons, Lincolns, Hamiltons, and (if we’re lucky) Jacksons into those flamboyant red-and-gold envelopes to give to the younger generations.

It’s every child’s dream come true—getting money for no appar-

Graphic by CHERRY MO

CONFUSIONISM Where do your loyalties lie?

ent reason, followed by (in most cases) a large meal to celebrate the day. Heck, it’s every human being’s dream come true!

Still, as I sit at the dinner table on Chinese New Year with my cash tucked safely inside my pocket, eating dishes that seem strangely foreign to my taste buds, listening to relatives chat in a language I used to understand, I cannot help feeling just a little bit lost, empty, regretful, out of place—a small twinge of an emotion that I can barely even name, but a twinge nonetheless. Not even receiving money can assuage the feeling that I lack cultural identity, something that so many around me can lay claim to so easily.

My mother and father, having spent nearly half a century in their country of birth, call themselves Chinese. They speak Chinese fluently in two different dialects, read Chinese newspapers every single day, volunteer for the Chinese PTA, cook Chinese food, watch Chinese soap operas, listen to Chinese music, and even type their e-mails using Chinese characters.

Those coming from families that have called this country home for generation after generation can proudly proclaim themselves to be American. They use all the American slang properly, understand the unique American sense of humor, embrace American culture and ideals, and have known the national anthem by heart since early childhood.

And me? I have spent roughly half my life in China, half in America.

I cannot tell you exactly when Chinese

OPINION

New Year is, only that it usually falls somewhere between January and February. I know a few important Chinese phrases here and there (“Where is the restroom?” or “How much does this cost?”); just don’t talk to me about anything even slightly complex or intellectual. I like eating at Chinese restaurants, but their menus had better include English translations. I enjoy picking up cheap merchandise in China, but my clumsy fumbling with the unfamiliar currency instantly tells the salespeople, “I’m not really from around here. I’m not really one of you.”

I am a citizen of the United States, yet during the Beijing Olympics I found myself rooting for athletes hailing from China or Taiwan over those who were from America. I am grateful every time winter break rolls around, but my family has not bothered to put up a Christmas tree for more than five years. I don’t mind a trip to In-N-Out every now and then, but truth be told, I would often rather eat leftover dim sum or fried rice.

I cannot call myself Chinese or American without feeling like a fraud, a phony, a tainted sample, for my cultural identity is borrowed from disconnected fragments of Chinese traditions and American influences, of Chinese ethics and American values. I am forever cursed with not being able to define myself using nationality, with not truly belonging, with being confused.

I guess I’d better enjoy those red envelopes while I can.

Staff Writer

“Once upon a time, there was a (noun) who loved to (verb) frogs. One day, the pesky (noun) became very frustrated and decided to (verb) the (adjective) frog. Then the (noun)’s mother came in and told the (noun) not to (verb) the frog anymore or else she would punish her by making her eat several (noun)s, which the (noun) hated. So the (noun) decided to kiss the frog instead, and the (noun) and the (adjective) frog lived (adverb) ever after.”

“Mad-Libs” used to be my favorite activity when I was in the fourth grade. It was a pretty hilarious way to teach grammar…most of the time. Some of the immature, obnoxious kids in the class decided to use “elephant” excessively; they put it in every single blank, including the verb and adjective blanks. I, on the other hand, actually placed sensible words in their respective spots and even peeked at the other side, hoping that doing so would express my message clearly and thus benefit the entire fourth grade. Little did I know that my effort to choose the perfect words actually produced mundane stories that formed wells of tears in my peers’ eyes, not because they were touched by the meaning and depth of my story, but because they were utterly bored out of their minds. What fun was it reading about a princess who became friends with a frog because her mother would make her drink brussels sprout soup if she didn’t?

Wouldn’t it be much funnier to hear about an elephant that elephanted a frog because her mother would elephant her if she didn’t elephant it? I suppose I was the only one who thought otherwise. I honestly didn’t know that it was expected for these stories to be unexpected (I didn’t know that elephants were really popular back then, either).

Why is it that I seem to be stuck in the same old rut six years later? Every now and then, I think to myself that if I could write out the story of my life, everything would be perfect. I’d have enough money to send my fam-

TCID:

By NURIA MATHOG Staff Writer

things to our advantage, we’re losing one of life’s greatest treasures: the element of surprise. Sure, it would be fantastic to know when the sky is about to rain cats and dogs (especially if, thanks to Southern California’s bipolar weather, it’s still sunny outside), but being able to know every little detail and map out what you are going to do for the next fourteen and a half years is a little much.

Life sometimes doesn’t go as planned, but I believe that that’s what makes it worth living.

Take surprise parties, for example: if we knew about them in advance and expected them to happen on a regular basis, they would lose their jaw-dropping, fainting, laughing, and crying hysterically effect, something that I always look forward to at surprise parties. It’s like finding a cough drop in your pocket right before an oral presentation or a five dollar bill in your backpack when you think you’ll have to starve during lunch. With the unexpected, there are always pleasant surprises in store: if my English teacher planned a timed writing but abruptly changed her mind and showed us an episode of The Simpsons instead, I would definitely applaud the unexpected.

Without life’s little twists and turns, we would all be bored to tears, just like my fourth grade peers. We need a couple of adjectives, verbs, semicolons, and exclamation points to spice up our own stories, because without them, life would just be one big elephant. kjeong@apachepowwow.com

nmathog@apachepowwow.com

dha@apachepowwow.com

“Without life’s little (noun)s and (noun)s, we would all be (verb)ed to (noun)s, just like my fourth grade (noun)s.” ily on one of those year-long cruises around the world so that they could sit back and relax.

Diseases would be cured left and right. There would be no poverty. I’d be taller. Oh, and there would be world peace. In my head, the list would just go on and on…which would bring me back to the fourth grade. I failed to realize then (and still fail to realize now) that writing and planning everything out so that it is perfect in our eyes still doesn’t prevent the unexpected, and that’s what makes life so interesting. Whenever we wish for things in life to be different or for the power to change

Quality Control Regardless of what the album covers and previews seem to suggest, the entertainment industry isn’t all that concerned with product quality. As with any business, it exists primarily to maximize profits, a feat most easily accomplished by clever marketing appeals to its intended demographic. And as today’s consumers can generally be lumped into the broad category of “enjoys being entertained without the inconvenience of thinking,” all it has to do is plug a few simple variables into a basic formula, and the next big hit is good to go.

As far as the decline of cinema is concerned, I blame the invention of quality special effects. While I appreciate the work of the SFX department, I’m still convinced that movies were substantially better without them.

Sans the visual distractions of exploding car sequences, the objective of a movie was to showcase a good story, but as curbing audience impatience began to take precedence over storytelling, films started to focus more on visual appeal than on plot. And unfortunately, all those years of high-definition, in-your-face graphics have rendered a certain level of visual expectation that older films just can’t satisfy.

Now, whenever I review the beloved movies of my childhood, all I notice is how lame the special effects look in comparison to the latest Star Wars trilogy. I used to love watching Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, but after a few too many action movies, I became painfully aware of the film’s jerky stop-motion animation and the fact that the “raging blizzard” is quite clearly a bag of flour dumped over a model house. No longer is it the ingenuous, creative classic I once cherished; now it’s just “the movie with the awkward clay animals.”

The concept of mass-marketing is equally applicable to music—the type of mainstream music that flies off the shelves these days involves setting meaningless words to a catchy beat (the theory is that if you can’t get it out of your head, it’ll start to grow on you). Consequently, it shouldn’t come as much of a surprise that it’s practically impossible to distinguish among a lot of contemporary songs on the radio. If you listen to samples of older music, you can usually determine the title of the song within the first few measures—heck, in some cases, even as soon as the opening note hits the airwaves. These days, you practically have to listen to all three and a half minutes of the piece before gleaning the slightest hint of auditory recognition, all the while hoping that the lyrics, at least, might offer some insight... except they all sound identical as well: “What can I do/I’m in love with you/It’s true/Boohoo.” The modern song can be summarized as follows: a(n) A) whiny or B) upbeat song about C) love turned sour or D) a desire for vengeance that incorporates E) a basic fourchord progression or F) a repetitive and profoundly irritating hip-hop beat.

I can certainly see where the industry is coming from—if it’s popular, it makes sense (and cents) to sell it to as many people as possible. But in doing so, it confines the niche for meaningful entertainment to the back of record shops and the struggling, independent theaters that few, if any, take the time to visit. It’s fine to immerse ourselves in the “main stream,” but perhaps we should take a detour to a lesstraveled route once in a while.

Life is Like a (Noun) of (Noun)s

By KAITLYN JEONG

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OPINION

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Are We There Yet?

By TIFFANY GU

Staff Writer

It’s second semester. I’m a senior. Two sentences that don’t mean much individually, but when put together, concoct one of the most fabled illnesses of high school—senioritis.

Suddenly, my classes are just a little bit more relaxed and the intense drive to succeed and do my best has all but vanished overnight. The virus spreads quickly and potently, but amidst cheers for the second semester and a sort of permission to develop a slacker mentality, the true meaning of senioritis has been lost.

A disease so popular and infectious has many misconceptions and rumors floating around the air in a swine flu-like way. Presumptuously witty underclassmen boast, “Ohoho, I’ve had senioritis since freshman year!” False!

Senioritis is not, in fact, the same thing as laziness, though it may seem on the surface that the two are one and the same. Laziness isn’t time sensitive; laziness occurs from the very beginning of our lives and will find itself a part of us forever, if it is intrinsically there. No, senioritis is something different, something directly paralleled to having that sort of detached feeling toward this place. Because in a little less than four months, we seniors will all be gone from AHS. It’s a result of pushing so hard for years to become who we are now. All those sleepless nights pile up to the point where we wear our shoulders like earrings. We’re bound to crash sooner or later and lose whatever has driven us, namely college applications. After toiling through the first semester, juggling a normal academic course load with the thousands of knives and delicate intricacies that consist of

the college application process, this sudden collapse in hardworking morale really can’t come as much of a surprise. And after miraculously surviving scholarship application after financial aid application after college application, a brief respite tinged with buzzing nervous energy is needed. Demanded.

As of right now, I know I’m not alone when I say that senioritis hasn’t truly quite hit yet. There’s a bit of relaxation in the air, the eye of the storm that remains calm until college decisions come out. A bit of emotional drama will ensue but at the end of it, our allegiances will shift. Then all attempts at self control will break loose as the temporary future we have worked for is all but determined. Our collective lack of effort in these coming months ultimately stems from the fact that we will no longer be Apaches and any effort to remain attached is fruitless and futile. We’ll be launched out of this comfortable bubble of Arcadia and into the “real world” and in spite of what John Mayer says, it exists.

So excuse us if we miss a couple homework assignments here and there. This is just a rest stop and we are fueling up for a long journey ahead into the future. tgu@apachepowwow.com ttg u@ @ap hepoww w ow.

Graphic by BEVERLY CHEN

SENIORITIS Cure unnecessary, just like homework.

February 2010

Crtv Thnkng (AP) B

By KATE HARWITZ Staff Writer

AHS ranks among the top high schools in the nation. Advanced Placement and honors classes abound, our campus is clean and safe, and our school lunch is at the very least palatable. But despite all of this, despite our school’s sheen of academic success, rigorous courses, and “intelligent” students, it fails when it comes to fostering real interests and personal growth in us.

I myself have been duped into believing that a sparkling academic record is the sole purpose of my life, to the extent that I felt it does not matter what personal interests I have to throw aside to be a “smart” overachiever, just like everyone else. My hobbies and interests have been thrown to the wayside in exchange for knowledge that I will most likely forget within the next year.

In five year’s time, I won’t care about what a London Dispersion Force or a definite integral is; what I will care about is how I neglected the subjects that I love in exchange for meaningless facts so that I could compete with my ambitious classmates and please colleges. I love music and art, but I have absolutely no time in my schedule for them. I no longer take art classes because it would take up valuable time that could be spent doing homework—and oh, the unending homework! No longer do I play any instruments; imagine all the time it would take to have weekly lessons and daily practices. Instead I pore over textbooks and regurgitate facts and statistics I will never in my life think about again beyond that next test.

And now as I write this, I am falling to my

knees and shouting “Why?!” to the Almighty College Board Heavens. In this “why” is imbued the pent-up despair, helplessness, and anger I feel toward the AP system that has robbed me of my love of learning. No longer is there time for me to pause and appreciate or explore a certain topic that tickles my fancy. Oh no, I must keep shoving myself forward and pushing toward that AP test in May; I must be a good little academic soldier and elbow my way through textbooks to that looming May finish line—for there lies the path to college acceptance and proof from an outside party that I am “advanced.” We see approval from the College Board as more important than approval from ourselves, but we will have to live with the emptiness of failing to stay true to our interests for the rest of our lives, whereas the AP scores received from the College Board will only last until we submit that last college application, then—poof! Those test scores are suddenly meaningless, just ink on a piece of bleached dead trees.

We would be much better served if instead of being stuffed with information that will either be relearned in college at a deeper level or afterward discarded entirely, we had the opportunity to focus on creativity. Creativity and independent thinking are valuable skills that will stick with us for life, whereas memorizing the chemical structures and names of all the amino acids will only lead to headaches. We should be given the chance to dabble in the arts now when we do not have to worry about paying bills and feeding ourselves, and tap into our creative sides before it gets completely smothered by a harsh and demanding world. kharwitz@apachepowwow.com

February 2010

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PERFORMING ARTS

Micah-phone Ready?

By HANA RUDOLPH Staff Writer

Staff Writers

Running out in their “Heroes and Villains”—inspired costumes, A-Guard members tossed their flags, rifles, and sabers along to “Four Minutes to Save the World.” Following them was World Guard, whose theme is “Artists and Artisans.” Their routine is modeled after the opening ceremony of the 2008 Beijing Olympics with a remixed version of “White’s SS.” Colorguard has endured countless and endless practices, heated pep talks from Adviser Mr. George Armenta, blood, sweat, and tears to start off the season with a BANG! A typical World Guard member’s practice schedule would be Mondays and Wednesdays from 6:00 to 9:30 p.m. and weekends 2:00 to 10:00 p.m. Colorguard members even dedicated some of their Thanksgiving weekend and winter break to prepare for the upcoming events.

However, by February, practices have yet to be held in front of a live audience, so on Feb. 3

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hrudolph@apachepowwow.com

February 2010

A Tale of Two Performing Arts:

By EILEEN CHOW & PAMELA HUYNH

Phot o

Practice never comes easy: the performance, the competition is always the exciting part of an activity. ivity. But junior Micah Kwok proves es to be capable off both—understanding the he value of sore ore muscles and tired lungs.

Whilee the Chanteurs rs lifestyle can bee hectic, Micah’s attitude reflects the group’s values as a dedicated and persevering performing arts group.

While being a second-year member of Chanteurs doesn’t bring any surprises about the consuming workload, the time commitment never gets any easier. On ttop of the hour spent ddaily during fifth period, Micah sectionals attends lunch se twice a week—coming week close to six ho hours a week spentt on learn learning and permusic ffor the various fecting the titions. Yet the choreography spring competitions. ch worse: three hours rehearsals are much on Tuesday and eight hours on Saturday equate to eleven hours a week of dance, outside of school. This year’s Chanteurs is not about slacking off. Because of rehearsals, Micah often finds himself waking at 7:00 a.m. on Saturdays and sore on Sundays. And that’s not even including the rehearsals on the days off.

Micah is currently Dance Captain, Section Leader, and Sound Crew President of Chanteurs. As Dance Captain, Micah is in charge of making sure that the boys don’t have two left feet. As Section Leader, Micah guides the basses through the tricky notes of a four-part tune. And as Sound Crew President, he is held accounton able by Choir Director Mr. Rollie Maxson for the sound quality at showss and comy leadersh hip ppositions ositions petitions. The many leadership ity, yyet ett M i icome with loads of responsibilit responsibility, Miah does not shirk from the ex xpe p ctatiions ns cah expectations upon him. “The respons nsib ibil ib illit i y is pretty responsibility tough,” Micah admitted ed d, “but I try m y best st admitted, my to encourage ge oothers ther th erss an nd try to make gr rou o p and group progresss iin achievin ng our goals.” Ul Ulti tiachieving Ultimately ly, “of course I finndd Ch ly Chan a teurs worth mately, Chanteurs it!” iiss the dedicated member’s sentiments..

M Mi ica caah le lear arrns n tto o balance the obligations Micah learns with the encourageme ment me nts an nt nd enjoys his encouragements and bs so much that he has ass hhigh ig gh aspirations jobs urs. for his next year in Chanteu Chanteurs.

But as for this year, th he workload has the dy paid ooff. fff. Fi Firstt pl placee trophies at already pet etit ittio ons n ooff the season—a — ndd their first first comp competitions season—and llo low. w perhapss many more to fol follow.

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COLORGUARD

PERCUSSION

Adrenaline and nerves rush through your body as you prepare to start your show. As soon as you are signaled to begin, you launch into the routine that you have toiled to perfect, nerves gone as a rush of pride and excitement replaces your tension. At least, that’s how you would feel during a typical run-through of a Percussion competition, if you were a Percussion team member.

On Feb. 6 at Valencia High School, Varsity Percussion (VPR) competed in an allday Southern California Percussion Alliance (SCPA) show. Junior Varsity Percussion (JVPR) had its show the week before VPR’s. JVPR also had a competition on Feb. 13 at Chino Hills High School. VPR’s competition highlight of this month was its Winter Guard International (WGI) Regional competition from Feb. 20 to 21 at Rancho Cucamonga High School. The WGI Regional was a distinguished competition that featured an immense gathering of numerous colorguard and percussion ensembles from all throughout Southern California. VPR

the AHS World Guard Preview Show was displayed. According to Assistant Leader senior Christine Lee, the preview show was for World Guard “to get the feel of performing in front of a real audience.”

The ultimate competition will be the Winter Guard International (WGI), held at Rancho Bernardo High School on Feb. 27 and 28. WGI Regional showcases many schools participating in front of well-known judges. But despite the pressure, Christine said that all these factors only made “the competition that much more enthralling.” With consent from Mr. Armenta, World Guard will even be given the opportunity to compete at the World Championship to be held in Dayton, OH in early April, always an exciting and memorable occasion. Captain senior Katherine Chin remembered meeting guards from all across the country, even the world, and the shared feeling of awe when they “walk down the steep tunnel into the stadium full of hundreds and hundreds of audience members.”

Knowing that these first couple of events have marked the beginning of the competition season for A-Guard and World Guard, Katherine knows that the groups can continue to bring enthusiasm and excitement to every show.

She believes that through the close teamwork they have established, they can execute beautiful performances at each and every competition. Christine agreed with Katherine as well, expressing her hopes that all the Colorguard members can walk away from the season “feeling good about it despite [their] placements or awards.”

After several nail-biting weeks, Colorguard has managed to walk away with outstanding results. A-Guard has so far placed first in the Intermediate A Red Division at the Marina High

School Invitational at Huntington Beach. World Guard also placed first at Marina High School Invitational, as well as at Roosevelt High School Invitational on Feb. 6 in Corona. With a score of 80.1 at Marina High School Invitational, Wo r l d Guard is currently ranked fourth in the world, trailing third place by a mere 0.4 points.

Given that it is so

member senior Timothy Boehr described the WGI Regional as a “great time to see how we stand among g other groups of the same caliber before heading eading to [our bigger competition in] Dayton.” n.”

At its Valencia SCPA show, VPR scored a total al of 71.95 after being pen penalized five points for having a show that was to too short, and placed second overall. VPR wass aabl able ble to score 85.75 in its finals, allowing it to pl plac ace se sec second at its WGI Regional competit itio ion. n. JVP JVPR R A-Line A received third and sco ore redd a to t tal off 799.80 .8 with its penalty at its S SCP CPA show. Open n Line also received ed tthi hird rd and scored 77.55 tota tal.

Thiis year, VPR was seen sh Th showcasing its indoor show, “Legend.” “Legen in end,” which illustrates elements of destiny, w was “pretty unique compared to all of our [other her] shows [with] a lot more heavy electronic bits its which adds so much to the overall effect off the th show,” explained Pit Section Leader junior Coleen Ju. JVPR proudly unveiled veiled Open Lin Line’s show this year, entitled “Legacy,” y ” which eexhibits the way things change over time. The show for A-Line was “Thread” and was established around Asian themes that epitomized ideas of Confucius.

VPR hold practices on Mondays from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m., Wednesdays from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m., and occasional Saturday practices that range from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. for the Battery members and 2:00 to 9:00 p.m. for the Pit crew. According to JVPR member sophomore Alex Stevens, “the drumlines prepare for a show months in advance [with] much of first semester [spent] perfecting the skills that we will use in the show.” Weekly after school rehearsals are also combined with extra sectionals and indi-

vidual practices.

Junior VPR member and Battery Section Leader Daniel Zaki hoped to “place high [for Percussion], somewhere in the top three in the world [and to] set a new bar for Arcadia’s World Class drumline.” Coleen, who shares the same goals as Daniel, also hopes to “finally get top three this year [because] last year [they] were so close to placing in SCPA.” Alex hoped to “grow as a performer and be able to perfect more of the minuscule details that divide the good from the great.”

Percussion has started off strong into a brand new season. Through its rigorous practices and unwavering dedication to its performing arts group, Percussion is truly hitting all the right beats as it ease into its competition season.

Photos by ELLIOTT LEE

A PREVIEW FOR SUCCESS The Colorguard performance at the family and friends preview indicates a rewarding season for the program. early in the season, chances for improvements are working in Colorguard’s favor. With another six weeks till Nationals, the Colorguard has high hopes for medaling, something that it hasn’t done since 2007 when it took the bronze.

The question of whether World Guard can place high enough in its upcoming regionals to advance to Nationals is not even a question for the stunning and always-victorious World Guard.

Talk about impressive much? phuynh@apachepowwow.com

echow@apachepowwow.com

Photos by ELLIOTT LEE

BEATING ITS WAY Attempting to become legends, VPR is practicing in hopes of medaling at Nationals.

February 2010

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PERFORMING ARTS

Satisfying Your Appetite for Music

By CHRISTINA ZHOU Staff Writer

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y E L L I OT T L E E

If cherishing the delicate tones of orchestral music while savoring a delectable threecourse meal is your ideal way to relax during the weekend, then the Orchestra Benefit Dinner is for you.

On Feb. 27, all Orchestra members will be showcasing their talent as they perform for their audience inside the Arcadia Community Center. The performance is themed “Cirque du Orch,” or “Circus Orchestra.” However, instead of creepy, peppy clowns with ugly red noses attempting to entertain, the “Circus Orchestra” will soothe the audience with a melodious four-hour long concert, including a dinner, a silent auction, and a guest performance by the Hutchins Consort.

Although the entrance ticket is $40, it will prove itself to be well spent when Orchestra starts its performance. Freshman violinist Nicole Kim said, “I think the fact that students have put in so much effort in making beautiful music makes [the cost] worth every penny. The whole experience itself is worthwhile.” All the money from the Orchestra Benefit Dinner will be donated to the Arcadia Music Club, which will, in turn, help Orchestra purchase new bows, instruments, and other equipment to produce even richer tones for songs.

At one point in the show, all three orchestras will “raid” the

audience, surround them, and play three songs: dinner to play a few songs. The musicians in the “Lassus Viola,” composed by Mr. Henry Fill- Hutchins Consort play a modified version of the more and arranged by Mr. Rick England; “Elviolin. With its range of instruephas Maximus,” composed by Mr. Robert W. ments from high to low, Smith; and “Dance of the Tumblers,” comthe violin octet covers posed by Mr. Nikolay Rimsy-Korsakoff the missing chords and arranged by Mrs. Sandra Dackow. in traditional The enclosing of the audience is to string instrucreate a surround-sound effect as the ments. Known orchestras play their festive carnival for touching its songs. Orchestra members usually audience and have the luxury of sitting with a music leaving a lasting stand before them, but this time they impression with won’t. Standing up all around and beits tone and sound, tween the tables, they will have to play the the Hutchins Conthree pieces from memory. “I’m really nersort will surely amaze vous,” freshman Kevin Kha said, “This is the all guests. first time I have to memorize three songs and perform them to a large crowd, so I’d naturally CIRQUE DU ORCH Anyone who says donating isn’t enjoyable will be be a bit shaky.”

P During the proved wrong by this year’s Orchestra concert, guests Benefit Dinner. will not only be able to listen to The Orchestra Benefit Dinner is an ingethe three ornious way to quench that thirst for classical chestras play music. The carnival circus theme is festive and as a whole, the music soothes your mind, allowing yourself but they will to take a journey while disentangling yourself also be able to from all the stress of everyday school life. listen to speciallyThe student ensembles showcase the amazing picked student entalents of our peers, and the silent auction is a sembles. The 11 ensembles great way to snag a couple of gifts. Not only is include members from all three orchestras and the money benefiting a great program, but it’s allow the students to shine in the limelight as also a chance for you to enjoy a relaxing concert they play their chosen songs. with friends.

The Hutchins Consort, a professional violin octet ensemble, will be making a visit to the czhou@apachepowwow.com

Choir Charges Its Energy Toward Competition

By HANA RUDOLPH Staff Writer

Chanteurs is on a roll this year: the competitions have only just begin, but the 33 -member show choir has already raked in two first place trophies on top of two musicianship awards. Pretty impressive, for a group that’s only competed in two competitions thus far this year. In its final year before Choir Director Mr. Rollie Maxson’s retirement, Chanteurs is continuing its victories.

Chanteurs started its season off with the “Aztec Sing” at Citrus College on Jan. 29, competing against a lineup consisting of six other show choirs. The atmosphere was tense in the seats as Chanteurs awaited its turn to go on stage—especially after watching the dynamic performances by Serrano and Brea High Schools. Not to mention the fact that a key member of the group responsible for performing flips had sprained his ankle. Moreover, the accident had happened the night before, leaving no time for re-choreography.

Yet the group managed to perform splendidly, speaking to the dedication of the mixed show choir. Injuries and endless hours of practice couldn’t hold down the eager will to win. “I feel like we gave it our best and we tried really hard to get what we want,” said junior Zachary Bondoc in nervous anticipation as he awaited the final results of the judge scores.

Everything soon paid off at the awards ceremony: a first place trophy and an award in musicianship. For a competition in which Chanteurs’ legacy has dominated in the past,

the night couldn’t have been better. “Honestly, it’s one of the most exhilarating moments to experience!” was junior Stephanie Youssef’s ecstatic response to the judges’ results.

Their next competition was also at Citrus College, this time hosted by Diamond Bar High School. At the second competition of the season, Chanteurs members were a little more relaxed and ready for their turn to perform on stage. Sure enough, they displayed a clean routine that showed off the results of all their hard work. The judges scored the group high, and

Photo courtesy of KRISTAL HA

FANTASTIC FINISH TO A NEW BEGINNING Chanteurs’ final pose concluded a dazzling performance. once again, Chanteurs lived up to its expectations and legacy. A new first place trophy and a musicianship plaque proudly decorate the choir room, put on display for all of MB-3’s visitors to see. About the experience, junior Susanna

Whang gleefully said, “It’s really exciting and thrilling to be performing on stage with all the adrenaline pumping and you’re just performing your heart out.” Spoken like a true show choir member, Susanna represents the union of spirit in Chanteurs members—all of whom love and live to perform for their audiences.

But the season is nowhere near over.

Chanteurs is now gearing up for the Los Alamitos “Xtravaganza!” competition on Feb. 27. This competition is also where New Spirit will make its competition debut for this year. Both Chanteurs and New Spirit have high hopes for the events. “As a first year member, this is really nerve-wracking but also exciting. I think we can do really well,” said senior Lisa Liu. Chanteurs couldn’t have agreed more, as senior Vice President Tiffany Soga said, “Chanteurs may not have 50 costume changes and elaborate sets, but honestly, I wouldn’t be surprised if we win musicianship again. I’m definitely proud of Chanteurs and how far we’ve come.” So keep an ear open for more congratulatory news soon about AHS’s show choirs—the event is only a couple days away. And if you ever get the urge to watch these award-winning performing arts groups, never fear. There are plenty more competitions and festivals soon to come in March and April.

But for now, kudos to Chanteurs for a stellar competition record thus far this year, and good luck to Chanteurs and New Spirit in the upcoming competitions!

9

Pep Your Way to Nationals

By KATHERINE BAY Staff Writer

The girls of Pep Flags strutted onto the USA regional competition floor calm, cool, and collected with a smile as big as Alaska taped right across their faces. While twirling with excellence, it’s no wonder why the amazing girls of Pep Flag made it to the national level on Jan. 24.

Their uneasy journey began just one day before the competition when one girl dropped out on short notice. Instead of the expected hopeless feeling striking through the team, the girls raised their heads up high and made the best of the situation. With less than a day to change their routine due to the loss of one member, they had many stressful moments before their accounted performance.

As they entered Orange Lutheran High School with a freshly-made routine embedded in their minds, the girls prepared for whatever result they received, in both a mental and physical way. The girls of Pep Flags who took part in the competition cheerfully presented themselves to the audience and their judges while walking onto the stage to get ready for their performance. While twirling their flags to a collaborative mix of music, which includes a variety of techo genre of music, including the song “Fallin’ for You” by singer Colbie Caillat, the girls bounced with energy and enthusiasm as if their lives depended on it.

Captain senior Anna Yu said that she “expected to qualify for Nationals because the team works very hard and adjusts well to lastminute changes.” In the end, Pep Flags placed fifth with a score of 75 out of 100, which qualified them for Nationals. As of now, the team is definitely competing at the national level in the Anaheim Convention Center on Photo by ELLIOTT LEE Mar. 26.

LET’S GO APACHES! Making Arcadia proud, Pep Flags showed off its skills and qualified for the national competition.

Before each and every competition, the girls gather at Anna’s abode bright and early in the morning to prep themselves up for a busy day ahead of them. They have somewhat of a team bonding where they help each other with their hair and makeup. Occasionally, the girls would also have sleepovers to make sure they can become as close as possible, like a team family.

Twirling flags is an understatement because the girls went through much intense training before they could compete at the regional competition. They had to run a mile each day, do 100 crunches, 30 push-ups, and hold out their flags for seven minutes. While many students at AHS are given the chance to catch up on their sleep, these girls are busy practicing for perfection.

hrudolph@apachepowwow.com kbay@apachepowwow.com

10

FEATURES

Household Horrors

By JOANNA SHEN Executive Copy Editor

Squish. Another glob of Cucumber Melon hand sanitizer lands on our palms after we touch that hygiene-questionable stair railing. Spray. A mist of Pine Fresh Lysol surges through the air when our siblings decide to belch the alphabet after a meal of Philly cheesesteaks, twice. Squirt. A pool of Dawn Citrus Kick drips onto the dinner plate crusted with bits of leftovers after a hearty meal. We all use these cleaning agents on a daily basis to kill harmful bacteria and promote good hygiene, but could it be that these germ-killing warriors are hurting us more than they are helping?

Hand Sanitizers. We carry them in our bags and pockets, with many more scents sitting on our desks at home for variety. They come in handy after greasy, finger food meals and serve as pleasing substitutes to water and soap, with a nice fruity smell afterward. We can’t deny the convenience of scented hand sanitizers, but we also have to acknowledge the potential dangers of excessive usage. Hand sanitizers are 60-90% ethyl or isopropyl alcohol, a concentration of even greater strength than that of hard liquor. Even a small dose can be dangerous if ingested, resulting in diz dizziness, slurred speech, and gradual brain damage.. Hand sanitizers are encouraged only ly if water and soap are not availablee and applied in dimesized amounts. mounts. Opt for a foaming formula because they dry more quickly than liquid formulas.

Airr Fresheners. We use this handy weapon to attack funky smells around the house and release pleasing scents to o make our lives more exciting. With mists off delight emitted with a simple press of a button, ton, it’s hard to deny the fun in cans of air fresheners esheners as well. But what many fail to realize ealize is that air fresheners coat nasal passages assages with an oil known as methoxychlor. ychlor. Coating of nasal passages with this oil interferes with

our ability to smell, releases nerve-deadening agents into our system, and sometimes even causes nausea, dizziness, and fatigue. Air fresheners are also detrimental to the environment when they react with the air to produce ozone. High levels of ozone not only damage the environment, but also pose a health risk to people and animals alike. Ridding trash can smells by adding baking soda and popping windows open instead of aggressively spraying Oust will protect us and the environment.

Dishwashing Liquids. It is difficult to argue that dishwashing soap is unnecessary because it is an everyday necessity that allows us to reuse dishes and pans. But choosing the right dishwashing liquid is crucial to our health. A common component of detergents is triclosan, a bacteria-fighting chemical that mixes with the chlorine in tap water to form chloroform. The presence of chloroform in drinking water has proven to be a horrifying cause of human bladder cancers and miscarriages in women. Every time a dish is washed, some residue is left on the surface and steadily accumulates after every wash. We also ingest the chemical when hot foods absorb the residue and end up mixing with chloroform. Tips to avoid chemical poisoning include using a variety of dishware rather than sticking with every night and avoidthe same ones eve soaps that coning dishwashing dishwash triclosan. tain triclosa In our efforts to externally protect ourselves from the that roam the world vicious bacteria th just might be damagaround us, we ju ing ourselves iinternally. But with precautions and knowlthe right prec edge, you can now squish, spray, and ssquirt to your heart’s content—with moderation, of content—w course. jshen@apachepowwow.com jshen@ap Graphic courtesy of GOCEK.ORG and Photo courtesy of EHOW.COM

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February 2010

Presidential Points

By RYAN LIU Staff Writer

Feb. 15 was President’s Day, and what better way to honor our country’s greatest than with interesting little tidbits about them?

George Wa s h i n g t o n (the 1st president) believed he was psychic and predicted a great future for America, including victories in two great world wars and being able to overcome devastation in a third.

Thomas Jefferson (the 3rd president) was a passionate inventor and was the creator of the coat hanger.

Andrew Jackson (the 7th president) believed that the world was flat.

John Tyler (the 10th president) was the only president in American history whose death was not mourned in Washington because, about 20 years after his term as president, he joined the Confederacy and was named a sworn enemy of the US. David Rice Atchison (the 11thand-a-1/2 president) served as president for a day without knowing it when Zachary Taylor refused to be sworn next in line, since it was a Sunday.

Abraham Lincoln’s (the 16th president’s) third cousin four

times removed is Tom Hanks. (In case you didn’t know, that means that Tom Hanks is Abraham Lincoln’s third cousin’s great-great ggrandson.)

Ulysses S. Grant (the 18th U ppresident) was issued a $20 sspeeding ticket for riding his horse too fast down a street in Washington.

W a Franklin D. Roosevelt (the F 332nd president) is related to 11 other presidents.

James Garfield (the 20th president) entertained friends by writing in Latin with one hand while writing in Greek with the other hand at the same time.

William Howard Taft (the 27th president) was so large that he frequently got stuck in the White House bathtub.

After Robert Todd Lincoln witnessed the assassination of his father, Abraham Lincoln, and the assassinations of two other presidents, Garfield and McKinley, he swore he would never attend any more state affairs.

However, if it weren’t for John Wilkes Booth’s brother who saved his life years earlier in a train station, he would have never seen the assassinations in the first place.

Every one of the 44 presidents is special in his own way, and it’s with good reason we honor their hard work every President’s Day. ryanliu@apachepowwow.com Graphics courtesy of NING.COM and WFAE. ORG

Ringing in the Olympic Games and Torch Flames

By AMY LEONG Staff Writer

The start of this winter season didn’t just begin with hot chocolate and chilly evenings; it also called for the passing of the most most tremendous, thrilling event of the year: the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics. Having planned this event for years, Vancouver was thrilled and honored to host the Olympics this year. But outside of Vancouver, many AHS students were also pumped up for this exciting event.

“I [was] excited to see...the ice skating portion because I like seeing them twirl on the ice. Ice skating is like dancing ...across the ice, and it is fun to watch them compete in the Winter Olympics.”

- Sarah Quon, 9

“Ice hockey is really fun and very entertaining to watch when people...bump into each other. Plus, it’s my favorite sport, but it’s a really hard sport to play.”

- Johnny Ho, 10

aleong@apachepowwow.com

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“The Olympics bring together ether countr countries even when they’re involved in a bitter war, like summer Olympics when the ke in the sum athletes from Georgia and Russia hu hugged after winning gold and silver.”

- Nicole Agger Nielsen, 10 N

1

“One event that...caught my eye was the ski jumping portion being held at Whistler Park. It is also the backdrop for many of the other skiing competitions. These highly trained athletes ski down a steep slope rushing by at top speeds to compete in distances.”

- Jeffrey Wu, 9

Graphic courtesy of WIKIMEDIA. ORG, Photos by AMY LEONG, and courtesy of HOTELSTRASS.COM, KAPPL.COM, and YAHOOFS.COM

3

“I like ice hockey because it is an aawesome sport. I also like getting together with my friends ds to bbet on which team will win or lose.”

- Peter Pan, 11

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February 2010

Gulping Down Bottled Lies

By JENNY LI

11

Spring’s Hall of Games

By THERESA LEE Staff Writer

Staff Writer

grip strength. Also, cracking your knuckles is associated with damaged tendons and soft tissue injuries.

Myth: Drinking coffee will stunt your growth. grow Results: False. A recent study on teenagers who constantly drank coffee and those ager who rarely drank any showed no difference height growth or bone density whatsoever. in he There are actually health benefits when drinkTher ing ccoffee, such as lowering one’s risk for type diabetes by up to 50%; that is, if you don’t II di add five million spoonfuls of sugar into your cup of Joe. Although one shouldn’t go overboard, drinking coffee in moderation can have boar its bbenefits.

Myth: If you go outside with wet hair, you will catch a cold.

Results: False. You can only get sick if your body is exposed to the cold virus, proving tthat whether your hair is wet or not isn’t factor in determining your body’s health. a fa This myth probably formed because our moms thought that catching a cold was the same as thou being cold, which is not true. bein And there you have it. You can finally prove your mom wrong when you bust her for prov her ““motherly advice.” Now live a free, nonstressful life in which you actually know the stres truth behind your parents’ most devious, sly tricks in their book of parenthood. trick

The early chirping of the birds and gradual rise in temperature marks the start of a new semester and the coming arrival of spring. It’s halfway through the school year and only one more semester to go! If you are anything like me, you are already worn-out, even though it has only been a month. Tired of schoolwork and itching for a break? Here are a few games to look out for in February and March: Bioshock 2: XBox 360, PC, PS3 Considered one of the bigger games anticipated for early 2010, Bioshock 2 is a sequel to its first installment, Bioshock.

Bioshock 2 is a survival horror First Person Shooter (FPS) game set during the 1970s in the underwater city of Rapture in an alternative history. Unlike in the first game, you are now embodied as a “Big Daddy.”

The main point of the game is to defeat Sofia Lamb, the leader of Rapture, who seeks to destruct her dystopian city. One of the differences between Bioshock 2 and the first game is the ability to use Plasmids, which help unlock special attacks such as releasing fire or ice from your hands to destroy an enemy. Another difference is the experience of roaming outside the city limits and swimming underwater. This game hit shelves on Feb. 9.

Pokémon HeartGold/SoulSilver: DS All you Pokémon fans, get ready to battle! HeartGold and SoulSilver are DS remakes of the original GameBoy Gold and Silver editions. Besides the graphical overhaul, you can expect many differences between the versions. For example, like Pikachu in Pokémon Yellow, every Pokémon you own will be able to follow you around (physically). One of the most innovative parts of this release is the addition of a peripheral called the Pokéwalker.

This device is a pedometer that can hold a Pokémon from your game transferred via the InfraRed port on your game cart. As you walk, your Pokémon also “walks” and can battle wild Pokémon, capture other Pokémon (up to three), find items (up to ten), and even unlock minigames. So now, without carrying your DS, you can take your favorite Pokémon wherever you’re headed! Keep an eye out when this comes out on Mar. 14.

All Points Bulletin: PC, Xbox 360 The decision is yours: play the good cops enforcing city rules and catching the criminals or join forces with other members to wreak havoc among the streets. In All Points Bulletin (APB), a multiplayer online game, you get to choose your side.

With the same designer as Grand Theft Auto, APB allows players to roam freely in a modern city. This game features tons of customization options for characters, clothing, weapons, and vehicles. In this fictional city, there is a constant fight between “Enforcement” and “Criminals,” but both factions have a similar goal: to attain fame, fortune, and territory. You can do whatever you wish in this make-believe world or complete missions assigned by the nonplayers. There is also a unique matching system that allows players to go up against other players of similar skill. The expected release date is in March.

kbay@apachepowwow.com

tlee@apachepowwow.com

Just 40 years ago, water was just plain water. It was a simpler time, a time when tap water was the norm. There was no Vitamin Water; there was no Smart Water; there was no bottled water, period. So just where did all these multi-million dollar companies spring up from? Why did they come to dominate our world when tap water was sufficient in providing us with perfectly drinkable water? The answer is this: we are caught up with the façade that bottled w water is safer, cleaner, and better for our health, yet such a concept can’t be further from the truth. at bottled water does not necessarily even come from beautiful natural springs like Arrowhead, Fiji, and many other bottled Did you know that ns claim? The truth is tha water corporations that bottled water is simply tap water that has been purified. Actually, “purified” isn’t even the right scribe it because bottled water of word to describe often contains more dangerous chemicals than normal tap water does. Jane Houlihan, Vice President for Research at Environmental Working Group (EWG) said, “Our tests show that pollutants in some popular brands matc match the levels found in some of the nation’s most polluted big city tap water systems.” Yet despite all the evidence evid provided, people still continue to consume bottled water at towering speeds and quantities. In 2004 2004, the global consumption of bottled water reached 154 billion liters (41 billion gallons), up 57% from the 98 billion liters consumed five years earlier. Not to mention that bottled water can cost as much as $3.79 pper liter; that’s more than gasoline and 1,900 times more than the cost of a gallon of public tap water!

Al Along with ith the fact that bottled water is no better than tap water, it’s a large contributor of pollution in our world orld because beca of all the emissions released in the transportation process. Moreover, in the process of making g water w handy and portable, we have littered our world with non-biodegradable plastic bottles. Also, much of the wate mu water that we consume comes from developing countries that sell out their natural water sources to ear earn money. Multi-million dollar companies such as Nestlé have established sites all over the globe th through a program called “Pure Life.” Nestlé has had a long history of significant ethical issue issues—from encouraging mothers in developing countries to give their babies formula over br breast milk (resulting in health problems and deaths among infants due to lack of breastf breastfed milk) to extracting water against the will of people in Brazil to violating labor rights in the Philippines.

So the next time you put a water bottle to your mouth, remember that it could be the same as purified tap water that you can obtain from your own house as long as you own a filter. So go buy a reusable water bottle and save the world from an overload of water bottles. jli@apachepowwow.com Photos by ELAINE TSUI and courtesy of WIKIMEDIA.ORG

We Proved You Wrong, Mom!

By KATHERINE BAY Staff Writer

When we were naïve, obedient little kids, our gullibility lity took over our minds. Our mothers told us the oddest “facts” that twisted our reality to the he point where we stopped and wondered if, in fact, they were actually true. Think back to thee younger years when you chewed your first piece of gum and were told to not swallow it or else that wad of rubber would uld stick to your our stomach for nearly seven years. Truth th be told, that piece of “advice” dvice” was a myth, and this wasn’t the only liee that your parents told you. These ong many others, were scientifically myths, among proven false. se. So sit back, relax, and enjoy a nice ride through hrough Truth Lane.

Myth: h: Swallowed gum will stay inside your stomach’s ach’s digestive system for a whopping total of seven years before being fully digested.

Results: ts: False. Gum cannot be digested in one’s stomach, omach, but it does not merely stay inside and sit there. It will just be dropped with the rest of one’s feces, like any other indigestible foods or excretions. However, excessive swallowing g of gum combined with constipation has caused aused rare intestinal blockage in children.

Myth Rd

Myth: You can’t go swimming until you’ve waited an hour after eating or else you will get stomach cramps and drown.

Results: False. There have been no fatalities from this, proving that this myth was made only as a caution. Horsing around in a swimming pool, ocean, or lake won’t cause any severe damage to the body after eating as long as your meal

Truth Ln wasn’t large or if you do not plan to swim strenuously. Honestly, that hour of waiting is just a time waster because your stomach will function just the same whether you’re sitting or swimming.

Myth: Cracking your knuckles will lead to arthritis.

Results: False. There is no definite link between knuckle cracking and arthritis. Those who crack their knuckles won’t have an increased risk of developing hand arthritis; however, studies have shown that it could lead to hand swelling and less

Photo courtesy of SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

12 ALL YOU NEED IS GOV LOVE

apachepowwow.com

By DEREK HA

February 2010

Staff Writer

seniors are around telling you that all kn w those rumors floating You kno s of school tion mo the just going through That they spend their days tivation, mo ir slackers? Th the l, zea ir the ed tis has kill ait graduation? That seniori as they awai ability to excel? and their ab S. LIE nstitution Team ple: the Citizen and the Co The members of We the Peo ous, and committed. iors can be passionate, ambiti rst place (Gov Team) prove that sen ento and took home the fi t 5, they traveled to Sacram e since tim rst On Feb. 2 to fi the for title te Finals, reclaiming the Sta nia ifor Cal th the , they at hes hy nis trop rth place fi ak of second, third, and fou ce in pla e tak 1997. Snapping a long stre l wil which nia at the National Finals, will now represent Califor . late April in Washington D.C Mr. Kevin Fox, t Gov Team’s current coach, tha e tim rst This marks the fi will go to Nationals.

Memories

I GOV

throughout my “Although I have enjoyed each and every team al,” said the speci is involvement with this program, this year’s group y came “The ph. trium ue overd fantastic Mr. Fox, reacting to the longone every which in s equal of unity comm together as a real team, a itments comm sary neces the made on, missi d share focused on the champions. I’m proud and at times sacrificed to rise to the level of beyond words.” seniors competing Gov Team consists of 30 AP US Government Constitution and US in simulated congressional hearings about the focusing on a each , units six into government. They are divided rs (Unit Two) Fathe ding Foun the as such tise different area of exper or the Bill of Rights (Unit Five). , who shook their hands and correctly ions from and meeting Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger opening statement before taking follow-up quest The team spent Feb. 3 touring Sacramento days. In every round, each unit presented an two ing follow the over place took n etitio predicted their victory. Comp en or civil rights attorneys. judges, some of whom were former congressm

k r o w m a Te

February 2010

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ALL YOU NEED IS GOV LOVE 13 “It was breathtaking to be in the moment,” said senior Daphne Fan, a member of Unit Six. “Just feeling the words slip out of your mouth and knowing that you’re impressing the judges—all the time and effort you’ve put in is suddenly worth it.”

Indeed, preparation for competition was rigorous and time-consuming. Day after day, week after week, members tirelessly made good use of Google, perused different textbooks, reread the Constitution, and kept up with current events. Your idea of fun might be Youtube-ing the evening away. Theirs is getting together with their unit to watch the State of the Union address.

“The entire experience has been surreal,” said Unit Five’s senior Pallavi Bugga. “I met the most incredible people and have learned so much.”

Friendship

Fortunately their journey did not end in Sacramento.

Fortunately, Saving the best for when it mattered most, every unit was spitting out Constitutional references and Supreme Court cases like no other, showcasing the end-product of six months’ worth of blood, sweat, and tears.

Their success, of course, was only made possible by the guidance and inspiration of Mr. Fox and the local attorneys, politicians, and college students who volunteered to coach individual units. On top of meeting with the team every day at school, Mr. Fox invariably showed up to Monday night practices at the Arcadia City Council Chambers and various unit meetings throughout the week, undeterred by a fragile back.

“Mr. Fox is the white-robed shepherd and a we are the sheep,” stated senior J Jesse Li, a proud member of Unit Three. “ “Without him, we would probably be dangling d off some cliff right now. We love you, y Mr. Fox,” he added.

Congratulations to Mr. Fox, the unit c coaches, and the 2009-2010 California We t People State Champions. Best of luck the i representing the school and the state at in Nationals!

N @ p dha@apachepowwow.com

Nationals: April 24th !

Photos Phot os ccourtesy court ourtesy esyy of FRANK FRANK HUANG HUANG and and d Graphics courtesy of CLIPARTTOP100.COM, LEARNINGEXTRA.COM, and BABYBEDDING.COM.

14

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16

ACADEMICS

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February 2010

Speech and Debate Blooms For Spring Varsity

By NANCY XIAO Staff Writer

AHS Speech and Debate has been doing well all year, but State Qualifications (State Quals) is the tournament that, according to sophomore Amit Akula, “everyone has been working for all year.” In fact, on Jan. 30, Speech and Debate competed in Spring Varsity, which is a good indicator of how competitors will fare at State Quals. AHS snatched 18 trophies and placed second overall. Junior Michelle Zhu, tournament champion in Oratorical Interpretation, commented, “I am happy for the team. It was good to beat San Marino again!”

The Speechies’ day started at 7:30 a.m. and ended around 10:30 p.m. The tournament was held on our very own campus with two preliminary rounds and semi-final rounds followed by a final round. Junior Grace Li broke semi-finals and exclaimed, “I thought I wasn’t going to break semis, so I was ecstatic when the results came up. I didn’t break finals, but that will only motivate me to work harder to place at State Quals.”

Grace’s attitude is precisely the kind of

Life Is Like A Bowl Of Quizzes

By OISHEE SHEMONTEE Staff Writer

The new semester has barely begun, but there’s no time for breaks in Quiz Bowl (QB)! During February, QB competed at UC Irvine, hosted its own tournament, and will compete at La Jolla High School.

On Saturday, Jan. 30, QB set out for UC Irvine to compete in Baby Anteater XI, a novice tournament open only to first and second-year members. “We had very high expectations for ourselves because it’s all material we already know. We’ve generally done well at Baby Anteater,” said one of the captains, senior Stanley Yuan.

Indeed, by noon, B Team and C Team were undefeated while A Team suffered only one narrow loss, meaning that all three qualified for the top bracket. Each had an equal opportunity to win first place since results from before lunch were disregarded for finals. In the end, C Team snagged sixth place and B Team won fifth, but the main excitement came down to the tiebreaker match between AHS’s A Team and University A. University A put up an excellent fight, but after 18 questions, AHS emerged the champion with a score of 385-275. “It feels very good to finally win first place—hard work does pay off,” said senior Alex Hu, cocaptain of QB. QB didn’t spend too much time celebrating. Members had to prepare for the Arcadia Carnal Embrace tournament held at AHS on Feb. 13. As hosts, AHS could not compete, but members still gained valuable practice by reading questions and moderating rounds.

So far, February has been a successful month for QB. We wish them the best of luck at their next tournament, La Jolla High School’s “Rocket Surgery” on Feb. 27. oshemontee@apachepowwow.com

mindset that propelled junior Jon Ma to place places first in both Fall Varsity and Spring seventh in both Humorous Interpretation and Duo Varsity, earning an automatic qualification Interpretation. He said, “It’s a first for State Championships. This year, for me and it felt good because Ray accomplished that feat. He I had to compete in eight competed in Original Advocarounds. I had to drink a cy with his speech “Saving lot of water and use the the World, One Fish at a restroom often, but my Time.” Despite all of his partner was a good accomplishments, Ray bud for sticking it remained humble and out with me…exstated, “I didn’t expect cept the bathroom it and I’m glad that I part.” AHS had qualified for state, three other double but my achievements finalists—senior are miniscule comCarl Trigilio and jupared to that of the niors Ray Chao and team; this is one of Janna Singer-Baefour strongest groups sky. When asked yet. Everyone at Photo courtesy of STEPHENNIE TENG for advice on how AHS deserves to leg to do well in Speech HOORAY The members and their advis- to state because we all and Debate, Janna er rejoice in their triumph after competing. worked so hard.” explained, “It really Ray radiates the comes down to practicing and using the critiques sense of teamwork that makes AHS Speech and feedback from the team.” and Debate so special. Good luck on the reEvery so often, a person comes along and maining tournaments!

Dramatic Interpretation Janna Singer-Baefsky - 6th Duo Interpretation Amy Wen & Amit Akula - 4th Ray Chao & Jason Ouyang - 5th Jon Ma & Andy Qin - 7th Original Advocacy Ray Chao - 1st Nancy Xiao - 3rd Janna Singer-Baefsky - 4th Thematic Intepretation Ashley Golinski - 7th Original Prose and Poetry Carl Trigilio - 2nd Krystal Valladares - 4th Oratorical Interpretation Michelle Zhu - 1st Virginia Ma - 2nd Carl Trigilio - 3rd Mabel Lee - 5th Alex Ethridge - 6th Humorous Interpretation Jon Ma - 7th nxiao@apachepowwow.com Graphics courtesy of UUFM.ORG

Sonnet MDCCCLXXVIII Version 18.7.8A-FXDT

By JOANNA LIAO Staff Writer

That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet. Although I am intellectually superior, I am a person and fully worthy of love—your love, of course.

Every time you enter the room, I stand up, unable to restrain myself from reciting, “But soft! What light through yonder window breaks.

It is the east, and you are the sun.”

Some may say my appearance is a bit less

Dear my heart’s most precious desire, Shall I compare thee to a summer’s day?

Thou art more lovely and more temperate. If that did not melt your heart or give you arrhythmia—then I don’t know if it’s igneous or metamorphic, but you rock!

Since the day your neon orange flip flops blinded my eyes and made me fall on my parietal bone, I have been thinking of you incessantly. By the way, flip flops can cause inflammation along your beautiful soles, ankles, and heels because it stretches your plantar fascia.

Doodling your name repeatedly in my notebook, replacing your last name with mine, then putting our last names together, I cannot concentrate during my classes anymore.

Nowadays I constantly fall asleep during class and envision us dissolving methanol to create alcohol flames in OUR neon orange.

After surrendering to your beauty and inGraphic by CHERRY MO telligence, I have been observing you from afar.

I know, committing to me would mean sacrific- VDAY Our neo-Shakespeare spent his ing your social status, but what is in a name? Valentine’s Day contemplating diction.

than dashing, but love is blind, and lovers cannot see. So fall in love with me; become blind, and it will arouse your remaining four senses and, hopefully your love for me.

After realizing that you, my darling, are the first to capture my heart, I have learned how to say the word “love” in every language in the world. But I have yet to grasp the true meaning of love, and I hope that you can teach me. ‘Tis neither here nor there, my love for you is everywhere. When sorrows come, they come not as single spies, but as battalions. My sweetheart, I am sure that there will be one day, in which we can walk side by side, hands touching, and chat about science.

They say men of few words are the best men, so I shall now end this downpour of emotions. But remember this—my heart is true as steel. You are the light of my life.

You are my numero uno. Doubt that the sun doth move, doubt truth to be a liar, but never doubt I love. jliao@apachepowwow.com Graphic courtesy of WILDWESTROUNDUP.COM

Who Needs The Super Bowl When There Is Science Bowl?

By SALLY CHUNG Staff Writer

After seven years of falling just short of Nationals, Science Bowl (SB) reclaimed its first place title after dominating at Regionals. On Feb. 20, SB’s A Team, consisting of seniors Eddie Xue, Jason Jong, and Alex Wang and juniors Derek Chou and Sam Zeng, competed at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory among other top schools. AHS’s archrival was Santa Monica High. However, Eddie believed “San Marino was noticeably weaker this year after its key player graduated, [which is why] it only received third.”

Could it also be that SB was stronger this year? That must be the case considering how the

day unfolded.

The competition started in a round robin format with six teams per bracket. Only the top two of each bracket competed in the double elimination round for first place. SB went undefeated in the round robin stage, winning against San Marino, Redondo Union, Calabasas, and Palos Verdes.

San Marino (SM) accompanied SB to the double elimination playoffs, but SB defeated SM 134-62. SB then faced University City and demolished it 132-46 in the second round of the playoffs. After going undefeated

for two rounds, SB faced its final competition, Troy High. SB won the first round against Troy 146-100. Unfortunately, SB lost the second round, and continued onto a third game to determine the first place winner. During the final round, SB was losing 18-60. But after three toss-ups, SB was able to tie the game 60-60!

After finally beating Troy 136-74, Eddie said, “We beat them after we regained our momentum and rhythm of buzzing.” Jason believed it was the emotional stability that brought victory. He stated, “Mrs. Cherryl Mynster was telling us that every year, SB would get frustrated when losing. We seemed far more light-hearted this year, while Troy seemed frustrated, and that was what got us to win. It was our mentality that brought us to victory!” Congratulations, and we wish SB the best of luck at Nationals! schung@apachepowwow.com Graphic courtesy of ZCACHE.COM

February 2010

apachepowwow.com

ACADEMICS

How To Tell When A Nerd Likes You

By OISHEE SHEMONTEE Staff Writer

As smart as they may be, nerds are not known for their social aptitude. While these brainiacs can write essays on the expectations of women in nineteenth-century society, they are not always able to interact successfully with peers. The signals they send out and the signals others receive from them are sometimes drastically different. That’s not to say, of course, that nerds can’t feel love. They feel emotions just as acutely as any other teenager—behind those thick glasses lies a whole world of love and devotion. The problem is that the feelings remain unexpressed. So how are we supposed to tell when exactly a nerd is in love?

1) He changes his hair/appearance.

So you come into class and slide into your assigned seat, conveniently right beside him.

You turn to politely greet him good morning, but stop in shock when you see that HE HAS SHAVED HIS HEAD. When you ask about it, he replies, “Oh, just trying to increase my mile time by reducing the amount of air resistance through shaving my keratinized filaments.

Rather dashing, don’t you agree?”

Don’t be fooled by his nonchalant air and offhand manner—he is really dying to know what you think of him. Of course, he didn’t really cut off his hair to increase his mile time— he probably heard your discussion with your friend about how you loved your favorite movie star’s military hair, and tried to copy the style— with disastrous results. But please don’t laugh, no matter how his scalp glistens in the fluorescent light, remember how much he sacrificed because chances are, his hairstyle has been the same since the fifth grade. Exposing the top of his head is not an ideal scenario for him. Cue the chorus of “Aww.” 2) He writes your name on his calculator.

So you’re in math class, and he’s beside over last night’s AP Biology homework yet you is busy tapping away on his old-fashioned again. You meant to do it last night, but you fell calculator. You are dreaming about life after asleep. Unfortunately, that means you now have school. All of a sudden, you feel your seat part- exactly fifty minutes to read through all of chapter 23 to get ready for next period’s quiz on ner nudge your shoulder. He’s smiling nervousthe Hardy-Weinberg principle. You’re ly, and holding out his calculator. worried when all of a sudden you You stare at it in confusion for hear him say, “Would you like me a minute: the equation makes to tutor you?” no sense. Frantically, you He looks nerlook up at the board, thinkvous, quite posing the teacher had assibly extremely signed some probawkward, because lem, then he taps although he enter, and a huge is extremely six- or seven-digit intelligent, number pops up. he doesn’t tuShyly, he turns the tor much, calculator upsideespecially down and, as if by people of the magic, you see opposite genyour name apder. He prepear. fers solitary If you are one projects, in of those people which depenwhose names are dency and incomposed only teraction with of I, L, O, E, S, G others is minior H, this might be Graphic by BEVERLY CHEN mal, so the fact a common occurCUPID’S ARROWS Beware of Cupid’s be- that he’s willrence for you. By now, you should witching spells or you might find yourself in love. ingly to spend know the correct response to this sort of flatter- his study time with you is something incredibly ing attention: show the proper amount of enthu- special. What are you waiting for? Go ahead, siasm, smile happily and memorize the pattern snap up his offer! Look at it this way: it’s at of numbers so you can amaze your friends with least more subtle than something like, “I’m a your uniqueness. Appreciate the moment—pre- fermata, hold me!” It’s a good chance to make tend not to notice him writing down the notes friends with one of the more interesting types and staring at them through class. If this hap- of human beings in the world. Who knows, all pens, just feel good about being so special that those study sessions together may lead you to you can successfully distract him from his fa- discover no matter how large his brain is, his heart is even bigger. vorite subject!

3) He offers to tutor you.

You’re sitting in English class, struggling

oshemontee@apachepowwow.com Graphics courtesy of BUSINESSPUNDIT.COM

The Stars Of Decathlon Sprint To Victory The essay part of the competition brought back memories of AP English, and interview was a bit nerve-wracking, since I was the second person to go. The impromptu portion of speech was

economics. After the second competition, Lorsine declared, “math was killer, but chemStaff Writer istry was fun.” Members left at 7:00 a.m. and competed until 4:00 p.m. In the varsity division, junior Cody Yang achieved gold in Academic Decathlon ended the year chemistry. From the scholastic division, well. The members met twice a week afLorsine was awarded silver in chemistry ter school for an hour and a half and once and mathematics, and bronze in art, interon the weekend for two hours. On Jan. 30 view, and speech. Junior Jonathan Wang and Feb. 6, Academic Decathlon memearned gold in music, art, and mathematbers fought hard to show their prowess ics and bronze in speech, essay, and dein a variety of academic subjects. Comcathlon. Sophomore Jasmine Li received posed of eight members separated into gold in interview, silver in decathlon, lanthree divisions—honors, scholastic, and guage and literature, and bronze in ecovarsity—Academic Decathlon’s A Team nomics. Sophomore Emily Liu received performed its best. gold in music and silver in economics and With nearly 60 schools competing, speech. Lynn was Arcadia’s top-scoring the competition was broken into two decathlete with six individual medals: she parts. The first competition on Jan. 30 received gold for best in team, silver in took place at El Rancho High School, and Photo courtesy of LORSINE LAI chemistry, decathlon, speech, interview, includes interview, speech, and esCELEBRATING Members proudly show off and essay, and bronze for economics. Acsay. Sophomore Lynn Huang praised ademic Decathlon finished in 2nd among her teammates, “I think we did great. I their trophy after a tough competition.

Division II schools and 15th overall. know all of us tried super hard and reWay to end the year! Congratulations to ally had to chip in because we got our study what I had worried most about, but I was able to the amazingly talented members of Academic materials really late.” She added, “We com- talk on for just enough time.”

The second competition on Feb. 6 took Decathlon who tried their best during the repete against ourselves because there are just too many schools to keep track of everything! place in the University of Southern California gional competition. We wish the team best of This year would have been a good one if our (USC) Galen Center, and was made up of the luck next year! scores went up.” Senior Lorsine Lai said, “It remaining seven subjects: math, history, scijliao@apachepowwow.com was actually quite an exhilarating experience. ence, art, music, language and literature, and

By JOANNA LIAO

17

College Column:

Wash U in St. Louis

By DEREK HA Staff Writer

Of the many things that can be said about Washington University in St. Louis (Wash U), the fact that its admissions office does not try hard enough cannot be one of them. The amount of pamphlets and postcards sent to students year-round is quite remarkable, and frankly, frightening.

In all seriousness, Wash U is recognized not just for its spam, but for being one of the country’s most prominent institutions of higher learning.

Established in 1853 and located in St. Louis, Missouri, Wash U has long been considered a Midwestern backup. Recently, however, the number of applications has spiked while acceptance rates dwindled.

The prestigious pre-medical program attracts thousands of aspiring doctors to apply every year, but Wash U is not a one-trick pony. The school also boasts strong departments in psychology, political science, and accounting. Students are also known to engage in interdisciplinary study, with 60% of students either declaring multiple majors or a major and a minor.

Perhaps the most unique aspect for this campus—traditionally known for being science oriented—is the students’ interest and involvement in politics: Wash U has hosted debates in the past five presidential elections, including the 2008 vice-presidential debate between Vice President Joe Biden and former Governor Sarah Palin. There are also multiple organizations such as Students Together Against Racism and Against Discrimination and Hatred on Campus to keep students engaged.

Practically adjacent to the school are a golf course, an ice-skating rink, a zoo, museums, and an outdoor theater. On-campus events include the Thurtene Carnival, the largest student-run carnival in the country, and annual celebrations marking Diwali, an Indian festival.

The tuition at Wash U—like that of most private schools—is expensive, but fortunately almost half of all students receive some financial aid.

SAT Scores Critical Reading: 680-750 Math: 710-780 Writing: N/A ACT Composite: 32-34 Acceptance rate: 21.7% Tuition: $38,864 dha@apachepowwow.com

Photo courtesy of WUSTL.EDU

NOT JUST ACADEMICS Students can enjoy elaborate firework shows at Wash U’s carnivals.

18

STUDENT LIFE

Trivial Pursuit: Valentine’s Day

Staff Writer

Sure, a box of chocolates, a dozen roses, and a Hallmark card filled with thoughts from the heart may impress your friends and date, but a knowledgeable mind is also no trivial factor.

As others dish out money for gifts, amaze your peers with some Valentine’s trivia!

1. What does the word “valentine” mean?

Sweetheart or lover.

2. What fruit is known as the “love apple”?

Tomato.

3. What does a yellow rose symbolize?

Friendship. elin@apachepowwow.com Ms. Chow, Chemistry Teacher X 1. Didn’t it come from a saint?

X 2. Um, there’s a fog fruit in Taiwan that looks kind of like a heart-shaped apple.

C 3. I think I’m supposed to say friendship.

Score: 1/3 Connor Li, Freshman X 1. Holiday.

X 2. I don’t know.

An apple? No, a strawberry.

C 3. Can you just give me the answer?

Friendship?

Score: 1/3

Sergio Gonzalez, Sophomore X 1. Date.

X 2. Cherry?

X 3. Uhh...beauty?

I don’t know.

Score: 0/3

Ryan Hsu, Junior C 1. Isn’t it the name of a person?

Like Latin? Something love? I don’t know....

X 2. Pineapple.

C 3. Friendship?

Score: 2/3

Alia Bana, Senior C 1. Lovers.

X 2. Oh! My favorite! Strawberries!

C 3. Friendship.

Score: 2/3

Photos by ESTHER LIN

February 2010

A Concert to Grant Wishes that the show provides for its viewers.” Amit and Amy’s skit left many audience members laughing in their chairs, including sophomore Megan White. She “never knew AHS had such amazing talent” and was particularly impressed, and added, “It was hilarious and witty…I don’t know how they memorized so many lines so

in the music…it was an amazing feeling doing something we love for the benefit of someone Staff Writer else.” Junior Jaslyn Elders agreed, “At first I The Future Business Leaders of America tried out for the concert just because I get ner(FBLA) held their third annual Benefit Concert vous in front of huge crowds while singing… on Thursday, Feb. 11, and they started things off [but] there is no way I would ever give up an with a bang! opportunity to help someone in need. It makes The concert, held at the Arsinging even more meaningful cadia Presbyterian Church, feato me.” tured a plethora of local talent, As the highlight of the and even included performances night, YouTube singing sensafrom YouTube stars Jason Chen tions Chen and Nguyen finand Cathy Nguyen. FBLA hosted ished the show with wonderthis concert as a fundraiser for its ful performances that had the community service project, and crowd on its feet. FBLA AmVice President of Service junior bassador Leslie Chang claimed Justine Lee added that “a portion that these two singers were a of [their] proceeds will go towards big part of the reason that the Children’s Wish Foundation Interconcert was so popular, saying national, which grants the wishes “I think [the concert] went reof children facing life-threatening ally well, considering that we illnesses. The officer team all dedidn’t start advertising until the cided it would be a great charity Photos by RHIANNON YEE week before, which shows that for us to select as it brought joy to FBLA CONCERT Freshman Christina Liang, junior Kimberlie Jason and Cathy really had a lot these children’s lives.” of pull with the audience.” After Liang and YouTube star Cathy Nguyen all perform for charity.

Many AHS students particithe show, people swarmed the pated, including several talented singers, danc- perfectly!” two young stars for pictures and autographs. ers, and even a magician, junior Kyle McNutt.

The performers may have been nervous to At the end of the night, both performers Sophomores Amit Akula and Amy Wen per- stand in front of such a large audience, but they and audience members went home with smiles formed a comedic skit, which Amit explained were spurred on by the energy of the crowd and on their faces, satisfied with the knowledge that was “an event [duo interpretation] that we per- the fact that all their efforts were going toward they contributed to a good cause and had an exform in Speech and Debate. I think it’s great a good cause. Junior Adriana Benevento said citing night they will never forget. because it shows how much variety this benefit dancing for a huge audience was “a bit scary concert has and the rich diversity of the acts at first, but once we got on stage, we got lost ryee@apachepowwow.com

By RHIANNON YEE

By ESTHER LIN

apachepowwow.com

Crouching Lion, Hidden Dragon adult advisers schedule these requests into the performers’ schedule. “Sometimes the performances are booked nearly a year in advance,”

ers’ stage routines are “extremely dedicated” because they, like all SGVCCA performers, Executive Copy Editor are volunteers. “[Their] motivation, like ours, While many AHS stuis the love of lion dance,” Ansis exdents participate in various plained. dance groups—from m ballet SGVCCA annually participates troupes to breakdancing ncing in the Los Angeles Chinatown parade crews—senior Ansis Chand Miss Los Angeles Chinatown Pageung’s form of dancing cing eant. The Youth Group performed 44 is truly unique. Since nce times in 2008 and 36 times in 2009.

2005, Ansis has particiticiLast Dec. 13, members performed pated in the San Gabriel riel a half-time show for a Los Angeles Valley Chinese Cultural ultural AssoClippers game at the Staples Center. ciation (SGVCCA), primarily During the game, they were featured as head of the Youth h Group. on the Jumbotron and had a group SGVCCA, a non-profi ofit orgaspotlight. “It was really cool to do a nization established in 1968, performance at half-court with the promotes the enrichment chment of whole audience in Staples Center peerChinese language and culture ing down at [us],” Ansis recalled. “The and hopes to share these inbest part was when we got to high-five terests with others. The Youth the whole Clippers team in the tunGroup consists of 200 to 30 acnel,” he added.

Photo courtesy of ANSIS CHEUNG tive performers and d specializes p “I would like to thank everybody, LION DAN DANCER Senior Ansis Cheung performs especially in Chinese lion and dragon dances. the leaders, who came before As president of the Youth Group, Ansis for the crowd on the streets of Chinatown. me in this group,” Ansis declared.“They leads his fellow dancers during their perfor- Ansis noted. Since he and his fellow dancers have been a great inspiration for me in most mances and social functions. are all volunteers, the money they earn from of the things I do.”

The movements in lion dance are based these performances go directly to SGVCCA to During his time in SGVCCA, he has on Chinese martial arts, and involve two purchase and maintain equipment, fund group learned “everything from business ethic to performers in a lion costume mimicking the functions, and so forth. confidence on stage,” Ansis noted. Even when creature’s movements to express its varied To keep up with the deluge of performance he leaves for college next year, he hopes to reemotions. Dragon dance, on the other hand, requests from clients, Youth Group members turn often to help the group that has been “like entails a team of eight to ten performers bear- meet weekly and sometimes bi-weekly to hone a second family” to him these past five years. ing a dragon supported by poles and perform- their skills as lion dancers. During the autumn He encourages anyone interested in joining ing amazing stunts through carefully coordi- and winter months, they also practice dragon SGVCCA to contact him at ansisc92@sbcnated teamwork. dance to prepare for upcoming Chinese New global.net for more information.

Clients often contact the organization to Year parades. arrange a dance performance, and SGVCCA The trainers who choreograph performdjong@apachepowwow.com

By DEBBIE JONG

February 2010

apachepowwow.com

STUDENT LIFE 19

Sadies 2010 Will Be Off the Pages! PROFILE GINA OH

By DEBBIE JONG

Executive Copy Editor

On Feb. 5, students participated in the first-ever Sadie Hawkins Dance (Sadies) theme elections in the North Gym, choosing from the themes “The Original Sadie Hawkins,” “Dance for the Decades,” and “Animation Domination.”

Junior Council and Prom Committee have been working tirelessly for months to plan and prepare for Sadies set for Mar. 20. The two groups approached the theme decision differently this year; instead of discussing and selecting a theme among themselves as in previous years, they announced three possible themes and let the students decide. Junior Boys’ Relations Alan Zhu explained that this process “eliminates most discontent the school has with [Junior Council] picking the theme.”

Each member of Junior Council has a specific task: Junior Senator Winnie Hui leads Prom Committee while President Jon Ma supervises and directs work outside of the group.

Vice President Patrick Han plans spirit activities and bonding events, and Secretary Evelyn Park takes minutes at meetings. Treasurer Lisa

Zhu organizes fundraisers and manages the Junior Council account to make sure they have enough money for the event. Girls’ Relations and Boys’ Relations, Anne Wu and Alan, manage the publicity aspect of the event, advertising Sadies through the student bulletin, Apache News, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.

Jon hopes for a turnout of 800 people or more this year, which is almost twice as much as last year’s. However, Alan stated that Junior Council members work very well together and “aren’t afraid to break records.” The money they raise from Sadies will be used to fund Prom 2010, which they promise will be “extremely epic this year.”

After the votes were tallied, Junior Council assembled in the Rally Court on Feb. 11 during lunch to reveal this year’s student-elected theme. They unfurled two large scrolls, each attached to a colorful festival of balloons reminiscent of the Pixar film Up. Emblazoned in bold letters on the scrolls were the words “Animation Domination.” The crowd of students cheered and welcomed this theme with delight, awed by the dramatic display.

The freedom and creativity that “Animation Domination” allows make it particularly

appealing to students because attendees can dress up as animated characters from movies, cartoons, comics, and so forth. The color scheme of the dance will be the rainbow to reflect the colorful nature of cartoons. There are endless possibilities for costumes; suggestions include characters from Disney, the Justice League, Pokemon, Cartoon Network, Looney Tunes, Pixar, DreamWorks, Nickelodeon, anime, and much more.

Alan welcomed any student with song or other requests for Sadies to mention ahs2010sadies on Twitter or send Junior Council members a direct message. To stay updated on Sadies news, visit the Sadies 2010 Twitter and YouTube pages online.

As Mar. 20 draws nearer, Junior Council and Prom Committee are meticulously planning out every last detail: pictures, DJs, lights, refreshments, security, chaperones, music, and decorations. “We’re hoping that the hype will start building and girls [will] start asking guys [now],” Jon said. From the innovative theme elections to the creative big reveal, it’s clear that this year’s Sadies will be “off the pages!” djong@apachepowwow.com

Photos by ELLIOTT LEE and DEBBIE JONG

SADIES TIMELINE Students vote for the Sadies theme, the theme is revealed to be “Animation Domination,” and the asking begins with seniors Maya Lee and Andrew Capati. Ladies, it’s time to start asking!

What’s All the Racquet About Badminton? fun and really gets you fit.” alone in his opinion, as Staff Writer Tong said, “Badminton has always been While most people regard badminton an interesting sport to as a backyard, family-fun game played me. People too often unwith a birdie, it is actually a blindingly derestimate this sport, which quick-paced sport requiring fast reflexes, is why Arcadia must lead the steady concentration, and extraordinary way in promoting this lesserhand-eye coordination. known sport. Arcadia needs Junior Vincent Li has been playing a badminton sports team.” In for two years and has refact, there are brilliantly talg lentlessly been trying ented badminton players right to start a team after here at AHS. Sophomore Iris realizing our school’s Wang participates in the Pan lack of one. Schools in American Junior Badminton the San Gabriel Valley Team along with her sister, that have badminton alumna Rena Wang, who teams include Alhambra placed first at the 2009 Pan High School, Mark KepAmerican Junior Badminton pel High School, Pasadena na Photo courtesy of VINCENT LI Championships.

High School, and San Gabriell High FLY BIRDIE FLY Vincent Li and his team hope to inteAs for his plans for the School. grate badminton into the AHS sports program. future team, Vincent said, “Inmbers, Encouraged by staff members, on a petition to show school officials that there stead of solely working on starting the badminsuch as Mrs. Cherryl Mynster,, Mr. is indeed an interest in playing badminton at ton team, I’m trying to provide every Arcadian s, and Ray Mynster, Coach Ryan Press, AHS, and many students look forward to be- with more chances to play badminton.”

AH ts on Mr. Shengyan Zhang, and students ing ppart of a competitivie team. According to campus, Vincent is motivated by their jshao@apachepowwow.com junior Alex Chen, who is excited about this post. He support and enthusiasm for the sport. sible team and intends to make room for it in hopes that the future AHS badminton team Graphics courtesy of EHOW.COM and his busy schedule, “I’d love to be a part of the te in will be able to send a team to compete IMG.TRADEINDIA.COM

By JADE SHAO

the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) tournament.

Vincent has acquired over 300 signatures

team. It’s really Alex is not senior Venus

By RHIANNON YEE Staff Writer

Photo courtesy of GINA OH

GLOBAL DEBATES Gina and her team go green.

Sophomore Gina Oh has a big mouth— one that she intends to change the world with.

Gina, along with many other high school students from Southern California, participates in the United Nations Foundation’s Global Debates program. These students get together not only to debate topics of serious global issues such as poverty and climate change, but also to actively participate in their communities in the fight against global warming.

These students from California are not alone; they are joined by members from all around the world. Approximately 2,000 high schools from 80 different countries participate in these debates, hoping to work together against global warming. The debates usually draw audiences of various leaders and officials of organizations, other students, and members of the community interested in the global issues. With many organizations such as the Pacific American Volunteer Association, Green LA Coalition, and Heal the Bay, these students aim to make a difference through researching, debating, and reaching out to the community.

Gina first heard about the debate program from New Hope Academy, a local debate institute. She was excited to join the cause because it gives “regular high school students an opportunity to share and voice their opinions to leaders and officials.” Along with improving her speaking skills, Gina has “learned more about the dire situation of climate change and poverty and little ways to help, such as recycling, reusing, and conserving.” Gina and her team are always trying to raise awareness for their cause, even going on beach cleaning excursions and giving out free recyclable ornaments to promote a greener Christmas at The Americana at Brand last December.

With any luck, Gina and her team will be taking the prize trip to the Netherlands if they gain enough points, which they earn by participating in community service projects, bringing officials to debates, and making videos and blogs to promote greener living.

Along the way, Gina has made new friends from many different schools, learned valuable ways to contribute to her community, and more importantly, how to help make the world greener a little bit at a time. She hopes that “everyone will learn something [about] the serious issues our world faces and will participate in helping to save it.” ryee@apachepowwow.com

20

SPORTS

apachepowwow.com

February 2010

Boys Basketball Finally Make it to CIF Again

By REBECCA LU Staff Writer

Led by the two senior point guards, Franky Yan and Jonathan Tom, the Boys Varsity Basketball team worked hard as the season wound down with an overall record of 15-13. Everyone was able to contribute to the team effort, and together, they worked hard to do well this year. They have all gained valuable experience against great competition and fulfilled their one goal from the beginning of the year of making it into CIF, which they have been unable to do for many years.

The team was falling short in the beginning of the season, but members turned their game up a notch during the middle of the season. They were able to win their second-round game against Muir 64-51, which helped them earn their coveted spot in CIF Playoffs. Their rank as the fourth place team in the very competitive Pacific League also helped them gain the opportunity to play competitively in CIF Playoffs and accomplish what they set out to do this season.

Before the game against Muir, the team was looking to avenge its earlier one-point defeat during the first round against them and promised that the game would be a hard-fought and physical one. And they carried through their promise; through junior Kiran Koneru’s continuous three-pointers and the boys’ strong defensive tactics, they were able to defeat Muir during their second-to-last home game. This triumphant victory helped them jump back into the competition.

Their journey in earning their spot in CIF was not an easy road. The team practiced hard on a daily basis and focused on one game at a

time as the boys worked to solidify their rank Coach Ryan said. in Pacific League standings. Their strong deterThe following home game against their rimination of achieving their goal in making the vals during the second round was just as heated CIF playoffs for the first time in four years gave and difficult as the previous game; the intensity them the drive to persevere and put their whole of the game kept the audience at the edge of effort into each their seats. The boys game, leaving evstarted out strong and erything on the quickly captured the court. lead, trying to avenge The bleachers their eleven point were packed with loss against CV durboth students and ing the first round. parents, capturing However they school spirit tostarted to fall short as gether on the day of the game progressed. the first away game Although they gave it against Crescenta their all and tried their Valley. With cohebest to defeat their sive teamwork and rivals, CV’s strong great plays, Ardefensive strategy cadia was able to overcame, and the keep up with their team once again lost school rivals, the 52-60.

Falcons. Although Despite the loss, the Apaches gave junior CJ Perez said, it their all, the “We fought hard and boys just didn’t played well together. have enough at The game was able the end, scoring really showcase our only 55 points as improvement this opposed to CV’s season as individuals 66.

Photo by ELLIOTT LEE and as a team.”

“That was BOYS BASKETBALL Senior Maury Their first CIF the end of the Bruce leaps up and fights for the tip-off against game started on first round and Burbank’s center.

Wednesday, Feb. we [were] com17 against Pacifica. ing off an exiting double overtime game against Pacifica’s offense was strong and by half-time Burbank that [had] put us in great position for they were leading, 42-21. The players of Pacia playoff spot for the first time in four years,” fica towered over the Apaches and therefore had

an immense advantage, their frontline consisted two 6’4” forwards and a 6’6” center. The team could not trump over the physical disadvantage and unfortunately failed to win, losing 34-67.

“They got us out of our rhythm and we never really recovered,” said Coach Jay Ryan, “We played hard, but it just wasn’t our night,” he concluded.

“We weren’t ready for the game because we were on a bus for two hours and we didn’t have any information on the other team so we weren’t prepared. They came out with a quick start and it was too hard to come back,” said junior Kiran Koneru.

Although the boys suffered some losses, there were also some memorable games this season. “Some of the highlights include sweeping Burbank which we had not done since they joined our league several years ago,” Coach Ryan reflected, “We swept Muir and Burbank as well. We also were able to beat Burroughs this year which we haven’t been able to beat the last four years.”

Support from AHS students is one of the key inspirations when they are on the court. “I would want the students of AHS to know that they have an exciting, hard working team,” said Coach Ryan, “We would like to encourage everyone to come out and support our basketball team. The boys work extremely hard and the crowd’s motivation really elevates the game.”

This season, the team gained some much needed experience to improve even more next year. From the overall record of 8-19 in the 2005-2006 season, to 15-13 this season, Boys Varsity Basketball team has really improved and made strides in the right direction. rlu@apachepowwow.com

Boys Soccer Learns from Mistakes to Dominate Next Year

By KATHERINE BAY Staff Writer

Soccer isn’t all about winning, scoring goals, or even kicking a ball around; it’s about teamwork, stamina, and improvement. The Boys Varsity Soccer team exemplified all of this during its past season as they kicked off to a fresh year but regrettably ended off on a disappointing note. With an overall record of 4-10-5, the team had an inconsistent season, teeter-tottering from winning to tying with some losing thrown into the mix. The team’s inability to consistently play up to par against their opponents yielded undesirable results.

Though this was definitely a roller coaster of a season for these athletes, this means that they will not advance to CIF, and for the seniors on the team, they will not have one last chance to prove themselves to the school. However, as long as the team improved and accomplished their goals, no loss, or even a tie for that matter, can stand in between them and their ambitions.

The Boys Varsity Soccer team started off their season against La Salle on Dec. 3, tying 0-0. It was hard to tell whether the season ahead of them was going to be dim or bright based on their unanimous score but it was not time to give

up just yet. et. Soon after the La Salle game, the team wass given an oppurtunity to attend Camp Pendelton n so they could take part in a program called Camp mp Goalz, an overnight camp focusing on teamwork, work, leadership, and communication.

Senior ior Tyler Chan said, “[The camp] was meant nt to form bonds between our teammates, as we worked together to meet our common mon goal [of qualifying for CIF playoffs]. yoffs]. The camp made our team stronger and more cohesive.”

On Dec. 7, the team showcased what hat they learned at the camp, defeating feating Maranatha 3-0.

One day later, the team traveled to La Cañada, añada, hoping to beat the Spartans and continue their winning streak. Sadly, adly, their ends just didn’t meet when en they brutally lost 1-5.

Their next xt competitor was Bishop Amat, and nd they tied 1-1. The team then had a tied game of 2-2 against Hoover and nd had a loss of 0-1 against Pasadena.. Up until this point into the season, on, their scores had been fluctuating ng greatly as their results Photo by MAURICE IP

BOYS SOCCER Senior Umar Issa dribbles the ball downfield, keeping his head up and looking for an open teammate for the cross.

rolled back and forth on a scale of wins, losses, and ties. Junior Andrew Chin said that he “expects to win their conference next year” with a optimistic attitude.

On Dec. 21, the boys participated in a Monrovia tournament against Gladstone and had yet another loss of 1-2.

That same day, they had a game against Rowland and continued their losing streak when they only scored two goals to Rowland’s four. Rejuvenated, the team reutrned the next day, regained their strength, and won 3-0 against Ontario Christian.

The team took winter break as a time to recuperate and collect themselves after the first half of the season. After winter break was over, they were welcomed back by a 3-0 win against Burbank.

Unfortunately, their scores went downhill from there. On Jan. 11, the team played against John Burroughs which they tied 4-4. The team then lost 0-1 against Muir, 1-3 loss against Glendale, and 1-2 loss against Crescenta Valley. The team didn’t have such great hopes for their game against Hoover, where they took another tough loss of 0-1. Pasadena

was their next competitor on Jan. 27 where they tied 2-2. Two days later, the team finally had a triumphant win against Burbank with a score of 4-1. On Feb. 3, the team played against Burroughs and lost 0-3 while their game against Muir resulted in yet another loss of 1-3.

The recent rain storm took its toll by putting the team down in the dumps for their game against Glendale. With that said, their accounted loss of 1-4 certainly brought the team’s self-esteem and willpower even lower. Their last game of the season was against CV and the team tied 2-2.

“This was a tough season with a lot of close games. Those games were the most frustrating, because we started out in the lead and lost it at the very end of the game. But we played very well, even though we didn’t get the results we wanted. Overall it was still a great season,” said junior Daniel Ortiz.

Although this wasn’t their best season, their effort and great strides definitely counted, perhaps not in a literal sense, but more as a spiritual, bonding moment. Hopefully, next year the team will get its act together and make our school proud. As of now, the team stands proud and looks past their mistakes because all they can do is look at the bright future ahead of them.next year. kbay@apachepowwow.com

February 2010

SPORTS

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21

Gatorade Player of the Year the Nike Cross Country Nationals. Ammar recalled, “The ‘experts’ had said that I was inexperienced in running against ainst all the big names, and that would hurt me. [Even] so I was really pumped up to be running, ng, and I had a little mental fire going.” Ammar mar earned his spot in the top five when he finished finished in fourth place, which he said wass higher than he

Even with such an astounding accomplishment at Nationals, Ammar feels that his proudStaff Writer est moment was when he mounted the podium with his team at the 2009 The Boys Cross Country team has estabState Meet. Ammar said lished itself as one of the best cross country that after the team’s 2008 teams in the entire state. However, one outexperience of barely missstanding individual in this group of talented ing the podium, “[they] runners deserves individual recognition. promised each other [they] The title of California’s Boys Cross would get on the podium Country Athlete of the Year was awarded the next year.” The boys to AHS’s very own junior Ammar Moussa certainly kept their promin January. He recalled that it was during ises and achieved their his calculus final that his coach, Coach Mr. goal as a team. He recalled, Jim O’Brien, told him—to his complete “We talked about it, dreamed surprise—the good news. about it, and worked for it for 365 To those who have witnessed Amdays. When the day came, and we stood mar’s running abilities and the steady there accepting our medals, it was surstream of recognition he has received, his real.” new title probably does not come as too In addition to bringing him wellmuch of a surprise. Ammar managed to deserved glory and recognition, running outdo even himself when he took first at has also provided Ammar with “a rock in the 2009 State Meet with an incredibly fast [his] life.” He also added, “It keeps me time of 14:29. With this success he, repfrom doing stupid things … I don’t go resenting his team, redeemed themselves Photo by KRISTIE TOM party, or do dumb things to my body befrom their past performance at the “incredGraphic courtesy of ONWARDTOSTATE.COM cause I want to do my best as a runner, ibly disappointing state meet” of 2008. and that means I have to keep my body Ammar said, “Crossing the line, I felt re- FASTEST IN CALIFORNIA Ammar healthy.” lieved and happy that every single mile I Moussa’s 2009 State Meet time of 14:29 helped him win this prestigious award.

However, there are other factors in had run for a year had finally paid off.” his life that motivate him to run as well.

Not to mention, Ammar was chosen from He said, “I also am driven to do my best beevery other cross country athlete in the state of “had ever thought [he] could place.”

As if fourth place at the national level cause I know my teammates are depending on California as Gatorade Player of the Year, “one of the most prestigious accolades in high school wasn’t incredible enough, Ammar proved it me to [do] my best and to not give up.” As provsports,” according to the official Gatorade web- wouldn’t do him justice to settle for second—or en by his past performances, if there’s anybody fourth—best when he placed first at the USA his teammates can depend on, it’s him. site.

Furthermore, his amazing career as a run- Track and Field National Junior Olympic Cross ner exceeded state boundaries when he went to Country Championships. rliu@apachepowwow.com

By REGINA LIU

Boys Varsity Basketball Overall: 15-13 League: 5-5 Girls Varsity Basketball Overall: 8-8 League: 6-8 Boys Varsity Soccer Overall: 4-10-5 League: 3-3-7 Girls Varsity Soccer Overall: 12-7 League: 10-5 Girls Varisty Water Polo Overall: 7-22 League: 4-7

Girls Soccer: You’ve Got an Assist-er In Me

By JOYCE LIAO Staff Writer

Teamwork—the foundation of any sport, it finds particular importance on the soccer field.

Games can be determined by the ability of each player to cooperate and work together towards a common goal – the one on the other side of the field, that hat is.

An assist assist is defi defined ned as a player y who ppasses the ball to anoth another her player, who in turn

scores a goal for the team. A sister, on the other hand, is someone you joke with, tease, and act silly around. And both aspects have significantly contributed to the success of the Girls Varsity Soccer team.

After hours of practice, nerve-wracking final minutes of an important game, team dinners and off-campus lunches, and a shared sense of commitment to the sport, the hardworking lladies varsity of the vars sity soccer tea team hav hhave deinto velopedd in nto more just thann ju ust a team.

They’ve become a They y’vee be eco family. fam mily.

The tteam’s T cooperation co oopeeratiion and compatibility enables enaabless them to help o he elp each other o r oon the fi eld.. ““[We] field. learn each leaarn other ’s strengths sstre and

weaknesses, so that we could all work to make each other look good and work well,” said senior Alex Dreves.

Along with good teamwork, an exceptional team is marked by a positive attitude and fierce determination. With their optimism, unity, and sheer talent, the Apaches were victorious in five of their games in January, but came out short in the other four.

But these losses have not kept them down.

Rather, the girls are using them as motivation to continue training as hard as possible.

“We did lose but we all kept fighting until the end,” commented junior Pamela Joseph, reflecting the girls’ relentless efforts even in loss.

“Whether we win or lose, we learn something new, something we need to work on as a team,” added freshman Shelby Dreves.

In a game against Hoover on Jan. 22, the team showed their dominance, sweeping the game 8-1. The other team was just no match for the speed and teamwork of the Apaches. The girls then proceeded to crush Muir 8-0 on Jan. 13. Other major highlights of Arcadia’s season include Aliso Niguel and the Mater Dei Soccer Invitational during the winter break. According to Coach Mr. Paul Myles, “Mater Dei, the school that hosts the tournament, is the Megan Fox of girls soccer so tying them is quite an accomplishment and a testimony of this year’s soccer team.”

Even heavy rain cannot dampen the girls’ spirits, nor can it curb their natural competitive edge. Rather, they made the best of their situation,whether it be having fun in a light drizzle, or pushing their tired bodies to perform in the pouring rain. Each time, they have proved themselves not only physically, but mentally strong.

On Feb. 5, the girls played against Burroughs and emerged victorious with a final score of 2-1.

By beating out Glendale on Feb. 9, the girls took one step closer to their ultimate goal—to advance to CIF. Going into the game against Crescenta Valley that took place on Feb. 11, the girls were ready to defend their spot in CIF playoffs. In the end, the rival Falcons were no match against the talented —and very determined—Apaches, despite the fact that they have often edged the girls by a few points in matches of previous years.

Their victorious streak continued straight into the first round of CIF, beating Palmdale 2-0 on Feb. 17. It seems like their positive attitudes and incredible dedication have carried them far.

But their optimistic outlook ended during the second round of CIF when they lost to Saugus on Feb. 19, the defending champions, 1-6.

“Even though it has been tough, I never lose faith in my team and what they are capable of,” added junior Captain Sydney Dreves.

Photo by ELLIOTT LEE

GIRLS SOCCER Junior Vania Robles skillfully

fends off an oncoming Burroughs defender.

jliao@apachepowwow.com

22

CALENDAR CB Cupcakes: Do They Take the Cake?

Valentine’s Day Devastation

By CHERRY MO

By GLUTTON GIRL Staff Writer

Roses are red, violets are blue, insert corny rhyme here, isn’t that what we all do? February: the month for all things sparkly, lovable, and eye candy-licious (for the record, I am not talking about Edward Cullen). Feeling for something sweet, this month, I decided to go with a bakery...kind of. For all you clueless gentlemen who still owe your sweetie a Valentine, read on for a surprisingly heartfelt gift for that special someone!

Spotted! T makes her way to CB’s CupCakes at the Santa Anita Mall.

The first thing that stands out about the store is its appearance. Though I can’t say that this atmosphere lures people in to buy cupcakes, I can say that it attracts much attention. The menu frames and cupcake display stands are all embroidered in a fancy black design; there are bright pink lights wrapped around the cupcake creation area, and the backdrop sports an adolescent-girl’s-room look.

It’s not the food that makes this store unique, but rather the way it’s prepared. This cupcake joint is very much similar to Subway or Chipotle. You get to choose which flavor of cupcake, what type of icing, and what topping and watch them make it for you. For cake flavors, there are four choices: Vanilla, Chocolate, Red Velvet, and Key Lime. There is also their Fabulous Flavor of the Month: Coca-Cola. Icing is limited to Chocolate, Vanilla, and Cream Cheese and the variety of toppings includes rainbow/chocolate sprinkles, pink sugar, M&Ms, Oreo cookie crumbles, and gummy bears. I picked out a fairly normal combination of red velvet topped with vanilla icing and rainbow sprinkles. Cupcakes come in two sizes, muffin and mini, which are $3.25 and $1.50 each. Yes, I said $3 for a cupcake. At this price, I expected my cupcake to be exceptionally tasty and fit for high class dining. Did it deliver? Not quite. Though the cupcake is better than normal standards, the quality is not up to par according to the cost. I’m not saying it tasted bad, but I anticipated it to be more worth my buck. The cake was fluffy and moist while the sprinkles added a slight crunch to the gooey madness of icing. But then again, I know a few friends who can bake cupcakes of the same caliber.

Besides normal cupcakes, CB’s also sells Icing Shots for $1. They are exactly what they sound like: shots of icing with a selection of any topping. It’s not hard to imagine what it would taste like: a mouthful of overly-sweetened, heart attack-inducing, fat-filled, calorie-combusted cream. Delicious, no?

Needless to say, eating here was an interesting experience.

The service was fast, the register lady was helpful, and I got to see my cupcake created right in front of my eyes. I’d have to conclude that the pricing is definitely on the expensive side, $3 for a cupcake (even a good one) is pushing it. I would, however, recommend this place for gift giving purposes. This just isn’t someplace I would go on a normal basis.

With that said, here Glutton Girl signing off another month of the year!

XOXO, Glutton Girl Photo by GLUTTON GIRL

CALLING ALL SWEET TOOTHS Sprinkles and frosting are delights for the tastebuds.

gluttongirl@ apachepowwow. com Graphic courtesy of ZAZZLE.COM

A Junior...

By BEVERLY CHEN

apachepowwow.com

February 2010

February 2010

apachepowwow.com

Chinese New Year / Visor

By KATE HARWITZ

CALENDAR

23

February Word J U MB LE Directions: Unscramble the given letters and write the answer in the boxes right below it. Then using the letters in the circles, unscramble the word for the solution of the puzzle. The answers are all words that have some relation to the month of February.

Pache’mon Adventures–Episode 5

By BEVERLY CHEN

Sudoku Check your answers at apachepowwow.com

Courtesy of WEBSUDOKU.COM

24

apachepowwow.com

February 2010

“I like eating candy on Valentine’s Day because candy cheers me up and it’s the best thing to eat especially since there is a lot of candy going around.”

-Shaolin Lauricella, 11

“For Valentine’s Day I usually enjoy hanging out with my friends, but this year I bought some chocolate and ate it by myself.”

- Bryan Mak, 9

“During Valentine’s Day, I usually try to get something for my mommy because she’s done a lot for me in my life, and I want to honor that.””

- Miguel Santa Maria, 9

“ I don’t celebrate Valentine’s Day! But I celebrate Singles ngle less lle Awareness Day, and I usually go o shopping and watch a movie with my friends.” - Kaylee Yang, 12

“On “O On on onee Valentine’s ntine’ss D Day, ay, I sl slipped lipp ppeed a “On Valentine’s Day, I usually watch secret secr se crett lo cr love letter into my brother’s ’s ppencil pen pe encill bbox. He got really excited d an aand nd movies and think about being single. pooped po ooped in his pants. I don’t think k hhee I also stumble around when I see the girl I like.” -Kevin Lin, 10 ever ev ver ffound out who it was.”

-Steven -S Ste tev Liem, 10

“ Lastt Valentine’s Valennntine Day, my little sister put a bbunch unchh of cchocolates under my bed covers as a suprise for me. T The ssun was shining in my room and I didn’t find the chocolates chocooolate until later. By that time, the chocolates had melted melteed al all over my bed so we spent an hour cleaning up the mess.”

- Hillary Heer, 11

“A Valentine’s Day memory I have was on my 15th birthst day, since my birthday falls on that day. I had just left tthe hospital so my cousin bought me a huge gee conta container of jelly beans. My friends and I spent ann h ur experimenting with different flavors and then ho hen hour everybody e ery ev had to leave. We forgot to eat the cake.” ke.”

- Sara Mosley, 122

Photos Pho P Ph h tos oss by

by ELLIOTT EL E LLIOTT LI TT LEE E