April 2014

World Is Our Campus The The World Is Our Campus Volume 61, Issue 8

Arcadia High School 180 Campus Drive, Arcadia, CA

April 2014

CARDINAL AND GOLD—Rankings

In this issue:

Photo courtesy of ARCADIANSERVICES.COM

NEWS pg. 2 Car Wash Hiatus: AUSD puts a hold on car wash fundraisers in the district amidst the Californian drought.

Photos courtesy of AHS.AUSD.NET, ARCADIASBEST.COM, ARCADIAPAF.ORG, and JPL.NASA.GOV

A TRADITION OF EXCELLENCE Despite being a school with a relatively high student population, AHS has risen to the challenge and succeeded, ranking among the top 100 schools in California for the third consecutive year in a row.

Photo courtesy of VCSTAR.COM

ACADEMICS pg. 18 OSB Places at Nationals: The team finished 2nd in the nation

Photo by STANLEY SHAW

ACADEMICS pg. 20 AVID: A new college readiness program is helping AHS students prepare for education beyond high school.

Have a question, comment, or concern about the Pow Wow? Email the Editors-in-Chief at eic.powwow@gmail.com. or find us online at arcadiapowwow.wordpress.com

By MICHELLE HUANG Staff Writer Recently, U.S. News and World Report awarded AHS a Gold Medal Award in its “2014 Best High Schools” national rankings. After analyzing more than 31,200 high schools from all 50 states and ranking 19,411 of them, U.S. News, with this award, declared AHS to be within the top 3% of high schools in the nation, an acknowledgement that has been bestowed upon AHS for three consecutive years.

However, what makes this achievement so special is the fact that AHS is able to maintain a high level of academic excellence while having such a high student population. Ranked 89th in the state, AHS is one of only three institutions among the top 100 schools in California that boasts more than 3,000 students. Our closest neighbor, San Marino High School, was also awarded the Gold Medal by U.S. News but has a student population of only about one-third of that of AHS. Meanwhile, our rival, Crescenta Valley High School, is similarly ranked at 82nd in California but has about 700 fewer students than AHS. How is AHS able to compete with other schools despite its large size? In his opinion, our

principal, Dr. Brent Forsee, attributes AHS’ success to the great educational foundation AUSD provides.

“AHS has the very best teachers, but this award recognizes the great work our entire school district has put in,” said Dr. Forsee. “It starts even before [students] arrive at AHS, at our three middle schools, where teachers are preparing our students well.”

While credit must be given to Arcadia’s fantastic elementary and middle schools for nurturing such bright and intellectually stimulated students, AHS also deserves recognition for training its students in such an academically rigorous environment that positively impacts its students and the school’s ranking in the U.S. News and World Report’s ranking system.

U.S. News and World Report implements a three-step ranking system. In the first step, U.S. News looks at each student’s math and reading results on his or her respective state’s high school proficiency test while factoring in the percentage of economically disadvantaged students to determine if the school is performing better than the statistical average. After the first step, the second step is to identify if the least-advantaged students—African Americans, Hispanics, and low income—are also performing better than the state average in math and reading proficiency. Finally, the third step is to judge each school’s college readiness by accounting for the number of students who take Advanced

Placement tests and how well they perform on them.

With CST’s being replaced by the new Common Core system and AUSD implementing open access to all AP courses, it will be interesting to observe how AHS’ ranking will be affected if U.S. News continues to use its three-step system. “Ultimately, we want more opportunities for each student who comes onto our campus. The outcome open access has on our rankings is not as important,” said Dr. Forsee when asked about high school ranking and its relationship with the decision to make AP’s open access.

Moreover, Arcadia’s success in both academic and extracurricular activities is what makes it such an exciting place to be for students and teachers alike. Arcadia’s excellence goes well beyond mere academics, for it has multiple nationally recognized performing arts programs, academic teams, sports programs, and much more. Thus, it is important to realize that the Gold Medal Award is but one measure of AHS’ greatness. Students, parents, teachers, and other faculty all understand this, and AHS deserves a life-long gold medal for continually instilling a tradition of excellence. mhuang@apachepowwow.com

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NEWS

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Missing Flight MH370

By DONNA SAYPHRARAJ

Staff Writer

At 12:41 a.m. on Mar. 8, a Boeing 777200ER jet took off from Kuala Lumpur, headed for Beijing. It carried 239 passengers, including 12 crew members, from 14 different nationalities. About a half hour later, at 1:07 a.m., the plane sent what was to be its last ACARS transmission. The transmission showed nothing unusual, exhibiting a perfectly normal flight path to Beijing. 15 minutes later, someone in the

the plane was missing from radar. At 6:30 a.m., when the plane was supposed to land in Beijing, family members of passengers merely thought the plane was delayed. It wasn’t until 7:24 a.m. that Malaysia Airlines announced the plane was missing. That morning, the whole world waited with bated breath for news about the plane.

When oil streaks were spotted in the ocean, many hoped it would lead to the missing plane, but the streaks turned out to be from a ship.

After the initial rush followed a time with frustratingly little progress. It took nearly a week for Malaysian officials to create two pos-

April 2014

Russia Wants Alaska Back

By MEGAN HONG

Staff Writer

Everyone has probably heard of Russia’s recent decision to annex Crimea, but recently, many discussions concerning Russia taking back Alaska have been going around social media sites. Almost 150 years after U.S. purchased its 49th state from Russia, there are now rumors that affirm Russia’s plan to reclaim Alaska. Besides the famous Russian meme that depicts penguins holding up signs that state “Crimea is ours,” “Alaska is Next” and “Only Putin,” Many Russian officials have also made commented on the reclaiming of the territory that was sold to the U.S. for $7.2 million in 1867.

On a BBC talk show last month, Russia European Union representative Vladimir Chizhov jokingly suggested that U.S. Senator John McCain should “watch over Alaska, it used to be Russian,” which directly hints at Russia’s goals.

A petition for the “secession of Alaska from the United States and joining Russia” received over 39,000 votes by Apr. 6 and needed 100,000 signatures by Apr. 20 to re-

ceive any attention from the White House, but went past the date and expired. The petition was created by Government Communication G2C; the directors of the organization stated that their purpose is not to give Alaska back to Russia, but to “show the White House that its petition system is a flawed democratic tool that allows anybody to ask for anything,” stated G2C Assistant Director Alexander Zhukov. The organization also intentionally used incorrect grammar in the description to further emphasize how “any fool” could use the White House’s petition system.

This petition was met with controversial responses, including both blatant outrage and discernable sarcasm.

Some people even offered to give Alaska back if President Vladimir Putin would take former governor Sarah Palin along with the state. Although most U.S. citizens believe this to be a lost cause, as more than 60,000 signatures are needed until the White House will take note the problem, others argue that there is a possibility that Russia is concealing its deep regret at the loss of Alaska, a state with mineral-rich resources. mhong@apachepowwow.com

Graphics courtesy of ABOUT.COM

Cooling Tensions in Ukraine

By MICHELLE HUANG Staff Writer

LOST FLIGHT The Australian crew ship, as well as many others, continue searching for the missing Malaysian Flight MH370. cockpit bid Malaysian air traffic controllers “all right, good night”.

Only three minutes after co-pilot Fariq Abdul Hamid bid good night to air traffic controllers in Malaysia, the transponder of the airplane was turned off, making air traffic controllers blind to it’s path. After the transponder was shut off, the plane was tracked by a Thai military radar. It disappeared off that radar at 1:22 a.m., but six minutes later the Royal Thai Air Force noted an unknown aircraft flying in a direction opposite to Flight MH370’s supposed path. At 1:38 a.m., another ACARS transmission that was supposed to occur did not transmit. Richard Quest of CNN said that If the flight were hijacked or a target of terrorism, cutting off ACARS would be a strategic move because the system reports to satellites anything being done inside the aircraft.

A little more than thirty minutes later, at 2:15 a.m., a Malaysian military radar tracked the plane as it passed over a small island in the Strait of Malacca. The route the plane was taking was hundreds of miles off course by that time, according to Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Raza. It is then believed to have either turned northwest toward the Bay of Bengal or southwest into the Indian Ocean. That was the last the time Flight MH370 was tracked by any civilian or military radar.

An hour and a half later, Malaysian Airlines issued a “code red” alert, signifying that

sible routes for the plane. Because the northern route featured heavily guarded airspace over over India, Pakistan, and U.S. military installations in Afghanistan searchers focused on the southern route. This path stretches from Indonesia to the southern Indian Ocean. The question asked , however, was “how do you find a plane in the middle of an ocean?”

The Thai military radar had shown a path almost opposite the direction of where the plane was supposed to be headed. An initial search in the suggested area, however, revealed nothing.

By Mar. 26, aircraft from New Zealand, France, Japan, and Thailand had all noted objects floating in the ocean, but nothing was found.

Incidences where objects were spotted by a plane but not found later by search vessels kept occurring. On Apr. 4, people began to panic. The plane’s black box—the cockpit voice and flight data recorder—has enough battery life to last 30 days, at most. On Saturday, Apr. 5, almost by miracle, the Chinese ship Haixun-01 patrolling the area heard pings in the vicinity. According to them, the pulse carried the same frequency as the black box: 37.5 kHz. Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbot now says he is positive they have found the black box. The signals, however, are getting weaker every day and if the plane is not found soon, it could be lost forever. dsayphraraj@apachepowwow.com Graphics courtesy of CNN.COM

As the situation in Ukraine deepens, the issue shifts from annexing Crimea to preventing military conflict. Officials are no longer concerned with rejoining Crimea with Ukraine, but rather avoiding a multinational clash with Russia.

The U.S. has threatened to cut off ties with Russia, including financial services, energy, mining, defense, and engineering if it does not withdraw its troops from Crimea.

However, major European nations such as Britain or Germany have stronger reliance on Russia, so it is unsure if they will sever relations with it.

Presidents Vladimir Putin and Barack Obama agreed to send their top diplomats to come up with a compromise on Mar. 28.

After hours of negotiation, Secretary of State John Kerry and Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov agreed to include Ukraine in the negotiation process and find a way to ease border disputes.

According to Kerry, both countries agreed to tune down border pressure in favor of diplomacy. He did not directly address the Crimean annexation, only noting that Rus-

sia’s actions were “illegal and illegitimate”, and also commenting that “Russia obviously has long ties and serious interests” in Ukraine.

“Both sides made suggestions on ways to de-escalate the security and political situation in and around Ukraine,” Kerry said.

“We also agreed to work with the Ukrainian government and the people to implement the steps that they are taking to assure the following priorities: the rights of national minorities, language rights, demobilization and disarmament of the regular forces and provocateurs, an inclusive constitutional reform process, and free and fair elections monitored by the international community.”

The withdrawal of Russian troops on Mar. 31 confirmed that the conference was quite successful.

Russia’s already struggling economy is further deteriorating due to the money spent amassing troops. Added to the U.S.’ unwillingness to cooperate, Russia’s economy will surely take a heavy toll. mhuang@apachepowwow.com Graphic courtesy of ABOUT.COM Photo courtesy of T-ONLINE.DE

April 2014

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California Earthquake Swarm An earthquake in the center of L.A. could be so intense it would lift large, Staff Writer heavy objects into the air. It did happen before, in the 1989 Loma Prieta earthOn Mar. 28, a 5.1 magnitude earthquake in the Santa Cruz mountains. On quake rocked the La Habra area, and cithat occasion, a grand piano was found vilians within a ten mile radius reported upside down. “That’s the type of shakminor damage to their properties. Besides ing that will hit all of downtown...everypersonal damage, many water mains where from La Habra to Hollywood,” broke, and a rock slide in Carbon Canyon Jones declared. caused a car to flip over. The relatively To make it worse, the violent moderate earthquake, however, shaking would be amplified by was a reminder of the potenthe soft soil under the Los Angetial damage a larger one could les Basin and the valleys, which cause. could produce a Jello effect as the The Puente Hills fault, waves wobbled off the basin. which runs through San Gabriel The good news is that the PuValley and downtown Los Anente Hills have a major earthquake geles, could cause more damonly about every 2500 years. Unage with a magnitude 7.5 than fortunately, scientists do not know the San Andreas fault would when the last one took place and with a larger shake. The latter cannot predict how much time is fault runs through the outskirts left until the cycle starts all over of heavily populated Southern again.

California.

The Puente Hills fault was The March quake was THE FAULTS OF CALIFORNIA The San caused by the fault slipping for Andreas Fault neighbors the Puente Hills fault, the discovered a mere 15 years ago in 1999. Five years before that, the one half of a second, accord- cause for the numerous earthquakes.

Northridge earthquake hit on an ing to USGS seismologist Lucy “invisible fault” that scared everyone.

Jones, which caused the surfaceto shake ings, including some built with concrete.

In contrast, the “Big One”, mag- Since then, scientists have been hunting for about 10 seconds. A 7.5 shake on the Puente Hills fault could potentially cause nitude 8 on the San Andreas fault line, for more “invisible faults,” leading to the fault to slip for 20 seconds, and the which runs more than 30 miles from the discovery of the Puente Hills fault. downtown L. A., and on the other side of shaking would be felt for much longer. humerani@apachepowwow.

Besides its running through the heart the San Gabriel Mountains, would cause, Photo courtesy of LATIMES.COM of L. A., the Puente Hills fault is horizon- according to estimates, 1800 deaths.

By HAFSAH UMERANI

tal, and any intense shaking would be amplified over a larger area, about 15 by 25 miles. A shake on this fault could kill from 3,000 to 18,000 people and cause $250 billion in damage. People in nearly a million households could potentially be left homeless.

One of the main reasons for concern, said Jones, is that both downtown L. A. and Hollywood are filled with old build-

South Korean Ferry Boat Tragedy

By MICHELLE GU

Staff Writer

On Wednesday, Apr. 16, a Korean passenger ferry carrying more than 450 passengers sunk in the waters of South Korea’s coast. After the tragedy, divers spent many days bringing body after body out of the sunken ferry, Sewol. At least 108 people have died while 194 people still remain missing. According to a South Korean coast guard, many of them were high school students and teachers on a field trip to a popular holiday island. Although the rescue effort has saved 174 people since the ferry sank, no survivors have been found since.

“The conditions are so bad, my heart aches. We’re going in thinking there may be survivors. When we have to come back with nothing, we can’t even face the families,” said Bard Yoon, a rescue diver.

An official statement from South Korean President Park Geun-hye declared the actions of the captain and some of the crew as “absolutely unacceptable, unforgiveable” and “akin to murder.” The police have already arrested seven crew members along with the captain. The captain, Lee Joon-seok, is currently facing a series of criminal charges for his role in

the sinking.

A radio transcript released by authorities reveals that, amidst the confusion, the passengers aboard the ship could not reach lifeboats to escape because the ship tilted so quickly. “Please notify the coast guard. Our ship is in danger. The

ship is rolling right now,” a crew member on the ship first frantically told authorities. One of the centers suggested getting people into life vests, however, the crew member replied that it was “hard for people to move.” He later added that the ship “listed too many” passengers and that it was “impossible” for them to escape.

Capt. Lee defended his decision to delay evacuation of the ferry stating, “It is a fairly fast current area, and the water temperature was cold. I thought that abandoning the ship without discretion would make you drift off a fairly far distance and cause a lot of trouble. At the same

time, the rescue ship did not come, and there were no fishing boats or supporting ships around to help at that time.”

However, the first mate of a boat that responded to the Sewol’s emergency call disagreed: “If the passengers had jumped into the water sooner, more people could have been rescued.” While the captain escaped and the crew argued with emergency officials, hundreds of passengers, most of them high school students, obediently remained in their cabins as directed by the crew. As the ferry rolled and slipped beneath sea, only those students who came up on deck were saved from the water.

According to South Korea media, Capt. Lee has been charged with abandoning ship, negligence, causing bodily injury, not seeking rescue from other ships, and violating “seamen’s law”. If convicted, the captain will face five year to life in prison.

Dozens of divers and rescuers have continued to search the cold, murky waters, still holding on to the hope that there is somebody alive inside the sunken ship. mgu@apachepowwow.com Photo courtesy of CNN.COM

NEWS

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t s a f f 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 Photography Editors Executive Copy Editors Webmaster Fundraising Chairs

Christopher Cho and Vanessa Yu Ariana Arzani Katrina Chao and Terri Shi Kelly Ching and Erika Zheng Elaine Chung and Amelia Jin Lily Ling and Stanley Shaw Daniel Jenn and Victoria Yu Allan Gao and Zachary Yee Amanda Huynh and Helen Lee Mya Ho Kristie Sun Josh Bay Deedee Chuang, Dana Jee, and Shawn Xing Maddie Bruce and Ben Geisberg Rena Chen and Khanh Tran Jonathan Matsumoto Yoko Chan and Belle Zheng

Writers

News Staff

Opinion Staff

Performing Arts Staff

Student Life Staff

Features Staff

Sports Staff

Academics Staff

Calendar Staff

Campus Focus Staff Center Spread Staff Advertisement Staff Photo Staff Copy Editing Staff

Adviser

Michelle Gu, Angela He, Megan Hong, Michelle Huang, Elisha Lee, Melody Lin, Emily Quach, Donna Sayphraraj, Justin Tang, Hafsah Umerani, Millie Wong, Charles Xu, Tiger Yin, Roy Zhang Lillian Chen, Lauren Frank, Ben Geisberg, Michelle Liu, Tiffany Liu, Neven Wang-Tomic, Flora Ung, Roy Zhang Eric Chen, Celine Lee, Eileen Lee, Elisha Lee, Andrew Lim, Melody Lin, Neven Wang-Tomic Eric Chen, Chelsea Cheng, Simone Chu, Lauren Frank, Carolyn Hsu, Michelle Huang, Christine Li, Kimberly Lo, Briana Shen, Jessica Wang, Millie Wong, Charles Xu, Tiger Yin Lillian Chen, Simone Chu, Lauren Frank, Carolyn Hsu, Christine Li, Jonathan Matsumoto, Cristian Nalbandian, Briana Shen, Justin Tang, Hafsah Umerani Billy Bonney, Maddie Bruce, Rose Li, Melody Lin, Allison Stevenson, Justin Tang, Brendan Tran Tiffany Liu, Kimberly Lo, Emily Quach, Christina Read, Donna Sayphraraj, Justin Tang, Flora Ung, Jessica Wang Chelsea Cheng, Michelle Gu, Angela He, Elisha Lee, Andrew Lim, Christina Read, Belinda Shoung, Emily Tong Briana Shen Kelly Ching and Shirley Lu Billy Bonney, Jonathan Chu, Johnson Hui, Shirley Lu, Katrina Villacisneros, Ethan Zhu Deedee Chuang, Celine Lee, Stanley Shaw, Katrina Villacisneros, Roy Zhang Katrina Chao, Simone Chu, Elaine Chung, Hubert Co, Kylie Cole, Michelle Gu, Rose Li, Michelle Liu, Tiffany Liu, Kimberly Lo, Shirley Lu, Christina Read, Briana Shen, Jessica Wang Mr. Johnny Lee

Publication Information: The Apache Pow Wow is a student publication distributed monthly throughout the school year. The paper has been continuously published since Arcadia High School opened in 1952. Unsigned articles appearing on the opinion page reflect the opinion of The Apache Pow Wow editorial board. A student’s work does not represent the views of Arcadia High School or the Arcadia Unified School District. Address letters to the editor to: The Apache Pow Wow, 180 W. Campus Drive, Arcadia, CA 91007. To place an advertisement in the newspaper, email ads.powwow@gmail.com. Advertisement rates vary from $30 for a business card advertisement to $250 for a full-page black and white advertisement, with quarter-page, half-page, and advertisement insert options available.

Graphic courtesy of MYCUTEGRAPHICS.COM

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Korea Conflict

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iPhone’s Top App 2048: Just A Clone?

By ROY ZHANG

By ELISHA LEE Staff Writer

Recent controversy arose after North Korea’s artillery shells, fired during a military drill, strayed into the Yellow Sea and crossed the line separating North and South Korea. Approximately 100 out of 500 shells were shot past the border, and South Koreans responded by shooting back 300 shells and sending fighter jets to the Northern Limit Line, which is the boundary between the North and South. Luckily, none of the artillery shells were shot at either military establishments or land. However, according to South Korean officials, the fighting between the two countries led to the evacuation of residents in nearby islands to stay in shelters for a few hours.

The firing did not come as a big surprise because Pyongyang, the capital of North Korea, announced that it would carry out fire drills in seven areas near the Northern Limit Line. North Korea often tests its artillery and missiles and shoots them into the ocean, but it never really makes its plans of practice-firing public in advance. South Korean Defense Ministry spokesman Kim Minseok announced that he believed that the firing was a “provocation aimed at testing Seoul’s security posture.”

Many other countries assume that the early announcement of the weapon testing was a sign that Pyongyang was annoyed due to its inability to obtain outside aid. elee@apachepowwow.com

April 2014

Staff Writer

to obtain a higher score. Although this clone saw slight success, it would also be overshadowed by Cirulli’s clone coming right around the corner. “2048”, created by Cirulli—an Italian web developer—became a

The puzzle game “2048” was called out for being a “broken clone” by the creators of “Threes”, which was released on Apple iOS and Android devices for $1.99 a month before “2048”. “Threes” had a very simple concept behind it: you would match tiles in multiples of three to achieve the highest score possible— accompanied by bright colors and cute text font, this game saw success in a large portion of the App store demographic. Since “Threes” was released, it had received nothing but good reviews, soaring its way to the top of the paid charts in the App store within the first week.

2048 CONTROVERSY Popular However, clones that puzzle game “2048” is claimed to be a would be released in the copy of “Threes”. coming month would soon dwarf its accomplishments. While most hit as soon as it was available on the App clones were simply browser versions of store. The only new adaptation in “2048” “Threes”, others tried to differentiate them- was the use of random static blocks which selves with new number schemes and ani- required players to navigate around blocks mations. The first clone that stood out from to reach powers of two. This offered a rapidthe norm was “1024”. It was a game that paced number matching game that surpassed resembled “Threes” in more ways than one, “1024” and “Threes”. However, Sirvo (The except instead of multiples of three, “1024” development team that created “Threes”) required the player to use exponents of two was not happy about the fame that Cirulli

received with his one-hit wonder. Although Sirvo acknowledges clones, it still found it unreasonable for one to be made within a month of its own game release; furthermore Sirvo had spent over a year developing “Threes” into a game that would “require players to play for months, even years to complete,” said Sirvo in an email regarding “2048”. According to Cirulli, “2048” had taken a mere weekend for him to develop on his own which leads Sirvo to their conclusion that “2048” is nothing but a broken clone.

The resemblance to “Threes” was not hidden, and the game had taken the Sirvo team a single try to complete.

Fortunately for Sirvo, Cirulli did not monopolize “2048” since he acknowledges that this game is technically not his. The reality is that Sirvo’s year-long work has been less popular than a clone that was completed over a course of 48 hours. rzhang@apachepowwow.com

Graphics courtesy of GOTTABEMOBILE.COM and GRANTLAND.COM

Facebook’s $2 Billion Dollar Acqusition Staff Writer

reality version of Minecraft his team has been working on, as he explained, “Facebook has a history of caring about building user numbers, and nothing but building user numbers. People have made games for Facebook platforms before, and while it worked great for a while, they were stuck in a very unfortunate position when Facebook eventually changed the platform to better fit the social experience they were trying to build. And I did not chip in ten grand to seed a first investment round to build value for a Facebook acquisition.”

of [Virtual Reality] technology from Oculus, Valve, and Sony can do and how it can change the game.

Anything that achieves a greater awareness and broader reach for video games as mainstream entertainment, and pushes new technology forward in new ways is ace.”

Facebook has become increasingly better at allowing companies to operate independently which has allowed them to flourish. Instagram can attest to this statement because it has gained over 150 million more users after a year under Facebook’s ownership. Currently, the photo-sharing platform holds the title of being the fastest growing social media service with a user increase of 23% in six months. Similarly, just two months after a change in proprietorship, WhatsApp has gathered 50 million more members to reach a total of half a billion users. Because of the massive exposure Facebook brings to its companies, Oculus Rift w i l l become more popular, and hopefully, less expensive.

Facebook’s $2 billion purchase of Oculus Rift has further solidified its position as the top social networking website, and ensured long-term user growth and revenue. If the future of technology is virtual reality, Facebook has hit the jackpot with the Oculus Rift.

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After buying Instagram and WhatsApp for a combined $20 billion, Facebook has continued its trend of acquisitions with the purchase of the virtual reality headset company, Oculus Rift, for $2 billion.

Announced on Mar. 25, this unanticipated deal has elicited mixed reactions among the tech industry and gaming community.

Since its public debut at the 2012 Electronic Entertainment Expo that captured the world’s attention, Oculus Rift has raised over $91 million. The revolutionary gaming company’s most well-known funding event was its astoundingly successful Kickstarter campaign that netted $2.5 million compared to the original goal of $250,000. Regarding the basic idea of this headset, the Rift is a virtual reality headset that completely covers the wearer’s field of vision and is designed to mimic the 3D settings of real life. While this gaming company has gained the attention of millions, it still remains a small startup, and has yet to develop a consumer version for the device.

However, Facebook’s addition of the Rift was largely based on the headset’s potential, as co-founder Mark Zuckerberg commented, “The history of our industry is that every 10 or 15 years, there’s a new major computing platform, whether it’s the PC, the Web, or now mobile. We’re making a long-term bet that immersive, virtual and augmented reality will become a part of people’s daily life. Oculus has the chance to create the most social platform ever, and change the way we work, play and communicate.” Zuckerberg continued, “Imag-

ine enjoying a courtside seat at a game, studying in a classroom of students and teachers all over the world, or consulting with a doctor face-to-face - just by putting on goggles in your home.”

With this acquisition, Oculus Rift will receive a multitude of benefits from Facebook including a colossal user-base, an almost bottomless pit of resources (money, staff, research, etc.), and more exposure to the public. Nevertheless, Facebook’s privacy issues, heavy marketing, and lack of hardware knowledge could ultimately hurt the future of the startup company. Moreover, Sony is joining the Virtual Reality market with its Project Morpheus which is designed for the Playstation 4.

For gamers, this deal could make the Oculus Rift more consumerfriendly, but the negative influences of Facebook have already turned off some developers, most notably Markus Persson, creator of the indie game Minecraft. Persson canceled the virtual

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By CHARLES XU

In contrast, Devolver Digital partner Nigel Lowrie stated, “Ultimately, if Facebook allows the Oculus platform to get into the hands of more people, gamers or otherwise, then this acquisition will prove to be a good thing. We’ve seen what this next generation

cxu@apachepowwow.com

Graphics courtesy of FORBES.COM and TECHCRUNCH.COM

April 2014

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OPINION

By BEN GEISBERG Photography Editor

There is a new epidemic in schools that is becoming almost as dangerous as senioritis, which is the often talked-about plague that hits students their last year of high school. It has decimated scores of students at AHS alone and has claimed many letter grades around the world, with no signs of stopping. Senioritis is a very costly disease, and there seems to be no cure; the sickness continues to leave a trail of destruction in its path that includes test scores, percentages, GPAs, and, in some very extreme cases, college admissions. However, there is a new disease that is just as deadly: sophomoritis.

Sophomoritis combined with senioritis clinically creates the perfect storm to wreak utter and complete havoc upon students across the globe. Students see the big, scary monster that is junior year hulking on the horizon and want to take it easy and relax a bit before having to face junior year head-on. They’ve signed up for courses, have extracurriculars in order, and have a clear conscience heading into the most important year of their high school career (no pressure). This, then, seems to be the perfect time to relax and reflect upon two years of hard work before facing a school year full of cramming, late nights, and a complete lack of any semblance of a social life.

Happiness rules their world as the last fleeting

moments of freedom are sweet and sour before an academic year of grueling darkness.

However, heed my warning sophomores: do not be sucked into this menacing disease. It is preventable. You can get help.

I’m a junior this year and was self-diagnosed with sophomoritis last year; I saw the deadly effects it could have; I saw the horrors up close and personal. I was one of those affected, called lazy by some, but really, I was just caught in a trend of bad work ethic.

So, sophomores, do not become a sophomoritis zombie. Stick through it for these last few months, no matter how appealing it may be to slack off or take month-long breaks. It’s not worth it, and the consequences are horrifying. For freshmen now, this may be hard to understand but, sure enough, the time for it will come faster than you think. It’s more destructive than both junioritis and senioritis combined because you never fully recover from it at a young age and there is no real cure.

Once you get this disease, you’re stuck with it; the only possible way of escape is to be diligent and power through it, but that is unlikely.

That said, prevention is the cure. Remember that there is a sweet reward at the end if you hunker down now and continue to pursue your academic goals. That’s the only way to avoid being completely caught up. bgeisberg@apachepowwow.com

Graphic courtesy of CLUBPENGUIN.COM

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April 2014

The First of Many Lasts

By MICHELLE LIU Staff Writer

Since we were young, we’ve always imagined how life would be like when we became older. We’d wonder about where we would settle down or what our profession would be. Speculating about which college we might end up at or who our soul mate would be was so complex and impossible for us to wrap our mind around.

When I was in elementary school, the thought that I would one day be a senior in high school was unimaginable to me—yet here I am.

It’s inevitable that time gets the best of us all, and those four years we looked on to with apprehension as wide-eyed freshmen has reached the end in almost a blink of an eye. As a senior, many of my peers speak of their excitement to leave Arcadia and move away from home. The main focus in their mind is of a new beginning in a different school, state, or even country.

This reflects a common mindset in society today, in which we are always focused on the next big thing, rather than what is currently happening in the present. Presidential campaigns always take place before the current president’s term is over, shifting the focus to who the next president will be, rather than what is happening during the present term. Breakout singers aspire towards a Grammy award, rather than focusing on each specific single or album. Entrepreneurs hope to hit it big with a life-changing invention, rather than go through the process of rejection.

It is clear that in the fast-paced world we live in today, the goal is cherished more than the act of reaching said goal.

So it makes sense that many of us refuse to pause at the end of the school year, that we look right on to the next one. After all, there are so many more experiences and beginnings to look forward to. But while we’re moving on ahead in life, we can’t forget the experiences that have helped shaped the journey toward this end. Maybe it was a special bonding event, or a club or team that pushed you to your limits, or a supportive group of friends that you may never see again. These are the things that deserve to be cherished and enjoyed before it’s too late. It’s a good idea to reflect on some of the smaller, but more meaningful, moments that have happened in the year that you have taken for granted.

The ironic notion is that while we dream of what our lives will be like when we are older, our parents and grandparents tend to reminisce about the experiences they had in their youth.

There’s good reason to—they will never have another prom, or hit another home run, or throw their graduation caps into the air again. So slow down, take a breath, and enjoy all the “lasts” that come around during this time of year: the last time you’ll take a test, the last school dance you go to, the last time you eat lunch on campus.

Sooner or later, it’ll simply be a fleeting memory in your mind. mliu@apachepowwow.com

By NEVEN WANG-TOMIC Staff Writer

I’ve never owned a microwave. Shocking, I know. While we’re at it, I might as well also mention that I’ve never had the luxury of air conditioning or a dryer either. Every time I tell people this, I get the same reaction: a jaw drop and a stare of bewilderment. I suppose it’s to be expected; those three amenities are virtually ubiquitous across Southern California. But I believe that somewhere down the line, we’ve become so reliant on pieces of technology that we have begun taking them as utter necessities. I know it sounds lame, but there actually are disadvantages to these amenities. Dryers damage clothing far more than hang-drying does, microwaved food tastes far worse than food heated in an oven, and air conditioning…well I guess there’s no inherent disadvantage to air conditioning.

That’s not my point though. These appliances are ultimately helpful, otherwise they wouldn’t even be used. But beyond simple advantages and disadvantages of these amenities, our interaction with them has grown into full-blown dependency on their function. As a result, when they do not function the way we’re used to, we become upset, but when they do function properly, we don’t think twice about them. It has become natural for us to simply expect that they work day to day. Take for example the windstorm we experienced two years ago. Many people were without power for a day or two, and many didn’t even lose power.

My neighborhood didn’t regain power for a week; hot water and a stove were the only standard resources we had access to. As for the refrigerator, heating, lighting, and washing machine, none of them worked. And while this experience was certainly somewhat miserable, it made me realize how utterly dependent we’ve become on these technologies we take as basic necessities. Now of course heating and lighting are far more basic and necessary than a microwave, but the problem is still the same.

It is very likely that we will all, at one point or another, be in a situation that doesn’t allow access to the technology we’ve grown so used to having. We have to be able to function normally in such cases, and the first step to that is recognizing our dependency, then working toward overcoming it. There is no doubt that these appliances easily have the potential to improve our day-to-day lives, but complete reliance on them is simply not the way to go. At the very least, we should work toward appreciating the fact that we have access to them. That’s right, appreciate your microwave, your heating, your lighting, your air conditioning, your whatever, because it’s possible that one day we won’t have access to some of them.

Yes, heating a burrito in an oven takes about twenty times longer than heating one in a microwave, and lacking a dryer and air conditioning can be quite inconvenient at times, but my situation is not as outlandish as many people make it out to be. As long as we can live the way we do, we should make an effort to turn those stares of bewilderment to stares of “okay, that’s cool.”

nwangtomic@apachepowwow.com

Graphic courtesy of SWEETCLIPART.COM

OPINION

theopinionsection@gmail.com

April 2014

Not Meant to be Burnt

By LAUREN FRANK Staff Writer

The time for growing and experiencing is upon us. As high schoolers, we’re at that special time in our lives when we can expand beyond the parameters of childhood but don’t have to commit to the expectations of adulthood just yet. And with this newfound freedom, there are bound to be good and bad experiences. It is hard to not just jet away from a bad experience without a second thought. In times such as these, and especially in terms of people, a piece of old advice still stands, solid as the day it was first said: don’t burn your bridges.

It may seem simple, yet at the same time, it is contradicting the independence that is urged upon us. While we strive to be individuals and assert our wants, naively, and sometimes violently, pushing away our dislikes, we have a hard time thinking far into the future (though, to no fault of our own—it is out of a relative perspective).

There is power in possibility, and it seems like a huge loss to let any door lock shut.

The problem is that sometimes we have to let go of ties to the past, including people.

However, the action of removing a person entirely should not be taken lightly. It is a harsh thing to do for both people, and while one might believe

him or herself to be better off without the other, cutting out even one person puts a black mark on every memory, every association, and that mark only gets darker and darker.

Okay. That’s a lot to imagine at this point in life. After all, how are less experienced young adults expected to imagine how life will be decades from now? And how can they possibly imagine every single opportunity that they missed because they closed themselves off from a person? Instead of this massive load of thoughts, the weight of current emotions should be weighed more heavily. Sure, burning a bridge with someone is relieving and gives a sense of new freedom, but oftentimes, this is temporary.

The need of better closure can cause all sorts of itches that may come in the form of dissatisfaction, curiosity, restless introspection, and more.

It’s far too easy to say a few awful words and end with a goodbye. It may feel good at first, and it may seem like the right thing to do. But a deeper peace comes from resolving such conflicts, whether a resolution is mutual or not, and have closure in order to move on. For the majority of our relationships, maintaining bridges that you spent so long building up over the years is well worth the effort. lfrank@apachepowwow.com

Graphic by BELINDA SHOUNG

Office of Admissions 180 Campus Drive Arcadia, CA 91007 (626) 123-4567 Fax: (818) 123-4567

Dear Seniors, Congratulations! By now, almost all of you have already committed to the school you will attend next year and you should be so incredibly proud of yourselves.

You’ve all worked so hard for this moment, and even though the school may not be your top choice, know that you will be successful no matter where you go, and that everything will work out for the best. Being rejected or wait-listed doesn’t make you any less of an individual, nor does it mean that someone who got into that specific college is better than you. In these extremely competitive times, it is truly their loss of an amazing and diverse student they should be proud to have in their student body and a definite sign that you probably wouldn’t have been happy in this environment that didn’t accept you for who you are in the first place—something you should never have to change for anyone. Picking the school you’ll be attending for the next four years is a huge decision and you should make sure it’s a good fit for you above all else. Sometimes, not being accepted at your dream school doesn’t mean they didn’t want you either, but we’ll probably never be able to debase or justify the college admissions system. If you’re one that chose the route of community college, don’t be shy to throw around the name of your school

with as much pride as others do. The same goes for all of you who are afraid to show off your school because you think no one has heard of it before. Don’t let that stop you! You should be proud of your accomplishments; don’t let the opinions of others rain on your parade. No matter the journey or road taken, the endpoint will eventually be the same, and with the community college route, more cost efficient too. You may have received everything you’ve ever dreamed of this past month, or watched your hopes crumble before your eyes on the simple words “we regret to inform you...”.

But you, as a person, are so much more than just this isolated and subjective decision. College acceptances should not determine your perception of self worth, and definitely not define you as a person in any way. You are an amazing and unique human being, and I hope you remember that when you’re off having the time of your life the next few years. Hold on, because the best is yet to come.

7

Essence of the Four Somethings

By SHIRLEY LU Staff Writer

Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue—sound familiar? Traditionally known as the “Four Somethings” that have been in our culture decade after decade, these objects are believed to bring luck to superstitious brides. However, as the meaning of marriage is beginning change in American society, even the meaning of customs, like wearing these charms, is quickly diminishing, especially since big corporations commercialize these items. For some, these items might just be charms to help the wedding day go smoothly, but for others, they represent something much more.

The “Four Somethings” actually originate from an English poem describing what brides should wear as good luck charms during their wedding ceremony. There’s actually an extra instruction of putting a silver sixpence in their shoes, but the way American customs deviate from those of the British is through the omission of this charm (probably because a sixpence is British currency whose production ceased in 1967). As for the “Four Somethings,” the implication of these symbols has attracted American brides for over a century. It’s supposed to give hope and optimism to the marriage. Plus, it’s one of the fun traditions that excites brides for their wedding day.

“Something old” is typically a symbol of the bride’s past—her family and culture.

By wearing something old, a bride never forgets her past and brings her blood-family into her new life. “Something new” suggests optimism for the future and the fruitfulness of the marriage. It symbolizes the new life

ahead of her. “Something borrowed” is usually something borrowed from another bride or wife whose marriage is successful, symbolizing the desire to have a prosperous marriage.

Some call it borrowed happiness so that the bride may enjoy her wedding. Traditionally in the form of a garter, “something blue” represents fidelity, purity, and love. The groom is supposed to remove the garter from the bride himself, claiming his wife as his only love.

Though these fun customs have been part of American weddings for a little over a century, some are quickly losing their meaning. With cities such as Las Vegas and Atlanta now offering legal last-minute weddings in little chapels, decisions are made rashly and in haste, and many marriages do not turn out to be successful. I’m not saying that not performing these traditions result in a ruined marriage, but what they symbolize goes against the values of marriage. Marriage is a decision that should not be made in haste; such a marriage may result in hurt and pain.

It is statistically proven that those who wed at a younger age are more likely to become divorced than those who marry when they’re older. Of course, there are many exceptions, but sufficient time and thought should be given to such a huge commitment as marriage.

With a significantly high rate of divorce in America, brides lean to these superstitions not only for luck but also for hope—hope that their marriage will be successful and fruitful without the remote possibility of divorce. About 67% of couples fear divorce, yet around 50% of marriages end in divorce.

Though these little charms may seem petty and useless, they represent so much more to brides everywhere—hope in marriage, security in marriage, and joy in marriage.

Sincerely,

Madeline Lee Admissions Staff Writer

mlee@apachepowwow.com Graphics courtesy of ARCADIAAPACHES.COM

slu@apachepowwow.com

Graphics courtesy of CLIPARTIST.INFO

8

FEATURES Color Theory

apachepowwow.com

By JUSTIN TANG

Staff Writer

New, innovative apps are constantly being developed by top-quality developers from all over the world.

After the bizarre sensation known as Flappy Bird, new blowout apps immediately hit mobile app stores within weeks. Creative apps like 2048 and Smash Hit now proudly reside on the App Store’s Top Charts. Yet another prominent app is also making a name for itself as it slowly grasps the attention of thousands.

Developed by Plain Vanilla Games, QuizUp was first released for iOS in November 2013 and was only recently released for Android. The app is different from others because it’s a trivia-based game, themed like Jeopardy! with topics ranging from How I Met Your Mother to Ancient Greece. Players can challenge either their Facebook and Twitter friends or pair up against a random player. Each quiz contains seven rounds—six regular rounds and one bonus round—and takes place in real time so players can see their opponents’ progress. The basic gist of the game is to pick the right answer as fast as possible, earning up to 20 points per round, with double for the bonus round. A grand total of 160 points is offered for a perfect score, and the more quizzes you win, the higher you rank in a topic!

QuizUp even has the social media aspect in its app that allows users to add any user as a friend, message friends, block other users, and accept challenges.

Players can challenge their friends to play in real time, but in case their opponents don’t respond to a challenge on time, they can complete the quiz later. The wide range of topics continues to keep players interested. QuizUp is not only a fun way to compete with friends, but is also an educational way for all to quiz their knowledge and learn facts they never knew before! jtang@apachepowwow.com

Graphic courtesy of TALKANDROID.COM

By SIMONE CHU

Staff Writer

You know how it goes. Basic color theory is something we’ve been taught all our lives, starting from the early days of preschool or kindergarten. Red and yellow make orange. Blue and red make purple.

Tartrazine and Blue 1 make green...as well as hyperactive children and possibly cancer.

Well, admittedly, that last one might be a little less well known.

Ever eaten M&Ms, Skittles, Jolly Ranchers, or Tootsie Pops before? That’s both good news and bad news. The good news is that you’ve had candy before, which is an essential component of childhood. The bad news is that you’ve also consumed some chemicals that you would probably otherwise want to avoid.

The culprit? Those beautifully bright colors that make candy so enticing.

If you were to look at the ingredient list of any candy that is clearly not naturally colored, you would find innocent-sounding names. Dyes, much like those Crayola crayons we loved so much during childhood, also have fun names. But whereas crayons are dubbed names that actually describe the color,

such as “macaroni”, “burnt sienna”, or “red”, artificial colorings are given names that do not accurately encompass the true evil within.

Take Yellow 5, for instance.

It sounds innocent enough– just yellow dye, right?

Wrong.

Yellow 5, also known as tartrazine, seems to lend a helping hand in making children overly hyperactive. It doesn’t sound so bad until you also think about the fact that hyperactive children who show sensitivity to artificial coloring also lack the normal amount of zinc and iron. These children are also more likely to have health issues, like ear infections or eczema (a skin problem).

It’s not just the yellow candies, though. Since Yellow 5 is also used in creating green or orange hues, you won’t be safe from the substance just by choosing not to eat the yellow M&Ms. And, let’s not forget, there are other dyes with worse

April 2014

effects than those of tartrazine.

Do you like blue raspberry flavored candies? You know, the ones that turn your tongue bright b l u e ?

That blue dye might just stem from FD&C Blue 1 Lake. This chemical is a proven carcinogen (a cause of cancer).

Moving on to the reds. Red 40 Lake is derived from coal tar (sounds appetizing, doesn’t it?) and can cause hives in some people. Also, it may contribute to cancer and trigger hyperactivity in kids. Yes, another one of those. It’s been thought that the prevalence of food dye has contributed to the high amount of kids diagnosed with ADHD. These are just a few of the harmful compounds we ingest with our sweets.

Be on the lookout for the colors Yellow 6, Blue 2 Lake, or any non-lake forms of the aforementioned dyes, as well—especially during the post-Easter candy fest. schu@apachepowwow.com

Graphics courtesy of COMICVINE.COM, DYESTUFFINTERMEDIATES.COM, and PREEMINENT.ORG

Harry Potter and the Extended Trilogy Spinoff

By BRIANA SHEN

Staff Writer

“Avada Kadavra!” After the internationally famous Harry Potter series ended with the last movie, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2, it seemed very likely that the enthusiasm for the magical series would die out, yet the opposite has proven true; fans craved for more. The fanfiction community “shipped” popular Harry Potter couples or came up with other romantic pairings of characters who weren’t love interests in the book series.

Additionally, Universal Studios Orlando created the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Pottermore, a website launched by J.K. Rowling in partnership with Sony that allows online virtual role playing. But nothing, except the books themselves, could compare to the success of the movies. By themselves, the high-grossing Harry Potter films have racked up $7.7 billion to date—not to mention the lucrative movie merchandise and fan service. After fully capitalizing on young Harry’s narrative with her best selling books and blockbuster films, it seems that Rowling wants to continue building upon the rich world of Hogwarts.

Following the release of the Harry Potter movies, Warner Brothers recently

announced the production of a new spin off trilogy series (This means the Harry Potter universe will consist of an astounding 11 movies in total). The first of the three new movies will be written by Rowling, who will be making her debut as a screenwriter. It will be based off of the 54 page Hogwarts textbook, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them,

which appears in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone as a book on Harry’s reading list.

The movie will feature mystical creatures and characters from the Harry Potter series. The movie, however, will star Newt Scamander, a magizoologist who is also the fictional author of the textbook.

Rowling disclosed that “although [the movie] will be set in the worldwide community of witches and wizards where [she] was so happy for 17 years, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them is neither a prequel nor a sequel to the Harry Potter series, but an extension of the wizarding world.”

She further mentioned that “the laws and customs of the hidden magical society will be familiar to anyone who has read the Harry Potter books or seen the films, but Newt’s story will start in New York, 70 years before Harry’s gets underway.”

So, muggles, rejoice! As more information about the movie is publicized, the wizarding spirit will be revived, and the Harry Potter fandom will live on. When time comes, theaters will probably be as packed as they were for the original series.

Be sure to be on the lookout for more Potter news! After having already built a multibillion dollar industry, it looks like the good times will keep Rowling.

bshen@apachepowwow.com

Graphics courtesy of HARRYPOTTER.WIKIA.COM, LUX.LIMO.CO.UK.COM, and MIRROR.CO.UK.COM

FEATURES

features.pw@gmail.com

April 2014

9

Countdown of the Best Six Disney Villans

By HAFSAH UMERANI

Staff Writer

Every movie has an antagonist of some sort, and oftentimes the most memorable villains are the ones we encounter as children.

Sometimes these villains are defeated, and sometimes the movie ends with their inevitable demise implied. Disney villains are no different, and nearly all of them are shrewd and selfish. There are few, however, that can be given title of “best villain”.

1. Captain Hook, Peter Pan This pirate from this famous movie is perhaps the most comical of all these villains. He obsesses over getting revenge on Peter Pan, captures Tinker Bell, and uses her anger against Peter Pan. This, however, is a smart move, so perhaps Hook isn’t as silly as he appears.

2. Shan Yu, Mulan His craving for power and his hawklike eyes make Shan Yu a terrifying person to behold, not to mention his unyielding insistence that the emperor bow to him and his ability to come out out of an avalanche

looking the same as he did before. Fortunately for China, Shan Yu is defeated by a dragon and its favorite cricket.

3. Maleficent, Sleeping Beauty Undoubtedly evil, Maleficent places a curse on a newborn just because she wasn’t invited to a party; temper tantrums, anyone? Not only that, but Maleficent taunts Prince Philip when he’s trying to save his true love.

That’s a shrewd and unreasonable villain right there. Hopefully, some of Maleficent’s motives will be explained in the upcoming movie Maleficent, also by Disney.

4. Gaston, Beauty and the Beast This suitor-

Staff Writer

It’s no surprise to hear about the major earthquake that’s supposed to decimate half of California. It has been warned that tension is building up and one day soon, everything will just fall to the ground. Having grown up with the thought of a monstrous bringer of mass destruction, young people regard this idea as more of a myth on par with the Bogeyman. Even though these reports have been brushed off as something for future generations to deal with, with recent earthquakes climbing up the Richter scale, the predictions of the “big one” have become much more common and grave…and very real.

Already, scientists predict that the quake will be at least 8.0 or more on the Richter magnitude scale. According to historical records and further scientific investigations, earthquakes happen in clusters in time and geographical location. This means that a series of earthquakes happen relatively close together in a span of years as well as in the same general location, especially at fault lines. With earthquakes becoming more noticeable to natives of earthquake country, the expectation of a larger, more chaotic earthquake is more credi -

will be like at any given moment.

6. Lady Tremaine, Cinderella Cinderella’s rude stepmother should meet Grimhilde; both of them are cruel and hurtful, yet elegant. Lady Tremaine doesn’t physically abuse Cinderella (besides making her do all the housework, not giving her new clothes, and allowing her daughters to rip Cinderella’s handmade gown to pieces), but she hints a lot of mean things in undertone when talking to her stepdaughter. With all the psychological damage Lady Tremaine had wreaked on her, it’s almost a miracle that Cinderella is gentle and kind like she is.

Although these villains are only a few from Disney’s vast library of such characters, they are all undoubtedly selfish and malevolent.

humerani@apachepowwow.com

Graphics courtesy of DISNEY.WIKIA.COM and YOLASITE.COM

Shaking Up Our Lives

By LAUREN FRANK

turned-evil is the stuff of nightmares for Belle the protagonist. After she turns down his offer of marriage, he wants revenge and takes it out on her father while Belle is held prisoner with the Beast. In the end, Gaston falls off of a roof, falling to a death he deserved.

5. Queen Grimhilde, Snow White Commonly called The Evil Queen, Grimhilde is an example of a classy villain. Although extremely powerful, she finds it in herself to hurt an innocent princess just because Snow White is fairer than she is. Not only that, but she also depends on compliments from her creepy mirror to decide what her mood

ble. This devastating quake won’t completely split California apart and sink it, much to the dismay of California’s neighboring states who were hoping to finally get a coastline of their own.

When tectonic plates shift, they generally do not split off from each other, though in cases of big earthquakes, there can be huge vertical uplifts, which can create more cliffs and mountains such as those in Alaska in 1964, where a whopping 9.4 earthquake created uplifts of up to 38 feet. Just as with any earthquake storm, hundreds, perhaps even thousands of after-shock earthquakes are expected, most around the same magnitude as those felt recently.

It’s a terrifying notion—one earthquake could wreck all of Los Angeles. Right now, as more awareness arises, precautions are taken.

Although there is still a lot of speculation as to when the “big one” will hit, many have taken up the mentality of “better safe than sorry”. It is also true that some scientists do not believe these recent earthquakes have anything to do with a bigger oncoming earthquake, especially since California feels on average 27 tiny earthquakes a day. Of course, the scare of the “big one” is catching higher winds, and harbingers of predictions of massive losses in land and lives have only just begun. lfrank@apachepowwow.com

Graphic courtesy of DREAMSTIME.COM

Best U.S. Food Trucks

By CAROLYN HSU

Staff Writer

Although the food in that cafe down the street is enticing, sitting down in noisy restaurants can take the flavor away from delicious meals. People are placing more emphasis on the ambiance of local restaurants and cafes. A few unfortunate, rowdy encounters with people sitting near you can make you reconsider visiting said restaurant in the future. With food trucks, however, this is no issue. Designed for mobility and efficiency, food trucks have always been prominent in the Unites States— here are some of the best in the nation.

Where would you find Caramel Apple popsicles? For one, you could visit King of Pops in Atlanta, Georgia. This unique food truck offers frozen popsicles of unique flavors, such as avocado, pear vanilla, coconut latte, and more! Whether it be year round favorites or seasonal treats, King of Pops is the ideal food truck for fans of frozen treats.

Roxy’s Grilled Cheese combines childhood favorites with fancier techniques. Items on the menu include applewood bacon grilled cheese with guacamole and a three cheese melt (upgraded from the singular square of cheese that we used to receive). The truck can be found residing in Boston, Massachusetts.

If desserts aren’t your favorite part of mealtime and you’re lactose intolerant, have

no fear! That is, if you like meat. John Mueller’s meat company boasts succulent cuts of meat such as sausage, turkey, pork ribs, brisket, and more. Although the menu itself is simple, this Texan food truck is sure to impress with its claim of bold and genuine flavors.

Stop. If you’re visiting Texas anytime soon, hang up on Pizza Hut (don’t call Dominoes or Papa Johns, either.) Instead, visit Via 313 for some of the best Detroit style pizza around. Its signatures include a light and airy crust with mouth-watering, gooey cheese and fresh tomato sauce. With pizzas such as “The Carnivore”, which is a meat lover’s paradise, or “The 500”, a spicy kick to the traditional pizza, this pizza joint is sure to impress even the most skeptical of pie eaters.

Do you have a sweet tooth? You’re going to need one desperately if you choose to visit Beaver’s Donuts in Chicago, Illinois.

This food truck features fresh roasted coffee, sugary drinks, and donuts, and its flavor is adjusted for ultimate dessert addicts.

Although food trucks vary in style, technique, and obviously food, all trucks aim for the same goal. By being both easy on impatient people and able to offer high quality food, it can cater either to people who want a quick bite or foodies who enjoy the simpler, tastier things in life. chsu@apachepowwow.com Graphic courtesy of IMGARCADE.COM

10

PERFORMING ARTS

WGI Championships One of the biggest events for Varsity Percussion and Colorguard members is the Winter Guard International (WGI) Championships, which is held annually at Dayton, Ohio. The competition officially started with Colorguard on Apr. 3 and ended with Percussion on Apr. 10. The WGI Championships is a worldwide competition uniting Colorguard and Percussion members everywhere, making it a huge deal for all the students competing. So, let us take a peek at the schedule and practices that led up to the much-anticipated and exciting competition.

Beginning with Colorguard members, who left for Dayton on Apr. 1 and returned on Apr. 6, all they did before the competition was constantly practice. Junior Caren Li mentioned, “Colorguard had practices [for weeks] on Mondays and Wednesday from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m., and the team also added some Friday practices, which usually lasted from 5:00 to 10:00 p.m.” Not only did they have to practice for the WGI Championships, members also participated in “local circuit competitions and WGI Regional’s leading up to Dayton week,” according to senior Catherine Huang.

However, it wasn’t all fun and games once Colorguard and Percussion arrived at Dayton, like most people would believe.

Caren explained, “On Tuesday the day Colorguard arrived, and Wednesday, members had practice for four hours. Then we performed on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.”

Also, before the team got to the arena where the competition took place, Colorguard had to practice for another three hours. Yet, between all those performances and practices, Catherine recalled that the competition “was really rewarding” and that “the experience is definitely irreplaceable.”

Unlike Colorguard, Percussion reported to Dayton a few days after on Apr. 8, and flew back on Apr. 13. The rehearsals for Percussion were also tough, but members persevered through them and were rewarded with great results. Junior Isabell Liao mentioned, “Many late evening rehearsals took place at Dayton. We practiced even more at a middle school called Baker Middle School.” This year seemed a bit more special since Percussion “had three performances in the Dayton Arena, which is one more than normal, and allowed the group to have a better feel for the arena.” In addition, each time Percussion performed, the audience grew in size.

Percussion and Colorguard worked hard, but they had some free time as well. Isabell continued,”It was nice spending time with friends, and focusing on music for a week.”

Luckily, all the hard work has paid off as AHS dominated with Colorguard winning 7th place and Percussion winning 6th place in the scholastic world division—which is the highest division a high school team can compete in. Congratulations Percussion and Colorguard! elee@apachepowwow.com

Graphics courtesy of BLOGSPOT.COM

April 2014

Uniting in the Spring Concert

By EILEEN LEE Staff Writer

By ELISHA LEE Staff Writer

apachepowwow.com

Despite the various differences between Band and Orchestra, they are two groups that can harmonize together. On Apr. 2, Band and Orchestra held its Spring Concert. As each Performing Arts (PA) group has its own unique qualities, it may seem as if groups are unable to collaborate with their different sets of talents. However, they proved many people wrong through another successful Spring Concert.

Members of Band 1, Band 2, Orchestra 1, and Orchestra 2 had a great experience together working as a united team.

Viola player freshman Meghan Huynh stated, “Because the pieces we played at the music festival were highly rated, I felt enthusiastic to play them for our school. Although we didn’t practice as much as we did for the festival, we quickly retained our skills from weeks

ago and applied them to the concert.” When asked about the benefits and any specific reasons for enjoying the concert, Meghan replied, “Not only were we able to observe Orchestra 2 perform, but we also had a chance to see Band; it was even more special since [Band was] playing not just on the field but also on the stage. I think that we ended our three pieces strongly thanks to the Spring Concert and are preparing for the next concert with new music!”

Other members also considered the Spring Concert to be notably meaningful when compared to other performances. Cello player sophomore Gina Groesbeck agreed with Meghan by stating that the show was a “fun gathering with other members of Orchestra and Band.

The music had a good variety of choices, and it was a great opportunity to watch other groups perform and learn what their strong and weak points are.” She added, ”I personally thought Band 2’s performance was outstanding; it was well organized and on beat, doing a wonderful

job on ending its pieces. Everyone wore different dresses to spice up the look, adding a pop of color to the entire show.” Gina also mentioned some parts she wished to be better, such as the lack of practice resulting in poor harmony.

“When we gathered to perform, we noticed that our technical sounds did not seem to match up.

It was a bummer that we only got to rehearse once, which most likely is thought to be the reason for lack of unity.”

During the Spring Concert, three pieces of songs were performed by groups. Members of Orchestra 1 mentioned that all three pieces have been played in two other competitions before the show. Freshman Kira Chang mentioned that “we were less enthusiastic because it became [less] interesting. However, we were definitely well prepared since it was our third time performing it.” The Spring Concert ended in another year of success, praised for its beautiful harmony among members from Band and Orchestra.

elee@apachepowwow.com

Graphics courtesy of IMGARCADE.COM and SCUOLAELMAS.COM

Clash of the Drum Majors

By ERIC CHEN Staff Writer

On Apr. 19, Drum Major senior Alex Weisz attended the World Drum Major Association Competition. Drum majors from many different middle and high schools around Southern California participated in the competition, held at Arcadia, including two from First Avenue Middle School (FA) and six from AHS. This year, Alex did not compete in the event; however, he did go and support his school and home town at the event.

The Drum Major competition turned out to be an L pattern competition. In an L pattern competition, the drum major starts with a 150 ft leg and makes a sharp left turn into a 75 ft short leg.

Then, the drum major performs a countermarch, where he or she turns back around and marches back the long part of the L. Finally, the drum major salutes the judges and halts.

However, the L

pattern is not as easy as it sounds. The drum major must perform a variety of acts while marching to impress the judges and score a high score.

The competitors at the event were split into divisions based on experience level as well as role. The largest division was the novice class Military Division, in which two drum majors from FA, the current one and a seventh grader, took the top two spots out of 27 competitors. The six competitors from AHS were juniors Minphy Liao and Ryan Chavez; sophomore Tammi Tang; and freshmen Seryeong Li, Julia Wong, and Jarren Li. Each one of them had an outstanding performance at the competition and definitely impressed the judges. Overall, Arcadia did an excellent job at the Drum Major Competition.

Not only was the competition intense and full of action, but it was also enjoyable.

Alex stated, “Five hours of really highlevel competition is always awesome, so it

was really fun. I especially enjoyed watching the future drum majors of Arcadia battling it out with other schools and scoring so high with the judges.” However, the entire event could not have existed without the support of student and parent volunteers at the event.

There was a large number of volunteers of all ages at the event. In fact, there were so many volunteers that some volunteers had nothing to do. Alex said, “Everything went very smoothly thanks to the amazing student and parent volunteers who kindly made the competition possible.”

Congratulations to all the Arcadians who participated in the event, and thank you to all who went and supported them.

Special thanks to the volunteers and directors who made the event possible for everyone to enjoy. echen@apachepowwow.com

Photos courtesy of RONALD LEE

April 2014

arcadiaperformingarts@gmail.com

By NEVEN WANG-TOMIC

PERFORMING ARTS

11

Breath of Life

have a lot of rehearsals, but it’s necessary for us to perfect our show!”

This commitment and effort that ODC put into its

us were strangers before, and now we’ve practically become sisters. Dancing is a form of bonding, and beStaff Writer ing able to dance on a huge stage with ODC and express myself is honestly a blessing.”

As the end of the school year draws

President senior Nicole Wei shares closer and closer, one of AHS’ Performing similar sentiment as she stated, “Rehearsals Arts (PA) groups prepares to perform—Orare the best part of my year. It feels amazing chesis Dance Company (ODC). Members to be working so hard with people that share of the dance company have been hard at a passion with you. We really bond during work over the past few months working tothis time and make memories that last long ward their annual show, “Breath of Life”. after the show is over.” There is no doubt to So what do their preparation and work enme that ODC members share an especially tail? powerful connection. Even through strenuConsidering the amount of coordinaous and tiring hours of practice, the members tion and effort that is necessary to effecseem to come out together and on top. As we tively create and perform a dance show, come nearer to the performance, it seems members of ODC have been devoting their that each ODC member has a goal or dream time to their show. Member senior Cherry she wants to accomplish. Cherry feels that Chin explained, “Before we left for spring it would be an “extremely rewarding goal break, we had rehearsals cleaning the dancto ultimately communicate the essence of es from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. every [weekday] each piece to the audience.” Along the same and Saturdays from 1:00 to 4:30 p.m.” Durlines, Larissa hopes to “achieve a breathtaking spring break, ODC had no set practice ing show that the audience is truly inspired times, but members were required to pracby.” While each of the members seems to tice on their own and stay in shape. Howhold separate (yet similar) goals and roles, ever, after spring break, rehearsals kicked A BREATH OF LIFE ODC has put months of practice and hard they ultimately come together through one in, and Orchesis members practiced “in the work into its annual show, which will take place Apr. 30 to May 3. desire, to create an amazing show.

Performing Arts Center (PAC) from 3:00 to Come watch ODC’s “Breath of 6:00 p.m. during one week, from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 show goes beyond simple hard work. The members seemed Life” on Apr. 30 through May 3 at the PAC. p.m. on Saturdays, and from 3:00 to 10:00 p.m. durto truly enjoy the time they put into working with one anothnwang-tomic@apachepowwow.co ing the week before the show” according to Cherry. er. Larissa explained, “My favorite part of ODC is definitely Graphics courtesy of BGFONS.COM Secretary junior Larissa Sun commented, “We working with my fellow members. It’s amazing how most of

and DEVIANTART.COM

By CELINE LEE

PA Pranksters Staff Writer

April Fool’s Day may have passed, and many people may have taken advantage of this opportunity to prank their friends and loved ones. However, this special day isn’t the only chance for people to prank others. There are two types of people when it comes to pranking—the prankers and the ones who get pranked.

Here are just some of the pranks that Performing Art members have witnessed!

“I was in the bathroom, waiting in line.

Apparently some guy put a pair of jeans and shoes in one of the stall to make it look like someone was in there. There ended up to be a long line for the BOY’S bathroom.”

—Jeffrey Chen, 9, Band

“Once on April Fool’s, I had a bio test that day, and right before the test, the teacher said the test was canceled.

After hearing that, we all jumped in joy until he told us he was kidding and that the test was still going to take place.” ww —Bridget Yu, 9, Intermediate Dance

“Percussion members scheduled a rehearsal for our instructor and no one went.

He showed up and was confused!”

—Tommy Gadoury, 12, Percussion

“I went to the beach with my friends on April Fool’s, and one of my friends hated bugs and birds. When she fell asleep on her towel, I sprinkled my chips around her. Seagulls immediately swooped down and surrounded her. Their feathers brushing against her arms and head were enough to wake her up.”

—Ernest Wong, 11, Band

“My stand partner switched all of the our music in our music folder.

During rehearsal I was really confused because no one else seemed to notice we were playing something else. I ended up not knowing what to do, so we just played a different part for the whole period.”

—Madeline Lee , 11, Orchestra

clee@apachepowwow.com

Photos by CELINE LEE, STANLEY SHAW, and ROY ZHANG

12 GIVES

ME

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April 2014

Graphic courtesy of Angela Chen

Graphic courtesy of Conan Leung

Graphic courtesy of Joseph Yang

Graphic courtesy of Angela Chen

Sometimes, all we need is a subt be okay—that everything does get be author for words of wisdom, or w while reciting the best lines, we all h ourselves up.

So this is for the ones who are d blues—what gives you hope? What and conquer the world, each and every with all that you’ve got, because it is those pesky obstacles that jump in the at yourself, and never give up havin Have a lovely day!

Graphic courtesy of Annie Yang Graphic courtesy of Angela Tran

Graphic courtesy of James Wang

Graphic courtesy of Annabelle Ho

Graphic courtesy of Jessica Yu

April 2014

centerspread.powwow@gmail.com

Graphic courtesy of Sandra Maw

Graphic courtesy of Frances Huang

HOPE 13

Graphic courtesy of Christine Dai

Graphic courtesy of Christina Wang

Graphic courtesy of Jackie Olofson

Graphic courtesy of Thomas Tang

tle reminder that everything is going to etter. Whether you look to an inspiring watch your favorite movie on repeat have our own unique ways of cheering

down today, for the ones who have the is it that makes you get up out of bed y day? Hold onto that valuable mindset positivity, love, and hope that destroys e way. Smile a little more, learn to laugh ng hope that things WILL turn around.

Graphic courtesy of Camille Kwan

Graphic courtesy of Catherine Tran Graphic courtesy of Nicole Chu

Graphic courtesy of Nick Wong Graphic courtesy of Nathan Ng

Graphic courtesy of Callista Wu

Graphic courtesy of Callista Wu

14

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April 2014

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16

STUDENT LIFE

Ho w W e ll Do Y ou K no w Your Sch ool?

By LILY LING

Student Life Editor

Most of you have been attending AHS for a couple of years now as upperclassmen, whereas the rest are fresh faces in this school whether you’re a freshman or a new kid. While the endless work and tiresome weeks may make it seem like you’ve been living at school your entire life regardless of how long you’ve actually been attending, just how well do you know AHS? Take this quiz to rate your Apache knowledge: 1. When was AHS established? a. 1954 b. 1952 c. 1887 d. 1993 2. Approximately how many students attend AHS? a. 2,300 b. 4,200 c. 1,800 d. 3,700 3. Was there ever an Archery Club at AHS? a. Yes b. No c. What’s Archery? d. Uhh i.d.k.

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April 2014

AHS Brings Spring Fling to Students

By ERIC CHEN Staff Writer

Faced with requests for an inexpensive school dance option, AHS responded with its latest event known as “Spring Fling”. On Mar. 28, this dance featured delicious food, groovy music, and a chance for students to mingle and have fun. In addition, the dance was held one week before spring break, giving everyone a final party before the break.

ASB Sophomore Girl’s Relations representative Annie Ro described the dance as being “so suddenly planned that it was not expected to be successful.” Nonetheless, the dance recorded about 200 more people than expected. About 400 people attended the dance, giving Arcadia a large amount of profit. Annie also said, “Before the last day to buy tickets for the dance, there was barely anyone attending, so we all thought that we would lose money.

However, everyone apparently decided to buy all of their tickets on the last day, giving us an incredible boost in profit.” In fact, there was so much money made at Spring Fling that it all seemed like a dream. Because of the success at the Spring Fling, ASB is

sure to host more dances in the future.

The excitement at the dance was even more astounding than the profit of it all. The food was mouth-watering, the music was fabulous, and everyone seemed to be having a blast.

Annie exclaimed, “It was so exciting because it was cheap, casual, and everyone just wanted to have fun.” Sure enough, everyone ended up having a ton of fun at Spring Fling. What people especially enjoyed at the dance was the opportunity to meet new people and mingle with their peers. Sophomore Roy Zhang stated, “Spring Fling was definitely the best dance I’ve ever been to before. I really loved the party-like atmosphere of the dance. However, what I loved most about the dance was that I got to enjoy some quality time with my favorite girl in the world: Annie Ro.” No matter if people attended the dance casually or eager to party, Spring Fling definitely “dropped the bass”.

4. Which building/hall does not exist? a. F-Hall b. Student Services c. B-Building d. D-Hall 5. What does PAC (the building) stand for? a. Performing and Crafts b. Performing Arts Center c. Performing Arts Corporation d. Performance and Acting Center 6. What time does the lunch period start? a. 12:02 b. 11:45 c. 12:05 d. 11:59 7. Measure __ grants us funding for upgraded facilities. a. A b. I c. T d. Y Answers: 1.b 2.d 3.a 4.c 5.b 6.a 7. a 1-2 questions correct: You’re taking too many absent days.

3-5 questions correct: Where’s your school spirit?

6-7 questions correct: Yay! You’re a true Apache at heart. lling@apachepowwow.com

Photos courtesy of COSTEAPHOTOS.COM, LPAIN.COM, and PRLOG.COM

echen@apachepowwow.com

Photos courtesy of MiICHELLE WAN and THUMBS.DREAMSTIME.COM

Best Places to Get Inexpensive Books (Not Including the Library)

By KIMBERLY LO Staff Writer

Books are extremely expensive, and sometimes the expenses can add up to a huge amount. Booksellers that many go to are Barnes & Noble, Amazon.com, and T h e Book Rack, but which is the best?

There are many more places that provide books for both academics and entertainment. Here are some places to check out if you are looking to buy books at affordable prices.

AbeBooks: AbeBooks.com provides a place for customers to shop for new or used books as well as textbooks and rare books.

This site offers popular books like The Fault In Our Stars, by John Green. If a customer is not satisfied with his or her purchase, no worries!

If one wishes to return a book, he or she has 30 days from the order date to request a refund.

Chegg: Chegg.com also offers textbooks for purchase. However, one way this website differs from AbeBooks.com is that it offers the option for students to rent textbooks. By renting a book for only a period of time, a student does not have to buy a brand-new textbook or get a really worn-out textbook either. When the student finishes his or her course and no longer needs the textbook, he or she can return the book. In this process, the only money required

would be the rental fee.

Powell’s Books: First established in Portland, Oregon in 1971, Powell’s Books now has five locations as well as an online bookstore at powells.com. This store has books for everyone and everything, ranging from metaphysics books about meditation and astrology to books about pets regarding animal communication and grooming. Furthermore, they offer a special category called “Books for a Buck”. Books in this

group are discounted to prices as low as $0.50!

BookFinder.com: Although this website does not sell books, it is a great tool that compiles lists for books. When the author, title, or ISBN is typed in, lists appear with information about booksellers, details about each sale, prices, and links to the sellers’ websites. One list is specifically for new books while the other is for used books.

There are various places to buy books, but it is hard to determine which place is the best. AbeBooks, Chegg, Powell’s Books, and BookFinder.com are just a few of the numerous places to get books or find good prices for books. Check them out! klo@apachepowwow.com

Photos courtesy of ASME.ORG and DUMBLITTLEMAN.COM

studentlife.powwow@gmail.com

April 2014

STUDENT LIFE

17

What to Do When an Earthquake Strikes

By CHARLES XU

Staff Writer

The 5.1 magnitude earthquake on the evening of Mar. 28 shook Southern California and reminded citizens of “The Big One” that is certain to occur in the future. Earthquakes are one of the most devastating natural disasters due to their unpredictable occurrences and violent movements. The walkthrough below demonstrates the proper safety measures that must be taken to ensure you and your loved ones are protected during an earthquake.

The ground is your friend.

When an earthquake actually takes place, the main tip to follow is the universal “Drop, Cover, and Hold On” technique. Immediately after sensing the distinct shaking of an earthquake, one must immediately drop down, cover the neck and head, stay under a sturdy table, and hold on to a fastened object. Never try to run out of the house, as studies have proven that most injuries during an earthquake are caused by falling or flying items around the victim. Most of Los Angeles’ buildings are designed to withstand rapid shaking, so there is a low chance that a subject will die from a collapsed structure. Mentally speaking, staying calm and observant is the most effective way to deal with a natural disaster.

Stock up. Organizing a large container full of food and water is also extremely beneficial in case a family must stay in one area for prolonged periods of time. If convenient, try to stack blankets, tarps, extra clothes, and toiletry on the bottom of the emergency kit. Above this layer is, ideally, canned food, dry food, and water. Remember that a person consumes an average of one gallon of water per day, so pack accordingly. Finally, the top layer will contain flashlights with extra batteries, a portable radio, rope, lighters, and a basic first aid bag. A similar kit of supplies and materials should be assembled to be used at work and in the car.

Plan ahead. Preparing for an earthquake beforehand injuries. Look for any large mirrors, picture frames, and wall are anchored in studs, not just the wall. Secondly, remove fee tables and refrigerators. To prevent book shelves and that can be screwed into the walls using studs. In the collectibles including chinaware in place. Last of all, it off. The gas meter could be anywhere from Whether “The during an earthquake, needed to survive. awareness throughout

is essential for reducing the chance of accidents and hangings around the house, and make sure the objects wheels on heavy furniture and appliances such as cofwall units from falling over, install L-shaped braces kitchen and dining room, use adhesive or putty to keep locate the home’s gas meter in case you have to shut the side of the house to the garage or porch.

Big One” happens or not, you will rest assured knowing that you possess all the necessary knowledge and provisions Protect your family and others by spreading earthquake safety the community! cxu@apachepowwow.com

Photos courtesy of CHINADAILY.NET, KITCHENKOALA.NET, and TOOLKIT.ORG

Student Corner

Albert Gianatan

CONNECTING THE WORLD Albert Gianatan, founder and Editor-in-Chief of Heliophon, is a global youth leader passionate about promoting cross-cultural conversation.

By BRIANA SHEN Staff Writer

Among a teenager’s favorite sources of entertainment, magazines definitely top the list. Students buy magazines to catch up on the latest news, fashion, and other buzzworthy topics. However, senior Albert Gianatan, founder and Editor-in-Chief of Heliophon, created some buzzworthy news himself. After his unfaltering effort, Albert launched Heliophon (Helio: light; phon: voice), an online student magazine that hopes to live up to its name by shining light on student voices.

The magazine’s unique name isn’t its only distinctive trait; Heliophon is currently maintained by more than 80 high school and university writers and editors who represent “5 continents, 22 nations of residence, and 31 national cultures,” according to its official website. Since there is a wide variety of writers and editors on the staff, the articles published online range from Opinion, Culture, Global Affairs, Arts, to Travel.

Although the website’s appearance looks surprisingly simple, the effort put into the creation of the magazine is anything but effortless. Much like the finished product of a sophisticated writer, the website’s professional simplicity belies the considerable efforts behind the scenes. The magazine was faced with daunting chal-

lenges. Starting with a goal in mind, Albert, who has always been fascinated by cross-cultural conversation, wanted to create an online medium that fosters multicultural exchange of language and custom.

In the beginning, he had difficulty finding people who supported his ideas, but through a series of phone calls and emails, he was able to sense that his original idea held promise and an audience could be found. Albert further explained, “We contacted cultural centers, United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization offices and clubs around the world, university activist organizations, and just groups of all kinds. The more support we received, the easier it became; it’s precisely like the snowball effect—the more support we received, the easier it became to find even more interested people. I think it’s about getting the ball rolling.” To Albert, “Heliophon is about connecting people from vastly different societies through stories and narratives and everyday life. The goal is to remind us that regardless of how far away or how different we may seem, there are things we share in common with everyone.” bshen@apachepowwow.com

Photo by STANLEY SHAW

18

SPORTS

Setting the Standard

well.”

Despite the losses, the team is confident Staff Writer that it can still fulfill its aspirations. The memThe Apaches have slowed down from bers have seen the ups and downs of seasons betheir hot start and now have a record of 3-3 fore and are still aiming to improve the team’s that ranks 4th in the 6-6 record from last Pacific League. Howyear. Other ambitious ever, they still demolgoals include sweepished Glendale High ing CV, winning the School 3-0. They also Pacific League, and beat Valley Christian making the CIF playHigh School 3-1 and offs.

Glendale again 3-1. In The players have their most recent game their work cut out for against rival Cresthem since they are centa Valley (CV), missing one of their the Apaches lost 3-0. star players. HowevHowever, our rivals er, players will have may have gained an to step up if they want advantage over our to accomplish their Apaches by showing goals. Great teams up two hours late. The weather the storm and game was originally overcome obstacles scheduled at 3:30 and hopefully our p.m., and our Apaches Apaches can keep on were already warmed fighting. We all know up, but learned that winning doesn’t come the game would be easily, especially delayed till 5:30 p.m. SERVING UP WINS Junior Samuel Kou in the tough Pacific Another reason for the easily passes a hard hit ball to the setter.

League, which conloss was that the team sistently boasts teams was missing one of its senior captains, Howard that are top seeds in CIF. If our boys can keep Huang, who injured his shoulder. Senior Ben up the hard work and continue their dominance, Lui reflects, “It’s tough losing anyone to injury, they will be in a great position to win the Pacific but Howard is one of the best and most experi- League Championship! enced guys on the team. There’s a lot of pressure on the underclassmen to replace Howard, btran@apachepowwow.com but with more practice, I believe they will do Photo by BEN GEISBERG

By BRENDAN TRAN

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April 2014

Softball Plays Hardball

As the girls continue to find their pace, they reveal their aspirations for this season. As Staff Writer athletes, they all wish to make CIF and prove With April comes the official start of soft- the strength of Girls Varsity Softball, but like ball season. Though our girls had some tough the rest of us, they just want to play the game non-conference and and have fun. “We work neutral games last hard in hopes of winning, month where they lost but at the same time, it’s to Monrovia, Royal, important to enjoy this Dos Pueblos, La Salle, season,” stated junior Maranatha, and BurMiranda Miao. Camaroughs High Schools raderie is especially (BHS), they definitely important to the girls of gained experience this team, many of whom from the matches. The have been teammates and first conference game friends for years. As the against Burbank on seniors near graduation, Apr. 1 was a loss, but they cherish the remainthe team turned the ing time they have with disappointment into the team more and more, determination that alas they rightfully deserve lowed the girls to decito. They play to enjoy the mate Herbert Hoover game, without comproHigh School just two mising their results; the days later, with a score team still practices with of 19-1. Undoubtedly complete dedication, and enthused by this huits record continues to mongous success, the reveal top quality perteam continued on to OUT OF THE PARK Senior Yeram formance against even stomp Pasadena High Park hits one deep against Monrovia. the toughest schools. The School 10-0 on the season is going strong, opposing team’s own turf, a satisfying reward and as the girls give it their all on the field, there for the girls’ hard work. Glendale High School is no doubt that they will continue to stay that proved to be tough and our team lost by a nar- way. Fight on, Softball! row margin, but it, like before, channeled the loss into energy for the next success. BHS was demolished, 10-6—a satisfying revenge after rli@apachepowwow.com the previous loss.

Photo courtesy of DYLAN SHEN

By ROSE LI

Driving Toward the CIF Playoffs

By JUSTIN TANG Staff Writer

After a great season tee off, the Boys Varsity Golf team, now midseason, is pushing ahead to achieve more. Ambitious and diligent, the team wastes no time in sharpening its skillset in preparation for Pacific League and CIF playoffs.

With the season well underway, the Boys Varsity Golf team looks forward to accomplishing its long term goal of making it into CIF. The boys are more determined than ever to further their success this year. As junior William Oetojo reflected on the Boys Varsity Golf team’s past season, he remarked, “We didn’t play as well as we should have, despite having superstar seniors. [The other teams] were just really good.”

William is determined to change this situation this season.

They had their first season scrimmage against Walnut High School and easily won, which proved to be a good start to their season.

Junior Vamsi Damerla stated, “It’s really just a kind of match to get our season going before League starts. We lost a couple of really talented seniors, but we have a good team and our end goal is still possible.” And with that mentality, the boys swept through the beginning of their season.

The Boys Varsity Golf team had its first official League match soon after the scrimmage with Walnut High School. “Golf is different from other sports,” said William. “We

play every single team in our league division during a league match.” Without their experienced seniors to help out, the boys are evidently shorthanded on player count and need to work

had another golf tournament against 20 other schools at the Glendora Country Club. After a long day under the blistering sun where our boys pressed forward to the best of their abili-

STEADY SWINGING Senior Showta Moriyama has been a solid senior leader all year long, consistently playing exceptional to help his team win matches and tournaments. harder to keep up with other schools. Just like any sport out there, CIF is not a tournament to be taken lightly, and the newer members absolutely have to pick up on tricks quickly if the team wants to make it into CIF. On Mar. 10, the Boys Varsity Golf team

ties, the team came out in 3rd place. Following up, the boys had yet another tournament against multiple schools at West Covina on Mar. 24.

Struggling this time to beat their opponents, they unfortunately came out in 4th place at the West Covina Tournament. While not bad, it was

not what the boys were looking to earn. Reflecting back on the boys’ performance, William remarked, “We just didn’t perform as well as we could have.” However, future games ushered in a brighter outlook for the Boys Varsity Golf team, seeing as it was able to beat Burroughs High School as well as San Marino High School. On Apr. 16, the Boys Varsity Golf team competed against La Canada High School. Being the closest and most intense match the boys had so far, this game was astounding, for the boys managed to pull through for an amazing victory with a final score of 189-188. William colorfully described, “They’re an extremely great team, and the fact that we were able to beat them gave us quite a satisfying feeling.”

As the season wraps up, the Boys Varsity Golf team still has a strong intent on accomplishing its goal of making it past the second round of CIF. “We want to keep up our training and goal intensity and hopefully go further in CIF this season,” said William. Junior Andrew Baek also added, “We didn’t nearly go far enough last season, so we’re really hoping that we can make it into, if not past, the second round of CIF!” The season has not ended and prospects are still bright. The Boys Varsity Golf team will continue to strive for achieving CIF success and will continue its amazing work ethic on the golf course. Good luck Boys Varsity Golf! jtang@apachepowwow.com

Photos courtesy of SHOWTA MORIYAMA

April 2014

sports.powwow@gmail.com

A Stroke of Brilliance

By ALLISON STEVENSON Staff Writer

In this upcoming season, the Swim team hopes to achieve a lot. After coming in 2nd place last year for the league title, the team is determined to not only win league this year, but also to compete in the final rounds of CIF. Looking to make a comeback, the Swim team has set many new goals for it this year.

The main one is making sure Crescenta Valley High School gets second place in league this year. For junior Nicole Sargent, this goal is within reach. With a good number of new freshman team members, she said, “The team is looking strong and we have a very good chance at getting 1st place.” Yet winning isn’t everything. For senior Irene Tran, winning is a good aspect, but improving mentally as well as physically from past seasons is just as important. She said that one motivating factor for the team’s success this season is the “support [the members] get from one another,” which will push everyone to “swim [his or her] best at every meet.” With the strong bond team members have this year, Irene believes that the team will improve and reach its goals of being the most physically and mentally capable team Arcadia has ever seen.

In addition to making a comeback, many of the team members have even set their own goals for this upcoming season. For Irene, this is the season to take, compete, and give it her all. This season she has her sights set on competing in the CIF finals again and helping her team score points at League Finals. For Nicole, the main objective this season is setting some new personal records. She hopes that she can work and train hard hard to set new personal records in the 500 freestyle and the 50 freestyle.

Overall, the main goal for swim this season is to learn and grow as a team. Growing as a team will not only enable them to win the league title this season, but will allow them to set the pace for future swim teams.

astevenson@apachepowwow.com

Graphics courtesy of ASSETLIBRARY.COM

SPORTS

19

Tracking Through the Field sult of all the hard work that has been put in throughout the entire season is seen through senior Joshua Ji. Joshua consistently receives 1st place in shot put and discus in league meets as well as in more competitive meets on Saturdays

work on my form so that I could maximize the distance I would be able to throw.” Also workStaff Writer ing incredibly hard is the Girls Varsity Track For the AHS’ Boys and Girls Varsity Track team. The girls are extremely versatile, and juteams, this season has presented some struggles nior Hannah Rock said that even if one of the both physically and mentally. The Boys team’s best “girls can’t compete during a Varsity Track team has faced two crushmeet, [she] has numerous backups that can ing defeats at the hands of Burbank High still compete at a high level.” This gives School (BHS) and John Burroughs High the girls a lot of flexibility in who they School that have bruised the boys’ pride. have in certain events. Furthermore, HanWhile these recent turns in events may nah commented that “most of these girls have eliminated the boys’ opportunity of are juniors and sophomores, so our team becoming League Champions, and while will remain one of the best in the state and the Arcadia Boys Varsity Track team country for years to come.” won’t go undefeated in league, the boys Another strength of the Girls Varsity remain undeterred and continue to try Track team is that it has top tier 4x400 their hardest in training. As senior Vinand 4x100 relay teams, which allows it to cent Bai said, “I would still like to try and sweep through those events. Putting all of make it into CIF because this can very its efforts in every practice as well as trainwell be my last year in track.” ing additionally outside of school has alIn the meet against BHS, the points lowed it to break school records and some were nearly tied going into the final momeet records. At the San Gabriel Valley ments, and the victor of the 4x400 would Championships, both of the girls varsity win the meet overall. Sadly, however, relay teams set meet records, which is exBHS’ team just inched out the Arcadia ceedingly impressive as the meet is highly Boy’s Varsity Track team for the win. competitive. The girls 4X400 team runs a But the boys did not give up, evident in time of 3:54, which, according to Hannah, the last league meet of the season against puts the team “in the top 5 of the top teams our rival, Crescenta Valley High School RUNNING TOWARD CIF Senior Kendall Swanson in California and top 15-20 in the coun(CVHS). Everyone excelled in their try.” This would allow the girls 4x400 goes all out to win points for the team. events and AHS beat CV on both Frosh/ team to go exceptionally far in CIF and Soph and Varsity levels, ending League on a such as the Irvine Invitational and the San Ga- compete at at the highest level of high school high note. briel Valley Championships. Joshua explained track!

The boys continue to train intensely in the reason for his success when he said “I simorder to better their personal records for the ply work harder and longer than anyone else. bbonney@apachepowwow.com upcoming CIF prelims. An example of the re- Over the summer I would throw everyday and Photo by MADDIE BRUCE

By BILLY BONNEY

Pitching Toward Perfection it had an astounding 17 hits in a record 57 plate appearances. Seniors Digo Lynch and Nick Lee contributed five hits and four runs, respectively, in the 13-9 win. Following the triumph, Varsity

season high of three games. A loss to Pasadena High School served as motivation, as AHS Staff Writer trounced Glendale High School, Burroughs During the last half of the season, Boys High School, and Muir High School where Varsity Baseball has gradually improved AHS’ dynamic offense erupted for 22 toits performance and demonstrated its retal runs, and the defense gave up only 4 lentless, assertive attitude every game, runs. On Apr. 25, the team played a much resulting in an impressive 11-7 record. anticipated challenge against school riThe team’s impressive work ethic and val Crescenta Valley High School. dedication puts them heads and shoulWhen asked about this season’s asders above the rest of the competition. pirations, senior Willie Okamoto stated, With five games to go, Arcadia currently “A major goal for us would be to win sits 3rd in the Pacific League.

League. This is very achievable and once Since starting off the season with we do accomplish this, our goal will shift a record that consistently hovered at the to winning CIF.” With the team sporting .500 mark, AHS has found its groove on a League record of 5-1, Willie commentoffense and owns an astoundingly low ed, “We have performed very well this ERA (Earned Run Average) of 1.47. The year. We are doing very good currently, versatile pitching rotation of sophomore and we hope that our success continues.”

Ryan Tuck, juniors Fernando Rosales, AJ Over the course of the year, VarJimenez, Michael Luna, and seniors Joey sity Baseball has transformed itself into Harmon, Andrew Gleason, and Christian a disciplined and skilled team. Coming Alejandres have shut teams down this toward the end of the season, the playyear, and combined for over 100 strikeers have worked harder than ever to conouts. For a stretch of nine games, the optinue AHS’ annual success. By taking no BRINGING THE HEAT Junior Andrew Jimenez days off, these warriors have improved position has only managed to score more shuts down the opposing team, contributing to the than two runs once, which can be attribevery aspect of their game and are ready phenomenal defense that AHS has consistently shown. uted to the exceptional pitching staff and to thrash the other team. A combination disciplined defense. Hopefully, the popular say- Baseball shutout Burbank High School in the of exceptional pitching, timely hitting, and uning, “Defense wins championships,” translates first of 14 innings. In addition to pitching four matched toughness has put AHS in a great posito a deep playoff run for our Apaches. innings, Joey also had three hits to help secure tion to win the Pacific League and CIF. Thanks to a four-run explosion in the tenth the win. A few days later, Hoover High School cxu@apachepowwow.com inning, AHS secured a high-scoring victory became another victim of AHS’ steel curtain, Photo by BEN GEISBERG against Salesian High School on Mar. 27, where losing 6-2. AHS extended its win streak to a

By CHARLES XU

20

ACADEMICS

Mental Exercises

By FLORA UNG

Staff Writer

Nowadays, you might find that your memory is getting a little rusty. You might have forgotten someone’s phone number or have forgotten to bring your lunch. But with a little assistance, your brain should be back on track. Below are the top four brain exercising programs that will help improve your memory.

Brain Fitness Pro: This app costs $3.99 and is a really efficient way to increase your IQ, sharpen your intellig en c e, and improve your memory.

The app has high ratings and provides fun and educational games that focus on memory training. Users can also track their performances on the app can see the level of improvement that they have achieved. After playing this app, some people’s IQ scores have gone up a couple of points!

Eidetic: Eidetic is not the most entertaining app, but it sure will help boost your memory. It helps your brain remember dates, facts, numbers, etc. For under $1, this app

will help improve memorization skills. The app works by repeatedly sending you notifications during different intervals of time. In doing so, it drills the information into your head. Eventually, your memorization skills will improve.

Memory Trainer: This app is based on scientific research that says that mental exercise can help improve memory. Memory Trainer works on your focus and concentrat i o n skills by providing multiple puzzles for you to solve.

The best thing about this is that it’s free!

Lumosity: Lumosity is widely used and is now a website and app. It has an easily accessible collection of addictive games. The app is free as well, but you can choose to purchase additional features for three months. The people who use this app have stated that after a couple months of using this app, they began to feel more alert.

To improve your memory, you do not have to play all of these games, but you must consistently provide effort. Just wanting to improve is not enough. You must constantly endeavor to succeed. fung@apachepowwow.com

Graphics courtesy of APPS.LOGO.COM

apachepowwow.com

April 2014

Food for Thought

By JESSICA WANG

Staff Writer

It has been proven that eating healthier leads to a healthier brain. With AP exams and other big tests coming up, it’s important to feed your brain the right foods to maximize your test-taking potential.

Whole grains: Your brain needs a steady supply of energy in the form of glucose in your blood. Whole grains with a low glycemic index (GI) release glucose slowly into your bloodstream, keeping you alert and awake for the day. Some whole grains include brown pasta, oats, and wholegrain rice.

Oily Fish: While the word “oily” has come to be associated with “fatty” or “unhealthy” nowadays, the human body cannot make essential fatty acids (EFA’s), so they can only be obtained through the foods we eat. Some EFA’s include eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and decosahexaenoic acid (DHA). They are omega-3 fatty acids and occur naturally in oily fish, including salmon, trout, sardines, and kippers. Other good sources of these fatty acids include soybean oil, pumpkin seeds, and walnut oil. They help promote healthy brain function and overall well being.

Blueberries: Studies have shown that eating blueberries (or strawberries) may be effective in retaining memory by improving or delaying memory loss. They’re also widely available, but sometimes expensive despite their diminutive size.

Peanuts: Both peanuts and peanut butter contain a lot of fat, but they also tend to be sources of healthy fats and vitamin E as well. They both help keep your brain as well as your heart healthy.

Green Tea: Daily consumption of green tea may enhance memory and mental alertness.

A v o i d Saturated Fat: Research shows that people with a saturated fat-centered diet consume food that actually impairs their concentration and memory. Some common foods high in saturated fat include butter, cheese, whipped cream, and dairy desserts.

Now that you have a general overview of some nutritional snacks and foods, don’t forget to sleep well and stay hydrated to do your best!

jwang@apachepowwow.com

Graphic courtesy of HEALTHBOARD.NET

AVID: Improving Students’ Study Skills

By KIMBERLY LO

Staff Writer

First established in 1980, Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) is a college readiness program that helps students at AHS and many other schools prepare for college or university. Many schools have AVID in the elementary grade levels when students first begin to gain knowledge about fundamental academic subjects and develop learning skills. However, in AUSD, Dana Middle School and First Avenue Middle School, AVID begins in eighth grade. Students continue learning and compounding on these skills throughout their secondary grade levels. According to AVID, their “mission is to close the achievement gap by preparing all students for college readiness and success in a global society.”

AHS students are in the secondary education stage, which covers grades seven through twelve. This system is for the average to high-achieving students in school.

Sometimes, students may feel that college is an unattainable objective, but AVID strives to give them an extra boost to help them reach their college goals. Students do have to meet various criteria, including being the first

in the family to attend college and entering schools in Arcadia after fifth grade. Students who meet these specifications can apply for a spot in AVID and through an interview. Last year, 84 of the current ninth graders at AHS

There are AVID teachers and tutors who support the students. This year, the AHS ninth grade AVID Team consists of six faculty members. Mr. Andrew Poon and Mrs. Sharon Sandoval are the counselors and Ms. Angela

were invited to try out for this program. During the interview, students answer several questions such as where they would like to improve in school, what they want to do in the future, and why they are suited for the program. AVID aims to help these students do well throughout high school and reach their full potential.

Dillman is the AVID elective teacher and Modern World History teacher. Ms. Leslie Klipstein, a ninth grade English teacher, and Ms. Kristen Tedei and Ms. Tamra Erickson, two math teachers, are part of AVID. AVID students are dedicated to making progress in their academic careers; they have one elective class per year, four years of commitment, and

actively participate in the program.

Being in the AVID program at AHS includes taking an AVID elective class. In this class, students focus on several skills, including improving academic abilities like critical reading and writing skills. Moreover, students learn strategies for success as well as study skills such as organization and goal setting. Excellent academic behavior can help the overall performance of a student. Furthermore, students attend study groups, seminars, and writing groups. The AVID curriculum definitely covers the many aspects of an exemplary student and teaches its students how to become outstanding graduates too.

AVID’s philosophy is to hold students accountable to the highest standards, provide academic and social support, and they will rise to the challenge. By offering the opportunity for students in Arcadia to enhance their academic performances, AVID has indeed helped its students immensely and AVID students have improved their study skills. AVID is a great program that helps AHS students improve in academics. klo@apachepowwow.com

Photo by STANLEY SHAW

academics.powwow@gmail.com

April 2014

ACADEMICS

Are AP Classes Right for You?

By EMILY QUACH

Staff Writer

Enrolling in Advanced Placement (AP) courses can be a no-brainer for dedicated high school students. AP courses not only introduce students to college-level academics, but also offer an opportunity to amass credits before high school graduation, consequently saving money on college in the long run.

Taking AP courses benefit students because they are geared toward preparing students for college.

AP classes mimic college courses in terms of requirements, workload, and what is expected of students.

These courses challenge students and allow them to build critical thinking skills to prepare for future college studies.

In the midst of second semester and schedule programming, students debate between that regular class or AP course. If students think that they can get an easy A in a regular course, they should weigh their options and check out an AP course because of its many benefits.

AP courses help students develop college-level academic skills. AP courses range from AP Biology to AP U.S. History to AP Art History. Enrolling in AP courses enables the student to develop tactical study habits and take on more challenging course-

work that parallels college-level courses.

Academic record is one of the most important parts of a college application.

AP courses increase colleges’ interest in a student. College admission counselors are impressed to see that students have taken the most challenging courses available and succeeded in them.

Taking an AP course also can help students boost their GPA and give an additional factor for colleges or universities to look at your college applications. According to the U.S. Department of Defense: Education Activity, approximately 85% of selective colleges and universities reported that they looked at whether or not a student had taken an AP course to make their admissions decision. Approximately 31% of colleges and universities will also consider a student’s AP coursework when making

decisions about which students will receive scholarships.

AP classes can help with selecting a major because each course provides an in-depth introduction to a specific subject area. A high score on an AP exam often fulfills one of a college’s general education requirements. It also might be easier for students to pursue a double major or minor, or take elective courses that interest them if the college they attend substitutes high AP test scores, usually 4’s and 5’s, for course credits.

Students may also be able to save money by taking AP courses. If students take enough AP classes throughout their high school career, they could potentially graduate a semester or even a year earlier, since many of the college general education requirements would have been fulfilled. Early graduation has its pros and cons, but reducing your college years is a definite way to save money on tuition.

From gaining college-level coursework experience to potentially saving money and a possibility of graduation early, AP courses have their benefits. So, when deciding whether or not you should take that AP class, keep those benefits in mind so that you can make the right decision. equach@apachepowwow.com Graphic courtesy of GREEKBUILDINGS.NET

Speech and Debate’s Annual Spartan Aloha

By CHRISTINA READ

Staff Writer

On Apr. 12, during spring break, Speech and Debate competed in the 14th Annual Spartan Aloha (ASA) Tournament.

The tournament, hosted by Schurr High School in Montebello, is an invitational competition and the last tournament before State Championships. Its purpose is to allow Speech and Debate members to “come and sharpen themselves for the State Championships in a laid back, ‘Aloha-like’ setting”, according to the school’s official invitation.

Because it is an invitational and not sponsored by the National Speech and Debate Association, the ASA tournament had no entry limits. This means that every team member was able to enter and compete in as many events as he or she wanted to. For example,

at this tournament, there were 86 Impromptu entries, 31 Duo Interpretations, and 23 Expositories.

The tournament began on Saturday with Humorous Interpretation. In this round, junior Melody Wan earned 3rd place,

behind only Alhambra High School’s Tuan Tran and Gabrielino High School’s Bieberdancing.

Saturday’s speech portion then continued with Impromptu, Original Duo, Original Advocacy, and later Oratorical Interpretation and International Extemporaneous, where juniors Justine Hsiao and Morven Sharp also placed.

Then, on Sunday, the competition changed to Congress. Here, AHS had two finalists, senior Rohan Anand with 5th place and sophomore William Wen with 15th.

By the end of the tournament, AHS successfully earned five medals.

Great job, Speech and Debate! They also participated in California’s Speech and Debate State Championships, which were held from Apr. 25 to 27. cread@apachepowwow.com

Photo courtesy of MELODY WAN Graphic courtesy of IMGUR.COM

21

By TIFFANY LIU Staff Writer

If you’ve ever played “Super Mario Bros.”, “Halo: Reach”, or “League of Legends”, and have wondered what it’s like to design such characters like Zelda, Kairi, or Teemo, then consider going to the University of Southern California (USC). Ranked best video game design program in the U.S. by Princeton Review and GamePro Magazine, USC offers a rigorous, hands-on learning experience taught by expert designers and engineers.

As video games become increasingly integrated into our everyday lives, the demand for video game engineers and designers has never been greater. With new technology, video game specialists have a variety of resources to create games that are more lifelike.

There are many aspects that go into making a good video game. The sound effects, animations, and overall goals for the game are important. There are many different routes that a student can take in the game design programs at USC, including writing and directing. As stated on its website, “through this process, writers take courses in directing and work directly with actors to better understand how words on the page actually sound and play. Directors take courses in the history of film, television, and interactive media so they can gain the perspective that they are standing on the shoulders of those who passed before them.” A game designer can incorporate these skills into his or her game, requiring people with all kinds of talents including the designer, engineer, writer, and director.

Various resources at USC equip students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed at being a good game designer. The USC Game Innovation Lab is a place where prototypes of games can be tested and developed in an environment away from the constraints of commercial game development. Usability, design, and play can all be tested in this lab.

Another resource provided is called the Gamepipe Laboratory, created by Professor Michael Zyda. According to its website, this lab “supports the full game production process, from building 3D models to motion capture, game animation, game engine development and utilization, and game design and prototype development for serious and entertainment purposes.” This program involves many students from different programs outisde of USC as well.

At USC, video game designing is a minor, and to be eligible, students must have a decided major and a GPA of 2.0 or higher. In addition to these requirements, students must also get permission for the minor from the Interactive Media Division and submit a Change of Major or Minor form to Cinematic Arts Student Affairs. If you are interested in learning about pursuing a career involving video games, USC may be the school for you. tliu@apachepowwow.com

Graphics courtesy of ISTOCKPHOTO.COM

22

CALENDAR

apachepowwow.com

April 2014

By CHRISTINA READ

Puzzle courtesy of HIDDENPICTUREPUZZLES.COM

The Perfect Pet Quiz

By ANGELA HE You’ve always wanted a pet, but don’t know which one to get? A chocolate lab? A lion cub? Find out which pet is perfect for you in this quiz!

1) Your friend brings over her baby sister when she comes over to your house.

How would you react? a) Ugh! Another little monster to deal with! I’m going to lock her outside so I won’t hear her crying. She can fend for herself. Who cares if she gets eaten by coyotes? b) Gross. She can’t even take care of herself. c) Well, she doesn’t annoy me that much. She’s actually kind of cute. d) Awwww! She’s so adorable! I want to change her diaper and feed her!

Staff Writer

2) Where do you live? a) Under a bridge in a cardboard box. b) A decent apartment in New York City. c) In a normal-sized house. d) In a mansion that rivals Bill Gate’s.

3) It’s the first day the sun has fully come out. What do you do? a) Sun? What sun? I’m not going to click on the Weather Channel page or look out my window. Too much work. b) Uhh, I think I’m going to turn off my heater and go back to my computer. c) I guess I’ll go take a stroll in the park. With my phone of course. d) Ah, sunshine! Time for a fun nature hike! Mountains and streams!

I know, I know, it has a bad rap. But while a book’s infamously long description of the French sewer system may not be its best selling point, Les Misérables does have many, many other worthwhile parts.

If you’ve seen the movie version, then you already know about the Thenardiers—they’re Cosette’s evil adoptive parents. But did you know that Marius had a pact to protect and support the Thenardiers? I did, because I read the book and its thousands—literally, thousands— of pages, with plenty of background information. And you should too!

But that’s not the only great thing about Les Mis. It also has tons of moments. Funny, sad, romantic, whatever. You name it, Les Mis has it. Victor Hugo may be great at lengthy sentences and boring passages, but he also has a rare talent for creating scenes that will stay with readers forever.

And that brings me to another reason to read the book: no matter what your favorite genre is, Les Mis has it. Adventure? Valjean. Heartwarming, family stories? Cosette and Valjean. Romance?

Marius and Cosette. Tragedy? Fantine. I could go on, but I won’t! I don’t want to become like Victor Hugo and keep writing after I’ve already made my point. One of the main problems people have with Les Mis is Hugo’s long-windedness.

But if you’re scared away by the reports of scary-long, dry passages, don’t be! Here’s a secret: I skipped a part—okay fine, parts—of the book.

But you know what? It was still just as good. Right now, I’d like to make a suggestion. Skip the beginning. Seriously, just skip it. I read all eighty pages on the bishop, and he is pretty much never mentioned again.

I’m not saying skip the entire book, or any description over two pages, but if you’re intimidated by the length of it, then feel free to read just the parts that you enjoy. There’s no reason to be turned back by the boring opening when Les Mis has thousands of interesting pages hidden inside.

So go ahead, skip the beginning or even skip the middle. Don’t worry, no one’s judging. Just read Les Misérables! cread@apachepowwow.com

4) How many hours in a day are you on an electronic device such as a smartphone or computer? a) 24 b) 12 c) 3 d) 0. I don’t even own an electronic!

6) What temperature is your house? a) It changes very often, so I don’t even know what the average temperature is. b) Fairly warm, but the temperature can be slightly adjusted. When the system actually works, that is. c) Fairly cold, but the temperature can be adjusted. d) Whatever my family needs!

7) What is your favorite animal book? a) Animal Farm b) The Three Little Pigs c) If You Give a Mouse a Cookie d) Pet Tips & Tricks: The Ultimate Book for Pet Lovers!

Staff Writer

Mostly A’s—a pet rock. You don’t have enough responsibility to take care of a different pet. A pet rock will bring you a lot of joy, but doesn’t require a lot of attention.

Mostly B’s—a house cat. Cats are pretty easy to take care of because they take care of themselves for the most part.

They can feed and clean themselves.

Mostly C’s—a chicken. A chicken can lay eggs and doesn’t need much attention.

Just make sure you feed it on time and that it is protected from coyotes. If you aren’t going to play with it a lot, make sure to get a playmate for your chicken, so it’s not too lonely.

Mostly D’s—a kangaroo. You have the perfect environment for almost any pet.

You can even get a pet as exotic as a kangaroo. You have the time, energy, and money to spend on a kangaroo. ahe@apachepowwow.com

Graphics courtesy of POLYVORE.COM

April 2014

CALENDAR

calendareditor.powwow@gmail.com

Q: I’ve been wanting to tone up now that summer is approaching. What are some good ways to lose fat and build muscle?

A: Having a healthy diet and exercising are the basics to achieving a perfect body. Eating a lot of vegetables and less carbs and fats will help slim you down, but in order to gain muscle, you should consume more protein with exercise. A great way to keep track of what you eat is by, no matter how silly this sounds, taking a picture of what you eat each meal. We often eat junk food and other sweets without giving it a second thought, but once you start taking pictures of the food you eat, it helps you remember what to eat more of or cut down on.

Q: What are some recipes that can spice up my boring, healthy diet? I’ve been eating food with no taste for far too long.

A: Healthy food can taste good too, no matter how unappetizing it sounds. Like eating boiled greens. One recipe that is a personal favorite is “Grilled Chicken with Roasted Kale.” Making it is as easy as the title sounds. All you have to do is grill some lean chicken breast on a skillet and roast some kale. However, just eating it plain tastes terrible, so top it off with some herb vinaigrette for the finishing touch. Desserts can also be healthy. A pecan pie or tart is great because nuts are packed with protein, vitamins, and healthy fats. Pecan pie is also naturally sweet, but to make it even sweeter, use honey instead of sugar.

Q: Are there any exercises that are fun and effective? I feel like doing the basic crunches and push-ups everyday are killing my motivation to work out.

A: There are a bunch of fun ways to exercise without you even realizing it! Hiking with friends can tone the legs and better the respiratory system. By being distracted by the scenery and talking with your friends, you won’t realize how much you’re actually walking and it’s always great to be connected with nature. Exercise videos are also fantastic because you have something to follow along, and the trainers in the video are also extremely encouraging. As long as you find the right activity for you, whether it be biking or playing with your dog, it can help you lose a lot of calories with little effort. askkay@apachepowwow.com

Graphics courtesy of FONTSPACE.COM

By GLUTTON GIRL

Staff Writer

Located in the quaint part of Sierra Madre, Monsieur Crêpe is certainly a special restaurant.

They serve traditional French crêpes in many flavors and varieties. With a choice between sweet and savory crêpes, ice cream topping and Nutella, meat and vegetable, the selection is extensive. Monsieur Crêpe also has lunch selections of salads and sandwiches.

I ordered the Nutella crêpe, the Banana Split crêpe, and the L’Indienne (curry chicken) crêpe. The Nutella crêpe was simple and light; it came drizzled with Nutella and little puffs of whipped cream and strawberry on the sides. I

By EMILY TONG

Why was the egg so sad?

He got beat up!

23

Staff Writer

What d happene en h w g g to the e d too e he laugh much? entally He accid p! u cracked

Why couldn’t the family watch their television?

Their connection was scrambled!

Wher does e East the e get h r Bunny i From s eggs? an eg plant g! etong@apachepowwow.com

Graphics courtesy of FONTSPACE.COM and DREAMSTIME.COM

liked this one because the flavor of the Nutella really stood out. The Banana Split crêpe was plated beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on one side and little puffs of cream on the edges. I was hesitant to eat it because it looked so pretty! Once I took a bite, however, I knew that it was worth ruining the perfect plating. It was sweet yet not too sweet, and the vanilla ice cream balanced out the drier texture of the crêpe. The L’Indienne was a crêpe wrapped in curry chicken and fresh spinach leaves on top. It was a little dry but very filling and overall quite tasty.

Monsieur Crêpe had both great service and delicious, traditional food. Although the crêpes are not exactly cheap, the price is well worth the

dish. I give this place 3 crepes out of 5. Until next time! And who am I? That’s a secret I’ll never tell.

XOXO, Glutton Girl

Monsieur Crêpe Details 54 W. Sierra Madre Blvd Sierra Madre, CA 91024 Prices: Nutella Crêpe $4.77 Banana Split Crêpe $6.17 L’Indienne Crêpe $7.35 gluttongirl@apachepowwow.com Graphics courtesy of IEIFFELTOWER.COM

24

GIVES ME HOPE

cf.powwow@gmail.com

Graphics courtesy of JESSICA ANGUIANO, ANNABELLE HO, CINDY SHIM, ANGELA TRAN, SOPHIA WEI, CALLISTA WU, and DAISY XIE

April 2014