November 2013 Issue

Focus-

Life and Art-

“Starbucks celebrates the holidays with style” pg. 11

“Has government spying gone too far?” pg. 8-9

THE

Matador Wednesday, NOVEMBER 20, 2013

Volume 59, Number 3

Sports“Views on crowd cheering: helpful or distracting?” pg. 13

S a n G a b r i e l H i gh S c h o o l

801 Ramona St., San Gabriel, CA 91776

www.thematadorsghs.com

Garvey School District elects new board members Steven Ho Following public elections held on Tuesday, Nov. 5, the Garvey School District (GSD) elected candidates Maureen Chin, Bob Bruesch, and Ronald Trabanino to serve four-year terms on the District Board of Education. Of the five candidates, which also included veteran board members John Yuen and Antonio Ramos, Chin, Bruesch, and Trabanino campaigned as a trio and gained over a thousand votes each, placing them above Yuen and Ramos and winning the election.

All candidates put up campaign signs, knocked on doors, and sent out fliers to promote their election onto the board. Former board president Ramos, teamed up with then-board member John Yuen to increase their chances of re-election. Consequently, candidates Chin, Bruesch, and Trabanino formed a trio under the slogan “Take Back Garvey.” Yuen and Ramos won 533 and 449 votes, respectively, while Chin, Bruesch, and Trabanino won 1,323, 1,266, and 1,116 votes, respectively, thus sanctioning the trio seats in the Board.

Temple Intermediate teacher Chris Spitler was pleased with the results of the election.

“The new board is going to start listening to the community and making the changes [students] need,” Spitler said.

Spitler is relieved that the board will have true collaborations with educators in order to give them a voice in improving the schools.

Spitler, a member of the Garvey Education Association, is also hoping that the new board will bring back the Fine Arts program and show more support for other electives such as band, choir, and drama.

The triumvirate’s mission statement is to “restore harmony in the District,” as stated on Chin, Bruesch, and Trabanino’s facebook page.

To improve the organization and direction of the Garvey School District, the triumvirate plans to make changes to the district agenda that reflects a greater concern for the students’ education. Among the pledges are to “respect parents, teachers and staff, stop unnecessary layoffs and terminations, [and] stop the wasteful misuse of precious district resources.”

Chin, Bruesch, and Trabanino aim to resolve the issue of teacher layoffs present in the Board’s action of laying off more than 30 teachers and 7 classified workers in 2012. Additionally, in September 2012, much controversy

Seniors honored at last football game Os c a r M o l i n a In addition to the standard processions of any football game, the final season game against the Alhambra Moors on Friday, Nov. 8, which ended in a 25-36 loss, featured a salute and a farewell to seniors.

The pre-game began with the recognition of nine senior cheerleaders, seven senior choreo members, six seniors drill members, 19 senior football players, and a varsity water girl, some of whom were escorted by parents and friends. The seniors were presented by teacher Kirsten Nielsen.

“It felt great to finally be recognized after having played a very obscure role on the team,” varsity water girl Yanira Robledo said.

In addition, the marching band commenced the game with its performance of the traditional “Star-Spangled Banner” and the “Fight Song.”

With first half coming to a close at a score of 19-27, the marching band assembled itself to perform three field show routines, which included “Los Cuervos,” “Cuban Cowboy,” and “Beauty and a Beat.” The band also teamed up with choreo to perform Macklemore’s hit song “Can’t Hold Us” in a routine involving live music, as compared to the typical routine by choreo performing alone to a recorded song. The half-time show ended with the acknowledgement of 32 marching band seniors and three color guard members.

“I brought down my friends to escort because we’re really close,” senior band member and trumpet player Jessee Ruiz said. “It made me feel comfortable.”

Despite the loss and effort made by the football team, the night was able to end the football season with a goodbye to seniors who had become part of the games.

Photo by Derek Deng

Senior offensive lineman Eddie Escobar protects junior quarterback Anthony Gutierrez as he rushes the pass in an attempt to score a touchdown against the Alhambra Moor football team in their final match of the season. The game ended with a score of 25-36.

Photo courtesy of Garvey School District

Bob Bruesch (left), Ronald Trabanino (middle), and Maureen Chin (right) formed a trio and ran in the school board election under the slogan “Take Back Garvey.” arose after the old board gave the superintendent Sandra D. Johnson a $40,000 raise in pay and benefits. The new board hopes to clear up any bad publicity caused by the 2012 board.

In addition to gaining Bruesch, a longtime Board of Education member and well-recognized educational figure, the

Board will also receive fresh insight with the addition of newcomers Chin and Trabanino, parents of Garvey School District students.

With support from the comminity and staff members, the elected board will put improving the education of students first and foremost.

Typhoon Haiyan devastates Philippines

Photo by Trocaire/CC BY

Frank Lieu The aftermath of Typhoon Haiyan that struck East and central Philippines has been described as a trail of devastation.

On Nov. 8, Typhoon Haiyan came from east of Cancabato Bay hitting the city of Tacloban. Although the 235 miles per hour winds crushed downtown Tacloban and surrounding areas, it was not the main cause of the deaths. The 16-feet walls of water slamming into houses and ripping children from their parents, proved to be the true killer of this disaster.

“It’s a scary fact because it’s something uncontrollable,” world history teacher Nicole Manalang said. “It’s one thing about Mother Nature surprising oblivious people with disasters.”

While the true scale of casualties remains unclear, President Benigno Aquino III released an estimated number of deaths, which goes between 2,000 to 2,500 people. With information from UN officials, almost 11 mil-

Survivors of Typhoon Haiyan attempt to salvage what they can from the wreckage of the disaster. As the Filipinos try to recover from t h i s t r a g e d y, supporters have been sending in donations to assist the relief effort.

lion people have been affected by the storm, leaving about 600,000 people homeless with short food supply.

“People are dying here,” Jaime Fernandez, who ran away from the storm said to CBS news. “Too many people are dying, just for that storm. We can’t get any food from other stores because there are no stores.”

The city administrator of Tacloban, Tecson John Lim, said about 90 percent of the city was destroyed by the storm and only 20 percent of its residents had received any aid. With rain grounding many aerial aid attempts, roads blocking passage to the hardest-hit areas, and poor conditions causing more misery and stress to the survivors, relief efforts have been delayed and prolonged.

Adding to the survivors’ anxiety, there are countless bodies scattered around streets, buried in the fallen debris. According to the Associated Press, numerous amounts of unidentified bodies hidden in black bags filled...

Continued on page 2

NEWS

THE MATADOR

Choreo dances its way through new competition

Photo courtesy of Catherine Bocanegra

L a u re n K a k a z u The San Gabriel High School Choreo Dance team left Sierra Vista High School in good spirits after placing first at the SHARP Dance Competition on Dec. 15.

After their performance at the homecoming rally on Oct. 14, Choreo coach Rosalee Cabral signed up Choreo to compete in the Sr. Pom category at the SHARP Dance competition. This was not the first SHARP competition that the dance team ever competed at, but this one proved to be different than the previous competitions.

“It was our first time competing in a pom category,” senior Choreo member Crystal Tang said. “Most of the competitions we compete at, we compete in the hip hop category or a prop category. We had to focus more on technique and sharpness and hitting the moves with poms, which we have never done before … but overall it was a great experience.”

Choreo competed against another school, Bell Gardens High School. “[The hardest part was] keeping the energy up, keeping [our] spirits up, and

The San Gabriel High School Choreo Dance team placed first at the SHARP Dance Competition with a score of 93.25.

This year, they competed in the pom category rather the hip hop or prop categories.

seeing how the other teams are and pushing yourself to do better,” Choreo captain Tiffany Heng said.

For many of the Choreo members, like junior Shannon Hang, this was their first time competing in a dance competition.

“It was really exciting and nervewracking,” Hang said. “I was really scared but when I got onto the floor I [thought] ‘Oh, let’s just do it.’”

After they competed, 10 Choreo members took the opportunity to compete in the Special Events. Every member who competed in a Special Event earned spirit points, which added to the team’s total score. The members competed in categories, such as highest kicks, best turns, best toe touches, best turns and best leaps. Junior and Choreo member Amber Dykeman competed for best turns.

“I felt like I would do well in turns and I also thought it would be fun to participate,” Choreo member Dykeman said.

At the end of the Special Events, awards were given out to the first place winners in all of the categories. The Choreo Dance Team won Sr. Pom with a score of 93.25.

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2013

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Viewpoints vary as Unz proposes to increase California’s minimum wage increase in minimum wage. The business owners are going to have to increase the Attempting to make California the state prices of what [they] charge.” with the highest minimum wage, millionaire Concurrent with government actions, Ron Unz proposed to increase minimum is the U.S. fast food workers’ nationwide wage from $8 an hour to $10 an hour in 2015 protests over low wages. Employees and $12 in 2016. working on a living of minimum wage Unz plans to pour his own money into the gathered outside several fast food chains measure, according to the New York Times. and retail stores in their respective areas.

This leaves it up to California residents to Some strikers demanded their pay to be as vote whether or not to increase the minimum high as $15 an hour. wage, requiring 750,000 “I’d say $15 an hour is signatures to get the too much of a spike in proposal on the ballot. wages. If anything, I At $7.25, the current think $12-13 an hour federal minimum is reasonable,” Pham wage is 75 cents less said. “If the minimum than California’s. wage at fast food President Barack Obama restaurants were attempted to add into the t o i n c re a s e b y policy agenda a rising of that much, I feel the federal minimum wage t o that the younger $9 an hour, but Congress did generations will feel not adequately support his less of a need to get calling. a good education.”

Illustration by Erin Truong “The amount of work that From an employee most minimum wage jobs require is standpoint, the increase in nowhere equivalent to the pay,” senior minimum wage might ease the worker’s Krystalynna Pham said. “From working a struggle but cause businesses and the few jobs, I’ve noticed that my coworkers economy to take a toll. Critics argue that are either college students or parents. The fewer jobs will be available, especially increase in minimum wage will provide because small businesses will face financial more for families who really need it.” challenges. Also, employee benefits will California governor Jerry Brown decrease because certain cuts must be made previously “signed legislation to increase in place of the higher pay. the minimum wage to $10 an hour in 2016,” “[For] the person who’s working, they as stated in New York Times; however, the get a little more money in [their] pocket,” California Chamber of Commerce believed Gin said. “But what’s the use of having an the bill would raise unemployment rate and increase in minimum wage if you don’t put the state’s economic recovery at risk. have a job? Businesses won’t hire as many “The only bad thing of increasing people.” minimum wage is you’re going to increase Unz’s proffer might cause conflicts the prices,” history teacher Raymond Gin between the employee and business, but the said. “When you increase the prices, you’re decision is up to California residents when going to have this little arms race of the citizens vote on the ballot in 2014.

Mimi Lam

Multicultural Dance Club performs for elderly people I l e a n a P e re z The Matador Multicultural Dance Club (MMDC) will be performing at a convalescent home in the city of El Monte during the first week of January.

MMDC started at the beginning of the school year to teach and inform people about different cultural and dance techniques around the world. The club combines culture and dance with services around the community.

MMDC will be presenting a traditional Hawaiian dance routine known as a

Polynesian dance, which involves rhythmic slow movements of the hips to a graceful song. The club will be dancing to a song called “Hanalei Moon.” MMDC’s president Trista Rios chose this dance because the club seemed satisfied and content with it; it was also not one of the dances the club had previously danced to.

“I thought that doing something like this for the winter season would be a good idea,” Rios said.

The club has been practicing every Tuesday during lunch and is planning to meet up during the break as they try

to maintain a strict and productive work schedule.

MMDC selected the convalescent home as their performance location because the club wanted to go and meet the people there, since they might enjoy a show especially during the holiday season.

“We thought that it would be nice to just go and visit, “ Rios said. “Nobody wants to spend the Christmas season alone.”

MMDC hopes that they will be able to raise the holiday spirit in the convalescent home and continue to develop their skills.

Gardening Club creates funds through garden enterprise time and effort needed to clear up the dirt Jennifer Thai and begin seeding.

Through this working experience, The Gardening Club, meeting every Wednesday after school and Saturday at students learn the process of gardening as well as business: the planting creating products grounds in and later selling front of the them.

B building, “Our goal is to plans to create a substantial beautify the business to help school as create funds for well as gain San Gabriel,” senior business Brandon Ascencio experience said. by selling The Gardening plants.

T h e Photo by Derek Deng project supervisor club aims Seniors Dat Le and Oscar Munoz helped with the Jesse Chang works for Kingdom to grow and digging and planting at the B building garden.

Causes, under the sell their plants by January. Through their garden Neighborhood Gardens initiative which near the B building, its members plan aims to increase community engagement to grow various types of plants such as and health through school and community Mediterranean herbs and lavender. They gardens. Although he has already worked hope to finish in January, considering the with three other schools in the Alhambra

Unified School District, this project at San Gabriel High School is his first to create a business enterprise as well as being his largest scale project --almost a quarter of an acre.

“Gardens can connect a community in creative and multifaceted ways,” Chang said.

“My vision for this garden is an ongoing business and something the whole school can utilize and enjoy.”

Working from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays and after school on Wednesdays, the club members show dedication as they clear roots and plant.

“I believe that it [the garden] will grow and have more people come to help this project and group will expand,” senior Frankie Zhang said.

The club is preparing for their ribbon cutting ceremony anticipated to be in January.

“I am excited to see the final product of the garden,” junior Sabina Ma said, “It would help San Gabriel look a little bit nicer.”

Beautifying the school, the Gardening Club seeks to change the school in their own unique way.

Photo by Derek Deng

The Matador Multicultural Dance Club rehearsed its Polynesian dance performance, which will take place at a convalescent home in El Monte.

Student journalists learn about privilege, oppression

Photo by Jennifer Kim

“Take two steps back if you’ve ever been stopped by a cop because of your race,” youth and community coordinator Mike Rabaja Pedro said.

A few shy scuffles back, and then silence again.

“Now take a step forward if you ever received educational assistance, like an SAT course or any sort of after school program.”

A few unsure steps forward.

“Now look around you; what do you all see in terms of privilege and where you all stand as a group?”

To read more, go to thematadorsghs.com

3

THE MATADOR

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2013

AUSD high school bands join, bond with a joint field show De re k De n g Silver and gold glittered on the Matador football field as band members from three high schools, Alhambra, Mark Keppel, and San Gabriel, performed on Nov. 13 for the 31st annual Tri-City field show. It was a chance for all three schools to demonstrate their musical and marching capabilities after months of effort.

“It was a friendly competition,” band director Tamara Cognetta said. “It makes the students perform their best since they are in front of their peers.”

The event started with each of the bands’ parade pass-bys, where each school played their parade march. San Gabriel played “The Thunderer” by John Philip Sousa; Alhambra played their fight song; and Mark Keppel played “On Wisconsin.” After all of the bands had performed their marches, the schools took turns performing their field shows. “ I f e l t l i k e t h e b a n d w a s re a d y [ f o r o u r performance],” senior Aaron Taing said. “The lines may not have been perfect, but I thought we sounded pretty good.”

Mark Keppel readied their positions on the field and played “Ritual Fire Dance,” “On a Hymnsong,” and “Jupiter.” Next San Gabriel’s band, led by senior drum major Ryan Duong and accompanied by color guard, played “Los Cuervos,” “Cuban Cowboys” with senior trumpet soloist Kristen Ham, “Can’t Hold Us” with a performance from choreo, and

“Beauty and a Beat.” San Gabriel’s performance was followed by Alhambra’s field show performance.

“We got to experience the field show and got the chance to learn a lot from each other,” Mark Keppel band member Richard Lai said.

Alhambra’s band, accompanied by their color guard team, played parts of the piece “Fire Bird Suite” which was written by Igor Stravinsky.

Alhambra’s parade march was different from the others in that the tune for their song, “Rage Against the Machine: Killing in the Name” was dark and low-pitched.

“We saw how we compared to the other bands,” senior Alhambra band member Danielle Giberti said. “The event helped us get more connected and meet other sections [from other schools].”

The show concluded with band members from all three schools forming a block band to play songs that each school had selected. The songs include “Macho Man/YMCA,” “Alive and Amplified,” and “Africa.” The night’s selection was determined when the band directors from their respective schools chose a piece for the combined band to perform.

“It’s thrilling to have around 300 musicians playing together,” Cognetta said. “The kids always look forward to this event.”

With that, Mr. Trulson, band director of Alhambra high school, concluded the evening’s event by thanking the audience for coming out to support the bands from throughout the district.

NEWS Photo by Derek Deng

Vice president Raymond Yang concentrates as he takes the practice math test, which will help him prepare for the actual test in the annual competition, which will be held during late Jan-Feb.

Academic Decathlon prepares for annual competition with scrimmage Kr isty Duong Academic Decathlon (AcaDec) students met early on Nov. 9 at Monrovia High School for their annual scrimmage. During the scrimmage, students took several practice tests on various subjects in preparation for the AcaDec competition that will be held in late January and early February. Those subjects included art, economics, literature, math, music, science, and social science. However, unlike previous years, these tests were taken on clickers rather than scantrons.

Since the beginning of the school year, AcaDec students have been meeting several times a week to learn the material based on this year’s theme, World War I. For many of the students, it was their first time going through this experience.

“My first scrimmage was exciting as well as a bit nerve racking as this was going to be my first real experience is any type of competition. The test questions were sort of unexpected, as some of the tests mainly focused on only some parts of each subject,” sophomore member Tiffany Tran said.

This was also a different experience for returning members as the tests were taken on clickers from Turning Technologies rather than scantrons.

“The transition from scantrons to clickers reflects a growing trend of the organization trying to make the test more accessible.

However, they could be better improved in terms of response time,” vice president senior Raymond Yang said.

AcaDec adviser Ted Olivos felt that the scrimmage provided a good experience for students to get used to the types of questions that will be asked during the competition. However, it did not provide an accurate representation of the competition environment for the students as students were seated in separate rooms with members of their team rather than in one large testing room with students from various other schools.

Thanksgiving tradition returns Vanessa Huang Photo by Derek Deng

Senior San Gabriel clarinetist Arthur Thai stands with other clarinetists from the Mark Keppel and Alhambra high school bands, the Aztec marching band and the Mighty Moor marching band. The night’s selection included songs like “Africa,” “Alive and Amplified,” and a mix of “Macho Man/YMCA.”

LA CLeW inspires freshmen students Angela Fong Dozens of eager students crowded into the auditorium last Saturday as they took part in the first L.A. Community Leadership Workshop (CLeW). Hosted by two co-chairs, juniors Judy Tang and Jasdeep Sihota, and directed by Garrett Minnie, all former participants of HOBY (Hugh O’ Brian Youth Leadership), the workshop was attended by 23 freshmen from high schools like San Gabriel, Temple City, San Marino, Montebello, and Alhambra.

“I wanted the workshop to help freshmen adjust to the rigors of high school by giving them a chance to educate themselves about the importance of volunteer work, develop leadership skills, interact with other students, and learn from successful [high school] juniors and seniors,” Tang said.

Instead of relying solely on speeches and panels, the CLeW hosts kept students engaged by incorporating games and hands-on activities, including making blankets for Project Linus, an organization aimed at providing homemade blankets for children in need.

Students were separated into five groups, each led by two student facilitators.

“The L.A. CLeW was a success in my opinion, because everyone who came had fun and broke out of their shell. Even though I was one of the facilitators of the event, it was a learning experience for me,” facilitator junior Eric Hong said.

Between lively bouts of games, dancing, and

cheering, the CLeW participants gathered in the auditorium for more serious activities, namely, panels. Guest speakers included San Gabriel High School teachers Georgia Daniels and Ted Olivos, the former mayor of Rosemead, Steven Ly, and senior class council member, Oscar Molina.

After addressing the audience, the guest speakers answered questions posed by the audience. Freshmen attendees were able to gain valuable insight on the workings of high school life.

“I felt like the guest speakers were inspirational as well as motivational. I enjoyed how the speeches were given by different people, and how their perspectives of accomplishing certain tasks were diverse. Not only has their advice driven me into deliberation about my high school career, it has also broadened my perspective on life,” Temple City High School freshman Caroline Chen said.

Preparations for the CLeW included a training session for facilitators before the workshop was hosted, where they were able to “meet, bond, and generally prepare for the big day,” Hong said.

Held from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on November 16, the first L.A. workshop had sister CLeW’s in locations such as San Diego. Despite it being Tang’s first time organizing such an event, those who attended seemed to have positive feedback about the workshop. With her first CLeW just over, Tang is already eagerly planning her next event, which will take place in San Diego.

Ths year, Thanksgiving break will last a whole week from Nov. 25 to Dec.1, as opposed to last year’s four-day break. However, because of the early start and dismissal last year, the four-day Thanksgiving break was previously used instead. Due to the early school year start in mid-August, students will be given a one week break for Thanksgiving while keeping the minimum school days requirement. Not only will the long break give students more family time, but it can also provide students with more time to study during Thanksgiving and for seniors to work on their college applications.

“The long break helps balance out semester one and two,” Principal Jim Schofield said. “Since it is right before the finals and at the end of the semester, the Thanksgiving break gives the students more time to work on their missing assignments and prepare for their finals in December.”

Some students were pleased to hear that the one week break during Thanksgiving had returned because of the previous four-day break.

“The one week break gives students more time to spend with their family because it’s Thanksgiving after all,’’ freshman Emily Dong said.

“It also gives us more time to relax and not stress about school.”

In addition to giving students more time for their own interests, the weeklong break allows students to take care of their family members.

Senior Adriel Macias knows that the extended holiday benefits his family and not just himself.

“I can take care of my younger siblings and pick them up from school with the [break],” Macias said. “Because it’s almost Thanksgiving, I can help my mom around the house which makes it easier for my family.”

Though the long break gives students more time to do their homework, study, rest, and spend time with their loved ones, the one week vacation also backfires on students’ education.

“Even though I like a longer break for Thanksgiving, students can forget the things they learned before Thanksgiving because the break is so long,” junior Matthew Diep said. “The week break makes practices harder for sports and teams because there’s no school for one week and it’s Thanksgiving.”

The change was met with mixed feelings because the one week break is not permanent, but there is a huge possibility that the long break will stay intact.

“The one week Thanksgiving break depends on each year where all the classified staff members, teachers, and certified members will decide whether if the week break will continue, but as for now, the weeklong Thanksgiving break will stay,” Schofield said.

The longer break will bring students relief and time to study for finals.

NEWS

THE MATADOR WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2013

4

Buddhist/Muslim clashes claim lives, ruin peace

Continued drone strikes in the Middle East by the American military over the years resulted in controversial opinions about the US government, especially with civilians dying in attacks, which led to widespread resentment toward the US in the Pakistani area. Humanitarian groups continue to work toward opposing and preventing these strikes.

Amy Yee

Photo by Us Navy/CC BY

Drone strikes aggravate humanitarians A n t h o n y Ya n g Terrorist threats drove the United States government to send drones to Yemen to combat Al-Qaeda and the Taliban, killing 18 people.

These cases have been happening ever since 2008 as attempts to fight notable terrorist groups from the Middle East, aimed specifically at Pakistan and Yemen. The drone strikes have become a controversial topic for human rights activists, especially young Nobel Peace Prize nominee Malala Yousafzai.

“Innocent victims are killed in these acts, and they lead to resentment among the Pakistani people,” Yousafzai said.

According to a UN investigation, over 400 civilians were killed over the course of five years, much more than what the United States has estimated.

Amnesty International, a human-rights organization, strongly opposed the drone attacks due to its possible violation of human-rights. They have gone to the point of classifying these drone strikes as war crimes. Amnesty has released a report detailing their stance on drones, criticizing the Obama administration’s use of drones, calling for those involved to face trial.

“Amnesty International has serious concerns that this attack violated the prohibition of the arbitrary deprivation of life and may constitute war crimes..,” the report said.

Pakistan’s prime minister, Nawaz Sharif, has requested a meeting with President Barack Obama to discuss the drone strikes and to persuade him to cease the use of drones due to the strained relationship with the United States.

“Recently our political parties... declared the use of drones is not only a continued violation of our territorial integrity but also detrimental to... eliminating terrorism from our country,” Sharif said. ”This issue has become a major irritant in our bilateral relationship as well. I therefore would stress the need for an end to the drone attacks.”

President Barack Obama insisted if drones were not used, the military would have taken a more intrusive action. Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) director, John Brennan, believes drones are a necessary approach to combat terrorism, speaking on promoting drone use.

“If we don’t arrest the growth of Al Qaeda in a Yemen, or a Mali, or a Somalia, or whatever else, that cancer is going to overtake the body politic in the country, and then we’re going to have a situation that we’re not going to be able to address,” Brennan said.

Drones are sent by planes that fire missiles via remote control. Senior Stephen Tam believes that force of drones is not sufficient to prevent terrorism since technology is not advanced enough to be using drones without the expense of the lives of civilians.

“Our technology is more advanced than before, but [drones] aren’t accurate enough to keep [civilians] from getting hurt,” Tam said. “The United States should be deploying military to the Middle East, like Marine Corps, to educate [civilians] about terrorism and drones.”

Drone attacks in Yemen and Pakistan have caught the eyes among human-rights organizations since the drone strikes brought up the topic of terrorism. However, it is up to the government to dictate whether the use of drones should continue.

*This article is abridged. To read the full article, visit thematadorsghs.com.

Brutal clashes between two ethnic groups in southeast Asiathe Rakhine Buddhist majority and Rohingya Muslim minorityhave led to numerous deaths in the country of Myanmar and threaten to overshadow the reform efforts of President Thein Sein.

In October, a Buddhist mob stormed Thabyuchaing, Myanmar (present-day Burma) and set fire to more than 100 homes not marked with Buddhist flags. Many lives were claimed, most of them Muslim from this act. The attack was the latest in a string of fights agitated by Buddhist nationalist groups against the Muslims who lived in close proximity with them.

“I don’t think these people are Buddhists if they burn houses down,” senior Justin Yeh said. “Buddhism should be practiced as a philosophy instead of a mob mentality.”

The anti-Muslim sentiment was sparked by a Buddhist political party that viewed Muslims as a threat to the country and as well as by a group of monks who had said that they were defending the country against an “Islamist takeover.” The Muslim Rohingya, both non-Burmese and non-Buddhist, were labeled foreigners and incorrectly called “illegal Bengali immigrants” who came to Myanmar under British rule. Beginning in the 1970s, the Burmese military embarked on campaigns to ethnically cleanse the nation of the Rohingya. Over the course of the years, the Muslims were stripped of their citizenship, forced out of their homes, and were subjected to be the target of Buddhist attacks. “[The events] look like history is repeating itself,” sophomore Tiffany Tran said.

The White House, United Nations, and human-rights groups have urged the Myanmar government to halt the violence between the two groups since the bloodshed began in the summer of 2012.

President Sein has attempted to reach out to the public in order to address these issues.

“The president has made some commendable public speeches in which he has emphasized the need for trust, respect and compassion between people of different faiths and ethnic groups in Myanmar,” Tomas Ojea Quintana said, a UN special rapporteur on the situation in human rights in Myanmar. “However, more needs to be done by the government to tackle the spread of discriminatory views and to protect vulnerable minority communities,” he told the UN General Assembly’s Third Committee, which deals with human rights issues.

Human rights groups around the world are still making efforts to stop the violence in Myanmar.

Students look into potential medical careers C a ro l i n a L o a i s i ga Continuing the tradition, Medical Career Academy hosted their second annual mentor mixer in the Multipurpose Room on Nov. 14. The mentor mixer was filled with many acclaimed doctors, registered nurses, paramedics, and emergency room nurses as well.

The event started off with an empowering presentation by head paramedic Alex Robbins about the importance of character and courage in the medical field. The presentation included examples from personal experience and hypothetical models.

“It was a great experience. I could see the kids were into it,” Robbins said.

After the presentation, students were able to confer with the adult mentors that attended the mixer.

“I had fun sitting down with the mentors and talking to them. It made me a little less scared about my future,” junior Melissa Benavides said.

The mixer, held annually, was a great success, thanks to Cynthia Okimura and Amy Wu, Medical Career Academy teachers who were there to make sure that the event ran smoothly and successfully.

“I work[ed] really hard to get this event running along and my students also [did] a great job of helping me out,” Okimura said.

Okimura spent about a full month planning and contacting each and every mentor that came out to the event.

“I emailed each mentor and contacted the whole medical community, [and] it was actually easy once the community saw that this was for a good cause,” Okimura said.

Mentors included nurse Jeanette Abundis, therapist Wendi Lee, and first-time nurse Sarah Gonzales.

“The kids were all great. They asked me many questions regarding how long it took me to be where I am.

They all have a bright future ahead of them if they keep thinking like this,” Gonzales said.

Other first-timers such as nurse Ashley Sanello also commented on how spectacularly successful the event was and how incredibly responsive the student attendees were to her advice.

“My biggest advice to kids was to volunteer as much as they can. This [was] a great event and I would defintely come back [next year],” Sanello said.

Medical Career Academy looks to maintain this mentor mixer a tradition throughout the years and eventually develop into a big and successful event.

Photo by Carolina Loaisiga

Attendees of MCA’s annual mentor mixer are pleasantly received by many experts in the medical field who came to direct and inform young aspiring students of medicine. The event was held in the Multipurpose Room on Nov. 14.

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THE MATADOR WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2013

OPINIONS

Editorial

Government invades foreign privacy

ion

by C a

ssan dra C

hen

order reviews of the NSA’s surveillance capabilities, such as curbing spying on the headquarters of the United Nations, the World Bank, and the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

In all this commotion, the government needs to establish order and begin evaluating and understanding the extent of its actions. All government leaders need to be informed of what actions are being conducted so they can then determine what is appropriate.

In essence, the government should follow what we were told as children: “Treat others the way you want to be treated.”

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spying on allied nations does not appear to be concurrent with this law.

In the wake of the government shutdown, rising poverty rates, and immigration control, the nation should focus more on tackling and spending funds on domestic issues before potential international threats are addressed. The fact that the spying was conducted without public approval and knowledge proves the immoral invasion of privacy. Although a leading superpower, the United States has no right to spy on foreign nations.

The issue is not completely about national safety, but more about national manipulation and domination. If national security deserves much attention, the nation should openly take efforts to establish peace worldwide.

In the midst of this spying scandal, there has been confusion among government leaders regarding who knows what. It seems that not everyone, even our very own President, fully comprehends the situation. In order to present an image of control, Obama has begun to

Illus

The controversy over national security has erupted with recently uncovered information regarding the government’s involvement in international spying. Obama and the U.S. administration have been wiring leaders from France, Germany, and Mexico in a supposed effort to protect our nation from eminent dangers. After the National Security Association’s (NSA) spying agenda was revealed by Edward Snowden, the entire country has been engaged in a debate on whether the nation’s security status justifies spying.

With the recent conflicts with Russia over Syria’s use of chemical weapons, the U.S. government may feel obliged to keep tabs on the actions of foreign powers. Under the Patriot Act of 2001, which permits spying in cases of terrorism, the main reason the United States should conduct such actions is in cases of international threats. However, when the allies are on the same side and wish to remain at peace, the U.S. is in no clear and present danger;

Restrictions of blanket policy improve student life S t e v en H o This coming winter, large, thick sweaters have to pull double their weight in the battle over warmth; neck survival will go to infinity scarves and beyond; toe socks will be the norm, not the exception; but the blankets must stay home. The biting winter cold has caused an increase of students bringing blankets to school as a source of warmth. However, because blankets are seen as a threat to safety, Student Services has banned blankets from being worn around campus. Some students despise the new blanket ban, arguing that the comfort and warmth a blanket brings is justified in these colder temperatures. However, blankets should be banned because they cause more harm and distraction than warmth.

The main reason that blankets are restricted from campus is the unnecessary hazard they pose to the students. If a blanket trails greatly behind a person, it may cause others to step on the blanket and induce tripping. Especially on staircases, the danger of creating a human snowball is not a laughing matter. Using both hands to keep the blanket ends wrapped around the shoulders is also unnecessary and bothersome.

Secondly, blankets are not even clothing. They are long pieces of insulating fabric. Blankets are blankets, not sweaters or jackets (though they can possibly be capes). Surprisingly, sweaters can

do everything a blanket can without all of the potential dangers that come from dangling loose cloth by the shoulders. And since blankets are not clothing, they are not protected under the dress code. Wearing a blanket to school is like wearing earplugs to a concert; there is a time and place for everything.

Lastly, the act of wearing blankets is discouraged at most high school campuses; the fact that a blanket policy was not enacted sooner is puzzling. Mark Keppel and Alhambra High School restrict blankets from being worn on campus. It would be much more controversial for a policy to allow blankets to be acceptable in San Gabriel. Any student backlash from the policy would only arise in recent times since the school has only seen blanket activity in the last two years. Once students understand the good intentions of the policy, there will be no one complaining that “good old blankie” has to stay home.

We are high schoolers, not kindergartners; if warmth is truly the issue, students should just invest in comfortable sweaters and jackets to insulate heat. Though hard to believe, they do a much better job than blankets. All in all, the blanket ban is a necessary action that prioritizes the safety of students before anything else.

Students should embrace the new policy and refrain from complaining. Wearing sweaters, infinity scarves, and toe socks are much wiser alternatives for drawing a blanket.

Illustration by Emmanuel Maresca

Volunteer policy discourages outside participation in school activities Oscar Molina With a desire to increase school safety and protection for the students, the Alhambra Unified School District Board of Education amended Board Policy 1240 “to require all volunteers to be cleared through a Department of Justice and Federal Bureau of Investigation criminal background check.”

The recent policy is intended to give students a safe and secure environment to work in. Along with the background check, volunteers are required to receive a live scan fingerprinting.

So far the district has processed over 800 adults, but the process can be difficult, since applying to be a volunteer costs approximately $60.

For example, it would make it problem-

atic for a parent to chaperone a one-time field trip. Despite desiring school safety, it is rather ridiculous to make a parent pay a $60 fee for a background check, simply to join his or her child on a field trip. This is especially unreasonable because many times it is difficult in itself to find a parent chaperone that is available and willing to go and make the trip possible.

“This whole policy is unnecessary and an invasion of people’s privacy,” sophomore Nathan Phan said. “I would be extremely upset if my mom had to go through such an extensive process just to help out and participate in a school trip.”

Despite wanting to promote student security around “potentially dangerous strangers,” this policy can push away interested volunteers from working at the school scene. Volunteers, especially

parents, may feel confronted and considered unworthy by being asked to have a criminal background check; a sense of an invasion of privacy may develop.

Ultimately, this policy has benevolent intentions, but it creates bumps in the road and deters volunteers. Any person willing to volunteer should be applauded and thanked, not questioned and asked to pay to be able to help.

With growing class sizes and more assistance needed on campuses, volunteers should be readily accepted. It is understandable that under Megan’s Law schools would like to identify any sex offenders, but a trust relationship needs to be built between volunteers, like parents, and the district. If this relationship cannot be developed, then the district should at least help pay for the background check.

Mary’s Little ‘Lam’

Tran Lam It’s Tran, not Lam I have a really odd first name: Tran; my last name can also be a first name, and my first name can be my last name.

They are basically interchangeable, so it is inevitable for some people to call me by my last name.

There were so many cases where people confused them. For instance, in seventh grade, after months of being called “Lam” by my math teacher, I finally confronted her one day and told her that my name is Tran, not Lam. I happily went back to my seat and smiled as I told myself, “the problem is solved.” I was dead wrong.

A day later, when she called on me to answer a question she said, “Lam, what is your answer?” Anger filled up inside of me as I curled my fists. I began feeling insecure about my name and felt indignant whenever she called me Lam. I felt too bitter to correct her again, so for the rest of school year, I held in the anger and dealt with it.

From then on, I felt self-conscious about my name. “What if people make fun of it? What if they call me Lam like what she did?” I could not let that go, the instances where I was called Lam. My math teacher had not mistaken my classmates’ names, so why would she mix up mine? I held these thoughts for a long time that year and even wanted to change my name.

My first name is not even a common first name, so it is understandable that people mistaken it as my last name. I blamed my teacher for being ignorant and also blamed myself for carrying such an uncommon name.

I did not know how to react to this absurdity. I remember wondering whether the teacher was “trolling” me, or was it just too hard to remember that my last name is simply not my first name. I shook my head in denial that it would never occur again when I start anew in high school.

“That was just a frivolous mistake. It won’t occur ever again.” After that instance, I didn’t encounter it again, until I started my freshman year in high school.

As I strolled into the guidance office to pick up my PE clothes, another freshman followed behind me to do accordingly. When I wrote my name on my PE shorts, the freshman peeked over and scratched his head. He turned to the person handing out clothes and asked “Why do we have to write our last name first?” My friend snickered while I lowered my head and let out a deep sigh.

I didn’t even want to confront him that I didn’t write my last name. I accepted this reality and carried on with my day hoping it was just a joke.

From then on, I figured out that names are what make people unique. It should not matter whether people sometimes mistake Lam as my first name or Tran as my last name. The idea of people confusing my first name with my last name just gives me a good laugh now.

I learned from my mistakes and snicker whenever I think of those instances when people called me Lam, not Tran.

I shouldn’t be angry at people for doing so, since it is not their fault.

Nowadays whenever teachers mix up my name, I try to take the initiative of correcting them instead of being bitter and feeling insecure about my name.

OPINIONS

THE MATADOR WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2013

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‘Femicide’ tragedy in Mexico goes overlooked Tran Lam For two decades, the women of Ciudad Juarez have lived in constant fear of being tortured and raped by men and receiving injustice when victimized. Body parts and bones have been found in the valley of Ciudad Juarez, Mexico. These are the bones of the women who had been mutilated, raped, and beaten to death by depraved men. In two years, 100 girls have been reported missing.

Nobody knows where they went, or whether they are alive or not.

The government’s apathy towards the missing cases compelled the mothers of the victims to march 240 miles from Ciudad Juarez to Chihuahua City, wanting citizens to acknowledge how serious the missing cases are. Subsequently, the Mexican government promised to thoroughly investigate the murder cases, but rarely any arrests or convictions have been made. This is why nobody handles these cases seriously. If the government doesn’t care, why would anyone else?

Women being raped and murdered is just as horrendous as the government being too apathetic to investigate. The perpetrators then understand that they can get away with constantly killing women without being charged. When the Holocaust was occurring, nobody said or did anything, resulting in the death of six million Jews. Here, the government does not bother to take action. Now what will happen if the Mexican government allowed the killings to continue? Who knows, maybe the numbers of murdered women might increase to the thousands in successive years, and nobody will care. By then, would the government take action?

Probably not.

If the Mexican government simply stops being ignorant about actually solving these cases, then the crimes would lessen and even stop. If they identified who murdered these women, then the number of victims would decrease and maybe they would not find several body parts scattered on the streets of Ciudad Juarez. These people’s ignorance has prolonged the killings for two decades now, resulting in over 300 girls being reported either dead or missing.

Perpetrators’ increasing use of drugs are causing such violence and misbehavior, and they continue to do so because the Mexican government hasn’t taken any actions and simply looked the other way whenever there are reports of more murdered women. It is like the killings are not an issue anymore because it is the norm. No it is not, and it does not have to be that way. The government can make a significant change in the lives of the Ciudad Juarez residents, who would most likely hide in fear whenever they witness a crime scene.

The government can become a good influence for these bystanders, but this won’t happen if they too shut their doors to the helpless victims.

Why would the government ignore the problem anyway? This definitely sounds like a case of gender discrimination. Now, if these victims were men, would the government finally step up? How can they allow deranged men to murder innocent women, and not investigate the murder or missing cases of women?

These women are being targeted because an increasing number of women are entering the workforce, causing an uproar among unemployed, jealous men. For centuries, the culture in Mexico has subjugated women to the demands of men, having to stay at home and basically play the “mom” role. Women are trying to move on from the past to live independently, not having to rely on their husbands.

However, unemployed men desiring women’s jobs view this in a different light. They live in the past, viewing women Illustration by Cassandra Chen as people who don’t deserve work. Who gives them the right to judge which gender is more deserving? Please, this isn’t the 19th century anymore. In the case in Ciudad Juarez however, women are constantly being treated unfairly by both hidebound men and the Mexican government. These women deserve to be treated better than how they are being treated right now. The backwards thinking and treatment of women in Mexico is truly shameful in today’s world. Until this corrupt thinking is cleansed, the subjugation, injustice, and murder of women will never be solved.

America wrong being too right; political correctness dominates culture M i m i Lam An honored, symbolic item is worn within a music video that features recklessness and freedom. The American culture may be considered ignorant and downright disrespectful, but I believe it represents the change of the times and art.

Lana Del Rey received criticism for using a Native American headdress in her music video, “Ride.” The war bonnet that was worn is considered of great importance and only worn on special occasions. I can see why people would get offended, but unless the offended include Native Americans themselves, their efforts of deeming it “racist” fall flat f ro m e ff e c t i v e .

Critics even go as far as to say that people who call the music video “art” a re u n e d u c a t e d .

There may be some who do not know the traditions of

the headdress, but that does not mean people who support Del Rey are uneducated. Some are simply more sensitive to the Native American apparel than others.

Del Rey’s music video could be compared to the recent “Chinese Food” song sung by Alison Gold. Many Asians such as students at San Gabriel could take offense, but some may also laugh at its content. As a Chinese-American, I do not think Gold meant to harm anyone with her video, nor does the company, Ark Music Factory. The video does heavily stereotype Asians, and it showcases how Ark Music Factory is ignorant of Asian culture, especially in one of their lyrics when they say, “Now I’m going to eat Panda Express.” In the end, Americans will still continue to have limited knowledge about Asian culture and the video was not needed to exemplify this fact.

People are allowed to be outspoken about cultural traditions. If Del Rey wanted to interpret the war headdress to represent her metaphorical freedom, then she should be allowed to without judgment. Many “symbolic” items are labeled so because of their historical context, but over time, some are interpreted to mean something beyond the context.

For example, the American flag, a symbol for American nationalism, has been transformed overtime as car decals and clothing.

I believe people are bound to this cultural appropriation because of America’s need for political correctness. We may not have limited speech as in totalitarian countries, but the mainstream media definitely directs our thoughts toward what we should or should not say.

A clown donning an Obama mask was banned from the Missouri State Fair, according to CNN. Because of the stunt, other rodeo clowns are required to take “sensitivity training.” I do not see how this behavior is different from anybody wearing an Obama mask on Halloween. The stunt does not encourage harming the president, because the president is a public figure who is open to criticism under the Constitution. Would it be any different if the clown was donning a Brad Pitt mask? What this person did was mild compared to what television shows such as Saturday Night Live and TMZ depict.

If comedy shows are allowed to openly make fun of public figures, then why are Del Rey and Gold being bashed upon? These artists just want to make music, but cultural appropriation and political correctness are hindering their right to express themselves openly.

Illustration by Cassandra Chen

Racial double standards create rifts between cultures ‘Race’ is no longer one’s ethnicity. It has become a justification for racism against one’s own ethnic group.

The “N” word said by an African-American to another is not considered offensive. When a white woman admits to saying the same word once, she is shunned and labeled as racist.

Rush Hour featured a particular scene where Carter, played by Chris Tucker, an African-American man, enters a bar with Lee, played by Jackie Chan. Carter walks up to a bartender of the same race and says, “What’s up my n****.” Due to lack of knowledge, Lee says the same thing and is then threatened by every person of color in the bar because of it.

In order to completely understand the difference between Carter’s and Lee’s greeting, we first must comprehend why the “N” word is so offensive. An obvious answer is that it is degrading; when someone addresses another person using the “N” word, it is meant as if saying blacks are inferior simply because they are black. Carter could have used the word as a neutral slur; Lee’s attempt to use the same slur was clearly not welcomed even though he was not trying to be rude.

Social media has allowed racial tolerance on the radio

and several television shows. Racial albums are sold by the hundreds every day.

Numerous songs that are sung by rappers of color include the “N” word several times. Even to this day, there has not been any complaints. The rappers who write their own verses and choose to include the “N” word are not criticized; they instead are number one hits of the week.

It is completely inconsiderate to say “it is not offensive to say the N word if you are the same race” when a handful of people of color still find it derogatory even if it is said by their own race. Someone who uses offensive language against their own ethnic group should not be tolerated.

In the trial of Lisa Jackson v. both Paula Deen and her brother Bubba Hiers, Jackson claimed that she was being sexually harassed and receiving a racist attitude. In trial, Deen did admit she once said the “N” word 27 years ago to describe a man who tried to rob her; not long afterwards, she was attacked by many claiming she was racist. Soon afterwards a large number of sponsors dropped Deen, including JC Penny, Target, Home Depot, Sears, and Walmart. The sponsors did not explain why they were suddenly dropping her, but the racist accusations seemed to be linked.

Though Deen was wrong in expressing her anger toward the man robbing her in such a repulsive way, she is from the South. It is an absorbed excuse, but when she was born,

it was normal for white people to use such terms. This makes us wonder if Paula Deen was being punished not for being racist, but for being ignorant. It is unfair for people to be so disturbed by Deen’s remark that popular stores feel the need to remove and discontinue Deen’s products. Where are those same people when pop artists are winning awards for songs that contain disturbing racist remarks.

“When a [person of color] says the N word to his same race friend, it is not racist for some reason,” freshman Jamie Lopez said.

It is not zeroed in on the African community; Mexicans can only call each other “beaners,” Asians can only criticize one another, but if two different groups address each other with slurs its gloves off, and World War III might just begin.

Illustration by Angela Fong

C a ro l i n a G a rc i a

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OPINIONS

THE MATADOR WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2013

Thanksgiving traditions lost in modernization

deals for Christmas presents, Thanksgiving is slowly being erased. Every year Christmas decorations are being put on displays earlier than before. It’s early November and people Nowadays when you think about Thanksgiving, the first few can already see aisles of candy canes and Christmas lights while things that come to mind are food, football, and of course Black there is only a small display with hardly any Thanksgiving Friday, instead of thinking about what is most important when it decorations. Some families do not even celebrate Thanksgiving comes to this beautiful holiday. and are instead choosing to wait with their children in There was once a time when Thanksgiving was a day for giving crazy lines in front of a Best Buy or Walmart. To thanks for all that you have and spending time with family, but that make things worse, some stores are planning to is being overshadowed by the excitement of a few days free from open their stores a bit earlier to give people a the stress of school and what will be presented at the table. head start on their shopping. This not only As children, we made drawings, wrote “I Am Thankful keeps customers away from spending this For…” letters, and were taught that Thanksgiving holiday time bonding, but also keeps workers was originally the feasting between the Pilgrims, away from their families and friends as well. who found religious freedom, and the Indians, There are many people who would think who aided them in their harsh times, where spending time with family and friends is more they sat down and gave thanks for all their important than anything else, but the media accomplishments and their new bond. and big corporate companies like to make Although over time, a few details about people think otherwise in order to help them the actual feast itself have been altered and gain a profit. They have flashy commercials analyzed a bit differently, the purpose should nearly screaming their advertisements in order not change. to catch shoppers’ attention. It is sad how people Now students look forward to Thanksgiving would rather spend time shopping instead of because of the few days off of school. They get sitting down with their loved ones and to stay home and relax instead of working. sharing bonding moments that will last They eat a big meal with their families, then longer than some toy or new laptop. It’s retreat to the television room and watch football those small special moments that help to or whatever is on. It is the same as any other day create the person you become later on of the week, just with more food. in life, and people should cherish these Another event that seemingly overshadows Illustration by Annie Huang intimate events Thanksgiving is Black Friday. With the promise of great C y n t h i a N avarro

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR “Early start in varsity sports presents opportunities for growth”

“Costumes have become provocative”

In the October issue of The Matador, I read the article “Early start in varsity sports presents opportunities for growth” by Carolina Loaisiga. The article you wrote about yourself is actually a great article that I have read. The way you said how you got into varsity in sports that you played in freshman year is just proving to us that anything is possible.

It’s amazing how just a freshman who was a newbie can try out for soccer and softball and make it into varsity. Just telling this short story about yourself is a great inspiration for anyone who has read it. It also proves that anything is possible if you put your mind to it.

Just by reading this, you’re basically my inspiration because everything you have said is true. I appreciate you writing this and telling us about freshman year. It’s absolutely amazing and it also opened my eyes [to] I know I can do anything.

Sincerely, Destiny Gonzales, 9th grade

After reading the article “Costumes have become provocative” by Ileana Perez in the October issue of The Matador, I really agree with what it states. Society makes it seem like every teen or woman is supposed to have a sexy Halloween costume. I think that girls shouldn’t have to feel that way. They should have the right to feel comfortable and confident in whatever they wear, without it being provocative.

The article was very well written. I liked how she explained the history of girls Halloween costumes and how they have evolved over time. I also think [the Matador Staff] should ask students who wear provocative costumes why they wear them. I think readers would be interested in their perspectives.

Sincerely, Alexandra Albarran Taverez, 9th grade

To read more Letters to the Editor, visit our website at www.thematadorsghs.com

The Matador Bullring

Editors-in-Chief

Steven Ho Oscar Molina Chelsey Tran Kristy Duong Rebecca Lei Opinions Editors Vanessa De La Rosa Lauren Kakazu Focus Editor Sonny Hy Life and Art Editors Derrick Chi Annie Huang Sports Editors Marvin Luu John Truong Features Editors Maggie Cheng Crystal Wong Copy Editors Chelsea Huynh Mimi Lam Christopher Lan Richard Yue Photo Editor Derek Deng Artists Cassandra Chen Annie Huang Emmanuel Maresca John Truong Business Managers Carolina Garcia Ileana Perez Website Editor Tran Lam Blogs Manager Judy Tang Photographer Derek Deng Adviser Jennifer Kim Reporters: Kathering Montelon, Hanfrey Deng, Angela Fong, Vanessa Huang, Frank Lieu, Carolina Loaisiga, Amanda Molina, Cynthia Navarro, Jennifer Thai, Justin Toyomitsu, Erin Truong, Anthony Yang, and Amy Yee Managing Editor News Editors

The Matador is a public forum for student expression and highly encourages responses in reaction to issues discussed in the paper. Submit comments as a letter to the editor, signed (anonymity is guaranteed if requested), to H-2, or Ms. Kim’s mailbox.

The Matador is published monthly by the journalism staff of San Gabriel High School. 1,600 copies per issue are published at American Foothill Publishing Co., Inc. The opinions and views expressed in The Matador do not necessarily reflect the beliefs of the school or the Alhambra School District. The Matador and the Alhambra Unified School District do not endorse the vendors advertised in this paper.

What are you most thankful for?

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I am thankful for the boy bands.”

-Georgette Mora, 9th grade

“

I am most thankful for my family and friends.”

-William Cantabrana, 10th grade

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I am most thankful for my family, friends, school, shelter, and food.”

-Julie Truong, 11th grade

“

I am thankful for all my mentors throughout the years.”

-Justin Yeh, 12th grade Photos by Derek Deng

‘Tang’o with me

Judy Tang #myHOBYstory “Judy, get up!”I wake up to my roommate shaking my shoulder, waking me for my flight back to Los Angeles. I look around my dorm room and the view of Lake Michigan out my window. This had become my home for the week I was in Chicago.

For three days, I went to the local HOBY, or Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership seminar, where I quickly fell in love with the crazy cheers, the even crazier people, panels, keynote speakers, and community service projects. The threeday seminar was simply not enough for me, so I immediately signed up to go to the World Leadership Conference (WLC), similar to a normal HOBY seminar, but larger, and including representatives from 16 other countries.

Before I knew it, I was walking out of the terminal of O’Hare airport, lost, until HOBY cheers caught my attention.

I walked over chanting them myself and was welcomed by a group of international HOBY’s. Girls from Argentina, and guys from New York, all greeted me with warmth, and we immediately started talking, sharing, and laughing.

Throughout the rest of the first day of my week of happiness, I hugged and shared a joke, laugh, or story with almost every kid at the seminar, and the family feeling kept me happy.

The rest of my week in Chicago was filled with adventure, laughter, and brainstorming with other youth leaders on how to make our impact on the world. Ambassadors reached back to home through social media to share what everyone’s HOBY story was, and what plans everyone had for the world.

As the week came to a close, everyone traded email addresses, Twitter handles, mailing addresses, and phone numbers to remain in contact with people who had become a close family within a week.

I could not accept that I would separate from my group members in just a few hours. I would leave the people who had given me strength, faith, and trust in myself to carry out my mission to make my impact on the world. They were my support system, my group, and the rest of the 420 ambassadors at the WLC. The question was, what was I going to do after the WLC? I cannot say that I know for sure how I will make my mark on the world, because life happens and circumstances change. But I do know that I am bringing the HOBY spirit into my community. I snapped out of my daydream of what I would do when I came home, and wandered the halls of the dorm I’d resided in for a week, exchanging final good-mornings and good-byes, encouraging and supporting one another.

Our stories continue. All 432 of us are constantly updating one another on the progress of our HOBY missions, from pioneering non-profit organizations to starting awareness clubs on campus. As for me, I am bringing leadership workshops for high school freshmen to the Los Angeles area, and later to the San Diego area. Some people ask me why I bother spending so much time and energy on HOBY and the workshops. Even though I have only became a HOBY this past summer, I like to refer to my passion for HOBY as love at first sight. I love everything HOBY-related, and the supporting family package that came with my eye-opening experiences.

FOCUS

THE MATADOR

Who should I go to the dance with?

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2013

1.

8 1.

Help!

Mom! A stranger is watching me!

Be glad people want to go with you.

I think you should go with Tommy because he is really nice and hot. I think you will have a good time.

2.

Oh no, he is the United States government tracking your every movement. Don’t worry; he is doing this to everyone.

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THE GOVERNMENT CAN BE WATCHING YOU AT ANY MOMENT

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THE MATADOR

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2013

What is wrong with the United States government watching us? I have nothing to hide. If you don’t let them see what you are doing then you must be up to something bad!

WHAT?!

W h a t ’ s wrong with thinking like that?

Aren’t we safer like this?

This is not an issue of “safety,” this an issue of having our information given to anyone without our consent.

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We cannot allow them to have our lives in a database. They have access to our conversations, and much more.

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Are you okay with someone knowing every detail of your life, while you have no awareness of what they could be doing or saying with your information?

According to the Wall Street Journal, 1.4 million people have access to our data. 1.4 million people who we will never know are spying on us.

These people are looking into our lives. We have absolutely no idea what they could be doing with all of our personal information.

San Gabriel High School administrators have access to entire files of extremely personal information. How do we know these files are safe? They can easily be abused.

The United States government and other administrative bodies must respect the privacy of people who trust them with their information. Safety does not come with taking away privacy; privacy is necessary to limit the amount of information the government can abuse.

FOCUS

6.

This is not about safety. This is about our personal lives being invaded, our information in the hands of unknown individuals. They are listening to everything we are doing. At some point it has to be asked, “What are you doing with all this information?” How are they categorizing who is dangerous? If I do not agree with their ideas, am I a “safety” threat?

Illustrations by Cassandra Chen. Stories by Angela Fong, Carolina Garcia, Sonny Hy, Carolina Loaisiga, and Amanda Molina.

LIFE &ART

Sierra embraces life through music I l e a n a P e re z

Senior Pedro Sierra captures his passion for music through his adamant, admirable love for all the instruments that he has learned to play.

Sierra began learning how to play various instruments since the age of 10. He plays the guitar, base guitar, piano, and drums. He also writes songs, sings, and is the drum line leader for San Gabriel High School’s marching band.

Although Sierra can play all instruments quite well, he prefers to play the drums, he feels that it is a way in which he can release all his frustration and anger.

Sierra also prefers the drums because it is the freest instrument.

“Drums help me release all my negative feelings.”

Since Sierra’s music career began, he has been in several bands, and he is currently in two. One is called Chroma, and the other is a band for his church. Chroma, which is his main band, has been together for two months now, and they practice every weekend, He is the drummer for Chroma. The other band, which is the band for St. Anthony’s Confirmation Program, has been together quite long. Sierra was recommended to play for the band by his confirmation teacher. He started as their drummer, but later changed to play the base guitar. This band usually practices one to two weeks before a performance.

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THE MATADOR WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2013

The Matador Muse

In order for Sierra to keep his music career going, he has made music his number one priority. Sierra says that putting music first has not affected his grades rather he feels that is has helped him succeed.

“I usually make a beat out of what I’m learning,” Sierra said. “So when I take tests, I remember things easily.”

When it comes to writing music, the majority of Sierra’s ideas comes from past experiences. He prefers to write about tough times, and how society affects people.

“Almost everyone writes about having fun,” Sierra said. “I prefer to write about reality, struggles, trolls.”

Sierra believes music is everything. Any sound, beat, note, word, or just about anything is music to him, he says music is the world, according to him.

“Music is everything to me,” Sierra said.

“Music is like my sun, and I revolve around it.”

After high school, he plans to go into music production. Although Sierra does not wish to become famous, he would like to have a career in music. He says that once you become famous, you get a lot of attention, and when you lose it, you go crazy trying to reclaim it.

“I would rather die than become famous,” Sierra said.

Sierra usually avoids interviews for this reason. He hopes he will someday inspire people to love music as much as he does and understand how important it is to him.

“Music is like my sun, and I revolve around it.”

I don’t feel like I’m existing anymore, no longer a mere physical manifestation of inherited genetics, but rather a soul —no longer weighed down by the inhibiting carcass— no longer restrained by aesthetics and physical capabilities or expectations i could never live up to existing only as a small remnant of all things terrible in the world i wish to deteriorate into a million stars and dissolve

into the universe

and may the daisies that spring from my grave serve as the hope I never had -Vanessa De La Rosa, 12

S e n i o r P e d ro Sierra plays guitar for his organized band called Chrome.

In addition, he plays for S t . A n t h o n y ’s Confirmation Program. Sierra is also the percussionist in the school’s marching band.

Photo by Derek Deng

LA County Museum of Arts inspires passion C a ro l i n a L o a i s i ga Los Angeles County of Arts or better known as LACMA has soon become a place where tourists from all over Los Angeles and California go to take pictures under the central lights.

As I purchased my ticket to go into the museum, I could not help but notice how grand the place looked. People were outside chatting and many tourists were taking pictures. It felt like I was in a whole different world.

The museum essentially has five buildings.

All these buildings hold different types of art.

There were the Art of Americans building, a Hammer Building, an Ahmanson Building, a pavilion for Japanese art, and a Bing center. There were many masterpieces to look at. The paintings included works by Pablo Picasso, Diego Rivera, and Thomas Gavin.

After wandering through the museum, which was very quiet and had an artistic air to it, I stepped outside and saw the whole huge building. It was breathtaking to imagine great paintings inside the structure.

One positive feature of LACMA had to be the many different art exhibitions and music. At first, there is a large black twisted structure that towers from the first floor to the second floor. Another positive aspect is that I learned many new

facts about the artists that made such wonderful masterpieces. I also experienced the central lights outside of the whole museum in which many tourists go and take pictures under the lights.

The museum in itself contains many paintings that were once admired by many people centuries ago.

But as the many positives features, there were also negative aspects as well. One of the aspects that were negative was that the museum can make one feel very lost. With having five buildings, one can find themselves lost and unsure of where to go next. Also, there were sometimes that I felt unsure whether I could take a picture of the exhibitions or not. My friend and I entered the Art of Americans building, unsure of what we were limited to do and what not to do.

We had just recently left the Hammer Building where we were being scolded about taking pictures of sculptures.

Although LACMA was quite the distance, located on Wilshire Boulevard and Fairfax Avenue, the display of art and central lights were fascinating. The lights were a big plus, admiring the work of artist of Chris Burden.

LACMA is recommended if one wants to experience the culture art of many artists and time periods. Also, LACMA is recommended if you also want to spend some quality time with a close

friend of yours or a relative. One will not regret going to LACMA for a great and enriching experience. LACMA is filled with cultural arts and music that one will have the experience of a lifetime.

Address: 5905 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA Hours: Mon-Tues 11am-5pm, Thurs 11am5pm, Fri 11am-8pm, Sat-Sun 10am-7pm Parking: Pritzker Parking Garage, $10 charge Prices:17 and under: Free, Seniors and students: $10, groups of 12+: $10, all other guests: $15

Image courtesy of 2.bp.blogspot.com

11

THE MATADOR WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2013

LIFE &ART

Starbucks celebrates the holidays with style

The fall season is finally upon us and Starbucks holiday drinks have made their return to the menu. Highly anticipating customers are finally satisfied as they walk out with a cheery red cup of their favorite warm seasonal beverage in hand. However, as the fall and winter seasons come and go, so do the Starbucks holiday drinks. These drinks only last for a limited time, much to the displeasure of many fans, one must be sure to grab one before the offer ends.

Peppermint Mocha

Gingerbread Latte

Caramel Brulée Latte

Made with espresso, steamed milk, mocha sauce, peppermint flavored syrup and topped with whipped cream and dark chocolate curls, this holiday beverage is a seasonal favorite. Two unlike flavors, minty cool and warm chocolate mocha, combine to create the perfect combination that just screams winter. When I took a few sips, I tasted a mixture of coffee and semi-sweet chocolate that immediately warmed my stomach, and instantaneously, there was a faint but evident flavor of peppermint lingering in my mouth.

Although I am not a big fan of peppermint candy, this drink was pure bliss. I guess opposites do attract; peppermint and mocha create a perfect combination. The minty flavors do not overwhelm the drink at all but just enough to give a small refreshing kick to your taste buds.

The holidays are not complete without the traditional gingerbread cookies. Starting this year, Starbucks presents a new and improved recipe for its infamous Gingerbread Latte. This holiday beverage combines espresso with steamed milk and gingerbread-flavored syrup, which is then topped with spice-flavored whipped cream and a sweet molasses drizzle. The whipped cream is infused with cloves, ginger, and of course, cinnamon. With the first sip, one can immediately taste a hint of the usual Starbucks coffee. The nutmeg hits one’s taste buds first, and then one starts to taste the rich gingerbread flavors. It is spiced with an explosion of the sweet and unique flavors of the different ingredients in the latte.

The spices and flavors of the gingerbread really came through; it is similar to the gingerbread cookie itself.

Next in the collection of the holiday specialties is the Caramel Brulée Latte. This drink combines the usual espresso and steamed milk, which is flavored with caramel brulée sauce. It can then be topped with whipped cream and caramel. Although this drink can be compared with the Caramel Macchiato, the Caramel Brulée has special characteristics that definitely distinguishes the two. In terms of the texture, it is very creamy and smooth. It is a mixture of the traditional Starbucks coffee flavors and the sweet sugary flavors of the typical caramel sauce. The brulée, also known as burnt cream, intensifies the sweet and indescribable flavors of the beverage, awakening the sweet tooth you never knew you had.

However, it is not overwhelmingly sweet to the point where it ruins the drink. If you are a big fan of caramel, this drink is the perfect choice.

Images courtesy of blogs.starbucks.com All articles written by Chelsea Huynh

The Grids receives mixed reviews Judy Ta ng a n d C h e l s e y Tra n At first glance, the Grids appeared very cute, chic, and modern. Right when we walked in, we noticed the clean tables and the mellow atmosphere. It would probably be a decent homework place for hungry students because it is brightly lit and has complimentary Wi-Fi. As a result, many customers were able to enjoy their food while surfing on the web.

The Grids Burger, priced at $6.99 each, did not live up to our expectations. The meat was a bit greasy and a lot of the oil had run down our hands as we picked up the burgers to eat.

While eating this, it was hard to hold together.

Nonetheless, they were thick and filling.

“I ordered the Portobello Sandwich. The sauce was good and the waffles were crisp; however, the drinks were gross,” senior Michelle Zhou said.

We decided to try the famous waffle desserts, so we bought the Banana Roasted Pecan Waffle and Baked Apple with Vanilla Ice Cream Sweet Waffle. They were each priced at $6.99. While we both enjoyed the desserts, the price of a simple waffle, ice cream or whipped cream, fruit, and topping was just not worth the product that we received.

We could probably get the same waffles, plus more ice cream, fruit, and topping for cheaper, at Love to Go, a quaint cafe that serves similar desserts down the street from Factory Tea Bar. “The prices there were a little too much for us high school students, who seem to go there a lot,” junior Koby Khauv said.

The drinks offered at the Grids ranged from freshly made smoothies to coffees. The strawberry lemon smoothie was sweet and tangy.

Everyone had been raving about the oddlyshaped, yet delicious garlic fries. However, we felt they were a bit unexceptional. The garlic in the fries was hardly noticeable and overall, they tasted much like normal fries. Beware though, the green sauce that accompanies the fries is wasabi mayonnaise, not avocado.

The spacious area and attentive staff was really impressive. Although some of the food was not worth the price, the proximity it has with San Gabriel High School, the availability of real non-fast food, the friendly staff, and complimentary Wi-Fi will have us coming back for more.

TV Shows celebrate Thanksgiving tradition Carolina Garcia

Image courtesy of yelp.com

A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving Thanksgiving is returning with A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving special airing Nov. 28 on ABC from 8p.m. to 9p.m.. “Oldie but Goodie” is the perfect way to describe this film. Charlie Brown is preparing to go to his grandmother’s house for a Thanksgiving dinner when Peppermint Patty invites herself and two other friends for dinner. Charlie then has to deal with the burden of cooking a feast when the only thing he knows how to make is cold dry cereal. Experience the hilarious bearings Charlie is put up against; as you laugh along with Snoopy this Thanksgiving.

Image courtesy of plus.google.com

Image courtesy of 411posters.com

The Middle

Image courtesy of yelp.com

Airing Nov. 20 at 8p.m. on ABC, the hilarious sitcom The Middle will present a Thanksgiving themed episode. Far from the typical Thanksgiving night, the entire Heck family members finds themselves in sticky situations. Axl tries to figure out how to tell his parents that he dropped out of his three college classes; Frankie’s dad, Tag, confesses that a bad investment has left him with no money to take his wife Pat on a cruise. Brick goes through the entire day determined to have lime green jello salad during the feast.

This abnormal family will introduce a new meaning to holiday madness.

Image courtesy of o2oblog.com

Photo by Chelsey Tran

The Big Bang Theory

The Grids, located on the corner of Valley Blvd. and New Ave., serves waffle sandwiches, waffle desserts, waffle fries, and much more. The restaurant has an outdoor seating area where customers can dine.

The Big Bang Theory celebrates yet another Thanksgiving special airing on Nov. 21 at 8p.m. on CBS. The upcoming episode promises to bring laughter for the entire family.

Set your DVR because this is an episode you would not want to miss. The gang decides to spend the holiday at Mrs. Wolowitz’s house; Sheldon obviously disagrees with the decision, but is still being dragged. Meanwhile, Penny and Leonard face one of Penny’s problems from the past. Make room at your dinner table and have an intellectual and entertaining Thanksgiving along side Penny, Sheldon, Leonard, Howard, and Rajesh.

Image courtesy of posterandphoto.blogspot.com

SPORTS FOOTBALL

THE MATADOR WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2013

G I R L S V O L L E Y B A L L

VARSITY 10/18 vs. Montebello 0-42 10/25 @ Mark Keppel 13-12 11/08 vs. Alhambra 36-25 FRESHMAN 10/17 @ Montebello 0-58 10/24 vs. Mark Keppel 6-26 11/07 vs. Alhambra 63-0

GIRLS TENNIS

CROSS COUNTRY

L W L

VARSITY 10/31 vs. Alhambra 11/05 vs. Schurr 11/12 vs. Wilson 11/14 vs. W. Chrsitian

3-0 W 3-0 W 3-0 W 1-3 L

VARSITY 10/17 @ Mark Keppel 10/22 vs. Montebello

L L L

JV 10/29 vs. Montebello 10/31 vs. Alhambra

2-0 2-0

JV 110/17 vs. Mark Keppel 14-4 W 10/22 vs. Montebello 10-8 W

W W

12

4-14 15-3

L W

VARSITY 11/06 @ Legg Lake Boys Girls JV 11/06 @ Legg Lake Boys Girls FRESHMAN 11/06 @ Legg Lake Boys Girls

5th 6th 3rd 3rd 2nd 3rd

Illustrations by Cassandra Chen

2013-14 Varsity Winter Sport Season Previews Boys Basketball

Girls Basketball M a rv i n L u u

Summary: Seniors Man Nong and Anthony Ponce, returning members of the varsity boys’ basketball team, are looking to put up big points on the offensive end. On the defensive, junior David Gonzalez will be an x-factor. At 6 foot 3, Gonzalez provides the team with the necessary length for rim protection and rebounding.

Qualities: With only five seniors returning to the varsity team (Anthony Ponce, Man Nong, Maurice Le, Christian Majano, and Johnny Diep), senior Kyle Che, who was the second highest scorer on the junior varsity team, will contribute to the team by pushing the tempo on the offensive end at his guard position.

Comments: “I believe that our team can contend with others if we just manage to play together,” Nong said.

“Our team hopes to start anew with a better team recor,” Che said.

Overall, the team will seek to compete to make CIF despite their departures of many seniors.

Carolina Garcia

Photo by Derek Deng

Junior center David Gonzalez grabs the rebound over sophomore guard Quoc Ho.

Summary: Varsity girl basketball players are excitingly waiting for their upcoming season. Headed by Coach Lyle Honda, he has great expectations for the varsity team, as they have qualified for CIF for three years in a row.

Honda became jead coach of the Matadors in 2010. Last year’s team, recorded a record of 5-5 in Almont League play.

Qualities: Though this year ’s team has only one senior in its starting lineup, determined underclassmen have caught the attention of Coach Honda, which includes juniors Coco So and Judy Wang, and sophomore Melissa Quach.

Comments: “So far we’re doing well, ” So said. “We won more games than we did lost in the summer tournaments.”

So explains that the team needs to improve on attendance and getting in shape for season.

Honda believes that his current team is

Photo by Derek Deng

Senior forward Nadine Alvarez power dribbles against junior point guard Judy Huang.

the most athletic and talented squad he has had since his three-year tenure as head coach of the girls’ varsity team.

Ultimately, the team hopes to continue their contention in the CIF playoffs.,and have a successful season, as well as build character and leadship within the team.

Girls Soccer

Boys Soccer C a ro l i n a L o a i s i g a Summary: This year’s San Gabriel boys’ varsity soccer team is headed by second-year Head Coach Cesar Franco.

Last year’s team held a 2-8 record in the Almont League and will have their season opener against the Rosemead Panthers.

Qualities: Key players range from freshman Aaron Tran to juniors Fernando Pineda, and Ricardo Contreras.

“The kids look much better in terms of chemistry,” Coach Franco said. “We hope to maintain this positive mood throughout the entire season.”

Comments: Players on this upcoming soccer team are excited for the season, despite the fact that most of the players on this team make up last year’s Junior Varsity players.

“There’s really not too much pressure for me; I just want to have fun,” Contreras said.

Overall, Coach Franco is looking forward to this year’s team. He knows that the team can do it can believes in each of them, hoping to improve last year’s team record, which was exceptional, to qualify for CIF contention.

Sonny Hy

Photo by Derek Deng

Junior Ricardo Contreras leaps up to stop the ball from scoring past him, as the rest of team continues to practice in face of the upcoming, challenging season.

Summary: San Gabriel girl’s varsity soccer team is coached by Monica Carrasco.

Qualities: This year’s team contains characters of incomparable personalities and strengths. This combination will almost surely result in a successful season. The girls practice constantly night and day. No matter what, their determination remains a constant for this team.

Comments: “Sophomore Carolina Loaisiga, junior Genesis Echeverria, and senior Andrea Guzman,” were spotlighted by Coach Monica as the key strengths of the team. These exceptional females provide leadership and strength to their entire team on and off the field.

All of these Matadors remain pinnacle to the team, as said by Carrasco. “I feel like the returners understand what I expect and I feel like their skill is way better. Last year I felt like the returners needed to learn what I expected from them. I think we have great leadership this year,” Carrasco said. The girl’s varsity soccer team foreshadows an amazing season that will be a memorable experience to watch and play.

Co-ed Wrestling C arol i na Loaisiga

Photo by Derek Deng

Senior Jason Sanchez performs a cross face on senior Aaron Vollaire, leading to a successful pin.

Summary: Led by returning Head Coach Alex Cabral, the wrestling team has spent the fall offseason on an intense training routine. The workouts consist of three hour practices, where the first hour is spent conditioning, the second is spent learning techniques, and the third is spent practicing and executing moves.

With a consistent team of about 15 members, the team continues to prepare for its first scrimmage in Ontario, and its first tournament at Gabrielino.

Qualities: This year the team poses to be a potential competitor due to its variety and mix of athletes for different weight classes.

Photo by Derek Deng

Senior Cristina Cabrera playfully kicks the ball as she gears up for a vigorous practice; her attitude and anticipation helps her deal with the team hardships and competition.

Senior Jesus Meza is looking to drop from the 215 pound division to the weight class, while senior Eddie Escobar is looking to go down from 182 pound. Meza and Escobar have maintained a strict and healthy diet to meet their goal.

Senior, and unofficial captain, Jason Sanchez participates in the 150-160 pound weight class division.

Younger, significant athletes include sophomore Steven Bui, and freshman lightweight wrestler William Pascual.

Comments: “I hope that everyone can make it to CIF [California Interscholastic Federation], and that we take League [as a team],” senior Jason Sanchez said.

Ultimately, the team is hoping to have an extremely successful season and to proceed further than last time, while also displaying admirable sportsmanship.

13

THE MATADOR WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 20 2013

SPORTS

Views on crowd cheering: helpful or distracting?

A m y Ye e Turn on the television and change to a broadcast of a sports game: chances are that the channel would show players competing with a turbulent and rambunctious crowd in the background (excluding golf and tennis of course). It’s quite the average sports atmosphere: having fans shouting encouragements and reassurances at their preferred teams to spur them on.

The general public would say that cheering motivates players, thus inducing better performances during competitions.

However, this may not always be the case.

Students have expressed their varying opinions about the effects of cheering.

Contrary to its intended effects, cheering may actually cause more pressure than it does to relieve. Playing for an audience can understandably result in an urge for perfection, which will ultimately affect the whole performance of the athlete. A tense player will make more mistakes than a relaxed player who is not anxious about every single move he or she makes.

“It puts pressure on me and if I miss a tennis shot, it disappoints myself and others,” sophomore tennis player Cody Soong said.

In one instance, when NBA superstar Dwight Howard was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers in a blockbuster trade, Los Angeles fans held high hopes for the three-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year. However, his lackluster season was

met with harsh criticism and negativity.

Howard was later able to put off this criticism when deciding on teams to sign with during the summer free agency period.

Ultimately, the pressure that he received in Los Angeles affected his decision to sign with the Houston Rockets.

In addition to the uncomfortable atmosphere created by cheering on a player, the need to satisfy spectators may be overwhelming, as an athlete may overanalyze decisions during the game, causing crucial points to be lost due to mere errors.

Freshman basketball player Amy Huang recalls an instance where she was instructed by her coach to shoot the final shot during a game. Huang made the game-winning shot and states that despite the fact that her teammates were pressuring her to make the shot by cheering her on, she closed off all distractions in that single moment.

“I felt proud of myself that I made the shot despite all the background cheering from fans and my teammates,” Huang said.

Another possible setback to cheering is that it may cause distractions. Players may be focused on advancing their momentum in the game, but they may become distracted by the noisy atmosphere of the game. Athletes may also find the loud and spirited cheering to be irritating rather than motivational, as cheering takes away from the serious atmosphere that some players require in order to keep their minds focused during an intense competition.

Illegitimate fans hop on the bandwagon Vanessa De La Rosa Enthusiasm, commitment, devotion: that is what fans of various sports teams have, cheering in thrilled anticipation as they watch their favored soccer player run down the court about to score a goal.

Excitement, joy, pride: that is what fans had as they watched the Red Sox win the World Series earlier in November.

Anxiety, frustration, and disappointment: that is what fans felt when the power outage took the lead from the 49ers, and the Ravens won during the Super Bowl.

Through victories and successes, through setbacks and losses, true sports fans stay loyal to their teams, sharing in both the gratifying feeling of triumph and the crippling moments of defeat. Fans are people who stay pledged to their team as if it were their religion, and stay dedicated to them as if the players were actual members of their family.

Rabid soccer fanatic Timothy Hopper, Assistant Principal of Student Services, agrees that there is a significant difference between a “true” fan and bandwagoners who only support certain teams who win consecutively.

“I think that everyone likes a winner, and that’s okay. But a true test of character is how much loyalty and devotion you show even during the bad times,” Hopper said.

It is so insulting to fans who actually do love and support the team wholeheartedly all year round, never being turned away or completely discouraged by losses or losing streaks. Fans are not people who simply support a team when in their winning streak.

Fans are not people who encourage a team simply because their friends do, and fans are not people who wear team gear simply because those teams are the most popular.

Sports teams and players deserve so much more than just bandwagon support from people who would not otherwise stick by them unless they were in the lead.

All Illustrations by Cassandra Chen

Fr ank Lieu Imagine making a one-handed catch on a “Hail Mary” pass, just to hear nothing but crickets in the bleachers. Imagine winning the game for the team with a fade away shot over two defenders right in your face, just to hear the swish of the neon. Imagine leaping over the net spiking the ball 90 miles per hour, just to hear the thump of the ball against the court. Imagine seeing the ball fly over the field into the stands, just to hear the ball clanking off the chairs of the stadium. Imagine witnessing a bicycle kick sending the ball into the back of the net, just to hear the lack of exclamation of the commentators.

When there is no hype to pump up the athletes who are getting ready for what they worked all year long in practice, the game is not in any way worthy of being watched. There will be no motivation for the players; it may result in an outcome that will not favor them, setting off a chain reaction deteriorating the team chemistry.

However, with the audience cheering in the background, players feel embraced by their community, acting as another player to the game by lending players their support. Especially during those intense games

with a “playoff” atmosphere, where victory could go either way at the wink of an eye, the crowd lends a much needed helping hand.

“The first thing is relief and next comes excitement,” junior Jacky Fu said,”Being the one to sink [the shot] not only gives cushion, but also raises the intensity [of the crowd].”

Being a player in the game itself, the cheering would show as a s i g n that they always have your back at anytime. For example, when the referees make a wrong decision in favor of the other team, the people in the stands will let him hear it. However, their unconditional support is undeniable. The deafening roar of the crowd could uplift the weakest man.

“Whenever I make a good save, pass, or dig, and hear the crowd’s reaction,” junior varsity left back passer, Amy Pham said. “It pumps me up and it’s the best feeling in the world.”

Cheering for your favorite team and booing the other team does a great deal with the outcome of the game.

Whether the players choose to perform and feed off the vibe; that’s up to them to decide.

14

FEATURES

THE MATADOR WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2013

Tell Me

what’s the

WORD. Famous Hallway quotes, Volume Forty

“It’s like a party in my mouth!”

- Student eating Pop Rocks.

“Hentai, Senpai, aren’t they both the same?”

- Student confusing Japanese words.

Game consoles evolve through the years A nt hony Yang When we get the chance to buy a game console, we should owe it all to the ancestor of game consoles, Nintendo. This company was responsible for the first game console our teachers and parents may have played when they were kids.

Xbox, Wii, and Playstation all descended from the first console, both directly and indirectly.

Nintendo could never be forgotten after they put the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) on the market in 1985, just 10 years after the release of Pong. This console could play multiple games, some of which are still extremely well-known — Super Mario Brothers, Legend of Zelda, and Metroid.

Nintendo improved the specifications of the controller, replacing the original joystick with the D-Pad, along with the A, B, Y, and X buttons for more control features. According to TIME Magazine, these new innovations and games made this system so popular that it became the best-selling console in video game history, setting the precedent for future consoles.

Sony made an appearance in the gaming mar-

ket by releasing Playstation in 1995. This console introduced three-dimensional graphics, which stomped on the older two-dimensional games.

Playstation also became the first to use CD-ROM technology, lowering the prices of video games whereas video game cartridges for older consoles were more expensive. Popular game series were Resident Evil, Metal Gear Solid, Turismo, and Tekken. The Playstation lineage still continues with Playstation 4, which was released on Nov. 15.

Microsoft is known for its Windows operating system, but it is also known for Xbox. Since Microsoft is a well-known PC company, they implemented PC technology with the Xbox, allowing users to surf the web. Xbox’s greatest success was Halo: Combat Evolved. The release of Xbox led to the release of Xbox 360, and on Nov. 22, Xbox One will be released.

To further slim down home consoles, Nintendo released the Wii in 2006. According to PC World, this console is the smallest and lightest home console due to its small design and its weight of 2.7 pounds. The Wii includes a controller called the WiiMote. The format of the

Nintendo Entertainment System

Nintendo 64

controller is similar to a TV remote and the controller works by moving your hand to navigate the arrow that the WiiMote corresponds to be.

Mario Kart Wii became the best-selling Wii game and this console continues onto the Wii U, which includes a new controller with a mini screen.

PC gaming is trending as of 2013; graphics are stunningly impressive compared to consoles, implementing realistic three-dimensional graphics and a 1080-pixel display. PC games only require a mouse and a keyboard, making the controls much more precise and not as loose. These benefits are starting to cause consoles to die out.

Game consoles have not just been sitting on the shelves, they have been part of our lives. With more smartphones, PCs, and tablets capable of playing video games with impressive graphics, our game consoles may not be able to compete.

After the release of the Wii U, Playstation 4, and Xbox One, game consoles will possibly die out., ending the age of game consoles. Even if this does happen, it is evident that game consoles have come a long way, from NES to Xbox One. They will always be a part of our generation.

Xbox 360

“Go back to exploring, Dora the Explorer.”

- Teacher poking fun at student’s hat and vest.

Graphic by Tran Lam

“Why am I the only senior who’s not graduating?

- Old substitute teacher complaining about his age.

Student 1: Isn’t this purse to die for?

Student 2: Some cows did.

- Student asking friend about leather purse.

“These split ends are more like divorced ends.”

- Student joking about hair.

Friend 1: You know I wanted to be this?

Friend 2: An octopus?

Friend 1: A marine biologist...

- Friends talking about a video of underwater creatures.

All quotes overheard

by The Matador Staff.

Atari XEGS

Playstation 1

Playstation 2

Wii

Alhambra Police Department: ask a cop Q: What was your most heroic moment?

A: “Someone was trying to commit suicide and I saved a person’s life.”

Q: How has being a cop affected your life?

A: “It keeps me updated and in touch with the community.”

Q: What do you do on a daily basis?

A: “I am assigned to the school district and I resolve any issues that the staff or students face.”

Q: Describe your job experience in one word.

A: “Awesome.”

Cafeteria leftovers are scrapped and wasted C a s s a n d ra C hen Sandwiches, sushi, pizza, spaghetti, and hamburgers – these are just a few of the foods that we are able to choose from for lunch.

Many students and even some teachers eat the lunch provided by the school. However, not all students eat the food, so there are always leftovers. What happens to the food then?

One might assume that the school does fancy things to the leftover food such as storing it for tomorrow’s lunch, donating it to the needy, or many other possibilities. However, what happens to the school’s lunch is nothing special – it gets thrown away.

Around 1,400 to 1,500 individual lunches are prepared each day, but only around 1,300 are taken by students. More than 100 servings of lunch are thrown away every day.

Cafeteria manager Leina Chang said that she would love to donate or reuse the food, but there are restrictions.

“If [San Gabriel] donated the food [to another establishment] and someone got sick,” Chang said, “we would be held responsible.”

Chang also said that certain items can be saved as they will not spoil, but perishable foods such as the school lunches have to go by the end of the day.

“Breakfast like cereal can be saved in the pantry,” Chang said, “but lunch always has to be thrown away.”

Although the school is required to throw away the food due to health concerns, some people might think of it as a waste of food as students eat the food every day yet nothing bad happens. However, sophomore Christy Deng respects the school’s decision.

“I honestly don’t feel anything wrong with that,” Deng said.

“What else are you supposed to do with the food?”

The mystery is finally solved – all leftover cafeteria food is thrown away.

Do you agree with the throw-away policy?

Courtesy of infogr.am

Illustration by Cassandra Chen

Out of 100 students surveyed, 64 students said cafeteria food should be thrown away while 36 students said it should not.

15

THE MATADOR WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2013

FEATURES

It’s Black Friday, Black Friday!

Mo’ than just electronics Hanfrey Deng

Jocelyne Ruiz, Junior Store(s): Kohl’s Target Wal-Mart Ross Planning to buy: a piano key board, a book, clothes, video games “My mom set the alarm at 3:00 a.m.. We were like the 30th people in line. I bought the piano keyboard,” Ruiz said. “ At Target I bought a book and more clothes. We made a plan, like my brother would go to the boy section and get a lot of boy clothes. My mother and I would go as a pair to find clothes,” Ruiz said.

Betty Zamora, Sophomore Store(s): Wal-Mart Planning to buy: bikes “Around 9:00 p.m. we arrived at Wal-Mart.

The parking lot was lot was full we literally had to go to another store’s parking lot and walk to Wal-Mart. We were in line for about ten minutes.

Many people were carrying televisions to their cars. Most of the people in line were planning to buy televisions and bikes because they were on special. When we were in the store people were crazy and frantic. Overall, we got what we wanted,” Zamora said.

Guadalupe de Santiago, Junior Store(s): Wal-Mart Planning to buy: everything that is on special, Toshiba or Apple laptop “At 4:00 a.m. my sister, sister’s husband, my mom and I were planning to go to Wal-Mart. After we got there, we finally found a parking spot.

We waited for about two hours in line. There was a really big, big line. My sister wanted to buy toys for her daughter. We went back home because the line was long. My family and I didn’t make it in. I woke up early for nothing. I’m never going again to Black Friday,” Santiago said.

- Compiled by Kathering Montellon

Photos by Derek Deng

V i s i o n c o r re c t i o n m e t h o d s optimize style and comfort Amanda Molina Glasses and eye contacts are the typical kind of eye vision correction that the majority of the American population has been using. According to the Vision Council of America, about 75 percent of Americans use some type of vision correction. 64 percent of Americans use glasses, and 11 percent use eye contacts.

Glasses seem to have made the long journey to stardom, considering that they were initially thought of as geeky. They are more of a fashion statement in today’s society as they offer style and vision correction at the same time.

Contacts are the more modern version of vision correction and are specified toward the people who have to deal with more extensive eye problems, or people who simply do not want to be putting on and taking off glasses all day long. So the question is, what is the difference if they both help with vision problems?

Glasses are the most practical way of dealing with vision problems. They are less expensive compared with having to keep up with the maintenance of contact lenses. But everything has its disadvantages.

According to <aclens.com>, glasses can cause glare, especially at night. Also, glasses can cause discomfort around the nose piece area and do not offer the greatest peripheral vision.

Freshman Angela Rodriguez has always preferred eye glasses over contacts because glasses have always been the

practical choice for her. Although they cause slight discomfort at times, they have always been the better option for her.

“I have always preferred glasses because they are a lot less troublesome than contact lenses,” Rodriguez said. “I see glasses as a way to show people who you are and show your personal style.”

Contact lenses are a more modern way of managing eye vision issues. They are completely unnoticeable for those who do not necessarily want to wear glasses, but instead want to highlight facial features.

They offer better peripheral vision than glasses and have no glare whatsoever.

According to <aclens.com>, contacts may also be a better option for athletes or people who lead active life styles.

The down side of contact lenses is that they require much more maintenance than glasses and need replacements.

San Gabriel nurse Karen Carrillo says that many times teenagers forget to wash their hands and at some point rub or touch their eyes. If they have contacts and get dirt in the eye area, it can cause infection or irritation. If infections are reoccurring, they can even cause blindness. “[Contacts] can limit the amount of oxygen [that enters] the eye and can cause dry eye,” Carrillo said. “This makes the surface of the eye susceptible to infection.”

When it comes to eye glasses and eye contacts, there are many factors to be considered. In the end, it really depends on what is the most suitable option for a person’s needs.

Visit <aclens.com> for more information.

Shoppers who still have their fingers itching for some massive shopping deals don’t need to fret, because Cyber Monday comes right after Black Friday. However, the significance of Cyber Monday is not the day itself, but of its massive online deals..

It’s quite obvious that Cyber Monday is a large blowout for all kind of products, but let’s start with the basics: Technology.

A typical techy shopper should look for deals on the online stores of BestBuy, Walmart, and Amazon. However, the colossal online store of Newegg also provides an abundance of deals on individual computer components, perfect for the solo computer assemblers.

Just because it’s called Cyber Monday does not mean it’s limited to technologic products. Certainly, there are many other products which hungry Black Friday shoppers scramble for. The traditional targets that these shoppers snag in malls are clothes: T-shirts, jeans, or shoes; Cyber Monday has it all.

There is no difference in shopping online for clothes. Maybe there is a bit less chaos in the claiming of fashionable clothing pieces. Nonetheless, a few good stops to make on the journey of Cyber Monday deal shopping would be Hot Topic, Forever 21, and H & M. The slick articles of clothing a deal sifter can pick up for unbelievable prices are not something a clever shopper would want to miss.

Maybe one is not interested in these materialistic items. Perhaps would prefer to settle into a comfy chair snuggled up in a blanket with a cup of hot cocoa. After all, Cyber Monday does occur squarely at the start of the chilly Christmas month. There is much to be shopped in this online stock of noteworthy deals.

Of course there are also neat online shopping corners for the bookworm impaired. Whether you are a science fiction lover or a suspense-preferring reader, many online book stores will also follow the Cyber Monday tradition. Among these stores to get either online or physical books are Barnes and Nobles, Amazon, and the iTunes book store.

There are many more price cuts that happen on Cyber Monday that have already been listed. In fact, many common items are also thrown into the shopping mix. It is the perfect time for many stores to get the holiday shopping frenzies started in the best possible way.

Shoppers can easily find deals at their nearest department store. However, online deals are consequently no different because Black Friday deals precede online Cyber Monday deals, which are often carried over. Lastly, online deals from Walmart, Target, and Kmart can certainly fit the bill when it comes to late and great online deals that are only around when Cyber Monday is celebrated.

#TrendingonFacebook Vanessa Huang Facebook. A world of interacting with peers on the internet through pictures, posts, and messages. Once you look at your Facebook news feed, a variety of posts are posted to show awareness like ‘’No drinking and driving’’ or ‘’Missing person’’ to the most recent trend. These posts and trends can make an impact on people and can be shared with millions of people in a matter of seconds.

The most recent trend on Facebook is someone posting a riddle and if someone guesses the riddle correctly, nothing happens, but if someone guesses it wrong, he or she will have to change their profile picture into a giraffe. With the trend widening, it became a popular post for people who are bored or want to see if they can save the riddle.

Though trends are popular in Facebook, posts about awareness to things like ‘’Don’t drink and drive’’ and such are an ongoing trend to remind Facebook users about their safety. The posts are shared by many, leading it to show on their friends’ news feed that creates a fast way in getting the word out. These awareness posts can inspire and get people connected to a sensitive topic through the internet.

“These awareness posts can bring a positive impact to people, especially teens on Facebook because so many people use it,’’ junior Cindi Yu said. “By sharing a post, it can bring more awareness to people and remind them to be careful like to not flash your headlights.”

Senior Kenny Lau uses his Facebook account to spread important subjects to his friends so the subject he cares about can reach to more people.

“There are some things that not many people are aware of, so when I see an issue that I think everyone should know about, I sometimes post about it,” Lau said With the use of the posts posted and shared by friends, family, and popular pages, awareness and trends are reached to millions of people with just one social networking, Facebook.

Illustration by Jennifer Thai

FEATURES

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THE MATADOR WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2013

Dancing ‘Ung’round Southern California L a u re n K a kaz u Music blasts from a small speaker. Commands are given during warm ups. Steps in routines are repeated to reach perfection. This is what sophomore Kenny Ung experiences almost every day as a leader on the All-Male dance team.

“When [I first danced], it was the most fun thing in the world to me,” Ung said. “As time went by, it was something I knew I would do for my whole life.”

From fourth to eighth grade, Ung practiced breakdancing in the back of his house.

He began creating his own choreography when he first started practicing breakdancing. He finds his inspiration through other dancers and his experiences.

“My inspirations and ideas mainly come from outside experiences,” Ung said. “Choreographers like Chris Martin, Pat Cruz, and Brian Puspos add a special touch to my choreography.”

Before his freshman year at San Gabriel, Ung tried out for the All-Male dance team and not only did he make it onto the team, but was also named the leader. With the two captains, Ung helped choreograph for many of their performances.

“Being a leader in All-Male helped me become a better individual in general,” Ung said. “I’m not usually a leader, but when it comes to something I love to do, I’m up for the challenge.”

Besides being an All-Male leader and attending practice four times a week, Ung also started attending as a member of Marvels Dance Company last January. At Marvels, Ung performs and competes in local events within Southern California.

“Marvels had the biggest impact [in being the] stepping stone in my dancing career,” Ung said. “Thanks to the Marvels family, I [am] the person and dancer I am today.”

Ung wants to continue dancing for a long time and has considered in a career dance.

“Currently, I am looking into [dancing] as a career, but you know....school first,” Ung said.

Right: Sophomore Kenny Ung makes a successful attempt at doing the “Nike.” The “Nike” is a move where the dancer balances his body on one hand while his legs resemble the signature check sign of the Nike shoe company.

Photo by Derek Deng