World Is Our Campus TheThe World Is Our Campus Volume 62, Issue 1
Arcadia High School 180 Campus Drive, Arcadia, CA
September 2014
Mr. Tierney: Teacher of the Year
In this issue:
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NEWS pg. 2 Waterless: As the drought persists, our state’s geography has now changed to reflect the dire straits.
Photo courtesy of Ryan Foran
WELL-DESERVED RECOGNITION Mr. Patrick Tierney is this year’s recipient of the prestigious
Teacher of the Year award; he is commended for his diligent service to AHS and its students. By WILLIAM HSU Photo courtesy of WIKIMEDIA.ORG
STUDENT LIFE pg. 13 Navigating the Halls: Having trouble getting to class? Here are some tips on how to beat the human traffic jam.
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ACADEMICS pg. 23 New Friendship: The start of a new school year means making new friends and meeting new companions. Have a question, comment, or concern about The Apache Pow Wow? Email the Editors-in-Chief at eic.powwow@gmail.com Find us online at arcadiapowwow.wordpress.com
Staff Writer Mr. Patrick Tierney has been named Arcadia Unified School District’s 2014-2015 Teacher of the Year. The recognition is well-deserved: interview after interview, it seemed as if every teacher and student had nothing but praise and congratulations for Mr. Tierney; the staff cited him as one of the great inspirational forces behind the school, while his students regarded him as a teacher who takes learning and adds just a bit of magic. When it comes to his accomplishments, Mr. Tierney is a dedicated educator, passionate about not only the things he teaches, but the students that he is teaching. He is–perhaps most importantly–a friend, always ready with a kind word, always waiting with an open door. Mr. Tierney–who is fluent in Spanish, Latin, and Portuguese, and has a Master’s degree in Spanish and Portuguese literature from the University of Pennsylvania–decided to change from teaching college students to young men and women at the high school level after a single incident almost 37 years ago. After visiting a colleague at a local high school, Mr. Tierney was immediately absorbed by the “passion, agitation, and movement” condensed into a high school hallway at passing period. He was so absorbed and entranced by the energy of high school, that
he “jettisoned [his] college career immediately” to take part in it. In his almost three decades at Arcadia High, Mr. Tierney has played a huge role in the school’s growth. AUSD Superintendent David Vannasdall identified Mr. Tierney as “everything that is right about public education [and one of] the consummate professionals who educate our children each day.” According to Ms. Ann Hsia, who works with Mr. Tierney in our World Language department, he has had “such a positive presence in our meetings, always finding creative solutions to our most difficult problems;” he sees every issue as a challenge to tackle, every problem as a puzzle to solve. Mr. Ben Smith cannot stress enough how “well-respected he is by the entire administration, by the staff, and his students; his wisdom and experience” is truly invaluable to this campus. Mr. Tierney, who founded AHS’ AP Spanish Literature program, has recently taken up the responsibility of being the campus-wide AP Coordinator as well. Mr. Kevin Fox admires this dedication and enthusiasm, finding that “Mr. Tierney is the kind of person who finds opportunities at all turns,” personally inspiring Mr. Fox to get “involved with some teacher leadership positions that [he] originally wasn’t too eager to get into.” This kind of praise is universal around our campus, with various staff members and administrators holding in high esteem the way Mr. Tierney “doesn’t just deliver information,” but rather supports students with their academic development, the sign of a great teacher.
For the students who have had him, Mr. Tierney’s dedication to both teaching and his students is evident. For senior Sai Chintamaneni, Mr. Tierney has had an extraordinary influence on his academic career in the way that he “always ensures that his students are always excited about what he’s teaching; he goes out of his way to tell us little stories and anecdotes to spice up whatever we’re learning.” Mr. Tierney’s passion for his pupils is matched only by his passion for the curriculum itself; senior Christopher Chen appreciated his enthusiasm in regard to both Spanish literature and culture, something that helped him “understand not only the words, but the thousands of years of culture and history behind the language.” Senior Rachel Chiu applauded the effort her teacher makes to connect personally to each and every student, taking “the time to invest in the class and focus on the individuals who need extra attention.” It is this devotion and attention to detail, witnessed by so many of Arcadia’s students, that solidifies Mr. Tierney as a true exemplar of education. The Teacher of the Year award is not a popularity contest. It is not an endorsement. It is a cleareyed recognition of what makes our school great, and an indication of the influential men and women that work to make it so. That is why we honor Mr. Patrick Tierney. He is one of the individuals who have left a profound imprint upon our school, and our campus is better for him being on it—we are proud to call him an Apache. whsu@pachepowwow.com
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NEWS
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September 2014
Ebola Outbreak
By ERIC CHEN & EILEEN LEE Staff Writers
Nigeria has been struck with crisis: a doctor infected with Ebola transmitted the disease to many of his patients, family members, and friends before passing away shortly after. The doctor, unaware that he himself was ill, had continued to treat his patients before his own death, leading to the exponential spread of the disease. As of a few weeks ago, The World Health Organization (WHO) has announced approximately 1,900 fatalities in West Africa from the Ebola virus. Many reports have confirmed that a sick traveler from Liberia brought the disease over to Lagos and infected the doctor. The doctor then unknowingly infected all of his patients when he continued to treat them; he also spread the disease to most of his friends and family members at his birthday celebration. Another man who had made contact with the ill traveler had also carried the disease to Port Hancourt, where it began to spread. So far, Nigeria’s Ebola outbreak has been limited compared to those of Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Guinea, where the virus has caused hundreds of deaths. WHO has also warned that the disease in Port Hancourt has the potential to spread quickly due to multiple high-risk encounters. However, a health minister in Port Hancourt has stated that there is no reason for people to panic.
virus mutates,” President Obama told NBC News. “It becomes more easily transmittable. And then it could be a serious danger to the United States.” President Obama, concerned with the security of his citizens, requested $30 million to pay the Center for Disease Control to stop the Ebola outbreak from spreading around the world. The two Americans have already been diagnosed with the disease both who have been cured with the help of an experimental drug known as ZMapp.ZMapp has only been used on seven people so far; in total, only five out of the seven people tested have been cured. Therefore, although it is still primarily unstable and not entirely effective, the drug is still the best shot scientists have at curing the outbreak in West Africa. In addition, scientists have announced that an approximate budget of $600 million will be needed to “cure” the outTAKING CHANCES Only seven people have been treated break in Africa. WHO, with ZMapp, pictured above; two of those people have died, while along with other organithe other five were successfullly cured. zations, has volunteered Although many U.S. citizens are concerned that the Ebola virus will spread to the states, President Barack Obama doesn’t believe the outbreak will reach the U.S. anytime soon. However, he strongly asserted that the U.S. has a responsibility to help Africans fight the disease as a national security policy. “If we don’t make that effort now, and this spreads not just through Africa but other parts of the world, there’s the prospect then that the
Plastic Bag Ban By VERONICA YU Staff Writer
Plastics bags have often been a source of waste and trouble for environmentalists, but the battle between plastic bags and environmentalists may soon change. Recently, the California State Senate has voted 22 to 15 in favor of the SB 250 bill; this new bill bans the distribution of plastic bags in stores. Environmentalists have been pushing for this bill for several years already due to the increased use of plastic bags. Plastic bags make up over 30,000 tons of landfill waste each year; they have created mountains of trash that litter mountainsides and the ocean. Many of California’s plastic bags have been swept out to the sea and pose a danger to wildlife, and over 100,000 marine animals have died from eating them or becoming entangled in them. Plastic bags are also very hard to decompose: less than 1% of plastic bags are recycled each year. It is estimated that it would take 500 to 1,000 years for a landfill of plastic bags to decompose. More than 10 million plastic bags are given out and used each year in California and often end up as plastic waste that is never recycled. If the bill is signed, grocery stores, pharmacies, and convenience stores will no longer be able to give out single-use bags and will be required to offer paper bags and reus-
able plastic bags for $0.10. Also, if the bill is passed, California will be the first state in the nation to completely ban single-use plastic bags. Many cities and counties in California have already banned these bags though.. Senator Alex Padilla has been advocating for this bill since last year but had previously failed to pass the bill by three votes. He believes that Governor Jerry Brown will sign the bill because he has traditionally stood, and continues to stand, on the side of environmental advocates. During a political debate, Governor Jerry Brown stated, “I probably will sign it, yes. In fact, I’ll tell you why I’m going to sign it…There are about 50 cities with their own plastic bag ban, and that’s causing a lot of confusion.” California often takes the lead in environmental advances and other states usually follow its example. If approved, the bill may lead to a nationwide plastic bag ban. The bill has currently won much support from groups such as Californians Against Waste and some grocery stores. Governor Brown has until today, Sept. 30, to sign the bill into a law. If the bill is passed, the ban will take effect next July. vyu@apachepowwow.com
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to support the treatment attempt. However, donations and support from other organizations will be needed in the effort to check the disease. The world will need to act fast in order to stop the outbreak from spreading further. With so many people already ill, the disease will be extremely difficult to contain and continues to spread. The only solution now for officials in West Africa is to isolate the diseased and hope for a gradual decrease in the infection rate before other parts of the world become overrun by this deadly disease. echen@apachepowwow.com elee@apachepowwow.com Photos courtesy of WIKIPEDIA.ORG
Value of Sleep By KAITLYN LIAO Staff Writer
Have you ever found yourself struggling to get out of your comfy bed in the morning? Most people blame this feeling on stress, laziness, or a late bedtime. These excuses may cause you to stay up late, but very few of them will make you want to get out of bed the next day. In the end, it all comes down to science. A new study from the American Academy of Pediatricians stated that “teens have a delayed release of melatonin and a lack of ‘sleep drive’ in response to fatigue.” In other words, because melatonin is a hormone that controls your sleeping and waking cycles, it has to be produced daily. Normally, it starts to be produced around dinnertime. This chemical is the reason that most people start to relax after dinner. For adolescents, melatonin production levels are delayed. For example, if you are in bed by 9:00 p.m., the melatonin won’t take action until another half hour to an hour and a half later. Therefore, “even when [we’re] tired, we have difficulty falling asleep and do not feel the bedtime urge until later,” stated the members of the American Academy of Pediatricians. When adolescents get too little sleep, negative energy takes over, potentially resulting in lower grades and heavier body weight. Waking
up with a negative attitude will change your entire day from start to finish. Because of this study, doctors highly recommend that schools start later in the day. This way, students will have a more positive attitude toward learning. Despite the importance of this study, schools continue to make students wake up at an early hour. I n fact, many schools are thinking about starting the school day even earlier to accommodate the new curriculum. Most people think that they can catch up on their sleep during the weekends, but that is in fact wrong. What they’re doing is causing their melatonin cycle to start at a different time rather than keeping the cycle consistent for the entire week. To fix this, try adjusting your bedtime and wake up time every week. Every week, make your bedtime 15 to 30 minutes earlier, but continue to wake up at the same time. Continue to do this until you find yourself feeling more refreshed and awake in the mornings. kliao@apachepowwow.com
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September 2014
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California: High and Dry By SHAWN XING Staff Writer
Running faucet water, lawn sprinklers, fountains, and clean, bottled water are just a few water resources that many people take for granted. For the past two years, California has been stuck in the worst drought in state history. According to the California government’s webpage, “Governor Brown declared a drought State of Emergency in January” and state officials have been instructed to take “all necessary actions” to cope with the drought. In early August, the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) ordered water companies to notify customers of mandatory water use restrictions and potential fines. The drought is so severe, in fact, that it has started to alter California’s geography. Scientists from the Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego have approximated that about 63 trillion gallons of water have disappeared in the western half of the U.S. in the last year and a half. Although the
surface of Earth is pretty stable, it still reacts to weight. In an article for the Washington Post, Angela Fitz wrote, “When you put something very heavy on [the surface], there’s a good chance the ground will sink at least a little bit. And in the same way, when you remove something very heavy, the ground will lift.” Water is pretty heavy. Indeed, 63 trillion gallons of water equates
Before
to almost 240 billion tons. So when that extraordinary weight is lifted off the surface of the Earth, the ground begins to move. According to Fitz, the Plate Boundary Observatory (PBO) is a “network of GPS devices...laid out in the western U.S., used to study shifting tec-
tonic plates.” Using the GPS technology, scientists can measure how much higher or lower the ground has shifted. Researchers, while using the PBO, discovered the gradually rising ground and connected it to the drought. They decided to investigate further and found that “across the western U.S., the ground has risen an average of 0.15 inches since 2013.” The ground rose significantly higher in California’s mountains: “as high as half an inch.” Scientists hope to use this method to monitor similar droughts and water shortages globally. Scripps scientist Dan Cayan said the “results demonstrate that this technique can be used to study changes in fresh water stocks in other regions around the world, if they have a network of GPS sensors.” Although acknowledging that the drought is literally shifting our landscape cannot directly alleviate our water needs, hopefully this knowledge will help bring awareness and attention to the importance of water conservation.
After
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fects people immensely. Over a period of a few weeks, patients lose their ability to Staff Writer control their movements completely, and Have you ever done the ALS Ice their muscles deteriorate. Currently, it is a disease that has no Bucket Challenge? Recently, the ALS Bucket Challenge has been trending. cure, and only a drug called riluzole Numerous people have taken the chal- can slow down the process. Patients lenge and donated to the cause, and then can be kept alive through medical nominated others to participate in the machines, but there is no way to challenge. People nominated to do the help them recover. Accordice bucket challenge have to dump a ing to Forbes contributor bucket of ice water over their heads; if Dan Diamond, “It afflicts they do not complete the challenge in 24 about 30,000 Americans, or about 2 in hours, then they have to donate 100,000 $100 to the ALS Associapeople”. tion. It has become a very T h e popular challenge. WellA L S known celebrities inAssocluding Bill Gates, Jusciation tin Bieber, Lebron James, has been working to find Mark Zuckerberg, and ways to help patients afWill Smith have all shown fected by ALS and to contheir support by completduct research. ing the challenge. Last year, the assoAccording to the ALS ciation raised $2.8 milAssociation, amyotrophic lion dollars from July 29 lateral sclerosis (ALS) is to Aug. 29, which is the “a progressive neurodegensame period erative disease of time as this that affects nerve ALS Challenge The Ice Bucket cells in the brain challenge has gained popularity and raised year’s ALS Ice Bucket Chaland the spinal millions of dollars for ALS research. cord.” ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s lenge. However, this year has proven to Disease, is a very serious disease that af- be much more fruitful in donations. On
Aug. 29, it was reported that the association had received more than $100 million dollars in donations. Now that the association has a significant amount of money from this year’s fundraiser, the association is planning how the donations will be used. Previously, 32% of the funds had been put towards educating people, 28% was used for research, 19% was used to help patients, and the remaining was used for fundraising and administration. With more funds this year, there will surely be more progress in research and treatments. klo@apachepowwow.com
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s t a f ff Editors
Editors-in-Chief Managing Editor News Editors Opinion Editors Performing Arts Editors Student Life Editors Features Editors Sports Editors Academics Editors Center Spread Editor Calendar Editor Campus Focus Editor Advertisement Editors Photography Editors Executive Copy Editors Fundraising Chairs
Katrina Chao and Stanley Shaw Belle Zheng Simone Chu and Terri Shi Victoria Yu and Erika Zheng Amelia Jin and Briana Shen Daniel Jenn and Justin Tang Elaine Chung and Lily Ling Allan Gao and Charles Xu Helen Lee and Tiffany Liu Josh Bay Rose Li Flora Ung Derek Lee and Belle Zheng Ben Geisberg and Millie Wong Michelle Gu and Hafsah Umerani Yoko Chan and Chelsea Cheng
Writers
News Staff
Opinion Staff
Performing Arts Staff Student Life Staff
Features Staff
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ALS Ice Bucket Challenge By KIMBERLY LO
NEWS
Sports Staff
Academics Staff
Calendar Staff
Campus Focus Staff Center Spread Staff Advertisement Staff
Photo Staff
Copy Editing Staff
Adviser
Eric Chen, Amber Chong, Jessie Hui, Katie Huang, Michelle Huang, Eileen Lee, Kaitlyn Liao, Andrew Lim, Julia Lin, Kimberly Lo, Sukanya Mukherjee, Emily Quach, Kristen Tran, Shawn Xing, Veronica Yu, Roy Zhang Niki Chi, Amber Chong, Teddy Chu, Ben Geisberg, Julia Lin, Andrew Muliadi, Sukanya Mukherjee, Millie Wong, Titus Wu, Veronica Yu Jacqueline Chang, Eric Chen, William Hsu, Katie Huang, Celine Lee, Eileen Lee, Ellie Lee, Erin Li Eric Chen, Tiffany Chen, Eileen Lee, Ellie Lee, Andrew Lim, Andrea Liu, Emily Schube, Kristie Sun, Tiffany Tsui, Emily Wu, Sunny Wu, Shawn Xing, Gary Zhu Tiffany Chen, Katie Huang, Michelle Huang, Celine Lee, Julia Lin, Cristian Nalbandian, Emily Schube, Cathleen Shen, Sunny Wu, Pearl Yang, Elyse Yao, Veronica Yu, Gary Zhu Ryan Fann, William Hsu, Peter Ju, Ellie Lee, Erin Li, Rose Li, Andrew Muliadi, Christina Read, Brendan Tran, Kyle Wang, Titus Wu, Shawn Xing, Pearl Yang Tiffany Chen, Brittanie Gaja, Katie Huang, Derek Lee, Andrea Liu, Kimberly Lo, Sukanya Mukherjee, Andrew Wang, Sunny Wu, Elyse Yao Jacqueline Chang, Brittanie Gaja, Jessie Hui, Peter Ju, Kaitlyn Liao, Andrew Lim, Kimberly Lo, Debbie Moon, Emily Quach, Cathleen Shen, Kristen Tran, Andrew Wang, Kyle Wang, Emily Wu, Sunny Wu, Pearl Yang, Elyse Yao Emily Quach Madeline Lee Jacqueline Chang, Teddy Chu, Ryan Fann, William Hsu, Michelle Huang, Peter Ju, Andrea Liu, Andrew Muliudi, Tiffany Tsui, Kyle Wang, Emily Wu, Elyse Yao Teddy Chu, Ryan Fann, Brittanie Gaja, Derek Lee, Debbie Moon, Stanley Shaw, Cathleen Shen, Kristen Tran, Titus Wu Ryan Fang, Jessie Hui, Madeline Lee, Debbie Moon, Christina Read, Emily Schube, Andrew Wang, Kyle Wang, Elyse Yao, Veronica Yu, Gary Zhu Mr. Johnny Lee
Publication Information: The Apache Pow Wow is a student publication distributed monthly throughout the school year. The paper has been continuously published since Arcadia High School opened in 1952. Unsigned articles appearing on the opinion page reflect the opinion of The Apache Pow Wow editorial board. A student’s work does not represent the views of Arcadia High School or the Arcadia Unified School District. Address letters to the editor to: The Apache Pow Wow, 180 W. Campus Drive, Arcadia, CA 91007. To place an advertisement in the newspaper, email ads.powwow@gmail.com. Advertisement rates vary from $30 for a business card advertisement to $250 for a full-page black and white advertisement, with quarter-page, half-page, and advertisement insert options available. Graphic courtesy of FREEVECTOR.COM
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NEWS
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September 2014
The Robotic Flaw
By ROY ZHANG Staff Writer
sation of touch. Researchers despair that while they are able to code robots to understand and carry out advanced concepts the average adult
In factories and warehouses, robots routinely outdo humans in strength and precision. Artificial intelligence software can drive cars, beat grandmasters at chess, and leave “Jeopardy!” champions in the dust. But machines still lack a critical element that will keep them from eclipsing most human capabilities anytime soon: a well-developed sense of touch. One of the most discussed GENTLY NOW Robots lack perception of touch as sensitive as problems regarding reason, they can’t do certain delicate jobs that humans can do. robotics is their lack of touch awareness, or human cannot even begin to grasp, they still how much pressure they give or receive. With cannot get their coded companions to perform this handicap, robotic potential is chopped in the simplest human tasks such as keeping their half. Pressure awareness becomes crucial in balance while moving. The Moravec’s Paradox, various human occupations where the patient coined in the 1980s, summarizes the situation: is put into life-threatening situations. Take, “It is comparatively easy to make computers exfor example, Dr. Nikolas Blevlin, a neck and hibit adult-like performance on intelligence tests head surgeon who is required to shave the bone or playing checkers, and difficult or impossible away from the ear to leave a thickness that is to give them the skills of a one-year-old when it equal to the width of an eggshell membrane. comes to perception or mobility.” For robots to finally be able to accomplish such Researchers are beginning to tackle this tasks, they require a more advanced form of issue by learning more about “touch impulse”. “haptics”, or technology that mimics the sen- Hopefully, with a clearer understanding of how
humans receive and perceive touch, we can that mimic feeling in the development of robots. The latest research has shown that the human finger can distinguish ridges that are only 0.0000005 inches in width, around the size of a molecule. To put this into perspective, if your finger was the world, you would be able to distinguish each and every car. Organs in our fingers called mechanoreceptors allow for recognition in the smallest variations in sensitivity towards shape, vibration, or texture. Pacinian corpuscles are the mechanoreceptors responsible for responding to surface variation. They work by deforming and sending a signal to your brain once they come into a human’s; for this contact with a change in surface structure. The goal of haptics is to be able to convert these receptors into robots, so they too will be able to discern microscopic differences. Besides haptics, researchers are also looking into alternative methods in allowing robots a broader spectrum of jobs they can complete. The notion of the robotics industry integrating into surgery is one that both plagues and intrigues, as it is a combination between the human mind’s sensitivity to touch and pressure and the human body’s physical capabilities. Robots can easily surpass that of the latter. Professors from colleges ranging from Berkeley to Stanford have
Staff Writer
When Lisa Kulik was diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa, she was told that she would permanently lose her vision. Still, she remained optimistic and continued to believe in the possibility of seeing again, even when her world had become completely dark. That dream came true when she stumbled upon the Argus II. The Argus II, a device developed by a company called Second Sight, was able to return light to Kulik’s life despite her damaged retina. The light-absorbing cells of her retina, a thin wall of cells that is essential to vision, had deteriorated from the disease and eventually rendered her blind. In order to restore her vision, an electrode-covered chip was implanted within her eye and served as a substitute for her damaged cells. Kulik was also given a pair of sunglasses with a camera attached. The camera captured her surroundings and sent this information to the implanted microchip. The result was a black and white 60 pixel image that replaced her natural vision. When Kulik turned on the de-
vice, she saw in a way she never had before. She stated, “A lot of people [thought I’d]…put it on and [be] able…to see again. It [was] nothing like that. It [was] definitely a whole new way of learning how to see.” She was able to see the contrast in the sidewalks and the steak on her plate. Kulik saw objects by their vague shapes and, with some practice, may be able see them more clearly. Mark Humayun, the creator of the Argus II, was inspired to make the device after witnessing his own grandmother’s eyesight deteriorate due to diabetes. “There wasn’t anything that could b e done,” he lamented. “ I t made me reconsider my path in medicine.” From then on, he became motivated to help others regain their eyesight. Although the Argus II has helped people like
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Three Years Later
Gifted with Second Sight By JESSIE HUI
all agreed upon the usefulness in having robots perform surgery. With their versatility in shape and form, robots can reach places and perform actions with ease, whereas humans may have a harder time. The issue with robots is that they do not have a surgeon’s delicacy; discerning between gentle cuts and harsh cuts is a lost art to them. Therefore, robots are far too dangerous to use because of their lack of control during surgery—of course the cuts will be made where they should be, but robots cannot easily control the depth of the cuts. Although professors of robotics are looking into allowing surgeons to control the robots by providing the robots with spectacular vision, vision alone will not suffice in many types of surgery. Researchers in Berkeley are developing a type of “cloud robotics”, which connects robots into the internet so they would be able to find instructions on how to conduct certain procedures by looking it up. However, this category of robotics has only cracked the surface of what it can achieve, and has a long way to go. Many people hold other senses in a far higher esteem than they do for touch, but with robotics, it is easy to see how important this sense that some humans often take for granted is. As Professor Allison Okamura of the Stanford Laboratory for Collaborative Haptics and Robotics in Medicine said, “If you have all these senses—vision, hearing, taste, touch and smell—and someone took them away from you one by one, which is the last one you would give up? Almost everyone says vision, but for me, it would be touch.”
Kulik regain their vision, Humayun still dreams of improving the device to help those with other vision impairments. He imagines a device with over 60 pixels and a higher resolution that can also help those with macular degeneration, a common disease that plagues over 2 million Americans. Humayun, however, states that completing this challenge will be “like going from a train to a plane.” Even if Humayun does achieve some of his goals, there are some problems the Argus II may never be able to fix. For example, the Argus II cannot enable its user to see objects in color. Repairing color vision requires connecting each electrode to each of the eyes’ colored cones—a complex process that is virtually impossible. The device also requires a functioning optic nerve and other vital parts that allow the eye to send information to the brain. Currently, these obstacles eliminate the possibility of “curing” other cases of blindness. Nonetheless, the Argus II can still bring light into the worlds of those who have lived in complete darkness. For Kulik, it is a miracle that has allowed her to see her grandchildren jhui@apachepowwow.com
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By KRISTEN TRAN Staff Writer
Remember the 8.9 magnitude earthquake that happened in Japan three years ago? It created a tsunami over 30 feet tall that swept over Japan, causing one of the worst nuclear accidents in generations to erupt in Fukushima. This incident poisoned the environment and ruined the lives of people living nearby. Radiation contaminated the land and thousands were forced to move away from the remnants of their homes. Japan’s government has tried many solutions to clear the radiation. However, these were largely unsuccessful, and the Japanese had started to give up hope for their land. Now, however, Governor Yuuhei Sato has agreed to try to temporarily store the nuclear waste. This decision is a big step to recovering Fukushima. “I made an agonizing decision to accept plans to construct temporary storage facilities in order to achieve recovery in the environment as soon as possible,” Governor Sato said to the central government ministers in Tokyo. He has accepted a central government plan to build storage units on a depot of land near the radiation plant. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has offered over ¥300 billion ($2.9 billion) and land to help store all the toxic waste. The storage units will be placed in a radius of a 6.4 mile area. Hopefully, that small piece of land will be able to contain all the waste. Only time will tell if this plan will succeed. ktran@apachepowwow.com
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Opinion
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September 2014
Why Countr y Rocks More Than Rock
By BEN GEISBERG
Photography Editor
Ah, country. Based off of stereotypes, this genre of music always seems to be made fun of, right? However, country is one of the best music genres out there, and I’m here to defend it. First of all, I challenge you to find more heartfelt and true songs about love, loss, and almost anything else than you’ll find in country. You won’t find them in rap, indie, rock, or any other genre. Country songs take each listener on a journey that is an emotional roller coaster. They lift you up with sweet songs about first loves, crush you with songs about death and loss, and make you feel good with songs about life, poverty, and, in a self-deprecating manner, the “redneck” lifestyles which some country singers admit to having. Within songs come stories that unfold, build up, and have a conclusion, in less than five minutes. Basically, they’re novels in a fraction of the time. Some country songs are funny, too. Have you ever heard a song by Drake or Lorde that had a sense of humor? Humor in songs like those are like unicorns; they don’t exist. Country
singers aren’t afraid to laugh and write songs with humor, even if it means poking fun at themselves. Additionally, country music does this in a non-vulgar way. The lyrics are soft and sweet, and the tunes and melodies are crafted to perfection. Nothing is vulgar or nasty, insulting some people or making fun of others; no, these songs are (relatively) classy and speak directly to the heart. The music is raw, emotional, and powerful; nothing matches how it grips listeners, takes them on a ride, and doesn’t set them down until
Staff Writer
On many food labels, there are terms such as “locally grown”, “organic”, or “natural flavorings”. When people read these terms, they believe that what they are buying is of better quality and healthier than other products. Products that have these labels generally cost more than the same product of a different brand. So, are the products with those words really better than those without? Maybe it is not so. Many phrases on food packages can be misleading to customers who don’t know the real definition of what those terms are. Take “locally grown” as an example. One would assume that locally grown would be produce grown within the county or somewhere within maybe an hour drive. However, according to the U.S. Congress, “locally grown” can mean produce that came from 400 miles away or originated from the same state. That would mean that food grown in Sacramento and eaten here in Los Angeles could also be considered “locally grown”, since the product originated from the same state. Such terms have a much looser definition than what we would generally think. Another misleading term would be “natural flavorings”. The general public would think that natural flavorings would mean a product flavored from a natural food that was grown in the ground, not a laboratory. But many products with the terms “natural flavorings”
jerky, uncomplicated beats, and indie music has divulged into seemingly thousands of subgroups. Country music today sounds much the same as it did during its early days, albeit it with some unavoidable modernization. Finally, the personalities of country singers and musicians are pretty great. They’re just good people. They’re the type of people where, if you had a choice of all musicians to sit next to at dinner, you would sit next to a country musician. Just a look on their Facebook profiles or a peek into fan photos will show that they are some of the more down-to-earth guys in the music business today. And there’s good reason for that, too: most started life or grew up on a farm, just like their songs say. They’re the guys who give guitars away, respond to requests for special appearances, and make sure their fans are happy. Now, I’m not saying that country is the best thing ever, but it is pretty close. These musicians put their heart and soul into their music, and it shows. Although other musicians do pour their hearts and souls into what they produce, the songs country singers produce reflect deep roots, homegrown love, and an emotional aspect that is unparalleled elsewhere in music. bgeisberg@apachepowwow.com
“Locally Grown” 400 Miles Away By VERONICA YU
the bitter end. In addition, country music is just plain catchy. It’s undeniable. The twang of the guitars, the solid thump of the drums, and the flowing piano all make for a great combination. A bit redneck-like, yes. A bit weird, yes, but it makes the music so much more enjoyable. Country musicians are, out of all the musicians out there, the best at preserving the roots of their music. Rap has been dismantled into
or “all natural” contain a large amount of synthesized food agents that are grown in laboratories and are also unhealthy to consume. Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is also considered as a “natural flavoring”. MSG is abundant in processed foods, and when over consumed could cause cancer. “Natural flavorings” is a very loose term under which laboratory made chemicals could also be placed, since they, too, can also be derived from natural foods. Products should not be placed under terms that they would not belong in. The government allows such loosely defined terms to be put on food labels, even though they are far from what the general public would think. The general public should be able to determine what the words mean. Many products that do not fit under certain terms are still categorized under them. The government should take the initiative to not allow terms with such loose definitions to continue misleading the general public. The government should also use programs to inform the citizens about what certain words on food packages mean and what they can do for people nutritionally. Both the general public and government can work together to make sure people are eating healthy and smart, without being misled by certain terms on food packages. vyu@apachepowwow.com
Graphics courtesy of HERCAMPUS.COM
Letting Go By AMBER CHONG Staff Writer
High school students are attracted to drama like a moth is to a flame. Drama can be described as unnecessary, nauseating, and a pain, among others. How and why such destructive behavior is condoned, much less publicized, is a mystery. What it entails, however, is crystal clear: weeks of endless bickering or unhinged silence, harsh judgments leading to rash decisions, friends taking sides, and grudges. Assessing this cycle, grudges are probably the most mentally-straining and hard to maintain. We’ve all seen the brutal scream-offs between boyfriend and girlfriend, the agonizing tears of the girl who has lost her way, the mindnumbing attempts at revenge—all of which are common human tendencies and make those movies relatable. Watching these dramatized films, we may find ourselves saying, “Why do you have to do that?!” The real question we have to ask ourselves is, indeed, why do we? Often, the pettiest arguments snowball into something bigger, and whoever partakes in these skirmishes eventually become some fire-breathing dragon, whose talents are, seemingly, only to roll one’s eyes and flick one’s hair over one’s shoulder. These actions supposedly scream “I don’t need you”, but best believe one’s better than the oh-so vocal “You’re dead to me” or the “You stabbed me in the back”. We become so immersed in these blows to the point where we don’t remember what we’re fighting about. Repeating these mannerisms is exhausting and futile. Showing an indifferent version of yourself is not a reflection of the indecency of the other person but instead degrading toward your personality. Glossing over the surface, one easily thinks that people hold grudges to prolong the
drama. More drama equals more attention, right? If you dig deeper, past all the superficial ways of social hierarchy, it reveals a more sensitive and personal side to the individual. When faced with a problem, a person’s reaction boils down to two things: fight or flight, a response paired with anxiety and aggression. Sound familiar? What provoked the drama may not be a big deal, but the trust and respect lost is. A person who is scared to love puts boundaries around his or her emotions. These boundaries can be put back up just as fast as they can be pulled down. This person, who is already having trouble opening up, has witnessed the hurt that, in his or her mind, was already imminent. Of course being his or her true self or confiding in others is now seemingly impossible. In fact, he or she probably won’t be willing to “bare his or her soul” to that person ever again. This isn’t to say that people are implicitly good. It’s to say that maybe that person didn’t mean for whatever it was to happen and that everyone is capable of change. In most cases, what you’re feeling is the same as what the other person feels. Everyone experiences things he or she didn’t want to. Everyone goes through trial and error. Everyone regrets doing something and desperately wishes to take it back. Condemning a person for his or her past mistakes is like believing time is at a standstill, utterly naïve and narrow-minded. Before you go pointing fingers and picking at someone’s faults, examine your contribution to the problem. Does the good in your friendship outweigh the bad? If it does, try to establish an honest relationship. Be sincere and outright about your feelings in order to work it out. If it doesn’t, be mature and separate yourself from that person. achong@apachepowwow.com
Graphic courtesy of BLOGSPOT.COM
September 2014
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Stepping Into Friendship By NIKI CHI Staff Writer
School. A place where every kid goes to get an education and weep over the fact that each morning is a struggle to get out of bed. Sooner or later, those day-to-day trips to the same classrooms will become second nature, and everyone will be accustomed to the quirky habits of his or her teachers and peers. While I’ve definitely tried to go on cruise control myself, things have always been rough on the social end (and I’m not talking about what it’s like trying to find a table at lunch). New classes, new people. Everyone is usually lucky enough to be blessed with a companion that he or she can chat with whenever the teacher is trying to figure something out on the computer. Unfortunately for me, the high heavens weren’t so kind this year, and I ended up being that kid in the corner pretending to be busy on her phone. I can only hope that by scanning my surroundings, I’ll find someone in a similar position and she’ll magically make eye contact with the creep in the back seat checking everyone out. In reality, maintaining a friendship is relatively easy, but starting one is usually where the difficulty lies. Who is this person? Where did she come from? How are her grades? Does she also like to stay up till 1:00 a.m. watching Vines? And the hardest part about all this is really just mustering up the courage to go up and say “Hi”. But there are so many elements
involved in this complicated process. I can’t just say “Hey! I know you’ve never seen me in your life before, but I was staring at you from all the way across the room and I was just wondering if you wanted to be my friend because, you know, I don’t have any friends. And you don’t have any friends. So we should be friends!” As ridicu- l o u s
as that may sound, that’s literally what goes on in my head the second I think about approaching someone. Sitting there, is a completely mysterious human being, with God knows how many dumb stories she’s got stored in her hard drive, but I’m here fretting about what to do with myself because my mind is playing confidence games. That’s not even the best part, though, because there’s a second stage to this downward spiral: confronting the “demon”. It’s always hopeful to think that I’ll get a friendly response, but what if he or she is turned off by such a sudden manner? Unlike hunting, I can’t just trap the prey and force it to be
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mine. There’s just so many steps involved in creating a balanced friendship. Picking and choosing the right words. Knowing when to start and end a conversation. Or just figuring out how to not end with the classic “Haha. Yeah…” Eventually, through all this neverending frustration and confusion, comes a striking question: Why am I trying so hard? When I meet someone, I want her to know who I am. I don’t want to beat around the bush, trying to satisfy every need and desire known to mankind. This is just another human being living the same set of lifestyles I am, going to the same school, and having the same teacher. Why put her on the pedestal of admiration when there’s really no need to? If she doesn’t like me, then fine. We weren’t cut from the same fabric. I can’t force her to become my friend. She isn’t my servant. She’s my peer. And that’s how I should be feeling about all these kinds of “awkward” situations, whether or not they’re from school. At the mall, in college, or even at a new work environment, it’s really just about not drowning in a river of despair, and just doing as you please. Go at it with gusto. Come home with the gold. And if not, then so be it. Because the people who do end up staying through all of that personality and flavor are the ones we truly want to keep. nchi@apachepowwow.com
Graphic by SUNNY WU Graphic courtesy of GALLERY.COM
Lost in the Red Sea By SUKANYA MUKHERJEE Staff Writer
9/30/2011 Dear Diary, Finally, it’s Friday. My first week of high school was so chaotic. It’s only been two months since I was an eighth grader, but suddenly I feel a lot smaller. I feel insignificant. How am I going to remember everyone? Who’s going to remember me? On the first day of school, I walked through black gates next to the Student Services building at 7:40 a.m., a time I’ve come to call the calm before the storm. At first, it felt familiar. Everyone was in a little clique, similar to how friends stuck together in middle school. The freshmen, however, or at least my group of friends, looked like a group of deer caught in the headlights. Without a table to call their own, they were standing awkwardly in front of the science building. I watched their eyes dart from left to right, looking for a familiar face. I began to make over to them, waving my hand ,when the bell rang. Backpacks swung onto shoulders and the chatter grew as people started walking all at once. As I lost sight of my friends in a sea of roughly 4,000 Apaches, I felt alone. I didn’t know any of the people walking past me and, glancing at my watch, I realized I had six minutes to get to my first period class, wherever that was. I stepped into a hallway to try and avoid the crowd in the quad, but walked head first into another student. I muttered an apology as I weaved through the hall, realizing the hallways were much worse than the crowds in the quad. I desperately tried remembering what my Link Crew Leader had told me yester-
day about which halls were which, but in the crowd, I couldn’t hear my own thoughts. It was overwhelming. Thankfully, I bumped into one of my friends, who looked at me wide-eyed. I hope I didn’t look as bewildered as she did. Feeling like sixth graders, we walked up to a Link Crew Leader to ask where our first period classrooms were. It just feels kind of embarrassing not knowing where to go. The Link Crew Leaders did give us a map and everything, but in the midst of the crowd, my mind went blank. By the end of the week, I think I finally have it down. The sad thing is that I only know where my classes are. My friend tells me about J-Building where all the room numbers are mixed up and I’m so glad I don’t have any classes there. At freshman orientation, one of the first questions I asked people was what middle school they were from. I’m starting to realize that it doesn’t really matter. Even though I still sit with my friends from middle school at lunch, (we actually were able to claim a table!) I’m starting to meet new people from other schools. After three years of hanging out with the same crowd, I forgot what it felt like to introduce myself. One of the great things about high school is that it really is a fresh start. All the things that seemed to matter in middle school are not important in high school at all. Jokes and nicknames don’t hang over my head anymore. It’s going to be a long year, but I’m starting to feel like I belong. Now if only I could get used to the amount of homework high school teachers believe they assign. Until next time, Fidgety Freshie smukherjee@apachepowwow.com
Graphic courtesy DREAMSTIME.COM
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The Customer is Always Right! By JULIA LIN Staff Writer
A mother hauls her 6-year-old boy around the grocery store, growling at the employees doling out samples. “Churros, anyone? A piping, hot churro!” chirps the cheerful employee. “Can I have a churro?” asks the little boy as they pass by the sampling table. The mother scowls, snapping, “No, Jake, you can’t get a churro.” “You,” she turns to the terrified young worker. “Stop asking customers if they want samples. Samples are addicting and you know it. Food-crazed people who cannot control themselves, like Jake,” she motions to her pouting son, “They’ll just hoard all of them. Can you imagine how much loss can occur in a single day of handing out samples if no one buys the actual product? There are so many people who live in poverty and never get a morsel of food, yet here you give them out for free by the dozens. Don’t you rea— ” Her rant is interrupted by a small child, who reaches up to snatch a churro from the employee, followed by his mother. The woman observes the treat with interest, despite being hatefully stared at by the first mother. “Well well, if it isn’t Lorraine,” she spits at her rival. “Fancy seeing you here. Surely you must recognize the damage samples do.” “I actually think samples are a great idea!” Lorraine argues as she chews the dessert, grinning at the relieved employee. “People do buy the products if they like the samples. I, for example, enjoyed this sample very much. And I think Roger would agree.” Roger nods fervidly, licking his lips as Jake looks on in envy. The lady takes the advertised box out of the freezer and places it in her cart. “See? If we buy things without having a taste, we might throw away the entire box, leading to more waste. It makes sense to hand out samples! Why don’t you try one, Jenny?” Jenny looks exasperated, about to refute her point when the manager walks by. “Hello, ladies! Is there a problem?” he asks. “Yes, there is a problem,” she hisses. “Why do stores hand out samples if it leads to waste? I doubt everyone buys a whole box of products based on a tiny sample.” “I bought a box,” Lorraine replies. “I’m glad I tasted it beforehand. Who knows if I would’ve disliked it or not?” The manager merely smiles. He had been trained to deal with customer disputes in this position. “You both are partially correct. Occasionally, we will have certain customers that take advantage of the free food. On the other hand, samples are like a preview of what you’re getting. To minimize excess waste, some of our locations will limit the samples to customers 12-years-old and up.” He leans down and ruffles Roger’s hair. “Unless they have a parent or guardian with them, of course. So both of you are right,” he adds. “The customer is always right!” jlin@apachepowwow.com
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rainstorm won’t replenish our water sources. So…what do we do?! The solution is obvious: SAVE WAPhotography Editor TER! California could be on the brink of disaster, but then again, we are blinded by an abundance of water in our homes and exagHave you seen the headlines recently? If not, you can turn to gerated media headlines. Nonetheless, whether in a time of drought the News section of The Apache Pow Wow you’re holding right now, or not, it is imperative to conserve water. Even during non-drought but they all seem pretty apocalyptic. “Dramatic Proof That Califorconditions, fresh water is a scarce resource. America’s fresh wania’s Drought is One of the Worst Ever”, “California’s 100-year ter sources are often polluted by factories and human waste. A lot Drought”, and “California Drought Causing Billion-dollar Losses” of polluted water doesn’t enter water treatment plants; instead, it are just a few recent headlines in the media. But why doesn’t Arseeps out into other bodies of fresh water. cadia seem to be affected? Where is the parched grass and cracked Let’s keep it simple. Turn off your faucet when washing your earth we commonly associate with droughts? I still see verdant face or brushing gardens and sprinyour teeth. Turn off klers operating beyour shower when fore sunset. lathering up or putWith Caliting on conditioner. fornia only having If you don’t need the “12 to 18 months water for even a secof water” left in ond, turn it off. Heck, reserve, why isn’t if it takes a while for more being done? your water to heat Our “excellent” up, collect the cold water managewater in a bucket and ment gives the use it in your sink average citizens or toilet. Avoid taka false sense of ing baths (which use security. The fact up to 70 gallons of is, this drought is water). Don’t worry, a real conundrum; you won’t smell any snow caps need worse. Operate your years, even desprinklers once a day cades, to replenish DEHYDRATED CALIFORNIA The current drought facing California and always at night to and rivers are at a residents proves to be an urgent state emergency. There are many simple third of their origithings you can do to help your community. Save California and start conserving! avoid evaporation. Fix leaky faucets. Don’t nal size five years let the water run when doing the dishes. There are literally hunago. Underground wells and aquifers are being illegally drilled into dreds of ways to conserve water (go ahead, Google it)! Doing just by farmers who can’t risk losing their crops. However, this adds a little every day adds up. And we can all start making a difference onto the drought problem by utilizing unreplenishable water sourctoday. es. Those hopeful that El Niño will bring water to California will be sorely disappointed: this year’s El Niño is forecast to be “weak mwong@apachepowwow.com to moderate”, resulting in slightly above-average precipitation, but Graphics courtesy of BLOGSPOT.COM, not enough to make a huge difference. In fact, unless people beCLIPART.COM, and DAFONT.COM gin to install rainwater collection tanks in their backyards, a simple
September 2014
By MILLIE WONG
By BEN GEISBERG Photography Editor
We make them everywhere. They’re created, fulfilled, and crossed off. Some take years; others take minutes. They are goals, specifically long-term goals, and they are futile. Short-term goals have a place and deserve to stay a part of our lives while long-term goals do nothing for us. Goals are always made for the future; that’s just their nature. The future, as per its nature, is also a wild, unexplored, and unpredictable place. The future is full of deep caverns, shallow ponds, and wide open expanses that are secrets until you get there. In short, the future is unpredictable. This is the main reason why long-term goals are just not reasonable. Because the future is the Wild West of time, many things can change between now and the completion of your goal. Motivations change, people change, settings change— you change. Almost everything will be different. But these changes are rarely bad, or are at least negated in the end. A bad occurrence now may become something good in the future. Even something as small as a loss at a game can make for a great college essay later. This shows that even in small ways, planning for the future is futile. Making long-term plans also affects the present in ways that aren’t always good. By anticipating something far in the future, you might adjust for it now and, along the way, hit one of the many potholes that the future may hold. Thus, it is better to play it by ear and create more short-term goals. These are easily achievable for the most part and, in the time that it takes to complete them, the path ahead is brightly lit. Life’s potholes and delays are easier to anticipate when the puddles and caverns are brightly lit. It is better to place your trust into a brightly lit present than a dim and dark future. No use worrying what the far future holds, just as it is no use fretting over the past; what’s important is the foreseeable and predictable present. bgeisberg@apachepowwow.com
Graphics courtesy of GOLDMINISTRIES.ORG and INSTANT.COM
ALS: Putting the Pros and Cons Debate on Thin Ice By TITUS WU Staff Writer
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)—this complicated sounding disease has become part of an increasingly popular trend on social media. It has become the center of attention not through boring scientific lectures about the disease, but through one simple yet controversial challenge called the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge. One can go on social media and see numerous videos of people doing it. A person is nominated by someone to do the challenge. Then, he or she takes a bucket of ice water and dumps it over his or her head and also donates. Lastly, he or she nominates three other people to do the challenge, and the cycle repeats. If one refuses to do the challenge, he or she will have to donate $100 to the ALS Foundation. Watching the videos, one can see people laughing, having fun, and getting soaked. Yet, many have criticized this fundraising method, and although some of the criticism is valid, most seem to downplay the many benefits that this challenge provides. First off, ALS is a “progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord,” according to the ALS Foundation. In other words, the motor neurons degenerate slowly, and, over a lifespan, the brain of the victim starts to slowly lose control of muscles throughout the body. This eventually leads to death, and it has no cure. Well, motor neurons and ice water have no connection at all. Critics have seized upon this fact to show that this challenge is pure
fun and does not teach anything. They complain that many people who do the challenge don’t even know what ALS is. That may be true, but the purpose of the Ice Bucket Challenge was never to teach people about ALS. Rather, the purpose was to simply raise awareness about it. That purpose has been achieved, as searches of ALS on Wikipedia,
Google, and many other sources have dramatically increased since the challenge became a trend. Not just awareness, but even an unprecedented amount of money has been raised for ALS. The ALS Foundation has received at least $100 million in the past few months from people all over the globe. This amount is almost forty times the amount of money raised last year. Of course, others object that this challenge is simply a way to gain attention and that altruism is just an afterthought. In the end, however, money is still being donated, so why not do both—gain attention and still help out a cause? There is nothing wrong if the end goal has been achieved. These seemingly superficial videos give not just financial but emotional support. In one YouTube video, titled “ALS Ice Bucket Challenge—Uncensored & Sexy?”, Anthony Carbajal, an ALS victim, tells how “every single challenge lifts my spirits, lifts every single ALS patient’s spirits… and that we’re so, so grateful.” To the critics, there are indeed some problems and concerns with the challenge. However, in the end, there is no question about the immense benefits that this trend has brought, not just to the ALS community, but to society as a whole as well. twu@apachepowwow.com
Graphics courtesy of ALSA.ORG, BEHRENSRANCH.ORG, and COMMUNITY.STARBUCKS.COM
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September 2014
STARBUCKS’ Secret Menu
By CELINE LEE
Staff Writer
Are you sick and tired of getting the same old boring Starbucks drink? Or are you interested in trying a new drink because you want to take a chance? Well, you are in luck! Most people probably have already discovered Starbucks’ Secret Menu drinks, but for those of you who don’t know about it, here are some unique Starbucks drinks to try. 1. Caramel Apple Frappuccino: This drink is for those who are just too in love with caramel apples and are craving them when Pow Wow isn’t selling them. Ask for your frappucino, order apple juice, and add caramel and cinnamon dolce syrup! 2. S’mores Frappuccino: This is the perfect drink for those who want to satisfy their sweet tooth without the hassle of making actual s’mores. Ask for a Java Chip Frappuccino, or a double chocolate chip Frappuccino, and add half a pump each of the toffee nut syrup and the cinnamon dolce syrup. After you are done blending in your whipped cream, ask for a sprinkle of Cinnamon Dolce sprinkles. Ta da! Your perfect S’mores Frappuccino! 3. Mint Chocolate Chip Frappuccino: If buying a tub of mint chocolate chip flavored ice cream is too much work for you but you are still craving it, then this
drink is the one for you! Ask for a Green Tea Frappuccino, and add peppermint syrup and java chips until you’ve reached your ideal balance of mint and chocolate. Feel free to experiment with the amounts of both of these ingredients! 4. Horchata Frappuccino: For those of you who don’t know about Horchata, it is a classic and popular drink in Spain that is made with sugar, cinnamon, vanilla and rice milk. To create this wonderful drink, ask for a Chai Crème Frappuccino, and then add cinnamon dolce syrup, vanilla syrup, and chai to it. Top this drink off with cinnamon and enjoy! 5. Nutella Latte: All you Nutella lovers out there, this drink was made for you! Enjoy the delicious flavor of Nutella in a cup by adding a pump each of chocolate and hazelnut syrup to a Caffe Misto. Also, ask for caramel drizzle to complete this drink! 6. Raspberry Cheesecake Latte: This
is Starbucks’ twist on a classic dessert; however, this drink is just a little more complicated to make. Ask for a regular latte, then add three pumps of flan syrup and a pump and a half each of cinnamon dolce syrup and raspberry syrup. Top off this drink with caramel whip and flan drizzle for that perfect combination of an entire raspberry cheesecake in a cup. 7. Caramel Snickerdoodle Macchiato: A combination of Caramel Macchiato and Snickerdoodle? Why not? Start off with an Iced Soy Caramel Macchiato then add vanilla and cinnamon dolce syrup! 8. Peach Ring Tea: Want something to cool you off? Take a chance with a Peach Ring Tea by asking for a mixture of half Valencia Orange Refresher and half Passion Tea with no water. Next, add as much peach syrup as you desire.
Sea Monsters or Sea “Non”sters? By JULIA LIN Staff Writer
The existence of mythical creatures has been debated for centuries. Believers argue that new species are found on a daily basis and that 20,000 were found in 2012 alone. In contrast, skeptics debunk the possibilities with slews of scientific evidence. The much fabled mermaid, for example, simply cannot survive in the freezing ocean with the upper body of a human, unless its body is morbidly obese, or completely covered in hair. The common fantasy of a slim mermaid is impossible, as the body needs blubber under the skin for heat. Its epidermis, in turn, would require a sleek coat. By then, aren’t mermaids just seals with a tail of a fish? Animal Planet’s misleading mockumentaries on mermaids are 100% false, but have fooled many Americans into believing in the hybrid creature. The popular channel also broadcasted on another legendary folklore, “Finding Bigfoot”, in which even the cast members themselves had to refute several of their own Bigfoot “sightings”. The existence of Bigfoot (or Bigfeet) is disproved by a basic fact. Assuming that Bigfoot is not intelligent enough to pick up any of its hairs, feces (yes, that means poop), and any other genetic material, it cannot exist, as all life forms leave some sort of DNA. Even if it were intelligent enough, it certainly could not pick up every strand off the forest floor. It’s an impossible task comparable to finding a needle in a haystack.
In contrast to the aforementioned mermaid and Bigfoot, lake monsters may harbor several explanations for their perceived existence. Lake monsters, such as those rumored to exist in Loch Ness or Ogopogo, are said to reside in lakes, becoming major tourist traps that bring in many visitors from all over the world. A plesiosaur is a common guess for what lake monsters may really be, as well as giant, mutated freshwater eels. Some eels are extremely large due to being infertile, meaning they cannot reproduce. This leads to more growth and a longer lifespan. Many have proposed the “giant eel” theory, which suggests that the Loch Ness Monster may be a colony of infertile eels that have lived for at least a hundred years. The largest reported sighting of an eel was around 20 feet or so; however, Nessie is said to be around 40 feet at the smallest, double the size of an infertile eel. Despite this speculation, the eel theory is actually improbable. Additionally, many eyewitnesses have reported that the animal in question had a long neck that would rise out of the water, an action that eels are incapable of doing. Seeing may be believing for some, but what you see may not necessarily be what you want to believe. Although the fantasy yields a thrill, it also builds unneeded speculations about what mythical creatures really are, or rather, are not. jlin@apachepowwow.com
Graphic courtesy of 3DPEN.COM
9. Strawberry Lemonade Tea: This is another perfect drink to quench your thirst, especially during this heat. Start off this drink with Strawberry Lemonade, but ask for equal parts of black tea and lemonade and half the regular amount of strawberry. 10. Lava Flow Refresher: If you want an Instagram or Facebook worthy drink, then you should try this one. Ask for an Iced Passion Tea Lemonade, then add strawberry juice. After that, add one to three pumps of classic syrup and shake. Then top it off with orange mango floating on top of the drink! If you’re feeling adventurous and want your taste buds to experience weird and exotic drinks, try the beverages that are listed above. You never know, one of them could become your favorite drink. Feel free to share these wonderful drinks with your friends too!
clee@apachepowwow.com
Graphics courtesy of COFFEE.WIKIA.COM
Snack Hacks 101 By SUNNY WU Staff Writer
Ahhh…Is that the smell of—food?! Snack hacks are easy to make, so if you’re the lazy type, don’t worry! Just combine some simple ingredients to make the most delicious combos ever! Oreo Pops Materials: Paper cup, ½ cup of milk, Oreos, popsicle sticks, and a refrigerator Crush a couple of Oreos in the paper cup. Pour milk until it’s almost level with the brim of the cup. Place a popsicle stick in the middle of the cup. Freeze it in the refrigerator for three hours. Take your delicious, crunchy Oreo pop out and be sure to enjoy. Apple-Juice-In-The-Apple Materials: 1 apple, apple cider, lemon wedges, and cinnamon sticks Hollow out an apple. Pour in some apple cider and add a lemon wedge and a cinnamon stick. Invite your guests over for the holidays and enjoy this delectable beverage. Nutella S’mores Pizza Materials: Pre-made pizza dough, Nutella, a bag of marshmallows, and a grill Spread a thick layer of Nutella on a flat crust pre-made pizza. Sprinkle mini marshmallows over the top of the Nutella. Grill for 10 to 15 minutes. Slice it up and share it with your camping buddies!
Yogurt coated strawberries Materials: Box(es) of strawberries, 1 cup of plain Greek Yogurt, and a refrigerator Cut each strawberry in half. Dip them carefully in the yogurt. Freeze them in the refrigerator for six hours. Take the strawberries out and enjoy their sweet, sour, and milky taste! Gummy Bears in Sprite Materials: Bag of gummy bears, 2 cans of Sprite, 1 popsicle mold, a couple of popsicle sticks, and a refrigerator Fill half of the popsicle mold with gummy bears. Pour Sprite so that it is level with the container. Place a popsicle stick in the middle of the container. Freeze the popsicle for three hours. Take the molds out and enjoy the unique and refreshing taste! Nutella Ice-cream Materials: 2 cups of Cool Whip, 6 tablespoons of Nutella, 1 cup of milk, popsicle molds, and a refrigerator Mix the Cool Whip, Nutella, and milk together. Pour the mixture in the popsicle molds. Freeze in the refrigerator. Be sure to take the mixture out before it melts and enjoy! All of these recipes are crazy and creative ideas that you should all try. Making snack hacks are not only fun, but also extremely satisfying for a hungry stomach! swu@apachepowwow.com
September 2014
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Apple’s Annual Product Reveal By GARY ZHU Staff Writer
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phones nearby when we go on a Sunday jog or to the gym. The wearable factor itself is already a disadvantage as well, as the user can only use one hand. Additionally, the watch’s screen size is a mere 1.5 inches, which may provide discomfort while consumers wear it during exercise. The overall verdict for this year’s reveal? Apple must amaze us with these new products for consumers to buy yet another device.
one
ne o h iP
dummy product has a smooth edge and a thin design, features that were kept, as revealed during the Sept. 9 display. Many observed the iPhone’s shift from hard, definite sides to a smooth, easily-gripped design quite similar to the newest iPod or iPhone 3. Now what about the specs of Apple’s number one source of revenue? Unfortunately, the new iPhone 6 still uses far inferior specs for its tremendous price of $849.00. However, it has a longerlasting battery, a clearer display, and a higher quality camera than the previous generation. But compared to the Galaxy Note 4 or other recent Android smartphones, the iPhone has half the megapixels of both cameras, a nonremovable battery (meaning that the battery cannot be replaced by a bigger one), and an inferior processor. Now, many people are anticipating the release of the recently hyped Applewatch. Though the Applewatch hasn’t been released yet, it has been said to be a smart, wearable piece of technology. It’s light, convenient, has apps to check fitness progress, email, maps, even near-field communication (NFC, used to electronically pay bills), and features a curved sapphire glass casing. Sounds awesome, but is it necessary? Treadmills already track heartbeat and miles ran, and it’s not like we don’t keep
iPh
With Apple’s annual Sept. 9 product reveal behind us, we were amazed by the company’s new ingenious designs. However, we were not completely surprised due to the traditional rumor and design leaks from Apple employees. The trend for bigger screens has been confirmed to continue, after multiple rumors indicated a 4.7 or potentially a 5.5 inch screen as well. Opposed to the classic Gorilla Glass screen Apple had been using previously, the iPhone 6 is said to employ sapphire glass, which had previously only been used on the camera lens or home button for scratch resistance. However, many Apple fans were left scratching their heads as CEO Tim Cook did not introduce the iPhone 6 to a new facelift, due to supply shortage. However, some rumors reflected some veracity as the iconic, circular volume buttons were replaced by oblong iPodesque volume buttons. The iPhone
gzhu@apachepowwow.com
Photos courtesy of AVOIDCHORES.BLOG.COM and MACRUMORS.COM
By CATHLEEN SHEN Staff Writer
From high in the mountains to under the seas, here are five restaurants with the most breathtaking views from all over the world. Whether you are walking into a jungle or gazing far past the horizon, these restaurants will definitely provide a memorable dining experience. 1. Ithaa Undersea Restaurant Located in Conrad Maldives Rangali Island, Ithaa lies 16 feet below the surface of the ocean, offering a 180° panoramic view of the coral gardens surrounding it. The restaurant is a part of the Conrad Maldives Rangali Island resort and can seat 14 people. The underwater experience will definitely make it one of the most interesting dining experiences you’ll ever have.
ITHAA UNDERSEA RESTAURANT
5. Treepod Dining Guests staying at Soneva Kiri resort in Koh Kood, Bangkok are invited to experience treepod dining. They are led to a bamboo pod after being hoisted up into the canopy of Koh Kood’s ancient rainforest. You can gaze at the boulder-covered shoreline while your food is being delivered by Tarzan-esque waiters.
2. Snow Restaurant Snow Restaurant is located at the LumiLinna Snowcastle in Kemi, Finland. The restaurant is built annually and usually opens around the end of January. The temperature in the restaurant is always around -5°C, so make sure to dress warmly! 3. Dinner in the Sky Dinner in the Sky is hosted at a table that is suspended at 50m above ground by a team of professionals. It is available for a session of eight hours and can accommodate up to 22 people around the table at every session with three staff members—a chef, a waiter, and an entertainer. This will definitely make an amazing dining experience, but don’t go if you have a fear of heights!
4. Berggasthaus Aescher Berggasthaus Aescher is located 4,770 feet above sea level and is open from the beginning of May to the end of October each year. The cliffside restaurant allows hikers to see remarkable views of the surrounding Alpstein area in Wasserauen, Switzerland. The vertical cliff face that the restaurant hangs on is over 100m high, complete with a cable car to take customers back down into the valley.
TREEPOD DINING
6. Ferris Wheel Dining At a height of 541 feet, Singapore Flyer is the world’s largest observation wheel, offering panorama views of Marina Bay’s skyline. Its dining experience comes with exclusive Gueridon service, personalized butler service, and skyline views in a spacious capsule. cshen@apachepowwow.com
DINNER IN THE SKY
Photos courtesy of JIMDO.COM, PANORAMIA.COM, and RAREDELIGHTS.COM
11
The Fashion Graveyard
By EMILY SCHUBE
Staff Writer
Cemeteries can be a depressing place, and unfortunately, Arcadia’s very own Santa Anita mall may begin to look like one. The economy has never really affected student shoppers until now, as some popular retail stores slowly meet their doom. Does anyone remember Miller’s Outpost? Or Woolworth’s Discount Store? Trendy shops will soon become like these forgotten stores, but it is not too late to save some of your favorites. Before you protest, keep in mind that the process of completely “going-out of-business” can take many years. Leading businesses falling in debt deliberately eliminate stores to save and recover spent money. Hopefully, new changes and upgrades can help improve their establishments. If any of these fail, then these companies must phase out all of their stores until no more exist. One user of this process, a resident of Santa Anita mall, is JCPenney (JCP). With a loss of $2.5 billion in sales these past three years, this well-recognized department store has been struggling to regain profit. JCP was placed on 24/7 Wall Street’s list of disappearing brands. With CEO Myron Ullman handling JCP’s life, 24/7 Wall Street predicts it will not survive to 2015. Fortunately, Arcadia’s JCP will be safe for now, but the JCP Five Star Outlet at Ontario Mills and Arrow Plaza in Rancho Cucamonga are planning to close. With signature store scents and trademark bagging, everything in Abercrombie and Fitch (A&F) shouts sexy. In addition to its controversial protests and a 30% loss in stock, 2014 led the chain even farther downhill. CEO Mike Jeffries is attempting to solve the issue by excluding the company’s logos on products and expanding online advertisements. He claimed that the brand wants to “market to cool, goodlooking people.” Evidently, most “good-looking people” are no longer interested in the sexy trend, as seen from the fall of sister-store Gilly Hicks. The shutting down of Gilly Hicks, once a competitor against Victoria’s Secret and Aerie, will hopefully bring the A&F brand back from the dead. With so many games to choose from, GameStop became a favored establishment in the year 2000; however, technology is becoming more advanced, making it harder for GameStop to keep up with society. Sadly for gamers, GameStop plans to shut down about 130 stores, but plans to conceive a new kind of store. CEO Paul Raines is the mastermind in the design of GameStop 3.0, a new online version of the shop. So far, this new change has gotten rid of many stores in California, but luckily the Santa Anita mall GameStop has yet to be affected. Maybe now you can see how a troubled economy can be difficult, even for us teens. It is not just parents who deal with the stress of finance, but also major corporations we have grown accustomed to. Many other stores at risk in America include Staples, Sears, Kmart, Aeropostale, 7-Eleven, Sprint, Barnes and Noble, Sbarro, and more. Whether total bankruptcy is in ten hours or ten years, these shops struggle to gain profit and remain part of local malls. eschube@apachepowwow.com
Graphic courtesy of FASHIONTELEGRAPH.COM
Student Life
12 Sleep Is For The Weak By SUNNY WU Staff Writer
If you’ve ever tried to go about a day without any sleep, you should know the stress and the muddled daze that accompanies a lack of it. As such, you might be tempted to use this as an excuse for oversleeping. However, oversleeping can increase your chance of health risks, including diabetes and heart disease. Not only is it harmful to your health, it also makes your mind hazy in the morning. You will probably feel lightheaded, dizzy, and maybe even a bit nauseous! Sleeping schedules are important for a typical teenager, but are we really getting enough, or too much sleep? Freshman Leanne Lam said, “I get to crawl in bed at 10:00 p.m. and sleep until 7:30 a.m. I don’t think I’m oversleeping, but my brain feels cloudy in the morning.” Compared to other students in the San Gabriel Valley, there are fewer students at AHS that oversleep. However, oversleeping can impair your ability to learn, listen, concentrate, and solve problems. You may even forget important information like names, numbers, your
homework, or a date with that special someone. Lack of sleep can also contribute to the growth and development of acne, but sleeping allows your mind to clear itself of toxins and build connections between memories. People who oversleep may also be suffering from hypersomnia. Surprisingly, oversleeping is actually a medical disorder! During periods of stress or illness, you may feel an increased need for sleep. Although sleep needs differ over time and from person to person, experts typically recommend that teens should sleep between seven and nine hours each night. Many people with hypersomnia experience symptoms of anxiety, low energy, and loss of memory as a result of their almost constant need for sleep. Freshman Wyatt Smith agreed and stated, “My bedtime is 8:30 p.m. and I wake up at 6:30 a.m. Sometimes, the 10 hours of sleep I get causes me to feel nauseous and dizzy in the mornings!” A good sleeping schedule is from 11:00 p.m. to 7:30 a.m. Eight and a half hours of sleep is perfect for any teenager. Oversleeping and not getting enough sleep are both damaging to your health so be sure to find the right hours that work for you! swu@apachepowwow.com Graphic courtesy of CLOUDCOMPUTINGCEL.COM
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September 2014
The Home Stretch By KRISTIE SUN Staff Writer
After three long years, it’s finally time. They started out as freshmen and worked their way through high school to finally make it to their last and perhaps most exciting year: senior year. Seniors are making the best out of their last year in high school, and before they let senioritis hit them, some have already set goals and hopes for themselves to look back on in the future. These seniors have shared their thoughts about how the school year will go. “I’m expecting a good year since it is going to be my last. I’m looking forward to finishing off high school well and getting into a good college. I see myself moving on from high school and into the real world. I hope that I can make a lot of memories to end my final year. I definitely don’t want to end high school without any memories!” —Thomas Wei, 12 “This senior year I plan to make a difference and leave a positive impact on the Cross Country team. I want to teach our future generations about hard work, personal integrity, and passion for what they love to do. I’m looking forward to finishing up what I began since I began high school four years ago, and ending this season strong with my peers and athletes who I’ve been training with. I see myself celebrating the end of high school with a beautiful diploma with an acceptance to Cal State Fullerton! This school year, I hope to prove to myself that hard
work truly pays off. And to future high school students: really spend each day doing what you love, smile and laugh every single day.” —Emerald Aueyong, 12 “For my senior year I want to end my high school career on a high note. I plan on just enjoying the time I have left with my friends that I have made because we all might be going in separate directions later on. I’m really looking forward to graduation, and just being able to have a good and healthy year. At the end of this year, I can see myself packing my bags and heading off to college. I hope this year will be as fun and easy as everyone says.” —Jacob Luthi, 12 “I am expecting 80% of my senior year to be full of happiness and 20% full of sadness. To be honest, I’m just looking forward for this year to end so I can just go to college before I mess anything up. My hopes are just for this school year to pass by quickly and passing all my classes. Hopefully I can get accepted into colleges!” —Kelly Li, 12 Although there may still seem to be a long way to go before they leave high school, graduation will feel like it is just around the corner. Before seniors know it, they’ll be graduating from high school and finally entering the real world. ksun@apachepowwow.com Graphic courtesy of CLIPARTBEST.COM
GOALS FOR THE SCHOOL YEAR
By EMILY WU Staff Writer
“Since I will be really busy with extracurriculars this year, I want to learn how to manage my time more wisely, which will help me become more responsible.” —Jennie Li, 9
It’s the beginning of a new school year, which means one thing: setting new goals. This past month, students have been asked this question: what do you hope to accomplish this school year? These students shared their goals for the 2014-2015 school year, which ranges from getting good grades to giving back to the community.
“I hope to get straight A’s, do well in Speech and Debate, and get into the Boys JV Tennis team.” —Victor Luo, 9
“My goal is to focus on school in order to maintain good grades and receive my desired SAT score. However, I still want to find time to get together with friends and relax.” —Kaylee Shaw, 11
“This school year, I want to be more involved in school activities and meet different people.” —Joshua Chuang, 10
“I want to become a better student, friend, and daughter. I hope to become less judgmental and more grateful for all the things I have in life.”—Soha Lim, 10
ewu@apachepowwow.com
Photos by CATHLEEN SHEN, KRISTEN TRAN, RYAN FANN, and TITUS WU
studentlife.powwow@gmail.com
September 2014
Scents of Studying
Student Life Arcadian Nightlife
By ANDREA LIU
13 Flee the Traffic
By ERIC CHEN
By SHAWN XING Staff Writer
Staff Writer
Staff Writer
To most people, scents are not just a fragrance. Rather, they’re a trigger for memory. When you get a whiff of chlorine from a swimming pool, you might reminiscence about all the summer days under the scorching sun. Likewise, when your nose smells a hint of rubbing alcohol, you might be rocketed back to all the painful happenings that went on in a doctor’s office. All of these nostalgic feelings aren’t just coincidences, but rather, there’s science behind what seems like such a mundane thing. Our olfactory response is hooked directly into the emotional center of our brain, therefore unleashing floods of both fond and desolate memories alike with one simple whiff. This is often why memories flood into our brains when we smell a certain scent or hear a certain song playing. A student can utilize this to their favor easily. “Smelling a scent while studying and then again during a deep sleep might help you remember what you had learned during your study period,” German scientists from WebMD reported. They had studied 74 healthy adults by asking them to observe an image, which was a set of jumbled cards. Some participants experienced a rose scent in their rooms as they studied the image, while others sat in odorless compartments. They were then asked to spend the night in a sleep lab, where those who had experienced a rose scent were exposed to the same scent while sleeping. The participants who had experienced no scents slept without exposure to any scents. The next day, participants were given a computerized pop quiz on the cards in the image they had seen the day prior, and were challenged to locate the card pairs. The result? Participants who had experienced the rose scent twice performed better on the quiz. Now, you might be asking if rose is the only scent one can use to improve concentration. Of course rose isn’t the only scent, and there are many other smells that can boost concentration and focus levels. For example, fruity scents can benefit individuals who are looking to improve concentration. Someone who has a hard time concentrating can benefit from the scents of lemon, mango, orange, and apple. On the other hand, the sharp scents of herbs, spices, and peppermint can help fight the effects of stress and mental fatigue. Other outdoor scents, such as those from pine, cedarwood, and eucalyptuses can be used to boost energy levels as well as focus. So the next time the teacher announces an upcoming test, try cracking open a bottle of mom’s perfume, or bringing sprigs of thyme next to your books. As silly as it sounds, there’s really nothing to lose: try aromatherapy for a change, and you might spare yourself from another sleepless night of painful cramming.
The 626 Night Market has it all: ranging from food delicacies such as the traditional stinky tofu, satay barbequed meats, the famous ramen burger, and Taiwanese specialty oyster pancakes to award-winning food trucks including The Grilled Cheese Truck, Lobsta Truck, and Belly Bombz. The Asian night market was filled with vendors that sold apparel, accessories, services, and gadgets, as well as non-profit organizations that promoted positive causes, such as Asians for Miracle Marrow Matches, a bone marrow donor registry. The nightlife in Arcadia was transformed by the 626 Night Market’s entertainment, which has featured artists like Joseph Vincent, a Youtube star with almost half a million subscribers and over 80 million total views on his channel. Just a few years ago, this kind of Asian night market in LA County was unheard of, and the first 626 Night Market was just a test run to see if there was a demographic or demand for a night market. Now, the Night Market has expanded beyond the 626, holding Night Market events in both Orange County and Downtown LA. Throughout the summer, the 626 Night Market was hosted for three consecutive days as an event, and there were three planned events this summer. Many students from AHS attended the events as a way to enjoy food and music, as well as to catch up with friends, or perhaps even unexpectedly reunite with old friends. Senior Emily Chang liked that “you run into a lot of people you haven’t seen in a long time.” According to the 626 Night Market official website, each event averages 75,000 plus attendees and there were around 200,000 attendees for the entire summer. The 626 Market “aims to unite and empower the community by serving as a platform for showcasing local entrepreneurs, artists, and community groups…. Alternatively, the event is also an opportunity for the community to be exposed to these local businesses and up-and-coming talent.” According to junior Eric Chen, he believed the night market was comparable to the night markets in China. He recounted, “I ate tons of beef skewers, and drank lots of boba milk tea.” Although the night market was crowded, “the sight of many tents with delicious food could easily make anyone forget the sea of people.” Some other people had rather mixed experiences, however. Emily said that although she had a thai tea that was tasty, she also had a kabob “that was really bad.” However, on the whole, she felt that “the night market was entertaining because there were so many activities you could try and a variety of foods. The scenery was nice, especially at dusk.” One of the benefits of visiting the 626 Night Market was the eclectic collection of foods you get to sample. Sophomore Enoch Harnanto gushed, “I ate the potato on a stick, the squid, the sausages, and a whole bunch of other good stuff.” He was even able to watch a ghost pepper chicken wing eating contest and concluded that the 626 Night Market was an excellent event for great food and spending time with friends. Some students also volunteered at the night market, such as junior Klaire Hua, who volunteered at the big boba booth and helped attendees take pictures with the giant boba cup. All in all, the 626 Night Market is a unique event that allows students to TW merchandise, and entertainment. The next time you experience a variety of foods, need a break from exams or studying, check out Arcadia’s very own 626 Night Market!
The start of the 2014-2015 school year brings countless new changes to the school campus, one of them being the overly crowded D and C-Halls. With the construction moving toward the Duarte side of the school, construction focuses on the E, F, and G-Halls as well as the swimming pool and parking lots. This construction poses as a challenge to students. One primary example is the blockade of the E, F, and G-Halls to the rally court area. While in previous years, students could easily pass through these halls to get to the Science Building or the rally court, now they can only go through C and D-halls, the only halls not under construction. During passing period, these contain an extremely large number of anxious students scurrying to get to class on time. As a result, there is generally very little space for comfort. Here are some friendly tips on how to maneuver these swarming halls: 1. If you have a choice, go through CHall instead of D-Hall! C-Hall is typically less crowded, since the students who have classes in D, E, F, G, or H-Hall will most likely take the nearest route to the rally court, which is D-Hall. 2. Take the road less traveled! If you are really in a hurry to your next class, feel free to walk alongside the dirt and grass on the side of the concrete pathway in the halls. Some people do this because they can easily bypass the other students and get to class faster. However, if you really care about the condition of your shoes or if you just can’t stand the dirt getting kicked up into the air, then you should just take the concrete pathway. 3. Be polite! Try not to push and shove your way through the crowd, or you’ll come off as rude and impolite. 4. If all else fails... If none of the above works for you, then I suggest just taking the route next to A-Building and the Counselor of the Day Desk. There are generally fewer people there but it may take longer for you to reach your classes if, for example, you have a class in the Science Building. Hopefully these tips will help you navigate around the crowds of students on campus this coming school year!
aliu@apachepowwow.com
Graphics courtesy of CLIPARTPAL.COM and FLOWERCLIPART.NET
By ELLIE LEE
sxing@apachepowwow.com
Graphic courtesy of 626NIGHTMARKET.COM
echen@apachepowwow.com
Goodbye Summer, Hello School Staff Writer
As the sun sets earlier and green leaves start turning brown, you know summer is coming to a close. With the impending arrival of fall, many students are having trouble adjusting to their new school schedules. Freshman Danielle Velarde commented, “I’m really going to miss Hawaii and the beaches there. I am also going to miss walking everywhere, having more freedom, and doing whatever I want.” Senior Megan Conner added, “I’m going to
miss hanging out with my friends and sleeping in until noon stress-free. Most of all, I’m going to miss the carefree nature of the summer.” Danielle, Megan, and many other students feel the same way as summer drifts away. It’s difficult to transition from waking up at 1:00 p.m. to having to wake up from 6:00 to 7:00 a.m. School may be daunting, but there are things to look forward to during this 2014-2015 school year! Sophomore Samuel Cui said, “I’m excited about testing my own capabilities. There’s a lot more on my plate, and I want know the limits of what I can do.” High school is the best way to push yourself and test your limits, but don’t overwork yourself or you, and any plans for a social life, will suffer drastically. Although there are many things to look forward to, students at AHS do have some things they’re worried about. Senior Soham Patel is starting to feel the pressure of his classes and mentioned, “I’m most nervous about not understanding the material taught to me in any of my school
classes.” Aside from being nervous for the school year in an academic way, freshman Sarah Lee said, “I’m nervous that I’m going to become distant from the friends I’ve made and loved from middle school.” AHS can be a scary environment, especially with so many students on campus. But even if you become distant with your old friends, you’ll definitely meet new people. Best of wishes to everyone for the 2014-2015 school year! elee@apachepowwow.com
Graphics courtesy of BLOG.CA and KEEPBEAUTIFULCARROLL.ORG
14 HIGH SCHOOL IS FULL OF
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September 2014
Arcadia High School Students:
“I DON’T KNOW HOW TO BE A SUCCESSFUL HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT”
9/30/2014 11:41 AM PDT BY MADELINE LEE
Welcome back to school, Apaches! It seems like it was only last week that the class of 2014 walked across its commencement stage and we all went our separate ways for the summer. In reality, we’ve been back to the daily grind of the new school year for over a month now. My favorite thing about returning in the fall, aside from hearing crazy stories about what everyone did during their break, is the promise of a clean slate and new opportunities to reinvent yourself. No longer will that bad grade you received last semester hang over your head, or disappointment about not trying out for that sports or academic team get you down, because you now have the chance to go for it again.
see more: Arcadia High School, Students, 3 more
“Commemorate the school year by taking lots o f photos”
tooessential*
September 2014
DRAMA AND GOSSIP 15
centerspread.powwow@gmail.com
Apache News
Channel 6 Every Friday during 4th period
DO
Get to class on time every day
DO NOT
Procrastinate on homework or studying for a test/quiz
DO NOT
Bring rolling backpacks to school
DO
Attend pep rallies, home games, school plays, dances, and talent shows.
DO
Join a club and/or sports team mlee@apachepowwow.com
Graphics courtesy of BLOGSPOT.COM
16
PERFORMING ARTS
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September 2014
THE HISTORY OF THEATER
By WILLIAM HSU
Staff Writer
It’s hard to imagine a world without stories. Go ahead, close your eyes and try. Try to picture a world without plot twists and heroic endings. Try to imagine a world without charming princes and evil stepmothers. You can’t. Stories—perhaps the most basic of human concepts—define us, not only as individuals, but as an entire species. But a single question lingers: where do stories come from? Stories first occurred in the form of theater in ancient Greece, functioning as an important part of society, religion, and politics. Plays fell into one of three categories: tragedies, comedies and satyr plays, a type of parody of Greek culture. These tales of great heroes and gods often incorporated dancing and music akin to modern Broadway musicals, and discussed the values of Greek culture and religion. The most famous of these plays includes Sophocles’ Oedipus Rex, which discusses the inevitability of fate, and Euripides’ Medea, a social com-
mentary on Greek gender roles. These aspects of storytelling eventually merged with the Roman style of theater, which focused primarily on celebrating the great military victories of Caesar, rather than the cultural values of the Roman people. These grandiose displays of triumph often required the flooding of an entire arena, setting the stage for dramatic reproductions of Roman naval battles, or the slaughter of gladiators to demonstrate the might of the Roman armies. Roman theater, which was more dramatic and hyperbolic than didactic and
Beat of the Drum
By ERIC CHEN
Staff Writer
further elaborated on the unexpectedly exciting nature of percussion practice by stating that he loves it when “people walk by and stare in awe” at the members while they are practicing. “It just makes me feel so much cooler, since I am part of a well-respected group at AHS.” On school days with practices, Jason definitely finds practice “worth waiting for” as he is ultimately laughing and rehearsing with his Percussion family. Although the lives of these musicians revolve around seemingly endless practice, they are encouraged to continue with constant breaks and humorous jokes. Still, p ercussionists must dedicate a significant amount of time for group practices as well as individual practices to further hone their skills for competitions. It’s worth it though—only success awaits AHS’ percussionists in the future. Good luck!
For the typical high school student, the shrill sound of the bell signals the end of a long school day, but for the members of Percussion, it signals the start of their transformation into lively drummers. These percussionists hastily gather their instruments, race over to their habitual practice locations, and eagerly await their coach. Then, they fervently play their instruments until evening falls. Once home, the musicians recuperate for the next day. For junior Arron Duran, life as a percussionist is exciting and fulfilling. “It’s not as challenging as it seems,” said Aaron. “Most people think we just work our butts off under the sun, but it’s actually more fun than that.” Percussion members are (thankfully) free to “take breaks and joke around with each other.” echen@apachepowwow.com “We love making jokes and fooling around. Graphics courtesy of 123RF.COM, That’s what makes practice so entertaining,” said CIPARTBEST.COM, and SWEETCLIPART.COM Photo Courtesy of RONALD LEE junior Justin Chieng. Sophomore Jason Wang
sacred, paved the path for centuries of modern storytelling, setting the stage for the ultimate playwright: William Shakespeare. The golden age of theater began in the seventeenth century, with the advent of playwrights like Kit Marlowe and William Shakespeare. Actors began to assemble as traveling companies, roaming from city to city, performing series of plays. The content of these stories also differed from their Greco-Roman predecessors, placing less of a focus on religion and the glory of the state, concentrating instead more on the tragedies and triumphs of everyday people. This is found most prominently in the works of Shakespeare: Romeo and Juliet
explores the tragedies of love, and Hamlet examines the ambiguity of the human spirit. These timeless tales eventually evolved into their modern adaptations on the silver screen, captivating minds and hearts for generations hence. Although theater has changed dramatically—pun intended—since its first inception, our thirst for stories remains unquenched. From the first act to the final curtain call, we live in a world of stories. whsu@apachepowwow.com
Graphics courtesy of CLIPARTPANDA.COM, COLOURBOX.COM, FREEPPT.COM, and FREEVECTOR.COM
Ready...Set...Sing!
By ELLIE LEE
Staff Writer
With its powerful vocals and dazzling performances, Chanteurs has continued to amaze over the years. However, this year will be Chanteurs’ Director Mr. Rick England’s last year of teaching. After 35 years of teaching, 5 of which he spent at AHS, he has decided to make this school year his last. Chanteurs’ current goal is to ultimately make Mr. England’s final year memorable by trying its best to do well in upcoming competitions and shows. Given an opportunity to interview Choir President senior Neha Dongol about this year’s Chanteurs group, I asked about the goals and direction of Chanteurs this year, as well as the returning members’ feelings toward the new members. Neha responded, “Chanteurs’ goal this year isn’t to be be tte r
than last year’s Chanteurs group or try to live up to the standards that the seniors had set, but rather, the goal is to do the best we can to make ourselves proud. The reason is, if at the end of the day you aren’t proud of what you’ve accomplished, you haven’t really achieved anything. There are five returning members in Chanteurs and that is considered ‘death’ in show choir terms. ‘Death’ in choir terms means being more experienced than the others on the team. Not going to lie, we were extremely worried about an essentially new Chanteurs. Last year, we had a lot of strong voices, personalities, and stage presence. In contrast to that, this year we have the complete opposite, so we are going to plan the show according to the members’ personalities. Because the new members don’t have the experience of competing in a more advanced choir division, there is a lot more adjusting to do, but we are happy with the new members! They’re talented and eager to learn.” But how do the underclassmen feel about their first year in Chanteurs? Sophomore Tiffany Wong commented, “I feel good about being in Chanteurs. I feel like I can learn a lot from being in Chanteurs and progress a lot as the year goes on. Also, I am really looking forward to bonding with everyone in Chanteurs, especially during the upcoming Florida trip for Orchestra and Choir.” Best wishes to the Chanteurs members! Have an amazing last year of teaching, Mr. England!
elee@apachepowwow.com
Graphic courtesy of PICSART.COM
September 2014
arcadiaperformingarts@gmail.com
Follow the Leader
By CELINE LEE
Staff Writer
PERFORMING ARTS
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After working hours on end since the beginning of summer, Band and Colorguard went to music camp and came back more inspired than ever to perfect their every move. During camp, Band members acquired new marching skills while Colorguard members enhanced their choreography for their field show. This year’s field show is called Follow the Leader. The title is pretty self-explanatory and the “leaders” in this case are the Band 3 players, who are the best of each section. This particular field show is based off of the daily life of businessmen. Throughout the show, you can see several “follow the leader” movements along with numerous other formations that Band and Colorguard members create. There are formations of a mustache and body movements that illustrate how businessmen always have to be on time and how they have to rush to get things done. There have been major changes within Band this year as well. Wednesday night practices have been extended, and more emphasis has been placed on discipline and making sure that every individual is doing what he or she is supposed to do to live up to Band and Colorguard’s Tradition of Excellence. The Tradition of Excellence is not an achievement, but is instead a value that Performing Arts students live by. With that in mind, the incoming Band and Colorguard members have a lot of expectations that they must meet. Below are a few quotes from the upperclassmen on their expectations of the underclassmen and goals that they have in mind for this year.
“Band’s motto is ‘Tradition of Excellence’, so my goal for the underclassmen is to help them continue the tradition of excellence. I challenge them to be even better than previous years.” — Kenny Chui, 12, Band, Alto Saxophone Section Leader “As Trumpet Section Leader, I try to teach the underclassmen the importance of work ethics. The hundreds of hours of rigid rehearsals are often daunting to many newcomers, but I constantly encourage them to look beyond their discomforts, to focus on the end results. I urge them to realize that only through hard work and dedication will they achieve a successful season. The idea is to get members to see that hard work is an essential component of being a part of Band as it is the ultimate factor that brings our work to full fruition. I also reiterate my message to enlighten them about how the functions of work ethics do not only apply to Band, but also to life in general. By applying good work ethics in everything they do, beyond Band, members will encounter many opportunities in life.” — Andy Tzeng, 11, Band, Trumpet Section Leader “Underclassmen members have a lot of potential, and I just want to continue to watch them grow. Colorguard has a really good group of new members, and I think this season could be really amazing!” — Claire Muramoto, 12, Colorguard, Colorguard Co-Captain clee@apachepowwow.com
Photos Courtesy of RONALD LEE
By ELYSE YAO
Thinking outside of the Box Staff Writer
Stereotypes follow us everywhere, but we know common ones surrounding race and gender are untrue more often than not. Performing Arts (PA) groups are not strangers to stereotypes. Since each PA group attracts different types of students, these groups are often associated with a unique ‘type’ of person. Even though you can’t exactly expect students in Orchestra (or Band, or Chanteurs, or… you get the point) to be complete clones of one another, these generalizations aren’t always without reason. Music groups like Orchestra and Band are often viewed as a paradise for those extremely invested in music. Band President senior Adry Hardiman said there’s the common assumption that Band people are “all nerds and have no life outside of Band.” He refuted this, however, claiming that “people in other bands usually are nerds, but in Arcadia, we have such a variety.” Similarly, Orchestra member sophomore Samuel Cui noted the huge diversity in Orchestra. “Orchestra is an extremely large group, and there are all sorts of people that join. There are the outgoing ones, the shy ones, the ones who lead, the ones who follow, the ones who are passionate, the ones who don’t care as much, the people who practice their music diligently, and the people who don’t.” Due to the diversity of the groups, it’s very difficult to pin down a specific similarity or “true” stereotype. Meanwhile, Choir and Drama students are typically thought to be more extroverted than their Orchestra and Band peers. Like their performances, these groups are loud; members chatter among themselves when given the opportunity. Their energy explodes outwards in the form of lively conversations and fun events. Choir member junior Michelle Chan stated, “Personalities all vary from person to person. However, I’d say Choir, as a whole, is more carefree as opposed to Band/Orchestra.” This is probably because “Choir is probably one of the smallest elective classes in the school, so the group has fewer competitions to worry about.” Michelle also added that a common, though erroneous, stereotype is that “some people join Choir mainly to get easy credits or sing pop songs.” However, she argued that “Choir has a bigger commitment than just filling in credits. Members are organized into small teams and those teams are combined into one big team in the event of concerts and competitions.” If you lumped them all together to classify them, PA students in general can be more creative and expressive than other students, as they need to learn the skills to master their arts. Band member senior Tammi Tang asserted that “one thing Band members all have in common though is that [they] all really like music, and [they] work extra hard to refine [their] show.” Although practice time can hog the time available to spend with their friends, PA students are, like the rest of us, friendly and outgoing people. During their time in PA, they learn to bond with each other and cooperate well to make practices and performances go smoothly. eyao@apachepowwow.com
Graphic courtesy of CLKER.COM, PICPHOTOS.NET
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By TITUS WU
September 2014
Boys Crossing Over Into a New Era Staff Writer
The school year has started alongside cross country season, and Arcadia Boys Cross Country is gearing up. Even before school started, the cross country team had been practicing hard over the summer, and the dividends have paid off. According to junior Austin Che, it is only “because of the summer [that] my team and I have progressed greatly compared to last year.” Day in and day out, from summer to now, the team has been doing intense practices, from long mileages to intense repeats. Although the work and dedication to running will always remain strong, this season will be markedly different from previous seasons. This is mainly because top national-performing runners such as alumni Estevan de la Rosa, Jarrick Wenslow, and Josue Gonzalez have graduated from Arcadia. These three runners contributed to Arcadia’s amazing 9th place finish at the Nike Cross Nationals last year. With this void come mixed responses from runners on the team. Some, like junior Kevin Conroy, feel that the upcoming season will be full of “great challenge” and that all the runners “will have to really step up to the plate” to make up for the loss. Others felt nervous under the spotlight, where they will be expected to perform near the esteemed national level that Arcadia Cross Country has earned over the years. In the end, though, most runners shared the belief that “the team still has a lot of talent and with a bit of work, we can compensate for the loss of talent from our past runners,” as stated by junior Ravi Sharma.
Considering the challenges that lie ahead, this season will have to be a season of many improvements. Perhaps the biggest source of improvement is the strong mutual bond between coach and runners. “I’m planning on improving by continuing to follow the training plan
with the team having already competed in its first race on Sept. 6, at the Cool Breeze Invitational at Chino Hills, finishing 2nd place. Taking into account that many top runners have been lost, “we are starting off pretty good,” said senior Howard Liu, “and it was definitely a
Leaps and bounds ahead Rigorous training has behooved AHS runners who are poised for another amazing season. Junior Kento Sie strains himself at the finish line. my coach has laid out for me,” said Austin, “I trust him and he trusts me to do the work to get far into the season.” No doubt, with great team chemistry and an incredible work ethic, AHS will certainly be able to put up exceptional results throughout the season. Anyhow, the season is well underway,
fun time.” For others, Cool Breeze Invitational was a new personal best achieved and an omen of future good races to come. On Sept. 20, the team participated in the Woodbridge Cross Country Classic. The Woodbridge course is generally considered one of the easiest courses of the season, given there are
Girls Running ‘Cross Comfort Zones Now they’re running six days a week, through rain and—a lot—of shine. Julia explains, “We run through the heat, cold, and rain. We [will] never not run because of weather issues.” As temperatures hit triple digits, runners practice as early as 6:30 a.m.
ning up and down the steepest section of Santa Anita Ave, an uphill road close to the school. Staff Writer These workout routines may seem grueling, but they’re definitely paying off. At the girls’ Another amazing start! Girls Cross CounWoodbridge Invitational meet at Orange Country recently kicked off its season with five great ty Great Park in Irvine, AHS was able to place results in this month alone. From its first meet 7th. of the year, the Cool Breeze InvitaThe Girls Cross Country team tional on Sept. 6 where, according to also attended its first league meet on sophomore Cindy Hoang, “everyone Sept. 25. Unlike invitationals, league PR’d,” to its most recent, the Stanford meets are smaller competitions within Invitational and the Super XC classic, a league of local teams. The results at both held on Sept. 27, the girls’ season these league meets contribute to a largso far has been as fast-paced and sucer ranking system within the area. This cessful as ever. time, AHS was pitted against schools But AHS’ achievements certainly from several local cities, including won’t end here. The team is hoping Burbank, La Crescenta, and Crescenta that this season will be its greatest yet. Valley, in a meet that took place in As sophomore Julia Reyes said, the Crescenta Valley Park. As always, the girls’ “ultimate goal is to go to state results were great, and AHS is well on this year, but [they] all have [their] its way to achieving that State bid. own individual goals as well.” For JuWith several fantastic race relia, the most important aim this season sults and countless new PR’s, the Girls is to break an 18 minute finish for 3 Cross Country team is already runmiles. And, of course, every runner is ning to a great season. The other half hoping for a personal record each time of its meets will continue until Nov. they race. 2, when Pacific League Finals will be So how is the team trying to reach going abovE and beyond The Apache runners held. Come support your school and the its goals? The girls have been training make each game a competition of guts. Cross Country team by coming to cheer hard all year, not just from the start of school, but since the conclusion of their last on school days in an attempt to beat the after- at races! season. Most of the team members participated noon heat. Our Apaches routinely log double in O’Brien’s Army—a summer program de- digit miles to build up their endurance. They cread@apachepowwow.com signed to keep runners fit over the long break. also complete “repeats”, which consist of runPhoto courtesy of PAKSIT PHOTOS
By CHRISTINA READ
no hills and that it is all flat, and it is usually a course where most runners break their personal records. Overall, AHS secured a 10th place finish out of 253 competing schools. The team rebounded with Varsity scoring 2nd place on Sept. 25 at the first official league meet of cross country season in Crescenta Valley. Considering the fact that the course had rougher terrain than usual, this was definitely an improvement. “Crescenta Valley’s course is the opposite of Woodbridge,” described cross country alumnus Freddie Galladande, “with some hills and pretty hard ground, sort of like a jungle area.” The team’s spirit rebounded as well, as evidenced when junior Shady Makar told how “although we did not get 1st place, the team ran well as a pack… We didn’t lose by that much, so I feel really optimistic and confident for the following races.” Indeed, for Shady himself, he broke his course record by 23 seconds. Of course, the final race that comes into everybody’s mind is Nationals. When asked about it, Ravi simply said, “Well, it’s only the beginning and we have a long way to go, but with dedication and hard work from everyone, we can get very, very far, and yes, beyond state to nationals.” With two National Championships under Boys Cross Country’s belt already, this year’s team is ready to conquer the country. Dedication and hard work—perhaps the two things that will forever define Arcadia Cross Country—are still present this year, as always. Good luck this season boys! twu@apachepowwow.com Photo by BEN GEISBERG
Thoughts When Running
By ROSE LI
Calendar Editor
Often people’s minds will wander off when performing a task involving repeated motions such as running. Our Apache runners give us a little insight on what they think about while running. “I think about things like anime and what I’m going to eat for dinner.” –James Liem, 12, Boys Varsity Cross Country “I love music, so I imagine my favorite songs playing in my head.” –Kamila Sarsam, 12, Girls JV Cross Country “I focus on the goal of completing the run.” –Jose Hernandez, 12, Boys JV Cross Country “I think about the end of practice or how hot I am...” –Maggie Liu, 12, Girls Varsity Cross Country Much like how everyone has his or her own motivations for running, these thoughts are unique to each person. These thoughts evidently work well enough to keep our runners stomping over their competition each time. rli@apachepowwow.com
Graphic courtesy of FLICKR.COM
September 2014
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sports.powwow@gmail.com
A Winning Combo of Talent and Chemistry team started the season off with a 40-0 win against the Alhambra Moors. The team scored 28 points in the first half as a result of its teamThe football season started off strong with work and strategy. Although Arcadia lost to a 40-0 win against Alhambra High School. As Monrovia High School on Sept. 12, Arcadia we know, all the success started with the prepamade a comeback in the second and fourth ration that goes on at the practices and the bequarter making the ending score a total of 14hind the scenes. Coach Andrew Policky, the 47. On Sept. 19, the football team lost to Azusa head coach for the Boys Varsity High School 14-20. By the end of Football team, gave his thoughts on the second quarter, Arcadia was winthis year’s group. ing 12-10, but Azusa scored 10 more According to Coach Policky, points in the second half, to win the “The football team for this year game. stacks up to be pretty good.” He felt According to Coach Policky, that “our greatest strengths of our football is more than the game. He team are our sense of togetherness said that “playing football is an exas a group and our ability and preperience that you will take with you paredness to overcome adversity. your entire life. The lessons you learn This year, we have a great group of and the bond you create between your guys and I think [and hope] that we teammates and our staff is also the make it even farther than last year. most important benefits of being an Our weakness would be our overall Apache football player. It’s also one depth.” of the hardest physical and mental By honing on this balance bechallenges you will ever encounter. tween strengths and weaknesses, If you decide to take the challenge Coach Policky predicts that the and make the commitment to join our team will have a great chance this family you have to be prepared to see season in bringing in the victories. grit and Grind Arcadia’s offensive line displayed their it through to the end and overcome The Apaches work tirelessly to physicality and tenacity in its 40-0 drubbing of Alhambra. all of the obstacles you face. It’s alimprove conditioning and strength: ways too soon to quit.” These words physically and mentally. Coach Policky stated, talking about leadership and what it means to of wisdom will serve our Apaches well this sea“we had a long off-season where we worked be a great teammate. It also spent a weekend son. Go Apaches, go! to improve our strength and conditioning from together in Big Bear on a retreat in an effort to last season. I feel like we’ve done that. We also bring the group closer together. This excursion started to practice earlier this year and have has obviously proven to be very helpful. rfann@apachepowwow.com made it a point to be more detail oriented in As mentioned before, the Boy’s Varsity Photo by BEN GEISBERG
By RYAN FANN
Staff Writer
By SHAWN XING Staff Writer
As summer comes to an end, many students are transitioning back into a school focused mindset. In addition to dealing with the sudden influx of school work, fall athletes are busy preparing for their respective sports. Regardless of what season the sport actually takes place in, athletes are always training with strict workouts and practice regimens in order to prepare and improve as individuals and as teammates. According to Girls Varsity Water Polo player senior Laura Chun, water polo practices were split up between conditioning and ball work days last season. Although she does not know how practices will work this year, the team will practice at Muir High School due to AHS’ swimming pool renovation. Laura thinks that “practices will be rough” because they will last from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. First, she gets into shape physically, then she mentally prepares herself for the season by firmly accepting that she will have “no free time and ugly tan lines.” Similarly, Boys Varsity Baseball player senior Matthew Jung also finds that mental preparation plays a big role in preparing for the season. Matthew claims that many of his teammates prepare themselves mentally “through pre-game rituals or by simply thinking about upcoming games.” The baseball team also prepares for the season by practicing every day of the week. “Practices involve agility work, conditioning, as well as work with many drills and stations,” according to Matthew. For the volleyball team, practices are every day from 6th period to around 5:00 p.m. Boys Varsity Volleyball player junior Jeff Liu explained that practices involve passing the ball and drills for hitting and serving, and usually end with scrimmages. In addition to the exhaustive hours practicing volleyball in the gym, all the volleyball players also “work out individually and use the weight room.” Boys Varsity Volleyball player junior Derrick Kim thinks that while every athlete has a different way to prepare for the season, it’s fundamentally just “conditioning their bodies and getting a lot of practice.” This month, the Girls Varsity Basketball team played in a league in Long Beach with teams that have won CIF last year. Girls Varsity Basketball player junior Kristin Shigenaga thinks that playing in the league will be beneficial for the team, as the players get “to work on their chemistry, practice executing plays, and play better teams,” which helps them prepare for the games during the basketball season. Practice and preparation is a never ending pursuit for athletes, as most teams practice all year long. Even outside of team practices, athletes usually train and condition themselves on their own time. It can get crazy and overwhelming, but with the help and support of teammates, anything is possible. sxing@apachepowwow.com
hope of eliminating the mental mistakes that plagued us last season.” After school, the team works and exerts itself for hours during sixth period and after school practice. Chemistry among the players is extremely important because without it, there wouldn’t be a team. To build chemistry among the players, the team spent a lot of time this off-season
Reaching for the Elusive Green By PEARL YANG Staff Writer
Season has started for the girls of the Arcadia Golf team, and they are working to improve their record. Last year, they lost twice to the Crescenta Valley (CV) team and got to the second round of the CIF playoffs. Having already faced off with La Canada, Burroughs, San Marino, and Burbank in its first league match this year at La Canada, the team has been working on its game and is looking forward to showing everyone what its got! The girls’ schedules are packed with league matches throughout Sept. 9, 17, 24, and 30. To prepare for these nervewrecking competitions that demand mental toughness and stability, the team practices with each other everyday after school. Each girl on the team perfects various aspects of her golf game, including approach shots, putting, and swing form. “We usually practice from 2:30 until 5:30 to 6:00 p.m., depending on which golf course we go to,” said junior Cynthia Guo. Hopefully, hard practice will hone the girls’ golf skills to improve their chances of winning games against strong league rivals such as San Marino. According to Team Captain senior Kayla Yn, this year’s Varsity team has only two returning members. However, she remains unfazed and shows that she has faith in the team’s newcomers. “We are still pretty strong and are ready to fight for first place in League,” she stat-
ed. Sophomore Jannell Lo agreed, “The team this year is really great.” All the girls on the team have a connection between each other that strengthens them individually and unites them
place at the Debell Golf Course in Burbank, went well for the team. They placed 2nd out of six total teams and beat out CV, but fell to San Marino by 16 strokes. “Even though we got 2nd, we are getting closer to 1st,” Kayla reflected on her team’s performance recently. “We shot three strokes better than the last league match, and I’m proud of the freshmen for improving on their game.” Outside of working together on the team, the members of the team are strong golf players on their own too. “I want to make it to the second round of CIF individuals this year,” declared Kayla. Meanwhile, other members on the team are focused on improving their game for future matches. “My personal goal is to lower my golf handicap and to play my best,” revealed Cynthia. “I want to be able to control my mental game, my biggest weakness.” Although this year’s team is missing four of last year’s six top players, the Girls’ Golf team still maintains a very positive outlook at the start of its season. This year, the team has a plethora of chances to improve, even though Slow and Steady Sophomore Angel they don’t need to, and hopefully will be able to Yin studies the shot she took, predicting where steal a game away from San Marino before the golf season comes to an end. We will see soon the ball will land and what she will do next. enough whether or not our Girls’ Golf team’s all like a family. “Our team’s strength is our hard work pays off. Best of luck to our Lady bond,” commented Cynthia. “We always sup- Apaches! port each other, cheer each other on… it makes pyang@apachepowwow.com being on the team worth it.” Photo by BEN GEISBERG The league game on Sept. 9, which took
ACADEMICS
22 Extending Attention Span By KIMBERLY LO Staff Writer
The Internet is a useful system used by people all around the world. It is so handy that people are using it constantly for various purposes, such as communication, entertainment, and research. However, the Internet may also have negative effects on people. According to NBC News, the average attention span in 2000 was twelve seconds, compared to eight seconds in 2013. There is an abundance of information on the Internet, and people can always acquire information whenever they wish. People often get a plethora of emails and messages, causing them to spend many hours a week just using the Internet on their electronic devices. As a result, it has become harder for people to concentrate on reading and analyzing texts. People often get distracted or unfocused without taking a break every few minutes to check something else. Here are some tips that can help you improve your attention span. Focus on one task at a time Multitasking is tempting. Students often enjoy doing math homework while watching a T.V. show, or studying for a history test while text messaging friends. Try to keep multitasking to a minimum. Working on one task at a time is more effective than doing multiple tasks at once. There is time for everything, so do things one at a time. Put distractions away It is easiest to concentrate when nothing is distracting you. Phones and other electronics can be more entertaining than homework
or textbooks to many people, but put away unnecessary things when work needs to be done. Close any unneeded tabs so that they will not distract you from your work on the computer. Stay healthy A weak immune system affects your attention span greatly, especially if you become sick. Make sure to exercise, have a healthy diet, drink lots of water, and get sufficient hours of sleep. Keeping all of these in mind can help people stay focused during the day so that they can complete their work more efficiently. Take breaks After a long session of productivity, it is a good idea to take a break. Allow for a rest periodically to avoid getting exhausted and overwhelmed. Walk around, stretch, get a snack, drink some water, and just relax. This way you can work effectively and concentrate your attention on your work. Remember that a good balance makes all the difference. Keep these tips in mind and stay attentive! klo@apachepowwow.com Graphics courtesy of ILOVEBOOKS.COM
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September 2014
Back to School By SUNNY WU Staff Writer
“Back to school” may be one of the most dreaded phrases for students of any age and for a good reason. The end of summer means trading in gossip magazines for textbooks, and typing out lecture notes instead of texting friends about mall plans. As high school students, we’re in our last few years of hearing this phrase, so why not make the most of this year and grab a head start on getting A’s? Whether you’re a freshman or senior, read on for advice and quotes that’ll make this first month of school a bit easier. Now that school has started, it’s time to toss aside your pillow and head back to campus! Changing your environment is a basic, yet powerful, way to amp up the beginning of your school year. Before class starts, walk around the campus to familiarize your surroundings. “I make sure I remember where my classes are; if not, I keep a copy of my schedule on my phone at all times so I can look at it.” —Joyce Htet, 9 “I went to summer school partly because I wanted to get familiar with AHS!” —Tiffany Tang, 9 “The first day of school is always crazy and scary, so I make sure I get to school an hour earlier to plan a route for my classes!” —Jason Xie, 9
The first day of school may be over, but you have a whole new year ahead of you! To make sure you are on top of things, plan ahead, find a study buddy, and build strong relationships with your teachers. “In order to record all my assignments, I jot them quickly and color coordinate them.” —Joyce Htet, 9 “I have everything scheduled out and when I start doing homework everyday, I don’t use a planner. However, I do use an alarm so I know when to do it, and if I’m doing something else at the time, I do it as soon as possible. Plus, I start doing my homework by importance so that saves a lot of time.” —Kurtis Chu, 9 “Planners or agendas help me stay on top of things as well as putting reminders on my phone. Writing due dates on my calendar so that I’ll know when things are due ahead of time is one of the best ways for me to stay on top of school!” —Sophia Chi, 9 As you can see, it’s important to write down your homework, have a schedule, befriend your teachers, and find a friend so you can help each other out on assignments! Make sure to have a copy of your schedule on your phone so you won’t get lost on the first day of school. Color coordinate your homework and double check if you have everything for the next day. Study with your friends, have fun so you won’t lose interest, and keep in touch with your teachers! Nothing of worth comes easy; work hard to get back into the student mindset quickly! swu@apachepowwow.com
Graphic courtesy of BLOGSPOT.COM
Walking Through the USC Dormlife
By DEREK LEE
Staff Writer
Driving through Skid Row, I gradually began to regret the trip until my family and I passed the gates of the University of Southern California (USC). From an unsafe neighborhood to a majestic and antique university, the immediate transition was quite a shock. The large black gates that surrounded the entire Dornsife campus were very intimidating. However after my visit, I realized that USC has an ideal studying environment. As I parked my car at Parking Structure B and looked at the map, I noticed that there were two libraries on the campus. One of them, the Doheny Memorial Library, was right next to the parking structure. As I walked to the two nine-foot high doors, I pulled out one of the doors to a gush of cool air blasting my face. The first floor of the building was split into three rooms. The middle room was just a service desk located in front of the entrance. The right large room, approximately the same size as AHS’ cafeteria, was filled with study rooms and sofas dedicated to group studies. The left room was similar to the dining hall at Hogwarts and
was dedicated to individual studies. The building upstairs were staff offices. I walked out onto the large quad, which was the size of two football fields placed next to each other, and enjoyed strolling toward the second library directly op-
posite of The Doheny Memorial Library. As I walked through the quad to explore the rest of the school, some students practiced their skateboarding skills while others were sun-tanning on the grass. After enduring
challenging classes or completing projects, students from the Biology, Engineering, Dental, and Business departments gathered on the quad to make new friends and to enjoy their free time while they could. The school even promoted the students to have satisfactory leisure time by providing footballs, soccer balls, and frisbees. The activities that happen around USC, especially the ones for leisure time, create a homely environment for scholars and guests to feel comfortable. USC provides a good balance between academics and relaxation. As I entered The Leavey Library, I faced the front desk and noted the staircase to my left. Apparently, it led
to some of the study rooms located upstairs. On the second floor, there were cubicles, each with a desktop, that spanned across the rooms. Each round table was divided by small walls into five cubicles. These cubicles promote private studies. However, as I walked to the back of the study hall, I noticed multiple study rooms with soundproof glass walls. Each room had a table that seated up to five students, and at the front of the room, there was a whiteboard and a box of Expo color markers. USC caters to most kinds of students. The libraries assist individual and group studies, while the quad houses entertainment. This university has a variety of resources for its students to excel. dlee@apachepowwow.com Graphics by COLLEGELOGOS.COM Photo by BEN GEISBERG
September 2014
academics.powwow@gmail.com
By ELYSE YAO
ACADEMICS
Effective Ways of Studying Staff Writer
You stare at a test and beome completely overwhelmed. You spent last night studying, reading your perfectly annotated notes, and writing essays, but the questions in front of you seem alien. The panic starts to set in, and before you know it, you are out of time. If this situation is familiar to you, you’re not alone, or even at fault. The real problem is with the studying methods everyone is accustomed to. Most teachers instruct students to use the same note-taking and studying techniques. During class, students record and highlight every tidbit of information from lectures. At the last minute, they pull all-nighters hunching over their notes, reading them until they think they’re ready for the test. These methods quickly become second nature, and seem like they would work—yet these study methods have been proven to be completely ineffective. During class, teachers often talk far faster than you can take notes. By focusing all your attention on frantically trying to capture every sentence, you lose sight of the key concepts.
Often, you won’t completely master the entirety of the material. To make sure important information doesn’t slip by, students should pay more attention to the lecture itself. Instead of scribbling down every trivial fact, strive to actually understand the material.
reading students are so accustomed to, is inferior because it requires too little effort. Active recall is a far more efficient study method. Active recall requires you to form and answer questions on key concepts, forcing you to retrieve answers from memory. Because
Write down key points and information that sounds important. If you are afraid of missing information, ask your teacher if you may have permission to record lectures. Meanwhile, rote review, the passive re-
you are actually using the information you’re trying to study, you retain the information for much longer. Cal Newport, owner of the blog Study Hacks, does one of the best interpretations of this method. Newport ad-
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vises students to study using “quiz-and-recall”, a form of active recall. To use this method, group information from notes or reading into big ideas. Form questions about these big ideas, such as “How do Gibbon’s ideas contrast with the scholars of the early 20th century?” Then, abandoning all notes, “attempt to lecture out loud, as if talking to an imaginary class, the main points.” If your imaginary lecture is successful, move on to the next main point. Otherwise, take a break and try again later; marathon-style study sessions are useless. Both of these improved study habits have one thing in common: they require you to think. The resulting difficulty may be discouraging, but this mental engagement makes active studying so much more effective than rote review. Since you have to actively strain your mind, information is ingrained in your memory, and you’ll remember it for much longer. There’s nothing to lose, so give these study methods a try. You might just find yourself with a better grade, and even spare yourself from stressful all-nighters. eyao@apachepowwow.com
Graphic courtesy of BLOGSPOT.COM
Field Trip to Schools Outside of California By BRITTANIE GAJA Staff Writer
It’s the beginning of a brand new school year, and while you groan again about the early start, don’t you wonder what our fellow peers are doing elsewhere? As we begin our nine months of education, schools in other districts operate on a different schedule. Yes, that means they are still sleeping soundly while you rush from A-Building to G-Hall at 7:59 a.m. Although they have a few extra days of rest and fun, the education systems in other districts,
such as the ones in England and Japan, are a bit more intense than our own, while others like those in Redmond, Washington, are pretty similar to ours. So, what are they doing and what do they learn? Let’s find out. Our first trip is to the quaint town of Redmond located in Seattle, Washington. Shannon Lee, a senior at Redmond High School, answered some questions about her school life, which has officially started on Sept. 2. “We go to school every morning at 7:30 a.m. and leave around 2 p.m., and every Wednesday we get off at 12 p.m.,” Lee replied when we asked her about her daily schedules. After explaining to her what the A-G Requirements and the CAHSEE were, she told us that her state had
a similar system, except their graduation exams are called End of Course tests, or EOC for short. “There’s one for geometry in the 9th grade, and then we take the biology one in 10th,” she explained. We asked Lee to give us a quick list of some of the academic classes and teams that were unique to her school and she told us about a course called Global Health. She explained that it was a three period course specializing in health and political science through a partnership with the University of Washington. She is also a part of an academic team known as DECA, in which they study marketing and entrepreneurship and use their knowledge to compete in national and international levels. From the leafy state of Washington, we now visit the schools of Japan, which are arranged by six years of elementary school and three years in both junior and senior high school. The schools run on a three-term schedule that begins in April. Their school breaks are pretty similar to the ones in the U.S. with s i x weeks
for summer and one week each for winter and spring. The long summer breaks are designed to keep the students out of the heat, thus schools in the cooler prefectures have a shorter vacation time. The main differences between Japanese schools and those in the U.S. mainly lie in the managing of the student body and the application process for senior high school and college. In Japan, the individuals are encouraged through group rules and behavior such as wearing school uniforms and student-managed janitorial systems. They also have to test into their desired high school whether it is public or private. Students also have the choice of not attending school after completing the 9th grade. Onwards to England, where schools run on a three-term system from September to July with each term divided by a half term break. Their education system is managed into early years (ages 3 to 4), primary education (ages 4 to 11), secondary education (ages 11 to 18), and tertiary education (ages 18+). The final two years of secondary school is referred to as “college” while education beyond that is known as “university”. They grade on a scale of A to F and U ,which stands for ungraded. During Year 11, the students take an exam called the GSCE, which ultimately influences their future educational careers. After the GSCE, the students have the choice of either pursuing academics or vocational training. If they choose the Btec route, the tumblr grading scale rumor appears; 70% and above is a Distinction, 60-69% is a Merit, 50-59% a Pass, and so forth. bgaja@apachepowwow.com Graphics courtesy of BACKGROUNDSY.COM, IMGUR.COM, and ISTOCKPHOTO.NET
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ACADEMICS
The Benefits of Studying Abroad
Staff Writer
Would you consider studying abroad in college, or even perhaps moving to another country? Traveling sounds fun and exciting, but what about the workload? What about the people and the culture clashes? Why not ask someone about it? Well, AHS Alumna and recent UC Riverside graduate, Tiffany Chan, described her experiences. This past spring, Chan partook in a week-intensive program known as the Young Oxford Entrepreneurial Leadership Program. Her classes during her time at Oxford focused primarily on entrepreneurial studies. “All aspects of the business field,” she explained. Her favorite lecture was one given by entrepreneur Kyubi Springer, who really “inspired and empowered [Chan] to do better in the future.” What Chan found most compelling about Springer and her lecture was how Springer was a “female entrepreneur”, whom Chan later described as something “rare in the business world, seeing as how it is such a male dominated enterprise.” Chan also enjoyed eating her meals in Oxford’s cafeteria, finding it to be much more formal than those served back here in the U.S., and she enjoyed Oxford’s opening and closing ceremonies, describing them as being very “English”. It was something one would never be able to experience in the U.S. The program not only enabled her to study at the prestigious University of Oxford, but it also allowed her to explore the culture and lifestyle of England. She remarked how she was able to visit a handful of tourist spots, such as the hall that inspired the Hogwarts dining hall, and Winston Churchill’s home, Blenheim Palace. “Since it was a one-week intensive program, of course I spent 90% of the time studying. But, if the program were longer, then most of the time would be spent exploring and having fun. It’s really cool either way,” Chan chirped. Digging deeper and asking Chan what compelled her to decide on participating in this program, she revealed that she has a passion for traveling and that she knew it would be an opportunity of her life time. And the idea of living in England and experiencing life in a private school drew her interests further in to this program. “Oh, and of course the prestige of the school!” she cried, “I wanted to go for longer, but since I was short on time, this program was perfect.” In general, Chan advises students to at least consider studying abroad, even if it is for a short amount of time. “Definitely do it for the experience,” she said, “You experience different cultures, meet different people, and gradually become more open minded. You’re still young, so this is the time to mature.” She also warns that this may be the last chance before college graduation when you are able to explore and travel freely. It is not a full-on boot camp. Rather, it will be an “unforgettable experience that everyone needs to experience.”
bgaja@apachepowwow.com
Graphics courtesy of GLOBALPHOTOS.COM
September 2014
Peer Tutoring to Success
By KATIE HUANG
Staff Writer
By BRITTANIE GAJA
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As you sit in class, listening to your math teacher lecture on and on about logarithms, you realize with a sinking feeling that tonight’s homework will have you pulling out your hair. Your friends are too busy to help you, so what other option do you have? Peer Tutoring! It’s the perfect opportunity to get help from students who know exactly what you’re going through. In fact, they might have had the same exact teacher as you! Peer tutoring is held in the school library from Mondays through Thursdays from 3:00 p.m. to approximately 4:00 p.m. Here, there are qualified students ready to help you with your work. Whether it’s Biology or Chinese, you’ll find someone to help you. When students are being taught by someone their own age, it’s easier for them to grasp the concept, compared to listening to your teacher lecture. Rather than
a boring tutoring session, it seems more like a study date with your friends! Sophomore Evan McGuffin said “It’s pretty cool because I can be friends with my tutors, so when they’re teaching me, I actually want to pay attention and not zone out. They’re helpful, and they make it fun at the same time!” If you have a passion for communicating and helping out fellow students, apply to become a peer tutor next semester. You don’t need to have a 5.0 weighted GPA and be the captain of every academic team to join; as long as you are comfortable with teaching others about a topic you’re familiar with, you’re good to go. If you’re a
freshman worried about teaching AP Calculus AB to seniors, don’t worry! Tutors will only be assigned to tutees with a subject that they are certified to teach, and will never be pressured to take on a role they aren’t ready to. Junior Eileen Lee recalled, “Sometimes, the officers would come by with a really advanced subject, but if I didn’t know how to teach it, they wouldn’t force me to do so. This is good because my tutee would be even more confused if I was helping them with something that is a struggle for me!” If you’re good with kids and have the patience to teach them, Outreach is a branch of Peer Tutoring that directly deals with First Avenue and Dana Middle School (Dana). Every Tuesday, from 3:00 to 4:00 p.m., a group of tutors walks to Dana to work with the middle school students, while on Mondays and Wednesdays, from 3:00 to 4:30 p.m., Outreach goes to First Avenue. This is a great way to interact with younger students and set an example as a hardworking, studious leader. However, if you want to come to Peer Tutoring just for free answers, be aware that it is not the same as copying from a friend. Peer Tutors emphasize that they are there to benefit students through communication and teaching. It’s very much like having your own teacher, but they explain in a way that’s generally easier to understand because they have gone through the learning process as well. By the end of your session, you will have a much better understanding of the concept, instead of just mindlessly working through the problems. khuang@apachepowwow.com
Graphic courtesy of FLICKR.COM
An Important Decision
By SUKANYA MUKHERJEE
Staff Writer
It’s upon us, the worst semester of our high school careers. College applications. Before we even begin to apply, we have to choose which colleges to apply to, and, oh boy, there are so many to choose from. From the public schools, to the private schools, to the community colleges, determining which one fits us best is a question most seniors are grappling with right now. Something I was personally struggling with was the difference between liberal arts colleges and universities. Often times, I met with people who were biased about liberal arts colleges or vice versa, leaving me confused. Liberal arts colleges believe in equipping students with study in all subjects: literature, history, mathematics, science, and possibly even art and music. While students still pursue individual majors, liberal arts colleges encourage students to take a wide variety of courses
that may be unrelated to their major to make sure students can critically think no matter what the subject area may be. While in universities, there are many undergraduate programs geared towards a specific career, liberal arts colleges believe that career-orientated training should be done in graduate school, while an undergraduate education should make a student a ready thinker and a well-rounded person.
One of the key differences between liberal arts colleges and universities is the class size. Liberal arts colleges tend to have a smaller student population to ensure their student to teacher ratio remains low (around 9 to 16). Professors are heavily invested in their classes and are able to provide students with individual attention. On the downside, for someone who isn’t used to
standing out or seeing familiar faces often may be turned off by the small class sizes of liberal arts colleges. For those who prefer to blend in with the crowd and have a lack of interest in getting to know professors on a personal level may opt for universities, which often have lectures with over 200 students. Universities do, however, often have extensive research facilities and an expansive alumni network. Often times those pursuing careers related to humanities opt for a liberal arts education, while students geared toward math and science choose to attend universities. Both systems of education have their pros and cons, but ultimately the decision depends on the personal preference of the student. Before applying to colleges, be sure to explore all options to ensure you attend a college that is best suited to your needs. smukherjee@apachepowwow.com Graphics courtesy of BLOGSPOT.COM, GOOGLE.COM, and PETERSONS.COM
ADVertisements 25
September 2014 ads@apachepowwow.com
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CALENDAR
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The Difficulties of Wifi
“Lettuce Go” Right Away By GLUTTON GIRL
Staff Writer
Arcadia has slowly been gaining a reputation as a bastion of food diversity, and I wouldn’t doubt that for a second. I have been dining at several of Arcadia’s best-kept secrets for a long while now, and it has been quite an adventure. One of my newest finds is actually located conveniently in the Santa Anita mall promenade. So for those of you searching for a culinary experience like no other, look no further than Lettuce Go. Similar to Chipotle, Lettuce Go has a Korean BBQ-in-a-bowl concept that serves exactly the type of food I wish there were more of: inventive, affordable, and with generous portions of fresh ingredients. Upon entering the restaraurant, I immediately noticed the embellished wooden tables and the earthy atmosphere of the place. The modest store design is consistent with the simplistic food served, and both are more than appealing to their respective senses. The restaurant was filled with a homely buzz and quickly filled with visibly-satisfied customers. Lettuce Go specializes in hand-tossed barbeque salads and bowls with fresh ingredients of either your choosing or its pre-selected Chef’s Specials. When I went, I chose the Chef’s Seoul Soul salad bowl which features beef bulgogi, KoHot (Korean hot sauce), lettuce, turmeric rice, tomato, celery, cereal, and shredded cheese. Though the ingredients may make you raise a brow, they were all deliciously compatible. I loved the tanginess of the sauce; it perfectly countered the savoriness of the meat and the sweetness of the cereal. Furthermore, the refreshing, bold crunches of celery added depths of bittersweet flavor. Together, the bowl was a divine experience for the taste buds. To top off the greatness, the KBBQ bowl came with a great price as well, totaling under $10. For all that goodness, I merit the Seoul Soul 4.5 taste buds out of 5 and highly recommend Lettuce Go. Though I would love to be selfish and keep this jewel of a place all to myself, it is too good of a place to remain under the radar for long. If you’re up for a healthier option at the mall, there’s no doubt that an order at Lettuce Go will satisfy both your wallet and your stomach. And who am I? That’s a secret I’ll never tell! gluttongirl@apachepowwow.com
September 2014
September 2014
CALENDAR
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27
Top 5 Fall Hype List By ELYSE YAO There’s been a lot of activity these past months. Companies have been churning out games, products, and more at insane rates, leaving many people with empty wallets after their shopping sprees. However, as students, many of us have been preoccupied with studying and preparing for the upcoming school year. But fear not; a master list has been compiled to ensure that nobody is left behind on significant happenings. Is your wallet still full? Is there anything recent you haven’t checked out yet? Catch up with the latest releases with this list! 1. “Destiny” Gamers, it’s time to join hands and rejoice! “Destiny”, one of the most hyped video games ever, is finally out of beta. A collaboration between the creators of “Call of Duty” and “Halo”, “Destiny” is a unique MMO-style first person shooter set in a beautifully-rendered post-apocalyptic world crawling with hostile aliens. Players can choose their races and classes, each of which has its own special set of skills, and are tasked with the dangerous job of defending the last human city in the solar system. Proving “Destiny”’s success, Activision has confirmed that the game has generated more than $500 million in revenue on Sep. 9 alone. For those interested, this game is available on PS3, PS4, Xbox 360, and Xbox One! 2. iPhone 6 Apple’s long-awaited flagship smartphone, the iPhone 6, is finally in stores! First revealed on Sep. 9, the iPhone 6 made its debut in store on Sep. 19. With a 4.7-inch display and 6.99 mm thickness, the newest iPhone is sleek and beautiful, matching the clean design of iOS8. It’s not just eyecandy though; the iPhone 6 is equipped with an A8 64bit processor, a M8 motion processor, 1 GB of RAM, and a 1.4 GHz dual-core processor. This new smartphone also makes for far better Instagram pictures: DxO Labs, an image processing software company in France, reported that the iPhone 6 is “gold standard for smartphone image quality” because it sports improved autofocus, low-light settings, and front-facing HD cameras, and even slow-motion video shooting. Give in to the Apple addiction and get the iPhone 6! 3. “League of Legends” World Championship The “League of Legends” 2014 World Championship is on the horizon! Riot Games holds an annual international championship for the popular online Multiplayer Online Battle Arena game “League of Legends” which, with a playerbase of 70 million, was recognized as
Staff Writer
an official sport last year. From Oct. 3 to 19, sixteen different teams will progress from Singapore to Taiwan to Korea to face off in a heated competition of strategy, teamwork, and pure skill while fans form frenzied masses to cheer them on. Winning teams etch their names onto the shiny Summoner’s Cup, prove their worth, and take home a million dollars. Watch the action on Twitch! 4. New Daiso Do you like bargains? How about bargains and Asian products? Good news, because there’s now a new place for just that. Located very conveniently on Baldwin Avenue, a new Daiso has just opened, loaded with cheap loot and practical goodies anyone would love. Even though almost everything is only $1.50, you can easily find yourself spending far more due to the sheer volume of useful, interesting, or adorable stock. Need notebooks, pens, Japanese snacks, or, heck, a bald cap for Halloween next month? Have a couple extra dollars or hours you’re willing to spend? Just drop by the new store today and you’re guaranteed to leave satisfied. 5. Sword Art Online II If you follow the anime scene at all, you’re more than likely familiar with Sword Art Online II (SAO II), the second season of the popular anime giant SAO. The first season followed a boy named Kirito, real name Kirigaya Kazuto, who was trapped in a death game disguised as a fictional virtual reality game called “Sword Art Online”. In the second season, Kirito is now known as a “SAO survivor” and has been hired to investigate an ominous new case; someone has killed a player in real life with a virtual bullet. Once again fighting in a game that may be anything but, Kirito has to find out the truth and solve the case before the murderer “Death Gun” finds a new victim. Check it out on Crunchyroll if you find yourself with spare time! Is there anything important you missed? Hurry, give into your cravings and check them out before the school workload builds up! Kill some time and enjoy the last few moments of free time, whether by splurging on a shiny new iPhone, marathon-watching SAO II, or joining the hype train and playing “Destiny”. We won’t judge.
eyao@apachepowwow.com
Graphics courtesy of ANIMEARSENAL.COM, FABIUSMAXIMUMUS.COM, GAMESPOT.COM, GAMESINASIA.COM, STATICSQUARE.COM
EMI’S Qs: BACK TO SCHOOL EDITION By EMI Q Q: I am a freshman and high school is really different from middle school. I feel that the classes are really tough and I will have no one to help me because I haven’t made any new friends. What do I do? A: Welcome to high school! It’s true that it is harder than middle school, but it’s not as bad as it seems. If you manage your time well and study for your classes, you can definitely get good grades. Don’t be afraid to ask questions to your classmates or even random upperclassmen you see around school. There are also teachers who are willing to help you. If you aren’t comfortable with adults, you can always study with your peers who have the same classes. At times, you might feel stressed between your loads of homework and extra-curriculars, but don’t worry! Plan weekends to go out and hang with your friends. You can still have fun in high school! Q: I’m taking a couple of honors and AP classes this year. I also am volunteering and I play sports. For some reason, I’m finding myself struggling a lot this year even though I was able to balance all of it last year. It is making me nervous and I feel like I’m going to crash. What is going on? How do I get everything back under control?
Staff Writer
A: Naturally, the years get harder; you just need to develop better time management to adapt. Honors and AP courses can be hard, especially if you’re taking a few at a time. Get an agenda or log your schedule in your phone. When you’re organized, it will decrease your stress. But make sure you make time for yourself too! Mental health is just as important as academics. Q: I want to be more involved in high school. I’m not in Orchestra or Band, but I still want to be a part of something. What can I join? A: If Performing Arts is not for you, there are still many things to join. For example, if you’re really into volunteering and helping out others, there’s Key Club and Leo Club, where you can do both. If you’re more creative and artsy, there’s Photography Club and Film Club. If none of those interest you, try getting an internship or job in a field that you are interested in learning. There are so many new things to join; you just have to give them a try!
emiq@apachepowwow.com Graphics courtesy of JASEINTERACTIONS.COM and SCHOOLWIRES.NET
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CAMPUS FOCUS
campusfocus@apachepowwow.com
back to school favorites
September 2014
By: Emily Quach
Coming back to school is stressful. There are new classes, new people, and the constant reminder of stress. However, you can always look forward to back to school sales like that really cute pair of shorts you’ve been eyeingor all the new supplies you can buy. It’s always nice to start off the school year with some stylish clothes that didn’t burn a hole through your wallet. Returning back to school isn’t all about the sales; it’s a new start to the school year. We can meet new people and make new friends ! equach@apachepowwow.com
ON I H S FA “I look forward to end-of-summer sales especially at The Ontario Mills outlets” -Jennifer Zhou, 10
FRIEN
DS
“I really like the Forever 21 sales; I love its cute floral tops and shorts!” - Hannah Regal, 11
“Coming back to school, I enjoy seeing my old friends and getting to reconnect with them!” -Mikey Yang, 10
“When I come back to school, I really like to meet new people and make new friends. “ - Michelle Wu, 9
Photos by BEN GEISBERG AND MILLIE WONG Graphics courtesy of FANPOP.COM