Paddle to Victory
Popular Music in School
Upcoming Play at Wash: FAME
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GEORGE WASHINGTON HIGH SCHOOL’S
Eagle
The
Volume VI Issue 1 | September 28, 2011 | San Francisco, California
Student Government: What They Do For Us By Michelle Tran Editor-in-Chief
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fter asking Kristina Romanov, a senior at George Washington High School , what insight she has on the school’s student government, she simply replies, “I don’t know, you tell me.” The limited knowledge the student body has of what the Associated Student Body does year round has always been a frustrating topic for the class officers. Student Body President, Timothy Lee, is the representative who speaks in behalf of our school and is ultimately accountable for all school-wide activities. Reika Kagami, our student body Vice President, steps up as the replacement if the President is absent. As the Vice President, Kagami double-checks the process during event planning and reports back to the President if anything is unsatisfactory. Most importantly, the Vice President is in charge of directing and hosting the Spring Festival.
Our Treasurer, Bailey Yee, manages the profits made from the student store and student government fundraising. The Treasurer and the Prom Committee team up during prom season to manage the budget used on various prom necessities such as the disc jockey, the food, and the location. Nancy Chu, the student body Dance Chair, is in charge of organizing all of the school dances. During prom planning season, the Dance Chair works closely with the Prom Committee to blueprint the highly anticipated dance. Two of our student advisory representatives, Nancy Chen and Winnie Lin, are the ones who attend the weekly SAC meetings that go on after-school in the school district headquarters. During these SAC meetings, our two representatives, along with other representatives from each of the other twelve SFUSD high schools, come together to discuss and contribute ideas on how to improve student related issues.
As Spirit Chair, Tiffany Tam is responsible for making sure our school stays spirited by hosting the Fall and Spring Spirit Week and Rallies. The student body Historian, Ben Chen, has his committee of photographers within the student government to takes pictures during school events. The Historian makes sure to capture each moment of the every festivities that goes on in the school such as the spirit rallies, the dances, and Spring Festival and contributes these photos to the Yearbook Committee. Throughout the year, our student government works together as a team to maintain the school’s unity. According to President Lee, the student body officers are the leaders who work as a bridge between the students and the school to keep the school integrated and spirited.
students venture off to Chino’s to order the meals in person or they call Tsing Tao to make an order. Stephen Tinelli and Iris Weiss accompany their students to go pick up the staff’s lunches, come back to George Washington, and personally deliver the lunches to each teacher who had ordered earlier that day. “Wonderful service, students were polite and on time,” exclaimed Peggy Clinton, an English teacher, in response to
the delivery program. Over 10 staff members have used the system, but it is quickly growing. “We’ve had both positive responses and great feedback from users as well as people who are excited to use it,” said Ms. Weiss. For now, students are not allowed to use the program, but possibly can in the future. This is because students can go off campus during the lunch period and delivering would be chaotic.
President, Timothy Lee, directing one of the weekly ASB meetings
Did I Hear Lunch Delivery?
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By Liana Chin Staff Writer
ean Nanjo wakes up early in the morning, rushes out of the house to make it to school on time, and in return s sometimes forgets her lunch. When she arrives to school she suddenly realizes what she has forgotten and easily puts a lunch order in, in the main office. “It’s reduced my stress level because I can leave my house in a hurry with no worries about lunch because I can just order it at school,” said Nanjo. Inspired by Mission high school’s Special Education Inclusion education program, Iris Weiss, one the of the many Special Ed teachers at Washington, created a brand new lunch system to cater teachers and staff. Just started in late August, the new lunch delivery program headed by Stephen Tinelli and Iris Weiss allows Washington’s Special Ed students to practice their communication skills, social skills, and safety rules. “It is a way for our students to have important jobs and for them to be visible by the school,” said Ms. Weiss. By filling out an order form in the office, staff can beat the rush and still obtain off campus lunches. Once the order forms are submitted in the main office in the morning, Weiss and Tinelli’s
Students in the program picking up an order at Chino’s PHOTO PROVIDED BY Ms. Weiss
PHOTO BY MICHELLE TRAN
Washington Improves STAR test scores rose significantly By Alexis Cura Staff Writer
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ost students dread standardized tests, with emotions ranging from disregard to stress. There is the California High School Exit Examination (CAHSEE), the California Standardized Test (CST/STAR), the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT), the American College Test (ACT), and more. Even Principal Erica Lovrin says, “We have too many tests.” However, when Lovrin received the results of last year’s STAR, she was overjoyed. The whole school contributed to the STAR test improvement. In the English portion, Washington improved 2.00 percent. African Americans improved 20.80 percent in English and Latinos improved 5.90 percent. In the Math portion, Washington improved 1.20 percent. ELL students increased 5.30 percent in Math. “These results reflected on the teachers and students hard work and dedication,” expressed Lovrin. Lovrin wants to take pride in the test results as they reflect on the school as a whole. “Lowell is definitely a tough competitor for sports, but I said to the kids, ‘Why don’t we try to beat Lowell’s scores
for the STAR test?’, so hopefully that motivated them to try their best.” For many teachers at Washington, the STAR Test can be stressful. One of Washington’s History teachers, Chris Vera said, “It is a little stressful because there are standards that the government wants us to meet and they give the test before the school ends and usually, we don’t cover all the material that is needed.” While students often dislike tests, many realize that it is mandatory. Washington High School sophomore Peirce Lou says, “Star testing or any kind of testing is very stressful for me, but that’s the only way to test the stuff I learned during the year. So I kind of just have to deal with it.” One of Lovrin’s goals for the future is to continue raising test scores. “We try to market the CST and stress to our students that it is very important. If we continue to do what we’re doing we’ll have another successful year.” In Lovrin’s ideal world, she would combine all the tests in one. But until then, she will continue to use her shirt that she often wears at rally’s that says, “Beat Lowell at STAR Testing,” to motivate the students of Washington.
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Op-Ed
Loving the Block Schedule! By Wendy Wong Staff Writer
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visible change to the new school year at George Washington High School is the transition from a traditional six-classes-a-day school schedule to a block schedule. The new schedule sets Wednesdays and Thursdays as block days in which the amount of classes a day is cut down in favor for more instructional time. With the first grading period over, although it could use some minor changes to improve it, the recently adopted block schedule has already proven itself to be significantly better than Washington’s old schedule. In a Facebook poll surveying fifty students, the majority – forty two students are in favor of the block schedule as opposed to the two who do. “I just like how my favorite classes are extended,” says junior, Tracey Wheeler. “I absolutely love the new block schedule.” Although on block schedule days, there are fewer class periods, instructional time is extended a whole half an hour. With a longer class period, teach-
ers are forced to rethink their curriculum and be more creative with their lessons, thus making students engage more in class. This increases the opportunity of learning more since students are given more time to ask questions, participate and absorb information. “There’s more time to do activities and especially labs if you’re teaching a science class,” said first year Physics teacher, Mr. De Wolf said, “It also gives
“I just like how my favorite classes are extended. I absolutely love the new block schedule .” -Junior Tracey Wheeler me more time to connect with my students.” Another perk to the block schedule is a longer lunch period. The longer lunch period not only gives students the opportunity to take their leisure in getting their food and converse with friends,
it also results in less chances of getting tardies. Having block schedule also provides students extra time to complete their homework and study for their first, third, fifth and seventh period classes on block-schedule Wednesdays since they don’t have those classes again until Friday. This allows for more flexibility and results in higher chances of getting doing better academically in classes, especially if they require more attention. One of the improvements that should be made to the block schedule would be changing the 8:00 start time for Thursdays to 8:30. This is because people with late schedule are more used to timing their schedules to arriving to school on 8:30 whether it be through public transportation or car. The 8:00 start time is an issue of the block schedule because it throws late schedule people off and results in tardies for their 2nd period class. Otherwise, the block schedule is a grand improvement from last year’s schedule and proves to be beneficial to students and teachers in more ways than one.
Home of the Best Block Schedule Block Schedule compared to other SFUSD schools By Christina Wong Staff Writer
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ashington has the best schedule out of all the public schools in San Francisco. There are short block periods and shorter school days on block days, compared to other schools like Galileo with three 100-minute block periods. The shorter block periods at Washington are easier to deal with than the two-hour classes because students can maintain focus in class easier than they can in long classes. With fewer classes each day, students can devote more time to doing extracurricular activities due to the flexible schedule. Block schedule at Washington give students and teachers a longer lunchtime, which benefits
students who go off campus for lunch. This gives everybody more time to eat and relax. On Thursdays students get off at 1:00, which is special because certain schools like Lincoln get off at 2:17 on Thursdays. On Wednes-
“With fewer classes each day, students can devote more time to doing extracurricular activities due to the flexible schedule.” day, students with late schedule start school around 9:00, which students favor because they can sleep in a little that day.
One thing that is negative about the block schedule is that on Thursday students and teachers have to go to school at 8:00, which is difficult for most students and teachers with late schedule. Other schools such as Lincoln, Balboa, and Galileo starts school at the same time everyday. Washington has a block schedule that benefits both staff and students, because it allows teachers to teach classes that cannot be taught during “A” schedule. Students can learn more on block days, and focus on only those classes on that particular day. Most schools have long block periods, which make it difficult for students to focus in class and teachers to teach. Washington does have the best block schedule out of all the other schools.
We Need Gender Neutral Bathrooms By Stephanie Rauda In-Depth Editor
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need the wheelchair doors that we just installed. It’s about individual right.” If you don’t identify as Genderqueer or perhaps don’t feel comfortable sharing a bathroom with people who aren’t the same gender as you, you are not reqiured to use the GNB. “The use of such a single stall bathroom shall be a matter of choice for a student, and no student shall be compelled to use such bathroom,” says the Restroom Accessibility section of the District Policy. If you don’t need the GNB, don’t feel obligated to use it. The male and female restrooms will always be available on the first, second, and third floors. Along with Emily Hernan-
ithin George Washington High School, we all know about the types of bathrooms available at school: Boys and Girls. But what about students who identify as Transgender, genderqueer, or don’t identify as a gender at all? I, for one, was born biologically female, but do not identify as such. So, what bathroom am I allowed to go to? The reality is that public schools in San Francisco are required to provide bathrooms that accomodate people who don’t identify within the Gender Binary (only male or only female). Such facilities are commonly known as Gender Neutral Bathrooms. Gender Neutral Bathrooms (GNBs) are public restrooms or toilets, primarily single-bathrooms, that are available for use by people of any gender identity. Not only do these bathrooms allow people who don’t identify as a certain gender the needed option of privacy, but they are also required to have, according to the District policy. The San Francisco Unfied School District Policy says, ”Students shall have access to the restA Gender Neutral Bathroom sign room that corresponds PHOTO PROVIDED BY STEPHANIE RAUDA to their gender identity exclusively and consistently dez, I have recently presented asserted at school.” a proposal to the principal, Ms. Now, we know that these Lovrin, on installing a Gender bathrooms are required to have Neutral Bathroom at Washingin schools, but are they really all ton. that neccesary? It is true that a It’s only starting with one vast majority of the students at bathroom, but for many other Washington do not identify as gender-variant students like Genderqueer. Emily Hernandez, me, having the option to use a Co-President of the Gay-Straight bathroom that represents their Alliance at George Washington gender identity not only instills a High School, says, “ A vast masense of security, but also a sense jority of students wouldn’t of empowerment. need the bathrooms. However, a vast majority of students don’t
The Eagle Staff Advisor: David Cary Editors-in-chief: Kevin Kim and Michelle Tran
News Editor: Carina Chiang Op-Ed Editor: Richard Lin Features Editor: Elizabeth Glenister In-Depth Editor: Stephanie Rauda Lifestyles Editor: Rachel Wong Entertainment Editor: Kevin Adler Sports Editor: Luis Lopez Backpage Editor: Tiffany Lui
Staff Writers: Whiteman Burke Liana Chin Alexis Cura Aram Durgerian Etain Hiller Raysean Jones Johnny Lee Alicia Lei Frank Lu Andy Ma Emelie Roche Rose Tan Sarah Trieu Kevin Wang Christina Wong Wendy Wong Harmony Xu Jici Yang
Features SCARLET BEASTS, GREY GLIDERS, AND EAGLETTES
By Harmony Xu and Alicia Lei Staff Writers
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he Washington Eagles Dragon Boat team kicked off its racing season by winning gold in its B Division and winning silver in its D Division during the San Francisco International Dragon Boat Festival at Treasure Island this year on September 18. Outperforming their toughest competitors, the team is currently in high spirits. “We’ve always been kind of the underdogs, we struggled a bit in races last year,” says paddler Diane Dam. With additional members and rigorous conditioning and practices, the team is expected to come out and perform beyond its “underdog” status. Although the dragon boat team at Washington is still a clubsport, efforts are being made to
turn it into an official sport. The team this year consists of about 60 members with three boats: Scarlet Beasts, Grey Gliders, and Eaglettes. The team holds two water practices a week at Lake Merced to work on their technique and form while simulating races where paddlers have two and a half minutes to paddle 500 meters. In addition to water practices, the team works on their strength by doing intense core exercises and endurance training on the land. “It’s pretty intense,” says Andrew Yap, current captain of the team. Even though the team had a great race at Treasure Island, Andrew remains very humble about their performance. “Winning medals isn’t the point in dragon boat. What’s more important is being proud of the team you represent.” What makes dragon boat fun to some is paddling, to others,
The team after their victory at Treasure Island
the team itself. “We race together, we lose together… We are like family, we do everything together.” says paddler Daniel Fong, a senior who has been apart of the team since he the eighth grade, joining the team before he even attended Washington. “Kids will join primarily because of comradery… a friendship type thing,” says Coach Layug, who has been coaching for six years. “Because it’s a team sport, you have to have that team mentality.” Aside from its major race at Treasure Island, the team also has the opportunity to bond and compete in races in Fremont, Long Beach and even Vancouver. The team hosts fundraisers to help paddlers afford the cost of traveling to faraway locations. Raquel Layug, a junior, is the cocaptain of the Washington Eagles. “The best thing about this team is their humor and friendliness,” said Layug.
PHOTO PROVIDED BY MARVIN DIMAANO
3 Student Of The Issue
Flynn Beckman By Alicia Lei Staff Writer
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ights, camera, action! Flynn Beckman, a senior here at George Washington High School, is in his 7th play, Fame, here at Washington in addition to 7 plays outside of the school. In the 7 Washington plays he’s been in, he was 5 lead/ main roles and 2 supporting roles. Beckman discovered this passion just a few years ago. “I just never saw it as something I really liked or was really good at until I started acting in Freshman year,” said Beckman. Though Beckman enjoys acting now, he was actually forced into taking acting classes in a program as a fourth grader. It was then that he got the biggest acting part in that event and since, he has been in a play every year until now except for the seventh grade. Not only is he a dedicated actor, Beckman is also academically successful, taking 3 AP classes this year after taking 4 AP classes in his junior year. Drama is not his only passion, as he has been in the Writers’ Club since sophomore year and is currently the president. Maintaining good grades and performance on stage comes with a price. He gets about 4 hours of sleep a night and more on days when he doesn’t have rehearsal. For most plays, he rehearses 5 days a week, 2 hours each day and sometimes longer on Thursdays.
PHOTO BY ALICIA LEI Beckman is described as “extremely bright and intelligent” by Ms. Philipp, former director of Washington plays for the last 5 years. “He’s also very passionate about what he’s doing,” said Philipp, “And because of that passion, he takes what he’s doing very seriouusly, so he works hard.” He plans to audition for the musical Urine Town in the winter/spring season and to direct and produce his own one act play later in the Spring which he will not perform in. Though he has decided to not go professional, Beckman will continue his acting after high school by either doing Comminuty Theater or being a part of a club in college.
In-Depth
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MUSIC AT WASH
TRANSITION OF RAP
MUSIC POLL By Elizabeth Glenister Features Editor
By Raysean Jones Staff Writer
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ap music used still measures up to the in the 90’s. He believes to be available quality of it from the that rappers rap for the to only a small 90s. George Washington paycheck and not for the number of alumni, local DJ, and curfun tor love of the music people when it originated rent George Washington anymore. “Rappers would in the 70’s and early 80’s. math teacher Rudy Choi rap to relate to what was Back then, rap was very says, “Back then, there happening in the 90’s,“ new, so unless there was a were only 15 to 20 rapsays Choi, “Now they rapper in your communipers, so you couldn’t have just rap nonsense, and ty, it was hard everything is to pick up a dumbed down. rap tape. It’s simplified Today, Rap and sounds like is now more children’s lulworld wide. labies.” Often, entire Sophoradio stations more, Saadiq such as 106.1 Washington, and Wild 94.9 however, likes dedicate thier the sound of air time to today’s rap mainly playmusic. He says, ing hip-hop “simplicity is and rap. best, and the Record short route sales have also is better.” shown that Opinions don’t more people necessarily corare interrespond with ested in rap age in every and that it’s case. Freshman GRAPHIC PROVIDED BY PINBALLHEAD.COM more available. The Thomas Jefferson says rapper Eminem currently too many bad rappers. But even growing up aas as has 27 million sales after now, because there are a teenager in the “New only 4 albums, which is so many of them, and it’s Era” of rap music he still high compared to Tupac’s a lot easier to break into prefers to listen to Tupac 36.5 million sales after 11 the business, there are so or N.W.A over the popualbums in the early 90s. many bad rappers.” lar Lil’ Wayne. Jefferson The growing Being a Rap genre fan, says, “ 90’s rap made more popularity of rap music Choi believes rap music sense, and was way more sparked a debate about has changed from when relatable.” whether current rap music he was listening to it
B. A. N. D. S
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music. President of B.A.N.D.S, Herbert Wong says, “B.A.N.D.S is great! I dreamed of creating a club where I can do what I’m passionate about ever
play
students who are trying to stay active, engage in activities and meet new people who share the same interest as you. A senior at Washington, Benny Lam says “I would probably join. I never heard of the club before. I play the piano and I’ve been in choir for a few years now.” Herbert Wong, the president continues to say “Sure it can be a lot of hard work but there is no denying playing an instrument is fun. Once you get better at it, opportunities will arise for you to share your newly learned skill. Who knows, you may also consider playing professionally in the future.” B.A.N.D.S, being the only club that provides music learning at school, is gaining popularity and as a result more members are joining.
the guitar, drums mostly, but also bass guitar.”
“I
-Hugh Gerstein since I was young, which was playing instruments and now my dream has been transformed.” Hugh Gerstein, a member of B.A.N.D.S, says “B.A.N.D.S is fun. I would most definitely recommend the club. I play the guitar, drums mostly, but also bass. I took music lessons for two years with Mark Newsetter.” Music can be a great outlet for
GRAPHIC PROVIDED BY ELIZABETH GLENISTER
A music survey given to GWHS students concluded that 30% of students mainly listen to Rythym and Blues, or R&B. Following closely behind is Rock music, with 27% of our students listening to it. Lastly, 24% of students listen to Foreign music and 19% listen to other types of music.
“I Like Jazz because it’s calming.” -Evan Luu, Junior
Foreign Music
By Rachal Wong Lifestyles Editor
.A.N.D.S has been around for a year and has nearly doubled in size. Currently, they now have twenty members in the club and everyone is welcome to join B.A.N.D.S. They perform at school events such as Spring Fest, and Winterball. B.A.N.D.S is becoming so popular this year that they may perform at Prom. B.A.N.D.S stands for, “Bringing A New Distinct Style.” This club is a group of students that teach vocal and musical instruments including the guitar, bass, and drums to anyone. They teach various levels from Beginner to Advanced. B.A.N.D.S meets every Tuesday and Wednesday 3:30 after school in T1. B.A.N.D.S consists of members that play all types of genres, but mainly rock and jazz
What do WASH kids listen to?
By Carina Chiang News Editor
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ecently, in George Washington High School different tunes and languages are found in student’s iPods and MP3s. Korean, Japanese, Chinese, and Spanish songs are some of many examples that can be heard. With easy access to MP3 files through the internet and the ability to quickly spread the word through social networking sites, some foreign songs were even translated and made into English versions to expand the audience even more. Why do students listen to songs in another language? “I like them because they are something different than the English songs you can hear on the radio,” Chris Young, a Japanese and Korean music fan explained, “Normally, on the radio you hear songs on about sex, party, and drugs, but when
you can’t understand it. It makes it more enjoyable.” “ I like foreign music better than English music because most of the time, when you don’t know the lyrics you appreciate the beat and the rhythm more than the meaning behind the lyrics,” stated Wilson Le, a Japanese music fan, “and when we hear music where we don’t know what the lyrics mean, we focus on the sound of it, not caring what the words mean, appreciating the sound.” Though a fan of Chinese music, Alvin Xie also agrees,
“I like the beat and how it sounds.” Regardless of the reasons why students at Washington listen to foreign music, it is no doubt that the choice in music has allowed us to relate better with those of a different cultural background. Music is a global language, but it is also unique in its own way in different parts of the world. Students at Washington learn to enjoy many aspects of the world with their choice in music.
SNSD, a Korean music group (shown left) and Japanese group, SuperCell (shown right) are two foreign music groups that are popular at Washington.
PHOTO PROVIDED BY CARINA CHIANG
Lifestyles
Dear Agnes - Responding to Washington’s Students Dear Agnes, It’s my senior year and I need to start applying to colleges. My parents don’t want me to apply for States as back ups, but I really want to apply to a State. My parents said that they won’t pay for my state application fees, and I don’t have the money to pay for it myself. What do I do if I really want to apply for a state? Sincerely, College Bound
Dear Agnes, I’ve had a crush on one of my best friends since freshmen year. She doesn’t know that I like her and I’m scared to tell her. She’s constantly telling me about how she wants to get with this guy and as her best friend I can’t just ignore her. I really want to tell her but I’m scared that things will get awkward between us. I don’t want to lose her as my best friend, but I don’t want to continue listening to her
Dear College Bound,
Dear Agnes, Ever since I was a little kid I’ve always been really scared of spiders. It’s not a big problem, but when it’s midnight and everyone in my house is sleeping except me and my friendly 8 legged friend I can’t sleep knowing that they’re there but at the same time I can’t kill them myself. The only options I have are to stay up and wait till someone wakes up and ask them to kill it. How can I get over my fear of spiders?
Your parents probably want the best for you. If you go to a state that means you won’t be able to transfer into a UC, and I think the reason why your parents don’t want you to go to a state is because they want you to eventually get into a UC if not get accepted there now. You should go to the college center at school and see if you qualify for a fee wavier and speak to them.
Sincerely, Creepy Crawlers
Sincerely, Agnes
Dear Agnes,
stories about some guy she likes and pretend like I care. Please help me! Sincerely, Time to make a move Dear Time to make a move, Don’t put yourself in a situation where you only end up getting hurt. If you really like this girl, tell her. Things may get awk
ward at first but that doesn’t mean your friendship will disappear, after all, she is your best friend. Tell her you like her and slowly take things from there. Sincerely, Agnes
Favorite Places to Go A review of hangout hotspots By Kevin Wang Staff Writer
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fter a grueling day at school filled with tests, class work and new homework assignments, where do all the students go? The bell rings and the students happily leave their last class to go hang out with friends or go off to handle their own business. While many students go home, where they either relax and maybe take a nap, some people go to the Beacon, where there is a foosball table, video games, and other activities that keep everyone comfortable and entertained. However, some of the places that students love to go to are popular hangout
TeaWay, a popular hangout for
spots like Teaway, Art Bistro, and many more. Teaway, a small but very popular and expanding hotspot of San Francisco, is filled with people of all ages no matter what hour. It is located on 24th and Irving and is very easy to get to. It features a self-serve tapioca and jelly “buffet” where a customer can pick their drink, fill their cup as much as they want with jellies of different flavors, popping tapioca, and large or small tapioca. The end result is a delicious drink customized to your
liking! “Its really good! I can go there almost every day and not get tired of it!” said senior Michelle Dang when asked on her opinion about Teaway. Teaway is loved by many people for the convenience, price, and quality. It also has many delicious food like Salty and Spicy chicken and curly fries. Art Bistro, located on the corner of 33rd and Geary, has many visitors immediately after school, and is often noted for its comfortable setting. The Art Bistro gives off a homey feeling not only because of its décor, but also for its warm hospitality. They sell hot and cold drinks, and warm pastries. “It’s a great
My friends have a big drinking problem. They are out almost every night till 4 am getting drunk. I want to tell them to stop but I don’t want to sound like a total party crasher. They think it’s fun and there’s nothing wrong with it, but I feel that they’re just ruining their own lives and cutting it short. How can I get them to stop? Sincerely, A Very Concerned Friend.
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Dear Creepy Crawlers, You shouldn’t be ashamed, everyone has their fears and spiders are yours. Fears are often grown out of. You may try killing spiders. You don’t have to kill them with your hand, stepping on them work. As time goes on, you will have killed spiders that they aren’t scary to you anymore. You might start to realize that they are harmless and they are inferior to you. Sincerely, Agnes
Dear a very concerned friend, There’s no way you can stop them from drinking. All you can really do is tell them how you feel about them doing it. Tell them that you hate that they’re cutting their lives short and that as a friend you don’t want them to die at a young age and ruin their lives. Sincerely, Agnes
Have a question for Agnes? E-mail gwhsjournalism@gmail.
Online vs. Store Shopping
The pros and cons for Washington students By Jici Yang Staff Writer
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hich way do you prefer to shop? There are advantages and disadvantages of online and in-store shopping. Many people shop online as well as in store.There are benefits to both as well as draw backs, but it is nice to have the option between the two. Online shopping can alleviate some of the headache of waiting in lines, dealing with crowds and the general nuisance of shopping in a store. It can also be convenient when shopping for gifts. Gifts can be mailed directly from the online store to whomever you desire and usually can arrive giftwrapped. There is also a variety of items being sold online you can almost find anything. This is a major advantage for those who live far away from shopping malls or simply doesn’t have the time to go out and buy things. The disadvantage of online is also the most advantageous part of shopping in a store, which is seeing and handling the merchandise. For many people many Washington students there is a need to try on a piece PHOTO BY KC WU of clothing before purchasing it, and also the same for gifts that place to hang out with friends might need to be exchanged if after school and the people there the sizes aren’t right. It is good to are really nice.” says Anh Dang, see the product in person before a senior at wash. purchasing it. Out of all the places in the Wesley Tong, a senior from city to go, the favorite hangout Washington, says “I prefer inspots tend to be places with great store shopping because it saves food. “I’m always hungry after me money from paying for school so getting food is always shipping.” Jason Wong, a senior what i like to do after school” from Washington, says “I prefer said freshman Jerry Phan. I’m online shopping because I don’t sure after the long and tiring day have time to go out to the malls at school all of us can use some and buy stuff.” A senior from food to gobble up! Washington, Alex Xie says, “I like both online shopping and
in store shopping. When I don’t have time, I have the convenience of the Internet and when I feel like chilling out with friends I go shopping at the malls.” Shopping in stores can bring stress when dealing with large crowds, cashiers, and long lines. However, there can also be the enjoyment of walking through a
mall with a friend or relative, checking out new items, having a coffee or smoothie, and passing the time chatting. When online shopping you can’t experience these things and that might be one of the biggest disadvantages to online shopping.
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PHOTOS FROM THE BAY ENTREPRENEUR
Entertainment
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Fame, Wash’s New Play Check out this one of a kind play
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By Alexis Cura Staff Writer
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ame, an original 1988 musical filled with energetic dance numbers and spunky songs performed by a talented cast, will get a modern twist by the drama club at George Washington High School when it is performed in the end of October. There will be a preview on Friday, October 21st at 7:30 p.m. The official premiere is on Saturday, October 22nd at 7:30 p.m., and the second showing will be on Friday, October 28th. Tickets will be sold for the price of 10 dollars, but if you purchase tickets for the first showing, it will be sold for half price. “Fame” was originally titled “Fame on 42nd Street”, written
by David De Silva. But instead, the drama club decided to base their play off of the original television series and movie which was based on the screenplay by Christopher Gore and adapted by Christopher Sergel. The play takes place in New York City and it’s about high school students who try to find themselves in the world while dealing with personal problems, pressures from their peers, and escape to their own art form. A sophomore at George Washington High School, Sophie Vo said, “I know that plays aren’t everybody’s thing, but “Fame” will be.” With about twenty people on set, the drama club has been rehearsing every Tuesday and Wednesday. In attempt to make their play enjoyable for their
audience, the drama club had the school dance company help them with choreography; Anna Carney, the choir teacher, help with their musical performance; Lawrence Montgomery, an art teacher, help with set direction, and Washington’ music students play cameos. “I think this play will be different from any other play we’ve had at Wash. Wash students can really relate to “Fame”, says George Washington High School senior, Andy Nguyen. “I picked this play because it’s about the Performing Arts Department and I wanted to give the kids a chance to shine and show the rest of the school what we’ve got.” said the Director of “Fame”, “I hope that people will see their hard work.”
Andy Nguyen and Talia Moore practicing for the play Photo By Kevin Adler
A Golden Artist By Etain HIller Staff Writer
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amazing artist with singles like “Shove It” and “Lights Out” but also an innovator with her interesting mix of Reggae, Techno, Dub, and Electro. Her music is a cross-pollination of about ten different genres, which is part of what makes her music so great. Her lyrics are original and catchy and have made for some great soundtrack music( “17 Again” and “90210”. She is often compared to M.I.A in her style of music,
mazing music is made up of a combination of great qualities. Santigold has certainly mastered the art of making great music from vocals alone. That is why she is a rising star and the artist of this issue. Santi White, known for her exorbitant use of zebra print, is originally from Philadelphia, where she was in several bands and the singer in the band Stiffed. She worked as a representative of Epic Records. In her career she released two big albums, “Creator” and “L.E.S. Artistes”. Although she is not an extremely famous independent artist, Santigold has collaborated with several well-known artists including Lily Allen, Ashlee Simpson, Christina Aguilera, The Beastie Boys, and The Lonely Island. She has also recorded for Converse with PharSantigold, the singer rell Williams (N.E.R.D.’s) Photo From socialysuperlative.com and Julian Casablancas (The Strokes). In March whom she collaborated with. of 2011, Santigold joined Jay-Z’s Santigold is great for parties Roc Nation. or just when you’re on the bus As a reviewer from metacrtic. and need a pick me up. If you’ve com explains,” [Santigold is] a never heard of Santigold, you fantastic debut, mashing various should familiarize yourself with styles and sounds, from elecher music because she’s going tro, punk, rock, and pop with a places, even if it is under the wider world influence, flavors radar. of M.I.A., Bjork, and even Gwen Stefani.” Santigold is not only an
A Potter addict’s drug By Sarah Trieu Staff Writer
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ou haven’t seen the last of Harry Potter yet. Since the last Harry Potter book published on July 21, 2007 (which sold 8.3 million copies in its first 12 hours in the U.S.) and the eighth and final movie of the series released on July 15th of this year (grossed $900 Million internationally), Joanne Kathleen Rowling, author of the Harry Potter series, has been working on a new project for Potterheads of all ages. Many fans who have been suffering post-Potter depression were filled with excitement and joy when J.K. Rowling made her exclusive announcement, via YouTube, on June 23rd. In the announcement, she introduced viewers to her new projects, Pottermore and e-books, which will both be released on October 1st. What is Pottermore? “It is a safe and unique online reading experience built around the Harry Potter books,” stated J.K. Rowling in her announcement about Pottermore. Not only will readers learn new things about the wizarding world of Harry Potter, but also will be able to interact as they explore each chapter of every book for free. There will be special features, such as, “choosing of the wand” and getting sorted into their rightful houses based on some irrelevant questions. Not everyone will need to wait until October 1st to explore this new experience. The lucky few
who registered early will be able to help shape the site by adding in their own comments to help improve it before the publishing date. The only way to register early is to answer one out of seven difficult Harry Potter-related question as early as possible. On July 31st, the first clue was given on the Pottermore site. A new clue was given every day for seven days. Many lucky fans, including many George Washington High School students, received emails congratulating and welcoming them to the site. “I recently heard about Pottermore and I’m sort of excited about it, even though I haven’t read the books. I will definitely make an account once it is out,” responded Anh Dang, a Senior, after being asked for her opinion about Pottermore. Darren Gee, a senior who has a Pottermore account and has explored every detail of it, exclaimed, “Pottermore is awesome! It’s totally the best. I was so excited when I found out I was selected for the pre-release! One of the first things I did on Pottermore was take a survey to find out which house I belonged too. I was so happy to the accuracy of the survey. Go Slytherin!” According to his close friends, Darren never leaves the house without his fake wand where he pretends to do magic whenever he feels like it. For the fans who do not have a Pottermore account yet, it will be made available to the public on October 1st.
iPhone 5 ALREADY?
Be ready for an official iPhone 5 announcement Oct. 4th By Kevin Adler Entertainment Editor
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es! It’s that time of year again. No, it’s not Christmas but rather when Apple is about to release a new product, in this case the iPhone 5. It’s also that time of year when your last gen iPhone already feels like it belongs in the Stone Age. The Iphone 5 is due to be out on the 4 major carriers: AT&T, Verizon, TMobile and Sprint on October 4th with brand new unique features and dimensions. Newly acquired rumors point to the first week of October as being the date when the iPhone 5 is due to come out. The iPhone 5 is rumored to have all new dimensions and screen size according to Gizmodo, a famous blog site that originally got its hands on the first iPhone 4 before it came out. It is estimated to have a 3.7-inch screen,(compared to the past iPhones 3.5-inch screens) the new dimensions will vary greatly compared to the old iPhone. The new design should make the phone skinnier, shorter and wider. There is also a 50/50 chance that the phone itself will have 4G. There is rumored to be a higherquality 8-megapixel camera that would easily outshine all current camera phones. (the iPhone 4 has a 5MP camera) The A5 processor will also debut for the first time on a mobile phone, with the original implemented on the iPad 2. Along with the new impres-
sive hardware, the newest verbased on plausible tech rumors sion of Apple’s mobile operating and speculation. system, iOS5 will ship with the phone. iOS has 200 new features compared to iOS4, the current operating system. Some of the key new changes are a brand new notification system that will not bother you while your in the middle of something by popping up and, iMessage an official application that allows people with iOS devices to text each other for free including pictures. Last but not least, the Reminders appwill now be able to play reminders when the user arrives to a physical location (i.e. A reminder that pops up when you enter SafeWay, showing you your shopping list.) There will also be a budget version of the iPhone 4, with 8gb of memory and a price tag of around $100. It will be similar to how the current 3gs serves as a budget phone A speculation on the size of the phone Photo From Macrumors.com to the iPhone 4. This article is all
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People usually call me (Enter your name) , but you can call me tonight. Are you from Africa? Because African love you. Are you Chinese? Because I’m China get your number. I must have bad aim, because I keep missing you.
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